HALF HOLLOW HILLS Copyright © 2015 Long Islander News
Online at www.LongIslanderNews.com
VOL. 16, ISSUE 51
NEWSPAPER THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015
24 PAGES
HALF HOLLOW HILLS
By Andrew Wroblewski awroblewski@longislandergroup.com
The Paramount Spotlight Jim Breuer will film his upcoming comedy special at The Paramount Feb. 14.
Jim Breuer To Film Special At Paramount By Andrew Wroblewski awroblewski@longislandergroup.com
For comedian Jim Breuer, Feb. 14 at The Paramount is going to be a “special” night. Not only is the Long Island native returning to his original stomping grounds, but he’s going to do it on a stage where he feels wholly comfortable. There, he’ll record his new comedy special before a Paramount crowd that’s previously (Continued on page A15)
Not a day goes by, Tobias Harris said, where the former Colt doesn’t think of his basketball career at Half Hollow Hills High School West. Now a professional playing for the Orlando Magic, Harris returned to his old stomping grounds on Jan. 22 for what he thought was a ceremony honoring the 2007-2008 Hills West varsity basketball team, which won a Suffolk County championship – a team he was a part of. What he didn’t know, however, was that Head Coach Bill Mitaritonna had a small surprise in store. That same day, Harris became the first basketball player in Colts history to have his number (12) retired by Hills West. “It’s such an honor and a blessing to have my number [retired],” Harris said in front of a crowd that pooled for the ceremony following a victory by the current Colts team over Riverhead, 84-48. “I’ve (Continued to page A15)
Long Islander News photo/Andrew Wroblewski
Colts Welcome NBA Star Home
Tobias Harris, center, has his number retired by Half Hollow Hills High School West on Jan. 22. He is joined by Athletic Director Joseph Pennacchio, left, and Bill Mitaritonna, his former head coach.
WHITEOUT! A school bus fights whiteout conditions making its way up Trescott Street in Dix Hills Monday as the first snow falls in what was predicted to possibly become a record-setting blizzard. The snowfall was only beginning as this newspaper went to press. For updates and the aftermath, visit LongIslanderNews.com.
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MELVILLE
Heroic Deeds Are Nothing New For Cop State Trooper and Melville FD volunteer Christopher Nolan saves choking boy By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandergroup.com
For Melville’s Christopher Nolan, serving the community runs in the family. His brother has been a Marine for 20 years. One of his sisters is a nurse. His younger brother is a teacher, as are his wife and another sister. “Everyone in the family are service-type people,” he explained. But for Nolan, 35, responding to dangerous situations seems to be his path for giving back. He’s been a volunteer with the Melville Fire Department for 15 years; there, he serves as the department’s third assistant chief. He’s been a New York state trooper for 11 years and a K9 officer since 2010. In that capacity, he leads a narcotics and cadaver dog named Reddy, and has been involved in “tons of huge arrests” related to drugs. “It’s exciting, but you’re also helping people when they really need it,” he said. “They’re calling you because they need you – I really do like to help people.” One of those opportunities came on Jan. 3, when his quick response helped save the life of a young boy who suffered a seizure and stopped breathing on the Southern State Parkway. Police said the boy had developed a serious case of flu and
was running a blistering 107-degree fever. At approximately 6:35 p.m. Jan. 3, state police in Farmingdale received a frantic emergency call from the boy’s mother. All they could gather from the call was that she was in the area of Exit 25 on the Southern State Parkway. Based on the largely unintelligible phone call filled with screaming, Nolan geared up to respond to “some kind of violent assault” or a domestic incident. “They didn’t know what it was… I didn’t know it was an aided case,” he said. When Nolan discovered a Buick parked on the right shoulder on the westbound Southern State near exit 25, the car door “flung open,” he recalled, and he was met in the pouring rain by a 31-year-old woman, clutching her 6-year-old son. Nolan quickly determined the child was suffering a blocked airway. He “threw him in the back seat of the Buick,” cut his jacket away, positioned the boy on his back and tilted his head up. After his airway opened again and the boy began breathing, he also began “projectile vomiting,” adding another obstacle to keeping him breathing. After his airway was kept clear for several minutes, the boy “slowly (Continued on page A19)
State Trooper Christopher Nolan, pictured with his K9 partner, Reddy, saved a choking 6-year-old boy on the Southern State Parkway earlier this month.
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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 29, 2015 • A3
MELVILLE
Sun Ming Site For Sale By Danny Schrafel
OPEN HOUSE: Sun.Feb.8th
dschrafel@longislandergroup.com
The former site of the Sun Ming restaurant in Huntington near Melville is on the market two months after the town’s zoning board rejected plans for a mixed-use building there. The intent to sell is now apparent through a large sign posted at the 1000 West Jericho Turnpike site, which has been vacant for several years. In December, the Huntington Zoning Board unanimously rejected a plan to replace the Sun Ming building with a mixed-use structure containing six apartments above retail. The board ruled that the applicant, architect Edward Dickman, failed to provide adequate proof to warrant a special use permit and variances. They also criticized how traffic would flow at the site, and said the proposal was out of character for the neighborhood. The plan for the 1000 West Jericho Turnpike property, which lies at the corner of Jericho Turnpike and Round Swamp Road, called for demolition of the Sun Ming structure and an adjacent, vacated two-family house. A two-story, 15,600 squarefoot building would have been erect-
(12-2 pm) The former Sun Ming Restaurant is on the market after the ZBA rejected a development plan. ed in its place. A Mystique Boutique would go downstairs, with six apartments above. At the time, ZBA chair Christopher Modelewski said, “It’s obvious to all of us who are sitting here there’s got to be some marked improvement getting rid of this 1960s, Ming Dynasty rip-off and putting some used and useful building on this site,” but he said the proposal before them wasn’t the ticket. Civic leaders opposed Dickman’s proposal, arguing it was inappropriate for the area and would further exacerbate an already-congested traffic situation. Some called for tearing the property down and building a more modest proposal in its place.
A4 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 29, 2015
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Sorry, Island Full – No More Snow Snowmageddon… As I write this week’s re- know was that at that ceremony – intended to celebrate the 2007-2008 Hills port in my sopping-wet snow boots (hey, a gal’s West boys basketball team that got to keep her front step clear at the very least) won a Suffolk County champiit comes after Huntington township (and all of onship – there was going to be the northeast, it appears) got a special surprise. Harris beabsolutely, positively walloped IN THE KNOW WITH AUNT ROSIE came the first Colts basketball with a blizzard of epic proporplayer to have his jersey numtions. It’s almost as if Mother ber retired by Hills West and, Nature went easy on us for two and a half needless to say, it was a big months and decided to drop a pile of the white moment for him! Find out more in this week’s stuff all at once! I hope everybody made it issue of the paper, but, for now: keep up the through this week’s wicked winter weather ungreat work, Tobias! scathed – and I sure hope you took advantage of the forced slowdown of modern life’s hurlyOn top … Speaking of Tobias Harris, have burly and enjoyed the down time. Not as if we you seen how great our town’s sports teams are got much of a break, though – unfortunately (or doing this winter? Up and down Suffolk County, fortunately!) when feet upon feet of snow spew Huntington teams are kicking some major forth from the sky, it’s time to write a big story. tuchus. Just ask the Tigers of Northport’s girls That’s news biz, babe. basketball team – which was undefeated the last time I checked; those Colts from Hills West’s No name-calling… Despite the all-around boys basketball team that have also yet to lose a backlash to the naming of winter storms and game; or those wily Blue Devils of the Huntinghow goofy it sounds, the Weather Channel’s still ton wrestling team that have been doing an exnaming ‘em; I will continue to boycott those cellent job this season. There are so, so many names. The Blizzard of ‘78 worked just fine more great teams so keep your eyes lock on and that storm froze us solid as a popsicle - so Long Islander News and you’ll be hearing about what’s wrong with the Blizzard of ’15? Exactly. each and every one of them! Such a nice boy … Did you hear that our friendly, neighborhood professional basketball (Aunt Rosie wants to hear from you! If you player was in town last week? That’s right! Dix have comments, ideas, or tips about what’s hapHills’ own Tobias Harris visited his old high pening in your neck of the woods, write to me toschool, Half Hollow Hills High School West, day and let me know the latest. To contact me, last Thursday as a part of a special ceremony drop a line to Aunt Rosie, c/o The Long-Islander, held after the current Colts basketball team took 14 Wall Street, Huntington NY 11743. Or try the on Riverhead. Apparently, what Tobias didn’t e-mail at aunt.rosieli@gmail.com)
POLICE REPORT Compiled by Danny Schrafel
Tagged Police were called to the Wilson Tech School in Dix Hills Jan. 20 after graffiti was discovered on the back of a retaining wall. Police said the graffiti was made sometime after Dec. 18.
Thief Snags Jewels, Cash A thief struck an Old East Neck home in Melville sometime between 11:30 a.m. Jan. 22 and 8:30 p.m. the next day. According to police, the culprit stole cash and jewelry from a drawer.
This Scam Was Dead On Arrival A Dix Hills resident called the cops after they fended off a would-be scam artist Jan. 20. Police said that, at 12:42 p.m., the scammer told the complainant that their brother was being held hostage. The caller threatened to kill the “hostage” if the complainant didn’t cough up cash. The complainant called the cops instead. Their brother was fine.
Calm Down, Slugger Two motorists called Suffolk County Police after an altercation on Walt Whitman Road Jan. 21. Police said a dispute at 5:04 p.m. escalated to the point where punches and kicks flew. Both complainants reported minor injuries.
Shady
QUOTE OF THE WEEK DARRYL ST. GEORGE
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“There’s definitely some parallels to what we’re trying to do. The parallel is that, Dr. King was trying to change the culture… I feel that’s what we’re trying to do with this problem.”
