Patchogue Village is making it a bit easier for shoppers in the village this holiday season.
Starting on Wednesday, Dec. 13, and running until Christmas Eve, on-street parking in the downtown area will be free until 6 p.m….
Click here to read more on GreaterPatchogue.com
Our Library story is a true testament of how the care, creativity and culture of a community can come together to achieve something remarkable. Carnegie libraries, as architectural gems and the vanguards of lifelong learning, are significant in both the history and culture of modern America.
Honoring this was paramount in the renovation of the original Patchogue-Medford Library. Painstaking care was taken to restore the building to its original splendor and to resurrect the landmark true to form. The devotion demonstrated and the exquisite attention to detail in the construction are touching examples of what we are all capable of when we work together.
Our partners and neighbors had the vision to see the value in saving the Carnegie Library. The ability to reconstruct such a masterpiece was only achieved because of the deep-rooted collaboration within our community. Commendable coordination from Suffolk County and Legislator Robert Calarco, as well as the Village of Patchogue and Mayor Paul Pontieri, helped give life to a vision that was conceived and nourished from the grassroots group Friends of the Carnegie Library. Through an extraordinarily generous donation from the Knapp-Swezey Foundation, funding from NYS Library Construction Grants, the Friends of the Library and the devoted perseverance of Project Manager Ivan Carrasquillo, the restoration was made possible without any financial cost to the community.
As the only operating Carnegie Library on Long Island, extreme care was put into the renovation in an effort to honor such a distinction. Much of what you see is original—remarkable, considering that the building was moved twice. The oak floors, hidden beneath carpet and tile for decades, are more than 100 years old. The same is true for much of the brick and exterior stone work, and the 10 different designs that make up the century-old wood ceiling cornice. With great attention, these details were hand patched and restored by plaster artisans. The original stairs and handrails were used as a model for the winder staircase and have been repurposed to the side entryway. Now considered ornamental, the narrow steps up to the top level lead to what was once the office of Edith Terry Mills, the librarian at the time. Gazing down, you are looking through the same lattice grill that she used to observe and oversee the great room. Though you may recognize the original pilasters, the twelve interior columns with Scamozzi capitals that were removed on Lake Street have been replicated and put back into place along the perimeter of the main floor.
The Carnegie Library is now used to enhance Library service by providing additional space to host community meetings and programs during the day. After school, the teens in our area utilize it as a place to facilitate learning, growth and inspiration. The lower level has evolved into a beautiful museum for the Greater Patchogue Historical Society. This long-time dream has become a reality through their hard work and perseverance, and for which we are proud to provide a home.
Come see the “Jewel of Patchogue,” The Carnegie Library. Summer hours are 11:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; and Saturdays 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. From September – June, the Carnegie Library is open 2:30 – 8:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; and 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. on Saturdays. The Library is open on Sundays, 1 – 5 p.m., from October – May.
If you have ever traveled to Patchogue, chances are you have passed the Lakeview Cemetery located on Waverly Avenue and Main Street. Many residents from Patchogue and surrounding communities, including Brookhaven and Blue Point, are interred here. At one time, this historic cemetery was nearly unrecognizable due to overgrown vegetation and years of neglect. That is until the formation of the Cemetery Restoration Committee and the hard work and dedication of Committee Chairman Steve Gill, Patchogue Village Historian Hans Hanke and a group of volunteers determined to return the cemetery to its former glory.
Today, the cemetery is quite lovely with views from the street of the towering monuments gifted by Patchogue’s famed Smith Sisters, flowers marking visits from loved ones and the ability to walk the property once again.
Last fall marked the first Greater Patchogue Foundation Dia de los Muertos Celebration, created to help raise the funds necessary to continue with maintenance, restoration of headstones and so much more.
Traditional Mariachi music filled the night air, guests were given guided history tours of the cemetery, luxury restrooms were provided by event sponsor Direct Drainage and of course fabulous food and specialty beers from Brick House Brewery’s master brewers were enjoyed by all. It was a fantastic night and a sight to see as many attendees arrived with painted sugar skull faces and ghostly regalia. The proceeds went to a much needed lighting upgrade, beautification projects and to the support needed to create a permanent perpetual care organization.
We invite you to join us on Saturday, November 4, 2017 as we celebrate the lives of those laid to rest in the Lakeview Cemetery and raise money to keep the property beautiful for generations to come.
