Steve Gillette & Cindy Mangsen, Jack Williams are Featured

Steve Gillette & Cindy Mangsen share a bill with Jack Williams during the Folk Music Society of Huntington’s monthly First Saturday Concert at the Congregational Church of Huntington (30 Washington Drive, off Route 25A, Centerport, NY) on April 2. The 8:30 p.m. concert will be preceded by an open mic at 7:30 p.m. Tickets, priced at $25 ($20 for FMSH members), may be purchased online in advance at fmsh.org using a credit card or at the door (cash and checks only).

Steve Gillette & Cindy Mangsen have been performing together for 25 years – sharing their love of traditional music, along with a bevy of original songs. Their performances are filled with rich harmony, compelling songs and a good dose of humor.

Such musical luminaries as Garth Brooks, John Denver, Waylon Jennings, Josh Ritter, Linda Ronstadt and Tammy Wynette have covered Steve’s songs. Yet his own versions – featuring his warm baritone voice and unique fingerpicking guitar style (using a flat-pick and two fingers) – are among the best.

Accompanying herself on guitar, banjo, concertina, or mountain dulcimer, Cindy is known for her compelling interpretations of traditional ballads, as well as for her own writing and her ear for harmony. Her latest solo album, Cat Tales, is devoted to “songs of the feline persuasion.”

Here’s a link to a video of Steve Gillette and Cindy Mangsen performing “Bed of Roses”:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UoJ7SUkUvtc

And here’s one of them performing one of Steve’s much-covered songs, “Darcy Farrow,” a few years earlier:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJkB-dBj-HY

Jack Williams 

is a southern American troubadour who has earned critical acclaim for his fingerstyle guitar picking, expressive and resonant voice, and prowess as a songwriter and storyteller. A much sought-after artist on the contemporary folk and acoustic music scene, Jack performs an eclectic blend of musical styles.

“You can hear both the white and black musical traditions in his writing,” says Phil Shapiro, host of Bound for Glory on Ithaca, NY’s WVBR-FM. “You can hear country; you can hear blues; you can hear jazz. He’s a poet who knows how to write simply. And he’s a remarkable, magical performer with graceful good humor and a hot guitar style.”

Citing his artistry as “nothing short of amazing,” Rich Warren, host of the nationally syndicated The Midnight Special, originating from Chicago’s WFMT-FM, hails Jack for his “dazzling picking, expressive voice [and] unique and interesting songs.” And Tom Paxton, whom Jack has accompanied many times, refers to him as “one of my all-time favorite pickers.”

Here are a couple of links to videos of Jack Williams performing in concert:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6uO2xvWPAc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KV3hgGYCfUw

Now in its 47th year, the Folk Music Society of Huntington presents two monthly concert series, a monthly folk jam, and an annual folk festival in conjunction with the Huntington Arts Council.

The Centerport Fire Department Fire Department recently installed their officers for 2016 at a ceremony held at the firehouse. The dedicated volunteers of the Centerport Fire Department have been serving the Centerport community for 117 years.

Pictured from left seated, Deputy Chief Chaplain Paul Heglund, First Assistant Chief Tom Boyd, Chief of Department Brian Mark, Second Assistant Chief Rich Miltner, and Deputy Chief Medical Dr. Jack Geffken. Standing, First Lieutenant Kyle McLaughlin, Eagle Truck Company; Captain April Stevenson, Rescue Squad; First Lieutenant Chris Cunningham, Engine Company One; Captain John Stevenson, Engine Company Two; Captain Bob Simpson, Eagle Truck Company; Lieutenant Andrew Stevenson, Engine Company Two; Second Lieutenant A.J. Jensen, Eagle Truck Company; and Second Lieutenant Danny Gunther, Engine Company One. Absent was Captain Billy DeSantis, Engine Company One, and Captain Cliff Raynor and Lieutenant Eli Fellus, Fire Patrol.

Photo by Steve Silverman

Petrone, Council Announce New Boating Safety Measures

Huntington Supervisor Frank P. Petrone and the Town Council today announced two new measures aimed at making Town waters safer this boating season.

Supervisor Petrone said the Town recently took possession of a 24-foot Boston Whaler Justice as part of a grant from the New York State Department of Parks and Recreation. The boat, which was built for marine law enforcement, is identical to one Town received in 2012 under the state grant program, and like its predecessor, will be used for patrolling Town waters.

In the second measure, Supervisor Petrone said that 18 Town harbormasters and bay constables will undergo training in administering the anti-opiate overdose drug Narcan (naloxone). A training session, run by the Suffolk County Health Department, has been scheduled for April 21. Following that session, all Town patrol boats and Town Department of Maritime Services land vehicles will be equipped with Narcan kits, to be administered if needed. The harbormasters and bay constables, Supervisor Petrone noted, patrol Town waters and make regular rounds to Town beaches, so they will be available provide assistance both on land and on water.

“The two new measures help emphasize the importance the Town places on keeping our waters safe, as they are in addition to ones we have implemented over the past few years to make boaters keenly aware that safety should be on everyone’s mind when they go out for a day of enjoying their boats,” Supervisor Petrone said.

