Half Hollow Hills - 1/7/2016 Edition

HALF HOLLOW HILLS Copyright © 2016 Long Islander News

NEWSPAPER

LongIslanderNews.com VOL. 17, ISSUE 48

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016

28 PAGES

DIX HILLS

By Carl Corry ccorry@longislandergroup.com

In a transaction that leaders of the two groups say has built the framework for a lasting interfaith relationship, the Commack Jewish Center has been sold to the Assembly of God Church in Hicksville for about $1.85 million.

The sale, which closed last month, follows the merger of the Commack Jewish Center’s members with that of the Dix Hills Jewish Center, which has a membership of about 650 families. The center had also merged in recent years with the Suffolk Jewish Center in Deer Park.

“We were impressed with the ease of negotiations in the sale of the building and all aspects of the transaction,” Dix Hills Jewish Center (Continued on page A26)

Photo/Google Maps

Jewish Center Sold To Assembly Of God Church

The Commack Jewish Center has been sold to the Assembly of God Church, which plans to move in at the end of February MELVILLE

Criss Angel To Lead The Supernaturalists A9

Eagle Scout To Be Recognized

By Janee Law jlaw@longislandergroup.com

After leading an effort to rejuvenate a flooded donation room at the Northport Veterans Administration Medical Center, and following years of service in the Boys Scouts of America, 18-year-old Kyle Sambolin was named an Eagle Scout – a ranking only 4 percent of all Boy Scouts nationwide attain.

On Monday, Sambolin, of Melville, who is a member of the BSA Troop 106, will officially be recognized with the Eagle Scout Award at the Huntington (Continued on page A26)

Long Islander News Photo/Janee Law

SPOTLIGHT

Eagle Scout Kyle Sambolin is all smiles holding up a photo that was taken of himself in the Northport VA donation room, which he helped to revitalize after it suffered from flood damage.

Health & Wellness

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

A14

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A2 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 7, 2016

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TOWN OF HUNTINGTON

Man Charged For Fondling Girl, 8, At Library A Huntington man was arrested Jan. 3 for allegedly inappropriately touching an 8-year-old girl at Huntington Public Library Sunday, Suffolk police said.

Police said Christopher Elgut, 28, approached an 8-year-old girl who was standing behind her mother at the library counter at about 4:30 p.m. when Elgut picked up the girl and placed her behind a column inappropriately touched her.

The director of the library, Joanne Adam, added that the column was right by one of the staff offices. The mother was at the counter, engaged

in a transaction. The 8said Adam. year-old then walked a few Adam noted that there feet away, and Elgut are security cameras in the grabbed her, said Adam. building, as well as securiThe girl screamed and ty guards who patrol the Elgut fled on foot from the perimeter of the building. library, located at 338 “We had everything in Main St. place, it’s the kind of thing A description of the susyou think wouldn’t happect was broadcast and pen with people around,” Second Precinct Patrol ofshe said. “I don’t know ficers located the suspect Christopher Elgut what he was thinking.” approximately 20 minutes Second Squad deteclater within a short distance. tives charged Elgut first-degree sex “All the staff involved in this acted abuse, endangering the welfare of a efficiently and professionally, as child and criminal possession of soon as they noticed something was marijuana. He was held overnight at amiss, security was called, they fol- the Fifth Precinct. He was arraigned lowed the person out the building,” on Jan. 4 at the First District Court in Photo/SCPD

By Jano Tantongco jtantongco@longislandergroup.com

Central Islip. He was represented by a legal aid attorney and pleaded not guilty to the charges, according to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office. His cash bail was set at $75,000 and bond was set at $150,000.

Court records show that Elgut was previously arrested on Sept. 1, 2015 for a misdemeanor charge of criminal possession of a controlled substance.

“Don’t ever take your eyes off your children. This girl was right next to her mom,” Adam advised.

“As much as we like to think of the library as a safe place… it is also a public building, so they do have to be aware that anybody can come in.”

MELVILLE

By Andrew Wroblewski awroblewski@longislandergroup.com

Suffolk police are investigating an attempted bank robbery that occurred in Melville on last week.

Police said a man entered the Citibank at 425 Broadhollow Road around 11:25 a.m. on Dec. 31. He placed a bag on the counter in front of a teller, who backed away. He then handed a different teller a note demanding cash. The second teller also backed away from the counter and the man fled on foot without any proceeds.

Police said the man left his bag, which prompted Suffolk Emergency Service Section officers to respond and evacuate the bank until they deemed the bag safe.

The suspect is described as a 20to 30-year-old man with a medium

build and between 5 feet 8 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall. He wore a black mask, a black hooded jacket, dark jeans and sneakers, police said.

A similar incident also occurred last week on Dec. 29, 2015, when police said a man robbed the Roslyn Savings Bank at 363 E. Jericho Turnpike in Huntington Station by slipping a note to a teller demanding cash. Police described the suspect in that incident as between 25 and 35 years old and approximately 5 feet, 9 inches tall, with a medium build and unshaven. Police said he was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, sunglasses and a black baseball hat.

A third incident occurred on Saturday, when police said a man robbed a Roslyn Savings Bank at 101 Wicks Road in Brentwood. Police said a man approached a teller

Photo/Google Maps

PD: Attempted Robbery At Melville Bank

Suffolk police said a man attempted to rob the Citibank at 425 Broadhollow Road in Melville on Dec. 31, 2015. and displayed a note demanding cash around 12:09 p.m. The teller complied and the suspect fled on foot. The suspect is described as a man between 5 feet, 10 inches and 6 feet tall with a medium build. He was wearing a black coat with a

hood, a black mask and black pants.

Suffolk County Police Pattern Crime Unit detectives ask those with information on any of these cases to call Crime Stoppers at 1800-220-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.

MELVILLE

Police Investigating Spree Of Car Break-Ins

By Jano Tantongco jtantongco@longislandergroup.com

Suffolk police are investigating three car break-ins that occurred on New Year’s Eve and another incident that took place in the early hours of New Year’s Day. The incidents, in which valuables, electronics and money were stolen from cars, occurred

within a 5-mile radius of each other. A police spokeswoman said no connections have been made between the cases.

Connected or not, the breakins started at 3 a.m on Dec. 31, when someone reportedly entered an unlocked vehicle parked in a driveway off Sevenoake Road and stole a GPS device, jewelry and sunglasses.

At 11:50 a.m. the same day, someone broke into a 1988 Toyota Camry in the parking lot of the Planet Fitness at 25 Ruland Road, stealing a wallet, credit cards and cash, police said.

These items were valued at over $1,000.

At 3 p.m., cologne and a gift card were stolen from an unlocked 2015 Maserati parked in

the driveway on Elkland Road.

Then, at 3 a.m. on New Year’s Day on Weinmann Boulevard, more than $1,000 worth of credit cards were stolen from a 2006 Nissan Altima parked in the driveway.

Suffolk Police urge people to keep car doors locked and to avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, especially in plain sight.

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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 7, 2016 • A3

TOWN OF HUNTINGTON

Melius Calls For Fresh Look Into Shooting

By Peter Sloggatt psloggatt@longislandergroup.com

With the recent turnover of top police brass at Suffolk County Police Department, the arrest by the feds of its chief, James Burke, on assault and conspiracy charges, and a highly publicized update on efforts to solve the Gilgo Beach murders – including a renewed relationship with FBI investigators – Gary Melius is asking, “What about me?”

It’s been nearly two years since the Oheka owner and political power broker was shot as he sat in his car outside the castle he calls home. Although he survived the botched assassination attempt after the gun jammed, preventing the shooter from getting off any more shots, Melius said he suffers lingering effects from the bullet fired at his head through the window of his Mercedes-Benz.

According to reports, the bullet struck Melius’s temple, but spared him what could have been more critical injuries. Still, vision in his left eye is compromised, and he is grounded by occasional seizures that prevent him from driving.

Melius has been healing since the Feb. 24, 2014 shooting. Gone is the halting speech seen in a video released shortly after he was released from the hospital a month after the incident. Today he walks the rooms of the castle, greeting restaurant customers and hotel guests, always ready with a joke and a laugh. But he remains haunted by the thought that somebody out there will come back to harm him.

“There’s someone out there who wants me dead,” Melius said. “I’ll always be looking over my shoulder.”

Melius said that in nearly two years, police have made little progress on his case, despite worldwide publicity, more than $100,000 in reward money, and what he called some pretty good evidence.

Although the shooting occurred off camera, grainy surveillance video captured images of a light colored, four-door Jeep Grand Cherokee with five-spoke rims leaving the castle grounds after the shooting. When video stills were released by police in June 2014, police said the Jeep had also been seen “driving in a reckless manner” in the area of W. 11th Street in Huntington shortly after the incident.

With no breaks in the case after a year, family and friends of Melius put together a reward fund offering $100,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction. Now, with the two-year mark approaching, the resignation of Suffolk Chief of Detectives William Madigan on Dec. 9 and the impending retirement of Commissioner Edward Webber on Jan. 1, Melius fears the case will only grow colder.

“Who’s looking at this? It’s been almost two years. Just before Burke was indicted they made a big show of how they’re investigating the Gilgo Beach murders. After years of not cooperating with the FBI under Burke, the police are asking the FBI for help. Why aren’t they doing that with my case?” Melius asked.

Melius said his own efforts to get the investigation reinvigorated have gone unheeded.

“On October 1, I called and spoke with County Executive Steve Bellone and asked for him to call in the FBI. I told him that Burke nev-

Gary Melius, pictured in a Feb. 2015 video announcing a reward fund, wants police to take a fresh look at the still unsolved attempt on his life a year earlier. er wanted to bring in the FBI and that may be an issue. He said he would look into it and get back to me. He never responded. I placed several calls and sent emails and still no response. When he was campaigning and needed support he knew how to call me. Now he does not extend me even the courtesy of a return call or email as you would do for any constituent, let alone a friend and victim of a violent crime. Why is he being callous and outwardly rude? Is he afraid of what will come out if the feds are called into the investigation?

Maybe once in they will broaden the scope?”

Melius wants the hunt for his would-be assassin, like the Gilgo murders, to get a fresh look and to

be turned over the FBI. “The only way I can feel safe is to see whoever did this caught and put away. Until that happens, I can never really feel safe,” he said.

County spokesman Justin Meyers would not comment on Melius’ case – or any specific case – as a matter of policy, but said new leadership in the police department will be making a “top-to-bottom review” of open cases. “That includes major investigations,” he said.

A good part of the leadership team’s focus will be on “rebuilding relationships with federal investigators,” Meyers said. In their review of open cases, they will be looking at all murder, attempted murder and shooting investigations, he added.

Photo/SCPD

MELVILLE

PD: Man Was Speeding, Drunk When He Crashed Car On Expressway

By Andrew Wroblewski awroblewski@longislandergroup.com

Suffolk police said a man was speeding and drunk when he crashed his car into another vehicle on the Long Island Expressway in Melville on New Year’s Day. Police said Oliver Larsen, 29, of Elmont, was apparently traveling at a “high rate of speed” eastbound near

Exit 49S around 3:22 a.m. when he crashed his 2008 BMW into a 1997 Nissan, which was traveling at a “normal rate of speed” and overturned on the side of the road.

Larsen’s vehicle careened off the Nissan and went into the woods on the side of the road.

The female driver of the Nissan, who did not have any passengers, was transported to Huntington Hos-

pital for treatment of minor injuries, which included a laceration to the eye. The three passengers in Larsen’s vehicle, two female and one male, were also transported to Huntington Hospital and treated for minor injuries. Larsen did not go to the hospital.

Larsen was arrested and charged with DWI and arraigned on Friday at First District Court in Central Islip.

Oliver Larsen He pled not guilty and was next scheduled to appear on Tuesday, after deadline.

