Half Hollow Hills - 7/28/16 Edition by Long-Islander Newspapers

HALF HOLLOW HILLS Online at LongIslanderNews.com

VOL. 18, ISSUE 25

NEWSPAPER THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2016

2 SECTIONS, 28 PAGES Photos by K Stanley Photography

DIX HILLS

INSIDE

Miss Long Island Teen Crowned By Janee Law jlaw@longislandergroup.com

SPOTLIGHT

Black Map, Chevelle Ready For Huntington

The 2017 Miss Long Island Teen hails from Dix Hills. Eighteen-year-old Taylor Yaeger was crowned on July 16 and is set to represent Long Island in the Miss New York Teen USA pageant in January 2017. “It’s amazing because it’s already such an honor for me to represent Long Island,” Yaeger, who has lived in Dix Hills for the last eight years, said on Monday. “To win the title of New York would be amazing…It would be such an honor for me.” At two years old, Yaeger began dancing and acting in plays. As she got older, she began to model, eventually modeling in New York Fashion Week this past February. She said competing in the pageant would be a good opportunity for her to combine all her perform-

ing experience on stage. Scott Yaeger, her father, said it was a “great feeling” to see his daughter perform on stage. “I get goosebumps that she won,” he said. “I’m very proud of her.” This was the second time Taylor Yaeger competed in the pageant. She was the third runner up last year. Jacqueline Riker, who recently took over as co-owner of the pageants with Leanne Pinard, explained that Miss Long Island Teen is a “platform-based pageant where we encourage every delegate to promote and raise awareness for an organization that is near and dear to their heart.” For Yaeger, her platform was to raise awareness for autism. With Riker and Pinard purchasing the pageant from former owner and founder Lori Thomas, this (Continued on page A7)

Taylor Yaeger, of Dix Hills, was recently crowned 2017 Miss Long Island Teen and is set to represent Long Island in the upcoming Miss New York Teen USA pageant slated to be held in upstate Harrison this coming January.

DIX HILLS/ELWOOD

Impacts Of Planned Center Questioned By Jano Tantongco jtantongco@longislandergroup.com

Opponents of the proposed 486,000-square-foot Elwood Orchard shopping mall have taken aim at the environmental aspects of the Jericho Turnpike project, highlighting potential impacts for groundwater contamination. Professional civil engineer Paul Besmertnik, of Melville, explained that the project planned to be built

on a high-elevation site, on the northeast corner of Jericho and Manor Road. Besmertnik said the location is especially sensitive to contamination, due to maximum elevations, which, according project documents, range 284 feet-296 feet above mean sea level. “When you build a shopping center… where do you think all the water goes to?” Besmertnik said in an interview Monday. “It goes into the groundwater, and it flows gently

down towards the south.” He argued that the pollutants dripping out of cars would also contribute to the “effect on the water quality in our three great water districts,” which Dix Hills, Greenlawn and South Huntington. In regards to potential stormwater runoff, estimated concentrations of inorganic chemicals “do not have the potential to adversely affect groundwater quality,” according to (Continued on page A6)

Part Of Parking Lot Property Sold A2

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID HICKSVILLE, NY PERMIT NO. 66

A2 • HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JULY 28, 2016

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HUNTINGTON VILLAGE

awroblewski@longislandergroup.com

The Huntington Town Board has agreed to sell a 7,000-square-foot paved parcel of land to a developer who wants to build a three-story commercial building with residential apartments in Huntington village. The sale is subject to public referendum. The land is adjacent to 30 Stewart Ave., and is part of a larger Town of Huntington-owned parcel of land that also includes the public parking lot on Main Street next to the Huntington Elks Lodge. However, due to an elevation change between the two lots, the smaller parcel is “landlocked” from the larger parcel, prompting the $208,750 sale, according to town officials and Jim Margolin, the Huntington-based attorney representing Jeff Carbone, owner of 30 Stewart Ave. The sale was unanimously approved by the town board during its July 12 meeting, but is subject to public referendum. That means a public vote would be triggered if, within 30 days of approved sale, the town receives a petition against the sale with signatures equaling at least five percent of the total votes cast in town during the last gubernatorial election, according to town code. There were 51,857 votes cast for governor in the 2014 general election, according to data provided by the Suffolk County Board of Elections, so a petition with 2,593 signatures would need to be filed with Huntington Town Clerk JoAnn Raia by Aug. 11.

With the planned sale, Carbone hopes to add the purchased lot to his property at 30 Stewart Ave. There, at the northeastern corner of Stewart Avenue and Gerard Street, he plans to build a mixed-use structure that would have a first-floor footprint of 4,863 square feet, with office and retail space on the ground level, and 12 apartments spread across its second and third floors. Carbone plans to demolish two existing structures on the property in order to make way for the proposed building. If the sale of the parcel goes through, Carbone’s plan would gain an additional 18 parking spaces, upping the total to 41 on-site spaces. Carbone would be short of the 53 spaces required by town code, but last week the Huntington Zoning Board of Appeals granted conditional approval for Carbone to utilize a municipal parking lot to make up for the missing spaces, as long as the sale goes through. The resolution approving the sale was co-sponsored by Councilman Mark Cuthbertson and Councilwoman Tracey Edwards, and seconded by Councilman Eugene Cook. “It’s a landlocked piece of land,” Cuthbertson said in a July 19 interview. “If we thought it would make sense to develop it, we would. It meets a parking need for a project to move forward and it also gets the town some money.” If the sale closes, funds would be transferred to the town’s general fund account, according to the approved resolution. At the July 20 meeting of

The Huntington Town Board has agreed to sell the 7,000-square-foot paved parcel of land, far back-center, where a shrink-wrapped boat is shown, that’s adjacent to 30 Stewart Ave. The land is part of the town-owned parcel past the brown building, right, which includes the public parking lot next to the Huntington Elks Lodge. the Huntington Village Parking Consortium, town officials committed to using funds from the sale for “parking improvements in Huntington village,” said town spokesman A.J. Carter. Neither Cook nor Edwards returned a call for comment before deadline on July 20. The land was previously used by Carbone as a private lot without the knowledge of town officials, according to Carter. When Carbone’s plan to develop the land was filed with the town, officials informed him that he was incorporating public land, according to Carter. In a statement emailed July 19, Carter added that, due to the change in elevation from the two parking lots, it is “neither practical nor financially

Photo/Google Maps

The public parking lot next to Huntington Elks Lodge, at top, is naturally elevated above a 7,000-square-foot paved parcel of land, roughly outlined in yellow, which the town has agreed to sell to the owner of 30 Stewart Ave., at bottom.

feasible to extend the municipal parking lot” to the lot near the Elks Lodge. Carter added, “That would entail building a ramp that, among other factors, would reduce the number of spaces that could be gained and require reconstructing the retaining wall.” When later asked if a town engineer formally evaluated the land to determine if the Elks Lodge public parking lot could be extended to the land the town has agreed to sell, Carter declined to comment. He added, however, “Public safety notes that even on the busiest evenings, the Elks Club lot is only three-quarters full, so it does not make sense to expand a lot that is already not fully utilized.”

MELVILLE

DWI Charge After Fatal Crash A Melville man is facing fice of the Suffolk County a driving while intoxicated Medical Examiner. charge after he was inPolice arrested Okon, volved in a fatal crash with who was not injured, and a motorcyclist Saturday charged him with DWI. night, according to Suffolk He was being held at the police. First Precinct in West Edward Okon, 49, was Babylon and was ardriving a 2012 Ford F-150 Edward Okon raigned Sunday morning pickup truck northbound at First District Court in on Wellwood Avenue in East Central Islip. A $25,000 bail bond Farmingdale at around 11:15 p.m. was paid, according to court when he made a left turn onto records. Okon is next scheduled to Conklin Street, police said. Dur- appear in court on Friday. ing the turn, the pickup truck colBoth vehicles have been imlided with a 2003 Suzuki motor- pounded for safety checks and the cycle being driven by Tomasz investigation is continuing. SufMyszke, 39, of Copiague. folk detectives ask anyone with inMyszke, 39, of Copiague, was formation on the crash to call the pronounced dead at the scene by a Major Case Unit at 631-852-6555. physician assistant from the Of-WROBLEWSKI Photo/SCPD

By Andrew Wroblewski

Long Islander News photo/Peter Sloggatt

Part Of Parking Lot Property Sold

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MELVILLE

Car Overturns On Expressway Photo by Dix Hills Fire Department

Christopher Wegner was driving his 1999 Ford Expedition westbound on the Long Island Expressway when he lost control and the vehicle overturned into a tree, according to Suffolk police. A driver was ejected from his vehicle after it overturned on the Long Island Expressway in Melville last week, authorities said. The Dix Hills Fire Department responded to the crash, which occurred at around 7:43 p.m. on July 19, and Fire Chief Robert Fling was the first chief to arrive to the scene. “I was actually in my personal vehicle. My wife and I were heading out to dinner and I happened to roll up on it,” Fling said. The crash site was between exits 49 and 50 on the expressway. Fling recalled seeing the 1999 Ford Expedition overturned next to a tree, and Christopher Wegner lying around 5 feet away from the crash. Suffolk police said Wegner, 29, of Wantagh, was traveling with his wife, Angelica Wegner 24, of New Hampshire, when he lost control of his vehi-

cle and it overturned in the right, westbound shoulder lane. Wegner was flung from the vehicle, but Angelica Wegner was trapped inside. Dix Hills firefighters used the “Jaws of Life” and rescue equipment to remove the car door and free her. Fling said her hand was trapped between the door and the body of the car. Wegner suffered a broken hip and a broken femur, and a Suffolk police helicopter brought him to Stony Brook University Hospital for treatment. Angelica Wegner sustained minor injuries. Around 30 Dix Hills firefighters and emergency medical personnel were on scene with three heavy rescue trucks, three ambulances and paramedic units, all under the direction of Fling and assistant chiefs Tom Napolitano, Alan Berkowitz and Joe Williamson. -LIZZIE WILCOX

TOWN OF HUNTINGTON

State Sets Lowest Tax Cap Yet Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli announced that the property tax levy growth for local governments will be capped at 0.68 percent for 2017. "In what is becoming the norm, New York’s local governments must cope with extremely limited growth for property taxes to stay within the tax cap,” DiNapoli stated. “Low inflation has positive effects for consumers, but it also reflects an uncertain economic environment. Local officials have faced growing fixed costs and limited budget options for years, but 2017 will necessitate even tougher financial choices.” Brian Butry, DiNapoli’s deputy press secretary, said that the figure is the base tax cap, and that each municipality’s “actual levy limit will differ based on the final calculation municipalities use to determine their cap.” The tax cap law was established in 2011 and was applied the next year. A.J. Carter, spokesman for the Town of Huntington, said the township’s 2017 tax cap is 0.68 percent, in line with the baseline cap. Hunting-

ton’s cap in 2016 was 1.36 percent; and, in 2015, it was 2.98 percent. The town’s budgetary planning will begin in September, Carter said, and comptroller’s office requires that town budgets must be adopted by Nov. 20. This is the lowest the tax cap figure has been since it was established. According to data supplied by the comptroller's office, in 2014, the cap was 3.1 percent; in 2013, it was 3.5 percent; and, in 2012, it was 2.6 percent. Huntington has not pierced the cap since it was implemented. As for the county, Suffolk Executive Steve Bellone said in an emailed statement that he will “continue to make the tough financial decisions necessary to hold the line on spending and reduce the tax burden for our residents.” He added that Suffolk has passed budgets that have not breached the cap under his watch. "We must meet the needs of Suffolk County taxpayers while maintaining fiscal discipline and high standards of efficiency.”

THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JULY 28, 2016 • A3

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Opinion

Send letters to:

The Edito r,

The Half H Newspap ollow Hills er, 14 Wall S treet, Huntingto n, New Y ork 1174 3 or email u s a t info@lon gislander group.co m

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

Parking Lot Sale Questionable Huntington Town Board members re- property owner to satisfy parking requirecently approved the sale of a parcel of land ments for a commercial/residential develto the owner of a commercial building in opment. Yes, apartments. Huntington village. We can’t say whether the engineering The property that was sold is adjacent to and cost required to develop this land for 30 Stewart Ave. and is part of a larger par- additional parking is unreasonable. We’d cel that also contains the municipal parking like to hear it from a qualified planner or lot next to the Huntington Elks Club. Al- engineer. As far as the existing lot being unthough it is undeveloped, the 7,000 square derutilized, it is in an area seeing a lot of feet of land the town is selling construction. Most significantly, is paved and had been actively EDITORIAL the Ice House apartments reused by the property owner. cently opened right next door. With parking such a hot button issue in When the buyer of the town land moves Huntington village, it’s hard to believe the ahead with apartments and commercial town would give up land that potentially space right next door, demand will increase could be put to use to create additional even further. spaces. In this case, town officials said that The lack of transparency that led to this an elevation drop from the existing munic- sale is disturbing. It could well be a good ipal lot makes it unsuitable. Further they deal, but the backup to support it isn’t there. contend that the existing lot is underutilized The very fact that parking is involved because of its remote location. should have been a red flag to the town, sigWhat the town failed to do is produce a naling they needed to make a strong case shred of evidence. Asked how the town had supporting the sale. Instead, it was voted on evaluated the purchase, a town spokesman at an afternoon meeting in the summer. said it was being done now – using online The sale is subject to permissive referenresources. Apparently the only evaluations dum, meaning a petition could force a vote done were for the purpose of appraising the asking the public to approve the sale. property so that it could be used by the Maybe then the town will make its case.

Facebook comments of the week On the story about the Huntington councilman asking the state to deny Melissa Restaurant’s request for a renewed liquor license “I work at the school across the street and we have had to call 911 several times this past year because drunk men are harassing us in the parking lot and/or trying to interact with kids getting on and off the school buses. I really hope they follow through and shut this place down!!!!” --Jen Bauer Gulino

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

‘Historic Huntington’ DEAR HUNTINGTON TOWN BOARD: As I sat at the recent Huntington Town Board meeting, discussing the resolution on designating the 1911 fire house building on Main Street, I could not help but think of Supervisor Frank Petrone’s words, at the Huntington Historical Society’s opening of the 150th anniversary of the end of the Civil War in 2015: “How fortunate we are in this town when we have his-

torical groups, cultural groups, schools – everyone coming together to celebrate something as the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. As I reflect and I’m sitting and looking down Main Street (from the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Building) and seeing how beautiful this is and how much it looks similar to what it did so many, many years ago, perhaps not during the Civil War, but as it did for so many years, it is the pains and aches of people trying to keep it that way.”

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The resolution for historic designation of the 1911 fire house is another attempt to save that view that Supervisor Petrone so fondly reflected upon. The fire house, with its upper façade of the original building intact, is part of the streetscape on the north side of Main Street, east of New York Avenue, which includes the row of earlier late 19th century buildings that today houses numerous businesses and the corner brick building which was built as a residential house in 1868. Across New York Avenue is

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the brick 1884 O.S. Sammis building that today is the Ann Taylor Loft. This is one of the ‘historic’ streetscapes in the village that sets the character of our growing town. It lies near what has been designated as the Old Town Hall Historic District, which includes the 1910 Old Town Hall, the 1905 Huntington Trade School and the 1892 Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Building. As one who is active in preserving the historic character of the town, I am not opposed to appropriate development. Although some may be concerned of the size of the development of the Old Ice House complex on Stewart Ave, I think the builders saving of the original early 20th century brick structure and emulating that design on the west and south facades contributes to the historic character of the village. I also

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applaud the architectural design of the Wells Fargo building at the southwest corner of Main and New streets. I have worked hard to look for an appropriate development of Platt’s Tavern corner at Park Avenue and Main Street opposite the Huntington Green, one that fits the scale and design of the early structures in the Old Huntington Green Historic District. I urge the town board to vote ‘yes’ on the resolution to designate the 1911 fire house on Main Street as a historic structure, helping to preserve this important historic streetscape. I hope future supervisors can sit on the steps of the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Building and appreciate the same view that Supervisor Petrone did in 2015. Thank you, PAUL WARBURGH Huntington Mail to:

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Y L k e e W n o t g n i t n u H G. 4, 2016 U A 8 2 Y JUL

YOUR WEEKLY GUIDE TO WHAT’S HAPPENING IN HUNTINGTON TOWNSHIP

NSIDE IGreenlawn Filmmaker COMMUNITY ‘Pokemon Go’ Has Business Booming

ART High School Gets Mural Makeover

music Black Map, Chevelle Ready For Huntington 9

FOODIES Beer, Burgers Galore At Christopher’s

MAMMA MIA! 10 Newest Show Opens At John W. Engeman Theater In Northport

2 • JULY 28 -AUGUST 3, 2016

LONG ISLANDER NEWS • HUNTINGTON WEEKLY

POLICE REPORT Compiled by Jano Tantongco

Summer Flies By

Fake Gun, Real Threat

End of summer, back to school… Monday

Don’t be surprised if you don’t see me out and will be ringing in the first day of August! I know about through the month of August, as I will be on my couch supporting our what you’re thinking: Where did the summer dedicated athletes competing go!? With several thunderoverseas. storms in July, tanning sessions IN THE KNOW have been limited. and now we WITH AUNT ROSIE July… After walking by our have a month left of good neighboring store on Wall weather before the chilly weather starts to come Street, I chucked at its chalkin. For some, that means it’ll be time to head board sidewalk sign, which reads, “June’s Over? back to school. Whether it’s those incessant Julying.” It also reminded me to continue our commercials for back to school shopping, or spotlight on the etymology behind our months, parents enforcing better sleep schedules, it’s let’s now take a look at July before it's over. hard to fight the inevitable. For an old gal like Though many of the months have a Roman orime, I don’t have to worry about such things, but gin, July might just be the hallmark, being I will say that going to school is more fun than named after statesman and general Julius Caesar. dealing with adult problems. So, to all those Though not technically an emperor, he ushered youngins out there, enjoy this time while you in the system of dictatorship that replaced the can because before you know it you’ll be graduRoman republic, then being assassinated shortly ating and having to face one of life’s biggest after. It is because of him that the year now challenges, finding a job. bears 365 days, with the advent of his Julian Summer Olympics time…With August around Calendar, which was adapted into the modern Gregorian calendar, which we still use today, acthe corner, it’s time to wear the flashing colors of red, white and blue, set up the best sound sys- cording to the Dictionary.com blog. Before the Julian Calendar, a special month consisting of tem for your television set and organize exciting 27 or 28 days called Intercalans was added in parties with your buddies to watch USA every two years after Feb. 23. The remaining Olympians face off in the 2016 Rio Olympic five days of February were then omitted. It Games. Starting Aug. 5, the games will feature seems that the picture behind the months and swimming, gymnastics, basketball, soccer and our year becomes clearly with each passing more. In addition, Northport’s very own Allie month! Long will also be at the games competing with the U.S. Women's National soccer team. I don’t know about you guys, but I’m excited to watch (Aunt Rosie wants to hear from you! If you have them vie for another championship. I’m also excomments, ideas, or tips about what’s happening cited for swimming because who wouldn’t want in your neck of the woods, write to me today and to watch a competition featuring shirtless men, let me know the latest. To contact me, drop a line to Aunt Rosie, c/o The Long-Islander, 14 am I right ladies? But besides that, swimming is Wall Street, Huntington NY 11743. Or try the eone of the most intense competitions to watch mail at aunt.rosieli@gmail.com) during the games since it’s all about speed. 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

A 37-year-old Huntington man was arrested at around 5 p.m. on July 19 at a West Jericho Turnpike residence for allegedly pointing an imitation assault rifle at another man. Police said that the man, who also had an active bench warrant, threatened to use it against the other. He was charged with second-degree menacing with a weapon.

A Punch And A Bite A 21-year-old Huntington Station man was arrested for allegedly punching a woman and biting a security guard at around 9:53 p.m. on July 17 at a store on New York Avenue. Police said the woman asked him to leave the store, then the man punched her in the left side of the face. A security guard charged at him, and the two became involved in a struggle in which the man bit the arm of the security guard, according to police. The man was arrested and charged with two counts of thirddegree assault. The guard was taken to Huntington Hospital.

Gift Card Scam Police said that a worker at Thai Green Leaf at 1969 Jericho Turnpike in Elwood allegedly fell victim to a phone scam at around 5 p.m. on July 13. Police explained that the worker receiving a call from someone claiming they were with PSE&G who said the business ran over their electric bill. The scammer then demanded the worker to clear the balance by pay with $1,000 in iTunes gift cards. The worker complied and sent over two $500 gift cards.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK TIA HAMLIN

Laptops Lifted

“We saw ‘Mamma Mia!’ probably 14 years ago in New York, and the quality here was just fabulous. I think the closing was the best, when everybody is up on their feet and dancing. It was so fun. They never let us down when we come here.”