Suffolk County Police were called to a Dunkin’ Donuts on Broad Hollow Road at 3 p.m. Jan. 19. Police said that someone stole sunglasses off the shop’s counter.
expires
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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 29, 2015 • A5
MELVILLE
Financing Secured For Ruland Road Housing By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandergroup.com
A new chapter in the decade-long saga to build an affordable housing community in Melville is set to begin this spring as a new developer has assembled the green to build the Highland Green residences. D&F Development Group, which will build the 117-unit Highland Green limited-equity co-op complex on 8 acres along Ruland Road, has secured the financing needed to make Long Island’s first limited-equity coop a reality. “This is a major step toward building the first example of what could become an important affordable housing option for Long Island,” Huntington Supervisor Frank Petrone said in a press release. “I am happy that the financing is in place and that the project is ready to proceed.” An amalgamation of funding sources, including state and county agencies, the Long Island Housing Partnership and private banks, made it possible. Groundbreaking should come this spring, with completion eyed for 2016, D&F principal Peter Florey said. The Long Island
Now that funding is in place, groundbreaking for the 117-unit Highland Green Residences in Melville could come this spring. Housing Partnership will administer the affordable-housing lottery, town officials said. For Florey, last week’s announcement marks the work of several years coming to fruition. “D & F Development wants to thank all of our partners who have worked diligently to bring us this far, the Town of Huntington, the State of New York Housing Finance Agency, Suffolk County and the Long Island
Housing Partnership,” Florey said. “We look forward to moving ahead with the development and are confident that Highland Green will be a model that encourages a long term commitment to our community and provides a new prototype of economically accessible equity housing for Long Islanders.” Limited equity co-ops are designed to provide affordable home ownership opportunities by allowing residents to
purchase shares in the development for minimal outlay. Here, buyers will pay the equivalent of two months’ maintenance as a down payment. The Highland Green Residences project is a result of a settlement, reached by the Huntington Town Board and the Huntington NAACP in February 2014, over a dispute related to the affordable housing offset to the nearby Greens at Half Hollow luxury senior community. Per the settlement, 72 one-bedroom units, 39 two-bedroom units and six three-bedroom units will be built. Ninety-three of the 117 units will be available to people whose income does not exceed 60 percent of the area median income ($44,150 for an individual, $63,050 for a family of four). The remaining 24 will go to those whose income does not exceed 80 percent of the median ($58,850/$84,100). Veterans will receive a preference for 10 percent of the homes, as will physically handicapped applicants. Four percent will be set aside for those with hearing or vision disabilities. Anyone looking for more information can call the Long Island Housing Partnership at 631-435-4710.
A6 •
THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 29, 2015
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HERE ARE THE WINNERS YOU VOT ED FOR!
Congratulations to the winners!
Of
HUNTINGTON
Winners
e
We’ve printed the complete list of winners below (the winner in each category is the finalist who secured the highest number of votes)!
The Best e
Thousands of your votes have been cast over the past few weeks to determine which local businesses you think are the “Best of Huntington” – and now, the final results are in!
Who has the Best Burger? • Bistro Cassis
Who has the Best Service? • Mill Pond House
Who has the Best Cut of Steak? • Prime-An American Kitchen & Bar
Who has the Best Happy Hour Specials? • Black & Blue Seafood Chophouse
Who has the Best Italian Food? • Piccolo Restaurant
Who has the Best Lunch Specials? • Robke’s Country Inn
Who has the Best Greek Food? • Mediterranean Snack Bar
Who has the Best Dinner Specials? • Tutto Pazzo
Who has the Best Chinese Takeout? • Albert’s Mandarin Gourmet
Who has the Best Live Music? • The Paramount
Who has the Best Sushi? • Kurabarn Who has the Best Mexican Food? • Besito Mexican Restaurant Who has the Best Ice Cream? • Herrell’s Ice Cream Who has the Best Slice of Pizza? • Little Vincent’s Pizza Who has the Best Cup of Coffee? • Dunkin’ Donuts (Honorable Mention: A Rise Above Bake Shop)
Who has the Best Small Plates? • Swallow Restaurant
Who has the Best Nightlife? • Black & Blue Seafood Chophouse Who has the Best Drink Offerings? • Sapsuckers
Their contributions to our Huntington community cannot be praised enough. Without a doubt, there is a reason our readers chose them as being the “Best”! And to all of the businesses and voters who participated – we at Long Islander News extend our sincerest gratitude! We are (and always have been) humbled by your astounding passion for our Huntington community!
What is the Best Toy Store? • Little Switzerland What is the Best Medical Practice? • Huntington Medical Group Who is the Best Auto Dealership? • Huntington Honda Who is the Best Service Shop? • AloeTech Who is the Best Hair Salon? • Cactus Salon Who is the Best Day Care / Camp? • YMCA What is the Best Educational Service? • St. Patrick’s School
What is the Best Men’s Clothing Store? • Marshs
What is the Best Nursery / Gardening Store? • Main Street Nursery
What is the Best Women’s Clothing Store? • Fox’s
What is the Best Jewelry Store? • Frassanito Jewelers
What is the Best Children’s Clothing Store? • Pashley Children’s Boutique What is the Best Concert Venue / Theater? • The Paramount
Who is the Best Non-Profit / Charitable Organization? • Family Service League What is the Best-Kept Secret of Huntington? • A Rise Above Bake Shop
All of our winners will automatically receive a special banner from us to hang outside their business, in order to proudly proclaim their victory in our contest! Congratulations again to all!
All 30 of our winners will be put into one, final vote, where the top 4 votegetters will receive free advertising space on our website, and the top vote-getter will also receive free advertisements in our newspaper!
In addition, we will also be running a “Best of the Best” follow-up vote for all 30 winners!
To get the full scoop, go to www.longislandernews.com now – and make sure to cast your vote so that your favorite business wins it all!
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Volunteer workers from local high schools pose in front of last year’s donations, a part of an annual food drive sponsored by Leg. Steve Stern and Island Harvest.
WALK-IN URGENT CARE CENTERS Serving Long Island for over 25 years All Ages Welcome
DIX HILLS
‘Super Bowl’ Food Drive The teams – New England and Seattle – are set, but leading up to the big game, Suffolk County Legislator Steve Stern (D-Dix Hills) and people behind Island Harvest have “super” ambitions focused on a different event: the annual “Super Bowl XLIX” Food Drive. “We’ve been hosting this specific food drive for five years and we’re very proud of that,” Stern said. “So many people are coming to supermarkets to shop for parties on the biggest eating day of the year, so this is a great time to host a food drive.” On Jan. 31, the day before the Patriots and Seahawks are set to face off, Super Stop & Shop locations at 3126 Jericho Tpke., East Northport, and 1100 Jericho Tpke., Dix Hills, will be set up to accept food donations from
patrons. From 12-3 p.m., food items (such as canned soups, meat, vegetables, fruit, tuna, sauces, pasta, peanut butter, jelly, beans and baby food) and other products (like diapers and those pertaining to personal hygiene) will be collected by volunteers to be distributed by Island Harvest. “They’re an outstanding organization that’s committed all year round to assisting those in need,” Stern said. “Island Harvest is a tremendous partner each year and will work with our neighbors to make sure those people will get assistance.” Island Harvest delivers millions of pounds of surplus food to a network of 570 Long Island food pantries, soup kitchens and other non-profit organizations.
THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 29, 2015 • A7
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A8 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 29, 2015
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Opinion ‘Not the types set up by the printer return their impression, the meaning, the main concern.’
We Exercised Storm Smarts As this newspaper is going to press, a Monday night, barring all but police and hunkered down community is just emergency vehicles from the roads, the emerging from a major winter storm that plows and salt trucks and sanders were dumped as much as 2 feet of snow. able to do their jobs and keep the main The timing of the storm almost could- roadways passable. n’t have been worse – the full fury of A county-wide travel ban may seem blizzard-like conditions hit at what draconian, but given the predictions of would have been the late afternoon/early blizzard conditions – and lessons evening rush hour. Fortulearned from the epic storm of nately, thanks to early dis- EDITORIAL Feb. 8, 2013, which stranded missals from schools and hundreds of motorists across workplaces across the Island, com- Long Island – it turned out to be a wise muters managed to hit the road and get course of action. Plow operators were to their homes before roads became im- able to get to work and were able to batpassable. It was slow going, but we seem tle the snow unimpeded by abandoned to have come through it remarkably well vehicles. despite the storm’s best efforts. We were better prepared this time Part of the reason is that folks heeded around. Perhaps it was because more the warnings of government officials and people heeded the warnings, or perhaps it police. Employers released workers in was due to government being better pretime to get ahead of the storm and pared. We exercised storm smarts, and it schools let out early. And when a full seems to have worked. travel ban went into effect at 11 p.m. Good job, people.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
After Near-Miss, JFK Needs Upgrade Editor’s note: Following is a letter from Senator Charles Schumer to FAA Administrator Michael Huerta. It has been edited for space. DEAR ADMINISTRATOR HUERTA: I write today in response to an incident over the weekend in which a Caribbean Airways plane (Flight 526) nearly collided with a JetBlue plane (Flight 1295) at John F. Kennedy International Airport. Luckily, the alert JetBlue pilots noticed the Caribbean Airways plane and were able to
avoid what could have been a deadly collision. That said, this situation could have been prevented had the Runway Status Lights (RWSL) slated for construction at JFK been fully installed and operable. The FAA has a program focused on installing RWSL at a number of airports, and those airports included in Phase I of that program, like JFK, should already be operable. I urge you to expedite the construction of the remaining RWSL systems that are part of Phase I and quickly move forward with identifying additional airports where the installation of RWSL systems could help
HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER
Serving the communities of: Dix Hills, Melville and the Half Hollow Hills Central School District. Copyright © 2015 by Long Islander News, publishers of The Long-Islander, The Record and Half Hollow Hills Newspaper. Each issue of the The Long-Islander and all contents thereof are copyrighted by Long Islander. None of the contents or articles may be reproduced in any forum or medium without the advance express written permission of the publisher. Infringement hereof is a violation of the Copyright laws.
prevent runway incursions and incidents like this to be part of Phase II. In 2005 the FAA began testing the effectiveness of RWSL at the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and in 2008 began entering into agreements with airports to install these new systems more broadly. The FAA moved forward with this program because it correctly recognized the importance of RWSL in preventing runway incursions and accidents. The National Runway Safety Plan of 2009-2011 laid out a goal of beginning the installation of RWSL at 17 airports by
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FY2010. Yet, despite the fact that funding for the program has been in place for over 6 years, the FAA has only achieved full operability at 9 of the 17 planned airports – this is simply unacceptable. Furthermore, despite being included on the FAA’s original list of 17 Airports, RWSL is not yet operable at any of New York’s 3 major airports – JFK, LaGuardia, or Newark. The necessary funding for these systems has already been provided by Congress including the $11M needed to install the system at LaGuardia, the $12M needed to install the system at Newark, and the $13.4M needed to install the system at JFK. With the funding in place it is of paramount importance that construction be completed as soon as possible and operability be achieved, so that dangerous incidents like the one this weekend can be avoided. Given the importance of these systems I urge you to expedite the remaining steps needed to achieve full operability at the 17 Phase I airports and quickly move forward with identifying airports and a plan for Phase II of this important project. Thank you for your attention to this issue and for your continued efforts to help
make our skies and our airports safe.
