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HALF HOLLOW HILLS Copyright © 2013 Long Islander Newspapers, LLC

Online at www.LongIslanderNews.com

N E W S P A P E R

VOLUME FIFTEEN, ISSUE 46

24 PAGES

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013 HALF HOLLOW HILLS

The Paramount Spotlight

Three...

Two... ’14!

Quartet plays at unveiling of Times Square 2014 lighted numbers

By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandernews.com

Constantine Maroulis, an “American Idol” finalist and originator of the starring role in Broadway’s “Rock of Ages,” brings back the ’80’s with band Jesse’s Girl, Jan. 3 at The Paramount.

BackToThe Eighties

By Peter Sloggatt psloggatt@longislandernews.com

(Continued on page A23)

Fourteen days before New Year’s Eve, the Class of 2014 quartet, featuring Hills East seniors Roger Cheng on viola and John Ahn on cello and Hills West seniors Simon Lee and Jake Zipkin on violin, help unveil the big numbers “1” and “4” that will be perched atop One Times Square New Year’s Eve to make “2014.”

HUNTINGTON STATION

P.F. Chang’s Opens At Mall Long Islander News photo/Kristen Schultheiss

Dust off those parachute pants, tease that hair and get ready to go back to the ’80s. Jessie’s Girl, the 80’s revival band led by “American Idol” finalist and Tony nominee Constantine Maroulis, brings back the era with a tribute show that channels the likes of Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, Michael Jackson, Journey, The Police, and, yes, Rick Springfield, next Friday, Jan. 3 at The Paramount.

Named for Rick Springfield’s hit song, Jesse’s Girl is winding down a long-standing residency at New York City’s Canal Room, which is closing in early January. So Jesse’s Girl has taken the show on the road.

Maroulis, whose roots are on

Four members of a district-wide Half Hollow Hills high school orchestra took center stage in Times Square Dec. 17, creating memories that will last well after they graduate as the Class of 2014.

Fourteen days before New Year’s Eve, the Class of 2014 quartet, featuring Hills East seniors Roger Cheng on viola and John Ahn on cello and Hills West seniors Simon Lee and Jake Zipkin on violin, helped unveil the big “14”, part of the lighted “2014” that will be perched atop One Times Square as millions ring in the New Year during the annual ball drop.

“One of the kids is sitting there, and he said, ‘This is the highlight of my senior year. I will never forget this,” Karen Romeo, the Half Hollow Hills CrossCampus Chamber Orchestra director, said.

The students performed classical works including Mozart’s Quartet #157 and Eine Kleine Nachtmusik at the Times Square

(Continued on page A23)

P. F. Chang’s is the newest restaurant anchor to join the foodie lineup at the Walt Whitman Shops in Huntington Station. The grand opening was Monday, Dec. 23.

By Jacqueline Birzon jbirzon@longislandernews.com

Burgers? Check. Pasta? Check. And gourmet Chinese food? As of Monday, the Walt Whitman Shops can check that box off too, with the Dec. 23 grand opening of P.F. Chang’s.

The China bistro will be the last of four new eateries at the Walt Whitman road shopping—and now, foodie—destination this year. The Huntington Station restaurant will be P.F. Chang’s third location to open on Long Island, following the opening of a Lake Grove location at the Smith Haven Mall in November.

P.F. Chang’s, located towards the south end of the mall, constructed a new brick exterior façade and will be accessible from outside the mall, joining other restaurant anchors The Cheesecake Factory and Legal Sea Foods.

The Huntington Station location will offer the same P.F. Chang’s core menu that is available at most other restaurant locations.

(Continued on page A23)

IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION

Ponzi Scheme Victim Comes Forward A3

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A2 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 26, 2013

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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 26, 2013 • A3

MELVILLE

Round Swamp Wreck Sparks Debate Town exploring rumble strips as resident renews call for road widening Photo by Laura Glen

By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandernews.com

A Melville resident is once again pushing Huntington Town Hall to widen a treacherous bend along Round Swamp Road in hopes of preventing accidents.

Round Swamp Road resident Laura Glen’s most recent correspondence followed a Dec. 14 crash near her home.

Before that, in September, vehicles involved in a truck crash ended up on her front lawn, causing property damage and cutting power to her home for 12 hours, she said.

Glen says the biggest contributing factor to the frequent crashes is a sharp, hilly bend on Round Swamp Road hundreds of feet north of her house. While the speed limit is 20 mph for that bend, there is also hardly any shoulder, and if a vehicle breaches the double-yellow line on the two-lane road, there are few options to navigate the stretch safely.

Glen wants the town to cut back foliage along the stretch, install rumble strips on the center line, and most of all, widen Round Swamp Road, especially near that sharp bend.

“Going from the light and heading toward the parkway, if they had a camera on there they could see time after time people coming over that line,” she said. “It’s a problem and it has to be addressed.”

In a response to Glen, Huntington Transportation and Traffic Safety Director Steve McGloin said recent improvements have calmed traffic and reduced the number of accidents.

The town has installed new traffic signs along Round Swamp from the Northern State Parkway to Jericho

A Dec. 14 crash on Round Swamp Road sparked new discussions on how to make the stretch of road in Melville safer for motorists.

Turnpike; added a traffic signal at the intersection of Round Swamp Manetto Hill/Highhold Roads; installed four overhead driver feedback speed signs and upgraded overhead street lights. The town also added road markings designed to make drivers slow down by thinking they’re going faster than they really are.

“Traffic accidents have been significantly reduced since the installation of the traffic signal, driver speed signs, pavement markings and warning signage,” McGloin wrote to Glen.

Glen said those upgrades have been helpful, but mostly

for northbound traffic. She argued southbound traffic is still a problem.

“That did make a difference slowing down the traffic,” she said. “Our complaint has been that bend in the road. People just keep constantly crossing that doubleyellow line.”

McGloin told Glen he would schedule an inspection of the foliage with incoming Superintendent of Highways Peter Gunther. The town is also exploring the possibility of adding rumble strips at Round Swamp Road and in other parts of town.

“Since rumble strips have never been used in the Town of Huntington before, moving forward I want to discuss the use with the incoming superintendent of highways,” he said.

But as to widening the road, Glen, who first lobbied the town to widen the road in the early 2000s, and traffic safety officials still disagree. While she has argued a wider road would reduce accidents by giving motorists a place to maneuver in the event of an emergency, McGloin said Friday no road widening project is planned. Previously, he argued that would only make problems worse because it would encourage drivers to go faster than they already do.

“Unfortunately there are always going to be irresponsible, aggressive drivers that ignore all the warnings and have accidents,” he said.

Glen remains as determined as ever that widening the road is essential to public safety.

“We are all at risk and one day this will kill a walker, biker or driver. The light was part of the fix. The curve and its issues are still an ongoing problem,” she wrote to McGloin.

DIX HILLS

Family: Elderly Scam Victim Approached At Bank

By Jacqueline Birzon jbirzon@longislandernews.com

An 82-year-old Huntington woman who claims she was a victim of former Dix Hills Soccer Club President Rob Rocco’s $5-million Ponzi scheme said she was approached about the investment while conducting business at a local bank branch in Huntington village and, as a result, lost $50,000 in the alleged scam.

According to the woman’s son, who requested anonymity for this article, his mother, who was in her late 70s at the time, was a client of the bank in Huntington where she was solicited to invest in Limestone Capital Services by a male

employee. The employee, the son said, is no longer working at the bank branch.

Limestone Capital, a company founded in 2006 by Rocco, was a business venture that Rocco allegedly pitched to clients as an investment opportunity that would yield clients “high rates of return on investments” as high as 18 percent.

The U.S. Attorney’s office on Dec. 10 indicted Rocco on 14 counts of fraud, a charge that could land Rocco 20 years in prison, a spokesman for U.S. attorney Loretta Lynch said.

After allegedly convincing friends and neighbors, including a “John Doe #1” and “John Doe #2” who are named in the case – as well as an extended network of clients who invested in Limestone based on John

Doe’s advice – to invest in Limestone Capital, Rocco received approximately $5 million in investor money between 2006 and 2013, the U.S. Attorney’s office said.

However, the indictment indicates neither John Doe #1 or #2 knew the Limestone venture was a scheme, a sentiment that the elderly woman’s son cast significant doubt on in a phone interview Friday.

The son, who is in his 50s and lives in Huntington, said that the same Citibank employee tried to convince him to invest in Limestone as well. But as a veteran of the industry, the son politely denied the solicitor’s request and said he initially tried to talk his mother out of making the investment, paid in two lump sums of $25,000 over several years.

HALF HOLLOW HILLS

School Board Urges Ownership

By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandernews.com

When it comes to the controversy over what sort of affordable housing should be built on 8.1 acres along Ruland Road in Melville, the Half Hollow Hills school board has thrown its support behind one-bedroom, forsale units.

Board of Education President James Ptucha said Friday that single-bedroom, for-sale units are most appropriate because it would help former Half Hollow Hills students branch out on their own while moving out of the house and establishing themselves.

“We thought it was something that was a great idea,” he said of for-sale units. “Why mess with a great idea?”

Trustee David Kaston, standing in for Ptucha during the Dec. 10 town board meeting, read a statement from Ptucha sharing a similar message supporting single-bedroom, for-sale units at Ruland Road.

While there are ample affordable rental opportunities in Half Hollow Hills, the same can’t be said for young people looking to buy close to home, Ptucha argued.

“We’ve been tracking for years – we want to attract and retain our youth as best as we can,” he said.

Kaston was one of more than 30 speakers to weigh in that night on a settlement offer, made by the Huntington NAACP to the Town of Huntington, that would have created affordable rental housing. The two entities are embroiled in a lawsuit over what should be built at Ruland Road.

Ultimately, the town board voted to decline the civil rights group’s offer.

The settlement would have cleared the way for 77 one-bedroom, 34 two-bedroom and six three-bedroom rentals.

The Huntington NAACP is the remaining plaintiff on a 2011 lawsuit (Continued on page A23)

“It’s my understanding that, the way these groups work…they keep on going until they run out of investors and the faucet gets turned off, and that’s the end of the operation. It’s hard for me to comprehend that someone trying to bring money into this fund knows nothing about the fund unless he’s just completely oblivious,” the son said.

Professional investors, the son added, have an obligation to offer their clients legitimate, sound investments, especially when dealing with elderly clients.

“It’s called suitability,” the son said.

“They have to be very leery of what they ethically cannot do. If you want to sell my mother a trust, or something credited by the U.S. government, that’s perfectly suitable, because your risk downside is extremely low. When you start selling people in that age group an investment vehicle as they represent it, people at that point in time, when markets were crashing…they were perfect prey.”

Limestone, Rocco allegedly told investors, was a business venture that would provide loans to finance wholesale cigarette purchases on behalf of the Shinnecock Nation tobacco shop as well as a credit card processing venture. Rather than investing the Limestone funds as promised, he instead “ran a Ponzi scheme,” according to the indictment, which also claims that Rocco in 2009 fraudulently reported to investors that “$45 million in inventory” had been stolen from the Shinnecock Reservation “by a rival Indian tribe.”

Rocco launched yet another investment company in 2010 and again solicited business from his friend John Doe #1, who in total paid more than $1.3 million to Rocco for purported investments in companies.

A4 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 26, 2013

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POLICE REPORT Compiled by Danny Schrafel

Counting The Days To 2014 Oh, what a year it was… Twenty-thirteen is just

You Mean They Haven’t Burnt That Thing Yet?

shears and all of those grand-opening trappings – CeremonialScissors.com and RibbonCuttingScissors.com. Imagine the postmaster’s surprise when he sees a 3-foot long pair of scissors in the mail…

about in the books and I still can’t believe everything that happened in just 365 days. As I flipped through our Year in Review section before it hit the presses this week, I kept catching myIN THE KNOW self saying, “Wow, that hapWITH AUNT ROSIE What are you doing on pened this year, too?” While New Year’s Eve? I don’t many big projects finally got know about you, but Dec. 31 is going in 2013 – some after a very, very long wait – kind of a mixed bag for me. others will be carrying over into 2014 without being While it’s always great to see a New Year and the resolved. And the election – whew, the election! I challenges and opportunities that come with it arrive, think my head’s still spinning after that doozy of a there’s always a little bit of melancholy as you reflect battle we had this year. Then again, I could still be in on the previous 12 months. Then there’s the matter of a food coma thanks to overindulging on pie at Christhow you celebrate the occasion. Now, when I was a mas dinner with the nieces and nephews. young gal, I’d absolutely cut a rug ’til the clock struck 12 – and then some! Nowadays, I like to be Speaking of the holiday pounds… I’ve really with my friends and family and enjoy their company. been enjoying this series of articles the kids have Sometimes we go out, sometimes we sit around my been putting together about all of the different ways living room and regale with stories, but without fail, there are in town to get in shape. Yoga, ballet-barthere are good friends and good times all around. based exercises, CrossFit training… Now, this week, Whatever you’re doing in a few days, enjoy youryou can read all about the waist-slimming, muscleselves and join me in raising your glass to a brighter toning benefits of pugilism at Title Boxing Club tomorrow! And truth be told – I still do a little jig at down in the village. I don’t know about you, but it midnight when nobody’s looking. sure sounds like a lot of fun having free reign to whack a big bag – and, with proper supervision, it Shine a light… And my parting thought for 2013 sounds mighty effective! With so many people pledgfocuses on the big spectacle coming up Dec. 31. And, ing to lose weight every New Year, it seems like a on four lucky kids from Half Hollow Hills who got great way to support local businesses and find your an exclusive sneak preview and an up-close-and-perniche. Give ’em all a shot and let me know what you sonal look at the big 1-4! A top-notch string quartet think. trundled up to Times Square the other day to perform There’s still time… to make resolutions – or not, as they showed off the new lights that will be going up at One Times Square soon, ready to twinkle in all for that matter. I know plenty of people who use the sorts of LED colors when the ball drops. I heard they turning of the calendar to whip certain affairs into played some Mozart, and I also heard they out-andshape, while others are just as adamant about avoidout stole the show. Not bad when your backdrop is ing resolutions like the plague because they feel like the world’s most famous numerals and a 12-foot-tall it’s a set-up for inevitable disappointment. Where do bottle of champagne. you stand on the annual custom – yea, or nay?

