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

Happy New Year! Thank You, Friends for these End of Year Resources!

Photo of sparkler with heart shaped core by Katheryn Laible

Photo “New Year’s Love” by Katheryn Laible

Happy New Year! We thought you might appreciate the following:
 
Let’s start with this fascinating piece on the history of New Year’s and its traditions from History.com
 
Then, let’s reflect on our own recent history. Here’s a blog post on a 7-Step Year in Review from Strength Leader Deb Ingino to help guide us! Deb is great at quickly boiling things down to key takeaways. Here, she picks a particularly timely nugget out of a great podcast from John C. Maxwell, while offering the link to his full 7 steps. I found it well worth carving out time for!
 
Many of us are still doing year-end giving! Today, my dear friend Nancy brought this New York Times newsletter: A giving guide to my attention. There’s a lot of useful stuff in here. As we might expect, it offers resources from a much more global viewpoint than we do, but also noted that LOCAL giving — including to local news sources —  is really important.
 
Along those lines…this piece written with David Okorn of the Long Island Community Foundation,“Foundations for the Common Good — A Call to Action” remains timely. If you want to quick-update it to account for the impacts of the last few years, just underline the sense of urgency in triplicate. The article explains growing holes in the LI safety net and how we might fill them. It also shares how the LI Community Foundation itself helps givers make the best use of their philanthropic dollars, as well as how it serves issues they’ve identified as critical directly.
 
Here’s a list of JUST A FEW incredible local organizations that could use our support...use it as a starter guide. We look forward to sharing many more in the New Year!
 
We’re also going to keep repeating this: The idea that a not for profit organization should be judged primarily by the % going to admin and fundraising is just plain wrong! Find out why in this article written with Marian Conway of the NY Community Bank Foundation: “Stop the Nonprofit Budget Fantasy. It’s Not Right!”  Marian’s run a foundation for years and in one way or another served and studied countless organizations. She literally has a Ph.D awarded for her dissertation on “What are the general operating expenses for nonprofits and who pays them.” She knows what she’s talking about. Please listen to her!!!
 
Finally, New Year – New Beginnings. Let’s talk a little bit about resolutions. Considering joining the Dry January tradition? Dr. Jeffery Reynolds, CEO of Family & Children’s Association has some great tips that I think can also be applied to helping follow through on other pledges, especially when paired with this good advice from Forbes.com on how to actually keep your resolutions.
 
Among mine, resolutions tend to involve committing to lifelong learning and development. Toward that end, I find the Farnam Street Newsletter to be something I regularly open and intend to dig more deeply into next year. This week, among other things, they offered snippets from their most downloaded podcasts. As for just a few favorite sources of local guidance, I really appreciate the Fair Media Council channel on YouTube, and everything Vision Long Island puts on its Vimeo.
 
I also resolve to more deeply appreciate our wonderful local treasures. Thank you, Cindy Mardenfeld, for sharing this Newsday article on the membership perks of Long Island attractions(it’s Newsday, so, please forgive the paywall). It covers all sorts of great museums, theaters, kids places and parks. The best part is knowing they’ve hardly scratched the surface!
 
Let me know your year-end reflections and resources, and what you’d like to see focused on in 2022. Thanks!!!

Firefly Lights! Local Artists Celebrate the Season of Giving!

Photo of Firefly Michele Miroff Felting away at a recent trunk show...

So many unique, perfect presents to be found at our Main St., Northport Gallery! The people themselves, though, really are the best gifts of all.

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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!

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Firefly Lights! TOMORROW! Trunk Show with The Original Firefly!!!

Flyer for 12/18 trunk show with Kate Sydney and Rachel Kalina

So many perfect gifts at our Main St., Northport Gallery! Come hang with the Original Firefly Kate Sydney and Firefly Rachel Kalina. Submit YOUR work to our upcoming show. Celebrate what happens when artists unite!!!

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Pal-O-Mine Equestrian: Celebrating a Season of Miracles in a Place They Happen Every Day

Photo of stable wall with uplifting messages posted

I was so happy to be invited along with my family to Pal-O-Mine Equestrian’s  “Winter Wonderland” on the last day of the J-STEP Holiday Market (they’ve since added a few more days…see below!) The childlike delight on my teenagers’ faces made it even better.

This is a deep, yet quiet celebration. It is not a day for the horses to strut their stuff. In fact, they seem to be on holiday themselves, enjoying the beautiful weather and occasionally approaching visitors to say “Hello.”  