CHARLES SCHUMER U.S. Senator (D-NY)
Example Of Pride DEAR EDITOR: [Last month] I stopped to pick up a bouquet of flowers at the new home of Flowerdale at 1931 New York. Ave. in Huntington Station. Under its new ownership, Flowers by Patty, you will receive the same quality and creative expertise which were offered by Suzanne and Rod Pseja at their former New York Avenue location. Patty has worked for 20 years under Suzanne’s guidance and learned the skills of her business inside and out. The beautiful storefront window brings a much needed lift to our business area and a perk to revitalization of the Huntington Station area south of Pulaksi Road. Hopefully this will be an inspiration to others willing to invest in the area. Good luck, Patty, and welcome to our end of town. Drop by to see what pride in one’s business means. BETTY VIENNE Huntington Station
James V. Kelly Publisher/CEO Peter Sloggatt Associate Publisher/Managing Editor Luann Dallojacono Editor James V. Kelly III Director - Sales and Marketing Danny Schrafel Associate Editor Arielle Dollinger Andrew Wroblewski Reporters NEWS
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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 29, 2015 • A9
Photo by Claudia Fortunato
Life&Style FILM
‘Sisters’ Puts Village In The Spotlight By Arielle Dollinger adollinger@longislandergroup.com
Long islander News photo/Arielle Dollinger
Sound is scarce here. There is quiet arrhythmic repetition of the word “copy” coming from the mouths of people with headsets. The director tells actress Greta Lee to appear “a little more dead-faced.” The filming of NBC Universal’s “Sisters,” starring “Saturday Night Live” alumni Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, continued last Thursday as the cast and crew took over the Jon
Megaris Salon in Huntington village. “We wanted a little hometown feel,” said production designer Richard Hoover of the location choice. Shooting began around 9 a.m. Crew members and cast – including Fey, Poehler, Ike Barinholtz (“The Mindy Project”) and Bobby Moynihan (“Saturday Night Live”) – ventured back and forth across Main Street from the salon to the parking lot near the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Building. The lot served as
An army of set dressers worked late into the night to transform the Huntington village salon into “Be That You” for the movie.
Photo by Claudia Fortunato
Photo by Claudia Fortunato
Tropical plants, holiday greenery and a whole lot of equipment and personnel created Christmas in Florida on Huntington’s Main Street for a film starring former Saturday Night Live stars Tina Fey, below left, and Amy Poehler, below right.
temporary home to trucks and trailers and craft service. The set was prepared last Wednesday night by freelance workers who belong to the United Scenic Artists Union and work under the umbrella organization IATSE, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Hoover explained. The crew built a wall about halfway into the salon, creating a barrier between the set and the behind-the-scenes area for monitors. Outside, set decorators dressed the street with tropical-looking plants to create the Floridian setting of the film. Meanwhile, there was Christmas – a man dressed as Santa Claus sat across the street from the salon and potted poinsettias bordered the salon door. Golden mannequins wearing Santa hats stood guard in the salon’s front window. While Main Street was not closed for long to move equipment, as confirmed by Department of Transporta-
tion spokesperson Eileen Peters, the street looked like a scene from a different movie entirely. A dichotomy of cold air and warm-colored plants and lights, the road appeared confused about the season. Suffolk County police were present, keeping watch of the area from their cars, and orange traffic cones extended the “sidewalk” and directed drivers around the chaos. The sidewalk was crowded, as headset-wearers ensured that those standing outside kept quiet during filming. According to a town permit granted to the production company, the company brought in approximately 120 cast and crew, six campers, five equipment trucks and trailers, three 24-foot box trucks, one bux, five 15-passenger vans, two cargo vans, three catering trucks, porta potties, a prop dump truck, two 80foot lifts, 15 picture cars and one 60foot lift, Carter said. The company also had permission to park on the west side of Stewart Avenue.
A10 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 29, 2015
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BUSINESS Girl Scouts Get Taste Of Entrepreneurship By Arielle Dollinger adollinger@longislandergroup.com
Melville resident Adele Tongish helps her 5-year-old daughter, Alora, sell cookies as a Daisy. The kindergartener has a lot of help from her parents – her father helped a uniform-clad Alora use the cell phone software Facetime to chat with outof-town relatives; her mother helped her send out emails – in making use of technology-related outreach methods. This year, for the first time, the Girl Scouts organization has expanded selling methods for its largest annual fundraiser to include online sales via digital order card. “Technology is a great thing to help cookies sales,” Adele Tongish said, noting that most of her family lives out of town. “My daughter's in kindergarten, she's 5, so she's not sending out the emails for the online sales herself, and she needs quite a bit of coaching when it comes to Facetime.” Girl Scouts can now set up Digital Cookie websites. Marketing can be done online, with photos and videos, and sellers can manage customers
with online customer lists. “We're on the cutting edge, my dear!” said Ginger Todaro, director of marketing for the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County. “We do everything to support the girl and her entrepreneurship.” Girl Scout cookie sales date back to at least the 1930s – the caption on a photo in Todaro’s office says that Girl Scouts baked and sold cookies in the windows of the Philadelphia Gas and Electric Company on Nov. 11, 1932. As clocks have ticked and calendar pages have turned, the Girl Scouts have changed. Badges for learning to make bandages for soldiers during wartime have become obsolete; and now, the annual cookie sale fundraiser has seen its intersection with the Internet. “Everything in Girl Scouting, for an organization like this to stay contemporary... It’s had to change considerably along the way,” said Todaro, who has been working for the Girl Scouts for 18 years and went through the program with her own daughter. Girl Scouts in Suffolk County sell about 1.2 million boxes of cookies a
Girl Scout Caitlin Ganci, 9, is one of many who have sells cookies during the Girl Scouts’ annual fundraiser. year, according to Todaro – the sales of a group with a membership of 40,000 girls – and pricing is standard ized by the council. Nassau, Suffolk and the greater New York area tend to use the same prices because the markets are similar, Todaro said. This year, cookies are $4 per box. Gluten-free cookies – a new addition
this year in the form of Toffee-tastic cookies – are $5 per box. As prices increase, Todaro said, so do the rebates girls get for selling. There are the five basic cookies: Thin Mints, Samoas, Tagalongs, Trefoils, Do-si-dos. New this year are Rah-Rah Raisins – oatmeal raisin cookies that feature Greek yogurt chunks – and gluten-free “Toffee-tastic” cookies. Each is supplied by Little Brownie Bakers, a Louisville, Ky. company that stands at 3 Cookie Lane and has been a licensed Girl Scout cookie provider for over three decades. Cookie varieties often change. Chocolate chip and lemon have each taken their turn, Todaro noted. While selling methods have changed, the Tongish family has not abandoned old-fashioned selling strategies. Alora and her parents have gone door-to-door, too. “That's the fun of it anyways... and how can you resist that face in person?” said Adele Tongish. Lessons taken from selling are more easily received when Alora sells in person, her mother said; it is difficult for the 5-year-old to grasp (Continued on page A19)
January Is The Time For Business Resolutions By Mindy F. Wolfle info@longislandergroup.com
As we close out the first month of 2015, it’s time to set a new precedent. Now that we have a month of the New Year under our collective belts, it’s time to make some business resolutions. Not the “I’m going on a diet” type of resolutions – those are so December. January resolutions are ones you can actually keep, and they relate to you and your work life. Let’s resolve to: Take a day off, for yourself and by yourself. Yes, make 2015 the year to enjoy your own company. Go to an afternoon movie, stroll around a museum, lunch at your favorite spot, have a massage… These solo activities (and others, of course) serve to reenergize your
spirit. It’s the perfect way to extend a weekend or break up the week. You’ll be surprised how good returning to work can feel. Make “rejuvenate” your essential word for 2015. Say thank you. Send a thankyou note, an email; make that phone call that you’ve been putting off. One thank you leads to another and another and so on. Hold open a door for someone else. Let a car merge into your lane. Each act of kindness – simple courtesies, really – adds balance and reduces discord in your daily life. How many hours a day do you spend at work, do you think about your work? Work is your daily life. Create good vibes. Listen to music. Sing in your car. Say “good morning.” Buy a great pen. Do someone a favor without expecting anything in return. Straighten out your desk before you close up shop for the day. Even piles of “stuff” are
better than coming back to strewn “stuff.” Read the book that’s been collecting dust on your shelf; you know, the one you’ve been meaning to start. Even a few pages a night add relaxation before hitting the sack. And that makes tomorrow’s work day more fruitful because you start out that much more rested. Do something out of character. Predictability, by its very definition, can become pretty monotonous. Are you the first person to speak up at a meeting? Instead, sit back and listen to what others have to say. Or are you the reticent one in the group? Crawl out from under that rock and let your voice be heard. In both instances, you’ll be surprised how much your changed demeanor is appreciated by your colleagues. Get out of the office at lunchtime. Take a walk. Go to a bookstore, a library, a nail salon; meet a friend for a bite to eat… or take a solo lunch for a slice of pizza.
