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Bellmore • Merrick VOLUME 1, NUMBER 6

IN PRINT & ONLINE

MARCH 2014

Spring Event Planning ala Tutera! Tutera! DENENBERG RUNS FOR STATE'S 8TH SENATORIAL DISTRICT ...

NEW BIKE CLUBS SPRING UP! ...

FIRST NYRISING RECONSTRUCTION PLANS SEEN ....

NEWS

Your NewsMag

Bellmore Easter Parade Features the Easter Bunny

he Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores will present the Annual “Easter Parade with the Easter Bunny" on Saturday, April 12, when children and their families begin meeting at 11:45 a.m. at the Bellmore firehouse on Pettit Avenue, just north of the LIRR Bellmore Station. At noon, the children and their families will parade through the village up Bedford Avenue, led by the Easter Bunny, to Oak Street, where they will have a chance to have their picture taken in a spring setting with the Easter Bunny. The spring setting is compliments of Island Green-

ery, 2036 Bellmore Avenue. (Please remember to bring your own camera for photos). Before the parade, each child will receive plastic Easter eggs filled with candy, compliments of The Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores. The children will also receive a coupon for a free ice cream cone, compliments of International Delight Café, 322 Bedford Avenue. They will also receive a coupon for a free cupcake, compliments of Nancy “The ww Lady,” 535 Bedford Avenue. All these Easter treats can be enjoyed after the parade. If you have questions, call the Chamber office at 679-1875.

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Easter Eggstravaganza in Merrick April 12!

he North and Central Merrick Civic Association will hold its Annual Easter Eggstravaganza on Saturday, April 12, at Fraser Park on Fraser Avenue in North Merrick. The Egg Hunt will begin at 11 a.m. sharp and will be

followed by a Matzos Beach Ball Toss. Don’t forget to bring your own basket to bring your goodies home. Members of the Merrick American Legion Auxiliary Post 1282 are volunteering their time to help bring this North Merrick tradition to the children. The Easter Bunny will make his annual visit and there will be crafts and lots of fun at this Egg-citing event. As in the past, children will have an opportunity to sit with the Easter Bunny. So bring a camera and snap away and create hometown memories for your children to reflect on for

years to come. Suggested donations for this Eggstra-ordinary event are $1 per child. Donations to the dessert table are appreciated. If you have any questions, or if you or your children would like to volunteer to help with this event, email Claudia Borecky at claudiaborecky@gmail.com. Community service hours will be awarded. Visit the association’s website at www.northmerrickcivic.org on the day of the event if there is questionable weather. All are welcome (Rain date is Saturday, April 19).

NEWS

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Your NewsMag

County Legislator Denenberg Announces Run for New York State's Eighth Senatorial District Calls Campaign an Issue on Sustainability of District

avid Denenberg, Nassau County Legislator for the 19th Legislative District, announced his candidacy for the state’s Eighth Senatorial District at the Seaford American Legion Post 1132 on March 6, saying to the roughly 75-to-100 gathered to cheer him his agenda will be one of sustainability – sustaining the residents so they can continue to live on Long Island. The state's Eighth Senatorial District seat was vacated by Charles Fuschillo Jr., when he resigned to become CEO of Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. “I’ll be fighting for your property taxes, jobs, education and for a sustainable future” he told the crowd, which cheered wildly when he announced his candidacy. Having worked with his constituency in Merrick and Bellmore - and residents in Freeport, Wantagh and Seaford - to try to provide substantial assistance to them in rebuilding their homes and lives, he called FEMA "the Department of Homeland Insecurity " for its continued lack of response in getting funds to constituents in need. He added, “NYRising, how come we haven’t gotten any funding?” He said that for the last six years the state has reduced school funding to schools. “Just let the teachers teach, and get them the resources they need,” he said in response to the continual slew of new unfunded mandates propelled onto the backs of school districts, whose costs are born by the community taxpayers, he continued.

Touched By Grace

he Bellmore Presbyterians Church will present the Gospel Concert Touched By Grace on Saturday, March 22, beginning at 8 p.m. The concert will feature Paul Wurtz, Richard and Kristi Skidmore and Friends. The church is located 2740 Martin Avenue, Bellmore. For information call 785-2590. Refreshments will be served.

He also took issue with Nassau County, saying there was $100 million in shovel-ready funding in 2011 to help begin refurbishment of Bay Park and other sewer projects that could have created hundreds of jobs. He added that he stands with unions in providing for sustainable, good-paying jobs. He also tipped his hat to veterans, who he said had helped build community schools and roads, and said it was why he was announcing his candidacy in a veteran’s hall in Seaford. “We are not leading toward a sustainable future, but we need to start so we will leave our children with a sustainable future,” he said at one point. Wendy Glatt of Wantagh, who grew up in Bellmore and attended Kennedy High School, said of Denenberg, “He works hard, and I hope he can bring change to this area.” She cited the work of the Army Corps of Engineers being able to ‘refill sand on the beach that’s been naturally breached,” yet her insurance company excludes land movement on her property as a valid claim. Randy Schotland,, president of the Merrick Chamber of Commerce, said of Denenberg’s candidacy, “Dave is the perfect candidate. He will fight for the people, not the special interests.” Frank Colon, a veteran whose resume includes commander of the American Legion Post 1749 in North Bellmore, said Denenberg’s candidacy was “fanstastic!” He said Denenberg is one of the biggest supporters of veterans, and he was ‘all in’ on Denenberg’s candidacy.

With Denenberg at his launch are his wife Cara, at his left, Freeport Mayor Bob Kennedy, Adam Haber, Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, Claudia Borecky and Oyster Bay Democratic committee persons. North Bellmore resident Dave Checkla told this magazine he’s impressed with Denenberg’s reach with his constituency. “If he takes that same philosophy of constituent service with him to Albany he will be very successful,” he said. Checkla said he thought Fuschillo was terrific at what he did, and thinks Dave can do the same for the district’s constituency, but in a more personal way. Carmen Pineyro, Freeport Village’s deputy mayor and village trustee, announced her intentions last month to run for the state's Eighth Senatorial District, which would set up a primary against Denenberg.

Mepham Grappler Wins Second Championship

epham’s Louis Hernandez continued to break his individual school records by winning his second consecutive New York State Wrestling Championship and defeating Hilton’s Anthony Deprez (8-4) earlier this month in the 152-pound weight clas.

Louis was in control the entire match, earning three takedowns, a reversal and dominating Deprez on top with a stifling ride. Louis earned his way to the finals by defeating Hillcrest’s Shaquille Jones by technical fall (17-2), Fairport’s Anthony Bell by pin in 5:22 and North Rockland’s Blaise Benderoth by decision (7-5).

However, Freeport Mayor Bob Kennedy and his campaign manager Howard Colton were at Denenberg’s announcement as a show of support for Denenberg’s candidacy. Meanwhile, The Nassau Republican Party chose county Legislator Michael Venditto of the 12th Legislative District to run for the vacant Eighth Senatorial District seat. Anthony Santino of the Republican Committee told this magazine that Venditto would fight hard to continue the legacy of Charles J. Fuschillo Jr. by working to increase school aid, creating jobs and holding the line on property taxes.

Louis joins Alan Stock and Mike Arena as the only Mepham wrestlers to win multiple state titles. This is Mepham’s 12th New York State Championship – the most in Nassau County history. In addition to his two state championships, Louis was a three-time Nassau County champion. His 147 career wins are the most in team history, as are his 24 individual tournament championships. The district congratulates Louis on his impressive achievements.

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Your NewsMag

Hello Spring! Bring Me That Warm Sunshine.

☞ TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE 3: NEWS Easter events in your town;Calhoun’s On Tour offers “Spamalot”; County Legislator Dave Denenberg runs for state office; North Shore Farms to be ready by early summer.

PAGE 8: YOUR TAXES What new rule changes taxpayers can expect during this year’s tax preparation season.

