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Ribbon Cutting

Smile Farms ribbon cutting event at St. Catherine of Siena Hospital on 6/9/25.

In an effort to address food insecurity on Long Island, Catholic Health and Smile Farms, Inc. have expanded their existing partnership, with monetary support from the Proskauer, by introducing a third cooperative food garden at St. Catherine of Siena Hospital in Smithtown. The announcement was kicked off with a ribbon cutting on June 9. Members of the Smithtown Rotary Club were also on hand to install a Peace Pole on the hospital property.

Members of the Smithtown Rotary with the Peace Pole on June 9.

Created to support mental health, the Smile Farms garden, which consists of seven flower beds, will be tended by youth volunteers from the Smile Farms Club at Saint Anthony’s High School in Huntington, as well as volunteers from the Smithtown Youth Bureau and Horizon’s Counseling and Education Center. One of the seven flower beds will also be tended by St. Catherine of Siena Hospital employees. 

Aligning with Catholic Health’s mission in addressing food insecurity, produce from the Smile Farms garden will be donated to local parishes and shelters.

“We are extremely grateful for the meaningful partnership with Smile Farms, Proskauer and all of our community partners,” said St. Catherine of Siena Hospital President Christopher Nelson. “The Smile Farms garden gives volunteers the opportunity to give back to their community, to nuture the garden to life, while also fostering teamwork. For our youth volunteers, as well as our hospital staff, it is a meaningful endeavor to know that the fresh produce that will be grown at St. Catherine’s, will be donated to local parishes in our surrounding communities.”

The first Catholic Heath/Smile Farms garden opened in 2023 at Catholic Health’s Mercy Hospital Outpatient Behavioral Health Clinic in Garden City, followed by a second, larger Mercy Hospital garden in 2024. The produce has been shared with food-insecure individuals at Mercy Hospital’s Family Center, an outpatient clinic for women and children.

“Our collaboration with Catholic Health is special and unique as it affords our Smile Farmers the opportunity to give to others while concurrently giving to themselves. The mental health benefits of gardening are well documented, including decreased anxiety, stress, and depression, and increased creativity, productivity, attention, memory, and self-esteem. We welcome and empower people with all abilities, skills, and experience for a day in the garden to engage with nature and each other. We are grateful to Catholic Health and Proskauer, for helping us serve the community while empowering people with disabilities,” said Smile Farms Managing Director Steve McDermott.

Catholic Health’s multifaceted food insecurity initiative currently offers emergency food “to-go” bags distributed in Catholic Health’s six emergency departments and throughout. Individuals who receive the bags are also provided with direct referrals to community-based organizations to identify resources, such as the Federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance program (SNAP) for regular access to healthy foods.  

For more information about Catholic Health’s behavioral health services, visit https://www.chsli.org/behavioral-health

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

Willow + Harlow ribbon cutting. Photo by Rob Verbeck

The Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce (PJCC) hosted a ribbon cutting for Willow + Harlow Candle Company and Studio on May 23. Located at 208 East Main Street, the shop specializes in all-natural, non-toxic soy candles. 

Owner Christine Santos provides immersive experiences in candle making classes as well as other workshops that range from baking, stamping and painting. 

Pictured from left, Brett Sceravino (PJCC Director), Ron Schlumpf (PJCC Director), John Huber (PJCC Director), Nancy Bradley (PJCC Director), owner Christine Santos, her parents and her son, Port Jefferson Mayor Lauren Sheprow, Port Jefferson Trustee Xena Ugrinsky, and Julie Vitrano (PJCC Member).

For more information, call 631-260-5473 or visit www.willowharlow.com.

Nantucket's owner Richard Gertz cuts the ribbon surrounded by Port Jefferson Chamber partners. Photo courtesy of PJCC

The Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce celebrated the new and expansive renovations of their Chamber partner Nantuckets with owner Richard Gertz at a ribbon cutting on May 1.

Located at 9 Traders Cove in Port Jefferson Village, the makeover includes extensive transformations, new outdoor siding, deck, furnishings and logo mural. Inside the restaurant was not forgotten as well, with a new bar, fireplace, tables and chairs as well as sound proofing the dining room so patrons may have a more serene dining experience.

The restauraunt is open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. For  more information, call 631-509-4848 or visit nantucketsportjefferson.com.

Ribbon cutting for Limitless Integrative Wellness. Photo from PJCC

OFFERING HOLISTIC SUPPORT

The Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce welcomed new Chamber partner Kristina Scaglione (holding scissors) of Limitless Integrative Wellness, 100 Mariner’s Way, Port Jefferson at a ribbon cutting on April 24. The event was attended by Mayor Lauren Sheprow (holding certificate), PJCC President Steve Munoz (far left), friends and staff. For more information, call 631-818-1528 or visit limitlessintegrativewellness.com.

