See updated version:
http://mapleavenuenw.blogspot.com/2011/12/most-beautiful-christmas-tree-on-long.html#links

The Most Beautiful Christmas Tree in Brooklyn and Patchogue

My wife comes from 69th Street in Brooklyn, NY. In the 50s everyone lived a very modest life. The quality of life then, doesn't even come close to the quality of life that most of us now take for granted. We owned only one pair of sneakers, and we extended the usable lifetime of a failing sneaker by inserting cardboard into the bottom of the sneaker to cover a hole. We "had no clue" that we were poor, because everyone around us lived exactly the same way.

Christmas presents were scarce at that time; toys were few, and we usually got something practical instead, such as a pair of underwear! My wife's father sold Christmas trees on 69 th St in order to supplement the family income. A side job such as this does have its perks; my wife always had the biggest and most beautiful Christmas Tree in "all of Brooklyn!"

I inherited the tradition of having the "Biggest and Best Christmas Tree," when I married my wife Marie. Every year we always purchase our Christmas tree at the same place. The employees knew my wife by her first name; why; because they had to lift 47 Christmas Trees for my wife, before she would select a tree. The employees always smiled as they participated in my wife's tree selection ritual; they too could feel her joy and enthusiasm; it was contagious!

Large Christmas Trees did not come without their problems! My living Room has a Nine foot ceiling; in the early days she had a tendency to select a Twelve foot Christmas Tree. So! For many years we had to cut three feet off the top of our Christmas Trees. Yep! Our trees sometimes looked like a Trapazoid! What fond memories!

I will always remember our biggest quest for the most beautiful Christmas Tree! Armed with a Cassette Player and many Christmas Carol Tapes, two adults and three teenagers, piled into a Ford Fairmont mid-sized wagon, and drove to Eastern Long Island, to cut down our own Christmas Tree. We could not find a tree that was big enough so we drove to Upstate New York, in order to find the perfect tree. Our biggest mistake was to cut down a tree that was over eight inches in diameter at its base! The tree was beautiful, but it was also huge! It took three teenagers and two adults to get this tremendous tree on the roof of our small car. The Christmas tree was so big that it offered a tremendous wind load to our car; our gas mileage was severely degraded. I couldn't understand why my small car was using so much Gasoline! With the combined weight of two adults, three teenagers, and one huge tree, the small ford Fairmont wagon was essentially hugging the ground! The tree cost us Twenty Five dollars, and the expenses, and Gasoline required to transport this huge tree back to Patchogue, cost us One Hundred and Fifty dollars.

So we have a Twenty Five dollar Christmas tree that cost us $150. dollars to transport home; a total of $175. !

After 47 years of marriage we have honed and tweaked our Christmas Tree selection process, to the point that is now an "art." This year my wife and I selected our Christmas Tree in only Fifteen minutes! Truly miraculous!

It is an absolute certainty, that if we lived in Brooklyn, NY, we would indeed have the "Best Christmas Tree in Brooklyn." We now live in Patchogue, NY, so.... we now have the "Most Beautiful Christmas Tree, in all of Patchogue, NY!"

Ho! Ho! Ho!

Merry Christmas!!!

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Cops Who Care

Free Hams and Turkeys to Benefit Needy Families

The New York State Police, the Suffolk County Police and the Urban League of Long Island have partnered for the third annual Cops Who Care food drive.
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250 Hams and 250 Turkeys will be distributed free of charge to needy families.
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One item per family, first come first serve.
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When: Wednesday, December 22, 2010. 1:00PM
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Where: Suffolk County Police Headquarters,
30 Yaphank Ave. Yaphank , NY 11980 .
Exit 67 Long Island Expressway, half-mile south on right.
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For additional information contact Lt. Bob Donohue, (631) 852-6530. donohurob@suffolkcountyny.gov

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Note from the Webmaster:
Please forward this URL to appropriate individuals and organizations.
*

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Patchogue, NY

Patchogue Christmas Parade

November 27, 2010

I have attended many Christmas Parades in our home town of Patchogue NY, but this year I have seen an abundance of spirit that I never expected. In spite of the sluggish economy I believe that more people attended our "Christmas Parade 2010," than ever before. People were Fifteen deep along the sidewalk, viewing our parade. I estimate that there could have been Eight thousand people at our parade!

