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May Marks Long Island History Month!

Yep it’s a whole month dedicated to Long Island history.

It was the Nassau County Clerk, Maureen O’Connell and Suffolk County Clerk, Judith Pascale, who declared May as Long Island History Month. The two met at Oheka Castle to officially declare the month of May would be dedicated to Long Island History, in recognition of the historically rich and diverse culture preserved by the ‘Gold Coast Mansions’ situated along Long Island’s North Shore.

This announcement came as the new website, www.historiclongisland.com, was launched by the Gold Coast Mansion Alliance. The Alliance was organized by Oheka’s own, Nancy Melius-Murton.

The new site represents some of the areas most treasured properties including Oheka Castle, Old Westbury Gardens, The Vanderbilt Estate, Coe Hall, Glen Cove Mansion, Sands Point Preserve and Chelsea Mansion.

“The Historic Long Island website is a modern day means to introduce these historic sites to the world while supporting new opportunities for tourism at these Long Island destinations.”

(Information from Nassau County Gov)

May 16^th- On this date in 1836, the South Ferry Company established the South Ferry. This ferry was to connect Lower Manhattan to the newly opened Long Island Rail Road stop in Jamaica.

The route took passengers from Manhattan to Brooklyn, where they would walk to a train station that brought them to Jamaica for the Long Island Rail Road.

The South Ferry Company merged with Fulton Ferry in 1839, forming the New York and Brooklyn Union Ferry Company.

May 15^th- On this day in 1784, Benjamin Franklin Thompson was born in Setauket. Thompson is a renowned Long Island historian, penning several books about the history and genealogy of Long Island.

Thompson did more than just write Long Island’s history. He was a statesman that got involved in all aspects of political life. He served on the state Assembly, collected taxes during the War of 1812, and a lawyer on Long Island.

His biggest success as a historian came in his book titled: “History of Long Island: Containing an Account of the Discovery & Settlement of Long Island”, and Thompson was a frequent orator at events across Long Island.

May 14^th- On this day 1814, the “Nassau”, the first boat of Robert Fulton and his brother William Cutting company the New York and Brooklyn Steamboat Ferry Association, ran its first ferry trip from Manhattan to Brooklyn.

One of the founding fathers of the steamboat in America, Fulton’s company started a year before his death in 1815. Fulton gained fame by being a master of steamboats, even constructing a steam-powered submarine for Napoleon Bonaparte.

When Fulton returned to the US in 1806, he set about proving that a steam boat could navigate the rivers of America to make river transportation plausible. This came to a head in 1807, when Fulton successfully powered the first ferry from New York to Albany in just over 30 hours.

Fulton’s prowess in the steamboat industry was further proved when the state of New York gave his boats exclusive rights to travel the Hudson River. Although other ferry companies used the waters, it was Fulton who was most recognized for his boats.

When Fulton died in 1815, both houses of the US Congress recognized his loss in mourning, and businesses in New York City closed for one day in his honor.

(Information taken from Wikipedia)

May 13^th- On this day in 1819, one of the most famous American poets, Walt Whitman, was born in West Hills. Considered one of the greatest American poets ever, Whitman’s most famous printed work was his piece Leaves of Grass, which he published in 1855 but constantly updated until his death.

Whitman grew up in West Hills until his family moved to Brooklyn. By 1830, he was working in the printing rooms of New York City newspapers, where he learned about publishing and print type. In 1836, he moved back to Long Island where he worked as a school teacher.

A fledgling writer, Whitman took out money to publish his first edition of Leaves of Grass himself in 1855.

Whitman also served his country during the Civil War. As  a field nurse in Virginia and Washington, D.C., Whitman visited wounded soldiers of both the Confederacy and the Union, using his meager salary to buy gifts to give to the soldiers.

After the war, Whitman published another edition of Leaves of Grass, which contained more poems written by Whitman during his involvement in the Civil War.

Whitman suffered from a stroke in 1873. Until his death in 1891 Whitman spent his life in Camden, New Jersey. He died at the age of 72. He published his final edition of Leaves of Grass a year before his death, and called it the “deathbed edition.”

(Information taken from Wikipedia.)

Wikipedia

On May 12th in 2008, Cablevision Systems Corp. announced its plan to buy the Long Island-based newspaper Newsday from Tribune Co. for $650 million. The sale was completed July 29, 2008.

In the same year, Newsday was ranked 10th in terms of newspaper circulation in the United States.

Newsday is a daily American newspaper that primarily serves Nassau and Suffolk counties and the New York City borough of Queens on Long Island. It’s also sold throughout the New York metropolitan area.

The paper was founded by Alicia Patterson, with the backing of her husband, Harry Guggenheim. It was first published in 1940 from Hempstead. The newspaper changed hands and went under Times Mirror.

In 2008, News Corporation attempted to by Newsday for $580 million and was matched with a bid from New York Daily News and a $680 million bid from Cablevision. Cablevision ultimately took over Newsday.

As of 2009, its weekday circulation of 377,500 was the 11th-highest in the United States, and the highest among suburban newspapers.

The newspaper’s headquarters are located in Melville, New York, in Suffolk County.

(Information from Wikipedia)

Today on Long Island in 1935 a very famous children’s author was born.

Francine Jacobs grew up in a small, oceanside community on Long Island before penning her famous children’s books. She worked as an elementary school school teacher in upstate New York and studied elementary education and child psychology at Queens College in New York City.

She went on to create popular children’s books including, The Wisher’s Handbook, The King’s Ditch, and Break-through: The True Story of Penicillin.

In total she authored 24 books.

One of her most popular was The Tainos: The People Who Welcomed Columbus in 1992. A story that describes the history, culture and mysterious fate of the first Native Americans to welcome Columbus in 1492.

Another popular book is called, “Sam the Sea Cow.” The true story follows Sam the manatee who was rescued and nursed back to health after getting stuck in a sewer drain.

(Information from U.S. History Through Children’s Literature by Wanda J. Miller.)

Today on Long Island Charles Lindbergh flew his monoplane 1,500 miles to St. Louis, establishing a record for flight time between the two cities and preparing him for his Paris flight!

Lindbergh’s dream was to become the first person to fly non-stop from New York to Paris.

“Hotelier Raymond Orteig was offering $25,000 as an incentive, but Lindbergh’s motivation wasn’t the money, it was showing the world that aviation was a viable form of transportation. An airmail pilot who regularly flew long distances in miserable Midwestern weather, Lindbergh knew what it would take, and he took action, raising $13,000 from St. Louis businessmen to add to his own $2,000. “- www.airusa.com

After creating his ideal plane, Linbergh took off on May 10 at 3:55 p.m.. He flew his new monoplane 1,500 miles to St. Louis, establishing a record for flight time between the two cities: 14 hours and 25 minutes.

Arriving in St. Louis at 8:20 a.m. on May 11th , he showed his backers the little plane that would promote the name of their growing town and its ideal location as a national hub for commercial aviation. Marketers would have to agree, this was a most successful ‘title sponsorship.’

On May 12 Lindbergh flew from St. Louis to Long Island, New York, setting yet another transcontinental flight record which would prepare him and promote his 33-1/2 hour flight to Paris from Roosevelt Field!

(Information from www.airusa.com)

Today on Long Island in 1949, Billy Joel was born!

Technically, Joel wasn’t born on Long Island but The Bronx. But he quickly moved east and was raised in Hicksville. He was born to manufacturer, Karl Joel and Rosalind Nyman who divorced in 1960.

He started piano lessons at an early age thanks to his father being an accomplished classical pianist. This would be a source of much teasing throughout his school years.

Joel attended Hicksville High School but didn’t graduate. He was reportedly one credit short of the graduation requirement.

In Billy Joel: The Life and Times of an Angry Young Man by Hank Bordowitz, Joel reportedly said,” I told them, ‘the hell with it. If I’m not going to Columbia University, I’m going to Columbia Records and you don’t need a high school diploma over there’.”

Joel’s first solo record contract would produce a song called Cold Spring Harbor, about the Long Island town. It was released in 1971. The album reached #158 in the US and #95 in the UK a year later.

It would be when he moved out of Long Island that he would compose his most famous song Piano Man. He composed the hit song during his gig in The Executive Room piano bar in California about the patrons.

In 2010, the documentary film “The Last Play at Shea” premiered. It centered around Joel’s 2008 concerts of the same name that occured at Shea Stadium. The shows were before a combined 110,000 fans and were the last performances ever to be played at the historic stadium before it was demolished.

With summer quickly approaching there is no better time than now to start planning your weekend getaways. Unfortunately, planning your perfect trip to paradise may seem overwhelming; there are too many options available.

To help ease these summer struggles, Conde Nast’s Traveler has strung together a list of 121 hot new hotels of 2012. These hotels represent forty-nine different countries and offer a variety of different experiences to appease any vacationer. Some featured hotels are luxurious and relaxing while others are dominated by hip parties and fun-times. Luckily, you don’t have to bust your wallet and venture to a foreign country to take advantage of these hot hotels. Instead, you can hop in your car and head to Montauk’s own Ruschmeyer’s.

This newly renovated King & Grove hotel secured a spot on the Traveler’s 2012 Hot List due to its unique ambiance. The hotel, which was once an old motel, was transformed into a camping inspired party spot. Each of the nineteen rooms embodies a contemporary cabin vibe with wooden walls complimented by oatmeal linens and nature themed-décor. Together the guestrooms encircle Ruschmeyer’s hub of activities known as The Magic Garden on which guests will find teepees, Ping-Pong tables and grills dispersed throughout the lawn. The hotel also offers guests paddle ball, bingo, yoga and countless other activities to ensure your time at Ruschmeyer’s is more like a seaside summer camp, than an ordinary weekend trip.

Traveler also praised Ruschmeyer’s for it’s superb food from Manhattan’s Fat Radish owners Phil Windser and Ben Towill. The menu consists of Montauk’s freshest catches as well as some American classics. Guests can indulge on the seafood treats and enjoy an extensive array of organic wine in the hotel’s cabin-like dining space. Although, the food is more of a delicacy than what is typically served at a summer camp, the vibe is still maintained. guests will still be tickled with nostalgia for their past summer camp adventures.

Luckily, there is no need to dwell. Guests are sure to fashion together new memories of contemporary cabins and teepees as they spend their time at Montauk’s own luxury Ruschmeyer’s.

Craft Beer Week is almost here!

This year, Craft Beer Week will kick off May 11 and continue through May 20. According to its website, the weeklong celebration “is a collaborative venture created to raise awareness of the thriving local craft beer culture and promote patronage at local establishments.”

During the week dedicated to craft beer many local bars, restaurants, and brewers will be hosting a variety of events including tasting parties and festivals all over Long Island.

“Launched with great success last year, the first Long Island Craft Beer Week included more than 70 events across Nassau and Suffolk counties,” reads a Long Island Craft Beer Week press release. ”Many anticipate the number of events for this year’s LICBW to reach more than 100.”

One such event is the Pre Game Cask Tasting Party on May 10 at Farmingdale’s Croxley Ales. The event kicks off at 6 p.m. and features seven local cask ales from breweries like Great South Bay Brewery, Blue Point Brewery, Long Ireland Beer Company, and Port Jefferson Brewery Company. But the night is not just about beer, the menu for the night features Chipotle BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders, Mini Montauk Crab Cakes, Double Smoked Bacon Sticks, Filet Mignon Sliders, and Boneless Wings all for only $19.95.

Another exciting event is Simulcask, which is actually a multi-venue event. On May 14, three bars across Long Island will simultaneously feature a Long Island Craft Beer Week Collaboration beer. Two local breweries, Long Ireland Brewing Co. and Blind Bat Brewery, have joined forces to brew a beer especially for Craft Beer Week.  You can check out this unique concoction at Bay Shore’s The Cortland, Mineola’s The Black Sheep Ale House or Smithtown’s Tap and Barrel.

In honor of Long Island Craft Beer Week, Stony Brook’s Mirabelle Restaurant at Three Village Inn will be providing a special beer dinner on Thursday, May 17, at 6 p.m. They are offering a five course menu by award winning Chef Guy Reuge, which will also feature four local brews.

With a countless number of events and participants, Craft Beer Week is ideal for beer brewers and craft beer lovers alike.

“Last year’s beer week really showcased the creation and enjoyment of craft beer on Long Island,” said Mark Burford, Brewmaster and Founder of Blue Point Brewing Co. in a press release.  “People are really into it and getting behind it. This year will be even better.”

For a complete list of events and more information visit: www.longislandcraftbeerweek.com

On May 8th,  the first of the great flights post ww1 was that of a Unites States Navy seaplane NC4.  It was a transatlantic flight that lasted 23 days over the Atlantic Ocean.

Three NC 4s took off from Rockaway Long Island and set off to Plymouth England.  Only 1 of the 3 aircraft that started the flight was able to finish the airborne journey.Stops along the way included Morenga, Spain and Lisbon, Portugal.

The one successful aircraft was piloted by lieutenant Commander Albert C. Read along with several other Navy and Coastguard Airmen.Early transatlantic flights were flown west to east.

They were flown this way only, so that pilots could take advantage of prevailing winds.  This was the first ever successful attempt to cross the Atlantic in a non-stop east to west flight.

(Information from http://books.google.com/books?id=nCFYdB2H05UC&pg=PA80&sig=XBpr60GURR-AtmYjAwLvhsWgeWo&hl=en#v=onepage&q=may%208%20long%20island&f=false)

Levittown Historical Society

May 7th in the late ’40s, Levittown would officially become the future.

Two days later, the New York Herald Tribune reported that 1,000 of the 2,000 proposed homes had already been rented.

In order to build their homes cheaper and faster, Levitt and Sons decided to eliminate basements and build their new homes on concrete slabs, as they had before in Norfolk, Virginia.  This practice was prohibited in the Town Of Hempstead, but, because the need for housing was so urgent, the Town modified the Building Code to allow the Levitts to proceed with their plan.

This day on Long Island in 1977 Billy Joel would offer his fans a special preview of his hit song “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant.”

On May 6th, a few days before its official release, Joel would premiere his hit song about a local Long Island Italian restaurant during a performance at Long Island University C.W. Post Campus located in Greenvale.

It was said that he dedicated the song to Christiano’s restaurant which is located in Syosset. Though the song was dedicated to Christiano’s, in an interview, Joel revealed that the song was inspired by a combination of places including Fontana di Trevi, which was located across from Carnegie Hall in Manhattan.

The song would become Joel’s longest studio cut at 7 minutes and 37 seconds and was about people who peaked too early. It was essentially about the popular jocks in class who ended up going nowhere in life.

The song came from Joel’s 1977 album, The Stranger, and the music was inspired by The Beatles. He told USA Today in an interview, “I had always admired the B-side of Abbey Road which was essentially a bunch of songs strung together by (producer) George Martin. What happened was The Beatles didn’t have completely finished songs or wholly fleshed-out ideas, and George said, ‘What have you got?’ John said, ‘Well I got this,’ and Paul said, ‘I got that.’ They all sat around and went, ‘Hmm, we can put this together and that’ll fit in there.’ And that’s pretty much what I did.”

This day in 1902 the President of the Pennsylvania, New York and Long Island Railroad Company, Alexander Cassatt, came up with a plan to extend the railroad lines of the Pennsylvania Railroad into New York City and then create another extension that would connect the line to the Long Island Railroad.

The station known as Penn Station was the connector station that Cassatt was most known for. However, he died in 1906 before his creation was ever opened which increased the company’s total assets by 115 percent. This achievement awarded him a statue in front of the station in 1910 due to the improved access the railroad provided to the greater New York City area.

Today, Penn station provides many services such as, the Amtrak, Long Island Rail Road access, New York City Subway access, NYC transit bus, New Jersey Transit, Port Authority Trans-Hudson, Continental Airlines, Bolt Bus, and Vamoose Bus services.

Source:  http://books.google.com/books?id=V1tDAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA11&output=text#c_top

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_

Cassatt, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pennsylvania_Station_%28New_York_City%29

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Tunnel_Extension

Winthrop-University Hospital, a New York State-designated Stroke Center that has been recognized by the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association for excellence in stroke care will be hosting a very special stroke awareness event this month.

On Thursday, May 17, Winthrop-University Hospital’s Community Outreach Center in Mineola will host a Stroke Awareness Fair during which they will be offering free individual stroke risk assessments and informational lectures in recognition of National Stroke Awareness Month.

The stroke risk assessments will consist of a blood pressure check, carotid bruit check, and risk factor review. Attendees will also have the opportunity to sign up for a free vascular screening on a future date.

Additionally, Vascular Neurologist Sarah Cherian, MD will discuss risk factors, prevention and different types of stroke with attendees. She will also explain how to recognize the signs of a stroke, why you need to act fast and the latest information about available treatments.

The fair will also feature representatives from Winthrop’s Institute for Neurosciences and other departments, who will answer questions and provide information about important stroke-related prevention and recovery issues. Representatives from various community resources will also be on hand to answer questions.

The Stroke Assessment Fair is free, but reservations are required.  Please call 516-663-8300 to make a reservation.

Winthrop-University Hospital’s Breast Health Center will be holding an special new program designed for breast cancer patients and their significant others this month.

The program is called “Finding Strength Together: A New Tool for Couples” and will be held at the Winthrop Community Outreach Center in Mineola May 16 and May 23 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

“Finding Strength Together: A New Tool for Couples” is intended to provide strategies to help couples tackle the challenges of coping with breast cancer with several topics being covered each meeting.  Sessions will be led by Alisha Ellis, LMSW, OSW-C. On May 16, Problems, Managing Issues and Improving Communication being covered while on May 23, topics will include Exploring Your Role as Caregiver or Survivor, and Integrating Problem-Solving into Your “New Normal.”

Additionally, the special event will include a light dinner.

Advance registration and pre-screening is required. For more information or to register, please call Ms. Ellis at 516-663-2556.

On May 4, 1905 the major horse-racing facility, Belmont Park, located  in Elmont, New York first opened its gates. It is known as The Champion Track because every champion, including every Triple Crown winner, since the early 20^th century competed at the Belmont racecourse. The racetrack even hosts the final leg of the Triple Crown every year in June called the Belmont Stakes.

The only two features still remaining from the old Belmont Park are the four stone pillars on the Hempstead Turnpike which are now at the clubhouse entrance and the iron railings were also kept after the 1963 renovation.

Belmont Park is not only known for its racing history but its aviations history as well. 150,000 people came to the park to watch a Wright-Brothers-staged international aerial tournament on October 10, 1910.

In October of 1962 was the last time the old Belmont park held a race due to structural defects in the buildings. Construction of the new facilities began in 1963 and ran until 1968.

Today the park is directly connected to the Cross Island Parkway and is located directly next to the Long Island Rail Road.

(Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belmont_Park)

1929, Great Neck Plaza

The Village of Great Neck Plaza was incorporated in on May 3, 1930 as one of nine communities in the Great Neck peninsula.

At this time, the Village was a bustling community with both residential and commercial buildings, estates, and even an express train to New York City!

The Plaza, centrally located within the the Great Neck Peninsula, known as being a hub with the Long Island Railroad’s Great Neck Station, contains everything from unique & upscale shops to fun restaurants that can be found on Middle Neck Road.

Geographically, the Village measures a third of a square mile, but boasts a vibrant downtown with a railroad station (Great Neck Branch of the Long Island Railroad), over 250 retail stores and service establishments, almost 90 multiple-family apartment buildings, 148 single family homes (The Great Gatsby was inspired by a Great Neck mansion), approximately 40 office buildings, 2 fours star hotels, a nursing home and a senior independent and one assisted-care living facilities.

(Information taken from greatneckplaza.net)

Tanger Outlets is hosting a special Fashion Bash at its Long Island shopping centers in Riverhead and Deer Park. The event will kick off May 12 and feature television host Vanessa Lachey who will forecast the Top Fashionable Finds for Summer.

“Join us this Saturday May 12 for the Summer Fashion Bash as Tanger’s Fashion Authority, Vanessa Lachey, shows off her top fashion finds for summer,” says Tanger in a press release.

According to Tanger, to celebrate summer style, Lachey will focus on luxe style items while shoppers enjoy Tanger savings on the season’s most on trend merchandise already in stores for this summer.

“Tanger invites you to continue the celebration of summer style with the Summer Bash One Day Sale and save 20 percent off your entire purchase at participating stores,” reads the Tanger release which noted that coupons are available at Shopper Services and valid only on May 12.

Shoppers will also have the chance to win Vanessa’s Picks, which includes everything from handbags and wedges to cuffs, sunglasses and more. Lachey will give away all of her favorite things to a few lucky audience members.

Additionally, the first 500 people to register for the Fashion Bash on tangeroutlet.com will receive a free gift at the event and social media users can check out the Like Us and See Stars Facebook contest for the chance to attend the VIP Meet & Greet with Vanessa prior to her appearance.

In Riverhead, the fashion presentation with Vanessa will take place at 1 p.m. and in Deer Park, the presentation will take place at 4 p.m. For more information visit Tanger.com.

On May 2, 1963, two F-105 Thunderchiefs left Republic Aviation on Long Island only to collide later the day on the Catskills mountains, killing both pilots.

One of the pilots killed was Don Seaver, the other was Jack Bade, a flying ace during WWII. Lt. Bade was credited with destroying five enemy aircraft in aerial combat during WWII, before returning to the U.S. in September 1943. The 23-year-old from Minneapolis would be a pilot instructor until the war was over. After the war, he became a test pilot for Republic Aviation until his fateful flight to the Catskills.

The Thunderchiefs were used for strike bombing over North Vietnam during the early years of the Vietnam war. It was the only aircraft in U.S. history to be pulled from combat, due to a high attrition rate.

Source: http://www.veterantributes.org/TributeDetail.asp?ID=634
http://www.chayden.net/Catskills/Notes/AircraftCrashes.html

This day on Long Island in 1988, a Disney star was born.

Nicholas Braun was born May 1, 1988 in Bethpage. The actor is most famous for his role in the film Sky High as Zachary Braun aka Zach Attack.

He has also had roles in Disney’s “Minutemen,” “Princess Protection Program” as Selena Gomez’s love interest and had a role in ”Poor Paul.”

In 2001, he appeared in “Walter  Henry” and also in ABC’s hit show “10 Things I Hate About You,” where he played Cameron.

Recently, he appeared on the hit show “The Secret Life of the American Teenager,” and currently plays Cole Waters in the web series The LXD.

Information from Nicholasbraun.com

Life & Style Magazine

On this day in April, Long Island songbird married comedian!

On April 30^th, 2008, Long Island’s own Mariah Carey married Nick Cannon.

The R&B singer who was born in Huntington, rose to fame thanks to her beautiful voice and equally beautiful looks.

Carey was married to mega-popular record producer, Tommy Mottola but after the marriage failed, Carey would meet her future husband Nick Cannon.

Carey is 12 years older than Cannon, but the age difference did little to stop the two from falling in love. The two hit it off during the filming of a music video and soon started dating exclusively.

The two married just six weeks after they started dating. They married in secret in the Bahamas, trying to downplay their wedding day and keep it as big a secret as they could.

Carey recently revealed that she became pregnant after her wedding but suffered a miscarriage. In the fall, Carey announced she was pregnant again, this time with twins. She had her baby shower in early March 2011 and gave birth to twins in early April, a boy and a girl!

(Source: Wikipedia)

Original portrait painted from life in 1783 by Charles Wilson Peale/ Wikipedia

April 29^th- On this day in 1776, General George Washington gave control of Long Island to Nathanael Greene.

Having just won a battle in Boston, Washington set out to defend New York City from a British attack, and Greene was put in charge of the defense.

Greene set up his defenses in Brooklyn Heights to stop a frontal attack from the British.

His defense did not hold up, however, as the British planned a surprise attack on Greene’s left flank. During the ensuing battle, most of Greene’s troops surrendered or were caught.

Luckily for Greene and the rest of the Continental Army, the British decided to let the captured troops flee back to Manhattan in their attempts to win good favor. Without this release, the War as we know it might not have happened.

After his work in Long Island, Greene went on to be Washington’s right-hand man, rising all the way to Commander in Chief of the Southern troops in 1778.

Greene passed away in June 1786, less than one year after he retired from military service.

(Source- http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/nathanael-greene-takes-command-of-long-island-http://www.ushistory.org/valleyforge/served/greene.html-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nathanael_Greene-http://www.theamericanrevolution.org/peopledetail.aspx?people=17)

April 28^th- On this day in 1985, WLIG went on the air as TV-55.

WLIG was the first Long Island-based independent television station since WSNL-TV.

The station was founded by Long Island businessman Michael Pascucci, and went live on April 28, 1985 with the branding of TV-55.

In its infancy, TV-55 tried a myriad of gimmicks to catch on, including a “Watch And Win” sweepstakes for viewers, and the company offered 100,000 free loop antennas to non-cable viewers who could not receive the station clearly.

By June of 1987, the station reached an estimated 200,000 viewers, and was carried by eight of the nine cable systems on Long Island, the sole exception being Cablevision. By 1987, TV-55 was being carried in Brooklyn and Queens, too.

In 1996, the company changed its name to WLNY (we love New York), and rebranded itself as NY 55. By 2006, WLNY changed its branding again, this time to TV 10/55, to represent the two stations that WLNY was broadcasted on.

WLNY still broadcasts today, and offers “second-chance” airings of popular TV shows on earlier in the day. It offers one news program a day, the 11 p..m. news, and produces a once-weekly public affairs show called News 55 Focus.

(Source: Wikipedia, WLNYTV, NYTIMES)

A typical pocketbook dangles off the side of a woman acting as a mere decoration or compliment to the day’s outfit. Throughout the day, a woman will continually shuffle through her bag seeking a variety of miscellaneous objects, but will only regard her purse as a convenient accessory. On May 10, however, pocketbooks will be credited for advancing scientific research thanks to Prevention is the Cure and Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition’s Bag Ladies Benefit.

During this seventh annual benefit, which will be held at Carlyle on the Green at Bethpage State Park, a variety of prizes and auctions are available to help raise funds for the Student and Scientist Environmental Research Scholarship Program.

The program allows young researchers to work hands on in a state-of-the-art lab as they try to investigate the environmental triggers of fatal diseases. Lisa Kratter, the coordinator for the Student and Scientist Environmental Research Scholarship Program and one of the masterminds behind the Bag Ladies Benefit, believes the funds raised for the benefit will help bring innovation to the scientific community.

To foster the funds for the Student and Scientist Environmental Research Scholarship Program, elegant designer handbags will be auctioned off to the highest bidder. There will also be more than 100 baskets filled with luxurious items from boutiques and restaurants that will be raffled off at the end of the night along with diverse prizes ranging from weekend getaways to tickets to television tapings. Officials said they’re hopeful that the auction will help then benefit surpass its goal of $120,000.

The Bag Ladies Benefit is hoping to entice guests with live music from the unique duo, Distant Twins.

The work done by the Bag Ladies Benefit, will hopefully achieve their dream that scientific research will be steered in the direction of prevention rather than cure, officials said. With the proper funding-provided by benefits like the Bag Ladies Benefit- students will channel their intellectual curiosity and explore the environment’s connection to diseases.

For more information of the event or organization visit www.preventionisthecure.org or www.hbcac.org, or call 631-547-1518.

Reported by Gina Brindisi.

Winthrop-University Hospital has just announced some exciting news: they will be hosting a unique event highlighting Alzheimer’s Disease, dementia and other cognitive impairments on Thursday, May 10.

The event will kick off at 6:30 p.m. with a pre-film informational fair of community resources held at the Dr. Martin Spatz Conference Center, located in the lower level of the main Hospital at 259 First Street in Mineola, followed by a feature film at 7 p.m. Writer-director/filmmaker Tim Jeffreys, will introduce the film, a 78-minute drama, “You Are Here,” depicting one woman’s journey with early onset Alzheimer’s, followed by an interactive panel discussion.

Panelists for the post-film discussion include:

• Mark Stecker, MD, Chief of the Department of Neurology at Winthrop
• Lucy Macina, MD, Geriatric Specialist
• Linda Martinez, LMSW, Social Worker, Winthrop Geriatrics
• Martha Montello, RN and Jane Dwyer, RN, Winthrop-University Hospital Home Health Agency
• Mary Ann Malack-Ragona, Executive Director/CEO, Alzheimer’s Association, Long Island
• Frank Gucciardo, Independent Living Solutions Specialist

“Although the movie focuses on early-onset Alzheimer’s, it brings to light the challenges patients and families face when dealing with cognitive issues,” Winthrop said in a statement. “The event will educate attendees about Alzheimer’s, promote public awareness of the disease and provide support for those who are dealing with these challenges – at any stage of life or of the disease.”

Admission is free and open to the public, though space is limited and reservations are required.

To register, contact (631)-424-2800, the law office of Tully & Winkelman, PC, a sponsor of the event and for further questions contact the Department of Public Relations at Winthrop-University Hospital at (516)-663-2234.

Picture From www.networkwomen.com

April 27^th- On this date in 1944, former Nassau County Executive Thomas Gulotta was born.

Gulotta served a long life in politics on Long Island, with the highlight being his appointment, and subsequent re-elections, to the Nassau County Executive post, where he served from 1987 to 2001.

Gulotta was born in Oceanside to Josephine and Frank Gulotta, Sr. The elder Gulotta served as Nassau County district attorney and was also a New York State Supreme Court judge.

Gulotta Jr’s political career started in 1976, when he was elected to the New York State Assembly. He stayed with the post until 1981, when Republicans on Long Island tapped his skills to serve as the presiding supervisor for the Town of Hempstead.

After that, Gulotta was appointed to the county executive post. Gulotta ran for reelection to the post at the end of 1987 and won.

He stayed on as Nassau County Executive for four more terms, serving the County through the 1990’s and into the beginning of the 2000’s. When it came time for his fifth election, Gulotta decided against running. Tom Suozzi was elected to the post after Gulotta.

Since retiring from the post, Gulotta has worked as a lawyer for several law firms.

(Source- nytimes.com-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Gulotta)

Wikipedia

April 26^th- On this date in 1986, John MacDougall jammed the satellite signal of HBO’s satellite tower on Long Island to display a message about his unhappiness with HBO’s costs.

Using satellite equipment from his job in Florida, MacDougall managed to point a satellite dish at the same satellite that HBO used to transmit its signal from Long Island to the rest of the country, and stopped what HBO was showing to display a message of his own.

MacDougall was trying to protest HBO’s use of scrambling equipment that blocked its signal from being picked up by average satellite dishes. HBO was trying to implement a scrambler, which required people who wanted to view HBO to buy their service and receive a decoder to get the channel.

After uplinking a movie to the now-defunct People’s Choice network, MacDougall pointed the dish he was using at the HBO satellite. Connecting to the feed, he put up a text message to be displayed that read “GOODEVENING HBO/FROM CAPTAIN MIDNIGHT/$12.95/MONTH?/NO WAY!/[SHOWTIME/MOVIE CHANNEL BEWARE!]”

MacDougall might have gotten away with it too, had he not bragged to a friend in a telephone booth outside of a Florida hotel. An accountant on vacation overheard MacDougall talking about his stunt, and the man wrote down MacDougall’s license plate number and reported it to the police.

MacDougall took a plea bargain from the Federal Communications Commission, and settled for a $5,000 fine and one year’s probation.

(Source http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Captain_Midnight_%28HBO%29, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broadcast_signal_intrusion

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,961911,00.html,http://www.museumofhoaxes.com/hoax/archive/permalink/the_attack_of_captain_midnight/

The highly-anticipated Inaugural Fundraiser for the NYS Troopers Marine Corps Association will kick off this June.

Thursday June 7, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., the NYS Troopers Marine Corps Association will host their Inaugural fundraiser at Tun Tavern on 605 Stewart Ave in Garden City and invite all to attend.

Proceeds from the event will go to benefit the NYS Troopers Marine Corps Association Benefit Fund, a charity that benefits Marines and their families in addition to other critical needs in the military and law enforcement community.

“Unlike many charities, the NYS Troopers Marine Corps Assn Benefit Fund does not spend money from donations on overhead and administrative costs such as salaries or marketing fees. Instead, all donations go directly to the cause of helping military members in time of crisis and need,” reads the NYS Troopers Marine Corps Association website.

Special guests for the event include the NYS Troopers Emerald Society, who will be playing the Marine Corps hymn, James Wallace-Gunnery Sgt. Placement Director of the Marine Corps Music Program (He will be singing the National Anthem), Jeff Combs of the Wounded Warrior Project and Dina and Andrew Parise of Parise Racing.

The cost of the ticket is $30.00 and includes 5 raffle tickets upon admission, and buffet. Tickets are being sold in advance and will not be sold at the door.

Nygo.com

April 25^th- On this day in 1832, the Long Island Railroad and its long history began when the Brooklyn and Jamaica Rail Road Company was incorporated.

The company sought to build a 10-mile rail line from then-village Brooklyn down Atlantic Avenue to Jamaica. On the day that the company was chartered, construction on the rail line began.

The ruote is almost exactly the same today as it was then, with only slight deviations down Atlantic Avenue. The final destination in Jamaica, 151^st street, is still the stop used by so many commuters today.

The line was finished on April 18, 1836. The Brooklyn and Jamaica Rail Road Company never got to operate the line, though, as the Long Island Rail Road leased the track for $33,300 a year to help facilitate their commuter line from New York City to Boston.

(Sources-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlantic_Avenue_Railroad, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Long_Island,Rail_Road

http://www.lirrhistory.com/lirrhist.html,http://www.dunton.org/archive/LongIslandRailroad.htm,http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/Q412/highlights/12683

April 24^th- On this day in 1834, the Long Island Railroad Company was formed.

While many use the LIRR to now travel around Long Island and into New York City, the Long Island Rail Road, when founded, was to serve as a rail/ferry/rail connection for commuters from New York City to Boston.

The line fulfilled a need for New Yorkers to get to Boston, as at the time, a strictly land-line across Connecticut seemed impossible.

The rail would connect the Jamaica Ave terminal in Queens to Greenport on Long Island’s North Fork. From there, commuters would hop on a ferry that would land in Stonington, Connecticut, where the commuter would then hop on another train that would go through Providence, Rhode Island, and end in Boston.

Unfortunately for the Railroad, the designers skipped over the populated parts of Long Island’s south shore, and the company had to expand and build more depots across Long Island.

Even after that, problems grew for the company when, in 1850, the “impossible” land rail through Connecticut was finished.

It was a result of this connection that turned the LIRR into what it is today. Facing certain bankruptcy, the company decided to instead focus on the needs of local passengers in Long Island, effectively turning the LIRR into what we know it as today.

Stop by Long Island’s Railroad Museum in Greenport or Riverhead to discover more history on the Long Island Railroad!

(Source: Lirrhistory.com, dunton.org,wikipedia,trainsarefun.com)

On April 23, 1790 George Washington would spend the night on Long Island.

Long Island’s North Shore is Route 25A, which originated in the early 1700s is a major part of the history of Long Island, NY. President George Washington traveled this same route in a 1790 horse-drawn carriage tour on a mission to thank his Long Island supporters and spy ring for their help in winning the American Revolution. In 1790 George Washington spent the night of April 23st at Sagtikos Manor. President Washington recorded this in the diary he kept of his tour of Long Island.

The original section of the house was built in 1692. Later, additions were added in the 18th century, including the room that George Washington slept in on his tour of Long Island in 1790. In 1935, Robert David Lion Gardiner inherited the estate and opened it to the public. In 1964 the Sagtikos Historic Society was formed to help provide tours of the manor. for most of the twentieth century the house and grounds have been open to the public.

Sagtikos Manor was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. the Suffolk County Historic Trust, has started a conservation and restoration program there. A historic furnishing plan was initiated in order to document the manor’s furnishings and provide conservation guidelines for the collections and decorations in the house.

(Information pulled from: www.discoverlongisland.com,www.co.suffolk.ny.u and books.google.com/booksid=WXg7h1TwV58C&pg=PT52&sig=7BgJbLmtsPMf4LnKw7-_E2OR9Q8&hl=en#v=onepage&q=april%2023&f=false.)

Seal Of Plymouth Colony : Samuel Adams Drake (1833-1905). Nooks and corners of the New England coast. p. 267. New York: Harper and Brothers, 1875.

April 22^nd- On this day in 1636, Charles I of England decreed that Plymouth Colony give William Alexander control of Long Island.

Plymouth Colony originally claimed the area, but by 1636 had made no moves towards colonizing it. As a result, Charles I gave the land to Alexander so that he could inhabit the island.

Alexander quickly turned around and sold the land holdings on the eastern part of the island, selling them to the New Haven and the Connecticut colonies.

With the selling of the lands, English settlers started to inhabit the eastern parts of Long Island. Southold and Southampton were the first two lands to be occupied by the English, with both territories being settled in 1640.

Because of the close ties to Connecticut settlers, when the English regained control of Long Island after acquiring all of New York from the Dutch, settlers on the Island wanted to remain aligned with Connecticut. However, the Duke of York, vetoed the idea and forced Long Island into New York territories because Connecticut had hidden four judges who sentenced his uncle, Charles I, to death.

(Source: hierographics.org, Wikipedia)

U.S. NAVY

On April 21st, Long Islander and U.S. Navy sailor, James Walsh, helped capture the Mexican City of Veracruz!

On this day in 1914, James Walsh and the rest of his crew aboard the USS Florida took part in the capture of the Mexican port city, Veracruz.

The ship was sent to Veracruz due to rising tensions between Mexico and the United States over the Mexican Revolution. President Woodrow Wilson was preparing to capture the port to stop any uprisings, but when word came that the Germans were to deliver a weapons cache to the Mexicans via the Veracruz port, Wilson ordered the Florida to capture the port.

The battle to capture the port lasted two days, the 21^st and 22^nd, and the port was held for six months.

Upon his return, Walsh was given the Congressional Medal of Honor, the highest honor one can receive, along with 63 others for their roles in the conflict. The number of medals given out is the highest ever given for one conflict, and was shared by one Army member, nine Marines, and 53 Navy personnel.

Walsh is buried in the Long Island National Cemetery in Farmingdale. His citation for receiving his honor reads simply: “For extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession during the seizure of Vera Cruz, Mexico.”

(Source: United States Army Center of Military History, Wikipedia)

Wikipedia

April 20^th- On this date in 1967, Michael Stephen Portnoy was born in Long Beach.

Portnoy, an award-winning drummer, has seen success at the highest levels. Known mainly for his role in the band Dream Theter, Portnoy has won 24 awards from Modern Drummer Magazine and was the second youngest person inducted into the Modern Drummer’s Hall of Fame at 37 years old.

In 2010, he was selected as the best progressive metal drummer in the Drummies! Awards, and in 2009 Rhythm Magazine named his the fifth greatest drummer of all time.

Portnoy’s love for music started at an early age on Long Island. According to Portnoy on his website, “My father was a rock n’ roll disc jockey, so I was always surrounded by music constantly. I had this huge record collection when I was real young and loved the Beatles and then later on Kiss. It was inevitable that I’d become a musician.”

A majority of Portnoy’s success came as the co-founder and drummer for Dream Theater, where he led the band for over 20 years and ten studio albums. He co-produced the last six Dream Theater albums, and started to write more lyrics for the albums. But in September of 2010, Portnoy announced that he was leaving Dream Theater.

The leave came on the heels of Portnoy joining metal band Avenged Sevenfold on tour as they looked to replace their drummer who had died.

Unfortunately for Portnoy, Avenged Sevenfold also decided to move on with drummers, and Portnoy was dropped. When he requested to re-join Dream Theater, he was also shot down. Currently, he is working on several side projects without any release dates.

(Source: MikePortnoy.com, Drummer’s Digest web magazine, Progressive Nation 2008)

(Washington's stops are documented throughout Long Island with signs like this)Photo Credit-www.discoverlongisland.com

April 19th: On this day in 1790, then-President George Washington set out on a 5 day tour of Long Island.

The idea for the tour was Washington’s, who wanted to tour the eastern states during a recess of Congress “to acquire knowledge of the face of the country…and the temper and disposition of the inhabitants towards the new government.”

He travelled along historic Route 25A, then known as “Kings Highway.”

He stayed at several prominent points across the island, including what is now called “The George Washington Manor” in Roslyn. According to local historians, the most preserved stretch of the trail runs through Smithtown and Stony Brook, where a handful of sights remain that Washington would have seen.

Washington also had special reason to travel along historic Route 25A. During the American Revolution, a spy ring set up in Setauket called Culper’s Spies helped to deliver valuable information to Washington about fortifications and troop placements in and around New York City.

The group was cited for helping Washington discover many valuable secrets during the Revolutionary War, including the plot by Benedict Arnold to turn over West Point to the British.

(Source:Discover Long Island,www.nassaucountyhistoricalsociety.org, www.georgewashingtonwired.orgwww, revolutionary-war-and-beyond.com)

(PRNewsFoto/kgg enterprises)

Oheka Castle will host its first ever Honor at the Castle Gala April 24 to honor the service and sacrifice of officers and their families, and to celebrate the lives they lived.

The National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund will honor ATF agent, John F. Capano of Seaford, who died last December trying to stop a pharmacy robbery on New Year’s Eve.

Capano rushed off to Charlie’s Family Pharmacy in Seaford to pick up medicine for his father where, unbeknownst to him, paroled armed robber James McGoey was already inside attempting to rob the pharmacy of oxycontin pills and cash from the register with a weapon.

As Capano entered the pharmacy through the rear entrance he was immediately confronted by the armed robbery in progress. He attempted to stop McGoey and wounded him as he fled. In the ensuing struggle, Capano was fatally wounded, and McGoey was shot and killed.

But Capano is not the only member of law enforcement being remembered during the special event. The last two years have proven to be extremely deadly for America’s law enforcement professionals. In 2010, 152 officers were lost in the line of duty and in 2011, 177 officers were lost.

All proceeds from the event will support the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund and their work to build the first-ever National Law Enforcement Museum in Washington, D.C. Currently, the National Law Enforcement Museum is under construction and will open in 2014 and will detail the history of all law enforcement in America.

The Honor at the Castle Gala is anticipated to host over 400 guests including men and women in law enforcement, members of Congress, governors, mayors, CEO’s, corporate benefactors and celebrities. Actor and comedian Richard Belzer will be present with the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund’s Chairman’s Award for his long-standing commitment to law enforcement. Mark Feuerstein, from the hit TV show Royal Pains, will emcee the event, and special guest NBA star Walt “Clyde” Frazier will also be in attendance.

The attendees will walk a special Blue carpet and enjoy the event’s VIP Reception, Cocktail Reception, Formal Sit-down Dinner, Program and entertainment.

For more information, visit www.nleomf.org.

Wikipedia

On April 18th, one Hollywood superstar would be born right here on Long Island!

Actress Melissa Joan Hart was born in Smithtown, New York on April 18th 1976, the daughter of Paula, a producer and talent manager, and William Hart, a shellfish purveyor, clam hatchery worker, and entrepreneur. She grew up in Sayville, New York. Hart is the eldest of eight children with six sisters, and one brother. Sisters Trisha, Elizabeth and Emily Hart, Brother Brian, and half-sisters Alexandra Hart-Gilliam’s and Samantha Hart have all acted.

Hart’s career began at age four when she made a television commercial for a bathtub doll called Splashy.  From then on, she appeared regularly in commercials, making 25 of them before the age of five. She also had a starring role alongside Katherine Helmond in the Emmy Award-winning TV movie Christmas Snow, in 1986. She also auditioned for the lead role Jamie Lloyd in Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers, but lost the role to  actress Danielle Harris.

But Hart is perhaps best known for her two title roles. The first one being “Clarissa Explains it all”, about a teenage girl just growing and being in day to day situations. And the second one being “Sabrina the teenage witch”, about a teenager with magical powers, who lives with her aunts Hilda and Zelda, and their magical talking cat Salem.

(Source: Official Site, IMdb, Internet Movie Database.)

This past weekend Tanger Outlets at the Arches was the place to be. The outlet center was celebrating its own Fashion Week.

“To help you find fresh looks for Spring, Tanger is introducing its own Fashion Week,” reads the Tanger Outlets website. “This style filled week will showcase the best spring looks and offer customers exciting special events.”

Across the nation, Tanger Outlets provided shoppers a stylish experience.

The outdoor mall hosted a slew of exciting events for families and fashionistas alike.

To kick off the day, a special Tanger Style Spotter was sent out to award Tanger’s most fashionable shoppers $50 gift cards for being so stylish. They were also interviewed on spring styles and will be featured on the Tanger’s website.

At 2 p.m. another exciting Fashion Week event kicked off. It was called Create Your Own Style Contest and it took center stage by the famous Tanger fountain. The competition pegged six local finalists against each other for the chance to win one of two $500 Tanger Shopping Sprees for Best Style and Best Value. Contestants had 90 minutes to create their own unique TangerStyle look.

Long Islander Rena Sharieff took home the win for “Best Value” and Tina White won”Best Style.”

Most exciting was definitely the Stiletto Sprint that took place at 4 p.m. where participants sported 2-inch plus pumps and raced to the finish line. Participants were ages 15 and over and raced down the 100-yard track in hopes to claim a $250 Tanger Shopping Spree. Others were awarded additional prizes like “Best in Shoe” and “Highest Heel.”

Long Islander Joanne Ramis was awarded the grand prize for the Stiletto Sprint, while Michele Nadeau celebrated her victory for “Best In Shoe,” and Joliette Jacques took home “Highest Heel.”

Mustang Parts House

Ford Motor Company unveiled the new Ford Mustang automobile to the public on April 17, 1964 at the “1964 World’s Fair” in Flushing Meadows Park, Queens, Long Island.

The Mustang was an instant hit and sales of the car kept every Ford plant running at full capacity. Through the years these cars remained popular because of their distinctive styling, performance, and economy of ownership.

The two-seat, mid-engine sports car, was officially unveiled by Henry Ford II at the World’s Fair. That same day the car was released in all Ford showrooms across the nation and over 400,000 Mustangs within its first year.

In the late 1970s, Clubs were formed as a way owners could share information and help each other keep their prized Mustangs in top shape. The Mustang Club of America was the national club. Long Island saw its first Mustang club form in late 1982 officially recognized as “The Long Island Mustang Owners Club”. The club’s first meeting had 17 people in attendance. Frank Macintyre was President and Pat Zito was Vice President.   The meetings were held in the basement of the Salisbury Restaurant 9th green at Eisenhower Park, Nassau County.

The first club cruise was to Sagamore Hill in 1983. The club had an annual show at Eisenhower Park on the grass just south of the museum. There were all types of Mustangs and Shelbys proudly displayed.  The Mustang club on Long Island had become a reality and history was made. In 1987, a few members broke from the Long Island Mustang Owners Club and formed a second club, The Classic Mustang Club.

(Source: Worldsfair.com, expomuseum, wikipedia, Mustangpartshouse.com)

Wikipedia

On April 16th, 2007 a Levittown native, Marc Kantor, began his journey across America on his bicycle. He traveled from Levittown to San Diego, California.

His mission was to raise money for the American Heart Association due to his family history with heart disease. Some of the proceeds were also donated to the Rhiannon Chloe Foundation which helps children with leukemia.

