A sensational fall afternoon and South Country community pride was the perfect backdrop for Bellport High School’s annual homecoming festivities on October 5th.

The fun-filled activities commenced with students placing the finishing touches on their class floats built to the theme of children’s stories. Prior to the afternoon game at Joe Cipp Field against Lindenhurst, the floats were led down Kreamer Street and through Bellport’s four corners on route to the high school in a parade that included the class courts, cheerleaders, Clipperettes and marching band, as well as members of the fire department, police and ambulance corps.

During the afternoon, board of education trustees, administrators, faculty, students and residents packed the bleachers and demonstrated their Clipper pride while dressed in school colors and shouting cheers for the home team. High school vocalist Jalayna Harrison led the community in the national anthem as firecrackers lit the afternoon sky to the delight of the crowd. During the halftime show, the class courts were announced, and seniors David Bellante and Eva Leggett were named Homecoming King and Queen. The senior class float was also revealed as the winner of the float competition. The cheerleading team then revved up the community even more with cheers and stunts performed on the 50-yard line, while the Clipperettes danced to the cheers of those in attendance.

The Clippers continued to show spirit and determination throughout the game, even though they lost to Lindenhurst 34-0.

Courtesy of the South Country School District

Pack 4 Cub Scouts, chartered by Suffolk County Council Boy Scouts of America, completed their 1st year with girls ages 5 to 10 integrated into the Pack this past summer. The organization expanded their program in 2018 to include both boys and girls to better meet the needs of today’s families and the 2nd year of co-ed family scouting is beginning now.

“My daughter, who is now in 3rd grade, has always been interested in what her older brother was learning in Cub Scouts,” said Nina Bellone, the Den Leader for the girls in Pack 4. “It felt wrong that she didn’t have access to the same experiences and adventures being offered to boys. After learning that the Cub Scout program was being extended to include Girls, both she and I were thrilled to participate.”

After Nina’s daughter joined Cub Scouts in the spring of 2018, she decided to take a leading role in bringing even more girls to Pack 4. In the fall of 2018, three more girls joined the group, ranging from 1st grade to 4th grade.

“One of Pack 4’s most memorable moments this year happened during our Pinewood Derby Race,” said Keri Russo, Cub Master of Pack 4. “One of the 1st grade girls made a Pokemon themed race car. I remember all the kids chanting, ‘Pikachu! Pikachu! Pikachu!’ building tremendous excitement among both the boys, girls and families. I don’t even remember if the car won, but it was a beautiful moment.”

Bringing girls into Pack 4 continues to be a priority for Pack 4 Cub Scouts to provide a more family-oriented experience.

“Kids spend too much time in front of screens and they’re not connecting with the world or their families,” says Bellone. “We encourage families to explore how Cub Scouts and other Scouts BSA programs enable youth to connect with their families and grow into leaders.”

Pack 4 Cub Scouts is hosting an open house on October 10th as a way of letting the community learn more about the program and range of activities. Families with children entering grades K through 5 from the Bellport, Brookhaven and East Patchogue communities should contact the New Member Coordinator, Sherri Quick, at quickshe@optonline.net for details and to RSVP.

If you’ve lived in Bellport for any length of time, you know that the Dock and “Looping (or Hooping) The Dock” is important to the mental health of our community. It’s not about owning a boat or boating. It’s about the peace and tranquility that is an important part of being able to visit the bay at the foot of Bellport Lane.

Well, you better get your “fix” of the bay soon because on November 1st, the Bellport Village Board is closing the dock area until sometime in the spring when the massive construction project they have planned for the area will hopefully be completed.

We’re showing you the sign that recently went up at the entrance to the Marina. We’ve taken the liberty of adding the missing apostrophe on the last line of the sign. It’s “Owner’s” not “Owners.”

We’re also including a change the Village Board might want to consider for the Dockmaster’s booth when the Dock reopens. It would help us all overcome our possible six months of life without the Dock.

Charlie Flagg sent us his latest report from his recent flight over the new inlet. Click here for more information.