Police said an unknown person broke the passenger window of a 2015 Subaru parked on Commack Road in Dix Hills at around 2:45 a.m. on July 15 and stole a laptop inside. Additionally, an unknown person stole a laptop from a 2015 Ford F-150 parked at a boat marina on West Shore Road in Elwood.

‘Mamma Mia!’ Lights Up The Stage With Summertime Excitement, Page 4

James V. Kelly CEO Peter Sloggatt Publisher/Managing Editor Andrew Wroblewski Editor James V. Kelly III Director - Sales and Marketing Jano Tantongco Janee Law Staff Writers

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community Smartphone Game Invades Huntington, Has Business Booming landmarks and memorials, requiring players to be out and about in order to check in to reap more Pokémon and Traveling north from their in-game items. Other hotspots, such Commack homes, Ryan Lally and as the one Lally and Rayfield were at, Mike Rayfield found themselves in are known as gyms, which is where Northport Village last week. players battle their monsters against The pair, posted up near the each other in order to take over more Northport World War II Memorial territory and gain experience points outside of the village park, stared at for their avatar to level up. their illuminated smartphone screens, After taking over the gym at the concentrating and tapping rapidly. memorial, Rayfield, 25, explained With a shout and a cheer, Lally and that players must battle the current Rayfield celebrated. They had taken defending Pokémon with six of their over one of the many locations own. The winner gets to claim the spread across town that are a hotspot territory. Rayfield left one of his for players of “Pokémon Go,” a free- Pokémon to stand watch and take on to-play smartphone game that has any challengers. recently taken the world -- and most “It’s going to get taken back,” of Huntington -- by storm. Lally, 22, added. “They all get taken The concept is simple: Create an over quick.” avatar in the game, but walk around He was right, within minutes the the real world to find and collect gym changed hands several times. Pokémon, a group of 151 fictional Rayfield said he trekked from monsters, roaming the many streets, Commack to Northport in order to parks and piers. search for the rarer Pokémon. There are also various hotspots, call “It’s that serious,” he said. Back them Pokéstops, situated on top of home, he added, more of the common Pokémon are found, but Northport has been known to house the elusive Aerodactyl. Stopping in a nearby parking lot to make a catch, Taylor Legrasta and Rachel Lenberger, also said they came from Commack to snag some rare creatures. Legrasta suggested that those coming to the area to use an in-game item, a Lucky Egg, which doubles the amount of experience points gained, providing an easy way to level up a player’s avatar. “I’m here every day… and at night. I’m here until 2:30 in the morning,” Legrasta, 18, said. “It’s crazy.” She added that some of the rare Pokémon emerge after dark, including the Two Pokémon Go players Ryan Lally (left) and highly sought-after Mike Rayfield traveled to Northport Harbor from Commack to catch creatures attracted to the area Charizard. by lures installed by fellow players. Lenberger said, “There’s

JULY 28 -AUGUST 3, 2016 • 3

Long Islander News photos/Jano Tantongco

LONG ISLANDER NEWS • HUNTINGTON WEEKLY

By Jano Tantongco

jtantongco@longislandergroup.com

Owner of Sweeties Candy Cottage, Lisa Hodes, created Pokémon-inspired treats to cater to the eager Pokémon trainers of Huntington. hundreds of kids that come. Here and Port Jeff are the main places.” Legrasta added that she planned to attend a Pokémon catching and battling that was scheduled to be held in Central Park last weekend. Local businesses have also been capitalizing on the Pokémon Go craze, often serving as pit stop locations for trainers to stop in and grab a snack or drink in between catches and battles. Once Lisa Hodes, owner of Sweeties Candy Cottage at 142 E Main St. in Huntington, got wind that her shop was right next to a Pokéstop, she said the gears in her candy-creating mind started to turn as local players started rushing to the stop. “We actually just finished a very busy season, so we were looking for the next best thing to try to keep business up,” she said. “Both my kids are doing it, so I just figured we should come up with a Pokémon treat.” Hodes has created Pokémonthemed treats that players have been eager to capture. Sweeties offers brownies that feature Pokémon favorites, such as the three starting monsters, Bulbasaur, Squirtle and Charmander. Also featured are three legendary Pokémon, Articuno, Zapdos and Moltres. Then there are other favorites, like Snorlax, Diglett and Dragonite. She also stocks larger Rice Krispies treats that look like Pokéballs, the in-game item that used to capture and house the Pokémon that players collect. The edible characters are printed with the help of her Hodes’ son, 15-year-old Quinn Blackburn, a graphic artist. Rhodes added that she’s already received wholesale orders from spots

like North Shore Farms in Commack, Kidcessories in Huntington, Gemini Deli in Melville and Denny’s Kids clothing store in East Northport. In Huntington village, many businesses are situated on top of, or near various gyms and Pokéstops. On Friday night, eager players lined up outside of The Paramount theater to catch Pokémon before heading inside to enjoy a show. Up on Main Street the next night, many players flocked to Sapsuckers bar and restaurant for a pint and to collect more monsters. Sapsuckers is just steps away from a Pokéstop, and players used another in-game item, a lure module, to make the hotspot even more potent -- both in attracting Pokémon, and other players. Local museums have also gotten in on the craze. Last week, the Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum hosted a meet up for players to and attempt to take over the gym that hangs above the 301 Main St. museum. Similarly, Cynthia Shor, director of the Walt Whitman Birthplace Association at 246 Old Walt Whitman Road in Huntington Station, reports that the birthplace is a Pokéstop. “We have been receiving game players which is wonderful because most, if not all, are younger generation visitors,” Shor said. Erica Hellman, who is interning at the birthplace, added, “I love that the [birthplace] can play a role in this worldwide community. “And, if we’re lucky, perhaps we can even teach some people that come here for Pokémon about Walt Whitman's early life and jubilant poetry.”

4 • JULY 28 -AUGUST 3, 2016

LONG ISLANDER NEWS • HUNTINGTON WEEKLY

theater

‘Mamma Mia!’ Lights Up The Stage With Summertime Excitement By Janee Law jlaw@longislandergroup.com

Hannah Slabaugh (as Sophie) and Sean Hayden (as Sam) during “Knowing Me, Knowing You,” where Sam acts as the doting father figure to Sophie.

Michelle Dawson (as Donna Sheridan) singing “Super Trouper” in the John W. Engeman Theater production of “Mamma Mia!”

The stage at the John W. Engeman Theater in Northport illuminated summertime on a Greek island on Saturday, as it was dressed in accents of blue, white stonewalls, budding flowers and a wooden dock. Audience members took in the beautiful setting as they proceeded to their seats to witness Tony Awardnominated musical “Mamma Mia!” The story of summer fun unfolds when Sophie Sheridan, portrayed by Hannah Slabaugh, sets out on a quest to discover the identity of her father and invites three men from her mother’s past back to the island the day before her wedding. The show, directed and choreographed by Antoinette DiPietropolo, is filled with fun and a provocative energy. The ensemble brings humor, heartache and heartwarming performances. Donna Sheridan, played by Michelle Dawson, embodies a strong

Singing “Dancing Queen,” actresses Robin Louns embody girl time by playing dress up and using a and independent mother who unravels in the “Mamma Mia!” number when she comes face-to-face with all three men from her past. Dawson, who played the character five years ago on Broadway and the Broadway tour, said working with a different director has been amazing. “It’s still the same story, the same (Continued on page 5)

Frank Vlastnik (as Harry) pulls Hannah Slabaugh (as Sophie) aside during “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!” and asks her why she invited him back to the island the day before her wedding.

LONG ISLANDER NEWS • HUNTINGTON WEEKLY Photos by Michael DeCristofaro

sbury (as Rosie), Michelle Dawson (as Donna) and Heather Patterson King (as Tanya) shoe, a flashlight and a hairbrush as their microphones. (Continued from page 4)

music, but it’s a new vision,” Dawson said after the show. “Getting to experiment with the scenes in a different perspective from the director is really awesome.” Based on the music of Swedish pop group ABBA, the show includes classic hits like “Dancing Queen,” “Take a Chance on Me,” and “The Winner Takes It All.” Dawson’s vocal performance is riveting. Starting out low with “Money, Money, Money,” she gradually hits higher notes with each passing song, particularly in “The Winner Takes It All.” Slabaugh, who portrays the cute and courageous Sophie, said being part of this production and playing her character has been amazing. “I see so much of myself in her, which is always a good thing. but then there were also places to explore and learn. It’s been a great time,” she said. Other memorable performances include “Dancing Queen,” during which Donna and her friends Rosie and Tanya, played by Robin Lounsbury and Heather Patterson King respectively, embody girl time by playing dress up and using a shoe, a flashlight and a hairbrush as their microphones.

“I love ‘Slipping Through My Fingers.’ It touches my heart,” Dawson said. “You can feel the audience relating to the characters. There’s a little bit of us in all of those roles.” The ensemble received a standing ovation at the end of the performance as they engaged with the audience by going into the crowd while singing “Mamma Mia!” and “Dancing Queen” for a second time, and “Waterloo.” Tia Hamlin, of Huntington, who was in the crowd, called the singing “fantastic.” “We saw ‘Mamma Mia!’ probably 14 years ago in New York, and the quality here was just fabulous. I think the closing was the best, when everybody is up on their feet and dancing. It was so fun. They never let us down when we come here.” Performances run through Sept. 11. Show times vary from week to week, but this week performances are slated for 8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday; 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday; and 2 p.m. on Sunday. For more show times and to purchase tickets, which range $71-$76, visit the box office at 250 Main St. in Northport Village, call 631-2612900, or log on to Engemantheater.com.

