HALF HOLLOW HILLS Copyright © 2015 Long Islander News
Online at www.LongIslanderNews.com
VOL. 16, ISSUE 48
NEWSPAPER THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015
Long Islander News photo/Danny Schrafel
g n i k a e B rr Into 2015
2 SECTIONS, 36 PAGES
The Paramount Spotlight Umphrey’s McGee is performing their unique brand of progressive rock at The Paramount Jan. 18.
By Megan Connor info@longislandergroup.com
Progressive rock band Umphrey’s McGee is originally from South Bend, Indiana, but on Jan. 18, you’ll find them center stage rocking out on the Paramount (Continued on page A18)
Meet some of the stout-hearted souls who braved the frigid waters off of Steers Beach as they rang in the start of 2015 last week. For more about the annual Polar Bear Plunge, see page A19. HALF HOLLOW HILLS
Wheelchair Hoops Squad A ‘Family’ By Andrew Wroblewski awroblewski@longislandergroup.com
Meghan Chiodo was born with a spinal genetic defect known as spina bifida, an incomplete development of the brain, spinal cord or their protective coverings. Since birth, the Elwood resident has had trouble walking – she uses orthotics, crutches and a wheelchair for long distances – and, because of that, didn’t get to participate in activities, like sports, alongside her friends. Then came her eighth birthday. “I got this little basketball hoop,” she said, “and I really had fun with it. So I said to my mom: (Continued on page A18)
Long-Islander News photo/Andrew Wroblewski
Umphrey’s McGee To Rock The Stage
Coach Sean Clark, center, of the New York Rolling Fury youth wheelchair basketball program gives a post-practice speech to members of the team at St. Anthony’s High School on Saturday,
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DIX HILLS
Resident To Play Rock Star’s Mom In Musical By Arielle Dollinger adollinger@longislandergroup.com
Dix Hills resident Helen Proimos will play Eddie Money’s mother in Madison Theatre’s production of “Two Tickets to Paradise” – an autobiographical musical written by American rocker Eddie Money – in a four-show run this month at Molloy College. Proimos, who has been living in Dix Hills for 30 years, said she saw an online advertisement for auditions and decided to try. She would later find herself sitting in a room next to Eddie Money and then singing a 1960s Petula Clark song – a cappella with no sheet music for reference – to win the role of Eddie Money’s mother in the musician’s autobiographical show, which gets its title from one of Money’s biggest hits. “We were in the basement of a church. It had a great echo,” Proimos said. Eddie Money will serve as the show’s narrator, while Matthew Burns will play “young Eddie Money.” Other cast members include Vincent Calone, who will play music producer Bill Graham, Jenna Ghideleson, who will play the woman Eddie marries,
Eddie Money with Helen Proimos, a longtime fan from Dix Hills who will play his mother in his autobiographical musical, “Two Tickets to Paradise.” and Jason Kloos, Michael Raimo and Jared Grossman as members of Eddie’s band. In the 70s, Edward Mahoney became Eddie Money – a man who had served for two years as a New York City police officer and decided to leave the force to chase a career in music. He had made the move from New York to California and changed his
last name by the time he met promoter Bill Graham, who would become his manager. Proimos, as Dottie Mahoney, will sing a ballad – “I’ll Always Want The World For You,” written by Eddie Money – that, she said, tells the story of what Eddie Money went through with his parents. “He really had to be quite coura-
geous to go and fulfill his dream,” she said. “He was a cop, his father was a cop, his grandfather was a cop… The story follows what happened when he said [that he wanted to leave the police force].” This will not be the first time the show reaches the stage; three years ago, the show went on with a different cast and on a different stage. This time, the show will take the stage of Molloy College’s Madison Theatre on Jan. 16, 17, 24 and 25. “I think the appeal of the show is that it’s like the American dream,” said Proimos, who hosts a public access television show called Stage Screen and In Between With Helen and interviewed Eddie Money for the program. “He was a regular middle class [man], from a working class, blue collar family, who hit it big… He took a chance and he went for it and he actually did it.” Today, Proimos said, Eddie Money is “trying to make the American dream come true again” by getting his show to Broadway. “He did it once, and I think he could do it again,” Proimos said. To purchase tickets, visit Madisontheatreny.org.
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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 8, 2015 • A3
MELVILLE
Chamber Talks Business On Its New Podcast By Arielle Dollinger adollinger@longislandergroup.com
As the 2015 calendars are hung, those looking out for the Huntington business community – and the community surrounding it – are looking at another year of “changes,” the president of the Melville Chamber of Commerce said this week. On Monday, President Michael DeLuise was sitting at a restaurant that neighbored a recording studio, preparing to record the first four episodes of the chamber’s new business-centric radio podcast show that afternoon – a new development that will change the way the chamber reaches community members. “We have a lot of plans,” DeLuise said. The radio show will begin as a podcast series and then the chamber will look for a radio station to broadcast its episodes, he said. The chamber plans to start releasing weekly episodes later this month, he said, and to record four-episode blocks monthly. The radio show has been in the works for “almost a year,” according to DeLuise. “We just wanted to make sure the
time was right,” he said. On Monday, the taped show would include an interview with the provost of Farmingdale State College. In the plans are roundtable discussions involving top-level CEOs, he said. Town spokesman A.J. Carter said on Monday that the idea sounded like a “terrific, innovative” way to promote businesses. “I look forward to downloading and listening to the Melville Chamber’s podcasts,” Carter said. Other Chamber plans for the year include the continuation of the organization’s Young Professionals lunches – the next is scheduled for Jan. 14 – and the chamber’s annual awards ceremony on Jan. 21, featuring guest speaker Councilwoman Susan Berland. During the year, the chamber also plans to focus on its women’s group – Women of Melville Empowerment Network – and to meet with some of the Long Island school districts to find ways to work with high school students to “keep them interested in living here and working here,” DeLuise said. As a nonprofit organization, the Chamber of Commerce works to pro-
Chamber chairman Mike DeLuise, left, said a Chamber podcast is in the works. vide members of the community with business opportunities and looks at issues like housing, sewering and the future of the Route 110 corridor. “Our priority is on business and our neighbors, so it’s the community – not only the business community but our neighbors who live on Long Island, our friends who live and work and go to school here,” he said. “What we’ve tried to do with the chamber is – we’re a nonprofit organization, so once somebody’s a
member, we try to give them as many free, good events [as possible].” The annual awards ceremony, for example, is an event for which no guest pays admission – a fact of which the chamber is proud, DeLuise said. Because the organization is made up of volunteers, and is thereby without the burden of paying salaries, it can focus on what it can do to help a business, he said. “We realize that it’s difficult to do (Continued on page A18)
A4 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 8, 2015
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POLICE REPORT Compiled by Danny Schrafel
Stepping Into 2015
Full Of Gas
folk. Now, don’t get me wrong – I won’t be hap…And a Happy New Year… So, here it is, py ‘til that number’s a beautiful Huntington – we’ve boldly taken our first steps goose egg – but it seems like the into 2015! Let’s face facts – 2014 was a bit of a message of not drinking and and roller-coaster ride, especially the second half of driving seems to be catching it. Some might even argue it IN THE KNOW on, and this lady’s grateful for was a bummer. Either way, I’m that. Just remember to keep looking forward to a great new WITH AUNT ROSIE doing the right thing all year year in which we put the enerlong when the cops aren’t lookgy from those tough times into action. What ing so closely, OK? have you resolved to do in 2015? Drop me a line and let me know. Land of many donkeys… I’ll close out this week with a bit of exclusive book news for you I can’t feel my feet! That was one of the to chew on in 2015! If you read our paper a few less colorful expressions uttered on the shores of weeks ago, you read that Steve Israel wrote a Steers Beach in Northport after hundreds of novel, which just hit bookshelves. He’s got anstout-hearted souls (and perhaps a few looking other one in the works, and it turns out, Steve to banish a wicked hangover) dashed into the says two of our Long-Islander crew are put towater for a New Year’s Day “polar bear plunge” gether in one of his characters. They would be to ring in 2015. It was one of those assignments, the boss-man (Peter) and one of the reporters I was told, that one must be on time for – it (Danny), melded into one and working for an starts at noon sharp; the participants strip down outfit called the Asebogue Advance. It’s the to swimwear, take a picture, turn around, run inweekly paper for the fictional Long Island hamto the water – and once the cold shock nails let where the book takes place, and it’s named ‘em, they run for their lives out of the water as after the Native American word for place of fast as they can! The kid from the office we had many… well, sound out the first part out, and there was freezing his bits off – and he was fully you’re in the ballpark. Let’s just say if you asked clothed! It’s all for a good cause – everybody Steve, that name would probably fit for Conwho takes the plunge collects pledges from gress, too. Don’t forget to say hi to Steve at the friends and family, and the cash goes to the EcuWhitman Birthplace and buy a book this Sunmenical Lay food pantry in Northport. I might day, from 2-4 p.m. just have to remember to keep my swim cap out for 2016… (Aunt Rosie wants to hear from you! If you Driving sober… A good bit of news I heard have comments, ideas, or tips about what’s hapfrom my friends at the Suffolk County Police pening in your neck of the woods, write to me toDepartment – one of the reporters checked into day and let me know the latest. To contact me, see how many DWI arrests there were during the drop a line to Aunt Rosie, c/o The Long-Islander, New Year’s Eve holiday. He was told 12. Twelve 14 Wall Street, Huntington NY 11743. Or try the in Huntington, he replied? No – 12 in all of Sufe-mail at aunt.rosieli@gmail.com)
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“Once you watch them compete you forget that they’re in [wheel]chairs, they can be typical athletes and do some awesome things on the court… They’re very inspiring.”
A 2009 Honda Accord parked at Planet Fitness, on Ruland Road in Melville, was broken into Dec. 31. At 5:40 a.m., someone smashed the passenger side window and stole a pocketbook, which contained cash, a driver’s license and other personal papers.
Mowed Down A Dix Hills resident called police Dec. 30 after their lawnmower was stolen from their Caledonia Road residence. The theft occurred sometime between Nov. 14 and the day of the call.
Mapping A Path To Trouble A 2006 Honda Civic parked on Concord Street in Dix Hills was broken into Dec. 24. Police said that at 4 p.m., someone smashed the passenger window of the car and grabbed a Garmin GPS.
Charged Up With Problems
Snowed Over Cops are searching for the person who stole a snowplow off the front of a Ford pickup truck in Melville on Dec. 31. The plow-snatching occurred at 10:30 p.m. in the Estee Lauder parking lot.
Wheelchair Hoops Squad A ‘Family’, PAGE A1
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Cops were called to Baylis Road at 4:30 p.m. Jan. 2 after someone reported their car had been broken into. Police said that a pocketbook, containing credit cards and cash, was stolen after the perp busted in through the front passenger window.
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Cash was stolen from a gas station on Walt Whitman Road on Christmas. Police said that a woman pulled up to the Citgo station shortly before 6 p.m. and began filling up; while the attendant was busy at the pump, her accomplice, a black male, went inside and took cash from the register.
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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 8, 2015 • A5
TOWN OF HUNTINGTON
Wild Ride Ends With DWI Arrest Cops say man rammed cruiser, led them on inebriated townwide chase By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandergroup.com
It was, according to police, a wild, treacherous ride that began in Commack, escalated when an allegedly drunken man rammed his car into a police cruiser, and came to a close in Huntington Station with spike strips and a foot pursuit on Jan. 3. And when it was all over, Wymann Wiggins, 26, a former Huntington Station resident now living in Amityville, was hit with numerous charges, including a felony DWI charge, and numerous counts related to his attempts to evade police. Police said it all began at 4:05 a.m., when a Fourth Precinct sergeant pulled over Wiggins, driving a 2008 Toyota Avalon, on Jericho Turnpike and Kings Park Road. According to the district attorney’s office, Wiggins
was going 90 mph in a 40 ever, Second Precinct offimph zone, was observed to cer Justin Holloway wasn’t have “glassy, bloodshot far behind, and collared eyes” and smelled of alcoWiggins following a foot hol. He also refused a pursuit. breathalyzer and a blood Wiggins was arraigned test, the DA’s office said. Sunday morning on a launPolice also allege Wigdry list of charges, includgins backed into the cruising driving while intoxicater several times, then fled. ed, an E felony; unlawful When cops caught up with fleeing a police officer, Wymann Wiggins him again on Jericho Turnleaving the scene of an acpike in Commack, Wigcident, resisting arrest and gins again hit the gas when they tried criminal mischief, as well as numerto pull him over, according to police. ous traffic infractions. The pursuit led to Huntington StaHe’s also facing four counts of tion, where police dropped spike misdemeanor criminal possession strips on Jericho Turnpike at Manor of a controlled substance in the sevRoad. enth degree and one count of crimiAfter Wiggins’ tires were punc- nal possession of a controlled subtured, he crashed a short time later at stance in the third degree, a C Longfellow Drive in Huntington Sta- felony. The DA’s office said he was tion, and from there tried to run. How- in possession of crack cocaine,
methamphetamine, oxycodone and heroin. According to the DA’s office, it’s not his first brush with the law. Wiggins was convicted Nov. 4, 2011 for driving ability impaired by drugs, and in 2012, he was arrested on assault charges while in the county jail while serving time for criminal possession of narcotics with intent to sell; he was sentenced to time served in April 2012. Wiggins is due back in Suffolk County First District Court on Jan. 8 and is being held on $52,000 cash bail and $156,000 bond, according to the DA’s office.