PAGE 10: COVER STORY – ENTERTAINMENT Popular event planner David Tutera answers questions from Your NewsMag on how to prepare for any event in your foreseeable future, and local planners in Bellmore and Merrick offer their special tips.

PAGE 14: FITNESS The new Merrick Bicycles has formed bike clubs for revving up family and solo fitness.

PAGE 18: SCHOOLS North Bellmore School District’s new Superintendent Marie Testa is home-grown.

PAGE 24: GIRL SCOUT MONTH Support Girl Scout Month by purchasing Girl Scout cookies. We tell you where to find them.

WHO’S WHO AT YOUR NEWSMAG Advertising and Publishing

Editing

Jill Bromberg

Reporting

Online Erin Donahue

Doug Finlay Sharon Jonas Linda Delmonico Prussen

To advertise, Jill@yournewsmag.com

Phone: 516-633-8590

inally it’s March 20, the first day of Spring! Out with the snow and cold weather and in with sunshine and some outdoor fun. Last week I took my first family bike ride to Newbridge Road Park. It was a little brisk but we just could not resist the first nice day. I was surprised to see so many people at the park in the playground and playing basketball. I suppose everyone has had more than their share of cold and was willing to grab the first sunny day and head to the park. Even the beaches were teeming with people! Now that it is Spring I look forward to more family bike rides in warmer weather. My husband Marc likes to restore old Schwinn bikes. He does an amazing job of restoring them to their original form. I ride a magenta Schwinn Breeze, Marc’s is a gold one and my son Harrison uses a green Schwinn Traveler. Still in Marc’s workshop is a blue Schwinn Breeze soon to be ready for its first trip to the park. As we ride through the neighborhood these candy colored bikes are often admired by those who remember the bikes from their childhood. We look forward to taking our vintage bikes on family rides led by our new neighborhood bike shop, Merrick Bicycles. I congratulate the Hammer and Yuricic families of Merrick on the opening of their new shop. The many colors of spring make me feel good, happy and energized. I can’t wait to start planting and mowing the lawn. Yes, I mow my own lawn. I know most people use gardeners to mow but I enjoy the time outside in the back yard. I always have a hard time picking flowers to plant because I love them all. The spring color palette is really spectacular. I will try to incorporate the fresh new colors for 2014 into my garden. There is never enough color or variety of flowers for me. For those of you considering color palettes and planning an event this year I hope you find our cover story on event planning helpful. I thank David Tutera and our local panel of experts Julie Marchesella from Queen of Hearts, Ginny McClean from Have You Heard? and Theresa Soto from Flowers by

Voegler for taking the time to talk to us to share with you their valuable suggestions and wisdom from their years of experience. Now that it’s Spring, I look forward to going out in the evenings to our local restaurants followed by a visit to my favorite coffee shop, the Bellmore Bean, for some entertainment with friends. Many of the local restaurants offer entertainment too. Please see the listing of entertainment in our neighborhoods inside. If you are interested in seeing Jim Belushi & The Chicago Board of Comedy you can visit our website at www.YourNewsMag.com, where you can enter for a chance to win tickets for the March 28 show at the NYCB Theatre at Westbury. Your NewsMag is delivered to every home in the Merricks and the Bellmores free of charge because you live here and are part of the community. Advertising support pays for Your NewsMag, so please support participating businesses by shopping locally. The local chambers of commerce make up the businesses in our communities and work hard to make our communities shine. There have been many requests for puzzles. In response, last month there was a suduko, this month a crossword puzzle on page 29. We will rotate different puzzles each month. I appreciate readers reaching out to me with ideas for Your NewsMag. Please keep the ideas coming. If you know of 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. Passover and Easter are just around the corner. Holiday items are already on the shelves. Time to stock up and get ready for family gatherings. Whatever your plans are, on behalf of my family and staff I would like to wish all a happy Easter and a sweet Passover. I hope that you enjoy this issue of Your NewsMag. Happy Spring! JILL BROMBERG Publisher Jill@YourNewsMag.com

P.O. Box 15, Bellmore, New York 11710

with Bellmore • Merrick

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Diplomate American Board of Podiatric Surgery. Board Certified Foot Surgery. Board Certified Reconstructive Rear Foot/Ankle Surgery. Fellow American College of Foot & Ankle Surgery.

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NEWS

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North Shore Farms Begins Construction, Open by Early Summer

orth Shore Farms, which was granted exceptions by the Town of Hempstead zoning Board of Appeals in April 2013 to build in the old 9300-square-foot building at 2320 Jerusalem Avenue in North Bellmore once occupied by a supermarket and a pharmacy, has begun work on the building to convert it once again to a supermarket. Getting the exception was contentious for many in the neighborhood because in 1994 the town ruled that no such supermarket could again occupy the building unless it got a specific exception from the zoning board for occupying a space larger than 9300 feet. The exception rule was written in 1994 after Hempstead Town did a townwide study of the effects of traffic on two-lane roads where a large

supermarket would occupy property along such roads. While attorney Jeff Toback argued on behalf of residents who were against the new supermarket coming in, voicing concerns about increased traffic congestion and danger to schoolchildren in the area walking home from school, attorney Bill Bonesso countered that congestion wouldn’t increase, and that the zoning board was not beholden to its

own exception rule, and could rule in favor. In a recent interview, Bonesso said he was no longer representing North Shore Farms, but had heard they had received licenses and permits to begin construction. An email to Your NewsMag from North Shore Farms said “We have received permits and are under construction. We hope to open sometime early summer. “

Your NewsMag

“Spamalot” The Musical Playing at Calhoun

he On Tour Company at Calhoun High School continues its season with Monty Python’s “Spamalot,” the hit musical culled from the movie “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” written by Eric Idle and John Du Prez. Performances will be held on Friday, March 21, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 23, at 2 p.m. in the school’s auditorium. This is the second week of a two-week engagement. Monty Python’s “Spamalot,” based on the film, was released in 1975 by the British comedy troupe Monty Python’s Flying Circus. Like the film, the musical follows the famous English legend of King Arthur of Britain and his Knights of the Round Table. However, the film and the musical contrast in several ways.

The talented cast features Will Rosenblum as King Arthur, Jeralayne Ruiz as The Lady of the Lake, Jon Leiner as Sir Lancelot, Rob Gallo as Sir Robin, Dan Maldonado as Sir Galahad, Adam Wilkes as Sir Bedevere and Arielle Peretz as the historian/narrator. Tickets for “Spamalot” are $12 for students and seniors and $15 for adults. They can be purchased at the door. Call the box office at 9921377 to reserve tickets for the performance. Upcoming productions from the On Tour Company include Moises Kaufman and the Tectonic Theatre Company’s “The Laramie Project,” “The Bambino Scholarship Dance and Musical Revue” and “New Directions: Senior Performance Project Showcase” in June.

YOUR TAXES

Your NewsMag

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The 2013 Tax Season Brings More Changes - And Challenges - to Bellmore and Merrick Residents

wo tax deductions, one that helps families with college-bound children and the other those in foreclosure of homes, will not be available next year said Sandra Johnson, CPA, CFE, EA from her office in Bellmore, during a break in a now-busy tax preparation season. She said those families with college students and residents in foreclosure will have to begin planning accordingly. Gone in 2014, Johnson said, will be the ‘above the line’ tax credit that families could claim for students in college. “It is a very small amount of deduction to begin with for what the cost of college is,” she said. “Forget college for a moment,” Gary Sanders, Merokian and immediate Past President of the Nassau Chapter of the National Conference of CPA Professionals – of which Johnson, as vice-president, will become the chapter’s president in October – told this magazine. He said those earning more than $250,000 in joint income will begin to see their $3900 in personal deductions erode over the next few years. He said the Bellmores and Merricks are not considered overly rich or affluent if both partners earn over $250,000. The federal government will begin to put limits on itemized deductions, he said, and those with no deductions for child care, for example, will see even fewer deductions in the future. Meanwhile, Johnson cautioned that families in home foreclosures would face the full cost-of-forgiveness of debt come 2014, because the fiveyear moratorium applied by the federal government during

Sandra Johnson the great recession had been eliminated. She said that families in foreclosure – and she said there are many who have been in foreclosure long before superstorm Sandy – haven’t paid their mortgages in years. Over the last five years, those who have foreclosed and been forgiven their mortgage debt by banks have been completely released of the debt. “In 2014,” she said, “those who foreclose on their homes and are forgiven their debt by the banks will now have to count that debt as revenue in their tax returns,” she said. And that can add up to a lot of cash, she added.