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I was very surprised to see so many groups participate in our parade; fire departments, car clubs, small businesses and clubs. I always enjoy the local dance studios that have their students, which are our children and grandchildren, perform their dance routines for all to enjoy! This is very important for all; it is important for the youth and their friends and relatives to come to the realization that these young people have attained a balance in their lifestyle. Trouble starts when our youth identify with less than reputable groups and activities. If we do not provide our children with something to identify with, they will figure out something for themselves.

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I always enjoy seeing the Tractors in our parade! Farmers and Tractors bring with them a connotation of what make our country great; "every day people who work hard for a living. There is a lesson to be learned from farmers; you can attain anything if you work hard enough!"

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Then we have the Boy Scout, and Girl Scout. It is always inspirational to see our young people involved with activities that build character. A community of youth that have not been directed toward and nurtured by groups that mold character will find it easy to turn down the wrong road

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The religious holidays of Christmas and Hanukah try to guide people down the correct path in life. We as a community must make every effort not to dilute that which creates a feeling of family, and a sense of community.

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So! Patchogue Christmas Parade 2010 was a smashing success!

Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukah!

(Left click the arrow to start video)

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Merry Christmas!

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Patchogue NY:

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Christmas 2010 Has Arrived

Special Events in Patchogue:

November 21, 2010:

Christmas Holiday Boat Parade

Boats will start down Patchogue River, at 6 Pm

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November 27, 2010:

Annual Christmas Parade, Main Street Patchogue, NY

Parade will start at 6 PM

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December 9, 2010

"Best of Christmas" Home and Business Decorating Contest

Prizes of $250., $150., and $100. You must decorate before December 9, 2010. Awards Committee will survey the Greater Patchogue Area for qualifying homes and businesses. Winners will be announced on December 23, 2010 in the Long Island Advanced.

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December 11, 2010

Christmas Tree and Nativity Lighting:

Saint Francis De Sales, South Ocean Avenue, Patchogue 6 PM

(This list will be updated as we get the new information)

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Patchogue NY

THIRD ANNUAL CRAFT FAIR

Sponsored by the Columbiettes

DATE:
Sunday November 14, 2010

LOCATION:
Patchogue K of C Council 725
38 West First Street
Patchogue, NY
(Off Waverly Avenue)

TIME:
9 am to 3 pm

There will be over 40 vendors selling a wide array of wares. Please come down and support the Columbiettes and the good work that they do.



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Patchogue Long Island's Christmas Village:

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The Christian Community is Determined to

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"Keep Christ in Christmas."

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In a letter to hundreds of Knights of Columbus members Philip Butler once again Initiates his "Keep Christ in Christmas" Campaign. In previous years many merchants preferred not to use the actual name of the holiday that is celebrated on Dec. 25, which is " Christmas," but instead use the term "Happy Holiday."

For fear of upsetting the Atheist Community, merchants generally use what is intended to be a more general term for Christmas, which is "Happy Holiday." Unfortunately many from the merchant community, do not understand, that Christians are mandated by Biblical Scripture, not to be ashamed of or conceal the name of their creator. Christians are not allowed to put the name of their sacred holiday, "Christmas," under the rug.

Many feel that the act of re-naming, altering, or substituting something into their religious beliefs is unacceptable.

Religion has been the reason for many wars in the past; remember the Crusades. Do religious people take their religions seriously? Absolutely! Currently 76% of the United States population are part of the Christian Community, and do indeed represent a substantial segment of our population.

I am a firm believer that all Religions share common ground; they all believe in a higher authority. Each and every Religious Group deserves respect and consideration by the other Religious Groups. We must all coexist in an atmosphere of mutual respect.

Wouldn't it be a wonderful Christmas if this issue could be resolved this year!

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The following letter was written by Philip Butler, to hundreds of
"Knights of Columbus" Members.

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Brother Knights:

The start of the Christmas Season is only a few weeks away so please Remember to support those who support Christmas – and keeping Christ in Christmas.

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A Great Store that does just that right here on Long Island– if you want Christmas trees and gifts it would be well worth the trip to Westbury as it’s a Christmas Wonder Land, check them out at:

(Click products - then Christmas)

http://www.hicksnurseries.com/

E-mail
hicksinfo@hicksnurseries.com

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If you want to help make Patchogue Long Island’s Christmas Village, just e-mail me back to get started right now.

Philip Butler
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Christmas Cop of Patchogue

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Patchogue, NY

NEWS CORP is WRONG CABLEVISION is RIGHT

News Corp has pulled back Fox 5 and My 9, from the Cablevision lineup because they want more money from Cablevision. I usually do not align with Cable vision but in the case of News Corp.; Cablevision is right! Actually "House is the only program worth watching! Why should we pay more for a provider that provides us with what I consider to be, sub standard programming material.

