HALF HOLLOW HILLS Copyright © 2013 Long Islander Newspapers, LLC
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N E W S P A P E R
VOLUME SIXTEEN, ISSUE 13
20 PAGES
THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 2013
MELVILLE MELVILLE
Attorney Accused In ‘John’ Sting
Chamber Chairman Dies At 51 By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandernews.com
By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandernews.com
(Continued on page A18)
Larry Kushnick TOWN OF HUNTINGTON
Limited Profits At The Gas Pump Stations see fraction of each gallon as several close on Jericho Half Hollow Hills photos/Mike Koehler
A 72-year-old attorney from Melville was one of more than 100 snared in a month-long sting operation targeting alleged “johns,” the Nassau County District Attorney’s office announced Monday. Melville’s Gary H. Friedenberg was one of 104 men arrested on April 19 as part of “Operation Flush The Johns,” a sting operation by the DA’s office. Each of the 104 men, who range in age from 17-79, is accused of patronizing a prostitute in the third degree. Their identities were released during a Monday morning press conference. Friedenberg’s attorney, William Petrillo, said the DA’s office erred in releasing identities. “Gary is a well-respected attorney and a great man who has done many great things for a lot of people,” Petrillo said. “It’s unfortunate that these investigations are being made public.” But Nassau County DA Kathleen Rice said exposing the suspects might make others think twice. “Not only do people have a right to know who their prosecutors and police are arresting and charging with crimes, but we know that the commission of this specific crime is dramatically affected by the perceived risk of getting caught,” Rice said. “We are giving fair warning to johns that the risk is growing rapidly.” Targeting men and women, the DA’s office used backpage.com to solicit would-be clients for escort services. The ads included a phone number that patrons called to arrange a meeting at a local hotel. But the “escort” was an undercover cop, and the hotel room where they met was wired with hidden cameras. Once money was offered for sex, the suspects were arrested and charged. Rice said the sting operation targeting johns is the beginning of a new chapter in Nassau County law
Larry Kushnick, the newly appointed chairman of the Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce, died suddenly Monday morning at his Huntington home. Kushnick, a father of a 14-year-old son with a law practice in Melville, was 51. His sudden death has left members of the chamber in shock. Many of them had gathered that morning at the Crescent Club for the organization’s annual golf outing, which Kushnick never made it to. Sworn in less than two weeks ago on May 21 to lead the chamber, Kushnick had deep ties to the Huntington community, starting with his days as a young man in Greenlawn. An attorney for a quarter-century who focused on construction and business litigation, he first got involved in the Huntington Chamber about 15 years ago when he began
working on the Long Island Fall Festival, held every year in Heckscher Park. “I kind of moved my way up as a volunteer with the Fall Festival,” he said after being sworn in May 21. The Fall Festival was still near and dear to him after all these years, and he said at the time he planned to stay involved as long as he could. “It’s the greatest festival on Long Island and that’s why I’ve been so involved in it,” he said. “It’s a tremendous amount of work, but it’s the lifeblood of the chamber. It really helps the chamber function and run, and it’s such a great showpiece for the town.” As time went on and he proved his mettle, the chamber invited Kushnick to join the board, and his climb to the top of the organization began. Leadership Huntington, which Kushnick graduated from in 1997, was a “catalyst” in learning how to give back.
By Mike Koehler mkoehler@longislandernews.com
The price at the pump is almost back over $4 a gallon, but most of that money isn’t pooling in the gas station’s tanks. A Mobil at Jericho Turnpike and Park Avenue closed within the past few weeks, and a Shell on Jericho Turnpike and Elwood Road shut down this past winter. Both occupied corners of busy intersections in an era when prices are peaking. But Michael Watt, executive director of Melville-based Long Island Gasoline Retailers Association, said it’s tough to own a gas station these days. “The whole industry has changed dramatically over the last 20 years. Back in the day, the oil companies used to put millions of dollars into marketing and took care of the retail locations. Now they don’t want anything to do with retail,” Watt said, adding that wholesalers take a cut and sell it to individual stations. On a $3.75 gallon of gas, Watt said, most goes back to the oil company. New York State gets 31 cents and the federal government gets 18 cents. The station owner will see 9 cents on a good day, he (Continued on page A18)
Two fuel tanks are being destroyed at this former Mobil station on Park Avenue and Jericho Turnpike.
IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION
Driver Plows Through Jericho Tpke. Salon A5
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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JUNE 6, 2013 • A3
TOWN OF HUNTINGTON
GOP, Conservatives Unite At Convention After lengthy talks, parties offer unified slate for November election campaign dschrafel@longislandernews.com
After months of discussions and speculation of tension between Huntington’s Republicans and Conservatives, the two parties emerged from the GOP’s nominating convention at Centerport’s Thatched Cottage as a united front. Conservative chairman Frank Tinari announced at the May 30 convention that his party would endorse Independence Party member, current councilman, and
TOWN OF HUNTINGTON
Obama Leads Birthday Song For Israel
Congressman Steve Israel By Jacqueline Birzon jbirzon@longislandernews.com
If constituents of the Third Congressional District forgot to wish Rep. Steve Israel (D-Huntington) a happy birthday last week, don’t worry—President Barack Obama did, in front of a room full of people. The President opened his speech at Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) in Chicago last week with a “Happy Birthday” sing-a-long in honor of Israel, who celebrated his 55th last Thursday. Israel, a former Town of Huntington councilman who is the chairman of the DCCC, was in Chicago May 29 for a committee conference at the Hilton Chicago. The President described Israel as “a man who is doing a thankless job with style and grace.” Following a booming applause, the President commissioned the “Happy Birthday” chorus. Israel, who did not know about the President’s plan, was taken by surprise and was flattered by the tribute. “It's what I love about America – it gives you the possibility of going from the Huntington Town Board to hearing ‘Happy Birthday’ sung to you by the President of the United States. What better birthday gift than that?” Israel said. Israel, formerly of Dix Hills, was sworn into Congress in 2001.
Republican supervisor candidate Gene Cook, incumbent Republican Councilman Mark Mayoka and Republican town council candidate Joshua Price. In turn, Huntington Republicans backed Conservative Peter Gunther to run for superintendent of highways. GOP chair Toni Tepe said the cross-endorsement agreement accomplishes both parties’ goals. “Our main goal was always to put forward the best possible team that we could to represent the taxpayers of the Town of Huntington. And after some long months and some anguish that we all went through, we have reached that point,” Tepe said. Tinari said the unified Republican-Conservative slate has a major advantage as their Democratic counterparts finalize their ticket. Town Democrats are facing the prospect of a five-way primary for town board that would force incumbent Councilman Mark Cuthbertson to defend his nomination, as well as a three-way fight for the superintendent of highways nomination. “I have never seen the Democratic party in this much disarray this close to the petitioning season,” Tinari said. “It just shows that it’s there for us to win.” “We are supposed to win this year. We’re not hoping, we’re not folding our arms and saying, ‘Oh, my goodness, if everything just breaks right…’ We’re supposed to win this year,” Price told committee members. “When we call on you, help us – because this town is going to be a better place when we do have the majority. Our conservative principles are the correct ones.” Introducing the team, State Senator John Flanagan (R-E. Northport) said the Republican slate would bring new transparency, integrity, accessibility and efficiency to Huntington Town Hall. “They never forget, nor will they forget, that it’s not their money. It’s your money. It’s the taxpayers’ money,” Flanagan said. Mayoka, who was first elected in 2009, said the GOP team would cut wasteful spending and improve efficiency at town hall. Cook, who ran unsuccessfully with
Half Hollow Hills photos/Danny Schrafel
By Danny Schrafel
Josh Price addresses the GOP committee Thursday after being nominated to run for Town Board, flanked by Supervisor candidate and current Councilman Gene Cook, left, and incumbent councilman Mark Mayoka, who is seeking re-election. Mayoka in 2009 before winning his seat two years later, said he is “excited for the future of Huntington.” “We can get open government and get things back in order. I’m excited to lead the way with that,” he said. Both Cook and Mayoka criticized the town board’s handling of fiscal matters, citing the results of a recent state audit which found that the town could save up to $179,000 by tightening up overtime procedures. The audit also said the town entered into contracts with 23 attorneys without issuing requests for proposals (RFPs). Cook first requested an audit in a March 2012 letter to Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, and the town board voted unanimously the next month to request the audit. “We came up with the audit, which finds that the town board was misusing some of their money. They weren’t doing the right thing for us, the taxpayers,” Cook said.
“There’s a lack of supervision, there’s a lack a lack of control and there are issues with record keeping,” Mayoka said. But Supervisor Frank Petrone, who is running for re-election under the Democratic line, said Cook and Mayoka are twisting the state audit’s results to score political points. “What the comptroller said is: There are a couple of points where you want to avoid potential abuse. There’s no abuse – they found zero abuse,” he said. “Given they did not go into other areas and target other areas, it tells you our fiscal health is good.” Petrone said the town’s fiscal condition is strong and speaks for itself. “You can’t twist something that isn’t twistable, like our fiscal health… It really concerns me when you have people with credentials who try to do that. It’s scary,” Petrone said.
TOWN OF HUNTINGTON
Dilemmas For Independence Party Chair: Wide-open Democratic races make it difficult to endorse By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandernews.com
With Huntington Republican and Conservative parties teaming up to support a slate of candidates for Town Hall, more attention is turning to two minor parties whose lines could deliver key votes in a tight election this November. As the clock ticks toward a July 18 deadline for candidates to file the petition signatures they need to get on the ballot, the town’s Working Families party is continuing to interview candidates and will announce their endorsements “in the next week or so,” Working Families’ Long Island Political Director Jess Carrano said Monday. Would-be contenders for the Independence Party line are going to have to wait a little longer, though. The Independence party screened a combined field of 16 candidates for Huntington supervisor, town board and superintendent of highways last week, and the wide-open
race is unlike any seen in 15 years, chairman Ken Bayne said. “There’s just so many moving parts,” he said. “I’m reluctant to get into the middle of another party’s process.” Of the 16, 10 were for town board, including four-term incumbent Councilman Mark Cuthbertson and seven Democrats seeking to run alongside him. Republican town board nominees – incumbent Councilman Mark Mayoka and attorney Josh Price – also screened. Meanwhile, in the race for superintendent of highways, Independence party members have four to choose from, including three Democrats – incumbent William Naughton, town Parks and Recreation Director Don McKay and longtime contractor Kevin Orelli – who are locked in a primary battle for the right to carry the Democratic banner. Conservative-Republican nominee Peter Gunther, a retired FDNY officer, is also in pursuit of the Independence line, Bayne said. While the supervisor’s race has the
smallest field – five-term incumbent Frank Petrone, a Democrat, is facing Republicanbacked Councilman Gene Cook, an Independence party member – uncertainty exists there too, Bayne said. “It’s just a matter of finding out whether Frank is staying [in the race]… and if there’s another candidate, we have to consider that,” the chairman said. Petrone, however, stressed that he isn’t going anywhere, and that the will-he-orwon’t-he gossip is “wishful thinking” by his opponents. “I’m running. I owe the taxpayers, I owe my constituents to keep the town running,” he said. “I’m doing this because I want to.” Bayne said he would be meeting with his counterparts at the Democratic and Republican parties before making a move. The Democrats, however, provide the biggest stumbling block at the moment, he said. “We still have some sorting out to do. Hopefully we can get them to get behind one candidate to complete the slate,” he said.