On Saturday, September 14, 2019, the Post-Morrow Foundation held their 50th Year Celebration on their grounds on Bay Road in Brookhaven Hamlet. The Post-Morrow Foundation is dedicated to preserving the environmental and cultural history of Brookhaven Hamlet and the surrounding areas.

The Celebration included family friendly activities, raffles, and programs highlighting the history of the Post-Morrow Foundation. There were food, beverages and live music by the New Students. Children were welcome.

We’d like to thank Alun Davies for submitting the following story and photo.

On Saturday, September 7th, forty or so Bellportians gathered at the home of Victor Principe, left, and John Renninger, right, on Bellport Lane, to celebrate Victor’s 70th Birthday. Victor is well known in Bellport as the author of "Bellport Village and Brookhaven Hamlet,” published in 2002. Victor has a long and distinguished record of contributing to the historical record and cultural well-being of Bellport Village.

Editor: Happy Birthday Victor!

A picture perfect summer day greeted contestants last Saturday, August 31st, at the 11th Annual Ho Hum Beach Sandcastle Contest, sponsored by the Bellport Village Program Fund. Equipped with pails, shovels, and loads of creativity, contestants poured out of the Bellport Ferry and private boats, often spending hours constructing sand sculptures. A panel of five judges awarded Carla Marla Gift Certificates and Bellport Bowling League t-shirts to first, second, and third place winners in each of three categories.

Here are the winners:

Adult and Child Category:
1st- "Bellportasaurus,” constructed by members of the Cohn, Mortimer, and Monroe families

2nd- “Spouting Elephant” by the Specht family
3rd- “Studio 54” by David, Tobin and Nina Garcia

11-16 Year Old Category:
1st- "Turtle with a Straw” by Maeve, Hazel and Sophie Sprowse

2nd- “Vineyard Vines Whale” by Jane, Hutch, Wallen, Louise and Peter
3rd- “Ho Hum Carnival Games” by Sam and Katie Specht

10 Year Old and Younger Category:
1st- “Sand Bro’s,” by Hugo and Lex Szanto, Dean McKnight, Clark, Roman and Noah

2nd- “Sponge Bob House” by Bryce
3rd- “Happy Birthday Mermaid” by the Rohrmeier children

On Saturday, August 31st, the Bellport-Brookhaven Historical Society, the BBHS, held their annual end of summer Cocktails and Dinner bash. Everyone was encouraged to wear white and even the food, for the most part, was white.

It was a fantastic evening with clear skies and balmy breezes. It was a wonderful time to spend with friends and reminisce about summer 2019 which was rapidly coming to a close. Once again, Joan Kaelin, President of the BBHS, outdid herself and we look forward to the programs the BBHS is working on for the coming fall and winter months.

The Summer Concert Series is one of the things that makes Bellport Village so special. I don’t know who started the Summer Concert Series or how long it’s been going on, but they gave the Village a wonderful gift. For twelve weeks or so, on Friday evenings from June to August, a variety of musical genres from Rock, to Blues, to Folk, to Bluegrass, to Country are presented, free of charge.

Saturday, August 31st, was a special Saturday evening concert performance and the last of this summer’s Bandshell Concert Series for 2019 and it was very special!

The Karpenteers perform the best of the Carpenters, the biggest selling pop group of the 1970’s. Kristi Diaz, Lead Vocals, has the voice of an angel and if you didn’t know any better, you’d think you were listening to Karen Carpenter herself.

Henry Diaz, Guitar, Bass, and Background Vocals, is Kristi’s husband and the rock that supports the other performers. Henry is an outstanding musician on every instrument he plays.

Stu Watarz, Keyboard and Vocals is an amazing Keyboardist. We could happily spend many hours listening to Stu play. He makes it all look so simple and easy.

Finally, we come to Drummer Jamie Betty, the newest addition to the Karpenteers. This was only Jamie’s second time playing with the band, but you would have never known it. She was right on, never too much or too loud, never too little. Jamie was always there driving the music forward. She is a wonderful addition to the group and we’re looking forward to where the band goes in the future with her support.

We’d like to thank the Karpenteers for a wonderful evening and we’re looking forward to their next performance.

