Arts & Entertainment

Photo from PSEG-LI

PSEG Long Island has announced details of its fifth annual Power to Feed Long Island food drive initiative and invites Long Islanders to make a donation to support their neighbors. Beginning June 13 in Massapequa, PSEG Long Island will set up collection bins at eight different Stop & Shop supermarkets on eight different Fridays through the summer. The annual collection campaign supports Island Harvest Food Bank’s mission to feed neighbors facing food insecurity.

Hundreds of thousands of Long Island families struggle with hunger and food insecurity throughout the year. During the summer months, there is a significant reduction in food donations to local food banks, pantries and other programs. Compounding the issue, children are not in school where they can receive free or reduced-cost breakfast and lunch.

Enter PSEG Long Island’s Power to Feed Long Island. Between June 13 and the end of September, PSEG Long Island will set up collection boxes at eight Stop & Shop supermarket locations across Long Island (schedule is below) where community members can donate nonperishable food and essential personal care needs. The items collected at these drives will be distributed to families through local soup kitchens, nourishment centers, food pantries and other outreach programs in the neighborhood.

Over the past four years, Long Islanders have supported PSEG Long Island’s Power to Feed Long Island events by donating the equivalent of 130,000 meals to help people in their communities struggling to feed their families.

“As we celebrate the fifth year of PSEG Long Island’s Power to Feed Long Island, we thank the generous Long Islanders who have opened their hearts and wallets to help their neighbors in need each year,” said David Lyons, interim president and COO, PSEG Long Island. “There is hunger in every ZIP code on Long Island, and PSEG Long Island is energized to partner with Island Harvest and Stop & Shop once again to help families in our communities who need it, especially during the difficult summer months.”

“PSEG Long Island has long been a valued partner with us on the frontlines in our mission to end hunger and reduce food waste on Long Island,” said Randi Shubin Dresner, president and CEO, Island Harvest Food Bank. “The generous support from PSEG Long Island, Stop & Shop, and their customers is not just a lifeline, but a beacon of hope for our neighbors who may be a paycheck away from not being able to provide for themselves and their families a basic human right, like food.”

“As a leading grocery retailer on Long Island, we understand the critical role we play in fighting hunger in our communities,” said Daniel Wolk, external communications manager at Stop & Shop. “We are proud to once again welcome PSEG Long Island and Island Harvest to our stores this summer for the Power to Feed Long Island food drive. With food banks facing increasing demand, we are deeply committed to supporting Island Harvest’s mission to end hunger across Nassau and Suffolk counties.”

As a thank you to customers who make onsite donations, PSEG Long Island volunteers will be providing contributors free LED lightbulbs and reusable shopping bags. Representatives from PSEG Long Island will be available at each location to provide information on financial programs and money-saving energy efficiency options. Island Harvest Food Bank personnel will be in attendance to share information on its hunger relief programs.

How to donate:

The schedule for PSEG Long Island’s Power to Feed Long Island 2025 is as follow:

Friday, June 13 9 AM – 4 PM Stop & Shop

702 Hicksville Rd.

Massapequa

Friday, June 27 9 AM – 3 PM Stop & Shop

3126 Jericho Tpk.

East Northport

Friday, July 11 9 AM – 3 PM Stop & Shop

3750 Hempstead Tpk.

Levittown

Friday, July 25 9 AM – 3 PM Stop & Shop

385 Route 25A

Miller Place

Friday, Aug. 8 9 AM – 3 PM Stop & Shop

95 Old Country Rd.

Carle Place

Friday, Aug. 22 9 AM – 3 PM Stop & Shop

3577 Long Beach Rd. Oceanside

Friday, Sept. 5 9 AM – 3 PM Stop & Shop

8101 Jericho Tpk.

Woodbury

Friday, Sept. 19 9 AM – 4 PM Stop & Shop

365 Route 109

West Babylon

 

What to donate:

Island Harvest requests specific items, including:

