Repair Café Heading to Glen Head & Middle Island

The Repair Café is Coming to Hauppauge & Huntington

In a time where buying something new often comes before fixing what we have, The Repair Cafe is a great place to get advice, offer your expertise, and be inspired! There are no guarantees, but a promise to try. Many find the experience itself worth the effort. Folks involved are excited to announce that the next ones will be held:

Hauppauge: 
When: Saturday August 1, @ 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Where: Hauppauge Public Library, 1373 Veterans Memorial Highway Ste. 1, Hauppauge, NY 11788
More Information: Click Here
 
Huntington: 
When: Saturday August 8, @ 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Where: Huntington Public Library (Village), 338 Main Street, Huntington, NY 11743
More Information: Click Here

Want to Help?

Are you handy with machines? Electronics? Even a needle & thread?

Would you share this knowledge with the community? Help keep folks from throwing good things into landfills? Maybe just help folks save a few dollars? Come with your kids and teach them, come to teach others, or just come to learn and make new friends?

We imagine The Repair Café  would be an EXCELLENT service project for Scouts, and really anyone who wants to promote the fine art of giving things a second chance at life. Help make the world little thriftier and more self-reliant.

The best way to get in touch is through the Repair Cafe Long Island Facebook Page. You may also contact Laurie at starflexp@aol.com to learn more!!!

Get involved in The Repair Café!

Laurie Explains

You don’t have to be mechanical. Everybody can teach or help with something.

Said Laurie: “The more volunteers, the faster folks can get things repaired. People need to be able to bring their own tools. We get a lot of TVs and lamps and small electronics. We also could use people who are good with furniture, clothing/textiles (with sewing machine), more people for jewelry, anyone for watches and clocks, and other miscellaneous things (last time we had an ironing board, bicycle, a small statue that needed to be glued back together…).

We could also make space for a mental health person who would take time to listen to folks who just have a need to talk, or anyone who can do massage (sure, we can ‘fix’ people, too!).

Anyone who’d like to do some small DIY demos like how to sew on a button, darn a sock, rewire a lamp… Join us!

Learn More!

Check out The Repair Café Long Island on Facebook. Just scroll through the images there and look at these folks helping each other and learning so much together. Oh my goodness!

For years now, Laurie Farber of Starflower Experiences has made it part of her mission to help people fix things rather than just throw them out. Starting in Wyandanch, they built on the idea and carried it through covid. A natural partner, libraries which already work to provide communities with a number of educative resources, allow her to use to their space to strengthen their peoples capability. They’ve been to Huntington before, as well as a number of locations across Long Island. Anyone willing to volunteer and help the program is greatly appreciated!
 

Additional Events Will Be Held

August 15 – Bayshore Brightwaters Library 11:00 – 3:00

September 19 – Shelter Rock Library 1:00 – 4:00

November 7 – Copiague Public Library 11:30 – 3:30

February 27, 2027 – Harborfields Public Library 1:00 – 4:00

March 13, 2027 – South Huntington Public Library 1:00 – 4:00

Photos of Repair Cafe’s across Long Island. Photo Credit: Laurie Farber.

Pure, Unadulterated Joy.

Photos & Caption by Maxwell Laible

“I don’t need to tell you what the Knicks mean to New York. You can see it in the shadowy nosebleeds of MSG and the streets of today’s parade.

Jerseys next to t-shirts next to suits next to sweats next to Yankees next to Mets next to Jets next to old men next to young men next to so ons and so forths.

That in the realm of fake fans and die-hards the only people dying by basketball are still playing in their park courts. That there are no Knicks fans only New Yorkers.”

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Summer in the Streets: Vendors Wanted

The Village - Station "Summer in the Streets"

 

It’s free. It’s fun. It’s another opportunity to join in community coming together to celebrate the arts and culture all around us. Whether you are an artist of some sort, someone who appreciates that, or simply looking to connect with wonderful neighbors who like to get together and make amazing things happen, this is a wonderful event. 

There will be live music, local vendors, food, family fun and more. Come check it out, and let us know what’s going on in your neighborhood! 

Details

When: Thursdays, 5-9pm. 7/9 is in Huntington Station in the LIRR North Parking Lot. 7/16 & 7/23 are on Wall Street in Huntington
Vendors Wanted: Show one day or all three. Discounts on multiple days. Apply here. 

