Town of Huntington

Sol Y Sombra heads to the Chapin Rainbow Stage on July 17.

Fill your summer evenings with rock, country, jazz, classical, and gospel music, dance performances, cover band greats, and theatrical productions, all at the 60th annual Huntington Summer Arts Festival at Heckscher Park in Huntington. 

Opening on July 2, the 8-week festival runs through August 24. With over 40 FREE live performances, some never before seen on the Chapin Rainbow Stage, there is something for the whole family with Broadway stars, national and local talent, inspiring young performers and more.

Produced by the Town of Huntington, and presented by Huntington Arts Council, the events are held Wednesdays through Sundays. So grab your lawn chair or blanket and head down for an unrivaled good time!

July

July 2 @ 8 p.m. — The Huntington Community Band 

July 3 @ 8 p.m. — The Gilbert & Sullivan Light Opera Company of Long Island present HMS Pinafore

July 4 @ 8 p.m. — North Shore Pops Concert Band 

July 5 @ 8 p.m. Eastline Theatre presents Shakespeare’s King Lear

July 6 @ 8 p.m. Symphonic Pops of Long Island

July 9 @ 8 p.m. — The Huntington Community Band 

July 10 @ 6:30 p.m. D’Addario’s Summer Jam in support of Long Island Cares

July 11 @ 8 p.m. — Drop the Four and

Miss J Experience

July 12 at 6:30 p.m. — Beauty and the Beats (Kids Show)

July 13 @ 8 p.m. — Eastline Theatre presents Emma in honor of Jane Austen’s 250th birthday

July 16 @ 7:30 p.m. — Huntington Community Band with Big Band  pre-concert

July 17 @ 8 p.m. — Sol Y Sombra Spanish Dance Company

July 18 at 8 p.m. — Captain Kirk Douglas’ Hundred Watt Heart w/Dudley Victor

July 19 @ 8 p.m. — Gnarly Karma and Ape Theory

July 20 @ 8 p.m. — The Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra

July 23 @ 8 p.m. — The Huntington Community Band

July 24 @ 8 p.m. — Sinatra Night: The New Blue Eyes, Dom Carbone

July 25 @ 8 p.m. — EMO Pop Punk Night: Blink 180Who?! + Cover City Soundtrack

July 26 @ 7:30 p.m. — SKA Night: Pilfers w/Scofflaws & Be Decent

July 27 @ 8 p.m. — Just Wild About Harry Festival: Harry Chapin Tribute in support of Long Island Cares

July 30 @ 8 p.m. — The Huntington Community Band 

July 31 @ 8 p.m. — Calliope Wren + LoganWhaley Band

August

August 1 @ 8 p.m. — Country Night: Brooke Moriber

August 2 @ 8 p.m. Wheatus

August 3 @ 8 p.m. — Plaza Theatrical Productions presents Standing Ovation: Celebrating Musical Theatre

August 6 @ 8 p.m. — Long Island Dance Consortium

August 7 at 8 p.m. — StevieMac (Fleetwood Mac Tribute)

August 8 @ 8 p.m. — Latin Night: Conjunto Imagen

August 9 @ 8 p.m. — The BOSS Project (Bruce Springsteen Tribute)

August 10 at 8 p.m. — Men of Soul (70s, 80s, 90s Soul Music)

August 13 @ 8 p.m. — That Motown Band

August 14 @ 6:30 p.m. — Beauty and the Beats (Kids Show)

August 15 @ 8 p.m. — Little Wilson Band

August 16 @ 8 p.m. — Disco Unlimited and France Joli

August 17 @ 8 p.m. — Make Me Smile (Chicago Tribute)

August 20 @ 8 p.m. — The Chiclets and Time Machine (Tribute to female artists through the decades)

August 21 @ 8 p.m. — Jam Band Night: Tauk + MJT Band

August 22 @ 8 p.m. — Foreign Journey (Foreigner and Journey Tribute)

August 23 @ 8 p.m. — Rob Eberle and Chris Ruben Band

August 24 @ 8 p.m. — Americana Blues Night: Mark Newman Band and Kelli Baker Band

Heckscher Park is located at 2 Prime Ave.,  Huntington. For more information, call 631-271-8423 or visit www.huntingtonarts.org. 

