Newsday Reporter Deborah S. Morris presents a&nbsp;weekly digest of news in the town of Huntington and in surrounding communities.

Long Island

Towns

HUNTINGTONNEWSLETTER_SG

Joseph Ostapiuk

<a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="The Farmer's Market in East Northport, which replaced the Larkfield IGA supermarket." data-attr-credit="Newsday" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/c1b87caa-70c1-403c-b345-8d72f8d4bf43" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/c1b87caa-70c1-403c-b345-8d72f8d4bf43', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/c1b87caa-70c1-403c-b345-8d72f8d4bf43"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/c1b87caa-70c1-403c-b345-8d72f8d4bf43/obj15117524_19152?w=400&amp;q=0.3">The Farmer's Market in East Northport, which replaced the Larkfield IGA supermarket.</a> 
Hello, folks. This is Joe Ostapiuk, and I’ll be filling in for Deborah&nbsp;the next couple of weeks while she’s on vacation. 
So, let’s get to it. 
A longtime East Northport staple is no more. Well, at least by name. 
The Larkfield IGA supermarket <a href="https://www.newsday.com/business/larkfield-iga-supermarket-east-northport-farmers-market-odt7rk29">has been replaced by</a> a Farmer’s Market grocery store, run by a family that has nearly a dozen other food stores in New York City under the CTown Supermarkets brand. 
The store&nbsp;on&nbsp;Clay Pitts Road opened July 1. It kept&nbsp;nine Larkfield IGA employees and added six others. The site also expanded its product offerings, Sam Abukoush, one of the store’s co-owners, told my colleague Tory Parrish. 
Tom Reichert, who co-owned Larkfield IGA alongside his family, said the decision to close&nbsp;was personal. 
“We were just downsizing as we were getting older,” he said. 
Have you been to the new store? Have thoughts on the transition? Let us know by sending an email&nbsp;to huntington@newsday.com. 
<h2>Elsewhere in town</h2> 
"Jersey Shore" star Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi LaValle <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/the-snooki-shop-nicole-snooki-polizzi-lavalle-downtown-huntington-ngjj8dty">will close her downtown Huntington boutique this fall</a>. Customers can expect in-store discounts, according to an Instagram post from the Gerard Street store. 
Huntington fell short in the 5th annual 7-on-7 <a href="https://www.newsday.com/sports/high-school/football/high-school-football-whitman-huntington-tournament-of-bad-habits-lz4qh2n3">Tournament of Bad Habits at Northport High School</a>. Whitman beat Huntington in overtime in the football tournament that brought together eight Suffolk high school programs. 
Suffolk County agreed to a $57.5 million settlement <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/transportation/red-light-camera-refund-tzazb4fc">that repays drivers up to $36 for fees</a> it tacked on to red light camera tickets. 
Got a ticket and want to claim a&nbsp;refund? <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/transportation/how-to-refund-red-light-camera-ui2pl8da">Here's what to know</a> about filing a claim. 
<h2>Things to do</h2> 
Check out these fun and interesting things to do in the coming week and more at <a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle">newsday.com/lifestyle</a> 
Walt Whitman Out Loud 
Award-winning poet Mark Doty will lead a presentation of Walt Whitman's verse on Saturday at the Walt Whitman Birthplace State Historic Site&nbsp;at 246 Old Walt Whitman Rd. The free event will also honor the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. 
Explore LI's flower farms 
Check out these <a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/recreation/local-farms-wildflower-picking-mwd0n0y9">U-pick flower farms across Long Island</a>. Find wildflowers, including dahlias, cosmos and&nbsp;sunflowers. 
Find more <a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/long-island-events/2026-august-events-weekend-things-to-do-end-of-summer-eru782v6">things to do</a> in Newsday's calendar of events.

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This week in Huntington newsletter: A new supermarket opens up, Snooki closes shop

A new supermarket comes to town

AIAudio - This week in Huntington newsletter: Group's inspiration to lead during Black History Month


AIAudio - This week in Huntington newsletter: Group's inspiration to lead during Black History Month

Deborah S. Morris

<a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="The LIRR stop in Huntington Station." data-attr-credit="" data-attr-f="3x2" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/d731e916-60ae-43bf-9180-52b9310f5569" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/d731e916-60ae-43bf-9180-52b9310f5569', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/d731e916-60ae-43bf-9180-52b9310f5569"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/d731e916-60ae-43bf-9180-52b9310f5569/liMTA250930_23.jpg?f=3x2&amp;w=400&amp;q=0.3">The LIRR stop in Huntington Station.</a> 
Happy Friday, everyone.&nbsp;If your weekend plans include traveling on the Long Island Rail Road, you may want to reconsider.&nbsp; 
Crippling <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/transportation/lirr-track-work-service-shutdown-l76byfy7">weekend service disruptions</a> return on the LIRR’s Huntington, Ronkonkoma, Port Jefferson, Hempstead and Oyster Bay lines&nbsp;starting tonight&nbsp;as the railroad upgrades switches and signals near Elmont. And the interruptions aren't just for this&nbsp;weekend: They&nbsp;will happen&nbsp;most weekends for the remainder of the summer.&nbsp; 
For more information, check out <a href="https://www.mta.info/agency/long-island-rail-road">mta.info/lirr</a> and the TrainTime app. 
Hard to believe that August arrives tomorrow —&nbsp;but there's plenty of summer left. 
Among the rites of the season&nbsp;are golf outings. And one to remember is named for late Islanders legend <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/boston-bruins-great-talks-late-clark-gillies-as-warrior-combantant-330061968">Clark Gillies</a>. It benefited his foundation and was held at&nbsp;two separate courses in our town&nbsp;Monday.&nbsp; 
In this week’s newsletter,&nbsp;we also spotlight a story that includes former town Supervisor Chad Lupinacci, and a&nbsp;heartwarming tale about a recently married couple who grew up in Huntington communities that are right next to each other. 
What are some of your favorite summertime memories? Let me know at deborah.morris@newsday.com. 
<h2>Elsewhere in town</h2> <a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="Islanders alumni at a golf outing for the Clark Gillies Foundation at the Huntington Crescent Club." data-attr-credit="" data-attr-f="3x2" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/63bc1177-2d50-4880-b4e9-76a9ada56674" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/63bc1177-2d50-4880-b4e9-76a9ada56674', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/63bc1177-2d50-4880-b4e9-76a9ada56674"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/63bc1177-2d50-4880-b4e9-76a9ada56674/spISLES260728_8.jpg?f=3x2&amp;w=400&amp;q=0.3">Islanders alumni at a golf outing for the Clark Gillies Foundation at the Huntington Crescent Club.</a> 
<ul> 
 <li>Gillies&nbsp;was a hockey Hall of Famer and an&nbsp;Islander from 1974 to 1986. He died&nbsp;in 2022,&nbsp;but&nbsp;his memory lives on through <a href="https://clarkgillies.org/the-foundation/">his foundation</a>,&nbsp;which helps families facing steep&nbsp;challenges. The foundation's annual golf outing&nbsp;was held Monday at two of our town's courses, <a href="https://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/clark-gillies-anders-lee-matt-martin-l4o9lnqo">wrote Ben Dickson</a>.&nbsp;A $200,000 donation was announced for the North Shore Holiday House.</li> 
 <li>My colleague Layla Duran wrote&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/li-life/maddie-wilson-alex-bertossi-t7obqejb">a heartwarming story</a>&nbsp;about Maddie Wilson and Alex Bertossi, and how they made it to "I do!" Wilson grew up in Greenlawn and Bertossi&nbsp;in Centerport.</li> 
 <li>See what Lupinacci, the former town supervisor&nbsp;who lectures about business law at Farmingdale State College,&nbsp;says about why many recent college grads <a href="https://www.newsday.com/real-estate/postgrad-jobs-gen-z-n72oghz7">are going into real estate</a> on Long Island. Newsday's&nbsp;Rachel Weiss wrote the story.</li> 
 <li>What's next for the African American museum proposed for Huntington? It's been in the works for years and it could take years longer to be built.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/huntington-african-american-museum-relocates-enhhchfx">Read my latest story here</a>.</li> 
</ul> 
<h2>Things to do</h2> <a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="The Paramount in Huntington." data-attr-credit="" data-attr-f="3x2" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/1db8d639-568f-4836-b38d-305f84d0e57a" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/1db8d639-568f-4836-b38d-305f84d0e57a', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/1db8d639-568f-4836-b38d-305f84d0e57a"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/1db8d639-568f-4836-b38d-305f84d0e57a/iSPIELBERG250305_1742936.jpg?f=3x2&amp;w=400&amp;q=0.3">The Paramount in Huntington.</a> 
Check out these fun and interesting things to do around town in the coming week, and more at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle">newsday.com/lifestyle</a>. 
Franz Ferdinand 
The Scottish indie rock band performs Saturday, Aug. 8, at the Paramount,&nbsp;370 New York Ave., Huntington. The show starts at 8 p.m., tickets start at $40. Find out more&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.paramountny.com/">paramountny.com</a>. 
National Night Out&nbsp; 
Join your neighbors,&nbsp;officers from Huntington's Second Precinct and town officials for a family friendly night of food, fun and&nbsp;connection at Manor Field Park,&nbsp;110 East Fifth St., Huntington Station. It happens Tuesday,&nbsp;Aug. 4, from 4&nbsp;to 7 p.m.&nbsp; 
Find more things to do in this <a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/long-island-events/july-events-calendar-2026-weekend-things-to-do-guide-summer-o9pvpqqh">Newsday calendar of events</a>.

TOHUNTNEWSLETTER260731

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This week in Huntington newsletter: LIRR weekend disruptions, and celebrating and Islanders hero

Be wary of LIRR disruptions this weekend

<a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-align="center" data-attr-caption="Maria Delgado leaves her home in Huntington Station days after last fall's election.
" data-attr-credit="" data-attr-f="3x2" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/ea53f4c9-3e4e-4e6a-a8b6-588a8d32e224" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/ea53f4c9-3e4e-4e6a-a8b6-588a8d32e224', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/ea53f4c9-3e4e-4e6a-a8b6-588a8d32e224"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/ea53f4c9-3e4e-4e6a-a8b6-588a8d32e224/OBJ14923636_14012?f=3x2&amp;w=400&amp;q=0.3" /></a>
Hello, everyone. Here we are,&nbsp;deep into summer, and the saga of <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/suffolk/maria-delgado-macco-smyth-dd14jim4">Maria Delgado</a>, a mystery candidate in last fall&#39;s supervisor election, continues. And it tops our newsletter this week.

Last November I was assigned to write&nbsp;a story on Delgado, the Huntington Station woman who, days earlier, had garnered about 3% of the vote in the election as the&nbsp;Working Families Party candidate. She received enough votes to possibly swing the close&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/huntington-election-petitions-duped-b9kktvh9">three-way race</a>&nbsp;to incumbent Republican Ed Smyth.&nbsp;

Before the Nov. 4 election, I hadn&#39;t been able to reach Delgado for Newsday&#39;s&nbsp;annual voters guide preview. After her strong showing, I set out to find her. When I did, Delgado told me she didn&#39;t vote in the election, though voting records indicated she did.

I never thought that her candidacy and that conversation might be the catalyst for an investigation by the state attorney general. But the AG&#39;s&nbsp;office got involved, <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/maria-delgado-huntington-investigation-uecgv96v">as Newsday previously reported</a>, reviewing complaints amid concerns by Democrats&nbsp;that opposing parties were raiding the WFP line.&nbsp;

On Monday I got a tip that the AG&rsquo;s office had subpoenaed the town. That led to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/huntington-supervisor-race-investigation-k439coqc">my latest&nbsp;story</a> on the election fallout.

More than eight months later,&nbsp;there&#39;s&nbsp;no end in sight to this saga. I&#39;ll&nbsp;continue to follow along.

Have you been following the story of&nbsp;Huntington&#39;s 2025 elections? Let me know at deborah.morris@newsday.com.

<h2>Elsewhere in town</h2>
<a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-align="center" data-attr-caption="Sydney Taylor drives past Dominique Malonga of the Seattle Storm in a game July 15." data-attr-credit="Getty Images" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/b7b13cde-54f1-4f81-884f-ac6af0e6dfe3" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/b7b13cde-54f1-4f81-884f-ac6af0e6dfe3', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/b7b13cde-54f1-4f81-884f-ac6af0e6dfe3"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/b7b13cde-54f1-4f81-884f-ac6af0e6dfe3/2285609586.jpg?w=400&amp;q=0.3" /></a>

<ul>
	<li>My colleague Barbara Barker&nbsp;wrote a profile of Huntington native <a href="https://www.newsday.com/sports/womens-sports/sydney-taylor-wnba-chicago-sky-tjo3grtm">Sydney Taylor</a>, a rookie guard with the WNBA&#39;s Chicago Sky, and how her dedication to her craft helped her reach her goals.</li>
	<li>Two of my colleagues,&nbsp;Rachel Weiss and Celia Young, took a look at what will be the <a href="https://www.newsday.com/real-estate/nyu-melville-110-housing-lirr-bus-q078qsbq">changed landscape</a> of Melville when the proposed NYU Langone Hospital campus in the hamlet is built.</li>
	<li>
	Check out <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/li-life/huntington-sailboat-perroquet-pymxs407">this story by Richard Galant</a> on&nbsp;a sailboat&nbsp;built in Huntington&nbsp;in 1939 that&#39;s still seaworthy. It&#39;s called the Perroquet and&nbsp;it has found its way to the Indian Ocean.&nbsp;
	</li>
</ul>

<h2>Readers Speak Out</h2>
<a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-align="center" data-attr-caption="Barry Lites, board chairman of Huntington's African American Museum, and curator Tiarra Inez Brown.
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Last week I mentioned there was an unexpected debate&nbsp;at a town board meeting July 14 about a proposed African American museum <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/huntington-african-american-museum-halesite-vpixm5wp">to be located in&nbsp;Fair Meadow Park</a> in Huntington Station.

At that&nbsp;same meeting, there was a public hearing on&nbsp;a measure that would allow town officials to pierce the tax cap for the 2027 budget &mdash; but&nbsp;not one person signed up to register their thoughts on that.

So I asked:&nbsp;Were you more concerned about the proposed museum or a possible&nbsp;increase in your property taxes?

Here&rsquo;s a sample of responses I received.&nbsp;

Gail Issing, who has lived in Huntington for 46 years, said without question: taxes.&nbsp;

&quot;I have paid more than my share of taxes and strongly oppose piercing the tax cap!! Clearly taxes are a bigger issue than the proposed museum, especially if it does not use all of the property similar to the Heckscher museum. &hellip;&quot;

Peter Rosenfield said taxes are already too high:

&ldquo;Every department in the town should be looking for ways to CUT taxes! Huntington should start by halving the number of &#39;Public Safety&#39;&nbsp;employees. Total waste of money.&nbsp;... Build the museum! I&rsquo;ve never seen a single person in that &#39;park.&#39;&rdquo;

Lisa Leonardi said she&rsquo;s in favor of an African American Museum:&nbsp;&ldquo;A large portion of Huntington township is affluent and able to withstand raising property taxes.&quot;

I appreciate the feedback. What&#39;s your opinion? Let me know at&nbsp;deborah.morris@newsday.com.

<h2>Things to do</h2>

Check out what&#39;s happening around town in the coming week.
<a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-align="center" data-attr-caption="Town Hall, at 100 Main St., hosts two notable events this coming week." data-attr-credit="" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/ae9958f9-bacc-466a-be5c-4d6218f7aafa" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/ae9958f9-bacc-466a-be5c-4d6218f7aafa', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/ae9958f9-bacc-466a-be5c-4d6218f7aafa"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/ae9958f9-bacc-466a-be5c-4d6218f7aafa/toSYSTEM25091780962.jpg?w=400&amp;q=0.3" /></a>

Help Support Local Moms

A diaper collection to support local expectant mothers is being held now through Sept. 4 at Huntington Town Hall, 100 Main St.&nbsp;Drop them off in the lobby between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.&nbsp;&nbsp;All sizes and brands are welcome.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/61555304318074/posts/help-support-local-families-by-participating-in-the-huntington-town-hall-diaper-/122276741906176810/">For more information, check&nbsp;here</a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/61555304318074/posts/help-support-local-families-by-participating-in-the-huntington-town-hall-diaper-/122276741906176810/">.</a>

Free Naloxone Training for Students

A Free Naloxone Training session for high school and college students&nbsp;will teach attendees how to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose and how to administer Naloxone (Narcan), a life-saving medication that can reverse the effects of an overdose. Hosted by Councilwoman Theresa Mari, the session will be held&nbsp;Tuesday, July 28,&nbsp;at 4:30 p.m. at in the town board room at Huntington Town Hall. For more details. go to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=122277478448176810&amp;set=pb.61555304318074.-2207520000">Mari&#39;s Facebook page here</a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=122277478448176810&amp;set=pb.61555304318074.-2207520000">.</a>

Find more things to do at <a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle">newsday.com/lifestyle</a>.

&nbsp;

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This week in Huntington newsletter: Supervisor's election fallout continues, 8 months later

More supervisor election fallout, 8 months later

<a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="Fair Meadow Park in Huntington Station is the proposed site of the Huntington African American Museum.
" data-attr-credit="" data-attr-f="3x2" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/ce2dd8e4-7fc4-43e7-a947-f9952f0e4fe6" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/ce2dd8e4-7fc4-43e7-a947-f9952f0e4fe6', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/ce2dd8e4-7fc4-43e7-a947-f9952f0e4fe6"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/ce2dd8e4-7fc4-43e7-a947-f9952f0e4fe6/obj14983666_11408?f=3x2&amp;w=400&amp;q=0.3">Fair Meadow Park in Huntington Station is the proposed site of the Huntington African American Museum. </a> 
Hello! It's been&nbsp;an interesting week, between the hazy skies caused by the Canadian wildfires and a town board meeting that drew a lot of people for a reason I didn't expect.&nbsp; 
The town held a public hearing Tuesday <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/huntington-tax-cap-pierce-2027-hitveu0k">to consider piercing the tax cap</a>, but no one signed up to speak and the hearing was closed. That gives the&nbsp;board 90 days to vote on the&nbsp;resolution. 
But during the public comment session at&nbsp;that meeting, where people can bring up any topic, a debate emerged over <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/huntington-african-american-museum-halesite-vpixm5wp">plans to locate the proposed African American museum at Fair Meadow Park</a> in Huntington Station. 
My colleague Ava Shea attended the meeting and said opponents of the proposal argued that one of Huntington's remaining open green spaces shouldn't be transformed into what they describe as a construction zone with added parking lots. They also contend that residents weren't given adequate, or even any, notice about the project. 
A petition opposing the museum's placement in the park circulated over the weekend and garnered 99 signatures, calling for the park's preservation. 
Supporters of the museum argue&nbsp;the project would be a valuable cultural addition to the community and say the museum would occupy only a small portion of parkland that isn't heavily used by residents. Some have compared the proposal to <a href="https://www.heckscher.org/">The Heckscher Museum of Art</a>&nbsp;and its parkland site, arguing that the institution became an important asset to Huntington, and that the African American museum could serve a similar role. 
Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation this month approving the removal of parkland designation from Fair Meadow Park, which will allow&nbsp;the museum proposal to advance. 
At Tuesday's&nbsp;meeting, the board voted 5-0 to establish an advisory team for the museum. 
What are you more concerned with: the&nbsp;proposed museum project or an increase in your property taxes next year? Let me know at deborah.morris@newsday.com. 
<h2>The latest on McDonald's plan</h2> <a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="Many residents at a zoning board of appeals meeting last month expressed opposition to a proposal to build the McDonald's.
" data-attr-credit="Newsday" data-attr-f="3x2" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/7f5b3133-2d1f-49bd-92da-0fecacdff4f0" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/7f5b3133-2d1f-49bd-92da-0fecacdff4f0', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/7f5b3133-2d1f-49bd-92da-0fecacdff4f0"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/7f5b3133-2d1f-49bd-92da-0fecacdff4f0/TOHUNT260606_152043.jpg?f=3x2&amp;w=400&amp;q=0.3">Many residents at a zoning board of appeals meeting last month expressed opposition to a proposal to build the McDonald's. </a> 
<ul> 
 <li> McDonald's, seeking to build at a busy Greenlawn intersection&nbsp;across Park Avenue from Fair Meadow Park,&nbsp;has responded&nbsp;to questions from Huntington officials. <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/mcdonalds-huntington-intersection-greenlawn-qghbeq2s">Read my latest story on the plan</a>.&nbsp; </li> 
 <li>Take a walk down memory lane with my colleague&nbsp;Michael Sicoli as he looks at&nbsp;top Long Island <a href="https://www.newsday.com/sports/high-school/high-school-sports-top-moments-k8wmcxfu">high school sports moments</a> from the 2025-26 season, including one at Commack High School.</li> 
 <li>My colleague Peter Gill reported on the relationship between&nbsp;municipalities, including Huntington,&nbsp;getting <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/transportation/road-funding-earmarks-policy-ts0hlk26">federal money</a> for road infrastructure&nbsp;projects,&nbsp;with one congressman conditioning the funds on whether they cooperate with federal immigration officials.&nbsp;</li> 
 <li>Check out <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/long-swamp-cemetery-headstones-wvvqjnqx">my story on a cemetery in Huntington Station</a> that holds the remains of Revolutionary War veterans, and plans by local officials to spruce it up.</li> 
</ul> 
Do you have a favorite historic landmark in town? Let me know at&nbsp;deborah.morris@newsday.com. 
<h2>Things to do</h2> 
Check out these fun and interesting things to do around town in the coming week. <a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="Take a walking tour of Main Street in Northport. " data-attr-credit="" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/d6de5d67-b4ac-4846-a03d-8091a294f9a0" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/d6de5d67-b4ac-4846-a03d-8091a294f9a0', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/d6de5d67-b4ac-4846-a03d-8091a294f9a0"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/d6de5d67-b4ac-4846-a03d-8091a294f9a0/toNORT250331_25.jpg?w=400&amp;q=0.3">Take a walking tour of Main Street in Northport. </a> 
Walking Tour&nbsp;of Northport's Main Street 
Travel back in time with local historian Dan Sheehan as he takes you on a walking tour of Northport's Historic Business District while sharing stories about&nbsp;Jack Kerouac, the Northport Oyster Barons, Rum Runners and the Trolley. It happens Sunday,&nbsp;July 19,&nbsp;1:30 p.m. 
The tour leaves from the steps of the&nbsp;Northport Historical Society and Museum, 215 Main St. All Ages Welcome. <a href="https://northporthistorical.givecloud.co/product/5FFBFE9/main-street-walking-tour-july-2026">For&nbsp;tickets, go here</a>.&nbsp;If the tour is canceled because of&nbsp;weather or other circumstances, notification will be made the morning of the tour. 
Tickets will be honored on the rescheduled date or at the next month’s tour. 
The Whit Whit Walk 
A&nbsp;family-friendly walkathon that supports pediatric cancer research will happen&nbsp;Thursday, July 23, at 5:30 p.m. at&nbsp;Caumsett&nbsp;State Park in&nbsp;Huntington. <a href="https://whitsway.org/whit-whit-walk/">Check&nbsp;here for more information</a>. 
Concert celebrating America's 250th birthday&nbsp;&nbsp; 
This outdoor musical will be a celebration featuring Paige Patterson and her band performing a curated selection of songs exploring the nation's journey, spirit&nbsp;and history. It happens Thursday, July 23, 6&nbsp;p.m. at Walt Whitman Birthplace State Historic Site, 246 Old Walt Whitman Rd., Huntington Station. The&nbsp;event is free&nbsp;but registration is required. <a href="https://www.waltwhitman.org/event-calendar/#">You can do that&nbsp;here</a>. &nbsp; 
Find more things to do at <a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle">newsday.com/lifestyle</a>.

