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!

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LIPAF

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.

Photo of Phelps Park LIPAF Artists by Felipe Catano

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.

Photo of Phelps Park installation by Katheryn Laible
Photo of Rae Cerulean by Katheryn Laible

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.

Photo of Liberty 250 Exhibition by Felipe Catano

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…”

Photos of Liberty 250 Exhibition by Katheryn Laible
Photo of Liberty 250 Exhibition by Katheryn Laible
Photo of Liberty 250 Exhibition by Katheryn Laible

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.

Photo by Felipe Catano

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Celebrate Independent Bookstore Day!

Independent Book Store Day logo provided by the American Booksellers Association

With World Book Day happening April 23 and Independent Bookstore Day arriving on Sunday April 26, it’s a good time to remember to shop local. In local bookstores, you often see current events on one side, immortal stories that have entertained for 500 hundred years on another, and in the middle series of books that tell tales of how we got from the old to the new.

At Northport Books, down by the Firefly, they are getting started Thursday night! (See flyer below). At Theodore’s Books of Oyster Bay, another local book store we know well, events will be held with authors from the 26th to the 29th. They will also have a number of exclusive items on sale. Details can be found at their website.

We love watching the extraordinary child of Book Revue, The Next Chapter develop. While sad to see Finley’s gone, we are excited to learn about Published in this great article by Melissa Farrell of Going Local LI 

Below, please see an incomplete list of these and other local book stores. We encourage you to check out their websites and see if they will be hosting events. If not, go check them out anyways. Book stores are a treasure from winter to summer and back again. Some bookstores may not be listed. We’d love to learn about your favorites! 

List of Book Stores, ordered by hamlet: 

The Arts & Culture of Huntington Station

The Underpainting of a Paul B. & Phillip Young exhibition entitled, “CHEER UP” currently on view at Nautilus Roasting Company

Art Across Huntington Station

From the firehouse to underpass murals to the library walls, Huntington Station showcases its local art across places folks drive past and visit every day.

On a warm morning or a beautiful evening, you can grab a cup of coffee or a delicious bite, and see sculptures, murals, gardens, art centers, and gallery spaces. Suite Pieces offers space for local artisans. Nautilus Coffee is a work of art unto itself. More artists live here than we can count. There is history. There is culture. There is civic pride. Tastes of this are shared through public artworks created by folks who call Huntington Station home.

When putting together last autumn’s “Station Celebration of Arts & Culture” with the Huntington Station BID, we were delighted to work with the office of Suffolk County Legislator Rebecca Sanin to put together this list of art available to be seen for free across Huntington Station. Now that that we can feel the sun again, it’s a great time to share it!

For more information about great stuff going on in the Station, please join the Huntington Station Business Improvement District (BID)’s email list

List of Arts & Culture Points of Interest

Here’s the list of sites on the flyers pictured here. We know there are more. Let us know of them. Tell us about great places to catch a bite to eat, too!

1. Nautilus Coffee 📍 1249 New York Avenue, Huntington Station, NY 11746 A work of art in itself — owned by a local history enthusiast. Features a rotating gallery space; artist Kristen Memoli (HS resident) is on view through October. Great place to start your walk and grab a coffee!

2. “Generations” Sculpture 📍 Median outside Nautilus Coffee (New York Avenue) Artist: Madeline Wiener Installed: 2012 A public sculpture celebrating the connection between generations and community roots.

3. Suite Pieces 📍 1038 New York Avenue, Huntington Station, NY 11746 📍 1038 New York Avenue, Huntington Station, NY 11746 Founded by Amanda Peppard, Suite Pieces is a three-story design showroom and creative hub featuring Long Island’s largest wallpaper library, custom furniture, and The Shops at Suite Pieces — a marketplace of local artists and makers.

4. Huntington Station Library 📍 1335 New York Avenue, Huntington Station, NY 11746 Two murals in the front vestibule by the Tiny Arts Council. Splashes of Hope painted a joyful mural in the Young Adult Room. Also features the Old Station Exhibition near the meeting rooms.

5. Assembly of God Church 📍 1700 New York Avenue, Huntington Station, NY 11746 Brand-new mural painted by Officer Kent (2nd Precinct), completed last weekend.

6. Gateway Garden 📍 Lowndes Avenue, Huntington Station, NY 11746 Community garden space featuring local art and environmental projects. Home to one of Lucienne Pereira’s murals.

7. Huntington Manor Fire Station Statue 📍 1650 New York Avenue, Huntington Station, NY 11746 Bronze sculpture honoring the courage and service of local firefighters.

8. Spirit of Huntington Art Center 📍 2 Melville Road, Huntington Station, NY 11746 Inclusive community art center offering programs for artists of all abilities. Exhibitions, art therapy, and classes — a must-see final stop.

9. Murals Along New York Avenue 📍1450 New York Avenue – Mural by Segundo Orellana @orellana_art on Instagram 1705 New York Avenue – “Car Mural” 1548 New York Avenue – Huntington Deli Mural Gateway Gardens – Mural led by Lucienne Pereira Family Service League Mural – Also led by Pereira; focuses on unity and community. 211 Depot Road (B.C. Communications) – Bright community-themed mural.

