Midterms are kind of a big deal. We think local elections are, too. Here are all sorts of resources specific to that and on how to be better citizens generally…
Continue readingVote Smart: Resources for Upcoming State and Federal Elections
FMC: Your Executive Briefing, Upcoming Masterclass, Nominate Now
Here’s some of the latest from our dear friends and sponsors at The Fair Media Council:
Fair Media Council Launches New Season of Master Classes
The Fair Media Council invites you to “Meet three of the biggest players behind Long Island’s evolving local news landscape. These digital outlets are building audiences with fast, accessible local coverage — no paywalls, no accounts and fewer barriers between a story and the people who need to see them. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look into what and how these news outlets cover Long Island, plus the chance to pitch them your story.”
What: “The New Front Page: Masterclass & Pitch Session”.
When: October 21st, 9am-11:30am
Where: 58 S. Service Road, Lower Level, Melville, NY
Speakers: Michael White, Founder, Greater Long Island Media Group, Inc; Gregory Zeller, Editor & Publisher, Founder, Innovate Long Island; Jonathan Marx, Founder, The Long Island Times
For tickets and more information: Visit the event page here. Tickets are partially tax-deductible. Continental breakfast included.
New Newsletter: FMC Media Intelligence
We have long appreciated and encouraged folks to check out “The Latest,” the Fair Media Council’s educated inside view of and commentary on the rapidly changing media landscape. Now, we are excited to for their new dispatch, “FMC Media Intelligence”. According to the Fair Media Council this new “executive-style brief” will be “focusing on how media trends are impacting how business is done.” Here’s the link to sign up.
Nominate Today! Fair Media Council Folio Awards
FMC is now accepting nominations for the 2027 Folio Awards. This event recognizes the best in news and social media. National and New York regional news on any topic may be nominated so long as the work was published in 2026. Categories continue to evolve beyond traditional news media, reflecting a rapidly changing landscape.
There will be Signature and Lifetime Achievement Awards, as well as diverse news and media categories. These will invite both professional and student journalism as well as other media reflecting the increasing role businesses and nonprofits have come to take in their own communications. Do check the website for details!
To Nominate: Visit the Folio Awards Event Page
Deadline: February 1, 2027
The Fair Media Council wants folks to know that, “for more than four decades, the Folio Awards have stood apart as the only recognition that bridges industry standards with public values. Each award affirms not only quality, but also impact — proof that the work being done is what people value, want, and need.
The annual Folio Awards luncheon gathers leaders from news, media, business, and the community to celebrate those who set the standard. It is more than a ceremony — it is where public trust meets media excellence, and where the future of storytelling is defined.”
In the end, it’s about quality, effectiveness and most of all trust.
You can find information about past honorees here. If you’d like to be considered as a judge, you may apply here. Nominations are judged by both industry professionals and dedicated community leaders. I’m honored to be a long time judge myself. I found the whole experience deeply educational, enlightening and worth the time it takes to do the job.
About the Fair Media Council
Check out this interview with Executive Director Jaci Clement on the Main Street News, presented by Vision Long Island.
The Fair Media Council operates at the intersection of media, influence and power. For 45 years, they have been holding news and media accountable while working to create an informed, media-savvy society. The more time goes on, the more important, and broadly applicable their work becomes. It’s about transparency, accountability, and credibility, as well as fostering the ability to both convey that, and recognize it when we see it.
The FMC offers clear eyed, informative commentary, and is known for quality, unscripted conversations with top influencers in news, business and technology. Members have access to a broad array of resources. Intimate educational events feature excellent presenters offering timeless wisdom and latest understandings of our constantly revolutionizing media ecosystem.
Whether it’s considering the current state of affairs or what to make of what’s coming, managing our brands, dealing with PR crises or simply learning how best to get a reporter’s attention, FMC offers thought provoking and practically useful programming. A signature project is their annual Folio Awards, which honors the best in news and other media. It’s excellent networking and always insightful. Another main event, their annual “Boot Camp” is lower key, but also kind of a big deal.
We are honored to call them a sponsor and find all they do deeply informative and a source of meaningful connections. We are grateful!!!
His Girl Friday Part 1
What happens when Hawks takes Cary Grant’s physical style and molds it into the fastest talking picture ever produced? An in-real-time-self-retrospective comedy. This is a made up term. It’s not a good way of explaining what I’m going for, but an elaboration should get me there.