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This week in Huntington newsletter: Unexpected debate emerges over a museum site

An unexpected debate rages over a museum site

<a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="From left, Rep. Nick LaLota, Huntington Highway Superintendent Andre Sorrentino, Huntington Supervisor Ed Smyth and State Sen. Mario Mattera at the check presentation this week.
" data-attr-credit="" data-attr-f="3x2" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/cbd0e123-f2dd-4993-964a-d837b1267dab" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/cbd0e123-f2dd-4993-964a-d837b1267dab', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/cbd0e123-f2dd-4993-964a-d837b1267dab"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/cbd0e123-f2dd-4993-964a-d837b1267dab/liEAR260709_4.jpg?f=3x2&amp;w=400&amp;q=0.3">From left, Rep. Nick LaLota, Huntington Highway Superintendent Andre Sorrentino, Huntington Supervisor Ed Smyth and State Sen. Mario Mattera at the check presentation this week. </a> 
Huntington Town Highway Superintendent Andre Sorrentino has often told me that he takes pride in caring for the condition of town roads. This week, he got a federal boost to help pay for the&nbsp;work. 
Rep. Nick LaLota (R-Amityville) presented town officials with a $3.5 million mock check Wednesday, with the funds&nbsp;to be used for townwide road <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/huntington-station-sewer-project-roads-kt8sq9x2">repaving projects</a>. The money was obtained through the 2026 fiscal year appropriations process. Sorrentino said the money can only be used for road construction. 
He told my colleague, transportation reporter Peter Gill, that the funds would provide a significant boost to his department, which had a total budget of about $30 million last year.&nbsp;About $9 million of that was used for paving. 
<a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/transportation/pothole-harsh-winter-y0mmemo6">The harsh winter this year</a> was especially tough on pavement, and Sorrentino said the department would use the new funds to&nbsp;repave roads rather than use the&nbsp;"Band-Aid" approach of fixing potholes. He said they would focus on areas that haven't been touched in more than 20 years, including areas in Commack and South Huntington. 
What is the condition of your street? Let me know at deborah.morris@newsday.com. 
<h2>Beach season? Beach closures</h2> <a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="Swimming was not allowed Wednesday at West Neck Beach in Lloyd Harbor due to bacteria in the water because of the recent rains.
" data-attr-credit="" data-attr-f="3x2" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/e2a82828-5c86-4e2f-bcbe-33be9e61d5ca" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/e2a82828-5c86-4e2f-bcbe-33be9e61d5ca', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/e2a82828-5c86-4e2f-bcbe-33be9e61d5ca"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/e2a82828-5c86-4e2f-bcbe-33be9e61d5ca/beach-closings-20250508_0.jpg?f=3x2&amp;w=400&amp;q=0.3">Swimming was not allowed Wednesday at West Neck Beach in Lloyd Harbor due to bacteria in the water because of the recent rains. </a> 
We're at the height of summer. And while that means slower days and more outdoor fun, including at the beach, it also means beach closures and advisories against swimming,&nbsp;especially on the North Shore. The closures and advisories often happen after a significant rainfall, when stormwater runoff can&nbsp;elevate bacterial levels in bodies of water.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
<a href="https://www.newsday.com/beach-closings-cesuduhx">Keep this beach closings list&nbsp;handy</a> this weekend to stay up to date on which beaches are closed. 
Where, and how, do you cool off in the heat? Let me know at&nbsp;deborah.morris@newsday.com. 
<h2>Elsewhere in town</h2> <a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="Nancy and Kevin McCarthy at their home in Cold Spring Harbor.
" data-attr-credit="" data-attr-f="3x2" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/ae195d95-28fa-42ae-8dd9-02d721eee055" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/ae195d95-28fa-42ae-8dd9-02d721eee055', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/ae195d95-28fa-42ae-8dd9-02d721eee055"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/ae195d95-28fa-42ae-8dd9-02d721eee055/HOCOMP2606264165.jpg?f=3x2&amp;w=400&amp;q=0.3">Nancy and Kevin McCarthy at their home in Cold Spring Harbor. </a> 
<ul> 
 <li>The housing market is always hot on Long Island, and <a href="https://www.newsday.com/real-estate/house-sale-profit-buy-nassau-suffolk-tz1cwlyk">a story by Frank Lovece</a> shows how prices of several homes in Nassau and Suffolk, including one in <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/community/cold-spring-harbor">Cold Spring Harbor</a>, have appreciated over the years.</li> 
 <li>The&nbsp;season for <a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/restaurants/2026-waterside-dining-restaurants-view-guide-huz6wx48">outdoor dining </a>with a water view is in full swing! Check out where to go — including destinations in Huntington — according to food writers&nbsp;Andi Berlin, Erica Marcus and Marie Elena Martinez.</li> 
 <li>My colleagues Dandan Zou and Michael R. Ebert did a deep dive into teacher salaries across Long Island. See how the <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/education/median-teacher-pay-long-island-rp9l4xdh">eight school districts in the town rank</a>.&nbsp;</li> 
</ul> 
<h2>Things to do</h2> <a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="Kudirat Alli-Balogun, of Queens, with her children, from left, Oluwaseyi, Liberty and Ifeoluwa, at The Whaling Museum &amp; Education Center last year." data-attr-credit="" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/1e31d9d6-5e49-4de7-a878-094e063f29aa" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/1e31d9d6-5e49-4de7-a878-094e063f29aa', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/1e31d9d6-5e49-4de7-a878-094e063f29aa"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/1e31d9d6-5e49-4de7-a878-094e063f29aa/DEC_2270A.jpg?w=400&amp;q=0.3">Kudirat Alli-Balogun, of Queens, with her children, from left, Oluwaseyi, Liberty and Ifeoluwa, at The Whaling Museum &amp; Education Center last year.</a> 
Check out these fun and interesting things to do around town in the coming week. 
5th Annual Sea Glass Festival 
When:&nbsp;Sunday July 12, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
What: Adults and children can create sea glass-inspired crafts, participate in trivia and scavenger hunts, and even try to mimic a whale in the Whale Sound Contest.&nbsp;Browse over 30 unique coastal vendors.&nbsp; 
Where: <a href="https://www.cshwhalingmuseum.org/">Whaling Museum &amp;&nbsp;Education Center</a>,&nbsp;301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor&nbsp; 
Information:&nbsp;Online discount tickets $18 | $15 for members; door tickets $22 | $18 for members. <a href="https://cshwhalingmuseum.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/cshwhalingmuseum/eventRegistration.jsp?event=4317&amp;">Go here for tickets</a>. 
15th Annual Anne Frank Memorial Ceremony 
When:&nbsp;Friday, July 17, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 
What: Ceremony honoring the young Holocaust victim with&nbsp;guest speaker and Holocaust survivor Ada Gracin. 
Where:&nbsp;Arboretum Park, 48 Threepence Drive, Melville 
Information: In the event of rain, the ceremony will take place in the Town Board Room at Town Hall, 100 Main St., Huntington.&nbsp;For more information, <a href="https://huntingtonny.gov/news/?FeedID=6444">check here</a>.&nbsp; 
Huntington Independence Day 
When:&nbsp;Saturday,&nbsp;July 18, noon to 5 p.m.&nbsp; What:&nbsp;The town celebrates America’s 250th birthday with crafts, musket and cannon firing demonstrations, games and food.&nbsp; 
Where: The Village Green, 423 Park Ave., and the Dr. Daniel W. Kissam Property, 434 Park Ave. 
Information:&nbsp; For more information, <a href="https://huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org/events/huntington-independence-day/">go here</a>.&nbsp; 
Find more things to do at <a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle">newsday.com/lifestyle</a>.

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This week in Huntington newsletter: Check out the areas targeted by $3.5 million in road repairs

Millions for repaving, and: Is your beach closed?

<a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="Members of the Huntington Militia, here at the Henry Lloyd Manor House earlier this spring, will help commemorate the holiday later this month. " data-attr-credit="Newsday" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/4902cfc9-d378-4440-b70e-f1569550ca46" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/4902cfc9-d378-4440-b70e-f1569550ca46', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/4902cfc9-d378-4440-b70e-f1569550ca46"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/4902cfc9-d378-4440-b70e-f1569550ca46/A2COV260710.JPG?w=400&amp;q=0.3">Members of the Huntington Militia, here at the Henry Lloyd Manor House earlier this spring, will help commemorate the holiday later this month. </a> 
It's Fourth of July weekend — and&nbsp;not only that, it's the semiquincentennial. Have you mastered how to pronounce that yet? 
Actually, the&nbsp;Town of Huntington won’t officially celebrate America’s 250th birthday until July 18. According to <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/huntington-historic-tour-suxmqwbt">town historian Robert Hughes</a>, the first and maybe only documented public reading of the Declaration of Independence on Long Island happened in Huntington on July 22, 1776.&nbsp;So in celebration of that, for the past 50 years, the <a href="https://www.huntingtonmilitia.com/">Huntington Militia</a> —&nbsp;a group of men, women and children who re-create 18th century civilian and military life — have reenacted the events of that day on the weekend closest to that date. 
But there will be plenty of partying this weekend. And because increased celebrations are expected on the water, Town Supervisor Ed Smyth announced <a href="https://huntingtonny.gov/news/?FeedID=6442">temporary reduced speed zones</a> within the town’s waterways. From 8:30&nbsp;to 11&nbsp;p.m. on Saturday, July Fourth, boaters will be held to a strict 5 mph&nbsp;speed limit. 
Be safe out there and happy birthday, America. Wishing you at least another 250. 
What's your&nbsp;favorite&nbsp;Fourth of July memory?&nbsp;Let me know at deborah.morris@newsday.com. 
<h2>Elsewhere in town</h2> <a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="John Cronin, left, and dad Mark X. Cronin. They are co-founders of John's Crazy Socks." data-attr-credit="" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/3f89523f-850b-46ed-8043-84cfc4f1af11" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/3f89523f-850b-46ed-8043-84cfc4f1af11', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/3f89523f-850b-46ed-8043-84cfc4f1af11"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/3f89523f-850b-46ed-8043-84cfc4f1af11/OBJ15026319_15288?w=400&amp;q=0.3">John Cronin, left, and dad Mark X. Cronin. They are co-founders of John's Crazy Socks.</a> 
<ul> 
 <li> Online retailer <a href="https://www.newsday.com/business/online-retailer-johns-crazy-socks-farmingdale-huntington-etf3gira">John’s Crazy Socks</a> is returning to Huntington after time spent in&nbsp;Farmingdale. Newsday business reporter Tory N. Parrish says the company is&nbsp;seeking to regain its&nbsp;footing, ahem, in&nbsp;a brick-and-mortar store&nbsp;in the town where the business was first established. </li> 
 <li> Check out <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/newsdaytv-liworks-signorama-ken-buffa-hnxp24rg">this feature on Newsday TV</a> with my colleague Ken Buffa, who makes a visit to Signorama, a Huntington Station-based sign shop. </li> 
 <li><a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/restaurants/farmers-markets-long-island-station-yards-eas03q9t">Farmers markets</a>&nbsp;are now in full swing. Check out where my colleague Erica Marcus recommends you visit in Huntington, as well as two new markets to check out elsewhere.&nbsp;</li> 
 <li>My colleague Laura Albanese spoke with former Harborfields High School baseball player&nbsp;Sean Keys, who now plays for the Toronto Blue Jays. <a href="https://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/sean-keys-blue-jays-ara6gi5p">Read the story here</a>.</li> 
</ul> 
<h2>Things to do</h2> 
Check out these fun and interesting things to do around town in the coming week. <a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="Get in a good stretch at Caumsett State Park in Lloyd Harbor.
" data-attr-credit="Getty Images/iStockphoto" data-attr-f="3x2" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/99d82728-aac8-4f68-acc9-203bd8b90f0f" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/99d82728-aac8-4f68-acc9-203bd8b90f0f', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/99d82728-aac8-4f68-acc9-203bd8b90f0f"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/99d82728-aac8-4f68-acc9-203bd8b90f0f/GettyImages-133853253973554.jpg?f=3x2&amp;w=400&amp;q=0.3">Get in a good stretch at Caumsett State Park in Lloyd Harbor. </a> 
Yoga in the Walled Garden 
When: Wednesday, July 8, 6&nbsp;p.m. 
What:&nbsp;A&nbsp;rejuvenating hour of yoga and meditation in the Walled Garden at Caumsett state park. 
Where: Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, 25 Lloyd Harbor Rd., Huntington 
Information: Please bring your own mat and water, and wear comfortable clothing. RSVP <a href="https://www.caumsettfoundation.org/programs">requested</a>. 
Lyme Disease Information and Prevention Seminar 
When:&nbsp;Thursday, July 9.&nbsp;Check-in at&nbsp;1:45 p.m., program begins at 2. 
What:&nbsp;The event is to raise awareness about Lyme disease, provide valuable prevention strategies, and offer support and resources. It's presented by town board member&nbsp;Theresa Mari&nbsp;in partnership with Northwell Health. 
Where:&nbsp;Cinema Arts Centre,&nbsp;423 Park Ave., Huntington&nbsp; 
Information:&nbsp;For more information, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/61555304318074/posts/join-councilwoman-theresa-mari-and-northwell-health-for-a-lyme-disease-informati/122274907034176810/">go to Mari's Facebook page</a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/61555304318074/posts/join-councilwoman-theresa-mari-and-northwell-health-for-a-lyme-disease-informati/122274907034176810/">.</a> 
The Long Island Public Arts Festival event&nbsp; 
When: Wednesday,&nbsp;July 8, 6&nbsp;p.m. 
What: Ribbon cutting ceremony of the Long Island Public Arts Festival 250 - The Liberty Trail.&nbsp; 
Where:&nbsp;Heckscher Park, Prime Avenue, Huntington 
Information: The installation features seven monumental, triangular prisms showcasing contemporary works centered around Heritage, Unity&nbsp;and Liberty.&nbsp;The Long Island Public Arts Festival is three months of public art, workshops&nbsp;and community showcased on both the North and South Shores.&nbsp;For more on the event, go <a href="https://huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org/events/lipaf250-the-liberty-trail/">here</a>.&nbsp; 
Find more things to do at <a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle">newsday.com/lifestyle</a>.

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This week in Huntington newsletter: May the Fourth be with you — and stay safe out there

Happy Fourth — and stay safe out there

<a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="John Ballow of Eatons Neck along the Asharoken seawall. 
" data-attr-credit="" data-attr-f="3x2" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/f98ee0ea-4f6b-4ff8-98d7-60bf4468df7d" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/f98ee0ea-4f6b-4ff8-98d7-60bf4468df7d', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/f98ee0ea-4f6b-4ff8-98d7-60bf4468df7d"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/f98ee0ea-4f6b-4ff8-98d7-60bf4468df7d/TOWALL260626-1.jpg?f=3x2&amp;w=400&amp;q=0.3">John Ballow of Eatons Neck along the Asharoken seawall. </a> 
Our neighbors out on Eatons&nbsp;Neck and the far end of Asharoken got some good news last week when Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/state-funding-dam-road-sea-wall-repairs-ynloxcen">announced $28.5 million in funding</a> to help rebuild roads, dams and seawalls across the state. 
Asharoken Village got the biggest chunk of money, with $12 million marked to fix a deteriorating seawall that has held back Long Island Sound and been <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/suffolk/asharoken-fema-funding-repair-sea-wall-y19749">the topic of concern for years</a>. 
The seawall protects a two-lane stretch of thoroughfare that&nbsp;connects Eatons Neck and parts of Asharoken to the mainland. The road has been compromised for years, <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/suffolk/how-the-storm-beat-the-asharoken-wall-j12832">with each major storm</a> contributing more damage and threatening to cut off the Neck from the rest of Long Island. 
John Ballow, who represents five homeowners associations and the Eatons Neck Fire Department, and who has lived in the hamlet since 1985, told my colleague Amit Ben-Bassat&nbsp;that getting the money is a relief because “what we now have is essentially a cardboard Amazon box being held up by rocks,” as he described the road's condition. 
Village Mayor Greg Letica told me that getting the money is the first step in a process that includes financial guidance from the state, discussing logistics, and bidding the project out. He said the last estimate for construction cost for the seawall, last fall, was about $10.3 million. 
We'll see how soon work begins out there,&nbsp;and how long it will take. 
Has weather ever left you stranded on remote parts of Long&nbsp;Island?&nbsp;Let me know at deborah.morris@newsday.com. 
<h2>Elsewhere in town</h2> <a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="Huntington High School's state champion girls lacrosse team parades through Heckscher Park.
" data-attr-credit="" data-attr-f="3x2" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/c58c17e8-1c3b-49cd-a058-a209904896a4" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/c58c17e8-1c3b-49cd-a058-a209904896a4', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/c58c17e8-1c3b-49cd-a058-a209904896a4"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/c58c17e8-1c3b-49cd-a058-a209904896a4/DMC_0324-2.jpg?f=3x2&amp;w=400&amp;q=0.3">Huntington High School's state champion girls lacrosse team parades through Heckscher Park. </a> 
<ul> 
 <li>Huntington High School girls&nbsp;lacrosse team went all the way to the top,&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsday.com/sports/high-school/girls-lacrosse/huntington-girls-lacrosse-state-title-a8ls42bi">winning the state class A championship</a>&nbsp;for the first time. They were even honored with a <a href="https://www.newsday.com/sports/high-school/girls-lacrosse/huntington-girls-lacrosse-championship-parade-state-champions-vzat9ctq">parade</a>. Congratulations, team!</li> 
 <li>My colleagues&nbsp;Mark Harrington, Bart Jones, James T. Madore, Victor Ocasio, Nicholas Spangler and Anastasia Valeeva&nbsp;did a deep dive into how President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown is reshaping Long Island's families, schools and economy. It includes ICE arrest data across Long Island, including in Huntington hamlets. <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/deport-detain-long-island-immigrants-ice-raids-xyoh15s6">Read about it&nbsp;here</a>.</li> 
 <li>Summer and lobster rolls go hand and hand, but you no longer have to head to the East End to get a tasty one. Check out where my FeedMe colleagues recommend you grab one, including <a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/restaurants/critics-picks-best-lobster-rolls-2026-long-island-qu0w4tvg">restaurants in Huntington and Northport</a>.</li> 
</ul> 
<h2>Readers Speak Out&nbsp;</h2> <a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="Banners honoring veterans were displayed on one post while a pride flag is displayed on another last Saturday in Northport.
" data-attr-credit="" data-attr-f="3x2" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/4b163d22-5566-41c7-b66f-a2ce64ef898e" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/4b163d22-5566-41c7-b66f-a2ce64ef898e', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/4b163d22-5566-41c7-b66f-a2ce64ef898e"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/4b163d22-5566-41c7-b66f-a2ce64ef898e/LIPRIDE260621_144962.jpg?f=3x2&amp;w=400&amp;q=0.3">Banners honoring veterans were displayed on one post while a pride flag is displayed on another last Saturday in Northport. </a> 
Last week, I wrote about Northport Village Mayor Donna Koch removing pride flags flying in Northport Village Park; they had been on lampposts above banners featuring military veterans. Koch acted after&nbsp;a complaint from the Northport American Legion commander.&nbsp;She also took down some of the veterans banners in <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/northport-park-pride-flags-removed-ckqoj5u6">what she saw as a compromise</a>. The decision about the pride flags upset the LGBTQ+ community. <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/suffolk/pridefest-lgbtq-northport-vwi5lo8u">It also inspired</a> some of you to share your opinions with me. 
Lisa Leonardi said&nbsp;she thought&nbsp;it was a mistake to take down the flags. 
"I think Donna Koch should simply have said that they were only staying up until the end of the day on June 30th. In other words, they were put up there for Pride Month and would be taken down on the last day of the month. It's that simple," she wrote. 
Nancy Bazzicalupo had a different take.&nbsp; 
"Taking down half of the veterans flags (if they are the ones with individual veterans photos) makes no sense at all. Better choice would be to put up pride flags separately," she wrote.&nbsp; 
I welcome your feedback on what's happening in Huntington. Drop me a line at&nbsp;deborah.morris@newsday.com. 
<h2>Things to do</h2> 
Check out these fun and interesting things to do around town in the coming week. <a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="GhostPepper will perform at Mighty Fine in the village.
" data-attr-credit="Newsday" data-attr-f="3x2" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/cdcb389c-40c0-4968-85c1-d8e9c38d2186" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/cdcb389c-40c0-4968-85c1-d8e9c38d2186', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/cdcb389c-40c0-4968-85c1-d8e9c38d2186"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/cdcb389c-40c0-4968-85c1-d8e9c38d2186/2O0A3980.jpg?f=3x2&amp;w=400&amp;q=0.3">GhostPepper will perform at Mighty Fine in the village. </a> 
Jam band playing The Grateful Dead, Phish, Talking Heads and more&nbsp; 
When:&nbsp;Sunday, June 28, 2-5 p.m. What:&nbsp;Stop in for some food, pie or wine in a family-friendly atmosphere and stay for a free performance by&nbsp;GhostPepper. &nbsp; 
Where:&nbsp;Mighty Fine, 43 Green St., Huntington 
Information:&nbsp;To find out more, go <a href="https://mightyfinecafe.com/">here</a>. 
Town of Huntington Summer Arts Festival 
When:&nbsp;Starting July 2 through September 
What:&nbsp;Free outdoor concerts and&nbsp;movies at a festival&nbsp;that's family-friendly and&nbsp;open to the&nbsp;public. The fest is produced by the Town of Huntington and presented by the Huntington Arts Council.&nbsp; 
Where: Heckscher Park, Prime Avenue, Huntington 
Information:&nbsp;For a schedule of events, go <a href="https://www.huntingtonsummerartsfestival.com/events">here</a>.&nbsp; 
Animal Fundraiser&nbsp; 
When:&nbsp;Drawing is July 11.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
What: Raffle with the top prize of $25,000 to benefit Little Shelter Animal and Adoption Center. Only 700 tickets will be sold. &nbsp;&nbsp; 
Where: Tickets can be purchased at the shelter, at 33&nbsp;Warner Rd., Huntington, or over the phone with a credit card. &nbsp; 
Information: Go to <a href="https://www.littleshelter.org/">Little Shelter Animal Rescue and Adoption Center</a>&nbsp;or call 631-368-8770, Ext. 21. 
Find more things to do at <a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle">newsday.com/lifestyle</a>.

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This week in Huntington newsletter: $12 million will fortify a lifeline to Eatons Neck

Can $12M buy peace of mind in Eatons Neck?

