g n DINEHUNTINGTON i r p S R E S T A U R A N T W E E K MARCH 1-8, 2015
HALF HOLLOW HILLS
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VOL. 17, ISSUE 2
NEWSPAPER 24 PAGES
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2015 DIX HILLS
The Paramount Spotlight
Crown Of Diamonds, Heart Of Gold By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandergroup.com
Thomas Rhett, an up-and-coming country music star, will play The Paramount on Feb. 28.
Country Star Thomas Rhett To Play Paramount By Andrew Wroblewski awroblewski@longislandergroup.com
At just 24 years old, country music singer Thomas Rhett Akins, Jr. released his debut album, “It Goes Like This” in (Continued on page A16)
Dix Hills’ Rachel Goldsmith is crowned Miss Teen New York International.
A West Hollow Middle School eighth-grader has followed in her mother’s footsteps to explore the world of pageantry, and she’s using her recent victory in the Miss Teen New York International pageant as a springboard to reach out to teens who battle depression. Dix Hills’ Rachel Goldsmith, 13, who was crowned Miss Teen New York International Oct. 4, 2014, is the proprietor of UWILLBOK.com, dedicated to giving struggling teens a safe place to share. Goldsmith, a computer enthusiast, said she saw many teens on Tumblr share about going through difficult times with depression like (Continued on page A16)
DIX HILLS
Second Try For Deer Park Road School? By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandergroup.com
The applicants hoping to build a private nursery school on Deer Park Road in Dix Hills, for which variances were denied by the Huntington Zoning Board of Appeals over traffic concerns, may be coming back to the board with a new plan. Huntington officials said this
week they are expecting applicant Steven Nacht JSMB LLC, based in Dix Hills, to resubmit plans to develop 163 Deer Park Road, land located near the Art League of Long Island campus, after the ZBA unanimously turned down a request in September for a special use permit and variances for parking in the front yard of a residence district and lot width.
Those plans have not yet been filed, planning department officials said. Attorney Anthony Guardino, who represented Nacht at the Sept. 18, 2014 hearing, could not be reached by press time Monday. In their ruling, zoning board members said the proposal would “create undue traffic congestion and hazard” and “the in(Continued on page A16)
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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • FEBRUARY 19, 2015 • A3
MELVILLE
Planning Board Backs Melville Hotel Plan By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandergroup.com
A proposal to build a 160-room Hyatt Place hotel near the Long Island Expressway in Melville gained the Huntington Planning Board’s blessing Feb. 11. A suggestion for five stories, though – one which the developer has said it is unlikely to follow – remains in the planning board’s recommendation to the Huntington Town Board. The suggestion was made to create more parking on the 3-acre parcel located at 500 Broad Hollow Road, on the westerly side of Route 110 just south of the Rubie Corporate Plaza and the LIE, Planning Department Director Anthony Aloisio said. It would also create uniformity on the front borders of the proposed building to neighboring properties. “This clearly captures the recommendations we had at the last board meeting,” Planning Board member David Pennetta, who first suggested the five-story concept, said. However, attorney William Bones-
Despite a suggestion by town planers to build five stories, the developer of a Hyatt hotel planned for Route 110 in Melville is sticking with four floors. so, representing the applicant, OTO Development, said that strong opposition by civic leaders to a taller building means a fifth floor is unlikely. Civic leaders in Melville, including the Melville Fire Department, “feel very, very strongly about a four-story building,” he said in a Feb. 5 Half Hollow Hills Newspaper report. Bonesso also expressed confidence that current plans, which call for about 170 spots for 160 rooms and staff, will provide sufficient parking, since amenities at the hotel
are not expected to draw large amounts of outside traffic onto the property. Alissa Taff, president of the Civic Association of Sweet Hollow, praised OTO Development for standing by the four-story design. “They couldn’t have been any more agreeable or more willing to work with the community,” she said. “They’re keeping their promise to the community.” Taff said she and fellow civic leaders will push Huntington officials to accept the four-story plans. She and
others have argued that a five-story building will put the squeeze on existing traffic problems in the corridor and set a precedent for an unwelcome trend of large buildings, which she argues could one day overwhelm the Route 110 corridor. “If they allow five stories for this place, everyone down the road will want five stories… before you know it, we won’t be a town – we’ll be a city,” she said, adding civic leaders and residents are “fed up” with what they see as overdevelopment. A zone change from I-1 Light Industrial to C-10 Planned Motel district is needed to advance the project. Parking, building height, lot size and building side yard setback variances are also needed from the Huntington Zoning Board of Appeals. The applicant is also exploring a cross access driveway to a property neighboring to the north, which would give the hotel access to the South Service Road. If built, the Hyatt Place hotel would replace what is currently a vacant one-story, approximately 7,569 square-foot building on the site.
A4 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • FEBRUARY 19, 2015
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Whoever Is Praying For Snow… most problematic thing we face in this world.
More notes on ‘presently’… If you read my column last week, you saw that I talked about how some wordsmiths have criticized Brian Williams’ use of the word “presently” to mean “now” when it really means “soon.” Well, my friend Adele has something to say to those people. Adele writes: “I feel compelled to presently present the definition of ‘presently.’ Tell those ‘wordsmiths’ to ‘let it go’! Both meanings are correct. It depends on how it is The sign in front of Huntington Baptist Church used in the context of a sentence. For instance, says what’s on everyone’s mind. ‘I will presently (soon) retire for the evening,’ and ‘I am presently (now) …please stop!… If anyone has driven by reading the newspaper.’ Therethe Huntington Baptist Church on High Street fore, Brian Williams might lately, you probably got a have made some errors in chuckle. Several of you wrote IN THE KNOW judgment, but his use of the to me to let me know about a WITH AUNT ROSIE word ‘presently’ (now) is corvery funny sign in front of the rect.” Adele used to be a church, in case I hadn’t already seen it. It is teacher, so I think she knows just too funny. The message is simple: “Whowhat she’s talking about. Thank you, my friend! ever is praying for snow please stop.” All I have to say to that is, ditto!
Elbow grease... My friend Betty wrote to me to voice I thought I have had many times myself. She writes: “Packages and bottles are so hard to open. Maybe it’s because I’m older and don’t have the strength. If it’s a product in paper, they could put a little slit in it. Some do, but very few. A bottle cap could be made a little easier to twist off. I can see where the manufacturers might want to be sure that their products are not tampered with. But come on!” Betty, I’m with you. Many a time I have had to ask for help opening jars and bottles of seltzer and other drinks. Friends who live alone, what do you do? I know there’s the knife trick, and the teeth trick; sometimes scissors help. Other times I just give up and wait for help to come over. Is it time to make bottles especially for seniors, with soda-can-type tops? But then how would we close them? Bless us if this is the
SCARY SIGHT Photo by Dix Hills Fire Department A school bus traveling from Copiague High School to Wilson Technological Center collided with a box truck at the intersection of Deer Park Avenue and Seaman Neck Road in Dix Hills on Feb. 13. The Dix Hills Fire Department was the first on the scene. Twenty-seven people were injured, but none seriously, fire officials said.
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(Aunt Rosie wants to hear from you! If you have comments, ideas, or tips about what’s happening in your neck of the woods, write to me today and let me know the latest. To contact me, drop a line to Aunt Rosie, c/o The Long-Islander, 14 Wall Street, Huntington NY 11743. Or try the e-mail at aunt.rosieli@gmail.com) QUOTE OF THE WEEK ARLENE WEIL
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Suffolk County Police responded to a Talisman Drive home in Dix Hills Feb. 10. Police were told that some time after Jan. 15, someone stole a watch from the residence.
Park And Grab A customer of the Deer Park Avenue Waldbaum’s in Dix Hills called the cops Feb. 11 after someone stole a handicapped parking placard from their car when they were inside shopping at 5 p.m. The vehicle, a 2014 Cadillac, was unlocked.
Unlucky 13 A Melville resident called the cops at 6 p.m. Feb. 13 after their credit card went missing from their wallet and the illbegotten recipient of the card made purchases with it.
Fightin’ In The Streets A Huntington Station man was charged with disorderly conduct Feb. 9 after he allegedly attacked a person in the middle of the road at the corner of Railroad Street and Lowndes Avenue at 3:37 a.m. He was also charged with resisting arrest after he allegedly flailed his arms and legs while police were trying to arrest him.
Old Fashioned Police were called to a Wells Road home in Greenlawn Feb. 9 after a resident reported a harassment complaint. The resident said that they received a “harassing note or letter” from someone between 4 p.m. Feb. 3 and the date of the complaint.
Hands Off A Huntington Station resident called the cops Feb. 10 after someone allegedly slapped them. The incident occurred at 9:20 p.m. on West Pulaski Road.
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Cleaning Out Your Closet, Keeping You Sane, A10
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Pizza Friday… Here’s an idea for you. I can’t take full credit for this one – I overheard it during one of our editorial staff’s “powwows” – but one of the reporters celebrates what he calls “Pizza Friday.” That’s right, every Friday, he goes out and gets pizza, no matter what, with someone he loves. Isn’t that nice? Do any of you have that kind of tradition? Sushi Saturday? Pasta Sunday? Personally I don’t know that I could commit to a food in the same way. I like a little flexibility when it comes to feeding my belly.
POLICE REPORT Compiled by Danny Schrafel
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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • FEBRUARY 19, 2015 • A5
MELVILLE
By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandergroup.com
What once was a popular Chinese dining destination on Jericho Turnpike in Huntington near Melville may soon be a destination for a town-mandated clean-up crew. Huntington’s town board will consider on March 10 whether to declare the home of the former Sun Ming Restaurant, at 1000 West Jericho
Turnpike, a blighted property. The restaurant, located at the intersection of Jericho and Round Swamp Road, has been closed for several years, and the building has since fallen into disrepair; it is boarded up, overgrown and tagged with graffiti. Councilwoman Susan Berland, who sponsored the initial blight code, is leading the charge on this upcoming resolution to add Sun Ming to the list. In December, the Huntington Zon-
ing Board of Appeals rejected a proposal to convert the Sun Ming property into a mixed-use building with six apartments above a retail store. The board ruled that the applicant, architect Edward Dickman, failed to provide adequate proof to warrant a special use permit and variances, criticized proposed traffic flow at the site and said the plan was out of character for the neighborhood. Alissa Taff, president of the Civic
Part Of Blight Fee Will Go To Beautification By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandergroup.com
As the Huntington Town Board set the wheels in motion toward addressing an eyesore on West Jericho Turnpike, they also on the same day created a new way to finance the beautification of deteriorating parcels. The town board on Feb. 10 unanimously approved earmarking for a beautification fund $1,500 of the fee assessed each time a property
is registered on the town blight list. Those uses could include: beautifying public space through plantings, infrastructure improvements, fencing, public art, other architectural features, installing lighting and surveillance cameras, environmentally friendly infrastructure upgrades, efforts to remove and discourage graffiti, and remediating environmentally challenged public properties. Registering a blighted residential property costs $2,500 per year;
for a commercial property, the fee is $5,000. The beautification fund will be governed by a committee consisting of the town comptroller, the director of the Department of Planning and Environment, the town engineer, the town’s chief sustainability officer and the intergovernmental relations coordinator, or a representative of each. That committee will report its findings and recommendations to the town board.