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POLICE REPORT Compiled by Mike Koehler
Happy Birthday, Walt
So Much For Getting There First
were whizzing by at 20 mph over the limit! If you reAnd many more… Friday, May 31 was a special ally think you can handle texting and driving, think day for all of us at Long Islander Newspapers. It of it this way – if you can’t wait to text, you’ll be waitwas the 194th birthday of famed poet and Long-Ising for the bus because if you lander founding publisher Walt Whitman. The year get caught texting and driving was 1838 when Whitman IN THE KNOW twice, you can pretty much made his way into the newsWITH AUNT ROSIE kiss your license goodbye. paper business, and we have since worked very hard to upMusical chairs… Ever hold his legacy. In doing a bit of reading on the posince Sunday afternoon, all I have heard about is et, I found a piece he wrote on his experience of be“Game of Thrones” this and “Game of Thrones” ing age 71. The poem was published in November that. Until this weekend, I would have guessed 1889 for Century Illustrated. The poem refers to “Game of Thrones” is just another name for musical personal “changes, losses, and sorrows,” and Whitchairs. Now I’ve used my keen powers of deduction man compares himself to an “old broken soldier” to learn it’s an HBO television show, but I still have who still manages to report to “the Officer over all.” no clue what it’s about and why everyone is all I wonder how a poem about turning 194 would go. worked up about what happened Sunday. Now Picture this… A newspaper without a photogra- when Hitchcock revealed the secret behind “Psycho” or Orson Welles exposed what Rosebud meant in pher on staff. Maybe it makes sense for a small pa“Citizen Kane,” that had everybody talking for per or a weekly like ours, but for a big-time daily weeks! newspaper? Yet that is what happened at the Chicago Sun-Times, which laid off its entire 28-person New York, New York… I know it’s old news, full-time photography staff. Among those laid off but I still can’t believe the Mets swept the Yanwas a Pulitzer Prize winner! The move was made to kees. One team was continuing their track record cut costs and keep up with its “digitally savvy cusof excellence, the other was just beginning another tomers,” as freelancers and reporters shooting video sad season. Everyone picked the Bronx Bombers to will now be used. I understand the times are changwin many of the games, if not all. But the Mets ing, but what is a newspaper without a stellar photo sneaked away with a win the first night, and then on the front page? Not that reporters and freethe second night. The built a large lead in the lancers aren’t capable of taking great photos, but third night and held on for another close win the there is something to be said for a daily newspaper finale. The fans were obviously taken aback, but I having that one stellar photo that belongs to it, and cannot imagine what goes through the players’ to it alone. I have to admit, this bit of news made minds. Some were ingrained with a legacy of sucme sad, but also proud to be a part of a tradition as cess and the others were coping with disappointwonderful as The Long-Islander. ment and frustration, only to abruptly switch places. Hopefully both New York teams can keep It really can wait… It’s a well-established fact winning this year! that you shouldn’t be talking on your cell phone while you’re driving. You especially shouldn’t be tex(Aunt Rosie wants to hear from you! If you have ting and driving, and Governor Cuomo is doing comments, ideas, or tips about what’s happening in everything he can to drive that point home. Now, if your neck of the woods, write to me today and let me you get caught texting and driving, not only is there a know the latest. To contact me, drop a line to Aunt really big fine, but you’ll pick up a whopping 5 points Rosie, c/o The Long-Islander, 149 Main Street, Hunton your license as opposed to the 3-point penalty beington NY 11743. Or try the e-mail at fore last Saturday. That’s more points than if you aunt.rosieli@gmail.com)
An employee of a Dix Hills gas station called Suffolk County police on May 31 to report a break-in. The employee arrived to open the business, but found the gate open and a glass door broken.
Slick Oil Thief Suffolk police were dispatched to Huntington Station on May 31 about a stolen oil truck. The vehicle was later recovered, although most of the oil had already been pumped out.
Vandal Damages Window, Ignition Suffolk police were summoned to Huntington Station on May 31 about criminal mischief. The complainant said the passenger-side window of a company van had been broken and the ignition damaged.
Stay Out Of Her Car! A Cold Spring Harbor resident called Suffolk County police on May 30 about a possible break-in. The complainant said someone broke her car window and rummaged through her belongings, although nothing was stolen.
Six Dogs In A Small Home? Northport police were dispatched to Main Street on May 29 about a loose dog, a violation of village code. The responding officer found a dog walking on the sidewalk with no leash and two dogs barking excessively. Police determined the resident owns six dogs in a small home. The dog’s owner was given two tickets. The complainant was given information for the Huntington Animal Shelter and North Shore Animal League.
Unsanctioned Paint Job Suffolk police responded to a Cold Spring Harbor school on May 28 about graffiti. Someone had used white paint on the east side parking lot.
Saws Cut Into Their Profits Suffolk police responded to a Dix Hills parking lot on May 28 about a theft. The complainant, a plumbing company, said two saws were stolen from a parked 2002 Ford.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK MICHAEL WATT
PICTURE THIS
Sure It Wasn’t Him? Suffolk police were dispatched to the Walt Whitman Mall on May 28 in connection to a theft. The complainant said he was in the mall when he realized his wallet was missing. Unauthorized purchases were made with his missing credit cards.
Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci and Walt Whitman personator Darrel Blaine Ford commemorate the 194th birthday of the local poet at the Walt Whitman Birthplace over the weekend.
“Back in the day, the oil companies used to put millions of dollars into marketing and took care of the retail locations. Now they don’t want anything to do with retail.”
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Suffolk police responded to Huntington on May 27 after finding out someone was being scammed. The victim received a phone call that his son was in an accident and being held hostage. After wiring money for his supposed release, the father found out his son was OK.
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HUNTINGTON STATION
Woman Plows Through Jericho Hair Salon Photo by Steve Silverman
Firemen stand outside of Gizay Michael’s Hair Salon in Huntington Station after a car drove through theWest Jericho Turnpike business on Sunday. By Jacqueline Birzon jbirzon@longislandernews.com
A 66-year-old woman was rescued from her car on Sunday after crashing through a West Jericho Turnpike hair salon in Huntington Station. Members of the Huntington Manor Fire Department responded to Gizay Michael’s Hair Salon at 11:30 a.m. after a woman lost control of her car and slammed through the brick building. The salon was closed at the time of the
accident and no one was inside, said Huntington Manor Fire Department First Assistant Chief Frank McQuade. McQuade said she was driving westbound at the time of the crash. “[We’re ] Very lucky. That place is usually packed, and where she hit was a reception area, and there are usually people sitting there and waiting on line,” he said. “She wasn’t making a U-Turn, and she had to have been going on a good speed.” Working through rubble, debris and salon (Continued on page A18)
Poulos Seeks Judgeship By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandernews.com
Dix Hills’ Deborah Poulos is looking to join the Family Court bench this November, but she’ll have to defeat an incumbent justice to do so. Poulos, who previously ran unsuccessfully in the 16th LD for Suffolk County Legislature in 2011 and the Huntington Town Board in 2007, is now preparing to challenge incumbent Family Court Justice John Kelly for a 10-year term on the bench. Poulos, whose practice focuses on family law, divorce, child custody, child support, visitation rights, adoption law and alimony, was first admitted to the New York Bar in 1989. A year later, she and law partner Helen Lefkowicz launched their firm, Lefkowicz & Poulos. The Suffolk County Bar Association has ranked Poulos as qualified for the bench. “This is something I’ve been doing for many years, and I believe I have the experience and temperament,” she said. “I believe I’ll be able to really help people if I am fortunate enough to become a Family Court judge.” Poulos remains active in the Philoptichos Society—a women’s philanthropic organization affiliated with the St. Paraskevi Greek Orthodox Shrine Church, which aids children and families in need. Recently, her civic involvement has expanded to animal rescue organizations, a passion awakened after rescuing a 3-year-old Boxer from North Carolina, she said. Poulos will be challenging incumbent Family Court Justice John Kelly, of Deer Park. Kelly came on to the bench in 2001, when he became a District Court judge. He was elected to the Family Court bench in
Judge John Kelly, who is seeking re-election to the Family Court bench, is facing a challenge from Dix Hills attorney Deborah Poulos. 2004 and has been doing double-duty as an acting Supreme Court justice for the last five years. Kelly, who got his start in private practice in 1986, primarily focused his practice on family and criminal courts. In 1992, he was appointed as a law guardian, and shortly thereafter, his practice shifted much more toward an emphasis on Family Court cases. Since joining the Family Court bench in 2003, Kelly has focused on cases of juvenile delinquency along with Judge David Freundlich, as well as juvenile and adult drug court. “There are a lot of problems out there and we do our best to help people,” Kelly said. Kelly has also served as an adjunct professor for Long Island University in history and criminal justice, with much of instructional time coming at the university’s Brentwood campus. He also recently completed a term as the dean of the Suffolk County Bar Association’s Academy of Law. He was admitted to the bar in 1986.
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HUNTINGTON
Cleaner Water With Sewage Upgrades jbirzon@longislandernews.com
An environmental initiative to decrease harmful chemicals in the Town of Huntington’s Waste Water Treatment Plant has significantly reduced levels of nitrogen, already meeting next year’s federal standards to create a cleaner Long Island Sound, town officials announced May 29. The town installed a collection system bio-augmentation program for the sewer system in April 2012. It has reduced the effluent nitrogen load (waste discharged into the sea) by 67 percent, and influent nitrogen by 12 percent. Sludge has also decreased by 12 percent. In order to save energy, the town board last year granted a pilot study of two of the town’s sewage compressors. After putting out a bid, the town contracted with Illinois-based In-Pipe Technology, an engineering firm that provides technological solutions to wastewater treatment, to identify target areas. Using the town’s existing pipes, In-Pipe installed 42 panels to administer preventative bacteria that breaks down incoming nitrogen waste before it reaches the treatment plant, reducing nitrogen levels and increasing operational efficiency by 26 percent. Supervisor Frank Petrone said the
Half Hollow Hills photo/Jacqueline Birzon
By Jacqueline Birzon
program generated a net savings of $68,000 in the first year. He anticipates larger savings in the coming years. “The harbors and our waterways are the greatest resource for Long Island and especially for the Town of Huntington. It’s something we have to protect and have to use at the same time, and technology helps us do that,” Petrone said. The program has cost the town $12,000 per month, approximately $108,000 to date. Petrone said the projected is supported by “various funding sources,” including town, county, federal and state dollars. The In-Pipe partnership follows the town’s 2006 $18-million overhaul of treatment technologies, $9 million of which was secured through a state grant, as well as implementing an ultraviolet disinfection system and high efficiency lighting at sewage facilities. Following this year’s upgrade, the town emits an average of 85 pounds of nitrogen into the harbor per day, which meets the federal 2014 standard. Adrienne Esposito, executive director at Citizens Campaign, worked with and supported the town through the pilot process. In 2011, Citizen’s Campaign released a Long Island Sewage Treatment Plant report card and rated sewage treatment plants in 10 municipalities. Huntington was the only town to receive an “A+” rating from
Councilman Gene Cook, Citizen’s Campaign Executive Director Adrienne Esposito, Supervisor Frank Petrone, Councilwoman Susan Berland and Environmental Waste Management Director Neal Sheehan listen as In-Pipe’s New York Representative Bill DeCandido explains treatment upgrades. the advocacy organization. “Huntington is implementing critical upgrades, while other municipalities let infrastructure degrade. The really is an
innovative and critical upgrade that is meaningful to our waterways and to our public. I’m hoping for a domino effect,” she said.
