Northport Journal

09/07/2024

Friends and family of Kenny Pohlman, a 53-year-old man murdered in his St. James home last week, are asking for help in supporting Pohlman’s children as they begin to navigate life without their dad. Pohlman and his partner Kelly Coppola were allegedly shot to death by Coppola’s ex-husband on August 28.

Pohlman, a son, brother and father to three, lost his wife to cancer in 2007. A GoFundMe (https://www.gofundme.com/f/ynyth-kennys-kids) for his children – Brianna (25), Tyler (21) and Jenna (14) – was set up by Pohlman’s colleagues at Converged Technology Group one week ago. All donations “go directly to Brianna, Tyler and Jenna, ensuring that Kenny’s children receive the support and stability they need during this trying time,” read a statement provided to the Journal by Northport resident Steve Drgon and Leo Galletta, co-owners of the Islandia-based technology group Pohlman worked at for 18 years.

Friends and family of Kenny Pohlman, a 53-year-old man murdered in his St. James home last week, are asking for help in supporting Pohlman’s children as they begin to navigate life without their dad. Pohlman and his partner Kelly Coppola were allegedly shot to death by Coppola’s ex-husband on Au...

09/05/2024

The East Northport Chamber of Commerce’s biggest fundraiser of the year begins tomorrow, September 6, an annual festival that attracts tens of thousands of thrill seekers, live music fans, foodies and families.

09/04/2024

UPDATE: Mikey Brannigan won bronze in the T20 1500m final, with a time of 3:49.91. Go Mikey!

Brannigan arrived in Paris on August 21 and “is having a wonderful time, training through the beautiful trails on a lake by the Athlete High Performance dorm,” his mom Edie told the Journal. Brannigan will compete in his race at about 5am EST this Friday, September 6.

Northport High School graduate and track and field athlete Mikey Brannigan is back at it, this time readying for his race in the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. The games are taking place between August 28 and September 8, bringing together as many as 4,400 athletes from around the world to compete in....

08/30/2024

This weekend marks the beginning of National Recovery Month, when the Town of Huntington (TOH) and Northport Village go purple to honor the more than one million Americans who died as a result of accidental overdoses of drugs and alcohol. The Night of Remembrance Candlelight Vigil, co-hosted by the Northport/East Northport Community Drug and Alcohol Task Force, is this Saturday, August 31 in Northport Village Park.

https://northportjournal.com/people/huntington-and-northport-village-go-purple-for-recovery-month-unveil-hope-and-healing-installation

08/29/2024

Leases for both Bellerose Avenue Elementary School and Dickinson Avenue Elementary School were approved to move forward at the Northport-East Northport School District’s August 22 board of education meeting, providing a sense of relief for community members concerned about the buildings’ futures since the beginning of 2023, when the two East Northport schools – and the William J. Brosnan building on Laurel Road in Northport Village – were marketed for sale or lease.

Leases for both Bellerose Avenue Elementary School and Dickinson Avenue Elementary School were approved to move forward at the Northport-East Northport School District’s August 22 board of education meeting, providing a sense of relief for community members concerned about the buildings’ futures...

08/28/2024

The 15th annual Huntington Lighthouse Musicfest, organized by the Huntington Lighthouse Preservation Society, will take place this Saturday, August 31 from 11am to dusk. The event draws thousands of boats, kayaks and other watercraft to the off-shore lighthouse for a lively and unique musical event, and is the largest fundraiser for the non-profit each year.

The 15th annual Huntington Lighthouse Musicfest, organized by the Huntington Lighthouse Preservation Society, will take place this Saturday, August 31 from 11am to dusk. The event draws thousands of boats, kayaks and other watercraft to the off-shore lighthouse for a lively and unique musical event,...

08/27/2024

Say it ain’t so: Brew Cheese, purveyor of craft beers and specialty grilled cheese sandwiches, announced on social media this past week that it will be closing both its Northport Village and Stony Brook locations. Part artisanal cheese shop and part craft beer bar, Brew Cheese has occupied the corner of Woodbine and Scudder Avenue in Northport Village since 2017. The harborview eatery evolved into a local favorite, with outdoor seating, beers on tap and a stock of nearly 50 different cheeses to choose from. 

Sources close to the Journal said there are still several years left on the Brew Cheese lease and indicated that a new concept may be in the works. Brew Cheese officials did not immediately respond to the Journal’s request for comment, nor have they announced a last day for either location.