Continue readingSights & Sounds from the Canyon of Heroes
Three sounds from Syosset, New York, the evening of Saturday, June 13th, 2026:
1. The Buzzer. It is over. The Knicks Win.
2. Mike Breen proclaims his hometown team’s victory.
3. Fireworks from all directions.
Here in Syosset, fireworks erupted from every angle. I’m sure cigar smoke was present, too, but fireworks make a larger announcement.
Three sounds from New York, New York on the late morning of Thursday, June 18th, 2026
1. Laughter. I sat in Washington Square park, drank my coffee, and looked around. We heard the laughter of two women placing their Knicks hats on a stranger’s dogs. To their left were two women wearing older Knicks jerseys, Walt Frazier & Willis. They looked in awe at an infant, laughing at the joy of new life. Across the fountain stood another group of young men draped in similar attire. Their words we couldn’t make out, but the laughter was clear.
2. Joy. The man taking the pictures here was happier than I had ever seen him, and it had little to do with basketball and yet everything to do with the occasion. The joy was contagious, effusive, and knew no boundaries. You could hear it in his voice. It had infected him whole. He was far from alone.
3. Deep Conversation. Two random fathers on the LIRR knew something about each other the moment they sat down. Both were elated by the Knicks victory, and promptly engaged in 45 minutes of meaningful conversation. When one got up and left as the train pulled into Westbury, they still only knew one thing about each other. They were elated by a Knicks victory. For today, that one thing was more than enough.
New Yorkers are generally begrudgingly aware we’re all in this together. On that day, they embraced it.
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Updated: Honoring the 250th Annivesary of the Declaration of Independence
Above, the Flag of the Town of Huntington is the basis of this logo for “What Liberty Means to Me,” a project of the Huntington Historical Society that collected reflections, and has served as something of a theme for their year-long celebration.
Updated 7/2/26
250 Years Ago, A Bold and Righteous Proclomation Was Made.
This July, we celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, a mighty document inscribing self-evident truths; truths clear to the enlightened men of the time, and truths standing as guiding principles to those living in these United States ever since.
In recognizing this arc of freedom, we celebrate the enlightenment ideas coming from not only those of the 18th century (who studied hard the thoughts of those who came before), but also the 19th, 20th and 21st. We think about the creation of our Constitution, and the robust intellects and passionate hearts whose words and deeds have shaped our enchanting, individualist nation. We pray that folks take interest in the noble ideals in which this county is grounded, and give their best to uphold and strengthen them.
We remember Abraham Lincoln, Dwight D. Eisenhower, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and others who led us to realize the natural rights of millions, who led this body of United States to grow closer to its stated founding principals, and who made the idea of “America” an inspiration worldwide.
As we reflect on this poignant moment and the journey here, as well as the depth of the statement that “Freedom is Not Free,” we encourage you to check out various ways our neighbors are honoring the occasion. If you have your own related events to promote, many of these are good places to do that, too!
Events are Happening Everywhere
There’s a lot going on, including lots of art! To start, the Huntington Historical Society is hosting “Revolutionary Incidents in Huntington: Occupation & Resistance” in the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial. John Daniello has put together a seven-month series that has been unfolding at the Huntington Public Library. The Nassau County Museum of Art and the Long Island Museum each have fascinating exhibitions. There’s more….for artists and historians, as well as for folks who care about civics and what it all means today. Lots more. Check it out:
Huntington Historical Society: Ribbon Cutting for the LI Public Arts Festival 250: The Liberty Trail
According to the Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce, “This landmark public arts initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence will transform Heckscher Park into an immersive living gallery, bridging the gap between 1776 and 2026 through the power of contemporary art.”
This LI Public Arts Festival 250: The Liberty Trail is running in concert with the Summer Arts Festival. It includes original works from New York State artists. A series of Instagram Reels featuring Huntington Historical Society Executive Director Stephanie Gotard, Huntington Town Historian Robert Hughes and Huntington African American Museum Executive Director Barry Lites explain the inspiration, purpose and perpetual relevance of this project and the Declaration of Independence itself.
Said Hughes, “The 250th is such a milestone that we think it’s very important that everyone understands not only the ‘who what and where’ of the revolution 250 years ago, but the concepts behind it, such as liberty. The arts are a perfect way…”
The LI Public Arts Festival Will Run: July 1 through August 31
The Liberty Trail Ribbon Cutting will Occur: Wednesday, July 8 at 6 pm
Where: Heckscher Park, Prime Ave & Route 25A, Huntington
To Register for the Ribbon Cutting: Visit The Huntington Chamber of Commerce Events Page
More at the HHS
As a proud front line of The Revolution, The Huntington Historical Society offers a wealth of other 250-related events, including a way to win prizes by visiting historic sites across Long Island called the “History Hunt Challenge.” You can also find a guided virtual tour of “Huntington’s Revolutionary War Trail” hosted by Town Historian Robert Hughes.
