Ynm #3(15) mf web 2 by Erin Donohue

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VOLUME 2, NUMBER 3

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IN PRINT & ONLINE

lb Celebrating Holidays!

DECEMBER 2014

STUDENTS SING HOLIDAY TUNES

RINGING IN THE HOLIDAYS

COMMUNITIES COME TOGETHER TO OFFER GIFTS

NEWS

Your NewsMag

December 2014 | Vol.2 №3

County Rescinds Speed Camera Surveillance Program This first appeared in yournewsmag.com

fter earning millions from the first months of operation of its new speed camera surveillance program, which employs video cameras in front of 77 schools in the county to record motorists going 10 miles per hour and more over the school speed limit, Nassau County is pulling the plug on the program, citing among several reasons a difficult roll-out of the program in summer. However, installation of new flashing lights and better signage to indicate an approaching speed zone will move forward, as part of a $1 million Community Revitalization initiative designed to inform motorists to maintain their speed. At a press conference early last week Nassau County Legislative Presiding Officer Norma Gonsalves said that “The intention of the program has always been to improve the safety at school crossings. However,” she continued, “the curtailment of camera hours did not go far enough to address the problems with a program that,

while well-intentioned and passed unanimously by Democrats and Republicans, was poorly implemented,” she continued. She said the Legislature “must now identify other ways to address the safety concerns and will not abandon that goal.” Cristina Brennan, spokesperson for the majority, said that now that motorists have begun slowing down, “We can remove the monetary aspect of the safety program” and work to maintain the slower speeds we are seeing on the streets with the new flashing lights and signage, and more police patrols in school areas. Brennan admitted that a “shoddy and clumsy’ rollout contributed to rescinding the program. “The program generated a lot of public anger” over the rollout, she said, and the county’s responsibility was to find solutions that don’t lead to anger. Added Brian Nevin, policy advisor to County Executive Ed Mangano: “Speeding in school zones put students’ lives in jeopardy,” and the speed zone cameras had

reduced speeding by 70%. He said the administration will continue to urge motorists to exercise caution while driving in school zones. The Democratic legislative minority welcomed the proposed amendment to Title 72-B of the Miscellaneous Laws of Nassau County, which would repeal all six sections of the law. Democratic Minority Leader Kevan Abrahams said in a prepared statement that “It became evident that it [the program] was less about safety and more about passing the financial burdens of our county’s mismanagement onto the motorists.” He added that in November the Democratic Caucus called for a suspension of the program, and on December 3 filed a repeal to end the speed camera program once and for all. “I am glad the Presiding Officer and the Republican Legislative Majority chose to do the right thing and finally come around to our side and join the action to repeal the failed speed camera program.”

MATH HELP

ENRICHMENT • SAT • ACT • REGENTS • TEST PREP • HOMEWORK HELP

REACTION IS SWIFT

David Feller, superintendent of the North Merrick School District, whose Lafayette School on Merrick Avenue features a camera near the school, told Your NewsMag he was disappointed the county was rescinding the program. “I’m disappointed because safety should be our highest priority.” He said anything that can be done to reinforce motorists driving habits to drive more safely is a good thing. He told this magazine he had seen motorists slowing down in recent weeks, and believed the cameras to be working. He added that, while adding more flashing lights to announce school speed zones may help, there is no better effective deterrent against speeding behavior of drivers than to make them accountable through fines and other penal actions, if necessary. Merrick resident Renee Messina, DO, whose children attend Chatterton, said of the rollback, “Speed kills, and those cameras

were helping to enforce the speeds limits” in ways she says flashing lights and increased police patrols would not. “There was no such outrage at the redlight cameras,” so why the outrage now over the effectiveness of the speed cameras in enforcing speed limits around schools, she asked. Dr. Joe Famularo, superintendent of the Bellmore School District, said that a stop sign on Bedford Avenue between the school grounds and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic school worked quite well in slowing motorists down. Winthrop Avenue school was on the county list to receive a speed camera. The avenue will still see new flashing lights, however, to warn motorists they are approaching a school speed zone, and increased police patrols. The full legislature was expected to repeal Title 72-B of the Miscellaneous Nassau County laws with full bipartisan support during a full session on December 15.

Doug Finlay

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NEWS

Vol.2 №3 | December 2014

Kennedy Alumni Considers New Hall of Fame Nominations

Your NewsMag

Real Living Innovations Opens Merrick Office

he John F. Kennedy High School Hall of Fame is a way to publicly recognize outstanding graduates who have not only demonstrated success in their chosen profession, but have also given back to the local community or through a variety of charitable endeavors. In addition to honoring our graduates, the Kennedy alumni will seek to recognize select retired faculty whose excellence in the classroom was matched by their contributions to the total school program. All proceeds from this event will benefit the Kennedy High School Scholarship Fund. Criteria for “Hall of Fame” nomination: Candidate must be graduated 10 years or more from Kennedy High School. Candidate must have achieved extraordinary success in their chosen field and have provided exemplary service to the school or community (local or global). Candidates must be of good character and considered “role models” for the student body to emulate. Any alumnus, community resident or staff member may nominate a candidate by completing a nomination form by Tuesday, December 23 Selected candidates will be notified in January and must “accept” his/her nomination to be inducted at the March 7 program. Candidates not selected this year will remain under consideration for future inductions.

IMPORTANT DATES:

December: Call for nominations. Applications available on Kennedy High School website www. bellmore-merrick.k12.ny.us (click on Kennedy High School) and on alumni website. December 23: Deadline for submission of nomination application and supporting documentation. January: Announcement of Hall of Fame inductees. March 7: Hall of Fame Induction Dinner and Ceremony. Any and all nominations must be returned to Eileen Connolly. Assistant Principal, Kennedy High School, 3000 Bellmore Avenue, Bellmore, New York ,11710.

From left are Chris Gonzales, broker/owner David Speigel, Barbara Guerriere and Manager Frank Schilero.

eal Living Innovations Realty Store officially opened its new office at 12 Smith Street in Merrick last month, with a gathering of friends and colleagues from around the world of Realtors. Real Living is an affiliate of Berkshire Hathaway, with more than 1800 offices nationwide. David Spiegel, broker/owner of the realty company, told Your NewsMag that the firm, with a long-time office on Park Avenue in Wantagh, had an opportunity to move to Merrick because

of the great location offered on Smith Street, just west of Merrick Avenue. “We have several agents who work the Merrick-Bellmore area as well,” he said, making it a perfect fit to serve the Wantagh-Bellmore-Merrick real estate corridor. “Prospective homeowners also want a local office they can come to so they can talk with and get help from realtors about their future plans,” he added. Manager Frank Schilero said the MLS listing service lists the realty company as number five in the county for home sales.

