Shop Local! Northport…

Main St, Northport

Shop Downtown! Shop Northport! An old photo by Katheryn Laible  Much has changed. Much is still the same…

Downtown Northport is basically a 1/4 mile of historic village that starts with lovely restaurants and a world-class theater, and ends with a waterfront park featuring landmark gazebos, and a beautiful playground. In between reside a whole host of lovely spots.
 
Here’s a starter guide, including links to websites and a little bit of what makes these places cool. Like so many small business, our neighbor shops do SO MUCH for our communities ALL THE TIME.
 
They donate to local events, local charities and individual causes. They sponsor sports teams and often roll up their sleeves to offer their time and energy as well. They give local artists a chance and give of themselves every day to labors of love that are often each themselves delighful galleries of unique gifts, sustenance and experience…
 
These particular shops helped us out when we took on the Northport Leg Lamp lighting at the last possible second, and realized even later that we needed fund professional lighting. I hardly had time to even pass by all the folks I wanted to ask. The care and generosity of those I did encounter was incredible. I also managed a fantastic bit of holiday shopping in delightful atmospheres, finding quality presents for not nearly as much as you might think.

A Sampling of Northport Treasures

Shipwreck Diner: (46 Main Street) First of all, this trolly car of a breakfast joint embedded in Main Street is iconic and delicious. Second of all, every time we turn around they’re doing something wonderful for their neighbors.

The John W. Engeman Theater (250 Main Street) is a premier year-round professional theater that casts its actors directly from the Broadway talent pool. The venue features stadium-style seating, state-of-the-art lighting and sound, and a “Lobby Bar and Lounge.” Since 2007, they have produced 80 Main Stage Productions of some of Broadway’s finest musicals and plays, and have proudly opened their doors for numerous special events and fundraisers for various organizations.
 

Skippers: (34 Main Street) Family owned and operated since 1978, Skippers has long been a staple of the Nothport Community. Recently remodeled, they offer waterfront dining featuring inspiring Northport Harbor views. It’s a memorable dining experience of coastal Long Island dishes with chef-driven cuisine and a modern design.

Jackie Shawn Salon: (110 Main Street) Come, de-stress and beautify. The feel of the place is a step out of time. The skill with hair and makeup is here and now. The people are lovely.

Jones Drug Store (100 Main Street) has served Northport for over a century! In addition all your pharmaceutical needs they have a lovely gift shop that, among other thing, includes gorgeous Northport-themed shirts and hats. There are authentic model boats and nautical gifts, flags, hand painted bird houses, and much more.

Northport Historical Society (215 Main Street) is housed in an old Carnegie Library. They offer incredible programming and are where you can find and purchase amazing old photos.

Coquus Book Store (MOVING to 90C Washington Dr. in Centerport this May!) This is the perfect place to shop for your favorite chef!

Changing Tides Consignment: (Formerly Helgas, 139 Main Street) Happy Retirement Helga! Welcome Denise! Read about the carefully planned changes at Northport’s treasured thrift shop here.

Harbor View Jewelers: (260 Main Street) A 4th generation jeweler with an excellent reputation for honesty, integrity, and the finest customer service in the industry. They love to work one-on-one to meet your individual style and develop your ideas into the perfect, treasured piece of jewelry.

Harbor House Restaurant: (78 Main Street) Northport’s newest restaurant in a cozy historical venue. It’s a modern seafood restaurant with warm atmosphere and outdoor dining in season. The friendly, attentive staff offers chef inspired seasonal fare, always fresh, and a variety of seafood, homemade ravioli, burgers and many specials to choose from.

Main Street Café: (47 Main Street) Come taste Long Island’s best burger, as chosen by readers of Newsday! Its owner for 16 years, Darin Parker, is so community oriented she was selected by the Times Beacon Record News Media as a Person of the Year. In addition to providing the Leg Lamp for the years Carl’s Candy hosted the event, Darin served as the first vice president of the Northport Chamber of Commerce as well as a fundraising organizer, and she hosts trips to Broadway shows for Northport Village residents. She is also a major supporter of events and foundations including St. Baldrick’s, Relay for Life, Adopt a Family and Strides for Cancer.

Salted on the Harbor: (70 Main Street) Proprietor & Sommelier Lindsay Ostrander has been in the restaurant industry since she was 14 years old. Wanting  “Northport to be a stamp on the map for restaurants too,” she and her family designed Salted to round out what they felt was missing in Northport Village. Their Chef Anthony has a resume with some of the best locations around, such as Park Place, Nisen Sushi, Matteo’s, just to name a few.  With a little help from their friend Doug Brickell, of the famed Cork & Kerry, their beverage savant, they bring to you carefully crafted cocktails & spirits, as well as craft beer and amazing wines chosen by the Owner/Sommelier, who for the past decade has also happened to own:

The Wine Cellar on Main: (70 Main Street) Sommelier chosen wines by the glass & bottle, local craft beer, tapas & dine in menus from sister location SALTED. on the Harbor and Maroni Cuisine (currently on Wednesdays and Thursdays). The bar is also a fine art gallery. There is Live Music Thursday- Sunday- Follow them on instagram and facebook for their weekly line up!

