HalfHollow Hills Newspaper - April 18, 2013

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N E W S P A P E R

VOLUME SIXTEEN, ISSUE 6

24 PAGES

THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013

TOWN OF HUNTINGTON MELVILLE

Grand Jury Indicts In Fatal Crash

By Mike Koehler mkoehler@longislandernews.com

(Continued on page A22)

By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandernews.com

State Senator John Flanagan will not run for Huntington Supervisor.

The longtime East Northport lawmaker made the announcement April 12.

That decision capped several days of good news for Supervisor Frank Petrone’s re-election bid. Two days before Flanagan made his announcement, Petrone picked up an endorsement from Carpenters Local Union 290, awarded shortly after Petrone address a gathering of hundreds of members on April 10.

Petrone, first elected supervisor in 1993, said the Carpenters union en-

dorsement is particularly sweet for what it represents.

“The better feeling is to look at peoples’ faces when they have work and how much they appreciate it,” he said. “This to me was a homespun night where everything we’ve done in this area comes back to the hometown approach and takes care of people who live in the town.”

Flanagan said his decision came after “lengthy discussions” with colleagues, friends and family.

“I feel that I can continue to strongly represent the interests of Huntington, Smithtown, Brookhaven and all Long Island residents by being in Albany,” (Continued on page A22)

State Senator John Flanagan announced Friday he will not run for Huntington Supervisor. Two days earlier, Supervisor Frank Petrone addressed Carpenters Local Union 290, which later endorsed him for re-election.

TOWN OF HUNTINGTON

Dogs Welcome In The Park?

Town board proposal would allow on-leash walking in select parks

By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandernews.com

Dogs in the park may become a new fixture at select Huntington Town parks.

A proposal going before the Town Board on May 7 would create a process for reviewing requests to allow on-leash dog walking at specific town parks.

The proposal is an outgrowth of a pilot dog-walking program at Greenlawn’s Frazer Park, which, prior to implementing the dog-walking program, was marred by robberies, criminal mischief, fires and a rape in 2008. Neighbors credited the onleash dog-walking program with greatly improving safety at the park.

A six-month extension to the pilot pro-

gram, approved in February, directed the Huntington Greenway Trails Committee and the directors of General Services, Public Safety, and Parks and Recreation to work with Open Space Coordinator Margo Myles in drafting an amendment to town code that would allow leash dog trail designation in town parks by April 1.

Councilman Mark Cuthbertson, who sponsored the proposal, stressed that it’s not a solution for every situation, and that each must be considered on a case-by-case basis.

“It can’t be a blanket change. It’s clear that dogs are not appropriate in all parks and there may be a limited number of parks where the addition of dogs is appropriate,” (Continued on page A22)

Photo by Brent Eysler

A Melville woman claimed she didn’t own the vehicle involved in a fatal hit and run last fall in Huntington Station, let alone get behind the wheel.

Nicole Grammerstorf was taken into custody last week after a grand jury indicted her on five criminal charges connected to the Labor Day 2012 accident.

Luis Dagoberto Flores Hernandez, 27, was crossing East Jericho Turnpike that night when he was struck by a motor vehicle and dragged for 500 feet before he was dislodged. Police said at the time that it was a head-on collision and the driver should have been aware of the accident. Hernandez died at Huntington Hospital a short time later.

Suffolk County police never arrested anyone, but the District Attorney’s Vehicular Crimes Bureau investigated the accident. A grand jury considered the evidence and indicted both Grammerstorf and North Babylon mechanic Mark Monserrat.

Prosecutors allege Grammerstorf was behind the wheel at the time and fled the scene. After that, she allegedly went to Monserrat’s shop in Deer Park, where they conspired to repair the damage.

She was charged with tampering with evidence and leaving the

No Supervisor Bid For Flanagan

A public hearing on May 7 will address creating a process for reviewing requests to allow on-leash dog walking at specific town parks. Above, dogs have their day at Coindre Hall in Huntington.

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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • APRIL 18, 2013 • A3

MELVILLE

Caught On Camera Close-up of cell phone thieves released

By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandernews.com

A pair of unlucky cell phone thieves got their crystal-clear close-up taken in a recent Crime Stoppers alert.

The video still, in which both suspects are looking directly ahead at the surveillance camera and captured in unusually sharp detail, was released as part of a police effort to crack a two-month-old petit larceny case in which the two men are accused of stealing a pair of cell phones from an AT&T store in Melville.

The two men entered the Walt Whitman Road store and stole a red Galaxy S3 and a black iPhone 4S 16GB shortly before 6 p.m. on Feb. 15. The phones were on display on the sales floor and bolted to a display, but with a bit of sleight of hand, the thieves made off with

the phones.

“They were browsing around and they were loitering by some of these phones,” said Sgt. Steven DeSantis of the Second Precinct Crime Division. “They somehow unscrewed the back plate… loitered around a bit more, got over to these phones, grabbed the phones and waked out.”

The retail value of each phone is estimated at $400, DeSantis said.

As for the high-quality shot of the suspects, DeSantis credited the diligent work of the police officers tasked with combing security tapes for the perfect shot.

Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward up to $5,000 for information that leads to an arrest, and anyone with information can call anonymously at 1-800220-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.

Police are looking for two men who are suspected in a cell phone theft from an AT&T store in Melville.

TOWN OF HUNTINGTON

Bamboo Code Finally Breaks Through Board adopts third attempt to regulate plant immediately following public hearing dschrafel@longislandernews.com

After more than a year of hearings, debates and revisions, legislation to regulate the planting and spread of running bamboo was adopted in what felt like the blink of an eye.

Immediately following the third public hearing on the topic during the April 9 Huntington Town Board meeting, Councilwoman Susan Berland, Supervisor Frank Petrone and Councilman Mark Mayoka voted to enact a series of regulations that would require residents who have bamboo to keep it on their property or face fines.

For Joanne Walsh, of Greenlawn, and Sharon Sacks, of Huntington, the rapid action was a huge relief. Both women, whose properties have been affected by invasive bamboo from their neighbors, have been to town hall every month since the first hearing last year, prodding the board to approve regulations.

“This came as a complete, wonderful surprise,” Walsh said.

“It just feels so amazing that I can finally not have nightmares looking at it and knowing nothing can be done,” Sacks added.

Immediately after the public hearing closed, Berland moved to add the bambooregulating code to the agenda as a late starter and for her colleagues to call the vote immediately.

“I believe I have the support for it this time, and I’d like to try my hand,” Berland said.

Mayoka, who said last week that he was in favor of the changes made in the third proposal, cast the deciding vote.

“It’s been argued that this is an area of civil dispute… but what’s happened is that bamboo has been such a flash point. It’s affected so many houses, so many people, and it’s so invasive in nature that it’s become a regulatory issue,” he said.

That, combined with the six-month enforcement moratorium and a “less onerous” fine schedule included in the final draft, convinced him to vote yes, Mayoka said.

The law calls for a $250-$500 fine for allowing bamboo to grow into a neighbor’s property, with no time-activated recurring penalty attached. Intentionally planting specimens classified by the code as running bamboo would carry a $1,000 fine.

“This ordinance allows residents to plant what they want on their own property, but makes it clear that they cannot adversely affect their neighbors,” Petrone

Half Hollow Hills photo/Danny Schrafel

By Danny Schrafel

Finally, it’s done: Joanne Walsh and Sharon Sacks, who have needled Huntington Town Hall for inaction on bamboo legislation for more than a year, celebrate as the board votes 3-2 Tuesday to adopt Councilwoman Susan Berland’s proposal. said. “I supported this proposal from its inception, and I commend Councilwoman Berland for her persistence and flexibility in fine-tuning her proposal so it can become law.”

Berland and Petrone had both been steadily in support throughout the debate, while Councilmen Gene Cook and Mark

DIX HILLS

Biker Hits Neighbor’s Garbage Truck

By Jacqueline Birzon jbirzon@longislandernews.com

A crash between neighbors who live 0.3 miles from each other sent one Dix Hills man to the hospital, where he was listed in critical condition as of Sunday.

At approximately 5:16 p.m. Saturday, Lance Russell, 23, was operating his 2001 Yamaha motorcycle southbound on Carlls Straight Path, the street he lives on.

According to Detective Sergeant John O’Sullivan of the Second Precinct, who responded to the scene, Russell crossed over the double yellow line and inter-

fered with oncoming traffic to pass slower-moving cars on his side of the road.

Joseph Femia, 47, also of Carlls Straight Path, was operating a dump truck, and attempted to make a left turn into his driveway when Russell came up from behind in an attempt to pass him.

The dump truck, however, slowed to make the turn, causing Russell to serve.

He smashed into the back of the truck.

O’Sullivan said Russell was thrown from the bike onto the pavement, causing multiple injuries, including head trauma.

Russell was transported by ground to Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip

by the Dix Hills Rescue Squad.

The Motor Carrier Safety Section responded to the scene where they performed a safety inspection on the dump truck, which was cleared at the scene. According to police, Femia owned the dump truck he was driving at the time of the accident; it is registered to his personal landscaping company, J.L. Femia Landscaping.

The motorcycle, O’Sullivan said, was “severely damaged,” with the entire front end compressed. It was transported to the Westhampton Beach yard for inspection, the detective said.

Cuthbertson continued to oppose adopting bamboo regulations.

“We’re going into an area that’s just fraught with peril when it comes to enforcement and regulation,” Cuthbertson said.

Cook said that while the third draft was the best version so far, he favored adding a “sunset clause” recommended by Huntington resident Robert Lifson.

“It’s going to create more problems than it’s going to help, but it got three votes, it passed, and we’ll see what happens with it,” Cook said.

After the vote, disappointed opponents of the law argued that regulating bamboo was an act of overstepping by the government.

“I feel that they had already made up their mind before coming to this hearing,” said Julian Shih, of South Huntington. “I feel they rushed in – they want to be in fashion with other towns.”

Bimal Patel, of Huntington Station, argued the town board overreacted, and that being a good neighbor is more important than legislating the matter.

“It’s easily taken care of during the springtime,” he said, adding that he bought a property that included running bamboo, which he continues to maintain.

“You just knock it down and it stays back.

It needs to be done by both sides of the neighbors.”

A4 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • APRIL 18, 2013

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POLICE REPORT Compiled by Mike Koehler

All In The Family

Or Close Your Door?

Huntington’s most loved TV couple is… Thank

ing yourself with tools you may need along the way.

What’s even more amazing to me is that the workyou to all who responded to my inquiry about best shops and a dinner are free – just the way, in my TV couples of all time. I got so much feedback, and opinion, knowledge should be felt like a silly fool after seeing offered. Visit www.shufsd.org the couples I neglected to men- IN THE KNOW for more information. tion! Most of you wrote to reWITH AUNT ROSIE mind me of Ralph and Alice Earth day… An excellent Kramden. Alice was guaranteed to make the ladies opportunity to “go green” and laugh with her comebacks, and Ralph’s “bang teach your kids about the environment comes to zoom!” gets the men rolling, even to this day. A pair Huntington Town Hall on Sunday. The Family Earth of you also mentioned Howard and Marian CunningDay Expo, to be held from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., is one of ham from “Happy Days” – certainly an example of my favorite events of the year, possibly because I traditional family values. But the couple I got the find it to be incredibly responsible and forward-thinkmost grief for leaving out is Archie and Edith ing on the town’s part to offer something like this.

Bunker. As my friend, Chris, wrote to me: “Through Huntington residents can throw out e-waste items all their faults (mostly Archie's), I still think they such as cell phones, pagers, radios, stereos, computwere one of America's best loved couples. It's a ers, laptops, fax machines and televisions; dispose of shame that a show like ‘All In The Family’ could shrink wrap as the boats get ready to come out and probably not be made today. It was a groundbreaker play; and shred and recycle personal documents. And and I think one of the greatest TV shows of all time. kids will have a great time at the Marine Life, Touch My vote is for the Bunkers!” a Truck and green showcase exhibits. See you there!

Eagle mania… It’s been a month of the Eagles at Happy mail… An finally, a little thank you from The Paramount. First, Don Henley took the stage to a me.

We’ve gotten several letters (and in one case this sold-out crowd, and on Monday, Joe Walsh rocked past weekend, even flowers!) to the office recently out. The two are a part of a musical legacy known for thanking the reporters and staff for their hard work. I such albums as “Hotel California,” ranked 37th in have to say, it’s so nice to see these writers get recogRolling Stone's list of The 500 Greatest Albums of nized for what they do and more importantly, how All Time. How wonderful that we can draw such histhey do it. If you ask them, they’ll say no thanks are toric talent to our little town! Reunion concert at The needed because they’re just doing their jobs, but I Paramount, anyone? promise you, how this group approaches their work is far from ordinary, and I am a big believer in honest Parents need to learn, too… That’s why I think appreciation.