A4 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 7, 2016

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POLICE REPORT Compiled by Jano Tantongco

Winter Cleaning

Decorations Damaged by Deviant

Some Graffiti Gone, But Not All…

long to one of our interns. Julio Avila, a Stony Brook University journalism Thank you to the Town of Huntington inspecstudent and Huntington resitors for scouting out businesses and alerting dent himself, has done a great the building owners to clean job with everything from up the graffiti spray-painted IN THE KNOW news to features to compiling on facades around Huntington WITH AUNT ROSIE the weekly calendar. Next sevillage going back to Thanksmester, he’ll be interning at giving. About a dozen places were hit, we the NPR affiliate, WSHU and have been told or observed, and many have graduating next fall. Good luck, Julio! been cleaned up. So thank you to the business community, too, for doing your part to keep We’re On Instagram… Long Islander Huntington clean and vibrant. Long lapses in News has officially joined the Instagram keeping things clean could keep customers world. Follow us @LongIslanderNews. Apparfrom coming back to downtown -- never mind ently, Instagram is another one of those social the fact that the town passed a graffiti-cleanup media services where users post and comment law earlier this year. But there’s more work to on photos and videos. I’m hoping it’ll open up be done, especially in the alleyways up and a lot of neat opportunities for our editorial down Wall Street. Get to it, folks. staff! But, I want to talk about one cool thing I noticed about Instagram. Apparently, the InstaSo, Why Do We Call It January?... I algram name comes from a combination of coways like to begin the year with a little bit of founders Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger’s learning. So, why not look into January itself? childhood affinity for instant cameras and the The month of January is named after the anage–old telegram technology. The two say they cient Roman deity Janus, who is the god of loved taking photos as kids, particularly with doorways and transitions, according to the Encyclopedia Britannica. Depicted with two faces cameras marketed as instant, such as Polaroid.

So, since users of their service were to post on one head, it is said that one face looks back photos instantly “over the wire,” like toward the past and the other toward the futelegrams, they figured, “Why don’t we just ture. With this in mind, check out our calendar combine the two words?” Pretty neat, if you for all the various exhibits, shows and commuask me. nity events coming up this month (pages A20 and A21). Whether you visit the Heckscher Museum of Art, the Five Towns Performing (Aunt Rosie wants to hear from you! If you Arts Center, or even one of those ancient have comments, ideas, or tips about what’s happlaces known as the local library, our town ofpening in your neck of the woods, write to me tofers a plethora of activities that commemorate day and let me know the latest. To contact me, our past and also look toward the times ahead. drop a line to Aunt Rosie, c/o The Long-Islander, 14 Wall Street, Huntington NY 11743. Or try the e-mail at auntrosie@longislandergroup.com) So Long, Julio… It’s time again to say so

On Dec. 29, 2015 at 1 a.m., police said someone damaged multiple Christmas decorations at a resident on Prescott Avenue in Dix Hills.

Get Off Our Lawn Police said an unknown person repeatedly drove over a lawn at Dix Hills Park by Vanderbilt Parkway at 6 p.m. on Dec. 29, 2015, damaging the lawn in front of the park’s pool.

The Only Powder We’ve Seen Lately Police said they arrested a man for criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree at the Mavis Tire on Route 112 in Patchogue on Jan. 2 at around 12:20 p.m. Police said the 25-year-old man was found to be in possession of a quantity of cocaine, with intention to sell.

Tree Thievery On New Year’s Eve at 9 a.m., police said someone removed the upper half of a tree in the back of a property on Reinhart Court in Melville. A portion was left hanging and there was a ladder found against the tree, police said.

This Feels Lighter…

On New Year’s Day at 7:30 p.m., someone forgot their wallet at the Macy’s on Broadhollow Road in Melville, police said.

When the person returned to retrieve the wallet, police said they found that cash was taken out of it.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK KYLE SAMBOLIN

Christopher Cole Sangiorgio, pictured here with mom, Suzanne, was the first baby born at Huntington Hospital in 2016 on Jan. 1 at about 2:30 a.m.

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Police said they arrested a 27-year-old man and charged him with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree on Jan. 2 at around 3:51 p.m. at the intersection of Deer Park Road and Sabrina Court in Dix Hills. He was found to have the pharmaceutical drug Suboxone, which is used to treat opiate addiction, without a valid prescription, police said.

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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 7, 2016 • A5

MELVILLE

By Janee Law jlaw@longislandergroup.com

Through its nonprofit program “Senior Dreams Come True,” Melville-based law firm Genser Dubow Genser & Cona has donated $1,500 to help an Old Bethpage woman who was struggling to pay her bills.

Marilyn Stokes, 69, currently lives in a 400-square-foot studio and is unable to work due to her battle with an autoimmune disease, and nerve damage she suffered in a work-related incident 13 years ago.

Stokes financial situation worsened after her cat got sick with bladder stones recently, which resulted in her paying for costly veterinary treatment and a prescription diet. As a result, Stokes couldn’t afford to pay her bills, which resulted in her losing both phone and television service.

"Going into every month overdrawn, makes it difficult to live," Stokes said in a press release. "I desperately tried to seek help from other organizations, but to no avail until

‘Senior Dreams’ generously responded to my plea and came to the rescue.”

Senior Dreams paid Stokes’ phone, medical and veterinary bills.

In addition, Senior Dreams provided Stokes with a $400 Target gift card so she could purchase basic household and personal care items, and paid for a haircut.

In total, the program donated $1,500 to get Stokes back on her feet.

“Marilyn just needed that one time bit of help to get back on track,” said Melissa Negrin-Wiener, Esq., partner at GDGC. “This is exactly the kind of assistance ‘Senior Dreams Come True’ can provide: short-term assistance to help a senior get over a hump.”

Senior Dreams launched in July 2010 as a subsidiary of GDGC Charitable Events, with a goal to grant wishes to qualifying seniors with limited means.

For more information on Seniors Dreams, and how to file a “wish request,” visit genserlaw.com or call 631-390-5000.

Photo courtesy GDGC

Firm Donates $1,500 To Aid Struggling Senior

Through its nonprofit program ‘Senior Dreams Come True,’ Melville-based law firm Genser Dubow Genser & Cona donated $1,500 to help Marilyn Stokes, right, pay her bills. Stokes is pictured with Melissa Negrin Wiener, a partner at GDGC.

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A6 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 7, 2016

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

Let’s Get It Right A developer’s plan to build a nearly the town realized the matters required 500,000 square-foot shopping mall on that separate hearings be held.

Jericho Turnpike has gone back to the Considering the project has remained planning board. under the radar as it moved forward, That’s a good thing. that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It’s no The property, just west of the Mediav- small project, and while the school disilla apple orchard where Elwood, Hunt- trict and town would benefit from the inington and Dix Hills meet, is comprised creased commercial property tax base, of 56 acres between Manor and Warner the project will have tremendous impacts Roads. It is within the Elthat need to be considered. wood school district bound- EDITORIAL Traffic and congestion, imaries. pacts on environmentally senThe project proposed by the developer, sitive land (a town-owned preserve is adSyndicated Ventures, requires rezoning jacent to the property) and the change in most of the property from a mix of resi- the character of the neighborhood need to dential and business uses to a C-5 be considered. planned shopping center zoning district.

A downscaled version of the plan Because the proposal doesn’t comply which would reduce the development to with the town’s Horizon’s 2020 master 392,975 square feet is also on the table, plan, the plan must be amended. as is a proposal – still under negotiation A public hearing on the proposed re- - to give Elwood Public Library a permazoning and master plan amendments had nent home at the site. been scheduled before the town board on It’s no small project, and the public deDec. 8, but it hit a procedural bump when serves opportunity to give weigh in.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Assemblyman: Reforms Will Come In The New Year DEAR EDITOR: After spending several weeks traveling the district, I’ve spoken to many constituents, teachers and business owners who asked me what my outlook was for the upcoming 2016 legislative session. One word comes to mind: optimistic.

I’m optimistic because I believe several much-needed reforms will come to fruition in the New Year.

Last year, the leaders of the New York State Assembly and Senate were arrested

and later convicted on corruption charges, leaving the Legislature in disarray for months. To ensure history does not repeat itself, we must start this year by adopting measures designed to increase accountability and rid the Capitol of corrupt politicians who would rather line their pockets with taxpayer dollars. It is shameful that taxpayers are burdened with funding the pensions of those who have blatantly abused their power. With pressure coming from across the state, legislative leaders will have no choice but to enact meaningful reforms.

Reform in 2016 does not

HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER

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

Copyright © 2016 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.

end with ethics. Last year, thousands of parents stood up to Governor Andrew Cuomo and opted their children out of controversial, stressful Common Core state exams. Because of tireless efforts by teachers and parents calling for Common Core reform, the governor created a Common Core Task Force, tasked with providing recommendations for modifying the curriculum.

It’s safe to say that the voices of teachers and parents are finally starting to be heard. The task force’s recommendations include implementing a transition period for new academic standards through 2019-2020

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Facebook comments of the week On the story about Village Bagel opening in Huntington “Just had one this morning! Very good bagels.

Service was great.”

--Danielle Marie Infanger and removing student test scores from teacher evaluations. I’m looking forward to seeing the governor acknowledge these recommendations so we can get our state’s education system on a better track.

As a college professor and the ranking minority member on the Higher Education Committee, making tuition more affordable and creating new opportunities for New York students to earn a college degree is a top priority. I’ve met so many brilliant students during my years teaching, but too many aspiring students still lack the proper tools and resources to pursue higher education. That needs to change. In the coming weeks, I’ll be introducing new legislation that will expand opportunities for college students.

A personal goal of mine for 2016 will be to increase awareness for organ dona-

tions. Registering to become an organ donor is simple, and it saves lives. However, only 22 percent of adults in New York are registered organ donors – compared to the national average of 48 percent. I will be urging my assembly colleagues to pass legislation that will generate more awareness for organ donations and transplants.

As your representative, it is my duty to be your voice in Albany. I’m very fortunate to have received such strong feedback in recent weeks. You deserve honest lawmakers, your children deserve a fair curriculum in the classroom, and our college students deserve more opportunities. I look forward to returning to Albany and making these changes a reality.

CHAD LUPINACCI (R10th District) New York State Assemblyman Huntington

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NEWS FROM OUR NEIGHBORS

THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 7, 2016 • A7

Law Offices of Dennis M. Lemke

2017-2018 Tentative Assessment Disclosure Notices Now Available Acting Nassau County Assessor Jim Davis announced Monday that notices of tentative assessed value for the 2017-2018 property tax year are available for viewing to homeowners on the Nassau Department of Assessment website mynassauproperty.com.

Hard copies of the notices will be mailed to all Nassau homeowners by the end of January.

Notices, which indicate the assigned tentative assessed value for each property for the 2017-18 school and general tax years, do not reflect the amount of property taxes that will be imposed by a school district or local taxing authority.

“Homeowners who believe that

their assessment may be too high should file a grievance with the Assessment Review Commission by March 1, 2016,” Davis stated in a press release. “There is no filing fee and the application is easy to fill out.”

Nassau homeowners who would like to challenge their 2017-18 tentative assessed value, property classification or property tax exemption status may file an “Application for Correction of Assessment” with Assessment Review Commission at nassaucountyny.gov/arc. The application can also be obtained in person at the Department of Assessment, located at 240 Old Country Road in Mineola or by calling ARC at 516-571-3214.

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A8 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 7, 2016

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Life&Style NONPROFITS

Continuing A Legacy Of Giving

By Bridget Downes info@longislandergroup.com

Lauren Hirschfeld was installed as president of the Huntington Lions Club on Dec. 16 in the home of her parents, Bob and Susan Hirschfeld.

It was a historic moment for the 81year-old club, which raises funds to help people in the community. Not only is Hirschfeld the third generation in her family to take the helm -her father and grandfather, Seymour Hirschfeld, were both presidents -but she is its first female president.

Hirschfeld, 33, was born and raised in Huntington, where she still resides with her husband, John Panek. Hirschfeld graduated from Dickinson College in 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in American studies and a law degree from Brooklyn Law School in 2007. She is now an attorney in association with Geico Insurance in Woodbury.

Hirschfeld has been engaged in the community for years. Her Aunt, Susan Hirschfeld Mohr, has an insurance agency in Huntington called J. W. Hirschfeld Agency. Although she’s not affiliated with the company, it has indirectly helped keep her in touch with the people of Huntington village.

“That’s certainly part of my ties to the community—I’ve worked here my whole life. I think that’s one of the reasons I take a really personal interest in helping people around town.”

Hirschfeld has been a member of the Lions Club, which has an international membership of 1.35 million, for about four years. She previously served as vice president for two years, before being nominated for president.

Hirschfeld was installed by former Suffolk County Supreme Court Judge Michael F. Mullen.

As president, she aspires to continue her family’s legacy by keeping up with the responsibility to raise money.

“We’ve just had a fantastic couple of years as far as the money we’ve raised and the things we’ve been able to do so even keeping up that momentum is going to be a challenge.

Robert Hirschfeld, Hon. Michael F. Mullen, and Lauren Hirschfeld at Lauren Hirschfeld’s swearing-in ceremony in December as president of the Huntington Lions Club.

But it’s certainly wonderful, and it’s more than $25,000 -- all of it coming certainly something I’m excited from its annual golf outing in July, about,” Hirschfeld said.