Artisan House: (80 Main Street) This treasure trove of unique gifts is celebrating 50 years in Northport, and one year with their new owners, Ron and Randi. They have baby items, jewelry, glassware, candles, souvenirs, nautical gifts, windchimes and more. They’re also one of the few places on Main Street that routinely stay open late!

Indigo room: (146 Main Street) Proprietor Kim is a deeply spiritual artist and a curator….the place is just…so…cool….Come, find a bit of poetry, a zen garden, perhaps a bit of indigo ink….Sage and holi sticks, beautiful, clever things she’s found, created and been  inspired by…the place is a treasure for the body mind and soul…

Nest on Main (135 Main Street) is a home decor marketplace that features many talented local artisans and creative entrepreneurs, including interior design experts who are delighted to help you feather your nest. Learn about them on their website, take one of their wonderful workshops, or just come on in and delight in their many and varied offerings.

The Window Shop Jewelers (104 Main Street) is dedicated to fulfilling customers’ dreams and to providing objects of consummate beauty and lasting value. Shop here for fine jewelry or timepieces, famous collections, exciting new designers and lines waiting to be discovered. Proprietor Jean McNeill and staff personally guide visitors through a breadth of selections…karat gold and sterling…diamonds, precious and semiprecious stones, pearls, vintage and contemporary pieces and more…jewelry for virtually every occasion…and every price point.

Bohemiac Boutique: (54 Woodbine Ave) She started as an Instagram sensation, now she’s got a beautiful brick and mortar location selling her clothing and accessories right on Woodbine. It’s so Northport, in a low key chic kind of way with a little bit of an edge…perfect for mother-daughter and best friend shopping. Plus, her Christmas Tree is amazing.

Gunthers: (81 Main Street) Northport’s iconic watering hole, famed for being one of the places Jack Kerouac never wrote a word. Check out the website for their music lineup.

Hengstenberg’s Florist (39 Main Street) has been serving the Gold Coast North Shore for over 30 years, with a commitment to bringing their customers exceptional floral arrangements, award-winning designs and unsurpassed service.

Hydrangea Home (67 Main Street) is an artful lifestyle shoppe with a casual, laid-back aesthetic that features fragrance, bath and body, florals, art and photography, jewelry and home decor. It all began in 1995 out of the converted garage of Dawn Mohrmann, whose husband and 4 kids first supported the endeavor by helping out at home. Now, the grown children each contribute to its handmade products in the shoppe while Fred handles all of the assembling, building, etc. In addition to so many pieces literally made “in-house” there are many others they just couldn’t resist sourced from other small businesses, local and around the world.

The Jewelry Collection (75 Main Street) offers a unique and beautiful collection of gifts ranging from candy to jewelry to home decor. There are items for babies and men, too! The stock is always changing and equipped to help you find something for everyone at any occasion.

Sweet Arts: (105 Main Street) With an old fashioned candy store up front and a party space in the back, this crafty establishment is one of Northport’s newest family-oriented treasures. They offer birthday parties, creative space, a lovely candy shop and even a you and me group intended to support caretakers as much as their kids. Check their website for event dates.

Maroni Cuisine: (18 Woodbine Avenue) First of all, the meatballs are legendary…but it’s more than that. Their about page will tell you “Love Wins”…that “Maroni cuisine is so unique it is difficult to describe but a pleasure to experience”…that eat in or take out, they aim to make you feel at home, that “We offer no formal menu. We break the rules.” It is absolutely delicious…

Einstein’s Attic: (79 Main Street) A longtime Northport treasure of a toy shop, Einstein’s Attic is “a specialty store where imagination can take you anywhere.” Proprietor Lori Badanes is always on the hunt to expand and offer her tremendous selection of amazing toys for children of all ages – including LOTS of very cool educational toys. She is also always willing to do something new and creative with the community.

Elements of Home (91 Main Street) offers an eclectic mix of out of the ordinary gift ideas, along with new ideas in home decor. Their ever-changing merchandise will meet your needs and desires for each season, as well as those special occasions to be celebrated throughout the year.

Heartichoke: (145 Main Street) Often described as “absolutely magical” and an “earthy delight,” here you can find gifts, crystals, incense, candles, home, garden, jewelry, and accessories.

Penny & Cooper: (154 Main Street) Inspired by the power of scent to create a mood, evoke a memory or relax us, mother-daughter team Donna and Katie established this bath, body home store in 2017. They handcraft their products in small batches with love & care, using only high-quality and natural ingredients. They move with the season, celebrate our village and create a wonderful atmosphere.

