Half Hollow Hills - 4/2/2015 Edition

HALF HOLLOW HILLS Copyright © 2015 Long Islander News

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VOL. 17, ISSUE 8

THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2015

24 PAGES

Otsego Chorus Gets Cool Opportunity With only a few chances left to see the New York Islanders play hockey at Nassau Coliseum, the Otsego Elementary School chorus got closer to the ice than most will ever get on Sunday when they sang at the game.

Next Up At Paramount:

Robbie Krieger Of The Doors A17

HALF HOLLOW HILLS

Grappling With ‘Opt-Out’ Dilemma

By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandergroup.com

To opt out, or not to opt out?

With the controversial grades 38 Common Core mathematics and English exams as well as the grades 4 and 8 science tests just around the corner, parents are grappling with the dilemma of whether or not to take the plunge and opt their children out of the tests.

The English Language Arts tests are set for April 14-16, and the math tests follow on April 22-24.

Opting out, or refusing the tests, has become a rallying cry of advo-

Inside This Issue Civics Fear Airport Expansion A5

cates against the Common Core, a national curriculum adopted by 44 states in 2010 -- including New York -- to create consistent educational standards across the country.

Opponents argue the curriculum’s demands and the assessments are too much, too soon for primary and middle school-aged children, and have urged parents to “opt out.”

Those opponents now include Karen Magee, the president of the New York State United Teachers (NYSUT), who, on Monday urged a boycott of the exams.

However, Meryl Tisch, chancel-

Huntington Station Rolls Out

BID Bucks A10

lor of the state’s Board of Regents, which governs implementation of educational policy, calls opting out “a terrible mistake.”

“I do not pretend that test results are the only way we know, but they are an important piece of information. They are the only common measure of progress we have,” she said. “We are not going to force kids to take tests. That’s not the New York way. But, we are going to continue to help students and parents understand that it is a terrible mistake to refuse the right to know”.

(Continued on page A14)

A2 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • APRIL 2, 2015

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DIX HILLS/COMMACK TOWN OF HUNTINGTON

State Budget Agreement Has Schools Smiling

By Carina Livoti clivoti@longislandergroup.com

It was a late night for New York State legislators on Sunday, but it ended with a 2015-2016 state budget agreement which finally led to the release of much-awaited school aid information.

The $94.25-billion budget agreement includes $23.5 billion for schools, which reflects a $1.4-billion increase from last year.

“After decades of leading the nation in education spending but lagging in results, New York will set an example for all other states with a complete overhaul of the entrenched education bureaucracy,” Governor Andrew Cuomo said in a statement.

He went on to say that the reforms and unprecedented financial investment included in the agreement would bring accountability to the classroom, improve teacher quality and reward those doing well, confront failing schools, reduce over-testing, and generally put students first. Specific details of these reforms were not disclosed at the time of the statement.

New York State Assemblyman Andrew Raia (RNorthport) said he was less thrilled with the agreement, however. While few details have been released to the public or legislators at this time, Raia said that the only real good news was the increase in school aid.

“Once again, this budget is going to be a whole bunch of smoke and mirrors, in which legislative leaders will pat themselves on the backs and try to fool the public into thinking that they actually did something substantial to reform the process,” he said.

Raia said he felt that Cuomo was shirking his responsibility as a legislator by deferring to the New York State Board of Regents and the Department of Education (DOE) to handle teacher evaluations.

(Continued on page A21)

Heartland Town Square Hearing Coming Soon?

By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandergroup.com

Proposed improvements to the Sagtikos Parkway could spur “billions in private-sector investment” – namely, by helping to bring the ambitious Heartland Town Square “minicity” concept on the Dix Hills/Commack border to fruition, County Executive Steve Bellone said.

Developer Jerry Wolkoff he’s hoping to have a hearing before the Islip Town Planning Board within the next few weeks.

“Another area, they’d have kissed me on both cheeks and I’d have it done seven, eight years ago,” he said.

Proposed to bring 9,000 housing units to 450 acres of land that once was Pilgrim State Hospital in neighboring Brentwood, Heartland was a topic in Bellone’s State of the County address on March 26.

The county executive said the project stands to “create the type of housing and development we desperately need.”

The project would also serve as a key linchpin in Bellone’s Connect Long Island regional development plan, aimed at pushing back hard against the “brain-drain” that has cost the region thousands of Long Island’s educated young people.

“I believe it will work. It’s needed for our region and it’s part of a much larger effort…

Heartland Town Square, pictured in a rendering, could be going before the Town of Islip’s planning board for a hearing within a few weeks, developer Jerry Wolkoff said. to create the space for sustainable economic growth,” Bellone said.

He pledged to work with Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter to advance the project, for which the Islip Town Board on Nov. 18, 2014 authorized a findings statement based on the draft and general environmental impact statements on the project.

Wolkoff was optimistic about the project’s chances in an interview Monday.

“I think it’s a win-win for everybody,” he said.

Key to the feasibility, Bellone said, is a three-phase development approach. Wolkoff described the build-out as a “25- to 30-year process.”

Upon completion, there would be 9,000 housing units, a million square-foot lifestyle center, 3 million square feet of Class A office space, a hotel and convention center, indoor and outdoor civic space, and an aquarium. When completed, prospective developer Wolkoff said it would bring in 26,000 new jobs.

Not everyone has been as rosy as Wolkoff about the project. Residents and leaders of nearby municipalities have expressed concerns over traffic, sewage and other issues connected to the potential highdensity community.

However, the phased-in approach will give municipalities (Continued on page A21)

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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • APRIL 2, 2015 • A3

DIX HILLS

Long Islander News photos/Danny Schrafel

Blaze Guts Seaman Neck Road Home

Fire gutted a home on Seaman Neck Road in Dix Hills early Tuesday morning.

By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandergroup.com

A Tuesday-morning blaze severely damaged a home on Seaman Neck Road in Dix Hills.

Some residents were jarred awake as responders from at least four local departments rushed to the home, located at the corner of Hastings Street and Seaman Neck Road.

The homeowners were out walking their dog and returned to find

their house on fire, town spokesman AJ Carter said.

The cause of the fire was unclear at press time Tuesday morning. The most severe damage appeared to be concentrated in the rear of the home, where the first floor was almost totally destroyed and the charred roof sagged toward the backyard. Firefighters could be seen shooting water through the charred frame and stripping burnt beams.

Dix Hills Fire Department volun-

The rear of the home was badly damaged in the fire. teers comforted the homeowners at the scene, who were too upset to talk about the incident.

Neighbors milled around the scene shortly after 10 a.m. while dozens of firefighters continued their efforts to fully extinguish the blaze. The blaze closed Seaman Neck Road between Claredon Street and Maryland Street

through mid-morning.

Dix Hills took the lead on the response to the blaze, with aid from Wyandanch, Deer Park and Melville Fire Departments; Greenlawn Fire Department and the Huntington Community First Aid Squad provided stand-by coverage at Dix Hills FD headquarters.

DIX HILLS

PD: Elderly Man Found Dead In House

By Andrew Wroblewski awroblewski@longislandergroup.com

An 81-year-old man was found dead in a Dix Hills home Friday afternoon, Suffolk County police confirmed.

Jack Rucker was discovered at 48 Ormond St. soon after his neighbor, Amit Beria, was asked to check on Rucker by one of Rucker’s sons, Bill, who lives out of state and hadn’t heard from his father in two days.

Beria began knocking on Rucker’s front and then back doors, he said.

“I started yelling, ‘Jack! Jack!’ but nobody answered,” Beria, who lives one house over, said.

Beria then contacted authorities, who arrived on the scene soon after.

Suffolk County police officers at the scene on March 27 said that it

was difficult to walk around inside of the home due to an apparent hoarding situation. As a result of this, responders were forced to cut a hole in the back of the house to remove Rucker’s body. Suffolk County police officers, Huntington Public Safety officials, the Suffolk County Medical Examiner and Suffolk County Emergency Service officers assisted in removing Rucker from the home.

Suffolk County police said there is no criminal activity suspected in Rucker’s death.

An independent man, Beria said of Rucker, the two had lived next to each other for the last eight years.

“Jack told me he was a mountain climber and that he traveled the world,” Beria said. “The man lived.

Not going to have Jack around is going to be [sad]. He was a great guy.”

Long Islander News photo/Andrew Wroblewski

Responders cut hole in home to remove body due to apparent hoarding situation

Suffolk County police arrive at 48 Ormond St. in Dix Hills on Friday after an 81year-old man was found dead in his home.

A4 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • APRIL 2, 2015

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POLICE REPORT Compiled by Danny Schrafel

Come On, Spring!

Food Fight!

It’s gone… Do you know how I know winter

something to do with traffic lights, but what she was more concerned about was is officially over? The giant tree housed in the our local businesses – particuWall Street alcove, decorated so beautifully larly the deli, barber shop and over the holiday season, is fiothers along that strip – that nally gone. I don’t blame anyIN THE KNOW might lose business from all one for how long it took to get WITH AUNT ROSIE the work. I’m with her – let’s it out of there – with all that make an effort to patronize snow that kept coming down and piling up, I these places during what may imagine it would have been nearly impossible be a tough time, even if it means walking a little to trek out of there! But it was starting to look further than we’d like. We’re all in this together, so sad – undecorated, purposeless and alone in aren’t we? an empty lot. But now that the snow has melted and the tree has been removed, the space can beCongrats, kids... And now, I am pleased to gin its transformation into a new commercialsalute my beloved “kids” on the Long Islander residential building.

News team, who just picked up a pair of honors Now, that’s bright… LED leashes - who woul- in the New York Press Association’s Better Newspaper Contest this weekend! Our editor, da thunk? I’ve seen plenty of people who walk Luann Dallojacono, won first prize for a feature their dogs while wearing reflectors on their she wrote about flying in a Skytyper some shins, but never before have I seen an illuminatmonths ago. Now you see why the reporters call ed doggie leash. I was driving through town and her “fearless leader!” And the entire news team saw a big doggie on a leash at night. I saw them was recognized for its excellent coverage of loonly because I followed the flashing blue light cal government during the course of the year. As down the leash to feast my eyes on said pup. It’s this newspaper’s self-proclaimed biggest fan, it’s a great idea to promote driving and walking always nice to see others – especially experts safety, and not too expensive – about $24, plus and colleagues in their field – recognize what I shipping and handling, online. But do yourself a already know to be true – these guys and gals favor and find a pet store around here who sells are the best. Congratulations to all! them. Gotta keep that money local.

Support your businesses… My friend wrote to me the other day, “What on earth is all the digging up of roads about?” I can’t disagree.

Suddenly it seems everywhere I look – Main Street, Gerard Street, Nathan Hale Drive, West Neck Road, among others – there is roadwork left and right. My friend said she was told it had

(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)

An argument in a parking lot outside a Broadhollow Road supermarket in Melville ended with the 2014 Buick owned by the recipient of the abuse being damaged. Police said the argument started after the complainant parked their car and went into the store. There, the suspect confronted the plaintiff and got in their face again in the frozen food aisle. When the complainant left, they discovered exterior paint damage to their car.