HEALTH CARE ACT COSTLY? Johnson saved the most impactful changes in the 2013 tax code for last. She said the Affordable Care Act, signed into law in 2010 for full implementation in January 2014, will cost additional taxes to families whose combined income from

marriage is $250,000 and more. She said the reason for the additional taxes on those families earning over $250,000 – and individuals earning over $200,000 - was to help pay for the ACA. The ACA now guarantees no limits to the cost of treatment, alleviating or eliminating the catastrophic illness category in which families would need to sell their homes to afford continued treatment when their traditional coverage capped their costs. It also guarantees that those with pre-existing conditions will have insurance; and that children up to the age of 26 can be covered under parental insurance. The ACA also focuses on preventive care to seniors and the general population. Those earning over $250,000 will see an increased Medicare tax and an increase in the net investment tax, which combines interest, dividends and passive income, for example, she said. In addition, Johnson said additional tax forms would be required,

Gary Sanders increasing the cost for those who use a tax preparer to file. Sanders called the Medicare tax a “phantom tax.” If a husband and wife earn $150,000 each, equaling $300,000, the extra $49,999 of income over the threshold will be taxed an extra .9%. The .9% increase applies for any amount over

$250,000, he said. Regarding net investments, he said capital gains for those making over $250,000 would result in a surcharge of 3.8% over the standard 15% capital gains rate. For those earning over $450,000, the capital gains tax is 20%, plus the newly added 3.8% surcharge. Regarding claims on medical and dental costs of 7½% for individuals, Johnson said the threshold had now gone up to 10%. “Before, people earning $100,000 would need to incur $7500, or 7 1/2%, in medical costs, before being able to claim for those costs,” she said. Now that threshold becomes $10,000 of medical costs, or 10% of a $100,000 income, before being able to claim, she said. She said those individuals who don’t purchase health insurance through the ACA will not be pursued by the government for not purchasing the insurance. But, she added, wages would be garnered to pay for the fines levied for not following the law. Sanders did offer some positive news on the newest tax rules. “The good news is that the federal government has increased exemptions for the alternative minimum tax rate.” He said the alternative minimum is a significant deduction calculated by the IRS that will now provide for increases in exemptions. Both Johnson and Sanders teach CPAs in forums and seminars along the East Coast on the newest IRS rules and regulations, culminating in an annual three-day symposium. Johnson can be reached at 409-1120, and Sanders, of Raphael Sanders Goldberg Nikpour & Cohen, can be reached at 864-6802.

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COVER - ENTERTAINMENT

Your NewsMag

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Spring Is Here! Let’s Throw A Party!

by Sharon G. Jonas

hether you are celebrating the end of winter or a major life event, planning a party can be as exhilarating as it is stressful - especially if you mark the occasion with more than serving cake or popping a champagne bottle. Relying on experts to help arrange an event such as a milestone birthday, Bar or Bat Mitzvah, first Holy Communion or the ultimate big day – a wedding – can ease tensions and boost confidence. Even if you have your own visions and ideas, following the advice of experienced event professionals will help ensure that oversights and complications don’t interfere with fun and festivities.

DAVID TUTERA FOR YOUR NEWSMAG Although most people only dream about consulting with leading wedding and event planning experts, David Tutera, known best for his current hit primetime show “David Tutera: Unveiled” offered

insights for our readers, many of whom have attended sophisticated affairs and expect a high level of service. Combining his knowledge with that of local experts in servicing events, the many elements involved in creating a memorable, individualized and worry-free affair can be better understood.

GETTING STARTED According to Tutera, when to start planning depends on a number of things, including the “size, formality and complexity” of the function. It also depends on the individual in charge. “Some people are quick to make decisions and can plan a major event in less time than someone who likes to mull things over.” For significant functions, he recommends 1-to-2 years in advance to avoid rush decisions or sacrifices. This magazine collected its own panel of local planning experts, each with at least 20 years of experience in servicing events, to help

explain the details of getting started. They include Ginny McClean, owner of “Have You Heard” in Bellmore, which provides invitations, favors, accessories, rentals and gifts; Julie Marchesella, owner of “Queen of Hearts” a formalwear store in Merrick offering plus sizes; and Theresa Soto, owner of “Flowers by Voegler,” also in Merrick. Each has serviced a range of clients – some who prepare well ahead of time and some working on tighter time lines. Marchesella calls Queen of Hearts, which offers sizes 16 and up, a “specialty within a specialty.” She suggests that for weddings the mother of the bride or groom and bridesmaids make an appointment for an outfit six months prior to an event. “By shopping early, the selection and choices are much more extensive.” Depending on the time frame, clients can buy off-therack, according to time and color or go custom-made, where “the sky’s the limit.” Typically, a manufacturer requires 12-16 weeks to make an outfit, Marchesella said. Follow-up services, such as alternations, selecting accessories and dyeing shoes, all offered or arranged at Queen of Hearts, need to be factored in too. For invitations and floral decorations planning at least six months ahead of time is common practice, remarks Soto. “Usually, clients come in between 12- to-six months before a wedding,” says Soto, who has been into floral design for over 30 years. She says that after bridesmaids get their dresses and the color scheme has been decided, then flowers are usually selected. McClean, who specializes in invitations, favors and accessories, says her busy season starts right after Christmas and runs through July or August, with weddings representing at least half of her business. She helps clients factor in printing and mailing times along with extras such as hand calligraphy for addresses, which takes about a month for 100 invitations. “My biggest compliment is that I make

it easy. Most people don’t need an event planner when they come to me. I give so much information.”

BUDGETING – KNOW YOUR NUMBERS Establishing a budget is critical and will help guide all of your decisions. Tutera says to first consider your income and how much you can put towards the event. He says to think about the size of the guest list, season (which can affect prices of lodging and flowers), and extras like a photo booth or specialty entertainment. He advises to consider taxes too. “One big line item that clients frequently forget to include in their budget is tax. Most vendors charge state and local taxes.” Knowing your limits will help the experts make suggestions. Starting with invitations, there are a range of possibilities and prices. The type of paper, design and print all affect cost. “Pocket invitations are very big,” says McClean. This style, while a bit more expensive, conveniently provides a place to neatly organize all of the pieces included with the invitations , such as a reply card and directions. Printing can be letterpressed (ink is applied to copy pressed or recessed into the paper), digital (least expensive and flat to the touch), calligraphy (hand or machine), engraved (expensive and rarely used as letterpress is more economical and resembles it), or the thermography (most popular and gives letters a raised ink.) All types, except digital, require two runs for multi-color inks.

Julie Marchesella: Queen of Hearts

Free consultations are done at Flowers by Vogler. “The more someone brings in to show their style and color scheme, the better I can zero in on making recommendations,” says Soto. Both her floral shop on Merrick Avenue and “Have You Heard” on Merrick Road offer rentals of items such as gift card boxes, so comparing local vendors for style and price is convenient. Marchesella directs those on a tighter budget towards off-the-rack options, which in Queen of Hearts does not appear limiting. “This is a good option for those on a tighter budget or who travel a lot or just aren’t organized.”