Smyth will be the GOP candidate for Huntington supervisor; Dr. Dave Bennardo and Greg Grizopoulos will run for council in November. Photo courtesy of Town of Huntington

By Peter Sloniewsky

Huntington Supervisor Ed Smyth

On June 24, a combined slate of incumbent Huntington Town Supervisor Edmund Smyth, Councilmember David Bennardo and Councilmember-hopeful Greg Grizopoulos soundly defeated an opposition slate in the Huntington Republican primary. With all 185 districts reporting, Smyth earned more than 60% of the vote. Bennardo and Grizopoulos, in a field of four candidates with two winners, led with 31 and 29%, respectively. 

Smyth was first elected town supervisor in 2021 and previously served a term on the Town Board beginning in 2017. A lifelong resident of Huntington, Smyth is also a veteran and an attorney with four children. He defined his term as supervisor by improvements in fiscal stability, revitalization projects in parks, and improvements to the building permitting process. 

Huntington Councilmember Dave Bennardo

In Smyth’s reelection letter in March, he stuck by and reaffirmed the importance of his legislative record in office, noting his “record of strong fiscal management of your [sic] tax dollars, continued improvements to public safety, parks, beaches, roads, and garbage.” He also noted that he and his slate “ignore social media sensationalism and run a drama-free government through unspectacular hard work.” 

Bennardo, a Huntington resident of more than 25 years, has served as both a high school principal and as the superintendent of South Huntington schools. Bennardo is also a noted advocate of fiscal responsibility and has worked on water quality, shoreline quality, park enhancement and road paving since joining the town council in 2021. 

Grizopoulos, a former assistant district attorney, is a partner at the law firm Grizopoulos & Portz, P.C. and resides in Melville. Grizopoulos places significant importance on “preserving Huntington’s suburban character” alongside fiscal responsibility. 

Greg Grizopoulos. Photo courtesy of www.gpnylaw.com

The competitiveness of this primary arose from the legal and political backlash to last year’s approval of an “overlay district” in Melville, which could entail the construction of high-density rental apartments. Councilwoman Brooke Lupinacci, Smyth’s opponent, was the only town councilmember to vote against the plan. Lupinacci ran on a ticket alongside former Councilman Eugene Cook and former Zoning Board of Appeals Chairman John Posillico. 

In addition to the controversy surrounding this apartment project, Lupinacci accused Smyth of political retribution after an administrative reorganization plan resulted in the firing of all of her individual staff members in favor of a more selective “Town Call Center.” In February, Lupinacci said that she would “not back down or be intimidated by their actions,” and an automated email response from her office still notes that “the Supervisor and his Board terminated my staff members.” 

Smyth, Bennardo and Grizopoulos will run in the general election on Nov. 4.

File photo

Huntington Town Clerk and Records Management Officer Andrew Raia invites everyone to get a history of Huntington as the town celebrates Municipal Clerks’ Week from May 5 to May 8 with an open house at Town Hall, 100 Main St., Huntington from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Visitors can view the town’s old records chest, old maps, the statue of American Hero Nathan Hale, the town’s ID dating 1666, Native American deeds, exhibits, memorabilia and other interesting documents during this free tour.

For further information on tours, please contact the Town Archivist, Antonia Mattheou at 631-351-3035, email [email protected] or click on link https://www.huntingtonny.gov/Archives.

Large group tours of 10 or more can be accommodated by scheduling an appointment through Town Archivist Antonia Mattheou.

 

Jude Rosenveld at the April 8 public hearing.

By Sabrina Artusa

During an April 8 Huntington Town board meeting, Cold Spring Harbor residents spoke on the proposed rezoning of the 23.75-acre RozeWood Farm and Estate property at 473 Woodbury Road. The period for public comment remains open. 

Currently, the owners of the property, Jude and Jan Rosenveld, want to create a 23-room retreat and spa on the property. To do so, the property will have to be zoned as a historic overlap district from an R-80 residential district. 

The property consists of a farm, a manor house, a farm house, guest cottages and a carriage house. There is also a tennis court and inground pool on the property, which will be used for the spa. 

“There are very few improvements being made to the property,” said Chris Robinson of Robinson and Mullers, an engineer on the project. Improvements would include a parking area and a second tennis court. The State Environmental Quality Review Act determination was negative. 

An online petition against the rezoning on Change.org has garnered over 640 signatures. Chief among the concerns of opponents was additional traffic congestion as well as the risks rezoning would create should future property owners decide to make further changes. Further, the use of the service road was cause of criticism, especially for those residing on neighboring properties who predict increased use would affect the peace of their community. 

