Bellport Trial, New Aldi, Pride & Big Weekend Ahead

Issue #201

Author

Brian Grant
June 06, 2025

Good Morning,

There’s a lot happening in our corner of the Island this week—from big local news and fresh business openings to summer events you won’t want to miss. Bellport prepares for village elections, Aldi arrives in Medford, and the Pride Parade is set to light up Main Street. We’re also celebrating a local lacrosse title, new art shows, and a growing home for indie comic creators.

Want more ways to stay connected? Visit our new community site, PatchogueLiveLocal.com—your go-to hub for events, small business features, and everything that makes our towns tick.

See you out there!

-Brian Grant, managing editor, writer

Local Pulse

⚖️ A Bellport man was sentenced to 25 years to life for the "cold and calculated" 2022 murder of Lee Houpe, who was shot 10 times in broad daylight. Prosecutors said Shati Smith fled to Virginia after the killing but was captured and later convicted. Suffolk DA

🛒 A new Aldi store is set to open in Medford next week, bringing budget-friendly groceries and fresh produce to the area. The store officially opens Thursday, June 12, and will feature a grand opening event with giveaways and a gift card sweepstakes. Long Island Insider

🏨 A public hearing is set for June 10 at 6:00 p.m. as West Avenue Partners seeks approval to build a 4-story hotel with a rooftop restaurant at 138 West Avenue in Patchogue's HTL District. The meeting will take place at Village Hall on Baker Street. Patchogue Village

🗳️ Bellport residents will vote for mayor and two trustees in the upcoming Village General Election on June 17, 2025. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Bellport Community Center. Bellport Village

📚 Bayport-based Philbo Entertainment is expanding into publishing and distribution to support indie comic creators as Diamond Comic Distributors faces bankruptcy. With partnerships already formed and a focus on creator-friendly economics, Philbo aims to fill the gap for small publishers across the U.S. and Canada. Bleeding Fool

Day in History

In a moment that perfectly blended civic pride and public duty, members of the Blue Point Fire Department demonstrated their unwavering commitment to the community during Sayville’s Memorial Day parade on Friday, May 30, 1941. As they gathered on Garfield Avenue, dressed in full uniform and awaiting their turn to march, one alert fireman spotted danger—a curtain ablaze in the upstairs window of the Bud Witte residence just across the street.

Article from The Patchogue Advance June 6,1941

Community Highlights

The Phoenician Scheme is now playing at the Plaza Cinema, a sharp comedy about a businessman, his nun-daughter heir, and the chaos of scheming rivals and assassins./

Harmony Cafe is hosting the Growing in Harmony Social Event on June 20, celebrating National Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Month with a vegetarian lunch, live food demo, and gardening tips at St. James Episcopal Church in Brookhaven. [Harmony Cafe Nonprofit Organization]

The Village of Patchogue will hold its Board of Trustees Meeting on Monday, June 9, 2025, where local governance and community matters will be discussed. [Village of Patchogue]

The Village of Bellport will hold Voter Registration Day on Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Bellport Village Hall. Residents must appear in person with a valid village photo ID card, which must be processed before 12 noon that day. [Village of Bellport]

The Village of Patchogue is hosting its Annual Patchogue Pride Parade on Sunday, June 8 at 12:00 PM, marching west along Main Street in celebration of love, diversity, and equality. [Patchogue Village]

PAC-MOCA is hosting its 2025 Skateboarding Festival in Patchogue on June 29, blending skateboarding, live music, art, and a special film screening with pro skater Chad Caruso.

Harmony Cafe is offering a free container gardening class on June 16 at the Patchogue-Medford Library, where participants will learn how to grow their own food in small spaces—plant and soil provided, just bring a container. [Patchogue-Medford Library]

Join the community on June 8th for a beach clean-up at Bellport Marina, helping to keep the shoreline beautiful from 10:45am to 1:00pm. [Bellport Marina]

The Kiwanis Club of Patchogue is hosting its first-ever Bayfest BBQ on June 14 at Fireman’s Park, featuring food, drinks, games, live music, and a $25,000 sweepstakes raffle—each $100 ticket includes entry and a chance to win. [Kiwanis Club of Patchogue]

The Patchogue Outdoor Market kicks off its 2025 season on June 8 with over 30 vendors, live music, demos, and giveaways—including free tote bags and cranberry vodka for early birds. [Patchogue Outdoor Market]

The Patchogue Arts Council is now accepting submissions for its Annual Juried Members Exhibition, Patchworks 2025, running from July 26 to September 7, with a reception on opening day. Open to all current members, artists can submit up to two works in any medium by the June 25 deadline. [Patchogue Arts Council]

Join the celebration at the Patchogue Lions 4th of July Parade on July 4 at 10:30 AM, honoring the theme “Stars, Stripes, and Trailblazers” and featuring Mayor Paul Pontieri as Grand Marshal. Patchogue Village Calendar

The Patchogue Arts Council has opened registration for its Paint the Great South Bay 2025 plein air event, where artists can paint scenes from Smith Point Beach to the Fire Island Lighthouse. The event runs June 27 to July 7, followed by an exhibition and Wet Paint Sale from July 10 to 20. [Patchogue Arts Council]

Experience a magical evening of original music with Robert Bruey and the Shadow Cats on June 7 at People’s Pub in Bayport—lilting harmonies, rich instrumentation, and poetic storytelling await. People’s Pub

Community Highlights

Local Sports

🥍 Bayport-Blue Point captured its third Long Island Class C girls lacrosse title in five years with a dominant second-half performance, defeating South Side 10-6. Senior Aubrie Eisfeld led the Phantoms with three goals after halftime, sealing the team’s 18th win of the season. Herald

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