HALF HOLLOW HILLS Copyright © 2012 Long Islander Newspapers, LLC
Online at www.LongIslanderNews.com VOLUME FIFTEEN, ISSUE 39
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Tree Cleanup Almost Complete? Highway Super says town is making good progress By Jacqueline Birzon jbirzon@longislandernews.com
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DIX HILLS/MELVILLE
Half Hollow Hills photo/Danny Schrafel
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20 PAGES
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012
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The Town of Huntington Highway Department hopes that 100 percent of the debris from felled trees along the 780 miles of town roads will be completely removed by Dec. 21. Highway Superintendent William Naughton said the town has completed approximately 60 percent of the total cleanup required after Superstorm Sandy ripped out and destroyed hundreds of trees across town. In the days since the Oct. 29 storm, residents and cleanup workers have slowly been picking up the pieces, but in many cases that has meant leaving large stumps and tree branches at the curb, sometimes obstructing roadways. Huntington Station resident Diane Heck said that the volume of debris on her street, close to 5 feet, has become a problem because it affects drivers’ spatial perception of the roads. A neighbor across the street from her erected a sign in front of the debris saying “Slow Down Narrow” to warn unaware drivers.
A sign supported by an assortment of tree limbs and debris warns oncoming traffic to slow down. Some town roads have become narrow due to impeding debris left by Superstorm Sandy. “It’s hazardous… People drive very fast. I just hope it’s gone by June,” she said. The highway superintendent said he anticipates a much “faster” second round of cleanup, since many of the utility poles and large trees have been cleared. According to the superinten-
dent, the worst of the tree debris can be found in areas such as East Northport and Commack, which are at the north end and have higher elevations. Naughton said that Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) covers the cost of the town’s cleanup, (Continued on page A15)
TOWN OF HUNTINGTON
Hospital Scores ‘C’ On Safety Report Card By Jacqueline Birzon jbirzon@longislandernews.com
A nonprofit group based in Washington, D.C. has assigned Huntington Hospital a score of “C” in patient safety. The grade, the agency says, is based upon records that measure the hospital’s ability to prevent avoidable errors, accidents and injuries while a patient is under the hospital’s supervision. The Leapfrog Group, an organization founded by large employers whose objective is to improve quality, safety and access to health care, published their second annual safety report card on Nov. 28. The agency used 26 measures to assess safety standards of 2,600 hospitals around the nation. According to Erica Mobley, program manager at Leapfrog, the 2012 study attained most data from public
records published in 2011, and findings were broken down into two categories, including “outcomes measures” and “process measures.” “Outcomes measures” were based upon errors, accidents and injuries that a hospital has publicly reported, and are collected on behalf of the Center for Medicare Services (CMS). “Process measures” consider the management structures and procedures a hospital has in place to protect patients from errors, accidents and injuries, and gauged measures such as leadership structures and systems, nursing workforce and hand hygiene. Huntington Hospital chose not to respond to the Leapfrog survey that asked for these measures, therefore they were not used in processing the hospital’s final score. The agency said the hospital was not penalized for not responding. Mobley said that while a “C” designation should raise a red flag for con-
sumers that this hospital may not be the safest, it by no means indicates that residents should avoid going there. “Hospitals with a score of C have shown they are not as safe as other hospitals in preventing avoidable errors, accidents and injuries….so these hospitals don’t have the low infection rates others have, or the necessary procedures in place to prevent errors from happening. We’ve seen from their data they are not as good as some other hospitals at preventing errors,” she said. Huntington Hospital scored its lowest on measures including “Death From Serious Treatable Complications After Surgery,” scoring a 115.57 when the average was 113.68, and “Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection,” which can occur when a narrow tube is improperly removed from a large vein and can lead (Continued on page A15)
A nonprofit advocating for patient safety and access to healthcare has given Huntington Hospital a grade of “C” when it comes to preventing avoidable errors, accidents and injuries.
IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION
Basketball Season Picks Up A19
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POLICE REPORT Compiled by Mike Koehler
Smile, Darn Ya You’re never fully dressed… With all the hype
Contractor Charged Up Over Vandalism
claimed their temple. But when they went to purify the temple by burning ritual oil, they found enough just for a day. Lighting it anyway, it lasted for eight days, and the rest is history.
surrounding the Broadway revival of “Annie,” I can’t get the song, “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile” out of my head. While all the songs are catchy – who IN THE KNOW Tis the season… for could forget the one about the WITH AUNT ROSIE solemn reflection. While we sun coming out – that song, run around like chickens by the Bert Healy character, stays with me, and with our heads cut off to buy quite literally puts a smile on my face. Ever notices our children the hottest toy, significant other the how different your day feels when you’re smiling, latest gadget, cook a meal that could feed the Chiversus keeping a puss on your face? I know it’s not nese Army or organize the family in making the easy to smile when you’re not happy, but it does house spotless, December also marks a very impormake a world of a difference. In my experience, tant piece of American history that gets overlooked. smiling people tend to be like magnets, attracting The attack on Pearl Harbor occurred 71 years ago more happiness their way! And heck, if Charlie on Dec. 7. The attack prompted America to declare Chaplin was on board with the whole smile through war on the Axis, eventually leading to victory. But the hard times thing (we all know he wrote the song the cost of that success was tremendous: several “Smile,” yes?), that’s good enough for me. thousand killed and more than a thousand wounded. The U.S.S. Arizona was sunk that day and reThanks all around… I love the amount of mains submerged, now a silent and very solemn “Thank you” mail that has been filling our office inmemorial to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. box lately. These letters are filled with gratitude for the different organizations that reached out to help Restaurant success!... If you’re a faithful readcommunity members left powerless (and heatless!) er of my column here, you’ll know I have mentioned after Superstorm Sandy. Keep the letters coming, this before as one of my biggest pet-peeves: I hate because everyone who helped in one way or another when restaurants clear the plates of others in your deserves a nod, and we’ll print as many as we get! I party who have finished eating, when you yourself received one such letter recently thanking the are still fork-in-hand enjoying your meal. It makes Huntington YMCA for offering hot showers, and me so uncomfortable, like I am holding up my the library for offering hot coffee and tea as well as group, and unfortunately I am a slow eater. I una warm place to read. And both places served as derstand restaurants may want to encourage tablecharging stations. Let’s keep the spirit of thankfulturnover, especially if they are busy, but I don’t ness in the air as long as we can! think this is a difficult thing to do. Anyway, I was Happy Hanukkah! Just in case you’ve got Christ- pleasantly surprised this weekend when the restaurant I was at waited for me to finish before clearing mas on the mind, don’t forget that December is also the plates of everyone in my party. Bravo! an important time for those of the Jewish faith. The holiday begins Saturday evening and ends on next Sunday evening. Most everyone knows about the eight candles and exchanging small gift each night, (Aunt Rosie wants to hear from you! If you have but the history behind the holiday is also interesting. comments, ideas, or tips about what’s happening in Hanukkah, which translates to dedication in Hebrew, your neck of the woods, write to me today and let me celebrates the reclaiming of a Jewish temple in 167 know the latest. To contact me, drop a line to Aunt B.C. Syrian-Greek soldiers seized the temple and Rosie, c/o The Long-Islander, 149 Main Street, Huntdedicated it to worship Zeus. A band of Jews revolted ington NY 11743. Or try the e-mail at – known as the Maccabee Revolt – and eventually reaunt.rosieli@gmail.com)
Suffolk police responded to an electrical contractor’s Huntington Station office about criminal mischief on Nov. 30. The complainant reported a window was broken.
Was The Door Locked? Suffolk police were notified about a theft outside a South Huntington high school on Nov. 29. The complainant said a debit card was taken from a 2010 Jeep Wrangler parked in the school lot.
Time To Smash Windows Suffolk police were dispatched to a Melville department store on Nov. 30 about criminal mischief reports. The complainant said a passenger side window of their 2006 Audi A8 was broken.
Holes Found In Walls Of Vacant Home Suffolk police responded to a vacant Huntington Station home about criminal mischief on Nov. 29. Holes were found in the sheetrock of the Lowndes Avenue home.
Someone Made These Purchases Suffolk police received a report of grand larceny in connection with the Walt Whitman Shops earlier this fall. The complainant contacted police on Nov. 29, telling them that an unknown person used her credit card at the mall without her permission. She received a bill for the purchases.
Where Are My Chainsaws? Suffolk police responded to Dix Hills on Nov. 28 upon receiving reports of grand larceny. The complainant said someone stole chainsaws from their vehicle.
PD: Woman Attacks Woman In Gentlemen’s Club A 22-year-old Patchogue woman was charged with assault by Suffolk County police on Nov. 29. The woman allegedly attacked another woman in a Huntington Station gentlemen’s club earlier that day.
Stolen GPS Could Use A GPS QUOTE OF THE WEEK DON DAILEY
BABY FACES NOLA PEARL LEIBOWITZ Mr. and Mrs. Brian Leibowitz proudly announce the birth of their first daughter, Nola Pearl. Nola was born at Huntington Hospital on Oct. 24, weighing 7 pounds 11 ounces; she was 20 inches long. Proud grandparents are Josephine and Stuart Leibowitz of Dix Hills and Valerie and Lawrence Mercantini of Greenlawn. Send a photo of your pre-school age child along with a brief anecdotal background and we’ll consider it for “Baby Faces.” Include baby’s full name, date of birth, hometown and names of parents and grandparents. Send to: Baby of the Week, c/o Long-Islander, 149 Main St., Huntington, NY 11743. Please include a daytime phone number for verification purposes.
Suffolk police were notified about a theft on Nov. 27 in Melville. The complainant said someone stole a GPS and credit cards from their 2011 Acura MDX.
A Modern Day Rapunzel Northport police responded to a Stanton Street home on Nov. 24 about a disturbance. Five juveniles were found on the complainant’s property while knocking on the side window of the house. The juveniles were intending to wake the complainant’s daughter.
Is There A Doctor In The house? “It looks like a pile of firewood, but it’s really a pile of gnomes.” ‘Sunday Woodcarver’ Makes Most Of Sandy’s Mess, PAGE A4
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Northport police were dispatched to a doctor’s office on Nov. 23 when an uncooperative patient refused to leave the office. This was not the first time that the patient entered the office demanding a prescription without an appointment. The patient was discharged from the doctor’s office.
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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 6, 2012 • A3
TOWN OF HUNTINGTON
Judge Dismisses AvalonBay Lawsuit Rules there is no proof of spot zoning; environmental review of project was sufficient By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandernews.com
A State Supreme Court justice dismissed the Greater Huntington Civic Group’s Article 78 lawsuit against the Town of Huntington and AvalonBay Communities Nov. 29, ruling the project proposed for Huntington Station underwent sufficient environmental review and did not constitute illegal spot zoning. In a Nov. 19 decision, State Supreme Court Justice Joseph C. Pastoressa ruled the Greater Huntington Civic Group, which sued the town and AvalonBay Communities on Sept. 30 of last year, “failed to submit any evidence to support their claim of spot zoning,” which the ruling defines as “singling out a small parcel of land, for a use classification totally dif-
MELVILLE
Hate Crime Cooking At Pizzeria? By Mike Koehler mkoehler@longislandernews.com
A lawsuit seeking to stop AvalonBay’s 379-unit development in Huntington Station was thrown out in State Supreme Court Nov. 19. welcome and urge all concerned to come together in the common goal to enhance Huntington Station. I believe we have an opportunity here to create something we can all be proud of,” Petrone said. However, in a statement, the Greater Huntington Civic Group vowed the fight was not over, and said they would consider their next steps during their Dec. 6 meeting. “The Greater Huntington Civic Group will continue to fight to stop the AvalonBay project, as well as any other highdensity projects throughout the township that require downzoning and threaten the suburban way of life,” the organization said.
But Mitch Paley, a Huntington resident and president of the Long Island Builders’ Institute, which backs AvalonBay’s Huntington Station proposal, said the case where reform is needed is for Article 78 proceedings. “It has become a misused tool to halt projects that have merit. This project has been shown to have merit, and people invested time, expertise and knowledge to show that it has merit,” he said. “To that extent, I think that the Article 78 mechanism needs to be revisited on a statewide level,” he said. AvalonBay’s proposal is currently before the Town of Huntington’s planning board for site plan review.
DIX HILLS
Free Ice Time For Their Service By Danny Schrafel
Half Hollow Hills photo/archives
Two pizzeria employees have been arrested after allegedly attacking a West Babylon man and his wife without warning. Frank and Michael Meringolo, of Melville, were arrested by Suffolk County police in connection to Nov. 24 assault at Paesano’s II Pizzeria in Greenlawn. Police said the brothers punched and kicked the husband. His wife was allegedly injured when an employee threw something that hit her in the head. Michael was charged with two counts of third-degree assault and one count of resisting arrest; both are class A misdemeanors. Frank was charged with one count of assault and one count of resisting arrest. A spokesman for Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas Spota said the case was being transferred back to the police department for further investigation and determination if hate crime charges should be levied. Police confirmed the investigation is ongoing to determine if more charges are warranted. A woman who answered the phone at Paesano Pizzeria in Huntington said the company had no comment. Both defendants were arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on Nov. 24. They were released on recognizance, although the court did issue a temporary order of protection against each of them. They’re both expected to appear back in court on Dec. 19.
ferent from that of the surrounding area, for the benefit of the owner of such a property and to the detriment of other owners.” The civic group alleged the town had committed illegal spot zoning by approving zone changes for AvalonBay’s plans to build 379 units on 26.5 acres on East 5th Street near Park Avenue in Huntington Station, and had not comprehensively reviewed the environmental impact of such a project. “The record demonstrates that there are several multi-family developments in the surrounding area, as well as industrial uses to the north of the property,” Pastoressa’s decision reads. “Thus, the change of zone does not allow for a use that is totally different from that allowed in the surrounding area. In addition, the comprehensive plan recommends highdensity residential development between existing commercial or industrial uses and residential neighborhoods.” As to the Civic Group’s allegations about insufficient environmental review, Pastoressa ruled that the draft environmental impact statement “identified all relevant issues… and evaluated the potential significant environmental impacts” and offered mitigation plans to address traffic and noise concerns. When there is a dispute over the validity of the data collected, it is up to the administrative agency to weigh the facts and determine their validity or lack thereof. “The record demonstrates that the decision of the Town Board to issue a negative [SEQRA] declaration had a rational basis,” Pastoressa ruled. Supervisor Frank Petrone called for unity following the decision. “The court has made its decision and I
dschrafel@longislandernews.com
Huntington’s veterans and first responders and their families will have free reign of the ice in Dix Hills the evening of Dec. 19. The town’s first annual dedicated skate for veterans and first responders will run from 5:30-7:30 p.m., and attendees who come with proper service identification will receive free admission, skate rental and light refreshments at this special skate session. “It’s just a chance for everybody to get together and have some fun,” Councilwoman Susan Berland, who is the town board’s liaison to the community’s fire departments, said. She developed and sponsored the new event. With the holidays quickly approaching, Berland said it was a perfect time to give thanks to veterans and first responders through a special event. “They not only devote their time to taking care of the people of the Town of Huntington and ensuring our homes and lives are safe, they spend a lot of time donating their time and doing really wonderful things,” she said. “Now that we have this beautiful facility, I went to [Supervisor] Frank [Petrone] and said we should give them a free day.” No pre-registration is required. Overflow parking will be near the town golf course in Dix Hills Park, and shuttle service will be provided to the ice rink.
The Dix Hills Ice Rink, pictured during its December 2010 grand re-opening, will host a free skate for veterans and first responders Dec. 19.
A4 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 6, 2012
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TOWN OF HUNTINGTON
Woodcarver Makes Most Of Sandy’s Mess Half Hollow Hills photo/Danny Schrafel
By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandernews.com
Huntington Station’s Don Dailey is making the most of Hurricane Sandy’s aftermath. Like many communities, Huntington continues to be burdened by downed trees. For Dailey, a noted woodcarver, it’s a golden opportunity to make a positive out of a mess. “It’s just kind of my way of doing green living and re-purposing and recycling things,” he said. The practice actually began last year, after Tropical Storm Irene. “The next street up from us had two trees down and literally blocked in both ends of the street,” he said. “I said, ‘When they cut that tree up, I’m definitely going to make something out of it.’” From that downed maple tree, he carved “a whole bunch” of spoons, gave them to neighbors and sold the remainder. Ginkgo and walnut trees from other neighbors soon followed. His garage is his woodcarving studio, equipped with a bandsaw to cut rounded shapes, a vise to hold spoons in place for carving, sanding implements and plenty of carving knives. He organizes his supplies in piles in the back of his driveway and creates carved spoons, gnomes, holiday Santas, and more. He just added a lathe to his equipment roster, allowing him to create much smaller pieces. “It really gets bad, because when you start doing stuff this small, you’re like ‘I can’t throw anything out. I can make
Don Dailey holds a finished wooden gnome as he explains his woodcarving process in his Huntington Station studio Sunday. something out of it,’” he said with a smile. In recent years, word of Dailey’s woodcarving prowess has spread, and neighbors frequently give him wood to work with. While he buys some materials, much of his materials are locally sourced. In a pile outside his garage, the remnants of a Linden tree in Northport, the source of basswood, are neatly stacked. Because of
its ultra-fine grain, it is the wood of choice for carving intricate, detailed figures. “It looks like a pile of firewood, but it’s really a pile of gnomes,” Dailey quipped. Woods with more complex, unruly grains are better suited for bowls, spoons and spatulas with unique twists and turns, he said. Dailey is a truly diversified individual.
