YNM July 2014 by Erin Donohue

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Bellmore • Merrick VOLUME 1, NUMBER 10

IN PRINT & ONLINE

JULY 2014

FIELDS OF DREAMS CLOSE TO REALITY....

LIIFE'S ADVENTURES ...

Merrick's Wimbledon Champion! Noah Noah Rubin Rubin Wins Wins the the Jr's Jr's ... ....

ANCHOR DOWN FOR FRESH SEAFOOD ... © PHOTO BY ANDREW COWIE

NEWS

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homas Reynolds is as large as life and giving as much now to his friends and to kids he never knew as he did when he was alive and attended St. Elizabeth Ann Seton school. Only now, he speaks and gives through his three-year-old Thomas Reynolds Foundation. Having raised tens of thousands of dollars through the foundation, those funds now extend research into the whys and wherefores of ependymoma, the brain tumor Thomas succumbed to on October 7, 2011. Further, it is giving young kids with the disease an opportunity to go places and see things they would never have been able to do otherwise, helping them to fulfill a wish. “The funds we are raising are going toward extending the lives of children with this dis-

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Thomas Reynolds Foundation Helps Kids Toward a Better Life ease,” remarked Lisa Tuminello-Reynolds, Thomas’s mother who, along with her mother and dad, cared for Thomas during his critical illness. She said that $50 buys one hour of research toward an understanding of the disease, whether the monies are directed toward studying the origins of the disease or how to better treat the tumor individually, through direct manipulation of tumor genes, for example, to relieve discomfort. During the first Annual Thomas Reynolds Foundation run/walk at Newbridge Road Park in May 2012 - sponsored along with Special Spaces and SEAS - $11,000 was raised, translating into the potential of a lot of research time for a cure. “This is all money well spent,” Thomas’s mother said.

“People don’t know about and understand the disease,” she continued, “and that’s why the Thomas Reynolds Foundation is so important.” Tuminello-Reynolds called the foundation an ideal way to bring attention to the disease and the devastation it visits upon thousands of young lives, while also offering for the first time, she believes, an avenue of hope for these kids. Indeed, Nassau County, with the help of Legislator Dave Denenberg and Chief Deputy County Executive Rob Walker, pronounced the date of May 28 as officially Thomas Reynolds Day throughout the county, in perpetuity. Making the date an official day will ensure, Denenberg told this magazine at the pronouncement, people become of aware of ependymoma.

At present there are three main events, or activities, the foundation holds for raising funds for ependymoma awareness and research. Besides the yearly Thomas Reynolds Foundatiion run/walk at Newbridge Road Park every June – in association with SEAS and Special Spaces - an Ependymoma Awareness event is held yearly. And, of course, there are the Thomas Boxes. During Thomas’s treatments he remained home-bound, unable to go out. When his disease was in remission SEAS granted the family the opportunity to take Thomas around the country, to visit American treasures, and meet sports stars such as Mets players and Islanders players. And Thomas Boxes extends that same opportunity to the

children and their families to take that trip to see their favorite things in their favorite places. “It is a wish list” for the family that is paid for through the foundation, she said. Thomas’s mother wishes to thank the thoughtfulness of people in several communities who have privately donated to the foundation during its short time – over and above the annual fundraisers, reminding them that their donations are now getting help to children with the disease whom didn’t have that help before. “Everyone’s donations are helping to find a better quality of life for these children,” Tuminello-Reynolds concluded. For information on the Thomas Reynolds Foundation visit www.ThomasReynoldsFoundation.org.

NEWS

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How Suite It Is: Bringing Back the Parties

errick resident Greg Pomponio wants to bring back the Sweet 16 parties and Ladies Nights of yesterday, parties he had become well known for holding when 1828 Sunrise Highway was known as The Apartment. “We had Hollywood themes back then,” he remembers. “We held Sweet 16 parties, bar mitzvahs,” and all manner of social events that made the locale a popular place to gather, mingle with friends and make new ones. Pomponio said he wants to bring the parties back by offering the plush spaces and the dance floor as a rental for a variety of parties large and small. Comfortable furniture, a pool table, an electronic jukebox that sends photos to friends - or parents - who have iPhones are just a few of the features Suite 1828 will offer for those 'coming out' parties or business parties. Pomponio told this magazine those innocent party days changed over the years when tastes and styles evolved and new halls opened for even bigger party experiences. So Pomponio changed with the times and moved toward hosting the biker crowd. “We changed the name of The Apartment to Oscars in 1997 but the concept failed, so we changed it back to The Apartment in 2000 and that failed too,” he told this magazine. He says that in 2000 he then began reaching out to the biker crowd that liked to ride, “a family crowd, just like the one we had with The Apartment,” and soon changed the name to Jugs and Stokers. “Jugs are those round-shaped cylinders you seen on motorcycles under the biker” that power the bike, he said. And the pistons in the cylinders stroke up and down to create the power to push the bike. “Clever, motor head terminology” to bring the biker

crowd around, he continued. “But,” he said, “what made us different from other biker bars is that we enforced a policy that all bikers had to hang their colors, their biker affiliations [Hell’s Angels, The Vagrants, et. al.] at the door” to keep the public drinking place a family affair. “Those with affiliations complied,” he said. While the Harley-Davidsons were lined up outside, the atmosphere was family relaxed and friendly inside. Pomponio once again found success with the biker formula. “It was a very relaxed atmosphere that held 150 bikers easily,” he continued. Everyone knew everyone else, and making new friends was easy. Indeed, as Jugs and Strokers, the lounge held several fundraisers over the years for breast cancer and multiple sclerosis, for example, raising tens of thousands of dollars. But in 2010 he decided to retire from the scene he had worked in since his father, Jimmy, built The Apartment in 1972, and sold Jugs and Strokers. Along the way, however, he had received a plaque commendation from Post 1282 of the American Legion, something Pomponio hung on the walls of Jugs and Strokers with pride, he told this magazine. The Jugs and Strokers ‘brand’ soon faltered under the new owners and Pomponio bought the business back in 2012 to run it once more. By then, the biker scene had changed but he took time to think out what his next strategy could be to revive the business. “I left my memorabilia here, left it in good faith to perpetuate the Jugs and Strokers brand, but they didn’t carry on the name in the way we had envisioned, ” including removing the American Legion plaque he had re-

ceived, he said. Pomponio now looks to come full circle, and has renamed the lounge and public drinking place Suite 1828. In buying back Jugs and Strokers he thought he could get the old vibe back, he said, “and we did – to a degree.” The new name, he said, conjures up the former The Apartment name. “Come on down, kick back and have the ‘suite’ life,” he said. “It’s an extension of The Apartment, yes,” he added or have a party at your "suite." In Suite 1828 there are at least two lounging areas with plush chairs for casual sit downs and conversation. There is a pool table and the new TouchTunes juke box, in the form of an iPhone that takes photos of party revelers to send to friends with iPhones or on Facebook while it spins music. New entertainment will include a DJ on Saturday nights, Wednesday’s open mic night with Joe Vincino and Mike and the Outlaws on Thursday nights. “We’re working to get more acoustic music and dance bands in here” for the younger crowd, he said. Wantagh businessman Chris Pollini, who lives in Bellmore, was in for a beer, saying he has been coming to the place for a while. “The crowd and people here are outstanding, you can make new friends” in a heartbeat. Bellmore businessman Vincent Guasto also frequents the lounge, saying he comes because of loyalty to Pomponio. “You make new friends here easily , they become like family.” Mark Mercado of Merrick, another frequent visitor, says “I love it here,” adding the environment is friendly and relaxing. Pomponio extends an invitation to families, businesses and non-profits in the Bellmores, Merricks and Wantagh to consider hosting their parties once again at Suite 1828.

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☞ TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGES 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 – NEWS Thomas Reynolds Foundation Helps Kids Toward a Better Life; How ‘Suite’ It Is: Bringing Back the Parties; Dave Denemberg’s Local July Meetings; New Strip Mall Coming? Bellmore Student Athlete Wins Two Top Honors; Bellmore Eagle Scout has Landed; Dave McDonough Ramps Up School Supply Drive; New Officers at Temple Beth-Am

PAGE 8 – COVER STORY A Few Minutes with Noah Rubin MerrickstudentNoahRubinwontheWimbledonBoy’sChampionshipthis month.Howdoesitfeel,howoftendoeshetrain,whatisitliketobeanAmericanambassadortotheworld?Weaskedhimthosequestionsandmore…

PAGE 11 – FEATURE STORY Fields of Dreams Closer to Reality A new bond for the Central High School District has set it on a course of capital action not seen in years. New synthetic school fields are being built and will be done by fall, but there’s more building in store for the winter and next year, much more.