Full Of Gas A Massapequa man, 26, was charged with burglary March 23. Cops allege he broke the glass window of a gas station on Walt Whitman Road in Melville at 3:40 a.m. and then stole a gas can and energy drinks.

Groceries Stolen Cops are searching for a suspect who wheeled a cart of groceries out of the Stop & Shop on East Jericho Turnpike in Dix Hills at 9:27 p.m. March 22 without paying for them.

That’s A Good Discount A (presumably former) employee of Dick’s Sporting Goods in Melville was charged March 24 with petit larceny. The man, 20, rang up hundreds of dollars worth of clothing for the five-finger discount price of $2, then fraudulently returned the goods at full price and pocketed the proceeds.

Identity Theft Send a photo of your pre-school age child along with a brief anecdotal background and we’ll consider it for “Baby Faces.”

Include baby’s full name, date of birth, hometown and names of parents and grandparents. Send to: Baby of the Week, c/o LongIslander, 14 Wall St., Huntington, NY 11743. Please include a daytime phone number for verification purposes. Or email info@longislandergroup.com

QUOTE OF THE WEEK ANDREW RAIA

“Once again, this budget is going to be a whole bunch of smoke and mirrors, in which legislative leaders will pat themselves on the backs and try to fool the public into thinking that they actually did something substantial to reform the process.”

State Budget Agreement Has Schools Smiling, PAGE A2

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A Melville resident called the police March 24 after they discovered someone had used their name and Social Security number to process Medicare claims.

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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • APRIL 2, 2015 • A5

DIX HILLS/MELVILLE

Civic Meeting Set To Air Republic Concerns

By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandergroup.com

Four civic groups will host a community forum April 30 to discuss the state’s plans to privatize and expand the uses on the Republic Airport campus in Farmingdale.

The meeting will include leaders from the House Beautiful Civic Association in Dix Hills, Civic Association of Sweet Hollow, and groups representing neighboring Plainview and Farmingdale, organizers said. It is set for April 30 at the Melville Fire Department headquarters.

Those civic leaders are concerned about plans revealed in a request for proposals issued by New York State March 23. The state, which currently owns and runs Republic, is seeking a qualified firm to provide operations, management and business development services for a 40-year term.

During a Feb. 5 visit to Farmingdale State College, Cuomo spoke of plans for Republic Airport in the context of a proposal to redevelop Kennedy and LaGuardia. Under that plan, the ownership of Republic would be privatized, and some

Plans to revamp operations at Republic Airport in Farmingdale will be the subject of an upcoming civic meeting set for April 30. flights from Kennedy and LaGuardia would be re-routed to Republic to promote more efficient travel.

The governor also said he supports converting 50 acres of the 527acre Republic Airport campus into a tax-free zone, complete with a business park and free trade zone. That plan came closer to fruition as a

framework for a budget agreement was announced Monday.

The privatization plans are in addition to plans by private air carrier SheltAir, which proposes to reorient a runway and add as many as seven hangars and a new 30,000 squarefoot operations building on 41 undeveloped acres south of its current headquarters. Those plans are mov-

ing forward, a state DOT spokesperson said Monday.

The FAA is reviewing a final environmental impact statement and is expected to issue a decision on that “within the next few months,” the spokesperson said.

Civic leaders have pushed back, arguing that the project could result in more – and larger – airplanes flying over Half Hollow Hills and Huntington school buildings. Airport officials have said of the SheltAir plans that since the runway wasn’t growing, the planes wouldn’t be, either.

Taff argues Islip MacArthur Airport is more suitable for the intensification, and said the desired effect – bolstering business along the Route 110 corridor in Farmingdale and Melville – will create more traffic congestion on the ground.

“We already have enough problems with Route 110. Why add more?” she said.

A spokesperson for the New York State DOT did not respond to questions by press time Monday night, nor did Michael Geiger, the director of Republic Airport, which is managed presently by the DOT.

TOWN OF HUNTINGTON

Paramount And TD Bank Are In Perfect Harmony

By Andrew Wroblewski awroblewski@longislandergroup.com

A new duet is set to debut on the streets of Huntington village.

On March 18, the directors of The Paramount in Huntington village announced a multi-year marketing partnership with TD Bank, the sixth-largest bank in North America.

In sealing the deal, the Paramount’s directors are hoping to put their mark on the live entertainment industry as a major theater with influence across the nation, a press release by The Paramount reads.

“This is a momentous day in the history of our venue,” The Paramount’s directors said in the release. “We are excited to partner with such an important brand that shares our core values of being customer-driven, convenient and focused on supporting local markets.”

The Paramount’s directors also stressed TD Bank’s “commitment” to Long Island as an important reasoning behind the partnership.

“We welcome TD Bank as a sponsor because we both possess a common vision of achieving success by elevating our customer’s experience and distinguishing ourselves from others,” the press release reads.

Chris Giamo, regional president of TD Bank, which serves approximately 22 million customers

The Paramount directors announced on Wednesday a multi-year marketing partnership with TD Bank. across the globe, echoed those sentiments.

“At TD Bank, one of the main focuses of our organization is community,” he said. “We are a large organization and try to have all the products and services the community needs – but we try to deliver them in a localized way.”

On Wednesday, Giamo said this is what makes TD Bank’s partnership with The Paramount such a good fit.

“They strive to deliver a quality experience [and] they’re really community-minded,” Giamo

said. “The Paramount is local, but they pull people in from 50-60 miles; they’re a great local treasure.”

That “local treasure” is hoping its newest partnership will result in additional events, increased ticket sales, even-higher-profile artists and “once-in-alifetime entertainment opportunities” – experiences that Giamo said, he and his family have, and continue to look forward to, attending.

Peter Sloggatt contributed to this report.

A6 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • APRIL 2, 2015

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TOWN OF HUNTINGTON

By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandergroup.com

The new owners of the home at 792 Larkfield Road in East Northport, which include Huntington Councilman Gene Cook, are adamant that its current use as a five-family rental property predates Huntington town code and is therefore legal.

While town records show that prior residents say the home has always been a five-family dwelling, however, those records also show that inspectors have for years said that the multi-family use must be approved by the Huntington Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) before it is legal.

Cook, of Greenlawn, along with Commack attorney Josh Price – Cook’s running mate in 2013 for Huntington Town Board – and Douglas Elliman Real Estate Broker Tim Cavanaugh, doing business under a limited liability company, TGJ 2014 LLC, bought the multi-family residence, Huntington-based attorney John Breslin said in an interview.

According to a Zillow listing accessed Wednesday, the sale occurred on Oct. 15, 2014; Cook, Price and Cavanaugh formed the LLC on June 27, 2014.

Cook referred questions related to the house to Breslin, who said its five apartments are a legal, pre-existing use that predates the existence of Huntington’s town code, which was established in 1934.

A “letter in lieu” issued by the town in March 1997 acknowledges that the structure predates town code. Letters in lieu are issued instead of certificates of occupancy in cases related to buildings constructed before the establishment of town code.

Breslin said last week said that today, “at least two” of the apartments are occupied.

“There’s no question it’s a legal five-family, and if necessary, it will get proved at a ZBA hearing,” Breslin said.

Conflict exists, however, between Breslin’s stance and that of ordinance inspectors who repeatedly told the property’s owners that the letter in lieu does not legalize the multi-family use.

On Oct. 2, 2012, an inspector said he told former owner Carmen Tomeo “that the [letter in lieu] does not designate use of the structure, and that he must go to ZBA for the use of a fivefamily dwelling.” Those comments are found in a file related to a Sept.

11, 2012 complaint related to “overcrowding, junk cars, litter and debris.”

Long Islander News photo/Danny Schrafel

Legality Of Councilman’s Rental Home Examined

Councilman Gene Cook and former running mate Josh Price, with whom he owns a house in East Northport, pictured in February, are embroiled in a dispute over whether a five-family home use there is legal.

In the same file, an inspector said he told a family member the home “needs to be converted back to singlefamily” use, or the owner must go to the ZBA to certify the multi-family use.

The letter in lieu itself states, “this letter is not intended to legalize zoning violations pertaining to any past or present use.”

With older, non-conforming properties, “there’s a misconception about what’s legal and what’s not legal,” Breslin said.

“People say, ‘Well, there’s no CO for a five-family, so it’s illegal,’” Breslin said. “If it pre-existed the zoning requirements, they had no reason to get a CO or no requirement to get it.”

Price said “it doesn’t matter how the property is zoned” because the home was and has always been a fivefamily residence, since before the establishment of town code. The application for the letter in lieu includes two affidavits from prior residents stating that the premises “have always been a five-family dwelling.”

“It has been used as a five-family house since before the Great Depression…. The right to use it as a fivefamily house continues going forward without limitations,” Price said.

Code Enforcement Renews Interest The house has been on Code Enforcement’s radar for more than five years; efforts continued in the fall.

Most recently, on Oct. 27, 2014, an inspector working next door observed

“roof work being done,” which resulted in a Nov. 5 notice of violation alleging interior alterations were made to the home without proper permits.

That’s when the town discovered the home had been sold to TGJ 2014, according to the inspector’s report. A demand for inspection was issued by the town’s Department of Public Safety on Dec. 11; a date for that inspection has not yet been set, Breslin said.

Breslin’s involvement in the property predates Cook’s, the attorney said, to when Tomeo and Maryann Dellinger were the owners.

After he found out Cook, Price and Cavanaugh bought the house, Breslin said he advised them not to “do anything [file for permits] until you have to,” and to only make cosmetic, not structural, improvements. It was his understanding that the extent of the work was limited to “painting, siding, maybe windows,” Breslin said.

“I don’t think they were doing anything that required a permit,” he said.

Politics And Board Appointments There is also controversy behind the motivations of the enforcement efforts.

Price blames the brouhaha on politics. Cook, an Independence member closely aligned with Huntington’s GOP, is up for re-election this year.

“It’s frustrating that because my coowner in the property is an elected official and the political enemy of the Democrat majority that the resources of government are being used to attack us,” Price, a Republican, said.

In response, town spokesman A.J. Carter said the town began enforcement efforts on the home in 2009, and again last fall without any knowledge that Cook was one of the new owners.

Complicating the dispute is Cook’s efforts to appoint Price to two boards after they formed the LLC together.

The councilman made an attempt on July 15, 2014 to appoint Price to the town’s Board of Assessment Review three weeks after the LLC was formed. During his motion to nominate Price during that town board meeting, he did not disclose the business relationship. The motion failed without a second.

Price also denied that Cook made any official moves to get him on the zoning board, making the statement after ethical concerns were raised at the March 18 meeting of the town’s Board of Ethics and Financial Review.

“Gene Cook never offered my name or nomination to the zoning board and never offered a resolution for the zoning board,” he said.

It appears Cook lobbied for Price behind the scenes. In a Feb. 9 email to Supervisor Frank Petrone provided to Long Islander News, Cook said he’d “...like to have Josh Price appointed to the Zoning Board of Appeals as the start of preparing for tomorrow’s future by making the first change to a committee and showing our commitment to work together to change all the boards and committees by adding fresh faces to the table.”

Instead, Chairman Christopher Modelewski was re-appointed.