A cabinetmaker by trade, he works in Greenlawn, leads Boy Scout Troop 12 in Huntington and is a Daytime Emmyaward winning musician who worked on ABC’s “All My Children.” He currently leads the Huntington Choral Society. Dailey, who grew up in northwest New Jersey, got into woodcarving in his teens, when he taught himself the craft. As a scoutmaster, he put his boyhood hobby to use on retreats. “I go away a week every year with Boy Scouts, and I would sit there and carve and work with them. Then I’d come back and put it away for the year,” he said. “At some point, I said, ‘I really like doing this. Why don’t I do it more often?’” He then dedicated Sundays to woodcarving – hence, the name of the “Sunday Woodcarver” blog he launched about two and a half years ago, so fellow woodcarving enthusiasts could follow his projects and his progress. As he improved, he began to sell some of the finished products there and through the online craft network Etsy. Soon, he said, Sunday was the only day of the week he wasn’t carving, and selling products helped him push harder to get better. “If I have to sell it, it really has to be good and I have to paint it and finish it,” he said. “That really helped me to make a huge leap in my abilities.” For Dailey, creativity and exploration is key to honing and enjoying his craft. “Someone said, ‘You could be a rich man if you just sat and carved the same spoon over and over,” he said. “I think I’d go crazy. I couldn’t do it.”
TOWN OF HUNTINGTON
By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandernews.com
For John Houghtaling II, coming to speak at the Town of Huntington’s Hurricane Sandy Recovery Night on Nov. 29 was a most unusual way to return. “I called my father and said, ‘How ironic is it that I’m giving a hurricane speech in our hometown?’” Houghtaling said. Houghtaling lived in Huntington until he was 11 before his family moved to New Orleans. There, while in law school, he took a job with The Gauthier Firm, moving boxes in the file room to pay his bills. By 2005, he was in charge of the entire firm. Three months later, Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans. The storm hit close to home – 90 percent of his staff was homeless, he recalled. Once the dust settled, he began advocating for property owners devastated by the storm – and he started winning big. To date, Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams has collected over $4 billion in thousands of claims related to Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Ike, and Isaac. Now with his boyhood home battling back from the devastation of Hurricane Sandy, he was in Huntington to share some of his experience. “My father always used to have a saying – ‘Johnny, the world is small, and it’s round. Go there and do what you can’,” he said. “Doing what you can” was sharing his hurricane experience so residents here don’t fall into some common traps. He stressed that homeowners do not have to sign a release to receive an insurance payment, and implored homeowners to
conduct an independent assessment of the damage. Third, property owners must know the chronology of how damage happened. “If they can prove wind damaged the home, went through the walls, went through the windows, blew open the door, damaged the roof, that is compensable, even, if later, a flood comes,” he said. Under New York law, Houghtaling continued, once an insurance company has all the information it needs, they must give the property owner an answer – and a check – in 15 days. “They can’t keep coming back to you by saying, ‘Oh, we need more information, we don’t have enough, we’re not there to pay you yet,’” he said. Finally, there are several claims management firms, independent adjustors and law firms that will only charge a client if they win– usually, about 10 to 15 percent of what is recovered, he said. In the meantime, as residents moved to rebuild, a half-dozen organizations were on hand to provide guidance and resources, and in rebuilding, one of the primary resources is money. Joe Perri, president of Gold Coast Bank, was on hand to raise awareness about a shortterm, streamlined, low-interest loan program for businesses affected by Sandy. Once financing is in place, John Hogan, president of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry’s (NARI) Long Island chapter, said his organization’s job is to make sure homeowners do business with licensed, insured contractors. “We make sure they’re on the up-and-
up,” he said. Since Sandy, the Town of Huntington’s Building Department has issued more than a dozen free permits to repair Sandy-related damage and inspected more than 300 homes, town officials said. But before rebuilding, Mitch Paley, president of the Long Island Builders Institute, a membership organization of builders and contractors, said many homeowners, especially those on the waterfront, will have to make hard decisions. “This could be an omen of things to come,” he said of Sandy. “You have to evaluate if the risk is worth the reward.” With the unprecedented damage, Paley said the aftermath illustrates a need for more diversified housing stock. “We need to create the ability to have more apartments, move homes to higher ground,” he said. As Hogan and Paley were talking about rebuilding homes, other groups were dedicated to helping businesses restart their engines. The Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce, Executive Director Ellen O’Brien said, was distributing guides containing hometown resources for storm recovery. Freeport Signs representatives were urging business owners to secure, repair and pull down damaged signs on their property to eliminate a public safety risk. Anthony Manetta, executive director of the Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency, and Secretary Steve Rossetti were promoting the agency’s Emergency Sales Tax Relief program. As many as 200 businesses with less than 50 full-
Half Hollow Hills photo/Danny Schrafel
For Attorney, A Dutiful Homecoming
Former Huntington resident John Houghtaling II, an attorney who made a major mark in New Orleans fighting for hurricane victims, tells homeowners Nov. 29 how to protect themselves after Hurricane Sandy. time workers will be eligible for sales tax relief as they buy materials and replacement equipment, up to $100,000. “From restaurants that have been shut down to marinas that were ruined, people are just rolling up their sleeves, trying to rebuild,” Manetta said. “The IDA hopes to provide some relief for them to do that.” “We hope to do everything we can to assist all of our businesses in there trying times,” O’Brien said.
Fire Commissioner Election Rundown
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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 6, 2012 • A5
Two Campaigning For Dix Hills Commish By Jacqueline Birzon jbirzon@longislandernews.com
Two family men are vying for the vacant seat on the Dix Hills Fire District’s Board of Commissioners, with the vote on Dec. 11. Todd Cohen and Salvatore Vitellaro are on the ballot, each seeking a five-year term that will fill David Critelli’s seat. Critelli chose not to seek re-election. A member since 1987, Cohen, 44, currently holds the title of district secretary for the Dix Hills Fire Department, a position he’s filled for eight years. He has been deputy district treasurer for 12 years. A Dix Hills resident for 30 years, Cohen is a graduate of Dowling College. In 1994 he started his own company, IntelliCheck, which has blossomed into an enterprise that is used at over 100 military bases in the nation. The company developed software that was originally used to scan driver’s licenses, and is now often utilized as a security measure at large companies. The father of three said he is at a point
in his life where he has the time and freedom to fully commit his responsibilities to the board. Cohen said that his years of involvement with the district, from his role as a company fire lieutenant, dispatcher and driver trainer allow him to understand what it means to work from the “bottom up” in an organization. After what felt like the perfect storm, with Critelli choosing not to seek re-election and circumstances materializing in his personal life, Cohen said now is his time to step up. “I’ve had a lot of titles in this department… I understand all the aspects and have heard needs for equipment and safety. I work nice with people, I care about this community, and I love this community… It’s just a wonderful organization for me and my community, and this is in my blood,” he said. “I have a lot of information in my head and I’ve always wanted to move to next level but…I think this is my time, that’s why I stepped up. My wife always says I’m either in something 100 percent or not, and I’m in all the way in with this.”
Two Want Melville Seat for how they spend money. “Every dollar counts, so they should be justifying their spending,” he said. “We should have an answer Voters will decide Dec. 11 whether for them [the public] when they Donald Barclay or James Schuler will come.” represent them on the Melville Fire He’ll be running against James District’s Board of Commissioners for Schuler, 47, who got inthe next five years. volved with the fire deOne term is up for partment 27 years ago. grabs, and the winner “I joined because all will succeed Robert my friends joined,” he Reiser, who after four said. “I came in with terms and 20 years on them a few years later.” the board is not seeking As time went on and re-election. he gained experience in Barclay, a 20-yearthe firematic service, old St. John’s student Schuler said it’s now his who is enrolled in the time to give back in a university’s double denew way. gree program – he’s “I’m kind of the new studying for a computgeneration. I’ve been er science degree and Donald Barclay watching these guys do his MBA – joined the it for a long time,” he fire department two said. “Because I’ve been years ago. doing it for quite a “I just thought it while, I thought it was would be a good thing time for me to step up to do,” he said. and make the next Barclay said he almove and keep the fire ways had an interest in department moving in politics, elections and the right direction.” leadership, and his inSince 1989, he has volvement in the Amerbeen an electrician ican Legion’s Boys’ with Local 3 in ManState program while he hattan. He and his was a student at St. Anwife of 21 years, Regithony’s High School onJames Schuler na, are the parents of ly furthered that interthree children, ages 17, ested. Two years after 14 and 10. graduating in 2010, he’s now seeking A key issue for the new commiselected office himself in Melville. sioner, he said, would be dealing with As a commissioner, his goals would the construction of the new fire subbe to increase taxpayer involvement, station near Route 110. voter turnout, and awareness of fire disThe election is Dec. 11. Polls are trict decisions. Greater participation open from 1-9 p.m. at the Melville would help the district best meet the Fire Department’s headquarters, lopublic’s wishes, he said. He also said the cated at 531 Sweet Hollow Road. board should have ready justification
By Danny Schrafel
dschrafel@longislandernews.com
Todd Cohen
Sal Vitellaro
Lifetime resident Vitellaro, 45, who has been a member of the fire district for four years, is also looking to affect change should he win the commissioner’s seat. A firefighter, an Emergency Medical Technician-Critical Care, a junior advisor and a trustee for the benevolent association, Vitellaro said his drive to help others in his community has motivated him to run for the commissioner’s seat. A SUNY Farmingdale graduate with over 20 years experience in the financial industry, Vitellaro’s firm is an accredited member of the New York Stock Exchange and employs over 1,000 people worldwide. While he is still active in his business, he is in a position in his life where he is able to devote his time and re-
sources to both the district and community, he said. “I’ve always wanted to do it, and I waited until I had enough time to commit to the position, and fortunately I’m at that stage of life that I have the time…I’ve lived in this community all my life and I just want to give back to community. I’ve been fortunate enough in life and I wanted to pass that along to the community, donate time and do whatever I can to help the people,” he said. “I love this community; it’s like one big family.” On Dec. 11, registered Dix Hills residents can vote for the candidate of their choice from 4-9 p.m. at fire district headquarters, located at 115 E .Deer Park Road.
A6 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 6, 2012
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TOWN OF HUNTINGTON
$100K Eyed To Rewire Hall Of Fishes Vanderbilt director: Investment will make buildings safer and save money in the future By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandernews.com
A historic structure in the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum is expected to receive funding to be rewired once roof repairs are complete. The Suffolk County Legislature was expected to approve allocating $100,000, as part of the county’s 2013 capital budget, to rewire the Vanderbilt’s Hall of Fishes Marine Museum during their Dec. 4 meeting, which concluded after press time. Interim Director Lance Reinheimer said the funds would complement $400,000 in roof repairs for three buildings on the property. While most of the money would be dedicated to repairing the planetarium’s roof, Reinheimer said the Hall of Fishes and the Stoll Wing are also part of the project. Those repairs are key to allowing the re-wiring project to proceed, he said. “Once that building [the Marine Museum] is re-roofed, our plan is to rewire that building, which was opened in 1922,” Reinheimer said during the Nov. 28 Vanderbilt board meeting. “It’s important from a public safety perspective.” Of those roof repairs, the Vanderbilt Planetarium, which is to re-open in 2013, is the priority project, Reinheimer said. “We’re doing the planetarium first. The Hall of Fishes will be done to follow very soon, and then the Stoll wing.” Repairs to the Stoll Wing’s flat roof would also clear the way for improvements
The Vanderbilt Museum’s Hall of Fishes will be the subject of a $100,000 rewiring project once roof repairs are complete, officials said. there, to be powered by a $100,000 grant from the Roy M. Speer Foundation, received in late-July. The wing includes eight dioramas featuring animals from Africa, Alaska, the American West, the Arctic, the former British Honduras (now Belize), Canada, India and Nova Scotia. The re-wiring effort, paired with in-
creased use of high-efficiency lighting in the museum, can also have the added benefit of saving the Vanderbilt Museum money. Also, Reinheimer said there are other energy-saving changes coming to the property. “In the planetarium, we’re putting in high-energy efficiency lights in the lobby
and a high-efficiency furnace,” he said. “That all has a positive impact on the budget.” Reinheimer said he hopes the rewiring money will also be able to be used for other buildings on the property. “Depending on how the bids come in, we’ll continue to use those funds to rewire other buildings as needed,” he said.
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TOWN OF HUNTINGTON
Generating Concerns On Proposal Half Hollow Hills photo/archives
Lines like these were common after Hurricane Sandy knocked out power to many gas stations, causing a fuel shortage. By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandernews.com
A trade organization representing the service station industry on Long Island is seeking changes to a proposal to require all gas stations to have generators and be able to hook them up. The legislation, proposed by Legislator Steve Stern (D-Dix Hills) would require all gas stations with four or more pumping stations to have the infrastructure they need to make a switch to an alternative power source. It was introduced in the weeks following Hurricane Sandy, which crippled the tri-state area’s fuel supply system and caused widespread shortages. Kevin Beyer, president of the Long Island Gasoline Retailers Association, said the organization opposes the legislation in its current form, but will work with Stern to develop “a viable plan to handle the power outages.” “There’s been so much thrown into the news about generators. It’s not like [go-
ing to] Home Depot and buying one off the rack and placing it there,” Beyer told legislators Nov. 20. “There are other alternatives, and we look forward to working with him. Hopefully we’ll come up with a viable plan for that.” Qualifying gas stations would be required to install the switch capability, and have a generator ready to be brought in for when the power goes out, Stern said. He is seeking state, federal and county aid by way of tax breaks, incentives and grants to help station owners install those upgrades. In an earlier interview, Beyer said requiring gas station owners to purchase a generator sufficient to power the essential elements to operate a station could cost about $30,000, and without comprehensive financial support, the law could create a sizable “unfunded mandate” for his members. The hearing was recessed until the legislature’s Dec. 4 meeting, which took place after press time.
THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 6, 2012 • A7
A8 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 6, 2012
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Opinion
Sen
d letters to The Editor, : Half Hollow H il ls Newspape 149 M r, Huntington ain Street, , 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 On With AvalonBay Project A State Supreme Court justice has ruled the customer base that is a necessary comto dismiss a lawsuit brought by an area ponent of efforts to revitalize Huntington civic association to overturn zoning Station, particularly the area nearest to the changes approved for the AvalonBay hous- Huntington train station. Those efforts are ing complex in Huntington Station. in the earliest stages under the guidance of In dismissing the Article 78 proceeding Renaissance Downtowns, a forward-thinkbrought by the Greater Huntington Civic ing development company named by the Group, the court dismissed claims that the Town of Huntington as master developers town had conducted insufficient environ- for Huntington Station. mental reviews and that their action Opponents of AvalonBay have been amounted to spot zoning. clear from the start that they oppose all The rezone granted by the town high-density housing. They just over a year ago will allow Aval- EDITORIAL must acknowledge that the onBay Properties to build a 379suburban model of singleunit housing complex on 26.5 acres on East family homes is shutting out the younger Fifth Street in Huntington Station. generation. Ultimately, that approval will be a homeIt’s time for opponents of AvalonBay to run, creating badly needed rental housing move on. Pursuing their lawsuit further in for a younger generation of millennials higher courts does nothing to turn around who are leaving Long Island in droves in the exodus of younger generations from part because of the cost and quality of Long Island, and ultimately will throw rentals. roadblocks in front of revitalizations efThose millennials ultimately will provide forts.
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
Sabotaging Green Systems DEAR EDITOR [Re: “Solar No Help After Sandy,” Nov. 22, 2012,] LIPA will always find a way to sabotage green systems to make their payback too long. This story provides another example in which ratepayers spent nearly $43,000 for David Jackson’s $63,000 solar energy system capable of generating nearly 10,000 watts of electricity and heating 80 gallons of hot water – unless there’s a power outage, yet he was offered two low-cost options: • A low cost, automatic disconnect relay with dummy loads to isolate his system from National Grid’s linemen and prevent damage to his $63,000 system. • A low-cost wastewater heat recovery system to reduce the amount of electricity wasted down-the-drain – like the
one I invented in 1980 in Lloyd Neck. Instead, one of LIPA’s approved installers, Sail Van Nostrand, owner of Northportbased Energy by Choice and president of NYSEIA (New York Solar Energy Industries Association) recommends a $10,000 “workaround” that could last 10 years and will not be covered by a LIPA rebate. Nor will the comparably priced propane-backup system that Mr. Jackson said he will probably go with – which will also need an automatic or manual disconnect relay, or some other means to protect National Grid’s linemen! CARMINE VASILE
Patchogue
Thank You From Congress DEAR EDITOR: I am writing to express my gratitude to the Huntington community for reelecting me to
HALF HOLLOW HILLS N E W S P A P E R
Serving the communities of: Dix Hills, Melville and the Half Hollow Hills Central School District. Founded in 1996 by James Koutsis Copyright © 2012 by Long Islander Newspapers, publishers of The Long-Islander, The Record, Northport Journal and Half Hollow Hills Newspaper. Each issue of the The Half Hollow Hills Newspaper 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.
serve in the 113th Congress. As I return to the House of Representatives to represent the people of New York’s new 3rd Congressional District, please know that I am grateful for your support, and I am honored to stand up for the values we share. As we approach the start of a new year, we face many challenges. I am eager to get back to work, fighting harder than ever to protect our veterans and seniors, New York’s middle class families, and small businesses who want to create jobs here at home. Thanks to your support, I'll be able to continue working to reform our tax code to recognize the high cost-ofliving in New York, while leading the charge to make college more affordable for students. I am committed to New York’s middle class families – and I'm looking forward to fighting on your behalf in the halls of Congress. Finally, please know that my
door is always open. I am proud of the record I have built, not only on Capitol Hill, but here at home as a problem solver for my constituents. I’ve gone to bat for families battling insurance companies, small businesses trying to stay afloat, and veterans caught up in the VA’s red tape -- and I’d be proud to go to work for you too. If I can ever be of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact my office – and we’ll get right to work. I look forward to working with you and growing our partnership in the years to come. Thank you again for allowing me the privilege of representing you in Congress.