On Saturday, August 17,2019 the Bellport High School Class of 1969 celebrated their 50th reunion at Sunset Harbor. They had an excellent turnout, with 87 out of 210 graduates attending. It was an excellent evening of dinner, dancing, and a lot of catching up with friends.

Class President, Jon Rant flew in from California and gave a fun and entertaining “Jon style” speech. An “ice breaker” on August 16th was held at Dunton Inn and was attended by a lot of the class. Joanne Panarello and Maureen Fogarty co-chaired this wonderful weekend with the help from so many others.

Photo Courtesy of Rhonda Cobb

The South Country Central School District congratulates Kreamer Street Elementary School special education teacher Danielle Aiello, who is a recipient of the prestigious Community Hero Award from the Transformative Educational Development Services organization. The award recognizes Mrs. Aiello’s outstanding work with disabled students.

For 12 years, Mrs. Aiello has taught special education students at both Kreamer Street Elementary and Frank P. Long Intermediate schools. She previously taught Life Skills students enrolled in grades 4-5 at Frank P. Long Intermediate School for seven years prior to teaching the 8:1:3 Program for kindergarten and first grade students at Kreamer Street Elementary School. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism through the Sage Colleges.

Mrs. Aiello says she feels extremely humbled by receiving this award. “I am blessed with the privilege of entering my classroom every day to work with a phenomenal team of teaching assistants and individual aides, who believe in our students and their capabilities as much as I do. Teaching is not a job to me; it is my passion, and I am lucky to call myself a special education teacher.”

Photo courtesy of the South Country School District.

On Saturday, August 10th, the Bellport Village Program fund held its annual fundraiser at the lovely home of Roger and Sava Thomas. With picture perfect weather, the BVPF was successful in raising enough to support their signature 2019/2020 project, namely the Marina playground revitalization.

Annual projects such as Bite Back, a mosquito prevention project at Ho Hum and Mother's Beach, and Clean Sweep, beach cleaning at both Mother’s and Marina Beach, will also continue next year.

Anyone interested is submitting a project proposal to the BVPF can find application forms available on their website.

Photos courtesy of the Bellport Village Program Fund.

South Country Central School District’s mobile library has been sparking much excitement throughout the community this summer as members of the Bellport Teachers Association (BTA) drove the brightly painted school bus throughout the district’s neighborhoods. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, BTA passengers have been searching out students interested in receiving a free book to read. Donations for the mobile library have come from the Book Fairies organization, the Brookhaven Free Library, the South Country Library and the community.

The mobile library made its debut during Bellport High School’s homecoming game last October and has been an important avenue in helping families with establishing their personal home libraries while increasing summer reading.

BTA representative Sarah Rauch said that the community has been both welcoming and enthusiastic about the mobile library, which is an additional avenue for placing books in the hands of children. “The kids are always enthusiastic,” Ms. Rauch said. “Our goal is to encourage summer reading and to start filling up the students’ homes with books. The younger the students are, the more books they need to be reading.”

The mobile library will continue to visit the school district’s neighborhoods throughout the summer and will make appearances at district events during the 2019-2020 school year.

Photo courtesy of the South Country School District.

On Saturday, August 10th, the Bellport-Brookhaven Historical Society, the BBHS, held their FREE annual Bicycle Scavenger Hunt and Ice Cream Social starting at their site on Bellport Lane. At least 50 parents and children participated and had a great time.

The “Hunt” started and ended at the BBHS. The participants picked up their map and clue sheet and headed out to explore Bellport’s historic streets, sites and homes. The goal was to follow the clues and fill in the answers to the questions regarding each site on the map. There were prizes and ice cream sundaes for everyone who completed the Hunt.

Click Here for a copy of this year’s map and tasks.

I don’t know how they do it, but Joan Kaelin, President of the BBHS, and the rest of the gang at the BBHS just keep coming up with better and better programs for all of us to enjoy. Thanks to all of you.

On Saturday, July 27th, the Bellport Chamber of Commerce once again held the annual Bellport Day celebration in town. The weather couldn’t have been better for a summer event. The temperatures were in the 80’s, no humidity, blue skies, and a nice steady breeze finding its way down Main Street.

