Midterms are kind of a big deal. We think local elections are, too. Here are all sorts of resources specific to that and on how to be better citizens generally…
Continue readingVote Smart: Resources for Upcoming State and Federal Elections
Two Art Walks and an Outdoor Gallery
Huntington Art Walk is this weekend, Northport’s is next. Plus, LIPAF opens at the Huntington Fall Festival!
Continue readingFMC: 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!
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Firefly Lights: September 30, 2026
Click here for the latest edition of Firefly Lights, all about our beautiful downtown gallery of local art and artists.
IN THIS ISSUE
Come. Breathe. Savor.
Call to Artists: “The Art of Illustration”
Fine Art Show: Penny Strong & Anna Frangoulis
Mama Chan’s Winter 12×12
Welcome New Firefly Loretta Oberheim
Northport Art Walk
Firefly Jan Tozzo at Moksha Cafe
Exhibition Schedule
Fireflies Light Up Everywhere
We’ve Been Nominated!
Thank You for Making Us the Best!
About the Firefly
REFRESH YOUR SOUL
Come. Breathe. Savor.
Treasures abound. Come see!
Located in beautiful downtown Northport, The Firefly is open seven days a week. We stay open until 9pm Wednesday through Saturday, and until 7pm on Sundays. We’re also open by 9am on the weekends.
Every purchase helps keep our doors open and our artists creating. We deeply appreciate your support, and are honored when our work enhances your life and that of those around you. Thank you for keeping local art and artists alive!
Detail of works above by Fireflies Kaela Yee and Kathleen Michaelides, Michelle Lesser, Jane McGraw-Teubner and Darnel Tasker.
Detail of Works below by Fireflies Kaela Yee and Kathleen Michaelides, Michelle Lesser, Jane McGraw-Teubner, and Darnel Tasker
To subscribe to The Firefly Artists newsletter, please drop us a line indicating interest here.
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Rebuilding Together Long Island
Rebuilding Together LI
Since 1992, Rebuilding Together Long Island (RTLI) has been dedicated to making homes safer, healthier and more accessible. The organization is powered by volunteers who give of their time and skills to serve neighbors in need, providing a variety of home repairs and more to help Long Islanders deal with situations that may be overwhelming, while remaining independent and connected to the communities they call home.
They aptly call it “affordable housing preservation.” I first met them through my beloved Queen of Freeport, Lois Howes, who met them herself as part of her neighborly adventures with the Friends of Freeport after Superstorm Sandy. She introduced me to their Vice President, Steve Walker. Since then, Steve has become a dedicated Firefly as well, often finding ways to use art to advance his passion for RTLI.
Full Disclosure: They Kindly Hired Me!
We’ve long talked about writing about RTLI, and somehow just haven’t gotten it together. Now, I have even more reason as, full disclosure, I am honored and excited to personally join Rebuilding Together Long Island as a part time Manager of Corporate Development.
This is not the type of thing I would normally do. I haven’t been anyone’s employee in about 25 years, treasure my freedom as an independent consultant, and was quite frankly hesitant. However, I find this organization uniquely down to earth and community oriented. I am also grateful they respect the other things I do, may each in synergy strengthen the other. Still, if it wasn’t for a Firefly Artist who has also appreciated Synchronicity and has been passionate about RTLI for as long as I’ve known him, I would have gratefully refused!
Having said that, I am very happy to be here and hopeful to be of good service!
A Very Local Chapter
Having accepted, I am even more excited to share this good work and help them to grow. RTLI is a very local chapter of a national organization that really seems to understand that the magic of what they do happens on the ground in a spirit of community. Please understand, I’m not against national organizations. They have important roles to play. Rather, I’m all in for local groups and human connections, and helping folks understand how deeply important they are.
I’m just beginning to get the story of how these particular folks got together. I can tell you already it’s a group of 1,000 sweet tales, and not always the kinds you’d expect!
RTLI was founded by a few local gentlemen named Joe Botkin and Sol Goldstein who are no longer with us but remain deeply beloved and appreciated. The network now stretches across Long Island, with a significant core now having served for decades. While I’ve gotten used to how this works with artists, I marvel at how some of these folks seem to use this experience of volunteer physical labor as a fountain of youth. It’s impressive!
They are always looking for more volunteers, especially folks with relevant skill sets who like working with layman volunteers. Furthermore, they are interested in partnering with other groups to see how we can better serve our region. They would love to speak with you about whom else they should be talking to, and how everyone may get involved.
Some Touching Coverage
Check out the RTLI website where you can find a really nice piece put together by NBC Universal, as well as a lot of other information. You can also follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
Here’s an article in Newsday (mind the paywall, please support local press) that talks about the deep impact they have on local families. Here’s another one from NBC New York,
It’s mostly regular homes with everyday neighbors, but they do a bit more, too. Here’s a piece from News12, where they covered a wheelchair ramp built for a VFW in Port Washington. RTLI has even gotten involved in historic preservation, forming a hyper local group that included the Chair of the local Historic Preservation Commission to restore windows on an historic home in Southold. You can read about that in the Riverhead News Review.
Leads Welcome!
Thank you to folks who already know and have supported this good work. I’m praying I can introduce them to more, learn what folks’ experiences have been, and see how we all might serve each other well.
Even though my focus is corporate fundraising, these folks can’t finish a sentence without talking about how what they really want to do is build relationships to better serve our neighbors, helping people to stay in their homes and fix what’s broken. Yes, they want and need funding to meet ever growing expenses and to continue to help folks maintain and rebuild. Yes, I’m looking for leads to do that, but it’s also about volunteers and partnerships and, most fundamentally, community.
If you’re interested and would like to know more, please let me know. Thanks!
Firefly Lights: September 8, 2026
Click here for the latest edition of Firefly Lights, all about our beautiful downtown gallery of local art and artists.
IN THIS ISSUE
Welcome to The Firefly
Now on View: “pARTy ’til the Cows Come Home”
Call to Artists: “Abandoned Haunts & Curious Trappings”
Call to Artists: “The Art of Illustration”
FIrefly Jan Tozzo at Moksha Cafe
Exhibition Schedule
Fireflies Light Up Everywhere
Thank You for Making Us the Best!
About the Firefly
REFRESH YOUR SOUL |
To subscribe to The Firefly Artists newsletter, please drop us a line indicating interest here.
Subscribe To The Synchronicity 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
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Firefly Lights: September 3, 2026
Click here for the latest edition of Firefly Lights, all about our beautiful downtown gallery of local art and artists.
IN THIS ISSUE
Welcome to The Firefly
Now on View: “pARTy ’til the Cows Come Home”
Call to Artists: “Abandoned Haunts & Curious Trappings”
Call to Artists: “The Art of Illustration”
Exhibition Schedule
Fireflies Light Up Everywhere
Thank You for Making Us the Best!
About the Firefly
REFRESH YOUR SOUL |
To subscribe to The Firefly Artists newsletter, please drop us a line indicating interest here.
Subscribe To The Synchronicity 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.”
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