LAURA PURTON
Environment New York
Rules Of The Road STEVE ISRAEL
Member of Congress 3rd District
More Sandys To Come? DEAR EDITOR: No one can deny the destruction from Hurricane Sandy has been widespread and devastating. Living in Manhattan I saw the effects first-hand as the Lower East Side and downtown areas were transformed into what looked like a war zone. People were without power for days and many homes and businesses were destroyed. As resilient as our city has been, it’s scary to think that hurricanes and storms like this are going to become more common as cli-
Michael Schenkler Publisher
Ian Blanco Dan Conroy Production/ Art Department
DEAR EDITOR: How do you like the new traffic circle in Halesite? I don’t think that some of the drivers are familiar with how to use it. If you are in the circle you have the right of way over those merging into it. In other words, if you are in the circle, keep going until you are ready to exit, being aware that someone is liable to enter and cut you off. I learned the rules of the traffic circle from a friend who lived near the one on Route 58 in Riverhead. BETTY TOWNSEND
Huntington
Peter Sloggatt Associate Publisher/Managing Editor
Luann Dallojacono Editor Mike Koehler Danny Schrafel Jacqueline Birzon Reporters
mate change continues to change our weather patterns. We know that global warming pollution is driving the extreme weather we’ve been seeing lately – and as Gov. Cuomo said in his letter to New York Daily News, “it’s time we get serious once and for all.” The governor can show how serious he is by strengthening the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, which will help cut down on emissions. As the city recovers from Sandy, let this storm be a reminder that the time to change is now.
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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 6, 2012 • A9
Life&Style DANCE
Sharing The Gift Of ‘The Nutcracker’ By Hannah Sarisohn info@longislandernews.com
On several stages this year, Clara, the Nutcracker and their friends the Sugarplum Fairy and Snow Queen will take audience members on a magical experience into the timeless holiday classic. One of those productions will be by a local nonprofit ballet company. On Saturday, Dec. 15 and Sunday, Dec. 16, Huntington’s Lynch Ballet Company will captivate audiences of all ages with four performances of “The Nutcracker,” and a portion of the tickets will be donated to needy families for a special holiday treat. Over 150 of the Lynch Ballet Company’s students, ranging from kindergarteners to high school seniors, will grace the stage with their talent, hard work and dedication. “This year we have a highly accomplished, energetic and polished cast,” said the ballet company’s founder and artistic director, Karen Lynch. However, the polished magic that appears on stage doesn’t happen overnight. While the Sugar Plum Fairy’s elegant arabesques and pirouettes may seem effortless, the preparation for the production begins long before the holi-
day season. The production’s process starts with an open audition for the entire community. Once the cast is selected, a 10-week period of rehearsals begin. “We have production rehearsals almost every Sunday for four hours, and many of the dancers are at the studio almost every weeknight for regular classes,” said Lynch. “This is one of the most dedicated group of children that I’ve ever worked with.” According to Kings Park senior Christina Van Ophemert, who dances the roles of the Snow Queen and Dew Drop Fairy, all of the hard work is worth it. “The feeling of being up on stage dancing with your friends is incredible,” said Van Ophemert. “I also love being a role model for the young dancers and audience members, because I used to look up to the girls who danced the lead roles.” Van Ophemert is not the only dancer making an impact on younger audiences. The entire cast will be making a difference in the lives of community members, as Lynch is donating 200 tickets to the ballet for families struggling financially in the Huntington School District. “It gives these students a chance to see a cultural event, and a wonderful per-
Lynch Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” comes to life next weekend, with many tickets being donated to families in need. formance that they wouldn’t get to normally see,” said Lynch. “It’s important to share our gift of dance to the entire community.” Ballet dancers and Dancing with Donnell will be The production also brings Matthew Donnell, formerly of Kansas City Ballet, in the role of Cavalier; Lynch Ballet Company alumnus Alyssa Brogan of the Adelphi University dance depart-
ment performing in the role of Sugarplum Fairy; and costumes by Madeline Hinkis, former costume mistress for American Ballet Theater II. For further information, call the Lynch ticket box office at 631-942-3933. The production will take place at Huntington High School at 2 and 6 p.m. on Dec. 15 and 12 and 4 p.m. on Dec. 16. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children.
SHOPPING
200 Vendors To Create Gift-Finding Haven By Jasmine Weber info@longislandernews.com
Two-hundred vendors will help holiday revelers find the perfect gift this weekend at one of the larger craft fairs in town. The 20th Annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair in Northport, orchestrated by DePasquale Shows, will be held Dec 8-9. The proceeds of the sales are donated to Northport High School’s DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) Club. Organized by Cathy DePasquale, the fair is organized yearly to showcase the talents of artisans and craftspeople who create useable goods. She created the fair to showcase local talent and help small businesses flourish and artisans grow. “I think when someone is born to create, they can’t help but create,” she said. The fair is so those “that really love to create can make a business out of it and love to do it.” They have 200 spaces for craftspeople to sell an array of clothing, photography, pottery, jewelry, paintings, food products and far more. “It’s a beautiful show in terms of what you can expect there… Lots of people from the community come to this event and love to shop at this event,” DePasquale said. The donations that her fair raises for Northport High School’s DECA club help
Hundreds will hit the booths at the annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair in Northport this weekend. to send the students to competitions. The artwork featured at the fair is all individual and unique, with a large number of it handcrafted. DePasquale calls it “one of the most beautiful shopping events because everything is unique.” Although DePasquale is not an artisan herself, her appreciation for goods made by hand runs deep. She feels the need to give those creative people an outlet to make money off of their passions and a place to showcase their work. She wants to help artisans flourish and small businesses grow.
“My goal is that people on Long Island will support and appreciate artisans and handmade items,” she said. “As a community, when someone goes and creates something, we should try and support them in their efforts and appreciate the creativity that goes into making their handmade item.” Many of her visitors have been with her for many, many years, she added. The Northport fair will be held at Northport High School, located at Laurel Hill and Elwood Road in Northport, be-
tween 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free. DePasquale Shows also holds a series of other events. The 29th annual Selden Craft fair will be held Dec. 15-16 at Newfield High School and the Craft and Gift Extravaganza will take place on Saturday, Dec. 22 at Smithtown West High School. There is more information at http://www.depasqualeshows.com/. Limited space is available for their upcoming shows. Artisans can apply on the website.
A10 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 6, 2012
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PHOTOGRAPHY
Can A Camera Help In A Disaster? Photo by Kevin Armstrong
Through The Lens By Kevin Armstrong info@longislandernews.com
The damage from Superstorm Sandy has been devastating for those living on Long Island, New York City and the New Jersey coastline. In the weeks since the storm, it is images of the devastation that bring a stark reality to the extent of the damage and human suffering that accompanies such an event. In times like these we come to expect images to define the extent of the damage and to reassure us that the recovery efforts are working. With the wide acceptance of cell-phone cameras, everyone has a camera in their pocket whenever they need one. In times of trouble, both still photos and video send us images in real time. We no longer just see the aftermath and the recovery efforts; now we get to experience the event as they unfold. After looking at all the images and setting aside the events that they depict, for the purposes of this article I’d like to talk about the role a camera can play in recovery efforts from a storm like Sandy or even a smaller event that affects just your home or property. As previously mentioned, photography can be used to bring people’s attention to tragedies and help bring focus to recovery efforts. That’s important, but how can your camera help you? Although I write about photography, my days at the office are spent in the insurance business, and it is there that I see how photos are used to help
Your camera can come in handy after a natural disaster like Superstorm Sandy when it comes to insurance reimbursements. people recover their losses from events like these. Photos can help insurance adjusters in two ways. First, they can show the extent of the damage immediately and to its fullest extent. For safety reasons, often some of the damage may need to be fixed or removed prior to an adjusters visit. Your photos of the exact damage will help the adjuster get a full appreciation of the scope of the claim. This can be very helpful in making sure that you get reimbursed for expenses prior to the adjuster’s visit. Don’t forget the video feature on your digital camera or cam phone. You can use the video to explain exactly what happened in your own words; this is helpful later because left to memory you may inadvertently omit items that are important to the adjuster. To recap, after property damage occurs, take whatever steps are necessary to make the site safe and prevent further loss. Then, photograph (and video) the loss and call your insurance company to report the claim. Photos can also help in another way, by being useful prior to a loss to help make sure that you are properly reimbursed for all your property at its proper value. You can use your camera to photograph everything. Walk
around your house and photograph all the rooms, paying special attention to any contents that are unique or expensive. If you have valuable items, make sure to show that they are in good condition or in good working order. This will help you in any disputes that may arise with an adjuster about the condition or current value of these items once they become damaged. Also, if you have any expensive items such as jewelry, pieces of art, or electronics like camera equipment, you should list them individually on a separate policy rider. It will cost a little extra money, but it is good coverage. Under the general contents coverage of your policy, these items could be subject to policy coverage limitations. For instance, jewelry often could have a $1,000 limit. However, a rider will cover jewelry or other valuables for their full appraised value. It will also extend coverage past the United States borders and it will not be subject to the deductible. I insure all my photography equipment on a separate rider on my homeowner’s policy. I also periodically place all my insured equipment on the dining room table and photograph it for inventory purposes. In the event of a loss, I can produce the photograph to prove that I still owned the equipment and that it was in good working condition prior to the loss. It will also make sure that I don’t inadvertently leave out a piece of equipment from a coverage loss. Again, you can use the video feature of your camera to show and talk about the equipment. It is also important to keep these photos and videos off site since they can easily be destroyed themselves. You can make a disk of the images and give to your insurance agent to keep in your files; they will generally allow you that courtesy. You purchased your camera with the intention of recording important family memories and other events, but it can also be used as an important tool when needed to help you with insurance claims and preventing disagreements with insurance adjusters. Kevin Armstrong can be reached at karmstrong@imagesbykevinarmstrongs.com.
T F I G E TH G OF GIVIN
ng i k a M o T e d i In u t G h r g i u r o B Y s y a d i l The Ho untington H
MAGICINTHE KITCHEN
INSIDE
WHERE TO DONATE AND VOLUNTEER
LOCAL GIFT GUIDE
LI 2
• DECEMBER 6, 2012 • LONG ISLANDER LIFE
It’s the Season Of Giving… In the spirit of giving, Dix Hills’ Victoria Plumitallo helps local families provide their children with toys through Sunshine Toy Drive every year.
Buying presents for loved ones is a staple of the holiday season. Whether you light a Christmas tree or a menorah, giving gifts to family members and friends has become a pastime taken very seriously – so much so that some stores this year couldn’t wait until Black Friday to start the rush; they opened on Thanksgiving eve. This is the season of giving, but gifts aren’t the only things we can give, especially in the wake of Superstorm Sandy, which seriously inconvenienced most
parts of our town, but largely devastated other parts of Long Island, New York City and New Jersey. In those parts, there are families without homes, who lost cars, and for whom holiday shopping and extravagant dinners are probably the last thing on their minds. This season, in remembering all that you are grateful for, also remember those who are less fortunate. This section is chock full of ways you can give of your time, money and talent to local families in need this season. Michael Schenkler Publisher
The official newspaper of the Town of Huntington; Half Hollow Hills School District; Harborfields Public Library District; South Huntington Water District; Cold Spring Harbor School District; Greenlawn Water District; South Huntington School District; Village of Lloyd Harbor; Village of Huntington Bay; and the Centerport, Cold Spring Harbor, Dix Hills, East Northport, Greenlawn, Halesite, Huntington, Huntington Manor and Melville Fire Districts.
Luann Dallojacono Editor Mike Koehler Danny Schrafel Jacqueline Birzon Reporters
Peter Sloggatt Associate Publisher/Managing Editor Ian Blanco Dan Conroy Production/ Art Department
Marnie Ortiz Office / Legals Susan Mandel Advertising Director Larry Stahl Michele Caro Account Executives
Of course, gifts will always be a part of the season, and for that we emphasize the importance of shopping locally. We at Long Islander Newspapers have always been strong supporters of the chamber’s “Buy Local” campaign. By buying from local merchants instead of Internet retailers, you can ensure a gift with a personal, unique touch, and help a neighbor at the same time. Buying locally is the gift that keeps on giving, with money staying in the community.
Copyright © 2012 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.
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LONG ISLANDER LIFE • DECEMBER 6, 2012 •
LI 3
Bringing A Gift To Every Child By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandernews.com
Across Long Island, organizers of toy drives are doing their part to help children in need have a happy, joyous holiday season. Volunteers at the Family Service League continue their campaign to bring smiles to needy children and their parents through Project TOY. In Huntington, they team with the Tri CYA to distribute toys at an annual holiday boutique from Dec. 17-21. There, parents can select two gifts for each child, as well as stocking stuffers, and have them wrapped by volunteers. Cash donations for the cause are put toward buying more toys to stock the boutique. Jennifer Sandler, the coordinator of Annual Giving for Family Service League, said they gave 10,000 toys to 5,000 children last year, and need continues to intensify. “Last year we had a waiting list that we weren’t able to fill,” she said. “The need grows every year.” As economic recovery continues to drag, a sudden job loss can be devastating. She recalled a man who donated to Project TOY; this year, he came to them to receive toys for his family. “That feels like, ‘Man, that could happen to anybody,’” Sandler said. “You lose your job, you have plenty of savings, and that’s gone, too. I felt lucky that he felt that he could even come to us.” The Marcie Mazzola Foundation, a Commack-based organization dedicated to bettering the lives of abused and at-risk children through programming and raising
The Marcie Mazzola Foundation shopped ‘til they dropped at Toys ‘R’ Us in Commack Friday, but for all the right reasons. Later that day, they dropped off the toys at Family Service League to support Project TOY. From left, Jen Forman, Nancy Mazzola and Ro Catron with their overflowing carts. awareness, did their part to support Project TOY on the power of a $2,000 shopping spree at Toys ‘R’ Us in Commack Friday, a gift received later that day by Family Service League President Karen Boorshtein. Toys should be donated by Dec. 11. Visit their administrative office at 790 Park
Ave., Huntington, to drop off toys, or call the Tri CYA at 631-470-4738 to arrange a donation pickup. Meanwhile, Staff Sgt. Thorin P. Duehr, the presiding officer of Toys for Tots’ Farmingdale dispatch, said they distributed 96,646 toys last year to 71,256 children on
Suffolk County, and this year, they already have nearly 50,000 children on their radar. Major donations, he said, typically arrive in mid-to-late December, and Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty will be doing its part to help by collecting toys at 54 (Continued on page LI 4)
LI 4
• DECEMBER 6, 2012 • LONG ISLANDER LIFE Photo by Brent Eysler
Toy drives (Continued from page LI 3)
locations and open houses on Dec. 9 from 2-4 p.m. The toy drive was the brainchild of Laura Zambratto, an associate director with the organization’s upper tier marketing program. She hosted a Toys for Tots drop-off during an open house at one of her listings, and by the end of the open house had greeted more than 100 visitors including neighbors, prospective homebuyers, real estate agents and friends. “I was overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and generosity of the community,” she said. “One person brought two new bicycles. I knew right away that the Daniel Gale Sotheby’s organization would want to join with me this year and help collect toys for children in our local communities.” Under Zambratto’s guidance, including their Huntington and Cold Spring Harbor offices, a total of 54 locations will be hosting drop-off events, with decorations and refreshments, and at every Daniel Gale Sotheby’s open house across the North Shore on Dec 9. In addition, donors can drop off new, unwrapped toys at any Daniel Gale Sotheby’s office from Dec. 29. Duehr said they are most in need of donations for children ages 0-2 and 9-12. Visit www.danielgale.com to find a list of Dec. 9 open houses in the campaign; for all other drop-off locations, visit http://amityville-ny.toysfortots.org and click on the “Toy Drop-Offs” button, or call Duehr at 631-962-1631. And on Dec. 13, the Toys of Hope Children’s Charity will be bringing the holidays alive for needy children in a most majestic setting.
The Toys of Hope Children’s Charity will bring the holidays alive at Oheka Castle on Dec. 13. Last year, 300 children, ages 3 to 5, received toys from the charity and enjoyed a day of entertainment thanks to an army of volunteers. On that day, about 300 needy children ages 3-5 will be treated to a holiday party, a grand spectacle complete with clowns, a DJ, television characters and celebrities pitching in to create a magical celebration. To add a child to the invitation list, sponsor the event or sponsor a child, call 631-271TOYS, visit their website at www.toysofhope.org. The $75 admission pays for a child’s bag of presents. The rough economy is not the only major driver in this year’s increased need. The af-
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termath of Hurricane Sandy, Sandler noted, has been a contributing factor to this year’s increased demand. “I had one woman personally call me to say, ‘I didn’t have power for 10 days, and that money is gone. She spent the little savings she had for the kids’ [holiday gifts],” she said. Toys of Hope has also been doing doubleduty: Earlier in November, they teamed with Huntington Manor Fire Department to collect supplies, which they delivered to the
hardest-hit communities on the South Shore of Long Island. While Duehl said Sandy increased need, it has been a major catalyst for giving back. “It’s one of those things. We have seen an increase in need, but I’ve seen a lot of different organizations – they come up to us and they say, we need to give toys to the victims of Sandy. How can we help?” he explained. “While you might see a rise in need, you’ll also see a rise in helping hands.”