 

Photo courtesy Long Island Game Farm Facebook

Join the Long Island Game Farm, 489 Chapman Blvd., Manorville in celebrating their 55th anniversary year with day long festivities on Saturday, May 3 at 10 a.m.

Led by Master of Ceremonies Doug Geed, the event will kick off with a ribbon cutting ceremony of the Woodland Trail, a universal access trail suitable for wheelchairs. The trail renovation was made possible with funds from Suffolk County Jumpsmart program. The ribbon cutting will open Woodland Trail for the start of the Trail Trot & Animal Antics, a non-competitive run/walk through the trail followed by animal inspired challenges (antics) for the children. 

In addition, the day will include:

— An Open House where guests will meet the Game Farm Team, Camp Counselors, and partners to learn about what’s new at the Game Farm this year including a summer music series and the Re-Photo Project.

— Kids craft activities by Macaroni Kid. Refreshments will be served.

— Performances by local songwriters and the Eastport South Manor Junior High Orchestra on the new Susan M. Novak Stage.

—Game Farm Director Greg Drossel will lead groups on a Woodland Trail Walk while he shares the Game Farm vision for the Trail.

— Artist Tonito Valderrama will invite attendees to participate in the creation of The Great Nest of Life Installation Project, an interactive nature sculpture celebrating birds of Long Island.

— Boy Scout Sam Zvolensky will show his Eagle Award Project, a sensory garden at the Game Farm while Scouts Adalia Haas and Summer Realander will talk about the Gold Award projects they are each working on.

— Nick Jacinto will talk about his animals and his upcoming Weekends with Nature Nick at the Game Farm.

 Anthony Graziano, Long Island Landscape Photographer and conservation advocate will talk about his work and upcoming photo and IPhone photography classes at the Game Farm.

— Dr. Heidi MacALpine and Noelle Grogan, community collaborators promoting health and wellbeing through the creative arts, will demonstrate and talk about their work and upcoming program.

— And of course visit with the many unique animals that call the Game Farm home.

“The Long Island Game Farm was one of our Island’s first tourist attractions and it remains one of our most treasured landmarks. It’s brought pleasure and joy to the Geeds and thousands of other families through the decades and I’m excited about this new chapter for the Game Farm and the Novak Family,” said Geed.

“It’s hard to believe it’s been 55 years since my family moved into the Manorville site and created the Long Island Game Farm. I’m happy to be honoring my parents by sharing this accomplishment with the people of Long Island. I am grateful to Suffolk County for making our Trail and new stage possible through Jumpsmart funds,” said Long Island Game Farm President Melinda Novak. 

Discounted admission for the day is $15 per person,  children under age 2 are free. 

Registration for the Trail Trot for youth, ages 3-12 years is in advance and includes admission to the Game Farm and a commemorative t-shirt. To register and for further information, visit https://www.longislandgamefarm.com/trailtrot.

ABOUT LONG ISLAND GAME FARM

Long Island Game Farm Wildlife Park and Children’s Zoo was founded in 1970 by Stanley and Diane Novak. As the largest combined children’s zoo and wildlife park on LongIsland, they offer families a natural environment where they can learn about wildlife and animals through education and entertainment. A member of American Association of Zookeepers and Zoological Association of America, the farm is located at 489 Chapman Boulevard, Manorville, New York 11949. For more information, visit longislandgamefarm.com, email [email protected], or call 631-878-6644. Find Long Island Game Farm on Instagram and Facebook at @longislandgamefarm.

 

Studio 45 ribbon cutting. Photo courtesy of Councilwoman Bonner's office

On Sunday, April 13, Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner attended the grand opening of Studio 45 in Rocky Point, a cardio dance and strength training facility owned by Dr. Kimberly Roff, an Associate Professor at Touro University .

Located at 53D Broadway, the studio offers health and wellness classes featuring a full body workout with cardio dance and teach elements of Yoga, Pilates, and kickboxing blended in as well as additional strength training. “I know the Rocky Point community is passionate about rebuilding and revitalizing Broadway and what a great idea to start a fully woman-owned business there,” said Councilwoman Bonner.

Studio 45 can be reached by calling 631-495-5668 or online at www.studio45rockypoint.com.

The Crime Victims Center, CVC,  announced the official opening of its Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) and Rape Crisis Response Training Program with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at their Ronkonkoma training site on April 4. This groundbreaking initiative brings renewed hope and vital essential resources to Suffolk County and the surrounding region, addressing  a critical gap in care for sexual assault survivors caused by a lack of trained forensic examiners. 

The event was attended and supported by Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, Deputy County  Executive Dr. Sylvia A. Diaz, PhD, LMSW, Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina,  NYS Senators Monica R. Martinez and Dean Murray, Suffolk County Legislator Leslie Kennedy,  Suffolk County Comptroller John Kennedy, Suffolk County Legislators Jim Mazzarella and Jason A.  Richberg, along with representatives from the Suffolk County Police Department, and Sheriff’s Office.  Additional support came from federal, state, and county lawmakers with staff in attendance, including  US Senator Charles E. Schumer, US Congressman Nick Lalota, NYS Senator Alexis Weik,  Assemblyman Joe DeStefano, Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay, and Suffolk Legislators Sam Gonzalez, Chad Lennon, and Nick Caracappa.  

