🌱 Food Insecurity Rises + Man Hit, Killed Leaving Woodbury Diner

Hi all. It's me, Andrew Tessler, your host of the Daily. Here's all the local news you need to know right now, including...

• Long Island food insecurity shows an alarming increase year-over-year.
• A man was hit and killed by a drunk driver while leaving the Woodbury Diner.
• Check out what's happening at the Huntington Library.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly cloudy and breezy. High: 49 low: 35.

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Here are the top four stories in Huntington today:

1. Long Island food insecurity shows an alarming increase year-over-year. In 2022, Long Island Cares distributed 1,041,765 meals to 115,699 visitors, some of whom were repeats, at its five satellites across the island. In 2021, those numbers were significantly lower with 647,844 meals given to 73,896 visitors. The food bank handed out 60 percent more meals last year than in 2021. (Huntington Patch)
2. A man was hit and killed by a drunk driver while leaving the Woodbury Diner. Willem Specht, age 62, of Woodbury, entered his gray 2004 Infiniti sedan before backing up southbound and striking a man who just exited the diner, Nassau County Police said. The victim was a 61-year-old Wantagh man who suffered severe trauma and was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. (Daily Voice)
3. Check out what's happening at the Huntington Library. Events include movies, True Crime Club, Cutting the Cord and more. There is something going on for all age groups so be sure to click the link and find something that you like! (Huntington Patch)
4. A vehicle crashed into the Salvation Army Building in East Northport. The single vehicle crash happened at about 9:45 a.m. yesterday morning and police reported there were no injuries. (Daily Voice)

Today in Huntington:

• Veterans Committee Meeting - Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce. (8:30 a.m.)
• Friday Afternoon Movie Bridget Jones Diary - Huntington Public Library. (3:00 PM)
• Twiddle - The Paramount. (8 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Huntington Union Free School District: Junior Lauren Donaghy lifts Huntington girls' basketball over host Brentwood, 44-38. Donaghy dropped 14 points and added three assists to give the girls the victory. (Huntington Union Free School District via Facebook)
• Huntington Union Free School District: Four Blue Devil swimmers have qualified for the New York State championships in Ithaca on March 3-4. Huntington’s Evan Spagnoletti, Lucas Spagnoletti, Pierre Leroy and Max Leroy have all notched times that qualify them for the state swimming and diving championships in one or more events. (Huntington Union Free School District via Facebook)
• South Huntington Public Library: Take a look at some of the prizes kids and adults can earn simply by reading books this winter! Join the library's Winter Reading Challenges now. (South Huntington Public Library via Facebook)
• The Junior Welfare League of Huntington, Inc.: The annual Spring Luncheon will be held on March 19 at 11 a.m. at the Huntington Crescent Club. There will be unique raffles and boutique vendors to add to your dinning fun, all to support the JWL. (The Junior Welfare League of Huntington, Inc. via Facebook)
• Tri Community & Youth Agency (Tri CYA): Students from Farmingdale State College Dental program gave a presentation on oral hygiene and good dental health practices at the Tri CYA. See photos in the link. (Tri Community & Youth Agency (Tri CYA) via Facebook)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Flower Hill Rd: "Orthodontist Recommendation - I am looking for an orthodontist who puts braces behind teeth. Can anyone recommend local orthodontists (for a teenager). Thank you" (Nextdoor)

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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! I'll see you around.

— Andrew Tessler

About me: Hi! I'm Andrew and I have been a Huntington resident for 7 years. I have lived in other countries and states, and my number one love is Huntington. I love health and wellness, traveling, stand-up paddle boarding, and of course going to restaurants and events throughout Huntington!

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Huntington Daily? Contact me at Huntington@Patch.com