<a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="Pride flag and veteran banners on display at Northport Village Park on Tuesday.
" data-attr-credit="" data-attr-f="3x2" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/c43962ae-e703-41ac-ac84-63a73f9dcbfa" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/c43962ae-e703-41ac-ac84-63a73f9dcbfa', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/c43962ae-e703-41ac-ac84-63a73f9dcbfa"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/c43962ae-e703-41ac-ac84-63a73f9dcbfa/toPRIDE2606177.jpg?f=3x2&amp;w=400&amp;q=0.3">Pride flag and veteran banners on display at Northport Village Park on Tuesday. </a> 
A quick decision last week by Northport Mayor Donna Koch turned into quite a <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/northport-park-pride-flags-removed-ckqoj5u6">controversy</a>. 
After a complaint from the Northport American Legion commander about pride flags flying in Northport Village Park on lampposts above banners featuring military veterans, Koch ordered that the flags be removed&nbsp;while she came up with a new plan. But the move quickly drew consternation from LGBTQ+ community. 
At a previously planned village board meeting Tuesday, about 90 people, many of them in shirts with messages of LGBTQ+ support, showed up demanding&nbsp;answers. 
At that meeting, Koch announced the village would take down half the pride&nbsp;flags at the park while also removing half the veterans' banners in what she saw as&nbsp;a compromise. She said she made the decision after conferring with other members of the village board. 
<a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/long-island-village-election-results-slgpael1">Koch</a> told me she was sorry for the decision, apologized to anyone who was offended&nbsp;and that there was "no malicious intent." 
The hullabaloo comes as Northport Pridefest, a series of events celebrating gay pride throughout June, is set to host an all-day festival Saturday in the village. It's from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Northport Village Park. 
Interestingly enough, Koch is to deliver the opening speech there, according to a schedule on&nbsp;the <a href="https://www.northportpridefest.org/">Pridefest website</a>.&nbsp;She said Thursday she has not yet written her statement to open the festivities. 
"I hope that everyone comes together in unity," Koch said. "I'm hoping for a joyous celebration and for everyone to embrace who and what they are."&nbsp; 
What do you think of the compromise? Let me know at deborah.morris@newsday.com. 
<h2>A pause on battery storage</h2> <a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="Huntington Town Board member Dave Bennardo sponsored the resolution.
" data-attr-credit="Newsday" data-attr-f="3x2" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/6f3945e2-173e-4cbf-b2b7-7d248db43b19" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/6f3945e2-173e-4cbf-b2b7-7d248db43b19', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/6f3945e2-173e-4cbf-b2b7-7d248db43b19"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/6f3945e2-173e-4cbf-b2b7-7d248db43b19/TOMF92097.jpg?f=3x2&amp;w=400&amp;q=0.3">Huntington Town Board member Dave Bennardo sponsored the resolution. </a> 
Huntington officials have approved a six-month battery storage moratorium. Town board member Dave Bennardo, who sponsored the resolution, said the pause will allow officials to consider and address concerns of first responders. He said he doesn't know if six&nbsp;months is enough time to figure things out, but it's a start. Meanwhile, pauses like this one&nbsp;in other towns across Long Island have left environmentalists frustrated. <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/huntington-battery-storage-moratorium-nerbl4sb">Read my story&nbsp;here</a>.&nbsp; 
What's your opinion of&nbsp;battery storage facilities? Let me know at&nbsp;deborah.morris@newsday.com. 
<h2>Elsewhere in town</h2> <a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="Laurie McManus, left, Jodi Eisner and Betty Cole at the canasta table." data-attr-credit="Newsday" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/b7f51b57-489d-429f-99f5-f763aea061c7" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/b7f51b57-489d-429f-99f5-f763aea061c7', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/b7f51b57-489d-429f-99f5-f763aea061c7"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/b7f51b57-489d-429f-99f5-f763aea061c7/OBJ14992937_13264?w=400&amp;q=0.3">Laurie McManus, left, Jodi Eisner and Betty Cole at the canasta table.</a> 
<ul> 
 <li>While mah-jongg may be the current rage, another old-school game resurgence is on the rise. Check out <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/li-life/long-island-canasta-groups-gl8f6byy">this story by Beth Whitehouse</a>&nbsp;on canasta, a complicated card game&nbsp;that has one group of Long Islanders, including a Huntington resident, excited.</li> 
 <li>The state has announced that $12 million will be designated to replace the Asharoken Avenue seawall. The&nbsp;funding was included in a&nbsp;state package announced Thursday. <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/state-funding-dam-road-sea-wall-repairs-ynloxcen">Read my colleague Carl MacGowan's story</a>.</li> 
 <li>Check&nbsp;out&nbsp;a profile by my colleague Tom Rock of James Nicholas — the first golfer to tee off at the 2026 U.S. Open at <a href="https://www.shinnecockhillsgolfclub.org/">Shinnecock Hills Golf Club</a> this weekend. At one point, Nicholas won a <a href="https://www.newsday.com/sports/golf/james-nicholas-us-open-joe-namath-khamoksj">tournament in Huntington</a>,&nbsp;setting him on a path to the Open.&nbsp;</li> 
 <li>Looking for a sweet treat to try? Newsday food writer Erica Marcus recommends four places, including one in Huntington. <a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/restaurants/ice-cream-dessert-gluten-free-long-island-pxflob77">Read about it&nbsp;here</a>.</li> 
</ul> 
<h2>Things to do</h2> 
Check out these fun and interesting things to do around town in the coming week. <a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="Fill a bag with books at The Next Chapter in Huntington.
" data-attr-credit="" data-attr-f="3x2" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/cbd6f6b9-1d84-4fff-8c99-816e5f7c7feb" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/cbd6f6b9-1d84-4fff-8c99-816e5f7c7feb', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/cbd6f6b9-1d84-4fff-8c99-816e5f7c7feb"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/cbd6f6b9-1d84-4fff-8c99-816e5f7c7feb/D81A5213.jpg?f=3x2&amp;w=400&amp;q=0.3">Fill a bag with books at The Next Chapter in Huntington. </a> 
Book Sale&nbsp;&nbsp; 
When: Friday, June 19, starting at 9:30 a.m., through Sunday, June 21, at&nbsp;9 p.m. 
What:&nbsp;Bring a bag and fill it with as many books as possible from The Next Chapter bookstore's clearance room and pay only $20 plus tax. All records priced $8 and under from the entire&nbsp;store are included in the sale.&nbsp; 
Where:&nbsp;The Next Chapter, 204 New York Ave.,&nbsp;Huntington 
Information: For more information, go <a href="https://www.thenextchapterli.com/tnc-updates">here</a>.&nbsp; 
Tribute To Long Island Hip-Hop Legends 
When:&nbsp;Saturday, June 20, noon-6 p.m.&nbsp; 
What:&nbsp;Freedom Beats is a full-day cultural and media arts experience honoring the legacy, artistry&nbsp;and lived history of Long Island hip-hop. The event features the screening of the documentary film "Long Island Underground Legends of Hip Hop," directed by filmmaker Archie Snowden. 
Where: Cinema Arts Centre,&nbsp;423 Park Ave., Huntington&nbsp; 
Information:&nbsp;Tickets are $40. To purchase, go <a href="https://prod3.agileticketing.net/WebSales/pages/info.aspx?evtinfo=1002890~31a96320-4160-4f8e-a5f9-05c4f03c9c01&amp;epguid=4e90d4ea-c6e5-40b3-9fc2-5fd0073268f4&amp;mdy=6/20/2026&amp;">here</a>.&nbsp; 
Celebrate Juneteenth 
When:&nbsp;Saturday, June 20, 3-6 p.m. What:&nbsp;An afternoon of historic reflections, music, food, giveaways&nbsp;and cultural experiences to celebrate June 19, 1865, the day enslaved people in Texas found out they had been freed from slavery through the Emancipation Proclamation issued by presidential executive order in 1863.&nbsp; 
Where:&nbsp;Heckscher Park,&nbsp;2 Prime Ave., Huntington 
Information: Bring a lawn chair. The event will be moved to Huntington Town Hall, 100 Main St., in case of rain. For more information, go <a href="https://huntingtonny.gov/news/?FeedID=6431">here</a>.&nbsp; 
Find more things to do at <a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle">newsday.com/lifestyle</a>.

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This week in Huntington newsletter: Pride, frustration mix over Northport flag flap

Pride, frustration mix over Northport flag flap

<a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="A crowd of about 1,000 gathered at Heckscher Park on Monday night for Game 3 of NBA Finals." data-attr-credit="" data-attr-f="3x2" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/d0a6fa16-09f7-41d0-9c34-a96b6a46abf9" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/d0a6fa16-09f7-41d0-9c34-a96b6a46abf9', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/d0a6fa16-09f7-41d0-9c34-a96b6a46abf9"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/d0a6fa16-09f7-41d0-9c34-a96b6a46abf9/liKNICKS260609_kmh_6.jpg?f=3x2&amp;w=400&amp;q=0.3">A crowd of about 1,000 gathered at Heckscher Park on Monday night for Game 3 of NBA Finals.</a> 
How about those Knicks! 
If you haven’t caught <a href="https://www.newsday.com/opinion/columnists/michael-dobie/knicks-world-cup-soccer-c7js2edt">Knicks fever</a>, come along. Just about everyone I speak to has it. Town officials have&nbsp;it so bad that in a week’s time, they put together a viewing party for Monday's Game 3&nbsp;of the Knicks-Spurs NBA Finals <a href="https://huntingtonny.gov/heckscher-park">at Heckscher Park</a>. By tipoff time at 8:30 p.m., about 1,000 people had showed up in front of the Chapin Rainbow Stage&nbsp;to watch the action, televised on a screen from the stage. 
Town Supervisor Ed Smyth credited town employees Kevin Thorbourne and Walter Edwards for coordinating the effort with the support of multiple town departments. “This was a great event that was put on in short notice and yet, to the public, it was seamless — something we always endeavor to do here in the town,” Smyth told&nbsp;me in an email. “The choreography that goes on behind the scenes, those details that the public rarely gets to see ... [were] amazing to watch.” 
The Knicks&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/knicks/knicks-spurs-game-3-nba-finals-score-gfrbydl7">let us down Monday</a>,&nbsp;but boy, did they come back in <a href="https://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/knicks/knicks-spurs-game-4-nba-finals-jyvzmhjx">a historic Game 4</a>! They can&nbsp;clinch the NBA title Saturday in Game 5 in San Antonio. As of Thursday, it had yet to be decided&nbsp;whether&nbsp;the town would put on another viewing party. Watch the town’s Facebook page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TownOfHuntington/">here</a> for information. 
Are you a longtime Knicks fan or just jumping on the bandwagon? Let me know at deborah.morris@newsday.com. 
<h2>Movie theater update</h2> <a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="The AMC theater in Huntington was closed due to a septic system problem earlier this month." data-attr-credit="" data-attr-f="3x2" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/19599423-753e-464a-b75b-2ebf51ee34cb" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/19599423-753e-464a-b75b-2ebf51ee34cb', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/19599423-753e-464a-b75b-2ebf51ee34cb"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/19599423-753e-464a-b75b-2ebf51ee34cb/obj14981914_16728?f=3x2&amp;w=400&amp;q=0.3">The AMC theater in Huntington was closed due to a septic system problem earlier this month.</a> 
What seemed to be a short-term problem for the AMC movie theater on Wall Street appeared&nbsp;to be a bigger and longer-term issue. The theater, which was closed earlier this month reportedly because of a septic system issue, remained closed this week.&nbsp; 
Town spokeswoman Christine Geed on Thursday said she did not have any updated information.&nbsp;A representative from the movie chain did not immediately respond to my email seeking an update. 
My colleague <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/suffolk/amc-shore-8-huntington-k3mzow64">Tracy Tullis had reported</a> that a&nbsp;notice on the building dated June 6 said, "This structure is unsafe and its occupancy has been prohibited by the Bureau of Fire Prevention of the Town of Huntington." 
The theater previously was <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/suffolk/amc-shore-8-huntington-closed-ykrdfq6s">closed earlier this year</a>&nbsp;for what a theater employee said were plumbing repairs, but it's not known if&nbsp;this closure is linked to&nbsp;that one.&nbsp; 
<h2>Elsewhere in town</h2> <a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="This tiny home in Huntington went on the market earlier this year." data-attr-credit="Request Tours" data-attr-f="3x2" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/e17c4c7e-6e39-42c2-b769-2c9897d5e72d" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/e17c4c7e-6e39-42c2-b769-2c9897d5e72d', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/e17c4c7e-6e39-42c2-b769-2c9897d5e72d"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/e17c4c7e-6e39-42c2-b769-2c9897d5e72d/obj14768047_17652?f=3x2&amp;w=400&amp;q=0.3">This tiny home in Huntington went on the market earlier this year.</a> 
<ul> 
 <li>In the high-priced Long Island housing market, smaller houses offer&nbsp;both sellers and buyers benefits. Newsday real estate reporter Rachel&nbsp;Weiss&nbsp;took a look at how. <a href="https://www.newsday.com/real-estate/small-house-for-sale-nassau-suffolk-is2ttczk">Read her story here</a> and see recent small-home sales, including in Huntington.&nbsp;</li> 
 <li>My colleagues Sandra Peddie, Bahar Ostadan and Belisa Morillo wrote a compelling&nbsp;investigative story on prostitution that's occurring&nbsp;at foot and massage spas across Long Island, including in Huntington. <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/investigations/sex-massage-spa-erx3y7o0">Read about it here</a>.</li> 
</ul> 
<h2>Readers speak out</h2> <a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="McDonald's plans to build a restaurant at this site, near Pulaski Road and Park Avenue." data-attr-credit="Newsday" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/ff6b5972-a7d1-43c5-b4cf-31a862b40a98" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/ff6b5972-a7d1-43c5-b4cf-31a862b40a98', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/ff6b5972-a7d1-43c5-b4cf-31a862b40a98"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/ff6b5972-a7d1-43c5-b4cf-31a862b40a98/OBJ14966197_13460?w=400&amp;q=0.3">McDonald's plans to build a restaurant at this site, near Pulaski Road and Park Avenue.</a> 
Last week I posed a question about development in Huntington after reporting on big changes planned for&nbsp;Melville, notably&nbsp;a <a href="https://www.newsday.com/business/nyu-langone-hospital-academic-medical-center-melville-ml6vac6a">medical school and hospital</a> as well as <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/melville-overlay-district-huntington-development-fxomrih9">400 units of housing</a>. I also mentioned an intersection at the border of Greenlawn and Huntington Station that's suddenly getting a lot of interest with a proposed <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/huntington-mcdonalds-zoning-hearing-medn533r">McDonald's</a>, and as an updated site for the&nbsp;Huntington <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/huntington-african-american-museum-halesite-vpixm5wp">African American Museum</a>. 
Jon Ball&nbsp;was among those who shared his thoughts: "It is absolutely an issue. Traffic on Park Avenue and Pulaski Rd intersection is already very congested,"&nbsp;he wrote, noting the intersection has a higher rate of accidents than similar ones in the state. "How much more development does the town board intend to ram down the throats of residential communities surrounding this intersection?" 
He added that "The concept of adding a museum has never been discussed with area residents." 
How do you feel about the two recent development plans at this intersection? Let me know at deborah.morris@newsday.com. 
<h2>Things to do</h2> 
Check out these fun and interesting things to do around town in the coming week. <a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="The LGBT Network leads off the Huntington Pride Parade last June." data-attr-credit="" data-attr-f="3x2" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/7d0a7954-621b-4be5-bb3b-52c7ef9b57ef" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/7d0a7954-621b-4be5-bb3b-52c7ef9b57ef', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/7d0a7954-621b-4be5-bb3b-52c7ef9b57ef"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/7d0a7954-621b-4be5-bb3b-52c7ef9b57ef/Lipride250609222__2_.jpg?f=3x2&amp;w=400&amp;q=0.3">The LGBT Network leads off the Huntington Pride Parade last June.</a> 
Long Island Pride Parade and Celebration 
When: Sunday, June 14, noon 
What: 36th Annual Long Island Pride Parade marches through downtown Huntington. 
Where: Parade starts at Clinton Avenue and Main Street, ends at Main Street and Prime Avenue. A celebration is planned afterward in Heckscher Park. 
Information:&nbsp;For more details, go to the <a href="https://lipride.org/">Long Island Pride website</a>. 
Pride Craft Celebration 
When: Saturday, June 13, noon-4&nbsp;p.m. 
What: A crafting event to create rainbow charms, bandannas, or bracelets, parade signs, posters and banners for the parade. 
Where: Huntington Arts Council, 213 Main St., Huntington 
Information: Free and open to the public. <a href="https://www.huntingtonarts.org/">Registration requested.</a> 
Historic Cemetery Restoration 
When: Saturday, June 13 
What: Volunteers will help clean and maintain Revolutionary War burial sites at two historic cemeteries. 
Where: Carman Cemetery, Half Hollow Road in Huntington, from 10 a.m. to noon, and Ketcham Cemetery, 105 Old Country Rd. in Melville, from 1 to&nbsp;3 p.m. 
Information: Tools are supplied. Go to the Facebook page of town board member Theresa Mari for more <a href="https://www.facebook.com/61555304318074/posts/%EF%B8%8F-historic-cemetery-restoration-join-us-saturday-june-13th-2026-volunteers-will-/122272257710176810/">details.</a> 
Find more things to do at <a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle">newsday.com/lifestyle</a>.

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This week in Huntington newsletter: Knicks Fever brings 1,000 to Heckscher Park

Knicks Fever brings 1,000 fans to Heckscher Park

<a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="A rendering of the proposed NYU Langone hospital in Melville." data-attr-credit="NYU LANGONE" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/001efd93-59d8-4384-9d86-b71c5633139f" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/001efd93-59d8-4384-9d86-b71c5633139f', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/001efd93-59d8-4384-9d86-b71c5633139f"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/001efd93-59d8-4384-9d86-b71c5633139f/OBJ14971846_15900?w=400&amp;q=0.3">A rendering of the proposed NYU Langone hospital in Melville.</a> 
Thank goodness it’s Friday. A&nbsp;hospital and medical school proposal&nbsp;for Melville have kept me and my colleagues busy — I hope you've been following along. 
NYU Langone Health plans to <a href="https://www.newsday.com/business/nyu-langone-hospital-academic-medical-center-melville-ml6vac6a">spend billions of dollars</a> on a complex at 1 and 2 Huntington Quadrangle&nbsp;that will include an academic medical center and a&nbsp;hospital of about 500 beds, with an emergency department, ambulatory services and research labs. 
The proposal&nbsp;comes about a year and a half after the town <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/suffolk/melville-development-plan-huntington-y8lke66c">passed legislation</a> for an overlay district zoning category to attract businesses to that&nbsp;area. 
Earlier this year, the town board approved the first application for the district,&nbsp;which will bring <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/melville-overlay-district-huntington-development-fxomrih9">400 units of housing</a>&nbsp;to the hamlet,&nbsp;just off of Maxess Road.&nbsp; 
Check out the community&nbsp;response to the hospital plan <a href="https://www.newsday.com/business/nyu-langone-health-melville-hospital-medical-school-development-qm6f3425">here</a>, and how the <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/melville-zoning-langone-hospital-plan-siozcezv">overlay district</a>&nbsp;came to be, after years of discussion. 
Town Supervisor Ed Smyth told me that a simple shift in the vision for the new district&nbsp;— considering&nbsp;Maxess Road as a "Main Street," rather than the busy Route 110 corridor — helped make it a reality.&nbsp; 
What do you think about the&nbsp;transformational&nbsp;changes coming to Melville? Let me know at deborah.morris@newsday.com. 
<h2>New site for African American Museum</h2> <a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="Fair Meadow Park, now the future home of the Huntington African American Museum." data-attr-credit="" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/6eef022c-ff19-4168-8ec5-2b6ca4a544ea" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/6eef022c-ff19-4168-8ec5-2b6ca4a544ea', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/6eef022c-ff19-4168-8ec5-2b6ca4a544ea"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/6eef022c-ff19-4168-8ec5-2b6ca4a544ea/toMUSE260604-1.jpg?w=400&amp;q=0.3">Fair Meadow Park, now the future home of the Huntington African American Museum.</a> 
Even though it's years from being built, the Huntington African American Museum is moving from Halesite to Huntington Station. A snag in getting clearance from the state to allow the museum to use the Halesite location spurred the change. Read my story <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/huntington-african-american-museum-halesite-vpixm5wp">here</a> to get the full update. 
Interestingly, the location,&nbsp;on the northwest corner of Pulaski Road and Park Avenue,&nbsp;is across from where McDonald's is seeking to build a restaurant. That intersection is suddenly getting a lot of attention. 
What's your take? Do you think Huntington is being overdeveloped? Let me know at&nbsp;deborah.morris@newsday.com. 
<h2>Readers speak up</h2> <a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="A rendering of the proposed McDonald's at Pulaski Road and Park Avenue.
" data-attr-credit="" data-attr-f="3x2" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/bce4fef5-2769-4fbb-8dd5-0d4840975098" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/bce4fef5-2769-4fbb-8dd5-0d4840975098', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/bce4fef5-2769-4fbb-8dd5-0d4840975098"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/bce4fef5-2769-4fbb-8dd5-0d4840975098/Elevationsdsf-copy.jpg?f=3x2&amp;w=400&amp;q=0.3">A rendering of the proposed McDonald's at Pulaski Road and Park Avenue. </a> 
Last week, a story mentioned here&nbsp;about the <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/mcdonalds-proposal-greenlawn-huntington-fzw58f9q">proposed McDonald's</a> really hit a nerve. People have strong&nbsp;opinions about the idea. 
Reader Christine Pelisson believes the proposed McDonald's deserves a break:&nbsp;"I know it’s not the healthiest option, but sometimes you just want a treat," she wrote, adding that for her, the closest McDonald's&nbsp;is a half-hour away. By the time she&nbsp;gets the food&nbsp;home, "fries are cold." 
Paul Carey, of Greenlawn, is&nbsp;not lovin' the idea: "There is NO WAY adding more traffic ... is sustainable for this area or the residents who live nearby," he wrote. "This will also bring 24 hour traffic to an area that cannot withstand this." 
Look for an update on <a href="https://www.newsday.com/">newsday.com</a> to see what happened at a zoning board of appeals public hearing that was scheduled for&nbsp;June 4. 
<h2>Elsewhere in town</h2> <a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="The Golden Globe Diner has closed. " data-attr-credit="" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/f6800c6f-bb44-4920-8981-dc9d716ad04b" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/f6800c6f-bb44-4920-8981-dc9d716ad04b', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/f6800c6f-bb44-4920-8981-dc9d716ad04b"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/f6800c6f-bb44-4920-8981-dc9d716ad04b/he_1780262504_0_568269718_20523596?w=400&amp;q=0.3">The Golden Globe Diner has closed. </a> 
The restaurant turnover in our town continues with some notable closings recently: 
<ul> 
 <li> Huntington’s Golden Globe Diner, formerly the Golden Dolphin, closed May 17 following a dispute with the landlord. Read what owner Peter Tsadilas told my colleague Nicholas Grasso <a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/restaurants/huntington-diner-golden-globe-golden-dolphin-h2l4vovv">here</a>. &nbsp; </li> 
 <li> Erica Marcus reports The Rust &amp; Gold sports bar and 1653 Pizza Company downtown, not far from the Golden Globe, also&nbsp;have closed. A partner in both restaurants said the venues&nbsp;are closed "while we finalize a sale." Read the full story <a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/restaurants/1653-pizza-rust-and-gold-huntington-cdcuz112">here</a>.&nbsp; </li> 
</ul> 
<h2>Things to do</h2> 
Check out these fun and interesting things to do around town in the coming week. 
LGBTQ+ Pride Flag Raising Ceremony <a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="Huntington and other communities celebrate Pride Month. Above, a scene from a parade downtown last June.
" data-attr-credit="" data-attr-f="3x2" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/2c7cdcdc-4645-4b4a-a20a-e8b083ec8bca" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/2c7cdcdc-4645-4b4a-a20a-e8b083ec8bca', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/2c7cdcdc-4645-4b4a-a20a-e8b083ec8bca"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/2c7cdcdc-4645-4b4a-a20a-e8b083ec8bca/Lipride250609222.jpg?f=3x2&amp;w=400&amp;q=0.3">Huntington and other communities celebrate Pride Month. Above, a scene from a parade downtown last June. </a> 
When:&nbsp;Saturday, June 6, 1 p.m. 
What:&nbsp;June is Pride Month, and the town&nbsp;is hosting its second annual ceremony in partnership with the town's&nbsp;LGBTQ+ Task Force. 
Where:&nbsp;Heckscher Park, Prime Avenue, Huntington&nbsp; 
Information:&nbsp;For more information, go <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/the-heckscher-museum-of-art/lgbtq-pride-flag-raising-ceremony/894292293623107/">here</a>. 
Spring Garden Tour 
When: Sunday, June 7, noon-4 p.m. 
What:&nbsp;Self-guided tour of private gardens.&nbsp; 
Where: Six locations across the town. &nbsp; 
Information: Tickets are needed. To register, go <a href="https://huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org/events/spring-garden-tour-2/">here.</a> 
David Lee Roth at the Paramount&nbsp; 
When:&nbsp;Sunday,&nbsp;June 7, 8&nbsp;p.m.&nbsp; What:&nbsp;The Rock &amp;&nbsp;Roll Hall of Famer and former Van Halen front man performs in Huntington as part of his&nbsp;North American tour. 
Where:&nbsp;The Paramount in concert with Northwell,&nbsp;370 New York Ave., Huntington 
Information:&nbsp; For tickets, go <a href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/00006390BB8C95BD?_gl=1*148v269*_gcl_au*MTk3MDg4NzQ3LjE3ODA1MjAzMDA.*_ga*NTc4ODI3OTY2LjE3ODA1MjAzMDA.*_ga_CF0ZWP9HDK*czE3ODA1MjAyOTkkbzEkZzAkdDE3ODA1MjAzMDEkajU4JGwwJGgw">here</a>.&nbsp; 
Find more things to do at <a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle">newsday.com/lifestyle</a>.

