Huntington Art Walk is this weekend, Northport’s is next. Plus, LIPAF opens at the Huntington Fall Festival!
Continue readingTwo Art Walks and an Outdoor Gallery
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!!!
ELIJA FARM
Elija Farm
Ah, ELIJA Farm!
I used to say that when I finally run away, you could find me hiding in Larry Foglia’s perennial gardens, which his family had nurtured for roughly half a century. It’s a remarkably shady spot for a farm, nestled in as one more secret gem among the back roads of Dix Hills. When I learned he was selling the farm, I understood but was really sad. When he actually got excited about the eventual buyer, and the role he and his dear Heather Forest might play in what came next, I took heart.
The people he’d met were Debora Thivierge and Randy Horowitz, special education experts with a passion for sustainable agriculture and experiential learning. Together, with the help of Larry and Heather, they crafted ELIJA Farm, a remarkable CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program that integrates hands on learning opportunities for diverse populations of all abilities.
What has blossomed in the decade since is truly wonderful. I’ve been there for Eagle Projects constructed off-season on quiet days when there’s nothing going on to speak of but chickens overseeing the job. Even then, you can feel the magic of what happens here….
Offerings
You can check out their website, and follow them on Instagram and Facebook. If you’re a teacher looking for a great field trip, they’ve got a page dedicated to that here. They also run a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program. Of course, that runs from June until early October, so it’s a little late now, but I’m sure they’ll start taking signups for next year soon! Meanwhile, you can also check out their Market Place, which is open weekdays 9am-3pm, and Saturday 9am-12pm.
As mentioned, there is also an impressive array of classes for folks of all abilities, ranging from farming to toddler time, to baking to physical fitness and sounds baths. Sign me up!
Fall Festival
A great way to visit and get a real feel for this place is to go to their Fall Festival, where they invite you to “Celebrate the end of Long Island’s growing season with a day full of family fun, community spirit and autumn magic!”
What: ELIJA Farm Fall Festival
When: October 24, 2026
Where: 43 Foxhurst Road, Huntington Station NY
What: Farmers market, hayrides, spooky walk, live music, bounce houses, animal pen (yes, you may feed them!), face painting and more.
Visit the event page on their website for important details!
Subscribe To The Newsletter
Documentary Screening: “Autism Paints”
You may have read our story about the Spirit of Huntington, which describes itself as, “a nonprofit organization that ignites the passion of students of all ages and abilities for creative expression that transforms lives.”
What we’re talking about here is the story of it’s founder, Erich Preis, and a beautiful documentary crafted to tell his story.
The Spirit of the Spirit of Huntington Art Center - Meet Erich
According to the Trinity Community Art Center social media post, “The world saw autism. Erich saw a canvas. And everything changed”…”His story is not about what autism prevented him from doing. It’s about what art makes possible.”
What: Screening of Autism Paints, a documentary by David Stagnari
When: Sunday, September 13 at 11am
Hosted by: Father Andrew Garnett and Trinity Community Art Center
Where: Trinity Episcopal Church Gym, 130 Main St, Northport
The event is free and open to the public. According to the post, “it will be followed by a lecture and roundtable discussion exploring Erich’s journey, his art, adversity, inclusion, and the extraordinary difference one person can make in the lives of thousands.”
Erich hopes you can make it!
Photos below of Erich in his studio with his dog, Oliver by Katheryn Laible
Subscribe To The Newsletter
Let It Shine: The Remarkable Light of Queen Dee – Chapter 1
“Faithful. Steadfast. Immovable. Always abounding in the work,” reflected Reverend Jennings at her passing, “Love and appreciation for this Warrior Queen, our greatest of appreciation. Thank you, God, for Dee Thompson; for her love, for her humility, for her courage, for her endurance, for her dedication, her hope, humor and wit and thank you, God, for Dolores Rose Thompson, God’s good and faithful servant.”