PalOMine Horses at Rest
Pal-O-Mine horses at rest

It is the smaller animals — fancy chickens, sheep and ponies — that have center stage. Children of all ages pet and walk the gentle creatures as they learn about the farm and its residents.

“If you really need some TLC, though,” says an instructor named Danielle, indicating an enormous Belgian Draft Horse standing by one of the fences, “Go see Boomer. He’s the best. He’ll fix you right up.”

Photo of Boomer & Friend
Photo of Boomer and Friend by Ellen Lear

“This is the day we give back to our volunteers and funders,” she continues, “Today, they get to come and enjoy, and we get to work.”

The way she phrases this is intriguing, “Ummm….Aren’t you usually working when you’re here?”

“Yeah,” she smiles, “But our volunteers donate so much of their time, and our donors make it all possible. Usually, I’m working with clients. Today, I get to give back to our supporters, hang out with my coworkers, relax and enjoy.”

“Isn’t that right, Lovie?” She nods to the sheep whose line she has just handed off to an older girl. That girl is now guiding other children in petting him and feeling for the lanolin deep in his wool. Danielle offers Co-Worker Lovie a snack and strokes his head.

Photo of Lovie the Sheep
Lovie the Sheep photo by Katheryn Laible

I have yet to meet a staff member here who does not exude love and deep appreciation for their job.

“I met my best friend here,” says another instructor named Eve. She’s talking about Deb who is standing next to her. With them are two miniature horses whom we’ve been strolling with. They go on about funny coincidences and sweet simple fun. We marvel at the healthy 40-year old little horse named Honey and her dear friend, Darla. We breathe in the whole atmosphere and smile.

“We’re not snorting fairy dust here,” says Deb. Quite the opposite, actually. We laugh, thinking about the stuff inevitably in the air of a farm, even one as remarkably clean and well-kept as Pal-O-Mine. There is hard work being done here every day with a broad range of clients who are generally dealing with serious issues. The energy is overwhelmingly positive, though. Those involved speak of earthly miracles.

Photo of Deb and Eve with miniature horses Honey and Darla

Miracles and peace. “Among so many blessings, this place offers the beautiful gift of being present,” Deb reflects, “Whether you work here, or are served here, or are just visiting there is nothing you can do but slow down. The animals require it. The clients with the deepest connection to them need it, too.

“We’re all about the ‘Power of the Pause’ here,” she says. “It’s magical.”

Peace, positivity, and appreciation of what’s possible. “There are so many good people and great stories here…and everywhere, really,” Deb says. “I see it every day. I think more people need to be shown.

“Yeah,” she continues, “we have to face and deal with the tough things, but people need to see the good stuff that is happening, too. Then, they know what can be done.”

I know I’m sure grateful for everyone showing me.

Thank you!!!

J-STEP Holiday Shop invitation and images of crafts

Pal-O-Mine’s added more days to their 2021 J-Step Holiday Shop!

Stop in at the front office if you would like to go to the shop

December 16-18

Thursday and Friday from 10am-4pm

and

Saturday from 10am-2pm

at

The Classroom at Pal-O-Mine

829 Old Nichols Road, Islandia, NY 11749

Cash, Card and Check Accepted!

 

Face Masks Are Required While Shopping Indoors

Last chance for the J-Step Holiday Shop! 

She Who Served: Rosemarie Highlights Female Veterans

Photo of mural with Statue of Liberty against a US Flag
Thanks, Rosemarie!

I am grateful for my friend Rosemarie Kluepfel, who is endlessly endeavoring to serve those who served. She does much of this work through the foundation run by her employer, The Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation. She has also found her voice as a musician, performing with the Chuck Evans Band throughout Long Island (They’ll be at Honu Kitchen & Cocktails in Huntington on 12/30 from 6-9pm if you want to catch her there!).

Here’s a song she wrote that fits both her passion and the season, “A Soldier’s Christmas”


Raising Awareness

Rosemarie recently saw her daughter enter the service. Being the mother of US Army Lieutenant Alexa Kluepfel only adds to her care for those who sacrifice so much for our Nation. It also draws more of her attention to the experiences and issues of women in the military.

Please check out this profound video that Rosemarie helped coordinate and run with the Melville Chamber of Commerce: “Women Who Served: A Veteran’s Day Tribute!” It features three female veterans, one who served during WWII, another in Vietnam and the third in Afghanistan.


