HALF HOLLOW HILLS Copyright © 2013 Long Islander Newspapers, LLC
Online at www.LongIslanderNews.com
N E W S P A P E R
VOLUME FIFTEEN, ISSUE 40
20 PAGES
THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2013
DIX HILLS MELVILLE
By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandernews.com
Opponents of a settlement that would have brought rental units to an affordable housing community in Melville hit the phones earlier this month to stall it. On Monday, however, housing advocates returned the favor in a push to get it approved. A post on the Huntington Township Housing Coalition’s Facebook page urged followers to flood the phone lines at Supervisor Frank Petrone’s office Monday in support of The Sanctuary, a 117-unit affordable housing offset for The Greens at Half Hollow senior development. “We’ve been reaching out to as many people as we can, and I understand they are responding. We want this thing put back on the table and voted on,” Richard Koubek, president of the Huntington Township Coalition, said. “We’re really going to keep the pressure on.” A resolution to settle the lawsuit brought by the Huntington NAACP was pulled from the Aug. 13 town board agenda after civic leaders raised objections over the fact that units would be rentals as opposed to being for-sale units. The settlement plan called for 77 one-bedroom, 34 two-bedroom and six three-bedroom affordable rental units. “Opposition to this settlement from Dix Hills civic groups caused Supervisor [Frank] Petrone, on Aug. 13, to pull the resolution to approve the settlement before the town board so that he can meet with these opponents. According to a press report, the opponents ‘lit up the phones at town hall’ after they learned about the proposed settlement,” the coalition’s Facebook message reads. “Now we, supporters of affordable rental housing, must light up the phones at town hall.” The settlement also called for offering occupancy preferences to honorably discharged veterans with wartime service, handicapped applicants and (Continued on page A12)
Hills Grads ‘Train’ For NYC Short film on millennial generation’s dream named finalist in festival Half Hollow Hills photo/Jacqueline Birzon
Sanctuary Supporters Mobilize
By Jacqueline Birzon jbirzon@longislandernews.com
Two Dix Hills natives have been waiting for a one-way train ticket (preferably offpeak) to New York City for years, a dream they share with many other suburban 20somethings. But now Corey Cohen and Brett Kohan have their sights set on the penthouse suite after that dream inspired a short film called “City Bound,” which was selected as a finalist in an independent film competition, the second annual New York Television Festival Comedy Central Pilot Competition, in April. In his comedy short, creator Cohen epitomized a popular conundrum of the millennial generation, comprising mainly of young adults born between 1980 and 2000. The 24-year-old found himself in the “City Bound” struggle many others in his generation face: trying to find a balance between parental expectations and reality when it comes to career choices and becoming an (Continued on page A12)
Dix Hills natives Brett Kohan and Corey Cohen, pictured at the Huntington train station, have scripted, directed and produced “City Bound,” a comedic short about most 20-somethings’ dream of getting off Long Island and into the city.
TOWN OF HUNTINGTON
Long Islander Newspapers Sold
Meet Long Islander Newspapers new publisher, Huntington’s James V. Kelly, seated, flanked by Associate Publisher Peter Sloggatt and Editor Luann Dallojacono.
A historic newspaper chain has found a new home in the hands of community members with a love for its history, reputation and potential. Long Islander Newspapers, LLC – publishers of The LongIslander, its flagship paper founded in 1838 by the poet Walt Whitman; the Half Hollow Hills Newspaper and The Record newspaper – has been purchased by a group of investors, all of whom are Town of Huntington residents. Heading the investment group is businessman James V. Kelly, of Huntington, CEO of JVKellyGroup, Inc. “I am thrilled to lead this group of investors in acquiring Huntington’s top newspaper group,” Kelly, who now carries the title of publisher and CEO of Long Islander Newspapers, said. “The team at Long Islander Newspapers every week delivers on its promise of putting out a top-quality, reli-
able, unbiased and accurate product. We look forward to continuing that tradition of excellence, as well as to embarking on what will be an exciting time as we implement new ideas and explore the almost limitless possibilities the digital age offers for the continued expansion and growth of the company.” One of Huntington’s oldest businesses, The Long-Islander carries with it a rich history and longstanding tradition of journalistic excellence. Continuing its 175th year, it is now the flagship paper of a townwide chain that includes The Record, serving Northport, East Northport, Elwood, Asharoken, Eaton’s Neck and Commack; and The Half Hollow Hills Newspaper, for the Dix Hills and Melville communities. In addition to its community weeklies, Long Island Newspapers is the founder and (Continued on page A12)
IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION
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COMMACK ROAD American Community Bank ANC Food The Everything Bagel Deli Beer Smoke
100 Commack Rd, Commack 134 Commack Rd, Commack 217 Commack Rd, Commack 223 Commack Rd, Commack
JERICHO TURNPIKE Commack Lucille Roberts New York Sports Club The Cutting Edge Hair Design Mozzarello’s Pizza Stop & Shop Bagel Boss Dix Hills Diner The Critic’s Choice Deli Stop & Shop Desi Bazar Brooklyn Pizza Ruby Salon Dunkin’ Donuts Roy’s Deli Golden Coach Diner Bagel USA
6534 Jericho Tpke, Commack 6136 Jericho Tpke, Commack 6065 Jericho Tpke, Commack 1957 E Jericho Tpke, East Northport 3126 Jericho Tpke, East Northport 1941 Jericho Tkpe, Commack 1800 E jericho Tpke, Dix Hills 1153A E Jericho Tpke, Huntington Station 1100 E Jericho Tpke, Huntington Station 905 E Jericho Tpke, Huntington Station 881 E Jericho Tpke, Huntington Station 822 East Jericho Tpke, Huntington Station 795 East Jericho Tpke, Huntington Station 669 East Jericho Tpke, Huntington Station 350 W Jericho Tpke, Huntington Station 573 W. Jericho Tpke, Huntington Station
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580 Deer Park Ave, Dix Hills 1350-35 Deer Park Ave, North Babylon
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OLD COUNTRY ROAD/SWEET HOLLOW ROAD Dix Hills Hot Bagels 703 Old Country Road, Dix Hills Half Hollow Hills Library 510 Sweet Hollow Road, Melville ROUTE 110/BROADHOLLOW ROAD Deli Beer Cigar Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station Dunkin Donuts 281 Walt Whitman Rd, Huntington Station Berry Healthy Cafe 350 Walt Whitman Rd, Huntington Station Marios Pizza 1 Schwab Rd #17, Melville International Haircutters 439 Walt Whitman Rd, Melville Bethpage Fed’l Credit Union 722 Walt Whitman Road, Melville Roast 827 Walt Whitman Rd, Melville PIDGEON HILL RD South Huntington Library HAUPPAUGE RD Commack Public Library VANDERBILT PKY Half Hollow Hills Library
145 Pidgeon Hill Road, Huntington Station 18 Happauge Rd, Commack 55 Vanderbilt Pky, Dix Hills
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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • AUGUST 29, 2013 • A3
DIX HILLS MELVILLE
Can Your Photo ‘Best’ Another’s?
By Jacqueline Birzon
jbirzon@longislandernews.com
Photo/White House
Pictured just above President Obama’s left shoulder is Hills East graduate Robert Abrams, who was one of a select few students at Binghamton University to hear the President speak on his college affordability plan. By Robert Abrams info@longislandernews.com
Friday was a historic day at the State University of New York at Binghamton. President Barack Obama held a town hall meeting on campus as part of a bus tour to promote his college affordability plan. I was lucky enough to take part in this prestigious event, in an audience of approximately 200 students, faculty and media members. The President’s arrival had everyone on campus excited. Hundreds of people lined the sides of the street to cheer his bus as it made its arrival. There were also many protestors jeering the President’s stance on hydro-fracking in New York State. When it was time for the President to begin his speech, students and faculty made their way into the small auditorium where the speech was held amid tight security. The buzz was all over campus, as students gathered in dorms where there were live feeds for the many viewing parties. Obama spoke on the current compelling issue of college costs and his administration’s plan to keep higher education affordable for American students. His discussion centered on making college attendance available to all while helping students complete college without amassing tens of thousands of dollars in debt. The President pointed out that while a higher education is a necessary investment for all young people, the average student graduates with over $26,000 in debt. Since 1983, there has been a 257-percent increase in the cost of public fouryear college tuitions, and only a 16percent increase in typical family income, Obama said, adding that this vast difference has made it increasingly difficult for families to afford college. This fact was one of the primary reasons I selected Binghamton as my college choice. President Obama hopes reducing student debt will help the future economy and prevent obtaining a higher education from becoming a luxury for the well-to-do. Robert Abrams, of Melville, is a current freshman at Binghamton University and a 2013 graduate of Half Hollow Hills High School East.
Planted on a beach in Puerto Rico last February, Brandon Bonomo envisioned a future that would promise many more vacations just like that one. Now, the 15-year-old Half Hollow Hills High School East student might have figured out how to do it. Outside the confines of the classroom, Bonomo and his best friend, Tommy Oliveri, 15, came up with an idea they hope will pay off. They have developed a photo-sharing application for Apple products called “Best It.” “It all happened really quickly. It was a spur-of-the-moment kind of thing,” Bonomo said. The smart-phone savvy pair said the idea came about after researching similar products on the market. Extremely high in popularity, especially among teens and young adults in the millennial generation, photo-sharing applications allow users to “like” images or mark them as favorites. Oliveri and Bonomo decided to turn up the heat with their idea of what the perfect photosharing software should be, by adding a little competition and incentive-driven usage to the mix. “We looked at other similar apps, and we saw there were so many ways to be different,” Oliveri said.
“It’s such a general, vague idea,” Bonomo said of similar applications. “Ours is so different and... people like to take on competition; it’s human nature.” Essentially, the free application allows users to follow different categories of interest, such as “nature,” “cars,” or “sports,” and a competition for the best photo is generated within each topic. The photo which receives the most “best” designations, or is most popular to users, is featured on the application for a short period of time, allowing everyone who visits the board to see the “best” picture. The application also allows friends to create their own topic network, only allowing photosharing between approved members, such as a sports team or a group of friends, the young entrepreneurs said. After trying to land a domestic software developer, the pair first pitched the idea to some tech-savvy students at their high school, but failed to sell anyone on the idea for the long term. They then turned to local industry developers, whose asking price exceeded their means by twofold, to the tune of $50,000. After hitting a wall with American companies, Bonomo, Oliveri and classmate Spencer Stein, 15, who the pair described as a “smart, ideas man,” looked into potential overseas developers who could help materialize their invention.
Tommy Oliveri and Brandon Bonomo, both 15, are the brains behind the Best It iPhone application, set to launch in September. Spencer Stein, the CFO of the company, is not pictured. The trio secured a contract with Ukraine-based NI Tekna, a technology development company that agreed to develop the Best It software for just under $20,000. With the help of their parents, several investors and after pooling their own resources, the three high school juniors formed a limited liability company and entered into a contract with the Ukranian developer. Since February, Bonomo said he has been in touch with
Darko, the Best It software developer in the Ukraine, collaborating and brainstorming ideas for the anticipated mid-September launch of the application. “The idea could have easily gone downhill, but we persisted... It’s not a bad feeling, it gives you a sense of accomplishment,” Bonomo said. “We learned you don’t have to wait, and it’s cool that we did it as kids.” “A lot of people underestimate what kids can do,” Oliveri added.