On May 28th, 2006 Kantor founded the Marc Across America Foundation and began his fight against heart disease.

He kept a blog on MySpace and listed dates and cities along the way as well as stories of his travels. Kantor finished his task on June 7th, 2007 with nearly six thousand miles of land crossed in 3 months.

He succeeded in getting to San Diego, however, he then decided that due to the lack of donations and his strained bank account and emotions he would fly home.

(Source: Kantor, Marc (2009-06-23). “Marc Across America”. MySpace. Retrieved 2009-08-16, Kantor, Marc (2007-06-08). “So it Goes. the end and the beginning”. Marc Across America’s MySpace Blog. MySpace. Retrieved 2009-08-17.)

New York Jets

On April 15, 1963, one of Long Island’s favorite teams changed its name!

On this date in 1963, the New York Titans changed the team name to the New York Jets.

The Titans, originally part of the American Football League, were bought by a group of five investors in March of 1963 for one million dollars. As part of the purchase, the group, lead by Sonny Werblin, brought in Weeb Ewbank to be the general manager and head coach, and decided to change the name of the franchise.

The name was chosen for two reasons. One was the rise of commercial flight in America at the time, hence the use of “jets”, and because the team played at Shea Stadium at the time. The stadium is located between LaGuardia and Kennedy airports (although Kennedy was known as Idlewild).

The Jets maintained a long stay on Long Island. The team played at Shea until 1984, when the team relocated to the Meadowlands in New Jersey. The Jets also practiced at Hofstra University from 1968 to 2008, when they moved their practice facility.

(Source: Year In Review: 1963, New York Jets, , Cross, B. Duane January 22, 2001, The AFL: A Football Legacy, Sports Illustrated, archived from the original on March 28, 2011, wikipedia.)

Associated Press

On April 14th, the New York Mets sold their fan’s favorite player!

On April 14, 1964 the Mets sold Duke Snider to the San Francisco giants. The team was unsure of how fans would react but with a new stadium, they felt confident in their trade. (Three days later on the 17th of April, Shea Stadium opened and the Mets discovered they no longer needed old names to draw people- the opening game at Shea drawing 50,312 fans!)

Snider was born in Los Angeles and was nicknamed “Duke” by his father at the age of five. He played basketball, football and baseball growing up and was spotted by a scout in the ’40s who signed him right out of high school! He soon earned a tryout with the Brooklyn Dodgers and was called up later to become an important team member- helping the team into the World Series.

In 1962, Snider was sold to the New York Mets and soon discovered that his familiar number 4 was being worn by Charlie Neal, who refused to give it up. So Snider wore number 11 during the first half of the season, then switched back to 4 after Neal was traded. He proved to be a sentimental favorite among former Dodger fans who now rooted for the Mets. But after one season, Snider asked to be traded to a contending team…

In 1995, Snider pleaded guilty to federal tax fraud charges which stated he had failed to report income from sports car shows and memorabilia sales. He was selected to join the Hall of Fame in 1980 and was ranked 84 on The Sporting News’s list of 100 greatest players.

Snider married Beverly Null in 1947- they had four children.

Snider died this past February 27th at the age of 84 from natural causes at the Valle Vista Convalescent Hospital in California.

(Source: Long Island Press, Duke Snider, Bill Gilbert (1988). The Duke Of Flatbush. Citadel. ISBN 978-0806523637.The Boys of Summer by Roger Kahn Irwin Winehouse, 1964, The Duke Snider Story, Julian Messner, Inc. Library of Congress Catalog No. 64-11367)

Long Island Restaurant Week will kick off April 22 and offer great deals on dishes for eight days, ending on Sunday, April 29.

The eight-day promotion features a special prix fixe dinner offered by all restaurant participants who will offer a three-course meal for $24.95.

From Sunday to Sunday, patrons can pick from over 150 restaurants and browse each unique Restaurant Week menu for a great deal on top eats.

“It is expected that the campaign this spring will garner more than 150 participants,” said Steve Haweeli, President of Long Island Restaurant & Marketing Hospitality Group – the new business-to-consumer promotions division of WordHampton Public Relations. “With more than 2.8 million residents and 1,000 restaurants with varied cuisines, concepts and price points, it is no wonder why we started the highly anticipated Long Island Restaurant Week which continues to flourish.”

The week looks to attract new patrons to restaurants in hopes that they become a regular. It also gives back to regular patrons, treating them to their favorites for a fraction of the regular price.

So, get out and try something new this week because everyone can afford it and every type of cuisine is being offered! Not sure where to head? You can check out www.longislandrestaurantweek.com to find all participating restaurants as well as recommendations.

On April 13th, The Chinese Center on Long Island would become a non-profit corporation and receive its charter from the New York Secretary of State!

The Chinese Center on Long Island was first formed in 1960 as a cultural organization to study, disseminate and perpetuate the best of Chinese culture and traditions. The founders, John Huang, Dun Li, George Lee, and Pete Louie laid the foundation for this organization, where Chinese heritage and language could be studied and preserved.

On April 13, 1962, the Chinese Center on Long Island became a non-profit corporation and received its charter from the New York Secretary of State.

The Center soon presented a classical Chinese opera at Freeport High School that May 14. The New York Times gave a favorable mention of the opera which prompted Mr. Robinson Callen to donate a 28 room mansion on five acres of land located in Old Westbury for use of the Center. Unfortunately, due to zoning laws and limitations of the architectural layout of the mansion, it was not suitable to hold meetings and activities on that site. Soon a building of 2,400 square feet was found in West Hempstead and acquired in March 1967 and became the home of the Chinese Center on Long Island for the last 31 years!

(Source:ccliny.org/html/history)

Courtesy: The Music Man

On April 12th, a famous actor passed away right here on Long Island!

Legendary actor Paul Ford died in Mineola on April 12 1976. Ford had suffered a massive heart attack at the of 74 at his home on Long Island.  His remains were cremated.

Ford was born in Baltimore, Maryland on the second of November, 1901.  At a young age, he showed talent for performance, but was discouraged when directors said he was tone-deaf.

In later years, he made his hollow, reverberating voice one of the most recognized of his era.  During the great depression he did little acting, but instead raised his family.  The Public Works programs provided Ford with work.  Ford auditioned for a play under his birth name, but did not get the part. He later, dropped his surname and became known as Paul Ford.

Paul ford was best known for his rolls as an authority figure that’s pompous yet incompetent behaviors were played out for comical effect.  Ford became an “overnight” success at 54 when he played Colonel Hall on Phil Silvers’ Sergeant Bilko TV shows. His signature role may was the part of Mayor George Shinn, a befuddled politico in the film adaptation of the Broadway show The Music Man. Ford played the role straight and received glowing reviews. Ford had an active career in both films and television until his retirement in the early 1970s.

(Source: Paul Ford @ IMD, IBD and Find A Grave, Wikipedia)

http://town.huntington.ny.us/permit_pics/217.pdf

On April 11th, Conrad Poppenhusen would take over the Long Island Rail Road!

President of the Long Island Rail, Oliver Charlick, died in 1875, and the Poppenhusens acquired a majority of the LIRR’s stock on January 26, 1876, placing all the lines on Long Island under their control.

Conrad Poppenhusen was elected president on April 11, 1876, and the LIRR and Flushing, North Shore and Central boards were now identical.

From the 1850′s through the 1870′s rail service expanded considerably throughout Long Island, with several competitors trying for market share and making hardly any profits. In 1875 a rubber baron named Conrad Poppenhusen acquired all the railroads. Poppenhusen, and his successor Austin Corbin, were able to reorganize them under the umbrella of the LIRR thus forming the extensive network of lines that make up the railroad today.

When it was about half completed, the New York and Flushing board realized that they would not be able to survive and sold their line to the LIRR in 1867. The LIRR stopped construction on the incomplete Flushing and Woodside board. Flushing citizens, feeling they had been tricked by the LIRR, convinced wealthy residents of College Point and Whitestone, including Conrad Poppenhusen, to incorporate the Flushing and North Side Railroad in 1868.

(Source: www.lirrhistory.com,www.mta.info,wikipedia)

On April 10, 1925, F Scott Fitzgerald’s book, The Great Gatsby was published.

The famous novel about the American 1920′s takes place chiefly on Long Island’s North Shore and in Manhattan.

The main protagonist and narrator of the story lives in a bungalow in what the author writes as “West Egg”. The novel’s “West Egg” and “East Egg” were fictionalized versions of the real North Shore villages of Kings Point and Sands Point. West Egg being where the new and younger rich settled during the roaring 20s and East Egg being where the older rich people who already money had tended to live.

Coldwell Bankers

The Great Gatsby received mostly positive reviews, but not the commercial success of Fitzgerald’s previous novels This Side of Paradise and The Beautiful and Damned. In essence, it failed compared to its predecessors. Even though it went through two printings, year’s afterword, some of those books were still never sold.

When Fitzgerald died in 1940, He believed himself to be a failure. the obituary in The New York Times mentioned Gatsby as evidence that he had great potential but people began to read his book again, aided in part by the Armed Services Editions giving away around 150,000 copies of Gatsby to the American military in World War I. to this day his book is viewed as the paramount example of the great American novel and is standard reading in schools and universities the nation over.

This past year, the rumored mansion that inspired The Great Gatsby is to be destroyed!

(Source: Wikipedia, The Great Gatsby, Coldwell Bankers)

On April 9th, a juvenile humpback whale was trapped in the sand at an East Hampton beach.

The whale was nearly 25 feet long and was stranded on the beach for three days. It was around 2 to 5 years old and independent of its mother.

After it was determined that the whale could not survive on its own if freed, Marine scientists decided to euthanize it. The reasoning was that the whale weighed over 13 tons and was stated that it would have been inhumane to push an animal back out to sea without knowing the reason why it is stranded in the first place- whales tend to strand when something is wrong. The choice to euthanize the animal came after the whale showed signs that death could be imminent and as the crew left the whale over night to succumb to its death, it was alive the next morning and the crew decided to ends its suffering.

U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

The whale was confirmed dead at 9:40 a.m. after it survived two prior attempts to euthanize it (The whale also was shot three times). The prolonged euthanizing was due to the unique phsiological and anatomical adaptations that these whales have. Their metabolism and circulatory systems do not function like terrestrial mammals so the use of traditional veterinary procedures are often not feasible.

Humpack whales are common to Long Island shores, they migrate along the east coast each season and spend summers feeding in Maine and winters breeding in the Caribbean.

(Source: www.upi.com,.nydailynews.com,www.nero.noaa.gov)

Photo Credit: Wireimage

April 8^th- On this date in 1980, comedian Eddie Murphy purportedly signed a contract to have Long Island-based Irving “King” Broder be his manager.

The contract would have had Murphy be represented by Broder’s Grandson Productions, and would have Murphy come perform at comedy clubs across Long Island.

According to a report in the Los Angeles Times, Murphy and Broder’s contract was to be for three years, and include an option for an additional three. Broder was set to earn 25 percent of Murphy’s earnings during the period.

The deal fell through, however, and Broder never acted as Murphy’s agent. According to Murphy, the two verbally agreed to end the contract before the end of 1980.

But after his rise to the top, Broder sued Murphy to try and get his “share” of the earnings. The two went to court in May of 1985 to settle the dispute.

The trial lasted for eight days, with Murphy cracking jokes about anything and everything in the court room while Broder and his legal team tried to pound Murphy and get the money they saught.

While Broder did not get the 25 percent he asked for, Murphy did settle with Broder out of court. While the final details of the settlement were never announced, it was rumored that Broder brought in anywhere from $700,000 to $1.1 million in the deal.

Source: www.People.com,Answers.com, latimes.com, (http://news.google.com/newspapers id=LclkAAAAIBAJ&sjid=uM8MAAAAIBAJ&pg=4169,1638302&dq=april+8+long+island+history&hl=en),http://books.google.com/books?id=ZrADAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA38&lpg=PA38&dq=eddie+murphy+king+broder&source=bl&ots=nNgo85yHjq&sig=kiZACHlYRxK5hymyEFsAT1z_cY0&hl=en&ei=NKeQTev7IonLgQf2mNjTBQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=7&ved=0CEEQ6AEwBg#v=onepage&q=eddie%20murphy%20king%20broder&f=false

Painting of combat between USS Constitution and HMS Guerriere by Michel Felice Corne(1752-1845)

During the war of 1812, the English had major ports on the east coast under tight blockade including, new London Connecticut. The English commander under the delusion that the ship builders were to destroy his fleet launch and unprovoked offensive against the ship builders.

On the evening, of April 7, 1814, two or three vessels of the squadron anchored off Saybrook Harbor and dispatched two launches, each carrying nine to twelve pound carronades and fifty men, and four barges containing twenty-five men each, under the command of Lieutenant Coote.
They landed at four in the morning and marched to a Mr. James Hayden’s and stacked their arms and acquired torches and other arsonist tools. The main body of the troops proceeded to burn the vessels at the different yards and those anchored in the lower and upper coves.

Most of the town was awakened by the bright burning blaze of their ships. Many of them took off and fled to neighboring Centerbrook, fearing for their lives. No citizens were harmed during the raid.

At about ten o’clock the British left down the river with a brig, a schooner, and two sloops. They set fire to all the boats except the schooner, which they anchored about a mile and a quarter below Hayden’s Point. Though there were no federal troops present or close by, a number of militia gathered and planted a nine pounder and opened fire on the schooner.

Google Maps

On April 6, 1955, one of the largest bank robberies in America took place in Queens, New York.

The robbers made their daring attempt at a Chase Manhattan bank, located in Woodside. The robbery was for an estimated $300,000, and is considered one of the largest cash hauls ever to be taken from a bank.

One of the robbers, Thomas “Duke” Connelly, rose to fame after he and another known crook, Elmer Francis “Trigger” Burke, tried to make a life on the run in South Carolina. It was down in South Carolina that Connelly disappeared from the face of the earth.

Rumors surrounding Connelly’s disappearance linked it to either a murder by Burke, who would have wanted the portion of the robbery money from Connelly, or that Connelly ditched his children and continued to live a life on the run.

(Source: Wikipedia)

On April 5, 1909, the Carnegie Institution of Washington purchased a small island in Long Island Sound to use as a research island for the study of genetics.

The island, known as Goose Island, was purchased for the Department of Experimental Evolution. Goose Island was chosen because of its lack of inhabitants.

Google Maps

The point of the Department was to study how various wildlife and plants grew and changed in their evolutionary process. By using Goose Island, scientists hoped to be able to isolate the subjects of their studies, and keep them in a more natural environment.

The island was used in cooperation with a piece of land purchased by the Institute in Cold Spring Harbor, where the Institute had built a compound for tests and results to be studied.

Goose Island itself contained a man-made cave, a wharf, and a small house for researchers to stay at.

(Source: The Popular Science Monthly by Professor Raymond Pool U of N/ Wikipedia)

Wikipedia

On April 4, 1955, MacArthur Airport would witness a deadly crash.

On April 4, 1955, a United Airlines Douglas DC-6 named “Mainliner Idaho” crashed shortly after taking off from Long Island’s MacArthur Airport, in Islip.

On the morning of the crash, the weather was clear and the plane took the runway. The United Airlines check captain, Stanley C. Hoyt, 45, was performing a normal rating checks on two of the airline’s pilots- He was training the two pilots, Henry M. Dozier,  40, and Vernis H. Webb, 35.

Between 1,500 ft and 1,800 ft down the runway, the aircraft reached take-off speed, lifted off the ground, and began climbing normally as the crew retracted the landing gear. At 50 feet, the aircraft began banking right.

The climbing bank continued to increase at a rate which alarmed witnesses, and soon after the aircraft rotated through 90° (at which point the wings were vertical to the ground. At 150 ft with all four engines producing take-off thrust, the nose began to fall, and the aircraft stalled.

The right wing and nose impacted with the ground, causing the fuselage to cartwheel over, before the aircraft came to rest the correct side up and was engulfed in flames.

Though emergency services at Long Island MacArthur responded to the crash, all three members of the flight crew had been killed on impact.

(Source: Wikipedia)

Harlan Friedman

Athletics and education are typically regarded as unrelated fields, however, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) has attempted to integrate the opposites with the program Serves. This program serves to enhance the lives of America’s under-privileged youth via tennis and education.

The charity encourages children to excel in high school and offers scholarships and grants to allow those less fortunate children to flourish as they pursue a higher education. The program ensures success for these children as it uses tennis to help structure the youth while simultaneously cultivating a sense of confidence within each “troubled” youth.

USTA Serves has already enriched the lives of countless under-privileged youths; the charity has helped more than 90 percent of its participants graduate high school and has distributed more than $14 million in scholarships. The funds were strung together from donations provided by benevolent philanthropists, like Long Island’s own Harlan Friedman, who is just hoping to give back to the sport that he grew up with and help under-privileged children along the way.

“Once I got into what serves does- to have the chance to bring tennis and mentoring to adverse children-it just seemed like a homerun,” Harlan said, justifying his giving actions.

This tennis enthused, writer, event promoter and radio personality, will attempt to conquer the 2012 U.S. Open National Playoffs. In the playoffs, Friedman will be pursuing his dreams of playing in the U.S. Open while concurrently raising funds for USTA Serves. He will donate a specific amount of money to USTA Serves to help fund further Serves programs that will touch the lives of countless inner-city children via mentoring and teaching.

Last year, Friedman was able to foster up a little over $2,000 for the foundation and has hopes of being able to donate $5,000 this year to this poignant cause.  He has recently begun gearing up for the competition. He is currently training in the company of great friends and even a former pro-athlete and the current president of Kicking 4 Celiac.

“I’ve just been playing a lot of tennis and I’ve been running a lot more on the treadmill,” he said as he laughed at the latter.

Friedman, who has declared himself as more of a weekend warrior than a professional athlete, has dreams of advancing further in the playoffs this year – despite competition from tennis super stars Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal- to further heighten the funds raised for USTA Serves.

To acquire more support for USTA Serves, Friedman is encouraging fellow tennis enthusiasts to follow his example and register for the U.S. Open and pledge to donate money with each game played.

“I hope to bring the tutoring and mentoring to other communities in the area,” he said.

Expanding the program all throughout the country, will be beneficial for all as the inner-city youth will surprisingly learn a great deal solely from the sport its self. For Friedman the best part of the program is the lessons the children learn.

“The first time they play tennis the basic things they learn on the honor system is to call their balls out; to score their own games,” he said, explaining the overlooked benefits of tennis. “And they learn that no matter what shake an opponents hand and look at them in the eye when talking to them.”

It is lessons like these that will aid the under-privilege children; they will grow and mature with tennis game played via USTA Serves.

To participate in what Friedman described as “the most amazing experience of his life,” and help USTA Serves, money can be collected from friends, loved ones and colleagues, who can cheer you on as you swing your way to a brighter American youth.

For more information on how to register and support the foundation go to the USTA Serves website.

Reporting By Gina Brindisi

On April 3, 1961 comedian and actor Eddie Murphy was born.

Murphy was raised in Roosevelt, New York by his mother and stepfather Vernon Lynch. He attended Roosevelt Junior-Senior High School. By the time Murphy was a teen, he was writing and performing his own routines. He was a blossoming stand-up comic known for his impressive impressions of celebrities and outlooks on life.

Soon Murphy began acting. He scored a role in Saturday Night Live in the 1980’s and made his big screen debut in the film 48 Hrs in 1982. He went on to host Saturday Night Live and became the first host to be an also regular cast member.He has since been ranked #10 on Comedy Central’s list of the 100 Greatest Stand-ups of All Time.

Murphy also took up singing. He had two hit singles, “Party All the Time,” which was produced by Rick James and “Put Your Mouth on Me.” He also collaborated with Michael Jackson on “Whatzupwitu,” and Shabba Ranks win “I Was a King.”

© WireImage.com

After a career lull, Murphy made a comeback in 1996 when he stared in The Nutty Professor comedy. He went on to star in hit movies, Mulan, Dr.Dolittle, Shrek, Daddy Day Care, The Nutty Professor II, I Spy, Metro, Bowfinger and many more.

One his most memorable works was his role in Dreamgirls, for which he earned a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor, Broadcast Film Critics Associated Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award. Murphy’s films have made him the second highest grossing actor in the United States.

As far as Murphy’s personal life, he married Nicole Mitchell in 1993 with whom he had five children. They divorced in 2006. After his divorce, Murphy began dating former Spice Girl Melanie B who had Murphy’s child in 2007. In 2008, he married film producer Tracey Edmonds in Bora Bora but soon announced that he had never legally wed.

(Source: Wikipedia/ Image Credit: WireImage)

Spas are typically viewed as a luxury only available to those enjoying a more lavish lifestyle than most.  A simple massage in a top ranked spa like the Ojai Spa or the Mandarin Oriental can cost more than $200. For the average American, trying to suffice in this recently cruel economy, this price is outlandish; keeping money in their wallets supersedes a day of relaxation. Cheryl Reid especially found these prices a bit excessive, and so in 2004 she founded Spa Week in an attempt to grant relaxation and better well being to everyone, not just the rich and famous.

Since then, Spa Week has been dedicating two weeks a year to cheaper spa experiences in which wellness companies across the country offer exclusive spa services at $50.

This year the spring Spa Week kicks off on April 16 and will emphasize the importance of the total well being of the mind, body and soul using new, cutting-edge techniques and technologies to make true relaxation accessible to all. The Red Door Spa, with numerous locations dispersed throughout Long Island, has collaborated with Spa Week and will offer a 55-minute Stress Melter Treatment for $50.  The treatment will relieve all pains, including monetary pains. Even Viana Hotel & Spa, in Westbury will work to bring stress relief to the average American with their Spa Week special of a $50, 55-minute Stress Relief and Body Balance Swedish Massage.

Spa Week has also spun deals with beauty and wellness centers to help everyone look great and feel great too.  This year, Spa Week is especially emphasizing healthy lifestyles via promoting proper nutrition habits and innovative, medicinal weight-loss treatments.  Thanks to Spa Week, Long Island’s own Yin Beauty & Arts Spa will offer customers the option of either a 60-minute Lipo-Slimming Therapy or Infrared Pressotherapy Water Retention and Cellulite Reduction Treatment. Either one of these revolutionary treatments will have you looking flawless and feeling confident as the treatments safely reshape your body into a skinnier you for only $50.

These stellar deals will certainly be beneficial as anyone will be able to invest some much needed hours into their own health and wellness, and it’s for only a fraction of the normal price. To take advantage of these deals, and much more head to Spa Week’s website.

On April 13, Riverhead’s Hotel Indigo will be the place to be for those looking to connect to a lost loved one as well as take part in an event for a good cause.

The hip hotel located at 1830 West Main St. Route 25 will be hosting “Keeping The Spirits Alive” featuring psychic medium Christopher Allan with proceeds benefiting Riverhead-based non-profit IRIE—-IRIE offers horsebackriding and other fun activities to children with disablities.

The event will kick off 7 p.m. and will include a special segment with Allan, in which he will offer spiritual insight into the future as well as deliver his spirit communication with loved ones from the other side.

“It will be an evening where I am able to reconnect people from this life with the next and at the same time raise money and help families struggling in this world with their children,” says Allan.

“It’s important because people can find comfort from hearing from their departed feeling and that their giving back to a beautiful organization that helps heal the souls of children who are still here,” he adds.

The night will also include a question and answer, raffles as well as dessert too. Tickets go for $40.

Wikipedia

The First Buy (April 2, 1653),

On April 2, 1653, the town which we now know as Huntington was created.

Richard Holbrook, Robert Williams and Daniel Whitehead, all of Oyster Bay, bought the piece of land from from Raseokan Sachem, head of the Matinecock tribe. This portion of land that is also known as “The First Purchase.” However, the three men, originally from Oyster Bay, turned over the property to English settlers who already lived there.

The boundaries of the land was about six miles square and include, Cold Spring Harbor, on the west, to Northport Harbor on the east and from the Long Island Sound on the north to where Old Country Road now exists on the south. As time went on, other land was purchased from the Indians, gradually extending the limits of the town from Long Island Sound on the north to Great South Bay on the south, and from Oyster Bay on the west to Smithtown and Islip on the east. In 1872 the town was divided, the southern portion becoming the Town of Babylon.

In exchange for the land the Native American Indians received: six coats, six kettles, six hatchets, six hoes, six shirts, ten knives, six fathom of wampum, thirty muxes, which is an awl-like tool and thirty needles.

The deed was signed on April 2, 1653, by twenty-four Indians and three settlers. The original document can be found, preserved, in the Town Clerk’s Archives.

Following the custom of New England, the earliest form of government in Huntington was the Town Meeting where free men of the town gathered to distribute town-held land, resolve disputes, regulate the pasturing of cattle on town land, engage schoolmasters, appoint someone to keep the ordinary (public house) and maintain the roads, as well as resolve any other matters that concerned the town as a whole.

(Source: Town Of Huntington, Wikipedia )

On April 1, 1971, Method Man was born right here on Long Island!

The bad boy rapper, Method Man (his real name is Clifford Smith), was born on April 1, 1971. His early childhood years were spent on Long Island with his father.

Although both of his parents took equal care for him, Method’s father was the essential figure who introduced the young rebel to music and poetry. Before his rise to ultimate fame in the realm of hip=hop, Method had it rough when it came to life. He constantly dropped out of school in ninth and eleventh grade and even experimented with and sold drugs.

Then, in the early 1990s, Method began to hang out with the guys in Staten Island who would later become the notorious Wu-Tang Clan. This ferocious group raided the world of hip-hop with their debut album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). Since then, the clan and Method experienced a constantly uprising success and Method released his first solo album, Tical in November 15, 1994. With his husky voice, simplistic yet stunning rhythm, and cool character, Method Man appealed to the crowd, especially to those who really appreciate his raw talent.

Currently, Method Man continues making new music and acting in many movies. His newest album, The Crystal Meth, will be coming out sometime this spring.

(Source: Wikipedia)

Society for Science & the Public has just announced the selection of the 2012 class of the SSP Fellowship that will include 10 teachers from across the country.

“Through a generous grant from Intel, the SSP Fellowship provides funds and training to selected U.S. science and math teachers who serve under-resourced students to enable interested and motivated students to perform high-quality, independent scientific research,” reads a Society for Science & the Public press release.

Long Islander Rebecca Grella of Brentwood High School in Brentwood was named a Fellow along with teachers selected from other rural and urban areas. Other fellows include Doloumar Bergen, Santiago High School, Corona (CA), Lillie Bryant, Reed Resource Center School, Shuqualak (MS), Mary Doornbos, Thornwood High School, South Holland (IL), Denise Gordon, Applied Learning Academy, Fort Worth (TX), Theresa Knipe, Hammond High School, Hammond (IN), Susan McGill, Baldwin High School, Milledgeville (GA), David Nelson, Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Baltimore (MD), David Oyler, SC School for the Deaf and Blind, Spartanburg (SC) and Steven Wilkie, South Fort Myers High School, Fort Myers (FL).

The 10 Fellows were chosen from a pool of high school science and math teachers from 26 states and Puerto Rico. They will all receive $8,500 in 2012 directly for their classroom and community, full support to attend the Fellows Institute to be held July 30-August 4, 2012 in Washington, DC; and ongoing training and resources from SSP.

“SSP and Intel are proud to announce the 2012 Fellows and to offer financial and training resources to communities where independent research can be out of reach,” said Elizabeth Marincola, president of Society for Science & the Public. “The Fellows were selected based on their promising plans to reach students in underserved communities and to inspire excellence in independent scientific research. In offering these opportunities to their students, these teachers will enable our brightest students to apply their intelligence and creativity to finding solutions to global challenges.”

Additionally, successful participants will be able to retain their Fellowship for years to come.

Unified has taken over the Factory location of U.S. Window Factory in Richmond Hill in Queens.

Unified Window Systems Inc., has officially taken over the U.S. Window Factory location at 130-11 Atlantic Ave. in Richmond Hill.

“For the past 25 years, US Window Factory manufactured windows and doors for residential and commercial use in Queens NY,” said Unified in a press release.  ”As U.S. Window was winding down all there operations Unified stepped in to complete some jobs sold by U.S. Windows to prevent those customers from losing their deposits.”

The location is currently being converted for use as a fifth location for Unified which sells windows, doors, siding, roofing, stone work, attic insulation and awnings.

Unified, which has been in business since 1989, carries an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. For more information contact Unified at 888-631-2131

Islanders and steak fans rejoice: you will have the perfect place to party while watching Tuesday’s game.

Tuesday night the Islanders will take on the Penguins at the Nassau Coliseum in Hempstead. For those without tickets, head to Jake’s Steakhouse.

The steakhouse located at 2172 Hempstead Turnpike in East Meadow, will host a special viewing party for Islander’s fans on Tuesday, March 27.

The party will kick off at 6 p.m. where fans can gather and chat before the game starts at 7 p.m. The game will be played on all TVs in the bar area.

Even more exciting; the restaurant will not only be providing the game but also a slew of specials including $5 burgers and wings, $2 hot dogs and $10 pots of mussels. Drink specials feature $4 well drinks and select domestic beers, as well as, $5 select house wines-by-the-glass.

Maria Iliou, The Dock

One Long Island restaurant is promoting autism awareness this month by hosting a special exhibit.

Featuring the work of local artists is nothing new for Glen Head restaurant Fork & Vine (located at 32 Railroad Avenue) but this month will be slightly different. The restaurant will highlight paintings by creative folks who have autism.

The restaurant is hosting a special exhibit that will show the work of a mother and daughter as well as a 17-year-old high school student. All three have autism.

The exhibit is currently on display and will remain up through the end of April, which is Autism Awareness Month. Most art pieces are available for purchase; 100 percent of proceeds go directly to the artists.

The exhibit was organized by Awe in Autism cofounder of Deborah French.

“I make charitable donations to many worthwhile organizations, but rarely do I see the fruits of my contribution. So when Deborah French approached me about featuring a musician with autism several months ago, I said ‘yes.’ And when she asked if I’d be interested in hanging art by local artists on the autism spectrum, again, I immediately said ‘yes,’” says Fork & Vine chef/owner Stuart Brown.

The exhibit features the work of West Babylon resident, Maria Iliou, who has won multiple awards for her art.

“Despite Maria’s own struggles with autism, she has singlehandedly raised a child into young adulthood – a challenge for any “average” parent. But Maria’s challenge isn’t the garden variety; her daughter Athena’s autism is profound, and her needs are great,” reads a Fork & Vine press release. “At 23, Athena, unlike her mom, is unable to speak in complete sentences and cannot function independently. She has a tendency to throw herself on the floor and pound her hands until she bleeds. Painting, for Athena, is not only therapeutic – it is an expression of her experience of the world through the eyes of autism.”

The exhibit also features the work of 17-year-old North Shore High School student Alec Leto.

Just a year ago, Alec’s art teacher noticed that he demonstrated particular talent and at the end of the course, Alec produced his very first – and forcible – work of art, titled simply, “Apples.” A month later, “Apples” was featured in a local art exhibition.

“Since then, Alec has continued to paint what he sees in the world around him, putting his unique spin on each piece of art,” reads the press release.

“I’m amazed at how Alec has progressed from that first painting to complete one after another, all wonderful and vibrant. At 17, he’s only begun to show the world what he can do, and what his mind can conceive – and I can’t wait to see where he’ll go,” says Awe in Autism President Deborah French.

Another exciting event is set to kick off the exhibit. Massapequa resident Tom Ryan, who has Asperger’s syndrome, will perform Monday, April 2 on World Autism Awareness Day.

The Bare Naked Lady

Gluten-free dining is becoming much more common in today’s day and age with more restaurants offering gluten free choices, more grocery stores keeping gluten-free food in stock, and more people showing symptoms of Celiac Disease or gluten intolerance and therefore eating under a gluten free diet.

For those who don’t know, gluten intolerance is the inability to ingest wheat, barley, and rye products. Usually it is due to an allergic reaction by the body in defense against the gluten, but another form of gluten intolerance is known as Celiac Disease which is a systemic disease that affects the entire system of those possessing it. Due to its prominence today, whether more people are finding out they have it, or more people are finding out about the healthy diet, more and more restaurants are providing for the gluten intolerant.

On Long Island many emerging restaurants all over the area are becoming safe for those unable to absorb gluten, whether it be simply offering pizza, or containing a completely separate menu. Outstanding restaurants providing this include the Bare Naked Bakery, Mary’s Pizza and Pasta, La Bottega, Pizza Bistro, Mama’s, Café Formaggio, and Saporito.

The Bare Naked Bakery, located at 2572 Merrick Road in Bellmore, was an original gluten-free restaurant on Long Island whose menu is entirely gluten-free. Not only a bakery, but a breakfast café, and a lunch restaurant, the Bare Naked Bakery offers gluten-free foods ranging from their homemade pizza to paninis to freshly made breads. The restaurant provides a list of ingredients, displaying what substitutes were used instead of gluten, including white rice flour and corn meal. Not only is the Bare Naked Bakery gluten-free, but it caters to many allergies as well making an effort to be suitable for all people to eat at. The menu is also entirely nut free and the restaurant offers egg free and vegan friendly options as well.

Mary’s Pizza and Pasta, located at 3453 Merrick Road in Wantagh, was built recently in its location after the restaurant spread from Farmingdale and Islip into Wantagh. Mary’s opened in Wantagh offering gluten-free options beginning with pizza before expanding to a separate gluten-free menu. Items on the gluten-free menu include pizza, baked ziti and penne. The brick oven pizzeria’s interior is known for its aesthetically pleasing atmosphere and large, generous portions, both gluten-free and regular alike. Mary’s offers catering as well for both regular and gluten-free options.

La Bottega restaurant is a gourmet Italian style eatery located in many areas throughout Long Island, including Garden City, Oceanside, Plainview, Massapequa Park, and Rockville Centre. La Bottega is known for being the home of the perfect panini, which is offered in a multitude of gluten-free options. Not only can most of the paninis at La Bottega be made gluten-free, but so can many other food choices at this restaurant. Menus include a panini menu, a standard menu, a salad menu, and a gluten-free menu. On the gluten-free menu, choices include paninis, salads, seafood, steak, pork, among others.

Pizza Bistro is an Italian style gluten-free restaurant at 4952 Merrick Road in Massapequa Park in the Southgate shopping center. The restaurant was voted the #1 gluten-free restaurant on Long Island by CBS. Not only does it have a vast gluten-free menu with many options and choices from pizza to mozzarella sticks, but in the restaurant they offer a myriad of frozen gluten-free dinners to take home and prepare for yourself. Basically every gluten-free Italian entry you could think of is here, either frozen, or prepared at the restaurant. The restaurant delivers gluten-free food straight to your door in addition to offering a gluten-free catering menu for parties, which can even be hosted in their party room.

Mama’s Italian Restaurant located at 1352 Montauk Road in Oakdale is a family-owned restaurant that started off in Queens and created another restaurant in Oakdale. What makes their care for the gluten intolerant most remarkable is that it matches their care in general, as they boast being a family-friendly home style restaurant. Mama’s also offers a gluten-free menu almost exact to its original, as well as specialties, and of course different gluten-free pizzas.

Another gluten-free restaurant worthy of visiting is the Café Formaggio located at 307 Old Country Road in Carle Place. This restaurant is best known for its huge portions and moderate prices on a plethora of foods. The décor is Tuscan styled with a wood-fired brick oven stove and white tiled flooring. What stands out the most for the gluten intolerant, however, is the vast gluten free menu which is, in fact, one of the largest on the island. It offers a wide selection of appetizers, salads, entrees, pastas, and sides.

Lastly, Saporito, found at 1378 Wantagh Avenue, Wantagh, is another homely Italian restaurant offering a myriad of gluten-free options on their gluten-free menu. Choices are organized by appetizers, salads, entrees, pastas, pizzas, and seafood. The longest and most promising list of gluten-free food it offers is the list of heroes, made of course, on gluten-free bread. These heroes are an option that have gluten-free diners coming back for more. Saporito is one of the restaurants that have most recently, and proudly, started offering gluten-free options due to its prominence, and their will to accommodate those eating gluten-free.

The best type of restaurants for a person eating gluten-free is one that treats them just as equally as those without. This means that the restaurant not only offers an option or two for gluten-free diners, but acknowledges and recognizes their dilemma and pledges to help them eat comfortably. This can be done with specially made gluten-free options, gluten-free assistance and, of course, gluten-free menus. With gluten-free menus there is a gratification in being able to order basically whatever you choose and knowing that the restaurant knows what it is doing and will help you. Long Island restaurants like this are growing and producing more and more areas that have been or are willing to be gluten-free.

By Brian Stieglitz

On April 14, Five Towns College will be hosting their Spring Open House.

“It’s the perfect time to visit the college for those who are considering transferring schools,” says the college in a press release. “It’s not too late to apply for the Fall Semester so why not see what we have to offer?”

The Open House will kick off Saturday at 1 p.m., where students will catch presentations provided by the school covering all of the school’s most popular programs.

Programs offered at the college include Music, Music Business, Audio Recording Technology, Theatre Arts, Filmmaking, Mass Communication, Elementary & Music Teacher Education, among others.

During the Open House, visitors will also tour the college’s facilities and experience the innovative technology offered like the SL9000J, a 72 channel sound board in one of the school’s audio recording studios.

Faculty, staff and students will also be on hand to answer questions from prospective students and their families.  Also on hand will be representatives from Admissions, Financial Aid and Career Services, who will discuss how they guide students to internships and companies that fit into their professional path.

“Interested in taking some classes this Summer?  The college is offering Workshops in Audio, Filmmaking, Guitar, Jazz Ensembles, Dance and Theatre for High School students.  Workshops will run from July 2- August 10,” says the college. “In addition Five Towns offers one and three week Graduate Summer classes as well.”

Visit www.ftc.edu for more information.

Harmony between the mind, body and sould can cure almost any pain or problem. A little rest or some extra fitness can mentally mend anything from heartbreaks to stress pains, and everything in between. The healing powers of a trip to a spa or a day at the gym are so irrefutable that SpaFinder has reserved this week to celebrate these powers and promote healthy life styles.

This week, known as Wellness Week is celebrated across the country from March 19 to the 25. During this especially healthy week select spas and wellness centers offer discounts and special packages to provide everyone with the opportunity to invest time into their own health.

On Long Island, spas and other health related businesses have been gearing up for this week devoted solely to better life styles. To reap some of the best benefit’s from Long Island’s own edition of Wellness Week head to the following locations to achieve ultimate harmony between your mind, body and soul.

Red Bell Day Spa

107 Newbridge Road

Hicksville, NY

516.433.1517

redbelldayspa.com

Each service provided by the Red Bell Day Spa works to intertwine the body’s spirit with natural elements to craft the ultimate peaceful environment to relish in throughout your trip to the spa. To develop this delicate balance between the two, the spa solely uses Aveda’s all natural products, which respects the giving environment in which we live in while simultaneously enhancing one’s self-beauty. This week some of these natural treatments are being offered at 50 percent less than usual. For a mere $50 Red Bell Day Spa is offering a 50-minute Element Nature Massage, a hot stone massage or an Elemental Nature Facial. Any one of those treatments is guaranteed to enrich your inner-tranquility and leave you with peace of mind and an enriched soul.

Vita Ageless Medical Aesthetics

1504 Old Northern Blvd.

Roslyn, NY

516.626.6800

vitamedspa.com

Vita Medical Spa has brought luxury and relaxation to medicinal treatments that can enhance your outer-beauty as well as your inner-beauty. The soothing ambiance to the state-of-the-art facility will make feel as if you have transported into an opulent spa, while receiving more unpleasant treatments like Botox, fat transfer and vein removal. Although, those services are not included in Vita MedSpa’s special Wellness Week offers, the spa is offering discounts for laser hair removal of lips or chins, brow makeovers and medicinal facials. For $50 each, these treatments will leave you feeling confidently beautiful as you tackle your newest endeavors with a newly acquired mind-set.

Be Fabulous Foundation Inc.

Multiple Locations

bffli.com

Be Fabulous Foundation Inc., focuses on the total wellness package.  Services offered at this non-profit company enriches the mind, but is especially beneficial to the body as Be Fabulous Foundation Inc. offers numerous fitness classes.  The fitness company’s specialty includes Zumba classes. Each class taught at Be Fabulous Foundation Inc. is instructed by licensed professionals who strive to make each class challenging and effective while still entertaining. The classes will have you moving almost every muscle as you dance and shake it to upbeat, Latin rhythms. To help promote this uniquely healthy fitness class, Be Fabulous Foundation Inc. has been raffling off free classes during this year’s Wellness Week. The company also has a special deal: ten Zumba Fitness Classes for only $50. With this special offer you will dance your way to fitness and ultimately complete happiness.

Hamptons Restaurant Week kicked off Sunday offering patrons a great plate for a great deal!

The New York Islanders are partnering with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children for a special fundraising night this March.

During the March 29 game against the Penguins, a portion of the evening’s ticket sales as well as what’s collected at various collection tables that line the concourse will benefit NCMEC’s mission of helping keep children safe.

To go along with the donations and support of Islanders fans at the game, Islanders Owner Charles Wang plans to personally match the total donation from the evening.

“It’s terrible that this is even an issue we have to deal with in our country, but it’s a big problem,” Wang said in a press release. “These are our children we’re talking about. They’re our future. We have to protect them as best we can. This is one of many steps we need to take and I look forward to the rest of the NHL and professional sports communities joining us in this fight.”

Additionally, the night will consist of a variety of activities inside the Coliseum to help raise awareness and money for NCMEC like Chuck-A-Puck intermission contest, which will benefit NCMEC.

“We all share a responsibility to help protect children, and it is only by working together that we can give them the safer lives that they deserve,” said Ernie Allen, President and CEO of NCMEC. “That is why we are so grateful to Charles Wang and the New York Islanders for sharing our commitment to child safety. Through their support and the support of their fans we have an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children.”

The game will even feature special guest, America’s Most Wanted Host and Co-Founder of NCMEC, John Walsh, will attend the game and drop the ceremonial puck.

“It’s an honor to have Charles Wang and the New York Islanders on our side in the fight for children. It’s people and organizations like this that really make a difference,” Walsh said.

Shiro of Japan in Carle Place is celebrating Sakura Matsuri – Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival this week!

The celebration will kick off Tuesday, March 13 and run through Friday March 16 inviting patrons in to honor the gift of the cherry blossom trees— The festival honors the gift of the cherry blossom trees and enduring friendship between the people of the United States and Japan.

Patrons interested in Japanese floral arrangements, can celebrate with “Ikebana,” a Japanese flower arrangement, which will be taught on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, March 16 at 6 p.m. Others can try on and take photos in real Japanese kimonos. For those who like the way they look, the authentic Japanese kimonos will also be available for purchase.

In addition, for those who like dancing, a workshop on “Nihon Buyo,” a traditional Japanese dance will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday at 6 p.m. as well as an interesting class on “Shodou,” Japanese calligraphy on Friday at 6 p.m.

The Bayard Cutting Arboretum

Although it may feel as if winter has yet to arrive, spring is currently on the horizon. There are only three weeks of winter left, which means plants are sure to be springing to life. Long Island landscapes will soon be painted with light colored flowers complimented by towering trees of green. And since the weather will soon grow warmer, spring is the ideal opportunity to venture out and explore Long Island’s natural beauty.

This natural canvas is best observed in the numerous arboretums located on Long Island. These havens are dedicated to highlighting the natural beauty of the island while simultaneously providing relaxation for all nature enthusiasts. For a tranquil transcendentalist adventure head to the following Long Island arboretums:

The Bayard Cutting Arboretum

440 Montauk Highway

Great River, N.Y. 11739

631.581.1002

Bayardcuttingarboretum.com

Mrs. William Bayard Cutting and her daughter Olivia James donated the park to the Long Island State Park Region to preserve the memory of their beloved husband and father Mr. William Bayard Cutting and provide an oasis for all to rest and enjoy. The arboretum originally designed in 1887 is currently home to one of the most widespread conifer collections on Long Island that includes spruce, firs and pines mixed in with some of the largest trees found on Long Island such as azaleas and oak trees. Together the plants blend and produce a scenic home to Long Island wildlife.

The Bayard Cutting Arboretum, which has been featured on the National Historic Places Register since 1976, offers nature enthusiasts the opportunity to observe the intricate balance of nature. One can head to the intimate Paradise Island and gape the animals of the wetlands or the Cowfield Meadow to appreciate an ecosystem filled with wildflowers and birds.

This arboretum is open year round, so one can venture over to The Bayard Cutting Arboretum anytime to appreciate Long Island’s nature at its best.

The Planting Fields Arboretum

1395 Planting Fields Road

Oyster Bay, N.Y 11771

516.992.9200

Plantingfields.org

Once an estate apart of the “Gold Coast” of Long Island, The Planting Fields Arboretum is now home to over 1,000 plants that stretch over 400-acres separated into more than eight different greenhouses and gardens such as the Green Garden which is filled with azaleas and rhododendron and the Synoptic Garden, which has 500 different trees and shrubs organized by botanical name. The Planting Fields Arboretum also offers 200 acres of walking trails that allow tree-lovers to relish in the natural beauty while simultaneously learning basic facts about the trees towering over them.

The Planting Fields Arboretum is also home to the Coe Hall Mansion. Guests, after relishing in everything Mother Nature has to offer, can tour some of the mansion’s sixty-five rooms from spring to fall. This historic Tudor revival mansion is an ideal compliment to the striking landscape that stretches before the mansion. It creates a picturesque location for weddings and other events.

Open year round, The Planting Fields Arboretum is free of charge, however, donations are always accepted to help preserve the charming landscape.

Clark Botanical Garden

1931 I. U. Willets Road

Albertson, N.Y.  11507

516.484.2208

Clarkbotanic.org

Since 1969 the Clark Botanical Garden has been educating Long Islanders in botany and horticulture with the help over 5,000 different species of plants that call the garden home. Some plants found at the Clark Botanical Gardens include medicinal plants, native wildflowers, wetland plants and roses. Together these plants ornament twelve acres of land that embody everything Mother Nature has to offer.

This botanical garden not only offers a scenic retreat for all to enjoy but holds educational programs to help Long Islander’s bring similar nature to their home. Programs such as Waking Up the Garden with Jim Newman will discuss the proper way to prune and care for plants to ensure a long life for your personal garden. The garden also hopes to spread a green thumb to the next generation as the Clark Botanical Garden also offers workshops for children between the age of seven and eleven on Saturday mornings.

To explore the intimate grounds of The Clark Botanical Garden one can head to the gardens free of charge all year round.

Picking out an engagement ring can be anything from frustrating to a failure. But wait, isn’t picking out an engagement ring supposed to be fun?

Sometimes all you need is an education to make it exciting, a lesson on rings. Learning how to find the perfect ring to “pop the question” with is where a Huntington jewelry shop can give you the education you ever so desperately crave.

Antiques & Jewels On Main is one of Huntington’s top jewelry shops. The antique shop is sought after by consumers around the globe.

“One customer came from Germany to shop,” said Ruth Reisner, co-owner of the store.

But the shop not only sells top antique jewelry, the owners educate the customers as well.