  • Nonperishable food: Healthy varieties of canned foods, such as low-sodium beans, vegetables, soups, pasta sauces and tomato varieties, tuna and chicken, rice, pasta, nut butters, olive and canola oil, spices and pet food (no glass containers please).
  • Household essentials: Toilet paper, paper towels, hand sanitizer, laundry detergent and dish soap.
  • Personal care items: Toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, soap, shampoo, conditioner, feminine care products and shaving products, antibacterial wipes and washcloths.
  • Baby care items: Diapers, wipes, formula, creams, ointments and baby wash.
  • Cash or online monetary donations: Island Harvest estimates each dollar donated provides roughly two meals.

For a full list of suggested donations, additional details about PSEG Long Island’s Power to Feed Long Island, including a video of last year’s events, or to make an online donation, visit psegliny.com/feedLI.

 

Joe Pomarico

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) will host a screening of a short comedy, drama, and thriller film block by West Babylon director Joe Pomarico on Saturday, June 21st at 1 p.m. at LIMEHOF’s museum, located at 97 Main Street, in Stony Brook, NY. This event is part of LIMEHOF’s Monthly Local Filmmakers Series, which places the spotlight on Long Island-based movie directors and their films.

”I am deeply honored to be a part of the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame’s local filmmaker series,” said Pomarico. “Having my films shown here is not only personally meaningful, but also a powerful way to shine a light on the incredible talent of Long Island filmmakers. It’s incredibly challenging to get the right people to recognize my films—especially as an independent filmmaker working with limited resources and without the backing that many others have. The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is a respected platform that amplifies the voices of underrepresented filmmakers, and brings our work to a wider, more influential audience.”

The film block will feature Pomarico’s latest TV pilot, “Roach the Coach” (with equipment provided by Canon), starring Ronkonkoma comedian Chris Roach and Jeni Pomper. This film is about a veteran professional standup comedian who takes an aspiring young comic under his wing and mentors her into becoming the entertainer of her dreams. The block will also include Pomarico’s short films, “Soldiers Love to Come Home” (2008), “Gus” (2010), “My Butterfly” (2011), “This is Love” (2013), “Jiggle the Handle” (2022), “Hairbreadth Escape” (2023), and “Feline Abduction” (2023), among other selections.

The film series is sponsored by Rob Eberle of Magnetic Vine and G&R Events. There will be a Q&A with Pomarico following the screening, emceed by LIMEHOF Vice Chairman Tom Needham.

“The LIMEHOF Local Filmmakers Series is a celebration of the incredible filmmaking talent emerging from our region,” said Needham. “Each month, we showcase the creativity, passion, and dedication of local filmmakers, providing them with a platform to share their work and connect with audiences who appreciate the power of storytelling. This series is an important part of our mission to support the arts and highlight Long Island’s impact on the entertainment industry.”

LIMEHOF welcomes nominations of local film directors and movies for consideration to feature in the series. For more information, contact LIMEHOF at[email protected].

About Director, Writer, Editor, Producer, Actor, and Painter Joe Pomarico

Joe Pomarico is a filmmaker best known for his intense films that capture and magnify the little moments in life that many of us would take for granted or pass without notice. Expanding on these moments draws out the hidden connections between Mr. Pomarico’s characters and exposes his audience to subtle emotions of a world that otherwise would end up on the cutting-room floor in the hands of another filmmaker. Whether it’s a pair of eyes bordering on seduction or an awkward handshake, Mr. Pomarico has an appreciation for all levels of human interactions, and his appreciation resounds loudly in his films. He can manipulate the tiny gray lines of emotions to such a wonderful extent that the natural conversation and action between characters lead to great thrills for his audience.

Mr. Pomarico does not only have a talent for filmmaking, but he is also a gifted painter. At an early age, Mr. Pomarico demonstrated an ability to capture on canvas composition, depth, and perception in his paintings. His closest friend, mentor, and grandfather— Augustus Massaro—noticed this gift in the young Pomarico when he was seven years old and nurtured it. Through his grandfather, Mr. Pomarico learned to blend colors and shapes with paint and to subtly transform a blank canvas into a landscape of his imagination.

