Rooftop Patrols, Block Parties & a Hometown Hero

Good Morning,

A local teen was charged in a shooting, but the community also celebrated a WWII hero’s 100th and kicked off summer with a festival. Thanks for reading!

-Brian Grant, managing editor, writer

Local Pulse

🔒 Armed officers were stationed on rooftops during Patchogue’s "Alive After Five" festival as part of a new Suffolk County police security measure for large events. While there were no active threats, officials said the move is now standard to prevent mass shootings, although some locals were caught off guard. Newsday

🚨 A 14-year-old was charged after allegedly shooting a 17-year-old Thursday afternoon on Edwards Street in Patchogue. The victim suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries, according to Suffolk police. Daily Voice

📸 Patchogue’s first Alive After Five of the summer kicked off with Country Night as a heat wave finally broke, drawing big crowds downtown. Photographer Eric Micallef captured all the energy and moments from the evening. Greater Long Island

Community Highlights

• Mountain Music will perform a country set as part of the Bellport Summer Bandshell Concert Series on Friday, July 4 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. In case of rain, concerts may be postponed or canceled.

• Artwork from the South Bay Art Association's plein air event will be showcased at the Bellport Day Exhibition on Saturday, July 26, with judging taking place from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. [South Bay Art Association]

• The New York State Senate has launched the 2025 Summer Reading Program, themed “Color our World: Colorea Nuestro Mundo,” encouraging kids to read for fun and discovery all summer long. Participants can earn an official certificate by submitting their reading form by August 22. [New York State Senate]

• The IRIEspect: Summer Block Party presented by Listen Up LI! Music & Arts Festival is happening at 89 North Music Venue in Patchogue on Saturday, July 12 from 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM, featuring live painting, local bands, vendors, and that classic Long Island summer vibe.

• Patchogue's Summer Block Party, hosted by 89 North Music Venue on July 12, will bring back nostalgic vibes with live bands, vibrant vendors, and plenty of community fun. Listen Up Long Island invites everyone to don their best Hawaiian shirts and join the festivities.

Community Highlights

 East Patchogue WWII Veteran Celebrated on 100th Birthday

John "Harry" Kellers, a World War II veteran and longtime resident, marked his 100th birthday with a grand celebration that included a parade and honors from local officials. Kellers was just 18 years old when he landed on Omaha Beach during the D-Day invasion.

Manning a 20-millimeter machine gun aboard a Navy landing craft, Kellers fought for hours amid the chaos of Omaha Beach alongside some 34,000 American troops. After serving in both the European and Pacific theaters, he returned home to build a civilian life, working as a power plant technician and raising a family in East Patchogue, where he still resides just steps from the Great South Bay.

The event was highlighted by a parade and speeches from officials, including Suffolk County Executive Edward P. Romaine and State Senator Dean Murray. They paid tribute to one of the few remaining WWII veterans. There are less than 50,000 who are alive today.

Source: Newsday

Local Sports

🥍 Bayport-Blue Point’s Ava Meyn was named USA Lacrosse High School Girls’ Northeast Player of the Year after leading her team to a second state title with 65 goals and 116 draw controls. The Maryland-bound senior finishes her high school career as a two-time All-American and one of the region’s top-ranked players. USA Lacrosse Magazine

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