It’s good advice for life, actually: Don’t it’ worth mentioning a unique event happening be afraid to show your appreciation, not only to our tonight (Thursday, April 18) in South Huntington. At Parent University, moms, dads and guardians can par- news staff, but to anyone in your life or at work who is doing something worth thanking. Paying it forward ticipate in an array of workshops designed to arm never hurt anyone! them with information on how to raise successful children. Workshops touch upon some of the most (Aunt Rosie wants to hear from you! If you have important issues facing today’s children, from drug comments, ideas, or tips about what’s happening in abuse to bullying and college admissions. Childcare your neck of the woods, write to me today and let me is even being offered. The event is from 4:30-9 p.m. know the latest. To contact me, drop a line to Aunt at Walt Whitman High School (301 West Hills Road, Rosie, c/o The Long-Islander, 149 Main Street, HuntHuntington Station). It is so important nowadays to ington NY 11743. Or try the e-mail at be present in children’s lives, so please consider armaunt.rosieli@gmail.com)

A Huntington resident called Suffolk County police about a burglary on April 12. The complainant said the garage door was left open the day prior, and someone entered the home. Money was stolen.

Tool Thief Breaks Lock Suffolk police responded to South Huntington on April 12 about a theft. A construction company reported tools were stolen from a trailer. There was a lock on the trailer.

Good Bye, Money A motorist called Suffolk County police on April 12 about a grand larceny at a South Huntington gym. The complainant said someone broke a window to their 2004 Honda Pilot. A purse, containing credit cards and money, was stolen.

He’s Not Even 21 Yet! An East Northport man was arrested in Greenlawn after allegedly stealing beer from a supermarket on April 12. The 19-year-old was charged with petit larceny.

Mischief At The Beach Suffolk police were dispatched to Centerport about criminal mischief on April 11. The complainant reported damage at a building at Centerport Beach. No specifics on the damage were available.

Maybe She Was Hungry?

A Huntington woman was arrested in connection to shoplifting on April 11. The 59-year-old allegedly stole groceries from a Huntington Station supermarket.

Bar Patron Hurls Beer Suffolk police were dispatched to a Huntington Station bar on April 10 about an assault. A male customer threw a bottle at a female employee. She was taken to Huntington Hospital for treatment.

A Little Glass On Glass Action Suffolk police responded to a Greenlawn home on April 10 about criminal mischief. The complainant said someone broke a window with a beer bottle.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK TYLER GRIMALDI

PICTURE THIS

Burglar Takes Laptop A Dix Hills resident called Suffolk County police on April 10 about a home break-in. The complainant said windows were broken. A laptop and jewelry were stolen.

Councilwoman Susan Berland and her team of volunteers clean up Carll Cemetery in Dix Hills as part of the annual “Keep Huntington Beautiful” campaign.

“No matter how high a kid is ranked, I think that no one can beat me; I’m the best no matter what.”

Parking Meter Crushed In Crash An anonymous complainant went to Northport police headquarters early on April 8 to report a motor vehicle accident. The complainant said an older, gray vehicle was speeding when it hit a parking meter on Main Street. The complainant also said the driver fled the scene. Police found the parking meter pole bent to the ground and the meter shattered into pieces. A search of the area returned nothing. No coins or coin box was recovered. The case was forward to a detective and the Highway Department.

West Wrestling Prodigy Places Third In Country, PAGE A24

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TOWN OF HUNTINGTON

Lines Drawn In Cook’s Building Code Debate Half Hollow Hills photo/Danny Schrafel

ZBA Chairman Chris Modelewski speaks out against proposed building code changes that would, in part, allow for more amenities in detached garages.

By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandernews.com

Speakers on both sides of proposed amendments to the town’s building codes stood their ground before the Huntington Town Board during an April 9 hearing.

While supporters argued the code changes would increase Huntington residents’ personal liberties and make building code more user friendly, opponents said the changes would increase the number of accessory apartment abuses and make enforcement more challenging.

The proposed changes, sponsored by Councilman Gene Cook, would allow homeowners who have detached residential garages to add plumbing, heat, stairs, insulation, wall coverings, a basement or crawl space, a second story and/or an upper level. While water can be connected to the building, wastewater plumbing is prohibited.

Cook’s proposals would also amend town code governing residential garages in R-15, R-10, R-7 and R-5 zoning to allow garage space for three cars per home. In R-80, R-40 and R-20, the maximum space would be four cars per home. In any other zone, the limit is space for two cars per unit.

But a pair of Town Hall heavy hitters immediately cast doubts upon the proposal. Zoning Board of Appeals Chairman Chris Modelewski spoke of his “grave concerns,” earlier listed in a March 25 letter to the town board, about changing the definition of what constitutes a garage.

“I urge you to very, very carefully consider retaining the present definition of a garage and allowing, in appropriate cases…applications in a public forum, before the Zoning Board of Appeals,” he said.

Attorney Ed Nitkewicz, who serves as the town’s accessory apartment hearing officer, argued the changes proposed could create an enforcement nightmare for Public Safety officers.

“To grant people the opportunity to create a separate, habitable space in detached garages is going to make our job unbearable,” Nitkewicz said. “It’s going to be a very difficult thing for us to police.”

Cook replied that the law was crafted

under the guidance of multiple department heads to allow more freedom in how Huntington residents use their properties, while maintaining stiff penalties for illegal uses.

“We are very strict in our laws in terms of habitable space,” Cook said. “We can’t penalize the good people for some of the bad things that are being done.”

That position had the support of Huntington resident Michael Kornfeld, who praised Cook for presenting a “common-sense proposal” that he urged the town board to fine-tune as needed.

“Residents should be able to make full and responsible use of their property, including accessory structures. The notion that this would be habitable space… I believe to be a red herring, without merit,” he said.

Art DiScala, the Huntington coordinator for the Conservative Society for Action, argued resistance to changes in the building code was steeped in a “guilty before proven innocent” mindset.

It’s up to Public Safety officers to crack down on violators, he continued.

“I think we got that a little bit backwards,” he said. “Is there potential for abuse? Absolutely – but I’m not willing to sell my freedoms for that.”

Councilman Mark Cuthbertson, a critic of Cook’s proposal, argued “there’s more to this than freedom.”

“Put aside the habitable space debate… there are public policy choices here,” Cuthbertson said. “One of the troubling public policy choices in this legislation are to allow three-car garages, as of right, on parcels as small as 5,000 square feet. It also allows fourcar garages on larger parcels… again, a troubling public policy choice.”

Cook added that during his first 16 months in office, a number of homeowners reached out to complain about the limitations on garage uses.

Cook stressed that he is willing to compromise and pull certain portions in order to get the majority of the bill enacted. If that includes the sections governing detached garages, so be it, he said.

“If that’s what they want to take out – that’s fine. It’s not a big deal to me,” Cook said. “I’ve got a lot of people who had issues with it, and it’s unfair. My personal feeling is that it takes our freedoms away from us.”

THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • APRIL 18, 2013 • A5

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MELVILLE

Chamber Extending Hand To Non-Profits Business group and professional development firm teaming up to teach workshops

By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandernews.com

The Melville Chamber of Commerce and a recent addition to the Farmingdale business community have teamed up in a new effort to strengthen nonprofit organizations through education.

Leaders of the Melville Chamber and the TEC Resource Center announced April 7 they were partnering to provide free workshops, designed to help nonprofit organizations refine their efforts and become

more effective and successful. The lessons available range from basic survival techniques to high-level improvements.

“We work with organizations to help them put together training that is customized for what their individual performance gaps may be,” TEC President Abbe Meehan said.

Chamber President Mike DeLuise said the concept for the joint project came after TEC Resource Center, which opened in June, joined their group.

As DeLuise and Meehan talked, the

chamber head recalled a focus on common trouble areas for nonprofit boards. One particularly sticky area, he said, is well-intentioned people who are drafted to boards but soon find themselves adrift.

“Quite a few people join a board and they don’t know what their responsibilities are,” DeLuise said.

As the two spoke, the idea came together to offer any nonprofit board member, including those from a synagogue, a charity or a school board, a free workshop focusing on developing, recruiting for and ori-

TOWN OF HUNTINGTON

“Quite a few people join a board and they don’t know what their responsibilities are,” — MIKE DELUISE, Chamber President

County Executive On The Menu

By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandernews.com

County Executive Steve Bellone will focus on the state of Suffolk County as he addresses the Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce over breakfast at the Huntington Yacht Club April 23.

Bellone’s visit is part of the chamber’s Breakfast Networking Series, an earlymorning speaker series that also focuses on networking, sharing late-breaking news and providing a platform for business owners and residents.

Even without an assist from the current county executive, the series is growing and sustaining its popularity, said Chamber Vice Chair Larry Kushnick, who will also

moderate the discussion.

“We’ve been pretty much selling out, packing the rooms [during the Breakfast Networking Series], and we think that’s going to happen with the county executive,” Kushnick said. “If people are interested, they should really get their tickets now.”

Bellone, who was sworn in as county executive in 2012 after serving as Babylon town supervisor for more than 10 years, is expected to focus on the state of Suffolk County and the impact countywide conditions will have on Huntington.

“We’re always honored to have our county executive address our group because the county and the town are all conjoined in our economic objectives,” Kushnick said.

Being educated on countywide conditions is important for a town of Huntington’s size, Kushnick explained.

“Huntington, being one of the larger towns, is a large economic engine in the county. So as Huntington survives and prospers, so does the county,” the vice chair said.

Anybody hoping to hear Bellone at the chamber’s event should be prepared to rise early on April 23. Networking at the Yacht Club begins at 7:30 a.m., with Bellone’s address set to begin around 8:30 a.m.

Tickets are $25 for Huntington Chamber members and $35 for non-members. For more information on the program, sponsorships or to register, call 631-423-6100 or visit www.huntingtonchamber.com.

enting nonprofit boards, Meehan said.

“We’re looking to see who we can help in the area,” she explained.

After setting the foundation, Meehan added, taking further steps to improve operations can be the difference in making a good board a great one.

Currently, the focus is on getting word out about the new program. No workshops have been held or scheduled as of yet, DeLuise said, and many potential participants are studying their bylaws closely to ensure they can participate in the program when the time is right.

“It’s going to be on a first-come, first serve basis,” he said. “We feel we can handle quite a few of these organizations to help them, and it’s only going to make them better.”

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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • APRIL 18, 2013 • A7

TOWN OF HUNTINGTON

Full Speed Ahead For Safe Boating Week

By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandernews.com

Organizers of Huntington’s inaugural Safe Boating Week have announced an ambitious 11-day plan, including multiple boating safety courses, vessel inspections and a unique Nautical Flea Market.

Presented by the Greater Huntington Council of Yacht and Boating Clubs, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, Neptune Sail and Power Squadron and the Town of Huntington, the events begin May 13, 15 and 17, with free New York State safe boating courses offered on each of those days. National Safe Boating Week runs from May 18-24.

“It should be a wonderful course because of the wealth of knowledge the instructors have,” said Jackie Martin, commodore of the Greater Huntington Council of Yacht and Boating Clubs.

Those courses are especially important to local boaters. As of November 2013, Suffolk County residents must have a safe boating certificate to operate a motorized vessel in county waters.

When National Safe Boating Week begins on May 18, the Neptune Sail & Power Squadron, with assistance from the Coast Guard Auxiliary and other agencies, will be performing courtesy vessel safety checks. Instead of bringing the boat to the inspector, Martin said the inspectors will go to the boat.

“We have made it very, very convenient and everyone has been very cooperative,” she said.

Huntington Safe Boating Week begins May 13 with the first of three free state-sanctioned safe boating courses, and concludes May 24 with the annual Meet the Commodores night at Huntington Yacht Club.

Also on May 18, the Coast Guard Auxiliary will present “Paddle Sports America” at the Huntington YMCA. Registration is $25 and covers the cost of materials.

Sunday’s main feature, a Nautical Flea Market at Mill Dam Park, will include

food, music and informational booths staffed by local yacht and boating clubs, as well as scores of vendors ranging from nautical artists to sellers of nautical equipment and private booths filled with second-hand merchandise.

“People are very, very excited about it,

and they’re not coming to set up a booth, they can’t wait to shop,” Martin said.

That same day, the National Wear It Campaign, which promotes the use of life vests, will stage a giant group photo of life vest-wearing guests at 2 p.m. A town harbormaster patrol boat will also be on display for tours, and the Suffolk County Marine Police Bureau may also have a vessel on hand, Martin added.

As Safe Boating Week winds down, more advanced coursework becomes available. “Suddenly in Command” at Britannia Yachting Center in Northport May 20 focuses on handling emergencies on board. Britannia then turns its attention to VHF radio operation on May 21. And on Wednesday, May 22, the Neptune Power Squadron will kick off its nine-week series of sailing classes. Safe Boating Week winds up on May 23 with the Meet the Commodores reception at Huntington Yacht Club.

Throughout the week and a half of programming, the tragedy that inspired its formation remains at the forefront. Huntington Safe Boating Week falls about two months ahead of the first-year anniversary of a July 4 boating disaster in Oyster Bay, in which 12-year-old David Aureliano, 11-year-old Harlie Treanor and 7-year-old Victoria Gaines, died after the cabin cruiser they were aboard capsized.

“As we approach the start of the 2013 season, it is important that we as a community come together and continue to make safe boating a key issue,” organizers said in their mission statement.

