Half Hollow Hills Newspaper - March 8, 2012

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VOLUME FOURTEEN, ISSUE 51

24 PAGES

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012

MELVILLE MELVILLE

Attorney Tied To Illicit Scheme

Temple Stands By Caterer Former chef, GM allege non-kosher food was made in kitchen

By Danny Schrafel

By Mike Koehler

dschrafel@longislandernews.com

mkoehler@longislandernews.com

A Melville man was one of 36 arrested by the FBI and NYPD last week in connection with a $279million insurance scheme.

According to the indictment filed by U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara, attorney Matthew Conroy was a member of the New York City-based “No-Fault Organization” and provided legal advice to other criminals scamming auto insurance companies.

The alleged bosses of the criminal organization were largely ethnic Russians. Everyone was taken into custody on Feb. 29.

“Today’s charges expose a colossal criminal trifecta, as the fraud’s tentacles simultaneously reached into the medical system, the legal system, and the insurance system, pulling out cash to fund the defendants’ lavish lifestyles. As alleged, the scheme relied on a cadre of corrupt doctors who essentially peddled their medical licenses like a corner fraudster (Continued on page A21)

Following allegations from a pair of former employees that Morrell Catering was violating kosher traditions at Temple Beth Torah, temple leaders announced last week they are standing behind Morrell.

Morrell Catering will continue to provide services for the Melville temple following a series of meetings between Morrell and temple leaders, catering company owner Scott Morrell said.

“We are taking affirmative steps to guarantee that Jewish traditions are consistently monitored in the kitchen because allegations of any kind are so difficult to refute.

The truth is it can take decades to build trust and just moments to have that reputation destroyed,” Morrell said in a statement. “I am grateful to the president, board and rabbi at Temple Beth Torah, that they have displayed their confidence in me and our longstanding integrity.”

Temple Beth Torah President Randy Zornberg said the agreement would allow the congregation to move past the scandal.

“There are simchas [celebrations] and let’s all cele(Continued on page A21)

Morrell Catering owner Scott Morrell talks to a chef in the kitchen. Temple Beth Torah is backing the caterer after two former Morrell employees alleged non-kosher food was prepared in the temple’s kitchen.

An Important Notice To Our Readers In the weeks ahead we will be making changes to the way we distribute the Half Hollow Hills Newspaper to our readers.

When we started the newspaper in 1996, we opted to distribute the newspaper free by US Mail to residents of Dix Hills and Melville communities. Due to rising print and mail costs that model is no longer sustainable. We know, too, that many prefer getting their news on the computer, so we are making the full newspaper available electronically. Or free copies will be available at retaail locations throughout the community.

Whether you prefer the print edition or the FREE electronic version, we know you love your newspaper, so we are making it available three ways:

1. PICK UP A COPY You can pick up FREE copies every week at location that you visit regularly: libraries, banks, fitness centers, drug stores and numerous retail outlets. The list of locations is in formation and will be printed in future editions as well as on our website www.HalfHollowNews.com.

2. GO DIGITAL Sign up to receive the paper electronically by going to www.HalfHollowNews.com. You will receive a weekly e-mail update with that week’s edition in an easy-to-use electronic reader format or PDF. (iPad and iPhone users, choose PDF) In both cases it is the full newspaper in teh format you are used to reading.

3. SUSCRIBE If you wish to continue receiving the print version of the newspaper delivered to your mailbox, the subscription rate is $21 a year ($37 for two years; $56 for three years). Find a form inside this newspaper or send your check and subscriber information to Long Islander Newspapers, 149 Main Street, Huntington NY 11743.

Whatever method you choose, we will continue working hard to bring you the news you want to read. Act now to continue enjoying the Half Hollow Hills Newspaper.

Michael Schenkler Peter Sloggatt Publisher Associate Publisher Long Islander’s Half Hollow Hills Newspaper

Spring Ahead

LONG ISLANDER NEWSPAPERS: WINNERS OF EIGHT N.Y. PRESS ASSOCIATION AWARDS SINCE 2008

Spring is in the air! Daylight Saving Time begins at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 11, so don’t forget to set the clocks ahead an hour.

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A2 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • MARCH 8, 2012

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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • MARCH 8, 2012 • A3

We are making changes to the way we distribute the Half Hollow Hills Newspaper to our readers. We know you love us... we are your eyes and ears on government, politics, school news, arts and culture in the Dix Hills and Melville communities. But to continue enjoying the Half Hollow Hills Newspaper, you need to act now and choose your method of delivery.

The newspaper will be available three ways.

1. PICK UP A COPY

FREE copies will be available at that you visit regularly -- libraries, banks, drug stores, fitness centers and numerous retail outlets throughout the community. The list of locations is in formation and will be posted in the newspaper on on our website.

2. GO DIGITAL

Sign up to receive the paper electronically to read on your computer by going to www.HalfHollowNews.com. You may opt to receive a weekly update that provides a link to an electronic reader, or you can get the full newspaper delivered to your inbox in PDF format. In both cases it is the same format of the newspaper you are used to reading.

3. SUBSCRIBE

You may continue receiving the print version of the newspaper delivered to your mailbox at a cost of just $21 a year. Simply fill in the coupon below and send with payment to: Long Islander Newspapers, 149 Main Street, Huntington NY 11743, or sign up at

www.HalfHollowNews.com

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POLICE REPORT Compiled by Mike Koehler

Parade Day Is Here!

Was It Natural Causes?

Getting out my green…One of my favorite days They’re so fluffy! We’ve all enjoyed/fumed the of the year is this Sunday – Huntington St. Patrick’s lack of winter this winter – highly dependant Parade day! The march kicks off at 2 p.m. but you whether you prefer the beach can bet your bottom dollar I’ll or the slopes, but I’ve got a be out there much earlier, question for everybody.

IN THE KNOW decked out in my green and What’s going to happen to all WITH AUNT ROSIE waving the Irish flag around of the fat animals? Mother like every other parade watcher. Huntington village Nature directs her animal comes so alive every year with the biggest parade critters to don heavy winter outside of New York City, and what a sight it is! I’m coats, store extra food, gorge in the fall and/or hialways mesmerized by the number of pipe bands bernate. But what happens when the worst of the marching down New York Avenue. Oh, and the winter is a few inches of snow and mostly above corned beef! There is so much to be happy about freezing? I was watching a pair of squirrels outside come March 11. I hope to see you there! my home last month, both exceptionally large. And the other day I noticed a few robust birds twittering about. So what happens when spring actually arSpring sprung early… in Huntington village, rives? Are smaller critters now slower and bigger that is! With the crocuses getting a head start on targets for larger animals? Will they continue to eat the season, so too did some business owners. Not themselves into another pants size? Inquiring – and only is our old office space getting spruced up along worried – minds want to know! with another storefront down the road, I saw people on scaffolds, painting their facades and going allout to make sure their buildings look their best. But Happy with my dumb phone… I don’t know still, part of me wonders if Mother Nature is throwabout you, fellow older folks, but although I considing us all this nice, temperate weather to soften us er myself as “up with the times” as far as knowing up for a late-March surprise. After all, one of my terms like “Facebook” and “Twitter” and managing cousins was born dead-smack in a late-March blizmy own email account, I am not up with the times zard… so I, for one, am not putting my boots in the when it comes to actually participating in many of back of the closet – for a few weeks, anyway. these things. And smart phones is one of them. My phone does all I need it to do, thank you very much.

It rings. I answer. Usually. I have no need for all Hands at 10 and 2… Was it just me, or did those apps and device scanners. Just as I was museverybody on the road seem a little bit… I don’t ing over this, I received an email from my friend know… out of it last Friday? I can’t quite put my Ruth about the very same thing. She writes, “Do finger on it, but my friends on the road were not exyou see spots before your eyes? Have you noticed actly driving their best last week – myself included. the proliferation of squares with dots and splotchSpeeding, tailgating, leaning on the horn, swerving es? Evidently, one is supposed to read the hierohaphazardly – you name it, I saw it, and it wasn’t glyphics with one’s smart phone, iPad or whatever. I even raining. I wonder if the gravitational pull of do not have a smart phone and I feel frustrated. I’m the moon could have anything to do with it. obviously behind the times.” Don’t feel frustrated, my dear Ruth. This is why God gave us children This Buick does not turn… right on red. I’m and nieces and nephews… so they can go out and sorry – I just don’t like doing it. I’m sure the rightbuy smart phones and scan the hieroglyphics for us! on-red maneuver is easy enough to do, but the few And so we can occupy our minds with more importimes I’ve done it makes me very nervous that I’m tant things, like where to stand parade day. timing it right. And let me remind you – I don’t have to! So the next time I’m a at a red stop light, (Aunt Rosie wants to hear from you! If you have comI’d better not hear any of you guys honking at me ments, ideas, or tips about what’s happening in your because I refuse to turn before the light goes green. neck of the woods, write to me today and let me know It is merely an option to do so – not a mandate. the latest. To contact me, drop a line to Aunt Rosie, c/o Please respect those of us who’d rather wait an extra The Long-Islander, 149 Main Street, Huntington NY 30 seconds for the emerald all-clear.

11743. Or try the e-mail at aunt.rosieli@gmail.com)

Suffolk police were dispatched to a Huntington home on March 1. The complainant said someone damaged an outside storage container the day before.

Who Can See Handiwork On A Closed Site?

A representative of a construction company called Suffolk County police on Feb. 28 to report graffiti on a trailer in South Huntington. An unknown person broke down a fence to gain access to the construction site.

So Where’s The Cash?

Suffolk police were dispatched to a hotel and wedding venue in Cold Spring Hills about a major theft on Feb. 28. The complainant reported that someone had stolen more than $1,000 in cash from a desk drawer earlier that month.

Man Allegedly Lands Punch To Head Suffolk police arrested a Huntington Station man in connection with a physical altercation on Feb. 28. The complainant told police he was punched in the back of the head at a Huntington Station home. The 26-yearold was charged with assault.

That’s Still Stealing Two Wheatley Heights women were arrested by Suffolk County police on Feb. 27 in connection with a theft of service. The women supposedly had a tire repaired at a Dix Hills gas station and left without paying for it.

They were charged with petit larceny.

Rocks Are Not Toys Suffolk police responded to a Huntington Station commercial carpentry company about criminal mischief on Feb. 26. The complainant said youths were throwing rocks at a window. Police found glass in the front door broken by rocks.

Thief Grabs Guitar, Computers, Camera Suffolk police were dispatched to a Huntington home on Feb. 25 about a burglary. An unknown person entered through an unlocked door, before making off with jewelry, two laptops, a camera and a guitar.

Slapping Another Player Was Probably A Bad Idea Send a photo of your pre-school age child or your favorite pet along with a brief anecdotal background and we’ll consider it for “Baby Faces” or “Pet Faces.” For babies, include baby’s full name, date of birth, hometown and names of parents and grandparents. For pets, please include the pet’s name, age, hometown and breed, if applicable. Send to info@longislandernews.com or mail it to: Baby of the Week or Pet of the Week, c/o Long-Islander, 149 Main St., Huntington, NY 11743. Please include a daytime phone number for verification purposes.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK BRYCE GARCIA

“I remember being really thirsty and the next thing I know was that I was singing and they were just staring at me.”

Singer Plans To Audition Again for ‘Idol’, PAGE A5

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Northport Village police received a report early on Feb. 25 of an injured man sitting on a bench along Woodbine Avenue holding his arm. The man admitted he was intoxicated and had been playing a “possibly illegal card game around the corner.” At one point he slapped another player in the face, prompting the other players to “beat him” and kick him out. The man responded to police inquiries about specific locations and identities with vague answers. The responding officer told him he would need to respond to headquarters with specific information after getting medical treatment if he wanted to pursue charges. The Northport Fire Department took him to Huntington Hospital.

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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • MARCH 8, 2012 • A5

DIX HILLS

Singer Plans To Audition Again For ‘Idol’

By Stephanie DeLuca sdeluca@longislandernews.com

When Bryce Garcia, of Dix Hills, was in fifth grade, his parents discovered he had musical talent. Now 19 years old, Garcia landed himself a spot on FOX’s hit show “American Idol.”

