A Grateful Prayer: Rise and Shine

Photo entitled “Angels in the Troposphere III” by Katheryn Laible

Good morning. Rise and shine! Grateful for all with calm heads, clear eyes, pure hearts and brave souls.

To all those willing and able to speak truth and shine light; humbly, gracefully, earnestly willing to give their best;

To all who understand the Golden Rule, the sacred secular hope of our Nation’s founding, the value of the scientific method and journalistic standards, the nuance of complex history, ethics/morality and just plain common decency… to all who will uplift and stand for those who honor them, and to all those who are bravely, honestly giving it their best to learn better and do better…

For all those willing to have compassion for, and comfort, and patiently yet firmly guide to better places all who are struggling and confused and displaced and frustrated and scared and distrustful and regretful and overwhelmed and completely misled and burnt out and totally traumatized… who isn’t, in one uniquely complex way or another?

Grateful to all who start with themselves and those they know and love best, wherever you are, whatever you happen to specialize in. Grateful to all who give their lives to serve others and who help us to help ourselves so we can better help others and work together to make it all better for everyone…grateful to all who tend their own little space with love and light.

For all who recognize our common souls and unique gifts and this beautiful miracle of a planet that sustains us, that we are responsible for, and which we share with so many other souls we’re only beginning to recognize — tragically broken and yet so worth mending — and for all who keep the faith; those who see the light in the darkness, and those who honestly build the faith that we are not alone in wanting things to work out for the best for this whole precious world.

For every creature who stands up for truth and love with honor and integrity because they know it’s the right thing to do; for all who give it their best to learn and to do better than they might have done before; grateful to all who will offer a hand on board to those brave enough to cast aside what they realize is wrong, and to all who stand and uphold whatever it is they know is right.

It matters so much. It really, really does. May God that is ultimate truth and love guide us all. Best with everything.

2025 Smart Growth Awards

Smart Growth Awards Logo

For over 20 years Vision Long Island has been honoring individuals, organizations, and projects that advance the growth of our downtowns and infrastructure. Specific focus areas include transit oriented development, affordable housing, environmental sustainability, traffic calming, transportation enhancements, clean energy and community based planning.

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J-STEP Hopes Folks Will Help Build a Kitchen

J-STEP Interns welcome you!

Pal-O-Mine Equestrian is hoping folks will help build an accessible kitchen for its J-STEP (Job Security Through Equine Partnership) Vocational Internship program.

The Program

We’ve written about Pal-O-Mine before. Having served Long Island since 1995, some say their job is working miracles. Really, though, with the support of generous friends and foundation grants, what Pal-O-Mine does is provide a comprehensive therapeutic equine program, using horses to facilitate growth, learning and healing among children and adults with disabilities, survivors of trauma and abuse, the military and the impoverished.

Their J-STEP program goes further, serving young adults with disabilities by teaching job-readiness skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and entrepreneurship, as well as independent living skills including organization, hygiene, finance, and nutrition.  J-STEP Interns plant and maintain their own flower and vegetable gardens, create and sell their own self-care line as well as run a successful CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program. They also create and sell artisan crafts.

Why a Kitchen?

Gardening and farming directly relate to cooking as they provide the ingredients. Gardening, on a smaller scale, and farming, on a larger scale, involve growing plants, including vegetables, fruits, and herbs, which are then used in cooking to create meals. This connection extends beyond providing ingredients, fostering a deeper understanding of where food comes from and promoting healthier eating habits.

One essential independent living skill is the ability to cook and make nutritious meals. Being able to cook can generally improve overall health. It brings people together, relieves stress, can help people to save money, and is a source of great joy and personal confidence. Furthermore, learning to cook develops other key skills, such as time management, following instructions, and kitchen safety.

What Will it Take?

Pal-O-Mine spans across 13 acres. J-STEP is located on one of these acres. It includes a roadside farm stand, an accessible, temperature-controlled greenhouse, and their own small house where J-STEP interns do most of their work.  The house consists of a bathroom and 3 small work areas that are separated by half-walls. In consultation with a building contractor, they estimate it will cost $250,000 to add a room with plumbing, electricity, and the latest kitchen equipment.

They ask for your help by funding this project so they they can help their interns live happy and healthy lives. They also hope you’ll check out the events below, and come see what the whole farm is about! 

You may also simply donate.