Martoni Italian Eatery (245 Main Street) offers warm grilled panini sandwiches, signature salads, italian gelato, espresso, and cappuccino, as well as imported goods direct from Italy, such as olive oils, balsamic oils, pasta, olives, mushrooms, and much mo.

How blessed are we to have these folks?  Go! Keep them in business for decades to come. It’s totally worth it!

 

Shop Local - Island Wide

Please pop in and buy from these folks. Then, as you go along, make notice the sponsor listings of other events and such that you see. Make time to visit those places. Thank them for making our communities special by supporting their work, too. It feels good!
 
You might also like to check out this: Our readers’ choices of favorite shops across Long Island. We always welcome updates!

Shop Local! Lighting the Northport Leg Lamp…

Main St, Northport

Shop Downtown! Shop Northport! Photo by Katheryn Laible

Scroll down for a list of amazing Northport Shops, links to their sites and a little bit about what makes them so cool. You can also check out our readers’ choices of favorite shops across Long Island. We always welcome your submissions to add to that!

For my own part, right now I want to shout from the rooftops about the wonderful merchants of Main Street, Northport who so generously contributed to our Leg Lamp Lighting Raffle. I was inside each and every one of these shops and they are all delightful.

The Northport Leg Lamp Lighting

We held the 2022 Northport Leg Lamp Lighting at 90 Main Street, which is our new home as The Firefly Artists. This is also the site where, when it was the Northport Hardware Company for many years before us, this amazing community event spontaneously germinated. Over nearly two decades, it has organically grown to become one of Long Island’s most beloved holiday events.

Here, we Fireflies now have the great privilege of displaying our stunning variety of work by local artists. We boast extraordinary talent, while maintaining a down to earth and supportive atmosphere that is unique on Long Island. We seek to be an outlet for these local artists, offering a place to create, grow and connect with community.

It was a great honor for us to now also get host this incredibly creative, community oriented extravaganza, right where it all started.

A Major Award, indeed!

We were joined by The Community Playhouse of Northport, members of which helped raise the talented techs of North Stream, who provided professional audio visual services at a steeply reduced price, making them a MAJOR SPONSOR. This vastly increased our capacity to share with you Playhouse members’ talented and entertaining performances, as well as those of the incredibly beautiful Northport High School Tigerettes (called once again by Mayor Donna Koch, who also provided the leg lamp and arranged for our wonderful village administrative, highway and police support), and students of the Posey School of Dance (starting at 17:30 in the linked video) who performed selections from their upcoming Nutcracker Suite, right in the middle of Main Street!

We also have to thank young Theo and Charlie Gilmore, who “flipped the artist’s switch,” to dim the lights and set the stage for the main event, and Drigo Morin who was willing to don a bunny suit to complete our festive scene.

Photo by Chris Yee. From left, Drigo Morin, Dr. Joseph Centamore, Gail Centamore, Justin Murphy, Michelle Centamore, Jude Centamore and Goldie Centamore,

It Takes a Village: Thank You Major Sponsors!

Northport is basically a 1/4 mile strip that starts with amazing restaurants and a world-class theater, and ends with a park featuring landmark gazebos, including one at the end of a beautiful walk over the water, and more amazing restaurants. In between reside a whole host of lovely spots, many of whom are featured below.
 
We didn’t really run this event, so much as serve as a vessel for an all-community endeavor. While we gave it our best to rise to the occasion, it was support from all corners of Northport that made it happen.
 
In addition to the aforementioned, the 2022 Northport Leg Lamp Lighting was made possible by an anonymous donor from the Northport Chamber of Commerce who likes to quietly help make good things happen. We also had the “Luck of the Irish” to meet Fritz Garrecht from the Daniela Conte Foundation, who helped tremendously. We’ll talk more about that soon. We were then reminded that Annemarie Little, from Little John Remodeling is wonderful. We remain deeply and eternally indebted to the Lau family, who came home to market and kick off this event in grand style.
 
We really did try to do this all as frugally as possible. We were also, however, committed to “doing it right.” It was on Sunday, 11/20 that we realized we HAD to have the professional A/V. As generous as NorthStream is, they still have to pay their employees. Facing a dearly tight budget ourselves, we decided to invite neighbors to help us do that.
 
Like so many small business, our neighbor shops do SO MUCH for our communities ALL THE TIME. They donate to local events, local charities and individual causes. They sponsor sports teams and often roll up their sleeves to offer their time and energy as well. They give local artists a chance and give of themselves every day to labors of love that are often each themselves beautiful galleries of unique and wonderful gifts, sustenance and experience…
 
I hardly had time to even pass by all the folks I wanted to ask. The care and generosity of those I did encounter, by and large, was incredible. I also managed to do a fantastic bit of holiday shopping in delightful atmospheres, finding quality presents for not nearly as much as you might think.
 

