From the highway to the harbors, Michelle Keegan knows
“I highly recommend Michelle Keegan for your real estate needs. Michelle knows the meaning of targeted marketing as opposed to passively offering a property for sale. Michelle also gave great advice on what to do to make the home more attractive, but even more importantly, what not to do! These valuable insights helped me make informed decisions and saved me money.
She has great communication skills and she answered every one of my texts and phone messages promptly. I never felt like I was in the dark having her on my team! In short, you would be in good hands with Michelle Keegan!”
– Connie, Belle Terre Resident
The Next Move Is Yours
From the highways to the harbors, Michelle Keegan knows
Long Island
“Michelle knows the ins and outs of the local real estate market, and thanks to that expertise, she brings in qualified and highly interested buyers. She sold my sister’s house in 2023 and I was so impressed by her that I asked her to represent us in the sale of our property in 2024.” – Connie, Belle
The Next Move Is Yours
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(Represented the Buyer; Listing Courtesy of Signature Premier Properties)
2023)
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feels as if we just begun 2025, but Valentine's Day is right around the corner! We hope your year has been off to a great start and we're excited to bring you another issue, filled with editorial throughout. Flip through the pages for local news, a delight recipe perfect for Valentine's Day and so much more. Looking to advertise? Contact us today at 631.226.2636 or via email at info@longislandmediagroup.com. We thank you for your loyal readership.
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—George Karatzas, James Cress Florist, Smithtown
Unoccupied business spaces are an opportunity to help bring vitality to downtown areas. For George Karatzas, owner of James Cress Florist, staying downtown was a priority, but costs were prohibitive. Then George applied for our Vacant Space Revival Program, which has provided $2,462 in bill credits to help offset his overhead.* And Smithtown continues to have a business that brings warmth and charm to the area. It’s a beautiful thing to see come together—just like George’s floral arrangements
How can we help support your small business? psegliny.com/businessfirst *Incentives,
Five Ice Skating Rinks The Whole Family Can Enjoy
Ice skating rinks can offer excitement and adventure as you test your skating skills with your whole family. This winter, consider bundling up the kids and heading to one of these rinks to have some fun!
Marjorie R. Post Community Park Ice Rink
451 Unqua Road, Massapequa Park
This beloved outdoor ice skating rink attracts people from surrounding neighborhoods and offers reasonable is one to see, but hurry, the rink will be closing for the season on February 23.
This unique and memorable skating facility is open all year and is home to large two rinks. They also have an Ice Rink Pro Shop, which stocks a wide variety of equipment and supplies, ranging from laces to dresses.
Superior
Ice Rink
270 Indian Head Road, Kings Park
The McGuigan family has owned and operated this rink since 1972. They pride themselves on being a destination the entire family can
enjoy! Additionally, they will be offering a Learn to Skate program this March and April.
Buckskill Winter Club
178 Buckskill Rd, East Hampton
Buckskill Winter Club offers a wide array of family activities including public ice skating and skate rentals and junior and adult ice hockey programs. They have a cozy club house, where you can warm up by a fire and watch the action on the ice with a cup of hot soup or European hot chocolate from their full service snack bar.
The Rinx at Harborfront Park
101-A E Broadway, Port Jeferson
This rink is convienantly located in the village of Port Jefferson, close to many eateries and shops. Whether you want to take one of their skating lessons or just enjoy being on the ice with your loved ones, consider heading to this beautiful destination by the water.
The Ice Rink at Clark Gillies Arena
575 Vanderbilt Parkway, Dix Hills
The Reboli Center for Art & History
Charles Wildbank: "Being Human" –A New Exhibition
The Reboli Center for Art and History is delighted to announce the opening of "Being Human," a solo exhibition featuring the captivating works of Long Island-based artist Charles Wildbank. This thought-provoking exhibition will be on view through February 16th, 2025 at the Reboli Center, located at 64 Main Street, Stony Brook, NY.