Lady Sharks recognized at BOE meeting T Bellmore-Merrick CHSD Superintendent John DeTomasso and Board President Joann DeLauter congratulate the district’s aquatic team, from left, Georgeanne Zimmerman, Liz Walsh, Jaimie Kaefer, Coach Robert Kaefer, Paige Kaplan and Kerry Giovanniello.

he Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District’s Board of Education recognized members of the district aquatic team, the Bellmore-Merrick Sharks, for their remarkable 2014 season. During the board’s monthly December meeting held at the Brookside School, the Lady Sharks were presented with a citation from board President Joann DeLauter after the

team placed second in New York State at the Swimming and Diving Championships held at Ithaca College two weeks ago. In addition to the team’s success at the state meet, they broke the Nassau County record in the 200 Medley Relay. The relay, composed of Liz Walsh (Mepham High School), Georgeanne Zimmerman (Calhoun High School), Paige Kaplan (Kennedy

High School) and Jaimie Kaefer (Mepham High School), finished fourth in the state. Kaplan won the state championship in the 100-yard butterfly, setting a new Nassau County record, and tied for fifth in the 200-yard individual medley. The 200 Freestyle Relay, comprising Jessica Arana, Kaefer, Kaplan and Kerry Giovanniello, finished 8 th in the state.

December 2014 | Vol.2 №3

Your NewsMag

The Holiday Spirit

☞ TABLE OF CONTENTS

is Everywhere!

PAGE 2-6: NEWS Nassau County shuts down speed camera program; Kennedy alumni look for 2015 nominations; Real Living Realty Store moves in; Lady Sharks Win State Competition; Birch Daisy Troop sends gifts to soldiers; Reinhard participates in State Assemblyman McDonough’s Coats for Kids program

PAGE 8: HOLIDAY PHOTOS The mirth and magic of the Holidays as seen through the photographic lens

PAGE 10: PROFILE

ABCO Art Frames Itself as a Bellmore Original ABCO Art on Sunrise Highway has been helping local families frame their treasures for over 50 years

PAGE 12: COVER STORY

Communities Bring the Gift of Giving to a Family this Holiday Season When a neighborhood mother died unexpectedly, Holiday spirit and compassion brought this family out from despair

PAGE 14: DECORATING It’s never too late to create Holiday décor

PAGES 18-22: HOLIDAY TRADITIONS Whether preparing holiday feasts and recipes, or singing along to Holiday chorale music, there is much ado about Holiday traditions in the Bellmores and Merricks

PAGES 24 and 25: SHOPPING LOCALLY That one perfect gift for someone you love might be right down the block from where you live

PLUS: What wines to buy to set the right tone; who did what at school; neighborhood doctor turns to concierge service; Nassau County’s new Smart911 service could save your life

WHO’S WHO AT YOUR NEWSMAG Advertising and Publishing Jill Bromberg

Online

Editing Doug Finlay

Reporting

Erin Donohue

Sharon Jonas Kevin Halton Jr. Linda Delmonico Prussen

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

Bellmore • Merrick

he holiday season kicked off with the fabulous Brotherhood Council festival of music. Musical groups from schools, temples and churches gathered together to entertain in a wonderful spirit-lifting concert, featuring talented musical groups in our community. I enjoyed it immensely. There are photos inside and even more on the Your NewsMag facebook page. I keep going back to facebook to see pictures and hear the video of the Calhoun Concert Choir performing “Niki Nana,” under the direction of Sanford Sardo. Anne Burke, who has been co-president of the Brotherhood Council for many years, announced that she is retiring from her role. Her co-president, Lawrence Garfinkel, has a call out in this issue for new members. Please consider getting involved. Applause to all who organized and performed in the festival!!!! We live in a caring community that gets involved. When a family in our community experienced great loss recently, the neighborhood rose to the challenge to provide the family with meals and other needed items. After reading this story you will be glad this is a community in which you live. I know I am. The holiday season is about giving and caring. This story brings to mind the true spirit of the Holidays. Presents are the extra icing on the cake for Christmas and Hanukkah, and we all enjoy them. Please make an effort to shop locally for that last-minute gift to bring to your Holiday party host, or that extra

gift that you feel would be nice to give. We are blessed to have such a variety of stores in our town. All of your shopping can really be done here in the Merricks and the Bellmores. See inside for some suggestions of last-minute ideas to pick up something for family and friends in the neighborhood. If you stop for a minute to think about our local shops, you can come up with a gift for anyone on your list. Your NewsMag is delivered to every home in the Merricks and Bellmores free of charge because you live here and are residents of the communities. Advertising support pays for Your NewsMag, so please support participating businesses by sopping 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 updates throughout the month. I hope you enjoy the December Holiday edition of Your NewsMag. On behalf of my family and staff at Your NewsMag, I wish you all a Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Happy Holidays!

JILL BROMBERG PUBLISHER Jill@YourNewsMag.com

№3 Vol.2 | December 2014

In & Around … CHIPOTLE COMING:

he Town of Hempstead and the landlord of the building at 1968-1972 Merrick Road (former stationery store and florist, next to the new Jos. A. Banks) confirmed to Your NewsMag that a Chipotle Mexican Grill has been cleared to build a restaurant at that location. A Chipotle spokesperson was not available to speak on the matter before deadline, but did tell this magazine earlier it would speak only when a construction schedule had been set. A Heartwood Construction sign was seen in the window. The restaurant must also get clearance by the Nassau County Department of Health to build a new kitchen … HELP SAVE A LIFE: Long Island Crisis Center, the 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week suicide prevention and crisis intervention hotline in Bellmore, is recruiting volunteers to participate in its upcoming Counselor Assistant Training Program for January. The crisis center seeks those with no counseling experience and offers flexible hours (around-the-clock) to accommodate the individual needs of these volunteers. The free, comprehensive orientation training program takes place over 3 three-hour sessions at the Crisis Center’s office in Bellmore. January’s

NEWS training will be held on three successive Wednesday evenings, from 7- 10 p.m. on January 7, 14 and 21. Completion of the Counselor Assistant training is a prerequisite for the Crisis Center’s Counselor Training, which begins in March. For information, check out the website, www.longislandcrisiscenter.org and click on “Volunteer;” then call 826-0244 to schedule an interview … NEW PLAYS: North Bellmore playwright John Blenn will premiere new comedies at the Bellmore Movies on Sunday, January 11, from 8-10:15 p.m. The premieres are fundraisers to help friend Mark D’Agostino fight a serious illness. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. For ticket info call 783-8863. Bellmore Movies is at 222 Pettit Avenue in Bellmore…TAX INCREASE? While a new tax increase of 3.5% has been proposed as part of the 2015 Nassau County budget to help increase country revenues, county officials remark that residents of the county earning less than $500,000 will get refunds from the state, essentially off-setting the increase. “It’s a wash,” Presiding Supervisor Norma Gonsalves told Your NewsMag of the tax increase. But Democratic officials pointed out that a state tax rebate was already in the works for county residents, and they would have gotten the rebates without the tax increase. The minority Democratic caucus says it voted against the 3.5% tax increase …

Your NewsMag

From Our Homes To Yours, We Wish You A Happy, Healthy And Safe Holiday Season. The Louise Pitlake Power Team For Powerful Results, Call the Power Team Today!