Thank you for your kind consideration

Upcoming Events at Pal-O-Mine Equestrian: 9/7, 11am-3pm, Open House, Open to the public. 9/20, 5pm, 30th Anniversary Celebration 10/19, Vet Fest and NYPD Fundraiser 12/5-7, Winter Wonderland. Events will be held at the farm, 819 Old Nichols Rd, Islandia. Visit their website for details.

Behind the Scenes Tour of the Coltrane Home!

Photo of the Coltrane Home by Joshua Scott

Tour the Coltrane Home!

Did you know that John Coltrane wrote his masterwork, “A Love Supreme” in Dix Hills? That his wife, Alice, produced three albums in the home they shared there?

These were exceptionally talented people, whom many have compared to the genius of Einstein. They were also deeply spiritual folks who, in John’s words, lived to be “a force for good.” We are very excited to hear about this “exclusive behind-the-scenes Preservation in Progress Tour” of the home, guided by Huntington Town Historian Robert Hughes and Coltrane Home Founder Steve Fulgoni. There, you can learn a whole lot more! 

When: Saturday, May 3, 2025, 11am
Where: The John & Alice Coltrane Home, Dix Hills, NY (Directions Provided Upon Registration)
Tickets: $30 General Admission, $25 for Preservation Long Island Members and Young Preservationists To Register:
For More Info and to Register:  Visit the Preservation Long Island Website

 

A Little Background

Over 20 years ago, now, Steve Fulgoni realized where the Coltrane house was, just as it was being scheduled for demolition. He partnered with all who were willing – family, fellow musicians and fans, local historians and more – to save it from destruction.

Once the building was spared the bulldozer, this group of ardent volunteers realized they now had a much bigger job to do. In the decades since, they have made tremendous progress, both on the home and in building awareness and appreciation of these jazz and spiritual legends.

You can read about the home, the Coltrane legacy and more on the website dedicated to this project.

Press Coverage

I am grateful to a motley crew of dedicated volunteers, including Friends of the Coltrane Home in Dix Hills Board Members and Coltrane family members who help each other stay apprised of news coverage. Here are some clippings:

•   This NYS Music Studio article by Robert Tellerman shares his experience In Conversation with Michelle Coltrane: Remembering Alice Coltrane Ahead of ‘Cosmic Music‘ which is happening May 16 at Carnegie Hall!

•   Here’s a NY Times article by Siddhartha Mitter that offered a reflection on Alice and an exhibition celebrating her at the Hammer Museum in LA in “Alice Coltrane: Artist’s Muse and Sonic Healer“ *

•   This other piece in the NY Times by Mia Jackson talks about an effort to save another home central to John Coltrane, “A New Initiative to Protect Black History starts with Coltrane” *

•    You can learn a little bit about the milestones in getting this home formally recognized and revitalized, as well as about the Suffolk County JumpSMART program in the Long Island Times article “Coltrane Home gets $1.75M from Suffolk County”

•    News 12 had a piece on the grant that features video of the interior of the home: “Suffolk County expected to announce over $1.7 million in funding for John and Alice Coltrane Home in Dix Hills”

•    There’s more detail in this article by John Valenti for Newsday, “Jazz legacy: John & Alice Coltrane Home in Dix Hills to get $1.75M grant for upgrades” *

•   In Newsday, Robert Brodsky published this beautiful, in depth article, complete with video of the home: “John Coltrane and Alice Coltrane home on Long Island undergoes renovation in effort to preserve history” 

•    This article from Clive Young for Mix Online tells more about the Coltranes and the significance of the home, as well as plans for its future, “John Coltrane House Awarded $1.75M to Renovate Home Studio, More”

•    Here’s a little more about the JumpSMART grant from in Long Island.com: “Suffolk County Executive Bellone To Announce Nearly $2 Million In Jumpsmart Funding To The John & Alice Coltrane Home”

•    Here’s a beautiful article from Jeff MacGregor in The Smithsonian magazine, “How John Coltrane’s ‘My Favorite Things’ Changed American Music” 

•    Here’s a 2018 Synchronicity Article entitled, “Notes From Joe” with older clippings collected by Coltrane Volunteer Joe Natter that we published some years ago. Worth a re-read!

* subscription required – or visit your local library!

Some Good Books and Other Resources

One book on John Coltrane that I think musicians, especially, may appreciate is Ascension by Eric Nisenson,

“Nice choice!” said Noah, the salesman in a local bookstore, when I brought it to the counter. He then promptly recommended Coltrane on Coltrane by Chris DeVito and asked me if I knew that the Coltranes had lived around here.