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Opinion

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d letters to The Editor, : Half Hollow 149 Main S Hills Newspaper, treet, Huntington , New York 11743 or e-m info@long ail us at islanderne ws.com

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

Choose Your Freedom It took only an instant for a scene of joy and ranged person, it is still an act of terrorism. celebration of accomplishment to turn into one Terrorism is something we haven’t grown of horror as a pair of explosions rocked the fin- used to in this country, perhaps because we so ish line of Monday’s Boston Marathon. As ex- cherish our freedoms. We may have grown hausted marathoners approached the end of the used to the stringent security associated with course and readied to celebrate their 26.2-mile airplane travel, and perhaps no longer register feat of endurance, a pair of bombs reportedly shock at the sight of troops with automatic hidden in trash cans among the crowds of spec- weapons patrolling Penn Station, but we are tators detonated within seconds of each other. otherwise resistant to tighter security measAs this newspaper went to press ures, particularly at a cost of our late Monday, reports were that three freedoms. It explains the debate people were dead, includeing a child, EDITORIAL over gun control. and more than 100 were injured by Schoolhouse shootings and the blasts. No one was hurt in a third explosion massacres in a movie theater and shopping about an hour later at the Kennedy Library. malls shockingly are all part of recent experiIt is too early to know if the bombs were the ence in America. How many more will it take work of a single individual or an organized before we can accept that a certain amount of group, but make no mistake – this is an act of restrictions and regulations – whether it be gun terrorism. Because of current international af- control laws or taking our shoes off for airfairs, we tend to associate terrorism as the plane security – are freedoms worth giving up work of extremists in the Middle East. But for the greater freedom of being able to live even if Boston was the work of just one de- without fear of random violence?

Letters to the editor are welcomed by Long Islander Newspapers. We reserve the right to edit in the interest of space and clarity. All letters must be handsigned and they must include an address and daytime telephone number for verification. Personal attacks and letters considered in poor taste will not be printed. We cannot publish every letter we receive due to space limitations.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Deny The Cow Harbor Warriors This is a public letter to the Northport Village Board.

We are the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1469 of Huntington and we are the largest Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Like the Northport American Legion, we are a family held together by extraordinary bonds and we work daily with our veterans and their families, the Northport VA and our troops still serving this great nation. We request that the village deny their permits requested by the Cow Harbor Warriors.

We have been closely following the Cow Harbor Warriors and their changing stories about their finances and purpose. We attended the April 2 village meeting and were disgusted by the conduct of the Cow Harbor Warriors. The Cow Harbor Warriors are run by a group of non-veterans and they are attempting to shame the Legion, our honorable veterans from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Persian Gulf and Iraq/Afghanistan for asking questions about Cow Harbor Warrior finances as well

as their lack of support for the Northport VA and our local veterans. We have confronted groups like this in the past, groups that are supposedly raising funds for veterans but then when questioned you find out that the funds haven’t gone to veterans. Instead of proving they are legitimate, they hide behind others, including women and children, and constantly change their story. We can’t even keep track of all the changing stories about their funds and who they really support. Even the $82,000 sent to the Wounded Warrior Project had to be requested by an attorney from the Wounded Warrior Project. So much for working closely for months on either a $50,000 donation or a wheelchair accessible van, huh? Now after telling everyone that they are legitimate and properly registered, we find out that they haven’t even complied with Suffolk County law, a law that we helped enact because of nonprofits taking advantage of our veterans and communities.

Mr. Donnino said that he would be willing to turn over the Cow Harbor Warrior checks, bank records and invoices to anyone in the public other than the Legion.

We are taking Mr. Donnino up on

his offer. The VFW wants the Cow Harbor Warriors to deliver its books and records to the VFW for forensic accounting.

We have a common bond with the Legion because they have shared the military experience and that bond is even greater among those in combat. We are grateful to our brothers at the Legion for withstanding the onslaught of the Cow Harbor Warriors and exposing this group. Village Trustee Tom Kehoe said that as a first step the Cow Harbor Warriors must comply with Suffolk County law.

We agree. The Village permits must be denied until the Cow Harbor Warriors come clean with their books. It’s time for the Cow Harbor Warriors to put up or shut up!

BRUCE BRENNER VFW Post Commander

Don’t Forget Parent U Editor’s note: The following was taken from an e-newsletter.

DEAR EDITOR: Please remember that our popular Parent University is scheduled for Thursday, April 18 from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Walt Whitman

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

Founded in 1996 by James Koutsis Copyright © 2013 by Long Islander Newspapers, publishers of The Long-Islander, The Record, Northport Journal and Half Hollow Hills Newspaper. Each issue of the The Long-Islander and all contents thereof are copyrighted by Long Islander, LLC. None of the contents or articles may be reproduced in any forum or medium without the advance express written permission of the publisher. Infringement hereof is a violation of the Copyright laws.

JACCI HARRIS Deputy Superintendent South Huntington Schools

Precautions At Home After Boston Bombing DEAR EDITOR: In response to the recent apparent bombing targeting the Boston Marathon, the Suffolk County Police will step up patrols around mass-transit systems located in the Police District. Suffolk County Police Officers will make frequent and irregular patrol checks at mass transit facilities (ferry terminals, airports and train stations). Particular attention will be paid to the five major rail hubs in Babylon, Huntington, Patchogue, Port Jefferson and Ronkonkoma.

Directed police patrols will include having officers exiting their vehicles and walking through the

transportation facilities.

Extra Suffolk County Police Emergency Service Police Officers as well as an additional canine unit will also be on patrol.

These officers and this canine unit are special trained in detecting and dealing with explosive devices.

Officers and the public should be alert for suspicious persons, packages and/or vehicles. Emergency Service Section personnel will respond to any potential explosive device. All department personnel will continue to be vigilant and maintain visible and enhanced patrols at transportation facilities including Long Island Railroad stations and parking lots, airports and bus stops. Increased patrols will also be conducted at vulnerable entities and any other location where large number of people congregate (sports arenas, shopping malls).

Additionally, any calls of suspicious packages or person(s) occurring at large gatherings, will be dispatched immediately. Suffolk County Police have no reason to believe that a similar incident will occur in Suffolk County but the department is taking precautionary measures to ensure residents safety.

KEVIN FALLON Deputy Chief Suffolk Police Dept.

Peter Sloggatt Associate Publisher/Managing Editor

HALF HOLLOW HILLS N E W S P A P E R

High School. This special program will bring experts on a variety of subjects together for discussions on the challenging task of parenting.

The program is free of charge and childcare services will be available. We will also be offering selected workshops in Spanish and providing informational booths for all to enjoy.

Please join us on Thursday night and become part of the Parent University excitement.

Luann Dallojacono Editor Mike Koehler Associate Editor Danny Schrafel Jacqueline Birzon Reporters

Ian Blanco Dan Conroy Production/ Art Department

Susan Mandel Advertising Director Marnie Ortiz Office / Legals

Michael McDermott Account Executive

149 Main Street, Huntington, New York 11743 631.427.7000

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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • APRIL 18, 2013 • A9

Life&Style ART

What Goes Into Making Of An ‘Expo’?

Esteemed artists, dedicated volunteers make b.j. spoke’s biggest showcase happen dschrafel@longislandernews.com

While it may seem like it all comes together overnight, b.j. spoke gallery’s annual Expo competitive art exhibit is a welloiled machine, powered by dedicated volunteers who begin working behind the scenes months in advance.

Now in its 32nd annual installment, b.j. spoke’s Expo is unique among the co-op gallery’s programs. Although it is an open competition for artists across the United States, expert judging came from the gallery’s own backyard via acclaimed Huntington artist Stan Brodsky, who served as the show’s juror. The 20 winning artists will be on display through April 28.

“This is a consistently good show, and stimulating to the visitors and to the artists,” gallery manager Marilyn Lavi, who has worked on 15 consecutive Expo shows, said. “And to have Stan here was amazing. He was very gracious and spoke to every one of the artists. They were waiting for him.”

After receiving hundreds of entries, Brodsky and Lavi narrowed down the na-

tionwide pool of applicants to the 20 now on display, including a pair – Barbara Miller, of East Northport, and Kate Kelly, of Northport – who call Huntington Township home. Lavi said it took about four months from the initial call for submissions to opening night for Expo 32.

Behind the scenes, a number of committees coordinate competitions, hang the art, receive pieces from across the country and design the layout of each art show. Then, a four-member installation committee undertakes the five- to seven-hour task of putting it all in place for the opening night festivities.

When it’s all finished, all the behind-thescenes work results in an eclectic showcase for patrons to engage in, ranging from traditional paintings and sculptures to 3D artwork and an eye-popping, suggestive spin on a pair of American icons that hangs prominently in the center of the gallery.

“We like that in a show. There’s some beautiful artwork, and there’s some controversial artwork,” Lavi said. “The more you think going through a show, the better.”

It also offers the gallery, which was packed during the April 6 opening recep-

Half Hollow Hills photo/Danny Schrafel

By Danny Schrafel

b.j. spoke manager Marilyn Lavi displays submissions by some of the artists on display during the gallery’s signature show, Expo 32. tion, a golden opportunity to sell its members’ creations.

“In these times, it’s lovely to sell some art,” Lavi said. “That’s why they come to a gallery, too – they’re maybe very good artists, but not good salespeople, so they’ve got kind of a helping hand here.”

Attracting artists from across the United States gave b.j. spoke members fresh insights on regional artistic trends, an opportunity to network with fellow artists and build memberships in the gallery, Lavi said.

“It’s just a very good-feel show, and I had a great time. It was fun,” she added.

THEATER

Theater Down To The ‘Bare Bones’ Of It All

By Mary Beth Casper info@longislandernews.com

Jeff Bennett has always loved the theater and its shows.

As founder and artistic director of The Bare Bones Theater Company in Northport, Bennett has been a local champion in bringing innovative, solid dramas and comedies to local audiences since 2000.

The springboard to starting a theater came from his interest in offering acting classes to adults in Northport when the initial pleasure after retirement from the public school system started to wear off.

“I’d taught high school drama, chorus, English and public speaking for over 31 years,” Bennett said.

After two years of puttering around, the lure of the arts brought him back into the fold. He began to offer drama classes to adults in his hometown of Northport. Two years later, the classes led to the formation of The Bare Bones Theater Company.

Since then, the company has gained a reputation for producing top-notch plays that Bennett chooses because they “sparked an interest in me and [hopefully] will do so for our cast and audiences.”

As its name implies, the production company’s focus is on producing quality presentations on shoe-string budgets. Like New York City’s off-off-Broadway houses, a Bare Bones production gives actors an opportunity to immerse themselves in the serious side of acting. No glitzy sets or costumes are featured in typical Bare Bones plays. Instead, the producers, directors, cast and crew find unique ways to bring forth excellent work that showcases their love of

the craft and exde Scapin” cites audiences, (Scapin’s Deas well. ceits) written Bennett is also

by Brits, Frank interested in findDunlop and ing plays that Jim Dale. will speak to “This is a youth. He knows brilliant farce,” first-hand just said Bennett. how important The cast, like acting can be to Bare Bones Theater Company founder Jeff Bennett most of his prothat age group. and “Scapino!” director Alex Edwards-Bourdrez, of ductions, is He’s adamant in Northport. drawn mostly his belief that from alumni acting is a great way to educate high school from his acting classes. students.

The director, Northport resident Alex “I was lucky,” he said. The majority of his Edwards-Bourdrez, like Bennett, has a teaching years at Shoreham-Wading River background in teaching drama. He also High School gave him the chance to do sev- holds a master’s in French language and literal full-scale productions each school year. erature from Middlebury College. In addi“Today, few high schools do that,” he tion, he’s been a professional actor, apsaid. pearing in regional theater, and also was a In fact, Bennett is such a firm believer in radio sportscaster. the importance acting plays in the lives of Doing an updated version of a Moliere high schoolers, that he published “Sec- play appealed to Edwards-Bourdrez. The ondary Stages: Revitalizing High School cast has been working hard to come up Theater” (Heinemann 2001). with wonderful site-gags and to capture Acting does more than give young people the different highly stereotyped characters a sense of self-confidence, he believes. that pepper the cast.

“Being in a play gives students a “The characters represent exaggerated chance to improve their reading skills, attributes that are inside all of us,” he said. memorize lines and learn how to interpret “There’s the greedy person, the angry one, text,” he said. the starry-eyed lover, among others.”

While the theater company has done “Scapino!” takes place in a small fishAmerican classics like “A View From The ing village in Italy, and the time is the Bridge,” they’ve also given local play- present. The lead, a servant named wrights a chance to showcase their origi- Scapino, is a lovable scoundrel who nal works. Next up for Bare Bones is the spends his life conning people for his production of “Scapino!”, an updated ver- own benefit. Occasionally, though, he sion of Moliere’s classic, “Les Fourberies helps others, such as the distressed lovers

in this play.

The action takes place in a café, where the lovers, whose romance is threatened by their parents' attempts to secure arranged marriages for them, suffer greatly. As they face their fate, comedy takes over and broad a comedy enfolds.

Edwards-Bourdrez and Bennett cannot say enough about their cast and production team.

“These are people who work full-time jobs, but find the time to come to rehearsals for several hours most nights of the week,” Edwards-Bourdrez said.

While many of the Bare Bones actors may be pursuing acting careers while holding down other jobs, others are merely into the productions for the love of the art.

Such love is manifested in many ways.

Alumni of theater classes and previous productions may not be cast in a play, but they will find time to assist backstage, or in other capacities.