PAGE 14 – MILESTONES Bonnie Markel, Merrick children’s librarian, retires Her influence on everything from books to the way the building looks will last a lifetime.

PAGE 18 – RESTAURANT REVIEW Anchor Down for Fine Seafood Dining in Merrick A one-page menu keeps the fish fresh and the flavors accentuated

PAGES 20, 21: LIIFE ENTERTAINMENT Trends and Trailblazers at the Long Island International Film Expo What trends were revealed at opening night festivities; and what one reviewer thought about the opening night films. PLUS: Roy Weinman gets his rocking chair; Bellmore Memorial Library says NO SMOKING outside; North Bellmore-North Merrick baseball players win national championship; North Merrick Boy Scouts earn their Eagle wings; fish barbecuing is easy in summer; in the mood for some sweet wine?

WHO’S WHO AT YOUR NEWSMAG Advertising and Publishing

Editing

Jill Bromberg

Reporting

Online

Sharon Jonas Linda Delmonico Prussen Kristen Buckley Kevin Halton Jr.

Erin Donohue

Doug Finlay

Phone: 516-633-8590 P.O. Box 15, Bellmore, New York 11710

Bellmore • Merrick

It’s Getting Better All of the Time...

hat’s not just a line from a Beatles song. Our community is growing and improving all of the time. Each month as I set out to work on the next issue of Your NewsMag I am delighted to find our community filled with interesting people, new businesses flourishing, improvements to the neighborhood and great entertainment right here in our own back yard. On the cover of Your NewsMag is a young Merokian that has made an unusual and tremendous accomplishment. Noah Rubin of Merrick won the 2014 Boys Wimbledon Championship tennis match in London. Inside there is a very candid interview with Noah about what it takes to compete at this level - and some goals ahead. He is clearly a dedicated young man with a bright future ahead. Your NewsMag will follow him on his journey and wishes him great success. Teens in our community continue to wow. Imagine a high school student starting not one, but two businesses? This young entrepreneur, Dylan Christie from Bellmore, tells Your NewsMag about these two successful businesses and his plans for the future. In the spirit of being a good doobie, Eagle Court of Honor recipients Marc A. Kulins, Sean McGinn, Sean Heverin and Joh McMullin make a difference. Find out about the community projects that earned them these prestigious awards inside. In the never-ending quest to keep our high schools in top flight condition, improvements are being made to the high school fields this summer. The feature story inside gives you a peak at how this project is coming along. I am sure you will find it interesting. There are also several new businesses opening in Merrick and Bellmore. Anchor Down, the new restaurant that opened on Bayberry Avenue in Mer-

rick is one of those special finds nestled into the quiet neighborhood. The food, the staff and attention to detail make this new restaurant a must on your list. Read more about what makes Anchor Down a great dining experience. After a great meal at one of our local eateries there is much to do about town. The Long Island International Film Expo at the Bellmore Movies was a star-studded success. More inside about this annual event. The Friday Nite Car Show at the Bellmore train station is always a fun stop before or after dining at one of the local restaurants. If you are looking for local music, theatre or laughs check out the schedule inside for a sampling of options in the neighborhood. For your entertainment Your NewsMag readers are invited to enter and win a pair of tickets to see Air Supply live at NYCB Theatre at Westbury. Please look inside for more details. Your NewsMag is delivered to every home in the Merricks and Bellmores free of charge because you live here and are part of the community. Advertising support pays for Your NewsMag, so please support participating businesses by shopping locally. If you know something that is newsworthy please let us know. If your business is having an anniversary or someone in your family is celebrating a special occasion, we want to know. After all, your news is our news. Please join us on facebook and visit www.YourNewsMag.com for daily and weekly news updates throughout the month. I hope you enjoy the July issue of Your NewsMag. JILL BROMBERG Publisher Jill@YourNewsMag.com

NEWS

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Bellmore Eagle Lands

residing Officer Norma L. Gonsalves (R-East Meadow, LD 13) attended North Bellmore Boy Scout Troop 577’s Eagle Court of Honor for Marc A. Kulins, which was held at Saint Frances De Chantal Auditorium in Wantagh. Marc undertook a project to make improvements at the Garden City Bird Sanctuary, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, in Garden City. Marc constructed, stained and installed two native Long Island flower boxes containing 45 young plants of 16 different varieties and 20 tree identification posts.

Your NewsMag

Bellmore Athlete Earns Two Top Honors

S He constructed a large kiosk to hold the information about the gardens and tree I.D. posts while also clearing debris and weeds to repair, replace and stain several sections of split rail fencing. “Marc showed tremendous dedication and organizational skills to complete his project,” said Presiding Officer Gonsalves. “He helped with the beautification of a local attraction that residents from all over the county can come and enjoy. His efforts will have a lasting effect on the community for many years to come.”

eventeen-year-old Bellmore student James Brush earned honors for excellence in two sports this past winter as a student at Holy Trinity High School in Hicksville, receiving award plaques during a spring sports award ceremony at the school in June. James told this magazine he won the 2014 All NSCHSAA (Nassau Suffolk Catholic High School Athletic Association) Baseball Athletic Achievement Award for his play on the Holy Trinity Titans during the 2014 spring season. While the team posted a .500 season at best, James said he and two teammates from East Meadow and Hicksville were voted by coaches as the best players on the team, receiving the honor. James plays third base and is also the team’s designated hitter. But James upped the award count by also earning the cov-

eted 2013-2014 All NSCHSAA Athletic Achievement Award for Wrestling, placing among the top five wrestlers in the school during the winter Catholic High School wrestling tournament in February. By placing among the top five, he earned a spot in the States final competition held this year at Chaminade High School in Mineola, also in February. He went 1-2 in tough competition in the 182-pound weight di-

vision. James says he hopes to repeat his winning ways and take a state championship next season. Meanwhile, playing both first and third bases on the Bang 1000 Seminoles traveling baseball team during summer, a team owned by North Bellmore resident Mike Feriggi, he traveled to Ft. Myers to play in the Perfect Game Tournament against some of Florida’s best traveling summer baseball teams. James’s goal is to get a baseball scholarship to the college of his liking.

Your NewsMag

NEWS

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New Strip Mall coming?

Beth-Am Temple Officers Installed

emple Beth Am of Merrick and Bellmore installed its new officers at Shabbat services last month. Newly installed officers from left , are, Jeff Newman, vice-president; Susan Futterman, vice-president; David Plass,

president; Paul Ross, secretary; and Steve Feig, vice-president. Missing are Shari Weissbach, vice-president, and Scott Sachs, treasurer. Photo by Pam Brandenberger, Past President of Temple Beth Am.

he SUVS in the open lot at Ocean Avenue and Merrick Road may be gone relatively quickly. Patrick Cassino, owner-president of the Sun Auto Group on Sunrise Highway in Wantagh, whose SUVs are currently parked at that location, told this magazine he was closing in on a new piece of property because the property he was renting for $7500 for his new SUVs was also under contract to be purchased. Which lead to attorney Bill Bonesso, who noted he was representing an

interested party of the old property that was once home to the East Bay Diner, but was under contractual obligations and could not comment. Plans obtained by Your NewsMag show two possible strip mall layouts being considered for the property, one in an L-shaped configuration. And Bellmore Preservation Group official Eileen Cazassa told this magazine there appear to be no objections from surrounding residents concerning a strip mall at that location. Watch that space!

NEWS

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Donations that are being sought are supplies that include, but are not limited to, backpacks, spiral notebooks, pencils, pens, crayons, markers and other classroom necessities. In addition, the foundation, through monetary donations also provides new clothing for children to wear. The collection drive will be through August 29th between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily. Items may be dropped off at Assemblyman McDonough’s District Office at 404 Bedford Avenue, Bellmore. For information you can contact Assemblyman McDonough by calling 409-2070 or via e-mail at mcdonoughd@ assembly.state.ny.us. Or, contact the John Theissen Children’s Foundation by calling 679-5098, or by visiting their web site at www.jtcf.org.

