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Helen S. Rattray, Longtime Star Editor and Publisher, Dies at 90

Fri, 04/18/2025 - 14:45

Helen S. Rattray, the former longtime editor and publisher of The East Hampton Star, died early Wednesday morning at Eastern Long Island Hospital in Greenport.

Ms. Rattray, who was 90, became associate editor of the paper in 1976 and took over as editor in chief in 1980. Her "Connections" column appeared in The Star for 43 years, until 2020. 

A memorial gathering and celebration of her life will be held on Sunday, April 27, at 11 a.m. at Ashawagh Hall in Springs, with a potluck lunch to follow.

Villages

Helicopter Traffic Took Off in 2026

Traffic to and from East Hampton Town Airport this past summer was up 8.3 percent over last year, the Wainscott C.A.C. was told Saturday, but “the big headline is helicopter traffic was up 26.9 percent versus 2025,” the developer of a flight tracking platform said. 

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Hailing Habitat Volunteers

ChangeHampton, which promotes sustainable landscaping practices on the East End, will celebrate participants in its Humanity for Habitat project at an East Hampton residence Friday at 11 a.m. 

Oct 8, 2026

Montauk Celebrates Fall

Montauk’s 45th annual Fall Fest, a celebration of the season, will take place on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the downtown green. 

Oct 8, 2026

 

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