In addition to the Nation’s birthday, they and the Huntington Militia will be celebrating Huntington Independence Day July 18th from 12-5pm, at the Kissam House.
Keep an eye on their website for more!
The Town of Huntington's Liberty 250 Page
More broadly, The Town of Huntington put together a planning committee of local heritage organizations and museums to plan and coordinate exhibits and programs commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. As part of this, they have crafted a web page that offers an app on Bloomberg Connects. It provides educational videos, an interactive map of local Revolutionary War sites, and a calendar of events from organizations such as the Walt Whitman Birthplace, Lefferts Tide Mill & Preserve, Heckscher Museum, and Huntington Historical Society. We’d love to hear what other Towns are doing!
Suffolk250.org
Exploring a little further afield, Suffolk County has worked with a an impressive array of local museums, cultural organizations, and historical societies to assemble Suffolk250.org, a website that invites you to explore and celebrate our region’s pivotal role in the American Revolution. There, you can find an interactive map of events throughout the county, get a passport book to log your own exploration, view a documentary series, and even sign up to plant a legacy tree.
Nassau County
Nassau County Tourism has put together Nassau County 250: It’s Revolutionary. According to the website, “a curated series of America 250 blogs and features, Nassau County Tourism highlights Revolutionary War landmarks, historic estates, presidential connections, and waterfront villages across the county. Each story is designed to inspire real-world exploration, encouraging you to visit the sites where history happened.” The website also lists events and programs occurring throughout the year.
Discover Long Island
Last but not least, Discover Long Island, the full region’s one and only destination marketing organization, has its own page, LongIsland250. This, it promotes as “the official guide for commemorating & celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution on Long Island.” Designed to “showcase Long Island’s integral role in the Revolutionary War effort and profound ties to then Gen. George Washington, this site will serve as the ultimate guide for experiencing Long Island’s fascinating wartime history filled with spies and intrigue.”
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Vendors Wanted: Tilles Jazz Fest 2026
In a collaboration between the Tilles Performing Art Center & Jazz at Lincoln Center, Jazz Fest is selling tickets & looking for vendors! Day events will place across Long Island University’s campus in Brookville, before the headliner event at the concert hall within walking distance.
They’ll have 10 concerts across 4 stages for the Jazz Heads. Activities for kids including face painting, dancing, an instrument petting zoo & other games/activities throughout the day. You can even make your own instrument to bring home.
Tickets can be purchased as Day Passes for all daytime events, Evening Headliner Tickets for the night time event, & All Day Passes for those who want it all. Children Under 12 will be admitted free of charge.
More information about the event including which acts will be performing can be found here.
When: Saturday, July 18, 2026
Day Event: Starts @ 1:00PM
Headliner: Starts @ 7:00PM
Where: Long Island University Campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville, NY 11548
Local Artists & Food Trucks Wanted: Vendors apply at this link
To Purchase Tickets: Visit the Tilles Center website here
720 Northern Blvd., Brookville, NY 11548
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Updated: Honoring the 250th Annivesary of the Declaration of Independence
Above, the logo for a Huntington Historical Society Project: “What Liberty Means to Me,” which collected reflections from all willing to offer them earlier this year.
250 Years Ago, A Bold and Righteous Proclomation Was Made.
This July, we celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, a mighty document inscribing self-evident truths; truths clear to the enlightened men of the time, and truths standing as guiding principles to those living in these United States since.
In recognizing this arc of freedom, we celebrate the enlightenment ideas coming from not only those of the 18th century (who studied hard the thoughts of those who came before), but also the 19th, 20th and 21st. We think about the creation of our Constitution, and the robust intellects and passionate hearts whose words and deeds have shaped our enchanting, individualist nation. We pray that folks take interest in the noble ideals in which this county is grounded, and give their best to uphold and strengthen them.
We remember Abraham Lincoln and Dwight D. Eisenhower, and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; these and others who led us to realize the natural rights of millions, who led this body of United States to grow closer to its stated founding principals, and who made the idea of “America” an inspiration worldwide.