DIX HILLS
Dix Hills Girl’s Light Shines In Newtown By Jacqueline Birzon jbirzon@longislandernews.com
You can program an iPad to do many things, but Nova Shek was born with a pre-installed heart of gold. The 12-year-old from Dix Hills traveled to Newtown, Conn. earlier this month to present the Hockley family, who lost their son Dylan in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, with two iPads in their son’s memory. Dylan Hockley was 6 years old when a gunman took his life on Dec. 14, 2012. Hockley, a student at Sandy Hook, was diagnosed with autism at an early age. Anne Marie Murphy, his special needs aide at school, died with Hockley in her arms that same day trying to protect her student. To honor Hockley’s memory as well as Murphy’s, Shek raised money by making and selling chocolate lollipops in the shape of a puzzle piece, the Autism Speaks symbol. The profits were used to donate two iPads, each with protective covers the color purple (Hockley’s favorite), as well as a $100 iTunes gift card to the Hockley family. Shek met with Hockley’s father, Ian, and the family’s oldest son, Jake, at a general store in Newtown to present the family with the technology, especially useful for those with special needs. One iPad was engraved with Dylan’s name as well as a butterfly, the symbol for the Dylan Hockley foundation. The sec-
Tina and Nova Shek of Dix Hills met with Ian and Jake Hockley in Newtown, Conn., nearly nine months after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. The Hockley family lost their son, Dylan, in the tragic Dec. 14, 2012 incident. ond iPad was donated in Murphy’s name, decorated with three hearts to symbolize her own, Hockley’s and the other children
who died in her classroom that day. Inspired by the progress her younger brother Zen, who is also on the autism spectrum, made with the iPad software, Shek wanted to help other children with autism who may not have the resources to afford one. Costly applications – some range from $150-$300 – available for download on the iPad can be instrumental in a child’s ability to learn and communicate, Nova Shek’s mother, Tina Shek explained. She saw how her son, Zen, took to the technology. For instance, when a child has limited verbal skills, he or she can use the iPad to express what they want, whether by the push of a button or a swipe of the finger. The two iPads will be donated to Head Meadow Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., while the other will go to Sandy Hook Elementary School at its new location. Nova Shek, a rising seventh-grader at Candlewood Middle School, was recently recognized by the President’s Council of Service office for completing over 100 hours of community service; received the Generation On Excellence in Leadership and Presidential Gold Service Awards for her work in the community and Autism Speaks; and will be featured in a White House blog in the coming months, her mother said. Her lollipop fundraiser will continue, as the 12-year-old plans to keep donating iPads to schools and agencies in need.
Half Hollow Hills photo/ Jacqueline Birzon
Hills Grad In Audience For Hills East juniors preparing to launch smartphone app next month Obama Speech
A4 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • AUGUST 29, 2013
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POLICE REPORT Compiled by Danny Schrafel
Clean Up Your Mess! Signed, sealed, delivered… Now, William Wal-
So Much For The White Picket Fences
Chain reaction… I’m not sure if this is a genera-
ter at the Huntington Beautification Council is going tional thing or if it’s just that to get after you all about this in the technology and social IN THE KNOW November, but Aunt Rosie here media weren’t around when WITH AUNT ROSIE is going to try to make my I was a kid, but wow, our isfriend’s job a little easier when sue this week shed light on the time comes. You see, every year, Mr. Walter writes some incredibly talented and to us and begs political candidates to clean up their focused young people! From two 20-somethings lookwayward campaign signs after the election. Here’s my ing to make a profit on their lack of direction to a 10suggestion to our candidates: Instead of wasting your year-old girl who raises money to donate iPads to spesigns by sticking them on the Northern State Parkway, cial needs programs through an online lollipop why not work a little harder to get them on your supfundraiser – I’m truly blown away! While people may porters’ front lawns? Clusters of campaign signs on say some negative things about the millennial generathe highway feel like a weird, plasticky invasive tion and their reliance on technology, it’s really quite species to me – not too attractive, a little concerning amazing to think of where these ideas will take them and about as likely to make me vote for you as the down the road. And, if their stories get out and inspire glossy campaign mailers in my trash can. You know others to take a leap of faith, imagine where it will alwhat impresses me? Seeing my neighbors put signs so take them! out on their lawns. This year, with such a red-hot campaign, I’m sure more people are ready, willing Still the best… just a little later than expected. and able to step up than ever before. Money is nice Unfortunately our annual “Best Of” issue, which was and campaigning at supermarkets is great, but when supposed to come out Aug. 29, has been postponed. you put your favorite candidate’s name on your front The bad news is that you’ll have to wait a little bit lawn in big letters – now, that’s devotion! longer to read about what your neighbors think is “the best” in town. The good news is that you have a Seasonal sipping… After three months of getting little more time to send in your thoughts! We won’t spoiled with this beautiful weather, I can’t keep up be accepting the snail mail versions of our submiswith all this excitement about the fall! I’ve enjoyed sion sheets any more, but you can always send an nursing chilly iced coffees this summer, but when is email to info@longislandernews.com (make sure it time for people to stop giving me weird looks when your subject line says “Best Of Huntington”, or it I start sipping hot coffee? I will be sad to end my will get lost in the digital black hole of the inbox!). seasonal tradition, but as they say, when one door Tell us what you think is the best, from beach to closes another door opens and with fall comes so Bolognese, and we’ll print it! A few categories we’d much to be excited about (other than hot coffee and like to see more entries for include: best burger, best pumpkin-flavored things). The fall brings the Huntcar care service, best cocktail, best local band, best ington Awareness Day parade in Huntington Station, gym, best view, best burger and best cup of coffee. then Cow Harbor Day in Northport, followed by East Northport’s Festival, Huntington’s Fall Festival in (Aunt Rosie wants to hear from you! If you have October, and who can forget, our own Dine Huntingcomments, ideas, or tips about what’s happening in ton Restaurant Week! While temperatures start to your neck of the woods, write to me today and let me drop, things are always heating up in our town, right know the latest. To contact me, drop a line to Aunt in our own backyard. Before you know it, Santa will Rosie, c/o The Long-Islander, 149 Main Street, Huntbe coming down Main Street on the Northport Fire ington NY 11743. Or try the e-mail at aunt.rosieli@gmail.com) Department’s sleigh… PICTURE THIS
Suffolk police responded to a Dix Hills home at 11 p.m. Aug. 22 following reports of criminal mischief. A fence at an April Avenue home was damaged. A fence was also damaged at an Aldus Place home at 10:38 p.m. on Aug. 21.
A Friendly Reminder To Lock Your Doors Suffolk County police rushed to a Huntington Station home at 11:30 a.m. Aug. 23 following reports of a burglary. Money, a tablet, keys and a backpack were stolen from the East 13th Street home. The home was unlocked.
Fore!
Suffolk County police are investigating reports of criminal mischief at a West Hills auto shop at 3:20 a.m. Aug. 22. A window on a 2013 Volkswagen Golf was broken.
He Came In Through The Bathroom Window Suffolk County police are investigating a Huntington Station burglary that was reported at 7:30 a.m. Aug. 19. Jewelry and money were stolen from a Huntington Station home. The burglar is believed to have entered the home through a bathroom window.
Those Must Have Been Some Kicks Police are seeking the person who held up a person at gunpoint at 10:45 p.m. Aug. 22 in East Northport. Police said a man was walking on 4th Avenue in East Northport when two pairs of sneakers were stolen from the complainant at gunpoint.
Bandit Breaks In Through Window Suffolk police are investigating a home burglary in Fort Salonga that occurred at 12:45 p.m. Aug. 21. Police said the suspect entered the Greentree Court home through a window and stole jewelry, an iPod and an iPad.
To ‘Infiniti’ And Beyond Police are investigating an incident of criminal mischief that occurred on Aug. 21 at 10 a.m. in Greenlawn. A window was broken on a 1998 Infiniti.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK TOMMY OLIVERI
Two Face Drug Rap Two men are facing major drug charges after being busted last Tuesday in Melville. Michael Meurer, of Miller Place, and Joselito Colon, of Mastic Beach, were arrested in Melville Aug. 20 on drug charges, according to Suffolk County police. Meurer was charged with counts of operating as a major drug trafficker and first-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, while Colon faces charges of second-degree conspiracy and first-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance for possessing eight or more ounces of narcotics. Meurer and Colon were scheduled to be arraigned Monday in First District Court in Central Islip. A police spokesman said the arrests are part of a confidential investigation, and that no further information was available.
“A lot of people underestimate what kids can do.”
While doing some investigating for Long Islander Newspapers’ “Best Of ” issue, intern Katie Schubauer got some hands-on experience at Rosa’s pizzeria in Huntington village.
Can Your Photo ‘Best’ Another’s?, PAGE A3
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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • AUGUST 29, 2013 • A5
TOWN OF HUNTINGTON
Shopowners Not Banking On Plan Strip mall tenants unhappy with plan to level building for 2,550 square-foot bank Half Hollow Hills photo/Danny Schrafel
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Mozzarella's Pizza owner Tom Magden and fellow shop owners in this East Northport strip mall on Jericho Turnpike are unhappy with plans to level the building and build a bank in its place. By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandernews.com
Less than a week after it opened the doors on its one-time controversial Huntington village location, TD Bank is making moves toward another location in the township. But unlike the Huntington village proposal, the neighbors won’t be the source of opposition. This time, it’s the shop owners in the strip mall that will be leveled to make way for the bank. This most recent proposal is to replace a standalone Elwood strip mall at 1941 Jericho Turnpike near Elwood Road, which currently contains a TCBY yogurt shop, a Chinese restaurant, Off The Hook seafood, a nail salon, a liquor store and a party center. The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) on Aug. 15 awarded a special use permit, a previously-awarded depth extension and a sign variance to allow TD Bank to replace the 14,125 square-foot, ninestorefront strip mall with a new 2,550square-foot bank with three drivethrough stalls. Attorney Keith Brown, who represented TD Bank at the ZBA meeting, said the new bank would be a less-intense use than the current strip mall and create 28 additional parking spaces in the shopping center parking lot. “You can’t get a more benign use than a bank,” Brown said. The property owner has spoken to the tenants and informed them that a TD Bank will be built, Brown said. But some of the shop owners who will
be tossed out are unhappy with the plans. Tony and Ann Lee, who have run Cozy Nail & Spa at 1953 Jericho Turnpike for the last eight years, aren’t looking forward to relocating. “I don’t want to move – to stay here is better,” Tony Lee said. “You need to take another permit and we need to spend a lot of money and time.” Tom Magden, owner of Mozzarella’s Pizza for the last seven years at 1957 Jericho Turnpike, alleged the landlord, BLDG Management, has kept tenants in the dark. He said he found out about the ZBA approving TD’s permits not from his landlord, but by watching the hearing on TV. “Basically, they want us to get out of here. They don’t want to pay us anything. It’s going to be a mess,” he said. “I just want them to relocate me, take me out of here and put me into another building. Nobody’s happy here.” BLDG representatives could not be reached by press time. Extensive plantings, including an estimated 320 shrubs, 60 evergreens and nine deciduous trees, would “substantially buffer” the rear of the property which abuts homes, Brown said. Resident Robert Ferrari, who lives right behind the proposed TD Bank site, said his neighbors agree the bank would be “a major improvement.” “We totally support this. The only thing I’m concerned about is where the garbage dump is going to be,” Ferrari said. ZBA Chairman Chris Modelewski said those concerns would be handled by the town’s planning department at a future hearing.
A6 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • AUGUST 29, 2013
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TOWN OF HUNTINGTON
Getting Rid Of That Pesky Plant Some residents begin tearing out bamboo with new law set to kick in Photo by Daniel Wlazlo
By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandernews.com
When Veronique Stravato and her husband Daniel Wlazlo bought the corner home on Park Avenue and Endicott Drive in Huntington last December, a sizable grove of bamboo came along with it. “We loved it,” Stravato said. But a few months later, they decided to part ways with their bamboo after learning of a town law coming on the books that requires residents to keep existing samples of running bamboo contained on their property and prohibits the future planting of it. Her landscaper clear-cut the grove, which was at one point 30 feet tall, and left it to dry on the lawn before cutting it up and bundling it for disposal. They then dug out the rhizomes from which bamboo grows. The couple is still spending a few hours each weekend cutting down new growth and digging out the pesky, everspreading rhizomes. Stravato estimates the exercise has doubled her landscaping bill for the year, but she did it because she believes it’s the best way to comply with the new bamboo law, for which a six-month grace period expires in mid-October. “There was no way to prove we had an adequate barrier to contain it because of the shape of our property,” she said. Councilwoman Susan Berland, who sponsored three different versions of bam-
Veronique Stravato and her husband cut down a large bamboo grove on their Huntington property to comply with the town’s new bamboo law, which goes into effect in mid-October. boo regulations before getting her colleagues’ support to pass it in April, said a majority of residents she’s talked to are following Stravato’s lead, even though the law does not mandate removal. “I haven’t really talked to anybody who said they want to put in the barrier. Most people want to get rid of it because it’s ruining their homes,” Berland said.
