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Times of Huntington-Northport

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File photo by Raymond Janis

First Amendment rights cannot be stopped

Legislator Steve Englebright (D-Setauket) believes that constituents can be controlled and silenced by offering candy as if they were 5 year olds. It’s insulting and degrading that grown adults who speak out against injustices and understand how to use their First Amendment rights to free speech are being silenced. 

No, Steve, a Life Saver isn’t going to make me stop speaking out against the draconian rules that [Suffolk] County passes that harm the public’s general welfare by turning the county police department against the Latino population. The presiding officer infringed and trampled on my First Amendment rights because he didn’t like what I said. 

Let’s face it, the appearance of senior women speaking at public meetings exercising a constitutional protection of free speech surrounded by fully armed sheriff’s officers is bad public relations for the legislative body in a democracy. 

Lisa Sevimli, Patchogue 

We do not need another freight station

I wholeheartedly agree with Frank Konop [Smithtown freight yard is a threat to our community,  [TBR News Media, Jan. 23] that the proposed Townline Rail Terminal will do more harm than good to residents of Smithtown township.  However, his attempt to link it to the wildfires in southern California is way off base.

This has nothing to do with “social justice policies.”  Regarding the California fires, it’s false that they were related in any way to redirecting reservoir water to save fish.  State reservoirs storing water for southern California are at or near record highs.

The elephant in the room is global warming.  Although it’s impossible to narrowly tie it directly to a particular disaster, it’s foolish to deny its role in the increasing prevalence of wildfires, droughts, floods and freak weather.  In March 2024 the Smokehouse Creek fire burned over one million acres in the Texas Panhandle, compared with more than 40,000 acres burned in California thru January 2025.  In October 2024 in Valencia, Spain, 232 people were killed by a year’s worth of rain falling in a few hours.  Right here in Smithtown we were hit by a “rain bomb” last August that destroyed Stony Brook Pond and Stump Pond and flooded town hall.  The Main Branch of Smithtown Library is still closed.

Getting back to the TRT, there are lots of questions.  This facility will be used not only to ship incinerator ash as well as construction and demolition debris off Long Island, but also to transport construction materials, vehicles and other undefined goods and commodities onto Long Island.  What limitations are there?  Will propane, heating oil or hazardous materials be among these commodities?  We don’t know.  What need is there for two transfer buildings, track to accommodate 161 freight cars and a fleet of 50 trucks if this facility will run only one 27-car train in and out per day as its sponsor claims?  Will the tracks become a magnet for illegal dumping, attracting rats and mosquitos?  TRT will undoubtedly have impacts beyond wrecking the Kings Park residential community it’s adjacent to, including the pollution emitted by the 1970s era diesel locomotives pulling all those freight cars. 

The culprit behind this misbegotten proposal is not “social justice policies” or the “Green New Deal,” but our own Smithtown Town Board, which unanimously railroaded it through (pun intended) every step of the way.  It’s now proposing to change town zoning code to add a new use called “rail freight terminal” to districts zoned Light Industrial, of which there are many, including Flowerfield, around town.  Flowerfield was once a Long Island Rail Road station with its own siding track. Could this rezoning affect the disposition of Flowerfield?  The Smithtown Town Board is supposed to protect the interests of Smithtown residents.  But apparently, they’re so sure of being reelected due to their party affiliation that they presume it’s safe to ignore overwhelming opposition to TRT from the community.  And who’s to say they’re wrong?

David Friedman, St. James

Presidency of Dr. Shirley Strum Kenny and Dr. Jack Marburger

As the former president of the Three Village/Stony Brook Soccer Club from 1990 to 2002 and 2010 to 2017, I read with great interest your article on the presidency of Dr. Shirley Strum Kenny and her impact upon the Three Village community. While Dr. Kenny’s support for the local community and especially our local soccer club was second to none, I do not want the article to give the impression, as I think it does, that her predecessor, Dr. Jack Marburger, was not interested in the local community and was only interested in the science aspect of the university. Nothing could be further from the truth, especially as it related to the development of the soccer complex next to the P lot at [Stony Brook] University.

