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 14
24 PAGES
THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013
HALF HOLLOW HILLS
Hills East Music Teacher Up For Grammy West grad Danielle McRoy one of 217 quarterfinalists for new educator’s award By Danny Schrafel
McRoy, a Huntington resident, is the choral director at Hills East, where she directs the Women’s Choir, Concert Choir, Chamber Choir, and Vocal Jazz Ensemble. A Hills West graduate, she grew up playing the piano but also sang through school. When she studied for her bachelor’s degree at SUNY Geneseo, she declared a vocal performance major. Since 1999, she has served as an adjunct professor of voice and music education at LIU Post, where she earned her graduate degree in education. She has also served as Music Department chairperson, as director of choral activities at The Mary Louis Academy, and as a teaching assistant at the Teachers College of Columbia University, where she earned her doctorate. “After I started teaching public school, I really understood that in order to be a terrific teacher I had to be a lifelong learner, so I decided to go back and do a doctorate in music education and do some research in that field so I could be the best teacher that I could be,” she said. That philosophy dovetails with the rubric for the Grammy award. Eligible nominees include current educators who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the field of music education and demonstrate a commitment to maintaining
dschrafel@longislandernews.com
A Half Hollow Hills High School East music teacher is one of two Huntington residents in the running for a new Grammy award honoring America’s music teachers. Hills East music teacher Danielle McRoy and Centerport resident Elaine Gates, who has been teaching for more than six decades, are among 217 quarterfinalists selected from a field of more than 30,000 nominees from 45 states. Both are adjunct professors at LIU Post. “This is a wonderful testament to the work these individuals do daily,” said Noel Zahler, dean of LIU Post’s School of Visual and Performing Arts. McRoy said she is flattered by the distinction. “It’s a little overwhelming, actually. I think there are literally thousands of phenomenal teachers doing what I do every day, and to be nominated was really amazing,” she said. “I’m really honored to be a part of that group.” “She’s very passionate about what she does – she communicates well with her students and she knows her pedagogy extremely well,” said Sal Randazzo, Half Hollow Hills’ Director of Fine Arts.
Hills East teacher Danielle McRoy is among 217 quarterfinalists in the running for a new Grammy Award honoring music educators. music education in schools. “I know that both in my job at Post where I work with future teachers I’ve made an impact hopefully on how they will run their
classrooms,” McRoy explained. “I hope I’ve opened a lot of students’ eyes to music that’s beyond the radio… there’s a whole (Continued on page A17)
HALF HOLLOW HILLS
From T-Bird To Ray: Tampa Picks Hills Pitcher Photo by Maggie Woods
Half Hollow Hills East’s Stephen Woods was drafted to pitch for the Tampa Bay Rays in the MLB’s first-year player draft last Friday.
Hills East senior selected in sixth round of MLB draft By Jacqueline Birzon jbirzon@longislandernews.com
Three days shy of his 18th birthday, Half Hollow Hills High School East senior Stephen Woods got a call that made his heart drop to the floor. A representative from Major League Baseball was on the line to inform him that’d he’d just been drafted to play for Tampa Bay Rays. Woods, the starting pitcher this year for the Hills East baseball team, was the first high-school level player selected from Long Island in the sixth of the 30-plus round draft, and was chosen 188th overall. Watching the June 7 draft from his computer, Woods didn’t know which team would pick him. “I was honored to accept… My heart was just going nuts when they called my name,” he said. “My heart just dropped
and sunk into the seat.” Woods, who was offered an athletic scholarship from the State University of New York at Albany, must decide in the next week if he will commit to the Florida organization. The soon-to-be high school graduate verbally accepted the Rays’ offer on Friday, and said on Monday that an official commitment will likely come by the end of the week. “I’m just really happy that I can start my dream quicker than I expected to,” he said. “It’s nuts. There are kids [in college] with so much more experience under their belt, but I got picked [before them],” he said. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound Woods throws a 94 mph pitch. He was 5-1 on the mound, had over 100 strikeouts in over 50 innings, and had an earned run average of 0.63, Hills East head varsity baseball coach Tim Belz said. This year, Woods pitched two
no-hitters and three one-hitters, was an All-County player, was awarded Pitcher of the Year in League III, and is nominated for Pitcher of the Year in the county, which has not yet been awarded. Belz, who has coached at Half Hollow Hills for eight years, said dozens of scouts attended games this season to see Woods, whom he described as one of the hardest workers he’s ever seen. “I knew he had that potential; every year he’s gotten better. He got really strong and really refined his skills,” Belz said. “He really worked on his command of his pitching and he’s probably one of the hardest workers I’ve had in my coaching career.” Belz said that every year, from sophomore to senior year, Woods increased the speed on his pitches by several miles per hour. The coach noted his player’s natural (Continued on page A17)
IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION
Student Goes From Homeless To Harvard A2
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HUNTINGTON STATION
The Road From Homeless To Harvard Half Hollow Hills photo/Luann Dallojacono
By Luann Dallojacono ldallojacono@longislandernews.com
Chan Kang walks the halls of Walt Whitman High School as many things – a senior who is about to graduate, a champion Mathlete, a piano prodigy, and most recently, that kid who got a full ride to Harvard University. But few who pass him know of the struggles he faced on his way to the top, including being rendered homeless. It is a situation few teenagers ever expect to be in, but for Kang, who was born and raised in South Korea, it was just another hurdle. Kang left the Asian nation in 2010, bound for the United States. He would live with his father’s friend and enter Walt Whitman High School as a sophomore. One problem: Kang spoke very little English. “I’m aware that I still have an accent, but back then it was not at a comprehensible level. People would always ask me again, ‘What? What?’ It was very frustrating,” Kang, who just turned 20, said. He showed a tremendous aptitude, however, when it came to math. He would take AP Calculus, the highest level math course offered at Whitman, as a junior. English soon wouldn’t be a problem, as he would test out of ESL within a year and later score a 100 on the English regents. Throw in the seven other AP courses he would take, his extra-curricular resume and his “exceptionally high” SAT scores, and it may come as no surprise that one of the country’s most prestigious colleges would offer him a full four-year academic scholarship worth
Harvard-bound Chan Kang goes to town on the piano with friends, from left, Corey Cook, David Grey, Patrick Zakrzewski and Nikhil Bartolomeo. $56,800 per year. Encouraged by his father and over his mother’s protests, Kang said he decided to come to the States because he thought there were more opportunities for him. “I wanted to learn more about what I didn’t know. When I look back at three years ago before I came to America, now I know I was very innocent and immature,” he said. “I want to go as far as I can – the highest level of maturity.” While excitement bubbled within him at first, reality quickly hit. “Very soon I started realizing how hard it was going to be not living with my family,” he said. Aside from not feeling he could truly be himself – “It’s very subtle, but you can’t be fully yourself when you’re not with your
own family,” he said – Kang had to figure out a great deal on his own, from getting vaccinated and obtaining insurance to filling out documents for college. “Those little things I didn’t know my mother was doing for me, I’m doing myself now,” he said. “I learned not to complain sort of, because it wasn’t going to help me.” As it turns out, he was right. Complaining didn’t help Kang find him a new place to live at the end of his sophomore year when the family he was staying with moved out of the school district. “I realized I was going to be basically homeless, and I started looking for help,” Kang recalled. The first person he approached for help was his father, with whom he had a strained relationship. Kang blames him for his par-
ents’ divorce, saying his father abused his mother. Talking to his father about where he would live only aggravated Kang’s situation, the student said. “I was asking him how much he thought he could afford to give me so I could pay, and he never answered,” Kang said. “Somehow the argument ended up with my father kind of cursing at me and at that point I just couldn’t stand it anymore.” It was in many ways the nail in the coffin when it came to their relationship. Prior to that conversation, Kang said, “lots of little things” hurt their relationship, like his father’s lack of empathy when he didn’t know certain things. “I couldn’t tell the difference between paper towels and tissues when I first came here. I thought it was kind of natural… but he kind of made me feel like I was really stupid and idiotic for that,” Kang said. Kang’s call for help was the last time he spoke to his father. “After that I stopped contacting him, and he did the same thing, and since then we’ve never talked,” Kang said. Not wanting to leave the school district and struggling to find a home, Kang said he found through a community website a Korean woman willing to rent him a room. She lived 4 miles from the high school. He spent half of his junior year with her when things started to turn sour. “She was charging too much, and my mom had to pay a lot, and she wasn’t keeping promises she said she was going to keep,” Kang said. (Continued on page A16)
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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JUNE 13, 2013 • A3
DIX HILLS
FD: Training Facility’s Impact Will Be Minimal Half Hollow Hills photo/Danny Schrafel
By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandernews.com
Dix Hills Fire District officials reassured homeowners neighboring the site of a proposed fire training building that both the long- and short-term impacts of the facility would be minimal. The two-story, 27-foot prefabricated building is to be built behind Station 1 at 590 Deer Park Ave., on the east side of Deer Park Avenue south of MacNiece Place. It would give members a “safe, hands-on firefighting experience under controlled conditions,” Dix Hills Fire Department Commissioner Larry Feld said during a June 4 meeting of the Huntington Town Board. The district is seeking an exemption from the town. Manufactured by Fire Facilities, the proposed Battalion Chief model has approximately 2,556 square feet of interior space in two stories and a small attic. The base model contains a burn room on the first floor; Dix Hills’ model will include a small burn room in the attic, as well as a wraparound apron. It will cost a maximum of $550,000, and the funding will be entirely drawn from the district’s Capital Reserve Land and Building Fund. “The volunteer fire service has evolved into a highly technical practice, with a significant amount of training required by the state and other regulatory agencies,” Feld said. “Training is ongoing at every level of membership in the department.” Citing a hotel restaurant fire that killed four firefighters in Houston, Texas on June 1, First Assistant Chief Robert Fling, who is in charge of training, said the facility is a
Dix Hills Fire Commissioner Larry Feld describes a proposed fire-training facility to the Huntington Town Board June 4. vital investment that will ensure the safety of the community and volunteers alike. “Some may say a building of this type is a luxury. Being responsible for the training of our firefighters, I can tell you it’s a necessity,” he said. The only place Dix Hills volunteers can receive that training currently is the Suffolk County Fire Academy inYaphank, and there is stiff competition for training time. When they do get training time, it takes as many as 40 of the 175 members away from Dix Hills, creating a possible manpower issue in
the event of a major emergency. “Having this training building within our district means 40 active members and five pieces of apparatus won’t be 25 miles away, out of the district, at the fire academy in Yaphank, like we experienced last year,” ex-Chief Rich Granahan said. However, neighbors whose property is directly around the proposed site raised concerns about potential quality of life impacts, although following a meeting with Dix Hills and Fire Facilities officials, some of those concerns were allayed.
Steve Lettis and Wendy Wallack, whose properties abut the proposed training facility site, raised concerns about smoke, smells, noise and light pollution generated when the training facility is in use. But David Tusio, a representative of Fire Facilities, which has installed more than 500 training towers around the world over the last 30 years, said the impact would be minimal. Smoke and fire is produced by straw, hay or wood, and where those materials come from is closely tracked. “It is nothing more than having someone burn a fire in their fireplace, but it will be extinguished a lot quicker,” Tusio said. “Where someone could be burning a fireplace for multiple hours, this is going to be for probably nothing more than four or five minutes at a time.” In March, fire district officials said construction noise should be minimal during the six- to eight-week build, and any noise created by firefighters undergoing training will be contained within the building. After meeting with officials during the town board meeting, Wallack said Fire Facilities and Dix Hills Fire District brass assured her and her neighbors that the unit will be self-contained and the impact hardly noticeable. “We felt somewhat better. I just hope they really follow through with what they’re saying,” she said. “I want what they’re saying to match the reality of what would be if this goes through, that it’s not going to be very noticeable or bothersome… Right now, we are feeling better, and they promised to keep the lines of communication open.”
