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N E W S P A P E R
VOLUME FIFTEEN, ISSUE 25
MELVILLE
MELVILLE
A rendering of a residential building in “The Club at Melville,” an affordable senior community planned for Deshon Drive. By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandernews.com
Deshon Partners, the developer of a 261-unit senior residential community on property once owned by Newsday, filed site plans for “The Club At Melville” with Huntington’s planning department Aug. 22. The schematic site plans call for units in the for-sale, income-restricted senior development to be spread across 11 buildings situated on 13 of the 18 acres on the Deshon Drive property, which was owned by the Tribune Company, former parent company of Newsday. Units will range in size from 900 to 1,200 square feet, but most will be about 1,200 square feet, said Michael Cox, counsel for Deshon Partners. The most affordable units will cost about $212,000, while the middle tier is to be approximately $318,000 and the top tier $365,000. A covenant applied to the property requires the units to remain affordable in perpetuity. The smallest building is to have 18 units; the largest, 29. Seven of the 11 buildings call for 24 units. A 4,000 (Continued on page A14)
Route 110’s Own Piano Row Hub has been attracting retail and repair businesses since 1980s By Mike Koehler
Half Hollow Hills photo/Luann Dallojacono
Plans Filed For Senior Housing
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The owner of Frank & Camille’s Fine Pianos is taking credit for sparking Huntington’s own Piano Row, and she may be right. From the Long Island Expressway to just north of Walt Whitman Shops along Route 110, there are more than half a dozen companies that sell or repair pianos. Some are one-man shows, while others have major name brands. All, apparently, have found some level of success. Frank & Camille’s was the first, owner Camille Scheidemann said. In business for 36 years, she’s owned the store just south of Schwab Road for 26 years. She has 200 pianos in her Melville store alone, with another store in Carle Place and a warehouse in Farmingdale. Holding exclusive rights to sell new pianos from brands like Kawai, Baldwin, Weber and Kurzweil, Frank & Camille’s has customers from across the country. “We are the longest standing Long Island piano dealer,” the owner said. Scheidemann grew up in Dix Hills. At 10 years old, she was hired to play the organ in the mall every Saturday. When it came time to find a home for her business, she chose the Melville/Huntington Station area because of her history and its reputation as a “shopping hub.” In the meantime, Dennis Pereca was making a career for himself as a professional pianist, playing with the Bee Gees, Steppenwolf and Max Weinberg. After finding several pianos in a condition that rendered them not even playable, his interest in the instrument’s mechanics piqued with a career in piano restoration. He started The Pianotek Company in Queens in 1980. Come 1997, Pereca wanted to sell pianos and expand the business. He moved to Huntington Station. “We wanted to have a location on 110 as well. A lot of piano businesses have come and gone over the years,” Pereca said. “Where else would you be? We moved here so we could possibly pick up the scraps and bones of other companies. That was pre-Internet.”
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Route 110 has become a hub for piano businesses, largely due to its location, accessibility and growing competition. Previously operating out of a Queens warehouse off the beaten path, their Route 110 store also offered more accessibility and visibility. While piano companies choose businesses like Frank & Camille’s to hold exclusive rights to sell their brand for a certain region, The Pianotek Company takes advantage of the lack of restrictions on the used piano market to sell secondhand instruments at drastically reduced prices. “It’s a great alternative to purchasing the same Steinway brand new and at half the price,” Pereca said, adding that his experienced technicians maintain the business’ reputation online. “Fifty percent of our sales are outside of New York State.” Legendary piano maker Steinway & Sons has their flagship store in Manhattan. But when the company brain trust decided to tap deeper into the suburban market, Marketing Director Anthony Gilroy said they chose Route 110 in
Melville. The location is accessible to both Nassau and Suffolk counties, Gilroy said, and is a highly-trafficked area in a hub of high-end pianos, furniture and home furnishings. They opened three years ago, Manager Barry Tognolini said, and remain the sole Steinway company-owned showroom on Long Island. They carry plenty of old Steinways rebuilt directly from the factory in Queens, although they can also acquire new models. Tognolini typically has 30 Steinways on display at any time. “Nobody else can have new Steinways on Long Island, but we also have rebuilt Steinways, and nobody else can do that on Long Island,” he said, adding that they have a few rebuilt pianos from the late 19th century. “Steinway is synonymous with quality. Ninety-eight percent of concert pianists around the world only perform on a Steinway.” The youngest of the bunch is Faust (Continued on page A14)
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• A look inside Richie Cannata’s recording studio • Resident takes credit for Long Island Iced Tea
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A2 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • AUGUST 30, 2012
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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • AUGUST 30, 2012 • A3
WHEATLEY HEIGHTS MELVILLE
By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandernews.com
Several Huntington Town Board members said they would not support a moratorium on commercial development in Melville being championed by civic associations. The call for a moratorium came earlier this month following a proposal by LBA Melville Associates to build a six-story, 84-foot tall office building at 270 South Service in Melville, a property which currently holds a Federal Express dispatch station and buildings owned by TV 55. Changes in town code, approved in October 2010, allow office buildings along the Long Island Expressway and Service Roads to be up to six stories and 90 feet tall on 10-acre or larger parcels. Civic association leaders want transportation and land use studies of the Melville Employment Center, as recommended by the Horizons 2020 Master Plan, to be completed before new development takes place. “If you look at the master plan, page after page refers to it. That’s why there was never any major discussion of the Melville area in the master plan,” Alissa Taff, president of the Civic Association of Sweet Hollow, said. “Many years have gone by and it should have been done by now.” But several Huntington town officials, largely citing economic conditions, said a moratorium would be detrimental. “The idea of a moratorium in Melville, at a time when we’re trying to promote economic development, would be counterintuitive,” said Councilman Mark Cuthbertson. Councilwoman Susan Berland agreed, adding that the current proposal complies with town code. “Telling businesses to ‘go anyplace but the Town of Huntington’ is not something we should be advocating,” she said. Councilman Gene Cook said the town board should begin taking steps toward completing the Melville studies “right away.” But in the meantime, they should bring residents and the developer together to find common ground. “If there’s a company that can come in here and create jobs, I’m all for it. We need to seriously look at it,” Cook said. The only support for any sort of time-out came from Councilman Mark Mayoka. He said the town should hold off on new projects on Walt Whitman Road until a traffic study is completed after Canon is fully built and occupied. “We don’t really know what the Canon traffic is going to provide and how that is going to impact the community,” Mayoka said. Guidelines of the Horizons 2020 plan recommend the town set the stage to develop an integrated (Continued on page A14)
Helping Kids A Pedal At A Time Teacher bikes across country to raise $20,000 for cancer camp Half Hollow Hills photo/Angela Pradhan
Town Likely Won’t Seek Moratorium
By Angela Pradhan info@longislandernews.com
Sunrise Day Camp in Wheatley Heights was buzzing with anticipation on Friday as a Northport family finished their cross-country bicycling trek. Staff and kids from the camp alike joined family and friends waiting for the Connor family. When the crowd finally spotted father Gene Connor riding into the camp, they cheered as he rode through the finish line followed by his three kids and wife, Amy. He paused to take a breath as tears of joy overcame him and his wife at the incredible journey from San Diego to Long Island they just completed. Connor initially started riding his bicycle to raise money for the American Cancer Society (ACS) because his three sisters and mother were diagnosed with cancer over the course of 18 months, and supporting ACS gave him the opportunity to help others who are also affected by the disease. In the hopes of raising pledges, he started riding from his Northport home to Syosset High School, where he teaches. In 2010, he began working at Sunrise, a camp for children with cancer and their siblings, and later decided to help them raise funds. Among the crowd were Syosset students and alumni of the dance and theatre teacher with a personalized sign for Connor. “He rides his bike to school through snow, hail and rain,” student Justin Bergson said. Connor started riding in 2007, raising $10,000 for ACS while riding more than 2,000 miles back and forth to school. He stashed clothes and baby wipes in his office, and often stayed late to work with students. “We raised $10,000 just with me going back and forth, and that started the genesis,” he said. “If I could get $10,000 for 2,000 miles, what could I get for going across the country?” Connor covered 3,713 miles, leaving San Diego two months ago bound for the Wheatley Heights camp. Along the way, he and his family met people “who were touched [with] or had cancer.”
Gene Connor rides through the finish line at Sunrise Day Camp in Wheatley Heights after riding cross-country to raise money for the organization. Daughter Sarah rode with her dad regularly mid-trip for 20 miles a day, occasionally joined by her younger brothers. For the last 10 weeks, the 13-year-old witnessed her father’s willpower first hand. “He’s so determined and I just think it’s pretty awesome,” she said. When asked to recall a time when his limits were tested, Gene Connor talked about riding with 70 mph winds blowing into his face and thinking, “I just can’t do this.” But his wife and children supported him throughout the trip and reminded him of whom he was helping. “[They said,] ‘Think of the kids,’ and that would be it,” Connor said. The family brought in almost $20,000 for the camp with their trek, enough to send three children to camp. The teacher said he decided to donate locally because he could make more of an impact. When he found Sunrise, he “saw what an incredible place it was.” “I realized $10,000 wouldn’t make an impact in the American Cancer Society so I started looking locally to find an organization where $10,000 would mean a lot,” he said.
Gene Connor and his students hug after he makes it through the finish line. Sunrise Day Camp is the only dedicated full summer day camp in America for children with cancer and their siblings. The camp is designed to meet all aspects of the needs of the children while allowing them to enjoy the comforts and safety of their own homes at night.
SOUTH HUNTINGTON
Water District Takes Aim At Archers Aug. 29 public hearing scheduled for eminent domain case By Mike Koehler mkoehler@longislandernews.com
Concerns about low water pressure has the South Huntington Water District trying to force a local sports club to sell part of their property. The water district scheduled a public hearing – an early step in their eminent domain case against Suffolk Archers – for Aug. 29 at the South Huntington Public Library. Water District Superintendent Kevin Carroll said low pressure has been a problem in the northeast portion of the district, namely Beverly Road and a few side streets, for three or four years. Summers and mornings are among the worst times, he said, which could lead to a lack of water for showers and fire
hoses alike. “It’s a concern [now],” Carroll said. High terrain in that area has forced the water district to employ a booster pump for the better part of 50 years. That pump only connects to a water main on Larkin Street. Pressure and volume is plentiful from that pump, Carroll added, and the solution involves connecting the pump to an existing main on Dalton Court. “With the new population growth, we require the second outlet,” he said. But adding that new connection would require accessing part of 21 acres of wooded land owned by Suffolk Archers, southeast of the Pidgeon Hill Road and Woodstone Court intersection. Carroll said they’ve negotiated with the private archery club for a few years
and have not been able to reach a deal. “We love working with them, but we feel we have to move now…” the superintendent added. But Joe Lupo, a member of Suffolk Archers’ Board of Directors, had a different take on the situation. Lupo claimed the 61-year-old club never denied the water district the easement and was ready to continue negotiations. “We’re quite perplexed,” he said. “We’ll get as much information at the meeting as everyone.” Negotiations began about 18 months ago, Lupo added, and have been offand-on since. The archery club believed they were close to an agreement before eminent domain proceedings began. “They were offered a very fair and equitable deal,” Lupo said.
A4 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • AUGUST 30, 2012
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POLICE REPORT Compiled by Mike Koehler
Reality Of Huntington
No More Bass Thumping
when gas stations start trying to fool drivers. I Huntington reality… Reality TV sure is taking found one gas station along Jericho Turnpike offeran interest in Huntington these days. Tonight’s ing a gallon of unleaded for just over $3.70. Too bad episode of the CW 11’s singing competition “The it only mentioned in small Next” was filmed at The Paramount, and the Bravo print that was cash only, let Network recently filmed at XO alone the fact that the credit IN THE KNOW Restaurant and Lounge. Stars WITH AUNT ROSIE price was $4.30, significantly of “Mob Wives” and “The Real higher than the average. Housewives of New York City” What happened to paying $1 were spotted at a fundraiser per gallon, or even less? sponsored by a Huntington Whether it’s tension in the fashion boutique last weekend. And last year, Middle East, inoperable refineries or higher deChristopher’s Courtyard Café was the sight of anothmand, I would be very happy to spend like it’s 1975. er reality show that was filming a pilot. I have to admit, I’m not a fan of reality television, but I’d sure Where there’s smoke… Did anyone else driving tune in to see my beautiful town serve as the setting towards Huntington village early last Thursday affor all the drama! Just goes to show that Huntington ternoon notice a sudden haze? My Buick just has really put itself on the map when it comes to arts crossed out of Centerport when I noticed the faint and culture – coincidentally, our LIfe issue this clouds. But what was tricky to pick up with my eyes, week! Read more in this week’s centerfold. my nose had no problem with. It reeked of burning rubber, and that lasted for some time. I have a Shake, rattle and roll… It was just a bit more sneaky suspicion both the stench and haze were than a year ago today that Huntington village was all connected with a large landscaping truck and the shook up along with the rest of the eastern seaboard. trailer towed behind, but I can’t prove it. RegardThat’s right – the big East Coast Earthquake – the less, I was very happy to open my windows and air first of any significance that I can remember since out the old girl once the haze disappeared. about 1985 – made all of our lives a wee bit more interesting for a moment or two. I remember the feelBzzy -bodies… Now, I’m not the biggest fan of ing well – the earth started shaking, but I looked at bees in the world, but this was kind of cute. As I all my friends with that “is it just me?” look. Then, it was driving about town the other day, I was stopped stopped for a second or two before rumbling again, at a traffic light near some flowers. In that clump, settling that score just fine, thanks. Then again, it’s a there they were about a dozen big, fluffy-looking funny thing that happens in a newspaper office, or bumble bees, buzzing to and fro, picking up some so I was told: Once everything stopped shaking and pollen and doing what bees do best. As people are everybody went back to what they were doing, the swatting them away, people forget how important folks in our office ran out the front door. Not bebees are to the ecosystem and making things grow. I cause they were scared, but because a big story just know I’m guilty of that, so that little display of fluffy emerged right beneath their feet. pollinating cuteness was much needed. I truly feel bad… for local gas station owners. (Aunt Rosie wants to hear from you! If you have They’ve long caught much of the frustration and comments, ideas, or tips about what’s happening in animosity targeted at oil-company bigwigs while your neck of the woods, write to me today and let me trying to make a living. In this day and age, everyknow the latest. To contact me, drop a line to Aunt body hates the prices at the pump, including the loRosie, c/o The Long-Islander, 149 Main Street, Huntcal station owners who must pay almost as obscene ington NY 11743. Or try the e-mail at prices for the wholesale gas. But I do have an issue aunt.rosieli@gmail.com)
Suffolk police were dispatched to South Huntington on Aug. 24 about a theft. The complainant said someone damaged a door on their 2012 Chevrolet and stole a subwoofer the day prior.