Huntington Councilman Mark Cuthbertson has recently been criticized for not disclosing a business relationship. The town’s ethics board ruled on Oct. 20 that he did not commit a technical ethics violation when he voted on Oheka Castle-related matters despite working with Gary Melius, the castle’s owner, in courtappointed roles on foreclosure receiverships.

The ethics board advised Cuthbertson to reveal such relationships in the future, which he since has done before voting on Oheka-related proposals.

Cook, however, did cite his ownership of rental properties that would be affected by the change, when he abstained from votes on Jan. 14 that related to Councilwoman Tracey Edwards’ proposals to tighten rental housing codes.

Luann Dallojacono contributed to this report.

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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • APRIL 2, 2015 • A7

HALF HOLLOW HILLS

‘SnowPusher’DonatedToDistrictByYouthGroups

By Andrew Wroblewski awroblewski@longislandergroup.com

Winter has finally come to an end – but for the athletes and coaches throughout the Half Hollow Hills area, the leftovers of winter were still hindering local sports teams from getting out onto the fields of high schools East and West.

“I think we’ve all experienced quite a winter,” Eric Geringswald, school board president, said during a March 23 board meeting. “The winter yielded lots and lots of snow and, unfortunately, the snow didn’t disappear before the spring sports season started.”

The district’s answer to what Geringswald said was more than 2 feet of snow sticking around on the turf fields of the high schools came in the form of a donation.

Together, two local youth sports groups – the Dix Hills Soccer Club and Hills Youth Lacrosse – donated a “turf snow pusher,” a piece of equipment that Half Hollow Hills officials have used in combination with other machinery to clear out the lingering snow. A reimbursement donation – of about $7,000, Geringswald said – for the equipment was accepted by the

school board on March 23.

“To me, this is just a great instance of everybody trying to figure out, ‘How can we have our kids have the best situation possible?’” Geringswald, who is also the executive director of Hills Youth Lacrosse, said.

“Now that plow is an asset for the school district for all the years going forward.”

Utilized district-wide, the plow will now allow Hills to clear up any snow that could potentially hinder outdoor sporting events in the spring and even fall seasons. The snow pusher does not damage the turf fields, nor does it affect any of the warranties the district has with them, Geringswald said. It helped the spring sports teams around Half Hollow Hills access the fields “much, much earlier” than expected.

“The district is extremely grateful to both youth groups for the donation of the plow to assist our athletic program,” Superintendent Kelly Fallon said during the board meeting. “[The snow pusher] was very well received by all of the players as well as our coaches.”

Fallon added that she looks forward to working alongside the two youth groups in the future.

This “snow pusher” was donated to the Half Hollow Hills School District by Hills Youth Lacrosse and Dix Hills Soccer club in order to clear out the remaining snow from the Hills schools’ fields.

Martin Targett, president of the Dix Hills Soccer Club, echoed both Geringswald and Fallon’s sentiments. He said the donation aims to

help all of the teams around the Half Hollow Hills area utilize the district’s fields as soon as possible – no matter how much snow hits the turf.

HALF HOLLOW HILLS

Ten Hills Foundation Grants Accepted For $12,000

By Andrew Wroblewski awroblewski@longislandergroup.com

With talk that creativity in the way teachers teach kids has been waning, Eric Geringswald, Half Hollow Hills school board president, said he’s glad to see that the teachers of Half Hollow Hills are disproving that.

During a March 23 board meeting, the Half Hollow Hills school board unanimously accepted 10 mini grants awarded by not-for-profit organization, The Hills Foundation, to teachers across the district. The grants, which total $12,000, will be used to provide additional financial support for teachers and their education initiatives, independent of the Half Hollow Hills School District.

“This year we had a tremendous number of grant applications; it was very competitive and we had some spirited debate over which grants we’d accept,” Deputy Superintendent Patrick Harrigan said. “In the end, [these] grants were accepted because of the impact that The Hills Foundation felt they would have on the stu-

dents here in Half Hollow Hills.”

A total of 13 teachers across the district are backing the 10 initiatives that will be aided by The Hills Foundation.

Jennifer Aull, a health teacher, plans to support healthy lifestyle choices in students via her “Teen Health Coaching Program (Holistic Nutrition Club).”

“Videoconferencing with Montpellier France,” backed by Jennifer Houston, will connect students in the Half Hollow Hills School District with students in France via iPad technology.

The trio of elementary resource room teachers – Lisa Concagh, Heather Stein and Rosemarie DeBello – are also using iPad technology by integrating the devices into the elementary Resource Room Program in three of the district’s schools. This project is called “Mini iPads for Giant Learning.”

Michelle Flammia continues the iPad trend with her “Using the iPad Tablet in the ELL Classroom,” which plans to use the technology to facilitate computer-assisted language learning for English-language learners to

enhance listening, literacy and speaking proficiency.

A pair of West Hollow Middle School teachers, Tina Rothenberg and Ed Nordstrom, will use remote clickers and Smart Board technology to increase student engagement and allow teachers to quickly assess student understanding through “Team 6-2 Click Through.”

For the second-straight year, Marianne Mead has had her “Raised Garden Beds for IPC Class & Modular Playhouse for Madonna Heights” proposal accepted; the program helps architecture-club students make a “realworld impact.”

Students will brave the outdoors with Mike Gibbons as he plans on bringing physical education outside with his grant, “Exposing Students to Crucial Outdoor Skills.”

Nathan Swift has his “World Drumming in Classroom Music” proposal approved and will use it to introduce an “authentic and meaningful” way for students to interact with music in order to better understand the world’s cultures.

The “HHH FIRST Tech Challenge Competition Team,” which will see 50 students participate, is being run by Caryn Meirs and will allow students to compete in STEM competitions.

Finally, last but not least, Stefanie Deringer’s “Bugs be Gone” was also approved and aims to restore the greenhouse at West Hollow with plants and living organisms.

“We are thrilled to recognize the recipients of The Hills Foundation mini grants,” Kelly Fallon, superintendent of schools, said.

Harrigan also thanked the office of Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Facilities Anne Marie Marrone Caliendo. Unlike previous years, this year the teachers who had their grants accepted were able to purchase the necessary items for their programs through the district. The district was then reimbursed for the purchased by The Hills Foundation.

Along with eliminating some previous hardships of purchasing the items themselves, the teachers were able to “get more for the kids for overall less funds,” Harrigan said.

A8 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • APRIL 2, 2015

www.LongIslanderNews.com

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

The Next Reform Good news for Long Island school dis- ethics requirements designed to provide tricts came with the Monday morning an- transparency on outside income earned by nouncement that a deal between the gov- lawmakers and reveal conflicts of interest. ernor and the legislature had been reached Over the course of several years, several on the New York State budget. That members of the Assembly and Senate means that school districts can move have been sent to jail for influence pedahead on their own budgets using real dling. The recent indictment of the Asnumbers instead of hypotheticals. sembly Speaker was just the icing on the It also brings an increase in cake that made adoption of state aid to districts which the EDITORIAL long-overdue reforms a nogovernor had held as a negobrainer. tiating chip.

We don’t particularly like the goverDetails of the budget agreement are just nor’s hostage-taking, strong-arm tactics, emerging, but what’s clear is that the ma- but will give him credit for getting the job jor sticking points have been dealt with. done – or at least getting it started. The The increase in state aid to school dis- fine print has yet to be worked out, and tricts will go from the $377-million in- there will be compromise on both sides, crease over current levels that was origi- but at least it has begun and the budget nally promised, to $1.1 billion. The gov- adoption, due April 1, stands a chance of ernor had made that increase a carrot on a coming in on time. stick, only given if legislators agreed to There remains a major flaw in the his proposed education reforms. Those re- process. The deal was brokered by the forms include controversial new stan- proverbial “three men in a room” – the dards for teacher evaluations that have Governor, the Assembly Speaker and the caused a collective uproar from teachers’ Senate Majority Leader. While the goverunions, and come amid continuing con- nor deserves credit for getting some imflict over the state’s botched rollout of the portant agenda items moving forward, Common Core curriculum. While the we’d like to see him put some meaningful governor’s plan called for 50 percent of reforms of the legislative process in his teacher evaluations to be based on their agenda. The ironclad control of the speakstudents’ performance on standardized er and the majority leader over committests, the agreement he reached with the tees and what bills move through the leadership in the Assembly and Senate process makes for a dysfunctional and inwill put the matter into the hands of the effective legislature. The system makes Board of Regents and the State Depart- our legislators little more than timecard ment of Education. punchers whose actions are determined A second major sticking point in the by their party affiliation. budget negotiations was adoption of new We deserve better.

DEAR EDITOR: As I rode my bicycle to work that day, I expected to

be surrounded by other riders, all proclaiming to be “one with the earth,” dedicated to a “green” way of life. Automobile drivers

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.

Send letters to:

The Edito r,

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

work under their own power, ridiculed for their insensitivity to the environment. After all, it was April 22, 1970, the very first Earth Day. It was later reported that 2,000 colleges and universities, 10,000 primary and secondary schools, and hundreds of communities across the United States took part in that first Earth Day. On that early spring morning in 1970 as I rode my bike on the shoulder of Pulaski Road heading for my job at Grumman Aviation, none of those tens of thousands of Earth Day supporters were on the road with me. (Maybe they were all in California – or the South Shore). Cars whizzed by me with mere inches to spare; I was obviously an intruder on their territory. I was the threat to their environment.

The day’s roundtrip was eventually completed without mishap but with much trepidation; I never rode my bike to work again. Although I still do considerable biking on Long Island (it has many scenic and safe roads) I never ride anywhere, on any road, during the morning and evening peak traffic periods.

BILL DOMJAN Melville

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

The First Earth Day

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would be embarrassed at their wastefulness of the earth’s limited resources, scorned by the endless hordes of people going to

Let’s Get In This Fight DEAR EDITOR: Our community needs to become involved in the fight

to save our schools from Governor Cuomo's attacks on public education.

The Governor is not remotely interested in improving the quality of public education. Rather he aims to dismantle it and replace it with an education system run by for-profit charter school management companies. One only need look at his list of campaign contributors to figure this out.

These “reforms” will increase pressure on students and parents, while jeopardizing a full, rich education by increasing the value of high-stakes testing. The state will be able to take over “failing” schools and potentially privatize them. There will be an increase in charter schools, which siphon money from under-funded public schools and can turn away English language learners and children with special needs. His education tax credit is a giveaway to the wealthy. Other proposals attack teachers, which will make it harder for our schools to attract the best to this important profession.

Public schools in New York are succeeding. I urge everyone who believes that a vibrant public school system is an essential part of our democracy to contact your state legislators and ask them to oppose the Governor’s attacks.

MAX STRIEB Huntington

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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • APRIL 2, 2015 • A9

Life&Style ART

High School Students Tops In Heckscher Exhibit Long Islander News photos/Joeseph Zapata

Aaron Feltman, of Huntington High School, with his Achievement in Mixed Media award for his color pencil portrait, Man vs. Wild.

By Joseph Zapata info@longislandergroup.com

Several happy students and proud parents packed the Heckscher Museum Friday night to celebrate the 19th annual “Long Island’s Best: Young Artists at The Heckscher Museum” exhibition.