County Legislator Dave Denenberg’s Local July Meetings

Assemblyman McDonough Embarks on 10th Annual School Supply Drive

tate Assemblyman David G. McDonough (R,C-Merrick) once again seeks donations of school supplies for the 2014-15 school year, which will then be distributed to underprivileged children from low-income families. The school supply drive is in conjunction with the John Theissen Children’s Foundation. “The John Theissen Children’s Foundation has been conducting a ‘Back to School Program’ for many years. Back to school time can be extremely difficult for many children whose families cannot afford new clothes or school supplies. With your donation, you can make a child feel good about themselves and look forward to attending school,” said Assemblyman McDonough, adding, “it has been my privilege to be able to participate in this program for the last 10 years.”

Your NewsMag

TAXPAYER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

assau County Legislator Dave Denenberg presents taxpayer assistance programs on Friday, July 25, at 1 p.m. at the Merrick Public library, 2279 Merrick Avenue, Merrick, and again on Wednesday, August 6, at 1 p.m. at the Freeport Memorial Library, 144 West Merrick Road, Freeport. Learn about tax exemptions and to pick up or drop off applications for the STAR (School Tax Reduction), Enhanced STAR, Senior Citizens’, Veterans’, Cold War Veterans’, Limited Income and Disability, Volunteer Firefighter/EMT and Home Improvement exemptions. Exemption specialists will provide assistance and answer questions.

BOATING SAFETY Legislator Denenberg and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary present a workshop on boating safety on Tuesday, August 12, at 7 p.m. at the Wantagh Public Library, 3285 Park Avenue, Wantagh. Captain Dawn Masterson, a member of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 1-4, will be Mr. Denenberg’s guest for the meeting.

Topics will include general boating safety, BUI initiatives, personal watercraft safety and an overview of vessel operating requirements. A question and answer period will follow.

FREE BREAST CANCER SCREENING Leg. Dave Denenberg brings the mammography van to the North Beldmore Public Library on Thursday, August 28, from 8:45 a.m., to noon, 1551 Newbridge Road. State-of-the-art equipment is used and operated by the Nassau Health Care Corporation’s staff. The mammograms are no-cost to women over 50 without insurance. If you have insurance, your insurance company will be billed and you will be billed for your co-pay. If you have health insurance, you must bring a prescription for the mammography from your doctor. You are required to show photo ID at the time of the mammogram. If you have not had a mammography through the Nassau Health Care Corp., you must bring your prior films to this appointment. To make an appointment, call Leg. Denenberg’s office at 571-6219. Appointments are required. For questions about the meetings, call the Legislator’s office at 571-6219.

COVER STORY

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A Few Minutes With Noah Rubin ... Eighteen-year-old Merrick resident Noah Rubin, a one-time Kennedy High School student who earned his degree from an online institution because of travel and practice pressures, won the 2014 Boys Wimbledon Championship tennis match in London this month. He beat fellow American Stefan Koslov 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 for the championship. He was preparing for the K-Zoo tournament, which could springboard into the Grand Slam circuit with a win at the tournament. Your NewsMag was invited to speak with the mild-mannered yet intense young man in between practices to ask him a few questions:

ow does it feel to have won Wimbledon, and how long did it take to prepare for the win? It’s starting to sink in, it’s a few days after and I’m beginning to realize just what kind of an accomplishment it was. For the first couple of days I just got used to everyone talking about it. But now that I’m relaxing I’m beginning to understand just what an accomplishment I’ve achieved. To me it was just another tennis game, to my family it was so much more. But I’ve been working my whole life for this, the day in-day out of the practicing has given me the opportunity to play at this level.

have found some countries to be very friendly towards me, like France for instance. But people in some countries will come to me with a predetermined sense of how they think I am, and so I get an opportunity to show them on court a different side of how I am to break that stereotype they have of me. Because of these opportunities to show myself in my play, I found that the French, and even the English, have supported me for years.

At home in Merrick, relaxing When or at what moment did you realize you wanted to be a tennis player at this level? I loved soccer too and played a lot, but found out when I was around 11 or 12 years old that tennis was taking up too much time, so I had to choose between the two. Besides, with a more natural talent toward tennis, I loved how tennis was more individual, how much more I controlled the outcome. If I lost, it was because of me; if I won it as because of me. In soccer I could play my heart out and it would show in the game and we could still lose because the game is a team sport that depends upon everyone on the team. I didn’t get any satisfaction out of that. I loved the camaraderie, but I felt more in control when I could do it myself. How long will you practice, and where do you practice? I do about 3-1/2-to-4 hours of practice a day on the court

six days a week, and I have additional off-court training about three hours a week, doing physical training such as pushups, pull ups, things like that. The courts I practice at are in Bethpage and Randall’s Island. What does practice consist of, keeping a diet to keep a certain weight, strengthening your legs to be able to move around the court, about keeping your wind for the length of the match? When I’m on the practice court with the coach I hit hundreds and hundreds of balls, and I’m running around constantly to keep my stamina up, yes. And I’ll do this for up to four hours at the highest level. I do leg sprinting and run a lot on my own around the neighborhood, too, like to the store or over to Kennedy to see my friends. Although my coach Larry Krueger and my dad Eric always remind me that my focus is not the same in practice as it will be on the court.

How long are you away traveling for competitive purposes? I am away about 2 ½-to-3 weeks at a time. I will spend about a week-and-a-half at home. Do you find the countries you visit to be friendly toward you, to have the same basic values as you live here at home? You are an ambassador of the United States, in your role representing the country. I’ve been to England, France, Spain, Italy, the Czech Republic, Colombia, Costa Rica. There are many aspects that are the same, but they also have different perspectives, too. Geographics can play a part in how they understand things, for example. How some drive, they don’t follow the rules. A one-way street can have three cars coming down in the opposite direction! I

What are the sacrifices you’ve given up to be a budding tennis star? Since 8 or 9 years of age I have missed a lot of birthday parties and bar mitzvahs because I needed to commit to practicing. I had coaches who needed me to practice. I was still able to hang around with my friends, though. But coaches respected my abilities and knew that if I didn’t practice as much as the other kids at times to hang out with friends, they knew that the physical being wouldn’t be lost, either.

gets a wild card, a direct acceptance into the main draw of the U.S. Open. I’ve also got my ATF rankings up to compete in more professional tournaments. You start in juniors and get into the lowest level of tournaments called futures and you keeping getting better rankings until you get to the grand slams. That’s the goal I want to achieve, that would be nice. What advice can you give to students such as yourself about how to achieve what you’ve achieved. If you don’t love it, quit. No one else can force you to do it. You have to be able to get out on that court alone, have to be willing to push to get what you want. Get out there every day. Since I’m on the road so much, it’s nice to get home to a family and friends that have always supported me and were always there, where I can do things besides talk about Wimbledon. My friends, for example, will congratulate me because of what I’ve done, but after that it’s just hanging out. I didn’t get much of that growing up, so I kind of cherish it.

Have you met the tennis stars of today, Djokovic, Federer, Nadal, the Williams Sisters, Martina Navratilova? I met Djokovic at the Wimbledon Ball after the finals. I’ve met and hit with Nadal to warm him up during the recent U.S. Open. But I’ve only seen the Williams sisters from a distance. What’s next in your career after Wimbledon? I have the national tournament called Kalamazoo, and whoever wins that tournament

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FEATURE

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JULY 2014 | №10

New Fields of Dreams Closer to Reality

ast November’s Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District capital projects bond of $49.684 million was obviously designed to recalibrate the school district toward the 21st Century. New science classrooms, school upgrades to state-of-the art facilities featuring HVAC, new bathrooms and gym floors, and five new synthetic turf fields were part of the gleaming $49 million-plus package - which residents ultimately agreed to pay an average of $104 more a year in taxes - depending on their property assessment - by voting yes to the bond. Somewhat surprising in the face of a central school board that had carved out fractious reputations for either being for new school fields or being for new science classrooms, but never both. It even cost one school board member a censure for his outspoken views. But the average $104 more per year in taxes is not the whole story; in fact, the annual tax bill for residents may be lower for at least a year because the district will not borrow the whole $49 million-plus at once, having opted instead to borrow only what it needs to get specific work accomplished each of the years of the bond. Said Superintendent John DeTommaso to this magazine: “We don’t need to borrow the full amount of the loan all at once, because we won’t be able to get to classrooms and bathrooms until next year,” so residents’ new tax bills will not be based on a $49 million-plus figure, but only on a fraction the district borrowed in 2014 through other means to get the fields done. New Director of Facilities Jon Simpkins explained that the state’s Education Department requires full architectural plans and costing from districts before it will agree to any refurbishments. “The classrooms, bathrooms and HVAC are now being planned out by our architects to be available to work on beginning early next year,” he said. This requires no borrowing at this time

Measuring up Mepham from the $49 million-plus, but only for that which pays for the fields. Said Cynthia Strait-Regal, deputy superintendent for business, at a March school board workshop meeting: “The district will not borrow for the Capital Projects Bond until next year.”