Patchogue is a community on the move. Even if you have yet to visit, you’ve probably heard this expression from someone or from somewhere, recently.
To many, Patchogue is a new phenomena, a community that came out of nowhere to become Long Island’s most talked about “hot spot.” New businesses, surrounded by new living opportunities, seem to pop up daily; unique dining experiences enhance long-established retail landmarks; arts in all media thrive to the beat of Long Island’s best local music and street festivals—all made vibrant by the influx of young adults comingling with long-time locals. Patchogue has become one of the most culturally diverse, prospering communities this side of the East River.
The present state of Patchogue does predict an exciting future. While recent memory recalls a time of relatively brief stagnation, most may not remember Patchogue’s rich past as a leader in business for the northeast.
A community with roots dating back to the 1750s, Patchogue led Long Island into the industrial age, dotted with mills powered by the many local streams that collectively gave Patchogue it’s Native American name. A true maritime community, Patchogue was an integral part of our region’s shellfishing and boat building industries.
Nestled near a world renowned metropolis, as the 19th turned into the 20th century, Patchogue became a vanguard resort town with more than a dozen hotels introducing newcomers to Long Island’s unique southern shoreline at a time when the Hamptons and Fire Island were an unknown wilderness. By the 1950s, and before the advent of the strip mall, Patchogue as a Village was known as the region’s largest business district, servicing the many surrounding and growing communities of Brookhaven Town.
And now, we have entered a new era as a sought after modern residential and recreation center at a time when the walkable downtown experience is desirable once again.
As the 20th century has moved well into the 21st, it is not at all ironic that local community officials are contemplating establishing downtown tourist lodging as the next logical step to sustain our current prosperity for decades to come. Patchogue in the present is looking to the future with an eye on the past.
Whether it’s work, live or play, we invite you to be part of our new era. One thing that never changes is that Patchogue welcomes all.
David Kennedy
Executive Director
So, you are thinking about moving? Well, Long Island is filled with many great communities, but Patchogue is one great place to consider.
The Greater Patchogue area has much to offer, including private and public school education, parks, entertainment and so much more. In today’s hustle and bustle, convenience is key. Patchogue is accessible by car, bus and train and with MacArthur Airport just 15 minutes away, air travel couldn’t be easier. The busy downtown district is always buzzing with activity like seasonal street festivals for the entire family, unique shopping and restaurants featuring cuisine from around the globe.
Patchogue provides a number of housing options and realtors like Coldwell Banker M&D Realty can help you find a home to suit your individual needs. There are apartment complexes and condominiums for every budget; ideal for those who lack a green thumb and time to landscape and garden. Grand Victorian and Colonial homes are perfect for families wanting some space and a home filled with rich history. Bungalows offer a quaint coziness for simple living while still providing yard space for the kids and gardening. Suffolk Federal Credit Union and other local banks offer friendly service and can help you through the mortgage process with ease.
The area has everything you need to keep yourself looking good and feeling great including the local family practice of Dr. Cherise LaPorta. Patchogue has a number of salons to ensure you are perfectly coiffed for every occasion and nail salons to keep those fingers and toes in tip-top shape.
Patchogue has something for everyone; true community spirit, shorefront lifestyle and so much more. Come discover Patchogue and see what everyone is talking about.
Many would describe hearing a live set by their favorite band at a concert as a religious experience. But in a word association game, a popular nighttime music venue would likely not be paired with ‘church.’ Until now.
The small-but-mighty Harbor Church in Center Moriches has turned the idea of traditional church services upside down. Since October16, 2016, they have hosted a Sunday morning service at 89 North in Patchogue. 89 North co-owner Dan Welsch was at first perplexed but agreed to let the ministry use his space. “Well, we of course don’t do much on Sunday mornings,” he said. “But music is very important to them, so we said, ‘why not?’”
The Harbor’s growing church community in Center Moriches is a major reason behind the need for a second campus. “We always wanted to do a satellite location, since every community has a feel of its own,” said Pastor Scott Jankowski. He explained that they had a wish list of places, with Patchogue at the top. “We just loved the vibe of Patchogue,” he said, referencing the growth of the community, especially young adults, over the last 10 years. “We just felt it was the place we needed to be.”
The Harbor Church is striking a chord with a younger generation. The nondenominational Pentecostal church has been successful in attracting youth and young families to their services. The parishioners come from all generations and walks of life, but Jankowski noticed a common thread among them—music. “For whatever reason, our church is extremely gifted with musicians,” he said.