Shear madness… File this one in the “random Rosie” drawer if you must, but I had to know – where do people get those giant pairs of scissors for ribbon-cutting events? When I’ve asked around, the invariable answer is, “Borrow them from the Huntington Chamber!” But if you want to get your own, there’s at least two websites dedicated to the giant

(Aunt Rosie wants to hear from you! If you have comments, ideas, or tips about what’s happening in your neck of the woods, write to me today and let me know the latest. To contact me, drop a line to Aunt Rosie, c/o The Long-Islander, 145 East Main Street, Huntington NY 11743. Or try the e-mail at aunt.rosieli@gmail.com)

A Melville man is accused of driving despite having his license suspended 10 or more times. Police arrested the 32-year-old at the corner of Broad Hollow Road and Old Country in Melville while the suspect was driving his 2008 Chevy Silverado westbound on Old Country Road Dec. 18.

Benz Gets Bashed A smash-and-grab thief did a number on the owner of a 2009 Mercedes-Benz in Dix Hills Dec. 15. Police said that at 10 p.m., someone smashed the passenger side window of the luxury car parked on Wildowod Drive, and then stole a pocketbook, a Coach wallet and credit cards.

Angsty Shot-Putter, Perhaps?

A Dix Hills home was damaged at 3 p.m. Dec. 13 by a vandal with a rock and a strong throwing arm. Police received a call Dec. 15 that the rear glass door of a Majestic Drive home had been damaged after someone chucked a rock at it.

Watch Your Purse A Waldbaum’s shopper’s purse vanished from her shopping cart shortly after 1:30 p.m. Dec. 18. Police were told that the woman had left her purse unattended, and that during that time, someone took it. Cash and credit cards were inside the purse.

Wonder If She Got Coal In Her Stocking A bit of five-finger holiday shopping spree at the Walt Whitman Shops was thwarted by Suffolk County Police Dec. 17. Police said a 21-year-old female from Melville went to Bloomingdale’s, took some clothing and a wallet and left without paying. She is charged with petit larceny.

From Bling To Clink A 23-year-old Melville man was arrested at the Walt Whitman Shops Dec. 16 on a petit larceny charge. He is accused of stealing a Michael Kors bracelet and earrings from Macy’s.

Smash-And-Grab

Send a photo of your pre-school age child along with a brief anecdotal background and we’ll consider it for “Baby Faces.” Include baby’s full name, date of birth, hometown and names of parents and grandparents. Send to: Baby of the Week, c/o Long-Islander, 145 East Main St., Huntington, NY 11743.

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK KAREN ROMEO

A pocketbook, wallet, license and Social Security card were stolen from a 1998 Ford Escort parked overnight on Burrs Lane in Dix Hills Dec. 16. Police said someone smashed the passenger side rear window of the car to get at the loot inside at approximately 3 a.m.

Give This Guy A Wide Berth A Melville man was arrested in East Northport Dec. 12 for aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.

Cops pulled the 31-year-old over while he was driving a 1990 Jeep Cherokee northbound on Townline Road at Clay Pitts Road.

Dude, Where’s My Gun?

“The kids were just in awe… When the lights go on New Year’s Eve, we saw them – we touched them.”

Police are investigating a complaint of a stolen handgun in East Northport. Police received the call Dec. 18 from the complainant, who said the gun could have been taken between Nov. 1 and Dec. 12.

Three, Two ’14!, A1

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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 26, 2013 • A5

2013 Year In Review Billy At The Paramount: One Hot Ticket Long Islander News photos/archives

By Luann Dallojacono ldallojacono@longislandernews.com

Well, we knew Billy was up to something.

When Billy Joel played a surprise show at The Paramount on Oct. 16, 2013, he had the music industry buzzing. Is the Piano Man testing the waters of performing? Is he plotting a comeback tour? He even left his Huntington audience with a cryptic message, saying “Maybe we’ll see you again soon” as he left the stage.

Answers came in December when Billy Joel and Madison Square Garden (MSG) announced that Joel would be the arena’s first “music franchise” – meaning he will play one show a month beginning in January 2014 until demand to see him subsides. He now has nine shows lined up for 2014; the January, February, March and April dates are sold out.

Those who were lucky enough to see him take the stage of the 1,550-capacity Paramount are split after the MSG announcement. Some can’t wait to see him again even if they have to sit in the arena’s nosebleeds, while others wouldn’t dream of tarnishing their intimate experience.

There was truly not a more electric moment in 2013 in this town than the day Billymania hit Huntington. Finally, the Piano Man had come home, and boy did he throw a party.

All Long Islanders feel close, in a sense, to Joel, who grew up in Hicksville and now lives in Oyster Bay. But many Huntington residents stake a bigger claim on him – after all, he once lived here, named his first album “Cold Spring Harbor”, and is frequently spotted dining at local restaurants.

Perhaps that is why so many took it personally when tickets to his Oct. 16 Paramount show were impossible to come by.

The concert was last-minute in almost every sense. Joel had been rehearsing at the downtown Huntington venue the week prior to prep for a short European tour. He liked the vibe, so he said he’d do an impromptu benefit concert to raise money for the Long Island Cares – Harry Chapin Food Bank.

“This is a great place,” Joel said of The Paramount. “It was starting to sound pretty good, so we said, ‘Let’s do a gig.’”

An announcement came at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 15, that tickets would go on sale at noon that same day – online only, with a two-ticket limit – for a show the next

Billy Joel put Huntington in the national spotlight this year when he played a surprise show at The Paramount Oct. 16. night. And that’s when the mania began.

Those who had tickets thanked their lucky stars, and those who didn’t went to third-party websites, where the price per ticket was upwards of $800, despite the $79.50-$150 face value. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo scored one.

Huntington village came alive the night of his show. His recordings played in the streets outside The Paramount as he took the stage inside. The two-hour concert included venue-wide sing-a-longs to old favorites like “New York State of Mind” and rarities like “A Room of Our Own.” He altered the words to “Piano Man” to “It’s a pretty good crowd here in Huntington,” and he dedicated “Miami 2017” to the victims of Superstorm Sandy.

Joel playing at The Paramount was something the theater’s owners – if not the entire Town of Huntington – were hoping for since the venue opened in September 2011.

“He’s happy with the sound,” Paramount co-owner Stephen Ubertini said after the announcement was made. “That he chose us is an absolute honor. It’s a proud moment for us.”

For Joel, the Huntington concert came after a three-year hiatus from touring. Prior

Reveling In The New Larkfield Manor

After nine months of construction and $8 million, the Larkfield Manor in East Northport celebrated the unveiling of its new, Tuscan-inspired look this summer.

The grand re-opening marks the celebra-

tion of the catering hall’s new rustic, “timeless” look as conceptualized by Huntington-based Hoffman Grayson Architects, LLP and owner Harry Mountanos.

to the five songs he played at last year’s 1212-12 benefit concert for Hurricane Sandy relief at Madison Square Garden, the last time Joel commanded the stage was in March 2010 during his tour with Elton John.

Joel capped 2013 off by receiving this year’s Kennedy Center Honors, one of America's most highly regarded artistic honors, in December.

All in all, not a bad year for a guy who hasn’t released a pop album in 20 years.

A6 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 26, 2013

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2013 Year In Review Pilot Lands On Deer Park Avenue

By Kristen Schultheiss kschultheiss@longislandernews.com

Few will forget the day in 2013 that a pilot made an emergency landing on a busy Deer Park Avenue.

On May 2, the veteran pilot from Melville maneuvered through trucks and traffic without causing damage or injury during his unexpected landing.

David Windmiller, 49, was flying his single-engine Zivko Edge 540 back to Republic Airport when he felt a violent shake.

According to the Melville resident, there were about 15 seconds between the time of the shake and the time the engine exploded. When the engine was destroyed, the propeller went down with it.

With no engine or propeller, the flying expert focused on finding a location to land without harming himself or others.

He picked a highway stretch in Babylon.

Windmiller began flying at age 14 and at the time, estimated that he had about 17,000 hours of flying under his belt.

The Melville pilot grew up in Brooklyn, where his love for flying began. During his 35 years in the cockpit, Windmiller has

flown just about everything that sails through the air, including helicopters, small planes and corporate jets.

Prior to his engine’s explosion, Windmiller was practicing for the Bethpage Air Show that takes place at Jones Beach over Memorial Day weekend.

He had flown in all nine of the annual shows.

The destruction of his engine meant he would have to find a new plane to fly in the Bethpage Air Show, and that was going to be difficult. He explained that much of his performance consisted of flipping around in the air, and that was a dangerous task for someone who did not feel completely comfortable in his stunt plane.

But this didn’t stop him from performing in the 2013 show.

For many years, Windmiller competed with the International Aerobatics Club in the “unlimited” category, which is the toughest and most complex. He was also on the United States Unlimited Aerobic Team for three years.

Stunt pilot David Windmiller made an emergency landing on a busy Deer Park Avenue in May.

Canon Settles Into New Melville Home Long Islander News photo/archives

By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandernews.com

A late July grand opening ceremony was one of Canon’s highlights in 2013, when a veritable who’s who of elected officials and luminaries, including U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer, welcomed the electronics giant to its new North American headquarters in Melville, which includes a five-story, 668,296 square-foot office building as its centerpiece of their new campus. Hundreds of employees started to move in as early as February.

Not only that, the frosty relationship between Melville-area civic associations and Canon showed signs of thawing in 2013.

During an Oct. 30 meeting at the Civic Association of Sweet Hollow in Melville, the group’s president, Alissa Taff, acknowledged the improved relations, and said regular meetings have produced results – like a new “No Turn on Red” sign at the corner of the service road and Walt Whitman Road; installed traffic sings on the Canon property to improve traffic flow, and urging the 1,600 staff members to use a northwest exit, which feeds directly onto the South Service Road, or Route 110, to cut down on the Walt Whitman Road backup during rush hour. Canon has also pledged to stand behind local officials as they push for traffic mitigation efforts, like a push to widen Walt Whitman Road’s bridge over the Long Island Expressway.

“Canon is making a tremendous effort and plans on meeting with us on a regular basis,” Taff said.

Town officials are expected to hire a contractor early in 2014 to conduct a traffic study of the area with hopes of proving to the State of New York that the bridge needs to be widened. The study is expected to take six months once it begins.

Canon’s North American employees spent much of 2013 getting settled into their new headquarters along the Long Island Expressway service road in Melville.

“I’ve heard it, and I’ve also driven through it. But you have to show it. The town is doing the right thing by doing the study,” Margaret Conklin, regional public involvement coordinator for the New York State DOT, added.

Traffic impacts of Canon’s North American headquarters, and impacts from a possible second phase that could bring an additional 750 workers to Melville,

have long been a concern of civic leaders.

Worries about the Walt Whitman Road bridge crystallized in August 2012.

When 2013 began, controversies, including one over Canon’s plans to build wind turbines as part of an effort to make for a greener facility, proved especially contentious. Huntington Councilman Mark Cuthbertson sponsored and passed legislation that put a temporary kibosh on

building wind turbines anywhere in town, first in February and then a second time in June. The 128-day moratorium adopted in June expired on Dec. 10.

Cuthbertson said turbine legislation should be on the table sometime “early in the New Year.”

“We’re still trying to square away the legislation and come up with a draft that makes sense,” he said.

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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 26, 2013 • A7

2013 Year In Review Enrollment Slump Drives Hills To Close Two Elementary Schools Long Islander News photo/Jacqueline Birzon

By Jacqueline Birzon jbirzon@longislandernews.com

After a contentious year of discussion, declining enrollment at the elementary school level, a trend that began in the Half Hollow Hills Central School District seven years ago, led the school board and administrations to close two elementary schools next year.

As a result of an approximate 23-percent drop in enrollment for students in grades 1-5, Chestnut Hill and Forest Park Elementary Schools will shut their doors next year. Students throughout the district will attend one of five operating schools rather than seven.

The Half Hollow Hills Board of Education in December approved a redistricting map scenario that will affect elementary feeding patterns for grades 1-5, but will maintain intermediate and secondary school feeding patterns.

Closing two schools, a decision motivated by the district’s inefficient use of the seven educational facilities, appeared on the administration’s radar as recently as May 2012 when the district began to accept applications to sit on the Half Hollow Hills Facilities Steering Committee.

The 28-member consortium comprised of various community representatives, as district personnel said that a diverse crosssection of the district’s population was crucial to making an informed decision about potential building closures.

The committee was selected after the district expended roughly $20,000 to hire an educational consulting firm to conduct a demographic and redistricting study. All funding was secured through the district’s general fund.

Initially, at the steering committee’s

Hundreds of parents in the Half Hollow Hills School District packed the cafeteria of Otsego Elementary School Oct. 28 when the district announced that Chestnut Hill and Forest Park Elementary Schools will close in the 2014-2105 school year. first public presentation in September 2013, committee and board of education members as well as and Superintendent Kelly Fallon faced a fair amount of scrutiny from the community, many members of which were skeptical about the underlying factors that motivated the district’s decision to look into building closures.

While the school district will save about

$3 million by closing two buildings and reducing staff next year, parents wondered whether closing schools was in the best interest of students.

A group of 58 parents and stakeholders submitted a petition to the New York State Department of Education (NYSED) in which they called on New York State Education Commissioner John King to grant an immediate stay on the board’s

decision to close Forest Park Elementary.

However, the NYSED promptly denied the group’s Nov. 23 request and, according to the NYSED website, will spend several months considering the circumstance before issuing a final decision.

Projections on elementary enrollment show that district-wide enrollment at the 1-5 grade level will drop from 3,475 to 2,774 by the 2017-2018 school year.

Dix Hills Dad Still Missing

By Kristen Schultheiss kschultheiss@longislandernews.com

Dix Hills resident Robert Mayer has been missing since June 14, and for six months has made headlines.

He left his Leroy Street home at 4:45 a.m. that Friday morning to go to his job as an electrician at JG Electric and never came back.

“We only have one wish for the holidays,” said Robert Mayer’s wife, Ida Mayer, and that is to have Robert back.

In the time since his disappearance, friends, family and community members have come together on numerous occasions to search for Mayer. Most recently, search groups led by Mayer’s wife went out twice in November and once in December, combing the Deer Park train station, where his car was found, and nearby areas.

“We went again by the Heartland area where the car was found but we didn’t find anything,” Ida Mayer said. “I’m going to

continue to look and I’m not going to stop.”

Mayer was described by his wife and neighbors as a family man. He has a 15year-old son and 11-year-old daughter who go to Commack Schools. While he wasn’t on the job, the electrician was often seen working on his family’s home or spending time with his children.

“It’s hard with the holidays,” Ida Mayer said. “The kids are great; thank God for them. They keep me grounded and they have hope. It’s good seeing things through a child’s eyes, and I try to hold their vision of the world.”