"Being Human" brings together Wildbank’s signature style, including evocative seascapes, vibrant florals, intimate still lifes, and striking portraits. The collection offers an introspective look at the artist's exploration of resilience, beauty, and the complexities of the human spirit. Known for his dynamic use of color
impressive. He earned a fellowship to Yale University School of Music and Art at just 21, ultimately earning a Fine Arts degree from Pratt Institute. Throughout his career, Wildbank has earned numerous accolades, appeared on The Discovery Channel’s Deaf Mosaic, and been featured on several magazine covers, cementing his position
as a prominent figure in contemporary art. Exhibition Details Artist: Charles Wildbank Exhibition Title: Being Human Dates: January 14th –February 16th, 2025
Location: The Reboli Center for Art and History, 64 Main Street, Stony Brook, NY. Admission: Free (donations appreciated)
and deeply expressive approach, Wildbank’s paintings reflect a lifelong journey to transcend personal challenges, including his experience as a deaf artist.
About the Artist
Charles Wildbank is a nationally recognized artist whose work has garnered attention in prestigious institutions and private collections throughout the United States. Born deaf, Wildbank has risen above societal expectations, using his unique perspective to enrich his art. His work is informed by a lifetime of immersion in the visual arts, including early experiences in museums worldwide, which sparked his deep passion for creativity. Wildbank’s academic achievements are equally
Cozy Up To These Romantic Films This Valentine’s Day
Anumberof people feel that nothing beats a quiet evening in with the one you love on Valentine’s Day. Watching a romantic film together can be a way to cap the night off. There are plenty of films that focus on Valentine’s Day or have a larger romantic theme. Such movies are ideal for date nights and the ultimate date night: Valentine’s Day.
• “Valentine’s Day” (2010): This aptly titled film takes place on — you guessed it — February 14th. It has a who’s who cast of well-known actors like Jennifer Garner, Shirley MacLaine and Bradley Cooper. Various storylines intersect among the characters as Los Angeles residents work their way through the highs and lows of love on Valentine’s Day.
• “Kate & Leopold” (2001): While rom-com fans are used to seeing Meg Ryan teamed up with Tom Hanks, in this tale she’s paired with Hugh Jackman. Jackman is a duke from 1876 who inadvertently finds himself traveling through time to modern-day New York City, where he meets a plucky advertising executive. The two clash before they discover feelings for each other.
• “The Princess Bride” (1987): This movie has withstood the test of time. It has a little bit of everything: swordfights, revenge, a giant, and, of course, a heartwarming love story at its core.
• “The Wedding Singer” (1998): Despite coming out in the 1990s, this film brings on all the campy 1980’s nostalgia, including a hit soundtrack of favorite songs from that decade. Although not everyone is a fan of Adam Sandler’s comedic antics, this movie is less slapstick and more heartfelt. It’s one of a few where Sandler has paired with Drew Barrymore in
the lead roles. Check out “50 First Dates” if you want a fun Sandler-Barrymore double feature.
• “Love, Simon” (2018): In this movie, Simon, a high school student, hasn’t yet come out to his friends and family, but has been exploring a budding romance with an anonymous boy online. The big reveal of that boy’s identity is a moment of anticipation.
• “Pride and Prejudice” (2005): Jane Austen’s classic novel has undergone many interpretations on the silver screen. The 2005 version starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen as Elizabeth and Darcy is a fan favorite. With its beautiful tableaus and enchanting soundtrack, viewers can’t help but root for this unlikely couple.
• “Always Be My Maybe” (2019): This Netflix original movie has Ali Wong and Randall Park playing former childhood best friends with some unfinished business. When they are reunited as adults on different paths, will they find a connection? Keanu Reeves has a guest cameo.
• “Chocolat” (2000): A mysterious French woman and her young daughter open a chocolate shop in a remote place where villagers are afraid of change. Her confections seemingly have magical powers to fix the ills of people, if only the shopkeeper can lure the stubborn to give them a taste. Johnny Depp stars as a love interest.
• “Notting Hill” (1999): If Meg Ryan is the queen of rom-coms, Hugh Grant may be the king. In this movie, an unassuming British book shop owner gets cast into the limelight when a famous American actress played by Julia Roberts hides in the stacks and eventually becomes more than just a customer.
Did You Know?
It’shard to imagine Valentine’s Day without chocolate, and that association can be traced to a name that is very familiar to people who enjoy sweets on February 14. According to History.com, Richard Cadbury utilized advancements at his family’s chocolate factory in England to produce new varieties of what was then known as “eating chocolate.” Cadbury then began marketing eating chocolates in decorative boxes, and while History.com notes he never patented the heart-shaped box, it’s widely believed Cadbury was the first to create one.