TOWN OF HUNTINGTON
Another Gas Station Stick-Up
TOWN OF HUNTINGTON
Car Dealer Building On Turnpike Long Islander News photo/Danny Schrafel
By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandergroup.com
A Chevrolet dealership is poised to join the array of car dealerships on East Jericho Turnpike in Huntington. Work is under way on the property next door to Stop & Shop supermarket for the Atlantic Auto Group’s Chevrolet of Huntington, which is currently located on Oakwood Road. Plans call for the new dealership to be built in two phases on the 2.2acre parcel. Phase one calls for a 12,114 square-foot first floor and a 19,662 square-foot lower level. The second phase will add 2,395 feet to the first floor. Town spokesman A.J. Carter said the proposal was approved by the Zoning Board of Appeals last year, and the planning board signed off on site plans on Sept. 10. Building permits were issued on Dec. 4. The site has been eyed for a General Motors-brand dealership for several years, attorney John Breslin said. Previously, approved plans for a Saturn dealership at the site were scuttled when GM discontinued the line in 2010. Once complete, the dealership would join a bustling auto market on Jericho Turnpike, including
Preparation work under way last week at the future site of Chevrolet of Huntington, on East Jericho Turnpike. Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Honda, Nissan and others; Atlantic Auto Group, which has 30 dealerships on Long Island selling 15 brands, already operates Toyota and Scion dealerships along that stretch. Initial plans for the Chevrolet dealership were filed at Huntington Town Hall in February 2013 and have “changed three or four times” to reconcile the needs of General
Motors and the local dealership, Breslin said. He added that while Chevrolet of Huntington leases its current space on Oakwood Road, Atlantic Auto Group would own the Jericho Turnpike site, which it purchased from General Motors. Breslin said it’s unclear if the Atlantic Auto Group would continue to utilize the Oakwood property.
Cops are searching for the man who held up a gas station at gunpoint in Huntington Station Friday. Police said that, at approximately 9:25 p.m. Jan. 2, a man went into Quality Gas, located at 571 East Jericho Turnpike. Armed with a gun, he demanded – and received – cash from an employee. The suspect then ran away northbound along Depot Road. The employee was unhurt. It’s unclear how much he stole, police said. The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 5 foot 10 inches in height, who was wearing a black ski mask and twotoned gloves. The Jericho Turnpike incident was the second armed robbery of a gas station in as many weeks in the area. On Christmas Day, two men held up a Gulf gas station, located at 743 Walt Whitman Road in Melville, at gunpoint at approximately 1 p.m. No arrests have been made in either case. Anyone with information on either incident can call the Second Squad at 631-854-8252 or anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1800-220-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential. –SCHRAFEL
A6 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 8, 2015
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TOWN OF HUNTINGTON
Capital One Plans A ‘Blockbuster’ Renovation By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandergroup.com
Capital One has been given the go-ahead to renovate a former Blockbuster Video shop in Huntington Station. The end result, according to plans, will be a new, 3,620 squarefoot Capital One Bank and a 1,480 square-foot retail space near New York Avenue on Jericho Turnpike. A Dec. 30 letter from the town’s planning department indicates that Capital One can now apply for building permits to improve the site. The town planning board on Dec. 17 approved site plans for the project, which calls for renovating the existing 5,056 square-foot building, located on a 1.09-acre parcel at 19 Jericho Turnpike. A 97 square-foot addition and 840 square foot drive-through canopy and assorted parking lot and site improvements are also planned.
Long Islander News photo/Danny Schrafel
Former video store site planned to become new bank, retail space
A rendering, inset, of the Capital One Bank planned for property at 19 Jericho Turnpike, above, formerly a Blockbuster Video store. Following a discussion at the planning board’s Dec. 7 meeting, architects agreed to widen drivethrough lanes for the bank, which
now range in width from 10 feet to 11 feet. Town code requires drivethrough aisles to be 12 feet in width. “I’m glad that the Capital One
Bank properly took our advice and did increase the width of the aisles,” Planning Board Chairman Paul Mandelik said.
MELVILLE
Fire Department Substation Goes Into Service Facility up and running after numerous weather delays stalled construction Long Islander News photo/Danny Schrafel
By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandergroup.com
It took about five months more than they had planned, but the Melville Fire Department’s $4-million, state-of-the-art and environmentally-friendly substation on Amityville Road is open. District Manager Dave Hobart said Monday that the facility officially went into service on Saturday. “There’s still a few issues, but they’re minor at this point,” he said. Along with assorted punch-list items, Hobart said some heating issues are still being worked out. The one-story substation is situated on 0.83 acres off of Route 110 on Amityville Road near the Northern State Parkway. The facility, which includes a partial cellar, larger truck room and improved ventilation, is a long-awaited upgrade that promises
The Melville Fire Department’s substation on Amityville opened Saturday. to offer safer surroundings for volunteer members of the department. The larger truck room in particular, officials have said, brings immediate
safety benefits to firefighters, who previously suited up in close proximity to trucks when they worked out of the original Amityville Road station,
which dated back to the 1960s. The new facility was also designed to qualify for LEED-Silver standards by recycling materials and utilizing high-efficiency equipment made to cut water, heat and electricity use. The $4 million project cost was drawn from the district’s existing capital reserve fund. Construction began in the summer of 2013, and there were hopes to have the project wrapped up by July 2014. However, Mother Nature had other plans, and a bitterly cold, snowy winter in 2013-2014 threw a major monkey wrench into those efforts. Those setbacks caused other delays in the fall when contractors began shifting their focus to school district projects. But now, all those hurdles are in the past. “We’re open and in business,” Hobart said.
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This SUV crashed into a utility pole on New Year’s Eve, causing a small fire that closed Deer Park Avenue for several hours. DIX HILLS
Car Crash Closes Deer Park Ave. By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandergroup.com
It was a crash that, luckily for one motorist, looked a whole lot worse than it turned out to be. That’s what Dix Hills Fire Department officials said about a New Year’s Eve wreck on Deer Park Avenue between Majestic Drive and Royal Lane that resulted in an SUV being flipped onto its side after hitting a utility pole. Dix Hills FD Chief Bill Stio said Friday that the woman behind the wheel of a white BMW SUV “clipped the pole right on the corner.” “That’s what flipped the car over,” he said.
It’s unclear why she hit the utility pole, but she escaped the frightening wreck with just minor injuries, Stio said. Suffolk County Police were called at 8:07 p.m. The impact of the SUV split the pole and downed some wires, which resulted in a small, controlled fire in the roadway which was later addressed by PSE&G crews. PSE&G spokesman Jeff Weir said a power outage that began at approximately 8:22 p.m. was repaired by a safety crew, which cut the damaged line and put up a temporary repair, at 9:51 p.m. The damaged utility pole was restored at 4:30 a.m. Jan. 1.
THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 8, 2015 • A7
A8 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 8, 2015
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Opinion
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The E The Half Hollow Hditor, ills News paper, 14 Huntingto Wall Street, n, New Y ork 11743 or info@lon email us at gislanderg roup.com
‘Not the types set up by the printer return their impression, the meaning, the main concern.’
Living The American Dream It’s one of the great ideals of this coun- United States from Italy with her family try – the concept of the American dream, at age 15. After persevering through a the ability to rise from humble begin- culture shock in a new country, she got nings through hard work and ingenuity – her foot in the door in the banking inand maybe a little serendipity – to make dustry as a young woman starting out at a better life for yourself and your family. Baruch College and never looked back. We didn’t select them for this reason – Vita climbed the ladder in the banking their laundry list of accomplishments world and made community service a carried the day - but our Percornerstone of her life. For son of the Year honorees each that reason she was an easy EDITORIAL choice to receive the Larry personify that promise of America’s limitless possibiliKushnick Memorial Award ties. Each took it a step further – once for Community Service, an annual honthey made it, both made it a point to give or we bestow in order to perpetuate the back freely. spirit of giving exemplified by the late Now a legislator, William Spencer, a Larry Kushnick, a local attorney and acnative of the coal-mining town of Welch, tive philanthropist who was chairman of West Virginia, worked hard from a the Huntington Township Chamber of young age to elevate himself through ed- Commerce when he died suddenly last ucation, earning opportunities to attend year. college on a prestigious scholarship proRead about our honorees in our Person gram. He parlayed that into fulfilling his of the Year special section included in todream of becoming a doctor, and has day’s newspapers. With a new year and used the opportunity to give back – first all of its potential ahead to come, it’s as a minister, next as a community vol- good to know that the American Dream unteer, and finally, as a lawmaker. is alive, well and personified in a pair of Our second recipient, Vita Scaturro, distinguished leaders who call Huntingachieved the dream after coming to the ton home.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Our Hometown Hero DEAR EDITOR: Cody Byrnes, 21, was an amazing and special son. His precious life was cut short on Dec. 18, 2014 after battling two different cancers for six years. He left his mark in this world and he is a hero to so many, especially me, his mom. When he was in 10th grade, he was diagnosed with
leukemia. Life as we knew it stopped and changed forever. He started chemotherapy right away but it was quickly determined that he needed a stem cell transplant in order to have any chance at remission. More chemotherapy was added as well as radiation to prepare his body for the transplant. He suffered many serious complications and infections but he managed to stay strong and pull through. He completed high school
with tutors at home and was able to graduate with his peers in 2011. He attended school events whenever he felt up to it and kept in touch with his friends. He loved being on the HSE soccer field and supporting the team. Cody loved to snowboard, ride his road bike and to play poker. He got an internship with the New York Islanders and started college at Dowling that September. He was still dealing with many long
term effects from his treatment but he never let that stop him. He began racing RC cars at Long Island Raceway and did very well. He continued with the internship and was focusing on recovering. Unfortunately in June, 2013 he was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive soft tissue cancer called Ewing's Sarcoma. We knew the road was tough and that there was no cure. He started radiation and intense chemotherapy once again and because of his prior illness, his body was having difficulty responding. He received clear scans for around six months and then the cancer returned. We were running out of options but Cody still fought on. We continued traveling back and forth to NYC for his team of doctors and hoped and prayed for a cure. The cancer had returned and was in his lung and then his brain. Cody never gave up and continued to try to enjoy his life when he felt able to. He loved being at home with his dogs and working on his salt water fish tank. Unfortunately, the cancer took over and Cody lost the battle. My heart is broken. He touched all those that he came into contact with and he left a huge smile with them. His only brother, Casey, also an HSE graduate, is in the U.S. Army and we both will miss Cody more than words could ever say. Cody is clearly a hometown hero and will never be forgotten. MARY BYRNES Melville
HALF HOLLOW HILLS
Peter Sloggatt
NEWSPAPER
Associate Publisher/Managing Editor
Serving the communities of: Dix Hills, Melville and the Half Hollow Hills Central School District. Founded in 1996 by James Koutsis Copyright © 2015 by Long Islander News, publishers of The Long-Islander, The Record and Half Hollow Hills Newspaper. Each issue of the The Long-Islander and all contents thereof are copyrighted by Long Islander. None of the contents or articles may be reproduced in any forum or medium without the advance express written permission of the publisher. Infringement hereof is a violation of the Copyright laws.
CO Law Will Save Lives Editor’s note: The following was adapted from a press release. DEAR EDITOR: Governor Cuomo signed into law [my] legislation that will require all restaurant and commercial properties in New York to install a carbon monoxide detecting device. In February of 2014, a carbon monoxide leak tragically killed a Long Island restaurant manager, Steven Nelson, and sickened nearly 30 people at Legal Sea Foods at the Walt Whitman Shops in Huntington Station. Unfortunately, too often it takes a tragedy to spur the passage of common sense laws. Such a tragedy occurred back in February, when Steven Nelson was overcome by carbon monoxide while working at a Huntington Station restaurant. A carbon monoxide detector could have saved his life. This legislation will help prevent another senseless and avoidable death. Carbon monoxide is a silent killer. These simple detecting devices warn us against this deadly colorless, odorless and tasteless gas. My thoughts remain with the Nelson family and hope their story serves as a wakeup call for everyone to get a carbon monoxide detector today. CARL L. MARCELLINO N.Y. Senator Fifth District
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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 8, 2015 • A9
Life&Style LITERATURE
Author’s Burning Desire To Give Back By Megan Connor info@longislandergroup.com
Huntington’s Stephen Medici is currently retired from his former profession as a CEO of an outsourcing business in the concrete jungle. But Medici, 62, said he’s busier now than ever before. The ex-CEO has traded in his business suits for ball-point pens, writing three novels in the past 10 years – and he’s given away everything he’s earned from the endeavor to charity. “I’ve been so fortunate in my career that I have the opportunity to do the things I love. And now I really want to just give back,” he said. The latest book, “The Girls in Pleated Skirts,” will benefit the Fresh Air Fund, a not-for-profit agency in which families offer to take in New York City children from low-income communities during the summer months. Medici says his personal experience with the agency inspired him. “My wife and I have been hosting three boys every summer for the past
five years now. We’ve seen them grow up and it’s really had an impact on me,” he said. “They’re the nicest kids in the world and it’s a shame more children can’t take advantage of the program.” But “author” isn’t the only title Medici has latched on his belt these days; He also spends his time giving back to the community as a volunteer firefighter and licensed EMT for the Halesite Fire Department. “There’s really no typical day for me,” Medici said. “I wake up and I’m at the beck and call of the fire department. If it’s a light day at the department then I might use that time to do some writing. I take each day as it comes.” Medici says giving back is so important to him, especially considering his success in the professional world. Proceeds from his first two books benefitted St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Long Island Cares – The Harry Chapin Food Bank.