Hirschfeld said.

As for her role as the first female While she isn’t certain where 2016 president of the will take the club, Hirschfeld club, she says, “I said, “We encourhope we’re doing age all sorts of at least that well, people to take an but it certainly is interest in our ora record year, so ganization, beit’s optimistic.” cause it’s really When it comes not about being a to collecting member of a cermoney, there’s tain gender or a no need to fix — LAUREN HIRSCHFELD , certain generawhat isn’t bropresident of the Huntington tion. It’s about ken. “We’re gobeing committed ing to continue to Lions Club to helping serve help the great oryour community.” ganizations that we Part of her pursuit to maintain the help, among those being our own Lions Club is to keep the money senior center for the blind,” flowing. Last year, the club raised Hirschfeld said. The club also con-

“We’re going to continue to raise money and give it all away.”

tributes to Newborns in Need, St. Hugh’s outreach, Trocaire House, the Guide Dog Foundation, Visiting Nurse Service and the Cleary School for the Deaf. It also sponsors a scholarship for a college-bound senior from the Huntington area each year.

Members of the Lions Club as a whole have a collective mission: to provide vision for all. They aim to eradicate blindness by conducting vision screenings and equipping hospitals and clinics. They also distribute medicine and raise awareness of eye disease. This is done through local efforts as well as the international “SightFirst Program.”

“Every dime we make, we give away. We give it to our scholarship fund. We give it to a host of great local charities. We’re going to continue to raise money and give it all away.”

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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 7, 2016 • A9

SPOTLIGHT

By Julio Avila info@longislandergroup.com

He’s not a typical magician; No pulling rabbits out of hats, turning a wand into a bouquet of flowers or pulling a chain of handkerchiefs out of his sleeve. He forgoes the black suit and top hat, and instead opts for a mystical-punk rock look that only adds to the charm of his awe-inspiring tricks and illusions, like pulling bodies apart and walking on water.

For nearly two decades, Long Island native Criss Angel, a magician and illusionist, has been the focus of television and theatrical shows like “Mindfreak” and BeLIEve.” He’s performed live on the Las Vegas Strip and other venues across the globe, including Huntington’s Paramount, where he’ll perform again on Jan. 14. This time, he’ll lead a group of nine magicians named “The Supernaturalists,” which he called a collection of the “very best in the world.”

“They love it, they come back,” said Angel, noting some people have seen his performances “over 100 times.”

“We work tirelessly to create the best possible magic experience anyone can have.”

Angel, 58, was born in Hempstead as Christopher Nicholas Sarantakos.

He grew up in Elmont, but moved to East Meadow, where he completed his latter portion of grade schooling.

Now, he lives in the city of sin, casinos and bright lights, better known as Las Vegas.

Angel said he became “obsessed” with magic at 6 years old, after his aunt Stella taught him a card trick.

Soon, he got “heavily” into magic, augmenting his magic arsenal to the point where he began performing at local clubs and private functions by age 12.

A childhood ingrained in magic isn’t something he thought would bloom into a professional career, he said. But it did lay out “building blocks” that have since contributed to his current success. They include business skills, dealing and handling the audience, producing content, wardrobe and technical aspects.

“You are what you were in the past,” he said. “You have building blocks, and those building blocks started at a young age.”

These traits have helped Angel manage a diverse career, one that

WALT’S CORNER

spans music, books, internet, and performances both live in theater and on television.

Angel points out there are disparities when performing in a theater and on television. One such difference is where being on stage is a “controlled environment.”

“What works on television doesn’t work on a live stage,” Angel said.

“You only have one chance to do your performance, you have to be good with improv.”

In one week, Angel will return to Huntington with the Supernaturalists.

Though he will perform some of his tricks -- ripping apart bodies, placing himself in a water torture cell, disappearing and reappearing -- he assured his show will be family friendly.

Audiences will see him take “illusion and reality, and people determine what is what.” As for non-believers, he said he wants them to “come and see me at the Paramount and see what is real and what is an illusion.”

Though Las Vegas is where Angel lives and works, he said Huntington is where he feels nostalgic, since he performed at local venues on New York Avenue in his youth.

“When I walk down that street, I remember where I was, what I was doing,” Angel said. “It just blows my

Photo courtesy Gayle Boulware

You Will See Criss Angel, Then You Won’t

Criss Angel will return to the Paramount on Jan. 14 to perform some of his illusionary acts with the Supernaturalists, international magicians who are the “very best in the world.” mind, it’s magic to me.”

Tickets are $69.50-$169.50 and can be purchased at the box office or at ParamountNY.com. Doors open at 7 p.m. on Jan. 14 and the show is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m.

The Long-IsArchives lander

A look back at

A MAGICAL MOMENT I’m breeding magic in my life As I gaze into a mirror, a reflection gives off warmth of kindness Greeting me with love.

Like splash from the ocean, with its magnificent waves Walt Whitman Dancing and smiling through me creating a peaceful climate, A blessing that I can cherish.

It is now I’m listening to sweet sounds of spring Blooming inside me Tulips fresh from my garden sing In a fragrance of many notes coming alive, sprouting surprises, that I can feel the music and beauty.

Now I must examine myself, My thoughts will gather in a field of colors Bringing laughter, enjoyment to my eyes.

MARGERY FARGO Newtonville, Massachusetts

Walt’s Corner is edited by George Wallace, former Suffolk County poet laureate.

Submissions of original poetry, short stories, photographs and drawings are welcomed. Send items to Long-Islander Newspapers, 14 Wall Street, Huntington, NY, 11743. All submissions become the property of Long-Islander Newspapers and cannot be returned. Call 631-4277000 for more information.

Good For More Than This Day Dec. 30, 1864 The courts decreed that a railroad company has no right to enforce the provision placed on many tickets, “good for this day only.”

Stealing A Hogshead Of Molasses Dec. 29, 1865 Capt. Crampton of the Packet Sloop Cornelia had a small hogshead of molasses stolen from the dock on Thursday night last. It was left on the dock for a short time while they were at supper.

New Diploma Standards Jan. 5, 1900 The Northport board of education passed a resolution fixing the graduating standard of the Northport High School at a 48-count certificate issued by the New York State Board of Regents. As a result, no pupil was thereafter able graduate from the school or be given a diploma until the certificate was earned.

Services Honor 100th Anniversary Of Washington’s Death Jan. 5, 1900 In Glen Cove, special services were held in St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in honor of the 100th anniversary of President George Washington’s death. The service was attended by Glen Cove Lodge F. & A. M. at the suggestion of the grand master of the Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York that each member attend a sermon on the life and character of Washington, who was a member of the fraternity.

Compiled by Bridget Downes and Carl Corry

A10 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 7, 2016

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TOWN OF HUNTINGTON

Photo courtesy: Nelson & Pope, LLP

New Mall Proposal Sent Back To Planning Board

The site plan of the proposed 486,000-square-foot Elwood Orchard mall on Jericho Turnpike.

By Jano Tantongco jtantongco@longislandergroup.com

A proposed 486,000-square-foot mall in Elwood has been sent back to the planning board after the town board concluded the developer’s request to amend the town’s comprehensive plan needs to follow certain procedural steps.

At its Dec. 8 meeting, the town board was scheduled to hold a public hearing on a zoning modification, changes to the town’s comprehensive plan and the environmental impact related to developer Syndicated Ventures’ proposal, called Elwood Orchards.

But, after further review, the town board realized it was skipping a step by considering all of these elements in one public hearing, said town spokesman A.J. Carter. New York State Law requires two public hearings to be held to consider amendments to a town’s comprehensive plan.

Now, the planning board will draft an amendment to the comprehensive plan for consideration by the town board.

“The [planning] board will consider the mechanics of changing the comprehensive plan,” Carter said.

“At this point, they’re early in the process.”

Annual Meeting Townwide Fund Of Huntington Monday, January 25, 2016 6p.m.

Board Meeting at 7pm

Dolan Family Health Center 284 Pulaski Road, Greenlawn

631-629-4950

The project would build upon an undeveloped 56-acre parcel on Jericho Turnpike between Manor Lane and Warner Road.

Craig Turner, principal planner in the planning department of the Town of Huntington, said that the initial plan prompted the town board to issue a “positive declaration” in September 2014. This means that the town board determined that the plan has potential to adversely affect the environment. Therefore, it was necessary for the applicant to produce a Draft Environmental Impact Statement. It was also found that the project was inconsistent with the Horizons 2020 Comprehensive Plan, according to town board records.

The planning board is now waiting for a traffic study to be conducted by consulting firm Greenman-Pedersen to determine how they will formulate the amendment.

“Retail and commercial development tends to be a high-traffic generator,” said Turner. “It’s already on Jericho Turnpike, which is already a busy corridor.”

Once the draft amendment is complete, the planning board will hold a public hearing on the matter. Then, the town board will hold another public hearing that will address the DEIS, the proposed zoning change and the comprehensive plan amend-

ment.

Out of the proposed 56 acres, 49.3 acres would be rezoned from R-40 residential and C-6 general business zoning districts to a C-5 planned shopping center zoning district. The remaining 6.7 acres will be subdivided from the rest of the property and will keep its R-40 zoning and singlefamily residential use, according to the DEIS. Also introduced in the latest version of the DEIS submitted by Syndicated Ventures is a reduced density alternative that would downsize the scope of the mall to 392,975 square feet. The planning board may opt to recommend this alternative, but the final decision rests with the town board.

“Most of the environmental impact gets reduced as the project reduces,” noted Turner.

Each plan includes a proposed 15,000 square feet of space for the Elwood Public Library within the mall building, which would increase the size of the library by 67 percent and give it a permanent home. Until now, it has been leasing property, said Susan Goldberg, director of the library.

She added that no final deal has been struck and that they are currently still in negotiations with Syndicated Ventures.

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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 7, 2016 • A11

The Best Of

Finalists

e

e

HUNTINGTON

WHO’S T? THE BES

CAST YOUR VOTES Choose your favorites from among the finalists listed here and cast your votes online at www.LongIslanderNews.com.

Just click on the “Best of Huntington” tab and follow the simple steps to vote.

Voting is open through Sunday, January 24 and winners will be announced January 28.

1.Who has the Best Burger?

• Bistro Cassis • Black & Blue Seafood Chophouse • Christopher’s • Finnegan’s Restaurant • Jonathan’s Ristorante • Munday’s Restaurant • Old Fields • Sapsuckers • The Shamrock Restaurant & Bar • Storyville American Table • Tutto Pazzo • VAUXHALL 2. Who is the Best Steakhouse?

• Black & Blue Seafood Chophouse • The Clubhouse • Imperial Meat Company • Mac’s Steakhouse • Prime – An American Kitchen & Bar • Sur Argentinian Steakhouse 3. Who is the Best Italian Restaurant?

• Bravo Nader • Jonathan’s Ristorante • Osteria da Nino • Piccolo Restaurant • Porto Vivo • Restaurant Joanina • Sal D’s • Tutto Pazzo 4. Who has the Best American Cuisine?

• Bistro 44 • Black & Blue Seafood Chophouse • F.H. Riley’s • Mill Pond House • Sapsuckers • Storyville American Table • Swallow Restaurant • Red Restaurant 5. Who has the Best Asian Cuisine?

• 110 Japan • Albert’s Mandarin Gourmet • Kashi • Kurabarn • Ting Restaurant • TOA Asian Fusion 6. Who has the Best Latin American Cuisine?

• Besito • Café Buenos Aires • Fat Artie’s Burrito Shack • Faz’s Tex-Mex • Oaxaca Mexican Food Treasure • Pancho Villa’s • Quetzalcoatl 7. Who has the Best Ice Cream?

• • • • •

The Gourmet Whaler Herrell’s Ice Cream Kilwin’s Munday’s Restaurant Wolfies Frozen Custard

8. Who has the Best Slice of Pizza?

• DiRaimo’s Pizzeria • Eatalia • Gino’s of Huntington • Johnny D’s Pizzeria • Little Vincent’s Pizza • Massa’s Pizzeria • Porto Fino Restaurant • Rosa’s Pizza • Southdown Pizza 9. Who has the Best Cup of Coffee?

• A Rise Above Bake Shop • Blondie’s Bake Shop • Fiorello Dolce • Southdown Coffee • Storyville American Table 10. Who has the Best Small Plates?

• Bin 56 • Café Buenos Aires • Honu Kitchen & Cocktails • Plates – South Asian Tapas • Swallow Restaurant • True North Restaurant 11. Who provides the Best Service?