Prior to our request to be able to develop the unused land for a variety of soccer fields, our local soccer club played all of their games at our local schools, forcing our children and families to go from one site to another, or be forced to miss their games. Upon our request to Dr. Marburger to be able to develop the fields, he played a major role in giving us permission to develop the property and ensuring our success even in the face of considerable opposition from the local neighbors and others. Knowing that such a complex would be of great benefit to the larger community, Dr. Marburger made sure that we received a permit from his office and in fact only charged the soccer club $1 a year for the use of the property. I think it is fair to say that without his support and understanding of what such a use would mean to the thousands of children and families in our community there would have been no soccer fields for our community to use on the university campus.

Upon her acceptance of her position, Dr. Kenny continued her support for the decision of Dr. Marburger with regard to the soccer fields, allowing the permit to continue for $1 a year and allowing the soccer club to build a multi-use building which contained both “real bathrooms” for our families as well as a concession stand. In addition she allowed for the soccer club to hold various outdoor and indoor tournaments on the campus, at no charge, including the major tournament on Long Island at that time, the Long Island Junior Soccer League championships. She was a frequent visitor to the fields on Sundays when over two thousand of our children played during the day. She made sure her staff was always supportive of our efforts to improve the complex and supported our efforts to gain a state grant which we did with the support of former State Senator Jim Lack and former State Assemblyman Steve Englebright.

Both Dr. Marburger and Dr. Kenny understood that Stony Brook University is more than just buildings and research. It is a community asset of the Three Villages and as such must be engaged with the local community in more ways that just selling tickets to various events. Unfortunately, neither of their two successors understood how a state university and a larger community must be engaged with each other, to the point where the soccer complex was taken over by the recreation department and charged the local soccer club over $100,000 each year for the ability of our local children to play soccer on land which had been developed by the local soccer club. Unfortunately they looked at the soccer fields solely as a money maker and not as a community benefit, to the point where they now charge for almost everything, significantly reduced the amount of time allotted for games and practices and have closed the building which was built for the benefit of our families.

While one may think that this is all history, it is not, especially as Stony Brook University engages once again in the selection of a new president. The selection committee and the SUNY Board of Trustees must understand that Stony Brook University must be part of the community, as promoted by both Dr. Kenny and Dr. Marburger, and not merely located in our community as made clear by their successors who gratefully have gone on to other places far from here. One would hope that the new president will understand and promote a concept of togetherness and mutual commitment to each other and not just what is good for the university. We hope that the history of what Dr. Kenny and Dr. Marburger accomplished will be the type of history which the new president will provide and not the type of history which their successors failed to provide. Our community is a better place to live when the university understands that it is part of the community and not just located here.

Mitchell H. Pally, Former President

Three Village Soccer Club

1992-2002; 2010-2017

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Heckscher Museum celebrated Lunar New Year on Jan. 19. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
Heckscher Museum celebrated Lunar New Year on Jan. 19. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
Heckscher Museum celebrated Lunar New Year on Jan. 19. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
Wendi Weng performs a typical Lion Dance. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
Wendi Weng performs a typical Lion Dance. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
Heckscher Museum celebrated Lunar New Year on Jan. 19. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
Heckscher Museum celebrated Lunar New Year on Jan. 19. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
Heckscher Museum celebrated Lunar New Year on Jan. 19. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
Heckscher Museum celebrated Lunar New Year on Jan. 19. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
Young visitors participating in the Dragon parade. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
Heckscher Museum celebrated Lunar New Year on Jan. 19. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
Heckscher Museum celebrated Lunar New Year on Jan. 19. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
Heckscher Museum celebrated Lunar New Year on Jan. 19. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
Heckscher Museum celebrated Lunar New Year on Jan. 19. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
Heckscher Museum celebrated Lunar New Year on Jan. 19. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
Heckscher Museum celebrated Lunar New Year on Jan. 19. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli

By Jennifer Donatelli  

Lunar New Year, one of the most significant and widely celebrated holidays in many East and Southeast Asian cultures, marks the beginning of the lunar calendar and the arrival of spring. With vibrant festivals, family gatherings and time-honored traditions, it is a joyous occasion that spans several days of celebration. The holiday is celebrated on the day of the first new moon of the year, which fell on Jan. 29.

