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Bellmore â&#x20AC;˘ Merrick VOLUME 1, NUMBER 5

IN PRINT & ONLINE

FEBRUARY 2014

D&P Auto Sales Offers Classic Value ...

JFK Holds First-ever Talent Show ...

'Inside' Spring Training @ LI Baseball

Merokians Making Movies ...

NEWS

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Sold! New Owners Arrive in March

he Friendly’s ice cream shop at 2640 Merrick Road across from the Chase Manhattan Bank, which closed late last year after operating for more than 20 years, has been sold. The 2316 square-foot structure with 33 parking spaces sold for less than the $1.4 million asking price remarked Brian Boker, realtor at Schuckman Realty of Woodbury, which handled the property. Boker said that, while a contract had been signed, the new owner is now in ‘due diligence’ toward a final agreement to receive the property in March. Due

to contract stipulations, he would not divulge the new owner’s name. The current building is built as a food establishment, but will operate as a “dry business,” Boker maintained, in contrast to a “wet business,” or new restaurant. He said that by operating as a dry business, no variances will be needed at the Town of Hempstead zoning Board of Appeals to change the physical nature of the building, or to accommodate for any new signage or other new uses. “The interest in this property was high,” Boker maintained, say-

ing he received upwards of 30 calls asking about it. “I showed the property several times to prospective clients,” he said. He believed the new owner would be a good neighbor and good for the community. When asked if the new business would create jobs in the community, he was unsure beyond any contractors that would work on the structure. He added that the building will become a second location to an existing business. Eileen Casazza, vice-president of the Bellmore Preservation Group, told this magazine concerning the new occupant that “We need strong businesses that will match communities’ needs and can sustain themselves.” She hoped the new owners could meet those needs, and wished them well.

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CHSD to Host Special SEPTA Workshop Meeting

he Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District, SEPTA and the Bellmore-Merrick Community Parent Center will host a “How to Protect Your Child Legally and Financially” seminar for parents of students with special needs on Thursday, April 3, at 7:30 p.m. at Calhoun High School. “In light of continuous cuts being made to special needs funding at state and federal levels, parents cannot rely on government aid alone to provide for their children’s well-being,” said Cheryl Gitlitz, district transition coordinator. “This seminar will provide the kind of expert advice that has become increasingly crucial to safeguarding assets and benefits for individuals with special needs.” The workshop, offered by Andrew Cohen, Esq. and Mitch Weisbrot, CLU, ChSNC, addresses gov-

ernment benefits available, guardianship, estate planning and supplemental needs trusts. Cohen and Weisbrot are fathers of Bellmore-Merrick children with disabilities and they frequently lecture together on this subject matter. In addition to being a member of the New York State Bar Association, Cohen is a charter member of the Academy of Special Needs Planners and a member of the Long Island Board of Easter Seals New York. Weisbrot, a special care planner at the Center for Wealth Preservation, is one of the few chartered special needs consultants in the country and a member of Sid Jacobson Jewish Community Center’s Special Needs Advisory Committee. Both gentlemen have received awards in recognition of their dedication to special needs families. For information, contact Cheryl Gitlitz at 992-1349.

NEWS

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Learn Stewardship of the Environment By Christine Keller

The Children’s Sangha, a Bellmore-based nonprofit organization combining civics and ecopychology, is introducing a new service to the community this month called Project Stewardship. Project Stewardship is an enriched learning experience through civic participation open to young adults ages 13 and up (middle, high school, college students and those in the work place). There are a host of opportunities for young adults who participate in Project Stewardship. Specialized training is the launching point for new applicants. Training provides an introduction to Project Stewardship, relates to the history and importance of civic engagement and the purpose of

developing an ecopsychological worldview. Understanding how we are all connected will enable the process by which young adults may become “stewards” for one another and the Earth. Training is educational, engaging and enjoyable! It includes a game and group activity. There are snacks served and time to socialize with one another and with project assistants who will lend a hand in all Project Stewardship components. A central component of Project Stewardship is the volunteer and internship placements with The Children’s Sangha and a wide-range of networking partners (organizations in complementary fields from farming and local history, education and psychology to media and the arts, plus ma-

ny others). Young adults will have the opportunity to develop various levels and types of abilities in areas of interest and community need. The Children’s Sangha arranges a rotation process in different or related fields, exposure to various work environments, and involvement in diverse projects, trainings, events and tasks. Other components of the project include monthly “video civics” (movies with messages that connect to life, learning and livelihood), leadership, peer mentoring and team building opportunities and activities, Social outings and events (coordinated by The Children’s Sangha or our networking partners). Applicants have input into outing

Assemblymen McDonough Offers Support to Employ Disabled Vets

tate Assemblyman Dave McDonough, R,C,I) of Merrick joined fellow assemblymen to call for the state’s

Assembly to launch the G.I.V.E. Back NY program (Giving Internships for disabled Veterans not fully Employed) to enable disabled veterans to participate in the chamber’s annual legislative internship program. “Our veterans have paid a great debt to help protect and defend our communities,” said McDonough. “Unfortunately, veterans continue to experience a higher unemployment rate than most, with veteran unemployment topping out at nearly 10 percent. Providing this program would give service-disabled veterans an incred-

ible opportunity to see the inner workings of our democracy. This program is but a small repayment for their service and sacrifice.” This year, there are 120 interns in the Assembly Internship program. Currently, the Assembly Internship program is only open to students matriculated in a four-year college. Under the G.I.V.E. Back NY proposal, a percentage of the Assembly Session Internship program positions would be provided to service-disabled veterans who apply to be part of this first-in-the-nation pilot initiative.

options. Events include “talent development workshops.”All components involve fun and camaraderie! As I often say to my students at SUNY College at Old Westbury, learning should be an enjoyable and engaging process! Project Stewardship registration is ongoing. To obtain information or to register, contact 783-1920 or e-mail christine@ thechildrenssangha.com. Schools may contact to obtain application packets to make available to families. Christine Kelle , M.A., M.S. Ed, is an adjunct professor at State University of New York at Old Westbury, and founder of The Children’s Sangha in 2003. In the broadest sense, sangha means community and working on behalf of the community.

Going … Going ….

t appears only a matter of time before the building at 257 Sunrise Highway in Merrick meets the wrecking ball. For decades a restaurant that featured Italian cuisine, the building now belongs to Orlin & Cohen Orthopedic Group at 1728 Sunrise Highway, and it wants to knock it down to put up a parking lot for its patients. Wayne Edwards of Sahn Ward Coschignano and Baker PLLC, attorneys for

Orlin & Cohen, told this magazine the Town of Hempstead zoning Board of Appeals is waiting for more elaborate plans from the owner to be able to render a decision. Orlin & Cohen took their plans to tear down the building and put up a parking lot to the board in the fall. But there is opposition, Edwards said, and it’s not coming from one specific organized group. “People who live near or around Orlin &

Cohen don’t want to see the parking lot put up,” he said, because they feel the practice imposes a burden on the community as is. Building a parking lot to accommodate more vehicles would only bring more patients to the facility, they argue. As it is, the existing parking lot at the Orlin & Cohen facility is not large enough to accommodate the patient base, and patients have to park down side streets.

FEBRUARY 2014 | №5

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☞ TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGES 2, 3: NEWS Sold! New Owners Arrive in March; CHSD SEPTA To Host Workshop Meeting; Learn Stewardship of the Environment; Assemblyman McDonough Offers to Employ Disabled Vets; Going … Going…!

PAGE 6: PROFILE D&P Auto Sales Brings Classic Value to Pre-owned Cars Phil Assabi may have a deal you can’t refuse on a pre-owned car, especially IF a late, low-mileage used car has better value than a new one.