He was eliminated from the show’s 11th season during the second round, but it was an experience well worth his time.

“It was incredible. I think it was the best thing I’ve ever done,” Garcia said. “It was really cool. I got to compete against really talented people.”

Being eliminated hadn’t discouraged Garcia. He plans to return to the “Idol” stage next season.

“Right when I got eliminated I said, ‘Thank you… I’ll see you next year,’ and they laughed and they said, ‘See you next year, Bryce,’” Garcia said laughing. “I thank everyone at home who was so supportive when they found out I got on the show. It really was amazing and I hope not to disappoint next year.”

His journey began last summer when he took a trip to Pittsburgh, Penn. with his father to audition. Garcia had his first audition in July, and then was asked to come back to audition for the celebrity

judges in September. He said he was star struck when he met the judges, Jennifer Lopez, Steve Tyler and Randy Jackson.

“It was awesome. It was so nerve wracking I didn’t know what to do. I ran in the room and J-Lo is really, really pretty and I really didn’t know what to do,” Garcia said. “Randy called me ‘dawg’ right when I walked in the room and I just felt like I was dreaming. I didn’t know how to react… I was really nervous and I remember being really thirsty and the next thing I know was that I was singing and they were just staring at me.”

Garcia said he loves to listen to country-pop music including Jason Mraz, Rascal Flatts and Gavin Degraw. His song choice for the audition was “God Bless the Broken Road” by Rascal Flatts.

On the “Idol” episode that aired Jan. 19, Garcia got three yeses from the judges and was on his way to Hollywood.

He was one of 38 participants in Pennsylvania who received a golden ticket to move on to the next round, and one of more than 300 hopefuls nationwide sent to Hollywood.

Rehearsals were grueling, Garcia recalled, adding that he spent the majority of the day practicing songs and working with a vocal coach. He and 185 others sang their way into the second round,

MELVILLE

110 Bridge Demolition The 65-year-old Northern State Parkway bridge over Route 110 is coming down this weekend.

Route 110 will be partially closed during the day on Saturday, March 10, then fully closed throughout Sunday, March 11, in the vicinity of the Northern State Parkway interchange. The daytime closures are in addition to the full nighttime closures of Route 110 that have been in effect as part of the $56-million Interchange Replacement Project.

On March 10, a single northbound and a single southbound travel lane will remain open between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. Route 110 will then be fully closed beginning 10 p.m. Saturday and continuing throughout March 11. Only local southbound traffic will be permitted on Route 110 between Schwab Road and the bridge during the full closure on Sunday.

Route 110 will be fully open by 5 a.m.

Monday, March 12.

The demolition of the old bridge will help facilitate the construction of the new bridge over Route 110. As part of this project, entrance and exit ramps are being reconfigured and Route 110 is being widened.

Other improvements, such as sidewalks and pedestrian facilities, adequate vertical clearance for trucks, drainage, landscaping and other improvements are being implemented.

In addition, new traffic patterns in the area have been reconfigured to provide access to the temporary bridge.

Northern Parkway lanes in both directions travel lanes have been shifted slightly south, and will remain that way until the new bridge is open to traffic.

DOT officials estimate that approximately 120,000 motorists utilize the interchange each day.

which called for group performances, but that was as far as Garcia would go. He was eliminated in the Feb. 15 episode.

“My group had a lot of drama. I forgot the words on stage in the beginning and then I caught my words and sang through the song. Then a girl in my group fainted on stage and we had to run and catch her. Our whole group fell apart on stage. It was pretty crazy,” he said.

Since Garcia left the “Idol” stage, the top 13 contestants had been chosen, as of Monday.

Singing has always been Garcia’s passion ever since he was young.

“I was practicing my fifth grade graduation song in front of the mirror… and my older brother walked in on me and he said, ‘Come with me,’ and he dragged me downstairs and told me to sing for mom…Then I did and she said, ‘Look at that, you can sing,’” Garcia said.

The Half Hollow Hills West grad has many entertainment professionals on his father’s side of the family, including wedding singers and others who play the piano and guitar.

While in middle school, Garcia said he had stage fright, but overcame his fear after an incident where he sang a solo and forgot the words to the song.

“I felt that everyone was laughing at me. So in high school I got a little bit better and I tried to do musicals and jazz group after school and sang in chorus,” he said.

Garcia always watched “American Idol” with his parents and dreamed of one day being on that stage as one of the contestants. Little did he know, his dream would

Hills West grad Bryce Garcia sang his way to Hollywood on FOX’s hit show “American Idol.” come true.

“Every single season [my parents] said, ‘You’ll be up there one day,’ and I said, ‘The show will be done by the time I’m eligible,’” he remembered. “This year everyone just pushed me to do it and I decided to just do it.”

If Garcia doesn’t reach stardom, he plans on producing and directing films.

Currently, the 19-year-old attends Syracuse University, where he studies television, radio and film. He also sings in an a capella group at school called “Orange Appeal.”

A6 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • MARCH 8, 2012

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MELVILLE

Celebrating Their ‘Cancerversary’ In A Big Way Two sisters kick off 10-week fundraising campaign

By Stephanie DeLuca sdeluca@longislandernews.com

Two sisters who graduated from Huntington High School are cancer survivors, and they want to give back to the organization that helped them overcome their diseases as well as celebrate their “cancerversaries.”

To commemorate surviving after their cancer diagnoses, Erin Zammett Ruddy, who was diagnosed 10 years ago, and her sister Melissa Zammett Gonzalez, who was diagnosed a year after Ruddy, are taking part in a 10-week-long “The Man and Woman of the Year” fundraising competition to raise money for the Melvillebased Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS). The organization’s mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

“This is our first [cancerversary]. I would celebrate it each year… but 10 years felt like it was a big deal and we also wanted to do something that was major,” Ruddy said.

Ruddy, who was volleyball star at Huntington High School and is now a full-time freelance writer living in Centerport, was diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia 10 years ago at 23 years old, while working at Glamour. After 18 months of treatments and taking a drug called Gleevec, she was in remission. Due to her type of cancer, she has to stay on the pill forever.

A year after Ruddy found out she had cancer, Gonzalez, who still lives in Huntington and works as a certified public accountant, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. She was seven months pregnant with her first child.

“I had a lump on my neck for a while but it wasn’t that big and then I woke up one morning and it was the size of a tennis ball,” Gonzalez said.

While pregnant, she was doing chemotherapy – which was tested and found safe for the fetus. After the baby

was born, Gonzalez continued with treatment. About nine months after she finished her treatment, she relapsed and had a stem-cell transplant. She has been cancer free for the last seven years.

Today, the women’s lives are “full, hectic, fabulous and great.”

To help other patients and family members, the sisters have planned various events and will be accepting donations through their website from March 8 through May 17. Ruddy and Gonzalez set their goal at $100,000.

If their goal is met, each of them can get their name on a research grant at a hospital in their honor.

Ruddy and Gonzalez’ first event will be held at RexerParkes clothing boutique in Huntington village on April 4. Ruddy said Elizabeth Rexer’s father died of lymphoma a few years ago, and she wanted to get involved with the sisters’ campaign.

Joanina wine shop and restaurant will be donating its services for the night, and Rexer-Parkes will be giving 15 percent of their sales from 6 to 9 p.m. to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Men can also shop, with offerings from Joseph Custom Clothier’s menswear.

Their flagship event will be held at Honu in Huntington village on April 30.

“Mark Zecher at Honu has been fantastic to work with. We wanted to do a local place that has a good vibe, good food, big bar and big space where we could fit a ton of people,” Ruddy said.

For $125, participants can enjoy an open bar from 7 to 10 p.m. as well as food, dancing and a performance by a 10-man a capella band, Straight No Chaser. There will also be a silent auction. A few of the items include packages from the Mets, Yankees, Giants, vacation packages, David Yurman jewelry and Michele watches.

The girls are hoping to raise $50,000 at the Honu event alone. All tickets must be purchased in advance on their website, erinzammettruddy.com.

“We wanted to do so many things locally in Hunting-

Sisters Melissa and Erin are taking part in a 10-week-long fundraising campaign to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. ton because it’s not just about raising money but it’s about celebrating that Melissa and I are doing so well and inviting people who have been a big part of a journey to celebrate with us,” Ruddy said.

Ruddy and Gonzalez also have two other big events.

One is a kids’ soccer clinic on April 18 in Larchmont in Westchester County, with special guests Ethan Zohn from “Survivor” and also a lymphoma survivor and patient.

The sisters are also working with Body and Soul in Huntington for a day of yoga, Bottles and Cases to plan a promotional day, and Pump It Up – a bouncy-house facility – for a kids event. Dates have not been confirmed but will be listed on their website soon.

The winners of the Man and Woman of the Year competition will be announced May 17 at the grand finale gala at Capitale in Manhattan.

“I hope people come out and support LLS because it’s such a great organization that did so much for Erin and me when we had cancer, for my family, and still continues to do that for people today,” Gonzalez said.

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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • MARCH 8, 2012 • A7

TOWN OF HUNTINGTON

Board Considers Bamboo Regulations Following complaints, town considers fines, strict regulations to prevent spread dschrafel@longislandernews.com

Legislation coming before the Huntington Town Board during a March 13 public hearing would mandate that town residents prevent the spread of bamboo to their neighbors’ properties should a problem arise.

Councilwoman Susan Berland, who said bamboo has been on her radar for a couple of years, said the plant’s status as a moderately-invasive species allows the town to regulate how it is maintained, but not ban it.

“You can have it and keep it as long as you keep it on your own property,” Berland said of her law. “There’s been a lot of people who have contacted me in the office over the years.”

Berland’s proposal would direct property owners to take steps to prevent the bamboo on their property from spreading to another parcel. Two choices are: removing it entirely or building barriers to stop the spread, such as installing a concrete

barrier at least 4 feet deep on their property line. Existing incidents of spreading bamboo will not be grandfathered in, Berland said.

A first violation would carry a $300$3,000 fine for every day the violation exists; the third and subsequent offenses would cost a homeowner $500$5,000 a pop.

“A lot of people buy their homes unsuspectingly. Their neighbors have planted bamboo and you put in your patio and your pool,” Berland said. “Then, the neighbor’s bamboo is coming through the patio, the pool and the Jacuzzi and wrecking everything.”

Chuck Brady, of Huntington Station, said his mother has been grappling with bamboo on her Huntington property for the last 30 years.

“We spent four days cutting it down, and within a couple of months, it was back,” he said of efforts to contain the spread a couple years ago. “She has a deep piece of property, so it’s in the back of the property, so it’s not affecting her [with

DIX HILLS

First Blight Hearings

By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandernews.com

The Huntington Town Board will hold its first series of public hearings under a new town law targeting blighted properties next Tuesday, but officials said the legislation might be already having an impact.

Eighteen properties in total – two in Dix Hills, nine in Huntington Station, four in Huntington and one each in Northport, East Northport and Greenlawn – will be the subject of a public hearing March 13 under the town’s new blight law. The code allows the town to go into properties determined to have a critical mass of violations, correct those deficiencies and charge the cost – and a fee for registering the property on the

blighted building registry – to the owners’ town tax bill.

However, five of those properties might already be on the path to compliance, said Councilwoman Susan Berland, who sponsored the legislation to create the blight registry.

“It seems to be accomplishing the desired result without having to go to the next step,” Berland said. “The ones that we have to go to the next step with, we will.”

A public hearing is the final stop in a four-step process for properties deemed blighted by a Public Safety officer. Following Tuesday’s public hearing, the town could declare the property a nuisance, fix it and bill the owner for the repairs. Surplus revenue would go to a (Continued on page A23)

property damage] – but it’s an eyesore more than anything else.”

But Councilman Mark Cuthbertson, who cast the dissenting vote on scheduling the public hearing, said while he understands his colleagues’ desire to satisfy residents, regulating bamboo could start the town down a slippery legislative slope.