DIX HILLS HALF HOLLOW HILLS
Firefighters Minimize Hills Senior Awarded Damage From House Fire For Giving Back On Memorial Day Photo by Steve Silverman
Suffolk Legislator Lou D’Amaro honors Half Hollow Hills High School East senior Benjamin Sorkin, recipient of the 2013 Citizenship Award. Dix Hills firefighters douse flames during a house fire on Memorial Day. Quick response from Dix Hills firefighters minimized damage to a Corsa Street home when a fire broke out on Memorial Day. Volunteers from the Dix Hills Fire Department responded to a house fire on May 27 shortly after 1:30 p.m. Firefighters quickly knocked down the blaze, which apparently started outside the home and spread up the wall and into the attic, where it was stopped with an aggressive attack which minimized further damage to the home, fire officials said. The residents safely evacuated the home before the firefighters arrived. No
injuries were reported. Approximately 40 firefighters and rescue personnel were on the scene with four engines, a ladder truck, two ambulances, and a rehab unit, under the command of Chief Tom Magno and Assistant Chiefs Rob Fling, Tom Napolitano and Alan Berkowitz. Standby coverage was provided by the Greenlawn Fire Department for an engine and a Commack ambulance at Dix Hills fire headquarters. The fire was brought under control within a half-hour and is under investigation by the Suffolk Police Arson Squad and Huntington Town Fire Marshal.
Benjamin Sorkin knows what it means to be a good citizen. The Half Hollow Hills High School East senior was recently honored by Suffolk County Legislator Lou D’Amaro (D-N. Babylon) with the Citizenship Award at the school’s 2013 Senior Awards Night on May 23. The award is presented annually by D’Amaro to a student who “gives of him or herself for the betterment of the school and/or the community.” Sorkin will finish in the top 20 of his class and is a National Merit finalist, captain of the Science Olympiads,
and a Peer Ambassador. He participated in both the Northrop Grumman NextGen Engineers Program and the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Summer Research Program. Sorkin will be attending Princeton University in the Fall. “It is a privilege to recognize and honor Benjamin Sorkin for his outstanding accomplishments and many contributions to the school and community,” D’Amaro said. “I know he will continue to strive for excellence and wish him much future success in all of his endeavors.”
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MELVILLE
Locals Lead New Voice
Melville’s Mark Epstein, third from left, and Jason Stern, right, will lead Suffolk County’s new Jewish Advisory Committee. By Mike Koehler mkoehler@longislandernews.com
Mark Epstein began with the Long Island Railroad Commuter Council (LIRRCC); now he’s involved in Suffolk County’s newest advisory board. The Melville resident was appointed chair of the 13-person Jewish Advisory Committee last month. He was re-elected as LIRRCC chair earlier this year. “It’s an honor to be elected chair of the first Jewish Advisory [Committee] in Suffolk County,” Epstein said. Fellow Melville resident Jason Stern became his vice chair. “In establishing this board, County Executive [Steve] Bellone has forged a permanent and direct link with the Suffolk County Jewish community. On a personal level, as the descendent of Holocaust survivors, I can not overstate the value of such a connection be-
tween the highest levels of local government and minority groups,” Stern said. Bellone signed the board into effect on May 6. Epstein man was elected to lead it on May 22. Epstein said their goal is to serve as liaison between the county government and Suffolk’s Jewish population. Much like the other advisory groups in the area, e.g. those for Muslims, African-Americans and women, he wants to hear their constituents’ concerns. “It’s just to enhance what’s already been going on,” Epstein said. The actual creation of the committee, he added, had special significance. Bellone signed the executive order on Yom HaShoah, also known as Holocaust Remembrance Day. “It sends a clear message of commitment County Executive Bellone to the Jewish community,” Epstein said.
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Opinion
Se
nd letters The Edito to: r, Half Ho llow Hills Newspape 149 r, Huntingto Main Street, n, New Yo rk 11743 or info@long e-mail us at islandern ews.com
‘Not the types set up by the printer return their impression, the meaning, the main concern.’
Savings For Safer Water A trip to Huntington’s Waste Water Treat- this year’s upgrade, the town emits an average ment Plant is enough to convince anyone that of 85 pounds of nitrogen into the harbor per investing in clean water initiatives is a no- day, which meets the DEC’s 2014 standard for brainer. nitrogen emissions. That is just what the Town of Huntington did Upgrading early and investing in forwardwhen, in April of last year, it installed a pro- thinking programs have put Huntington in a gram for the sewer system that has reduced ni- good position. Finding the funding to meet the trogen levels released into Hunting2014 standard is an issue the Vilton Harbor by 67 percent. lage of Northport is facing now as EDITORIAL it waits on county funding to upUsing the town’s existing pipes, an engineering firm installed 42 grade its plant. panels to administer bacteria that breaks down Huntington’s new system has not only made incoming nitrogen waste before it reaches the for a safer harbor, it has increased operational treatment plant. efficiency by 26 percent and saved the town Huntington has been on the ball with this nearly $70,000 in its first year. from the beginning. The town even received an We applaud this innovative approach to “A+” rating from Citizens Campaign for the keeping the harbor clean and our water healthy Environment for its treatment plant. Following for generations to come.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
High Praise For Your Reporter DEAR EDITOR: Ms. Dubinsky deserves high praise for her reporting of our valedictorian's address at the May 25 Five Towns College's Commencement Exercises, as well as for her overall summary of the ceremonies. Mr. Alex Dengler, Class of 2013 valedictorian, was an Iraq War veteran, a U.S. Marine, who contracted cancer in Iraq from his combat duty. He was medically discharged, contracted cancer again, had to have a serious operation to remove a tumor from his jaw during his studies at Five Towns, and will live in the years to come with the prospect of cancer returning. He delivered the graduating class a simple but powerful message: “Don't sweat the small stuff. Rise above the major obstacles you face.” His remarks received, and deserved, the standing ovation that followed. As far as I can determine, Ms. Dubinsky is the only reporter able to highlight this thoroughly appropriate commencement message on a Memorial Day weekend. We extend our sincerest thanks to her for her ability to understand where our priorities
should be in reporting, especially on a Memorial Day weekend. ROGER SHERMAN Dean of the College/Provost Five Towns College
Cut It Out Or Get Out DEAR EDITOR: I am a retired senior citizen and I'm amazed each month by the soaring bills of LIPA and the poor service. They need oversight or to be shown the front door. BURT KOPITO Northport
Read The Guv’s LIPA Plan DEAR EDITOR: Vision Long Island would like to acknowledge the exemplary record of Governor Andrew Cuomo in advancing Smart Growth and sustainability initiatives on Long Island and throughout New York State. The governor has worked to implement the NYS Smart Growth Public Infrastructure Act, directing state resources towards town center based economic development and associated infrastructure through his Regional Economic Councils; signed the NYS Complete Streets law; and directed the Cleaner Greener Communities
sustainability plan and grants program. Vision Long Island has received a variety of requests by many community partners, environmental leaders, small businesses and government officials to take a position on the governor’s proposed plan for the future of LIPA and energy delivery on Long Island. Vision Long Island recognizes the vital importance of LIPA's existing Clean Energy programs to our region's small businesses, residents and educational institutions. These programs provide energy efficiency and renewable alternatives that both reduce energy usage, greenhouse gas emissions and grow our economy. The allocation of $130 million annually is the strongest regional investment in green energy in New York State. Local efficiency programs including home energy audits and the Small Business Direct Install are more active here than in any other region, and LIPA’s solar program has resulted in more solar installations on Long Island than the rest of the state combined. For these and other reasons we are honoring them at our Smart Growth Awards luncheon this year. Vision seeks to ensure the funding for LIPA's Clean Energy programs is preserved, or potentially strengthened, and that de-
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.
moving a sidewalk warrant formal public hearings. It is crucial that any proposal as far reaching as the future of energy delivery and economic impact on Long Island be fully reviewed with sufficient time to analyze and properly consider all changes. The report from Lazard on this plan has not yet been released and considered along with the Brattle report that has set LIPA on the course of its current reforms with PSE&G that take effect on Jan. 1, 2014. Combining both a sense of urgency and an effective and transparent process – including the necessary public hearings – will only enhance public support and ownership of the solution. It will also provide an opportunity to answer the many questions that are coming forward. Vision encourages all Long Island residents, small businesses and other stakeholders to review the governor’s proposal as well as associated reports and points of view in the weeks and months ahead. Many Long Islanders are calling for public meetings and hearings and they are likely to be held on very short notice so please be prepared with information. What do you think? Please forward questions and proposals for consideration as we all seek to provide input into the best energy infrastructure direction for our Long Island communities and businesses. Send comments to info@visionlongisland.org. VISION LONG ISLAND EAST NORTHPORT
Peter Sloggatt Associate Publisher/Managing Editor
HALF HOLLOW HILLS N E W S P A P E R
cisions regarding budgets and policies for those programs continue to be made locally, by Long Islanders. It is also very important for a state-of-the-art regional communication systems and infrastructure changes to LIPA and other entities. Post-Sandy has taught us many things and one thing there needs to be is a unified approach to any future changes. The proposed restructuring of LIPA needs to be evaluated to determine if it will drive investments that increase the resilience of electrical grid by advancing funding in storm hardening and smart meters. We also seek to understand the impact of any new proposal on the small business community that has been particularly hard hit by a fouryear recession and economic stagnation. Having borne some of the highest energy costs in the nation, our collective goal must focus on attempting to create for Long Island the best possible, yet feasible long term solution that both meets Long Island’s energy needs and provides a sustainable and financially competitive infrastructure. A solution of this magnitude, therefore, is worthy of a thorough, thoughtful, yet timely analysis of Long Island’s options and alternatives. Our board of directors met and recognizes that the governor’s 70-page proposal deserves full vetting and public review. Like any large-scale initiative, the details in this plan have provoked questions and as folks know on Long Island, actions as small as
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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JUNE 6, 2013 • A9
Life& Style MUSIC
Guitar Great Mesmerizes Paramount By Peter Sloggatt info@longislandernews.com
Few guitarists have the brass to tread where Jimi Hendrix has made his mark. Kenny Wayne Shepherd, a prodigy guitarist well known in blues circles, proved Saturday night at The Paramount he not only has that brass, he has the chops. He did it not once, but twice during a performance that showcased his virtuosity and as an axeman as well as his versatility. His signature, high-energy version of “Voodoo Chile” electrified the room, but a sultry, drawn-out performance of “Angel” that opened the encore set had it mesmerized. The keynote pieces were just two in a show that tested the full spectrum of Shepherd’s abilities, and those abilities are considerable. The Louisiana-born Shepherd started playing guitar when he was 4 and, in a recent interview, said he
started playing seriously at age 7 when he met blues legend Stevie Ray Vaughan. He released his first album while still in his teens and is perhaps best known to general public for his 1998 hit “Blue on Black.” In the blues world, however, he’s legend. Opening a bluesy set with a few words about the band’s next album, due sometime next year, he said the band will draw on influences from some of the genre’s lesser known giants. Shepherd and his band opened their Paramount show with songs from their 2011 album, “How I Go,” an album noted for straddling several musical genres, from country to blues to rock. It was rock that opened the Paramount show, and Shepherd’s guitar complemented lead vocalist Noah Hunt’s vocals in a blazing “Heat of the Sun.” The duo, together some 13 years, swapped the spotlight throughout the show, and the vocalist’s greatest power came
through on a series of blues numbers. All of the Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band members bring impressive credentials: bassist Tony Franklin is an industry giant who toured with Jimmy Page, Paul Rodgers and Chris Slade in the supergroup The Firm; keyboard player Riley Osbourne toured with Lyle Lovett and Willie Nelson; and drummer Chris Layton played with Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble. With all that talent one stage, audience appreciation still was strongest when Shepherd was playing for the crowd, and he took them through his full range: rock and blues, a contemplative interlude that evoked Jeff Beck, and that hauntingly riveting performance of Hendrix’s “Angel” that was mostly Shepherd and his guitar. Shepherd storming through an extended “Voodoo Chile” at the end of the show – including an over-the-head, behind-the
Guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd showed Huntington why he is one of the guitar greats at The Paramount on June 1. back riff – cemented the link to Hendrix and for me, at least, a place among the guitar greats.