In honor of Lunar New Year, the Heckscher Museum of Art in Huntington invited families to ring in the Year of the Snake with a lively and educational celebration that explored the rich cultural traditions of Asia. The free event, which took place Jan. 18, was held in collaboration with the United Asian American Alliance and Town of Huntington Asian-American Task Force and offered attendees the opportunity to engage in a variety of fun, hands-on activities while learning about the customs and art associated with Lunar New Year. 

“We’re excited to provide a platform for families to experience the Lunar New Year through the lens of art and culture,” said Joy Weiner, director of education and public programs for the museum. 

The museum was transformed into a hub of cultural exploration, featuring crafts, storytelling, music and interactive performances that highlighted the diversity of Asian traditions. Partnering with local cultural groups, the museum presented live shows, including traditional Chinese lion dances, Korean drumming, Japanese folk music and martial arts. The performances brought the energy and excitement of Lunar New Year celebrations to life and offered a unique opportunity for visitors to learn more about the various customs and traditions observed during this time. 

Patricia Shih, who performed the lion dance, explained, “These performances not only entertain the visitors, but also teach the younger generation about the rich history and significance of these art forms, sparking a sense of connection to their heritage.” 

Young visitors were given a passport book and “traveled” to each country, including China, Korea, Vietnam and the Philippines, to participate in a variety of activities that taught them about each country’s culture and art. Visitors created a string spinner and pinwheel inspired by Korean mandalas, made their own Chinese lantern and learned jewelry making using a Feng Shui coin. Hansen Lee from the Town of Huntington Asian-American Task Force held demonstrations on how to fold your own origami. 

Huntington Councilwoman Brooke Lupinacci showed her support for the Asian American community by participating in the event. Lupinacci works with the Asian-American Task Force in the Town of Huntington to formulate and implement plans that strengthen Asian American participation in town affairs, addressing issues regarding the Asian American community and promoting greater cultural understanding. She said, “I’ve been in the public sector my entire career and I always love coming to events like this because it brings the entire Long Island community together to learn and appreciate different cultures and ways of life.” 

Shih, who owns a mobile Chinese museum that travels to classrooms on Long Island, brought her own collection of authentic artifacts that showcased the history, art and culture of Chinese traditions. She said, “This event is not only a celebration but also an educational opportunity for the community to learn about the traditions that shape various Asian cultures and how art is integral to those celebrations.” 

Guest artist Joan Kim Suzuki used her artwork to express her respect for Asian cultures. Her paintings, she says, are inspired by her upbringing in Seoul, the stories her grandmother told her and the pride of being Asian American instilled in her by her parents. Suzuki says she wants people to look at her artwork and be happy. 

Jane Kang, a member of the Asian-American Task Force, gave lessons in Chinese paper cutting, which originated in the sixth century when paper was invented. She explained that people would use paper to decorate their homes to celebrate Chinese New Year or for special occasions. The red paper would welcome good fortune and health. Kang says paper cutting “is an art form that doesn’t get enough exposure and it’s a beautiful method of expression.” 

In addition to the activities, families also had the chance to explore the museum’s current exhibits, many of which reflect Asian influences in art. Visitors were able to view works from renowned artists that connect to the theme of  Lunar New Year, offering a deeper appreciation for the artistic traditions of the continent. 

Weiner explained, “Events bring together the local community and showcase the diversity of culture that we have in our community.” She added, “Art is a way to communicate, even when you don’t understand the language.” 

For more information about upcoming programs and exhibits at Heckscher Museum of Art, visit www.heckscher.org.

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METRO photo

By Daniel Dunaief

Daniel Dunaief

A few years ago, a friend of mine called the night before a major operation.

I could tell he was nervous. His usual, unflappable voice was weaker and unsteady, as if he weren’t sure how things would go and was reaching out for encouragement.

“There’s pretty much nothing you can do at this point,” I said. “You really don’t need to be sharp or focused or even attentive tomorrow. You better hope the doctor is getting plenty of rest and is at his best.”

“That’s true,” he laughed. “Maybe I should send over a good dinner or encourage him to go to bed early tonight.”

Doctors, like so many other people in other professions, deal with activities and routines that are unimaginable for the rest of us.

As a child, I watched my father slowly and carefully remove glass from the eyes of a construction worker who had been in an accident. I also sat in horror as he ate a steak just hours after being in surgery for most of the day to reconstruct the eye of a local patient who had suffered extensive trauma.