Thief Hits School’s Baseball Supplies An official at a high school in Huntington called Suffolk County police on Aug. 24 to report a theft. The complainant said a net was stolen from a batting cage sometime earlier in the month.
Cable Reported Missing Suffolk police responded to a hotel and catering facility in West Hills on Aug. 24. The complainant reported that cable had been stolen earlier in the week.
That Had To Be A Noisy Job A Dix Hills resident called Suffolk County police on Aug. 24 to report a burglary. The thief broke through a rear glass door before making off with jewelry.
Key Job Means New Paint Job A patron at a Huntington bank called Suffolk police to report criminal mischief on Aug. 24. The complainant told police someone keyed all the way around her SUV. She also said she saw a woman who might be involved, despite not actually witnessing her cause the damage.
Copper Pipes Missing From Unoccupied Home Suffolk police were dispatched to an unoccupied home in Dix Hills on Aug. 24. An entrance to the basement was found open and copper pipes were missing.
Next Time, Lock The Door A Greenlawn resident called Suffolk County police on Aug. 24 about a burglary. The thief entered through an unlocked rear door. Jewelry was reported missing.
Robbers Brandish Gun
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.
Suffolk police responded to a Huntington Station electronics store on Aug. 22 about an armed robbery. Two male suspects displayed a gun and took cash.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK GENE CONNOR
Not A Professional Way To Get Back Pay
“I realized $10,000 wouldn’t make an impact in the American Cancer Society so I started looking locally to find an organization where $10,000 would mean a lot.” Helping Kids One Pedal At A Time, PAGE A3
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Northport Village police responded to a Schooner Road home on Aug. 22 about a former employee who won’t stop calling. The resident said the caller is unhappy about his prior hourly rate and believes he is owed money. The responding officer observed several texts where the former employee would approach current customers and tell them that the complainant’s company does shoddy work. Police contacted the former employee and advised him of his civil recourse. No criminal action had occurred.
Unresponsive Man Rushed To Hospital Northport police rushed to a Lisa Drive home on Aug. 22 about an unresponsive elderly man with an infection. The Northport Fire Department took him to Huntington Hospital.
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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • AUGUST 30, 2012 • A5
TOWN OF HUNTINGTON
Pols Applaud Ruling On MTA Payroll Tax Appeal coming for ‘unconstitutional’ plan Half Hollow Hills photo/Luann Dallojacono
By Mike Koehler mkoehler@longislandernews.com
A state Supreme Court judge ruled the MTA Payroll Tax unconstitutional last week, to the delight of many in the Town of Huntington. The tax, which charged employers 34 cents for every $100 of payroll to help fund mass transit expenses, is a drain on local business, said State Senator Carl Marcellino (R-Syosset). “At a time when we’re trying to encourage people to hire, the last thing you want to do is punish employment,” Marcellino said. “We want them to hire. We were giving tax incentives to bring employers into the region.” The tax originated in May 2009, when MTA officials projected a $1.8 billion shortfall. New York State legislators responded by passing the MTA Tax Bill on May 6, 2009. Sixty percent of the Assembly voted for it and 52 percent of the Senate approved it; then-Governor David Paterson also supported the bill. Schools were eventually approved for reimbursement. Legislators also trimmed the amount paid by some businesses, nonprofits and other employers by $250 million earlier this year; employers with an annual payroll of $1.75 million now pay less to varying degrees. But it didn’t take that long for the tax to upset municipalities, school districts and employers. At least eight lawsuits were filed against the tax in State Supreme Court, including one by the Town of Huntington. Many of those lawsuits have since been dismissed, including the Town of Huntington’s case in September 2011. The lawsuit filed by Nassau County in 2010, however, recently won favor with Judge Bruce Cozzens Jr. Cozzens offered his support for the suit on Aug. 22, agreeing that the MTA Payroll Tax failed to abide by special rules. Nassau’s lawsuit called the legislation approving the tax a special law in that it does not affect all of New York State; the MTA Payroll Tax only affects seven counties from Dutchess to the East End within the Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District. Unlike a general law applying to all counties, special laws require either two-thirds support from both houses of the state legislature or Home Rule permission from local municipalities. “We never got any of that,” Marcellino said, adding that only New York City would likely have authorized a Home Rule message. Huntington spokesman A.J. Carter said the town was celebrating Judge Cozzens’ ruling. “We are pleased by this decision, since if the law is unconstitutional in Nassau County, it is unconstitutional in the whole state and will apply to Huntington, too,” Carter said. However, MTA officials have already confirmed they intend to appeal the decision. In fact, MTA Chairman Joseph Lhota said in a letter to his board of directors that they expect to bypass the Appellate Division and go directly to the
MTA officials say without a stable source of funding, service cuts and fare hikes on transportation services would be implemented. But state officials counter that waste and mismanagement has plagued the MTA for decades. Court of Appeals. The tax will continue to be collected until their appeal is heard. MTA spokesperson Adam Lisberg said last week that eliminating the tax would cut $1.2 billion in revenue and devastate the agency. “Without the Payroll Mobility Tax or another stable and reliable source of funding, the MTA would be forced to implement a combination of extreme service cuts and fare hikes,” he said. MTA sources said about half of their funding comes from fares and tolls, with the remainder coming from government sources. Should the tax disappear and not be replaced, those sources said the only options would be to cut services and/or raise prices. But state Assemblyman Andrew Raia (R-East Northport) challenged those claims, contending recent reports have just begun to scratch the surface of “the waste and mismanagement plaguing the MTA for decades.” “That’s the threat the MTA gives all the time,” Raia said regarding cutting services. The assemblyman also griped that Suffolk County residents are paying for the MTA Payroll Tax through their property taxes since local governments have to pay, while New York City residents use mass transit more than suburbanites. In fact, if the agency does win their appeal, Raia said he’d rather see a system with the city as an epicenter and tax payments decreasing as distance increases. “You have businesses up in Rockland County who have to pay this and they’re not even serviced. Montauk is the same way; the train almost never runs,” Raia said.
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A6 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • AUGUST 30, 2012
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HUNTINGTON STATION
Gearing Up To ‘Source The Station’ Officials say campaign keeping pace with other successful downtown efforts By Danny Schrafel
campaign, Renaissance is already working residents to get new businesses off the ground. “I’ve had three community members already meet with me about opening businesses, and I’m meeting with one this afternoon,” Porter said. “It’s only going to help us be successful if people see investment in the community already.” To become a member of Source the Station, visit www.sourcethestation.com, click on the “register” tab on the top right of the page and fill out the form that follows. Most members are approved within one business day.
dschrafel@longislandernews.com
Source the Station is off to a fast start, Renaissance Downtowns officials said, but the more people who sign up at sourcethestation.com, weigh in and help craft a brighter future for downtown Huntington Station, the better. Ryan Porter, vice president of Planning and Development for Renaissance Downtowns, said the Source the Station campaign has signed up about 170 members in its first 45 days. “That’s a really good pace,” he said. “It’s a step above the pace we had going for us in Hempstead, and it’s around the same pace we had in Bristol, Conn.” Residents and stakeholders are being urged to keep up the momentum by joining the Source the Station campaign. Bristol Rising netted about 2,500 members in approximately two years, Porter said. There, the city council unanimously approved Renaissance’s downtown redevelopment plan in October 2011. “It’s very early in the process, but we are picking up a ton of momentum,” Porter said of Huntington Station. The company has been pushing its Internet-based Source the Station “crowdsourced placemaking” campaign since officially opening an office at 1266 New York Ave. in Huntington Station. The grassroots effort is designed to allow local residents, businesses and stakeholders to participate and help create a shared vision of what will be built at and around the Huntington train
One of Source the Station’s first happy hours, held at Jonny D’s Pizza in Huntington Station, netted several new members for the crowdsourced placemaking campaign. station. Outreach is performed through their Huntington Station office, social media, their website at www.sourcethestation.com and face-to-face meetings with residents. Renaissance is working with the Station branch of the Huntington Library to have a dedicated Source the Station computer station. Part of the face-to-face outreach includes community gatherings. The first “happy hours” at La Hacienda and Jonny D’s Pizza were part of a series of informal get-togethers to learn more about Renaissance Downtowns and Source the Station. More formal meet-ups, like the one held at Tri CYA Aug. 23, attracted about 40 guests, and around 15 of them were Source the Station newcomers. After an update from a Renaissance
official, participants are broken up into groups where they discuss concepts for Source the Station and brainstorm new proposals. Campaigns, Porter said, are key in gauging community support. For instance, Renaissance might do a retail campaign, encouraging members to drum up support for their favorite business concepts. “When they reach a certain number of votes [on the website], Renaissance will commit to doing a feasibility study,” Porter said. “The community is proving to us there is a desire amongst community members to have that from a market perspective.” Even though they’re in just the formative stages of their Huntington Station
Want to help Source the Station? It’s just a few mouse clicks away. Here’s how you do it: • Visit www.sourcethestation.com. • Click on the “Register” tab on the top right and fill out the registration form. • After an administrator approves your application, log in and start Sourcing the Station! Post ideas, vote on proposals and make your voice heard.
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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • AUGUST 30, 2012 • A7
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TOWN OF HUNTINGTON
MELVILLE
Wine Under The Stars
‘Texting Can Wait’
Fine wine, great food, live music and fascinating history will all be on tap at the Huntington Historical Society’s Evening of Wine Under the Stars on Sept. 7. Held at the historic Daniel W. Kissam House at 434 Park Ave. in Huntington, the 22nd annual event celebrates Cold Spring Harbor’s Robert Hughes and his wife, Priscilla, both longtime supporters of the Huntington Historical Society during the last two decades. Robert, who currently serves as the Huntington Town Historian and a Cold Spring Harbor School District trustee, was on the society’s board of trustees for seven years, including three years as president and then serving as volunteer acting executive director. Priscilla is the senior vice president and general counsel for the Americas and chief counsel for Mergers and Acquisitions for Thomson Reuters Financial & Risk. In addition to her professional and volunteer work, Priscilla is the proprietor of Squadron Hill Farm, where she keeps bees, raises chickens, grows vegetables, and weeds the property. The night will feature the culinary creations of: Black and Blue Seafood Chophouse. The Culinary Studio, Rookies Sports Club, Kashi, Christopher’s, Crew, Fado, Nisen Sushi, Roast Sandwich House and more, all paired with fine wines and Long Island’s Blue Point Brewery craft beers. Peter Mazzeo and the Hit Squad are sched-
Robert and Priscilla Hughes will be honored by the Huntington Historical Society at their 22nd annual Wine Under the Stars fundraiser Sept. 7. uled to perform at the event, and the event committee is putting the final touches on raffle baskets and silent auction gifts. Two of the prizes include a gift from Disney World and a week in the Caribbean. Tickets are $60 for Huntington Historical Society members, $70 for nonmembers and $85 at the door if any are available. Tables of 10 can be reserved. Call 631-427-7045, ext. 401 to buy a ticket, visit the Historical Society’s website or email winetasting@huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org.
Pictured from left are Tri CYA Director Debbie Rimler, Wendy Vilorio, 17, Nydia Figuero, 17, Jeanine Vilorio, 17, and Councilman Mark Cuthbertson taking the pledge not to text and drive. High school students from Tri Community Youth Agency (Tri CYA) joined Huntington Councilman Mark Cuthbertson at the AT&T Melville store last week to take the pledge not to text and drive. The students stopped by the store Aug. 22 to take the pledge on www.itcanwait.com along with Cuthbertson and AT&T executives. The students later attended the “American Idol” concert at the Nassau Coliseum as part of AT&T’s cam-
paign to spread the word on the dangers of texting and driving. A recent AT&T survey found that 97 percent of teens say they know that texting is dangerous. However, the survey also found that: 75 percent of teens surveyed say that texting while driving is “common” among their friends; 89 percent expect a reply to a text or email within 5 minutes or less; and 77 percent of teens report seeing their parents text while driving.
Est. 1907
Huntington Jewish Center A Multi-Generational Egalitarian Synagogue
Join our warm, child-friendly and vibrant community We offer reduced memberships for young families •Award-winning Preschool and Hebrew School •Programs for youth, families and seniors •Life-long learning opportunities •Accessible and warm clergy •Care and support in times of need •A warm setting for life’s celebrations •Social experiences fostering connections
Successful Successful2 2day daya aweek weekReligious ReligiousSchool School We Wewelcome welcomeinterfaith interfaithand andnon-traditional non-traditionalfamilies families •Free High Holiday Tickets •Generous summer camp scholarships •Generous scholarships for teen trips to Israel •Free cemetery plots
Be our guest at Kol Nidre services, Tuesday, Sept. 25th 6:30 PM Babysitting available For more information, please call 631-427-1089, ext. 23 and ask for Jane. www.HuntingtonJewishCenter.org 510 Park Avenue, Huntington, NY 11743 Rabbi Neil Kurshan Cantor Israel Gordan Joel Wirchin, President
A8 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • AUGUST 30, 2012
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Opinion
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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
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Now’s The Time The Town of Huntington is known for its and ideas to recreate a thriving downtown downtowns: Huntington village, North- center for the area. They may also share port, Cold Spring Harbor and Greenlawn. their thoughts on the ideas that others have At one time, Huntington Station was also posted and vote for their favorites. The reon the list, until urban renewal of the ’60s sult is consensus-building with transparenand ’70s ripped the heart from this gate- cy and accountability. way community and failed to reStakeholders are those who live build it. in, work in or simply care about EDITORIAL The chance to do so is at our the community. Your input is not doorstep and getting under way now. Ren- only welcome… it is absolutely needed. aissance Downtowns, named by the town as The time to get involved in the process is master developer for Huntington Station, now. And it’s easy to do so. On the web, go has launched what it calls a “crowdsourc- to SourceTheStation.com and register, then ing” campaign to gather community input check out some of the ideas that have alto guide revitalization efforts. “Source the ready been posted. Vote, comment, put up Station” is a social media-style website at your own ideas, and most importantly, be a which stakeholders can share their visions part of the process.