Continue readingLIPAF
The Long Island Public Arts Festival (LIPAF)
The Long Island Public Arts Festival (LIPAF) is an immersive, multi-site, multi-exhibition public arts installation series. It all started as a partnership between Colored Colors and BACCA (Babylon Citizen’s Council on the Arts) at Phelps Lane Park in the Town of Babylon, with support from the Suffolk County Office of Cultural Affairs (SCOCA).
They call these tri-fold elements dotting the landscape “prisms.” What they are, are larger than life canvas prints of works of artists from throughout New York State thoughtfully displayed in public parks for all to enjoy. Founded on the South Shore, the concept has quickly spread north, gaining support and appreciation, while bridging communities and connecting people through the power of art.
Check out the beautiful LIPAF website for developing details Each show is unique, providing ample opportunity for Long Island’s rich artist community and all who appreciate or participate.
The First Leg: Phelps Park, Babylon
The first exhibition ran 7/1-8/9 at Phelps Lane Park in the Town of Babylon, showcasing over 50 artworks in these striking life-size prisms running along the park’s waterside. It was a pleasure to get to tour the works with participating artist, Rae Cerulean.
Up Next: Geiger Park, Deer Park
Opening 9/1 and running until 10/4, the mid-summer anchor of LIPAF 2026 is a display at the newly refurbished Geiger Park, in Deer Park. According to the website, “this location focuses on the intersection of public space and community education, highlighting the park’s transformation through immersive installations.”
We can’t wait to see it!
Coming This Fall: Heckscher Park, Huntington
The third leg will run 10/9-11/1 at Heckscher Park in Huntington. This one is part of a special collaboration with the Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce. Its kickoff will occur during the Long Island Fall Festival, richly enhancing this largest event of its kind in the Northeast.
Special Exhibition: LIBERTY250
Running through August 31st, LIPAF 250: The Liberty Trail is a landmark public arts initiative inspired by and taking the concept of LIPAF to a deeper level.
Created in close cooperation with Town Historian Robert C. Hughes and the Huntington Historical Society, this special adjunct to the main Arts Festival involves a physical “Liberty Trail” commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Its purpose is to invite exploration and reflection on three core principles: Heritage, Unity, and Liberty. As an enduring record, selected works will be professionally digitized and included in the permanent LIPAF 250 Historical Archive.
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…”
Go. Take It All In. Bring Someone You Love
All in all, it’s a remarkable exercise in human expression, artist appreciation and the opportunity to deeply reflect on much. For free. In beautiful places not so very far from our own back doors.
We are grateful to Jose, Jason and all who have come together to make this concept a reality. We look forward to seeing this further develop.
It’s good stuff.
Subscribe To The Newsletter
AWARE Drug & Alcohol Community Coalition
All images provided by AWARE Drug and Alcohol Community Coalition
The AWARE Drug and Alcohol Community Coalition in Northport is all about “Working Together for a Healthier, Stronger Community.” The mission is “to promote the well-being of our youth by preventing substance misuse, supporting mental wellbeing, and empowering community members through education, stigma reduction, and expanded outreach to create a healthier tomorrow.”
It’s just one of roughly 25 hyper local coalitions across Long Island that exist to help communities grapple with the challenges surrounding drugs and alcohol. These are grass roots organizations of neighbors serving as key connectors with diverse expertise and resources, and acting as fundamental forces for education and prevention in their own right.
This last bit is huge. “We’re all about prevention,” says Executive Director Linda Oristano, “Prevention starts long before a crisis. It starts with awareness, connection and action.”
A Brief History
AWARE (Advocacy, Wellness, Action, Resiliency and Education) started back in 2006 as the Northport-East Northport Drug and Alcohol Task Force, when a handful of concerned neighbors came together after two high school students overdosed. A few years ago, they spun off to form their own 501(c)3 so they could better address specific needs and opportunities in Northport.