Long Islander News photo/Danny Schrafel
Town Targets Sun Ming For Blight Sanctions
A hearing in March will weigh whether the former Sun Ming restaurant should be added to the blight registry. Association of Sweet Hollow, said she supports the town’s push to clean up. “You should have to keep it up to code until you sell it… They should be responsible for maintaining it like anybody else,” she said. The hearing is scheduled for 2 p.m. at Huntington Town Hall. Registering a blighted residential property costs $2,500 per year; for a commercial property, the fee is $5,000. Those cited can enter an agreement with the town to remedy code violations; if those fail, the town has the power to come in and clean the property up themselves and bill the property owner.
A6 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • FEBRUARY 19, 2015
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HALF HOLLOW HILLS
Hills On Stage Presents A Tale As Old As Time
Nearly 100 fifth-grade students brought the magic of “Beauty & the Beast” to Half Hollow Hills Jan. 30-Feb. 1 as part of the 14th Hills on Stage production. Students from all five elementary schools participated under the guidance of Director Lucille Kenney and Program Facilitator Lois Krawitz.
TOWN OF HUNTINGTON
All Tied Up: 15 Couples Tie The Knot
Michelle McManus and Rachel Esposito fight back tears during their wedding ceremony. By Carina Livoti clivoti@longislandergroup.com Michelle McManus and Rachel Esposito exchanged teary vows under a flowered arch in the flowerand-tinsel decorated Huntington Town Hall on Saturday. The Centerport couple was one of 15 to tie the knot during Town Clerk Jo-Ann Raia’s Valentine’s Day Wedding Marathon that day. The couple said they had been talking about getting married for a while, and when they heard they could do it right at town hall on Valentine’s Day, they thought it was a great idea. Esposito and McManus met 19
years ago in Manhattan and have a 23-year-old daughter, who stood as one of the witnesses for the ceremony. The newlyweds were not the only ones who thought it was a great idea, as this Valentine’s Day marked the 20th anniversary of the marathon, which has gained popularity over the years. According to Raia, the whole things started as an accident when one year a couple wanted to get married on Valentine’s Day. She had an opportunity to offer the couple candy that day, and “things took off from there,” she said. Raia invited a photographer and started soliciting participation from Huntington merchants, paying care-
ful attention to include vendors from all parts of the town, especially the east end. Two decades later, the town clerk continues the tradition, filling a room with food, decorations and gifts. She and her staff came in the night before to put up with flowers, banners and decorations. Michael Oke and Liz Albospino used Skype to allow his brother to watch the wedding from London and her sister to see from Paraguay—a first for Raia after all these years. The couple met in the Petco where she worked and he had his dog groomed. “She’s the groomer and he’s the groom,” Raia joked.
2015 Wedding Marathon Contributors EAST NORTHPORT: Beckman’s Florist, Everbest Bakery, Hummel-Hummel Bake Shop, Laura’s Floral Elegance. GREENLAWN: Decker’s Florist HUNTINGTON: A Rise Above Bakery Shop, Reinwald’s Bakery, Wild Flours Bake Shop, A Tisket A Tasket Anything In A Basket, Inc., Bon Bons Chocolatier, Flowerdale by Patty, The Flower Petaler, Funky Flower Shop, Main St. Nursery, Good2Go Deli, Herrell’s Ice Cream, The Marketplace at Southdown, Waldbaum’s, CVS, Rite Aid Pharmacy, Stella Blue Bistro, Value Drugs and Wild By Nature HUNTINGTON STATION: Flowerdale by Patty MELVILLE: Bunny’s Floral, Photos by Thomas Pesce NORTHPORT: Copenhagan Bakery, Fashions in Flowers, Hengstenberg’s Florist COLD SPRING HARBOR: Sweetie Pies on Main
This year’s turnout was the second highest ever; Raia’s record is 16 on marathon day. Even with the high number of couples, she managed to rearrange the schedule to allow two couples who forgot their marriage licenses to go back and get them, demonstrating her commitment to celebrating what she described as “love’s greatest holiday.”
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TOWN OF HUNTINGTON
YMCA Expansion OK’d By Andrew Wroblewski awroblewski@longislandergroup.com
After more than a year of planning and a few speed bumps in the approval process, the Huntington YMCA is prepared to move forward with plans to construct a new building and add additional parking spaces on its current property. “We’ve worked really hard to meet any obstacles that we thought might come up in the process,” Eileen Knauer, senior vice president and chief operating officer of the YMCA of Long Island, said. “We have a great team of board members and volunteers that are experienced in that process and it went well; now we’ll continue to move forward.” The plans, approved by the Huntington Zoning Board on Jan. 29, include a 28,381-square-foot health center, 147 additional parking spaces and a potential 9,976 square-foot office building that may house the YMCA of Long Island’s association offices, should the entity choose to move back to Huntington after leaving the town more than 10 years ago. If that move doesn’t happen, then
that office space will most likely not be included in the construction. The YMCA at Glen Cove currently houses the association offices, which consist of about 12 employees and are the site of board meetings, staff training and more for the YMCA of Long Island. When the association offices left Huntington, Knauer said, it was because Glen Cove expanded its complex in the same way that Huntington is now set to do. Knauer said a decision will be made regarding the potential move within the next two or three months. All that stands in the way now is funding. “Just like our last capital project, we have to reach out to the community for fundraising,” Knauer said. The proposed health center – to be built where the current outdoor basketball courts reside – will be used as a replacement for the Huntington YMCA’s current use of the Village Green Elementary School’s gymnasium. The new parking lot is also included in the plans and will be constructed on the southeast portion of the property, which now holds an open field.
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A8 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • FEBRUARY 19, 2015
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Opinion ‘Not the types set up by the printer return their impression, the meaning, the main concern.’
An Added Benefit From Fighting Blight The Huntington Town Board has taken beautification of public places. It may steps toward adding an eyesore building fund plantings, infrastructure improveand lot to its blighted properties registry, ments, fencing, public art, other archia move that will allow it to go in and tectural features, installation of lighting clean up the premises. On March 10, the and surveillance cameras, anti-graffiti board will hold a hearing to consider de- efforts and environmental remediation of claring the former Sun Ming Restaurant public properties. property on West Jericho Turnpike Landing on the blighted properties blighted. If the property is added to the registry is not easy for a property owner list of blighted properties, to do. The aim is to force the town can undertake a EDITORIAL cleanup of eyesore properties cleanup that ultimately will that, for whatever reason, are be paid for by the property owner. neglected by their owners. Owners have At its most recent meeting, the board an opportunity to avoid being placed on also approved legislation that will allow the registry by formally entering into an it to not only clean up properties consid- enforceable agreement with the town. ered blighted, but do some beautification Where that fails, the blight registry is the projects elsewhere to offset the damage. town’s last resort. With a unanimous vote, the board creatThe registry may tread close to daned a fund to tap some of the monies gen- gerous ground with respect to property erated by the blight registry specifically owners’ rights, but it is a means of profor beautification of public properties. tecting the rights of adjacent property Being placed on the blighted proper- owners who can see values drop because ties registry costs a property owner of someone else’s neglect. Public hear$2,500 per year for residential proper- ings are a part of the procedure to ensure ties; for a commercial property, the fee is due process. While the aim of the reg$5,000. That annual assessment is added istry should remain cleanup of the to the property’s tax bill to ensure that it blighted property itself, earmarking will be paid. some of the monies generated for beauFrom those funds, $1,500 will now be tification of parks and other public put into a trust fund – separate from the spaces allows the entire community to town’s general fund – to be used for benefit. And that’s a good thing.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
File For Your Tax Exemptions DEAR EDITOR: I would like to take this opportunity to remind our residents, veterans and seniors who reside in the Town of Huntington that you may be eligible for a New York State Tax Ex-
emption on your December 2015 tax bill. First, residents who did not re-register for the Basic STAR tax exemption with the New York State Tax Department before Dec. 31, 2014, are urged to contact the NY State Tax Department directly at: 518-4572036. Our town’s veterans can
HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER
Serving the communities of: Dix Hills, Melville and the Half Hollow Hills Central School District. Copyright © 2015 by Long Islander News, publishers of The Long-Islander, The Record and Half Hollow Hills Newspaper. Each issue of the The Long-Islander and all contents thereof are copyrighted by Long Islander. None of the contents or articles may be reproduced in any forum or medium without the advance express written permission of the publisher. Infringement hereof is a violation of the Copyright laws.