“Where do you draw the line at regulating invasive plants? There are species that are more invasive than bamboo. Are you going to regulate them as well?” he said.

“When people have issues with their neighbors, whether it’s bamboo or water that floods, is it the role of local government to inject themselves on this dispute?”

Alissa Taff, president of the Civic Association of Sweet Hollow in Dix Hills, urged the town board to cast a larger, more generalized net on invasive plant growth and encourage residents to be good neighbors.

“I don’t think we have to be specific to a plant type… but if something is impeding on someone else’s property, it should be cleaned up,” she said. “If you don’t want it on your property, you can imagine they don’t want it on their property.”

At Town Hall on Feb. 6, Councilman Gene Cook pushed Cuthbertson on why he opposed a public hearing “This is to schedule a public hearing, not to decide on the bamboo, so I don’t see a problem with that,” Cook said. “Isn’t it our job to listen to everyone and hear what they have to say? I think it’s very important.”

Half Hollow Hills photo/Danny Schrafel

By Danny Schrafel

Bamboo, pictured growing on Saw Mill Road in Cold Spring Harbor, will be the subject of a public hearing at Town Hall next Tuesday.

Cuthbertson replied that his opposition was so strong that he could not even support scheduling a hearing on the topic.

“There are some decisions I can make right away and I know that I’m not going to vote to regulate bamboo, nor do I think we should occupy the town board’s time with this public hearing about whether we should regulate bamboo,” Cuthbertson said.

The public hearing is scheduled for 7 p.m. on March 13.

A8 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • MARCH 8, 2012

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Opinion

Sen

d letters to The Editor, : Half Hollow H il ls N ewspaper, 149 M Huntington ain Street, , New Y or e-mail us ork 11743 at info@long islanderne ws.com

‘Not the types set up by the printer return their impression, the meaning, the main concern.’

Cleaning Up The Town The Town of Huntington has made it clear that the property is not blighted. If that that it is not one to turn a blind eye to blight doesn’t work, they must reach a Restoration in the community.

Agreement with the town and describe how It’s an important point to pay attention to. and when they will repair the property.

Severe cases of blight not only affect the The law appears to already be working. Acproperty itself, but also the neighborhood cording to Councilwoman Susan Berland, and community around it. who sponsored the legislation to create the Eighteen blighted properties throughout blight registry, five of those 18 properties town will be the subject of a public hearing seem to be on a path of compliance.

Tuesday under the town’s new blight law.

That tells us that the law has great potenThe hearing will consider authortial when it comes to effectiveizing the town to correct the blight EDITORIAL ness. For more than 25 percent conditions and direct the costs of of targeted properties’ owners to those cleanups to be added to the owners’ make moves shows that the consequences property tax bills. are hefty enough to be avoided.

Nine of the 18 properties are in HuntingThis is not the first “clean-up” act we’ve ton Station, four are in Huntington, two are seen the town go after recently. Projects to in Dix Hills and one each in Greenlawn, remove graffiti have been under way, and efNorthport and East Northport. All received forts to remove eyesores, like 1000 New scores of greater than 100 on the point sys- York Ave., which was razed last year to make tem designed to determine if a property is way for new stores, have gained ground. considered blighted after inspections by We are in favor of anything that makes town code enforcement officers. this town a better place to live, and so far, The law gives property owners a chance to the anti-blight effort falls into that category. redeem the property in question. The prop- What’s more, surplus revenue, goes straight erty owner can stay off the blight registry by to a beautification fund. This could help proving within 30 days of the inspection fund revitalization and anti-blight efforts.

Letters to the editor are welcomed by Long Islander Newspapers. We reserve the right to edit in the interest of space and clarity. All letters must be handsigned and they must include an address and daytime telephone number for verification. Personal attacks and letters considered in poor taste will not be printed. We cannot publish every letter we receive due to space limitations.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Fighting For Northport Sewer Plant DEAR EDITOR: Today [Feb. 29] we took the next step in securing funding to upgrade the Northport Sewage Treatment Plant.

Accompanied by Northport Village Mayor George Doll, Suffolk County Deputy Presiding Officer Wayne Horsley, Suffolk County Planning Director Sarah Lansdale, Town of Huntington Councilman Gene Cook and Deputy Supervisor Patricia Del Col, I toured the plant and was briefed on the details of the Wastewater Facility Upgrade Plan. Surrounded by community and business leaders, engineers and plant operators, we had a hearty discussion about the imminent need for funding to resolve the critical environmental and fiscal issues facing the residents of Northport and the surrounding neighborhoods. The meeting was productive and encouraging.

We will need to work together to fight for this funding and I welcome the public support for

this important project. Shortly, we will file our formal application to the Suffolk County Sewer Infrastructure Review Committee. This project has public health and financial implications that will impact the Town of Huntington for many years.

Please feel free to provide us with your input and suggestions by contacting my district office at 631-854-4500.

WILLIAM SPENCER

County Legislator 18th District

Protecting Women’s Health Care Rights Editor’s note: The following remarks were delivered by U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand Feb. 29 on the Senate floor against the Blunt Amendment.

DEAR EDITOR: It is with great disappointment and bafflement that I stand here yet again in the year 2012 to draw a line in the sand against

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another outrageous attempt to roll back women's access to basic health care services. After insisting that we debate the long-settled concept of providing access to birth control when 99 percent of American women use this medication at some point in their life, many of whom use it not even for contraception, Republicans have chosen to take another extreme step to roll back all women's health care rights.

So instead of talking about how to grow our economy, we are wasting time on the latest overreach and intrusion into women's lives. When will my colleagues understand this very non-debatable fact, that the decision of whether a woman takes one medicine or another or what type of health care she should have access to should not be the decision of her boss?...

What could be more intrusive than that? Let me be clear. This debate, as you said, Senior Senator from New York, Mr. President, as you said in your remarks, this has nothing to do with religious freedom. You don't have to take it from me.

Take it from Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, one of the most conservative justices of our Supreme Court. In the majority decision in 1990, Employment Division v. Smith, Justice Scalia wrote, “we have never held an individual's religious belief excused him from compliance with an otherwise valid law prohibiting that the state is free to regulate.” That is what we're seeing here. Employers cannot pick or choose which laws they're going to follow....

This extreme amendment Republicans are bringing up for a vote today makes it clear as day, this is a political and ideological overreach, not a religious issue. The fact that they want to exempt all businesses from providing any preventive care for a woman is outrageous and a clear, callous disregard of the health and well-being of America’s women. The Blunt Amendment would allow any insurer or employer to refuse coverage for any health care service otherwise required under the Affordable Care Act, jeopardizing vital and necessary health care for millions of Americans, services like prenatal care that help our babies survive, fertility treatments, testing for HIV, mental health services, screening for cervical cancer, screening for type 2 diabetes, vaccinations, coverage for any or all of these services and countless of others could be denied to any person under this radically broad amendment.

Children's health groups are opposing this amendment be-

Michael Schenkler Publisher

Mike Koehler Danny Schrafel Stephanie DeLuca Reporters

KIRSTEN GILLIBRAND

U.S. Senator

Peter Sloggatt Associate Publisher/Managing Editor

Luann Dallojacono Editor Ian Blanco Production/ Art Department

cause vaccines could be denied on the basis of personal beliefs. And denying childhood preventive care could negatively influence their health as adults, adding billions in additional health care costs throughout the lives of these children as they grow.

We will not stand for these attempts to undermine the ability of a woman to make her own decisions about what is best for her and what is best to protect her children. If our Republican colleagues want to continue to take on this issue head on, we will stand here as often as necessary to draw a line in the sand and to make it known that in the Senate we oppose these attacks on women's rights and women's health. And even if House Republicans aren't going to allow women's voices to be heard in their hearings, women's voices will surely be heard all across our country.

It's time to agree that women deserve access to preventive health care services regardless of where they work and who their boss is. And it is time to agree to get back to work on legislation that can create jobs and get our economy moving. That is what the American people want us to be debating. That is what our mission should be here in Congress. And that is where our sole focus should be, not on undermining protections and well-being for America’s women.

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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • MARCH 8, 2012 • A9

Life&Style FILM

Celebrating ‘Real Life’ Action Heroes Cinema Arts Centre hosts stuntman at event thanking emergency responders, armed forces Ever wondered how stuntman who fall from tall buildings or get lit on fire live to tell the tale?

Find out Wednesday as Huntington’s Cinema Arts Centre welcomes stuntman and director Hal Needham for a screening of “Smokey and the Bandit” starring Burt Reynolds, Sally Field and Jackie Gleason. As a thank you for their service, “real life action heroes” – active and retired firefighters, police officers, first responders and armed forces personnel – and a guest are invited at arts centre member prices.

A box office smash in 1977, “Smokey and the Bandit” marked the directorial debut of Needham, the highest paid stuntman in the world. He has broken 56 bones and his back (twice), was the first human to test the car airbag, and has fought for the respect and recognition that stuntmen and stuntwomen deserve for their contribution to the world of moviemaking. His many awards include an Emmy and an Academy Award.

Needham’s career has included work on 4,500 television episodes and 310 feature films. He directed 10 features, including the classics “Hooper” and “The Cannonball Run,” and set a trend in movies as the first director to show outtakes during end credits.

Also a NASCAR fixture, he was the first team owner to use telemetry technology. His Skoal-Bandit race team was one of the most popular NASCAR teams ever – second only to that of The King, Richard Petty.

Hal set Guinness World Records and was the financier and owner of the Budweiser Rocket Car (now on display in the Smithsonian Museum), the first land vehicle to break the sound barrier – traveling at 739.666 mph.

At the March 14 event, the director will sign copies

Director Hal Needham, the highest paid stuntman in the world, has broken 56 bones and his back, twice. He will visit Huntington’s Cinema Arts Centre March 14 to sign his book and screen “Smokey and the Bandit.” of his autobiography, “Stuntman!” The price of $9 for members and $13 for the public includes a viewing of the film and a discussion, reception and book signing with Needham. The event begins at 7 p.m. at Cinema

Arts Centre, located at 423 Park Ave. in Huntington.

Call 631-423-7611 or visit www.CinemaArtsCentre.org for more information. Beer at the reception will be provided by Canterbury Ales of Huntington village.

HISTORY

History Group Looks To Expand Trade Building Huntington Historical Society calls for public input on choice of five proposals

By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandernews.com

The public has a chance this week to weigh in on what they think the new, expanded headquarters of the Huntington Historical Society should look like.

Five architects – Hoffman Grayson, ADL3 Architecture, Jan Hird Pokorny Associates, LMP Arqitectos and Thaddeus Godek, RA, in association with CJB Associates – were invited to submit plans for how they would expand the Historical Society’s circa-1905 headquarters on Main Street. The expansion would be built in a vacant lot west of the building.

The plans must expand the Historical Society’s climate-controlled storage space, renovate the historic structure and construct a courtyard leading into the building for $1 million or less. The project also must address water infiltration issues, exterior brickwork, door and window upgrades; expand HVAC, fire suppression and energy-efficient lighting upgrades; and create handicapped access.

For the next 10 days, town residents are invited to come down to the Soldiers and Sailors Museum at 228 Main St. to view the five proposals and vote for their favorites.

“We thought the public should be interested and would be interested in it,” Toby Kissam, director of the Huntington Historical Society, said. “They would be if they get a chance to look at the different interpretations that have come in on the different plans.”

Once the public weighs in, a panel will make the final call, judging the plans on creativity, practicability, cost and the ability to create a sense of place that fits the parameters of the Old Town Hall Historic District. The public input, Kissam said, would provide valuable advisory guidance for the panel of 13, which will include historical society staffers, business people and some builders.

“Their opinions are going to be a visual sense – what looks best – but there’s a lot more to the plans as to how they’ve incorporated our needs inside,” Kissam said. “The final decision will be made by the board of the society. It’ll be interesting and useful to hear some of the comments form the public at large and the expertise from the panel.”

The proposals will be on display at the Soldiers and Sailors Building through March 18, Tuesdays through Fridays from 1-4 p.m. For more information, call the Huntington Historical Society at 631427-7045, ext. 401.

