Patchogue Says Goodbye: Cheese Patch & Superintendent

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More snow. More winter. It has been a below average winter so far, will that change.

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Local Pulse

🧀 After 13 years in business, The Cheese Patch in Patchogue has officially closed its doors. The beloved cheese shop was known for its gourmet offerings and welcoming atmosphere, making it a favorite among locals. Greater Long Island

❄️ Several Long Island school districts have announced delays ahead of an expected snowstorm on Tuesday night. Officials are urging residents to stay updated on weather conditions and school schedules. Greater Long Island

Local Pulse

Patchogue-Medford Superintendent Donna Jones Announces Retirement Amid Online Controversy

Patchogue-Medford schools Superintendent Donna Jones will retire in June after leading one of Long Island’s largest districts for nearly five years. The announcement, made at a school board meeting Monday night, came amid what Jones described as "very challenging times" and followed an online backlash to her recent stance on immigration enforcement on school grounds.

Jones, 61, addressed societal discord in her remarks, urging educators to remain committed to all students, regardless of race, socio-economic status, or developmental disabilities. Her retirement will take effect on June 30, a year before her contract’s official end date. The board and attendees at the meeting gave her a standing ovation following her statement.

The superintendent’s announcement follows controversy surrounding a letter she issued on Jan. 23, where she reaffirmed that the district would not permit law enforcement agencies to access school grounds for immigration enforcement without a warrant or court order. The letter sparked a wave of criticism on social media, with board members condemning what they called “hateful, ignorant comments” and misinformation about the district’s policies. In response, the board deactivated the district’s X (formerly Twitter) account.

Jones emphasized that her decision to retire had been years in the making and was not influenced by recent social media criticism. She highlighted her tenure’s successes, including improvements in school performance and the passage of an $85 million bond for infrastructure upgrades. She expressed confidence in the district’s future and said the time felt right to step down and explore new opportunities.

The search for an interim superintendent is now underway to ensure a smooth transition.

This story is based on reporting by Dandan Zou of Newsday. For more details, contact [email protected] or follow @DandanZou.

Community Highlights

• Straight No Chaser is coming to Patchogue Theatre, delivering their signature a cappella magic with incredible harmonies and humor. Artist/PTPA Member Presale starts Tuesday, February 11 at 10 AM, with public on sale beginning Friday, February 14 at 10 AM. Don't miss this unforgettable vocal performance!

• Meet Izzy Lu, an adorable pup looking for her forever home through New York State Retriever Rescue, Inc. in Bayport, NY. If you're searching for a loving companion, Izzy Lu might be the perfect match! 🐶💕

• Get ready to sing your heart out at Emo Karaoke Night on March 6, 2025, in Patchogue! Whether you're reliving your pop-punk phase or just love a good throwback, this is your chance to belt out all your favorite emo anthems. 🎤🖤

• Join the Seed Swap & Seed Library Opening on February 22, 2025, in Patchogue! Swap seeds, expand your garden, and celebrate the launch of the local seed library with fellow plant enthusiasts. 🌱📚

• Join the Canine Companions Tour & Demonstration on Wednesday, February 19, from 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM at the Canine Companions Campus in Medford. Get a behind-the-scenes look at how service dogs are trained to empower individuals with disabilities and support professionals in healthcare, criminal justice, and education. PML cardholders only; registration required. 🐶✨

• Step into nostalgia at the '90s Computer Lab: Video Game Cartoon Takeover on Friday, March 21, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at the Medford Branch! Enjoy classic Nintendo cartoons and play '90s favorites like Super Mario and Zelda—no registration required! 🎮📺

• The Patchogue-Medford School District has outlined an 18-month plan to find its next superintendent. The process will include community input, candidate evaluations, and a transition period to ensure a smooth leadership change. Greater Long Island

• The Patchogue Theatre is set to host Are You Ready For It? A Taylor Experience, a high-energy tribute show celebrating Taylor Swift’s biggest hits with a live band, dancers, and all the Swiftie vibes.

• The Patchogue Theatre is welcoming Who's Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Tribute Band, a thrilling live performance celebrating the King of Pop’s greatest hits with electrifying energy and spot-on choreography.