PAGES 8 AND 9: FEATURE STORY LI Baseball Hitting Home Runs in Bellmore This new one-of-a-kind indoor baseball facility offers baseball clinics in hitting and one-on-one training that is drawing the communities’ baseball teams to take a look for themselves.

PAGE 12: HEALTH Gearing Up for the Baseball Season: Protecting Young Pitchers From Injury Professional PT in Merrick has seen injuries proliferate in young students who throw in baseball and football, and offers some advice.

PAGES 16 AND 17: LIBRARIES IN ACTION Storytelling as Art Form at Bellmore Memorial Library; Hitech Ups the Learning Experience in Merrick Library; North Merrick Library Hopes You’ve Been Reading on the Railroad; Outreach Essential Feature at North Bellmore Library

PAGE 18: SCHOOLS Kennedy Hosts Its First-ever Talent Show Kennedy High School students and faculty competed against one another for local prizes while raising money for good causes.

PAGE 20: BOY SCOUTS Tim Montera earns his Eagle Scout wings the patriotic way.

Ready For Spring?

can’t wait for the Spring!! March 20 is just a few weeks away. I’m done with the snow, shoveling and the cold. As a young girl, I remember there being so much snow that it seemed like the snow was almost as tall as me. I thought it was great. Nobody was able to get to work, stayed home from school and played in the snow. We’ve had a few of those kinds of days already, they were fun again but now I am done. Snow, snow go away, bring me my first great big spring day! The Spring baseball season will bring with it new opportunities to practice and learn at Long Island Baseball. Inside we feature a story on this new inside baseball training facility to our community. Also inside is an article about injury prevention for young pitchers as discussed by a Merrick physical sports therapist. I think you’ll find them both interesting and informative. This month Your NewsMag profiles Phil Assabi of D & P Auto on Sunrise Highway. In the first issue of Your NewsMag we took pictures of businesses owned by people that grew up in our neighborhoods. One of those pictures showed D & P Auto, owned by Phil. We heard great many stories about the good character of Phil, once they saw that photo. It prompted me to visit D & P to find out more about Phil Assabi and D & P Auto. I, for one, was very impressed. And so was our writer. Good deeds should always be rewarded. Congratulations to Timothy Montera on earning his Eagle Scout wings. If others have earned special awards

Your town. Your schools. Your leadership. Your community matters! YourNewsMag.com

PAGES 21 AND 23: ENTERTAINMENT The trend in wines is toward blends; Your Suduko answers; Merokians Making Movies; Entertainment In Your Area

WHO’S WHO AT YOUR NEWSMAG Advertising and Publishing

Editing

Jill Bromberg

Reporting

Online

Eric Homburger Dylan Campbell

Doug Finlay

Erin Donahue

ON THE COVER: Student players at LIBaseball’s indoor facility in Bellmore take in leisurely batting practice

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To advertise, Jill@yournewsmag.com P.O. Box 15, Bellmore, New York 11710 Bellmore • Merrick

Bellmore • Merrick

Your Ad Belongs Here! All Color + Every Home + A Reason To Turn The Page = Winning Combination! To Advertise contact Jill at 516-633-8590 or jill@yournewsmag.com

or done community good deeds please email Your NewsMag. We want to know! Your NewsMag is your grassroots community newsmagazine. Please reach out to us and share your special news. Is your business having an anniversary or someone in your family celebrating a special occasion, we want to know! Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, send us your pictures. We have a winner! Congratulations to Donna Jenkins of Merrick. She is the winner of our Family Photo for the Holiday Contest. Thank you for reading Your NewsMag and visiting www. YourNewsMag.com, where you entered and won a family photograph by Serengeti Design Studio. There will be different contests each month offering opportunities for our readers from Merrick and Bellmore a chance to win! This month readers can enter to win two tickets to NYCB Theatre at Westbury to see Jim Belushi & The Chicago Board of Comedy. Visit www.YourNewsMag. com for a chance to enter and win! Thank you to all who have emailed ideas for Your NewsMag. A popular request has been for games and puzzles. Below is our first Suduko puzzle. The answer key is on page 21. Please keep the ideas coming. I hope you enjoy this issue of Your NewsMag. Jill Bromberg Publisher Jill@YourNewsMag.com

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PROFILE

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FEBRUARY 2014 | №5

D&P Auto Sales Adds Classic Value to Pre-owned Cars

ith nearly 18,000 cars on the road purchased at D&P Auto Sales in Merrick since used-car dealership has been in business nearly 35 years, owner Phil Assabi believes he just may have the deal you won’t want to refuse. The one-time south Bellmore resident who now lives in Merrick and went to Calhoun for automotive repair, Assabi has culled a loyal local following with a near-revolutionary approach to selling pre-owned cars: What’s old is new again! And we don’t mean the car. Gone from the price of a late-model pre-owned car with low mileage from D& P Auto Sales are the several hidden fees now associated with purchasing a car that actually increase the price of the car by several thousand dollars. And, as warrantor of the car, he can combine the price of the vehicle with the cost he incurs to service the car for two-tothree years, to provide an invaluable ‘customer care’ experience he says other pre-owned car dealerships can’t - or won’t - match. “I’ve met people who have come in the showroom, saw a car for sale and the price, and joked that they got the same pre-owned car for less money,” he told this magazine between snow storms that have hit the area this month. “I remind them of the extra fees they paid to purchase the car, and then of signing a contract with a third-party service provider to service the car after the 60-90 day service warranty is up,” he continued. The dealers get a percentage of the third-party deal struck with the customer, he said, which often increases the cost of the service warranty.

He explained that his approach to selling pre-owned cars, by putting everything in the cost of the car up front, has - for the thousands of loyal customers who have purchased several cars with him - translated into a trouble free car-buying experience. “I don’t back-end the deal with hidden and extra costs,” he maintained.

HOW IT BEGAN It all began in 1979 when his father Dominick, a general manager of a dealership in Franklin Square, came home one day, telling the family he had quit his manager’s job because of the way the dealership had begun selling cars in recent years. “Customers were becoming more dissatisfied and were

not enjoying the experience of buying a car anymore,” Assabi remembered his father saying of the dramatic move. His father had become unhappy because customers had begun to complain almost bitterly that, while the cost of the cars seemed reasonable, “they were tacking on several new fees to the cars” that were actually increasing the overall cost of the car by up to several thousand dollars. The dealers were also adding on third-party service providers requiring customers to pay even more, with no promise of better service. Meanwhile, Assabi had graduated Calhoun and was working for an auto parts store as well as his own repair business in front of his home in south

Bellmore. But, “dad had a better idea” after leaving the dealership, Assabi remembers. Pooling existing resources together and starting with three cars and an automotive repair building at the corner of Bellmore and Beltagh Avenues in North Bellmore, Dominick and Phil (D&P) began their “mom and pop” shop in June 1979. The idea was to “build a new pre-owned automobile business offering quality conditioned cars while taking care of warranty services in-house.” There would be no third-party servicer. It would be just like the old days of selling a car once more. What was old - became new again. In warrantying service, such as fixing electrical systems,

failed water pumps or bad wheel cylinders before a set time on the warranty is up, Dominick knew such failures were causing deteriorating relations among customers and dealers. “A customer has just spent a large sum of money on a pre-owned car and in some cases the car was breaking down before the warranty, but the dealer had washed his hands of it to the third-party servicer” in another location. For the cost of D&P to fix those problems – often up to 2/3 cheaper than a service contract [$800 vs. $2200, for example] - they added that warranty service to the cost of the car and serviced it in-house. It became a one-stop shop for all car needs, from purchase to war-

PROFILE

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rantied mechanical service. In addition, they added the first three oil changes for free. It simply made for better customer relations, Assabi said, because customers could depend on a dealer who would take care of everything. It made car purchasing enjoyable again. The business blossomed to include another building across the street and before one knew it, Phil’s two sons, Anthony and Nicholas, and nephew Nicholas, had joined the business. “I sent them to BOCES and to tech school to learn the automotive trade,” he told this magazine. “It was the boys,” he said, who encouraged the move to Merrick by buying the existing Merrick Dodge dealership that was moving to Sunrise Highway in Wantagh, taking over the old Ford dealership. “It’s the oil in their blood.” However, the move to the Merrick building proved to be a monumental undertaking that nearly ended the car dealership. More on that later.