JULY 28 -AUGUST 3, 2016 • 5

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LONG ISLANDER NEWS • HUNTINGTON WEEKLY

sports By Lizzie Wilcox info@longislandergroup.com

The YMCA of Long Island has kicked off its “Road to Olympics” campaign, which highlights the multiple sports and activities the Y offers in an effort to encourage active lifestyles ahead of the upcoming Olympic Games. The campaign, which began last week, runs through Aug. 21 and all five Long Island branches will be participating, including the Huntington YMCA. Tina Graziose, associate director of the Huntington YMCA, described the campaign as a “fitness-oriented challenge uniquely driven around the Olympics to build on health and wellness.” The campaign is based on the classes and programs that the Y already offers. Members are asked to fill out an “I Am a Winner” card, where they write down their fitness goals. “The challenge is a campaign to

really build some spirit around their own fitness level and their abilities to improve their skills and coordination,” Graziose said. The idea for the campaign was driven by the building excitement for the 2016 summer games. Graziose said that the Olympic athletes’ ambition is similar to that of members, as they challenge themselves to maintain healthy lifestyles, just as the Olympic athletes do. Social media will also play a role in the campaign. All members are encouraged to share their fitness milestones and achievements using the hashtag #YLIolymPICS on all platforms. They will also have an Olympic torch designed with the YMCA’s logo for participants of the challenge to carry. “We’ll share our photos on social media to engage more members to rally around our Olympians here at our Y,” Graziose said. The YMCA will be using the swimming competition of the

Photos by Huntington YMCA

YMCA Launches Road to Olympics Campaign

“I am a winner because I swim,” writes gym YMCA staff member Tomarah Castillo carries the torch for the member Craig Becker on his “I Am a Winner” “Road to the Olympics” campaign. card. Olympics as an opportunity to focus on the importance of water safety and having instructional swim available. The month-long celebration of health and wellness will end with a special raffle opportunity on Aug. 30.

Members who share their successes on an Olympic Challenge Card enter for a chance to win the “Go for the Gold” gift basket, comprised of a men’s and women’s Fitbit chargeHR, a $100 Modell’s gift card and three one-hour personal training sessions.

LONG ISLANDER NEWS • HUNTINGTON WEEKLY

JULY 28 - AUGUST 3, 2016 • 7

LONG ISLANDER NEWS • HUNTINGTON WEEKLY

By Lizzie Wilcox info@longislandergroup.com

Graphic designer David Whitcher has given Huntington High School a makeover. Whitcher, with the help of students and local volunteers, has painted and re-painted several murals across the campus, including on the 200-foot wall found opposite the school’s entrance on McKay Road. Whitcher’s involvement with Huntington began when Booster Club President Tim Pillion reached out to him to fix up the field house, and other school facilities. Huntington High School Principal Brenden Cusack initiated the wall project and secured its funding. Prior to its fresh coat of paint, Whitcher described the wall as “dilapidated,” chipping and covered in graffiti. Huntington’s Habitat for Humanity club assisted in the prep work by scraping and priming the wall. Whitcher received further help from students in the high school’s Art Honor Society, as they helped to paint the wall. The theme of the mural is “Blue Devils Forever.” In big, bold letters, it reads: “Huntington.” Whitcher explained that, though the mural is a part of the campus, it’s more about the entire town. With three children of his own who graduated from the district, he acknowl-

Photos by David Whitcher

art Artist Revamps Huntington High School Murals

Photo by Christina Plant

8 • JULY 28 -AUGUST 3, 2016

Students of the Huntington High School Art Honor Society help paint the wall. edged that people seem to love the Town of Huntington and that they often choose to stick around. “I think it’s more about people who want to feel good about where they live. They want to support the school and the area they live in,” Whitcher said. The artist created the design of the wall himself and he wanted to incorporate as many aspects of student life as possible. The mural depicts students playing sports, playing instruments and reading. Both the school and the district logo were also incorporated. The number 22 is painted on the lacrosse player’s helmet for John Bosco, a 2012 graduate who died last winter.

David Whitcher paints Huntington High School’s logo onto the field house. “You try to represent the student body as a whole as a graphic,” Whitcher said. Whitcher also painted the high school’s field house and will continue working on projects for the school’s dugout and the stand of the press box. He also recently finished a mural for Southdown Primary School. The wall mural, completed in November, was Whitcher’s favorite of the projects, he said. From start to finish, it took about six weeks to complete, which was longer than he

had expected, but he said he enjoyed working with the students and volunteers. “Even though it took me longer than it probably should have, or I figured it would, it was definitely a labor of love,” Whitcher said. Though all of his work has been for the Huntington school district, he said that he would like to branch out to other schools. To see Whitcher’s other projects, visit Thedavidwhitcher.wix.com/customdesigns.

The wall opposing Huntington High School’s entrance on McKay Road before and after David Whitcher’s mural was completed.

LONG ISLANDER NEWS • HUNTINGTON WEEKLY

JULY 28 -AUGUST 3, 2016 • 9

MUSIC LA GUARDIA KENNEDY MAC ARTHUR NEWARK

Sitting Down With Black Map SPOTLIGHT By Fanchette Grunblatt info@longislandergroup.com

Black Map and Chevelle are primed to hit The Paramount in Huntington village next Tuesday for a rocking, one-night-only performance. Winner of the 2015 Independent Music Award for Best Hard Rock album for “…And We Explode,” Black Map is a trio with a big sound that has gotten them plenty of attention. Before the show, Long Islander News checked in with lead vocalist and bassist Ben Flanagan to answer a few questions about himself and fellow band members, Mark Engles (guitar) and Chris Robyn (drums). Q: Tell us a brief history of how the band got together? A: “We were all in different bands and we all mutually appreciated and respected each other’s bands. Mark played in a band called Dreg, which is still together. I was in a band called Trophy Fire. Our drummer, Chris, was in a band called Far. We all got together as friends since we all wanted to play music that was a little heavier than what we’ve done before. We all got together and started playing some music and it just felt really good. Soon after it became our main focus.” Q: Who influences your music? A: “We each have a lot of different influences. I think something that we all really like in this band is heaviness, but also ambiance. Bands like Pink Floyd are huge influences, as well as bands like Failure and Helmet – there are many. What we try to do is, we don’t really have a firm couple of influences, we just go in each song trying to create a soundscape that feels good to us. Q: How did you guys feel when you won the Independent Music Award for Best Hard Rock Album? A: “It was very cool to be recognized for doing what you love to do. It’s an awesome feeling. We definitely don’t do this for acclaim, but get-

Black Map is slated to open for Chevelle at The Paramount on Aug. 2. ting some is a great feeling.” Q: What has touring been like? A: “It’s been great, the best part about getting all these songs together. You work on them and you pick them apart, and finally you can play in front of a lot of people. It’s an awesome feeling. We have been really lucky in that more established bands like Chevelle and Bush have taken us out, and we’ve done shows with them in Europe. We have been really fortunate that we have been able to do shows in front of a good amount of people. We all get along, and one of the best parts about all of this is, not only getting to play music, but getting to visit pockets of the world that you might not normally get to travel to.” Q: Have you guys ever been to Long Island before? A: We have all been to Long Island, but this band hasn’t played on Long Island before. This is this band’s first time touring on the East Coast. It’s exciting for us to get to this side of the country. Our touring in this band has been West Coast, then European. It’s awesome to get in the Midwest, and finally to hit the East Coast. We have had a lot of bands reach out to us: ‘When are you going to play in Boston, New York, etc.’” Black Map’s journey from hometown San Francisco is slated to bring the band to Huntington next week. They’ll be opening for Chevelle, a storied Illinois-bred rock band with songs like “The Red,” “Send the Pain Below” and “Face to the Floor.” Doors for the show open at 7 p.m., and the show is expected to begin at 8 p.m. Tickets are available at the box office or from Paramountny.com for $25-$60.

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10 • JULY 28 -AUGUST 3, 2016

LONG ISLANDER NEWS • HUNTINGTON WEEKLY

Long Islander News photos/Craig D’Andrea

N O I T C E S E I FOOD Christopher’s Does The Classics Right

Sweet chili sauce is a perfect complement for the Fried Coconut Shrimp, served with a side of thick-slice sweet potato fries, as well as corn on the cob. By Jano Tantongco jtantongco@longislandergroup.com

For a hearty meal with a gourmet twist, look no further than Christopher’s Pub and Eatery in Huntington village. Chef Frank Arcarola has been serving up for the bar and restaurant for 15 years, and he said he meets all of his customers firsthand to see what they enjoy. “What motivates me is that I come out and talk to my customers and see what they like and try to make it for them as best I can,” he said. Arcarola, of Huntington Station, brings with him an education from Institute of Culinary Education in Manhattan. He added he just wants to “make people happy.” He does it with dishes like the Goat Cheese and Apple Salad ($14), which is sure to satisfy green greed. It’s a rich ensemble featuring toasted

walnuts, raisins, lettuce and red onions, and topped with a light raspberry vinaigrette that’s tangy, but not overpowering. The Shrimp and Avocado Salad ($16) is a more stoic companion to the former salad, bringing a succulent and smoky shrimp flavor paired with fresh avocados. It’s also dressed with chickpeas, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers drizzled with a cilantro lime vinaigrette that accents the salad with an upbeat, citrusy flavor. The Veggie Burger Platter ($13) will surprise even the most discerning carnivore. On a bed of warm, grilled pita bread, the patty is topped with a hummus sauce that bursts with garlic undertones, adding a savory succulence. It also sits next to a mixed salad with tomato, onions, cucumber, avocado and chickpeas. For a tropical exploration, the Aloha Burger ($16) boasts a burger

The Goat Cheese and Apple Salad goes toe-to-toe with the generous entrees, bringing the richness of goat cheese, balanced with toasted walnuts, raisins, lettuce and red onions topped with a light and springy raspberry vinaigrette.

Chef Frank Arcarola, 15-year chef with Christopher’s Pub and Eatery, toasts with bartender Amy Tanner. adorned with grilled ham, grilled pineapple, cheddar jack cheese and jalapenos, all smothered with sweet chili sauce. Reminiscent of a Hawaiian pizza, it blends everything you love about the quirky combo with an American classic. Adventurers, foodies and those with a roaring appetite can attempt to chow down on the Bacon Belly Buster burger ($16). Instead of standard buns, this behemoth uses two Texas toast grilled cheese sandwiches as buns. In between is a juicy burger generously topped with bacon. On top of all of this, are crunchy onion rings. Biting into the Fried Coconut Shrimp ($17) served with sweet chili dipping sauce, one will experience an extra crispy batter with coconut flakes adding a texture that brings you back to the island life. It’s paired with corn on the cob and thickly sliced sweet potato fries that are just as crunchy as the shrimp, with a fluffy interior Finally, the slow-roasted baby back ribs (one for $13, or two for $24) are a proud staple of the establishment, covered in a smoky, tangy barbeque sauce and served with a side of fries, coleslaw and corn on the cob. Coming right off the bone, the slow roast shines through with an eating experience even an octogenarian would relish.

Chef Frank calls the The Bacon Belly Buster burger a “challenge,” boasting two Texas toast grilled cheese sandwiches instead of buns, surrounding a beef burger with bacon.