FINALLY, MOVEMENT It came as a shock for many at a June 2013 board meeting when Marian Blane, presiding over her last official meeting as president, announced the board had agreed to look at issuing a bond that could pay for all things on everyone’s wish list. “Clearly, there will be a number of options that we will consider regarding how to fund the cost of the projects we identify,” she said. “The options, among others, may include exploring proposing a bond for taxpayers to vote on … The board will be exploring all avenues.” With DeTommaso coming aboard on July 1, new synergies among the two camps (fields vs. classrooms) in finding common ground appeared a possibility - for the first time in a long time. DeTommaso noted in the November 2013 issue of Your NewsMag that he sensed upon his arrival in July 2013 a unanimity among board members in their resolve to get critical infrastructure fixes done, including fields, perhaps through a bond issue, as there was not enough capital available in the budget nor in reserves that could be accessed legally.

Unanimity was a key word because the board for years struggled with several dwindling reserves to pay for substantial improvements to facilities in the face of a new state tax cap, reduced state aid, new sewer taxes by the county, and the county’s assertion that the district be required to pay for tax grievances won by local commercial businesses – which was effectively struck down by the courts. Several residents advocating for new synthetic fields - by suggesting reserves could be transferred and released from the Employee Benefit Accrued Liability Reserve fund as capital funds - girded the resolve of those in favor of new science classrooms, for example.

THE FIELDS Simpkins told Your NewsMag that construction of the Mepham field began while finals were going on, “when students were in other areas of the building,” away from the gym and the fields. He said the field was first roto-tilled, giving it a sparkling look before the hammer fell and the field was excavated. Kennedy and Calhoun are also in varied forms of reconstruction, but Mepham is the lead field. The fields are expected to be finished by the beginning of the September, by the beginning of the athletic year. “These are new drainage fields we are putting in,” he remarked. He explained that corrugated piping (piping with holes in it) would first be placed on the field, with large 16-to-18-inch piping placed

five feet in from the track and approximately five feet down, around the entire field to act as the main conduct for carrying rainwater from the field to several drywells surrounding the field. Water in the drywells would then leech into the surrounding soil. Linking to the main corrugated pipe are smaller corrugated pipes to catch rain water throughout the field. The pipes may take the shape of a star, or a central wheel with spokes, branching outward to drain it into the main pipe at varying points under the perimeter of the field, which carries the water from the field. These smaller pipes would be no more than six inches from the surface of the field. Once the pipes are laid down over base layers of gravel and sand, Simpkins - who came from the Bethpage School District and helped install a synthetic field at that district – said another layer of gravel is then applied over the piping before the field is then applied. Simpkins called the field a fabric, which includes strands of 2 ½-inch synthetic material considered to be the “grass.” The grass strands remain flat until a layer of sand is then applied and a layer of rubber, both of which help the grass to stand straight up. He said that when it rained, water would fall in among all the layers, essentially collecting the water so it could fall into the corrugated holes in the pipes and be sent out to the drywells. Whatever water isn’t caught in the pipes would seek further into the ground. At Kennedy, Simpkins said the contractors, Laser Industries of Ridge, New York, discovered a

Bridging the gap at Kennedy

much shallower water table that would require the company to disperse the drywells out across several yards, rather than dig them deeper into the ground. “The company knows how to work with this issue, so it isn’t a problem to resolve,” he said. Laser Industries was picked because it was the lowest bidder, a rule the state normally requires when school districts bid. Details of the deal were not available at last month’s school board meeting. Custom Clay and LanTec were also involved in the bidding process. Recent projects by Laser Industries include The Mitchell Field Athletic Complex, Bethpage and Hicksville High School athletic fields, several baseball fields at Nassau County’s Grant Park in Hewlett, two athletic fields at Cedar Creek Park in Wantagh and several athletic fields at John Burns Park in Massapequa. John Pinto, director of PAL Boys Lacrosse, said he was “tickled pink” the new fields were being put in. His young student athletes and hundreds more from other athletic programs had seen their time on school fields dwindle greatly because of restrictions put on playing the grass fields. The restrictions were put in place in October 2012 to provide the district with a chance to regrow the three high school fields for fall sports. But it was a tough proposition to regrow the three grass fields when organic fertilizer, the only nutrient the district was permitted to use, became the only means left to regrow the fields. Simpkins said organic fertilizer was not strong enough to rebuild strong grass roots, like older fertilizer could.

№10 | JULY 2014

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Personal Attention and Superior Service… One Home at a Time

Drill, baby, drill at Calhoun Grubs could also attack the fields and organic pesticides take much longer to eradicate the problem. “At the end of the day it will all be done and I will be happy,” Pinto said. Kids, he said, will benefit once again from the performance enhancement features the fields have built into them.

But, he concluded, “I hope these fields last for the length of time the builder says they will.” The three new fields will have no frills: no lights, no benches and no other extras. “Calhoun will get a new fence is about all,” remarked Simpkins. Let the games begin!

Entertainment in Your Neighborhood MUSIC RS JONES,153MERRICKAVENUE,MERRICK,378-5177 Thursday, July 24: Woody Mack Friday, July 25: Chic ‘n Martini Saturday, July 26: Breakaway Wednesday, July 30: Biscuit Kings Thursday, July 31: County Line Band

KJ FARRELL’S BAR AND GRILL, 242 PETTIT AVENUE, BELLMORE, 804-9925 Thursday, July 24: 7 p.m., 45RPM; 10 p.m., karaoke Six musicians get it right every night playing hits from the ‘heyday’ of radio. Plus, you are the rockstar when you sing to your heart’s content with karaoke. Friday, July 25: 7 p.m., The Code; 10 p.m., Jeff Regan Band The Code covers the best of The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Dire Straits, Traffic, Steely Dan, The Grateful Dead and more; while blues rock, Motown and melodic pop get a workout from the six-piece Jeff Regan Band. Saturday, July 26: 7 p.m., Streetfighter; 10 p.m., The Led Streetfighter is the common rocker’s answer to Beatlemania. Afterward, get the Led Zeppelin out … Sunday, July 27: 2 p.m., the Prune Belly Syndrome Benefit. Monday, July 28: 8 p.m., Open mic night and jam Come practice your licks and arpeggios with Kenny Forgione and friends while reveling in the professional backline and stage lighting. Guitarists are seriously wanted here! Thursday, July 31: 7 p.m., Marty G and

the G Men; 10 p.m., karaoke. Vocal stylists and singers whose voices have been compared those smooth golden throaters of the 1950s and ‘60s.

THEATER MERRICK THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, 2222 HEWLETT AVENUE, MERRICK, 868-6400. Through August 10: “Kaufmann and Hart’s You Can’t Take It With You.” Comedy. Alice Sycamore has to introduce the family of her fiance, Tony Kirby, to her own family. The Kirby’s are a wealthy, stuffy family of great self-importance, while the Sycamore’s are a collection of good-hearted lunatics. When the two families cometogether,lifestyleandphilosophycollidehead-on. Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays at 3 p.m. Tickets $21; seniors and students on Fridays and Sundays, $18.

BELLMORE MOVIES AND SHOWPLACE, 222 PETTIT AVENUE, BELLMORE; 783-7200. Friday, July 25: 8:30 p.m, The 9th Annual Long Island Comedy Festival. Features a full lineup of top comedians from Long Island, New York City and around the country. Enjoy a night of hilarious live standup comedy! Get tickets online at the official website – www.LongIslandComedy.com. Saturday, July 26: 8 p.m., Rob Bartlett and Tony Powell of the “Imus In The Morning” Radio Show are back at Bellmore for more characterizations and comedy. For information on this show you can call 785-4234 or log onto www.NYentertainmentclub.com.