Halesite FD volunteer Stephen Medici doubles as an author in retirement; his latest work is “The Girls In Pleated Skirts,” inset. Medici also teaches business at Molloy College. But Medici says there’s one thing he prefers doing above all the rest. “Every second of free time I get I
want to spend it playing with my grandchildren. It’s what I do for fun, just for me,” he said. Medici’s latest book is available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
MUSIC
Former Home Inspires Musician To Create By Megan Connor info@longislandergroup.com
You can take the boy out of Northport, but you can’t take Northport out of the boy, according to musician and former Northport resident Chris Wauben. Wauben’s former home is the muse for his two newly released acoustic-pop albums, titled “Northport Town” and “Northport Town 2”. But Wauben said the collection of songs is anything but new. “The album is over 30 years in the making. I have so many memories of Northport and growing up there, so I had to write about it,” he said. “I moved here around the age of 13 and out of all of the places I’ve lived, this town in particular really turned me into who I am today, it shaped me and I call it home.”
Although Wauben’s new house address is in Holiday, Fla., where he lives with his wife and 4-year-old son, he says his heart is still nestled in the streets of Northport. “I miss the town a lot. I recently had the opportunity to go back with my wife and son – showing them around really meant the world to me,” he said. “We went back and I noticed that a lot of the places had changed, but I can say with confidence that it still felt like home.” Wauben, 42, said he felt reassured that one of his favorite restaurants, Tim’s Shipwreck Diner, is still afloat and running exactly as it was when he was a teenager growing up. He says he loves the local joint so much that he decided to name the first song on the record in honor of the local eatery. “The song ‘Shipwreck Diner’ is my favorite and I knew I wanted to write
Musician Chris Wauben called on Northport for inspiration for a pair of newly released albums. about my memories there,” he said. “I sent the record out to the diner and got the most heartwarming letter back. They really appreciated the gesture and I loved being able to share why the place is so special to me.” The diner was also the backdrop to many of his most treasured meetings
with the late Doug Stegmeyer, Billy Joel’s former bassist and recent inductee into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame. “I was only 17 when I met Doug and he took me out to the diner a lot. Throughout the years he produced and co-wrote so many of my songs. I’m so lucky to have met him and I really cherish those memories,” Wauben said. Other songs include “The Great Cow Harbor 10k Race”, an annual tradition for the people of Northport. Wauben says he really wants this album to open people’s eyes to everything the town has to offer. “I want to help boost their economy – it’s my way of saying thank you for making me the person I am today,” he said. Both records are available on iTunes and Amazon MP3.
A10 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 8, 2015
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BUSINESS Affordable Housing Shortfall An Economic Hurdle Long Islander News photo/archives
By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandergroup.com
The Huntington Township Housing Coalition, an advocacy group for increased affordable housing opportunities, says that a failure to address an ongoing gap in housing is putting a drag on the region’s economy. A report released in October 2014, which was filed in response to application for a federal HUD community development block grant, the Housing Coalition cited another report issued a year earlier by the Regional Plan Association, titled “Long Island’s Rental Housing Crisis,” which concluded that a “shortage of affordable rental homes is already straining Long Island’s economy, and will make it much harder to compete for jobs in the years ahead.” Drawing those high-paying, high-tech jobs to Long Island, officials have argued in recent years, is critical to plugging a growing exodus of Long Island-educated young people known as “the brain drain.” According to the 2010 U.S. Census, the population of young people dropped by 15 percent from 2000 to 2009, the biggest drop in the New York metro region, the Housing Coalition says. That itself is a big blow to taxpayers. It costs about $300,000 to provide a K-12 education for the average student here, and when they move to other parts of the county, take that education with them to their new home. What it all circles back to, according to Dick
A shortfall of affordable housing in Huntington and across Long Island is putting a drain on the region’s economy, housing advocates say. AvalonBay’s Huntington Station community, which celebrated a grand opening last fall, will add 54 affordable homes – 11 for sale, 43 for rent – when completed. Koubek, the Housing Coalition’s president, is a failure by the Town of Huntington to meet its own goals -- laid out in Horizons 2020, the town’s comprehensive planning document -- to greatly increase the amount of affordable homes in town. Koubek contends the town needs to have created 2,789 affordable homes by 2020 to meet the
need laid out in a Rutgers University study. So far, 592 are planned or being built. Of those, 146 are the controversial Matinecock Court complex in East Northport, a project which has been stalled for decades. Just one-fifth of the 592 units are set to be rentals. “Given the clear disconnect our report demonstrates between the goals for creating more affordable housing, particularly rental housing… we call upon the town to develop in its consolidated plan and community development block grant application for 2015 concrete plans that will actually transform these worthy goals into brick and mortar affordable homes,” Koubek wrote. However, town spokesman A.J. Carter stressed that progress has been made. “In the past year alone, AvalonBay, with a percentage of affordable units, opened; construction began on The Club at Melville ; and the housing suit was settled with the agreement to build the affordable, limited equity co-op now called Highland Green” on Ruland Road in Melville, he said. The Club calls for 261 age-restricted homes on Deshon Drive, at different levels of affordability; the 117-unit Highland Green project is the longawaited affordable housing offset to The Greens at Half Hollow. Further chipping the housing shortfall, Carter said, is widespread construction of apartments over storefronts in Huntington village, as well as new apartments on Gerard Street and the upcoming Ice House project on Stewart Avenue.
Spotlight On
Huntington Businesses By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandergroup.com
A Huntington couple has turned their Jackson Avenue garage into their own artistic playground. Starting with recycled wood, paints, reclaimed windows and other found objects, artist Jennifer Nicole’s takes to transforming the items into one-of-a-kind pieces of art. “We paint it on the boards – people pick a custom board, a blank one – and then I make it for them on the spot,” she said. “They draw whatever they want. It’s art for affordable pricing.” She’s not kidding about on-thespot. During events, like the Huntington Fall Festival, she’ll sit down
with a piece of wood and, using markers, design a sign for a new not-for-profit organization on the spot, sometimes in as little as 10 minutes. Other services include graphics, pet portraits, prints and furniture, all produced in Nicole’s garage/art studio between Huntington Town Hall and the Huntington YMCA. “It’s every day with the signs, and then every night, inside, drawing on my iPad and creating artwork,” she said. Art in the Garage got its start in 2006 and ramped up into a fullblown business several years ago. After she quit her job in television news, she decided to tap into her roots in the arts. “I was a classically trained artist, and we needed to pay for our wedding, so we opened up the garage, and we took all the stuff that was in it, cutting it up and making art out of it,” she said. And for Nicole, even creating some of her signature pieces – “What Happens at Grandma &
Long Islander News photo/Danny Schrafel
Local Woman’s Garage Doubles As Her Art Den
Jennifer Nicole, pictured with husband Hector Muniz, is the creative spark behind Art in the Garage, where they create unique wood signs and art in their Huntington garage. Grandpa’s Stays at Grandma and Grandpa’s” is one – never gets old. “The best part about is that no matter how many signs I make, no
matter how many I do or how many times I paint it over and over again, each one is unique, no matter what,” she said.
PERSON YEAR
WILLIAM R. ‘DOC’ SPENCER, MD
OF THE
2 014
RECIPIENT OF THE L ARRY KUSHNICK MEMORIAL AWARD FOR COMMUNIT Y SERVICE
VITA SCATURRO
SPECIAL TO THE LONG-ISLANDER, THE RECORD/NORTHPORT JOURNAL & THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER
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B2 • PERSON OF THE YEAR • JANUARY 8, 2015
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PERSON OF THE YEAR SPECIAL EDITION
William R. Spencer, Vita Scaturro Making Their Community A Better Place
William R. Spencer Person of the Year
Vita Scaturro Kushnick Memorial Award for Community Service
Every year, Long Islander News honors a person who has made a significant contribution to the Town of Huntington. We look for a dynamic force who has made history, gone above and beyond a call of duty, and made Huntington a better place. For 2014, that person is Legislator William Spencer. Now in his fourth year as a lawmaker, Spencer has waged major battles to pass legislation important to him – and he usually wins the fight. Whether tackling energy drinks, barring dangerous fracking byproducts from being used in the county, securing millions in aid for Northport Village to complete mandated sewage treatment plant upgrades and winning his biggest political and legislative battle to raise the tobacco-buying age in Suffolk from 19 to 21, Doc Spencer always aims high, and he almost always hits his target. He’s done that all his life. As a high school student, he excelled in West Virginia schools to earn a full
scholarship to college, where he continued to fly high in more ways than one in fulfilling his calling to become an MD. In many ways, he’s following the path his father blazed before him. What’s next for Doc? The sky’s the limit. But right now, he is our Person of the Year. A second, equally accomplished community leader is featured in this edition – Vita Scaturro, the first recipient of the Larry Kushnick Memorial Award for Community Leadership. An immigrant who was born in Uruguay and came to this country at age 15 from Italy, she followed in her family’s footsteps, working hard to achieve her dreams. After learning English and getting her foundation in Catholic school, Vita took a job with Manufacturers Hanover bank while she was studying at Baruch College. What seemed like a summer job at the time turned out to be her foot into the door of the banking world, in which she has excelled for more than three
decades. The Larry Kushnick Memorial Award for Community Leadership is dedicated to the memory of Larry Kushnick, managing partner at Kushnick Pallaci, PLLC, for his tireless efforts to give back to the Town of Huntington and in particular, its nonprofits. The recipient each year will exemplify Larry’s generous spirit and love for the community. Kushnick died suddenly on June 3, 2013. And Vita certainly personifies that, using her success as a platform for helping others. Ask around town about Vita, and you’ll know community service is in her soul. Whether it’s the Huntington Chamber, Leadership Huntington, the Moonjumpers, the Townwide Fund or any number of other foundations, Vita talks the talk and walks the walk. She is a deserving recipient of the Kushnick award. Learn more about our Persons of the Year for 2014 in the pages to follow.
Best wishes and congratulations to Legislator William Spencer Long Islander News’ Person of the Year &
Vita Scaturro The Larry Kushnick Memorial Award for Community Service
RICH BIVONE
BOB FONTI
Nassau County Chairman
Suffolk County Chairman
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PERSON OF THE YEAR • JANUARY 8, 2015 • B3
PERSON OF THE YEAR SPECIAL EDITION
The Hat Doc Was Destined To Wear By Andrew Wroblewski awroblewski@longislandergroup.com
The many prefixes that typically come before William Spencer’s name may best be described as different “hats.” Spencer puts one of them on – the doctor hat – when he heads to his Huntington office and aids his patients. Another, the minister hat, is put on when Spencer is leading services and instilling faith into followers of the church. Both allow him to do one thing: help people. And that’s where his third hat comes into play, and it’s the hat Spencer waited his whole life to wear. “Being involved was always a part of my home life growing up and, I think, as an elected official you get an opportunity to weigh in and make decisions that impact everyone,” Spencer said. “I think the future of our country depends on us getting involved. You can’t just sit back, yell at the TV and complain about the way our government is working without being involved.” Elected in November 2011 by the
slimmest of margins, Spencer is now in the last year of his second term in the Suffolk County Legislature. Already, Spencer has able to pass bills focused on remedying issues affecting health, community affairs, the environment and more. In 2014 alone, Spencer was a part of movements to raise the Suffolk County tobacco purchasing age to 21, ban the sale of powdered caffeine to minors and amend Suffolk County’s human rights law to protect victims of domestic abuse from housing discrimination. The county’s legislative role, he said, is to provide services residents can’t get on their own and complement town-provided services. “What’s nice about county govern-
Long Islander News photos/achives
Serving as an elected official was legislator’s calling
think of it as just get“ Iting the issue out there to save kids’ lives – and that’s just awesome.