“I can’t say enough about what Bare Bones means to me,” said Will Mercado, a retired member of the NYPD, who is currently pursuing an acting and directing career. “We’re like family. We not only love being in shows together, but we help each other out in other phases of life when the need arises.”

“Scapino!” will be performed on Fridays and Saturdays, April 19, 20, 26 and 27 at 8 p.m. and on April 21 and 28 at 3 p.m. The theater is located at 57 Main St. in Northport, in the Posey School of Dance building. Tickets are $25 and are available at www.barebonestheater.com.

Or, call 800-838-3006.

A10 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • APRIL 18, 2013

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&

Health Fitness Fifty 50+Plus Keeping Kids Healthy In an effort to keep kids moving and learning when school is out, the Huntington Y will celebrate the YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day this month with a free community event.

Healthy Kids Day, the Y’s national initiative to improve families’ health and well-being, aims to kick start healthier behaviors at critical out-of-school time for children’s health. The event will take place on Saturday, April 27, from 1-4 p.m. at the Y, located at 60 Main St. in Huntington. Included will be active play and educational activities, such as Family Zumba, a children’s fun run, sports and games, a petting zoo, healthy snacks and a camp open house.

Many U.S. children do not get the daily recommended hours of physical activity and reading, and daily amounts of healthy foods. According to the latest findings of the YMCA’s Family Health Snapshot – a survey of parents that gauges their children’s activity levels during the school year – only 19 percent of children get 60 minutes of physical activity, only 17 percent read books for fun, and only 12 percent eat at least eight fruits and vegetables daily.

“At the Huntington Y, we know parents struggle to keep their kids physically and intellectually active every day. We want to help ensure fewer kids are at risk of childhood obesity and more kids excel in

“We want to help ensure fewer kids are at risk of childhood obesity and more kids excel in school.”

— EILEEN KNAUER, HUNTINGTON Y EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR school,” said Eileen Knauer, executive director of the Huntington Y. “YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day will get kids moving and learning while also helping families get a jump on creating a healthier summer, and ultimately a healthier future.”

Research shows that without access to out-of-school physical and learning activities, kids fall behind academically and gain weight twice as fast during summer than the school year. On April 27, YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day will help parents begin thinking early about what their kids need to grow and achieve all summer long.

Representatives from Wild By Nature and Happy Family Organics will share information about healthy eating for families and Huntington Jeep Chrysler will provide information on car seat safety. Drivers can also test drive a car, which will result in a donation to the Y.

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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • APRIL 18, 2013 • A11

Health & Fitness / Fifty 50+Plus

Saving Green By Driving Green EcoTaxi uses fleet of hybrid SUVs to shuttle customers around Huntington Half Hollow Hills photo/Mike Koehler

Spotlight On

Huntington Businesses

By Mike Koehler mkoehler@longislandernews.com

What began as a part-time gig for one Long Island man to cover the bills as his day job took off became an entrepreneurial opportunity.

Boris Goldstein is the owner of EcoTaxi, an environmentally-friendly cab company servicing the Town of Huntington.

“We’re reducing the carbon footprint, one customer at a time,” he said.

A Brooklyn native who moved to Huntington, Goldstein took a job selling insurance. While he worked early on to develop residual income, he supplemented his income by driving cabs across Long Island.

It quickly became clear that waste was a major problem. The insurance company’s cars were not maintained well, causing drivers to spend more on gas. If they had been maintained, Goldstein said, he could have saved $20-$30 a day at the pump.

“A lot of my earnings were going away towards gas expenses,” he said.

EcoTaxi was born in March 2012. Goldstein obtained licensing from the Town of Huntington, bought a Honda Civic hybrid and slowly began his own taxi company.

Unlike regular livery companies, EcoTaxi is as focused on staying green as it is on turning a profit. All of the drivers’ trip logs are recorded on smartphones instead of paper, regular tune-ups reduce emissions and help the cars use less fuel, used motor oil is recycled, and tire pressure is carefully monitored to increase gas mileage.

EcoTaxi driver Danny Galifano is one of eight independent contractors driving hybrid cabs out of the Huntington LIRR station.

Of course the heavy hitter is the company’s fleet of hybrid vehicle. EcoTaxi owns four Ford Escape Hybrids.

“They consume 50 percent less fuel, which is better for the environment and helps the driver save on fuel expenses,” Goldstein said.

EcoTaxi is also unusual in that all of the drivers are independent contractors, not company employees. The eight drivers schedule times they can lease an SUV for as many hours as they want to work. Required only to have a Town of Huntington Taxi Operator permit, drivers can accept calls from the dispatcher in Farmingdale or develop their own clientele.

“Everyone wants to get as many calls as they can, but most drivers focus on getting

their own clients,” Goldstein said.

The company’s office is located in Cold Spring Harbor, but the center of its business is actually the LIRR station in Huntington Station. The company’s fares, which Goldstein brags are very competitive, vary by distance from the train station. Going from the station a couple of blocks costs $7, while a ride into Huntington village goes for $8.

They do charge an additional $2 for every extra passenger on local fares and $5 on out of town fares.

EcoTaxi serves the entire Town of Huntington and gets some calls from train riders in East Northport, Greenlawn and Cold Spring Harbor. However, Goldstein said most of his customers are connected either

to the Huntington LIRR station or Huntington village.

“A lot of the bars will call us. A lot of the nightclubs on the weekend down in the village will call us,” he said.

But in theory, Goldstein said his cabbies will drive as far as they get paid for. New York City is not an uncommon destination, but a $375 trip to Atlantic City was.

“It’s very rare. This far, it’s only happened once,” he said.

EcoTaxi also offers flat rates to the region’s airports. A ride to MacArthur Airport runs $65 while a trip to Newark International goes for $150.

In celebration of Earth Day – April 22 – Goldstein announced that EcoTaxi customers can pay whatever they’d like for local rides. The owner admitted some customers may choose not to pay at all.

“Because we’re an eco-friendly company, we’re going to give customers the option of paying whatever they want,” he said.

Business continues to grow and EcoTaxi is gaining a reputation, although Goldstein said they may need another year before they’re a household name in Huntington.

Ideally, he wants to maintain the existing Huntington service and gradually spread across Long Island, dispatching out of Farmingdale. After he adds a few more vehicles around Huntington, Goldstein said he’s looking into Amityville or Babylon.

He also said he may move on from hybrids to electric vehicles to make EcoTaxi even greener.

“This is the direction that everyone should be headed into, a way where we can both help the environment and save money at the same time – what a great combination,” Goldstein said.

EcoTaxi 631-624-3727 www.ecotaxiny.com

Going Green At Huntington’s Earth Day Expo

By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandernews.com

Huntington’s annual one-stop shop for going green will once again spring up in Town Hall’s parking lot April 20.

The Family Earth Day Expo, hosted by Supervisor Frank Petrone and Councilman Mark Cuthbertson, is scheduled to run from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

“In recognition of Earth Day, it is equally important to be able to show families across Huntington how easy it is to protect kids from harmful chemicals and pesticides, how to make homes and cars more energy efficient and how to save money in the process,” Cuthbertson said.

Covanta, which has been a steady sponsor of the Plug In To E-Cycling feature, will again give Huntington residents a chance to throw out e-waste items such as cell phones, pagers, radios, stereos, computers, laptops, fax machines and televi-

sions while ensuring they are handled correctly in the waste stream.

The event embodies the spirit of the town’s recently launched curbside e-waste recycling program, which meets state regulations set to go into effect in 2015 that ban residents from throwing e-waste out with their regular trash.

“By now, everybody knows that their unwanted electronic items shouldn’t just be thrown into the trash, but many people don’t know exactly how to get rid of them,” Petrone said. “Our annual Plug In to E-Cycling Day helps people clean out their attics and closets while helping to preserve the environment.”

Covanta will also continue to promote battery recycling by cosponsoring a rechargeable battery collection program with Call2Recycle. Since 1996, the Call2Recycle program has resulted in the collection of 70 million pounds of rechargeable batteries.

While Plug In To E-Cycling looks to the future, Trader Joe’s of Commack will do its part in trying to tackle a lingering environmental bugaboo – plastic waste – by giving the first 200 participants a free, eco-friendly Trader Joe’s tote bag in exchange for a plastic grocery bag. Another program tacking plastic waste targets boaters who shrink-wrap their vessels for the winter; they can throw out the shrinkwrap during the expo or at any time through Memorial Day weekend at the Town of Huntington Recycling Center at 641 New York Ave. Meanwhile, Safety Shred will offer residents a chance to protect the environment and their identities at the same time by securely destroying personal documents and recycling the resulting paper waste. A three banker-box limit per person is in place for the Safety Shred booth.

Several of the exhibits are geared toward younger participants, many of which

offer children hands-on experiences. For example, the Cornell Cooperative Extension will look toward the sea with their Marine Life exhibit, offering children a chance to touch and sea creatures in a special touch tank as they learn about each specimen’s importance in balancing the ecosystem. And a Green Showcase will offer demonstrations of residential solar energy, organic gardening and children’s activities, including explaining how compost is made and planting seeds in recycled pots.

The Touch-A-Truck program returns as a crowd favorite that gives children a chance to climb on, touch and learn all about the trucks on display.

For more information on the 2013 Family Earth Day Expo, call Steve Jimenez at 631-351-3171. To learn more about disposing boat shrink-wrap or the town's recycling program, call the Department of Waste Management at 631-351-3186.

A12 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • APRIL 18, 2013

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DIX HILLS

LI Harley Riders Group Donates Kids’ Books

The L.I. Harley Riders Group with Sagamore Director Tom McOlvin and staff member Mabul Ruggerio after arriving with more than 2,200 books for children at the center.

Members of the L.I. Harley Riders showed their softer sides when they donated more than 2,200 books to a Dix Hills psychiatric center.

The Harley-Davidson motorcycle riding enthusiast group on April 6 escorted a truck carrying 60 boxes of books for the Sagamore Childrens Psychiatric Center.

The 160-member group had been collecting books since February.

The Sagamore Children's Psychiatric Center is part of the New York State Mental Health Department. The facility

designed for children with chronic mental illness.

The riders were greeted by more than 50 children, some holding up signs that spelled out “Thank You.” Later at the reception in the library, four of the children personally thanked the bikers for the books.

Sagamore Director Tom McOlvin thanked the group for its support of the children and the center for more than 10 years and presented the group with a plaque.

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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • APRIL 18, 2013 • A13

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A14 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • APRIL 18, 2013

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MELVILLE

4 Inwood Pl Bedrooms 5 Baths 3 Price $513,000 Taxes $10,074 Open House 4/21 2:30pm-4:30pm Coldwell Banker Residential 631-673-4444

Town Huntington Sta Huntington Sta Huntington Huntington Sta Huntington Sta Huntington Sta Greenlawn Huntington Sta Huntington Sta Centerport Centerport Huntington Huntington Huntington Dix Hills Melville Dix Hills Huntington Huntington Huntington Lloyd Neck Lloyd Harbor Asharoken Lloyd Harbor Huntington Sta Huntington Sta Huntington Sta Huntington Sta Centerport Huntington Sta Huntington Sta Centerport Huntington Sta Huntington Greenlawn Melville Huntington Sta Centerport Melville Huntington Dix Hills

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Address Beds Baths Price Taxes Date 11 Leyden St 2 1 $229,000 $5,442 4/20 171 1st Ave 2 1 $230,000 $7,471 4/20 15 Homesite Ct 2 1 $299,000 $8,636 4/20 287 Melville Rd 3 2 $300,000 $6,300 4/20 147 Mckay Rd 4 3 $329,000 $8,563 4/20 7 Berry Ct 3 2 $335,000 $8,626 4/20 459 Pulaski Rd 3 2 $350,000 $14,062 4/20 9 Somerset St 4 3 $399,000 N/A 4/20 17 Lake Rd 4 3 $459,000 $9,434 4/20 204 Jackson Cres 3 2 $499,000 $10,077 4/20 204 Jackson Cres 3 2 $499,000 $10,077 4/20 26 Old Town Ln 4 3 $549,000 $13,958 4/20 174 Woodbury Rd 4 2 $625,000 $7,542 4/20 45 Crescent Beach Dr 4 2 $649,000 $10,681 4/20 4 Oneil Ct 5 5 $679,900 $22,338 4/20 18 Woodmont Rd 7 6 $699,000 $23,311 4/20 37 Talisman Dr 5 5 $789,000 $19,018 4/20 12 Cherry Ln 3 3 $839,000 $19,292 4/20 2 Bluebird Ln 5 4 $899,000 $17,823 4/20 66 Southdown Rd 4 4 $969,000 $17,160 4/20 27 Oakwood Dr 4 4 $990,000 $17,387 4/20 36 Harbor Hill Dr 4 4 $999,000 $17,993 4/20 262 Asharoken Ave 3 3 $1,299,000 $16,888 4/20 242 Southdown Rd 5 6 $1,699,000 $27,384 4/20 31 Meadow Ct 3 3 $288,900 $8,496 4/21 41 W 21st St 4 2 $299,900 $8,625 4/21 24 Melville Rd 3 2 $319,000 $7,320 4/21 204 Oakwood Rd 3 2 $375,000 $11,759 4/21 268 Taylor St 3 2 $399,000 $9,754 4/21 12 Ludlam St 4 3 $399,000 $10,061 4/21 23 Torwood Ct 4 2 $399,000 $12,254 4/21 60 Oakdale Rd 4 3 $419,000 $10,239 4/21 126 1st Ave 3 2 $425,000 $8,100 4/21 73 Maple Pl 3 2 $429,000 $10,112 4/21 69 Cuba Hill Rd 4 3 $429,900 $12,922 4/21 21 Roe St 4 3 $449,000 $11,075 4/21 31 Nevinwood Pl 4 3 $450,000 $11,265 4/21 6 Martha Ct 4 3 $459,000 $12,179 4/21 4 Inwood Pl 5 3 $513,000 $10,074 4/21 10 Meath Ave 4 3 $519,000 $11,650 4/21 318 Concord St 3 3 $525,000 $9,538 4/21