Later, his grandfather introduced Mr. Pomarico to the world of film and filmmaking, and it did not take long for this gifted student to realize his calling. With the skills that were bestowed on him and the knowledge he was taught, Mr. Pomarico developed strong skills for directing films. With his close attention to detail that he acquired from the painting of landscapes, and years of studying thousands of films, Mr. Pomarico has matured into an excellent storyteller and is poised to be a great feature film director as well as an Oscar-winning contender.

In addition to creating his own films, Pomarico worked as an assistant to Spike Lee. His experiences have proven invaluable on every project he takes on, regardless of budget, whether it’s a microbudget indie film or a Hollywood production.  Joe Pomarico and his wife Christine James Walker have been producing partners for over a decade, collaborating on numerous projects including Jiggle the Handle and the feature film Mentally Apart, both currently streaming on Amazon. Her latest work was acting alongside the late, great Treat Williams in his final role in FEUD: Capote vs The Swans directed by Oscar nominated director Gus Van Sant.

Pomarico’s next venture, a short film titled Darling of Pearl, is currently fundraising on Kickstarter.  DARLING OF PEARL tells the heartfelt story of a young black man and a young white woman who fall deeply in love during the racially charged late 1960s after his return home from the Vietnam war. The narrative unfolds across time, with sentimental transitions between their youthful years and his elderly time, where he reflects on their love while being patiently hopeful for a sign from his soul mate.

Director Joe Pomarico’s Film Block

Soldiers Love to Come Home (2008) Synopsis: A veteran surprises his beloved wife after his time in war. (Shot in Dix Hills.)

Roach the Coach (TV pilot) (2025) Film equipment provided by Canon.
Synopsis: A veteran professional standup comedian (Chris Roach) takes an aspiring young comic (Jeni Pomper) under his wing and mentors her into becoming the entertainer of her dreams. (Shot in Levittown’s “Governors Comedy Club” and Dix Hills.)

Feline Abduction (2023) Synopsis: Jean is on a hunt for the person responsible of her pussycat Puffin’s death in this “Naked Gun”-inspired slapstick comedy. This entry was made for a 48-hour film contest and with no budget. (Shot in Lindenhurst and West Babylon.)

Doritos Commercial: “Crash the Superbowl Contest: Belt Something Out” (2024) Made with no crew and no budget. (Shot in Ronkonkoma.)

AMC FearFest ’08: “Joe Pomarico’s Greatest Fear” (2008) FearFest ’08 film contest hosted by the AMC Channel. Judged by Rob Zombie, this film came in second place. (Shot in Dix Hills.)

Jiggle the Handle (2022) Synopsis: When two adult siblings reunite due to unfortunate events, they are pressured into welcoming a Mob-connected roommate. This passion project was filmed with no crew and no budget. (Shot in Ronkonkoma, West Babylon, Babylon Beaches, and Pennsylvania.)

Hairbreadth Escape (2023) Synopsis: A widow makes contact with her deceased husband from a parallel universe. This entry was for a 48-hour film contest. It was filmed with no budget. (Shot in East Meadow.)

This is Love (2013) Synopsis: This is an experimental story within a dance. An emotionally intense, cultivating dance with a twist ending, this film combines the performance of a tango crossed with a ballet. “Spaghetti Western” music sets the ambient tone of the piece. A proposal is set for the beautiful Gisela, a wounded angel with a heart of gold. She needs to make her final decision whether to stay with the man she so desperately loves or end their ties indefinitely—even if that means taking drastic measures. Inspired by Maestro Ennio Morricone. (Shot in East Setauket.)

Gus (2010): Synopsis: Seen through the eyes of director Joe Pomarico, this film tells a story of how art influences and increases the bond between grandfather and grandson. (Shot in Syosset.)