News Corp. is licensed by the FCC to sell Commercials and provide programming over the Air, free of charge, which they are currently doing. Now they want to charge the customer twice, once up front through Cablevision, and then a second time through their commercials. I remember a fellow that did that; he was called Blackbeard the Pirate!

I recommend that the FCC and our politicians reconsider this situation, and act accordingly. This is the worst form of Consumer Abuse; forcing us to pay twice for the same programming.

PLEASE call

1 877 NO TV TAX

You will be able to leave a voice message for News Corp.

You should have heard what I had to say!

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Important!
It might be a good idea to register?

The Suffolk County Police Department has recently implemented a "CodeRed" Emergency Notification System. This system allows the police department to communicate to subscribers information such as a missing child, a missing Alzheimer's patient, an active shooter event, or other information potentially helpful to subscribers who receive this information. Members of the public will have the ability to register their cell phone numbers and email address to receive emergency notifications. To register, visit www.suffolkpd.org. Click on the Suffolk County Home icon and then click on the "CodeRed" icon and follow the prompts.

Aristides Mojica
Inspector
Commanding Officer
Fifth Precinct

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Patchogue, NY

Town of Brookhaven

Saturday October 9, 2010

The Sandspit Marina, In Patchogue is Closed!

(This sign, purchased by the Town of Brookhaven with your Tax Money, is used to deny you access to the Great South Bay, after Dusk. Please tell me that this is just an unfortunate mistake, made by a misinformed employee!)

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My Saturday evening got off to a wonderful start, my wife and I decided to go out for dinner. After the meal, we decided to go down to the water to enjoy the quiet serenity of one of our most valuable resources, the Great South Bay.

We arrived at the Sandspit Marina at 7:45 PM; to my shock the entrance was barricaded! My wife and I were not allowed to enter the Marina. We were not allowed to go near the water, as we have been doing for over Fifty Years!

Traditionally there have been signs saying that the Facility was officially closed at dusk, but people were allowed to enter the Park. That rule was not strictly enforced! To my horror Two signs saying "PARK CLOSES AT DUSK," were blocking access to the Park.

What are our politicians smoking? They have eyes that cannot see! We the residents of Long Island tolerate the Humidity, and everything else Mother Nature can throw at us, because we enjoy the water!

Who in their infinite wisdom decided to barricade the Sandspit Marina at 7:45 PM. This is unconscionable! Our elected officials preclude us from enjoying a resource that we pay them to manage and protect. If the general populous considered the Sandspit to be a worthless liability, then the facility might best be sold to a developer!

This could not be farther from the truth; The taxpayers of Brookhaven want access to their treasured facility; the Sandspit Marina!

Politicians; get out from behind your varnished Mahogany benches! Get away from your Microphones, STAND ABSOLUTELY QUIET, and take a deep breath! Just think about what you have done!

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String of Burglaries in Patchogue Perps Arrested
In an earlier email I was a bit concerned about what was reported as a string of burglaries in our village. Finally the good news was published in the Long Island Press; the Burglars were caught.

http://www.longislandpress.com/2010/09/24/patchogue-pair-arrested-for-7-burglaries-in-3-weeks/

There was also a Car break-in, a Home Burglary, and an attempted Home Burglary in our Neighborhood Watch area. The attempted Home burglary was foiled by one of our neighborhood watch member. The burglary in our area could have been part of the crime spree!

Last night a suspicious character was reported looking into cars on Northridge St. A report was called in and the authorities addressed the situation.

A few other neighbors have been voicing concern, but the situation appears to be under control. As a Neighborhood Watch member you must not hesitate to call either 911, or the Patchogue Public Safety at 475 1225; depending on the situation. If we continue to report problems, the problems will stay under control.

Complacency is a disease that triggers the demise of a community! Keep the calls coming to 911 (Police) or 475 1225 (Patchogue Public Safety)

A Prominent Community Figure, who by virtue of his job, is intimately connected with the problems of our area, reports that our crime statistic is just about the same as it has always been. This comes as a relief! Although choosing to remain anonymous, this individual does indeed deserve and command our respect!

Our area is now served by a new part of the Mainstream media, that follows the new model for journalism; disseminating news; that is local to a single area. Patchogue Patch disseminates news exclusive to the Patchogue area.

At first I was upset with "Patchogue Patch," because they published the Police Blotter. I am not an advocate of hanging one's dirty laundry out of a front window; but time and observation has caused me to change my perception of this new publication!