POETRY
Poet: Humanity Is The Only Holy Land By George Wallace info@longislandernews.com
The Walt Whitman Birthplace’s 201314 poet in residence, PalestinianAmerican author Naomi Shihab Nye, was introduced to a standing-room-only audience at the birthplace over the weekend. Despite flying in from San Francisco and putting on a full-length master class, Nye earned a rare standing ovation after her Saturday afternoon reading, drawing on a seemingly inexhaustible reservoir of empathic charm and purposefulness — not to mention some terrific poetry. The setting — and the post as writer in residence at the Good Gray Poet’s birth home — was appropriate to Nye and her message. Walt Whitman celebrated the twinmantra of individuality and adhesive love, and saluted the people and nations of the world, expansively declaring, “Each of us inevitable/Each of us limitless/Each of us with his or her right upon the earth,/Each of us allowed the eternal purports of the earth/Each of us here as divinely as any is here…” Nye proves to be a true child of Whitman, a poet who says, “We start out as little disconnected bits of dust” and offers herself — through her work — as a kind of “human bridge,” “brokering empathy among cultures and understanding among nations.” Those are the words of critic Samina Najmi, of Fresno State. Whether it is offering a smile or smiling back when smiled at, making eye contact with someone at a crosswalk, or bonding with a baby she’s been asked to hold on an airplane; whether it is between pointing out the connections and commonalities between cultures or between individuals, Nye’s act of bridging puts into practice Whitman’s dictum. She points the way for us to live a
larger life than that offered through the mere exercise of consumption and selfinterest. To be fully individual and yet adhere to others. How does she do this? Through what Najmi aptly describes as an “aesthetics of smallness,” dedicating oneself to the role of human bridge, focusing on kindness in a sometimes harsh and lonely world, brokering empathy, and invoking people to use our time well. ”I want to be famous to shuffling men/who smile while crossing streets,/sticky children in grocery lines,/famous as the one who smiled back.” Nye’s poetry, says Najmi, stresses human connections through attention to the small and ordinary — as opposed to the aesthetics of the sublime/grandiose, or the frenzied news media aesthetics of sensationalism. Nye’s choice is a 21st century restatement of Whitman’s adhesiveness — a connectedness and a universality recognizable in lifelong family associations and in momentary interactions, and in the workings of the natural world around us, right down to “the small toad that lives in cool mud at the base of the zinnias.” Najmi calls it for what it is — a poetry which “articulates a countersublime of universal human connectivity for our times.” At the heart of Nye’s ethos is a deep, deep human issue — kindness, and how to be kind in the world which confronts us. “I am looking for the human who admits his flaws/Who shocks the adversary/By being kinder not stronger,” she writes. Nye’s is not the off-handed or easy kindness of someone in their comfort zone, someone who has not felt pain — it is a call to kindness among people who have suffered. “Before you know what kindness really is you must lose things,
feel the future dissolve in a moment like salt in a weakened broth,” she writes. Nye’s prescription is to learn to swim in the eyes of kindness when they gaze in your direction, as she notes in a poem about a boy who “did not want to see the deep pools of his kind teacher’s eyes and fall into them. He didn’t know how to swim.” “Pain and anguish are everywhere anyway. Might as well put them to good use,” she shrugs. “If we aren’t fragile, we don’t deserve the world.” Through the natural act of kindness despite pain, she suggests, we may truly restore our capacity to hope: “Skin has hope, that’s what skin does. Heals over the scarred place, makes a road.” Nye is a writer who wears her poetry, like her heart, on her sleeve. It is intensely observant poetry, which confronts us with inescapable recognitions of human connectedness. Poetry — which she insists is a best mechanism for the exercise of Whitman‘s adhesiveness, because it “slows us down — it teaches us to cherish small details.” For the readers of a poem, they are offered the opportunity to drop their troubles “into the lap of the storyteller,” were they become someone else’s troubles. And for those of us who write poetry, the people who ‘hear the words under the words‘? Nye tells us quite clearly — we are obliged to answer those words. “Otherwise it is just a world with a lot of rough edges, difficult to get through, and our pockets full of stones.” In the end, Nye admonishes each of us to exercise our curiosity, cherish our connections, use our time wisely and outrace the loneliness which surrounds us — like the boy in another of her poems who believed that if he roller skates fast enough loneliness can’t catch up with him. “A victory! To leave your
Naomi Shihab Nye, an award winning Palestinian American author and The Walt Whitman Birthplace’s 2013-14 poet in residence, has spent 37 years traveling the world to lead writing workshops and inspire students of all ages. loneliness/panting behind you on some street corner/while you float free into a cloud of sudden azaleas,/pink petals that have never felt loneliness,/no matter how slowly they fell.” “The darkness around us is deep,” wrote William Stafford, a former poet in residence at the Whitman house and a mentor to Nye. How is it we dare to even contemplate defiance such as this? Because skin has hope. Because humanity is the only Holy Land. Because the exercise of adhesiveness can overcome terrible loneliness in a society that pushes us toward obsessive selfabsorption in the name of individuality. Because the best kind of famous is the kind where, if a sticky child in a grocery line or a shuffling old man at a crosswalk smiles at you, you smile back.
A10 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JUNE 6, 2013
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DINEHUNTINGTON.COM
Toast To Tuscany By Jackie and Pete foodies@longislandernews.com
Don’t let the unassuming façade fool you. Nestled off the beaten path and without a sign, J. Michaels Tuscan Steakhouse in Northport offers a fine dining experience like no other. J. Michaels is a dining microcosm, infused with influence from Tuscany, the Hamptons, Manhattan and of course, Long Island’s north shore. Founder and owner Vincent Michaels, a Huntington native, opened the steakhouse in 2011 in partnership with childhood friend Jay Kaufman, a financial investor in the business. Michaels said that from the getco, he wanted his restaurant to appeal to everyone, both women and men. “To me, a steakhouse is a rich man’s saloon,” Michaels said. “You go to a saloon for a cheeseburger and beer; you go to a steakhouse for a porterhouse and a cabernet. I didn’t want to have a restaurant that’s all masculine and service that’s abrupt... The goal was to have a place where a husband can have their big steak, and women like it because it’s also romantic.” Executive Chef Chris Hamaty has
worked at several steakhouses in the past, and said the J. Michaels experience is in a league of its own. “Large steakhouses have become more a factory than it should be. Here, everything is personalized.” With fewer than 10 tables on each floor and more servers than seating, the J. Michaels dining experience guarantees an intimate and upscale dining experience. It’s old-world charm [meets] new-world dining—the Da Vinci code is behind the [business card] logo. We’re all about details… We like to be over-the-top,” Michaels said. Forget breadbaskets—each guest is given a piece of J. Michaels signature Tuscan bread coated with a layer of sweet gorgonzola cream and sprinkled with chopped scallions. Out of this world—old and new—is the Chef’s New World Lobster Meatballs ($20). Slowly simmered in a San Marzano cherry tomato marinara sauce, this unique and savory appetizer is the perfect marriage of salty and sweet. The original plate transforms chunks of lobster meat into a delicate and creamy palate pleaser. The Pignoli Spinach Salad ($16) will make you see spinach in a new light. Tossed with red onion, pignoli nuts,
Executive Chef Chris Mamaty, Founder and concept-director Vincent Michaels and Bendetto Lalacona, maitre d’hotel are the behind the scenes, keys to success at J. Michael’s Tuscan Steakhouse in Northport. Pennsylvania mushroomsm applewood smoked bacon and sliced hard boiled egg, and drizzled in a warm balsamic vinaigrette, the dish is rich with flavor. Following a raspberry sorbet intermezzo, a palate cleanser served in between courses, comes the main event. The dry-aged porterhouse steak for two ($108) is so tender it’s “like butter.” The 40-oz. edible art is hearty and tender, as are most of their steaks. Kaufman said all steaks are dry-aged, a process that tenderizes the meat after carefully freezing it for 38-45 days. Steak options are posted on the dining room blackboard, not on the menu. Less expensive cuts include the 16-oz. bone-inrib eye ($69), the 22-oz. T-bone ($79) or the New York Strip ($64), some of which can be ordered in “petite” size for almost half the price. J. Michaels offers 15-18 different daily specials, each of which sound better than
the next as the waiter recites them. With standards as high as the bill, Michaels said he appreciates his guests and tries to provide a quality of food and service that exceeds expectations.
J. Michaels Tuscan Steakhouse 688 Fort Salonga Rd., Northport 631-651-9411 www.jmichaelstuscansteakhouse.com Atmosphere: Rustic, classy and intimate Cuisine: Tuscan, New World steakhouse Pricing: Expensive Hours: Monday-Friday 12-10p.m.; Saturday 12-11 p.m.; Sunday 4-11 p.m.