“We’re holding an engagement ring workshop this March,” said Ruth’s husband and co-owner of the store, George Reisner.

The store will invite the public to celebrate the start of wedding season with a reception held Sunday March 25 at the store where patrons will not only party but learn important tips on shopping for a ring.

The reception will kick off at noon, and shortly after veteran jeweler and diamond connoisseur George Reisner will take the floor to give an informal talk on choosing an engagement ring. He’ll help teach attendees everything they need to know about picking the right ring and what exactly to look for when doing so.

The party will continue until 3 p.m., during which attendees can shop, ask questions and pick up refreshments.

To RSVP, you can log onto the store’s Facebook page at facebook.com/antiquesandjewels or call (631) 427-7674.

Long Islanders are invited to attend the 2nd Annual Multiple Sclerosis Charity Gala, An Evening on the Mediterranean this March.

“The 2nd Annual Multiple Sclerosis Charity Gala! The Lombardi Family and the Cure MS Foundation of New York invites you to Villa Lombardi’s in Holbrook,” the website reads.

The exciting event will kicked off at the posh Holbrook venue March 7 at 6:30 p.m. and end at 10 p.m. The event’s proceeds will go directly to the Multiple Sclerosis Comprehensive Care Center at Stony Brook University Medical Center.

The night honors three special Long Islanders including Patricia Coyle, MD, who is both the Acting Chair and Professor of Neurology, as well as the Director of the Stony Brook Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Comprehensive Care Center.

Coyle has become most notable for her expertise in MS, neuroimmunology and neurologic infectious disease (in particular Lyme disease).

Janet Simpson, a local artist from the village of Northport, is also being recognized. Simpson has been dealing with Multiple Sclerosis for over 40 years while still dedicating much of her life to fostering the arts by teaching drawing, painting and fashion at Northport High School.

The final honoree is Henry Prince, M.D., who currently leads the Hyperbaric Medical Solutions Center in Medford, New York. Prince heads the Hyperbaric Medical Solutions Center with a goal to bring the revolutionary healing powers of hyperbaric oxygen therapy to all those in need.

Tickets for the event go for $125 per person. Tickets will also be available at the door on the night of the event. For more information on the event or tickets, call 631-471-6609.

The Hampton Ballet Theatre School will premiere its spring ballet The Littlest Mermaid this April.

On Friday, April 20 at 7:00 p.m., the new ballet will kick off at Guild Hall’s beautiful John Drew Theater in EastHampton.

The ballet will feature the students of the Hampton Ballet Theatre School and is based on the original Hans Christian Anderson fairy tale The Little Mermaid.

“Located in a kingdom under the sea, mermaid princesses, sea horses, sharks, merwitches and all types of wondrous sea creatures will bring Hans Christian Anderson’s fairy tale alive,” reads a press release.

The show will feature a vivid orchestral score by Alan Menken and was conceived by Sara Jo Strickland, Graylen and Grover Gatewood. The dance was choreographed by the director of HBTS, Sara Jo Strickland. The vibrant costumes were hand sewn and designed by Yuka Silvera.

Admission is $20. for adults and $15. for children under 12 years old.

This March, Five Towns will be hosting their Winter Open House.

“It’s the perfect time to visit the college for those who are considering transferring schools,” said Five Towns College in a press release. “It’s not too late to apply for the Fall Semester so why not see what we have to offer?”

The Open House will kick off Saturday, March 10 at 1 p.m., where Five Towns College employees will be sharing the school’s array of offerings with prospective students—Five Towns describes their offerings as “The most unique and diverse programs.” Programs include Audio Recording Technology, Music, Music Business, Theatre Arts, Filmmaking, Journalism, Broadcasting, and Elementary and Music Teacher Education.

Five Towns will also have presentations and demonstrations featuring all programs of study held in their state-of-the-art facilities and studios. Attendees will be able to experience the innovative technology that students get to work with every day like at the school’s audio recording studios, where attendees will get to see mixing at its finest.

Aside from checking out one of several recording studios on site, prospective students and their families will also have the chance to speak with faculty, staff and students about their program of interest The school’s Admissions Department, Financial Aid and Career Services staff will be on hand to answer any questions..

“Career Services will also be available to discuss how they guide students to internships and companies that fit into their professional path,” says Five Towns College.  ”These internships are an excellent way for a student to enhance their skills while making valuable contacts in the professional world. Therefore internships are an integral piece of the puzzle to landing your dream job and keeping competitive in today’s job market.”

For more information contact an Admissions Representative at 631-656-2110 or visit www.ftc.edu.

Tickets for the special pancake breakfast are $8 for adults, $6 for senior citizens and $5 for children under 10 years old. To purchase tickets in advance, call Karen at (516)-248-0886 or you can pick up your ticket at the door.

Dressbarn is requesting the help of the public as the retailer aims to collect 60,000 clothing donations during its S.O.S. – Send One Suit Weekend March 1 to 4.

Dressbarn will be collecting everything from blazers to blouses at all of its Long Island stores. The clothing will go to assist women looking to re-enter the workforce nationwide.

The collection comes through its partnership with Dress for Success, an international not-for-profit organization that promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life—To date, Dress for Success has helped more than 600,000 women work towards self-sufficiency.

Donators will be rewarded by Dressbarn. The stores will reward shoppers with a 15 percent discount off their entire purchase when they drop off new or gently used professional attire during the retailer’s 10th annual S.O.S. – Send One Suit – Weekend donation drive.

“Dressbarn believes that thousands of women may be unable to secure employment because they simply don’t have appropriate business attire to wear to a job interview,” Dressbarn said in a press release. “ The S.O.S. – Send One Suit – Weekend underscores the retailer’s focus on the needs of the working woman and exemplifies its corporate commitment to philanthropic efforts dedicated to brightening the lives of women everywhere.”

Hope For The Warriors has just announced they have accepted a generous  grant from United Way of Long Island.

Hope For The Warriors, an organization that actively seeks to ensure that the sacrifices of wounded and fallen warriors and their families are never forgotten nor their needs unmet, accepted a $10,000 grant from United Way of Long Island under their Military Family Assistance Project community initiative.

“All monies will be in support of the Hope For The Warriors Immediate Needs Program,” said Hope For The Warriors in a press release.

The national nonprofit organization will use the grant for The Immediate Needs Program. The program provides services to Long Island’s military reservists and active-duty personnel including integrated case management on various levels engaging individual service members, the VA and/or the warrior in which they are associated, medical professionals, the Department of Defense and other nonprofit organizations.

“We are delighted to provide this award in support of your Immediate Needs Program,” Theresa Regnante, United Way’s President & CEO, said. “United Way of Long Island values its partnership with Hope For The Warriors® and looks forward to working together on this important project in support of our local military families.”

United Way of Long Island plays an active role in the community constantly and this grant comes as one of many.

“United Way of Long Island works to advance the common good by collaborating with and supporting community-based health and human service agencies that address the critical needs of Long Islanders in the areas of education, financial stability and health,” said United Way of Long Island in a press release.

In 2012 alone, United Way has awarded six grants to local nonprofit agencies serving Long Island’s military families, totaling $75,000.

The Hampton Classic Horse Show announced the loss of Anne Aspinall, a long-time Board member and one of the Classic’s founders.

Aspinall passed away on Thursday morning, February 16 after a long battle with cancer.

“Everyone associated with Hampton Classic is deeply saddened at the loss of this key member of our family,” said Dennis Suskind, president of the Hampton Classic Board of Directors. “Anne was one of the original founders of the Classic back in 1976 and she served on our board and executive committee ever since.  Our sport, and anyone who has ever enjoyed even a single day of the Classic over these last 36 years, owes Anne a tremendous debt of gratitude.  She will be missed greatly.”

Aspinall was a leading figure at the Topping Riding Club in Sagaponack and one of the most respected hunter-jumper trainers on Long Island.  Over the years, she helped produce countless champions and was recognized by her peers for her abilities and commitment to the industry.  In 2007, she received the Hampton Classic’s inaugural Long Island Sportsmanship Award for her exemplary sportsmanship and more than 35 years of service to the Long Island Hunter-Jumper industry.

Aspinall is survived by her sister, Emily, vice president of the Hampton Classic Board of Directors.

A memorial service will be held at Topping Riding Club sometime this spring; details will be announced soon,

Crumbs Red Velvet Cupcake

Huntington Village has quickly become the food mecca of Long Island. The small village lights up after the sun goes down and parking lots become filled to with Buicks, BMWs, and a few Bentleys.

But while plenty of out of towners can be seen out at night, only Huntington Village residents and a select few on the outskirts know that it’s a bustling place in the early hours too.

The town boasts amazing bakeries that have become quite popular places for daytime diners. Here are three worth trying:

A Rise Above is located on Main Street and specializes in old-fashion pastry options. By old-fashion, we mean cookies that taste like they’ve been baked by Grandma with love and care in every crumb. Choice cookies include homemade shortbread cookies, sugar cookies and chocolate chip cookies.

Interestingly, one of the most popular choices at A Rise Above is not a cookie at all, but their chocolate chip scones. The scones are made fresh and sell out within minutes of hitting the store shelves. Not to mention the cakes, which are also divine and include the favored sour cream chocolate cake.

Crumbs is another great choice. The bake shop is located on Wall Street and is the place to pick up a cup of Joe and a cupcake. The place is known for their amazing array of cupcakes. This month, Crumbs is boasting a special Red Velvet Cupcake made with authentic red velvet cake, rich cream cheese frosting and topped with red velvet crumbs and white sprinkles.

“At Crumbs Bake Shop, we believe in celebrating the simple everyday things in life,” reads the Crumbs website. “In a world where we move too fast, a cupcake is the exception. They add something so small, and so needed to our lives. Maybe what they really do is remind us that the best things in life really are so simple and easy.”

While it’s a popular place in the daytime, it would be unfair to say Crumbs isn’t also packed in the evening. Each night, plenty of people can be caught nibbling on decadent cupcakes and sipping hot chocolate at Crumbs.

Kiss My Cake, located on New York Avenue, has just been open for around three weeks now but is quickly making a name for itself.

The Parisian bakery, unlike many others, has only a few select pastries for sale, but for good reason. Each option is unique and one-of-a-kind. The place boasts top notch French macarons, even chocolate chip options. The place also offers fun gelato flavors like Cracker Jack gelato and a selection of specialty cupcakes like the popular Nutella Cupcake with chocolate and hazelnut frosting.

February is the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women month, and EEWN is showing support by bringing together women on the East End to explore and learn important information about heart health.

The East End Women’s Network will put on a special event later this February called EEWN’s Gets to the Heart of the Matter, a meeting aimed to discuss the #1 killer of Long Island women: heart disease.

“Come to the next meeting of East End Women’s Network, where heart health and healthy lifestyle choices will be the topics,” reads a EEWN press release.

On the night of Wednesday, February 29 at 5:30 p.m. the special event will kick off at Vineyard Caterers in Aquebogue, where attendees will be treated to a fine dinner followed by special guest speakers like Cardiac Nurse Practitioner Jenny Lowenthal, MS NP, who will be sharing her expert advice on heart health.

Also on hand will be Mary Howard Longmuir, an EEWN Member, who will share her personal story of heart disease at a young age.

“Learn how to protect your heart and health for those you love,” reads an EEWN press release. “Make a commitment to share the mission to fight the number one killer of women – heart disease.”

The price for attendees is $35 for members and for non-members, $40. Tickets include dinner and program.

On Tuesday, February 14, the Long Island Ducks spent Valentine’s Day visiting children in the pediatric units at two Long Island hospitals.

The team visited Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center and Stony Brook University Medical Center.

Ducks mascot, QuackerJack and manager Kevin Baez were on hand in addition to the 2011 Atlantic League batting champion Kraig Binick to hand out Valentine’s Day cards. The group also shared fun games to the young patients at each location.

“The visits brought smiles to the faces of children and their parents, with many posing for pictures, playing games, and chatting with their heroes,” The team said in a press release.

The special Valentine’s Day hospital visits follows QuackerJack and friends visiting local hospitals for the Christmas season just a few months ago. The crew visited hospitals and handed out toys to children back in December after a month-long toy drive at the Waddle-In Shop.

Photo via Ryan Academy

The Irish community has become one of the more prominent ethnicities on Long Island. Irish Americans first ventured over to the Island in mass during the mid-19^th century and have fostered numerous communities that fully embrace the Irish culture. These communities are scattered throughout Long Island, but similarly, embody Celtic traditions that are especially shared during the month of March, which has become Irish-American month.

Irish-Americans have turned to the art of dance as the most efficient way to commemorate their heritage. Irish step dance has traces to traditional Irish music dating back to pre-Christian Ireland, but only emerged as an official dance style in 1897. Now young boys and girls dance across the stage in tradition Celtic outfits while intricately performing quick steps in the spirit of their Irish ancestors.

Across Long Island, dance studios devoted solely to Irish dance have emerged, in an effort to disseminate the Irish heritage of the Island.

Mulvihill-Lynch Studio of Irish Dance

mulvihill-lynchschool.com

With multiple locations across Long Island, Mulvihill-Lynch Studio of Irish Dance has competed in state, national and international competitions since 1996. The studio has sent numerous dancers back to the home of their ancestors, Ireland, to compete in a variety of competitions including the All-Ireland Championships in Dublin, Ireland. The dancers of Mulvihill-Lynch have also performed in special Irish-centered events throughout Long Island.

The studio offers classes for all ages in a variety of specialized Irish dances. Dance styles include figure dancing, Irish country dancing or ceili, reel and more. Together these dance styles help commemorate the traditions of Ireland.

Ryan Irish Dance Academy

ryanacademy.com

Founded in 2005, Ryan Irish Dance Academy has become one of the Island’s most popular Irish dance studios. The studio has fostered Irish Dance champions with the aid of instructor and founder Miss Kathleen Ryan, who prior to the opening of her studio toured with Broadway’s Riverdance. Miss Kathleen’s intensive training has helped her teach the technique to each pupil. She has also been able to cultivate a great love for the Irish culture in each of her students.

With studios in Greenvale, Oyster Bay and Floral Park, the Ryan Irish Dance Academy presents numerous opportunities for all to excel in the art of Irish Dancing. Classes range from beginner to advanced, to ensure everyone can have a taste of Irish traditions.

Petri School of Irish Dancing

petrischool.com

As home of Long Island’s first World Champion of Irish Step Dancing, the Petri School of Irish Dancing has become an internationally acclaimed school of dance. The academy has danced on the floors of the Tiles Center for the Performing Arts, the Radio City Music Hall and Madison Square Garden. The dancers of Petri School of Irish Dancing have also been featured on Fox News, The Maury Show and Rosie O’Donnell in effort to spread Irish culture.

The owner of Petri School of Irish Dancing, Lisa Petri, is president of Irish Dancing Teachers Association of North America. She ensures that the tradition and culture of each dance remains preserved. Each step is authentic.

On August 15, 1945, a celebration erupted in the heart of Times Square after the end of World War II was announced. In the largest celebration across the United States, sailors, soldiers, and every day citizens assembled to mark the day Japan surrendered to U.S. troops. In the midst of this joyful chaos, an unidentified sailor passionately grasped an unidentified nurse to celebrate V-J Day with a kiss, which was coincidentally documented by photojournalist Alfred Eisenstaedt. With all the commotion unraveling before him, Eisenstaedt failed to record the lovers’ names. Their identities were lost in the spontaneity of the event.

The photo became one of the most famous after it was published in “Life” magazine. The photo, which is Eisenstaedt’s most renowned photograph, is not only historically significant but considered an emotional love story. It symbolizes the beauty of natural love and freedom that many Americans have fought for. The picture has become so esteemed that 11 men and three women have claimed to be the lovers featured in the photograph, in hopes of being a part of the dazzling nature captured by Eisenstaedt’s camera. Although it will forever be uncertain, Edith Shain and Glen McDuffle are the most widely accepted nurse and sailor.

The American Airpower Museum, in Farmingdale, is hoping to give all lovers the chance to identify with the famous sailor and nurse this Valentine’s Day. On February 12, the museum will allow couples to come sporting vintage attire and recreate the powerful picture to be entered in a competition to win tickets to the Memorial Day Weekend Saturday Night Air Show. The most genuine couple will take home the prize.

This unique Valentine’s Day gift will keep love prospering this while preserving a piece of history. The story of the sailor and the nurse will forever be remembered at the American Airpower Museum.

Couples will need to purchase a World War II flight experience, which is a part of the membership package, to partake in this historic reenactment. For more information call 631-293-6398.

The Melting Pot (Photo by Jon Sasala)

Valentine’s Day is in many ways a day for indulgence. Indulgence in your significant other, in food, in chocolate, wine, and gift giving. Although many couples would like the option of enjoying a lavish February 14, not everyone can afford to spend hundreds of dollars on a pair of diamond earrings or a pricey meal at an exclusive restaurant.

The past few years have required a little more creativity on the behalf of America’s sweethearts. However, the dining out experience, which is an undeniable staple of the holiday, does not have to be forgone. Instead, consider the option of dining out for dessert and a glass or two of wine after an intimate, homemade meal for two.

The Melting Pot is a great choice with a vast menu worth treating each other to. Their options consist of fondue, salad, an entrée and dessert, which also include a variety of cheeses paired with the perfect glass of red wine. The Melting Pot knows better than anyone else, that there’s just something traditionally romantic about dunking a strawberry into a hot vat of chocolate on Valentines Day.

Get a taste of Parisian romance at Fresco Creperie & Café for Valentines Day. With two locations on Long Island including Long Beach and Williston Park, the Creperie offers wine, beer, sangria and savory crepes, and other delicious options for a post Valentine dinner digestif.

Simply Fondue definitely has your best interests at heart this Valentine’s Day. Their $65, 4-course meal package includes the option of two glasses of wine, martini or champagne, and their second, less extravagant but equally agreeable second option, offers a 3-course meal for $55, accompanied by a glass of wine or champagne. Both packages include a rose and snap shot of you and your sweetheart.

Toast, located in Port Jefferson, is offering a prix fixe Valentine’s Day menu to its customers who are seeking a romantic, fondue filled evening. This restaurant is known for its chic low-key atmosphere, but it’s especially known for its generous platters of fennel cake, marshmallows, strawberries, bananas and more for the milk chocolate dipping.

As many of us know, February 14 has constructed notions of what the ideal Valentines Day involves. However, devotion can be expressed in a multitude of ways and gestures. Whether it is by way of a box of chocolates, a bouquet of roses or a Hallmark Card, there are always options for creating a memorable evening at an affordable price, since the real gift is having a whole day to celebrate the priceless company of one another.

By Lea Weatherby

John Tavares (Associated Press)

John Tavares of the New York Islanders has long been recognized for his achievements and this year is no different.

Tavares, who was the Islanders first overall pick in 2009 NHL Entry Draft, played in his first NHL All-Star Game this past January.

In Ottawa, the 21-year-old scored a goal and an assist for Team Alfredsson. But it wasn’t just his success in the All-Star Game that got him the most recognition in January.

The National Hockey League has just announced Tavares as the First Star of the Month for January, 2012.

Tavares led the league in scoring January with nine goals and 13 assists for 22 points during the month.

“He recorded a point in 12-of-13 Islanders games and had a hand in 62.9 percent of the team’s goals,” said the New York Islanders in a statement, “Tavares’ month also included four game-winning goals.”

According to the New York Islanders, the first month of 2012 also saw Tavares extend his point streak to an NHL season-high 12 games, he posted eight goals and 13 assists from Dec. 31 to Jan. 21.

Philippe Chow rang in the 2012 Chinese New Year at its Jericho location and is extending the celebration to all Long Island patrons.

The famous modern Chinese restaurant is celebrating the year considered one of the most exciting on the Chinese calendar—The Year of the Dragon has long been said to bring luck and fortune.

The Year of the Dragon is part of a 12-year cycle in the Chinese Zodiac and is projected to be one of the most popular years for births—People born in the Year of the Dragon (1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, and 2012) are said to be innovative, enterprising, self-assured, brave, passionate, conceited, and quick-tempered, free and uninhibited, extroverted and irrepressible.

In celebration, the famous Chinese restaurant known for it’s black, white and red posh dining rooms, classy candles and celebrity clientele has crafted a stylish menu by Chef Philippe.

The menu features signature-favorites including Crispy Beef, Peking Chicken, Chicken Satay, Maine Lobster Spring Rolls and Green Prawns and specialty drinks like the Philipptini (Absolut vodka, lychee and fresh squeezed pineapple juice, triple sec, splash of Chambord), which the restaurant says is the perfect complement to a night-out-on-the town.

Sag Harbor zoning laws have proven to be the death of Legs, a sculpture that has been standing tall at sixteen feet and one inch since 1969. The sculpture crafted together out of fiberglass by Larry Rivers, a South Hampton sculptor, was taken down on January 20 with orders from Sag Harbor’s Zoning Board.

The sculpture has found its home at Ruth Vered and Janet Lehr’s home in Sag Harbor. The art enthusiasts and dealers value the history of this sculpture. Rivers, who is often considered the “godfather” of pop art, initially sculpted Legs as apart of a sculpture intended for the Smith Haven Mall. However, after the mall shifted owners the sculptures were removed and Rivers forcibly relocated the enormous pair of legs to his studio in Southampton. In 1994, a collector requested Rivers recreate this sculpture. Eventually, the second pair of legs landed in the hands of Lehr and Vered who believed, in 2008, it would compliment the side of their house rather nicely.

Legs has since become a landmark for many in the town of Sag Harbor. It is not only a strangely intriguing piece of pop art with a history to match, but a piece of Sag Harbor in itself. Many residence of Sag Harbor believe that the sculpture is an ideal representation of the “artsy” connotation that residences have delighted in for years.

For other villagers, Legs is nothing but an eye-soar that currently represents Rivers’ darker history. After the scandal in 2010, in which videos of Rivers’ filming his daughters topless were discovered, Legs has become somewhat of a taboo for the town. Some residents do not want Sag Harbor to be associated with the artist’s disgrace.

These residents no longer view Legs as a masterpiece from an extraordinary artist but rather an unpleasant structure of Sag Harbor. As a structure, Legs needed to be a registered building with a permit. The Historic Preservation and the Architecture Review Board also needed to review the structure. This initiated the two-year debate of the legality of this structure that kept art lovers and angry residents clashing throughout the debate. The biggest dispute was properly labeling Legs as a structure or a piece of artwork.  The Zoning Board concluded the debate with the final verdict: the structure was to be removed.  Legs was removed leaving Sag Harbor with one less historic landmark.

February 14 is meant to honor St. Valentine, a romantic Christian martyr, who allegedly left a special, dear friend behind when he sacrificed his life in the name of Christianity. Valentine’s Day has since been a day reserved for loved ones. It is used as an intimate day for lovers to express their undivided love for each other. Though each couple typically has their own unique and intimate way to celebrate the lover’s holiday, Long Island boasts a few great places that are sure to satisfy and just about everyone can try. Here they are:

Oheka Castle

The Oheka Castle

135 West Gate Drive,

Huntington

631-659-1400

www.oheka.com

For a romantic escapade, Oheka Castle has planned a few intimate activities for Valentine’s Day weekend that can make any couple feel like royalty.

On Sunday, February 10 and Tuesday, February 14, the castle is opening up the gates to allow lovers the opportunity to tour the acres of breathtaking grounds.  The tour consists of an afternoon exploration of the historic site followed by coffee and sweet Valentine’s Day treats straight from the pastry kitchen.

For the complete noble experience, Oheka Castle will host a Valentine’s Dinner and Dance on Friday, February 10. The night will consist of a cocktail hour followed by a stuffing meal from the castle’s award winning restaurant. The meal is completed with three tasty, classic Valentine’s Day specials: a heart shaped red velvet cake, three cake pops on a stick and mini croquembouche. Throughout this four course meals, couples can share intimate moments on the dance floor with music provided by Good Clean Fun.

WMHO Educational and Cultural Center

111 Main Street

Stony Brook

631-689-5888

www.wmho.org

On February 4 the Ward Melville Heritage Organization will host a night of music and dancing. This “All You Need Is Love…” event will be a night of Beatle’s love and romance for couples to share and enjoy together.

Long Island’s singer and songwriter Ed Ryan, who has been featured in numerous WBAB competitions, will perform classic Beatle’s songs like Love Me Do to help spread the Beatle’s messages about love to celebrate the day designed for lovers. For $75, the night will also include a buffet courtesy of the Three Village Inn with a side of wine for couples to enjoy though out the night.  Together, this night of dinner and dancing will an unforgettable night devoted to classics and lovers.

Fire Island Light House

4640 Captree Island

Captree Island

631.661.4876

www.fireislandlighthouse.com

Lovers will have the opportunity for share an intimate moment while watching the sunset during the “Lighthouses is for Lovers” event. The Fire Island Lighthouse, for $40 per couple, will provide couples with light refreshments on the terrace after climbing the 180 ft. tower together. The couples are then invited to watch the sun set delicately over the Great South Bay, a picturesque visual they can intimately share together.

Each couple will also receive a complimentary flower and chocolates. Together the sunset, the chocolate and the company of a loved one will truly make this Valentine’s Day unique and memorable.

Prime- An American Kitchen and Bar

117 New York Ave

Huntington

631-385-1515

www.fireislandlighthouse.com

Prime, nestled behind the Huntington Harbor, has organized a Valentine’s Day special stretching from February 11 to the 14. A loving atmosphere will be preserved all weekend long with Prime’s special Valentine’s Day menu.

Couples can share a three-course meal from the international award-winning restaurant. The meal includes a special Valentine’s Day “Surf &Turf.” The “turf” includes a selection of fine steaks such as filet mignon, porterhouse and ribeye which can be paired with lobster, king crabs and prawns from the “surf” side of the menu.  Following the entrée, two mouthwatering deserts – flourless chocolate torte and macadamia nut dried cranberry tart-  make for a sweet end to a sweet holiday.

January 23 marked the start to the Year of the Dragon in Chinese culture. One Long Island hotel is celebrating.

Chinese New Year celebration is underway at the Viana Hotel and Spa in Westbury. Tonight, the hotel will ring in the Chinese New Year with a series of Chinese theme events.

“We are a feng shui property, and since feng shui originated in China, it is only fitting that we hold a Chinese New Year celebration,” said Nancy Lupo, corporate sales manager for the Viana Hotel and Spa in a press release.

The hotel will be decorated with Chinese lanterns and dragons and guests checking into the hotel today and Wednesday will each receive a fortune cookie.

Guests can celebrate with Chinese drink and appetizer specials in the Marco Polo restaurant and lounge Monday night.

The Chinese theme will also be infused into Wednesday evening’s manager’s reception, a weekly event in which hotel management invites overnight guests for wine and hors d’oeuvres at Marco Polo.

“It’s a gourmet retail experience with hospitality of a 5 star restaurant,” said Cary Tober, sales and marketing director of The Meat House in Nassau County.

The Meat House opened its doors to Long Islanders for the first time on Friday during its grand opening celebration. It comes from a national gourmet butcher shop and grocer that has 28 locations in 10 states and this is Long Island’s very first location.

“It’s the perfect location,” said Jason Gerbsman, of Welco Realty, who handles properties for the store. Gerbsman said The Meat House is a truly unique experience and is sure to satisfy the local community.

The Meat House offers local meats, dairy and fresh produce. The store got a warm welcome from the Flower Hill Mayor, Charles W. Weiss, who instead of cutting a ribbon, cut a slab of meat.

“It’s always exciting to welcome a new business to Flower Hill,” said Weiss, “and to bring a very well known brand, a very high end brand will be a great convenience to all residents in the area.”

After cutting the slice of meat and posing for photos, Weiss walked around the store alongside shoppers. ”It’s very clean and the food looks so appetizing,” he said.

Weiss was accompanied by Flower Hill Village Treasurer, Kathy Wade. She too, was impressed with the store.

“It’s beautiful, the display cases are really nice,” said Wade. “The food is so wonderful and fresh.”

The food is not only fresh, it’s also all local.

The bakery goods come from Long Island’s A Taste Of Home Bakery, while other products like the milk, meat, bread and even the coffee beans hail from local vendors.

“We source as many local products as we can,” said Tober. “By supporting local providers we have a bigger impact on the community because we can support them economically.”

And Tober ensures they’re the highest possible quality from the cookies to the exotic meats like ostrich and alligator tail.

“The quality of this place reflects businesses here,” said Ronnie Shatzkamer, Flower Hill Village Administrator. “Flower Hill is an upscale village.”

The high quality of the shop like that of a Fifth Avenue boutique, is thanks to the employees of The Meat House, who go great lengths to handpick their products carefully. The whole team at The Meat House does the taste testing around Long Island, it’s a commitment and focus of the entire team, which Tober says the entire team enjoys.

“It’s the best part of our job, being able to find the local food is the fun part. We get to go out and taste all of the great food, which also makes it so hard to choose,” he added.

While The Meat House handpicks their products, customer feedback is equally important. The store relies heavily on customer feedback for their ever-evolving food stock.

Expanding their food supply is one thing, The Meat House also looks to expand its locations on Long Island. The Roslyn-area location is the first of many stores planned to hit Long Island.

“Over the next few years, we’re looking to expand all over Long Island,” said Tober. “We’ll be opening five to 10 more stores here.”

New York Islanders (Associated Press)

Islanders fans rejoice, Tattoo Lou’s will not be leaving the concourse anytime soon.

This week, Lou Rubino Jr. of Tattoo Lou’s announced exciting news: Tattoo Lou’s partnership with the New York Islanders hockey club will be extended for the remainder of the 2011-2012 NHL season.

Originally, the Tattoo Lou’s Penalty Box, that offers fans tattooing and piercing services during Islanders home games, was to remain active only for 10 select Islander games but thanks to its success, it will remain open for the remaining 21 Islander home games of the current season.

“The first 10 games of the opening of the Tattoo Lou’s Penalty Box have been a great success,” said Lou Rubino Jr., president of Tattoo Lou’s in a statement and also noted that it boosted business at his Tattoo Lou’s locations across Long Island too.

The partnership started back in September, when the Islanders announced news they had designated Tattoo Lou’s as the team’s official tattoo shop, marking the first time a professional sports franchise has ever designated an official tattoo shop.

Since then, fans were able to get Islanders ink or any tattoo of their choosing including the rival team’s logo done during game-time at the tattoo shop’s booth at Nassau Coliseum. The area was dubbed “The Penalty Box” and includes a television with the hockey game playing at all times.

“Fans have been loving the idea of artists tattooing right there on the spot, yet many didn’t believe it was true until they actually walked up to see it with their own eyes,” said Rubino.

And fans aren’t the only ones getting inked, Rubino Jr. says the players and coaches have even sought their services.

“We have tattooed many of the players and assistant coach Scott Allen,” said Rubino. “The players love the idea of having their official tattoo shop to go to and get their ink and it brings a special treatment and closeness to our partners.”

Along with two tattoo artists providing tattoos averaging around $60 to hockey fans, players and coaches, there is also one professional body piercer offers piercing services. The Penalty Box also offers those not wanting to commit to a permanent tattoo, temporary and airbrushed tattoos. Additionally, Tattoo Lou’s sells Islanders-centric body jewelry along with tattoo-inspired Islanders T-shirts and sweatshirts.

The New York Islanders held their second annual Special Hockey Day Saturday, January 14 at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

Long Islanders headed to the coliseum to attend the special event before the Islanders beat the Sabres at Saturday evening’s hockey game— Their proceeds went to benefit the Long Island Blues.

The all-day affair, which began at 1 p.m., featured Islanders players, present and past, who dedicated their time and talent to assist developmentally disabled children and adults in an on-ice clinic and exhibition.

The Islanders hosted the Long Island Blues, Long Island’s only developmentally disabled hockey team, along with other members of the American Special Hockey Association. Special guests included former Islanders star Benoit Hogue, who joined members of the current Islanders team to help run the players through drills.

“This is an event that shows how great our game is,” Hogue said in a statement. “It doesn’t matter who you are or what you’re able to do in your everyday life, it’s simply about our passion and love for the game of hockey within our community. Being part of Special Hockey Day and making this unforgettable for everyone is totally priceless.”

This weekend, the LIU Post Tilles Center in Greenvale will serve as a time machine and transport families to the Mesozoic Era. Children and adults will be invited to an exciting Dinosaur Petting Zoo.

The petting zoo will be presented by Erth, and will kick of January 20 where the Australian based physical theater company will combine puppetry, aesthetics and performance to recreate a Jurassic Park-like experience. The interactive petting zoo will be presented as a live animal show that allows children to pet, water and even feed life size puppets while “zookeepers” entertain and educate the audience about their life.

Of course, a scare or two is tossed into each show as the puppeteers manipulate every move of the dinosaurs to create a genuine prehistoric feel.  The dinosaurs will roar, run and some may even rebel.

The special dinosaur guests include a dwarf allosaur and a leptictidium. One of the most popular dinosaurs is the surprisingly adorable baby dryosaur, which is carried out in a sling by zookeepers. The zookeepers will cradle these ancient infants, while the audience learns about life as a herbivore. The audience members will then catch a glimpse into the life of one of the most ferocious dinosaurs to roam Australia: the tyrannosaurus rex. The tyrannosaurus rex may appear to be under the command of the zookeeper, but beware; this terrifying carnivore may try to take a taste of a naughty audience member.

To meet these ancient celebrities, the Tilles Center has arranged numerous show times beginning on Friday for $22 per ticket.

You knows your favorite restaurant, the go to place for that special date, birthday or just to cheer you up if you’ve got a case of the blues. Now is your chance to nominate that dining establishment and give them the credit they deserve for serving you so well.

Long Island Restaurant News is now asking Long Island foodies to nominate their favorite eats for the “Finest Plates 2012″ poll. The poll will share the best restaurants with Long Islanders looking for a place to grab great grub, as well as give recognition to the best local restaurants.

“The poll not only shows diners what are the best restaurants on the island and tell restaurateurs what their customers love, it gives us great insight into which restaurants people want to hear more about,” said Tara Berkoski, managing editor of Long Island Restaurant News in a statement.

Voters aren’t limited to one choice, the poll provides a slew of different categories including:

Best Restaurant
Best Chef
Best Service
Best Deal
Best Romantic Restaurant
Best Restaurant for the Holidays
Best View
Best Outdoor Dining
Best Brunch
Best Wine Bar/Wine Selection
Best Bar Scene
Best Steakhouse
Best Seafood
Best Burger
Best Italian
Best French
Best Mediterranean (includes Greek, Turkish, Lebanese, etc.)
Best Asian (includes Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Indian, Korean & Asian-fusion)
Best Mexican

Long Islanders looking to get in on the competition and nominate their favorite restaurant can click here!

The American Bombshells will be gracing the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum to sing the National Anthem at Thursday’s Islanders game. The group will be performing as the Islanders take on the Flyers on their home turf.

The American Bombshells Entertainment is a charity entertainment organization with the mission to provide entertainment to our wounded and disabled Veterans, along with our U.S. troops and patriotic American citizens.

If you are interested in attending the Islanders game and watching the American Bombshells perform, they’re still tickets available. Check out www.Islanders.nhl.com. If you are unable to attend, the American Bombshells say video footage will be posted on the American Bombshells website in the coming weeks.

The exciting Alure Design & Planning Show is back for another year.

Alure Home Improvements just announced that the 5th annual Free Design & Planning Show for Long Island will kick off Martin Luther King weekend.

The event will take place Saturday, Jan. 14 through Monday, Jan. 16 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day at Alure’s showroom in East Meadow.

“We are pulling out all stops,” Alure Home Improvements said on its website.

The show, as every year, is open to the public and will include free educational seminars as well as free food, drinks, raffles, prizes and special promotions for attendees. In addition, the show is super kid-friendly with tons of kid’s activities including spin art, games and balloon animals.

“Attendees will be able to see displays of the hottest and most popular trends in home remodeling,” Alure Home Improvements said in a press release.

Visitors will learn about “The Underground Revolution,” and how to transform wasted space into more living space with the Owens Corning Basement Finishing System. Visitors will also learn about “Green Remodeling,” with the Going Green Seminar, and find out what it means to truly go green and how to make a difference and help the environment. Alure will be providing other interesting educational seminars ranging from five-day bathroom remodels, do-it yourself tips to cooking and wine pairing.

“Want to understand the basics of the vino? Come joine the wine specialist, Joe Bertuccio and take the well-charted journey through the world of wine,” Alure Home Improvements said.

Bertuccio will provide a special seminar, The Grapevine, where visitors will learn everything about pairing and storage.

The show will also feature special seminars provided by Alure’s partners including Felicos Catering, Audio Video Invasion, JLC Landscaping, Moen Faucets, as well as three celebrity Long Island Chefs who will be conducting cooking seminars.

Experts will also be on hand throughout the weekend to answer any questions visitors may have.

One of the most exciting aspects of the show is that attendees can receive a free 15 minute Design Imaging Session at the show. The visitors will see their homes transformed right before their eyes with Alure’s digital imaging software.

Attendance is free and online registration is now open. A full listing of the seminars and kids activities can be found at the Alure blog.

Five Towns College will be hosting their first Open House and Transfer Enrollment Week of 2012 later this month.

It’s the perfect time to visit the college for those who are considering transferring schools. It’s not too late to apply to Five Towns College in Dix Hills as classes start January 24.

The Open House will kick off Saturday, January 14 at 1 p.m., where the school will provide presentations to prospective students covering all of the school’s most popular programs such as Audio Recording, Music, Music Business, Theatre, Filmmaking, Mass Communication, Elementary & Music Teacher Education.

During the Open House, attendees will be able to experience the innovative technology that students get to work with everyday and will be able to witness mixing in one of the school’s audio recording studios featuring the SL9000J, a 72 channel sound board.

Aside from checking out one of the many recording studios on site, attendees will also have the chance to speak with faculty regarding the field of business or music business featuring audio recording and music business.

“Take this opportunity to meet with our talented staff as well as Admissions, Financial Aid and Career Services Representatives,” said the college in a press release.

Additionally, career services will explain the wide-range of internships available, as well as job placement and career opportunities while representatives from Financial Aid and Admissions will be answering questions throughout the day.

If you can’t make it to the Open House, stop by the school during Transfer Enrollment Week taking place from January 17 to January 20, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

“We’ll give you an on-the-spot evaluation of your transcripts and waive the application fee,” says Five Towns College.

For more information or to speak with an Admissions Representative, call 631-656-2110 today or visit www.ftc.edu.

Tuesday, January 24 at 6 p.m., actress Mercedes Ruehl will be interviewed by Dawn Watson for a special Art & Dine Series at The Living Room in East Hampton.

The Living Room Restaurant just announced its exciting next segment as part of a special Art & Dine series that features special dinners highlighting guest artists, writers, musicians and more.

The evening will begin at 6 p.m. at the East Hampton restaurant where guests will be able to enjoy a meet and greet with the special guests followed by a prix fixe dinner of two courses prepared by Executive Chef James Carpenter with a cookie plate for dessert and a glass of wine.

After dinner, Southampton Press Features Editor Dawn Watson will interview Queens-born actress Mercedes Ruehl.

Ruehl is an American actor who began her career in regional theatre with the Denver Center Theatre Company. She is best known for her film role in “The Fisher King;” her performance in the film earned her the 1991 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress as well as an American Comedy Award, a Boston Society of Film Critics Award, a Los Angeles Film Critics Association Award, and a Golden Globe.

She’s the first Cuban American female Academy Award winner and has appeared in “Married to the Mob” which earned her yet another award; the 1989 National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Supporting Actress. She also played KACL station manager Kate Costas in five episodes of Frasier, and had a major role in the made-for-TV film All-American Girl: The Mary Kay Letourneau Story.

Additional Art & Dine dates in 2012 include February 7 and February 21. The cost of the evening is $36 per person.

The Bohlsen Restaurant Group is set to open their newest restaurant, Monsoon – Asian Kitchen and Lounge this year.

The new restaurant is set to open its doors to the public in February, offering patrons a plate within the 9,500-square-foot former Bank of Babylon in Babylon Village.

“There is a lot going on behind-the-scenes in what is a truly cavernous expanse,” said co-owner Michael Bohlsen in a statement.

The restaurant will feature a below ground IT room, two basements, and a complete prep kitchen. A state-of-the-art hot kitchen with a 20-foot-long viewing window can be found on the second floor while a bar, lounge and mobile DJ booth can be found on the ground floor.

“Building a restaurant today is like preparing to launch a rocketship,” said Bohlsen.

Michael and his brother Kurt are currently working together to renovate the space and are posting updates on their website Monsoonny.com. They’ll be restoring the grey stone exterior to its original luster and will “bring a modern sensibility to the classic column styled building.”

Monsoon will be the family’s sixth restaurant and the first Asian dining concept for them.

“Monsoon is also about really great food. The food of Monsoon extracts the essence of Asia. Monsoon bridges the gap between authentic Vietnamese, Chinese and Thai and what Long Islanders love most about modern Asian cuisine,” said Bohlsen. “Among the scores of dishes designed to excite and entertain our diners’ palates are Millionaire’s Curry Crab from the best street restaurant in Bangkok, Bahn Xeo and Shaking Beef from Vietnam, and Hong Kong’s Under the Bridge Chili Crab.”

The Bohlsen brothers currently own Verace in Islip, Prime in Huntington, Tellers in Islip, H2O in Smithtown, and Long Island’s Beachtree Restaurant in East Islip.

“We hope everyone across Long Island will come see what we see as a restaurant of the 21st century, making use of all of the toys technology has to offer us, while taking some of the oldest and most tried and true Asian dishes, and bringing them, the Bohlsen way, to Long Island,” he said.

New Year’s Eve is traditionally a night for reminiscing about the closing year and welcoming the year ahead all mixed with champagne, dancing and loved ones. But that is just the general recipe for New Year’s Eve as each New Year’s Eve event has its own flavor. Some may chose to ring in the new year the classy way in ballrooms, while others may hit the club for a night of fist pumping while “Jersey Shore” star Pauly D spins house music.

Regardless of taste, Long Island has got New Year’s Eve covered. On December 31, Long Island will be home to countless events to ring in the new year, each with its own flare. So, to ensure that 2011 concludes with a bang, head to the following places:

The Paramount

370 New York Avenue

Huntington

www.paramountny.com

In September, the theater opened its doors to the public and has since been dubbed a “hot spot” on Long Island. Now, The Paramount will be home to the Rockin’ Eve party beginning at 8 p.m. The night will include a live performance from Canada’s newest artist Mia Martina, and sets from DJ Fresh to ensure non-stop music all night.  The party will also be home to Long Island’s radio and television personality, Vic Latino and former NBA star Dennis Rodman. This star studded night will make each guest feel like a celebrity as they dance the night away with hats and noisemaker provided by the venue.

Tiles Center for Performing Arts

720 Northern Boulevard

Greenvale

www.liphilharmonic.com

The Tiles Center for Performing Arts will be hosting Long Island’s Philharmonic’s New Year’s Eve Spectacular.  The orchestra, directed by David Stewart Wiley, will perform “Over the Rainbow,” from the Wizard of Oz, “A Whole New World” from Disney’s Aladdin, “My Heart Will Go On” from Titanic and much more. To accompany these classic songs will be Broadway stars Matt Cavenaugh, Jenn Gambatase, and Sean MacLaughlin.

Harbor Front Inn

209 Front St.

Greenport

www.theharborfrontinn.com

The Harbor Front Inn of Greenport is opening its doors this New Year’s Eve to guests seeking an intimate start to 2012. The hotel is offering a celebration getaway package, which includes a two night stay from December 30 to January 1. Upon checking in, guests will discover a premium North Folk wine and that’s just the start to the stay. The place will host a New Year’s Eve cocktail party hosted by the manager in the lobby who will serve up appetizers and Champagne. Wake up the next day and enjoy a complimentary breakfast.

Tis’ the season for skating, ice skating that is.

As the temperature drops and the snow starts to fall, droves of Long Islanders head to local rinks to try out their best triple axels and layback spins.

Grab a pair of skates and lace up. Here are a few of the best rinks to try this season:

Newbridge Arena- The ice skating rink on Newbridge Road is a great place to go with friends or family to skate and have a good time. The indoor ice skating rink offers both skating and hockey lessons, hockey games, as well as general skating. Skates are available to rent or to buy at the skate shop. Residents of the town of Hempstead can even receive discounted admission (the general price of admission is $7.50).

Christopher Morley- The outdoor ice skating rink is located in Roslyn, and was built back in the 1970s. The rink is surrounded by scenery beautiful enough to take your breath away and makes for quite the skating experience. Inside the admissions office, is a warm fire pit to help warm skaters on break. The rink also offers skating lessons. Admission goes for $7.

Tanger Outlets At The Arches- The outdoor ice skating rink circles the outlet’s giant Christmas tree in the center court. Ice skating rentals available for $4 and admission is $7. When off the ice, skaters can explore and shop in the outlets. This Tanger was modeled after a stucco Tuscan Village, and offers a myriad of stores and shopping experiences, including a Regal Cinemas Theatre.

Bayville Winter Wonderland- Bayville theme park is the place to be all year, with a mini golf course, haunted house and winter wonderland depending on season. Ice skating is the activity of the winter at Bayville theme park where it’s offered forf $6, which include rentals. Along with skating, visitors can enjoy a Toy Factory 3D attraction, train ride, and light show.

Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center- The new, indoor ice skating rink is for all to enjoy including figure skaters, hockey players, and recreational skaters. It’s NHL regulation size and connects to a separate pool complex, making it perfect for all seasons. The facility is also equipped with locker rooms, showers and community rooms. Admission prices vary.

The Rinx- The indoor ice skating complex in Hauppauge includes public skating, adult hockey, day camps, pre-school, hockey clinics, and skating lessons. The complex is equipped with a separate complex with a pool and swimming. Public skating admission for adults is $10 and $5.50 for skate rentals.

Reckson Plaza Ice Rink- Previously known as EAB Plaza, in Uniondale, Reckson Plaza now boasts a beautiful outdoor ice skating open to the public. The skating complex also offers snacks and food, and the plaza offers seasonal window displays and shopping.

New York Islanders' Kyle Okposo (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

February 20, Long Islanders will have the chance to enjoy an amazing night of hockey and support a great mission: to give children with disabilities the opportunity to participate in sports.

The New York Islanders are teaming up with Mastic Sports League Kyle Sports to fundraise for the special needs program.

The pairing will provide a memorable night for Long Islanders this President’s Day when Mastic Sports League Kyle Sport becomes the ’Charity of the Game.’

The hockey team will donate a portion of the 50/50 ticket raffle that night to their organization. But that’s not all, the charity will also be hosting a slew of fun activities that day.

The event will kick off at 11 a.m., with an optional buffet at the Long Island Marriot, then a pre-game skate will take place followed by an exciting Islanders game and post-game pictures on the ice.

Tickets are available now with an authentic Islanders t-shirt included with purchase. Additionally, all children will receive a special Islanders gift bag.

Even more exciting, each ticket holder will be automatically entered for the chance to win a spot to high-5 the Islanders, ride on the fanzam or watch warm-ups from the penalty box.