As mentioned earlier in this article, complacency is the real enemy! I now feel that it is important for our community to be aware of new problems!

Please read the latest edition of Patchogue Patch. As published in the "Patch," two other burglars that operated in our area, were also brought to justice.
http://patchogue.patch.com/

The picture is clear; open reporting has increased awareness. It is also evident that our Fifth Precinct has been doing a great job, keeping the criminal element under control. Please click the Long Island Press Link at the top of this page.

I must also stress the importance of "the eyes and ears" of Patchogue Public Safety. I personally feel that we wouldn't be able to live here in Patchogue without the contribution of our Public Safety Officers.

Please read and support Patchogue Patch; a welcome addition to our community.

MANW


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Patchogue 4th of July 2010 Parade Photos
(Double Left Click any photo to make it larger)
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The parade started at 1:30 PM because the Fourth was on a Sunday this year. Attendance was down because many people had plans to attend family functions.
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The Parade starting time was late this year because of Church services. Wouldn't it have been wonderful if the Priests and Ministers had their members march in the parade in lieu of attending a Mass or Service!
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Emanual Lutheran Church


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Civil Air Patrol

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Lions Club

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Shinnecock Native Americans

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Pyrate Brotherhood

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Patchogue Village Officials

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Patchogue Village Officials

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Fire Departments

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Vintage Fire Truck

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Patchogue Ambulance

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Native American Veteran

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Knights of Columbus

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US Army

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Guardians of the Children

"Guardians of the Children" is an advocacy group charged to prevent all forms of Child abuse through education, support and interaction with various child protective agencies.

Child Abuse Hotline 1 800 252 5400

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Brookhaven Town Float
My favorite Float! I just loved the signs!
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"Salute the Armed Forces,"

"Proud to be an American."

"God Bless America."
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The signs say it all!



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Patchogue, NY

Fifth Precinct Community Newsletter From:

SCPD.5thPrecinctNewsletter
SCPD.5thPrecinctNewsletter@suffolkcountyny.gov

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The following information may be of interest to anybody who has a stake in Corey Beach, Blue Point:

• The Fifth Precinct received a report that a subject described as a white male, approximately 60 years old, gray hair, salt and pepper beard, wearing a hat, navy blue shirt, and small round sunglasses; offered a 12 year old a ride to the beach. The vehicle was described as a black suburban. Anyone who observes suspicious activity of the type described above should call 911. Anyone who becomes aware that a family member or friend was or is approached by the above described subject should call the Fifth Precinct.
  
  Aristides Mojica
• Inspector Commanding Officer
  
• Fifth Precinct

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Patchogue, NY, Mascot Dock

Unexpected Social Encounter on Mascot Dock in Patchogue

My wife and I often go to Mascot Dock, at the end of South Ocean Avenue, in Patchogue, just to relax and enjoy the beautiful view. A few weeks ago on one of our normal visits to Mascot Dock, we were unable to get a parking space; the entire dock parking area was filled with cars, but not one person was on the Dock! It appears that Mascot Dock may have been used as a parking lot for a local establishment.

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As I have been told, the Village of Patchogue has taken some action to remedy this situation. On Saturday night June 26, 2010 my wife and I visited Mascot Dock to see if the Parking problem had been solved. As we drove onto the dock, the parking situation seemed to have been corrected.

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Instead of just sitting in my car, my wife and I decided to stroll down Mascot Dock, just to see if Patchogue residents were actually enjoying the facility that they pay taxes to support.

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We started to talk to a family, who had a handsome clean cut, articulate teenage son. The entire family were catching crabs. They were hoping that the real big crabs would be available in a few weeks. They were just delightful to talk to!

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We then walked past four Patchogue Residents who brought their own folding chairs, and were enjoying the beautiful evening. One of the women looked at us and said Hello! Wow! "I was surprised because people in New York generally don't say hello to strangers!" We then started to chat with the Four Patchogue residents.

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We walked further down the dock and met a Delightful young couple who were "Crabbing," using a "Crab Trap." We talked about cooking crabs in a Frying Pan using Beer!

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We then started to talk with a women who appeared to be visually impaired. The women was with her daughter who was about Ten Years old going on 30; she was a delightful young lady! We talked with them for about Twenty Minutes.

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I was surprised that we had spent over an hour, socializing with our neighbors. I could think of no better way to end a busy Saturday, than with an unexpected social encounter, on Mascot Dock!