My Butterfly (2011) Synopsis: A tragic love story, inspired by the music and times of Maria Callas, this 1950s period piece plays like an opera. Jack, a handsome young man, meets Maria, a beautiful writer. The two develop a relationship that parallels the intensity of the accompanying soundtrack of arias (most of which are sung by Maria Callas). The situation is complicated when their relationship is challenged by a highly intense, powerful, and stunning young woman, Eve, who appears on the scene. (Shot in Sands Point, Village Club of Sands Point, and Port Washington.)

About LIMEHOF

Founded in 2004, the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the idea that Long Island’s musical and entertainment heritage is an important resource to be celebrated and preserved for future generations. The organization, which encompasses New York State’s Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, and Kings (Brooklyn) Counties, was created as a place of community that inspires and explores Long Island music and entertainment in all its forms.  In 2022, LIMEHOF opened its first Hall of Fame building location in Stony Brook, New York. To date, the organization has inducted more than 130 musicians and music industry executives, and offers education programs, scholarships, and awards to Long Island students and educators.

 

By Heidi Sutton

A classic adventure returns for Father’s Day! Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade heads to select theaters nationwide on Saturday, June 14, Sunday, June 15 and Wednesday, June 18, courtesy of Fathom Entertainment Big Screen Classics and Paramount Pictures.

The 1989 action adventure film directed by Steven Spielberg from a screenplay by Jeffrey Boam, based on a story by George Lucas and Menno Meyjes, is the third installment in the Indiana Jones film series and the sequel to Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981).

Sean Connery and Harrison Ford in a scene from the film.

There’s nothing more exciting than trying to keep up with the Joneses in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Indy’s Nazi enemies are back and have kidnapped his father, Professor Henry Jones Sr. (Sean Connery), to aid them in their search for the Holy Grail. Following a trail from America to Venice to the deserts of the Middle East, it’s up to Indy (Harrison Ford) to save his father, save the Grail, and save the day in this non-stop, action-packed adventure the whole family will treasure.

Each screening features an exclusive introduction by cinema critic and historian Leonard Maltin, discussing the landmark film’s timeless appeal and offering special insight.

Locally the film will be screened at AMC Loews Stony Brook 17, Regal Ronkonkoma, Island 16: Cinema de Lux in Holtsville, Showcase Cinema de lux in Farmingdale, Regal UA Farmingdale, and Regal Deer Park.

Fathom’s Big Screen Classics series continues with the following films heading to select theaters nationwide:

— Clueless in honor of its 30th anniversary on June 29 and June 30

This is Spinal Tap in honor of its 41st anniversary on July 5, July 6 and July 7

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest in honor of its 50th anniversary on July 13 and July 16

Sunset Boulevard in honor of its 75th anniversary on August 3 and August 4

— The Sound of Music in honor of its 60th anniversary on September 13, 14 and 17

Rocky IV: Rocky vs Drago — The Ultimate Directors Cut on November 5 and November 9

For times and tickets, visit www.fathomentertainment.com.

 

 

Leapin’ lizards! Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson will hold open auditions for strong singer/actor/dancers ages 8 to 12 for Annie on Sunday, June 22 at 10 a.m. and Monday, June 30 at 7 p.m. Adults auditons for ages 16 and older will be held on Tuesday, July 1 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, July 6 at 7 p.m. All roles are open. Rehearsals begin in mid-July and performances will be held on the Mainstage from Sept. 14 to Oct. 19.  For full details, visit theatrethree.com/auditions. 

Michaels
The Michaels Companies, Inc. has successfully completed the acquisition of the intellectual property and private label brands of JOANN, including the development of the beloved Big Twist® brands as part of the Michaels portfolio, the company announced this week.

In addition, Michaels is expanding its fabric, sewing, and yarn assortment, adding over 600 products across new and existing brands, including sewing and quilting supplies, fabric, yarn, specialty threads, sewing machines, and more. The acquisition and expanded product assortment reflect progress as Michaels continues to reimagine the customer experience to become the go-to destination for fueling creativity and celebration.