For more information or to inquire about tickets contact Debbie Metz : 631-767-4354.

licares.org

During this time of the year it is exceptionally difficult to scrape by. The holiday season can be an enormous financial burden with the purchase of gifts, food, decorations and travel expenses. In one month a bank account can be wiped clean. However, the holiday season is also the time to dive into our nearly empty wallets and give to others. After all giving is what Christmas is all about.

It often pays to be charitable; generosity can go a long way. Just one donated toy can keep hope shining in a child’s eye. A few dollars can feed an entire family, and a coat could clothe a child during the cold, harsh Long Island winter. So do your part this season and spread the holiday cheer. Here are a few not-for-profit organizations on Long Island that could use your help this season:

The Mary Brennan Inn

Hempstead

the-inn.org

Serving the Town of Hempstead since 1983, the Mary Brennan Inn has been a savior to many suffering financially. Under the direction of Toni Ebron, the volunteer project manager, benevolent Long Islanders head to the Inn each weekday to serve lunch to the “guests” of the Inn. Regardless of the season, these volunteers manage the kitchen, the dining room and the pantry to ensure each guest is fully satisfied.  If cooking isn’t your thing, you can still do your part at the Mary Brennan Inn and clear out your pantry for canned goods to be handed out to guests for the weekends. You can also raid your closet for those warm sweaters you haven’t touched in years. Clothes, especially warm clothes, are always accepted at the Inn.

This holiday season the Inn has two special missions. The first is to collect 1,000 coats to ease the pains of winter for the guests. The second is to provide the younger guests with new, unwrapped toys so the joys of the holiday season are felt by all. With your generosity and donations of coats or toys, the Mary Brennan Inn will certainly ensure that all guests have a special Christmas.

The Ronald McDonald House on Long Island

New Hyde Park

rmhlongisland.org

For years the Ronald McDonald House in the Cohen Children’s Medical Center of New York has open their doors to families enduring the troubles of a sick child. Equipped with bedrooms, kitchens and living areas the house is designed to provide a comfortable environment for families while their child heals. The house regularly provides shelter and food, with the help of volunteers of the dinner program. The house offers as much amenities as possible to console the families.

To contribute and help lessen a family’s burden, monetary donations are always accepted to keep the house open or to keep a family afloat. The house also has a regular wish list of goods not provided for the families, but are necessary for the family. The list includes linens, cleaning supplies, toiletries, and canned goods. These goods will go directly to families suffering financially as their child undergoes countless treatments. New toys can also be accepted to keep the children’s spirits. To raise funds during the holiday season the Ronald McDonald House on Long Island is offering to craft together holiday greeting cards for a small consolation. Cards being distributed to family and friends will cost a mere five dollars and while cards for business associates will cost ten dollars. It is a great way to advocate for the house, and to spread holiday cheer.

Toys of Hope

Huntington Station

toysofhope.org

Established in 1994, Toys of Hope has been providing the underprivileged children of Long Island with faith and entertainment via toys.  The organization believes that toys can be a redeeming feature for a child; they can instill a sense of pride in a child with little. Each year, Toys of Hope will place smiles on about 65,000 children as they are presented with new toys of their own from this thriving organization. As Toys of Hope is strictly voluntary, the organization continually asks Long Islanders to extend their heart and help organize fundraisers and aid with networking. All efforts will be repaid with the joy radiating from the children you have helped.

Toys of Hope works year round, but the holiday season is their busiest time of the year as the organization works diligently to ensure each child has a present under the tree and hope in their heart. So give a local child hope and donate an unwrapped gift. With your help, you can foster a sense dignity in a child presented with financial difficulties.

Long Island Cares

Hauppauge

licares.org

As Long Island’s first food bank, Long Island Cares has provided many with the basic necessity of food.  Since 1980, the corporation has helped countless families become self-sufficient and has supplied them with food in emergencies. Each year about 6 million pounds of food are distributed to those in need through Long Island Cares. The corporation also seeks to educate all of Long Island about the roots of hunger and the devastating effects of hunger in an attempt to wipe hunger off of Long Island.

To help campaign against hunger on Long Island, food donations are always welcomed with open arms. Foods such as pasta, peanut butter and canned soup are constantly needed. Long Island Cares is also seeking donated toiletries, baby cares and cleaning products to help sustain a family. So to ensure all Long Island families have a stuffing holiday rummage through your kitchen to help disseminate cheer and some extra Christmas pasta.

Reporting by Gina Brindisi.

Tangeroutlet.com/riverhead

For the holidays, Tanger Outlet Center in Riverhead is getting into the spirit of giving by remembering the men and women that serve Riverhead.

The outlet center has donated over $2000 to the Riverhead Volunteer Ambulance, Riverhead Police Department and Fire Department this year.

“It is an honor to recognize the members of our local police and  volunteer fire department and ambulance,” stated Janine Nebons, General Manager of the Tanger Outlet Center in Riverhead in a press release. “They are the backbone of our community and do so much to serve and protect us all year long.”

This isn’t the first time Tanger has made charitable donations. The outlet center has made donations throughout it’s history. Since 1994, Tanger has raised over $10 million to fight cancer. In the past year, Tanger donated $41,000 to the North Fork Breast Health Coalition and $41,000 to Peconic Bay Medical Center Cancer Screening program to battle breast cancer and help save lives in the Riverhead area. Nationally, Tanger raised and donated more than $1.1 million to fight breast cancer as part of its TangerStyle Pink campaign.

Winter is typically not a season many of us look forward to. Shoveling snow off your driveway, scraping off ice from your windshields in the wee hours of the morning, hauling about five extra pounds of clothing around each day, and the worst, spending all your savings on holiday presents for people you barely know.

The funny thing about the chilly season we consider one of the least favorites is that it’s considered just the opposite for kids. It’s one of the most exciting times of the year for them: Santa bringing toys, sledding with friends and lots of snow days and snow angels to make.

Your opinion of the season can easily change by incorporating fun outings! And that’s so easy, thanks to the slew of great places on Long Island. Here are a few places to go to enjoy the winter weather.

Big River Barn in Old Westbury (bigriverbarn.com)

Winter horseback riding is all the rage this year and Big River Barn is even offering great gift certificates that make awesome holiday presents ($100 for a ride lasting at least 1 1/4 hours). It’s a fun, healthy gift that will lift the spirits. Share your love of horses, adventure, the outdoors, riding.

Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead (longislandaquarium.com).

Long Island Aquarium offers an array of aquatic animal activities from penguin encounters, allowing visitors to get up close to a penquin, to shark dives, allowing visitors to get up close (and behind a cage of course) to sharks. Additionally, Long Island Aquarium boasts an all new butterfly exhibit, that will showcase thousands of butterflies and birds set in an enchanted garden. While your there, don’t forget to check out the new beautiful banquet hall, that comes as an elegant take on the lost city of Atlantis!

Nassau Coliseum in Hempstead (nassaucoliseum.com)

Nassau Coliseum has long been the go-to place for families looking for a good show. For years, the place has provided visitors with the very best in entertainment. One upcoming show you don’t want to miss is Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour by Cirque du Soleil. The show is set to take place April 7 & 8. The amazing show comes as a fusion of visuals, dance, music and fantasy that immerses audiences in Michael’s creative. Through awesome performances, Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour underscores Michael’s global messages of love, peace and unity.

NYCB Theatre in Westbury (livenation.com)

NYCB Theatre at Westbury has long been providing the very best in concerts including David Archuleta, Psychic Medium John Edward and George Lopez. One of the most exciting acts to hit the Westbury stage in 2012 is Jack Hanna’s Into The Wild Live. He’ll be at Westbury January 15 at 1 p.m. Jack Hanna’s Into the Wild takes viewers on an exciting journey with footage of his adventures around the world. The live show also features many of his favorite exotic animal friends.

Dix Hills Performing Arts Center in Dix Hills (dhpac.org)

You can always count on The Dix Hills Performing Arts Center for a great musical performance. The place boasts a slew of amazing shows including Jazz Ensemble, Black Tie Affair Orchestra with Tom Manuel and The Magical Music of Stevie Wonder with Steve Briody sand Friends. Aside from music, Dix Hills Performing Arts Center also provides some great magic shows like Thaddeus’ Magic Emporium. Thaddeus’ Magic Emporium is set to take stage Sunday, January 22, 2:00 p.m. (costs $10), where Thaddeus takes viewers on a tour filled with adventure, mystery, and surprises in his Magical Emporium.

The Nassau University Medical Center has announced the launch of 230 slice coronary CT angiography, becoming the first to offer the technology in Nassau County.

The new technology allows doctors to better visualize coronary arteries and evaluate blocked arteries by a non-invasive method. It allows for high quality pictures of the heart vessel with faster but lower radiation exposures than ever before.

“Most scanners available currently use 64 detectors. The advantage of using the 320 detector technology is to achieve very high quality pictures of the heart vessels, faster, but lower radiation exposure,” said President and CEO of the NuHealth System, Arthur A. Gianelli in a press release.

According to NuHealth, the 320 Detector Coronary CT-Angiography is a modification of CT chest to provide optimized views of the coronary arteries, improving image quality of the heart and adjacent structures compared with previous generations of CT scanners.

The technology will allow for more thorough check for the presence and extent of coronary artery disease as well as allow better views of the pulmonary veins before procedures.

“The 320-slice AquilionOne CT provides very high temporal and spatial resolution and increased anatomic coverage in a single heartbeat. It’s an advanced scanner which avoids attempting to reconstruct images from several beats, so it makes the images remarkably clear for diagnosis,” said Dr Amgad Makaryus, director of cardiovascular imaging at North Shore University Hospital, who helped launch the new cardiac CT program at Nassau University Medical Center.

Next week, 60 lucky women of the Family Service League will receive a free make-over thanks to Cactus Salon.

On Monday, December 12, the Dix Hills’ Cactus will be hosting their annual Dinner & Make-Over Night.

The event will take place from 3:30 to 9:30 p.m. where Cactus has invited over 60 women from the Family Service League to help get them prepared to re-enter the workforce.

The women will receive color and cut from Cactus stylists, but that’s not all. The women will also receive dinner, accessories and more, all courtesy of the owners and staff of all 25 Cactus locations that will volunteer their expertise and time for the special event.

According to Cactus Salon & Day Spa, there goal is to make these women feel beautiful and confident to overcome life’s obstacles.

The women invited to the event come from Family Service League of Long Island, which helps individuals, children and families to use their strengths and improve the quality of their lives at home, in the workplace and in the community. They help families affected by substance abuse or homelessness, teenage eating disorders and elderly assistance, among other things.

“I feel if you can touch people and brighten their day… it’s worth it. Happiness for me is seeing others smile,” Joe Secreti, owner of the 25 Cactus Salons across Long Island states.

For more information, check out www.cactussalon.com.

(Photo Credit: Danny Newland,John Burns, Domingo Lantigua, and Michael Papile.)

Meet Deadly Bison Entertainment, a group of Long Island guys with an ardor for gaming. Though this may sound like most young males on Long Island, DBE not only has the talent necessary to excel in advanced video games, but they also possess sophisticated business savvy that has been allowing them to make a profit off of what is commonly known as a “hobby,” with their primary goal of providing the Long Island community with competitive gaming footage of tournaments and even casual game play.

Their members consist mainly of  Danny “Zookeeper aka Dynamite Lion” Newland, who is in charge of graphics and music for the videos which appear on Deadly Bison’s youtube,  RJ “Rooster” Lamb does the marketing and advertising for the group and Justin “JTimms” Timms edits Deadly Bison Entertainments film.

“We are a group of gamers/video game enthusiast who’ve decided to take the opportunity to broadcast live games via the internet. Our content includes live game tournament footage or interviews with players or questions and answers about specific games. Our current focus is the game Ultimate Marvel VS Capcom 3, however we will extend our endeavors to other games market,” explains Danny Newland of Deadly Bison Entertainment.

DBE derived their name based off the character “M Bison” from the Street Fighter series. He happens to be one of the more well known villains within the Street Fighter story and the group thought it would be a good idea to continue with that concept, transform the Bison into the deadliest of all bisons, thus Deadly Bison Entertainment.

Newland explains that as ESports began to grow, he and his friends decided to become a part of the community and contribute “exclusive content that hails from Long Island.”

The guys practice several times a week. Casual games are held weekly at what is referred to as the “home base” or the FNC Arena in West Islip and “in house” sessions are held more frequently at a member’s house. Tournaments, played biweekly, are quick games that can last anywhere from ten to sixty seconds. Winners are determined in either best of three, five or seven and winners at this level can expect to compete at a higher level where cash prizes can be won.

DBE plays and promotes Ultimate Marvel VS Capcom 3, a highly competitive 1v1 fighting game. It is a swift and inherently fast game where players must simultaneously attack and counter attack; anticipating the next move of their opponent.

While it may seem obvious that gaming is entertaining, there is an ample amount of technique, “People don’t realize there’s a lot of skill involved in gaming. Not only do you need to have the proper mental capacity; but it’s also physically trying too; your hands are constantly moving,” Newland states.

Though cash prizes can be won through competing, the majority of money comes from the advertisements promoted on DBE’s live streaming youtube videos. For those who are not familiar, live streaming videos gives people on Long Island, and even globally, an opportunity to see the professional qualities involved in gaming and can help other gamers pick up on new ideas and techniques while expanding the community for all gamers. DBE’s videos can be found on YouTube.

“Most people are not aware of the professionalism that is beginning to grow within the gaming community or how a career can even flourish because of it.” Newland continues, “Of course it sounds silly at first, but it is the next big thing. It’s a community where everyone is welcomed, especially for expressing ideas and expressing creativity in general.”

Check out Deadly Bison Entertainment’s videos on Twitch and connect with DBE via their Facebook.

Jeffrey Combs being honored by Anthony Scotto of Fox Hollow in Woodbury.

Tuesday, Sergeant Jeffrey Combs, of the 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Division, was honored at a Toys For Tots Holiday Gift Drive and Tree Lighting in Woodbury.

The event took place at Woodbury’s Fox Hollow Catering, where the local marine helped the Scotto family celebrate their 2nd annual Toys For Tots Gift Drive and Tree Lighting event.

Attendees brought unwrapped toys for donation to the catering hall where they also enjoyed an evening of performances, photographs with Santa, desserts, and more.

During the evening, Combs was honored by Anthony Scotto and his wife Tina. He was thanked for his dedication and hard work. Scotto described Combs’ time in Iraq, which started in 2002 when he was just 17.

“In 2004, he deployed with 1st Bn 8th Marines to Fallujah, Iraq, in direct support of “Operation Phantom Fury” which was the siege of the City of Fallujah,” said Scotto.  ”In 2006, Jeff deployed again to Fallujah, with 2nd Scout Reconnaissance Platoon and on August 31st 2006, he was wounded in action from a pressure plate IED which resulted in traumatic amputation of his left arm above the elbow.”

Raquel Castro of "The Voice" performs the National Anthem before delighting the crowd with her very own Christmas song..

Upon his return, Combs was awarded 2 Purple Hearts and was nominated for a 3rd. Although Combs’ time serving with the Marines is over, he continues to serve the country as a Wounded Warrior Project Outreach Coordinator for the Northeast Region.

Combs took the microphone to discuss the importance of the Toys for Tots program and thank everyone for coming out. The humble Marine noted that he’s not to be thanked but instead, is thankful to be here.

“I’m just a guy who got blown up,” he said. “But I’m thankful to be the guy here today.”

Combs was joined by singer, Raquel Castro, who was on hand to perform the National Anthem and her very own holiday song.

“Thanks to the Marines,” she added after her performance.

To end the exciting night, around 8 p.m., attendees headed outside for the tree lighting ceremony.

Helping Hands has announced their annual holiday toy drive will be held on Wednesday December 7, from 3-5:30 p.m. at the American Legion Hall, located at 340 Union Blvd. in West Islip.

“Everyone is welcome to help! Please bring your own scissors and tape,” stated Helping Hands in a press release. “Having the drive held after school will allow an excellent opportunity for our children to drop off their own donations and have a first hand glimpse of how wonderful our community is, as we come together for the sake of all the precious underprivileged children throughout Suffolk County.”

Last year Helping Hands collected well over 5000 toys and this year they hope to see the same success. But Helping Hands notes that this year may be challenging without your help.

“Local charities once again are forecasting donation lows for this holiday season,” stated Helping Hands.” Many of the children will only receive your Holiday gift.”

Helping Hands asks everyone to donate this year and advises the following:

• If the toy is not new, it is vital that the toys you donate be spotless. The children line up to see Santa for their one special treat.  When the toy is damaged or dirty they miss out until next year.
• If you are not sure of a toys condition, please do not send it in. We can not accept loose, “bottom of the toy box” type donations for this drive. We operate on zero funding and limited volunteers. We don’t even have the dollars to pay for the bags to throw “junky” stuff out.

“Traditionally, we ask that every toy be cleaned and decorated with a ribbon, candy cane or a lollipop,” stated Helping Hands.

Here are some donation suggestions from Helping Hands:

• Dangle Recycled Happy Meal toys from a stuffed animal’s neck.
• Give a doll’s hair a makeover.
• Fill Backpacks and lunch boxes with assorted goodies.
• Stacks of children’s books are tied together with a ribbon and small toy.
• Costume and sterling jewelry make great gifts for the older girls.
• Goody bags are filled with extra bath and body samples.
• Fill recycled gift bags with an assortment of presents for one child. Please label these packages with the sex and age of the child.

Five Towns College will be hosting their December Open House, this Saturday, December 10 at 1 p.m.

“At this event you will be able to meet with faculty and staff, as well as students involved in the many programs we offer at Five Towns College,” stated the college in a press release.

During the Open House, attendees will be able to experience the innovative technology that students get to work with everyday. Visitors will be able to witness mixing in one of the school’s audio recording studios featuring the SL9000J, a 72 channel sound board.

Aside from checking out one of the many recording studios on site, attendees will also have the chance to speak with faculty regarding the field of business or music business featuring audio recording and music business.

Those interested in music will hear presentations from the music faculty on our various programs in music education, performance, song/writing with concentrations in audio recording technology or music business.

“Those interested in theatre will be fascinated by the excellent theatre productions performed by the students over a semester, ranging from musicals, dramas, comedies and even children’s theatre,”stated Five Towns College. ”Our film/video production program is outstanding, featuring the most up-to-date film/video equipment on the north east coast, and with faculty that offer students hands-on experience from the first semester to the last.”

Additionally, career services will explain the wide-range of internships available, as well as job placement and career opportunities while representatives from Financial Aid and Admissions will be on hand to guide you and answer questions.

The Open House starts promptly at 1:00 p.m. at the Dix Hills campus. For more information or to speak with an Admissions Representative, call 631-656-2110 today or visit www.ftc.edu.

The New York Islanders put down the puck and pushed shopping carts through Toys-R-Us in Carle Place in an effort to help brighten up the holidays for hospitalized children.

Players and their families took to the toy store and filled up their shopping carts, purchasing hundreds of toys for pediatric patients at hospitals throughout Long Island.

“Picking out toys and then being able to deliver them to kids in need is a great thing,” Streit said in a press release. “So many kids are going through tough times during the holidays and need our help, so it’s very special that we can make them a little happier. I feel very fortunate to be a part of this.”

The shopping spree, which is sponsored by Emblem Health this year, comes as the fifth for the team.

“Having the Islanders deliver the toys they personally chose brings incredible joy to children who are facing medical challenges at this time of year,” says EmblemHealth President and COO Frank Branchini, who adds that the shopping spree is part of the company’s ongoing effort to give back to the communities it serves. “We’re delighted to partner with the New York Islanders in this wonderful event.”

The shopping spree comes as only the first step, next week, the players will make a trip to pediatric patients at various Long Island hospitals to deliver the gifts.

Hospitals that will receive toys include: Stephen and Alexandra Cohen Children’s Medical Center in New Hyde Park; Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow; Winthrop University Hospital in Mineola; Stony Brook University Hospital in Stony Brook; Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center in West Islip; St. Mary’s Hospital for Children in Bayside; North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset; and the Henry Viscardi School, serving children with severe physical and medical disabilities, in Albertson.

Restaurant Week proved so successful for one Long Island restaurant, that they have extended the dining promotion to  an entire year.

Popular dining destination in Jericho, Philippe Chow, that serves up a variety of traditional Chinese dishes, has launched the first-ever “Restaurant Year” initiative.

“Focused on growing Philippe Chow Jericho’s largely suburban customer base, “Restaurant Year” presents the special menu offered during the weeklong event and expands the casual dining program throughout the entire year,” states Philippe Chow in a press release.

The promotion is effective immediately and offers patrons, Philippe’s inspired Asian cuisine at a 35 percent discount. According to Philippe Chow, the concept gives frequent customers a real reward but has also proven successful in attracting new customers.

“The explosive response generated by Restaurant Week has led us to reposition Philippe Chow Jericho to satisfy both our highly-discriminating upscale clientele, who will continue to enjoy our signature approach to traditional Asian fare, as well as newer customers who have warmly embraced our food after becoming increasingly disenchanted with the product served at most other local Asian establishments,” said Stratis Morfogen, Principal, CEO, Philippe Chow in a press release.

Modular Build in Deer Park (Photo: Rashed Mian)

Edward Boss admitted he was “a little freaked out” when construction workers with Alure Home Improvements lifted a prefabricated two-box set modular, the size of a school bus, on top of his house to create a new second story to his modest Deer Park home.

A crane, sitting on his front lawn, slowly and methodically lifted the first modular over cable wires and away from tree branches for about 10 minutes before allowing it to hover over what used to be the second floor of Boss’ house, as a handful of construction workers banged some screws and managed to fit the modular perfectly in place atop the house.

The modular build, performed by Alure, attracted a number of interested neighbors to observe what was going on as construction workers prepared the modular for liftoff. Boss’ family set up lawn chairs on the street to catch the instant change to his house during a mild November morning. Others snapped pictures as they looked on.

The change was necessary, said Boss, because a handful of family members, including his sick mother, were moving in with him. He needed more space, so Boss contacted Alure and asked about adding more space to his house.

The company, and Boss, who has lived in Deer Park for all 51 years of his life, agreed that this would be the quickest way to add more space to the house.

“In a week I’m going to have a house,” he said as workers prepared the modular.

Modulars are prefabricated buildings that can instantly be added to a house. Boss’ modular already came with a built in kitchen, bathroom, bedrooms and living room. All that required was for the modular to have a safe trip over the George Washington Bridge and a secure flight into the air before it was nestled on top of Boss’ house.

“We started the process [a week ago],” explained Frank Stehlik, director of operations of the modular division. “We removed the exterior of the house, the roof area…we built a new wall around the perimeter of the exterior of the house to get ready for the modular to be put in place and installed.”

Stehlik said the main concern for a modular build is making sure there is enough clearance over cable wires and on the street. After sales designers and project managers give the thumbs up, then a modular can be installed.

Boss said he chose Alure because of their reputation and their openness with him during the entire process.

“Every time you had a concern they were right there,” he said.

As the second modular rolled in, Boss peeked through a hole to inspect the kitchen area before the modular was to be lifted into the air, completing the nerve-racking segment of the project.

The interior was in perfect condition. Better than he envisioned, he said.

This is one holiday dinner you don’t want to miss.

Library Café, located at 274 Main Street, in Farmingdale will host a special holiday beer dinner on Tuesday, December 6 at 7 p.m.

The dinner features four courses paired with Sam Adams’ Winter Classics brews for $40 per person. Also on hand, will be guest speaker, Jonathan Galeno.

The menu is as follows:

Pretzel
Cinnamon Sugar
Old Fezziwig Ale

Goat Cheese and Apple Salad
Infused Samuel Adams Cranberry Lambic Dressing
Angry Orchard Cider

Skirt Steak, Marinated in Boston Lager
OR
Chicken Breast
Marinated in Cranberry Lambic Dressing
Winter Lager

Molten Lava Chocolate Cake
Choice of Black and Brew Coffee Stout
or Chocolate Bock

The Library Café, a casually upscale American bar and restaurant, is one of eight restaurants owned by Lessing’s. The centerpiece of this literary hangout, built in 1907, is a top shelf, full-mirrored bar towering over two stories spanning 25-feet, accessible by a vintage library ladder.

The Hofstra Athletics Department has just announced a new sponsorship agreement with New York Life.

“We are very pleased to announce our new partnership with New York Life and are very grateful for their support,” commented Hofstra University Director of Athletics Jack Hayes in a press release. “Hofstra Athletics is confident that this sponsorship will enable New York Life a great platform, in our women’s basketball program, to promote its brand and to highlight its proactive role in promoting women’s initiatives on Long Island and the greater New York metropolitan area.”

New York Life joined the Pride Corporate Sponsorship family and is the title sponsorship of the upcoming women’s basketball tournament, the New York Life Holiday Invitational—The holiday tournament will feature the Hofstra women’s basketball team hosting Auburn, Marist and Central Connecticut in a two-day tournament on December 21 and 22.

“In addition to the tournament, New York Life will also be the presenting game sponsor at the Women’s Basketball home opener versus St. John’s on Friday, November 18 as well as the Think Pink/Girl Scout Day on February 19 and Family Fun Day on February 26,” stated Hofstra University in a press release.

The agreement will include branding throughout the Mack Sports Complex like on the main scoreboard, and basketball pole padding as well as public address announcements, on-court promotions, co-branded giveaways, and Web presence on GoHofstra.com.

“New York Life is proud to be a part of the season-long sponsorship of the Hofstra women’s basketball team,” said Salvatore Farina, managing partner of the Long Island General Office of New York Life in a press release. “We are pleased to join the fans, students and alumni in our support of our hometown team of talented athletes that, like our agents, take great pride in their performance and believe that it can be achieved through great leadership, support, training and dedication.”

Long Island Cares and Mid Island Collision donate food to needy

Employees of Mid Island Collision and volunteers from Long Island Cares, the Harry Chapin Foundation, worked together Tuesday morning to load boxes of Thanksgiving food donations into trucks outside the Rockville Centre repair shop, with the hope of feeding at least 10,000 hungry families on Long Island this year.

From chicken to yams, both the mechanic shop and nonprofit hunger relief nonprofit group purchased food that would end up on the dinner tables of needy 40,000 Long Islanders who aren’t fortunate enough to create a spread of assorted Thanksgiving sides for a family dinner this holiday season.

“The people that are hurt by this economy—you read about, you hear about—it’s the ones that you don’t hear about, which is almost 80 percent of the people that don’t go to food missions or emergency places for support,” said Robert Jesberger, owner of Mid Island Collision.

At the bustling repair shop, volunteers plucked boxes from large piles and placed them onto pallets before unloading the boxes into dozens of cars and trucks that started pulling up outside the repair shop as early as 5 a.m. Tuesday. The event didn’t halt business at the repair shop, however. Mechanics were working on vehicles on one side of the shop, while pallet jacks rolled in and out as boxes of food were emptied into cars.

In an effort to try and feed as many people as possible, Long Island Cares decided to purchase chickens instead of turkeys this year because the price for the traditional Thanksgiving bird was too exorbitant this year. Recipients will still have the usual Thanksgiving sides and desserts on Thursday.

Paule Pachter, executive director of Long Island Cares, said the chicken decision allowed the nonprofit to buy 20 more percent more food than usual.

“Well of course Thanksgiving time the community’s awareness is heightened because of the issue of hunger,” Pachter said of the significance of donating food during this time of year. “And you know to us Thanksgiving is 365 days a year, but right now, the holiday season, Thanksgiving and Christmas, if the community has the ability to support the local pantry that’s what they should do.”

He encourages people to donate non-perishable foods and frozen turkey to local pantry’s or soup kitchens to help the estimated 320,000 people on Long Island who are hungry, which is up about 30 percent from last year because of unemployment, said Pachter.

“Too many people have lost their jobs, too many people are struggling to get by and this is the time of the year when we reach out to the community to be aware…but frankly its all year long that the hungry need your support,” he said.

Turkey day is coming and it’s coming quick. Really, what’s better than seeing all of your long lost relatives? Not seeing them. After all, don’t we just put up with hiding Great Grandma Carmella’s purse (because she thinks the rest of the family is out to steal it) just to get some of her delicious Thanksgiving grub anyway?

If you don’t have the luxury of seeing your nearest and dearest this holiday, you’re in luck. Long Island’s best cuisine is waiting for you, and it sure gives your Aunt’s delicious desserts a run for their money.  From beautiful views to bountiful buffets, there sure are a lot of choices. Here are a few great places to take up plate this Thanksgiving Thursday.

Talk about a view. Oakdale’s View will be providing an elaborate traditional Thanksgiving Day buffet dinner from 1 to 6 p.m. The newly revamped riverfront destination overlooking the Great South Bay, will serve up Roasted turkey giblet gravy and Roasted prime rib, Pineapple glazed Virginia ham and Roasted Atlantic salmon, among other salad choices and harvest selections like Candied yams and Country stuffing. Desserts are equally as tasty and include Pumpkin pie, Hot apple cobbler and Brownies. The cost is $39.95 per person, $19.95 for children under age 12 and free for children.

Port Jefferson’s Danfords Hotel & Marina will also offer great scenery: beautiful views of Port Jefferson Harbor, while also serving up a traditional Thanksgiving feast. Seatings will take place at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 5 p.m.  The menu, created by Executive Chef Jonathan Levine, boasts an action station, entrees that include Cornish Game Hen and Pumpkin Ravioli, and choice side dishes like Sweet Potato Puree, Grilled Corn on the Cob or Creamed Spinach. The Thanksgiving Table offers patrons Roasted Carved Turkey, Rolled Dark Meat or Cranberry Dressing Spiral Ham. To finish your dining experience with a fine dessert, the restaurant is serving Hot Cranberry Cobbler, Pumpkin Macaroon or Pumpkin Bars Chocolate Mousse Domes. The cost is $44.95 for adults and $19.95 for children under 12.

There’s nothing like spending a holiday at a quaint inn. Stony Brook’s Mirabelle at Three Village Inn will present a Thanksgiving Day Grand Buffet with reservations starting at 12 p.m. The menu, created by Chef Guy Reuge, includes a cold course which boasts Assorted Smoked Fish and Shellfish, Artisan Cheese and Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail; salads and soups that include, Lobster and Potato Salad and Creamy Pumpkin Soup; and carving station that offers Turkey with Natural Pan Gravy, Herb-stuffed Leg of Lamb and Puff-pastry Wrapped Halibut. Traditional Sides include Candied Yams and Cornbread Chestnut Stuffing while Chafing Dishes include Stuffed Turkey with Natural Pan Gravy and Chicken Vol Au Vent. Desserts include Fresh Sliced Fruit Platter, Holiday Pies, Cakes and Cookies. The cost is $49 for adults with children age 12 and under are half-price.

Fine Dining isn’t just for a date, treat yourself to a fancy Thanksgiving feast at East Hampton’s The Living Room. The restaurant will serve a four-course menu from 1 to 8 p.m. with food prepared by Executive Chef James Carpenter. Patrons will dine on everything from Organic Mixed Green Salad and Roasted Pumpkin Soup for the first course; Homemade Pork Rillette Ravioli and Living Room Pate for the second. For the third, options include Traditional Heritage Turkey Dinner with all the fixings or Grilled Berkshire Pork Tenderloin with pumpkin chutney of Hand Cut Fettuccine with mushroom Bolognese. For dessert, opt for Classic Pumpkin Pie with whipped cream, Granny Smith Apple Tart or Sticky Toffee Date Cake with elderberry flower frozen yogurt. All plate choices will be paired with a wine, including dessert—the menu boasts a Dessert Wine Trio, a tasting of three styles of dessert wines. The cost is $85 for the food offerings only, an additional $45 with wine pairings, and child-sized portions for $40.

Other establishments offering Thanksgiving eats include Wading River’s Blackwells Restaurant at Great Rock Golf Club, Huntington’s Prime, Albertson’s Mitch and Toni’s American Bistro and The Garden City Hotel’s signature restaurant, REIN.

All Music Inc Presents: A Very Special Long Island Cares Holiday Food And Toy Drive event that will be taking place at All Music’s locations this December. The event will feature a Martin Guitar giveaway, live performances and a visit from Santa.

On Saturday, December 10,Long Island Cares, founded by Harry Chapin, will be hosting a unique holiday food and toy drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.. A live performance and a visit from Santa will be happening at All Music in Plainview at 1 p.m. At the same time, Long Island Cares and The New 94X Radio will be at All Music’s located at Rock-n-Roll University in Hauppauge.

The public is encouraged to bring both non perishable food items and new unwrapped toys to either location.

“It’s always important to give back to the community, but at this time of season I find it to be especially necessary to make sure we don’t forget those less fortunate than ourselves.” said Guy Brogna, Owner of All Music Inc in a statement. “That’s why we are extremely excited to be working with LI Cares on this event, to try and make a real difference this year”.

The person who makes the largest food donation, in pounds, at either location will win a new Martin DC16-GT Guitar and case, usually retailing for $1,450, courtesy of All Music Inc! Additionally, every toy donation gets a raffle ticket for a prize at both locations.

The Long Island Ducks have just announced the official holiday shopping schedule.

The Ducks announced that the team’s official merchandise store, Waddle In Shop, will open for holiday shopping on Saturday, Dec. 3 at 10:00 a.m. The store will be open until Dec. 21 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and Saturday’s hours will be 10 a.m. to  2 p.m.

The Waddle In Shop is the only place to buy official Ducks merchandise, including brand new 2011 Liberty Division champions apparel.

Holiday shopping will kick off Dec. 3 with visits from Ducks players, coaches and beloved mascot QuakerJack. Santa Claus will be on hand as well.

Additionally, the Long Island Ducks will be collecting new toys at Bethpage Ballpark during store hours for those spending the holidays in the hospital. (If fans cannot make it during Waddle In Shop hours, the Ducks will also be accepting donations at the Bethpage Ballpark executive offices Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

The donated toys will be delivered by members of the Ducks and QuackerJack to the pediatric units at Stony Brook University Medical Center, Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center, and North Shore LIJ/Southside Hospital.

Hospitals have made the following suggestions for gifts based on the age of patients:

• Newborn-12 Months: Rattles, stuffed animals, board books, bibs
• 1-3 Years: Shape sorters, soft bath books, pop-up toys, ring stacks
• 4-7 Years: Board games, action figures, sticker sets, books
• 8-11 Years: Arts & crafts kits, board games, card games, new release videos (G & PG)
• 12-18 Years: Music/movie gift certificates, electronic games, journals, sports items,
• new release videos (PG & PG-13)
• 18 & Up: Restaurant/music/movie gift cards, new release videos or DVDs, comfort items, sports items
• Gifts for Any Age: Pillows, blankets, gift cards, holiday items, disposable cameras

Wednesday, Nov. 16 at 6 p.m., the New York Islanders will unveil a new Team Store at Nassau Coliseum with a special event.

“Join us for a very special Islanders Children’s Foundation event to kick-off the holiday season,” said the New York Islanders in a press release. “It’s the Winter Wear Wonderland Party.”

Fans will have the chance to join Islanders Captain Mark Streit and some of his teammates as they introduce the latest Islanders Winter-Wear.

The Basic Ticket ($75 each) includes an open bar, the launch of the Islanders “Winter-Wear” for the 2011-12 season, the debut of the team’s new third jersey, 25% off all merchandise in the store and the chance to meet Islanders original Captain, Ed Westfall and current Captain, Mark Streit, along with additional Islanders players.

Extra-special guests, VIP Ticket holders ($125 each), will have all of the benefits listed above as well as an early entrance into the cocktail party at 5:30 p.m., the ability to shop in the store prior to the event, and an autographed photo of one of the players in attendance.

All proceeds from this event will go towards the Islanders Children’s Foundation.

The 22^nd Annual Long Island Festival of Trees is set to take place later this month.

The annual event will kick off November 25, and continue through November 27 at The Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City.

The event will boast a spectacular array of designer-decorated trees and gingerbread village.

All trees and gingerbread are for sale with all proceeds raised benefit the United Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County, Inc. and the Cradle of Aviation Museum.

The display of trees is amazing with Chief Equipment of Freeport is doing “John Deere” themed tree that comes with a snowblower. KJOY’s tree features a myriad of tickets to the NYCB Theater at Westbury, parking passes and VIP Club passes. The unique trees by community groups and designers include, “Au Pair Care Tree of Nations,” “Peppermint Twist,” Santa’s Silhouette,” “Park Avenue Splendor,” “Precious Moments, Precious Memories,” A Comic Christmas,” “Home for the Holidays,” “Let’s Have a Ball,” “Dragons & Fairies,” “A Firefighter’s World,” The Mardi Gras Tree,” Baskets of Beanies,” “NY Cheer,” and the “Tree of Angels.”

Culinary students from the Barry Tech Institute in Westbury are creating almost 100 original gingerbread creations. With paid admission, children will get to decorate a gingerbread cookie with all sorts of fun trimmings in the Silverlake sponsored cookie area.

The event will feature live entertainment: American Idol’s Robbie Rosen will appear Saturday at 1 p.m. Sunday; Kevin Covais will grace the stage and Jenna Rose, of “My Jeans” internet fame appears at 12:15 p.m. on Friday.

Additionally, the event will boast Santa, a vendor marketplace, children’s activities, Department 56 village and display, and raffle drawings.

Entrance to the Cradle of Aviation Museum is included with your paid admission to the Festival.  Admission is $12 per person; children under two are admitted free. Admission includes entry to the Festival and Cradle of Aviation Museum and a ride on the Carousel.

The Long Island Press held its 2^nd Annual Kioli Business Summit on Thursday at The Inn at New Hyde Park, bringing together dozens of local businesses and hundreds of other guests with the same initiative in mind: Keep it on Long Island.

More than 500 people were on hand to check out the vendors, network, enjoy a luncheon and learn about the businesses that employ thousands of Long Islanders and continues to make LI tick, despite the lethargic economy.

“In order to really keep it on Long Island…we’ve really got to focus on gaining customers the right way and retaining those customers the right way, and retaining employees as well,” said Sal Ferro, President of Alure Home Improvements.

“This is real important for the future of the Long Island economy,” Ferro added, “because if we’re not thinking ahead and we’re not focusing on real important issues like gaining customers, retaining customers and best practices to keep it on Long Island we’re going to continue to lose to other areas…we’re losing some of the great young minds.”

Cactus Salon & Spa table at the Kioli Business Summit

Vendors parked their products in the main reception hall and handed out pamphlets as people navigated the room and interacted with business owners from all across Nassau and Suffolk counties.

As an employee of Cactus Salon & Spa spoke to an interested observer about the salon’s $200 gift certificate offer, Karen Vito, marketing director at Cactus, talked about how important the summit is to local businesses and potential customers.

“We’re real big believers about keeping business on Long Island,” said Vito. “This is a very important cause to us to be able to support and work with the Kioli founding members to really build Long Island, businesses on Long Island, keep families on Long Island, keep their children on Long Island.”

To the left of Cactus’ table was Island Harvest, one of Long Island’s largest hunger and relief organizations. Randy Shubin Dresner, president and CEO of Island Harvest said companies that get involved in collecting food and raising money for charity create a “huge moral builder” for their staff.

She added: “This is event is very important for us because it’s an opportunity for us to meet new people and educate people about…hunger on Long Island and talk to them about very simple ways that they can get involved and bring their staff involved.”

Three separate business seminars with 10 well-known speakers highlighted the event.

Growing Sales Seminar, moderated by Sal Ferro of Alure Home Improvements.

Ferro moderated the Growing Sales seminar, which included a panel of three successful Long Island executives who educated spectators on their strategies for better business.

Members of each panel gave tip after tip as those in attendance took notes and asked questions. Spectators were also invited to a more personal discussion during meet and greets after each seminar.

The two other seminars were titled: Banking, Borrowing, Investing, and Social Media and Search Marketing.

Throughout the afternoon, those in attendance stressed the importance of keeping jobs and businesses on Long Island, while also growing homegrown talent in order to grow the Island’s economy for the future.

“If there’s a true focus on keeping it on Long Island,” said Ferro, “and we’ve got a spirit about it, summits like this will just gain momentum and spread the good will about keeping it Long Island.”

Long Island Restaurant Week has officially arrived—From Sunday November 6 through Sunday November 13, Long Island residents will have the chance to sample the Island’s top cuisine at a fixed price: $24.95 gets you a three-course meal all week long (except Saturday, where the prix fixe ends at 7 p.m.).

This year, almost 500 restaurants are participating in the sixth annual LIRW.

Click to find out what restaurants are participating this year.

Additionally, LITweetup Helps teamed up with LIRW to offer food drive locations at participating restaurants to benefit Island Harvest—Restaurants will be collecting non-perishable food items and cash to be donated to Long Island’s leading hunger relief organization.

Five participating restaurants will even host a Tweetup for one evening during Long Island Restaurant Week.

• Amityville’s Vittorio’s Restaurant & Wine Bar will host a Tweetup Monday, November 7 at 5 p.m.
• Huntington’s HONU Kitchen & Cocktails will host a Tweetup Tuesday, November 8 at 5 p.m.
• Cold Spring Harbor’s Grasso’s will host a Tweetup Tuesday, November 8 at 5:30 p.m.
• Roslyn’s Thyme Restaurant & Café Bar, will host a Tweetup Wednesday, November 9 at 5:30 p.m.
• East Hampton’s Nick & Toni’s, will host a Tweetup Wednesday, November, 9 at 6 p.m.

“We’re all here because we believe in Kioli,” said Sal Ferro of Alure Home Improvements, who played host to one of three seminars held at the 2nd annual Kioli Business Summit Thursday.

“It’s special to me. It means keep our youth here, and business here,” he added.

Hundreds of local business owners, entrepreneurs, non-profits, CFO’s, account executives and HR professionals attended this year’s Kioli Business Summit at The Inn at New Hyde Park.

They came to network with other business professionals, enjoy a luncheon and get invaluable business-building advice.

Through three hour-long seminars, attendees were able to learn new and effective ways to grow their business and strengthen the Long Island economy. Seminars including Growing Sales, Banking, Borrowing and Investing and Social Media And Search Marketing. Each session was followed by a Q&A with the audience members.

The Growing Sales seminar was hosted by Alure Home Improvements’ Sal Ferro, who explained to the audience what Kioli meant to him and how Keep It On Long Island was first started by Long Island Press Publisher, Jed Morey.

He then went on to introduce the topic, “Strategies for better business and things we all need to know” as well as introduce the panel of experts that included Keith Banks of LLoyd Staffing, Jeff Goldberg of Jeff Goldberg and Associates and Randi Busse of Workforce Development Group, Inc.

Banks spoke to the audience about timeless strategies in difficult times and highlighted the importance of reputation and relationships.

“It’s exceeding delivery at all times,” he said after sharing a humorous story about how he once needed to help out a customer by lending his own secretary to them.

Goldberg explained the importance of studying your company’s history, and how looking back can make your business better in the future.

“Look back,” said Goldberg. “Who were my best customers?”

He added that by asking them why they liked you, you will gain great insight into creating a more successful business.  ”And referrals,” added Goldberg. “They’re the best way to grow business.”

Goldberg gave several helpful sales tips:

• Start with a question like, “Just curious, how did you get to be the president of the company?”
• Shut up and let the client speak. Something all salespeople have trouble doing, he joked.
• Find out what makes sense to your prospective client before making a presentation. Then, recap and propose.
• Give a relatable success story as verbal proof (“This client was just like you and they lived happily ever after with our help.”).
• Negotiate, don’t just discount. “Give and get,” advises Goldberg.

Busse spoke about focusing on sales and service at all times.

“You’re only as good as your last at bat,” said Busse.”We need to look at how we treat customers, not only before but also after we get them. Outstanding service sets you apart.”

“If you don’t take care of your customers someone else will,” she added.

Busse also highlighted the importance of checking social media for comments.  ”They’re all talking about you, whether you’re in the conversation or not,” said Busse, who also said that complaints are helpful and considered a “Gift.”

“Complaints allow you to fix something,” she said. “Instead of a customer just leaving without saying anything.”

Busse gave helpful tips on how to provide successful customer service:

• Think and act like the owner of a business, even if you’re not.
• Assurance of help is always appreciated by the customer.
• Personalize the service. “There’s nothing sweeter than thy own name,” says Busse.

The second seminar was called Banking, Borrowing and Investing, which was hosted by Long Island Press Publisher, Jed Morey.

“Thank you everyone for being here,” he said. “Our goal is to encourage more transactions between local businesses.”

Morey talked about the Kioli movement and how important it is to support local businesses. He then introduced the seminar’s three experts: Steve Krausner of Signature Bank, Joe Secreti of Cactus Salon & Spa and Maria Sanjurjo of Schwartz & Company.

“This panel is perfect,” he said of the experts he handpicked. “I gave you my resources.”

Krausner highlighted the importance of the relationship you have with your bank.

“If you relationship with a bank is that you use the third teller from the left,” said Krausner. “Leave.”

He also spoke about how to get a loan and gave the audience insight on what banks look for people seeking a loan:

• Know how much money you need.
• Be ready to report what you are planning on doing with the money (pay down debt, pay off operating expenses, buy new assets). Have a written business plan.
• Be ready to give a time. How long will it take you to repay the loan?
• Do your homework. Fill out documentation before you walk into the bank.
• Know what you can use for collateral, know what you have.

Krausner also advised attendees to be careful on social media sites, adding that bankers are always looking to mitigate risks.

“Bankers use Google too,” he said. “We want to know everything about you before investing in you.”

Secreti spoke about his past and how he started his own business at just 24 years old.

“I opened a salon,” he said. “But I didn’t know business.”

Secreti told the audience about his trouble finding loans and where he went to borrow money. His first $50,000 loan came from his aunt, Secreti said.

Over the years, Secreti expanded Cactus to become a $50 million company but says he had to borrow money from almost everyone he knew to make it happen saying, “I’ve borrowed money in a million ways.”

Although Secreti’s business and borrowing became a great success story, he advises others to learn from his experience and seek better business help.

“You really need a great CFO, accountant,” he added.

Sanjurjo highlighted the importance of having a good accountant.

“I’m representing the people you think about last,” she told the crowd of business owners. “I’m here to say, think first who your accountants are.”

Sanjurjo says accountants can help clients with their relationships alone, “We have experience, we know the bankers,” but adds that you need to find an accountant you can trust and to do your research on the different companies.

“It’s important to know a firm that handles entrepreneurs regularly,” she said. “That knows the business, that has been there.”

The last seminar to take place was called Social Media And Search Marketing with Long Island Press Interactive Content Director, Joe Garraffo hosting.

“Since being with the Press, we’ve increased traffic by 900%,” said Garraffo, who went to tell the crowd, Kioli is what attracted him to work for the Long Island Press in the first place.

“I believe in Kioli,” Garraffo told the crowd of Keep It On Long Island. “I live so close to where I grew up and my daughter is in the same fourth grade classroom that I was once in.”

He then introduced the panel’s four experts: Ellen DePasquale of Constant Contact, John Doyle of Alure Home Improvements, Gerard Hiner of Webair, and John McHugh of Brainstorm Studio.

DePasquale spoke about the importance keeping engagements, relationships and raving fans through social media.

“Treat your customers really well,” says DePasquale. “In marketing too.”