The medical world’s ability to get past the “ick” factor is pretty incredible. These professionals, on whom we rely for our overall health and for the health of our specific organs and systems, improve and extend our lives, offering the best of modern medicine to counteract the effect of bad habits, hidden genetic problems that can complicate and threaten our lives, and pathogens that cause damage and destruction.

Recently, I visited a urologist. If you’ve been reading this column long enough, you might recall that I’ve had kidney stones. These are exceptionally unpleasant, causing pain and vomiting, among other discomforts.

Long ago, I shuffled into an emergency room, bent over double from the pain. After I told the admitting nurse what was wrong, she didn’t even bother with paperwork or with taking my blood pressure. She immediately took me to a room, where another nurse almost instantly provided a painkiller. I am still grateful to them years later.

So, you see, I feel the need to monitor the health of this system to reduce the risk of future such episodes.

This year, I was meeting with a new urologist. I tried not to think about the parts that are unpleasant but that are much less problematic than a kidney stone.

He knocked politely on the door, as if he might have been delivering a dish of salmon with steamed vegetables and couscous.

Who is it? I was tempted to ask in a falsetto voice. What difference did it make? Anyone who knocked was coming in regardless of what I said.

He washed his hands – thankfully – sat down and asked me to tell him about myself.

“My health history?” I wondered.

“No, I mean, are you married, do you have kids, what do you do for a living?”

Well, I write about weird meetings like this. But enough about me, how do you do what you do? I wondered. No, I didn’t say that. I smiled and offered the 20 second tour of my life. 

We even chatted about the Yankees losing Juan Soto to the Mets. Would they be better or worse this year?

After he asked me about my health history, he told me to lower my pants and underwear and put my elbows on the examining table.

“You’re going to feel some pressure as I examine your prostate,” he said.

I thought of my dog, whose head is often in my lap or near my face when they probe parts of his body he’d just as soon no human ever touched. He makes a face I imagine was similar to mine at that moment. Shocked expressions transcend species.

Afterwards, the urologist smiled at me, gave me a quick assessment and told me he wished me and the Yankees well this year.

Later, I tried to imagine sitting at a meal with him, chatting in an airport waiting room, or standing outside the backstop of a softball field as we waited for the chance to hit.

I couldn’t do it. Routine as his work might be for him and necessary as it might be for me, I struggle to disconnect from an exam that is a routine part of his work.

But, hey, I’m not anticipating that either of us will call the other on our birthdays this year. I’m glad he’s there, doing his thing and hope not to need additional services.

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METRO photo

By Leah S. Dunaief

Leah Dunaief,
Publisher

The articles I’ve read recently call it “financial infidelity” and blame it on some percentage of all couples, but especially on Generation Z. “It” refers to hiding money from each other, or if not exactly hiding, then not sharing either the money itself or its existence. And since money seems to be the primary issue couples argue about over the long term, the question of how much to share is highly relevant to any relationship.

A survey by consumer financial services firm Bankrate indicated that 67 percent of 18 to 28- year-olds hide money information from each other in committed relationships. That drops to 54 percent of millennials, 33 percent of Gen Xers and 30 percent of baby boomers, according to Newsweek. For some reason, older than baby boomers aren’t in the survey. I can try to offer that perspective since I am in the older group.

“Hidden debts, undisclosed spending, or secret accounts can, as well as undermining a partner’s trust, disrupt shared financial plans, such as saving for a home, retirement or children’s education, causing long-term financial strain,” according to the article.

Some 40 percent of couples in the United States have kept secrets from each other about money, according to the study involving 2217 adults. These secrets may include spending more than a partner would approve of (33 percent), keeping hidden debt (23 percent), having a secret credit card (12 percent), a secret savings account (15 percent), or a secret checking account (13 percent).

Yet these figures exist despite 45 percent of those surveyed disapproving of what is termed financial infidelity and even equating it with actual unfaithfulness. If a secret financial situation is discovered, it tends to disrupt the trust that relationships are built upon and perhaps cause speculation over what else might be hidden 

One senior industry analyst, Ted Rossman, maintains, “Money secrets can undermine a relationship. It’s hard enough to meet your financial goals when you are pulling in the same direction. It’s almost impossible when you’re pulling in opposite directions.” 