08/24/2024

“100 years ago, the Village of Northport had been incorporated for 30 years. William E. Call was the mayor. The cornerstone was laid for the brand new school building on Laurel Avenue, now the Brosnan building. At Ingerman’s Department store, you could buy two pairs of ladies’ bloomers for $1. A six-room house, with electric lights was selling for $5,000. The Hunchback of Notre Dame starring Lon Chaney was playing at the Northport Theater. A Ford Touring car was selling at Northport Auto Sale for $295. The trolley ended its 22-year run due to the rise in auto sales, and an article in the newspaper made a plea for more parking spaces in the business district.“

On August 15, the Northport Historical Society presented the Northport Shipwreck Diner with the Century Award, celebrating 100 years of business with all those gathered at the Main Street eatery, including former Shipwreck owner Tim Hess, current owner Denis Beyesdorf, loyal customers, friends and f...

08/22/2024

New parking meters are coming to Northport Village, part of a “Main Street Revitalization” project that includes several improvements to the area, from Woodbine Avenue to Church Street. The old meters are in the process of being removed, with installation of the new meters anticipated to begin this Monday, August 26, Northport Village Mayor Donna Koch told the Journal.

New parking meters are coming to Northport Village, part of a “Main Street Revitalization” project that includes several improvements to the area, from Woodbine Avenue to Church Street. The old meters are in the process of being removed, with installation of the new meters anticipated to begin t...

08/21/2024

According to the August 22 agenda, Variety Child Learning Center is seeking a 10-year-lease, beginning on or about July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2035. The lease for Bellerose was secured through Newmark, school district officials told the Journal. The item was added to the business agenda this past Tuesday afternoon.

More information on the lease will be shared in a statement by Dr. Moyer at tomorrow’s BOE meeting, district officials said.

Variety Child Learning Center provides programs and services for young children, ages birth to eight, with learning, language, social, and behavior challenges and support services for their families. It currently has a campus in Syosset and multiple campuses in Levittown.

08/20/2024

The opening of the newly renovated playground at Heckscher Park in Huntington is expected to take place “soon,” according to Town of Huntington Director of Communications Christine Geed, who was unable to provide an exact date for its official unveiling. While the brand new, brightly colored equipment is currently in place, a fence blocks visitors from entering the area.

The opening of the newly renovated playground at Heckscher Park in Huntington is expected to take place “soon,” according to Town of Huntington Director of Communications Christine Geed, who was unable to provide an exact date for its official unveiling. While the brand new, brightly colored equ...

08/19/2024

Forecast for this Thursday is sunny with a movie in Northport Village Park... /East Northport Community Drug and Alcohol Task Force

08/15/2024

The Northport-East Northport Union Free School District announced yesterday the launch of a new notification system which will be used to share BOE meeting notices and agendas, board communications such as letters to the community, and supporting documents with all those signed up to receive the notifications.

As a precursor to its August 22 board of education (BOE) meeting, during which “community engagement goals” will be discussed, the Northport-East Northport Union Free School District announced yesterday the launch of a new notification system which will be used to share BOE meeting notices and a...

08/15/2024

Be Greek for a day! Experience one of the most important holidays in Greece right here in Northport, as SYMI marks its Panagia celebration with outdoor seating, roasted lamb and live music until 5pm today. Take a minute and indulge in Greek culture, food and festivity! Pictured here is Chef George, manning the spits since early this morning. SYMI is located on Fort Salonga Road at Waterside.

08/13/2024

According to Northport Village Chief of Police Christopher Hughes, who reported on the investigation at tonight’s Village board of trustees meeting, he and other law enforcement officials first became aware of an “alarming ad” on Craigslist around the beginning of June. The ads, as confirmed by Hughes, advertised the location’s grand opening at 377 Fort Salonga Road as a foot spa offering Swedish, deep tissue and oil massage, referencing “sweet and discreet pretty girls,” and the “best service” by “young and beautiful girls from Asia.” That ad has since been removed. Another ad posted in July does not mention the spa’s employees.

Northport Village police arrested two women from Queens last week, citing “unauthorized practice of a profession” at the recently opened Sunny Island Foot Spa on Fort Salonga Road.

08/12/2024

Carolyn Watson Dubisch told the Journal her creative writing teacher at Northport High School was also a huge inspiration: “It was after reading my essay aloud to the class that she stopped and said, ‘Carolyn, you could be a professional writer someday, this is excellent,” Dubisch recalled. “Her words have stayed with me for over 30 years. Teachers have such power over our lives.”

