This week in Huntington newsletter: Artists transform an alley into a downtown destination
This alley in the village is being transformed into The Artery.
Credit: Rick Kopstein
Happy Friday, Huntington! I was downtown the other day and something piqued my interest in what's usually a pretty quiet, low-key spot: the alley between New York Avenue and New Street.
It's humming with activity as it's being remade into The Artery, a space where artists will be able to hone and share their craft — whether visuals, music or the spoken word — 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 Business Improvement District 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 go to a restaurant or take in a show, you know the alley is a well-used shortcut between two 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 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 Public Art Crawl.
Stay tuned!
From historic buildings to murals to the museum in Heckscher Park, we're lucky enough to have public art all around us. What are your favorite pieces to check out? Let me know at deborah.morris@newsday.com.
Elsewhere in town
Whitman softball player Brynn Iacovone on Wednesday in South Huntington. Credit: Brittney Dietz
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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. Check out my colleague Jonathan Ruban's profile of her.
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"Brady Bunch" fans, rejoice! Eve Plumb — she was Jan on the popular '70s sitcom — is coming to The Next Chapter bookstore on May 1. She'll will be there for a book-signing and a talk. Check out Frank Lovece's story.
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With "Death of a Salesman" back on Broadway, read about what it's like to play Willy Loman from local actors who've done so in community theater. One of them is James Bradley, a retired attorney from Huntington.
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The Greenlawn Water District is often a winner in "Best Tasting Water" contest, and it now has help keeping that moniker: It received a federal grant to remove pollutants from two wells. Projects are expected to start next month. Read my story about it here.
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Did you know that beginning next school year, the South Huntington school district will introduce universal pre-K? Check out this story by Darwin Yanes.
What's going on around town that you'd like to see covered here? Drop me a line at deborah.morris@newsday.com.
Things to do
Stay between the lines as you color at the Walt Whitman Birthplace. Credit: NEWSDAY -SAVE/Jim Peppler
Here are some fun and interesting things to do around town in the coming week.
Adult coloring night
When: Thursday, April 30, 7-9 p.m.
What: Think of this as a chance to de-stress, socialize and tap into your inner artist in the very place that inspired one of America's greatest poets.
Where: The Walt Whitman Birthplace Association, 246 Old Walt Whitman Rd., Huntington Station
Information: Cost is $10 per person. Supplies are provided. For tickets, go here.
Ocean-inspired family crafts
When: Saturday, April 25, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
What: You can build your own ocean-inspired creation at the Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum, using repurposed materials in a self-guided workshop. Then it can be included in the museum's “Recycled Ecosystem” display.
Where: The Whaling Museum & Education Center of Cold Spring Harbor, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor
Information: Included with the cost of admission. Check here for more.
Bowling fundraiser to support kids
When: Sunday, April 26, 6-8 p.m.
What: It's an evening of fun, bowling and food at Youth Directions & 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.
Where: Larkfield Lanes, 332 Larkfield Rd., East Northport
Information: Cost is $50 per person or $130 per lane for six bowlers. RSVP here.
Find more things to do at newsday.com/lifestyle.
Deborah Morris is a native Long Islander and covers the town of Huntington.
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