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
More Options Are Empowering DEAR EDITOR: Great article that appeared [last] week – “State Law Goes ‘Pink’ With Help From Resident” by Jamie Weissman. I think the focus by the state on women’s health is terrific, and what Jo-Ann Pushkin did is wonderful – she really made lemonade out of lemons and used her experience to help other women. Women’s choice on how they deal with their health is paramount! Now that we have been provided with another option, each woman can utilize it the way she sees fit. KAREN JOY MILLER
President Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition
Elected Supers Are Held Accountable DEAR EDITOR: I attended the public hearing at Huntington Town Hall on Aug. 14 to voice my opposition to the resolution to change the Highway Superin-
tendent’s position from an elected position to an appointed position. I am an attorney who manages the operations of 11 law firms across the United States and I spend a great deal of my time developing and implementing business processes and procedures that enable those firms to deliver legal services in an efficient and cost effective fashion. In my world, if I mismanage my duties or fail to achieve positive results, I could very well lose my job. My employers have the right to decide if they want me to work for them or not based on my how well I do my job. I feel strongly that the same relationship exists between the citizens of the Town of Huntington and the officials we elect into public office. I feel that the citizens of this town should be able to decide for ourselves which of our public officials are doing a good job and which are not, and we should have the right to vote out those officials we feel are not performing satisfactorily. It goes without saying that the Highway Superintendent is an extremely important po-
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sition. That official manages one of our town’s most vital resources – our highways – and is responsible for a department that accounts for a very large part of the town’s annual budget. It is critical that this office be run efficiently and effectively. If it isn’t, the citizens have the power to elect someone into that office who will perform the job satisfactorily. If the Highway Superintendent position becomes appointed instead of elected, the citizens of the Town of Huntington will lose that power and it is likely that we will never get it back. When I read that this change was being proposed I did a little research. I discovered that 837 out of 932 Highway Superintendents in New York State are elected – a vast majority. That was compelling to me. I found that the New York State Association of Town Superintendents of Highways, Inc. – the men and women who are most informed on this issue – oppose the recent attempts by many town governments in New York State to change the superintendent position from elected to appointed.
I learned that the citizens of the Town of Brookhaven defeated an attempt to change their highway superintendent position from elected to appointed in 2003. That referendum was rejected by 80 percent of those who turned out to vote. I understand that Brookhaven is holding a public hearing on the issue again at the end of this month. I suspect that the same result reached in 2003 will be repeated in 2012. I was surprised to see that this movement to change the Highway Superintendent position from elected to appointed has been in play in numerous towns across the state over the past couple of years. Several of those towns have rejected the move. For example a referendum was narrowly defeated in the towns of Danby in Tompkins County and Sharon in Schoharie County. The vote defeating such a change was about 2 to 1 in the Town of Duanesburg in Schenectady County. The voters in the Town of Ticonderoga in Essex County defeated the measure by 976 to 280! I think that changing the superintendent position from elected to appointed will reduce the accountability that the
Michael Schenkler Publisher Luann Dallojacono Editor Mike Koehler Danny Schrafel Reporters
Ian Blanco Dan Conroy Production/ Art Department
superintendent has to the people. Based on my research and my own personal experience as a manager, I do not think the efficiency and effectiveness of the department will improve if it is run by an appointed superintendent as opposed to an elected superintendent. In fact, I believe the opposite will be true because an appointed superintendent will lose a certain amount of independence and will not be directly accountable to the public. It is argued by the proponents of this measure that changing the superintendent’s position from an elected position to an appointed position will promote efficiency and cost savings. In return for this largely unsupported conclusion, our right to vote will be greatly diminished. As Thomas Jefferson once said, “A society that will trade a little liberty for a little order will lose both, and deserve neither.” For these reasons, I will oppose changing the Highway Superintendent’s position from elected to appointed if it is brought up for a vote in November. THOMAS M. MCNALLY
Dix Hills
Peter Sloggatt Associate Publisher/Managing Editor
Linda Gilbert Office / Legals
Susan Mandel Advertising Director Michele Caro Larry Stahl Account Executives
149 Main Street, Huntington, New York 11743 631.427.7000
Arts & Cu lture Celebrating
H u n tin g to n Ma k e s I ts Ma rk Inside
• The Paramount celebrates its first birthday • A look inside the recording studio of Richie Cannata, longtime sax player for Billy Joel
• Interview with the Huntington native who claims to have invented the LI bar scene’s cultural staple: The Long Island Iced Tea • Art therapy reaches kids with special needs
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• AUGUST 30, 2012 • LONG ISLANDER LIFE
‘There’s Nothing Like The Real Thing’ Studio continues to play its part despite changes in music industry LIfe photos/Luann Dallojacono
By Luann Dallojacono ldallojacono@longislandernews.com
Steven Rodriguez taps his foot as he listens back to the latest take of his song, recorded just moments earlier in the studio visible through the glass from the control room he now stands in. His gray and white Converse sneaker keeps time with the beat and he points his finger with each crash of the cymbals. The former Huntington resident, a singer-songwriter who used to play at Nag’s Head Ale House in the village, has caught the eye of industry executives in Nashville, prompting him to turn to a “real studio” to record a few tracks. But instead of making the trip to Manhattan, Rodriguez, like many artists, has found everything he needs on Long Island – specifically, at Cove City Sound Studios, where Richie Cannata is using his decades-long experience to create top-quality music. “Sounds great guys. Steve, your guitar sounds great,” Cannata says after walking into the control room and listening for a bit. The engineer cues up an earlier take and Cannata advises on which is better before slapping Rodriguez on the back with a smile and leaving to give a tour to a new client, a young aspiring female vocal artist. By recording at Cove City Sound Studios in Glen Cove, Rodriguez joins an elite group of artists who share the same experience. The studio’s Yamaha C-6 piano has been played by Ray Charles and Billy Joel, for whom Cannata plays saxophone. It is where Mariah Carey and Celine Dion have tracked vocals, and where Jennifer Lopez, who lives nearby, recorded her 2011 hit “On the Floor.” “To know those artists have sat in that room, it’s awesome,” Rodriguez, a small business owner, said. Celebrity clientele aside, Rodriguez said he chose to record at Cove City for several reasons: It’s close to home, it’s affordable and it has top-notch equipment. “It’s a world-class studio – it’s not just a little set-up – and it’s right here in my backyard,” he said. “It’s convenient, but also the facility Richie has here is state of the art.” Indeed, Cannata has created a beautiful space to record music in, a place where artists say they can be creative and comfortable. The 1,520 square-foot live room has a 25-foot ceiling with two isolation booths, and engineers in the control room operate a 56-channel SSL board. The two-floor building has two ultra lounges and office space, as well as a production/mixing suite. Cannata prides himself on having the best equipment in the game, both digital and analog pieces. “We have vintage microphones and vintage consoles that are hard to find,” Cannata said, calling particular attention to his Neve and SSL consoles. “Our gear makes a big difference; that’s why we get the clients that we do… Our recordings are going to sound better because we have better gear and we maintain it.” In the nearly 30 years Cove City has been churning out music, it has played a part in a number of Grammy awards and nominations, as well as an Oscar Award for the soundtrack to the musical film “Chicago.” The plaques adorning the
Richie Cannata, pictured in the production suite at Cove City Sound Studios, says he offers the best game in town, especially compared to Manhattan studios, given his pricing, space, equipment and location – not to mention the free parking. walls of just one of the lounges represents sales totaling more than 80 million records – all recorded at Cove City. To say Cannata knows the business is an understatement. He is best known for being Billy Joel’s longtime sax player. In fact, Joel introduces Cannata by name on the “Still Rock and Roll to Me” recording by saying “All right Rico” before the big sax solo. Beyond his history of recording and performing with Joel, Cannata still tours with The Beach Boys and is music director for The Bernie Williams Band. He also hosts an open jam session every Monday at The Bitter End in New York City and has a residency gig in Las Vegas. Work from his 2011 self-titled solo album earned him a spot in the top 20 on Billboard’s Smooth Jazz Songs chart. And that’s only what bears his name and not his Cove City Sound Studios label. Spinning A Revolving Door Cannata opened Cove City Sound Studios in 1985 with a mission to bring art and music into Glen Cove. He has since built a name that has put Long Island on the map of the music business. At a time when artists are looking to get the most for their recording dollars, Cannata said he is the best game in town, even compared to studios in New York City. “Lots of people come here because it’s close enough to the city and they don’t have the distractions of the labels and everything else that goes with being in Manhattan,” he said. “You can actually get work done. It’s better priced. Parking is free. The food is good, or better, and cheaper. The hotels are half the price.” As his clientele has changed over the years, so has what he offers. Whereas 20 years ago, more bands walked through his door, now the market is drawing more young girls wanting to be the next Jennifer Lopez or Lady Gaga. For that, they need more than just a place to record, and Cannata delivers. “We can put together a package for a
Cozy lounges at Cove City Sound Studios are part of why artists describe it as a comfortable place where they can be creative. young girl or guy who wants to do that, as well as a rock band that comes in,” he said. From finding musicians for a demo tape to creating packages that include photography, videos and websites, Cannata said his team can do it all, as well as connect artists with the right people when the time comes. “We help get people to a point where they’re seen, heard and represented correctly to those labels and other agencies and top management,” Cannata said. Always looking for fresh talent while at the same time catering to professionals, Cannata said his door is always open. “We have a revolving door downstairs and that revolving door will record a young kid that needs to do a flute solo for part of her college entrance application, and we will take Dee Snider and record
Twisted Sister,” he said. “There are no parameters we won’t explore. They want to record here, we’ll do it.” This openness to musicians of all levels is apparent to Cove City artists like longtime Spyro Gyra guitarist Julio Fernández, a good friend of Cannata who has been recording there for 20 years. “He’s such a people person and no matter who’s working here, whether it’s a bigname star or someone that’s just coming up and starting a career in the music business, he’s just very personable and treats everyone with respect, which is a wonderful thing,” Fernández said. With the emergence of software that can synthesize the studio sound, however, both the amateur and seasoned musician have the option of taking a do-it-yourself (Continued on page LI 3)
LONG ISLANDER LIFE • AUGUST 30, 2012 •
LIfe photo/Luann Dallojacono
With Cannata playing a Yamaha C-6 piano, he and longtime friend Julio Fernández jam out in Cove City Sound Studio’s main room. (Continued from page LI 2)
approach to making records, and many of them are, due to either budget constraints, convenience, or both. But is it really for the better? Some professional musicians will argue that recording software like GarageBand, though useful at times, simply cannot compare to playing live with other musicians in a studio setting. “The reality is, there’s nothing like the real thing,” Fernández said. “I don’t care how many beats or programs or loops there are – a place where you can really come together with a group of musicians and be creative and have the facility where you’re able to capture it I think is very important. We can all do our little GarageBand demos… [but] people want to feel that energy of being in one room and creating – that’s what music is; it’s an exchange of ideas.” The fact remains that while many wellknown studios in Manhattan, like Hit Factory, have closed, Cannata and Cove City have held their ground. “He’s one of the last big studios around,” Fernández said. “Lot of the places in Manhattan are either gone or are doing other things, and Richie has managed to keep this place very much alive. He’s always got great people working here, the equipment is always in tip-top shape, the piano is always tuned – it makes a difference.” Playing Into The Shift Record executives, studio owners and musicians alike agree that the music industry has seen a significant shift in the last decade. A perfect storm has been brewing, with several factors at play: illegal downloads and piracy have hurt CD sales; recording software like GarageBand, Logic and Pro Tools produce tracks at a fraction of the cost of recording in a
professional studio; and budgets across the board are being slashed left and right. Record companies and artists are simply not soliciting studios in the same way they once did, and consequently, studios in major recording hubs like Manhattan and Los Angeles have had to close their doors. Some think the shift is a positive one, particularly for studios like Cove City and places promoting local talent who want more ownership over their work. “Things are changing, and a lot of people think it’s for the good,” said Jeffrey James, second vice chair of the Long Island Music Hall of Fame. “Getting things out of the hands of big companies, in my opinion, is important.” James referred to an age when, if an artist wanted to record an album he or she would hit a studio in Los Angeles, which would advance them a certain dollar amount. That is not often the case today, he said, and it might be for the better. “Now I think there’s more creative freedom caused by the change of the economy,” he said. “Some of biggest names in the classical world have to come to recording projects with funding on their own. That’s just the way things are.” And studios like Cove City seem to be fitting in well with that shift, both from a creative standpoint and a budgeting one. “To go to a place like Richie’s where you’ll get more personal attention is a good thing and I think a lot of artists are finding that. They’re really taking more charge of their projects,” James said. Cannata stressed that just because he draws celebrities like Jennifer Lopez doesn’t mean time at his studio will break the bank. He has simple instructions for those worried that they can’t afford to record with him: All you have to do is ask. “We could put packages together whether it’s a million-dollar project or a thousand-dollar project. I’ll make it af-
fordable for them. And they get the same piano that Ray Charles used, and the same microphone that J Lo sang out of,” he said. “It’s imperative that people on Long Island know that they don’t have to go to someone’s basement and use Logic and Cubase and a cracked [pirated] version of Pro Tools. They can come here.” It is a fitting offer given the surge in the Long Island music scene, as theaters, restaurants and arts organizations continue to open their doors to aspiring local talent. A Springboard For Long Island Long Island has become a hotbed for local music and big-time talent alike, as relatively new theaters in Suffolk and Nassau draw talent of all kinds. Celebrating its one-year anniversary here in Huntington next month is The Paramount, which has both brought big-time music starts to town as well as hosted local music showcases. Cannata has the utmost praise for proprietor Brian Doyle and his partners. “He’s got an incredible venue and he’s bringing such great talent to Long Island, and we [Long Islanders] deserve to have this. We are a brother/sister to the biggest cultural center of the world,” he said. “It’s amazing what he has done. He has spared nothing to make Long Island look as good as we can possibly look and bring talent and bring people to this part of the north shore.” In addition to showing that Long Island can hold its own compared to the city, The Paramount and Cove City Sound Studios have a few more strong ties, not the least of which is that many songs recorded at Cannata’s studio end up being played on The Paramount stage. “I think that there’s a great correlation,” Cannata said. “Here I recorded Dream Theater, a great national act, and then they go play The Paramount. Come on. That’s awesome.”
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Happy Birthday Paramount!