During the summer, police and Mayer’s wife went through surveillance footage and investigated leads.

A community-driven manhunt was also in full force. They searched through 600 acres of the Edgewood Preserve on July 7 and the grounds surrounding Pilgrim Psychiatric Center about three months ago.

The search expanded online, with the

formation of a Robert Mayer Search Group on Facebook.

Mayer was last seen by coworkers around noon on Friday, June 14. Police tracked his cell phone to Route 110 around 1:45 p.m. and found that his signal disappeared at about 2:45 p.m.

On Saturday, June 15, relatives found Mayer’s red 2004 Pontiac GTO parked at the train station, an unusual place for it, according to his wife.

“He never took the train – hated it,” Ida Mayer said. “His car was his baby.

He took care of it. He would never park it there.”

Mayer’s office was in Brooklyn, and according to his wife he always drove to work. He had been wearing a company T-shirt, jeans, work boots and his gold wedding band when he was seen.

He is 6-foot-1 in height and weighs 200 pounds. Mayer has hazel eyes.

Anyone with information should call Second Precinct police at 631-854-8247.

This flier offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the return of Dix Hills’ Robert Mayer was posted all over the place in 2013 when the father and husband went missing six months ago.

A8 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 26, 2013

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Opinion

Sen

d letters to The Editor, : Half Hollo w Hills Ne wspaper, 145 E. Huntingto Main Street, n, New Yo rk 11743 or e info@long mail us at islanderne ws.com

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

Looking Back, Looking Ahead With this, our final issue of 2013, we put to Abrams School as a magnet center for science bed another year of news. Following what has and mathematics. long been this newspaper’s tradition, we take Housing also saw its ups and downs. While time to review the top stories of the year that just one controversy was laid to rest with the beginpassed, with an eye toward what will be making ning of construction at the AvalonBay communews in the community during the year ahead. nity in Huntington Station, another was begun It has been a year marked by significant with opposition stalling an affordable apartment events, some of them many years in complex proposed for Ruland Road the making. Overall, we can look EDITORIAL in Melville. The issue promises to back on 2013 as a year of progress in continue in the new year. the Town of Huntington.

In economic news, the opening of Canon’s When the year began, the Island was still in North America headquarters in Melville was a shock from the devastation of Superstorm homerun for Huntington and Suffolk County; Sandy. Though the north shore was spared the and retailers showed their faith in the region with worst of the storm, many of the Island’s south some big investments as well. Target was built shore communities are still struggling. One ca- and opened at the old Huntington Townhouse sualty was Highway Superintendent William site; Lowe’s is nearly ready to open at the former Naughton, who lost his first election since first Commack Multiplex site; and a public/private winning the post more than 25 years ago. Cen- partnership between the Town and Renaissance terport’s Pete Gunther starts Jan. 1.

Downtowns is bringing progress to Huntington The new year also will bring a new face to the Station revitalization.

Huntington Town Board. Tracey Edwards deAlso this year, in a great show of faith in the feated Councilman Mark Mayoka on Election region and the community, the Walt Whitman Day and will begin her term at the start of the Shops completed a $60-million expansion and new year. Also starting new terms will be Hunt- renovation that brought new retailers and dining ington Supervisor Frank Petrone, who survived establishments to the Town of Huntington. In a spirited campaign against fellow councilman tribute to its namesake, the shopping center dedGene Cook, and Councilman Mark Cuthbertson. icated a large statue at its entrance to Walt WhitThe year saw controversy in the education man – America’s poet and Huntington’s own. community, as the state’s Common Core curA year of progress? Yes. But 2013 is just as riculum took a near-universal beating from par- likely to be remembered as the year that Billy ents and educators disappointed by test results. Joel came to town, electrifying the community Conflict arose in the Half Hollow Hills School with a one-night show at The Paramount to benDistrict as its board voted to close two elemen- efit Long Island Cares’ Harry Chapin Food Bank. tary schools, while in Huntington a conflict was Here’s hoping for a year to top the one just put to rest with the re-opening of the Jack passed.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

A New Year Of Opportunity DEAR EDITOR: As we come to the end of 2013 and begin a New Year filled with hope and opportunity, the Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce would like to wish each of you, your colleagues and your families the best that the holiday season has to offer. We extend our warmest wishes for a New Year filled with health, happiness and prosperity for all of our members.

This time of year is the perfect time to reflect on the success we have acquired and the accomplishments we hope to achieve.

The level of involvement and support from our membership and

community continues to grow.

From our sold-out monthly Membership Networking Breakfasts to our signature events including our tropical Luau Networking Party, our Annual Golf Outing to the Long Island Fall Festival, the enthusiasm, participation, involvement and support from our members, sponsors and volunteers has been tremendous. Together we continue to work diligently to embrace change and seek innovative solutions to conducting business and supporting sustainable initiatives on an ongoing basis.

The programs and events which we coordinate are examples of the chamber's dedication to support local business, provide knowledge and advance prosper-

HALF HOLLOW HILLS N E W S P A P E R

Serving the communities of: Dix Hills, Melville and the Half Hollow Hills Central School District.

Founded in 1996 by James Koutsis Copyright © 2013 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.

ity within Huntington while focusing on advocacy, education, networking and business development for our membership.

It is our pleasure to work in partnership with many wonderful grassroots organizations and notfor-profit agencies to support local business and residents. The overwhelming enthusiasm and participation for such programs as the annual Holiday Firemen’s Parade, the recent Holiday Boat Parade, Dine Huntington Restaurant Week, our local "Cash Mobs" and the “Buy Local” campaign are some of the many ways the chamber is working together with village merchants and other local groups in order to support our commitment to Huntington and

the surrounding communities.

This past year we were faced with challenges as well. We lost a very dear friend, mentor, philanthropist, tireless volunteer and community advocate. Only the third day of his “official” role as chairman, Larry Kushnick left us physically on June 3, but will remain forever in our hearts and in our actions. We are sincerely grateful for having Larry as a part of our organization and a part of our lives. Those he touched were made better by having known him and that is our ultimate gift. As an organization we are committed to growing and increasing our value and efficiency in honor of Larry’s vision.

The New Year is a great time to set new goals for our business community and the chamber is busy planning effective programs to support our members with their businesses. As we enter 2014, the chamber will continue to offer many initiatives and programs including the MBA Program coordinated with Adelphi University. Our committees continue to host vital and informative seminars and workshops to help your business grow and proper. Our inspiring programs for our younger members will include our Young Professional Chamber of Commerce focused on our high school students and our Young Professional Chamber of Commerce 21-plus for our young people leaving college and beginning their careers.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the members, sponsors and volunteers of the Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce for their continued support of this wonderful organization. All of us at the chamber hope the season shines a special light on all of us beyond the hol-

James V. Kelly Publisher/CEO

iday season and continues to be shared with our members and our community throughout the year.

Happy Holidays and we hope the New Year is filled with peace, good health, and prosperity for our community, region and nation.

Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce

Stop Being Selfish, We Need Rentals DEAR EDITOR: On Dec. 10, the Huntington Town Board received a clear message from the residents of Huntington: 27 of 35 speakers supported affordable rental housing at Ruland Knolls. Yet the town continues to bow to the wishes of a local civic group. Why? I challenge each member of this “civic” group to think back to the first place they lived on their own. Did they start out purchasing a four-bedroom home in Huntington? Or did they live in rental housing?

How many of our adult children must leave Huntington because there is no affordable legal rental housing? No starter apartments for new workers?

No place for our returning veterans? Or seniors living on fixed incomes? Will the need become obvious to local civic groups only when their own adult children move away?

It is time to stop being selfish. We need this housing for the good of Huntington. The town board should not let a small minority of “voting” residents pull their strings!

Susan Lagville Executive Director

Peter Sloggatt Associate Publisher/Managing Editor

Luann Dallojacono Editor Danny Schrafel Jacqueline Birzon Kristen Schultheiss Reporters

Ian Blanco Dan Conroy Production/ Art Department

Marnie Ortiz Office / Legals

Ross Weber Business Development

145 E. Main Street, Huntington, New York 11743 631.427.7000

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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 26, 2013 • A9

Life&Style FILM

A Night Of Classic Hollywood Scandals Huntington film scholar Glenn Andreiev has a scandalous night planned for movie lovers.

Andreiev will lead a lively journey through some of Hollywood’s most notorious scandals on Monday, Jan. 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the Cinema Arts Centre in Huntington.

Modern tinsel town scandals splashed across gossip websites have nothing on the alarming and jaw dropping Hollywood scandals of long ago. Those scandals involved high crimes and sometimes murder.

Andreiev returns to the Cinema Arts Centre with an evening of peeking into the truly dark side of classic Hollywood. Who murdered silent film director William Desmond Taylor? Did world-famous comic Fatty Arbuckle really kill a young starlet? Was one of the most respected directors of all time a wife murderer?

Scandals involving Wallace Reid, Jean Harlow, Thelma Todd, Robert Mitchum and Charlie Chaplin fill the program.

Andreiev will also show how some scandals bought about crusading films and laws protecting people in the entertainment field.

Film clips and rare photos help make this an evening to remember.

An independent filmmaker/film histori-

an, Andreiev is a graduate of New York’s School Of Visual Arts. His films include “Sharp and Sudden,” “The Deed To Hell” and “The Make-Believers.” His upcoming film is “Cat’s View.” His work has been

Did world-famous comic Fatty Arbuckle really kill a young starlet, as proclaimed in the news? Find out next month with film historian Glenn Andreiev.

Scandals involving Thelma Todd, pictured, and other Hollywood staples will fill Glenn Andreiev’s upcoming program in Huntington.

featured on CNN, Court TV, and Netflix.

He writes film articles for filmsinreview.com and has been teaching film making classes at the Cinema Arts Centre for the past 15 years.

Tickets for “A Night of Hollywood Scandals” are $10 for members and $15 for the general public. Visit the website www.CinemaArtsCentre.org for more information.

HISTORY

How Bread And Cheese Hollow Got Its Name

By George Wallace info@longislandernews.com

In some spots, it’s called “Bread And Cheese Hollow Road,” ostensibly in honor of Richard “Bull” Smith, whose mythic feat of riding a bull around property he was purchasing from the local natives also mythically involved stopping to eat lunch along the route.

In other spots, it’s Townline Road.

Bullriding myths aside, the true history of the boundary between Huntington and Smithtown is this: It follows a line defined in a court battle that took place in 1675, meant to resolve conflicting land deeds made by English settlers in the early days of settlement.

As for the name Bread & Cheese – keep reading for that.

It seems that while Smith had a document giving him land all the way west to Cow Harbor (roughly the head of Northport Harbor), three men migrating east from Hempstead and Oyster Bay had another document – from a different group of native signators – giving them property all the way to the Nissequogue River, deep in what is now Smithtown.

We’re not talking about the “First Purchase” of Huntington, which happened in 1653 – but the “Second Purchase,” by three Englishmen, in 1656, which set the stage for the boundary battle between Huntington and Smithtown.

Local histories mention three men as signators of the “Indian Deed” issued

by Asharoken and other natives for the

purchase of what an area that would expand that first purchase eastward – Jonas Wood, Thomas Wickes, and William Rogers.

In sum, they signed a deed with Asharoken, the “Matinecock Sachem,” and the rest of the Indian owners with him, for “all the medoe, freshe and salte lyinge and being upon the north side of Long Island, from our fourmer bounds Cow Harbor brooke to Neesaquock river...to the north sayd to as far as Asharokens bounds goeth Southwards, as the necke called Eatons Neck, Crabmedos and all the rest of the medows.”

There was one little problem for Wood, Rogers and Wilkes in exercising their deed. His name was Richard Smith.

It was only a short time after the new landowners set about divvying up their territory that Smith, whom they took to calling their “Currish Neighbor,” disputed their title. Smith, an ex-soldier in Cromwell's army, and a collaborator with Lion Gardiner and others who helped settle lands on the forks of Long Island, said he had received title by title from Wyandanch, “Chief Sachem” of all Long Island to the area from Nissequogue all the way to Cow Harbor.

After several legal battles, which were waged all the way to the year 1675, a compromise boundary between the two claims was set on Sept. 24, giving Smith the land from the Nissequogue River to a line running from Fresh Pond to Whitman Hollow.

As for Bread and Cheese Hollow?

More recent historical analysts point to the penchant back in parts of England to plant English Hawthorne as a boundary hedge. And English Hawthorne, as the youngsters in 17th century British Isles knew it, produced an edible flower in spring… which they called Bread and Cheese.

THEATER

Attention, Young Thespians!

You’re Invited To The Engeman The John W. Engeman Theater at Northport is offering young thespians a golden opportunity next month.

Young actors can channel the tune of “76 Trombones” as the theater hosts a one-day audition workshop on Jan. 18, 2014 at 3 p.m. The workshop is open to young performers ages 12-17 interested in auditioning for the theater’s upcoming

main stage production of the beloved musical “The Music Man.” Open enrollment has begun. Tuition is $120 for the two-hour workshop.

Students will work directly with the theater’s choreographer to learn audition steps and combos that will be used during the selection process. They will also receive priority access to audition sides

and materials that will help them prepare for this competitive and exciting process.

While enrollment in the workshop does not guarantee casting in the production, students will leave with a competitive edge and insight into what casting will be looking for at the open call.

Call the box office at 631-261-2900 to register.

A10 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 26, 2013

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2013 Year In Review New Faces Coming To Town Hall Elected town council member, superintendent of highways joining local government ranks Long Islander News photos/archives

By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandernews.com

When the clock strikes 12 on Dec. 31, there will be four new faces among Suffolk County and the Town of Huntington’s elected officials.

For Dix Hills’ Tracey Edwards, the third time indeed was the charm as she won her first term on the Huntington Town Board in November. Supervisor Frank Petrone and Councilman Mark Cuthberson were each re-elected, and the Democratic ticket fended off a challenge from supervisor hopeful Gene Cook, a sitting councilman, and Councilman Mark Mayoka and challenger Josh Price seeking election to the town board.

While the battle raged for the majority on the Huntington Town Board, another fierce political battle was underway for the right to serve as superintendent of highways – one that concluded this November with Centerport Fire Department Commissioner Peter Gunther, a Conservative, being elected to the post and ousting 26-year incumbent William Naughton.

Naughton in September overcame a primary challenge from longtime Huntington contractor Kevin Orelli and Town of Huntington Parks Director Don McKay. Both men, as did Gunther, argued it was time for a change, but two Democratic candidates with a similar message may have cleared a path for Naughton to the November general. The longtime incumbent won the primary handily.