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DEDICATIONS

JULY 2014 | №10

Temple Beth-El Dedicates New Prayer Space By Carole Freidman

ast month Temple Beth-El of Bellmore unveiled and dedicated its new weekday prayer space (minyan room) to the memory of long time North Bellmore resident Sidney (Sid) Z. Cohn. Sid’s wife Marlene and her family were in attendance for this special occasion, as were over 100 congregants of Temple Beth-El. Cohn died two years ago and since then the temple has been looking for the appropriate way to honor his memory. When the need arose to move the temple’s weekly prayer room to a new location in the building, the perfect opportunity presented itself. The new minyan room, which formerly served as a library, has been totally redesigned. The pews from the former minyan room, which are of historic significance, were brought to Beth-El from a synagogue on the lower east side of Manhattan. The ark, which will hold the Torah, was newly constructed by Yehuda Giloni of Wantagh and incorporates a stained glass window, which was part of the original minyan room. There is also a new Eternal Light over the ark. Cohn is being memorialized because he was a special congregant of Temple Beth-El who took upon himself the responsibility of making sure there were always enough men to have a morning and evening prayer service (minyan), enabling those who needed to pray – especially mourners – to have the support they needed. Because Cohn was a retired New York Police Department captain and a member of the Shomrim Society (the fraternal organization of Jewish Police Officers), a Shomrim Society color guard was present at the dedication ceremony. In his introduction, Ira Minkoff, the president of Temple Beth-El, said that “there are very few

Attendees recite a prayer with Rabbi Hoffman and Cantor Eitan Binet in the new prayer room. times during a term as temple president that a project becomes a labor of love.” “Cohn,” he continued, “was one of the first people I met when it came time to don a tallis and tefillin in preparation for my Bar Mitzvah.” Minkoff added that he was there “to teach me what to do and supply me with a bagel and a shmear for my efforts.” Rabbi Howard Hoffman commented that Cohn was connected “in more than one way with the role of bringing humans closer to God and God down to earth, and this was for decades his passion.” He “used his communication skills…to ensure that Temple BethEl’s role as a house of prayer would be fulfilled every day for decades.” Cohn’s daughter Marian spoke poignantly on behalf of the Cohn family. At the end of the formal ceremony a torah was marched under a canopy (chuppah) from the main sanctuary to the new room and placed in the ark. All those attending had a chance to enter the room in small groups to view the room and recite a prayer along with Rabbi Hoffman and Cantor Eitan Binet. Carole Friedman is the publicity chairperson for the Temple Beth-El Sisterhood.

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№10 | JULY 2014

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Mepham Grad Develops Businesses With Ease

eventeen-year-old Mepham graduate Dylan Christie now awaits the next journey of his academic life, the University of Delaware. It is there he thinks the college crowd will really get the groove of his electronic dance DJ music, music he now spins regularly at Stage 48, on West 48th Street in Manhattan for the under-18 crowd. A self-taught DJ, he’s been running his own business spinning music from Blaster Jaxx, Marting Garrix and Hardwell for about a year, “and this is what I want to continue into college,” he told this magazine recently. Not that he will study disc-jockeying, he will study management information systems, the discipline of applying bleeding edge computer technology to help manage companies big and small. He just thinks he’ll find even more energy from the college crowd simply because they “get it” more, can turn with “it,” make it a part of their own identity as a music

style. Watching videos of his recent DJ sessions at Stage 48, the under-18 crowd really is hopping, the energy is there – and he’s stoked there’s more energy that awaits him at the University of Delaware. But spinning music as a business is not where he was about three years ago. Winner of the 2014 Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores Commerce Award scholarship of $500 for developing his own businesses, he began modestly enough by building up relationships with online businesses that deal with training aids for hockey players. Having played roller hockey at one time for the Bellmore-Merrick Roller Hockey league, he felt comfortable enough to contact several equipment manufacturers to inquire about getting training aids. “I was an aspiring hockey player who wanted to know how I could improve my game.” So he went to www.hockeyshot.com and purchased several training aids. With training aids such as green biscuits, fly pucks and blade tape, he set

Dylan readies to spin for the 'big dance.' up a space downstairs using flooring tiles laid on the floor to provide a slippery surface in which to shoot the puck, stick handle it and do a variety of exercises all designed to strengthen his skills. He built a net, used drill passers and puck-control trainers as well. He took his training sessions outside, too, where he would use the backyard to shoot at targets, such as cardboard goalies, nets and other targets. Before long he was firing the puck off his rooftop at targets on the ground below, knocking water bottles off tables with near-100% accuracy. During those outdoor training sessions, he would video

tape them and post them at www. youtube.com/leftyhockeyreviews. com to provide ‘how-tos’ on how to score goals, how to stickhandle to achieve accuracy, how to backhand and take one-time shots. The site, he said, now has 2000 subscribers. When he had compiled about 20 ‘how-to’ training videos, reviewing the products he had and posting them online as trickshot videos, he sent them to other small equipment companies who in turn sent him more training equipment to review. After posting for months equipment reviews online, “I got an email from thewhistle.com,” he said. Thewhistle.com is a sports outreach website for kids and teens that offers content videos for licensing opportunities. The rest, they say, is history. At thewhistle.com his training videos open with advertisements before the training videos begin. “Those advertisements translate into licensing fees I get for the videos I make,” he told this magazine.

A profile of Dylan and how he got involved in training videos appears on thewhistle.com website by clicking on the hockey section and then the white arrow button at the bottom of the video post. He told this magazine he also won the award from the chamber for his active work with Temple B’nai Torah in Wantagh. “I work at the temple helping my mom with such things as Chanukah sales and Chinese Auctions,” he said. While interviewing Dylan he had a World Cup soccer game on. He also sported a couple of slight injuries to his legs – wearing shorts, mentioning the injuries were from sliding on the grass while playing soccer. It turns out soccer his absolute favorite sport, and he played all four years on the Mepham Pirates soccer team! So why didn’t he put up a soccer ‘how-to’ online video site, we asked. “I just didn’t have the time,” he said, mildly brushing off the question. Young Dylan now readies to go off to the big dance …

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JULY 2014 | №10

Merrick Children's Librarian Retires After 30 Years

By Sharon G. Jonas

n 1985, when Bonnie Markel, a young mother of three, accepted a part-time job in the children’s section at the Merrick Library after trying substitute teaching, she thought it was a nice way to get out of the house. Armed with a Master of Library Science (MLS) degree from Queens College, she was excited to be working at least one night a week, applying her degree. “I loved my job,” says Markel, “I’d come home with a big smile on my face.” Now, after nearly 30 years of service at the Merrick Library, Markel retired from her position as head of the Children’s Department at the end of June. Her influence over the years will ensure that smiles live on in the faces of young patrons. Credited with reshaping the nature of the children’s section and implementing innovative ideas, Markel not only won accolades from fellow professionals, but obvious approval from her target audience. The current children’s

room, designed for babiesthrough-sixth graders, is a spacious, window-lined wonderland loaded with more than a wide range of books. Embracing the “Family Place Library” concept that encourages family participation, she said “It’s not a shhhhshhhh library anymore.” The room is large enough to accommodate a range of activities. While some still sit and quietly read at one end of the room or use one of the eight iPads affixed to oversized crayon-shaped stations, others giggle, chatter and roam about enjoying a wide variety of toys including puzzles, dollhouses, Legos and a train table. It also contains a large saltwater fish tank, one of Markel’s ideas for the room, that continually draws children who stare and watch it. “I’m a kid at heart,” Markel, who still enjoys reading children’s books, told this magazine. She helped select the thousands of books available for loan, and installed 10 computers.

Markel said she looked forward to a new Mother Goose program starting after her retirement, which invites caregivers and babies to enjoy 20-minute sessions designed to stimulate learning.