”
ment is that it’s global enough where we represent 1.5 million people… but local enough where we can work individually face-to-face with fami-
The first physician to serve on the County Legislature and chair of its Health commmittee, Dr. William Spencer led a number of health-oriented initiatives, including one raising to 21 the minimum age for sale of tobacco products.
lies and understand what their needs are,” he said. The global aspect of Spencer’s
Suffolk County Legislator William Spencer, center, talks things over with Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, left, and Patti Wood, executive director at Grassroots Environment, during a press conference where a bill was signed to prohibit the sale and use of toxic hydraulic fracturing byproducts to protect the region’s groundwater.
work with Suffolk County can be seen perhaps most clearly in March 2013 when he passed a bill banning companies that distribute energy drinks from marketing to Suffolk County minors – a bill touted as one of the first of its kind in the nation. Introduced as “the man who started it all,” Spencer made an appearance on BBC Radio to discuss the legislation and the global impact it’s since had. “I look at it not as a chance to get fame or fortune,” he said of the radio appearance in July 2014, “I think of it as just getting the issue out there to save kids’ lives – and that’s just awesome.” In the same vein of the energy drink marketing ban, Spencer on Oct. 7 co-sponsored a bill that banned the sale of the potentially deadly powdered caffeine to minors in Suffolk County. After a pair of deaths around the country linked to powdered caffeine use – Ohio’s Logan Steiner, 18, and Georgia’s James Wade Sweatt, 24 – Spencer recognized the need for action, and partnered with Suffolk County Legislature Presiding Officer DuWayne Gregory. The legislation passed, but Spencer didn’t stop there. “I went down to Washington, D.C. (Continued on page B10)
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B4 • PERSON OF THE YEAR • JANUARY 8, 2015
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PERSON OF THE YEAR SPECIAL EDITION
Juggling Careers In Medicine, Politics By Arielle Dollinger adollinger@longislandergroup.com
Legislator William Spencer works more than 40 hours a week as a lawmaker – and more than 40 hours a week as a doctor, he said. His days begin early. He wakes up at 6 a.m. and will typically be at work by 7-7:30 a.m. He sees patients or does surgery in the morning to early afternoon, and then spends the hours from early afternoon to evening in the legislative office. He’ll sometimes use his lunch break to review legislation. At night, he does homework with his own children and then spends time with his wife. “Am I busy? No doubt. Is my life crazy? No doubt,” he said. But when he is working as a physician, he said, his patients get him full-time; the same goes for his legislative position.
Spencer serves as Chief of Otolaryngology at Huntington Hospital and is also President-Elect of the Suffolk County Medical Society. He is in the office seeing patients three times a week, spends one day a week in the operating room and uses another day to catch up administratively. Spencer’s career in medicine came of his desire to help his mother who was diagnosed with a chronic condi-
Long Islander News photo/Peter Sloggatt
Both are full-time jobs for the only physician serving in the Suffolk County Legislature
a pediatric doctor... “ As you kind of have, in a sense, two clients – ” the child and their parents. tion called Sarcoidoisis when Spencer was around 10 years old. He decided to specialize in ear, nose and throat and ended up in New (Continued on page B5)
Celebrating Success! Celebrating YOU! Congratulations to “Doc” Spencer on being named the Long Islander News Person of the Year, a well-deserved honor.
We are so proud of you! With our best wishes, Lora, Linda, Mark, Jennifer &
A physician in private practice and Chief of Otolaryngology at Huntington Hospital, Dr. William Spencer’s days are a continual juggling act.
The Suffolk County Medical Society, the premier medical society representing the physicians of Suffolk County, is extremely honored to be able to congratulate William Spencer, MD on being selected by Long Islander News as its 2014 Person of the Year. Doctor Spencer’s concern, compassion and dedication for his patients and for all the residents of Suffolk County are indeed laudable and deserve our praise and thanks. We are proud to have Dr. Spencer currently serving as the President-Elect of the Suffolk County Medical Society and look forward to his ascending to the office of the President in June. He is indeed a true friend of Medicine, one who always puts the needs and wants of his patients above his own, often at personal sacrifice. We could not think of a more deserving recipient of this prestigious award. Maria A. Basile, MD SCMS President
Stuart S. Friedman, MPS Executive Director
CONGRATULATIONS
DOC
and THANK
YOU from Pat
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PERSON OF THE YEAR • JANUARY 8, 2015 • B5
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(Continued from page B4)
York for school. He would choose to further specialize in pediatric ENT. Following his residency, two years of general surgery, four years of otolaryngology training and a fellowship at the University of Miami, Spencer opened up his Huntington practice. He has published 18 papers, through his residency, about different medical conditions and written a book chapter. For Spencer, his practice is about interacting with patients. “As a pediatric doctor… you kind of have, in a sense, two clients,” Spencer said – the child, and their parents. In an effort to connect with children, Spencer performs magic tricks. He dresses up for holidays, gives out prizes, presents children with challenges and sometimes attends school performances of his older patients. Being invested in his young patients’ lives is important to their care, he said. When a child comes in with a sore throat, for example, he pays attention to what is going on in that child’s life: the recent loss of a relative, school bullying, lack of a scheduled lunch period at school,
parents going through a divorce. “I might get rid of the sore throat today, but unless you address the reason it occurs then that person is just going to continue to get sick,” he said. Teenage singers Kelly and Kat Montenero, who won national recognition — and starring spots in a Kohl’s commercial — in late 2014 for their rendition of Disney movie Frozen’s “Let It Go,” are patients of Spencer’s. “He really is a genuine person,” said Kelly Montenero. Her sister, Kat, visited Dr. Spencer recently, after taking a volleyball to the nose in gym class, Kelly recounted. “He could not have been nicer,” Kelly said, noting that her sister was worried that the impact on her nose might negatively affect her singing. “He gave her tips on how to conserve her voice and comforted her. She said after she left the appointment she felt a lot better and was no longer worried.” The line between Dr. Spencer and Legislator Spencer blurs sometimes. When a patient mentions a particular passion to him, Spencer often presents him or her with an opportunity to serve on a related committee. “As a physician, I think that being
Long Islander News photo/Peter Sloggatt
PERSON OF THE YEAR SPECIAL EDITION
In and out of his medical practice, most people know Dr. William Spencer simply as “Doc.”
a legislator also allows me to become a more personal doctor because I am able to know what’s happening in their schools and in their jobs,” he said. But when the lines begin to blur too much, he is “not bashful” about telling patients that he is Dr. Spencer in that moment.
And when he needs a break, he takes one. “Do I get tired? Yes. Do I get cranky? Absolutely,” he said. “But I’ve also learned that sometimes, when I do feel overwhelmed or tired, I’ll maybe go to a movie... I’m a big gamer... I really love holidays and entertaining.”
Congratulations to
William "Doc" Spencer from
The Law Offices
of Stuart P. Besen
CONGRATULATIONS
DOC SPENCER
Dr. William Healy FROM
and Family
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B6 • PERSON OF THE YEAR • JANUARY 8, 2015
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PERSON OF THE YEAR SPECIAL EDITION
Like His Dad, A ‘Jack Of All T r ades’ By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandergroup.com
When it comes to William Spencer being a jack of all trades, look no further than his dad. A biology teacher who never rested on his laurels, William R. Spencer, Sr. had a small home repair business on the side, could build a house from the foundation, served as a minister and got involved in local politics, too – he currently serves as a Welch, W. Va. City Councilman, a role he’s held since 1985. “He’s always been somebody that has worked very hard,” Spencer said. “He’s instilled that into us. He believes in the value of education and the value of community service.” Similar to following his calling to become an Episcopal minister at age 19, Spencer said he had the same kind of draw to the medical field, especially after his mother fell ill. Initially, he planned to be a country doctor in his home state of West Virginia, where he hoped to provide services to underserved communities in the Appalachian state. For that reason, he learned how to fly – he
figured it would be an easier way to travel the state, rather than wrangling with the curvy mountain roads. “I said, ‘wow, this would be great – I’ll fly,’” he said. “This would complete me. I can have little clinics, and I can provide ENT care which they don’t get so much in Appalachia.” Life – and love – would alter those plans. While completing a residency at the Eye and Ear Infirmary in New York City, he was deployed to Huntington Hospital, where the chief of surgery was a close friend of Ralph Fenderson – Spencer’s current father-in-law. He was set up on a blind date with Fenderson’s daughter, Rachel. “The blind date went well,” Spencer said. They married in 1995. Today, they’re the parents of three children. After completing his training program and traveling to Miami to complete a fellowship in pediatric ENT, he was poised to go to West Virginia. But his father-in-law helped him to start his practice in Huntington – a rare opportunity for a young doctor who would usually have to start as an associate in an existing practice. (Continued on page B11)
CONGRATULATIONS
Dr. Spencer from your friends
at Huntington Hearing
Legislator William Spencer and his family.
From The Colleluori Family
Congratulations
William “Doc” Spencer
PERSON OF THE YEAR • JANUARY 8, 2015 • B7
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PERSON OF THE YEAR SPECIAL EDITION
Charity Begins At Home For Vita Scaturro Banker by day and serial volunteer the rest of the time, she gives back to her community By Arielle Dollinger adollinger@longislandergroup.com
Vita Scaturro is a banker by day and a community volunteer… also by day. Scaturro, vice president-relationship manager III at JPMorgan Chase in Melville, works a full-time job at the bank and spends much of the rest of her time volunteering with several Huntington organizations. She said she believes in giving back “any which way you can,” and said it’s important for her to know what’s going on in town “because I live here, I work here, my family’s here and my kids have been born here.” “I don’t want to move. I want my kids to live here,” she said. “You’ve got to make it better.” Volunteering has long been a part of Scaturro’s life, starting when she was a high school student who spent her Saturday afternoons volunteering at a hospital. When her children grew
up, she had more free time and became more involved. In her community work, Scaturro works “to connect people.” When people come to her in need of help, she will do what she can to assist them, and then try to connect them with someone else who could offer further assistance. “People don’t have their resources, they don’t know,” she said. “It’s also very hard for people, because… there’s a lot of pride in people and embarrassment, so I think people are afraid to even ask [for help].” Her work is about giving locally. She serves on the boards of the Townwide Fund of Huntington, the Leadership Huntington Foundation, the Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce, the Lt. Joseph Petrosino Association and the Northport-based Moonjumpers Charitable Foundation. “We do things that we actually see, and that benefit the community,” she
VÉÇzÜtàâÄtàxá (Continued on page B8)
Vita Scaturro believes that giving back to her community will help make it a better place for her children and grandchildren.
Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce
Our Own
Legislator
Vita Scaturro
William ‘Doc’ Spencer
Recipient of the Larry Kushnick Memorial Award for Community Service and a friend to the Business Community
Suffolk County Legislator and dedicated physician who truly exemplies the meaning of public service
164 Main Street, Huntington NY 11743 • 631-423-6100 • www.huntingtonchamber.com
B8 • PERSON OF THE YEAR • JANUARY 8, 2015
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PERSON OF THE YEAR SPECIAL EDITION
For Vita, Banking Is Personal By Andrew Wroblewski awroblewski@longislandergroup.com
When she’s working, Vita Scaturro has two different sides: the people side and the banking side. That first side loves people, being around them, interacting with them and “becoming a part of their families,” she said. “I can’t just sit behind a desk, I need to be out there visiting clients…. It’s the best part of my job,” Scaturro, vice president and relationship manager for Melville’s JPMorgan Chase, said. “I’ve gone to people’s weddings, baptisms, wakes and funerals. You become a part of the family because they trust you.” The second side, the banking side, hinges on that very trust. That’s because the Huntington Station resident typically manages businesses that accrue $30 million in annual
revenue and up to $15 million in credit. As a relationship manager, Scaturro and her team give advice, help clients manage credit and risks and much more – all of which requires that personal bond to first be made. “You can’t do business with people that don’t trust you,” she said. “Money is a big part of a person’s life… If they feel comfortable with you, they’ll open up to you and they’ll let you help them.” With this mentality Scaturro climbed the corporate ladder to where she is today with success. While studying at Baruch College in New York, she took a job with what was then the Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company starting in 1977, and started climbing the ladder. “Throughout my banking career I
went through the departments the old-fashioned way – you know, the way that doesn’t exist anymore,” she said. Holding positions as a teller, manager and more, after a few stints in other locations, Scaturro made her way to Huntington when she transferred to Gerard Street in the village
point and she made the move to serve as vice president and branch manager of the Huntington location. But just in 2014, Scaturro received another call; JPMorgan Chase wanted her back, and she accepted the job in Melville. Wherever Scaturro has gone, “no matter the sign on the side of the building,” she said, the ability to merge those two sides of her professional life has followed and it’s left a lasting impression on her clients. “I’ve always treated my clients not just as banking customers, but as individuals,” she said. “[And] over the years, people have said to me: ‘I don’t bank with Chase, I don’t bank with Community National Bank – I bank with you.’”
gone to people’s weddings, “ I’ve baptisms, wakes and funerals. You become a part of the family because they trust you
”
and then to Woodbury Road. That last move followed Manufacturers Hanover being purchased and merged to form JPMorgan Chase and there she remained until 2008. An opportunity appeared with Community National Bank at that
Giving Back To Her Community (Continued from page B7)
said of her work as vice president of the Moonjumpers. Scaturro is careful to make decisions that are in accordance with the mission statements of each organization for which she works. “If you’re going against the mission… if you start doing the wrong thing, people don’t believe in you,” she said. “And you have to make sure people believe in you.” As treasurer and grants committee chair of the Townwide Fund, Scaturro receives, reviews and presents agency grant requests. She researches agencies and analyzes requests to determine whether or not the Townwide Fund can provide the requested grant. “Vita is instrumental in the success of the Townwide Fund of Huntington,” said Townwide Fund Executive Director Trish Rongo. “Her leadership skills, commitment and in-depth knowledge of the nonprofit sector has had a direct impact on our success.” A 2013 Leadership Huntington graduate, Scaturro is currently vice president of the organization. When she got involved with Leadership Huntington, she said, people asked her why she would add another organization to her list. “There was something missing,” she said, noting that involvement
with Leadership Huntington provided for “more opportunities to experience living here and really what goes on in our town.” Her involvement with the Lt. Det. Joseph Petrosino Association in America Foundation also began in 2012, when Robert Fonti, that group’s vice president, pulled her in. “That’s my Italian thing,” said Scaturro, who is of Italian heritage. Fonti, who said he has worked with Scaturro for two decades now, sees her as “an asset” who “helps organizations grow on the community side and keeps an eye on the financial, on the bottom line.” “She’s a can-do person that delivers on what she says,” Fonti said. “She’s very good at what she does, and very dedicated to what she does… She has a passion, and a pure heart, for any organization that she puts her name to.” Today, Scaturro sometimes has the opportunity to meet the recipients of the help her organizations provide. “It does change their life,” she said. “You want it to change even more, but at least it’s something.” Many look at Huntington as an affluent area, she said — an area that, by reputation, does not seem like one with needs. “Everybody thinks of Huntington, you know, money; but the whole township, it doesn’t matter what area
Being involved with many charities makes for a packed social calendar. She’s pictured here with Moonjumpers President Robert Benson at the Huntington Chamber’s annual luau on Crab Meadow Beach.
of the town you live in, there [are] issues out there,” she said. Scaturro’s schedule is packed. When asked if she feels like she is busy, she responded with a definitive, “Oh, yeah.” But sometimes, she said, it is necessary to “stop, and take a breather.”
