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

Hello, Huntington! I had fun last week visiting historical sites in our town inspired by George Washington's 1790 visit here. It's all part of the town's efforts to celebrate the country’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 Jupiter Hammon, who was America’s first published African American poet; and the homes of early Huntington residents. While Washington didn’t visit most of these places, they have strong ties to the American Revolution. Read my story about it here.

You'll have other opportunities to experience Huntington in the 18th century as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. Today, the town is set to unveil a historic marker honoring Dr. Gilbert Potter, who served as a captain in the Battle of Ticonderoga. That's scheduled for 11 a.m. at 60 Wall St. The town also will outline its webpage featuring local Revolutionary War-era history.

While the trolley tour was one of a kind, there's a walking tour app that features many of the sites. For more information about that, go here.

What do you know about Huntington and its connection to the American Revolution? Let me know at deborah.morris@newsday.com.

Parkway paving work

Heads up, motorists: 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. The work was scheduled to start Wednesday night, my colleague John Valenti reports. 

Motorists will be rerouted, according to a post on the Town of Huntington’s Facebook page. Check it out for how the detours might affect you.

Speaking of road headaches, we're on the lookout for potholes after that rough winter. Have you come across any that we should know about? Let me know at deborah.morris@newsday.com.

Elsewhere in town

• Mighty Fine, a cafe with a focus on pies, has opened in what used to be Finley's of Green Street. You can design your own. Read my colleague Erica Marcus' story about it.

• Zaro’s Cafe has closed after more than three decades in Huntington Station. It was established in 1993 and served Greek and Italian food. Newsday's Melissa Azofeifa talked to the manager about it.
• Northport is highlighted by Newsday travel writer Carissa Kellman as the perfect place for a day trip. Check out her story.

• Seaweed is an asset, not a nuisance, according to a guest essay about the greenery. The nonprofit Lazy Point Farms has supported its cultivation in various spots Islandwide, including our town.

• The Huntington Town Board meets Tuesday, May 5, at 2 p.m. Check here for what's on the agenda.

Things to do

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

Sheep to Shawl festival

When: Sunday, May 3, noon-4 p.m.

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

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

Information: Admission is free. For more, check here.

Free Senior Scam Prevention Seminar

When: Thursday, May 7, 1:30 p.m. 

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

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

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

30th Annual Custom Car, Truck and Cycle Show

When: Sunday, May 3, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

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

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

Information: For more information, go to this Facebook page.

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

By Deborah S. Morris

deborah.morris@newsday.comdsvmorris

Deborah Morris is a native Long Islander and covers the town of Huntington.