Rossman goes on to say that being open about your finances doesn’t mean you need to combine all your money. A yours-mine-ours is a possible arrangement for those who feel more comfortable that way.

Despite the importance of money in a marriage or committed relationship, half a century ago, when I was married, money was the last thing on our minds. We were entirely caught up in the romance and didn’t consider the business aspect of lifetime coupling. So when the time came to buy a house, my husband and I counted our pennies and came up a little short for the down payment on the mortgage.

“I’ll take a loan from the bank, using my stocks as collateral,” I said.

“Stocks?” he responded with surprise.

“Yes, I think I have just enough to bridge the difference between our savings and what we need,” I said. “I have been buying a couple of shares of stocks each year with my allowance since I was a child,” I explained. 

It had never occurred to me to tell my husband. Needless to say, he was delighted to discover this mysterious side of me. Marriage arrangements were traditional at that time. The husband was the breadwinner, the wife the homemaker. The husband’s paychecks went into a joint bank account and  both drew from that account for expenses. 

Husbands may have laughed at the saying, “What’s mine is hers and what’s hers is hers,” but they subscribed to it. What we brought to the marriage financially was of little concern since we were young and generally without any serious assets, and we didn’t think of pooling those. We wives were advised then, in women’s magazines for example, to keep a little stash on the side for personal expenditures that needn’t be discussed.

Many couples are older now when they marry, and both work, thus the landscape is different. So I don’t know what to advise. Maybe that’s why we elders weren’t polled.

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The stained-glass window after the Hendricks restored the framing. Photo courtesy Nancy and Robert Hendrick
Restoration underway at Trinity Episcopal Church in Northport. Photo courtesy Nancy and Robert Hendrick
Restoration underway at Trinity Episcopal Church in Northport. Photo courtesy Nancy and Robert Hendrick
Restoration underway at Trinity Episcopal Church in Northport. Photo courtesy Nancy and Robert Hendrick
Restoration underway at Trinity Episcopal Church in Northport. Photo courtesy Nancy and Robert Hendrick
Restoration underway at Trinity Episcopal Church in Northport. Photo courtesy Nancy and Robert Hendrick
Restoration underway at Trinity Episcopal Church in Northport. Photo courtesy Nancy and Robert Hendrick
Restoration underway at Trinity Episcopal Church in Northport. Photo courtesy Nancy and Robert Hendrick
Restoration underway at Trinity Episcopal Church in Northport. Photo courtesy Nancy and Robert Hendrick

By Sabrina Artusa

In Northport, the Trinity Episcopal Church is transforming across time as local couple Nancy and Robert Hendrick renovate the building to reflect the original design. 

The church, built in 1889, sits on Main Street; its double red doors face the sidewalk, inviting pedestrians in, just as they had more than 100 years ago. Inside, five Tiffany stained-glass windows filter the light as it falls softly on the altar and pews.

Nancy and Robert Hendrick, a husband and wife artist duo who are also volunteer directors of Trinity Community Arts Center, are dedicated to unveiling the original grandeur of the church.

“It is such a beautiful space,” Robert Hendrick said. ”[We want] to bring back the feeling that throw the parishioners felt walking into that church in 1889. To get back to that feeling is our mission.”

The Hendricks, who have performed various art restorations and commissions in the past, said that the church presented them with an opportunity that they felt was especially suited for their interests and values, both artistically and personally. 

“We love our church and the people in it,” Nancy Hendrick said. 

The interior design has been modified over the years: original gold leafing around the stained-glass window of Jesus was painted gold, an original railing was replaced, and the altar was changed. While still beautiful, it lacked the timeless presence of its forebears.

“I don’t look at it as a renovation but we are updating or restoring this truly truly beautiful building,” the Rev. Andrew Garnet said. 

Garnet found old pictures of the church and had the idea to renovate. Robert and Nancy, having recently visited historic churches in Vienna, were inundated with inspiration. Nancy said, ”It is a wonderful space to give back to God. Everything absolutely just fell together perfectly. “

They decided to paint the walls with a metallic Italian plaster, creating an airy, cloudy effect. The altar will be restored to reflect its original gilding, and the frame was gilded with gold leaf in the original style. The rail is also being restored and will replace the new ones. 

