Nearby: Farmingdale 'Double Track' Advances

Some of the news stories from other Long Island communities this week.

'Double Track' LIRR Plan in Farmingdale Moves Forward

The MTA's Long Island Rail Road is moving forward its Double Track project designed to smooth the 18-mile ride between Farmingdale and Ronkonkoma.

The Double Track is expected to increase the frequency of commuter trains in and out of New York City, an initiative local leaders hope will boost economic development along those stations. The environmental study is just beginning and was kicked off at a press conference Wednesday in Ronkonkoma.

Malverne Considers General Store Proposal

More than 30 residents who filled Village Hall Thursday night to learn more about the future of the vacant supermarket located in Malverne’s downtown. Three different supermarket chains have tried to succeed at the 344 Hempstead Ave. property in recent years, but all have failed. Deputy Mayor Joseph Hennessy explained that the village also reached out to Trader Joes, Whole Foods, Kings, King Kullen, and Wild by Nature, asking them to come to Malverne, but the property did not meet any of their needs.

Ex-Long Islander Fights for Bereavement Leave

It's a fate so terrible there is no name for it in English: A woman who loses a husband is a "widow;" a child without parents is an "orphan." But there is no word to describe a parent who loses a child, perhaps because the anguish is so unspeakable. And, there are few legal remedies for protecting these parents in the workplace. Some lose pay for being unable to return to work quickly. Others lose their jobs. Former Plainview resident Barry Kluger is determined to change that.

Charity Ale Hits the Shelves

A cooperative of Long Island breweries are ready to pour the first glass of an India pale ale aptly named Surge Protector. The sales will be donated to Long Island Cares and an Oceanside microbrewery wiped out by the October storm. The ale, brewed at Blue Point Brewing Company in Patchogue, will be available at Patchogue’s Tap Room starting Tuesday and hits the shelves in retail beer distributors at $16.99 for a 22-ounce bottle and will be sold at bars across Long Island starting Wednesday, according to a Newsday report. Just 2,000 bottles were made, according to the brewery. The brewing effort included Blind Bat Brewery, Barrier Brewing, Great South Bay Brewery, Greenport Harbor Brewing Company, Long Ireland Beer Company, Port Jeff Brewing Company, Spider Bite Brewing Company, and Blue Point Brewery. Clare Rose Distributors signed on to pump out the product for the cause as well.

Good Samaritan Hospital Hosts Health Lectures

Each month Good Samaritan Hospital hosts a lecture series consisting of three parts, known as "Good Sam University." The hospital continues its series in February, with lectures focusing on cardiac arrythmia, keeping women's hearts healthy and aging gracefully with the help of super foods.

Plainview Getting Turf Field

If all goes as planned, Plainview's professional-grade turf athletic field will be ready for its home football opener. And if Plainview chose to, some of its games could be played under the lights.