The measures began being implemented after a tragedy almost four years in Oyster Bay that took the lives of three children, who drowned when the boat in which they were watching a fireworks display capsized.

The measures have included offering increased boating safety courses, enacting legislation authorizing the Harbormaster’s Office to establish 5 mph zones during aquatic events such as the annual Huntington Lighthouse Music Fest and placing buoys carrying the warning, “Slow No Wake” in selected areas. The Town recently accepted a donation from the Greater Huntington Council of Yacht and Boating Clubs to purchase two additional “Slow No Wake” buoys.

The Town also has sponsored training courses for Town harbormasters and bay constables, as well as marine enforcement officers from the Town’s incorporated villages, into new methods of testing boaters to see if they are intoxicated. Those methods involve administering and evaluating sobriety tests on site, wherever boats are stopped for suspected intoxicated operation. Previously, suspected inebriated boaters had to be taken to the shore for the tests.

“We continue to work closely with the Coast Guard, the Suffolk County Police Department and the Greater Huntington Council to explore and implement new programs to keep our waters safe,” Councilman Mark Cuthbertson said, “But it is important that boaters themselves become our partners in these efforts.”

The Town also joins with the Greater Huntington Council to sponsor Safe Boating Week, which this year is May 21-27. The week’s activities include many free events related to maritime education, safety and enjoyment, such as a free eight hour New York State Boating Safety course, courtesy vessel safety inspections by the Coast Guard Auxiliary and Power Squadron, courses, lectures and seminars including a kayak and paddleboard safety class.

The Town will conduct the safe boating class at Town Hall May 23 and 24. Completion of the two-evening class (from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.) will enable participants to receive a state safe boating certificate. The course is free; the cost to receive the certificate is $10 for persons over the age of 18 and free for persons under the age of 18. To register, call the Harbormaster’s Office at 351-3255.

The fourth annual Waterfront Festival will be held on Sunday May 22^nd from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Mill Dam Park. The festival features used and new marine equipment, nautical antiques, fishing gear, several boat dealers, artists, crafts, nautical home décor and amusements for children.   Food and beverages, with this year’s addition of wine and beer, are available on site.  Area clubs and organizations will be on hand to answer questions about area boating and membership. A stage will host a presentation of bands from the surrounding area including the very popular Coast Guard Auxiliary Band.  Free boat tours of Huntington Harbor will take place throughout the day.

In the photo: Senior Bay Constable Fred Uvena and Senior Harbormaster Ryan Sammis on the new patrol boat.

A Benefit Shopping Event will be held at Rexer-Parkes and Blush on Wednesday, April 20 from 6 to 9pm to aid North Shore Holiday House Gazebo Project.

Holiday House is a non profit, accredited, residential summer camp for young girls from economically disadvantaged families. Each summer the camp serves 200 girls from Long Island and is the only camp of its kind on Long Island.

Previous benefit events at Rexer-Parkes have assisted Holiday House with funding to build a new pool and playground. The event on the 20th is aimed at helping fund upgrades to the gazebo including a new portable stage, lighting and audio equipment.

The gazebo is an important structure at the camp, the space where drama, dance, self enrichment, self esteem, and anti bullying programs take place.

On April 20th 15% of sales from Rexer-Parkes and Blush, a store for girls aged 6 to 13 which is housed within Rexer-Parkes, will be donated to Holiday House. 100% of the proceeds from raffle and auction prizes will also be donated. Prizes include works of art, gift baskets and gift certificates
all with a minimum value of $500.

Rexer- Parkes is located at 35 Gerard Street in Huntington Village. For more information about the Holiday House Shopping Event please call 631-549-1810.

The Centerport Fire Department Eagle Truck Company is holding its 21st Annual Custom Car and Cycle Show on Sunday, May 1, 2016 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Come and spend a day at the beach with some of Long Island’s hottest rods, beautiful antique cars, custom motorcycles and fire trucks.

The show will be held at Centerport Beach, Centerport NY 11721, at the end of Little Neck Road past the Vanderbilt Museum. Donation fees are $5.00 per adult, and $2.00 for children.  Food and beverages will be available and provided by Smokaburgers. There will also be raffles for some nice prizes. The Gate opens at 8 a.m. for vehicle registrations. Visit us on Facebook at Centerport Fire Department – Eagle Truck Company, or on the web at http://wwweagletruck.org/ for more info.

Story & Photos by Steve Silverman

Non-profit will raise funds to provide specialized services to dogs at Town’s animal shelter

Huntington Supervisor Frank P. Petrone and the Town Council today announced the formal launch of Give A Dog A Dream, the not-for-profit foundation the Town formed to raise money earmarked for providing specialized services for dogs at the Town’s animal shelter.

Give A Dog A Dream provides dogs in need with access to specialized health care and surgery, customized training regimens, advanced behavior modification programs and immersive socialization and wellness programs. It offers resources such as training and education to both dog owners and surrounding animal shelters. It coordinates and sponsors pet adoption events and fundraisers to increase opportunities for dogs to find loving adoptive families and new homes. Its overall goal is to prevent pet surrenders to animal shelters and unnecessary euthanasia and to strengthen the ability of the animal shelter to provide support for abandoned and displaced dogs.