Time Broker 1pm-3pm Douglas Elliman Real Estate 1pm-3pm Douglas Elliman Real Estate 1pm-3pm Douglas Elliman Real Estate 2pm-4pm Signature Premier Properties 1pm-3pm Signature Premier Properties 1pm-3pm Douglas Elliman Real Estate 1pm-3pm Coldwell Banker Residential 12pm-1:30pm Douglas Elliman Real Estate 1pm-3pm Daniel Gale Agency Inc 2pm-4pm Douglas Elliman Real Estate 2pm-4pm Douglas Elliman Real Estate 12:00pm-2:00pm Signature Premier Properties 1:30pm-3:30pm Keller Williams Realty Greater 12pm-2pm Daniel Gale Agency Inc 1pm-3pm Douglas Elliman Real Estate 2:00pm-4:00pm Douglas Elliman Real Estate 12pm-2pm Coldwell Banker Residential 12pm-2pm Coach Real Estate Assoc Inc 2:30pm-4pm Douglas Elliman Real Estate 1pm-4pm Douglas Elliman Real Estate 1pm-3pm Douglas Elliman Real Estate 1pm-2:30pm Daniel Gale Agency Inc 12pm-3pm Coldwell Banker Residential 2pm-4pm Signature Premier Properties 1pm-3pm Coldwell Banker Residential 12pm-2pm Coach Real Estate Assoc Inc 1pm-3pm Coach Real Estate Assoc Inc 1pm-3pm Coach Real Estate Assoc Inc 12pm-2pm Douglas Elliman Real Estate 1:30pm-3:30pm Keller Williams Realty Greater 1pm-3pm Douglas Elliman Real Estate 1pm-3pm Coldwell Banker Residential 1pm-3pm Coach Real Estate Assoc Inc 2:30pm-4pm Daniel Gale Agency Inc 12pm-2pm Coach Real Estate Assoc Inc 1pm-3pm Coldwell Banker Residential 2:30pm-4:30pm Coldwell Banker Residential 1pm-3:30pm Douglas Elliman Real Estate 2:30pm-4:30pm Coldwell Banker Residential 2:30pm-4pm Shawn Elliott Luxury Homes 1pm-3pm Long Island Village Realty Inc

Phone 631-422-7510 631-549-4400 631-549-4400 631-673-3700 631-673-3700 631-499-9191 631-673-6800 516-921-2262 631-427-6600 631-549-4400 631-549-4400 631-673-3700 516-873-7100 631-427-6600 631-499-9191 631-499-9191 631-673-4444 631-757-7272 516-921-2262 631-549-4400 631-549-4400 631-692-6770 631-673-6800 631-673-3700 631-673-6800 631-427-9100 631-427-1200 631-427-1200 631-549-4400 516-873-7100 631-549-4400 631-673-6800 631-427-1200 631-692-6770 631-427-9100 631-673-6800 631-673-6800 631-261-6800 631-673-4444 516-364-4663 516-921-0220

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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • APRIL 18, 2013 • A15

Almarco: From Junior’s To The Major’s

By Jackie and Danny foodie@longislandernews.com

Lifelong restaurateur and self-proclaimed pizza lover Mark Salese has been churning out pizzas since the 1970s. In 2006, Salese opened Almarco, a new Italian restaurant, as a way to challenge himself in the kitchen.

Since then, business has been as rewarding as ever.

“I’ve always loved the restaurant business….A pizzeria is more straightforward, you make pizzas. Now, it’s more rewarding being in the restaurant business; people appreciate the food, and you can be more creative here,” he said, adding that he enjoys the time to share ideas with other restaurant owners in the village.

Since opening Junior’s Pizza on Wall Street in 2005, Salese launched Almarco Italian Grill one year later, right next door.

Salese co-operates the businesses with his brother Al – hence, Almarco.

Salese’s grandparents moved to the United States from Naples, Italy, and brought traditions from the homeland with them.

Using family recipes passed down for generations, Salese has incorporated tradition into his dishes while infusing them with a creative twist.

The restaurant offers customers a $10$12 lunch special, where many items on the menu are served with a salad or soup, accompanied by dessert.

The crab cakes ($13), tender, breaded, pan fried and lightly seasoned, are a dense

The

Foodie SECTION

Half Hollow Hills photo/Jacqueline Birzon

Mark Salese has owned his Wall Street Italian restaurant, Almarco, since 2006.

and delicious treat to warm the palate, dressed brightly with a tasty roasted red pepper sauce. The fried calamari appetizer ($14) is crisp and served with a light but well-balanced spicy marinara sauce.

The Rigatoni Bolognese ($12 for lunch, $15 for dinner) is offered in a creamy but not-too-heavy pink sauce, with ground beef, meat and pork, and leaves a hint of basil to dance on the tongue. Served with a pinch of hot pepper and a drop of marsala wine sauce, this Italian favorite is sure to please.

Mid-day diners can order the lunch special of the grilled chicken foccacia pannini, and get half a sandwich along with a soup and salad. The whole, scrumptious block of foccacia bread is layered with savory roasted peppers, fresh mozzarella, artichoke hearts and sun-dried tomato.

Popular dinner items on the menu include Almarco Pollo (get it?), a sautéed chicken dish served with roasted peppers, prosciutto, marsala sauce, mozzarella, and a baked potato ($16). Salese said his meatball recipe can be traced to generations ago, adding that his 18 oz. dry aged rib eye is another crowd pleaser. For the carbohydrate-conscious eater, Almarco offers zucchini fettuccini ($16), which are strips of the vegetable served just like your favorite pasta dish.

Salese’s restaurant offers a light, crisp, refined Vermintino wine, which comes from a small farm in Sardine, Italy, and is a fusion of Sauvignon blanc, Pino Grigio and Chardonnay flavors.

Save room for Almarco’s St. Joseph’s pastry; a fluffy and cake-like zepole dusted with powered sugar and filled with a creamy, traditional ricotta-based cannoli filling.

If you’ve ever been inside Almarco, it is an easy place to let the post-meal food coma sink in; furnished with decorative moldings in an intimate environment, the interior makes customers feel at home.

Almarco 13 Wall St., Huntington Take out: 631-549-2888 Reservations: 631-935-1690 Atmosphere: Intimate and classily cozy Cuisine: New Italian American Price: Moderate Hours: Mon.-Sat.: 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

Sun.: Noon-10 p.m.

A16 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • APRIL 18, 2013

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LONG ISLAND

Restaurant Week APRIL 28–MAY 5, 2013

$27.95

3-COURSE PRIX FIXE SUNDAY to SUNDAY OFFERED ALL NIGHT (except Saturday until 7:PM)

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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • APRIL 18, 2013 • A17

Side Dish DINE HUNTINGTON.COM

Welcoming Anthony’s are Larry Kushnick, vice chairman, Huntington Chamber; Assemblyman Andrew Raia; Braniel Estevez, kitchen manager; Councilwoman Susan Berland; Supervisor Frank Petrone; Jory Grisolia, Anthony’s manager; Legislator Steve Stern; Vita Scaturro, chamber executive board member; and Ellen O’Brien, chamber executive director.

By DineHuntington.com Foodie@longislandernews.com

COAL-FIRED DELICIOUS: How hot is hot?

How about 800 degrees? At Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza, which opened a location in Commack, that’s how hot the coal ovens are. The chain also serves specialties it calls “Italian soul food.” Located at Jericho and Town Line Road, the restaurant is the fourth Long Island location and 37th nationwide for the South Florida-based chain that was founded by Anthony Bruno, who grew up in Franklin Square. NFL Hall of Famer Dan Marino is a partner in the chain (which explains the Eggplant Marino dish), and sales from the April 10 grand opening in Commack were dedicated to his foundation for Autism Awareness Month.

LOVE THOSE OFF NIGHTS: The challenge for most restaurants these days is getting folks in on the off nights early in the week. For those willing to venture out on a Monday or Tuesday, there are deals to be had. For instance, Monday nights at Porto Vivo (7 Gerard St., Huntington 631-385-8486 porto-vivo.com), a fourcourse lobster or rib-eye steak meal is yours for $39 per person. You’ll enjoy a 2-lb. Maine lobster or a rib-eye steak, soup or salad, chef’s choice appetizer and chef’s choice dessert (don’t worry, Chef Joe doesn’t make bad choices). On Tuesday, head to Honu (363 New York Avenue, Huntington 631-421-6100 honukitchen.com) for their famous steak and lobster tail special. A 6-oz lobster tail and 6-oz. filet mignon sets you back just $24.

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Get the print version delivered to your home at a cost of just $21 a year. Use the coupon inside this paper; sign up at www.HalfHollowNews.com; or call with your credit card: 631-427-7000.

FREE copies will be at locations that you visit regularly libraries, supermarkets, drug stores, banks, fitness centers and other retail outlets throughout the community.

Pick up your FREE copy at these and other locations throughout the community COMMACK ROAD American Community Bank ANC Food The Everything Bagel Deli Beer Smoke

100 Commack Rd, Commack 134 Commack Rd, Commack 217 Commack Rd, Commack 223 Commack Rd, Commack

JERICHO TURNPIKE Commack Lucille Roberts New York Sports Club The Cutting Edge Hair Design Mozzarello’s Pizza Stop & Shop Bagel Boss Dix Hills Diner The Critic’s Choice Deli Stop & Shop Desi Bazar Brooklyn Pizza Ruby Salon Dunkin’ Donuts Roy’s Deli Golden Coach Diner Bagel USA

6534 Jericho Tpke, Commack 6136 Jericho Tpke, Commack 6065 Jericho Tpke, Commack 1957 E Jericho Tpke, East Northport 3126 Jericho Tpke, East Northport 1941 Jericho Tkpe, Commack 1800 E jericho Tpke, Dix Hills 1153A E Jericho Tpke, Huntington Station 1100 E Jericho Tpke, Huntington Station 905 E Jericho Tpke, Huntington Station 881 E Jericho Tpke, Huntington Station 822 East Jericho Tpke, Huntington Station 795 East Jericho Tpke, Huntington Station 669 East Jericho Tpke, Huntington Station 350 W Jericho Tpke, Huntington Station 573 W. Jericho Tpke, Huntington Station

DEER PARK AVENUE Dix Hills Fire Department Bethpage Fed’l Credit Union

580 Deer Park Ave, Dix Hills 1350-35 Deer Park Ave, North Babylon

Nelly’s Deli Grocery Gigi’s VIP Deer Park Nails Inc Tony’s Pizza Deer Hills Delicatessen Park Avenue Barbers

1737 Deer Park Ave, Deer Park 1747 Deer Park Ave, Deer Park 1749 Deer Park Ave, Deer Park 1829 Deer Park Ave, Deer Park 2122 Deer Park Ave, Deer Park 2150 Deer Park Ave, Deer Park

OLD COUNTRY ROAD/SWEET HOLLOW ROAD Dix Hills Hot Bagels 703 Old Country Road, Dix Hills Half Hollow Hills Library 510 Sweet Hollow Road, Melville ROUTE 110/BROADHOLLOW ROAD Deli Beer Cigar Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station Dunkin Donuts 281 Walt Whitman Rd, Huntington Station Berry Healthy Cafe 350 Walt Whitman Rd, Huntington Station Marios Pizza 1 Schwab Rd #17, Melville International Haircutters 439 Walt Whitman Rd, Melville Bethpage Fed’l Credit Union 722 Walt Whitman Road, Melville Roast 827 Walt Whitman Rd, Melville PIDGEON HILL RD South Huntington Library HAUPPAUGE RD Commack Public Library VANDERBILT PKY Half Hollow Hills Library

145 Pidgeon Hill Road, Huntington Station 18 Happauge Rd, Commack 55 Vanderbilt Pky, Dix Hills

A18 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • APRIL 18, 2013 THURSDAY Parent University

Learn important skills in life’s most important and demanding pursuit – raising successful children – at South Huntington School District’s Parent University on April 18, 4:30-9 p.m. at Walt Whitman High School, 301 West Hills Road, Huntington Station. Dinner and workshops (on topics such as cyberbullying, academic coaching and drug abuse) are free.

Parents island-wide are welcome. On-site babysitting provided. 631-812-3928.

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Calendar O M M U N I T Y

Power Breakfast

Join business professionals at BNI Executive Referral Exchange’s breakfast networking meeting every Wednesday, 7-8:30 a.m. at the Dix Hills Diner, 1800 Jericho Turnpike, Dix Hills. 631-462-7446.