South Country Road, aka Main Street, was closed to traffic for this FREE, family friendly gathering. There was a petting zoo, pony rides, a bounce house, sidewalk sales, and a craft fair at the Bellport Fire Department’s Fire House. Entertainment was provided by The New Students, the National Circus Project, the Gateway Playhouse, the Stage Door School of Dance, and High Tide. All and all, it was a perfect day for a perfect event.

Two Bellport High School seniors, Grace Minikel and Dwan Trent, were honored at the 19th Annual Butch Dellecave Awards held recently at Villa Lombardi’s in Holbrook.

Named in memory of the legendary educator, official, and coach Gaetano “Butch” Dellecave, the award is the product of a highly successful 19-year partnership between local school districts in Suffolk County and the award organizers: the Economic Opportunity Council of Suffolk, the Butch Dellecave Foundation, and Newsday.

The Economic Opportunity Council of Suffolk, Inc. – a not-for- profit 501(c)(3) community-based organization – has been serving Suffolk County for 52 years. It is the county’s federally designated Community Action Agency, designed to assist low-income families and individuals. The agency’s mission is to promote a goal of self-sufficiency by broadening the minds of children, revitalizing communities, and assisting families and children in need through coordination of public and private resources.

Athletic Directors from all sixty-six Suffolk County school districts were asked to nominate one male and one female from their high school senior class. Nominees must be students who are not only at the top of their game, but also score high in classroom performance and in their commitment to local community service.

Pictured: Bellport High School nominees Grace Minikel and Dwan Trent are flanked by Dellecave Foundation Co-Directors (left) Guy Dellecave and (right) Mark Dellecave. Photo Courtesy of Artist Lake Media

WOW! What a Day!!! On Sunday, June 30th, the Village closed Main Street and the Bellport Fire Department held the first ever Classic Car Show in the Village. From the Four Corners to the Fire House all you could see was one gorgeous car after another.

Dan Polner, one of Bellport’s volunteer Firemen, should get the credit for organizing the event, but he couldn’t have made it happen without the help of the entire Bellport Fire Department. I should also mention LuAnn Thompson, President of the Bellport Chamber of Commerce, who pitched in and kept Dan going in the right direction. Thanks guys and gals!

We’re already looking forward to the next Classic Car Show to be held next summer. We’re sure it will be even bigger and better!

On Saturday, June 22nd, the Center for Environmental Education and Discovery, CEED, held their Summer Solstice Nature Festival on their almost 10 acre campus in Brookhaven Hamlet, just east of Bellport Village on South Country Road.

The program was free to all and included Native American Vendors, Live Animals, Pan Flute Music, Nature Crafts, a Barbecue, a Shinnecock Clam Bake, and Shinnecock Youth Dancers.

Eric Powers and Rebecca Muellers, the dual forces behind CEED, did an amazing job of organizing the program making it a very special event. They should be very proud and we look forward to CEED’s next event.

Would you like to use the new recreational space and bowling alley in the Bellport Village Community Center? Here’s how!

The recreational space doesn’t have regular hours. For this summer, the space will be primarily used by the Bellport Village Summer Camp program and by Village Residents who book the space for private gatherings. We’ll be sure to let you know the plans for the rest of the year when Village Hall makes them available.

For now, to reserve the space for a private gathering, here are some things to keep in mind:

• You must be a Bellport Village Resident to book the Recreational Center.
• The maximum number of people for your event is 50 people.
• You must fill out an application, available in Village Hall, and submit it to the Village Clerk at least two weeks prior to the date of the event. This is so the Village has time to approve the date and secure the necessary personnel. Two Village employees will be required if the bowling alley is to be used. If the bowling alley will not be used, one employee will be sufficient. The Village personnel will assist bowlers and supervise the recreational space while it is being used.
• There will be a fee to be paid at the time of booking the Recreational Center and submitting the application in Village Hall. The fee will depend on the nature of the event and the number of people participating. Contact Village Hall, 631-286-0327, for more details.
• Permission to use the recreational space is not transferrable.
• Village bowling balls, and shoes, are provided free of charge and must be used. Only Village bowling alley shoes are allowed in the bowling alley space. No outside balls are allowed. All bowlers must wear socks.
• Only four bowlers at a time are allowed, two per alley.
• All events must have at least one Village Resident adult, over the age of 21, present at all times. Depending on the size of the booking, more may be required.
• You may use the kitchen area, which consists of a refrigerator and running water, but the stove is inoperative and cannot be used.
• Men's and Women’s rest rooms are available in the recreational area and are operational.
• The entire recreational space must be left broom clean as found.