be eligible for an additional NY State Tax Exemption that applies only to school district taxes. The following are some of the requirements to obtain this School Tax Alternative Veterans exemption which you should consider before applying: • You must reside in one of the following participat-
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The Half H Newspap ollow Hills er, 14 Wall S treet, Huntingto n, New Y ork 11743 or email u s at info@lon gislander group.co m
ing school districts: Elwood, Cold Spring Harbor, Commack, Half Hollow Hills, Harborfields, Northport-East Northport and South Huntington. • The approval is not automatic – you must make an application to the Assessor’s Office. • Receipt of certain combat-related medals or ribbons may increase this exemption. • The exemption will begin in the 2015/2016 tax year (tax bill for the period of Dec. 1, 2015 through Nov. 30, 2016). A completed application for the School Tax Alternative Veterans exemption, and all required supporting documentation, must be filed with the Town Assessor no later than March 2, 2015. To obtain an application or for questions, please call the Assessor’s Office at: 351-3226. Veterans can also contact the New York State Division of Veterans’ Affairs at: 1-888-838-7697. For our seniors who reside in the Town of Huntington and who will be 65 years of age or older by Dec. 31, 2015, you may be eligible for a Senior Tax Exemption on your December 2015 tax bill (if you do not already have one). The deadline to file is March 2, 2015 in the Town Assessor’s Office. There are two additional tax reduction programs for which a Town of Hunting-
ton Senior Citizen might be qualified. The first is the Enhanced STAR school tax exemption, which can double the tax savings of the Basic STAR exemption and is primarily funded by New York State. The requirements are: 1) All owners must be 65 years of age by Dec. 31, 2015 (except husband and wife or sibling co-owners; only one needs to be 65). 2) Your 2013 income cannot exceed $83,300 (Federal Adjusted Gross less taxable IRA distributions). 3) You will need to file an application with the Town Assessor’s Office by March 2, 2015. The second is a limited income senior citizen exemption that can also reduce school, county, police, town, highway and library tax. For this exemption your 2014 income cannot exceed $37,400. As a councilman, I have always voted for the maximum savings for this senior exemption. Should you have any questions or if you need an application, please contact the Town Assessor’s Office at: 351-3226 to speak with a representative during normal business hours, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or visit the town’s website at: www.HuntingtonNY.gov. MARK CUTHBERTSON Huntington Councilman
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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • FEBRUARY 19, 2015 • A9
Life&Style ART
By Joseph Zapata info@longislandergroup.com
After decades of traveling the world, 91-year-old Dix Hills resident Dan Brown is using his art to help viewers experience his life journey The Art League of Long Island will host an exhibit featuring Brown’s artwork from Feb. 28- March 8. The works on display are inspired by Brown’s wanderlust and life as a highly educated world traveler. Instead of taking photographs, Brown uses his art to capture the images of the places he’s seen. “It’s what I’ve seen and where I’ve gone. I don’t want to bore my friends with 2,000 pictures, and it makes the house look beautiful,” Brown said. The 91-year-old explorer has been to Indonesia, China, Malaysia, New Zealand, Vietnam, Australia, Cambodia, Turkey, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, South Africa, Egypt, Alaska, Hawaii and Israel. Out of all the countries he’s visited, Brown was most intrigued by Indonesia. “Their religion is so unique, and their burial traditions are just so different. It’s fascinating,” Brown said. The exhibit will consist of paintings, sculptures and Vatican art stones
portraying people and animals. Several of Brown’s art pieces depict his subjects with intense emotion as they perform various physical activities, such as farming or playing sports. Brown said the moment of his career he is most proud of is when the Smithsonian Postal Museum commissioned him to make a bronze sculpture of Owney, the K9 mascot of the postal service through the 1880s and 1890s. The sculpture is life sized and can still be seen to this day, welcoming visitors at the entrance of the museum. When asked about his Owney sculpture, Brown’s pride is evident. “That was a real feather in my cap,” he said. Before he became a local celebrity, Brown was part of the first graduating class at the New York High School of Music and Art. He later attended New York University on a scholarship. It was there that he met his future wife, Marilyn. During World War II, Brown entered the Navy’s Intelligence Division as a Japanese translator and interpreter. Under the GI Bill, he received his MBA from Harvard Business School. Over the next 45 years, he worked in the furniture business and
Long Islander News photo/Joseph Zapata
A Life’s Journey 91 Years In The Making
Dix Hills artist Dan Brown at the Art League of Long Island with his new, inprogress sculpture depicting a mother holding her child. aided in the creation of four Ethan Allen stores on Long Island. In 1992, Brown decided to retire. His new free time allowed him to study at the Art League of Long Island. However, Brown’s fascination with art started several decades before his retirement. “I was into art since I was a kid, long before I took any classes,” Brown said. Painting and sculpting isn’t Brown’s only hobby; he also has a
love for music, specifically the French horn. “I love music. I’ve been trained in music since I was a child,” he said. His upcoming art exhibit will be held on the upper level of the league’s Jeanie Teangelsen Gallery, located at 107 East Deer Park Road in Dix Hills. The gallery is open Monday through Thursday 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday 9 a.m.-4 p.m., and weekends from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information, visit artleagueli.net or call 631-462-5400.
MUSIC
Musicians With Roots Thanks To ‘NY Lights’ Long Islander News photo/Carina Livoti
By Carina Livoti clivoti@longislandergroup.com
With a complete album under its belt, it’s hard to believe that Huntington-based band NY Lights is only 8 months old. The band began over 10,000 miles from here, as a collection of songs and a means of coping. Sitting in Milk House Studios, a historic dairy-farm-turned-recordingstudio at 471 Park Ave. in Huntington, where NY Lights is currently recording their album, songwriter Philip A. Jimenez said the band’s name came from seeing New York at night from an airplane over JFK Airport. “If I had to be poetic about it, I’d say [our name is] about homecoming and
NY Lights jamming during rehearsal. From left: Andrew Stein, Dan Batista, Philip Jimenez, Kathryn Jimenez.
returning to your roots,” Jimenez said. This venture is not Philip’s first time at the music production rodeo. He is best known for his work on Wheatus’s 2000, self-titled album, which he produced in Huntington. He met his wife, Kathryn, on Wheatus’s 2000 Australia tour. Kathryn, a native Australian, joined the tour while working for a music television channel. Philip remained in Australia after the tour, and the pair married in 2012 after a decade of friendship. Philip, 39, and Kathryn, 38, decided to move to Philip’s hometown, Huntington, in 2013. Unfortunately, Green Card issues prevented them from entering the country. Their border trouble ef(Continued to page A17)
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A10 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • FEBRUARY 19, 2015
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BUSINESS By Carina Livoti clivoti@longislandergroup.com Arlene Weil has been organizing things since she was a kid. “Professional organizing is something in someone’s nature,” Weil said. Weil spent 28 years in corporate America before the Dix Hills entrepreneur decided to turn her love of cleaning out closets into a business. Weil left her position as a medical outside sales representative to help care for her hospital- and rehabilitation-bound mother 2012. Throughout her family turmoil, she said she coped by cleaning out her house. It was at that point that she realized she could make a business out her desire to organize things. After her mother died in December 2013, Weil became focused on her business, Organized by Arlene.
In the same vein, Weil often works Organized by Arlene targets primarily residences, cataloging the with the adult children and loved closets and homes of Huntington res- ones of community members who have died. idents. An avid She helps supporter of community them organbusinesses, Weil ize the homes offers members ON HUNTINGTON BUSINESS of the deof the Huntingceased, makton Chamber of ing it easier Commerce a 10-percent discount. for them to see what is there and deShe also helps real estate agents to cide what to keep and what to give remove clutter, making homes more away during their time of bereavepresentable for sale. ment. “I really get a vicarious thrill out The business owner makes it a of cleaning people’s closets out,” point not to simply throw things out Weil said. but to direct her clients to the approAccording to Weil, her original priate donation and disposal respirit of cleaning as catharsis contin- sources. She follows up with each ues to be a theme in the business. client for maintenance later on. “This is a job where when you In addition to cleanouts, Weil helps leave, everybody is hugging and kiss- organize and catalog items like weding you, saying thank you so much,” ding gifts. she said. No matter the situation, she said
SPOT LIGHT
Long Islander News photo/Carina Livoti
Cleaning Out Your Closet, Keeping You Sane
Organized by Arlene’s Arlene Weil, of Dix Hills, keeps her own well-concealed closet clean. she works to help people “to find serenity in their space and to deal with their unique environment.” Arlene charges $50 an hour and offers promotional packages for larger projects. For more information, visit organizedbyarlene.com or call 516652-3894.
How Do I Save For Retirement Without A 401k? By Jon L. Ten Haagen, CFP asktheexpert@longislandergroup.com
Q: I just got a job with a company that does not offer a retirement plan (401k). What should I be doing in terms of saving for retirement? A: First, let me congratulate you on your forward thinking. Most people starting out in life look for joy and fun before thinking of their future. By starting early you will find it just that much easier to succeed. The first thing to address is the 401k you still have at the old company if one was offered to you. Consider rolling it over to you own Individual Retirement Account (IRA). Most 401k plans have a limited number of sub accounts to choose from, so by rolling over your account you can go with more investment choices. Make sure you do a trustee-totrustee transfer (where the funds never come to you) which will protect the tax-exempt status of your account. The world is your oyster! Next, you should consider whether an IRA or a ROTH IRA is best for
you. Confer with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to determine the tax ramifications and long-term advantages of each. Things to consider include your current income tax bracket versus your potential bracket in the future – will you be in a higher or lower tax bracket down the road? An IRA can give you a tax deduction for the amount you contribute each year if you are under a qualifying threshold – check with your accountant/CPA. The monies grow taxdeferred until you take them out after the age of 59-and-a-half years old. If you remove monies prior to 50-and-a-half, there is a 10-percent penalty and ordinary taxes on the amount withdrawn. At age 70-and-a-half, you must start taking money out each year based on an IRS formula. Each year after, the amount to withdraw is slightly higher. This is called the Required Minimum Distribution or RMD. A ROTH IRA allows you to invest monies into an account which will grow tax-deferred also. The main
difference is you are investing aftertax money and will not get a deduction. The monies grow tax-deferred, and at 59-and-a-half years old, you may start withdrawing your monies; there is no tax because you paid the tax before you invested the money. With the ROTH you never have to take the monies out, so if you have done well with other investments you could name a beneficiary (for example, your great-grandchild) and this money can grow for decades. I have always suggested to clients that they should consider themselves the first bill they have to pay every payday. Take 15 percent right up front and invest it in your future (IRA or ROTH). If you can’t currently afford 15 percent, then consider 10 percent or even down to 5 percent, but also promise yourself that each year you will increase the amount by at least 1 percent until you get to the 15 percent. You will find once you have started, it will be out of sight and out of mind, and it will become automatic. Alongside the investment in your future you should start an emergency fund – an investment into something
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THE EXPERT
you can turn into liquid cash within 30 days or less. A short-term mutual fund, which is in fixed income vehicles, is not subject to market volatility. There are funds which are taxable and non-taxable to fit various people’s needs. You initial goal is to build this fund (over time through dollar-cost averaging) to an amount equal to nine months of your living expenses. As you get toward retirement, I would suggest you consider building this amount up to two years of living expenses. (Remember 2008-2009!) This way, if there is an extended down market, you will not have to invade your market investments, which are for you future. When considering what investments to consider, look to growth vehicles. You are not going to need these monies for decades, so look for quality and let it grow. If you retire at age 65, statistics say you will most likely live another 20-plus years, so your money has to work for you for a very long time. Disclaimer: Advice offered here is for informational purposes only. Use of this column is not intended to replace professional advice. This column, its author, the newspaper and publisher are not responsible for the outcome of following any advice that appears here.