The Women’s Center of Huntington hosts a seminar on PTSD, how to recognize and deal with the symptoms, April 25, 7-9 p.m., at Old First Church, 125 Main St., Huntington. 631549-0485.

AT THE LIBRARIES

FRIDAY

Cold Spring Harbor Library

95 Harbor Road, Cold Spring Harbor. 631-6926820. cshlibrary.org.

• Catch the flick “Pitch Perfect” on Thursday, April 18 at 6:30 p.m.

• The art of Laurie and Jeff Hollman will be on display throughout April.

An Evening Of Dance

The Long Island Dance Consortium (LIDC) celebrates the best on Long Island – featuring professional companies such as Long Island Ballet Theatre and The Red Hot Mamas – at the Celebration of Dance at Nassau BOCES theater, the Long Island High School for the Arts, 239 Cold Spring Road, Syosset, April 19-20. Tickets available at Pirouette on Green Street in Huntington village ($20) or at the door ($25). www.dancelongisland.org.

Commack Public Library

Friday Night Live

Artists In The Attic

Artists in the Attic present an open studio evening for the group exhibit “ART(that matters) – What Do You Stand For?” on April 26, 6-8 p.m. at 1038 New York Ave., Huntington Station, above the Yankee Peddler. Meet the artists, see their work, share conversation, and enjoy refreshments and music.

Red Is For Passion

Love the color red and enjoy living it up? The Red Hat women are looking for new members who enjoy going places and making new friends. Their motto: Fun, Frolic and Friendship. 631-271-6470 or flarpp@yahoo.com.

SATURDAY Family Earth Day Expo

The Town of Huntington’s Family Earth Day Expo is April 20, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., in the town hall parking lot at 100 Main St. Recycle e-waste, shred personal documents and experience green exhibits. Boaters can also dispose of shrink-wrap. 631-351-3171.

Happy Helpers Cleanup

The Huntington Station Happy Helpers celebrate Earth Day with a spring cleanup with the Huntington Station Latin Quarter on April 20, 10 a.m. Meet at 1399 New York Ave. Free pizza afterward. Rain date April 21. Call Dr. Laas Ramos at 631-988-8087. www.Myspace.com/HSHH.

Free Hearing Health Seminar

Do you have questions about hearing loss?

Are you struggling with your hearing aids and need a new solution? A free educational seminar will be held April 20, 8:30-11 a.m. at Hilton Long Island/Huntington. Meet doctors, audiologists and advanced hearing solution users. www.hearinghealthseminar.com. 877-HEARTHIS (432-7844).

The Church At Worship

Msgr. Joseph DeGrocco will speak about and sign his book “The Church at Worship: Theology, Spirituality and Practice of Parish Liturgy” on April 20, 12:30-2:30 p.m. in the library at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception, 440 West Neck Road, Huntington.

To reserve a copy of the book, email libraryweb@icseminary.edu. For other information, call 631-423-0483 ext. 141.

Live Music

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

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

WEDNESDAY

Recognizing, Dealing With PTSD

Friday Night Live, an inclusive, family friendly, musically spirited Shabbat service followed by a community Shabbat dinner, returns April 19, 6 p.m. at the Huntington Jewish Center, 510 Park Ave., Huntington. Call Debbie at 631-427-1089 ext. 10 or email debbier@hjcny.org.

Free Help For Vets

An Evening Of Dance The Long Island Dance Consortium (LIDC) celebrates the best on Long Island – featuring professional companies such as Long Island Ballet Theatre and The Red Hot Mamas – at the Celebration of Dance at Nassau BOCES theater, the Long Island High School for the Arts, 239 Cold Spring Road, Syosset, April 19-20. Tickets available at Pirouette on Green Street in Huntington village ($20) or at the door ($25). www.dancelongisland.org.

SUNDAY Friendship Circle Yoga Program

A Yoga program for children with special needs will be held Sundays, April 21, 28 and May 5, noon-12:45 p.m. at The Chai Center, 501 Vanderbilt Parkway, Dix Hills. 631-351-8672.

RSVP to Serena Kindler at friendshipcircle@thechaicenter.com. $10 per session.

Spring Rummage Sale

Find gently used and new clothing for men, women, children and infants, as well as baby items, toys, books, shoes and assorted household items, on Sunday, April 22, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and Monday, April 23 (Bag Day), 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Sponsored by the Sisterhood of the Huntington Jewish Center, 510 Park Ave., Huntington. 631-427-1089.

Israel’s Independence

Celebrate Israel’s 65th Independence Day on Yom Ha’atzmaut on Sunday, April 21, 9:30-11 a.m. at the Huntington Jewish Center, 510 Park Ave., Huntington. Visit with an Israeli soldier, march with flags, sing, dance and visit the center’s Israeli café. Call Diane at 631-427-1157.

DNA Day

The DNA Day Scavenger Hunt in Cold Spring Harbor village is April 20, noon-4 p.m. The hunt guides you through village landmarks including the Whaling Museum, Firehouse Museum, and library. In addition to hands-on activities, clues will be hidden around the village. Start at the DNA Learning Center (334 Main St.) where you may pick up your map and questions. Free. www.cshl.edu/events. 516-367-8455.

Klezmer Concert

The critically acclaimed David Glukh Klezmer Ensemble performs traditional klezmer music along with special "fusions" between klezmer and other musical traditions on April 21, 4 p.m. at the Huntington Jewish Cener, 510 Park Ave., Huntington. $10/adult, $5/children 12 and under, $20/family. Contact Marsha Buchholtz at 631-421-1559, marsha1941@gmail.com.

Dix Hills FD Recruitment Fair

The Dix Hills Fire Department hosts a recruitment fair at headquarters at 115 E. Deer Park Road on April 21, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Call Ex-Chief Richard Sorrentino at 631-499-8836 ext. 133, or visit www.dixhillsfd.org/memberinfo.php.

Huntington Winter Farmers Market

There’s no need to wait until the weather gets

hot to enjoy local produce. An indoor market is held in Huntington Station every Sunday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Jack Abrams School Gym, 155 Lowndes Ave., through April 28. www.winterfarmersmarketlongisland.com.

MONDAY Aging And Saging

Members of an “Aging and Saging” group shares their experiences at The Women’s Center of Huntington, 125 Main St., Huntington, on Mondays (except holidays) from 10 a.m.-noon. $15 members/$10 non-members. 631-549-0485.

See The Light

Town Clerk Jo-Ann Raia has organized an exhibit of Huntington Lighthouse artifacts and memorabilia to celebrate its centennial anniversary of The Huntington Lighthouse. The display includes correspondence between the Lighthouse Establishment and Lighthouse Keeper Robert McGlone, and an original painting of the lighthouse, which will be auctioned.

On display in the Town Hall lobby, 100 Main St, Huntington, Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Friday, 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m. www.huntingtonlighthouse.org. 631-421-1985.

TUESDAY Chamber Networking Breakfast

The Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce welcomes County Executive Steve Bellone on April 23, 7:30-10 a.m. at the Huntington Yacht Club, 95 East Shore Road, Huntington, for its monthly networking breakfast. 631-423-6100.

Business After Hours

The Melville Chamber of Commerce sponsors a Business After Hours networking event on April 23, 5:30-8 p.m. at Dave & Busters, 261 Airport Plaza Blvd., Farmingdale, featuring complimentary food, a cash bar, billiards and games. RSVP to info@melvillechamber.org or call 631-777-6260. Free for members/$30 nonmembers.

Mommy And Me Yoga

Free Mommy and Me yoga classes are offered in Dix Hills every Tuesday. Walkers: 12 Months and up, 9:45-11 a.m. Crawlers: 6-12 Months, 11 a.m.-noon. Register by phone or online: Chai Tots Preschool, 501 Vanderbilt Parkway.

631-351-8672. www.TheChaiCenter.com.

18 Hauppauge Road, Commack. 631-499-0888. commack.suffolk.lib.ny.us.

• Are you game? Adults are welcome to play Bridge and Mahjong on Fridays at 1 p.m. through May. • A professional hairstylist will be sharing tips on giving your family hair trims between salon visits on Tuesday, April 23 at 7 p.m.

Deer Park Public Library

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

• April is Food for Fines Amnesty Month. Bring in one canned food item to replace one overdue book fine.

• Young adults entering grades 6-9 in the fall interested in reading are invited to enter the 2013 Battle of the Books.

Elwood Public Library

3027 Jericho Turnpike, Elwood. 631-499-3722. www.elwoodlibrary.org.

• Homework help is being offered for students in grades 3-7 on Tuesdays at 3 p.m. through May 28.

• Are you a young adult interested in scrapbooking? A scrapbooking workshop will be held Saturday, April 20 at 2 p.m.

Half Hollow Hills Community Library

Dix Hills: 55 Vanderbilt Parkway. 631-421-4530; Melville: 510 Sweet Hollow Road. 631-4214535. hhhlibrary.org.

• Find your next read at a book sale at the Dix Hills location on Friday, April 19, 5-9 p.m. and Saturday, April 20, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

• Every Wednesday at 7 p.m., meet for friendly English conversation practice. All are welcome, refreshments provided. Call to register: 498-1225.

Harborfields Public Library

31 Broadway, Greenlawn. 631-757-4200. harborfieldslibrary.org.

• A teen writers workshop will be held Friday, April 19 at 5 p.m.

• Catch the movie “Parental Guidance” on Friday, April 19, 6:30 p.m.

Huntington Public Library

Main Branch: 338 Main St., Huntington. 631-4275165. Station Branch: 1335 New York Ave., Huntington Station.

631-421-5053. www.thehuntingtonlibrary.org.

• New Horizons String Orchestra invites the public to sit in on their rehearsals on Friday mornings at 9:30 a.m.

• Artist Joseph Anderson’s “New Horizons” will be on display at the main branch through April 28.

Northport-East Northport Public Library

Northport: 151 Laurel Ave. 631-261-6930. East Northport: 185 Larkfield Road. 631-261-2313. www.nenpl.org.

• “Drug-Proofing Your Community,” a town hall meeting on drug use, will be held Monday, April 22, 6:45-8:45 p.m. in Northport.

• Dress to impress and bring copies of your resume for the job fair on Friday, April 26 at 10 a.m. in Northport.

South Huntington Public Library

145 Pidgeon Hill Road, Huntington Station.

631-549-4411. www.shpl.info.

• Jennifer Fusco will discuss marketing for writ-

(Continued on page A19)

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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • APRIL 18, 2013 • A19 your phone to 1783 New York Ave., Huntington Station, 11746. 631-271-8025.

ers on Saturday, April 20 at 10:45 a.m.

• Dr. Michel A. Selmer of Advanced Animal Care Center presents a free educational seminar for pet owners who want to know the truth about veterinary care and nutritional holistic treatment options on Thursday, April 25, 7 p.m.

(Continued from page A18)

The DNA Day Scavenger Hunt in Cold Spring Harbor village is April 20, noon-4 p.m. The hunt guides you through village landmarks including the Whaling Museum, Firehouse Museum, and library. In addition to hands-on activities, clues will be hidden around the village. Start at the DNA Learning Center (334 Main St.) where you may pick up your map and questions. Free. www.cshl.edu/events. 516-367-8455.

THEATER and FILM Bare Bones Theater Company

at the Posey School, 57 Main St., Northport. www.barebonestheater.com. 1-800-838-3006.

• The company presents the comedy “Scapino!” on Fridays and Saturdays, April 19, 20, 26, and 27 at 8 p.m. and on Sundays, April 21 and 28 at 3 p.m. A zany comedy about true love frustrated by arranged marriages, this modern-day adaptation of Molière offers colorful characters, verbal repartee, sight gags, and a jubilant story. $25.

Cinema Arts Centre

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

• Celebrate Earth Day with two events: Sunday, April 22, 8:30 p.m. discussion and screening of “Bidder 70,” about a Utah college student who derailed a Bush Administration oil and gas land sale; and Sunday, April 30, 7:30 p.m. “Chasing Ice,” about environmental photographer James Balog. $10 members/$15 general per film.

Dix Hills Performing Arts Center

Five Towns College, 305 N. Service Road, Dix Hills. Box Office: 631-656-2148. www.dhpac.org.

• Steven Maglio presents the Music of The Frank Sinatra Songbook on Saturday, April 20, 7:30 p.m. $25-$35.

John W. Engeman Theater At Northport

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

• Tony Award-winning comedy “Boeing Boeing,” the story of an architect juggling three fiancées who are all flight attendants, plays through May 5. $55.

The Minstrel Players of Northport

at Houghton Hall theatre at Trinity Episcopal Church, 130 Main St., Northport. 631-7322926. www.minstrelplayers.org, • The Players perform Tim Kelly’s “The Butler Did It, Again!” on Saturdays, April 27 and May 4 at 8 p.m. and Sundays, April 28 and May 5 at 3 p.m. $15 general/$12 seniors and children.

AUDITIONS Talent Show

A local cable TV talent show is looking for all types of talent (except bands). Singers, impressionists, comedians, magicians, and other performers/acts welcome. Register online at www.talent-showcase.com or call 631-2237011. Auditions are open to all ages.

Registration in advanced is required – no walkins permitted.