Five proposals for expanding the Huntington Historical Society’s circa-1905 Trade School headquarters.

A10 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • MARCH 8, 2012

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School Notebook

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Compiled by Luann Dallojacono

With Half Hollow Hills High School West’s top 20 – including valedictorian Jesse Schanback and salutatorian Tanya Jain (seated, fifth and sixth from left) – are Assistant Principal/Senior Class Advisor Naimah Trotter (standing, left), Director of Guidance Donna Gross (standing, second from left), Principal Wayne Ebanks (standing, right)

Hills Announces Top Students Half Hollow Hills recently announced the top 20 students from each high school in the Class of 2012.

Valedictorian Jesse Schanback and salutatorian Tanya Jain are at the top of the class at Hills West.

Joining them in the top 20 are: Lauren Barabash, Maha Chaudhry, Anthony DeMatteo, Malani Desai, Kimberly Dyckman, Daniel Jayson, Lauren Kiedaisch, Diana Knieste, Cameron Lee, Mikayla Loval, George Margulies, Abigail Ritter, Carly Rosen, Matthew Rudin, Julianna Schneider, Mackenzie Schneider, Davide Sferrazza and Trishna Sharma.

At Hills East, valedictorian Adam Needelman and salutatorian Aaron Schwartz led the pack.

Joining them in the top 20, in alphabetical order, are: Ricki Berkenfeld, Schuyler Berland, Michael Choi, Jonathan Fine, Bari Genoa, Rachel Golub, Jordan Gross, Matthew Henry, Jane Hung, Hannah Kenagy, Connie Long, Brittany Luntz, Madison Marisi, Christina Morello, Jeremy Schnapp, Aneesh Shah, Emily Half Hollow Hills High School East’s top 20 students, including valedictorian Adam Needelman and salutatorian Aaron Schwartz Stetzer and Eric Teplitz. (standing, fifth and sixth from left), with Principal Jeffery Woodberry.

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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • MARCH 8, 2012 • A11

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The

Foodie SECTION

Finley’s Classic Charm Foodie photos/Danny Schrafel

Get into the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day with Chicken Galway Bay, named after the body of water on Ireland’s west coast.

By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandernews.com

Finley’s of Greene Street touts itself as an “eating and drinking club,” and it lives up to both missions very well indeed.

Namesake John Finley, who passed away in late 2010 at age 67, still greets visitors on a painted wooden sign in the breezeway, holding a mug of beer in his hand. His sartorial elegance, including his trademark bowtie and straw boater hat, is on full display.

The two wings of Finley’s are connected by a breezeway in the middle. On one side is the bar, where the Finley’s gang has been on the vanguard of the craft beer scene since they opened in 1993. On the other side is the quiet, relaxing dining room. Its lace curtains and green tablecloths evoke old-world charm appropriate for the circa-1868 building, which is currently undergoing renovations.

While nibbling on a basket of bread, I dove into the chili ($8.95), which, if I had been behaving myself, could have been a meal on its own. A must for meat-lovers, Finley’s hearty recipe is loaded with chunks of beef and topped with green onions, diced tomatoes and cheese. Perfect for sharing, it’s not meant to be eaten with a spoon, but the abundant tortilla chips that surround the deceptively deep crock of chili.

Seafood choices, ranging from shrimp, calamari, PEI steamed mussels, Little Neck Clams and crab cakes, fill the appetizer menu and will be a first stop in subsequent visits; the BBQ baby back ribs were also particularly tempting. The sliders menu, which includes everything from mini Angus burgers to buffalo chicken, filet mignon, lobster salad and everything in between, is also enticing.

Keeping with the Irish theme, I dove into Chicken Galway Bay ($17.95), a savory medley of grilled chicken, mushrooms,

Finley’s hearty chili, served with an abundance of tortilla chips, is meant for scooping and sharing. green onions, super-thin Julienne vegetables and roasted potatoes served in a hearty sauce. The marriage of grilled and sautéed flavors bring out the best in the tender chicken breast and lives up proudly to the name evoking the Western Irish shores. Pastas, wraps, burgers and entrees of all sorts make Finley’s an ideal place for lunch and dinner gatherings of any size and a great place to unwind.

After overloading myself on chili, dessert wasn’t an option, but certainly will be something to consider. I couldn’t think of a better place to divvy up a dish with a few friends, sipping coffee and unwinding after a week’s work.

Finley’s of Greene Street 43 Green Street, Huntington 631- 351-3440 Atmosphere – Relaxing, soothing hangout Cuisine – New American with Irish inspiration Price – Moderate

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Side Dish DINE HUNTINGTON.COM

By DineHuntington.com Foodie@longislandernews.com

CORNED BEEF SEASON: March is a culinary high point for lovers of corned beef. For the next few weeks in celebration of St. Patrick (and, we suspect, beer), the ubiquitous Irish bar food will appear on restaurant menus with little variation.

It’s best served with steamed cabbage and a healthy dollop of spicy mustard. A classic recipe is from the allrecipes.com website and involves just three ingredients: 4 pounds of corned beef brisket, a cup of brown sugar and a 12-ounce bottle of Irish stout beer (like Guinness). Pat dry the brisket and put it in a rack in a roasting pan. Rub with the brown sugar to coat entirely, then pour the stout beer gently over and around the beef to wet the sugar. Cover and bake at 300 degrees for 2-1/2 hours. You might add vegetables – a cabbage wedge, potatoes, onions and carrots – during the last hour. You may need to add a little more beer with your vegetables, which is fine because you won’t need a whole bottle so you can finish it off while waiting. Let the beef rest five minutes or so (another excuse for a beer!) before slicing.

WITH A SIDE OF COMEDY: Speaking of corned beef, one place to get your share is at the John W. Engeman Theater on March 14. Before

that evening’s performance of “The Sunshine Boys,” celebrate St. Patrick's Day at a pre-show party featuring corned beef, petite stuffed cabbage, potatoes, Irish soda bread, beer (Irish beer on tap), wine and soda. The festivities begin at 6 p.m. $75 per person includes: one ticket to the Neil Simon comedy “The Sunshine Boys” at 8 p.m. (with premium seating based on availability) and access to the pre-show party in the Green Room Lounge. Reserve your place by March 12 by calling 631-261-9700 ext. 23.

YOGURT ON THE RUN: Melville-based Hain Celestial, makers of The Greek Gods brand Greek-style yogurt, has launched a recipe and video contest inspired by their spokesman, Ultramarathoner Dean Karnazes. Yogurt lovers are challenged to create a two-minute video showcasing The Greek Gods brand as part of a pre- or post-workout snack and then highlight the health benefits using footage of their workout routine or athletic challenges. The first-place winner gets a check for $2,500, a signed copy of Karnazes's book “Run! 26.2 Stories of Blisters and Bliss,” and the winning video featured on The Greek Gods website, blog and Facebook page.

Second place gets a $1,000 check and third place gets $500. For more information, visit www.greekgodsyogurt.com.

THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • MARCH 8, 2012 • A13

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HALF HOLLOW HILLS

Hills Wishes A Happy Birthday To Dr. Seuss sdeluca@longislandernews.com

Faculty and students at Forest Park Elementary School brought Dr. Seuss’ characters alive to celebrate the children’s author’s birthday.

The cafeteria was adorned with Dr. Seuss memorabilia Friday as approximately 100 students dressed in white and red – some wearing “Cat in the Hat” striped hats or “Thing 1” or “Thing 2” signs. Teachers also got in on the fun and dressed in red and black.

The children were enthralled when Principal Ross Diener, who dressed as Dr. Seuss himself, read the author’s first

Half Hollow Hills photos/Stephanie DeLuca

By Stephanie DeLuca

book, “And To Think That I Saw It On Mulberry Street.” In addition to March 2 being Dr. Seuss’ birthday, it was also the book’s 75th anniversary.

The staff went on stage during story time to perform a dance for the students, and the children showed their appreciation by clapping and laughing with their teachers.

Since National Read Across America Day landed on the same day as the author’s birthday, Diener thought it would be the perfect opportunity to celebrate.

“It’s a good way of motivating kids to read,” the principal said. “We’ll do anything we can to get the kids to read, even if we have to bring books alive.”

Students hold up their favorite Dr. Seuss books as they’re dressed up as “Thing 1” and “Thing 2.”

Teachers dressed up as characters to get in on the fun.

Principal Ross Diener dressed up as Dr. Seuss while reading “And to Think that I saw it on Mulberry Street.”

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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • MARCH 8, 2012 • A15

HALF HOLLOW HILLS

Hills Closing Gap, One Rising Star At A Time Half Hollow Hills photo/Stephanie DeLuca

By Stephanie DeLuca sdeluca@longislandernews.com

The achievement gap has been an issue in the United States school system for a number of years, and the Half Hollow Hills School District has created three programs to help close it.

The district’s Rising Star Academy is one of them. The New York State-funded program’s mission is to take fifth grade minority students, who achieve top scores on standardized tests, and help them continue that same success throughout their middle and high school careers. All students in the Rising Star Academy are in the sixth, seventh and eighth grades.

“The premise behind the program is that there were lots of minority students that have done extremely well in elementary school and we were not seeing the corresponding amount of students in honors programs and advanced placement courses [at Half Hollow Hills] in the high school,” said Rick Keller, consultant to Rising Star program.

When the Rising Star Academy began in 2004, there were about seven students between both Candlewood and West Hollow middle schools. Currently, there are about 96 students in the program.

“When we look at the mission and the focus of the achievement gap, we look at how [the Rising Star program] has changed over its inception and we tweak it regularly, almost annually to make sure we’re addressing the needs and providing the support for the children,” said Patricia Hobson, Hills’ director of guidance.

In order to qualify for the program,

Representatives of the Half Hollow Hills’ Committee for Closing the Achievement Gap address the issue in their school district. students must be African-American or of Hispanic descent, or be economically disadvantaged.

The Rising Star Academy is unique to the Hills Half Hollow Hills School District. It is the only district in the area that a program like this, said Christine Geed, spokesperson for the Hills district, and the program has continued to grow since its inception.

According to Education Week, a printonline news organization, the achievement gap refers to the difference in academic performance between groups of students. The achievement gap is based on students’ grades, standardized test scores, course selection, dropout rates,

and college completion rates. The term is often used to describe the troubling performance gaps between African-American, Hispanic and low-income students compared to their non-minority peers.

“All children start out doing well, excelling and being connected with school, and for some reason after the fourth grade, minority children tend to fall behind,” said Sandy Thomas, a member of Rising Star committee, a group of teachers, administrators and parents who address the issue of closing the achievement gap. “And some of the research is: why is that happening? And it’s not because of unequal intelligence or exposure but there’s something else that’s going on and

that’s what has to be addressed.”

A report released in 2000 by Education Week found that many issues, from parenting to peer pressure, can influence a child’s academic achievement. Some others include poverty, teacher quality, academic course work, preschool and television.

Spearheaded by Dr. Sheldon Karnilow, Hills’ former superintendent who retired in 2011, the school district took these factors into consideration and created a Committee for Closing the Achievement Gap in 2002, which is comprised of teachers, administrators and parents. It has three subcommittees; staff development, Universal Pre-Kindergarten and Rising Star.

Staff development provides additional training to educators to raise cultural, racial and socio-economical sensitivity among staff as well as develop learning styles of diverse students. The school district implemented the Universal Pre-K program in 1999 and currently can provide over 200 students with free pre-K. This program is also funded by a New York State grant.

“The greatest joy that I get is every year seeing the Rising Star kids graduate and seeing some of the kids started in pre-K, so that always makes me happy to see that,” said Sheri Keller, Hills’ coordinator of special education-preschool and related services.