It’s been almost a full year since The Paramount began bringing the best in music to Huntington village, and the party hasn’t stopped since. Taking over the former IMAC theater , the venue officially opened with a show by Elvis Costello and the Imposters on Sept. 29, 2011. Concertgoers saw a total transformation of the one-time vaudeville house and movie theater whose imposing façade had dominated the New York Avenue “skyline” since 1927. The stage has hosted some of the greatest in the business, including Rick Springfield, Dream Theater, Willie Nelson, Stone Temple Pilots, Alanis Morissette and Pat Benetar. A community staple, it has also hosted comedy shows, boxing matches, fundraisers and fashion shows. And on Oct. 18, it will host a spectacular Long Island Music Hall of Fame induction gala. Designed to give audiences a memorable music experience, the completely renovated theater also keeps musicians in mind, supplying such amenities as washers and dryers for road crews, dresing room showers, and state-of-the-art stage and sound electronics. Here’s what some artists who’ve played there and industry executives are saying about the Huntington hotspot: The place has got such a great vibe. “ From the minute you walk in, you get the sense that this is a venue that caters to real music lovers. What makes the experience even more special for us musicians is the way the staff makes you feel – the food, service and ambiance backstage are first class.”
- jazz saxophonist Dave Koz 1st time in Huntington, NY. Fn’ great “ spot. Had a blast. Over-the-top crowd to say the least!”
- Slash, former lead guitarist of Guns N’ Roses on Aug. 5, via WhoSay Broadcast The stage is wonderful, the sound “ system is great – just the operation itself and the people running it, it’s smokin'.”
- Julio Fernández, guitarist of Spyro Gyra
“
Brian Doyle is one of the greatest guys in the business. He’s got an incredible venue and he’s bringing such great talent to Long Island. It’s a great place to play… And it’s comfortable there. Everybody gets a good seat.”
- Richie Cannata, studio owner, saxophonist - DALLOJACONO
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• AUGUST 30, 2012 • LONG ISLANDER LIFE
‘One-Stop Shop’ For Musicians Huntington Station’s Black & White Studios calls on founder’s experience LIfe photo/Danny Schrafel
Spotlight On
Huntington Businesses By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandernews.com
Tucked away in a nondescript suite in a Huntington Station industrial park, an experienced engineer is nurturing musical talent. Will Burton’s Black & White Studios, nearing completion of its third renovation at its East 2nd Street space, offers musicians a full-service experience on Long Island, while always keeping community service and children upfront. As the name might indicate, much of the space is trimmed in black and white tile, furnishings and appliances, and includes homey touches like ample wood trim and a fish tank to provide a warm feeling that encourages creativity. “This place just feels like home,” Black & White artist Quiet Storm, a 25-year-old rapper from Lake Grove, said. Now residing in Northport, Burton has worked as a performer, engineer and producer during his two-decade career in music. He’s engineered projects for Jennifer Lopez and worked at Whitney Houston’s studios. After getting his start as a performer, Burton got sick of waiting for engineers to produce his tracks, so he learned to do it himself. Along the way, he’s worked with highprofile artists like Busta Rhymes and Keith Murray on projects. A versatile studio equipped with classic
Studio owner Will Burton at the video shoot for Salena Dabbs’ video. Burton launched the studio 11 years ago, calling on years of experience in the music business. analog equipment and state-of-the-art digital tools, Black & White is suitable for recording all genres of music, from pop/rock to rap, R&B and gospel. Working in conjunction with Tiki Studios in Glen Cove, Black & White is designed to be a “one-stop shop” for artists. “One of the problems with Long Island is that you do have to do a lot of driving around. We try to compact that down,” Nick Slay, studio manager at Black & White Studios, said. Artist Salena Dabbs, who records at Black & White and melds rock, pop and R&B, said walking out of the studio to the sight of Manor Field Park is often an awesome sight. “I look at it and always say, ‘It’s the Field of Dreams.’ That’s what it reminds me of – when you come, the lights are bright, and it
Quiet Storm, Nick Slay and Salena Dabbs in Black & White Studios. just reminds me of either doing the National Anthem or a big sporting event,” she said. Community service is an integral part of Burton’s business. Black & White supports the Young Leaders youth development program; the Project PLAY summer camp at Jack Abrams School; and donated equipment to Huntington High School’s audio lab. Slay and Burton have both worked with autistic children, using the arts as a conduit for growth; they also bring young people into the studio to teach them about the music industry. Burton mentors the artists, calling on two
decades of experience as an artist and engineer to guide and educate his talent, which Quiet Storm said is a major benefit. “When we walk in, I can come in and sit here, talk to Will for an hour before I record to get whatever I have to get off my chest so I don’t come in here with any attitude or negativity,” he said. For Burton, it’s all about paying it forward. “Being aware in my own life of the opportunities that were afforded to me, I try to pass that forward,” Burton said. “I’m a behind-the-scenes person – I get enjoyment from seeing people succeed.”
Arts Center Wants To See You in September Blazing fall season begins next month with wide variety Students aren’t the only ones getting ready for the fall. The Dix Hills Performing Arts Center kicks off its fall concert and entertainment season in September with a full schedule of events ranging from great jazz to orchestral music, opera and classic rock. “We are particularly thrilled to be able to begin the fall season at the center with such a wide variety of entertainment,” said Director Sandy Hinden. “This lineup truly offers something for everyone and features entertainers unparalleled in their talent and creativity. We encourage everyone to get their tickets early.” Opening weekend starts with opera and Broadway. “Two Tenors & A Lady – Broadway Meets Opera” on Saturday, Sept. 8 at 7:30 p.m., features duo Christopher Macchio and Elio Scaccio, with soprano Simona Rodano. Macchio and Scaccio are the new supergroup “Vetro,” singing the most popular arias and songs by Luciano Pavarotti, Andrea Bocelli, Mario Lanza and even Tom Jones. Joining them will be the talented soprano Rodano, a conservatory-trained classical and jazz soprano from Turin, Italy. Tickets are $50, $45 and $40. A tribute to Ella Fitzgerald and Lionel
Hampton completes opening weekend on Sunday, Sept. 9 at 3 p.m., featuring vocalist Cat daSilva, a specialist in jazz standards, and Bryan Carrott, internationally renowned jazz vibraphonist/mallet percussionist and prolific composer and improviser. Tickets are $30, $25 and $20, and free to music educators, their students and parents through a Jazz Education and Appreciation Grant from Capital One Bank. The free “Learn In Two” Guitar Clinic, always popular, is Wednesday, Sept. 12 at 7 p.m., providing instruction to the guitar enthusiast. The stage heats up again with a Neil Diamond tribute with Diamond One Hot Night on Friday, Sept. 14 at 7:30 p.m. A 10-piece band from New York brings the excitement of Neil Diamond’s live performances and most-beloved tunes to the Dix Hills audience. The next day, Sept. 15, the music of Doris Day will be alive and well with Karen Oberlin at 7:30 p.m. A memorable evening featuring one of the premier interpreters of the Great American Songbook, Oberlin will be accompanied by the Ted Firth Septet. Corky Laing, drummer for Long Is-
land’s own Mountain, provides for an afternoon of candid rock stories and a demonstration of his percussive power in “Stand Up-Sit Down” on Sunday, Sept. 16 at 2 p.m. Wonderous Stories will recreate the music of The Who’s seminal rock opera “Tommy,” using special guests, visual images and high production values on Friday, Sept. 21 at 7:30 p.m. The show will combine music from the original recording, film and Broadway musical with guests Tom Bowes from Tower of Power, Ed Ryan, Sue Turner and Holli Ann LaRocca. Take a break from the music and laugh it off with comedian Eddie Brill on Saturday, Sept. 22 at 7:30 p.m. Brill is best known for his 15-year stint as the house warm-up comedian for “The Late Show with David Letterman.” Bring your dancing shoes when the 17piece Black Tie Affair Orchestra with Tom Manuel and vocalist Phyllis Tagg takes the stage Sunday, Sept. 23 at 2 p.m. They will revisit the heyday of the Big Band era. Sofia Rei and The Bossa Nova Ensemble play Friday, Sept. 28 at 7:30 p.m. Rei and her five-piece ensemble features
Bryan Carrott, internationally renowned jazz vibraphonist/mallet percussionist, and vocalist Cat daSilva pay tribute to Lionel Hampton and Ella Fitzgerald on Sept. 9. songs by legendary Bossa Nova “king” Antonio Carlos Jobim. Remember the days of the Andrews Sisters in a tribute with The Manhattan Dolls on Saturday, Sept. 29 at 7:30 p.m. The New York City-based 1940s swing-style female vocal trio tour the world, performing at military and other special events. “The Band” Tribute with The Bandits on Sunday, Sept. 30 at 2 p.m. takes on new meaning with passing of the late, great Levon Helm. Relive the Last Waltz with this historical concert, taking you back to the magical time as the group appears for the first time on Long Island.
LONG ISLANDER LIFE • AUGUST 30, 2012 •
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LI Iced Tea Still Making A Splash Former Huntington bartender claims dibs on 40-year-old alcoholic drink years after the creation and some time after he stopped bartending, the Food Channel contacted Rosebud about a show at the Oak Beach Inn. “They were mixing it in barrels and it was on tap it was so popular,” Rosebud said. The drink was popular at the bar a year after Rosebud created it, although it wasn’t initially called a Long Island Iced Tea. Rosebud said the name came from Oak Beach Inn owner Robert Matherson. However, Rosebud added, the drink does not have any ties to a Tennessee moonshiner. According to another version of the drink’s history, the beverage was created by Old Man Bishop during Prohibition as a way to secretly serve alcohol. In that story, the drink is perfected by his son, Ransom, in the 1940s. The name came from an unrelated Long Island community in Kingsport, Tenn. Rosebud said he believes perpetuators of that story are trying to leach onto his success, noting that Triple sec didn’t exist in the early 20th century. “I’m not selling anything so it doesn’t really bother me,” Rosebud said. “The Long Island Iced Tea is a Long Island Iced Tea.” In the years since Rosebud’s creation, the Long Island Iced Tea has expanded well beyond Long Island. The founder created a website, www.liicetea.com, to share history, factoids and, of course, the recipe. Rosebud said he’s seen visitors from as far as China and Saudi Arabia. “It amazes me,” he added.
By Mike Koehler mkoehler@longislandernews.com
Mix one shot each of vodka, gin, white rum and white tequila with half an ounce of Triple sec, some sour mix and a splash of Coca-Cola over ice. According to Huntington native Robert “Rosebud” Butt, that’s his original recipe for a drink that’s become a global phenomenon – the Long Island Iced Tea. “I used to go on the Internet and search around. I found it on menus in Ireland and worldwide,” Butt said. It was 40 years ago this summer when Rosebud claims to have discovered the concoction by trial and error while bartending at the Oak Beach Inn in Babylon. The story goes something like this: He and 17 other bartenders arrived at work around 7 p.m. to find a salesman with a bottle of Triple sec and a challenge to concoct a new drink using it. The bands didn’t start playing until 10 p.m., so Rosebud set about to work with the orange liqueur. “When you’re a bartender, by your knees is a speed rack. You have vodka, gin, tequila, rum, scotch. I did everything white and the Triple sec,” he said. “This wasn’t something I made it in two seconds. We were trying for about an hour or so.” Satisfied with the flavor, he mixed one for another bartender. The response was
Huntington native Robert “Rosebud” Butt says he created the Long Island Iced Tea 40 years ago. His website, www.liicetea.com, details the story. that it tasted like tea, so Rosebud added a splash of Coke to give the drink the same color as tea. He found out that he’d won the contest a week or two later, earning a trip to Miami Beach. Now a resident of Florida and a retired contractor, Rosebud doesn’t even drink his own recipe, preferring beer if he drinks alcohol at all. “I never drank a lot of them. It’s a hard drink to drink a lot of them,” he said, not-
ing each Long Island Iced Tea contains about five shots of alcohol. A graduate of Huntington High School in 1964, Rosebud’s legacy behind the bar actually began at a bar on Wall Street in the village after a short stint in the U.S. Army. Once he found his way to Oak Beach Inn, he tended bars at many of Long Island’s most popular clubs, until he gave up that job for contracting at the age of 39. But the drink he gave life to never left his life. In the late 1990s, more than 20
Whitman’s Mark Still A Part Of Mall Poetry on walls in process of being torn down; statue and plaques to be added LIfe photo/Mike Koehler
By Mike Koehler mkoehler@longislandernews.com
Amid the mess of construction by contractors and congestion provided by shoppers and merchants, the aura of Walt Whitman, a Huntington cultural icon, will not disappear from the mall on Route 110. Renamed Walt Whitman Shops late last year, the former Walt Whitman Mall is in the early stages of major changes sure to make the mall a Long Island destination. However, a partnership between owners Simon Property Group and the Walt Whitman Birthplace Association has been formed with the intention of preserving the famed poet’s presence in Huntington Station. “The birthplace had reestablished connections with the mall two years ago. We went over to introduce ourselves and found a very warm and joyous reception. We were talking about ways we could benefit each other,” Birthplace Executive Director Cynthia Shor said. Simon began construction on a 72,000 square-foot addition earlier this year. The project is expected to add 40 feet to the 160 feet used by shops on the western side (along Route 110). All of the inwardfacing stores will be replaced by outwardfacing stores. About 45,000 square feet will be built at grade level, while 28,000 square feet will be on a second floor.
Poetry by Walt Whitman on the exterior walls of the Walt Whitman Shops has drawn the eyes of mall-goers for years. The walls will be torn down as part of the mall’s expansion. As part of the construction, the exterior walls with Whitman’s poetry on them are being removed. The poetry was put on the wall in 1996 during prior mall renovations, beginning around Macy’s and ending near Legal Sea Foods. Simon
spokesman Kevin Ryan confirmed some of the concrete wall has already been removed. “The poems are going away. There’s no move being made to save [it],” Ryan said. “To try and save it is almost impossible.”
Shor confirmed she was aware the poetry would not be replaced, but was not worried about Whitman’s presence being eliminated from the mall. “They have been good neighbors and partners. They have our welfare at heart and I’m sure that anything we can do to continue working together, they would be very enthusiastic to do,” she said. Part of that partnership involves a new statue of the poet. Plans call for Simon to install a large statue of Whitman near the main entrance. Shor said the mall owner consulted the Birthplace, chatting about other statues that have been commissioned. “I think they’re close to selecting a sculptor,” the director said. Ryan, however, said they are a long ways from placing any statue. “We haven’t finalized who’s going to design this thing yet,” he said. “We’re just not there yet.” He also said commemorative plaques featuring Whitman’s quotes are expected to be scattered about the mall. Construction is on schedule, Ryan said, and is expected to end in fall 2013. Meanwhile, Shor praised Simon for promoting the Birthplace. They offered the nonprofit table space for membership drives and fundraisers inside the mall last year, have hung flag banners with Whitman quotes, and helped drive the largest crowds ever to the Birthplace’s fall galas.