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Love From the Garden: Savor Summer Blooms, Tend to Autumn Ones Now

Photo of native honeysuckle by Katheryn Laible

Garden Delights

Ahhhh, June! The peonies have passed and the honeysuckle has continued to flourish. I am now enjoying the movements of the spiderwort, while eagerly watching butterfly weed slowly bloom and blackberries ripen. Next, will come the echinacea and joe pye weed, as well as native hydrangea and hibuscus, followed after by ironweed, asters, goldenrod and other autumn blooms… 

What’s blooming? Ripening blackberries, butterflyweed and spiderwort…

Time to Trim the Goldenrod and Asters!

I can’t say for sure which of my many asters have returned yet this year, but I am certainly tending to all them! From now until roughly the 4th of July is the perfect time to significantly cut back fall bloomers such as Agastache, Asters, Eupatorium/Eutrochium, Goldenrod, Helianthus, Heliopsis, Rudbeckia, Solidago, and more…

You can cut them to about 1/3 of their size. Then they’ll be bushier and less likely to be falling all over themselves come autumn!

There are more detailed, professional instructions (and a whole lot more great LI gardening guidance) on Facebook, courtesy of Dropseed Native Landscapes, which is currently offering a 15% off potted plant sale in honor of National Pollinator Week! 

Just about time to cut these babies down to size!

Pretty Poison: Flowers to Pick

Much of what volunteers in the garden these days is invasive ornamental. That tenactity, after all, is a big part of what makes them invasive! The nice part is, some of them are very pretty and very fun to pick. Do get the roots! Be mindful that some plants — like the Porcelain Berry, have wicked root systems and may require other methods to make sure you’re removing and not just multiplying.

They may be pretty, but they’re also problems….Borage, Deptford pink dianthus, lady’s thumb and moth mullein…not all are officially labelled as “invasive,” but I can tell you I have trouble getting rid of these and others. Grateful to those who help me sort it all out.

Building Community

Whether trying to figure out what must go, or what I should plant, I am super grateful to folks at the Northport Native Garden Initiative,  Long Island Native Plant Gardening Group, and Re-Wild Long Island which are FANTASTIC resources filled with great people. Find them and much, much more in our Native Garden and Ecolandscaping Resources.

Knows other great resources? Let me know and we’ll add them to the list!

Firefly Lights: June 17, 2026

Click here for the latest edition of Firefly Lights, all about our beautiful downtown gallery of local art and artists. In this edition, please find:

IN THIS ISSUE

Gifts for Grads. Gifts for Dads 
Call to Artists: 5th Annual “Works on Paper”
Coming Tonight: “Midsummer Magic”
Call to Artists: “pARTy ’til the Cows Come Home”
Call to Artists: “Abandoned Haunts & Curious Trappings”
Exhibition Schedule
Fireflies Light Up Everywhere
Thank You for Making Us the Best!
About the Firefly

EXPLORE. WANDER. DISCOVER.
Gifts for Dads. Gifts for Grads. 

With hot days and longer evenings, summer is upon us.d Northport village is livening up during this beautiful time of year!

Whether you’re looking for a meaningful gift for a favorite grad, or a Dear Old Dad, there’s always a Firefly creation waiting to catch your eye. Located at 90 Main Street 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. For you early birds, we’re also open by 9am on the weekends.

Every purchase helps keep 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 alive!

Above: Works by Fireflies Audra Donroe, Cori Forster, Cathy Hammerquist, Marilyn Barker

To subscribe to The Firefly Artists newsletter, please drop us a line indicating interest here.

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Firefly Lights: June 9, 2026

Photo of the exterior of The Firefly Artists

Click here for the latest edition of Firefly Lights, all about our beautiful downtown gallery of local art and artists. In this edition, please find:

IN THIS ISSUE

The Perfect Place to Find that Perfect Thing 
Call to Artists: 5th Annual “Works on Paper”
Now on View: “Abstracts & Still Lifes” by Robert Bellassai
Call to Artists: “pARTy ’til the Cows Come Home”
Call to Artists: “Abandoned Haunts & Curious Trappings”
Reception Thursday at Moksha Cafe: “Summertime!” by Steve Caputo
Exhibition Schedule
Thank You for Making Us the Best!
About the Firefly

COME. BREATHE. SAVOR
Find That Perfect Thing

The weather’s perfect, our sunsets divine. Come to Northport and just…breathe…

We have gifts for a favorite grad, Dear Old Dad, sweet little treasures and very special things. Located at 90 Main Street 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. For you early birds, we’re also open by 9am on the weekends.