Keller said the program has been a success, noting recently a student from the program received a full scholarship to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

A16 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • MARCH 8, 2012

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Town Northport Fort Salonga Northport Huntington Sta E. Northport Dix Hills Dix Hills Dix Hills Dix Hills Dix Hills Dix Hills Dix Hills Dix Hills Dix Hills Dix Hills Dix Hills Dix Hills Dix Hills Dix Hills Dix Hills Dix Hills Melville Huntington Dix Hills Northport Eatons Neck Northport Dix Hills Melville Northport Huntington Huntington Huntington Sta E. Northport Huntington Sta Greenlawn E. Northport Greenlawn E. Northport E. Northport E. Northport Huntington S. Huntington S. Huntington E. Northport Huntington Sta Huntington E. Northport E. Northport Huntington Melville Northport Huntington Commack Huntington Huntington Commack Eatons Neck Eatons Neck Melville Melville Dix Hills Fort Salonga S. Huntington Dix Hills Huntington Bay Cold Spring Hill Centerport Huntington E. Northport Dix Hills Melville Huntington Bay Dix Hills Melville Asharoken Dix Hills Asharoken Dix Hills Asharoken Northport Huntington Bay

Address Beds Baths Price Taxes Date 10 York Ct 5 3 $759,000 $13,357 3/9 21 Breezy Hill Dr 6 5 $1,299,000 $25,071 3/9 139 Bayview Ave 8 6 $1,900,000 $12,677 3/9 5 Raphael St 5 3 $339,000 $10,717 3/10 8 Diane Ct 3 2 $399,900 $8,196 3/10 133 Christine Dr 2 2 $469,990 N/A 3/10 146 Christine Dr 2 2 $469,990 N/A 3/10 148 Christine Dr 2 2 $469,990 N/A 3/10 158 Christine Dr 2 2 $469,990 N/A 3/10 138 Christine Dr 2 2 $479,990 N/A 3/10 140 Christine Dr 2 2 $479,990 N/A 3/10 145 Christine Dr 2 2 $479,990 N/A 3/10 173 Larry Ln 2 2 $479,990 N/A 3/10 137 Christine Dr 2 2 $489,990 N/A 3/10 139 Christine Dr 2 2 $489,990 $0 3/10 136 Christine Dr 2 2 $499,990 N/A 3/10 142 Christine Dr 2 2 $499,990 N/A 3/10 151 Christine Dr 2 2 $509,990 N/A 3/10 135 Christine Dr 2 2 $520,990 N/A 3/10 141 Christine Dr 2 2 $520,990 N/A 3/10 69 E Deer Park Rd 4 3 $529,000 $12,773 3/10 7 Leighton Ct 4 3 $549,000 $16,670 3/10 65 Fort Hill Rd 3 4 $659,000 $12,698 3/10 495 Wolf Hill Rd 4 4 $699,000 $17,154 3/10 9 Williamsburg Dr 4 4 $699,000 $19,400 3/10 9 New Harbor Rd 3 3 $789,000 $14,700 3/10 22 Brookfield Rd 4 4 $798,876 $18,003 3/10 8 Talisman Dr 5 4 $899,000 $16,548 3/10 38 Treeview Dr 4 3 $899,000 $16,960 3/10 139 Bayview Ave 8 6 $1,900,000 $13,047 3/10 451 Park Ave 4 2 $225,000 $4,304 3/11 14 Delamere St 4 2 $259,999 $4,500 3/11 22 Evergreen Ave 3 2 $319,000 $9,135 3/11 524 5th St 3 3 $325,000 $7,946 3/11 124 11th Ave 3 2 $325,000 $5,474 3/11 19 Central St 4 2 $350,000 $8,597 3/11 31 Meadow Haven Ln 4 2 $359,000 $9,439 3/11 49 E Maple Rd 3 2 $365,000 $6,543 3/11 16 Cherry St 3 2 $369,000 $8,133 3/11 30 Chester St 3 2 $369,000 $7,758 3/11 17 Ashland Pl 4 2 $379,000 $5,880 3/11 98 Pleasant St 4 2 $389,000 $9,861 3/11 2 Peachtree Ln 5 3 $399,000 $7,951 3/11 66 Greenhills Rd 3 3 $399,500 $11,109 3/11 702 10th Ave 4 3 $429,000 $8,759 3/11 8 Ellen Pl 3 2 $429,000 $10,816 3/11 4 Sixpence Ct 3 2 $439,000 $11,109 3/11 8 Elmay Pl 4 3 $449,999 $11,316 3/11 4 Markwood Ln 5 3 $459,999 $13,280 3/11 5 Edcris Ln 3 2 $499,000 $12,472 3/11 1 Mathews St 3 2 $499,000 $12,941 3/11 9 Dick Ct 4 2 $499,999 $5,277 3/11 57 Fleets Cove Rd 4 2 $529,000 $15,013 3/11 17 Soma Ln 3 2 $539,900 $12,287 3/11 1A Woodhollow Ln 3 2 $539,999 $11,803 3/11 29 Summit St 3 2 $579,000 $12,530 3/11 375 Harned Rd 4 3 $599,000 $11,754 3/11 3 Locust Ln 3 3 $599,000 $10,089 3/11 8 Argyle Dr 3 2 $599,000 $9,215 3/11 46 Beaumont Dr 5 3 $599,990 $17,126 3/11 98 Old Country Rd 3 2 $619,999 $11,200 3/11 6 Brycewood Dr 5 4 $649,900 $15,896 3/11 106 Middleville Rd 3 3 $699,000 $14,392 3/11 14 Saddle Ln 4 4 $699,000 $13,714 3/11 24 Sleepy Hollow Ln 3 3 $739,000 $15,334 3/11 262 Huntington Bay Rd4 3 $749,000 $17,246 3/11 5 Sheep Pasture Ln 3 2 $759,000 $13,986 3/11 10 Marys Ln 3 2 $777,000 $15,845 3/11 2 Skunk Hollow Rd 5 4 $799,999 $19,428 3/11 131 Stoothoff Rd 5 3 $829,000 $14,893 3/11 21 Cobblers Ln 5 5 $849,999 $15,363 3/11 14 Ponderosa Dr 5 5 $999,000 $16,948 3/11 25 Terra Mar Dr 5 4 $1,098,000 $21,461 3/11 1 Dupont Ct 6 5 $1,200,000 $24,635 3/11 17 Mary Ln 4 4 $1,219,000 $19,100 3/11 35 Bevin Rd 6 4 $1,395,000 $13,556 3/11 42 N Woods End Rd 6 5 $1,450,000 $20,457 3/11 73 Bevin Rd 5 7 $1,795,000 $20,866 3/11 91 Wildwood Dr 5 5 $1,888,000 $23,000 3/11 225 Asharoken Ave 5 3 $1,999,999 $17,796 3/11 225 Asharoken Ave 5 3 $1,999,999 $17,796 3/11 110 Crescent Beach Dr5 5 $2,350,000 $28,551 3/11

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You open the door...We’ll bring ’em in!

17 Mary Ln Bedrooms 4 Baths 4 Price $1,219,000 Taxes $19,100 Open House 3/11 1 - 3 pm Babara Nardboy Realty 631-385-7700

Increase traffic at your next open house.

Call your sales representative today. (631) 427-7000

The listings on this page contain open house events conducted by brokers licensed in New York. If you are a broker and would like to get your listings on this page, please contact Associate Publisher Peter Sloggatt at (631) 427-7000, or send an e-mail to psloggatt@longislandernews.com.

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DIX HILLS

Proposal Gets A Yes Howard Horowitz proposed to April Comparetto at the Art League of Long Island. The couple is now happily engaged.

He was looking for an exciting and novel way to ask April Comparetto to marry him, and Howard Horowitz came up with the perfect idea.

Horowitz’ spot of choice was Art League of Long Island’s monthly event called “Art After Dark,” where several hundred people were gathered. The setup included enlisting the help of Art League staff and Program Director Joanne Nielsen, who secretly hung a painting by Comparetto in the Dix Hills gallery. The plan was for the couple to stroll through the exhibit and happen upon her painting. She would be shocked to see it on view along with a sweet story written by Horowitz. He would then whip out the

ring, get down on one knee and pop the question.

Did it work? You bet. Comparetto said yes, and couple is now engaged.

Comparetto, 36, and Horowitz, 41, have known each other for more than two years. They met through an online dating service. Horowitz is a widower and has a 14-year-old son. He is an IT manager for a company in Melville. Comparetto is a web developer for a travel company who likes to draw and paint.

The painting that acted as catalyst to their engagement formerly occupied a spot in a storage closet, but now will be given a place of honor in the home the couple plans to share together.

TOWN OF HUNTINGTON

Prom Dress Giveaway

By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandernews.com

As it enters its fifth year, organizers of the Family Service League and Tri Community Youth Agency (Tri CYA)’s Prom Dress Giveaway are attempting to expand its reach in the community with new ideas and new sponsors.

Debbie Rimler, the regional director of Tri CYA, said the Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce, as well as the Northport-based Moonjumpers charitable organization, are first-time sponsors of the boutique. During the event, any girl from the Town of Huntington in need of a prom dress or accessories can make an appointment, peruse the merchandise and take it home, free of charge. It’s especially designed to help families that cannot afford the pricey attire and accessories.

Councilman Mark Cuthbertson has also taken the baton from former Councilwoman Glenda Jackson as Town Hall’s lead proponent of the initiative.

Also new this year is how the dresses will be dispersed. During previous giveaways, girls would visit Tri CYA to browse through new and gently used dresses, accessories, shoes and purses donated by supporters during a time period in April.

However, this year, Family Service League and Tri CYA are shifting to appointment-only visits.

The change, Rimler said, will allow the event to reach more people during prom season while making their philanthropic effort much more discreet.

With a larger giving period comes a need for more dresses, and the community has stepped up. The Huntington Chamber is on board, and Linda Mitchell, director of member services, said she’s getting the word out by helping to create fliers and sending email blasts

A girl preparing for the prom peruses dresses at last year’s Prom Dress Giveaway. The Tri CYA and Family Service League are back for a fifth year with new sponsors and new ideas. to chamber members.

A photographer from fotofoto gallery in Huntington has offered free appointments for any girls who want to be photographed in their new dresses, Rimler said. And the Moonjumpers, a nonprofit organization that helps children, families, veterans and charitable groups with financial aid and product donations, have excelled at filling the racks.

Donors can drop off items at the following locations through June 1: Family Service League, 590 Park Ave., Huntington; Huntington Town Hall, 100 Main St., Huntington; Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce, 164 Main St., Huntington; Reach CYA, 525 Half Hollow Road, Dix Hills; and Tri CYA, 809 New York Ave., Huntington, behind Famous Footwear.

For more information or to make an appointment to see the dresses, or for any questions about donating, call Tri CYA at 631-673-0614 and ask for Rimler.

THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • MARCH 8, 2012 • A17

A18 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • MARCH 8, 2012 THURSDAY Wave Of Hope

The Wave of Hope Fashion Show and Dinner to support Long Island OCEANS (Ovarian Cancer Education Advocacy Networking Support) will be March 22, 7-11 p.m. at Watermill Caterers, 711 Smithtown Bypass in Smithtown, featuring guest speaker Dr. Beverly Ortiz of Sound Gynecology Oncology, and raffle baskets, 50/50 and grand prizes. $60 by March 10/$70 after. 631-456-2761 or LIOCEANS@ymail.com.

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Calendar O M M U N I T Y

Flag Box Tour

The Greenlawn American Legion, Post #1244 will be bringing its mobile “Old Glory” flag collection box to the following locations: Indian Hollow School, 151 Kings Park Road, March 59; North Ridge School, Town Line Road, March 12-16; Burr Intermediate School, Burr Road, March 19-23; Commack High School, One Scholar Lane, March 26-30; Wood Park School, 15 New Highway, April 2-15; Sawmill Intermediate, 103 New Highway, April 16-20; Commack Middle School, Vanderbilt Parkway, April 23-27; Rolling Hills School, 25 McCulloch Drive, April 30-May 4; Hubbs Administration Bldg., May 7-11.

FRIDAY Hope For Your Heart

The Sister 2 Sister Woman's Conference at East Northport Christian Church, 130 Vernon Valley Road, East Northport is March 9, 7-9:30 p.m. and March 10, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Be blessed by the music and message centered around finding hope for your heart by worship leader Julie Nevel and guest speaker Nikki Brungard. $10 for Friday and $20 for Saturday.