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Billy Hoest is introducing lighter fare as part of Canterbury Ales’ summer offerings. LIGHTER FARE, LIGHTER PRICES – As summer lurks, Billy Hoest is lightening up the menu – and his prices – at Canterbury Ales (314 New York Ave., Huntington 631-5494404 www.canterburyales.com). Examples include lobster rolls on the lunch specials menu, along with Canterburger, tuna salad, chicken salad and crabcake sliders. Along with the summery fare comes a nice, light price – many of the lunch menu offerings are $9.99 or less, and the trend is creeping into the dinner menu. As for seasonal beer offerings, check out Sam Adams’ Summer Lager, Brooklyn Brewery’s Brewmaster series Scorcher No. 366, Brooklyn’s Blast and special summer creations by Blue Point, Greenport Harbor
and Great South Bay. BBQ, BREWS & BLUES – Join the gang at Ruvo (63 Broadway, Greenlawn 631-2617700 www.ruvorestaurant.com) for a night of BBQ, Brews and Blues at 7 p.m. June 25. For $65 p.p. plus tax and tip, learn how to make regional barbecue sauces inspired by Texas, Carolina, Kansas City and Memphis styles, all while enjoying barbecued meats, summer salads, margaritas and ice-cold craft beers from topranked Sixpoint Brewery with live music. SUNSET MENU: Vitae Restaurant and Wine Bar (54 New St., Huntington 631-3851919 www.vitaeli.com) is bringing new value to the table with its $24.95 p.p. Sunset Menu, available Tuesday-Sunday from 4-6 p.m. Early diners can enjoy a threecourse meal with coffee and tea. First course, a choice of Vitae’s Mussels Pot; Braised Short Rib Meatballs; Caesar Salad; Chef Steve’s Nice Weather Wedge; the Soup of the Moment or Baked Clams Oreganato ($3 supplement). For a second course, consider Orecchiette, pan-roasted “French” Chicken Breast; Chicken Vitae; Achiote-Rubbed Scottish Salmon; Grilled Marinated Cedar River Farms Flat-Iron Steak; Blue Crab Crusted Sole ($5 supplement); Pan-Roasted Berkshire Pork Chop ($5 supplement) or Angel Hair & Lump Crab “Oreganata” ($5 supplement). Finish with two scoops of gelato or sorbet.
THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JUNE 6, 2013 • A11
A12 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JUNE 6, 2013
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TOWN OF HUNTINGTON
More Than Just Fun Behind Carnivals Family continues aiding Long Island’s not-for-profits with 63 years of Newton Shows Spotlight On
Huntington Businesses By Mike Koehler mkoehler@longislandernews.com
The thrill of a free-fall, the taste of cotton candy and the sound of laughter; carnivals are a popular source of entertainment across Long Island. But for Northport’s Mike Newton, they’re all about helping a good cause. Newton Shows is a carnival company based out of East Northport that brings the rides, games and food to festivals, feasts and events across Long Island. Through the spring, summer and fall, they can be found in communities across Nassau and Suffolk. Newton said his company is all about making a difference. The company partners with churches, schools, chambers of commerce, fire departments,YMCAs and other not-for-profits at each event. The host ultimately receives a cut of the revenue from amusement rides. “It’s what keeps me going. I talk with them all day long. They’re in their office working or they’re doing what they do for a living and they’re taking time out of their lives to put on these events,” Newton said. “It inspires us to do better. It’s pretty amazing.” The company has worked with countless
not-for-profits, including the Huntington Chamber of Commerce and Huntington YMCA, throughout the years, beginning with its inception half a decade ago. Newton’s father, Lewis, lived in Brooklyn and worked for the telephone company, although he made ends meet by supplying prizes and stuffed animals for church bazaars. Asked by a parish priest to help raise money at a bazaar in 1949, the priest also suggested he buy a Ferris wheel. The elder Newton spent $9,300 on the ride, later making the rounds with it throughout Queens and Brooklyn. He left the phone company in 1953 and made carnivals his full-time job, periodically adding additional rides. The family moved to the Village of Northport in 1954 and the business moved to Jericho Turnpike in East Northport. Son Mike said he first started working at the age of 7 with a cotton candy machine, although he and his brother John joined the family business full-time in 1990. They’ve since been joined by John’s son, John Jr. They initially purchased the former potato farm due to its proximity to their home, the current owner said, although it also sits in the middle of Long Island. The company is known as a 40-miler – only taking jobs within 40 miles of its location. “We’re 40-milers and the Northport/Huntington area is a perfect hub for our journey into a third generation,” Mike Newton said. These days, Newton Shows can employ nearly 30 carnival rides between two different events a week, or one larger event like the Long Island Fall Festival in
Brothers Mike and John Newton oversee Newton Shows, a company their father, Lewis, began 60 years ago. Heckscher Park. Festival season begins in April and ends in October. Restoration and maintenance occur in colder months. Mike Newton said his nephew dismantles a ride every five months and rebuilds it from scratch. “You don’t want to put your kids on rides that don’t look tip-top,” he said, adding they mix up rides at different events over the years. One of his most popular rides is a new attraction known as the Frog Hopper. While the Super Shot Drop Tower sends adults plummeting 90 feet, the Frog Hopper drops children 20 feet. “They love it,” he said. At the moment, Mike Newton said the company is still doing well enough to support
the family and almost 60 part-time staff. In fact, he said they actually saw more revenue during the recession than they normally do. “We didn’t have a hiccup from 2008 on. I actually invested more in 2009-2010 because I knew we would still be OK. It’s a very affordable form of entertainment. People know they’re supporting a good cause,” Mike Newton said.
Newton Shows 4075 Jericho Turnpike, East Northport 631-499-6824 www.newtonshows.com
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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JUNE 6, 2013 • A13
THEATER
There’s No Tony Like a Hunting-Tony Students, parents and faculty members packed into the John W. Engeman Theater last week for the third annual “Hunting-Tony” Awards, a celebration of Huntington’s rising stars, who participate in their high school play and musical productions. The “Hunting-Tony” Awards featured a pre-show in which nominees, many of whom wore tuxedos and evening gowns, walked down a red carpet sponsored by Fred’s Carpet of East Northport. The show began with opening remarks from Councilman Mark Cuthbertson and Councilwoman Susan Berland. Each high school production over the course of the school year was evaluated using a standard judging rubric for their performance in 24 categories that recognize acting, singing, choreography, stage crew and set design, orchestra pits and costumes. A panel of volunteer judges attended the play and musical productions to determine this year’s winners. The students had the chance to take the stage again, as the evening featured musical numbers from four high school productions: Huntington High School’s “The Sound of Music,” Northport High School’s “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” Half Hollow Hills High School East’s
The Hunting-Tony nominees take the stage with Councilwoman Susan Berland and Councilman Mark Cuthbertson against the backdrop of the Engeman Theater’s “South Pacific.” “Urinetown” and Walt Whitman High School’s “Wonderful Town.” Cuthbertson thanked Kevin O’Neill and Richard Dolce of the John W. Engeman Theater for hosting this event. “I also wish to thank all of the high school teachers, staff and students for the many hours and immense effort that they put into each and every show,” he added. “I am pleased that all of the school dis-
tricts within the Town of Huntington can come together on this special night to support and celebrate each other’s theatrical accomplishments.” As an avid patron of the arts, Berland said she takes great pleasure in sponsoring the Hunting-Tonys. “All of these students dedicated themselves to their various productions and put in countless hours throughout the
Best Supporting Actor in a Play Trevor Ewald A Christmas Carol - Walt Whitman
Best Musical Commack Into the Woods
Best Stage Set Design in a Play Walt Whitman A Christmas Carol
Best Supporting Actress in a Play Ashley Reyes Noises Off – Commack
Best Play Walt Whitman A Christmas Carol
Best Technical Production – Musical Hills East Urinetown
Best Actor in a Play Gregory Georges The Odd Couple - Hills West
Best Male Vocalist Martin Lauter Thoroughly Modern Millie – Northport
Best Ensemble in a Musical Hills East Urinetown
Best Actress in a Play Kristen Riordan A Christmas Carol - Walt Whitman
Best Female Vocalist Alyssa Curcio Into the Woods – Commack
Best Supporting Actor in a Musical Nathaniel Bear Urinetown – Hills East
Best Featured Actor in a Musical David Lerner Urinetown – Hills East
Best Supporting Actress in a Musical Monica Owen The Sound of Music – Huntington
Best Featured Actress in a Musical Emilie Ann Greaves Wonderful Town – Walt Whitman
school year to make sure they put on the best show possible,” she said. “Huntington’s high schools offer such great entertainment and I encourage everyone to enjoy their productions as well as those at the Engeman Theater, who graciously sponsored this event yet again giving their time, expertise and staff in order to make the Hunting-Tonys a successful evening.”
And The Winner Is… Best Actor in a Musical: Matt Caccamo Into the Woods – Commack Best Actress in a Musical Ashley Ferraro Into the Woods – Commack
People In The News Melville resident Drew Quinto, a stu- develop a treatment plan for the patient. dent at Half Hollow Hills High School Scholars will also have the opportunity to East, has been selected to participate in the hear from and interact with the leaders withNational Youth Leadership Forum in the medical field. Students on Medicine, where he will join othengage with physicians, surer high school students who demongeons, researchers, scientists strate academic excellence, leaderand medical educators as they ship potential, and an interest in a view the professionals at work. career in medicine. Sessions this summer will be held Ken Kern, 35, a resident of in 12 cities across the United States. Sound Beach, has been named Throughout the 10-day forum, partner in at Melville-based NYLF/MED will introduce stuelder law and estate planning dents to a variety of concepts in firm Genser Dubow Genser & Drew Quinto public health, medical ethics, reCona. search, and general practice. StuOver the course of 11 years dents participate in site visits to medical with the firm, Kern rose from law clerk to asschools and clinical facilities. A highlight sociate attorney to senior associate and now of the forum is a simulation of which stu- partner. dents are presented with a fictional paHeading up the firm’s Health Care Detient’s case history and must diagnose and partment, Kern concentrates his practice in
Best Stage Crew in a Musical Northport Thoroughly Modern Millie Best Stage Crew in a Play Hills West The Odd Couple Best Stage Set Design in a Musical Hills East Urinetown
Best Technical Production – Play Walt Whitman A Christmas Carol Best Orchestra Pit Harborfields Bye Bye Birdie Best Choreography Northport Thoroughly Modern Millie Best Costumes in a Musical Huntington The Sound of Music
Compiled by Luann Dallojacono Health Care Facility Representation that persons. Working in the mental health care includes civil litigation, complex Medicaid field for over 15 years, Kern has experience eligibility cases, Fair Hearings, Article 78 as a case manager and direct care counselor proceedings, guardianships and for mentally ill and developmenmore. With Kern’s expertise and tally disabled adults. ability to assist nursing homes “I am passionate about my with complex issues, GDGC work, which has led to outstandnow represents more than 70 faing results for our clients,” Kern cilities and long-term health care said. “My goal in managing the providers throughout New York. Health Care Department is to har“Ken is a pioneer in his field. ness my dedication to this field to He is recognized for his superior energize the attorneys and staff on advocacy and litigation skills as my team and to continue to grow well as his incomparable negotiatmy department by offering unKen Kern ing abilities,” said Jennifer Cona, equaled service to our health care managing partner at GDGC. facility clients.” He provides continuing education semiKern was a merit scholar at Hofstra Uninars for health care administrators and in- versity School of Law, where he received service seminars for health care facility staff. his Juris Doctor with honors. He earned his He is a New York State-certified guardian, bachelor’s degree from Stony Book Unicourt evaluator and counsel to incapacitated versity.