A murdered man's Topaz jewelry is missing, but turns up the next day in a pawn shop. The Topaz Flower by Charlotte M. Russell is the exciting whodunit story of a flower that was plucked by the hand of death…

Harry Sloane is discovered murdered in his home. He'd been drinking in his locked room with someone who shot him with a silenced revolver and then stole a family heirloom, a cluster of jewels known as “The Topaz Flower.”

The Playcrafters Theatre Company returns to the “mystery” genre in their fourth presentation for Bellport.com’s “South Country Radio.” Originally presented by Doubleday’s Crime Club Series, “The Topaz Flower” aired on April 24, 1947. Tune in and listen as the mystery unfolds… Click here to listen to the performance.

On Thursday, June 6, 2019, Governor Cuomo visited Bellport to announce that the State’s Bellport Bay Sanctuary had reached its mid-point in the State’s effort to restore shellfish in the Bay. Bellport Bay is one of five sanctuaries in the State’s $10.4 million effort to restore native shellfish to improve Long Island’s coastal waters and strengthen resiliency. This program began in 2017 and half of the approximately 1.6 million adult clams planned for the new Bellport Bay Shellfish Sanctuary have already been stocked.

The Governor pointed out that the State was able to move quickly on this program because it didn’t involve high-tech exotic technology. All the State had to do was listen to “Mother Nature.” “Mother Nature had the best water filtration system, clams and oysters, but we wiped them out. We are now restoring that natural water filtration system, but we are doing it to a grander scale than ever before and it is going to make a difference."

A map of the Long Island Shellfish Restoration Project is available here: Map

And a map of New York's Artifical Reef Expansion is available here: Map

Maybe it’s the red color or maybe it’s because it’s a Fire Truck, but children have always been drawn to it down in the play area at the dock. That’s why it’s been a shame that over the years the wind and weather had taken their toll and the Fire Truck had gone into disrepair. Well, the volunteers at the Bellport Fire Department have stepped up to the plate and restored the Fire Truck to the condition it, and the children, deserve. Thanks to the Bellport Fire Department and the Village’s road crew, the Fire Truck is back in all its glory for everyone to enjoy. Thanks to all of you!

On Monday, May 27, 2019, Elaine Hendrie passed away at 93 and she will be missed by all of those who knew her.

I think I first met Elaine about 30 years ago and I was lucky enough to get to know her well. To say Elaine was outspoken is certainly an understatement. She was never afraid to speak her mind and she was always at the center of anything happening in Bellport Village. If there was a Village Board Meeting, Elaine was there. If there was a controversy in the Village, Elaine had an opinion and wasn’t afraid to share it. She had “spunk!”

There were a lot of things you probably didn’t know about Elaine. Here are just some of them. Did you know that she was an Arthur Murray dance instructor? She had her own radio show, “Woman to Woman?” She was Media Director for “NOW,” National Organization for Women during the fight to ratify the Equal Rights amendment? Elaine was the Public Information Officer and head of media and marketing for the Recreational Services Division of the Department of the Navy? She was elected to The Counselors Academy by the Public Relations Society of America and was listed in the Who’s Who of American Women? She was written about in the book, “Woman in Charge: Notable Women in Authority” by Aileen Jacobsen? And, Elaine served on the Advisory Board of the Woman’s Education and Counseling Center of the State University of New York in Farmingdale.

In the Village, Elaine was head of the Architectural Review Board, the ARB. She was also very active in the Bellport-Brookhaven Historical Society where she became a Trustee.

Elaine is survived by her Husband Joe Hendrie and her two daughters Susan and Barbara. Our hearts go out to them, but it’s also lightened by having known their wonderful Mom. We’re going to miss our brunches with Elaine at Peter’s Luncheonette in Patchogue.