Assabi’s calculations and intuition about which pre-owned cars are better built and will sell better in the long run may be the stuff of legend. After all, not every preowned car is going to remain in good condition after it’s been driven out of the lot, and could ultimately cost him more than it was worth to sell. Without mentioning specific models, he says he knows which car models are better made, and gravitates to them at auctions, in car-for-sale ads and other outlets. “I have to risk-manage myself if I am the warrantor, so I will not sell cars that I consider problematic,” he explained. He says it’s important to have a strong mechanical background (why his sons and nephew were sent to automotive schools to learn) to get a specific knowledge of the workings of cars in general. He has built a few cars himself. “Many dealers simply sell a car to make a profit,” he continued. “I want to justify the reason for the deal,” he said. “I wouldn’t sell a car I wouldn’t let

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my mother drive.” “You as a customer want a vehicle that has low mileage,” meaning it will last longer - if every car has a finite amount of miles to it. “You also want your car to be clean, neat and look presentable,” he continued. “A very late-model low-mileage car in pristine condition is a much better value than a new car,” he said.

ALMOST DIDN’T MAKE IT When he purchased the old Merrick Dodge building, he set about demolishing it and drawing plans up for new construction. Incurring at least $2 million and more in costs already to construct the building, his banker broke some bad news his way: because of the spiraling downturn in the economy leading to the great recession, the government would not allow the bank to loan the money to Assabi to construct the new building. “The government would loan only to virtually risk-free projects,” and Assabi’s did not fit into that category.

It forced him to pay for the new dealership out of his own pocket. “I had to sell my house, my car, and other personal belongings and borrow money from people I would never ask otherwise to lend money to finish the project,” he said. Now only a year away from paying off the massive debt, in which he receives no salary for his work, which covers nearly 18 hours a day, seven days a week, he says

he will begin to grow the business once more to add more mechanics, add more servicing of outside vehicles and perhaps get his other bays more operational. For information visit D&P at 18 East Sunrise Highway, Merrick; call them at 781-5641. Or visit them at www.dandpauto.com. For Assabi, his new dealership continues to bring new life to past classics.

FEATURE

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FEBRUARY 2014 | №5

Long Island Baseball is Hitting Home Runs in Bellmore By Eric Homburger

early every kid in the Bellmores and Merricks grows up playing some form of baseball, softball or stick-ball, and many of them continue to play through their childhood. But there is one thing that was always absent in the towns: a true baseball facility. Until now that is, because the newest thing to bring baseball to the next level has arrived: Long Island Baseball. Long Island Baseball, at 2549 Merrick Road in Bellmore, is an indoor baseball training facility that opened to fanfare last month when U.S Congressman King cut the ribbon during the opening ceremony, officially making Long Island Baseball a part of Bellmore. Long Island Baseball (LIB) sits on a 5000 square foot piece of property next to The Bellmore Kickboxing Academy, and is the brainchild of the father-son combo of Tony and Anthony Passalacqua. Father Tony, the co-founder, has been teaching high school baseball for 13 years and goes back in Spring as the head coach of

New York University’s new NCAA Division Three baseball team. Well experienced in the sport and thoroughly knowledgeable, he also taught son Anthony how to play the game. On the flip side, Anthony, the founder, has been playing baseball all his life, and LIB is the next step in a storied career. Anthony, a Seaford native, has played all levels of baseball, including one year at Wagner College, four years at Erskine College and then some time in the Italian League overseas, where he made the national team. But after some injury problems, and a wife back at home, he hung up his cleats and professional career and called it quits. But while the professional part of his career ended, his love for baseball never faded.

LIB BEGINNINGS Upon coming home to the U.S., he began again to build a baseball clinic in a greenhouse in his father’s backyard, one he by chance started a few years back. This turned out to the beginning move towards what would become LIB.

After holding clinics in his father’s backyard, he felt that what he had built had become too big to have in his father’s backyard. And the street couldn’t hold anymore cars, Tony said. So father and son decided it was time to get their own building. But before they got serious about a building to hold their masterful clinics, they had a little something else they had to get out of their system: start a Summer Showcase. The showcase would have a select few high school players - by invitation only, and display them for college and Major League Baseball scouts and head

coaches. Since its birth in 2011 the showcase has grown substantially, which brings us to February and the birth of LIB. While around only one month, LIB has made its presence known within the community. Already, they have reached out to local baseball teams and leagues to get people to come and see what a great place they have created, and everyone who comes in seems to like what they see. Anthony told this magazine that coaches from a new Merrick team, the Blue Devils, and coaches from the Bellmore Blue Fire girls’ championship teams have recently come in to look at the facilities for training purposes. “The Blue Fire coach is interested in signing up,” Anthony remarked. And it makes sense, because this baseball facility has much to offer. One-on-one training sessions, private lessons, team practices with three trainers who have all played baseball at the college or pro level and coached the sport, and batting practice are just some of the things offered at LIB. Already working with the Bellmore Little League, players can go to LIB to

FEATURE

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sign up for the Little League season. The Bellmore Heat championship travel teams 12 and under use LIB to practice and they come four times a week, 1 ½ hours each time. Other travel teams from Nassau County also come to use the facilities, as well as high school and college players that know how good it is at LIB. Anthony said that The Kennedy Cougars baseball team may soon join the quickly growing LIB family, potentially using the facility as their “bad weather practice home.” The North Bellmore-North Merrick Little League has also been in to survey what is available for training at the facility, he added.

A HOMEY FEEL But don’t think this is just another sports facility. Of course sports facilities should have professionals teaching kids how to play and give them the proper instruction. But what Anthony has created is far more than that. He says the people who come in tell him that it “feels like home.” And this is precisely what he wants them to feel. Anthony wanted a family friendly facility, one in which the trainers know all the kids and the kids want to be there; one where the kids come in and give high-fives to the trainers, and can’t leave without saying goodbye. He calls it a perfect environment for kids to learn and improve at baseball. But baseball

isn’t his only concern; Anthony wants to see these kids succeed off the field as well as on the field. “Education through baseball” is how father Tony explained it. These guys care about the kids they are teaching when it comes to learning the game, as well as going from elementary school to middle school to high school and then college. LIB is a great new addition to Bellmore but, as noted earlier, it is not the only thing Anthony does within the world of baseball. Now going into its fourth year, Anthony’s and Tony’s Summer Showcase is gaining popularity around the baseball world. They have had many players drafted into Major League Baseball, including one player who could make his MLB debut for the Tampa Bay Rays this spring. This year, they expect over 40 colleges and universities to come to the Showcase, including Tennessee Tech, University of Georgia and the University of South Carolina, as well as local institutions such as Hofstra, Adelphi and St. Johns. Aside from the colleges, all MLB teams will be represented by scouts to take a look at the talent at the Showcase. “(It) gives the kids a great opportunity, a great chance” said Anthony. By the way, the players aren’t charged to be in the showcase. “It’s a way to give back to the communities,” said Anthony.