A Valentine’s Day Dessert Whipped Up In An Unusual Way
Decadent
treats and Valentine’s Day go hand in hand. Couples typically exchange gifts on Valentine’s Day, and those gifts are often accompanied by something sweet. A survey from Statista found that 44 percent of respondents intended to purchase candy and sweets for their significant other on Valentine’s Day. That made candy and sweets the most popular Valentine’s Day gift by a considerable margin, well above the likes of other February 14th favorites like greeting cards (33 percent) and flowers (32 percent).Romantic dinners still have a place at the Valentine’s Day table, as the Statista survey found that 29 percent of respondents intended to sit down for a romantic meal as part of their celebration. Homemade desserts can be a great way to show that special someone just how much they’re loved. If cooks want to employ the element of surprise, then this recipe for “Ginger Cake” from Will Budiaman’s “The Essential Kamado Grill Cookbook” (Rockridge Press) won’t disappoint. Firing up the grill is sure to pique a loved one’s interest, and the slightly spicy finished product marks a departure from more traditional desserts.
Ginger Cake
Serves 8
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cubed, plus more for the pan, at room temperature
2 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1⁄2 teaspoons baking powder
4 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 2⁄3 cups packed light brown sugar
4 large eggs
1⁄2 cup whole milk
Directions:
1. Bring the grill to 350 F with the cooking grate and heat deflector installed. Butter the bottom and sides of a 10inch cast iron skillet.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, ginger, and salt.
3. In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream together the butter and sugar on medium speed for 3 minutes.
4. Reduce the speed to medium-low and add the eggs one at a time. Mix for 1 to 2 minutes or until light tan in color.
5. With the machine running, add the milk.
6. Add the flour mixture, scraping down the side of the bowl as needed, until fully incorporated. Transfer to the skillet.
7. Put the skillet on the grate. Close the lid and cook for 1 hour or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Put on a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Cooking tip:
Cutting butter into small cubes and arranging them in a single layer will help them soften more quickly.
Pick The Perfect Valentine’s Day Flowers
Valentine’s Day is steeped in tradition. Giving flowers is a popular tradition each February 14, and the National Retail Federation estimates that people spend around
$2.6 billion on flowers for Valentine’s Day, when an estimated 250 million stems of flowers are sold globally. Valentine’s Day is the most lucrative day for florists, with the red rose the most popular
Valentine’s Day Gifts
Couples Enjoy Together
Valentine’s Day is a time to bring smiles to the faces of loved ones — particularly the special someone in a person’s life. Gifts that appeal directly to spouses or significant others may be the standard, but gifts couple can use together can bring them closer together. The following are some great Valentine’s Day gifts couples can enjoy together.
• Matching robes: Plush terry cloth robes need not be reserved for luxurious stays at premiere hotels. Robes can be monogrammed and worn on lazy days when gathering in front of a cozy fire.
• Charcuterie set: A romantic meal is the start of any
flower given on this day for lovebirds. Just because millions of roses are prepared in advance of Valentine’s Day sales doesn’t mean this is the type of flower that one has to choose for a bouquet or arrangement. A surprise bouquet can feature unique blooms. Here are tips to give the perfect bouquet to the person who claims your heart.
• Identify your loved one’s favorite colors and flowers. Understanding your partner’s floral preferences is the first step in choosing a Valentine’s Day arrangement. Many have a favorite flower type or color, and everyone’s isn’t necessarily a red rose. Some people love bright daffodils, while others like exotic lilies. Pay attention to these likes to select flowers that will delight your partner.
• Select fresh flowers. When buying flowers in person,
make sure they are fresh by gently feeling the part of the petal that meets the stem. If this part is firm, then the flower is fresh.
• Keep allergies in mind. Valentine’s Day should be about offering love, not a case of the sniffles. If the person in your life suffers from floral allergies, avoid certain blooms, like sunflowers, chrysanthemums and hyacinths, suggests Funny How Flowers Do That, a United Kingdombased flower company. Tulips, irises and hydrangea are less likely to cause an allergic reaction.