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Once the law goes into effect in midOctober, homeowners who allow bamboo to grow into a neighbor’s property will face a $250-$500 fine. Intentionally planting specimens classified by the code as running bamboo carries a $1,000 fine. Typically, it takes a year and a half to essentially eradicate running bamboo, said Steve Greenspan, a horticulturist
with BambooRemoval.com, which has an office in Huntington Station. “Whatever you dig out now, there’s some sort of aftershock in the following spring,” Greenspan said. With his company, there is no additional charge for aftershock cleanup. It can be especially labor-intensive, he added, because bamboo often grows into tight, confined spaces in backyards and landscaped areas. “With pools, patios and decks, they need to do it adroitly with skill so you’re not destroying everything,” he said. Bamboo can be especially pervasive – Greenspan said he’s looking at one case with four houses in a row suffering extensive contamination – and powerful enough to penetrate 4 inches of concrete. “It’s like a nightmare,” he said. Meanwhile, it’s a nightmare that East Northport’ Phyllis Hussain has finally conquered – after 12 years of hacking, digging, cutting and pulling. “This is the first year it’s completely eradicated – so it took me that long. This was after the neighbors who moved in cut it down [about halfway through]. It took that long… I used every tool, every implement in the shed,” Hussain said. Now with piles of dried bamboo on her front lawn – some of it cut, some of it still strewn out – Stravato said passersby are helping her family dispose of the remnants. “People seem very interested in [having] the cut pieces,” she said.
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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • AUGUST 29, 2013 • A7
TOWN OF HUNTINGTON
Town: LIPA Records Left Us In Dark By Jacqueline Birzon jbirzon@longislandernews.com
The Long Island Power Authority has forced a blackout in court. Attorneys representing the Town of Huntington in a lawsuit against the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) are challenging the information in documents they requested from LIPA, saying the utility handed over records with approximately 90 percent of the information redacted. Outside counsel hired to represent the town in the lawsuit, Poughkeepsie-based attorneys Lewis & Greer, P.C., requested
A Note From Long Islander News Thank you to all who wrote to weigh in for our annual “Best Of Huntington” LIfe edition. Although the issue was scheduled to hit newsstands on Aug. 29, we have had to postpone its publication. But don’t worry – your guide to Huntington’s favorite spots will appear soon! In the meantime, feel free to add to our list by emailing info@longislandernews.com. Be sure to include “Best Of” in the subject line.
that LIPA provide records containing information pertaining to construction costs for the Caithness Energy, LLC power plant in Yaphank, a project that was completed and began operating in August 2009. Lou Lewis, the attorney representing the town, said the documents are indirectly related to a pending tax certiorari case in which LIPA is requesting a 90-percent reduction in the assessed value of the Northport Power Plant. The plant is currently valued at $3 billion, town spokesman A.J. Carter said. While LIPA provided a copy of the Power Purchase Agreement between the company and Caithness as well as monthly construction information, the materials were “heavily redacted,” according to court documents. The town’s legal counsel requested in court that LIPA “promptly produce un-redacted copies of documents” and that Judge Patrick Leis III annul LIPA’s denial for un-redacted copies. According to court documents, Caithness Long Island was selected in 2004 to construct the 350-megawatt natural-gasfired, combined cycle power generating facility. Legal documents allege the project required “1.1 million man hours at a cost of over $100 million in payroll and benefit costs” and a total reported cost of $1.49 billion, citing a 2010 newspaper report in the filing. “These [documents] are of interest in terms of valuing the Northport [plant] because the reported cost of that Caithness plant is $4 million a megawatt… We’re trying to see if that’s accurate because if it is, then it would suggest that the cost of replicating Northport could be
$6 billion,” Lewis said. Carter said the value of a power plant is determined by looking at the cost of new construction on a per-megawatt basis while also taking into account the scope of deprecation over time, referring to the Northport plant. “Our contention is we can support the numbers for the current assessment of the plant, but to help prove the town’s case, it’s important that we get this information from LIPA, and… they’re dragging their feet in providing it,” Carter said. “We feel their reasons for denial [of un-redacted
documents] are arbitrary and capricious.” LIPA spokesman Mark Gross did not return calls for comment by press time. Lewis said the case was adjourned on Wednesday and is due back in front of a judge Oct. 7. A bond rating report released by Fitch Ratings noted that utility firms, such as LIPA, “stabilize the largest taxpayers and represent 11 percent of the town’s tax base,” the overwhelming majority of which comes from payment by the Northport plant, the town spokesman added.
A8 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • AUGUST 29, 2013
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Opinion
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The Editor nd letters to: , Half Holl o 145 E. Ma w Hills Newspaper, in Street, Huntingto n, New Y or email us ork 11743 at info@long islanderne ws.com
‘Not the types set up by the printer return their impression, the meaning, the main concern.’
#HereWeCome If Walt Whitman had a Twitter account, his successful businessman whose clients innext Tweet surely would be: “OMG! News- clude some of the world’s largest companies, paper sold. That’s my baby! In good hands. Kelly also has deep roots in the community. #YOLO #Breakingnews #Icouldgetusedtoth- Like Whitman, he embraces the newest isdigitalthing” trends and technologies, and plans to bring Long Islander Newspapers – publishers of the newspapers into the 21st century. The Long-Islander, founded in 1838 by the What will not change, Kelly promises, is great poet Walt Whitman; Half Hollow Hills Long Islander Newspapers’ commitment to Newspaper, and The Record newspaper, and fair, accurate and unbiased reporting, and its several legal publications – has commitment to the community. been sold, and with that sale You will see many changes as our comes the answer to the question EDITORIAL news group rides into the digital many of our readers have been age, armed with the proper tools asking for some time now: When are you go- and a game plan that will propel our compaing to get with the digital age? ny forward while keeping our historical The answer is now. roots. Had you asked us that question before, our We have often wondered what our flagship answer was, “When we know we can do it paper’s founder would think about this, and right.” we have decided he would be the first to The time is now. board the airplane to “the cloud”. Whitman Embracing the digital age is just one of loved technology and modernism – he was many new directions Long Islander Newspa- one of the most photographed individuals of pers will take under the direction of our new his era, the dawn of photography. publisher, James V. Kelly, CEO of JVKellyAnd with that, we look forward to a historic Group, Inc. and resident of Huntington. A undertaking for this great news group.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
We All Have Dreams DEAR EDITOR: This week, as I watch the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King’s March on Washington, it has given me the opportunity to reflect on the progress we’ve made in our country. While I recognize that there are still many things to do to ensure that everyone has the same opportunities to get a great education and a good job, to buy a house in a safe neighborhood, and raise a family in a great town like Huntington, as a candidate in 2013 running for office, it is a tribute to all of us that residents are not focused on the color of my skin; they are asking my ideas to make their lives and the lives of their children and grandchildren better. Now, that is progress! When you take a step back and read the “I have a dream speech,” you remember that we all have the same goals: “All Men (and women) would be guaranteed the inalienable rights to life, liberty, and freedom” and “We're in this together,” rather than “You're on
your own.” The differences should be about how you get there. My goal in this election season and beyond is to keep focused on doing what is best for the community and everyone who lives here. That is the end game. Huntington is a great town and this week is a good reminder for me, and I hope to others, that all of our dreams are achievable when we all work together. TRACEY EDWARDS Dix Hills Editor’s note: The author is running for Huntington town board.
Huntington Leadership: Too Big For Its Britches? DEAR EDITOR: [The below] email was originally sent to [Highway Superintendent] Mr. Naughton and [Town Supervisor] Mr. Petrone on June 24 with no response after three follow-ups. Did I expect to hear back directly from these gentlemen? No, but I did expect a response from a staff member.
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Serving the communities of: Dix Hills, Melville and the Half Hollow Hills Central School District. Founded in 1996 by James Koutsis Copyright © 2013 by Long Islander Newspapers, publishers of The Long-Islander, The Record 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.
Their decision to ignore a simple request is a sign that Huntington’s political leaders feel they are bigger than the members of the community they were elected to support. This is evidenced by the fact that every park sign has these politicians’ names on it; every highway department project signage has the superintendent’s name on it. Why is this? Are they implying some type of benevolence, that if it was not for them we would not have parks or road work completed, etc.? Most of the parks and roads, etc., were here before them, and when they are gone, the parks will still be around and the roads will still get paved. Perhaps instead of taking the time and taxpayer money to paste their names everywhere, they should take some time and taxpayer money to respond to concerned citizens’ questions about valid issues. Have our local politicians become too big for the britches? If so, perhaps it’s time for term limits. The text of the email is as follows, with the subject “Little Neck rd.”: “After a heavy rain last week gravel washed off the eastern em-
bankment on the curve heading North up Little Neck Rd below Morahapa Rd and my son’s car slid on the bend. This runoff was caused by a few large stumps being left behind after Sandy clean up. During conversations with neighbors at the CPYC we found that at least three people knew of cars sliding on the gravel. I walked passed this area yesterday and it appeared that one of the stumps may have actually slid towards the road. I shoveled a good amount of gravel and few large rocks back onto the hill but this is a dangerous situation. We have many seniors driving that road to the facility at the beach as well as many younger and speeding drivers going back and forth from the beach, etc. I also noticed 3 large branches covering the side walk on the west side of the road; all appear to be left over from Sandy. I pulled these back up onto the embankment. Please advise if the Town has any plans to address this issue.” MICHAEL MAYER Centerport
No Text Is Worth Dying DEAR EDITOR: As residents prepare to return to school, squeeze in last minute summer vacations and get back to the frenetic pace of our lives, I would like to remind everyone that texting while driving or talking on your cell phone without a hands-free device can be deadly! Frequently, I see drivers racing around town, talking, texting and driving while distracted. These people are often oblivious to the danger they are causing and the risks they are taking with their lives and the lives of those around them. Last year, I worked with my colleagues in the Suffolk County
James V. Kelly Publisher/CEO
WILLIAM R. SPENCER Suffolk Legislator, 18th LD
Peter Sloggatt Associate Publisher/Managing Editor
Luann Dallojacono Editor Danny Schrafel Jacqueline Birzon Reporters
Legislature, AT&T and the Harborfields School District to create “Don’t Text and Drive Awareness Day” which falls on Sept. 19 of every year. This awareness campaign includes the very popular assembly program that the Suffolk County Department of Health Services created. This educational assembly provides high school students with information about the dangers of texting while driving in an interesting, proactive and frank way. At the end of the assembly, all participants are asked to take the pledge to not text and drive. Students are also encouraged to talk to their friends and family about the issue. There is much we can do as a community to protect ourselves and loved ones: • Be alert and never text or talk on a cell phone without a handsfree device while driving. • Visit one of these websites to take a pledge to never text while driving: www.itcanwait.com, www.nophonezonepledge.org, or www.donttextdrive.com. • Encourage your friends and family to take the pledge with you. • Download an app for your phone that responds to incoming texts and calls by alerting the sender that you are driving and will respond once you are out from behind the steering wheel. • Spread the word! My office, AT&T and County Executive Steve Bellone will be sounding the alarm about this issue. Remember that no text is worth dying for, “It Can Wait!” Enjoy the rest of your summer and feel free to contact my office if you would like to join the movement to increase awareness about the dangers of texting and talking on the phone while driving.