TOWN OF HUNTINGTON
Learning Lessons From A Superstorm Police acquire Humvees, municipalities developing emergency plans, Grid using tablets By Mike Koehler mkoehler@longislandernews.com
Superstorm Sandy ravaged Long Island in late October, leaving more than a million in the dark and stranded with debris strewn about roadways. The region was still recovering seven months later as the 2013 hurricane season began on June 1. Long Island even saw 5 inches of rain fall less than a week in from the remnants of Tropical Storm Andrea on Friday. Although no major damage was reported, flooding was an issue, Suffolk County police said. Assistant Chief of Patrol Stuart Cameron said their patrol cars had trouble navigating deep waters. They faced similar challenges during Sandy, and later, when 2 feet of snow fell during the February blizzard. “We ended up utilizing military vehicles from the National Guard. It takes some time to mobilize resources like that. It requires a request go up to Albany and disasters unfold rapidly,” Cameron said. After the disasters ended, police began the process of acquiring surplus military vehicles. The federal government released three Humvees to the department at no charge; they arrived on June 5. Cameron said they are waiting to see what impact those three have before requesting additional vehicles or equipment. Suffolk County’s officers did a great job during the historic superstorm, the chief said, although Sandy created layers upon layers of problems to solve. The storm surge washed into communities, trees came down, downed lines and damaged transformers left 1.1 million powerless, traffic lights were not
functioning and massive lines formed at gas stations across Long Island. In the aftermath of Sandy, police eventually replaced officers directing traffic with generators connected to traffic lights at key intersections. Cameron said that will be included in a formal plan currently underway, as well as a list of gas stations with generators or in important locations. “Hopefully if there’s some type of severe weather event, we’ll be in a better shape to respond,” the chief said. Suffolk County Legislator Steven Stern (DDix Hills) confirmed Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services (FRES) personnel were identifying gas stations with generators. He hoped that station owners would take advantage of state-offered incentives to purchase expensive generators. Stern said the county is also working on two initiatives to protect the county’s most vulnerable residents. The Joint Emergency Evacuation Plan (JEEP) program combines FRES and local law enforcements in identifying who would need help. The Protect Our Most Vulnerable act would require health care facilities to file evacuation plans with the county so patients and residents can be rescued appropriately. The legislator added that the county’s Department of Public Works is still examining and working on possible vulnerabilities to the county’s infrastructure and assets. LIPA Communications Director Mark Gross confirmed National Grid has updated its operations and communications procedures. Grid spokeswoman Wendy Ladd said that includes more press conferences to share information, more local
Suffolk County police acquired these three humvees last week in the wake of Superstorm Sandy. calls with municipal leaders, using emails to reach customers, using tablets to collect data in the field, and working with municipalities on road-clearing protocols. PSE&G will continue this work when they take over running power plants from National Grid next year. In Huntington, Dix Hills and Commack were two of the areas worst hit by Sandy. However, Dix Hills Fire Chief Tom Magno and Commack Fire Chief Peter Paccione said no changes have been made to their strategies. “It’s kind of tough to be prepared 100 percent for a storm like Sandy. It’s a storm we’ve never had before,” Magno said. However, the Sandy experience, Paccione said, keeps the chief and his firefighters
more alert. Halesite Fire Chief Dan McConnell said Tropical Storm Irene in 2011 helped prepare his department for Sandy. That included buying more chainsaws and a new truck designed to traverse deep water. “When we were configuring a new truck, we configured it to be ideal during hurricanes. We took delivery of that truck before Sandy and it proved to be invaluable,” he said. Town of Huntington spokesman A.J. Carter confirmed the town formed the Hurricane Sandy Emergency Review Task Force in February and is expected to release a draft report in the near future. Highway Superintendent William Naughton said his department is involved.
A4 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JUNE 13, 2013
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POLICE REPORT Compiled by Mike Koehler
Give Your Dad A Hug
Purse Just Too Tempting
Happy Father’s Day… To all of the dads out
at the giant puddles (flash flooding to the rest of us!) accumulating in the town parking lot. A few there, and also to the granddads, godfathers, uncles, even decided to pull up chairs to the front door and and anyone who has been a dad to you during your watch the puddles form, life. I was lucky enough to drop by drop (which was have strong paternal bonds IN THE KNOW more like, “bucket by buckwith many people in my life. WITH AUNT ROSIE et,” truth be told). I have to My grandfather was brilliant, tell you what – I envy those classy and honorable, and my father was the kids, and a simpler time in smartest, hardest-working man I have ever met. It life when watching big puddles form and planning got me thinking about the advice these men gave to stomp them to smithereens was a neat way to me over the years, and how their influence has spend part of a wet afternoon. made me who I am today. Care to share? I’d love to hear what the best advice your father ever gave you Mosquitoes be gone… With so much damp was. weather, it’s probably a good time share some info Which came first… No, this is not a chicken or from Legislator Steve Stern about the county’s West Nile Virus hotline. If you see a dead bird, call the the egg question. (Although the answer is almost Department of Health Services’ Public Health Hotcertainly the chicken! Just kidding. Or am I?) The line at 631-787-2200 weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 approaching Father’s Day got me thinking about p.m. The hotline will be active until Labor Day. For how it all got started. If I found a credible source, medical questions relating to West Nile virus, conFather’s Day started in 1910 in Washington state, tact your health care provider or call 631-854-0333. after Mother’s Day had become a tradition. It wasn’t And to report mosquito problems or stagnant pools until 1972 that Father’s Day was permanently estabof water, call the Department of Public Works Veclished by President Richard Nixon. President tor Control Division at 631- 852-4270. Woodrow Wilson made Mother’s Day an official national holiday in 1914. I know what you’re thinking, I love a parade… Thankfully this wet mess moms… sometimes it takes the dads a while to cleared out with plenty of time to spare by Saturday catch up. afternoon – there was a parade to be seen! The kids Washout… I get that rain nourishes flowers and from the Long Island Pride parade made their way down Park Avenue and Main Street, and this annurefreshes the Earth, but this last round was a bit al celebration of gay pride, held in our very own much. Hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean offidowntown Huntington, was a hit once again. cially began on June 1 and we have the remnants of Bright, colorful, vibrant and just a little saucy as ala tropical storm rolling through less than a week ways, I made sure to wave vigorously to Frank and later. Didn’t Mother Nature flex her muscles Ralph at the front of the parade, two of our homeenough between Sandy, the nor’easter and that bliztown fellas leading the celebration perched atop zard? Enough, we get it. No need to ruin weekend spiffy Beetle convertibles. plans for many, or even birthday plans for one of our intrepid reporters!
Stomping puddles… At least the younger set seemed to enjoy the deluge. One of our news team members was out at lunch on Friday and he saw a bunch of young soccer players – not a single one older than 10, he said – looking out in amazement
(Aunt Rosie wants to hear from you! If you have comments, ideas, or tips about what’s happening in your neck of the woods, write to me today and let me know the latest. To contact me, drop a line to Aunt Rosie, c/o The Long-Islander, 149 Main Street, Huntington NY 11743. Or try the e-mail at aunt.rosieli@gmail.com)
QUOTE OF THE WEEK DIX HILLS FIRE CHIEF TOM MAGNO
PICTURE THIS
Suffolk police were dispatched to the parking lot of a Melville fitness center on June 7 about a theft. Someone had broken the window of a parked car and stolen the purse inside.
BB Gun Shooter Suffolk police were dispatched to Dix Hills on June 7 about reports of gunshots to a vehicle. Police discovered that someone shot out the window of a vehicle with a BB gun.
Who Sent That? A threatening letter was sent to Huntington Town Hall on June 7. The letter was received in the mailroom and Suffolk police were notified.
Because One Wasn’t Enough Suffolk police were dispatched to the Walt Whitman Mall on June 7 when 18 Swarovski bracelets were stolen from one of its stores. The suspects were identified as two females, one of which was said to have been a 30year-old woman dressed in black.
Who Vandalizes A Fire House? Suffolk police responded to the Halesite Fire Department on June 6 about criminal mischief. A recruitment sign had been spray-painted and damaged.
Scammer Strikes Again Suffolk police responded to Melville on June 6 when someone reported receiving a phone call saying that one of his family members was being held hostage. This report is nearly identical to one received on May 27 by a father who wired money to save his “kipnapped” son only to find out that it had been a scam and his son was fine. This time, however, the complainant who received the call did not fall for the trick.
Diner Causing A Scene Suffolk police were dispatched to a restaurant in Melville on June 5 after receiving reports of an intoxicated customer causing problems. The customer allegedly yelled at other people in the restaurant and broke part of the glass door’s hinges.
Dealer Reports Hot Wheels Suffolk police responded to South Huntington on June 4 about an auto theft. A car was reported stolen from the parking lot of a car dealership.
Customer Dis-Service Suffolk police were dispatched to a Melville store on June 4 after an employee physically assaulted a customer. The customer was attempting to make a return and the employee allegedly punched him in the face. The victim refused medical attention and did not wish to press charges.
Fake ID Or Littering?
Assemblymen Andrew Raia and Chad Lupinacci hosted their first Boating Awareness Day over the rainy weekend, joined by members of the U.S. Coast Guard, local police and fire departments, and local boaters at the Northport Village Dock.
“It’s kind of tough to be prepared 100 percent for a storm like Sandy. It’s a storm we’ve never had before.” Learning Lessons From A Superstorm, PAGE A3
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Northport police arrested an East Northport man on June 2 after watching a large group of subjects throwing beer cans onto the ground. The subjects denied throwing the beer, although a subsequent investigation identified one of the offenders. While preparing a ticket, the 19year-old provided a fraudulent drivers’ license. He was charged with criminal possession of a forged instrument, as well as possession of an open container. After being processed at headquarters, the defendant was released on $20 cash bail.
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TOWN OF HUNTINGTON
No Turbines Until Winter Long-Islander photo/Mike Koehler
Alissa Taff urges Mark Mayoka and the rest of the council to continue the moratorium and consider banning wind turbines. By Mike Koehler mkoehler@longislandernews.com
Although he was part of the unanimous vote to extend their moratorium on wind turbines last Tuesday, Councilman Mark Mayoka remains an opponent of the contraptions in general. “I wanted us to take affirmative action. I wanted us to come out with a change in the law or I wanted us to come out with some kind of change to the code. That didn’t happen. A moratorium is the next best thing to be against the turbines,” Mayoka said. The Huntington Town Board voted 5-0 on June 4 in favor of extending the moratorium on wind turbines. The initial ban was set to end on June 11, but the new 128-day moratorium will prevent any applications, public
hearings or permits for wind turbines through Dec. 10. Canon, which recently opened its North American headquarters in Melville, initially brought the issue to light in October 2012 by submitting plans to erect three 35-foot turbines 50-110 feet from the northern property line and eight 16-foot turbines atop the northern parking garage’s (25-30 feet tall) northern wall. A letter from Huntington’s Planning Department later that year confirmed the interest, although the turbines were removed from other requests at a zoning board meeting. Zoning board members realized no code existed to analyze Canon’s request and briefly considering using code pertaining to cell antennas. The town board responded with a moratorium in February. An adamant opponent of turbines at Canon and through most of the town, Sweet Hollow Civic Association President Alissa Taff addressed the town board June 4. She emphasized the proximity of homes to Canon’s new headquarters. “I thank you for being so careful,” Taff said. Councilman Mark Cuthbertson has been leading the charge on wind turbines. Town officials are still researching, digesting and grappling with possible additions for town code, he said, something that could happen early this summer. “The staff has been directed to work on it and get a draft that can be circulated [among the public] by the end of the month,” he said. However, Mayoka said he was under the impression the matter would be addressed after the election this November. “It appears, the way the timetable is set, it would be after the election. I would like to see it sooner than that,” he said. Cuthbertson denied it was an election issue. “This isn’t a run-of-the-mill legislation. We’ve never regulated in this area before. It’s requiring more thought and time,” he said.
MELVILLE
Main Break Floods Homes Half Hollow Hills photo/Elisabeth Turner
Water from this broken water main flooded four Melville homes last week. By Elisabeth Turner info@longislandernews.com
Four homes were flooded when a 16inch water main broke along New York Avenue last Thursday morning. All are located near Flatbush Place and Newton Lane. One resident’s basement was completely flooded. Another resident described water coming down the driveway as “powerful,” likening it to rapids. South Huntington Water Authority employees could be seen along New York Avenue later that afternoon, working to clean up debris. Mechanic Troy Manheim said the break was “relatively serious.” The water authority has dealt with breaks before, he said, but ones to that extent are “few and
far in between.” “Water came through the garage and then through the stairwell,” another neighbor said, pointing to the path water took to inundate the one resident’s basement. This water main had been from the late 1940s or early 1950s, authorities said. Although water main breaks are not uncommon, South Huntington Water District Superintendent Kevin Carroll agreed that resulting damage is often less serious than that caused by the break on June 6. “This one was notable,” he said, citing the large amount of water loss combined with the severity of the break. “There’s still some road damage.” The road will be fully restored, he added.
THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JUNE 13, 2013 • A5
A6 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JUNE 13, 2013
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MELVILLE
Battle Brewing In 17th Legislative District James Martin taking on Lou D’Amaro; no GOP candidate yet to challenge Steve Stern By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandernews.com
Steve Stern might not have a Republican challenger quite yet in Suffolk County Legislature’s 16th District, but in the neighboring 17th, Lou D’Amaro is facing a battle from longtime Melville-South Huntington community activist James Martin. Although Melville attorney Lisa Taranto-Fernandez was named the GOP candidate at the May 13 county convention, she is no longer pursuing the race. In the meantime, the GOP has not named a candidate to take her place, Huntington GOP chair Toni Tepe said Monday. Meanwhile, Martin is gearing up in an effort to send D’Amaro, a four-term incumbent, to the sidelines. Martin, of Melville, is a procurement and supply chain professional who is currently employed with Long Islandbased Broadridge. Previously he worked for AIG, American Express and News Corporation/20th Century FOX. A father of three, he first got involved in community activism about 15 years ago, leading a civic group in opposition to the expansion of the Walt Whitman Mall. He is also active with St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church’s Pastoral Council and its CYO soccer program. He has also been active in several campaigns for the Huntington Republican Committee. Martin argued Democratic legislators and County Executives have mismanaged the county, and it’s time for a fresh start with Republican leadership.
Lou D’Amaro
James Martin
“Someone’s got to step in there and say, ‘We need to take a smart, lean approach to government,’” he said. “They’ve had the keys for a long time and they’ve not shown to have good management.” Martin called for more prudent use of taxpayer dollars by lawmakers, lower taxes and more jobs. “The unemployment rate is just too high,” he said. “We need to do a better job at making Long Island a better place for businesses to locate, to start, to assemble… We’re hard workers. We have excellent school districts. We produce very good students – all great resources. But it’s not a [business] friendly place and it’s not improving.”
D’Amaro, however, called allegations of mismanagement “election-year politicking” and “disingenuous” because budget shortfalls are based on projections. What voters should judge the Suffolk County Legislature on, he said, is how lawmakers deal with economic reality – something he argues the Democratic leadership has done well. “At times we do run a deficit on paper but we’ve been able to manage our finances and tighten up our spending to get through those deficits,” he said. “To say we have a deficit is disingenuous because deficits are based on projections only. It’s how we deal with the economy in reality that matters.” D’Amaro, who is running with additional backing from the Independence and Conservative parties – he’s awaiting word from the Working Families party – said he plans to again run on his record and continue keeping a hawkish eye on taxes and spending. He said General Fund property taxes have not increased during his term, and that any police line increases have either been less than inflation or compliant with the state’s tax levy cap. In a fifth term, D’Amaro said he will continue the fight for improved public safety in Huntington Station and advocate for open space and environmental protection efforts. “Given the very difficult economy, we’ve met many of those challenges. We’re continuing to live up the expectations people have of us and we’ve done it without raising their taxes,” D’Amaro said.
TOWN OF HUNTINGTON
GOP Primary In Works For Town Board? By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandernews.com
Huntington Republicans may be facing a primary of their own this September if resident Vivienne Wong gets her way. Wong, of Huntington, said she is pursuing a primary to run for Huntington Town Board. Should her push be successful, it will almost certainly be to the acute aggravation of Huntington Repub-
lican Committee chair Toni Tepe, who sent a thinly veiled warning to would-be primary contenders at the party’s convention last month. “And just a tiny little message to you for all of you who know me: Don’t get in my way. Let’s just be a team, let’s get it done, let’s win and let’s have a great victory party come November,” Tepe said May 30. But Wong confirmed last week she is
pursuing a primary for town board against Republican nominees Mark Mayoka, the incumbent councilman, and newcomer Josh Price. She and any other Republican candidates will have until July 18 to garner 1,000 valid signatures in order to earn the right to be on the September primary ballot. Wong said she has a full ticket, but declined to name her running mate. This is Wong’s second attempt in as
TOWN OF HUNTINGTON
After Audit, Town Changes Policy Manual updated to require RFP for attorney hires By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandernews.com
Following recommendations in a recent state audit, Huntington’s town board updated its policy manual to tighten the process of hiring outside counsel. The update, sponsored by Supervisor Frank Petrone, Councilman Mark Cuthbertson and Councilman Mark Mayoka, added language directing the town attorney’s office to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) when they hire attorneys. The new directive addresses one of three key recommendations issued following an audit by the state comptroller’s office. In the audit, which focused most intensely on the town’s payroll and legal services, auditors found that the town entered contracts with 23 attorneys, who were paid a total of $1.9 million during the 18-month audit period starting Jan. 1, 2011, without using RFPs as called for in the town’s procurement policy.
“...I felt it was, in this time, important to do something in here as well based on the initial findings of some of the audit...” — FRANK PETRONE, Huntington Supervisor “We explored this further and I felt it was, in this time, important to do something in here as well based on the initial findings of some of the audit and some of the things we could immediately change. Others are in the works,” Petrone said during a town board workshop meeting on June 4. The state also urged the town to ensure
all invoices submitted by outside counsel contained an itemized description of services rendered and the time spent providing those services. Other audit recommendations focused on overtime and payroll, as well as the allowable number of accrued vacation days held by employees. Town spokesman A.J. Carter said discussions have been held with union leaders related to supervisor overtime, accrued vacation time and retirement payouts for unused vacation time, all areas the state urged the town to tighten up procedures in. A universal signin sheet is also being developed for all town departments, Carter added. The town’s debt management policy in its policy and procedure manual was updated to instruct the director of audit and control to “the extent possible, provide the town board with a draft of any bonding resolution seven days prior to a vote by the board,” a proposal first sponsored by Councilman Mark Mayoka.
many elections to get on the Republican town board ticket. Two years ago, her petitions to primary the 2011 GOP ticket of Independence Party member Gene Cook, now a Vivienne Wong councilman running for supervisor with Republican and Conservative endorsements, were thrown out by the County Board of Elections. A subsequent court case to have Cook bumped from the Republican town board ticket stemming from allegations of an improperly issued cross-endorsement was also unsuccessful. Much like two years ago, Wong’s ire seems largely aimed at Tepe. Wong alleged Tepe and the committee ignored her multiple requests to screen for town board. Tepe called Wong’s allegation “an outright lie.” “She did not write to us, she did not call here requesting a screening,” Tepe said. Wong also argued that under Tepe’s leadership, the party has cross-endorsed too many non-Republicans, diluting the GOP’s influence in bipartisan politics. But Tepe said Wong has other motivations in mind by trying to force a primary. “Obviously, she is helping the Democrats because no Republican in their right mind, with the ticket we put together this year, would be dumb enough to run a primary and try to cause confrontation within the party,” she said. Meanwhile, former Supreme Court judge Robert Lifson, of Huntington, also said he is mulling a primary. Lifson, who was GOP chairman in the late 1980s and early 1990s, said the candidates’ land use policies would be paramount in his decision.
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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JUNE 13, 2013 • A7
DIX HILLS
Edwards Picked For Town Board Run By Jacqueline Birzon jbirzon@longislandernews.com
Saying it’s for the good of the Huntington Democratic Party, town board hopefuls Ed Nitkewicz, Keith Barrett and Ed Perez dropped out of the race June 5, making Tracey Edwards the party’s candidate. Edwards will appear on the ballot in November alongside incumbents Supervisor Frank Petrone and Councilman Mark Cuthbertson. The news broke at a difficult time for many in the Huntington community, who are mourning the sudden death of Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce Chairman Lawrence Kushnick. “I want to express on this emotional day—that while I am very excited to have
received the confidence of Ed Perez, Ed Nitkewicz, and Keith Barrett, my heart is broken because I buried my dearest friend Larry Kushnick today,” Edwards said June 5. “I’m grateful to the candidates, the committee, [Huntington Democratic Party Chair] Mary Collins and [Suffolk County Democratic Chair] Rich Schaffer, and I’m looking forward to knocking on as many doors and meeting as many people as I can to listen and to learn about what is important to them,” Edwards said. The endorsement came just one week after all four original candidates announced plans to participate in a primary election. At the committee’s May 23 convention, the party failed to nominate a candidate beyond the incumbent councilman. Schaffer said a five-way town board
MELVILLE/SOUTH HUNTINGTON
$4.3M For New Well By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandernews.com
Huntington’s town board agreed to bond $4.3 million for the South Huntington Water District during their June 4 meeting. A major focus of the funding is to re-drill a well at South Huntington Water’s plant 9. Michael McCarthy, the water district’s attorney, said the upgrades are crucial to bringing the well, which was built in 1964, back to full capacity. “It’s a very integral well that is important to the residents of the South Huntington Water District and to the commercial corridor of 110,” he said. In addition to re-drilling the nearly 50-year-old well, McCarthy said the district plans to add a water treatment facility and a generator in case of power outages like those the district experienced in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. But Dorothea Fitzsimmons, a Melville resident speaking on behalf of Wynn Road residents in the Civic Association of Sweet Hollow, said the project would only continue the burden residents have faced as a result of a major overhaul to Route 110 in Melville.
“The construction at well 9 should not be considered in isolation, but in conjunction with the NYSDOT construction that has been ongoing, often night and day, for over two years and is scheduled to continue through December, when the next phase starts from Bertucci’s north and the bridge south,” she said. Fitzsimmons said the Route 110 reconstruction project has caused a decline in quality of life in her neighborhood. “The noise, dirt and vibrations have impacted severely the health, quality of life and property values of Wynn Road residents,” she said. “It’s disrupted our sleep, our peace and our ability at times to stay in our homes.” McCarthy said the new plant 9 facility is being designed by H2M engineers to fit the neighborhood’s character, and added that the use of a circular drill will “greatly reduce” noise and vibrations created by drilling. “The reconstruction of this site would be akin to a home renovation,” he said. McCarthy also pledged to meet with concerned residents to go over the project’s scope, timeframe and schedule for the project.
primary might be imminent if the party could not reach a consensus. Failure to nominate a second candidate was due in large part to a committee error, which Schaffer took the blame for when the convention continued May 28. Candidates said they received from Collins different lists naming committee members representing each electoral district. Edwards said at least 80 names differed from the list she was given and a list other candidates were given. Schaffer met with the candidates last week in a final effort to solidify the party ticket before the June 4 petitioning process began. The three hopefuls stepped down, allowing Edwards, a Verizon regional president and Dix Hills resident, to accept the nomination. Nitkewicz, who was the screening committee’s choice, said while he was honored by the committee’s designation, it was in the party’s best interest to step down. “I am very proud of my campaign and I know I come out of this as the screening committee’s choice, and that’s no small deal; it’s a very nice honor. But our goal is to win the election and take back that seat. There were four great candidates and we’re going to be united behind Tracey Edwards and get them both [Edwards and Cuthbertson] elected,” Nitkewicz said. Although he withdrew from the election, Barrett said he’s not going away. “I dropped out for the good of the party. I’m a team player, so when the chief asks you to do something you do it,” he said. “When it comes down to it, primaries aren’t good for anybody… Maybe it just wasn’t my time.” Perez said that from a strategic stand-
point, forfeiting was the best move. “We’ve been talking as a team for quite some time, and we wanted to make sure that at the end of the day we came out with a winner and come out with a candidate that we feel would have the best shot, although we all do believe we were all great candidates,” Perez said. Cuthbertson, who would have had to participate in a primary election had the party not come to a consensus, was pleased. “I think it’s a very positive development to be unified, and to be unified in the best spirit of the Democratic Party,” he said. As the result of a double-deadlock vote for a highway superintendent candidate, Town Parks Director Don McKay and contractor Kevin Orelli said Wednesday that they have already begun to collect signatures for a primary. Last week, incumbent William Naughton also said he will primary for the highway endorsement. “We were in the field yesterday. My volunteers are fired up and excited and taking this very seriously. Every day after work we’re going to be out there,” McKay said. Orelli said collecting signatures is the easy part, and his concerns are focused on campaign fundraising. “I’m optimistic, but time will tell. The hard part is making sure I have enough money to compete… Other than that I feel terrific about it,” Orelli said. Each candidate much collect at least 1,000 signatures by mid-July to participate in the September primary. “It’s always better when people can agree than to have a primary,” Collins said of the town board nomination. “Primaries can be destructive.”