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This week in Huntington newsletter: The shift that made Melville a magnet for development

The shift that made Melville a development magnet, and the restaurant shuffle continues

<a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="The rendering of the McDonald's that could be coming to a Greenlawn address." data-attr-credit="" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/6135721d-4238-45a0-9a58-1b2ca738e9c4" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/6135721d-4238-45a0-9a58-1b2ca738e9c4', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/6135721d-4238-45a0-9a58-1b2ca738e9c4"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/6135721d-4238-45a0-9a58-1b2ca738e9c4/Elevationsdsf.jpg?w=400&amp;q=0.3">The rendering of the McDonald's that could be coming to a Greenlawn address.</a> 
Hello! I’ve been busy working on a story about a proposal to build a McDonald’s on the northeast corner of Pulaski Road and Park Avenue in Huntington. It would be the only McDonald’s in the area north of Jericho Turnpike. 
What also makes the plan&nbsp;unique is the fast-food chain's approach. McDonald's is seeking a town zoning exception to allow it to build a 32-seat restaurant&nbsp;with a drive-thru. It would be on the site of a former bank. 
Adding to the intrigue: Residents in the neighborhoods closest to it aren't happy with the plan, and even Town Supervisor Ed Smyth says he doesn’t think it’s a good idea. 
Stay tuned. A public hearing is set for June 4 at 6 p.m. at Town Hall, 100 Main St. 
In the meantime, <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/mcdonalds-proposal-greenlawn-huntington-fzw58f9q">check out my story about it</a>. 
Does McDonald's deserve a break today?&nbsp;Let me know at <a href="mailto:deborah.morris@newsday.com?subject=Feedback for the This Week In Huntington newsletter">deborah.morris@newsday.com</a>. 
<h2>Elsewhere in town</h2> <a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="Andres Munoz, owner of Back of the Closet in Huntington, shows off some vintage Knicks merchandise." data-attr-credit="" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/0009da5a-988c-4abc-aa9f-f1ecdae3b1e4" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/0009da5a-988c-4abc-aa9f-f1ecdae3b1e4', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/0009da5a-988c-4abc-aa9f-f1ecdae3b1e4"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/0009da5a-988c-4abc-aa9f-f1ecdae3b1e4/BZKNICKS260527_5.jpg?w=400&amp;q=0.3">Andres Munoz, owner of Back of the Closet in Huntington, shows off some vintage Knicks merchandise.</a> 
<ul> 
 <li> I think most of us have Knicks fever now that they're heading to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999. See how some <a href="https://www.newsday.com/business/knicks-nba-finals-long-island-business-apxqn3zn">local businesses</a>, including those in our town,&nbsp;are making the most of it, in this story by&nbsp;Victor Ocasio and Arielle Dollinger.&nbsp; </li> 
 <li>Two hometown high school girls lacrosse teams — No. 2 Huntington vs. No. 3 Northport — faced off in the Suffolk Class A&nbsp;semifinals. Read <a href="https://www.newsday.com/sports/high-school/girls-lacrosse/high-school-girls-lacrosse-oazajc4p">who prevailed in double overtime</a>.</li> 
 <li>Dads and grads:&nbsp;It's that time of the year! Take a look at the scholars from across Long Island in Newsday's annual look at <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/li-life/long-islands-class-of-2026-valedictorians-rtrtcw2u">valedictorians</a> and <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/li-life/long-island-salutatorians-2026-egouuh1d">salutatorians</a>, including those from Huntington’s eight&nbsp;public school districts and from private and parochial institutions.</li> 
 <li>My colleague Joe Dziemianowicz took a trip down memory lane asking Long Islanders to share how they learned to drive — and what was their first car. <a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/family/learning-to-drive-qeodswzn">Read here</a>&nbsp;to learn of one&nbsp;Huntington resident's story.</li> 
 <li> Long Island —&nbsp;and Huntington in particular —&nbsp;is a beautiful place to live,&nbsp;but pricey. Check out my colleague&nbsp;Jonathan LaMantia's story on&nbsp;the Island's most <a href="https://www.newsday.com/real-estate/long-island-most-competitive-t047nzvc">competitive housing markets</a>&nbsp;and see where homes in our town land.&nbsp; Are you new to Huntington? If so, tell me why you chose this great community at <a href="mailto:deborah.morris@newsday.com?subject=Feedback for the This Week In Huntington newsletter">deborah.morris@newsday.com</a>. </li> 
</ul> 
<h2>Things to do</h2> 
Check out these fun and interesting things to do around town in the coming week. <a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="Heckscher Park, the site of Saturday's All Abilities Expo." data-attr-credit="" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/71e49289-5807-4900-95a8-7ca36f4bb37e" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/71e49289-5807-4900-95a8-7ca36f4bb37e', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/71e49289-5807-4900-95a8-7ca36f4bb37e"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/71e49289-5807-4900-95a8-7ca36f4bb37e/LIWEAT260311_9-copy.jpg?w=400&amp;q=0.3">Heckscher Park, the site of Saturday's All Abilities Expo.</a> 
All Abilities Expo 
When: Saturday, May 30, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 
What: The second annual Expo offers&nbsp;a free, family-friendly event focused on inclusion, accessibility and community support. Hosted by the Town of Huntington. 
Where: Heckscher Park, 11 Prime Ave, Huntington 
Information: The event is free. For more information, go <a href="https://www.facebook.com/61555304318074/posts/join-us-for-the-all-abilities-expo-2026-presented-by-huntington-councilwoman-the/122270814566176810/">here</a>.&nbsp; 
Community meeting with police 
When:&nbsp;Tuesday, June 2,&nbsp;7&nbsp;p.m.&nbsp; 
What: Meet&nbsp;members of the Second Precinct&nbsp;to discuss what's happening in the community and police department. 
Where:&nbsp;South Huntington Library,&nbsp;145 Pidgeon&nbsp;Hill Rd., Huntington Station 
Information:&nbsp;Call the Second Precinct at 631-854-8200 or go <a href="https://www.suffolkcountyda.org/event/scpd-second-precinct-community-meeting-4/">here</a>. 
AAPI Heritage Month Art Exhibition 
When: Until Sunday, May 31 
What: If you haven't already, there's still time to check out the United Asian American Alliance's third annual exhibit, a celebration of creativity, heritage&nbsp;and community. 
Where: Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington 
Information: Admission is free and you don't&nbsp;need to purchase a movie ticket to see the exhibit. The theater opens around noon on weekends, but call 631-423-7610 or check the theater's website <a href="https://prod3.agileticketing.net/WebSales/pages/info.aspx?evtinfo=1006001~31a96320-4160-4f8e-a5f9-05c4f03c9c01&amp;epguid=4e90d4ea-c6e5-40b3-9fc2-5fd0073268f4&amp;mdy=5/7/2026&amp;">here</a>.&nbsp; 
Find more things to do at <a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle">newsday.com/lifestyle</a>.

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This week in Huntington newsletter: McDonald's pitches a new restaurant, and Knicks fever is catching

McDonald's pitches a new restaurant, and Knicks fever spreads

<a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="Maria Delgado, left, and Michael Pastore, who helped Delgado get on the ballot." data-attr-credit="" data-attr-f="3x2" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/27d792b8-fa27-4679-97a1-a1ba83b42f56" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/27d792b8-fa27-4679-97a1-a1ba83b42f56', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/27d792b8-fa27-4679-97a1-a1ba83b42f56"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/27d792b8-fa27-4679-97a1-a1ba83b42f56/obj14923621_13676?f=3x2&amp;w=400&amp;q=0.3">Maria Delgado, left, and Michael Pastore, who helped Delgado get on the ballot.</a> 
How is it already Memorial Day weekend? It's hard to believe it has been more than six months since last fall's town elections, and yet the fallout continues.&nbsp; 
<a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/huntington-election-petitions-duped-b9kktvh9">Check out my latest story</a> on&nbsp;last November's race for town supervisor&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/suffolk/maria-delgado-macco-smyth-dd14jim4">involving&nbsp;Maria Delgado</a>.&nbsp;She's the Huntington Station woman who appeared on the ballot on the Working Families Party line and who got a surprising number of votes, which <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/huntington-working-families-party-r265y3oh">may have had an impact on the outcome</a>. I interviewed the man who collected signatures on a petition to get Delgado&nbsp;on the ballot. Huntington Manor Fire District Commissioner&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/huntington-manor-pastore-delgado-sr7msxw5">Michael&nbsp;Pastore</a> says he thought he was asked by a “trusted member” of the town's Democratic committee to help Delgado. He said he feels like he was "duped" and misled. 
It was an interesting revelation in a story that continues to unfold. As I reported, the state attorney general's office is investigating the race. 
Have you been following this story? Let me know your thoughts&nbsp;about it at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:deborah.morris@newsday.com?subject=Feedback for the This Week In Huntington newsletter">deborah.morris@newsday.com</a>. 
<h2>Trail makeover at Caumsett</h2> <a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="The view of Fresh Pond and Long Island Sound beyond it from the Main House at Caumsett." data-attr-credit="" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/c92c1d7d-10b3-44b7-834c-ab477d50beb6" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/c92c1d7d-10b3-44b7-834c-ab477d50beb6', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/c92c1d7d-10b3-44b7-834c-ab477d50beb6"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/c92c1d7d-10b3-44b7-834c-ab477d50beb6/5f7bdaf2-b955-4743-a0d4-51a637c0dbc0?w=400&amp;q=0.3">The view of Fresh Pond and Long Island Sound beyond it from the Main House at Caumsett.</a> 
Here’s some good news if you love the outdoors but aren't looking to stray far from home:&nbsp;Fresh Pond Trail, a popular walking site in Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve in Lloyd Harbor, is expected to be renovated starting this summer after the project was&nbsp;awarded a $100,000 state grant, <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/caumsett-park-trails-grant-few66bhv">as I reported</a>. 
The historic trail,&nbsp;on a steep hillside, serves as an access point from the Main House down to&nbsp;14-acre Fresh Pond&nbsp;near Long Island Sound.&nbsp;It's been closed&nbsp;since August 2022. 
The renovation is expected to be complete&nbsp;by year’s end. In the meantime, there are plenty of other trails&nbsp;to navigate within Caumsett's more than 1,500 acres. 
Have you ever visited Caumsett?&nbsp;Let me know at <a href="mailto:deborah.morris@newsday.com?subject=Feedback for the This Week In Huntington newsletter">deborah.morris@newsday.com</a>. 
<h2>Elsewhere in town</h2> <a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="Ed Veneziano, left, and Anthony Veneziano, nephews of Sgt. Nicholas Governale, with WWII-era family records." data-attr-credit="" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/a890a863-d64a-4c7f-bd5d-c02c3ea7073c" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/a890a863-d64a-4c7f-bd5d-c02c3ea7073c', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/a890a863-d64a-4c7f-bd5d-c02c3ea7073c"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/a890a863-d64a-4c7f-bd5d-c02c3ea7073c/liSOLDIER260425-02012.jpg?w=400&amp;q=0.3">Ed Veneziano, left, and Anthony Veneziano, nephews of Sgt. Nicholas Governale, with WWII-era family records.</a> 
<ul> 
 <li>Ed&nbsp;Veneziano, of East Northport, was among family members who paid tribute to&nbsp;Sgt. Nicholas Governale, who was killed in a scouting mission off Guadalcanal in 1943 at age 22 —&nbsp;and whose remains were recovered just a few years ago. The family celebrated a funeral Mass last week for their fallen hero. Read my colleague <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/history/world-war-ii-nicholas-governale-army-air-forces-w9my2b35">Nicholas Spangler's moving story</a>, and <a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/holidays/memorial-day/missing-solder-pacific-p7zqgdxx">watch the report</a> by NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie.</li> 
 <li>Voters in the Huntington school district overwhelmingly approved the district's budget Tuesday. It calls for a 2.76% tax levy increase. Most of the 120-plus Long Island school districts' budgets passed. <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/education/2026-long-island-school-board-budget-propositoins-election-voters-guide-kpav34wr">See the results here.</a></li> 
 <li>The Say Cheese Pizza Cafe&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/restaurants/say-cheese-pizza-cafe-melville-i5abcc88">plans to open in Melville</a>&nbsp;in the coming week, our Melissa Azofeifa reports.</li> 
 <li>Several of our town's&nbsp;beaches are&nbsp;featured in our "Ultimate Guide to Long Island beaches 2026." What better time than the unofficial start of summer to <a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/recreation/2026-long-island-beach-guide-complete-list-sb30lty7">browse the list</a>?</li> 
</ul> 
<h2>Things to do</h2> 
Check out these fun and interesting things to do around town in the coming week. <a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="The walking tour will start at the Soldiers &amp; Sailors building on Main Street." data-attr-credit="Newsday" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/dd09dfa3-957e-4613-b4ff-8580dbd04d38" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/dd09dfa3-957e-4613-b4ff-8580dbd04d38', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/dd09dfa3-957e-4613-b4ff-8580dbd04d38"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/dd09dfa3-957e-4613-b4ff-8580dbd04d38/image.jpg?w=400&amp;q=0.3">The walking tour will start at the Soldiers &amp; Sailors building on Main Street.</a> 
Huntington Historic Walking Tour 
When: Wednesday, May 27, doors open&nbsp;at 6&nbsp;p.m. 
What: Join Town Historian Robert Hughes on this tour of Huntington Village as he shares its&nbsp;history. 
Where: Starts at&nbsp;Soldiers &amp; Sailors Memorial Building, 228 Main St., Huntington 
Information:&nbsp;The tour wraps up around 8:30 p.m. Cost is&nbsp;$20 for members, $25 for nonmembers. <a href="https://huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org/events/huntington-historic-walking-tour-historic-pub-crawl/">Click here to register.</a> 
Huntington YMCA Memorial Weekend Carnival 
When: Friday, May 22, 6-10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, May 23-24, 1-10 p.m.; Monday, May 25, 1-6 p.m. 
What:&nbsp;Head to the carnival and see a magic show, play games, check out the rides and enjoy the food. 
Where:&nbsp;Athletic Field, 60 Main St., Huntington 
Information:&nbsp;Free admission; ride bracelets for a fee.&nbsp;631-499-6824, <a href="https://newtonshows.com/upcoming-events/">newtonshows.com</a> 
Free&nbsp;Live Music Performance &nbsp; 
When:&nbsp;Saturday, May 23, 7 p.m.&nbsp; 
What: The Andrew Ahr Group performs&nbsp;alt folk music including original compositions, arrangements of popular music from the '80s&nbsp;and '90s, and&nbsp;jazz standards. 
Where: The Next Chapter,&nbsp;204 New York Ave.,&nbsp;Huntington 
Information:&nbsp;Free. <a href="https://www.thenextchapterli.com/product/live-music-with-the-andrew-ahr-group-saturday-may-23rd-7pm/YR5B3Q7ZOO2G4KJTNZ6PJENK">For more information, go here</a>. 
Find more things to do at <a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle">newsday.com/lifestyle</a>.

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This week in Huntington newsletter: More fallout from last fall's elections as a key player says has was 'duped'

More election fallout as a key player says he was 'duped'

<a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="Tiarra Inez Brown and Barry Lites, both of Huntington's African American Museum, at the exhibit they created in Northport recalling the life and legacy of Peter Crippen.&nbsp;" data-attr-credit="" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/05cf111e-5ef3-443e-b384-944e344c1da8" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/05cf111e-5ef3-443e-b384-944e344c1da8', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/05cf111e-5ef3-443e-b384-944e344c1da8"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/05cf111e-5ef3-443e-b384-944e344c1da8/toexhibit260508-2057.jpg?w=400&amp;q=0.3">Tiarra Inez Brown and Barry Lites, both of Huntington's African American Museum, at the exhibit they created in Northport recalling the life and legacy of Peter Crippen.&nbsp;</a> 
The weekend is finally here, Huntington!&nbsp;I started last weekend at the opening of an exhibit <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/huntington-african-american-museum-exhibit-wakqzte1">I had previewed,</a>&nbsp;"The Life and Legacy of Peter Crippen." It's a fascinating&nbsp;examination of one of Huntington’s early African American leaders,&nbsp;at Kasher Gallery &amp; Studios in Northport, and&nbsp;the inaugural exhibit for <a href="https://www.hafam.org/">Huntington’s proposed African American Museum</a>, which will eventually be built in Halesite.&nbsp; 
Dozens of guests milled around the space looking at artifacts from archaeological digs at Crippen’s home, which was on Creek Road in Halesite. The pieces include paperwork, such as the original emancipation documents for Crippen and his father, a&nbsp;model of Peter Crippen's home and crockery.&nbsp; 
<a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/peter-crippen-house-deconstruction-vdg47hp8">Crippen's home</a> was dismantled last fall after falling into disrepair. It's believed to contain structural timbers from as early as the 17th century. The museum received salvageable pieces <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/huntington-african-american-museum-atrg4o3k">and has plans</a> to eventually put them&nbsp;on display.&nbsp; 
There's still time for you to peek into this window of our town's past:&nbsp;The exhibit runs through June 22 <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kashergalleryandstudios/">at&nbsp;the gallery</a>, at&nbsp;19 Scudder Ave. 
Where's&nbsp;your favorite place to view art in our town? Let me know at <a href="mailto:deborah.morris@newsday.com?subject=Feedback for the This Week In Huntington newsletter">deborah.morris@newsday.com.</a> 
<h2>Term-length&nbsp;change in Huntington Bay</h2> <a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="Huntington Bay Mayor Mark Dara welcomes the change on term lengths.
" data-attr-credit="" data-attr-f="3x2" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/daa07447-f206-4b55-8afb-8967169935c9" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/daa07447-f206-4b55-8afb-8967169935c9', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/daa07447-f206-4b55-8afb-8967169935c9"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/daa07447-f206-4b55-8afb-8967169935c9/DMC_0630-212496.jpg?f=3x2&amp;w=400&amp;q=0.3">Huntington Bay Mayor Mark Dara welcomes the change on term lengths. </a> 
Huntington Bay officials have approved <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/huntington-bay-term-limits-elections-yghithf8">doubling the term lengths of office</a> for mayor and four trustee seats on the village board from two to four years. 
I spoke with village&nbsp;Mayor Mark Dara, and he said the move is about efficiency. He said it’s hard for elected officials, in two years, to see projects they have proposed through to the end. He said longer terms also are a cost savings to residents because there will&nbsp;be fewer elections, and they&nbsp;eliminate&nbsp;frequent campaigning, which can be tiring for the&nbsp;candidates and the community. 
The new terms will be phased in next year and fully in place by the 2028 elections, Dara said. 
Do you think there should be term limits for elected officials? Let me know&nbsp; at <a href="mailto:deborah.morris@newsday.com?subject=Feedback for the This Week In Huntington newsletter">deborah.morris@newsday.com.</a> 
<h2>Elsewhere in town</h2> <a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="A typical scene on Platform B at our hometown rail station.
" data-attr-credit="" data-attr-f="3x2" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/754cb067-31cc-45c1-848c-c6b61932bd0c" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/754cb067-31cc-45c1-848c-c6b61932bd0c', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/754cb067-31cc-45c1-848c-c6b61932bd0c"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/754cb067-31cc-45c1-848c-c6b61932bd0c/OBJ14357267_110728?f=3x2&amp;w=400&amp;q=0.3">A typical scene on Platform B at our hometown rail station. </a> 
<ul> 
 <li>Are you a commuter on the Long Island Rail Road? As I write this, you're undoubtedly&nbsp;bracing for <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/transportation/lirr-strike-riders-fcpk1jec">a possible strike</a>.&nbsp;For the latest and to find out how that might affect you, <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/transportation/lirr-strike-live-updates-ri2b7vgr">follow along on our live blog</a>. Our Huntington Station stop is on the Port Jefferson Branch.</li> 
 <li>A developer is set to sell several buildings in Huntington Station that helped boost the community's efforts to revitalize. <a href="https://www.newsday.com/real-estate/blue-and-gold-homes-huntington-station-properties-c8h77out">Check out Celia Young's story</a>.</li> 
 <li>Huntington Hospital was among 12 hospitals on Long Island that <a href="https://www.newsday.com/business/long-island-hospitals-safety-rating-leapfrog-jx56po3y">received an A grade for patient safety</a> in a report from <a href="https://www.leapfroggroup.org/">a nonprofit watchdog agency</a>.&nbsp;</li> 
 <li>Matthew Almond, of Huntington, was among those featured in our annual check-in with <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/li-life/long-island-valedictorians-i4211tb8">Long Island valedictorians 10 years later</a>. He's a compensation analyst for the NFL.&nbsp;</li> 
 <li>Twin Ponds in Centerport is one of&nbsp;the spots listed in <a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/recreation/freshwater-fishing-ponds-lakes-guide-2026-lk20pquv">Newsday's guide to freshwater fishing</a>&nbsp;in ponds and lakes. It's 5 acres located in the&nbsp;Betty Allen Nature Preserve.</li> 
</ul> 
<h2>Things to do</h2> <a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="A new exhibit moves into The Heckscher Museum of Art." data-attr-credit="" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/955d50f3-e8fd-4f0c-9447-ee13dc002234" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/955d50f3-e8fd-4f0c-9447-ee13dc002234', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/955d50f3-e8fd-4f0c-9447-ee13dc002234"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/955d50f3-e8fd-4f0c-9447-ee13dc002234/LIMUSEUMS251022.jpg?w=400&amp;q=0.3">A new exhibit moves into The Heckscher Museum of Art.</a> 
Check out these fun and interesting things to do around town in the coming week. 
"Just Powers: Long Island Biennial 2026" 
When: May 16-Sept. 13. Regular hours Thursday-Sunday, noon-5 p.m. 
What: This new&nbsp;exhibit features works by LI artists revealing "how democratic ideals are interpreted, challenged and reimagined today," according to the museum website. 
Where: The Heckscher Museum of Art, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington 
Information: <a href="https://www.heckscher.org/exhibitions/just-powers-long-island-biennial-2026/">Check here for more.</a> 
Waterfront Festival 
When:&nbsp;Sunday, May 17, 10&nbsp;a.m.-4&nbsp;p.m. What:&nbsp;Hosted by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.huntingtonboatingcouncil.org/">Greater Huntington Boating Council</a>, the festival includes boating safety information and resources, live music, food trucks, craft vendors, marine equipment and boats on display, a beer tent and more.&nbsp; 
Where: Mill Dam Park,&nbsp;25 Mill Dam Rd., Halesite 
Information:&nbsp; Admission is free. For more information, go <a href="https://www.huntingtonboatingcouncil.org/events/">here</a>.&nbsp; 
Laser light and music show 
When:&nbsp;May 16-17,&nbsp;4&nbsp;p.m. What: The show features the greatest hits of Michael Jackson including "Billie Jean," "Beat It," "Thriller"&nbsp;and more. Where:&nbsp;Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum &amp; Reichert Planetarium,&nbsp;180 Little Neck Rd., Centerport 
Information:&nbsp;Tickets are $20. Get them <a href="https://47321.blackbaudhosting.com/47321/tickets?tab=3&amp;txobjid=6f2b3a80-3e73-4afc-ab28-99a8bb110b8e&amp;_gl=1*1c0kyxp*_gcl_au*MTE5ODEyMzQ4Mi4xNzc4MDc3ODU3&amp;_ga=2.183368111.849994700.1778510798-174548199.1778077857">here</a>.&nbsp; 
Find more things to do at <a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle">newsday.com/lifestyle</a>.

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This week in Huntington newsletter: Museum in the making gives us a peek into our history

A museum in the making opens a window to our past

<a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="Plans for the proposed Melville Overlay District displayed at a public hearing at Huntington Town Hall in March." data-attr-credit="" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/251ec5a0-b717-436d-a8a6-beddc2dd84a0" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/251ec5a0-b717-436d-a8a6-beddc2dd84a0', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/251ec5a0-b717-436d-a8a6-beddc2dd84a0"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/251ec5a0-b717-436d-a8a6-beddc2dd84a0/TOMELV2603212500.jpg?w=400&amp;q=0.3">Plans for the proposed Melville Overlay District displayed at a public hearing at Huntington Town Hall in March.</a> 
Happy Friday, everyone!&nbsp;Development is always a hot topic&nbsp;across our&nbsp;town, and Melville is certainly leading the discussion at the moment. 
NYU Langone Health plans to spend at least $1 billion on a <a href="https://www.newsday.com/business/nyu-langone-teaching-hospital-research-center-melville-aefm716l">new teaching hospital</a> and research center at the Huntington Quadrangle there, according to County Executive Edward P. Romaine. And separately, I reported that town officials recently approved a <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/melville-overlay-district-huntington-development-fxomrih9">project</a> that will bring at least 400 housing units basically just down the street from where the hospital would be built. That&nbsp;developer, Bethpage-based Steel Equities, plans to seek a tax abatement&nbsp;known as a PILOT, or payment in lieu of taxes, from the <a href="https://suffolkida.org/">Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency</a>. 
To help ease any financial burden the tax break would have on the <a href="https://www.hhh.k12.ny.us/">Half Hollow Hills School District</a>, Steel Equities has entered into an agreement with the district to pay it a flat fee each year of the PILOT, whose duration is expected to be 20 years. 
As I reported, town officials are now seizing on that idea and held a <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/huntington-town-board-developer-tax-breaks-kuyacpst">public hearing</a>&nbsp;this week to consider creating such a policy townwide. 
While it may seem like the development focus has sharpened very quickly on Melville —&nbsp;notably the part of the hamlet that's south of the Long Island Expressway and east of Route 110&nbsp;—&nbsp;I started reporting on the town's intentions&nbsp;two years ago this spring, with rumblings among town officials <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/suffolk/overlay-district-melville-s-route-110-corridor-m27788">starting back in 2021</a>. 
Town Supervisor Ed Smyth has long seen the area, which includes some older, empty office buildings, as ripe for&nbsp;a brand-new, walkable downtown. The latest developments seem like clear steps forward. 
What you think about a Melville transformation?&nbsp;Tell me at <a href="mailto:deborah.morris@newsday.com?subject=Feedback for the This Week In Huntington newsletter">deborah.morris@newsday.com.</a> 
<h2>LI's largest pizza party has town roots</h2> <a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="Frank Antonetti at last year's pizza festival at Huntington's Mill Dam Park.
" data-attr-credit="Newsday" data-attr-f="3x2" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/e546f964-bdd3-4dee-89ad-7f82f98c3cf8" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/e546f964-bdd3-4dee-89ad-7f82f98c3cf8', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/e546f964-bdd3-4dee-89ad-7f82f98c3cf8"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/e546f964-bdd3-4dee-89ad-7f82f98c3cf8/FDPIZZA2605061.jpg?f=3x2&amp;w=400&amp;q=0.3">Frank Antonetti at last year's pizza festival at Huntington's Mill Dam Park. </a> 
The second Long Island Pizza Fest&nbsp;is set for Sept. 19 at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, <a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/restaurants/long-island-pizza-fest-nassau-coliseum-c8tzf76j">Erica&nbsp;Marcus reports</a>, but&nbsp;it's got strong ties to our hometown. <a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/restaurants/long-island-pizza-fest-huntington-y6cd3972">The first such festival</a>, at Mill Dam Park in Huntington last September, drew more than 25,000 people, organizer Frank Antonetti told Erica. Antonetti is&nbsp;an owner of <a href="https://1653pizzaco.com/">1653 Pizza Company</a> and <a href="https://therustandgold.com/">The Rust &amp; Gold</a>, both in Huntington. Also, <a href="https://www.doughandcopizza.com/">Dough &amp; Co of Huntington</a> and Oyster Bay is among those committed to be at this year's festival. 
What's your favorite pizza in town?&nbsp;There are&nbsp;a lot of great options. Let me know at <a href="mailto:deborah.morris@newsday.com?subject=Feedback for the This Week In Huntington newsletter">deborah.morris@newsday.com.</a> 
<h2>Elsewhere in town</h2> <a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="Erin Mascaro teaches in Commack.
" data-attr-credit="" data-attr-f="3x2" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/0b7bd8f7-e923-4d12-90e3-95af80a74dec" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/0b7bd8f7-e923-4d12-90e3-95af80a74dec', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/0b7bd8f7-e923-4d12-90e3-95af80a74dec"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/0b7bd8f7-e923-4d12-90e3-95af80a74dec/obj14887296_1476?f=3x2&amp;w=400&amp;q=0.3">Erin Mascaro teaches in Commack. </a> 
<ul> 
 <li> Commack High School teacher&nbsp;Erin Mascaro organizes runs for those struggling with depression and has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to help. <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/li-life/erin-mascaro-sounds-of-silence-uun8c1l0">Read Michael R. Ebert's story.</a> </li> 
 <li> <a href="https://www.newsday.com/sports/high-school/girls-lacrosse/northport-huntington-girls-lacrosse-sophia-mele-parker-ciaio-ynxkq5ta">Northport High defeated Huntington High 7-6</a> in girls lacrosse Tuesday, Tess Ferguson reports. <a href="https://www.newsday.com/sports/high-school/girls-lacrosse/suffolk-girls-lacrosse-huntington-northport-photos-vbc1bb0y">Check out more photos</a> from the crosstown matchup, which was played in Northport. </li> 
 <li> <a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/restaurants/athenian-greek-taverna-closes-commack-ji14kmdc">Commack's Athenian Greek Taverna&nbsp;closed</a> abruptly after more than three decades&nbsp;in business, my colleague Melissa Azofeifa reports. </li> 
 <li> One of Huntington's most beautiful and expansive parks is listed as a place that offers an ideal trail that offers stroller and wheelchair access. <a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/family/2026-wheelchair-stroller-friendly-paths-long-island-mhx0325v">Check out which one here</a>. </li> 
</ul> 
<h2>Things to do</h2> <a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="The Daniel W. Kissam House at 434 Park Ave.
" data-attr-credit="Newsday" data-attr-f="3x2" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/d8f73800-2d06-4e05-9469-0cdb71f72d1a" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/d8f73800-2d06-4e05-9469-0cdb71f72d1a', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/d8f73800-2d06-4e05-9469-0cdb71f72d1a"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/d8f73800-2d06-4e05-9469-0cdb71f72d1a/Kissam.jpg?f=3x2&amp;w=400&amp;q=0.3">The Daniel W. Kissam House at 434 Park Ave. </a> 
Check out these fun and interesting things to do around town in the coming week. 
“We The People…” A Conversation About Art &amp; Democracy 
When: Thursday, May 14, 6-8:30 p.m.&nbsp; 
What: It's billed as an&nbsp;evening of food, conversation&nbsp;and connection&nbsp;around a shared table&nbsp;—&nbsp;an open and welcoming dialogue on democracy, liberty, freedom, civic participation&nbsp;and freedom of expression. 
Where: Dr. Daniel W. Kissam Property, 434 Park Ave., Huntington 
Information:&nbsp;Cost is $25. Presented by the Huntington Historical Society and Heckscher Museum of Art. Call 631-380-3230 for more, or visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.heckscher.org/">heckscher.org.</a> 
Walk and Wag Animal Fundraiser&nbsp; 
When:&nbsp;Saturday, May 9, noon-4 p.m.&nbsp; 
What:&nbsp;It's the second annual Walk &amp; Wag event&nbsp;to support dogs at&nbsp;the <a href="https://www.huntingtonny.gov/animal-shelter">Huntington Animal Shelter</a>, organized by the nonprofit Give a Dog a Dream&nbsp;Inc. and the Town of Huntington.&nbsp; 
Where:&nbsp;Heckscher Park, 11 Prime Ave.,&nbsp;Huntington 
Information:&nbsp;Sign up to walk your dog in the pageant. Register <a href="https://huntingtonny.formstack.com/forms/dog_walk_and_wag_app">here</a>.&nbsp; 
Selling and Renovating Historic Houses on Long Island 
When:&nbsp;Tuesday, May 12, 10 a.m.-2&nbsp;p.m. 
What:&nbsp;It's a workshop that examines&nbsp;how to market, sell,&nbsp;thoughtfully renovate and steward a historic home. 
Where:&nbsp;Preservation Long Island Exhibition Gallery, 161 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor 
Information:&nbsp;General admission is&nbsp;$20 suggested donation, optional box lunch is&nbsp;$12.&nbsp;Free parking is available in the municipal lot on the opposite side of Main Street. Register <a href="https://preservationlongisland.kindful.com/e/preservation-workshop-2026-selling-and-renovating-historic-houses-on-long-island">here</a>. 
Find more things to do at <a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle">newsday.com/lifestyle</a>.