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• AUGUST 30, 2012 • LONG ISLANDER LIFE
The
Foodie SECTION
INVITE THE FOODIES: The Foodie crew is out and about townwide. Restaurant owners, chefs and food fans are invited to submit news and notices to The Foodies, c/o Long Islander newspapers, 149 Main Street, Huntington NY 11743, or e-mail foodie@longislandernews.com. To suggest reviews, e-mail or call Peter Sloggatt at 631-427-7000. Foodie photos/Danny Schrafel
A New Look At Classic Portuguese By Danny, Sona & Sean foodie@longislandernews.com
Allison Nobre sits at our table with a slim wood skewer in her hand. She’s about to give us a primer on how to eat snails. They are tender, petite Portuguese land snails, served in an enticing white wine, fresh herb and garlic broth. Caracois Lisboa ($12) are just one of the dozens of new additions to the menu at Fado, owned by Allison and her husband, Eddie. The place was overhauled just ahead of its second birthday in Huntington village Aug. 15. At about the same time, the couple opened a second floor, a 40seat space perfect for parties and overflow crowds during prime time. The new menu, Allison explains, introduces select traditional Portuguese dishes – the snails are one of them – to Huntington village diners and incorporates favorites from the last two years, along with a bit of back-home inspiration. One appetizer, Cascas de Batata Frita ($7) made it on the menu after Eddie had the thick-cut, fried potato skins at a Portuguese footballer’s café back home.
While much of the menu at Fado is new, chourico, prepped by Emily Droege over an open flame, remains a staple. An array of new appetizers graced our table. In the light, summery Rolinhos de Salmao ($10), fresh zucchini ribbons are filled with salmon and onions and presented in a gentle sweet onion dill cream sauce. Juicy and tender marinated chicken skewers are topped with a sun-dried tomato and black olive tape-
nade in Espetada de Galinha ($9). Order up an Afternoon in Portugal ($14) for a tour of the country’s staples. Aged Portuguese cheese, earthy and nutty with a semi-sharp kick, starts you off; then make your way to moist and flavorful sun-dried tomatoes and spicy marinated olives, smoky grilled
Owner Allison Nobre shows us the finer points of skewering snails. pork belly, white anchovies and toast points. Instead of anchovies, we had one of nature’s superfoods – a simply (Continued on page LI 8)
LONG ISLANDER LIFE • AUGUST 30, 2012 •
Side Dish DINE HUNTINGTON.COM By DineHuntington.com Foodie@longislandernews.com
DANCE NIGHT: Huntington Social (330 New York Ave., Huntington village, 631-9232442 www.huntingtonsocial.com) hosts “Social Saturdays” every Saturday evening beginning at 10 p.m. Huntington natives the Wonder Twinz supply the best of the ’80s, ’90s, hip hop, soul, funk and today’s Top40 remixes. While dancing to the sounds, guests can enjoy Huntington Social’s signature drinks. Some of the specialty cocktails (all $12) include: the Social Summer Martini, a mix of vodka, watermelon, peach and mint; and 50 Shades of Grape, vodka with white grapes, ginger beer and lemon. PRETTY PLATES: Real estate has its mantra:
location, location, location. The restaurant industry should have a mantra of its own: presentation, presentation, presentation. According to Travis London’s Healthy Chic Eats website (healthychiceats.com), artful plating incorporates these five components: balance (two or three colors are better than one; shape (mix it up for a variety of shapes and forms); texture (combine several); flavor; and portion size
An A-plus in plating for Porto-Vivo’s pan-seared sea scallops. with creamy braised leek and lobster ragu, crispy speck. Looks great, tastes great. (make sure you balance the portion size with the size of your plate). To us Foodies, though, the best plate is one that’s been licked clean! CHEESY AND WE LOVE IT: Help us welcome Ideal Cheese to the Huntington foodie scene as they team up with Bottles and Cases for a wine and cheese pairing event on Friday, Aug. 31. Enjoy a gourmet selection of cheeses paired with some of Bottles and Cases’ favorite wines from 47 p.m. at Bottles and Cases (99 E. Main St., Huntington 631-423-WINE www.bottlesandcases.com). Taste some exquisite cheese you like? Check out Ideal Cheese at 278 Main St., Huntington (631-9233434, www.idealcheese.com) in the back of The Crushed Olive.
S AV E T H E DAT E S
DineHuntington RESTAURANT WEEK
OC TOBER 7-14, 2012
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• AUGUST 30, 2012 • LONG ISLANDER LIFE
Capturing The ‘Spirit of Huntington’ Artist bringing community together with just a paintbrush and palette info@longislandernews.com
A mural commemorating George Washington’s speech in 1790 at the site of this former gas station has been completed, the latest project by The Spirit of Huntington Art Center.
New menu at Fado Foodie photos/Danny Schrafel
About a year ago, the abandoned gas station at the corner of Route 25A and Park Avenue was considered by many to be an eyesore in the Huntington community, but not anymore. The gas station has recently been transformed into The Spirit of Huntington Art Center by artist Erich Preis. It all began two years ago when Dominic Mavellia, who owns the property, commissioned Preis to paint a mural in remembrance of Korean War veteran and Huntington resident Len Totora. “He was like a father figure to Erich,” Mavellia said. Now the building is home to the Spirit of Huntington Art Center, a nonprofit group of artists with the goal of building a community that supports children with special needs and veterans through creative expression of art. Preis is a Long Island artist best known for his paintings of veterans. His passion to help war veterans began after he lost a close friend and fellow artist in the 9/11 attacks. He said he also feels strongly about helping children with special needs, because he faced many difficulties himself growing up with special needs, and he is still overcoming them on a daily basis. Despite these obstacles, Preis graduated
from F.I.T. and LIU Post with a degree in art therapy, and is using his knowledge to help the next generation. “It [art therapy] helps people find themselves through art. The process of how you get to that point is very important, not necessarily the product. It could be just how the paint is applied, or in some cases, just holding a brush. What we do here is, we take people who are severely challenged in any way and we get them to express themselves in a more cathartic and therapeutic way,” Preis said. Currently the Art Center is located in the converted gas station; they plan to remain there until the property is bought. It is there that art classes take place, both for children and adults, mainly for those with special needs. Outside the “classroom” the Spirit of Huntington has held art shows, painted murals and is holding summer camps for school-aged children. The latest project is a mural outside the building, which was recently completed and aims to “paint and recreate the scene that took place here, in 1790,” arts center volunteer Jane Spalholz said. Long before the site was a gas station, it was home to the historic Platt’s Tavern. On April 23, 1790, George Washington gave a speech there to nearly 2,000 Huntington residents thanking them for their efforts in the Revolutionary War. For more information, visit http://spiritofhuntingtonartcenter.com.
LIfe photo/Luann Dallojacono
By Samantha Gallina
Melt-in-your-mouth pork chops smothered in a black truffle wild mushroom cream sauce make for delightful comfort food in Costuleta de Cebolada con Cogumelos .
Crunchy thin fried potato skins Cascas de Batata Frita, were added to the menu after a recent visit to Portugal.
(Continued from page LI 6)
nary creativity and genuine hospitality on full display, let’s just hope this is only the beginning of Fado’s story in Huntington village.
grilled, flavorful sardine, topped in Portuguese olive oil. Fado’s attention to detail, freshness and impressive presentation remain a staple. Costuleta de Cebolada con Cogumelos ($25) is comfort food all the way, a melt-in-your-mouth pair of pork chops smothered in a black truffle-wild mushroom cream sauce. Allison says the sauce on Frango a Piri Piri ($24) is one of her favorites, and we can see why: the half roasted chicken, seasoned expertly and prepared to be delightfully juicy and tender, is complemented by a spicy piri piri cream sauce that invites peppery heat to dance across your tongue. A nod to the seafaring, trading routes of Portugal, you’ll never go wrong with seafood. Portuguese Fisherman’s Stew ($27), a special that graduated to the main menu, evokes India with a curry and saffron cream sauce that tops mussels, bay scallops, shrimp, squid and Little Neck clams. Their love affair with squid and octopus continues with Lulas Grelhadas ($27), char-grilled squid splashed with smoked paprika oil arranged artfully atop tomato chourico rice. Be sure to save a spot for desserts like decadent dark chocolate mousse ($7), a must for chocoholics, served with fresh berries, whipped cream and excellent sugar cookies. Their key lime tart pie ($7) is lighter, citrusy and served with fresh raspberry reduction. Or, go for the flan ($7), a balanced, creamy classic accented with a touch of honey. With their restaurant growing, an extensive Portuguese bar stocked, culi-
Char-grilled Lulas Grelhadas, fresh grilled squid in a smoked paprika oil, is one of the new additions on Fado’s overhauled menu.
Fado 10 New St., Huntington Village 631-351-1010 Atmosphere – Welcoming, cozy and inviting Cuisine – Portuguese classics and new takes Price – Apps $7-15; Entrees $23-30 Hours – Mon-Thurs;11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri & Sat; 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Sun; 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.
LONG ISLANDER LIFE • AUGUST 30, 2012 •
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Life&Style Journeying To ‘Wakaliwood’ Photo/Alan Hofmanis
By Samantha Galina info@longislandernews.com
Ninety seconds is all it took for Long Island filmmaker and former Cinema Arts Centre programmer Alan Hofmanis to decide he was going to Uganda to make a documentary on action movie filmmaking in “Wakaliwood.” It was the trailer for “Who Killed Captain Alex,” Uganda’s first action movie, that convinced him. At first he was reluctant, but finally went with his instincts and took the 27hour journey to the slums of Wakaliga, Uganda, last December. What ensued is a work in progress, which will be shown in Huntington tonight. When Hofmanis arrived in Uganda, it was 3 a.m. and the climate was much different in comparison to his home. All he had was an address – sort of. “Turns out nobody really has address [in the slums]; there’s really no main street of houses, it’s just shacks. The address is like, ‘Well, there’s a gas station about a quarter mile, then you walk more or less this much, you kind of make a left here,’ and you get around that way,” Hofmanis said. The next morning, Hofmanis went to the market with a friend, and sure enough, saw someone with a shirt with the “Ramon Films, Wakaliwood” logo on his back. “So I ran after him and then he started running away. Turns out he thought we were the cops because he saw two white guys chasing after him,” Hofmanis recalled.
Alan Hofmanis in Uganda at “Wakaliwood.” A work in progress on the community will be screened at Cinema Arts Centre Aug. 30. The man led Hofmanis to Wakaliwood, a community of actors, filmmakers, and technicians dedicated to building an independent film industry, founded by Isaac Godfrey Geoffrey (I.G.G.) Nabwana. “I thought, ‘He’s the real deal.’ He’s talented, intelligent and very clever. If he lived anywhere else he’d be hugely named,” Hofmanis said. Hofmanis learned that members of the Ugandan film community come from all different backgrounds, areas and religions. Some have to walk for as long as
three hours, and they all have at least five jobs, just to make enough to survive. And yet, he said, there is a great deal of hope. Nabwana explained that the Internet doesn’t exist in the village, and the whole country is dial-up. He is the only one with electricity in his village, and half the time it doesn’t even work. In Wakaliwood, they must work with what they have. They have to make their props, like their belt-fed M60 machine gun inspired by images of “Rambo,” from
spare car parts and scrap metal, and their camera tripod is a modified car jack. Nabwana built the computer used for editing, sound mixing, and special effects, and it is constantly overheating due to the Ugandan climate. When Hofmanis started talking with Nabwana, Hofmanis realized they grew up more or less in the same age, watching action films like “The Terminator,” “Rambo” and “The Predator.” The cultural differences seemed negligible, although they grew up in two completely different parts of the world. “We were like two suburban kids, united over film. The most surprising part was there weren’t any surprises, it was just like playing in this big sandbox,” Hofmanis said. Inspired by Wakaliwood and with a renewed love for cinema, Hofmanis returned to the United States and approached independent film producer, distributor and filmmaker Ben Barenholtz. Within weeks, the pair and cinematographer Andreas von Scheele were on a flight to Uganda to document the community of Wakaliwood and the life, struggles, and creative process of Nabwana. The documentary is still a work in progress, but interested parties can meet Barenholtz and Hofmanis Thursday, Aug. 30 at a free screening at 7:30 p.m. at Cinema Arts Centre, located at 423 Park Ave. in Huntington. Call 631-423-7610 or visit www.CinemaArtsCentre.org for more information. To raise money to help fund the project, they have started a kick-starter campaign which began Aug. 27 and ends Oct. 19 at www.kickstarter.com.
Author Takes Trip Down Memory Sail By Samantha Galina info@longislandernews.com
For William E. Courduff, a love for sailing began here in Huntington. In high school, when he would sail out of the Huntington Yacht Club, and as he grew older, his love for sailing continued to blossom. His book, “Butterfly on the Water,” is the true story of a boat, Courduff and his friend Thomas Soulantos. Courduff was born in Huntington in 1929 and opened his own business, Oakwood Road Gardens, in Huntington, which he owned for 50 years. Courduff said leaving the business in the hands of his daughter and her husband and sailing halfway across the world was a turning point in his life; he was able to get away, experience a new and foreign place, and begin a new chapter. The story of “Butterfly on the Water” begins with the dream of Soulantos, who would watch the sailboats glide like butterflies through the Aegean Sea as a child. He eventually wanted to build his very own sailboat. Courduff and Soulantos traveled halfway around the world to Taiwan to get a custom-made wooden schooner, designed by the top schooner designer in America. In 1983, the boat was ready to set sail. Along the way in “Butterfly on the Water,” the read-
er learns about the crew members, their adventures, and an unusual love story. The scene is set throughout the world, including Taiwan, Hong Kong, Okinawa, Yokohama and San Diego. The 14,500-mile journey ends in New York, where the schooner was anchored in Manhasset Bay, here on Long Island. In the book, Courduff also describes Operation Sail in 1986, where the sailboat and its crew were invited to sail in front of the Statue of Liberty, to commemorate 100 years of the icon. President Reagan described the event as a true personification of freedom and liberty. “The USS John F. Kennedy and Battleship Iowa were there, and it was a great honor, one of the most magnificent events in my life. From the farthest corner of world they know and dream of the Statue of Liberty,” said Courduff. Now 83 years old, Courduff explains his reason for finally writing “Butterfly on the Water.” “It was my 80th birthday, and when it’s your 80th birthday you look back over your life, at all the things you have done. And I wondered, ‘Where is that boat, Koukla, which means baby doll in Greek?’ So, I looked it up on the internet and sure enough found out the boat was in Maine,” he said. He called its owner and ended up at a 25-year reunion, with the crew who originally sailed on Koukla.