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SHOWCASE IN BELLMORE? Now, what does this have to do with the local communities? There is a chance that this year’s Summer Showcase could take place at Bruce Gary Field in Bellmore, that’s what! “Yes, there is a chance we could hold it this year at Bruce Gary Field,” remarked Anthony. While the Summer Showcase has taken place in Massapequa and Seaford in previous years, if they are given an opportunity to use the field, it could be held here. And it makes sense for the showcase to come to town, since the facility, Long Island Baseball, is just a few minutes away from Bruce Gary Field. Ultimately, the showcase will end up wherever they can get a field, so why not our field? Bruce Gary Field is a beautiful diamond, one that would do this showcase justice. Tony and Anthony hope to grow LIB into a hot spot for baseball players of Bellmore and

Merrick and all of Long Island, and also grow the facility in size, possibly expanding into the garage space available next store or even expanding up, and getting the upstairs portion of the building. They hope they can become an even greater face of the communities, helping local teams and players first while seeing to it that the kids of Bellmore and Merrick can get trained by some of the best. Anthony also wants to get LIB more involved in the Bellmore and Merrick Little Leagues. He talked about the possibilities that are present with these little leagues; building batting cages for them, holding clinics, and even the possibility of having tournaments in which other teams from other states could come to Bellmore or Merrick for a tournament. This would be great for both Bellmore and Merrick little leagues, the towns themselves and of course Long Island Baseball. The LIB is an indoor baseball training facility like no other in the immediate vicinity. With professionals running the facility, a family friendly atmosphere and the need to help kids succeed in all aspects of their life, LIB is something new, something different, and right in the community. For information about Long Island Baseball, go to www.mylibaseball.com or call 590-7075. Eric Homburger is a Bellmore resident studying at Adelphi.

Force vs. US Military All Stars 2013 Annual Supervisor's Trophy Game

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Our goal is to not only develop our players but it is to create a path for our players and parents to follow that will guide them to make the college process an exciting experience rather than a stressful one. Education Through Baseball! What if you were able to pick the school that best fits you as a student and ball player? Do not limit yourself to what everyone else is doing. We offer our Force players with opportunities second to none when it comes to playing baseball at the next level. You will enjoy the experience along the way. If you wish to find out more about playing for an organization dedicated to your child’s baseball and education future then YLVLW XV DW ZZZ ORQJLVODQGIRUFH FRP or call 516-590-7075!

2549 Merrick Road, Bellmore, NY 11710 ZZZ ORQJLVODQGIRUFH FRP

To Date 100% of LI Force Graduates all playing College Baseball

POLITICS

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FEBRUARY 2014 | №5

A Few Minutes with Legislator Dave Denenberg

ounty Legislator Dave Denenberg’s name has been rumored as a possible challenger for the Eighth Senatorial District seat vacated when former state Senator Charles J. Fuschillo Jr. resigned to take a private sector job. This magazine spoke with Denenberg about the rumor, and to follow up on an earlier interview in www. yournewsmag.com. Q: Now that state Senator Charles J. Fuschillo Jr. resigned his public office for the 8th Senatorial District to take a private sector job, your name has come up as someone interested in running for the seat. What can you tell your constituents and readers of this magazine about your interest in this position? A: I will definitely consider a run for the Eighth Senatorial District seat vacated by Charles Fuschillo, and will officially announce my intention in several weeks. I have been talking with my family, friends, constituents, advisers and others about this. There are several state

ANTHONY PASSALACQUA Jr.Owner of LI Baseball. Italian Professional League Baseball All-Star See full bio at www.mylibaseball.com

CASEY SMITH Owner of JCS Sprots in Kennesaw Georgia. 2005 DII National Player of the Year, 9th Rd Pick of San Diego Padres See full bio at www.jcssportstraining.com

issues I know quite well that suit what I do now: FEMA, NYRising, Common Core, job growth, tax assessment and school aid. Several of my constituents are still trying to piece their lives back together, to get reimbursements of funds they have paid out to rebuild. Some aren’t even to the stage of reimbursement yet. A full 50% of my daily workload today involves helping Sandy victims and NYRising, for example, is a state-run program through which I could continue to help my constituents. The close Senate bi-partisan relationship that exists in Albany right now presents a good opportunity to continue to work to provide more funds for Sandy, as an example. With my workshops on property assessment relief, I know first-hand how school aid affects the rate at which my constituents pay taxes. I believe I could make impact there regarding school aid. I am very close to the NYRising’s Community Reconstruction Project, having attended their meetings to help my constituents.

ESTEE HARRIS Current NYU Hitting Coach 2nd Rd Pick of New York Yankees

DANNY GARCIA 11 Rd Pick of KC Royals - MLB Debut in 1981. Minor League Hitting Coach. Asst too GM Baltimore Orioles

Special Guest Instructor SAL AGOSTINELLI - Director of International Operations for the Philadelphia Phillies

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Q: What is the current State of the County? A: It remains fiscally unstable, relying on deficit spending and borrowing as revenue. With all the borrowing, we are likely to see a deficit again at the end of the year, though that could change, of course. Police overtime will likely hit $69million-$70million this year, way over budget, as we had hoped for 100 new recruits but added only 30. So the police workforce remains at 2100, its lowest in recent times, and public safety has been compromised. Look at the robberies taking place, for example, or the increased heroin usage. NIFA has saved some $250 million with an employee freeze that County Executive Mangano continually fights them over. Since 2011 the county has approved only $50 million in contracts toward refurbishing Bay Park and Cedar Creek sewage treatment plants, and instead goes looking for up to $700 million in federal dollars to redo Bay Park and get an outflow pipe.

HEAVY HITTER CLINIC

FEBRUARY 22 & 23 AGES 8 - 13 9AM-12PM AGES 14-18 12:30PM-3:30PM

Q: Nassau Police Commissioner Thomas Dale had to resign over an arrest he orchestrated allegedly because of political ties. What is the county’s role in maintaining the integrity of its police force? A: Commissioner Dale sent two chiefs and two detectives to pull a man off a bus for an outstanding warrant for bootlegging CDs. There were obvious outside influences going on and a misuse of police resources. But there is no hearing scheduled to take place in the Legislature to discuss this misuse. The county executive asked that complete disciplinary control be given to the commissioner to do his job, and he received it from the Republican majority with no questions asked. Three days before the commissioner was fired, county Legislator Dave Dunne said Dale was doing a great job. There is no police oversight at present, and there hasn’t been for at least a couple of years. See the full updated interview @ YOURNEWSMAG.COM.

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HEALTH

Gearing Up For Baseball Season: Injury Prevention for Young Throwers

his week, pitchers and catchers for New York’s Major League Baseball teams report to Spring Training. Every year at this time, the professionals head to Florida with hopes for individual and team success — and youth athletes dream of stellar seasons and more. According to the National Council of Youth Sports (NCYS), more than 40 million boys and girls in the United States participate in organized sports each year. Of these student athletes, the rate of injury has steadily increased, and 3.5 million are injured annually. “With growing incidences of injuries in youth athletes, it has become a major concern for parents, coaches, and the young athletes themselves,” said Adam Discepolo, DPT, clinical director of Professional Physical Therapy in Merrick. Football and baseball injuries in particular have increased steadily — by 60% in the last decade. “The main reasons for these increases are year-round single-sport participation, multi-league seasons, and frequent showcases for young athletes,” said Discepolo. “With throwing athletes, like pitchers, constant participation naturally increases the volume of throwing and the likelihood of overuse injuries. “Young athletes are susceptible to overuse injuries, because they are skeletally immature and may not be able to handle the demand throwing puts on their shoulders and elbows,” he said. He added that, today, common injuries among young throwers, especially pitchers and catchers, include shoulder tendonitis; medial epicondylar apophysitis, (Little League Elbow); avulsion fractures due to unclosed growth plates, and even ulnar collateral ligament tearing, (Tommy John). According to the USA Baseball Medical & Safety Advisory Committee, serious injuries suffered by adult baseball pitchers have begun to develop at the youth level, which is one of the reasons it provides scientifically based information to maximize younger players’ abilities to perform and advance to higher levels, while reducing the risk of injury. Research sponsored by the USA Baseball Medical & Safety Advisory Committee demonstrated that there is a significant relationship between the number of pitches thrown and the risk of shoulder and elbow pain in youth baseball. Evi-