Don’t run an errand. Make your lunchtime a respite from the daily grind, outside the workplace. If you usually gobble down a salad or sandwich at your desk, make 2015 the year to break that routine. The excuse, “I can’t get away at lunchtime,” needs to be replaced with, “I get more work done in the afternoon when I take a breather.” And finally: Resolve to share your knowledge, provide encouragement and lend an ear or a shoulder. In the words of Jeff Bezos, “The common question that gets asked in business is, ‘Why?’ That’s a good question, but an equally valid question is, ‘Why not?’” Mindy F. Wolfle is president of Neptune Marketing LLC, chief marketing officer of Vishnick McGovern Milizio, LLP, and an instructor of business writing and not-for-profit marketing in Hofstra University’s continuing education program.
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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 29, 2015 • A11
Spotlight On
Huntington Businesses By Andrew Wroblewski awroblewski@longislandergroup.com
When Adriene Passannante, owner of Huntington village’s Lotus Vintage, first opened up shop, she didn’t realize that she’d be doubling as an educator. With Long Island shoppers mostly used to thrift shops or consignment stores, a vintage clothing store is something that people just don’t know much about, she said. “There really aren’t a lot of vintage clothing stores, so we have a lot of people come in and ask, ‘What are you?’” the Bayville resident said. “We sell authentic vintage clothing... Everything is 25 years and older so [it’s] from the 1920s up to the 1980s.” Accessories, shoes, boots, dress hats, clothing, jewelry and more line the walls of the 12 West Carver St. shop. Everything has been handpicked, cleaned – either dry-cleaned or hand washed – and, if need be,
repaired. Women’s clothing is predominant, but Passannante has also made room for a “unisex” section that consists of denim, flannels, old band T-shirts and more. “I’m constantly shopping,” Passannante said when asked how she maintains the store’s inventory. “Constantly” may be a bit of an understatement, however, as Passannante not only operates the Huntington village store, but also two online stores as well: one at www.lotusvintage.com and an Etsy shop at “LotusvintageNY”. “It’s a lot to keep up with, but it’s a lot of fun,” she said. “I’ve always been into vintage, ever since I was young. I loved the way the clothes were made, the designs, [etc.].” About 10 years ago, Passannante said she opened up an online store on eBay and started selling clothes in between her shifts as a yoga instructor. Soon, eBay evolved into Etsy, which evolved into a storefront in Bayville and, eventually, to the full shop in Huntington village. “Huntington is an amazing town,” Passannante said of her choice to open her business here. “I just thought it was going to be a really good fit [since] I personally love Huntington.” Just last summer, Huntington
Long Islander News photo/Andrew Wroblewski
Lotus Vintage Features Old-Fashioned Style
Owner Adriene Passannante shows some of Lotus Vintage’s offerings at her Huntington village shop. helped Passannante connect with a costume designer for the upcoming film, “Sisters,” which stars Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, is set to be released in December and just recently filmed in Huntington village and Dix Hills. “This worked out really well because it was a period piece [that they were filming for] so she was specifically looking for a good amount of 1980s clothing,” Passannante said. “We sold her everything… I can’t wait to see Amy Poehler or Tiny Fey wearing my
stuff. It’s going to be really cool.” For now, Passannante and her crew can be found at Lotus Vintage, dishing out knowledge on the vintage fashion scene, and planning special events such as live music in the shop that Passannante hopes to start rolling out as soon as February.
Lotus Vintage 12 West Carver St., Huntington 631-470-7795 www.lotusvintage.com
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Foodie photos/Arielle Dollinger
A12 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 29, 2015
DINEHUNTINGTON .COM
Tales Of New Orleans Told At Storyville By Arielle and Jay foodies@longislandergroup.com
Over 1,000 miles from Huntington exists a land where alligators are food, grits are a common side dish and shrimp come with heads still attached. The inspiration for Huntington’s Storyville American Table, this distant land is New Orleans, Louisiana. Co-owners TC (Tom Curry) and Brian Finn opened Storyville American Table in May 2013, taking over the kitchen and dining room from Finley's, but the pair had been wanting to open a New Orleans-themed restaurant for two decades. “Life did its dance, and we came back together,” said TC, a lifelong Huntington resident who spent 20 years working as the general manager of Finley's. TC and Finn, who doubles as the
restaurant's executive chef, have each spent a lot of time in New Orleans, TC said. “I fell in love with the ambiance, the food, the architecture, the art, the music,” he said. “The city itself is just a celebration of life.” The restaurant’s name comes from “the sordid debauchery that was Storyville,” as Finn described it – an area of New Orleans that was sectioned off during the late 1890s and early 1900s for its identity as the “red-light district” of the city. At Storyville American Table, the drink menu has a blue cover the way the city of Storyville had a blue book that served as a manual describing which lewd acts the women of each area would perform, TC explained. The food is diverse. The restaurant smokes its own pork ribs and makes its own pickles – as well as other various pickled items, includ-
Tom “TC” Curry, a co-owner of Storyville, prepares Bananas Foster tableside. ing pickled green beans, pickled quail eggs, and pickled cauliflower – and dressings. Each night, a different amuse-bouche is served to guests after seating; tonight there is Cajun quiche. “We tried to stay kind of true to New Orleans classic, but at the same time incorporate the bar side,” Finn said. “So we have the whole tavern menu with sandwiches and you know, kind of ‘pub food’ that stays true to that side, but as far as the New Orleans food, we pay tribute to all the classics.” A New Orleans cab driver told
Finn on a trip that New Orleans is a town with thousands of restaurants and three recipes: jambalaya, etouffee and gumbo. The gumbo at Storyville is made with a brown rue base, Finn said, for a nutty, “almost-burnt-but-not” flavor. Most restaurants, he noted, do not use a brown base. Made with the same brown base is the etouffee ($17.95-$18.95), a New Orleans staple that brings together a sauce, shellfish or chicken, and rice. The crispiness of the chicken fried shrimp ($11.95), a take on chicken fried steak, is balanced by a
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BREAD: Yes, A Rise Above Bake Chocolate Cheesecake ($20). There Shop (333 Main St., Huntington 631351-9811) is very well known for its sweet and delicious selection of cookies, muffins and scones, but don’t forget Mary and the crew sell a pretty awesome loaf of bread, too. Make sure to give her a call and see what she’s got available, and always remember to peruse the day-old rack for great gourmet bargains.
are plenty of other chocolate selections on a deep dessert menu, plus a well-stocked bar with plenty of chocolate-infused libations to enjoy.
EGGS: For the do-it-yourself Foodie, add Makinajian Poultry Farm (276 Cuba Hill Road, Huntington 631368-9320) to your list of destinations. There, you’ll find an array of fresh poultry, produce, honey and an array of organic goodies, including the freshest eggs around. You’ll find them in recipes at some your favorite restaurants around town, and with a quick drive, in your refrigerator, too.
MILK: Milk chocolate makes a fantastic finish in decadent fondue at XO Restaurant, Wine & Chocolate Lounge (69 Wall St., Huntington 631549-7074 xowinebar.com). Classic After this week’s wicked weather, chocolate fondue at XO Restaurant will warm chocolate ($18) is one of five fondue you up inside and out. Huntington High choices, which include Peanut Butter PANCAKES: Chocolate ($20), s’mores ($21), School’s state-champion marching Department Feb. 8 to buy a tall stack will host its third annual pancake white chocolate raspberry ($21) and band invites you to the Halesite Fire for a good cause. That’s when the band breakfast from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. $10 for
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creamy smoked sausage country gravy and is very clearly reminiscent of southern cooking. On the lighter side are shrimp and andouille sausage skewers ($10.95), served with a burgundy-colored raspberry mustard sauce. While crawfish ravioli holds a spot on the menu, other varieties appear sometimes. King Crab ravioli topped with crispy onions is a creation well worth making. If you have never had grits before, the grits at Storyville American Table are a first experience that will abolish fear of and confusion about the side dish with the notorious reputation for strange consistency and
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pasty taste. The grits at Storyville, highlighted in the Shrimp and Grits entree option ($17.95) are made with cheese and bacon and taste like intricately textured mashed potatoes. Finn and TC source the restaurant’s alligator and oysters from a distributer in New Orleans. The alligator on the plate tonight is tail meat, TC says. An unusual menu item in the eyes of northerners, the alligator tastes like a tougher sort of chicken. The way it is prepared here, it could pass for a variety of chicken Francese. Desserts here are familiar. TC prepares Bananas Foster ($10)
Shrimp and grits, left, will leave you thinking about grits days later. Chicken fried shrimp, above, is a N’Orleans take on chicken fried steak.
You can sample different chili recipes and help choose a winner at the Feb. 7 chili cookoff at the Huntington Elks lodge to benefit boy scouts. adult tickets, $5 for kids under 8. Band members have pre-sale tickets for $8.
AND CHILI: Make room on Feb. 7 to support the Nickolas Demidovich Memorial Fund at their fourth annual Chili Cook-Off Contest, set to be held at the Huntington Elks Lodge, 195 Main St., Huntington. Enter your
best chili or come and be a judge at the next Chili Cook Off to benefit local Boy Scouts in need. Cash bar, drink specials, DJ, raffles, and, of course, more chili than you can shake a stick at. Tickets are $20 p.p., plus $5 to enter chili. Contact Peter Demidovich at peterd1@optonline.net for more info.
THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 29, 2015 • A13
Beignets are the doughnuts of New Orleans. tableside, and then there are the beignets ($8) – zeppole-like pastries whose name translates directly to “fritter” or “doughnut” – shrouded in powdered sugar. As Storyville prepares for its upcoming Mardi Gras celebration, Catering and Guest Specialist/Media Director Doreen Pagano excitedly shows off Three Kings Cakes covered in thick stripes of purple, yellow and green sugars and sliced almonds. But every day feels like a party at Storyville, with tall glasses holding Hurricanes – concoctions of dark rum, Pat O'Brien's Hurricane Cocktail Mix and crushed ice – and a “Four-Play” menu that allows diners four choices for each of four courses for a price of $24.44 four days a week.
Storyville American Table 631-351-3446 storyvilleamericantable.com 43 Green Street, Huntington Atmosphere: New Orleans, party-like; fun Cuisine: French Quarter-inspired cooking Price: Moderate Hours: Monday: 4:30-10 p.m.; Tues.-Thurs.: 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday/Saturday: 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday: Brunch 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m., dinner until 9 p.m.
