HUNTINGTON, NY – May 29, 2026
Two teenagers sitting on the edge of a building under construction in Huntington Village sparked one of the biggest debates of the week. A family continued searching for answers after a violent assault at a Melville party left a young man hospitalized. Neighbors also reflected on Memorial Day, discussed solicitors and scammers at the front door, and looked ahead to another busy week of events across the Town of Huntington.
Huntington Matters continues its weekly YouTube Live podcast series to keep residents informed about what’s happening across the Town of Huntington from public safety updates to real conversations happening between neighbors.
Hosted by June Margolin, Dana Richter, and Diane Schaber, the Weekly Update connects residents from Cold Spring Harbor to Commack, Asharoken to Melville, and everywhere in between.
This week’s episode covered Memorial Day events, the Mason Kraese Memorial Blood Drive, upcoming community programs and public meetings, the debate surrounding teenagers on a Huntington Village construction site, a police investigation into an assault at a Melville party, the upcoming Zoning Board meeting about the proposed McDonald’s project where residents can give feedback, Neighborhood Watch reminders about solicitors and scams, emergency preparedness tips for tick and mosquito season, and a spotlight on the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium.
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What’s Happening Around Huntington
The Town of Huntington’s annual Memorial Day Ceremony was held at Town Hall after rain forced organizers to move the event indoors. The ceremony honored the men and women who gave their lives in service to the country and featured performances by the Huntington Men’s Chorus, bagpiper John Martin, and a moving rendition of Taps by Tom Butterfield. Veterans organizations, elected officials, and community members gathered to pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
The hosts also shared encouraging results from the Mason Kraese Memorial Blood Drive. According to the New York Blood Center, 98 donations were collected during the drive, potentially helping save as many as 294 lives. Kraese, a Huntington Station native and volunteer firefighter with the Huntington Manor Fire Department, was remembered for his commitment to helping others and serving his community.
Other upcoming events discussed during the episode included the Rotary Club of Huntington Food Drive at ShopRite in Huntington Commons, public tours at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, and the All Abilities Expo at Heckscher Park. The All Abilities Expo brings together local businesses, organizations, professionals, resources, activities, and services for individuals of all abilities and their families. Huntington Matters also has a full article on the website with more information about the event and why it has become such an important resource for families across Long Island.
The team also highlighted a community paper shredding event hosted by Councilwomen Theresa Mari and Jennifer Hebert, the next Suffolk County Police Department 2nd Precinct Community Meeting at the South Huntington Public Library, an upcoming presentation on the historic Mills of Huntington, Coffee With A Cop at Target in Huntington Station, an artificial intelligence workshop for local businesses at LaunchPad, and an upcoming Town of Huntington Zoning Board of Appeals hearing regarding the proposed McDonald’s development at the corner of Pulaski Road and Park Avenue in Huntington Station.
The proposed McDonald’s hearing was highlighted as especially important because this may be residents’ only opportunity to speak directly during the public review process before the Zoning Board makes a decision. The project involves the former bank property at Pulaski Road and Park Avenue, and the applicant is seeking approvals connected to the proposed drive-thru restaurant, seating, signage, menu boards, parking, setbacks, and other site-related issues.
Hot Topics from Huntington Matters Community Forum
One of the most talked-about posts of the week involved two teenagers photographed sitting on the edge of a building under construction in Huntington Village. The images generated significant discussion throughout Huntington Matters Community Forum, with some neighbors recalling their own youthful risk-taking while others focused on the serious dangers associated with active construction sites. Beyond the obvious risk of falling, many pointed out that unfinished structures can contain hidden hazards including unstable surfaces, exposed materials, and incomplete safety features.
Another major discussion centered on a parent seeking information following a violent assault that reportedly occurred at a party in Melville. According to information shared during the livestream, two young men were injured and Suffolk County Police confirmed an active investigation remains ongoing. The family is asking anyone with information to come forward and contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS or www.P3Tips.com.
The team also shared this week’s “What Do You Think?” discussion question: If you had an extra room in your house, what would you use it for? Answers during the livestream ranged from a home office to hobby rooms, photography studio and a dedicated guest room. What is yours? Let us know in the comments.
Neighborhood Watch: Solicitors, Scammers & Strangers at Your Door
This week’s Neighborhood Watch discussion focused on a question that regularly appears in Huntington Matters Community Forum: What are your rights when someone comes knocking on your door?
The hosts discussed the difference between legitimate visitors and potentially suspicious activity, explaining that delivery drivers, political candidates, religious groups, and other visitors are generally permitted to approach a home’s front door using normal access routes. However, entering fenced yards, opening gates, entering garages, or accessing private areas without permission is a different matter entirely.
The conversation also addressed door-to-door solicitors and fundraising efforts. Residents were reminded that commercial solicitors in the Town of Huntington are required to carry a Town-issued permit and must present the permit when asked. The hosts encouraged neighbors to verify charitable organizations before donating and to trust their instincts if something feels off. When in doubt, residents should call 911 and Suffolk County Police dispatchers will route the call to the appropriate place.
Emergency Preparedness
With warmer weather arriving across Long Island, Diane Schaber focused this week’s preparedness segment on tick and mosquito safety.
Residents were encouraged to use insect repellent when spending time outdoors, avoid tall grass whenever possible, perform routine tick checks after outdoor activities, and ensure pets are protected with veterinarian-recommended treatments. The discussion also included reminders to eliminate standing water around homes to reduce mosquito breeding areas.
As always, the goal is simple preparedness. Small preventive steps taken now can help protect your family’s health and avoid much bigger problems later in the summer season.
Charity Spotlight
This week’s Charity Spotlight featured the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium, one of Huntington’s most unique educational and environmental resources. While many families know the facility for its trout ponds, fish feeding opportunities, and family-friendly atmosphere, the organization has a much deeper history rooted in conservation and environmental education.
Originally operated as a New York State fish hatchery, the facility transitioned into a nonprofit educational center in 1982 through the efforts of the Friends of the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery. Today, visitors can explore aquarium exhibits, outdoor ponds, educational programs, and the largest living collection of New York State freshwater fish, reptiles, and amphibians. The Hatchery continues to provide hands-on learning opportunities for children, families, students, and nature enthusiasts throughout the region.
Connect with and Support Huntington Matters
For more than 11 years, Huntington Matters has grown from what the hosts jokingly described during the livestream as an “ambitious volunteer project” into a full-time community resource hub serving residents across the Town of Huntington.
What began as volunteer work for 8 years has grown into a full-time hyperlocal media platform serving Huntington through HuntingtonMatters.com‘s Community Calendar, Business Directory, The Common Thread magazine, Huntington Matters Community Forum, Instagram, TikTok, and regular YouTube Live updates. Despite that growth, the mission has remained the same for more than 11 years – connecting neighbors, supporting local businesses, sharing information, advocating for the community, and strengthening Huntington through engagement and communication.
If what Huntington Matters does resonates with you, please support Huntington Matters by purchasing official “Best. Neighbors. Ever.” merchandise, making a donation, subscribing to the YouTube channel, or sharing our content with friends and neighbors.
Local businesses looking to reach Huntington residents can partner with Huntington Matters through advertising opportunities designed to help businesses get noticed, stay visible, and build trust with neighbors across the Town of Huntington.
To advertise, submit a tip, or suggest a topic, email info@huntingtonmatters.com.
Please note: Events are removed from the Community Calendar approximately three months after the event date, so some older links may no longer be active.