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NEWS

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December 2014 | Vol.2 №3

FROM TROOPS TO TROOPS

REINHARD PARTICIPATES IN STATE

ASSEMBLYMAN’S COATS FOR KIDS PROGRAM

S Spreading the giving spirit of the holidays, Birch Elementary Kindergarten Daisy Troop #2474 stamped holiday cards to mail to the U.S. Military deployed troops. Each member is also donating a box of cookies as part of Operation Gratitude, which sends care packages to troops overseas. From left are Anjolie Serrette, Mia Scolieri, Jordana Finale, Rose Formisano, Gabrielle Schlechter, Olivia Perrotta, Victoria Haloulakos, Ava Robinson, Julia Isaac, Abigail Dubs and Deanna Finale.

from Olga's Hair Design

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2657 Merrick Rd., Bellmore NY 11710 Proud member of the Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores.

tate Assemblyman David G. McDonough (R,C, I-Merrick) thanked the Student Council at the Charles A. Reinhard Elementary School in Bellmore for participating in his 12th Annual Coats for Kids Campaign. Assemblyman McDonough collects the coats which are then distributed to needy individuals. Pictured, along with Assemblyman McDonough, are members of the Student Council, Patrice Castine,

Principal; and Mrs. Andersen, Mr. Merz, Mrs. Goldberg, Mrs. Eisenhardt, Mrs. Fillipelli and Mrs. Block, the Student Council Advisors. Meanwhile, Assemblyman McDonough also thanked the Student Council at the Norman J. Levy/Lakeside Elementary School in Merrick for also participating in his Coats for Kids Campaign. For further information, call 4092070 or e-mail the Assemblyman at mcdonoughd@assembly.state.ny.us.

â&#x201E;&#x2013;3 Vol.2 | December 2014

Your NewsMag

HOLIDAY REVELRY

December 2014 | Vol.2 â&#x201E;&#x2013;3

Merokians gather 'round the Menorah during Merrick's Menorah lighting.

A Full house saw the Merrick Chorale sing at the North Merrick Library

HOLIDAY REVELRY

№3 Vol.2 | December 2014

A Christmas Tree

Lights Up in Bellmore By Fran Licausi

n 1995, when we moved into our first home in Bellmore on Linden Street, there in our huge backyard stood a small three-foot Blue Spruce tree. My husband, Greg, decided to put some Christmas lights on the small tree for the holidays. As a labor of Love, faithfully every year since (20-plus years), he begins in October to decorate itall by himself. This year he did get a little help from our neigh-

bor and good friend, who personally handmade a star for the top, as the old one was wearing from the weather. The star is made of copper and has white lights, tinsel and an angel in the middle. The tree is now over 30 feet tall and has 925 lights that adorn it. The tree is lit as of Thanksgiving night until the beginning of January for people to enjoy. We’ve had neighbors pass by in August asking if

this is the house with the huge tree decorated at Christmas, and how they enjoy seeing it from their homes. Many cars have stopped and taken photos, my son’s friends and their families have stopped by to take a look at it. The tree is located in our backyard, which is totally dark at night and has a serene look when the lights are on. Come see the tree from Newbridge Road.

Your NewsMag

PROFILE

Your NewsMag

December 2014 | Vol.2 №3

ABCO Art Frames Itself as a Bellmore Original by Sharon Jonas

or nearly 60 years people have trusted family owned ABCO Art in Bellmore to embellish and preserve their treasured artwork and items by using custom framing as the tool for those major embellishments. “People bring in things that are so special to them,” says Arleen Leeds, owner and remaining member of the Leeds family. “We love being a part of the community, and making people feel at home.” Beyond paintings and traditional artwork, an amazing array of items, some complete, others still in process on an oversized, immaculate work table, include: A pair of Golden Glove boxer shorts, a 1994 cover of the New York Post exclaiming “Rangers Win!” the Stanley Cup, a college diploma restored like new

after superstorm Sandy left it curled and moldy, an arrangement of ticket stubs and photographs of a day meant never to be forgotten, and a recently found colorful certificate proclaiming that a family member served in World War II. “Art work is everywhere here,” says Leeds. This includes in “Ray’s Room” - the words surrounded by a gold frame over a doorway leading to a gallery behind the front counter. Officially opened in August 2013 two years after Ray Leeds, the beloved founder of the business – and father to Arleen – died at age 97, the gallery stands as a loving tribute to his life and talent.

AMONG THE FIRST BELLMORE STORES

“My father was wonderful. Everybody loved him,” says Leeds. “He opened this property in 1945 as ABCO Plastic and

Neon Signs. Only old, old, old people will remember that. Before that he was down the street at 423 [Sunrise Highway] and nothing else was here. His was the first business on the block, as he called it.” For Ray, the block was Sunrise Highway stretching from Bellmore Avenue to Thomas Place. As a commercial artist, Ray did all of the Pepsi Cola signs on Long Island, a deal that was sealed with a handshake and lasted over 25 years. In addition to the ABCO sign mounted on the store at 411 East Sunrise Highway, Leeds knows of at least one other sign still on display at Nu Merit Electric in Freeport constructed by Ray. In 1945, when Ray was made an offer by a friend to purchase the land stretching from their store to the corner of Sunrise and Bellmore Avenue for $2000,

he unfortunately couldn’t afford it. “My dad had scraped together all the money he had and borrowed a little from his own father…to buy this property.” Now, Arby’s and 7-11 occupy that space he was once offered. Ray Leeds started ABCO Art Supplies and Custom Framing for his wife, Selma, to run after their children had grown older. Originally a physical education teacher and homemaker, Selma managed the store while Ray continued with his nearby sign business. “People used to come in just to talk to her. She was a very sweet woman,” says Leeds. Eventually, Leeds’ brother, Ronald, joined in after graduating college and serving three years in the Peace Corps. He died unexpectedly at the age of 52. Now Leeds runs the business along with one part-time employee. She has worked on and off at ABCO since 1969, when she

completed her master’s degree at Hofstra University. An art teacher in the Seaford School District for 28 ½ years, she retired in 2004. In the ABCO workroom, an eclectic mix of high-tech tools of the trade stand alongside older, well-maintained pieces of equipment Ray once used in his sign shop. Neatly printed on Post-Its taped about are reminders from Ray about how to properly use a tool or measure precisely. Leeds points them out, saying, “Everywhere I look I have reminders of dad looking out for me.” While memories of all types are preserved at ABCO, Leeds still looks to the future and expanding Ray’s gallery. “I very much plan on having art shows here starting next year. I already have a few artists I know in mind.” For more information on ABCO, check them out online at www.ABCOArt.com.