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This week in Huntington newsletter: A vision to transform Melville quickly comes into focus

The vision for Melville quickly comes into focus

<a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-align="center" data-attr-caption="Town Historian Robert Hughes, holding the flag, speaks to tourgoers on the Village Green." data-attr-credit="" data-attr-f="3x2" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/2860cf40-1d3e-4fc6-9269-85d027730e98" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/2860cf40-1d3e-4fc6-9269-85d027730e98', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/2860cf40-1d3e-4fc6-9269-85d027730e98"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/2860cf40-1d3e-4fc6-9269-85d027730e98/TOTOUR260428_2.jpg?f=3x2&amp;w=400&amp;q=0.3" /></a>
Hello, Huntington!&nbsp;I had fun last week visiting historical sites in our town inspired by George Washington&#39;s 1790 visit here. It&#39;s all part of the town&#39;s efforts to celebrate the country&rsquo;s semiquincentennial. (I think I have it down now how to pronounce that word.)

Anyway, the tour included trolley stops at former forts; the birthplace of <a href="https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/jupiter-hammon">Jupiter Hammon</a>, who was America&rsquo;s first published African American poet; and the homes of early Huntington residents. While Washington didn&rsquo;t visit most of these places, they have strong ties to the American Revolution. <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/huntington-historic-tour-suxmqwbt">Read my story about it here</a>.

You&#39;ll have other opportunities to experience Huntington in the 18th century as we celebrate America&rsquo;s 250th anniversary. Today, the town is set to unveil a historic marker honoring <a href="https://huntingtonhistory.com/2019/10/09/honoring-two-revolutionary-war-patriots/">Dr. Gilbert Potter</a>, who served as a captain in the <a href="https://www.battlefields.org/learn/revolutionary-war/battles/fort-ticonderoga-1775">Battle of Ticonderoga</a>. That&#39;s scheduled for 11 a.m. at 60 Wall St. The town also will outline its <a href="https://www.huntingtonny.gov/liberty250">webpage</a>&nbsp;featuring local Revolutionary War-era history.

While the trolley tour was one of a kind, there&#39;s a walking tour app that features many of the sites. <a href="https://guides.bloombergconnects.org/en-US/guide/huntingtonHistoricalSociety">For more information about that, go here</a>.

What do you know about Huntington and its connection to the American Revolution? Let me know at <a href="mailto:deborah.morris@newsday.com?subject=Feedback for the This Week In Huntington newsletter">deborah.morris@newsday.com.</a>

<h2>Parkway paving work</h2>
<a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-align="center" data-attr-caption="A sign of the times along the Northern State Parkway on Thursday.

 
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Heads up, motorists:&nbsp;The state Department of Transportation will be working on pavement resurfacing on the eastbound Northern State Parkway between Exit 36A in the Town of Oyster Bay and Exit 41 in the Town of Huntington. The road will be closed between those exits from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. each night for about the next three weeks, weather permitting.&nbsp;The work was scheduled to start&nbsp;Wednesday night, <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/transportation/northern-state-eastbound-closures-c2t1wcze">my colleague John Valenti reports</a>.&nbsp;

Motorists will be rerouted,&nbsp;according to a post on the Town of Huntington&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TownOfHuntington/#">Facebook page.</a>&nbsp;Check it out for how the detours might affect you.

Speaking of road headaches, we&#39;re&nbsp;on the lookout for potholes after that rough winter.&nbsp;Have you come across any that we should know about? Let me know at <a href="mailto:deborah.morris@newsday.com?subject=Feedback for the This Week In Huntington newsletter">deborah.morris@newsday.com.</a>

<h2>Elsewhere in town</h2>
<a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-align="center" data-attr-caption="A DIY peach-blueberry pie at Mighty Fine in Huntington.
" data-attr-credit="Newsday" data-attr-f="3x2" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/94441813-a541-4299-bc83-9faaedcecd11" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/94441813-a541-4299-bc83-9faaedcecd11', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/94441813-a541-4299-bc83-9faaedcecd11"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/94441813-a541-4299-bc83-9faaedcecd11/IMG_9270.jpg?f=3x2&amp;w=400&amp;q=0.3" /></a>

<ul>
	<li>
	Mighty Fine, a cafe with a focus on pies, has opened in what used to be Finley&#39;s of Green Street. You can design your own. Read my colleague <a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/restaurants/mighty-fine-pie-huntington-xqirbiis">Erica Marcus&#39; story</a> about it.
	</li>
	<li>Zaro&rsquo;s Cafe has closed after more than&nbsp;three decades in Huntington Station. It was established in 1993 and served Greek and Italian food. Newsday&#39;s Melissa Azofeifa <a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/restaurants/zaros-cafe-huntington-closes-onatvi23">talked to the manager</a> about it.</li>
	<li>Northport is highlighted by Newsday travel writer Carissa Kellman as the perfect place for a day trip. <a href="https://www.newsday.com/travel/northport-staycation-2026-day-weekend-trip-i5nfkvzo">Check out her story.</a></li>
	<li>
	Seaweed is an asset, not a nuisance, according to <a href="https://www.newsday.com/opinion/commentary/guest-essays/seaweed-f7pz3rmv">a guest essay</a> about the greenery. The nonprofit Lazy Point Farms has supported its cultivation in various spots Islandwide, including our town.
	</li>
	<li>
	The Huntington Town Board meets Tuesday, May 5, at 2 p.m. <a href="https://huntingtonny.gov/meetings#:~:text=Upcoming%20Meetings&amp;text=Zoning%20Board%20Meeting,23%2C%202026%20%2D%2006%3A00%20PM&amp;text=Town%20Board%20Workshop,05%2C%202026%20%2D%2010%3A00%20AM&amp;text=Town%20Board%20Meeting,05%2C%202026%20%2D%2002%3A00%20PM">Check here</a> for what&#39;s on the agenda.
	</li>
</ul>

<h2>Things to do</h2>
<a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-align="center" data-attr-caption="A scene from the Sheep to Shawl festival in 2022." data-attr-credit="X-Team" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/5f2b0da3-98ee-4499-9f29-32fff9ffa1ab" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/5f2b0da3-98ee-4499-9f29-32fff9ffa1ab', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/5f2b0da3-98ee-4499-9f29-32fff9ffa1ab"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/5f2b0da3-98ee-4499-9f29-32fff9ffa1ab/image.jpg?w=400&amp;q=0.3" /></a>

Check out these fun and interesting things to do around town in the coming week.

Sheep to Shawl festival

When:&nbsp;Sunday, May 3, noon-4 p.m.

What: The annual festival is a throwback to Colonial times;&nbsp;follow&nbsp;the journey from fleece to finished fabric. There are live sheep shearing demonstrations, craft stations for the kids, folk music, food and more.

Where:&nbsp;The Kissam house and barn, 434 Park Ave., Huntington

Information:&nbsp;Admission is free. For more, <a href="https://huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org/events/sheep-to-shawl/">check here</a>.

Free Senior Scam Prevention Seminar

When: Thursday, May 7, 1:30&nbsp;p.m.&nbsp;

What: The&nbsp;seminar will be hosted by the Town of Huntington and the Suffolk County District Attorney&rsquo;s Office.

Where: <a href="https://cinemaartscentre.org/">Cinema Arts Centre</a>, 423 Park Ave., Huntington

Information: Open to all residents including caregivers, spouses&nbsp;and children of seniors.&nbsp;For more information, call the town at 631-351-3030.

30th Annual Custom Car, Truck and Cycle Show

When: Sunday, May 3, 11&nbsp;a.m.-3&nbsp;p.m.

What: Family friendly fun featuring antique and custom cars, classic and custom trucks, motorcycles, fire trucks, food, beverages&nbsp;and raffles.

Where: Centerport Beach, 220 Little Neck Rd., Centerport

Information: For more information, go to this <a href="https://www.facebook.com/EagleTruckCompany/">Facebook page</a>.

Find more things to do at <a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle">newsday.com/lifestyle</a>.

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This week in Huntington newsletter: Touring the town's Revolutionary past

Remembering that time George Washington stopped by

<a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="This alley in the village is being transformed into The Artery.

 
" data-attr-credit="" data-attr-f="3x2" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/9c1e4854-a2dc-4164-9318-6f4e3a23eb02" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/9c1e4854-a2dc-4164-9318-6f4e3a23eb02', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/9c1e4854-a2dc-4164-9318-6f4e3a23eb02"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/9c1e4854-a2dc-4164-9318-6f4e3a23eb02/TOHUNTNEWSLETTER260424_6.jpg?f=3x2&amp;w=400&amp;q=0.3">This alley in the village is being transformed into The Artery. </a> 
Happy Friday, Huntington!&nbsp;I was downtown the other day and something piqued&nbsp;my interest in what's usually a pretty quiet, low-key&nbsp;spot: the alley between New York Avenue and New Street. 
It's humming with activity as it's being remade&nbsp;into <a href="https://www.arteryhuntington.com/">The Artery</a>, a space where artists will be able to hone and share&nbsp;their craft&nbsp;—&nbsp;whether visuals, music&nbsp;or the spoken word&nbsp;—&nbsp;according to one of its organizers. 
I spoke to Don Tesoriero, executive director of the 1653 Foundation, one of the agencies working along with the Huntington <a href="https://www.huntingtonvillage.bid/">Business Improvement District</a> to spruce up the alley. He said about $600,000 in grants have been collected to help realize the plan. 
If you've been in that area at night to <a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/restaurants/huntington-dining-2025-lcl7rwv7">go to&nbsp;a restaurant</a> or <a href="https://www.newsday.com/entertainment/music/paramount-huntington-live-nation-luyz9p1n">take in a show</a>, you know the alley is a well-used&nbsp;shortcut between two&nbsp;vibrant streets. But let's face it: It's pretty much had the feel of nothing more than an alley. You're happy to get through it. 
It won't be that way much longer. 
Tesoriero said a drainage system has been installed, new pavers put in place&nbsp;and building facades resurfaced. Lighting is coming soon. 
The workers have been there since last month. On May 16, the first artist will transform one of the building walls as part of the Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce’s <a href="https://www.huntingtonpublicartcrawl.com/">Public Art Crawl.</a> 
Stay tuned! 
From historic buildings <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/huntington-town-newsletter-vprxwn4v">to murals</a> to the <a href="https://www.heckscher.org/">museum in&nbsp;Heckscher Park</a>, we're lucky enough to have public art all around us. What are your favorite pieces to check out?&nbsp;Let me know at <a href="mailto:deborah.morris@newsday.com?subject=Feedback for the This Week In Huntington newsletter">deborah.morris@newsday.com.</a> 
<h2>Elsewhere in town</h2> <a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="Whitman softball player Brynn Iacovone on Wednesday in South Huntington." data-attr-credit="" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/67fc0bfb-d840-487c-ade0-a60dc1deb51b" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/67fc0bfb-d840-487c-ade0-a60dc1deb51b', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/67fc0bfb-d840-487c-ade0-a60dc1deb51b"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/67fc0bfb-d840-487c-ade0-a60dc1deb51b/OBJ14864963_12832?w=400&amp;q=0.3">Whitman softball player Brynn Iacovone on Wednesday in South Huntington.</a> 
<ul> 
 <li> Walt Whitman High School standout softball player Brynn Iacovone is a presence on the mound and in the classroom and is Newsday's Athlete of the Week.&nbsp;Check out my&nbsp;colleague <a href="https://www.newsday.com/sports/high-school/softball/athlete-of-the-week-brynn-iacavone-whitman-frtpd1rq">Jonathan Ruban's profile of&nbsp;her</a>.&nbsp; </li> 
 <li> "Brady Bunch"&nbsp;fans, rejoice!&nbsp;Eve Plumb — she was Jan on the popular&nbsp;'70s sitcom — is coming to <a href="https://www.thenextchapterli.com/">The Next Chapter bookstore</a> on May 1. She'll will be there for a book-signing and a talk. <a href="https://www.newsday.com/entertainment/celebrities/eve-plumb-brady-bunch-next-chapter-d9pipuot">Check out Frank Lovece's story.</a> </li> 
 <li> With "Death of a Salesman"&nbsp;back on Broadway,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsday.com/entertainment/theater/death-of-a-salesman-x6o6vnkz">read about what it's like to play Willy Loman</a>&nbsp;from local actors who've done so in community theater. One of them is&nbsp;James Bradley, a retired attorney from Huntington. </li> 
 <li> The Greenlawn Water District is often a winner in "Best Tasting Water" contest, and it now has help keeping that moniker:&nbsp;It received a federal grant to remove pollutants&nbsp;from two wells. Projects are expected to start next month. <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/greenlawn-westbury-water-district-spending-gphcdwqf">Read my story about it here</a>. </li> 
 <li> Did you know that beginning next school year, the South Huntington school district will introduce universal pre-K? <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/education/south-huntington-universal-pre-k-e6pdfjjg">Check out this&nbsp;story</a> by Darwin Yanes. </li> 
</ul> 
What's going on around town&nbsp;that you'd like to see covered here? Drop me a line at <a href="mailto:deborah.morris@newsday.com?subject=Feedback for the This Week In Huntington newsletter">deborah.morris@newsday.com.</a> 
<h2>Things to do</h2> <a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="Stay between the lines as you color at the Walt Whitman Birthplace.
" data-attr-credit="" data-attr-f="3x2" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/b877451f-9c1f-4074-b6f7-f0977846e995" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/b877451f-9c1f-4074-b6f7-f0977846e995', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/b877451f-9c1f-4074-b6f7-f0977846e995"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/b877451f-9c1f-4074-b6f7-f0977846e995/20cb95f2-ffbf-4a08-9dbb-a82b17d3d4cc?f=3x2&amp;w=400&amp;q=0.3">Stay between the lines as you color at the Walt Whitman Birthplace. </a> 
Here are some fun and interesting things to do around town in the coming week. 
Adult coloring night 
When:&nbsp;Thursday, April 30, 7-9 p.m.&nbsp; 
What: Think of this as a chance to de-stress, socialize&nbsp;and tap into your&nbsp;inner artist in the very place that inspired <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/walt-whitman-birthplace-time-capsule-twumunl9">one of America's greatest poets</a>. 
Where:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.waltwhitman.org/">The Walt Whitman Birthplace Association</a>,&nbsp;246 Old Walt Whitman Rd., Huntington Station 
Information:&nbsp;Cost is $10&nbsp;per person. Supplies are provided. <a href="https://www.waltwhitman.org/event-calendar/">For tickets, go here</a>. 
Ocean-inspired family crafts 
When:&nbsp;Saturday, April 25, 11 a.m.-4&nbsp;p.m. 
What:&nbsp;You can build your own ocean-inspired creation at the Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum, using repurposed materials&nbsp;in a self-guided workshop. Then it can be included in the museum's “Recycled Ecosystem” display. 
Where:&nbsp;The Whaling Museum &amp; Education Center of Cold Spring Harbor, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor 
Information: Included with the cost of admission. <a href="https://www.cshwhalingmuseum.org/">Check here for more</a>.&nbsp; 
Bowling fundraiser to support kids 
When:&nbsp;Sunday, April 26, 6-8 p.m. What:&nbsp;It's an&nbsp;evening of fun, bowling&nbsp;and food at&nbsp;Youth Directions &amp; Alternatives' 16th annual Bowl-A-Rama FUNdraiser. The event supports local youth in Northport-East Northport, Elwood, and Harborfields communities through youth programming and more.&nbsp; 
Where:&nbsp;Larkfield Lanes,&nbsp;332 Larkfield Rd., East Northport 
Information:&nbsp;Cost is $50 per person or $130 per lane for six bowlers.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.northportny.com/event-details/ydas-16th-annual-bowl-a-rama-fundraiser">RSVP&nbsp;here</a>.&nbsp; 
Find more things to do at <a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle">newsday.com/lifestyle</a>.

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Copy Of A picture of Walt Whitman etched on a window of the new Walt Whitman Visitor Center is seen juxtaposed against his Birthplace seen at far right, and a fence enclosing the new Visitor Center at left.. Film Image

This week in Huntington newsletter: Artists transform an alley into a downtown destination

Artists transform a village alley, and a 'Brady Bunch' star comes to town

<a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="Amanda Vizzari oversees the Kubecka garden." data-attr-credit="" data-attr-f="3x2" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/dec564f5-2764-48ec-b9a0-7c2afaab4bc4" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/dec564f5-2764-48ec-b9a0-7c2afaab4bc4', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/dec564f5-2764-48ec-b9a0-7c2afaab4bc4"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/dec564f5-2764-48ec-b9a0-7c2afaab4bc4/TOHUNTNEWSLETTER260417-1.jpg?f=3x2&amp;w=400&amp;q=0.3">Amanda Vizzari oversees the Kubecka garden.</a> 
Hello&nbsp;everyone!&nbsp;First, thanks to all of you who've tried to help identify people in the mural outside Finnegan's Restaurant &amp; Tap Room in downtown Huntington. The mystery continues, so if you’d like to weigh in, <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/huntington-town-newsletter-vprxwn4v">check out last week’s newsletter</a>. 
We’ve had wonderfully warm temperatures in the last couple of days&nbsp;—&nbsp;perfect weather to celebrate upcoming Earth Day and to think about one of my stress relievers: <a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/recreation/long-island-commnity-gardens-a19946">gardening</a>. Did you know there are two community gardens in Huntington where residents can lease a spot? 
The <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/eagle-scout-project-bat-houses-garden-sd8yuvls">Robert M. Kubecka Memorial Organic Garden</a> was established in 1972, a year after the town purchased the 15-acre property at the intersection of Dunlop and Greenlawn roads. It has 400 plots, each about 25&nbsp;by 30 feet,&nbsp;that rent for $35 per season or $25&nbsp;for people over 60. 
Amanda Vizzari, senior environmental analyst for the town's Department of Environmental Waste Management, oversees the garden. She&nbsp;said it's a huge benefit to the town. 
“It is a lot of work but it’s a great learning curve,” Vizzari said. “You can learn from each other at the garden because there’s all different&nbsp;experiences and types of gardening.” 
Besides the mouthwatering idea of a salad made from your own lettuce, tomatoes and cucumbers, Vizzari said, gardeners are passionate about cultivating their own pumpkin and butternut squash patches, herbs and&nbsp;ornamental flowers. Last year, the garden even had a beekeeper harvesting honey. 
There is also a section of the garden dedicated to support local food pantries. Gardeners are also asked to give a percentage of their harvest each season to support those in need. 
While all of the plots have been rented, Vizzari encourages people to apply because there is an <a href="https://www.huntingtonny.gov/kubecka-gardens">opportunity</a> to be added to a&nbsp;waitlist. 
Gateway Community Garden in Huntington Station is on the west side of New York Avenue, established in 2010 on the site of&nbsp;housing demolished during urban renewal efforts of the 1960s. 
Frances Whittelsey, a co-founder of that garden (and a former Newsday reporter!) said it&nbsp;was created when the founders realized food pantries couldn't supply fresh food. 
“We thought, how could we bring fresh food, especially in Huntington Station —&nbsp;we wanted to serve the people of that community, and the way to do that was to build a garden and invite them&nbsp;to garden there,” she said. 
The 125&nbsp;raised garden beds,&nbsp;5 by 20 feet,&nbsp;are free, but gardeners are asked to donate $25&nbsp;if they can&nbsp;to cover the costs of tools, mulch, plants, insurance&nbsp;and hoses. There are still a few plots available for this season. To find out more, click <a href="http://www.gatewaygarden.org/">here</a>. 
In honor of Earth Day, which is April 22,&nbsp;the town is co-hosting its annual&nbsp;<a href="https://www.huntingtonny.gov/earth-day">“Family Earth Day”</a> celebration with Reworld, Northwell Health, the 1653 Foundation&nbsp;and the Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce. The free festivities take place at Elwood Park, 309 Cuba Hill Rd. in Elwood, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday,&nbsp; April 25. The day will include hands-on learning and outdoor fun. 
How, and where, does your garden grow? Let me know at <a href="mailto:deborah.morris@newsday.com?subject=Feedback for the This Week In Huntington newsletter">deborah.morris@newsday.com</a>. 
<h2>Huntington Station transformation</h2> <a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="A developer is seeking to sell this apartment complex in Huntington Station for $9 million." data-attr-credit="" data-attr-f="3x2" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/054ba3b7-0ab0-4458-8ba1-028549a72802" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/054ba3b7-0ab0-4458-8ba1-028549a72802', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/054ba3b7-0ab0-4458-8ba1-028549a72802"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/054ba3b7-0ab0-4458-8ba1-028549a72802/obj14848080_13788?f=3x2&amp;w=400&amp;q=0.3">A developer is seeking to sell this apartment complex in Huntington Station for $9 million.</a> 
Big changes are&nbsp;coming to Huntington Station&nbsp;thanks to a state grant. Some of the focus will be&nbsp;sidewalk and crosswalk improvements along New York Avenue, which are scheduled to begin soon.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/huntington-station-sidewalk-improvements-a3xv45qu">Read my story about it here</a>. Later: <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/huntington-station-sewer-project-roads-kt8sq9x2">A welcome repaving of the avenue</a>&nbsp;is on tap. 
Also, an apartment complex on New York Avenue that helped launch revitalization efforts in the community is now for sale. <a href="https://www.newsday.com/real-estate/huntington-station-apartments-downtown-retail-xi2z0jp0">Read my colleague Celia Young's story</a>. 
<h2>Elsewhere in town</h2> <a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="An aerial view, looking southwest, of the proposed site of the mixed-use neighborhood in Melville." data-attr-credit="" data-attr-f="3x2" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/34dfb38b-4d85-454f-8f4a-35d7e1da1c04" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/34dfb38b-4d85-454f-8f4a-35d7e1da1c04', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/34dfb38b-4d85-454f-8f4a-35d7e1da1c04"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/34dfb38b-4d85-454f-8f4a-35d7e1da1c04/toMELV260416c.jpg?f=3x2&amp;w=400&amp;q=0.3">An aerial view, looking southwest, of the proposed site of the mixed-use neighborhood in Melville.</a> 
<ul> 
 <li>If you haven't already, <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/melville-overlay-district-huntington-development-fxomrih9">check out my story</a> on the approval of the first project under the <a href="https://huntingtonny.gov/melville">Melville Town Center </a>Overlay District. This project is what town officials hope is the&nbsp;first of several that will revitalize the area, which&nbsp;is home to several empty office buildings.&nbsp;</li> 
 <li>NeeDoh fidget toys are drawing lines and selling out across Long Island,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/family/needoh-long-island-where-to-find-pm57lq51">according to a story</a> by my colleague Arielle Dollinger. See what a worker at&nbsp;Einstein's Attic in Huntington had to say about the craze.</li> 
 <li>Huntington officials are considering raising the penalties for establishments that allow prostitution,&nbsp;and businesses that sell vape products to young people. <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/huntington-fines-prostitution-vape-sales-b0jrc0js">Read my story here</a>.&nbsp;</li> 
</ul> 
<h2>Things to do</h2> <a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="Washington dined here: A historic marker notes the location of the former Platt's Tavern, near the intersection of Park Avenue and Main Street." data-attr-credit="" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/08452fdc-7809-4099-8084-b1b85e96efa1" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/08452fdc-7809-4099-8084-b1b85e96efa1', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/08452fdc-7809-4099-8084-b1b85e96efa1"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/08452fdc-7809-4099-8084-b1b85e96efa1/0NO98IVS.jpg?w=400&amp;q=0.3">Washington dined here: A historic marker notes the location of the former Platt's Tavern, near the intersection of Park Avenue and Main Street.</a> 
Check out these fun and interesting things to do around town in the coming week. 
History Tour 
When:&nbsp;Thursday, April 23, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. 
What:&nbsp;A bus tour stopping by several locations inspired by George Washington's tour of Huntington in 1790. The date coincides with Washington's visit to Platt's Tavern that year. 
Where: Meet&nbsp;at the Flanagan Center,&nbsp;423 Park Ave., Huntington 
Information:&nbsp;Cost is $50 and includes light refreshments and a commemorative coin.&nbsp;Registration required. To register, go <a href="https://huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org/hhs-events/tours/">here</a>.&nbsp; 
Fourth Annual Long Island Jewish Film Festival 
When:&nbsp;Through Tuesday, April 21, various showings 
What:&nbsp;The Cinema Arts Centre presents a festival featuring a diverse selection of films that explore Jewish history, culture&nbsp;and identity. 
Where:&nbsp;The Cinema Arts Centre,&nbsp;423 Park Ave., Huntington 
Information:&nbsp;For a list of movies, go <a href="https://cinemaartscentre.org/long-island-jewish-film-festival/">here</a>.&nbsp; 
Jim Breuer at the Paramount 
When:&nbsp;Saturday, April 18, 8 p.m.&nbsp; 
What: Long Island's own Jim Breuer&nbsp;performs his "Find the Funny" stand-up show. 
Where:&nbsp;The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington 
Information:&nbsp;Tickets range from&nbsp;$54 to&nbsp;$182. For more information, go <a href="https://www.paramountny.com/shows">here</a>. 
Find more things to do at <a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle">newsday.com/lifestyle</a>.

