🌱 South Huntington Mourns Loss Of Teacher + Commack Motor Inn Sold

Good morning, everybody! It's me, Andrew Tessler, your host of the Huntington Daily. Here's all the local news you need to know right now. In this issue, you'll find updates on:

• South Huntington School District mourns the passing of Barbarajean Douglas.
• The Next Chapter Bookstore opens in Huntington.
• Commack Motor Inn sells for nearly $14 million.

But first, today's weather:

Cooler; damp in the morning. High: 49 low: 41.

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Here are the top four stories today in Huntington:

1. South Huntington School District mourns the passing of Barbarajean Douglas. The teacher and lacrosse coach passed away on Dec. 27 and a cause of death was not listed on the obituary. "Mrs. Douglas’ passing is a tremendous loss to the South Huntington community," Dr. Vito D'Elia, superintendent of the school district, told Patch. "To lose such an energetic and dynamic educator, who our students have come to know and love, is a tragedy to say the least. Barbarajean Douglas has been a prominent member of the Stimson Middle School Community for over 20 years as a physical education teacher, lacrosse coach and educational leader. Our continued thoughts and prayers go out to her family, as well as her students, as they struggle with the loss of such an amazing individual." (Huntington Patch)
2. The Next Chapter Bookstore opens in Huntington. The bookstore recently opened at 204 New York Avenue "in the spirit of Huntington's Book Revue," which closed in 2021 after decades of business. A Crowdfunding campaign started by Book Revue's former manager Mallory Braun raised over $250,000, which helped open The Next Chapter. (Huntington Patch)
3. Commack Motor Inn sells for nearly $14 million. The motel is known for its drive-up window, heart-shaped tubs, water beds and three-hour "short stay" option. There were numerous community complaints about the activities at the inn and the new owner plans to fix it up and make it more family friendly. (News 12 Bronx)
4. Check out the most recent Huntington Police Blotter. These are the most recent incidents reported from Dec. 24 through Jan. 1. You can click the link to see a breakdown of what crimes went down in the Town of Huntington. (Huntington Patch)

Today in Huntington:

• Lunch and Learn: Torah of the Mothers - Kehillath Shalom Synagogue. (12:30 p.m.)
• Research Information Session - CSH Central School District. (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Huntington Manor Fire Department Fan Page: Honorary Chief Fred Steenson was honored for his 60 years of service at the January monthly meeting of the Hose Company. Check out photos in the link. (Huntington Manor Fire Department Fan Page via Facebook)
• Huntington Union Free School District: Three Blue Devil swimmers have qualified for state swim championships. Read who notched qualifying times for this year's championships in the link. (Huntington Union Free School District via Facebook)
• St. Dominic High School - Oyster Bay, NY: St. Dominic's 33rd Annual Saint Dominic Canivan Gala & Auction will be held on Friday, Jan. 23. at the Crest Hollow Country Club. To purchase Sponsorships, Tickets and Journal Ads you can click the link! (St. Dominic High School - Oyster Bay, NY via Facebook)
• Helping Hand Rescue Mission: One of the best aspects of Helping Hand is their volunteers. If you are looking to do some good in the community and volunteer, head to their website and volunteer. (Helping Hand Rescue Mission via Facebook)
• The Townwide Fund Of Huntington: Pickleball starts on Sunday, March 19 at the Huntington YMCA. Registration is now live and available in the link. (The Townwide Fund Of Huntington via Facebook)
• Cold Spring Harbor Library & Environmental Center: Head to the library next Saturday for Jam Out with a Drum Circle. Head to the library's website to register now. (Cold Spring Harbor Library & Environmental Center via Facebook)

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Alrighty, you're all good for today! See you tomorrow morning for another update.

— 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