A14 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 29, 2015
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Want to get your open houses listed? To get your listings for free on this page every week in Long Islander News papers, call Associate Publisher Peter Sloggatt at 631-427-7000 or send an e-mail to psloggatt@longislandergroup.com.
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TOWN OF HUNTINGTON
Youth On The Front Lines Of Drug War By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandergroup.com
Darryl St. George is many things – a Navy veteran and a Northport High School history teacher, to name a few – but first and foremost, he’s a brother. Inspired by the sudden death of his younger brother in June 2012, he returned to the front lines of battle – this time in the drug war – where he hopes to win the fight for young hearts and minds. The latest salvo in this battle was a Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) summit held Jan. 21 at Northport High School, drawing students from St. Anthony’s, Half Hollow Hills, Elwood, Commack, Cold Spring Harbor, Brentwood and Kings Park high schools. “This is really just the beginning. My hope is that we’ll start something that will really spread beyond Northport,” St. George said. “The problem that we’re dealing with is a cultural one... It’s going to take time, it’s going to take the youth… they are the ones that are on the front line.” His brother, Corey St. George, is one of the tragic casualties, having died of a drug overdose June 23, 2012. While older brother Darryl was serving in the U.S. Navy in Afghanistan and working to confiscate poppy – the source material of heroin, of which Afghanistan produces about 90 percent of the world’s supply – his younger brother was slipping into the grips of addiction.
Northport High School’s SADD summit on Jan. 21 drew student leaders from seven area high schools for an evening of inspiration and brain-storming. “The irony is that while I was doing that, my brother started using it [heroin],” he said. After his brother’s sudden death, Darryl St. George was discharged from the Navy in November 2012 and soon after returned to the classroom; a month later, he became the SADD faculty adviser at Northport High School. “He’s a big reason why I became an adviser to that club,” he said of his brother. Last Wednesday’s summit also aimed at driving home the point that the war on drugs is not restrict-
ed to just one zip code. “There seems to be this perception that Northport has this serious drug problem. There’s no question about that,” St. George said. “The implication that it’s exclusively a Northport problem,” he continued, “Northport is not unique in this, but the problem is all over Long Island. The difference is, Northport is talking about it.” So, too, is the Huntington School District, where on the same night as Northport’s SADD forum, the Huntington High School PTSA hosted an anti-drug and alcohol presentation featuring speakers from the Life Center in Huntington village. Already, St. George and SADD are hoping to take steps to keep the momentum going. He has compiled a mailing list of student leaders at the seven high schools who attended last week’s summit and will be reaching out to set a follow-up meeting. “We managed to inspire and motivate the kids, which was our goal,” St. George said. He and Northport Police Department leaders have met and the department is offering their assistance, Lt. Bill Ricca said during a Jan. 20 board meeting. St. George said it’s little coincidence that the summit was held the same week as the celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday. “There’s definitely some parallels to what we’re trying to do. The parallel is that, Dr. King was trying to change the culture… I feel that’s what we’re trying to do with this problem,” he said.
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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 30, 2015 • A15
Colts welcome back NBA star to retire his number (Continued from page A1)
dreamed of this day ever since I was a little kid.” Two banners hung covered above bleachers in the Hills West gym and were unveiled during the ceremony. The first celebrated the championship-winning Hills West team, led by Mitaritonna and assistant coaches Bryan Dugan and Kyle Madden. That year, Hills West sported a record of 23-2 – including a winning streak of 23 consecutive games – and Harris was one of the team’s leaders. Along with Harris, fellow Hills West alumni John Conneely, David DiMaria, Will Hennep, Cory Knox, John Matzelle, Chris Pabisch and Steven Rollino made it out for the ceremony; four other members were unable to attend. “I remember this team since they were in eighth grade… they were just a special group,” Mitaritonna, head basketball coach at Hills West for the last 15 years, said. “We were able to put together a team that really won together… The first championship that we won was just about as sheer joy in [my] life, other than having three children and getting married.” The first banner was revealed and Harris, 22, assumed the ceremony had come to an end, but another banner stood unwrapped. “He didn’t know when we set this up that we were doing something for him… but we’re going to do something that we’ve never done before for a basketball player,” Mitaritonna said. “We’re going to retire his number.” The second banner’s wrapping was pulled off by the current Colts squad and Harris looked up with a smile before embracing his former coach with a hug. As he spoke, tears filled his eyes and he put his arms around
Hills West grad Tobias Harris still wears the number 12 as a forward for the Orlando Magic but no one will ever wear that number for the Colts again. His alma mater retired the number in a surprise ceremony. his parents in what he called a truly “special” moment. “I’m so happy we surprised him, that’s what I wanted to get: a surprise,” Mitaritonna said. “He’s a role model to all these young kids – our players and even my kids… he’s a kid who’s got respect and pride and
loyalty and does the right thing on and off the court.” Drafted by the Charlotte Bobcats in 2011 out of the University of Tennessee, Harris was later traded to the Milwaukee Bucks and remained there until 2013. Traded once again to the Magic that year, Harris has
now worked his way to becoming the team’s second leading scorer at 17.6 points per game. “I can’t believe how good he’s gotten in such a short amount of time,” Mitaritonna said. “When you see him play… he belongs and, not only belongs, he excels.”
Jim Breuer to film comedy special at The Paramount (Continued from page A1)
shown him love – very fitting for a Valentine’s Day gig. “The minute I played The Paramount, I knew immediately that this was where I wanted to film my new special,” Breuer, who last performed at the Huntington village venue on March 18, said. “I worked the whole year, went out on the road to tighten up the act and now I’m coming home to Long Island… This is where I feel my best, this is where I grew up – I feel like I’m in my garage and I’m going to kill it. I can’t wait.” A stand-up comedian, actor and radio host, Breuer describes his comedic self as “the guy that every-
body likes talking to in the neighborhood that cracks you up.” “I talk about my family, everything in my life – everyone relates to me,” Breuer, born in Valley Stream, said. “Every struggle that goes on in your house… That’s what I do.” Influenced by the likes of Richard Pryor, George Carlin, Eddie Murphy and more, Breuer takes seemingly “hard to talk about” topics and makes them funny. Like Pryor did, he said, Breuer wants to be a “healer” with his comedy and talk about difficult situations in his life, like his mother’s diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. “We’re not making fun of it, but
we laugh about it, heal it and take care of it,” he said. Also a music fiend, Breuer is especially excited to revisit the “hard rock environment” that The Paramount has to offer its guests. “[Stages like The Paramount] set a completely different tone,” Breuer, 47, said. “I started standup in a rock environment… so playing rooms like that is where I’m really comfortable.” With the filming of the special, Breuer is hoping to capture they live experience of the show for audiences to experience for themselves at home. When people don’t come out to see him perform, Breuer said, they’re missing out on the experi-
ence, “something special, not just funny; when people see me live they’re hooked forever.” “I’m usually excited to film a special, but with this one I know that the bases are loaded and I’m going to win the game,” he said. “I’m going to crush it [and] then I’m going to throw my bat up in the air… That’s what I’m hoping to capture.” To experience Breuer before he hits the screen, tickets can be purchased at the box office or online at www.paramountny.com. There will be two separate performances, one beginning at 7:30 p.m. and another at 10:30 p.m. on Feb. 14, with tickets ranging from $19.50-$59.50.
A16 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 29, 2015
THURSDAY What’s Up With Our Water Quality?
Learn more about Long Island’s water quality on Thursday, Jan. 29, 6:45 p.m. at Northport Yacht Club, 11 Bluff Point Rd., Northport. Speakers – Tracy Brown, Save the Sound; Ed Carr, Huntington maritime services director; Christopher Clapp, Nature Conservatory; Paul DeOrsay, Friends of the Bay; Adrienne Esposito, Citizens Campaign for the Environment; Christopher Gobler, professor at Stony Brook University; William Hillman, Suffolk County Department of Public Works; and Sarah Lansdale, Suffolk Planning & Environment. Register at: StephanieQuarles@gmail.com.
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Calendar O M M U N I T Y
Deer Park Public Library
44 Lake Ave., Deer Park. 631-5863000. deerparklibrary.org. • Through a grant from New York State, the library offers Google Nexus 7 tablets for borrowing. Browse the web, download a book, play games and more with just a touch of your finger. Tablets can be checked out for two weeks on an adult Deer Park library card.
If you’re going through or have just gone through a divorce or separation, join the Women’s Center for support on Thursdays, Jan. 29 and Feb. 5, at 125 Main St., Huntington, from 6:30-8 p.m. $7 per session. 516-387-8732.
Elwood Public Library
Red Tie Gala
FRIDAY Masquerade!
Have a Heart Children’s Cancer Society hosts its Valentine's Day Charity Masquerade Ball on Feb. 13 at the Crest Hollow Country Club, Woodbury. www.haveaheartcharity.org.
SATURDAY Godspell
Simple Gifts Productions, a Centerportbased performing arts studio for grades K-12, presents Godspell on Saturday, Feb. 7 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 8 at 6 p.m. Performances are at Temple Beth El 660 Park Ave., Huntington. Tickets at the door: $18; $15 children to 10 y/o.
Chili Cook-Off
The Nickolas Demidovich Memorial Fund Inc. will host its 4th annual Chili Cook-Off Contest on Saturday, Feb. 7, 7 p.m. to midnight at Huntington Elks Lodge, 195 Main St., Huntington. Proceeds benefit area boy scouts. Tickets: $20 per person, $5 entry fee for contestants; email Peter Demidovich at peterd1@optonline.net, or call 631-953-5109.
Argentine Tango Classes
Experience the subtle communication between partners as you learn to tango. Come dressed to impress (but be comfortable) for classes on Saturdays, 2-4 p.m. at Spirit of Huntington Art Center, 2 Melville Road North, Huntington Station. 631-470-9620. Suggested donation: $15 per person/$25 per couple.
Commack Public Library
18 Hauppauge Road, Commack. 631499-0888. commack.suffolk.lib.ny.us. • Enjoy a friendly game of bridge or mah-jongg in the Community Room every Friday, from 1-5:30 p.m.