As we reflect on this poignant moment and the journey here, and depth of the statement that “Freedom is Not Free,” we encourage you to check out various ways our neighbors are honoring the occasion. If you have your own related events to promote, many of these are good places to do that, too!
Events are Happening Everywhere
There’s a lot more going on! For starters, if you like the art aspect, this Historical Society is also hosting “Revolutionary Incidents in Huntington: Occupation & Resistance” in the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial. John Daniello has put together a seven-month series that has been unfolding at the Huntington Public Library. It will be on view through July. the Nassau County Museum of Art and the Long Island Museum each have fascinating exhibitions. There’s more….for artists, historians, folks who care about civics and what it all means today. Lot’s more. Check it out:
Huntington Historical Society: Revolutionary Incidents in Huntington: Occupation & Resistance
One upcoming event will occur at the intersection of the town you know well, and the history you read of in books: Huntington During the Revolution: A Retrospective, hosted by The Huntington Historical Society and the Cefalu Restaurant.
When: Thursday, June 18 from 12-2:30 pm
Where: Cefalu Ritorante & Pizzaria, 138 E. Main Street, Huntington
To Register: Visit The Huntington Historical Society website
There will be food, conversation, and human connection. Looks like an interesting lunch and an opportunity to put the streets you walk into historical context.
More at the HHS
The Huntington Historical Society offers a wealth of other 250-related events as well, including a year-long Art Exhibition: “Occupation & Resistance,” a public arts initiative, a way to win prizes by visiting historic sites across Long Island called the “History Hunt Challenge,” a guided virtual video tour of the village entitled, “Huntington’s Revolutionary War Trail,” and a virtual tour of “Huntington’s Revolutionary War Trail” hosted by town historian Robert Hughes.
Keep on eye on their website for more!
"Wish Fish" and Other Events at the Vanderbilt
The Vanderbilt Museum in Centerport also has a lot going on! Already they’ve considered colonial astrology, and the Suffragists. In October, there will be a lecture by author Brian O’Connor about prominent local revolutionary John Sloss Hobard, an “Eaton’s Neck lawyer and historical figure who played a significant role in New York’s support of the Declaration of Independence.” Soon, there will also be a guided tour of the estate focused on over 100 years of Vanderbilt’s service to country.
Up next, is an event that sparked our own imaginations: “Wish Fish: Honoring 250 Years of Long Island’s Past and Future.” It’s “a community art and reflection project that celebrates our community art, history, and dreams for the future.” You will get to explore the Hall of Fishes with a Museum Educator. Then, you will get to create a painted fish inscribed with your own wish for the future. Dream big!
When: July 1, 10 & 31 from 12-2pm
Where: Vanderbilt Museum Hall of Fishes & Education Center
For More Information: Visit the Vanderbilt Museum Website
The Town of Huntington's Liberty 250 Page
The Town put together a planning committee of local heritage organizations and museums to plan and coordinate exhibits and programs commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. As part of this, they have crafted a web page that offers an app on Bloomberg Connects that provides educational videos, an interactive map of local Revoluntionary War sites, and a calendar of events from organizations such as the Walt Whitman Birthplace, Lefferts Tide Mill & Preserve, Heckscher Museum, and Huntington Historical Society. We’d love to hear what other Towns are doing!
Suffolk250.org
Exploring a little further afield, Suffolk County has worked with a an impressive array of local museums, cultural organizations, and historical societies to assemble Suffolk250.org, a website that invites you to explore and celebrate our region’s pivotal role in the American Revolution. There, you can find an interactive map of events throughout the county, get a passport book to log your own exploration, view a documentary series, and even sign up to plant a legacy tree.
Nassau County
Nassau County Tourism has put together Nassau County 250: It’s Revolutionary. According to the website, “a curated series of America 250 blogs and features, Nassau County Tourism highlights Revolutionary War landmarks, historic estates, presidential connections, and waterfront villages across the county. Each story is designed to inspire real-world exploration, encouraging you to visit the sites where history happened.” The website also lists events and programs occurring throughout the year.
Discover Long Island
Last but not least, Discover Long Island, the full region’s one and only destination marketing organization, has it’s own page, LongIsland250. This, it promotes as “the official guide for commemorating & celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution on Long Island.” Designed to “showcase Long Island’s integral role in the Revolutionary War effort and profound ties to then Gen. George Washington, this site will serve as the ultimate guide for experiencing Long Island’s fascinating wartime history filled with spies and intrigue.”