Above all, once again, I was struck deeply at how WONDERFUL our community is.

Please pop in and buy from these folks. Then, as you go along on your adventures, make a note to look at the sponsor listings of other local events and such as you see them. Make time to visit those places and thank those folks for making our communities special by supporting their establishments.

These people who give of their time and energy to do good in the community tend to bring that same energy to their work. Even if they weren’t giving so much to everything else, supporting them would be worthwhile.

Photo of Leg Lamp Raffle Donations in the window of The Firefly Artists
Grateful thanks to all our local merchants who helped make the 2022 Northport Leg Lamp Lighting Possible! .

2o22 Leg Lamp Lighting Merchant Sponsors -- THANK YOU!!!

Tim’s Shipwreck Diner: (46 Main Street) First of all, his trolly car of a breakfast joint embedded in Main Street is iconic and delicious. Second of all, every time we turn around he’s doing something wonderful for his neighbors. Truthfully, it was Tim saying “Please,” and offering to bring Hot Chocolate for everyone that really got this whole event rolling.

 

The John W. Engeman Theater (250 Main Street) is a premier year-round professional theater that casts its actors directly from the Broadway talent pool. The venue features stadium-style seating, state-of-the-art lighting and sound, and a “Lobby Bar and Lounge.” Since 2007, they have produced 80 Main Stage Productions of some of Broadway’s finest musicals and plays, and have proudly opened their doors for numerous special events and fundraisers for various organizations.


Skippers: (34 Main Street) Family owned and operated since 1978, Skippers has long been a staple of the Nothport Community. Recently remodeled, they offer waterfront dining featuring inspiring Northport Harbor views. It’s a memorable dining experience of coastal Long Island dishes with chef-driven cuisine and a modern design.

Jackie Shawn Salon: (110 Main Street) Come, de-stress and beautify. The feel of the place is a step out of time. The skill with hair and makeup is here and now. The people are lovely.

Jones Drug Store (100 Main Street) has served Northport for over a century! In addition all your pharmaceutical needs they have a lovely gift shop that, among other thing, includes gorgeous Northport-themed shirts and hats. There are authentic model boats and nautical gifts, flags, hand painted bird houses, and much more.

Northport Historical Society (215 Main Street) is housed in an old Carnegie Library. They offer incredible programming and are where you can find and purchase amazing old photos.

Coquus Book Store (145 Main Street #3) is the perfect place to shop for your favorite chef!

Changing Tides Consignment: (Formerly Helgas, 139 Main Street) Happy Retirement Helga! Welcome Denise! Read about the carefully planned changes at Northport’s treasured thrift shop here.

Harbor View Jewelers: (260 Main Street) A 4th generation jeweler with an excellent reputation for honesty, integrity, and the finest customer service in the industry. They love to work one-on-one to meet your individual style and develop your ideas into the perfect, treasured piece of jewelry.

Harbor House Restaurant: (78 Main Street) Northport’s newest restaurant in a cozy historical venue. It’s a modern seafood restaurant with warm atmosphere and outdoor dining in season. The friendly, attentive staff offers chef inspired seasonal fare, always fresh, and a variety of seafood, homemade ravioli, burgers and many specials to choose from.

Main Street Café: (47 Main Street) Come taste Long Island’s best burger, as chosen by readers of Newsday! Its owner for 16 years, Darin Parker, is so community oriented she was selected by the Times Beacon Record News Media as a Person of the Year. In addition to providing the Leg Lamp for the years Carl’s Candy hosted the event, Darin served as the first vice president of the Northport Chamber of Commerce as well as a fundraising organizer, and she hosts trips to Broadway shows for Northport Village residents. She is also a major supporter of events and foundations including St. Baldrick’s, Relay for Life, Adopt a Family and Strides for Cancer.

Salted on the Harbor: (70 Main Street) Proprietor & Sommelier Lindsay Ostrander has been in the restaurant industry since she was 14 years old. Wanting  “Northport to be a stamp on the map for restaurants too,” she and her family designed Salted to round out what they felt was missing in Northport Village. Their Chef Anthony has a resume with some of the best locations around, such as Park Place, Nisen Sushi, Matteo’s, just to name a few.  With a little help from their friend Doug Brickell, of the famed Cork & Kerry, their beverage savant, they bring to you carefully crafted cocktails & spirits, as well as craft beer and amazing wines chosen by the Owner/Sommelier, who for the past decade has also happened to own:

The Wine Cellar on Main: (70 Main Street) Sommelier chosen wines by the glass & bottle, local craft beer, tapas & dine in menus from sister location SALTED. on the Harbor and Maroni Cuisine (currently on Wednesdays and Thursdays). The bar is also a fine art gallery. There is Live Music Thursday- Sunday- Follow them on instagram and facebook for their weekly line up!