The unveiling of the training site marks a significant step forward in building capacity in Suffolk  County and the region. The CVC SAFE Program offers specialized training for medical professionals,  ensuring that sexual assault survivors receive timely medical, forensic, and trauma-informed care. The  Program is approved by the International Association of Forensic Nursing (IAFN) – an accredited  approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center Commission on accreditation. 

The launch of the SAFE Training Program demonstrates the unwavering commitment of the CVC,  policymakers, lawmakers, and community stakeholders to advocate for survivors, provide  compassionate care, and drive systemic change in responding to sexual violence. The first training  starts on April 7, 2025.  

For more information about the SAFE Training Program or to join CVC’s mission to support survivors,  please contact (631) 689-2672. 

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The CVC is a NYS DOH Certified Rape Crisis Program, and NYS Office of Children and Family  Services (OCFS) Domestic Violence Services Provider and SCPD’s Crime Victims Center, providing  trauma-informed support and services to victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, human  trafficking, and all victims of violent crime.  

Every 68 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted, and every 9 minutes, that victim is a child. Sadly, 70%  of sexual assaults are not reported to the police. Join us in our efforts to raise awareness during SAAM.



Optical Outfitters in Port Jefferson held a ribbon cutting on March 22. Pictured on left, chamber members Ron Schlumpf, Mary Joy Pipe, John Huber, Brett Sceraviao and Steve Munoz; pictured on right, Alan Paulus, owner Danielle Cossari Paulus (with scissors), Natalie Cossari, Anne Cossari, staffer Amelia Bass and Dr. Alfred Cossari.Photo courtesy of Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce

The Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce, celebrated new chamber partner, Optical Outfitters, with a grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony on March 22 at 158 E. Main Street & Arden Place, Suite 2 in Port Jefferson. 

The new shop offers affordable quality prescription eyewear for children and adults with an added focus on specialty collections, quality sunglass brands and a gift section. 

Upcoming events include Mother’s and Father’s Day Wishlist gatherings with a jewelry making demonstration and sunglass fittings to be announced on the shop’s website, opticaloutfitters.com. Operating hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and extended concierge appointment hours are available by calling 631-928-6401.

 

From left, Deborah Pflieger, President, Board of Directors, People’s Arc of Suffolk; Brian Cabezas, Chief Operating Officer, People’s Arc of Suffolk; Andrew Richards, LIREG; John McGuigan, CEO, People’s Arc of Suffolk; Ayse Bin Csalman; Director of Residential Services, People’s Arc of Suffolk; Christina Goerler, President, AHRC Suffolk Foundation; Mary Fu, Chief Advancement Officer, People’s Arc of Suffolk surround Janice, one of nine residents of the Dix Hills home receiving the newly renovated kitchen. Photo courtesy of People's Arc
$25k project donated by the Long Island Real Estate Group
People’s Arc of Suffolk hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 26 to celebrate the renovation of the kitchen at their Dix Hills Residence, which will enhance the daily lives of the intellectually and developmentally disabled residents who live there, offering a more functional and welcoming environment.
“The kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s where people get together to share stories about their day,” said John McGuigan, CEO of People’s Arc of Suffolk. “For the nine people who live here, this is where they get together. It’s an integral part of the program for them.”
The renovation took approximately three weeks and saw the installation of new dining room and kitchen floors, new recessed lights, baseboard covers, window moldings, blinds, countertops, cabinets, new refrigerators, paint, and a new flattop stove. The kitchen suffered from decades of wear, including scuffed countertops, uneven floors and aging plumbing.
“This is good because I can get around easier that way,” said Janice, a 30-year resident in the house, as she surveyed the new kitchen from her motorized wheelchair.
The renovation was made possible through the generous support of the Long Island Real Estate Group, which donated $25,000 for the project. The renovation exemplifies the power of community partnerships and the commitment of the Long Island Real Estate Group to making a positive impact.
“To see people in a home, happy, to make them more comfortable, is wonderful,” said Andrew Richards, member of the LI Real Estate Group. “It’s very personal. We care. A lot of us don’t have to deal with the challenges people in this program live with every day. To be able to make this happen is very important to us.”
People’s Arc of Suffolk says the next project is renovating the bathroom, for which they are seeking a similar philanthropic partner.
About People’s Arc of Suffolk
Formerly known as AHRC Suffolk, People’s Arc of Suffolk is dedicated to creating communities where people of all ages and abilities can enjoy life to its fullest. The organization provides a wide array of services, including employment opportunities, education programs, and community engagement, all aimed at fostering an equitable and integrated community for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Follow People’s Arc of Suffolk on FacebookTwitterInstagramYouTube and LinkedIn.