LONG ISLANDER LIFE • DECEMBER 6, 2012 •
LI 5
A Place For Clothing After Closet Cleaning By Jacqueline Birzon jbirzon@longislandernews.com
When cleaning out the closet in anticipation of the clothing you may receive this holiday season, keep in mind that there are locations throughout the town looking for donations. The North Shore Holiday House at 74 Huntington Road, which operates its own thrift shop almost year-round, is one place residents can donate clothing as well as make holiday purchases for friends and family. The thrift shop accepts new or intact articles of clothing for children and adults. Manager Camille Petrone said nearly all of the proceeds go to the North Shore Holiday House Camp. The camp operates during the summer months, with girls attending the camp in two-week intervals in groups of up to 60. The program caters specifically to girls ages 7-11 from families whose income is below the poverty line. It is funded by minor government grants, fundraisers and, mainly, private donations. Average donations are typically administered to the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program, or the Little Shelter animal rescue and adoption agency. The girls from the camp benefit from all types of clothing, specifically sneakers, shorts, sheets and pillows. Donations are accepted Monday through Saturday up to 3 p.m. The Community Thrift Shop at 274 New York Ave. is another place where seasonal cleaners can bring their excess clothing as well as make holiday-related purchases. The village thrift shop donates items to six different local charities, including Family Service League, Day Top Drug and Alcohol Abuse Treatment, Planned Parenthood, Cancer Care, Huntington Hospital and Visiting Nurse Services. To align with the demands of the season, Manager Dolly Sorenson said the store is limiting donations to fall/winter appropriate attire. The volunteer-run thrift shop accepts donations from Monday to Saturday up until 3 p.m., and accepts new, undamaged items of clothing. Sorenson said that warm jackets and coats are in high demand in light of the cold weather. The Clothes Line at the Old First Presbyterian Church on Main Street across from Huntington Town Hall, which opened in June of this year, is also a site that accepts clothing donations. Manager Cynthia Stewart said that nearly anything that comes through the door is accepted, from Old Navy to Armani apparel, as long as it is clean and in good condition. The Clothes Line recently donated proceeds to sponsor
There is a need for warm clothing donations, such as heavy winter jackets, at the Community Thrift Shop in Huntington village. a child this summer so that she can attend the North Shore Holiday House camp, and they are considering other missions to contribute funds toward. The shop accepts donations on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., and Wednesday from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Nina’s Pizza at 487 Main St. in Northport is also hosting a holiday coat drive for the eighth year in a row. What started as a drive to collect coats for retired army veterans now encompasses women and children as well, and donations go to the Salvation Army. According to owner Artie Berke, those with a generous spirit will receive a free slice of pizza for a new, undamaged coat. The drive, which runs until mid-December, has collected between 300400 coats in a given winter season. Berke’s cousin is an army veteran in Virginia, and the thought of his cousin and other veterans bearing the cold weather was all the inspiration he needed to kick the drive into gear. Shortly after the holiday season winds down, Operation Warmth in Northport begins its cycle of collecting and administering warm clothing donations. Dorothy Walsh, founder of the drive, is a former business owner who has facilitated the drive for 12 years. The drive specifically looks for warm coats and jackets that will benefit the needy during the harsh winter weather. Inspired by a drive her niece participated in, Walsh began asking co-workers during the holidays to bring in old coats. Walsh said about 2,000 people give
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each year, and oftentimes familiar faces come back year after year to help the cause. Coats are administered to the Family Service League, Huntington Interfaith Homeless Initiative, the Tri Community Youth Agency, and various churches and synagogues throughout the town that run warm clothing drives. Operation Warmth accepts warm scarves, hats, gloves, and coats, and Walsh transports donations directly to those who need it.
“I can’t gauge the need, and I don’t know what the need is [before I donate], but I take what I get and bring it various places I know, and someone can always use it,” Walsh said. Drop spots for the 2013 drive include Copenhagen’s Bakery, Jones Drug Store, Northport Hardware, Fashions In Flowers, UPS on 1019 Ft. Salonga Rd., Einstein’s Attic, Dutch Girl Cleaners, and the Chase Bank and the First National Bank locations on 25A in Northport.
LI 6
• DECEMBER 6, 2012 • LONG ISLANDER LIFE
Huntington Is Home To Volunteers By Mike Koehler mkoehler@longislandernews.com
Whether it’s Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, there is more to celebrating the holiday season than opening presents. With giving thanks, helping others, spreading cheer the themes for many in the coming weeks, interest in volunteering tends to pick up. Dix Hills’Victoria Plumitallo was in fourth grade when her teacher told her class that some children don’t receive any toys during the holidays. Her mother, Hope, said she came home, clearly rattled by the news, and wanted to take action. When she didn’t let up, they started the Sunshine Toy Drive. The sixth annual drive is underway now. “I do it because I like helping people. I like seeing smiles on their faces,” Victoria said. Toys also make their way to Dix Hills in another way. Dominick Mazza is the spokesman for LI Harley Riders, previously the Lighthouse Harley Owners Group connected to store in Huntington Station. Mazza and more than 50 riders wheeled into the Sagamore Children’s Psychiatric Center with gifts and open hearts for the 11th consecutive year. Ages 9-16, patients in the center are not permitted to leave, so the riders bring the holidays to them. So with Santa Claus leading the way on his motorcycle, the LI Harley Riders bring donated gifts for everyone. The children are also invited to sit on their motorcycles and spend some time mingling. “For me, this is the beginning of the holiday season,” Mazza said. “It’s a pretty big deal when the motorcycles come to the Sagamore Children’s Psychiatric Center.” Stories of individuals forming their own causes are not uncommon in the Town of Huntington, but they aren’t the only source of self-sacrifice and charity. Many community organizations count on volunteers to serve meals, house homeless and help the needy celebrate. Family Service League and Tri-Community Youth Agency (Tri-CYA) organize Project Treasure OurYouth (TOY) to get wrapped gifts out to hundreds of children throughout the town who otherwise wouldn’t receive any-
The LI Harley Riders volunteer their time collecting gifts and giving them to children at the Sagamore Children’s Psychiatric Center every year. They are just a few of those who volunteer during the winter holidays in Huntington. thing. Tri-CYA Director Debbie Rimler said the program serves about 1,000 families with children up to age 13. Family Service League also teams up with 28 churches and other congregations to house the homeless during winter nights through the Huntington Interfaith Homeless Initiative (HI-HI). Eleven of the congregations act as hosts, Family Service League Vice President Peggy Boyd said, employing 20 volunteers to cook hot meals, organize donations and chaperone the overnights. Created to help those who lack even emergency housing, the program will accept up to 30 people a night between Dec. 1 and March 31. “They’re treated as guests,” Boyd said. St. Hugh of Lincoln teams up with Gloria Dei Lutheran Church to serve hot dinners on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day; they also join Temple Beth El, Bethany Presbyterian Church and other congregations in serving hot meals through Project HOPE [Helping Other People Eat]. “You can find meals once a week somewhere,” said Fran Leek, director of Social Ministry at St. Hugh. Project HOPE began eight years ago at St. Hugh, Temple Beth El’s Susan Seiler said. This pastAugust, Seiler and other temple vol-
unteers took over one of their Sunday meals, moving it to the Huntington Moose Lodge in Greenlawn. About 200 people came out for the first meal. Volunteers cooked and served a full dinner, including soup, salad, bread, entrée, a side, coffee and dessert. Seiler, now co-coordinator for Project HOPE at Temple Beth El, said they schedule these meals for the last Sunday of the month since people tend to have less money at the end. However, their December dinner took place last weekend, and the next is not scheduled until Jan. 27. They also have dates for Feb. 10, March 3, March 17 and May 19. Finding a place to volunteer, however, may not always be so easy, since Huntington seems to be a place with many charitable souls. Hosting congregations are responsible for finding volunteers, Boyd said, and roughly 400 volunteers are already affiliated with HIHI. Leek said volunteers have been turned away from working meals in the past simply because they outnumber the guests. She gained several regular volunteers after Superstorm Sandy and still has plenty throughout the year. “For the most part, we don’t have problems getting volunteers,” Leek said.
Rimler also said she has many volunteers to wrap gifts for Project TOY. What they do need, however, are volunteers for their Homework Helpers and other causes that last throughout the year. Seiler was the only organizer actively recruiting new volunteers. While Temple Beth El members and regular volunteers tackle the soup and salad, she said they need a Chef of the Month to prepare the entrée and side. They also use a dozen volunteers to set up each event and another dozen to serve. All volunteers are asked to bring a dessert. “They’d be really important. We’re just evolving, we’re just beginning,” Seiler said. Anyone looking to donate their time, or money towards the $200 bill for each meal, is asked to email the coordinator at sseiler27@gmail.com. Despite their robust numbers, the other three organizations said they would consider taking on new volunteers this holiday season. Adults looking to wrap gifts can call TriCYA at 631-673-0614, those looking to serve meals can call St. Hugh’s Outreach at 631271-8986 for openings and volunteers willing to take the overnight shift at HI-HI or whatever other openings remain can call Boyd at 631-427-3700 x. 257.
Lending A Helping Hand For The Holidays
Many Kiwanis Club of Huntington and YMCA volunteers did their part to help make Thanksgiving a little brighter for needy local families this year. On Nov. 17, volunteers spent their day packing and delivering food for the Thanksgiving Basket Project. The project occurs each year, with the YMCA holding a food drive and Kiwanis purchasing other food stables like vegetables and groceries.
LONG ISLANDER LIFE • DECEMBER 6, 2012 •
LI 7
Middle Class ‘Embarrassed’ To Get Help? Food pantries are still seeing community members from all walks of life as holidays approach mkoehler@longislandernews.com
The Town of Huntington may fare better than other Long Island neighborhoods when it comes to hunger, but that’s of little comfort to the substantial group relying on food pantries and community support. Anita DosSantos, director of Parish Social Ministry at St. Elizabeth of Hungary, was one of several voices in the local food pantry community who emphasized the severity of the current climate. “Those who are in need, they’re really struggling. The prices of everything have gone up and salaries have not. Just the price of gas alone has cut into food budgets. It’s more palpable,” DosSantos said. Her pantry helps clients in Melville, Huntington Station and Dix Hills who are between Jericho Turnpike and the Long Island Expressway. They also take on the Millennium Hills community. Over at the Northport Ecumenical Lay Council Food Pantry, Director Sally Stark said her clients still need more help in the wake of the recession. Nearly all hail from the Northport-East Northport communities. “We have people working two jobs that can’t pay their rent. A lot of people who have never been unemployed are unemployed,” Stark said. And not only are those people unemployed, DosSantos added, but many are embarrassed about coming to the food pantry.
“It’s really hard to help middle-class Americans because they come in with the feeling they should be able to take care of themselves. It’s really hard for them,” she said. At St. Hugh of Lincoln in Huntington Station, Social Ministry Director Fran Leek said the lack of middle class in her neighborhood leaves them with different problems to solve. Rather, her clients tend to be more senior citizens, the undocumented and the poor, very few of whom own homes. Instead, Leek said many of them are already relying on social services, but can’t get by on food stamps alone. Clients are allowed to visit St. Hugh’s pantry once a month and choose their own food off a list provided by Long Island Cares. Staples like tuna and peanut butter are more strictly regulated, while any available produce and bread are less restricted. If they stretch it, Leek said, it could last for three days. The system at St. Elizabeth is very similar. DosSantos said clients are invited to shop at the pantry once a month, taking three days of food at a time. “We call it a grocery list. It says you can have one frozen meat, maybe a whole chicken or pork chops. Then they would get canned meat, vegetables, beans…,” she added. “They can choose the items their family will eat.” Stark said clients of the Northport pantry are welcome once a week and, like the other two, are free to choose what they need from a regulated list.
LIfe photos/Mike Koehler
By Mike Koehler
Volunteers Tom Swain and Jean Sidorowicz help stock food at the Northport Ecumenical Lay Council Food Pantry. Pantries throughout Huntington said they’re doing well now, but will run lean again come January. Many pantries reported seeing growing numbers of clients this past summer, a time when donations are frequently dangerously low. Now flooded with holiday donations, pantries said their numbers are stabilizing. Stark said she still sees more than
150 families a week, Leek helps more than 500 customers a month and DosSantos is averaging 80 client families a month. “I would be amazed if we went below 500. I’d like to go below 500,” the St. Hugh director said.
LI 8
• DECEMBER 6, 2012 • LONG ISLANDER LIFE LIfe photo/Jacqueline Birzon
The
Foodie SECTION
Giving The Gift Of Good Taste By J. Birzon & D. Schrafel foodie@longislandernews.com
When it comes to the holidays, Mary McDonald, the owner of A Rise Above Bake Shop in Huntington village, doesn’t like to rush the season. At her shop, Christmas music doesn’t start until at least a week after Thanksgiving. This year, with that holiday falling about as early as it can – on Nov. 22 – it allowed her to slowly ease into the season. “We’re kind of slowly going into it,” she said. “I figure by [this week], we’ll have all the cookies we normally make for Christmas.”
Rocco Baldanza presents his authentic Italian cheese ravioli, made fresh at Mr. Sausage of Huntington.
This time of year, her kitchen is working overtime, baking dozens of cookies. Many are a blend of year-round favorites like Chocolate Chewies and Kitchen Sink cookies, accented with holiday-shaped spice cookies, shortbread, spritz, orange crisps and pecan puffs. With about three weeks to go before Santa makes landfall in Huntington, McDonald and others are now on their annual mission to bring good taste and great food to tables all over town. For Mary Alice Meinserman, proprietor of Bon Bons Chocolatier in Huntington village, the next year’s mission begins right after Christmas wraps up – as early as January. “All the gift items, paper goods, they’re all bought ahead so we can get some kind of selection,” she said. What she gets in January guides her later that fall as she decides what to feature during the holidays. This year, she snapped up a collection of candy-cane boxes, and peppermint is abundant in her chocolate range, paired with staples like sugar and spice pecans, Marzipan, Christmas crackers, chocolate pops and hollow chocolate molds of Santas, angels, snowmen and more, ranging from $6 to $100. On Thursday, her executive chef, Eric Lobignat, was decorating sugar-plum cottages in the kitchen, trimming them with white chocolate blended with corn syrup to get the right consistency. Wherever you go, shops are playing to their strengths as the big day approaches.
Mary McDonald, owner of A Rise Above Bake Shop in Huntington, puts the finishing touches of a tray of holiday cookies. Jess Kennaugh, owner of Blondies Bake Shop in Centerport, is gearing up. Last week she rolled out “all things gingerbread,” like loaves, muffins and cupcakes. This week, she’ll be rolling out a selection of egg nog delicacies, including cakes and cupcakes with cinnamon buttercream icing. After a successful Thanksgiving season where pies were king, she said she’ll be keeping apple offerings going “as long as we can.” “We’re expanding the cookie line to add some holiday favorites – we have iced sugar cookies and a few other things in the works,” she said. A one-stop destination for foodies is 278 Main St., where Ideal Cheese and The Crushed Olive share space. In front, The Crushed Olive is presenting specialty gift baskets with flavored oils, which can be used to prepare a wide range of dishes. Manager Dana Coletti said that oils are a great gift for a teacher, mailman or your holiday host. Popular flavors include Tuscan herb, traditional balsamic vinaigrette, fig balsamic vinegar, and garlic olive oil. Coletti suggested health enthusiasts try her blood-orange olive oil as a salad dressing. Gift boxes and
A selection of cheese and accompaniments from Ideal Cheese in Huntington vilage. baskets can be custom ordered; small boxes range from $5-$20, and larger gifts are priced from $35 to $80. Meanwhile, in the back, Ideal Cheese offers imported cheeses fresh off the wheel. (Continued on page LI 10)
Digging Into The Holiday Spirit The holidays don’t have to mean emptying your wallet and maxing out your credit cards. Get creative this month and make an ordinary December day extraordinary without breaking the bank with these tips. Turn driving around your neighborhood into a fun, family activity. Make a playlist of your favorite holiday tunes, pack travel mugs of hot chocolate and hop in the car! Drive around to admire the Christmas lights and decorations in the neighborhood. For those with a competitive side, grab some friends and family and have a gingerbread house-building contest. Ready-to-go gingerbread house building kits can be found at craft stores and supermarkets. Hit the candy store to load up on all the sugary essentials, and let the contest begin! Spreading holiday cheer can also be done through performing good deeds
in the community. If interested in helping those who are less fortunate, volunteers, as well as donations, are needed at local food pantries, homeless shelters and organizations. To make room for the new toys, clothes and books that you or your family will be receiving during the holidays, now is a perfect time to donate the items you no longer use. It doesn’t cost anything to make a difference in someone’s life. You don’t have to be an “American Idol” singer to enjoy Christmas caroling. Collect your friends and favorite holiday songs, and hit the streets! While you have fun, your neighbors will love being surprised with holiday cheer. This cost-free activity will have you and your friends making spirits bright and laughing all the way. If you’re feeling humorous, host an ugly Christmas sweater party. Yes, that’s right. Invite your friends and
Making gingerbread houses are an easy and inexpensive way to celebrate the holiday season. family to don hideous Christmas sweaters, play holiday music karaoke and sip eggnog by the fire. Award
prizes to those who have the most horrible sweaters. Remember, a Christmas sweater is not complete without a reindeer, snowman or jolly ‘ole St. Nick himself. Are you the next Michelle Kwan, or do you at least wish you could be? Show off your moves as you skate around the Christmas tree on the ice rink at Tanger Outlets at the Arches in Deer Park, which is open through February. A complete list of prices and hours can be found at their website at www.tangericerink.com. Bring the kids down to the Lewis Oliver Farm in Northport on Dec. 15 for a fun-filled, family night. Parents, get your cameras ready. There will be caroling, hayrides and an opportunity to meet and take pictures with Santa Claus. Visit lewisoliverfarm.org for more information.