LEAD CHARGE INTO NEW BUILDING Prior to the current state-of-theart library that opened in 2005, Markel recalls the previous building where she was the only full

time employee. “The building was much smaller and the children’s room was downstairs in the basement. It was dark, not well-lit and we didn’t have any offices. When we moved to this nice big beautiful building…I was able to give the two part-timers full-time positions, and that helped immensely.” Library Director Ellen Firer says, “When we moved into this building Bonnie led the charge. She’s been an invaluable member of the Merrick Library staff, offering superior customer service, which is important to us. She’s helped bring the children’s room into the 21st century.” Over the years Markel not only created change, but was challenged to react to forces out of her control. When a fire in 2004 destroyed the entire children’s collection in the old library, she worked to begin anew. “We set up across the street in the lobby of the old LIRR train station, which wasn’t being used anymore. We were there about a year. We opened at 7 a.m.”

She recalls the transition in the late 1990s from the standard card catalogue to a computerized system. It was a “cold turkey” change, Markel remembers, made quickly and almost overnight. “Now you can get our card catalogue on your phone if you have the internet. That’s what it’s come to.” By going to www.merricklibrary.org and clicking on ‘catalogue,’ you can reserve books or download them to an electronic device. Markel also witnessed children changing over the years. “They’re more impatient now and want everything quickly.” She said the books are more “dramatic,” with an emphasis on fantasy, such as wizards, fairies and underworlds. Now in Markel’s position as Children’s librarian is Susan Goodwin, who has been with the Merrick Library’s since 1979. “It’s bittersweet,” said Goodwin. “Bonnie has been a fantastic head of the department. She’s innovative, creative and great with the patrons. She’ll be a tough act to follow.”

№10 | JULY 2014

Your NewsMag

MAP Students Celebrate Commencement

tudents at the Meadowbrook Alternative Program marked their official commencement from the program in front of parents, family and friends late last month. Marching into the auditorium at the Brookside School to “Pomp and Circumstance,” the students were warmly welcomed by program director Susan Ellinghaus. “We are here today to celebrate your graduation and to celebrate the next phase on your journey through life,” said safety officer Donald Smith. “I want you to realize that as one door closes, another opens. You should never be afraid to walk through the door. You must walk through with confidence and let the world know that you are here to make a difference. I know all of you will succeed in whatever you attempt to do.” Additionally, Class of 2008 graduate Ra-

quelle Kabatsky, valedictorian Tiffany Terravecchia and salutatorian Michelle Beery addressed the audience throughout the ceremony. CHSD Board of Education President Susan Schwartz presented diplomas to each of the graduates as they crossed the stage. During the ceremony, several students received special awards. Daniel Healey was awarded the U.S. Army Scholar Athlete Award by Staff Sgt. Eli Henderson. Terravecchia and Beery received the PTA Coordinating Council Award, with Michael Dapolito being acknowledged with the BMUST Scholarship Award. Dapolito also was given $200 from Allstate Insurance, presented by Kabatsky. Terravecchia also received the Bellmore Lion’s Club Award. Beery, Tara Eyring, Daniel Pflaumer and James Seible were all awarded the Meadowbrook Alternative Program Award.

North Merrick Scouts Become Eagles

residing Officer Norma L. Gonsalves (R-East Meadow, LD 13) attended North Merrick Boy Scout Troop 123’s Eagle Court of Honor for Eagle Scouts Sean McGinn, Sean Heverin and John McMullin held at the Sacred Heart Church School Auditorium in North Merrick. For his Eagle project, Sean McGinn organized and coordinated a children’s book drive to benefit the charity Reach Out and Read which distributes books to less fortunate children through their pediatricians to promote literacy. With the help of Camp Avenue Elementary School, he was able to collect well over 1000 books. Sean Heverin undertook a project to beautify the 9/11 Memorial at the Merrick train station. He raised funds to purchase plants and materials that were needed for the garden. Along with 60 volunteers, Sean helped clean the area of dead plants, weeds and miscellaneous objects to put in plants, flowers and a stone walkway into the Memorial. John McMullin, to attain the rank of Eagle Scout, constructed a cage for quails at a non-profit organization called Sweetbriar

Nature Center. Sweetbriar has trails to walk on and has had concerns with ticks due to the wooded area. In order to combat the tick population, they release quails, which eat ticks as a main source of food. John’s cage helps to protect the quails when they are young and is fitted with a heat lamp to help raise them as well. “These young men showed tremendous dedication and organizational skills to complete their projects,” said Presiding Officer Gonsalves. “They all serve as terrific role models for future scouts and have made lasting impacts on their communities.” Pictured above, from left, are: Eagle Scout Sean McGinn, Presiding Officer Norma Gonsalves, Eagle Scouts John McMullin and Sean Heverin.

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JULY 2014 | №10

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NO SMOKING – OUTSIDE! Bellmore Memorial Library Director Maureen Garvey, left, and Nassau Project Coordinator for the Tobacco Action Coalition of Long Island Carol Meschkow join in establishing a smoke-free zone around the Library.

LASER PLUS SPA REOPENS: The Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores celebrated Laser Plus Spa's rebuilt facility at 2717 Merrick Road in Bellmore with a ribbon cutting. From left are Marie Spohrer, Martha Verdi, Michael Pittakas, Danny Antin, state Assemblyman David McDonough, county Legislator Michael Venditto, Denise Pearson McGuckin (staff), Town Clerk Nasrin Ahmad, Liz Clemens (staff), Ken Kaufman (owner), Bill Wilgus, Town Councilwoman Angie Cullin, staff, county Legislator Dave Denenberg, Michael Schinella, Steve Alexander, Bob Podolski and Lisa Berger. Other staff members in random order are Andrea Feliclo, Gianna Zeccn and Libby Herring.

TASTY WIN: …. Michael Savarese receives a check for $100 for being the first to consume 12 mouthwatering cupcakes during Nancy The Cupcake Lady’s annual cupcake-eating contest. Those who didn’t still walked away with a smile …

ROCK ON: Nonagenerian Roy Weinman receives rocking chair from the Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores on the occasion of his retirement.

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SUMMER ATHLETICS

North Bellmore-North Merrick Boys Win National Championship

NATIONAL 14U CHAMPS: From left, in back row, are Coach Bob Delaney, Chris Behan, Tyler Manger, Brian Donnelly, Chris Wasson, Alex Rodriguez, Nick Valeriano, Coach Mike Conry, Coach Ray Valeriano and Coach Sam Acri. In front row are Matt Conry, Jack Delaney, Alec Acri, Billy McAdam, and Eric Solomon. Visit www.yournewsmag.com for complete story.

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RESTAURANT REVIEW

JULY 2014 | №10

Anchor Down for Fine Seafood in Merrick

nchor Down Seafood Bar and Grill at 1960 Bayberry Avenue in Merrick is the latest labor of love from Chef Stephen Rosenbluth and wife Jennifer, who set the bar higher with distinctively simple – if elegant - offerings to keep the menu clutter down and keep the seafood fresh. The location, previously known as the Cozy Clam and J.D’s on the Bay, features décor in a nautical motif in simple white and nautical blue, with plenty of sunlight from the skylights drenching the dining room of white linen tablecloths during daylight hours. No lowly-lit bar setting here. “This is a restaurant, not a bar,” remarked Rosenbluth. For Rosenbluth, whose resumé includes work at Naples 45, Brasserie and Nick and Stef’s Steakhouse in New York City – working alongside long-time sous chef Matthew Winters, the restaurant is perhaps the evolution of a childhood dream. “I’ve loved fishing all my life. I used to fish on the Freeport boats such

as Capt. Lou and Capt. Al,” he continued. And, he’s always loved cooking seafood. He and Jennifer have cast a long line to “anchor down” and give the new restaurant a whirl. Rosenbluth, who learned to prepare seafood the “New England” way while at Legal Seafood at Roosevelt Field, said that during the first three weekends he was open, he’s had upwards of 100-140 patrons coming in to taste from his menu.