• Order early. Time is of the essence when getting flowers for Valentine’s Day. Florists may rush or have fewer flowers to work with as Valentine’s Day draws closer. Ordering well in advance means you’ll get your desired arrangement.
Valentine’s Day celebration. Invest in a compact charcuterie board with two matching wine glasses and enjoy the set on date nights at home.
• Travel excursion: Jet set to an exotic locale with a planned adventure. Parents can arrange for a sitter, friend or relative to look after the children so the trip provides some one-on-one time. This trip can serve as the second honeymoon couples dream about.
• Fancy coffee maker: Couples who spend more time in take-out coffee shops than they probably should can brush up on their barista skills at home. There are plenty of coffee makers on
the market that can help couples whip up lattes, cappuccinos or espressos with ease.
• Wine club membership: Couples who enjoy sampling the latest vintages and flavors may enjoy a wine subscription. Winc. com is just one of the delivery services available. Or couples who prefer to be a little more hands-on can experiment with winemaking kits.
• Hot tub: What can be more relaxing than soaking in a warm bath of bubbling water? A backyard hot tub turns up the heat on relaxation and time spent together.
• Tokens of love: Matching or coordinating bracelets, necklaces or even tattoos can serve as enduring symbols of a couple’s love.
Happenings At The Emma Clark Library
Emma Clark’s Seed Library, which debuted last year, will be fully restocked in time for the first day of spring on March 20!
The Seed Library is a collection of flower, herb, and vegetable seed packets available for all levels of gardeners in our community. The seeds are all organic; many are also Long Island native plants. Packets are housed in an “old-fashioned” card catalog – a specialized piece of furniture that we no longer use in the Library since we’ve moved to an online catalog, but have now
effectively repurposed for the seeds. You’ll find it between the Adult Reference Desk and the Café.
Below the Seed Library, you’ll find the Seed Swap Box, designed for the public to donate and share seeds. All donated seeds should be in a sealed, labeled packet. These will not be inspected or cataloged by the Library.
Seed packets are available on a first come, first served basis while supplies last. The Seed Library is a growing collection, and new varieties of seeds may be added from time to time. Similarly, as seed packets are taken, not all may be replaced, as we have a limited number of seeds available. Please be mindful of what you take, and remember this is a shared resource for all in our community
More information may be found at emmaclark.org/ seedlibrary
Adults
Medical ID Cards
Wednesday, February 19, 11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office Medical ID Cards program provides free ID cards for seniors and those 18+ with medical needs. Stop by the historic section of the Library with your list of medications, conditions, & doctor’s contact details. No registration required.
Billy Joel Trivia Night Friday, March 28, 7:00 –8:30 p.m.
Are you in a New York State of Mind? See if you can handle the Pressure by proving your knowledge of
Long Island's one and only Piano Man. Enjoy New York snacks and get a chance to win Billy Joel-themed merchandise. Open to all Suffolk County residents. Register to reserve your spot at emmaclark.org/programs or call 631.941.4080.
Evening Book Discussion
Meets the 2nd
Wednesday of the month, 7:30 - 8:45 p.m.
Copies of the book are available to borrow at the Circulation Desk in the Library’s Lobby. No registration required.
Wednesday, March 12 –Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate (Book pickup starts 2/12) Wednesday, April 9 – The Librarianist by Patrick deWitt (Book pickup starts 3/12)
Kids “Drop In” Activities
Crafts with Recycled Materials
Saturday, February 15. Stop in anytime between 10:00 a.m. – 12 noon
Join us in the Children’s Library to create a work of art with recycled materials. All children ages 3 – 12 years old welcome (with parent/ caregiver). No registration. Bring a friend!
WinterFest
Saturday, February 22. Stop in anytime between 10:00 a.m. – 12 noon
Frosty fun with games, crafts, & contests! Families with children up to grade 6 welcome. No registration. Bring a friend!
Crafternoon
Saturday, March 15. Stop in anytime between 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Join us in the Children’s Library to create a work of art with recycled materials. All children ages 3 – 12 years old welcome (with parent/ caregiver). No registration. Bring a friend!
Spring Rock Painting
Tuesday, March 18. Stop in anytime between 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.