Former Huntington resident and author Bill Courduff tells the true tale of schooner “Koukla” in his book “Butterfly on the Water.” “It was then I realized nothing was mentioned about the owner, so I began to write the unwritten tale,” Courduff said. To this day, Courduff said “it sails like a dream.” Courduff lives in Alabama and is writing his second book about his fishing adventures here on Long Island, as well as a children’s book.
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• AUGUST 30, 2012 • LONG ISLANDER LIFE
THURSDAY Music Under The Stars
The Northport Chamber of Commerce presents the Annual Summerfest at the bandshell in Village Park Thursday nights in August, 8-10 p.m. Aug. 30 features the country rock of Six Gun. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, or anchor your boat in the harbor for this free concert series.
Calendar O M M U N I T Y
3027 Jericho Turnpike, Elwood. 631-499-3722. www.elwoodlibrary.org. • Enjoy a fun evening with artist Irene Marchese when you paint olives on martini glasses to give as a gift or enjoy yourself while watching Mad Men or your favorite James Bond film. $10 – includes a set of four glasses and a gift bag, on Wednesday, Sept. 5 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
It’s “Derby Day” on Sept. 6, when guests of the Asharoken Garden Club’s annual luncheon are invited to celebrate by wearing a creative hat. Lady luck will play a part in the club’s famous raffle, with entertainment provided by Close Enough, a Sweet Adeline quartet. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Huntington Crescent Club, 15 Washington Drive, Huntington. $45. Reservations can be made through Marilyn Chiodo. Call 631-261-4268.
Half Hollow Hills Community Library
Dix Hills: 55 Vanderbilt Parkway. 631-4214530; Melville: 510 Sweet Hollow Road. 631421-4535. hhhlibrary.org. • An informal session of Mah-jongg will be held on Friday, Aug. 31 from 1-4 p.m. at the Dix Hills branch. • Reconnect with your neighborhood pals during this open play class and circle time geared towards toddles and preschoolers on Friday, Sept. 7 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Melville branch.
Torah Living
Join The Chai Center for a weekly dose of thought-provoking practical applications for today’s living based on the weekly Torah portion on Thursdays, 7-8 p.m. 501 Vanderbilt Pkwy, Dix Hills. $7 suggested donation. RSVP required. 631-351-8672. mail@thechaicenter.com.
FRIDAY The East Northport Festival is back at John Walsh Park (corner Larkfield Road and Pulaski Road) on Friday, Sept. 7, 6-11 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 8, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday, Sept. 9, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Visit www.eastnorthport.com.
Wounded Warriors Weekend
The inaugural Cow Harbor Warrior Weekend is Sept. 7-9 in and around the surrounding area of Northport, aimed at helping wounded warriors and their families experience a weekend no on will forget. More information at www.cowharborwarriors.com. Events include: • Warrior Welcome Parade on Friday, Sept. 7, 6 p.m. on Main Street. • 4 Mile Warrior Run on Saturday, Sept. 8, 8:30 a.m. • Fishing For Freedom Tournament on Saturday, Sept. 8, 6 a.m. at the Northport Yacht Club • Golf Tournament on Saturday, Sept. 8, 9 a.m. at the Northport VA Golf Course • Water sports with lunch at Steers Beach on Saturday, Sept. 8, 9 a.m. • Beach Bum Boot Camp including yoga, tugof-war and a treasure hunt on Saturday, Sept. 8, 9 a.m. at Steers Beach • Northport Sunset Clambake Fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 8, 6 p.m. at the Crab Meadow Beach Pavilion.
Opera Night
Long Island’s best singers perform at Opera Night in Northport Sept. 7, 8 p.m. at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 270 Main St. $10 suggested donation. www.operanight.org. 631261-8808.
Red Is For Passion
Love the color red and enjoy living it up? The Red Hat women are looking for new members who enjoy going places and making new friends. Their motto: Fun, Frolic and Friendship. 631-271-6470 or flarpp@yahoo.com.
SATURDAY Lighthouse Music Fest
Experience the only music festival in the world held on top of a working lighthouse on Sept. 1 (rain date Sept. 2). Moor in Huntington Harbor and relax to the sounds of the live bands that will perform on the roof of the Huntington Lighthouse from 11 a.m.-sunset. Complete information at www.lighthousemusicfest.com.
Sidewalk Sales
The Cold Spring Harbor Main Street Association hosts sidewalk sales Sept. 1-3 on the town’s main road, noon-5 p.m.
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!
44 Lake Ave., Deer Park. 631-586-3000. deerparklibrary.org/ • Practice your skills by reading aloud to Hunter, a specially trained therapy dog, on Thursday, Sept. 6 from 4:30-5:30 p.m. For school-aged children who must be able to read. Registration required.
Elwood Public Library
Asharoken Garden Club Luncheon
East Northport Festival
Deer Park Public Library
Harborfields Public Library
Wounded Warriors Weekend The inaugural Cow Harbor Warrior Weekend is Sept. 7-9 in and around the surrounding area of Northport, aimed at helping wounded warriors and their families experience a weekend no on will forget. More information at www.cowharborwarriors.com. Events include: • Warrior Welcome Parade on Friday, Sept. 7, 6 p.m. on Main Street. • 4 Mile Warrior Run on Saturday, Sept. 8, 8:30 a.m. • Fishing For Freedom Tournament on Saturday, Sept. 8, 6 a.m. at the Northport Yacht Club • Golf Tournament on Saturday, Sept. 8, 9 a.m. at the Northport VA Golf Course • Water sports with lunch at Steers Beach on Saturday, Sept. 8, 9 a.m. • Beach Bum Boot Camp including yoga, tug-of-war and a treasure hunt on Saturday, Sept. 8, 9 a.m. at Steers Beach • Northport Sunset Clambake Fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 8, 6 p.m. at the Crab Meadow Beach Pavilion.
SUNDAY Huntington Lighthouse Tours
Tour historic Huntington Lighthouse, now in its 100th year as an active aid to navigation, on Sept. 16 and Sept. 23. Tours depart from Gold Star Battalion Beach, West Shore Road, Huntington, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Suggested donation: Adults $15, seniors $10, children $8, family of four $30. Proceeds benefit the ongoing preservation and restoration of the lighthouse. Only flat rubber soled shoes are permitted. 631-421-1985.
MONDAY See The Light
Town Clerk Jo-Ann Raia has organized an exhibit of Huntington Lighthouse artifacts and memorabilia to celebrate its centennial anniversary. of The Huntington Lighthouse. The display includes correspondence between the Lighthouse Establishment and Lighthouse Keeper Robert McGlone, and an original painting of the lighthouse, which will be auctioned. On display in the Town Hall lobby, 100 Main St, Huntington, Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Friday, 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m. www.huntingtonlighthouse.org. 631-421-1985.
TUESDAY Free Help For Vets
Every Tuesday from 12-4 p.m. is “Military Appreciation Tuesdays,” when Long Island Cares specifically assists veterans, military personnel and their families at the Hauppauge and Freeport emergency pantries. Appointments can be made by contacting jrosati@licares.org.
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 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.
AT THE LIBRARIES
31 Broadway, Greenlawn. 631-757-4200. harborfieldslibrary.org. • Join the library for the Scholastic Book Fair Workshop on Thursday, Sept. 6 from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 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. • Love to draw? Love anime/manga? Come join others who do too! Discuss different drawing techniques, share your drawings and get guidance from an animator on Thursday, Sept. 6 from 5-6 p.m. at the Station branch. • Join for an afternoon showing of newly released films as well as a selection of independent and foreign films on Thursdays from 1-3 p.m. at the Main branch.
Northport-East Northport Public Library
Northport: 151 Laurel Ave. 631-261-6930. East Northport: 185 Larkfield Road. 631-261-2313. www.nenpl.org. • Enjoy a day on Long Island’s North Fork with your friends from the library. The morning begins with a visit to the Peconic Herb Farm in Calverton, time in Greenport, lunch at the Sound View Inn, a tour of the Catapano Goat Farm, and a visit to the Pindar Winery. Thursday, Sept. 27, 7:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. $90. Register in person in Northport. • Designed for the computer novice, a class at the library covers using the desktop, working with the mouse, opening and closing programs, understanding Windows elements and more, on Tuesday, Sept. 4 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the East Northport branch.
South Huntington Public Library
145 Pidgeon Hill Road, Huntington Station. 631-549-4411. www.shpl.info. • Join guest speaker Catherine Wright, editor of “Lee’s Last Casualty: The Life and Letters of Sgt. Robert W. Parker,” for a North Shore Civil War Roundtable discussion on Thursday, Sept. 6 at 7 p.m.
Cold Spring Harbor Library
95 Harbor Road, Cold Spring Harbor. 631-6926820. cshlibrary.org. • Join the Long Island Society for Paranormal Research for a discussing of Raynham Hall, Mount Misery, Sweet Hollow Road, Old Bethpage Village, the Caleb Smith House and other local sites on Thursday, Aug. 30, 78 p.m. • Want a say in what the library offers teens? Join the Teen Advisory Board on Thursday, Sept. 6 from 7-8 p.m. for board games and munchies. For teens in grades 6-12.
Commack Public Library
18 Hauppauge Road, Commack. 631-4990888. commack.suffolk.lib.ny.us. • The Great Books Reading and Discussion Group meets on the first Tuesday of each month, September through June. You may join the group at any time. Just read the chosen selection and come prepared for a stimulating discussion. Tuesday, Sept. 4 from 7:309:30 p.m. will be a discussion on “The Good Soldier” by Ford Maddox Ford.
THEATER and FILM Cinema Arts Centre
423 Park Ave., Huntington. www.cinemaartscentre.org. 631-423-7611. • Isaac Godfrey Geoffrey (I.G.G.) Nabwana is a loving father who produces action films from his home in the slums of Wakaliga, Uganda. “Wakaliwood: The Documentary” celebrates the pure joy of creativity. Meet Filmmakers Ben Barenholtz (icon of the independent film scene) and Long Island native Alan Hofmanis at the free screening of this work in progress and reception on Thursday, Aug. 30, 7:30pm • Rock Legends Live! series presents rare concert clips and footage from the Shelley Archives on Tuesday, Sept, 4, 7:30 p.n. of legendary artists of country music, featuring Johnny Cash, Bill Monroe, Linda Ronstadt,
(Continued on page LI 11)
LONG ISLANDER LIFE • AUGUST 30, 2012 •
admission: $7 adults, $6 seniors, students, and $3 children under 12. Museum tour, add $5 per person. 631-854-5555. www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.
Tammy Wynette, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Roy Clarke, Carl Perkins, Loretta Lynn, The Everly Brothers, George Jones, Kenny Rogers, Eric Anderson, Hank Williams Jr., and Gram Parsons & The Flying Buritto Brothers. $10 members/$15 public.
(Continued from page LI 10)
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.
Dix Hills Performing Arts Center
Five Towns College, 305 N. Service Road, Dix Hills. Box Office: 631-656-2148. www.dhpac.org. • Broadway meets Opera for “Two Tenors & A Lady,” featuring the dapper duo Christopher Macchio and Elio Scaccio, and Simona Rodano on Saturday, Sept. 8 at 7:30 p.m. $50, $45, $40.
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. • Creed with special guests Eve to Adam & Like a Storm perform Sunday, Sept. 9, 7:30 p.m. • Hugh Laurie performs with The Copper Bottom Band on Tuesday, Sept. 11. • All American Rejects & Boys Like Girls take the stage with special guest The Ready Set on Tuesday, Sept. 18.
John W. Engeman Theater At Northport
350 Main St., Northport. www.johnwengemantheater.com. 631-261-2900. • Watch a Neil Simon musical about the romantic ups-and-downs of an ever-hopeful dance hall hostess, despite endless disappointments and bad luck with men in “Sweet Charity,” showing from Sept. 6-Oct. 28. $65.
AUDITIONS
SUBMISSIONS WELCOME
“It’s A Wonderful Life”
St. Hugh Productions presents “It’s a Wonderful Life,” the musical in the winter. Auditions are Sept. 5-6 at 7:30 p.m. for high school students and adults, and Sept. 10, 7 p.m. for children ages 6-12 at St. Hugh Parish Center Auditorium, 1450 New York Ave., Huntington Station. Call Kathy at 631-549-4761.
Wishes For Seniors
Voices Be Heard
Auditions for the Northport Chorale are Sept. 5 and 12, 7 p.m. in the chorus room at Northport High School, Laurel Hill Road. All voices needed. Contact Sue at 631-754-3144, or Pearl at 631-239-6736. www.northportchorale.org.
LIU Post Chamber Musicians
Auditions for the 31st Summer Season of the LIU Post Chamber Music Festival continue by special appointment. The LIU Post Chamber Music Festival offers gifted music students (ages 10-18), college/conservatory students and young professionals the opportunity to study and perform in a rich musical environment. To schedule an audition, call 516-2992103 or visit www.liu.edu/post/chambermusic.
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. • In its first juried photography exhibit, photographers from the tri-state area were challenged to submit their interpretation of cultural diversity. Exhibition juror Joseph Szabo selected 65 photographic works for display in the Jeanie Tengelsen Gallery. On display through Sept. 2.
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. • Beginning Sept. 5, the gallery artists’ exhibition fills two rooms with paintings, mixed media artworks and installations.
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. 631-367-3418. www.cshwhalingmuseum.org. • “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.
fotofoto Gallery
14 W. Carver St., Huntington. Gallery hours:
LI 11
Greenlawn Fireman’s Fair This Weekend The Greenlawn Fireman’s Fair, a family tradition since 1906, brings fun and games all Labor Day weekend long except Sunday. Open Thursday-Saturday, Aug. 30, 31, and Sept. 1, 7-11 p.m. and Sept. 3, 5-11 p.m., with a parade on Thursday, Aug. 30, 7 p.m. and live music Monday by Time Was. Rain dates Sept. 7 and 8. Friday 5-8 p.m., Saturday 12-8 p.m., Sunday 12-4 p.m. 631-549-0448. • “still life still” runs Aug. 31-Sept. 30, with an opening reception Saturday, Sept. 8, 5-7 p.m.