Continental breakfast and lunch included for Saturday. 631-864-2034 or S2SENCC@gmail.com.

‘A Friend Forever’ Signing

Long Island author Marian Clark will sign her book “A Friend Forever” March 9, 7 p.m. at Book Revue, 313 New York Ave., Huntington. A true story about a happy, loving family, “A Friend Forever” shows how a mother, father, sister and brother experience trauma and its affects of separation and divorce on them.

Porter-Trejo Meeting

Meet New York State Senator Ruth HasselThompson and faith-based community advocate Carrie Mobley March 9, 6:30 p.m. at Light of Salvation Church, 1599 New York Ave., Huntington Station. The meeting, hosted by Porter-Trejo Action Network, Inc., will address organizing for affordable housing, economic development, and small business opportunity in underserved communities.

SeniorNet Open House

SeniorNet at Family Service League, a computer training center for seniors, will hold its free spring semester open house and receptions for people 50 and older on March 16, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at 790 Park Ave., Huntington.

Guests can tour the modern center and review computer course choices. Classes begin April 2. 631-427-3700 ext. 268. www.seniornetli.org.

SATURDAY Live Music

Live local bands take over Finley's of Greene Street, 43 Greene St., Huntington, every Saturday night at 11 p.m. Join in the fun and food!

I Knew That Word!

Don’t miss “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” opening March 10 at Star Playhouse, located at the Suffolk Y JCC, 74 Hauppauge Road, Commack. Shows are Saturdays, March 10 and 24, and Sundays, March 11, 18 and 25. 631-462-9800 ext.

136. www.starplayhouse.com.

Thrift Shoppe, 486 Townline Road, Commack, March 10, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The clothing will be 50 percent off if a bag is not used. There are snow suits, winter coats, boots, shoes, and children’s clothing. 631-499-7310.

The Townwide Fund of Huntington’s annual St. Patrick’s 4-Mile race and fun runs are March 17. To obtain a race map, registration form or to register online, visit www.townwidefund.org/special-events/stpatricks-run. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Contact Bea Hartigan, race chairperson, at 631-271-3349.

SUNDAY Huntington St. Patrick’s Parade

The 78th Huntington St. Patrick’s Parade, Long Island’s oldest and largest, brings in the Irish spirit at 2 p.m. on March 11, starting just north of the Huntington train station. Sponsored by the Ancient Order of Hibernians John F. Kennedy Division 4 of Huntington and led by Grand Marshal Jeff Frayler, the parade continues down New York Avenue before making a left on Main Street in Huntington village.

Memorial Set

A memorial honoring the life of Peggy Teufel will be held April 15, 2 p.m. at the Harborfields Public Library, 31 Broadway, Greenlawn. Teufel was instrumental in founding the library and its Friends organization, and many other charitable organizations, including the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, Townwide Fund of Huntington, Western Suffolk Girl Scout Council and Greenlawn-Centerport Historical Association. She died Dec. 13, 2011 at the age of 91.

MONDAY Leg. Spencer’s Listening Tour

Learn how the Watershed Action Plan affects you at the Cold Spring Harbor Library, 95 Harbor Road, Cold Spring Harbor, on March 10, 2 p.m. Presented by Friends of the Bay, the Oyster Bay/Cold Spring Harbor Protection Committee and the Village of Lloyd Harbor Conservation Board. 516-922-6666.

Bag Sale

Aging And Saging

It will only cost you $5 for all the clothing you can put in a large brown, paper grocery bag, furnished by the Commack United Methodist

from 10 a.m.-noon at the Women’s Center, 125 Main St., Huntington. 631-549-0485. $10 members, $15 non-members, per session.

TUESDAY

St. Patrick’s Run

Suffolk County Legislator William Spencer, representing the residents of the 18th Legislative District, will host several community meetings in the next few weeks to give constituents an opportunity to share their concerns or issues.

Meetings of the “Listening Tour” will be from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on: March 12 at the Huntington Public Library, 338 Main St., Huntington; March 26, Dolan Family Health Center, 284 Pulaski Road, Greenlawn; April 18, Suffolk Y Jewish Community Center, 74 Hauppauge Road, Commack.

Protecting Harbors And Bays

.

AT THE LIBRARIES

Cold Spring Harbor Library

95 Harbor Road, Cold Spring Harbor. 631-6926820. cshlibrary.org.

• Bring your child to a series of book discussions and help advance their love of reading.

For second-graders, on March 19 at 4:30 p.m., a discussion of Chocolate Fever” by Robert Kimmel Smith. On March 20, at 7 p.m., for third-graders, “The Twin Giants” by Dick King-Smith; and on March 21 at 7 p.m., for fourth-graders, “The Homework Machine”

by Dan Gutman.

Commack Public Library

Autism Fundraiser

Huntington Bay Dental will host its third annual autism fundraiser March 8, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Watermill, 711 Smithtown Bypass, Smithtown. $75 advance/$85 at the door, includes hors d'oeuvres and open bar.

Featuring Chinese auction, raffles and a silent auction. Proceeds benefit Nassau Suffolk Services for Autism. 631-425-0300.

Center, 501 Vanderbilt Pkwy, Dix Hills. $5 a class/$25 for six. RSVP to 631-351-8672.

Proceeds goes to the Chai Center Friendship Circle program

Deal with changes in your life with a splash of empathy and humor at the Aging and Saging support group. Meets Mondays except holidays

Military Bridge

Military Bridge will be held at Christ Lutheran Church, 189 Burr Road (corner of Burr and Larkfield Roads) in East Northport on March 13, 7 p.m. $9. Refreshments will be served and there are prizes to be won. 631-499-4655.

Visits From Senior Advocates

Senior advocates will assist seniors with food stamps, Medicare savings programs, Medicaid applications and Heating Emergency Assistance Program (HEAP) applications, as well as answer questions and make additional recommendations and referrals on several days throughout the winter: Huntington Nutrition Center on Wednesday, March 28, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.; Paumanack Village I & II (Greenlawn) on Tuesday, March 27, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; South Huntington Library on Thursday, March 22, 10-11:30 a.m.; Paumanack Village V & VI (Melville) on Tuesday, March 13, 9 a.m.12 p.m. and Huntington Library on Monday, March 12, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. 631-853-8200.

Divorce Support Group

Meets Tuesdays – March 13 and 27 – and Thursday, March 22, from 7-9 p.m. Share your journey in the safety and warmth of the Women’s Center, 125 Main St., Huntington.

631-549-0485. $10 members/$15 non-members, per session.

WEDNESDAY Tips For Business Owners

Serious about growing your business? LeTip members are respected professionals who understand how to give and get tips to increase everyone's bottom line. Join them every Wednesday, 7-8:30 a.m. at their weekly morning networking meeting. For more information, contact Dave Muller, 631-831-1921.

RSVP a must.

Power Breakfast

Join business professionals at BNI Executive Referral Exchange’s breakfast networking meeting every Wednesday, 7-8:30 a.m. at the Dix Hills Diner, 1800 Jericho Turnpike, Dix Hills. 631-462-7446.

Zumba For A Cause

Join instructor Annette Weiss for a great Zumba workout, and help children with autism and special needs at the same time. Classes are held Wednesdays at 10 a.m. at the Chai

18 Hauppauge Road, Commack. 631-4990888. commack.suffolk.lib.ny.us.

• A bus from St. Francis Hospital will be parked at the library on Friday, March 16 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., offering free health screenings.

Those screenings include a brief cardiac history, blood pressure, blood tests for cholesterol and diabetes screening with appropriate education and referrals for patients over 18.

No registration is necessary. Call the Outreach Department at 516-629-2013 for more information.

• Enjoy a lively program of music, toys, and games for toddlers. A parent or adult caregiver must remain with the child during this program. Meets Mondays through April 23. 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Deer Park Public Library

44 Lake Ave., Deer Park. 631-586-3000. www.deerparklibrary.com.

• The library celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with a series of seasonal events starting March 12.

First up on the calendar: learn how to make Irish Soda Bread on March 12 at 6:30 p.m. And on March 18, cap off the celebration at a presentation of Irish Stories and Songs at 2 p.m.

Elwood Public Library

3027 Jericho Turnpike, Elwood. 631-499-3722. www.elwoodlibrary.org.

• St. Patrick's Day is a few days away, so come to the library and make a rainbow using your hands on Thursday, March 15 from 10:30-11:15 a.m. Please enter your child’s age/grade in the Note to Instructor field when registering.

Half Hollow Hills Community Library

Dix Hills: 55 Vanderbilt Parkway. 631-421-4530; Melville: 510 Sweet Hollow Road. 631-4214535. hhhlibrary.org.

• “Ups, Downs and Detours,” a collection of light comedies, points out the unexpected joys and unusual difficulties couples may encounter on the road to love. Sunday, March 18 at 2 p.m. at the Dix Hills branch.

• Saturday Zumba at Melville, taught by certified instructors Michelle Medina and Susan Beltrani, begins March 24 and runs through May 5. Registration for the one-hour class, starting at 10:30 a.m., begins March 17. $24 for six classes.

• Trained AARP counselors will provide free assistance in completing your income tax forms on Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-2p.m., through April 10 in Dix Hills. Bring your W-2 and 1099 forms, last year’s tax statements, and other supporting documents. No appointment is necessary.

Harborfields Public Library

31 Broadway, Greenlawn. 631-757-4200. harborfieldslibrary.org.

• Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by attending Fiddler’s Green’s Irish Music Concert on Sunday, March 18 at 2 p.m. The band has earned rave reviews for its performances across Long Island thanks to its renditions of Irish airs, lively jigs, reels, hornpipes and evocative ballads. Free tickets available at the Circulation Desk.

• Enjoy an exciting hour of stories, poems, crafts, magic and cooking for children in grades 1-2. Registration required. March 13 and 20 at 4:30 p.m.

Huntington Public Library

Main Branch: 338 Main St., Huntington. 631427-5165. Station Branch: 1335 New York Ave., Huntington Station. 631-421-5053. www.thehuntingtonlibrary.org.

• Join special guest Helen Perelman, author of “The Candy Fairies,” at the Huntington branch from 5-6 p.m. Wednesday, March 14

(Continued on page A19)

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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • MARCH 8, 2012 • A19

LaMantia Gallery

to find out what the buzz is all about with this magical and delicious chapter book series.

Registration required; recommended for 6 to 10-year-olds.

• Everyone is invited to sit in and listen to rehearsals of the New Horizons String Orchestra on Friday mornings. 9:30 a.m.-noon.

(Continued from page A18)

Good Old-Fashioned Fun Join Uncle Floyd on March 10, 7:30 p.m. in Dix Hills. A King of Comedy, he started it all dancing at the 1964 World's Fair in New York and at the Steel Pier in Atlantic City. Back by popular demand with jokes, songs and stories, this perennial, much loved star of hotels, night clubs, TV, film and radio once again does his best to “bark on key” for Dix Hills Performing Arts Center audiences. His fans love him; his colleagues admire him; his wife appreciates his getting out of the house and making his way from New Jersey to the Dix Hills Center, Five Towns College, 305 N. Service Road, Dix Hills.

Box Office: 631-656-2148. www.dhpac.org.

Northport-East Northport Public Library

Northport: 151 Laurel Ave. 631-261-6930. East Northport: 185 Larkfield Road. 631-261-2313. www.nenpl.org.

• Join tour guide extraordinaire Art Zuckerman as he takes you to some of New York City's best-kept secrets. One of the museums on our tour will be the Anne Frank Center. Lunch will be at Pietrasanta. Bus leaves from the William J. Brosnan building at 8 a.m.

Tuesday, March 27, and returns at 6:30 p.m. $80, payable by checks only. Register in person at the Northport branch.

• The Taproot Writers Group welcomes new and returning members for the spring season. It is never too late to tell your life’s stories! If you are new to writing, Taproot will help you get started. Ten-session cost is $70.

Registration forms will be available at the first session, scheduled for Monday, March 12 from 1-3 p.m. at the East Northport branch.