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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • AUGUST 29, 2013 • A9
Life&Style PERFORMING ARTS
Hot Fall Lineup At Dix Hills Arts Center The Dix Hills Center for the Performing Arts has put together an exciting schedule of fall entertainment events, ranging from a Marylyn Michaels return to a gala benefit and tribute to the music of Stevie Wonder, with a few theater productions in between. “The 2013 fall season is the most ambitious schedule of entertainment we have offered so far. There’s something fun for everyone in the family, at great prices, close to home,” said Sandy Hinden, the center’s executive director. In addition to tribute concerts and big bands, the fall lineup includes a horn ensemble, a guitar festival, and jazz shows. In addition, the Five Towns College Theater Department will stage productions of “Rabbit Hole” and “How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.” The full schedule is as follows: On Sept. 7 at 7:30 p.m., catch “The Bandits Pay Tribute to Bob Dylan and the Band,” featuring Norman Vincent backed by The Bandits. Tickets are $25-$35. On Sept. 8 at 2 p.m., Karen Oberlin salutes Broadway. Hear the renowned cabaret vocalist sing showstoppers. Tickets are $20. On Sept. 15 at 2 p.m. is “Lady Sings the Blues,” a Billie Holiday tribute featuring Tierney Ryan and her Band. Hear classic blues such as “Fine and Mellow” and many others by the extraordinary vocalist Tierney Ryan. Tickets are $20. On Sept. 20 at 7:30 p.m., hear a superfresh take on the music of a pop legend in “A Musical Tribute to Stevie Wonder,” a benefit concert performed by Five Towns College performers. Tickets are $20. On Sept. 21 at 7:30 p.m., Marilyn Michaels, America’s “premier woman of 1,000 faces and voices,” is back by popular demand. Experience Marilyn and her vast character library from Barbra Streisand
Marilyn Michaels is a highlight of the Dix Hills Performing Arts Center’s fall schedule. She returns with her “1,000 faces and voices” on Sept. 21. and Joan Rivers to Diane Keaton, Sarah Palin and more. Tickets are $35-$60. On Sept. 22 at 7:30 p.m., learn about “The Frank Sinatra You Never Knew,” a laugh and learn lecture performance by Mel Glazer, a remarkable raconteur. Tickets are $20. On Sept. 28 at 7:30 p.m., horns take the stage in “Horn Power Tribute to Tower of Power, Steely Dan and More with Uppercut.” Hear an evening in tribute to the best of live horn-led ensembles with a ninepiece high-energy funk-rock and rhythm and blues band. Tickets are $25-$35. On Oct. 5 at 7:30 p.m., enjoy something different with “An Evening of Irish Music with Ed Ryan.” Tickets are $20-$35. On Oct. 6 at 2 p.m.: “Bellens & Picon’s Musical Kaleidoscope of ’60s & ’70s Songs” will bring to the stage new and updated versions of classic tunes by The Beach Boys, Marvin Gaye and many others with Barbara Bellens and Raphael Picon.
Tickets are $20. It’s time for some theatrics Oct. 17-19 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 20 at 2 p.m., when “Rabbit Hole,” winner of the 1997 Pulitzer Prize for drama and nominated for multiple Tony Awards, takes the stage. Tickets are $15 general admission, $10 for seniors, and free for students. The annual Guitar Festival begins Oct. 23 at 7:30 p.m. with “A Night of Alhambra.” The artists of Alhambra Guitars present an evening of exotic and diverse guitar music that aficionados and fans alike will enjoy. Tickets are $15 general admission, $10 for seniors, and free for students. The festival continues Oct. 25 at 7:30 p.m. with “An Evening with Guitar Master Bucky Pizzarelli,” as Five Towns College awards this jazz guitar legend with an honorary Doctor of Music Arts degree. Tickets are $15 general admission, $10 for seniors, and free for students. On Oct. 26 at 7:30 p.m., the Guitar Festival presents “Guitars On Fire 3” with guitar masters Joe Carbone and Peter Rogine, and a Five Towns College guitar alumni reunion. While showcasing faculty talent, guest alumni artists including Professor John Kelly, Professor Stephen Gleason, Professor Tony Romano, Dr. Steve Briody and many others will be honored. Tickets are $15 general admission, $10 for seniors, and free for students. The festival concludes on Oct. 27 at 2 p.m. with “The Flirtation Concerto” with composer-guitarist Anton del Forno and the Gemini Youth Orchestra and the Five Towns College Chamber Ensemble. A groundbreaking composition for guitar is performed as a collaborative event under the direction of Professor Matthew Pierce. Tickets are $15 general admission, $10 for seniors, and free for students. On Nov. 1 at 7:30 p.m., enjoy a “Tribute
to Jazz Piano” featuring renowned jazz pianist Onaje Allan Gumbs with Five Towns College piano greats from around the country and world. Tickets are $10. Beatles fans can go to town on Nov. 2 at 7:30 p.m., when the John Lennon Center presents The Liverpool Shuffle, a unique and authentic presentation of the most popular songbook of all-time. Tickets are $20$35. On Nov. 8 at 7:30 p.m., Steve Perrillo and The New Millennium Jazz Band present new arrangements of standard Jazz tunes with exciting big-band chart toppers, including classic vocal renditions and tunes from the Frank Sinatra and Michael Buble songbooks. Tickets are $20. Neil Diamond fans, get ready for a tribute concert on Nov. 9 at 7:30 p.m. with Diamond One Hot Night. Hear this 10-piece band recreate the stages of Neil Diamond’s legendary career. Tickets are $20-$35. On Nov. 10 at 2 p.m., enjoy “It’s A Good Day, A Tribute to Miss Peggy Lee with Stacy Sullivan,” as vocalist Stacy Sullivan takes the audience on a journey of discovery through the extraordinary musical legacy of Peggy Lee. Tickets are $20. The season closes on Nov. 21 with the musical “How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying.” Directed by Five Towns College Professor Marie Danvers, with music and lyrics by the incomparable Frank Loesser, this production of the Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning Broadway musical promises to leave you smiling and humming the tunes. Tickets are $18 general admission and $15 for seniors and students. The Dix Hills Performing Arts Center at Five Towns College is located at 305 North Service Road in Dix Hills. For more information, contact the box office at 631-6562148 or visit www.DHPAC.org.
ART
Exclusive Dr. Seuss Exhibit At Northport Gallery By Angela Pradhan info@longislandernews.com
Art enthusiasts and Dr. Seuss fans alike will love the new exhibit at LaMantia Gallery in Northport. Open to all ages, the exhibit features pieces that haven’t been open to the public before. LaMantia has been in business for 25 years and was voted the no. 1 gallery in the nation for retail excellence by Décor Magazine. It was chosen as the only art gallery on Long Island to showcase “The Secrets of the Deep Art Exhibition,” a series of Seuss estate-authorized works adapted from original drawings, paintings and sculpture by Theodor Seuss Geisel, known to the world as Dr. Seuss. The exhibit features works with familiar characters like “The Cat in the Hat,” but also other never-before-seen characters and little-known private works. The pieces range and vary as much as the characters in Dr. Seuss’ books. According gallery co-owner Robert Bluver, Dr. Seuss drew and illustrated private pieces while also publishing artwork
in his books. After he died in 1991, the celebrated author’s wife, Audrey, released the book “The Secret Art of Dr. Seuss.” The book features paintings, drawings and photographs from the author’s private life. Bluver said this is a must-see exhibit for fans of Dr. Seuss. It celebrates the Independent Book Publisher’s 2011 awardwinning book, “Dr. Seuss’s Secrets of the Deep: The Lost, Forgotten, and Hidden Works of Theodor Seuss Geisel.” “[Dr. Seuss’] work is completely unique, [and he’s] an iconic figure,” Bluver said. The gallery is also featuring a timeline storyboard on Dr. Seuss’ history and inspiration. Bluver hopes to make the Dr. Seuss exhibit available year-round. Bluver describes the guest’s reactions to the exhibit so far as very positive. “People walk [in] with smiles...in utter awe, and it absolutely blows people away,” he said. The exhibit officially opened on Aug. 17. The gallery is located at 127 Main St. in Northport. For more information, call 631-754-8419.
A Northport gallery is home to an exhibit that offers an insider’s view of little-known private works by Dr. Seuss, above. Some drawings have never before been available to the public.
A10 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • AUGUST 29, 2013
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DINEHUNTINGTON.COM
Jonathan’s: They Just Do It Better By Jackie and Luann foodie@longislandernews.com
Step one: Picture yourself in culinary paradise. Step two: Trust Jonathan’s Ristorante in Huntington to take you there. Mapping uncharted dining territory in the village of Huntington, the exceptional quality of food at Jonathan’s is the backbone of the restaurant’s reputation as a culinary stronghold. Owner Roberto Ornato’s investment into his Wall Street restaurant speaks volumes, not only in the quality and selection of food, but also the restaurant’s selection of wine, its earned the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence every year since 2004. If you need help choosing, the staff will surely guide you in the right direction, away from the typical merlots and cabernets and instead towards something exotic and satisfying. But back to the food. Our recent visit started with the Insalata con Alici Siciliane ($10), and we were amazed by how far Executive Chef Tito Onofre can stretch the limits of a simple salad. The colorful dish features a medley of mild Sicilian white anchovies, red and green cucumbers, watermelon radish and onion, drizzled with mustard vinaigrette dressing. Jonathan’s General Manager Alex Vergara explains the beauty of the salad perfectly. “It stands out. Salads often revolve around arugula, while this salad revolves around anything but,” he said. Next up was the Tartare di Tonno ($16), a beautifully plated antipasti of raw Yellow Fin tuna served over avocado salad, a bed of thinly sliced cucumber and a fresh wasabi drizzle. The fresh tuna pairs well with the mashed and savory avocado salad, which finds just the right balance of smooth and chunky textures. It is served with housemade potato chips that are all
too easy to gobble down. The menu focuses on European and Northern Italian flavors. While the chef adapts the menu to each season, he has found that some staples must stay on the menu based on customer demand. The Agnolotti di Zucca ($19) is one of those dishes, and with good reason. The thin layers of pumpkin ravioli, lightly smothered in a butter, sage sauce, shaved parmigiano cheese and dusted with crumbled amaretto cookie, is the upscale version of comfort food, no matter what season it is. Jonathan’s procures ingredients from a number of trusted, top-quality vendors, and lucky for us, the mozzarella di bufala was in stock the night of our visit. The appetizer ($14) features the cheese, made from the milk of buffalo cows, and comes with marinated mushrooms, eggplant, roasted tomato and a tasty balsamic reduction is a simple yet complex. Even the simple Speck e Parmigiano ($14), comprised of smoked prosciutto, parmigiano and marinated artichokes, shines. Each component of the dish is carefully prepared in isolation to bring out the different flavors in each. Having said that, it is amazing what Chef Onofre can do with an artichoke! We were sure to save room for the artful Black Linguini ($23) pasta dish. A hint of spice dances on the edge of your tongue, tempting you to take another bite of the savory squid ink linguini, topped with tiger shrimp and a spicy San Marzano tomato sauce. Similarly, the Risotto al Funghi ($20) is one of the best in town. As the sea of dishes on our table grew and grew, amazingly so did our appetite. Onofre’s passion for food and the meals he prepares for customers at Jonathan’s resonates in every bite, and that held true especially in the Maiale con Vegetali
Jonathan’s Executive Chef Tito Onofre sits with his famous pork chop and other dishes, cooked to perfection with passion and served at Jonathan’s in Huntington. Tartufati ($32) – an outstanding double-cut pork chop. Onofre’s “baby,” this dish features a thick (and we mean thick) and tender cut of meat, perfectly cooked cipollini onions, Tuscan potatoes, sautéed artichokes and truffle oil. From the specials menu, we had the honor of sinking our teeth into Jonathan’s evenly seared sea scallops ($32), topped with a bed of baby artichokes, baby arugula, haricot vert and pesto. My, my my, scallops have never tasted (or looked) so good. The Branzino Limone e Capperi ($29) certainly does the fish justice. The boneless, but otherwise whole fish, is served in a light but flavorful lemon, caper and white wine sauce and plated alongside rosemary roasted potatoes. After seeing what Onofre can do on a hot stove, we highly recommend you save room for dessert. The homemade maple mascarpone cheesecake, the brioche bread pudding with caramel sauce and the chocolate cake are all prepared in house, and they’re flawless. The smooth and perfectly creamy texture of the cheesecake is unlike any other we’ve had – it’s almost too light to be cheesecake as we know it. With its maple flavor, it is the ideal merger of breakfast and dessert. The flourless chocolate cake is smooth, rich and decadent. Jonathan’s Ristorante’s elegant and unassuming atmosphere is extremely inviting, and is conducive to either a casual or upscale lunch or dinner gathering.
The Insalata con Alici Siciliane is cool and refreshing. “Everything has to work together. The kitchen, the front, the bar, everything. Above all, I want them to have a good time at the table,” Vergara said. And have a good time at the table you will. The staff is well trained, eager to please, the food will keep your taste buds singing, and the stellar wines will keep your mood high.
Jonathan’s Ristorante 15 Wall St., Huntington village 631-549-0055 Cuisine: Northern Italian/European Atmosphere: Elegant and inviting Price range: Moderate-Expensive Hours: Lunch: Mon.-Sat. noon-3 p.m.; Dinner: Mon.-Thurs. 5-10 p.m.; Fri.Sat. 5-10:30 p.m.; Sun. 4-9 p.m.