Heckscher Museum Of Art
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. • Robert S. Neuman’s “Ship to Paradise” focuses on the colorful, large-scale, mixedmedia drawings in which Neuman addressed the timeless question of human folly. On display Aug. 18-Nov. 25.
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. • The new permanent exhibit explains the 1920s increase of intolerance, the reduction of human rights, and the lack of intervention that enabled the persecution and mass murder of millions of Jews and others: people with disabilities, Roma and Sinti (Gypsies), Jehovah’s Witnesses, Gays, and Polish intelligentsia.
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. • “Making an Impression” at the Main Street gallery features 16 artists and the mediums of printmaking. On view through Sept. 10.
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. • Fine wine, great food, live music, fascinating history and more will be on tap at the 22nd annual “An Evening of Wine Under the Stars,” honoring Robert and Priscilla Hughes. $60 members, $70 non-members, $85 at the door.
Advocates for seniors, Genser Dubow Genser & Cona, an elder law firm in Melville, is seeking submissions for a program that helps seniors in need. Examples of wishes that GDGC may grant include plane fare to bring families together, home improvements, and prescription drug coverage. Applicants must be 65 or over with income of no more than $1,500 per month for single individuals and $2,000 per month for a married couple. A letter or statement under 750 words describing the senior’s need must be submitted along with a Wish Request form. Applicants should also document how they have contributed to society. Application on the GDGC website at www.genserlaw.com.
FREE PROGRAMS Free Training For Post-9/11 Vets
LaMantia Gallery
127 Main St., Northport Village. 631-754-8414. www.lamantiagallery.com. • The gallery welcomes back Edward Gordon and introduces Daniel Del Orfano.
United Veterans Beacon House offers post9/11 veterans free training and job placement assistance in the green construction industry. Contact Tim Scherer at 631-665-1571 or tim@uvbh.com. The course will start at the end of September.
9 East Contemporary Art
9 East Carver St., Huntington. Gallery hours: Wed.-Sat., 3-8 p.m. or by appointment. 631662-9459. • Agnieszka Serafin-Wozniak presents a solo exhibition “La Sylphide” July 27-Sept. 8.
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. • Gerard Thornton shares his presentation, “The Wreck of the Gwendoline Steers,” a look at the some of the details of the last voyage of the 98-foot tug, on Sunday, Sept. 9, 3 p.m.
Ripe Art Gallery
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. • “Deconstructing POP” by Dave Rogers, a collection of paper cutting in the Chinese tradition, is on display through Sept. 1.
Suffolk Y JCC
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
VOLUNTEERING Help Friends Of The Bay
Friends of the Bay is in need of volunteers who can help convert water quality data, which is currently kept in an excel sheet, into a Microsoft Access database. Assistance is also needed with ArcView GIS, to configure maps of the watershed. Call 516-922-6666 or email info@friendsofthebay.org.
Be A Host Family
Huntington Sanctuary is seeking families or individual adults to become Host Homes, which provide temporary shelter to youth between ages 12-17 who are experiencing a family crisis. Contact Jennifer Petti at 631-271-2183 for more information.
Helping Furry Friends
Little Shelter Animal Rescue and Adoption Center is looking for volunteers who want to make a difference in the lives of animals. Free training provided. Visit www.littleshelter.com or call 631-368-8770 ext. 204.
Walt Whitman Birthplace
If you are interested in literature or history, the Walt Whitman Birthplace has fascinating and rewarding part-time volunteer positions available. Free training provided. 631-427-5420 ext.114.
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
LI 12
• AUGUST 30, 2012 • LONG ISLANDER LIFE
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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • AUGUST 30, 2012 • A9
SCHOOL TO
A Number In Their System By Matt Kindelmann My heart goes out to the throngs of new teachers who are pounding the pavement this summer for jobs this fall. I sympathize because 15 years ago I was in their shoes. I longed to teach Hemingway or Shakespeare at a high school on Long Island, but quickly learned that I had to earn my stripes to get there. Though I would make less and sweat a lot more than my suburban counterparts, I sucked it up and decided that a year or two in the blackboard jungle of Brooklyn would do me good. It would harden me, I thought. There’d be a payoff, I told myself. On a soupy September morning in 1998, wearing the cotton/polyester suit my parents bought for me as a graduation gift, I walked the streets of Brooklyn for the first time, and headed to Peter Rouget Middle School on the edge of Sunset Park for a job interview. I awoke painfully early that day, showered, shaved, combed my hair, received a good luck peck on the cheek from my mother, and hopped on an absurdly early westbound train from Smithtown. Using the map of the subway system at the Flatbush Avenue station, I figured out which line was closest to the school, but I mistakenly boarded an express train, got off
at the wrong stop, and found myself walking aimlessly through the warming streets of the borough. The sun taunted me when I squinted to read street signs and tried to follow the directions my father had written down for me on a sheet of looseleaf. I pressed on southward, my jacket in one hand and my battered leather briefcase in the other. If asked a year earlier if I’d ever see myself teaching in Brooklyn, I would have said no. My plan was to graduate from college in May 1997, take a road trip across the country with two friends over summer, get a sub job in September, work for a year networking and fine tuning my resume, and then finally land a full-time position somewhere on Long Island for the next year. I did all of that... except the last part. I went on a mess of interviews and waited nervously with scores of other freshly scrubbed hopefuls who all eyed the same golden ring. When finally ushered into some interviews, I was sometimes greeted by a committee of stern administrators who fired questions at me like: How would you incorporate the New York State Standards for English into your lesson plans when you are teaching composition to a heterogeneously grouped class of auditory and visual learners? I threw in the towel early at one interview when I was asked what separated me from the others waiting outside. “My height,” I replied.
As uncomfortable as the walk to Peter Rouget Middle School was that morning, I did have a strong sense that I was going to get a job. It was, after all, the day before school began. I walked through the entrance, wiped the sweat from my forehead and knocked on the principal’s door. A short, bald, and white-bearded man opened it. He was wearing a tie and a long-sleeved shirt with no apparent sweat stains. “Mr...,” he looked down at his open folder and then up at me, “Kindelmann. Mr. Kindelmann. Nice to meet you.” I shook his hand, flashed my best smile, and sat in the chair he pointed to. “Any difficulties finding the school?” he asked as he perused my resume. “No problems,” I lied. “You were a substitute teacher on Long Island,” he said while reading. “Enjoy the year?” “I loved it,” I lied again. Subbing had been about as fun as root canal. “Oneonta, huh? How’d you like it there?” “I received a wonderful education there. It was an experience student teaching at a school whose graduating class was 25,” I said. The principal gave a groan of interest, tapped his pen on the desk, and gave a cursory glance at my references. I looked at the framed degrees on the wall, the
browning plant in the corner behind him, the gem of his college ring. He scratched his beard and took off his glasses. “We need someone to teach sixth grade language arts and science.” Science? Did he not read my resume correctly? I thought I had typed “English Education” in a bold font. Shakespeare, comma splices, essay intros – that was all me; not Bunsen burners or litmus tests. “I have an English degree. Is that…legal? I mean, according to the board?” “You have a B.S. You can teach science,” he snapped. “I’ll take it.” With that handshake, I had my first full-time teaching job. I began teaching language arts and science to seventh-graders in Brooklyn 20 hours later. I immediately sensed the school brass’ laissez-faire attitude from when I was handed a classroom key and a roster, and told me to have a good year. I scribbled lesson plans, photocopied parts from an ancient text I found in a closet, typed up tests, and taught 150 mostly Hispanic kids five times a week. It’s sink or swim in the sea of urban teaching and I constantly doggie paddled for the two years. I might have been just a number, but at least I was in the system. Matt Kindelmann is a teacher at Walt Whitman High School.
A10 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • AUGUST 30, 2012
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ANSWER TO LAST WEEK’S CRYPTOQUIP I’LL PROBABLY SMELL YOUR HEAD RIGHT AFTER YOU SHAMPOO IT. IT’S GOOD TO GET A BREATH OF FRESH HAIR. Published August 23, 2012 ©2012 by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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PA G E
PREMIER CROSSWORD / By Frank A. Longo
SWITCH BOXES
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TO School
THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • AUGUST 30, 2012 • A11
Tiny Turtles Preschool Warm, Nurturing Environment Healthy, Fresh Foods Every Day Daily Outdoor Play, Crafts, Art, Music...
Five Towns College specializes in degrees in audio recording technology, among other music facets.
Registered and insured family day care AFF • Master's degree educated teacher & F ORDA LEX B IBLE LE RA • Medication administration certified HO TES U RS !!!! • CPR/First Aid Certified • Accept children 6 weeks - 12 years of age • Child-proofed house & fenced in backyard • NYS certified teacher for children birth - 6th grade
Classes Are Filling Up
*Mention this ad for 10% off your first month's bill!* *Enrolled siblings receive 5% off EVERY month!* *Referrals leading to enrollment: 10% off each party's bill for a month!*
•
Time is running out to register for the fall semester at Five Towns College in Dix Hills. Final enrollment days are occurring now through Sept. 6 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. The school welcomes new and transfer students to bring in their transcripts for an on-the-spot evaluation. In addition, the application fee will be waived. Five Towns College specializes in de-
gree programs for careers such as audio recording technology, music, music business, theatre, filmmaking, broadcasting and music teacher education. The college provides hands-on-training in state-ofthe-art facilities and specialized classes. Classes start the week of Sept. 4, and scholarships and financial aid are still available. For more information, contact an admissions representative at 631-6562110 or email admissions@ftc.edu.
Located in Huntington, NY: north of Jericho Tpke, between Park Ave and Broadway-Greenlawn
(631) 683-5712 Email: tinyturtlespreschool123@gmail.com Visit: http://tinyturtlespreschool.webs.com
C L A S S I F I E D S
A12 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • AUGUST 30, 2012
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THE LONG-ISLANDER • THE RECORD • NORTHPORT JOURNAL • HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER
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DEADLINE is Friday at 2 p.m. All Categories TELEPHONE: (631) 427-7000, FAX: (631) 427-5820 HOURS: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Address: Long Islander Newspapers, Inc., Attn.: Classifieds, 149 Main Street, Huntington, NY 11743
LEGAL Legal A+ BANKRUPTCY ATTORNEYLOAN MODIFICATIONS Low fees. EZ payments. Get out of debt today! Save Home & Car. Friendly, Knowledgeable. Debt Relief Agency, Adam Gomerman 631-549-1111
LOST POWER OF ATTORNEY Last with NYS Senator Smith. Please send all litigation again to Kevin M. Donnelly, P.O. Box 708, Northport NY 11768. Never received.
EMPLOYMENT EXECUTIVE SECRETARY 2/3 days per week, Huntington. Start ASAP. Must be fluent with Quicken, responsible, dependable and bondable.
EMPLOYMENT
AIRLINES ARE HIRING –Train for hands on Aviation Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified -Job placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance 866-296-7093
Mail resume, salary & references to P.O. box 1147 Huntington 11743
Drivers- Annual Salary $45K to $60k. $0.01 increase per mile after 6 months. Quarterly Bonuses. CDL-A, 3 months current OTR experience. 800-4149569 www.driveknight.com
ADOPTION Adoption ADOPT: A wonderful life awaits your baby! We’ll provide warmth, security, devoted extended fami-
ly, opportunities and endless love. Expenses Paid. Anne & Marc 1-877-977-5411. www.anneandmarcadopt.com.
AUTOMOTIVE Autos Wanted CASH FOR CARS! We Buy ANY Car or Truck, Running or NOT! Damaged, Wrecked, Salvaged OK! Get a top dollar INSTANT offer today! 1-800-267-1591
Auto Donations DONATE A CAR- HELP HOMELESS PETS! Free Next-Day Towing. Tax Deductible. NonRunners OK. Receive $1,000 Grocery Coupons. Call National Animal Welfare Foundation 1888-333-3848
SERVICES REAL ESTATE Vacation Rentals OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND. Best selection of affordable rentals. Full/ partial weeks. Call for FREE brochure. Open daily. Holiday Real Estate. 1-800-638-2102. Online reservations: www.holidayoc.com
HAS YOUR BUILDING SHIFTED OR SETTLED? Contact Woodford Brothers Inc, for straightening, leveling, foundation and wood frame repairs at 1-800-OLD-BARN. www.woodfordbros. com.Suffolk Cty~ License #41959-H Nassau Cty~ License #H18G7160000
Buildings for Sale
LAND FOR SALE LITTLE FALLS, NY LAND FOR SALE: 59.9 acres, fields/woods on NYS Route 5 $69,000. 17.9 acres fields/woods scenic views $39,000. Owner financing. www.helderbergrealty.com 518-861-6541
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MEDICAL 24/7 Emergency Response $1/day Living alone? You could fall! Deaths from falls can be avoided. Helps a button push away. Lifewatch 1-800-207-4078
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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • AUGUST 30, 2012 • A13
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HUNTINGTON OPEN HOUSES Want to get your open houses listed? Get your listings for free on this page every week in the Long Islander Newspapers. Call Associate Publisher Peter Sloggatt at 631-427-7000 or send an e-mail to psloggatt@longislandernews.com.