Decorate rocks to jazz up your garden this spring. All children ages 3 – 12 years old welcome (with parent/ caregiver). No registration. Bring a friend!
Emma Clark Library is closed on Presidents’ Day (Monday, February 17).
Inclement Weather and Emergency Closings
When Library hours are changed due to inclement weather or an emergency, information can be found through the following:
• Website: emmaclark.org
• Facebook: @ EmmaClarkLibrary
• Instagram: @ EmmaClarkLibrary
Level Up Kitchen Library Café
Seed Library
Start Off Valentine’s Day With Breakfast
Valentine’s Day is about expressing love for special people in your life. One way to do so is to pamper that person as much as possible. That can mean starting the day off with delicious breakfast in bed.Muffins can be prepared in advance and are easy to enjoy in hand for a breakfast that involves lounging and love. “Blackberry Crunch Muffins” marry coffee cake and muffin elements and tart berries for something that is equal parts breakfast and dessert. What better idea for Valentine’s Day? Try this recipe, courtesy of “Lord Honey Traditional Southern Recipes with a Country Bling Twist” (Pelican Pulishing) by Chef Jason Smith.
Blackberry Crunch Muffins
Serves 12
2 1⁄4 cups self-rising flour
1 cup white sugar
1⁄4 cup brown sugar
1⁄2 cup canola oil
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
3⁄4 cup full-fat buttermilk
1 1⁄2 cups fresh or frozen blackberries
Zest of 1 lime
Crunch topping
1⁄2 cup white sugar
1⁄4 cup brown sugar, packed
1⁄2 cup self-rising flour
1⁄2 cup quick-cook oats
1⁄4 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1⁄2 cup chopped walnuts
5 tablespoons butter, at room temperature
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1⁄2 teaspoon ground ginger
Glaze
2 cups powdered sugar
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
Juice of 1 lime
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 F. Grease or line a 12-hole muffin tin. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and sugars. Add the oil, eggs, vanilla, and buttermilk, and stir to combine.
In a small bowl, toss the blackberries with 1 tablespoon flour, then add the berries and zest to the batter and lightly fold them in.
Place the crunch topping ingredients in a bowl and mix with a fork until large crumbles form.
Divide the batter evenly into the muffin tin, and sprinkle tops with crunch mixture.
Bake for 22 to 28 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Remove from oven and place on a cooling rack. Place the glaze ingredients in a bowl and whisk until combined. Drizzle over cooled muffins.
Winter Concert Series
TheNew York Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation invites you to warm up from the Winter cold and enjoy the comfort of fine classical music on Sunday afternoons at the Upper Carriage House at Bayard Cutting Arboretum in Great River, New York.
The 2025 Winter Concert Series performance schedule is as follows:
FEBRUARY 16 – Queensound
Linda Teixeira (Soprano), Helena Kim (Piano)
MARCH 02 – Quintessence
Laura Mole (Violin), Jody Ratner (Viola), Susan Lehr (Cello) Karen Gellert (Double Bass), Elinor Zayas (Piano), Hiroko Nakahara (Guest Violinist)
MARCH 09 – Piano Duo Elinor Zayas & Karen Baer
March 16 – Cambiata Cello Duo Paul Finkelstein & Suzanne Mueller
Parking will be limited and on a first come, first served basis throughout the entirety of this concert series. All concerts
Blackbegin promptly at 1:00PM. Seating is on first come, first serve basis. The concerts, free to he public, are sponsored by the Islip Arts Council with funding provided by Bayard Cutting Arboretum, Natural Heritage Trust, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
For more information, please call the Islip Arts Council at (631) 888-3525. For information on the day of the concert, please call Bayard Cutting Arboretum at (631) 581-1002.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, and welcomes over 80 million visitors annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518.474.0456. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), the OPRHP Blog or via the OPRHP Newsroom.
History Month has a lengthy history that dates back more than a century. According to History.com, historian Carter G. Woodson and minister Jesse E. Moorland founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) in September 1915. Promoting the achievements of Black Americans was among the various missions of the ASNLH. One of the ways the ASNLH sought to achieve that mission was through the establishment of Negro History Week in 1926. Organizers chose the second week of February for the event because that week happened to be when Abraham Lincoln (1809) and Frederick Douglass (1818) were born. Lincoln and Douglass played pivotal roles in the abolition of slavery in the United States. After the establishment of Negro History Week in 1926, more and more cities began to celebrate it. History.com notes that by the 1960s Negro History Week had evolved into Black History Month on college campuses, eventually leading to formal recognition of the event by American president Gerald Ford in 1976.