Dubisch and her artist/illustrator husband Mike, of the Boxcar Children comic books, are currently running a Kickstarter for their new picture book for young children, “The Elephant and the Teapot are Friends.” Set in India, the book is a tale of two unlikely friends and not only a story of friendship, but a celebration of the unique qualities that each individual brings to their relationship.

Author and former Northport resident Carolyn Watson Dubisch has been writing and drawing children’s books since 2001. A Northport High School graduate, Dubisch is the award-winning author of “Dragon Stones,” “Alien Farm,” and 15 other children’s books. She also has four comic book series...

08/08/2024

UPDATED: YDA's Movie in the Park was rescheduled to October 4. The East Northport Fire Department Fair is cancelled on Friday, August 9 due to weather but will open early Saturday, August 10 at 4pm.

Check out what's happening tonight, over the weekend and this month (some events are weather-pending so refer to the host's pages for the latest updates). Tonight:
YDA's Movie in the Park; The Firefly Artists reception for its exhibit, Works on Paper; a Choir Recruitment night at St. Paul's; and the East Northport Fire Department fair now through Saturday. Then, Northport High School grad Izzy Potter performs in Northport Village Park tomorrow. Even more plans for the month can be found in the links in the comments.

08/07/2024

“A dedicated dog park would provide a safe, fun, and engaging space for our community's dogs and their owners, fostering a sense of community and promoting responsible pet ownership,” reads the proposal overview sent to the Northport Village board by resident Kate Scire, who has developed a plan with help from community members. Scire, alongside two of her neighbors and fellow dog park advocates, spoke publicly at the July 18 Village board meeting about the proposal and asked for feedback on its feasibility.

Three Northport neighbors have proposed an ambitious idea to residents and the Northport Village board – the

08/07/2024

The new Northport Village basketball court, redesigned and slightly bigger than its predecessor, has been painted and, while an exact date for its opening is not yet known, is nearing completion. “The Village is thrilled at how beautifully the basketball court improvement project is turning out. We’re hopeful that we will be playing basketball on it very soon, after finishing touches of grass seeding and walkways are installed,” Northport Village Trustee and Commissioner of Police and Parks Meghan Dolan told the Journal.

08/06/2024

Storm is coming…

08/06/2024

UPDATE: As per the East Northport Fire Department page (https://www.facebook.com/eastnorthportfd), the fair will begin early tonight, Saturday, August 10, at 4pm. Bad weather had forced it to close yesterday.

UPDATE: As per the East Northport Fire Department page (https://www.facebook.com/eastnorthportfd), tonight's parade is ON.

The annual East Northport Fire Department parade and fair returns tomorrow, with four nights of festivities. The traditional kick-off parade is scheduled for Wednesday, August 7 at 7pm, traveling north on Larkfield Road from Fifth Avenue to the firehouse. A rain date for the parade has been planned for Thursday, also at 7pm.

The annual East Northport Fire Department parade and fair returns tomorrow, with four nights of festivities. The traditional kick-off parade is scheduled for Wednesday, August 7 at 7pm, traveling north on Larkfield Road from Fifth Avenue to the firehouse. A rain date for the parade has been planned....

08/02/2024

The Pink in the Park Breast Cancer Prevention and Education Fair will take place at Heckscher Park in Huntington on September 29 from 10am to 2pm. The event aims to raise awareness and provide crucial information about breast cancer prevention and care, and will include a mobile mammography van courtesy of North Shore Hospital, with appointments available in advance. .

The Pink in the Park Breast Cancer Prevention and Education Fair will take place at Heckscher Park in Huntington on September 29 from 10am to 2pm. The event aims to raise awareness and provide crucial information about breast cancer prevention and care, and will include a mobile mammography van cour...

07/31/2024

Work at the former Mobil gas station at the corner of Laurel Avenue and Fort Salonga Road in Northport Village is underway, a project that should be complete in the next 90 days, said Northport Village officials.

07/29/2024

Bayview Avenue has been a topic of discussion during Northport Village board meetings over the last several months, with residents sharing stories of speeding vehicles, increased traffic, disruptive visitor parking and car accidents. Some have proposed making Bayview a one-way street, while others have voiced that doing so will interrupt the flow of traffic on side streets, including Highland Avenue, Lewis Road, Thomas Lane, Stanton Street and James Street.

In response, a “Bayview Traffic and Parking Public Discussion” has been scheduled by Village officials for September. Residents will have the opportunity to speak on the subject, sharing opinions on how to improve the safety and congestion on the busy Village road.