“For some time, people have asked how they can help improve the lives of dogs entrusted to our animal shelter’s care,” Supervisor Petrone said. “The Town established Give A Dog A Dream as the vehicle through which residents can help provide the extras and specialized care beyond the basics public funding provides. Even before this formal launch, the word got out and people began donating money and supplies.”

The foundation has set up a website, www.giveadogadream.org, through which persons can make donations or volunteer to work with the dogs at the Town shelter on Deposit Road in East Northport.

The Staff

To help launch Give A Dog A Dream, Huntington Honda – the largest volume Honda dealership on Long Island — will be sponsoring a special adoption event at its showroom from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 23. Shelter dogs will be available for adoption, and all adoption fees will be waived as part of the event. WBZO radio host The Wiseman will be broadcasting live from the dealership, which is at 1055 East Jericho Turnpike, Huntington. Huntington Honda has committed to making a donation to Give A Dog A Dream for every car it sells in April. This is the first event involving Huntington Honda and its role as a Town marketing partner.

The foundation has put together an informational brochure that describes its activities and some of its successes stories, including:

Roland, Champ and Grace, three feral puppies that had to be trapped and brought to the animal shelter. Prior to arriving at the shelter, they had never interacted with human beings. After several weeks of special care, they were ready for adoption and are now members of loving families.

Oreo, a nervous dog when he arrived at the shelter who was at high risk for biting others. Through the shelter’s socialization and dog play group programs, he calmed down, learned to appreciate belly rubs and became adoptable.

Flannery, a dog seized by the Town’s animal control division who was suffering from injuries as a result of his owner subjecting him to fighting another dog. After specialized medical care to deal with his injuries and intense socialization and play group sessions, Flannery was placed in a loving home.

Give A Dog A Dream Inc, is a charitable 501 c (3) non-profit organization. Donations to Gove A Dog A Dream are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Donations can be made on-line at the website, www.giveadogadream.org, or by mail to Give A Dog A Dream, P.O. Box 37, Centerport, NY 11721. For further information, call 631-754-8749.

Proposal Would Expedite Implementation of Governor Cuomo’s Clean Water Plan for Suffolk County

April 25, 2016 Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone was joined by a bipartisan collection of elected officials, environmental activists and civic leaders to support a plan to reverse decades of nitrogen pollution of drinking and surface waters.  County Executive Bellone called for allowing Suffolk County residents to have the opportunity to vote this November via referendum to establish a dedicated funding source to expedite implementation of water quality goals for Suffolk County.

Governor Cuomo has led on a number of water quality initiatives, providing record levels of investment.  This fund would supplement the State’s efforts, be the cornerstone of implementing the Long Island Nitrogen Action Plan, build on the Governor’s $383 million investment in expanding sewers in Suffolk and allow the marketplace to leverage the innovations and new technologies emerging from the Center for Clean Water Technology.

“This referendum would literally turn the tide on Suffolk County water quality crisis,” County Executive Bellone said. “Governor Cuomo has made water quality a top issue in this State establishing the Center for Clean Water Technology at Stony Brook University, funding the Long Island Nitrogen Action Plan and securing $383 million in water quality infrastructure dollars for Suffolk County.  This new initiative to create a recurring revenue source for clean water infrastructure will help implement the Governor’s water quality goals here in Suffolk County.”

In addition to New York State’s pioneering work on this issue, establishment of a countywide district and stable revenue source to fund wastewater improvements to reduce nitrogen are key recommendations of the Suffolk County Water Resources Management Plan issued in March, 2015 and a report issued by IBM as part of its Smarter Cities Challenge Program.

Unlike Nassau County, where almost 90 percent of the population benefits from active wastewater treatment through connection to sewer plants, most of Suffolk County’s wastewater treatment relies on more than 360,000 individual cesspools and septic systems.  These systems do not effectively treat wastewater, and release nitrogen into ground and surface water.   Suffolk County has more unsewered homes than the State of New Jersey.

Over the past decade, scientific evidence has pointed to a growing recognition that nitrogen pollution is a primary source of pollution to surface waters, leading to closure of shellfish beds, algal blooms, beach closures, and fish die-offs.  A recent report showed that nitrogen concentrations in one aquifer rose by 40 percent between 1987 and 2013, while levels in the deeper Magothy aquifer rose by 80 percent during that time span.

Moving away from the use of cesspools and septic systems to new, state-of-the-art treatment systems which remove nitrogen pollution is a key recommendation in the County’s Comprehensive Water Resources Management Plan. Over the past year, the County has facilitated pilot testing of six different technologies at homes throughout the county as the first step towards certifying innovative alternative (IA) systems for use in the County.

The proposed referendum would create a Water Quality Protection Fee on water use to help fund the conversion of homes to active treatment systems.  A surcharge of just $1 per 1,000 gallons of water used would generate nearly $75 million in annual revenue to reduce nitrogen pollution by connecting thousands of homes to active treatment systems each year.   And more importantly, Suffolk County residents would still pay 40% less than the national average of $5.25 per 1,000 gallons, and far less than water rates in Nassau County.  The Water Quality Protection Fee model is also used in Spokane, Washington, which, like Long Island, gets its drinking water from an underground aquifer.

