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

Hello everyone! First, thanks to all of you who've tried to help identify people in the mural outside Finnegan's Restaurant & Tap Room in downtown Huntington. The mystery continues, so if you’d like to weigh in, check out last week’s newsletter.

We’ve had wonderfully warm temperatures in the last couple of days — perfect weather to celebrate upcoming Earth Day and to think about one of my stress relievers: gardening. Did you know there are two community gardens in Huntington where residents can lease a spot?

The Robert M. Kubecka Memorial Organic Garden 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 by 30 feet, that rent for $35 per season or $25 for people over 60.

Amanda Vizzari, senior environmental analyst for the town's Department of Environmental Waste Management, oversees the garden. She 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 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 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 opportunity to be added to a waitlist.

Gateway Community Garden in Huntington Station is on the west side of New York Avenue, established in 2010 on the site of housing demolished during urban renewal efforts of the 1960s.

Frances Whittelsey, a co-founder of that garden (and a former Newsday reporter!) said it 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 — we wanted to serve the people of that community, and the way to do that was to build a garden and invite them to garden there,” she said.

The 125 raised garden beds, 5 by 20 feet, are free, but gardeners are asked to donate $25 if they can to cover the costs of tools, mulch, plants, insurance and hoses. There are still a few plots available for this season. To find out more, click here.

In honor of Earth Day, which is April 22, the town is co-hosting its annual “Family Earth Day” celebration with Reworld, Northwell Health, the 1653 Foundation 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,  April 25. The day will include hands-on learning and outdoor fun.

How, and where, does your garden grow? Let me know at deborah.morris@newsday.com.

Huntington Station transformation

Big changes are coming to Huntington Station thanks to a state grant. Some of the focus will be sidewalk and crosswalk improvements along New York Avenue, which are scheduled to begin soon. Read my story about it here. Later: A welcome repaving of the avenue is on tap.

Also, an apartment complex on New York Avenue that helped launch revitalization efforts in the community is now for sale. Read my colleague Celia Young's story.

Elsewhere in town

• If you haven't already, check out my story on the approval of the first project under the Melville Town Center Overlay District. This project is what town officials hope is the first of several that will revitalize the area, which is home to several empty office buildings. 
• NeeDoh fidget toys are drawing lines and selling out across Long Island, according to a story by my colleague Arielle Dollinger. See what a worker at Einstein's Attic in Huntington had to say about the craze.
• Huntington officials are considering raising the penalties for establishments that allow prostitution, and businesses that sell vape products to young people. Read my story here. 

Things to do

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

History Tour

When: Thursday, April 23, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

What: 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 at the Flanagan Center, 423 Park Ave., Huntington

Information: Cost is $50 and includes light refreshments and a commemorative coin. Registration required. To register, go here. 

Fourth Annual Long Island Jewish Film Festival

When: Through Tuesday, April 21, various showings

What: The Cinema Arts Centre presents a festival featuring a diverse selection of films that explore Jewish history, culture and identity.

Where: The Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington

Information: For a list of movies, go here. 

Jim Breuer at the Paramount

When: Saturday, April 18, 8 p.m. 

What: Long Island's own Jim Breuer performs his "Find the Funny" stand-up show.

Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington

Information: Tickets range from $54 to $182. For more information, go here.

Find more things to do at newsday.com/lifestyle.