A14 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JUNE 6, 2013 THURSDAY Meet Dwight Gooden
Legendary Mets pitcher Dwight Gooden will speak and sign his memoir, “Doc: A Memoir” June 6, 7 p.m. at Book Revue, 313 New York Ave., Huntington. www.bookrevue.com.
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Calendar O M M U N I T Y
FRIDAY Tell Me How To Burlesque
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.
Dix Hills Performing Arts Center
SATURDAY
Leslie Zemeckis’ sinfully entertaining documentary and new book offer a look behind the curtain at the heyday of the classic American art of burlesque. Watch “Behind The Burly Q” with Zemeckis and burlesque queen Angie Pontani, pictured, at the June 11 screening and book signing on Tuesday, June 11, 7:30 p.m. at Cinema Arts Centre 423 Park Ave., Huntington. $10 members/$15 public. www.cinemaartscentre.org. 631423-7611.
Huntington Station Awareness Day
Support one of Huntington’s most historic hamlets by getting involved in the fourth annual Huntington Station Awareness Day parade and fair on Saturday, Sept. 7 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. The parade starts on E. 15th Street and concludes in the Church Street municipal lot with a fair filled wit food, fun, music and vendors. For more information, call Dee Thompson at 631425-2640.
Live Music
Live local bands take over Finley's of Greene Street, 43 Greene St., Huntington, every Saturday night at 11 p.m. Join in the fun and food!
SUNDAY It Doesn’t Get Any Fresher
Huntington village’s Farmers Market is open in the Elm Street lot. The Long Island Growers Market continues its seasonal tradition in downtown Huntington, which runs through Nov. 24. The market will be open from 7 a.m.-noon each Sunday.
Voices Of Judaism
The Huntington Jewish Center hosts “Voices of Jerusalem,” a special musical journey with the Nava Tehila Jerusalem Musical Ensemble, on June 9, 3 p.m., 510 Park Ave., Huntington. Suggested donation of $10 per family. Email cantorshosh@optonline.net.
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.
TUESDAY Free Help For Vets
Every Tuesday from 12-4 p.m. is “Military Appreciation Tuesdays,” when Long Island Cares specifically assists veterans, military personnel and their families at the Hauppauge and Freeport emergency pantries. Appointments can be made by contacting jrosati@licares.org.
WEDNESDAY Party In The Garden At Oheka
Oheka Castle owner Gary Melius celebrates his 30th anniversary of discovering the Gold Coast mansion with a Garden Party on June 12 from 5-8 p.m. in the castle’s Formal Gardens or Terrace Room. Wine, hors d’oeuvres, light dinner and dessert. $60 RSVP; $50 for Friends of Oheka members; $75 at the door. RSVP includes an Oheka Garden journal. Visit www.oheka.com for more details.
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.
AT THE LIBRARIES Cold Spring Harbor Library
95 Harbor Road, Cold Spring Harbor. 631-6926820. cshlibrary.org.
• Leslie Zemeckis’ sinfully entertaining documentary and new book offer a look behind the curtain at the heyday of the classic American art of burlesque. Watch “Behind The Burly Q” with Zemeckis and burlesque queen Angie Pontani at the June 11 screening and book signing on Tuesday, June 11, 7:30 p.m. $10 members/$15 public. • Food takes on a spiritual dimension in “How to Cook Your Life” by German director Doris Dorrie, which centers on Zen Master Edward Brown and his quest to unite Buddhism and cooking. Screening and speakers live via Skype on Wednesday, June 12 at 7:30 p.m. $10 members/$15 public. Five Towns College, 305 N. Service Road, Dix Hills. Box Office: 631-656-2148. www.dhpac.org. • A special concert will honor the music, melodies and memory of the late Johnny Cash, a unique voice from the early days of rock ’n’ roll who carried a fake bad boy image and an authentic American sound, on Saturday, June 15 at 7:30 p.m. $25-$35.
John W. Engeman Theater At Northport
350 Main St., Northport. www.johnwengemantheater.com. 631-261-2900. • “South Pacific” now showing on the Engeman stage.
Township Theatre Group
631-213-9832. www.townshiptheatregroup.com. • The group presents the bawdy 18th century comedy, “A Servant of Two Masters,” featuring cabaret-style seating plus a wine/beer bar. June 7 and 8 at 8 p.m. and June 9 at 2 p.m. at the Helen Butler Hall Theatre @ Dominican Village, 565 Albany Ave., Amityville. $20, $18 students/seniors.
AUDITIONS Gemini Youth Orchestra’s 45th Season
• Enjoy a film and discussion of “I Could Write a Book: the Beverly Fite Story,” on Thursday, June 6, 6:30 p.m. Q&A with “B”, a longtime resident of Huntington and Cold Spring Harbor, to follow. • Kids ages 2-5 can decorate a personalized Father’s Day candy bar on Thursday, June 13, 11 a.m.
Commack Public Library
18 Hauppauge Road, Commack. 631-4990888. commack.suffolk.lib.ny.us. • Are you game? Adults are welcome to play Bridge and Mahjong on Fridays at 1 p.m. through May. • Join historian and best-selling author Monica Randall from 7-8:30 p.m. June 10 for “Gatsby’s Long Island,” a colorful slide presentation based on her popular book, “Mansions of the Gold Coast.”
Deer Park Public Library
44 Lake Ave., Deer Park. 631-586-3000. deerparklibrary.org. • Have you been interested in using an iPad to read a book or play a game? The library now has iPads available that are preloaded with preschool apps for use in the children’s room. •Are you a “Lord of the Rings” fan? Join the library for an afternoon at the movies with a screening of “The Hobbit” from 1-3 p.m. on Thursday, June 6.
Elwood Public Library
3027 Jericho Turnpike, Elwood. 631-499-3722. www.elwoodlibrary.org. • Does your baby love listening to music? Bring them down to Tiny Tunes to enjoy songs, chants, and finger plays on Monday, June 10 from 10:30-11 a.m. The program is for children from 12-30 months. • Have you ever wondered how different types of handbags developed? Professor Emilia Rabito Baer will speak about the development of handbags over the years including Louis Vitton on Thursday, June 13, 1-2:30 p.m.
Half Hollow Hills Community Library
Dix Hills: 55 Vanderbilt Parkway. 631-4214530; Melville: 510 Sweet Hollow Road. 631421-4535. hhhlibrary.org. • An array of Regents review sessions is available at the library. Visit the website to see dates and times for specific courses. • Allow your children to experience story time like they never have before at Story Time Yoga on Saturday, June 8 from 10:30-11:15 a.m. You will bend, stretch, sing, laugh and
read and your children will bring their favorite characters to life with yoga poses.
Harborfields Public Library
31 Broadway, Greenlawn. 631-757-4200. harborfieldslibrary.org. • Children in grades 3-5 can share ideas as they create and build with LEGOS Saturday, June 8 from 2:30-3:30 p.m. • Ever want to know how different social media outlets work and how to create a blog? Then you need to be at the Social Networking and Blogging event on Wednesday, June 12 from 7-9 p.m.
Huntington Public Library
Main Branch: 338 Main St., Huntington. 631427-5165. 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. • Jahn Guarino’s “Watercolors” will be on display at the Station branch through June 29.
Northport-East Northport Public Library
Northport: 151 Laurel Ave. 631-261-6930. East Northport: 185 Larkfield Road. 631-261-2313. www.nenpl.org. • Let Jaclyn Gartner, a resume and cover letter designer, help you create and enhance your resume and cover letter on Thursday, June 6 from 7-9 p.m. She will even give you a few tips on apply for a job and getting an interview. • The next Book-A-Trip is to The Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia on Thursday, Sept. 26. $75.
South Huntington Public Library
145 Pidgeon Hill Road, Huntington Station. 631-549-4411. www.shpl.info. • The Greenlawn American Legion will be collecting worn American flags through July 1. • The North Shore Civil War Roundtable presents a lecture by Walter E. Wilson, a retired U.S. Navy Captain and author of “James D. Bulloch: Secret Agent And Mastermind of the Confederate Navy” at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 6.
THEATER and FILM Cinema Arts Centre
423 Park Ave., Huntington. www.cinemaartscentre.org. 631-423-7611.
Gemini Youth is seeking talented young musicians for the 2013-2014 season. The Gemini Youth Orchestras is composed of 280 musicians from across Long Island, who perform in venues across the metropolitan region. Gemini offers motivated and talented young musicians the opportunity to train with outstanding conductors who are highly recognized in their field and provides a nurturing environment in which students can develop their skills and make friends. For more information, visit www.gyo.org and email webmaestro@gyo.org to schedule an audition.
MUSEUMS & EXHIBITS Art League of Long Island
107 East Deer Park Road, Dix Hills. Gallery hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. weekends. 631-462-5400. www.ArtLeagueLI.net. • Franklin Hill Perrell delivers an entertaining presentation called “Picasso and His Women” on Friday, June 14 from 7-9 p.m. Tickets are $50 for members and $75 for non-members. • Photography exhibit “Structure: Within and Beyond,” runs through July 7, with an artist’s reception Friday, June 7, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
b.j. spoke gallery
299 Main St., Huntington. Gallery hours: Monday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., until 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. 631-549-5106. www.bjspokegallery.com. • Artist Evan Campanella hosts a solo event for his paintings through June 30.
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 • There will be free admission for fathers when they are accompanied by their children on Sunday, June 16.
Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum
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. 631-367-3418. www.cshwhalingmuseum.org. • The Ocean Explorers Club will start Monday, June 24 at 9:30 a.m. Have a blast exploring the world of sea creatures, participating in outdoor games and arts and crafts.
(Continued on page A15)
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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JUNE 6, 2013 • A15
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make a difference in the lives of animals. Free training provided. Visit www.littleshelter.com or call 631-368-8770 ext. 204.
(Continued from page A14)
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. • “Under The Influence” exhibition is on display through June 30, including photographs of 33 student photographers from Long Island and New York schools.
Walt Whitman Birthplace
Picasso And His Women Franklin Hill Perrell delivers an entertaining presentation called “Picasso and His Women” on Friday, June 14 from 7-9 p.m. at Art League of Long Island, 107 East Deer Park Road, Dix Hills. Tickets are $50 for members and $75 for non-members. 631-462-5400. www.ArtLeagueLI.net.
Heckscher Museum Of Art
2 Prime Ave., Huntington. Museum hours: Wednesday - Friday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., first Fridays from 4-8:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission $68/adults, $4-6/seniors, and $4-5/children; members and children under 10 free. 631-3513250. • “Car Culture: Art and the Automobile” on display through Aug. 11.
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.
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. • “Living Color” shows in the Art-trium through June 17. • The Annual Members Show will open with a reception on Friday, June 21 or Friday, June 28 and run until Monday, September 23.
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. • Huntington Historical Society’s Spring Festival of Gardens is June 9. • Stroll through Huntington’s Old Burying Ground at 2 p.m. on June 25. Learn a bit of history, folk art and intriguing stories connected with this historic site. $5 for members, $10 non-members. Call ext. 403.
LaMantia Gallery
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.