The exhibit features a wide variety of artwork done by talented high school students throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Out of the submitted 311 artworks, Museum Curator Lisa Chalif selected

only 80 students to participate in this year’s exhibit, and eight proud students were presented with awards.

Aaron Feltman, of Huntington High School, won an Achievement in Mixed Media for his color pencil portrait, Man vs. Wild.

“I was really proud because there were over 300 student submissions, and mine was one of the few chosen,” said Feltman.

Lisa Giris, of Half Hollow Hills High School East, was also honored at the exhibit with an Achievement

Lisa Giris, of Half Hollow Hills, pictured at an Art League of Long Island event, was honored at the Heckscher with an Achievement in Experimental Photography. in Experimental Photography for her silver emulsion print, Heart of Darkness.

“It really means a lot to me that [the judges] thought that highly of my artwork,” said Giris. The high school senior will be attending New York University next fall, where she plans on studying photography.

Both Giris and Feltman were awarded with the Renzo S. Bianchi Scholarship Award, which was only given to six of the 80 participating students.

“I was happy, and my teacher was

proud of me,” Feltman said with a smile.

Long Island’s Best is sponsored in part by Heckscher Museum Trustee Dr. Inna Gellerman, of Gellerman Orthodontics.

For those interested in viewing this exhibit, these artworks are on display now at the Museum through April 19. For the exhibit’s duration, museum visitors can vote and determine which young artist will receive the Visitors Choice Grumbacher Award, sponsored by the Thalo.com artist community.

ART

Art And Technology Collide In Sparkboom Event

By Joseph Zapata info@longislandergroup.com

This isn’t your grandfather’s art exhibit.

With a fun combination of art and technology, the Launchpad in Huntington will be hosting Art Bytes, a special “#artntech” event, on April 18.

This unusual event is a collaboration between SPARKBOOM,

Launchpad Huntington and Long Island Visual Professionals. “[At SPARKBOOM] our job is to help emerging and creative artists in Long Island,” said Raj Tawney, public relations coordinator for the project of the Huntington Arts Council.

This event will feature visual art, animation, illustration, videography, live painters and live musical performances by Alexa Dexa, Archibelle, Mike Longo and Say “No!” to

Architecture. A group of artists from the nonprofit organization Splashes of Hope will be painting a live mural for the whole crowd to see. “[Art Bytes] is about bringing technology, art, and music together. It’s going to be really cool,” Tawney said.

“We don’t want people to think they have to go to NewYork City to get this type of experience; we’re trying to bring this experience to Long Island.”

There will also be a plethora of

free food and drinks, courtesy of Massa’s Coal Fired Brick Oven Pizzeria, Tasty American Coo Coo, Neraki Greek Mediterranean Grill, Greenport Harbor Brewing co. and Hint Water.

Tickets are free, but there is a suggested $5 entrance donation. This event will take place from 6-9 p.m. at the Launchpad in Huntington on Main Street. Visit sparkboom.org for more information.

A10 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • APRIL 2, 2015

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BUSINESS ‘Pitch Night’ At LaunchPad

‘BID Bucks’ – Don’t Leave Home

By Danny Schrafel

By Andrew Wroblewski

dschrafel@longislandergroup.com

awroblewski@longislandergroup.com

There’s a new currency in town.

Think of “BID Bucks” as a Huntington Station coupon – good anywhere that pays Huntington Station Business Improvement District (BID) taxes.

Leaders of the local business improvement district are looking to launch the Huntington Station-focused program in time for this coming Christmas, which President Keith Barrett said is designed to get people to shop locally and support businesses in the hamlet.

“It’s all meant to bring more business into Huntington Station,” Barrett said.

Community activist Dee Thompson, the BID’s first vice-president, is spearheading the effort. Funds will be drawn from specific fundraising efforts, including the March 12 launch party for Anaconda Restaurant on New York Avenue. Those funds will be put in a separate BID account, which will be used to finance the currency.

“Let’s say we raise $15,000 be-

Ever have the urge to jump into a shark tank?

No, not one willed with the man-eating variety, but of that of the idea-funding.

Pitch Night is coming back to the Huntington LaunchPad tech incubator on April 29.

“Essentially, Pitch Night is a way for me to see what’s out there in terms of new startups and early-stage companies,” Andrew Hazen, LaunchPad CEO, said.

“Anyone with an idea looking for an investment or a strategic partnership is welcome.”

Inspired by ABC’s reality competition television series “Shark Tank,” Pitch Night at the LaunchPad sees a handful of startups and early-stage companies pitch their ideas to a sea of Long Island’s leading angel investors. The April Pitch Night is scheduled to include Hazen and representatives from BDS Capital Management, RSL Ventures and KPMG. The goal is to have an idea heard and potentially to secure some funding to back it, he said. Those backing their ideas receive seven minutes to present to the panel of 3-5 judges and then respond to a two-to-four minute long questionand-answer segment.

Offers can range from $50,000$70,000 through LaunchPad, or even $2-3 million through the Long Island Angel Network, for which Hazen serves as vice chair.

“There’s also the educational side to pitching,” Hazen said.

“Most people just don’t pitch well and this experience helps them to practice and get feedback.”

Prior registration is required.

As of press time on Monday, seven of the eight slots available for startups or companies interested in pitching had been filled. For more information on how to register a startup or company visit www.eventbrite.com/e/pitchnight-tickets-16148702203.

Audience members are also permitted – there are typically 2075 people in the crowd – for a cost of $10. Doors open at 6 p.m. on April 29.

Huntington Station BID first vice-president Dee Thompson is spearheading the organization’s upcoming BID Bucks program, which aims to stimulate Huntington Station commerce. tween now and November,” Thompson said. “The whole idea is we’re going to give these dollars out at as a credit to people who shop in Huntington Station.”

Customers will save money, but merchants won’t have to foot the bill because shops that receive BID Bucks would be reimbursed by the agency.

Future fundraisers to support the BID Bucks initiative, such as a wine tasting tentatively scheduled for May, are in the works, Thompson said.

“Anything we can do to make the Station a more positive place, we’ll go with it,” Barrett said.

Nearby, in Northport, the Northport Chamber of Commerce has run with a similar program for more than a decade.

There, Dorothy Walsh, the chamber’s business liaison, said the Northport Dollars initiative got started as an outgrowth of the trend of students pooling their money, then going to the mall to buy gift cards as thank-you gifts for their teachers at the end of the school year.

Rather than send the cash to the mall, the seed was planted to keep the funds a little closer to home.

“She thought Northport should do something,” Walsh said of a customer of hers who discussed the trend.

“That’s when we came up with Northport Dollars.

Walsh said the program has enjoyed widespread use and has helped keep shopping dollars local.

“Since then, we’ve had much success with it and not only that, it keeps the money within Northport,” she said.

Quelling Fear Of Foreclosure After Divorce

By Barry D. Lites info@longislandergroup.com

My good friend and Long Islander News “Ask the Expert” columnist Jon L. Ten Haagen, CFP, recently told me about one of his clients who sought his financial advice. While maintaining her confidentiality, he told me that she was in the midst of a divorce and was not sure how she could manage the mortgage payments on the house in which she resided with her three children.

Her soon-to-be ex-husband had departed and had stopped making the monthly payments of principal, interest, real estate taxes and insurance. The bank called her home incessantly, and she feared that one day soon she would arrive home to find the locks changed and her and her children’s belongings on the front lawn.

Jon asked that I provide his readers with a legal viewpoint since, while he is knowledgeable in the area of mortgage finance, he is not an attorney and was thus seeking the

perspective of an expert.

This woman is not alone in terms of her situation. Notwithstanding the reports of an improving national economy, many Long Island families continue to struggle to maintain the lifestyle that they have enjoyed for many years. Divorce is only one of several causes of financial distress.

Suffolk County has been particularly hard hit: of the 62 counties in New York State, Suffolk has had the largest amount of newly commenced residential mortgage foreclosure cases in each of the last five years. The mortgage crisis has affected people at all economic levels – foreclosure of multi-million dollar homes in the Hamptons and elsewhere are as common as foreclosure on inland two-bedroom ranch homes.

Fortunately for Jon’s client and many others facing financial distress,

there is help for those seeking to stay in their homes. Laws passed in Albany in 2008 and amended in 2009 created an opportunity for homeowners to engage in court-supervised discussions with their mortgage lenders aimed at modifying the terms of their mortgages. The goal is to lower the monthly payments to a level that is affordable given the homeowner’s current income level.

My office has helped many Long Island homeowners successfully navigate this process.

In terms of the speed of a foreclosure action in New York, the woman with three children mentioned above should not worry about an imminent eviction. The timeline from a homeowner’s first payment default to the foreclosure sale of the home can be quite lengthy, in some cases up to three years. Since eviction can only occur following a foreclosure sale, the homeowner has

ASK

THE EXPERT

(Continued on page A14)

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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • APRIL 2, 2015 • A11

BUSINESS Leverage Public Speaking

By Marla Seiden info@longislandergroup.com

Consider the various marketing strategies you use to gain exposure, stand out as an expert and attract customers.

Have you thought about giving talks and seminars to organizations and groups for free?

Public speaking is one of the most powerful and cost-effective marketing tools to get known, yet many people avoid it. Perhaps, they lack confidence addressing groups, believe it’s time consuming or they don’t have the skills to prepare an engaging presentation that will turn attendees into clients. All of these obstacles can be overcome with a little know-how.

The key to growing your business with public speaking is being proactive and not waiting for the gigs to come to you.

There are three steps to make public speaking pay off: 1. Finding the right speaking opportunities and booking the engagements. 2. Crafting a “wow” compelling presentation that gets results. 3. Presenting with passion to be memorable.

This month, we will look at step 1.

Finding the Ideal Audience: As with any marketing activity, begin by determining your target audience. Are

you looking to reach lawyers on Long Island? Segment even further. Do you want to speak to managing partners or young attorneys at a large firm?

Then, research which organizations attract this group or perhaps the referral sources who can introduce you to members of this audience. Check the events columns of local newspapers, industry trade associations, trade and professional directories and civic groups. Ask colleagues and clients.

Booking the Engagement: Start with one strategic topic and talk that can be tailored to the organization you are targeting. Prepare a promotional piece, which should include the topic, target audience, their problem, solution and key points they will learn, as well as a brief bio. Consider including testimonials and other places where you’ve spoken.

Then, contact the organization and find out who books the speakers.

Prepare a phone script telling them why your topic is a good fit what you will cover during the program.

Check back next month for tips on creating a winning presentation.

Marla Seiden, president of Seiden Communications Inc. is a speaking and presentation skills trainer. Based in New Hyde Park, she is in business for over 25 years with many Huntington-area cl;ients.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

90th Anniversary Gala A Smash!

The Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 90th anniversary with a gala celebration at Crestwood Manor in Fort Salonga on March 26. The attendees enjoyed a fabulous night of networking, delicious food and the “fun money” casino play.