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631-651-8235 www.JamesJosephFishing.com 1 New York Avenue (Off Rte. 110 - Behind Halesite Fire Dept.) Look For Us On Facebook
A8 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JUNE 13, 2013
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Opinion
Sen
d letters to The Editor, : Half Hollow 149 Main S Hills Newspaper, treet, Huntington , New York 11743 or e-m info@long ail us at islanderne ws.com
‘Not the types set up by the printer return their impression, the meaning, the main concern.’
Get Turbines Moving Huntington town board members last week and possible dangers, the installation of altervoted unanimously to extend for another six native energy sources is something that should months a moratorium to prevent any applica- be encouraged, particularly in high-profile tions, public hearings or permits for wind projects like Canon’s. turbines. We’re behind the curve on this isThe original moratorium was EDITORIAL sue and need to get ahead. Wind turadopted when the board was caught bines dot the landscape in Europe; off guard by an application for electricity-gen- surely governments there have already looked erating turbines at Canon’s recently opened at the issues that are just now being raised here. North America headquarters building in Draft legislation has been promised for early Melville. summer. The town board needs to get it on the With no existing code to interpret, the board same kind of fast track that smoothed the way voted to hold off on any applications to give for Canon. Once guidelines are in place, the themselves time to research the issues and craft board should also consider ways to give builders appropriate regulations. and developers incentives for incorporating The town needs to get moving on this. While more environmentally friendly solutions into there have been concerns raised about noise their projects.
Letters to the editor are welcomed by Long Islander Newspapers. We reserve the right to edit in the interest of space and clarity. All letters must be handsigned and they must include an address and daytime telephone number for verification. Personal attacks and letters considered in poor taste will not be printed. We cannot publish every letter we receive due to space limitations.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
All About Collaboration. Editor’s note: This letter was adapted from an e-newsletter. DEAR EDITOR: My dad would always remind me the only competition I would face in life would be myself. Dad was right. Not a day goes by when a business owner or a job seeker does not approach the Melville Chamber of Commerce asking for advice on how to outsmart the "competition" in this challenging market. When we receive these requests the first thing we do is put on our matchmaker hat. Competition might be important in sports, but winning in business involves much more than playing games. We need to think about collaborating. For some reason the value of teamwork in striving for success has not found its niche in America's business culture. All too often companies and individuals seem to focus on beating those they perceive as
competition rather than keeping their eye on growth, the bottom line and quality of life issues. Experience has shown us when people toss aside their egos and work together to achieve common goals the end results in multiples of success for all involved. The Melville Chamber has accepted our role as matchmaker seriously. Our monthly breakfast meetings are not only designed to be informative but also an interactive opportunity to meet like-minded business professionals who can offer advice, collegiality and often business opportunities. At each month's evening networking event the Chamber's staff, board and committee members put great effort into introducing attendees to each other. Several great matches have grown into profitable projects and business associations that never would have occurred without our matchmaking introductions. We also spend a great deal of time counseling individuals in
their job search. Many Melville Chamber members are thrilled to serve as volunteer mentors to those new to the job market and to those who feel the time is right to explore new opportunities. It might be as simple as cleaning up a resume. Or it could be an exploratory look at a person's skills and experience related to the current and future job market. Whatever a member needs, we are there to lend and ear and constructive support. Of course, no organization is perfect, even the Melville Chamber of Commerce. But we do try very hard. It truly bothers us on that rare occasion when a member decides the "competition" is too much and gives up. We do all we can to remind all of those we serve that in order to help you, you must first conquer any "competition" you find within yourself. Don't allow yourself to stand against the wall. If you are going to the party be willing to dance. Your success may very well start with a simple introduction. It is time to collabo-
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.
MICHAEL DELUISE President Melville Chamber
Your Loss Is Shared The following letter was sent to Ellen O’Brien and the board of Directors of the Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce. It is reprinted here at the authors’ request. DEAR ELLEN AND THE CHAMBER BOARD: All of us on the Huntington Town Board are deeply saddened by the passing of Larry Kushnick. Through his efforts on behalf of the chamber and the many other community groups for which he volunteered, Larry
exemplified commitment to our town and his works helped make Huntington a better place. His organizational skills consistently helped the Fall Festival run smoothly; his calm demeanor let all involved in the festival navigate the challenges such as bad weather that occasionally cropped up. Larry ably represented the chamber’s positions in meetings with us and in remarks at Town Board meetings. He was a true gentleman in all his dealings. The loss you are feeling today is shared by those of us on the town board and by all residents of the town. Please extend our condolences to Larry’s family as they cope with this tragedy. FRANK PETRONE Huntington Supervisor MARK CUTHBERTSON SUSAN BERLAND MARY MAYOKA GENE COOK Town Council members of Commerce
Peter Sloggatt Associate Publisher/Managing Editor
HALF HOLLOW HILLS N E W S P A P E R
rate. Let the Chamber serve as your matchmaker. So, put on your dancing shoes. Then for a good (and successful) time call the Melville Chamber of Commerce at 631-777-6260.
Susan Mandel Advertising Director
Luann Dallojacono Editor Mike Koehler Associate Editor Danny Schrafel Jacqueline Birzon Reporters
Ian Blanco Dan Conroy Production/ Art Department
Marnie Ortiz Office / Legals
Michael McDermott Account Executive
Michael Schenkler Publisher Emeritus
149 Main Street, Huntington, New York 11743 631.427.7000
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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JUNE 13, 2013 • A9
Life&Style FESTIVAL
Vanderbilt Festival Crafts Unique Vibe Blend of live music and painting expected to draw nearly 1,200 on June 30 By Steve Smirti info@longislandernews.com
The popular Long Island Sound and Arts Festival is returning to the Vanderbilt Museum later this month. Attracting nearly 1,200 people last year, the series drew everyone from small children to grandmothers to the mansion lawn to see live music and painting. Founder Rich Rivkin expects a similar turnout on June 30 and when the festival continues for several Sundays from noon-7 p.m., rain or shine. Rivkin attributes the festival’s popularity to its rare blending of music and painting. “I think [the people] will be treated to an experience that they can’t find elsewhere because the vibe that’s created when we blend live painting and live music is really unique,” he said. This year’s acts for the June 30 event include a trio of tribute bands for the Beatles, Grateful Dead and Led Zeppelin. People are familiar with these songs, Rivkin said, which brings them together. “It’s obvious everyone knows the lyrics and there are strangers singing the same songs and you look over and you feel an instant sense of camaraderie with
strangers,” he said. “Now all of a sudden you’ve got a common bond with them and they don’t feel very much like strangers anymore.” But as popular as the Beatles are some 50 years later, music isn’t the only attraction at the festival. The grounds of the Vanderbilt provide a landscape that’s tough to compete with, especially for artists. “The Vanderbilt mansion offers a beautiful waterfront setting along with world class museum exhibits that can be found nowhere else on the planet,” Rivkin said. That setting, along with the music, creates a backdrop for artists to produce inspired works of art. “When we add live painting by dozens of artists along with the live music,” Rivkin said, “it seems to create something that is much more substantial than the sum of its parts.” Rivkin believes that music, painting, and audience reaction are all integral to the success of the festival. “The artists are inspired by the live music, which in turn fires up the audience. Then the artists get more inspiration and energy from seeing the audience fired up to that degree,” he said.
Artists are invited to use the Vanderbilt’s majestic scenery in their painting. The artists typically bring home their work, but will on occasion sell their paintings during the festival. There are mostly professional artists that travel to the Vanderbilt for this festival, although Rivkin is quick to point out that all are welcome and amateurs do set up easels next to the professionals from time to time. This type of openness and connectivity towards music and the audience elevates the process of painting from a minimalistic and individual activity to a large group setting. “A number of my artist friends over the last two years have told
me that for them painting has been more of a solitary experience,” Rivkin said. “Now that they’ve discovered live painting with a community of painters, they have become friends with dozens of other painters through the experience that I have created.” Originally known as Elwoodstock in Elwood Park in Huntington, the festival was moved to the Vanderbilt two years ago. Tropical Storm Irene washed out the 2011 inaugural event. Museum Director Lance Reinheimer said he is eager to bring the festival back after such an overwhelming success last year.
“It’s just a nice way to spend a beautiful afternoon here on the grounds of the Vanderbilt,” he said. Reinheimer said the Sound and Arts Festival is a way to introduce more people to the Vanderbilt. “It’s a way to track visitors to a museum that normally wouldn’t be coming here,” he said. Rivkin added that he gets a sense of gratification by knowing his event adds to the neighborhood’s sense of community. The number of tickets is limited and early ticket purchase is strongly recommended. Tickets are $20 per person and may be purchased at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org. Go to the home page and click on Special Events.
Long Island Sound and Arts Festival Schedule Sunday, June 30 - Long Island Sound & Arts Festival 2 Sunday, July 14 – MarleyFest Sunday, Aug. 11 - North Shore Blues Festival Sunday, Sept. 8 - Grateful Fest 2 Sunday, Sept. 29 - Jamboozi Festival
ART
Paintings Capture Rhythm Of Dance By Lauren Lopez info@longislandernews.com
Huntington resident Marna Schoenwald is not a “professional” artist, but she loves to paint just the same. Schoenwald used to be a dancer and choreographer, although she stopped dancing immediately after a performance at Brooklyn College in her sophomore year of college. “For some reason, although the duet I performed was well received and was beautiful, I realized that the applause seemed empty,” she said. After her performance, she realized that she wanted to do something different with her life. She wanted to work with children with special needs. As much as she loved to dance and choreograph, it was the whole creative process that was even more important. She wanted a career that allowed her to concentrate more on the process, not just the end result. After she stopped dancing, Schoenwald immediately transitioned into teaching, something that was always a fallback. She entered a program for special education. “Every child was different and every child was a puzzle. Teaching was in itself
an art and although I missed the physical activity of dancing, my mind and heart were engaged,” she said. It wasn’t until her Schoenwald reached her 40s that painting become a hobby. She always loved colors and paints, but never did more than dabble and use them to play with her children. Shortly after moving to a new home in Huntington, Schoenwald found herself looking at the painting materials she had collected over the years. She began to paint a sunset from a photo she had taken outside her window. For Schoenwald, the sunset captivated her with its colors and brought her spiritual joy, but it also touched her in a more personal way. Her memories of sunsets came from memories with her father. Although her days of dancing were long over, her paintings embodied the same rhythms. The passion and energy that emerged on the floor now materialized on a canvas or paper. “The process of painting is perfect for me. It can be as quick or as slow as I want. The results may or may not be perfect or beautiful. But the rhythms of dance began to move in my body again; this time they came emerging on a canvas or paper with colors,” Schoenwald said.
Friend and mentor Joan Abromowitz encouraged the Huntington resident to take an art class at the Stevenson’s Academy of Art of Oyster Bay. She was self-taught until then. Abromowitz gave Schoenwald quick lessons in watercolor techniques over tea and conversations. “I turned to Joan often in those first few years of painting. It was Joan who taught me that there are techniques but there is no right. And it was Joan who taught me to hold onto the joy I feel every time I paint,” Schoenwald said. Open to experimenting with different styles and materials, Schoenwald prefers to paint with acrylics or melted waxes. Her works are frequently connected as series, rather than just one piece on its own. Some of her inspirations are from the view from her windows, some from her emotions, some come from the news and others are based out of books. Schoenwald first started painting in her bedroom, keeping her work stored in the closet or on the walls. But she began using more materials like encaustics (melted waxes), acrylics and oils, it became apparent that another location was necessary. She now works in her own studio on Gibson Avenue, although she actually started next door as part of the Pulitzer and
Former dancer and Huntington resident Marna Schoenwald feels the rhythm of life in her paintings. Panetta Studio. She will occasionally collaborate with the artists next door. The studio is easily within walking distance of downtown and Hecksher Park, but tucked away enough to provide Schoenwald the solitude she sometimes needs. “I am lucky to live in an area that allows me to get glimpses of the bay and has amazing sunsets. Although one of the most beautiful sunsets I have seen recently was from the King Kullen parking lot,” she admitted. When she’s not looking for quiet, contemplative work, Schoenwald also participates in Live Art Fusion – a weekly event where twelve artists paint simultaneously while being inspired by live jazz fusion and audience interaction at various restaurants and bars across Long Island.