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,” celebrates the passion for collecting by highlighting the unique and varied collections of members. On display through June. • The new permanent exhibit, “Our Stories: the History of a Community,” transforms half of the Society’s gallery space into a timeline, tracing the history of the Northport-East Northport community and rarely seen photos and artifacts from the Society’s collection.
Ripe Art Gallery
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. • Rich Odell’s exhibition, “Outside the Jam,” will open on Saturday, June 22 with a reception starting at 5 p.m. On display through July 13.
SPLIA
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.
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.
Eyes For The Blind • “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.
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. • Schedule at a time convenient for your group for high tea and transport yourself back in time as your group experiences High Tea in a private gathering house at the Birthplace. $25/person. 631-427-5240, ext. 113. educator@waltwhitman.org.
MUSIC & EXHIBITS
9 East Contemporary Art
9 East Carver St., Huntington. Gallery hours: Wed.-Sat., 3-8 p.m. or by appointment. 631662-9459. • Sylvia Harnick’s solo exhibition “Under the Sea/& Elsewhere” is on display through June 9.
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.
The Paramount
370 New York Ave., Huntington. 631-673-7300. www.paramountny.com. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. • Calling all Gleeks! Darren Criss performs Wednesday, June 26. $25-$75. • LeAnn Rimes performs Aug. 2. $35/$49.50/$54.50/$64.50/$85.
Ridotto
Concerts with a Touch of Theater. At Huntington Jewish Center, 510 Park Ave., Huntington. www.ridotto.org. 631-385-0373
DONATIONS WELCOME Help The Troops Call Home
Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci’s Huntington Station district office is 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 your phone to 1783 New York Ave., Huntington Station, 11746. 631-271-8025.
Supply Drive For The Homeless
During the month of May, the Life Center Counseling & Health Services, 17 East Carver St., Huntington will be collecting items for The INN in support of the hungry and homeless on Long Island. Bring travel-size toiletries, new or gently-used clean towels, new socks, new underwear, plastic and shopping bags and drop off your donation any time before the end of May.
AID & ASSISTANCE 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 Be A Museum Docent
The Huntington Historical Society is currently seeking volunteers to train to become Museum Docents at the historic David Conklin Farmhouse Museum. The museum is located at 2 High St. in Huntington village and is a fascinating interpretation of the Colonial, Federal and Victorian time periods. No experience is required – an interest in local history is a plus. Training is provided. Call 631-427-7045 ext 403.
Seeking Volunteer Advocates
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 ensure 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.
Suffolk County’s Helen Keller Services is looking for volunteers to visit blind who are homebound to socialize and aid in reading mail, possibly provide transportation. 631-424-0022.
Help American Red Cross
The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization that provides relief to victims of disaster and helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. The Suffolk County Chapter is looking for volunteers to assist in emergency shelters, at fires and natural disasters, with veterans, at community events or at the office. Free trainings provided. 631-924-6700 ext 212.
Time For Meals On Wheels
Meals On Wheels of Huntington is in need of men and women to be volunteers, who work in teams, delivering midday meals to shut-ins. Two hours required, one day a week. Substitutes also needed to fill in when regular drivers are unavailable. There is also a pressing need for nurses who can volunteer to screen potential clients. Times are flexible. 631-271-5150.
Nursing/Rehab Center Needs Help
Our Lady of Consolation, a 450-bed nursing and rehabilitative care center located at 111 Beach Drive in West Islip, is seeking compassionate individuals willing to volunteer their time as transporters, Eucharistic Ministers, office assistants, recreational therapy assistants and spiritual care companions. Volunteers needed seven days a week, days and evenings. Age 14 and older only. 631-5871600, ext. 8223 or 8228.
Be A Day Care Provider
Little Flower Day Care Network is recruiting for those interested in becoming registered New York State Child Day Car providers. Must be 18 years or older. Call 631-929-600 ext. 1239 to arrange for an appointment in your home with a day care social worker.
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.
Voice For The Children
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
A Loving Touch
The Hospice Care Network is seeking licensed massage therapists who are passionate and committed to making a difference for their new complementary therapy program, which will provide services at Franklin Medical Center in Valley Stream, Peninsula Hospital Center in Far Rockaway and the Hospice Inn in Melville. Two-day training course provided by the organization. ependleton@hospicecarenetwork.org or 516-832-7100.
Be A Friend Of The Bay
Thrifty Hands Needed
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
Parents for Megan’s Law and the Crime Victims Center are seeking volunteers to assist with general office duties during daytime hours. Candidates should be positive, energetic and professional with good communication skills. Resume and three references required. 631689-2672 or fax resume to 631-751-1695.
Huntington Hospital Auxiliary’s Community Thrift Shop needs volunteers for merchandise pricing and floor work on Monday afternoons, Tuesday and Thursday mornings. 631-2713143.
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
A16 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JUNE 6, 2013
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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JUNE 6, 2013 • A17
THE LONG-ISLANDER • THE RECORD/NORTHPORT JOURNAL • HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER
DEADLINE is Friday at 2 p.m. All Categories TELEPHONE: (631) 427-7000, FAX: (631) 427-5820 HOURS: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Address: Long Islander Newspapers, Inc., Attn.: Classifieds, 149 Main Street, Huntington, NY 11743
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ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVE wanted for Long Island's oldest newspaper group established 1838. Join the team of this award-winning Huntington-based company and grow with us. Wonderful opportunity with great potential. Print/advertising sales experience with Huntington book of business is preferred. Valid Driver's License and car a must. Salary, commission, benefits. Send resume to jobs@longislandernews.com or fax to 631-427-5820 attention: Susan.
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A18 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JUNE 6, 2013
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Huntington chamber chair dies suddenly at 51 (Continued from page A1)
Kushnick’s professional and volunteerism followed in the lead of his parents, Marty and Janet. His mother is an active community volunteer who works with the Dolan Family Health Center and the Huntington Historical Society. “She’s very, very involved. She’s the one who really encouraged me to get in-
volved in civic associations,” Kushnick said in May. And his professional interest in law – Kushnick studied at Touro Law School while it was located in the former Toaz Junior High School in Huntington Station – came from his father, Marty, who had a law practice in Huntington village. “As a kid, I was always working in his
office,” he said in May. “That’s all I wanted to do is get involved in the law – definitely because of him. He exposed me to a lot – he brought me to court as a young kid…. He’s the one who got me excited about litigation and practicing law.” Kushnick grew up in Greenlawn after his family moved there in 1966. Aside from a brief stint in the city, he was in the
Town of Huntington ever since. He founded law firm Kushnick Pallaci, P.L.L.C., which provides legal services in the areas of construction, business and real estate litigation, in 1997. He also served on several boards, including Splashes of Hope and Leadership Huntington. Funeral arrangements had not been set by press time.
Attorney a suspect in DA’s ‘john’ sting (Continued from page A1)
enforcement efforts against prostitution. Before “Operation Flush the Johns,” fewer than 40 had been arrested for soliciting prostitution in the last 10 years.
Salon
“Sex workers are often vulnerable victims of traffickers and pimps, yet they too often remain the prime targets in prostitution investigations while the johns who fuel the exploitation are treated as mere witnesses,” Rice said. “My office and the police department are turning the tables on the illogical and immoral nature of that equation.”
All 104 suspects have pleaded not guilty and face up to a year in jail if convicted, according to the DA’s office. Friedenberg, who was due back in court on Wednesday, is a partner in the Garden City-based firm of Berkman, Henoch Peterson, Peddy and Fenchel, P.C., where he concentrates in the areas of wills, estates,
trusts, estate planning, elder care, federal and state taxation. He is a well-known lecturer in the field, according to the firm’s website.
Gary Friedenberg
Gas stations closing on Jericho
(Continued from page A5)
(Continued from page A1)
chairs, firefighters and rescuers rescued the woman from her car through the building’s back door. The driver, who rescue workers said appeared disoriented at the time of the crash, was transported to Huntington Hospital by the Huntington Community First Aid Squad. A receptionist who answered the phone at Gizay Michael’s on Monday declined to comment on the accident, but said workmen were on the scene “trying so hard” for a June 4 re-opening.
added, or 5 cents on a regular day. “Service station owner is pretty far back on that line,” Watt said. On top of that, banks charge 9 cents a gallon for using a credit card. The executive director said it is possible to make a living with a service station, although owners of multiple stations significantly benefit from combined expenses and bulk pricing. As of Monday morning, construction crews and heavy machinery were at work at both sites. A pair of large fuel tanks had been pulled out of huge holes in the ground
at the Huntington location. Suffolk County law required all gas stations replace their tanks with doublewalled fiberglass or steel tanks by 2010, and state law requires they dig until the soil is clean. Watt said the county’s mandate cost station owners $300,000-$500,000, prompting many to give up the business. At the former Mobil site, Cornerstone Capital Realty Account Executive Kyle Lutz said, crews are removing the tanks while the landlord searches for a new tenant. Zoned commercially, the property is 0.63 acres. “We’re not sure what’s actually going to
be there. We’re just listing the property,” Lutz said. With the Shell Station gone from Elwood Road, the next closest gas station is a Sunoco across Jericho Turnpike. That same Sunoco is about 2 miles from the former Mobil, although an OK Petroleum is tucked away on Jericho Turnpike, just a quarter-mile west. Huntington resident Ralph Brigham said he’ll just use the OK Petroleum station more often, although he was very surprised to see the Mobil go. “It’s always seemed like it had a lot of action,” Brigham said.
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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JUNE 6, 2013 • A19
TOWN OF HUNTINGTON
Supporting Orphans On The Links By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandernews.com
A Huntington-based charity with a mission of improving the lives of orphans in the former Soviet Union and Africa is the beneficiary of the fifth Loughlin Charity Golf Open. The fundraiser, scheduled for June 10 at the Huntington Crescent Club, will benefit Operation Hearts and Home, which focuses on improving the well being of orphans around the world by providing medical care and educational opportunities. Yvette Loughlin, who organizes the fundraiser with her husband, Jim, said she first found out about Operation Hearts and Home after her 16-year-old niece went to Ethiopia to volunteer with the group. When she returned, she told her aunt all about the trip, which opened her eyes to the organization’s work. “What I loved that she was explaining to me is how inspired she was at that age… At that age you start learning how much you can give back,” Yvette said. Now in its fifth edition, the Loughlin Charity Golf Open is expanding in its new home. For the first time, a tennis tournament will accompany the golf championship, all of which will benefit Operation Hearts and Home. “This is why we put this event together… for organizations like this. I don’t even have words for it. It’s just wonderful,” Yvette said. Operation Hearts and Home got its start in 2001, when volunteers opened their homes to orphans from the former Soviet Union. The organization’s major focus is a hosting-medical program, which brings orphans to New York. There, they are paired with a host family who cares for the children after they receive much-needed
medical, surgical and dental care, provided free of charge by local practitioners. Since its inception, more than 300 children have received care through that program. It wouldn’t be possible without contributions from local doctors and medical practitioners, said founder Mary Beth Cassidy, who leads the organization and a team of dedicated volunteers alongside Grace Stillman. “The people here are just incredibly generous. I’ve never had anybody say no,” Cassidy said.