“Everything we do as a parish is borne from what we do in church, what we do in mass, which is why as a tradition we spend so much time and effort on our sacred spaces,” he said, explaining the significance of the renovation to his parish. 

Robert, while examining the frame around the Jesus window, found traces of gold leaf in a rosette. The discovery gave renewed purpose to the pair’s work as it was a real trace of a detail that was almost forgotten. “[It was] reaffirming what we were doing,” Robert said. 

“In taking this church back to its origins, you kind of understand what those original parishioners were looking for, what was important to them,” he said. 

Garnet is rector of the parish and joined Trinity Episcopal Church three years ago. In that time, he has been focused on opening the church to the community and making it a welcoming space whether it is through movie nights or social events. “The saddest thing about a church is a closed door and an empty pew,” he said.

Creating the Trinity Community Arts Center was part of Garnet’s work goal of “meeting people where they are.” Northport is a bustling art district, and nourishing art’s intersection with religion is a way to do that. 

Garnet moved the Sunday morning coffee hour to the arts center instead of the church, thereby encouraging passerby not only to interact with the arts center, an arm of the church, but also to make connections with community members.

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Zoe Abelson starring as Hamlet in this year’s high school production

Zoe Abelson, a senior at Cold Spring Harbor High School, has been elected New York State officer of the International Thespian Society. In this position, Abelson will serve as a voice for all theatre students in New York, ensuring that every student, regardless of socioeconomic circumstances, has access to the tools, education, and opportunities they need to shine. As part of this appointment, Abelson joins the International Thespian Society’s board of directors and will also serve as social media officer.

Zoe Abelson as Gretchen Wieners in the community theatre production of “Mean Girls The Musical”

“Zoe Abelson’s appointment as a New York State Officer of the International Thespian Society is a remarkable achievement and a testament to her leadership, passion and commitment to the performing arts. At Cold Spring Harbor, we take great pride in being recognized for academic and athletic excellence, and Zoe’s success highlights our growing reputation as a top school for performing arts as well,” said James Guarini, chairman of the music department at Cold Spring Harbor High School. “Her accomplishments–ranging from her All-State recognition to her Best Lead Actress Hunting-Tony nomination–serve as an inspiration to her peers and demonstrate the extraordinary talent and dedication of our students. We are incredibly proud of Zoe and excited to see the positive impact she will continue to have at the state level.”

In this role, Abelson is responsible for advocating for the needs and interests of theatre students across New York. She will work with the board to support the organization’s expansive mission, which includes lobbying for more funding at next month’s Albany Advocacy Day, promoting Theatre in Our Schools Month, and preparing for the upcoming New York Thespian Festival. The event takes place at LIU Brooklyn on March 8-9 and hosts the Thespys, an awards event that recognizes the highest level of achievement in school theatre performance, technical theatre, playwriting, and filmmaking. 

“I am a huge advocate of fostering diversity in storytelling because as actors, it’s our responsibility to inspire harmony by promoting a better understanding of the world,” said Abelson. “I wanted to work with the International Thespian Society to help drive this kind of positive, social change by encouraging more diversity, equity, and inclusion in performing arts. By representing Cold Spring Harbor High School’s Thespian Troupe #7583 at the state level, I hope to create more opportunities for our aspiring actors and inspire more young thespians to be active in our theatre community.”

The appointment comes on the heels of Abelson’s intensive studies at prestigious universities Carnegie Mellon and New York University, where she earned college credits while training with some of the best instructors and working actors in the country, including NYU’s Experimental Theatre Wing Director, Rosemary Quinn, Carnegie Mellon’s acclaimed acting coach, Jill Wadsworth, and actor Jason McCune from The Outsiders TV series fame.

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Photo courtesy of RMHC NYM

Andrew Reid, 19, who transformed his family’s East Northport home into a holiday lighted winter wonderland with over 500 restored holiday decorations, along with his mother, Christine, presented a check for $16,023.20 in donations raised by visitors to their holiday light display to representatives from Ronald McDonald House Charities NY Metro on Jan. 15.

The size of the donation was kept a surprise by Andrew right up until the moment the check was presented. 

“I was blown away, I had no idea it was going to be that large,” said Matt Campo, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities New York Metro. “I told the family we work so hard to raise every dollar. For someone to come and hand us more than $16,000 is just amazing.” 