TRENDS AND PERSONAL CHOICES Headline events and movies inevitably influence themes and styles. Tutera’s personal line of wedding accessories, now available in retail stores nationwide, offer a variety of distinctive looks, including Art Deco-styled items made popular by “The Great Gatsby.” “Thanks to the royal wedding we are back to lace, muted Victorian colors and romance,” says Soto. “Roses are coming back, not that they ever went away. And orchids are popular too. Beach motifs, which were strong about five years ago, are still big. Blues, greens and peaches are used when a venue is near the water.” Marchesella agrees that lace is popular, especially lace shoulders. “Strapless is still in, along with bottom treatments like a mermaid shape flowing into a sweeping trail.” For plus-size women, chiffon and crepes are always a good choice, as they can “camaflouge” areas of concern, she says. Most importantly, she says, is to “choose something flattering.” A wedding may be the bride’s day, but she advises her to consider what’s flattering on the mothers and bridesmaids. “Very often you get a plussized bridesmaid, and for her we have many options available.” “All shades of purple remain popular with invitations,” says Mc-

COVER - ENTERTAINMENT

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Clean. Some people who have tried to save money by ordering online have found out that what looks like pink and gray on a computer screen may actually be peach and brown. “A professional can envision and guide a client to express their style. Our books are a jumping off place in most cases.”

LEADING TIPS Some tips top the list and are commonly agreed upon. They include: Trust your vendors. The client may always be right,

Theresa Soto: Flowers by Voegler

says Tutera, but faith in these professionals is essential. Have a guideline. Use a step-by-step guideline outlining the timing and all components of your event. Many good ones are available online. Keep organized. Start with a binder to hold all of your notes and papers. It saves time and prevents mistakes. Don’t procrastinate. Putting things off causes unnecessary stress. Pay attention to details. Even if you can’t afford an event planner, encourage vendors to add special touches. Be true to yourself. Let your own personality or that of the person the party is for shine through. Flattery is the best policy. Don’t pick a style or follow a trend that doesn’t flatter you or reflect your intentions. Do your homework. A lot of information online, in

Your NewsMag

Ginny McClean: Have You Heard? magazines and books is available. David Tutera alone offers seven books on events and weddings! Maintain your theme. Whether formal or casual, work to keep the elements in balance. For example, if you are doing a beach party, a formal black and white invitation would confuse the mood. Have fun. Everyone agrees – a party is a time to celebrate! Stress will not only rob you of your fun, but be felt by guests.

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

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

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COVER - ENTERTAINMENT

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MARCH 2014 | №6

Tutera Answers Questions for Your NewsMag

eading wedding and entertaining expert David Tutera is hailed as an artistic visionary whose ability, creative talents and outstanding reputation have made him a tremendous success in the lifestyle arena. He lives on Los Angeles. He has been honored by Life & Style Magazine as “Best Celebrity Wedding Planner,” and his clients include Oscar-winner Matthew McConaughey, the Rolling Stones, Barbara Walters and The John F. Kennedy Center. The newest season of David’s hit primetime show, now titled “David Tutera: Unveiled”, premiered last September 7 on WE tv. With more than seven hit books in stores. Tutera's grandfather, a successful florist, first noticed his grandson's artistic ability at an early age, and encouraged David to pursue his destiny. At age 19, with the advice of his grandfather, and only onky client, David opened his own event planning business. Q: What are the appropriate questions to ask when seeking a reputable event planner? A: The first things you should ask a potential event planner (other than any associated fees, of course) are who some of their past clients have been and if you can see a portfolio of this past work. Not only will this help you in deciding if you share a similar vision or style with your event planner, but it will also give you an idea of their scope of work and the amount of experience that they have within the industry. Frequently, many event planners will even have a list of preferred vendors that they typically work with. Checking out the vendors on this list will give you an even deeper look into the quality of work that you can expect from this planner. You should feel comfortable, at ease, and open with your event planner, and they should be confident in their responses to you. Q: Besides weddings, can you elaborate on some of the event types that you plan? A: I've planned all types of events, you name it! The majority of my clients do hire me for weddings, but I've done first anniversaries and baby showers for past brides and grooms of mine, and worked on surprise birthday parties, vow renewal ceremonies, several bar and bat mitzvahs, and even a Sweet 17 for an episode of my show, "David Tutera Unveiled!" Beyond private clients, I've also helped to plan several corporate events, ranging from beauty pageants and charity galas to award shows after parties and product launches. I love that

I get to plan a variety of different events like this. It keeps things interesting and always keeps me on my toes! Q: What distinguishes each of these events and what do they require that makes them different? A: In their simplest form, every event is, after all, just an event. They all include a venue, catering of some kind, printed materials, decor and lighting, and a form of entertainment. However, each event I plan is completely unique to the specific client's wants and needs, making them all completely different from one another. Obviously, these different types of events have different timelines, schedules of activities and included elements which set them apart. But at the beginning of the planning process I sit down with each client to find out what is most important to them and if there are any unique touches they envision including. Then, I take those visions and expand on them to make a truly memorable occasion. These are the things that make each event so special and personal! Q: What are some of the biggest mistakes/regrets/difficulties people have when planning on their own and how might they avoid them? A: One of the biggest mistakes you can make when planning an event on your own is to not plan for the minor details. There are so many things that go into any kind of event that it's easy to get lost and confused in the shuffle. By the time you realize this (usually while you're setting up on the event day), it's frequently too late to do anything about it. One of the biggest advantages to hiring a professional is their experience in planning events. They've done it all before, so they know to remember what it easily forgotten. Q: How far ahead should one plan for a significant event? A: This can vary greatly depending on the individual as well as the type of event. Some people are quick to make decisions and can therefore plan a major event in less time than someone who likes to mull things over first. The size, formality and complexity of your event can also determine this. However, in general I suggest that you give yourself anywhere between one and two years to plan any significant function. This will ensure that you don't have to rush any decisions or make sacrifices due to time. Q: What considerations should be made when budgeting?

A: While coming up with your initial budget, you should of course first consider your income and how much you're able to put towards your event. No wedding or birthday party is worth putting yourself in debt for! Beyond that, you should think about the size of your guest list, the season in which you would like your event to take place (which can effect everything from lodging costs to floral prices), and what extra elements you plan to include (a photobooth or specialty entertainer, for example). One of the big line items that clients frequently forget to include in their budget is tax. Most vendors will charge both state and local taxes on their products and services, so be prepared to include that in your final numbers! Q: When should an event planner be hired? A: Typically, you should hire your event planner as soon as you're ready to begin planning. They can help you with all of the major and minor details for your event, so use that to your maximum advantage! If you've already gotten started, that's ok too! They can step in and take over from there so you can have worry-free weeks and

months leading up to your event. Q: How do you overcome differences of opinion with clients/family members? A: The client is always right! As their planner, I'm here to execute their dreams and visions, not my own. I would never force my ideas or designs on a client if they don't agree with them. If my client isn't happy with what I've come up with them, we go back to the drawing board and try again until we find something that does. This is the client's big day, so I always want it to be perfect for them. Q: Do event planners charge consultation fees? What are your fees? A: Event planners charge fees in a few different ways. Some will charge a flat rate for the entirety of their services, no matter what that may include. Others will charge a percentage of the final event budget. And still others will have a la carte fees, charging separately for each individual service that they provide for you throughout the process. I charge my clients a flat fee for my planning services.

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New Merrick Bike Shop Features Bike Clubs for Family, Pro Bikers

SUNDAY FAMILY CLUB

errick Bicycles at 1829 Merrick Avenue, a new bike shop in Merrick near the intersection of Merrick and Horatio Avenues, hit the bike path with wheels spinning by developing bicycle clubs on Saturdays and Sundays that will cater to both the weekend warrior and the entire family. Co-owners Michael Hammer and Dan Yuricic, both of Merrick, bring different experiences and perspectives to their new bike shop they hope will help develop fitness through cycling within the community that are fun and provide plenty of exercise for fitness. Merrick is a good place to open this kind of bike shop, said Yuricic, because it is close to elementary, middle and high schools and there are lots of kids around. Indeed, the bike shop sold two bicycles on Saturday, March 1, its first day open.