• Bistro 44 • Black & Blue Seafood Chophouse • Kurabarn • Mill Pond House • Red Restaurant • Sapsuckers • Storyville American Table • Tutto Pazzo 12. Who has the Best Breakfast and/or Brunch Specials?

• Bay Deli • Black & Blue Seafood Chophouse • Golden Dolphin • Imperial Meat Company • Munday’s Restaurant • Storyville American Table • Tim’s Shipwreck Diner • T.K.’s Galley • Toast & Co. 13. Who has the Best Lunch and/or Dinner Specials?

• Bistro Cassis • Black & Blue Seafood Chophouse • Golden Dolphin • Munday’s Restaurant • Sapsuckers • Storyville American Table • Toast & Co.

14. Who has the Best Happy Hour Specials?

• Black & Blue Seafood Chophouse • Christopher’s • Finley’s of Greene Street • Honu Kitchen & Cocktails • Ting Restaurant 15. Who has the Best Drink Offerings (Beer, Wine, and/or Spirits)?

• Changing Times Pub • Finley’s of Green Street • Honu Kitchen & Cocktails • Meehan’s of Huntington • Sapsuckers • Storyville American Table • Swallow Restaurant • Tutto Pazzo • VAUXHALL • The Wine Cellar On Main 16. Who has the Best Nightlife and/or Live Music?

• Acacia • Black & Blue Seafood Chophouse • Finley’s of Green Street • Grasso’s • Honu Kitchen & Cocktails • Storyville American Table • XO Restaurant 17. What is the Best Clothing Store?

• Blue Bird NY Boutique • Fox’s • Francine’s Fashion • Kate & Hale • Loft • Madison’s Niche • Ooh La La Boutiques • Pashley Children’s Boutique • Rexer-Parkes • Vine & Roses 18. What is the Best Bake Shop?

• A Rise Above Bake Shop • Blondie’s Bake Shop • Fiorello Dolce • Kerber’s Farm • Kiss My Cake • Reinwald’s Bakery 19. What is the Best Toy Store?

• Cow Over The Moon • Einstein’s Attic • Little Switzerland • The Sandbox Playspace • Value Drugs 20. What is the Best Healthcare / Medical Service?

• Cure Urgent Care (Huntington) • Huntington Hospital

• • • • •

Huntington Medical Group Medicenter (Jericho Turnpike) Northshore Medical Group Picard Chiropractic West Carver Medical

21. What is the Best Dance School?

• Anita’s Studio of Dance & Theater Arts • Dancin’ Feet Studios • Fred Astaire Dance Studio • Jan Martin Dance Studio • Lynch School of Ballet • The McGough Academy • Stars of Tomorrow Dance Academy 22. What is the Best Gym / Fitness Center?

• Gold’s Gym • Northport Wellness Fitness Center • Retro Fitness • Ten Tigers Kung Fu Academy • Title Boxing Club of Huntington • YMCA (Huntington) 23. What is the Best Summer Camp?

• Camp Alvernia • Camp W • Dix Hills Adventure Camp • Usdan Center for the Creative & Performing Arts • West Hills Day Camp • YMCA (Huntington) 24. What is the Best Home & Garden / Home Improvement Service?

• Ahern’s Lawn & Garden • Atlantic Shores Builders • Ben’s Garden • Better Homes & Garden Real Estate: Atlantic Shores • CK Kitchen & Bath Designs • deGroot Designs • EARL’s Kitchen Gardens • Home Pro Cabinetry • Suite Pieces 25. What is the Best Nursery / Gardening Store?

• Ahern’s Lawn & Garden • Decker’s Nursery & Florist • Fort Hills Nusery • Kerber’s Farm • Main Street Nursery • Oakwood Road Nursery • Prianti Farms

• Van Cott’s Nursery & Landscaping 26. What is the Best Pet Store?

• Community Pet Shop • Fetch • Pawfect Pet Den • Petport of Northport • Selmer’s Pet Land 27. What is the Best Auto Dealership / Service Shop?

• AloeTech • Huntington Honda • Huntington Hyundai • Huntington Toyota • Tilden Car Center 28. What is the Best Hair Salon?

• Cactus Salon • Hair Together • Jag Salon • Karma Spa & Salon • The Look Spa Salon • Oliver’s Haircutters • Papillon Beauty Salon • Salon 3028 • Salon Mayan • Tres Jolie Salon de Beaute 29. What is the Best Non-Profit / Charitable Organization?

• Cinema Arts Centre • Family Service League • Helping Hands Children’s Services • The Huntington Chamber of Commerce • Huntington Public Library • Kiwanis • The Townwide Fund of Huntington 30. What is the Best-Kept Secret of Huntington?

• A Rise Above Bake Shop • Better Homes & Garden Real Estate: Atlantic Shores • The Huntington Yacht Club • Kerber’s Farm • The Owl & The Pussycat Bath Products • Storyville American Table • Suite Pieces • VAUXHALL • Vogue Nail Salon

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A12 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 7, 2016

Mandarin Gourmet: A New York Ave. Mainstay

The Seafood Delight entree is made with lobster, prawns and scallops. It is sauteed with vegetables and presented in a bird’s nest basket made from taro root.

Mandarin Gourmet owner Albert Leung presents the restaurant’s filet mignon entree.

By Tes Silverman

sweet sauce that results in a crispy and delicious dish. The chicken soong is made with diced chicken and assorted vegetables served on lettuce leaves, making it the perfect dish for the health-conscious diner.

For Chinese entrees, the ones to choose are Seafood Delight ($21.95) and the filet mignon with asparagus and black bean sauce ($30.95). The Seafood Delight, made with lobster, prawns and scallops, sautéed with vegetables, is presented in a bird’s nest basket made from taro root, which is great for the adventurous diner. The filet mignon melts in your mouth, and balances well with the tender, crispy of the asparagus.

For Japanese dining options, sushi and sashimi rolls are available, as well as chef’s special rolls such as the Mango Madness roll, which has spicy salmon, crunch, mango, avocado, black caviar, spicy mango sauce ($11.95); and the Mama Buddha roll, filled with asparagus, avocado, mixed greens, cucumber, soy bean seaweed and sweet miso paste ($8.95), to name a few.

If you want to try a dessert that’s not typical, a platter with green tea, red bean, golden vanilla and pistachio ice creams along with pineapple and honeydew ($12.95) is great to try

info@longislandergroup.com

Mandarin Gourmet on New York Avenue has been serving Chinese and Japanese cuisine in Huntington for 15 years. Owner Albert Leung moved the restaurant from Jericho Turnpike in Huntington, where it was known as Albert’s Mandarin Gourmet for 18 years.

Step inside and you are greeted with a huge space that’s bathed in colors of blue, brown and red, complementing the richness of the food they serve.

If you’re lucky, you may get to interact with Leung himself and see how his persona continues to attract diners, old and new.

Mandarin Gourmet offers dishes that combine sweet and sour flavors, as well as crisp and smooth textures.

To start you on your Asian culinary journey, the appetizers to choose are chicken corn soup ($6.95), tropical shrimp ($6.50) and chicken soong ($7.95). The chicken corn soup is creamy but not heavy and filled with pieces of tender chicken. The tropical shrimp is lightly battered mixed with a slightly

Manager Raymond Lin presents an ice cream and fruit platter.

and large enough to share.

More of a lunch person? Mandarin Gourmet offers lunch specials in Chinese and Japanese cuisine from 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Raymond Lin, the Mandarin manager for 20 years, credits the restaurant’s longevity to its customers.

“Our customers always come first.

On any given day, the dining room and bar are filled with regular customers and new ones. Some live around the corner and others have traveled across the island to see what all the hype is about. We are happy to customize any of our menu items to fit the needs of our customers. Our staff does a great job of making sure that each customer, whether new or old, has a wonderful experience.”

Mandarin Gourmet 269 New York Ave. Huntington 631-673-8188 mandaringourmetli.com Ambiance: Casual Cuisine: Chinese and Japanese Price: Moderate Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday, 1-10 p.m.

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Side Dish

THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 7, 2016 • A13

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DINEHUNTINGTON .COM KITCHEN CLOSES: Danyell’s Kitchen in Northport shut its doors for good on Jan. 3. The restaurant had been facing tough times since September, when owner Danyell Miller said she had trouble paying rent. Last Thursday, Miller said she was shocked to be closing the restaurant. She had opened the restaurant in February 2012 under the name “Campari.” But, to attract more business, especially from those who recognized her name, she changed the restaurant’s name to “Danyell’s Kitchen” last March. The restaurant served Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and featured the work of local artists. “It’s funny, because where I’m at now with Danyell’s Kitchen, having an artist and musical

community, that was the dream. I didn’t have any restaurant experience, I just learned how to do it,” Miller said.

She said running the business was challenging, but that she is proud of the work she was able to accomplish.

According to online records, Michael Gallo, is the broker of the property.

He could not be reached for comment by deadline.

A PRIME ANNIVERSARY: Prime restau-

rant and bar in Huntington is celebrating its ninth anniversary by offering patrons a prix-fixe menu that will be available until Jan. 17. The $50 menu includes three courses. Such courses include seared scallop and shrimp ceviche, petite filet mignon

Danyell’s Kitchen in Northport is now permanently closed. and vanilla bean cheesecake. The menu is only available before 7 p.m. on Saturdays. A promotional flyer details unlimited wine by the glass with

any entree for $15. If patrons forgo wine pairings, however, the threecourse prix-fixe menu is reduced to $40.

News and reviews from the restaurant capital of Long Island Read past reviews online at www.LongIslanderNews.com

CALL 631-427-7000

A14 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 7, 2016

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Health &Wellness Earlier this year, Nielsen reported that weight loss was Americans’ top New Year’s resolution, but 8 percent make their resolutions last.

Blink Fitness, which has a location in Melville, promotes a mindset that fitness is about achieving a healthy, positive mind and body that comes from leading an active lifestyle.

Melville Club Manager Caitlin Martin said the gym, located at 121 Broadhollow Road, sees an influx of members around this time each year and aims to keep newbies on board through emphasizing staff enthusiasm, respect of its members, cleanliness, upbeat music, vibrant colors and its nationally certified trainers (it has five training packages).

It’s a one-on-one experience,” she said. “Want to make sure we keep you here for the long term.”

To stay on track with your fitness resolution, Blink Fitness experts recommend the following: 1. Set Realistic Expectations – When it comes to goals, the smaller the better. If you aim to exercise more frequently, start slowly and work to

Photo courtesy Blink Fitness

How To Stick With Your Fitness Resolution a bad day or moment of weakness.

Remember, no one is perfect and minor missteps along the way are completely normal and OK. Don’t give up completely because you ate a brownie or skipped the gym for a week. The key is to resolve to recover from your mistakes and get back on track.

Blink Fitness in Melville has all the modern equipment and focuses on personal attention to its members, said Club Manager Caitlin Martin. your desired levels, i.e.: start going to the gym two days a week and slowly work towards five. By breaking things into lesser parts, you’re giving yourself small goals that you are more likely to achieve and stay on top of. Big goals, on the other hand, like losing 10 pounds in a month, can potentially set you up for failure. However, if losing 10 pounds is your ulti-

mate goal, think about the sub-strategy and specific behaviors that will lead you there. “Lose 10 pounds” sounds specific, but it’s less likely to work than behavioral goals like “Take the stairs every other day.”

2) Don’t Be Afraid to Fail – The No. 1 reason people desert their New Year’s resolutions is because they had

3) Give Yourself A Schedule – If your resolution is a large project or goal, it’s wise to break it down into a timeline. Mapping out a rough schedule for the year in advance allows you to visualize how you will tackle your goals from a timing perspective. For example, if your resolution is to run a marathon and you know March is your busiest month at work, plan on training extra hard in February and April to make up for lost time.

4) Rethink Your Resolutions in Positive Terms – Instead of “lose weight,” make your resolution “add more veggies to lunchtime routine” or “participate in meatless Mondays more often.” Framing things in a optimistic light will make your resolutions seem less like chores, and more like a positive lifestyle improvement.

3 Top Diets For Good Health And Weight Loss

By David Dunaief In U.S. News and World Report’s 2015 annual ranking of 35 diets, a panel of 22 health experts identified the top diets for health and weight loss. The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), Ornish and Mediterranean diets were all highlighted.

All three diets were ranked in the top five for heart health. The DASH diet was ranked the No. 1 overall diet, and the Mediterranean diet was ranked No. 3. Both the Ornish and the DASH diets ranked within the top three for diabetes.

What do they have in common?