SMALL, FOCUSED MENU The menu, like a fine resumé, is only one page. “All my fish is fresh,” he said, so when it “comes in” he wants it going out quickly, too. Whole branzino, salmon filet and yellow fin tuna featuring a wasabi sauce are staples on the menu, as are jumbo lump crab cakes, a popular item already. The crab cakes feature a light crispiness on the outside by using corn flake crumbs, said Rosenbluth. The cakes are

pure crabmeat with no filler and, while it is offered as a starter with one crab cake, dinner provides two crab cakes “that provide for a full meal.” The cakes are set on a sauce of remoulade, infusing the flavor in each bite, and give off no fishy aroma, a testament to their just-cooked freshness. The accompanying homemade cole slaw is light and flavorful, leaving no heavy vinegar or mayo aftertaste. Blackened mahi mahi comes over a bed of sweet corn and a red pepper coulis. Accompanying the two light sides is a welcoming accent of cilantro. “I have an herb garden growing outside I pick from to add the fresh accents,” Rosenbluth said. The fish is flaky, and the spice light, not overpowering. For those looking to blacken or Cajun-spice such items as salmon and tuna, add $2. Rounding out the dinner menu are shrimp stuffed with crab and Ritz butter cracker crumb stuffing, and roasted chicken with asparagus. For true meat lovers, a New York strip steak is also

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RESTAURANT REVIEW

№10 | JULY 2014

A Po’boy sandwich of shrimp or oysters in Old Boy remoulade caps the casual bites offerings. A selection of clams, oysters and mussels are available as appetizers to start off your dining experience, along with fried calamari, a chopped salad and New England clam chowder or lobster bisque.

IMBIBE TO WASH IT DOWN Nautical Blue-and-white motif helps accentuate light served. While Heirloom tomato salad, arugula and pickled onion come with the steak, extra sides such as mashed potatoes or French fries, spinach or broccoli in garlic and olive oil can be added for $5. Casual bites at the Anchor Down are available as lighter fare to satisfy the gastronomic cravings of those on the go. The Anchor Down burger comes topped with Applewood-smoked bacon, Jack cheese and 1000 Island dressing. Fish and chips are a charmer, indeed. Dredged in buttermilk and a restaurant-made crab fry, the bite- size pieces

The herb garden of haddock – or other fish he may use, depending on what’s in – are light, flaky and moist, and can be consumed by hand. Fried in soy oil, there are no crunchy crusts to contend with in the dish, often a hallmark of less-considerable chefs. The dish comes with cole slaw and French fries. It also comes with a small tumbler of malt vinegar, to bring zest. The crispy chicken sandwich, like the burger, comes topped with Applewood-smoked bacon, lettuce and tomato, and a Sriracha mayonnaise. The taste of the smooth and spicy mayo comes on gradually, and you’ll find yourself eager for another bite. Ask for the golden fries with this dish.

The flip side of the menu lists several wines, including both white and red; specialty craft beers from local breweries; and two cocktails: The Sea Siren, and the Bloody Mariner. While the Mariner is, essentially, a Bloody Mary, it adds a splash of Amber ale along with a sea-salt rim. The Sea Siren, vodka, lemonade and peach schnapps, gives the bartender a chance to go out and into the herb garden to pick fresh mint to place in the drink.

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Small details add character to the restaurant, which you will find when you visit. Large linen napkins or, if sitting at the bar, colorful placemats add to the dining experience. A large chalk blackboard calls out daily and weekly specials. Background music is both easy and entertaining. Rosenbluth purchases his fresh fish offerings and shellfish selections from Owner Stephen Rosenbluth with long-time sous chef Matthew Winters. local fish markets in Freeport daily, or local shellfishermen, where appropriate. He also buys meats locally in Merrick. Anchor Down accommodates those with food allergies – including nuts; gluten-free diets; vegans; diabetics; as well as other diet-conscious consumers. For a fresh American seafood experience, call 544-4334 to make a reservation.

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LIIFE ENTERTAINMENT

JULY 2014 | №10

Trends and Trailblazers at the Annual Long Island International Film Expo By Kristen Buckley

LIIFE TECHNICAL AWARDS

t the 17th annual Long Island International Film Expo official opening night in mid-July several executive producers, producers, directors and writers collected in the Filmmakers Lounge (The Firemens Exempt Hall next to the Bellmore Movies) to discuss their projects, get interviews with Your NewsMag, imbibe and take in the lavish food spread donated by Piccolo’s Ristorante. Debra Markowitz, director of the Nassau County Film Office, and director of the LIIFE, told this magazine they added many new films this year from previous years because of almost 100 more submissions, due in large measure to the film festival’s new distinction from Movie Maker Magazine as one of the 25 Best Film Festivals in The World. Film stars who were scheduled to attend included William Sadler (“The Shawshank Redemption”); Dominic Fumusa (“Nurse Jackie”); Marc Coppola (“Apocalypse Now”); Kevin Corrigan (“Grounded for Life”); Nick Sandlow (“Orange is the New Black”); Neal Huff (“Moonrise Kingdom”); Robert Clohessy (“Boardwalk Empire,” “Blue Bloods”); James van der Beek (“Dawson’s Creek”); Terry Serpico (“Army Wives”); John Cullum (“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”); Lauren Hodges (“Rubicon”); James McCaffrey (“Rescue Me”); Cathy Moriarty (“Raging Bull”) and Dee Snider of Long Island’s ‘90s band Twisted Sister. 158 movies, ranging from shorts to full-length features and including trailers and music videos originating from all over the world were scheduled to be shown throughout the nine-day film extravaganza at the 102-year-old Bellmore Movies, owned by Anne and Henry Stampfel. Trending at this year’s LIIFE, within this year’s new batch of entries, was the emergence of

several new female film makers. Thirty films in LIIFE were made by female directors, which is an unprecedented number of female directors in the film festival’s history. This trend could represent a larger shift in mainstream American cinema. Indeed, the general public may have noticed a significant increase in female-driven films during the past year, including Disney’s runaway hit “Frozen” and more recent summer films such as “Maleficent” and “The Fault in Our Stars.” Markowitz expressed excitement over this new rise of female talent in the independent film industry – being a director herself. When asked which female-directed film she was most looking forward to seeing at this year’s film expo, she singled out a film titled “Shunned,” which is a documentary feature directed by Janice Villarosa that focuses on the lives of male-to-female transsexuals in the Philippines. This magazine was able to speak with Joy Shatz, one of the many female directors whose work will be showcased throughout the week. Shatz, from Forest Hills, Queens, wrote, produced and directed a short film called “Wild Woman,” a project that had its Long Island premiere at the festival.. “Wild Woman,” a short mockumentary about a reporter’s mission to uncover the legend of the eponymous Wild Woman, had its world premiere at the Soho International Film Festival. Wild Woman serves as the

directorial debut of Shatz, who also employed her previous experience as an actress by playing 13 different characters in her own short film. Another outstanding female director to be found on the program is Bellmore native Leslye Abbey. Armed with several awards and humanitarian awards from LIIFE, her latest documentary feature, “Buffalo Nation: The Children Are Crying,” had its world premiere preceding the opening night reception. Abbey's documentary film project is a personal and touching one about the Survivors Art Foundation known as “Raw Visions: Art of Survival.” Her latest film, “Buffalo Nation: The Children are Crying,” portrays the lives of the Lakota people of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and the devastating rate of suicide within the children of the Sioux Nation.

"Wild Woman" director Joy Shatz

Technical awards are traditionally handed out during LIIFE’s opening night ceremonies. This year’s short group of talented film makers earning awards included: Best Original Song – “Here Comes the Wolf” by John Nolan. Honorable Mention in this category went to Dan Redfield for “Moustache; Best Original Score – a tie between “Man on the Edge,” by John Bush, and “Modern Nature,” by Alexander Leon. Honorable Mention went Ankit Varshneya for “ Rab de Vaasta”; Best Cinematography in a Short Film – Matt Bockelmann for “Graduation”; Best Cinematography in a Feature Film – Patrick Ginnetty for “Trouble With Women”; and Best Editing – Matt Childar, “The Boy and the Bus.” Honor-

He told this magazine that more independent filmmakers are using better resolution cameras because these high-quality cameras are now much more affordable for aspiring filmmakers. He also mentioned that there was a major wave of 4K resolution movies in the independent film industry, which is a much higher definition than that of the average video. Larry Strong, another film maker, pointed out that, at times, the higher-resolution cameras coming into vogue can work at cross purposes to the intentions of a film, explaining that lower-resolution cameras can help create a sought-after environment a film maker may be looking for. Damian Voerg, a Hempstead native and director of a wartime drama – along with Strong - fea-

From left are the producer of 'Until Death" with Director Sean Dahlberg; Michael Arbouet and Larry Strong of "Cigarette Soup"; and Jackie Xerri of "Mint Chip." able Mentions in this category included Robert La Rosa for “The Return,” and Jackie Xerri for “Mint Chip.” Another rising and interesting movement conversed at LIIFE is new technological trends, which several filmmakers have begun employing. Marc Riou, a cinematographer who won 2013’s annual LIIFE Technical Award for Best Cinematography for the short film “Tilt of a Rose” (a film distributed by The Majors Productions, a production company that was co-founded by Riou), offered thoughtful insight into the technical trends of independent filmmaking.

tured in LIIFE this year titled “Cigarette Soup,” acknowledge the growing use of DSLR, or digital single-lens reflex cameras. DSLR are digital cameras that combine the optical mechanics of a digital imaging sensor and a single-lens reflex camera. This highly advanced and readily available technology helps to create wellshot and well lit shorts and helped Voerg produce the raw documentary type of feel to his film, which he places in the found footage genre – or cinema veritae. All of these trends add to the distinctive and alluring identity that has helped expose and develop this outstanding film festival.