I went home happily and shared my finds with some Coltrane Board Members.

“Chris DeVito’s book, Coltrane on Coltrane is a text version of every Coltrane interview out there,” said Steve, “There are some online audio versions of those interviews where you can hear John talking and really get a feel for who he is.”

A YouTube search reveals a fascinating set of interviews with and about Coltrane

Another board member offered a few of their favorite biographies: Ashley Kahn’s A Love Supreme and what they felt was the best scholarly biography, Lewis Porter’s John Coltrane: His Life and Music. We learned Lewis also has amazing lectures available online in his Deep Dives.

We also refer you to the Half Hollow Hills Library where Coltrane volunteer Ellen Druda, a wonderful, retired librarian has helped create a ‘Coltrane Computer’ with hundreds of images.

It’s all quite enlightening…Enjoy. <3

It’s Garden Time! Always.

2025 Spring Plant Sale at www.northportNGI.org. Order by 5/5. Pickup 5/17

The Northport Native Garden Initiative is ready to take your order for plants that will truly feel at home on your property. Order deadline extended to Thursday, 5/8!

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Fireflies Light Up Everywhere

Above: “Illuminations: Art in Sacred Space” is an amazing show at the Cathedral of the Incarnation that includes a giant replica of the Moon and g great opportunity for artists to come paint!

Follow Firefly Artists throughout Long Island and beyond! We warmly invite you to follow our Facebook and Instagram stories, where we share Firefly and visiting artist posts, and to join our public Facebook Group, “The Firefly Artists Community Square” where our artists post frequently.

We love sharing their artistic adventures and providing this window into the LI art scene! Here are just a few places our Fireflies will be:

Loretta Cerame, Drigo Morin & Silvia Maria Rey • “Sunny Side Up” • 4/6-4/26 • Reception 4/6, 3-5pm • A juried show exploring the inviting hues of yellow • The Art Guild, Elderfields Preserve, 200 Port Washington Blvd, Manhasset

Drigo Morin • “Illuminations: Art in Sacred Space” • 4/12-5/3 • Reception 4/12, 7pm (rsvp required to connect@IncarnationGC.org) • a collaboration with Trinity Community Arts Center, the inaugural exhibition in this newly designated Gallery captures the dynamic interplay of light and artistic expression • https://www.incarnationgc.org/Cathedral of the Incarnation, 36 Cathedral Ave, Garden City

Deidre Elzer-Lento • Visions of Northport and Beyond • 4/12-5/21 • As a travel photographer, painter and multi-media artist Deidre shares her beautiful interpretations of Asharoken, Northport and the world beyond. • Daniel Gale Real Estate, 77 Main Street, Northport

About The Firefly

The Firefly was established in 2011 to create a gallery setting for local artists. The goal was to create a space where artists could meet, collaborate, and sell their beautiful creations.

Over more than a decade, we have had the great privilege of displaying a stunning variety of works by well over 400 artists through our Main Street locations and pop-up galleries. We boast extraordinary talent, while maintaining a very down to earth and supportive atmosphere that is unique on Long Island.

In 2020 we expanded our offerings, creating a “Darcy Arts Center” to feature special exhibitions and classes in addition to the rich selection of works by our resident artists. We are thrilled to continue to develop this in our beautiful new space, right in the center of everything! 

Every time you purchase something from The Firefly Artists you support at least two local artists. Come, experience our beautiful gallery. Bring home that perfect thing to brighten your world or someone else’s.

Thank you for your support.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and check our website for all the latest updates. Even better, come to our beautiful location, The Old Hardware Store at 90 Main Street, Northport

***NEW SUMMER HOURS***
Mon-Tue 11am-6pm  
Wed-Fri 11am-9pm  
Sat 9am-9pm
Sun 9am-7pm

Firefly Exhibition Schedule

Above: “Food, Glorious Food” is running together with the Community Playhouse of Northport’s showing of “Oliver!”

April 16 – May 13: “Food, Glorious Food” • A show run in coordination with the Community Playhouse of Northport’s production of “Oliver!” • Reception 4/26 3-5pm, featuring performances from Community Playhouse members • Find call for entry here

April 25 – “Firefly Artists Listening Party” • Bring an LP to share or maybe just come hang out. Perhaps bring home some art.

