It was a day to celebrate love as Huntington Town Clerk Andrew P. Raia carried on the now 30 -year tradition of officiating over the Valentine’s Day Wedding Marathon at Huntington Town Hall on Feb. 14.
First initiated in 1995 by then Town Clerk Jo-Ann Raia, the Annual Huntington Town Valentine’s Day Marriage Marathon has always been well received by all the participating couples and guests. Town Clerk Andrew Raia was honored to continue this special event initiated by his predecessor and mother, Jo- Ann Raia.
“Huntington’s Valentine’s Day Marriages has not only been a family tradition for my mother, Jo-Ann Raia and I, but it has become a family tradition for many of the brides and grooms,” said Town Clerk Raia.
“For many of them are following in the footsteps of their parents, who also took their marriage vows on Valentine’s Day at Huntington Town Hall. I am thrilled to be continuing the tradition established by my mother. This event has always been received enthusiastically by the couples that have participated and everyone here at Town Hall. It is truly a special day,” he added.
At this year’s Valentine’s Day Marathon, Raia officiated 11 marriages in the Huntington Town Board Room, which was beautifully transformed into a wedding chapel filled with a wedding arch, flowers and candles, a setting fit for the most discerning bride and groom.
“This event would not be what it is without the support of so many local merchants,” said Raia. “They have always been very generous and supportive of this event.”
The following merchants — consisting of bakeries, restaurants, florists, supermarkets/food stores, and pharmacies — donated special gifts and sweet treats for this year’s celebration.
Stop and Shop – Huntington
Buttercooky Bakery – Huntington
Cactus Salon Spa – Huntington
Copenhagen Bakery – Northport
Fiorello Dolce Patisserie – Huntington
Flowerdale by Patty – Huntington Station
Hengstenberg Florist – Northport
Bon Bons – Huntington
The Market Place at Southdown – Huntington
Good2Go – Huntington
La Piazza Cucina Italiana & Wine Bar – Melville
Hometown Bake Shop – Centerport
Sweetie Pies – Cold Spring Harbor
Hummel Hummel Bakery – East Northport
Main Street Nursery – Huntington
Rite Aid – Huntington
Stella Blue Bistro – Huntington
Bagel Biz Platter – Melville
Laura’s Floral Elegance – East Northport
A Tisket – A Tasket – Huntington
Dortoni’s – Huntington
Value Drugs – Huntington
Wild by Nature – Huntington
And, for the first time, the Town offered complimentary photography services to the event. Local photographer, Michelle Bogdanowich, donated her services and photographed each wedding ceremony. The bride and groom will receive a complimentary portrait of their special day on behalf of the town of Huntington and Bogdanowich’s company, Ciao Bella Photography, located in Greenlawn and can be contacted at cbellaphoto.com.
According to the investigation, beginning in early January 2025, Suffolk County Police Department detectives detailed to the District Attorney’s Biological, Environmental, and Animal Safety Team (BEAST) began visiting Double D Bar Ranch almost daily after receiving numerous complaints about the welfare of animals on the property. These complaints were exacerbated by the frigid, sub-zero temperatures that were consistently occurring at the time. Once on the property, detectives allegedly observed hundreds of animals with improper shelter and no access to liquid water. Among the animals on the property were a dog, cats, horses, cows, goats, sheep, an alpaca, pigs, chickens, turkeys, mules, peacocks, and assorted waterfowl. Some animals were allegedly found deceased. Several animals allegedly had untreated medical conditions including dental disease, tumors, matting, untreated wounds, lameness, respiratory infections, arthritis, emaciation, swollen body parts, and overgrown hooves, claws, and nails.
To participate in the contest, students are invited to submit an essay in person at their local Applebee’s, detailing why their teacher should be named Applebee’s “Teacher of the Year.” Elementary school students are asked to write a ½ page essay, while middle and high school students must submit a 500-word essay explaining why their teacher stands out.
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