Christopher’s Pub and Eatery 8 Wall St., Huntington 631-271-0111 Christopherscourtyardcafe.com Ambiance: Classic Pub Cuisine: Hearty American Fare Prices: Moderate Drink Hours: Monday-Saturday, 11:30 a.m.-4 a.m.; Sunday: 12 noon-4 a.m. Food Hours: Monday-Wednesday, 11:30 a.m.-12 midnight; ThursdaySaturday, 11:30 a.m.-3 a.m.; Sunday, 12 noon-12 midnight

LONG ISLANDER NEWS • HUNTINGTON WEEKLY

JULY 28 -AUGUST 3, 2016 • 11

H S I D E D I S

LE BR AN FIV ATI NI E Y NG VE EA O RS R UR AR Y!

NEW RESTAURANT INCOMING: The for- Paintnite.com/venues/121024.html.

mer site of Porto Vivo will soon be For $20 off, use the code LIPN20. home to Jema Restaurant, spearDINNER AND A SHOW: The headed by Joy Mangano, Jawbone Hill Trio is renowned entrepreneur primed to return to XO Updates on the status Restaurant (69 Wall St., of Jema Restaurant, a Huntington) on Saturnew European fusion day, July 30, at 9 p.m. restaurant coming to For more information, Huntington village, call 631-549-7074. can be found at Je-

marestaurant.com. PERMANENT PRIX FIXE:

and former owner of Porto Vivo. It is set to offer a “new European fine dining” experience and is slated to open this summer. According to the Brandt agency’s website, the cuisine is designed by Franco Sompogna, a native of Rio de Janeiro, and will blend together French, Brazilian and American flavors. To capture Mangano’s brand, the name Jema is a mix of the words “gem” and “joy” in the French and Portuguese languages. Mangano herself was the inspiration behind the 2015 film “Joy,” telling of her rise to entrepreneurial stardom beginning with her invention of the Miracle Mop.

Cinque Terre Ristorante is hosting a pair of paint nites in August. PAINT NITES: Cinque Terre Ristorante

(872 E Jericho Turnpike, Huntington Station) is set to host Paint Nites on Thursday, Aug. 4, at 7 p.m. and Thursday, Aug. 25, at 7 p.m. Paintings are “Palm Tree in Paradise" and "Italy" respectively. To purchase tickets, visit

Once a limited-time offering, the Great Deal of Thanks three course, prix-fixe menu is now a permanent staple at IMC Restaurant & Bar (279 Main St., Huntington.) From 4-6 p.m. each day and night, diners can enjoy the menu, which includes three courses and a glass of wine for $29.95. Selections include a variety of salads to start; filet mignon, braised short ribs, lobster linguine and more for the main course; and a choice of doughnuts, s'mores of cheesecake to top it all off. For more information, or to make a reservation, call 631-824-6222.

50% OFF Menu Mon and Tues after 4pm (food only) 18 percent gratuity will be added to the check pre discount for you're convenience

www.harbormistrestaurant.com

631-659-3888

LOBSTER FEST: Every Friday, Jewel

Restaurant (400 Broadhollow Road, Melville) is offering a three-course prix fixe lobster fest. Patrons can indulge in a choice of a two-pound steamed lobster with corn, potatoes and drawn butter; lobster pasta with bucatini, shrimp, corn, peas, tomatoes and a creamy lobster sauce; a butter poached lobster adorned with mushrooms, leeks, risotto and white truffle oil; or a Be-Ju lobster roll with crab, avocado, cucumber and soy paper. The second course may be a soup of the moment or a caesar salad, finished with either a flourless chocolate cake or a mango cheesecake. The restaurant also hosts live music on Friday on the outdoor patio. The prix fixe costs $59.95 plus tax and tip. For more information, call 631-7555777.

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631-421-4122 Jewel Restaurant in Melville is offering a three-course, prix-fixe lobster fest menu each Friday.

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LONG ISLANDER NEWS • HUNTINGTON WEEKLY

Spotlight On

Huntington Businesses By Janee Law

Long Islander News photos/Janee Law

s s e n i s u b Energy By Choice Celebrates 10 Years jlaw@longislandergroup.com

In 2001, Sail Van Nostrand decided that he wanted to get into the solar game, citing it as the up-and-coming advancement in technology. “I wanted to be part of something that was unique, up and coming and special,” Nostrand, 58, said. Nostrand graduated from Polytechnic Institute, now part of New York University, in 1979 with a degree in civil engineering, narrowly missing the computer generation. “The computer world was really rocking. I missed the dot-com bubble because I was already in the work world,” Nostrand said. So he didn’t want to miss a potential solar bubble. “From an engineering point of view, solar was a no brainer it just had to be at the right time to make it happen,” the Greenlawn resident said.

Sail Van Nostrand, owner of Energy By Choice, has been servicing the Long Island community for 10 years and plans more years to come. Now, Nostrand, owner of Energy By Choice in Northport, is celebrating the Northport business’ 10-year anniversary. Starting out, Nostrand worked part-time out of his home, with no

With authentic service and high quality, Energy By Choice owner Sail Van Nostrand explains that their clients receive authentic service and high quality, using Sun Power as their solar panel supplier.

other employees in sight. Instead, he’d borrow family members to complete a job. In December 2005, he installed two solar panel systems for neighbors. The next summer, he incorporated the company. “Slowly but surely, we started building,” he said, adding that the company now has 10 full-time employees. He added that he hopes to grow that number to 12 by the end of the year. In 2015, the 81 Scudder Ave. company completed a total of 54 jobs, including 18 within the Town of Huntington. “What I like so much about my job is that we spend an awful lot of time learning and building relationships with our clients,” he said. “We like to do it right…It’s about extracting every good willed moment from every customer.” When sitting down with clients, Nostrand said he walks them through whether or not solar is the right choice for their home. This includes several factors, including whether sunlight directly hits the home; financial plans, such as buying or leasing a system, or taking out a loan; and the type of panels than can be installed. In addition, Nostrand said the business prides itself on honesty, authentic service and high quality, with Sun

Power as their solar panel supplier. “I’m going to stand out by doing a better job and being at a much higher commitment to excellence,” he said. “For us, the key is to find our spot and continue to be that boutique that does what no one else is willing to do in terms of the caliber, commitment and the effort. We’re looking to be special and as the market shifts we’ll continue to find that slot in that market.” Nostrand said he also helped foster the solar industry on Long Island when getting involved in the business. He, along with other local business owners, struggled to have their voices heard and created the Long Island Solar Energy Industries Association in 2008. Nostrand has since served for two years as vice chairman, and three years as chairman. Around that time, Nostrand was also elected to the New York Solar Energy Industries Association board, serving as vice president for four years.

Energy By Choice 81 Scudder Ave., Northport 631-757-6984 Energybychoice.com

LONG ISLANDER NEWS • HUNTINGTON WEEKLY

s s e n i s u b

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Internship Experience

Signature Opens Newest Office Photo/Facebook/Signature Premier Properties

By Lizzie Wilcox info@longislandergroup.com

Signature Premier Properties celebrated its new office in East Northport with a ribbon cutting ceremony on July 14. The grand opening was open to all and included food, cocktails and live music. The office, which officially opened in May, is a new building that had been in the works for a little over a year. Signature Premier Properties already has eight locations in both Nassau and Suffolk County, including

Huntington, Cold Spring Harbor and Dix Hills, and they are looking to open more. Marisa Doonan, director of operations, said that East Northport was chosen for a new office because it is a new market that they hope to expand into. Doonan, who has been with the company for nine years, noted the success that they have had in their other locations. She said, “We’re looking to come into East Northport and be the number one listing and selling office.”

JULY 28 -AUGUST 3, 2016 • 13

If you are looking for an easy way to get your foot in the door or want something that can possibly turn into a full time position, an internship is important. As a senior at Farmingdale State College, this summer I interned at the Huntington Chamber of Commerce. Internships provide opportunities to experiment and pursue careers that interest you the most. Using an internship as a way to learn about what your professional passions are is important. It is significant that you figure out what you love now, so you are not dissatisfied with your career in 15 years. With an internship your skills will be put to test while also being forced to participate in teamwork tasks and individual responsibilities. Internships help increase your professional relationships, which according to Recruiting Blogs, 80 percent of jobs are landed through networking. An internship is more than just experience to put on your resume, you will end up thankful for the experience and happy with your new found skills. With my internship I

had the opportunity to sit in on board, committee and general meetings. Being involved with these meetings and the environment helped me realize how important communicating effectively can be to solve problems, develop and reach goals. A college course that I believe related to a real business scenario in the internship was a negotiation course. The course and internship focused on the importance of creating a specific budget and making sure to stay matched with the budget while using negotiation practices to please each party. Employers should be happy to hire an intern because it is beneficial to their company because it offers young talent who may offer a new perspective to help the company move forward. It is also a relationship that can market the company and bring exposure, whether big or small, to the company. I am grateful for the internship opportunity this summer and happy to come out with more knowledge and experience of the business world. Editor’s note: This column was contributed by Jessica Anglin

14 â&#x20AC;˘ JULY 28 -AUGUST 3, 2016

LONG ISLANDER NEWS â&#x20AC;˘ HUNTINGTON WEEKLY

Photos by Len Marks Photography

s s e n i s u b

On a beautiful, beachside evening earlier this month, the Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce hosted its Endless Summer Beach Bash 2016 with food, drinks, music and more. The bash, hosted at Crab Meadow Beach in Northport, drew businessmen and businesswomen

from across Long Island, and was chaired and sponsored by David Walsdorf, of Huntington-based Walsdorf Insurance. Attractions included a stand-up surfing simulator, which many conquered throughout the night, and beach games including Kan Jam and cornhole.

Long Islander News photo/Andrew Wroblewski

Fun In The Sun At Chamber Beach Bash

LONG ISLANDER NEWS • HUNTINGTON WEEKLY

JULY 28 -AUGUST 3, 2016 • 15

community Celebrating 100 Years Longtime Huntington Station resident Stella Harubin celebrated her 100th birthday on July 18, and accepted a proclamation from Huntington Supervisor Frank Petrone. Haurbin, who was born in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, on July 18, 1916, moved to Huntington with husband Benjamin in 1949 after the couple’s first daughter was born. They eventually had five children – three sons and two daughters – and Harubin now has eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren (Benjamin Harubin passed away in 1970). She has lived in Huntington for the past 67 years, and remains an active parishioner at St. Hugh of Lincoln R.C. Church in Huntington Station. She was also a longtime volunteer at the Carillon Nursing Home in Huntington. She still insists on being the main housekeeper of her home and continues driving. On her birthday, as two of her sons

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Services we offer include: Longtime Huntington Station resident Stella Harubin, who celebrated her 100th birthday on July 18, accepts a proclamation from Huntington Supervisor Frank Petrone. and one of her grandsons looked on, Petrone presented her the proclamation, and offered her congratulations and best wishes.