Did You Know?
Trivia fans may know that American president Benjamin Harrison, who served from 1889 to 1893, was both preceded and succeeded in office by Grover Cleveland. But Harrison has another notable distinction on his presidential résumé. Harrison was the country’s twenty-third president but the first to hire a woman White House staffer upon his selection of Alice Sanger as his presidential secretary on January 2, 1890. History.com suggests Harrison’s appointment of Sanger might have been an effort to extend an olive branch to the women’s suffrage movement, which was gaining momentum during the time Harrison spent in the White House. Though Sanger was named to the White House staff 135 years ago, the United States has still not seen a woman elected to the office of the president.
Cherry-Almond Ice Cream For Valentine's Day
Ice cream is a beloved dessert. The extraordinary number of flavor combinations that can be achieved simply by mixing together a few ingredients undoubtedly contributes to the popularity of ice cream.For those partial to cherries and almonds, there’s nothing better than combining those flavors in this recipe for “No-Churn Cherry Bakewell Ice Cream” from “Jane’s Patisserie” (Sourcebooks) by Jane Dunn.
Directions:
Add the pitted cherries to a blender and blitz until smooth. Pass through a sieve to remove any lumps and set aside. Pour the cream into a bowl and whip to soft peaks. Put the condensed milk, almond extract, pink food coloring (if using) and puréed cherries into a separate bowl and stir to combine, then pour the mixture into a container, like a large loaf tin.
Freeze for at least 5 to 6 hours, or preferably overnight so it has time to get the correct texture. Remove from the freezer about 20 minutes before serving to allow it to soften slightly. Scoop into bowls and serve topped with fresh cherries and toasted flaked almonds.
Over $8 Million Donated To LI Area Historic Organizations
TheRobert David Lion Gardiner Foundation is pleased to announce it has donated a total of $8,098,574 in grants to historic organizations across Long Island and beyond during calendar year 2024. Grant recipients were recognized during two rounds of awards luncheons hosted by the Smithtown Historical Society in June 2024 and Old Westbury Gardens in December 2024. Grants will be used by a variety of Long Island historic sites to fund initiatives ranging from educational programs and exhibitions to publications, scholarships, and construction and renovation projects.
Recipients of the First Round 2024 Grant Awards are:
Association of Public Historians of NYS
Byrd Hoffman Water Mill Foundation
Caumsett Foundation, Inc.
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Cow Neck Peninsula Historical Society
Fraunces Tavern Museum
Greater Westhampton Historical Museum
Long Island Children’s Museum
Long Island Library Resource Council, Inc.
- Long Island and NY State History Day
Long Island Museum of American Art
History and Carriages
Long Island Seaport and Eco Center
Montauk Historical Society
New York University
Queens Museum
Waterfront Museum
Whaling Museum & Education Center
Recipients of the Second Round 2024 Grant Awards are:
Friends of Raynham Hall, Inc.
Jewish Historical Society of Long Island
Long Island Library Resource Council, Inc.
– Long Island History Day
Long Island Maritime Museum
Nassau County Museum of Fine Art
New York Historical Society
Sag Harbor History Museum
The Church
The Cooper Union
The following organizations received grants as part of the Gardiner Foundation’s new Challenge Match Grant program. The program recognized each organization’s fundraising efforts by matching up to $10,000 raised for new offerings during 2024.
Conscience Point Shellfish Hatchery, Corp.
Fireboat Firefighters Museum
Friends of Lakeview Cemeteries
Historical Society of Greater Port
Jefferson
Historical Society of Islip Hamlet
Long Beach Historical and Preservation Society
Mattituck Laurel Historical Society
Miller Place Mount Sinai Historical Society
North Sea Community House
Oyster Bay Railroad Museum
Quogue Historical Society
Rocky Point Historical Society and Museum
Victor D’Amico Institute of Art
Wading River Historical Society
The Gardiner Foundation also awarded $1,600 to each of 35 historic organizations for employing young people as part of the 2024 Gardiner Young Scholars Program. To learn more about the program, visit https://www. rdlgfoundation.org/news/77.