They all focus on nutrient-dense foods such as fruits and vegetables - especially dark green leafy vegetables like broccoli, kale, and swiss chard -- all types of berries, as well as nuts, seeds, beans and legumes.

Lifestyle modifications I recommend are based on a combination of these three diets and the evidence-

based medicine that supports them.

For instance, a randomized crossover trial, which means patients after a prescribed time can switch to the more effective group, showed that the DASH diet is not just for patients with high blood pressure. The DASH diet was more efficacious than the control diet in terms of diabetes, weight loss, HDL (“good”) cholesterol, LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and blood pressure.

Interestingly, patients still lost weight, although caloric intake and the percentages of fats, protein and carbohydrates were the same between the DASH and control diets.

However, the DASH diet used different sources of these macronutrients. The DASH diet also contained foods with higher fiber, calcium and potassium and lower sodium.

Therefore, diets high in nutrientdense foods may be an effective way to lose weight while treating and preventing disease.

Changing habits is always hard.

There are some things that you can do to make it easier, though.

Your environment is very important.

According to Dr. David Katz, director of the Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center, it is not as much about willpower as it is about your environment; willpower is analogous to holding your breath underwater — it is only effective for a short time frame. He suggests recognizing your obstacles and making plans to avoid or overcome them to reduce strain on your willpower.

According to one study, people with the most self-control utilize the least amount of willpower, since they take a proactive role in minimizing temptation. Start by changing the environment in your kitchen.

Support is another critical element. In my practice, I find that patients who are most successful with lifestyle changes are those where household members are encouraging or, even better, when they partic-

ipate in at least some portion of the intervention, such as eating the same meals.

When does a change become a new habit? The rule of thumb used to be it takes three weeks. However, the results of a study at the University of London showed that the time to form a habit, such as exercising, ranged from 18 days to 254 days.

The good news is that the average time to reach this automaticity was 66 days, or about two months.

Hopefully, I have inspired you to achieve your New Year’s resolutions. And one more tip: take it day by day, rather than obsessing on the larger picture. Health and weight loss can — and should — go together.

Dr. David Dunaief is a speaker, author and integrative medicine physician focusing on the integration of medicine, nutrition, fitness and stress management. For more information, visit medicalcompassmd.com, or call 631-675-2888.

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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 7, 2016 • A15

A16 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 7, 2016

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Spotlight On

Huntington Businesses

By Janee Law jlaw@longislandergroup.com

Lot 356 Fashion Boutique is a quaint shop on the corner of NewYork Avenue and Elm Street that brings edgy and casual styles of clothing, jewelry and accessories to shoppers in the village of Huntington.

“From what I’ve heard from customers, we definitely have the West Coast look, which makes us different,” said owner Laurie Burlison, 30.

“We have a very chill and easygoing vibe to our clothing and to our look, and people like that.”

Selling dresses, skirts, blouses, jeans, necklaces, rings, scarves and more, Lot 356 offers comfy items for those casual days and chic pieces for night outings.

Lot 356 also promoting local jewelry vendors buy sell their product in the store. This includes Jillery Jewels, based in Huntington and Morning Star Jewelry, based in Calverton and Peter M. Jewelry.

Carrying several lines of clothing, such as customer favorites Michael Lauren, J Brand, Bella Doll and, for dresses, Susana Monaco, Burlison and her sister and co-owner Barbara Rizzi, 42, choose their clothing at fashion shows they attend at the Jacob K. Jav-

Long Islander News Photos/Janee Law

BUSINESS Lot 356 Offers An Edgy Style To The Village

Laurie Burlison is owner of Lot 356 Fashion Boutique in Huntington, which she said has an edgy, casual style. its Convention Center in Manhattan.

“People are very verbal, thank God. They let us know what they like and what they don’t like,” said Burlison, of Huntington. “It makes it easier to buy for people. Now we know what we want to order in the spring. We know our client base.”

Burlison said the store is currently carrying a lot of colors like blacks, whites and greys.

However, going into the spring and summer season, Burlison said customers will be seeing splashes of color, along with maxi dresses and

Open since March 2015, Lot 356 Fashion Boutique is a quaint shop that sells accessories, gifts, scarves, jewelry, dresses, skirts, blouses and more.

rompers, as well as the casual-edgy style.

The 1,500-square-foot shop, at 356 New York Ave., will be expanding its merchandise with sandals and shapewear for the upcoming season.

In addition, Lot 356 will be shifting its price points, which currently ranges between $100-$200 for clothing.

“We’re in a very mixed location, so we get a lot of people from out of town too,” Burlison said, adding that while some customers like the high prices, others do not. “So we’re going to have a mix of lines and price points.”

After feedback from shoppers, Lot 356 plans to sell some of its clothing for less than $100, with some blouses at $50.

“We’re looking to really appeal to everyone that comes in,” she said.

“We want to be flexible.”

Surrounded by local restaurants, the shop stays open until 10 p.m. two to three days of the week, depending on the season.

Burlison said keeping the store open late is helpful to her neighbors by sharing the traffic the flow between restaurants and shows at the Paramount.

Opening since March, Burlison said she and her sister found Huntington to be one of the trendiest places that envelops a mini-city feel.

“People like to go out, people like to

eat and they like to shop,” Burlison said. “It fits the lifestyle of having a boutique into this area.”

Lot 356 also provides private shopping parties, with plans to team up with La Piele Spa & Aesthetics Center to host a ladies night event at the end of January. It will involve shopping, massages and facial treatments.

“We can set up events with people to come to their home and either personal style them or set up a party with them and their friends,” Burlison said.

The goal for the shop is to always be friendly, create a helpful environment and provide a personal shopping experience for customers, Burlison said, adding that people love shopping at her store because she is honest with customers about what outfit works and what doesn’t.

“We want our customers to feel good, to feel confidant that they look good, know they look good and get a lot of compliments when they leave,” Burlison said. “I think that’s the most important part is making somebody feel good in what they’re wearing.”

Lot 356 Fashion Boutique 356 New York Ave. Huntington, New York (631) 385-0100 lot356.com

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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 7, 2016 • A17

BUSINESS Setting Your Legacy With Charitable Trusts

By Peter J. Klein What’s your legacy?

How are you going to craft it when you are no longer here? There are many different vehicles that one can use to provide a gift to one or several charities – from establishing a donor advised fund or private foundation to charitable remainder trusts and charitable lead trusts.

A charitable remainder trust lets you donate generously to charity, and it gives you and your heirs a tax break. However, if you just want to make a few small charitable gifts, then a charitable trust probably isn’t worth the bother. You need to do some serious thinking before you set up a charitable remainder trust. CRTs require you to give up legal control of your property, and charitable remainder trusts are irrevocable – once the trust becomes operational, you cannot change your mind and regain legal control of the trust property.

How It Works A CRT is the most common type of charitable trust. It is a split-interest gift, which means that the interests are between the donor (you) and the charity (the “remainder-man”). Here’s how it usually works: First, you set up a trust and transfer to it the property you want to donate to a charity. The charity must be approved by the IRS, which usually means it has tax-exempt status under the Internal Revenue Code.

The charity serves as trustee of the trust, and manages or invests the prop-

erty so it will produce income for you.

The charity pays you (or someone you name) a portion of the income generated by the trust property for a certain number of years, or for your whole life – you specify the payment period in the trust document. Then, at your death or the end of the period you set, the property goes to the charity.

What’s In It For You: Tax Advantages In addition to helping out your favorite charity, you get several big tax advantages from this arrangement.

You can take an income tax deduction, spread over five years, for the present value (using the federal schedule of discount rates) of your future gift to the charity. There may also be an estate tax advantage insomuch that once the gift portion goes to the charity it is deemed no longer part of your estate.

There is also the advantage with respect to capital gains taxes: with a CRT, you can turn appreciated property into cash without paying capital gains tax on the profit.

Example Toni owns stock worth $300,000.

She paid $20,000 for it 20 years ago.

She creates a charitable trust, naming Greenpeace as the charitable beneficiary, and funds her trust with her stock.

Greenpeace sells the stock for $300,000 and invests the money in a diversified portfolio of income producing securities and funds. Toni will receive income from this $300,000 for her life. Had Toni sold the stock herself, she would have had to pay capital

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Flemington Furs Ribbon Cutting The Huntington Chamber is excited to start off the New Year with a ribbon cutting to celebrate new Huntington business and chamber member, Flemington Furs.

Established in 1921, Flemington Furs has developed an unsurpassed reputation for fashion, quality, selection, value and service and is the world’s leader in fine fur and luxury outerwear.

Come out and join Flemington Furs and the chamber to celebrate the grand opening on Tuesday,

Jan. 12, starting at 5:30 p.m.

Refreshments will be served.

Flemington Furs is located at 301 Route 110, Huntington Station.

We encourage you to take advantage of this free networking opportunity to engage with fellow chamber members and welcome a new member.

If you are unsure if your business is a member, please call the chamber at 631-423-6100 and we can help you get involved and enjoy the benefits of membership.

gains tax on her $280,000 profit. Because of their tax-exempt status, no capital gains tax is assessed against the charity – so all of the proceeds can be used to generate the income to Toni.

Upon her death, the remaining amount in the portfolio goes to the charity.

When you set up a charitable remainder trust, there are two basic ways to structure the payments you will receive. You can receive a fixeddollar amount (an annuity) each year, which can’t be changed. That way, if the trust has lower-than-expected income, you still receive the same annual income. But that also means that you will be dipping into the corpus of the portfolio and as such may have less leftover for the charitable beneficiary. The best course of action is to model out the current income needs, the charitable deduction benefits and the interest in providing a legacy for your favorite charity.

The other way is to set your annual payment as a percentage of the value of the current worth of the trust property. For example, your trust docu-

ment could specify that you will receive 7 percent of the value of the trust assets yearly. Each year the trust assets will be reappraised, and you will receive 7 percent of that amount.

Because you receive a percentage, not a flat dollar amount, if inflation (or wise investment) pushes up the dollar value of the assets, your payments go up accordingly. Under IRS rules, you must receive at least 5 percent of the value of the trust each year.

The charitable remainder trust is an excellent vehicle to have in your tool box – to provide for a charitable legacy (that is the primary benefit) as well as to reduce income and estate taxes.

Klein Wealth Management is a team of investment professionals registered with HighTower Securities, LLC, member FINRA, MSRB and SIPC & HighTower Advisors LLC a registered investment advisor with the SEC. All securities are offered through HighTower Securities LLC and advisory services are offered through HighTower Advisors LLC.

A18 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 7, 2016

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OPEN HOUSES

Want to get your open houses listed? Get your listings for free on this page every week in Long Islander News papers.

Call Associate Publisher Peter Sloggatt at 631-427-7000 or send an e-mail to psloggatt@longislandergroup.com.

Town Melville Dix Hills Huntington Dix Hills Lloyd Neck Huntington Dix Hills Dix Hills Huntington Melville Huntington Huntington Dix Hills Dix Hills Huntington Cold Spring Hrbr Dix Hills

MELVILLE

DIX HILLS

MELVILLE

1098 Savoy Dr Bedrooms 2 Baths 2 Price $500,000 Taxes $4,431 Open House 1/9 12:00pm-2:00pm Realty Connect USA LLC 877-647-1092

1009 Commack Rd Bedrooms 4 Baths 3 Price $325,000 Taxes $13,508 Open House 1/10 11:00am-1:00pm Coach Real Estate Assoc Inc 631-427-9100

12 Soulagnet Ct Bedrooms 5 Baths 5 Price $829,000 Taxes $21,073 Open House 1/10 1:00pm-3:00pm Douglas Elliman Real Estate 631-499-9191

Address Beds 1098 Savoy Dr 2 98 Old Brook Rd 4 18 Maurice Ln 5 23 Brycewood Dr 4 19 Target Rock Dr 5 39 Pilgrim Path 5 26 Elderberry Rd 4 1009 Commack Rd 4 12 Bryan St 4 53 Villas Cir 2 11 N Wesley Ct 3 12 Dale Rd 4 107B W Deer Park Rd 4 12 Soulagnet Ct 5 95 E Artisan Ave 4 27 Fairway Pl 6 10 Stony Run Ct 5

Baths 2 4 3 3 3 4 5 3 2 3 3 3 4 5 4 4 4

Price $500,000 $699,000 $699,900 $799,999 $1,100,000 $1,299,000 $1,449,999 $325,000 $399,900 $469,000 $489,000 $699,000 $829,000 $829,000 $949,000 $999,000 $1,125,000

Taxes $4,431 $15,787 $15,991 $17,743 $19,339 $23,050 $26,223 $13,508 $12,219 $10,952 $13,063 $12,731 $17,786 $21,073 $23,592 $18,227 $24,247

Date 1/9 1/9 1/9 1/9 1/9 1/9 1/9 1/10 1/10 1/10 1/10 1/10 1/10 1/10 1/10 1/10 1/10

Time 12:00pm-2:00pm 12:00pm-2:00pm 2:00pm-3:30pm 2:30pm-4:00pm 11:00am-1:00pm 1:00pm-3:00pm 12:30pm-2:00pm 11:00am-1:00pm 2:00pm-3:30pm 1:00pm-3:00pm 12:00pm-1:30pm 1:30pm-3:30pm 2:00pm-4:00pm 1:00pm-3:00pm 1:00pm-3:00pm 12:00pm-2:00pm 2:00pm-4:00pm

Broker Realty Connect USA LLC Realty Executives North Shore Signature Premier Properties Shawn Elliott Luxury Homes Daniel Gale Agency Inc Signature Premier Properties Shawn Elliott Luxury Homes Coach Real Estate Assoc Inc Coach Real Estate Assoc Inc Douglas Elliman Real Estate Coach Real Estate Assoc Inc Realty Connect USA LLC Douglas Elliman Real Estate Douglas Elliman Real Estate Douglas Elliman Real Estate Douglas Elliman Real Estate Coach Real Estate Assoc Inc

Phone 877-647-1092 631-499-4040 631-673-3700 516-364-4663 631-692-6770 631-673-3700 516-364-4663 631-427-9100 631-757-4000 631-499-9191 631-673-2222 888-236-6319 631-499-9191 631-499-9191 516-681-2600 516-921-2262 631-360-1900

Congratulations to Bob Scheiner for being honored as Long Islander News' Person of the Year 2015!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR DEDICATION TO OUR COMMUNITY THROUGHOUT THE YEARS.