Wayne Muller of Robinson and Muller Engineering said that traffic would not exceed any other possible projects permissible in the current R-80 Residential zoning, such as mosques or a private elementary school.

“Neither me, myself or my neighbors or the town of Huntington should be put in the position where trust is part of the equation. My neighbors and I respectfully ask that restrictive covenants be put in place if you consider putting in place this zone change,” said one resident.

The mansion was built in the 1930s, while the farmhouse was used in 1830 and is on the National Historic registry.

As the Huntington Town Board considers denoting millions to the water and sewer districts in Greenlawn, Dix Hills and South Huntington, residents question if new facilities are imminently necessary. 

“If there is anything you can do to put this off until the economy straightens off, that would be greatly appreciated especially by those who really can’t afford it,” said one Greenlawn resident, where there is a $6 million proposed expenditure. Nathaniel Corwin of Meyer Suozzi law firm, who is representing the Greenlawn water district, said “the estimated cost for [an advanced oxidation process] system including necessary GAC [granular activated carbon] systems, building as well as a very expensive generator is $9,994,000.” Since $3 million will be provided through on-hand funds, a bond would be required for the remainder. 

For more information of RozeWood Farm and Estate go to www.rozewoodfarm.com.

By Daniel Palumbo

Under a beautiful blue sky, the Town of Huntington celebrated its 91st annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade Sunday, March 9, as sponsored by The Ancient Order of Hibernians. The Huntington parade is the largest and oldest one on Long Island.

This year’s parade was led by Grand Marshal and New York State Assemblyman Keith P. Brown [R-Northport], who kicked off the festivities on New York Avenue. As the parade made its way down a vibrant display of green, white and gold along Main Street, hundreds of community members packed in closely to show their support for the dozens of local businesses, musicians and students marching. The streets were filled with the sounds of bagpipes, dancing, loud cheers and a vibrant display of Irish pride throughout the duration of the afternoon.

Although the route concluded at The Church of St. Patrick, the festivities kept on for hours afterward, as people continued to celebrate their Irish heritage in good spirits.           

–Photos By Daniel Palumbo

‘A Heckscher Morning' by Charleen Turner of Huntington

The Town of Huntington Councilwoman Theresa Mari, in partnership with the Children with Special Needs Committee, has announced the first annual All Abilities Expo, a community-driven event designed to celebrate inclusivity and provide essential resources for individuals of all ages and abilities, at Heckscher Park, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington on Saturday, May 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Businesses, service providers, and organizations dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities and special needs to participate as vendors in this meaningful event.

The All Abilities Expo will showcase a diverse range of local businesses and organizations offering adaptive equipment, therapeutic activities, medical and legal resources, social and educational support, and much more. Our goal is to create an engaging, welcoming environment where families, caregivers, educators, and individuals can connect with valuable resources tailored to their unique needs.

Why Participate?

  • Directly engage with the special needs community
  • Showcase your products, services, and expertise
  • Network with professionals, caregivers, and educators
  • Support inclusivity and help foster a more accessible community

Vendors who are committed to making a difference are encouraged to join them in this initiative. Vendor admission is FREE, but space is limited, so interested participants are urged to secure their spot as soon as possible.

For more information or to reserve a booth, please contact: Michelle Wright at [email protected]
631- 351-3173

Other vendor opportunities on the North Shore:

Benner’s Farm, 56 Gnarled Hollow Road, East Setauket seeks vendors for its popular  Easter Egg Hunts on April 19 and April 20. Fee is $55 for one day, $90 for two days for a 10’ by 10’ spot. For more information, call 631-689-8172 or email [email protected].

Three Village Historical Society, 93 North Country Road, Setauket seeks full-season, seasonal, pop-up and food truck vendors for its 11th annual Three Village Farmers & Artisans Market on Fridays from May 2 to Oct. 24. Hours are 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. from May to September, and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. in October. For an application and more information, visit www.tvhs.org or call 631-751-3730. 

Port Jefferson Historical Society seeks Antique Dealers for the Antiques and Garden Weekend at the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101A East Broadway, Port Jefferson on May 3 and May 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit portjeffhistorical.org or email [email protected]. 

Polish American Independent Ladies of Port Jefferson Auxiliary will hold their annual Spring Vendor & Craft Fair at the Polish Hall, 35 Jayne Blvd., Port Jefferson Station on May 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Vendor fee is $50 for inside tables, $35 for outside tables. To reserve your space, visit https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/2025-spring-craft-and-vendor-fair or call Jennifer at 516-383-3456.

