Patchogue Man Arrested, Local Arts, Mysterious Sea Serpent

Issue #18

Author

Brian Grant
May 01, 2024

In This Issue of Patchogue Live Local

🕵️‍♂️ Arrest of Patchogue Man

🎨Arts Around Town

👹The Patchogue Sea Serpent

🏃 Local Sports Roundup

 📆 List of Events in the Greater Patchogue Area!

Crime

Arrest Made in Gunpoint Robbery at Riverhead Halal Eatery

In a distressing event that shook the Riverhead community, a local eatery became the scene of a dramatic gunpoint robbery. Last Wednesday night, Shah's Halal Food on Route 58 was targeted by an armed robber identified as Craig Cherney from Patchogue. Concealing his identity with a bandana and wielding a handgun, Cherney forced the store manager to hand over an undisclosed amount of money.

The thief made his escape on a bicycle, blending into the night. The Riverhead Town Police were quick to respond, launching a comprehensive investigation following a 911 call at 10:32 p.m. Their efforts culminated on Tuesday with the arrest of Cherney, who has since been charged with first-degree robbery, a serious felony.

Cherney was arraigned at Riverhead Justice Court, where the legal proceedings will unfold. The Riverhead Town Police are continuing their investigation and have issued a call to action for anyone with further information to come forward. Community members can assist by contacting the Riverhead Town Police at 631-727-4500.

The Arts

Dive into Color at MoCA L.I.’s Handmade Watercolor Pigment Workshop

Unlock the artist within at a captivating workshop offered by the MoCA L.I. this May. Led by renowned artist Christie Jones, the Handmade Watercolor Pigment Workshop promises a Friday evening filled with creativity and camaraderie. Scheduled for 7 PM on May 17, the session costs $65 per person, which covers all necessary materials and some refreshments.

During this 1.5-hour workshop, participants will delve into the world of non-toxic, handmade watercolor paints. Christie Jones will provide personalized guidance as attendees learn to mix their own pigments using natural earth and mineral colors. These pigments will be charmingly presented in seashells, adding a unique coastal twist to your art supplies.

The workshop is designed to cater to both seasoned painters and beginners alike. You’re encouraged to bring your favorite brushes, though essentials, including two watercolor paint brushes and five sheets of watercolor paper, will be provided. Each participant will leave with a trio of handmade paint colors and a design watercolor sheet to continue their artistic exploration at home.

No prior art experience is required, making this an ideal outing for anyone looking to try something new in a friendly, supportive environment. So, mark your calendars for an evening of artistic exploration and take home more than just a set of watercolors—a night at MoCA L.I. is sure to leave you with inspired memories and newfound skills.

Celebrate Local Art at the "Paint the Great South Bay 2024" Plein Air Event

This spring, the artistic landscape of Long Island will come alive during the "Paint the Great South Bay 2024" Plein Air Event, hosted by the Patchogue Arts Council (PAC). From May 24 through June 7, 2024, artists are invited to set their easels along the scenic stretch from Smith Point Beach to the Fire Island Lighthouse, capturing the serene beauty of the Great South Bay.

The plein air painting session is not just an opportunity for artists to engage with the environment but also a chance for community members to witness art in the making. Following the painting period, all artworks will be showcased in a special exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art Long Island (MoCA L.I.), located at 20 Terry Street, Patchogue. This exhibition will run from June 9 to June 23, 2024.

A closing reception, scheduled for June 23 from 3:00 to 5:00 PM, will offer attendees a final viewing opportunity, along with the chance to meet the artists and purchase original works during the Wet Paint Sale. Esteemed guest juror Jim Minet will be awarding cash prizes to outstanding works, with additional generous prizes provided by Silver Brush Limited.

Registration for artists is now open, with PAC welcoming painters of all skill levels to participate in this enriching community event. As an organization dedicated to elevating and supporting local artists, PAC's mission is highlighted through events like this, promoting public engagement and the sustainability of the arts within Long Island.

For more details and to register, artists and art enthusiasts are encouraged to visit the Patchogue Arts Council's website.