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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • FEBRUARY 19, 2015 • A11
TOWN OF HUNTINGTON
Cuthbertson Defends Oheka Castle Vote ruling, which said he did not commit a ethics violation when he voted on Oheka Castle-related matters despite working with Gary Melius, the castle’s owner, in court-appointed roles on foreclosure receiverships. The relationship was revealed in the fall that Cuthbertson, an attorney, worked with Melius but failed to disclose the tangential relationship before voting in favor of rezoning property to clear the way for the Residences at Oheka condo development.
By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandergroup.com
Huntington Councilman Mark Cuthbertson pushed back at residents who said he should not have voted on a resolution last month related to zoning at Oheka Castle in Huntington. During a Huntington Town Board meeting Feb. 10, Cuthbertson said he correctly followed an Oct. 20 Board of Ethics and Financial Disclosure
While the ethics board said no violation occurred in that case – and that he had no obligation to recuse himself from that vote – the board recommended that the councilman disclose similar relationships in the future. Cuthbertson did so before voting against setting a public hearing related to amending covenants tied to the condo development on Jan. 21. Some critics argued he shouldn’t have voted at all. “Even a ‘no’ vote is still a vote,”
Town Hires New Ethics Counsel By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandergroup.com
A law firm with expertise in municipal ethics has been tapped to assist the Huntington Town Board in crafting ethics reforms and advise the town’s board of ethics and financial disclosure. The town board voted Feb. 10 to hire Roslyn-based Steven G. Leventhal and the firm of Leventhal, Cursio, Mullaney & Spector as new
The Best Of
Winners
e
e
HUNTINGTON
counsel to the ethics board. Leventhal and his colleagues will assist in an ongoing, months-long effort to produce reforms and revisions to the town’s ethics code. The firm will be paid $200 an hour, with a cap of $15,000 per year. Leventhal and his firm replace James Matthews, who vacated the ethics board counsel post after being elected to the State Supreme Court. Supervisor Frank Petrone said the firm is “completely non-political,”
will work independently of the board. Councilwoman Tracey Edwards is working with Howard Glickstein, dean emeritus of Touro Law School and the town ethics board chair, on possible changes to the code. Revisions presented to the town board will incorporate comments gleaned from the annual public meeting of the Huntington Board of Ethics and Financial Disclosure, set for March 5.
Commack’s Nancy Gamby said at Tuesday’s meeting. “You just shouldn’t play both sides.” Cuthbertson said he had a full understanding of the situation as well as a blueprint for how to act. The ethics board, he said, was the only authoritative place he could go for counsel. “I have a specific ethics opinion I received on that very issue that indicated I had an obligation to disclose whatever contact there had been by way of a court appointment we both had, but that it was not a subject that prohibited me from voting,” he said. Two other speakers asked for updates on a request by the board for an investigation by the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York. That request was sent, town officials said, and Supervisor Frank Petrone said it was out of the board’s hands. Town Attorney Cindy ElanMangano said the town has not received a response from the feds. Another letter seeking guidance from the New York State Comptroller’s office on possible ethics reforms was also sent. The comptroller’s office replied by providing copies of model ethics codes.
The Best of The Best Your votes have been tallied, and the final results are in! The business that you thought was the “Best of The Best” in the Town of Huntington was Frassanito Jewelers.
Our highest congratulations to Frassanito Jewelers! We thank you for the impeccable services you provide, and are extremely proud to bestow upon you the title of “Best of The Best”
FRASSANITO JEWELERS
Additional congratulations to the Runners Up...
To all of the local businesses and voters who have enthusiastically given our contest your support from the very beginning – we at Long Islander News extend our upmost appreciation. We remain astounded by the incredible level of love and passion you have for our amazing community, and we are excited for this spirit to continue into 2015 and well beyond!
NEWS
A12 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • FEBRUARY 19, 2015
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e i d o Fo THE
SECTION
DINEHUNTINGTON .COM
The Lunch Bunch By The Foodies foodies@longislandergroup.com
Lunch is often a great way to experience the culinary delights of your favorite restaurant but at a lower price and with a portion size that fills you up just as well. Take a look at what some of our spring Dine Huntington Restaurant Week participants are offering on their midday menus. Jonathan’s Ristorante 15 Wall Street Huntington 631-549-0055 jonathansristorante.com Sharable appetizers and salads range from $10-$18. A favorite of ours is the cucumber and radish salad with red onion and white Italian anchovies. Panini and burgers are $15-$17 (try the turkey burger with fontina cheese, caramelized onion and sweet potato fries); or go heavier with pasta, chicken dishes or shrimp scampi for $17-$20. Bistro Cassis 55B Wall St., Huntington 631-421-4122; Bistrocassis.com Cassis’ burger ($15), named best hamburger by our readers, is $15. Or explore the sandwich board, with selections ranging from $11-$24. There are plenty of salads, too; we also recommend splitting mussels ($19), exploring crepes ($12-$15) or entrees ranging from $12-$24. Black & Blue Seafood Chophouse 65 Wall St., Huntington 631-385-9255 blackandbluehuntington.com A Black & Blue staple, Crispy Thai Calamari is $8 at lunchtime; their fabulous Chicken Feta Burger ($12) is solid, and salads range from $11$13. Turkey Club Wraps are $9, or spring for a Crab Cake Wrap ($11); or, indulge with the traditional Monte Cristo ($12) or deep-fried grilled cheese ($12). Mascali 277 Larkfield Road, East Northport 631-757-2404 mascali-restaurant.com Pasta prix-fixe? Sign us up – the $8.95 special includes salad, your choice of homemade pasta and
choice of 15 (yes, 15!) sauces. Warps, salad, panini, burgers, heroes and pizza are also available. Fado 10 New St., Huntington 631-351-1010; fadohuntington.com Take a holiday to Portugal without leaving Huntington and indulge in a $17.50 complete lunch, which includes your choice of appetizer, entrée and glass of wine. Eddie and Allison don’t skimp on entrees – choose from a pork chop, salmon or PEI mussels. Or peruse a selection of wraps and sandwiches, paired with fries and salad ($13-$15). We gravitate to the homemade, pan-seared salmon burger ($15), served on a whole wheat roll with avocado, red onion, and dill cucumber yogurt sauce. Almarco Italian Grill 13 Wall St., Huntington 631-935-1690 Twelve dollars goes a long way at Almarco. Pair one of Mark’s famous foccacia sandwiches or a half-order of pasta with all the fixings. Foccacias come with soup, salad and a decadent finish (a St. Joseph’s pastry), while the pasta comes with salad and dessert. Or, choose from grilled selections, pizzettes, soup, salad and appetizers. Jewel by Tom Schaudel 400 Broadhollow Road , Melville 631-755-5777; jewelrestaurantli.com Lunch at jewel covers all the bases, from the Asian chicken salad to a filet mignon sandwich, ricotta gnocchi and everything in between. Share a pizza, or get a steak – one can always rest assured that a Tom Schaudel creation will be a knockout. Neraki www.neraki.com 273 Main St, Huntington 631-385-3474 Lunch specials include a variety of salads and panini-style sandwiches made on pita bread. Choose from Greek or green salads, which can be topped with grilled chicken, octopus, salmon, tuna, sausage, shrimp, calamari, spinach pie or Greek meatballs. Keep an eye out for the Neraki pizza – a medley of sautéed spinach, feta,
Soup, salad and a panini are all standard in the bountiful $12 lunch special at Almarco in Huntington. tomato, hummus and Kalamata olives. Café Buenos Aires 23 Wall St., Huntington 631-603-3600; cafebuenosaires.net Explore Argentinean cuisine and Hugo’s extensive menu with a five tapas for $14 at lunchtime. Appetizers, salads, tapas, pasta and sandwiches range from $14-$19. Mill Pond House 437 Main St., Centerport 631-261-7663 millpondrestaurant.com An outstanding salad list includes roasted cauliflower and kale ($13) and Southwest Quinoa Salad, with avocado, black beans and cherry tomatoes ($13). Or, explore the entrée list and indulge in gluten-free fussili or a double-cut pork chop ($24). Also consider the $21.95, three-course prix-fixe. Ideal Cheese & Wine Cafe 308 Main St., Huntington 631-923-3434 idealcheeseandwinecafe.com Soup du jour ranges from $8-$10 – cheese is a theme throughout – and salads are $8-$14 and include kale Caesar, Burrata caprese, mixed warm mushrooms and fig and arugula. Cheese and mac selections ($10-$14) and cheese melts ($11-$14) are decadent ways to beat the winter freeze. And with wings, cheese flights and pommes frittes as well, there’s something for everybody’s taste. Besito 402 New York Ave., Huntington 631-549-0100; Besitomexican.com Taquitos, salads, quesadillas and tacos dorados (crispy street tacos) are all on tap at Besito’s New York and Connecticut locations, including one right here in Huntington. All lunch choices are served with black beans and house rice for the table; prices range from $8.95-$14.95. Tutto Pazzo 84 New York Ave., Huntington 631-271-2253; www.tuttopazzo.com Lunch is from 12-3 p.m. and runs the
gamut from sliders ($10-$16) and panini ($11) to pizza ($13-$14), wraps, heroes ($9-$13) and salads ($15-$25) – with much, much more to be just waiting to be discovered. Make sure to ask about the appetizer specials! LaParma 452 Jericho Turnpike, Huntington 631-367-6360; www.laparma.com Would you like veal parmigiana, veal chop, shrimp marinara or maybe even chicken francese? At LaParma, all of these options and more are available off of the Italian restaurant’s lunch menu. For a smaller portion, ask for the soup of the day or a smaller plate such as the garlic pizza bread or fried calamari. Bistro 44 44 Main St., Northport 631-262-9744; www.bistro44.net Park your car right on the beautiful water of Northport harbor and stroll into Bistro 44 for some old world charm and mouthwatering lunch offerings. Check out the orange tequila shrimp ($15) – served with sautéed spinach and pineapple mango mint relish – or one of the restaurant’s other offerings. Ruvo 63 Broadyway, Greenlawn 631-261-7700 www.ruvorestaurant.com Greenlawn’s Ruvo restaurant and bar $10- and $15-lunch selections for hungry mid-day patrons. On the $10 menu dig into a chicken parmesan hero or sliced meatball flatbread and for $15 check out crab cake salad. Dive into some mint chip yogurt gelato to top it all off. Cirella’s 14 Broadhollow Road, Melville 631-385-7380 www.cirellarestaurant.com If you’re looking for a wide selection to satisfy your lunchtime cravings then look no further than Cirella’s of Melville. Calamari fritti ($12-$14), pasta ($12-$21), pizza ($10-$15), parmigiana ($18-$35), antipasti ($9$12) and many more options await hungry tummies. Cinque Terre 872 East Jericho Turnpike, Huntington Station 631-923-1255 www.cinqueterreli.com In Huntington Station, Cinque Terre will gladly quiet that midday stomach rumbling with a selection of antipasti ($10-$12) and pizzas ($10$16). Be sure to check out the gamberi scampi al pesto ($22), which is sautéed shrimp bathed in a scampi pesto sauce and served with green beans and roasted almonds.