June 1 – June 15: “Selections from Long Island’s Best” • A selection of pieces chosen from the annual celebration of young artists coordinated and hosted by The Heckscher Museum.

June 13: “Come, Follow, Follow Me” book signing • With Firefly Kristen Memoli

June 18 – July 15: “Cross Pollination – Birds, Bees & All That Blooms” • A cross-county, multi-gallery collaborative exhibition with The Hive Market and Gallery. • Receptions June 26 7-9pm (Firefly) and July 10 7-9pm (Hive)

July 18 – August 14: “Works on Paper” • Our annual celebration of art in the raw

August 18 – August 31: “Narratives in Motion – The Evolution of a Storyteller,” a solo show by Jennifer A. Uihlein

September 3 – September 30: “pARTy ‘til the Cows Come Home” • A “moo”-ving show heralding The Great Cow Harbor Day Weekend

October 3 – November 2: “Abandoned Haunts and Curious Trappings” • An exploration of the hauntingly beautiful

November 5 – December 2: “Post It” • An exhibition inspired by The Art of the Postcard

November 29: “Northport Leg Lamp Lighting” • The 20th anniversary of the day a stroke of whimsey launched full-on community tradition.

December 5 – December 31: Firefly Member Show • Details to be announced

All Dates and Events Subject to Change. Stay Tuned for More Details!

About The Firefly

The Firefly was established in 2011 to create a gallery setting for local artists. The goal was to create a space where artists could meet, collaborate, and sell their beautiful creations.

Over more than a decade, we have had the great privilege of displaying a stunning variety of works by well over 400 artists through our Main Street locations and pop-up galleries. We boast extraordinary talent, while maintaining a very down to earth and supportive atmosphere that is unique on Long Island.

In 2020 we expanded our offerings, creating a “Darcy Arts Center” to feature special exhibitions and classes in addition to the rich selection of works by our resident artists. We are thrilled to continue to develop this in our beautiful new space, right in the center of everything! 

Every time you purchase something from The Firefly Artists you support at least two local artists. Come, experience our beautiful gallery. Bring home that perfect thing to brighten your world or someone else’s.

Thank you for your support.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and check our website for all the latest updates. Even better, come to our beautiful location, The Old Hardware Store at 90 Main Street, Northport

***NEW SUMMER HOURS***
Mon-Tue 11am-6pm  
Wed-Fri 11am-9pm  
Sat 9am-9pm
Sun 9am-7pm

Call to Artists: Cross Pollination

In honor of National Pollinator Month, The Firefly Artists of Northport and The Hive Market & Gallery of Oyster Bay are offering a two-gallery, bi-county celebration of bees, birds and all that blooms!

Artists from throughout Long Island and the greater region are invited to submit garden- and pollinator-inspired artwork for this juried exhibition. Off-Island is fine, but hand delivery and pickup of works is required.

All original media is acceptable, such as drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, mixed media, sculpture, collage, fabric work, glasswork, jewelry and digital media. Maximum frame size is 36” on the longest side. Sculptures must be no larger than 12” in any direction.

Artists may be selected to show works in either or both The Firefly Artists in Northport and Hive Marky & Gallery in Oyster Bay. Prizes will be awarded at each location.

Deadline: May 25
For Details and to Apply: Visit The Firefly Artists website

About The Firefly

The Firefly was established in 2011 to create a gallery setting for local artists. The goal was to create a space where artists could meet, collaborate, and sell their beautiful creations.

Over more than a decade, we have had the great privilege of displaying a stunning variety of works by well over 400 artists through our Main Street locations and pop-up galleries. We boast extraordinary talent, while maintaining a very down to earth and supportive atmosphere that is unique on Long Island.

In 2020 we expanded our offerings, creating a “Darcy Arts Center” to feature special exhibitions and classes in addition to the rich selection of works by our resident artists. We are thrilled to continue to develop this in our beautiful new space, right in the center of everything! 

Every time you purchase something from The Firefly Artists you support at least two local artists. Come, experience our beautiful gallery. Bring home that perfect thing to brighten your world or someone else’s.

Thank you for your support.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and check our website for all the latest updates. Even better, come to our beautiful location, The Old Hardware Store at 90 Main Street, Northport

***NEW SUMMER HOURS***
Mon-Tue 11am-6pm  
Wed-Fri 11am-9pm  
Sat 9am-9pm
Sun 9am-7pm