dence suggests programs that limit pitch counts among young throwers are effective in reducing overuse syndromes. In addition to pitch count limits, the USA Baseball Medical & Safety Advisory Committee recommends youth pitchers should avoid throwing breaking pitches — curveballs and sliders — to reduce the risk of elbow and shoulder pain and injury. It also suggests that baseball players have an active rest period, including physical activities that do not include a large amount of overhand throwing after the season ends and before the next preseason begins, and they develop proper body mechanics as early as possible, including physical conditioning as their bodies develop. “Young throwers often have weak shoulder blade stabilizer and rotator cuff muscles. An effective conditioning program should focus on proper throwing mechanics, especially the strengthening of the scapular (shoulder blade) and rotator cuff muscles, core, and legs,” explained Discepolo. “Physical therapists are experts in improving mobility and motion, and eliminating pain. For young baseball players, physical therapists can help prevent injuries from occurring and facilitate recovery when they occur.” “Partnering with a physical therapist could be beneficial for the young thrower, even as a preventative measure, to evaluate weaknesses or muscle imbalances, which could cause issues down the road if not addressed. Physical therapists can correctly teach and implement an effective routine known as the ‘Throwers Ten Exercise Program,’ which is designed to improve the strength, power, and endurance of the major muscles involved in throwing.” For the serious youth athlete, Professional’s Athletic Performance Center in Garden City, uses Dartfish technology, which employs a high speed camera to break down the thrower's form frame by frame. The Dartfish analysis is assessed from three different angles to help detect throwing flaws or poor mechanics. “At Professional, our team cares about the success and wellbeing of every patient — and every youth athlete,” said Discepolo. For information about Professional PT, visit 2132 Merrick Mall, professionalpt.com/office/Merrick, or call 1-800-333-MYPT.

FEBRUARY 2014 | №5

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DESIGN

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By Randi Satnick

FEBRUARY 2014 | №5

Design in Winter Blues

ow temperatures impact the thermostat, creating more anxiety and rendering many of us a bit “blue.” One way to battle the “winter blues,” however, is to embrace the hue! Gray and dismal outside? Use blue inside to bring soothing color to interior spaces. Representing sea and sky, depth and stability, loyalty and trust, wisdom and confidence, faith and heaven, there is a shade of blue to appeal to almost everyone. Using blue strategically can be the key to not “feeling blue.” Tourmaline, topaz, teal, tiffany or turquoises are blue shades that speak to tropical seas. Use these blends to bring the hue that resides on the cool side of the color spectrum into your home to evoke thoughts of warm, soothing waters. Cerulean or cornflower choices are a moderate alter-

native to whimsical baby blues that harken the sky, or deep rich royals and indigos that provide an air of sophistication. Blue opposes orange on the color wheel, rendering the two a bold and playful compliment (think Mets, Knicks or Island-

ers!). Blue resides between green and purple on the color wheel, making it a soothing compliment to either of its neighbors. The hue’s many shades, which range from greenish aqua to the purplish periwinkle, brand it a color with

a myriad of partnering options. Its many tonal values (extremely light to almost black, very bright to pale and dull) means it can be a bold, electric choice or one that is soft and subtle. As an accent, use blue against brown or black. It can

brighten any neutral such as beige, tan, taupe, gray or white (think Yankees!) Accompanied by red it is always patriotic (think USA!). Accompanied by both primary counterparts, red and yellow, blue evokes images of superheroes (think Superman or Wonderwoman). Blue can add a much-needed but safe punch to a dull neutral interior. It lends itself, with its many shade choices, to any styled space from traditional to contemporary. It can complement high gloss surfaces, metals and all grains and species of wood. So, if you’re feeling trapped indoors and downtrodden this cold, bleak, wet, winter season, transform the “winter blues” into interior spaces that evoke feelings of calm and serenity. If the hue is not in your comfort zone, look to its more extreme shades for an “out of the blue” and personal color experience.

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LIBRARIES IN ACTION

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FEBRUARY 2014 | №5

Storytelling as Art Form at the Bellmore Library

he Bellmore Memorial Library is creating groundbreaking local historical content using audio recordings that are digitizing Bellmore’s past and its people to maintain them in posterity for perhaps centuries to come. StoryCorps, through with the American Library Association, has provided the library with state-ofthe-art digital audio equipment through a $2500 grant designed to record the stories of many of Bellmore’s earliest residents, often revealing intimate and totally unexpected responses and discoveries from those residents who agree to be interviewed for the series. StoryCorps - a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide residents of all backgrounds and beliefs with the opportunity to record, preserve, and share the stories of their lives – is the primary work of librarian Martha DiVittorio, who wrote the grant to secure the funds. “We were one of only 10 libraries in the country to receive the grant,” she told this magazine. There were well over 200 applications for the grant, but DiVittorio persuaded the ALA that Bellmore was a perfect place to let the history and its people tell their stories in recorded form.

The grant proposal focused on two distinct aspects. One aspect was to record the recollections of the historical Bellmore. “There is a rich history here, yet the people who know it most intimately are moving away to Florida and other places, and taking that knowledge with them,” she remarked. The grant inferred it was incumbent – perhaps an urgency - the library become the center for recording this rich Bellmore history before it became too frayed through lack of knowledgeable residents to make it discernible any more. A second, more facile reason for the StoryCorps grant was the experience of superstorm Sandy and the impact it has had on the residents of the community. “Many residents are still not completely whole again” from their experience with Sandy, DiVittorio said, “and they have a lot of history to share about what has happened to them.” She noted the library became the ultimate community center for Bellmore residents when it was able to open almost immediately after the storm. “We were able to offer residents warmth, provide them an opportunity to watch local news and elections, help them charge their phone equipment, get

Grant writer Martha DiVittorio email and communicate to the outside world, and get FEMA information,” DiVittorio continued. With several librarians trained to interview residents, friends and family are also invited to interview residents as a means of making the interview process perhaps more intimate, or revealing. Jack Skelly interviewed Roy Weinman, for example. Weinman is closing up his Weinman Hardware after more than 80 years on Bedford Avenue. His father was one of the founders of the Bellmore Chamber of Commerce. Regarding those who have come in for interviews, DiVittorio speaks of a son who called for three days to get his 96-year-old mother in to talk about her life in Bellmore. “She spoke of voting for Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and of how she so thor-

oughly enjoyed the day she was 10 and went out on a day’s outing with her father. It was such a special day for her because she was with her father,” DiVittorio said. More special during that day with her father is that she went to Roosevelt Field to watch Charles Lindbergh take off on his solo journey across the Atlantic. DiVittorio also told of two residents who came in to talk of their history. They both spoke of a certain teacher they had at Martin Avenue School who had tremendous impact on their lives, though each of the residents as students had completely different makeups. “One resident was very outgoing in school, while the other was, to his admission, introverted and mischievous,” DiVittorio said. But she added that the two of them talking together learned a great deal about one another and how their teacher, Adeline Cook, impacted their lives even as they were so different from one another. “I felt privileged to have been at this interview with them,” DiVittorio related. Still another resident came in to speak of how her life has been turned upside down by superstorm Sandy. “She is a strong, resourceful, self-sufficient woman who was im-

pressed by the actions of all her neighbors and whose son came to help her during this time,” DiVittorio said. What the mother discovered during the interview was that her son had been such a significant part in her life in helping her to do the things she had been unable to do, more so than her other children. “The interview was a very positive experience for this woman to discover just how close she was to her son,” remarked DiVittoro. The interviews, originally expected to end in March, will now continue into June. But DiVittorio says the library will be able to keep the equipment, and may continue the interviews for some time into the future. The interviews are recorded onto a disk, which is then given to the participants as well as sent and preserved at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress. StoryCorps is one of the largest oral history projects of its kind, and millions have listened to such stories as broadcast over National Public Radio’s Morning Edition – and at www.storycorps.org. To see how you can be recorded to be part of Bellmore’s historical past call the library at 785-2990. Or stop in at 2288 Bedford Avenue.

