Big Store Closures and Bright Night Skies

Archives

Issue #335

Brian Grant

May 6, 2026

Good Morning

Change is in the air across Long Island this week. A major retailer plans widespread store closures, including one close to home, while the night sky offers a rare show as meteor activity peaks. In the community, local events are filling calendars, and a hometown athlete is making headlines with a record-breaking performance. Here’s what to know right now.

Brian Grant

Editor

Carters Closing 150 Stores Including Patchogue Location

The childrens clothing retailer Carters is closing 150 stores nationwide this year, including its Patchogue location at 499 Sunrise Highway. The company has 11 stores on Long Island. The closures come as the company faces financial pressure from tariffs and rising costs. Read full story →

Eta Aquariids Meteor Shower Peaks Over Long Island Skies

The Eta Aquariids meteor shower is peaking over Long Island skies this week, with potential to see up to 30 meteors per hour. Created by debris from Halleys Comet, these fast-moving shooting stars travel at 148000 miles per hour. The best viewing is in the hours before dawn with a dark unobstructed sky. Give your eyes 30 minutes to adjust to the darkness for optimal viewing. Read full story →

• Long Island Authors Book Sales and Signing – Meet local authors, purchase books, and get copies signed at James Joyce Irish Pub on Thursday, May 7 from 5 PM to 8 PM. Learn more →

• NYS Senator Dean Murray & Assemblyman Joe DeStefano Event – Join NYS Senator Dean Murray and NYS Assemblyman Joe DeStefano for a community event on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. Connect with your state representatives and learn about legislative updates affecting our community. Learn more →

• Bayport Blue Point Heritage Association Meeting – Join the last General Membership meeting until fall on Sunday, May 17, 2026 from 2:00-4:00 PM at the BBP Library. Dave Morrison, retired LIRR branch manager and railroad historian, will present the history of the Long Island Railroad with a focus on the Montauk Branch. Drawing from 50 years of research, he'll cover 19th century origins, branches, station history, and share rare photos. Open to all, raffle included. Learn more →

• Ho-Hum Beach Pre-Season Cleanup – Join the Bellport Village Hall and Environment Committee for a community cleanup at Ho-Hum Beach on Saturday, May 16 from 11 AM to 1 PM. Meet at the ferry dock at 10:45 AM, ferry departs at 11 AM sharp. Trash bags and gloves provided. Bring water and sunscreen. No sign-up required. Rain date: Sunday, May 17.

• Whalehouse Point Restaurant Ribbon Cutting – Join the Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce for the ribbon cutting ceremony at Watch Hill, Fire Island on Friday, May 22. Ferry departs Patchogue at 10:15 AM, ceremony begins at 11:30 AM. Learn more →

• 22nd Annual Walk for a Guide Dog – Support this annual community fundraiser organized by the Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce. Businesses donating $100 or more by Thursday, May 7 will have their logo featured on the event t-shirt. Learn more →

Bayport Native Wins CAA Field Athlete of the Week

A Bayport native and Bayport-Blue Point High School alumna has been named CAA Womens Field Athlete of the Week. The Towson University senior set a new program record in the high jump at the East Coast Relays, clearing 1.82m (5 feet 11.5 inches) to break a 19-year-old school record. The mark ranks second in the conference this season and 27th nationally. Read full story →

• Mothers Day Books from Lighthouse Mission – Lighthouse Mission in Bellport is offering a special collection of books written by Pastor Jims wife for Mothers Day. Each purchase supports the missions work sharing hope and feeding the poor across Long Island. Visit AndreaRyanBooks.com to order by May 8, or enter their giveaway at LighthouseCONTEST.com. Learn more →

• Long Island Authors Book Sales and Signing – Join local authors for a book signing event at James Joyce Irish Pub in Patchogue on Thursday, May 7 from 5 PM to 8 PM. Meet writers, discover new reads, and get books signed. All readers and book lovers welcome. Learn more →

• Patchogue Theatre Announces New Shows – Just announced: Little Shop of Horrors 40th Anniversary Screening hosted by Ellen Greene (August 30) and Ann Wilson: The Voice of Heart (October 4). Artist presale Wednesday May 5, public on sale Friday May 8. Also coming: Kiefer Sutherland (June 10), Todd Rundgren (July 15), and Napoleon Dynamite LIVE 20th Anniversary (September 13). Learn more →