A10 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JUNE 13, 2013
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POETRY
Whitman Birthplace Honors Young Poets When it comes to the open road, the possibilities are endless, especially when it comes to writing poetry about it. The Walt Whitman Birthplace Association on June 2 announced the winners of its 27th Annual Poetry Contest. Students in grades 3-12 were welcome to submit poems based on the theme “Song of the Open Road,” a famous
poem by Walt Whitman, whose 194th birthday, on May 31, was celebrated by the Birthplace that weekend. The poems were judged by a panel of published poets selected by the Birthplace’s trustees. Winners, both for individual poems and class submitted anthologies, were selected in several categories broken down by grades. They appear below.
“The Road to My Baseball Career” By Philip Oreste Grade 4, South Montessori School I hold my breath and wait for the ball to be caught. Butterflies around in my stomach. The ball drops to the ground, I breathe out as I run. I run in Babe Ruth's footsteps Hitting just like him, home run after home run. He is the baseball player I will be! The road is long and haard It is filled with mud, sweat and tears I will meet its challenges. It call to me I answer by doing my best It is what I must do! I will walk the green turf on the road toward my future I will hope the sweet small of victory will one day be mine This is my path, This is my calling, This is my dream
“The Rebirth of an Empty Mind” “Song of the Open Road” By Hannah Lu Grade 5, The Laurel Hill School The bold wide road stretches miles and miles across earth leading us to our dreams, For I am a doctor knowledgeable and proper. I save many lives and make the world better. For I am a teacher lively and happy. The future's destiny is in my hands to prepare for the next generation. For I am an architect brave and kind. My hammers play a lovely tune as I build houses for people. For I am a mailman short and stout. I bring letters form loved ones and friends. Reading them makes people feel so close to them. Touchdown! I am a football player fast and fearless. I bring entertainment to the people and make their days happy. For I am a librarian nice and informative. I give you access to my books to become smarter. For I am a newspaper reporter exciting and energetic. I keep people in touch with the outside world. For I am a marine biologist bright and a good swimmer. I save marine life so our animals will not be extinct some day. For I serve in the army, faithful and self-less. I fight for my countries rights until we succeed and go home happily as winners. For I am an artist creative and artistic as I smoothly swipe my Paint brush smoothly against my paper, finishing the last stroke. Do any of your dreams match any of the above? If yes, you must thank the open road.
“Night Drive”
On a journey through the night, One sojourn finished, another new There lies an empty span of road An abyss of time, an unfinished song; In the dark, our way is woven. Lives flash and flicker in the background Piercing the scene and roaring past A crescendo in the middle of a half-written piece Some lifts, some booms Dragged off on odysseys of their own. The night drives are hardly loved In shadowed highways, only the distance is felt And only the road is seen, the daunting expanse of life itself. The song of the road lends itself to melancholy. The gaseous scent and the loneliness A traveling blur outside the cities and homes But on the road, we are alive. When the roads are empty, you can drive into the sky. The song of the road is a song of sadness But those who listen longest hear the underlying hymn.
The first-place winner in the category of Class Anthology, Grades 3-4, is the Long Island School for the Gifted. pictured with students is Walt Whitman personator Darrel Blaine Ford and Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci.
It’s blank…it’s blank! There’s no color, there not thought. This paper has no emotion, this canvas has no value. I sit staring Searching, yet finding nothing! It bothers me, it frustrated me, my mind is ready to burst! But it doesn’t…. It’s quiet, just this blank composition and I. Then it begins again, The torture once tamed is now overcoming me. My heart is pounding, I’m trembling. The walls are closing in! I can’t take it anymore! This manuscript mocks me, it provokes me. I try to come up with something, but nothing occurs. The emptiness is everlasting. I lay back in my chair hopeless, As if I were a mouse finally trapped in a corner by the cat, Waiting for death! I hold my breath waiting But nothing happens… I’m perfectly unscathed. I breath out in relief. No heavens have crashed upon me. I couldn’t find a single scratch on my skin Everything is fine… But I feel something. I don’t understand this bizarreness I’m feeling. It doesn’t throb, it doesn’t sting, and it’s not at all an agony or an ache. It’s beautiful, it’s astonishing, Like a sunset, its color blending so elegant, or a cool sea breeze, freshening my face. Then it comes to me, my mind is reborn. The path to creation has opened. Thoughts and ideas pour into my head. Everything comes to ease.
This Is My Road!!!
By Courtney Taylor Grade 10, Massapequa High School
By Phaedra Damianos Conroy Grade 8, Mt. Sinai Middle School
Untitled By Kyle Fitzsimons Manhasset High School The road I see is lined with trees Then diverges into the open seas I am on a road where I can travel all around But first I must get through my academic life safe and sound How will I choose to go about? Well I haven’t decided that exact route All I know is one small principle That I shall conquer my road and be invincible I plan to prove my peers and superiors wrong And show them my road is successful and strong Like all roads mine will have a different obstacle or turn But obstacles are meant to be a life lessons to learn So far I have not let anything come in my way To bring to where I am today Far from whence I came But my future will not be the same I will travel through it with confidence and pride And never let strength leave my side The future is coming it’s time to choose The exact road that I decide to use Get up, be there, be alert, be ready Today I travel on this road steady
I pick up my brush and all things known as creation cover the empty tablet. Color, personality, dreams, and emotion are all shown in exquisite design. After it’s complete the results is thrilling. Happiness and satisfaction find their way to my soul. The emptiness inside had drifted away and now I stand a master piece full of greatness and perfection.
“The Road Chosen For Me” By Jennifer Biancaniello Winner of Individual Anthology Category, Grades 11-12 Patchogue-Medford High School Life, a mysterious God of unequaled power Whose fist clenches my throat and squeezes ‘till I whimper. Where is justice?... I give in. I have no power, no control, no right, Continuation is the only road left to take. Destiny is Life’s forever best friend, Hand-in-hand they bully me Like a child in the playground. Try, attempt to break their chains? Impossible… Why? Everything has purpose. All actions and decisions Led me to a place unknown. Life’s will, Destiny’s shove have broken me, Transformed me, Repaired me. Perhaps I had no power… but everything is good. Greatness, Happiness, Love may become my friends. Thank you Life. Thank you Destiny. I started on your road unwillingly, However, I stayed for myself.
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CAMP& EDUCATION Help! Is My Child Stuttering? By Deborah Hoch Many parents panic when they hear their child repeating words when trying to talk. Is my child stuttering? What should I do? The likelihood is that what your child is doing is completely normal for a child learning how to express him/herself in more complicated ways. So if these behaviors are normal, what is your child doing? We talk about speech being “fluent,” which means the person’s speech flows easily and smoothly. When speech is “dysfluent,” there are breaks in the even, smooth flow of speech. These breaks can take the form of repetitions. They can also be prolongations of sounds that are held out for too long, pauses between words or revisions of what was just said. Children who are learning language are learning new words and sentence structures while trying to express themselves in longer, more complex ways. They are also in the process of developing the fine motor muscle coordination necessary for speech production. It is understandable that children have interruptions in their speech during this time of development. Fluency, develops gradually. When your child is dysfluent what you are likely hearing are “normal developmental dysfluencies.” If your child is experiencing “developmental dysfluencies” there are several things that you can do to help your child experience more fluency:
• Try to speak with your child in an unhurried way, using slow relaxed speech and pausing after every few words. • Try to ask your child fewer questions, especially those that are open-ended and are not about things in the present environment. • Avoid command performances or “demand speech” – asking your child to tell or perform something to a guest or relative. • Allow your child to finish what he/she wants to say without interruption and do not call attention to your child’s dysfluencies. Focus on what he/she is saying, and not how it is being said. • Although this seems helpful, do not tell your child to take a deep breath, slow down or think about what you want to say before you say it. • Help everyone in the family take turns when speaking to avoid interruptions and maintain consistent discipline. • Avoid over scheduling of activities and try to do activities with you child that will facilitate fluency, e.g. singing, reading familiar stories and engaging in low-key pleasurable play. Above all, convey to your child that you are listening and he/she is loved. If after several months your child’s speech has not improved, it would be beneficial to contact a speech-language pathologist. Deborah Hoch, MA, CCC-SLP is a speech-language pathologist with a practice in South Huntington.
THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JUNE 13, 2013 • A11
SPEECH and LANGUAGE Consultation & Therapy
A Personal & Professional Approach of the Agency
Deborah Diton Gerofsky
Speech Language Pathology, PC
Serving
Children And
Adults With Distinction In Our Community For Over 25 Years
❑ Speech & Language Delays ❑ Foreign Accent Reduction ❑ Autism Spectrum Disorders ❑ Social Language Delays ❑ Fluency Disorders 8 Kingston Place, Huntington Station 631-385-7147
dgerofsky@verizon.net
www.deborahhochspeech.com
A12 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JUNE 13, 2013
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HUNTINGTON
Debbie Gibson Shines At LI Pride Half Hollow Hills photos/Danny Schrafel
Long Island’s own Debbie Gibson works the crowd at Heckscher Park during the PrideFest celebration Saturday.
Amidst drag queens and fabulous floats, the biggest stars of the show were hundreds of high school students from Long Island gay-straight alliances sponsored by the Long Island GLBT Services Network, now in its second year of presenting the parade. The remnants of Tropical Storm Andrea cleared out just in time for Long Island native Debbie Gibson to shine on stage at the Long Island PrideFest Saturday evening in Huntington. The PrideFest headliner, who first topped the charts in the 1980s as a teen singer-songwriter, is a popular draw for gay pride events.
Before Gibson took the stage in Heckscher Park, thousands lined the street to witness Long Island’s 23rd annual gay pride parade, led by Supervisor Frank Petrone and Thatched Cottage and Jellyfish owner Ralph Colamussi as the grand marshals. Both were driven in vehicles provided by the third grand marshal, Donaldsons Automotive Group of Sayville.
Fans cozy up with Aunt Barbara, America’s no. 1 Tupperware lady and PrideFest’s hostess.
Supervisor Frank Petrone, pictured, and Ralph Colamussi were honored as the parade’s grand marshals.
EA T LI KE A G R EEK !
S E A FO O D • S T EA KS • C H O P S
Join us for an evening of authentic Greek music performed live while you dine Wednesday, June 19
273 MAIN STREET • HUNTINGTON VILLAGE 631-385-FISH (3474)
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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JUNE 13, 2013 • A13 Foodie photos/Danny Schrafel
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e i d o Fo THE
SECTION
DINEHUNTINGTON.COM
Going ‘Coo Coo’ For Kabobs By Danny & The Foodies foodies@longislandernews.com
Huntington’s latest entry into the dining scenes draws inspiration from several corners of the world to create Coo Coo in Huntington village, a healthy eating destination that satisfies your taste buds as well. The eatery’s proprietor, Shahrokh Safaii, came to America from Iran 45 years ago. After completing his college studies, he established his roots in the Untied States and found work in manufacturing. But all the while, he loved to cook, and now in his fifth decade in the United States, he pooled Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influence alike to launch his own restaurant, Coo Coo. Opening about a month ago in the tucked-away onetime home of Cupcake Gourmet (facing the Clinton Street lot), the restaurant draws its name from the Iranian staple Coo Coo Sabzi ($6.25), a medley of fresh herbs like turmeric and garlic, green vegetables, potatoes, eggs and cranberries, served as a colorful green quiche. Full of
All of Coo Coo’s cuisine is prepared fresh to order, with many items served hot off the grill.
Coo Coo owner Shahrokh Safaii displays Coo Coo Sabzi, a vegetarian, quiche-styled Iranian staple that inspired the name of his new Huntington eatery. flavor and aroma, the cranberries cut the hearty dish with a sweet tartness. The core of the menu is comprised of skewers of all sorts – ground beef ($7.25),
steak ($8.95), chicken ($7.95), a marinated ground chicken-turkey blend ($7.95), salmon ($8.95) or vegetarian ($7.25). Or, just pick two skewers and make it a sandwich ($8.95). Each is served atop a bed of salad, garnished with pickles and sweet beets, as well as fresh-baked “coo coo blankets,” a regional spin on naan bread incorporating egg and whole wheat for a heartier, softer bread. Coo Coo is a freezer-free zone, and everything you order is prepared fresh to order on a wide-open grill as you wait in the cheerful, stone-trimmed dining area. Prepared simply, quality ingredients like fresh onions and peppers shine through. The salmon kabob is especially impressive, with thick-cut, juicy and mild fish that can quickly become finger food as you pop the morsels into your mouth.