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16 • JULY 28 -AUGUST 3, 2016

THURSDAY Historic Walking Tour & Pub Crawl

Town Historian Robert C. Hughes will lead the Historic Walking Tour & Pub Crawl on Thursday, July 28. Along the way participants will stop at three establishments (with a great history or in a historic building) and will have enough time to enjoy a pint or two. Cost is $10 for Huntington Historical Society members and $15 for non-members. Drinks not included. The tour leaves from the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Building (228 Main St., Huntington). Doors open at 6 p.m., and the tour is slated to begin at 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit Huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org.

LONG ISLANDER NEWS • HUNTINGTON WEEKLY

Calendar O M M U N I T Y

Come to Paint the Town Studio (17 Green St., Huntington) on Friday, July 29, 8-10 p.m., to paint a scene of Robert Moses Beach. Price is $40 per person. Space is limited. Visit Paintthetownstudio.com for more information.

Cold Spring Harbor Library

SATURDAY

SUNDAY Harry Potter Release Party

Starting 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 30, count down to midnight to celebrate the release of “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts One & Two,” a special rehearsal edition script book. The party will feature a special Muggle Wall where customers can share their favorite memories of Harry Potter, as well as giveaways and other activities. For more information, call 631-462-0208.

MONDAY 100 Years of Broadway

Neil Berg’s widely acclaimed 100 Years of Broadway, a musical revue of Broadway’s most celebrated shows features a dazzling cast of five Broadway stars accompanied by an all-star New York band. And it’s coming to the John W. Engeman Theater at Northport on Monday, Aug. 1. Show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets ($40-$75) are available by calling 631-261-2900, logging on to Engemantheater.com or by visiting the box office at 250 Main St. in Northport.

TUESDAY Northport Idol Contest

Each Tuesday this summer (through Aug. 9) Main Street is closed to traffic

The Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce is hosting the 2016 Young Professionals Summer BBQ on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 6-8 p.m., at the Dr. Danial Kissam House Museum (434 Park Ave., Huntingotn) For more information, email courtney@huntingtonchamber.com.

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

Paint Robert Moses Beach

Slaid Cleaves, an acclaimed Maine-bred and Texas-based singer-songwriter, headlines the 11th annual Huntington Folk Festival on Saturday, July 30 at Heckscher Park (164 Main St., Huntington). The free festival will run 12 noon-l0:30 p.m., and is co-presented by the Folk Music Society of Huntington and the Huntington Arts Council. For more information, visit Fmsh.org.

Young Professionals Summer BBQ

AT THE LIBRARIES

FRIDAY

Huntington Folk Festival

Aug. 8. The camp, which runs 9 a.m.-12 noon each day through Aug. 12, will be directed by Tom Femminella, head coach of Upper Room’s varsity boys basketball team. Cost is $125 per player. For more information, visit Urcs.org.

Annual Fair And Parade The East Northport Fire Department is hosting its annual parade and fair next week. The festivities kick off on Wednesday, Aug. 3, at 7 p.m. with the parade starting from Fifth Avenue and Larkfield Road and ending up in front of the 1 Ninth Ave. fire house, which is where the fair will be held Wednesday-Saturday. Admission is free and there will be live music on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. There will be food, carnival rides and games of chance and skill. Fair hours are 7-11 p.m. Wednesday-Friday and 5:30-12 midnight on Saturday. For more information, visit Facebook.com/eastnorthportfd. from 6-10 p.m. for Northport Harbor Family Nights. On Aug. 2, the night’s main event will be the Northport Idol Contest, with prizes. Contestants are asked to bring their own CD or iPod. Bands will also be performing throughout the night. For more information, visit Northportny.com.

WEDNESDAY Mets vs. Yankees Rally Bus

Book a seat on a high-end bus to Wednesday’s professional baseball game between the Mets and Yankees. Buses leave from the park and ride at LIE Exit 49 between Rt. 110 and Country Road 3. Departure slated for 4:45 p.m. and the bus is slated to arrive at Yankee Stadium by 6:05 p.m. Then, after the game, buses are scheduled to leave by 10:05 p.m. and arrive back in Melville by 11:25 p.m. Tickets are $30 per person. Game scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Visit Rallybus.net for more information.

UPCOMING/ONGOING Huntington Summer Arts Festival

Located at Heckscher Park on Main St. (25A) & Prime Ave in Huntington, the arts festival brings free concerts to the Park six days a week, Tuesdays through Sundays. All shows begin at 8:30 with the exception of the family show on Tuesday, which starts at 7:30. Call 631-

271-8423 for more info.

Hunt Around Huntington

The 2nd annual Hunt Around Huntington scavenger hunt guides participants through several of the town’s most celebrated attractions. To complete the hunt, participants have to visit seven locations: The Whaling Museum and Education Center, Cold Spring Harbor Fire House Museum, Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery and Aquarium, Society for the Preservation of Long Island Antiquities, Huntington Historical Society’s Conklin House, Walt Whitman Birthplace and The Heckscher Museum of Art. The hunt started July 1, but runs through Aug. 31. Maps are available at any of the participating venues. Completed entries can be submitted for eligible for special Whaling Museum membership packages.

School Supply Drive

Suffolk Legislator Steve Stern has partnered with the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless to bring school supplies to more than 300 homeless children throughout Suffolk. To participate, drop off supplies to Stern’s district office (1842 E. Jericho Turnpike, Huntington). For more information, call 631-854-5100.

Boys Basketball Camp

Upper Room Christian School (722 Deer Park Road, Dix Hills) is hosting a basketball camp for boys grades 3-8 starting

95 Harbor Road, Cold Spring Harbor. 631-692-6820. Cshlibrary.org. · Teen & In BeTween Cupcake Battle: Join the baking coach for this cupcake creation competition, 7-8 p.m., on Monday, Aug. 1. Make the most yummy and creative looking cupcakes for the judges and win a prize. All participants take home six cupcakes.

Commack Public Library

18 Hauppauge Road, Commack. 631499-0888. commack.suffolk.lib.ny.us. · Long Island Blood Services will host a blood drive 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 30.

Deer Park Library

44 Lake Ave., Deer Park. 631-586-3000. deerparklibrary.org. · Beat the heat and enjoy some fun in the sun with our outdoor water games. Be prepared to get wet. Program will be rescheduled in the event of rain. Friday, July 22, 3-4:30 p.m. For children entering grades 1-6.

Elwood Public Library

3027 Jericho Turnpike, Elwood. 631499-3722. elwoodlibrary.org. · Watch, learn and taste as award-winning pitmaster, Brian Collins, demonstrates authentic barbeque on his 10foot smoker. Bring your favorite nonalcoholic beverage to sip while you go inside and sample the savory goodness of everything Brian prepares. Space is limited. Be sure to register early. Program runs 2-4 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 13.

Half Hollow Hills Community Library

Dix Hills: 55 Vanderbilt Parkway. 631421-4530; Melville: 510 Sweet Hollow Road, 631-421-4535. hhhlibrary.org. · A fun-filled morning for all ages. Nature walks, face painting, children’s crafts and games at the Dix Hills branch. Face painting and children’s craft 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; nature walk at 10:30 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.; and water balloon tosses at 11:45 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Harborfields Public Library

31 Broadway, Greenlawn. 631-757-4200. harborfieldslibrary.org · The Acoustix will be performing hits

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LONG ISLANDER NEWS • HUNTINGTON WEEKLY from the ’60s on Friday, Aug. 5, 7 p.m.

per person.

Main branch: 338 Main St., Huntington. 631-427-5165. Station branch: 1335 New York Ave., Huntington Station. 631421-5053. thehuntingtonlibrary.org. ·The Huntington branch is offering a weekly painting and drawing class for children on Fridays, 10:30-11:30 a.m., through July 29. They’ll learn how to draw/paint animals, people, and works by famous artists while experimenting with a variety of mediums, learning, and having fun. Seats are limited.

Northport-East Northport Public Library

Northport: 151 Laurel Ave. 631-2616930. (East Northport: 185 Larkfield Road. 631-261-2313. nenpl.org) · Head down to the Northport branch for a Super Smash Brothers Wii U competition. Prizes will be awarded to the top three players. Competition runs 7-8:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 1. Intended for young adults.

South Huntington Public Library

145 Pidgeon Hill Road, Huntington Station. 631-549-4411. shpl.info. ·The library is offering an adult coloring program, “Color Your World,” on Aug. 17, 10 a.m. Adults are encouraged to join in on this latest trend as you meet others and color. Sheets and supplies will be provided at the event.

THEATER/FILM Cinema Arts Centre

423 Park Ave., Huntington. cinemaartscentre.org. 631-423-7611. · Chris Lemmon is Jack Lemmon in his multimedia play with music, “Twist of Lemmon.” Thursday, July 28, beginning at 7 p.m. Two acts with 15minute intermission. Tickets $38 for members and $46 for the public. Includes post-show question and answer session with Chris Lemmon, and an after-reception with jazz guitarist Mike Soloway. · Movie Trivia Night with Rebecca Zunno, Monday, Aug. 8, at 12 noon. Sixty questions based all around film, actors and actresses, awards, and everything else associated with the world of film. Teams can be up to six people, but solo players are also welcome. Tickets $5 per person.

John W. Engeman Theater At Northport

350 Main St., Northport. johnwengemantheater.com. 631-261-2900. ·Mamma Mia! through Sept. 11. For tickets and show times, visit Engemantheater.com.

Photo by Karen Cleaves

(Continued from page 16)

Huntington Public Library

Art League of Long Island

107 East Deer Park Road, Dix Hills. Gallery hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. weekends. 631-4625400. ArtLeagueLI.net. · Get a sneak preview of the Art League’s next exhibit, Art WithOUT Borders: North and South, on Tuesday, Aug. 2, 7-8:30 p.m. Meet

Huntington Folk Festival Slaid Cleaves, an acclaimed Maine-bred and Texas-based singer-songwriter, headlines the 11th annual Huntington Folk Festival on Saturday, July 30 at Heckscher Park (164 Main St., Huntington). The free festival will run 12 noon-l0:30 p.m., and is co-presented by the Folk Music Society of Huntington and the Huntington Arts Council. For more information, visit Fmsh.org.

the artists, including Anahi DeCanio, Lori Horowitz, Neil Leinwohl, Olga Armand-Ugon , Kelynn Z. Alder and Aurelio Torres, and take part in a question and answer session.

more recent paintings combining trompe l’oeil realism with modernist tendencies. On display through Aug. 28.