She says by treating them well, they will start talking about you too, more importantly, to potential customers.

“Continue to reach out to people who love you the most,” she says. “By being referred, new business comes in.”

Doyle shared a success story, and how Alure incorporated social media to help the business expand.

Doyle revealed that Internet users are more apt to use social media sites than Google now (Facebook visits surpassed Google visits recently) and social media is more important than ever for a business. He also advised business owners to keep up with the times and be wary of “social media experts.”

“Social media is always changing,” he says. “If someone tells you they’re a social media expert, run.”

Doyle shared his acronym for bringing the human aspect to social media: FANS: Friendships, make people feel Appreciated and Needed, and then allow them to Share.

Hiner spoke on search engine traffic and what qualifications a company would need for good rankings. For one, he says content is key and it needs to be the highest quality possible with no misspellings or duplicate content. Also of great importance, is how your content relates to the search terms.

“What are people searching for?” asks Hiner. “Provide them with the answers to what they are looking for.”

Hiner also spoke about the need to present your expertise, through how-to posts, videos or bio information.

“Google likes to know how experienced you are,” said Hiner.

Another important thing to know, Hiner says, is how quickly your site loads.  The closer the web hosting company is located to your business, the quicker your site will load.

Lastly, McHugh spoke about SEO, Search Engine Optimization.

“Content is key,” said McHugh, who also noted the importance of inbound links. “It’s like a vote for you.”

He noted that having a well-optimized site can help a business in these hard economic times when companies have little advertising dollars. McHugh also gave attendees a helpful site to check how their websites fare  as search engine friendly.

“Check out websitegrader.com,” said McHugh. “It’s a great tool.”

By 4:15 p.m., the crowds had their notepads full and most headed to the seminar’s after hours cocktail hour, where they discussed their favorite seminars.

Five Towns College is hosting an Open House Saturday, November 12 at 1:00 p.m.

During the Open House, attendees will be able to experience the innovative technology that students get to work with everyday.

“You will be able to witness mixing in one of our audio recording studios featuring the SL9000J, a 72 channel sound board,” said Five Towns College, located in Dix Hills, in a statement.

Aside from checking out one of the many recording studios on site, attendees will also have the chance to speak with faculty regarding the field of business or music business featuring audio recording and music business.

“The school’s Admissions Department, Financial Aid and Career Services staff will be on hand to answer any questions prospective students may have,” said Five Towns College in a press release.

The school’s array of offerings described as “The most unique and diverse programs,” include Audio Recording Technology, Music, Music Business, Theatre Arts, Filmmaking, Journalism, Broadcasting, and Elementary and Music Teacher Education.

Additionally, Five Towns College will have career services on hand to help explain internships and career choices.

“Our career services will explain the wide-range of internships available to you, as well as job placement and career opportunities,” said Five Towns College in a statement. “Representatives from Financial Aid and Admissions will be here to guide you and answer your questions.”

For more information call 631-656-2110 or visit www.ftc.edu.

It’s one of the most revered, and biggest, show jumping contests in the United States, and Thursday it will be aired.

The Network for Horse Sports, HRTV, a 24-hour network dedicated to horseracing, will air highlights from the iconic Hampton Classic Horse Show, from Bridgehampton, this Thursday—The highlights will air November 3 at 9:30 p.m.

“We encourage everybody to watch HRTV’s telecast of this year’s Hampton Classic,” said Shanette Barth Cohen, Hampton Classic Executive Director in a press release. “HRTV is recognized as a leader in equine-related telecasts and we were thrilled to have them join us this year.  Their production of McLain Ward’s history-making performance in the FTI Grand Prix is sure to excite horse fans all over.”

The Hampton Classic Horse Show is typically held over the Labor Day weekend but this year’s competition faced a challenge when Hurricane Irene hit. It prompted a delayed start, but didn’t shorten the prestigious events.

“We believe it is important for US equestrian athletes to be known and supported here and abroad.  The Hampton Classic is, traditionally, one of the most celebrated events in US show jumping.  HRTV is pleased to showcase American horse and rider teams by bringing this event to our national TV and world-wide online audience,” said Scott Daruty, HRTV President in a press release.

The show features world-class equestrian competition and attracts many of the nation’s top professional and amateur riders. The Classic’s chic Hamptons charm and full schedule of family attractions make it the perfect destination for anybody looking to add some style to their summer. It is highlighted by the $250,000 FTI Grand Prix and FEI World Cup™ Qualifier that features Olympic, World Championship and USET veterans.

Long Island is going green this week—Green Home Groundbreaking and Construction Demo will take place this Tuesday.

United Way’s YouthBuild Long Island and the Town of Islip have partnered with J. Barrow Inc. Building Consultant, Fusion Architecture and Long Island-based, OceanSafe, a green building material manufacturer, to build two attainable (green and affordable) homes in Brentwood.

The homes will be green, energy efficient, durable and partially constructed by young adults from the United Way’s YouthBuild program.

The first location will feature a groundbreaking ceremony with YouthBuild team and students, Town of Islip Supervisor Phil Nolan, U.S. Congressman Steve Israel and private partner representatives. The second location will feature a project overview followed by a construction demonstration and explanation of the home’s design and innovative green building materials from OceanSafe.

Groundbreaking will begin at 11:30 a.m. at 209 Clark Street in Brentwood. It will be followed by a Presentation and Demonstration at 12:00 p.m. at 47 Patton Street in Brentwood.

Members of the New York Islanders visited ten Long Island elementary schools Tuesday morning to talk about everything from schoolwork to their favorite restaurants.

The visits were part of the seventh annual Islanders School Day presented by Bethpage Federal Credit Union and New York’s 529 College Savings Program.

Forward Josh Bailey and Goaltender Al Montoya stressed the importance of healthy eating and hard work to a gym full of students at John H. West School in Bethpage.

“Dream big, work your hardest and try to have fun along the way to make that dream come true,” Montoya told the students.

Bailey and Montoya also answered questions from the students, including what would they do if they didn’t play hockey (Montoya: study psychology, Bailey: become a firefighter or police officer) and their favorite places to eat on Long Island (Montoya: Café Baci in Westbury, Bailey: Café Formaggio in Carle Place).

The schools were selected from a fundraising contest where students collected donations to benefit their individual schools.

The schools and visiting players were:

Centre Street School, Williston Park- Blake Comeau and Marty Reasoner

Guggenheim Elementary School, Port Washington- Rick DiPietro and Jay Pandolfo

Summit Lane Elementary School, Levittown- Mark Eaton and Andrew MacDonald

Idle Hour Elementary School, Oakdale- Steve Staios, Milan Jurcina and Evgeni Nabokov

Parkview Elementary School, Kings Park- Kyle Okposo and Michael Grabner

Holbrook Road Elementary School, Centereach- PA Parenteau and Matt Martin

West End Elementary School, Lynbrook- Brian Rolston, Frans Nielsen and Trevor Gillies

Washington Street School, Franklin Square- Mark Streit, John Tavares and Matt Moulson

Hewlett Elementary School, Hewlett- Mike Mottau, Travis Hamonic and Nino Niederreiter

John H. West School, Bethpage- Josh Bailey and Al Montoya

When people think of the holiday Halloween; things that cross their mind are children dressing up in their favorite costumes, a lot of candy, and ghosts. Here on Long Island, Halloween is a big deal for another reason, haunted houses.

There’s a wide variety of haunted houses on Long Island that can be visited throughout the month of October.  One of the favorite haunted houses among Long Islanders is located in Wading River and it’s called, Darkside Haunted House.

“If you haven’t Been to the DARKSIDE in a while we are BIGGER AND SCARIER than ever!!! Come Make Your way through the new Expanded Haunted Village If You Dare!!! Then the Terror Continues as you make your way through the Haunted House!!!,” reads the website.

Darkside Haunted House is definitely one you don’t want to miss. It provides movie quality sets, bone chilling special effects, and the heart pounding scares.

Bayville Scream Park is another haunted house on Long Island deemed a Halloween favorite. It’s a theme park that scares people like no other. Every year, the doors of the Bay Family Mansion are unlocked and the ghosts and ghouls come out to play.

There are five thrilling attractions at the park including Bloodworth Haunted Mansion, Uncle Needle’s Fun House of Fear, Temple of Terror, Zombie Pirates and Evil in the Woods. Last year a new attraction; Uncle Needles Fun House of Fear was created in 3D with the mystery of Mirror Maze.

Bethpage’s Long Island Fear Fest is another crowd pleaser. It’s located in Old Bethpage, and provides a lot of tours and rides for every scare level. The park is known for “putting your stomach back down your throat.” One ride you would want  to get on is the Haunted Hayride. It comes as a full-blown tractor and wagon journey (also one of the largest and scariest hayrides on Long Island) that takes groups of fearless mortals through an array of “out of this world” experiences you will not soon forget.

Munday's

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, M&M’s and Hershey’s Kisses—Halloween is upon us and that means, lots and lots of candy.

But besides going door to door (using your baby cousin as an excuse to collect candy), Long Island boasts two places that are perfect to celebrate Halloween indoors and with great food you don’t have to unwrap.

This holiday, sit down and enjoy tasty treats in an equally haunting atmosphere.

Munday’s
259 Main Street
Huntington, NY 11743
Tel: 631-421-3553

Munday’s takes you back in time to a quaint hamburger/soda shop in the charming village of Huntington. Patrons can enjoy everything from french toast and chocolate milk to a hamburger and homemade desserts. But the restaurant takes on a whole new style during October when it transforms from quaint and charming to a haunted house.

For Halloween, Munday’s has impressive decoration—The restaurant is draped in cobwebs and orange lights with ghosts and ghouls hanging around each corner and on every counter. The restaurant even dimmed its lights to offer patrons a real haunting experience—To read the menu, patrons are given a flashlight.

The Witches Brew
311 Hempstead Tpke
West Hempstead, NY 11552
Tel: 516-489-9482

The Witches Brew is always set for Halloween with a year-round gothic theme. The cafe serves out of an old house that looks like it came right out of “Hocus Pocus.” Inside patrons will find everything from skulls hanging from the ceiling as decoration to a real tarot card reader performing on certain days (starting at $5 for a reading).

This place is perfect to celebrate Halloween with a delicious dessert. The cafe is best known for its desserts, one of the most popular being a massive brownie topped with peanut butter. The scones and biscotti are also palate pleasers. From a slew of exotic coffee flavors (coffee is served in a tall glass instead of a mug) and a huge selection of tea, the place also satisfies with it’s drinks.

Benefit Horse Show at Paard Hill (www.pal-o-mine.org)

Pal-O-Mine Equestrian is looking for those wanting to make a difference in the lives of children and adults with disabilities.

Pal-O-Mine Equestrian is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing therapy and recreation to children and adults with disabilities using horses as their equine partners, is looking for volunteers this year.

Duties of volunteers include assisting in therapeutic riding lessons, barn duties and horse maintenance. Volunteer opportunities are available Monday through Sunday. The organization requests a 3 hour minimum commitment a week.

Pal-O-Mine Equestrian dates back to 1993, when Founder and Director Lisa Gatti started a small therapeutic riding program for individuals with disabilities. Today, Pal-O-Mine operates a full time program, seven days a week, all year long providing a comprehensive therapeutic equine program using horses to facilitate growth, learning and healing.

Weekly, Pal-O-Mine supports 18 program horses on an 8-acre facility that serves 300 individuals ranging from disabled children and adults, abused or neglected individuals, the military, and additionally the economically compromised.

All interested in volunteering should contact 631-348-1389 or visit www.pal-o-mine.org for more information.

A new website looks to help Long Island businesses connect with local home service pros. The online directory LongIslandContractors.com provides extensive lists of home improvement businesses serving both Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

LongIslandContractors.com, a recently launched website, helps Long Island homeowners quickly find contractors and home service professionals.

“Covering all types of home repairs and remodeling, LongIslandContractors.com can best be described as a ‘yellow pages on steroids,’ stated LongIslandContractors.com in a statement. “Users can easily search by specialty and location. As example, you can see all landscapers within 5 miles of Hicksville or all plumbers in Bohemia.”

The new online directory is based in Hauppauge, and claims it can do a better job serving Nassau and Suffolk counties because Long Island is its sole focus, unlike other online directories like AngiesList based in California.

Currently, the website has over 2,000 company listings and says it’s adding several hundred per month.

LongIslandContractors.com also has many unique features like the ability to view a listed company’s picture gallery, video, online brochure, quick link to their website plus connectivity with social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Additionally, the website also has a section on home improvement how-to’s such as screening a contractor and checking their local licenses.

Wendy Williams attends Pink Style - A Girls Night Out With Wendy Williams at Tanger Outlets on October 20, 2011 in Deer Park, New York. (Photo by Rabbani and Solimene Photography/WireImage for Tanger Outlets)

Television personality, Wendy Williams took over Deer Park’s Tanger Outlets at the Arches on Thursday, as she was on hand to help Tanger celebrate Pink Style, a girls night out. But besides style, astrology and conversation, Wendy’s biggest message was about breast cancer awareness.

“Breast cancer awareness is so important,” said Wendy, who noted that all women should be made aware of the deadly disease because it’s not all about family genes. “My friend Guiliana Rancic was diagnosed with breast cancer. No one in her family had it.”

After the talk show host took the stage and shared her breast cancer awareness message, she passed on the speaking duties to the hundreds of fans in attendance, who turned the tables around, and were the ones asking the questions. They got to ask Wendy a wide range of questions ranging from favorite food to favorite guest.

Wendy added: “I am grateful for all of my guests and also for my fans in the studio audience,” but did mention she took a liking to guest Simon Cowell who she described as “handsome” and whom she enjoyed having smart conversations with.

Another fan asked Wendy if she would consider going back to radio, the media industry where she got her start, and was notorious for being a tough celebrity interviewer. She responded: “I don’t have enough time in the day, I’m 48-years-old. I need to rest.”

Emmy nominated stylist, Merrell Hollis and astrologer to the stars, Jennifer Angel joined Williams on stage to dish on everything from celebrity style secrets to staroscopes.

Hollis introduced three models wearing the latest styles from Tanger Outlet at the Arches stores including faux fur vests, Badgley Michka heels, fur gloves from Off Saks, and a Michael Kors bag.

Angel talked about starology but noted that her most important message—one that was so important to Angel that she hopped on a flight from Miami earlier that day for the event—was also one of breast cancer awareness.

“I’m here to support the breast cancer research. A very dear friend died of breast cancer so it’s a cause that’s close to my heart,” said Angel. “I really think that early detection is key and if we can all bond together, we can make a difference. To have a concentrated effort during one month is a very powerful message to send out.”

By the end of the night fans left satisfied and one more than others. One lucky shopper left with an ultimate PinkStyle $1,000 shopping spree to Tanger Outlets at the Arches with Wendy and her personal stylist. Another winner received a personalized year-long horoscope bound book, courtesy of Angel.

Merrell Hollis, Allison Hawkins, Wendy Williams, Robyn Moreno, Angelina Aslig and Jennifer Angel attends Pink Style - A Girls Night Out With Wendy Williams at Tanger Outlets on October 20, 2011 in Deer Park, New York. (Photo by Rabbani and Solimene Photography/WireImage for Tanger Outlets)

The event was part of Pink Style. During the month of October, shoppers are able to take part in Pink Style, by purchasing the Tanger Pink Card and Powerful Pink Card through October 25. Proceeds of the Pink Card will benefit local breast cancer organizations in each Tanger market and proceeds of the Powerful Pink Card will benefit The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

For a $1 donation, receive a special Pink Card that gives you an instant 25% off bonus discount on a single item at participating stores at Tanger. Purchase a Power Pink Card for a $5 donation for an instant 30% off bonus discount and be part of the raffle to win a TangerStyle $1000 Fashion Raffle—one to be given away at each center. The Powerful Pink Card also enters you for a chance to win the national prize drawing for A Sea Island Spa at Cloister Vacation Package valued at $5,000, $3,000 Tanger Outlet shopping spree or one of 10 pink iPads.

Winner James Marvullo with model, Executive Director of the Fair Media Counsil, Jaci Clement.

Long Island students brought red-carpet glamour to Roosevelt Field Mall this past week as part of Simon Fashion Now, a free and dynamic celebration of style.

Design Wars, an interactive design competition, took place Friday, October 14, at the Garden City mall, where eight fashion students paired up with a local “mover and shaker” model and revealed their looks in hopes of winning the $500 prize.

“This exhilarating competition gives these future leaders in the fashion world visibility to a wider audience at Roosevelt Field while adding to their impressive resumes,”said Roosevelt Field Area Director of Mall Marketing Kathleen Herrmann.

The red-carpet creations were crafted by Nassau Community College students for the competition that began production in September.  During the past month, the students paired with a “mover and shaker” from Long Island to create a custom look inspired by the model’s choice of celebrity style to emulate, while also catering the design to their model’s personal style.

Among the participating notable Long Island women are Fair Media Council’s Jaci Clement; Peri Appollo from WKJY’s Steve & Peri Show; singer Mary Lamont, the Long Island Queen of Country; and Miss Long Island 2012 Jessica Pinckney.

“Through Design Wars, our students have become empowered to take their learning to the next level beyond the classroom,” Nassau Community College Professor, Sharyne Wolfe said. “To have the opportunity to design for such notable Long Island women is a tremendous real-life experience for these talented individuals and one that will benefit them as they embark on their chosen career path.”

Runner-up, Royner Sarria with model, Co-Host of "The KJOY Morning Show with Steve & Peri."

Under the guidance of Wolfe, the students sketched designs for their “client,” drafted a pattern for their design, constructed the garment and created the ensemble while staying on a budget of $100 for materials, provided by Roosevelt Field.

At 1 p.m. Friday, the designs were revealed for the first time on the Simon Fashion Now runway. Newsday.com Senior Multi-Media Producer Meredith Daniels served as event emcee while four fashion experts including JCPenney Store Manager James Skopkowski, Freelance Fashion Contributor Jennifer Kim, Bare Escentuals Boutique Manager Rosemary Dietrich and Long Island Press Fashion Blogger Licia Avelar judged the designs.

Student, James Marvullo, whose model, Executive Director of the Fair Media Council, Jaci Clement walked the runway in a grey grecian gown took home the grand prize, a $500 American Express Simon Giftcard. Student, Royner Sarria was named the runner-up and received a $250 American Express Simon Giftcard.

As the two winners and their models posed for photos, the other contestants joined them onstage to congratulate them.

“Everybody’s a winner,” emcee, Meredith Daniels said.

John Tavares (Associated Press)

This week, the National Hockey League announced that Islanders forward John Tavares has been named the Second Star of the Week.

Tavares posted back-to-back four-point games last week, totaling five goals and three assists, as the Islanders won three-straight contests. The Mississauga, ON, native posted his first points of the season on Wednesday, October 13 with two goals and two assists in the Islanders 5-1 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning. Tavares then doubled his season total with another four-point game, netting his third-career hat trick, while also adding an assist in a 4-2 win over the New York Rangers.

Tavares’ eight points placed him in a three-way tie for the league lead, alongside Toronto Maple Leafs forward Phil Kessel, who was named the NHL’s first star, and Nashville Predators forward David Legwand, who was named the third star of the week.

October marks the start to National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and one Long Island organization is doing their part to help those suffering from cancer and hair loss due to chemotherapy.

Rodolfo Valentin, located in Cedarhurst, wants to make it easier for cancer patients suffering from hair loss, by donating hair prosthesis.

This month, Rodolfo Valentin will be donating 1,000 of hair prosthesis for the “HEWLETT HOUSE 1 in 9,” an organization whose name is derived from the research done in 1990–research showed the chances of developing breast cancer for a woman living on Long Island was one in nine, and has since become one in eight and in parts of Suffolk County, one in seven.

Rodolfo Valentin was the first in the world, to design hair prosthesis.  This was inspired by his mother who’s struggle with cancer and subsequent hair loss from chemotherapy, for which Sofia’s Hair for Health was created.

Rodolfo Valentin decided to donate hair prosthesis to “Hewlett House 1 in 9” because the organization is committed to helping people avoid the profound isolation, despair and fear often felt by people with cancer.

The hair will help give a sense of confidence back to those who lost hair due to cancer and feel depressed—the hair is going to give a natural look and allow patients to live their lives without making a statement of being sick to the rest of the world.

Each hair prosthesis donation is delivered with a certificate of $200 value to customize it which includes shampoo, cut and style.

Head to a local spa this week, where you can snag a great deal in honor of biannual event, Spa Week.

The 15th installment of Spa week arrives October 10 and goes through October 16 and comes as a week dedicated to great deals on varying spa treatments.

Day spas, medical spas, resort spas, yoga and Pilates studios, and fitness & weight-loss centers will all offer two or three of their most exclusive services, originally costing up to $500, for a discounted price of $50 each.

The $50 price point allows consumers of all budgets to try different treatment types at different spas—Customers sure have a lot to choose from, over 1000 spas in the United States have already participated in this year’s spring Spa Week.

Spa-goers can find everything on the Spa Week menu.

“From acne zapping laser-facials, pain alleviating trigger-point massages, and meditating yoga classes to nutritional counseling sessions, Spa Week offers an experience specific to the unique wellness needs of everyone,” Spa week stated in a press release. “The highly anticipated Fall 2011 Event will feature the most contemporary and cutting-edge services available to help jumpstart and maintain optimal health.”

The bi-annual Spa Week looks to expose customers to the benefits of spa services and has proven to be a success not only for spa patrons but for spas, who have garnered more regular customers thanks to their discounted trial treatments during Spa Week. Customers too, get quite the treat, so much so that over one million affordable spa treatments have been booked and enjoyed since its inception.

In order to take part in Spa Week, consumers should register on SpaWeek.com for exclusive information on participating spas and their $50 treatments. Local Participating Spas include, Red Door Spa in Woodbury, LifeSpa in Syosset and Aveda Red Bell Spa in Hicksville, among others. To find out all the participating spas in your area click here.

Last year's Kioli Business Summit at The Inn At New Hyde Park

Inviting all business owners, entrepreneurs, non profits, CFO’s, account executives and HR professionals, the Kioli Business Summit is right around the corner.

Network with other business professionals and get invaluable business-building advice, learn the newest and most innovative business practices, research the market for leading products and services—ultimately learn new and effective ways to grow your business and strengthen the Long Island economy.

The annual Kioli Business Summit is set to take place November 3, 2011 at the The Inn at New Hyde Park. It will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The event will include a networking tradeshow, luncheon, and seminars including Growing Sales, Banking, Borrowing and Investing and Social Media And Search Marketing.

For those who want to stay for a drink, a happy hour party will take place following The Kioli Business Summit.

All attendees must be pre-registered and space is limited so please RSVP here so you don’t get locked out of the seminars.

This month, you can snag a great deal at a local spa.

The 15th installment of Fall Spa Week kicks off October 10 and offers great spa deals through October 16—The event banishes the “rich and famous” spa stigma and proves that luxurious spa treatments can be for everyone.

During this special biannual event, treatments average $50, which is a steal compared to regular priced spa treatments—The average price of a massage is $85, a facial is $91, and a body treatment is $95.

A fan getting her picture taken with Islanders Captain, Mark Streit

New York Islanders fans from all over flocked to Farmingdale’s Adventureland to celebrate the annual Islanders Children’s Foundation Day this weekend.

Sunday, with the hockey season just days away, fans got a chance to meet all of their favorite players and coaches stationed throughout the amusement park.

“Every year, it seems like it’s a longer line with more fans,” said New York Islanders fan favorite, John Tavares. “It’s a great way to give back and help people out that are less fortunate.”

The event comes as the third annual Islanders Children’s Foundation Day, which will provide donations to the ICF.

“It’s a full day of family fun for a good cause,” said Islanders Community Relations Manager, Ann Rina.

Children lined up in front of their favorite Islanders’ table hoping to snag an autograph and snap a picture.

“You see the young kids and you remember when you were a kid and the thrill of meeting a professional athlete,” said New York Islanders player, Travis Hamonic.

Season ticket holders, Tom Curry and his daughters Sarah and Abigail

Among the fans were season ticket holders, who were invited to the park extra early at 9 a.m. to kick off their special autograph session. One family getting a jump start was the Curry family of Bluepoint, who had already collected most of the players’ autographs by 10:30 a.m.

“It’s a lot of fun,” said Sarah Curry, who, along with sister Abigail and dad Tom, an Islanders fan for over 30 years, walked the park collecting each player’s autograph for their special plaque.

While decades-long fans like Tom Curry shared his love for the Islanders with his young daughters, Tucker Buonomo of New Jersey, was just introducing his kin to the team.

He brought along the newest Islanders fan, his newborn baby. Buonomo and his family walked the park collecting autographs on a big portrait of the baby donning an Islanders hat.

Islanders fans posing for a picture with New York Islanders player, John Tavares

“They’re more fans here today than the last couple of years,” Buonomo said as he waited on line for Tavares’s autograph while his wife waited on line for goalie, Rick DiPietro’s.

The event comes right before the new season kicks off Saturday.

“Saturday night can’t come fast enough,” said Hamonic of the opening game for the 2011-2012 season against the Florida Panthers.

At the end of the day, the event was a huge success, for the Islanders Children’s Foundation, the fans, and even the players.

“We’ve got a lot to prove still, and it’s good to have that fan support,” said New York Islanders player, Josh Bailey.

Costello’s Ace Hardware of Long Island will team up with the American Cancer Society and join the fight against breast cancer this October.

Costello’s Ace Hardware has partnered with 70 Ace Hardware retailers throughout Connecticut and New York to raise funds and awareness during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

“Costello’s Ace Hardware is committed both to supporting causes that impact the lives of our customers and to making a difference in our community,” said Michael Costello, President of Costello’s Ace Hardware in a statement. “We’re proud to join with other Ace Hardware retailers to make strides against breast cancer, while at the same time providing customers with fun opportunities and incentives for donation.”

Costello’s month-long fundraising campaign kicks off with a “Pink Bucket” sale on Saturday, October 1 at participating stores. Each customer who makes a donation to the American Cancer Society will receive a free five-gallon pink bucket and 20 percent off of any merchandise that fits inside. For the remainder of October, customers who donate to the American Cancer Society will be able to write their names on pink paper ribbons to be displayed in participating stores.

Through this partnership with 70 other participating retailers, Costello’s Ace Hardware hopes to raise approximately $20,000 for the American Cancer Society in October.

Tobay Beach will be hosting a boat show this September & October.

The Tobay Beach Boat Show will take place September 30 through October 2; Friday from noon to 6 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The show will take place at Tobay Beach Marina on Ocean Parkway, 4.5 miles east of the Jones Beach Theatre. Additionally, “Twiggy” the waterskiing squirrel will be on hand and performing daily.

Boats are available for under $150/month, children under 12 are free, while Seniors only $8.

Saturday, October 15, Five Towns College will be hosting its fall open house.

The open house will take place at  1 p.m. at Five Towns College, located at 305 North Service Road in Dix Hills.

Five Towns College employees will be sharing the school’s array of  offerings with prospective students—Five Towns describes their offerings as “The most unique and diverse programs.” Programs include Audio Recording Technology, Music, Music Business, Theatre Arts, Filmmaking, Journalism, Broadcasting, and Elementary and Music Teacher Education.

Five Towns will also have presentations and demonstrations featuring all programs of study held in their state-of-the-art facilities and studios.

The school’s Admissions Department, Financial Aid and Career Services staff will be on hand to answer any questions prospective students may have.

“If you’re looking for hands-on training, specialized classes and great internships that will set you apart from the rest, then you need to start your future at Five Towns College,” stated Five Towns in a press release.

For more information or to arrange a private tour call 631-656-2110 or visit www.ftc.edu

Farmingdale State College announced a $1 million gift, the largest in the school’s nearly 100-year history.

The generous gift came from alumna and long-time contributor, Theresa Patnode Santmann.

“Farmingdale provided me with an excellent education and helped shape my success in the healthcare industry,” Santmann, who remains active in college affairs and is a member of the Farmingdale Foundation board, said in a statement. “I continue to be amazed at the transformation that has taken place over the last few years and the growth of the research enterprise.”

Santmann, of Babylon, received her nursing degree from Farmingdale State, the largest of SUNY’s colleges of applied science and technology, in 1969. She has since become a successful health care advocate and entrepreneur.  She built and then operated Little Flower Nursing Home in East Islip, followed by the Petite Fleur Nursing Home in Sayville. She later invented and patented a walker with a folding, pivoting seat.

“Theresa Santmann is a person of extraordinary generosity—both in her financial support of Farmingdale over many years, and with her time and effort,” said Farmingdale State College President W. Hubert Keen in a statement. “Clearly, she recognizes Farmingdale’s value as an investment, and I couldn’t agree more. We are critical not only in meeting the educational needs of the region’s students, but also as an engine of economic development.”

The college’s School of Health Sciences has since been named for Santmann and her donation will go to four scholarships and support faculty research and student resources.

In previous years, Santmann has been honored at the Farmingdale College Foundation’s annual Business Hall of Fame Gala in 2010, named Farmingdale’s Alumna of the Year in 2005 as well as many other awards outside of Farmingdale College.

On Saturday, September 24, the Islanders will team up with the American Red Cross for a blood drive at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

The blood drive is aimed to replenish the blood lost from Hurricane/Tropical Storm Irene that forced the cancellation of approximately 145 American Red Cross blood drives to date. The cancellations resulted in the shortfall of more than 4,700 units of blood.

The Red Cross blood drive will take place from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Lower Box Office of the Coliseum prior to the game. Donors can schedule an appointment in advance by calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by visiting redcrossblood.org.

The first 200 donors will receive a voucher for a pair of tickets to a future weeknight Islanders game and presenting blood donors who are also attending the September 24th game, will enter into a raffle for the opportunity to “High Five” the team as they take to the ice (Prizes are non-transferrable and not redeemable for cash).

Four Food Studio & Cocktail Salon

Dine and Dance Fridays at Four!

Head to Four in Melville this September for a great time and two great events. “LIVE FRIDAYS” will take place at Four Food Studio & Cocktail Lounge, Friday, September 23 and September 30.

Friday, September 23, Four will be featuring entertainment by Freedom Williams. Additionally, ladies can enjoy 1/2 priced drinks from 10 to 11 p.m. and everyone can enjoys 15% off dinner.

On Friday, September 30, Four will present “Four Decades Of Dance” programmed by DJ Mark J with the legendary king of Freestyle, George Lamond. Again, ladies can enjoy 1/2 priced drinks from 10 to 11 p.m. and everyone can enjoys 15% off dinner.

Catch all the fun at Four Food Studio & Cocktail Salon located at 515 Broadhollow Road in Melville (www.fourfoodstudio.com).

Celebrate the annual Islanders Children’s Foundation Day at Adventureland with your favorite Islanders this Sunday, October 2.

The hockey season is so close, and now’s your chance to sneak in some fun with the Islanders before they put on their skates for the 2011-2012 season. And what better way to celebrate with your favorite hockey players than supporting a good cause—The event will provide donations to the ICF.

The team is holding its third annual Islanders Children’s Foundation Day at Farmingdale’s famous Adventureland Amusement Park. The event will take place Sunday and will allow guests to meet players and coaches as well as enjoy Adventureland rides.

According to the New York Islanders website, season ticket holders have a special advantage–they’re invited to the park starting at 9 a.m. and can take part in an autograph session with the players from 9:30 to 11 a.m. (admission bracelets, a $20 donation to the ICF). All other fans are invited to the park at 11 a.m. where they too will have the chance to meet the players and get autographs, this time from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (bracelets will be $25).

Fans can purchase bracelets online.

Photo of Mark Streit (Paul J. Bereswill/Associated Press)

The New York Islanders has announced defenseman Mark Streit as the 13th captain in the organization’s 40-year history!

“It’s truly an honor to be named the captain of such a historic franchise with a rich history,” Streit said in a statement. “To follow in the foot-steps of so many legendary leaders that represented the Islanders is a role I am excited to fill. It is a privilege to be considered one of the leaders of this team and I’m committed to taking this team to the next level.”

Streit, 33, is back and enters his fourth season with the Islanders in 2011-12 after missing the entire 2010-11 campaign with a shoulder injury.

“Throughout his three seasons with the Islanders, Mark has been a steadying presence in our dressing room,” said General Manager Garth Snow in a statement. “He is constantly pushing himself to be the very best and demands the same from his teammates. Mark is a leader both on and off the ice and we are pleased to name him the 13^th team captain in Islanders history.”

In the past, he has led the team in scoring during the 2008-09 season, while ranking third in that category in 2009-10. Prior to the Islanders, Streit played with The Montreal Canadiens, where he got is start in the NHL and was selected in the ninth round (262^nd overall) of the 2004 National Hockey League Entry Draft.

Since his start, Streit has seen some 361 career NHL games and has scored 52 goals and 162 assists for 214 points. Streit has also played in 12 Stanley Cup Playoff games with one goal and three assists.

Streit has also seen international play and has served as captain for Team Switzerland at numerous World Championships and Winter Olympic games—In total, he’s played in 74 World Championship games, 15 Winter Olympic games and 11 World Junior Championship games.

Four Food Studio and Cocktail Salon Photo (taken from Four website)

Tuesday, head to Four for a four-legged affair!

Pet Peeves and Four Food Studio And Cocktail Salon will be presenting “Four Pets” a petworking and cocktail reception at the Melville restaurant.

The event will take place Tuesday September 20 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. And the night will feature an open bar, hors d’oeuvres and light snacks as well as raffles.

All proceeds will go to Pet Peeves and the needy animals of Long Island. The fundraising efforts benefit animal welfare, humane education programs and pet therapy programs.

Tickets at the door are priced at $35.

The Woodbury-based Pet Peeves known as “the voice of L.I. pets” is a non profit organization that raises funds and awareness for Long Island’s struggling animal shelters and rescue groups.

Sperry Associates Federal Credit Union has instituted some changes, appointing Maureen Genna as Vice President of Operation and Sandra Baron as Director of Human Resources.

This week, Sperry Associates Federal Credit Union announced the recruitment of Maureen Genna as Vice President of Operations. Genna has over 25 years of Credit Union management experience and holds an impressive array of talents in lending, business development, call center supervision, marketing, member services, NCUA compliance and strategic planning.

“I am very excited to add Maureen’s expertise in lending and operations to our executive team,” said Sperry President/CEO James Duffett. “Our members should expect to see many improved services and new opportunities to borrow funds.”

Prior to Sperry Associates, Genna worked with LISEFCU and USAlliance Federal Credit Union in Rye, New York.

Also this week, Sperry Associates Federal Credit Union announced the appointment of Sandra Baron as Director of Human Resources.  Baron has 30 years of human resource experience. Her areas of expertise include benefits, compensation, organizational procedures, talent management, training and development, and labor relations.

“Sandra’s talents in human resources greatly benefit our organization,” said Sperry President/CEO James Duffett. “With her background in global HR management, we look forward to seeing many improved policies and programs for our employees.”

Prior to Sperry Associates, Baron worked with Country Life LLC, a Kikkoman Group Company and E-Z-EM, Inc.

Tonight the summer long concert series and on-line competition inspired by pop culture culminates with Grand Finale Concert. The famous international band, Far East Movement will take the Tanger Outlets at the Arches stage in Deer Park for the free show. The show will be opened by 2011 Rock Your Style winner,  I.O.U., (Inside Our Universe), hailing from Rutgers University in New Jersey.

Last Saturday, final votes were cast live on The Arches Red Carpet by a judging panel of fashion tastemakers and media including from Rocco Leo Gaglioti from Fashion News Live, Rob Shuter from Naughty But Nice and Nyasha Zimucha, online fashion and entertainment correspondent. The hip hop band, I.O.U., came out on top and won the chance to open for the famous band, Far East Movement. I.O.U. has two members, Isaiah ‘Izee’ McMeill, Andrew ‘Buck’ Buckner, accompanied by d.j. Turntablest Ted with a cameo appearance by Evangelia and was selected from over 500 entries through a Facebook voting initiative that attracted over 27,000 voters from across the country.

The chance to open for Far East Movement came with an additional prize of $5,000 cash to further their music career and $1,000 to rock their personal style at Tanger Outlets at The Arches.

To add to the fun tonight, judge, Rocco Leo Gaglioti will select one lucky winner from the front rows of New York Fashion Week to be whisked away to The Arches for the Ultimate Fall Shopping Spree at Tanger Outlets to find her look inspired by the runways.  Her selections and winning look will be posted on Fashion News Live, www.fashionnewslive.com.

Sperry Associates Federal Credit Union recently announced the launch of “Operation: Helping Heroes.” It comes as a long-term initiative to provide support and awareness on issues facing 9/11 first responders.

During the attacks, the Nassau County community banking institution lost five members, and in their honor, will pledge $2,500 to the FealGood Foundation, a non-profit organization established for 9/11 first responders that provides financial assistance to those who volunteered or worked at Ground Zero in the aftermath of 9/11 as well as offering educational support and grassroots activism.

FealGood is led by its Founder and President, John Feal, who served in the cleanup and recovery mission at Ground Zero following the attacks. Only five days into his assignment, steel crushed John’s left foot causing Feal to have half of the injured foot amputated. Ultimately, Feal has become a leader among 9/11 first responders and in 2010, he lobbied Congress to pass the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act.

“Ground Zero first responders will always be remembered for their heroism and dedication to America following the tragic events of 9/11,” said Sperry FCU President/CEO James Duffett in a statement. “Operation: Helping Heroes is about recognizing the many contributions first responders have made to our society, and in turn, showing them how much we appreciate it. We hope to roll-out this initiative with the support of people and businesses in our community; working together, we will do great things for these heroes.”

Through this program, Sperry hopes to bring to light the conditions 9/11 responders were left with. Some conditions were highlighted in a September 2011 study by The Lancet, a prestigious medical journal, that revealed Ground Zero first responders have a collective nine-year cumulative incidence of Sinusitis, Spirometric (lung function) abnormalities, Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and Asthma. Excluding police officers, the study’s findings also revealed Ground Zero firefighters, construction workers and municipal workers have a considerable nine-year cumulative incidence of mental health disorders including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Depression and Panic Disorder.

A decade after 9/11, Sperry recognizes that many Ground Zero first responders lack sufficient access to healthcare. For example, first responders with cancer may not receive benefits. A review released by the U.S. Government’s World Trade Center Health Program in July 2011 claims that “insufficient evidence exists at this time to propose a rule to add cancer, or a certain type of cancer, to the list of WTC-related health conditions.”

Additionally, the operation aims to alleviate financial hardships for all first responders in need with long-term drives including fundraising, volunteerism, grassroots advocacy, community events, public awareness projects and partnerships with local non-profit and not-for-profit organizations to further the mission. Additionally, Sperry will appeal to local businesses, educational institutions and government agencies to join this effort.

Tanger Outlets at the Arches competition, Rock Your Style is down to the final three!

This Saturday, the final three contestants will battle for first place and the chance to open for Far East Movement. On hand will be Rob Shuter, magazine editor, author, host of HDNet’s Naughty but Nice Rob show and popular columnist; Chip Quigley, President, Kingdom Entertainment, creator of the Jones Beach Concert series and manager of Sugar Ray and Mark McGrath;  DJ Syke, DJ on Long Island’s popular radio station, BLI; Rocco Leo Giglioti, founder, producer and talk show host of FashionNewslive.com; and Nyasha Zimucha, recording artist, fashion blogger and Ms. Africa USA.

Rock Your Style will culminate on September 17 where the winner will open for Far East Movement, receive $5,000 cash and a $1,000 shopping spree.

As people from around the globe watch Quiksilver Pro New York from their laptops, rooting for their favorite surfers as they perform on the waves of Long Beach, many don’t realize it wouldn’t be possible without a Long Island web hosting company.

Long Island’s Webair is acting as the official networking and connectivity provider of the Quiksilver Pro New York surf contest taking place in Long Beach this week. The competition draws in the best surfers from around the world.

“Working on the Quiksilver event has been incredible!” said Michael C. Orza, President of Webair, in a statement.

According to Webair, the Garden City based web hosting company is connecting the Quicksilver Pro Event with the rest of the world by providing dark fiber, networking, connectivity and Wi-Fi solutions.  Webair is also providing audio visual, satellite connectivity and internet kiosks in order for the public to stay connected while attending the competition.

Webair will even be live streaming the event through The Surf Cam. The Surf Cam will show 24/7 live video of wave conditions and surfers’ performances.

Additionally, Webair is sponsoring big wave surfer and Long Beach native, Will Skudin.

“Sponsoring Will Skudins’ efforts to achieve greatness was a no-brainer for Webair. In the time I have known him, his energy, generosity and charitable efforts have amazed me. We are thrilled to be sponsoring him and be a part of this epic event,” said Orza in a statement.

“I’m stoked and honored to have the opportunity to surf professionally for Webair, one of the biggest hosting companies out there,” said Skudin in a statement. “With my first year competing on the Big Wave World Tour, it helps tremendously to have their backing in this new chapter of my career. Now I can focus 100% on training and developing my big wave game. Someone once told me, ‘You get what you put in.’ Now thanks to Webair – I’m ALL in!”

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals will sponsor the 36th Annual Hampton Classic Horse Show in Bridgehampton this month!

The Hampton Classic Horse Show will take place from Sunday, August 28 to Sunday, September 4, and include a ton of awesome events involving the ASPCA.

The ASPCA will be hosting its very own Adoption Day at the Classic on Monday, August 29.

On this day, four local animal shelters and five local horse rescue groups will have animals on site. Celebrity hosts will be on hand and include ASPCA Equine Welfare Ambassadors and top international riders Georgina Bloomberg and Brianne Goutal, “Today” correspondent and best-selling author Jill Rappaport, and actress and ASPCA supporter Aida Turturro. Also available for questions, will be Dr. Pamela Corey, director of equine veterinary services for the ASPCA and Jacque Schultz, ASPCA equine grants officer.

Throughout the week-long event, the ASPCA will make their presence known with the presentation of the coveted ASPCA Maclay Award with ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement Assistant Director Joseph Pentangelo on Friday, September 2 and celebrity appearances throughout the week at the “ASPCA Patio.”

Here’s a complete schedule of ASPCA Events/Expert Appearances at the 36th Annual Hampton Classic Horse Show:

Sunday, August 28:

• 11-1:00 p.m. (ASPCA Patio) – Book signing and meet & greet with Elizabeth Letts, author of The Eighty Dollar Champion: A Horse, A Man, and the Dream That Inspired A Nation, and legendary rider and trainer Harry de Leyer. The Eighty Dollar Champion is the true story of a horse rescued from slaughter that became a legend.

• 2:30-3:30 p.m. (ASPCA Patio) – Meet ASPCA Equine Welfare Ambassadors Georgina Bloomberg and Brianne Goutal, who will be on hand to sign autographs and talk about their equestrian careers and how they team up with the ASPCA to help horses.

Monday, August 29:

• 9 a.m.-5 p.m. – The ASPCA Patio will be open.

• 10 a.m.-2 p.m. – The second ASPCA Adoption Day at the Hampton Classic will feature local dog, cat and horse rescue groups with animals up for adoption. The event will feature VIP hosts Jill Rappaport from “Today,” actress Aida Turturro, and Ms. Bloomberg and Ms. Goutal.

o Participating dog and cat rescue groups include: Suffolk County SPCA, ARF of Southampton, The Little Shelter, and Southampton Animal Shelter.

o Participating horse rescue groups include: Kaeli Kramer Foundation, Project Sage Horse Rescue, Baiting Hollow Farm Vineyard and Horse Rescue, Rerun, Inc. Thoroughbred Rescue, and Seraphim 12 Foundation. Rescued and rehabilitated horses also will be on hand for demonstrations.

o Training demonstrations also will take place. Adoptable dogs and cats will be available in the Kids/Exhibition area across from the ASPCA Patio, while adoptable horses will be available in Hunter Ring 1 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Tuesday, August 30 and Wednesday, August 30:

• Please visit the ASPCA Patio for schedule information.

Thursday, September 1:

• 1:30-3:30 p.m. (Grand Prix Ringside Chalet) – The ASPCA will hold a ‘Champagne for Horses’ party and Equine Welfare Experts Discussion brought to you by Seraphim 12 Foundation, NYCLASS (New Yorkers for Clean, Liveable and Safe Streets), and Louis Roederer Champagne. This event is by invitation only and space is limited. For information on how to obtain an invitation, please contact the ASPCA’s Valerie Angeli via email at valeriea@aspca.org.

Friday, September 2:

• 11 a.m. (Hunter Ring) – ASPCA Maclay Award Presentation with ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement assistant director Joseph Pentangelo.

• 12-3 p.m. (ASPCA Patio) – Learn more about Team ASPCA, the ASPCA’s new endurance and fundraising program. Those interested can sign up and take part in a training session led by a professional trainer and Ms. Bloomberg, who will give the first 50 people to come by a free Team ASPCA T-shirt.

Saturday, September 3:

• 11 a.m.-1 p.m. (ASPCA Patio) – Get the new ASPCA Benefit Set from Breyer with a rescued horse, dog and cat, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the ASPCA. Georgina Bloomberg will be on hand to autograph the Breyer Horses.

Sunday, September 4:

• 11 a.m.-1 p.m. (ASPCA Patio) – Meet & greet with Officer Joseph Pentangelo, assistant director of ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement, who will be on hand to answer questions about animal welfare and how to report animal cruelty and neglect.

Throughout the week:

• ‘ASPCA VIP Rider’ lapel pins and ‘Horses on Sticks’ will be available at the ASPCA Patio for a donation, with proceeds benefitting the ASPCA Equine Fund.

• The ‘Jump for the ASPCA’ fundraiser, sponsored by FTI, will trigger a donation to the ASPCA each time a rider clears the ASPCA fence on the show grounds.

Kelly Bensimon, AlexMcCord, Jill Zarin, Cindy Barshop and LuAnn deLesseps attend the 2011 Bravo Upfront in March.

”Real Housewives of New York” star, Cindy Barshop will be at Tanger Outlets at the Arches in Deer Park this Saturday to debut her new beauty line.

Long Island native, Barshop currently stars on Bravo reality show ”Real Housewives of New York ” and is the Founder of Completely Bare Spas.

On Saturday, August 20, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., shoppers can meet the reality star and enjoy an exclusive spa experience as Tanger Outlets at the Arches hosts a pop-up Completely Bare Spa. Here, Cindy will be debuting her new Completely Bare Spa line.

Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy an array of spa treatments and receive 35% off along with a special gift.

Tanger Outlets at the Arches is located at 152 The Arches Circle in Deer Park, NY. For information call 212.366.6060.

(Associated Press photo by Robert F. Bukaty Credit: ROBERT F. BUKATY)

The 8th Annual Fall Harvest and Seafood Festival will take place on Saturday, September 17 and Sunday, September 18 at Captree State Park in Babylon.

Captree State Park is home of New York State’s largest fishing fleet, which is comprised of 30 open and charter fishing boats—so what better place to host the Annual Fall Harvest and Seafood Festival!