“Fulfilling the historic educational vision of Bob Gardiner is a great privilege for our Board and all at the Foundation,” said Kathryn M. Curran, Executive Director of the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation.
ABOUT THE ROBERT DAVID LION GARDINER FOUNDATION
The mission of the Foundation is to educate, cultivate and encourage the study and understanding of Long Island and New York’s historic role in the American experience. The Foundation also supports scholarships and historic preservation, including study, stewardship and promotion of Long Island’s historic educational aspects. The Foundation was established by Robert David Lion Gardiner in 1987. Robert David Lion Gardiner was, until his death in August 2004, the 16th Lord of the Manor of Gardiner’s Island, NY. The Island was obtained as part of a royal grant from King Charles I of England in 1639. The Gardiner family and their descendants have owned Gardiner’s Island for 385 years. The Island remains private and is owned and maintained by direct Gardiner descendants to this day. The Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation remains inspired by Robert David Lion Gardiner’s personal passion for Long Island and New York history. Since 2015, the Foundation has awarded over $45 million to support historical societies, museums, archives, research, scholarships and renovation, restoration and adaptive reuse of historic sites.
Interesting Facts About U.S. Presidents
Americans celebrate President’s Day each year in mid-February. Though some may see the holiday, which is celebrated on a Monday, as a great opportunity to book a three-day weekend getaway, others may be inspired to learn about the many men who have held the highest office in the United States. For the latter, the following are some interesting facts about U.S. presidents, courtesy of History.com.
• Founding father and first U.S. president George Washington was a man with many
hobbies, including dog breeding. Alex Hager of the Presidential Pet Museum told History. com that Washington likely developed his passion for dog breeding as a result of his love of fox hunting. Indeed, the American Kennel Club considers Washington the father of the American foxhound. It’s also worth noting Washington’s predilection for giving his dogs humorous names, including Drunkard, Tippler and Sweet Lips.
• The country’s fourth president, James
Madison, was a slight man. Madison was fivefeet-four and weighed just over 100 pounds. Madison might have put on a few additional pounds had he lived to enjoy the snack cake brand Dolly Madison, which was inspired by the fourth president’s wife, Dolley, and introduced in 1937.
• John Quincy Adams might be most recognized as the first man to follow his father and hold the office of the president. However, the sixth president had a notable career even after his time holding the highest office in the land. John Quincy Adams argued before the Supreme Court in a case that freed African captives who had rebelled aboard the slave ship Amistad. That rebellion and its subsequent court case was later dramatized in the 1997 Steven Spielberg film “Amistad,” in which Adams was portrayed by Welsh actor Anthony Hopkins.
• It took some time before the United States had its first American-born president, but that happened upon the election of Martin Van Buren in 1837. Prior to Van Buren’s victory, all presidents had been born before 1776 and were thus British subjects at their time of birth.
• Many Americans fought long and hard to secure the right to vote, but one president never voted until his own name appeared on the ballot. Zachary Taylor, the
nation’s twelfth president, acknowledged he had never voted prior to 1848, the year he was elected president.
• Only two men in U.S. history have been elected to serve non-consecutive terms as president. The first to do so was Grover Cleveland, who served as the nation’s twentysecond and twenty-fourth president. That feat was not replicated until it was pulled off by Donald Trump, who was elected in 2016 as the nation’s forty-fifth president and then again in 2024.
• Some presidents are more soft spoken than others, but perhaps none have been more reserved than the thirtieth president Calvin Coolidge. When a female visitor bet Coolidge that she could get three words out of him, Coolidge simply replied, “You lose.”
• Thirty-third president Harry S. Truman’s name is somewhat misleading. The middle initial “S” is not an abbreviation for any particular name, but rather an homage to his grandfathers Anderson Shipp Truman and Solomon Young.
• Richard Nixon, the nation’s thirty-seventh president, was a highly skilled poker player. In fact, during his time serving in the United States Navy during World War II, Nixon won substantial sums of money playing poker, funds he ultimately used to finance his first political campaign.