LONG ISLANDER LIFE • DECEMBER 6, 2012 •
LI 9
Designers, Garden Clubs Transform Vanderbilt Mansion Guest rooms with lighted trees, vintage ornaments, wreaths, and garlands intertwined with gold and silver ribbons. A high-ceilinged, paneled library with a large tree and elegantly wrapped gifts. A grand marble fireplace lighted by glowing sconces. Just before Thanksgiving each year, volunteer interior designers and garden clubs decorate William K. Vanderbilt II's Spanish-Revival mansion for the holidays. They use their design and decorating skills – plus greens, lights, ribbons, ornaments, trees and plants – to work some holiday magic in the grand, historic, 24-room house. Taking part this year were the Dix Hills, Centerport, Honey Hills, Nathan Hale and Three Village garden clubs; Cornell Cooperative Master Gardeners; Michele Boyer; Harbor Homestead & Co. Design; Claudia Dowling Interiors; Joseph Del Percio Interior Design and Willow Garden Design. “We're grateful for their generosity and talent, which creates for visitors the charming holiday atmosphere of a bygone era of grandeur and sophisticated living,” Lance Reinheimer, executive director of the museum, said. “These dedicated volunteers study the mansion then create themes and historical color palettes. Their designs and the subtle placement of clothing, jewelry, gifts and other personal objects sometimes suggest that members of the family are in the house, but have momentarily left the room. This is in keeping with the preservation of the mansion as a living museum of the Vanderbilts' life.” The results charm hundreds of visitors
between Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve. The Vanderbilt offers its very popular twilight mansion tours, scheduled this year for Dec. 26-28, 7-9 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $9 for students and seniors (62 and older), and $5 for children 12 and under. Hot chocolate and cookies are included. Claudia Dowling, who has a “long history with the Vanderbilt and a deep affection for it,” decorated a mansion room this year for the first time. In 2011, she led the team of Long Island designers, artisans and landscape architects that restored the Vanderbilt Estate's 1917 Normandy Manor into that year's Restoration Design Show House. Dowling decorated the Portuguese sitting room with a tree and a large faux-antique angel. Her color palette and large ornaments, in teal, gold and creams, were inspired by the room's antique Oriental rug. Mary Schlotter and her daughter, Krishtia Lindgren, who operate the design firm Harbor Homestead & Co. in Centerport, have recreated a piece of the renowned Manhattan nightclub El Morocco in the Northport Porch. The Vanderbilts socialized with their famous friends at El Morocco in the 1930s and 1940s. Schlotter – one of the designers invited to decorate The White House in 2009 and 2010 – made Art Deco white-paper palm trees and decorated them with silver ornament balls. Using the nightclub's navy, white and silver colors, she created an El Morocco banquette and reproduced the club's sign and distinctive lettering. Seated at the banquette are William K. Vanderbilt
Krishtia Lindgren and Mary Schlotter of Centerport in the Northport Porch area they decorated at the Vanderbilt Museum.
The Vanderbilt Library, decorated by the Dix Hills Garden Club. II and his wife, Rosamund – in a life-size enlargement of a vintage newspaper photo of them, taken in El Morocco. Schlotter smiled and said, “When people attend the museum's annual holiday dinner, they can dine with the Vanderbilts.” To complete the atmosphere, Schlotter's selection of Christmas songs from the 1930s and ’40s plays during tours. In the room adjacent to the Northport Porch, designer Joseph Del Percio has installed a different kind of tree – a skeletal steel armature decorated with vintage
gears and circular, farm-implement parts that appear to be huge ornaments. “It's whimsical,” he said, “goes well with the room's ancient weapons, and looks like something from a Tim Burton movie.” Ryan Vollmer of Willow Garden Design decorated the arcade between the nursery wing and the main house, using all live plants for a winter-wonderland effect. Michelle Boyer, who has been part of the annual project for 15 years, decorated Rosamund Vanderbilt's paneled French bedroom. “I wanted the effect to be quiet elegance,” she said. Her color scheme was copper, matte gold and pearl. "I wanted the room to look as if she was getting ready to go out for the evening. Next to her chaise, I placed a tea cup and saucer and some tiny, wrapped gifts. On the bed lies a fabulous dark-brown evening dress."
LI 10
• DECEMBER 6, 2012 • LONG ISLANDER LIFE
Giving The Gift Of Good Taste
These sugarplum cottages are from Bon Bons Chocolatier in Huntington.
ments of Italian staples. Antipasto platters are a hit during the holiday season, they said, and popular orders often include fresh mozzarella, salami, olives, soppressata and lasagna, all prepared on site. Cold and hot platters typically start at $80 for up to 20 people. If your sweet tooth is particularly persistent, Chip’n Dipped is chock-full of chocolate, cookies and other assorted candies at their 342 New York Ave. location. The store offers chocolates in both Christmas and Hanukkah-inspired designs, such as large chocolate Santas ($39.95) and chocolate lollipops shaped like dredils ($5.95). Wild Flours Bake Shop (11 New St., Huntington) caters to a gluten-free audience, offering customers with dietary restrictions the opportunity to indulge with their family and friends over the holiday and year-round, too. The store has pre-made baskets with seasonal baked goods, such as peppermint scones and brownies, gingerbread scones and seasonally decorated cupcakes. Owner Carolyn Arcario said she plans to offer customers three types of baskets, including a breakfast basket for an office holiday party that includes gluten-free oats, maple syrup, fresh breakfast pastries or organic coffee, an assortment with a variety of baked goods, and a pasta dinner basket, including sauce, baguettes and pasta. And Reinwald’s Bakery (495 New York Ave., Huntington Station) thrives during the holiday months, as store owners Richard and Carole Reinwald see a season shift in customer’s requests. According to the couple, the Thanksgiving season is all about
LIfe photo/Jacqueline Birzon
(Continued from page LI 8)
For their first Christmas in Huntington, owners Julius and Chris Binetti hope to bring the holiday spirit into the workplace, with antipasto platters and decorative baskets filled to the brim with chunks and wedges of their favorite cheeses. When serving cheese, never do so straight from the fridge, Julius said. “Cheese is always better when you leave it out for two to three hours before you serve it,” he explained. “That way, you get 100 percent of the flavor.” Italian specialty stores and butchers are always busy this time of year as Italians prepare for their Feast of the Seven Fishes. At Mr. Sausage (6 Union Place, Huntington), the Baldanza brothers offer authentic assort-
Reindeer and Christmas tree cupcakes are cute enough to dress up any holiday table. producing pies, whereas December brings a large volume of cookie and cake requests. “When you see a cookie platter on your kitchen table, it makes it really feel like home,” Rich said. Tradition and family are cornerstones of the bakery, and the couple said they enjoy introducing their patrons to traditional German desserts that they were raised on. Holiday favorites include their spekulatius cookies, a spiced cookie rich in butter and ground nuts. The Reinwalds also said their authentic gingerbread recipe offers a different flavor than others, because the recipe is over 100 years old and was passed down from relatives in Germany. The gingerbread recipe calls for baking soda and is unique because there is no sugar added, and no fat
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in the final product. And in Northport, Copenhagen Bakery on Woodbine Avenue said one pastry rises above all comers this time of year. “Cookies, cookies, cookies. A lot of cookie trays,” owner Flemming Hansen said. “You can bring flowers, wine or cookies [to a holiday party]. Those are your easy choices. It’s not refrigerated, it’s easy to grab a tray and people can pick at it.” Special features include brunkager, a Danish spice cookie, and German spice cookies. There’s also plenty of gingerbread houses, gingerbread men, Yule logs and other Scandinavian specialties like the Paris-Brest, a large baked ring of choux pastry that is cut in half and filled with whipped cream.
LONG ISLANDER LIFE • DECEMBER 6, 2012 •
LI 11
The Clubhouse Foodie The
Celebrates 50 Years
For 50 years, The Clubhouse in Huntington has been the place for steaks. And it’s that expertise, attention to detail and commitment to excellence that has led the Bies family to their golden anniversary. Owner Jeffrey Bies has been the proprietor of The Clubhouse for nearly 30 years. His parents, John and Geraldine, opened The Clubhouse in 1962. At the time, they owned several other restaurants, but as they pared down their holdings, The Clubhouse was the keeper. The entire space, from the entrance hallway to the cozy dining room, exudes warmth and familiarity, and much of that familiarity is thanks to the staff. Many, ranging from the busboys to chef Charlie Labartino, have been a part of The Clubhouse family for more than a decade and know how to make clients feel comfortable and part of the place. “The most important thing is my staff,” Bies said. “I just have some really great people here.” The Clubhouse’s bar boasts mixed drinks aplenty and an extensive red wine selection to enhance the primarily meat-eater’s menu. The wine list has been a regular on Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence since the mid-2000s, and in 2005, The Clubhouse was named one of the country’s Wine-Friendliest Restaurants.
Jeffrey started us out with the Duck Breast and Vegetable appetizer ($12), tender, savory sliced duck breast with julienne vegetables and avocado dressing wrapped in a tortilla and a tangy Thai dipping sauce. And you can never go wrong with Lobster Claw Cocktail ($18), fresh, sweet and cool, served with a Cajun remoulade. Wrapped Sea Scallops ($13) are a knockout. Giant, succulent scallops are wrapped in thick-cut Applewood Smoked Bacon, which is served supple and crisp; and finished with a Grand Marnier and Molasses glaze. The combination is a smoky, sweet and savory tour de force. From the beginning, The Clubhouse has focused on more than straightaway steakhouse broiler work, also opting for fresh seafood, veal, chicken, prime pork and sauces. Seasonal fresh produce and herbs come from Labartino’s garden on his property out east, allowing the restaurant to offer an experience most associate with Hamptons restaurants. The Clubhouse’s masterwork continues to be their selection of top-of-the-line steaks. Their menu boasts a diverse selection of cuts ranging from filet mignon, T bone, New York strip, chateaubriand and porterhouse. A special offering during our visit was the Long Bone Colorado Rib Eye for two ($90), served on a bed of sautéed onions. Prepped with just a kosher salt rub, it’s one of the juiciest, most tender cuts
steaks we’ve had in our travels, bursting with rich beef flavor and magnificent in its simplicity. It’s no surprise dessert menus tend to be short at a place where meat-eaters sit down specifically to dine on prime cuts, but if you can, save a bit of room because there are many treats to be had. Desserts are in the $8 range, and include offerings like Geraldine’s classic Pecan Pie, a nutty, balanced presentation that hits the sweet tooth just right without overwhelming it. Holly’s homemade New York Style cheesecake is rich, and creamy with extra
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attention paid to the crust. Tiramisu is a feather-light, melt-in-your-mouth delight. The Clubhouse is winding up its 50th year in business. Owners Jeffrey and his wife, Cassandra, welcome you this holiday season. Cassandra will tell you, “the easiest way to find out our special events, discounts and unique menu offerings is to join our email list”. With over 7500 subscribers the Clubhouse keeps everyone informed weekly. To join, go to clubhousesteaks.com and you will receive an immediate $15 gift certificate for your next visit. Until then… Happy Holidays!
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LI 12
• DECEMBER 6, 2012 • LONG ISLANDER LIFE
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$9.95 273 MAIN STREET • HUNTINGTON VILLAGE
631-385-3474 OPEN TUES-SUN - LUNCH AND DINNER
LONG ISLANDER LIFE • DECEMBER 6, 2012 •
LI 13
Side Dish
DINE HUNTINGTON.COM
Ellen O’Brien and Mary Ann Hurd of the Huntington Chamber of Commerce, John LoTurco, Maria and Joseph Competiello, Councilmembers Mark Cuthbertson and Susan Berland and Town Clerk Jo-Ann Raia along with Larry Kushnick and Vita Scaturro of the Huntington Chamber of Commerce at La Notte Ristorante’s Ribbon Cutting ceremony. By DineHuntington.com Foodie@longislandernews.com
WELCOME LA NOTTE: A new family-owned establishment has joined the Dining Capital of Long Island – La Notte Ristorante, located at 15 New St. in Huntington village. The restaurant’s proprietor, Joseph Competiello, marked the official grand opening with a celebratory ribbon cutting supported by local elected officials, members of the Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce and community.
CLUBHOUSE SPECIALS: The Clubhouse (320 West Jericho Tpk, Huntington, 631-423-1155 clubhousesteaks.com) Huntington’s place for steaks, has a few specials that diners can count on being offered week after week. Wednesday night is Prime Rib night, with a tasty rosemary and peppercorn crusted version on the specials board. On Thursday, count on finding a longbone Colorado ribeye steak for two with carmelized onions on the menu. Tell them The Long Islander Foodies sent you.
Grand Opening We Are Now Accepting Reservations For Holiday Parties • Christmas Eve • New Years Eve
CATERING For Holidays
ON & OFF premises
15 New Street Huntington Village 631-683-5595 855•66•notte info@lanotterestuarant.com
T he Art Of
An Ancient Tradition... Just Like Home
Brought To Your Holiday Table
We Bake From Scratch Using Only The Freshest Ingredients ~ Whole Eggs, Sweet Butter, Unbleached Flours, Callebaut Chocolates, etc.~
Start Your Day, Take A Break, or Highlight Your Evening With... ✩ Fresh Ground and Brewed Gourmet Coffees by the Cup or by the Pound
Our coffee is made from freshly-ground beans from an old, established family coffee house located in Greenwich Village where the beans are freshly roasted prior to pick up.
✩ Homemade Pies ( • • •
✩ Home Baked Cookies
We still peel the apples) Apple Crumb * Cranberry Apple Pecan & Walnut • New England Cheese Coconut Custard • Pumpkin • Key Lime
✩ Our Famous Christmas Cookies • Swedish Spritz • Pecan Puffs • Hand-Rolled Shortbread, Spice and Orange Crisp
✩ Breads & Rolls
Our own Irish Soda and a variety of breads
• • • • • • •
Chocolate Chip w/ or w/out walnuts Oatmeal Raisin • Shortbread Spice • Chocolate Chews • Kitchen Sink Peanut Butter w/ or w/out choc. chips Pecan Puffs (Powdered or Plain) Rugelagh • Apricot Squares Raspberry Squares
✩ Freshly Baked Muffins & Scones We have a variety of low-fat, sugar-free muffins for the Health Conscious
✩ Cakes for all Occasions (Birthdays, Anniversaries,etc.)
Since 1979 The Oldest Bakery In Town
333 Main Street, Huntington
Virgin Extra Oils, Olive ed Flavor ils dO Infuse amic s & Bal ars Vineg
MAKES PERFECT Holiday Hostess Gifts Teachers Gifts Custom and Ready Made Gift Boxes
351-9811
NOW OPEN
Open Friday12/24 (Christmas Eve)
31 Main St. Sayville N.Y 631-256-5777
7 A.M. - 5 P.M. Closed Sat. 12/25 & Sun. 12/26 Re-Opening Mon. 12/27
Stop Sam by and p 50 O le over live Oi & Ba lsam ls ic Vine gars
631-423-1500
631-675-6266
278 Main St. Huntington, NY
133 Main St. Stony Brook, NY
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• DECEMBER 6, 2012 • LONG ISLANDER LIFE
THURSDAY ‘Noises Off,’ And On Again C om m ack H igh School's M asque and W ig D ram a Production of“N oises O ff”has been rescheduled forThursday,D ec. 6 (seniorcitizen’s m atinee and dinner,1 p.m .);Friday,D ec.7 and Saturday,D ec.8,7:30 p.m .The play revolves around an am bitious directorand his troop ofm ediocre actors,as they prepare forthe opening nightoftheirproduction.Justw hen they startgetting itright,everything goes w rong!$10.
Power Breakfast
Calendar O M M U N I T Y
Frank Ohman’s ‘The Nutcracker’ C om m ack-based N ew York D ance Theatre, underthe direction ofFrank O hm an,presents its 31stseason of“The N utcracker”atH ofstra U niversity on D ec.15,16,and 22 atnoon and 5 p.m .$35 general/$28 seniors and children 12 and under.w w w.ohm anballet.org.888-695-0888.
FRIDAY
Seiskaya’s ‘The Nutcracker’ The Seiskaya Ballet’s “N utcracker”has becom e a perennialholiday favorite atStony Brook U niversity’s StallerC enterforthe Arts. Tickets on sale atthe box office at631-632AR TS and atw w w.nutcrackerballet.com . Perform ances are Friday,D ec.14 at7 p.m .; Saturday,D ec.15 at2 and 7 p.m .;Sunday, D ec.16 at1 and 6 p.m .,and M onday,D ec.17 at7 p.m .$40 adults/$34 children and seniors.
SATURDAY World War II PT Boaters Reunion W orld W arIIPT boaters,fam ily and friends are invited to a holiday reunion luncheon at C rossroads C afe on D ec.15,11:30 a.m .Share cam araderie,greatfood and a C hristm as m usical.$16.50,all-inclusive.R eservations a m ust. C all631-499-1047.
Arts & Crafts Fair In Northport The 19th annualH oliday Arts & C rafts Fairat N orthportH igh Schoolis D ec.8-9,10 a.m .-5 p.m .,featuring m ore than 200 exhibitors.Free adm ission.C ornerofElw ood R oad and Laurel H illR oad.
Noel! Join the H untington C horalSociety atits w inter concert,“N oel!”,on D ec.8,8 p.m .in the H untington H igh SchoolAuditorium atM cKay and O akw ood R oads in H untington.Selections include:C harpentier:M esse de M inuitpourN oel; Saint-Saens:O ratorio de N oel;and VaughanW illiam s:Fantasia on C hristm as C arols.$20 public/free forstudents.631-421-S.I.N .G.(7464) orvisitw w w.huntingtonchoralsociety.org.