When she takes vacation time, she said, she goes to Europe so that she cannot call anyone. She does, however, see things on Facebook. “With Facebook, I see things, so you always have the tendency to do things,” she said. “But you have to walk away.”
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PERSON OF THE YEAR • JANUARY 8, 2015 • B9
PERSON OF THE YEAR SPECIAL EDITION
Scaturro and her family celebrate Christmas in Huntington.From left are daughter Daniela, Vita, sone Joe, and granddaughter Gabriella.
She Overcame Culture Shock To Become A Leader By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandergroup.com
The life story of Vita Scaturro begins in South America, which led her on a path to American citizenship and her current leadership roles in business and the community. Born in Montevideo, Uruguay to Italian parents, she lived there until she was three years old before moving back to Italy. Her father’s idea was to come to the United States, but steep immigration hurdles were an obstacle; her family returned to Florence, Italy instead. Coming to America would have to wait until 1973, when Scaturro was 15 and her family moved to Woodside, Queens. “My mom had a brother there, and she had another brother in Astoria,” she said. When they arrived in March 1973, her father, a construction worker, and her mother, a seamstress, almost immediately went to work. But for Scaturro, America proved to be a “culture shock.” “When we came to the United States, my aunt and uncle enrolled me in public school. I only went to school for a week. I didn’t speak
English. I didn’t understand what was going on,” she said. “I told my dad I wanted to go back to Italy.” Rather than send her back to Italy to live with her grandmother and aunts, her father insisted she stick it out. He came to the United States to make a better life for his family, he stressed. “My father’s dream was always to come to the United States,” she said. Instead, Scaturro’s father reached out to his cousin in New Jersey, who was a nun with the Sacred Heart of Jesus order. After a visit, Scaturro was enrolled in the Mary Help of Christians Academy in North
we came to the “ When United States, my aunt and uncle enrolled me in public school. I only went to school for a week.
Moonjumpers Charitable Foundation, Inc. In Honor of our Founding Board Member Larry Kushnick is proud to congratulate
William R. ‘Doc’ Spencer and our Board Member
Vita Scaturro as the recipient of the Larry Kushnick Memorial Award for Community Service
”
Haledon, N.J., and after initial struggles, she began to build a foundation. After four years of private school, she graduated in 1977, enrolled at Baruch College and got her first job in banking. But that almost wasn’t to be – she (Continued on page B10)
Moonjumpers Charitable Foundation, Inc. 445 Broad Hollow Road, Suite 124, Melville, NY 11747 (631) 752-7100 Visit Us At: www.moonjumpers.org
B10 • PERSON OF THE YEAR • JANUARY 8, 2015
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PERSON OF THE YEAR SPECIAL EDITION
Overcoming Culture Shock To Become A Leader
Vita Scaturro came to the United States with her family from Florence, Italy, when she was 15, and began to set her roots at the Mary Help of Christians Academy in New Jersey. (Continued from page B9)
initially wanted to go back to Italy to visit her grandmother. But because she landed a part-time job at Manufacturers Hanover – “back in ’77, there were not a lot of jobs like now” – she chose to stay in America and get to work. She worked through college, going to school at night with support from the bank. Slowly but surely, she worked her way up the corporate ladder, got married, moved to Deer Park, then Huntington, and the rest is history. Scaturro is a mother of two – son Joe and daughter Daniela. She is a grandmother to Daniela’s daughter,
Gabriella. “Some people become grandparents when they’re young. Some people when they’re old,” she said. “Well, I was glad I became a grandmother when I became a grandmother, because you really get to enjoy them.” At home, Scaturro’s tireless work ethic and determination served as a beacon for her family. Her son, Joe, VP of sales for a direct sales and marketing firm, and co-owner of the online Swoll Shop, which specializes in tongue-in-cheek fitness wear, said he always had someone to look up to when it came to learning how to be a successful businessperson – and person. “She was always trying to help other people, and not for what they can do for her in return,” he said. “She’s about doing the right thing, and knowing that if you do the right thing, it’ll come back to you.” That approach is reflected in how people react to her. “It’s always, ‘I know your mom – here’s what an amazing person she is, and how does she have the energy to do it?” her son said. She’s also inspiring people after undergoing a major lifestyle transformation. After a successful operation 12 years ago to remove her thyroid following the discovery of a cancerous nodule, weight became a struggle because of medications and the absence of her thyroid. The added weight took a toll on her health, and traditional efforts were unsuccessful. “I knew I had to do something,” she said.
Scaturro and her granddaughter Gabriella dressed up for the Townwide Fund of Huntington’s annual gala at Oheka Castle. But when a friend visited her at the bank three and a half years ago after undergoing a bariatric sleeve operation, her interest was piqued. She attended a support-group meeting at Huntington Hospital; before she left the meeting, she made an appointment to see the doctor. The result: she’s shed 107 pounds in about a year and a half. She says her doctor wants her to lose another 10 pounds; “we’ll see,” she teases.
“It’s for yourself. It’s a health issue. It’s for you; it’s not for anybody else. You change your whole lifestyle,” she said. “You have to learn how to eat again.” In true Vita Scaturro fashion, she uses her experience to give back, sharing her experience at the same support group meetings where she got her start. “I talk about it. If I can help someone else, there’s no reason [not to],” she said.
Two Hats One Man Was Destined To Wear (Continued from page B3)
as a part of a delegation with [Gregory], the Steiner family and the Sweatt family where we planned to meet with some U.S. Senators and the FDA [Food and Drug Administration],” Spencer said. “I had the chance to go into the offices and hear the families’ stories and then articulate them [to U.S. politicians], not only from a scientific perspective, but from the government perspective… It was great to have that experience as a lawmaker and physician.” Not only was he able to explain to Michael Landa, director of the FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied
Nutrition, the dangers of powdered caffeine – which is lethal in a dose of just three grams – but he was able to help comfort two families with broken hearts. “At the end of the day, Mrs. Steiner came up to me and gave me a hug,” Spencer said, “She cried, her tears were on my collar, and she looked up at me.” The mother who lost her son said to Spencer: “You guys are angels that were sent to me. I can’t tell you how much I have shared my story, but to have someone articulate what I have been
feeling… Thank you.” Moments like these are what Spencer serves for, he said, while
closes the door on 2014, he enters 2015, an election year. “Part of the election process is the politics,” he said, “There will be someone that, no matter what they think of me, is going to run against me and talk about what a horrible person I am. But I think I’ve done everything possible to make the most out of the position by serving my constituents.”
will be someone that is going “ There to run against me and talk about
what a horrible person I am. But I think I’ve done everything possible to make the most out of the position.
”
mentioning he’s fonder of serving the community rather than playing the political game. But, as Spencer
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PERSON OF THE YEAR • JANUARY 8, 2015 • B11
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PERSON OF THE YEAR SPECIAL EDITION
Doctor, Legislator, Minister (Continued from page B6)
Another big break that helped him get his practice off the ground came thanks to Pat Sajak and Vanna White. On his way back to New York after completing his residency, Spencer stopped into the Wheelmobile to audition as a contestant on “Wheel of Fortune.” Producers snapped him up, dressing him up as Muhammad Ali for a Halloween episode. Doc cleaned up – winning $12,000 and a
car in the bonus round. The winning puzzle for the car? “Hairpin.” For a guy with one baby, another on the way and a fledgling practice, the cash and car were a godsend that, coupled with his father-in-law’s help, got his practice off to a very good start. Those same strokes of good fortune also put the kibosh on his initial dream to practice medicine in West Virginia. Rachel supported his vision, but had second thoughts after
Spencer learned to fly as a medical student when he dreamed of piloting his way between clinics in West Virginia.
VÉÇzÜtàâÄtà|ÉÇá
Doc Spencer and Vita Scaturro
they started a family. “The idea of going back to West Virginia and opening another practice – my wife wasn’t too fond of that idea,” he said. There were plenty of ways to give back in New York, though. He met Malcolm Tillim, then a voice of reform at the Huntington Housing Authority, drafted Spencer to join the board; he would later become the board’s chairman before being elected to the Suffolk County Legislature in 2011. Spencer also remains active as a minister – he holds services for the Willow Manor Fellowship at his Centerport home – and is learning Hebrew. His wife is Jewish, and his three children are being raised in the faith and culture. “I found myself in a position where, now I’m with my wife, going to the high holiday services and my kids are doing their bar/bat mitzvahs, and I don’t understand anything,” he said. “Our synagogue offers – I term it fondly, ‘Hebrew for Dummies’ – and I took that course.” Now he can understand the basic
An ordained minister since age 19, Spencer continues to hold services in his Centerport home.
letters and vowels, allowing him to follow along during high holidays. There was, also, a fringe benefit on the homework front. “When the kids were studying their Hebrew, there was no way I could tell if they were studying it or not. Now, at least I can kind of tell if they’re doing what they’re supposed to be doing,” he teased.
Congratulations, Doc
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B12 • PERSON OF THE YEAR • JANUARY 8, 2015
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My brother from another mother
BOB FONTI The Huntington Democratic Committee
Congratulates
HON. WILLIAM “DOC” SPENCER On Being Named
Person of the Year
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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 8, 2015 • A11
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e i d o o F THE
SECTION
DINEHUNTINGTON .COM
Italian Favorites Shine At Almarco By Arielle and Mike foodies@longislandergroup.com
The menus are weighty, their textured copper-toned covers protecting lists of Italian dishes. On a rainy night, the warm light of the bar area gives way to the dimly lit dining room. Since 2006, Almarco Italian Grill has held its spot in the heart of Huntington village’s Wall Street. Almarco is “new Italian with some traditional dishes,” said owner Mark Salese, describing the restaurant as “a cozy neighborhood restaurant.” Food at Almarco is rooted in Italian tradition, but somehow feels unique. During a visit last Saturday night, Salese recommended the crab cakes. The crab cakes ($13) – perfectly cooked, golden- and orange-hued – are not on the menu. Ask for the crab cakes. On the menu, in the appetizer section, is the Fried Calamari ($13). Light yellow in color, the calamari is crispy but not crumbly. Accompanying the calamari is a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping. In separate conversations, Salese
and waiter Matt each recommended the Almarco Pollo ($21) – a panseared chicken cutlet that wears roasted peppers and prosciutto underneath a layer of mozzarella and comes in a marsala wine sauce. The flavors of the chicken, prosciutto and mozzarella blend together so well that the diner barely notices the separation. The dim lighting of the dining room does not quite do justice to the beauty of the Eggplant Rollatini ($19). Slices of eggplant are rolled to hold ricotta and mozzarella cheeses and sautéed spinach. The plate also holds linguine in marinara sauce. For the diner wary of eggplant’s unique texture, the dish and its crispy coating takes away need for worry. While the dishes are hearty and filling, it is difficult to resist dessert as waiters visit neighboring tables with the tray of options. Dessert options include lemon cake ($6) and the traditional Italian St. Joseph’s pastry ($6). The lemon cake is light and sweet, but not too sweet. The St. Joseph’s pastry, a warm and donutlike Zeppola, is filled with Cannoli cream and topped with a cherry.
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Until recently, Almarco shared its space with Salese’s other Huntington venture, Junior’s Pizzeria. In the spring of 2014, Salese decided to expand Almarco’s bar area, taking over the pizza side of the restaurant. Junior’s had been open since 1982, and his family had been in the food business since 1968. The items on Junior’s pizza and hero menu are available at Almarco for takeout and delivery. For takeout, diners can order full pies – no slices – and hero sandwiches as part of what Salese still calls “Juniors To Go.” Almarco also offers $12 sandwich lunch specials, which include salad, a sandwich from the “Focaccias” section of the lunch menu, soup and a St. Joseph’s Pastry; and then there are the $12 pasta lunch specials, which include any half pasta with salad and dessert. Last Saturday night, Almarco was a refuge from the rain. On even a clear night, it could easily be a comfortable refuge from the rest of the world.