Huntington’s political year got off to a

Left: Highway Superintendent-elect Peter Gunther, left, and State Supreme Court justice-elect David Reilly, third from left, were winners for the Huntington Republican-Conservative team in 2013. Right: The Huntington Democrats completed a clean sweep for town board seats this November, adding Tracey Edwards, second from right, to the board. combustible start after Huntington Station’s John Leo, formerly the Town Attorney, was sworn in Jan. 6 after being elected the previous November to the New York State Supreme Court’s 10th District bench. He’ll soon have some more hometown company.

At the start of 2014, Northport’s David Reilly, the past vice-chairman of the Huntington Republican Committee, will join him on that bench. Dix Hills attorney Deborah Poulos will also be headed to the bench in the New Year as a Suffolk County Family Court judge.

Leo’s election – and subsequent vacating of his Town Attorney post – set the first political showdown of 2013, when

Councilwoman Susan Berland locked horns with Supervisor Frank Petrone over who should replace Leo. Berland won the battle – she cobbled together bipartisan support from Councilmen Mark Mayoka and Gene Cook to appoint Cindy ElanMangano to the post.

The Jan. 8 power play by Berland – herself a supervisor hopeful in the event that Petrone not seek re-election – sparked chatter about Petrone’s political future and whether he would seek a sixth term. He ended that gossip by announcing his reelection bid several days later. Huntington’s Republican committee weighed a number of high-profile contenders, including State

Senator John Flanagan, as possible supervisor contenders before choosing Cook, an Independence party member, to head the ticket.

Cook successfully fended off primary challenges on the Independence and Republican lines in September, while Mayoka and Price held off Republican challengers to hold on to their nominations and continue to the general election.

The battle that followed was intense, heated and very expensive. But after the dust settled on Nov. 6, Huntington’s Democratic majority, barring any unforeseen departures, secured a majority that will hold until 2017.

Town, School Board Take LIPA To Court jbirzon@longislandernews.com

When it comes to the ongoing battle between the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) and the Town of Huntington, the events of 2013 only brought the war closer to court.

LIPA filed a lawsuit challenging the assessed value of the Northport power plant, a 15-year agreement with the Town of Huntington went up in smoke and prompted both the municipality and the Northport-East Northport School District to bring the issue to court.

The focal point of contention in the town’s lawsuit is a 1997 letter signed by Richard Kessel, former LIPA chairman, who agreed in writing that the utility company would not appeal — or litigate regarding — the assessment of the Northport power plant, valued at around $3 billion at the time.

In October 2010 however, LIPA challenged the plant’s assessment and requested a 90-percent reduction in the facility’s assessed value. In May 2013, State Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Hazlitt Emerson ruled in the municipality’s favor, and said in her decision it is “undisputed that the assessments for the properties in question had not been increased disproportionately to the assessments for any other properties in the Town of Huntington.”

In June 2013, the utility company presented the town with a settlement offer.

Supervisor Frank Petrone and the town’s legal counsel had three months to consider the offer in which LIPA, rather than asking for a 90-percent reduction, said it would be satisfied with a 50- to 60-percent reduction over time.

However, town officials and the school district neither accepted or rejected LIPA’s settlement offer and instead requested additional time to consider the proposal.

An attorney for the utility, however, denied the town’s request for an extension of the Oct. 20 deadline and said the company doubted that more time would work to either party’s benefit.

LIPA’s original request for a 90-percent reduction—or $270 million in back taxes—would have a devastating impact on taxpayers in both the town and specifically, the Northport-East Northport School District. Taxes paid on the Northport power station represents at least 37-percent of the school district’s budget, and the utility pays over $74 million in real estate taxes. Huntington town officials and the school district’s legal counsel have said that if LIPA were successful in court, school district residents would see a 60percent increase in school district taxes and residents town-wide would be subjected to a 15-percent increase in town property taxes.

The town, adamant in defending the original assessed value of the plant, filed a separate lawsuit against the utility in August 2013 in Suffolk County Supreme

Long Islander News photo/archives

By Jacqueline Birzon

This scene became a familiar one at the Northport power plant, where Huntington and Northport-East Northport school officials held press conferences condemning LIPA’s attempt to reassess the plant.

Court. According to Lou Lewis, an attorney hired by the town to defend the municipality in court LIPA, after receiving the town’s request for information on the construction of the Cathiness Energy plant in Yaphank, rather than giving the town answers, LIPA instead handed over documents Lewis described as “heavily redacted,” rendering them relatively useless in defending the town’s case.

In an interview earlier this year Lewis and town officials speculated that in unredacted form, paperwork regarding Cathiness’ 2009 construction on a “permegawatt” basis could reveal the Northport plant is worth more than $3 billion.

Town spokesman A.J. Carter said in August that LIPA’s failure to produce the original documents was “arbitrary and capricious” and condemned the utility for “dragging their feet.”

On Dec. 19, Carter said the town is still waiting on LIPA to produce the full version of the Cathiness records and will continue to defend their position in court. In November, Hon. Patrick Leis III, the justice originally assigned to the case, recused himself and referred the legal proceeding to Hon. John Bivona.

The town’s other legal counsel, Garden City-based Stuart Besen of Besen and Trop, is scheduled for a Feb. 6 2014 appearance before Justice Emerson.

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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 26, 2013 • A11

2013 Year In Review Lowe’s Replaces Commack Multiplex

The Commack Multiplex was demolished in March, and a Lowe’s Home Improvement store, poised to open in early 2014, is now in its place.

By Kristen Schultheiss kschultheiss@longislandernews.com

One of Commack’s past trademark locations, the Commack Multiplex, closed its doors in September 2011, and over the 2013 year, Lowe’s Home Improvement has taken over the site.

Lowe’s demolished the movie theater, located right off the Long Island

Expressway and Sagtikos Parkway interchange, in March after months of waiting for approval from the Smithtown Planning Board.

The home improvement company purchased the 20-acre property in 2010 and allowed the move theater to stay open until the following year.

The Commack Multiplex opened in the early 1980s and reigned for almost 30

years. It was the first state-of-the-art complex of its kind and one of the only forms of entertainment in its area, drawing many dedicated customers.

In 2008, Tanger Outlets opened in Deer Park, and inside there is a Regal Deer Park Stadium 16 movie theater. This brand new theater provides IMAX and RPX movie viewings and drew many customers who used to attend the Commack

Multiplex.

The multiplex, run by National Amusements Inc., was reportedly sold to Lowe’s for $13 million.

According to a Lowe’s spokeswoman, the Commack store is expected to open in the first half of 2014. Job applications are being accepted by numerous online job sites.

Long Islander News photo/Kristen Schultheiss

Vanderbilt Shoots For The Stars

The Huntington Station Target is bustling after its October opening, after the property sat idle since the closing of the Huntington Townhouse.

Target Takes Huntington Station

By Kristen Schultheiss kschultheiss@longislandernews.com

Huntington Station’s new Target brought 250 jobs to the community when it opened in October. The 150,000 square-foot building took over the site of the former Huntington Townhouse on East Jericho Turnpike.

At the new Target, shoppers enjoy wide-ranging selections of grocery, hygienic and household products. A Starbucks coffee shop can also be found inside.

Target opened up to the community and held a job fair at Walt Whitman

High School at which the chain “mass hired” hundreds of employees, according to Store Leader Alan Yamaji.

Yamaji also said the Huntington branch is a one-of-a-kind in Suffolk County, because it has its own Optical Shop. The Huntington Station store has visual differences as well like its wider isles, white shelves and its “transcendent” brightly lit beauty section.

Target acquired the 124 E. Jericho Turnpike property after Lowe’s demolished the Huntington Townhouse but canceled plans to open there in November 2011.

The stars were out March 14 when the Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium reopened to the public during a special VIP reception.

Suffolk County’s Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium showed off its new luster March 14 for the first time following a $4milion renovation.

The facility’s interim director, Lance Reinehimer, said the grand opening was a landmark night for the Vanderbilt that was 15 years in the making.

“I am just beaming with pride, right here in my legislative district, that this day is finally a reality,” Legislator William Spencer said, later adding that the

Vanderbilt Planetarium is now one of the most advanced, sophisticated facilities of its kind in the United States.

In addition to the county’s $3.9-million investment, the museum raised more than $165,000 for the project through various fundraising endeavors. Of that sum, $100,000 came from longtime Trustee William Rogers and his wife, Mollie. The planetarium theater is now named in their honor, a nod to their longtime support of the Vanderbilt Museum.

A12 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 26, 2013

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2013 Year In Review New Walt Whitman Shops Finishes Serious Makeover 70,000 square-foot renovation adds 40 new retail, dining tenants Long Islander News photo/archives

By Jacqueline Birzon jbirzon@longislandernews.com

The Walt Whitman Shops in Huntington Station will ring in 2014 looking better than ever. After 18 months of construction and a 70,000 square-foot expansion, the Huntington Station shopping hub celebrated its official grand reopening late last month.

The renovation project – which included a name change from Walt Whitman “Mall” to “Shops,” the addition of over 40 new retail stores and several dining destinations – created over 1,500 construction jobs and 500-600 new jobs at the various new commercial centers.

Plans to renovate the 51-year-old shopping center began to materialize 10 years ago, and construction to spring those plans from blueprint to concrete officially began in late 2012.

Attracting renowned and premium retail brands to the Walt Whitman Road shopping destination was a cornerstone concept of the renovation project, adding name brands such as Henri Bendel, Anthropologie, Kate Spade, True Religion and Swarvoski to the Simon Property Group anchor.

To pay homage to Walt Whitman, the esteemed 19th-century poet whose poetry was once featured across the exterior of the building, the property group commissioned the construction of a 1,200-pound bronze statue of the writer pointing toward the Walt Whitman Birthplace across the road.

Extensive aesthetic improvements to

The Walt Whitman Shops celebrated the completion of an extensive renovation last month with a ribbon cutting to cap off 2013. both the interior and exterior, such as the addition of several pedestrian-friendly walkways, landscaping, modern lighting and upgraded seating areas also contributed

to the mall’s new and revitalized look.

The shopping destination welcomed a handful of new—and affordable—dining centers, including Brio Tuscan Grille,

Zinburger and CUPS Frozen Yogurt.

On Dec. 23, the shops will welcome P.F. Chang’s to its roster of dining destinations.

Owner Taps Out On Canterbury Ales English-style pub shuts down; Argentinian steakhouse slated to come in

By Jacqueline Birzon jbirzon@longislandernews.com

After 36 years of keeping delicious brews and the spirit of Huntington residents on tap, Aug. 30 marked the final “last call” for Canterbury Ales in the village. The 314 New York Ave. space, however, may serve as the new home to Sur Argentinian Steakhouse, which applied for a permitted use permit with the town in late October.

An unwavering, difficult economic climate coupled with an unforgiving tax audit forced Canterbury owner of 28 years, Billy Hoest, to shut the doors of his business late in the summer, leaving loyal patrons dismayed and distraught by the pub’s abrupt departure.

Hoest informed residents of the closure in an email on Aug. 26. He received an overwhelming amount of support from former customers and friends of the pub.

Hoest, 55, of Greenlawn, said last Thursday he is no longer in contact with

his former New York Avenue landlord and is currently looking to change career paths after admitting in August he owed the state well over $100,000 in back taxes. An overly “aggressive” audit, he said, forced him to make the emotional call to close shop.

“I’m not sure if I’ll be back in the industry at all. I run into people [former customers] all the time, and it warms me a little, but I really do miss it,” Hoest said.

When Hoest, who started working at the restaurant as a doorman, revealed news of the closure, hundreds of loyal customers flooded the restaurant’s Facebook page to express their disappointment over the loss.

Canterbury Ales of Huntington was the first bar on Long Island to carry Samuel Adams beer, according to the former owner.

Canterbury Ales owner Billy Hoest, inset, shut the doors on the 314 New York Ave. English-style pub for good in August this year after more than 28 years of business in the village.

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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 26, 2013 • A13

www.facebook.com/dinehuntington

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2013: A Year Of Dining Revisited

By The Foodies foodies@longislandernews.com

As reach the end of 2013, it’s time for a look back on some of our most memorable dining experiences. We welcomed new restaurants and revisited old favorites, all the while filling our bellies with the best.

It’s been a culinary journey that has brought us around the world with our taste buds, albeit without ever leaving our backyard. We started 2013 in Southeast Asia at Ting Restaurant (92 East Main St., Huntington 631-425-7788), took a jaunt over to Spice Village Grill (281 Main St., Huntington 631-271-9700) where authentic Indian and Pakistani cuisine take center stage, and made it to the halfway point with a delightful visit to Ravagh Persian Grill (335 Main St., Huntington 631-9232050).

Aegean influence was not far behind, as our visits to Skorpios (340 New York Ave., Huntington 631-549-8887) cheerfully reminded us that their fresh, neverfrozen lamb and beef gyro and light, flaky Spanakopita are must-haves. And fish lovers simply cannot afford to miss Neraki Greek Mediterranean Grill (273 Main St., Huntington village 631-3853474/FISH), where their offerings from the sea are second to none.

We punched our passport plenty in Italy, and were welcomed to Piccola Bussola (970 W. Jericho Turnpike, Huntington 631-692-6300) a family-dining destination approaching its 20th anniversary.

BiVio Ristorante (1801 E. Jericho Turnpike, Huntington 631-499-9133) also celebrated its first year at the point where Dix Hills, Elwood and Commack meet.

Osteria Da Nino (292 Main St., Huntington village 631-425-0820) brings Grandma’s kitchen to Main Street; we’ll never forget the melt-in-your-mouth Eggplant Parmesan, imported Bufala

Mozzarella from Campagna or Pagila e Fiero, a medley of spinach and semolina “hay-straw” pasta blended with wild mushrooms, cream and white truffle oil.

Italian-inspired New York Panini (9 Wall St., Huntington, 631-271-3540) changed its name, but little of its menu, meaning your old favorites are right where you left them; and neighboring Almarco Italian Grill (13 Wall St., Huntington 631-935-1690) and Sal D’s (208 Wall St., Huntington, 631-549-0643) are comfortable, familiar favorites.

Meanwhile, classic steakhouse ambiance – and out-of-this-world flavor – are all on tap at J. Michaels Tuscan Steakhouse (688 Fort Salonga Road, Northport 631-651-9411). The dryaged porterhouse for two is “like butter,” and, like all of J. Michaels steaks, is dryaged, tenderizing the meat for optimal dining pleasure.