B. J. Spoke Gallery

Holocaust Memorial And Tolerance Center

Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery

Huntington Arts Council

299 Main St., Huntington. Gallery hours: Monday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., until 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. 631-549-5106. bjspokegallery.com. ·Poets Aloud, open mic night for poets, is held the second Friday of every month, 7:30-10 p.m. ·Paperworks 2016 winners exhibit will feature 17 artists who competed in the national competition from Aug. 2Aug. 28 during regular gallery hours. 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor. Open seven days a week, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday and Sundays until 6 p.m.: $6 adults; $4 children ages 3-12 and seniors over 65; members and children under 3 are free. 516-692-6768. cshfha.org. ·Wacky Water Wednesdays are now being held every week through Aug. 31, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum

279 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor. 631367-3418. cshwhalingmuseum.org. Tuesday through Friday, 12-4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 11-5 p.m. (closed Monday). Admission $6 adults, $5 children and seniors. · The “If I Were A Whaler” exhibit is an immersive space encouraging imaginative exploration of a whaler's life for family audiences.

Foto Foto Gallery

14 W. Carver St., Huntington 631-5490488. fotofotogallery.org. Hours: Wednesday Saturday 11 a.m.–6 p.m., Friday 11a.m.–8 p.m., Sunday 12-5. · “Cuba: Double Vision” features the work of Sandra Carrion and Lois Youmans. Exhibit open through July 30.

Heckscher Museum Of Art

MUSEUMS/EXHIBITS

JULY 28 -AUGUST 3, 2016 • 17

2 Prime Ave., Huntington. Museum hours: Wednesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., first Fridays from 4-8:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission $6 for adults, $46/seniors, and $4-6/children; members and children under 10 get in free. 631351-3250. ·Masters of Illusion: The Magical Art of Gary Erbe. Traces the artist’s career through early trompe l’oeil works to

Welwyn Preserve, 100 Crescent Beach Road, Glen Cove. Hours: MondayFriday. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday noon-4 p.m. 516-571-8040, ext. 100. holocaust-nassau.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. Main Street Petite Gallery: 213 Main St., Huntington. Gallery hours: Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday noon-4 p.m. 631-2718423. huntingtonarts.org. · “Curiosity & Surprise” features the work of Michael Braceland, Rondi Casey, Deborah Katz and Lisa J. Petker-Mintz. It will be on display July 29-Aug. 13. The artist opening is slated for 6-8 p.m. on Friday, July 29.

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. huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org · Take a tour of Huntington’s earliest public cemetery, the Old Burying Ground, established in the 17th Century, soon after the town’s founding in 1653. Stroll back through time on Thursday, Aug. 18, to one of Huntington’s most interesting historic landmarks. Tickets are $10 for members; $15 for non-members; and $5 for children. Tour leaves from the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Building (228 Main St., Huntington) at 6 p.m. For more information, or to make a reservation, call 631-427-7043 ext. 401

Northport Historical Society Museum

215 Main St., Northport. Museum hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 1-4:30 p.m. 631-757-9859. northporthistorical.org. ·For an afternoon of historical fun, take a self-guided walking tour of the Northport’s historic Main Street, Tuesdays-Sundays, from 1-4:30 p.m. Available in the museum shop at $5

Green River Gallery

117 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor. Thursday 12 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday 11 a.m.5 p.m. 631-692-8188. ·Featuring paintings by Robert Patrick Coombs and Eric Sloane, N.A. (19051985) Long Island’s premier gold coast artist of the mid-20th century. Ongoing show on view.

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. ripeartgal.com. 631-239-1805. · Opening Aug. 6, at 6 p.m., RIPE Art Gallery brings the latest work by Gary Kroman to Long Island.

Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium

180 Little Neck Road, Centerport. Museum hours: Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday, 12-4 p.m. Grounds admission: $7 adults, $6 students with ID and seniors 62 and older, and $3 children 12 and under. Mansion tour, add $5 per person. 631-854-5555. vanderbiltmuseum.org. ·Afternoon mansion tours begin in the courtyard of the historic house once owned by William K. Vanderbilt II. Tours are Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays for a $5 fee, in addition to the price of admission. Check the museum’s website for listing times.

Walt Whitman Birthplace

246 Old Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station. Hours: Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday-Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission: $6 adults, $5 seniors, $4 students, and children under 5 are free. 631-427-5240. waltwhitman.org. ·Schedule at a group high tea and transport yourself back in time in a private gathering house at the Birthplace. $25 per person. 631-427-5240, ext. 120. teaparty@waltwhitman.org.

MUSIC & DANCE Five Towns College Performing Arts Center

305 North Service Road, Dix Hills, NY 11746. 631-656-2110. FTC.edu. · “The Hilarious Comedy of Uncle Floyd” will be presented Aug. 6 at 7:30 pm. Tickets available online for $20.

The Paramount

370 New York Ave., Huntington. 631673-7300. Paramountny.com. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. · Chevelle with Black Map on Aug. 2. Tickets $25-$60. · truTV Impractical Jokers “Santiago Sent Us” Tour Starring The Tenderloins. Six nights of performances: Aug. 5-Aug. 6, 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.; and Aug. 7, 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets $49.50-$149.50

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

18 • JULY 28 -AUGUST 3, 2016

LONG ISLANDER NEWS • HUNTINGTON WEEKLY

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LONG ISLANDER NEWS • HUNTINGTON WEEKLY

JULY 28 -AUGUST 3, 2016 • 19

sports By Janee Law jlaw@longislandergroup.com

Just last year, Greenalwn resident Christian Siems received a new heart. The 22-year-old suffered from heart condition that caused his heart to become weakened and enlarged, and unable to pump blood effectively. He received a transplant on April 25, 2015, likely saving his life. But, on Thursday, Siems was far from the operating table. Instead, he was vowing to take part in the 2016 Suffolk County Marathon and raise funds for organ donation advocacy through Team Liberty, a nonprofit organization that advocates for organ donation at many events on behalf of NJ Sharing Network, LiveOnNY and Donate Life Connecticut. It’s one of six charitable teams set to participate in the Oct. 30 marathon, half marathon and 5k, sponsored by Catholic Health Services, announced Suffolk Executive Steve Bellone last week. “We have an opportunity to not only raise money directly for veterans and veterans’ services here in Suffolk County, but we have the opportunity to utilize the marathon in a way that will raise funds for wonderful organizations,” Bellone said during a press conference. “These are teams are raising money for great causes and we’re incredibly grateful for the work they

Long Islander News photos/Janee Law

Local Transplant Patient Joins Marathon Team

Team Liberty, who will be raising funds for organ donation advocacy, gives Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone an honorary Team Liberty t-shirt for the Catholic Health Services Suffolk County Marathon, Half Marathon and 5k. do and proud to be partnering with them in their efforts.” Along with Team Liberty, the five other teams are: Patty’s Pacers, which is raising funds for the Patricia Keane deGeorge Memorial Scholarship at Adelphi University nursing school; Mothers Against Drunk Driving, advocating for MADD programs; Airborne Tri-Team, supporting the group’s veterans services; YMCA of Patchogue and Brookhaven, running to support YMCA programs; Rolling Thunder,

advocating for athletes with special needs; and Homes for Our Troops, advocating for disabled veterans. As for Siems, he said he’s expecting a great turnout for the event, and that “hopefully a lot of people will come and support every organization.” Currently, Team Liberty is up to 15 participants, but there are hopes to get that number up to 30 or more. Goals also include raising $5,000 toward awareness for organ donation in New York, according to Michele Martines,

Huntington Station resher current responsibiliident Edna Fetkowitz, a ties as president. Huntington Hospital vol“I would like to get unteer, was elected to a more involved in advocaone-year term as presicy, and what we can do for dent of the Nassauour hospitals,” said Suffolk Council of Fetkowitz of her goals for Hospital Auxiliaries. Her the Nassau-Suffolk term expires June 2017. Council of Hospital Fetkowitz has volunAuxiliaries. “We’re very Edna Fetkowitz teered at her local hospifocused on raising money tal since 1977, serving as for our hospitals’ needs, president of the Huntington but I think it’s good to find out from Hospital Auxilians from 2007- each hospital how we can provide 2012. She was then attending more help. So many things are Council Auxiliary meetings and changing in the medical field, I held various rolls there until her think more and more the auxilians recent election as president this are going to be called upon to help, June. Since the beginning of her 39 and I’d like to find out how we can.” years of volunteering, Fetkowitz In her role as president of the has dedicated two nights a week to Nassau-Suffolk Council of Hospital the Emergency Department of Auxiliaries, Fetkowitz will continue Huntington Hospital, a service she to lead this organization of hospital intends to continue while fulfilling volunteers that is aligned with the

Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Council, the organization that represents Long Island’s not-for-profit and public hospitals. Melville resident N. Scott Millar has been promoted to vice president and general manager of corporate human resources at Canon U.S.A. Millar, who succeeds Joseph Warren, will be involved with talent acquisition, talent and leadership development, total rewards, employment engagement and human resources operations and support. Since 2015, Millar has also served as senior director of human resources for Canon BioMedical, the company’s global headquarters for molecular diagnostic medical operations. Millar originally joined Canon Virginia in 1992, serving as the senior director of human resources for the branch, which is Canon’s

people

who is Siems’ mother. “We’re trying to bring more of it to New York,” she said. “It’s going to be wonderful that there’s going to be an event spotlighting the team.” Across the state, there are around 10,000 residents on the waiting list for organ donation. Meanwhile, 27 percent of residents within the state are registered organ donors, compared to 50 percent of residents across the country. New York is ranked as the last state in the nation of residents who are registered organ donors. “The significance is to raise awareness on how far behind New York State is,” Siems said. “We need a lot of help to get where we’re going.” Julia Rivera, director of communications at LiveOnNY, a nonprofit dedicated to the recovery of organs and tissue for transplant in the New York metropolitan area, said she’s grateful that Suffolk has been mobilizing several efforts to generate awareness about the importance of donating. Bellone said the work Team Liberty does is so important. “To be last in this critically important issue, we have to change that, we have to change that here in Suffolk County and all across the State of New York,” he added. “Team Liberty is helping to do that. We’re very grateful to them and we’re going to work with them to help make that happen.”