Through the Water Quality Improvement District, officials would advance three different types of wastewater projects depending on local needs: sewage treatment in areas where connection to a sewer plant is an option, smaller cluster systems for individual communities where feasible, and individual active treatment systems.

The Water Quality Protection Fee would fund a Water Quality Improvement Fund which, by law, could only be used for wastewater improvements. An Advisory Committee, including local officials, community and environmental leaders, would make recommendations annually to the County Executive and County Legislature regarding projects to be advanced.

To ensure that uses of the funding are consistent with Town and Village land use goals and objectives, use of Fund proceeds would be conditioned on a review of wastewater projects proposed for funding to ensure consistency with Town and Village land use and wastewater plans. A portion of Fund revenues would be designated and made available for Town and Village governments to offset the cost of improvements or connections to Town and Village sewage treatment plants.

Statements of Support:

New York State Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr.: “Suffolk County is facing a water quality crisis. Fish kills, toxic algal blooms and unproductive coastal bays are plaguing us and taking a toll on our environmental and economic health. We need a comprehensive regional approach to improve the quality of our ground and surface waters, and the only way to do so is to take bold, unprecedented actions like those being proposed by Suffolk County. Not coincidently, the East End Towns are poised to vote on extending their Peconic Bay Community Preservation Fund this Fall through 2050, adding in a new 20 percent water quality provision. It is this kind of collaboration that will put us on the path to restoring our waters.”

New York State Senator Tom Croci: “We must have sewer expansion for our downtown areas, for our manufacturing sector in order to keep those jobs and our families on Long Island.  Upgraded septic systems for private homes protects our groundwater and saves the Great South Bay and its natural beauty.   In order to promote future economic growth and job creation, the time to act has arrived.  The public should fully participate and shape the decision-making process to ensure we retain the character of our communities.”

Brookhaven Town Supervisor Ed Romaine: “I applaud County Executive Bellone for his leadership in advancing this plan to restore water quality across this County, and, more importantly, for proposing that the people of Suffolk decide whether the plan should be implemented. Though some may disagree with it, no other elected official has offered a plan to reverse nitrogen pollution on this scale.”

Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman: “We live on an island that sits atop an aquifer. Every day we impact the water around us and beneath us. We have a responsibility to future generations that our water remains drinkable and our bays support marine life. Changing course is never easy, but it must be done. I applaud County Executive Bellone for his bold action on water quality and for including the voters in choosing a better course for Suffolk’s future.”
John Cameron, Chairman, Long Island Regional Planning Council: “The Long Island Regional Planning Council salutes the leadership and vision of Suffolk County in advancing its Countywide Water Quality Improvement District. The County’s initiative will enable the County to effectively address the pernicious problem of Nitrogen pollution of our ground and surface waters. The County has recognized the fact that Nitrogen pollution knows no municipal boundaries and needs to be addressed in a comprehensive manner with cost-effective and proven technological solutions. The nascent Long Island Nitrogen Action Plan co-chaired by the NYSDEC and LIRPC will be able to have its recommendations more expeditiously implemented with the creation of this Countywide District. This bold County initiative will have long-lasting environmental and economic benefits for all County residents for generations to come.”

Marcia Bystryn, President, New York League of Conservation Voters: “Nitrogen overload is on nearly everyone’s mind across Long Island and identifying financing mechanisms to replace failing septic systems is a top priority of NYLCV,” said “This fund and the creation of a countywide Water Quality Improvement District would accomplish just that. We’re proud to stand with this bipartisan coalition today and applaud County Executive Bellone for his leadership.”

Nancy Kelley, Executive Director, The Nature Conservancy on Long Island: “Nitrogen pollution from sewage is the biggest threat to Long Island’s environment and quality of life. We applaud County Executive Bellone’s bold leadership to help solve the problem through the establishment of a county-wide water quality protection district.  This new funding, once approved by voters in November, will become a cornerstone for the implementation of the Long Island Nitrogen Action Plan and help restore and protect Long Island’s water resources for our children and grandchildren.”

Marc Herbst, Executive Director, Long Island Contractors Association: “This initiative is not just about funding some arcane infrastructure. It is about the future of our environment; whether we can protect our ground water and address the slow motion crisis of nitrogen pollution harming our bays.  It is about building a waste water treatment system that ensures the environmental integrity of our county, the underlying foundation of our economy and the value of our homes. The Long Island Contractors’ Association supports this proposal because if we don’t take this step we are putting our collective future at serious risk. It is as simple, and crucial, as that.”

Mitchell H. Pally, Chief Executive Officer, Long Island Builders Institute: “The Long Island Builders Institute strongly supports this initiative to create a comprehensive financing plan to allow for the significant reduction of nitrogen pollution in our water.  We look forward to working with everyone to promote this very important program which will allow for all areas of Suffolk County to be protected.”

Desmond Ryan, Executive Director, Association for a Better Long Island: “Striking that balance between environmental protection and comprehensive economic development will only assist in making Suffolk County a great place to do business.”