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This Week in Huntington newsletter: Dig into gardening at these public plots

Green thumb? Here's the dirt on where to garden

<a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="Claudia Mingin and husband Greg at the mural outside Finnegan's. That's also Greg in the mural, serving patrons at lower left.
" data-attr-credit="" data-attr-f="3x2" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/6fe1d3f6-174b-45f7-9f22-5151eecbbc33" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/6fe1d3f6-174b-45f7-9f22-5151eecbbc33', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/6fe1d3f6-174b-45f7-9f22-5151eecbbc33"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/6fe1d3f6-174b-45f7-9f22-5151eecbbc33/TOHUNTNEWSLETTER260410_10.jpg?f=3x2&amp;w=400&amp;q=0.3">Claudia Mingin and husband Greg at the mural outside Finnegan's. That's also Greg in the mural, serving patrons at lower left. </a> 
Hello, Huntington!&nbsp;I came across a little mystery downtown recently, and maybe you can help solve it. 
A colorful mural on an outside wall of <a href="https://finnegansny.com/">Finnegan's Restaurant &amp; Tap Room</a> on Wall Street depicts patrons enjoying themselves, along with some staff at work.&nbsp;It’s part of the fabric of our community, painted in 1978 by Philip&nbsp;Jordan, a local artist who had recently graduated from art school. For his subjects, Jordan&nbsp;used Polaroid pictures of the regulars&nbsp;— lawyers, businessmen, actors and eccentrics —&nbsp;who patronized the restaurant at that time. He transformed the blank concrete wall with a design that depicts a day in the life <a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/restaurants/food-and-drink/finnegan-s-in-huntington-turns-100-m52193">at the popular, century-old establishment</a>. It’s a point of pride to say you are in&nbsp;— or know someone in&nbsp;— the artwork. 
But back to the mystery. While Finnegan's is known as the "Cheers" of Huntington, a place where everyone knows your name,&nbsp;there are at least eight&nbsp;smiling faces staring out &nbsp;from&nbsp;the mural that no one can identify with certainty. 
“These are the remaining few,” said Claudia Mingin&nbsp;as she pointed out the faces&nbsp;to me at the mural on a recent blustery afternoon.&nbsp;She said she's been trying to solve the mystery for the past two years, working&nbsp;to name all 144 people depicted in the mural. 
“The goal is to identify every single face,” she said.&nbsp; 
Town historian Robert Hughes joined us at the mural, as well as&nbsp;Mingin’s husband, Greg, who appears in it&nbsp;as a bartender. 
Using social media, Mingin has been able to&nbsp;identify almost everyone&nbsp;through friends and family,&nbsp;but these last several, pictured below, remain unknown. 
Can you help? Who are these people? Let me know at <a href="mailto:deborah.morris@newsday.com?subject=Feedback for the This Week In Huntington newsletter">deborah.morris@newsday.com</a>. <a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="Snapshots of the unknown, shared by Claudia Mingin." data-attr-credit="Claudia Mingin" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/8786b654-59b1-43fb-90f1-7585b2013ea1" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/8786b654-59b1-43fb-90f1-7585b2013ea1', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/8786b654-59b1-43fb-90f1-7585b2013ea1"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/8786b654-59b1-43fb-90f1-7585b2013ea1/TOHUNTNEWSLETTER260410-co.jpg?w=400&amp;q=0.3">Snapshots of the unknown, shared by Claudia Mingin.</a> 
<h2>Ralph returns!</h2> <a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="Ralph Macchio, here hosting the Huntington Holiday Spectacular, will be back next month." data-attr-credit="" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/3ff6e27b-1453-451e-8fd3-c96ebdfbac5f" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/3ff6e27b-1453-451e-8fd3-c96ebdfbac5f', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/3ff6e27b-1453-451e-8fd3-c96ebdfbac5f"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/3ff6e27b-1453-451e-8fd3-c96ebdfbac5f/FLHOLIDAY2512256.jpg?w=400&amp;q=0.3">Ralph Macchio, here hosting the Huntington Holiday Spectacular, will be back next month.</a> 
How popular is Ralph Macchio in his hometown? The&nbsp;Huntington native <a href="https://www.newsday.com/entertainment/movies/ralph-macchio-karate-kid-yrdbrfbk">returns next month</a> for two&nbsp;special screenings of "The Karate Kid" — the 1984 movie that made him a marquee name — at the <a href="https://cinemaartscentre.org/">Cinema Arts Centre</a>. The first&nbsp;screening quickly sold out, so&nbsp;by popular demand, the Centre added a second one&nbsp;— which, according to its Instagram account, sold out in just hours.&nbsp;Macchio still lives on Long Island and in&nbsp;November was the emcee at the town's Christmas <a href="https://www.newsday.com/entertainment/celebrities/ralph-macchio-huntington-tree-lighting-eqfe3lw8">tree lighting</a>. 
<h2>Elsewhere in town</h2> <a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="Among the sites where personal decorations are banned: The 9/11 Memorial in Heckscher Park.
" data-attr-credit="" data-attr-f="3x2" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/a246d7d7-9032-4e37-89fb-d19827405018" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/a246d7d7-9032-4e37-89fb-d19827405018', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/a246d7d7-9032-4e37-89fb-d19827405018"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/a246d7d7-9032-4e37-89fb-d19827405018/DMC_0137-2.jpg?f=3x2&amp;w=400&amp;q=0.3">Among the sites where personal decorations are banned: The 9/11 Memorial in Heckscher Park. </a> 
<ul> 
 <li>I recently wrote about the town banning holiday decorations&nbsp;at various sites&nbsp;that honor fallen military, police and historical figures.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/huntington-parks-decoration-ban-if4evsdx">Read here why they decided to put a ban in writing</a>. What do you think of the ban? Let me know&nbsp;at <a href="mailto:deborah.morris@newsday.com?subject=Feedback for the This Week In Huntington newsletter">deborah.morris@newsday.com</a>.</li> 
 <li>State officials say there's more than $1 billion in unclaimed accounts in Nassau and Suffolk, and they want to help you reclaim it. New York's&nbsp;Office of Unclaimed Funds will hold live community events where you can find out more, and two will be held in our town. <a href="https://www.newsday.com/business/missing-money-comptroller-office-jwwn2vjx">Check out&nbsp;John Valenti's story here</a>.&nbsp;</li> 
 <li> The Huntington Station Downtown Revitalization Initiative was the subject of an information session Tuesday attended by town and state officials. One takeaway: A $4.6 million plan to upgrade a section of New York Avenue, between Depot Road and Ninth Street, will begin soon. Town officials said the upgrades must be completed by the end of June because of the state’s schedule to repave New York Avenue. <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/huntington-station-sewer-project-roads-kt8sq9x2">It’s been torn up</a> because of sewer project unrelated to the DRI. </li> 
 <li>Two town businesses were among those featured in a piece about Gen Z entrepreneurs on Long Island sharing their success stories: <a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/family/find-your-balanced-life-women-only-gym-long-island-me4ur9f2">Find Your Balanced Life</a>, a women-only gym in East Northport; and the women's clothing boutique <a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/fashion-and-shopping/the-house-of-d-wdth6rzo">House of D</a> in Northport. Read <a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/fashion-and-shopping/gen-z-entrepreneurs-long-island-l98mbsi1">Joe Dziemianowicz's story here</a>.</li> 
 <li>Two Tony Award-winners also will be coming to the Cinema Arts Centre next month: Composer-lyricist Marc Shaiman&nbsp;and Northport's own Patti LuPone. The&nbsp;Northport High School Concert Choir is also on the program. <a href="https://www.newsday.com/entertainment/theater/marc-shaiman-patti-lupone-o69gyc5z">Read Dan Bubbeo's story here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li> 
</ul> 
<h2>Things to do</h2> 
Check out these fun and interesting things to do around town in the coming week. <a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="Jordan Cerna with her brother Alexander at Project Prom in 2024." data-attr-credit="Newsday" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/538cfad8-fb9c-430c-bfda-021590f2fb6b" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/538cfad8-fb9c-430c-bfda-021590f2fb6b', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/538cfad8-fb9c-430c-bfda-021590f2fb6b"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/538cfad8-fb9c-430c-bfda-021590f2fb6b/FAPROM250417.jpg?w=400&amp;q=0.3">Jordan Cerna with her brother Alexander at Project Prom in 2024.</a> 
Project Prom 
When:&nbsp;Through April 16 to drop off items; with a&nbsp;shopping experience April 29 from 4 to 6 p.m. 
What: Town officials are asking for donations of dresses and suits to create a boutique for promgoers. 
Where: John J. Flanagan Center, 423 Park Ave., Huntington; use the youth bureau entrance. 
Information:&nbsp;For more information, go <a href="https://www.huntingtonny.gov/news/?FeedID=6383">here.</a> 
Historic Cemetery Restoration 
When: Saturday, April 11,&nbsp;10 a.m.-noon&nbsp;and&nbsp;1-3 p.m.&nbsp; What: Revolutionary War burial sites at&nbsp;two locations will be cleaned by volunteers. Water and snacks to be provided. 
Where: The&nbsp;first session is at Crab Meadow Burying Ground,&nbsp;Henry Ingraham Nature Preserve, 30 Locust Rd., Northport; the second session is at Carll Cemetery, McLane Drive, Dix Hills. 
Information: To get the QR code to register, go to town board member Theresa Mari's Instagram page <a href="https://www.instagram.com/councilwomantheresamari/">here</a>.&nbsp; 
Public Information Meeting on Improvements Coming to Greenlawn 
When:&nbsp;Monday, April 13, 7 p.m.&nbsp; 
What: The&nbsp;meeting will be hosted by the Town of Huntington and the <a href="https://www.greenlawncivic.org/">Greenlawn Civic Association</a> on pedestrian and traffic safety improvements coming to the hamlet as part of a $650,000 Suffolk County JumpStart Grant. 
Where:&nbsp;Harborfields Public Library,&nbsp;31 Broadway, Greenlawn 
Information: To find out more, <a href="https://www.huntingtonny.gov/news/?FeedID=6389">click here</a>.&nbsp; 
Check out more things to do at <a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle">newsday.com/lifestyle</a>.

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This week in Huntington newsletter: Can you help solve a mural mystery downtown?

Can you help solve a yearslong mystery downtown?

<a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="Huntington Town Board member Jen Hebert with residents at Tuesday's forum." data-attr-credit="" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/c7d4d900-398d-4fb3-8ba6-4d3d755ae2de" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/c7d4d900-398d-4fb3-8ba6-4d3d755ae2de', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/c7d4d900-398d-4fb3-8ba6-4d3d755ae2de"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/c7d4d900-398d-4fb3-8ba6-4d3d755ae2de/TOHUNTNEWSLETTER260403_3.jpg?w=400&amp;q=0.3">Huntington Town Board member Jen Hebert with residents at Tuesday's forum.</a> 
Hello,&nbsp;everyone! We continue to gain subscribers to this newsletter, so if you're new here, thanks for joining us, and we invite you to connect with us. 
Huntington’s newest town board member, Jen Hebert,&nbsp;convened a meeting at the South Huntington Public Library on Tuesday evening to connect with residents, and I stopped by. It was the first gathering of “Let’s Talk, Huntington,” an initiative she plans to hold monthly to speak directly with members of the community.&nbsp;About 18 people showed up to chat&nbsp;in an open forum.&nbsp; 
It was a friendly vibe, with the topics including the Melville Town Center Overlay District, water quality, <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/huntington-station-conte-center-design-new-building-vjb8lr7d">the Conte Center</a>, which is the proposed community center for Huntington Station, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsday.com/nextli/long-island-housing-data-li-stats-v0l5ke6z">housing</a>. 
The top environmental issues mentioned were&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/suffolk/huntington-green-space-heckscher-park-v66zry3s">the purchase of more green space</a>, the protection of the aquifer and <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/gas-electric-leaf-blower-oj1cckok">the regulation of gas-powered leaf blowers</a>. 
Hebert said she thought the evening went well. 
“Anything we can do to build confidence with our community and be more available and more accessible and more transparent, that builds our community in a way that we really need," she said following the two-hour meeting.&nbsp; 
Bonnie McAfee, a South Huntington resident, said she came away with a feeling of connection. “There is still community here,” she said. “I feel encouraged, even empowered that you can still make a difference.” 
Hebert, a Democrat, said she couldn't&nbsp;take full credit for the evening. She said one of her opponents for a town board seat in November’s election, Conservative and Republican candidate Greg Grizopoulos, planted the idea of bringing Town Hall out into the community, and she just went with it. 
Hebert said that each month, she’s planning to meet in public libraries south of Jericho Turnpike, such as Dix Hills, Elwood and&nbsp;Commack, by request. “That’s what I heard when I was knocking on doors for my campaign,” she said. “People in those communities in the township&nbsp;feel kind of&nbsp;neglected.” 
Eventually, she said, she may work her way back to libraries in the north part of town. Wherever the meeting is held, Hebert said, it's a way to build trust. Residents, she said,&nbsp;"have to see that they can trust us; it has to be demonstrated.”&nbsp; 
What question would you ask a town board member if you were able to sit down with them one-on-one? Tell me at <a href="mailto:deborah.morris@newsday.com?subject=Feedback for the This Week In Huntington newsletter">deborah.morris@newsday.com</a>. 
<h2>Info session on Huntington Station</h2> <a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="Chris Eccleston, left, owner of the A.L. Jacobsen Funeral Home, and Frank Cosentino, president of the Huntington Station Business Improvement District, at New York Avenue and Pulaski Road in Huntington Station in January. " data-attr-credit="" data-attr-f="3x2" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/2afb39dc-e723-4f04-a4f7-e3a5bed056cf" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/2afb39dc-e723-4f04-a4f7-e3a5bed056cf', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/2afb39dc-e723-4f04-a4f7-e3a5bed056cf"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/2afb39dc-e723-4f04-a4f7-e3a5bed056cf/toROAD260120_957771.jpg?f=3x2&amp;w=400&amp;q=0.3">Chris Eccleston, left, owner of the A.L. Jacobsen Funeral Home, and Frank Cosentino, president of the Huntington Station Business Improvement District, at New York Avenue and Pulaski Road in Huntington Station in January. </a> 
Hebert isn't the only town official looking to connect with residents. On Tuesday, Town Supervisor Ed Smyth will host a&nbsp;community information session to discuss the Huntington Station Downtown Revitalization Initiative. 
In 2023, the hamlet was awarded a $10 million state grant&nbsp;to revitalize Huntington Station's downtown.&nbsp; 
The meeting will provide updates on the streetscape projects&nbsp;for <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/downtown-revitalization-grant-huntington-station-igehua9m">Huntington Station,</a> New York Avenue&nbsp;and Route 110 that the program is paying for. State officials are also expected to attend. 
Although not paid for with that grant money, improvements in Huntington Station started last summer with a sewer installation. That's made it tough for motorists to navigate Route 110, thanks to patched pavement and metal plates in the roadway, <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/huntington-station-sewer-project-roads-kt8sq9x2">as I reported in January</a>.&nbsp; 
The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. at the&nbsp;<a href="https://hcfas.org/">Huntington Community First Aid Squad</a>, 2 Railroad St., Huntington Station. 
What would you like to see covered in this newsletter? Let me know at <a href="mailto:deborah.morris@newsday.com?subject=Feedback for the This Week In Huntington newsletter">deborah.morris@newsday.com</a>. 
<h2>Elsewhere in town</h2> <a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="Teacher Denise Schwartz during playtime at Tumbling Tunes &amp; Active Kids in East Northport, which offers a drop-off night on the second Saturday of every month." data-attr-credit="Newsday" data-attr-f="3x2" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/c896e7ea-e6e2-459f-a115-67f2a37db90b" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/c896e7ea-e6e2-459f-a115-67f2a37db90b', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/c896e7ea-e6e2-459f-a115-67f2a37db90b"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/c896e7ea-e6e2-459f-a115-67f2a37db90b/OBJ14791389_13896?f=3x2&amp;w=400&amp;q=0.3">Teacher Denise Schwartz during playtime at Tumbling Tunes &amp; Active Kids in East Northport, which offers a drop-off night on the second Saturday of every month.</a> 
<ul> 
 <li>Instead of having a babysitter come to your home, parents planning a night out or needing to run errands now have an alternative. My colleague&nbsp;Cathi Turow wrote about a&nbsp;trend at gymnastics, gaming and art venues: The hosting of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/family/parents-night-out-drop-off-xdl1ne47">Parent's Night Out</a>. Venues in Huntington and East Northport are among those she highlighted.</li> 
 <li>Thank goodness for our first responders:&nbsp;Firefighters from nine departments battled an early morning blaze last week in <a href="https://melvillefd.org/">Melville</a>. There was extensive damage to the home&nbsp;but no serious injuries. My colleague John Valenti <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/suffolk/melville-house-fire-victims-o7q1xxwm">wrote about it</a>.</li> 
 <li>Another&nbsp;fire in East Northport late Tuesday severely damaged a home. <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/suffolk/house-fire-east-northport-f8j9wdtw">Here's the story</a> by Maureen Mullarkey.</li> 
 <li> An&nbsp;East Northport restaurant has closed after 25 years. The owners of Precious, a Chinese food mainstay on Larkfield Road, are retiring. Food writer Marie Elena Martinez <a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/restaurants/precious-chinese-east-northport-op6nbjn6">takes us down memory lane</a> with highlights of past reviews. </li> 
 <li> Rust &amp; Gold and&nbsp;1653 Pizza Company, two fixtures in the Huntington food scene,&nbsp;are up for sale. <a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/restaurants/1653-pizza-rust-and-gold-huntington-l18uux6u">Read Erica Marcus' story</a>. </li> 
</ul> 
<h2>Things to do</h2> <a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="Mike DelGuidice at Newsday's Studio 2 in Melville in 2023." data-attr-credit="" data-attr-f="3x2" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/6214128e-cd36-43a5-8dcf-df8d998fde0e" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/6214128e-cd36-43a5-8dcf-df8d998fde0e', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/6214128e-cd36-43a5-8dcf-df8d998fde0e"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/6214128e-cd36-43a5-8dcf-df8d998fde0e/obj14254005_19184?f=3x2&amp;w=400&amp;q=0.3">Mike DelGuidice at Newsday's Studio 2 in Melville in 2023.</a> 
Check out these fun and interesting things to do around town in the coming week.&nbsp; 
Mike DelGuidice in concert 
When: April 10 and 11, 8 p.m. 
What: The singer-songwriter and instrumentalist, a fixture at the Paramount, performs his original music and fan-favorite rock classics. 
Where: The Paramount in concert with Northwell, 370 New York Ave., Huntington 
Information: Tickets start at $30. For more information go to <a href="https://www.paramountny.com/shows">paramountny.com</a> 
Post-Passover celebration&nbsp; 
When:&nbsp;April 9, 8 p.m. 
What:&nbsp; Dinner with dancing at The Suffolk Y JCC to celebrate&nbsp;Passover. The adults-only event features a Mimouna celebration, a return to eating chametz (leavened bread) and a Moroccan musical presentation with Mor Schwartz.&nbsp; 
Where:&nbsp;The Suffolk Y JCC, 74 Hauppauge Rd., Commack 
Information: Cost is $25; bring your own bottle of wine. <a href="https://operations.daxko.com/Online/5200/ProgramsV2/OfferingDetails.mvc?program_id=TMP18504&amp;offering_id=SES462464&amp;location_id=S127">To register, click&nbsp;here</a><a href="https://operations.daxko.com/Online/5200/ProgramsV2/OfferingDetails.mvc?program_id=TMP18504&amp;offering_id=SES462464&amp;location_id=S127">.</a> 
Exhibit of art by local high school students 
When:&nbsp;Through April 26 
What: Visual art exhibition of works by 11th and 12th grade student artists from districts including&nbsp;Cold Spring Harbor,&nbsp;Commack,&nbsp;Harborfields,&nbsp;Huntington, Northport-East/Northport and South Huntington.&nbsp; 
Where: Huntington Arts Council, Main Street Gallery, 213 Main St., Huntington and its&nbsp;website. 
Information:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.huntingtonarts.org/high-arts-showcase-2026/">huntingtonarts.org.</a> 
Find more things to do at <a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle">newsday.com/lifestyle</a>.