Shahrokh explains that his goal is to provide quick, healthy and affordable food for Huntington diners on the go. They’re also available for catered affairs, and kabobs are also a great alternative to the neighborhood pizza parlor for kids, giving the younger set a way to try a new, fun way of eating – that also happens to be good for them, too.
Coo Coo 46I Gerard St., Huntington village 631-923-0448 Atmosphere: Friendly, hip eatery Cuisine: Mediterranean-Middle Eastern on the go Hours: Sun-Thurs 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
A14 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JUNE 13, 2013
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DINEHUNTINGTON.COM
Councilwoman Susan Berland and Northport Chamber leaders welcome Dave and Josh Cook to the neighborhood.
News and reviews from the restaurant capital of Long Island
WELCOME,
BROTHERS COOK: Cook’s Scratch Kitchen & Bakery (1014 Ft. Salonga Rd., Northport 631-651-5480 http://cookskitchenny.com) just celebrated its grand opening, and local officials in Northport helped ring in the special occasion. Amongst the gang celebrating the arrival of the made-from-scratch and locally sourced cuisine of Dave and Josh Cook were reps from the Northport Chamber of Commerce and Huntington Councilwoman Susan Berland. “Dave and Josh Cook are right at home in joining Huntington’s small businesses and delicious restaurants. Because all of their ingredients are sourced locally, you can feel good about supporting both a local business and local agriculturalists,” she said. Happy dining to all, and much success to
To Advertise Call 631-427-7000
Read past reviews online at www.LongIslanderNews.com
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the brothers Cook. A ‘TASTE’ OF PHILANTHROPY – Prime – An
American Kitchen & Bar (117 New York Ave., Huntington 631-385-1515 http://restaurantprime.com) hosts its annual Huntington Has Taste fundraiser from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on June 18. This year’s beneficiary is the brainchild of a Huntington hero, the Long Island Cares Harry Chapin Food Bank. Paired with Prime’s famous cuisine is a runway show starring selections from local clothing stores Francine’s Fashion Boutique, Ooh La La and Veronica Rayne. But if cars and boats are more your scene, enjoy a display of fabulous cars from Audi of Huntington and yachts by Marine Max. Reservations are recommended, so call ahead for this hot event.
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ANSWER TO LAST WEEK’S CRYPTOQUIP TABLOID HEADLINE ABOUT ROCKER COURTNEY’S REFUSAL TO RESTRICT HER DAILY FOOD INTAKE: “LOVE NEVER DIETS.” Published June 6, 2013 ©2013 by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JUNE 13, 2013 • A15
PA G E
PREMIER CROSSWORD / By Frank A. Longo
DOING PR WORK
A16 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JUNE 13, 2013
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HUNTINGTON OPEN HOUSES Want to get your open houses listed? Get your listings for free on this page every week in the Long Islander Newspapers. Call Associate Publisher Peter Sloggatt at 631-427-7000 or send an e-mail to psloggatt@longislandernews.com.
HUNTINGTON STATION
20 Manor Pl Bedrooms 3 Baths 2 Price $339,000 Taxes $10,668 Open House 6/15 12pm-2pm Douglas Elliman Real Estate 631-549-4400
Town Address Beds Baths Price Taxes Date E. Northport 47 Soundview Ave 3 1 $329,000 $5,225 6/15 Huntington Sta 20 Manor Pl 3 2 $339,000 $10,668 6/15 E. Northport 1280 Pulaski Rd 3 1 $359,000 $7,265 6/15 Huntington 98 Bayberry Dr 4 2 $439,000 $12,035 6/15 E. Northport 622 8th Ave 2 2 $449,000 $5,733 6/15 Huntington 49 Hillside Ave 3 2 $499,000 $9,378 6/15 Huntington 6 Endicott Dr 5 2 $549,000 $13,256 6/15 Huntington Sta 176 Lodge Ave 4 3 $549,000 $13,574 6/15 Huntington 30 Cannon Ct 4 4 $599,000 $15,640 6/15 Huntington 14 Gaines St 3 3 $625,000 $14,673 6/15 Huntington 25 Crossman Pl 3 2 $629,000 $12,731 6/15 Huntington 196 Flower Hill Rd 4 3 $639,000 $17,860 6/15 Fort Salonga 2 Williamsburg Dr 5 3 $679,000 $17,262 6/15 Cold Spring Hrbr35 Fairway Pl 4 3 $729,000 $20,489 6/15 Fort Salonga 48 Brookfield Rd 4 3 $749,900 $16,020 6/15 Melville 136 Raspberry Ct 4 3 $799,000 $12,599 6/15 Huntington 15 Dumplin Hill Ln 5 5 $1,099,000 $27,941 6/15 Cold Spring Hrbr199 Harbor Rd 4 4 $1,295,000 $21,947 6/15 Melville 3 Cabriolet Ln 5 4 $1,395,000 $21,953 6/15 S. Huntington 287 Melville Rd 3 2 $289,000 $6,300 6/16 Huntington 45 Hemlock Ave 4 1 $429,000 $5,678 6/16
You open the door...We’ll bring ’em in!
Time Broker 12:00pm-2:00pm Coldwell Banker Residential 12pm-2pm Douglas Elliman Real Estate 2:30pm-4pm Coach Real Estate Assoc Inc 12pm-2pm Coach Real Estate Assoc Inc 12:30pm-2pm Coach Real Estate Assoc Inc 12:30pm-2pm Signature Premier Properties 1pm-3pm Douglas Elliman Real Estate 10:00am-12:00pm Coach Real Estate Assoc Inc 1pm-3pm Daniel Gale Agency Inc 2pm-4pm Signature Premier Properties 12pm-1:30pm Signature Premier Properties 12:30pm-2:30pm Daniel Gale Agency Inc 3pm-5pm Douglas Elliman Real Estate 12pm-2pm Daniel Gale Agency Inc 2pm-4pm Coach Real Estate Assoc Inc 12:00pm-1:30pm Realty Connect USA LLC 1:00pm-3:00pm Daniel Gale Agency Inc 3pm-5pm Daniel Gale Agency Inc 1:00pm-4:00pm Shawn Elliott Luxury Homes 1pm-3pm Signature Premier Properties 12pm-2pm Coldwell Banker Residential
Phone 631-754-4800 631-549-4400 631-757-4000 631-757-4000 631-757-4000 631-673-3700 631-549-4400 631-427-9100 631-427-6600 631-673-3700 631-673-3700 631-692-6770 631-261-6800 631-427-6600 631-757-4000 888-236-6319 631-427-6600 631-692-6770 516-364-4663 631-673-3700 631-673-6800
Increase traffic at your next open house. Call your sales representative today. (631) 427-7000
The listings on this page contain open house events conducted by brokers licensed in New York. If you are a broker and would like to get your listings on this page, please contact Associate Publisher Peter Sloggatt at (631) 427-7000, or send an e-mail to psloggatt@longislandernews.com.
Student’s road from homeless to Harvard (Continued from page A2)
One of those promises was agreeing to drive Kang to and from his many extracurricular activities, leaving him to take to the street on his bike. But it was better than being homeless. “I didn’t have any other place to go, so I stayed there and endured through it,” Kang said. His saving grace came in the second half of his junior year – the year he made lots of friends when he “joined marching band and actually could speak some English.” After learning of Kang’s situation, a friend in that band told his family, and the student’s parents asked Kang if he wanted to live with them. It was a simple gesture with life-changing consequences. Kang has been with the family since, and still finds the whole thing hard to believe. “I can’t believe how I’m being treated there. I’m not family and they’re treating me as if I were their family,” he said. “Just the fact that they accepted me to live with them shows how nice they are. I don’t think I would be brave and nice enough to accept someone who I never knew to live with me, but they did.” Cases like Kang’s fall under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act, a federal law that guarantees enrollment and educational stability for homeless children. The act provides federal funding to states for district programs that serve homeless students. “Wherever a kid is living, wherever they sleep, is where they go to school,” said South Huntington School District Deputy Superintendent Jacqueline Harris. Harris said South Huntington is seeing an increasing number of homeless students in recent years. “I don’t want to give an exact number, but over the last three years that number continues to grow,” she said, adding that South Huntington is still low on the list of Long Island schools when it comes to homeless students. Regardless, the increasing number makes laws like McKinney-Vento, which offer displaced children stability and familiarity, critical for their educational success. A stable home, after all, made all the difference in Kang’s case. “To think his classmate’s family ultimately took him in and gave him the sta-
bility he needed, gave him a family, it’s such a tribute to the sense of community and caring we have here in south Huntington,” Harris said. “I think in general when people see a situation where people can be of help, many, many people step up. Fortunately for us, that happened here.” Taking Kang in – for which the family does not receive money from his mother – has changed the student’s entire last year and a half. Now in a stable home, Kang said he has been able to focus more on school and the goals he set for himself. A math whiz, he loves the subject for its “absoluteness.” He helped lead Whitman’s Mathletes to the Suffolk County title this year. He also loves music, a passion he developed at Whitman, and can often be found in the music room cranking out tunes on the piano. He plans to major in math or music at Harvard. Kang is also humble, almost to an unfathomable degree. He will tell you that he wanted to play trumpet in marching band, but wasn’t very good at it so he settled on the marimba. He will also tell you the secret to his success is not what one might think. “Some people think I’m smart and very talented, but that’s not true. It’s because of the way I was raised and the way I was educated,” he said. He didn’t even want to tell anyone he got into Harvard. “He wanted to see if he could keep that a secret,” his guidance counselor, Christopher Tuohy, said. “I said, ‘No, you have to celebrate! It’s a good thing.’” Tuohy is someone Kang said he owes much of his success to, as well as others in the South Huntington faculty, particularly his ESL teacher, Anita Ramirez. They reached out to him early on when no one else did. “Nobody really was talking to me at that point because basically nobody could understand me, and I am not the most social person,” Kang said. “I was very happy to find somebody who would talk to me and who actually would care about me.” His struggles have certainly changed him, and for the better, he said. Now, he describes himself as a brave person with no fear. “I’m not really afraid of anything now. Now I look at my life as an adventure,” the student said. “Three years ago I was won-
dering if I had what it took to brave those adventures. Now I think I know how to laugh about it when I fall and get up. I used to kind of cry about it when I failed; I kind of dwelled on it and felt miserable about it. Now I laugh about it and forget about it.” One thing is for certain: Kang has left his mark at Walt Whitman. Of 28 Whitman students who have applied to Harvard since
2007, Kang is the first to be accepted. “He’s a remarkable young man. He’s had some serious challenges… Many people twice his age would have difficulty finding a way to remain focused and achieve goals that they’ve set for themselves,” Harris said. “He won’t be soon forgotten, I’ll tell you that,” Tuohy added.
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Following Larry’s Lead Huntington People By Joan Cergol Last week Huntington lost a devoted son, 51-year-old Lawrence (Larry) Kushnick. Larry’s untimely death was a horribly bitter pill to swallow. After learning the sad news I pondered the idea of our Town and a life without Larry in it, and simply could not process or accept it. How could Larry be gone? Among many things, he was a powerful life force, an intellect, a successful lawyer and businessman, a traveling sideshow comedy act, and, a generous spirit who endlessly and joyfully gave, expecting nothing in return. And he did it all with such ease, like it was nothing. And just like that, Larry was gone. Life could not have sent us a more powerful or cruel reminder of its fragility. Larry had a superb sense of humor and loved to make people laugh, which may have been one of his most endearing qualities. I first met Larry nearly twenty years ago while working on a campaign to help preserve Huntington’s OHEKA Castle. Larry loved Huntington, his hometown, and made it his business to advocate for the best of anything our Town had to offer. So, it was no surprise that Larry appeared on the scene to do his part to save a priceless architectural and historic Long Island Gold Coast mansion. It was in the trenches of the OHEKA campaign that I first got to know and appreciate Larry. So many years later, and with a heavy heart over his life cut short, I manage a half smile remembering Larry dressed as a rather homely bride at a 1996 OHEKA Halloween party, complete with intentionally misapplied red lipstick for a
creepy Whatever Happened to Baby Jane effect. I believe that Larry would be pleased and proud to know that I, and probably a great many, still recall his grand, but clumsy, entrance into the Castle as Bridezilla all those years ago. In more recent years, I had the pleasure of working alongside Larry in his leadership role at the Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce, attending many meetings with him and other business leaders to discuss important economic development issues and initiatives. A scant two weeks ago, Larry invited me to his May 21st breakfast inauguration as Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce Chairman. During his very inspiring Powerpoint presentation and installation, Larry repeatedly referred to the event as his “inauguration/bar mitzvah,” generating much laughter in the room. He was having a great time and we were all so very much looking forward to working with Larry to fulfill the many new goals and visions he outlined that morning in his inaugural address. The days, weeks and months ahead will be difficult and painful as the Huntington Chamber and our Town work to regroup from this monumental loss. And, Huntington will surely never know another son quite like Larry Kushnick. As we support each other in this time of sadness and loss, let us take some measure of solace in the knowledge that Larry was allowed to stay on with us just long enough to scratch out a roadmap offering clear directions of where he was looking to take us as chairman of the Huntington Chamber. I know, if we only follow Larry’s lead, and go on to achieve the many goals and visions to which he aspired, we will honor his memory in the very best way possible. And, Huntington will be better for it. We must now muster our energy and resolve to move forward to the many tasks ahead to complete this precious and unfinished life’s work. And in doing so, we must remember to find the joy and laughter along the way. Larry would want it no other way.