Every purchase helps keep 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 alive!

Above: Works by Fireflies Emily Eisen, Steve Walker Diana Anton and Silvia Maria Rey

To subscribe to The Firefly Artists newsletter, please drop us a line indicating interest here.

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Get Support for Going Green: LI Garden Rewards Program

Photo of Echinacea Flowers

As part of a broader initiative to address nitrogen pollution, The Long Island Regional Planning Council (LIRPC) wants homeowners to know about the LI Garden Rewards Program. Through this program, residents may be reimbursed up to $500 for installing green infrastructure on their properties such as rain barrels, rain gardens, or native plantings.

The program began receiving applications on May 15th. Receipts must show purchases made after 3/15/26. Funds are limited and granted on a first come first serve basis. Don’t miss out!

Folks living in the Peconic Estuary watershed can also be rewarded for removing turf or pavement, and adding rain barrels, rain gardens and native plant gardens. Residents of the Town Hempstead can also participate in a Native Plant rebate program.

Find information on all of it here.

Photo of Black Eyed Susans

About the Long Island Regional Planning Council

The LIRPC is one of the only organizations tasked with considering the long-term economic, environmental, and social well-being of Long Island as a whole. It conducts research, surveys and studies. It also serves as a forum for discourse and debate, touching on topics such as the economy, equity, tax and governance, the environment and infrastructure.

You can learn about various initiatives and insights on the LIRPC website. It’s a great resource.

Photo of Northport Harbor by Katheryn Laible

Photo of Northport Harbor by Katheryn Laible

Why Nitrogen

One major focus of the LIRPC is nitrogen pollution.

Nitrogen is the leading cause of water quality deterioration on Long Island. It comes primarily from a variety of wastewater sources, and stimulates algal growth. This leads to low oxygen conditions, fish kills, and degraded marine habitats.

It also contaminates the groundwater that is Long Island’s sole source of drinking water.

You can learn more about that and the LI Nitrogen Action Plan (LINAP) here. We also have a great, growing resource of sustainable landscaping resources here (tell us more!).

While solutions are multi-faceted, this is a place where individual effort can make significant impact. Go for it!!

Bee on Aster by Katheryn Laible

Photo of Bee on Aster by Katheryn Laible.

Updated: Honoring the 250th Annivesary of the Declaration of Independence

Above, the logo for a Huntington Historical Society Project: “What Liberty Means to Me,” which collected reflections from all willing to offer them earlier this year. 

250 Years Ago, A Bold and Righteous Proclomation Was Made.

This July, we celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, a mighty document inscribing self-evident truths; truths clear to the enlightened men of the time, and truths standing as guiding principles to those living in these United States since. 

In recognizing this arc of freedom, we celebrate the enlightenment ideas coming from not only those of the 18th century (who studied hard the thoughts of those who came before), but also the 19th, 20th and 21st.  We think about the creation of our Constitution, and the robust intellects and passionate hearts whose words and deeds have shaped our enchanting, individualist nation. We pray that folks take interest in the noble ideals in which this county is grounded, and give their best to uphold and strengthen them.

We remember Abraham Lincoln and Dwight D. Eisenhower, and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; these and others who led us to realize the natural rights of millions, who led this body of United States to grow closer to its stated founding principals, and who made the idea of “America” an inspiration worldwide.

As we reflect on this poignant moment and the journey here, and depth of the statement that “Freedom is Not Free,” we encourage you to check out various ways our neighbors are honoring the occasion. If you have your own related events to promote, many of these are good places to do that, too!

Events are Happening Everywhere

There’s a lot more going on! For starters, if you like the art aspect, this Historical Society is also hosting “Revolutionary Incidents in Huntington: Occupation & Resistance” in the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial. John Daniello has put together a seven-month series that has been unfolding at the Huntington Public Library. It will be on view through July.   the Nassau County Museum of Art and the Long Island Museum each have fascinating exhibitions. There’s more….for artists, historians, folks who care about civics and what it all means today. Lot’s more. Check it out: 

Huntington Historical Society: Revolutionary Incidents in Huntington: Occupation & Resistance

One upcoming event will occur at the intersection of the town you know well, and the history you read of in books: Huntington During the Revolution: A Retrospective, hosted by The Huntington Historical Society and the Cefalu Restaurant.
 
When: Thursday, June 18 from 12-2:30 pm
Where: Cefalu Ritorante & Pizzaria, 138 E. Main Street, Huntington
To Register: Visit The Huntington Historical Society website
 

There will be food, conversation, and human connection. Looks like an interesting lunch and an opportunity to put the streets you walk into historical context.