They are welcoming, pragmatic, and deeply engaged in helping people navigate harsh realities of life. There’s a big focus on young people, and staying out of trouble in the first place.
There's a Great Interview...
There’s a thoughtful interview on the Main Street News with Executive Director Linda Oristano. It includes her observations on the current scene, stuff you don’t always hear regarding Narcan, and details of many projects they do with business owners, school administrators, students, local youth agencies, other human service groups, police and other first responders, and the community as a whole.
It’s a good listen. In addition to fentanyl and ways folks have somehow made that more terrifying, Linda expressed deep concerns with the range and appeal of vaping products being sold, especially to young people, as well as some of their efforts to do something about it.
She’s proud of their youth coalition of students grades 9-12, who meet weekly to focus on three initiatives: substance misuse, mental health and environmental issues. There’s a RAP week (Recovery Awareness and Prevention), and participation in community events.
They talk about the challenges of reaching kids who really need to be reached, the complicating factors of mental health, and parents who are so pressed for time and attention in a world where it’s harder and harder to catch things before they get out of hand. She is grateful for hyper local organizations like AWARE that she truly believes are helping.
We're All In This Together
Linda wants people to know that they aren’t coming down from some high horse but are real neighbors, with real experiences and hope to share. It’s not about scaring or shaming people. It’s about community support and guidance. She hopes folks who have been so blessed as to never experience these challenges will have compassion for those who do, and get involved.
Mostly, she wants anyone struggling themselves or concerned about someone they love to know:
You are not alone. There are answers. Folks are here to help. Please reach out.
Get Involved
Monetary donations, time, connections – all are very welcome! The best way to get involved at first is to simply tune in and show up.
Start by following them on Facebook and Instagram @awarelongisland to keep up to date with all they’ve got going on and to receive some really useful tips and resources. You may also visit their website at www.awareli.org. Open to the public meetings occur every 3rd Wednesday of the month at their beautiful new headquarters at 53 Scudder Ave, Northport.
On August 20th, at 7:45 is a family movie night in Northport Harbor Park.
On August 21st they’re having a fundraiser at the gorgeous Main Street, Northport shop, The Nest, selling donated vintage handbags and jewelry. They may still be accepting donations of gently used accessories!
As this is Recovery Awareness Month, on August 31st they’re holding a press conference and Recovery flag raising at 12 noon and then a candlelight vigil to honor those lost in the Village Park at 7pm.
Their Annual Color Run is November 7th at Northport Middle School. It’s a lot of fun!
In addition to everything else she does in service to the community, Linda is an active member of the Northport Chamber of Commerce. No matter what’s going on in town, you’re likely to find AWARE there. Just go say hi!
If you remember, tell ’em Synchronicity sent ya. Thanks!
Subscribe To The Newsletter
Spirit of Huntington
Where Creative Expression Transforms Lives. For Everyone.
On the homepage of Spirit of Huntington’s website they describe themselves as “a nonprofit organization that ignites the passion of students of all ages and abilities for creative expression that transforms lives.” A perfect summarization of this wonderful organization.
Please note the emphasis on ALL abilities. The community centers are open to everyone, to the benefit of all involved. They see it every day, and delight at how deep and broad it’s all become.
Founded By And For Folks With Differing Abilities
It all started with a guy name Erich, a gifted multi media artist who happens to be on the Autism Spectrum. Erich imagined a space where folks like him could thrive. He then established deep partnerships with some amazing people who worked with him to manifest his dream.
You might remember where it all began, even if you didn’t really know what it was; an old gas station transformed into public art, where a bigger than life George Washington and his men overlooked the corner of East Main Street and Park Ave. Another mural there featured a beloved local veteran and camera shop owner in uniform at the Memorial Day Parade. There were more.
That was the first home of the Spirit of Huntington, a remarkable landmark that housed an even more extraordinary initiative. It was sad when that building came down, but amazing what they were able to build after. The space they’ve occupied for the last decade now is phenomenal.