Yuricic, a Merrick-North Merrick Little League coach for several years, told this magazine that for years he - in his capacity as a coach who has coached and instructed hundreds of players on the fine points of winning while also mingling with their parents - has wanted to takes his players’ fitness to another level, and have their parents join too. “I’m a Sunday cyclist,” he said, and likes the idea of Sunday rides around the community. “Sunday bike rides bring families together to get exercise and, most of all, to be able to spend quality time with each other,” he continued. He spoke of opportunities to take families in groups on bike rides around the community close to the bike shop, for instance, over the [CONT. ON PAGE 23] course of a few lei-

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Marie Testa: North Bellmore Resident Rises to Become School Districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Top Educator

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we wondered, how does a physical education teacher who wanted to be a principal and was a kindergartener at Newbridge Road School reach a pinnacle of success being her districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first woman superintendent? Blame it on her husband!

SCHOOLING FIRST â&#x20AC;&#x153;I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in communication arts at New York Institute of Technology and went to work at John Blair Television in New York City after graduating, writing copy to sell commercials,â&#x20AC;? she said. She also worked for NBC at Rockefeller Center, where she would study Arbitron ratings and write reports for her superiors. From there she shot up to manager of sales at ADEMCO, a security device manufacturer in Syosset, analyzing and predicting product and security trends, many of which came true, she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This job was a terrific stepping stone for me in gaining admin-

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her to see how the local system of education worked within the school setting. From there she became physical education teacher at Martin Avenue School and then took the principal's position at Jacob Gunther, which lasted seven years before the school closed. She then became principal of Martin Avenue School and, upon Superintendent Arnold Goldsteinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s retirement, took the reins as North Bellmore School Districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first woman superintendent. This magazine had a few questions it wished to ask her. Q: What is the State of the North Bellmore School District right now?

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Marie Testa, superintendent of the North Bellmore School District.

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istrative experience, such as learning budgeting, scheduling and coordinating product rollouts.â&#x20AC;? It prepared her for the school administrative positions to come, she said. Beneath a striving business exterior that focused on success was also a warm, kind and loving woman who reached out splendidly to the children wherever she came across them, in parks, at parades, with friends. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My husband was always surprised that, because of my display of a love for children, I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go into teaching,â&#x20AC;? she said. And so, one day, she did. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was a deliberate plan to move into educationâ&#x20AC;? from the career she had been in, all because of her husband, she said. She began studies at Hofstra, earning a Master of Science in education, following that up with a Master of Science in school administration and supervision from Touro College. Next came the position of physical education teacher, which enabled

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A: Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in good shape at the moment. We are moving forward, and have spent a great deal of time assessing our programs and revamping our curriculum to the standards of the Common Core Curriculum. In addressing the curriculum, we think we are giving our teachers the best tools to move forward, with the goal of providing for continued student growth. Understand that we are also building leadership capacity in each of our students, and we listen to their voices by aggressively assembling these new strategies to help them develop those leadership voices, per the Common Core. We

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orth Bellmore School District Superintendent Marie Testa is a success story about love of community. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve lived all my life in North Bellmore,â&#x20AC;? she told this magazine on a day when the snows finally began to melt. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I lived on Wilson Avenue I went to all the parades, remember when there were two 5-and-Dime stores, Weinmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hardware, Bellmore Floors and, of course, Gennaroâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s,â&#x20AC;? she continued. She attended Kindergarten at Newbridge Road School, attended first-through-eighth grades at St. Barnabas School (now St. Elizabeth Ann Seton) and landed her first teaching job teaching physical education at Saw Mill Road School. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Being a physical education teacher gave me a great opportunity to see how the whole educational environment within a school operated,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I knew then that I wanted to become a principal.â&#x20AC;? So,

SCHOOLS

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have also held more workshops for teachers and, I believe, we are becoming satisfied with what we have. We have also brought in an English-as-a-Second-Language developer to help. District administrators and teachers are working collaboratively and offering suggestions on how to make it an even more successful and accomplished environment. Q: Closing Jacob Gunther School was a heart wrenching event for many in the community. How has closing Jacob Gunther School affected your bottom Line? After all, it’s why you closed it. Do you receive revenue from it, for example, or have you lain off personnel because of it? A: There have been very few layoffs because of it. We were able to redistribute our personnel so that most maintained their positions. Yes, we receive rental income from a tenant, We Friends, so there is revenue from the building now. But more importantly, the children have assimilated well into their new schools, and there are no complaints from parents about this. I visit the schools on a regular basis, going into classrooms to see how the children are doing, and they are all doing well. Q: Will you keep your budget at or below the 2% tax cap? State Governor Cuomo has promised rebates to households worth hundreds of dollars in those districts that comply with the tax cap. Does that effectively pit residents against the school district? A: There is a definite disconnect between the political environment and the educational community. And how do we make it work within the political environment? We keep focused on the children, because what we do here is all about them. We are also aware of the tax burdens constantly placed on parents and

homeowners, so we will keep the tax cap below the 2% limit. In developing our budgets we are mindful of the programs we have and the class sizes we maintain and we don’t see either of those being affected. North Bellmore has the third lowest class size of any elementary school in Nassau County, so we may be in a more advantageous position in terms of class size than many other districts regarding their budgets. I don’t have a budget figure available at present, as we have one more budget workshop to go to get community input before we develop a final number budget number we feel the community can get behind. [Ed: Last year’s budget figure was $50,498,245.] Q: The Common Core: Its strengths and its weaknesses? Do you also allow parents to opt out of testing? You appear to be complying with Common Core. A: The Common Core Curriculum provides a good, solid approach to learning – but it is also flawed at the moment. You have to build with some goal in mind, but build it gradually and then implement it gradually. What has happened instead is that districts have been thrust into developing ways to make up for an obvious gap created between the aim of the curriculum and its implementation. We are being held to standards to achieve a goal while we have not been given the tools with which build a framework to implement it. We are forced to work at implementation of a curriculum while it is in flight, to use CHSD Superintendent John De Tommaso’s analogy. As for opting out, we must follow the guidelines set forth by the State Education Department, which says all children must take the test, so we do not allow the children to opt out of testing. But, if parents wish to keep their children out of the testing, we re-

spect that too. We will not put a road block in their way. Q: Do you work with the component districts to help develop consensus on how to bring better standardization into the communities? A: Superintendents Dr. Joe Famularo from the Bellmore School District, David Feller from North Merrick, Dr. Dominick DePalma from Merrick and I meet about once a month to discuss issues that are relevant to the component districts. These meetings are immensely helpful to all of us. We talk to each other about the programs we offer and how we are able to implement them; about standardization and, of course, now the Common Core; about the types of courses we can offer the students; about goals we set for the students; about how we can prepare the students for high school; about transportation issues; and about how we can coordinate emergency closings. We have met in one another’s buildings and at other sites as well. Q: In this age of digital, where the computer provides access to the world of information using touchscreens or keyboards, do you still teach the values of good handwriting and proper use of words? Texting is such a big thing now, with abbreviations such as BRB [be right back], LOL [laugh out loud] and BTW [by the way] the apparent norm. A: Yes, we still provide classes that teach good penmanship. We think it is not a lost art. These are solid writing courses, such as Step Up to Writing, which use benchmarks that instruct students on how to spell correctly and use wording properly. We correct any students who may be beginning to use the abbreviations for texting, because texting isn’t writing, and students will need formal writing to get through school.