South Huntington Public Library

145 Pidgeon Hill Road, Huntington Station. 631549-4411. www.shpl.info.

• The Friends of the South Huntington Library have partnered with the John W. Engeman Theater in Northport to offer discount tickets to performances. Library patrons can save $5 per ticket, and in turn, the theater will donate $10 to the Friends of the Library. Use the promo code SHPL. • The South Huntington Library will host a Local Author Fair on Saturday, March 31 from 1-4 p.m. Come and see what your neighbors are writing! More than two dozen authors scheduled to attend.

THEATER and FILM Cinema Arts Centre

423 Park Ave., Huntington. www.cinemaartscentre.org. 631-423-7611.

• Before “The Hunger Games,” there was “Battle Royale”! Don’t miss this rare screening of legendary Japanese director Kinji Fukasaku’s searing masterwork about a group of junior high school students who think they are going on an ordinary field-trip, but instead find themselves on a remote island where they have only one choice: kill or be killed! Screening on March 10 at 11 p.m.

• In honor of Women’s History Month, the Folk Music Society of Huntington’s Hard Luck Café on Thursday, March 15, will feature two female artists who have been establishing names for themselves on the Long Island music scene – Annie Mark and Katie Pearlman. The 8:30 p.m. concert will be preceded by an open mic at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $7 for Cinema Arts Centre and Folk Music Society of Huntington members; $10 for non-members.

Dix Hills Performing Arts Center

Five Towns College, 305 N. Service Road, Dix Hills. Box Office: 631-656-2148. www.dhpac.org.

• Join Uncle Floyd on March 10, 7:30 p.m., a King of Comedy who started it all dancing at the 1964 World's Fair in New York and at the Steel Pier in Atlantic City. Back by popular demand with jokes, songs and stories, this perennial, much loved star of hotels, night clubs, TV, film and radio once again does his best to “bark on key” for Dix Hills Center audiences. His fans love him; his colleagues admire him; his wife appreciates his getting out of the house and making his way from New Jersey to the Dix Hills Center.

• For more than 35 years, radio personality Dennis Elsas has been one of the most influential voices in FM radio. During his time at the legendary WNEW-FM and continuing today on WFUV and Sirius/XM Classic Vinyl, Elsas has interviewed rock legends including John Lennon, Elton John, Jerry Garcia, Pete Townshend and more. Join Dennis for this live presentation of interview highlights, reflections on growing up with Top 40 AM radio and his unique perspective as a pioneer of the progressive FM radio revolution on March 11 at 2 p.m. $20

John W. Engeman Theater At Northport 350 Main St., Northport. www.johnwengemantheater.com. 631-261-2900.

631-367-3418. www.cshwhalingmuseum.org.

• A new exhibit, “Right Whales: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow,” is on display until Labor Day 2012. Thought to be on the brink of extinction, right whales are among the rarest animals on earth.

127 Main St., Northport Village. 631-754-8414. www.lamantiagallery.com.

• The gallery welcomes back Edward Gordon and introduces Daniel Del Orfano.

9 East Contemporary Art

9 East Carver St., Huntington. Gallery hours: Wed.-Sat., 3-8 p.m. or by appointment. 631662-9459.

• “Earth, Fire and Light,” the works of Hugh McElroy and Richard Vaux, is on display until April 28. This show of recent works represents the pit-fired clay sculptures by McElroy and the nature inspired archetypal lightscapes created using powdered carbon

by Vaux.

Northport Historical Society Museum

215 Main St., Northport. Museum hours: Tuesday - Sunday, 1-4:30 p.m. 631-757-9859. www.northporthistorical.org.

• “50 years of Preserving and Celebrating Northport's History” honors the society's founders and their concerns and activities.

• Marty Lang, owner of Laurel & Lily LTD in Northport, will present a class on spring floral arranging on Sunday, March 11, 3 p.m. $25.

Space is limited to the first 20 people with a paid reservation.

• “The Sunshine Boys” is now playing. This laugh-out-loud comedy follows two faded vaudeville legends, Lewis and Clark, as they reunite to perform their old act one last time.

The only problem is they can't stand each other. $50.

• In “Pinkalicious,” a girl can't stop eating pink cupcakes despite warnings from her parents.

Her pink indulgence lands her at the doctor's office with Pinkititis, an affliction that turns her pink from head to toe. Showing Saturdays at 11 a.m. and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. through March 25. $15. Part of the Youth Theater Series.

fotofoto Gallery

14 W. Carver St., Huntington. Gallery hours: Friday 5-8 p.m., Saturday 12-8 p.m., Sunday 12-4 p.m. 631-549-0448. www.fotofotogallery.com.

• A group exhibition will benefit North Shore Holiday House for underprivileged girls.

Ripe Art Gallery

Star Playhouse

Heckscher Museum Of Art

Suffolk Y JCC

At the Suffolk Y JCC, 74 Hauppauge Road, Commack. 631-462-9800 ext. 136. www.starplayhouse.com.

• Don’t miss “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” opening March 10.

Tilles Center For The Performing Arts

On the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. www.tillescenter.org. 516-299-3100.

• Get into the spirit of St. Patrick's Day with an evening of Irish folk music, spirit and humor from The Clancy Legacy on Sunday, March 11, 7 p.m. The next generation of the beloved Irish folk music group, Robbie O'Connell and Aoife Clancy, bring fresh, clear renditions of favorite Clancy Brothers songs. $42/ $32.

Township Theatre Group

631-421-9832. www.townshiptheatregroup.com.

• The Huntington-based group presents Neil Simon’s only musical “They’re Playing Our Song,” about a successful composer who begins working with a kooky songwriter, on March 9 and 10, 8 p.m.; and March 11, 2 p.m. at the Helen Butler Hall at Dominican Village, 565 Albany Ave., Amityville. Tickets $20/$18 students and seniors.

MUSEUMS & EXHIBITS Art League of Long Island

107 East Deer Park Road, Dix Hills. Gallery hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. weekends. 631-462-5400. www.ArtLeagueLI.net.

• “Director's Cut 2012” features a new group of dynamic young artists. Get a preview of what art in the new decade may look like in this exhibit, on display through March 18.

b.j. spoke gallery

299 Main St., Huntington. Gallery hours: Monday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., until 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. 631-549-5106. www.bjspokegallery.com.

• The EXPO 31 Winners Show is on display through March 26.

Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery

1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor. Open seven days a week, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday and Sundays until 6 p.m.: $6 adults; $4 children 3-12 and seniors over 65; members and children under 3 are free. 516-692-6768. www.cshfha.org • Features New York State's largest collection of freshwater fish, reptiles and amphibians housed in two aquarium buildings and eight outdoor ponds.

Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum

Main Street, Cold Spring Harbor. Museum hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. $4 adults, $3 seniors, $3 students 5 -18, family $12; military and children under 5 are free.

2 Prime Ave., Huntington. Museum hours: Wednesday - Friday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., first Fridays from 4-8:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission $68/adults, $4-6/seniors, and $4-5/children; members and children under 10 free. 631-351-3250.

• “Coming of Age in America: The Photography of Joseph Szabo” is the first museum retrospective of this Long Island photographer whose work presents a dual portrait of adolescence on Long Island and summers on iconic Jones Beach. On display through March 25.

• “A Way with Words: Text in Art” presents art that includes words, lettering, or numbers as subject, design element, or to convey information. On display through April 15.

Holocaust Memorial And Tolerance Center

Welwyn Preserve. 100 Crescent Beach Road, Glen Cove. Hours: Mon.-Fri.: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Sat.-Sun.: noon-4 p.m. 516-571-8040 ext. 100. www.holocaust-nassau.org.

• “Using the Lessons of the Holocaust to Teach Tolerance,” the center’s new permanent exhibit, is now open. Suggested donation: $10 adults/$5 students/$5 seniors.

Huntington Arts Council

Main Street Petite Gallery: 213 Main St., Huntington. Gallery hours: Monday - Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Art in the Art-trium: 25 Melville Park Road, Melville. Gallery Hours: Monday Friday 7 a.m.-7 p.m. 631-271-8423. www.huntingtonarts.org.

• “Nature’s Bounty” at the Art-trium Gallery runs through April 30.

• Inspired by the writings and poetry of Walt Whitman and Abraham Lincoln, Long Island artist Dan Christoffel exhibits his works portraying the two American figures in the Main Street Petite Gallery until March 16.

Huntington Historical Society

Main office/library: 209 Main St., Huntington.

Museums: Conklin Barn, 2 High St.; Kissam House/Museum Shop, 434 Park Ave.; Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Building, 228 Main St. 631427-7045, ext. 401. www.huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org.

• Learn about the Town of Huntington’s role in the Civil War in an exhibit at the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Building.

• The society is sponsoring a trip to the Italian lakes and Greek islands, featuring a sevennight eastern Mediterranean cruise Oct. 3-14, 2012.

• The second “Lunch & Learn” will be held Thursday, March 15, 1 p.m. at the speakeasy-themed restaurant Huntington Social. In honor of St. Patrick's Day, the March topic will be “The Irish in Huntington.”

Learn more about Huntington's Irish immigrants who worked in the brickyards, the founding of the first Catholic Church in Suffolk County (St. Patrick’s) and the history of the Huntington St. Patrick's Day Parade. $40 members/$45 non-members.

67 Broadway, Greenlawn. 631-807-5296.

Gallery hours: Tuesday - Thursday 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Friday 2-9 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. www.ripeartgal.com.

• On display starting March 10 is “Mainframe,” digital paintings by ZIG. 74 Hauppauge Road, Commack. 631-4629800, ext. 140. Tuesday 1-4 p.m. Admission: $5 per person, $18 per family. Special group programs available. www.suffolkyjcc.org.

• The Alan & Helene Rosenberg Jewish Discovery Museum provides hands-on exhibits and programs for children 3-13 years old and their families, classes and camps.

Now on exhibit: The Alef Bet of Being a Mensch. “Zye a mensch” is a Yiddish saying that means "be a decent, responsible, caring person,” infusing both the best blessing and the best that an educator can wish for his students.

Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium

180 Little Neck Road, Centerport. Museum hours: Tuesday-Friday, 12-4 p.m., Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, 12-5 p.m.; closed Mondays except for holiday weeks. Grounds admission: $7 adults, $6 seniors, students, and $3 children under 12. Museum tour, add $5 per person. 631-854-5555. www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

• The Arena Players Children Theatre presents the children's classic “Pinocchio” at the Vanderbilt Museum Carriage House Theater, opening March 10 and running through April 7. Performances are Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for children, and children under 3 are free.

Reservations are highly suggested. Call the Arena Players at 516-293-0674 or visit ArenaPlayers.org.

Walt Whitman Birthplace

246 Old Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station. Hours: Wednesday-Friday, 1-4 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Admission: $5 adults, $4 seniors/students, and children under 5 are free. 631-427-5240. www.waltwhitman.org.

• Claire Nicolas White reads at the Curry Club in Setauket on Sunday, March 11, 6-9 p.m. with proceeds benefiting the upcoming Walt Whitman cookbook project.

MUSIC & DANCE The Paramount

370 New York Ave., Huntington. 631-673-7300. www.paramountny.com. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

• Jazz greats Rick Braun and Richard Elliot kick off a new jazz music series March 30.

Send us your listings Submissions must be in by 5 p.m.

10 days prior to publication date.

Send to Community Calendar at 149 Main Street, Huntington, NY 11743, or e-mail to info@longislandernews.com

A20 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • MARCH 8, 2012

www.LongIslanderNews.com

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ANSWER TO LAST WEEK’S CRYPTOQUIP IF A KIDDLE-LIT BEAR WANTED TO MAKE HIS ROOM SMELL FLOWERY, DO YOU THINK HE’D USE A BOWL OF POOH-POURRI? Published March 1, 2012 ©2012 by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

NEW CRYPTOQUIP BOOKS 3 & 4! Send $3.50 for one book or $6.00 for both (check/m.o.) to Cryptoquip Classics Books 3 and 4, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475

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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • MARCH 8, 2012 • A21

TOWN OF HUNTINGTON

Jeweler Crafts Gem Of A Store Huntington Businesses

By Mike Koehler mkoehler@longislandernews.com

Eric Freedman is among the best of the best in the gem industry, and he happens to call Huntington home.