Bayview Avenue has been a topic of discussion during Northport Village board meetings over the last several months, with residents sharing stories of speeding vehicles, increased traffic, disruptive visitor parking and car accidents. Some have proposed making Bayview a one-way street, while others h...

07/26/2024

The Northport Shipwreck Diner is 100 years old.

On August 15 at 6pm, the Northport Historical Society will present the Century Award in honor of the iconic diner’s 100th anniversary. Join loyal customers and community members in the Shipwreck’s courtyard for a buffet-style dinner and drinks to celebrate the diner’s rich history. Tickets to the celebration available in link below.

Bonus: The diner, usually open for breakfast and lunch, is now serving dinner until 8pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays for the summer.

The Northport Shipwreck Diner is turning 100 years old.

07/25/2024

Music in the park (and at the library) for the remainder of this month! Tonight (Thursday, July 25) at 8:30pm, the Northport Community Band plays in Northport Village Park, with a pre-concert at 7:45pm with Northport Community Jazz Orchestra Big Band. Then guest conductors Vickie Henson and Andy Isca, euphonium soloist Laura Fallon and 120 years of jazzy band music.

Check out the rest of the weekend's (and next week's) listings:

Happenings on Main Street: Jasmine Goare
Friday, July 26 at 7pm
Bandstand, Northport Village Park
Jasmine Goare’s beautiful voice and heartfelt lyrics will have you feeling all the feels and leaving all your worries behind. Come on down, grab a drink, and let the music do the talking. Presented by the Northport Arts Coalition. Weather permitting; bring chairs and blankets.

Concerts in the Courtyard: The Rustlers
Tuesday, July 30 at 7pm (rain date: Wednesday, July 31)
Northport Public Library Courtyard
This talented country band takes the stage to deliver an unforgettable evening of the best classic and contemporary country music.

Summerfest Concert Series: Liverpool Shuffle
Wednesday, July 31 at 7:30pm
Bandstand, Northport Village Park
Authentic Beatles music performed by professional Beatlemaniacs.

Photo of The Rustlers via Facebook.

07/24/2024

Legally Blonde, The Musical transforms the popular film starring Reese Witherspoon into a fun and lively stage production. This spirited adaptation brings Elle Woods’ journey to life, capturing her infectious charm and energy.

Legally Blonde

07/22/2024

A community-wide effort to support an East Northport couple seriously injured in a car crash has received overwhelming support, raising nearly $150,000 in just one week. “We are just so beyond grateful they are alive. We are so thankful to everyone who has reached out, donated, and continues with the prayers. It’s just amazing, this community, that we could never thank everyone enough,” said Commack resident Brianna Rose.

Rose’s sister, Chelsea Zamzam, was on the way back from a date night with her husband Bryan last Sunday, July 14, when their car was hit head-on by a wrong-way driver. Both Chelsea and Bryan “sustained severe and life-altering injuries and will require multiple surgeries on their long road to recovery,” reads a GoFundMe set up by the couple’s close friend, Steven Sineno.

A community-wide effort to support an East Northport couple seriously injured in a car crash has received overwhelming support, raising nearly $150,000 in just one week. “We are just so beyond grateful they are alive. We are so thankful to everyone who has reached out, donated, and continues with ...

07/20/2024

Updated Monday, July 22: When asked for clarification about the project's timeline and if/how community members will be able to access the court, the district offered the following response: “The work began the beginning of July and [we] anticipate the tennis/pickleball courts to be completed by late August. The courts have to sit and cure for a minimum of 20 days prior to applying the top coat. The courts will be available to the public outside of school operating hours.”

Hybrid pickleball courts are coming to Laurel Avenue in Northport Village, on the grounds of the school district’s William J. Brosnan building. A hybrid pickleball court has tennis and pickleball lines painted on it so both sports can be played there.

The courts, on the southwest corner of the property and across from the Northport Library, are currently being renovated. A new fence around the courts’ perimeter has been installed.

Hybrid pickleball courts are coming to Laurel Avenue in Northport Village, on the grounds of the school district’s William J. Brosnan building. A hybrid pickleball court has tennis and pickleball lines painted on it so both sports can be played there.

07/19/2024

The realty firm will “continue to pursue potential tenants to lease the vacant properties,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Dave Moyer, adding that the district is “not entertaining the possibility of selling either property, nor would it do so without additional study and community input.”

At the July 11 Northport-East Northport board of education (BOE) meeting, the board passed a resolution to enter into a six-month contract with realty firm Newmark, who was first hired in November 2022 to represent the school district in the potential sale or lease of three school buildings.