None of this would have been possible without the support of our generous sponsors: H2M Architects + Engineers, North Shore LIJ – Huntington Hospital, Briarcliffe College, Habberstad BMW, Brown & Altman, Ace Payroll, the Bontempi Family, Blue Sea Construction, The Bristal at East Northport, Center for Wealth Preservation – Mass Mutual, Newsday, Digho Image Arts,

Len Marks Photography, Advance Sound, Long Islander News, and the Times of Huntington.

The chamber is proud to have partnered with local organizations and recognize their accomplishments. At the gala, the chamber honored the Townwide Fund of Huntington, Dolan Family Health Center and Leadership Huntington Foundation for their outstanding time and commitment to Huntington.

Many of our local elected officials came out in full force to offer their congratulations to both the chamber and their honorees. The chamber’s next gala will celebrate 95 years in 2020 – we hope to see you all there!

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Foodie photo/archives

A12 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • APRIL 2, 2015

SECTION

DINEHUNTINGTON .COM

By The Foodies foodies@longislandergroup.com

Ideal Cheese and Wine Café in Huntington village, a destination for sommeliers and cheese-mongers alike, will be getting a new name and a new look this spring.

Manager Chris Binetti said in an interview Sunday that the plans call for re-shuffling the floor space to bump the restaurant’s interior space to 60 dine-in seats from a current total of 50; and to move the gourmet cheese shop, coffee shop and grilledcheese melts takeaway counter to the current Green Street space of Ideal Pomme Frites and Wings.

The restaurant will continue to serve Georgio’s coffee for sit-down diners, and shift exclusively to bean sales for takeaway service at the cheese and melt counter.

Renovations are set to begin later this spring, meaning that starting this May, we’ll all have to wait for our favorite cheese flights ($19 for three meats/cheeses; $28 for five; eight for $39).

Along with the refocused floor space to maximize dine-in seats, there will be “some cosmetic

Foodie photo/Danny Schrafel

Planning For An ‘Ideal’ New Look The Smoked Gouda burger is a delight for beef and cheese gourmands alike.

Ideal Cheese & Wine Café manager Chris Binetti, pictured in the restaurant in 2014, said a redesign is coming this spring. open for cocktails and a limited late-night menu until 2 a.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. At that hour, we’ll bet they’ll do a brisk trade in their perfect pomme frites ($4.50) garlic frites ($6.50) and Canadian-inspired poutine ($7.50).

The new vision calls for a “restaurant, bar and lounge hybrid with a really cool concept.”

Beyond that, Binetti is holding the specifics close to the vest.

“When you see the concept we’re coming out with, it’s pretty unique,” he said.

Ideal Cheese’s work in Huntington began in 2012, when they opened up a cheese shop in the back of The Crushed Olive. They opened the Ideal Cheese Wine Café in November 2013. The family business goes back 60 years ago,

starting as a butter and egg company in New York City more than 60 years ago. The Binetti family bought the business in 2003, and 12 years later, they’re charting its next chapter.

Side Dish

offerings from all across Europe and selections from the west coast as well.

There’s also still time to RSVP for Prime’s Easter dinner. Call ahead to RSVP, and then make your $25 deposit online.

DINEHUNTINGTON .COM

CALIFORNIA WINE AND DINE – Wines of

lipops with smoked cherry risotto with Wild Horse Pinot Noir (2013 Central Coast). For the main event -- cocoadusted NY Strip Steak with cipollini onion and fennel “fondue,” dried current rice cake and blackberry glace, Lilli will pour a wine that can worthy of that complexity: a Simi Cabernet (2012 Alexander Valley). Something sweet to wrap up the experience comes with a arm apple strudel paired with a Sofia Blanc de Blanc (Monterey County). The tab is $75-perperson, and seating is limited.

changes – nothing too extravagant,” he said.

“The place is going to be made to be cozier, warmer and inviting,” he said.

The menu will see some tweaking, too. The most popular fare will remain and be accompanied by new additions. Hopefully remaining on that menu will be the fabulous Smoked Gouda ($18) burger, a mélange of beef, barbecue sauce, shoestring onions and bacon. Want heaven in a bite? Fold up some charred, smoky gouda with a bite of beef and pop it into your mouth.

Earth tones will be incorporated and match the overarching new concept, which involves a renaming as well. They’ll also be catering more to the town’s bustling nightlife; the restaurant will remain

www.facebook.com/dinehuntington

A ‘PRIME’ SPRING – Prime: An Ameri- two, choose from Flat Iron Steak with

can Kitchen & Bar (117 North New York Ave., Huntington 631-385-1515 restaurantprime.com) is heralding the long-awaited arrival of spring with a special $45-per-person, three-course prix-fixe “First Taste of Spring, featured from Monday, April 13-Sunday, April 19. First-course selections include: Caesar Salad, seasonally-inspired soup, Shrimp and Lobster Wontons or Avocado Toast; for course

crispy onion rings and rooster butter; Cauliflower Steak with cherry tomato, caper, dates, pistachio and almond; Scottish Salmon with creamy farro, spinach and cremini mushrooms; or Roasted Organic Chicken with baby sweet potatoes and natural jus. Dessert is a homemade cookie and brownie plate for the table, with fresh berries and whipped cream. Add $15 for wine pairings, which include

California will be showcased in a wine dinner at Vitae Restaurant (54 New Street, Huntington 631-3851919 vitaeli.com) on Wednesday, April 22. California wine expert Victoria Lilli will take diners up and down the west coast, pouring selections paired with a specially created four-course menu. To start, diners will enjoy pan roasted scallops with parsnip puree and lemon butter paired with a Ferrari-Carano Chardonnay (2013 Sonoma County). Second course pairs New Zealand lamb lol-

Ideal Cheese & Wine Café 308 Main St., Huntington 631-923-3434 Idealcheeseandwinecafe.com Atmosphere – Cozy and inviting Cuisine – Cheese-inspired entrees, burgers and small plates Price – Moderate Hours – Closed Monday Tues-Thurs 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

Sun 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

Sunday Brunch 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

EARTH DAY BRUNCH BUFFET – Cele-

brate Earth Day at Anaconda Latin Bistro (1624 New York Ave., Huntington Station 631-351-9797). The $15 p.p. brunch on April 19 starts at 10 a.m. features a live reptile show for the younger set.

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Fitness & Fifty50+ Plus

Health

Reaching For Right Meds?

The use of opioid painkillers is on the rise and this trend is taking its toll.

Opioids account for 46 deaths each day in the United States.

Is your pain medication the best option for you? Depending on the type of pain you’re experiencing, and the duration of your expected treatment, the answer may be “no.”

“Surprisingly, opioids are not very effective pain medications, and they can also have serious side effects,” said Donald Teater, M.D., medical adviser to the National Safety Council.

Acute pain includes dental pain, back pain, renal colic pain (kidney stones), sprains and fractures. What may be surprising to some is that studies show a combination of over-thecounter acetaminophen and ibuprofen is more effective at relieving acute pain than opioids.

Opioids are associated with more serious side effects, according to the National Safety Council. Some lesser-

known side effects of opioids include gastrointestinal bleeding (more frequently associated with NSAIDS), rapid development of addiction, changes to the brain and cognitive abilities, driving impairment, increased risk of disability and decreased sex hormones.

The elderly need to be particularly wary, as elderly adults taking opioids are at greater risk of having a cardiovascular event, have four times as many fractures than their counterparts not taking opioids, and have an 87 percent greater risk of dying, the National Safety Council reports.

If you’re prescribed an opioid pain medication, you may want to consider discussing alternatives with your doctor, particularly if you’re treating acute pain. Taking the minimum dose for as short a time period as possible can help reduce your risk, experts said.

Visit www.nsc.org/rxpainkillers for more information. (StatePoint)

THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • APRIL 2, 2015 • A13

HEALTH & WELLNESS SPECIAL EDITORIAL FOCUS ISSUE PUBLISHED ON THE FIRST THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH Health & Wellness Monthly focuses on maintaining a fit mind and body. From diet, fitness, and disease prevention, to new trends in medical treatments and therapies, informative health- and welness--themed articles ensure an interested audience for your advertising.

ADDED FOCUS ON FIFTY-PLUS

&SENIOR LIVING The Fifty-Plus generation is living longer and better, enjoying active lifestyles. Fifty-Plus brings them important information on health, their unique financial needs and maintaining active lifestyles.

PUBLISHED AS A SPECIAL SECTION IN THE LONG ISLANDER, THE RECORD/NORTHPORT JOURNAL AND THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER

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A14 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • APRIL 2, 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.

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MELVILLE

23 Bayard Dr Bedrooms 4 Baths 2 Price $729,000 Taxes $14,476 Open House 4/2 12:30pm-2:00pm Coldwell Banker Residential 631-863-9800

22 Arista Dr Bedrooms 4 Baths 3 Price $649,000 Taxes$15,974 Open House 4/12 1:00pm-3:00pm Douglas Elliman Real Estate 516-623-4500

4 Split Rock Ct Bedrooms 4 Baths 3 Price $949,900 Taxes $19,756 Open House 4/12 12:00pm-12:00pm Coldwell Banker Residential 631-673-6800

Address Beds 60 Old Field Rd 3 23 Bayard Dr 4 268 W Pulaski Rd 3 23 Old Town Ln 4 2 Lower Dr 5 8 Jones Ln 3 3 Sun Valley Ct 4 5 Saddle Ln 3 94 W Shore Rd 3 3 Gilder Ct 5 22 Arista Dr 4 280 Round Swamp Rd6 4 Split Rock Ct 4 5 Dianes Ct 5 25 Rogers Dr 5 7 Carry Ln 5

Baths Price 4 $899,000 2 $729,000 2 $359,000 3 $739,000 5 $899,000 1 $369,000 2 $449,000 3 $529,000 3 $579,000 4 $795,000 3 $649,000 3 $915,000 3 $949,900 4 $979,000 4 $1,799,000 5 $1,299,000

Taxes $24,397 $14,476 $6,297 $15,857 $16,708 $7,912 $6,364 $13,685 $13,197 $15,130 $15,974 $24,451 $19,756 $24,202 $24,734 $28,969

Date 3/31 4/2 4/4 4/4 4/4 4/11 4/11 4/11 4/11 4/11 4/12 4/12 4/12 4/12 4/12 4/16

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

Broker Daniel Gale Agency Inc Coldwell Banker Residential Coach Real Estate Assoc Inc Douglas Elliman Real Estate Coldwell Banker Residential Coach Real Estate Assoc Inc Coldwell Banker Residential Signature Premier Properties Douglas Elliman Real Estate Coach Real Estate Assoc Inc Douglas Elliman Real Estate Douglas Elliman Real Estate Coldwell Banker Residential Coldwell Banker Residential Coach Real Estate Assoc Inc Realty Connect USA LLC

Phone 631-427-6600 631-863-9800 631-757-7272 516-354-6500 631-754-4800 631-757-7272 631-754-4800 631-673-3700 631-549-4400 631-757-7272 516-623-4500 631-499-9191 631-673-6800 631-673-4444 631-757-4000 888-236-6319

Hills teachers grappling with ‘opt-out’ dilemma (Continued from page A1)

Refusing the state tests, Tisch said, “eliminates important information about how our kids are doing.”

“Why would you not want to know how your child and your school are doing compared to other children in the district, region, and state?”