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Green Thumb Organic Farm Delivers to Huntington. Sign Up Now!
“Cultivators of the earth are the most valuable citizens. They are the most vigorous, the most independent, the most virtuous, and they are tied to their country and wedded to its liberty and interests by the most lasting bonds.” (Thomas Jefferson, 1785)
It's Time: Locally Grown, Organic Produce
One of the best things our family ever did to teach us to love a variety of healthy foods, support our local economy and natural environment, and to help keep us all free of pesticides, has been to participate in Community Supported Agriculture.
Green Thumb CSA, based in Water Mill, is starting up delivery again to Huntington. New members are still welcome! This Long Island organic family farm dates back to the 17th century and now encompasses over 130 acres. They grow vegetables, flowers, fruits and herbs, starting in December. Now that it’s June, they are ready to start sending their delicious goods to table!
The 28 week program stretches from the first Thursday of June until the second Thursday of December. Members of the Cinema Arts Centre get a discount. It’s best to order ASAP, but they have in the past taken on new shareholders throughout the season!
As their brochure says “Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) brings together community members (shareholders), farmers & agricultural land in a relationship of mutual support based on an annual commitment to one another, a commitment that insures the survival of local agriculture today & for future generations. Basically, you purchase a share in the harvest, receive the highest quality food at the lowest possible price & support local farms.”
It’s an ample supply of high quality produce at a reasonable price. Sometimes, folks split shares. Hard core vegetarians may purchase more than one. The selection of produce changes from week to week. Pickups occur every Thursday from 2:30pm – 7:30pm. When you show up to claim your portion, a chart on the wall will communicate that week’s items. Folks bring their own bags to help keep down both prices and waste. All unclaimed food will be donated to local food pantries. As your investment supports the farm, no refunds are given to those who miss the pickup.
Sign Up Today!
The brochure for the Huntington program is below. They will be at the Cinema Arts Centre Sunday, 5/31 from 3:30-7:30 signing folks up. This is a great way to check out a local treasure, sign up for fresh veggies and ask any questions you might have!
To Register and Get More Information about a Huntington pickup: Email gtCSAhuntington@gmail.com or call 631-421-4864
For Information about the Farm and Pickups Further East: Check out www.greenthumborganicfarm.com
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The Preview Club
Twice a month, the Cinema Arts Centre holds the stuff dreams are made of: A guaranteed packed house. Around 150 Long Islanders pack their largest room, eagerly anticipating a mystery picture. Nobody there knows what will be shown. First you pay, then as you walk into the theater, they reveal.
Continue readingTell Us a Tale! Northport Village Storytelling
These Northport Village Storytelling events are super fun and wonderful ways to get to know our neighbors and build community. We were thrilled to get to host one at The Firefly a few years ago and are excited every time one happens!
Inspired by The Moth Radio Hour, Elizabeth Alexander has been working with neighbors to craft these live story telling events, creating opportunities for the community to connect and to be inspired. There’s a beautiful story about it written by Joanne Kountourakis here in the Northport Journal.
Moth-style storytelling is a genre of personal narratives about experiences that took place in the storyteller’s life. The stories are crafted, planned, and told (not read) before a live audience. It’s a wonderful art form that allows folks to connect at a very human level.
Follow them on Facebook, and check out their website: www.northportvillagestorytelling.com.
The Theme for the Next Story Slam is SIGNS
Liz is excited to announce that the next event is on the calendar!
When: Friday, July 24th
Theme: SIGNS
Storytellers Wanted: Email northportvillagestorytelling@gmail.com
Theme: SIGNS
Storytellers Wanted: Email northportvillagestorytelling@gmail.com
Additional details will be available soon!
Need Confidence? Some Pointers? Learn the Fine Art of Story Telling!
Many folks have said they would LOVE to share a tale, but are not quite sure how. Liz and Annie are here to help! They’ve been hosting live workshops on the fine art of story telling. The next one’s coming up:
When: Saturday June 13, 11:30AM – 2:30PM
Where: St. Paul’s 270 Main Street, Northport
To Register: Email northportvillagestorytelling@gmail.com
For the $20 entry, you will receive light refreshments and connection to the world through storytelling. Liz and Annie are hoping to grow the local pool of folks willing to step up to the mic at her events. Whether or not you’d like to do that, the ability to impart a fine tale is a valuable skill, and everyone says the workshops are excellent! Join them.