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NYRising Community Reconstruction Project Shows First Visuals of Plans

fter several public and closed meetings of the NYRising Community Reconstruction Project to gather ideas from residents of the Bellmores and Merricks on how to protect their communities from further damage caused by catastrophic storms such as superstorm Sandy, the NYRCRP offered its first concrete visions for better, more resilient communities at a Levy-Lakeside meeting recently. No fewer than 20 plans were presented on large easel-sized placards describing the main thrust of each project, its estimated cost and how it is designed to help stave off infrastructure destruction and increase the likelihood of survival in the event of another storm such as Sandy. The main task of those attending the meeting was to thoroughly review each of the projects, numbered P1 through P11 (proposed projects) and F1 through F9 (featured projects), discuss them with ARUP consultants, pick the project they think is most vital to begin perhaps the years’-long transition into safer communities and comment why they think they may be the best project(s) to start with. “I’m all for projects 1 and 2,” remarked Richard Landau of Merrick, who experienced three boats crashing into his canal property during Sandy. He said the most important aspect in maintaining the integrity of community infrastructures in the face of another superstorm like Sandy would be to keep the water off the streets, and P1 and P2 would do that. Project 1 would improve the capacity of storm drains in the communities south of Merrick Road to absorb larger quantities of water to drain streets more quickly, allowing for quicker response time for first responders and for residents to get to other destinations. Its estimated cost would be $4,310,000. Project 2 inspects all the outfall pipes along the South Shore to determine their condition and need for replacement, and then installs 25 tidal check valves to prevent flooding water rushing up into the pipes and into the streets. The cost is $750,000. Joann Bo, a NYRising CRP committee member and member of SPLASH (Stop Polluting Littering And Save the Harbors), also nodded to P1 and P2 as appropriate projects to begin with. She lives along a canal in Bellmore. However, Gary Panasuk, owner of the Blue Water Yacht Club in Merrick, disagreed with P1 and P2 as appropriate projects, saying he didn’t

Sue Ambrosini, senior planner at ARUP

care for any of the projects being proposed. “These projects won’t keep hurricane-force water off the streets,” he said to Landau. “No one really talked about wave action, and its destructive powers,” he told this magazine. He suggested wave attenuators, or floating docks dispersed throughout the bays and channels, which would reduce wave action on shore surfaces by reducing the force of waves in the bays and channels first. He admitted there would still be flooding, but the damage would be much less severe because the wave energy in the water movement would be greatly reduced – or eliminated. For example, reduced wave energy could keep docks from snapping in two, reduce or prevent crashes against bulkheads or jostle existing outflow pipes, rendering them vulnerable. Indeed, when Landau pointed out to Sue Ambrosini, senior planner for ARUP, the consultants hired by the state to help develop and actualize the NYRising Community Reconstruction Project, that keeping water off the streets to maintain infrastructure integrity - besides being the most effective project - would use up much of the $12 million allocated for projects, Ambrosini disagreed with him. “There is no one project, or silver bullet,” she told Landau, which would trump one project over another. She said the thrust of the NYRCRP was to get funding for as many of the projects as they could apply for. She told those in attendance that the first five projects may be the most viable for getting funding: stormwater drainage repair (P1), tidal check valve installation (P2), the Southwest Merrick Masterplan (P3), community resource centers (P4) and priority road streetlight retrofitting (P5). She noted that the Southwest Merrick Masterplan, which involves the sanitation depart-

COMMUNITY

№6 | MARCH 2014

ment, the landfill, the Merrick golf course, Norman J. Levy Park and the baseball fields – which she called a cluster of publicly owned places that were significantly damaged during Sandy - may be unique because “they are a great place to do visionary planning using a Green infrastructure.” She said microgrids could be set up and the cluster sections moved around for greater use. The cost is $250,000. In a rare appearance, Merokian Maureen Garvey, director of the Bellmore Memorial Library, came to the meeting to view the project proposals and then sit down to fill in a comment card. She said she liked P4, which creates a network of community resource centers (CRCs) such as libraries and senior centers. “With the libraries acting as defacto community centers we could do so much more for the communities with more resources to do them,” she said. She said the Bellmore library was up and running within a day or two after Sandy, and provided shelter, warmth, a place to meet and provide information on how

to get help. In addition, it became a central location for tens of residents to charge their cell phones and communicate via email using the library’s computers. P4 would designate the four community libraries and buildings such as senior centers as central locations in which to obtain information about emergency preparedness, to distribute resources such as foods, water, blankets, toiletries, bicycles and clothing. Natural gas generators would be installed at each of these centers to guarantee power during a storm. Possible CRCs sited include the Bellmores and Merricks libraries, the Bellmore and Merrick senior centers and Newbridge Road Park. The cost is $3 million. Ken Devens of Bellmore said he was glad to see the project coming into focus by providing actual project visions. “Things are coming into a focus in our immediate areas now,” he said. While he mentioned P2 with its backflow devices, he appeared partial to P5 and its retrofitting of solar LED lighting to provide lighting during blackouts. The streetlights

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Attendees study several project plans

would be retrofitted with photovoltaics and battery packs, and would help first responders with rescues because lighting would quickly be available in the case of a blackout. The cost is $2,500,000. He referred also to project F6, a featured project that may not be implemented until more essential projected projects are completed. F6 calls for smart grid improvements that contain and isolate areas of trouble in a storm without affecting other areas. Features might include more electrical conduits underground of the type used by Con Ed. Project committee member Alison Frankel, president of the South Bellmore Civic Associa-

tion, remarked that, while she liked all five initial projects, she too was partial to P5. “With so many days in the dark, it became difficult and scary,” especially with a baby, she said. With County Legislator Dave Denenberg in attendance, he asked to what extent the Town of Hempstead would be in a position to agree to any proposals being put forth. Ed Powers, director of emergency management for the Town of Hempstead, said there is indeed healthy skepticism because of the amounts of funding being presented, where it would come from and how available it was to implement the projects.

“These are reimbursement projects,” he said, and the town has 10 Community Reconstruction Zones within its borders. If each of the zones has $2 million worth of projects, and the town has an annual $50 million capital budget, that’s a lot of outlay, he maintained. With plans due by mid-March to begin applications for funding them, there is $5,667,415 available for Bellmore and $6,429,011 available for Merrick. There is also a $3 million bonus for more competitive or ambitious projects, Ambrosini said. Funding is being provided by the federal government from the Department of Housing and Urban Development under the name Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR). “We need to repair what is broken and prevent any more damage to housing and the infrastructure,” Ambrosini said of the NYRising Community Reconstruction Project. While March 15 was the deadline to the state government for projects, responses to applications for those projects were not expected before mid-April.

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FITNESS

№6 | MARCH 2014

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NEW MERRICK BIKE SHOP FEATURES BIKE CLUBS FOR FAMILY, PRO BIKERS [CONT. FROM PAGE 14] surely hours and then come back to the bike shop for some hot chocolate or other refreshments to cap the day. He also mentioned Eisenhower Park, with all its bike trails, as a destination point for families during a Saturday club outing. Eisenhower Park is due north of the bike shop and is off Merrick Avenue. Meanwhile, brother-in-law Hammer, an experienced pro cyclist who showed this magazine his lightweight carbon composite bike he has gotten to speeds of over 50 miles per hour on safe straightaways, said he wants to start a Saturday pro-bike club in which the cyclists are up to – and ready for – the challenge of cycling as much as 60 miles on a good day.

FARTHER DESTINATIONS However, for Hammer the destinations would be the rolling hills of the North Shore, for example, or the Wantagh Bike Trail along Wantagh Parkway south to Jones Beach, and beyond.