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This week in Huntington newsletter: The newest town board member wants to hear from you

This Huntington board member wants to hear from you

Happy Friday!&nbsp;I see we&nbsp;have a bunch more subscribers this week, so if you’re new to this newsletter, welcome!&nbsp; 
Last week I mentioned the distinction between a village and downtown, adding that Huntington has four villages. One of them, Northport, had an election last week, and its incumbent mayor, Donna Koch, <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/long-island-village-election-results-slgpael1">won a second four-year term</a>. 
Koch, a former village clerk,&nbsp;told me she was "very humbled" to have been reelected.&nbsp;“The village is in a very good place and we want to continue that, while continuing to keep our historic, rich nature,” she said. 
Her top priorities will be to ensure the Lewis Oliver Farm Sanctuary is preserved and to continue with stormwater abatement efforts, she said. I reported two years ago that the nonprofit that runs the farm sanctuary <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/lewis-oliver-farm-animal-sanctuary-jfxyysv2">said it needed help</a>. 
Joining Koch on the five-member board will be two new trustees: James Izzo&nbsp;and Monica Zenyuh,&nbsp;who both ran unopposed. 
Zenyuh, 52, a sixth-grade English teacher in the Harborfields school district, told me&nbsp;she's&nbsp;always been involved with the community, mostly through environmental initiatives.&nbsp; 
She said the idea to run was sparked by the community&nbsp;wrestling, sometimes contentiously,&nbsp;with whether <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/suffolk/northport-cow-harbor-basketball-court-fauhcuz1">to expand a basketball court</a>&nbsp;in Cow Harbor Park. “In sitting in the meetings, I thought, 'I think I can make a difference if I was on the board,'” she said. 
Zenyuh plans to use her education&nbsp;background to inform her neighbors. “I hope to educate the community about environmental issues, community service initiatives;&nbsp;I want to get Northport High School involved in community projects in the village,” she said. 
Izzo, 69, is a longtime business owner in the village and former president of the chamber of commerce. Although he ran four years ago for a board seat and lost, he thought it was worth it to try again. He told me&nbsp;he hopes to use his business acumen to help address a perennial problem for many municipalities: parking and the high cost of&nbsp;adding&nbsp;more. 
“Maybe there are ways to pay for it outside of the tax base,” he&nbsp;said. “Maybe we can go after some grants, or some outside funding.” 
What do you think is the best way to serve your community? Tell me at <a href="mailto:deborah.morris@newsday.com?subject=Feedback for the This Week In Huntington newsletter">deborah.morris@newsday.com</a>. 
<h2>A glimpse at Melville's future</h2> <a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="Residents packed a public hearing at Town Hall on the proposed Melville Crossing." data-attr-credit="" data-attr-f="3x2" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/3c9fef66-731d-46b6-8565-50e598667a5b" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/3c9fef66-731d-46b6-8565-50e598667a5b', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/3c9fef66-731d-46b6-8565-50e598667a5b"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/3c9fef66-731d-46b6-8565-50e598667a5b/obj14783811_1564?f=3x2&amp;w=400&amp;q=0.3">Residents packed a public hearing at Town Hall on the proposed Melville Crossing.</a> 
I thought it was interesting that about 50 residents&nbsp;showed up at Town Hall last week to share their comments on the first application to build within the <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/melville-town-center-development-plan-ffwb9b6i">Melville Town Center Overlay District</a> — and that their comments were basically split between those for and against the ambitious plan. 
The <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/melville-crossing-huntington-public-hearing-y5e3q0a1">Melville Crossing proposal</a>, by Bethpage-based Steel Equities,&nbsp;calls for 400 housing units, a pool, clubhouse, parking and ground-floor retail space. The development would be at the northeast corner of Maxess Road and Corporate Center Drive.&nbsp; 
Supporters say the plan will&nbsp;offer much-needed affordable housing, while others are concerned about impact on quality-of-life&nbsp;issues&nbsp;and schools. The&nbsp;push to develop within the overlay district will be interesting to watch in the years to come. As for what's next regarding this&nbsp;plan:&nbsp;The town board has 90 days to approve the application. 
How do you feel about the movement to build anew in Melville?&nbsp;Let me know at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:deborah.morris@newsday.com?subject=Feedback for the This Week In Huntington newsletter">deborah.morris@newsday.com</a>. 
<h2>Elsewhere in town</h2> 
<ul> 
</ul> <a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="Huntington High School junior Chloe Donovan has been teaching ballet to young people." data-attr-credit="" data-attr-f="3x2" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/a0ff52a1-6b78-4479-9ac7-4a7140aeb704" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/a0ff52a1-6b78-4479-9ac7-4a7140aeb704', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/a0ff52a1-6b78-4479-9ac7-4a7140aeb704"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/a0ff52a1-6b78-4479-9ac7-4a7140aeb704/LFHERO260322Chloe1.jpg?f=3x2&amp;w=400&amp;q=0.3">Huntington High School junior Chloe Donovan has been teaching ballet to young people.</a> 
<ul> 
 <li> A Huntington teen is pursuing a Gold Award, the highest achievement attainable within the Girl Scouts. Chloe Donovan, a Huntington High School junior,&nbsp;teaches&nbsp;ballet to youth&nbsp;through free weekly lessons.&nbsp;My colleague Michael R. Ebert <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/li-life/chloe-donovan-huntington-ballet-wzyj5jfj">interviewed her recently</a>. </li> 
 <li> Baseball is back and so are the Mets. And with ongoing construction of a sports and entertainment district around Citi Field, officials recently announced&nbsp;expanded transportation options to get to the ballpark. Among them:&nbsp;buses from Walt Whitman Shops in Huntington Station. Check out <a href="https://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/mets/mets-citi-field-parking-vz3hk0mp">my colleague Ben Dickson's story</a>.&nbsp; </li> 
 <li> Watch out for deer: Newsday's Peter Gill wrote about <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/transportation/deer-strikes-crash-pjlycu0c">the record-high number of deer collisions on Long Island</a> and interviewed Lloyd Harbor Mayor Jean Thatcher about it. She called it "an extremely serious problem of public safety, public health and environmental degradation."&nbsp; </li> 
 <li> A&nbsp;Pakistani restaurant has opened in Huntington Station:&nbsp;the Frontier Karahi House.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/restaurants/karahi-huntington-station-tbae4g17">Check out Andi Berlin's story here.</a> </li> 
 <li> The Sunnyside Diner in Huntington has closed less than a year after it opened on New York Avenue.&nbsp;Former manager Lucio Alfaro <a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/restaurants/sunnyside-diner-huntington-dk94nwuk">talked to our&nbsp;Melissa Azofeifa about it</a>&nbsp;earlier this week. </li> 
</ul> 
<h2>Things to do</h2> <a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="Got papers to shred? Bring them to the Huntington Senior Center on Tuesday, March 31.

 
" data-attr-credit="" data-attr-f="3x2" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/bda65e47-a9a6-4212-85aa-e3fa5538fd12" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/bda65e47-a9a6-4212-85aa-e3fa5538fd12', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/bda65e47-a9a6-4212-85aa-e3fa5538fd12"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/bda65e47-a9a6-4212-85aa-e3fa5538fd12/TOROOF240802_0.jpg?f=3x2&amp;w=400&amp;q=0.3">Got papers to shred? Bring them to the Huntington Senior Center on Tuesday, March 31. </a> 
Check out some things to do around town in the coming week. 
Community paper-shredding 
When:&nbsp;Tuesday, March 31, 1-3&nbsp;p.m. What:&nbsp;Paper-shredding service for residents to safely dispose of paper documents containing personal and sensitive information. 
Where:&nbsp;Town of Huntington Senior Center, Flanagan Center parking lot, 423 Park Ave., Huntington 
Information: Go to<a href="https://www.facebook.com/TownOfHuntington/"> the town's Facebook page</a>.&nbsp; 
Compass of Hope gathering 
When: Tuesday, March 31, 6:30 p.m. 
What: Compass of Hope&nbsp;was created, according to a release announcing the event, "to foster connection, compassion, and access to local mental health resources following several losses within the community." 
Where: Congregational Church of Huntington, Centerport 
Information:&nbsp;Free and open to the public; registration is not required. Contact Jennifer McNaughton at&nbsp;<a href="mailto: compassofhope2022@gmail.com">compassofhope2022@gmail.com</a> for more. 
Meet your newest town board member 
When:&nbsp;Tuesday, March 31,&nbsp;5-7&nbsp;p.m.&nbsp; 
What:&nbsp;Councilwoman Jennifer Hebert begins “Let’s Talk, Huntington,” the first in a monthly community Q&amp;A series with residents. The initiative is designed to create a welcoming space where residents can connect directly with their local government.&nbsp; 
Where:&nbsp;South Huntington Public Library, 145 Pigeon Hill Rd., Huntington Station 
Information: For more, <a href="https://www.shpl.info/event/lets-talk-huntington-111980">check here</a>.&nbsp; 
Find more things to do at <a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle">newsday.com/lifestyle</a>.

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This week in Huntington newsletter: Northport mayor, two new trustees look ahead

LI village mayor, two new trustees look ahead

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<a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="This&nbsp;new lot adds a total of 141 free parking spaces." data-attr-credit="" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/852a3ea0-ae6d-4fd0-97b0-1c51560cbbea" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/852a3ea0-ae6d-4fd0-97b0-1c51560cbbea', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/852a3ea0-ae6d-4fd0-97b0-1c51560cbbea"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/852a3ea0-ae6d-4fd0-97b0-1c51560cbbea/TOHUNTNEWSLETTER260320_5.jpg?w=400&amp;q=0.3">This&nbsp;new lot adds a total of 141 free parking spaces.</a> 
Happy Friday, everyone, and welcome, spring&nbsp;equinox. 
I’m looking forward to a quiet first weekend of the new season, maybe taking in an early dinner downtown&nbsp;on Sunday. 
That's right — downtown. 
If you read my stories regularly, you may notice that when discussing restaurants and businesses in Huntington, I always refer to Main Street and the surrounding area&nbsp;as “downtown.” 
While colloquially we all call it "the&nbsp;village," technically it’s not, because it’s unincorporated. In other words,&nbsp;it's not&nbsp;a legally organized municipality with its own elected officials. (By that standard, our town&nbsp;has four&nbsp;villages: Asharoken, Huntington Bay, Lloyd Harbor and Northport.) 
Whatever you call it, one of the best new additions is a parking lot on the corner of New York Avenue and Gerard Street, the location of a <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/huntington-adds-more-free-parking-u435bs4n">former Chase bank</a>. It’s right across the street from <a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/restaurants/huntington-dining-2025-lcl7rwv7">Urubamba Pisco Bar</a>, the Peruvian restaurant mentioned in last week’s newsletter. 
The lot adds 141 free parking spaces. While spaces along downtown streets are metered, did you know all off-street parking there&nbsp;is free? 
It can be a challenge finding any parking, whether free or metered&nbsp;—&nbsp;a sign of the area's vibrancy —&nbsp;so the&nbsp;additional spaces are welcome.&nbsp;Town Supervisor Ed Smyth said feedback from merchants and residents has been “overwhelmingly positive” since the lot opened in December. 
He said there are no plans right now to add&nbsp;more parking downtown, including a&nbsp;parking garage, though that's been discussed before. 
“There will <a href="https://www.newsday.com/business/huntington-seeks-builder-of-village-parking-garage-r98873">always be talk of a parking garage</a>,” Smyth said. “But until there is some source of funding for it or a large grant, I don’t see any practical or foreseeable way to pay for it.” 
The most recent estimate&nbsp;for a parking garage, dating from about seven&nbsp;years ago, put the price tag in the “ballpark of $20 million, so I can only imagine the cost now," he said.&nbsp; 
So, do we have enough parking spaces downtown? What do you think is the best solution? Let me know at deborah.morris@newsday.com. 
<h2>On a roll!</h2> <a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="The Commack High School bowling team won it all in Syracuse." data-attr-credit="" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/efcbd358-8c8b-4f7e-a3e5-852d89ce8d8b" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/efcbd358-8c8b-4f7e-a3e5-852d89ce8d8b', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/efcbd358-8c8b-4f7e-a3e5-852d89ce8d8b"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/efcbd358-8c8b-4f7e-a3e5-852d89ce8d8b/OBJ14769824_1624?w=400&amp;q=0.3">The Commack High School bowling team won it all in Syracuse.</a> 
The Commack High School's boys bowling team rolled their way <a href="https://www.newsday.com/sports/high-school/bowling/commack-boys-bowling-state-division-i-tournament-cz4rrt1p">to their first Division I state title</a>&nbsp;in Syracuse this week,&nbsp;and&nbsp;Christopher Matias wrote about it. Way to go, Cougars! 
<h2>Elsewhere in town</h2> <a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="The Northport plant and its signature stacks. " data-attr-credit="Newsday" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/c25fd9ad-d0de-4bc5-9f43-d39e09a8ef9a" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/c25fd9ad-d0de-4bc5-9f43-d39e09a8ef9a', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/c25fd9ad-d0de-4bc5-9f43-d39e09a8ef9a"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/c25fd9ad-d0de-4bc5-9f43-d39e09a8ef9a/poPOWER0070217494726.jpg?w=400&amp;q=0.3">The Northport plant and its signature stacks. </a> 
<ul> 
 <li>The Northport electric-generating plant is among three that National Grid is considering&nbsp;repowering. <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/politics/national-grid-repowering-power-plants-hegkgrcu">Check out Mark Harrington's story.</a>&nbsp;Did you know the Northport power plant is the Island's largest such plant?</li> 
 <li> Those of us who call Huntington home know that&nbsp;homes here come in all shapes and sizes.&nbsp;My colleague Rachel Weiss wrote about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsday.com/real-estate/tiny-house-huntington-idoq86bn">a tiny house for sale</a> in our town. The 490-square-foot home&nbsp;was priced at&nbsp;$400,000. As for parking? It's got a two-car driveway. </li> 
 <li>Northport Mayor <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/long-island-village-election-results-slgpael1">Donna Koch won reelection Wednesday</a> as villages across Long Island went to the polls. Koch defeated Joe Sabia, a village trustee, to win a second four-year term.</li> 
 <li>One of the lasting remnants from the winter is potholes. Reporter Carl MacGowan <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/pothole-damage-repair-compensation-kmmbzn6s">wrote about getting compensated</a> — or not —&nbsp;from towns, villages, counties and the state for damage to your car. The bottom line? Don't get your hopes up. Know of any pothole trouble spots in town as we thaw out?&nbsp;Let me know about them at deborah.morris@newsday.com.</li> 
</ul> 
<h2>Things to do</h2> <a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="Kids will be on an egg-citing mission at the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery &amp; Aquarium." data-attr-credit="" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/fa3ecc2e-f9c0-4339-aff9-261d2bc31817" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/fa3ecc2e-f9c0-4339-aff9-261d2bc31817', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/fa3ecc2e-f9c0-4339-aff9-261d2bc31817"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/fa3ecc2e-f9c0-4339-aff9-261d2bc31817/hoBUYING230224_08.jpg?w=400&amp;q=0.3">Kids will be on an egg-citing mission at the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery &amp; Aquarium.</a> 
Check out these fun and interesting things to do around town in the coming week. 
Egg hunts 
When: Saturdays and Sundays,&nbsp;March 21-22 and&nbsp;March 28-29, as well as&nbsp;April 2-4, in 20-minute sessions. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 
What: Egg hunt for children up to age 6, with "helper siblings"&nbsp;ages 7-12. Must be accompanied by a paid adult. Participating child,&nbsp;$12;&nbsp;helper siblings, $5;&nbsp;adults, $7;&nbsp;ages 65 and older, $6. 
Where: Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery &amp; Aquarium, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor 
Information: <a href="http://cshfishhatchery.org/event/egg-hunt/">Registration required.</a> 
A Community Conversation 
When: Thursday, March 26, 6-8:30 p.m.&nbsp; 
What: Join the <a href="https://huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org/">Huntington Historical Society </a>and <a href="https://www.waltwhitman.org/">Walt Whitman Birthplace Association</a> for a community conversation and a chance to come together, share perspectives and discuss important issues in a respectful and open setting.&nbsp; 
Where: Walt Whitman Birthplace, 246 Old Whitman Rd., Huntington Station 
Information:&nbsp; <a href="https://huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org/events/">Registration required.</a>&nbsp; 
Virtual presentation on the 1993-1994 New York Rangers&nbsp; 
When: Thursday, March 26, 7 p.m. 
What: Lifelong Rangers fan and historian Jim Ward will detail how the Rangers, led by captain Mark Messier, came together and finally ended their 54-year Stanley Cup drought on June 14, 1994. 
Where:&nbsp;Via Zoom 
Information:&nbsp;<a href="https://coldspringharbor.librarycalendar.com/event/reverse-curse-1993-1994-new-york-rangers-zoom-33113">Registration required, Cold Spring Harbor Library</a>&nbsp; 
Find more things to do at <a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle">newsday.com/lifestyle</a>.

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This week in Huntington newsletter: 141 free parking spaces added downtown

A new parking lot adds 141 free spaces downtown (or in 'the village')

<a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="Dead Chefs Society cofounders Josh Jaycoff, left, and Adam Gotterer at Urubamba Pisco Bar in Huntington. Between them is Sigi Pazos, the food consultant for the restaurant." data-attr-credit="" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/2b64ec07-ad21-4a44-9921-dcfc5212f07b" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/2b64ec07-ad21-4a44-9921-dcfc5212f07b', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/2b64ec07-ad21-4a44-9921-dcfc5212f07b"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/2b64ec07-ad21-4a44-9921-dcfc5212f07b/TOHUNTNEWSLETTER260313_0.jpg?w=400&amp;q=0.3">Dead Chefs Society cofounders Josh Jaycoff, left, and Adam Gotterer at Urubamba Pisco Bar in Huntington. Between them is Sigi Pazos, the food consultant for the restaurant.</a> 
Hi, friends. Do you feel that? Temperatures over 40 degrees! The chance to dine outdoors in town is just around the corner. 
It reminds me that Huntington is known as an epicenter of Long Island dining, with our abundance of restaurants and varied cuisines. The Dead Chefs Society, cofounded by a resident of our town,&nbsp;will soon bring its traveling dinner club to one of the village's&nbsp;newest dining destinations, <a href="https://www.urubambali.com/">Urubamba Pisco Bar</a><a href="https://www.urubambali.com/">.</a> 
The club travels across the Island, visiting restaurants that serve different cuisines so members can sample dishes from around the world and expand their culinary boundaries. 
“The whole idea is to travel without getting on a plane,” said Josh Jaycoff, of Melville, who co-founded&nbsp;the club with Adam Gotterer.&nbsp;“By eating our way through different cuisines, at the same time we get a sense of culture by tasting the different flavors.” 
The club, <a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/restaurants/dead-chefs-society-long-island-f7960f5o">founded in 2022,</a> selects a restaurant and arranges a tasting menu for either a Tuesday or Wednesday, sometimes both, for its members.&nbsp;They dine <a href="https://www.deadchefssociety.com/blogs/book/urubamba-1">on March 24 and 25 at Urubamba</a>, which&nbsp;has been serving up&nbsp;Peruvian cuisine at its 286 New York Ave. location <a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/restaurants/urubamba-huntington-o9jydy0q">since last year</a>.&nbsp; 
Jaycoff said the club's name is a nod to its "patron saint," the late&nbsp;chef and author&nbsp;Anthony Bourdain, and to "'Dead Poets Society," whose club members read the greats to try to break from the norms of society." 
The days they select for restaurant visits aren't random. “We get to support local businesses typically on off days, on Tuesday and Wednesdays, to get them a new customer from our thousand-plus foodies we have across Long Island on our mailing list,” Jaycoff said. 
“It gives you something to do on a Tuesday, Wednesday night; you meet new friends, like-minded people or maybe not like-minded people,” he said. 
To find out more&nbsp;about the club and how to join ahead of its Huntington stop, check out <a href="https://www.deadchefssociety.com/?srsltid=AfmBOootPKORxz4Lop0Dp-2HvzDEoX282hEH9WBQNFX8pxZWem3ZUR69">The Dead Chefs Society website</a><a href="https://www.deadchefssociety.com/">.</a> 
I don’t have a favorite cuisine, so this is right up my alley.&nbsp;What's your favorite ethnic food spot in Huntington? Let me know at&nbsp;deborah.morris@newsday.com. 
<h2>Elsewhere in town</h2> <a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="Marie Gousse, of Northport, trains at Find Your Balanced Life in East Northport." data-attr-credit="" data-attr-f="3x2" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/3ed1dd5c-ccb5-465e-9a3b-3cb5a6267fb8" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/3ed1dd5c-ccb5-465e-9a3b-3cb5a6267fb8', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/3ed1dd5c-ccb5-465e-9a3b-3cb5a6267fb8"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/3ed1dd5c-ccb5-465e-9a3b-3cb5a6267fb8/OBJ14734965_14420?f=3x2&amp;w=400&amp;q=0.3">Marie Gousse, of Northport, trains at Find Your Balanced Life in East Northport.</a> 
<ul> 
 <li>Sarah Maresca, who opened a boutique gym in East Northport last year&nbsp;that has 60 members — all female — was featured in a story about how women-only gyms have returned to Long Island. Maresca's&nbsp;gym is called Find Your Balanced Life. Check out <a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/family/find-your-balanced-life-women-only-gym-long-island-me4ur9f2">the piece by Beth Whitehouse</a>.</li> 
 <li>A public hearing has been <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/melville-town-center-development-plan-ffwb9b6i">set for the coming&nbsp;week </a>on the first proposal to build in the Melville Town Center Overlay District — a plan that could transform an area of town by adding hundreds of housing units. The hearing is scheduled for March 19 at 6 p.m. at Town Hall, 100 Main St. What do you think of it?&nbsp;Drop me a line at&nbsp;deborah.morris@newsday.com.</li> 
 <li>Jen Hebert, the&nbsp;newest town board member, is getting by with a little help from her friends as she embarks on her tenure. I wrote about how a former town board member and assistant town attorney are volunteering to help her. <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/jen-hebert-huntington-town-board-vzodkpl5">Read about it here.</a></li> 
 <li>Published, a cozy new spot to read and have a drink,&nbsp;has opened in the village. Check out <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/published-book-store-huntington-bar-cvz10py3">my story</a>.</li> 
 <li>A Long Island high school senior earned a unique designation thanks to her community service efforts. She has been recognized as a “Golden Eagle” and earned other distinguished scouting awards&nbsp;for her community service, including for helping in Commack. My colleague Michael Ebert <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/li-life/giuliana-avella-golden-eagle-pntaqxxh">wrote about it</a>.</li> 
</ul> 
<h2>Things to do</h2> <a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="It's time to hit the trails at Caumsett State Park.
" data-attr-credit="Newsday" data-attr-f="3x2" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/e8bb7a5a-2d32-4000-acdd-61ef7a2d1ac0" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/e8bb7a5a-2d32-4000-acdd-61ef7a2d1ac0', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/e8bb7a5a-2d32-4000-acdd-61ef7a2d1ac0"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/e8bb7a5a-2d32-4000-acdd-61ef7a2d1ac0/OBJ14640291_14816?f=3x2&amp;w=400&amp;q=0.3">It's time to hit the trails at Caumsett State Park. </a> 
Check out these fun and interesting things to do around town in the coming week. 
Adult nature walk in a state park 
When: Sunday, March 15, 9:45 a.m.-1&nbsp;p.m. 
What:&nbsp;A moderately paced 4-mile walk to and from the water to learn about the ponds and seashore. Binoculars will be helpful. 
Where: <a href="https://parks.ny.gov/visit/state-parks/caumsett-state-historic-park-preserve">Caumsett State Park</a>, Lloyd Harbor 
Information: Reservations are <a href="https://parks.ny.gov/visit/events/winter-water-walk-adult-program">required</a>.&nbsp;Call 631-423-1770. 
Open Jam 
When: Saturday, March 14,&nbsp; 5-7 p.m. 
What: Part of Huntington Art Week and sponsored by the <a href="https://hafammuseum.org/">Huntington African American Museum</a>,&nbsp;Open Jam is all about expression — music, movement, spoken word&nbsp;and spontaneous collaboration. It’s a space where local artists and community members come together to share their talents in an open, welcoming environment.&nbsp; 
Where:&nbsp;Ninnet &amp; George's,&nbsp;344 New York Ave., Huntington 
Information: <a href="https://ninnetandgeorge.com/">It's available here.</a> 
Emma Stebbins: Carving Out History 
When: Through Sunday, March 15;&nbsp;noon to 5 p.m. 
What: An exhibition that recognizes Stebbins as one of America's iconic sculptors of the 19th century&nbsp;winds down this weekend in the village. 
Where: The Heckscher Museum of Art, Heckscher Park, Huntington 
Information: Go to the <a href="https://www.heckscher.org/">museum's website here</a>. 
Find more things to do at <a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle?utm_term=non&amp;utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=huntington-town&amp;lctg=deed487104ac2ef272b4e700acf2222d0aae15abeb2f3114397426a59c79af0e">newsday.com/lifestyle</a>.