Foodie photos/Arielle Dollinger
A12 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 8, 2015
Waiter Matt displays the Almarco dessert tray.
The St. Joseph’s pastry is filled with Cannoli cream and topped with a cherry.
Crab cakes are not on Almarco’s dinner menu, but they are worth asking for.
Almarco Italian Grill 13 Wall Street, Huntington 11743 631-935-1690 almarcoitalian.com Atmosphere – Cozy Cuisine – New Italian Price – Moderate Hours – Lunch: Monday – Saturday: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Dinner Hours: Monday – Thursday: 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. Friday/Saturday: 4 p.m. – 11 p.m. Sunday: 3 p.m. – 11 p.m. Bar open every night until midnight
Both owner Mark Salese and waiter Matt recommended the Almarco Pollo.
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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 8, 2015 • A13
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 Dix Hills Huntington Huntington Dix Hills Melville Dix Hills Melville Dix Hills Dix Hills Dix Hills Dix Hills Melville Melville Melville Melville Centerport Dix Hills Cold Spring Hrbr
16 Sandra Dr Price $629,000 Open House 1/11 Coach Real Estate
MELVILLE
MELVILLE
DIX HILLS
Bedrooms 4 Baths 3 Taxes $16,873 1:00pm-3:00pm Assoc Inc 631-427-9100
Address Beds 5 Mont Ct 4 38 Cherry Ln 5 115 Crooked Hill Rd 3 50 Fox Ln 4 6 Newtown Ln 3 33 Arcadia Dr 4 127 Wolf Hill Rd 5 1104 Carlls Straight Path 4 89 Stonehurst Ln 4 17 Gray Ave 4 16 Sandra Dr 4 6 Haddon Hall 4 50 Quintree Ln 5 7 Richbourne Ln 5 9 Split Rock Ct 4 15 Mariners Ct 4 5 Dianes Ct 5 47 Fox Hunt Ln 4
Baths Price 3 $849,000 3 $1,249,000 2 $499,000 4 $999,711 2 $425,000 3 $489,000 2 $495,000 3 $550,000 3 $559,000 3 $589,000 3 $629,000 2 $629,000 4 $745,000 4 $799,000 4 $899,000 3 $955,000 4 $999,999 4 $1,245,000
7 Richbourne Ln Price $799,000 Open House 1/11 Daniel Gale Agency Taxes $12,977 $22,007 $11,428 $25,864 $11,905 $11,094 $12,475 $17,687 $14,124 $11,920 $16,873 $14,226 $20,868 $17,535 $20,253 $16,999 $22,427 $29,788
Date 1/8 1/9 1/10 1/10 1/11 1/11 1/11 1/11 1/11 1/11 1/11 1/11 1/11 1/11 1/11 1/11 1/11 1/11
Bedrooms 5 Baths 4 Taxes $17,535 2:00pm-4:00pm Inc 631-692-6770
Time 12:00pm-1:30pm 1:00pm-2:00pm 1:00pm-3:00pm 1:00pm-4:00pm 12:00pm-2:00pm 1:00pm-3:00pm 1:00pm-3:00pm 1:00pm-3:00pm 12:30pm-2:00pm 1:00pm-3:00pm 1:00pm-3:00pm 1:00pm-3:00pm 1:00pm-3:00pm 2:00pm-4:00pm 12:00pm-2:00pm 12:00pm-2:00pm 1:00pm-3:00pm 1:00pm-3:00pm
9 Split Rock Ct Bedrooms 4 Baths 4 Price $899,000 Taxes $20,253 Open House 1/11 12:00pm-2:00pm Douglas Elliman Real Estate 631-549-4400 Broker Phone Realty Connect USA LLC 888-236-6319 Daniel Gale Agency Inc 631-427-6600 Coach Real Estate Assoc Inc 631-427-1200 Gem Star Properties Inc 631-662-9571 Coach REALTORS at Pt Jefferson 631-928-5484 Douglas Elliman Real Estate 516-354-6500 Coldwell Banker Residential 516-365-5780 Coldwell Banker Residential 631-673-4444 Realty Connect USA LLC 877-647-1092 Realty Connect USA LLC 888-236-6319 Coach Real Estate Assoc Inc 631-427-9100 Coach Real Estate Assoc Inc 631-427-9100 Coldwell Banker Residential 516-864-8100 Daniel Gale Agency Inc 631-692-6770 Douglas Elliman Real Estate 631-549-4400 Daniel Gale Agency Inc 631-692-6770 Coldwell Banker Residential 631-673-4444 Daniel Gale Agency Inc 631-692-6770
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Advertise! You open the door... We’ll bring ’em in! Increase traffic at your next open house. Call your sales representative today.
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A14 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 8, 2015
Wine takes center stage during Prime’s eighth birthday bash, which runs through Jan. 18. A ‘PRIME’ BIRTHDAY WEEK – When you right up your alley. Nominations for
celebrate the anniversary of Bohlsen Restaurant Group’s Prime: An American Kitchen and Bar (117 New York Ave., Huntington 631-385-1515 restaurantprime.com) you’re the one who will get the presents! Through Sunday, Jan. 18, to mark their eighth birthday, they’re offering a $40 prixfixe dinner ($50 with paired wines), or add $15 for unlimited wine by the glass with any entrée. Selections inclue choices from Zardetto, Fernhook, Gabriela, Santa Julia Zuccardi, William Hill, Frog’s Leap, Natura, Stackhouse, Iuli and Plowbuster. The prix-fixe selections from Executive Chef Ben Durham include, in the first course: lobster bisque, Caesar salad, the Red Roof Roll or Crab Duo ($5 supplement). The main course includes choices of Organic Chicken, Scottish Salmon, a petite Filet Mignon or a Kobe Flat Iron ($12 supplement). Finish with either a S’Mores Sundae or Warm Apple Cobbler with ice cream.
the special Long Islander News recognition have closed – check in this week’s issue for the finalists who have made the cut – and make sure to weigh in and vote again for your favorites and get them to the top of the heap. As you might expect, restaurants are well represented in the dining capital of Long Island, so you’ll have plenty of choices to make in that realm. Make sure your voice is heard! NEW IN MELVILLE – Moe’s Southwest
Grill (610 Broadhollow Road, Melville 631-396-0822) has opened its doors to the burrito-loving public, and the Mexican grill on the go has many devoted followers who are undoubtedly licking their chops. Also on the way in Melville nearer Huntington Station is the Masalah Grill (195 Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station 631-271-1700) which promises Pakistani and Indian takeout. So far, restaurants haven’t fared too well there – Gimme 2, the Greek Captain Seafood Restaurant and BRAG ON THE BEST – For those of you Muscle Maker Grill are recent casuwith a hankering for the finer cuisine alties – but we’re rooting for this in life, the Best of Huntington will be newest venture to soar in 2015.
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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 8, 2015 • A15
A16 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 8, 2015
THURSDAY Services For Seniors
Senior advocates from the Suffolk County Office for the Aging meet with interested and needy seniors ages 60 and over this winter at the following locations: Huntington Library, 338 Main St, Huntington: Mondays, Jan. 12 and March 9, 10 a.m.-noon; Huntington Senior Nutrition Center, 423 Park Ave., Huntington: Wednesdays, Jan. 28, Feb. 25 and March 25, 8:30-11:30 a.m.; Paumanack Village I & II, 650 Paumanack Village Drive, Greenlawn: Tuesdays, Jan. 27, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and Feb. 24 and March 24, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; Paumanack Village V & VI, 100 Adriatic Drive, Melville: Thursdays, Jan. 22, Feb. 26 and March 26, 8:30-11:30 a.m.; and South Huntington Library, 145 Pidgeon Hill Road, Huntington Station: Thursday, Feb. 19, 10-11:30 a.m. Advocates assist with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP – formerly known as food stamps), Medicare Savings Program and Heating Emergency Assistance Program (HEAP) applications. 631-853-8200.
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Calendar O M M U N I T Y
Commack Public Library
18 Hauppauge Road, Commack. 631499-0888. commack.suffolk.lib.ny.us. • Enjoy a friendly game of bridge or mah-jongg in the Community Room every Friday, from 1-5:30 p.m.
Deer Park Public Library
FRIDAY Dance For A Cure
A gala dance at the Crest Hollow Country Club on Jan. 16, 8 p.m. benefits the Christina Renna Foundation, which is dedicated to supporting childhood cancer research and furthering awareness and education. The night includes music by Bay Big Band, dancing, open bar, raffles and a silent auction. $75. For more information and journal sponsorships, call Phil Renna at 631-225-2074 or email crf4acure@verizon.net. www.crf4acure.org.
SATURDAY Spiritual Parenting Workshop
Join the Gathering of Light Interspiritual Fellowship for a workshop with internationally recognized non-profit Mission Be. Learn strategies for bringing up mindful, confident, happy children from noon-1:30 p.m. on Jan. 10. $20 per person; $35 per couple. At the Presbyterian Church of Sweet Hollow, 95 Old Country Road, Melville. Call 631-265-3822.
Live Music
Live local bands take over Finley’s of Greene Street, 43 Greene St., Huntington, every Saturday night at 11 p.m. Join in the fun and food!
SUNDAY Find Your Center
Find inner peace in an ongoing weekly class for beginners and newcomers every Sunday, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at Dipamkara Meditation Center, 282 New York Ave., Huntington. 631-549-1000. www.MeditationOnLongisland.org.
MONDAY
A Buster Keaton Masterpiece Lovers of classic silent film will delight in the “Anything But Silent” series, a presentation of classics with live organ by MoMA’s Ben Model, one of America’s top silent film accompanists. This Tuesday, Jan. 13 at 7:30 p.m., take in Buster Keaton’s “The Cameraman,” his final great comedy masterpiece. Members $10; general public $15. 631-423-7611, www.cinemaartscentre.org. week program for family members who are coping with loved ones with severe mental illness. The class is held every Monday from 7-9 p.m. at the Syosset Hospital starting Jan. 5. Contact Susan Palmer at 917-838-7436 to register.
TUESDAY A Nicotine-Free New Year
The minimum age to buy tobacco in Suffolk County became 21 on Jan. 1. What better time is there to quit smoking, dipping or vaping? Suffolk County’s Department of Health Services’ “Learn to Be…Tobacco Free” program comes to Greenlawn’s Cancer & Blood Specialists of Long Island, 270 Pulaski Road, Suite D, on Jan. 20 and 27, Feb. 3, 10, 17 and 24 and March 17. Meetings are from 6-7 p.m. For info on the Greenlawn program, call 631-320-2220, ext. 52165.
Free Mommy And Me Class
Sing! Stretch! Dance! Play! Enjoy a funfilled class that includes parachute play and bubble play and meet other Jewish moms at The Chai Center in Dix Hills. The free class takes place Tuesdays at 10 a.m. For children ages 6-36 months. Pre-registration required by phone or online: 631-351-8672. www.thechaicenter.com.
Needleworkers Unite! Coping With Mental Illness
The Melville-based National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) hosts a free, 12-
631-692-6820. cshlibrary.org. • Tonito Valderrama’s exhibit “Flight of Higher Learning” features two birds in flight, soaring in the upstairs stairwell of the library. Made from recycled bamboo blinds and rice paper, Valderrama’s work expresses the complex relationships between humankind and nature. On display through Jan. 15. • Beginner/Intermediate Knitting meets Wednesdays through Feb. 11, with sessions from 10-11:30 a.m. and 78:30 p.m. Learn to knit, improve your technique, or get help with a current project. In-person registration must be accompanied by a $120 check.
The Suffolk County Chapter of The Embroiderers' Guild of America will hold its monthly meeting at 7 p.m. on Jan. 27
at the Half Hollow Hills Community Library, 55 Vanderbilt Parkway, Dix Hills. Beginner, intermediate or advanced stitchers welcome. No charge to attend first meeting. Call 631-423-3738.
Free Help For Vets
Every Tuesday from 12-4 p.m. is “Military Appreciation Tuesdays,” when Long Island Cares specifically assists veterans, military personnel and their families at the Huntington Station, Hauppauge and Freeport emergency pantries. Appointments can be made by contacting jrosati@licares.org.
WEDNESDAY Open Mic Night
Play your heart out at an acoustic open mic night every Wednesday at Caffe Portofino, 249 Main St., Northport, 7-10 p.m. www.facebook.com/cafportopenmic. Original songs only.
Power Breakfast
Join business professionals at BNI Executive Referral Exchange’s breakfast networking meeting every Wednesday, 7-8:30 a.m. at the Dix Hills Diner, 1800 Jericho Turnpike, Dix Hills. 631-4627446.
AT THE LIBRARIES Cold Spring Harbor Library
95 Harbor Road, Cold Spring Harbor.
44 Lake Ave., Deer Park. 631-586-3000. deerparklibrary.org. • Through a grant from New York State, the library offers Google Nexus 7 tablets for borrowing. Browse the web, download a book, play games and more with just a touch of your finger. Tablets can be checked out for two weeks on an adult Deer Park library card.
Elwood Public Library
3027 Jericho Turnpike, Elwood. 631499-3722. www.elwoodlibrary.org. • Watch the library’s weekly Friday afternoon movie at 1 p.m.