LYNN KARP

Associate Broker Associate Cell: 516-659-2291, Direct: 516-590- 7366 www.LynnKarp.com • LynnKCB@aol.com

12 Smith Street, Merrick

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Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas and Best wishes in 2015

â&#x201E;&#x2013;3 Vol.2 | December 2014

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COVER STORY

Your NewsMag

December 2014 | Vol.2 №3

Communities Bring the Gift of Giving to a Family this Holiday Season

From left, Danielle Gordon, Mia Coughlin, Keira Brown, Ava Notaro and Amanda Rinzler with wrapped gifts for Christmas.

t’s not an all-together new or late-breaking story in the neighborhood: A young woman in North Merrick died in September, leaving three children and her husband devastated by the loss. What became significant upon her death, however, was how the community reacted – and continues to react - during this holiday season for the family as it faces perhaps its harshest challenge yet: Christmas Day without their mother – and wife. Wendy Gargiulo, a member of both the North Merrick School District Board of Education and the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District Board of Education, in describing the outpouring of consolation and compassion that continues to emanate from the community toward the family, said only, “It takes a village.”

OUTPOURING AT THANKSGIVING

The family first received the gift of the community’s compassion and caring after it laid their mother and wife to rest. “I had learned of the family’s mother dying, and I knew them in the community,” said Gargiulo. What drew her most to the family was the similarity in physical appearance between her son Colby and Gersi, the family’s seventh-grade son attending Merrick Avenue Middle School.

Gargiulo was in hospital being treated for pneumonia only a day or two after learning of the mother’s death, when she set up a food train on social media and began receiving an outpouring of responses. “People wanted to know what they could do, what they could offer.” She knew that without a mother to center the family dynamic, it would be difficult for the three boys and father to cope with a simple-yet-essential function such as feeding themselves. Food began to pour in for the family. Of the funeral, Gargiulo spoke of how several local businesses, including N.F. Walker Funeral Home, Voegler Florist and Feldis Florist, all from Merrick, the Merrick Lions Club and the Bellmore Lions Club contributed flowers and resources to help pay for the funeral. Other businesses such as Tomato & Basil Restaurant in Merrick and Kasey’s Restaurant in Rockville Centre offered their foods with generosity, while the Merrick Kiwanis, Merrick Little League and Bellmore-Merrick Basketball League all contributed resources and time as well. She remarked to another member of the community as she sat and negotiated with the funeral home to reduce the cost

of the funeral, “I have never seen businesses before offering to pay for services for a funeral.” When posting onto a social media site about contributions of foods from the community, Gargiulo said she was approached by Robin Canarick to post her request on The Merrick Girls Weekly Recipe Facebook page. Gargiulo developed the food train by asking for assistance on the facebook page to get contributions for Thanksgiving Dinner for the family, and to carry those contributions through the holiday season. A writeup about The Merrick Girls Weekly Recipe facebook page appeared in the August issue of Your NewsMag [see www.yournewsmag.com, ‘past issues’.] The page, co-founded by Canarick and Melissa Greenstein, encourages visitors to develop new cuisines or add new touches to tried-and-true recipes as a means for the online culinary crowd to share in new tastes and foods. Gargiulo said contributors to the facebook page developed recipes and weekly plans of meals for the family, which, she said, were dropped off at Camp Avenue School where Darwin, the third-grader, attends. From there, the father would pick up the meals to feed all four in the family for the day. Ron Reinkin, principal of Camp Avenue School in Merrick, confirmed that community members had indeed been bringing meals and dinners on a daily basis to the school since shortly after the mother in the family died. “The community spirit has been remarkable” and it has been terrific to witness, he told this magazine. Parents, other members of the community and even teachers in the school bring a dinner meal to the school every

day sometime during school, and it is placed in refrigeration to keep it fresh. Once the third-grader’s day has ended, his father comes to pick him up and they receive the dinner package to take home. Reinkin also spoke of several members of the Camp Avenue staff who have spent time with the family during this difficult time, including an English-as-Second-Language teacher and social workers. “Because Darwin’s brother Gersi attends Merrick Avenue Middle School,“ Camp Avenue has set up a line of communication with the school, said Reinkin. Principal Taryn Johnson of Merrick Avenue Middle School, in a statement to Your NewsMag, said, “There is no greater comfort than knowing you can rely on each other in a time of need and nothing stronger than the love and support of our community.”

A HOLIDAY DRIVE AT CHRISTMAS

With Thanksgiving the traditional introduction into the holiday seasons of Christmas and Chanukah, Michelle Gordon, another North Merrick mother who was touched by the outpouring of compassion from the community during Thanksgiving, took up the

mantle to spearhead a Holiday Drive to keep the family foremost in the minds of the community this holiday season. “Losing a mother is tragic,” she told Your NewsMag. She had heard the children in the family were looking for simple things such as pajamas and pillows to be able to go to sleep with at night. “Most children are looking for toys and bikes and digital items at Christmas,” she said, and these children were wishing for only the most simple of necessities. “It broke my heart,” said Gordon. And so she began the Holiday Drive for the family to present them with gifts to place under their tree and to develop a Christmas dinner they can enjoy at their home on Christmas Day. Gordon says she has gotten offers from residents of Wantagh who want to provide mini-iPads for the family, to ideas of groups of residents chipping in resources to help purchase other digital items for the family. “Others have offered to give gift cards,” she continued. “The children didn’t want us to give them anything,” Gordon continued. “But we had to get them winter coats” because the cold weather had settled in for the season. Gargiulo told Hugo, the

To Our Community and Families

ur family is completely speechless by the outpouring of support from the community. I could never have imagined or expected such kindness and generosity from our neighbors and local organizations, many of whom we don’t even know. I have no words to even express how grateful we are to each of you. My boys and I are

dealing with a tragedy and your outpouring of love is helping us get through this. I’m comforted in knowing my children will be safe and looked after by the boy's teachers, staff and school community. You have touched our hearts. Thank you! Hugo A. Sosa, with Hugo, Gersi and Darwin

COVER STORY

№3 Vol.2 | December 2014

19-year-old son who graduated Calhoun with Gargiulo’s daughter Jamie and is now attending Nassau Community College, that “when tragedy strikes, it is just natural for people to want to try to help.” She believes he may slowly be coming to accept this “miracle of giving.” Nineteen-year-old Hugo Sosa, the eldest of the three children, broke his silence to tell Your NewsMag that he and other family members have been “flabbergasted” by the community response to his family’s situation. “I miss my mother every day,” he said. She used to cook their meals every day. Because of the community’s rally around the Sosa family, Hugo, studying physical therapy with the hope of becoming a personal trainer, says he is beginning to feel more comfortable with the sudden loss. “The community’s support is making me feel more open, like I can talk about my loss,” he said. While the outpouring of community spirit continues to leave him and his family somewhat speechless, Hugo added that he actually feels now as though he can once again get up in the morning and think about doing the kinds of things that his mother would want him to do.