Hanukkah Concert The American Chamber Ensemble and special guests will present a special Hanukkah Celebration Concert on Dec. 9, 5:30 p.m. at Faust Harrison Pianos Recital Hall, 277 Walt Whitman Road (Route 110) in Huntington Station. This program will feature music of Gershwin, Bernstein, Bellison, Weinberg, Rodgers and Hammerstein and others. $20. 631-242-5684 or email marilyn.lehman19@gmail.com. www.faustharrisonpianos.com.
arrive on the scene.Perform ances are Sunday, D ec.9 and 16 at4 p.m .,and Saturday,D ec.15 at2 p.m .Free atIsland C hristian C hurch,400 Elw ood R oad,EastN orthport.w w w.ichristianc.org or631-822-3000.
Hanukkah At The Mall Join C habad ofH untington and W altW hitm an Shops on D ec.9 at5 p.m .forthe annual H anukkah atthe M allcelebration.Program includes lighting ofa giantm enorah,unique children’s show,Sufganiyot-specialH anukkah jelly donuts,gelt,draidels,raffles and prizes for the children.AtBloom ingdales C ourt.631-3852424 orw w w.chabadofhuntington.com .
Hanukkah Concert The Am erican C ham berEnsem ble and special guests w illpresenta specialH anukkah C elebration C oncerton D ec.9,5:30 p.m .at FaustH arrison Pianos R ecitalH all,277 W alt W hitm an R oad (R oute 110)in H untington Station.This program w illfeature m usic of G ershw in,Bernstein,Bellison,W einberg, R odgers and H am m erstein and others. $20.631-242-5684 orem ail m arilyn.lehm an19@ gm ail.com .w w w.faustharrisonpianos.com .
Pancake Breakfast At Camp C am p Alvernia hosts a pancake breakfastto celebrate the close ofthe cam p’s H oliday H elperProgram on D ec.9,9 a.m .-noon,105 ProspectR oad,C enterport.Adm ission is free, butdonations/giftcards w illsupportseven cam p fam ilies during this holiday season.
Santa Meets With Everyone This Year Lynch Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’ The Lynch BalletC om pany ofH untington presents its fourth annual“N utcracker”production, bringing togetherover100 dancers and M atthew D onnell,form erly ofKansas C ity Ballet, in the role ofC avalierand costum es by M adeline H inkis,form ercostum e m istress for Am erican BalletTheaterII.The production is at H untington H igh Schoolon Saturday,D ec.15, at2 and 6 p.m .;and Sunday,D ec.16,at12 and 4 p.m .$25 adults/$15 children.631-942-3933.
Holiday m agic has returned to W altW hitm an Shops.Through D ec.24,children can be photographed with Santa in CenterCourt.R eturning again this season is the “C utestSanta Photo Contest,”hosted on W altW hitm an Shops’s Facebook page.In addition,a PetPhoto Night willbe held from 7:30-9:30 p.m .on Dec.9.
MONDAY Messiah Sing-Along
Live Music Live localbands take overFinley's ofG reene Street,43 G reene St.,H untington,every Saturday nightat11 p.m .Join in the fun and food!
SUNDAY ‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever’ “The BestC hristm as PageantEver”is the story ofG race Bradley w ho inherits the job ofrunning herchurch's C hristm as pageant,and it gets w orse w hen the horrible H erdm an kids
Cold Spring Harbor Library 95 H arborR oad,C old Spring H arbor.631-6926820.cshlibrary.org. • C hildren in grades K-6 can decorate yum m y sugarcookies to celebrate the season on W ednesday,D ec.12,4:30 p.m . • Ladies M ahjong m eets M onday,D ec.10.For m ore inform ation contactsheliag11@ verizon.net.
18 H auppauge R oad,C om m ack.631-4990888.com m ack.suffolk.lib.ny.us. • O n Tuesday,D ec.11,11 a.m .-2 p.m .,m eeta representative from Playaw ay and learn m ore aboutthese pre-loaded,portable audiobooks thatare sm allenough to stick in yourpocket w hile exercising,doing errands orw orking around the house. • D otty Talm age w illhelp children in grades K2 constructa snow m an decoration perfectfor getting into the w interspiriton Thursday, D ec.13,4:30 p.m .
Love the colorred and enjoy living itup? The R ed H atw om en are looking fornew m em bers w ho enjoy going places and m aking new friends.Theirm otto:Fun,Frolic and Friendship.631-271-6470 or flarpp@ yahoo.com .
The N orthportC horale presents its w interconcerton D ec.14,8 p.m .atN orthportH igh School,LaurelH illR oad in N orthport.$12 adults/$10 seniors/$8 students.($2 discountif you bring this announcem ent).C ontactPearlat 631-239-6736 orvisit w w w.northportchorale.org.
AT THE LIBRARIES
Commack Public Library
Red Is For Passion
Holiday Harmony
Join business professionals atBN IExecutive R eferralExchange’s breakfastnetw orking m eeting every W ednesday,7-8:30 a.m .atthe D ix H ills D iner,1800 Jericho Turnpike,D ix H ills.631-462-7446.
H untington C horalSociety's AnnualM essiah Sing-Along is D ec.10,8 p.m .atSt.John's EpiscopalC hurch,12 ProspectSt.and M ain Street(25A),H untington.refreshm ents and scores available.Suggested donation $10.
Seniors, Get Your Questions Answered SeniorAdvocates – w ho provide assistance w ith food stam ps,M edicare savings program s, M edicaid applications and H eating Em ergency Assistance Program (H EAP)applications – w ill m ake stops throughouttow n overthe nexttw o m onths: •H untington N utrition C enter:W ednesday,
D ec.20,9 a.m .-noon; •Paum anack Village I& II(G reenlaw n): Tuesday,D ec.18,10 a.m .-1 p.m .; •Paum anack Village III& IV (G reenlaw n): Thursday,D ec.13,10 a.m .-noon; •Paum anack Village V & VI(M elville): Tuesday,D ec.11,9 a.m .-noon.631-853-8200. Appointm ents encouraged,drop-ins w elcom e.
See The Light Tow n C lerk Jo-Ann R aia has organized an exhibitofH untington Lighthouse artifacts and m em orabilia to celebrate its centennialanniversary ofThe H untington Lighthouse.The display includes correspondence betw een the Lighthouse Establishm entand Lighthouse KeeperR obertM cG lone,and an originalpainting ofthe lighthouse,w hich w illbe auctioned. O n display in the Tow n H alllobby,100 M ain St, H untington,M onday-Thursday,8:30 a.m .-4:30 p.m .and Friday,8:30 a.m .-7 p.m .w w w.huntingtonlighthouse.org.631-421-1985.
TUESDAY
Deer Park Public Library 44 Lake Ave.,D eerPark.631-586-3000.deerparklibrary.org. • C hildren’s Services is looking forteen volunteers on Friday,D ec.7,4-5:30 p.m . Teens in grades 8-12 can help m ake w arm scarves and cuddly pillow s forchildren in localshelters. • G ive the giftoflife ata blood drive on M onday,D ec.10,1-7 p.m .
Elwood Public Library 3027 Jericho Turnpike,Elw ood.631-499-3722. w w w.elw oodlibrary.org. • Yona Zeldis M cD onough,authoroffiction, non-fiction,essays,and aw ard-w inning children's books,talks aboutherlife as a w riter and hernew estbook,“A W edding in G reat N eck,”on Sunday,D ec.9,2 p.m . • N ew to yoga? Join this class on Friday,D ec. 7,10:15-11:15 a.m .
Half Hollow Hills Community Library D ix H ills:55 VanderbiltParkw ay.631-4214530;M elville:510 Sw eetH ollow R oad.631421-4535.hhhlibrary.org. • Turkey has been the crossroads ofthe w orld since pre-Biblicaltim es.Learn m ore about Istanbul’s palaces,m useum s and m osques during a m ultim edia presentation presented by C aroland R ichard W itkoveron Thursday, D ec.6 atthe D ix H ills branch. • Preschoolerers can m ake an adorable giftfor a specialsom eone on Thursday,D ec.13, 10:30 a.m .
Hanukkah At Town Hall
Harborfields Public Library
C habad ofH untington presents the annual H anukkah atTow n H allC elebration on D ec.11, 6 p.m .Enjoy the lighting ofthe m enorah, m usic,songs,jelly donuts and gelt.H untington Tow n H all,100 M ain St.,H untington.631-3852424 orw w w.chabadofhuntington.com .
31 Broadw ay,G reenlaw n.631-757-4200.harborfieldslibrary.org. • Laugh w ith the kids ata screening of “Paranorm an”on Friday,D ec.7 at7 p.m . • Students in grades 6-12 can share recipes in this year's H oliday C ookie Sw ap on W ednesday,D ec.12,7 p.m .Each participant m ustbring in 2 dozen cookies and include a recipe.N o nuts.
Menorah Lighting The G reenlaw n C ivic Association hosts its 11th annualM enorah Lighting on D ec.11,7 p.m .in frontofthe G reenlaw n PostO ffice atthe cornerofBroadw ay and Sm ith Street.
Free Help For Vets Every Tuesday from 12-4 p.m .is “M ilitary Appreciation Tuesdays,”w hen Long Island C ares specifically assists veterans,m ilitary personneland theirfam ilies atthe H auppauge and Freeportem ergency pantries.Appointm ents can be m ade by contacting jrosati@ licares.org.
WEDNESDAY Melville Chamber Holiday Party C elebrate the season w ith the M elville C ham berofC om m erce on D ec.5,6-8 p.m .at the H oliday Inn in Plainview.R SVP to info@ m elvillecham ber.org orcall631-7776260.
Classic Car Show The H untington Station Business Im provem ent D istricthosts a carshow atStation Sports,25 D epotR oad,H untington Station,from 6:30-8 p.m .every W ednesday.
Huntington Public Library M ain Branch:338 M ain St.,H untington.631427-5165.Station Branch:1335 N ew York Ave.,H untington Station.631-421-5053. w w w.thehuntingtonlibrary.org. • “N ew Paintings”by W illiam Pardue atthe M ain ArtG allery w anders overa range of them es,styles,and m edium s.O n display through D ec.29. • The deadline to participate in the library’s LocalAuthors Show case,a greatopportunity to prom ote published w ork,connectw ith fans,and talk shop w ith otherauthors,is Saturday,D ec.8,5 p.m .Visitthe w ebsite for m ore inform ation.
Northport-East Northport Public Library N orthport:151 LaurelAve.631-261-6930.East N orthport:185 Larkfield R oad.631-261-2313. w w w.nenpl.org. • O n display in the EastN orthportgallery, “M asks in the Sea ofFaces”by form erLongIslandergraphic artistSheauw eiPidd show s offherlove ofcolors and m ood,as w ellas m ovem ent.
(Continued on page LI 15)
LONG ISLANDER LIFE • DECEMBER 6, 2012 •
(Continued from page LI 14)
The Minstrel Players’ ‘Christmas Carol’
• Solo N oiTre (O nly U s Three),featuring soprano Justine Tietjen,baritone G ary Lorentzson,and pianistKenneth Friese,perform s opera,Broadw ay and holiday hits on Sunday,D ec.9,2 p.m .in N orthport.
Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” takes the stage by the Minstrel Players of Northport on Friday, Dec. 7 and Saturday, Dec. 8 at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 9 at 3 p.m. at Houghton Hall – Trinity Episcopal Church, 130 Main St., Northport Village. 631-7322926. www.minstrelplayers.org. $15 adults/$12 seniors, children.
South Huntington Public Library 145 Pidgeon H illR oad,H untington Station. 631-549-4411.w w w.shpl.info. • The N orth Shore C ivilW arR oundtable holds its annualC ollectors’Show case on Thursday, D ec.6,7 p.m .featuring the private collections ofm em bers,including hundreds of item s from the C ivilW ar,like firearm s,item s fordaily living,new spapers,m agazines and flags. • Join us on Friday,D ec.7 at7 p.m .forthe unveiling ofthe expanded Young Adult Library.The new space features collaborative w ork centers,a m ulti-purpose room w ith a sm allstage,gadgets and gizm os galore and plenty ofcom fy seating.
THEATER and FILM Cinema Arts Centre 423 Park Ave.,H untington.w w w.cinem aartscentre.org.631-423-7611. • “The Fitzgerald Fam ily C hristm as”is a hom ecom ing ofsorts forEd Burns.The new film , opening on Friday,reunites the w riter/director/starw ith M ichaelM cG lone and C onnie Britton,both ofw hom starred in "The Brothers M cM ullen,"Burns’breakout1995 indie.Burns w illappearforQ &A and reception follow ing a screening on Saturday,D ec. 8,7 p.m .$15 m em bers/$20 public. • G ary N ull,PhD ,exposes the public health dangers ofgenetically m odified foods in the feature-length docum entary “Seeds ofD eath: U nveiling the Lies ofG M O s”on Sunday,D ec. 9,2 p.m .H e w illappearfora discussion after the film ,and a free D VD ofthe film w illbe given to every attendee.$10 m em bers/$15 public.
• C harles D ickens’“A C hristm as C arol”takes the stage Friday,D ec.7 and Saturday,D ec.8 at8 p.m .;and Sunday,D ec.9 at3 p.m .$15 adults/$12 seniors,children. • Subm issions are now being accepted for“It H appened O ne Act”play festival.D eadline is Jan.15,2013.Visitthe w ebsite form ore inform ation.
Tilles Center For The Performing Arts LIU PostC am pus,720 N orthern Blvd., Brookville.w w w.tillescenter.org.516-299-3100. • The take ofeveryone’s favorite ogre,“Shrek: The M usical”is on stage Sunday,D ec.16 at 3 p.m .$80,65 and 50.
MUSEUMS & EXHIBITS Art League of Long Island 107 EastD eerPark R oad,D ix H ills.G allery hours:9 a.m .-4 p.m .w eekdays;11 a.m .-4 p.m . w eekends.631-462-5400. w w w.ArtLeagueLI.net. • Learn Pysanky,a U kranian holiday egg decorating craftthathas been around forover 2,000 years,as w ellas its sym bols and history,on Saturday,D ec.8,10 a.m .-2 p.m .$75.
Dix Hills Performing Arts Center Five Tow ns C ollege,305 N .Service R oad,D ix H ills.Box O ffice:631-656-2148. w w w.dhpac.org. • The W interFestivalofPerform ances continues w ith “W hat’s So Funny?”,a special show produced by and starring com edian D avid Brenneralong w ith som e ofthe best young talentin the industry,D ec.7,7:30 p.m .$25-$30.
John W. Engeman Theater At Northport 350 M ain St.,N orthport.w w w.johnw engem antheater.com .631-261-2900. • C elebrate the holiday season w ith a thrilling new tw iston the holiday classic “A C hristm as C arol.”M ichaelW ilson’s adaptation is a creative re-telling ofD ickens’classic tale of EbenezerScrooge.Sponsored by N orth Shore LIJ and running through Jan.6.$65. • C hristm as has been canceled!O ratleast,it w illbe ifSanta can'tfind a w ay to guide his sleigh through a fierce blizzard.Fortunately forhim ,there's “R udolph the R ed-N osed R eindeer,”show ing as partofthe Youth TheaterSeries,through Jan.6 on w eekends and specialdates.$15.
The Minstrel Players of Northport AtH oughton H all-Trinity EpiscopalC hurch, 130 M ain St.,N orthportVillage.631-732-2926. w w w.m instrelplayers.org.
Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery 1660 R oute 25A,C old Spring H arbor.O pen seven days a w eek,10 a.m .-5 p.m .,Saturday and Sundays until6 p.m .:$6 adults;$4 children 3-12 and seniors over65;m em bers and children under3 are free.516-692-6768. w w w.cshfha.org • Features N ew York State's largestcollection offreshw aterfish,reptiles and am phibians housed in tw o aquarium buildings and eight outdoorponds. • Through D ec.23,from 10 a.m .-4:30 p.m ., create yourow n holiday ornam ents fordisplay on the hatchery’s C hristm as tree. • Take a photo w ith Santa and m unch on candy canes as he tours the hatchery grounds on Saturdays,D ec.8,15 and 22,13 p.m .
Heckscher Museum Of Art 2 Prim e Ave.,H untington.M useum hours: W ednesday -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 .Adm ission $68/adults,$4-6/seniors,and $4-5/children;m em bers and children under10 free.631-351-3250. • O pening D ec.8,“M irrored Im ages:R ealism in the 19th and 20th C enturies”explores the various realistm ovem ents.O n display through M arch 24. • “M odernizing Am erica:Artists ofthe Arm ory
Show ”opens D ec.8.Itfocuses on Am erican artists w ho participated in the Arm ory Show and explores the im pactofEuropean M odernism on Am erican artin the early years ofthe 20th century.O n display through April14.
Holocaust Memorial And Tolerance Center W elw yn Preserve.100 C rescentBeach R oad, G len C ove.H ours:M on.-Fri.:10 a.m .-4:30 p.m . Sat.-Sun.:noon-4 p.m .516-571-8040 ext.100. w w w.holocaust-nassau.org. • The new perm anentexhibitexplains the 1920s increase ofintolerance,the reduction ofhum an rights,and the lack ofintervention thatenabled the persecution and m ass m urderofm illions ofJew s and others:people w ith disabilities,R om a and Sinti(G ypsies), Jehovah’s W itnesses,gays and Polish intelligentsia. • An exhibitofphotographs and artifacts honoring Abdol-H ossein Sardari,the Iranian envoy stationed in Paris w ho rescued thousands ofJew s from the N azis,is on display through D ecem ber.
Huntington Arts Council M ain StreetPetite G allery:213 M ain St., H untington.G allery hours:M onday -Friday 9 a.m .-5 p.m .;Artin the Art-trium :25 M elville Park R oad,M elville.G allery H ours:M onday Friday 7 a.m .-7 p.m .631-271-8423.w w w.huntingtonarts.org. • “Bold,”featuring artists thatgrab the view er w ith theirunique and striking artw ork,runs through Feb.25 atthe Art-Trium . • “StillLife”opens D ec.7 w ith an opening reception from 6-8 p.m .in the m ain gallery.