An Organization on the Rise
It doesn’t stop there. The Spirit of Huntington has grown in scope dramatically since opening. “Rise in Spirit” is a remarkable partnership with Rise Life Services and North Shore Dance that lives under their roof. The organization also provides key marketing and education services to other organizations, such as guiding a rebrand, helping establish a multi-discipline arts center in Northport and otherwise helping enrich programming for the People’s Arc of Suffolk.
Now, they are in the process of opening up a new Spirit of Huntington center in Queens.
Executive Director Michael Kitakis is excited how, from one person’s vision, this has now transformed into communities. It’s amazing to witness, and incredibly enriching to all involved. As far as he can see, it’s also key to a successful future.
Said Michael, “I’m excited about the opportunity of building more CBO’s community Based organizations to serve not just our neurodiverse population but the whole neighborhood and all of its constituents. One big family that realizes that creative expression transforms lives!”
The Spirit of Huntington Art Center
The Spirit of Huntington headquarters occupies the old library building on Melville Road in South Huntington. Erich’s studio overlooks the main art space. There, you may often find him and his dog, Ollie, working as they preside over a multi-media creative learning center that serves folks of all abilities. In addition to the main studio space, there are rooms dedicated to music and multimedia recording. Diverse community partnerships help them make all sorts of other dreams a reality.
Some programs combine these elements. There are explorations of famous artists and their challenges. Digital media and other classes offer diverse opportunities to gain skills required to succeed in art and other aspects of life. Check out their YouTube channel, Spirit Studios created by and for program participants, where they share a lot about their programming, including a new podcast produced in collaboration with neighbors at the People’s Arc of Suffolk.
Says the website, “Our program empowers students by tapping into their natural creative abilities and encouraging them to create their own masterpieces and channel their emotions and feelings through the arts.” They also say “Participants channel their passion and learn to practice both the hard and soft skills needed to get by in today’s world of technology.”
Most fundamentally, they say, “Our Center is built on a foundation of love that fosters problem solving and free expression that can help nurture students of all ages in our structured, safe environment.”
It shows!
The ArtAbility Tour
The ArtAbility Tour promotes inclusion and diversity in the arts by displaying the talent of more than 50 folks who live with various physical and intellectual impairments. As they put it, “Our exhibitions make each and every student feel acknowledged, appreciated, and celebrated.”
It’s a way students can show their appreciation as well, proceeds for related art sales go directly back into class funding.
The works are beautiful and thought provoking. If you explore them with the teachers, they will share remarkable stories about their creations and the enrichment they received experiencing their students’ unique perspectives and approaches. Sometimes it’s clear on the canvas. Other times you need a little back story.
It’s beautiful and profound.
Catch the show!
It all started at Fiserv, Inc. in NJ. From there it goes to:
Alzheimer’s Disease Resource Center, Islip NY July 23 – Aug 20
East End Arts, Riverhead, September 10 – 24
South Huntington Library, South Huntington October 1-20
Viscardi Center Museum of Disability History, Albertson, NY October 22- November 12
Spirit of Huntington Art Center, South Huntington, November 20 – 21
We’ve Hardly Scratched the Surface - Get Involved
Check out their website and social media to learn much more about Spirit of Huntington and its work with partners Island-wide and beyond. We are really excited to learn about the extent of their partnerships. The whole philosophy is about building community, and bringing their special expertise to serve folks of all Abilities.
If you want to get involved, they are actively seeking instructors.
As you might imagine, they welcome all the support they can get. Cash donations are always helpful! They can also use art supplies, camera equipment, computers, as well as folks willing to open their doors to new opportunities. Learn more about how you might support the organization and its activities here.
They can give you all sorts of details regarding their impact. We’d also suggest you talk to some of the participating teachers and families. It’s inspiring!