“We’re honored to have the opportunity to welcome JOANN customers into our creative community and are committed to delivering the selection, value, and inspiration they are looking for at Michaels,” said David Boone, Chief Executive Officer at Michaels, in a press release on June 5. “This acquisition allows us to better serve both new and existing customers, respond to rising demand across categories, and build on our momentum as the destination for creating and celebrating in North America.”

Fabric
Searches for ‘fabric’ on Michaels.com have increased by 77% over the past year and Michaels has responded by making a significant investment in the category, increasing the assortment in over 680 Stores, with plans for 280 more Stores this year. Michaels offers an extensive range of fabric with over 10,000 options available online. From vibrant cottons for quilting to versatile broadcloth for apparel and home decor, every creator now has access to an unparalleled selection of materials to bring their visions to life.

Sewing
Stitching its way back into the spotlight, searches for ‘sewing’ have increased by 39% on Michaels.com since last year. Michaels is responding by expanding its selection of customer-loved brands starting this month to ensure every creator has access to the tools and materials they want, including:

  • Introducing new Brother® and SINGER® sewing machines
  • Adding 50+ new needle crafting kits from DMC® and Loops & Threads®
  • Debuting 10+ Pellon® stabilizers and interfacing, specialty scissors, and thread packs, with Pellon cut-to-order batting coming in August
  • Expanding assortment with new products from Clover, FISKARS®, Coats & Clark™, and VELCRO®
  • Welcoming best-selling Oliso® Smart Iron

Yarn
Reflecting the growing resurgence in knitting, crocheting, and other fiber arts, Michaels is actively expanding its yarn assortment by 25% this year to meet soaring customer demand. From the most skilled crocheter to those picking up knitting needles for the first time, every level of crafter can now find what they are looking for at Michaels. Here’s what’s new:

  • Releasing over 60 new Loops & Threads offerings in-stores and online starting this month
  • Introducing new and expanding national brand collections from Red Heart®, Bernat®, and Lion Brand® this summer
  • Expanding best-selling Amigurumi kits with 12+ new seasonal offerings launching this holiday season
  • Welcoming beloved JOANN brands including Big Twist Value Plus, Big Twist Twinkle, Big Twist Posh and Big Twist Baby Bear, which are now being developed as part of Michaels portfolio of brands and will be available in-stores and online later this year

With many of these latest additions available now, knitters and sewists alike can shop in-store and online at Michaels.com. Additional products will continue to roll out throughout the year.

Special Welcome for JOANN Customers
JOANN was a beloved destination for creators for generations, and Michaels is honored to serve this community with a dedicated landing page featuring the latest updates and a curated assortment of products.

The Michaels Companies, Inc.
At The Michaels Companies Inc., our purpose is to fuel the joy of creativity. As the leading destination for creating and celebrating in North America, we operate over 1,300 stores in 49 states and Canada and online at Michaels.com and Michaels.ca. The Michaels Companies, Inc. also owns Artistree®, a manufacturer of custom and specialty framing merchandise. Founded in 1973 and headquartered in Irving, Texas, Michaels is the best place for all things creative. For more information, please visit www.michaels.com.

 

Author Tom Cassidy as a lifeguard at Rockaway Beach.

By Thomas M. Cassidy

The American Red Cross has three lifesaving principles, “Reach, Throw, Don’t Go.” Stand or lie down on solid ground and reach out with an object like a pole that the drowning person can grab so you can pull them to safety. Throw a flotation device toward a swimmer in distress to help them stay afloat and call for help. Don’t Go is a warning that people who jump in the water to rescue a drowning person put themselves at risk of drowning. Even lifeguards must be very careful when they rescue a panicked and distressed swimmer. As a former lifeguard let me explain:

The author’s son Kieran and his daughter Nikki in a swimming pool. Photo from Tom Cassidy

My first rescue occurred in the ocean at Rockaway Beach soon after my seventeenth birthday. I was working the late shift, and the next available lifeguard was two beaches away. It was early evening, and no one was on the beach. A few minutes before closing time, a woman puts her towel on the sand and walks into the water. Within a few minutes she was knocked down by a wave and the undertow was rapidly pulling her out to sea. She was desperately screaming for help!

