The Common Thread

A HUNTINGTON MATTERS MAGAZINE

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Huntington Station Latin Quarter and Huntington Matters Host 16th Annual Spring Cleanup

Name: Get Your Tickets NOW for the Dix Hills Fire Department Fundraiser – Big Papi’s Ivory Tour
Start: 2026-05-06T04:00:00-04:00
End: 2026-05-06T14:00:00-04:00
Location: Dix Hills Fire Department

A Quality Island Landscaping crew member tosses mulch on a garden bed with Owner John Marcinka, Jr. and daughter Luna at right and a team of volunteers on both sides of New York Avenue cleaning. Huntington Station Latin Quarter and Huntington Matters Host 16th Annual Spring Cleanup — A Quality Island Landscaping crew member tosses mulch on a garden bed with Owner John Marcinka, Jr. and daughter Luna at right and a team of volunteers on both sides of New York Avenue cleaning. Photography by Dana E. Richter.

HUNTINGTON STATION, NY – May 3, 2026

The Huntington Station Latin Quarter and Huntington Matters had a wonderful turnout this past weekend for their 16th Annual Huntington Station Spring Cleanup, with beautiful weather making it a perfect day to give back to the community. The event was held in front of Palacios Law Group on New York Avenue, which served as the perfect home base for the day’s efforts.

A Community Tradition Led by Local Families and Volunteers

This beloved community event is led by HSLQ and HM, with Xavier and Laura Palacios and their two daughters, Isabella and Violet, playing a central role in bringing it all together year after year. Representing HM were June Margolin, Dana Richter, and Diane Schaber, who were instrumental in coordinating routes and keeping everything running smoothly. Dana also captured the day beautifully through her photography, preserving the memories of another successful cleanup.

Kelly Smith and daughter Marina sweeping - Huntington Station BID, Huntington Chamber & Huntington Rotary Club. Huntington Station Latin Quarter and Huntington Matters Host 16th Annual Spring Cleanup — Kelly Smith and daughter Marina sweeping – Huntington Station BID, Huntington Chamber & Huntington Rotary Club. Photography by Dana E. Richter.

Nearly 60 volunteers of all ages turned out for the event, representing the best of the community. Among the groups participating were 15 members of Ten Tigers Kung-Fu Academy in Huntington Station, the Huntington High School Girls Varsity Lacrosse team, Huntington Station BID members, and even a student from Commack who traveled across the Town of Huntington to earn community service hours — a true testament to the reach and spirit of the event. Volunteers proudly wore T-shirts sponsored by Palacios Law Group, whose generous support helped make the day possible.

Volunteers, Sponsors, and Local Businesses Step Up

Thanks to the generous $500 donation from the BID, volunteers were well-equipped with gloves, garbage bags, brooms, grabbers, dustpans, and brushes. Palacios Law Group also stepped up by sponsoring the event T-shirts and additional supplies, ensuring every volunteer had what they needed to get the job done. John Marincka Jr. and Oliver Church of Quality Island Landscaping — returning champions of this effort — once again showed up in a big way, donating a full truck of mulch to beautify New York Avenue from Olive Street to the railroad. A special thank you also goes to New York Avenue Pizza for their continued support of the community.

The Route 3 volunteers work with Quality Island Landscaping to clean and mulch the trees along the LIRR commuter parking lot. Laura Palacios (with rake) and Xavier Palacios (with wheelbarrow) started Friends of Huntington Station Latin Quarter 17 years ago, co-hosting the Spring Cleanup for 16 years. Working together with volunteers. Huntington Station Latin Quarter and Huntington Matters Host 16th Annual Spring Cleanup — The Route 3 volunteers work with Quality Island Landscaping to clean and mulch the trees along the LIRR commuter parking lot. Laura Palacios (with rake) and Xavier Palacios (with wheelbarrow) started Friends of Huntington Station Latin Quarter 17 years ago, co-hosting the Spring Cleanup for 16 years. Working together with volunteers. Photography by Dana E. Richter.

Nearly Three Miles Covered in Just 90 Minutes

The well-attended cleanup covered nearly 3 miles of streets in just 90 minutes, thanks to the energy and enthusiasm of every volunteer who showed up. Along the way, passing drivers showed their appreciation with honks and waves of encouragement, making the morning feel like a true community celebration.

Support from Leaders Across the Community

The event drew support from elected officials and community leaders across all levels of government, including Walter Edwards, Deputy Superintendent of Highways, Suffolk County Legislator Rebecca Sanin, Huntington Councilwoman Theresa Mari, New York State Assemblyman Steve Stern, and Huntington Councilwoman Jen Hebert, joined by her Legislative Aide Blake Dunn.

Here’s to another year of neighbors, volunteers, and leaders coming together to keep Huntington Station beautiful. See you at the 17th!

Photography by Dana E. Richter, June Margolin, Legislator Rebecca Sanin and Deputy Superintendent Walter Edwards – Town of Huntington Highway.