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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 7, 2016 • A19

A20 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 7, 2016

THURSDAY Long Island Economic Outlook

Hear and participate in a discussion on the future of Long Island’s economy. The discussion, hosted by AVZ Certified Public Accountants, Long Island Business News and Long Island business leaders, will be at Crest Hollow Country Club, 8325 Jericho Turnpike in Woodbury, on Thursday, Jan. 7, 8-10 a.m. Interested participants can register at libn.com/outlook-2016 for $35, $300 for a display table with two panel discussion seats. For more information, call 631-913-4258. Breakfast will be served.

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Calendar O M M U N I T Y

Relay For Life, Northport Kickoff

Find out how to help the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life event, its purpose, how it supports the community, cancer patients and how to participate in the Relay For Life event. Informational talks will be given by community members, survivors and caregivers. The free kickoff takes place at Northport High School (154 Laurel Hill Road), Thursday, Jan. 21, 7 p.m. Call Alyssa Patrone, 631300-3457 for more information.

‘7 In Heaven’ Speed Dating

Singles, ages 32-46, can enjoy a drink, food and find that special someone at 7In-Heaven’s speed dating event, a month before Valentine's Day at XO Wine And Chocolate Restaurant (69 Wall St., Huntington). Men and women talk to each other for seven minutes, recording interesting information as to who they meet to determine potential matches.

The speed dating event is Thursday, Jan. 7, 8-10 p.m. Interested participants can register at 7-in-heaven.com, under the “calendar” banner, for $38. Discounts are offered for bringing a friend.

FRIDAY Free Shabbat Dinner For The Public

Enjoy a nice dinner after a Shabbat service at the Chai Center, 501 Vanderbilt Parkway, Dix Hills. The dinner is open to the public and service attendance is not required. Shabbat service is 5:30 p.m. and the dinner follows at 6:30 p.m. Call 631-351-8672 for more information and to reserve seats, $22 for adults, $12 for children under 12 and $72 for families (up to two adults and three children).

SATURDAY Paint And Drywall Workshop

Have you been thinking about painting and fixing up the drywall in your home, but aren’t sure how? Find out how to fix the drywall and learn painting techniques at The Home Depot’s Interior Paint and Drywall Repair workshop, Saturday, Jan. 9, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. at the Huntington location (785 New York Ave., Huntington, NY 11743). Interested participants can register at workshops.homedepot.com.

Paint The Town- ‘Winter Vaca’

Spend an evening of painting in a social setting with a drink hosted by Paint The Town Studio, located 17 Green St. Suite 6, Huntington. The painting session is $40 and will be held 8-10 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 9.Interested participants and groups can sign up at paintthetownstudio.com under the “calendar” banner.

For more information, call 631-683-5788.

AT THE LIBRARIES Free Shabbat Dinner For The Public Enjoy a nice dinner after a Shabbat service at the Chai Center, 501 Vanderbilt Parkway, Dix Hills, on Friday, Jan. 8, at 6:30 p.m. after Shabbat service at 5:30 p.m. Tickets range from $12- $72, call 631-3518672 for more information and to reserve seats on Sunday, Jan. 10. Its upcoming show, ‘Princely Patrons: A Festive New Year’s Concert,’ will have music from Beethoven and Haydn and will be accompanied by pianist Yoonie Han. The concert starts at 4 p.m. at the Huntington Jewish Center (510 Park Ave., Huntington). Tickets are $10 for student; $18 for members; $20 for seniors; and $25 for adults. Call 631385-0372 to reserve tickets.

Schools, training, fitness centers and organizations are encouraged to send a representative to the meeting. The meeting is free and will be held at J. Taylor Finley Middle School, 20 Greenlawn Road, Huntington on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 5:30-8 p.m. Dinner is provided in the meeting’s latter portion. To sign up or for more information, contact Tim Flynn at 631-254-1465 ext. 202.

Build A Boat At The Whaling Museum

Basketball Free-Throw Competition

Children and their families can be shipbuilders and create and design a wooden vessel to sail the seven seas at Cold Spring Harbor’s Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor. Materials and hot-glue guns will be provided. The event is Sunday, Jan. 10, 1-4 p.m. and is $8 or $5 for members. No registration required.

MONDAY

Ridotto Concert, ‘Princely Patrons: A Festive New Year’s Concert’

The Long Island-based nonprofit cultural organization Ridotto will be holding its ‘With A Touch Of Theater’ concert series

Children ages 9-14 can compete in a basketball free-throw competition on Tuesday, Jan. 11 at 7 p.m. at Trinity Regional School, 1025 Fifth Ave., East Northport. The competition is hosted by the Fr. Thomas A. Judge Knights of Columbus Council. Winners will compete in a district-level free throw competition in February, with a chance of competing in the State Finals at West Point.

Registration commences at 7:10 p.m. A birth certificate is required for registration.

Valentine’s Paper Crafting Class

Create a special Valentine’s Day gift for your loved one at Michael’s, 350 Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station. The workshop is free and interested lovebirds can sign up at michaels.com under the “classes and events” banner, then “view in-store classes,” then “paper crafting and mixed media.” For more information, call 631- 423-0381.

TUESDAY SUNDAY

Hard Luck Cafe concert series at the Cinema Arts Centre (423 Park Ave., Huntington) hosted by the Folk Music Society of Huntington. The concert will feature Long Island native musical performers Scott Krokoff and Robinson Treacher. The concert is Thursday, Jan. 21, at 8:30 p.m. There will be an open microphone at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for non-members, and $10 for Cinema Arts Centre and FMSH members. Visit fsmh.org for a list of other upcoming concerts.

Special Olympics Conference

Parents, coaches, volunteers and the general public are invited to learn more about Special Olympics New York and its upcoming events in its covered region, as well as certification opportunities for current and new coaches and volunteers.

WEDNESDAY

Library-hosted events and programs are reserved for cardholders of their respective library unless otherwise noted.

Cold Spring Harbor Library

95 Harbor Road, Cold Spring Harbor.

631-692-6820. cshlibrary.org.

• Traditional Chinese Culture Presentation: Learn about Chinese history, culture, dance and medicine in this event presented by the Long Island Chinese Culture Presentation Team. Registration is required, families are welcome.

• New SAT Exam changes: High school students and parents are invited to attend this informational session as to new changes coming to the SAT Exams and how to prepare for it. The session is Thursday, Jan. 14, 7 p.m.

Commack Public Library

18 Hauppauge Road, Commack. 631499-0888. commack.suffolk.lib.ny.us.

• Pizza: An Italian Trademark: When the moon hits your eyes like a big pizza pie, that’s amore, and this program is for you. Learn about pizza, one of the most-loved Italian delicacies’ history, its varieties and secrets and recipes to create your own homemade pizza.

Registration is required, the program is Thursday, Jan. 14, 11 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.

Pizza will also be served.

Deer Park Library ‘Sea Turtle Paint Nite’ at TGI Fridays

Brush your troubles away with food, drinks and painting at Paint Nite’s evening paint session. Sign-up cost is $45 and interested patrons, ages 21 and over, can register at paintnite.com (note location, time and date when signing up).

The session is Wednesday, Jan. 13, at TGI Fridays, 100 Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station, at 7 p.m. Supplies will be provided and participants must inform their hostess they are with Paint Nite.

UPCOMING/ONGOING “Hard Luck Cafe” Concert Series

Spend an evening of live music at the

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

Elwood Public Library

3027 Jericho Turnpike, Elwood. 631499-3722. elwoodlibrary.org.

• New-Mom Meet Up: You’re a new mom and you’re wondering what to do.

Don’t worry, you are not alone. New moms can meet other new moms in the Elwood area to socialize and connect with each other. The first meet is Friday, Jan. 8, at 10:30 a.m. and will meet every subsequent Friday until Jan. 29. No registration or fee is required, just stop on by.

• Digital Security Informational: You can

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protect yourself from getting sick, but there is a series of viruses with constant evolving strands: computer viruses.

Adults can now learn how to defend themselves against computer viruses, spyware, cyber attacks, identity theft and scams in this cyber-security course.

Registration is required and meets Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2 p.m.- 3:30 p.m.

THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 7, 2016 • A21

(Continued from page A20)

‘Paint Nite’ At TGi Fridays Eat, drink and paint at TGI Fridays (100 Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station) as it hosts Paint Nite, Wednesday, Jan. 13, at 7 p.m. Supplies will be provided. For more information and to sign up, visit paintnite.com.

Half Hollow Hills Community Library

Dix Hills: 55 Vanderbilt Parkway. 631421-4530; Melville: 510 Sweet Hollow Road, 631-421-4535. hhhlibrary.org.

• Chocolate Scone Workshop: Nothing goes better with coffee than a scone.

The library will offer a class on how to make chocolate raspberry scones.

Attendees will be given ready-to-bake scones to take home. The class is Friday, Jan. 8, 7 p.m.- 8:30 p.m.

Registration is required and meets at the Dix Hills location. Registered participants should bring a mixing bowl, rubber spatula and baking pan.

• Divorce Recovery For Families: Divorce can take a heavy toll on families and children, but it doesn’t have to be callous. This workshop, focused on educating families and people on divorce and its effects, will help families and their members during this emotional transition and how to successfully deal with it.

Speakers from the Suffolk County Psychological Association, Nassau County Psychological Association and Collaborative Divorce Resolutions will present this workshop. Registration is required and can be done at familiesrecoveringfromdivorce.org. The workshop is Saturday, Jan. 9, 9:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. at the Dix Hills location. Families are encouraged to attend as a whole.

Harborfields Public Library

31 Broadway, Greenlawn. 631-757-4200. harborfieldslibrary.org • Get Acquainted With Your iOS Device: Learn how to better use and manipulate your iPhone or iPad in this threesession course that covers all aspect of these Apple devices. Best of all, it’s free! How do you like them apples?

Sign up for one, two or all three courses (The library suggests signing up for all three). Sessions are every Thursday, 2 p.m.- 4 p.m., starting on Jan. 14, then Jan. 21 and Jan. 28.

• Let's Learn Italian: Parli italiano? Sei un bambino che vuole imparare? If so, then this Italian-learning course is for you. Kids in grades 3- 5 can learn the basics and fundamentals of the Italian language through games, role-playing and other activities and be an Italian chef on the last class. This three-lecture course meets every Thursday at 6:30 p.m.- 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 14, Jan. 21 and Jan. 28. Registration is required.

Huntington Public Library

Main branch: 338 Main St., Huntington.

631-427-5165. Station branch: 1335 New York Ave., Huntington Station. 631421-5053. thehuntingtonlibrary.org.

• Claymation Workshop: Children in grades 1- 5 can learn about claymation and help create their own claymation.

The workshop meets Monday, Jan. 11, 5:30- 6:30 p.m. at the station-branch location.Registration is required.