Twenty Three Officers Honored for Making the Most DWI Arrests in 2015 Suffolk Police Officer Joshua Parsons & Northport Police Officer Michale Gigante Among the Honorees

Suffolk County Executive Bellone, Suffolk County Police Department Commissioner Timothy Sini and Suffolk County Stop DWI representatives honored 23 police officers, including Suffolk County Police Officer Joshua Parsons, for leading the department’s initiative to reduce drunk driving and reckless vehicular behavior.

Steve Bellone, PO Joshua Parsons, Inspector Hatton, William Lindsay, Chief Cameron

The ceremony, held at the Suffolk County Police Academy at Suffolk County Community College, honored law enforcement agents who made the biggest difference in their respective communities in 2015.  Each department, precinct and/or command nominated an officer among their ranks who arrested the highest number of DWI offenders last year.

Steve Bellone, Northport Village Officer Michale Gigante, Northport Village Chief Bill Ricca

“It is extremely important to us that motorists who are driving while intoxicated are stopped,” said Steve Bellone, Suffolk County Executive.  “DWI tragedies don’t just affect those involved, they impact the families of victims as well.  Suffolk County will not tolerate drunk driving on our roadways.  We are committed to arresting anyone who chooses to drink and then get behind the wheel of a car, endangering the lives of others.”

Suffolk County law enforcement agencies made over 15,000 DWI arrests in the past 3 years.

The following officers were recognized as STOP-DWI top cop awardees:

SCPD 1st Pct                                      PO Weldon Drayton, Jr.

SCPD 2nd Pct                                    PO Joshua Parsons

SCPD 3rd Pct                                     PO Olivia McMahon

SCPD 4th Pct                                     PO Douglas Nassisi

SCPD 5th Pct                                     PO Christopher Weiner

SCPD 6th Pct                                     PO Francesco Saracino

SCPD 7th Pct                                     PO Kevin Csoka

SCPD Highway Bureau                   PO Harry Jos

SCPD SAFE-T                                   PO Roger Kleber

Northport PD                                    PO Michale Gigante

Amity PD                                           PO Gerald Blee

Westhampton Beach PD                PO Steven Mcmanus

Quouge PD                                        PO Robert Hammel

Southampton Village PD                PO Ashley Jones

East Hampton Village PD               PO Steven Niggles

Sag Harbor PD                                  Sgt. Thomas Pagano

Riverhead PD                                    PO Timothy Murphy

Southampton PD                              PO Keith Phillips

East Hampton PD                            PO Vincent Rantinella

Southold PD                                      PO Garrett Lake

Shelter Island PD                             PO Christopher Drake

SC Sheriff’s Office                            Deputy Sheriff Brian Grazidei

NYS Police                                         Trooper Ryan Delaney

The Special Traffic Options Program for Driving While Intoxicated (STOP-DWI) is a comprehensive program specifically designed to reduce the incidence of alcohol-related traffic fatalities and injuries in New York State.  The program is supported by the fines collected from individuals convicted of alcohol-related traffic infractions.  STOP-DWI will continue to work toward the reduction of drinking and driving in Suffolk through its support of increased enforcement, swift and certain prosecution, sound and cost effective rehabilitation, tough probation, and public information and education campaigns.

Rock fans, get your dancing shoes ready once again for Rich Rivkin’s annual series of multi-sensory events at scenic park locations, featuring live music performances, live painting and exhibiting by multiple artists, fun & games, massive bubbles, hula hooping, vendors, and gourmet food trucks.

This year’s festival season kicks off at Calverton Links, with Grateful Fest on May 22, 2016, a day of visual art, plus five bands covering the music of The Grateful Dead.

The tie-dyed festivities continue through September at The Vanderbilt Museum and Northport Village Park. These family friendly events are part of a string of five festivals brought to you by Rich Rivkin Presents, which has produced thirty-five music festivals on Long Island since 2001.

Many of the region’s best-loved bands will be taking the stage this season, including Wonderous Stories, Half Step, Milagro, Mountain Jam Orchestra, Cousin Fungus, The Electrix, Reckoning, Como Brothers, Ken Talve Trio, Cousin Earth, Unbroken Chain, After Dark, Elephant, Djembe Movement, and Deadgrass.

Says producer Rich Rivkin, “We’re thrilled for the opportunity of expanding eastward as we bring our unique vibe to Calverton Links – the former golf course that’s been marvelously transformed into an ideal concert venue, with 80 acres of lawn to dance on. And we’re looking forward to returning to our two magnificent venues on the harbor, The Vanderbilt Museum and Northport Village Park both for our fifth year.”

