Frank Fontana, host and lead designer for the Chicago-based version of HGTV's top-rated design show "Design on a Dime," will be in Huntington tonight at 7 pm to promote his first book, "Frank Fontana's Dirty Little Secrets of Design."
Fontana is excited to be starting off his tour here. "It's such a great book store. I love it." he said, explaining that as a native Long Islander he has visited the Book Revue as a customer in the past.
A year in the making, the book shares his techniques, breaking down the process room by room and project by project as he divulges his secret tips and tricks for how to create high-style homes the low-cost way. Each sketch and word was written, drawn and conceived from his own hand and vision. He explains "look for less" design ideas and principals to help readers determine their own personal style and interpret it on a budget.
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"The book is loaded with great DIY projects," Fontana said when asked if the average person could feel confident duplicating his ideas. "My projects range from doable for the average person seen on 'Design on a Dime' and the 'Today Show' to somewhat more advanced, but all projects have an element of inspiration to achieve on your own level."
If you miss Fontana in Huntington tonight, you can catch his national TV debut when he appears on the "Today Show" with Kathy Lee and Hoda on Friday morning.
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Giving now will help many for the holidays
It used to be the weekend after Thanksgiving that marked the unofficial start of the holiday season – starting with Black Friday's shopping trips and ending with a long weekend spent decorating. But, now it seems that the holiday planning is starting even earlier, to the point where it's not unusual to see pumpkins and scarecrows disappearing after Halloween and immediately being replaced with lawn reindeer and Christmas lights.
Whatever your feelings on the extension of the season, there is one area where an early start can make a significant impact on how some families will celebrate. Huntington has many charities that are specifically focused on our local community, and they are already hard at work as they prepare to help make the season more joyful for some of our neighbors.
The current economic conditions have increased need and decreased donations for many of these organizations. Why not create some meaningful holiday traditions for your family by finding a way to make a difference right here in your own community. Here are some of the efforts that need your help to succeed:
From now through Dec. 14, The Family Service League is accepting donations of new toys, clothing or gift cards for Project T.O.Y. (Treasure Our Youth). Parents who are struggling financially are given the opportunity to "shop" at no cost, allowing them the pleasure of presenting these gifts to their children. Groups and individuals are encouraged to get involved on a larger scale by choosing to collect toys in lieu of exchanging gifts, display toy collection boxes at work or organize toy drives at their clubs or organizations. Each year more than 4,000 children benefit from Project T.O.Y. Call 631-427-3700, ext. 255 to ask how you can help.
The Kiwanis Club is raising funds to benefit the children of Huntington through their upcoming events, including the annual Thanksgiving Basket Drive and Sear's Holiday Shopping Tour for children, now in its 40th year. This organization is all about the kids. One way to give is to purchase a flag at the "Field of Honor" currently on display on the lawn in front of Town Hall. $35 gets you a flag with personalized dedication custom printed on a yellow ribbon with proceeds helping to fund these and other programs. For information on making a donation call the Kiwanis Club at 631-559-9171.
The 16th Annual Toys of Hope charity event will take place at Oheka Castle on Dec. 9. On that day, children ages 3-5 will be treated to a party with clowns, a DJ, Spongebob, Elmo, Dora the explorer and Cat in the Hat among many celebrities and sports figures to make it a day that they will never forget. Toys of Hope has no paid employees and 100% of all funds contributes goes directly towards helping needy children and their families. If you are interested in sponsorship or would like to find out how to get your name on the invitation-only guest list, call 631-271-TOYS .
If you know of other local efforts, we encourage you to share them with us so that we share them here.