HUNTINGTON
Color Takes Off At Butterfly Zoo By Jacqueline Birzon jbirzon@longislandernews.com
The butterflies are back in town, but not for long. The Butterfly Zoo at Main Street Nursery has an exotic and colorful collection of butterflies in a fun, free exhibit open to the public until Labor Day. The 15-year tradition of the seasonal Butterfly Zoo opens every year after the Fourth of July and features butterflies that are shipped overnight from Florida. Each butterfly costs $5 a pop, plus the shipping, making the free community attraction a bit of a business expense for the Huntington nursery. According to General Manager Amy LoMele the dainty, delicate insects are shipped in wax envelopes — but never
crushed — in a semi-conscious state for most of the trip, a process carefully governed by U.S. Department of Agriculture standards. Once they arrive in Huntington, they are revived with a sweet concoction of water mixed and sugar. “They’re shipped in a wax paper envelope that’s refrigerated and cold,” assistant Chris Habermaas said. “When we let them out, we put out a piece of paper towel, add sugar water and they eat it, and just come out and fly,” she said, adding that the delicate creatures are always “well cared for” and “never abused.” “People love it. They call months before, sometimes as early as February, to ask about it,” LoMele said, adding that kids and adults have a shared excitement for the seasonal display.
People come from all over Long Island to see the zoo, the manager said of the exhibit. The zoo, set in the middle of the picturesque nursery and carefully netted to keep the critters contained, contains milkweed, parsley, mint and passion vine – plants butterflies are fond of munching on to provide them with sustenance. Species featured this year include the Zebra Long Wing, Julia’s, Spice Bush Swallow Tails, Monarchs, Yellow Sulfurs and Painted Ladies. Once the zoo closes up for the season, the nursery opens a free fall exhibit called the “Boo Zoo,” which runs from mid-September through Nov. 1, featuring festive ghoul, gaunt and hay rides, Mele said.
A beautiful Spice Bush Swallow Tail sips pollen from a plant at the Butterfly Zoo Tuesday.
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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • AUGUST 29, 2013 • A11
Side Dish www.facebook.com/dinehuntington
DINEHUNTINGTON.COM CANTERBURY ALES CLOSES: By now you may have heard the shocking news from the Huntington village restaurant scene – in a blast email sent Monday, Aug. 26, Canterbury Ales owner Billy Hoest announced that the restaurant and pub has closed after 36 and a half years. Hoest said economic conditions of the last few years and a “multitude of other factors” contributed to the decision to close. Over the 28 years he’s owned it, Billy’s seen it all, he writes, and now, the restaurant faces something he hadn’t ever expected – a sudden, unexpected farewell. “I thank you all for the support you have given Canterbury's over the years, most of them good ones. I apologize for not personally saying goodbye and saying thank you to each and every one of you,” he writes. Godspeed to everyone at Canterbury Ales, and thanks for being a Huntington institution all this time, from all of us. NUTS FOR NUTELLA: Nutella lovers may very well be blazing a trail directly to Doppio Artisan Bistro (24 Clinton Ave., Huntington 631-923-1515 http://doppiohuntington.com) after they hear about their Nutella Pastry Loaf. It’s amazing stuff, a pizza-shaped confection of doughy pastry topped with a thick coat of the famous hazelnut spread, sliced bananas and
Doppio’s decadent Nutella Pastry Loaf “pizza” is a perfect dessert for sharing. fresh raspberries. It’s just the right amount of finger-licking sweetness and it’s perfect for sharing – a regular sized loaf ($18) is perfect for three or four. Smaller party? Don’t deprive yourself – opt for the smaller version ($12). WELCOME BACK ALBERT: By the time you read this, Albert’s Mandarin Gourmet (269 New York Ave., Huntington 631-673-8188) should be back open for business. Raymond and Albert, who have been in business for 30 years closed from Aug. 5-25 to revamp their kitchen and dining room. With that comes an announcement that they will add a sushi bar to the restaurant as they continue their commitment to serving the best gourmet Chinese food on Long Island, the owners note.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
Donation $90 per person For information and reservations, please call Chabad at (631) 385-2424 or online at www.chabadofhuntington.com
A12 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • AUGUST 29, 2013
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HUNTINGTON OPEN HOUSES Want to get your open houses listed? Get your listings for free on this page every week in the Long Islander Newspapers. Call Associate Publisher Peter Sloggatt at 631-427-7000 or send an e-mail to psloggatt@longislandernews.com.
MELVILLE
Town Huntington Sta Northport E. Northport Northport Fort Salonga Huntington Huntington Sta Huntington Melville
Address 27 Monaton Dr 14 Clipper Dr 20 Vine Ln 105 Laurel Ave 48 Brookfield Rd 86 Sammis St 176 Lodge Ave 25 Woodlot Ln 20 Louis Dr
Beds Baths Price 3 2 $399,000 4 4 $899,000 4 2 $549,000 3 2 $549,000 4 3 $749,900 4 3 $499,900 4 3 $519,000 4 3 $529,500 4 4 $1,249,000
Taxes Date $10,824 8/29 $11,324 8/30 $10,580 8/31 $5,076 8/31 $16,020 8/31 $9,555 9/1 $13,574 9/1 $15,071 9/1 $26,322 9/1
Time 12pm-2pm 12pm-2pm 2pm-4pm 1pm-3pm 2pm-4pm 2:30pm-3:30pm 1:00pm-3:00pm 2:30pm-4:30pm 12pm-3pm
Broker Coldwell Banker Residential Coldwell Banker Residential Coach Real Estate Assoc Inc Coach Real Estate Assoc Inc Coach Real Estate Assoc Inc Douglas Elliman Real Estate Coach Real Estate Assoc Inc Coldwell Banker Residential Douglas Elliman Real Estate
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Hills grads’ film a festival finalist (Continued from page A1)
independent, self-sufficient provider. “I think for our generation, everyone was sort of brought up to believe they could be anything or do anything, which all sort of leads a lot of people onto these paths [looking for] a dream job,” Cohen said. “I guess with our parental motivation set so high… actually meeting those realities when you’re not in that sort of contained environment [like in high school] is interesting.” “City Bound” essentially demystifies and pokes fun at the state of limbo that many 20somethings find themselves in after graduating college with a bachelor’s degree but without the financial means – or sometimes, the employment – to move out of their parent’s basement and become self-sufficient adults. Rather than “mope” about his predicament, Cohen said, he decided to film a short parody poking fun at the situation. “I think it sets you up for some failure, but… I see the humor in it, because the ex-
pectations versus reality are so separate. Even now living in Brooklyn, I’m living in a shoebox with no window,” Cohen added. After graduating college in 2010 and moving out to Los Angeles, Calif. to explore creative screenwriting, Cohen, a Half Hollow Hills High School West graduate, returned to his native Long Island to explore the east coast industry’s flavor. One year ago, Cohen paired up with 23year-old High School West and Boston University graduate Kohan, who has a wealth of knowledge on the production end of the business. Kohan, fresh out of college last May, jumped on board with the project right away. Always in tune with the television industry, he said he had limited real-world experience with production, despite several internships in college, but nothing compared to the scale of responsibilities that came along with producing “City Bound.” After two months of writing, scripting and crunching numbers to determine costs
Newspaper group sold (Continued from page A1)
organizer of Dine Huntington Restaurant Week, held every October. The company also publishes for the legal community in the Long Island/NY Metro area markets through its Legal Media Publishing division. Kelly purchased the news group from Tribco, LLC, the parent company of several newspapers, including the Queens Tribune. Michael Schenkler, president of Tribco, had served as publisher of Long Islander Newspapers since 2006. As head of JVKellyGroup, a consulting firm that provides cost reduction and risk mitigation solutions for some of the world’s largest companies, Kelly brings to the newspaper group business skills and experience honed in the global marketplace. He was formerly Managing Director and Global Head of Purchasing Operations at Deutsche Bank, and previously, a Team Leader in the Center of Excellence for Business-to-Business eCommerce as part of the Sourcing and Strategic Relations practice area at Deloitte & Touche Consulting Group/DRT Systems. Kelly, his son James Kelly III and Ross Weber recently launched Market Salad, a multi-faceted marketing company that
incorporates digital-age strategies with traditional advertising approaches. Kelly served as the chairman of the board of the Huntington Chamber from 20052009, and is universally credited with securing the fiscal stability of the organization. He was reinstated as a co-chair in June as the chamber transitions to a new chairman. Kelly also serves as Vice Commodore of the Huntington Yacht Club and a board member of the Huntington Arts Council. “We’re excited by the resources that Jim Kelly and his group bring to the table,” said Long Islander Newspapers Associate Publisher Peter Sloggatt. “Jim is a savvy businessman on a global level, but has a demonstrated and strong commitment to his community. We’re looking forward to becoming tech-savvy and digitally adept in a way that would make Walt Whitman proud.” The newspapers will continue to be a strong presence in the Town of Huntington, retaining all of present staff members. The offices will move to 145 E. Main St. in Huntington at this week’s end. The phone number, 631-427-7000, and all email addresses, including the general info@longislandernews.com, will remain the same.
for their low-budget endeavor, Cohen and Kohan held a casting audition. They said more than 200 people tried out. They then found locations for filming including a bar, a used car lot and a comedy club, secured a cameraman to help film, and tied up all other loose ends “almost without a hitch.” “City Bound” was chosen as one of the top 25 entries out of hundreds of independent films that were also submitted, Cohen and Kohan said. Cohen, who moved to Brooklyn last
month, joked he is now in “phase two” of the process—his sights are still glued to the Big Apple prize, but he hasn’t quite gotten there, yet. The pair will debut their short at the New York Television Festival in Manhattan Oct. 21-26, when they hope to attract industry innovators to their next project, a movie. The “City Bound” duo plan to write, direct and produce “Road Rally,” a film based on raunchy high school scavenger hunts that many seniors on Long Island participate in, the two explained.
Sanctuary support (Continued from page A1)
existing Town of Huntington residents. Meanwhile, Peter Florey, a principal of the D&F Development Group which pitched the project, said despite fears that their option to buy the land expired on Aug. 16, they were able to hammer out a last-minute contract extension to carry them through the end of the year. So far, Florey’s firm has invested more than $150,000 and seven months in the project. “We’re kind of doubled-down now. We’re watching what happens with the court and hoping that there is some kind of a settlement,” he said. “I just felt badly for those who really are seeking this
type of housing, especially veterans.” The Huntington Fair Housing Committee and the Huntington NAACP sued the town in March 2011, alleging a previous plan for 122 one-bedroom units was discriminatory against families with children. The Fair Housing Committee withdrew from the suit earlier this summer. Town spokesman A.J. Carter said Petrone is working with both sides to reach a conclusion. “There are questions raised from the community,” Carter said. “What’s probably going to happen between now and the next town board meeting is there are going to be some meetings that will hopefully address those concerns.”
DIX HILLS
FD: Check That Car Seat! Residents can have their infant and child car seats and booster seats inspected by the Dix Hills Fire District for free through the department’s Car Seat Inspection Program. Legislator Steve Stern and Assistant District Manager George Fleites, pictured, remind families that the vast majority of car seats are improperly installed. Free inspections are available Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.2:30 p.m. Call the fire department at 631-499-8836, ext. 137 to schedule an appointment.
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TOWN OF HUNTINGTON
A Sip Of Sweet Success Tea lounge establishing downtown roots Half Hollow Hills photos/ Danny Schrafel
Owner Nicole Basso and staff member Marissa Stawkowski take a moment at the counter in Sip Tea Lounge Sunday afternoon in Huntington.
Spotlight On
Huntington Businesses By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandernews.com
Halesite’s Nicole Basso, the owner of Sip Tea Lounge in Huntington village, emerged as a tea drinker in a coffee-lover’s household. Raised in an Italian household, her grandfather drank “pots and pots” of percolator coffee every day. The whole family routinely drank coffee and espresso every night. Everyone, that is, except for her grandmother. She had a nightly cup of Tetley, Lipton or Red Rose tea. Initially, Basso wasn’t a big fan. “She would have her late-night tea,” Basso said. “Most times, I would be like, ‘No, I really don’t want any of that.’ She would ask me every night…. I had tea as a kid and with her, but it wasn’t a passion at that point.” That would change in college. Initially her tea drinking was out of necessity during all-nighters, and it opened the door to what would become her livelihood. “Sometimes I would have coffee, but I drank a lot more tea,” she said. “It kind of grew from there.” Basso opened Sip in January with hopes of bringing the tea lounges she experienced while living in and around San Francisco back home to Huntington. Here, many customers buy a pot of tea and sit and sip either at the counter or at tables in the cozy storefront, much of it dressed in reclaimed materials. “There are tea lounges everywhere in San Francisco,” she said. “It’s just relaxing. Sometimes it’s not even about the tea… Sometimes it’s just about taking a break and slowing down.” Basso had the benefit of opening a business with some name recognition in the tea market. Through her company The Tea Plant, she has been selling online and at local farmers markets since 2009. Her local clientele helped her determine there was a market for a tea lounge.