MUSEUMS & EXHIBITS

Main Street, Cold Spring Harbor. Museum hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. $4 adults, $3 seniors, $3 students 5 -18, family $12; military and children under 5 are free. 631367-3418. www.cshwhalingmuseum.org.

celebrates the passion for collecting by highlighting the unique and varied collections of members. On display through June.

• The next stop in Northport Historical Society’s popular dining series “A Taste of Northport” is scheduled for Wednesday, April 24 at Rockin’ Fish (155 Main St., Northport. $45 members/$50 non-members.

fotofoto Gallery

14 W. Carver St., Huntington. Gallery hours: Friday 5-8 p.m., Saturday 12-8 p.m., Sunday 12-4 p.m. 631-549-0448.

• SparkBoom, on display through April 28, includes “New York Underground” by Richard Gardner and “In A Split” by Michelle Carollo.

Ripe Art Gallery

Heckscher Museum Of Art

SPLIA

(rain date Saturday, May 4), 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum

2 Prime Ave., Huntington. Museum hours: Wednesday - Friday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., first Fridays from 4-8:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission $6-8/adults, $46/seniors, and $4-5/children; members and children under 10 free. 631-351-3250.

• “Long Island’s Best: Young Artists at The Heckscher Museum,” an exhibition of 80 works by Long Island high school students, runs through April 21.

Holocaust Memorial And Tolerance Center

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

Sat.-Sun.: noon-4 p.m. 516-571-8040 ext. 100. www.holocaust-nassau.org.

• The permanent exhibit explains the 1920s increase of intolerance, the reduction of human rights, and the lack of intervention that enabled the persecution and mass murder of millions of Jews and others: people with disabilities, Roma and Sinti (Gypsies), Jehovah’s Witnesses, gays and Polish intelligentsia.

• “Portraits of Our Past: Greek Jews and the Holocaust” is on display through April 21.

Huntington Arts Council

Main Street Petite Gallery: 213 Main St., Huntington. Gallery hours: Monday - Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Art in the Art-trium: 25 Melville Park Road, Melville. Gallery Hours: Monday Friday 7 a.m.-7 p.m. 631-271-8423. www.huntingtonarts.org.

• “Portraits,” a juried show, is on display in the main gallery through April 22.

• “Living Color” shows in the Art-trium through June 17.

Huntington Historical Society

Main office/library: 209 Main St., Huntington.

Museums: Conklin Barn, 2 High St.; Kissam House/Museum Shop, 434 Park Ave.; Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Building, 228 Main St. 631427-7045, ext. 401. www.huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org.

• Find hidden gems at “Antiques in April” on Sunday, April 21 at Kissam House Museum from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

b.j. spoke gallery

LaMantia Gallery

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. www.bjspokegallery.com.

• The EXPO 32 Winners Exhibition is on view until April 28.

Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery

1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor. Open seven days a week, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday and Sundays until 6 p.m.: $6 adults; $4 children 3-12 and seniors over 65; members and children under 3 are free. 516-692-6768. www.cshfha.org • A fishing seminar, “Get Started in Fly Fishing,” takes place Saturday, April 20, 1:30-4 p.m.

Registration is required, space is limited. $35 members/$40 non-members.

• The annual Spring Fair is Saturday, April 27

Help After Sandy

Touro Law Center has opened a legal hotline at 631-761-7198 that is staffed Monday-Friday 9-6 by law students and attorneys from the bar associations. Bilingual and Spanish-speaking lawyers are available thanks to the Hispanic Bar Association.

VOLUNTEERING Seeking Volunteer Advocates

107 East Deer Park Road, Dix Hills. Gallery hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. weekends. 631-462-5400. www.ArtLeagueLI.net.

• Entries are being sought for their annual Art in the Park Fine Art & Craft Fair at Heckscher Park in Huntington on Saturday, June 1 and Sunday, June 2.

Art League of Long Island

AID & ASSISTANCE

DNA Day

127 Main St., Northport Village. 631-754-8414. www.lamantiagallery.com.

• Robert Finale presents captivating landscapes and Richard Johnson displays exquisite paintings of the human face and form.

9 East Contemporary Art

9 East Carver St., Huntington. Gallery hours: Wed.-Sat., 3-8 p.m. or by appointment. 631662-9459.

• “Transitional Man,” a solo exhibition by Northport’s John Fink, is on display through May 5.

Northport Historical Society Museum

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

• The latest exhibition, “Northport Collects II,”

67 Broadway, Greenlawn. 631-807-5296.

Gallery hours: Tuesday - Thursday 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Friday 2-9 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. www.ripeartgal.com.

• “I HAD” by Jeremy Zierau is currently on display.

Headquarters: 161 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor. Joseph Lloyd Manor House: Lloyd Lane and Lloyd Harbor Road, Lloyd Neck.

631-692-4664. www.splia.org.

• “Long Island at Work and at Play,” early 20thcentury photographs from SPLIA’s collections, is now on display Thursdays through Sundays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Suffolk Y JCC

74 Hauppauge Road, Commack. 631-4629800, ext. 140. Tuesday 1-4 p.m. Admission: $5 per person, $18 per family. Special group programs available. www.suffolkyjcc.org.

• The Alan & Helene Rosenberg Jewish Discovery Museum provides hands-on exhibits and programs for children 3-13 years old and their families, classes and camps.

Now on exhibit: The Alef Bet of Being a Mensch. “Zye a mensch” is a Yiddish saying that means “be a decent, responsible, caring person,” infusing both the best blessing and the best that an educator can wish for his students.

Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium

180 Little Neck Road, Centerport. Museum hours through April 15: Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday, 12-4 p.m. Grounds admission: $7 adults, $6 students with ID and seniors 62 and older, and $3 children 12 and under. Mansion tour, add $5 per person. 631-854-5555. www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

• The newly renovated planetarium is now open. Check the website for show times.

• The Arena Players Repertory Theater presents thriller “The Deadly Game,” opening April 19 at the Vanderbilt Museum Carriage House Theater and running through May 12. www.ArenaPlayers.org.

Walt Whitman Birthplace

246 Old Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station. Hours: Wednesday-Friday, 1-4 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Admission: $6 adults, $5 seniors, $4 students, and children under 5 are free. 631-427-5240, ext. 114. www.waltwhitman.org.

• Kids can visit the Poetry Corner throughout April and “make and take” a poem.

MUSIC & DANCE The Paramount

370 New York Ave., Huntington. 631-673-7300. www.paramountny.com. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

• Limp Bizkit plays Tuesday, Apr. 30. $25-40.

DONATIONS WELCOME Help The Troops Call Home

Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci has registered his District Office in Huntington Station as an official drop-off site for Cell Phones for Soldiers. To help the troops call home by donating your old cell phone, stop by or mail

The Family Service League’s Ombudservice Program of Suffolk County is seeking volunteers to train as advocates for nursing home, adult home and assisted living facility residents to help insure they receive quality care and their rights are protected. 631-427-3700 ext.

240.

Artistically Gifted Needed

The Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Commack is seeking artistically gifted volunteers to partner with residents in a new program, “heART to heART” aimed at helping people with varying levels of cognitive ability express themselves through art. Contact Judie at 516-931-5036 or jatlas1@optonline.net.

Don’t Hibernate. Help.

The Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP SUFFOLK) needs adults 55+ to help in organizations throughout Suffolk County. Dozens of opportunities available in this federally funded program for just about any interest or skill. Visit www.rsvpsuffolk.org or call 631-979-9490 ext.12 for more information.

Friends At Home

Looking to earn some community service hours while changing a life? As part of the Friends@Home program, a project of The Ariella's Friendship Circle at the Chai Center in Dix Hills, visit a child with special needs in an environment they are most comfortable: their own homes. Together, bake cookies, play games, create arts and crafts, read books and more. Contact Nati or Sara at 631-351-8672 or fcchaicenter@gmail.com

Be A Friend Of The Bay

Friends of the Bay is in need of volunteers who can help convert water quality data, which is currently kept in an excel sheet, into a Microsoft Access database. Assistance is also needed with ArcView GIS, to configure maps of the watershed. Call 516-922-6666 or email info@friendsofthebay.org.

Be A Host Family

Huntington Sanctuary is seeking families or individual adults to become Host Homes, which provide temporary shelter to youth between ages 12-17 who are experiencing a family crisis. Contact Jennifer Petti at 631-2712183 for more information.

Helping Furry Friends

Little Shelter Animal Rescue and Adoption Center is looking for volunteers who want to make a difference in the lives of animals. Free training provided. Visit www.littleshelter.com or call 631-368-8770 ext. 204.

Walt Whitman Birthplace

If you are interested in literature or history, the Walt Whitman Birthplace has fascinating and rewarding part-time volunteer positions available. Free training provided. 631-427-5420 ext.114.

Helping Runaway Kids

Share your ideas and opinions on how Huntington Sanctuary, a program of the Huntington Youth Bureau, can help youth ages 12-21 who run away or who are at risk of running away. The group’s advisory board meets one Thursday a month at 6 p.m. Call 631-2712183.

Send us your listings Submissions must be in by 5 p.m.

10 days prior to publication date.

Send to Community Calendar at 149 Main Street, Huntington, NY 11743, or e-mail to info@longislandernews.com

A20 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • APRIL 18, 2013

www.LongIslanderNews.com

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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • APRIL 18, 2013 • A21

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Flanagan out, but Republicans still confident (Continued from page A1)

Flanagan, the Senate Education Committee chair, said. “I look forward to that ongoing opportunity and very much appreciate the support of the residents of the Second Senate District.”

Flanagan first confirmed he was discussing a run in a Feb. 28 interview with Long Islander Newspapers. His announcement two months later closes a period in which Flanagan generated buzz and high hopes in the town GOP as a strong challenger to Petrone.

“I’m disappointed, but I also know that we have individuals who are as equally qualified to run as John is,” Huntington Republican Committee Chair Toni Tepe

said.

After news of Flanagan’s decision broke, Suffolk County Democratic Committee Chair Rich Schaffer, who described Flanagan as a “very formidable elected official and even more formidable political candidate,” said Long Island was “lucky” to keep Flanagan in the Senate.

“His leadership was critical in us getting additional state aid for our school districts,” Schaffer said. “I think Long Island wins with his decision. He’s been an outstanding leader in the Senate.”

With Flanagan out, Tepe said the party’s possible Supervisor candidates include: Huntington attorney Edmund Smyth; Huntington Bay Mayor Herb Morrow,

who ran for a town board seat in 2011; and Huntington builder Peter Saros. She added that two other businessmen are also in the mix. She said she was asked not to share their names until they reached a firmer decision on whether to pursue the nomination. She did confirm, however, the two men are in their early 50s.

Tepe said she has long been confident in the GOP’s chances in the 2013 town elections and has planned accordingly. Flanagan will join State Senator Carl Marcellino (R-Syosset) in hosting a $500-a-head fundraiser April 25 at Northport’s Crestwood Manor, featuring Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos (R-Rockville Centre) as keynote speaker. Plans for the fundrais-

er, she said, came together before the Christmas holiday, well before the Flanagan-for-Supervisor chatter surfaced.

The ambitious fundraising campaign is part of her push to recapture the Huntington Town Board majority in November for the first time since the late 1990s. While the 5-0 Democratic majority held from 2005 through 2009 was trimmed to a three-seat majority in consecutive elections, with three seats up in the upcoming election, 2013 is perhaps the GOP’s best chance in years at regaining control.

“In order to do that, we need to get our message out. The best way is to have the financial wherewithal to do it,” Tepe said.

“So I’m doing it.”

Dogs could be permitted in town parks (Continued from page A1)

Cuthbertson said.

Under the resulting proposal, a community member or organization can nominate a new trail use to the Huntington Greenway Trails Committee, or the Trails Committee can nominate a new trail on its own.

After a park is nominated for on-leash dog walking, the Trails Committee will then prepare a report for the town board.

That report is to include findings on environmental conditions at the park and its existing trails; types and volume of existing trail and park uses; sufficiency of trail access and parking; compatibility of the proposal with existing park uses; the proximity to neighbors and the potential impact; input from the directors of Public Safety, General Services and Parks and Recreation; and the recommendation of the Trails Committee on the proposed use and anticipated enhancements, like signage and gates.

Upon review of the report, the Trails Committee would issue a recommendation either to allow or deny the request, which would then go to the Huntington Town

Board for ratification.

Laura McKellar, chair of the Huntington Greenway Trails Committee, said the membership of the committee she leads brings diverse viewpoints – and concerns – to the table. Aside from the obvious – “Is this a place where people want to walk

dogs?” – other key factors in determining suitability would likely include the environmental impact on existing habitats, the number of children who typically use the park and the number of parks in a community that allow dog walking.

“You don’t want to have all your dog

parks clustered in one area,” she said. “It’s going to be a lot of a balancing act… for us, it ends up being more about sort of serving the needs of the community as a whole.”

The May 7 hearing is scheduled for 2 p.m.

Suspects surrender after indictment (Continued from page A1)

scene of an accident, both felonies, as well as conspiracy, hindering prosecution and acting in a manner to injure a child, all misdemeanors. Her child was allegedly in the vehicle at the time.

Monserrat was charged with conspiracy and tampering with evidence.

Grammerstorf’s attorney, John LoTurco, claims it was impossible for his client to be driving the vehicle at the time. LoTurco said she sold it before the accident and was at her grandmoth-

er’s house with other family members at the time.