Freedman, who owns B. Freedman Jewelers on New York Avenue, is certified as an expert and appraiser, and has decades of experience in the business. But jewelry was not his first calling.

Early on, Freedman made a living as an engineer. It was other members of his family who were in the jewelry industry, beginning with his grandfather opening a store in a Boston suburb back in the 1800s. While his uncles remained near Boston to open their stores, Eric’s father, Barney, opened a store in Huntington Station back in 1936.

When urban renewal hit New York Avenue by the LIRR station, Barney Freedman moved his business into Huntington village. He was killed during a hold-up in 1969.

Eric came home with intentions of helping his mother liquidate the shop, but found himself attracted to the business. He bought the shop and 43 years later, still hasn’t given it up.

Since then, the building itself has changed. Freedman bought another jeweler’s store on New York Avenue in 1976 and moved B. Freedman Jewelers there – its current location. However, a fire ravaged multiple stores, including the jeweler’s, as it spread from business to business. The owner was forced to rebuild his shop, buying two adjacent properties to expand the business to its current size.

But more importantly, Freedman gradually changed the business over the years. Back when his parents owned the store, it was a local mom-and-pop jewelry store. These days, it is home to dozens of display cases filled with highquality pieces, much of it handcrafted by store employees.

“For what you’re getting, you’re getting Tiffany quality and you’re not paying Tiffany prices. We have a bead for a Pandora bracelet for $35 and diamonds for over

Half Hollow Hills photo/Mike Koehler

Spotlight On

$1 million,” he said.

But what really makes their selection unique is Freedman’s background in gemology. A certified expert by the Gem Institute of America, he was also accepted into the more prestigious sister-organization, American Gem Society [AGS]. Just one of 400 of the most elite gemologists in the country, Freeman was honored with the AGS’ Robert M. Shipley award in 1992 as the best in the industry.

Freedman’s reputation as a gem expert and appraiser has landed him side jobs with prestigious organizations like the Smithsonian, Harvard University and the IRS. He’s valued the legendary Hope Diamond as well as diamonds for Tiffany – all prices are confidential. What Freedman did admit, however, is that it’s not uncommon for clients like the Smithsonian to bring their jewelry to Huntington for appraisal and repairs.

As a result of deep knowledge and experience, Freedman said he knows just what to look for and how to find only the best gems.

“If you compare our quality to anyone else’s, it’s superior,” he said. “My knowledge of gemology allows me to pick the finest colors.”

He has a partner in the Far East who provides rubies and sapphires straight from mines, and he’s a partner in a small diamond-cutting factory. But Freedman personally visits Colombia once every few months to acquire emeralds from the Muzo mines. Colombian emeralds are the best, he added, and those mines yield the best emeralds in the country. Many of his emeralds are actually sold to Colombians, with only some returning to America.

“It’s like selling ice to Eskimos,” Freedman said.

The gems that do make it back are used to craft custom jewelry either in a Manhattan facility or by five employees upstairs in the Huntington store. Many of those pieces are sold in his store, although the merchant admitted several Fifth Avenue stores sell his company’s creations.

B. Freedman does sell products made by others, although the owner said he is no less scrupulous about that jewelry. Every piece is closely examined under a microscope and only the best is ever available for sale.

“Most people buy jewelry made by someone else and sell it,” Freedman said. “They’re merchants, not gemologists.”

Sales are the single most significant portion of the business, although B. Freedman also performs repairs. The owner said they can repair just about anything, but the repair department is a major piece of customer service.

Eric Freedman holds a 30-karat diamond necklace on sale for $52,000, one of many custom pieces of jewelry created by the owner and his staff.

“We stand behind what we sell. If you wear something and it gets broken, we use the Freedman Rules. The first rule is the customer is always right. The second rule is if the customer is wrong, see rule one. If there’s something you feel isn’t right, we’ll make it right and not argue about it,” he said.

The shop also handles repairs and other work for competing jewelers in town.

At the end of the day, Freedman said customers appreciate the service. Word of mouth accounts for most of their new business, although some do just walk in.

“A lot of people that are new customers are surprised we’re here and not in the city. I was born here. I like the town. This is where I like to be,” he said.

B. Freedman Jewelers 345 New York Ave., Huntington 631-423-2000 www.freedmans.com

Temple sides with caterers in non-kosher claim (Continued from page A1)

brate them, as they were meant to be,” he said. “I would like to thank the executive board, the clergy, the board of trustees, the members of our congregation and our office staff, among others, for their guidance.”

Meetings included a review of the allegations made by two former employees of the catering company. They resulted in a number of new steps to more efficiently

trouble-shoot in the future and ensure Jewish traditions are observed in the temple’s kitchen. Those steps, Morrell’s attorney, Steven Schelsinger explained, include re-koshering the kitchen as a precaution and installing security cameras.

“We are very heartened by the temple standing behind us in light of the specious allegations,” Schlesinger said.

Morrell Catering’s former general manager Tom Cataldo and former executive

chef Michael Savitsky accused Morrell Catering of ordering staff to cook nonkosher food, including shrimp and pork, in the temple’s kitchen, and filling topshelf liquor bottles with cheap substitutes.

Another class-action motion alleges that Morrell Catering pocketed up to $10 million in tips. Morrell fired back with a $10million suit of his own against Savitsky and Cataldo of libel and extortion.

Schelsinger said there is “not even the

remotest allegation” that anything nonkosher could have happened at Temple Israel in Lawrence, where Morrell also does catering work, and the Woodbury Jewish Center, which has taken steps to sever ties with Morrell following the allegations in Melville.

“All of them have surveillance cameras,” Schesinger said. “The kitchens are locked unless rabbis are present to supervise.”

Attorney fingered for insurance fraud scam (Continued from page A1)

might sell fake IDs, except those medical licenses allowed unlawful entry, not to a club or a bar, but to a multi-billion-dollar pool of insurance proceeds,” Bharara said.

The “No-Fault Organization,” the indictment claims, is a criminal organization, consisting primarily of individuals of Russian descent who participated in various crimes, including the $279-million scam taking advantage of New York legislation.

State law requires every car registered in New York to have an insurance policy providing no less than $50,000 per person for injuries sustained in an accident,

regardless of fault. Patients can receive prompt medical treatment and doctors can bill the insurance companies directly. Should a victim sustain “serious injury” as defined by state law, they can file a personal lawsuit for additional compensation.

The organization paid licensed doctors a fee and/or salary to open medical clinics which were designed to be medical fraud mills, according to the indictment.

“Runners” were paid $2,000-$3,000 for every fake patient they produced, often coaching them on what injuries to complain about. Those patients then received excessive treatment at illicit clinics.

The organization reportedly paid real accident victims $500 to report fake injuries up towards the $50,000 limit.

They also used Conroy and two other lawyers to allegedly file “serious injury” lawsuits for more money. According to the indictment, the lawyers paid $1,000 in kickbacks for each patient referred.

According to published reports, medical providers would substantially overbill insurance companies compared to the actual services provided. A severely shortened acupuncture service, for example, would be billed as a full appointment.

Conroy was charged with Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RI-

CO) conspiracy for mail fraud and money laundering, conspiracy to commit health care fraud, conspiracy to commit mail fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. If convicted, the Melville man could spend 70 years in prison.

Bharara’s office confirmed that Conroy posted the $2-million bond and is due to appear in court for a pre-trial conference this morning. They also identified his attorney as Christopher Robbins, who refused to confirm whether Conroy was his client, let alone comment on the case.

“I have nothing to say,” Robbins said on Friday.

C L A S S I F I E D S

A22 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • MARCH 8, 2012

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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • MARCH 8, 2012 • A23

HillSPORTS ICE HOCKEY>> ST. FRANCIS 3, ST. ANTHONY’S 4

Friars Finish With ‘Fairy Tale’ Ending Dramatic game-ending goal nets first state championship in school history mkoehler@longislandernews.com

In position to win the Catholic League State Championship for the first time in school history, the St. Anthony’s High School ice hockey team led most of Sunday’s game at the Nassau Coliseum.

But with just minutes remaining in the third period, the Friars were whistled for a penalty and upstate champions St. Francis High School scored the tying goal.

Seconds ticked off the clock as the score remained unchanged. With only one tick remaining, St. Anthony’s found a way to push the puck across the line and claim their title.

“It was great,” coach Jeff Stelmok said.

“It was incredible. It was up and down, had a couple of twists and turns. I think it was well played by both teams.”

St. Anthony’s earned the right to play in the Catholic High School Varsity Ice Hockey Championship after finishing with a perfect 20-0 record.

Off the ice, however, the season was hardly perfect. Longtime General Manager Marie Drisco succumbed to a seven-year battle with breast cancer in December.

“We lost her this season and it was a very tough thing for this organization.

She’s a leader,” Stelmok said. “She was really the lifeblood of the organization.”

Wearing stickers on their helmets honoring their GM, the Friars took the ice on Sunday evening for their final game of the season.

St. Francis scored first, just minutes into the first period. Senior center Chris Wallace tied the game at 1 a minute later.

He scored again later in the first to put St. Anthony’s up 2-1.

Senior forward Christian Habberstad scored for the Friars in the second period to give the downtown champs a 3-2 edge entering the final period of play.

Carrying that lead through most of the third, Stelmok directed his players to prevent St. Francis from scoring. But in the process, senior Thomas McGregor was

The St. Anthony’s Friars celebrate their championship by hoisting the trophy on the ice of the Nassau Coliseum.

Blight hearing (Continued from page A7)

go to a beautification fund with the intent of financing the town’s revitalization and anti-blight efforts.

Once a Code Enforcement officer rules a property blighted following an inspection, the property owner can stay off the blight registry by proving within 30 days the property is not actually blighted. If that fails, they must reach a Restoration Agreement with the town’s planning director, in which the property owner explicitly lays out how they will repair the property on a fixed timetable. The property owner must have a certificate of occupancy or a letter in lieu and have a clean record with Code Enforcement to be eligible.

If neither of those happens, or a

Photos by Vincent Martino

By Mike Koehler

property owner reneges on a restoration agreement, the property goes on the blight inventory. Joining this list includes an additional $5,000 in taxes to the town for commercial buildings or a $2,500 addition onto the tax bill for any residential building.

Blighted homes are rated on a point system, and infractions are worth five to 50 points depending on the severity.

The highest blight score went to 5 Laura Lane in East Northport, which racked up 295 blight points – nearly three times the 100 points needed to qualify to be considered for blight designation. The property was assigned three of the five 50-point violations and 17 of the 22 remaining point-bearing violations.

called for interference with 3:42 remaining. The upstate champs scored on the ensuing power play.

But it was St. Anthony’s superstars Wallace and junior forward Mike Marnell who saved the day for Friars fans. Wallace won a faceoff in St. Anthony’s territory with 10 seconds left. He kicked the puck out to senior Jimmy Mazza, who passed it along to Marnell. The forward skated up the wall to the St. Francis blue line, setting up Wallace for an easy shot in front of the goal.

“Without question they are our leaders.

They dominate out there,” Stelmok said of Marnell and Wallace. “They’re always in cahoots one way or another. In the past couple of games, Chris has been our lead goal scorer.”

The coach also praised junior goalie Daniel Peterson. Peterson made 16 saves

in the win, several coming in the third period.

“It easily could have gone in a different direction if he had given up a couple,” Stelmok said.

Sunday’s win marks the first for St. Anthony’s in the Catholic League; they joined the conference after leaving Suffolk County for more challenging opponents. They played their way into the title game the previous two years, losing each by a single goal.

Stelmok was mildly disappointed with the lack of a national competition for his players, but was happy to give Drisco a fitting tribute.

“At the end of the game they were chanting her name. It was bittersweet. It’s kind of like a fairy tale ending,” he said.

“I’m sure Mrs. D was smiling looking down.”

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