Northport-East Northport Public

Northport: 151 Laurel Ave. 631-2616930. (ext East Northport: 185 Larkfield

Road. 631-261-2313. nenpl.org.

• Learn About Mexico: Children in grades K- 2 can experience Mexico without the expensive flight and hotel booking.

They will learn about our southern neighbor through games, stories music and art in the sanctity of the library’s Northport location. Registration is required and the session meets Friday, Jan. 8, 4 p.m.- 4:45 p.m.

• Revitalize Your Resume: Don’t go to your next internship or job interview with a subpar resume that will get you placed in the “do-not-consider” tray. Have it stand out to impress the employer or recruiter. The library’s Northport location will host a professional career counselor to explain the secrets to an eye-appealing resume and how to build a better resume. Interested attendees are encouraged to bring their resumes for the counselor's critiques and suggestions. Register online or at either library.

The session meets Wednesday, Jan. 13, 3 p.m.- 4:30 p.m.

South Huntington Public Library

145 Pidgeon Hill Road, Huntington Station. 631-549-4411. shpl.info.

• The Science Of Magic: There has never been a plausible explanation for magic until now. Children in grades K-5 can learn the secrets and science behind the awe-inflicting art that is magic. Children also get a “Mad Science” Curious Cube to continue their magic practice. Registration is required and is Monday, Jan. 11, 4:30 to 5:40 p.m.

• Saving And Budgeting For Kids: Teach your children how to budget that holiday-given money. Children in grades 14 can now learn budgeting and money-saving skills that will help in years to come and adulthood with Pig E. Bank and through games using toy money. Kids will also decorate a piggy bank to keep and to save money with.

Registration is required and meets Tuesday, Jan. 12, 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

• Introduction to Windows 10: The South Huntington Library will hold a tutorial on Microsoft’s new operating system, for $10, on Monday, Jan. 25, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Registration is required.

Participants must have basic computer knowledge and experience.

299 Main St., Huntington. Gallery hours: Monday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., until 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. 631-5495106. bjspokegallery.com.

• “Winter Harvest of Artists 2016” The gallery will highlight the work of 33 local artists. Such works include photography, sculptures and paintings. The exhibition will be live, Tuesday, Jan. 7 to Sunday, Jan. 31, with artist reception on Saturday, Jan. 9, 6 p.m.- 9 p.m.

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 ages 3-12 and seniors over 65; members and children under 3 are free. 516-692-6768. cshfha.org.

Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum

301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor. 631367-3418. cshwhalingmuseum.org.

Tuesday through Friday, 12-4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 12-5 p.m. (closed Monday). Admission $6 adults, $5 children and seniors.

Heckscher Museum Of Art

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

• “Street Life: PrivateMoments/Public Record” runs through March 27.

Selected works from the permanent collection illustrate the urban experience and create a portrait of New York City in its daily life. Featured artists include Berenice Abbott, N. Jay Jaffee, Martin Lewis, John Sloan, Garry Winogrand.

• “You Go Girl!” Celebrating Women Artists: runs through April 3. Featured artists include Berenice Abbott, Elaine de Kooning, Dorothy Dehner, Audrey Flack, Jane Hammond, Mary Nimmo Moran, Georgia O’Keeffe, Betty Parsons, Miriam Schapiro, Esphyr Slobodkina, Emma Stebbins, and Jane Wilson, among others.

Huntington Arts Council 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.

ArtLeagueLI.net.

Main Street Petite Gallery: 213 Main St., Huntington.

Gallery hours: Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday noon-4 p.m. 631-2718423. huntingtonarts.org.

• “Members at Their Best” show runs through Jan. 9

B. J. Spoke Gallery

Huntington Historical Society

MUSEUMS/EXHIBITS Art League of Long Island

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

• For an afternoon of historical fun, take a self-guided walking tour of the Northport’s historic Main Street, Tuesday-Sunday, from 1-4:30 p.m.

Available in the museum shop at$5 per person.

Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium

180 Little Neck Road, Centerport.

Museum hours: 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. vanderbiltmuseum.org.

• Afternoon mansion tours begin in the courtyard of the historic house once owned by William K. Vanderbilt II. Tours are Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday for a $5 fee, in addition to the price of admission. Check the museum’s website for listing times.

Walt Whitman Birthplace

246 Old Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station. Hours: Wednesday-Friday, 11 a.m.-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. waltwhitman.org.

• Schedule at a group high tea and transport yourself back in time in a private gathering house at the Birthplace. $25 per person. 631-427-5240, ext. 120. teaparty@waltwhitman.org.

MUSIC/DANCE Five Towns Performing Arts Center

305 North Service Road, Dix Hills, NY 11746. 631-656-2110. FTC.edu.

• Wild Women of Comedy: Saturday, Jan. 23, 7:30 p.m. Call or visit online for information, seat availability and reservation and ticket pricing.

The Paramount

370 New York Ave., Huntington. 631673-7300. Paramountny.com. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

• The Supernaturalists starring Criss Angel. Thursday, Jan. 14. Doors open at 7 p.m., with the show scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. Tickets are $69.50$169.50. Visit ParamountNY.com for more information.

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10 days prior to publication date.

Send to Community Calendar at 14 Wall Street, Huntington, NY 11743, or e-mail to info@longislandergroup.com

A22 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 7, 2016 TOWN OF HUNTINGTON

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By Andrew Wroblewski awroblewski@longislandergroup.com

A $520,000 man-made wetland is being planned as a pilot sewage treatment system on the grounds of the Uplands Farm Sanctuary in Cold Spring Harbor with the goal of reducing nitrogen pollution.

The project will consist of sewage treatment tanks that will replace four outdated cesspools currently servicing buildings on the Uplands Farm Sanctuary, which is the main office of the Long Island chapter of The Nature Conservancy. Above the tanks will be a layer of plants and shrubs that help to treat wastewater and remove harmful pollutants, such as nitrogen.

“This project will help reduce the nitrogen-loading and contamination-loading into our North Shore harbors and bays,” said Adrienne Esposito, executive director of nonprofit Citizens Campaign for the Environment. She added that the system will treat around 1,500 gallons of sewage per day. “In the journey of a thousand steps, this is one more step forward,” Esposito said.

The system will be first of its kind on Long Island, said Frederick Lambiase, co-founder of Renewage, an ecological water treatment consultant that will install it.

The Nature Conservancy will supply $320,000 in funds toward the system, said Chris Clapp, marine scientist at the nonprofit.

“Part of the goal is to get this system scaled down to the point where everybody can use it,” Clapp said,

Long Islander News photo/Andrew Wroblewski

New Tech To Battle Nitrogen Pollution

Chris Clapp, right, marine scientist for The Nature Conservancy, shows Suffolk Legislator William Spencer where the nonprofit plans to install a pilot man-made wetland wastewater-treatment system on the grounds of the Uplands Farm Sanctuary in Cold Spring Harbor. The system is the result of a public-private partnership between the nonprofit and county. adding that there will also be a public education component of the project. Visitors to Uplands Farm will be able to learn how the system works through signs and information provided at the sanctuary.

An additional $220,000 in Suffolk County funds for the project was approved last month.

“This will expand the county’s toolbox for homeowners, as well as businesses, in the types of technologies that can be utilized in the future,” said Sarah Lansdale, director

of planning for Suffolk. “It will expand our knowledge and understanding of the types of technologies through enhanced testing… that will lead to expanded information about the use of these types of technologies: constructed wetlands.”

Nitrogen was named “public water enemy #1” in the 2015 Suffolk County Comprehensive Water Resources Management Plan, a result of the county’s “Reclaim Our Water” initiative. The report claims that hundreds of thousands of outdated septic

and cesspools are contributing to nitrogen pollution, which has impaired many of the bodies of water that surround Suffolk.

The county is also testing alternative wastewater-treatment systems at 19 residential sites.

Said Suffolk Legislator William Spencer (D-Centerport), “We have seen positive tangible results through investing in our wastewater infrastructure, and we will continue this journey to restore our waterways.”

NYPD Cop Helps Save Suicidal Man

By Jano Tantongco jtantongco@longislandergroup.com

NYPD Officer and East Northportnative Matthew Simpson was among of four police officers who prevented a man from plunging off a bridge in Brooklyn on Christmas Eve. Officers Simpson, Christopher Schlitt, Rohail Khalid and Kristo Cevi responded to a call of a distraught man ready to leap to his death on the Marine Parkway-Gil Hodges Memorial Bridge in Brooklyn, according to a NYPD release.

When they arrived at the scene, the officers encountered a passerby who directed the them toward a 62-year-

old man who had climbed a support pillar on the bridge and threatened to jump. They tried to talk him down, police said, but he would not respond.

He then brandished a knife and tried to slit his wrist before emptying his pockets and throwing his belongings toward the water.

When he was done, he leapt toward the water. But the officers quickly moved to catch him and were able to pull him back onto the bridge’s walkway.

Emergency medical services responded and brought him to Brookdale Hospital, where his daughter met him. Police said he was being evaluated and treated for minor

wrist wounds.

“It’s nice to see Matt Simpson as an New York City police officer conducting himself a professional manner and saving a life,” said Wayne Kaifler Jr., fire chief of the East Northport Fire Department.

Simpson has volunteered at the fire department for about five years, Kaifler said. Simpson is an active emergency medical technician and an active firefighter, as well.

“He’s an active member of the department who helps out when he can… even with the full-time job,” Kaifler said. “He still finds the time to volunteer and help out the local community.”

Photo/NYPD

TOWN OF HUNTINGTON

NYPD officer and East Northport-native Matthew Simpson was one of four officers who rescued a 62-year-old man who tried to leap to his death off a bridge in Brooklyn.

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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 7, 2016 • A23

TOWN OF HUNTINGTON

Judge Sides With Town On Sandpiper Tax Case

By Andrew Wroblewski awroblewski@longislandergroup.com

There will be no tax breaks for Asharoken’s Sandpiper Farm, at least not for now, according to a Dec. 11 ruling made by a Suffolk Supreme Court judge.

Justice John Bivona ruled the 441.5-acre property located on the northern tip of Eatons Neck did not from 2011-2015 meet the minimum financial requirements necessary for it to be a state agricultural district.

The designation would have opened the doors to millions in tax breaks for property-owner Eatons Neck LLC. The property was reassessed in 2012 and approved by the county and state as an agricultural district, but the reassessment was challenged by the Town of Huntington.

Current taxes on the property are $885,680 annually, according to town records. From 2011-2012 to 2014-2015, taxes on the property totaled $3.44 million, of which $2.66 million went to the Northport-East Northport School District. Townprovided figures estimate that taxes

on the property with the agricultural exemption would have been reduced to just over $300,000 annually.

The legal battle concluded with Bivona’s ruling, which is subject to appeal, but is ultimately a positive outcome for the town as it will not have to reimburse Eatons Neck LLC for the tax breaks.

However, the ruling may open the doors for Sandpiper Farm to be made an agricultural district in the future.

Bivona found that the property does meet two other requirements necessary for it to be considered for agricultural designation.

Bivona found that Sandpiper Farm is big enough, acreage-wise, to be considered; he ruled that 385 acres are utilized for the training of horses, exceeding the 7-acreminimum.

Bivona also found that the training of horses does warrant agricultural use, which was a notion challenged by the town. The town argued the activity was a “hobby” of tenant Laurie Landeau and not a commercial endeavor, but Bivona ruled otherwise.

Suffolk Supreme Court Justice John Bivona ruled Dec. 11 that Asharoken’s Sandpiper Farm, pictured, does not meet the requirements to be a state-approved agricultural district and is, therefore, not entitled to tax breaks.

With these two requirements satisfied, Sandpiper Farm could become an agricultural district if annual gross revenue on the property exceeds the $10,000-minumum average that’s required.

On Oct. 6, Asharoken trustees voted to amend village code to permit state- and county-approved farm operations. Previously, farm operations were not permitted by Asharoken’s zoning code.

Sandpiper Farm includes beach

bluffs, fresh- and saltwater wetlands, grasslands and secondary growth forests. It has been a farm since 1850. The parcel was a dairy farm until 1939 when W.S. Morgan purchased it to be used as his country estate. After Morgan died in 1982, the property was transferred to his estate, which sold it to Eatons Neck LLC. The company currently leases the property to Landeau, a well-recognized equestrian, instructor and businesswoman.