This festival will kick off at 11 a.m. and offers fun for the entire family through 5 p.m. Adults can enjoy the sale of fresh Long Island produce and seafood specialties, live music, and various other vendors. Activities for children include our famous crab races, boat rides, interactive pirate shows, pony rides, and much more! All activities are free, but there is an $8.00 vehicle use fee in effect from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

This event is sponsored by the Natural Heritage Trust and the Long Island State Park Region. Corporate contributors include 97.5 WALK-FM, S & J Refreshments, Inc. (Captree Cove Restaurant), US4 Sport Fishing, Inc. (Captree Bait, Tackle and Fuel), and David Lerner Associates.

Captree State Park is located on Ocean Drive, Exit 40 off the Robert Moses Causeway. It can be reached via the Southern State Parkway, Ocean Parkway, Sunrise Highway or Montauk Highway. For additional information, please call the Long Island State Park Recreation Department at (631) 321-3510, weekdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Weekends and/or day of event, please call Captree State Park directly at (631) 669-0449.

Long Island’s favorite NHL team and favorite tattoo parlor have joined forces to produce a limited-edition t-shirt line.

Sure the professional hockey team already has mainstream licensed apparel, but it’s nothing like this line. The funky new line of Islander shirts were given a “tattoo feel” and were designed by the experts: Lou Rubino, Tattoo Lou’s Owner, Irish Jay, the senior tattoo artist and Mark Parez, the marketing director.

“The main goal here is to get more of an audience and move more shirts,” Rubino said in a statement. “I think that teaming up with the Islanders is really going to help explode the clothing line that we’re working on.”

The shirts come in black, white and grey. Each t-shirt has a different artistic design incorporated with the Islander’s logo.

A clothing line seems like the perfect thing for Isles fans who aren’t set on getting Isles inked on them just yet. The idea for the new line came to Rubino after hosting a booth at the 2011 Draft Party at Nassau Coliseum on June 24. After meeting swarms of Isles fans, he spent time designing Islander-themed tattoos. Rubino’s idea of designing a special clothing with the Islander’s logo seemed like a successful one and the Islanders agreed.

The shirts were first released on July 19 and are now available at the Islanders Team Store at Sunrise Mall in Massapequa.

After over 350 applications were submitted for a chance to compete for the coveted titles of Miss Long Island and Miss Long Island Teen, 19 took the stage at Patchogue Theatre on Sunday but only two were crowned.

Jessica Pinckney of Manhasset is the new Miss Long Island 2012, and Sabrina Mastrangelo of Bellmore took home the Miss Long Island Teen 2012 titles.

Pinckney, 24, is employed by Ralph Lauren and seeks to use her new-found fame to promote volunteerism among Long Island’s youth. Mastrangelo, 15, is a high school student determined to put an end to teen cyberbullying by speaking in school across Long Island.

Both queens kicked off their reigns less than 24-hours after being crowned with a live appearance on News 12 Long Island, and are set to embark on amazing journeys for the next year, including representing all of Long Island at Donald Trump’s Miss New York USA pageant in January.

OFFICIAL 2012 LONG ISLAND PAGEANT RESULTS

Miss Long Island 2012 – Jessica Pinckney, Manhasset

1st Runner-up- Adele Scala, Hauppauge

2nd Runner-up- Danielle Cinone, Smithtown

3th Runner-up- Elaina Estrada, Glen Cove

4th Runner-up- Katelyn Repetto, North Babylon

Miss Long Island Teen 2012 – Sabrina Mastrangelo, Bellmore

1st Runner-up- Catherine Manett, Patchogue

2nd Runner-up- Nikki Orlando, Nesconset

3rd Runner-up- Lauren Doherty, Northport

Miss Photogenic 2012- Jacqueline Brooks, Bay Shore

Miss Photogenic Runner-up- Lauren Kalabacas, Williston Park

Miss Teen Photogenic 2012- Nikki Orlando, Nesconset

Miss Teen Photogenic Runner-up- Lauren Doherty, Northport

Miss Congeniality 2012- Adele Scala, Hauppauge

Miss Teen Congeniality 2012 – Ashley Rivera, Massapequa Park

Miss Community Queen 2012 (tie) – Andrea Lebedinski, Setauket; Victoria Allen, Babylon

Miss Teen Community Queen 2012-Sabrina Mastrangelo, Bellmore

Directors Award Miss-Katy Campbell, Wading River

Directors Award Teen-Sabrina Mastrangelo, Bellmore

Sponsorship Award Winners–Katy Campbell, Wading River; Lauren Kalabacas, WillistonPark; Andrea Lebedinski, Setauket

Pageantry Spirit Award Winner- Jacqueline Brooks, Bay Shore

Spirit 1st Runner-up (tie) – Katy Campbell, Wading River; Gabriella Penaherrera, Central Islip

Spirit 2nd Runner-up-Danielle Cinone, Smithtown

Spirit 3rd Runner-up (tie)-Jessica Ricco, Westbury; Elaina Estrada, Glen Cove

Spirit 4th Runner-up-Catherine Manett, Patchogue

Spirit 5th Runner-up-Jessica Pinckney, Manhasset

Pageant Family Award Miss- Adele Scala, Hauppauge; Katelyn Repetto, North Babylon; Heather Miura, Mastic.

Pageant Family Award Teen- Ashley Rivera, Massapequa Park; Jennifer Biancaniello, Patchogue; Nikki Orlando, Nesconset.

Visit www.LIpageants.com for more information about the reigning and former Long Island queens, and to enter for a chance to compete next summer!

Beach tennis is serving Long Island this summer!

Sure, beach volleyball is a fun sport that’s been around for decades– Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer sizzled while playing a match in the hit movie Top Gun– but go buy a paddle Maverick, because there’s a new hot sport hitting the beaches of the U.S. and it’s called beach tennis.

“I personally find it more fun. It’s good on your body because it’s sand it’s not hard on your body like a court. It’s Fun to jump and dive into sand,” said Dave Sickmen of Long Island Tennis Magazine. “The sport is growing each year so more and more people are getting involved. I don’t know anyone who has tried it out and not continued to play. It’s kind of addicting. Once u get out there, you fall in love.”

Sickmen said the biggest difference between classic tennis and beach tennis is that the “ball can’t bounce,  players use a paddle instead of racket and the game uses a decompressed ball, so it hangs in the air longer. Outside that, scores are just like a regular tennis match.”

This year Long Island will get to experience beach tennis at its finest. Beach Tennis USA (BTSA) International Championships will be hosted at Long Island’s own, Long Beach later this month.

“This tournament is equivalent to the U.S. Open in the beach tennis world,” said Sickmen.

The tournament is the third major tournament of the BTUSA segment of the International Federation of Beach Tennis’ world tour and will take place August 18 through August 21 outside of the Allegria Hotel. Amateurs and professionals will compete in either singles or doubles competitions throughout the tournament hoping to win back the money they spent on registration.

The Allegria Hotel is no stranger to beach tennis events as it has hosted three Long Island Tennis Magazine Challenge tournaments and hosted one just this past weekend.

Beach tennis first came from Europe and South America and hit the United States in 2005. The sandy sport combines tennis and beach volleyball to create an exciting sport where players can get the thrill of tennis with the added perk of catching some rays by the sea. As described on www.beachtennisusa.net , the most crucial rule of beach tennis is that the ball can not hit the sand. The game is played on a regulation beach volleyball court (26 and one quarter feet wide, 52 and a half feet long) and the net is five feet and 6.75 inches high. The paddles are solid, rather than netted like regular tennis rackets and must range in size between 18.5 inches and 20 inches long, designed to hit a slightly depressurized version of a tennis ball. Each match is comprised of a Pro-set which is seven games but must be won with a lead of two games.

Recognizing the sports increase in popularity, Beach Tennis USA designed new equipment lines and family-friendly starter kits, which are sold online and sports specialty shops around the country. Beach Tennis can now be played in any season and any surface.

Sickmen says the sport is growing across the nation and especially on Long Island,  he said,” After all, the guys who brought beach tennis the the U.S. are Long Islanders. Now, at the Crest Hollow Country Club there’s a five court sand pit so people on the North Shore can play easier rather than heading down to Long Beach.”

The BTUSA International Championships is the third major tournament of the BTUSA segment of their World Tour. The tournament will include Men’s and Women’s Pro, Amateur, Junior matches as well as a Nation’s Cup tournament that will feature international teams from Italy, France, Reunion, Aruba, Brazil, the United States among others.

Sertinos Cafe will open the first Sertinos in New York  this month.

“We’re excited to be opening a store in New York so that people in the Northeast can enjoy the Sertinos Cafe experience,” said C.R. Duffie, Jr., Sertinos president in a statement. “We know that people will appreciate the quality and freshness of the food, the excellent service and the inviting atmosphere.”

On Saturday, August 13, Sertinos will open it’s doors to New Yorkers at its newest location, 133 W Main Street in Smithtown.

“I chose to open a Sertinos in Smithtown because I think the community needs a family-oriented restaurant that can also be a gathering place,” said Craig Lowenthal, long-time Long Island resident and Sertinos owner/operator in a statement. “I really admire the company’s dedication to customer service as well as the breadth and depth of their menu. It’s a warm, coffee house environment that’s appealing to people of all ages.”

To celebrate, the Smithtown Sertinos will be giving away over 500 gift cards worth $20 each during the two-day Grand Opening Event on Saturday, August 13 and Sunday, August 14.

Loyal Sertinos customers will have the opportunity to join a member rewards program which offers ten percent cash back on every purchase as well as an additional three percent of sales which the company will donate to local non-profit organizations. The Smithtown Sertinos will employ several full-time employees as well as over 30 part-time employees.

As far as the menu, Lowenthal said in a statement, “The Sertinos menu has something to offer customers at any time of day. The blend of items includes coffees, teas and pastries, Paninis, hot toasted and deli-style sandwiches, soups and salads, juice smoothies and blended coffee drinks, premium ice cream, non-fat frozen yogurt and high-end desserts. We are looking forward to serving everyone as part of the Smithtown community.”

For the menu visit www.sertinoslongisland.com.

Southampton Youth Services and AHRC Suffolk hosted their second annual 5K Run/Walk in Southampton on Saturday, July 30.  About 200 runners participated in the event which took place on Pond Lane in Southampton.

The first male to finish was Ben Tuttle of Eastport with a time of 16:46, and the first female to finish was Heather Wright of Westhampton with a time of 19:01.  Southampton Mayor Mark Epley, who also participated in the 5K, was on hand to give out medals and raffle prizes.  SYS and AHRC Suffolk are looking forward to next year’s 5K Run/Walk.

AHRC Suffolk is a not-for-profit organization which serves children and adults with intellectual and other developmental disabilities.  Currently more than 2,500 people receive educational, vocational, residential and respite services through AHRC’s thirty-five facilities.  For further information, please contact The Foundation Office at 631-585-0100.

An exterior shot of the Chelsea mansion, listed on the National Register of Historic Places and located on the northern end of the Muttontown Preserve.

Muttontown is Nassau County’s largest nature preserve and by far one on Long Island’s most beautiful places with over 550 acres of fields, woodlands, ponds and estate grounds.

The preserve includes miles of marked nature trails with local wildflowers, trees, birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians.

In winter, residents can enjoy the cross-country skiing trails that are available when weather allows. Muttontown also has several structures, including the Chelsea estate, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and Nassau Hall.

The Muttontown Preserve is cobbled together from three separate estates. The Nature Center and Chelsea are located on a 100-acre parcel donated by Alexandra Moore McKay. An additional 400 acres were purchased from the Lansdell Christie estate, including the original Winthrop mansion. A 20-acre parcel donated by Mrs. Paul Hammond contains evidence of the pre-Revolutionary Duryea Farm. The ruins of the mansion once owned by King Zog of Albania can still be viewed in the wooded area just north of Muttontown Road.

The story of King Zog attracts many visitors to the mansion’s remains. King Zog, the last monarch in Albania, remains one of the preserve’s curiosities. Zog, who fled Albania after the Italian invasion of 1939 and lived in England, Egypt and France in the years after, acquired the 150-acre Knollwood estate at Muttontown in 1951. The estate included a magnificent 60-room granite mansion originally built for Wall Street investor Charles Hudson in the early 20th century. But Zog never moved to the U.S. and sold the estate in 1955 to Lansdell Christie (Zog died in France in 1961). As the mansion lay abandoned, rumors began to spread about riches King Zog had hidden in the mansion’s walls, with the natural result that vandals soon descended on the property. The Christie family had the mansion demolished in 1959.

Check it out for yourself. The Muttontown Preserve is located in East Norwich, 25A west of Jericho-Oyster Bay Road, on Muttontown Lane (south side of 25A)- 516-571-8500.

(Information from Nassau County Departments of Parks, Recreation & Museums.)

Along with the American Camp Association’s “Making a Difference” Week of community service, Nassau County Summer Camp fundraised through the collection of spare change!

Campers and staff at Rolling River Day Camp in East Rockaway emptied their pockets last week to raise money for the camp’s 2^nd annual Coin Harvest Fundraiser.  From July 19 – July 22, blue piggy banks were placed around the campus and served as drop-off stations for campers to donate their spare change.  The campers and staff raised hundreds of dollars which will be matched by Rolling River to support two charitable causes.

Funds raised through the Coin Harvest will be divided between The Campmates Program, Rolling River’s camp scholarship fund, and The Ronald McDonald House of Long Island.

“Both programs are meaningful to Rolling River families since they assist Long Island children,” says Mark Goodman, Owner/Director of Rolling River Day Camp. “Teaching our campers how even a small gesture of kindness can help other kids is one of the best lessons they can learn at camp.”

The Campmates Program was launched last year and awards tuition-free camp scholarships to children associated with Peninsula Counseling Center in Valley Stream.  The Ronald McDonald House of Long Island is located in New Hyde Park and serves as a “home-away-from-home” for the parents and siblings of sick children admitted to local hospitals.  On August 15, Rolling River’s 9^th and 10^th grade campers will personally deliver the funds to RMH-LI as well as volunteer their time to bake desserts for residents of the house.  “Rolling River’s gift will help to reduce one more burden for these overwhelmed families,” says Matthew Campo, Executive Director of RMH-LI.

Five Towns College is hosting its Free Guitar Clinic August 10 at 7:00 p.m.

“Join us with Professor, recording artist, and author Steve Briody, host of the free guitar lesson website “Learn In Two” for a free guitar clinic,” said Five Towns College in a statement.”Hear Steve discuss and demonstrate the techniques of some of the greatest guitarists in rock and blues history.”

Many of Steve’s compositions can be heard on the radio, he has a lesson column in the June 2011 issue of Guitar Player magazine, and his new jazz book is now available in stores.

“Having a firm background in blues and classic rock is essential for the guitarist at every level,” said Briody. He’ll discuss the importance of emulating the all-time great rock and blues guitarists during the clinic.

Audience participation has been a big part of our previous clinics — high school and middle school students as well as adults have been on hand — asking for advice on practicing, developing one’s ear, and advice on chords and lead guitar — so have your questions ready!

You can preview Steve’s lessons at www.learnintwo.com.  To become a member simply click on the “More Info” link at the bottom of the page and you will be notified of a new lesson every two weeks — no strings attached!  The clinic will be held in the UpBeat Café at Five Towns College at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday August 10.  Seating is limited so please contact Kim Persche, Clinic Coordinator at 631-656-3115.

The 2nd Annual Paws 2 Love Pet Adoption Festival & Benefit will take place on September 25 at Manetto Hill Animal Hospital in Plainview.

Live music, vendors, pet demonstrations, food, children’s games and activities as well as a great raffle and silent auction will all be part of this year’s Paws 2 Love event.

“Last year was a huge success and we hope to continue to grow this very worthy charity event.  We have joined together with Rescue groups and shelters to create a festival of celebration to bring awareness of these pets and have the community participate in this family fun day as well,” stated Manetto Hill Animal Hospital in a statement.

Pharmaceutical companies, the Town of Oyster Bay Animal Shelter and the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter are all helping to sponsor this year’s event.

It’s evident that everyone is taking part in this great festival and benefit including local business, who have donated products and services for the raffle and silent auction. All proceeds will benefit the rescue organizations that are in attendance.

By far the most exciting aspect at the pet adoption event, will be the many town shelters along with Little Shelter and Last Hope Animal Rescue that will be present and bring with them lovable animals available for adoption.

Pictured in the photo are, left to right, are Hannah Bohlsen with her uncle and Prime co-owner Michael Bohlsen, North Shore Animal League America spokesperson Beth Stern with puppy, and Hannah’s father, Kurt Bohlsen holding the newest member of the Bohlsen family, Maya.

This weekend welcomed the second annual Gold Coast Affair and first public pet adoption to Prime Restaurant in Huntington.

Guest of honor Beth Stern was present as the group raised $14,000 in donations and found homes for seven puppies– One puppy, a female Shepherd mix, was adopted by the youngest of the Bohlsen family who own Prime.

The evening was co-hosted by Hamptons Magazine, who showcased luxury car dealer Ferrari Maserati of Long Island, luxury boat retailer Surfside 3/Marine Max of Huntington, Long Island’s Raphael Vineyard, Grand Gate Capital, Ancona Associates, The Girls Room  and Emaury Talent Agency.

North Shore Animal League America, headquartered in Port Washington, is the world’s largest no-kill rescue and adoption organization and has saved almost 1,000,000 lives. The staff and volunteers work to find animals permanent homes and ultimately end euthanasia.

Prime in Huntington, a family-owned restaurant by the Bohlsen Restaurant Group, is honored with an International Star Diamond Award from The American Academy of Hospitality Sciences, and has received favorable reviews over the past years.  The restaurant offers many options as far as dining including the formal dining room or private Vine Rooms, at the bar, in the Lodge or outside on the Porch, the Fantail Deck, dockside, at the Cabana Bar or on one’s boat with Prime Picnic Basket service.

In a report released this week, HealthGrades, the nation’s leading independent healthcare ratings organization, awarded two prestigious honors to Winthrop-University Hospital in Mineola.

Winthrop has been awarded the 2011 HealthGrades Maternity Care Excellence Award and the Gynecologic Surgery Excellence Award, making it the only hospital in Nassau County to be ranked in the top 10 percent in the nation for both maternity care and gynecological surgery.  These newest awards come only a few months after HealthGrades recognized Winthrop with the 2011 Women’s Health Excellence Award.  In addition, Winthrop ranked among the top 5 percent in the nation for Women’s Health for the second year.

According to HealthGrades, Winthrop is the only hospital in New York State to simultaneously receive these three 2011 awards and has also named Winthrop as the only hospital in Nassau County to be ranked among the top 10 percent in the nation for both maternity care and gynecological surgery, and one of four in New York State.

“The gynecologic surgeons at Winthrop possess expertise in all aspects of medical and surgical gynecologic care,” said Eva Chalas, MD, Director of Clinical Cancer Services, Vice-Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Chief of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at Winthrop.

Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Director of the Residency Program at Winthrop, Anthony Vintzileos MD adds, “ Winthrop University Hospital has been providing superior maternity care to young mothers for over a century. Today we combine the same level of care with the most advanced maternal fetal capabilities such as high-risk pregnancy management, adverse pregnancy outcome evaluation service and laser fetal surgery.”

Winthrop-University Hospital offers a wide range of women’s health services, from screening programs and diagnostics to a variety of treatment programs. The hospital boasts the Women’s Cardiovascular Wellness and Prevention Center, Osteoporosis Diagnostic, Research and Treatment Center, an Obstetrics & Gynecology Program, state-of-the-art Breast Imaging & Diagnostic Center and Breast Health Center.

The New York Islanders announced today that Tim Wallace has agreed to terms on a one-year, two-way AHL/NHL contract.

Wallace, 26, has played for the Pittsburgh Penguins Organization for the last five seasons. He’s scored 37 points in over 60 regular season games last season to finish fifth in scoring on the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the American Hockey League. He also saw NHL action for the third consecutive season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, playing in seven games.

In 24 career NHL games, all with Pittsburgh, Wallace recorded two assists and 12 penalty minutes. The forward also totaled 75 goals and 62 assists in 304 career regular season games, along with four goals and 13 assists in 55 Calder Cup Playoff games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

The Anchorage, AK, native was a member of the United States Junior National Team of the United States Hockey League in 2001-02 and played for the United States National Under-18 Team of the North American Hockey League in 2000-01.

Looking for something fun to do with the family while also helping out a good cause?

DDI, Developmental Disabilities Institute, will be holding their annual walk on Sunday, July 24, 2011 at Holtsville Ecology Park. The institution has  been holding walks since 1995 in an effort to raise money for research for people with developmental disabilities.

Registration for the day starts at 9:00 a.m. and the day begins with a 5K walk at 10:30 a.m. Walkers will receive a complimentary lunch and free t-shirt with a $30 minimum donation. Additional t-shirts may be purchased for $10 each if desired.

Children of all ages are more than welcomed to come as there will be a magician, petting zoo, DJ, swimming and more.

In case you cannot make it to the walk but would still like to make a donation, you can visit http://ddiwalk.org in order to contribute.

Come down to Holtsville Ecology Park for a day in which everyone is gladly accepted!

Address:

249 Buckley Road

Holtsville, NY 11742

(631) 758-9664

Directions:

From the Long Island Expressway – Go South at Exit 63 (County Road 83 or North Ocean Ave) 4 traffic lights (approx. 2 miles). Turn right on Rte 99, Woodside Avenue. Go to the second road, Buckley Road, turn right, entrance to Park is on the right, approx. 1/10 mile.

From Sunrise Highway – Get off at Exit 52 (County Road 19 or Patchogue-Holbrook Rd) and head north. At the second light after Sunrise Highway, turn right onto Buckley Road. Entrance to Park is approx. 1-2/10th mile on right.

From Nichols Road – Get off at Patchogue-Holbrook Road exit heading south, and go to second light. Turn left onto Rte 99, Woodside Avenue. Turn left onto Buckley Road, entrance to the  Park is on the right, approx. 1/10th mile.

By Maria Vultaggio

Singer Tony Orlando Attends Annual Polo Match To Benefit Saddle Rock Ranch and Squadron A Foundation.

Singer Tony Orlando, one of America’s most endearing and enduring stars, will be appearing to receive an award for his work with veterans and will perform one of his signature hits at the Annual Polo Match to benefit children and adults with disabilities which is happening on Saturday, August 6, 2011 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Meadowbrook Polo Club in Old Westbury. This event, which is hosted by the National Foundation for Human Potential and is sponsored by Mojave, will raise funds to pay for therapeutic riding sessions for children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities as well as for local disabled veterans.

“We are very excited about being involved with the polo match that will help raise funds for Saddle Rock Ranch one of our most innovative services that fosters independence for those with different abilities,” said Robert S. Budd, Chief Executive Officer, Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc., (FREE), one of the not-for-profit agencies that will benefit from the event.

Tickets are $75 per person, and will include an Argentinean style BBQ, wine, a tango demonstration and of course, the international spectator sport of polo. Special group packages are also available at $125 for couples, $150 for families and $600 for corporations. For more information about the event, please contact the National Foundation for Human Potential, Office of Development, (516) 870-1661.

Saddle Rock Ranch is a beautiful 14-acre property in Middle Island that opened in 2004 with the vision to bring hope and happiness while facilitating integration into the community for children and adults with different abilities by implementing special programs that develop human potential. A variety of innovative treatment options are offered at Saddle Rock Ranch tailored to each person’s needs and likes from agricultural pursuits, equine-assisted activities to pet therapy or prevocational opportunities. Saddle Rock Ranch is open to the community for riding lessons also. Individuals without disabilities ride their horses, interact and have personal experiences with people who have disabilities on a daily basis.

Five Towns College Announces Enrollment Week July 25-29.

Attention College Students: Five Towns College in Dix Hills Long Island invites you to apply for the Fall semester during Enrollment Week July 25-29 between 9 am and 6 pm.  We welcome new and transfer students to bring in your transcripts for an on the spot evaluation.  No appointment is necessary and your application fee will be waived!

Five Towns College offers you the most exciting degree programs for today’s hottest careers such as Music, Music Business, Filmmaking, Audio Recording Technology, Childhood & Music Teacher Education and more.

We provide our students hands-on-training in our state-of-the-art facilities and the specialized classes you’ll need to get the job you want upon graduation.  Scholarships and Financial Aid are still available so contact an Admissions Representative today at 631-656-2110.  It’s Not Too Late To Apply, classes start August 25^th!

Jeremy Colliton Agrees To Terms On One-Year Deal With The Islanders!

The New York Islanders announced today that the Sound Tigers all-time leading scorer, forward Jeremy Colliton, will return. Colliton has agreed to terms on a one year, two-way (NHL/AHL) contract.

Last year, Colliton, 25, scored two goals and one assist in 15 games with the Islanders during his sixth professional season. He also posted 45 points (18 goals, 27 assists) in 53 American Hockey League games with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers to become the club’s all-time leading scorer with 176 points (66 goals, 110 assists) in 285 games. He’s scored six points (three goals, three assists) in 57 career NHL games, all with the Islanders.

The Blackie, AB, native was first drafted by The Islanders in the second round, 58th overall, of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft but left in ’09. During the 2009-10 season, Colliton played in the Swedish Elite League, for Rogle Angelholm, before returning to the Islanders organization in 2010-11.

File Photo / AP Photo / Robert Mecea

Hawaii, California, Australia are the places that typically come to mind when one thinks of surfing. But surfers don’t have to live in those famed surf locations to enjoy the sport they love. Despite colder air temperatures, Long Island beaches entertain hundreds of surfers every year.

All along the Long Island shoreline are popular surf spots- from the edges of Manhattan to the eastern most beaches of Montauk. Though many of Long Island’s coasts are filled with regular beach goers just there to tan, swim, or make sand castles, certain beaches are designated for those who come to ride the waves.

Long Island beaches carry both risks and perks in particular surf areas. For example, Lido Beach, located in the town of Hempstead,  has ledges in the sand that are unseen from the surface that can cause surprise wipe-outs. To surfers, these ledges provide great waves, making it a surfing hot spot.

Fire Island, located across the bay from the town of Babylon, a surfer’s biggest risk is missing the last ferry off the island that is only accessible by boat. But the lack of a big crowd on Fire Island beaches, makes it in turn, a great spot to surf.

Montauk beaches have killer waves, with thousands of surfers traveling there each year to ride the waves. It also holds one of the most infamous of all threats to surfers- sharks. While Jaws doesn’t lie in the waters waiting to attack any surfer that comes close, his friends do. Montauk is known as the Great White fishing coast of the Eastern shore, but that doesn’t stop surfers from traveling from near and far to surf Montauk’s waters.

One of the most sought after surf locations on Long Island is Gilgo Beach in Copaigue.  The beach is great for both an avid surfer and a newbie. Erin Donovan explained that when she went to Gilgo beach to attempt to surf for the first time, she found it much less crowded and more surf- friendly than neighboring beaches. “There were much less little kids and parents and there were a bunch of surfers,” said Donovan.

Charlie Bunger of Bunger’s surf shop, recommends Gilgo beach to potential surfers. Though plenty of expert surfers utilize the waters of Gilgo, it’s a great place for beginners (and younger children) as well. “The water breaks off the beach on a sandbar… so it’s more of a slow rolling wave,” explained Bunger. Experienced surfer Laura Viviana travels from Manhattan to catch waves at Gilgo because, “no matter how small the surf is, the swells are usually pretty great.”

Viviana also pointed out that the best time to surf on Long Island is September- October. The conditions are best then and by that point, normal beach goers would have put away their bathing suits and towels. But surfers needn’t wait till then to avoid crowds. Charlie Bunger mentioned that surfers can avoid crowds by choosing the right time of day. “Crowds are tough anywhere because there’s so many people that surf,” he said. Bunger advised that mornings and late evenings, especially on weekdays, are best for an ideal crowd situation.

Whether you’re an expert or someone just starting to explore the sport, it may be different in some ways than the life of a surfer in sunny California, exotic Hawaii or Australia, but Long Island has plenty of beaches where you can experience the thrills and spills of surfing.

Check out www.thesurfingsite.com or www.surfline.com for a list of surf locations on the Island.

Two college buddies are truly making their “RÊVÉ” a reality.

College is about students finding out their interests, learning how to achieve what they want and upon graduation, pursuing their dreams. It’s hard to believe that any student would have time pursue anything other than a diploma while still in school. Turns out that Dominic Shaugnessy and Thomas Matzner couldn’t wait another class to make their dream a reality.

In 2010, while still in college, the two became the creators of RÊVÉ Vodka, meaning “Dream” in French.

“No matter what it is that you do big or small, we are firm believers that anyone can make their dreams come true. Hard work, dedication and passion for what you do is a great recipe for success,” said Matzner, 23. “We want our brand of vodka to reflect a certain type of person that is hard working, who has goals, yet knows how to party and have a good time.”

So, what makes RÊVÉ Vodka so special and unique? Matzner says, “What most people don’t know is that the water is used in the distillation process is extremely important.” RÊVÉ Vodka uses water from the Colorado Rocky Mountains, paired with a midwestern corn grain. RÊVÉ Vodka is also one of the few vodkas in the world that is five times distilled while using a glass finishing still. To make the vodka extra smooth, RÊVÉ uses carbon filtration.

The two were featured in a recent issue of Boro Magazine

Contemporary and conventional, the bottle is a unique shape that makes it easier to pour the vodka. It’s packaged in Italian glass, imported from Italy and sports a blue label for RÊVÉ, which is very strategic–It’s placed in a way, on the clear bottle that allows the brand to be read from many different angles.

Today, many local bars and restaurants carry RÊVÉ including, The Beach House in Long Beach, Nikki’s On the Bay in Babylon, Watersedge Restaurant in Center Moriches, and Tiki Bar in Patchogue.

“Being able to run our own company, travel, host or co-sponsor events and parties through the year, make a positive change in communities and build a global brand from the ground up, are all things that we wanted out of our careers,” Matzner said. ”It’s a great feeling to truly enjoy what you do for a living.” He added, “Now, I’m just living the RÊVÉ life!”

Tanger Outlets At The Arches

Emerging stars, now is your chance to gain exposure, wardrobe, and some sweet cash to rocket you into super-stardom!

Starting this week, Tanger Outlets at the Arches is hosting the ‘Rock Your Style’ talent search. The talent search is a multi media contest that includes video submissions, Facebook voting, and a showcase concert as part of its popular Sounds of Summer Concert Series.

The engaging competition further reinforces The Arches commitment to promoting arts and entertainment for the entire family and offers all an opportunity to enter and share the spotlight both virtually through facebook and live at The Arches.

It is the vision of David Blumenfeld, a Partner of Tanger Outlets at the Arches and VP of Blumenfeld Development Group that is renowned for transforming and improving communities through the development of remarkable properties.

“We enrich the shopping experience at the Arches through social networking, interactive experiences, and of course, entertainment.  Our customers come to us for added style and value, and we want to give back to them.  We are thrilled to be able to show the community our appreciation with these special events and free concerts,”said Blumenfeld. ”We selected unique talent to headline our Sounds of Summer series, including Javier Colon, Shontelle, Hey Monday and Far East Movement. In that same spirit, we are pleased to offer our customers an opportunity to share their talent and style on stage with the community and beyond through this multimedia initiative.”

The winner of ‘Rock Your Style’ will receive a dream wardrobe for musical performances, and a cash prize to pursue their musical career. The winner will also open for the summer’s hottest touring group in front of thousands of fans.

To audition simply submit a video of yourself or your band performing between July 11- August 11. Between August 12 and August 31, the videos will be voted on by online users.

The three finalists will then “Rock Off” in a live battle performance on September 10. The winner will perform for a billboard-topping band on September 17 as well as receiving the lovely $1,000 dream wardrobe and $5,000 to be spent on pursuing their musical career.

Sounds of Summer Concert Series taking place every Saturday, 6-8 pm, at the Arches Fountain all summer long.

July 9th, Javier Colon, the season’s hottest contestant on the new hit show NBC’s The Voice, wowed the crowd with his incredible and melodic voice. 92.3’s Lil Cee will be on hand as the evening’s MC.

On July 16th R&B songstress Shontelle will help cool down the summer heat with her soulful spirit and siren style.

On August 13th teen pop sensation Hey Monday will perform at Tanger Outlets at the Arches before they embark on their world tour.

September 10th: Could you be one of the coveted three spots?Visit Tanger Outlets at the Arches starting July 9th to show em’ what you got!

On September 17th, a surprise act will take the stage and close out the summer with the beat that will have everyone wishing the summer would never end. The first 100 shoppers will have the opportunity to get VIP treatment and preferred seating at this exciting finale with the purchase of $150.00 at participating stores.

For more information, contest rules and qualifications on your chance to be the next talked about talent visit Tanger Outlets Facebook Page.

Tanger Outlets

Tanger Outlets hosts the LI Moose Classic Car Club Show to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project this Sunday July 17.

This Sunday, visitors of Tanger Outlets in Riverhead will find the Classic Car Show. The show will display everything from cars to trucks to motorcycles.

Guests can enjoy food & refreshments, live entertainment, raffles and awards for cars that will be presented by the LI Moose.

A special guest speaker will be on hand as well. Jeff Sinchak, a wounded warrior will share his unique inspirational story of courage and integrity and will talk about how the Wounded Warrior Project aids in the recovery and transition back to civilian life for our armed services personnel.

Donations for admission is $15.00 for show vehicles and $5.00 for spectators, children 12 and under are free of charge.

Photo by: Pamela Bednarik

Summer is in full swing and it seems like the perfect time to take a relaxing trip to get back on the road to sanity. Lucky for you, Long Island hosts hundreds of locations to aid in rejuvenating any busy body.

Even if you don’t have time to plan a weeklong trip, there are a ton of places on Long Island that offer a day’s worth of fun in the sun like Jones Beach. The place not only offers beach access but also offers concerts at their theater every week, all summer long.

Fire Island also has plenty of tempting events including concerts, carnivals, and other outdoor activities like hiking, surfing, kayaking, and tennis on its 32 mile stretch. Journey out to Montauk Point, which can offer you a pleasant museum tour and chance to visit and climb the famous lighthouse.

Another summertime must, Long Island’s many family friendly amusement parks such as Splish Splash, Adventureland, and Tiki Action Park.

Check out a winery. LI Wines notes that if quiet, mature entertainment is desired, then a visit to one of Long Island’s over 40 wineries and vineyards. Suit your tastes with tours and samplings of the finest wine Long Island has to offer.

Some educational fun won’t hurt either. The Old Bethpage Village is perfect for that and presents visitors with some educational fun in the form of their reminiscant 19^th century Long Island village and performances by their civil war reenactors.

For someone looking for a longer, lavish vacation can find what they’re looking for in the Hamptons. They’re plenty of things to do including spending the day on the beach (some of which have been considered the most beautiful in the world), playing golf or tennis or perhaps doing some shopping in one of the many Hampton towns where you might even catch a glimpse of a famous celebrity. There’s always something special to do in the Hamptons including art fairs, live music, antique and craft shows, and benefits. Of course, they’re also known for awesome nightlife- Check out South Pointe, Southampton Social Club and The Elm!

It’s clear that Long Island offers a plethora of wonderful summer options whether you need a day or a week.

6th Annual Long Island Comedy Festival Arrives at The Sands Atlantic Beach!

Long Island comedian Paul Anthony announces the arrival of the 6th Annual Long Island Comedy Festival at the beautiful Sands Atlantic Beach.

“We’re excited about bringing the Comedy Festival to Nassau County this summer!  Having the opportunity to bring the Long Island Comedy Festival to a venue like the Sands Atlantic Beach in the Long Beach area is especially exciting.  We’re giving Long Islanders an affordable entertainment alternative” said Paul Anthony, comic host and Executive Producer.  He added, “There’s a lot of comedy history at the Sands Atlantic Beach. Back in the day famous comedians from the Catskills would perform there!  So we’re looking forward to bringing back that tradition.”

The The Long Island Comedy Festival, which is the largest comedy festival ever presented on Long Island, will take place Saturday, July 23rd, at The Sands Atlantic Beach, located at 1395 Beech Street in Atlantic Beach.  Tickets cost $25 for General Admission and $35 VIP.

Paul Anthony, the executive producer and comic host of the annual Long Island Comedy Festival regularly performs his stand-up comedy in NYC and on Long Island. The Massapequa native’s mission is to promote the art of live stand-up comedy.

The festival features Mike Fine: Featured act across the U.S., Stan Keshner: Direct from the Catskills, Robin Fox: Direct from the NYC comedy scene, Randy Levin:  Atlantic City & Vegas, Rob Falcone: Comedy Central.

SMITHTOWN BAY YACHT CLUB HOSTS 3RD ANNUAL “SOLDIERS ON THE SOUND” FLUKE FISHING TOURNAMENT

Smithtown Bay Yacht Club will be hosting the 3rd Annual “Soldiers on the Sound” Fluke Fishing Tournament this Saturday, July 9th, 2011.

Members of the club host this annual event to show their support and “give back” to members of the military.  About 25 boats will depart from the marina at about 9 a.m. for a friendly fishing competition.

Prizes will be awarded for the biggest fish and many local businesses have generously donated raffle prizes for this worthy event.

After the winning fish has been weighed-in, the soldiers and members of the club will enjoy live music, a clam bake and barbeque.
Viewers can travel down to the Smithtown Bay Yacht Club, East Long Beach Road, nestled between Smithtown’s Long Beach Park and Otto Schubert Beach Saturday, July 9th at 9 a.m. to see the boating fleet depart, and 1 p.m. for the fleet arrival, lunch and awards.

Javier Colon (AP Photo/NBC, Lewis Jacobs)

On Saturday, July 9^th, Javier Colon, America’s breakout star on NBC’s new hit show “The Voice,” will be heating up Deer Park.

Colon will be taking part in The Sounds of Summer free concert series on at 6 p.m. at the Arches Fountain in Deer Park, NY.

During the concert, he will perform his new hit single and renditions of his favorite tunes to a packed audience of avid fans.

The now-famous musician began writing his own music at the age of 13; the devoted husband and father of two won over the hearts of Americans with his soulful style, smooth voice, and family appeal on “The Voice,” a show that challenges different singers that are paired up with famous musicians including Christina Aguilera and Blake Shelton.

Colon came out victorious on “The Voice,” beating out very talented contestants and received $100,000 and a recording contract with Universal Republic Records.

Tanger Outlets At The Arches The Sounds of Summer Concert Series showcases national and local talent across genres and styles throughout the season.  This summer’s highlights include:

· July 16^th R&B songstress Shontelle, fresh off her world tour with Jason Derulo, will electrify the crowd with her siren style and soulful spirit.

· August 13^th the teen sensation, Hey Monday, will pump up the Tanger crowd before taking off on their much anticipated world tour.

Every Saturday head to Tanger Outlets at the Arches in Deer Park, Long Island for free concerts, hot fashion finds, and cool savings.

Tanger shoppers will have the special opportunity to get VIP seating to these headliner acts.  Starting July 1^st be the first 100 people to spend $100 or more at participating Tanger Arches’ retailers and get your All-Access VIP Pass to the concert of your choice!  (VIP seating is limited and offered on a first-come first-serve basis, limit one per person.  Seating available while supplies last.)

Five Towns College: 305 N. Service Road, Dix Hills, NY 11746

Five Towns College Enrollment Week This Week July 11-15!

Attention College Students, Five Towns College in Dix Hills invites you to apply for the Fall semester during Enrollment Week from July 11th to 15th between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Five Towns College welcomes new and transfer students to bring in your transcripts for an on the spot evaluation. No appointment is necessary and application fees will be waived.

Five Towns College offers you the most exciting degree programs for today’s hottest careers such as Music, Music Business, Filmmaking, Audio Recording Technology, Childhood & Music Teacher Education and more.

“We provide our students hands-on-training in our state-of-the-art facilities and the specialized classes you’ll need to get the job you want after graduation.”

Scholarships and Financial Aid are still available so contact an Admissions Representative today at 631-656-2110.

It’s Not Too Late To Apply, classes start August 25^th. Visit www.facebook.com/fivetownscollege, www.ftc.edu or call 631-656-2110. You can always email admissions@ftc.edu.

Associated Press

It’s that time of year again, the sparking colors and loud pops in the sky will soon surround the Long Island community. Escape the scorching heat and barbecue fumes with a roman candle, waterfall, or dahlia in the sky.

According to LongIsland.com, this year Long Island is offering a plethora of free bedazzling shows including a show at the outdoor festival, “Live Music at the Fishery” on Main Street in East Rockaway which will feature the band “Like You Mean It” on July 2^nd.

Grucci Fireworks is hosting six shows on Long Island this weekend including two on July 2^nd in Eisenhower Park and the North Patchogue.

The firework company will perform at the Chuck-E-Cheese again on July 3^rd. They will also perform that night at Fire Island in Great South Bay and Point O’Woods as well as the Freedom Fest Concerts at Bethpage Ballpark in Central Islip.

Bayshore Fireworks will also host five shows including one on July 3^rd at the North Sea Fire Department Carnival and four on July 2^nd.

They will perform in East Hampton sponsored by the Fire Department and at the Riverhead Raceway on July 2^nd. They will also offer shows at two festivals including the Durrazzano Society Festival in Westbury and the St. Anthony’s Carnival in East Northport.

Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale will reportedly be hosting their own fair and firework show on July 3^rd .

Finally, on July 4^th, will be a firework-packed day with shows from Grucci at the Brookhaven Amphitheater in Bald Hill and Umbrella Beach in Mantauk, a show at the Wading River Family Festival, Suffolk County Sports Park in Central Islip, Village of Valley Stream Annual Show on Fireman’s Memorial Field, Morgan Memorial Park show, and the Peconic Bay Waterfront show.

Ginny Salerno (left), Executive Director and Founder of LI2DAY and James Gallagher (right), Vice President, Members Financial Services – Suffolk Federal Credit Union. Mr. Gallagher is the organizer of the fundraising efforts at Suffolk FCU.

Suffolk Federal Credit Union has just announced a new and creative fundraising campaign to support the LI2DAY Walk to Fight Breast Cancer.

Suffolk Federal Credit Union introduced the LI2DAY Free Checking Account where the credit union donates 5 cents for each signature based debit card purchase, up to $350 per year, to the LI2DAY organization. The credit union will also donate net proceeds of each checkbook purchased. “It’s a great way for our credit union and members to support a local non-profit that raises funds and awareness for our neighbors fighting breast cancer. Account holders won’t have to do anything different. As they make their everyday purchases using the LI2DAY debit card, they automatically raise funds for the organization.” says William O’Brien president and CEO of Suffolk Federal Credit Union.

“I want to thank our friends at Suffolk Federal Credit Union for developing this program. What a great way to support LI2DAY all year long and show some LI2DAY pride! The pink check book covers and debit card with the LI2DAY logo are fantastic! The checks are also going to have the LI2DAY logo watermarked on them. Suffolk Federal has really come through for LI2DAY. Please join me in supporting this great way to show off your LI2DAY spirit and continue supporting us every day. Stop by one of the branches and get your LI2DAY ‘gear’ today!” says Ginny Salerno, Executive Director and Founder of LI2DAY. Ginny Salerno is also a Fortune 52 honoree.

This current campaign is only one way in which Suffolk Federal Credit Union demonstrates it continued commitment to the community and important causes. Some examples of its other good works are its adoption of the Holy Angels Regional School in Patchogue through the Tomorrow’s Hope Foundation, as well as its participation in and support of the Arthritis Walk, March of Dimes and Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk, among other nonprofits.

Suffolk Federal Credit Union is a leading Long Island federal credit union with branches in Medford, Riverhead, Islandia, Commack, West Babylon and Miller Place. The credit union has over 55,000 members and recorded assets of $877 million as of 5/31/11. The LI2DAY Walk to Fight Breast Cancer group raises funds for local grassroots organizations that assist women, men and their families who are fighting breast cancer.

After serving four years at the Long Island Postal Customer Council (LIPCC), Adam Avrick was named the new industry co-chair at the council’s monthly meeting on June 15.

Avrick has served at the Executive Officers for LIPCC for the past two years and second vice chairman two years prior. He is also currently the President of Design Distributors Inc. (DDI), a family-owned Long Island printing and mailing company. Avrick serves on the board of the Printing Industries Alliance of Long Island.

The LIPCC is responsible for surveying local and national mailing issues with the U.S. Postal Service and ensuring communication between customers and the postal service.

The mission of the PCC program is to foster and maintain a close working relationship between mailers and the United States Postal Service, share information about new and existing Postal Service products, programs, regulations, and procedures, facilitate the interchange of ideas among mailers and Postal Service officials and help members and their organizations grow and develop professionally through focused educational programs.

For more information about the LIPCC visit, longislandpcc.com.

Nilka (From Retro's website)

Celebrity chef Nilka Hendricks is introducing foodies to her new Retro Lounge and Grill in Freeport.

Retro Lounge and Grill comes as the newest addition to Freeport. The former Al B. Whites, located at 10 Brooklyn Ave and first opened in 1939, is now under the management and promotional skills of Neil Curtis, a lifelong Freeport resident and restauranteur, who gives a much needed renovation to Freeport’s once star-filled, popular restaurant.

“Our goal with Retro Lounge was to bring a NYC restaurant feel to Long Island. We renovated thoughtfully and with a purpose inside, and stayed true to the old world look outside – melding the two worlds seemlessly for a one-of-a-kind dining and entertainment experience” said Curtis, the owner of Retro Lounge.

Nilka Hendricks, a chef from our Long Island backyard who became a household name after a six-week stint on the popular FOX show “Hells Kitchen” reality show last year, is the executive chef and also assists with the many bands, acoustic acts, comedians and other performers who continue to grace the stage as the evenings turn into nights.

Retro stays true to the original Al B. Whites history, but with a modern feel in both the decor and the menu. Nilka has designed a diverse and delicious menu featuring a blend of international fusion cuisine including their most popular dishes: a grilled jerk ribeye steak and coconut crusted king crab legs – and their entertainment schedule is just as diverse.

Retro Lounge is carving out a new future for Freeport dining and nightlife!

In honor of the new restaurant, Nilka Hendricks provides us with a few fun recipes:

“When I was a child on Sunday afternoon I could always count on the sweet aroma of my Mother’s sweet cooking….. Rice & peas, Stew chicken, sweet plantains, and her famous potato salad.  Here are some of my family recipes…”

Rice & Peas:

1 can of coconut

1 can of pigeon, or kidney beans

1red onion small diced

1 red pepper small diced

4 garlic cloves minced

Fresh herbs cilantro, parsley, thyme,

salt & pepper to taste

Olive oil

white wine 2oz

Use a  medium size pot once pot is hot add  2 cap full of olive oil then add garlic, onions, red pepper and sweat for 2-3 min then add white wine,  beans  coconut milk, salt, pepper, &  fresh herbs, 3cap full of olive oils then stir. Simmer for 2-3 min. Add 2 cups of rice and 3 cups of water. Cook on medium heat bring to a light boil reduce heat to a light simmer. Place lid on pot and cook for 25mins. Please do not stir the rice let it cook once you see holes in the rice it is near done then stir…

Stew Chicken:

4 quarter Leg & Thigh cleaned and cut into sections (season chicken w/ curry, paprika, season salt, garlic powder, oregano)

1 large onion diced

1 bell pepper

6 cloves of garlic minced

2tsp of tomato paste

2cups of water or chicken broth

1 cup of ketchup

Use a large pot let it get hot add oil then add chicken cook the chicken until its brown on both sides then take out. In the same pan add the onion, garlic, & pepper, sauté for 2-3 min

Then add the tomato paste, water, ketchup & bring to boil. Then add the chicken in the pot & simmer for 45 min

Sweet plantains

4 rip plantains (the darker and softer the sweeter) peeled and sliced on a bases. Cook plantains in a hot pan with oil let cook 1min on each side until golden brown

Like yoga? Like helping out a good cause? Then this is the perfect event for you!