Rich Rivkin Presents 2016 Festival Series:
Grateful Fest at Calverton Links May 22nd, Noon-8pm gratefulfest.net
with Half Step, The Electrix, Reckoning, After Dark, DeadGrass
Calverton Links, 149 Edwards Ave, Calverton NY

Woodstock Revival at Vanderbilt Museum June 12th, Noon-6:30pm woodstockrevival.net
with Wonderous Stories, Half Step, Milagro, Jellyband
Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport NY

Long Island Sound & Art Festival August 7th, Noon-6:30pm lisoundfestival.com
with Mountain Jam Orchestra, Elephant, Ken Talve Trio, Djembe Movement
Northport Park Gazebo, 1 Main Street, Northport NY

Links Music & Art Festival August 28th, Noon-8pm linksfestival.com
with Wonderous Stories, Half Step, Milagro, Cousin Fungus, Cousin Earth, Como Brothers Band
Calverton Links, 149 Edwards Ave, Calverton NY

Grateful Fest at Vanderbilt Museum September 25th, Noon-6:30pm gratefulfest.com
with Half Step, The Electrix, Reckoning, Unbroken Chain
Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport NY

Sponsors include The Paramount, SolarCity, New York Life, Renewal By Andersen, KORG, Sammi Hoop, Spirit Sky Drum, and Stella Blue Café.

All live painting artists and sculptors are welcome to participate. Visit limusicfestivals.com for ticketing and information, or contact Rich Rivkin at limusicfestivals@gmail.com.

Assemblyman Lupinacci

Majority members in the Assembly’s Committee on Higher Education voted May 10, 2016 to block Assemblyman Chad A. Lupinacci’s (R,C,I-South Huntington) proposed increase to the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP). Opposing members within the committee voted to hold Lupinacci’s bill (A.5809-A) from leaving committee, where it can expire at the conclusion of Legislative Session in June. This is just another example of the Assembly Majority putting politics before the best interests of New Yorkers.

“It is extremely disappointing that Majority members of the Assembly Committee on Higher Education chose today to hold Assembly Bill 5809-A, which would expand tuition assistance to thousands of New Yorkers,” said Lupinacci. “With the increasing cost in college tuition, it only seems logical to increase the amount our scholars can be awarded. It has been over a decade since the TAP award amounts were last re-evaluated. We need to ensure our financial assistance programs keep up with the skyrocketing costs of college education.”

If passed, this legislation would increase the maximum eligible income bracket from $80,000 to $100,000 and also increase the maximum TAP award to $6,470.

“Once again, common-sense legislation has been disregarded by the Assembly Majority. The affordability of higher education is not a Democrat or a Republican debate; it is a serious issue which faces families all across Long Island and New York State. We must do more to enable all New Yorkers to pursue their dreams of attaining a higher level of education,” said Lupinacci.

T-Serve Unit aims to free up patrol resources and reduce response times

Police Com. Tim Sini

Suffolk County Police Commissioner Timothy D. Sini announced the formation of the T-Serve unit to facilitate documentation of non-emergency incidents over the phone while allowing patrol officers to respond more quickly to emergencies and other situations that require police response.

The Suffolk County Police Department began providing this service to Suffolk County residents on April 25, 2016. The T-Serve program allows the public to report certain incidents, both criminal and non-criminal, to police officers over the phone. The service aims to free up patrol resources and reduce police response times for more urgent situations.

The T-Serve Unit operates during peak hours, between 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week Residents are encouraged to call 631-852-COPS for non-emergency calls that do not require a face-to-face meeting with a police officer. These callers will then be connected to a T-Serve Unit officer who will take the necessary information to generate a police report for the complainant.

631-852-COPS  OR 631-852-2677

Included in the types of reports that can be taken by the T-Serve Unit are reports of lost or stolen property where a police report is needed to process an insurance claim as well as criminal and non-criminal incidents that occurred in the past such as harassment, identity theft, vandalism, petit larceny and prior motor vehicle crashes with no injuries.

If any follow-up action is needed, the report will be forwarded to the appropriate investigative command and the complainant will be contacted.

In the future, the department has plans to expand this service online to allow reports to be made via the Internet.

School Budget vote is today. Polls across Huntington Township generally open at 6 or 7 a.m. and close at 9 or 10 p.m. Check your school districts website for places and times.

Half Hollow Hills  http://www.halfhollowhills.k12.ny.us/

Haborfields      http://www.harborfieldscsd.net/

Huntington      http://hufsd.edu/

South Huntington    http://shufsd.org/

Northport     http://web.northport.k12.ny.us/

Elwood          http://www.elwood.k12.ny.us/

Commack     http://www.commack.k12.ny.us/

Cold Spring Harbor  http://www.csh.k12.ny.us/index.cfm

Ester Bivona

ESTER BIVONA, HUNTINGTON RECEIVER OF TAXES, WOULD LIKE TO REMIND ALL TAXPAYERS THAT ALL 2015-2016 REAL ESTATE TAXES ARE DUE BY MAY 31, 2016. PAYMENTS MADE AFTER THAT DATE MUST BE MADE TO THE COUNTY COMPTROLLER AND MUST INCLUDE INTEREST AND PENALTY.

SENIOR CITIZENS CURRENTLY RECEIVING A SENIOR EXEMPTION PURSUANT TO §467 OF THE REAL PROPERTY TAX LAW (INCOME LESS THAN $37,400.00) AND SENIOR CITIZENS CURRENTLY RECEIVING ENHANCED STAR, EACH RELATED TO THEIR PRINCIPAL RESIDENCE ONLY HAVE UNTIL JUNE 6, 2016 TO PAY THEIR SECOND HALF TAX.

