March is finally here, hopefully the spring will not be too far behind as we get ready for our Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade and May the Road Rise to Meet Ye 5K run on Sunday, March 22 starting at 10:55 a.m. Join thousands of visitors as we celebrate all that is Irish!

On Saturday, March 21 at 11 a.m., come down to Blum's to support one of Patchogue's oldest retail stores for a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Blum's has been a part of the Patchogue community since 1927 and recently completed their renovations that included new signage and a beautiful new interior. The Chamber is thrilled for Blum's and hope you will join us for this exciting moment.

Wednesday, March 25 come down to the Patchogue Theatre of Performing Arts for our monthly networking event. From 8 to 10 a.m. enjoy tastings from Goldberg's Famous Bagels and tours of the historic theatre while you network with fellow members.

I am proud to announce that the Brookhaven Town Office of Women's Services will be awarding Lorice Belmonte of The Colony Shop with the 29th Annual Outstanding Women in Brookhaven Award for her dedication to the Patchogue community. Lori is the chairwoman of the chambers Business Promotion Committee which is responsible for Family Fun Night, Oldies Night, Halloween Happenings and the Fall Festival just to name a few. She is the very definition of hard working. Not only does she co-own The Colony Shop with her aunt, Lorice Fiala, but she volunteers her time to the Chamber, the Patchogue Lion's Club and also to the Village of Patchogue's Business Improvement District. I invite our members to join us on Thursday, March 19 at 7 p.m. at Brookhaven Town Hall as she receives this very special recognition that she so greatly deserves.

Sincerely,

President