On May 26, 2019, at approximately 2:00pm, the South Country Ambulance Company got a call about a person in distress while parasailing in the Atlantic Ocean near the New Inlet. Two Ambulance Company boats were immediately dispatched from the Bellport Village Marina. Within 20 minutes Chief Greg Miglino Jr. and Captain Joseph Craig had successfully located the person, 300 to 400 yards off of Bellport Village’s Ho Hum Beach in the Atlantic Ocean and they were able to bring him to shore without injury. This rescue was particularly dangerous because of the sea conditions at the time.

The South Country Ambulance Company encourages everyone to enjoy the water this summer, but to remember to do so safely and always use PFD’s, Personal Floatation Devices, when boating or partaking in water activities.

Photo and information provided by Chief Greg Miglino Jr.

Bob Morris is a candidate running for Mayor in the upcoming Bellport Village elections to be held on Tuesday, June 18th. Bob recently contacted me and I thought it would be a great opportunity for us all to get to know Bob a little better and why he is running for Mayor.

Please Click Here to listen to what Bob had to say.

Last fall, the BVPF, Bellport Village Program Fund, and Bellport Village, embarked on a project of considerable historic significance for the Village. Although the exact dates aren’t known, chances are that almost 100 years ago, or more, a two lane bowling alley was constructed in the basement of what is now the Village’s Community Center. In 1920, Mrs. Lucy Mott gave the Village the building and the land it sits on with the instructions that the building was to be used exclusively by Bellport Village residents, free of charge.

Many Village residents remember bowling, playing ping pong, and playing pool in the basement of the Community Center up until the mid 1980’s in after school and weekend programs for the Village’s children. For some reason, those programs stopped and the facility sat unused and deteriorating until last fall when the BVPF decided to take on the job of restoring the facility to its former glory.

Mike Foster, Chairperson of the BVPF, took lead on the project with the aid of BVPF members. BVPF Board Member, Phillip Thomas, did the design work and local contractor, Rob Hartwell, did the work with the aid of many other unsung heroes. Bellport.com was lucky enough to gather some photos of the new facility just before the work was completed and at the official ribbon cutting on Sunday, May 26, 2019.

If you were one of the lucky ones who played in the facility before it was closed in the 1980’s, and would like to share your remembrances of playing in the basement of the Community Center, email them to us and we’ll share them with the rest of the Village.

Memorial Day in Bellport is always very special. Yes, it’s the unofficial kickoff to summer, but more importantly, it’s a time to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice of their own lives so that we can enjoy days like Memorial Day in Bellport.

This year, the weather was perfect and there was a huge turnout to march in the parade. The parade started at the corner of Bellport Lane and Bell Street near Village Hall and proceeded up Bellport Lane and Station Road to the cemetery at Head of the Neck. We hope you enjoy all of the photos we took for you.

On Memorial Day, Monday, May 27th, The Bellport Garden Club again held their annual Plant Sale on the Village Green in front of CVS on South Country Road. They had perennials, annuals, and herbs along with gardening items for sale. All of the plants that were for sale had been grown by members of the Garden Club and all proceeds went to the Beautification Fund. This is a great event that’s held every year in conjunction with the Village Memorial Day parade.

On Saturday, May 18, 2019, the Bellport-Brookhaven Historical Society, the BBHS, held a Gallery Talk & Reception for an exhibit of the photography of Frances H. Toms in the BBHS’s Barn Museum.

Frances H. Toms (1865-1948), camera in hand, was a familiar figure around the Village of Bellport in the early 1900's. She visited the summer houses, sailing races, and suffrage meetings up and down Bellport Lane and captured them beautifully in her photographs. The BBHS has an archive of her iconic postcards and a period scrapbook with original hand-tinted images which it was pleased to show in its new exhibit in the BBHS Barn Museum.

This is one of those stories that reminds me of why I love Bellport so much.