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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • FEBRUARY 19, 2015 • A13
Side Dish www.facebook.com/dinehuntington
DINEHUNTINGTON .COM Course: Shrimp Risotto (basil pesto, meyer lemon) with Sauvignon Blanc, Bedell, North Fork 2013. Second Course: Filet Mignon (lobster loaded baked potato, asparagus) with Cabernet Franc, Bedell, North Fork 2013. Third Course: Triple Cream Cows Milk Cheese (raisins on the vine, candied kumquats) with Taste Red, Bedell, North Fork 2010.
On National Margarita Day, Besito is offering 2-for-1 on the tequila-based cocktail. FROZEN OR ON THE ROCKS?: Is your
go-to drink a margarita? Then you’re going to be a happy foodie on Sunday, Feb. 22, which is National Margarita Day. Celebrate the unofficial holiday at Besito (402 New York Ave., Huntington, 631-549-0100 www.besitomexican.com) which will offer 2-for1 margaritas from 12-3 p.m. alongside a special brunch menu. A sampling of selections includes: huevos rancheros ($9.95), fresh fruit pancakes with Piloncillo syrup ($9.95), chilaquiles roja ($8.95), two eggs any style with chorizo and breakfast potatoes ($9.95), enchiladas huevos y chorizo ($10.95) and yogurt and fresh fruit ($7.95). Ay carumba!
FILMS ON FOOD: Popcorn isn’t the only
food to associate with the movies. Some films make food the subject. From executive producer Eva Longoria, the documentary “Food Chains” follows a group of Florida farmworkers who battle to pressure the $4 trillion global supermarket industry through their ingenious Fair Food program to improve working conditions for farm laborers in the US. “Food Chains” screens, followed by a panel discussion with Long Island experts and filmmaker Sanjay Rawal and reception, in the Let’s Eat! Food on Film series on Sunday, March 1 at 1:30 pm at the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington. Call 631423-7611 or visit www.CinemaArtsCentre.org. $10 Members/$15 Public, includes reception.
Join Us For Our Prix Fixe Menu!
THREE-COURSE WINE DINNER: Who
could say no to a private wine dinner with one of Long Island’s most renowned wineries? Prime: An American Kitchen & Bar (117 New York Ave., Huntington, 631-385-1515, www.restaurantprime.com) opens its doors on Monday, March 9 for a special event with Bedell Cellars and one of America’s best winemakers, Richard Olsen-Harbich. Chat with Richard while indulging in a $75 three-course price-fixed menu prepared to complement the wines. First
These Florida tomato pickers are featured in the documentary “Food Chains.” News and reviews from the restaurant capital of Long Island To Advertise Call 631-427-7000 Read past reviews online at www.LongIslanderNews.com
437 East Main Street, Centerport, NY 11721 Hours: Monday - Thursday - 12 p.m. - 10 p.m. Friday - Saturday - 12 p.m. - 11 p.m. Sunday - 12 p.m. - 9 p.m.
631-261-7663 | www.millpondrestaurant.com
A14 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • FEBRUARY 19, 2015
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CAMP& EDUCATION
Usdan Center for the Creative and Performing Arts gives its students top-notch arts training on a 200-acre campus
Usdan:WhereDreams CanComeTrue By Joseph Zapata info@longislandergroup.com
Every summer, the Usdan Center for the Creative and Performing Arts gives thousands of eager children the opportunity to learn and perfect their artistic interests. “It’s a place for kids who love the arts more than anything else,” said Dale Lewis, executive director of the Wheatley Heights camp. Usdan is a not-for-profit summer art school that has been around for almost 48 years. Philanthropist Samuel Lambert founded Usdan in 1968 and named the center after his daughter, Suzanna Usdan. Lambert’s early donations helped build the center’s first music, art and dance buildings. The 200-acre campus holds 70 studios and theaters and offers 40 programs for the students to choose from, mostly consisting of fine arts, music and theater. Much like college, students choose a major and a minor to study. Each day, the students have two periods dedicated to their major and one dedicated to their minor. The center is mostly interest-based, and some majors, such as Piano, Repertory Theater Company, Jazz Ensemble, Dance Intensive and Jazz Tap, require auditions. To keep the campers active, the camp also offers a period of swimming, yoga, archery, badminton, volleyball or “Quidditch,” a game inspired by the sport of the same name in the “Harry Potter” series. As a bonus, students are treated to
daily concerts presented by prominent artists. Some past performers include Yo-Yo Ma, New York City Ballet, and a few Broadway stars. “The kids really appreciate the greatness of the performers,” Lewis said. The center will have several exciting performers for the concerts this summer, including pop folk singer and songwriter Dar Williams. Around the halfway mark of the summer program, the students will begin to hold their own mini concerts applying the lessons they have been taught. Usdan also has a rich history of notable alumni, such as actress Natalie Portman and singer/entertainer Mariah Carey. But the camp isn’t just about art; it’s about giving children the opportunity to branch out and meet new people. “You really find, at the Usdan, kindred spirits,” Lewis said. “You can make friendships here that last a lifetime,” said Reva Cooper, Usdan Center’s director of public information. The center has three-week, fourweek and seven-week programs that start on June 29 and range from $2,310 to $4,175, plus a bus fee. There’s also an additional three-week program that begins on July 27. The camp offers scholarships and tuition aid. Appointments to visit the camp can be made by calling 631-643-7900. There are also open houses on Sundays, Feb. 18, March 15, April 19 and May 17 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Visit www.usdan.com for more information.
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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • FEBRUARY 19, 2015 • A15
CAMP&EDUCATION
&
East Woods Summer Camp Has It All By Carina Livoti clivoti@longislandergroup.com
Before your kids start climbing the walls this summer, East Woods Summer Camp might be able to provide
some more constructive activities. The camp, located on 46 acres in Oyster Bay, is in its third decade and offers a wide variety of programs emphasizing both physical and intellectual education for campers.
According to Jo Korder, the summer camp director, what really sets East Woods apart is the property. “The setting is hard to duplicate,” he said. “It’s 46 acres of incredible camp setting that you can’t find in a tradi-
Something For All Kids At The YMCA By Joseph Zapata info@longislandergroup.com
This summer, the Huntington YMCA is giving hundreds of children the opportunity to embark on a new, fun and educational journey. Every year, the YMCA holds numerous summer camps that consist of several indoor and outdoor activities, which are meant to keep kids active and entertained, such as swimming lessons, rock-wall climbing and Zumba. Last year, these camps implemented a new literacy program to
help younger children with their reading and apprehension skills. “It’s really something that offsets the summer learning loss,” said Eileen Knauer, seinor vice president and chief operating officer of YMCA of Long Island. After seeing success last summer, the YMCA has decided to continue the new program. “Out of all 80 children [in last year’s program], they all maintained or improved their reading level,” Knauer said. The YMCA offers a plethora of different camp options such as
Kiddie Camp, Youth Camp, Teens in Action, Sports Camp and Performing Arts Camp. For the full list, visit YMCALI.org. Single-week, two-week or threeweek programs, ranging from $216- $1,200, are available. Camp hours are from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday. Session 1 is from June 29-July 17, Session 2 is from July 20- Aug. 7, and Session 3 is from Aug. 10-28. The YMCA also offers bus service for campers who live in Huntington, Cold Spring Harbor, North(Continued on page A17)
tional day camp.” The sheer acreage insulates the camp from highways and surrounding suburban noise, giving the area a “New England” feel right on Long Island, he added. East Woods makes good use of the surrounding environment with its programs. Korder explained that the space allows them to offer more options; each camper chooses his or her own activities from a lengthy list which includes outdoor games, martial arts, swimming, archery, martial arts, a slip-n-slide, cheerleading, sports, builder’s club, arts and crafts, music, cooking, gymnastics, and, new this year, mountain biking. The campus also includes a woodworking shop, which Korder playfully describes as “your father’s garage on steroids.” There is a pool with swimming lessons for children ages 5 and up, while younger kids can cool off in a wading pool. In addition to traditional day camp offerings, East Woods has science and theater programs. Campers who opt to (Continued on page A17)
A16 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • FEBRUARY 19, 2015
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OPEN HOUSES
Want to get your open houses listed? Get your listings for free on this page every week in Long Islander News papers. Call Associate Publisher Peter Sloggatt at 631-427-7000 or send an e-mail to psloggatt@longislandergroup.com. Town Huntington Dix Hills Dix Hills Huntington Huntington Dix Hills Dix Hills Dix Hills Melville Huntington Dix Hills
DIX HILLS
DIX HILLS
MELVILLE
21 Grayon Dr Bedrooms 4 Baths 3 Price $595,000 Taxes $16,398 Open House 2/21 12:00pm-3:00pm Better Homes & Gardens RE AS 631-427-0010
9 Capri Ct Bedrooms 4 Baths 3 Price $614,998 Taxes $13,726 Open House 2/22 1:00pm-3:00pm Douglas Elliman Real Estate 631-549-4400
50 Quintree Ln Bedrooms 5 Baths 4 Price $745,000 Taxes $20,868 Open House 2/22 1:00pm-3:00pm Coldwell Banker Residential 516-864-8100
Address Beds 25 Stuyvesant St 4 21 Grayon Dr 4 120 Fig Dr 4 128 Soundview Rd 3 10 Tanyard Ln 4 9 Capri Ct 4 12 Ryder Ave 5 17 Ryder Ave 4 50 Quintree Ln 5 142 Vineyard Rd 4 5 Dianes Ct 5
Baths 3 3 4 2 2 3 3 4 4 3 4
Price $449,900 $595,000 $2,495,000 $455,000 $549,900 $614,998 $664,900 $729,000 $745,000 $759,000 $979,000
Taxes $9,371 $16,398 $28,853 $11,572 $13,772 $13,726 $16,123 $15,965 $20,868 $16,845 $24,202
Date 2/21 2/21 2/21 2/22 2/22 2/22 2/22 2/22 2/22 2/22 2/28
Time 12:00pm-2:00pm 12:00pm-3:00pm 12:00pm-4:00pm 12:00pm-2:00pm 12:00pm-2:00pm 1:00pm-3:00pm 1:00pm-3:00pm 12:00pm-2:00pm 1:00pm-3:00pm 1:00pm-3:00pm 12:00pm-2:00pm
Broker Douglas Elliman Real Estate Better Homes & Gardens RE AS Daniel Gale Agency Inc Coldwell Banker Residential Coldwell Banker Residential Douglas Elliman Real Estate Realty Connect USA LLC Coldwell Banker Residential Coldwell Banker Residential Signature Premier Properties Coldwell Banker Residential
Phone 631-549-4400 631-427-0010 631-692-6770 631-673-4444 631-673-6800 631-549-4400 888-236-6319 631-673-6800 516-864-8100 631-673-3700 631-673-4444
Budding country star brings show to Paramount (Continued from page A1)
2013. The result was five singles and two No. 1 chart spots on Country Airplay, in the title track and “Get Me Some of That.” The son of country singer and songwriter Rhett Akins, Thomas – under his stage name, Thomas Rhett – will take his success to The Paramount’s stage on Feb. 28. Born in Georgia, Akins learned how to play the drums in junior high and played drums for his father when he’d perform. From there, “The High Heeled Flip Flops” – Akins high school band – was born. “We were a punk-rock band, there were four of us and we were terrible,” he said. “Our lead singer sang in a British punk accent, and we all dyed our hair black.”