• The Puzzle Exchange Club at Bayport-Blue Point Library invites adult puzzle enthusiasts to swap their gently used puzzles instead of buying new ones. Join the fun on Tuesday, February 18, from 7:00–8:00 PM—no registration required!

Community Highlights

PRPLI Opens Nominations for 2025 Awards and Scholarship

The Public Relations Professionals of Long Island (PRPLI) is accepting nominations for its 2025 awards and applications for its annual student scholarship. Honorees will be recognized at the PRPLI Awards Luncheon on May 14, 2025, at Westbury Manor in Westbury, NY.

Award categories include the Jack Rettaliata Lifetime Achievement Award, Long Island Achievement Award, Howard M. Blankman PRPLI Mentor Award, Outstanding Media Award, Rising Star Award, and PR Campaign of the Year in agency, in-house, and nonprofit sectors. Nominations are due by March 1, 2025. Details are available at www.prpli.org.

PRPLI is also offering a $2,000 scholarship for students pursuing careers in PR, communications, or marketing. Eligible applicants must be full-time juniors, seniors, or postgraduates at a four-year institution or sophomores at a community college with a minimum 3.0 GPA and PR-related internship experience. Applicants must reside in Nassau or Suffolk counties or attend a Long Island college. The deadline is March 7, 2025.

“Each year, PRPLI is honored to celebrate excellence in public relations and support future professionals,” said PRPLI Board President Theresa Jacobellis.

For more information, visit www.prpli.org or email [email protected].

Community Highlights

Final Weekend to Catch Gateway’s ‘The Addams Family’ Musical

This is the final weekend to experience The Gateway Playhouse’s production of The Addams Family, which has captivated audiences with its humor, music, and stellar performances. Running through February 16, the show has been a highlight of Bellport’s theater scene, earning praise for its mix of comedy and heart.

As reported by Patch, the production brings the beloved spooky family to life with dynamic performances, intricate set designs, and high-energy musical numbers. The cast and crew’s dedication has made this a must-see show for theater enthusiasts across Long Island.

The Gateway, renowned for its Broadway-caliber productions, continues to attract audiences from near and far. With just a few performances left, this is the last chance to catch the production before the curtain closes.

House of the Week

East Patchogue Waterfront Home with Private Dock Listed for $1.79M

A waterfront home in East Patchogue is on the market for $1,795,000, offering five private boat slips, a deep-water dock, and direct access to the Great South Bay. Located at 333 Roe Ave, the 4-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom home spans 3,450 square feet with modern updates and expansive water views.

The property features a two-story foyer, a spacious great room with floor-to-ceiling sliders, and a gourmet kitchen with skylights and stainless steel appliances. The primary suite includes a loft office, private balcony, and spa-like bath. Outdoor amenities include a 20x40 gunite pool, hot tub, multi-level decks, and an outdoor kitchen. A 400-foot walkway leads to the private dock, accommodating large boats. Solar panels provide energy efficiency.

📍 Listing Price: $1,795,000
🔗 View Listing

Local Sports

🥍 Holy Cross dominated the Patriot League women’s lacrosse weekly awards, securing three of the five honors in the first set of accolades for the 2025 season. Navy sophomore goalkeeper Felicia Giglio, a Bayport, N.Y. native, earned an honorable mention after making five saves and forcing three turnovers in a 16-9 win over Saint Joseph’s. Patriot League

Here’s a quick look at how our local teams are stacking up in Boys Basketball Final standings as of February 10, 2025:

Patchogue-Medford is struggling in League I, sitting at 2-10 in league play and 2-18 overall.

Bellport is in the mix in League IV, tied for second place with an 11-3 league record and 14-6 overall.

Bayport-Blue Point is performing well in League VII, holding a 10-2 league record and 16-4 overall, just behind Southampton.

Bellport is in the playoffs for the AA bracket starting after the winter break.

Bayport-Blue Point is in the playoffs for the A bracket starting after the winter break.

Keep pushing! 💪🏀 #LocalHoops

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