HUNTINGTON, NY – October 23, 2026
A possible breakthrough in the Cinema Arts Centre controversy could change the future of Huntington’s independent cinema, while traffic surrounding a popular fall attraction has sparked a heated debate among neighbors. With early voting beginning, questions about the judicial races on this year’s ballot and a local assault investigation add to an eventful week 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 conversations taking place in Huntington Matters Community Forum.
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 also featured our recap of the Half Hollow Hills PTA Council’s Meet the Candidates event, the Sorrentino Family Foundation’s Annual Turkey Drive, upcoming candidate interviews, and a packed Community Calendar filled with Halloween celebrations and fall activities.
👇 Watch the full episode below and please subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Half Hollow Hills Meet the Candidates & Sorrentino Family Foundation Turkey Drive
For the second consecutive year, June Margolin had the honor of moderating the Half Hollow Hills PTA Council’s Meet the Candidates event. Candidates running for county, state, and federal offices answered questions about issues affecting our communities. The full event recording will be available on our YouTube channel Election Podcast.
Dana Richter and Diane Schaber attended the Sorrentino Family Foundation’s 19th Annual Turkey Drive fundraiser, held this year at Cantina Azul in Dix Hills.
The annual fundraiser supports the family’s efforts to provide thousands of Thanksgiving turkeys to families in need. Dana and Diane shared their experience at the event, where supporters gathered for an evening of food, conversation, and fundraising.
We extend our thanks to Andrea and Kim Sorrentino, their family, and everyone who continues supporting this annual effort. To make a donation, Venmo @Kimberly-Sorrentino-1.
Election 2026: Early Voting, Judicial Races & Candidate Interviews
Early voting for the November 3 general election runs from October 24 through November 1.
Diane Schaber took a closer look at something many voters find confusing: the judicial races appearing on their ballots.
Four judicial categories are on the ballot for Huntington voters: New York State Supreme Court Justice, Suffolk County Court Judge, Family Court Judge, and District Court Judge. Diane explained the responsibilities of these courts, how many candidates voters may select in each race, and why some judicial candidates appear on multiple political party lines.
Our Election 2026 candidate interview series continues with two upcoming livestreams:
- Tuesday, October 27 at 9:00AM: Chris Gallant, Democratic candidate for U.S. Congress, New York’s 1st Congressional District.
- Thursday, October 29 at 10:30 AM: Assemblyman Steve Stern, Democratic candidate for reelection in New York State Assembly District 10.
Visit HuntingtonMatters.com to watch our candidate interviews and get to know your choices at the polls so you can vote with confidence for yourself and your family.
What’s Happening Around Huntington
Halloween is almost here, and Diane had a packed Community Calendar featuring activities for children and families across the Town of Huntington.
The weekend’s events include the Commack Ambulance Corps Trunk or Treat, the Eatons Neck Fire Department Halloween Parade and Fire Safety Party, and the Peppermint Chop Shop haunted Halloween attraction in Commack, which collects donations for the Daniela Conte Foundation.
Fall festivals are scheduled at Elija Farm, Seasonal ‘Scapes and Apex Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, while Christ Lutheran Church in East Northport and St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Dix Hills are hosting their own Trunk or Treat celebrations.
On Saturday, October 24, Councilwoman Theresa Mari and the Town of Huntington Opioid and Addiction Task Force will host The Annual Wellness Walk For Hope, supporting individuals and families affected by addiction and celebrating those in recovery.
Looking ahead to Wednesday, October 28, Town of Huntington Women’s Services will honor six local women at its sold-out Women of Distinction high tea luncheon. The Town’s free Halloween At Heckscher family fun event takes place later that afternoon, featuring a costume parade and activities for children.
Walt Whitman High School is planning an Elemental Send Off Show for its marching band ahead of a competition in Syracuse.
Residents can find details for these events and many more on the Huntington Matters Community Calendar at HuntingtonMatters.com.
Cinema Arts Centre: Could Dylan Skolnick Be Returning?
A significant new development emerged in the ongoing controversy surrounding the dismissal of Cinema Arts Centre Co-Director Dylan Skolnick.
Following Dana Richter’s investigation into the circumstances surrounding Skolnick’s departure, the Cinema Arts Centre Board of Directors contacted Huntington Matters directly and asked us to publish a new statement.
The board confirmed that it had privately reached out to Skolnick and that he had agreed to meet with its representatives to discuss a potential return.
Dana contacted Skolnick for a response but had not received one at the time of our broadcast.
The development comes as the nonprofit cinema faces serious financial difficulties and questions about its future.
Read our full coverage of the Cinema Arts Centre controversy and watch the Weekly Update for Dana’s discussion of the latest developments.
White Post Farms: Fall Festival Traffic Sparks a Neighborhood Debate
Complaints about traffic surrounding White Post Farms’ annual Fall Farm Festival sparked a lively debate in Huntington Matters Community Forum.
Weekend congestion along Old Country Road in Melville has frustrated nearby residents, with some reporting lengthy delays, parking on residential lawns, and litter left behind by visitors.
Other neighbors defended the popular seasonal attraction and the business it brings to Huntington.
We discussed the responsibilities of White Post Farms, the Town of Huntington, and motorists navigating the area, along with possible ways to address the complaints without losing sight of the farm’s place in our community.
Who’s responsible for managing the traffic? How much inconvenience is reasonable for nearby residents?
Watch our discussion and let us know which side you’re on.
Neighborhood Watch: Police Seek Suspect in Commack Walmart Assault
The Suffolk County Police Department is asking for the public’s help identifying a man wanted in connection with an assault at Walmart on Crooked Hill Road in Commack on September 17, 2026.
We shared surveillance images of the suspect and his vehicle during our Neighborhood Watch segment.
Anyone with information can contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS or submit an anonymous tip through P3Tips.com.
See something, say something.
Connect with and Support Huntington Matters
Since 2014, Huntington Matters has been connecting neighbors, supporting local businesses, sharing information, advocating for our community, and serving residents across the Town of Huntington.
What began as an “ambitious volunteer project” has grown into a full-time hyperlocal media platform that includes HuntingtonMatters.com, our Community Calendar, Business Directory, The Common Thread magazine, Huntington Matters Community Forum, Instagram, TikTok, NextDoor, X and regular YouTube Live updates.
Support Huntington Matters by purchasing official “Best. Neighbors. Ever.” merchandise, making a donation, subscribing to our YouTube channel, sharing our content, or partnering with us to reach the Huntington community.
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