Half Hollow Hills Community Library
Dix Hills: 55 Vanderbilt Parkway. 631421-4530; Melville: 510 Sweet Hollow Road. 631-421-4535. hhhlibrary.org. • 3D printing is here! Watch the MakerBot in action for 50 cents of printing for each 30 minutes. For more information, call the Adult Reference Desk.
Harborfields Public Library
31 Broadway, Greenlawn. 631-757-4200. harborfieldslibrary.org. • Flaunt your flexibility on Saturday, Jan. 10 from 9:30 to 10:30a.m. It’s stretching for beginners with Cathy Adamo! The 6-week workshop runs until Feb. 28. $18 to register.
Huntington Public Library
Main Branch: 338 Main St., Huntington. 631-427-5165. Station Branch: 1335 New York Ave., Huntington Station. 631421-5053. www.thehuntingtonlibrary.org. • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified Clinical Meditation teacher Liza Johnson’s Wisdom of the Dream, a four-session workshop, begins Saturday, Jan. 10 at 10:30 a.m. and continues on Jan. 24, Feb. 7 and Feb. 21. $20. • Love doo-wop? Dion? Chuck Berry? The five-member New York Exceptions will have you singing and dancing to music from the 50s and 60s at the main branch at 2 p.m. Jan. 18. Lead singer Dave Scotti has performed with the Electrons, Joey Vero and The Brooklyn Fox, the Fabulairs and the Styles who recorded “Scarlet Angel.” Registration required. Free.
(Continued on page A17)
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(Continued from page A16)
Northport-East Northport Public Library
Northport: 151 Laurel Ave. 631-2616930. East Northport: 185 Larkfield Road. 631-261-2313. www.nenpl.org. • Escape the wintery weather and head over to the main branch of the Northport Library for the movie” 700 Sundays,” the film version of Billy Crystal’s Tony-winning show. The screening starts at 1:30 p.m. and runs until 3:45 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 15.
A Nicotine-Free New Year The minimum age to buy tobacco in Suffolk County became 21 on Jan. 1. What better time is there to quit smoking, dipping or vaping? Suffolk County’s Department of Health Services’ “Learn to Be…Tobacco Free” program comes to Greenlawn’s Cancer & Blood Specialists of Long Island, 270 Pulaski Road, Suite D, on Jan. 20 and 27, Feb. 3, 10, 17 and 24 and March 17. Meetings are from 6-7 p.m. For info on the Greenlawn program, call 631-320-2220, ext. 52165.
South Huntington Public Library
145 Pidgeon Hill Road, Huntington Station. 631-549-4411. www.shpl.info. • If you will be seeking a state driver’s permit, practice for the written test with a free, online resource offered through the South Huntington Public Library. Budding drivers can take any of 11 practice tests for a driver’s permit.
THEATER & FILM Cinema Arts Centre
423 Park Ave., Huntington. www.cinemaartscentre.org. 631-423-7611. • The “Stop Motion Claymation Workshop for Kids” will be held Saturdays, Jan. 10, 17, 24 and 31, 9 a.m.-noon. Taught by animator Timothy Peterson. • Lovers of classic silent film will delight in “Anything But Silent,” a presentation of classics with live organ by MoMA’s Ben Model, one of America’s top silent film accompanists. This Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. is Buster Keaton’s “The Cameraman,” his final great comedy masterpiece. Members $10; general public $15.
John W. Engeman Theater At Northport
350 Main St., Northport. www.johnwengemantheater.com. 631-261-2900. • On Jan. 10 and 11, take in a schooledition performance of “Les Miserables.” Performances at 3 and 8 p.m. on Jan. 10; 2 and 7 p.m. Jan. 11. $20. • Next up on the Main Stage is “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike,” the 2013 Tony winner for best play. Tickets on sale now starting at $59; opening night is Thursday, Jan. 22.
AUDITIONS/SUBMISSIONS Northport Chorale
The Northport Chorale is conducting a casting call for all voices on Jan. 14 and 21. Auditions are 7 p.m., in the Northport High School choir room, 154 Laurel Hill Road. Call Pearl at 631-239-6736 or Su at 631-754-3144 or visit www.northportchorale.org.
Northport Symphony Orchestra
The Northport Symphony Orchestra seeks new members in all sections. Repertoire ranges from Baroque through classical and romantic to early 20th century. Music Director Richard Hyman is an award-winning music educator and composer. Rehearsals are on Wednesdays from 7:30-9 p.m., usually at East Northport Middle School. Email info@northportorchestra.org to arrange an audition. Website: northportorchestra.org.
MUSEUM/EXHIBIT Art League of Long Island
107 East Deer Park Road, Dix Hills. Gallery hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. weekends. 631-462-5400. www.ArtLeagueLI.net. • Escape the winter snow and slip into a blossoming spring from Jan. 10-25. Experience floral and landscape paintings by Ruth Baderian at the Jeanie Tengelsen Gallery. Free admission.
Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery
1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor. Open seven days a week, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday and Sundays until 6 p.m.: $6 adults; $4 children 3-12 and seniors over 65; members and children under 3 are free. 516-692-6768. www.cshfha.org. • This winter break, create your own flag from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 16. More than half of American state flags have at least one animal on them; children will learn about those state symbols before creating their own animal-themed banner.
Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum
279 Main Street, Cold Spring Harbor. 631-367-3418. www.cshwhalingmuseum.org. • The year-long exhibit “Sea Ink: American Sailors and Tattoo Art” explores the culture and significance of nautical tattoos and their historical origins from sailors’ lives at sea. The exhibit features an array of tattoo artifacts, antique machines, early inking tools and Sailor Jerry flash art.
Heckscher Museum Of Art
2 Prime Ave., Huntington. Museum hours: Wednesday - Friday from 10 a.m.4 p.m., first Fridays from 4-8:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission $6-8/adults, $4-6/seniors, and $4-5/children; members and children under 10 free. 631-351-3250. • The museum presents “Modern Alchemy: Experiments in Photography,” on view through March 15.
Holocaust Memorial And Tolerance Center
Welwyn Preserve. 100 Crescent Beach Road, Glen Cove. Hours: Mon.-Fri.: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sat.-Sun.: noon-4 p.m. 516-571-8040 ext. 100. www.holocaustnassau.org. • The permanent exhibit explains the 1930s increase of intolerance, the
reduction of human rights, and the lack of intervention that enabled the persecution and mass murder of millions of Jews and others: people with disabilities, Roma and Sinti (Gypsies), Jehovah’s Witnesses, gays and Polish intelligentsia.
Huntington Arts Council
Main Street Petite Gallery: 213 Main St., Huntington. Gallery hours: Monday Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Art in the Art-trium: 25 Melville Park Road, Melville. Gallery Hours: Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-7 p.m. 631271-8423. www.huntingtonarts.org. • It’s gardens galore! Holly Gordon’s Work Featured in Blooms and Beyond is showing through April 23, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Huntington Historical Society
Main office/library: 209 Main St., Huntington. Museums: Conklin Barn, 2 High St.; Kissam House/Museum Shop, 434 Park Ave.; Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Building, 228 Main St. 631427-7045, ext. 401. www.huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org. • Exhibit “The Times They Were AChanging – 1960s & Huntington’s Response” on display at the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Building.
Northport Historical Society Museum
215 Main St., Northport. Museum hours: Tuesday - Sunday, 1-4:30 p.m. 631-7579859. www.northporthistorical.org. • “Window Shopping Through Time” is a recreation of 10 stores that were located on Main Street and Woodbine Avenue spanning about 100 years, from the 1880s’ Morris City Grocery with their fresh produce and dry goods to the 1980s 5&10 with their ribbon and toys.
Ripe Art Gallery
1028 Park Ave., Huntington. TuesdayThursday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Friday, 2-8 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. www.ripeartgal.com. 631-239-1805. • The gallery hosts a juried photography competition titled “What Is A Portrait,” curated by Ruben Natal-San Miguel. Showing through Jan. 17.
Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport. Museum hours through April 15: Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday, 12-4 p.m. Grounds admission: $7 adults, $6 students with ID and seniors 62 and older, and $3 children 12 and under.
Mansion tour, add $5 per person. 631854-5555. www.vanderbiltmuseum.org. • The planetarium’s new show, “Black Holes: Journey into the Unknown,” has regular showings on Tuesdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.
Walt Whitman Birthplace
246 Old Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station. Hours: Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. Admission: $6 adults, $5 seniors, $4 students, and children under 5 are free. 631-427-5240. www.waltwhitman.org. • Schedule at a time convenient for your group for high tea and transport yourself back in time as your group experiences High Tea in a private gathering house at the Birthplace. $25/person. 631-4275240, ext. 120. teaparty@waltwhitman.org.
MUSIC & DANCE The Paramount
370 New York Ave., Huntington. 631673-7300. www.paramountny.com. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. • The Paramount presents Yacht Rock Revue Friday, Jan. 9. Tickets: $21.25$64.75. •The Paramount Comedy Series Presents Pablo Francisco on Saturday, Jan. 10 8 p.m. Tickets $41.25-71.75.
Ridotto Concerts
• On Sunday, Feb. 8 at 4p.m. enjoy “Bach at St. John’s”. Experience solo cantatas and chamber music by J.S. Bach, performed by oboist Peggy Pearson. The sweet melodies will be heard at St. John Episcopal Church on Main Street in Huntington.
VOLUNTEERING Cosmetologists Wanted
Hospice Care Network is seeking New York State-licensed cosmetologists to provide 2-4 haircuts per month for community members facing life-limiting illnesses. Download an application at www.hospicecarenetwork.org or call 516224-6423.
Be A Museum Docent
The Huntington Historical Society is currently seeking volunteers to train to become Museum Docents at the historic David Conklin Farmhouse Museum. The museum is located at 2 High St. in Huntington village and is a fascinating interpretation of the Colonial, Federal and Victorian time periods. No experience required – an interest in local history is a plus. Training is provided. Call 631-427-7045 ext 403.
Send us your listings Submissions must be in by 5 p.m. 10 days prior to publication date. Send to Community Calendar at 14 Wall Street, Huntington, NY 11743, or e-mail to info@longislandergroup.com
A18 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 8, 2015
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(Continued from page A1)
‘You must find me a wheelchair basketball team.’” Now, four years later, Meghan has joined up with the New York Rolling Fury, a youth wheelchair basketball program made up of children in conditions similar to Meghan from Long Island and New York City. For Meghan, the Rolling Fury became her “second family.” Back when when the program was known as the Long Island Lightning. Kerri, Meghan’s mother, discovered the program and her daughter stepped right in, despite being its youngest and only female member. “They became my big brothers,” Meghan, now 12 years old and a student at Elwood Middle School, said, “I fit right in.” Those four words hold true for just about all of the program’s 17 members. Students, younger than 21 and enrolled in high school or below, come from all over Long Island and New York City to practice at St. Anthony’s High School every other weekend and travel to tournaments with the Rolling Fury – which Kerri said is the only youth wheelchair basketball program in New York, Massachusetts and Connecticut. “They’ve grown together and are an incredible group of kids,” Kerri, now secretary and treasurer for the program, said. Other Long Island representatives include: Travis Ancewicz, an 11-yearold also from Elwood; Alex ObertThron, an 18-year-old enrolled at Half Hollow Hills High School West; Anto-
Long-Islander News photo/Andrew Wroblewski
Youth wheelchair basketball team also a ‘family’
Marcos Taveras, second from left, brings the ball up court during a New York Rolling Fury practice at St. Anthony’s High School. nio Hidalgo, a 15-year-old from South Huntington; Victoria O’Brien, a 12year-old from Dix Hills; Marcos Taveras, an 18-year-old from Great Neck; Alex Ruiz, a 17-year-old; and Breanna Clark, a 12-year-old from Selden. All have been relegated to a wheelchair for most, or some of their lives, and for different reasons – but, for all of the program’s members, one notion remains the same. “I wasn’t intimidated [when I joined],” Breanna, who was born with back and knee defects – known as sacral agenesis – that prevent her from standing, said. “I just fit right in, talked with the kids and built some relationships.” The kids aren’t the only ones building those relationships, Breanna’s mother Laura said. “This isn’t just therapy for the kids, it’s for the moms and dads too,” Laura said. “We like to say that when we’re with our ‘walking’ friends we wear a mask. But when we’re with this group [the Rolling Fury] we can really let our hair down, talk about the common
quirks our children have and it becomes therapy for us [as parents].” “Therapy,” yes, but don’t let that fool you; when the Rolling Fury takes the court, it’s all business. The program – which is broken down into three levels, prep (ages 12 and under), junior varsity and varsity (both up to age 21) – plays in tournaments around the Northeast; they’ll be in Philadelphia Jan. 23-25 for a tournament that will serve as a qualifier for the national championship later this year. The teams compete under the rules of the National Wheelchair Basketball Association, which means they’re mostly following standard high school rules with a few adjustments – such as the ability to place the ball in one’s lap and touch the wheels of their chair twice, to steer or move forward, before needing to bounce the ball or pass; this serves as dribbling. “Once you watch them compete you forget that they’re in chairs,” Chris Bacon, president and head coach for the program, said. “They can be typical athletes and do some awesome things
on the court… They’re very inspiring.” In 2012 the varsity Rolling Fury were national champions. In 2013, the program focused on rebuilding as several of its members left to compete in college – including Bacon’s son, Christopher, who now plays for the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Ala. “During our last two tournaments we earned a lot of experience, but we’ve had a pretty large break between that last tournament and the upcoming qualifier,” Bacon, of Dix Hills, said. “We’re going to keep working on things at practice… But we’re excited. I think we’re going to have a good showing [in Philadelphia].” The program is also in the planning stages of hosting its own tournament – something it’s done the past, but not recently. If all goes according to plan, Bacon hopes to host the tournament in late March at a local high school with participation from several teams in the Rolling Fury’s conference. In order to participate in these tournaments – and host their own – Bacon stressed the importance of donations. “We run completely off donations and the kindness of the community,” Bacon, 49, said. “These wheelchairs are very expensive – between $2,000$3,000 each – since they’re specifically made to fit the kids and we’ve been building the program so fast that we’ve actually run out of chairs to loan out.” To learn more about the Rolling Fury visit www.leaguelineup.com/nyrollingfury. Donations can be made to New York Rolling Fury - Wheelchair Basketball at PO Box 501 Greenlawn, NY 11740.
