Jim Savalli has been a Huntington resident for over 15 years and is a lifelong Long Islander. One of six children who grew up in the 70’s on Long Island, he graduated from Hauppague High School and immediately enlisted in the United States Navy where he studied to become an electronic warfare specialist.
When it came time to settle down, Jim was thrilled to become a father and to raise his children. Nicole, now 19 and a freshman at SUNY Albany, and Michael, 14, who will begin high school at St. Anthony’s in Huntington in September.
   Jim spent many years working in Huntington Village for some of the local “shoppers guide” magazines - North Shore Today followed by Entertainment This Week. While becoming friends with the Huntington business owners he realized that he was not giving them the publication that they needed in a town as unique as Huntington. He decided to strike out on his own to begin his own magazine - one that would be created from the needs and ideas of the people that he was working for - the local Huntington small business owners.
   This magazine devoted to the people and business of Huntington has evolved many times over the years always with the goal of making it better, and more importantly, relevant to the local community. And although the physical product has gone from newsprint, to white paper to full-color glossy, the focus has always remained unchanged.
   The Village Connection is now celebrating its eighth anniversary. Through the magazine, Jim has donated countless pages and thousands of dollars of advertising and promotions to local charities and arts organizations. Some of the recipients have included Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition, Huntington Historical Society, Junior Welfare League, Splashes of Hope, Huntington Lighthouse Preservation Society, IMAC Theater, Huntington Arts Council, Cinema Arts Centre and The Townwide Fund among others. He has helped to promote many Huntington based artists with beautiful features in the magazine, which also showcases a local artist on each months cover.
   Jim is a board member of the Huntington Historical Society, an honorary member of the Junior Welfare League, a member of the Huntington Hibernians and The Townwide Fund.