What began as a passion for refurbishing discarded holiday decorations grew into an annual tradition for Andrew and his family, with more than 500 decorations covering nearly every inch of Andrew’s home, yard, and even his car. His display was chronicled by media across New York and nationally. Andrew’s “Misfit Island” Christmas display was also voted the winner of Newsday’s “Holiday Lights” contest, with a prize of $1,000, which will be part of the donation to Ronald McDonald House Charities NY Metro. 

“I surprised myself as well. It was a lot of work, a lot of standing in front of the house collecting donations,” said Andrew, who says he begins setting up his display in August every year. “Ronald McDonald House is a very good organization to support and it’s local, so the money will stay here.” 

The money donated will go toward the construction of the new Ronald McDonald House at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital. A groundbreaking ceremony was held last year and construction will begin in the spring with plans to open in 2027.

Ronald McDonald House Charities New York Metro provides comfort and support to families of children undergoing medical treatment. Funds raised through Andrew’s light display will directly benefit the new 24/7 care facility at Stony Brook Hospital, ensuring families can stay close to their sick or injured children.

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Huntington Town Clerk Andrew Raia will perform multiple marriage ceremonies on Valentine's Day. Photo from Town of Huntington
Photo from Town of Huntington
Photo from Town of Huntington

Planning on getting married? Why not get married on love’s greatest holiday! Huntington Town Clerk Andrew P. Raia will be performing his annual Valentine’s Day Marriage Marathon as the Town’s Marriage Officer on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14 at Huntington Town Hall, 100 Main Street, Huntington.

“Love is in the air once again at Huntington Town Hall this Valentine’s Day,” said Town Clerk Andrew Raia. “It is an honor and a privilege to join two people in a lifetime of love and commitment and it’s the part of my job that is the most heartwarming.”

Mr. Raia will perform ceremonies from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Town Board Room by appointment; there is no charge to the couple for the ceremony and their guests are welcome to attend the reception. Complimentary refreshments will be served with surprise gifts for the bridal couple.

Please note:

• Marriage Ceremonies: A marriage ceremony may only take place 24 hours after the issuance of a marriage license (more information); vow renewals do not require a waiting period.

• Domestic Partnership Registry: Find more information on requirements for a Domestic Partnership Registry by visiting www.huntingtonny.gov/domestic-partnership. 

To make an appointment, please call the Town Clerk’s Office at 631-351-3216 or email [email protected].

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Assemblyman Steve Stern with veterans. Photo courtesy Assemblyman Stern’s office

New York State Assemblyman Steve Stern (D-Huntington) announced he has been appointed the new chairman of the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs by Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie.

“I am so proud to be the next chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee,” said Stern. “It has been my privilege for my entire career to work closely with and for the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much to protect our great nation. I look forward to meeting with our veterans from across New York State to deliver meaningful legislation for our local heroes and their families.”

“As former chair of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I am thrilled to congratulate my former colleague and neighbor, Assemblyman Steve Stern, on his appointment as the new chair. Assemblyman Stern is a dedicated leader who has long championed the needs of our nation’s heroes, and I have no doubt he will continue to fight for the care and support our veterans rightfully deserve,” said Kimberly Jean-Pierre, former Assemblymember for the 11th Assembly District and former chair of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

In the Suffolk County Legislature, where he served for 12 years, Stern was chairman of the Veterans Committee. During his tenure, he introduced and passed the landmark legislation “Housing Our Homeless Heroes,” ensuring that veterans and their families always have a place to call home.

He also authored the “Protect Our Fallen Heroes Act,” which protects military funerals from reprehensible and disrespectful protests while families are grieving the loss of their loved ones and ensures respect for those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation.

“My work with Assemblyman Stern goes back to his time at the county, where he championed many programs that positively affected the lives of our veterans, including the Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Project. Since its inception in 2012, the Dwyer Project’s impact on the community has resulted in reductions in hospitalizations, sustained families, secured gainful employment, prevented homelessness, promoted daily wellness, and absolutely saved lives,” said Marcelle Leis, director of the Suffolk County Veterans Services Agency. “With Stern’s appointment as chair of the Standing Committee on Veterans’ Affairs in the New York State Assembly, his leadership will continue to forge new programs for veterans throughout the state.”

