CLOSE
Community

by -
0 153
The Art Museum on the grounds of the Long Island Museum in Stony Brook. Photo by Brian Kutner

The Long Island Museum (LIM), 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook was recently awarded a grant totaling $218,000 from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) to support the organization’s Art Museum Renovation – Phase II. This grant is part of a capital project funding announcement by NYSCA, which totals over $86 million to 134 capital projects across New York State.

The grant was awarded to help LIM work towards vital improvements in the long-term environmental sustainability of LIM’s Art Museum, which turned 50 in 2024. Thanks, in part, to a grant from NYSCA in 2024, the roof system and roofline insulation are in the process of being replaced; Phase II of the project, for which this grant was awarded, is to strengthen additional components of the building’s envelope, including the installation of new insulation, siding, and doors. NYSCA funding will support this next phase of the project, which meets the larger goals of the overall project for the Art Museum: to increase the building’s efficiency, decrease LIM’s operating costs, and decrease the building’s carbon footprint/environmental costs.

“We are thrilled to have received a grant from NYSCA, which will provide us with vital support for this project in alignment with three of our key priorities: accessibility, environmental sustainability and organizational health,” said Sarah Abruzzi, Co-Executive Director, Operations.  “This project will help take our Art Museum beyond its first 50 years and into a successful future, where LIM will continue to serve as a community leader and bring important art exhibitions, dynamic collections initiatives, and memorable programmatic experiences to visitors of all ages and abilities for generations to come.”

“Our arts and culture sector is a powerhouse, inspiring the world with innovation and creativity,” Governor Hochul said. “By investing in our museums, our theaters and our arts centers, we enrich our communities, strengthen local economies and improve tourism all over the State.”

NYSCA Executive Director Erika Mallin said, “These transformative projects improve communities, drive tourism and foster innovation in the field. Thanks to the Governor and the Legislature’s dedication to arts and culture, we are building a thriving future for our world-renowned creative sector. Congratulations to The Long Island Museum, NYSCA is a proud supporter of your contributions to New York’s arts and culture.”

About The Long Island Museum 

Founded in 1939 and accredited by AAM since 1973, The Long Island Museum is home to more than 60,000 artifacts, The Long Island Museum inspires and engages visitors of diverse ages, backgrounds, and abilities by connecting them with the region’s art and history, a world-class carriage collection, and energizing programs that foster a creative and inclusive community. For more about LIM’s exhibitions and programming, visit longislandmuseum.org

About the New York State Council on the Arts 

The mission of the New York State Council on the Arts is to foster and advance the full breadth of New York State’s arts, culture, and creativity for all. To support the ongoing recovery of the arts across New York State, the Council on the Arts will award over $161 million in FY 2026, serving hundreds of arts organizations and artists across all 10 state regions. The Council on the Arts further advances New York’s creative culture by convening leaders in the field and providing organizational and professional development opportunities and informational resources. Created by Governor Nelson Rockefeller in 1960 and continued with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, the Council is an agency that is part of the Executive Branch. For more information on NYSCA, please visit www.arts.ny.gov, and follow NYSCA’s Facebook page, on X @NYSCArts and Instagram @NYSCouncilontheArts.

by -
0 271
1 of 4
Scene from the 48th annual Thai Fair in Centereach. Photo by Luciana Hayes
Scene from the 48th annual Thai Fair in Centereach. Photo by Luciana Hayes
Scene from the 48th annual Thai Fair in Centereach. Photo by Luciana Hayes
Scene from the 48th annual Thai Fair in Centereach. Photo by Luciana Hayes

By Luciana Hayes

On Sunday, June 1, members of Vajiradhammapadip Temple in Centereach held their 48th annual Thai fair. Their goal was not only to raise money for the temple but also to continue a tradition of community and faithfulness through culture.

The event lasted from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and included several engaging forms of entertainment such as food, music and dance that encapsulated Thai culture.

Vajiradhammapadip Temple is a Theravāda Buddhist temple. The temple was founded in 1965 when the Buddhist Study Center was founded by a group of Thai and American Buddhists in New York. In 1975, the temple was officially registered as a not-for-profit organization under the Religious Corporation Law of the State of New York. Since then, the temple has grown to be a major part of both the Thai and Long Island communities. One member of the temple claims, “It is a wonderful, fantastic temple with very good monks and a Thai community.”

At the fair, there was an abundance of vendors selling different Thai dishes ranging from sweet desserts to spicy noodles. The large variety of flavors and foods allowed for some to embrace their cultures and others to understand and appreciate it. The fair was not only beneficial toward the Thai community but the whole of Long Island as well through this display. 

In addition to the beneficial elements adults enjoyed at the fair, children also were entertained. There was a playground where many children socialized and several engaging activities for children such as singing, dancing and music highlighting the family-friendly principles that Vajiradhammapadip Temple values.