The band planted a seed for Akins’ eventual foray into a career in music. Eventually playing frat parties in college, Akins was able to mesh his musical influences, which include country, hip-hop, classic
rock and modern rock. Soon Akins burst onto the scene with the 2013 release. Other singles, “Make Me Wanna,” “Something to Do with My Hands,” and “Beer with Jesus,” led the album to both critical
and commercial success as it received positive reviews and debuted at No. 6 on the Billboard 200 chart. Tickets are available from the box office or at www.paramountny.com and range from $25-$50.
Revisiting nursery school plans? (Continued from page A1)
tensity of the proposed use will contribute substantially to traffic congestion and create an unsafe condition.” Particularly troubling, the board added, is the potential for left-hand turns across heavily-traveled Deer
Park Road, and the fact that “motorists who desire to comply with the restriction” set by Suffolk County allowing only right-hand turns into and out of the property would be forced to make a u-turn somewhere, likely DeForest Road North, in order to comply.
Original plans at 163 East Deer Park Road called for a one-story, 7,092 square-foot structure with eight classrooms, town officials said at the time of the initial application. The property was at one time part of the Kings Dairy Farm, according to the owner’s husband.
West Hollow teen queen helping struggling peers (Continued from page A1)
she did, but what she did not see was one website dedicated to the cause. In line with her commitment as Miss Teen New York to dedicate her year of service to a cause, she launched the website several months ago. “I want them to feel like they’re not alone… I want them to feel safe and that everything is going to be fine,” Goldsmith said. Her mother, Lidia SzczepanowskiGoldsmith, said taking a stand has
benefitted her daughter greatly. “It was very therapeutic for her,” she said. In addition to her digital efforts, the daughter will tour the state as Miss Teen New York. One of those stops included Huntington Town Hall on Feb. 10, where she was honored. Goldsmith said she’s been around pageants for most of her life – chalk it up to a case of “like mother, like daughter.” Her mother jumped into the pageant world at age 41, when she
was crowned Mrs. New York America in 2006. Szczepanowski-Goldsmith picked up a Mrs. New York International title in 2009, and was crowned Mrs. Corporate America in 2013. Szczepanowski-Goldsmith now serves as her daughter’s pageant coach and “mom-ager,” Goldsmith teases. In addition to pageantry and all it entails, Goldsmith keeps more than a full plate at West Hollow. There, she’s enrolled in advanced courses and stu-
dio art, in which she nurtures a passion for drawing and painting. She one day hopes to be a special effects makeup artist with an emphasis on prosthetics. She’s also pretty sharp with a bow and arrow, it turns out. Rachel first dabbled in archery for about two years during camp at the Usdan Center in Wheatley Heights. On Feb. 28, she’ll compete for a state title, but instead of a crown, she’ll be donning a quiver of arrows.
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East Woods (Continued from page A15)
do the Serious Science Camp work with scientists, educators and PhDs in state-of-the-art science and technology labs. Older students have the opportunity to work on individual projects and even prepare for the Intel competition or the Long Island Science and Engineering Fair. Campers in the Ovations Musical Theater program work with staff from Ovations Dance at East Woods to learn confidence on and off the stage through courses in jazz and hip hop dance, voice, and acting. There are no auditions; performers of all levels are welcome. Both programs
Archery is just one of many unusual offerings at East Woods Summer Camp. are available for half-days. Tuition is $2,600 for a six-week program, but shorter options are available. An open house is scheduled for March 15. Visit www.eastwoods.org/camp for more information.
Musicians with roots (Continued from page A9)
fectively divided their family, as Philip’s children were living in the States. To cope, he and Kathryn started working on a collection of songs, developing what would become NY Lights’ sound. “There was something about this batch of songs that were ringing true for more people than I was used to,” Philip said. The Jimenezes reached the U.S. in the winter of 2014 with a plan to finish their album. However, they quickly realized that they needed to bring more people in to make the record they wanted. That’s when Cold Spring Harborborn brothers Tom and Dan Batista, 23 and 28, joined in July 2014. “We have everything you don’t want in a band: a husband and wife team and brothers,” Philip said laughing. The current lineup has Tom on percussion, Dan and Philip on guitar, Kathryn on bass, and Andrew Stein, who completed the band in August 2014, on keyboards. Everyone provides vocals except Tom, who grinned at having escaped that task. The musicians said the instrumentation they use has been around for over 30 years; the innovation comes in the writing and production.
According to the band members, the sound should feel familiar but with constant, little surprises. They describe their music as camp with its feet planted further in the past, citing bands like Wilco, the Strokes, and Vampire Weekend as similar artists. “I’ve been saying retro indie rock,” Stein, 23, said. Band members credited their rapid progress to constant work. They rehearse twice a week and hold recording sessions almost five days a week. Tom spends his daytime hours working on NY Lights’ publicity. Philip described the drummer as his main inspiration for thinking they had something special. “’Cause I know we do,” Tom said. His confidence seems founded so far. They performed for a full house at the Bitter End in Greenwich Village, and their video for the song “Everyone is Sane” hit no. 7 on IndiMusic TV. They’ve performed at locations including Vibe Longue, Freddy’s Bar, in Brooklyn, and the Space, in Westbury. The group also participated in a benefit at Honu in Huntington village on Dec. 7. Their next show is on Mar. 27 at Rockwood Music Hall. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/NYlightsMUSIC.
YMCA summer camp (Continued from page A15)
port, East Northport, Centerport, Greenlawn, South Huntington, Dix Hills, Melville, Deer Park, Commack and Syosset. They are also willing to travel to towns if camper makes the request before May 31. Registration before March 31 comes with a 10-percent discount; it’s 5 percent before April 30. Hopeful campers must be members of theYMCA at the time of registration and the
duration of the camp. The price for a youth membership is $90 per year. A few of these camps, such as the Performing Arts and Sports Camp, are sometimes held at an off-site location, usually nearby public schools. The Huntington YMCA, located on Main Street, will have open houses on March 8 and 28th, and April 15 and 25th. Call 631-421-4242 for more information.
THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • FEBRUARY 19, 2015 • A17
A18 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • FEBRUARY 19, 2015
THURSDAY Celebrating African-American Women
The NAACP Huntington Branch celebrates its Black History Program on Feb. 19, 7:30 p.m. at the South Huntington Public Library, 145 Pidgeon Hill Road, Huntington Station with keynote speaker Reverend Dr. Luonne A. Rouse, pastor of the United Methodist Church of Huntington-Cold Spring Harbor. In keeping with the National Association, this Black History Month the NAACP will celebrate African American women from the past and present.
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The Suffolk County Chapter of The Embroiderers' Guild of America holds its monthly meeting Feb. 24, 7 p.m. at the Half Hollow Hills Community Library, 55 Vanderbilt Parkway, Dix Hills. Beginner, intermediate or advanced stitchers welcome. No charge to attend first meeting. 631-423-3738.
Celebrate Black history Month on Feb. 26 in a town-sponsored program featuring keynote speaker Errol Toulon, Jr. at the Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School, 155 Lowndes Ave., Huntington Station. For more information, call Kevin Thorbourne at 631-351-2842.
Free Help For Vets
Business Workshop
Renowned Sailor, Author To Speak
Dawn Riley, world-renowned sailor and author, speaks at the Northport Yacht Club on Feb. 26, 7 p.m. As CEO and captain of America True, Dawn was the first woman to manage an America's Cup sailing team. She is also the first American to have raced on three America's Cup teams and two Whitbread Round-the-World Race (now Volvo Ocean Race) sailing teams. Her newest challenge is creating and establishing Oakcliff Sailing, a completely unique training center that is Building American Leaders Through Sailing.