Compiled by Peter Sloggatt and Andrew Wroblewski flagship operation for manufacturing, engineering and technical support in the Americas. Local residents are among Farmingdale State College students who completed their degree requirements and were certified for graduation in May 2016: From Dix Hills, graduates are: Theresa Albano, Joshua Austin, Kristie Bohn, Theresa Catalano Evan Collins, Yvonne Cotterell, Lauren Cunningham, Deana Dickershaid, Peter Difatta, Steven Ferrantello, Kristyn Im, Maresa Spizzirri, Peter Tabinsky, Robert Lea, and Syed Shah. Graduates from Melville are: Ryan Donnelly, Julie Dukoff, Robert Eisemann, Benjamin Hirsch, Andre Ninivaggi, Victoria Ramkissoon and Marlene Sofer.

20 • JULY 28 -AUGUST 3, 2016

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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JULY 28, 2016 • A5

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Department Of Health Earns National Awards

The Nassau County Department of Health has been honored with a Model Practice Award at the National Association of County and City Health Officials 2016 Annual Conference. A Safe Place to Sleep, an awardwinning program implemented by the department and a national organization, was one of 19 local health departments’ programs across the nation to receive this prestigious award for implementing a program that demonstrates exemplary qualities in response to a local public health need. Nassau Department of Health’s Bureau of Environmental Engineering was also honored with a Promising Practice Award for the Environmental Health Toxic Emissions Program. “I am extremely proud of the Department of Health and I congratulate Commissioner Dr. Lawrence Eisenstein and his team for being national leaders in public health,” said Nassau Executive Mangano. “The Nassau County Department of Health has consistently been recognized as a national leader for developing responsive and innovative programs that promote and protect the health and safety of the residents of Nassau County.”

A Safe Place to Sleep was implemented as an injury prevention strategy to address infant fatalities resulting from unsafe sleep practices. The Nassau Department of Health partnered with the National Cribs for Kids Program, an organization that combines education to parents and caregivers on safe sleep practices for infants and provides portable cribs to families who, otherwise, cannot afford a safe place for their babies to sleep. Through this partnership, the Nassau Department of Health developed the tools and grants necessary to support a local Cribs for Kids Chapter within Nassau. This award-winning program recognizes that providing a safe place to sleep saves babies lives. The Nassau Department of Health continues to be a national leader in public health, and since 2013 has earned nine Model and Promising Practice Awards. NACCHO represents the nation’s 2,800 local government health departments. These cities, counties, metropolitan, district and tribal departments work every day to protect and promote health and well-being for all people in their communities.

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A6 • HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JULY 28, 2016

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OPEN HOUSES

Want to get your open houses listed? Get your listings for free on this page every week in Long Islander News papers. Call Associate Publisher Peter Sloggatt at 631-427-7000 or send an e-mail to psloggatt@longislandergroup.com. Town Huntington Sta Huntington Melville Melville Melville Dix Hills Dix Hills Dix Hills Huntington Sta Huntington Sta E. Northport Huntington Dix Hills Melville Dix Hills Dix Hills Dix Hills Dix Hills Melville Melville Melville

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Address Beds 15 Grayley Pl 2 65 Chichester Rd 4 18 Cabriolet Ln 5 22 Louis Dr 6 4 Martha Dr 4 Lot #6 Long Drive Ct 6 Lot #1 Long Drive Ct 6 Lot #2 Long Drive Ct 6 99 Glen Pasture Ct 1 40 Maplewood Rd 3 298 5th St 4 50 Cliftwood Dr 4 3 Haig Ct 6 6 Sleepy Ln 4 183 Candlewood Path 4 328 Gillette St 4 51 Foxhurst Rd 5 30 Arista Dr 4 687 Balfour Pl 3 205 Mount Misery Rd 5 130 Old East Neck Rd 5

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Time 12:00pm-1:00pm 12:00pm-1:30pm 5:00pm-7:00pm 5:00pm-7:00pm 5:00pm-7:00pm 11:00am-5:00pm 11:00am-5:00pm 11:00am-5:00pm 1:00pm-3:00pm 2:00pm-4:00pm 1:00pm-3:00pm 1:00pm-3:00pm 2:00pm-5:00pm 2:30pm-4:00pm 12:00pm-2:00pm 1:00pm-3:00pm 2:30pm-4:30pm 12:00pm-2:00pm 2:00pm-3:30pm 2:00pm-4:00pm 12:00pm-2:00pm

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Phone 631-427-6600 631-427-6600 888-236-6319 631-941-3100 631-499-9191 516-364-4663 516-364-4663 516-364-4663 631-757-4000 631-757-4000 631-754-4800 631-673-3700 516-921-2262 631-499-9191 631-543-9400 631-673-4444 631-427-6600 631-427-1200 631-862-1100 631-499-9191 888-236-6319

Environmental impacts of planned center questioned (Continued from page A1)

the draft environmental impact statement that was done for the project and filed with the Town of Huntington. Kouros Torkan, principal of project developer Syndicated Ventures, said he did not feel qualified to speak on the environmental aspects of the program, but believed there was no adverse impact. “We voluntarily did the DEIS to specifically review the environmental impact,” he said. “There is no negative environmental impact on the groundwater to the best of my understanding.” But Besmertnik claimed “you don’t have to have a PhD to figure this out.” “Just like when you pollute with one smokestack, it doesn’t lead… to greenhouse gasses, it’s all a cumulative effect,” Besmertnik said. Another one of the defining characteristics of the site project is its sand mounds. At the June 22 Huntington Planning Board meeting, Besmertnik asserted that the dunes act as a filter for water that ends up going into Long Island’s water table. Long Island gets its water from underground. There are three primary aquifers that provide drinkable water, one of which, the Magothy aquifer, is primarily used in the area of the planned

project. The Magothy aquifer, which sits on top of the Lloyd aquifer, is used by many wells throughout Suffolk The project sits just south of the water table’s groundwater divide. Long Island’s groundwater flows north and south of this divide. “The major zone of recharge, especially to the Magothy and Lloyd aquifers, is along the center of the island where the water table is highest,” according to a groundwater report from Stony Brook University’s Earth Science Educational Resource Center. The center of the water table, the report further elaborates, is in fact the groundwater divide. Since water flows north and south from this point, any water that falls on the divide tends to go vertically into the ground. When this occurs, it replenishes the deep aquifers in a process called “recharge.” According to a report from the Citizens Campaign for the Environment, “Unfortunately, this means that contaminants on the land within the deep-flow recharge area can also infiltrate the Magothy and Lloyd easily.” Further explaining the characteristics of groundwater, Henry Bokuniewicz, director of the Groundwater Institute at Stony Brook, explained that “the

aquifer is not like a swimming pool.” “If you pour ink in one part of the pool, it just spreads all over the place,” he said. He elaborated and said that, if contaminants have a short pathway to the water table, they can then easily spread in slow-moving contaminant plumes. In the project’s DEIS, it’s explained that water will be consumed by retail, restaurant, office and other uses. The report states that the Suffolk County Sanitary Code allows up to 600 gallons per day, per acre for sanitary flow without sewage treatment. The total maximum sanitary flow for this project is calculated at 33,606 gallons per day. That same figure is what is estimated to flow out of the site. But, in a letter to engineering firm Nelson, Pope & Voorhis in 2013, Robert Santoriello, superintendent of the Greenlawn Water District believes this to be a “significantly underestimated” figure. “We are concerned that the proposed 17,700-square-foot restaurant and the 90,000-square-foot fitness center will, by themselves, use at least more than the estimated water quantity,” he wrote. This figure is also what was used to calculate to potential nitrate impacts of the project.

According to the SONIR groundwater model produced by Nelson, Pope & Voorhis, the current estimated nitrogen concentration is 3.13 milligrams per liter. The EPA limit for nitrogen is 10 mg/l. According to the DEIS, the nitrogen concentration in recharge would be increased to 5.43 mg/l. Though the code allows untreated water, the DEIS states that “the proposed action will utilize on-site septic systems to treat and recharge all wastewater generated.” Besmertnik believes that the impact would still negatively impact the drinking water in the long run. “We don’t just do things here because of what’s going to be good for the next year,” he said. “When you talk about water quality, you got to be thinking about 50 to 100 years into the future.” A.J. Carter, spokesman for the Town of Huntington, said on Monday the Huntington Planning Board has not yet made a decision on whether or not to recommend a required change to the town’s comprehensive plan, necessary for the project to move forward, to the town board. Carter said a decision is expected to come down next month. Once that happens, the town board will take a look at the project.

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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JULY 28, 2016 • A7

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2017 Miss Long Island Teen hails from Dix Hills (Continued from page A1)

year’s pageant didn’t have any live performances, typically a fitness portion, evening wear and interview competition. Yaeger secured her crown after an interview with Riker and Pinard. Yaeger is a recent graduate of Half Hollow Hills High School East, where she was the captain of the kickline team. She plans to attend Long Island University Post in the fall with aspirations to become an orthodontist. For a Christmas show with Hills East’s kickline squad, Yaeger performed at the James E. Allen Elementary School and the James E. Allen

Jr./Sr. High School, both in Dix Hills, for students with disabilities. After the show, Yaeger said, the team got to speak with the students and teach them some dances. “It was just a life-changing moment for me to be able to see the smiles I could give to these children with autism,” said Yaeger, who also works as a camp counselor at Driftwood Day Camp in Melville. Yaeger was also a troop leader of Special Police Athletic League Sports Saturdays, a weekly program held in Deer Park for children with special needs. Yaeger, again with the Hills

East kickline time, volunteered time every Saturday, September through March. It was another life-changing moment, Yaeger said. “It really makes me happy to be able to help the children and their families,” she added. “I love it.” At the upcoming Miss New York Teen USA pageant, which will be held upstate in Harrison, Riker said Yaeger will work on honing her interview skills and “how to represent poise and grace on the stage.” “We think she’s a wonderful role model for teens today and we can’t

wait for her to go on ahead and represent Long Island,” Riker said. “Taylor can potentially do wonderful things there and we’re just hoping to make sure that she’s prepared and that she represents Long Island to its fullest.” Yaeger’s mother, Christine, added that her daughter works really hard and is very determined. “I’m looking forward to a wonderful year, and seeing all the growth and all the things that she’ll be able to do with this title,” she said. “I’m just over the moon with excitement for her and so proud of her.”

A8 • HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JULY 28, 2016

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