For all-American pub food, you can’t beat Christopher’s Courtyard Café (8 Wall St., Huntington village 631-2710111) or Red (417 New York Ave., Huntington 631-673-0304) for a bit of new-American flair. Want dinner and a show? Swing by Grasso’s (134 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor 631-367-6060), bask in all that jazz and order the Bananas Foster for a fiery, fabulous tableside finish.

We continue to love The Chicken Coop (44 Gerard St., Huntington village, 631423-2667), Eddie and Allison Nobre’s second restaurant (their first is Portuguese hotspot Fado). At the Coop, which opened in March, a large, five-shelved “grilltisserie” takes center stage, dolling out tender on-the-bone chicken, as well as satisfying sandwiches, salads and sides.

Newcomer BlonDee’s (26 Clinton Ave., Huntington village, 631-673-1300) is a cozy breakfast and lunch spot, as well as trendy tapas restaurant at night.

Ideal Cheese and Wine Café brings the best in cheese and meat platters to Huntington.

Meanwhile, La Casa (445 Waterside Road, Northport, on the Crab Meadow Beach Pavilion, 631-757-7720) impressed us with not only its ocean view, but also its recent extensive renovations and a smashing Tortellini Cremosa.

One of our favorites this year was Storyville American Table (43 Green St., Huntington village), a New Orleans themed restaurant that opened over the summer. Connected to Finley’s, Storyville is tops in fried green tomatoes, popcorn firecracker crawfish and chicken-fried shrimp. We love the Fire and Rice Jambalaya.

New to the scene, Buoy One (279 Main St., Huntington village 631-923-2550) gave us a Hamptons feel without the drive, while Old Fields (81 Broadway, Greenlawn) proved its staying power with great burgers and steaks. Jonathan’s Ristorante (15 Wall St., Huntington, 631549-0055 ) continues to dazzle us, while Mac’s Steakhouse (12 Gerard St., Huntington village, 631-549-5300) and

Honu (363 New York Ave., Huntington, 631-421-6900) remain reliable upscale endeavors.

Huntington village hotspot Acacia (371 New York Ave., Huntington, 631-9232299), which opened in October, brought new meaning to going out for mussels, with a list of renditions that draw inspiration from around the world. It brings some happening nightlife activity to New York Avenue as well.

And the lunch crowd rejoiced when Ideal Cheese and Wine Café (308 Main St., Huntington, 631-923-3434) opened in November. Up front, find exquisite cheese and meats, and gourmet coffee from Georgio’s. In the café, choose from melts, salads, wings, pommes frites (fries) and more (get the Warm Maple Roasted Winter Squash Salad – trust us).

What is the point of this exercise? It’s really quite simple – no matter your taste or what you’re after, Huntington was, is, and continues to be the dining capital of Long Island.

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DINEHUNTINGTON .COM NICE ICE: We’ve seen some neat ice sculptures in our time, but a recent sushi restaurant opening takes the cake (or should we say roll?). Nisen Sushi (nisensushi.com), a mainstay on Jericho Turnpike in Commack, is expanding and celebrated the grand opening of its St. James location on Dec. 19. Located at the intersection of Middle Country Road and Route 347, Nisen 347 is two stories of trendy, contemporary sushi and Japanese cuisine. A big party celebrated the opening, where a

pretty neat ice sculpture proudly proclaimed “Nisen 347.” Congratulations to owner Tom Lam, who also has plans to open another Nisen on Route 110 in the home of the former Barolo in Melville.

MORE UGLY SWEATERS: We aren’t sure when Ugly Sweater Contests became a Christmas tradition, but we like it. Wear your worst to Christopher’s Courtyard Café (8 Wall St., Huntington 631-2710111) on Saturday, Dec. 29, 10 p.m.-1 a.m.

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A14 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 26, 2013

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2013 Year In Review Uproar Over The Common Core Long Islander News photos/archives

By Jacqueline Birzon jbirzon@longislandernews.com

In the past year since its seemingly subtle phase-in to classrooms throughout the state in 2010, Common Core has become a household term for families with children throughout the area.

The federally approved, state-mandated “college and career” readiness standards have stirred up extreme controversy among parents, educators and administrators throughout Long Island when students performed poorly on assessments, forcing local legislatures to act.

State Senator John Flanagan (R-East Northport) sponsored hearings across New York where stakeholders outlined endless concerns over student privacy, over-testing, the impact the new learning modules have on student self-esteem and how teacher instruction is affected.

After analyzing the testimony from the various hearings, Flanagan, chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Education, submitted legislation for Governor Andrew Cuomo and New York State Board of Regents Chancellor Meryl Tisch to consider. At the forefront of the recommendations, which included four bills, was the issue of student privacy and the potentially harmful impact of uploading student testing information to a cloud-based data network.

Parents and school district officials across the area have accused New York State Education Commissioner John King of ignoring the best interests of the children. A handful of Common Core opponents have urged the commissioner to step

Parents and school officials turned out in force to address Senator John Flanagan and Commissioner John King on the Common Core. down from his position.

The uproar over the Common Core started to take shape in the public eye this past summer, when school districts began to receive student scores for state-mandated assessments testing students in grades 3-8 using the new, more rigorous standards.

Students across New York State performed significantly worse than in past years, however King said from the start that he anticipated student scores to drop.

When English language arts (ELA) and math assessment scores started to trickle

in, results indicated only 31.1 percent of students met or exceeded proficiency standards in ELA while 31 percent did so in math.

One week before results were made public, King warned school districts that results this year would be “significantly lower,” declining in proficiency from 30 to 40 percent from last year’s scores due to the statewide implementation of the Common Core, designed to promote critical thinking among adolescents.

Results from this year’s test released last

week proved the commissioner was true to his word. Last year’s results show 64.8 percent of students statewide met or exceeded New York standards for math while 55.1 percent met or exceeded the English proficiency standard.

This year, students were assigned a scaled score to determine proficiency and were assigned corresponding scores or were ranked in a “performance level,” 1 through 4, with level 4 corresponding with subject mastery while level 1 students were deemed “well below proficient.”

Administrators and board of education trustees from the Half Hollow Hills, Commack, Northport-East Northport, Cold Spring Harbor, Elwood, Harborfields, Huntington and South Huntington school districts have expressed disdain over the implications the new standards have on teacher performance and student self-efficacy. Most district representatives have said it is not necessarily the new standards they have a problem with but rather the hasty implementation of the new curriculum.

By the end of 2013, 45 states had adopted the Common Core standards.

The brainchild of federal policymakers, the Common Core standards were adopted

by New York state in 2010 and were fully implemented in the 2012-2013 school year. In 2001, Congress passed the No Child Left Behind act, which allowed states to establish and develop their own student assessments to measure progress.

To address gaps in measurement and achievement between states, the Obama administration called for the national set of Common Core standards.

Village Parking Stirs Controversy

By Jacqueline Birzon jbirzon@longislandernews.com

The long-awaited parking study may be over, but the Town of Huntington is hardly stalling in taking action to address ongoing concerns over a lack of parking in Huntington village.

Since the results of a $30,000 parking study, funded by a consortium of stakeholders including the Huntington Village Business Improvement District (BID), the Town Economic Development

Corporation, the Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce, The Paramount and the town, were released in August, town officials have considered countless measures to alleviate stress over parking.

The study analyzed parking utilization during three different time frames to determine areas where parking was consistently in high demand and offered suggestions based on their analysis.

While the study, conducted by Manhattan-based consulting firm Nelson\Nygaard, did not implore the town

Bamboo Laws Spreading Long Islander News photo/archives

After more than a year of hearings, debates and revisions, legislation to regulate the planting and spread of running bamboo was adopted in what felt like the blink of an eye April 9.

Immediately following the third public hearing on the topic, Councilwoman Susan Berland, Supervisor Frank Petrone and Councilman Mark Mayoka voted to enact a series of regulations that sets a $250-$500 fine for allowing bamboo to grow into a neighbor’s property and a $1,000 fine for intentionally planting running bamboo.

Months later, the legislation spread to Northport Village, where the board voted Dec. 3 to enact similar restrictions. Northport Village’s law will take effect before spring 2014.

-SCHRAFEL

Legislation designed to curb invasive bamboo in Huntington spread throughout the town in 2013.

to build an above-ground, three-to-fourstory parking structure, it suggested the town maximize on space that is already available before building a new parking garage.

Supervisor Frank Petrone, however, commissioned two community leaders, David Walsdorf, president of Walsdorf Insurance Agency, and Bob Scheiner, vice president of H2M Architect Solutions, to spearhead a subcommittee that is currently probing the potential for a parking structure in the village.

Petrone said on Thursday that he would like the see plans for a parking structure come to life for the village before he leaves office in 2018.

“I’m not against it. The village is flourishing, and it is only going to make our downtown better. We’re looking at the [possibility] right now, and I foresee [plans] happening in the near future,” Petrone said.

The town has already adopted at least one of the measures suggested in the findings, and will be installing at least 28 centralized munimeter paid parking systems throughout the town some time in 2014.

The system will meter more than 1,000 parking spots and will be used to “eliminate traffic congestion.” It will be funded through a $300,000 bond.

The parking study also suggested the town implement a tiered parking fee structure to encourage customers parking outside of high-demand “core” areas, mainly identified as on-street parking spaces along Main Street and New York Avenue.

Some village merchants have come out in force, protesting the “aggressive” parking enforcement and the overall lack of access to parking. Some restaurant employees have said their businesses are suffering significantly because of lost business since customers who cannot find parking wind up going somewhere else where parking is not an issue.

The town in 2014 expects to generate more than $3 million in revenue from increased parking meter fees and strict enforcement of parking codes. The $3.6 million in revenue comprises nearly 2 percent of the town’s total revenue next year after hourly meter fees will increase from $0.25 to $1.

Town officials also plan to upgrade and meter more than 1,000 parking spots by installing a new, central station parking system. According to the budget, a munimeter system will increase revenue by $2.5 million and eliminate traffic congestion. It will be funded through a $300,000 bond.

Public Safety generated an estimated $232,000 in revenue from parking meter fees in 2012 and $1.39 million in 2013, and received nearly $950,000 in 2013 and anticipates over $1.25 million in revenue from parking violation fines in 2014.

In 2011, the Public Safety Department issued 9,123 parking summons, and issued 14,000 summonses in 2012—a 53percent increase from the year prior. In 2013, estimated a total of 25,000 parking summonses were issued.

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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 26, 2013 • A15

2013 Year In Review How ‘Sweet’ It Is! Swap Yields Fruit Long-awaited deal to create Sweet Hollow Park, senior housing, temple comes to fruition

By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandernews.com

Supervisor Frank Petrone bows to Senior Swami Yagna Vallabh during a brick-laying ceremony Oct. 27 to symbolically set the foundation of a new BAPS mandir in Melville.

Jack Is Back!

Long Islander News photo/archives

For many in the Melville community, 2013 was the year they saw three pieces of a puzzle fit together perfectly – Sweet Hollow Park on Round Swamp Road near Old Country Road; a 261-unit affordable senior development called The Club on Deshon Drive; and, sharing the 18 acres with that development, a new temple for the BAPS religious organization.

After more than a decade of waiting, ceremonial grand-opening ceremonies came within a day of each other for both projects at Deshon Drive, the culmination of a complex three-way land swap deal.

CP Development Partners, the developer of The Club at Melville, joined town officials and community leaders Oct. 29 to break ground on the 261-unit affordable senior community.

“Today’s groundbreaking marks the celebration of the cooperation between so many parties,” said Jane Gol, president of Continental Ventures Realty, one of the partners. “Today is the culmination of the efforts of so many people.”

When finished, the community will boast “lush gardens, wooded areas, a pond and gazebo” and a 4,000-square foot clubhouse including a fitness center, common room with fireplace and a lounge. Per a covenant attached to the property, the senior homes must remain affordable in perpetuity.

Two days earlier, on Oct. 27, more than 1,500 people from across New York State came to the site of the same Melville parcel to participate in a sacred ritual to set the foundation of the BAPS (Bochasanwasi

Shree Akshar Purushottam)’s new mandir.

Senior Swami Sadhu Yagnavallabhdas placed the first brick and was followed by members of the community who laid the foundational bricks for the northeast corner of the mandir. The mandir is expected to include spaces for children’s activities, a gym, a prayer hall, an assembly hall and more, officials said, and the BAPS hope to break ground as early as spring 2014.

The BAPS originally planned to build their mandir on Old Country Road at the former site of Meyer’s Farm, but later brokered a deal with civic leaders and Town Hall to move to Deshon Drive.

The final piece of the puzzle – Sweet Hollow Park at the former Meyer’s Farm on Round Swamp Road – also came into focus this year. In late October, Melville civic leaders revealed that preliminary plans include walking trails, chess tables, bocce, tennis and basketball courts and plantings and possibly outside exercise equipment for adults. The design moves the most active uses, like basketball courts, close to Old Country Road to reduce noise and visual impacts to residential neighbors. The town is also pursuing grants for the focal point of the park – a statue evoking the roots of the Sweet Hollow community, as well as the cultural identity of the BAPS. The year did not begin as smoothly as it ended. Jan. 17 litigation by Melville resident Peter Nichols, a 2009 Conservative candidate for town supervisor, sought to put the kibosh on the projects. However, with a $1-million counterclaim looming, Nichols dropped his suit Feb. 22, allowing the developers and the BAPS to complete necessary land transactions and get final approvals from the town in March.

TD Bank Opening Changes Downtown’s Landscape Long Islander News photo/archives

Students get a helping hand from Rep. Steve Israel as they cut the ribbon to start their first day at the Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School in Huntington Station.

By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandernews.com

One by one, students trickled off the school buses outside the Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School on Sept. 4, loaded up with books, backpacks and lunches for the first day of classes since the Huntington Station school was closed to kids three years ago.

The students coming off the bus were among the first 150 students to study in the Huntington School District’s new science, technology engineering and mathematics-focused program.

The school, located on Lowndes Avenue, was closed in 2010 amidst rising concerns of violent crime in the surrounding community. But rather than frame the first day as a reopening of Jack Abrams School, Congressman Steve Israel, of Huntington, said it instead marks the birth of new opportu-

nities for Huntington students.

“The most important lesson we learned today at this school is that we never give up on our schools. We never give up on our communities, and we never give up on our children,” Israel said, surrounded by students. “That’s why we’re here today… We turn challenges into opportunity.”