Getting Heart Healthy
The Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce presents a program for Heart Health Month, “What You Should Know About Heart Disease, Stroke and Healthy Eating,” on Feb. 26, 8:30-10 a.m. at the Dolan Family Health Center, 284 Pulaski Road, Greenlawn. Free for chamber members/$10 for non-members. Register at huntingtonchamber.com or call 631423-6100.
Senior Advocates
Suffolk County Office for the Aging Senior Advocates meet with interested and needy seniors ages 60 and over this winter at the following locations in the Town of Huntington: Huntington Senior Nutrition Center, 423 Park Ave., Huntington: Wednesdays, Feb. 25 and March 25, 8:30-11:30 a.m.; Paumanack Village I & II, 650 Paumanack Village Drive, Greenlawn: Tuesdays, Feb. 24 and March 24, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; Paumanack Village V & VI, 100 Adriatic Drive, Melville: Thursdays, Feb. 26 and March 26, 8:30-11:30 a.m.; Monday, March 9, 10 a.m.-noon; and South
TUESDAY Calling All Needleworkers
Black History Event With Errol Toulon
Learn the answer to the question “What’s the fuss over customer service and why is it important to small businesses?” at the Huntington Business Incubator’s next free seminar on Feb. 26, 6-8 p.m. at 1268 New York Ave., Huntington Station. Registration and a workshop certificate are free with RSVP to Michele Foulke at 631-385-2305 or by email to: mfoulke@HuntingtonNY.gov.
mental illness. The class is held every Monday from 7-9 p.m. at the Syosset Hospital through March 23. Contact Susan Palmer at 917-838-7436 to register.
Comedy On The Engeman Stage “Vanya & Sonia & Masha & Spike”, the Tony Award-winning play, runs until March 8 at the John W. Engeman Theater At Northport, 350 Main St., Northport. Vanya and Sonia have never left the confines of their childhood home in Bucks County, Penn., while their sister Masha has been gallivanting around the world as a successful actress. A surprise visit from Masha and her 20-something boy toy, Spike, throws the normally quiet household into utter upheaval. www.johnwengemantheater.com. 631-261-2900. 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.
FRIDAY Exercise for Energy
Town of Huntington seniors can enjoy a special “Exercise for Energy” program at 10:45 a.m. in the Bayview Room at the Senior Beach House, 239 Little Neck Road, Centerport. Call 261-9186.
SATURDAY ‘The Sweet Spot at Cucina ‘D’
Chef Danyell Miller of Campari Ristorante in Northport, music producer/singer-songwriter Toby Tobias and local food advocate Dylan Licopoli have banded together to create a new music/dining experience that will have its first performance on Feb. 21, with more events on Feb. 28, March 7 and March 14. $25 general admission gets you a choice of tapas and a beverage while enjoying a fusion of live world music. Or, enjoy a $50 three-course prix-fixe with a beverage. 225 Main St., Northport. For more information, call Toby Tobias at 516-850-4815 or email seeme@sweetspotvenue.com.
Argentine Tango Classes
Experience the subtle communication between partners as you learn the pas-
sionate dance known as the tango. Come dressed to impress (but be comfortable) for classes at a new time on Saturdays, 2-4 p.m. at Spirit of Huntington Art Center, 2 Melville Road North, Huntington Station. 631-470-9620 or email noconintended@gmail.com. Suggested donation: $15 per person/$25 per couple.
Farmer’s Market
Shop at a farmer’s market at Main Street Nursery, 475 West Main St., Huntington, every Saturday until March 21, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 631-271-0160. Vendors welcome.
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 Blood Drive
Signature Premier Properties hosts a blood drive from 2-8 p.m. on Feb. 23 at its headquarters, located at 157 East Main St., Huntington. For questions concerning medical eligibility call 1-800-6880900 or visit www.nybc.org. There will be baked goods, and giveaways for those who participate.
Coping With Mental Illness
The Melville-based National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, NAMI, hosts a free, 12week program for family members who are coping with loved ones with severe
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.
AT THE LIBRARIES Cold Spring Harbor Library
95 Harbor Road, Cold Spring Harbor. 631-692-6820. cshlibrary.org. • Enjoy 60 minutes of guided meditation with Linda Cafiero Tuesday, Feb. 24, 7 p.m. Bring a towel or mat and a small pillow if you choose to lie on the floor. Advance registration requested.
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
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. • Calling all cooks! The library is publishing a community cookbook and wants your recipes. Visit the website and click on the graphic.
Half Hollow Hills Community Library Dix Hills: 55 Vanderbilt Parkway. 631421-4530; Melville: 510 Sweet Hollow
(Continued on page A19)
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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.
THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • FEBRUARY 19, 2015 • A19
(Continued from page A18)
Renowned Sailor, Author To Speak Dawn Riley, world-renowned sailor and author, speaks at the Northport Yacht Club on Feb. 26, 7 p.m. As CEO and captain of America True, Dawn was the first woman to manage an America's Cup sailing team. She is also the first American to have raced on three America's Cup teams and two Whitbread Round-the-World Race (now Volvo Ocean Race) sailing teams. Her newest challenge is creating and establishing Oakcliff Sailing, a completely unique training center that is Building American Leaders Through Sailing.
Harborfields Public Library
31 Broadway, Greenlawn. 631-757-4200. harborfieldslibrary.org. • Come in for some fun and games every Friday from 1-4 p.m. The game room is stocked with scrabble, bridge and other fun board games.
Huntington Public Library
Main Branch: 338 Main St., Huntington. 631-427-5165. Station Branch: 1335 New York Ave., Huntington Station. 631421-5053. www.thehuntingtonlibrary.org. • Op-Ed Fridays are weekly at the main branch. Stop by from 2-5 p.m. and discuss your thoughts on a changing world. Registration is required and light refreshments will be served.
Northport-East Northport Public Library
Northport: 151 Laurel Ave. 631-2616930. East Northport: 185 Larkfield Road. 631-261-2313. www.nenpl.org. • The Traveling Lantern Theatre Company performs the treasured tale of an adventurous boy who never grows up! Fly away with the Darling children to Neverland where Peter Pan battles a band of pirates and his arch enemy the villainous Captain Hook on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2 p.m. in Northport.
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. • David McVicar directs a new Royal Opera House production of Umberto Giordano's passionate drama of liberty and love in the French Revolution, starring Jonas Kaufmann and EvaMaria Westbroek, conducted by Antonio Pappano. “Andrea Chénier” screens in the Opera On Screen series on Sunday, Feb. 22 at noon. Members $10/Public $15.
John W. Engeman Theater
350 Main St., Northport. www.johnwengemantheater.com. 631-261-2900. • “Vanya & Sonia & Masha & Spike”, the Tony Award-winning play, runs until March 8.
Township Theatre Group
• “Finnegan’s Farewell” is an interactive comedy by the co-creators of “Tony ’n’ Tina's Wedding.” Come to an authentic Irish wake and pay your respects to beloved U. S. Postal worker Patrick James Finnegan, who won millions in Atlantic City then promptly died. As Father Seamus presides, the audience is treated to eulogies, sing-alongs, Irish
music, dancing and a surprise twist. Enjoy cabaret-style seating complete with wine/beer on Feb. 28 and March 7, 8 p.m. and March 1, 7 and 8 at 2 p.m. at the Helen Butler Hall Theatre at Dominican Village, 565 Albany Ave., Amityville. $25 general/$20 students and seniors. Call 631-213-9832 or visit http://townshiptheatregroup.org.
AUDITIONS/SUBMISSIONS Northport Symphony Orchestra
The Northport Symphony Orchestra seeks new members in all sections. Repertoire ranges from Baroque through classical and romantic to early 20th century. Music Director Richard Hyman is an award-winning music educator and composer. Rehearsals are on Wednesdays from 7:30-9 p.m. usually at East Northport Middle School. Email info@northportorchestra.org to arrange an audition. Website: northportorchestra.org.
MUSEUMS/EXHIBITS Art League of Long Island
107 East Deer Park Road, Dix Hills. Gallery hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. weekends. 631-4625400. www.ArtLeagueLI.net. • Curated by Long Island master printmaker Dan Welden, an exhibition of large-scale woodcuts by Li Kang, one of China’s most celebrated printmakers, will be seen for the first time in the United States at the Jeanie Tengelsen Gallery through March 8.
b.j. spoke gallery
299 Main St., Huntington. Gallery hours: Monday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., until 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. 631-5495106. www.bjspokegallery.com. • The Artists’ Choice 2015 Invitational Exhibition is on view through March 1.
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. • Celebrate National Pancake Day with a focus on resident pancake turtles on Saturday, Feb. 28, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Visitors will have an opportunity to learn about these spiny softshell creatures. Children can make turtlethemed crafts and play games.
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, $46/seniors, and $4-5/children; members and children under 10 free. 631-3513250. • The museum presents “Modern Alchemy: Experiments in Photography,” through March 15.
Huntington Arts Council
Main Street Petite Gallery: 213 Main St., Huntington. Gallery hours: Monday Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday noon-4 p.m. 631-271-8423. www.huntingtonarts.org. • The High Arts Showcase features the work of 11th and 12th grade high school students who attend the six local schools participating in the Huntington Arts Council’s JOURNEY program. The participating high schools are: Commack, Harborfields, Huntington, Northport/East Northport, Plainview/Old Bethpage & South Huntington. On display through March 2.
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. • The next Lunch & Learn program, “Around Huntington Village,” is March 12 at Black & Blue Restaurant in Huntington village at noon. $40 members/$45 non-members. Price includes a gourmet three-course meal. Reservations required; call 631-4277045 ext. 404.
Northport Historical Society Museum
215 Main St., Northport. Museum hours: Tuesday - Sunday, 1-4:30 p.m. 631-757-
9859. www.northporthistorical.org. • Canta Libre Chamber Ensemble performs on Sunday, March 1 at 2 p.m. Ticket Price: $25 members/$30 nonmembers; ticket includes a post-concert cocktail party.
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. • Next up is “FemINus,” a ladies-only group show, with an opening reception Saturday, March 21, 7 p.m.
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. • Experience hurricanes, volcanoes, gigantic whales and ocean currents in the planetarium’s new show, “Dynamic Earth.” Regular showings at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday.