Signal Box Art Installations Route 110 Corridor 📍 “Check Me Out” Artist: Karmira Mohanty (Farmingville, NY) Location: NE corner of Rt. 110, Seaman Rd. & Jacobson Ave. Medium: Digitally printed vinyl wrap 📍 “Radio” Artist: John A. (Jack) Pierce (Huntington, NY) Location: NE corner of Rt. 110 & E. 12th St. Medium: Digitally printed vinyl wrap 📍 “Rubber Ducky Party” Artist: Roy Biederman (Roy Arthur Photography, Patchogue, NY) Location: SE corner of Rt. 110 & E. 13th St.  Medium: Digitally printed vinyl wrap 📍 “Image of Guitars” Artist: TBD (seeking info) Location: Corner of Rt. 110, E. 15th St. & Railroad St. Medium: Digitally printed vinyl wrap

YOUR Picks: Favorite Local Shops

"Thank you for shopping local" photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

It’s that time of year again! Please shop local and keep the magic that is our beautiful downtowns alive!

Also, please help me update this list of favorite local shops! There are so many wonderful places run by great people out there. They only exist because people like you spend money there.

The list barely scratches the surface, please help add to it!

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2025 Smart Growth Summit Addresses Affordability & More

On Friday, December 5th, Vision Long Island held their 2025 Smart Growth Summit. For decades now, this organization has made a huge difference, connecting great people and generally helping all sorts of folks wrap their heads around the challenges our communities face, as well as opportunities we have to improve the quality of our built environments. 

As always, the Summit was a phenomenal event, featuring over 1,000 local community, business and government, downtown revitalization and community development leaders. There were nearly 20 workshops, 100 speakers, a trade show, and a Youth Summit. The ever insightful “State of the Towns and Villages” breakfast and luncheon alone, were worth the program price.  

Check out the News12 Coverage

This year, there was extensive coverage from News12’s Rich Barrabi. Here is a preview, where Executive Director Eric Alexander provided a brief overview of what Vision does, noting that – while their approach is as grounded and holistic as ever — this year affordability is an exceptionally major concern. He discussed how this event essentially engages local leaders from a diversity of interests and perspectives to learn from and work together on a myriad of solutions. Together they make a big difference.

Here is live coverage from the morning of the event, where Eric roughly outlines the depth and range of professionals who attend, and the interconnected issues they address. The entire proceeding is filmed for public access. Fruits of the various panels and other discussions will inform and guide the organization’s lobbying efforts at all levels of government, as well as its work on the ground with an exceptionally broad variety of local stakeholders.     

Over the weekend, as a segment on Power & Politics: Affordability on Long Island, Barrabi interviewed a handful of the many elected officials who attended the event, including Babylon Supervisor Rich Schaffer, North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, and Huntington Town Supervisor Ed Smyth adn Valley Stream Mayor Ed Fare.   

A Wealth of Information and Insight

There is a lot touched on in those ten minutes. It’s just a taste of what was offered. This event is a great way to get an in-depth, inside scoop on a broad variety important local issues, including infrastructure, redevelopment, energy, human needs, small business, walkability, transportation and more.

Vision’s own preview may be found here. Segments of the event are already beginning to be published on their Vimeo. You can also check out in-depth interviews hosted by Eric Alexander featuring a broad range of local leaders, well as countless other important discussions they’ve hosted in the past. 

It’s important stuff. Check back regularly to find out what they’re talking about now. Thanks!

Northport Storytelling Event: Busted

"Storytelling to Light Up Hearts & Minds"

Inspired by The Moth Radio Hour, Elizabeth Alexander has been crafting live story telling events, creating opportunities for the community to connect and to be inspired. There’s a beautiful story about it in the Northport Journal. 
 
Moth-style storytelling is a genre of personal narrative stories about an experience 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.
 
These Northport Village Storytelling events are super fun and a wonderful way to get to know our neighbors and build community. We were thrilled to get to host one at The Firefly last year and are excited for this next one!
 
You can follow them on Facebook, and check out their website: www.northportvillagestorytelling.com.

"True, Personal Stories Told Live"

Theme: “Busted”
When: Friday, January 9th. Doors open at 7pm. Event begins at 7:30
Where: St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 270 Main St, Northport 
Tickets: $20. To purchase, please email to inquire or venmo @nptstorytelling
For more info: Email Northportvillagestorytelling@gmail.com.
 
Light refreshments will be provided. Profits from ticket sales to support: The Brother Malcolm Daniel Skateboarding Program and the Northport Tiger Marching Band Booster Club Support Fund
 

Basic Guidelines for Storytelling

Basic Guidelines for Storytelling: 1. Tell story in 5-10 minutes 2. Story to be told, not read 3. Base story on theme: coincidences 4. Craft your story 5. Story must be about a personal experience. 6. No stand-up comedy acts or rants

We are sure they are already dreaming of the next event, and always looking for story tellers. They might even offer another class to help folks learn this fine art. Here are their basic guidelines, so you can start thinking about that!

1. Tell story in 5-12 minutes

2. Your story is to be told, not read

3. Base your story on the theme: Hope

4. Craft your story

5. Story must be about a personal experience.

6. No stand-up comedy acts or rants

To sign-up, and become a Storyteller: Call or Text Liz at (631) 375-4144 or email at Northportvillagestorytelling@gmail.com.

Thank You! 2025 Northport Leg Lamp Lighting & Shopping Guide

How one village gets lit, including a Shopping Guide starring the merchants who light the Northport Leg Lamp!

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