In addition to Israel, students were welcomed by Superintendent Jim Polansky, their new STEM coach, Rae Montesano, and hundreds of well wishers.

“From the get-go, this has been an exciting prospect for all of us,” said Polansky, who added that at least two sixth-grade sections will be added for the 2014-2015 school year.

Polansky said the school’s educational methodology is focused on inquirybased learning with an emphasis on problem solving.

Officials cut a very expensive ribbon Aug. 10 during TD Bank’s grand opening ceremonies.

After years of controversy over the fate of the northeast corner of New York Avenue and Fairground Street, once home to the former Hotel Huntington, TD Bank opened its doors Aug. 10 in Huntington village.

The corner initially came to life when the Hotel Huntington was built in 1929.

Department store chain Oppenheim Collins occupied the site in 1951 before the property was sold to high-end woman’s dress store Millicent Kalt in

1967. It became Woolley’s in 1976 and the Aboff Building in 1984 until tenant and Advantage Title owner Joseph Willen purchased the property for his company in 2003.

Amid public criticism, Willen abandoned plans to refurbish the structure and agreed to lease the property to TD Bank.

The structure was then leveled and a new 4,451 square-foot bank with three drivethrough lanes in the back was built in its place.

A16 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 26, 2013

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Want to get your open houses listed? Get your listings for free on this page every week in the Long Islander News. Call Associate Publisher Peter Sloggatt at 631-427-7000 or send an e-mail to psloggatt@longislandernews.com.

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2013 Year In Review Saving Sagamore?

Long Islander News photo/archives

By Jacqueline Birzon jbirzon@longislandernews.com

In the short six months since the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) announced plans to close Sagamore Children’s Psychiatric Center next July, Sagamore stakeholders have made it clear they refuse to take the news lying down.

A grassroots campaign started has flourished into an Island-wide initiative that has gained the support of Huntington town officials as well as members of the New York State Assembly and Senate.

An online petition urging the OMH and Governor Andrew Cuomo to “Save Sagamore” from closing next summer had garnered over 7,500 signatures as of Friday. Legislation is pending in both the senate and assembly that, if passed, would protect the facility and its in-patient operations from closure.

On Dec. 16, a bipartisan cohort of assemblymen and senators toured the Dix Hills facility, the only state psychiatric hospital on Long Island, in an effort to keep the facility operating in its current form.

In July the OMH announced plans to consolidate state-run psychiatric facilities throughout New York into Regional Centers of Excellence (RCE) that would rely heavily on using community resources and less on the role of in-patient treatment. The RCE holds stark implications for patients and staff at Sagamore— all would be relocated to an RCE facility in either Queens or the Bronx.

Current and former staff, including past Executive Director Dr. Dennis Dubey,

Dozens rallied last month to force the state to keep Sagamore Children’s Psychiatric Center in Dix Hills open. have come out in force, quick to rush to Sagamore’s defense. Dubey and dozens of others have testified at several hearings, sponsored by the state senate, on the RCE plan. Those who have received treatment at the Dix Hills facility have said the level of care Sagamore offers is inimitable, treating patients holistically with respect to their individual needs.

Sagamore supporters in December hoped that news of the governor’s plans to keep two state-run facilities in the cities of Binghamton and Elmira, both in Western New York, indicates potential for Sagamore staying open. Cuomo announced the news Dec. 19 after local officials in the Southern Tier region “raised a lot of good points” about the possible effects the closures would have on residents and stakeholders in the region.

A Better Route 110

By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandernews.com

A year and a half after the 65-year-old bridge spanning the Northern State Parkway at exit 40 in Melville was torn down, a $60-million project to improve traffic flow along Route 110 is just about finished.

As part of the New York Route 110Northern State Parkway Interchange project, workers replaced the Northern State Parkway bridge over Route 110, reconfigured all of its ramps, installed new sidewalks along each side of Route 110 and added a travel lane on Route 110 in each direction with hopes of making it easier to traverse for the 120,000 daily motorists and pedestrians who use it.

Completion of the Exit 40 interchange overhaul is a major step toward completing a three-part, $100-million-plus overhaul of Route 110. Construction on a 2mile stretch of Route 110 between the Long Island Expressway and Northern State Parkway – the final leg of those three projects that began four years ago – got started in late June.

The $22.4-million project spans from the LIE’s North Service Road to Amityville Road and will yield three continuous travel lanes in each direction; enhanced pedestrian signals and crosswalks with continuous sidewalks that meet

American With Disabilities Act requirements; upgraded drainage systems; pavement resurfacing; new traffic signals with improved timing and coordination; and landscape plantings. The project is expected to be finished by the end of 2014 or early in 2015, state officials said.

Those two projects complement an overhauled Route 110 bridge over the LIE, which was completed in the latter stages of 2011 and cost more than $28 million.

Further east, a new project – a revamp of the Northern State’s Route 42 interchange at Route 231 near the Dix Hills Fire Department headquarters – is on the horizon. The project, which is slated to go out to bid in the summer of 2015, calls for combining Northern State Parkway exits 42S and 42N into one exit ramp at the Route 231/Northern State Parkway interchange, according to the state DOT. They would also remove the west sidewalk along Route 231 under the Northern State Parkway bridge in order to create an additional lane, resulting in two thru-traffic lanes and a dedicated left-turn lane from southbound Route 231 to the Northern State Parkway eastbound entrance ramp.

Construction on the Exit 42 overhaul project, which is estimated to cost $6 million, is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2015 with a goal of a fall 2016 completion date.

THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 26, 2013 • A17

A18 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 26, 2013 THURSDAY Share Your Life

Every Thursday except holidays, “Sharing Our Lives” at the Women’s Center of Huntington, 125 Main St., Huntington, gives women in the later stages of life a chance to share joys and concerns and in turn receive support and confidentiality. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $10 members/$15 non-members, per session. Advance registration: 631-549-0485.

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Calendar O M M U N I T Y

FRIDAY Holiday Thrift Shop

Visit Commack Methodist Church’s Thrift Shoppe, 486 Townline Road, Commack 631499-7310 every Saturday before Christmas in December for great yuletide bargains. Huge after-Christmas sale on Friday, Dec. 27. Shop closed on New Year’s Eve.

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

AUDITIONS & SUBMISSIONS

SUNDAY

MONDAY Red Is For Passion

Love the color red and enjoy living it up? The Red Hat women are looking for new members who enjoy going places and making new friends. Their motto: Fun, Frolic and Friendship. 631-271-6470 or flarpp@yahoo.com.

TUESDAY Mommy and Me Classes

The Chai Center hosts Mommy and Me classes every Tuesday. Limit of 10 students per class. Walkers: 12 months and up 9:45-11 a.m.; Crawlers: 6-12 months 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Stretch, Sing, dance and bond with your toddler, and meet other Jewish moms. Register by phone or online: Chai Tots Preschool, 501 Vanderbilt Parkway, Dix Hills. 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 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.

Power Breakfast

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

AT THE LIBRARIES Cold Spring Harbor Library

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

• Meet new friends and use your imagination to build creations with Legos at Lego club.

Meets Thursday, Dec. 26, for grades K-6

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

• On Jan. 18 at 7:30 p.m., the Wild Women of Comedy presents a showcase of female comedians. Producers Kit Stewart and Anne LiPuma sold out last year’s performance, so get your tickets early. Tickets are $20, $25, and $30.

350 Main St., Northport. www.johnwengemantheater.com. 631-261-2900.

• It’s going to be a “White Christmas” in Northport as Engeman’s latest production takes the stage through Jan. 5.

• “Frosty!”, part of the children’s theater, plays: Saturdays at 11 a.m. and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. through Jan. 5 with a special performance on Friday, Dec. 27 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Live Music

The Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum hosts a Penguin Dance Party Dec. 29, 12-3 p.m. Enjoy ice pops, get your face painted and hit the dance floor. Wear black and white! Free with admission to the museum. 279 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor, 631-367-3418. www.cshwhalingmuseum.org.

Dix Hills Performing Arts Center

John W. Engeman Theater At Northport

SATURDAY

Penguin Dance Party

• Keep the holiday spirit going by watching “The Nutcracker” on Saturday, Dec. 28 at 12 p.m. The Nutcracker tells a story of Clara who was given a nutcracker doll for Christmas. After the doll breaks, Clara cares for the doll, which later saves her from the evil mouse king. For ages 10 and up, this is a Christmas tale for the whole family.

‘White Christmas’, Even After Dec. 25 Bring your children to the Vanderbilt Museum for “Winter Wonders,” a program which shows how animals tackle the cold. 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport. Jan. 25 or 26, 10 – 11:30 a.m. or 1 – 2:30 p.m. $18/child with parent, pre-registration required.

631-239-1800. from 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

• Families can create sparkling pasta snowflakes to celebrate the winter season on Saturday, Dec. 28 from 2-4 p.m.

Commack Public Library

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

• On Thursday, Dec. 26, continue in the holiday festivities. From 11 a.m. to noon the library will be having a baking class on how to bake a snowman cake that you can share with friends and family.

• Join Joy Oddo in a lively program of music, toys, and games for toddlers on Monday, Dec. 30 from 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. A parent or guardian may remain with the child during the event, but older siblings may not attend.

Deer Park Public Library

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

• Through a grant from New York State, the Deer Park Library is happy to offer 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.

• Come and find out the answers to life’s difficult questions in Steve Petra’s Big Mouth Talent Show puppet show on Friday, Dec. 27, 3-4 p.m.

Elwood Public Library

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

• Homework Help for grades 1-5 is now available at the library on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons from 3:30-5:30 p.m.

Call 631-499-3722 to make an appointment.

• Come and attend the Friday Afternoon Movie on Friday, Dec. 27 from 1-3 p.m.

Half Hollow Hills Community Library

Dix Hills: 55 Vanderbilt Parkway. 631-4214530; Melville: 510 Sweet Hollow Road. 631421-4535. hhhlibrary.org.

• The Mother’s Club of Wheatley Heights, in conjunction with the Concerned Fathers of Wheatley Heights and the Library, presents a Kwanzaa Celebration on Friday, Dec. 27, 6:30 p.m. in Dix Hills.

• Meet some friendly certified therapy dogs that love to listen to you read on Saturday, Dec. 28 from 10:30-11 a.m. Sign up for a 15minute timeslot. This is open to children entering grades K-5.

Harborfields Public Library

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

• Children in first and second grade are invited

to a morning of baking chocolate chip cookies, listening to stories, and making crafts on Thursday, Dec. 26 from 3-4 p.m.

• Enjoy a showing of the movie “Grown Ups 2” on Friday, Dec. 27 from 1-3 p.m. This is open to teens and pizza will be provided.

Huntington Public Library

Main Branch: 338 Main St., Huntington. 631427-5165. Station Branch: 1335 New York Ave., Huntington Station.

631-421-5053. www.thehuntingtonlibrary.org.

• If you need help staying in shape before, during, and after the holiday break, you can attend the body sculpting class held at the library on Fridays from 9:30-10:30 a.m.

• Plaza Theatrical Productions presents “Jack Frost” on Sunday, Dec. 29 from 3-4 p.m. This charming children’s musical tells of a girl so beautiful that she melts the heart of Jack Frost.

Northport-East Northport Public Library

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

• On Thursday, Dec. 26 from 6:45-8 p.m., teen volunteers will help younger children learn the challenging but rewarding game of chess.

• On Friday, Dec. 27, practice the tricky art known as origami. A class will be held with Ann Soper from 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

South Huntington Public Library

145 Pidgeon Hill Road, Huntington Station.

631-549-4411. www.shpl.info.

• On Tuesdays from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Tai Chi classes are held with instructor Gwen DeVercelly in order for you to learn how to better your mind, body, and soul.

• The Friends of the Library's 50th Anniversary Community Cookbook is now available for sale! It contains recipes contributed by friends and neighbors right here in South Huntington. From Asian Cocktail Meatballs and Hasselback Potatoes to Sauerbraten and Zucchini Bread, there are sure to be recipes that your family will love. $10 at the circulation desk.

THEATER and FILM Cinema Arts Centre

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

• See Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison on the Cinema’s big screen in “My Fair Lady” on Thursday, Dec. 26 at 7 p.m. $11/Public, $6/Members, $7/Students & Seniors, $4.50/Children under 12.

Choral Auditions

All voices are needed for the Northport Chorale’s spring semester. Auditions are at Northport High School in the Choir Room on Wednesday, Jan. 8 and 15 at 7 p.m. Bring two pieces of music. For more info contact Sue at 631-754-3144 or Pearl at 631-239-6736 or visit www.northportchorale.org.

Short Play Festival

The Minstrel Players are accepting submissions for “Scenes from the Zone,” its third annual short play festival. Deadline for submissions is Jan. 15, 2014, via email to ray@minstrelplayers.org. Performances will be Saturday, July 26 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, July 27 at 3 p.m., at Houghton Hall Theatre in Northport Village. For more info, rules and specifications, call 631-732-2926 or visit the Players on Facebook or at www.minstrelplayers.org or on Facebook.

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.

• Paintings, drawings, collage, photography, print-making, ceramics, sculpture, jewelry, and fiber arts, all handcrafted by student and professional artists will be on view in the Jeanie Tengelsen Gallery through Jan. 5.

b.j. spoke gallery

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

• “Sell-a-bration 2013”, on display Nov. 27-Dec. 30, is a display of fine art: paintings, photography, sculpture and crafts filling the galleries from floor to ceiling.

Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery

1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor. Open seven days a week, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday and Sundays until 6 p.m.: $6 adults; $4 children 3-12 and seniors over 65; members and children under 3 are free. 516-692-6768. www.cshfha.org.

• Attend a Multimedia Presentation & Print Exhibition by Michael Fairchild on Jan. 12

(Continued on page A19)

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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 26, 2013 • A19

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more. Contact Nati or Sara at 631-351-8672 or fcchaicenter@gmail.com

from 4-6 p.m. Join for Fairchild’s photo exhibition and audio-visual presentation “Myanmar, a Land Lost in Time and the Ancient Kingdoms of Laos and Cambodia” to benefit the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium.

(Continued from page A18)

Be A Friend Of The Bay

Friends of the Bay is in need of volunteers who can help convert water quality data, which is currently kept in an excel sheet, into a Microsoft Access database. Assistance is also needed with ArcView GIS, to configure maps of the watershed. Call 516-922-6666 or email info@friendsofthebay.org.

Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum

279 Main Street, Cold Spring Harbor. 631-3673418. www.cshwhalingmuseum.org.

• Warm up at the hot cocoa station and enjoy the exhibits on Dec. 31. Members are free.

fotofoto Gallery

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

• Enjoy the 9th National Competition Winners Exhibition until Dec. 29. Photographers from the United States submitted over 1000 images for the juror, David Lewis, to pore over. In the end, he selected 36 images from 30 artists.

Be A Host Family

Huntington Sanctuary is seeking families or individual adults to become Host Homes, which provide temporary shelter to youth between ages 12-17 who are experiencing a family crisis. Contact Jennifer Petti at 631-2712183 for more information.

Penguin Dance Party!

The Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum hosts a Penguin Dance Party Dec. 29, 12-3 p.m. Enjoy ice pops, get your face painted and hit the dance floor. Wear black and white! Free with admission to the museum. 279 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor, 631367-3418. www.cshwhalingmuseum.org.

Gallery Thirty Seven

12b School Street, Northport. www.gallerythirtyseven.com.

• Visit Northport’s newest gallery and check out the resident artists.

Heckscher Museum Of Art

2 Prime Ave., Huntington. Museum hours: Wednesday - Friday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., first Fridays from 4-8:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission $68/adults, $4-6/seniors, and $4-5/children; members and children under 10 free. 631-3513250.

• Get half-off your admission price in December by bringing a food donation.

Proceeds will be given to Long Island Cares: The Harry Chapin Food Bank.

• “Rabble-Rousers: Art, Dissent, and Social Commentary”, on display until March 16, features works from the Permanent Collection by artists who challenged traditional aesthetics, politics, and social norms. Highlights include prints by Whistler, Rauschenberg, John Sloan, Larry Rivers, and May Stevens; photographs by Larry Fink and Garry Winogrand; and paintings by William Beard and George Grosz, among others.

Holocaust Memorial And Tolerance Center

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

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

• The permanent exhibit explains the 1920s increase of intolerance, the reduction of human rights, and the lack of intervention that enabled the persecution and mass murder of millions of Jews and others: people with disabilities, Roma and Sinti (Gypsies), Jehovah’s Witnesses, gays and Polish intelligentsia.

Huntington Arts Council

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

• “Making an Impression II” printmaking exhibit is on display in the main gallery through Jan. 27, with an opening reception Friday, Jan. 3, 2014, 6-8 p.m.

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 A-Changing – 1960s & Huntington’s Response” on display at the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Building.

• A Jan. 16 Lunch & Learn lecture and discussion at Black & Blue restaurant in Huntington village will begin 12:30 p.m. and runs for approximately two hours. $45 for non-members, $40 for members. Price includes gourmet, three-course meal. Reservations are required.

LaMantia Gallery

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

• Following the success of their display of

exclusive featuring never-before-seen Dr. Seuss artwork, the gallery displays a permanent collation of estate-authorized art.

Northport Historical Society Museum

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

• The new permanent exhibit, “Our Stories: the History of a Community,” transforms half of the Society’s gallery space into a timeline, tracing the history of the Northport-East Northport community and rarely seen photos and artifacts from the Society’s collection.

Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium

180 Little Neck Road, Centerport. Museum hours through April 15: 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. 631-854-5555. www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

• The Arena Players Children's Theater presents “The Toys Take Over Christmas” in the Carriage House Theater. In the story, a toymaker uses his magic to make dolls that are most realistic. But he refuses to sell any of them. One Christmas Eve, they all come to life and find their way into the hearts of children. Performances are Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m. through Sunday, Dec. 29.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for children, and children under 3 are free. For more information and to make reservations, call Arena Players at 516-293-0674.

• The Arena Players Repertory Theater presents the Bill Manhoff comedy “The Owl and the Pussycat,” opening Friday, Dec. 27 at the Carriage House Theater. The play will run through Sunday, Jan. 19.

Walt Whitman Birthplace

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

Admission: $6 adults, $5 seniors, $4 students, and children under 5 are free. 631-427-5240, ext. 114. 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. 113. educator@waltwhitman.org.

MUSIC & DANCE The Paramount

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

• The Lauryn Hill concert scheduled for Dec. 26 has been postponed to Jan. 26. Tickets $75, $100.

• Rock in the New Year as Dark Star Orchestra: Cosmic New Year’s 2013-2014 plays Dec. 30 and Dec. 31 at 8:30 p.m.

Ridotto, Concerts “with a Touch of Theatre” • Pianist Inna Faliks plays a concert Sunday, Jan. 12, 4 p.m. in the Huntington Jewish Center, 510 Park Ave., Huntington. Tickets are $5 children, $18 members, $20 seniors, $25 adults. Reservations recommended: 631-385-0373 or Ridotto@optonline.net.

Helping Furry Friends

Little Shelter Animal Rescue and Adoption Center is looking for volunteers who want to make a difference in the lives of animals. Free training provided. Visit www.littleshelter.com or call 631-368-8770 ext. 204.

Walt Whitman Birthplace

DONATIONS WELCOME Help The Troops Call Home

Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci’s Huntington Station district office is an official drop-off site for Cell Phones for Soldiers. To help the troops call home by donating your old cell phone, stop by or mail your phone to 1783 New York Ave., Huntington Station, 11746. 631-271-8025.

VOLUNTEERING Cosmetologists Wanted

Hospice Care Network is seeking New York State-licensed cosmetologists to provide 2-4 haircuts per month for community members facing life-limiting illnesses. Download an 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. 631-427-3700 ext.

240.

Artistically Gifted Needed

The Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Commack is seeking artistically gifted volunteers to partner with residents in a new program, “heART to heART” aimed at helping people with varying levels of cognitive ability express themselves through art. Contact Judie at 516-931-5036 or jatlas1@optonline.net.

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 631-979-9490 ext.12 for more information.

Friends At Home

Looking to earn some community service hours while changing a life? As part of the Friends@Home program, a project of The Ariella's Friendship Circle at the Chai Center in Dix Hills, visit a child with special needs in an environment they are most comfortable: their own homes. Together, bake cookies, play games, create arts and crafts, read books and

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.

Helping Runaway Kids

Share your ideas and opinions on how Huntington Sanctuary, a program of the Huntington Youth Bureau, can help youth ages 12-21 who run away or who are at risk of running away. The group’s advisory board meets one Thursday a month at 6 p.m. Call 631-2712183.

Eyes For The Blind

Suffolk County’s Helen Keller Services is looking for volunteers to visit blind who are homebound to socialize and aid in reading mail, possibly provide transportation. 631-424-0022.

Help American Red Cross

The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization that provides relief to victims of disaster and helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. The Suffolk County Chapter is looking for volunteers to assist in emergency shelters, at fires and natural disasters, with veterans, at community events or at the office. Free trainings provided.

631-924-6700 ext 212.

Time For Meals On Wheels

Meals On Wheels of Huntington is in need of men and women to be volunteers, who work in teams, delivering midday meals to shut-ins.

Two hours required, one day a week.

Substitutes also needed to fill in when regular drivers are unavailable. There is also a pressing need for nurses who can volunteer to screen potential clients. Times are flexible.

631-271-5150.

Nursing/Rehab Center Needs Help

Our Lady of Consolation, a 450-bed nursing and rehabilitative care center located at 111 Beach Drive in West Islip, is seeking compassionate individuals willing to volunteer their time as transporters, Eucharistic Ministers, office assistants, recreational therapy assistants and spiritual care companions.

Volunteers needed seven days a week, days and evenings. Age 14 and older only. 631-5871600, ext. 8223 or 8228.

Be A Day Care Provider

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

10 days prior to publication date.

Send to Community Calendar at 145 East Main Street, Huntington, NY 11743, or e-mail to info@longislandernews.com

A20 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 26, 2013

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P U Z Z L E CRYPTOQUIP

CDEPT CVE VHWGTAT T P C P V T LT KWZIIHIQ CE LSI EBB ZIG QTC DHCFDTG, ASC CEIHQDC CDT ZICTWEKT FZI’C TWEKT Today’s Cryptoquip clue: C equals T ©2013 by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

Answer to City Folks

P u bl i s h e d D e c e m b e r 1 9 , 2 0 1 3

ANSWER TO LAST WEEK’S CRYPTOQUIP IF YOU’RE VERY GOOD AT CREATING OPENINGS IN DOORS FOR IDENTIFYING VISITORS, I RECKON YOU HAVE PEEPHOLE SKILS. Published December 19, 2013 ©2013 by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

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PA G E

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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 26, 2013 • A21

In Memoriam in January 1963, when Flynn was supervisor, for $510,000.

Flynn was supervisor from 19601965. During Flynn’s tenure and under his vision, the town adopted the first code of ethics, created the first master plan of any town in New York State, and developed the first municipal recreation and parks program in Suffolk County, which was recognized by President Kennedy as a model for towns across the country. That development included the purchase of land and the building of Crab Meadow Golf Course in Northport and Dix Hills Park.

Lawrence Kushnick

Leland Hairr

Larry Kushnick, 51, Huntington Chamber Chair

being,” said Hairr’s daughter, Mary Buckholtz. “I don’t think there was one defining moment with my dad—it was really just the culmination of him being there to raise all of us while juggling his career and maintaining a home, and he did just a great job.”

Hairr moved with his family in 1972 to Huntington, where he raised his three children and became senior vice president of the environmental division of Equitable Environmental Health, Inc., a subsidiary of Equitable Life Assurance Society.

In 1979, Hairr co-founded Energy & Environmental Analysts, Inc., where he served as president until the company was acquired by Huntington Stationbased GEI Consultants, Inc., a national environmental consulting firm. His background in physics, engineering and science contributed to his love for the environment professionally and politically after he was elected Mayor in 1999.

Remembered by fellow mayors as a “true gentleman” and an “elegant leader,” he remained active in community affairs all through his eight-year illness.

Huntington was left reeling earlier this year when Lawrence A. Kushnick, the newly appointed chairman of the Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce, died suddenly June 3 at his Huntington home at age 51.

His friends and colleagues remember him as a persistent, omnipresent, beloved leader who served the community humbly and eagerly.

“Everything you looked at – every time you turned, Larry was quietly there,” former chamber chairman Jim Kelly said.

Bob Bontempi, whom Kushnick took over for as chairman, remembered his friend as a “huge, huge advocate for the community – a selfless supporter of Huntington and doing the right thing.”

Sworn in May 21 to lead the chamber, Kushnick was attorney for a quartercentury who focused on construction and business litigation. He launched his own law firm in 1997.

Kushnick first got involved in the Huntington Chamber about 15 years ago when he began working on the Long Island Fall Festival at Huntington, held every year in Heckscher Park.

As time went on and he proved his mettle, the chamber invited Kushnick to join the board, and his climb to the top of the organization began. Leadership Huntington, which Kushnick graduated from in 1997, was a “catalyst” in learning how to give back. It was also one of many organizations in which Kushnick got involved as a board member.

In recent years, he was active in Huntington Station revitalization efforts and was a key player in coordinating the annual Huntington Station Awareness Day parade and street fairs.

Dee Thompson, the executive director of the Huntington Station Enrichment Center, said at the time that Huntington lost “a pillar of the community.”

“I just can’t believe it. He’s such a good person,” she said. “He’s been a member of my family for years – he’s my lawyer, he was on the Enrichment board when I first started it… He was the go-to man. No matter what, you called Larry.”

Leland Hairr, 72, Lloyd Harbor Mayor Leland Hairr, the mayor of the Village of Lloyd Harbor for the past 14 years, died Nov. 22 after a lengthy battle with prostate cancer. He was 72.

“He was just a wonderful human

Robert Flynn Sr., 91, Former Supervisor

Lillian Brueggemann Funeral Home, which was built three years earlier. Around the same time, Lillian began working for the NorthportEast Northport School District. During her nearly 30-year tenure, she served as the executive secretary to four superintendents and became a “quiet, studious” source of leadership.

Miner D. Crary Jr., 92, Former Asharoken Village Justice Peter Fedden

Peter Fedden, 29, Commack Breakfast Owner The young cancer patients whose lives Peter Fedden touched by donating his hair each year to St. Baldrick’s Foundation never had the chance to meet the 29-year-old, whose life came to a tragic end shortly after midnight July 31.

“He had a heart bigger than the universe,” Fedden’s mother, Kathi, said.

Fedden was remembered as a loyal son, brother, grandson, friend and businessman who owned Commack Breakfast. He studied political science and history at C.W. Post to become a lawyer, but instead, the fun-loving and friendly Fedden used his passion for helping others by buying the Commack Road deli he worked at since he was 16.

Fedden internalized and epitomized the idea of giving back to others, a lesson his mother instilled in him and his sister, Jamiee Lee, from an early age.

After his death, Commack Breakfast transformed into a memorial for the former owner. Words of love, sorrow and nostalgia covered the glass windows of the Commack Road restaurant. Friends and customers shared memories of Fedden, known to some as “Big Pete.”

Lillian Brueggemann, 89, Educational Leader Robert Flynn Sr. Former Town Supervisor Robert Flynn, the man credited with pioneering the Town of Huntington’s extensive parks system during his six-year tenure, died Oct. 26 at age 91.

About two months before he passed away, the Town of Huntington feted Flynn Sr. during Turn Back The Clock Day, an event at Dix Hills Park celebrating the 50th anniversary of the town’s purchase of the land. The town bought the 144 acres of the Havemeyer Estate

Lillian Brueggemann stood out in the classroom well into her golden years.

While she served on the NorthportEast Northport School Board from 1990-2005, she returned to the classroom, taking several classes a year at Northport High School and immersing herself in the high school experience. In the process, she became a beloved fixture in the classroom, keeping straightAs throughout and focusing on the arts.

Brueggemann, a lifelong Northport resident, was 89 when she died July 25.

In 1961, her husband Robert bought what would become Brueggemann

Miner D. Crary, Jr., the former village justice of Asharoken Village, died May 7. He was 92.

He was a partner at the New York law firm Curtis Mallet-Provost, Colt, and Mosle where he practiced trusts and estates law for more than 60 years.

In Asharoken, he was a longtime legal adviser to the village and served as Village Justice. Throughout Huntington, he was known as a community activist with interests in education and the arts who served on the board of the Heckscher Museum of Art in Huntington.

A devoted family man, he was married to his late wife, Mary, for 63 years.

They lived on Duck Island in Asharoken, which was sold in August of this year.

Lewis Newton, 92, LI ‘Carnival King’ Lewis Newton, a longtime Northport fixture whose carnival business supplied rides, games and prizes to nonprofit fundraisers across Long Island, died Aug. 20. He was 92.