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This unexpected encounter with the International community in Patchogue only supports what I have been saying for years; we are a community that lives in harmony with each other.

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Note From the Webmaster:

An anonymous reader perceived a part of the above article as Racist. Following our policy of "endeavoring to create a sense of community, the text was removed.

I would like to thank the anonymous reader for his comment, and welcome any other constructive comment.

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THE PATCHOGUE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS # 725

TOGETHER WITH

ST. SYLVESTER'S COUNCIL # 6844

PRESENT :
DOO-WOP SATURDAY NIGHT FEATURING THE
SOUNDS OF :

"SOMEWHERE IN TIME"

SO GIRLS, GRAB THAT POODLE SKIRT, GUYS SLICK YOUR HAIR BACK (WHAT'S LEFT) AND COME JOIN US FOR AN EVENING OF FUN, FOOD MEMORIES AND MUSIC

SATURDAY NIGHT JUNE 19TH, 7 -11 PM, $30 P.P.

THE PATCHOGUE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS HALL
38 WEST 1ST STREET PATCHOGUE (OFF WAVERLY AVE)

COMPLETE ROAST BEEF DINNER W/BEER ,WINE & SODA
FOR TICKETS CALL MIKE BOEHM AT 774-2605

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Patchogue Memorial Day Parade Photos:


Patchogue Ambulance:
Our Patchogue Ambulance group will help you in your time of need and treat you as family, free of charge! What more could you ask for?




North Patchogue Fire Department.


South Ocean Avenue Middle School Band:
(Left click the arrow to start video)

It is so wonderful to see our young people doing such wonderful things! Their parents should be very proud.



Our Patchogue volunteers are heroic on a daily basis!



There's something very poetic and patriotic about flying a flag on a tractor!
We must not forget our roots! In 1920 Patchogue was mostly farmland. My house was occupied by Thomas Bush, the Patchogue Blacksmith; he had his shop on Terry Street.

My grandparents were farmers in Italy. Many of the residents in our town bring with them a similar background.

We must look at where we are today, and give thanks to the many people who made our current lifestyle possible. Our veterans who are also family are on the top of the list! Getting back to basics, our roots define us as home town people, in a family oriented community!






Patchogue Code:
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An official presence keeps our village under control
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The source of the following information is the Suffolk County Police Department's newsletter
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PERSONS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS: Did you know the Suffolk County Police Department has a Special Needs/Silver Alert Registry that enables parents, guardians, relatives or other caregivers to register important information surrounding persons with special needs in a Police Department database? The intent of this program is to furnish police officers with information to aid them in appropriately responding to and assisting persons with special needs. The Silver Alert/Special Needs Program consists of two components:
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Special Needs Alert
The Special Needs Alert is appropriate for persons with the following:
-Severe mental illness
-Autism
-Developmental disabilities
Note: This registry may also be utilized to provide emergency contact information for relatives or caregivers to elderly person(s) who live alone.
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Silver Alert
The Silver Alert program is appropriate for persons with the following:
-Alzheimer’s Disease
-Dementia
-Cognitive disorders that may result in a persons wandering or becoming disorientated and lost
Persons registering for the Silver Alert Program can request a Silver Alert bracelet be mailed to them, free of charge. This bracelet contains a distinctive number and instructions that first responders may use to contact the Suffolk County Police Department to obtain information regarding a person with special needs, which may be extremely helpful should that person become disorientated and lost. A photo of that person should also be submitted with the registry form.
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Register:
To register for the Program, kindly fill out a Special Needs/Silver Alert Registry Form by clicking on the Amber Alert/Silver Alert icon at www.suffolkpd.org, or call (631) 852-6983.
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Police/Community Meetings:
Please join us each month at one of the following community meetings to discuss issues facing your community (all meetings are held at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted):
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5th Precinct.125 Waverly Avenue, Patchogue. (631) 854-8500. Serving the Towns of Brookhaven (South) and Islip (East), and the Villages of Patchogue and Bellport. Next meetings: June 1 and July 6.
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Aristides Mojica
Inspector
Commanding Officer
Fifth Precinct

The following information was made available via the Suffolk County Police Department newsletter:

SUFFOLK COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT NEWSLETTER
SPECIAL ALERT: FICTITIOUS EMAILS

Members of the public are advised that there are a series of fictitious emails circulating nationwide regarding gang activity and initiations. The emails have identified various communities throughout the country, and most recently they were circulated on Long Island with the following fictitious scenarios:

First Fictitious Scenario: A female gang member is said to leave a baby carriage unattended on the side of a roadway with an infant within. When female motorists stop to assist the baby, male members of the gang attack the motorist and assault the female.