Get involved with your local community and get a little sweaty at the first annual Smithtown Hot Yoga Sweat-A-Thon, happening  Thursday July 14th at 8 a.m. at Smithtown Hot Yoga (70 East Main Street, Smithtown, NY 11787-2804). The event will benefit local students.

Smithtown Hot Yoga will be running three classes in a row, which amounts to 4.5 hours of Hot Yoga. All entrants who finish at least 2 classes will receive one week free of Hot Yoga. “Last People Standing” after all 3 classes are complete will win ONE MONTH FREE OF HOT YOGA!!

Entrants are encouraged to call upon their friends and family to sponsor them with a $10 minimum donation per entrant. All donations go to support the Family & Friends of Drew Odnoha Scholarship Fund (a memorial scholarship for St. Dominic High School in Oyster Bay). Drew was a Smithtown raised student who died tragically several years ago.

“This scholarship is given to a member of the Future Business Leaders of America who has a dream and takes all the necessary steps to achieve his dream – just as Drew did” said Richard Garrett, Dean of Students at St. Dominic High School.

For more information about Smithtown Hot Yoga, please visit the website or call (631) 265-YOGA!

Polo is officially back in Nassau County! Polo at The Park brings back USPA Polo Cup matches to Bethpage.

The Country Farms Polo Club will present “Polo at the Park” every Sunday from June 5th through Oct 15th at the Bethpage State Park in Bethpage.

Polo has been a Long Island sport since 1934, but the last time the United States Polo Association held their cup on Long Island was 1994. Polo at the Park is set to change all of that. Now you can watch professional polo matches with exciting action including techniques performed by some of the best players in the world!

The polo games will take place from June to October (except Sunday August 28th) and will feature some pretty awesome special events. The opening day event kicked off with L.I.’s Pulse Magazine earlier this month and July offers equally exciting special events. Both Sunday July 3rd and Sunday July 10th’s special events include the exciting Rallye High Goal and an equally exciting event, the La Martina Fashion event, is set to take place on August 7th.

What could be better than weekends at the Bethpage Polo fields? Great food! Did we forget to mention that Steve Carl from Carlyle On The Green is catering all events?

Each weekend, the gates open at 1 p.m. for food concession and seating, with polo beginning at 3 p.m. and a 5 p.m. trophy presentation. $8 parking and $5 admission to the field. $22 round trip to/from Penn Station is also available through a partnership with the MTA LIRR. Check out the website for more information on admission and parking information.

Taylor Hicks performing at Tanger Outlets at the Arches in Deer Park

Saturday June 18th, “American Idol” winner, Taylor Hicks made a special stop at the Tanger Outlets at the Arches in Deer Park to help kick off the free Sounds Of Summer concert series.

On 6 p.m. Saturday, after Kim and Jim of Fresh 102.7 hyped up the crowd, Hicks, the winner of the fifth season (2006) of “American Idol,” took the stage.

Over 700 fans gathered around the Fountain in the heart of Tanger Outlets at the Arches to watch as the “Idol” winner performed live. Hicks along with The Taylor Hicks band, graced the crowd with signature Bluesy melodies including Hicks’ hit single “What’s Right Is Right” and also surprised the crowd with Billy Joel classics like “New York State of Mind.”

Crowds watch as Taylor Hicks performs live

The concert also brought exciting opportunities to Tanger Outlets at The Arches shoppers. Some lucky fans received a free Taylor Hicks concert tee. But by far the best deal at Tanger this day was that select fans won the chance to go backstage to meet the singer. The next two concerts will have VIP treatment for the first 100 shoppers to spend $100 and will get VIP seats.

The Sounds Of Summer concert series will be held every Saturday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. for the rest of the summer. In July, two guests have already been confirmed to take part in the concert series. Javier Colon, a rising talent from the hit NBC show “The Voice,” will be performing on July 9th and Shontelle, who is coming off her tour with Beyonce, will be performing July 16^th.

For the Sounds of Summer concert schedule and other special events and deals at Tanger at the Outlets visit http://www.facebook.com/shopthearchesoutlets.

East Hampton has a new hotspot. The Boathouse, a restaurant and lounge on the three mile harbor is now open and ready for business just in time for the summer season. Owned by famous restauranteur Michael Gluckman, who has also been associated with Bamboo Restaurants and The Lodge in East Hampton, has already served celebrity clientel such as Kelly Ripa, Beyonce, Jay-Z, Jeremy Piven and Audrina Patridge and is now under the direction of managers Roy J. Boothby, Amanda Rogan and Lila Beudert.

Whether you’re looking to relax indoors or enjoy the outdoors, The Boathouse offers both an indoor and outdoor bar as well as outdoor deck for dining. Private rooms and a fireplace also make for an intimate indoor atmosphere accentuated with wood detailing and nautical-inspired decorations.  After dinner, the lounge transforms from a dining area into a stage where DJs and live bands take to the stage to perform live. For those with yachts, take-out services are also available.

The Boathouse’s executive chef, John Denco, prepares guests with seafood ranging from rock shrimp tempura with a creamy spicy mayonnaise, sushi grade soy ginger, sesame crusted tuna and seared sea scallops. The restaurant’s signature drink, their fresh watermelon martini, made with top-shelf vodka, watermelon, lime juice and sugar is also available to order.

The Boathouse is open seven days a week for lunch, dinner and even Sunday brunch which includes an unlimited mimosas and bloody mary’s from 11-3 p.m. for $25 per adult and half-priced for children. Each day, a pre-set sunset menu is served from 5- 6:30 p.m. for $27 per person. Other specials are offered during the week $4 beers on Monday and Friday nights from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday and Friday happy hour is also accompanied with free food at the bar.

The Boathouse is also available to serve and host private parities.

Jean-Marie, Rosanna and Tanger Manager, Vanessa Mitton

June 8, the Tanger Factory Outlet Center of Deer Park awarded the second $30K IN 30 DAYS prize winner, Rosanna Bub, of Deer Park, with her grand prize of a $10,000 shopping spree at the outlets. Bub was selected via random national drawing on May 20.

The sweepstakes honored Tanger’s 30th Anniversary, and was kicked off with Steven B. Tanger, President and CEO of Tanger Outlet Centers, ringing the closing bell on the Trading Floor of the New York Stock Exchange with the announcement of the first winner.

The promotion offered new customers and loyal shoppers a chance to win a total of $30,000 worth of shopping sprees over 30 Days in May

That same day, Tanger broke a Guinness World Record of biggest dessert party ever by hosting a dessert party at over 34 Tanger Outlets nationwide.

Jean-Marie and Rosanna picking out Father's Day Gifts at Neiman Marcus.

The first winner was announced and collected her prize from North Carolina before Bub was named the second Tanger winner. Bub was presented with her larger-than-life $10,000 gift card today at 11 a.m. at Tanger Outlets at the Arches in Deer Park, New York alongside her daughter Jean-Marie.

Bub credits her 11-year-old daughter Jean Marie for making this shopping dream come true. Jean-Marie urged her mom to enter the contest while shopping at the outlet center on Mother’s Day. Bub says she has her eyes set on an IPad from Verizon Wireless, furniture from Neiman Marcus Last Call, and a grill at The Christmas Tree Shops for a Father’s Day gift!

Bub demonstrated her close relationship with her daughter when she described where one of her stops would be.

“Zales, we plan to get matching necklaces or some sort of jewelry to commemorate both our relationship and this moment.”

“I thought it was a prank. I had completely forgotten we even entered the contest and I truly thought the phone call was a joke at first,” Bub recollected receiving the call from Tanger. “This prize is amazing, a first for us, and we are sure to spend many more weekends at The Arches, one of our favorite destinations.”

Jean-Marie and Rosanna presenting their Tanger gift card to the cashier.

As Bub shared her love for the Deer Park shopping destination and her excitement, it was clear that Tanger’s employees felt the same. “We are so thrilled that one of our own Deer Park residents was one of the recipients of the $10,000 shopping spree. It’s really exciting!” said Vanessa Mitton of Tanger Outlets.

As mother and daughter took off with their giant-sized gift card in hand it was evident it was going to be a fabulous shopping experience for the lucky winners.

Visit Tanger Outlets of Deer Park yourself and enjoy the beautiful outdoor shopping experience accompanied by several great eateries and an outdoor sitting area/ fountain.

Distinctive Resorts & Residences, an exclusive Full-Service Luxury offering in the Hamptons, has just launched the 2011 season into full force, selling multiple luxury residences at their flagship property The Panoramic View in Montauk, New York.

As banks have recently started financing second homes again, smart buyers who have been waiting for the right time to pounce on a new property now have a golden window of opportunity, and the Panoramic View is a perfect oceanfront getaway to take advantage of.

The Panoramic View Residences are a true East End getaway for the busy New Yorker looking for a relaxing getaway. Not only are the oceanfront villas reasonably priced, they also include a broad list of lavish amenities for their patrons.

Amenities include an outdoor heated pool, poolside cabanas, a concierge service, porters, beach and pool attendants, on-site daily housekeeping, fitness-center with personal fitness trainers, and on-call massage therapists. Each villa is equipped with plush king-sized-beds that are the perfect ending to a fabulous day of sun and surf.

The residences range in both size and price offering one-to-five bedroom units, from 1,200-square-feet to 4,800-square-feet, ranging in price from $2 million to $7 million.

During its off season this year, Distinctive Resorts & Residences achieved its best winter ever, pre-booking over 70% of its summer-season resort rooms.

The breath-taking views of the waterfront are visible from each oceanfront villa through both the gigantic picture windows, as well as the private balconies. The Panoramic View Residences are a sure shot at a fantastic summer getaway for the busiest New Yorkers looking for a summer of rest and relaxation.

The Long Island Game Farm is hosting its annual Girl Scout Day for the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County on June 11th. Girl Scout Day will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“Girl Scouts of Suffolk County is proud to partner with the Long Island Game Farm for Girl Scout Day,” says Yvonne Grant, President and CEO of Girl Scouts of Suffolk County.

Tables will take up stand for visitors to learn more about the Girl Scouts and sponsorship options and opportunities for Operation Cookie (Operation Cookie sends Girl Scout cookies to troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, and to those recuperating at Walter Reed Medical Center and the Naval Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland).

Those in attendance can also join Girl Scouts in making arts and crafts. During the day, the Girl Scouts will also explore the Game Farm as they visit different exotic animals, enjoy the variety of shows and go on the fun, exciting rides.

“The Girl Scouts will have a great time at the Game Farm between seeing the animals and going on the rides,” said Melinda Novak, Vice President and Co-Owner, Long Island Game Farm. “There is so much for them to do here at the Game Farm. It will be a day they will never forget.”

Girl Scouts is no stranger to the Long Island Game Farm, whose owner Diane was a Girl Scout Troop Leader and her daughter, Melinda, was in the Girl Scouts as a teenager.

“We are happy to have the Girl Scouts at the Game Farm,” said Diane Novak, President and Co-Owner, Long Island Game Farm. “I know they will enjoy visiting the Game Farm and learning about the exotic animals that we have here. It will be a fun and educational experience for them.”

Advance tickets are on sale for Girl Scouts, their families and the general public for only $10. Tickets must be purchased in advance before June 9th. Those who purchase tickets the day of the event will be charged the regular admission price. To place an order, call Kelly at (631) 543-6622 ext. 221, or e-mail: kdrechsler@gssc.us. Tickets may also be purchased at the Girl Scouts Web site at www.gssc.us, either by paying online or by downloading and printing the flier. Those who wish to pay by check must make checks payable to GSSC.

For more information about the Long Island Game Farm, call (631) 878-6670, or visit www.longislandgamefarm.com.

Five Towns College is having an open house this Saturday, June 11. At this event you will be able to meet with faculty and staff, as well as students involved in the many programs offered at Five Towns College. Guests will also be able to witness the mixing of a song in one of their audio recording studios featuring the SL9000J, a 72 channel sound board.

Guests will have a chance to speak with faculty regarding the field of business or music business featuring audio recording and music business.  Those interested in music will hear presentations from the music faculty on various programs in music education, performance, song/writing with concentrations in audio recording technology or music business.  Those interested in theatre will be fascinated by the excellent theatre productions performed by the students over a semester, ranging from musicals, dramas, comedies and even children’s theatre. The film/video production program is outstanding, featuring the most up-to-date film/video equipment on the east coast, and has faculty that offer students hands-on experience from the first semester to the last.

Five Towns College Career Services Department will be on hand to explain the wide-range of internships available to students, as well as job placement and career opportunities. Representatives from Financial Aid and Admissions will be there to answer questions too. Dormitories available on the campus, offer double occupancy rooms with cable, an individual air conditioner/heating unit and a private bathroom.

The Open House starts promptly at 1:00 p.m. For more information or to speak with an Admissions Representative, call 631-656-2110 today! For more information click here.

Dream of vacationing in Italy? Well, that could become a reality thanks to Mineola’s Carlino’s southern Italian family restaurant. By entering Carlino’s Restaurant Romantic Vacation Getaway Drawing Promotion between June 1st and September 30th, 2011, you could win an 8 day romantic vacation to Italy for 2 including airfare, hotel room, and tours of Rome, the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica.

“I’ve chosen the old country as a grand prize because I want to share my love of our family’s ancestral home of Italy with the people of Long Island” said Carlo Corteo, co-owner of Carlino’s.

To enter you have to be 18-years-old and there’s no purchase necessary. There are two ways to enter the promotion. Customers of Carlino’s Restaurant will be automatically entered to win the promotion by submitting the supplied entry form.  Non-purchasers can enter by going to Carlino’s Restaurant website. Complete the online entry, and drop it off or mail in the entry form to Carlino’s Restaurant (Carlino’s Restaurant is open 10 – 9 p.m. Monday – Thursday, and 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. Friday – Sunday).

“My fondest thoughts invoke memories of mom in the kitchen preparing the family dinner with love and devotion. Thoughts of home, gathered round the dinner table with family and friends, the air infused with the aroma of classic Italian cooking, and visions of old world southern Italy.  Stepping back in time, to a place where everything is simple and made fresh every day,” said Corteo.”Whether you’re at our restaurant enjoying an intimate dinner, hosting an important celebration in Carlino’s party room, or winning the romantic trip to Italy, these are the memories that I want to share.”

Tanger To Welcome Farmer’s Market Back!

This month kicked off Tanger Outlets at the Arches (New York’s premiere family outlets center) summer season and what better way to celebrate the great weather than a good old farmer’s market!

The outlet center has welcomed back the popular Farmer’s Market. The Farmer’s Market features over 40 vendors from some of Long Island’s own farms, wineries, and bakers such as Blue Duck Bakery, Ed’s Chili, Samio’s, Farmer Yen, Hampton NY Farm, Schneider Farm, Taso Manis Cupcakes, Holly Baked Goods, Island End Farms, Nancy Kegman Knitting, Teddy Farmer Trees, and more.

The Farmer’s Market opened to the public on June 4th and will be open every Saturday and Sunday through December 18^,th 2011. The market will run from 11 – 3:00 p.m both days.

Tanger Outlets at the Arches are located at  152 The Arches Circle in Deer Park. You can find the farmer’s market next to Kate Spade near Neiman Marcus Last Call. Park in Parking Lot 1B.

For more information call (631) 667-0600.

In the mood for a little arts and crafts? Well head on down to Huntington’s Heckscher Park!

Art in the Park Fine Art & Craft Fair at Huntington’s Heckscher Park will take place June 4th & 5th. It will feature live art demonstrations, food vendors, live music, and raffles.

The Art League of Long Island’s Art in the Park Fine Art & Craft Fair will be at the scenic Hecksher Park in Huntington on Saturday June 4 and Sunday June 5.  Art in the Park is an Art League tradition that has attracted thousands of discerning art lovers each year for more than 40 years.

This rain or shine event will be open to the public 10 am and close at 5pm both days.   Admission is free for the entire family.  About 70 artists and craftspeople will show and sell original works of art and handmade crafts such as paintings, photographs, ceramics, jewelry, sculpture, woodwork, glasswork, wearable art, and more.  Prizes will be awarded to artists and craftspeople for superior artistry and craftsmanship.

The Art League of Long Island’s art school and gallery are located at 107 East Deer Park Road in Dix Hills.  For more information about this event call (631) 462-5400 or visit www.artleagueli.org.

Stylish Event Planning Boutique Takes Up Shop In Syosset!

Anthony Scotto, the owner of popular party destinations, Blackstone and Rare650 Steakhouses has just announced the opening of a whole new venture, PWP Event Planning Design & Boutique.

The chic new showroom– reminiscent of a lavish Fifth Avenue boutique–  features two levels of meeting spaces and is decorated to perfection with handmade built-in mirrored retail displays, crystal chandeliers, flat screen TVs and one of a kind accessories for purchase (Let us suggest the unique Aruna Seth shoes featured in the Royal Wedding). The PWP team and their clients will now have a lavish space of their own to discuss all planning needs while viewing samples of all kinds and get vintage pieces to try on and take home!

New boutique, not so new team– the PWP team has over a decade of experience in event planning, having planned a number of weddings, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, junior events, corporate events, meetings and charities. Speaking of charity, PWP has also taken an active role in the community by donating services to local charities like The Ronald McDonald House of Long Island and Toys-for-Tots.

“PWP offers unsurpassed creativity and execution in event production, floral design, statement jewelry and accessories. It’s a destination for anyone looking to plan an extraordinary event, as well as the fashionable woman, who desires a designer outfit or accessory for a night out,” said Monica Scotto-Bruton, president of PWP.

Barbara’s Heart Foundation is all about teaching the young ones about giving back. This past month, foundation gave kids a sponge and a bucket of soap and let them get to work on a charity car wash, all in hopes to teach them a little something about fundraising.

“We wanted to stage an event with a dual purpose,” said Communications Director Robert Iadanza, Jr.  “First, we wanted to raise funds that can be put to use as per our mission.  And second, we wanted to teach our children the importance of community and what it really means to help others.”

On Sunday, May 29th, the Barbara’s Heart Foundation held the first event in the charity’s history. It was a car wash in the parking lot of Mastic’s Sign Design.

By, 7:45 a.m. the first car had just pulled up as the 12 children (and 16 adults) ranging from 4-years-old to ten-years-old squeezed their sponges and got to work. “It was so cool to help!” said Joseph Liotta, 5. The washing continued for the next five hours- and would include a Suffolk County Police cruiser- when the last car would roll through; a 40-foot motor home.

If you missed this event, the next car wash is scheduled for Labor Day weekend (again at Sign Design).  In September, a golf outing/dinner/fundraiser will take place at Calverton Links. For more information visit www.barbarasheart.org.

www.hamptonclassic.com

The Hampton Classic Horse Show returns to Long Island this year for its 36^th year. The show will once again take place in Bridgehampton from August 28th until September 4th.

The event offers a world-class equestrian competition, shopping, and entertainment for all ages. The anticipated event has been known to gather a crowd of spectators, socialites, and even celebrities.

Last year everyone from the cast of “The Housewives of New York,” to the Kardashians were spotted at the event.

“We encourage everybody to visit the Hampton Classic this summer,” said Shanette Barth Cohen, the horse show’s Executive Director.

This year’s show will feature six show rings, a Boutique Garden with more than 70 vendors, and a vast array of dining options, all located on its 60-acre show grounds.  A highlight of this year’s classis is the $250,000 FTI Grand Prix and FEI World CupT Qualifier on Sunday, September 4. This event will include winners from Friday’s $50,000 Spy Coast Farm Grand Prix Qualifier.

For the first time, the Hampton classic will be hosting a $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby on Saturday afternoon, September 3rd. “We are pleased to be able to give our top hunter riders the opportunity to complete for such a prestigious title at this year’s Classic,” said Cohen.

Another new addition to the classic this year is the addition of a VIP Tent by Jumper Ring II, which will include premier jumper and equitation classes all week. New electronic scoreboards have been added to further enhance the experience. In addition Sunday morning’s Hermes Hunter Classic will now be open to Junior and Amateur-Owner competitors.

Cablevision Kids’ Day will return on Saturday, September 3rd. It is a greatly anticipated event at the classic offering a multitude of children’s activities throughout the day. Kids under the age of 12 are admitted for free and receive a complimentary pony ride. Drawings will be held throughout the day for a vast array of prizes.

Due to popular demand the ASPCA Adoption Day will continue Monday, August 29th. Celebrity VIP’s will host the event, including famous rider, Georgina Bloomberg, and the “Today,” show’s Jill Rappaport.

The Long Island International Film Expo (LIIFE) will hold its 14^th annual installment at Bellmore movie theatre from July 7th to July 14th this year.

The showcase will entail 115 films from around the world. The selection committee discussed the usually high amount of documentaries this season, noting that last year there were eleven documentaries, more than any other year to date. As a result Nassua County Film Office Director Debra Markowitz has deemed this years expo “The Year of the Documentary.”

The expo with include both short and feature-length films. A wide variety of films will be featured including both student and animated films, but Markowitz notes there will be an abundance of documentaries and foreign films will take the lead this year.

Most of the documentaries focus on serious topics such as how a community comes together to honor their wounded warriors, how a family has to collect cans to survive after the father becomes unemployed, and how a psychologist uses trauma techniques to treat survivors of hurricane Katrina.

Many of the films encompass Long Island life and society. “Long Island Uncovered” is a documentary film that takes an inside look at the private lives of Long Islandstop tribute/cover band musicians, while “King of the Hamptons” featuring both Alec Baldwin, and Billy Joel portrays a mid-life crisis in the most lavish of settings. Another documentary takes a look into the life of John Muir, the founder of the New York parks system.

“Lily of the Feast” is a short film produced by Nassua Countys own Michael Ricigliano, Jr. and is directed by Federico Castellucio (Furio from the Sopranos), starring Paul Sorvino and Tony Lo Bianco. “Jesse,” a feature film directed by Suffolks Fred Carpenter features Armand Assante, William Forsythe and Eric Roberts. There is truly something for everyone to enjoy at this incredible event.

The grand opening of the film expo will include a night buffet and tech award ceremony on Friday night. Film festival winners are chosen by a combination of both judge’s votes and audience ballots. Be sure to make your way to Bellmore theatre this July 7th through 14th for a truly enriching cultural experience.

Helping Hands In West Islip, Inc. will be hosting a happy meal/ backpack drive Wednesday

The drive will be held at the American Legion Hall in West Islip on June 15th at 9:30 A.M. The charity is asking everyone to help donate. They will be collecting new or very gently used machine washed backpacks to get underprivileged children ready for  the upcoming school year- a few pencils or other school supplies added would make a great donation; non-perishable breakfast/lunches in a decorated bag with card and toy for  camp/soup kitchens (example:  granola bars and cereal boxes.)

Helping Hands serves 22 local organizations and any local families they are made aware of. The charity relies strictly on donations and volunteers.

“Helping Hands realizes we may not be able to change a child’s life circumstances, but we can give them happy moments through your gestures of love and care! After all, we are changing the world through kindness, 1 smile at a time. That’s where hope lives!” the charity wrote in an announcement.

The charity is only accepting items on the designated date and time at the American Legion Hall, located at 340 Union Blvd., West Islip (across from the fire house). Donations for supplies (candy, tape, paper, trash bags used for distribution) are desperately needed.

“We would be grateful if you or your group would consider a carwash, lemonade stand, garage sale, bake sale or even a ‘home party’ with proceeds donated to our drives. We currently have no other source of income for our ‘out of pocket costs!’ Think about it! Thank you!” Helping Hands added.

Beachhouse

Being dubbed the hottest “East End Eats,” Beachhouse is set to finally open for summer.

From Michael Gluckman, comes the newest eatery on the East End called Beachhouse. The Montauk restaurant opens to the public this Memorial Day weekend bringing seafood chic to the classic American steahouse.

Guests have their pick of lunch on the outdoor patio, or romantic dinner by candlelit in the intimate ocean room! The chic eatery features plush leather banquettes and a 50-foot mahogany bar, complemented with exposed brick pillars and high ceilings, and is only minutes from the ocean.

Executive Chef Dennis J. Farrell has crafted specialty dishes exclusively to Beachhouse, including Lobster Glazed Seared Local Sea Scallops over Truffle Sweet Cream Corn, Beet & Goat Cheese Terrine with roasted beets, Frisseé, Crostinis and Truffle Balsamic Vinaigrette and a 28oz USDA Prime 21 Day Aged Cowboy Ribeye Steak. For drinks, try decadent drinks like Beach Bum Margarita and Dragon Fruit Martini.

Beachhouse will be open seven days a week for lunch, brunch and dinner, and is available to cater. For more information, Beachhouse  103 Montauk Highway, East Hampton, NY. www.ehbeachhouse.com.

Uncle Giuseppe’s is celebrating the Grand Opening of our fifth location at 37 Hicksville Road in Massapequa, NY on May 27^th at 10am.  Nassau County’s south shore residents now have their own neighborhood gourmet Italian market – combined with a full service supermarket – in a fun and beautiful shopping environment.

The store has created 150 local jobs, and has all the features that Uncle Giuseppe’s customers love about their favorite “Uncle G’s”: a meat department with a selection of steaks, poultry, roasts and Italian sausage that’s made daily in front of customers, a 62’ long deli counter with dozens of dishes made using old-fashioned Italian recipes, a produce department with a large variety of domestic, imported, local and organic fruits and vegetables, a full Italian bakery where customers can see donuts being made, a candy counter with three flowing chocolate fountains, a seafood department with live lobsters, freshly caught seafood and an assortment of prepared dinners made by our seafood chef, a pasta room where customers can see fresh ravioli and pasta being made, a cheese selection with hundreds of different cheeses from around the world, our signature mozzarella machine that’s imported from Italy, and a full service supermarket with all the groceries you’d find in a regular supermarket including gluten-free and organic products.

“We’re really excited about coming to Massapequa and look forward to serving the people in that community,” said Philip Del Prete, President and CEO.

Italian-inspired architectural details create the feeling of shopping in an Italian outdoor marketplace, including hand-painted sky ceilings, Roman-style columns and archways, Italian music and faux flames above the check-out lanes.

Uncle Giuseppe’s has five locations on Long Island in East Meadow, Smithtown, Port Washington, Port Jefferson station and Massapequa.  The company was founded in 1998 by brothers Philip, Carl and Joseph Del Prete and operating partner Thomas Barresi.

For more information visit  www.uncleg.com.

The Paul Rapaport Foundation has awarded a 3-year grant in the amount of $175,000 to Long Island Crisis Center’s Pride for Youth program.  The grant will go to address disparities among LGBT youth of color and also fund the cost of a social worker to provide services directly to students in the school districts of Hempstead, Roosevelt and Uniondale.

“What we tend to see with gay youth of color is a more complex set of challenges:  poverty, the need to take on independent roles at early ages, and day-to-day survival taking priority over planning for the future,” states Associate Executive Director Andy Peters. He went on,“As a result, the path to LGBT adulthood is often even more difficult, and physical and emotional ‘self-care’ can take a backseat to more immediate needs like earning money and helping to stabilize the family.”

The grant will provide free, high quality support to these youth on-site in their school districts.  The goal is to promote positive identity development and increase skills to manage stressful life events in under-resourced communities, where there are fewer opportunities and additional stigma.

The Paul Rapoport Foundation works to support programs and organizations working in the areas of social services, healthcare, legal rights and issues, and community empowerment for three populations of low or no income:  transgender communities of color;  LGBTQ youth of color, ages 24 and under;  and LGTB seniors of color aged 60 and over.

First Place Winner: Patti Novy with her two daughters; Cactus Owner Joseph Secreti; and Third Place Winner: Monique Gebbia.

Cactus introduced its very first Facebook contest this month, asking the public to submit their favorite mom to win great prizes and the Cactus title of “Best Mom.”

“To illustrate the power of social media, this contest consisted of just 61 entries, yet it was shared with 24,877 people, without any media support or advertising budget,”said Brandon Pagan of Cactus Salon.”We promoted this 100% through Facebook and in Cactus Salon and participating sponsors.”

The contest asked the Long Island public to submit a posting through the Cactus Facebook page explaining why their mom is the “Best Mom.”

The winners were announced following Mother’s Day and claimed their prizes today at the Cactus corporate headquarters in Hauppauge. There were three winners and over $2,000 in prizes including the grand prize, an Ultimate Day of Beauty from Cactus, that included limousine service to and from salon, dinner for 4 at Shiro, 6-month membership to Sportime, a full line of products from Cosmetic Surgeon in a Jar from Dr Stephen Greenberg, professional teeth whitening service, flowers and a gift card for flower service, a $200 gift certificate to Love My Shoes, a month of spray tanning service from Suvara and a $300 gift card from Nikki Dress.

The First Place winner was Patti Novy of Hauppauge, who was submitted by her young daughter. When asked why she chose to submit her mom for the contest, she said, ”She’s been there through all of the surgeries I have had.”

Novy’s submission read:

“When I was little my Mom starting working out of our house so she could spend time with me. I have had 4 surgeries and she always makes me feel special. So excited My Mom’s friends, the Wellness Warriors have raised almost $500,000 for Breast Cancer! Love you Mommy.”

Novy claimed her prize alongside her two daughters who looked on as their own mom was dubbed the Cactus “Best Mom.”

Novy got 674 votes to beat out the Second Place Winner, Catherine Gaynor of Wantagh with 653 votes.

The Third Place Winner was Monique Gebbia of Medford with 553 votes. She was nominated by her daughter. Gebbia described her daughter’s nomination as “unexpected” and “not like her.” The proud mom went on describing her daughter as if the competition was “Best Daughter.”

“She’s on a (volunteer) mission in Nicaragua,”said Gebbia.

Gebbia’s winning post read:

“A single mother with more love for her daughter & her family then imaginable! For 20yrs she’s been working full-time, cooking healthy meals, & helping her mother with her health & financial troubles. She’s one of those women who never take a break – winning would mean a lot to her.”

The second and third place winners received prizes from each participant only in lesser denominations. Prize value averaged at $800 for second and third place.

This contest was the first and proved to be so successful you can bet it won’t be the last for Cactus. Next up for Cactus’ contests, look out for “Cactus’ Next Model.”

All photos © John S. Vater of A. Vater Inc.

Finally, the Huntington Hot List!

The list that has launched its spring/summer collections featuring stunning new items and styles available exclusively in Huntington has arrived.

This season, the Hot List showcases the beautiful Huntington Lighthouse, which has become a rallying symbol for local businesses fighting for its preservation.

Photo caption: Faye Schulman, partisan and photographer, holding a rifle, photo taken by another partisan in her group.

The Holocaust Center Welcomes New Exhibit: Pictures of Resistance.

The remarkable exhibit, “Pictures of Resistance: The Wartime Photographs of Jewish Partisan Faye Schulman” courtesy of the Jewish Partisan Educational Foundation will be on view at the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County beginning on May 1. These compelling photographs were taken by Faye Schulman, the only known Jewish partisan to document the World War II partisan experience in pictures.

The exhibit will run through July 15.

The Center is open daily from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM and Sunday from 12 Noon to 4:00 PM. Suggested donation: $10.00 for adults, $5.00 for students to age 18 and seniors (65+). The Center is located at 100 Crescent Beach Road, Glen Cove. For information and directions call 516 571-8040 ext. 100 or see our website www.holocaust-nassau.org.

Don't find yourself high and dry this summer. Take a U.S. Coast Guard Safe Boating Class! Courtesy: H.Wright USCG AUX

May 21st marks National Safe Boating Week. After counting over 4,700 recreational boating accidents involving over 730 deaths and $36 million in property damage in 2009 alone, the US Coast Guard is urging boaters to better prepare!

The US Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 12-01 at Fort Totten in Bayside, suggests preparing for the summer afloat by enrolling in one of the boating classes they offer ranging from their introductory 8-hour classes to the more advanced weekend navigator course.

June 4th will be the 8 hour New York State Safe Boating Class at All Saints Episcopal Church in Great Neck. June 11, June 26, July 17 and August 14 will be another 8-hour introductory class, About Boating Safely at Fort Totten. Their Weekend Navigator Class will be basic/advanced coastal navigation and will familiarize the general public with voyage planning, aids to navigation, visual and electronic navigation and chart reading and plotting.

All classes require pre-registration by contacting the Public Education Officer, Mike Kaff at 917-952-7014 or enroll online at http://a0141201.uscgaux.info.

CCMAC Walk Banner: Eager to walk to help fight Melanoma, many Long Islanders turned out for the Colette Coyne Melanoma Awareness Campaign’s Walk/Run at Eisenhower Park on Sunday, May 15th.

Sperry Credit Union has sponsored the Colette Coyne Melanoma Awareness Campaign’s Walk/Run at Eisenhower Park for many years.  Since 1999, the Campaign is dedicated to increasing awareness on the dangers and causes of skin cancer, specifically Melanoma.  The organization supports education of family members – young and old – to adopt healthy attitudes and behaviors in protecting themselves from unprotected exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays.

CCMAC, was resulted from the loss of their young daughter, Colette from Melanoma, is aimed at the community’s youth where good behaviors and habits take shape.  The Campaign developed the Colette Coyne Skin Cancer Prevention Bill – restricting tanning bed use for minors – passed in Nassau County.  It was followed by the Colette Coyne Melanoma Awareness Act in Suffolk County; New York State led the nation in June ’06 by passing a similar law.

Sperry Credit Union congratulates Mrs. Colette Coyne, founder of the Colette Coyne Melanoma Awareness Campaign (CCMAC) on her induction into the Long Island Volunteer Hall of Fame.

“We are proud of her, her family and all the volunteers who are committed and dedicated to helping others so they never have to go through the loss of a child to skin cancer.  Sperry Credit Union is honored to be associated with this fine family who embodies the foundation of credit unions far and wide, ‘People Helping People,’ and applaud their tireless efforts for such a worthwhile cause,” said Robert O’Hara, Director of Lending.

HONU of Huntington

Well it looks like Summer is finally back! And that means getting out and celebrating! Right?

The great thing about Long Island is that there are so many different party options. From dining options that include enjoying the outdoors and the beautiful Long Island landscape to budget friendly Ladies Nights offering half-off drinks, Long Island offers it all.

Instead of racking your brains out on what to do this weekend and where to go with your friends, let us do all the work. And boy did we do our homework, here are some suggestions that we think you will enjoy!

Try HONU Kitchen and Cocktails for Ladies Night. Sorry Fellas, this one’s for the gals!

Sophisticated dining establishment, Honu, located at 363 New York Ave. in Huntington is offering Ladies half-priced signature cocktails at the bar every Thursday night.

The new Ladies Night will start this week and takes place from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. with a live DJ spinning from 9 p.m. on. Unfortunately no deals for the dudes, except we think the fact that HONU will be swarming with ladies is fair enough!

Try VIEW for “Tropical Thursdays!”

VIEW is located at 3 Consuelo Place in Oakdale and is offering “Tropical Thursdays” starting May 26 and will take place every week until September!

VIEW of Oakdale

The newly revamped destination- which was once a part of William K. Vanderbilt’s 900-acre “Idle Hour” Estate- now features modern and nautical elegance overlooking the Great South Bay. And it’s now offering Island Rhythms, Tropical Fare & Drink Specials. View invites you to relax island-style at Tropical Thursdays featuring the soothing rhythms of Steel Drumania.

Beginning at 7 p.m. every Thursday from May 26 through September, enjoy the sounds of a steel drum flamenco guitar duo while sipping beer or a tropical drink, sponsored by Bacardi Rum, out on the deck. The first 50 Coronas ordered are free each week. As far as drink specials, try a FIRE ISLANDER which is Finlandia Mango Fusion Vodka, Bacardi Rock Coconut, pomegranate and pineapple juice, splash grenadine, rimmed in raspberry sugar.

Try NISEN SUSHI for “MIX, MINGLE & MARRIAGE EQUALITY!”

Nisen Sushi of Commack

Nisen Sushi located at 5032 Jericho Turnpike in Commack is now hosting “Mix, Mingle & Marriage Equality” with Human Rights Campaign, on Sunday, May 22 at 4 p.m. Passed hors d’oeuvres and drink specials will be offered. DJ will be spinning tunes on the outdoor patio- Tickets are $5 and include an annual HRC membership.

As the largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans, HRC represents a force of more than one million members and supporters nationwide — all committed to making HRC’s vision a reality. Founded in 1980, HRC advocates on behalf of LGBT Americans, mobilizes grassroots actions in diverse communities, invests strategically to elect fair-minded individuals to office and educates the public about LGBT issues. Through research, educational efforts and outreach, HRC Foundation encourages LGBT Americans to live their lives openly and seeks to change the hearts and minds of Americans to the side of equality.

Try Prime – An American Kitchen and Bar for Dock & Dine Program at Huntington Harbor!

Prime of Huntington

Prime located at 117 New York Avenue in Huntington is offering a boaters dream; Dine & Dock daily from Memorial Day Weekend, 11:30 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. to Labor Day Weekend.

Prime at Huntington Harbor announces Prime Picnic Baskets and its 2011 Dock and Dine program for boaters. Prime Picnic Baskets of freshly made snacks, soup, salads, sandwiches and desserts are $250.

Baskets serve four-to-six people and include, Spiced almonds, Russet potato chips,  Crispy wasabi peas, Brie cheese with water crackers and red grapes, Tomato gazpacho with red onion and cucumber, Caesar salad with homemade croutons and shaved Parmesan, Spinach salad with blue cheese and bacon. Sandwiches include, Lump crab salad sandwich with lemon dill dressing on a croissant, Prime dry-aged steak sandwich with horseradish mayonnaise and roasted peppers and Curried chicken salad sandwich with celery and apple. Desserts include, Double fudge brownies with white chocolate drizzle and Marinated melon salad with fresh mint.

Even more exciting, from Memorial Day, boaters also receive complimentary docking at the Huntington Harbor restaurant’s 300-foot dock with the purchase of a Prime Boaters Card.

Try something new : TR Restaurant & Bar!

TR Restaurant of Hampton Bays

TR Restaurant & Bar, located at 78 Foster Avenue in Hampton Bays offers creative and classic Hamptonian seafood. This year-round creative and classic “Hamptonian” seafood restaurant will utilize the freshest, high-quality ingredients from local fishermen and purveyors.

Aiming to set the bar in the Hamptons by which to judge seafood, agriculture and wine, Rutyna offers a seafood menu full of creative dishes and refined old age classics.  Prices range from $8 to $15 for appetizers, $24 to $35 for entrées, and $8 to $12 for desserts.  Patrons will find an array of local, fresh fish caught by local, skilled fishermen. Appetizers include: whole Maya prawns, grilled with olive oil and lemon; tuna sashimi with wasabi, soy and ponzu; billi bi, a mussel stew; and Rose’s grove oysters mignonette.  Entrées feature: two-pound lobsters (market price), fire roasted with olive oil, lemon and tarragon or steamed with clarified butter and lemon; Long Island duck breast with port wine, figs and thyme; BBQ shrimp, Louisiana-style with rice and black beans; and homemade tagliatelle with lobster, porcini, light cream.

“Let them eat cake!” At least that’s what Tanger Outlets at the Arches said today as they attempted to set the Guinness Book of World Records for the World’s Largest Dessert Party.

Well, it worked and a record number of guests satisfied their sweet tooth to help Tanger Outlets achieve the very large goal.

The outlet center was one of 34 Tanger locations in 22 states taking part in the challenge that invited guests to help them break a record while celebrating the Outlet center’s 30th Anniversary with a delicious dessert party.

“In each Tanger Outlet center across the country we will be hosting a dessert party and hopefully break a Guinness World Record,”said Vanessa Mitton, Assistant General Manager of Tanger Outlets at the Arches.

Guests waited patiently in line, but by 2:30 p.m. hundreds piled into the Tanger Outlet center- while Guinness Book of World Records’ auditors counted them- and grabbed their choice of desserts. There were plenty of choices. Guests picked from thousands of different colored mini-cupcakes and an array of different types of cookies.

“We have black and whites, chocolate chips, oatmeal cookies and cupcakes,” said a Tanger Outlets associate.

Food wasn’t the only exciting thing about Tanger Outlets today, great music bumped the party as a magician and a stilt-walker entertained the cake-eating crowd. Another special guest, Town of Babylon Supervisor, Steve Bellone was also at Tanger to celebrate.

“We are very happy to be here celebrating Tanger’s 30th Anniversary. This center here has become an important part of our community. It’s become a center of community life in many ways. Tanger has been so supportive of local organizations and local community groups throughout Deer Park and throughout the Town of Babylon so we are very happy to be joining today,” said Bellone.

45 minutes after guests started eating, locations transmitted their final count to Guinness in New York City.

Tanger Outlets at the Arches

The contest is part of Tanger’s month long celebration of 30 years of business. Other celebrations at Tanger include giveaways, for example, a free pearl necklace will be given to shoppers who spend over $250 in a single day. In celebrations, the company also announced a Register to Win – $30,000 Tanger Shopping Sprees in 30 Days, which will take place from May 2nd through May 31st. Three lucky shoppers will receive $10,000 each in Tanger Gift Cards. The first prize winner was selected, via random draw by Steven B. Tanger, earlier today from the floor of the New York Stock Exchange where the company rang the closing bell, ending the trading session that day.

At the same time, Tanger CEO, Steven B. Tanger announced whether the chain earned entry into the record book or not. As he took the stage, he announced to the crowd, that Tanger Outlets was able to enter Guinness Book of World Records for the World’s Largest Dessert Party.

“I just want to toast to everyone here and everyone in all of our shopping centers, thank you for making this happen,” Tanger said.

Long Island’s South Nassau Hospital Makes List!

Becker’s Hospital Review, a bimonthly magazine published by ASC Communications located in Chicago, Ill., has just added South Nassau Communities Hospital to its 2011 list of the “100 Best Places to Work in Healthcare” in the United States.

The hospital was selected for its demonstrated excellence in providing a work environment that promotes teamwork, professional development and quality patient care. The list was developed through nominations, research and a rigorous review with peer organizations and is composed of hospitals, health systems, surgery centers and large physician practices.

This marks the third significant media honor that South Nassau has received this year. Earlier, South Nassau was voted the Best Hospital on Long Island by readers of The Long Island Press and the U.S. News & World Report’s first-ever Best Hospitals metro area rankings ranked South Nassau thirty-fifth among all hospitals in the New York metropolitan area, which includes hospitals based in New York City, Long Island, Westchester County, and northern New Jersey.

“At South Nassau Communities Hospital we understand that each member of our team is vital to the overall patient and visitor experience we provide,” said Joseph Quagliata, South Nassau’s president and CEO.  “We understand that a supportive, encouraging, rewarding and collaborative workplace environment is essential to fulfilling South Nassau’s mission to meet the community’s need for standard-setting, advanced healthcare services wherever and whenever they are needed.”

South Nassau is located in Oceanside and is one of Long Island’s largest hospitals. South Nassau is an acute-care, not-for-profit teaching hospital that provides state-of-the-art care in cardiac, oncologic, orthopedic, bariatric, pain management, mental health and emergency services.  In addition to its extensive outpatient specialty centers, the hospital provides emergency and elective angioplasty and is the only hospital on Long Island with the Novalis Tx™ and Gamma Knife® radiosurgery technologies. It is also a designated Stroke Center and Comprehensive Community Cancer Center and is recognized as a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence.

South Nassau has been awarded the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines^SM program’s Gold Performance Achievement Award for Coronary Artery Disease for two consecutive years, and its Home Care program has been named to the HomeCare Elite™ listing of the top home health care providers in the U.S. each of the five years the listing has been released.

Last April 1st, the Massapequa Lions celebrated their 60th Anniversary at the Stuart Thomas Manor of Massapequa. The evening was pleasurable and well organized and the doo-wop music crowned the festivities.

During the gala, Linda Ruggiero was awarded a President Plaque for her leadership and determination, John Diaz the PPDG Melvin Jones Award for his humanitarian work and Sue Piccolo the distinguished Knight of the Blind Award for her indefatigable efforts with cornea transportation for transplant use. Plaques for the longest membership were also awarded to George Russo and Tom Corwin for their 35+ years of affiliation with the Massapequa Lions.

The association received citations and proclamations from many official sources. Among them, the ones from Senator Fuschillo, the New York State Assembly and the Town of Oyster  Bay.

Four new members were installed with great fanfare by the Past International President Al Brandel: the Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto, the NYS Assemblyman Joe Saladino, the author Tiziano Thomas Dossena and the Funeral Director Lucille Romanelli-Cavalli.

Mr. Saladino, President of the NYS Italian American Legislators, received, as a token of friendship from Mr. Dossena, Editorial Director of the Italian language magazine L’Idea, his recently published book Doña Flor, an Opera by Niccolò van Westerhout.

North Shore Animal League America

Around 80 animals arrived in New York from tornado ravaged zones after emergency rescue team transported them to safety while another rescue team remains in Tuscaloosa and continues to offer emergency assistance.

This week, the first of the rescues-25 dogs, 30 puppies and 23 kittens- have arrived from Alabama to North Shore Animal League America. Once they are evaluated, medically, behaviorally, spay or neutered they will begin to be available for adoption at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 12th.

Earlier this month, North Shore Animal League America deployed two of its Emergency Rescue Teams to assist its shelter partners in the state of Alabama, which was recently struck with devastating tornadoes. The natural disaster left hundreds of animals abandoned or lost and many displaced families were left no choice but to relinquish their pets.

With local shelters being bombarded with animals, North Shore Animal League stepped in.

“It is so heartbreaking to know that just a few weeks earlier the Animal League stopped in Tuscaloosa for our annual national adoption event, Tour For Life.  We will do everything we can to find safe havens for these priceless pets,” said SVP of Operations Joanne Yohannan.

The North Shore Animal League American will be aiding the Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter and the Greater Birmingham Humane Society with this crisis and along with transporting animals, they will also assisting by transporting animals to surrounding shelters, where they will be housed until reunions or adoptions have been made.  (Animals that are found on the streets, or have been abandoned will remain in Alabama shelters with the hope of reconnecting with their owners.)

“The sheer volume of animals that are being brought into shelters every day is overwhelming.  We are so grateful for the hands on support that North Shore Animal League America is providing.  With their expertise and ability to relocate and transport animals’, it is undeniable that pets’ lives will ultimately be saved,”said Laura Golden, GBHS Strategic Communications Officer.

There are many ways that the concerned animal loving community can help, including adopting a pet, volunteering or by visitingwww.AnimalLeague.org to make a donation, which will help support this and other rescue efforts.