In Half Hollow Hills school district, where the teacher’s union endorsed the “I Refuse” campaign, “guidance regarding NewYork State assessment refusal” is offered on its website. Commack Teachers Association has similarly endorsed “I Refuse.”

In the message posted March 10, Hills parents are instructed to contact building administrators via email or written letter including the child’s name, grade level and tests they will not be taking. In Commack, a hardcopy letter is required.

In Half Hollow Hills, the parent will

then be notified by letter from the district with more detailed information about what will happen on test day for students who refuse the examination.

In Commack, students will be assigned to an alternate location and will be permitted to read or write until the test period ends.

Richard Haase, president of the 1,250-member Half Hollow Hills Teachers Association, said the school district has been supportive.

“We appreciate the support of our districts and our parents, and we all respect a parent’s right to choose,” he said.

State education leaders have taken a hard line on the Common Core assessments. A spokesperson said the tests are required by the federal government, “ and there is no provision in law or regulation for a school official to refuse to administer the tests or for a par-

ent to refuse the tests.”

Widespread refusal, they argue, could put a district in peril of dipping under a 95-percent participation requirement on state tests to achieve Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP).

If a school does not make AYP for two consecutive years, it is designated a School in Need of Improvement by the state education department and is required to participate in a School Quality Review (SQR). This includes, at a minimum, a self-assessment of the educational program and the development of a School Improvement Plan which must be approved by the State Education Department.

According to the state education department, continuously failing to meet AYP will include additional sanctions and possible consequences related to the Federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Grant, costing

the district state aid.

Commack officials stressed that refusing the tests, which are used as a portion of assessing a child’s needs, will not disqualify any pupil from receiving services.

“State tests are only one of multiple measures used by teachers and administrators to make informed instructional decisions regarding student placement in academic programs,” the district’s website reads.

Students who take the test and score below the state-designated performance level on one of more of the state tests, however, must be provided Academic Intervention Services (AIS), Commack officials said.

Haase said he’d like to see highstakes tests replaced with “high-stakes conversations” about education reform.

“Those conversations aren’t happening, unfortunately,” he said.

Quelling fear of forclosure after divorce (Continued from page A10)

the right to remain in the home throughout this process. New York State law and court rules impose on mortgage lenders many procedural and documentary requirements. If not fulfilled,

the lender risks dismissal of the case, forcing them to start all over again. And, there are other sanctions that may be levied against lenders who act in bad faith.

Financial distress is indeed stressful, on individuals and

on relationships. However, with competent legal counsel, families can both understand their legal rights and pursue a course that leads to keeping their home. I have found that understanding and hope for the future significantly allevi-

ates my clients’ stress.

Barry D. Lites is a Huntington-based attorney specializing in real estate, business and healthcare alliances.

Disclaimer: The advice offered in this column is intended for informational purpos-

es only. Use of this column is not intended to replace or substitute any 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 • APRIL 2, 2015 • A15

JOHN F. KENNEDY DIVISION 4 - HUNTINGTON

Ancient Order of Hibernians - Division 4 - Huntington thanks Grand Marshal Fr. Stephen Donnelly and the many sponsors who contributed to the success of our 2015 St. Patrick’s EMERALD PRESENTING SPONSORS

Adams & Becker CPAs Align Congressman Steve Israel Finleys Of Greene Street Ford Lincoln of Huntington North Shore LIJ-Huntington Hospital Huntington Republican Committee A.L. Jacobsen Funeral Home Astoria Savings Atlantic Financial Group The Brady Group Paul Costello Farrell Law Firm Finnegans Restaurant & Tap Room The Fox Family The Frayler Family

Huntington Town Board MA Connell Funeral Home Meehan’s of Huntington McCarthy & Reynolds, PC Michele Paternoster Foundation Oheka Castle The Paramount POT O’ GOLD SUPPORTING SPONSORS

Paul Dougherty - Coldwell Banker Philip Ross Industries Southdown Marketplace Storyville American Table TD Bank Verizon FiOS VFW Post 1469

Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce

International Union of Operating Engineers - Local 138

Huntington Jeep/Eagle

The McEnerney Family

Huntington Crescent Club Huntington Law Center

Huntington Station Business Improvement District

The Matthews Family

Mary Carrolls

Metric Subaru

Nolan & Taylor Howe Funeral Home Posillico

Road & Heavy Construction Laborers Local 1298 - Nassau-Suffolk Rossiter Financial St. Patricks Church The Storm family TF O’Brien Cooling & Heating Tom Egan Cesspool Service Townwide Fund of Huntington Tuxedo Park

& special thanks to the Town of Huntington, the Huntington Highway Department and the Suffolk County Police-Second Precinct

See you next year! Always the second Sunday in March, which is MARCH 13, 2016, 2 p.m.

www.LongIslanderNews.com

COMEDY

Aunt Barbara ‘Raises The Roof’ At Church

By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandergroup.com

The hottest Tupperware party in Northport was at Trinity Episcopal Church on Saturday night, where the big-haired lady at the head of the room helped raise $2,000 for a new roof and other infrastructure needs at Trinity Episcopal Church.

A whirling dervish of mid-20th century “Lawng Eyeland” attitude, bawdy zingers and a bit of nostalgia all wrapped up in a Technicolor floral-print blouse and a Gimbels badge, Aunt Barbara channels that all into a rapid-fire sales pitch that has made her Tupperware’s top salesperson for eight years running.

For Trinity Episcopal Church, the Aunt Barbara experience helped them raise more than $2,000 for their capital campaign, aimed at completing a three-part upgrade to the roof and making the 127-yearold church compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The one-year, $100,000 capital campaign is about two-thirds complete and will wind up on Trinity Sunday, May 31, Fr. Michael Bartolomeo said before the show.

“A number of parishioners have gone to see Aunt Barbara… They contacted her and worked this out,” he said.

Organizer Margaret Lapinsky, a parishioner from Lake Ronkonkoma, said she went to an Aunt Barbara home party and was instantly hooked. So too were about 120 who howled in their seats.

“I immediately said, ‘We need to do a fundraiser for Trinity,’” Lapinsky said. “And, we had the capital campaign going, so I thought the two went hand in hand.”

A drag act is hardly an odd fit for a church event at Trinity – “on the range of Christian churches, we’re on the more liberal end,” Bartolomeo said.

“Our parish likes to have a good time,” he said. “We’re not afraid to enjoy ourselves.”

And enjoy themselves they did – Aunt Barbara, who donated a number of Tupperware offerings to the church for raffle prizes, had them rolling in the aisles, and later did a brisk business of new Tupperware orders.

Northport’s Lisa Martin, a senior warden of the church, said the

funds will help meet “a lot of pressing repair needs and maintenance needs.”

“We thought it would be fun for people in our congregation,” she said.

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Long Islander News photos/Danny Schrafel

A16 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • APRIL 2, 2015

Congratulations, Long Islander News!

The organizers of the fundraiser, which raised $2,000 for the church’s capital campaign, are all smiles with Aunt Barbara after the event.

Long Islander News won first place in two of the most highly competitive categories in the New York Press Association’s annual Better Newspaper Contest.

FIRST PLACE, coverage of Local Government: the Long Islander News editorial team

Here’s what the judges said: “...this is a newspaper that’s reporting on engaging topics that matter to readers. Good work.”

FIRST PLACE, Feature Story: Editor Luann Dallojacono, for her report on flying with the Northport-based GEICO Skytypers.

Here’s what the judges said: “The writer’s amusing and honest story of her trip in a Skytyper was a great read.

She wove interesting quotes and anecdotes into this feature. Great job literally going above and beyond for the story.”

We are honored to have been recognized in a contest that drew entries from community newspapers statewide, and look forward to continuing to deliver top-notch coverage to our readers.

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www.LongIslanderNews.com

THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • APRIL 2, 2015 • A17

Doors Guitarist Robby Krieger Taking The Stage The Paramount Spotlight

By Carina Livoti clivoti@longislandergroup.com

Rock legend and Rolling Stone top guitarist Robby Krieger is coming to The Paramount next week.

Krieger, who will play for a Huntington audience April 7, is best known for his role as founding member and guitarist of classic rock and roll band The Doors, for which he co-wrote monster hits like “Light My Fire,” “Touch Me,” and “Love Her Madly.”

In addition to penning songs and playing guitar so expertly that he landed himself on Rolling Stone’s Top 100 guitarists list, Krieger sang occasionally for The Doors. His voice can be heard on their last two albums, which were recorded after lead singer Jim Morrison’s death.

Krieger may be a rock and roll legend, but his instrumental influences extend well beyond the genre, into country, raga, flamenco, Indian music and jazz.

“I didn’t plan on rock ‘n’ roll. I wanted to learn jazz; I got to know some people doing rock ‘n’ roll with jazz, and I thought I could make money playing music,” he said of his roots in a website

biography. “In rock ‘n’ roll you can realize anything that you can in jazz or anything. There’s no limitation other than the beat. You have more freedom than you do in anything except jazz – which is dying – as far as making any money is concerned.”

His career since The Doors disbanded in 1973 has been nothing if not full of musical variety.

He debuted his solo career with a jazz fusion album in 1977 called “Robbie Krieger and Friends.” The title, which was also the name of the band, spurred on decades of confusion concerning the spelling of his first name, though Krieger is said not to have cared.

Since then, Krieger has performed in a variety of musical groups, solo projects, and tribute projects that span genres from rock and roll to fusion, collaborating with artists and groups such as Blue Oyster Cult, The Doors’ keyboardist Ray Manzarek, Police drummer Steward Copeland, and Krieger’s own son, Waylon Krieger, who will perform with him at The Paramount.

Krieger has been featured on albums by Blue Oyster Cult, Fuel and others. He continues to make his own new, surprising music, and, of course, honor The Doors.

The April 7 show begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25-$59.50 and are available through paramountny.com or at the box office at 370 New York Ave.

Robby Krieger of The Doors performs at The Paramount April 7.

A18 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • APRIL 2, 2015

THURSDAY Author Talk: Long Island & The Civil War

Harrison Hunt and Bill Bleyer will discuss their new book, “Long Island and the Civil War: Queens, Nassau and Suffolk During the War Between the States” Thursday, April 9 at 7 p.m. at the Cold Spring Harbor Library & Environmental Center, 95 Harbor Road, Cold Spring Harbor. Books will be available for purchase and signing. This program is free and open to the public. Advance registration is requested. 631-692-6820 or www.cshlibrary.org.

www.LongIslanderNews.com

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Calendar O M M U N I T Y

The annual Good Faith Walk is at noon on Good Friday, April 3, at the Walt Whitman High School Track. Donations will help St. Hugh of Lincoln Parish Outreach and a local single mother in need of help. Donations can be made sent to Ginger Hoernig, 4 Chambers Court, Huntington Station, NY 11746.

Call 631-271-8581 for more information.

Elwood Public Library

Passover And Pesach

Argentine Tango Classes

Experience the subtle communication between partners as you learn the passionate 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.