TOWN OF HUNTINGTON

Southdown Owners Eye Lease Of Former Waldbaum’s

By Jano Tantongco jtantongco@longislandergroup.com

The owner of Southdown Marketplace, a local chain of grocery stores, is in talks to take over the lease of the recently defunct Waldbaum’s in Greenlawn Plaza. The deal would bring back a much-needed grocery store for nearby residents, including seniors at Paumanack Village.

The shuttering of Waldbaum’s last month is one of many cases that have left residents in the dust in the wake of the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co.’s chapter 11 bankruptcy filing this past July.

Negotiations on selling the lease agreement are currently underway among Shanghai Enterprises, Southdown Marketplace and Federal Realty Investment Trust to sell the lease to Southdown, according to Lisa Geiger, marketing manager for Federal Realty Investment Trust, the landlord of Greenlawn Plaza.

Shanghai Enterprises acquired the lease and assets from A&P in October for $3.26 million, according to bankruptcy court documents.

Michael Zoitas, owner of Southdown Marketplace, envisions the new grocery as a roughly 20,000square-foot store. The former Waldbaum’s spanned 45,958 square feet, according to the website of Federal Realty Investment Trust.

“Our goal is to open the soonest,” said Zoitas. “We have the flexibility on the space. Because the space is larger, we’re going to do it a bit bigger than we usually do.”

Zoitas is still working on developing a new name for the proposed grocery, but stated it would not be named “Southdown Marketplace.”

Considering the residents of Paumanack Village, Zoitas said he has plans to create programs that would assist them in their daily living. He has been considering implementing a delivery service and discounts for residents.

“They have limited disposable income. Some of them don’t drive,” he said. “There is a way, I just have to see how to achieve it.”

Zoitas and his family took over the Southdown Marketplace in Huntington in 1999. They established a sec-

ond location in Northport over two years ago.

“We’re a local operation. We’ve been in Huntington for 15 years. It’s close to home,” he said. “We liked Greenlawn… it was a different deal from what Huntington and Northport are. We wanted to get a different type of shopper,” he added.

For Zoitas, the next step is examining how to make modifications to refit the space and shrink the store.

While details of the new store are being hammered out, earlier in the week, Charlie Reichert, the owner of the IGA supermarket in East Northport, agreed to reimburse HART bus fare of all village residents who shopped at the grocery.

“Within our capacities, we have made advancements and this kind gesture is another way we can ease the burden on the residents. This is what being a community is all about.” said Spencer. “I can’t thank Charlie and his family enough for stepping in to help during this time of need.”

Joyce A. Zucker, age 77, has been living at Paumanack Village for 20

years. She was in the audience when the reimbursement program from IGA supermarket was announced.

“I think it’s wonderful that these people are sharing with us and caring for us,” said Zucker. “But, we still need to have a supermarket in the vicinity. That’s the main thing.”

The bus travels between Paumanack Village and the supermarket twice a week for a $6 round-trip fare.

But now, any senior from the village will have that fare deducted from their grocery bill.

Huntington Councilwoman Tracey Edwards noted that it has been unfortunate that so many local supermarkets have closed due to the A&P bankruptcy, but the Greenlawn closing has taken an especially difficult toll on the residents of Paumanack.

That community, because of the close proximity to Paumanack, they need those essential services,” said Edwards. “I think that they [Southdown Marketplace] will serve the needs of the community there, and we’re anxious to work with them to bring it to fruition.”

A24 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 7, 2016

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WHEATLEY HEIGHTS

By Andrew Wroblewski awroblewski@longislandergroup.com

Suffolk police are seeking the public’s help to identify two suspects they said burglarized the Henry Kaufman Campgrounds in Wheatley Heights and stole items totaling more than $1,000 last year.

Police said two men, pictured right, entered the campgrounds at 75 Colonial Springs Road on Aug. 30 and Oct. 22. Once they got inside, they allegedly entered several buildings, a shed and a garage. Po-

lice did not place a specific monetary value on the items stolen, which included a golf cart, cash, tools, electronics, clothing and food.

Suffolk Crime Stoppers and Police First Squad detectives are investigating the incidents.

Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information about the incidents is asked to call anonymously to Crime Stopper at 1-800-220TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.

Photo/SCPD

Suspects Sought In Burglary, Grand Larceny

Eagle Scout to be recognized (Continued from page A1)

Elks Lodge.

He is “excited,” but also a “little nervous” because he has to give a speech at the ceremony.

Sambolin said he feels like his “work has paid off.”

To earn the Eagle Scout ranking, Sambolin had to obtain 21 merit badges and complete a community service project before he turned 18 years old on June 30.

Sambolin officially became an Eagle Scout on Aug. 10.

“Kyle is very dedicated. Like all the scouts, it takes a lot,” said Flerida Duchatellier, committee chair of Troop 106. “It’s something that helps them grow and really apply everything they have learned up to now and he did it very well.”

As part of the Northport VA Center project, all the clothes from the donation had to be thrown away and the room had to be emptied. Sambolin said he held a car-wash fundraiser and two clothing drives at the Elks Lodge. The money raised, which was $375, was used to buy bins to store the new clothes and build shelving

units in the donation room.

“Kyle is an extremely dedicated and upstanding young man,” said Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci, who donated personal items and a box of clothes from the 10th district office.

“It makes me proud to see that young people understand the tremendous sacrifices made by members of our armed forces and are doing their part to support them.”

Sambolin was among a team of Troop 106 members that completed a total of 168 hours for the project, which took place in June.

With their hard work, the room was revitalized and filled with over 100 bags of clothes, shoes and toys.

“I felt like I did something really good for veterans and I felt like I was giving back,” Sambolin said. “I just felt proud of myself. I was able to get all these clothes and all these donations and give them to someone who needs them more than I do.”

Starting Cub Scouts in first grade, Sambolin has been part of Troop 106 for eight years and has held several leadership positions. This includes patrol leader at 14 years old and then

For his Eagle Scout community service leadership project, Kyle Sambolin fixed up the donation room at the Northport VA by bringing in more than 100 bags of clothing through two clothing drives. senior patrol leader 16 years old.

A June 2015 graduate of Half Hollow Hills High School East, Sambolin is attending SUNY Cortland to study math.

The award ceremony for Sambolin, will take place at 195 Main St.

in Huntington on Jan. 11.

“Not every scout gets the Eagle,” Sambolin said. “A lot of them quit or just don’t make it or age out, so I feel proud that I’m able to get it. I feel good about it.”

Commack Jewish Center sold to Hicksville church (Continued from page A1)

Treasurer Steve Cohen said. “This was more than the purchase of a synagogue building. The relationships that were formed between the two faith communities are something we hope will continue – perhaps in the form of joint congregational events.”

Assembly of God Lead Pastor Todd Bishop said the protestant church plans to move in to the space, which is in the Town of

Smithtown on Shirley Court, on Feb. 28, and that renovations have already begun. He said the church was in need of new space, with four Sunday services in Hicksville and an average weekly attendance of 550. He said the church had always envisioned expanding to multiple locations across Long Island, and this is a step in that direction.

The Commack location, which is about 25,000 square feet, not in-

cluding a basement, will house the church’s offices, a children’s center called Ultra Kids that is going to be designed from scratch, Sunday activities, camps, summer activities and parents’ nights out.

“It creates a lot of opportunities for us,” Bishop said of the location, noting that the church is looking to raise $500,000 for modifications.

Bishop, 42, of Lindenhurst, said the transaction with the Dix Hills

Jewish Center went “very smoothly,” and that he would like them to do some interfaith events together, perhaps for Thanksgiving.

“We felt that if we could work together on a building a transaction, why can’t we work together to better our community?”

He added: “We’re excited to be part of the local community to see how we can partner with organizations and local municipalities.”

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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 7, 2016 • A27

HillSPORTS BOYS BASKETBALL

By Andrew Wroblewski awroblewski@longislandergroup.com

Both the Colts of High School West and Thunderbirds of High School East faced steep competition over the winter break, combining to drop three of five games since last week.

The Colts, which had started their season 4-0, dropped two of three games since Dec. 28. They defeated Holy Trinity 60-57 in the first round of the Chanee Brown Christmas Tournament at Baldwin High School, but then fell to the tournament-hosting Bruins in the final, 77-60.

Baldwin’s Shane Gatling led all scorers with 27 points to help the Bruins overcome a 10-point halftime deficit, and deliver Hills West its first loss of the season. The Colts were outscored 28-9 and then 23-15 respectively in the third and fourth quarters.

Gatling, who also managed five assists and five steals in the win, was named the MVP of the tournament. Baldwin’s Jared Rhoden also scored 18 points and grabbed 10 rebounds.

As for Hills West, Matt Asenjo scored 17 points to lead the Colts.

Richard Altenord scored 15 points, and Kian Dalyrimple added

13 points to round out Hills West’s double-digit scorers.

Five days later, the Colts took on Archbishop Molly in the annual Shooting Stars Showcase at Long Island Lutheran High School. Hills West lost 70-56.

Molloy was led by Issac Grant, who scored 24 points. The Colts were again led by Asenjo, who scored 14 points. Cameron Jordan added 12 points, Altenord scored 11 points and Dalyrimple managed 10 points.

Hills West was set to face West Islip after deadline on Tuesday. The Colts will be back in action today when they travel to East Islip for a scheduled 5:45 p.m. tipoff.

As for the Thunderbirds of Hills East, they broke even in their two games since Dec. 29.

First, in the annual Bellport tournament, Hills East fell 77-74 to the host in the semifinal. Bellport went on to win the tournament the next day by defeating Elwood-John Glenn, 47-43.

Bellport was led by Jaye Bookhart and Jarell White, both of whom scored 18 points. White also grabbed 18 points.

The Thunderbirds were led by Sayvion Lewis’ career-high 28 points. D’Nathan Knox added 14 points, and Kenny Mathurin

Long Islander News photos/Andrew Wroblewski

Colts, T-Birds Struggle In Winter Break Games

Richard Altenord, pictured last season, has been one of the early-season leaders for the Colts this season. scored 10 points.

However, Hills East did bounce back on Dec. 30, 2015 when they defeated Sayville 72-65.

This time, Knox led the Thunderbirds with 23 points. Hills East jumped on Sayville early, mounting a 39-26 lead by halftime, and held on through the third and fourth quarters to seal the win.

Mauthrin also scored 11 points, and Julien Crittendon added 10 points.

Sayville’s Hunter Schenkel scored 20 points to lead the Golden Flashes.

Hills East was scheduled to face Walt Whitman on Tuesday after deadline. The Thunderbirds are slated to visit Central Islip today for a scheduled 4:30 p.m. tipoff.

WRESTLING

Thunderbirds Edged Out At Holiday Tourney

By Andrew Wroblewski awroblewski@longislandergroup.com

The Thunderbirds were edged by Kings Park for first place at the annual Sal DiFazio Holiday Tournament at Half Hollow Hills High School East last week.

Hills East finished second in the overall team standings with 300 points. Meanwhile, Kings Park tallied 315 points. The two schools finished well ahead in the standings of the 11 others in the field, the nearest of which was Commack with 214 points. Hills West finished sixth with 166 points.

The Thunderbirds were led by championship-winning performances from Jonathan Spadafora, Philip Spadafora, Michael Abidin and Jacob Kaufman. Each of the four won tournament titles in their respective weight classes. Jonathan Spadafora was named the tournament’s “champion of champions.”

“We had another great tournament,” said Bill Davey, Hills East’s wrestling coach. “We are getting better each time we step on the mat.”

Hills East also had two runner ups in Griffin Arcuri and Anthony Diasparra. And Thunderbirds Khalil Bannister, Dylan Campbell,

Tate Kershner, Tyler Parkinson, Saajid Pinate, Blaise Quinlan and James Spadafora all finished between third and fifth place in their respective weight classes.

“We have a big part of the season coming up,” Davey said. “January begins the heart of our league schedule and tournaments every weekend.

I am looking forward to see the team continue to improve and build on the strong start to the season.”

The Thunderbirds were next set to take on Copiague in a League III dual meet on Jan. 6, which occurred after deadline. They’re next scheduled to travel to Smithtown for

another dual meet that’s slated to begin at 5 p.m. on Friday.

As for High School West, the Colts also fared well during the holiday tournament. Joe Derosa was a champion at 120 lbs. Both Anthony Dushaj and Dylan Ryder finished as runner ups. And Joe Costa, Dominic Mastrangelo and Louis Theusme finished between fourth and sixth place in their weight classes.

The Colts were scheduled to take on Centereach in a League IV dual meet on Jan. 6, which was after deadline. They’re next scheduled to travel to West Islip for another dual meet slated for 6:45 p.m. Friday.

A28 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 7, 2016

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