I blew my whistle to get the attention of the nearest lifeguard and then swam to her. I told her I was a lifeguard, and she was safe. She stretched out her arm and I started to bring her close to me so I could swim her back to the beach. Suddenly in a desperate frenzy, she gripped both her arms around my neck so tight that I almost lost consciousness. We both sank to the bottom of the ocean, and she finally let go of my neck. I recovered quickly, and I was able to push both of us to the surface to get a breath of air.  A lifeguard who heard my whistle arrived within minutes and helped me bring the nearly drowned woman safely to the beach.

Although lifeguards in the United States rescue 100,000 people every year, never assume that a lifeguard can see every swimmer in trouble. If you are struggling or see a distressed swimmer in the water, yell for help, and yell loudly!  

Many people swim in pools, lakes and beaches with no lifeguard protection. For example, I was recently on vacation at a resort with five swimming pools and no lifeguards. I did a safety check and spotted the rescue pole and life preserver on the deck before my family went into the pool. Still, I was on high alert. Not for my five-year-old granddaughter who was always under the watchful eye of her parents, but the hundreds of other children and people in the pool.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that on an average day in America, there are 11 fatal and 22 non-fatal drownings. It only takes 20 to 60 seconds for a person to drown, so it’s important to always stay alert when people are bathing at beaches, lakes and pools. Above all, keep very watchful eyes on children, even when lifeguards are present. The CDC reports that for children ages 5 to 14, drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death after motor vehicle crashes.

A cool dip in a backyard pool or a refreshing swim at one of the beautiful beaches that surround Long Island is a great way to relax and chill out. President John F. Kennedy said it best, “When we go back to the sea, we are going back to whence we came.”

Author Thomas M. Cassidy, a former investigator, is writer and creator of the feature film, Manhattan South, which is in development. (ktpgproductions.com)

Children had fun during the 2nd annual David Wolmetz Family Fun fundraiser at Urban Air Lake Grove on June 8. Photo from Urban Air Lake Grove

Day of high flying fun for kids supports blood cancer research at Stony Brook Cancer Center

Long Island kids and their parents turned out for the second annual David Wolmetz Family Fun Day Fundraiser at Urban Air Lake Grove on June 8, honoring the late co-founder of Long Island’s tallest indoor adventure park and raising more than $10,000 to support research and treatment at Stony Brook Cancer Center.

Admission to the park for kids of all ages included access to the most popular attractions including the 30-foot-tall Sky Rider zipline, Mini Go-Karts, Climbing Walls, Bumper Cars, and more. Local vendors were also on hand for face painting, balloon animals, temporary tattoos and hourly raffles of everything from TVs to luxury vacations.

Proceeds from the event will go to support blood cancer research at the Stony Brook Cancer Center, where Wolmetz received treatment from 2019 to 2023.

“We grew up together, we went into this business together,” said Keith Handler, Co-Founder of Urban Air Lake Grove. “Dave loved to see kids happy and off their screens. This fundraiser is in honor of him to support the people who took care of him when he was sick.”

In October of 2018, Wolmetz was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. He was admitted to Stony Brook Hospital’s 19th floor, where his treatment started immediately. The staff at the Cancer Center and hospital treated him throughout his cancer journey, which spanned the COVID pandemic, and subsequently several hospitalizations over the years due to his compromised immune system. Dave lost his battle with cancer on June 9, 2023.

“Stony Brook Cancer Center was a very special place for him, and he loved the medical professionals who took such good care of him,” said Carrie Wolmetz, wife of Dave Wolmetz. “He always had hope; he always stayed positive. And he was always ready to try whatever new treatments were available, for himself and for other people.”