“The veterans of New York State received a gift today with the appointment of Assemblyman Steve Stern as chairman of the Assembly Veterans’ Affairs Committee,” said Thomas Ronayne, former director of the Suffolk County Veterans Services Agency. “Assemblyman Stern brings two decades of selfless commitment and service to the veterans’ community, characterized by understanding, compassion, and a true grasp of the issues and concerns that affect us. An honest and intelligent chairman who will give his all to ensure we are well served by the state government.”

After being elected to the Assembly in 2018, Stern continued to deliver for veterans. He has sponsored and passed legislation to improve access to critical information, ensuring veterans receive the benefits they deserve, as well as legislation creating a task force to study and improve veterans’ employment opportunities. He has also passed legislation to protect veteran homebuyers from fraud through loan counseling and assistance, and to expand opportunities for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Enterprises.

“Steve Stern has effectively advocated for veterans and their families since he began serving as our legislator for the 16th District in Suffolk County. I am very glad to see that he has risen to the position of chairman of the Committee on Veterans Affairs in the New York State Assembly. He has years of experience and a deep knowledge of veterans’ issues to make a real difference. New York State veterans of all conflicts can be assured that he will continue to fight for them,” said Bob Santo, past commander of the American Legion Greenlawn Post 1244.

“Assemblyman Stern has been helping me serve our homeless veterans since 2007; he has gone with me to the VA in Northport, and he has helped me serve dinners to our homeless veterans on Thanksgiving and throughout the year at St. Anthony of Padua. He is very dedicated to our veterans,” said Dr. Ray Mascolo, D.D.S., who provides free dental care to veterans on Long Island.

Stern continues to be at the forefront of initiatives to improve services and care for veterans. He introduced legislation to create a study of women veterans’ healthcare issues to improve veterans’ healthcare in New York, and a bill to ensure that a veteran’s disability benefits would not jeopardize their eligibility for public housing.

“As chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I will remain committed to ensuring that our veterans across New York State always receive the recognition, support, and services they deserve,” said Stern.

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Pixabay photo

On Jan. 19, the popular social media platform, TikTok, displayed an error screen, halting many of the app’s 150 million American users’ mid-scroll. “Sorry, TikTok isn’t available right now,” the screen read. “A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S.” 

TikTok is owned by the Chinese internet company ByteDance and gained prominence on an international scale in 2017. Its Chinese ownership caused former President Joe Biden to sign a law dictating that if TIkTok weren’t sold to an American company, then it would be banned from American devices, leading to the error message. 

This isn’t the first time TikTok was under threat of a ban, but it is the first time it has gotten this far. TikTok users across the country closed their apps for what they thought was the last time, reflecting on how the app fits into their lives, and how it will change their future habits. 

TikTok was out of commission for 12 hours, giving many Americans a chance to contemplate its absence. Were we glad that the icon was no longer on our phone screens, tempting us to click on it? Or, did we regret that we didn’t have the breadth of advice, entertainment and information it avails? 

The app offers endless opportunities, giving platforms to anyone who creates an account. Many small-business owners, artists, song-writers, comedians, food-bloggers, musicians and book-reviewers gained a foothold in their industry by joining the expanding ranks of “Tiktok influencers.” Numerous current professionals, especially creatives, used the short-form videos to their advantage. Lil Nas X, the recipient of two Grammy Awards, is one of the most notable artists who gained popularity by advertising his song on the app. 

However, the very draw of the app–representation of a wide range of communities, allowing anyone to have a platform–can be contorted to manipulate the user’s perspective on reality. Besides the constant risk of spreading inaccurate information, the sheer amount of content can be anxiety-inducing. Literally swiping away anything distressing can condense a person’s world, the specialized “For You Page,” an echo-chamber. The casual, friendly videos can become a crutch, with scrolling from video to video becoming less of a conscious action and more of a comforting, self-soothing habit. 

During those hours without TikTok as an active factor shaping our view, we were given the distance needed to evaluate its place retrospectively in our lives. Did we use it when we were bored? Stressed? Angry? Why and when will we miss it? Taking healthy breaks provides the unaffected clarity to make these determinations. 

TikTok is back for now–President Trump issued a 90-day extension for ByteDance to sell–but let’s use the temporary ban as an opportunity to examine our social media usage.

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