Hammer is aware the state highway department is continuing to extend the Wantagh bike path eastward along Ocean Parkway to Tobay Beach, and believes it could serve as a destination point for his bike club of pro bikers. The bike path was extended through the Nikon at Jones Beach Theater to connect to the Jones Beach boardwalk last fall. A new trail is now in development along the northern shoulder of Ocean Parkway that is 13 feet wide, and will begin at Field 5 at Jones Beach and travel 3.6 miles east to a concession stand at Tobay Beach. The path, from Cedar Creek to Tobay Beach, is calculated at 8.8 miles. But Hammer addressed the concern that bikers in his club –and he already has many signed up – may be slowed down by weekend revelers walking, roller skating or running on the pathway down to the beach. With this bike club’s proclivity toward power fitness through speed, Hammer would not comment on how often the Ocean Parkway path

Merokians Dan Yuricic and Michael Hammer could serve as a destination. Instead, he said their main destinations initially would be the rolling hills of the North Shore, accessible by riding up Merrick Avenue through downtown Westbury and passing Westbury High School on the way into the network of less-driven roads, which provide for hilly challenges to the bikers. These roads, he suggested, would offer 50-mile trips with no problem.

A FULL SERVICE BIKE SHOP Merrick Bicycles, which had its soft opening on Saturday, March 1, will for-

mally open on Friday, April 11, with support from the Merrick Chamber of Commerce. It is a full-service bicycle shop complete with repair service. The shop offers a full selection of helmuts, saddles, clothing, shoes, gloves, locks, pumps, lubricants and baskets, to name a partial list. Bicycles include kids’ BMX bikes, mountain bikes with up to 27 gears, comfort hybrids, fitness hybrid bikes and road bikes, which feature 20-22 gears. Road bikes, said Hammer, start at around $700 and can cost as much as $12,000. The shop is offering opening specials on full-service bike tunings as well. Until the end of April, bicycle enthusiasts looking for a spring tune up can get their brakes and gears calibrated, cables lubricated, wheels trued, gears fit to spec and the bike detailed for $49.99, normally at $59.99 cost. A more thorough tune up for pro bikes will cost $99, normally at $149.99 value. The pro tune up includes everything on the spring tune up, and includes an overhaul of the bottom bracket and headset. Law enforcement officials who are bike enthusiasts are offered a 10% discount on all items in the store. For information call the shop at 5444770, or visit them online on facebook at Merrick Bicycles.

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GIRL SCOUTS

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MARCH 2014 | №6

Girl Scout Cookies Near You This Month

arch is Girl Scout Cookie Month, when all those mouthwatering treats of different flavors and shapes come to symbolize the coming of Spring. Selling Girl Scout cookies actually instills five skill sets into girls lucky enough to be Girl Scouts. When you purchase Girl Scout cookies from your local Girl Scout troop, you help them achieve a most valuable and rewarding experience in setting goals for themselves for the future. The five skill sets Girl Scouts learn when selling Girl Scout cookies are Goal Setting, Decision Making, Money Management, People Skills and Business Ethics. Goal setting allows Girl Scouts to decide what they might like to donate their proceeds to, such as a charity, an animal hospital or use it to go on a fun trip. Decision making allows the Scouts to decide how many boxes they want to sell, or about how they will organize and sell cookies when one of the other girls can’t make it to help them. With money management girls in the Scouts sell the cookies and make change, and being careful that all the appropriate change is given back.

People skills enable Girl Scouts to meet many people with diverse backgrounds, and talk to them about their goals and the good reasons for buying Girl Scout cookies. Business ethics shows Girl Scouts how they can sell Girl Scouts cookies and that, by being friendly and courteous, it could be a way to impress a person who will buy another box of cookies. Don’t be afraid to be kind to those who buy your cookies!

IN BELLMORE GirlScoutcookieswillbesoldintheBellmore communitybyGirlScoutTroop976attheLongIslandRailRoadStationonSunriseHighwayfrom 4-to-7p.m.onFriday,March21.Cookieswillalso besoldbyGSTroop911atKingKullenSupermarketonSaturday,March22,fromnoon-to-4p.m.

IN MERRICK Girl Scout cookies will be sold at several locations in Merrick up to the end of the month. On Friday, March 21, from 3-to-6 p.m., Troop 2011 will be at the Teacher’s Federal Credit Union, 1638 Merrick Road. On Saturday, March 22, three GS Troops will be selling cookies: Troop 2374, from 11

a.m.-to-1 p.m.; Troop 2258, from 1-to-3 p.m.; and Troop 2407, from 9-to-11 a.m. Also on Saturday, March 22, Troop 2422 will sell cookies from 1-to-4 p.m. at Stop & Shop, 2160 South Merrick Mall. Troop 2722 will be at Stop & Shop in the Merrick Mall from 9 a.m.–to- noon on Sunday, March 23; followed by Troop 2202 from 1-to-4 p.m. On Monday, March 24, Troop 2202 will be at the Merrick train station east, from 4-to-7 p.m., while Troop 2381 will be at the Merrick train station on Wednesday, March 26 , from 4-to-7 p.m. Troop 2197 will be at the western location of the train station on Merrick Avenue on

Thursday, March 27, from 4-to-7 p.m. Meanwhile GS Troop 2495 will be at the Teacher’s Federal Credit union, 1638 Merrick Road, Friday, March 28, from 3-to-5 p.m. Troop 1628 will be at the credit union on Saturday, March 29, from 1-to-3 p.m., while Troop 2003 will be there from 11 a.m.-to-1 p.m., and Troop 2072 will be there from 9-to-11 a.m. Troop 2202 will be at the Merrick Waldbuam’s on Saturday, March 29, from 1-to-4 p.m. Troop 2274 will wrap up the month of March selling Girl Scout cookies at Waldbaum’s from 9 a.m.-to-noon. Please consider purchasing a box of the distinctive, one-of-a-kind Girl Scout cookies baked by Little Brownie Bakers on behalf of the Girl Scouts of Nassau County. You can also locate Girl Scout cookies from an app using your iPhone or Android by calling **GSCOOKIES. That’s all there is to it! Girl Scout cookies contain no high fructose corn syrup, no hydrogenated oils in five varieties, no artificial colors, are made with 100% real cocoa and feature nutritious whole grain oats and real peanut butter in the Do-si-dos. They also come in two nut-free cookie varieties (Trefoils and Thin Mints).

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SPRING GARDENING

№6 | MARCH 2014

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Get a Head Start in Your Gardens This Spring

pring may still feel far away but it will be here before we know it! After such harsh winter conditions filled with countless inches of snow and below-freezing temperatures for several days, it’s safe to say everyone is suffering from a little bit of Spring Fever. Even though spring may be taking it’s time to surface, gardeners should begin to get a head start in their yards. As temperatures rise at a painfully slow pace and the mounds of dirty unwanted snow begin to melt, it’s time to put on a warm jacket, grab a shovel and head outdoors. This spring, gardeners will need to focus on the importance of amending their garden soil. Amending and prepping the soil will be critical after the stress imposed by snow and cold temperatures, which has caused high compaction conditions to the soil. Soil compaction occurs when a stress is applied to

Plant young seedlings in a pot first to allow them to grow before planting them in the garden.

the soil, in this case snow and cold temperatures. The compaction of the soil closes pores, minimizing their usefulness in absorbing nutrients, making it difficult for roots to grow and for oxygen, water and nutrients to move freely through the soil to be absorbed by the roots of trees, shrubs, flowers and vegetables. Soil compaction may be reduced by following these steps: • Remove winter debris from planting beds. • Pull up any weed seedlings starting to sprout. Early weeding can help prevent weeds from germinating once the weather starts to warm up. • Turn the soil. Start loosening soil by scratching the surface with a long-handled cultivator, then begin to work the cultivator or straight-edge spade into the top layer of soil. Be careful around the roots of existing plants and spring flowering bulbs.

• Add a soil amendment. Replenish your soils nutrients with organic compost. Bumper Crop is carried in reputable garden centers, and is a highly recommended soil amendment. Bumper Crop is everything you need to help reduce compaction in one bag: organic matter to feed the roots and peat moss to increase moisture retention and maintain adequate pore space. • Replenish mulch. Mulching beds is an ongoing product as it is an organic material that will decompose after time, feeding the roots. Mulch helps to keep soil moist and also acts as a barrier between freshly amended soil and natural elements, such as late-spring snow or heavy spring rain. Mulch should be applied after planting spring annuals as well. Keep your fingers crossed for spring to come soon! In the meantime, enjoy reveling in the soil!