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REVIEWS By Kristen Buckley

he film festival official opening night film block starting at 6:45 p.m. featured only two films, one short student film and one two-hour feature film - a considerably short number of entries screened than the following 9:40 p.m. film block that screened five film entries. However, the 6:45 p.m. film block still managed to present a pair of impressive movies that display the talent and diversity of this esteemed international film festival and its featured filmmakers. The first entry, a short film making its Long Island premiere at LIIFE titled “Carry On,” is a 16-minute student film from China. Taking place during 1944 in Japanese-occupied China, it tells the story of a Chinese father who saves the life of his young daughter from invading Japanese troops. Short films often evoke personal interest in view-

LIIFE ENTERTAINMENT

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Wonders of the Ancient World: Opening Films at LIIFE ers because they manage to convey a wide range of emotional and narrative power in a limited amount of time. Fortunately, the short’s director Yatao Li has made a memorable short film with enough tension and catharsis to fill a feature-length film and managed to do so in less than one quarter of the time of any 90-minute film, which deserves praise for its execution. Quickly noticeable is “Carry On” ’s ability to incorporate fully formed and coherent themes in its narrative structure. Throughout “Carry On,” all sexually mature young women of every conquered Chinese village are gathered up and taken away by the invading Japanese for ominously implied purposes. Sexual potency and desire can mean life or death, as a middle-aged menopausal woman is spared because she is deemed undesirable by the soldiers. Meanwhile, the girl’s virile grandfather expresses his wish to bed another

woman before dying in the cold. Death is another natural existence in the story, as the grandfather dies shortly after pretending to be dead as a pure joke. As he plays dead, the soldiers unintentionally desecrate the corpse until they realize that he’s not playing dead, then warn the others to show respect for the dead. The strongest aspect of the short is the ending, which is usually the highest point of any good short film. Accompanied by uplifting music, the father is able to save his daughter from a horrible fate by hiding her in a food sack. We are moved by a shot of the father’s face when he realizes that the soldier who has discovered his secret will actually protect his child. The actor exhibits an array of emotions, from relief to happiness and sadness all at once, that even as the father is executed off-screen, we are relieved to see the hidden daughter on her way out to freedom, as the screen fades to black.

The feature-length film, “The Historian,” was even more ambitious and emotionally satifying. The film follows the story of Ben Rhodes, a classics professor with a troubled past who takes a new job at a new university in a new town and his encounters with a rival classics professor, an intense and troubled man named Val Hadley, and a bubbly grad student named Anna. Professor Hadley is played by William Sadler (“The Shawshank Redemption,” “The Green Mile,” “Iron Man 3”), who received a special achievement award from LIIFE last year. He plays the part of a vulnerable anti-hero, the kind of character that American audiences have grown to love thanks to characters such as Walter White and Frank Underwood. The more light-hearted character of Ben Rhoades is portrayed with awkwardly human charm by the film’s director, Miles Doleac, who is actually a professor at the University of Southern Mississippi.

“The Historian” is loosely based on Doleac’s personal experiences as a professor and his views of higher education and the relationships between professors with grad students, other professors and deans. The film has a fascinating balance of heavy drama - which could have easily made it a dark and edgy thriller - and abundant doses of quirky comedy that make it feel like an independent film look at life in university. The fact that this film is not as easy to categorize as one might initially believe is the mark of a complex narrative, which is present in “The Historian.” The relationship between Hadley and Rhodes is the strongest element of the story and is gripping. If only there had been a more central plot of the film. Nevertheless, “The Historian” is as well formed and thought provoking as the many classical statues present in the academic offices of the university.

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JULY 2014 | №10

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Fish On the Barbie is Ideal Summer Fare

ummer is a great time for pool parties and family barbecues. If you love good food and are interested in being in great physical shape then continue reading. Most people have a limited knowledge of cooking various foods on the grill, as processed hot dogs and hamburgers have become the unhealthy norm. Organic seafood, on the other hand, is a delicious and healthy alternative. Seafood is high in protein, low in calories and tastes delicious on the grill. The gas grill’s ability to provide easy-to-control, fast, evenly distributed heat is ideal for fish. Grilling allows you to quickly seal in the moisture that contributes to great-tasting fish.

Critical to successful grilling is choosing the types of fish that are the most accommodating for the grilling process. Many varieties of fish fillets are adequate, while whole fish work even better. The best fillets for the barbecue are salmon steaks, Chilean sea bass, swordfish steaks, tuna steaks and striped bass fillet. The top whole fish choices for grilling include black sea bass, red snapper, bluefish, porgies and bronzini. Whole fish hold together well, are far more flavorful and are less expensive than fillets. Your local fish market should offer complete cleaning and removal of all unnecessary inner parts for any whole fish you purchase. The

whole fish you bring home should be grill-ready! As you return home, fire up the grill so it’s nice and hot. While it’s heating up, place the fish in a shallow pan, generously rubbing olive oil on both sides. Add your favorite herbs and spices, garlic, parsley and basil, as well as fresh squeezed lemons. Turn the heat down to medium and place the fish gently on the grill. Cover, and then flip when ready. Be sure to cook thoroughly. Whole fish will take a bit longer than fillets. Be sure to visit your local fish market for sound advice on selection, grilling tips, and preparation. You’ll wonder how something can taste so delicious and healthy while dining on your grill-prepared seafood!

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№10 | JULY 2014

ENTERTAINMENT

Something to wine about IN THE MOOD FOR SOMETHING SWEET? By Linda Delmonico Prussen

re you in the mood for something sweet? Most of us are, at least sometimes. But before you reach for the white zinfandel or your tried-and-true Riesling, why not try some other surprising and surprisingly sweet wines? Go French with Sancerre blanc made with the Sauvignon blanc grape. Look for the lowest alcohol level allowed, 10.5%. Another French classic to try is Vouvray, made primarily with the Chenin blanc grape. Again, if your goal is sweetness, look for the lower alcohol variety. Want it sweet and cheap? And yes, I said cheap. Try the Portuguese wine Vinho Verde: White, light, semisweet and refreshing. Think Sprite, or 7-up! This consistently good wine comes in many different brands and all of them are guaranteed to be wallet-friendly. And if you find yourself too uncomfortable moving too far from Riesling, try some other sweet German varietals, such as Liebfraumilch and Gewurztraminer.

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Do you like your sweetheart to be a little bubbly? Try Moscato. Even if not in the traditional “sparkling” bottle, most are at least a little effervescent. Why do I keep saying look for the lowest alcohol content? In most regular wines, not dessert, or ports, or fruit wines, you can guestimate the sweetness by the alcohol content. This is because the sugar is burned off as the alcohol content rises. It’s why you’ll sometimes hear talk of “residual sugar” in wine. Dessert wines, ports, and fruit mixed wines are produced differently and may not hold true to that theory. Beware, all will be sweeter and many, like ports, will have high alcohol contents. If you would rather stick with Riesling, but try something new, then Frisk’s Prickly Riesling is a deliciously well-balanced wine with the taste of a prickly pear. Firestone Riesling is also a well-made wine with the taste of lemon drops candy, and Pacific Rim Dry Riesling is not really dry. Instead, it’s a dryer version of the other Rieslings the vineyard produces, but a great alternative to the overly sweet cloying Rieslings on the market. See where Delmonico-Prussen will be tasting wine in this area, at www.yournewsmag.com.

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JULY 2014 | №10