More at the HHS

The Huntington Historical Society offers a wealth of other 250-related events as well, including a year-long Art Exhibition: “Occupation & Resistance,” a public arts initiative, a way to win prizes by visiting historic sites across Long Island called the “History Hunt Challenge,” a guided virtual video tour of the village entitled, “Huntington’s Revolutionary War Trail,” and a virtual tour of “Huntington’s Revolutionary War Trail” hosted by town historian Robert Hughes.

Keep on eye on their website for more! 

The Vanderbilt's "Hall of Fishes" is actually that beautiful wall that runs alone Little Neck Road...inside is AMAZING....

"Wish Fish" and Other Events at the Vanderbilt

The Vanderbilt Museum in Centerport also has a lot going on! Already they’ve considered colonial astrology, and the Suffragists. In October, there will be a lecture by author Brian O’Connor about prominent local revolutionary John Sloss Hobard, an “Eaton’s Neck lawyer and historical figure who played a significant role in New York’s support of the Declaration of Independence.” Soon, there will also be a guided tour of the estate focused on over 100 years of Vanderbilt’s service to country. 

Up next, is an event that sparked our own imaginations: “Wish Fish: Honoring 250 Years of Long Island’s Past and Future.” It’s “a community art and reflection project that celebrates our community art, history, and dreams for the future.” You will get to explore the Hall of Fishes with a Museum Educator. Then, you will get to create a painted fish inscribed with your own wish for the future. Dream big!

When: July 1, 10 & 31 from 12-2pm
Where: Vanderbilt Museum Hall of Fishes & Education Center
For More Information: Visit the Vanderbilt Museum Website

The Town of Huntington's Liberty 250 Page

The Town put together a planning committee of local heritage organizations and museums to plan and coordinate exhibits and programs commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. As part of this, they have crafted a web page that offers an app on Bloomberg Connects that provides educational videos, an interactive map of local Revoluntionary War sites, and a calendar of events from organizations such as the Walt Whitman Birthplace, Lefferts Tide Mill & Preserve, Heckscher Museum, and Huntington Historical Society. We’d love to hear what other Towns are doing!

Suffolk250.org

Exploring a little further afield, Suffolk County has worked with a an impressive array of local museums, cultural organizations, and historical societies to assemble Suffolk250.org, a website that invites you to explore and celebrate our region’s pivotal role in the American Revolution. There, you can find an interactive map of events throughout the county, get a passport book to log your own exploration, view a documentary series, and even sign up to plant a legacy tree.

Nassau County

Nassau County Tourism has put together Nassau County 250: It’s Revolutionary. According to the website, “a curated series of America 250 blogs and features, Nassau County Tourism highlights Revolutionary War landmarks, historic estates, presidential connections, and waterfront villages across the county. Each story is designed to inspire real-world exploration, encouraging you to visit the sites where history happened.” The website also lists events and programs occurring throughout the year. 

Discover Long Island

Last but not least, Discover Long Island, the full region’s one and only destination marketing organization, has it’s own page, LongIsland250. This, it promotes as “the official guide for commemorating & celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution on Long Island.” Designed to “showcase Long Island’s integral role in the Revolutionary War effort and profound ties to then Gen. George Washington, this site will serve as the ultimate guide for experiencing Long Island’s fascinating wartime history filled with spies and intrigue.”

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Repair Café Heading to Glen Head & Middle Island

The Repair Café is Coming to Middle Island & Glen Head

In a time where buying something new often comes before fixing what we have, The Repair Cafe is a great place to get advice, offer your expertise, and be inspired! There are no guarantees, but a promise to try. Many find the experience itself worth the effort. Folks involved are excited to announce that the next one will be held:

Glen Head: 
When: Saturday June 13 @ 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Where: Gold Coast Library, 146 Glen Head Rd, Glen Head, NY 11545
More Information: Click Here

Middle Island 
When: Saturday June 20 @ 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Where: Longwood Public Library, 800 Middle Country Rd, Middle Island, NY 11953
More Information: Click Here

Want to Help?

Are you handy with machines? Electronics? Even a needle & thread?

Would you share this knowledge with the community? Help keep folks from throwing good things into landfills? Maybe just help folks save a few dollars? Come with your kids and teach them, come to teach others, or just come to learn and make new friends?