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This week in Huntington newsletter: Melville man's traveling dinner club sets its sights on village

The Dead Chefs Society sets its sights on Huntington

<a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="Jose Tutiven, a founder of Huntington Art Week, with fellow founders Diane Palma, center, and Nicole Gargano." data-attr-credit="" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/08ea767f-9d82-4670-8e21-3ebde3e740bd" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/08ea767f-9d82-4670-8e21-3ebde3e740bd', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/08ea767f-9d82-4670-8e21-3ebde3e740bd"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/08ea767f-9d82-4670-8e21-3ebde3e740bd/tohuntnewsletter260227-09.jpg?w=400&amp;q=0.3">Jose Tutiven, a founder of Huntington Art Week, with fellow founders Diane Palma, center, and Nicole Gargano.</a> 
Happy Friday. I feel a hint of spring in the air,&nbsp;which has me thinking about what I'll soon plant in my garden. And that, in turn, makes me think of a return to color, which brings me to <a href="https://www.huntingtonartweek.com/">Huntington Art Week</a>. 
The second annual event&nbsp;runs next week, March 9-15, at various locations in <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/community/huntington">downtown Huntington</a>. More than 50 events&nbsp;— workshops, movie screenings, poetry sessions, open jams and kids&nbsp;programing — will be taking place, all for free. 
José&nbsp;Tutiven, one of the event's cofounders, called it a festival&nbsp;with an aim to transform the downtown into a cultural hub. He said the idea is modeled on <a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/restaurants/long-island-restaurant-week-2026-b4ftgnva">Long Island Restaurant Week</a>, where participating restaurants offer accessible pricing to encourage&nbsp;dining&nbsp;out. 
“I wanted to create art programs that were at no cost and accessible to the community,” he said. “I want people to experience art for free because I believe art belongs to everybody.” 
Three art-related organizations, <a href="https://www.coloredcolors.com/">Colored Colors</a>, <a href="https://dighoarts.com/">Digho</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.g6digitalmedia.com/">G6 Digital Media</a>, are the organizers&nbsp;of the event. Together with the <a href="https://biz.huntingtonchamber.com/list/member/huntington-township-chamber-of-commerce-3206">Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce</a>, local businesses and independent artists, they are able to bring Huntington Art Week to life. 
Tutiven said the partnerships have created mutually beneficial collaborations between the creative community and local businesses that are sponsoring the majority of the events.&nbsp; 
“It's sort of&nbsp;like a tourism take on it,” he said. "We’re&nbsp;driving people from outside of the community into Huntington to experience Art Week, while also bringing visitors to invest in local businesses.” 
Take a look at <a href="https://www.huntingtonartweek.com/events-1">what's being offered here</a>. Lots of fun programing, and again&nbsp;all for&nbsp;free. 
While I'm looking forward to planting my garden, what are you most looking forward to this spring? Let me know at deborah.morris@newsday.com. 
<h2>Green means go!</h2> <a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="Kids march along New York Avenue in the 2024 St. Patrick's Day parade." data-attr-credit="" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/6ed66aa3-5936-41d5-b6ab-a3039e1ebc50" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/6ed66aa3-5936-41d5-b6ab-a3039e1ebc50', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/6ed66aa3-5936-41d5-b6ab-a3039e1ebc50"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/6ed66aa3-5936-41d5-b6ab-a3039e1ebc50/XLSTPAT260321.jpg?w=400&amp;q=0.3">Kids march along New York Avenue in the 2024 St. Patrick's Day parade.</a> 
Huntington's <a href="https://huntingtonhibernians.com/parade/index.html">92nd Annual St. Patrick's Day&nbsp;parade</a>&nbsp;steps off Sunday, March 8, at 2 p.m. on Route 110 near the Huntington LIRR train station. Marchers will head north for 1½&nbsp;miles toward downtown. The parade is hugely popular: When the weather is decent, crowds line the village streets for it, in some places several people deep,&nbsp;so you may need to stake out your viewing spot early. Town Supervisor Ed Smyth is this year's grand marshal. Check out when and where other parades celebrate&nbsp;Irish heritage <a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/holidays/st-patricks-day/long-island-st-patricks-day-parades-pfofsanr">across Long Island here</a>.&nbsp; 
What are your memories of the parade? Let me know at&nbsp;deborah.morris@newsday.com. 
<h2>Elsewhere in town</h2> <a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="Mallory Braun, owner of The Next Chapter in Huntington.
" data-attr-credit="Newsday" data-attr-f="3x2" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/bf0dcc8c-9743-453e-a8f8-2a3487912880" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/bf0dcc8c-9743-453e-a8f8-2a3487912880', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/bf0dcc8c-9743-453e-a8f8-2a3487912880"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/bf0dcc8c-9743-453e-a8f8-2a3487912880/IMG_0423.jpg?f=3x2&amp;w=400&amp;q=0.3">Mallory Braun, owner of The Next Chapter in Huntington. </a> 
<ul> 
 <li>Reading is fundamental, and bookstores are still essential to that endeavor. My colleague Daniel Bubbeo wrote about&nbsp;the growth of independent bookstores on Long Island, including <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/suffolk/next-chapter-bookstore-opens-rc7cyv5t">The Next Chapter</a> in Huntington. <a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/fashion-and-shopping/independent-bookstores-long-island-2026-vq3jnu10">Read the story here</a>.&nbsp;</li> 
 <li>Movie buffs were concerned when they found out the AMC Shore 8 theater on Wall Street was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/suffolk/amc-shore-8-huntington-closed-ykrdfq6s">temporarily closed</a> for planned repairs until mid-March. The theater's&nbsp;plumbing system is being renovated, according to a story by my colleagues Bahar Ostadan and James Carbone. Check <a href="https://www.amctheatres.com/movie-theatres/new-york-city/amc-shore-8/showtimes">here</a>&nbsp;for updates for when it's to reopen.&nbsp;</li> 
 <li> A dual-focus Japanese restaurant featuring sushi and izakaya, which means&nbsp;savory small plates, recently opened in Huntington, offering diners the cuisine at an affordable price.&nbsp;Newsday food writer <a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/restaurants/enso-no-sato-japanese-huntington-q8k0o2sn">Erica Marcus tells us more</a> about what to expect at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ensonosato.com/">Enso no Soto</a>. </li> 
 <li> Rocco's Tacos at the Walt Whitman Shops in Huntington Station — specifically Taco Tuesday there — was lauded by Newsday's Marie Elena Martinez as among the best&nbsp;places on Long Island for an all-you-can-eat deal. <a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/restaurants/all-you-can-eat-long-island-js56cxf9">Read all about it here.</a> </li> 
</ul> 
<h2>Things to do</h2> <a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="The library's Huntington Station branch will be collecting food for a local pantry." data-attr-credit="" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/d90df50c-1599-4c53-b43e-bb47f3ad593f" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/d90df50c-1599-4c53-b43e-bb47f3ad593f', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/d90df50c-1599-4c53-b43e-bb47f3ad593f"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/d90df50c-1599-4c53-b43e-bb47f3ad593f/TOHUNTNEWS.jpg?w=400&amp;q=0.3">The library's Huntington Station branch will be collecting food for a local pantry.</a> 
Check out these fun and interesting things to do around town in the coming week. 
Town libraries collect food for nonprofit &nbsp; 
When:&nbsp;Throughout March 
What:&nbsp;The Huntington, South Huntington, Northport-East Northport, Cold Spring Harbor, Half Hollow Hills, Harborfields, Elwood and Commack libraries&nbsp;are collecting nonperishable food to benefit the food pantry at <a href="https://tricya.org/">TriCYA</a>&nbsp; in Huntington Station. 
Where: Each library location 
Information: Check out the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.shpl.info/node/112067">South Huntington Public Library</a>&nbsp;website for more. 
A&nbsp;night of songs and stories with Annie Mark 
When:&nbsp;Thursday, March 12, 7-8:45 p.m. 
What: A musical performance by this&nbsp;soulful singer-songwriter&nbsp;and storyteller. 
Where:&nbsp;Northport-East Northport Public Library, 151 Laurel Ave., Northport 
Information and register: Registration required. Check out the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nenpl.org/event/nac-presents-annie-mark-78318">Northport-East Northport Public Library</a>&nbsp;website for more. 
Art supplies for sale 
When:&nbsp;March 14-15, 11 a.m.-4&nbsp;p.m. What:&nbsp;Huntington Arts Council's sale of new and gently used easels, canvases, sketchbooks, tripods, paints and brushes, markers, books, frames, yarn, crafting supplies, tools and more. 
Where: Main Street Gallery, 213 Main St., Huntington 
Information:&nbsp; For more, go to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.huntingtonarts.org/second-chance-supplies-sale/">Huntington Arts Council</a>&nbsp;website. 
Find more things to do at <a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle">newsday.com/lifestyle</a>.

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This week in Huntington newsletter: Art Week returns

Huntington Art Week returns, St. Pat's parade steps off

<a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="Dick Kelley, of Huntington village, clears a path Monday." data-attr-credit="" data-attr-f="3x2" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/05f85bda-a902-4a76-902c-8da0d1775c55" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/05f85bda-a902-4a76-902c-8da0d1775c55', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/05f85bda-a902-4a76-902c-8da0d1775c55"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/05f85bda-a902-4a76-902c-8da0d1775c55/liWEAT260224_kmh_13.jpg?f=3x2&amp;w=400&amp;q=0.3">Dick Kelley, of Huntington village, clears a path Monday.</a> 
What a week! Are we tired of this yet? 
<a href="https://projects.newsday.com/long-island/weather/snowstorm-snow-totals-rain-map/">Check out the snow totals</a> from around&nbsp;town for the historic <a href="https://www.newsday.com/news/weather/power-blizzard-snow-digging-out-rikd2nc6">Blizzard of 2026</a>: They vary&nbsp;widely&nbsp;depending on where you were, according to the National Weather Service.&nbsp; 
Fort Salonga had more than 27 inches, East Northport got 21. Centerport saw 16 inches, yet parts of Greenlawn&nbsp;had "only" 11.&nbsp; 
I was&nbsp;born in the winter and love everything about it, including snow&nbsp;—&nbsp;but wherever you are, that's a lot of shoveling. And we might not be finished&nbsp;yet: As of this writing, there's a chance <a href="https://www.newsday.com/news/weather/melting-snow-flooding-ice-hqjicdyj">we could see more snowfall on Monday</a>. 
Many Island locations <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/snow-removal-town-budgets-inz881h1">were already facing budgetary strain</a>&nbsp;thanks to the harsh winter — and&nbsp;the <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/town-snow-removal-budget-holes-kjsxebna">financial cost of this&nbsp;storm</a>&nbsp;won't be known for weeks. 
Huntington had about 300 plows on the roads, Supervisor Ed Smyth said: 120 from the town itself and 180 from outside vendors. Priorities were the places you'd expect: fire and police departments, the community first aid squad and&nbsp;routes to Huntington Hospital, he&nbsp;said. 
The numbered streets in Huntington Station and in Centerport are among the most <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/transportation/snow-plows-drags-hl6stmpf">challenging for plows</a> to reach, he said, because they're&nbsp;narrow.&nbsp;Some narrow, hilly roads in Northport&nbsp;also are tough. 
Smyth said&nbsp;residents were great about getting their cars off the road, which makes it easier for crews to plow.&nbsp;“We had quite a few people park their cars at the Huntington [LIRR] garage, which we encourage them to do,” he said Monday.&nbsp; 
Town spokesperson Christine Geed said&nbsp;the town temporarily suspends parking restrictions at the garage and municipal lots to help keep parked vehicles off the streets as crews plow. To stay up-to-date on when those parking rules are suspended — and then reinstated — check the red banner on the homepage of the <a href="https://www.huntingtonny.gov/">town’s website</a>, she said.&nbsp; 
How is the big dig-out going for you? Let me know at <a href="mailto:deborah.morris@newsday.com?subject=Feedback for the This Week In Huntington newsletter">deborah.morris@newsday.com</a>. 
<h2>Get in the game</h2> <a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="Hydrant hero Jonathan Naborre.
" data-attr-credit="" data-attr-f="3x2" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/dc41c889-0ac8-475e-a8bd-8e4c7516879c" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/dc41c889-0ac8-475e-a8bd-8e4c7516879c', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/dc41c889-0ac8-475e-a8bd-8e4c7516879c"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/dc41c889-0ac8-475e-a8bd-8e4c7516879c/obj14725567_14668?f=3x2&amp;w=400&amp;q=0.3">Hydrant hero Jonathan Naborre. </a> 
Meanwhile, as we pass the time 'til spring, fire departments across the Island, including Huntington's, launched social media campaigns to help&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/fire-department-hydrant-challenge-nnay17e8">keep&nbsp;hydrants clear</a>.&nbsp;Many departments are offering prizes, my colleague Tara Smith reports.&nbsp;Hydrant clearing is important because it can save responding firefighters precious time at the scene.&nbsp;Jonathan Naborre, 14, of Huntington, is among the Island's hydrant heroes who was recognized for his work. 
And Newsday is holding a&nbsp;snowman selfie contest&nbsp;through March 5, also with a shot at prizes. <a href="https://promotions.newsday.com/contests/snowman/index.html?utm_source=newsday&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=snowman#/rounds/1/gallery">Check out the details here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
<h2>Elsewhere in town</h2> <a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="Bernadette Falco and her daughter, Quinn, were among those cheering on the U.S. women's hockey team at a watch party at the Clark Gillies Arena in Dix Hills." data-attr-credit="Newsday" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/1592304e-e47d-4942-9d9e-d68395bcc92b" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/1592304e-e47d-4942-9d9e-d68395bcc92b', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/1592304e-e47d-4942-9d9e-d68395bcc92b"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/1592304e-e47d-4942-9d9e-d68395bcc92b/spWHOCK2602208.jpg?w=400&amp;q=0.3">Bernadette Falco and her daughter, Quinn, were among those cheering on the U.S. women's hockey team at a watch party at the Clark Gillies Arena in Dix Hills.</a> 
<ul> 
 <li>Huntington hockey fans were able to see the U.S. women's Olympic team bring home the gold on a big screen in Dix Hills. My colleague Ben Dickson captured the excitement. <a href="https://www.newsday.com/sports/olympics/olympics-hockey-wq93x33k">Read the story here.</a></li> 
 <li>The frigid winter has hit Long Island waterways hard, and Huntington's are no&nbsp;exception: Ice jacking, a phenomenon in which pilings are ripped out of sea beds by ice, is costing municipalities money.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/winter-dock-piling-damage-a8qe8si0">Read the story</a> by Sam Kmack and Alek&nbsp;Lewis.&nbsp;</li> 
 <li>High school students across Long Island, including in Northport,&nbsp;are calling for change as they stage walkouts&nbsp;to protest the tactics of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Education reporter Lorena Mongelli <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/education/school-walkout-ice-long-island-ptdjx3vd">takes a&nbsp;look</a> at the issue.&nbsp;</li> 
 <li>A <a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/long-island-events/frost-n-flow-cake-decorating-class-ckxjzoxs">cake-decorating event</a> held in downtown Huntington was a sweet way to bond with friends and listen to music. It was part of a new series Ta-Tiana Smith-Furman cooked up surround her TikTok-popular confections. Smith-Furman owns microbakery company&nbsp;Broke Scholar Baker.</li> 
</ul> 
<h2>Things to do</h2> <a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="The Walt Whitman Birthplace historical site in Huntington Station.
" data-attr-credit="" data-attr-f="3x2" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/068a60ee-8650-40f2-83fa-682a1c6b1ac2" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/068a60ee-8650-40f2-83fa-682a1c6b1ac2', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/068a60ee-8650-40f2-83fa-682a1c6b1ac2"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/068a60ee-8650-40f2-83fa-682a1c6b1ac2/XLHISTORY230303_20.jpg?f=3x2&amp;w=400&amp;q=0.3">The Walt Whitman Birthplace historical site in Huntington Station. </a> 
As we flip the calendar to March, check out these fun and interesting things to do around town in the coming week. 
Black Experiences in the Revolutionary War 
When: Sunday, March 1,&nbsp;1:30-3 p.m. 
What:&nbsp;Presented by Lavada Nahon, interpreter of African American history for NY State Parks, this program takes a look at Black people who participated in the war but&nbsp;who traditionally have been left out of the story. 
Where:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.waltwhitman.org/">Walt Whitman Birthplace</a>, 246 Old Walt Whitman Rd., Huntington Station. 
Information and register: Registration is required. Visit <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/">eventbrite.com</a> and search by program title or #NatureEdventure. For more, call 631-581-1072. 
Free tax return help 
When: Every Tuesday in March, and&nbsp;April 7, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 
What:&nbsp;Volunteer tax preparers from AARP will be available to assist low- and middle-income taxpayers, with special attention to those 60 and older. 
Where: South Huntington Public Library,&nbsp;145 Pidgeon Hill Rd., Huntington Station. 
Information and register: Registration required. Visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.shpl.info/event/aarp-tax-help-105824">South Huntington Public Library</a>&nbsp;website. 
Lecture and book signing celebrating Women's History Month 
When: Saturday, March 7, 3-4:30 p.m. What: Lecture&nbsp;by decorative arts expert&nbsp;Genevieve Wheeler Brown, author of the book&nbsp;"Beyond Blue and White: The Hidden History of Delftware and the Women Behind the Iconic Ceramic." 
Where:&nbsp;Preservation Long Island Exhibition Gallery,&nbsp;161 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor. 
Information and register:&nbsp;Cost $20. Registration required. Visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://preservationlongisland.org/">Preservation Long Island</a>&nbsp;website. 
Find more things to do at <a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle">newsday.com/lifestyle</a>.

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This week in Huntington newsletter: A look back at the blizzard, with an eye on spring

A look back at the blizzard, with an eye on spring

<h2>Hello, Huntington!</h2> 
Welcome to the first edition of Newsday's new Huntington newsletter. I'm Deborah Morris, a native Long Islander and a reporter who's been writing about Huntington and its communities for more than a decade. 
Each Friday, you'll get a newsletter that's both informative and personal that touches on what makes our town such a great place to live. 
We also want this to be an opportunity for you to share what’s on your mind about our town. We're hoping our newsletter can create a community of its own: readers and viewers who are as passionate about Huntington as we are. Have ideas or feedback? Send them to me at <a href="mailto:deborah.morris@newsday.com?subject=Feedback for the This Week In Huntington newsletter">deborah.morris@newsday.com</a>. 
This week we'll check in on childhood friends who've grown into community leaders, touch on what's in the news, and offer up some things to do in the coming week. 
<h2>Longtime friends look to give back</h2> <a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="Amaru Jones, left, and Randy Paul at the playground they helped get built." data-attr-credit="Newsday" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/a229cdab-5b36-40a3-8718-fbc1d59e4972" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/a229cdab-5b36-40a3-8718-fbc1d59e4972', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/a229cdab-5b36-40a3-8718-fbc1d59e4972"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/a229cdab-5b36-40a3-8718-fbc1d59e4972/newsletter00269458.jpg?w=400&amp;q=0.3">Amaru Jones, left, and Randy Paul at the playground they helped get built.</a> 
With our first issue launching during Black History Month, I checked in with a group of childhood best friends from Huntington Station who were inspired to lead by Black leaders who came before them. Their journey to creating their organization, Leaders of the New School, followed a shocking incident, and it's an example of something positive coming out of a challenge. 
The friends were on the receiving end of racist social media posts back in 2020, when they marched peacefully through downtown Huntington against police brutality following George Floyd’s murder by a police officer in Minneapolis. Galvanized, they formed an organization to give voice to young people who look like them. 
“Our main objective was to give resources back to kids in the community politically, socially and economically,” said Amaru Jones, 28, one of the group's founders and a fifth-grade English and social studies teacher. “To have tools to use when facing adversity.” 
The group, composed&nbsp;of six members, has worked to bridge gaps within the community. 
The members helped get a marker installed in downtown Huntington where Booker T. Washington once owned a home. They were instrumental in the restoration of <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/suffolk/alfred-j-walker-memorial-park-renovations-huntington-station-cp5es6bd">a playground in their childhood neighborhood</a>. And each September since 2022, they have coordinated an event that gives free back-to-school haircuts to students. 
Over the years through their annual spring fundraising gala, they have raised almost $20,000 to give to area youths for college and trade school. 
Jones said Black History Month is a time to reflect&nbsp;and a reminder to keep doing what they are doing. “This month especially, we take time and we look at the past, both positive and negative,” he said. “Because before we know what we’re going to do with our future, we have to know where we came from.” 
What are some facts about Black History Month&nbsp;that you've learned over the years? Did you know that jazz legend <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/suffolk/coltrane-dix-hills-spiritual-home-of-jazz-renovation-dc9au8ru">John Coltrane once lived in Dix Hills</a>? Drop me a note at <a href="mailto:deborah.morris@newsday.com?subject=Feedback for the This Week In Huntington newsletter">deborah.morris@newsday.com</a>. 
<h2>Elsewhere in town …</h2> <a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="Geese at Heckscher Park earlier this month." data-attr-credit="" data-attr-f="3x2" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/d082e8b1-3cee-4833-a49f-dc1da542765b" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/d082e8b1-3cee-4833-a49f-dc1da542765b', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/d082e8b1-3cee-4833-a49f-dc1da542765b"><img src="/image-service/alias/contentid/d082e8b1-3cee-4833-a49f-dc1da542765b/ligeese260212_kmh_2.jpg?f=3x2&amp;w=400&amp;q=0.3">Geese at Heckscher Park earlier this month.</a> 
<ul> 
 <li>Newsday&nbsp;health reporter Lisa L. Colangelo reports that one of six geese found dead in and around Huntington's Heckscher Park last month&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsday.com/news/health/geese-bird-flu-huntington-bg8idrln">is likely positive for bird flu</a>. That's according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation. No human cases have been reported in New York.</li> 
 <li>Ten couples tied the knot on Valentine's Day at Huntington Town Hall, reports my colleague Joseph Ostapiuk — a tradition there that started in 1995. <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/suffolk/valentines-day-marriage-huntington-svl17zco">Read the story here.</a>&nbsp;</li> 
 <li>A public hearing has been set for next month on a&nbsp;proposal to build hundreds of residential units&nbsp;in a part of Melville known as the Town Center Overlay District.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/melville-town-center-development-plan-ffwb9b6i">Read my story here</a> and let me know what you think of the plan.</li> 
 <li>Sports reporter Ben Dickson <a href="https://www.newsday.com/sports/media/wally-szczerbiak-miami-ohio-v3i2ob0a">caught up with former NBA all-star Wally Szczerbiak</a>, Newsday's 1995 Newsday Player of the Year at Cold Spring Harbor High School&nbsp;who is now a CBS Sports college basketball analyst.</li> 
 <li>Beauty enthusiasts can indulge in a New York City-based makeup brand at <a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/fashion-and-shopping/myr-makeup-and-skincare-mt83cg9g">a new boutique in Huntington village</a>. Mallory Y. Rutledge opened M.Y.R. Makeup &amp; Skincare last month, Joe Dziemianowicz reports.</li> 
</ul> 
<h2>Things to do</h2> <a class="p-smartembed" data-attr-caption="Discuss “A Marriage at Sea” at the Whaling Museum in Cold Spring Harbor." data-attr-credit="" data-attr-has-caption="true" data-attr-has-credit="true" data-attr-img-alt=" " data-attr-q="0.3" data-attr-w="400" data-onecms-id="contentid/85272e9a-b612-4feb-8735-e052773bdd65" data-onecms-type="image" href="javascript:window.parent.actionEventData({$contentId:'contentid/85272e9a-b612-4feb-8735-e052773bdd65', $action:'view', $target:'work'})" polopoly:contentid="contentid/85272e9a-b612-4feb-8735-e052773bdd65"><img alt=" " src="/image/contentid/85272e9a-b612-4feb-8735-e052773bdd65/liCUTS250408_1.jpg?w=400&amp;q=0.3">Discuss “A Marriage at Sea” at the Whaling Museum in Cold Spring Harbor.</a> 
Check out these fun and interesting things to do around town in the coming week: 
Candle dipping and tin smithing 
When: Feb. 22, 1 p.m. 
What: Learn the importance of candle dipping and tin smithing to past generations as America celebrates 250 years. Families will also work together to create their own tin lantern to take home in this&nbsp;activity hosted by the Huntington Historical Society. 
Where:&nbsp;Conklin Barn, 2 High St., Huntington. 
Information and register: Cost is $20;&nbsp;go to&nbsp;the <a href="https://www.huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org/">Huntington Historical Society website</a> for more. 
Book Discussion in Cold Spring Harbor 
When: Feb. 25, 6:30 p.m. 
What: A discussion of “A Marriage at Sea” by Sophie Elmhirst, the true story of a couple whose Pacific sailing adventure turns catastrophic when a whale damages their boat, forcing them to survive months at sea. 
Where: The Whaling Museum and Education Center, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor. 
Information and register: Registration required. Check the <a href="https://www.cshwhalingmuseum.org/">Whaling Museum website</a> for more. 
Lecture on 19th Century Artists 
When: Feb. 25, 3 p.m. 
What: A lecture on the art of Monet and Van Gogh, two icons whose works are seen everywhere&nbsp;from calendars to posters. Discover what makes their colors and textures so captivating. Presented by Sandra Palmer. Where: Harborfields Public Library, 31 Broadway, Greenlawn 
Information and register: The event is free but registration is required, according to the <a href="https://www.harborfieldslibrary.org/">Harborfields Public Library website</a>. 
Find more things to do at <a href="https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle">newsday.com/lifestyle</a>.

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This week in Huntington newsletter: Group's inspiration to lead during Black History Month

Group is inspired to lead during Black History Month

This Week in Huntington newsletter: Read previous editions

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