Grammy nominee (Continued from page A1)
larger world out there.” Gates, a resident of Centerport, has been an adjunct at LIU Post for the past 12 years and teaches the Introduction to Music Education and the graduate Elementary Music Education classes. She oversees music education student teachers and conducts children's choruses at LIU Post’s Performing Arts Academy Summer Camp. She was also an educator for 44 years at the Usdan Center for the Creative
and Performing Arts in Wheatley Heights, starting in the creative arts summer camp’s inaugural season. Ten finalists will be selected, including one winner, who will be flown to Los Angeles to attend the Grammy Awards ceremony. The winner receives a $10,000 honorarium. All other finalists will receive $1,000. Semifinalists will be announced in August. For more information, visit www.grammymusicteacher.com.
Pitcher drafted into MLB (Continued from page A1)
ability to throw a fastball and a curveball.. However, Woods said he wasn’t always a pitching prodigy. He started playing baseball with his father, Stephen Sr., at the age of 5. Woods said that his father, who played baseball in college and turned down a draft offer from the Yankees, has been his biggest supporter when it comes to playing America’s favorite pastime. “Having a father who’s also done very well in the sport, he’s just always been there for me, so it’s always kept me going to achieve more and more,” Woods
said. “When I wasn’t the best player at all in Little League, my dad always told me I’ll have my moment one day.” Should he accept the MLB offer, Woods will begin training with the Rays in Florida at the end of the month. “God gave me a chance and I took it. I refined my skills and just helped build myself and my body to work with it,” Woods said. “It’s kind of cheesy, but I play for the love of the game. You have your ups and downs, but it’s one of the most humble games out there, and it’s not the easiest…They had faith in me, and I know what I have to do to live up to that dream.”
THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JUNE 13, 2013 • A17
A18 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JUNE 13, 2013 THURSDAY Festive With St. Francis The St. Francis Festival opens on June 13 and ends on June 16, featuring carnival rides, games, food, raffle, entertainment, vendor tents and more. The festival will be held at 29 Clay Pitts Rd. in Greenlawn. Hours are 6-11 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 1-11 p.m. Saturday and 1-10 p.m. Sunday.
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Calendar O M M U N I T Y
No Hard Luck Here The Folk Music Society of Huntington’s monthly Hard Luck Café series at the Cinema Arts Centre on June 20 will feature two husbandand-wife duos, The Levins and The Twangtown Paramours. The 8:30 p.m. concert will be preceded by an open mic at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $8 for Cinema Arts Centre and FMSH members; $12 for non-members. The Cinema Arts Centre is at 423 Park Ave. in Huntington. www.fmsh.org. 631-425-2925.
Battle Of The Bands Councilwoman Susan Berland’s Huntington Youth Council is bringing the noise to the Chapin Rainbow Stage at Heckscher Park on June 15 for “Battle of the Bands.” The battle will feature 10 bands and singers from the high schools in the Town of Huntington. The event is free, but the Youth Council will be accepting donations and raffling off prizes donated by local Huntington village merchants. For more information, call Allison Jones in the office of the Town Council at 631-351-3018.
Book Signing With Judith Sanders
Red Is For Passion Love the color red and enjoy living it up? The Red Hat women are looking for new members who enjoy going places and making new friends. Their motto: Fun, Frolic and Friendship. 631-271-6470 or flarpp@yahoo.com.
SATURDAY Battle Of The Bands Councilwoman Susan Berland’s Huntington Youth Council is bringing the noise to the Chapin Rainbow Stage at Heckscher Park on June 15 for “Battle of the Bands.” The battle will feature 10 bands and singers from the high schools in the Town of Huntington. The event is free, but the Youth Council will be accepting donations and raffling off prizes donated by local Huntington village merchants. For more information, call Allison Jones in the office of the Town Council at 631-351-3018.
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.
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
Memorial Skateboard Contest
Free Help For Vets
The 6th Annual Lenny Lamb Memorial Skateboard Contest takes over Veterans Skate Park on Bellerose Avenue in East Northport June 15. $5 contest entry fee. Proceeds go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Contact Joe at jmannix754@aol.com.
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.
Church Gets Crafty Ready to get your craft on? St. Andrew’s Church, 1095 Carlls Straight Path, Dix Hills hosts a Craft Fair and Flea Market on June 15 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, call 631-413-1000.
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
95 Harbor Road, Cold Spring Harbor. 631-6926820. cshlibrary.org. • Enjoy a talk and guided 2-mile hike on the Nassau-Suffolk Greenbelt trail Saturday, June 15, 1 p.m. Registration required. • Kids ages 2-5 can decorate a personalized Father’s Day candy bar on Thursday, June 13, 11 a.m.
Deer Park Public Library
Touching Up On The Torah
Author Judith Sanders will speak, answer questions, and sign her new book, “In His Stead,” which follows Thomas Lane's crusade against the United States Army, its JAG corps, a vengeful officer, the very son he is desperate to save, and his own wife, who has the Solomon-like choice of losing either a husband or a son, on June 14, 7 p.m. at Book Revue, 313 New York Ave., Huntington. 631-271-1442. www.bookrevue.com.
Cold Spring Harbor 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. • Before tossing out Grandma’s baubles, bangles and beads, take an exciting tour of the wonderful world of antique vintage and collectible adornment on Monday, June 17, 7 p.m.
Come celebrate the beginning of summer with local resident Erica Settino as she leads a free yoga workshop in the great outdoors of Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, 25 Lloyd Harbor Road, Lloyd Neck, on June 20, 6:45 p.m. in the Walled Garden. Free.
FRIDAY
AT THE LIBRARIES
Commack Public Library
Summer Solstice Yoga
Looking to brush up on your Torah knowledge? The Chai Center at 501 Vanderbilt Parkway in Dix Hills will hold weekly discussions concerning Torah views through a contemporary lens. The discussions take place Thursday evenings from 7-8 p.m. 631-351-8672. www.thechaicenter.com.
Dix Hills Diner, 1800 Jericho Turnpike, Dix Hills. 631-462-7446.
WEDNESDAY Free Summer Concerts For Vets Northport VA Medical Center’s free Summer Concert Series for veterans, their families, and the public takes place at 6:30 p.m. every Wednesday in the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Garden Courtyard. June 19: Lil’ Cliff & the Cliffhangers (swing, American roots); June 26: Squeaky Clean (’50s-’80s pop); July 3: Danny
Kean (jazz/R&B); July 10: The HooDoo Loungers (Mardi Gras/Cajun); July 17: Killer Joe & The Lido Soul Revue (Motown/R&B); July 24: Kerry Kearney Band (Mississippi Delta); July 31: The Liverpool Shuffle (Beatles tribute); Aug. 7: The Bobcats (rockabilly); Aug. 14: Tommy Keys Band (barrelhouse boogie woogie); Aug. 21: Big Daddy & The Blues Brothers (Blues Bros tribute); Aug. 28: The HooDoo Loungers and VA fireworks display. 79 Middleville Road, Northport. 631-261-4400, ext. 7275, 7276, or 7183.
Calling Authors And Writers The Long Island Authors and Writers Society (LIAWS.org) hosts a workshop designed to guide writers in editing their manuscripts on June 19 at the Barnes and Noble in East Northport from 7-8:30 p.m.
Lunch N’ Learn About Medicaid Need to know the ins and outs of Medicaid? Hand in Hand for Seniors, Inc. will host a Lunch n’ Learn session on June 12, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Church in Centerport. Sharon G. Green, of Sharon G. Green Medicaid Consulting, will take guests through the Medicaid process, dispel Medicaid myths and more. A light lunch will be served. Reservations are required. 631-6294449.
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. • Learn “Advice for the Snowbird: How to Manage Dual Residency in New York and Florida” on Monday, June 17, 7 p.m. Seating is limited and registration is required.
Elwood Public Library 3027 Jericho Turnpike, Elwood. 631-499-3722. www.elwoodlibrary.org. • James Bond movie “Skyfall” shows Friday, June 14, 1 p.m. • 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. • Join a friendly group of people from around the world who have fun practicing the English language together on Tuesday, June 18, 10 a.m. For more information call Catherine Given at 631-498-1225.
Harborfields Public Library 31 Broadway, Greenlawn. 631-757-4200. harborfieldslibrary.org. • Join film historian Irene Eckert for a discussion and viewing of classic cult films on Tuesday, June 18, 6:45 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.
Business After Hours
Northport-East Northport Public Library
Network and party on the outdoor deck when the Melville Chamber of Commerce hosts Business After Hours June 19, 5:30-8 p.m. at Four Food Studio & Cocktail Salon, 515 Broadhollow Road, Melville. Complimentary light buffet and cash bar. RSVP: info@melvillechamber.org or 631-777-6260. Free for members Free/$30 non-members.
Northport: 151 Laurel Ave. 631-261-6930. East Northport: 185 Larkfield Road. 631-261-2313. www.nenpl.org. • Learn about “Jones Beach: A History of the King of all Beaches,” on Thursday, June 13, 7 p.m. in Northport. • The next Book-A-Trip is to The Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia on Thursday, Sept. 26. $75.
E. Northport Chamber Golf Outing The annual East Northport Chamber of Commerce Golf Outing is June 26 at the Wind Watch Golf & County Club, including a buffet lunch and awards ceremony. For additional information or to reserve a spot, call 631-2613573. $165 per golfer. Honoree is East Northport’s Dr. Raymond Mascolo.
Power Breakfast Join business professionals at BNI Executive Referral Exchange’s breakfast networking meeting every Wednesday, 7-8:30 a.m. at the
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. • Meet author Dr. Jennifer Howard on Thursday, June 13, 7 p.m. as she discusses her book, “Your Ultimate Life Plan, a roadmap for getting unstuck, moving past your problems and living a richer life.” Cosponsored with South Huntington Against Drugs.
(Continued on page A19)
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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JUNE 13, 2013 • A19
(Continued from page A18)
Festive With St. Francis THEATER and FILM
The St. Francis Festival opens on June 13 and ends on June 16, featuring carnival rides, games, food, raffle, entertainment, vendor tents and more. The festival will be held at 29 Clay Pitts Rd. in Greenlawn. Hours are 6-11 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 1-11 p.m. Saturday and 1-10 p.m. Sunday.
Bare Bones Theater Company 57 Main St., Northport. www.barebonestheater.com. • Catch John Patrick Shanley’s drama “Danny and the Deep Blue Sea” on June 20, 21, 22 and 27, 28, 29 at 8 p.m. with matinees on June 23 and 30 at 3 p.m. $25.
Dix Hills Performing Arts Center 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. • Kids can enjoy a musical adaptation of the children’s classic “Goodnight Moon” until July 14. Shows take place at 11 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. $15.
AUDITIONS Gemini Youth Orchestra’s 45th Season 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.
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
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
Cinema Arts Centre 423 Park Ave., Huntington. www.cinemaartscentre.org. 631-423-7611. • Archivist Bill Shelley brings a collection of Fleetwood Mac concert and television footage from their early years to the monthly Rock Legends Live! series on Tuesday, June 18 at 7:30 p.m. $10 members/$15 public. • Direct from London’s West End, watch Charles Dickens’ “Great Expectations,” captured live on Feb. 7, 2013 at the Vaudeville Theatre and shown Thursday, June 20 at 7:30 p.m. in Huntington. $10 members/$15 public.