I’ve Been Reading on the Railroad…

he Friends of the North Merrick Public Library recently installed a book cart at the Merrick Long Island Rail Road train station ticket office. The books, collected from donations and library discards, are available to any LIRR railroad passenger. There is no cost and they are not expected to be returned. The cart, secured in the ticket office, will be refreshed regularly by the Friends. Placing the book cart at the train station was a collaborative effort with LIRR Public Affairs Representative Lorraine

Calvacca, and spearheaded by the efforts of Friends Board President Nancy Yngstrom and library Director Tom Witt. LIRR Branch Line Manager Pat Gerakaris said, “The LIRR is looking forward to a long lasting partnership with the North Merrick Public Library with the goal of serving the local community and positively impacting our customers.” The cart is accessible during the Merrick train station ticket office operating hours.

From left are Tom Witt, library director; Nancy Yngstrom, Friends president; Pat Amoroso, Friends treasurer; Mary Fisekci, LIRR ticket agent; Steve Capobianco, station clerk; and Max Almonte, ticket agent.

LIBRARIES IN ACTION

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Hi-Tech Moves Into Merrick Library

he Merrick Library is moving quickly to take advantage of state-of-the art technology by incorporating it into its established programs to offer residents first-of-akind ways to facilitate learning while providing more flexibility. Not only is the library the first one in Nassau County, if not Long Island, to provide the services of a 3D printer for patrons to use [Levittown library has one but not for public use], but the library now features an iPad kiosk for the kids in the Childrens’ room, and a self-checkout machine for the tech-savvy among us. The printer is located in the recently opened Walter Mintz Digital Media Center in the library, on the second floor. The center includes three iMac computers to help in designing an object or project for which the printer can be applied. “It is the tech of the future,” Ellen Firer, director of the Merrick Library, told this magazine. Adults can create things by using Blender or Google Sketchup software on the iMacs. Or, they can download thousands of objects from www.thingiverse.com. Angela Capone, program director, says

adults have printed out iPad covers, for example, or dinosaurs. Because the printer is closely monitored, objects printed are part of the program at the library. Also, a new-fangled iPad kiosk is now a nifty feature in the Children’s Room, and features four iPads attached to a solid structure in which kids can sit down to work with them. Firer said the kiosk fits in with kids’ new interests in using and working with iP-

ads. “Kids aren’t using laptops much anymore,” she said. “Kids love iPads more than computers now. “ She said the programs available on the iPads are all educational applications, such as reading apps, or spelling apps or arithmetic apps. Also techy-new to the library is a self-checkout machine that enables patrons to check out books. Capone said it offers flexibility to the patron in check-

Outreach Essential for North Bellmore Library Patrons

hile all libraries have some form of outreach, the North Bellmore Public Library excels at it. “The residents of this community need the kinds of outreach services we provide,” remarked Jeanne Lettieri, a reference librarian at the library. “And they are very thankful for them.” She defines outreach as encompassing a broad brushstroke that covers everything from social services to delivering books to patrons unable to pick up their own, to providing job searches in databases for those looking for jobs. Perhaps its most popular feature is delivering books to those who are homebound and cannot make it to the library. “Most of those who use this service are avid readers who will call the library about a particular author they enjoy and want to know if the library has his or her latest book,” Lettieri said. She said many of those who use the book delivery service are seniors. “We offer ex-

tended loan times” for these patrons, she says, because the library knows where the books are and it understands that patrons may not have had sufficient time to read the whole book. She says that the library indeed services local senior housing in the area. There are also databases that can help those in search of work by providing a database of specific jobs available in the area. A librarian is available to assist any job seekers to work the database to their benefit. Lettieri said there are several state listings of jobs available, too. Lettieri spoke of the library serving as a community center after superstorm Sandy had ravaged the area for those in need of email communications, to charge their communication devices and also as a place to just meet, talk and perhaps stay warm for a few hours. “We stayed open late where we could,” Lettieri concluded.

ing out any books, rather than waiting for a librarian to help them. It is a help-yourself approach to checking out books. Capone was quick to point out that the latest technology being advanced in the library will not replace the book collections that are the mainstay of the library. Technology, she inferred, is relegated to the back of its vast and growing collections of books.

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Schools

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FEBRUARY 2014 | №5

Talent Shines at First-ever Kennedy Talent Show By Dylan Campbell

ennedy High School’s first charity talent show, held last month, was a huge success. The event was held by some of Kennedy’s largest clubs, G.S.A (Gay Straight Alliance), N.I.C.E (Nice Is Cool Everyday) and S.A.D.D (Students Against Destructive Decisions), and took almost four months of planning acts, prizes, decor and choosing charity options. All of this preparation from the club hosts and acts alike surely paid off for a well-constructed and entertaining show for a good cause. The night raised $1082 in funds to be split amongst the three clubs' charities. S.A.D.D will donate their third to the Bellmore-Merrick Community Parent Center. This organization strives to “empower youth and strengthen families” to enhance the community. G.S.A. will donate their slice of raised funds to the local Pride for Youth center (P.F.Y.). This was not only a

partner to the G.S.A. club through their educational resources, but works with local lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth through education, support services, and development. The last chunk funds will be donated through N.I.C.E. to Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation, which helps to “build an accepting society by connecting kids to resources.” All of the charities are perfect partners for their clubs with their correlating missions, and will be grateful for the generous donation. The show began with an introduction of the charities. Amanda Aranoff introduced her clubs N.I.C.E and S.A.D.D, and was followed by Carly Lennon hosting for G.S.A. Following the introductions the show began. Coach Craig Papach was the M.C. for the show, playing the role of a Loews theater worker with his hilarious and eccentric personality. There was never a dull moment between his jokes

and the exciting and talented acts! He was assisted by the well-informed student and teacher judges: Kristy Faulkner, social studies teacher; Colleen Conroy-Silverman, gym teacher; Joey Salvaggio, senior; Olivia Johansen, senior; and Jessica Davis, junior. Their kindly yet upbeat personalities made for a high-energy show. The 14 acts themselves were all well-practiced and captivating from the musical performances to the choreographed dances – as well as some controversial, disqualified comedy by Russel Miner. The teacher performance of “These Boots Were Made for Walking,” led by social studies teacher Kara McManus was one for the books. Most of the performances displayed full talents, making it a tough call for the judges. Taking first place were Chrisopher Rosse and Daria Wynne with their performance of “Same Love” by Macklemore. The performance was enchanting. The chemistry