Your NewsMag

“We have never, ever felt this much appreciation towards us in our lives before,” he said of the communities’ support, and he sincerely thanks everyone who has been involved in helping them during their difficult time. [See letter] Meanwhile, Gordon’s seven-year-old daughter Danielle and her friends Mia Coghlan, Keira Brown, Amanda Rinzler and Ava Notaro wrapped gifts they will give to the family for Christmas, as part of their community service toward Communion at Sacred Heart Church in North Merrick. All the girls told Your NewsMag they were happy to wrap gifts for others to receive. They said it is better to give those who may not have what they have a chance to receive what they have. Gargiulo, the woman who has steered the entire charitable operation since Mrs. Sosa died, said it was all very easy to do. “The common theme here is one of humanity,” she said, of taking care of those who may not be as able to take care of themselves at a vulnerable time of their lives. And the Christmas/Chanukah holiday season is the perfect time to put into action the “miracle of giving” to those in need. - D.F.

NOBODY WILL WORK HARDER FOR YOU THAN

Pam Miller Lic. Real Estate Sales Person

cell: 516-729-0419 e-mail: pam.miller1@century21.com

The Holidays are a time to be thankful and I want to

Thank all of my customers and clients for their kind words of support!

Wishing all a Happy Holiday Season!

Interested in knowing what your home is worth in today’ s market? Please call me for a free market evaluation.

Prevete Hirsch Realty

DECORATING

Your NewsMag

December 2014 | Vol.2 №3

It’s Never Too Late To Create Holiday Decor By Randi Satnick

t’s mid-December and how do you decorate for the holidays? “Fast!” Whether you, too, are a procrastinator or someone who is really busy and yearns for a home that emotes a holiday aura, do not fret. There are easy, festive and fast ways to decorate even as the holidays fast approach. With no time, or patience, to navigate traffic to the mall, jostle for parking spaces, or stand in long lines, you can find the materials and ideas needed to create a holiday ready home within a few feet of your front door. Step outside and look to nature to supply you with a bounty of items that can be used to convey a winter wonderland. Remember the crafts project you, or your children, made from twigs and pine cones? Supersize it with a little glue and paint if you’re ambitious. Create letters from pine cones and spell out words that resonate “holiday” to you.

Perhaps, “Greetings, Merry-Xmas, Happy Hanukkah, Peace”etc… will spell out a message you wish to convey. A sprinkle, spray or stroke of paint or glitter will add some zest to your personalized holiday wish. Large words can be left outside as a welcome greeting, or smaller words brought indoors and mounted on board or a wall. Use frigid temperatures to assist with outdoor decorating. Combine twigs and pine cones in a container with colorful holiday foods, such as cranberries and candy canes. Add a long, sturdy string and fill the container with water, then freeze. Once frozen, remove from the container and hang from a porch or tree limb. As long as temperatures remain cold, the only things that will melt are the hearts of those passing by. Step inside, look around, then move things! Rethink your floor plan. There’s no better way to give

a space a fresh look than to switch up or repurpose what you already have. Open your cabinets to find unused clear vases and containers. Most of us have more vases in our home than actual floral arrangements. So, fill those vases and containers! A collection of items such as pine cones, extra garland, ornaments and brightly wrapped candy will colorfully fill vessels of all shapes and sizes. Use one type of item in abundance to load each vessel. Then, cluster vessels on a table or mantle to look effortless, yet luxe.

A collection of empty cardboard boxes can be transformed to convey the spirit of gift-giving. Wrap them! Then from larger-to-smaller, stack and secure the boxes to create a tall, substantial, and colorful floor or table décor. Change out picture frames by replacing photos with old holiday pics. Cluster the frames to create a chronological history of your family and friends’ smiles over the years. Do the same with holiday greeting cards. Whether you favor the elaborate, decorative fronts or inner, written messages, cut and mount to create a personal and meaningful collage of images or sentiments. Clustering is an often-used design trick that adds interest to accessories or displays. By clustering like-items you create a larger visual. The eye isn’t being challenged to look at too many things at once, which make a cluster of items aesthetically pleasing!

Nothing raises the spirits more than the promise of family and friends. Even if you’re not hosting the holiday dinner, set your table. A dressed table is inviting and conveys a welcome message to all who enter. Use extra giftwrap ribbon to adorn your table and surface areas. If you’re fortunate enough to have a can of gold or silver paint stored away, now is the time to spray away! Add shine to pine cones, twigs, old golf balls or any unnecessary item found in abundance (like a collection of unused keys). Place items in decorative bowls or glue together to create the shape of a Christmas tree or Star of David. Then, praise yourself if you actually tackle even one of these last-minute home decorating tips. After all, the most memorable thing you can create in your home this holiday season is an ambiance of warmth and joy… and that shines from within. Randi Satnick works at III View Design & Construction, Inc. in Bellmore.

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№3 Vol.2 | December 2014

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Call Tina for a Free Home Evaluation! 2300 Merrick Road, Merrick, NY 11566 516.695.8462 Cell • 516.623.3017 Work tcanaris@elliman.com THE POWER OF THE REACH FROM MANHATTAN TO THE HAMPTONS

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â&#x201E;&#x2013;3 Vol.2 | December 2014

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HOLIDAY TRADITIONS

Your NewsMag

December 2014 | Vol.2 №3

Preparing a Seafood Feast for a Holiday Dinner By Kevin Halton Jr.

PREPARE ACCORDINGLY

ove over traditional turkeys, hams and roasts. While seafood has been a mainstay for Italians at Christmas Eve dinner - noted for its abundant array of fresh seafood, good wines and the celebratory spirit of its guests - families all over can capture the joyful mood seafood brings to the holiday dinner table when offered up in thoughtful mix-and-match creations to complement traditional holiday feasts. Italian families the world over gather together on Christmas Eve for “La Viglia di Natale” or “The Christmas vigil,” in which fish is the main course instead of meat. Also called “The Feast of the Seven Fishes,” the ritual of “La Viglia” has been handed down from gen-

eration to generation over the centuries. Some households will prepare anywhere from seven to 13 different kinds of fish as part of this meal, a daunting challenge for any home cook. If you’re simply looking for additional side dishes to go with your main course, seafood dishes offer a variety of

age-old traditions, as well as fresh takes on favorites that will have you wishing for a seafood feast every night. Paula Moretti, a native of Molfetta, Italy, now living locally, says Christmas is her favorite time of the year. “Preparing a large feast for my beautiful family brings such great joy to my heart. I

love seeing all of my grandchildren during the holidays.” Moretti says that the side dishes of her Christmas dinners have slightly changed. “Over the years, the variety of the dishes I prepare has changed as my family grows, but fish and seafood still remains the main feature of the meal.”