Divorce Support
Townwide Fund of Huntington’s Valentine’s Red Tie Gala is Feb. 12 at Oheka Castle: Honorees are: Adelhardt Construction; attorney David Altman, Brown & Altman; Huntington Councilman Gene Cook; Inna Gellerman, DDS; Kevin Lawlor, Huntington Hospital; attorney Barry D. Lites, Law Office of Barry D. Lites; Laura Maier, Dairy Queen; and Bob Vallario, QuickChek. Tickets: $225 ($2,000 for a table of 10). 631-629-4950.
technique, or get help with a current project. In-person registration must be accompanied by a check. • A SeniorNet lecturer will guide you through staying safe online. Lecture followed by Q&A. Advance registration is encouraged. Wed., Feb. 4, 2 p.m.
Exhibit Showcases Chinese Printmaker Curated by Long Island master printmaker Dan Welden, an exhibition of large-scale woodcuts by Li Kang, one of China’s most celebrated printmakers, will be seen for the first time in the United States at the Jeanie Tengelsen Gallery of the Art League of Long Island from February 1 to March 8. A reception for the artist, who is coming to Long Island for the occasion, will be held on February 8, from 3-5 pm. 107 East Deer Park Road, Dix Hills. 631-462-5400. www.ArtLeagueLI.net.
SUNDAY Concerts By The Pond
Dr. Carol Weitner will give an organ recital on Sunday, Feb. 8, 3 p.m. at St. John's Church in Cold Spring Harbor, on its new Casavant organ featuring works by composers from eight countries spanning six centuries. More info at stjohnscoldspringharbor.org. (Snow date: Feb. 22, 2015). $20 donation, students and children free.
Find Your Center
Find inner peace in an ongoing weekly class for beginners and newcomers every Sunday, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at Dipamkara Meditation Center, 282 New York Ave., Huntington. 631-549-1000. www.MeditationOnLongisland.org.
MONDAY Coping With Mental Illness
Melville-based National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, NAMI, hosts a free, 12-week program for family members coping with loved ones with severe mental illness. The class is held every Monday from 7-9 p.m. at the Syosset Hospital through March 23. Contact Susan Palmer at 917838-7436 to register.
TUESDAY Free Mommy And Me Class
Sing! Stretch! Dance! Play! Enjoy a funfilled class that includes parachute play and bubble play and meet other Jewish
moms at The Chai Center in Dix Hills. The free class takes place Tuesdays at 10 a.m. For children ages 6-36 months. Pre-registration required: 631-351-8672. www.thechaicenter.com.
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 Huntington Station, Hauppauge and Freeport emergency pantries. Appointments can be made by contacting jrosati@licares.org.
WEDNESDAY Open Mic Night
Play your heart out at an acoustic open mic night every Wednesday at Caffe Portofino, 249 Main St., Northport, 7-10 p.m. www.facebook.com/cafportopenmic. Original songs only.
Power Breakfast
Join business professionals at BNI Executive Referral Exchange’s breakfast networking meeting every Wednesday, 78:30 a.m. at the Dix Hills Diner, 1800 Jericho Turnpike, Dix Hills. 631-462-7446.
AT THE LIBRARIES Cold Spring Harbor Library
95 Harbor Road, Cold Spring Harbor. 631-692-6820. cshlibrary.org. • Beginner/Intermediate Knitting meets Wednesdays through Feb. 11, with sessions from 10-11:30 a.m. and 78:30 p.m. Learn to knit, improve your
3027 Jericho Turnpike, Elwood. 631499-3722. www.elwoodlibrary.org. • Watch the library’s weekly Friday afternoon movie at 1 p.m. • Have coffee and an informal chat with Legislator Steve Stern on Thursday, Jan. 29, 5:30 p.m.
Half Hollow Hills Community Library
Dix Hills: 55 Vanderbilt Parkway. 631421-4530; Melville: 510 Sweet Hollow Road. 631-421-4535. hhhlibrary.org. • 3D printing is here! Watch the MakerBot in action for 50 cents of printing for each 30 minutes. For more information, call the Adult Reference Desk.
Harborfields Public Library
31 Broadway, Greenlawn. 631-7574200. harborfieldslibrary.org. • Come in for some fun and games every Friday from 1-4 p.m. The game room is stocked with scrabble, bridge and other fun board games.
Huntington Public Library
Main Branch: 338 Main St., Huntington. 631-427-5165. Station Branch: 1335 New York Ave., Huntington Station. 631-421-5053. www.thehuntingtonlibrary.org. • Op-Ed Fridays are weekly at the main branch. Stop by from 2-5 p.m. and discuss your thoughts on a changing world. Registration is required and light refreshments will be served. • Tweens through adults are invited to learn about three celebrated AfricanAmerican artists on three Sunday afternoons, Feb. 1, 8, and 15, at 2 p.m. at the main branch.
Northport-East Northport Public Library
Northport: 151 Laurel Ave. 631-2616930. East Northport: 185 Larkfield Road. 631-261-2313. www.nenpl.org. • Catch the flick “When the Game Stands Tall” in East Northport at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 30.
South Huntington Public Library (Continued on page A17)
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145 Pidgeon Hill Road, Huntington Station. 631-549-4411. www.shpl.info. • If you will be seeking a state driver's permit, practice for the written test with a free, online resource offered through the South Huntington Public Library. Budding drivers can take any of 11 practice tests for a driver's permit.
THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 29, 2015 • A17
(Continued from page A16)
Three Bach Cantatas Enjoy a night of music as oboist Peggy Pearson leads the Bach Chamber Players in three short cantatas by J.S.Bach, with Nina Berman, soprano, and Joseph Beutel, bass-baritone, on Sunday, Feb. 8, 4 p.m. in the St John’s Episcopal Church, 12 Prospect Ave., Huntington. Tickets: $10 (student), $18 (members), $20 (seniors), $25 (adults). Reservations strongly recommended: 631-385-0373, or Ridotto@optonline.net.
THEATER/FILM John W. Engeman Theater At Northport 350 Main St., Northport. www.johnwengemantheater.com. 631-261-2900. • “Vanya & Sonia & Masha & Spike”, the Tony Award-winning play, runs until March 8.
AUDITIONS/SUBMISSIONS Northport Symphony Orchestra
The Northport Symphony Orchestra seeks new members in all sections. Repertoire ranges from Baroque through classical and romantic to early 20th century. Music Director Richard Hyman is an award-winning music educator and composer. Rehearsals are on Wednesdays from 7:30-9 p.m. usually at East Northport Middle School. Email info@northportorchestra.org to arrange an audition. Website: northportorchestra.org.
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. • Curated by Long Island master printmaker Dan Welden, an exhibition of large-scale woodcuts by Li Kang, one of China’s most celebrated printmakers, will be seen for the first time in the United States at the Jeanie Tengelsen Gallery of the Art League of Long Island, February 1 to March 8, 2015. A reception for the artist, who is coming to Long Island for the occasion, will be held on February 8, from 3-5 pm.
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. 631-5495106. www.bjspokegallery.com. • The Winter Harvest of Artists runs through Jan. 31.
Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum
279 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor. 631 367-3418. www.cshwhalingmuseum.org. • Sea Ink: American Sailors and Tattoo Art exhibit explores the culture and significance of nautical tattoos and their historical origins from sailors’ lives at sea. Featuring an array of tattoo artifacts, antique machines, early inking tools and Sailor Jerry flash art. • Explore the amazing world of teeth! In celebration of National Children’s Dental Health Month, Huntington Bay Dental presents “TOOTHPALOOZA” – a funfilled family day of teeth exploration on Sunday, Feb. 8, 12-3 p.m. Admission is $10/child. Adults are regular admission. Family level members are $7/child.
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 $6-8/adults, $46/seniors, and $4-5/children; members and children under 10 free. 631-3513250. • The museum presents “Modern Alchemy: Experiments in Photography,” on view through March 15.
Holocaust Memorial & 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.holocaustnassau.org. • Permanent exhibit explains the 1930s increase of intolerance, reduction of human rights, and 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.-6 p.m.; Saturday noon-4 p.m. 631-271-8423. www.huntingtonarts.org. • “Making an Impression III,” a juried printmaking exhibit, is on display until Feb. 9 in the main gallery.
Valentine’s Day Group Show. This year’s theme is “Peace, Love and Rock ’n’ Roll.”
Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium
180 Little Neck Road, Centerport. Museum hours through April 12: Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday, 12-4 p.m. Grounds admission: $7 adults, $6 students with ID and seniors 62 and older, and $3 children 12 and under. Mansion tour, add $5 per person. 631854-5555. www.vanderbiltmuseum.org. • The planetarium’s new show, “Black Holes: Journey into the Unknown,” has regular showings on Tuesdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.
Walt Whitman Birthplace
246 Old Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station. Hours: Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. Admission: $6 adults, $5 seniors, $4 students, and children under 5 are free. 631-427-5240. www.waltwhitman.org. • Schedule at a time convenient for your group for high tea and transport yourself back in time as your group experiences High Tea in a private gathering house at the Birthplace. $25/person. 631-427-5240, ext. 120. teaparty@waltwhitman.org.
MUSIC & DANCE
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. • Exhibit “The Times They Were AChanging – 1960s & Huntington’s Response” on display at the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Building.
Northport Historical Society Museum
215 Main St., Northport. Museum hours: Tuesday - Sunday, 1-4:30 p.m. 631-7579859. www.northporthistorical.org. • “Window Shopping Through Time” is a recreation of 10 stores that were located on Main Street and Woodbine Avenue spanning about 100 years, from the 1880s’ Morris City Grocery to the 1980s 5&10.
Ripe Art Gallery
1028 Park Ave., Huntington. TuesdayThursday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Friday, 2-8 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. www.ripeartgal.com. 631-239-1805. • Submissions are now being accepted for the gallery’s ninth annual
Five Towns College Performing Arts Center
Five Towns College, 305 N. Service Road, Dix Hills. Box Office: 631-6562148. www.dhpac.org. • Neil Young tribute band Goldrush brings Neil’s best songs to the stage Saturday, January 31, 7:30 p.m. $35, $30, $25.