Live Music

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

SUNDAY Find Your Center

Find inner peace in an ongoing weekly class for beginners and newcomers every Sunday, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at Dipamkara Meditation Center, 282 New York Ave., Huntington. 631-549-1000. www.MeditationOnLongisland.org.

Fore Free!

Suffolk County Legislator Steve Stern,

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.

• Stay in shape with an early morning Dancercise workout on Friday, April 3, from 9-10 a.m. Bring a mat, weights, a towel and water.

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.

• Learn how to quilt from professional quilter Gloria Bleidiner this Saturday, April 4 at 10 a.m. No registration is required.

Walking In Good Faith

SATURDAY

Commack Public Library

Deer Park Public Library

FRIDAY

The Chai Center Family invites you and yours to Dix Hills for a Community Seder in celebration of the holiday of Pesach (Passover). Come share the spirit and the warmth of the Pesach experience in a traditional setting with family, friends and the community. The Community Seders will take place on Friday, April 3 and Saturday April 4 at 7:30 p.m.

Reservations in advance are required. $55 Adult, $30 Child under age 12. Call 631-351-8672 email mail@thechaicenter.com or visit www.thechaicenter.com/seder to reserve.

p.m.

• The LEGO club is meeting up to build awesome LEGO creations on Tuesday, April 7, at 11 a.m.

Fore Free!

Suffolk County Legislator Steve Stern, chairman of the Veterans and Seniors Committee, hosts a free event for children of active-duty military personnel, National Guard and reservists on Sunday, April 12, 2015 from 10 a.m. until noon at Monster Mini Golf, 410 C Commack Road, Deer Park. Please RSVP to Legislator Steve Stern at 631-854-5100 or by e-mail, steve.stern@suffolkcountyny.gov by April 8.

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

• Watch the library’s weekly Friday afternoon movie at 1 p.m.

• Exercise with the Arthritis Foundation certified instructor Eden Bennett. This four-week session begins April 6 and meets every Monday from 1-2:30 p.m.

In-person registration and $10 fee is required.

Half Hollow Hills Community Library chairman of the Veterans and Seniors Committee, hosts a free event for children of active-duty military personnel, National Guard and reservists on Sunday, April 12, 2015 from 10 a.m. until noon at Monster Mini Golf, 410 C Commack Road, Deer Park. Please RSVP to Legislator Steve Stern at 631854-5100 or by e-mail, steve.stern@suffolkcountyny.gov by April 8.

MONDAY J on Main

“J on Main”, Huntington Jewish Center ‘s (HJC) Interfaith Family Outreach program continues with a free event at the sandbox PLAYSPACE, 51 Gibson Ave, Huntington, on April 6 , 12-2 p.m. Meet & Mingle with local interfaith families. Ages 1 month to 5 years. Space is limited; RSVP to Janis Solotoff at justjayj@hotmail.com or 516-316-9566.

TUESDAY Free Mommy And Me Class

Sing! Stretch! Dance! Play! Enjoy a funfilled class that includes parachute play and bubble play and meet other Jewish moms at The Chai Center in Dix Hills.

The free class takes place Tuesdays at 10 a.m. For children ages 6-36 months.

Pre-registration required by phone or online: 631-351-8672. www.thechaicenter.com.

Free Help For Vets

Every Tuesday from 12-4 p.m. is “Military Appreciation Tuesdays,” when Long Island Cares specifically assists veterans, military personnel and their families at the Huntington Station, Hauppauge and Freeport emergency pantries. Appointments can be made by contacting jrosati@licares.org.

WEDNESDAY Open Mic Night

Play your heart out at an acoustic open mic night every Wednesday at Caffe Portofino, 249 Main St., Northport, 7-10 p.m. www.facebook.com/cafportopenmic.

Original songs only.

Power Breakfast

Join business professionals at BNI Executive Referral Exchange’s breakfast networking meeting every Wednesday, 7-8:30 a.m. at the Dix Hills Diner, 1800 Jericho Turnpike, Dix Hills. 631-4627446.

AT THE LIBRARIES Cold Spring Harbor Library

95 Harbor Road, Cold Spring Harbor.

631-692-6820. cshlibrary.org.

• For an afternoon of artistic fun, come and enjoy Crafternoon on April 3, at 3

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

• 3D printing is here! Watch the MakerBot in action for 50 cents of printing for each 30 minutes. For more information, call the Adult Reference Desk.

• Learn how to play the piano with Mrs. Rizvon on Saturday, April 4, at 2 p.m.

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.

• In honor of Poetry month, come and enjoy making poetry scarves. If you have a favorite poem, please bring it with you. Register online, over the phone or in person.

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.

• Learn memoir writing from Eileen Obser, Author of “Only You” this Thursday, April 9 at 2 p.m. Registration is required.

(Continued on page A19)

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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • APRIL 2, 2015 • A19

(Continued from page A18)

Northport-East Northport Public Library

Author Talk: Long Island & The Civil War

Northport: 151 Laurel Ave. 631-2616930. East Northport: 185 Larkfield Road. 631-261-2313. www.nenpl.org.

• Learn about understanding anxiety and depression from Dr. Richard Murdocco, Ph.D., this Tuesday, April 7, at 7:00 p.m. No registration required.

Harrison Hunt and Bill Bleyer will discuss their new book, “Long Island and the Civil War: Queens, Nassau and Suffolk During the War Between the States” Thursday, April 9 at 7 p.m. at the Cold Spring Harbor Library & Environmental Center, 95 Harbor Road, Cold Spring Harbor. Books will be available for purchase and signing. This program is free and open to the public. Advance registration is requested.

631-692-6820 or www.cshlibrary.org.

South Huntington Public Library

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

• The library has extended hours on Saturday nights in March! From 7-9 p.m. patrons will have access to WiFi and the audio-visual collection, which includes Blu-Ray discs, movies and TV series on DVD and video games. Also, each Saturday night at 7 p.m. there will be a show downstairs in the Community Room.

• For students in grades 6-12, come and enjoy a night of chess and games on Friday, April 3, at 7 p.m. Refreshments are provided and no registration is required.

THEATER & FILM Cinema Arts Centre

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

• Prove your cinema knowledge at Movie Trivia Night this Monday, April 6 at 8 p.m. $5 per person and teams a held to six members or less. Purchase ticket online.

• Enjoy a showing of Woman in Gold, starring Helen Mirren and Ryan Reynolds, from April 3-9. Show times are announced daily.

John W. Engeman Theater At Northport

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

• The classic “A Chorus Line” shows through May 10.

AUDITIONS/SUBMISSIONS Northport Symphony Orchestra

The Northport Symphony Orchestra seeks new members in all sections.

Repertoire ranges from Baroque through classical and romantic to early 20th century. Music Director Richard Hyman is an award-winning music educator and composer. Rehearsals are on Wednesdays from 7:30-9 p.m. usually at East Northport Middle School. Email info@northportorchestra.org to arrange an audition.

Website: northportorchestra.org.

MUSEUMS/EXHIBITS Art League of Long Island

107 East Deer Park Road, Dix Hills.

Gallery hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. weekends. 631-462-5400. www.ArtLeagueLI.net.

• Check out the Art League’s 57th Long Island Artists Exhibition from April 6May 7.

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.

• Winners of the EXPO 34 Competition are now on display at the Gallery through April 30. A Reception will be held Saturday, April 11, from 6-9 p.m.

Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery

1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor.

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

• Bring a basket and join us for a spring egg hunt on April 4 at 10:30 a.m.

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.

• Come and enjoy the museum’s Ocean Egg-Stravaganza this Saturday, April 4.

Ages 3-6 at 11 a.m. and ages 6-12 at 1 p.m.

Heckscher Museum Of Art

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

• The 19th annual “Long Island’s Best: Young Artists at The Heckscher Museum” exhibition is back. On view from March 21-April 19 will be artwork by students in grades 9-12 from public and private schools throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties.

Holocaust Memorial And Tolerance Center

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

516-571-8040 ext. 100. www.holocaustnassau.org.

• The permanent exhibit explains the 1930s increase of intolerance, the reduction of human rights, and the lack of intervention that enabled the persecution and mass murder of millions of Jews and others: people with disabilities, Roma and Sinti (Gypsies), Jehovah’s Witnesses, gays and Polish intelligentsia.

Huntington Arts Council

Main Street Petite Gallery: 213 Main St.,

Huntington. Gallery hours: Monday Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday noon-4 p.m. 631-271-8423. www.huntingtonarts.org.

• The works of Alice Riordan are featured in her solo exhibit “A Lifetime of Art,” drawing, paintings and sculpture.

On display now through April 4.

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 on Thursday, April 9 at noon will discuss “The Journey and Legacy of Theodore Roosevelt” with guest speaker William C. Reed. Reservations required; includes three-course meal at Black & Blue, 65 Wall St., Huntington. $40 members/$45 non-members. 631-4277045, ext. 404.

Northport Historical Society Museum

215 Main St., Northport. Museum hours: Tuesday - Sunday, 1-4:30 p.m. 631-7579859. www.northporthistorical.org.

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

Available in the museum shop at $5 per person.

• Historian Diane Fish will guide students through History Takes a Vacation: Kids’ Mini-Camp, which also features Civil War Era Cooking. Please register by April 3 in person or over the phone.

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.

• Coming up, the Gallery presents a twoman show featuring the work of Brian Kirhagis (A.K.A. BK The Artist) and Northport native, Edward Joseph on Saturday, April 11

Tours are Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday for a fee of $5 in addition to the price of admission. Check the museum’s website for time listings.

Walt Whitman Birthplace

246 Old Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station. Hours: Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. Admission: $6 adults, $5 seniors, $4 students, and children under 5 are free. 631-427-5240. www.waltwhitman.org.

• Schedule at a time convenient for your group for high tea and transport yourself back in time as your group experiences High Tea in a private gathering house at the Birthplace. $25/person.

631-427-5240, ext. 120. teaparty@waltwhitman.org.

MUSIC & DANCE Five Towns College Performing Arts Center

Five Towns College, 305 N. Service Road, Dix Hills. Box Office: 631-6562148. www.dhpac.org.

• The next show at the center brings a loved movie to life. “The Wedding Singer” musical shows April 16-19. $18 adults, $15 seniors/students.

The Paramount

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

• Rock out with Robby Krieger of The Doors and Special Guest Vocalist, Wayne Krieger for “An Evening of The Doors Greatest Hits” this Tuesday, April 7 at 8:00 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m.

AUDITIONS Cosmetologists Wanted

Hospice Care Network is seeking New York State-licensed cosmetologists to provide 2-4 haircuts per month for community members facing life-limiting illnesses. Download an application at www.hospicecarenetwork.org or call 516224-6423.

Be A Museum Docent

The Huntington Historical Society is currently seeking volunteers to train to become Museum Docents at the historic David Conklin Farmhouse Museum. The museum is located at 2 High St. in Huntington village and is a fascinating interpretation of the Colonial, Federal and Victorian time periods. No experience required – an interest in local history is a plus. Training is provided. Call 631-427-7045 ext 403.

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.

• Come and enjoy an afternoon of mansion touring, which begins in the Courtyard of the historic house once owned by William K. Vanderbilt II.