The 30 or so musicians range in skill level and technique, but practice weekly. Worship through music is a huge part of their Sunday morning experience, which is why 89 North was the best fit for the service. At 89 North, musicians get the full “rock-star” treatment, according to Welsch. The venue is equipped with state-of-the-art lighting and audio technology in a space that is both intimate and spiritual. It bridges the gap between concert and communion; both emphasize community and the presence of something bigger. The Harbor musicians are also working towards recording their first original album, Jankowski said.
For Jankowski, praising through music does not detract from the important messages he preaches weekly, it adds to it. “[Music] takes the importance out of your own life and stresses and reminds you that there is something bigger than our own individual experiences,” he said.
BY TARA SMITH
Eva Rodriguez-Greguski is the Executive Director of the non-profit organization, Home Grown Change and is one of the organizers of the annual summer dinner, Island to Table. HomeGrown Change is committed to helping schools and community groups grow their own food and learn about native plants using sustainable methods. You can follow them on Facebook @HomeGrown Change.
Why We Garden
“In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt.” ~ Margaret Atwood
Gardening is one of the most popular—and addictive—hobbies in America. Everyday millions of people till their own backyard soil, prune roses or harvest their own vegetables. It’s an activity that can be enjoyed by those young and old, and tips and advice are often passed down from generation to generation.
Our organization, HomeGrown Change, works with local groups to help create their own garden spaces. While we show beginners how they can create a beautiful corner in their world, we are also committed to sharing our love of a time-honored tradition with anyone interested in gardening.
There are as many reasons to garden as there are people and here are some of our favorites:
* We garden for STRESS RELIEF and MENTAL HEALTH.
Science has proven that soil contains microbes that help improve our moods and the sights and smells can induce a sense of euphoria. It is an activity that can be done quietly, by oneself, in peaceful surroundings. Or, if you prefer to decompress with sounds, plug in those earbuds and crank up your favorite music.
* We garden to BE CREATIVE.
Are you a frustrated artist? Do you love color and design? Do you yearn for a sense of whimsy? Gardening exercises the mind and stretches the imagination.
* We garden for FITNESS.
Shoveling, planting and mulching can be very hard work. Think of it as a cheaper alternative to the gym. Plus, you have the advantage of being outside in the fresh air and sunshine.
* We garden for GOOD NUTRITION.
Nothing tastes as good as a tomato, picked fresh and still warm from the summer sun. If you toss that tomato with some fresh basil, a cucumber and a thinly sliced onion, add a good local vinegar and olive oil, you have a deliciously healthy homegrown summer salad.
* We garden to STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY.
Gardeners are some of the nicest—and most generous—people you will ever meet. They love to share cuttings, seeds and plants. They provide a social network where they share news with fellow gardeners. They donate excess produce to food pantries and soup kitchens. They beautify neighborhoods. And, they engage complete strangers, work side by side with them and become their friends.
This is why we garden. Pick up a shovel, go outside and get started. Discover your own reasons.
On Monday, June 19, my office partnered with the Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce and the Business Improvement District to host “Charting the Course,” a summit that connects local businesses and business owners with key government agencies. At the Patchogue Theatre, Mayor Paul Pontieri gave a presentation on the history of the revitalization of Patchogue. Then, panelists told their stories of success in Patchogue and discussed how the relationship with local government helped them expand to what they are today. Panelists included Jaime Bonnano, owner of Tap Room and Flight restaurants in Patchogue; Mark Burford, president of Blue Point Brewery; Campbell Dalglish, president of The Plaza Cinema & Media Arts Center; Dawn Turnbull, vice president of Bridgehampton National Bank; and Chris Kelley, of TriTec Inc.
Event participants met at the Patchogue-Medford Library to take part in panel discussions involving various topics. These breakout panels included “Starting a Business,” “Greening Your Business,” “Leveraging Public Dollars” and “Developing Your Workforce.” All of these workshops were successful in engaging panelists and attendees, allowing for informative discussions that will hopefully be helpful to community members.
The event wrapped up at the Patchogue Theatre with a lunch donated by local restaurants and eateries in the Village of Patchogue. “Charting the Course” saw the coming together of local business owners and representatives in a community space that truly exemplified the strength and comradery in the Village of Patchogue. It speaks volumes of the future the community is building.
Sincerely,
Robert T. Calarco