We imagine The Repair Café  would be an EXCELLENT service project for Scouts, and really anyone who wants to promote the fine art of giving things a second chance at life. Help make the world little thriftier and more self-reliant.

The best way to get in touch is through the Repair Cafe Long Island Facebook Page. You may also contact Laurie at starflexp@aol.com to learn more!!!

Get involved in The Repair Café!

Laurie Explains

You don’t have to be mechanical. Everybody can teach or help with something.

Said Laurie: “The more volunteers, the faster folks can get things repaired. People need to be able to bring their own tools. We get a lot of TVs and lamps and small electronics. We also could use people who are good with furniture, clothing/textiles (with sewing machine), more people for jewelry, anyone for watches and clocks, and other miscellaneous things (last time we had an ironing board, bicycle, a small statue that needed to be glued back together…).

We could also make space for a mental health person who would take time to listen to folks who just have a need to talk, or anyone who can do massage (sure, we can ‘fix’ people, too!).

Anyone who’d like to do some small DIY demos like how to sew on a button, darn a sock, rewire a lamp… Join us!

Learn More!

Check out The Repair Café Long Island on Facebook. Just scroll through the images there and look at these folks helping each other and learning so much together. Oh my goodness!

For years now, Laurie Farber of Starflower Experiences has made it part of her mission to help people fix things rather than just throw them out. Starting in Wyandanch, they built on the idea and carried it through covid. A natural partner, libraries which already work to provide communities with a number of educative resources, allow her to use to their space to strengthen their peoples capability. They’ve been to Huntington before, as well as a number of locations across Long Island. Anyone willing to volunteer and help the program is greatly appreciated!
 

Additional Events Will Be Held

August 1 – Hauppauge Public Library 11:30 – 3:30
August 8 – Huntington Public Library (Main) 10:00 – 2:00
August 15 – Bayshore Brightwaters Library 11:00 – 3:00

September 19 – Shelter Rock Library 1:00 – 4:00

November 7 – Copiague Public Library 11:30 – 3:30
February 27, 2027 – Harborfields Public Library 1:00 – 4:00
March 13, 2027 – South Huntington Public Library 1:00 – 4:00

Photos of Repair Cafe’s across Long Island. Photo Credit: Laurie Farber.

Green Thumb Organic Farm Delivers to Huntington. Sign Up Now!

“Cultivators of the earth are the most valuable citizens. They are the most vigorous, the most independent, the most virtuous, and they are tied to their country and wedded to its liberty and interests by the most lasting bonds.” (Thomas Jefferson, 1785)

It's Time: Locally Grown, Organic Produce

One of the best things our family ever did to teach us to love a variety of healthy foods, support our local economy and natural environment, and to help keep us all free of pesticides, has been to participate in Community Supported Agriculture. 

Green Thumb CSA, based in Water Mill, is starting up delivery again to Huntington. New members are still welcome! This Long Island organic family farm dates back to the 17th century and now encompasses over 130 acres. They grow vegetables, flowers, fruits and herbs, starting in December. Now that it’s June, they are ready to start sending their delicious goods to table! 

The 28 week program stretches from the first Thursday of June until the second Thursday of December. Members of the Cinema Arts Centre get a discount. It’s best to order ASAP, but they have in the past taken on new shareholders throughout the season! 

As their brochure says “Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) brings together community members (shareholders), farmers & agricultural land in a relationship of mutual support based on an annual commitment to one another, a commitment that insures the survival of local agriculture today & for future generations. Basically, you purchase a share in the harvest, receive the highest quality food at the lowest possible price & support local farms.”

It’s an ample supply of high quality produce at a reasonable price. Sometimes, folks split shares. Hard core vegetarians may purchase more than one. The selection of produce changes from week to week. Pickups occur every Thursday from 2:30pm – 7:30pm. When you show up to claim your portion, a chart on the wall will communicate that week’s items. Folks bring their own bags to help keep down both prices and waste. All unclaimed food will be donated to local food pantries. As your investment supports the farm, no refunds are given to those who miss the pickup.

Sign Up Today!

The brochure for the Huntington program is below. They will be at the Cinema Arts Centre Sunday, 5/31 from 3:30-7:30 signing folks up. This is a great way to check out a local treasure, sign up for fresh veggies and ask any questions you might have! 
 
To Register and Get More Information about a Huntington pickup: Email gtCSAhuntington@gmail.com or call 631-421-4864
 
For Information about the Farm and Pickups Further East: Check out www.greenthumborganicfarm.com
 

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