Donations to Stony Brook Cancer Center can be made here.

About Urban Air Lake Grove

With 50,000 sq. ft. of active play space, Urban Air Lake Grove is home to a variety of indoor activities, including the Sky Rider, a zip-line style attraction with a winding track that carries young thrill-seekers flying along 30 feet in the air, the tallest on Long Island. Urban Air Lake Grove also offers a High Ropes obstacle course, Spin Zone bumper cars, and a full set of rock-climbing walls, wall-to-wall trampoline adventures, and Urban Air’s exclusive Urban Warrior Course™ and Battle Beam, mini Go Karts and Flash Pads, an interactive dance floor attraction.  Urban Air Lake Grove is located at 3147 Middle Country Road, Lake Grove, NY 11755. Phone: (631) 861-4125.

Aldi in Medford will hold a ribbon cutting on June 12 at 9 a.m. Stock photo

By Heidi Sutton

It’s official! The new Aldi supermarket coming to Medford has set an opening date. The store will open its doors on Wednesday, June 11 for a “sneak peak” and a grand opening will be held on Thursday, June 12 with a ribbon cutting scheduled at 9 a.m. The first 100 customers at the grand opening will receive a golden ticket that could be worth up to $100. In addition, free tote bags will be distributed while supplies last and shoppers can also enter a contest for a chance to win a $500 gift card from June 12 to 15. Residents in the area received a flyer in the mail this week with a $5 coupon off a minimum $30 purchase.

Located at 2799 Route 112 in the Medford Crossings shopping center, the German-owned discount supermarket will join TJ Maxx, and Motor Vehicles in a 22,000-square-foot space previously occupied by Michael’s Crafts, which relocated to another part of the shopping center. The store will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Known for its budget-friendly prices,  Aldi offers weekly specials, fresh produce deliveries daily, online shopping, curbside pickup, home delivery and avoids “hidden costs” by selling 90% exclusive, private-label items instead of big brands. Customers are encouraged to bring their own tote bags, must bag their own groceries and pay a quarter to rent a shopping cart.

The Medford location is Aldi’s 13th store in Suffolk County. Other locations include Bohemia, Lake Grove, Selden, Lindenhurst, North Babylon, Patchogue, East Northport, Rocky Point, Central Islip, Bay Shore, Riverhead, and Shirley. An Aldi in the former King Kullen at 153 Ronkonkoma Avenue in Lake Ronkonkoma will open in the near future.

“At our new Medford ALDI store, shoppers will find that every decision we make, from our product selection to store layout, is to provide our customers with the best products at the lowest possible prices of any national grocer,” said Chris Daniels, regional vice president for ALDI, in a statement. “Our customers can save up to 36 percent on an average household’s shopping list. As shoppers look for better ways to stretch their dollar, ALDI is providing Medford with easier access to quality groceries at affordable prices.”

The Medford location is part of Aldi’s goal to open more than 225 new store locations in 2025 as part of the next phase of its five-year national growth strategy. This is the most stores ALDI will open in one year in its nearly 50-year U.S. history as more shoppers than ever look to save up to 36% on an average shopping trip, according to a release.

“ALDI continues to see more shoppers come through our doors as they experience our quicker, easier and more affordable shopping experience firsthand,” said Hart. “With our expansion across the country, ALDI is earning the trust of more shoppers in more communities than ever before, bringing us closer to becoming America’s first stop for groceries,” said Jason Hart, CEO, ALDI.

For more information, call 855-955-2534 or visit stores.aldi.us

Mather Hospital
Harshini Devi Sobhan. Photo from Mather Hospital

Mather Hospital in Port Jefferson has expanded its Graduate Medical Education program with the addition of a PGY1 Pharmacy Residency program, starting on July 1, 2025. The Pharmacy Residency is a 12-month program that “aims to cultivate clinical, operational and leadership skills in pharmacists, all while delivering high-quality pharmaceutical care to patients,” according to a press release.