While living with their host families on Long Island, the children are introduced to the cultural and recreational hallmarks of the New York metropolitan area. “[For the children to say] I went to New York City, the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building… it gives them a little bit of a cultural exchange,” Cassidy said. “We do a lot of things like that to expand their horizons a little… We try to get a little bit of exposure to the New York culture while they’re here.” Volunteers also travel to Eastern Europe
and Africa every year to administer vocational programming and ensure children in have the supplies they need to get an education. And after the children return to their home countries, many of the host families keep in touch. “When they continue to stay in touch with families, then the kids know that somebody really cares about them,” Cassidy said. For more information, visit www.operationheartsandhome.org.
TOWN OF HUNTINGTON
Spay-Neuter Program By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandernews.com
Jim and Yvette Loughlin’s fifth charity golf tournament will benefit Huntington-based Operation Hearts and Home, which benefits orphans around the world.
A Northport veterinarian is teaming with the town’s League for Animal Protection to spay and neuter town residents’ cats and dogs for $50 during the month of June. North Shore Veterinary Hospital was selected to run the spaying and neutering clinic as part of the town’s observance of National Spay-Neuter Month in Huntington. Residents can get a voucher at the town animal shelter, located on Deposit Road/Rescue Way in East Northport, which they can then redeem for a $50 spay-neuter procedure at North Shore Veterinary Hospital. Supervisor Frank Petrone and Councilman Mark Cuthbertson sponsored the program at the
town level. Russell Fredericks, the owner of the practice, said he has worked with the town shelter system before, providing emergency care as well as routine procedures like spay/neuter operations and rabies shots. “He’s worked with us before and provided these services,” Cuthbertson said. The voucher system, he said, allows his office to do procedures by appointment and give the patient a pre-op physical to ensure all is well before surgery. “If an animal’s not doing well, you don’t want to put them under anesthesia,” Fredericks said. For more information about getting a voucher, call the town shelter at 631757-9373 or visit www.laphuntington.org.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Photography Gifts For Dads And Grads Through The Lens By Kevin Armstrong info@longislandernews.com
June is dads and grads time, and we are reminded of this throughout June by advertisers of many products. Photography is no different; in fact it is one of the most popular gifts for dads and recent graduates. At this time of year, my email inbox quickly fills with messages from camera stores and manufacturers. These messages offer great savings on products with the ultimate goal of ending up in the hands of a new graduate or grateful dad this summer. “Dads and grads” are clumped together by advertisers, but their photo needs often differ greatly. So what features make a camera a great gift? I’ll start with Dad. Most dads (including granddads) fashion themselves the serious photographer of the family. Mom’s in charge of the family events and holiday photos, but if you need photos that would make Ansel Adams jealous or could go on the cover of Sports Illustrated, then Dad’s your man.
You could go with the standard neck tie as a gift, or maybe a nicely barbecued steak, but a feature-rich camera will make him forget both of those items (well, maybe not the steak). Getting Dad a new camera does not have to be a difficult task. There are many different models designed to match any activity level or lifestyle. If your dad enjoys summer or winter water sports, you may want to look at the rugged cameras made for the outdoorsmen. These cameras are constructed of rugged materials that allow them to be submerged under water, work in extreme temperatures, and even dropped from reasonable distances without a major failure. The best (and most expensive) in this class is the Panasonic TS5 ($399). The Nikon AW110 or Pentax WG3 GPS are more affordable and are good choices. Along with the features mentioned before, these cameras offer GPS recording, Wi-Fi capabilities allowing transfers with your smart phone or tablet, and also show altitude, compass and barometric readings. These cameras truly are for the outdoorsmen and offer great image quality, even underwater. Does Dad like a camera with lots of settings dials and focusing rings, like the old film days? The retro look is popular. Starting back in the 1940s, cameras known as rangefinders were common. These cameras are square with straight lines and are the type of camera one would see around the neck of famous artists like Andy
Warhol or Henri Cartier-Bresson. The most famous manufacturer of this type of camera has been Leica. The digital versions of these cameras are very popular because of their excellent image quality and ease of use. Leica is still the biggest name in digital rangefinders, but many other manufacturers are making them. This type of camera, with its high-quality fixed focal-length lens, carries a big price tag. Leica’s start at several thousands of dollars, however there are alternatives that don’t require you to raid your retirement account. Fujifilm has had great success with their X100 ($1,300), X20 ($599) and the rangefinder-like XF-1 ($379). Dad will look like the old-world film pro with one of these around his neck while still possessing the latest in digital technology. If a recent or upcoming graduate is on your gift list, shopping for a camera with a different set of features is important. Photography for young people is a much more social and mobile event, and your choice of camera has to complement that style. Most young people are using an iPhone or Galaxy phone to take photos because they take good photos, and more importantly, they can send/post those photos instantly to social websites. Smartphone cameras are good and are getting better, but they have some limitations, especially when photographing in low-light or taking action photos, or if you wish to make a large print, when the limitations in the smartphone’s lens and sensor chip become evident.
The good news here is that the camera manufactures are finally getting on board with the idea of social photography. They are now offering models that allow for easy transfer off the camera right onto social sites or directly to your smartphone or tablet. The Nikon Coolpix S800C camera ($250) is the first compact camera to run the Android operating system. This allows you to load your photos directly online to your favorite sites or send directly to friends or family. The Canon SX280 HS ($269) offers good camera optics and built in Wi-Fi for easy photo transfers. If you are looking for a small camera, Nikon and Canon offer models that are easy to carry. These cameras are small; at 3 inches long, 2 inches high and barely an inch thick, these cameras not only fit in your shirt pocket, but you may even forget they are there. The Canon Powershot N ($299) is a 12 megapixel powerhouse offering total control of your photo or video. The Nikon offering in this class is the Coolpix SO1 ($99); its touchscreen and camera presets allow you to grab great photos on the go without worrying about having a lugging around a larger camera. These are my “nonstandard” camera gift selections if you are looking for cameras that are a little bit different. Any one of these unique devices will be a most welcome gift and allow your dad or your graduate to have fun and explore their creative side. Kevin Armstrong can be reached at kevin@imagesbykevinarmstrong.com.
A20 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JUNE 6, 2013
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HillSPORTS BADMINTON
Girls, Boys Teams Sweep County Champ Title Half Hollow Hills photos/Jacqueline Birzon
By Jacqueline Birzon jbirzon@longislandernews.com
Fourth time’s a charm for the Half Hollow Hills varsity girls badminton team, who won their fourth Suffolk County Championship last week after taking the league title with an undefeated record. The varsity boys team earned bragging rights as well after they were also named county champions and placed first in their league. The girls team finished the season with a record of 14-0, bringing them to an overall record of 59-0 since the 2010 spring season, while the boys ended the season with only two losses. Lisa Albert, head coach of both teams, said the dual win was “tremendous.” “As I’m looking over my speech from last year, I predicted this. I thought the boys would be very competitive this year and they really worked very hard to get where they did this year. It’s really very nice,” Albert said. After working in the district for 37 years as a physical education teacher, Albert began working with both teams in 2006. The coach holds practices simultaneously at High School East, where her 23 girls and
Senior co-captain and first singles player James Kuo stands with junior co-captain and second singles player Alfred Shim during a practice last month at High School East.
Second singles team Monica Chen and Divya Rao; first boys doubles player Jason Scheingold, first doubles player Carly Cordano, Head Coach Lisa Albert, first doubles player Gina Augusta and first doubles player John Stanis show off their individual title plaques on May 23. 21 boys work tirelessly to perfect their craft. “They’re tremendous kids, each and every one of them,” Albert said. “They love to play this game and they love being here. It’s a lot of fun.”
BOYS TENNIS
East Duo Nets County Doubles Title
Senior co-captain Jeff Cherkin stands with his first doubles partner, sophomore Kyle Alper, after winning their second individual doubles county championship in a row. Half Hollow Hills East’s first doubles team of senior co-captain Jeff Cherkin and sophomore Kyle Alper earned their second consecutive Section XI individual doubles title on May 13. The doubles powerhouse was undefeated in the regular season and helped champion East’s (19-0) fourth Suffolk County tennis title in a row. Alper and Cherkin beat teammates
Travis Leaf and Ross Reiffman in the doubles final, 6-1, 6-0, to become the first doubles duo to win consecutive county titles in at least 20 years, according to Head Coach Tom Depelteau. Both Cherkin and Alper were designated All-State players last year. BIRZON
She said she often has to kick them out of the gym after three-hour practices. Players from both teams participated in the individual tournament on May 22-23 at Smithtown West, just one day after clinching the county title. Wins are determined by the best of three games. First doubles team senior Gina Augusta and junior Carly Cordano have been undefeated for the last four years. This year they took home the doubles championship title. Both girls said they enjoy the competitive yet friendly nature of badminton. “It’s competitive, but fun to play [with each other] and compete at games. Coach pushes us to do our best,” Cordano said. “We want to respect our history and keep on winning; it’s such a legacy to live up to. We work really hard with each other,” Augusta added. Second doubles team players, junior Monica Chen and sophomore Divya Rao, earned third place in the individual tournament. For the boys, first doubles team junior Jason Scheingold and sophomore John Stanis placed second in the individual tournaments. The boys would have fared better, the coach said, had they not been forced to play one day after the county win. Other teams that placed had been off for two weeks before entering the individual tournaments. “Unfortunately the way the tournament is set up, it really penalized the top teams… It was absolutely ridiculous,” the coach said. Hills hosted the county championships on May 20-21 at High School East, when no. 3 singles player senior Susan Zheng defeated her Smithtown West opponent 112, 11-3. Rao and Chen also won at second singles, 15-7, 15-7 on May 21. In the deciding first singles match, senior captain James Kuo defeated his Smithtown East opponent 10-15, 15-10, 15-7. Seniors Ryan Sandy and Chris Pang won 15-6, 15-6 at fourth doubles to lead the boys to their first county title since 2009. On May 20, junior co-captain Alfred Shim defeated a Miller Place opponent in the semifinals 15-8, 13-15, 15-2 in second singles. Many of the players from both teams
First doubles team players Carly Cordano and Gina Augusta, undefeated since 2010, rally with a player from the boys team during practice last month. said their interest in the sport largely came from siblings who had played before them. Albert said that the first year is often a learning experience, and skills and competitiveness in the sport come after that first or second year. “The reality is, in the first year you play to learn it, and the second year you start becoming more competitive, because you understand it a little bit more. So once you’ve got a year under your belt or two, that experience really pays off,” the coach said. Kuo said the game is all about strategy. “Footwork is key, and serving. You have to be powerful and hit hard… It’s like playing chess at high speed. You move the person over on the court; it’s a doubles strategy,” he said. Zheng, who has played for four years, joined because her sister played on the team years ago. “Our coach pushes us, and we’re all expected to work hard. I really want to be able to contribute to our wins, and always work had… I want to be a part of that legacy,” she said. The coach said she is proud of that legacy, and credits her players for their dedication and hard work during the season and year-round. “The girls are very good and very dedicated, and they work really very hard. The boys have been watching the girls win and they wanted it as well. So they worked very hard, and were really quite a bit dedicated,” the coach said.