MELVILLE
Town Fort Salonga Lloyd Harbor Centerport Fort Salonga S. Huntington Melville Huntington Centerport Melville Melville Huntington Dix Hills Melville Huntington Fort Salonga Dix Hills
Address Beds Baths 5 Sleepy Hollow Ct 5 3 11 Beach Dr 4 3 16 Harbor Ridge Dr 4 3 2 Williamsburg Dr 6 3 90 Pidgeon Hill Rd 5 4 18 Sleepy Ln 5 4 155 Woodbury Rd 3 2 36 Harned Dr 4 4 1 Frostfield Pl 3 3 1 Plainwood Rd 5 3 5 Aquaview Ct 3 2 9 Candlewood North Path 4 3 97 Wilmington Dr 5 4 5 Magnolia Ln 3 2 11 Marions Ln 3 4 3 Burnham Ln 6 6
Price $1,199,000 $2,700,000 $625,000 $699,000 $769,000 $1,195,000 $415,000 $1,294,876 $449,000 $475,000 $639,000 $749,000 $749,000 $799,000 $1,095,000 $1,099,000
Taxes Date Time $26,337 9/1 1pm-3pm $35,717 9/1 2pm-3:30pm $14,984 9/2 1pm-3pm $17,262 9/2 1pm-3pm $17,267 9/2 1pm-3pm $16,549 9/6 12:30pm-2pm $8,388 9/8 1pm-3pm $15,376 9/8 1pm-3pm $12,240 9/9 1pm-3pm $11,659 9/9 1pm-3pm $13,450 9/9 2pm-4pm $17,027 9/9 1pm-3pm $20,517 9/9 2pm-4pm $17,627 9/9 3pm-5pm $24,226 9/9 1pm-3pm $22,318 9/9 11:30am-12:30pm
Broker Prudential Douglas Elliman RE Prudential Douglas Elliman RE Coach Real Estate Assoc Inc Prudential Douglas Elliman RE Coach Real Estate Assoc Inc RE/MAX Beyond Signature Premier Properties Prudential Douglas Elliman RE Signature Premier Properties Prudential Douglas Elliman RE Prudential Douglas Elliman RE RE/MAX Beyond Prudential Douglas Elliman RE Coach Real Estate Assoc Inc Prudential Douglas Elliman RE Prudential Douglas Elliman RE
Phone 631-261-6800 631-549-4400 631-757-7272 631-261-6800 631-673-2222 631-862-1100 631-673-3700 631-261-6800 631-673-3700 631-499-9191 631-549-4400 631-862-1100 631-499-9191 631-673-2222 631-261-6800 631-499-9191
You open the door...We’ll bring ’em in! 97 Wilmington Dr Bedrooms 5 Baths 4Price $749,000 Taxes $20,517 Open House 9/9 2pm-4pm Prudential Douglas Elliman RE 631-499-9191
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.
TOWN OF HUNTINGTON
Benefit Concert Making Noise For Sick Musician By Angela Pradhan info@longislandernews.com
Phil Antonnuci is bringing bands together at a benefit concert in his honor at Elks Lodge 1565 in Huntington village next month. A Huntington High school Blue Devils marching band advocate, Antonnuci’s expertise with music sparked him to support young musicians in the community as well as the music department at the high school. “He’s the kind of guy that jumps into help and opens his house to friends,” said Tim Lawless, a friend who came up with the idea of hosting a benefit concert. It only make sense for what Huntington resident Antonnuci has done for music that music would help him in the peak of his fight against prostate cancer. A number of local bands, artists and friends joined forces to support Antonnuci and his family. “Music is Phil's life,” his wife, Deidre, said. While making people dance with his guitar, Phil also made them laugh with his one-liners and commanding presence. But while making people laugh and dance, Antonnuci was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1999. The 13-
year long battle was recently made more complicated since he is also fighting lymphoma. Antonnuci has been hospitalized since May, a struggle for loved ones. He first began playing guitar the age of 9, sparking his love of music. “I was off and running. This thing was awesome. I had no idea what I was doing, but it wasn't long before it became my best friend,” Antonnuci said about the first time he picked up a guitar. He landed his first gig at the age of 11 at the 1964 World’s Fair on the stage of the New York Pavilion. Three years later, he played on “The Ted Mack Amateur Hour” on CBS in 1967. After continuing to play at both St. Ignatius and Holy Trinity High school in Hicksville, Antonnuci pursued music in college. He graduated from C.W. Post College with a Bachelor of Arts in Music. While establishing a great reputation on the Long Island music scene as the guitarist and front man of Beginnings, the Chicago Tribute Band, Antonnuci also was a recording engineer and a sound technician for media outlets like MSG, CBS, Fox, Cablevision, YES and SNY. The Antonnucis decided to move to Huntington because it was an “amazing
town” where they wanted their kids to grow up. Antonnuci has two daughters who love music as much as he does and are pursuing their own careers out of it. Karina, 18, is following in her father’s footsteps, playing the guitar and studying Music Education at Queens College. She was also part of the Blue Devils Marching Band while in her high school years, along with her sister, Alexa. The younger Antonnuci sings and is a part of the Color Guard at Huntington High school. “We’re very music-orientated,” said Deidre. The battle has been difficult for his daughters emotionally as well as with medical bills piling up and college tuition, she said. The concert, slated to begin at 7 p.m. on Sept. 12, is designed to relieve some of the financial burden the family has been facing. “[There’s this] outpouring of incredible support and we’re 100 percent comforted knowing everyone’s helping us,” the wife said. Among the artists scheduled to take the stage are Uppercut; Mike DelGuidice and Big Shot performing the music of Billy Joel, Journey, Elton John, Paul McCartney, The Beatles, Led Zep-
Phil Antonucci on stage in his early days as the front man of the Chicago Tribute Band Beginnings. pelin and Aerosmith; Friends of Mike Cummings; Tony Barca; The Jim Pin Band (featuring members of The Funk Filharmonik) and other special guests. A $20 admission fee will be charged at the door. Donations and gift cards can be made out to Mr. and Mrs. Philip Antonucci and mailed to: J. Barondess, 26 Seth Lane, Hicksville, NY 11801 or sent via PayPal to lgyland@aol.com.
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A14 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • AUGUST 30, 2012
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Plans for ‘The Club at Melville’ come into focus
Site plans for Deshon Partners’ “The Club at Melville” senior development, pictured in an overhead rendering, were filed with the town last Thursday. (Continued from page A1)
square-foot clubhouse with a pool is planned, as well as a pavilion. With 420 parking spaces planned, the proposal would exceed the minimum of 392, or 1.5 spaces per unit. The remaining 5 acres on the west side of Deshon Drive will be dedicated to an temple for the BAPS, which can be up to three stories and 60,000 square feet. One parking space for every five fixed seats or every fifth congregant, whichever is applicable, is required.
The Huntington Town Board approved a zone change from I-1 Industrial to R3M Garden Apartments on the 18-acre parcel in mid-June and transferred 5 acres of development rights from Meyers Farm, an 8.3-acre property near Old Country and Round Swamp Roads in Melville, to Deshon Drive. That permits the BAPS temple to be built on 5 acres, while allowing Deshon Partners to construct The Club at Melville on the remaining 13 acres at full R3M density, or 14.5 units per acre. The Meyers Farm property, now stripped
Regional study sought (Continued from page A3)
transportation and land use plan for the Melville Employment Center as a “medium time frame” task. Medium time frame goals are to be completed within two to five years of the master plan’s adoption in 2009. “We’re about three years out. We are starting to consider our options,” Planning Director Anthony Aloisio said. “The plan advises us to consider doing it, and we are evaluating it.” Since town code was changed two years ago, Melville community advocates argued a proliferation of new, large office uses like Canon’s North American headquarters and Rubie has emerged, which could result in the commercial corridor becoming overcrowded. But Aloisio said each application must undergo a complete environmental review and traffic study.
“If those determine there’s going to be a negative impact, they have to introduce mitigation into the plan to address that,” Aloisio added. Aloisio said he hasn’t had any discussions about a moratorium, and declined to comment on the merits of one in Melville. Even if one were adopted, the 270 South Service Road building, which is currently undergoing site plan review before being sent to the Planning Board for a hearing, would likely not be subject to a moratorium, Huntington spokesman A.J. Carter said. But Taff maintained that Melville area civic associations are “very leery” that adequate planning can happen in the absence of those regional studies. “You have to make sure the infrastructure can handle any new developments that come along,” Taff said.
of development rights, will become Sweet Hollow Park. “We’re anxiously awaiting all the paperwork and the legal process to go through,” Alissa Taff, president of the Civic Association of Sweet Hollow, said. The plans are in the “very early stages of the review process,” town spokesman A.J. Carter said Friday. Planning Director Anthony Aloisio said “probably six months would be [an] appropriate” timeframe to review the plans. Around the time the site plan review is complete, Deshon Partners counsel Morton Weber said the land swap required to complete the deal would be finalized. The BAPS are under contract to sell Meyers Farm to the town. Once that happens, they
are then under contract to buy the 5 acres on the west side of Deshon Drive from the developer. “It is our hope that the town, in all due deference, will move it as quickly as we can,” Weber said “Once we go through site planning and selling them [the BAPS] the 5 acres, that will be a major, major step to finally getting this thing done.” Cox said Deshon Partners is working with the town to help place some of the seniors on Huntington’s waiting list for affordable housing in The Club at Melville. “We’ve had a couple of meetings with the town on a coordinated effort to get as many people as we can who are in the Huntington list into these units,” Cox said.
‘Piano row’ on Route 110 (Continued from page A1)
Harrison Pianos, opening in November 2011. Started in the 1980s by concert pianist Sara Faust, Manager Sam Varon said the company expanded from vintage Steinways and high-end European pianos to selling new Yamahas in Manhattan in 2009. After relocating their showroom and factory to Westchester, Varon was tasked with finding a home for Yamaha on Long Island. “I’ve been in piano retail for over 30 years. I’ve worked for another dealership on the street in an executive capacity. Growing up in the piano business, my father had an organ business from the ’60s
through the ’80s, I was very familiar with the value of Route 110,” the manager said. Varon added that being in the presence of other piano stores serves as marketing for them, just as their presence helps the other companies. “It’s not the same as going to a Best Buy or PC Richards where you could see the same brand TV in different places,” he said. “We might as well be here in conjunction with some of the other piano dealers.” In addition to Yamaha, Faust Harrison has exclusive rights to Mason & Hamlin pianos. They have about 100 pianos on display.
A15 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • AUGUST 30, 2012
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HillSPORTS RUNNING
Weather Could Dictate Cow Harbor 10K
TRAVEL BASEBALL
Saints Beat Bulls for NJBL Title
By Mike Koehler mkoehler@longislandernews.com
Last year’s Great Cow Harbor 10K Race went smoothly, providing record performances and raising money for good causes. Several key questions remain unanswered for the 35th annual event on Sept. 15, but organizers are hoping for another great race. Every year, thousands flock to Northport Village early in the morning to sprint, jog and/or walk along the circuitous route beginning at the William J. Brosnan School and ending at Village Park. About 5,400 registered to run in 2011, Director Rich Boziwick said. As of Monday afternoon, about 2,800 applicants had already registered. But with just three weeks remaining, the director said their overall turnout will heavily depend on the weather. He predicted more than 5,000 people would run, but also said the hot summer has people questioning the effectiveness of their training more. “If it's a cooler August, we fill up faster,” Boziwick said. Ambiguity has also permeated the elite athlete pool. Coordinator Will Fodor said Monday that three-time winner and course record holder Mo Trafeh will look to make Cow Harbor history and win a fourth straight race. He’s been nursing a sore hamstring and was debating missing this year. Trafeh finished the 2011 10K course with a record 28’17” time. Olympian and 2005 Cow Harbor winner Anthony Famiglietti will be in the hunt, as will 2011 third place finisher James Strang and Chad Hall, brother of former course record holder Ryan Hall. “This race, there’s a half a dozen people who could win this race. I’ve been doing this for seven years and this is the hardest race for me to predict,” Fodor said. On the women’s side, two big names are returning. Olympic trials qualifier and 2011 third place finisher Alisha Williams will be competing in her seventh consecutive Cow Harbor 10K. She’s finished in the top 10 every year. Williams will be joined by fifth place finisher Stephanie Rothstein; Rothstein came in the top 5 two of the past three years. The race’s annual beneficiaries also win each time. The Great Cow Harbor 10K raised $20,000 again for the Special Olympics in 2011, and helped the American Legion buy flat screen televisions for the VA Medical Center. For more information or to register, visit www.cowharborrace.com.
The St. Elizabeth Saints are: coaches (from left) Brian DeGaetano, Jerry Black and Wally Stampfel; (top row, from left) Hunter Eichner, Joe Campanella, Ryan King, Matthew Williams, Jared Restmeyer, Jack Cullen; (bottom row, from left) Zeke Clase, Nick Black, Matt Stampfel, Jordan Rose, Thomas DeGaetano and Jack Wrobel. The St. Elizabeth Saints took down the Smithtown Bulls for the National Junior Baseball League Division Championship. The 11-U boys travel baseball team,
coached by Brian DeGaetano, Wally Stampfel and Jerry Black, captured the crown with 14-3 victory over the Bulls in game three of the best-of-three championship series.
The Saints, comprised of all South Huntington School District children, finished the summer with an 18-2 record. Coaches said the boys have a strong work ethic and are great teammates.
GOLF
Golfer, 93, Still Teeing Off In Style By Alessandra Malito amalito@longislandernews.com
For 93 years, James Uvena has been a member of the Huntington community. He went off to war, has been a part of family businesses in the area, and started his own family. And for quite some time, he finds himself playing golf around the area, and doing it better than many. At 11 years old, Uvena was a caddy at Halesite Golf Course, where he first started to play. For 50 cents, he’d golf nine holes. “We didn’t have the equipment we have today, but we managed to put clubs together just to be able to play,” Uvena, of Huntington, said. From then on, he has found time to play golf, and when he had a family of his own, his wife and three sons would play the sport with him. Now, his grandson plays, too. “As a father figure, he’s an understanding guy,” his son, Jim, said. “He never forced them [his kids] into any kind of line of work.” Just a month ago, Uvena played a solid nine hole round of 43 at Crab Meadow Golf Course, with four pars and four bogeys. Normally, he said, he shoots about 51 or 52.
“That was my best over there,” he said. About three times a week, fellow community members can find him on the courses of Long Island. On Thursdays, he plays with seniors. On Sundays, he plays with the Supremes, an organization that has been around for 35 years, 30 of which he has spent with them. In the times since he started playing golf, he has seen improvements in the game. “A number of things,” he noted. “The golf courses have improved. Golf clubs have improved.” And aside from that, there are a number of golf shows on television to watch the pros on during the weekends, which, as he said, makes things “a lot different than we used to have years ago.” A gold coin he carries in his pocket marks the dates of his term at war – from Sept. 15, 1942 to Dec. 3, 1945. In 1942, Uvena was sent overseas during World War II, going from France through Germany. He received three battle stars and liberated the prison camp in Munich. His troop was the first outfit to cross Rhine River. Uvena’s parents owned a family market, January’s Market, on Main Street in Huntington. Years later, they expanded, opening a supermarket, January’s Super-
Golf is the name of the game for Huntington resident James Uvena, 93. He recently shot a 43 at Crab Meadow. market, on New York Avenue, but a Pathmark across the street ended their fiveyear run. From there, Uvena started his own liquor business on Park Avenue and worked there for about seven years before selling it. He retired when he closed the shop, almost 30 years ago. Since then, he said, “I play golf and take it easy” – and always in style.
A16 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • AUGUST 30, 2012
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