Newton’s journey into the carnival business began upon his return from World War II. After getting his start in supplying the carnivals with prizes, in 1949 he took the big leap toward supplying the attractions. That year, he bought a Ferris wheel for $9,300 after a parish priest suggested he “get some rides.” His future arrived in pieces, and Newton quickly had to figure out how to put the thing together.

That Ferris wheel made the rounds of the Catholic parishes in Queens and Brooklyn before Newton expanded in 1953, setting the foundation of Newton Shows. The company has since become the preeminent supplier of rides and games for nonprofit fundraisers.

For Newton, his livelihood was a family affair, and all of his children got involved in one way or another. Now, the fourth generation of the Newton family – his great-grandson Timmy –joined the family business a few weeks before the patriarch died.

C L A S S I F I E D S

A22 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 26, 2013

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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 26, 2013 • A23

TOWN OF HUNTINGTON

The Sweet Science Of Getting Fit Title Boxing Club ‘power hour’ model burns up to 1,000 calories an hour Huntington Businesses F it n es s Se r ie s

By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandernews.com

In this month’s fitness adventures, the Long Islander News team has investigated all sorts of ways to get fit in the New Year.

Last Tuesday, it was time for us to tackle the sweet science, harnessed with the purpose of achieving total body fitness. The best part is you never have to worry about dodging a right hook.

When my editor Luann Dallojacono and I arrived at Title Boxing Club’s 335 Main St. studio nestled in the heart of the Gerard Street municipal lot, we were greeted by Steven Stone, the general manager. While he’s a fairly recent convert to the boxing-fitness model, he’s no stranger to fitness – he’s been a certified personal trainer since age 21.

“Fitness has always has been a passion,” he said.

But, in recent years, he was looking for something new. When he learned that Title Boxing, a manufacturer of boxing apparel and equipment, was branching out into fitness clubs, he explored a franchise opportunity and took a class to get the full effect. The results, he said, were eye-opening, and he opened the

PF Chang’s Bistro opens at Whitman (Continued from page A1)

Popular menu items include Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps, Mongolian Beef, Cantonese style Lemon Chicken and Oolong Chilean Sea Bass. In addition, newly unveiled holiday dessert items—and the peppermint mocha cappuccino cocktail and vanilla bean bour-

bon milkshake—will also be available for a limited time.

For the late night or second dinner fans, P.F. Chang’s is scheduled to stay open from 11 a.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday nights and will close at 11 p.m. on weekdays and at 10 p.m. on Sundays.

Ruland Road limbo (Continued from page A3)

filed alongside the Fair Housing in Huntington Committee, which alleged plans to include only one-bedroom ownership units in the Ruland Road property is discriminatory against minorities and families with children.

Alleging Fair Housing Act violations, Fair Housing first filed suit in 2002 over The Greens development.

The Huntington NAACP joined an amended version of the suit, which included allegations about the Ruland Road proposal, in 2004. After that case was dismissed in 2010, Fair Housing and the Huntington NAACP sued again in March 2011, focusing their allegations of discrimination on the proposed Ruland Road development. Fair Housing dropped out of the current lawsuit this summer.

Any children from a Ruland Road

development would attend Paumanok Elementary School under new district maps, drawn after the school board voted Oct. 28 to close two of its elementary schools – Chestnut Hill and Forest Park – in part due to declining enrollment.

Previously, the Half Hollow Hills School District supported single-bedroom units because of school overcrowding concerns, according to court papers.

Ptucha said the new district maps incorporated the potential for new residential development along the Route 110 corridor, and Paumanok is presently in the best position to take on new students.

“We know it is ripe for future development, so we didn’t want to overburden one particular school,” he said. “We believe that area [east of Route 110] will be a target for growth and Paumanok would be best able to handle it.”

Long Islander News photo/Danny Schrafel

Spotlight On

Huntington village location – Long Island’s first – in August.

“The way I felt after taking that first class... it was exhilarating,” he said. “This is the workout for me.”

Title Boxing Club’s proprietary workout is called the “power hour,” tailored around either boxing or kickboxing. “The first 15” minutes includes a warm-up of jogging, push-ups, squats, lunges, mountain climbers and squat jumps.

It may sound daunting, but here’s the beauty of the workout – you go at your own pace, and if you decide to slow down and not cram a squat into every waking second, no trainer is going to bark at you for slacking. The key is to keep your heart rate up and keep moving, Stone said. As you gain strength, you can train harder within the framework of the workout.

“It’s age-neutral, gender-neutral and fitness-level-neutral,” Stone said. “No matter who you are, you can do this workout and not be scared away.”

Nevertheless, in that first 15, I’ve never been so happy in my life to do pushups – just to give my legs a break.

When the warm-up winds down, the real fun begins – it’s time to put your gloves on for a 30-minute battle with the 110-pound bag in front of you. The bulk of the exercise is broken into three-minute rounds, each one focusing on different punch combinations, with one-minute “active rest” intervals in between rounds.

For someone who has never boxed before and currently boasts a lifetime 0-0 record in schoolyard fistfights, let’s just say punching a huge black bag was a little awkward at first. But with a little bit of

Long Islander News editor Luann Dallojacono gets some pointers from Title Boxing Club trainer Jonathan Williams. direction on proper form, stance and tempo, it came to me surprisingly quickly.

Pretty soon, I felt very comfortable slugging away. There’s also great comfort in knowing that your sparring partner will never hit back.

Not only can you burn up to 1,000 calories in one hour while getting a totalbody, functional workout, the catharsis is noticeable. And if you’re like me and your first attempt at a sit-up following a round of planks results in not so much as a crunch, but hysterical laughter? Welcome.

Thanks to a friendly, encouraging staff,

you’ll never feel discouraged as you discover your fitness level, only excited to get back on your feet, put on your gloves, get back to pounding the bag and taking another step closer to your goals.

Memberships run $99 per month with a one-year commitment and get you full access to the club along with gloves, wraps and a Title Boxing Club bag. For those who want to go month-by-month without a yearlong commitment, it’s $129 a month. Call 631-683-8060 to learn more or visit http://huntington-main.titleboxingclub.com.

Times Square quartet (Continued from page A1)

Visitors Center to help herald the arrival of the sign. There, Philips unveiled the 7-foot tall “14” and a nearly 12-foot tall bottle of champagne bottle furnished by Moët & Chandon Champagnes.

“The kids were just in awe,” Romeo said. “When the lights go on New Year’s Eve, we saw them – we touched them.”

Philips’ energy-efficient BR30 LED bulbs can be illuminated in colors and patterns that can be changed and controlled, promising an exciting visual spectacle for revelers. And as Romeo mentioned – you can touch them without burning your hand.

After being approached by event organizers, Romeo chose four of her top performers – two from Hills East and two from Hills West – who began rehearsals and submitted a video entry.

While the big “14” got top billing, the class of ’14 stole the show, Darlene Lilla, director of fine arts for Half Hollow Hills schools, said.

“They became the center of attention,” she said. “It was a really wonderful experience. It really added a nice bit of class to the presentation they were doing there, and it was an honor for them to be asked to go.”

Bringing back the ’80s (Continued from page A1)

Broadway, joined the band last September after a year-long stint on Broadway and on tour with “Jekyll and Hyde.” He is perhaps best known for originating the role of wannabe 1980s rock star Drew in “Rock of Ages,” so he was well-prepared for the gig.

“We launched a 10-week residency at Canal Room and it was packed,” Maroulis said. Since then, “We’ve been getting requests to do the show all over the country.” Earlier this month they played the Capitol Theater in Westchester, and “packed it out,” Maroulis said.

“People want to gravitate toward what they know,” Maroulis said. “Jessie’s Girl is a great thing. We do everything from new wave to hard rock. It’s more of an in-

terpretation than an impersonation, with great mash-ups and multi-media.”

With electronic music dominating the club scene, Maroulis said the music of the 80s brings it all back to its roots.

The band is looking forward to The Paramount, said Maroulis, noting that he was at the venue for Gavin DeGraw’s recent sold-out concert.

“It’s really cool,” he said of The Paramount. “It reminds me of those big, old Broadway theaters. It’s got a lot of soul.”

For one night, at least, the soul of The Paramount will be circa-1980s. Manoulis said audiences get into the act, so wear your hair big. Showtime is 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3. Tickets are $15 and $25 at the box office, located at 370 New York Ave., Huntington, or go to paramountny.com.

A24 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 26, 2013

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HillSPORTS BOYS BASKETBALL>> HILLS WEST 51, BELLPORT 52

Amid Loss, Colts Keep Their Heads High Half Hollow Hills West boys basketball gears up for challenges ahead over winter break Long Islander News photo/archives

By Jacqueline Birzon jbirzon@longislandernews.com

All bets are off in Suffolk League IV basketball, and the Colts are charging ahead with Coach Bill Mitaritonna trying to keep control of the reins after 1 point cost them last Thursday’s game against Bellport.

The team from Half Hollow Hills West, which trailed Bellport on the scoreboard until the third period of play, exerted a tremendous defensive effort in the second half trying to keep their opponents at bay.

Bellport led Hills West 30-23 at halftime and the Clippers only scored 5 points in the third period while the Colts tripled that figure. With just seven seconds left, Hills West tied the scoreboard in the final quarter, when senior co-captain Terry Harris shot two successful free-throws, bringing the two teams neck-and-neck at 51-51. But Bellport’s own Harris, with just 1.53 seconds left on the clock, was fouled and scored on his second free-throw to sink the win for the Clippers on Dec. 19.

At Bellport last Thursday, Harris was the Colts’ leading scorer adding 24 points.

Jordan Dalyrimple added 17 points, two of which were 3-pointers, and senior cocaptain Ross Greenfield scored 6 points for the Colts.

Hills West (2-1, 2-2) is a contender in a three-way tie for second place in League IV and was tied with Kings Park and Bellport

A player from Half Hollow Hills West tries to find the back of the net during a home game last season against Huntington. for the silver spot, trailing to first-place contender Deer Park, who so far has had an undefeated season.

The Colts defeated Huntington in a league game on Dec. 18 when they walked away with a 60-41 victory over the Blue Devils. The scale was tipped in Huntington’s favor at last Wednesday’s home game up until the fourth and final period when Hills West managed to out an

additional 27 points on the scoreboard.

Huntington, kneeling under the Colts’ pressure, only scored 6 points in the fourth quarter and gave up their 2-point lead over Hills to completely surrender the game, enduring a tough 19-point loss.

At the game against Huntington, Harris scored 19 points and had 5 assists and 11 rebounds. Greenfield added 16 points and had 8 rebounds while Dalyrimple scored 8

points. Jamal Starling’s steal and layup early in the fourth set the tone for Hills West’s victory.

The Colts earned another significant win one week earlier against Kings Park, where they topped the Kingsmen 76-56. Hills West’s dominant defense contained Kings Park to only 6 points in the first period.

Despite the Kingsmen’s growing offensive aggression as the game went on—ultimately scoring 20 points in both the third and fourth quarter while Hills West scored 21 points in the same two quarters—the Colts walked away as the kings of basketball domain.

At Kings Park Dec. 12, Harris scored 35 points for Hills West. Jaylin Montalvo added 11 points and Greenfield scored 10 to top the Kingsmen.

The Colts, cantering into the winter season, won’t be taking much of a break during the school district’s holiday vacation this week. Hills West hosted Copiague for a scrimmage on Monday and were scheduled to take on Southampton and Bayport-Blue Point for scrimmages on Dec. 26 and Dec. 27, respectively. On New Year’s Eve, the colts are scheduled to play North Babylon in a non-league match up and will transition back into League IV play on Jan. 2, 2014 when they will take on the first-place team in the league, Deer Park, for a home game. Game time is set for 4 p.m.

BOYS BASKETBALL>> HILLS EAST 56, LINDENHURST 43 Long Islander News photo/Jacqueline Birzon

Hills East Wins Five Games In A Row

By Kristen Schultheiss kschultheiss@longislandernews.com

The Half Hollow Hills East varsity boys basketball team has gone into their season strong, with an overall 5-0 record.

On Dec. 17, the Thunderbirds took on Lindenhurst and won an exciting game at home with a 56-43 finish.

Senior captain Jordan McRae led the team on both offense and defense with a massive double-double. He netted 19 points, including 4 field goals, 3 3-pointers and 8 free throws. He also grabbed 15 rebounds.

Fellow senior captain Grant Rosenberg recorded eight baskets for Hills East, including 3 field goals and 2 free throws, and junior Justin Fackler and senior Mike Simon each had 7 points in the win.

Matthew Boyd made a presence on the court, helping the team all around. The senior captain had 4 assists and also snatched 8 rebounds for the Thunderbirds.

He also added 6 points to the board.

Boyd really showed off his assisting skills in Hills East’s game against Connetquot on Dec. 13, accumulating 13

to lead his team in the 60-54 win.

In the close three-basket win, Fackler led the Thunderbirds’ offense with 18 points – all field goals – and 9 rebounds. Simon added 16 points for Hills East, including 5 field goals and 2 3-pointers, and McRae had 10 points – 2 field goals and 6 free throws.

On Dec. 10, the Thunderbirds beat Commack 56-39 and on Dec. 7, they beat their cross-town school Hills West 70-63.

In both nonleague games, McRae scored 20 points or more.

McRae totaled 20 points, grabbed 8 rebounds and also recorded 5 blocks against Commack. He also contributed to the win when Hills East played their crosstown district competition against Hills West. The 6-foot 6-inch senior scored 23 points, snatched 12 rebounds and had 4 blocks in this game.

Rosenberg also played a strong game against Hills West, scoring 19 points for the Thunderbirds, including 3 field goals, 3 3-pointers and 4 free throws.

Hills East will next take on Brentwood in a scrimmage competition on Dec. 30 away at 10 a.m.

Hills East junior forward Kristen McKenzie brings the ball up court during a home game earlier this season. The Thunderbirds are undefeated.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

T-Birds Net Top Spot

By Jacqueline Birzon jbirzon@longislandernews.com

The Half Hollow Hills East varsity girls basketball team has netted the first place slot in League II, tied with Northport, with an undefeated league record (3-0).

The Lady T-Birds recently won

close games against Whitman (40-31) and at Lindenhurst (55-42). The Hills East team was scheduled to host Bellport for a home game on Dec. 21 and will participate in a tournament at Northport on Dec. 27 and Dec. 30.

Their next league game is scheduled for Jan. 4, 2014 when they will host Sachem North for a game at 1 p.m.