Shrimp Salad

Hanukkah Traditions:

Latkes and Dreidel HOW TO PLAY DREIDEL

Each player starts with ten pieces of candy (or pennies). Everyone puts one piece of candy into the “pot.” One at a time, each player spins the Dreidel. If it lands on nun - you win nothing: lose nothing gimel - you get the whole pot hay - you get half the pot shin - put on in the pot

POTATO LATKES • • • • • • •

4 large potatoes grated 3 eggs, well beaten 1 small onion, grated 1 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper 2 Tablespoons Matzoh Meal Oil for frying

Grate potatoes, add beaten eggs. Mix well. Add salt, pepper, matzoh meal and onion. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Drop large spoonful of mixture into hot oil. Pat down latke to flatten with the back of the spoon. Fry in hot oil on both sides until brown. Drain on paper towel. Serve with apple sauce or sour cream (8 Latkes)

The most important thing to consider when preparing a seafood feast is the number of people who will be attending the dinner, especially considering the rising costs of seafood. Moretti usually has around 3040 guests for her Christmas Eve dinner party. “On other holidays it’s easier to cook up a turkey or roast when you expect a large number of guests. But seafood recipes don’t take well to quick preparation or large quantity cooking, especially fried fish.” It’s important to plan a menu that avoids the kind of last-minute cooking that will keep the hostess tied to his/her stove during the dinner, she said. Moretti suggests choosing a well-balanced selection of dishes using a variety of different fish and shellfish. It

by Sue Veltre-Hulse

(from The Merrick Girls Weekly Recipe Facebook) • • • • • •

1 onion, slices 2 bay leaves 10 peppercorns 1 sliced lemon 1 T. Kosher salt 3 doz. jumbo shrimp

In large pot, bring water to boil with first 4 ingredients Add salt and shrimp When water returns to boil, cook for 5 minutes and check if they’re done When done, remove shrimp and set aside; discard flavorings and water

• • • • •

DIRECTIONS

3 Celery stalks, sliced uniformly 2-3 garlic cloves, minced through a garlic press Juice of 1-2 lemons 1/3 C. Extra Virgin Olive Oil Salt & Pepper to taste

Cut shrimp into 3-4 pieces Toss all ingredients. Taste and adjust as necessary. Chill for up to 24 hours. Serve chilled.

HOLIDAY TRADITIONS

№3 Vol.2 | December 2014

could include an appetizer, a soup, a salad, a fried, baked, grilled or stewed fish and a pasta dish. “For a simpler meal, prepare just one course and serve with Italian bread and a mixed green salad,” says Moretti. The best way to serve a seafood feast is family-style. For appetizers, Italian chefs prepare seafood salads, fried baccala, fried eels, octopus, squid, scungilli, sardines and smelts. The appetizers should be served on a stand-up table, where the guests can socialize around the dishes. Other appetizers include shrimp cocktail, bacon-wrapped scallops, fried calamari, baked kale patties, new turkey sushi rolls, baked clams, crab cakes and lobster bisque.

FAMILY-STYLE LAYOUTS

Large dinner tables should have family-style platters of the main courses such as a big pot of mussels, lobster and winter vegetables. Yes, you are making a classic Italian meal, but don’t feel like you have to cover all the bases of Italian cuisine. Holiday dishes with a bowl of pasta are optional, not necessary.

For the main course try salmon with asparagus, filet of sole stuffed with crabmeat, linguine with clam sauce, vongole with clams, lobster tails and king crab legs. Whether they are baked, broiled or steamed, whole lobster or lobster tails will be enthusiastically received and consumed. Still have the grill out? Fire it up and take advantage of this made-for lobster device. Whether you’re welcoming a big crowd for a sumptuous holiday feast or simply a glass of champagne, it is welcoming to have a variety of seafood dishes. Seafood is a treat for the taste buds, and loaded with nutrients, vitamins A and D, and cholesterol-lowering omega-3 fatty acids. Your local fish market denizens provide ample advice and can help you through the entire process. They’ll listen to your needs, offer advice, then create dazzling, ready-to-serve platters of exactly what and how much you should purchase and serve. You won’t have to go fishing for compliments when you serve a delicious holiday seafood dinner. Happy Holidays and buon appetito!

Your NewsMag

Wishing you a season filled with warm moments and cherished memories.

Happy Holidays Thank you for your continued support.

ELYSE WHITON

GLORIA DATLOW

CELL 516.816.1411

CELL 516.946.3151

Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker

ASKELLIMAN.COM Merrick Office | 2300 Merrick Rd.

© 2013 Douglas Elliman Real Estate. All material presented herein is intended for information purposes only. While, this information is believed to be correct, it is represented subject to errors, omissions, changes or withdrawal without notice. Equal Housing Opportunity.

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Holiday Traditions

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Craftsman of Fine Jewelry Since 1975

December 2014 | Vol.2 №3

Merrick Brotherhood Council Looking for New Faces to Develop New Programs

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The Annual Brotherhood Council Holiday Concert is the Brotherhood's most popular and beloved event. You can help keep it flourishing for years to come. By Lawrence Garfinkel

orty good years needs a plan for the next forty years, so all in the surrounding communities of Merrick, North Merrick, Bellmore and North Bellmore are cordially invited to attend the next Brotherhood Council meeting early next year to help build a new core of Brotherhood Council members to carry on the work of the brotherhood. While there are no obligations to anyone, the brotherhood simply asks that you consider attending any of its meetings and see if you would like to help plan some interesting and enjoyable programs for the future in the communities.

The Council has, of course, in the past sponsored the annual Thanksgiving Brotherhood Council Gala [see photos]. But it has also offered a session featuring the God Squad of Rabbi Marc Gellman add Monsignor Tom Hartman, essay contests for high school students in the districts and the wonderful Tastes of Brotherhood. The Council’s mission statement says “The Brotherhood Council Seeks to foster mutual respect among peopl We need to both celebrate our communities’ successes in the area of diversity and to continue to strengthen our bonds. The council’s mission statement boldly pronounces that “The Brotherhood Council seeks to foster mutual respect among people of [CONT. ON PAGE 22]

â&#x201E;&#x2013;3 Vol.2 | December 2014

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HOLIDAY TRADITIONS

Your NewsMag

MERRICK BROTHERHOOD COUNCIL LOOKING FOR NEW FACES TO DEVELOP NEW PROGRAMS [CONT. FROM PAGE 20] all ages from diverse backgrounds, cultures and creeds .. Also to encourage greater understanding and harmony within the community.” New faces mean new ideas. Hopefully, residents in the community can respond by getting in touch with us now to ensure fulfilling community programs for the foreseeable future. The Brotherhood accepts all volunteer ages to its meetings. Write to Lawrence Garfinkel, 172 Babylon Turnpike, Merrick, New York, 11566, or call 8689833. Write now to ensure a response by mail, email or phone contact to discuss what programs can be planned and dates set after the new year. Thank you for your support throughout the decades.

The Time to Plan for Long Term Care is Now! When it comes to the rising cost of long term care, it is important to understand your options. Traditional health insurance is not designed to cover long term care. Medicare was not designed to adequately cover the long term care costs many Americans may face. And, Medicaid may not cover you until many of your assets have been depleted.