Vajiradhammapadip Temple offers a wide range of programs that focus on Thai culture and Buddhist teachings including Buddhist Sunday School classes, lessons in the Thai language and morals and general social studies. Younger students have several options to further explore the Thai culture at the temple by participating in painting, Thai dance and Thai swordplay. These classes are taught by both resident monks at the temple and volunteers. For English speaking students, there are numerous classes in the Pali and Thai languages, Southeast Asian and Thai studies and Thai literature. Meditation training is also held at the temple, however, it depends on the availability of qualified trainers in the area at the time.

Another member of the temple notes that the main takeaway from the fair is that it “has both a commercial and a spiritual side, that is the most valuable part of this event.” The cultural connection that the Thai Fair allows for both the Thai and local community to thrive. Without this connection neither of the two are able to truly be successful. Through cultural connection beauty can be seen through different lenses; the Thai Fair is significant in amplifying  this concept. The truth is, sometimes all the world needs is a connection, appreciation and really great food.

by -
0 330
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.

 

by -
0 296
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 -
0 1121
Sean Skinner next to another project he presented at a previous science fair. Photo courtesy Sean Skinner

By Peter Sloniewsky

Last month, Ward Melville High School student Sean Skinner won a $12,000 scholarship in the engineering and technology category at the National Junior Science and Humanities Symposium in Chantilly, Virginia. The JSHS is a STEM education program intended to encourage high school students to conduct original research in competitions with potential to win scholarships sponsored by the Department of Defense and administered by the National Science Teaching Association. Skinner was one of nine winners of top prizes at the competition. 

The JSHS is a multiround competition which begins at the regional symposium, where Skinner began at the New York-Long Island level. There are three total regions in New York State. Skinner placed second in regional semifinals and first overall in regional finals before eventually winning at nationals. The competition is based on 12-minute oral presentations alongside a question-and-answer period. 

For his project, Physics-Informed Machine Learning for Many-Objective Generative Design, Skinner created a unique artificial intelligence model intended to assist engineers in designing mechanical structures with less restraints on changeable components. 

“The problem is that right now, unlike ChatGPT, you can’t ask [AI used for generating engineering designs] for many goals — you can’t say make it strong and aesthetic and dissipate heat, or whatever else you want; you can really only ask for strong and lightweight,” Skinner wrote in an email. “My project is about fixing that problem.” 

Skinner said his project had potential to drastically expand and expedite the possibilities for engineers’ design processes. 

“Generative AI can be used to create designs that meet the engineers’ goals better — like being stronger — and to do this designing quickly and more easily,” Skinner. “Rather than drawing everything by hand and then running several layers of computer optimizations, generative AI like my program simply takes in the goals of the engineers and creates possible solutions.” 

Moreover, as a current WMHS student and graduating senior, Skinner credited support from Ward Melville programs in helping him to go above and beyond regular coursework to study generative AI. 

“Last year I created a more simple generative design research project, which gave me a lot of experience. Of course, before that, I had no specific experience in generative design — it’s not something taught in classes, or even used in most engineering firms at the moment,” Skinner clarified. This may be due to lack of AI knowledge in the engineering subject area, with major implications that AI relies on high-quality and consistent data, which can be challenging to manage in engineering firms due to fragmented sources, inconsistent standards and potential human errors.

Insufficient or low-quality data can also hinder effective AI implementation and lead to biased or inaccurate results — but Skinner is determined to thwart these issues. He reflects, “Building devices for activities at Ward Melville like Science Olympiad has helped me develop a passion and intuition for engineering. With Science Olympiad, I’ve built all sorts of engineering projects… and this allowed me to develop a sense of what I’m capable of as an engineer, how engineering works and what engineers need.” 

Next year, Skinner intends to study aerospace engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology and aspires to eventually pursue a master’s degree in the same subject.

“My dream is to one day work for NASA and help build spacecraft for scientific exploration,” Skinner. “I would love to publish my generative design research one day and to do further research in this field to help it move from a prototype to the industry standard. But as I specialize within my education, I do plan to move closer toward aerospace research, possibly using my computational engineering background.” 

Skinner closed his interview with some parting advice for younger students interested in doing independent research. 

“I’d say the most important component to being successful is just being passionate,” Skinner said. “If you work as hard as you can for what you’re passionate about, you really can’t go wrong — whether or not your work actually comes together to be flashy or materially successful, there will definitely be some benefit, be it inspiring other people or learning for yourself.”

by -
0 395

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.

 

 

by -
0 342

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. 

by -
0 687
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.

 

by -
0 498
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)

by -
0 471
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.

1231,000...1,054Next Page 1 of 1,054
TBR News Media is your local news and entertainment website.
We provide you with the latest breaking news and information for your community.
Contact us: [email protected]

Most Viewed

©