Umphrey’s McGee ready to rock The Paramount (Continued from page A1)
stage in the heart of Huntington. The band consists of Brendan Bayliss, Jake Cinninger, Joel Cummins, Ryan Stasik, Kris Myers, and Andy Farag. In an interview Monday, Cummins said fans are in for a treat. “We’re looking for people to have a good time. Bring your friends or come down and make some new ones,” he said. “The show is created to be an immersive fun time and there’s really something for everyone.” Formed in 1997 at the University of
Notre Dame, Umphrey’s McGee has done anything but slow down. Their latest album “Similar Skin” released in June and was their eighth studio album. Their set list is a blend of classic material and new songs. “As a band we have over 180 original tunes over 17 years,” Cummins said. “We’re such an eclectic band, but I think the new album “Similar Skin” is one of our most cohesive yet and we couldn’t be more proud.” Cummins says the band does some-
thing very special every night to keep tours interesting. “My favorite part of the night is the improvisation. There’s something about not knowing what your band mates are going to do and really living in the moment. It’s something you can’t recreate,” he said. “And either you fall on your face or you make something amazing. Cummins says fans on Long Island won’t regret buying a ticket. “There’s something about the experience of seeing a live show. We add on
some amazing lights that you just won’t get sitting at home,” he said. “There’s a whole different experience that goes into the real-life performance.” Cummins added that he can’t wait to check out the heart of Huntington for himself. “I’ve heard that it’s a pretty sweet spot,” he said. Umphrey’s McGee takes the stage Sunday Jan. 18. Tickets are $30-50. Purchase them at the box office or visit www.theparamountny.com.
Melville Chamber talks business on new podcast (Continued from page A3)
business in this day and age,” he said. “Our philosophy is that we’re collaborative… What we want to do is the best for all of us on Long Island.” A study of the Route 110 corridor will aid the chamber in deciding what
its next steps will be “to make the corridor more livable, more workable, more productive for the people who are involved,” DeLuise said. A Request For Proposals was sent out for a consultant to help in the preparation of the Melville plan,
under the guidance of the committee, Carter said this week. According to Carter, the responses have been evaluated by the committee and the selection of one to come up with a plan should take place “shortly.”
DeLuise said continuing change is on the way in the new year. “Yes, you’re going to see changes in 2015, and in my opinion, most of them are going to be really, really impressive,” he said.
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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 8, 2015 • A19
TOWN OF HUNTINGTON
By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandergroup.com
Even before the hundreds stripped to their swimwear at Steers Beach in Northport at noon Jan. 1, staying warm – or not being cold, at least – was a bit of a fool’s errand. The 300 or so people preparing to take part in a New Year’s Day tradition rubbed their hands, hopped in place and wrapped themselves in towels. And when the clock struck noon, they dashed toward the water with abandon – and bolted out of the frigid coast just about as quickly. “It’s exhilarating,” organizer Jack Aiello, a senior patrol leader of Boy Scout Troop 410, said. “At parts, it’s really cold – colder than you ever thought that you could be cold. But it’s really a great way to ring in the New Year and do some good work.” And just like that, the sixth annual Northport polar bear plunge, a New Year’s Day tradition hosted by the Northport Boy Scout troop 410 and the Northport Fire Department Smokeaters to raise funds for the Ecumenical Lay Council food pantry, was complete, with plenty of frozen fingers and toes to go around. For Uniondale’s Joe Bosch, it was an opportunity to scratch an item off his “bucket list,” and his grandkids
Long Islander News photos/Danny Schrafel
Taking A Chilly ‘Plunge’ Into A New Year
Run for warmth! Some of the hundreds race for the shore after christening 2015 with a frigid dip at Steers Beach. from Northport and West Islip joined him. “I’ve wanted to do this for years – and we did it,” he said. “I’m very proud of my family.” The family tradition pervaded the crowd. Huntington’s Jake Gayle joined his mom, Jane and her best friend, Tracey Kuzzinski, in taking the plunge. Jake didn’t hold back, belly-flopping into 2015. “I figured, if I’m going to go in the water, I might as well go all the way in,” he said.
Campfires are another way chilly “polar bears” kept warm after making the plunge into the water at Steers Beach in Northport on Jan. 1.
“To me, if I can do this, I can do anything the next year,” Kuzzinski added. The tradition began six years ago, when Scoutmaster Joe Aiello and his son Jack wanted to give back. “Every year it seems to get bigger… we see new faces all the time,” Joe said. “It’s becoming a great Northport tradition,” Jack added. That’s good news for the Ecumenical Lay Council food pantry, which, combined with a springtime pancake breakfast, stands to receive between $4,500 and $5,500. “This is a time when the people need it the most,” Joe Aiello said. Northport Mayor George Doll, who was a spectator of the whole frigid affair, tipped his hat to the polar bears’ commitment. “They’re dedicated. You have to really want to – just think about it!” Doll said. “I commend them for their dedication.”
Towels are one of the techniques the chilly revelers used to thaw out.
For Huntington’s Jake Gayle, it’s all in the family – from left, he joined his mom, Jane and her best friend, Tracey Kuzzinski, in taking the plunge. Jake didn’t hold back, belly-flopping into 2015. Wendy Brofman also joined them.
A20 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 8, 2015
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ICE HOCKEY
First-Time Skaters Get A Break At Town Rink By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandergroup.com
Learning how to ice skate doesn’t have to break the bank – especially if you’re a Huntington resident. Thanks to a newly instituted beginner skating instruction program at the Dix Hills Ice Rink, residents can buy admission to the public skate session, rent skates and receive a 20-minute private lesson from a Town of Huntington-contracted skate instructor for $20. Double up on the sessions, and it costs $35. The discount package required a resolution by the Huntington Town Board which approved it during its Dec. 9 meeting. The offer is limited to one beginner’s package per person. Town parks director Don McKay said he’s hopeful the program will entice those who try it to stick with it, and give parents a low-cost way to let their kids try ice skating. “The ultimate goal is to spur more interest in the joy of ice skating, and hopefully more people will take it up, enjoy it, and hopefully take more lessons and come to our rink more often,” he said. The beginner’s package was devised in collaboration with the town’s ice skating pros, which include luminaries like Barbara Williams, who became the first female NHL skating coach when she became the New York Islanders’ power skating instructor in 1977; and New York Islanders luminary Benoit Hogue. “We’re very grateful they’ve agreed to take a reduced fee for the lesson,” McKay said, adding that pros will benefit in the long run by generating more lessons. While McKay said the rink is doing well, “you can never rest.” “You’re always trying to generate more interest,” he said. For more information about upcoming ice skating and ice hockey sessions for adults and children, as well as rates for each program, visit tohparks.com or call 631-4625883.
Hornets ‘Rebuilding’ On Ice Northport/Huntington proves to be too big a challenge By Andrew Wroblewski awroblewski@longislandergroup.com
After graduating a heap of seniors last year, the Half Hollow Hills Ice Hockey Club is focusing on using the 2014-2015 season to rebuild. The Hornets – which compete in the Suffolk County High School Hockey League – are looking to utilize and grow their young talent while building on the progress they’ve made throughout the season. On Sunday, at The Rinx in Hauppauge, while the score line was a bit lopsided – the Hornets fell to Northport/Huntington 5-1 – coach Glenn Smith was able to take away a few positive aspects from the setback; including the play of goaltender, Ryan Coffey. Coffey frequently stood on his head, making athletic saves that kept Half Hollow Hills in the game through two periods. “He played excellent,” Smith said, “one of the better games I’ve seen him have.” Coffey, a Half Hollow Hills student, was able to keep the score even at 1-1 through the first period and most of the second. A Northport/Huntington goal with 6:26 remaining in the second stanza off the stick of Justyn Tesoriero broke the tie, though, and proved to be the game winner. But for Half Hollow Hills, Smith said, those first two periods were productive. The Hornets (3-11-1) came out with a tough, physical mentality that they hoped would even the game out and give them a chance to play the type of hockey they wanted to play. “We told the guys to hit. It’s all about hitting against a team like [Northport/Huntington] that’s fast and has a lot of good players,” Smith said. “When you hit, it slows the game down and brings it to [the way we want to play] and that’s what we did in the first two periods.” After that, the Hornets seemed tired and frustrated in the third period when they were outscored 3-0. In the first period, however, Jake Ashkinos opened up the scoring as he put Half Hollow Hills ahead 1-0 before two minutes had passed. “We had a defenseman [Ashkinos] fan out on a shot,”
Long Islander News photos/Andrew Wroblewski
ICE SKATING
Carter Hallock, right, carries the puck up the ice on Sunday in a game against Northport/Huntington at The Rinx in Hauppauge.
The Hornets of Half Hollow Hills (white, black and red) play defense on Sunday against Northport/Huntington. Smith said. “When he fanned on the shot, everybody started moving towards where the puck should have been. Instead, it went to Jake and he popped it in the net.” The momentum stayed in the Hornets’ possession until 9:35 remained in the first period when Teddy Pupilla capitalized on a Northport/Huntington (13-3-0) opportunity. Now, the Hornets will focus on that rebuilding process, but still plan to be competitive in their remaining five games of the sea-
son. Practice, which the team is only able to have once a week, will serve “to build on what we saw [in the games] and to tell the guys what they have to work on,” Smith said. That next contest was after press time on Monday when the Hornets took on the Kings Park/Commack (7-8-1) squad and then St. John (10-3-2) on Wednesday. Now the boys prepare for a game against East Islip (5-11-0) on Jan. 12 scheduled to start at 9:20 p.m. at The Rinx.
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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 8, 2015 • A23
HillSPORTS BOYS BASKETBALL
Thunderbirds Bounce Back Over Break By Andrew Wroblewski awroblewski@longislandergroup.com
After a divisional loss to Northport (6-1) prior to winter break on Dec. 20, the Thunderbirds of the Half Hollow Hills High School East boys basketball team needed to bounce back, Head Coach Peter Basel said. “That loss really sat with us for a few days,” Basel said of the 55-39 setback. “That’s why I was really happy we had scheduled a tournament for over the break so that we had something that really counted, an opportunity to win two games and the outright tournament.” Hills East (4-3) did just that as it defeated Bellport (4-2) 59-56 on Dec. 30, in the final contest of the Bellport Holiday Tournament. “That was a good way to end the year, [with a win] over what is probably going to end up being a playoff team,” Basel said. Leading the Thunderbirds in the triumph was senior captain Justin Fackler, who put up 17 points and 14 rebounds for his third doubledouble of the season.
“That’s what we need from Justin, a double-double each game,” Basel said. “We’re looking for consistency from him.” Freshman Savion Lewis also reached double digits in scoring with 14 points, while junior D’Nathan Knox added 10 points of his own. Knox, a forward standing at 6’3”, has made the transition from bench player to starter since the season dawned thanks to his physicality and ability to get to the hoop. “He offers challenges for the opposing team on both offense and defense,” Basel said. “He’s fast and can knock down the mid-range shot on offense, and on defense, he’s long and athletic.” With the tournament in the books – where the Thunderbirds also pulled off a 71-61 victory over Elwood-John Glenn (3-6) – Hills East now focuses on getting back into the “meat” of the season. After press time, the Thunderbirds headed to Smithtown East (3-4) on Tuesday to get back into League II play. A focus in that game, Basel said, was to shut down the Bulls’
Long Islander News photo/archives
Tournament victory boosts squad’s confidence heading back into league play
The Thunderbirds, pictured here in a game against Walt Whitman last season, will take on Whitman again Friday at 4:15 p.m. leading scorer, Ryan Ingarozza, who has averaged 23.4 points per game this season. But, with one of the Thunderbirds’ strengths being the ability to shut down their opponent’s best player, Basel was confident his team could handle the challenge. “We just have to contain him,”
Basel said, “keep him in sight, keep him off of the glass and not allow him to get those 20 points.” Now, the Thunderbirds prepare for their next divisional game on Friday when they’re scheduled to welcome Walt Whitman (3-4). Tipoff is scheduled for 4:15 p.m.
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