Recently, Mary Butler approached Nick Gagliardi, the owner of Café Castello on Main Street in the heart of the Village, with an idea. Mary explained that there are Seniors in the Village who because of their age or physical restrictions, can’t drive at night or go out for a great meal at Café Castello. Mary suggested that Nick start a Home Delivery Service at Café Castello. Nick explained that he just doesn’t have the staff for such a service, but he would think about it.

Well, what Nick came up with isn’t a delivery service, but it’s almost as good. On Tuesdays, FOR SENIORS ONLY, Café Castello is offering a FREE home delivery service for local seniors. The hours are from 11am to 2pm for lunch and from 5pm until 9pm for dinner on Tuesdays only. Seniors can order over the phone from the Café’s menu and THERE’S NO EXTRA CHARGE FOR HOME DELIVERY. The price of the meal will be as listed on Café Castello’s menu. Nick hopes that this new service isn’t abused because he’d hate to have to discontinue it. It’s not meant to be a general home delivery service, but is instead a special service meant only for local seniors.

A big THANKS goes to Mary Butler and Nick Gagliardi!

Click here for Café Castello's menu.

Click here for more information about Café Castello.

Give them a call at 631-803-8369 or 631-803-8370.

Founded in 1998, the South Country Education Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to improving educational opportunities for all students in the South Country Central School District. The mission of the Foundation is to promote and enhance educational initiatives by providing supplemental financial support for projects and programs that are outside the South Country school budget.

Since their founding, they have granted over $1,000,000 to teachers, administrators, students and community groups in our district who have come to them with their innovative and creative ideas. Funding for these grants comes from generous donations to the foundation by community members, alumni and local nonprofits as well as from the proceeds of their annual cocktail party and auction.

Click here for a list of their Fall and Winter grant winners.

On April 4, 2019, several local political groups, including “South Country Unites,” exercised their First Amendment rights and held a protest rally in front of Congressman Lee Zeldin’s office located at 31 Oak Street in Patchogue. South Country Unites is a local political group formed about two years ago and which holds their meetings at the Old South Haven Presbyterian Church located in Brookhaven Hamlet. Between 75 and 100 protesters were present displaying their homemade signs sending their message to the Congressman that the “Mueller Report” should be released to Congress and the public.

Towards the end of last summer, the summer of 2018, the Village Board decided to close the end of the Village dock in anticipation of work that was planned for the dock over the winter months. Well, that never happened so a few weeks ago, the cement barricades were removed from the dock and you can now, again, “Loop The Dock!” Enjoy it while you can because the work on the dock has been rescheduled for the coming winter months. Chances are, the end of the dock will again be barricaded in the fall.

On Saturday, March 30, 2019, the Bellport Fire Department held their 4th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The weather was sp***g like (I didn’t want to say “spring” as it might jinx things) with a bright sun, blue skies, and temperatures in the mid 50’s. The parade started at the corner of Station Road and 2nd Street and proceeded down Station Road to Main Street where it turned left and went on to the Bellport Fire House.

Following the parade, the Bellport Fire Department invited everyone to join them at the “Bellport Fire House Beer Garden” for Food, Beverages, Music and Games. All and all, it was a great day with fun for everyone. A great way to kick off spring!

On Thursday, March 21, 2019, Brookhaven Town Councilman, Michael Loguercio, right, had another busy day. He visited VFW Post 8300 in East Patchogue to drop off several old and tattered flags that his office recently received. The Councilman wanted to make sure that the flags would be retired honorably during a special ceremony later in the year. The VFW asks that anyone with a flag that needs to be retired to please visit the VFW Post 8300 at 330 North Dunton Avenue and drop them in the special depository near the entrance of the building. This is just one of the important services the VFW provides each year.

Next, Councilman Loguercio visited “Career Day” at the Bellport High School. This is an annual event for students in grades 10-12. The Councilman was able to answer many of the questions the students had about Town Government and his job as Councilman. Councilman Loguercio said, “Thank you to Bellport High School for hosting Career Day. It’s a great opportunity for students to find out more about the many career opportunities that are out there for them and speak firsthand with those who are currently working in different fields. This is an event that I look forward to every year and I cannot wait to attend again next year.“

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone announced that the Suffolk County Police Department has successfully implemented the capability for residents to fill out online police reports to report minor incidents – the first police department to do so in the region.