Serving Human Beings

Rosemarie also wants you to know that the Fairway Foundation is currently focused on providing financial and practical assistance to one particular veteran. This individual has experienced significant trauma and is currently homeless while struggling to balance work, school and raising a 1 1/2 year old daughter alone. To protect her privacy, they are keeping her name confidential. They also want folks to know they are endeavoring to make sure their donation is a “leg up” rather than a “hand out.”


You Can Help!

The Fairway Foundation welcomes cash donations to assist this cause. All funds raised will be earmarked specifically for this veteran and her daughter. There are NO Admin fees. Checks may be made payable to “The Fairway Foundation” and mailed to the Fairway Independent Mortgage branch c/o Rosemarie Kluepfel at 1200 Veterans Highway Suite 102, Hauppauge NY 11788.

The Foundation is a 501c(3) charitable organization. The donation may be tax deductible. While it must be understood that the veteran has no place to store things until she has a home, in-kind donations may be welcomed, especially clothes sized 2t-3t. Please contact Rosemarie on her cell at 631-662-4576 to discuss this option.

Thanks!

Call to Artists: The Snowball Effect

Logo for The Snowball Effect

CALL TO ARTISTS! Deadline to Apply is 12/20 for this January show at The Firefly Artists. The theme is winter-inspired works. The term “Snowball Effect” also speaks to the momentum of creative manifestation….so let us know about your inspiration and/or process by sharing a brief paragraph or early sketch as well!

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J-Step Holiday Shop at Pal-O-Mine Equestrian

Pal-O-Mine Logo
Flyer for JSTEP Holiday Shop
You can read all about Pal-O-Mine Equestrian in this article we wrote. Basically, it’s a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities, the abused or neglected, the impoverished and the military.
 
Its J-STEP (Job Security Through Equine Partnership) program, is a paid internship vocational program that runs 5 days per week for people with disabilities who are 18 years or older.
 
They are currently hosting a Holiday Shop of items hand crafted by these interns.
 
Where: The Classroom at Pal-O-Mine, 829 Old Nichols Road in Islandia
 
When: Thursday December 9th, 10am-2pm, Friday December 10th, 12pm-6pm, Saturday, December 11th, 9am-4pm, Sunday, December 12th, 10am-4pm
 
Please Note: Face masks are required while shopping indoors.
You can find items crafted by these folks at other locations, too, including The Firefly Artists in Northport, where we have beautiful key chains that help raise awareness and show support for folks living with a variety of different conditions.
Pal-O-Mine has also put together a Herd Wish List for those who would like to support the horses!
For More Information: Visit www.pal-o-mine.org or call 631-348-1389

Help Jayette Send Care Packages to “The Forgotten People”

Photo of Jayette Lansbury and a Rose by Katheryn Laible

Photos of Jayette Lansbury and a Rose  Katheryn Laible

The very first feature article Synchronicity published was about Jayette Lansbury: Tireless Champion for People who are Impacted by Mental Illness and for Compassionate Criminal Justice Reform. In that piece you can read about how Jayette responded to a most unfortunate circumstance by determining to mix the education she had started with a driving passion to be a part of the solution for all families.

“Is it hard to talk about these things? Sure it is,” says Jayette, “but I don’t care about stigma anymore. Things are hard enough without worrying about what people think. People have to remember that mental illness knows no cultural or socioeconomic boundaries. Any one of these people could be your child, your spouse, your friend. We’re all God’s children and we’ve got to help everyone.”
 

Right now — you can help her send love and practical care to “The Forgotten People.” She’s collecting:
 
1. Brand New Socks
 
2. Puzzle Books
 
3. Signed Cards — A simple hand-written “Happy Holidays” will do to make it personal.
 
4. Candy Canes
 
She needs them all by December 20th.
Arrange drop off by emailing lansburyhunt@aol.com or calling her at 631-988-7619.
Thanks!


You can hear the love in Jayette’s voice when she talks about the 200 pairs of socks and crisp holiday cards she annually sends to the Kirby Forensic Psychiatric Center. You can also hear the pain when she explains why it’s so important:

“There are roughly 2,000 people in forensic psychiatric facilities in NYS. They are called ‘The Forgotten People.’ So many of those people have been abandoned and really do feel forgotten. One of them happens to be my son, but I’m not going to let him be forgotten. I’m not going to let ANY of them be forgotten. This helps them know there are people outside who care.”

Also! If you will, please set aside magazines and books that might be shared with people held in that facility. She’ll be collecting those in the New Year. Thanks.