Wednesday, June 26. $25-$75. • LeAnn Rimes performs Aug. 2. $35/$49.50/$54.50/$64.50/$85.
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.
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.
Heckscher Museum Of Art 2 Prime Ave., Huntington. Museum hours: Wednesday - Friday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., first Fridays from 4-8:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission $6-8/adults, $46/seniors, and $4-5/children; members and children under 10 free. 631-351-3250. • “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 Masters Show is on display in the main gallery through July 8.
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. 631-4277045, 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.
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.
9 East Carver St., Huntington. Gallery hours: Wed.-Sat., 3-8 p.m. or by appointment. 631662-9459. • Al Lorenz presents a solo exhibition “Inner Visions” with an opening reception Saturday, June 15, 5-7 p.m. On display though July 14.
Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum
Northport Historical Society Museum
Main Street, Cold Spring Harbor. Museum
215 Main St., Northport. Museum hours:
9 East Contemporary Art
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.
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.
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. • “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. 631-462-9800, 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.
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.
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. • Christopher M. Collora, a journalist and historian who has chronicled the history of Long Island Gold Coast mansions in an award-winning television series, will show a vintage, pictorial multi-media panorama of the South Shore's historic mansions and estates at the planetarium on Saturday, June 15, 5:30-7 p.m.
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 & DANCE 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
Artistically Gifted Needed The Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Commack is seeking artistically gifted volunteers to partner with residents in a new program, “heART to heART” aimed at helping people with varying levels of cognitive ability express themselves through art. Contact Judie at 516-931-5036 or jatlas1@optonline.net.
Don’t Hibernate. Help The Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP SUFFOLK) needs adults 55+ to help in organizations throughout Suffolk County. Dozens of opportunities available in this federally funded program for just about any interest or skill. Visit www.rsvpsuffolk.org or call 631-979-9490 ext.12 for more information.
Send us your listings Submissions must be in by 5 p.m. 10 days prior to publication date. Send to Community Calendar at 149 Main Street, Huntington, NY 11743, or e-mail to info@longislandernews.com
A20 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JUNE 13, 2013
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TOWN OF HUNTINGTON
3D Animator Creates Dream Job Platinum Platypus generates motion graphics for stadiums, special effects for movies Spotlight On
Huntington Businesses By Mike Koehler mkoehler@longislandernews.com
They told him it was foolish, he’d never make it. He admitted to himself it sounded impossible. But Pete Sussi wasn’t ready to abandon his dreams of delving into visual effects and 3D animation. “I had some people telling me, ‘Trust me, if they need animation they’re not going to use you,’” Sussi said. A short time later, the Huntington resident launched Platinum Platypus, a multifaceted shop tucked away in the Village of Northport. When it comes to video, animation and special effects, Platinum Platypus can do it all. They shoot footage for Corporate 500 companies, handle motion graphics for professional sports arenas and provide 3D effects. Sussi, out of town last week providing special effects expertise for “Category 5” – a Starz original movie starring Burt Reynolds – said he unofficially divides the company into a broadcast/entertainment side and a corporate side.
“In this economy, you want to be nimble,” he added. The corporate side is Platypus’ bread and butter. After all, Sussi created his business after an extensive background in business-to-business advertising. Born in Queens, Sussi grew up in Bethpage and graduated from college in 1987 looking to be an illustrator. He spent a year in the field, at one point drawing the bugs, fungi and weeds on insecticides and pesticides. Bouncing around Fort Salonga before finally calling Huntington home, Sussi left the field to become an art director with a Long Island ad agency. That evolved into a creative director position and later a senior creative director job. “Ten years ago I looked at my wife and said, ‘What happened to the art part of it?’ I picked up 3D animation as a hobby,” he said. He devoted more and more resources to his passion, slowly earning freelance jobs. The freelance business also grew, helping him supplement his full-time job when the economy tanked. The animation paychecks eventually exceeded the advertising ones, as he found himself turning down freelance jobs over time. Finally, he realized, he needed a change. “It’s kind of silly to turn work down when it’s so hard to get a good reputation,” Sussi said. Platinum Platypus came to life in 2010. With up to six full-time and freelance employees, bumped up to nine with the new
movie, the Northport shop still does plenty of corporate work. However, Sussi said they’ve delved more into the stadium graphics and special effects for broadcast lately. The team had plenty of experience in corporate from prior projects, but wanted to explore passions for art and love of sports. They learned over time and became professionals in those fields. It was also some of the experimentation and leaning that landed Platinum Platypus the job handling visual effects in the Starz original movie. ”You have to supervise how they’re going to give you the footage and how it’s shot,” Sussi said, adding that he’s going back on the set later this month. Meanwhile, the Huntington man gushed over the company’s home in Northport. Located in an old building just off Main Street and right along the water, Sussi said he gets creative vibes from the office and the town. “I’m not really a suit-and-tie type of guy. I despise fluorescent lighting,” he said. But the village’s location away from major highways and the LIRR also makes it difficult to get talent in the office. Finding qualified special effects people on Long Island is a challenge, Sussi said. “It’s hard to find people who know 3D animation and use the programs you use. To find someone who knows 3D and is using the application you use is a hard mix to find,” he said.
Pete Sussi founded Platinum Platypus as a creative outlet for his passion for illustration. Sussi hopes Platinum Platypus can continue focusing on creative assignments like major motion pictures and television shows in the months and years ahead. “Once you break into the stuff you want to do, it snowballs, so long as the quality is there,” he said.
Platinum Platypus 24 Woodbine Avenue, Suite 9, Northport 631-925-5622 www.platinumplatypus.com
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JERICHO TURNPIKE Commack Lucille Roberts New York Sports Club The Cutting Edge Hair Design Mozzarello’s Pizza Stop & Shop Bagel Boss Dix Hills Diner The Critic’s Choice Deli Stop & Shop Desi Bazar Brooklyn Pizza Ruby Salon Dunkin’ Donuts Roy’s Deli Golden Coach Diner Bagel USA
6534 Jericho Tpke, Commack 6136 Jericho Tpke, Commack 6065 Jericho Tpke, Commack 1957 E Jericho Tpke, East Northport 3126 Jericho Tpke, East Northport 1941 Jericho Tkpe, Commack 1800 E jericho Tpke, Dix Hills 1153A E Jericho Tpke, Huntington Station 1100 E Jericho Tpke, Huntington Station 905 E Jericho Tpke, Huntington Station 881 E Jericho Tpke, Huntington Station 822 East Jericho Tpke, Huntington Station 795 East Jericho Tpke, Huntington Station 669 East Jericho Tpke, Huntington Station 350 W Jericho Tpke, Huntington Station 573 W. Jericho Tpke, Huntington Station
DEER PARK AVENUE Dix Hills Fire Department Bethpage Fed’l Credit Union
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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JUNE 13, 2013 • A21
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Condos For Sale Brand new bank foreclosed luxury condos in Orlando at up to 50% off! 2 and 3 BR units. Last chance to own in FL for below builder cost. Must see. Sold first-come, first served. Call 877-333-0272 x 39 Home Improvement HAS YOUR BUILDING SHIFTED OR SETTLED? Contact Woodford Brothers Inc, for straightening, leveling, foundation and wood frame repairs at 1-800-OLD-BARN. www.woodfordbros.com. “Not applicable in Queens county�
ADOPTION ADOPTION - Happily married, nature-loving couple wishes to adopt a baby! We promise love, laughter, education, and security. Expenses paid. www.DonaldAndEsther.com. 1-800965-5617. (Se habla espaĂąol.) ADOPTION: Affectionate, educated, financially secure, married couple want to adopt baby into nuturing, warm, and loving environment. Expenses paid. Cindy & Adam. 800.860.7074 or cindyadamadopt@aol.com
AUCTION FAIR
MAJOR RETIREMENT AUCTION On-Site & Live Worldwide Simulcast
PARADISE TREE SERVICE INC. 481 Route 40, Troy, NY 12182 Thurs., June 20, 2013 9:30 AM
Preview & Pre-Registration: Wed. June 19th 10 - 4 PM & Auction Day 8 AM COMPLETE LIQUIDATION: AFTER 44 YEARS IN BUSINESS, FRANK AND LYNN LAGACE ARE RETIRING AND ARE SELLING THEIR REAL ESTATE, ALL BUSINESS RELATED TRUCKS, EQUIPMENT & SUPPORT EQUIP., THE COMPANY NAME, CURRENT CONTRACTS, AND EXTENSIVE CUSTOMER LIST. Also Offered At 11:45 AM: 4 Prime Properties: Beautiful Home With Barn, Commercial Nursery With Pole Barn & Repair Shop, 17-+- Acres Prime Land With Lg. Pond & 6 Acre Parcel Land.
See Web Sites for Catalog, Photos, & Terms
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A22 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JUNE 13, 2013
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HillSPORTS BOYS TENNIS
Hills East Wins Long Island Championships Doubles teams dominate at Cold Spring Harbor, defeating No. 1 Nassau tennis seed Photos by Allan Cherkin
Hills East tennis co-captains Alec Tuckey and Jeff Cherkin hold up their Long Island Championship plaque at Cold Spring Harbor last week. By Jacqueline Birzon
The Half Hollow Hills East boys tennis team won their first Long Island Championship on June 5 against five-time consecutive winner Cold Spring Harbor.
jbirzon@longislandernews.com
Determination and hard work led the Half Hollow Hills East varsity boys tennis to defeat five-time consecutive champions Cold Spring Harbor at the Long Island Championships. The Thunderbirds served the Seahawks with their first loss in five years, upsetting Nassau’s No. 1 team 4-3 on June 5. Last year, Hills East lost to Cold Spring Harbor, 5-2. Three of the Thunderbirds four doubles teams won against their Cold Spring Harbor opponents, while only one singles player came out with a win.
No. 2 singles Kyle Alper defeated Conor Mullins 3-6, 7-6 (6), 6-0. Alper, a sophomore All-State player, typically plays doubles with senior co-captain Jeff Cherkin. Last month the pair earned their second consecutive Suffolk County doubles championship title. At the Long Island Championships, however, Head Coach Tom Depleteau chose to break the dream team up, and Alper came out as the sole singles victor. Hills East’s No. 1 doubles pair Travis Leaf, an All-League player, and Ross Reiffmann, who is All-Division, defeated their Nassau opponent’s 6-3,6-7 (6), 6-3,
winning the best of three games. No. 2 doubles team Roger Cheng and Michael Leffer, both All-Division players, won their match with ease, 6-2, 6-1. No. 3 doubles team Grant Rosenberg and Alec Tuckey, an All-League player, won over George Muller and George Carmi 6-2, 2-6, 6-4. Depleteau, who has coached the team to its current 79-0 record in Suffolk County, said he treated the match like any other. “We tried our best to prepare and if the other team won, they quite simply, would have been better,” he said. “They took care of the little things… The little things, if done correctly, do add up.”
Senior co-captain Jeff Cherkin played No. 3 singles at Cold Spring Harbor last week during the Long Island Championship tournament.
SOCCER
Dix Hills Wins State Cup Two neighboring teams from the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) traveled to Stringham Park in LaGrange on June 1 to play in the Boys-Under-15 State Open Cup final. The Dix Hills Elite, which has already qualified for the Nationals by finishing second in their division in the US Youth Soccer National League, won the State Cup championship by shutting out the HBC Titans from Huntington, 1-0. Joe DeStefano scored on a header at the end of the game off a corner kick from Spencer Manus. “We were pushing hard for a goal and finally scored at the end,” Dix Hills coach Dominic Casciato said. “The result could
have gone either way.” Dix Hills will represent the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) at the Regionals from June 28-July 2 at the University of Rhode Island. Eastern New York is donating $2,000 to the team and paying all expense fees for the Regionals. HBC received the Howard Rubenstein Sportsmanship Award as selected by the match referees. Now retired, the remarkable Rubenstein was seemingly involved in every facet of New York soccer and is a member of the Halls of Fame of Eastern New York, the US Amateur Soccer Association and the Long Island Junior Soccer League.
The Dix Hills Elite won the State Cup Championship in soccer.
The only page to turn for complete coverage of the: HALF HOLLOW HILLS EAST THUNDERBIRDS and HALF HOLLOW HILLS WEST COLTS
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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JUNE 13, 2013 • A23
A24 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • JUNE 13, 2013
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