In addition to pots of tea served in the shop, Sip offers accessories and loose tea to be taken home. “A lot of our business originally came from our existing customer base and people who knew us in the community,” she said of her initial shop visitors. At Sip, she offers a variety of teas, many hailing from China, Japan, India and Sri Lanka, as well as herbal tea blends. Basso noted she has a particular fondness for Japanese teas. She also sells a variety of tea accessories, including infusers, pots, loose teas, mugs and bowls, along with cookies, pastries, tea sandwiches and other munchies. Basso noted the shop is becoming known for its weekly pies, and she’s working hard to keep up with demand. “It’s been going really well – slowly and steadily getting more customers and people telling other people,” she said.
Sip Tea Lounge 286C New York Avenue, Huntington 631-683-5777 siptealoungeny.com
THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • AUGUST 29, 2013 • A13
A14 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • AUGUST 29, 2013 THURSDAY Ferragosto Trip
Join the Northport-based Perry Como Sons of Italy Lodge on Sept. 8 in a trip to Ferragosto on Arthur Avenue in the Bronx. Meet at St. Philip Neri Parish Center at 9 a.m. to board the bus. Members $30/Non-members $35. Call Rosemarie and Ralph at 631-368-7782.
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Calendar O M M U N I T Y
Touching Up On The Torah
Looking to brush up on your Torah knowledge? The Chai Center, 501 Vanderbilt Parkway, Dix Hills will hold weekly discussions concerning Torah views through a contemporary lens. The discussions take place Thursday evenings from 7-8 p.m. 631-351-8672. www.thechaicenter.com.
THEATER and FILM Cinema Arts Centre
423 Park Ave., Huntington. www.cinemaartscentre.org. 631-423-7611. • An electrifying portrait of Morton Downey Jr., the “Father of Trash Television,” “Évocateur” screens with Huntington-born filmmaker Jeremy Newberger in the Real to Reel: Documentary Film Series on Thursday, Aug. 29 at 7:30 p.m. $10 members/$15 public. • The Barr Sinister Jazz Group performs on Friday, Aug. 30 at 10 p.m. $12 members/$15 public.
FRIDAY Bring In The Fest
Love the color red and enjoy living it up? The Red Hat women are looking for new members who enjoy going places and making new friends. Their motto: Fun, Frolic and Friendship. 631-271-6470 or flarpp@yahoo.com.
SATURDAY Israel: The Center Of Jewish Life?
Herb London, noted educator, social critic and author, speaks at the Dix Hills Jewish Center on Aug. 31, 9 p.m. The title of his talk is: “Israel: The Center of Jewish Life? Is support for Israel waning among American Jews?” For more information call the DHJC office at 631-499-6644.
The Jewish State
A Selichot lecture will be held on Aug. 31, 9:30 p.m. at Huntington Jewish Center, 510 Park Ave., Huntington. The speaker is Shahar Azani, a senior official serving at the Israeli Consulate General in New York as consul for media affairs. His topic is “The Jewish State – Looking at the Year Ahead – an Insider’s View.”
Huntington Station Awareness Day
Support one of Huntington’s most historic hamlets by getting involved in the fourth annual Huntington Station Awareness Day parade and fair on Sept. 7 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. The parade starts on E. 15th Street and concludes in the Church Street municipal lot with a fair filled with food, fun, music and vendors. For more information, call Dee Thompson at 631-425-2640.
Live Music
Live local bands take over Finley's of Greene Street, 43 Greene St., Huntington, every Saturday night at 11 p.m. Join in the fun and food!
Dix Hills Performing Arts Center
An Evening of Wine Under the Stars The Huntington Historical Society’s 23rd annual “Evening of Wine under the Stars” will be held Friday, Sept. 6, 7-10 p.m. on the lawn of the historic 1795 Dr. Daniel Kissam House Museum at 434 Park Ave. in Huntington, honoring Maurine, Dean and Marie Failey, pictured above. This wine tasting gala will feature top wines, a buffet provided Huntington’s finest restaurants, live music, a silent auction, raffles and more. $60 members/$75 non-members/$100 at the door. Call 631-427-7045 ext. 401 or visit www.HuntingtonHistoricalSociety.org. Center of Huntington, 125 Main St., Huntington, on Mondays (except holidays) from 10 a.m.-noon. $15 members/$10 non-members. 631-549-0485.
TUESDAY Free Help For Vets
Every Tuesday from 12-4 p.m. is “Military Appreciation Tuesdays,” when Long Island Cares specifically assists veterans, military personnel and their families at the Hauppauge and Freeport emergency pantries. Appointments can be made by contacting jrosati@licares.org.
WEDNESDAY Power Breakfast
Join business professionals at BNI Executive Referral Exchange’s breakfast networking meeting every Wednesday, 7-8:30 a.m. at the Dix Hills Diner, 1800 Jericho Turnpike, Dix Hills. 631-462-7446.
Cabaret Art Show/Art Exhibition
Huntington artist Erich J. Preis presents a solo exhibition, “Cabaret”, through Sept. 30 at Campari Ristorante in Northport. www.erichpreis.com.
AT THE LIBRARIES Cold Spring Harbor Library Huntington Village’s Farmers Market is open in the Elm Street lot. The Long Island Growers Market continues its seasonal tradition in downtown Huntington, which runs through Nov. 24. The market will be open from 7 a.m.-noon each Sunday.
95 Harbor Road, Cold Spring Harbor. 631-6926820. cshlibrary.org. • The library will host a seminar on putting together an art portfolio for high school students looking to apply to art schools in the future. Registration is now open for the Wednesday, Sept. 25, 7 p.m. event.
Commack Public Library
MONDAY Aging And Saging
Members of an “Aging and Saging” group shares their experiences at The Women’s
Deer Park Public Library
44 Lake Ave., Deer Park. 631-586-3000. deerparklibrary.org. • Have you been interested in using an iPad to read a book or play a game? The library now has iPads available that are preloaded with preschool apps for use in the children’s room. • The library is offering SAT classes on Tuesdays, Sept. 10, 17, 24 and Oct. 1, 68:30 p.m. $85. Call 631-586-3000.
Elwood Public Library
3027 Jericho Turnpike, Elwood. 631-499-3722. www.elwoodlibrary.org. • View hit film “Amour” on Friday, Aug. 30, 2 p.m.
Half Hollow Hills Community Library
Dix Hills: 55 Vanderbilt Parkway. 631-4214530; Melville: 510 Sweet Hollow Road. 631421-4535. hhhlibrary.org. • Give your brain a workout while having fun. Work on simple, easy-to-handle puzzles designed for seniors with memory loss on Thursdays, 1-3 p.m. Call 631-498-1238 to register. • A Memory Care Program for Those with Memory Loss meets Mondays, Sept. 9, 16, 30, 2-4 p.m. in Dix Hills. Enjoy piecing puzzles together in a relaxed atmosphere and check out a new collection of books written for those with Alzheimer’s. Call Ginny Pisciotta at 631-498-1238 for details and to register.
Harborfields Public Library
SUNDAY It Doesn’t Get Any Fresher
Northport: 151 Laurel Ave. 631-261-6930. East Northport: 185 Larkfield Road. 631-261-2313. www.nenpl.org. • The next Book-A-Trip is to The Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia on Thursday, Sept. 26. $75. 145 Pidgeon Hill Road, Huntington Station. 631-549-4411. www.shpl.info. • Tickets are now on sale for a brunch with Huntington author Alyson Richman on Sunday, Sept. 8 at 11 a.m. The event is the culmination of this summer's South Huntington Reads project featuring Richman's critically-acclaimed novel, “The Lost Wife,” and is sponsored by the Friends of the Library in honor of their 50th anniversary. Tickets are $15.
Huntington’s favorite Labor Day Weekend tradition is here. The Greenlawn Fireman’s Fair runs Aug. 29-Sept. 2, closed on Sunday. The parade is Thursday, Aug. 29 at 7 p.m., starting at Cuba Hill Road and Broadway and proceeding north on Broadway to Fenwick Street into the fairgrounds. www.greenlawnfd.org.
Red Is For Passion
Northport-East Northport Public Library
South Huntington Public Library
Greenlawn Fireman’s Fair
The East Northport Festival brings in the fun Sept. 6-8 at John Walsh Park and Larkfield Road, featuring magic shows, sidewalk sales, exhibits, craft vendors, food, petting zoo, bicycle stunt shows, amusement rides and games, live entertainment and street performers. The festival is free and open to the public. www.eastnorthport.com.
Saturday, Sept. 21, 2-4 p.m.
18 Hauppauge Road, Commack. 631-4990888. commack.suffolk.lib.ny.us. • Enjoy a Sunday afternoon concert, “In Words and Music: The Story of the Yiddish Theatre,” on Sept. 8, 2 p.m.
31 Broadway, Greenlawn. 631-757-4200. harborfieldslibrary.org. • The 2013 Senior Art Show will be on display Sept. 3-27, with a reception on Saturday, Sept. 7, 3:30 p.m.
Huntington Public Library
Main Branch: 338 Main St., Huntington. 631427-5165. Station Branch: 1335 New York Ave., Huntington Station. 631-421-5053. www.thehuntingtonlibrary.org. • New Horizons String Orchestra invites the public to sit in on their rehearsals on Friday mornings at 9:30 a.m. • The Heckscher Museum SummerArts and ArtSense Student Exhibition finds a home at the main branch Sept. 5-30, with a reception
Five Towns College, 305 N. Service Road, Dix Hills. Box Office: 631-656-2148. www.dhpac.org. • The fall season starts Sept. 7 at 7:30 p.m. when The Bandits pay tribute to Bob Dylan. $25-$35.
John W. Engeman Theater At Northport
350 Main St., Northport. www.johnwengemantheater.com. 631-261-2900. • Laugh the night away with “Nunsense.” $55. • Children’s Theater presents “Jack and the Beanstalk” on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. and Saturdays at 11 a.m. through Sept. 8. Tickets are $15.
AUDITIONS Northport Symphony Orchestra
The Northport Symphony Orchestra seeks new members in all sections. Repertoire ranges from Baroque through classical and romantic to early 20th century. Music Director Richard Hyman is an award-winning music educator and composer. Rehearsals are on Wednesdays from 7:30-9 p.m. usually at East Northport Middle School. Email info@northportorchestra.org to arrange an audition. Website: northportorchestra.org.
Auditions For “The Wizard of Oz”
Know your Oz characters? Auditions will be held in the St. Hugh Parish Center, 1450 New York Ave., Huntington Station on the following dates: Thurs., Aug. 29 at 7:30 p.m. – Adults/Teens only; and Tues., Sept. 3 at 7:30 p.m. – Adults/Teens; Children Sign-up. Performances are planned for Saturday, Nov. 9 and 16, and Sunday, Nov. 10 and 17. For more information, call Kathy 631-549-4761.
Cast Call
All voices needed for the Northport Chorale. Auditions are Sept. 4, 11, 18 at 7 p.m. in the choir room of Northport High School, Laurel Hill Road in Northport. Contact Pearl at 631-2396736 or Sue at 631-754-3144 for more info, or visit www.northportchorale.org.
MUSEUMS & EXHIBITS Art League of Long Island
107 East Deer Park Road, Dix Hills. Gallery hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. weekends. 631-462-5400. www.ArtLeagueLI.net. • The league’s Instructors’ Exhibition is on display through Sept. 22.
(Continued on page A15)
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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • AUGUST 29, 2013 • A15
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hours while changing a life? As part of the Friends@Home program, a project of The Ariella's Friendship Circle at the Chai Center in Dix Hills, visit a child with special needs in an environment they are most comfortable: their own homes. Together, bake cookies, play games, create arts and crafts, read books and more. Contact Nati or Sara at 631-351-8672 or fcchaicenter@gmail.com
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b.j. spoke gallery
299 Main St., Huntington. Gallery hours: Monday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., until 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. 631-549-5106. www.bjspokegallery.com. • The exhibit “Art in Three Dimensions” is on display through Aug. 29.
Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery
1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor. Open seven days a week, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday and Sundays until 6 p.m.: $6 adults; $4 children 3-12 and seniors over 65; members and children under 3 are free. 516-692-6768. www.cshfha.org • Wacky Water Wednesdays continue throughout the month. The wackiness features sprinklers and bubbles, and goes from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum
279 Main Street, Cold Spring Harbor. Museum hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. $4 adults, $3 seniors, $3 students 5 -18, family $12; military and children under 5 are free. 631-367-3418. www.cshwhalingmuseum.org.
Jazz After Hours with The Barr Sinister Jazz Group The Barr Sinister Jazz Group, regulars at the Cinema Arts Centre’s Jazz After Hours, have also performed across Long Island and Manhattan and have been featured at a variety of special receptions at the Cinema Arts Centre. They will perform on Friday. Aug. 30, 10 p.m. $12 Members/$15 public. 423 Park Ave., Huntington. 631-423-7610. www.CinemaArtsCentre.org. 662-9459. • The gallery will feature a father-son exhibit titled “Redo Reinax2” beginning on Friday, Aug. 23.
Northport Historical Society Museum
14 W. Carver St., Huntington. Gallery hours: Friday 5-8 p.m., Saturday 12-8 p.m., Sunday 12-4 p.m. 631-549-0448. • A solo exhibition of photographs entitled “Duplicity” by Patricia Colombraro will run Aug.30-Sept. 29, with a reception on Saturday, Sept. 7, 5-7 p.m.
215 Main St., Northport. Museum hours: Tuesday - Sunday, 1-4:30 p.m. 631-757-9859. www.northporthistorical.org. • The new permanent exhibit, “Our Stories: the History of a Community,” transforms half of the Society’s gallery space into a timeline, tracing the history of the Northport-East Northport community and rarely seen photos and artifacts from the Society’s collection. • “Sunday at the Society” will continue on Sept. 1 at 3 p.m. Musician John Corr will perform a series of sea chanties. Admission for non-members is $5.
Heckscher Museum Of Art
SPLIA
fotofoto Gallery
2 Prime Ave., Huntington. Museum hours: Wednesday - Friday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., first Fridays from 4-8:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission $6-8/adults, $46/seniors, and $4-5/children; members and children under 10 free. 631-351-3250. • “Stan Brodsky: Retrospective” is on display until Dec. 1. It celebrates the career of one of Huntington’s most prominent contemporary artists.
Headquarters: 161 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor. Joseph Lloyd Manor House: Lloyd Lane and Lloyd Harbor Road, Lloyd Neck. 631-692-4664. www.splia.org. • “Long Island at Work and at Play,” early 20thcentury photographs from SPLIA’s collections, is now on display Thursdays through Sundays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Welwyn Preserve. 100 Crescent Beach Road, Glen Cove. Hours: Mon.-Fri.: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sat.-Sun.: noon-4 p.m. 516-571-8040 ext. 100. www.holocaust-nassau.org. • The permanent exhibit explains the 1920s increase of intolerance, the reduction of human rights, and the lack of intervention that enabled the persecution and mass murder of millions of Jews and others: people with disabilities, Roma and Sinti (Gypsies), Jehovah’s Witnesses, gays and Polish intelligentsia.
Huntington Arts Council
Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium
Main Street Petite Gallery: 213 Main St., Huntington. Gallery hours: Monday - Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Art in the Art-trium: 25 Melville Park Road, Melville. Gallery Hours: Monday Friday 7 a.m.-7 p.m. 631-271-8423. www.huntingtonarts.org. • Award-winning artist and World War II veteran Dan Brown of Dix Hills opens his solo exhibit “Around the World in 90 Years” on Friday, Sept. 6, with a reception from 6-8 p.m., at the Main Street Petite Gallery. On display Aug. 30-Sept. 30.
Huntington Historical Society
Main office/library: 209 Main St., Huntington. Museums: Conklin Barn, 2 High St.; Kissam House/Museum Shop, 434 Park Ave.; Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Building, 228 Main St. 631-4277045, ext. 401. www.huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org. • Exhibit “The Times They Were A-Changing – 1960s & Huntington’s Response” on display at the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Building. • The society’s annual wine-tasting event, “An Evening of Wine Under the Stars,” is Friday, Sept. 6, 7-10 p.m. at the Kissam House.
LaMantia Gallery
127 Main St., Northport Village. 631-754-8414. www.lamantiagallery.com. • Robert Finale presents captivating landscapes and Richard Johnson displays exquisite paintings of the human face and form.
9 East Contemporary Art
9 East Carver St., Huntington. Gallery hours: Wed.-Sat., 3-8 p.m. or by appointment. 631-
Friends of the Bay is in need of volunteers who can help convert water quality data, which is currently kept in an excel sheet, into a Microsoft Access database. Assistance is also needed with ArcView GIS, to configure maps of the watershed. Call 516-922-6666 or email info@friendsofthebay.org.
Ridotto
Concerts with a Touch of Theater At Huntington Jewish Center, 510 Park Ave., Huntington. www.ridotto.org. 631-385-0373
DONATIONS WELCOME Help The Troops Call Home
Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci’s Huntington Station district office is an official drop-off site for Cell Phones for Soldiers. To help the troops call home by donating your old cell phone, stop by or mail your phone to 1783 New York Ave., Huntington Station, 11746. 631-271-8025.
Supplies For Students
Suffolk County Legislator Steve Stern is teaming up with Presiding Officer William Lindsay of the Suffolk County Legislature to bring school supplies to more than 300 homeless children throughout Suffolk County. Legislator Stern will be collecting numerous kinds of supplies, such as glue sticks, markers and many other items. Items can be dropped off at Legislator Stern’s district office, located at 1842 E. Jericho Turnpike, Huntington, New York 11743.
Suffolk Y JCC
74 Hauppauge Road, Commack. 631-4629800, ext. 140. Tuesday 1-4 p.m. Admission: $5 per person, $18 per family. Special group programs available. www.suffolkyjcc.org. • The Alan & Helene Rosenberg Jewish Discovery Museum provides hands-on exhibits and programs for children 3-13 years old and their families, classes and camps. Now on exhibit: The Alef Bet of Being a Mensch. “Zye a mensch” is a Yiddish saying that means “be a decent, responsible, caring person,” infusing both the best blessing and the best that an educator can wish for his students.
Holocaust Memorial And Tolerance Center
Be A Friend Of The Bay
180 Little Neck Road, Centerport. Museum hours through April 15: Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday, 12-4 p.m. Grounds admission: $7 adults, $6 students with ID and seniors 62 and older, and $3 children 12 and under. Mansion tour, add $5 per person. 631-854-5555. www.vanderbiltmuseum.org. • The newly renovated planetarium is now open. Check the website for show times. • An antique car show spins into the mansion on Sept. 15 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Walt Whitman Birthplace
246 Old Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station. Hours: Wednesday-Friday, 1-4 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. Admission: $6 adults, $5 seniors, $4 students, and children under 5 are free. 631-427-5240, ext. 114. www.waltwhitman.org. • Schedule at a time convenient for your group for high tea and transport yourself back in time as your group experiences High Tea in a private gathering house at the Birthplace. $25/person. 631-427-5240, ext. 113. educator@waltwhitman.org.
MUSIC & DANCE The Paramount
370 New York Ave., Huntington. 631-673-7300. www.paramountny.com. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. • Stone Temple Pilots returns to Huntington with Chester Bennington and special guest Filter on Tuesday, Sept. 10. • Tickets are now on sale for an intimate solo/acoustic performance by Citizen Cope on Thursday, Oct. 17.
AID & ASSISTANCE Help After Sandy
Touro Law Center has opened a legal hotline at 631-761-7198 that is staffed Monday-Friday 9-6 by law students and attorneys from the bar associations. Bilingual and Spanish-speaking lawyers are available thanks to the Hispanic Bar Association.
VOLUNTEERING Be A Museum Docent
The Huntington Historical Society is currently seeking volunteers to train to become Museum Docents at the historic David Conklin Farmhouse Museum. The museum is located at 2 High St. in Huntington village and is a fascinating interpretation of the Colonial, Federal and Victorian time periods. No experience required – an interest in local history is a plus. Training is provided. Call 631-427-7045 ext 403.
Seeking Volunteer Advocates
The Family Service League’s Ombudservice Program of Suffolk County is seeking volunteers to train as advocates for nursing home, adult home and assisted living facility residents to help ensure they receive quality care and their rights are protected. 631-427-3700 ext. 240.
Be A Host Family
Huntington Sanctuary is seeking families or individual adults to become Host Homes, which provide temporary shelter to youth between ages 12-17 who are experiencing a family crisis. Contact Jennifer Petti at 631-2712183 for more information.
Helping Furry Friends
Little Shelter Animal Rescue and Adoption Center is looking for volunteers who want to make a difference in the lives of animals. Free training provided. Visit www.littleshelter.com or call 631-368-8770 ext. 204.
Walt Whitman Birthplace
If you are interested in literature or history, the Walt Whitman Birthplace has fascinating and rewarding part-time volunteer positions available. Free training provided. 631-427-5420 ext.114.
Helping Runaway Kids
Share your ideas and opinions on how Huntington Sanctuary, a program of the Huntington Youth Bureau, can help youth ages 12-21 who run away or who are at risk of running away. The group’s advisory board meets one Thursday a month at 6 p.m. Call 631-2712183.
Eyes For The Blind
Suffolk County’s Helen Keller Services is looking for volunteers to visit blind who are homebound to socialize and aid in reading mail, possibly provide transportation. 631-424-0022.
Help American Red Cross
The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization that provides relief to victims of disaster and helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. The Suffolk County Chapter is looking for volunteers to assist in emergency shelters, at fires and natural disasters, with veterans, at community events or at the office. Free trainings provided. 631-924-6700 ext 212.
Time For Meals On Wheels
Meals On Wheels of Huntington is in need of men and women to be volunteers, who work in teams, delivering midday meals to shut-ins. Two hours required, one day a week. Substitutes also needed to fill in when regular drivers are unavailable. There is also a pressing need for nurses who can volunteer to screen potential clients. Times are flexible. 631-271-5150.
Artistically Gifted Needed
The Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Commack is seeking artistically gifted volunteers to partner with residents in a new program, “heART to heART” aimed at helping people with varying levels of cognitive ability express themselves through art. Contact Judie at 516-931-5036 or jatlas1@optonline.net.
Don’t Hibernate. Help
The Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP SUFFOLK) needs adults 55+ to help in organizations throughout Suffolk County. Dozens of opportunities available in this federally funded program for just about any interest or skill. Visit www.rsvpsuffolk.org or call 631-979-9490 ext.12 for more information.
Friends At Home
Looking to earn some community service
Send us your listings Submissions must be in by 5 p.m. 10 days prior to publication date. Send to Community Calendar at 145 E. Main Street, Huntington, NY 11743, or e-mail to info@longislandernews.com
A16 • THE RECORD • AUGUST 29, 2013
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THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • AUGUST 29, 2013 • A17
HUNTINGTON STATION
$4.5 Million Sought For Community Center Plans for former New York State Armory starting to take shape Half Hollow Hills photo/ Danny Schrafel
By Jacqueline Birzon jbirzon@longislandernews.com
Moving forward on plans to convert the armory in Huntington Station into a community center, the Town of Huntington Aug. 12 applied for a $4.5-million development grant to bring the project to life. The future site of the James D. Conte Community Center, which will be named after the late Assemblyman Jim Conte of Huntington Station, will be transformed into an energy-efficient “green” facility, town officials said. Because the site is located in a Brownfield Opportunity study area – an environmental justice area and a low-moderate income census tract area – its eligibility for the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority Cleaner Greener Communities Program grant is enhanced, town officials said. The capital project requires a cost-share of 25 percent by the grantee, and was endorsed Aug. 13 by Supervisor Frank Petrone and Councilman Mark Cuthbertson. The town at this point is determining the best possible use for the 100 E. 5th St. facility, leaning toward a recreational component, town spokesman A.J. Carter said. Petrone has asked the town’s engineering department to develop floor plan op-
A grant application aims to transform the former armory in Huntington Station into a community center named after the late Assemblyman James Conte, left. tions for the building, Carter said. The department will look at the potential development of a gym-like space and how the building can be re-configured to accommodate the recreational community space, Carter added. Once the space has been assessed by town engineers, the town will form a steering committee, which will be tasked with
conducting community outreach as a way to collaborate with residents and come up with a shared vision for the Huntington Station space. “As soon as we know the parameters of what we can do with the building from an engineering standpoint, we will form a steering committee,” Carter said. Conte, a longtime lawmaker and assem-
blyman of 24 years, died in October 2012 at the age of 53 after a battle with T-cell lymphoma. He is remembered by members of the community as a dedicated, warmhearted and influential family man who devoted his life to serving the Huntington Station community both at the local level and in Washington, D.C.