Artisan House: (80 Main Street) This treasure trove of unique gifts is celebrating 50 years in Northport, and one year with their new owners, Ron and Randi. They have baby items, jewelry, glassware, candles, souvenirs, nautical gifts, windchimes and more. They’re also one of the few places on Main Street that routinely stay open late!

Indigo room: (146 Main Street) Proprietor Kim is a deeply spiritual artist and a curator….the place is just…so…cool….Come, find a bit of poetry, a zen garden, perhaps a bit of indigo ink….Sage and holi sticks, beautiful, clever things she’s found, created and been  inspired by…the place is a treasure for the body mind and soul…

Nest on Main (135 Main Street) is a home decor marketplace that features many talented local artisans and creative entrepreneurs, including interior design experts who are delighted to help you feather your nest. Learn about them on their website, take one of their wonderful workshops, or just come on in and delight in their many and varied offerings.

The Window Shop Jewelers (104 Main Street) is dedicated to fulfilling customers’ dreams and to providing objects of consummate beauty and lasting value. Shop here for fine jewelry or timepieces, famous collections, exciting new designers and lines waiting to be discovered. Proprietor Jean McNeill and staff personally guide visitors through a breadth of selections…karat gold and sterling…diamonds, precious and semiprecious stones, pearls, vintage and contemporary pieces and more…jewelry for virtually every occasion…and every price point.

Bohemiac Boutique: (54 Woodbine Ave) She started as an Instagram sensation, now she’s got a beautiful brick and mortar location selling her clothing and accessories right on Woodbine. It’s so Northport, in a low key chic kind of way with a little bit of an edge…perfect for mother-daughter and best friend shopping. Plus, her Christmas Tree is amazing.

Gunthers: (81 Main Street) Northport’s iconic watering hole, famed for being one of the places Jack Kerouac never wrote a word. Check out the website for their music lineup.

Hengstenberg’s Florist (39 Main Street) has been serving the Gold Coast North Shore for over 30 years, with a commitment to bringing their customers exceptional floral arrangements, award-winning designs and unsurpassed service.

Hydrangea Home (67 Main Street) is an artful lifestyle shoppe with a casual, laid-back aesthetic that features fragrance, bath and body, florals, art and photography, jewelry and home decor. It all began in 1995 out of the converted garage of Dawn Mohrmann, whose husband and 4 kids first supported the endeavor by helping out at home. Now, the grown children each contribute to its handmade products in the shoppe while Fred handles all of the assembling, building, etc. In addition to so many pieces literally made “in-house” there are many others they just couldn’t resist sourced from other small businesses, local and around the world.

The Jewelry Collection (75 Main Street) offers a unique and beautiful collection of gifts ranging from candy to jewelry to home decor. There are items for babies and men, too! The stock is always changing and equipped to help you find something for everyone at any occasion.

Sweet Arts: (105 Main Street) With an old fashioned candy store up front and a party space in the back, this crafty establishment is one of Northport’s newest family-oriented treasures. They offer birthday parties, creative space, a lovely candy shop and even a you and me group intended to support caretakers as much as their kids. Check their website for event dates.

Maroni Cuisine: (18 Woodbine Avenue) First of all, the meatballs are legendary…but it’s more than that. Their about page will tell you “Love Wins”…that “Maroni cuisine is so unique it is difficult to describe but a pleasure to experience”…that eat in or take out, they aim to make you feel at home, that “We offer no formal menu. We break the rules.” It is absolutely delicious…

Einstein’s Attic: (79 Main Street) A longtime Northport treasure of a toy shop, Einstein’s Attic is “a specialty store where imagination can take you anywhere.” Proprietor Lori Badanes is always on the hunt to expand and offer her tremendous selection of amazing toys for children of all ages – including LOTS of very cool educational toys. She is also always willing to do something new and creative with the community.

Elements of Home (91 Main Street) offers an eclectic mix of out of the ordinary gift ideas, along with new ideas in home decor. Their ever-changing merchandise will meet your needs and desires for each season, as well as those special occasions to be celebrated throughout the year.

Heartichoke: (145 Main Street) Often described as “absolutely magical” and an “earthy delight,” here you can find gifts, crystals, incense, candles, home, garden, jewelry, and accessories.

Penny & Cooper: (154 Main Street) Inspired by the power of scent to create a mood, evoke a memory or relax us, mother-daughter team Donna and Katie established this bath, body home store in 2017. They handcraft their products in small batches with love & care, using only high-quality and natural ingredients. They move with the season, celebrate our village and create a wonderful atmosphere.