Subscribe To The Newsletter
ARC
July is Disability Pride Month
July is Disability Pride Month. You can read all about it here on the website of The People’s ARC of Suffolk. Its purpose is to “celebrate disability identity and community, mark the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and push for full inclusion in everyday life. The 2026 theme is ‘The World Works Better With Us.’”
Inspiring Moments: History of ARC and the ADA
ARC has been advancing the dignity and potential of folks with intellectual and developmental disabilities for over 75 years, making it the largest and one of the oldest organizations of its kind. It started in 1949 when “a two-line classified ad in the New York Post ignited the spark that brought together a small group of parents. What began as a modest response soon evolved into a powerful movement, fueled by word of mouth and compelling news coverage. Within a year, this heartfelt call united hundreds of determined parents.”
You can read more here, on the founding chapter’s website, including a timeline of accomplishments and a far more detailed scholarly review.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has its own storied history, climaxing at a poignant moment on March 12, 1990 in Washington DC. There, a group of 1000 disabled activists had come to protest the “crawling pace” of stalled legislation by eschewing their wheelchairs and climbing the Capitol Stairs.
Among them was Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins, a girl with Cerebral Palsy who had been among demonstrators since she was six and already arrested for doing so by 7. In between, she’d experienced the indignity of being refused restaurant service because the establishment felt clientele would find their eating distasteful.
Although discouraged by others in the advocacy world, because they feared she would elicit pity rather than a sense of empowerment, 8-year old Jennifer determined that she was going to have her generation represented and insisted upon making the climb.
While we can never be entirely sure what moves a nation, the act received meaningful coverage, and seemed to make a profound impact. Four months later, President George H. W. Bush signed the ADA into law, revolutionizing nearly every aspect of life for folks with disabilities.
You can read more about Jennifer here. There’s a children’s book and a statue. Folks hope that work of art someday gets to visit Long Island. Even moreso, they hope we’ll not take these advances for granted, and recognize that when we serve folks with different abilities, we’re serving everyone.
The Arc
You can check out the national organization here. There are now 549 chapters covering 42 states. On Long Island, the organization has had a rich history with chapters in both Nassau and Suffolk Counties.
In addition to passionate advocacy, the key objective is to maximize individuals’ independence at home and in the community through varied services and programs. They’ve changed a lot over the years, both internally and externally as they’ve championed progress and learned better themselves, All the while, they’ve maintained the spirit of love and community among folks of all abilities that brought them together in the first place.
Person-Centered, Community Oriented: The People’s Arc of Suffolk
Along with its well-established array of services, including employment opportunities, education programs, and community engagement, the newly renamed “People’s Arc of Suffolk” is “expanding the creative outlets available to people of all abilities.”
Among its recent highlights, we were delighted to see folks of the Spirit of Huntington collaborate with the Suffolk Chapter to assist the rebranding to better reflect the modern organization, and to establish with them a new ARC Performing Arts Center in Northport. There, folks may explore theater, music, dance, visual art and video production. This includes a new podcast called “The People’s Artist.”
There are now eight Suffolk locations in total, including an art community in Westhampton Beach, a vocational community in Bohemia and a nature and horticulture community in West Sayville. Spirit of Huntington is excited to be so closely involved, especially in Northport, bringing their rich experience in the arts to serve the venerable organization.
To Spirit of Huntington Executive Director, Michael Kitakis, it’s all about community, and folks finding their strengths and sharing them. “The concept that we’re recognizing is that we can’t do everything ourselves. Why would we? Spirit of Huntington has been focused on the arts and their application for 15 years. We are delighted to bring this expertise to The People’s Arc of Suffolk.”
Get Involved
Visit the website, learn more, and get involved!
If you’d like to consider a career with The People’s Arc, you may explore opportunities here.
Subscribe To The Newsletter
John’s Crazy Socks Goes Main Street
It’s kind of remarkable how exciting this latest move is for John’s Crazy Socks, given the incredible success they’ve already experienced. The father & son enterprise has served the world for a full decade now. Dedicated to proving what’s possible…
Continue reading