This week in Huntington newsletter: Memories of 9/11 are still fresh, 25 years later

Good morning, Huntington. Like many of you today, I'm reflecting on Sept. 11, 2001.

It's been 25 years, but I remember the day clearly, as I'm sure many of you do.

Our town, like others on Long Island, suffered terrible losses. The 9/11 memorial in Heckscher Park, beautiful as it is, is a solemn reminder.

At the time, I was graphics editor in Newsday’s art department, and it was a beautiful day, weather-wise. I remember greeting my colleague Doug in the parking lot of Newsday's old facility on Pinelawn Road and we chatted briefly, shaken by what had just happened and steeling for the task before us as journalists.

If you can, please take a look at some of the compelling stories my colleagues have written about the people, places and consequences of that day, including a profile of the daughter of the only NYPD female officer to die in the attacks.

Be well, everyone.

See our list of events commemorating the day: In our town, the Melville Fire Department will hold a ceremony to honor all Huntington residents who perished in the attacks by reading each of their names. The event is at 7 p.m. at their substation at the corner of Old Country Road and New York Avenue.

How did you acknowledge the 25th anniversary of 9/11? Let me know at huntington@newsday.com.

Elsewhere in town

While many of us remember exactly where we were on Sept. 11, 2001, for others, it's the day they were born. Read a touching story by my colleague Joshua Needelman about Long Islanders, including twins from Huntington who turn 25 Friday and how their Sept. 11 birthday has inspired them. 

Despite the high cost of living on Long Island, it could be hard to fathom leaving. Read a story by my colleague Brianne Ledda about some folks who made the move.

Newsday’s annual list of the top 100 Long Island high school girls soccer players can be found here, including some students from our town.

Reader feedback

Last week I asked readers if they were concerned about the future of the Cinema Arts Centre after the surprising firing of the center's co-director Dylan Skolnick, who also is the son of founders Vic Skolnick and Charlotte Sky.

Patricia Shih said she's been a patron of the center since 1981. She called it a "true treasured jewel in the arts scene on Long Island," and lauded Dylan Skolnick as a kind, generous, supportive, highly competent and an excellent steward of the center."

She said she finds it frustrating and disappointing that the center's board is not being more transparent in its decision.

 "I am impatiently waiting to hear a plausible reason, as it is unconscionable to me and so many other fans and supporters of the Cinema."

Things to do

Check out these fun and interesting things to do around town in the coming week and more at newsday.com/lifestyle.

Popular 1970s band Cheap Trick brings their All Washed Up Tour to the Paramount in Huntington on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.

National Lobster Day isn't until Sept. 25, but you can celebrate it sooner at the Whaling Museum & Education Center of Cold Spring Harbor. There's a cocktails and crafting event next Thursday at 6:30 p.m. 

Find more things to do in Newsday's calendar of events.