 

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.

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].

An outside look at the Town of Huntington Senior Center. Photo from Facebook

In anticipation of the arctic temperatures that are forecasted to cover Long Island and the northeast next week, Huntington Supervisor Ed Smyth and the Huntington Town Board will be opening a warming center beginning Tuesday, January 21 to Friday, January 24.  Depending on the forecast, the center hours may be extended beyond those dates.  The warming center location is:

John J. Flanagan Huntington Senior Center

423 Park Ave, Huntington

10:00 am – 4:00 pm

 

Many libraries within the Town are also opening their facilities as warming centers during this weather emergency.   Each library should be contacted directly for operating hours.  The following is the list of participating libraries and contact information:

Cold Spring Harbor Library                 

95 Harbor Road (Route 25A)

Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724

Phone: (631) 692-6820

 

Commack Library      

18 Hauppauge Road

Commack, NY 11725-4498

Phone: (631) 499-0888

 

Elwood Library                                             

1929 Jericho Turnpike

East Northport, NY 11731

Phone: (631) 499-3722

 

Harborfields Library

31 Broadway

Greenlawn, NY 11740

Phone: (631) 757-4200

Fax: (631) 757-7216

E-Mail: [email protected]

 

South Huntington Library

145 Pidgeon Hill Road

Huntington Station, NY 11746

Phone: (631) 549-4411

E-mail: [email protected]

 

Half Hollow Hills Community Library

Dix Hills Branch         

55 Vanderbilt Parkway

Dix Hills, NY 11746

Phone: (631) 421-4530

 

Half Hollow Hills Community Library

Melville Branch

510 Sweet Hollow Road

Melville, NY 11747

Phone: (631) 421-4535

 

Huntington Library

Main Library    

338 Main Street

Huntington, New York 11743

Phone: (631) 427-5165

 

Station Branch

1335 New York Avenue

Huntington Station, New York 11746

Phone: (631) 421-5053

 

Northport-East Northport Public Library

Northport Branch

151 Laurel Avenue

Northport, NY 11768

Phone: (631) 261-6930

 

East Northport Branch

185 Larkfield Road

East Northport, NY 11731

Phone: (631) 261-2313

 

It is important to note that Town and library facilities do not offer medical, support, or social services.  These warming centers are open to provide those in need the opportunity to get adequate shelter from the cold, use restroom facilities and charge cell phones.

All other services can be obtained by contacting any one of the following agencies or organizations:

  • Emergency Services – Suffolk County Department of Social Services (DSS) Emergency Services Unit at 631-854-9100.  This number is available after 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, and on weekends and holidays.

 

  • Heating Assistance/HEAP – For those who are out of fuel to heat their homes or need an emergency burner repair, the Home Energy Assistance Program, also known as “HEAP,” can be reached 8 am to 4:30 pm by calling 631-853-8820.

 

  • Project Warmth – Heat assistance is also available through Project Warmth. Those in need can dial 211 or call the United Way at 888-774-7633.

 

  • Temporary Housing Assistance – Those in need of housing can contact the DSS Temporary Housing Assistance Unit by contacting 631-854-9547 from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm.   Additional information can be obtained by calling Suffolk County’s non-emergency number at 311.

The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory in effect until 10 p.m. this evening, Jan. 9, with northwest winds of 20-30MPH with gusts up to 50MPH.

Impacts of strong winds can result in downed tree limbs and power outages, and unsecured objects can be blown around and or damaged. Take precaution and prepare! Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles- please use extra caution!

For Suffolk County Click here for a list of facilities that may be activated as Warming Centers during an excessive cold event as determined by the National Weather Service. During excessive cold conditions, review the operating hours and call before you go or make a referral, to make sure the location is open. Below is a current list of warming centers open at this time.

Clark Gillies Dix Hills Ice Rink

575 Vanderbilt Pkwy, Dix Hills

10:00 am – 10:00 pm

(There are no ice rink activities for those utilizing the warming center)

John J. Flanagan Huntington Senior Center

423 Park Ave, Huntington

Open Monday – Friday Only

10:00 am – 4:00 pm

The Department of Social Services is proactively reaching out to vulnerable populations to assess their needs and provide assistance. Additional staff are on hand to support these efforts. The number for any emergency housing is 631-854-9930. For emergency services (After 4:30 PM & Weekends, Holidays): (631) 854-9100.  If you have any questions or concerns reach out to Suffolk County by calling their non-emergency number at 311.