Martoni Italian Eatery (245 Main Street) offers warm grilled panini sandwiches, signature salads, italian gelato, espresso, and cappuccino, as well as imported goods direct from Italy, such as olive oils, balsamic oils, pasta, olives, mushrooms, and much mo.

How blessed are we to have these folks! Go! Keep them in business for decades to come. It’s totally worth it!

Northport Leg Lamp 2022
The Window of the FIrefly Artists December 2022

Full Credits

Our deep, deep thanks to The Reichert Family and Former Mayor George Doll for being long central to our community, and for starting this tradition we are so honored to continue.

It’s a little about The Christmas Story, but really, it’s all about Community. Thank you for being a part of it.

PERFORMANCES BY
Rich Lau
Amelia Lau

NORTHPORT TIGERETTES
Madeleine Atherton, 12th
Hazel Carlson, 9th
Katie Conroy, 11th
Scarlett DePaul, 10th
Sarah Edebohls, 12th
Emma Fierro, 11th
Margaret FitzMaurice, 10th
Chloe Gucciardo, 9th
Jillian Heuer, 9th
Jaelynn Irizarry, 11th
Samantha Kim, 11th
Mackenzie Kirincic, 11th
Anastasia Knudsen, 11th
Ella Lombardo, 12th
Gabby Mancusi, 10th
Anna Mandel, 10th
Ava Marion, 10th
Ella Mason, 9th
Zoe Meadows, 12th
Sophia Merlino, 12th
Scarlett Moran, 11th
Beatrix Moran, 9th
Lucy Mulholland, 9th
Skylar Neuf, 11th
Jessica Ochoa , 11th
Charlotte Petronella, 11th
Madison Rasizzi, 11th
Allison Reale, 12th
Ava Scheibe, 9th
Scarlett Stack 9th
Lily Trudwig, 9th
Celeste Tuccillo, 12th
Talia Velazquez, 12th
Chloe Wagner, 9th

POSEY SCHOOL OF DANCE
Delaney Mulholland – Clara Solo
Samantha Driscoll- Sugarplum Fairy
Olivia Puglisi – Dew Drop Fairy

YOUNG LIGHTS
Theo and Charlie Gilmore (With Kate Sydney)

THE COMMUNITY PLAYHOUSE OF NORTHPORT

The Centamore Family, Michelle, Joe, Goldie, Jude, and Gail
Narrated by Justin Murphyly Graci

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Aly Graci

STAGE MANAGER IN PINK BUNNY SUIT
Drigo Morin

 

THE TECH
NorthStream, Nick Graci
Theo Lau
Steve Caputo

THE SET
Community Playhouse of Northport
Rob Nock and James Darcy (the Crate)
Mayor Donna Koch, Village of Northport (The Leg and more, All the Admin)
Steve Caputo & Aly Graci (The Movie)
Beth Atkinson
Drigo Morin
Highway Dept.
Northport Village Police

DESIGN AND PRODUCTION
Jennifer Lau

REFRESHMENTS
Tim Hess, Shipwreck Diner (Key Instigator. hot chocololate, more)

VOLUNTEERS
Annmarie Little, Little John Construction
Max & Lizzy Laible
Steve Caputo, Christine Maichin, Assorted Other Wonderful Firefly Artists

LIVE MUSIC BY
The Drama Kings

A Local Independent Bookstore Closes, Three New Ones Open!

Photo of former local independent bookstore Book Revue storefront.

“At the End of a Chapter, Turning the Page: Thank you for 44 Years” by Katheryn Laible

As I look at the list of favorite shops that you dear readers have suggested, there is one entry I still can’t quite bring myself to remove: The once deep and starstruck haven that was Book Revue. My heart still aches at how quickly it emptied. It hurt even more to be right out front as someone began to pull the “Thank You for 44 Years of Business” sign from the window.

There is good news, tho! While Huntington’s incredible, beloved, local independent bookstore is now but a memory, former staff member Mallory Braun is determined to write “The Next Chapter.”

With passionate fanfare, she and so many lovers of this amazing, some would say sacred, place have rallied to make it happen. Even Kurt Vonnegut and Henry Miller – knowingly or not! – have been involved!

 

The Next Chapter

I have never met Mallory but hear VERY good things. That she managed to raise the $250,000 needed to follow in the Klein Brothers’ footsteps is a Christmas present from and for the whole Town. Passing the $200,000 mark on Richard Klein’s birthday was another poetic gift. They had wonderful raffle prizes and a kickin’ band at the very cool Industry Makers the night I got to contribute my little bit. While I deeply appreciated the loud, live music, I sure wish I could have heard what the band’s name was!!!

Proverbial sugar plums dance through my head as I dream of Mallory boldly carrying that glorious banner forward. It’s hard to wait, tho! It doesn’t feel quite like Christmas without Book Revue and I’m eager to see how this manifests. Fortunately, my grieving impatience eases a bit as I smile to see another haven for bibliophiles, this one a used bookstore, pop up in East Northport!