Here is a link to file a Police Report online: https://www.suffolkpd.org/OnlineReporting.aspx 

“This is another important innovation and government reform that will enhance public safety,” said Suffolk County Executive Bellone. “Residents will now have the ability to file a report anywhere, at any time, and in doing so allow our officers to quickly respond to other emergencies.”

“As a department, we take every opportunity to leverage technology and utilize our resources most efficiently to serve the members of our community. This online police report program is another example of our department being more accessible to those who need to contact us. With residents being able to file reports in English or Spanish at their own convenience, we now have the ability to allow patrol officers to respond more quickly to emergencies and other situations that require more immediate police attention,” said Police Commissioner Geraldine Hart.

The new software, which features both English and Spanish, offers residents the ability to file police reports quickly and independently, enabling officers to respond more quickly to emergencies and other situations that require police response.

The types of crimes that can be filed online include harassing communications, lost property, criminal mischief, non-criminal property damage, minor motor vehicle crashes, identity theft and some larcenies. In order to file a report online, one must have internet access and an email address, and the incident must have occurred within the Suffolk County Police District.

Incidents cannot be related to an emergency, such as those involving a school, threats of physical violence or injuries, include any known suspects, be related to any Domestic Violence or Domestic Incident, and did not occur due to race, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, disability or sexual orientation.

If an incident is approved, residents will receive an email back with the report within an hour or two. If any follow-up action is needed, the report will be forwarded to the appropriate investigative command and the complainant will be contacted.

Since the initial launch of the program in October of 2018, the department has received nearly 100 online reports of incidents from residents. The program vendor is CopLogic, and is being funded through asset forfeiture funds.

On February 19th, at about 7 in the evening, a car crashed into the front of The Village Bistro. Bellport’s Fire Department was on the scene within minutes. No further details are available at this time. We’d like to thank Pamela Lerner for this photo.

Charlie Flagg sent us his latest report from his recent flight over the new inlet. Click here for more information.

Did you ever wonder why “Artist Lake” is called Artist Lake? On February 9th, the Bellport-Brookhaven Historical Society held the latest in their Local History Lectures, “Alonzo Chappel: The Infamous Artist of Artist Lake.” Suzanne Johnson presented an overview of the life and work of Alonzo Chappel, 1828-1897, an American painter known for his historical scenes and portraiture. Chappel, who was born in New York City, moved to Middle Island in

The program was free to BBHS Members and their guests and was held in the Brown Building on Bell Street in Bellport Village. The next program in the Local History Lectures will be “Mary L. Booth: An Extraordinary 19th Century Woman” and will be held at 5pm on March 16th again in the Brown Building on Bell Street in the Village.

We’d like to thank Pamela Lerner for the photos she took for us at the program.

2018 marked the 20th anniversary of the South Country Education Foundation (SCEF) and they achieved a significant milestone in their 20th year! They broke $1,000,000 in 20 years of grass roots fundraising to support and enhance the education of students in the South Country Central School District! Click here to read more about what the SCEF has been up to.

On Wednesday, January 9, 2019, the Bellport Chamber of Commerce held a meeting at the Bellport Country Club to induct their new officers for 2019. Brookhaven Supervisor, Ed Romaine and Brookhaven Councilman Michael Loguercio Jr. were on hand to swear in the new slate of officers. Our best wishes go out to the Chamber’s new Officers for 2019.

Click Here for a list of all of the new Chamber of Commerce Officers and the Chamber’s meeting schedule for 2019.

On January 4, 2019, The Pilot Club of Patchogue presented a check in the amount of $415 to Canine Companions, plus an additional $45 in Gift Cards and Treats for these wonderful animals. Canine Companions is a non-profit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained assistance dogs at no charge to the recipient. Since their founding in 1975, Canine Companions has provided over 5,000 assistance dogs to people with disabilities.

In the photo, L to R: Debra MacKenzie, Senior Development Coordinator for Canine Companions, Maxine (the dog), and Gail Hoag & Jeanne Weingarten, members of the Pilot Club of Patchogue.