MRS. BIVONA ADVISES THAT ALL NEW OWNERS OF PROPERTY, WHO ARE NOT PAYING THEIR TAXES THROUGH THEIR MORTGAGE PAYMENT, AND THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY SATISFIED OR REFINANCED A MORTGAGE, SHOULD CALL THE TAX OFFICE AT (631) 351-3217 IF THEY DO NOT HAVE A BILL FOR PAYMENT. TAX BILLS ARE ISSUED IN DECEMBER EACH YEAR. IF YOU HAVE LOST OR MISPLACED YOUR BILL, PLEASE CONTACT THE TAX OFFICE. PENALTIES AND INTEREST CANNOT BE WAIVED BECAUSE OF NON-RECEIPT OF A TAX BILL.

IN ADDITION, MAILING A TAX PAYMENT DOES NOT GUARANTEE RECEIPT OF THE PAYMENT BY THE TAX OFFICE, NOR DOES IT GUARANTEE TIMELY PAYMENT. PAYMENTS POSTMARKED AFTER MAY 31, 2016 WILL BE FORWARDED TO THE COUNTY COMPTROLLER.

THE HUNTINGTON TAX OFFICE HOURS ARE 8:00 AM TO 5:30 PM MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY. PAYMENT HOURS DURING MAY ARE DAILY 9:00 AM TO 4:00 PM. THE OFFICE WILL BE OPEN FOR PAYMENT ON TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2016 FROM 9:00 AM UNTIL 7:00 PM. PLEASE NOTE THE OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED ON MONDAY, MAY 30, 2016, AND IS NOT OPEN ON SATURDAYS.

The Huntington Town Board recently honored 20 local high school seniors who excel in both academics and athletics at the annual Scholar-Athlete Awards Ceremony.

Each of the winners – one male and one female from each of the 10 high schools in the Town — had been selected by their school, which provided biographies that Town Board members read at the ceremony.

The Town Board also honored Town employee Tony Caiazza with the Richard Ford Service Award for his outstanding work with Camp Seahawk

The winners and their schools are:

Cold Spring Harbor High School: John Sepanski and Lauren Paolano

Commack High School: Ryan Steffens, Leanne Corso

Elwood John Glenn High School: Peter Vidulich II, Madison Graifman

Half Hollow Hills East High School: Spencer Manus, Mary Chimezie

Half Hollow Hills West High School: Alexis Kleet, Sean LeGuernic

Harborfields High School: Alexander Bloom and Abigail Wax

Huntington High School: Daniel Mollitor and Alexandra Koumas

Northport High School: Jack McGlone, Rebecca MacLeod

St. Anthony’s High School: Connor Levchuck, Charlotte Campbell

Walt Whitman High School: Robert Bottoni and Zenab Ojibe

The Town Board also thanked Reinwalds Bakery and Bon Bons Chocolatier for providing refreshments following the ceremony.

Video of the presentations can be viewed on the Town’s television channel (18 Optimum, 38 FiOS) or on the Town’s website at http://huntingtonny.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=4&clip_id=1018.

In the 2016 New York State Niche.com Ranking for Best Public Middle Schools, Harborfields’ Oldfield Middle School ranked No. 29 among hundreds of middle schools throughout the state. With an overall A- Niche Grade, OMS listed the highest in all of Suffolk County.

According to Niche, nearly 15,500 public high schools nationwide were ranked based on key statistics and opinion-based survey responses from students, recent alumni and parents. A high Niche ranking indicates that the school is an exceptional academic institution in terms of teachers, students, resources for learning, student happiness in their learning and student outcomes. In addition, a high ranking signifies that the school is made up of a diverse population and fosters an accepting, positive school culture.

“It is a tribute to the full dedication of our staff to develop curriculum and programs that nurture and enhance the middle school student,” said Oldfield Middle School Principal Joanne Giordano. “It is the support of our parents and the total engagement of our students in every aspect of our school community. Not only do they work hard academically, but also work to live up to their civic responsibility in ‘paying forward’ kindness into the greater community.”

Courtesy of the Harborfields Central School District

The Harborfields Central School District is pleased to announce that 14 Harborfields High School students achieved remarkable recognitions in the American Association of Teachers of French Suffolk Chapter French Poetry Contest for 2016. Students placed in three distinct categories: Original Poetry, Calligramme and Recitation. Congratulations to the following students on their success in the contest:

Original Poetry:

French 3

Julia Spande – First place

Jamie McArthur – Second place

Catherine Andreadis – Honorable mention

French 4

Ava McKane – First place

Falyn Dwyer – Honorable mention

French 5

Mariel Stein – Frist place

Abigail Wax – Second place

Calligramme:

French 4

Mackenzie Dash – First place

Greta Browne – Third place

Recitation:

Level 3

Olga Kurilina – Second place

Sarah-Elizabeth Leveque and Julia Spande – Honorable mention

Level 5

Eliza Snodgrass – First place

Gabrielle Mank – Third place

Photo Caption: Harborfields High School students participated in the Recitation portion on May 19 at Brentwood High School (from l-r) Tyler Lee, Olga Kurilina, Gabrielle Mank, Rachel Scheff, Eliza Snodgrass, Julia Spande, Sarah-Elizabeth Leveque and Sarah Katz.