 

 
The Dog-Eared Bard’s Book Shop

The Dog-Eared Bard’s Book Shop  was created by folks who have been running literary events throughout the Island for over a decade. Among activities, they publish a “Bard’s Annual” poetry collection for which they’ve fittingly hosted events at the Walt Whitman Birthplace. I look forward to sharing the next time they seek submissions. They are now hosting “First Friday Poetry Readings.” On January 7th they will feature Robert Savino. I believe they also offer literary alternatives to the Superbowl.

If your own shelves are running over, please know they gladly welcome donations of used books!

This is NOT Book Revue. It does seem to be something wonderful in its own right, tho, and also elicits faded memories of the earliest stacks of that legendary store… It would have sufficed for now….

But then..Lo! What did my wondering eyes behold, but a third new independent bookstore!!!

 

 
Theodore’s Bookshop

The kids and I recently popped into the barely-a-month-old “Theodore’s Bookshop on Audrey Avenue in Oyster Bay. Founded by former US Congressman and Huntington Town Councilman Steve Israel, the shop pays deep homage to the former President and local resident Theodore Roosevelt, as well as to Steve’s love for history and current affairs. Here, he can bring all sides together with pop culture, classic literature, children’s books and other standard bookshop fare. There’s also a healthy dose of folks we’ve dearly missed since Book Revue closed. It seems to work!

Said Steve, “I served 16 years in Congress and it was a place where people would draw battle lines. I got tired of that. I wanted to create a place that would be of value to the community. We have books that are conservative. We have books that are progressive. We have books in the middle. I just wanted to create a platform for respectful discourse and the pursuit of curiosity, and a place that is just serving the community in which I live.”

You can see the rest of my mini-interview with Steve Israel and a few images from his shop below.

 

There Will Only Ever Be One, But Still…

It’s still not Book Revue, but it’s a unique and lovely assortment Steve and his new “family of book lovers” are crafting that does pay deep homage to that bit of history, too. I look forward to seeing how the Dog-Eared Bard grows in it’s own way. I still can’t wait for Mallory to get rolling, and know that I’m still coming to terms with the fact that her endeavor — no matter how wonderful —  will never be Book Revue, either. 

Still, the idea has been planted that maybe…just maybe…some great spirits never really die, but live on in all so inspired.

At least that seems to be the case for three new unique and personal local independent bookstores on Long Island.

More or less just in time for the holidays.

I am grateful. Thanks!

The Summit is Coming! We Get to GO!

Can’t say it enough: These in-depth interviews hosted by Eric Alexander featuring a broad range of local leaders are fantastic. Learn and get inspired by these amazing Long Island community members….We do!

Honestly, like they always seem to, the good folks of Vision Long Island have done an incredible job of turning the challenges of the COVID-19 era into new opportunities to highlight people making a huge difference in our communities, and generally helping those folks wrap their heads around the challenges and opportunities of today.

Still. We’ve REALLY missed being able to see these folks in person. We are so excited that the Smart Growth Summit is being held November 17-19, 2021 and will have an in-person component on the final day!

 

Check out their website for details and get on their email list!

We Repeat: Main Street News is a Must-Read

We’ve said it before, we’re going to keep saying it:

 

THIS IS VALUABLE AND IMPORTANT.

Vision Long Island and the Long Island Main Street Alliance publish the Main Street News. This is a grounded, productive, community-oriented force for those who care about the economic aspects of the COVID-19 crisis. It’s sobering, comprehensive and helpful.

While these issues are bursting with a broad range of information and resources, some key issues lately involve strong advocacy for local leadership, particularly in terms of local zoning, helping local businesses prepare for reopening, and focusing on the need and what’s being done to help folks meet basic human needs.

There’s some substantive good news in there, too.

Check out their website. Follow their Facebook.

Vision is one of our strongest advocates for Long Island downtowns, and has been generally connecting diverse local stakeholders to learn and work together for the betterment of our communities for over 20 years. We strongly believe they are a huge reason why there’s as much healthy communication and collaboration in the name of true public service and community development on Long Island as there is today. We are grateful to call them a sponsor.

Gifts of our Facebook Feed: Mastic Beach Ambulance Company, William Floyd School District, Northport Main St. Group, Northport-East Northport Public Library

We know these are just a few of our neighbors who’ve been giving it their best to be of service with their Social Media time. We love to hear about more!

The Mastic Beach Ambulance company has been sharing all sorts of great stuff, including their own efforts to keep Long Islanders fed, as well as tended to in emergencies.

We thought it was them generating these great profiles of local EMTs. They’re still probably the easiest place to find them, but we’ve realized it was the William Floyd School District that was soliciting and sharing them.

Now, they’ve turned to highlighting their Class of 2020.