As licensed pharmacists the residents will participate in activities designed to deepen their knowledge of regulatory compliance, pharmacotherapy, medication safety, antibiotic stewardship, committee participation, and key pharmacy initiatives. The program provides residents with the opportunity to advance and strengthen their professional development, emerge as skilled practitioners, and prepare for PGY2 specialty training and board certification. 

“Our Pharmacy Department has long been dedicated to delivering exceptional, patient-centered care. Through the establishment of the pharmacy residency program, we reaffirm our commitment to preparing pharmacists to uphold elevated standards of practice,” read the release.

Allison Nicole Pollina. Photo from Mather Hospital

Program Director Maricelle Monteagudo-Chu, PharmD, said the pharmacy residents will be an invaluable addition to the team. “They will be entrusted with managing patients with complex disease states, a responsibility that requires a higher level of critical thinking and advanced clinical knowledge. They will also actively collaborate with physicians and other healthcare professionals to improve patient outcomes, ensure the safe and effective use of medications, and advance excellence in pharmaceutical care,” she said.

To kick off the inaugural year, the first two residents will be Allison Nicole Pollina and Harshini Devi Sobhan, who both completed their Doctor of Pharmacy degrees from the University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy and Touro College of Pharmacy, respectively. Sobhan also received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from City University of New York, York College and a Master of Science in Health Sciences and Public Health from Touro University Worldwide.

Mather Hospital’s Graduate Medical Residency Program was established in 2014 to address a growing shortage of physicians in our community and an increasing demand for primary care physicians. The program now includes more than 110 residents in Internal Medicine, Diagnostic Radiology, Integrated Interventional Radiology, Psychiatry, and Transitional Year as well as fellowships in Gastroenterology and Hematology Oncology. 

A scene from the 'Empower Her!' festival o June 7. Photo from Girl Scouts of Suffolk County

The Girl Scouts of Suffolk County kicked off their summer camp and outdoor activity season  with “EmpowerHER!,” a daylong festival of music, fun, and sisterhood at Camp Edey in Bayport on June 7.

Designed as a fun and empowering day celebrating the fact that girls can do anything, EmpowerHER! featured yoga, meditation and STEM crafts, plus traditional Girl Scout activities like face painting, crafts and games, plus archery and fishing. Exhibitors included career fields in journalism, green energy, finance and law enforcement.

“We have the girls here on 90-plus acres, learning about career opportunities, about giving back in the community, about ways to be healthy and have fun outdoors,” said Tammy Severino, President and CEO of Girl Scouts of Suffolk County. “Our girls are learning leadership and entrepreneurial skills as well as STEM and the arts. We’re proud to bring girls and their families together for a day of inspiration and summer fun.”

Girls ages 5 and up wore their Girl Scouts vests and sashes adorned with badges and patches they have earned for a variety of activities.

“When you’re outside you get to meet new people and we’re getting ready for our summer camp that is coming up in a month or two,” said Brinleigh Ingwerson, of Northport. “We get to have so much fun. We can expand our creativity and our talents and express our feelings.”

“My favorite thing is the new people you get to meet and learning how to work together to help your community,” said Melanie Shek, 10, of Huntington. She and her troop are currently designing and building a pollinator garden at their school that will go toward their Bronze Award next year.

 About 200 Girl Scouts and their parents attended this year’s event.

 About Girl Scouts of Suffolk County

Since 1968, Girl Scouts of Suffolk County has been committed to building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. With over 15,000 members, they are one of the largest youth-serving agencies in Suffolk County. Girl Scouts helps girls develop their full individual potential; relate to others with increasing understanding, skill, and respect; develop values to guide their actions and provide the foundation for sound decision making; and contribute to the improvement of society through their abilities, leadership skills, and cooperation with others. For more information about the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County, please call (631) 543-6622 or visit www.gssc.us. Follow Girl Scouts of Suffolk County onFacebook, X, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.