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between their voices and personalities was immense, and their interaction with the crowd sealed the win for the duet. The two took home two 3-month Synergy Fitness memberships and three personal training sessions, a $20 gift card to Souper Fry, a $20 gift card to My Hero and a $25 gift card to Village Streetwear ($25). Juilanna Codispoti and Jade Klein took second place with their performance of “Safe and Sound” by Taylor Swift. They’re voices complemented each other spot-on for a beautiful and elegant sound. They won two tickets to Bellmore Playhouse, a $10 gift card to All American, a $15 gift card to Moo La La, a $10 gift card to Town Bagel, a $20 gift card to La Piazza and bracelet from Scott Jewelers. Lastly, Ashley Bardhan’s delicate and feminine performance of “On My Own” landed her third place with a free manicure to The Nail Club, a $10 gift card to Dunkin Donuts, a $10 gift card to Town Bagel, a

$10 gift card to Chocolate Works and a bracelet from Scott Jewelers. The prizes, performances, charities and night as a whole were successful. As Carly said, “J.F.K.s first talent show was a success, with many talented students as well as teachers participating, thank you to all who came and supported G.S.A.,S.A.D.D.,N.I.C.E. and our fellow peers.” All three clubs wished to thank the sponsors for their generous gifts in making the prizes exciting goals to perform for. The night was a real hit with a bright future and a place as a Kennedy tradition. Concluded Amanda, “We had such a responsive audience, and the acts were so talented. It was so nice to see everyone having fun, while supporting great causes. We can’t wait to make the Talent Show even bigger next year!” Dylan Campbell is editor of the school’s Kennedy Crier newspaper.

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FEBRUARY 2014 | №5

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Eagle Scout Earns Wings with Patriotic Vision

he fastest route between the veterans memorial at Newbridge Road School in North Bellmore and Veterans Memorial Park in Bellmore Village has become near-sacred ground in recent years, as members from North Bellmore American Legion Post 577, Bellmore’s VFW Post 2770 and American Legion Post 948, the American Vietnam Veterans Association, fire departments from North Bellmore and Bellmore – along with middle school and high school bands, and Cub Scout troops – march the route in recognition of our nation’s veterans. But the route, starting at the monument on Newbridge Road and heading south on Bellmore Avenue, turning right onto Oak Street and left onto Bedford Avenue before entering the monument park, had needed repair of a different sort. Not of new curbs or a new road surface, but of the flags that line the route to define it, and define the Bellmores’ connection to American history and their honorable place in it. Enter Tim Montera, a senior on the Honor Roll at Kennedy High School and member of Boy Scout Troop 192 out of Presbyterian Church in Bellmore who was looking for a project for his Eagle Scout wings when he just happened to look up and see the tattered flags that fly along the route. But it wasn’t until Tom Stoerger, ex-chief of the Bellmore Fire Department, approached Tim about the tattered flags and the need for new ones to upgrade the route that Tim’s Eagle Scout project solidified and took flight, earning him his wings as an Eagle Scout. Tim earned his Eagle Scout wings last December by replacing all the flags, flagpoles and flag holders, along the route,

Eagle Scout Timothy Montera holds a Nassau County Citation awarded him by Nassau County Legislator Dave Denenberg in December, as mother Camie, father Vincent and brother and sister join. and even added several new flags and flagpoles to make it upwards of 60 flags flying the route.

DAD HELD IMPORTANT CLUE Once committing to the project he learned that his father Vinny, also a former Eagle Scout, used to roll the flags up after parades and during winter to keep them from getting damaged. But …storing them also apparently damaged them. “My dad would roll up the flags and store them at the Bellmore Fire Department’s station 2 on

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF SPECIAL DISTRICT MEETING NORTH BELLMORE PUBLIC LIBRARY NORTH BELLMORE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Special Library District Meeting and Voting upon the appropriation of necessary funds and tax levy to meet the estimated expenditures of the North Bellmore Public Library for the fiscal year 2014-2015, and the election of a Library Trustee for a full five-year term, to the position currently encumbered by Barbara Fillios, whose term of office will expire June 30, 2014 will be held at the North Bellmore Public Library at 1551 Newbridge Road North Bellmore, NY 11710 opposite the firehouse in North Bellmore, on Thursday, April 10, from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and as much longer as may be necessary for all voters then present to cast their votes.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN THAT: 1. Pursuant to Education Law Section 2014, personal registration of voters is required and no person shall be entitled to vote at said meeting and election whose name does not appear on the register of said Library; and 2. Any person shall be entitled to have his name placed upon such register provided he is known or proven to such Board of Registration to be entitled to vote at the meeting or election for which such registration is prepared to vote at general elections; and 3. Qualified voters may register at the North Bellmore Public Library on Thursday, March 27, from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Voters having previously registered for any Annual

or Special Library or School District Election or Meeting, or who shall have voted at any Annual or Special Meeting or Election held or conducted at any time within the past four (4) calendar years prior to the preparation of the register, or who are registered to vote at any general election pursuant to Article 5 of the Election Law of the State of New York are considered registered to vote. Such register will be filed in the office of the Director of the North Bellmore Public Library five (5) days preceding such Special District Meeting and will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the District during such days between the hours of 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. 4. In accordance with Education Law No. 2018-a, application for absentee ballots for the Library Special District Meeting may be applied for at the Library. Such application must be received by the Board of Registration at least seven (7) days before the election if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or on the day before the election, if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter. The Board of Registration shall make a list of all persons to whom absentee voters’ ballots have been issued, and have it available

Bellmore Avenue” in South Bellmore, Tim said. One day, “When we went to retrieve them to look at them, they were all tattered,” he remembered. Beginning in December 2012 Tim got several approvals from the top Scouting commanders and Eagle Scout representatives to move forward with the plan. HTim then set up a date in January and February 2013 to have his Scouting friends help him remove all the flags from the poles. He next went to the Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores for help begin the process of raising funds. “I asked for direct donations that could help pay for the project,” he told this magazine. Raising about $500 from donations from several sources he next purchased the flags from an online flag seller that sells only U.S.- made flags. He then purchased poles – F4 EMT electrical pipe - from AG Electric on Smith Street, and followed that by buying flag brackets at ACE Hareware on Merrick Road to place on the telephone poles to hold the flags. “I bought some extra things to place on the steel monuments out front of the fire headquarters” on Pettit Avenue, he added. The steel monuments he refers to stand as monuments to the bravery of three Bellmore firefighters who perished on September 11, 2001, or actions related to it: Sean McCarthy, Kevin Prior and Adam Rand.

OTHER TROOP 192 EAGLE SCOUTS Tim also wished to tip his hat to three other Scouting friends in Troop 192 who earned Eagle Scout wings like himself: Gabe Ferreri, John Davanzo, and Jacob Cutler.

during regular office hours until the day of election. Such list shall be posted at the polling place during the election. No absentee vote ballot shall be canvassed unless it is received not later than 5:00 PM on the day of the election.

BUDGET PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that a Public Hearing will be held on Thursday, March 27, 2014 at 7:00 PM at the North Bellmore Public Library for the purpose of discussion of the said expenditures of funds and the budget thereof. Copies of the proposed 2014-2015 Library Budget will be available at the North Bellmore Library during regular library hours (9AM-9PM Monday-Thursday, 9AM-6PM Friday, 9AM-5PM Saturday and 1PM-5PM Sunday) commencing fourteen (14) days immediately preceding the Special District Meeting of April 10, 2014 and at the polling place on the day of the Special District Meeing. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the candidates for the office of Library Trustee shall be nominated by petition. Each petition shall be directed to the Secretary of

the Library Board of Trustees and shall be signed by at least twenty-five (25) qualified voters of the District, shall state the residence of each signer and shall state the name and residence of the candidate and specific vacancy for which a candidate is nominated, including at least the length of the term of office and the name of the last incumbent, if any. In the event that any such nominee shall withdraw his candidacy prior to the election, such person shall not be considered a candidate unless a new petition nominating such person in the same manner and with the same limitations applicable to other candidates is filed with the Secretary of the Library Board of Trustees. No person shall be nominated by petition for more than one separate office. Each petition shall be filed with the Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the North Bellmore Public Library between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, not later than the thirtieth (30th) day preceding the day of the election, to wit: March 11, 2014 at 5 PM. BY ORDER OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES NORTH BELLMORE PUBLIC LIBRARY

ENTERTAINMENT

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SOMETHING TO WINE ABOUT

The trend is blends!