Meanwhile, the Northport Village and Local Business Community is a model we think every downtown should follow! This group lets small businesses post their wares and how they’re offering them, as well as all sorts of information critical to the community.

Finally, WE LOVE LIBRARIES! While missing their visitors dearly, they are continuing to do wonderful things for the community. Last time, we mentioned the 3D Printer Army helping make shields for first responders. Lately, we’ve simply been loving the Facebook Feeds.

While we highly recommend following all of Long Island’s libraries, the Northport-East Northport Public Library seems to really be on a roll lately. Follow their Facebook page, scroll down through the past few weeks — it’s wonderful…

 

Main Street News is a Must-Read

We’ve said it before, we’re going to keep saying it:

THIS IS VALUABLE AND IMPORTANT.

Vision Long Island and the Long Island Main Street Alliance continue to release daily issues of their new Main Street News.

This is a grounded, productive, community-oriented force for those who care about the economic aspects of this crisis. It’s sobering, comprehensive and helpful.

There’s news about what’s happening, what’s open, resources, proposed legislation and whatever else they can find to help folks weather the storm. They have also added a “Good News” component that highlights folks doing the right thing.

Check out their website. Follow their Facebook.

Vision is one of our strongest advocates for Long Island downtowns, and has been generally connecting diverse local stakeholders to learn and work together for the betterment of our communities for over 20 years. We strongly believe they are a huge reason why there’s as much healthy communication and collaboration in the name of true public service and community development on Long Island as there is today. We are grateful.

Main Street News is a Must-Read: What’s Open, How Folks Are Doing, What You Can Do.

THIS IS IMPORTANT. Vision Long Island, one of our region’s strongest advocates for Main Street is now releasing daily issues of their new Main Street News. as it endeavors to keep up with events as they unfold. Check out their website. Follow their Facebook.

It’s a sobering, comprehensive review of important, information that includes a range of local initiatives, resources and ways you can help.

There’s news about what’s open, how folks are doing and whatever they can find to help folks weather the storm.

So go there and get informed. In general, some updated ideas that have seemed good to us include:

  1. Find your favorite local businesses on social media. Call them on the phone See what they’re doing. Buy their stuff.
  2. Buy Gift Certificates. Consider simply sending a donation to your favorite local business
  3. Restaurants are closed, but many can still do takeout/delivery. This article, which seems very well resourced, helped us feel informed and a lot safer about doing that!
  4. Realize many of these places care about their own health, your health and the community more than most ever realized. Know that many local shops are going out of their way to safely keep on keeping on — Much of Main Street — not just the eateries — are now offering curbside service and even delivery. Look up their website/social media. Even if they aren’t advertising it, call them to inquire!
  5. Special events are hugely important for organizations. Had an event cancelled? Send a donation! You can check our newsletter archives to find 100s of great local organizations
  6. Strongly consider supporting policy proposals that directly support individuals, small businesses and local governments. While they are going out of their way to come up with creative means of keeping going, there is only so much they can do,
  7. Just be kind — Especially to the cashiers, service providers and others working through this. Just. Be. Kind.

Support Local Business & Community Groups

Main St, Northport

Photo of Northport Village by Katheryn Laible

This is a really tough time to be a small business or a not-for-profit organization. While everyone is rightly encouraged to stay home and keep their hands off the world, bills are still coming due and people are wondering what’s going to happen to their income.

When you see one of your most go-getting survivors of a friend seeking donations for her employer, you have to stop and think — What are we going to do for our people here?

Vision Long Island is one of our region’s strongest advocates for Main Street. They have just released their first Main Street News offering a great guide to what people can do in terms of personal initiative, resources and advocacy.

Another strong advocate for local business that has been posting good stuff on their facebook page is the Long Island Business Council.

In general, some ideas that have seemed good to us include:

  1. Buy Gift Certificates. Consider simply sending a donation to your favorite local business
  2. Realize small businesses are often better for social distancing because they tend to be less crowded. They may even have that hard to find supply!
  3. Restaurants are closing, but can still do takeout/delivery. Even for alcohol!
  4. Realize many of these places care about their own health, your health and the community more than most ever realized. Know that many local shops are going out of their way to safely keep on keeping on — Book Revue in Huntington, for example is offering curbside service and even delivery. We’ve heard report of local hair stylists all but wrapping their stylists in bubble wrap. Look up their website/social media. Even if they aren’t advertising it, call them to inquire!
  5. Special events are hugely important for organizations. Had an event cancelled? Send a donation! You can check our newsletter archives to find 100s of great local organizations
  6. Strongly consider supporting policy proposals that directly support individuals and small businesses. While they are going out of their way to come up with creative means of keeping going, there is only so much they can do,
  7. Just be kind — Especially to the cashiers, service providers and others working through this. Just. Be. Kind.