Patchogue, NY|News|
WATCH: Protesters Chant 'I Can't Breathe' At Patchogue Protest
A mostly young, peaceful crowd gathered Monday to support the Black Lives Matter cause.

I am a freelance journalist and writer who covers local news and writes features for local and regional publications. I’ve published work in national magazines like Salute magazine, Family (military) magazine, Triathlete magazine, regional publications like Long Island Pulse and Long Island Parenting, and reported local news for online outlets like LongIslandWins.com
Born and raised on Long Island, I enjoy everything LI has to offer, and pride myself on knowing the ins and outs of our communities. I think and write about parenting, women’s issues and health and fitness. I’ve swung from a trapeze, balanced on paddle boards, dangled upside down in yoga silks, visited West African and Bollywood dance studios, floated in a sensory deprivation tank and tried every type of aerobic and fitness class under the sun as a fitness guinea pig for magazine stories. I enjoy covering the intersection between science and daily life as a health journalist and finding new ways for families to live healthier lives as a family fitness columnist.
My background is in marketing and advertising as well as editing and writing. I have an English Literature degree (2002) from Stony Brook University and PhD graduate coursework from The City University of New York. Several years working with mid-sized clients, ranging from large retailers to small non-profits at New York advertising agencies, has given me a sharp sense of copy and business writing. Over two years writing for Patch.com sites, touching on every beat there is, has given me a thorough grounding in local community journalism.
If you have a news tip or know something happening in your Long Island community that your neighbors should know about, drop me a line by emailing me at jboydsweet@gmail.com
A mostly young, peaceful crowd gathered Monday to support the Black Lives Matter cause.

The Port Jefferson Station rally was one of many marches across Long Island today, held in response to the death of George Floyd.
The family business saw demand grow for the "ninja warrior" sets as Long Island families stayed home during the pandemic.
Charlotte's Table, a food pantry in Ronkonkoma, is serving record numbers of families: "They are apologizing for coming to access food."
A new eatery will serve up cheesesteaks, wings, burgers and "brats" in the East End.
The children's entertainer host the "The Birthday Show," helping kids celebrate while socially isolated.
A pair of entrepreneurial cousins construct backyard exercise equipment to keep exercising as gyms stay closed.
The weekly market will run Thursdays in the mall parking lot.
Coronavirus rule changes mean Memorial Day weekend beach access will look different this year.
The popular village street fair will be a virtual event this year, with online entertainment and to-go bar crawls.
The beachfront eatery and bar will be open for to-go food and drinks this weekend.
Babylon Village's farmers market will return this summer, with social distancing measures in place.
Patchogue Village envisions a socially distant way to encourage dining out for Phase III of Long Island's reopening.
Families with students who normally receive year-round special education contemplate a difficult summer.
Farmingdale presents a plan for socially distanced dining by closing street, allowing outdoor tables.
As the numbers of hospitalized coronavirus cases continue to lower, hospital urges residents not to put off needed critical care.
The family-friendly event asks residents to bike, skateboard or scooter around town to donate food items to local pantries.
The week of promotions includes 60 businesses participating in the "Shop 516" initative.
Sayville is one Long Island town that's embracing the trend of drive-in theaters during social distancing.
Ten small businesses in downtown Lindenhurst create a to-go package of food and drinks.