Local Lore

The Patchogue Sea Serpent: A Glimpse into 1899's Maritime Mystery

In the summer of 1899, the quiet seaside town of Patchogue was thrust into the national spotlight with a maritime discovery that sounds more like a scene from a mythical tale than a historical event. Captain John A. Smith, a local seafarer, captured an extraordinary sea creature in the Atlantic Ocean, sparking widespread intrigue and excitement.

This peculiar beast, reported extensively in the June 21, 1899 edition of the Brooklyn Eagle, was unlike anything the locals had ever seen. Measuring nine feet in length and encased in a hard shell with six sharp ridges, the creature featured a massive head and a mouth lined with two rows of inward-pointing, saw-like teeth. Its anatomy was further distinguished by two large "flappers" that served as feet, each nearly two feet long.

Seizing the moment, Captain Smith displayed the creature for a fee, drawing crowds eager to witness this enigmatic find. The spectacle didn't last long, however; within a few days, the creature was embalmed and sent to the Central Park Museum of Natural History, leaving the town and the rest of the curious world hoping for answers.

Unfortunately, the story of the Patchogue marine monster ends as mysteriously as it began. No further documentation or identification of the creature exists, leaving us to wonder whether it was a relic of prehistoric seas or simply a made up event of the times.

Local Sport Results

Bayport-Blue Point Phantoms Dominate Southampton Mariners in Resounding 14-4 Victory

In a display of sheer dominance, the Bayport-Blue Point Phantoms notched their seventh blowout win of the season, overwhelming the Southampton Mariners 14-4 on Monday. This victory at home adds to their impressive performance streak, bringing their season tally to an enviable 13-3 record.

The game saw the Phantoms in fine form. Their aggressive play and strategic prowess were evident, leaving the Mariners struggling to keep pace.

The Mariners, however, couldn't stem their losing tide, now extended to eight consecutive games, which sees them at a challenging 2-14 for the season. They will have a chance to redeem themselves in a swift rematch, scheduled for 4:30 p.m. this Wednesday, again facing the formidable Phantoms.

As the teams prepare for their upcoming encounter, fans of Bayport-Blue Point are buoyed by their team's current form, hopeful for another strong performance.

This week's release of the Q-Collar Top 25 National High School Boys Lacrosse Rankings brought exciting news for the Bayport-Blue Point community as their team entered the rankings at number 24. This entry marks a significant milestone for the Phantoms, reflecting their strong performance this season amidst the highly competitive national lacrosse landscape.

The Phantoms' entry into the top 25 comes during a week filled with dramatic shifts in the rankings, influenced by a series of pivotal games. Brunswick (Conn.) continues to hold the top spot, maintaining their status as the team to beat, while other schools like McDonogh (Md.) climbed back into the top 10 after a major win against Boys' Latin (Md.).

In the latest update of the Q-Collar Top 25 National High School Girls Lacrosse Rankings, Bayport-Blue Point remains steady, holding onto the 19th spot. This stability is a testament to the team's resilience and consistent play in a season marked by frequent upsets and ranking shifts.

Bayport-Blue Point's performance this season demonstrates their ability to compete at a high level, maintaining their rank amidst the dynamic shifts within the top 25. Their continued presence in the rankings reflects their dedication and skill, underscoring their reputation as a formidable competitor in the national lacrosse scene.

Welcome to your local sports roundup! Here's how our area teams fared on 4/29:

Baseball
Bayport-Blue Pt 14 Southampton 4

Boys Tennis
Patchogue-Medford 7 Mt Sinai 0

Girls Lacrosse
Patchogue-Medford 19 North Babylon 6

Boys Lacrosse
Bayport-Blue Pt 14 Islip 7
Bellport 4 Matt/Gpt/Shld 13

Girls Golf
Bellport 1 Sayville 8

Softball
Bayport-Blue Pt 13 Mt Sinai 1

That wraps up our sports recap for today. Keep cheering on your local teams, and we'll be back with more updates after the next round of games!

Upcoming Local Events

April 30th

May 1st

May 2nd

May 3rd

May 4th

May 5th

May 7th

May 10th

May 11th

  • Todd Rundgren at Patchogue Theatre, 71 E. Main St., Patchogue - 8:00 PM

May 12th

May 13th

May 14th

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