The Paramount
370 New York Ave., Huntington. 631673-7300. www.paramountny.com. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. • On Fri., Jan. 30, the Paramount Comedy Series presents Demetri Martin – The Persistence of Jokes. $25-$50.
Ridotto
• Enjoy a night of music as oboist Peggy Pearson leads the Bach Chamber Players in three short cantatas by J.S.Bach, with Nina Berman, soprano, and Joseph Beutel, bass-baritone, on Sunday, Feb. 8, 4 p.m. in the St John’s Episcopal Church, 12 Prospect Ave., Huntington. Tickets: $10 (student), $18 (members), $20 (seniors), $25 (adults).
Reservations strongly recommended: 631-385-0373, or Ridotto@optonline.net.
VOLUNTEERING Cosmetologists Wanted
Hospice Care Network is seeking NY State-licensed cosmetologists to provide 2-4 haircuts per month for community members facing life-limiting illnesses. Download application at www.hospicecarenetwork.org or call 516-224-6423.
Be A Museum Docent
The Huntington Historical Society is currently seeking volunteers to train to become Museum Docents at the historic David Conklin Farmhouse Museum. The museum is located at 2 High St. in Huntington village and is a fascinating interpretation of the Colonial, Federal and Victorian time periods. No experience required – an interest in local history is a plus. Training is provided. Call 631-427-7045 ext 403.
Seeking Volunteer Advocates
The Family Service League’s Ombudservice Program of Suffolk County is seeking volunteers to train as advocates for nursing home, adult home and assisted living facility residents to help ensure they receive quality care and their rights are protected. 631-4273700 ext. 240.
Don’t Hibernate. Help
The Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP SUFFOLK) needs adults 55+ to help in organizations throughout Suffolk County. Dozens of opportunities available in this federally funded program for just about any interest or skill. Visit www.rsvpsuffolk.org or call 631-9799490 ext.12 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 631368-8770 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.
Thrifty Hands Needed
Huntington Hospital Auxiliary’s Community Thrift Shop needs volunteers for merchandise pricing and floor work on Monday afternoons, Tuesday and Thursday mornings. 631-271-3143.
Send us your listings Submissions must be in by 5 p.m. 10 days prior to publication date. Send to Community Calendar at 14 Wall Street, Huntington, NY 11743, or e-mail to info@longislandergroup.com
A18 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 29, 2015
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In addition to his work as a state trooper, hero cop Christopher Nolan serves as third assistant chief of the Melville Fire Department.
Hero cop a Melville chief (Continued from page A2)
regained consciousness,” Nolan said. Soon after, the North Bellmore EMS arrived and rushed the boy to Nassau University Medical Center. From the initial call to police, the whole incident and rescue transpired in about 12 minutes, Nolan said. “I happened to be in the right place at the right time. The fire departments – they’re good. They
respond quick,” he said, adding that the boy made a full recovery after about 10 days in the hospital. Nolan, who said he has done “CPR on tons of people” as a fire department volunteer, said his police and fire service fit together well. “You’ve always got to be ready to jump in and show the guys what to do,” he said. “And I like doing that. I like teaching the younger guys.”
Cookie entrepreneurs (Continued from page A10)
the concept of online sales. “In person I think… she can really understand what selling actually is and it helps build confidence,” the mother said. Most of Alora's sales have been in person, Adele said. Alora takes pride in explaining each type of cookie. She tells prospective buyers that they might want to try the new cookies. “She's quite the saleswoman, actually,” Adele said. “She's actually getting the hang of it, but at first she had absolutely no idea what this even was.” When Adele asked Alora what she should write in the email to relatives, Alora “said the most bizarre, rambling thing.” Her mother wrote it verbatim for its comedic nature. “Now she gets it,” Adele said. “I
think it's mostly because of the doorto-door sales.” According to Todaro, Girl Scouts today are taught five skills during cookie sales. The girls are taught to set goals, to make decisions about how the cookie money is to be spent, to manage money in taking orders and handling money, to talk and listen to people, and to hold a set of honest business ethics. Long Islander Agnes Ganci helps her 9-year-old daughter, Caitlin, sell cookies by sending out emails and posting on Facebook. The cookie sales are “more of a mom thing to do” than a child thing to do, she admits. Still, her daughter says that she enjoys selling Girl Scout cookies with her friends outside of Stop & Shop.
THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 29, 2015 • A19
TOWN OF HUNTINGTON
AttorneyRobertCaputi,90 By Andrew Wroblewski awroblewski@longislandergroup.com
If an application was brought before Town of Huntington officials that was backed by Robert Caputi, chances are it was a good one. Robert R. “Bob” Caputi, a longtime Huntington resident and attorney, died Jan. 18. He was 90. “He really cared about this town,” his daughter, Kathleen Caputi, said. “He believed in making the Town of Huntington a real good place to live. He believed in preserving it; that’s why he moved here and that’s why he raised us here.” Born on June 17, 1924 in Manhattan, Caputi grew up in Brooklyn. He attended St. John’s Preparatory School, moved on to Manhattan College and earned his law degree from St. John’s University School of Law. Not yet out of his 20s, he served in the U.S. Army from 1943-1946 in signal air warning across New Guinea, the Philippines and Korea. Back home, in 1951, he married his wife, Elizabeth, and – while raising their children – the couple moved to Huntington in 1954. There, he established a land use, zoning, real estate and general law practice in 1960 – a practice that would make him a familiar face to town zoning and planning board members. Those appearances would also make him a mentor for many young attorneys as they began their careers. One was John Breslin, Jr., a Huntington lawyer who called Caputi a “second father and mentor.” “He taught me a lot, [such as] to turn away bad applications,” Breslin said. “He wouldn’t take an application that he didn’t think was worthwhile, that made sense, that wouldn’t get approved. He was a great teacher to a lot of us... and his fingerprints are all over a lot of [projects] in this town.” During the building boom in the 1960s and up until his retirement in 2011, he worked with several residential and commercial developers, his daughter said. If it was backed by him, Kathleen said, “it must have been a good application.” “Huntington was good to him,” said his wife, who still lives in the same house the couple moved into in 1954. “People asked Bob to represent them because of his intelligence and integrity.” That reputation for doing – and seeking out – the right things to be done is a notion that followed him just about everywhere. At home, Kathleen said, her father set an example that taught her and her siblings
the importance of family, friendship, being involved in the community, integrity and acceptance. “When you live 90 years, you run into a lot of ideas that you might not agree Robert R. Caputi with,” Kathleen said. “But he accepted those people despite that. He didn’t let his personal beliefs get in the way of understanding what other people did. He let them live their lives and embraced them.” A prominent Democratic leader, Caputi was the Huntington delegate to the Democratic National Convention where Lyndon B. Johnson was nominated in 1964. He was a candidate for the New York State Assembly, special deputy attorney general for the State of New York, a delegate to the Judicial Convention and a chairman of the Huntington Town Democratic Committee. When Rich Schaffer, current town supervisor of Babylon, was first elected chairman of the Suffolk County Democratic Party, Schaffer looked to Caputi for advice and perspective. “I would consider him to be one of the elder statesmen of the party, and he helped me take the party to the next level,” Schaffer said. “He was very loyal, but low key – he wasn’t looking for the fanfare. [He] just wanted to help in any way he could.” Caputi was also the longeststanding member of the Huntington Crescent Club, which he first joined in the late 1940s. Above it all, Kathleen said, family came first. “Anything we needed, he’d do for us,” she said. “He set us up when we bought our first houses, always welcomed [friends] for dinner – he just wanted to do the right thing.” Along with his wife and daughter, he is survived by his children: Margaret and her husband Joseph Felpo, Jane, Mary, Jacqueline, Robert and Daniel; and grandchildren, Rory Jane Heinssen (O'Hea), Carol Timothy O'Hea, Shela Anne O'Hea, Stephanie Leigh Ratliff (Felpo), Laura Marie Felpo and Robert Daniel Caputi. He was predeceased by his daughter Ann Marie. Memorial contributions in his name can be made to VNS Hospice of Suffolk at 505 Main Street, Northport, N.Y. 11768.
A20 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 29, 2015
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RUNNING
Nautical Mile A New Event On Run Circuit? By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandergroup.com
A new “Nautical Mile” road race proposed by the Northport Running Club may be tied into the annual springtime Blessing of the Fleet. The suggestion to tie the events together came about after the village board sought an alternative to initial plans for holding the race in conjunction with a Family Fun Night in August, which trustees argued would overburden downtown Northport and the police department. Organizers estimated about 300 runners would participate in the 1.15-mile, open-field event, with invites going out to area high school running programs. They said the planned synergy with Family Fun Night was aimed at providing more business for one of the weekly Tuesday night gatherings, for which portions of Main Street are closed to create a walking pavilion typically packed by thousands. “Several towns across Long Island have mile races that run through the heart of the business district,” Stewart MacLeod, a board member of the Northport Runners Club, told the village board Jan. 20. Describing Northport as one of the
The Northport Running Club’s proposed 1.15-mile Nautical Mile race would bring hundreds of competitors through the heart of Northport Village. most “charming, picturesque community-oriented villages on the island,” MacLeod said the club’s goal was to “find a way to uniquely show that.” But village officials said that would be another burden on a police department already stretched thin by Family Fun Night. Mayor George Doll said the combination would result in “overloading the village streets.” “We’re already all tied up because
of Family Fun Night, and we don’t even have extra police to go up and block off the road,” he said. “They’re [the police are] extended as far as they can go,” Trustee Damon McMullen added. During the discussion that followed, Deputy Mayor Henry Tobin suggested “moving it up in the year significantly.” “Some other time in the year, when the weather is not oppressively hot and there’s not as much some-
thing going on may work and make it stand out more,” Tobin said. Trustee Ian Milligan who recommended tying it to the Blessing of the Fleet. “It’s a nautical event. It’s not a high car-traffic event… but being on the nautical theme, maybe we can turn that into an actual event,” he said. MacLeod later said the revised plan is one the Northport Running Club is strongly considering.
