Good Morning,
River Elementary is raising funds for The Little Mermaid. A firefighter was hurt in a hit-and-run. The Polar Plunge returns soon, and there are raffles, shows, art nights, and pizza classes to enjoy.
Here’s what’s going on around town..
-Brian Grant, managing editor, writer
Local Pulse
🚔 A 62-year-old firefighter was injured in a hit-and-run while directing traffic on Route 112 near Private Road in Medford around 12:15 p.m. Wednesday, police said. The driver left the scene without checking on the victim, who was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Officers from the 5th Precinct in Patchogue are investigating. [Patch]
🎭 River Elementary is hosting a fundraiser at the Village Idiot Pub in Patchogue on Tuesday, February 10 from 4 PM to 7 PM to support their upcoming musical production of The Little Mermaid. With the presentation of the flyer, 15% of sales—dine-in or take-out—will go toward the show. Guests are also invited to the VIP Room for raffles, special menu items, and surprises. Sponsored by The River PTA.
Local Pulse
Patchogue Village Moves Forward on Belzac Park Revamp Amid Grant Deadline
The Village of Patchogue Board of Trustees convened January 26 to approve key spending, debate major park renovations, and move forward on infrastructure and community projects. The top agenda item centered on proposed upgrades to Belzac Park’s athletic courts, a project tied to a New York State grant offering up to $900,000. The grant requires a 10% local match and a swift application submission by February 6, adding urgency to the board’s decision.
A familiar contractor presented options for resurfacing the park’s aging asphalt and reconfiguring court use. Trustees debated whether to preserve the underused hockey rink or pivot to more in-demand pickleball courts. After discussion, the board voted to maintain two dedicated tennis courts, convert the hockey area into two pickleball courts, and upgrade basketball and surrounding areas. Improvements to fencing, gates, and parking were also considered.
Elsewhere, the meeting covered over $653,000 in bills, including major payments for solar work, electricity, and sewer monitoring. Updates from the Business Improvement District included plans to expand holiday décor and lighting along West Main Street. The Community Development Agency is seeking public input for $150,000 in federal funding, and the village is participating in climate resiliency programs with Cornell Extension.
For the full meeting, visit the Village of Patchogue.
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Community Highlights
Tickets are still available for Sherri Shepherd: Make It Make Sense Tour, a night of bold comedy and heartfelt insight from the Emmy-winning talk show host and actress, live at Patchogue Theatre. Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts
Enter for a chance to win tickets to see The Rat Pack Is Back, a swinging tribute show featuring classic hits and legendary charm, live at The Gateway in Bellport. [77 WABC]
The Plaza Cinema is screening Song Sung Blue, a heartwarming drama about two struggling musicians who form a Neil Diamond tribute band and rediscover love and purpose. Plaza Cinema & Media Arts Center
Due to inclement weather, the Chamber’s General Member Meeting originally planned for January 27 will now take place on February 4 at 6:00 PM. The event will still be held at Ruta Oaxaca, a local favorite known for its vibrant setting and flavorful cuisine.
The Bellport Chamber of Commerce is hosting its Annual Installation Dinner on February 25 at Painter’s Restaurant—enjoy an evening of food, conversation, and community planning for 2026. [Bellport Chamber of Commerce]
Join Gaetano Giordano of Pizza by Tano for a hands-on DIY Pizza Making Class where you'll learn pizza-making basics, taste fresh creations, and take home a kit to make your own. Classes are available for adults on Feb. 10 in Mastic and for kids on Feb. 17 in Centereach and Feb. 19 in Blue Point. [Brookhaven Recreation]
The pasta fundraiser in honor of Matthew Schuster has been postponed to Sunday, February 1 due to the weather forecast. All existing reservations will be honored, and new reservations or walk-ins are welcome.
The 2026 Patchogue Polar Plunge returns Feb. 8, raising funds for eight local nonprofits with a morning of community, coffee, and a chilly dive for a great cause. One lucky nonprofit will be selected to receive a bonus donation during the event. [Patchogue Chamber of Commerce]
PAC has launched Wining About Art, a unique lecture series pairing art history talks with curated wine tastings. The next event, Artist Couples: 100 Years of Love, features a talk by Prof. John Cino and wines selected by Lori Devlin on Feb. 20 in Patchogue. [Patchogue Arts Council]
Community Highlights
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