“We are baffled at this indictment,” he said.

LoTurco could not say what model vehicle was involved, but did confirm the prosecution says Grammerstorf took the vehicle to the mechanic to surreptitiously repair the damage. He also refused to say who bought the vehicle from his client.

“I’m not at liberty to say who she sold it to,” he said.

Both defendants surrendered themselves to the district attorney’s office.

The Melville woman pleaded not guilty and posted $25,000 cash bail.

She is due to return to court on May 15.

LoTurco said he has already filed a motion to dismiss, based on the lack of evidence tying his client to the vehicle that night.

“She asserts her innocence and we will vigorously defend her against these charges at trial, where we expect to be exonerated,” he said.

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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • APRIL 18, 2013 • A23

SOCCER

‘Elite’ Players En Route To Championship

The Dix Hills Elite, pictured with Coach Dominic Casciato, are on their way to the US Youth Soccer National Championships this summer.

A soccer team from Dix Hills has qualified for a national championship tournament.

The Boys-Under-15 Dix Hills Elite of the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) and Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) went 3-1-3 in the US Youth Soccer National League to finish in second place to the 7-0-0 Sunrise Elite (Florida). As the top two teams in the division, both squads qualified for the US Youth Soccer National Championships, to be played July 23-28 in Overland Park, Kansas.

The Elite defeated Empire Revolution (New York West), 1-0, on March 17 in Las Vegas to jump over Concorde Fire Elite (Georgia) and into second place, punching their ticket to the National Championships. Richie Mastrangelo delivered the goal Dix Hills needed in the 13th minute, and

the defense held on the rest of the way.

“The main reason for the team advancing to the National Championships in Kansas this summer is simply because of the hard work the boys put in during training,” said Dix Hills coach Dominic Casciato. “We’ve been all over the place with the weather this winter, but when it’s time to train, the players really apply themselves regardless of the circumstances and take on board everything they are being taught.”

Casciato added that although he has only been coaching the team for about nine months, the majority of the boys have been together a long time. The team also includes: Nicholas Elkins, Casey Barone, Spencer Manus, Noah Waxner, Joseph DeStefano, Joseph Tristano, Justin Hassenfeld, Philip Baresi, Taylor Kaczynski, Devon

Smith, Michael Sclafani, Jimmy Contino, Brian Flynn, Harris Cofie, Tyler Spellman and Christopher McAuliff.

“There is a great team spirit within the squad, which can often be the deciding factor in close games like those we played in the National League,” the coach said.

Dix Hills won the State Open Cup in 2011 and the 2011 Massapequa Winter College Showcase (as Under-14s playing up a year), then repeated last year in Massapequa against teams of the same age. The squad also won the 2011 Brooklyn Italians Christopher Columbus Cup, the 2012 Annandale Premier Cup in Virginia and the 2012 Spirit Kick-Off Classic in Pennsylvania.

To prepare for Kansas, Dix Hills is playing in the Region 1 Premier League and State Open Cup this spring.

PRO SOCCER

Soccer Veteran Nominated For Top Award Founder of youth sportsmanship program continues influence in soccer world Melville resident Rocco Senior President Sal RaAmoroso was nominated by paglia wrote: the Eastern New York Youth “Rocco Amoroso has been Soccer Association and Eastinducted into the Eastern ern New York State Amateur New York Youth Soccer AsSoccer Association to besociation (ENYYSA) Hall of come a Life Member of U.S. Fame and Long Island Junior Soccer, one of the most presSoccer League (LIJSL) Hall tigious awards in American of Fame. Rocco’s name is soccer. synonymous with sportsmanThe ceremony for accepted ship and he puts his heart and Life Members takes place at soul into everything he does.

U.S. Soccer’s Annual GenerRocco played in New York’s al Meeting in Washington, Eastern District Soccer Rocco Amoroso DC from May 31-June 2. The League in the post-World meeting will celebrate U.S. Soccer’s Cen- War II period. But his legacy in soccer tennial; Amoroso has lived for 87 of those came after he hung up his cleats for the last years, nearly all of which he has been active time.” in soccer.

The Sportsmanship Program of the LI“This is something that I never expect- JSL was the brainchild of Amoroso in ed. When I read the nomination letter, I 1980 and is the first program of its was almost in tears at all the wonderful kind––not just in the world of youth socthings written about me,” he said. cer, but in youth sports. Amoroso had beAmoroso has touched so many lives in come concerned when he saw a lack of cisoccer that the letter nominating him took vility on the playing fields. As the LIJSL nearly a year to create. grew, there was a movement within the Youth President Richard Christiano and league to remain focused on its mission to

develop mature teenagers and responsible citizens through the lessons of teamwork and Fair Play. The goal was to “Build Character Through Soccer,” a sentiment that comes from the Sportsmanship Program and continues to be the league’s slogan and mission statement to this day.

With this in mind, Amoroso wrote the guidelines, secured initial sponsorship of the program with the Sports Billy Organization and tirelessly promoted the program within the growing LIJSL membership. He stressed the important role that sportsmanship plays in the development of players.

Referees submit sportsmanship ratings online after every game based on the cooperation of players, coaches and spectators, overall game conduct and player appearance. Winning teams in each division are recognized at special ceremonies and wear a sportsmanship award patch on their uniform––the only patch LIJSL players may wear on their uniform other than their club patch and American flag.

In 1983, Congressman Thomas Downey entered the name of the Long Island Junior Soccer League into the Congressional

Record, mentioning the program’s slogan of Building Character Through Soccer.

Amoroso’s Sportsmanship Program guidelines have been adopted by ENYYSA and the American Youth Soccer Organization. In addition, the principles of the program have been incorporated by leagues in Ireland and China. And the Rocco Amoroso Sportsmanship Cup is given annually to men’s and women’s teams in Eastern New York.

League officials said soccer would not be the same disciplined sport today without Amoroso’s influence, all done as a volunteer. He has been attending U.S. Soccer’s AGM throughout the United States for the past few decades and he always speaks about Sportsmanship in the Good of the Game portion of the AGM. In addition to being the Sportsmanship Chairperson for ENYYSA, Amoroso is chairperson for Eastern New York’s Hall of Fame Committee as well as a member of ENYYSA’s National Hall of Fame Committee. New York Mens-Over-40 teams compete annually for the Rocco Amoroso Cup.

A24 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • APRIL 18, 2013

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HillSPORTS WRESTLING

Colts Prodigy Places Third In Country Photo by Ray Passaro/LI Sports Shots

Hills West 160-pound Tyler Grimaldi placed third at the FloNational tournament in Pennsylvania on April 5 and 6.

By Jacqueline Birzon jbirzon@longislandernews.com

The culmination of Tyler Grimaldi’s five-year wrestling career at Half Hollow Hills West came to a bittersweet end last weekend, after the prodigy placed third at the FloNational high school tournament.

Grimaldi, a three-time All-American wrestler and this year’s New York State champion, won five straight matches in the 160-pound weight class after grappling with a loss in the quarter finals to the eventual champion, Jonathan Schleifer.

“I lost a tough match in the quarterfinals… I never dealt really well with loss, so it was tough for me to regroup and get it back together,” he said. “But this is a great accomplishment for me. I’m not happy with third, but when put in perspective, it’s a big accomplishment.”

Grimaldi’s resilience proved just as strong as his physical strength, dominating his next opponent 8-1 and continuing to build up a spiral of success.

Refusing to rest, Grimaldi continued his training regimen right after the state tournament in February to prep for the tournament in Indiana, Penn. two weeks ago.

“Most kids take a break, but I wasn’t gonna do that

this year since it was my last opportunity. I didn’t stop lifting; I took no time off,” he said. “I wanted to give the tournament the respect it deserves.”

Since Coach Mike Patrovich picked him off the field in the eighth grade, Grimaldi has taught himself discipline, eventually dropping out of all other sporting endeavors to commit all his energy to wrestling. If it weren’t for his self-proclaimed “third parent,” the wrestling wonder may have never found his true calling.

“No matter how high a kid is ranked, I think that no one can beat me; I’m the best no matter what. That [attitude] comes mostly from my coach; he taught me it’s important that you can’t do anything unless you come out to dominate. I want to prove to everyone that I train harder, and no one is gonna put me through what my coach puts me through,” Grimaldi said.

The wrestler added that he likes the one-on-one competitive nature of the sport.

“It’s all on the line, and you can’t blame anything on your teammates. You take responsibility to the loss or the win… I want to work harder than everyone else,” Grimaldi said.

Graduating from Hills West this spring, Harvardbound Grimaldi hopes for an easy transition, graduating from a red uniform to a crimson one.

SOFTBALL

Lady Thunderbirds Top Tigers, Musketeers jbirzon@longislandernews.com

The Lady Thunderbirds struck Central Islip and Northport with brute force last week, recharging after a tough 12-run loss at Sachem North.

The team, made up largely of underclassmen, has set a 2-3 overall record in League II under the leadership of Head Coach Megan Pfaeffle and captains Allison Hecht, a senior third baseman, and juniors Taylor Russo, who plays first and third base, and Danielle Bruno, a centerfielder. All three captains have

played for the team since their freshman years and have, according to the coach, been tremendous assets to the team.

“With such a young team, they have great responsibilities to not only lead the team on and off the field, but also be a mentor and role model to the young players,” Pfaeffle said.

The Lady T-Birds moved from League III to League II this year. Despite a tough season last year, the girls are confident in their ability to perform.

Pfaeffle said only two of her players this year are seniors, and she pulled up three eighth-graders – Kristen Ulmer, Maya

Chinquee and Nahtica Shepherd – from West Hollow to play for the team; two are starting pitchers.

At the Tigers’ den in Northport, the Half Hollow Hills East athletes proved they can regroup in a tight situation. Down 1-3 in the bottom of the fifth, Hecht’s infield single in the seventh inning scored Bruno and Shepherd, breaking a 3-3 tie. Hecht went 3-for-4 with 2 RBIs and 2 runs; Ulmer went 3-for-3 with an RBI to lead Hills East 5-3 over Northport.

On April 9, the Lady T-Birds pulled the rug out from under Central Islip, defeating the Lady Musketeers 14-0. Ulmer had 7

Hills East starting pitcher Kristen Ulmer also went 3-for-3 at the plate during Friday’s win at Northport.

SOFTBALL

Taking Charge Of The Diamond

By Jacqueline Birzon jbirzon@longislandernews.com

The Half Hollow Hills West softball team has proven to be a pitching powerhouse, sliding into second place in League VI three weeks into season play.

Unfortunately, the Lady Colts winning streak was put to a halt after a 1-0 loss to East Islip April 10.

Head Coach Rob Rizzo said East Islip’s pitcher, an eighth-grader, was able to mix up her throws in such a way that the Lady Colts never saw the loss coming.

“We hit the ball hard; we got about six hits, but they were all scattered. It was one of those games we just couldn’t get that big hit to drive open that run,” he said.

“We were knocking on the door all game.”

Half Hollow Hills photo/Jacqueline Birzon

By Jacqueline Birzon

Prior to the loss, West swept its first four home games, including a narrow April 5 win against West Babylon.

Junior captain Francesa Casalino pitched a complete game that Friday with 10 strikeouts, and centerfielder Rose Cipoletti went 2-for-4 with 2 RBIs. West Babylon was up 3-0 in the fourth inning, but the Lady Colts bounced back, adding 4 runs in the bottom of the fourth to lead Hills 6-5 over West Babylon.

“It was one of those ugly games…

Their pitcher kept us off balance, but it was one of those grind ’em out games. It was nice to see a tight game early in the year, getting the energy up and the girls having to fight and push through,” Rizzo said.

The team triumphed over Deer Park the day prior with a 12-5 victory, when Cipo-

letti went 3-for-5 with 2 runs, and Casalino was 2-for-3 with 2 RBIs. West soared over Riverhead on April 2, winning11-4. Casalino was 3-for-4 with 2 doubles, 5 RBIs, and a 3-run homer. The junior captain also pitched a complete game 3-hitter with 2 runs and 12 strikeouts.

The Lady Colts put the Lady Eagles to shame during their first league game of the season, when Hills won 12-0. Senior captain and first baseman Jessica Kleet was 4-for-4 with a homerun and 5 RBIs, and Cipoletti went 3-for-3 with 2 RBIs and 3 runs. Casalino had 12 strikeouts in five innings, giving up only one hit.

The Lady Colts will take on Walt Whitman on Friday at 4 p.m., and have a Saturday home game against Hauppauge at noon.

strikeouts in a complete game shutout.

Rachel Warren scored a home run and 2 RBIs to lead East over Central Islip. That game showed East’s resilience, coming back from their 13-1 loss at Sachem North, when Hecht scored the single run of the game, a homer.

Looking ahead, Pfaeffle said that while playoffs are a goal, taking it game by game and focusing on team growth are the Lady T-Birds’ top priority.

“Playoffs are a goal in any season…but I understand that not all teams can make playoffs. The girls work hard at practice, and I enjoy seeing their hard work pay off in the games they play. I already have seen improvement since the beginning of the season and look forward to improving more as we continue on through the rest of the 2013 season,” the second-year coach said.

The Lady Thunderbirds are scheduled to host Ward Melville on April 18 at 4:15 p.m.