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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 29, 2015 • A21
CLASSIFIEDS
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Career Opportunities WELDING CAREERS- Hands on training for career opportunities in aviation, automotive, manufacturing and more. Financial aid for qualified students. Job placement assistance. CALL AIM 855-325-0399
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A22 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 29, 2015
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PROFESSIONAL BOWLING
By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandergroup.com
An old adage in bowling suggests, “When in doubt, throw the rocket to the pocket.” Greenlawn native Mike Fagan took that advice, and with it, won his second Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) major and fifth pro title – the PBA World Championship, contested at South Point Bowling Plaza in Las Vegas Jan. 11. His victory in the live ESPN finals came after 52 games of qualifying in the fall on five different lane conditions – four 9-game blocks on the PBA’s “animal patterns,” followed by 24 games of round-robin match play on the World Championship condition. Since he was a teenager, Fagan said he’s always been most comfortable taking a more direct path to the 1-3 pocket. And while he defeated England’s Stuart Williams 219-206 in the semifinal match using a big, slow hook, there wasn’t much room for error. In the deciding game against tournament leader Wes Malott, Fagan cut down his hook, moved right and threw harder. In essence, he went to his comfort zone – and it worked. “That’s what I grew up doing,” he said. Evidence of that is shown in a 1997 video on his official Facebook fan page. The video shows Fagan, then bowling for the Harborfields Tornadoes, scattering the pins with lots of speed. The old VHS surfaced when his parents were putting together a video montage for his wedding last year to his wife, Emily. Getting to see how far his game has
Photos/Professional Bowlers Association
Harborfields Grad Is Bowling’s World Champion
PBA World Champion Mike Fagan, a Greenlawn native, hoists the Earl Anthony Trophy – and the $50,000 winner’s check – after winning his fifth pro title in Las Vegas Jan. 11. come in those years was “kind of cool,” Fagan said. Fast-forward to 2015. After starting his title match with six consecutive strikes, Fagan posted a big 252 over Malott’s 212, netting him $50,000 and his second PBA major. “It’s the majors where you can separate yourself from everyone else,” Fagan said. “These opportunities don’t come around too often so you always have to consider yourself fortunate to be in a position to win and to take advantage of the opportunity you worked so hard for.” Already, the 34-year-old has put
Fagan bowled games of 219 and 252 on the live ESPN finals to capture his fifth PBA and second major.
together a fine bowling CV since going pro in 2002 and has won tournaments around the world in addition to his PBA titles. The World Championship title, paired with his 2012 USBC Masters crown, makes him eligible for PBA Hall of Fame consideration; he’s already earned nearly $850,000 in prize money. Soon after his World Championship win, Fagan was on a plane to Japan, where he led the field in the DHC Japan Invitational match play tournament. This time, though, it was not meant to be. Fagan fell to 18-time PBA champion Chris Barnes in a 206-196 final Jan. 17. Fagan picked up a cool 2.5 million yen, or $21,516, for his efforts. For decades, Japan has been a highlight on the pro circuit. “The fans over there are really receptive,” Fagan said. “It’s the second biggest bowling country in the world… We’re treated with a lot of respect.” Fagan has been hot on the lanes in recent months. It all got started in Abu Dhabi at the Men’s World Championships, where Fagan won four silver medals for Team USA. “It was a really great warmup for me, especially going into the World Championship and the PBA season,” he said. He trains with Team USA in Fort Worth, Texas, where he and his wife have lived for several years. His
wife’s job with the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) first lured them there, but as a result of the move, he’s had the opportunity to train at state-of-the art facilities there. “It’s really made my career,” Fagan said of bowling for Team USA. Fagan was back on the lanes again last week in Wisconsin, where he competed in the PBA Players Championship and the Mark Roth-Marshall Holman PBA Doubles, named for a pair of PBA hall-of-famers who formed one of the game’s most prolific tandems. Next is the USBC Masters Feb. 1-8. After the Masters, it’s off to Indianapolis for the 50th annual PBA Tournament of Champions from Feb. 10-15, and Maine in March. On April 11 and 12, Fagan will host his own scholarship bowling tournament for the second year in Patchogue. In the doubles, he’ll be paired with arguably the greatest bowler of all time – 37-time PBA champion Pete Weber. “I got in touch with Pete, and luckily, nobody asked him yet. He was receptive to that,” Fagan said. The last time they met – as adversaries – Weber struck on the last ball of the 2012 U.S. Open to beat Fagan by a single pin. Weber’s exuberant post-strike celebration went viral on YouTube. Now, they’re on the same team.
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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 29, 2015 • A23
HillSPORTS BOYS BASKETBALL>> HILLS WEST 83, RIVERHEAD 48
By Andrew Wroblewski awroblewski@longislandergroup.com
A special ceremony loomed in the aftermath and an NBA player – Tobias Harris, a recent Colt standout – was watching from the stands, but the boys of Half Hollow Hills High School West’s basketball team weren’t deterred as they took on the Riverhead Blue Waves on Jan 22. In fact, the Colts thrived on the excitement. “That’s the best first half we’ve played this year; we had energy [and] that was the key,” Head Coach Bill Mitaritonna said. “We had guys attacking the basket. We just played unselfishly on offense and great defense.” That energy led the Colts to an 8348 victory over Riverhead (3-6) and kept Hills West (8-0) undefeated in League III play this season. Following the game, Harris, who now plays for the Orlando Magic, and other members of the 2007-2008 Suffolk County championship-winning Hills West team, were celebrated with a ceremony to reveal two
commemorative banners, which now hang in the Colts’ gym. Leading the current Colts to a victory on Thursday was junior guard Kian Dalyrimple who had 25 points in the triumph. “He is a budding star,” Mitaritonna said. “No one really taught him. He just taught himself how to shoot and we’re just working with him. I knew he was going to have a good game today because of the way he practiced [the day before].” Dalyrimple’s best friend and teammate, Richard Altenord also had a night to remember as the junior forward put up 13 points – including a monster slam dunk in the first quarter that brought Hills West supporters to their feet. “In practice all we do is get the ball up the court and running the team out,” Altenord said. “I got a great pass from one of my teammates and… as soon as I ran the ball up the court I saw the opportunity and I dunked it.” Team chemistry is something Mitaritonna has preached since day one of the 2014-2015 season; and Hills West has it. Dalyrimple and
Altenord, he said, are two best friends that feed off each other’s play on the basketball court and that was especially true against Riverhead. “They’re symbiotic,” Mitaritonna, in his 15th season, said of the duo. “They’re best friends. They just have that energy... and they help each other.” Altenord is hopeful that, beyond high school, he and Dalyrimple will be able to take the court alongside each other. “Someday, our dream is to play college [basketball] together,” Altenord said of Dalyrimple. That kind of chemistry isn’t just exclusive to the two juniors though, “I think the whole team is great; they have a lot of chemistry,” Mitaritonna said. Thirteen different Colts scored against Riverhead. With playoffs just around the corner, that’s the kind of depth and contribution Mitaritonna is hopeful he’ll see much more of. “We have nine guys that are playing their second year of varsity basketball, which is rare… to have that many guys with experience,” he said. “You
Long Islander News photo/Andrew Wroblewski
Colts Blaze Past Blue Waves On Special Night
Junior Richard Altenord prepares to throw down a monster slam on Jan. 22 against the Blue Waves of Riverhead. don’t feel like there’s a drop-off when [bench players] come in.” Weather allowing, the Colts will travel to Centereach (1-7) for a scheduled 6:15 p.m. start on Jan. 29.
WRESTLING
T-Birds Are Undefeated League Champs On The Mats By Andrew Wroblewski awroblewski@longislandergroup.com
Several “wrestling families” have come and gone through Suffolk County over the years, Bill Davey Jr., Half Hollow Hills High School East’s wrestling coach, said. But none of those families, he said, can really compare to what the Spadafora family is doing right now. The three Spadafora brothers – eighth-grader Jon Spadafora, sophomore James Spadafora and sophomore Philip Spadafora – all currently wrestle for Hills East’s varsity squad and, even better, they’re the first three wrestlers on the team’s lineup at: 99 pounds, 106 pounds and 113 pounds respectively. “They’re definitely part of a special [wrestling] family,” Davey said. “They love being around each other and they’re very competitive so I think that helps all three of them…
to have that mentality of brotherly competition [between them].” That brotherly competition has helped all three of the brothers to success this season – along with overall team success as the Thunderbirds (5-0) finished up their League III season with an undefeated record on Jan. 21, which fulfilled a goal set by the boys at the start of the season. “They’re very proud of themselves,” Davey said. “A few weeks ago, I said to them that they have a chance to do something [finish undefeated] that doesn’t come around very often. I think the majority of people understand that league championships don’t just get handed out.” Speaking of undefeated, Jon did not lose a single match in league play this season, Davey said, and his coach is expecting him to be a league champion. “To come up [as an eighth grader]
and compete with high school kids, it’s extremely impressive,” Davey said of the 13-year-old. “He has a great attitude and great work ethic… [as] a 13-year-old boy wrestling 17year old men. I wouldn’t be surprised if he was selected All-County.” James and Philip have also built on successful seasons, Davey said. James, although struggling early on, has turned it on as of late and is expected to finish strong. Philip, James’ twin brother, is a returning All-County wrestler. “I expect him to be one of the top wrestlers in the county,” Davey said. “Maybe he’ll even earn a ticket upstate.” The road to that ticket upstate, for Philip and all of the Thunderbirds, was scheduled to start on Wednesday, when Hills East was to wrestle in the first ever Suffolk County dual meet championship. For the first time, Davey said, a committee will seed 16
of Suffolk’s top wrestling schools to compete in a “March Madness” style tournament. As of press time Monday, it was still unclear as to what seed the Thunderbirds would be awarded and where they would be wrestling on Wednesday. However, if they emerged with a victory, they’ll be back at it once again on Friday. “We’re going to be competing against the top teams in Suffolk County,” Davey said. “Some of them we’ve seen, some of them we haven’t… But we’re going to try and figure out who the best dual meet team is in Suffolk.” Aside from the dual meet tournament, the Thunderbirds will also begin their individual League III tournament on Feb. 7 at Smithtown East. Following that, Hills East will likely have wrestlers compete in the Suffolk County tournament later in February and, if they’re successful, even further.
A24 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 29, 2015
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