Second Fictitious Scenario: Gang members are said to throw eggs at car windshields. When motorists stop to clean their windshields, gang members are said to assault them. The Suffolk County Police Department has not been notified of any actual incidents of this or a similar nature occurring within the Police District. Members of the public are further advised that multi-agency, anti-crime and anti-gang initiatives, involving the use of both uniformed and plainclothes personnel are continuing, as are saturation enforcement initiatives involving uniformed personnel.*

Although these emails are believed to be without merit, the Suffolk County Police
Department offers the following general safety tips for your consideration:

-When driving, keep your doors locked and windows closed.
-Always travel with a cell phone.
-Don’t stop at isolated pay phones or cash machines.
-Plan your driving route in advance, and be sure your car is in good mechanical condition with sufficient fuel to arrive at your destination.*

-If you must stop because your vehicle becomes disabled, or if someone tries to alert you to a problem with your vehicle, attempt to stop only in a well-lighted area in a public place. If you need assistance, activate your flashers and dial “911” immediately. If it is safe to do so, remain in your vehicle and keep your doors and windows locked.

-When parking at night, be sure to park in well lighted areas. Park as close to your destination as possible and take notice of where you parked.

-Be sure to locate your keys prior to returning to your car.
-When approaching and leaving your vehicle, be aware of your surroundings. Do not approach your car if there are suspicious people or vehicles in the area. Always check around your vehicle, making sure there is no one hiding beside or within your vehicle.

Remember, if you are at all suspicious when driving or parking, stay in your car if it is safe to do so and attempt to safely drive away from the area. Drive to somewhere it is safe to stop, such as a populated public place or a police station, and dial “911” immediately.

You as members of the public are the Police Department’s greatest resource against preventing crime. Report suspicious activity to (631)852-COPS (2677), and in an emergency, or when urgent help is needed, dial “911” immediately.* To provide “tips” regarding drug dealers or prior crimes, dial 1-800-220-TIPS. Tips can also be submitted via the internet at www.tipsubmit.com, or by texting the tip to “SCPD” and the message to “CRIMES” (274637). Rewards may be available.* For Non-Emergency Police Response, please dial (631) 852-COPS (2677).

Visit us online at www.suffolkpd.org

Aristides Mojica

Inspector
Commanding Officer
Fifth Precinct

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Tuesday, May 04, 2010

Socially Acceptable Graffiti
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On April 22, 2009 I wrote an article about Graffiti in Patchogue. You might want to re-visit that piece after reading the rest of this article.
(Left click the link below)
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http://mapleavenuenw.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2009-04-29T20%3A27%3A00-04%3A00&max-results=6
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Last week I took a trip to Hawaii. I was amazed to see that Graffiti was everywhere; that is, wherever there is Black Lava Rock. Patchogue has had a problem with Graffiti in the past; Hawaii's solution to unwanted Graffiti is almost poetic!
(The photos were taken on the "Big Island," which is also called Hawaii.)

The texture of the Graffiti appeared to be different! A casual inspection revealed that no Spray Paint was used. I then pulled my car off the road and walked near the Lava Field to inspect the Graffiti "up close."

I was totally amazed to find that the Graffiti was "eco-sensitive; no spray paint was used and nothing was destroyed by the process of creating the art-work! Wow! For the first time in my life I felt a warm feeling of acceptance, as I examined the many masterpieces!

Everyone had a message to convey to the public; that is to anyone who drove by. From a public proclamation of love to a memoriam, all of the drawings had something in common; they were drawn with White Coral Rocks!

On a Black Lava background, white Coral stones were arranged to create the text images. The beauty of the Graffiti is that absolutely nothing was destroyed! Old messages were scattered by the rain, and the wind; and then the next artist would recycle the stones to create his own personal message!

The artists, could have easily used colored paint on the Black Lava Rock, which would have forever destroyed it's appearance; but they didn't! I did not see even one instance of paint being used to deface the beautiful Lava Rock.

My wife and I agreed, that the Graffiti was indeed socially acceptable, because property was not destroyed, and the rock arrangements would eventually revert back to their natural state.
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Unfortunately I did not have time to make myself immortal by creating my own rock arrangement! Wow! We should dump a load of Black and White Rocks in our own Shorefront Park, and see what happens! We in Patchogue might also get a poetic solution to Graffiti.

MANW

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