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 • APRIL 2, 2015

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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • APRIL 2, 2015 • A21

DANCE

Nothing ‘Square’ About Upcoming Barn Dance

By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandergroup.com

Want to take a crash course in square dancing?

The Lewis Oliver Farm has you covered at the upcoming barn dance.

On Saturday, April 11 at the St. Philip Neri Parish Center in Northport, professional square dance caller Lee Kopman will be calling and teaching the art of square dancing between 7-8:30 p.m. His wife, Lilith Kopman, will be on the dance floor assisting in achieving the perfect do-si-do.

This is the first year the barn dance will have a square-dance caller. Event organizer Lynn Ruvolo said the group had been kicking around the idea for several years, but took the plunge this year after one of the two bands who typically performed at the event “had the foresight to get the hell out of town for this winter and moved to Florida,” she teased.

The opening presented the perfect time to give the square-dance caller a try.

“It’ll be a lot of fun,” she said.

Then, as per tradition, at 8:30 p.m. Jeff Mucciolo and the Moonshine Band with special guest singer

Lewis Oliver Farm’s annual Barn Dance fundraiser is coming up on Saturday, April 11. and farm volunteer Valerie Sauer will perform.

Another tradition that isn’t changing is the array of noshes available. This year’s menu features Maroni Cuisine – namely, Mama Maroni’s famous

meatballs – as well as offerings from Aunt Chilada’s, Three Amigos, Deli 51 Greenlawn, Batata Café and Copenhagen Bakery. Beer, wine, coffee and dessert are included, as are a free, etched wine glass or beer stein.

Throughout its 100-year plus history, the Lewis Oliver Farm has been a focal point of the Northport community. History abounds at this farm and visitors from near and far continue to enjoy visiting the resident animals. Those include a web-footed, furry, feathery gaggle, including Annabelle the Cow, Ezra and Onyx the alpacas, Tiny the Pig and an array of ducks, goats, chickens and sheep.

In recent years, the barn dance has been the main fundraising event for Friends of the Farm, a not-forprofit volunteer group that gives 100 percent of its proceeds towards the feeding and care of the animals and towards preserving the historic site.

Also new for 2015, a Flip Book Photo Booth will allow guests to take home a personalized flip book with moving images for a nominal fee.

Tickets are $50 in advance, $55 at the door. For tickets or additional information, call Lynn Ruvolo at 631-757-9626 or Pat Ruvolo at 631-757-8065.

Heartland planning hearing may be coming soon (Continued from page A2)

time to adapt, Bellone said.

“You have time to absorb any changes that are made and any impacts that will occur,” the county executive said. “That’s the way it will work in the marketplace anyway…

Even the first phase would be broken down into smaller phases just because of market forces. You need to build things over time.”

Infrastructure upgrades to the Sagtikos could also be coupled with the implementation of north-south bus rapid transit, designed to make

access to Long Island’s east-west rail lines easier.

“Eventually, if the road is redone, [there could be] a multi-modal road,” Bellone said, adding it could include a biking and pedestrian connection up to Kings Park.

The emphasis going forward, Bellone said, must be on transit-oriented development, focused around mass transit hubs.

“There is no way to create economic growth by just adding more cars to the roadways,” he said.

Huntington Supervisor Frank

Petrone has butted heads with Wolkoff over the project. Petrone argued in April 2010 before the Suffolk County Planning Commission that the towns surrounding Heartland must come together and beef up infrastructure before some of the most ambitious plans were approved.

Moving too quickly on Heartland could “devastate” Suffolk County’s economy and environment and pit towns against each other for resources, Petrone previously said.

Town spokesman A.J. Carter said Monday that officials are “following

developments with the project” but have “not reached a decision on whether any further response or action is warranted.”

Wolkoff, however, continues to believe the project is an essential step toward keeping young people on Long Island, evolving attitudes about transit-oriented development and reducing dependence on cars.

“It’s more important that the [young people] hopefully understand the development that I’m doing, the building that I’m doing, how important it is for Long Island,” he said.

State budget includes big aid hike for schools (Continued from page A2)

According to the assemblyman, the Board of Regents and DOE, both of which Cuomo controls, will be charged with developing a plan, which will include increasing the amount of the teacher evaluation score that is based on testing.

While teachers’ evaluations will not be 50 percent based on test results, as Cuomo had initially proposed, it will be higher than the current 25 percent.

“What will it be? It could be 45 percent,” Raia said.

In a controversial move, Cuomo had originally tied a $1.1-billion school aid hike to a series of education reforms, which included basing half of teacher evaluations on standardized

test scores, increasing the period of time to earn tenure, expanding charter schools and school choice, and increasing state oversight with regard to failing schools. If the reforms were not passed, Cuomo said he would only support an increase of $377 million.

Both the Senate and the Assembly balked at the plan, making the $1.4billion hike in the budget agreement a happy surprise.

However, Raia said that despite the increased aid, schools and parents would likely remain unhappy, as the agreement did not address Common Core and testing issues. New York State has been at the forefront of the standardized testing opt-out movement as concerns about high-stakes testing have swept the nation. Some

700 people, most of whom were teachers, attended a rally at Purchase College in New York on March 12 encouraging students to refuse the tests.

How the reforms the budget proposes to deal with these issues is unclear.

The budget agreement also calls for ethics reform, which includes more comprehensive disclosure of outside income by public officials and reformation of the per diem system. The new ethics standards also require legislators to disclose clients they work with to avoid conflicts of interest during lawmaking.

Raia said he believed that few legislators actually abused the per diem system and that the law needlessly created a solution for something that was not a problem, enhancing the

smoke-and-mirrors effect.

He also said that the agreement allows legislators to petition the court to block out information regarding the identities of some of the clients they represent if it is detrimental to those clients.

“We’re now creating a FISA court for the legislators and their clients,” he said.

Details of the bill will be released in “messages of necessity”, meaning that they will bypass the normal three-day waiting period that allows bills to be reviewed by the public and press before the legislature votes.

Legislators expected to be able to vote on them after midnight on March 30; the vote would have occurred after press time.

A22 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • APRIL 2, 2015

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HillSPORTS GIRLS LACROSSE

By Andrew Wroblewski awroblewski@longislandergroup.com

Last year, head girls lacrosse coach Lori Horbach said the Thundercolts were set on “rebuilding.”

Now, it’s paid off in the form of experience, leadership and raising the bar.

“This year, we have everybody back from last year’s team,” the 15year head coach said. “We’re playing a little bit better, have an easier schedule, and one of our major goals is to make the playoffs.”

In Division I, however, where the competition is “tremendous,” Half Hollow Hills may have its work cut out for it, but the girls aren’t letting that distract them.

The Thundercolts, who finished 4-12 a season ago, got off to a good start on March 25 as they jumped out to an 11-8 non-league victory over Commack (1-1) in Hills’ first game of the 2014-2015 season.

In the win, the Thundercolts – which sport that nickname since the

team is made up of players from both high schools East and West – were led by senior Dani Lulley’s 6 points; she scored 1 goal and had 5 assists. Lulley is one of Hills’ four captains this season. Against Commack, two of her fellow senior captains, Jenn Cadadonte and Casie Caiazza, also chipped in to contribute 3 points each. The final Hills captain, Mia Inserra, is currently nursing an injury, Horbach said.

“The four of them are showing great leadership; they’re very involved in the game of lacrosse,” Horbach said, noting that most of the Thundercolts spend their time in the offseason on the lacrosse field.

“They all just want to do well.

They’re working hard every day to stay focused on winning.”

With veteran leadership and determination, Horbach said, the will to win is bleeding over into the young core of Hills’ roster.

“The younger kids don’t want to let the seniors down,” she said.

One of the Thundercolts’ non-se-

Long Islander News photo/archives

After Rebuilding, Thundercolts Back At It

The Half Hollow Hills girls lacrosse team is next in action at William Floyd on April 7 at 10 a.m. niors is goaltender Paulina Difatta – a junior who has committed to Fairfield University, Horbach said.

She will play a big part in Hills’ success this season.

“She’s a phenomenal goalie and she runs our defense,” Horbach said.

Against Commack, Difatta made 6 points to preserve the Thundercolts’ victory as Hills came out of halftime tied at 3 only to explode for 8 goals in the second half to overcome the Cougars.

On Saturday, however, the Thundercolts (1-1) were thwarted by topseeded Middle Country (1-0) in their opening Division I game, 19-7.

After press time on Monday, the Thundercolts were back in action as they welcomed Brentwood (0-1) for another Division I contest and then again on Tuesday and Wednesday when they traveled to Smithtown West (1-0) and Ward Melville (1-0).

Now, Hills will prepare for a trip to William Floyd on April 7 for a 10 a.m. scrimmage.

WALKING/RUNNING

Still Running In Marcie’s Mazzola’s Memory

By Joseph Zapata info@longislandergroup.com

The ninth annual Marcie Mazzola Memorial 5K Walk/Run will once again keep a young woman’s memory alive while helping those in need of a boost.

The Marcie Mazzola Foundation’s event will be hosted by the Huntington YMCA Sunday, April 12, beginning at 8:30 a.m.

The foundation was named after Commack’s Marcie Mazzola, who died in a car accident in 2002 at age 21. Right before Marcie’s passing, she was involved in a civil lawsuit against a school bus driver accused of sexually abusing Marcie when she was 11 years old. Even with Marcie no longer able to testify, her family and attorney pressed on and eventually won the case. The Mazzola family decided to establish the Marcie Mazzola Foundation in hopes to improve the lives of abused and at-risk

At a past Marcie Mazzola 5K are Nancy and Paul Mazzola, their grandkids Mikey, Paulie and Hailey, Huntington Councilwoman Susan Berland, State Assemblyman Chad Luppinacci and the Geico Gecko. children.

“Marcie was a very happy, joyful, outgoing person. Even though she had gone through several difficult situations in her life, you would never know it,” said Nancy Mazzola, Marcie’s stepmother and president of the Marcie Mazzola Foundation.

All proceeds from the 5K will benefit the Marcie Mazzola Foundation’s Butterfly Strokes Program, the Summer Camp Scholarship Program at the Huntington YMCA, and the Family Service League’s Children’s Program. The Butterfly Strokes Program is meant to teach

abused or at-risk kids about swimming and water safety. “[The Butterfly Strokes Program] also helps the children to trust and gain confidence while gaining camaraderie with friends,” Mazzola said.

The entry fee for the 5K race is $30 for adults and $20 for students. Check-in time is from 6:45-8 a.m. at the Huntington YMCA, located at 60 Main St. There will also be food, beverages and a gift raffle, and the winner of the race will be rewarded with a trophy and a one-year paid membership to the Huntington YMCA. “[The 5K race] is not about being somber or sad; it’s about enjoying and appreciating life,” Nancy Mazzola said.

For more information about the event, visit marciemazzolafoundation.org.

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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • APRIL 2, 2015 • A23

CLASSIFIEDS

DEADLINE is Friday at 2 p.m. All Categories TELEPHONE: (631) 427-7000, FAX: (631) 824-9303 HOURS: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Address: Long Islander News, Inc., Attn.: Classifieds, 14 Wall Street, Huntington, NY 11743

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A24 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • APRIL 2, 2015

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