Call today for a free consultation! MARGE ELIAS, CLTC,LTCP Insurance Agent Long Term Care Insurance Life Insurance Medicare Supplement Insurance 206 Pettit Avenue, Bellmore, NY 11710 516.996.8879 • meliasltc@yahoo.com Proud member of the Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores. Marge Elias is an independent agent representing Genworth Life Insurance Company and Genworth Life Insurance Company of New York. Administrative Office: Richmond, VA.

December 2014 | Vol.2 №3

â&#x201E;&#x2013;3 Vol.2 | December 2014

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HOLIDAY GIFTS

Your NewsMag

December 2014 | Vol.2 №3

Nassau County Reminds You to “Shop Locally” N assau County Executive Edward P. Mangano and the Nassau County Council of Chambers of Commerce are reminding residents of the benefits of keeping their money local and to “Shop Nassau” this holiday season. “I encourage all residents to support their hometown businesses this holiday season, and year-round, as local businesses are the heartbeat of Nassau County’s economy and make our communities stronger and better places to live, work and raise a family,” said County Executive Mangano. The Nassau County IDA launched a significant new marketing campaign aimed at encouraging residents to shop at local Nassau County merchants. Utilizing television,

Have You Heard?

BELLMORE:

Have You Heard? Merrick Road, Bellmore Hostess gifts for any holiday, gift wrapping too! Salpino’s Italian Food Market - Newbridge Road, North Bellmore Full service bakery and ready to go fancy cookies or a holiday classic gingerbread house

Salpino's print, radio and social media the ads featured Nassau business owners. The campaign is part of the Nassau County IDA’s effort to assist small businesses because they are the heart of

our communities. “Shop Nassau” benefits include: • Money spent here stays here (keeping local dollars in the economy)

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HOLIDAY GIFTS Ace's Wines & Spirits

Your NewsMag

«Making Clients For Life» Celebrating 20 Years Of Serving The Community In All Their Real Estate Needs

Janet

Salvaggio

Louanne's Boutique • Jobs and wages (supporting local businesses provides support for the jobs they offer) • Stronger tax base • Nassau business owners invest in our community • Convenience & Green-Friendly (proximity reduces gas consumption) Small businesses play a critical role in the economy, accounting for 98% of all businesses in New York State and employing more than 40% of the state’s private sector workforce. The nation’s 28 million small businesses create nearly two out of three jobs nationwide and have generated over 65% of the net new jobs since 1995. “With Nassau employers contrib-

Licensed Associate Broker uting to the economic base and connectivity of our local communities, we must help raise awareness about the role they play and promote a business-friendly Nassau that attracts suppliers and distributors in similar industries,” said Mr. Mangano. The Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce is an umbrella organization acting as a spokesperson for over 40 Chambers of Commerce in the county. Long Island is home to more than 90,000 businesses, grossing more than $100 billion a year. The vast majority of these businesses employ 50 people or less.

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The Best Moments in Life

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Ace's Wines & Spirits - Merrick Avenue, Merrick Custom lazer engraving - same day $10 plus glass and/or bottle of your choice Louanne’s Boutique - Merrick Avenue, Merrick Fashionable leg warmers and other accessories Yussel’s Place - Merrick Aveue, Merrick Hanukkah gifts galore in all price ranges. Glass servers, holiday plates and more

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Yussel's Place

(two blocks north of Sunrise Highway) Proud member of the Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores.

INVISALIGN

SCHOOLS

Your NewsMag

December 2014 | Vol.2 №3

Kennedy alum delivers inspiring message

Mepham students promote literacy with a buddy and a book

tudents from Mepham High School’s Senior Experience Program visited Birch School and Norman J. Levy Lakeside School in the Merrick School District last month to become “reading buddies” for firstgrade students. Prior to the event, seniors in Marc Achtziger’s and Sarah Bender’s Senior Experience classes learned about the importance of promoting literacy in their community. When the big buddies met their little buddies, the pairs interviewed one another, created a Venn diagram of their similarities and differences, read the little buddy’s favorite book and discussed

the interesting parts of the story. Some pairs drew pictures of a character or scene from the stories they read. The idea behind the Reading Buddies program is to promote a lifelong love of reading. This was the first in what Mepham High School hopes will be a series of visits to the elementary schools. Students will meet periodically throughout the year to develop positive experiences about choosing, reading and discussing age-appropriate books. This program is also aligned with the Senior Experience Program’s charitable focus: placing books in the hands of young children in Long Island’s communities.

Stephanie Hammerman reunited with some of her old teachers and administrators.

tudents at Kennedy High School received a special visit last month when they welcomed back Stephanie Hammerman to speak to them about overcoming challenges. Hammerman, a 2007 graduate of Kennedy, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy after her birth, a condition that causes difficulty with motor skills such as walking, getting dressed or picking up objects. Now in her mid-20s, Hammerman has worked her way through graduate school and is one of the first women

with cerebral palsy to participate in CrossFit competitions and attain CrossFit Level 2 Certification. Mixing humor with an approachable demeanor, Hammerman discussed her life’s struggles and amazing accomplishments while a college student at Lynn University in Florida, where she was first introduced to CrossFit trainers. From that meeting she began a lifelong journey of marathons and social networking with other differently abled people around the country inspired by her story.

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№3 Vol.2 | December 2014

uperintendent Davis Feller of the North Merrick School District conducts a thoughtful review of students’ Superintendent Challenge entries. Annually, Feller presents students with a challenge that is related to current events, moments in history, and/or care and concern for those in need. Feller posts his challenge on the district website, sends it through the community outreach vehicle (Black-

SCHOOLS

Board Connect), and makes personal visits to classrooms. Teachers review the challenge with their students, and work with students to provide appropriate grade-level context. Several students presented their pieces at a recent school board meeting, and each student who submitted an entry received a personalized commentary and a special certificate.

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HEALTH MATTERS

Your NewsMag

December 2014 | Vol.2 №3

County Offers Smarter Way to Respond in Emergencies

assau County has launched Smart911, a public safety service to enhance call taking, streamline response times, assist in planning and response in the event of a disaster and provide emergency alerts to residents. “Nassau County is the safest large suburban county in the United States of America and our crime rate is now at the lowest level in history,” said County Executive Ed Mangano at the unveiling. “Smart911 allows us to provide an even higher level of emergency service to residents while also enhancing officer safety. The more information we are able to gather about any situation enables responders to make better County Executive Ed Mangano and Acting Police Commissioner Thomas C. Krumpter view the new decisions more quickly when Smart911 screens, which provide for more efficient emergency response. lives and property are at risk.” resident makes an emergency call, of all family members, medical www.smart911.com that can The Nassau County Police and also provides a way for residents conditions, allergies, pets, and include information necessary Department (NCPD) is providto include information that will eningSmart911, which allows res- for 911 call takers to have in the emergency contacts. hance disaster response, such as The Safety Profile will immediateevent of an emergency. Details idents to create a free safety power needs for medical equiply display to 911 call takers when the can include names and photos profile for their household at

ment, evacuation assistance and sheltering needs. In the event of a natural disaster, public safety officials will be able to quickly determine which residents need assistance. “Smart911 streamlines the time necessary to illicit critical information and allows faster assignment and dispatch of responders to call locations with more information to assist the residents quickly,” said Acting Police Commissioner Krumpter. Smart911 also provides the capability to conduct mass emergency alerting callouts, allowing residents to opt-in to receive emergency alerts from public safety officials based on geographic locations of events. These mass notifications can be sent through various means of communications including phone, text or e-mail. All options for Smart911 are managed by residents at www.smart911. com and can be changed or updated at any time. There is no cost to residents who register with Smart911.