LaMantia Gallery 127 M ain St.,N orthportVillage.631-754-8414. w w w.lam antiagallery.com . • R obertFinale presents captivating landscapes and R ichard Johnson displays exquisite paintings ofthe hum an face and form .
9 East Contemporary Art 9 EastC arverSt.,H untington.G allery hours: W ed.-Sat.,3-8 p.m .orby appointm ent.631662-9459. • To celebrate the firstanniversary ofthe gallery,the exhibit“99:A C ollection O f O riginalSm allW orks”on view D ec.7-Jan. 20,w ith a M eetthe Artists reception on D ec. 8,3-5 p.m .
Northport Historical Society Museum 215 M ain St.,N orthport.M useum hours: Tuesday -Sunday,1-4:30 p.m .631-757-9859. w w w.northporthistorical.org. • “50 Years O fPreserving and C elebrating N orthport's H istory”honors the society's founders and theirconcerns and activities.
Ripe Art Gallery
Santa Visits The Fish Hatchery
Take a photo with Santa and munch on candy canes as he tours the grounds of the Cold Spring Harbor Hatchery on Saturdays, Dec. 8, 15 and 22, 1-3 p.m. Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor. 516-692-6768. www.cshfha.org.
67 Broadw ay,G reenlaw n.631-807-5296. G allery hours:Tuesday -Thursday 11 a.m .-6 p.m .,Friday 2-9 p.m .,Saturday 11 a.m .-5 p.m . w w w.ripeartgal.com . • W om en’s clothing store R exer-Parkes presents a specialshow ing ofpaintings by R ipe ArtG allery artistM axine Jurow titled “Black Velvet”through February 2013.35 G erard St.,H untington.
Suffolk Y JCC 74 H auppauge R oad,C om m ack.631-4629800,ext.140.Tuesday 1-4 p.m .Adm ission: $5 perperson,$18 perfam ily.Specialgroup program s available.w w w.suffolkyjcc.org. • The Alan & H elene R osenberg Jew ish D iscovery M useum provides hands-on exhibits and program s forchildren 3-13 years old and theirfam ilies,classes and cam ps. N ow on exhibit:The AlefBetofBeing a M ensch.“Zye a m ensch”is a Yiddish saying thatm eans “be a decent,responsible,caring
LI 15
person,”infusing both the bestblessing and the bestthatan educatorcan w ish forhis students.
Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium 180 Little N eck R oad,C enterport.M useum hours:Tuesday-Friday,12-4 p.m .,Saturdays, Sundays and holidays,12-5 p.m .;closed M ondays exceptforholiday w eeks.G rounds adm ission:$7 adults,$6 seniors,students, and $3 children under12.M useum tour,add $5 perperson.631-854-5555.w w w.vanderbiltm useum .org. • The Arena Players R epertory Theatre presents “C liffhanger”by Jam es Yaffe,running through D ec.23.Perform ances are Friday and Saturday at8 p.m .and Sunday at3 p.m . Tickets are $20 on Friday and Sunday,and $25 on Saturday.C all516-293-0674 orvisit w w w.ArenaPlayers.org.
MUSIC & DANCE The Paramount 370 N ew York Ave.,H untington.631-673-7300. w w w.param ountny.com .Allshow s begin at8 p.m .unless otherw ise noted. • Laugh the day aw ay atthe Param ount C om edy Series “H a-H a-H oliday Show ”on Saturday,D ec.22.$20-$25. • Tickets now on sale forthe Saturday,Jan.19 concert“A D iva,A C om edian & Broadw ay for the C hildren ofH untington Station.”
AID & ASSISTANCE Help After Sandy Touro Law C enterhas opened a legalhotline at631-761-7198 thatis staffed M onday-Friday 9-6 by law students and attorneys from the bar associations.Bilingualand Spanish-speaking law yers are available thanks to the H ispanic BarAssn.
Emergency Home Repair Program Are you “underw ater”on yourm ortgage but m aking paym ents on tim e? D o you need an em ergency repairon yourhom e,butcan’tget a hom e equity loan because you are underw ater? You could eligible forup to $5,000 for em ergency hom e repairs ifyourincom e does notexceed 120 percentofthe H U D m edian incom e forLong Island ($129,000 fora fam ily offour).Apply to the Em ergency H om e R epair Program .C allSusan atH ousing H elp Inc., 631-754-0373.
VOLUNTEERING Be A Friend Of The Bay Friends ofthe Bay is in need ofvolunteers w ho can help convertw aterquality data,w hich is currently keptin an excelsheet,into a M icrosoftAccess database.Assistance is also needed w ith ArcView G IS,to configure m aps of the w atershed.C all516-922-6666 orem ail info@ friendsofthebay.org.
Be A Host Family H untington Sanctuary is seeking fam ilies or individualadults to becom e H ostH om es,w hich provide tem porary shelterto youth betw een ages 12-17 w ho are experiencing a fam ily crisis.C ontactJenniferPettiat631-271-2183 for m ore inform ation.
Helping Furry Friends Little ShelterAnim alR escue and Adoption C enteris looking forvolunteers w ho w antto m ake a difference in the lives ofanim als.Free training provided.Visitw w w.littleshelter.com or call631-368-8770 ext.204.
Walt Whitman Birthplace Ifyou are interested in literature orhistory,the W altW hitm an Birthplace has fascinating and rew arding part-tim e volunteerpositions available.Free training provided.631-427-5420 ext.114.
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
LI 16
• DECEMBER 6, 2012 • LONG ISLANDER LIFE
SAME GREAT BARGAINS FOR 50 YEARS! 274 New York Avenue • Huntington Village (1-1/2 blocks north of Main Street)
631-271-4883
NEW SALES DAILY BEN EFITS G O TO : Day Top,Cancer Care,Fam ily Service League, Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic, Visiting Nurse Service & Hospice, Huntington Hospital O pen M onday through Saturday • 10 a.m .to 4 p.m . Tax D eductible donations accepted daily until3 p.m . Collectibles,Decorations,Clothing ...and m uch m ore
LONG ISLANDER LIFE • DECEMBER 6, 2012 •
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Buy Local For The Perfect Gift Clothing & Accessories Kotur genuine skin clutches in lizard and snake skin ($295 and up) Silver and gold evening bags and mother of pearl clutch. ($350-$628)
at Lina’Z
27 Wall St., Huntington 631-923-0872
Cozy fur hat ($26), sparkly tank ($28) and soft jeggings ($40).
at Rexer-Parkes 35 Gerard St., Huntington 631-549-1810 www.rexer-parkes.com
at Sno-Haus
at Sedoni Gallery
2 Jericho Turnpike, Huntington Station 631-549-5087 http://snohaus.com/
304 New York Ave., Huntington 631-547-4811 www.sedonigalleryonline.com
Futuristic deco bangles by Alexis Bittar. $198-$510
Hit the slopes in style in a Bogner Pira-D ski jacket ($1,495) paired with North Face STH pants ($149). Finish the ensemble off with Karen Apres boots made of authentic Italian wool ($320). While you’re there, check out their selection of ski essentials.
at Milano Clothiers 245 West Jericho Turnpike, Huntington Station 11746 631-549-1500
at Window Shop 104 Main St., Northport 631-239-5450
This men’s ensemble includes a Bosline Vachetta vintage briefcase ($1,575), a Milano quilted storm jacket ($595) a Gialluca blue dress shirt ($225), Milano Italian wool slacks ($275) and a Dolce Punta striped tie ($175).
at Vasiliki Lagis Leather Handbags 741A West Jericho Turnpike, Huntington 631-659-3508 The “Gloria” bag, a 100-percent leather shoulder convertible or cross-body messenger bag, finished with stingray-embossed, waterproof lambskin ($240). Made in New York.
Created by Nomination, this 14-karat pink vermeil necklace features a druzy at the end. ($215)
LI 18
• DECEMBER 6, 2012 • LONG ISLANDER LIFE
Buy Local For The Perfect Gift Getting Out And About Classes at Body & Soul Fitness and Yoga Center 52 B Wall St., Huntington 631-385-4664 www.bodyandsoulcenter.net
Classes at Serra BJJ Academy
Photo by Therese Logan
Yoga classes are available for novice, intermediate and advanced students. Fitness classes are also offered, which focus on drills and strength training exercises. Classes can be purchased in single sessions or packages. $20 per class (drop-in) $120 for a punch card of 10 classes (good for 3 months)
365 West Jericho Turnpike, Huntington 631-385-2312 www.serrabjj.com/store
Dance Lessons at Fred Astaire Dance Studio 132 West Jericho Turnpike Huntington Station 631-532-6979 www.fredastairehuntington.com Give the gift of dance at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio, featuring Latin and Ballroom instruction. Gift certificates start at $60 and are available up to $500.
Whether you’re an expert or just looking for a new way to exercise, MMA superstar Matt Serra’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu studio in Huntington has you covered. Beginners can try it out with gift cards for kickboxing or Jiu-Jitsu classes ($10 per class, in package of 2, 5, and 10; includes free intro class.)
Housewares & Decorations ReWined soy candles come in a variety of wine scents, from pinot grigio to cabernet. $30
at Madison’s Niche 14 Wall St., Huntington 631-683-5699
at Mind Gift Shop 75 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor 631-692-9292 www.mindgiftshop.com Hand-painted mugs depict dogs and cats. $28 for mug $19 for spoon rest
at Porters Ltd. 356 New York Ave., Huntington 631-424-0265 Hand-painted mugs depict dogs and cats of many breeds. $28 for mug $19 for spoon rest
at FAD Treasures 415 New York Ave., Huntington 631-385-2460 www.fad-treasures.com
Ty Beanie Boo stuffed animal and character collection. Key chains, mini and large sized dolls available. $2.99-$24.99
These sled and Dashaway Vixen figurines are made by Patience Brewster. Sled $175 Reindeer $89.50
at Cow Harbor Fine Gifts
at Oscar Zulu 243 Main St., Northport 631-754-4412 www.oscarzulu.com
Animal-themed chess set from Kenya. $220
101 Main St., Northport 631-261-6001
LONG ISLANDER LIFE • DECEMBER 6, 2012 •
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• DECEMBER 6, 2012 • LONG ISLANDER LIFE
Merry Christmas from all of us at
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Fresh Cut Trees, Wreaths & Roping • Sheared Fraser Fir • Sheared Balsam Fir • Live Alberta Spruce Trees • Berried Juniper • Double Faced Wreaths in All Sizes Decorated & Undecorated • Noble Fir Branches • White Pine
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(631) 271-5606 • www.forthillnursery.com
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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 6, 2012 • A11
People In The NewsCompiled by Luann Dallojacono wills, trusts, Special Needs Trusts and Elder law and estate planning attoradvance directives (powers of attorney, ney Lynn (Rubino) Kay, 26, was rehealth care proxies and living wills). She cently named associate attorney at also handles estate and gift tax planning Genser Dubow Genser & Cona as well as asset protection planning, ad(GDGC), Melville. vising clients on asset protection stratePrior to this position, Kay worked at gies and tax saving strategies. GDGC as a part-time law clerk for two With Kay’s skills in estate planning, years while she was still in law school. she is now in charge of GDGC’s new She also interned at the Legal Aid SociTrust Assistance Program ety of Mid-New York and (TAP) where she helps the New York State Asclients properly and timesembly Office of Donna ly fund their trusts. Lupardo in Binghamton. “There is nothing more A graduate of Hofstra frustrating than seeing University School of Law, clients who have taken all she received her Juris Docsteps to create asset protor in the top 19 percent of tection trusts or tax planthe class and has been adning trusts, only to discovmitted to the New York er the trusts were never and New Jersey Bar. Durfunded, rendering them ing law school, she was cono more valuable than a ordinator of the Law simple stack of papers,” Brigades, which sent law Lynn (Rubino) Kay she said. “I am proud to go students to underdevelthe extra mile to ensure this will never oped countries to help start up small happen to GDGC clients.” businesses. “Lynn’s gentle approach and ability She received her Bachelor of Arts deto explain legal issues clearly allows gree from Binghamton University clients to feel comfortable in the comwhere she was on the Dean’s List. An plex estate planning and asset protecactive participant in student governtion process,” says Jennifer Cona, Esq., ment, she was also a counselor for the managing partner at GDGC. “Her school’s crisis hotline. warmth and concern that all clients get A member of the Nassau County Bar above and beyond basic care and planAssociation and the New York State ning is something that our clients realBar Association Trusts and Estates ly respond to and appreciate.” Committee, she has co-authored artiKay also participates in GDGC’s cles that have appeared in the NY Law complimentary counseling sessions for Journal and the Nassau Lawyer. visitors to the Susan C. Snowe CaregivKay handles all aspects of estate planer Resource Center at the law firm. ning and is responsible for drafting
From Nancy Rauch Douzinas – president, Rauch Foundation; publisher, Long Island Index: “For the past six years, I’ve written the column ‘What Every Long Islander Should Know.’ I’m taking a new approach that builds on the popularity of infographics to convey visually the complex realities of Long Island. The
new series is called ‘Long Island: By the Numbers,’ and each image will reveal a set of numbers that illuminates life on Long Island in ways that are visually compelling. If we all understand the facts about the challenges we face, we can come together to address them. More information is available at longislandindex.org.
A12 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 6, 2012
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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.
DIX HILLS
3 Beatrice Ct Bedrooms 5 Baths 4 Price $749,000 Taxes $16,547 Open House 12/8 2pm-4pm Douglas Elliman Real Estate 631-499-9191
SOUTH HUNTINGTON
290 Pidgeon Hill Rd Bedroom 5 Baths 6 Price $589,000 Taxes $14,424 Open House 12/9 1pm-3pm Coach Real Estate Assoc Inc 631-427-9100
Town Address Beds Baths Price Taxes Date Huntington 413 W Main St 2 1 $315,000 N/A 12/8 E. Northport 34 N Ketay Dr 3 2 $395,000 $12,601 12/8 Commack 3 Sugarwood Ct 4 3 $418,000 $10,964 12/8 Northport 30 Grove St 3 2 $469,900 $4,797 12/8 Northport 15 Vista Dr 4 2 $549,000 $7,963 12/8 Dix Hills 3 Beatrice Ct 5 4 $749,000 $16,547 12/8 Fort Salonga 48 Brookfield Rd 4 3 $799,900 $15,345 12/8 Centerport 33 Lone Oak Dr 5 3 $1,099,000 $23,075 12/8 Melville 339 Altessa Blvd 3 3 $1,175,000 $8,400 12/8 Dix Hills 19 Sleepy Hollow Ln 5 7 $2,300,000 $36,766 12/8 Huntington Sta 31 Meadow Ct 3 3 $288,900 $8,269 12/9 Commack 3 Weldon Rd 3 2 $379,000 $10,467 12/9 Northport 9 Louisa Ct 3 3 $379,900 $8,634 12/9 Greenlawn 29 Browning Dr 5 2 $429,000 $8,667 12/9 Melville 5 Sandgate Pl 3 2 $469,000 $6,803 12/9 Huntington 15 Dellwood Dr 3 2 $485,000 $16,187 12/9 E. Northport 4 Elmore Pl 5 4 $495,000 $6,663 12/9 Huntington Furman Ct 4 3 $499,000 N/A 12/9 Northport 16 Norfolk Dr 4 3 $499,000 $10,536 12/9 Melville 4 Inwood Pl 5 3 $519,000 $10,074 12/9 Northport 24 Argyle Dr 4 2 $549,000 $11,495 12/9 S. Huntington 290 Pidgeon Hill Rd 5 6 $589,000 $14,424 12/9 Cold Spring Hrbr553 Woodbury Rd 4 3 $699,000 $14,240 12/9 Cold Spring Hrbr59 Turkey Ln 3 4 $699,000 $7,411 12/9 Northport 2 Duffy Ct 4 3 $719,500 $12,376 12/9 Dix Hills 4 Oneil Ct 5 5 $749,900 $21,508 12/9 Fort Salonga 19 Breezy Hill Dr 6 5 $849,000 $23,358 12/9 Fort Salonga 3 Scott Ct 4 3 $849,000 $18,000 12/9 Huntington 119 Southdown Rd 5 4 $895,000 $20,941 12/9 Lloyd Neck 18 Fiddlers Green Dr 4 4 $949,000 $19,259 12/9 Huntington 8 Landing Rd 4 3 $959,000 $19,580 12/9 Fort Salonga 11 Marions Ln 3 4 $995,000 $24,226 12/9 Cold Spring Hrbr199 Harbor Rd 4 4 $1,295,000 $21,210 12/9 Centerport 52 Laurel Hill Rd 4 4 $1,299,999 $29,252 12/9 Huntington Bay 24 Woodland Dr 8 5 $1,600,000 $31,681 12/9 Lloyd Harbor 20 Beardsley Ln 6 7 $3,950,000 $52,500 12/9
Time Broker Phone 12:30pm-2:30pm Douglas Elliman Real Estate 631-549-4400 1pm-3pm Coach Real Estate Assoc Inc 631-757-7272 1pm-3pm Coldwell Banker Residential 631-673-6800 1pm-3pm Century 21 Northern Shores 631-547-5300 1pm-3pm Coach Real Estate Assoc Inc 631-757-7272 2pm-4pm Douglas Elliman Real Estate 631-499-9191 1pm-3pm Coach Real Estate Assoc Inc 631-757-4000 12pm-3pm Daniel Gale Agency Inc 631-427-6600 12pm-2pm Coldwell Banker Residential 516-864-8100 12pm-4pm Coldwell Banker Residential 631-673-6800 1pm-3pm Coldwell Banker Residential 631-673-6800 12pm-2pm Realty Connect USA LLC 877-647-1092 2pm-4pm Realty Connect USA LLC 877-647-1092 1pm-2:30pm Coach Real Estate Assoc Inc 631-673-2222 12pm-1:30pm Realty Connect USA LLC 877-647-1092 12:00pm-2:00pm Coldwell Banker Residential 631-673-6800 1pm-3pm Coldwell Banker Residential 516-864-8100 1pm-2:30pm Coach Real Estate Assoc Inc 631-673-2222 12pm-2pm Coldwell Banker Residential 631-673-6800 12pm-2pm Coldwell Banker Residential 631-673-4444 12pm-2pm Coldwell Banker Residential 631-754-4800 1pm-3pm Coach Real Estate Assoc Inc 631-427-9100 2pm-4pm Daniel Gale Agency Inc 631-692-6770 1pm-3pm Coach Real Estate Assoc Inc 631-673-2222 1pm-3pm Coldwell Banker Residential 631-754-4800 1pm-3pm Douglas Elliman Real Estate 631-499-9191 1pm-3pm Coach Real Estate Assoc Inc 631-360-1900 2pm-4pm Anastasio Assoc, REALTORS 631-549-5800 2pm-4pm Daniel Gale Agency Inc 631-692-6770 2pm-4pm Daniel Gale Agency Inc 631-692-6770 2:30pm-4pm Daniel Gale Agency Inc 631-692-6770 1pm-3pm Douglas Elliman Real Estate 631-261-6800 1pm-3pm Daniel Gale Agency Inc 631-692-6770 1pm-3pm Coldwell Banker Residential 631-673-6800 1pm-3pm Daniel Gale Agency Inc 631-427-6600 2pm-4pm Daniel Gale Agency Inc 631-692-6770
You open the door...We’ll bring ’em in!