Photo courtesy of the Harborfields Central School District

During the school’s annual senior awards ceremony on May 24, Harborfields High School Principal Dr. Rory Manning announced that Sabrina Qi and Trevor Jones were respectively the valedictorian and salutatorian of the Harborfields graduating Class of 2016.

Along with her designation of valedictorian, Qi was named a scholar in the 2016 National Merit Scholarship Program; she received the National School Development Council Academic Growth & Student Leadership Award and was presented the Daughters of American Revolution Good Citizenship Award. Dedicated to her academics during her senior year, she is enrolled in six Advanced Placement courses and one college-level language class. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Global Justice Club and science research club, which afforded her the opportunity to present her research at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.

In addition to her school commitments, Qi dances with the Lynch School of Ballet in Huntington. Since the age of 3, she has dedicated her time to perfecting her talent and plans to continue dancing as an extracurricular activity in college. Qi will attend Duke University in the fall with plans of majoring in biomedical engineering and biophysics.

“I think Harborfields has truly prepared me for the future with all the classes I have taken,” said Qi. “As long as you take the classes that you are interested in, the teacher will prepare you for what you want to study in college.”
As an active member of his school community, Jones is also enrolled in six Advanced Placement courses and is the class president. Among his high school experiences, he interned for Congressman Steve Israel, worked at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and North Shore-LIJ to conduct medical research and served as the student representative at the board of education business meetings. Furthering his educational career, Jones will attend Boston College on a full scholarship with plans to major in biology or public policy.

“I am going to miss the community,” said Jones. “The classes and teachers are great, but at the end of the day, what I am going to miss most are my peers, my friends and the environment we have here.”

Photo – Harborfields High School Class of 2016 valedictorian, Sabrina Qi.

Photo – Harborfields High School Class of 2016 salutatorian, Trevor Jones.

Photos courtesy of the Harborfields Central School District

The Bristal at East Northport honored student volunteer, Carmine Marchese, with a $500 scholarship for his volunteer work. Carmine, an East Northport resident and a senior at John Glenn High School in Elwood, assisted with special events and daily programs within the Recreation department.

He intends to pursue actuary science upon graduation. Carmine (second from right) is joined by (left to right) Julie Wexler, Bristal at East Northport Community Relations Director, Nicholas Materdomini, Bristal at East Northport Executive Director and Bristal at East Northport Recreation Director, Barbara Heaphy.

As a result of their fundraising efforts, Harborfields’ Oldfield Middle School students raised more than $16,000 to purchase a Trackchair, a motorized chair that enhances mobility, for a wounded veteran through The Independence Fund organization. During a special pep rally event on May 13, 2016 students witnessed the results of their hard work when veteran, Julia Torres, received her new Trackchair.

The Independence Fund, a nonprofit organization, supports injured and wounded veterans by providing the tools they need to achieve their independence and freedom. During the course of the school year, Oldfield Middle School students, faculty and PTA organized more than 16 different fundraising events to raise funds. Exceeding their anticipated goal of $15,000, the school raised $16,000 to buy a ‘Zoom’ Trackchair.

In honor of the assembly, students, coordinated by grade level, arrived to school dressed in a red, white or blue shirt. Following the singing of the Star Spangled Banner by faculty and students, Principal Joanne Giordano kicked off the presentation with words of gratitude to the students for raising money for this special cause and appreciation to the veterans in attendance for their service.

Assistant Principal Joseph Castoro introduced the next guest speaker to the podium. Tommy Rieman, a retired U.S. Army Staff Sgt. and executive director of The Independence Fund, expressed his gratitude and lauded the students as heroes for their contribution and thoughtful efforts. Members of the student government presented Rieman with a check for $16,000 made out to The Independence Fund.

“Today we are going to change the life of someone who lost their mobility due to their sacrifices to this nation,” said Rieman. “I want you to walk away today standing proud, you guys are the heroes of today and tomorrow. Oldfield Middle School, the world should know that you are true American patriots.”

Filled with gratitude for the students’ efforts, veteran Torres, expressed her appreciation and encouraged the students that “nothing is impossible.”

“I am in such gratitude for the kids who raised so much money in such a short period of time,” said Torres. “It is truly admirable and from the bottom of my heart I thank them.”

Photo Caption: Oldfield Middle Schools students, faculty and PTA members raised $16,000 to purchase a ‘Zoom’ Trackchair for veteran Julia Torres through The Independence Fund organization.

Photos courtesy of the Harborfields Central School District

Although the Centerport Fire Department Memorial Day Parade was cancelled due to inclement weather, firefighters held a memorial service and placed wreaths at the memorial monument on Park Circle opposite the firehouse. A similar service was held at the Centerport Beach monument on Harrison Drive.

Pictured from left are Ex-Chiefs Nick Feeley, Kevin Dearie, Paul Heglund, First Assistant Chief Tom Boyd, U.S. Navy Captain James Rooney and Commander Kevin Hudson, Chief Brian Mark, Ex-Chiefs Ken Klerk, James Feeley and John Giacoppi.
Story & Photo by Steve Silverman