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№3 Vol.2 | December 2014

HEALTH MATTERS

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Dr. Mohammed Hasan Offers New Concierge Medical Practice by Jane Batterman, MD.

hen Mohammed Hasan. M.D., decided to retire, his patients were upset and devastated. Dr. Hasan, located at 2495 Newbridge Road in Bellmore, said he was closing his internal medicine practice in September after 38 years. He had served the communities of Merrick and Bellmore and multiple generations of families. Caught between the rising costs of medical practice and the falling reimbursements, Dr. Hasan could no longer afford to conduct “business as usual.” Many patients called and asked if there was anything they could do to help him stay in practice. Luckily for everyone, there was! Patients in his practice motivated Dr. Hasan to start an independent concierge internal medicine practice. “What is concierge medical practice?” Concierge practice involves patients paying a nominal fee outside their health insurance payments directly payable to the physician. Not using administration

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companies permits Dr. Hasan to keep his fee on the low side for this service. He has also made a policy to cap the amount of co-payments required by the insurance companies for each visit. Concierge practice also allows him to limit his practice to a reasonable number of patients, giving them more attention. There are shorter wait times to see the doctor. In this particular practice, you only see the doctor. Other practices have been forced to use physician extenders, including physician assistants and nurse practitioners. Dr. Hasan does everything himself, including drawing blood, giving vaccinations and doing EKGs on his patients. The special relationships he has established with his patients while he performs all of these services cannot be measured. Concierge practice is allowing Dr. Hasan to continue to do what he loves while it continues to serve patients and the communities. To learn about Dr. Hasan call his office at 221-3855.

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December 2014 | Vol.2 №3

Beechwood to Build Five Homes On Old Bellmore K of C Property This first appeared in yournewsmag.com

our NewsMag reached out to the Beechwood Organization recently, a family-owned developer of custom track houses, to ask about information it was displaying on a sign at the old Bellmore Knights of Columbus property at 2333 Bellmore Avenue. The building is now closed, its close-to-10,000 square feet of building space abandoned, and there is now a fence around the property. While a Bellmore Knights of Columbus spokesperson would not divulge a selling price, the organization purchased the K of C site no doubt because of its recent success with Country Pointe in North Bellmore, a 17-acre lot of land the company has built several new homes on. Here are the questions posed, and the answers given by the Beechwood Organization specifically to Your NewsMag: What is the size of the property in square footage? A: Most lots are approximately 60 feet x 150 feet.

How many houses can you build there, and what might their sizes be? A: Five homes. Home buyers can select from four home styles ranging from 2,250-3,000 square feet. Will – or can – the houses conform to the neighborhood? A: The home designs will complement the neighborhood. The same homes are being built and are well-received by the surrounding, established neighborhood at Country Pointe at North Bellmore community, which is over 80% sold. Has an application already been submitted to the Town of

Hempstead regarding changing the zoning from Commercial A property – the K of C was a business – to Residential B property? A: The single-family residences are permitted on the parcel with the existing Town of Hempstead zoning. No need for a zoning change. How long could it be anticipated to take to build the houses ONCE all legal issues before the town are resolved: a matter of months, perhaps more than a year? A: Each home will be built as it is sold. The estimated building time frame is 8-10 months, weather permitting.

d i a p e r p f l Gu . s d r a C h Cas ion!

Members of Bellmore School District Board of Education were recently recognized by the state, student representatives, the PTA Council, and members of the principal and teachers union for their volunteer efforts and commitment to education. During the recent program, two student representatives from each of the district’s three schools – Charles A. Reinhard Early Childhood Center, Winthrop Avenue School and Shore

Road School – spoke on the district’s five Core Values. “Working together with all of you has allowed the Board of Education to provide our students with the best education possible,” Board President Janet Goller said to those in attendance. Speaking directly to the students chosen to represent their peers, she stated, “I am so impressed with all that you are doing, and how you are not only learning about your Core Values, but I know you are living those core values.”

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№3 Vol.2 | December 2014 SOMETHING TO WINE ABOUT…

What to Enjoy For the Holidays

By Linda Delmonico Prussen

he holidaysareuponusandit’sallaboutthe foodandwine!Whetheryou’rehostinga gatheringorvisitingandbeinghosted,the questionofwhatwinestohavewillcometomind.

VISITING

Want to bring a wine while visiting for the holidays? Bring one you know the hosts enjoy. If you don’t know what brand they like at least try for the varietal you know they drink. Trying to pair wine with what’s being served can be tricky if not planned in advance. If you are planning with the host to bring the wine for dinner, ask what they’ll be serving and if they have any preferences. If you’re bringing a white to serve with dinner, bring it chilled from the refrigerator. Don’t wait until the last minute and stick it in the freezer. If you haven’t planned with the host to bring the wine for dinner, simply buy a wine you know they love and don’t expect them to open it for dinner.

HOSTING

If you’re hosting dinner and plan on serving wine, you don’t have to break the bank with your vino purchase. But keeping in mind you wouldn’t risk using inferior ingredients in your dishes, do buy quality wine. While some pair-

ings are simple, white for fish and chicken, and red for meat, some people aren’t quite that easy. There are red wine drinkers that only drink red. And there are white wine drinkers who have a strong preference for white. If you have a mixed crowd you should have both on hand. Will your Christmas Eve dinner be a seafood festival? [see page 18] If so, an un-oaked chardonnay such as OR Wine’s 2013 vintage, or the lightly oaked 2012 vintage, also from OR Wine, would be perfect. These wines also pair stunningly well with turkey and ham. For reds, pinot noir is considered the best food-pairing wine. Oyster Bay’s Pinot Noir is light and pairs well with appetizers and main dishes. A chianti is a good option to have if you’re serving a pasta course with red sauce. And if you have true red wine fans, it’s a good idea to have a fuller -bodied option like cabernet sauvignon on hand. The richer reds go well into the dessert course and pair fabulously with chocolate. Have questions about buying a New Year’s Eve bubbly? Visit: http://yournewsmag. com/2013/12/21/something-to-wineabout-a-bubbly-by-any-other-name/ Looking to buy wines for Christmas gifts? Visit: http://yournewsmag.com/2013/11/26/ something-to-wine-about-2/

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December 2014 | Vol.2 â&#x201E;&#x2013;3