A guide to resources for honoring Memorial Day 2023 on LI. Plus, we can’t think about Memorial Day on LI without remembering Gus Scutari.
Continue readingMemorial Day 2023: Meaning, Events, Remembering Gus
Come Find Steve and Other Fireflies at the “Oyster Bay Art in the Park” now SUNDAY 5/21
Photographer Steve Caputo is one of several Fireflies scheduled to be at the Oyster Bay Art in the Park Festival, now scheduled for Sunday, together with many other local artists. Photo credit: Bonnie Caputo
Over 50 vendors, including several Fireflies, are rescheduling their weekends for a hopefully sunnier Sunday at the Oyster Bay Art in the Park Festival. There will be family-friendly activities, live music by Gene Casey & the Lone Sharks, food trucks and more!
What: Oyster Bay Art in the Park
NEW Date: Sunday, May 21, 12-4pm
Where: Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park & Beach in Oyster Bay
Art in the Park is run by the Town’s Department of Community & Youth Services, Cultural and Performing Arts Division.
“Art in the Park offers local artists and artisans an amazing opportunity to showcase their best work for the public and gain local notoriety,” said Oyster Bay Town Councilmember Steve Labriola. “Art in the Park is certain to attract hundreds of families and seniors as the event also features live music, food trucks and activities for kids.”
There will be at least four — maybe more! — Fireflies scattered throughout the event. See if you can find them all!
America’s Vet Dogs Open House
Come learn about how we can “help those who have served our nation with honor live without boundaries.” There will be puppies.
Continue readingGet Support for Going Green: LI Garden Rewards Program
As part of a broader initiative to address nitrogen pollution, The Long Island Regional Planning Council (LIRPC) wants homeowners to know about the LI Garden Rewards Program. Through this program, residents may be reimbursed up to $500 for installing green infrastructure on their properties such as rain barrels, rain gardens, or native plantings.
Receipts must show purchases made after 5/1/23. Funds are limited and granted on a first come first serve basis. Don’t miss out!
Folks living in the Peconic Estuary watershed can also be rewarded for removing turf or pavement, and adding rain barrels, rain gardens and native plant gardens. Residents of the Town Hempstead can also participate in a Native Plant rebate program.
About the Long Island Regional Planning Council
The LIRPC is one of the only organizations tasked with considering the long-term economic, environmental, and social well-being of Long Island as a whole. It conducts research, surveys and studies. It also serves as a forum for discourse and debate, touching on topics such as the economy, equity, tax and governance, the environment and infrastructure.
You can learn about various initiatives and insights on the LIRPC website. It’s a great resource.
Photo of Northport Harbor by Katheryn Laible
Why Nitrogen
One major focus of the LIRPC is nitrogen pollution.
Nitrogen is the leading cause of water quality deterioration on Long Island. It comes primarily from a variety of wastewater sources, and stimulates algal growth. This leads to low oxygen conditions, fish kills, and degraded marine habitats.
It also contaminates the groundwater that is Long Island’s sole source of drinking water.
You can learn more about that and the LI Nitrogen Action Plan (LINAP) here. We also have a great, growing resource of sustainable landscaping resources here (tell us more!).
While solutions are multi-faceted, this is a place where individual effort can make significant impact. Go for it!!
Photo of Bee on Aster by Katheryn Laible.
Win-Win-Win: Andrea M. Gordon Hopes You Buy Raffle Tickets!
Like many artists, Andrea M. Gordon is deeply involved in community service. Recently, in fact, she’s been busily collecting raffle prizes for THREE organizations! At the same time!!!
Continue readingRising Eagle: Please Join Max in Serving the Nassau Museum of Art
An Eagle Project is one last adventure in a decade-long journey. Max, here, is leading creation of a fence, educational kiosk and model native plant garden that will serve as an enriching gateway to newly restored grasslands at the Nassau County Museum of Art.
Continue readingArt Appreciation: Eloquent COVID-Era Medals on Loan for Public View
“Motherhood Distinguished Service Medal” by Beth Atkinson. It is one of the artist’s many intricate and eloquent COVID-era medals now on view at Huntington Town Hall.
Continue reading2023 Smart Growth Awards
For over 20 years Vision Long Island has been honoring individuals, organizations, and projects that advance the growth of our downtowns and infrastructure. Specific focus areas include transit oriented development, affordable housing, environmental sustainability, traffic calming, transportation enhancements, clean energy and community based planning.
Continue readingFMC Folio Awards!
Fair Media Council Folio Awards
The Folio Awards, run by our sponsor The Fair Media Council, recognizes the best in news and social media. National and New York regional news of any topic may be entered, along with LI hyperlocal news stories. Social media submissions may come from anywhere to educate, inspire, or enlighten.
This event is excellent networking — They really do bring together the best in media and public relations, as well as a whole host of local notables.
Folio Awards Event Details
The event will be held at the historic stone Beaux Arts building known as the West Bath House on Jones Beach, which was restored and opened in 2019. Weather permitting, networking will be outdoors, overlooking the ocean with luncheon and awards inside. Be a part of it:
When: Friday, June 23rd from 11am-2pm
Where: Gatsby on the Ocean, Jones Beach.
To Register: Visit the FMC Website
Sponsorship Opportunities Available.
Special Awards
In addition to honoring the best in news and social media, the program will include the following special salute to news legends and legacies:
Distinguished Achievement Awards:
Garden City News — in commemoration of its 100th anniversary
WABC-TV — in commemoration of its 75th anniversary
WNET — in commemoration of its 75th anniversary
PIX11 — in commemoration of its 75th anniversary
Long Island Business News — in commemoration of its 70th anniversary
Lifetime Achievement Awards:
National news: Pat Milton, Senior Producer, CBS News Investigative Unit
Regional news: Tim Scheld, News & Programming Director, CBS Newsradio 880 (recently retired)
Hyperlocal news: Danielle Campbell, long-time anchor, News 12 Long Island (recently retired)
Hyperlocal news: Doug Geed, anchor and one of the original staff from 1986, News 12 Long Island (retiring in July)
About the Fair Media Council
The Fair Media Council has a multi-pronged mission that essentially works to advance quality journalism, and to help people become more discerning and better understand the media landscape. Their Member Benefits are valuable. You can also Subscribe to their Award-Winning Podcast, which engages notable guests in profound, informative conversation. It’s information you can use.
Pal-O-Mine Hay Drive Ends 5/15 – Donate Today!
Pal-O-Mine’s very important Hay Drive is coming to a close. Please them fill the remaining gap!
Read this article we wrote with Pal-O-Mine. Visit their website to learn even more about this amazing healing place. Then help them raise the $20,000 needed to feed these amazing horses!
This webpage explains everything about the Hay Drive. You can give online or send a check made payable to “Pal-O-Mine Equestrian” to 829 Old Nichols Rd, Islandia, NY 11749.
Bottom line: $15 buys a bale. As of this writing, they’ve raised $15,635 through 114 donors. Thank you to all who are helping them fill that loft!