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HOME IMPROVEMENT

MARCH 2014 | №6

This Year's Fashionable Spring Color Schemes

OW, what a winter! I think I shoveled more snow this year than in any single year – ever. Luckily, I had my 16-year-old son to help me out and even the publisher of Your NewsMag my wife Jill - helped out too. Oh yes, she’s more than just creative, she can push a mean shovel. Anyway, spring is here and it is the season to maintain our most valuable asset, our homes. I am a painting contractor of 26 years. This was a rough year on our homes and it would be a good idea to take a walk around the house and inspect for any damage. I like to take a pair of binoculars with me so I can better see the high spots. You would be surprised at what you see. Check for cracks around windows, peeling paint, falling shingles, rotted wood or the

more common sight, mildew. As the sun begins to shine more brightly we can see much more. Even the inside of the house looks a little different. Sometimes a room will show its true colors (ha,ha) in the light of day and may seem a little faded due to heat from radiators, and the many times the boiler has to kick on to keep us warm. I’m so glad spring is coming and the season of rebirth is here. As always, I will be refreshing the appearance of many homes this year. If anyone in the communities is in need of assistance or advice I am always available. Call Marc Bromberg Painting at 3780391 or shoot an email to mtpbromberg@ aol.com. Have a happy and fun season. Marc Bromberg Painting

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ENTERTAINMENT

№6 | MARCH 2014

Entertainment

in your neighborhood B ellmore Bean Café, 2718 Grand Avenue, Bellmore (804-4624) Friday, March 21: Chelsea and

Scott Saturday, March 22: Anna Green Friday, March 28: Schyler Grant Saturday, March 29: Artist Showcase Open mic night every Thursday, starting at 8 p.m. Comedy open mic night every Monday, starting at 7 p.m. If you, or someone you know, would like to play at the Bellmore Bean Café, call Francesca at 804-4624, or email the café at bellmorebean@icloud.com Jugs-N-Strokers, 18228 Sunrise Highway, Merrick (623-4449) Live music Wednesdays through Saturdays, including the sounds of The Rogues, Trainwreck, Southern Exposure, Joe Vicino and friends, and more.

K.J. Farrell’s, 242 Pettit Avenue, Bellmore (804-9925) Thursday, March 20: Songs in the Attic, 7 p.m.; live karaoke, 10 p.m. Songs in the Attic is a music tribute band playing Billy Joel material, and featuring singer/piano player David Clark. Friday, March 21: Off the Record, 7 p.m.; Electrix, 10 p.m. Off the Record, a LI/NYC cover band, plays classic rock, blues, funk, soul, R&B, Motown and British Invasion. Electrix, formed in 1995, jam to the sounds of the Grateful Dead and the Allman Brothers. Saturday, March 22: For the Record, 7 p.m.; Us & Floyd, 10 p.m. For The Record’s six-piece ensemble plays classic rock, funk and pop, including early Beatles, Doobie Brothers and America. [CONT. ON PAGE 30]

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ENTERTAINMENT

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Crossword Puzzle Answers

Entertainment

in your neighborhood [CONT. FROM PAGE 29] Us & Floyd is a Pink Floyd cover band. Sunday, March 23: Prunebelly Syndrome Fundraiser, 1 p.m. Music from Nicolls Road, Liverpool, Shuffle and special

guests Godfrey Townsend, Steve Holly and members of Wonderous Stories. Monday, March 24: Open mic and jam night, 8 p.m. Jam with Kenny Forgione and friends, including Tru

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

MARCH 2014 | №6

Doty, Ed Canova and Mike Marks all using a full backline, with professional stage/ lighting/sound engineer. GUITARISTS NEEDED! Wednesday, March 26: Wonderous Stories, 8 p.m. One of Long Island’s top-drawing bands, its influences include Led Zeppelin, the Beatles, Genesis, The Who, Elton John, The Moody Blues, ELP, Jethro Tull and more. Thursday, March 27: All Revved Up, 7 p.m.; Live Karaoke, 10 p.m. All Revved Up is a seven-piece band all revved up to play Meat Loaf songs all night long. Friday, March 28: Spoonwalk, 7 p.m.; The Mystic, 10 p.m. Ramone Spoony and Frank Walker formed Spoonwalk in 2000 and play originals, and have recorded “The Only One.” They also play and sing popular music. The Mystic is a cover band playing 60s mu-

sic through today's sounds. Saturday, March 29: Tuesday Afternoon, 7 p.m.; Petty Rumours, 10 p.m. Tuesday Afternoon is Long Island’s premiere Moody Blues tribute band. Petty Rumours combine Tom Petty and Stevie Nicks songs to provide double the listening pleasure! Monday, March 31: open mic and jam night, 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 1: Acoustic open mic, 8 p.m. hosted by Frank Walker Wednesday, April 2: Wonderous Stories, 8 p.m. Thursday, April 3: Dave Diamond Trio, 7 p.m.; Live Karaoke, 10 p.m. Friday, April 4: Fivestone, 7 p.m.; 45RPM,10 p.m. Saturday, April 5: Catfish John, 7 p.m.; Halfstep,. 10 p.m. Monday, April 7: Open mic and jam, 8 p.m. RS Jones, 153 Merrick Avenue, Merrick (378-7177) Friday, March 21: Jan Slow

Saturday, March 22: Welldiggers Wednesday, March 26: The Biscuit Kings Thursday, March 27: Woody Mack Friday, March 28: Chic ‘n Martini Saturday, March 29: Breakaway

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

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.

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

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 Merrick Theatre and Center for the Arts, 2222 Hewlett Avenue, Merrick (868-6400) Through Sunday, April 6: “All Shook Up” – revue Saturday, April 26 through Sunday, May 18: “The Murder Room” – a mystery farce Saturday, May 31 through Sunday, June 22: “Guys and Dolls” – musical Open three days a week, shows on Friday and Saturday nights begin at 8 p.m., and on Sundays at 3 p.m. Ticket prices are $21. On Fridays and Sundays ticket prices are $18 for seniors and students only.

№6 | MARCH 2014

ENTERTAINMENT

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Something to wine about—How to get the most bang for your buck By Linda Delmonico Prussen

s seasoned wine lovers know, life is too short to drink bad wine. But you can drink good, affordable - heck - even cheap wine! You just need to know where to look and what to look for. Stores that buy in bulk may have lower prices, but you need to ask yourself if a long drive is worth your time or gas. Most wine and liquor stores will give you a discount if you buy a case—even a mixed case of 12 different wines, or six magnums. There are tips you can use in any wine store to get quality wine at cheaper prices. Start by heading south. Consistent and consistently low priced right-now wines are Argentinian and Chilean Malbec. In fact, Chilean wines overall have great value. Another bold red with rock bottom prices is the Sicilian Nero d’Avola. Prefer white? A light refreshing and refreshingly cheap wine is Portugal’s Vinho Verde. This is a lower alcohol wine that is perfect for the summer. Another wine region producing reliable and affordable wine options is South Africa.

It helps to understand some factors that can make a wine more expensive,—and it isn’t just quality. In certain areas the cost of farming, production or even the land can be more expensive. Also, certain grapes are more difficult to grow and to produce as wine. For example, Pinot Noir grapes have very thin skins and are sensitive to temperature changes, mildew and fungus. If you look through a brand’s varietals you will find their Pinot Noir is almost always a bit more expensive. And with varietals that are more expensive, like Pinot Noir, it isn’t worth trying to buy “cheap.” Another reason some wines cost more can be the name. If a certain brand is thought of as the go-to wine for that varietal, a once affordable wine can skyrocket in price. A superior marketing campaign doesn’t necessarily represent a superior wine.

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MARCH 2014 | №6

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