Increase traffic at your next open house. Call your sales representative today. (631) 427-7000
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School Notebook
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Compiled by Luann Dallojacono Photos by Felice Kristall
Students take the stage for West Hollow Middle School’s “Thoroughly Modern Millie.”
‘Thoroughly Modern’ At West Hollow It was 1922 in the auditorium at West Hollow Middle School, as students performed the wonderfully upbeat production “Thoroughly Modern Millie.” Complete with song, dance, tappers and flappers, the story revolves around Millie Dilmount who arrives in New York to make it as a new woman, “a modern!” Along the way, Millie encounters some unforgettable characters: the sinister rooming house proprietor Mrs. Meers – “sad to be all alone in the world,” the sweet and demure Dorothy Brown, and paper clip salesman Jimmy Smith who becomes the love of her life. “Thoroughly Modern Millie” is best remembered for its 1967 musical film version starring Julie Andrews as Millie, Mary Tyler Moore as Dorothy, Beatrice Lillie as Mrs. Meers, and John Gavin as Jimmy. Directed by George Roy Hill, it was later adapted for Broadway, premiering in 2002 at the Marquis Theatre. West Hollow's production, which ran Nov. 30-Dec. 1, was directed by art
teacher/drama director Matthew Petrucci. The cast members included: Julia Paz and Cayla Werner as Millie, Vishal Nyayapathi as Jimmy, Marley Jacobson as Mrs. Meers, Jeremy Erdheim as Trevor Graydon III, Samantha Lao as Dorothy, Benjamin Keschner as Ching Ho, Brianna Serra as Bun Foo, and Ashley Gomerman as Miss Flannery.
The Meaning Of Thanksgiving After Long Islanders weathered the storm that was Hurricane Sandy, the Half Hollow Hills community pulled together to lend helping hands to one another, as well as the areas most devastated. During the brief period prior to the Nov. 22 Thanksgiving holiday, several Hills schools initiated fundraising efforts to be continued through December. Annual events and activities scheduled during the storm period were canceled in the school district, but students applied their creative energy, adding a positive spin to benefit families in need within the community and beyond.
Thank You!
Kudos to the Half Hollow Hills Transportation Department for all they do throughout the school year. Their designated day of appreciation was Nov. 20.
THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 6, 2012 • A13
A14 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 6, 2012
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NEW CRYPTOQUIP BOOKS 3 & 4! Send $3.50 for one book or $6.00 for both (check/m.o.) to Cryptoquip Classics Books 3 and 4, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475
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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 6, 2012 • A15
TOWN OF HUNTINGTON
Game On For Billiards Retailer Huntington Businesses By Mike Koehler mkoehler@longislandernews.com
Century Billiards and Game Room does most of its business in the tri-state area, but their expertise and legacy has also landed them clients like actor Chevy Chase and the Venetian Las Vegas Casino, Hotel and Resort. Founded in the Bowery neighborhood of New York City in the 1870s, James Grimaldi is the fifth generation to work in the family business. Almost a century and a half from their humble beginnings, he said Century is one of the best in the industry. “I know there are tough times going on in the economy, but I’m hitting home runs. My competitors are going out of business, so we’re obviously doing something right,” Grimaldi said. Located along Jericho Turnpike in East Northport, Century Billiards and Game Rooms sells, installs and maintains pool tables, foosball tables, air hockey tables, table tennis surfaces, slot machines, dartboards, arcade games, pinball machines and even shuffleboards. But when the company founded as Century Billiards Table Corporation in New York City, the family business made its mark fixing and selling pre-owned pool tables. The company has grown over
Half Hollow Hills photo/Mike Koehler
Spotlight On
the years, but billiards tables remain the crux of their business. Between the designs, materials and structures available for pool tables, Grimaldi said “the sky is the limit” on the number of possible models. That includes commercial, antique and aluminum outdoor tables. These tables can also come in sizes ranging from 6 to 12 feet long, depending on the available space. At the very end, Grimaldi said the price tag can range from $2,000$60,000. The family claims they’ve retained the centuries-old techniques and teachings, unlike other businesses. And not only do they rely on that experience to build and sell the tables, but they also offer professional installation and maintenance of tables weighing 700-1,200 pounds. Century Billiards staff will scout customer sites in advance, but Grimaldi said most homes or venues simply do not have enough clearance in doorways to navigate with a complete pool table. Instead, his crews spend up to four hours attaching the legs, laying the slate perfectly even and stapling the upholstery. “There’s really an art to assembling a pool table,” he said. The family has introduced other traditional pool hall games like foosball, air hockey and dartboards along the way, but it wasn’t until the fifth generation that arcade games joined their selection. Grimaldi said he added pinball machines, arcade games and golf simulators about 10 years ago after seeing pool halls in other parts of the country with them, but never on Long Island. “We never carried pinball. There was always a demand, but it was kind of pricy,” he said, adding that customers and
Robert Grimaldi, the fourth generation of family in the business, poses on one of many pool tables at Century Billiards and Game Room. suppliers agreed. Grimaldi said Stern Pinball is the only company making pinball machines these days, with each carrying a price tag of $5,695. He said his company is able to showcase the machines on the floor, while his competition can’t afford to. “Good luck trying to find one you can play before buying,” he said. But there’s been no shortage of business, even despite a minor slowdown in the wake of Superstorm Sandy. Homeowners flock to Century Billiards to supply their own game rooms. Grimaldi said they are popular with customers building “man caves,” families getting to know their children’s friends, and billiards aficionados. The hottest trend, he added, is matching game room sets. “I have a client who purchased a pool table a year ago and his wife wanted an air hockey table. When you look at air
hockey tables, they look like arcade machines, so he said no way,” he said. They’ve since made custom furniture to make them match. Visiting more than 25,000 households since the 1870s, Century Billiards now sells or repairs products at almost 1,000 households a year. The family largely eschews advertising for repeat business and word-of-mouth referrals. “We definitely get a lot of repeat business. Sometimes it’s within a year. Other times its seven years later. We always get our tables back,” he said.
Century Billiards and Game Room 1969 Jericho Turnpike, East Northport 631-462-6655 www.centurybilliards.com
Tree removal could be complete by Dec. 21 (Continued from page A1)
and the town is waiting on a second reimbursement from the organization. FEMA estimated that damages to the town were four times as extensive as when Tropical Storm Irene ripped through last year. After the debris is collected, Naughton said it is processed and disposed of at one of five locations, including a park in Dix Hills and another off of Oakwood Road. Naughton said that while the department has received many calls from homeowners asking when their block will be tended to, residents have exhibited patience with the town’s cleanup process.
Although residents can hire private tree-removal companies, some don’t want to shell out the dough. South Huntington resident Rosanna Ponturo said she did not tend to the fallen trees on her property until last week because she was waiting for insurers to make an estimate. She paid gardeners to cut up the trunk of a 100-foot tree that fell on her property, and considered paying the extra $500 for them to remove the debris from her property completely. “I was going to pay the gardeners, but then I saw other people were just putting them at the end of the curb and I figured,
why should I pay?” Ponturo said. The highway superintendent said that there is a process involved in removing an abundance of trees in one area, and that in order to be most effective it doesn’t necessarily pay to send all of the trucks to take on one street at a time. “We are basically all over town, because you can’t just go down first to one neighborhood with all of your equipment, you have to spread everything out so it all works efficiently so we get good results,” Naughton said. “The next step is to get as much as we can get to make the operation efficient.”
The next phase of cleanup will comprise of assessing and identifying tree stumps that pose a hazard or need to be uprooted or removed. Naughton said that stage has already begun, and is a separate issue in itself that is also expected to be completed by the Friday before Christmas. “We’ve never had a storm like this. In the 25 years that I’ve been here, we’ve always done the best we could…. The end of the tunnel is getting closer,” he said. Residents interested in tracking debris-clean up progress can visit http://tohhighway.com/debris-cleanup-map/.
Huntington Hospital gets ‘C’ on report card (Continued from page A1)
to “serious blood infections…or can cause death.” On the CLABI measure, Huntington scored 0.86, when the average hospital scored 0.55. Other hospitals studied on Long Island include St. Catherine’s of Siena Medical Center in Smithtown and John T. Mather Hospital in Port Jefferson, which scored “A”s Brookhaven Memorial Hospital Medical Center in Patchogue, which scored a “B,” and North Shore University Hospital of Plainview and North Shore Syosset Hospital, which like Huntington, scored “C”s. Huntington Hospital’s Director of Public Affairs Julie Robinson-Tingue said de-
spite Leapfrog’s safety designation, hospital staff takes pride in their establishment as one with one of the best records on Long Island for “several kinds of hospital infections.” “Other ratings organizations, such as HealthGrades, the American Stroke Association, the Joint Commission and U.S. News and World Report, have come to very different conclusions by recognizing Huntington Hospital for exceptional quality and safety. We respect the work of these agencies and take every report very seriously. We are attempting to verify the accuracy of Leapfrog’s conclusion,” Robinson-Tingue wrote. While the Leapfrog study revealed less
than outstanding safety marks for Huntington, reports published by other outlets praise the health care facility. U.S. News and World Report recognized Huntington Hospital as the No. 7 hospital in New York in 2013. The hospital was ranked No. 43 in gastroenterology, No. 44 in ear, nose & throat operations and No. 50 in geriatrics, and was designated as “high-performing” in cancer, gynecology, neurology & neurosurgery, pulmonology, diabetes & endocrinology, nephrology, orthopedics and urology. Patient satisfaction was measured at 71 percent, when the average New York state hospital received a 64 percent satisfaction rating. Robinson-Tingue said the hospital
plans to collaborate with other healthcare experts to continue facilitating optimal services to their patients. “Huntington’s leadership continues its dedication to ongoing quality improvement, and have partnered with national and international quality experts, such as the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, to engage in ongoing work,” she said. Mobley said the Leapfrog study does not discount other organizations’ accreditation of the hospital; rather, she attributes discrepancies in scoring to the distinctly different areas of study. Leapfrog, she said, strictly assessed safety measures of the hospital, rather than looking at quality of services or patient satisfaction.
C L A S S I F I E D S
A16 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 6, 2012
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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 6, 2012 • A17
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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
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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 6, 2012 • A19
HillSPORTS BOYS BASKETBALL
Colts Take Chemistry From Class To Court Mitarritona said 2012 season will focus on defense and player growth Photo by Felice Kristall
By Jacqueline Birzon jbirzon@longislandernews.com
The Half Hollow Hills West boys varsity basketball team has always been a force to be reckoned with. In the last five years, the Colts have won three out of five county championships and two out of the three last Long Island Championships they’ve qualified for. Head Coach Bill Mitaritonna said this year, the game plan is no different. “The chemistry is excellent so far; I’m excited about that. It’s key to our season. The kids don’t like the way last season ended, so we’re looking forward to playing with a more competitive drive, and the goal is to get better each day which will help us down the road,” the coach said. The team’s 16-4 record in 2011 got them to the playoffs, and despite their upset against Lindenhurst, Mitaritonna said their loss last season was “a blip on the radar.” Many familiar faces will grace the basketball court of Hills West this winter, including four team captains Terry Harris, Marcus Solomon, Jamir Blackman and Neneyo Mate-Kole. This year, Harris returns as a starting point guard, and the coach said he will probably end up as the leading scorer for the Colts. The coach added that Harris, a junior, is an “unselfish” player who is an
The Colts have been successful on the basketball court in recent years, and they don’t plan on slowing down any time soon. amazing distributor with the basketball, and hands-down a prospect for Division I college ball. Solomon, a senior forward, is the team’s strongest on-the-ball defender, said the coach. Coupled with Blackman at guard, the two are a coach’s defensive dream. Blackman, a senior, is one of the fastest players on the island, Mitaritonna said, and gives his teammates that boost of en-
ergy needed to score on a fast break. Mate-Kole, a senior center, was out after playing just two games last winter due to a knee injury. Mate-Kole, the coach said, is probably the Colts’ top inside defender and possibly the team’s best inside scorer. Ross Greenfield, a junior, is a powerful starting forward who proved himself last season by working harder than anyone
else, his coach said. “He’s really a great role model for younger players, to show them that the weight room is important and working on the game in and off season is also important,” Mitaritonna said. Other returning players include seniors Tyrell Ryan, a center, who offers strong defensive and offensive attributes, along with Steven Gurin, one of “the best shooters we’ve had at Hills West,” who is coming off of injury. The team has a total of 15 players, nine of which are returning players. During the first week of scrimmages, the team played North Babylon, Sachem East, and Kings Park. According to Assistant Coach Steve Atkinson, the team had a great dynamic on the court, which served as an indication about where the season is heading. “Our defense worked well. We’re still learning how to play together, but if you have good chemistry you can teach them. If they’re willing to learn you can teach them what you want to do. Our style of defense is a lot different than how everybody else plays,” Mitaritonna said. “That’s really what our motto is – “We control today”… We don’t look at it [less competitive teams] any differently.” Hills West scrimmaged Wyandanch on Dec. 4 and Amityville on Dec, 7. Their first league game, a home game, is slated for Dec. 13 on at 4 p.m. against Bellport.
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Young Lady Colts Have High Expectations jbirzon@longislandernews.com
With three scrimmages and one nonleague game under their belt, the girls of the Half Hollow Hills West varsity basketball team have their riding boots ready, with Coach Stefanie Mouzakes holding tight to the reins. The team’s non-league loss against Sayville was a tough way to start the season, but according to Mouzakes, it gave players a good idea about what the team can handle and where there is room for improvement. “It [Sayville] was an incredibly hardfought game for us, and I think it’s going to be the beginning of a very good season,” the coach said. “I’m excited about what this group is going to bring together.” A majority of players are new to the team, including an eighth-grader, two freshmen, and three sophomores. Despite their young age, the new girls exhibit a great deal of enthusiasm and potential going into the winter season. The Colts’ most valuable player from 2011, senior guard/forward Sydney Sodine, is the cornerstone of the team. “We look to build around her, and I’m excited for her because I think she’ll have much more of a supporting cast who will
do a lot more, and she won’t have to do it all,” Mouzakes said. Also returning to the lineup is starting point guard Brittany Hodge, a sophomore who was pulled up halfway through last year’s season. Hodge is the second-highest scorer next to Sodine, and this young lady brings an exciting element to the team. Junior guard/forward starter Jenna Marinis is particularly talented in rebound shots, whereas senior forward Julia DiMaria is just starting out and has already proven to be a self-motivator who encourages her teammates to dedicate themselves 100 percent during practices, the coach said. Eighth-grade starting forward Maya Dodson has proven to be a fast learner on the court, and the coach said she’s done a “great job picking up the physicality” of participating in a varsity level sport. Fellow eighth-grader Tori Harris, a guard, is fluent in shooting, and even in her novice role on the team exhibits a great understanding of the game. Alyse McAlpine, a freshman guard, is an offensive asset along with sophomore twins Arianna and Olicia Sabatino. Mouzakes said the Colts will look to utilize girls on and off the bench this season, as each of her players market different strengths during game time.
Photo by Felice Kristall
By Jacqueline Birzon
Sydney Sodine is the conerstone of the team. Rounding out the lineup are guards Alanna Campo, Dani DeSabato, Joanie Mackey, and forward/center Samantha Pierre-Louis. “I’m confident they are all going to be major contributors in some way throughout the season in helping the team reach some goals and be successful,” Mouzakes said. “We have a lot of speed, athletic kids, and I think they’re going to cause havoc on defense, and in turn promote our offense. I
think last year we weren’t able to do it, but this year we have some tools to work with. I think they’re excited this year. We have one of those teams where I know any one of those kids can go out there and give me something.” The Lady Colts will scrimmage Wyandanch on Dec. 5, Stony Brook on Dec. 7 and Smithtown on Dec. 10. They are scheduled to have their first league game on Dec. 13 at 6 p.m. at Bellport.
A20 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 6, 2012
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