TOWN OF HUNTINGTON
State’s Top Court Tosses DA Term Limits Huntington’s Perini gears up for GOP primary against Spota after ruling By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandernews.com
Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas Spota will run for a fourth term after the state’s top court struck down term limits on his office.
Ruling that term limits for the district attorney’s office must come from state, not county, lawmakers, the New York State Court of Appeals voted 6-1 Thursday to overturn a 1993 county referendum, which set a three-term, 12-year limit. “We’re pleased that the Court of Ap-
peals held that the district attorney is a state constitutional office,” Spota’s attorney, Kevin Snover, said. Spota was elected in 2001 and would have been unable to seek re-election under the county law. Spota, County Clerk Judith Pascale and Sheriff Vincent DeMarco, of
TOWN OF HUNTINGTON
Supervisor Primary Debate In Works Likely to focus on Republican, Independence contests By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandernews.com
Business and voting advocates are preparing to host Huntington’s candidates for supervisor at a debate scheduled for a week before the Sept. 10 primary. Sponsored by the Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce and the League of Women Voters, the Meet the Candidates night, planned for 7:30 p.m. at the Harborfields Public Library on Sept. 3, will likely focus on the Republican primary. GOP designee Councilman Gene Cook, an Independence Party member, is going against challenger Robert Lifson for the Republican line. Another active primary pits Cook against Harry Acker for the Independence designation.
“Generally, the chamber, with the League of Women Voters has each year held a debate for the general election. But this being an active primary season, we felt it might make sense to have one [in September] as well,” Tom Glascock, chairman of the chamber’s Government Relations committee, said. While Working Families Party candidates were also invited, challenger Valerie Stringfellow, who is looking to knock Supervisor Frank Petrone, a Democrat, off the Working Families line, declined the invite, Glascock said. Per debate rules, no single candidate for a position can participate without at least one opponent being present. Acker and Lifson have confirmed they will attend the Sept. 3 debate, Glascock said. Cook said “I don’t believe I am” going, and that he would be
receiving an award from the Veterans of Foreign Wars that night. If Cook does not attend, that could present a problem for holding the Republican and Independence debates because Acker and Lifson would be unopposed on the stage. Glascock said the chamber and the League of Women Voters could end up hosting a total of three debates this election cycle due to a decision to split the general election debates in two – one, on Oct. 21 at Harborfields for the town council candidates, and another on Oct. 28 for county candidates. “We’re reconfiguring it this year to provide an extra opportunity to meet the candidates and learn the issues,” Glascock said. For more information about the debate, call the chamber at 631-423-6100.
Cold Spring Harbor, sued the county in February 2012 to challenge the term limit law. The majority cited case law, a need for statewide uniformity in district attorney qualifications and the fact that a district attorney can be removed from office by the governor, not county officials, as validation that although the district attorney “may be an officer serving a county, the office and its holder clearly implicate state concerns.” “Permitting county legislators to impose term limits on the office of the district attorney would have the potential to impair the independence of that office because it would empower a local legislative body to effectively end the tenure of an incumbent district attorney whose investigatory or prosecutorial actions were unpopular or contrary to the interests of county legislators,” the ruling reads. “The state has a fundamental and overriding interest in ensuring the integrity and independence of the office of district attorney.” Republican primary contender Ray Perini, who challenged Spota’s petitions in late July and argued he was ineligible to run, is now gearing up for a 13-day sprint ahead of a Sept. 10 Republican primary. Spota is a Democrat running with endorsements from the Republican, Conservative and Independence parties. “The indecision is over. I know what we’re doing and we’re putting all our efforts into the primary,” Perini said. “We’re going to run a very aggressive primary.” The remainder of the case affecting DeMarco and Pascale’s offices is due back in court Sept. 6, Snover said.
C L A S S I F I E D S
A18 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • AUGUST 29, 2013
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THE RECORD • AUGUST 29, 2013 • A19
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TOWN OF HUNTINGTON
He Is King Of The Sand Castles By Jacqueline Birzon jbirzon@longislandernews.com
Frank Russo is enjoying the view from the top—of his sandcastle, that is. The father of two and his family placed third at last weekend’s 23rd annual Coney Island Sand Sculpting Contest, when he added yet another accomplishment to his sand castle résumé. Russo, who is the director of construction at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, never thought he would use his construction and carpentry background to make castles out of sand. This year, Russo, of Northport, and his team built a castle comprising of three tall, narrow towers, sculpted with excellent attention to detail and incorporating staircases, windows and a stone façade along the sides of the pillars. The castle rested atop neatly stacked sand boulders with stairs leading up to the rip-rap like fortress. Russo’s team placed first in last year’s competition, when they hand-crafted a Harry Potter-inspired Castle that crowds fawned over. Russo also came in first place three years in a row in the individual sculpting category in 2008, 2009 and 2010. This year, Russo admitted that his team, comprised of his wife, Lari, and their 27-year-old daughter, Nicole, who came home from Washington, D.C. for the contest, along with the Sloboba family of Seaford, may have been a bit too ambitious with their vision for this year’s castle, given the time constraints. There was also added pressure to perform, given Russo’s team’s first-place win at last year’s contest. “We probably built our structure too large, which didn’t
afford us enough time to add all the fine details we like to include,” Russo said of last Saturday’s competition. Going into it worried about the weather, location and keeping guests entertained didn’t help reduce the team’s stress, either. Dating back to 1992, sand-castle building started as an engaging and creative way to bring the family together, Russo explained. Since then, Russo has entered into dozens of contests, both on his own and with members of his family as well as the Sloboda family. In team competitions, Russo said members are assigned specific tasks during the sculpting process, which can last more than four hours. Family members are even tasked with keeping track of time during contests, to ensure that neither the seconds — nor the sand—slip away. “It’s crazy how important time management is when you’re in a contest,” Russo said. “In my mind’s eye, I can picture the castle and structure we want to carve, and it just makes it very easy. It took years of trying to figure out how to carve sand and how it’s affected when you carve it.” Others on the team are responsible for carrying water back and forth from the ocean to the building station to keep the sand firm and compact; builders even use spray bottles filled with water to keep the structure moist. Other team members are tasked with shoveling sand or carving letters and shapes. Sculpting replicas of living, breathing things is Russo’s self-proclaimed area of weakness, the construction director said. The best part of the whole sport, Russo said, is that it’s a passion he and his family can practice for life. “It doesn’t matter how old you get, you can’t take the boy out of a man,” Russo, 56, quipped.
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory’s Frank Russo, right, and friend Joe Sloboda pose in front of a practice version of their 2013 Coney Island Sand Castle submission.
TOWN OF HUNTINGTON
Town Keeps Its Straight-AAAs From Bond Agencies By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandernews.com
While the Town of Huntington has maintained its triple-A bond ratings across the three rating agencies, one of the three is asking for changes to town fiscal policies for the municipality to maintain its top rating. An Aug. 23 report by rating agency Standard & Poor’s upheld the town’s AAA bond rating as well as a stable outlook for future ratings. They said their decision reflects findings of below-average unemployment, a “very diverse” tax base, “consistently solid finances” and a low debt burden paired with retiring that debt quickly. S&P also noted it is “unlikely” to change the town’s bond rating in the next two years. Citing similar reasons, Fitch also upheld the town’s AAA rating and stable outlook in an Aug. 20 report. “We’ve managed in tough times and to have a AAA bond rating in these times is so much more significant than having it in good times,” Supervisor Frank Petrone said. While Moody’s Investors Service also maintained the town’s Aaa bond rating, they also downgraded the town’s outlook to “negative” Aug. 21. The negative outlook is a result of the town retiring, or amortizing, just a third of its required 2012 pension contribution and relying too heavily on one-shot revenues, Moody’s writes. “This practice of deferring current operating expenses to future period is inconsistent with our view of strong financial management,” Moody’s report reads. “Continued amortization of annual pension payments could result in a downgrade to Aa1.” Councilman Mark Mayoka said the decision by Moody’s to downgrade the outlook is a result of poor fiscal decisions in the last two years.
“They’re saying – and I agree – that the budget is not structurally balanced. You can’t cross your fingers and get these onetime revenues,” he said. But Petrone defended the town’s financial practices. He said the pension amortization was a result of a cash-flow bind as the town led recovery efforts immediately following Superstorm Sandy. Petrone said the town chose to amortize rather than float bonds to pay for recovery efforts because it was “much less costly.” “They said, ‘We understand, we understand.’ I think they just want to make sure that this is not going to become a practice, and it won’t,” Petrone said. Mayoka and Councilman Gene Cook also said portions of the Fitch audit indicate room for improvement, and the pair criticized the town for filing its own audit two months later than in previous years. Fitch attributed the delay to turnover in the comptroller’s office but said delays in future filings or “material variance from the 2012 unaudited numbers” used by Fitch in the review could hurt future bond ratings. Mayoka, a Republican, and Cook, an Independence Party member, also slammed the town board’s Democratic majority for how they met expenses. “It is very unfortunate that the only way we balanced the budget last year was by raising taxes,” Cook and Mayoka say in a press release. However, the town’s balanced budget comes from more than raising taxes, according to Fitch’s report. While the town did raise the property tax levy by 1.6 percent, they also cut 15 positions, for a total of $1.5 million, used $700,000 in unrestricted fund balance, and required employees to contribute to their healthcare costs. Petrone last week dismissed Cook and Mayoka’s criticisms of Fitch’s findings. “Since the day each of them took office,
Councilmen Cook and Mayoka have been on a campaign to cry wolf and falsely create the impression of a crisis to support their political agenda,” the supervisor said. “They haven’t been successful because the facts are not on their side, but they apparently won’t be happy until they have affected the town’s bond rating and severely cost the taxpayers. Shame on them.”
Mayoka denied his comments had anything to do with Moody’s negative outlook. “The ratings agencies make their own decisions based on the facts and circumstances at hand,” he said. “It’s the unfortunate that their decisions are negative to the Town of Huntington, but in the end, it’s the result of Petrone and Cuthbertson’s poor fiscal management.”
TOWN OF HUNTINGTON
Holiday Tree Hunt Begins By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandernews.com
The first day of school may be just around the corner, but Huntington Manor Fire Department Lieutenant John Damico is already thinking about the first Saturday after Thanksgiving. That’s because he and his fellow organizers of the annual lighted fire truck parade, now in its fourth year parading through Huntington village, are already gearing up for the Nov. 30 event, a spectacle that drew over 10,000 last year to Main Street and New York Avenue, according to estimates. Aside from filing out permits and other paperwork, their biggest project is finding a tree that will become the centerpiece of a Wall Street pavilion where revelers gather after the parade and enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, games and other attractions. Damico said organizers are looking for a resident to donate an evergreen, about 20 feet tall, that volunteers can
easily access and cut down. He expects they’d harvest the tree in mid-November, about two weeks before the parade. Pre-planning is a priority after last year’s last-minute scramble, no small part thanks to Superstorm Sandy wiping out the tree they had previously eyed. “I don’t want to be caught like that again this year,” Damico said. As they hunt for a tree, Damico said organizers will continue to weigh feedback from last year’s event and incorporate it into this year’s event. Applications to participate in this year’s parade will start going out next week, Damico said. Sponsors of the annual parade include: the Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce; the Huntington Village and Huntington Station Business Improvement Districts; the Huntington and Huntington Manor Fire Departments and the Huntington Fire Chiefs’ Council. Anyone interested in donating a tree can call Damico at 516-852-5919.
A20 • THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • AUGUST 29, 2013
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