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 Five Towns College Performing Arts Center
Five Towns College, 305 N. Service Road, Dix Hills. Box Office: 631-6562148. www.dhpac.org. • Empty Sky presents Elton John’s music – from “Crocodile Rock” to “Tiny Dancer” – Friday, Feb. 20, 7:30 p.m. $25-$35.
The Paramount
370 New York Ave., Huntington. 631673-7300. www.paramountny.com. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. • The Paramount Comedy Series presents “The Daily Show Writers Standup Tour: An Evening of Political-ish Comedy” on Saturday, Feb. 21. $20$35.
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
A20 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • FEBRUARY 19, 2015
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A22 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • FEBRUARY 19, 2015
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HillSPORTS WRESTLING
ColtsCloseSeasonWithTwoLeagueChamps By Andrew Wroblewski awroblewski@longislandergroup.com
The “injury bug,” Colts head wrestling coach Joe Scholz said, unfortunately bit his team this season. Several Half Hollow Hills High School West wrestlers struggled to get onto the mat and stay there, he said, but that doesn’t mean he’s any less proud of the boys’ efforts. “We had a great season with some standouts,” he said. “I’m excited for the future.” On Feb. 7, the Colts (3-4) traveled to league-rival Deer Park (4-3) to compete in the annual League IV tournament. There, Hills West sported two league champions in captain Joe DeRosa at 113 pounds and Antonio Ferro, a senior, at 145 pounds. Other standouts included All-League wrestlers Peter Guido, Justin Martinez and Amon Wahabzadah, who all reached the consolation finals at the league tournament. Both Ferro and DeRosa moved on to the Suffolk County Section XI Di-
vision I championship on Saturday at Hofstra University, but were unfortunately unable to place in the tournament. Ferro finishes the season with a record of 30-9, Scholz said, and DeRosa at 34-4. “I’m really happy with the way the team came together this year,” Scholz, who completes his second year as a head coach, said. “We had some injuries that hurt us in the league tournament… but with a young team we had guys that were able to step up and get good experience.” The squad is young overall, but Hills West graduates seven seniors this season. Matthew Jarvis, Brandon Ottomano and Rob Rossi join Martinez, Guido, Wahabzadah and Ferro in this year’s graduating class. Three of the seven – Jarvis, Guido and Ferro – were captains for this season’s team. “Those three guys paved the way for the young guys on this team,” Scholz said of his seniors. “They showed them what a captain should be through their work ethics… They’re going to be sorely missed.”
Long Islander News photo/Andrew Wroblewski
Despite injury bug, Hills West finishes out 2014-2015 strong
Joe DeRosa, right, is one of Hills West’s two league champions this season. A young group of Colts, headed up by freshman Anthony Dushaj and Dominic Mastrangelo, has Scholz already looking forward to next season. “Usually, as ninth-graders, those guys wouldn’t get a chance,” Scholz said of the increased role underclassmen played this season. “Now they know what it’s like to wrestle at this level and have success.”
Scholz also commended the other members of his coaching staff – Michael Lupa, varsity assistant, and Chris Iorio, junior varsity head coach – for their work this season. Along with the wrestlers, having the “pieces in place” with his coaching staff has Scholz confident and excited as the Colts turn the page on the season and look towards the next.
WRESTLING
Thunderbirds Capture The Essence Of A ‘Team’ Coach: boys focused on winning together, not just individually By Andrew Wroblewski awroblewski@longislandergroup.com
All-County honors, placing individually in league tournaments and winning a match against your opponent are all key when it comes to wrestling. But something that’s often overlooked, Thunderbirds head wrestling coach Bill Davey said, is the team aspect. This year, however, as the boys of Half Hollow Hills High School East close the book on the 20142015 season, Davey is proud to say the Thunderbirds captured that essence of a “team.” “I was glad that we came together as a team this year. One of our goals was to try and win a league championship,” Davey said of the Thunderbirds. The squad achieved that goal, placing 15th overall at Saturday’s Section XI Division I championships and wining that league championship. “That’s great for us… For the first time in my
coaching here we were able to compete on a team level. I’m pleased to see that these guys were able to see a different aspect of the sport and see what it’s like to win as a team,” the coach said. Prior to Saturday’s county tournament, the boys traveled to league-rival Smithtown East (3-3) for the annual League III tournament. Hills East (6-0) finished third out of the league’s seven schools with an overall score of 169. Michael Abidin, a junior, wrestled at 145 pounds and took home one of Hills East’s three league titles. “Michael had a rough two weeks heading into the tournament with a hurt ankle and we didn’t know what to expect, but he gutted it out,” Davey said. “He wrestled up to his potential and did very well.” Phil Spadafora, a sophomore wrestling at 113pounds, and Jonathan Spadafora, an eighth-grader wrestling at 99 pounds, also claimed league championships in their weight classes. Jack Scurti, Steven Macchia, Griffin Arcuri and Anthony Dias-
parra all reached the championship finals as well. From there, the Thunderbirds entered the county tournament on Saturday and finished the day with four All-County wrestlers. Phil and Jonathan Spadafora, Abidin and Arcuri all received those honors. As of press time on Monday, Phil was awaiting word on whether he would receive an atlarge bid for the NYSPHSAA Division 1 Wrestling Championships, which is to be held Feb. 27-28. “I’m very proud of what we’ve accomplished as a team and individuals,” Davey said. A young team at its heart, Hills East is set to graduate several seniors this year, including Kris Krauss, Marcus Aguilar, Cameron Byrne, Jack Scurti and Nolan Borg. “Those guys are tough to replace,” Davey said. “They were very reliable in our lineup and they’ve always done a great job for me. A lot of them are three- or four-year varsity starters so it’s definitely going to be a bit of a hit. I hate to see them go, but it’s onto the next chapter for them.”
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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • FEBRUARY 19, 2015 • A23
SOCCER
Coach Named Italian-American Man Of Year By Andrew Wroblewski awroblewski@longislandergroup.com
A coach since he was just 15 years old, Dix Hills Soccer Club’s Rocco Avallone was honored on Jan. 25 by the Italian-American Soccer League of New York (IASL), which recognized him as the 2015 Italian-American Man of the Year. “Being the Italian-American Man of the Year holds a lot of significance to my dad,” Avallone’s son, Matthew, said. “I am very proud of this achievement because it represents countless hours of hard work and dedication to a game my dad has been a part of for over 30 years.” Born in Italy, Avallone made the move to the United States with his family when he was 3 years old. He and his family joined the community of Flushing, Queens and lived there from 1966-1999. Since then, Avallone has lived in Dix Hills, where he would soon start working for the Dix Hills Soccer Club as a coach in 2002. Prior to that, though, Avallone took to the pitch himself in 1980 when he played for S.S. Cosma & Damiano as a defender and midfielder for the team, which participated in the IASL. Now, he plays as a goalkeeper and forward on the team in the second division of the Long Island Football Soccer Foot-
ball League (LISFL). S.S. Cosma & Damiano has taken Avallone on tours of the country twice, but he’s also found a home in Dix Hills, where he’s played as a defender on the LISFL’s Dix Hills Apaches. As a 15-year-old, prior to his coaching career with the Dix Hills Soccer Club, Avallone began coaching a boys-under-8 team for the Auburndale Soccer Club in 1979. Now, both Auburndale and Dix Hills play in the Long Island Junior Soccer League’s (LIJSL) First Division and Eastern New York Premier League (ENYPL). “The news of Rocco winning the award did not come as a surprise to us, having seen the amount of hard work he puts into everything he does,” said Jo Ann Linden, whose son, Connor, now a freshman in college, played on the boys-under-18 Dix Hills Juventus team Avallone coaches. Linden regards Avallone as talented, dedicated, sincere, kind and generous in the way he coaches. “Since the very beginning of Dix Hills Juventus we have all seen him try hard to achieve the best results for the team and for each and every one of our boys,” Linden said in a press release. “He made a huge impact in Connor’s life and, I am certain, so many of the boys!” Away from the game of soccer, Avallone practices law in New York
Rocco Avallone, left-center, receives the 2015 Italian-American Man of the Year and poses with his family. and Connecticut as a partner with Avallone & Bellistri, LLP in New Hyde Park. Avallone’s son, Matthew, plays for Dix Hills Juventus, the LIJSL’s Player Developmental Program and Half Hollow Hills High School West’s
varsity squad. Following in his father’s footsteps, Matthew has appeared as a guest player for S.S. Cosma & Damiano. “Everyone around [my dad] appreciates all that he does for the game of soccer,” Matthew said.
RUNNING
Caumsett Park To Host National 50K Run By Joseph Zapata info@longislandergroup.com
Caumsett State Historic Park in Lloyd Harbor will once again host the annual USA Track & Field (USATF) 50 Kilometer Championship Run on March 1, and this year, several USATF records are at stake. Bill Dodson of Mountain View, Calif. is looking to break Jerry Johncock’s 50K national record for 80year-olds. Johncock set the mark back in 2010 with a time of 5 hours, 54 minutes and 59 seconds. At 79 years old, Dodson ran a 50K in 5 hours, 31 minutes and 43 seconds. If he can repeat his performance from last year, the record will be his. “I’m pretty good at pacing. I try to do my best at not running myself out,” Dodson said. Luckily for him, the Caumsett course is known for its quickness. Last year, this location hosted the two fastest 50K times in the country,
Bill Dodson runs the 50K trail in the Mt. Tamalpa Headlands race last fall. He will try to break a record at Caumsett State Park next month. according to run organizer, the Greater Long Island Running Club. But Dodson isn’t the only runner
with plans to set a new record; Ethan Coffey of Knoxville, Tenn. has a chance to break Josh Cox’s USTAF
record, which is set at 2 hours, 47 minutes and 17 seconds. Coffey currently holds the best Caumsett course time at 2 hours, 53 minutes and 32 seconds. Meanwhile, Emily Harrison of Flagstaff, Ariz. will try and break Janet Kleckner’s National Women’s mark of 3 hours, 13 minutes and 51 seconds. Last year, Harrison set a new Caumsett course record with 3 hours and 15 minutes. For Huntington, this yearly race brings attention to the town and helps boost the local economy. “People come into town, they stay at the Melville Marriott, they buy coffee at a local shop. It definitely makes a difference,” said Mike Polansky, president of the Greater Long Island Running Club. There is still time to register for the run at glirc.org. The race will take place from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. and cash prizes will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers.
A24 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • FEBRUARY 19, 2015
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