By Linda Delmonico Prussen

think most wine lovers can agree we’ve seen enough “white” outside for a while and inside a great red is the best way to warm up. And now is perfect timing for the current trend in wines: the red blend. While classic-ter-

rior driven French blends like Bordeaux or Cotes Du Rhone have been around for ages, the blends we’ll talk about are fun new-world reds perfect for cold, snowy days. Some exciting red blends you might want to try include Ménage a Trois, Apothic Red, Cup Cake Red Velvet and

Entertainment in your neighborhood Bellmore Bean Café – Bellmore (8044624) Friday, February 21 – Bayview Terrace Friday, February 28 – Bob Heller Open mic night every Thursday at 8 p.m.; comedy open mic night every Monday at 7 p.m. Looking to play? Call the café - and they can set you up. RS Jones – Merrick (378-7177) Thursday, February 20 – Fabtalbo Friday, February 21 – Jan Slow Saturday, February 22 – Breakaway Monday, February 24 – Psychic dinner with Richard Wednesday, February 26 – The Biscuit Kings Thursday, February 27 – Woody Mack Friday, February 28 – Chic ‘n Martini Nicholas James Bistro – Merrick (546-4805) Rob Jack Live and unplugged, singer Ken Sambolin, The December Cold featuring John Peters and Alexa Lavoie, acoustic guitarist Michael Duca, Brian McGeough and Pocket Change (Steve Palopoli and Haig Mathosian) are among the regularly scheduled enter-

tainment at the neaveau cuisine bistro. Call for times. Merrick Theatre for the Performing Arts All shows on Friday and Saturday start at 8 p.m., and 3 p.m. on Sundays. Ticket prices are $21; $18 for seniors and students on Fridays and Saturdays Through Sunday, March 2 – Drama: “Death of a Salesman” Saturday, March 15-Sunday, April 6 – Revue: “All Shook Up” Saturday, April 26-May 18 – Farce: “The Murder Room” Saturday, May 31-Sunday, May 22 – Musical” “Guys and Dolls” NYCB Theatre at Westbury – Westbury (247-5700) Friday and Saturday, February 21 and 22 – Rat Dog, featuring Bob Weir Friday, February 28 – Deepak Chopra: the Future of Well Being Saturday, March 22 - Spring Doo Wop Friday, March 28 – Jim Beluchi Thursday, May 29 – Kansas Wednesday, June 11 – Ringo Starr and his All-Star Band Friday, June 20 – Hot Tuna and Leon Russell

my new favorite, Amberhill Secret Blend Red. Both Amberhill and Cup Cake’s Red Velvet are jammy and fruit forward, but not sweet. And if you’re a “50 Shades of Grey” fan they have two wines. A “50 Shades of Grey” red blend called “Red Satin,” and a white blend called “White Silk.” What’s awesome about blends is they give the winemaker a chance to create a distinctive product with unique characteristics. It allows one to highlight what they love or see as a strength in one vintage’s varietal and reduce a quality they may not like in another. I attended a wine blending class given by master winemaker Jim Waters at Waters Crest Vineyards, and highly recommend the class for anyone with an interest in wine. The class allows each student to create a unique red blend to their taste. While at Waters Crest you might try two of their blends 2008 Campania Ros-

so or 2011 “5” Red Blend. Contact the vineyard http://www.waterscrestwinery.com/ to ask when the next class will be offered. And if you’re looking for some fun tastings in the city try these at Astor Wines, at 399 Lafayette Street, New York. Checkout more of their upcoming events here at http://www.astorwines. com/TastingEvents.aspx

FEBRUARY 2014 | №5

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KANSAS

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FRI. & SAT., FEB. 21 & 22 • 7:30PM

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ENTERTAINMENT

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North Merrick filmmaker’s The Last Taxi Driver is Ready to Roll

hen writer, director, producer and casting director Debra Markowitz of North Merrick penned the script for The Last Taxi Driver, she didn’t expect the outpouring of support she got from filmmakers across Long Island. She created the concept for this dark horror comedy with her partner, John Marean of Rapier Wit Films, also from North Merrick, while walking her dog one suspicious evening. The Last Taxi Driver focuses a disgruntled taxi driver who refuses to give up his chosen career even when most of the city’s inhabitants left are zombies. With help from The Majors Productions, they created and launched a successful indiegogo campaign to raise the funds necessary to produce the film rather quickly, and with several days to go, they hope to raise more money to take them through the festival cir-

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cuit. The promo video stars John Thomassen of Brooklyn and Christina Wood of Coram and can be seen at http://www.indiegogo. com/projects/the-last-taxi-driver.

TEAM TAXI Team Taxi is aphalanx of local residents culled from Markowitz’s extensive rolodex of who’s who in independent films. Meanwhile, it doesn’t hurt that Markowitz is director of the Nassau County film office responsible for The Long Island International Film Expo’s glorious yearly residence at The Bellmore Movies and ShowPlace, during the second week of July. Producers/crew Members: Debra Markowitz, writer/director/producer/casting director – North Merrick Rapier Wit Films, LLC - producers John Marean, line producer/production manager – North Merrick

Debra Markowitz, John Marean and staff and cast Cecily Mihok-Trenka, sound - Merrick The Majors Productions - producers Marc Riou, director of photography – Huntington Nugent Cantileno, first AD - Mineola Robert La Rosa, sound/editing – Valley Steam Carrie Ferrante, art department - Connecticut Joshua Paige, second AC – Port Jefferson Station Steve Sage Productions – producers Steve Sage Goldberg, producer/camera operator – originally from Dix Hills, now from Deer Park Kory Mills Diskin, production designer – Roslyn Heights Regina Hardy, second AD – originally from Glen Cove, now from Roosevelt Peter Frizalone, gaffer – North Massapequa Ryan O’Shaughnessy, key grip – North Massapequa

Stains on Ceilings epairs Sheetrock/Plaster R e Paints Benjamin Moor

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Ryan Campbell, first AC – Wantagh Mara Bush, attends Adelphi University Actors-talent: Robert Clohessy, The Last Taxi Driver/Dorman O’Mearain – New York City Emily Jackson, Violet - NJ Vincent Ticali, President Picone – North Massapequa Victor Picone, male passenger - Lives in Farmingdale, works in Bellmore Judy Picone, female passenger – Farmingdale Mr. P, Stan Adams – Roosevelt Ms. P, Cheryl Martin - Huntington Zombies: Justin Picone – Farmingdale Judy San Roman – Huntington Dominick Mirabelli - Hicksville Raj Mehta – lives Port Washington/ Manhasset, works in Plainview Laura Wenham – lives in Bellmore Noelle Yatauro – Glen Cove J. Barrett Wolf – Grew up in Freeport Joyce Berardi – Franklin Square Ingrid Dodd – Baldwin Harbor Tom Fries – Commack Grace Ha – originally from Dix Hills Dan Marquardt - West Islip Keith McMahon – Brentwood Guy Hollar- Roslyn Heights Jackie Xerri – Oceanside The Last Taxi Driver will film in Eisenhower Park, East Meadow.

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FEBRUARY 2014 | №5