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Cherished Long Island Soccer Coach, Father Dies Suddenly From Cardiac Arrest
A beloved Long Island father and soccer coach has died suddenly from cardiac arrest, and the community has rallied in a fundraiser for his family.
Carlos Javier Mejia, also known affectionately as “Coach Gato,” spent 21 years as a soccer coach with youth clubs on Long Island, including 15 at Connetquot United Soccer Club, according to the fundraiser. Before he got into youth coaching, he served in the U.S. Army.
“He touched the lives of so many people through his family, his community, and the soccer families he loved so much,” his daughter, Karla Mejia, wrote in the GoFundMe.
Mejia said m…
Netflix Movie Starring Whoopi Goldberg Looking For Extras On Long Island
An upcoming Netflix movie is filming on Long Island and needs background actors for some scenes.
“Women Like Us,” led by Whoopi Goldberg, will be filming on Shelter Island from Tuesday, Sept. 22 through Tuesday, Sept. 29, according to a social media post from Waldron Casting.
“We are looking for a variety of types to portray Hamptons residents, resort guests & upscale vacationers,” the casting call reads.
The film directors are looking for Shelter Island locals to serve as extras in the film, which also stars Jenifer Lewis, Vanessa Williams, and Vivica A. Fox. The pay starts at $187 fo…
NY Ranked Among 15 Happiest States In US, New Study Finds: Here's Why
The Northeast is home to some of the happiest people in the country, according to a new study.
WalletHub released its 2026 Happiest States in America ranking on Tuesday, Sept. 8. The study compared all 50 states across 30 measures of happiness, including depression and suicide rates, work hours, unemployment, income growth, family stability, volunteer rates, and safety.
The personal finance website also looked at how many adults feel active and productive, along with factors like sleep, leisure time, job security, and community support.
"The happiest states are those that provide above-ave…
26-Year-Old LI Man Killed In Crash Was ‘Deeply Loved’, Fundraiser Launched For Family
Following the shocking death of a 26-year-old man in a Long Island car crash, his loved ones have launched a fundraiser while struggling with the grief.
Matthew Schneider, of Selden, was killed in the wreck Tuesday, Sept. 8 in Holbrook, Suffolk County police said.
“Matthew was a deeply loved son, family member, and friend, and there are so many people trying to understand how someone so young, with so much life still ahead of him, could be gone so suddenly,” organizer Katie Damico wrote in a GoFundMe. “It does not feel real, and it is impossible to make sense of a loss like this.”
Schneide…
Best, Worst Places To Retire In US Revealed In New Ranking: How NY Fared
A new report shows which cities offer the best affordability, activities, and other benefits for retirees.
WalletHub released its 2026 Best & Worst Places to Retire ranking on Monday, Aug. 31. The personal finance website compared 182 US cities across 45 measures covering affordability, activities, quality of life, and health care.
The study evaluated cities using factors including adjusted cost of living, taxes, recreation and senior centers, museums, weather, crime rates, access to health care providers, hospital quality, and life expectancy. The analysis assumes retirees ar…
NJ Farm's 8-Acre Dolly Parton Corn Maze Requires Visitors To Know Dolly Parton Trivia
The company that designs Tim Stockel's corn mazes had been trying to get Dolly Parton into cornfields for nearly three years.
The idea was simple: honor an American icon in the fall, when denim jackets, country music, and getting lost in a cornfield just seem to fit.
Finally, in February, Parton's team agreed to a one-year licensing arrangement allowing participating farms to use her image in corn mazes designed by The Maize Company.
"To me, she was everything," said Stockel, who runs the 130-acre Happy Day Farm in Manalapan alongside his wife, Olivia Stockel, a massive Dolly Parton fan.
…
NY Ranked Among 5 Most Fun States, New Study Finds: Here's Why
The Northeast has some of the most fun states in the country, but several others landed near the bottom of a new ranking.
WalletHub released its 2026 list of the Most Fun States in America on Tuesday, Aug. 18. The study compared all 50 states across 26 metrics of entertainment, recreation, and nightlife, including restaurants, amusement parks, movie theaters, national park access, music festivals, bars, casinos, and recreation spending.
The personal finance website split the study into two main categories: entertainment and recreation, which made up 80% of the score, and nightlife, which ac…
Rent Increase, High Prices Forcing Community Favorite Nassau Thrift Store To Close, Owner Says
A Long Island thrift shop is closing its doors after three years, with the owner blaming a recent rent increase and sky-high real estate prices.
Huntington Thrift at 2087 New York Avenue will shut up shop on Sunday, Sept. 20, according to an Instagram post.
“After many wonderful years, Huntington Thrift is closing its doors,” the post reads. “We want to thank all of our amazing customers for your support, friendships, and memories throughout the years.”
Owner Michael Esteves told Newsday he’ll be focusing on his other shops, including All-American Tag Sale, an estate liquidation service. H…