Join the Country’s Largest Food Drive this Saturday, May 14^th !

To participate, it’s so easy. All you have to do is leave a sturdy bag of nonperishable food by your mailbox this Saturday and your letter carrier will do the rest.

National Grid Foundation President, Bob Keller with Brentwood District Science Fair 8th and 9th grade winners

Seventy-five winners from this year’s Brentwood District Science Fair celebrated DNA Day on April 15th by genetically engineering bacteria that glows! The hands-on scientific experiences (funded by the National Grid Foundation) delivered by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory’s DNA Learning Center, are part of a larger district-led effort to enhance the school district’s biology curriculum.

“Science students in Brentwood have been winning competitions and gaining the attention of experts from Discovery TV to Ivy League Colleges.  It’s amazing,” said

School Board President George Talley said, “here’s a real positive for our kids: the National Grid Foundation and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, two organizations with impeccable reputations teaming up with Brentwood’s award-winning science program. That’s a winning combination for our community.”

“The National Grid Foundation is proud to join DNA Learning Center and Brentwood Schools in bringing the promise and wonder of scientific inquiry to the students of Brentwood.  It’s our hope that it will spark life-long learning about the mysteries of life’s most fundamental building block – DNA,” said Bob Keller, National Grid Foundation President.

The special program includes six full-day laboratory experiences at Brentwood’s elementary schools for 650 5th graders. Each student participant has the opportunity to view his/her own cells, as well as plant cells, using compound microscopes. 120 9^th grade students in the honors biology program will participate in two different in-school labs, including genetically engineering bacteria with a gene for bioluminescence and using gel electrophoresis to observe how scientists manipulate DNA for techniques such as gene splicing.  Both labs incorporate key concepts that are part of the New York State Regents Living Environment course.

“Through our DNA Learning Center programs, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory is committed to enriching the science programs offered by our local schools,” said CSHL President Bruce Stillman, Ph.D.  “We are pleased to provide Brentwood’s kids with educational experiences that will not only get them interested in science but that will help them understand concepts critical to decisions they will make in the future about their own health and the well-being of society.”

The program was developed collaboratively by Amanda McBrien, Assistant Director of Instruction at the DNA Learning Center, and Lisa Catandella, Elementary Science Consultant in the Brentwood Union Free School District.

In addition to the on-site instruction the program also includes a teacher training session for teachers, experiment supplies for students, and access to on-line resources for both.

Joseph A. Quagliata, president and CEO, South Nassau Communities Hospital, joins with Michael Passet, CEO, Orlin & Cohen Orthopedic Group, the event’s top sponsor; Craig Levitz, MD, chief of orthopedics at South Nassau Communities Hospital, and Rajiv Datta, MD, medical director of the Cancer Center and chairman of the Department of Surgery at South Nassau Communities Hospital.

This week, more than 500 food and wine enthusiasts feasted on the finest foods, desserts, pastries and wines served in the Long Island/New York metro area at the 18th Annual “Evening of Good Taste” culinary extravaganza.

The event was held at the Crest Hollow Country Club and raised nearly $150,000 in support of South Nassau Communities Hospital’s Comprehensive Cancer Program.

“It is with unequivocal confidence that I call Evening of Good Taste Long Island’s premiere culinary extravaganza,” said Stephen Bello, C.E.C., C.C.A., A.A.C., South Nassau’s award-winning executive chef, who is the founder of the event said in a press release. “This is a direct result of the enduring support of South Nassau’s administration, the sponsors, the my culinary arts colleagues and the selfless efforts of the event volunteers.”

This year’s “Evening of Good Taste” showcased the very best foods, desserts and wines in the region and served as an official competition to determine the top culinary artists and vintners on Long Island and the New York metro area as judged by a team of certified executive chefs from the tri-state region. The competition had divisions for schools, restaurants, vintners, bakeries and ice sculptors and awards are given for appetizers, entrées, desserts, overall table presentation, bread, pastries, decorated cakes, wine display and vendor display.

The results of the competition:
People’s Choice Award – Sodexo;
Restaurant Division-
Appetizer: Sutton Place (Noodle Bowl)
Entrée: Butterfields (Venison)
Dessert: The View (“Bacon & Eggs”)
Overall Table Presentation: Phillip Stone Caterers
ACF Gold Medal Restaurant: Butterfields
Ice Carving – Ice Fantasies
Bakery –
Bread: Framboise (Irish Soda Bread)
Pastry: Framboise (Hazelnut Dacquoise)
Decorated Cakes: Looking Glass (Green Tea Apricot Cake)
Breakfast Pastry: Blackstone (Cinnabon)
Best Wine Display – Fedway Imports
Best Vendor Display – Coffee Distributing Corp.
Student Division –
Appetizer: Joseph M. Barry Career & Educational Center (Duck 2 Ways)
Entrée: Joseph M. Barry Career & Educational Center (Short Ribs)
Dessert: Eastern Suffolk BOCES (Dark Chocolate Torte)
Outstanding Student Display: Eastern Suffolk BOCES.

“Evening of Good Taste” benefited South Nassau’s Comprehensive Cancer Program, a recipient of the prestigious American College of Surgeons (ACS) Commission on Cancer (CoC) Outstanding Achievement Award. The program features a multi-disciplinary team of accomplished medical, radiation, and surgical oncologists who work together and use advanced diagnostic, medical, radiation, and surgical oncology technologies and treatments to treat a wide range of cancers.

South Nassau’s Cancer Program and Cancer Center in Valley Stream incorporate the following specialty cancer care services:South Nassau’s GYN Oncology Department (Valley Stream), South Nassau’s Long Island Gamma Knife® Center (Oceanside),South Nassau’s Center for Prostate Health Program (Oceanside),  South Nassau’s Center for Breast Health (Oceanside), South Nassau’s Center for Lung Health (Oceanside/Valley Stream),  South Nassau’s Radiation Oncology Department (Oceanside and Valley Stream), South Nassau’s Surgical Oncology Department (Oceanside and Valley Stream), Complete Women’s Imaging Center (Oceanside) & South Nassau’s PET/CT Service (Oceanside).

The next installment of All Music’s FREE monthly workshop series will take place Friday, May 27th at 7p.m. at All Music Store located at on South Oyster Bay Road in Plainview and enlist the help of Musician Mike Frost.

The lesson will take place at All Music, one of Long Island’s favorite independent music stores whose services include a comprehensive lesson program with more than 30 teachers on staff, one of the area’s largest school instrument rental programs and a full service repair shop.

The music store will team up with musician Mike Frost for the free workshop.

Mike Frost is a life long composer, studio musician and educator. The former student of jazz legend’s Pat Martino and Jaco Pastorius, leads his own band, “Inner Voice,” and tours with Jesse Colin Young and guitarist Esteban. He has also recorded with the likes of John Micele (Meatloaf) and John Scarpulla (Tower of Power,Bruce Springsteen) among others.

Frost will be demonstrating the BOSS RC-20XL LOOP STATION; an incredible live performance device that’s also indispensable as a tool for students practicing lesson plans in development of soloing, bass lines, and chordal parts. He will also be covering music theory for all instruments, bass technique, feel, dynamics, tone, pocket grooves, soloing concepts and chordal functions – something for all musicians.

Nordstrom has just announced plans to relocate its Nordstrom Rack at the Mall at the Source to the Gallery at Westbury Plaza. The new store will be located approximately a quarter of a mile from the existing location and is set to open in fall 2012.

The Long Island Nordstrom Rack became the first New York Rack store when it opened in 1997- Nordstrom now operates three Rack stores and two full-line stores in the state of New York. Nordstrom Rack will be relocating to a new 36,000-square-foot store in a new development that is closer to the Nordstrom full-line store at Roosevelt Field.

“The Mall at the Source has been a good home for us for the last 14 years,” said Geevy Thomas, president of Nordstrom Rack in a Nordstrom press release. “We’re always looking for ways to better serve our customers and this relocation gives us a great opportunity to improve the shopping experience at the Rack. We think the Gallery at Westbury Plaza is an exciting new project and we look forward to opening our doors in 2012.”

The new Nordstrom Rack will be located on the second level of Gallery at Westbury Plaza, a new 330,000-square-foot, open-air shopping center located off Old Country Road (owned and operated by Equity One).

“We are very excited to add Nordstrom Rack to what we expect to be an incredibly strong line-up of tenants at our new Gallery at Westbury Plaza,” said Jeffrey Olson, CEO of Equity One in a press release.

Keynote Speaker, Jeff Goldberg

Last night, Kioli members gathered for a night of networking and commerce connection!

The very first KIOLI Chamber of Commerce Connection took place at Adventureland in Farmingdale from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The new program was designed to connect Chambers of Commerce together to promote Kioli, Networking and the sharing of ideas with local businesses.

“It was a great night,” said KIOLI Founding Member and event organizer, Felice Cantatore.

Ultimately, the night reminded everyone of the movement- Keep IT on Long Island. The Kioli philosophy and movement means many things, from keeping our money here where it cannot be manipulated by treacherous Wall Street investments to providing our children with affordable housing alternatives and productive skilled employment.

As the members mingled and took advantage of complimentary refreshments, Morey Publishing President and KIOLI Founding Member, Jed Morey & Long Island Press Vice President and KIOLI Founding Member, Felice Cantatore welcomed the crowd.

Two special guests spoke to the crowd from Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce, a Best of L.I. winner (The Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce – PO Box 1166, Farmingdale, NY 11735 - (516) 249-9090) and Melville Chamber of Commerce (The Melville Chamber of Commerce-585 Broadhollow Road, Melville, NY 11747- (631) 777-6260). Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce President, Debbie Podolski and Melville Chamber of Commerce President, Michael Deluise addressed the crowd and spoke about working together and uniting. They shared their feelings on the importance of showing a united front, networking together and how it would attract more business.

Then Suffolk County Legislator, DuWayne Gregory took center stage to share his opinion on working together and what rewards could be expected from it.

Michael Deluise, Felice Cantatore, Debbie Podolski

Finally, Jeff Goldberg from Jeff Goldberg & Associates, spoke to the crowd and shared his advice. He gave tips on how to effectively network, from meeting more people to increasing your sales funnel.

Businesses present included, Action Print Solutions, Wilkins Fitness, Brown & Bigelow, TWO Restaurant, Cheeburger Cheeburger, Jeff Goldberg & Associates, Bloom Resource Group, SMS Message Pros, MetLife, Industry One, Paperless Solutions Inc, CMIT Solutions, Corporate Commercial Realty, LLC, Sobel Law Offices P.C., It’s Time to Get Fit!,The Office Connection, Inc., The Sign Source, Inc., Retirement Benefits Designs, LLC., Guttman & Guttman, 511 NY Rideshare, The Bay Harbour Group, F1 IT Solutions and Support, Citibank, American Airpower Museum, Portnoy Messinger Pearl & Associates, New York Commercials, Stop & Shop, TD Bank, Aflac, Actionable Print Solutions, Bradley Marketing Group, Farmingdale Public Library, Lawrence H. Hochberg, CPA., The Salvation Army, Long Island Association, and Petsitters Long Island.

Art in the Park Fine Art & Craft Fair at Huntington’s Heckscher Park June 4 & 5

The Art League of Long Island is having their annual Art in the Park Fine Art & Craft Fair at Heckscher Park in Huntington on Saturday June 4 and Sunday June 5, and is now seeking art entries!  Art in the Park is an Art League has turned tradition that has attracted more than hundreds of art lovers each year for over 40 years.

No need to worry about a rain date as this rain or shine event. It will be open to the public at 10 am and close at 5pm both days.  There is no admission so the entire family gets in for free.  You can expect live demonstrations, live music, food and drink at the event.  Prizes will also be handed out to artists and craftspeople for superior artistry and craftsmanship.

New York Lottery Announces Area’s Biggest Draw Game Winners For The Week Of May 1, 2011 and they’re a lot of Long Islanders!

The New York Lottery today announced the names of area Lottery players who claimed a winning ticket from one of the Lottery’s live drawings between May 1 and May 7, 2011. The following winners each received a cash prize valued at $10,000 or more.

Long Islander, Donald Look of Great Neck, won $67,808 on the Take Five drawing of May 1st. Look’s winning ticket was purchased at the Kevin & Melody Discount at 489 Middle Neck Rd in Great Neck.

Thomas Allnoch of Wading River, won $10,017 on the Powerball drawing of April 27th. Allnoch’s winning ticket was purchased at the Getty Gas at 4123 Middle Country Rd in Calverton.

Jose Amaya of Brentwood, won $10,000 on the Mega Millions drawing of April 26th. Amaya’s winning ticket was purchased at the Easy Jay Convenience at 249-251 2nd Ave in Brentwood.

Diane Fay of Middle Village, won $75,488 on the Take Five drawing of May 4th. Fay’s winning ticket was purchased at the Optimo Candy & Grocery Store at 74-29 Metropolitan Ave in Middle Village.

Evlinda Langley of Melville, won $49,008 on the Take Five drawing of April 29th. Langley’s winning ticket was purchased at the Mcm Cards & Gifts at 888 Walt Whitman Rd Rte 110 in Melville.

The final Long Islander to take home winnings was Antonio Rodriguez of Brentwood, who won $25,000 on the Win 4 drawing of May 5th. Rodriguez’s winning ticket was purchased at the Stop & Shop Deli at 329 Crooked Hill Rd in Brentwood.

Totally Tube! reveals the hottest talent on the internet via YouTube. You can find undiscovered talents such as, Kurt Schneider, a young music producer and filmaker whose whimsical piano playing have given him a loyal online following.  The talent Joseph Vincent’s performances of “If You Stay” and “Life of a Man” have touches of Jack Johnson, Jason Mraz and Bruno Mars in his music.  There is even a vocal duo, Megan & Liz,  who have the appeal of artists like Demi Lovato and Miley Cyrus.

These undiscovered talents may become discovered just as Jenna Rose became one of Long Island’s best known teenagers with her YouTube video of “My Jeans,.” In addition to cover songs, eighteen year old Tiffany Alvord has been writing and singing her own songs for several years including “E.T,” “The Reason Is You,” and “Change.” Westchester’s Kait Weston can also be heard on the site where her big voice soars on covers of Train’s “Marry Me” as well as on songs by Pink, Alicia Keys, Katy Perry and others.

The Hamptons are so last summer. What’s new? A secret summer oasis not many Long Islander’s know about.

Located about 100 miles east of Manhattan between the North and South forks of Long Island’s East end is a little slice of paradise called Shelter Island. And Summer 2011 on the Island just got a lot hotter with the opening of La Maison Blanche, a new boutique hotel and restaurant.

The eight-room luxury hotel, complete with restaurant, bar, and bakery, is making its official debut this summer.

We all remember Brioschi right? It was hard to pronounce and no one ever got it right on the first try- ”bree-os-kee.” Well its back and more popular than ever!

Over the years it has become a long a familiar dietary staple in Italian American households, has been on retailer shelves for the better part of 100 years. But recently, it has become even more popular with a new generation as an all-natural choice.

“We have gained almost immediate acceptance,” said Arthur Dessein, Vice-President of Sales, “People are figuring out that you don’t need to ingest all of these different chemicals to treat heartburn or upset stomach, and they love that we’re a small company, very friendly and very focused on making a quality product”

It comes at a time with recalls of other antacids such as Rolaids and Mylanta, most of which contain chemical ingredients. With the advent of an new aggressive management team, Brioschi, based in Fairlawn, NJ is beginning to occupy more and more shelf space in America’s leading retail stores.

Since the acquisition 6 months ago, Brioschi has gained entry into many northeastern retailers such as Wegmans & Shoprite and on a national level at drugstores such as CVS and mass merchandisers like K-Mart. But it wasn’t until recently that the brand experienced such high times.

Last year, after a decade long decline in market share following the death of the founder’s son, Mr. Patrick Dessein, a noted entrepreneur, and his two sons, Arthur and Quentin, who blow-molded the Brioschi bottle for several years, stepped in and purchased the brand in the fall of 2010.

“We want to grow quickly and we’ll create as many jobs as necessary to keep up with that growth” Says Dessein.

With 6 months sales that have already matched the entire previous years sales, they believe that a huge shift in consumer demand for natural products and maintaining their extremely consumer friendly culture will make Brioschi a consumer favorite.

Brioschi has initiated a national promotional blitz comparable to large pharmaceutical companies that has already reached more than 35 million consumers. Prime placement print advertisements in major and local publications, major event sponsorships such as the Philadelphia Wing Bowl, television interviews and aggressive on shelf promotions to keep price low has resulted in significant sales increase and a huge expansion in the consumer base.

Arthur Dessein noted, “We are finding that people really love the way Brioschi works and tastes so we’re putting substantial capital in place to educated the consumer and increase awareness throughout the entire U.S”

Learn To Rock Out For Free!

Five Towns College in Dix Hills invites you to attend a FREE Guitar Clinic on Sunday May 22 at 1:00 p.m.

Your host for the clinic is Professor Steve Briody who studied jazz guitar with legend Jack Wilkins and is a busy musician in the New York area in addition to being a private instructor at Five Towns College.

At the clinic, Professor Briody will perform, take questions from the audience and may even call someone up to jam out with him!

In addition to his crazy schedule, Professor Briody is also the host of a new website called Learnintwo.com which provides free lessons and information for all those guitar enthusiasts from beginners to experienced players. Everyone is welcome to become a subscriber to the free website, which also features an archive of lessons and a KORG tuner.  Every two weeks a new lesson and a different style of music will be featured on the website. If you would like to speak with Professor Briody in regard to the Learn In Two website, discuss private lessons or to inquire about the guitar programs at Five Towns College, please e-mail him at steve@learnintwo.com.

Due to limited seating, please contact Kim Persche, at 631-656-3115 to reserve your seat for our next FREE guitar clinic on Sunday May 22 at 1:00.

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Besito

“Que esta listo para la fiesta?”

In other words, who is ready to party? Yeah, the question pretty much answers itself. So throw on that sombrero, it’s fiesta time!Just in case you lived under a rock, today’s Cinco De Mayo. And what better way to celebrate the victory of the Mexican militia over the French army than knocking back a margarita. Lucky for Long Islanders, there are a ton of great places to get one.

And if you were “that” student who slept through history class, the holiday of Cinco De Mayo commemorates the victory of the Mexican militia over the French army at The Battle Of Puebla in 1862. It’s celebrated mainly in Mexico but has become increasingly popular in United States (Just like every other holiday that has nothing to do with us) over the past few years.

Here are some places you should definitely stop by:

 

Pancho Villas

311 New York Avenue, Huntington, NY (631) 549-0022/ 48 Cedar Swamp Road, Glen Cove, NY (516) 673-6580 Head on down to Pancho Villas where meseros or meseras are serving up some special Cinco De Mayo treats. Feast on Queso Oazaca; melted cheese, light red sauce, chorizo and seved with flour tortillas. Toast to the Mexican holiday with a native beer; try Don Equis Lager or Negra Modelo while you and your friends enjoy the sounds of a live Mariachi band.

Besito

1516 Old Northern Blvd, Roslyn, NY (516) 484-3001/ 402 New York Avenue, Huntington, NY (631) 549-0100

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Besito with a Tequila Flight accompanied with “Sangrita”. Don’t forget to try the margarita and mojito that won Long Island Press’ Best of Long Island. Besito is offering Cinco De Mayo specials including watermelon and fruit margaritas for $12; and two-for-one beers from 5 to 7 p.m.

Blue Tortilla

1070 Middle Country Rd, Selden, NY (631)- 451-0100

Blue Tortilla is a fresh Mexican Restaurant that serves up a tasty tortilla pizza as an appetizer, it consists of crisp flour tortilla topped with cheddar and jack cheese, sour cream & guacamole, fresh chopped tomato salsa, black or pinto beans. As an entree you should try the Chimichanga’s: one large fried burrito with chicken, steak, or chili meat topped with melted cheese, sour cream and guacamole with rice and beans on the side.

Don Ricardo’s

94 E. Main St. Babylon, NY (631) 587-0122

If you’re in the Babylon area, you may want to stop by Don Ricardo’s and order an Ensalada Mexicana; a taco salad in a flour tortilla shell with ground beef or chicken choice of dressings. Want to try something a little more daring? Opt for Carne a la Tampiquena; basically it’s broiled skirt steak and cheese enchilada with guacamole but we like the enticing name. A Don Ricardo’s mesero suggests trying a house coconut or strawberry Mexican margarita!

Don Juan

4899 Merrick Road, Massapequa Park, NY (516)-798-1172

“This Thursday is the day to let loose with your closest friends and your Don Juan family!” Special guests, Avio and Gran Centenario Tequila, will be hosting the event. Don Juan will open bright and early at 3 p.m. when happy hour starts and goes until 5 p.m. serving up two for one beers. Free giveaways, outdoor dinning, expanded bar, special drink and dinner menus and more!

For those who want to celebrate a little later, May 6th, Plattduetsche Park Restaurant will be celebrating Cinco De Mayo!

Plattduetsche Park Restaurant

1132 Hempstead Tpke, Franklin Square, NY (516)-354-3131

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in the Plattduetsche Park’s Biergarten-Cantina! With live music by Mariachi Real de Mexico, fresh Mexican food from Gonzo’s Mexican Grill & libations from the Dos Equis family of beers, this is a real fiesta! Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Food & drinks available for purchase beginning at 6:00 p.m. (If you pre-register online, they’ll waive the $7 admission fee.)

http://alujna-will-power.blogspot.com/

Rain may seem like the ultimate damper on plans, but no need to fret, there are plenty of fun things to do indoors! So parents, what can you do to entertain your kids while it’s raining? Here are some activities which will interest your children and turn any rainy day into a fun filled day:

1. Watch a Movie:

If you all are feeling lazy it’s a perfect time to go cuddle with blankets and watch your favorite movies and eat some popcorn. After the movie is over you can make-up and share your own stories!

2. Play a Board Game:

With an abundance of kids games, it’s easy to find one children will love. Popular games are normally Candy Land, Trouble, Checkers, or even cards!

3. Build a Fort:

Construct a massive fort or tent in the living room using bed sheets and comforters. You can also make s’mores (via the microwave) and pretend you are camping in the great outdoors.

4. Paint:

Make sure you use washable paint, durable paper, put on a smock and you’re set!

5. Bake:

Cookies, brownies, and cup cakes are just as fun to eat as they are to make! If you can find kiddie sized cup cake tins they are perfect for small hands and mouths.

6. Play Hide and Seek:

Turn of the lights, close the blinds, count to twenty and let the search begin!

7. Create a Scavenger Hunt:

Set up a treasure hunt or scavenger hunt in the house by giving kids a list of what to find and clues as to where to find them. For younger children use pictures and drawings in place of words.

8. Make a Time Capsule:

Let each child write a list of his or her favorite thing to do, eat, see, toy, person, color.

When they are finished it, make sure you write the date and your kids will have something to look back on in the future.

9. Create a Giant 3-D Spider’s Web With Wool:

Buy the cheapest wool and start in any corner. Try tying the wool to the leg of a bed then stretch it across the room in all different directions, be creative! Continue until there is no more wool and then have the kids try to make it through the web without touching any of the wool.

10. Have an Indoor Picnic:

Simply lay a blanket on the living room floor, make some lunch and enjoy your indoor picnic.

11. Be a Local Tourist:

Visit a library, aquarium, or museum in your own hometown and don’t forget your camera, you’re acting as tourists after all!

12. Play in the Rain:

Enjoy the duck weather and go puddle-jumping, just don’t forget the kid’s ponchos and rain boots.

Julie Larsen Maher

One of the largest-bodied animals in North America has become the newest addition to the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Queens Zoo.

Olympia, a young Roosevelt elk has joined four other Roosevelt elk on the zoo’s plains. She’s the third female elk to come to the Queens Zoo. Although she’s new to the herd, she is already getting along well with her exhibit mates.

Olympia spends most of her time browsing on grasses in her new home and exploring her surroundings.

Although a large animal, Olympia still has a lot of growing left to do. She will grow to almost 450 pounds. Her slight stature next to the others is delighting zoo-goers of all ages.

Roosevelt elk are the largest sub-species of elk and have dark brown heads and pale brown bodies. Roosevelt elk are native to the Pacific Northwest. Olympic National Park, located in Washington State, is home to a large population of this animal.

WCS’s North America program is working to protect the landscapes where elk roam and providing them with safe passage as they migrate. One of the ongoing studies is locating the corridors used by elk and moose in seasonal migration across Highway 20 in Idaho. The animals that have been fitted with GPS collars are being tracked by scientists so that animal/vehicle collisions can be avoided through better signage and highway design.

Long Island is one of the best places in the world to experience other cultures without having to leave. With an abundance of exotic, ethnic restaurants and activities, it’s hard to stay sheltered living here.

One of the most exciting cultural activities Long Islanders have the chance to take part in is Long Island’s Annual Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival.

At this time, each year in Japan, the Japanese are busy celebrating the blossoming of cherry blossoms also known as “Sakura.” Right now, thousands are taking part in the “Hanami” custom, the centuries-old practice of picnicking under a blooming sakura.

The Japanese take this season so seriously that every year, the Japanese Meteorological Agency and the public track the sakura zensen (the cherry-blossom front) as it moves up the coast with the warming weather. The blooming begins in Okinawa in January and reaches as far north as Hokkaido by early May. Throughout the season, Japanese turn out in large numbers to hold flower-viewing parties and enjoy the beauty of nature’s cloud-like flowers.

Now, Long Islander’s can celebrate too. This year’s Long Island Cherry Blossom Festival is set for Saturday, May 7th from 12 noon to 5:30 p.m. at Stony Brook University’s Charles B. Wang Center. This year’s purpose is to “HELP RE-BUILD JAPAN!” and will act as a fund-raiser for the relief efforts of the Japanese peoples’ lives and communities. All proceeds will go to Japan Earthquake Relief Fund- Japan Society.

Remembering just a few months ago when Japan suffered one of the deadliest earthquakes it’s ever seen and a subsequent and an even more devastating tsunami that left over 9,000 dead, the thought of Japan is left to a dark place in our minds. This event is sure to bring back the peace, tranquility and natural beauty that Japan was once known for.

The festival will include everything from martial arts demonstrations, a Kendo workshop to yummy sushi treats and Japanese gifts for purchase.

Most appealing for visitors, are the elegant, traditional Japanese music and dance performances that take place during the day. These include a special presentation of Ikebana, Shakuhachi, Cha-no-yu and a Kimono Fashion Show, which will be featured in the “Bamboo Atrium.” Two separate theater performances will include a Classical & Contemporary performance (1:30 p.m); and a Traditional & Modern performance (4:00 p.m.).

Visitors are also able to walk around and view exciting exhibits for free (with donations accepted at each table). These include Cha-No-Yu for adults, which gives the rare opportunity to partake in the Japanese Tea ceremony “Cha No Yu” presented by the Long Island Cha-no-Yu no Kai. Also on exhibit is Ikebana, which displays the disciplined art form of putting flowers in a container, in which nature and humanity are brought together. Contrary to the idea of floral arrangement as a collection of particolored or multicolored arrangement of blooms, ikebana emphasizes other areas of the plant, such as its stems and leaves, and draws emphasis toward shape, line, and form.

Another exciting exhibit is Go. The fascinating board game that originated in Asia more than 4,000 years ago. It’s played today by millions of people, including thousands in the United States. The Stony Brook Go Club welcomes anyone with an interest in Go to come and visit. New players are welcome just as much as advanced players.

Other performances, workshops and exhibits are available and (prices) can be found at Long Island’s Cherry Blossom Festival.

Jenna, a youth member at Sperry Credit Union coloring her submission to our Youth Day poster contest, celebrating youth in our community.

Sperry Credit Union joined credit unions nationwide in celebrating Youth Day. This year’s message was “MONEY ROCKS AT MY CREDIT UNION,” which was designed to show our community’s youth they can become saving rock stars by visiting Sperry Credit Union.

There were children savings coloring books demonstrating why saving is fun, juice and cookies to satisfy their sweet tooth, and a prize of their choice for depositing money into their Kirby Kangaroo®, CU Succeed®, or custodial account. Staff was also on hand to help children use the coin machine.

Sperry Credit Union welcomed new youth members who joined the credit union as Kirby Kangaroo® account holders – a program aimed at children 12 and younger.  The program includes a quarterly newsletter, membership card, coin holder, and access to an age-appropriate interactive financial website. For those members under the age of 18, Sperry Credit Union has CU Succeed®; a savings and, when appropriate, a checking account program for teenagers.  It too features a quarterly newsletter, and access to an age-appropriate interactive financial website.

“Sperry Credit Union is committed to young people in our community.  We’re here to help them plan and save for the future… and we will be here when they want to buy their first car, purchase their first home, and renovate that home.  We believe this is the first of many successful events,” said Angela Fulgieri, Member Services Manager.

The first Long Island Craft Beer Week will hit the Island May 13th and last until the 22nd! The ten day beer week will coincide with American Craft Beer Week.

The Long Island Craft Beer Week will united local beer breweries with the people that enjoy their beer.

“I am grateful that Craft Beer has finally emerged on Long Island. Long Island is full of diverse people with diverse palates. Now we have a plethora of beer to accommodate our varied beer preferences,” said Drew Dvorkin of T.J. Finley’s. “LICBW will showcase not only the breweries and beer, but also the Long Island beer drinker who has historically been regarded as closed-minded when it comes to anything other than Bud, Miller, or Corona.”

Throughout the ten days, special events will take place in both Nassau and Suffolk counties, including:

The Golden Tap Awards Gala honoring Long Island’s beer makers, innovators and pioneers held at the Boulton Center for the Performing Arts in Bay Shore.

The Official Kickoff Party At T.J. Finley’s.

“The kickoff party will be a celebration that recognizes the collective spirit of the Long Island Craft Beer community,” said Drew Dvorkin of T.J. Finley‘s.”We will feature beer from local breweries such as Blue Point, Great South Bay, Greenport Harbor, Long Ireland, Fire Island, Brooklyn Brewery, Sixpoint, and others. The idea is to get craft beer enthusiasts together with brewery reps, distributors, beer bar employees, home-brewers, and like-minded beer lovers.”

Breakfast with the Brewers at Carlyle on the Green in Farmingdale.

Golf Tournament & Beer Dinner in Wading River featuringthe beers of Long Ireland Beer Company.

SimulCask-the simultaneous tapping of beer casks at locations across Long Island, among them T.J. Finley’s in Bay Shore, Bobbique in Patchogue, Great South Bay Brewery in Bay Shore, The Good Life in Massapequa Park, The Cortland in Bay Shore, and the Tap and Barrel in Smithtown .

Long Island Craft Beer & Casino Cruise Night aboard the Opus Casino Cruise Lines in Freeport. It will be hosted by The Good Life.

“It’s $40 per ticket.  The ticket includes a $40 Slot Machine Voucher, Buffet & 7 of Long Island’s Breweries will be on board pouring their beer,” said The Good Life‘s Peter Mangouranes. “Our goal was with Monday being traditionally a industry night if we could get restaurant employees, bartenders and managers aboard to try some of these great breweries and then have them go back to the people that make decisions at their place of work, we could spread the word of Long Island Craft Beer Movement.”

Cask Festival which will feature 10 casks from local and regional breweries. Hosted by T.J. Finley’s in Bay Shore.

Super Neat Peanut Butter and Jelly Time at The Cortland-adventurous beer enthusiasts can try a homebrew of PB&J beer paired with Uncrustables® from Smucker’s® while raising funds for Little Shelter Animal Rescue.

East Coast v. West Coast IPA Challenge hosted by Left Coast Kitchen and Cocktails in Merrick.

Participating local breweries include Barrier Brewing Co., Black Forest Brew Haus, Blind Bat Brewery, Blue Point Brewing Co., Brick House Brewery, Fire Island Beer Co., Great South Bay Brewery, Greenport Harbor Brewing Co., Long Ireland Beer Co. and Southampton Publick House, among others.

The event was created to raise awareness of the thriving local craft beer culture and promote patronage at local establishments.

oldschooltattoos.org

It’s no longer taboo, or out of the ordinary to see people flaunting their tattoos around Long Island. However, years ago “getting inked” was considered to be reserved for the uneducated or lower class. American socialite Ward McAllister said about tattoos in the 1890s, “It is certainly the most vulgar and barbarous habit the eccentric mind of fashion ever invented. It may do for an illiterate seaman, but hardly for an aristocrat.”

Tattoos have been linked to sea-fearing life for centuries and Long Island has its own history of tattoos dating back to the whaling and fishing communities of the 18th century.

Originally, Long Island Native Americans were the island’s first sailors. Europeans first hired the Native Americans to hunt whales in return for other valuable resources, but ultimately this business became dominated by the whites who resented the high prices paid to the Native Americans. Not too long after is when tattoos and sea-fearing life became synonymous.

Samuel O’Reilly, a famed tattooist in New York City, once stated, “A sailor without a tattoo is like a ship without grog: not seaworthy.”

The tradition initially began when Captain Cook discovered tattoos on the natives of the South Pacific. After searching for the perfect souvenir, it occurred to Cook and his sailors that the perfect memento for traveling into foreign and exotic lands would be a tattoo.

Since a tattoo was a memento, each one had its own meaning and was a way for sailors to tell the stories of their heroic voyages without muttering a word.

Miss Elenor Barnes of the Sailor’s Institute once remarked, “Some people pour out their colorful stories to juries. Others relieve the tension by writing for the confession magazines. The sailor enlists the tattooers needle upon his own body in dull blues, vivid reds, greens and yellows to record the story of his loves and hates, his triumphs, his religion, and his patriotism.”

Each tattoo a sailor received marked a mile stone in the sailors career:

Anchor- showed seaman had sailed the ocean

Full-rigged ship- showed seaman had sailed around cape horn

Dragon- seaman had served on a China station

Shellback turtle- seaman who has crossed the equator

Golden dragon- denotes a sailor who has crossed the international Date Line

Port & Starboard ship lights were tattooed on the left (port) and right (starboard) side of the body

Rope- if tattooed around the wrist meant the sailor was a deckhand.

Nautical star- literally representing the North star and being able to find ones way home, more symbolically representing finding ones.

Hundreds of years later tattoos are no longer considered vulgar but decorative accessories to ones skin. Though the actual tattoos themselves have changed, the history and symbolism behind the artwork remains, all originating with the sailors.

(Information from Tattooarchive.com and Cshwhalingmuseum.org.)

“Berkshire has been around for 125 years serving all of New York State with success,” said Nicole Mudd, Foster Care Home Finder at Farmindale’s Berkshire Farms, a company that provides quality foster homes for youth in need of a stable, healthy, loving environment until the youth can either return home to their birth family or be placed with an adoptive family.

Berkshire Farm Center and Services for Youth was established back in 1886 to help troubled youth from around New York State.

“We are celebrating 125 years of helping youth this year,” said Mudd.

Berkshire Farm Center is a state wide organization serving majority of the counties in New York State that provides both treatment and therapeutic foster care services to both Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

“What really makes us unique is that we have been around New York State for so long and we continue to meet the needs of our local communities, coming up with new programs and supports in which they are in need of to keep families together, or provide youths with a life- long family,” Mudd said.

They’re an organization built by a couple who yearned to help trouble youth, and would be proud to see what Berkshire has become today. The staff at Berkshire is here for one reason; to help children and their families.

“I enjoy meeting and training families who can provide that stable, safe, caring environment for a youth who is in need of just that, for either a temporary period of time, or potentially the rest of their life,” said Mudd, who after finishing college with a bachelor’s in psychology, went on to work one on one with foster children. And after going back to school and receiving a Master’s in Special Education, teaching a special needs pre-school class, she would return again to foster care to work with children.

Kioli.org asked Nicole Mudd what sets Berkshire apart? ” I believe that our 24 hour support staff who ARE available to our foster parents, makes all the difference when a foster parent runs into a situation which they need questions answered, or just some support on how to hand a situation,” she said.

“I am honored to be working with such a great team who work so well together and an organization that has been helping children and families for 125 years. Our goal is to make the foster care experience a positive one for not only the children, but for our foster parents and birth parents as well,” Mudd said.

Currently, Berkshire Farms is looking to expand the program and bring on more foster parents. There are more and more children in need of a foster home. Click to find out more about Berkshire Farms.

www.kingdomofacre.org

It’s that time of year again,the weather is beautiful and the knights are out at the Chelsea Mansion at the Muttontown Preserve!

The year is 1627 and the King of France is hosting a grand festival in honor of May Day, but rumor has it that trouble may be afoot. Athos, Porthos, Aramis and D’Artagnan, Musketeers to the King, are on hand to foil any plot that may arise against king and country.

Will the Musketeers succeed? Find out at the Chelsea Mansion Renaissance Faire (Presented by Medieval Scenarios and Recreations, Inc.), May 7th, 8th, 14th and 15th from 12 noon -5 p.m. on the grounds of Chelsea Mansion at the Muttontown Preserve.

Each day will include a Maypole dance, martial demonstrations and swordplay, a fashion show depicting styles of the Tudor through Cavalier eras, demonstrations of period crafts, children’s games, archery, a unique marketplace and more.

Adult admission is $7, $4 for children ages four to 12, and children under four are free.

Chelsea Mansion at the Muttontown Preserve is located off Route 106 just south of Route 25A, East  Norwich 11732.

For more information visit www.kingdomofacre.org.

D.A.C. Contracting: Long Island Masonry & Landscape Design

Business Number: 631-499-2993

Cell Number: 631-767-9943

Rebuilding Together Long Island is working with Sears Holdings for spring rebuilds occurring across the country and have just announced a project that will take place right here on Long Island.

Rebuilding Together Long Island and Sears Holdings will work together to engage local volunteers and businesses to impact the home of Carlington Foster, 84, located in Great Neck. Foster served in the US Navy during WWII. Through his years serving the country, ge participated in five invasions in the Phillipines. Recently, Foster suffered a devastating stroke. He lives with his wife, Audrey and his son Stephen who is also a veteran; ohe served in the Vietnam War.

Photo Credit: WCS Julie Larsen

As the summer approaches and the flowers begin to bud one significant sign that spring has officially arrived is the sight of beautiful butterflies fluttering through the warm air.

One of the most exciting butterfly sightings is the Monarch Butterfly. Most of the vibrant orange wings detailed with black lace-like veins and pearl spotted butterflies, that can be seen taking rest and refuge throughout Long Island during the spring season, are surprisingly not native to Long Island. They are simply passing through while making a mighty migration.

The Monarch Butterfly is a very distinct creature and the migration it makes each year is one many Long Islanders aren’t aware of. The mighty migration that begins in Canada takes these insects to Central Mexico and then back to Canada. The most amazing part of the journey is that it takes over four generations of Monarch Butterflies to achieve just one full migration.

Unlike all other butterflies, the Monarch Butterfly migrates both north and south with the seasons. It heads down south each fall and back up north in the spring, much like birds do.

“The Monarch Butterfly makes a migration of around 2,500 miles in total,” said Craig Gibbs, the assistant curator of animals at the Queens Zoo.

With such a lengthy migration, around 50 miles per day and sometimes as far as 270 miles per day, no single monarch makes one whole migration, instead the tiny little insects that end up back in Canada in late spring are not the same one that started the journey at the end of summer.

“The monarchs you are seeing this spring are probably the great-great-grandchildren of the monarchs you saw at the end of summer,” said Gibbs.

The migration begins in Canada and as the last days of summer come to an end a special generation on monarchs is born. This type of generation is born only once a year and it’s called the Methuseian Generation and is equipped with an extensive lifespan unlike its monarch ancestors.

“Normal monarchs live six to eight weeks but towards the end of the summer one generation of monarchs is born, they go into Diapause (a non-reproductive cycle) and will live for an extended seven or eight months, it’s like one of our (human) generations having a lifespan of 300 years, ” said Gibbs.

This generation is able to make a huge migration, feeding on flowers along the way and facing challenges like unexpected storms and habitat loss.

“More and more trees are being cut down and these butterflies are facing habitat loss, “ said Gibbs.

Survivors will finally reach their winter destination: Central Mexico by fall. It’s here, that they hibernate in colonies along the Mexican mountains for the entire winter season until spring when the monarchs mate and begin the rely-race migration back north.

By the beginning of the migration back up north, the Methuseian generation has only weeks left to live.

“Some will get as far as Texas but end up dying, their eggs will hatch and continue the migration,” said Gibbs.

The special generation monarchs can only make the migration to Texas where they leave their newborns to complete the journey north. The newborn Monarch butterflies have a normal monarch lifespan of six to eight weeks, unlike their special generation mothers and fathers. The reasons to how these new butterflies know to keep migrating in the right direction is still a question to researchers although they theorize that these insects are born with inherited flight patterns and can tell direction by the sun’s position in the sky.

“The monarch is probably one of the most recognizable butterflies, you see them everywhere, yet there’s still not a lot known about them. Studies support that these butterflies follow earth’s magnetism and like bees, they can judge the sun position and navigate,” said Gibbs.

Interestingly, Gibbs also added that most researchers believe studying the insects DNA, chemicals and hormones will also lead to find answers to anti-aging in humans.

By early spring the ancestors of the special generation monarchs can be seen flying all around Long Island. So next time when you see a monarch butterfly in your presence, you will know what a long way they have come.

While most monarchs make their way back to Canada, many monarchs are native to Long Island. Want to see a Long Island monarch? These beautiful butterflies can be found at The Queens Zoo, which has its very own outdoor butterfly garden. Another place to plan a monarch visit, Atlantis Marine World. The aquarium is introducing a huge new butterfly exhibit this summer.

(Some information from National Geographic)

Founding Member Michael Schwartz was featured prominently in John Kominicki’s award-winning Long Island Business News column on April 15th.

The columnist was in search of his ninth grade algebra teacher, Mr.Gagne to find out why so many incoming college students require remedial math training these days. With finding Mr.Gagne a failed mission, he managed to find help in the form of Kioli founding member, Michael Schwartz.

“I sought out Michael Schwartz, a CPA and the head of Schwartz & Co. – offices in Manhattan and Bellmore – who mentioned over lunch recently that he’d taught math back in the 1970s. Schwartz had set out to be a phys ed teacher, but he had just enough math credits to land a position at Bed-Sty’s Whitelaw Reid Junior High School, better known as J.H.S. 57. As a newbie, Schwartz was awarded a slot in what was called the alternative program, a group of students whose disciplinary record was so bad that they were kept in one room and the teachers rotated in,” Kominicki wrote.

Schwartz went on to tell the story of his classroom success, he taught the students in ways they understood.

He told Kominicki, “I asked them, ‘Look, you go to a store to buy a $100 leather jacket and the guy offers you a 20 percent discount, how much are you going to pay?’ He added, “They got it.”

To answer the question Kominicki set out to find, Schwartz said, “I think the problem we have today is that schools aren’t teaching ‘thinking,’ they’re teaching how to take a test,” Schwartz said. “You have to; schools today are measured by scores, how well their students are taking a standardized test. But when you get to college, it’s not about tests, it’s about thinking.”

“They way we were taught, the way we learned, it worked,” he told Kominicki. “The nouveau way? I don’t know.”

Long Island’s own American Idol heartthrob and Sanford H. Calhoun High School junior Robbie Rosen will be kicking off the 2011 Marcum Workplace Challenge on July 26th with a rendition of the national anthem.

The Merrick teen’s amazing vocals won him fans across the country and placed him in the top 16 during the current season of ” American Idol.”

Thousands of Long Islanders will now be looking to Robbie for inspiration during the annual charity run at Jones Beach State Park. This will mark the sixth consecutive year that Marcum will be title sponsor for the annual Long Island fundraiser.  First launched in 2005, the 3.5-mile Marcum Workplace Challenge is Long Island’s largest participatory sporting event and “Company Picnic,” attracting thousands of participants from more than 200 companies, non-profit organizations, schools and governmental agencies and their families and friends.

The Marcum Workplace Challenge has raised nearly $150,000 for local charities. This year’s beneficiaries include The Long Island Children’s Museum, The Children’s Medical Fund of New York and Long Island Cares, Inc. – The Harry Chapin Food Bank.

“We are so grateful to Robbie for agreeing to contribute his time and talent to support the Marcum Workplace Challenge, which benefits some of Long Island’s most deserving charitable organizations. It will be a phenomenal send off for the thousands of Long Islanders who turn out to run or walk in the event,” said Carolyn Mazzenga, Partner-in-Charge of Marcum’s Long Island Office.

The 2011 Marcum Workplace Challenge will start at 7:00 PM on July 26 at Jones Beach State Park, Zach’s Bay.  Like the event on Facebook(http://www.facebook.com/marcumworkplacechallenge).  For more information about sponsorship of the event or registering for the event, please visithttp://www.marcumworkplacechallenge.com/.

Something New & Something Old!

Greenport was just named one of the prettiest towns in America by Forbes Magazine. Most agree with Forbes, the town is beautiful, surrounded by vineyards, the quaint fishing community hosts an antique waterfront town that is reminiscent of the Gatsby era. Forbes forgot to mention that the town is both pleasing to the eyes and pleasing to the palate.

The town features tiny boutiques, waterfront parks and amazing restaurants with fishing food is at the top of the to-do list. With some of the best seafood around, Greenport hosts two places you will definitely want to try.

One of the first suggestions would be to try the new North Fork Oyster Company, which just opened to the public today. Located at 300 Main Street, the casually elegant restaurant sits on Greenport’s historic Stirling Square and features an extensive oyster bar and other fish choices caught that day in local waters. The seafood restaurant has been completely renovated to include an outdoor patio and wood-burning fireplace for the winter months. Daily specials, local beers and wines, and a seasonal menu create the ultimate North Fork dining experience. Click here to find out more.

Claudio's

Another must-eat-at dining destination is Claudio’s. The waterfront restaurant is a true landmark, first opening its doors in 1870. Claudio’s rich history began in 1854, when the Portuguese Whaler “Neva” from Fayal in the Azores docked in Greenport with a whaler on board named Manuel Claudio. After sailing for the next 16 years, Manuel would dock for good in Greenport and open “Claudio’s Tavern.” Since then, the establishment has become the most popular food of the local fisherman. Today, the fourth generation of Claudio’s is now running the restaurant and is recognized by the National Restaurant Association as the oldest, same family run restaurant in the United States. As far as food, try the Fisherman’s Sampler ($27.00) which is three jumbo wild Pacific shrimp, local flounder filet and sweet sea scallops served broiled or fried or Claudio’s Seafood Tureen ($32.00) which is Jumbo wild Pacific shrimp, sea scallops, chunky lobster meat and Chesapeake Bay Blue Claw lump crab meat with wilted fresh baby spinach in a butter-rich beurre blanc sauce served over fresh tri-color fettuccine.

This week, Helping Hands charity held an Easter drive at the American Legion Hall in West Islip.

The drive will took place from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and the charity hopes to provide at least 4,000 needy children with a holiday basket or spring gift.

The charity invited participants to make a theme basket for a baby or with a specific character in mind.

“Children are especially delighted when you fill a gently used lunch box, backpack, or pocketbook with goodies. You may fill plastic bags or decorated lunch bags with treats.”

The organization, Helping Hands, is the only organization on Long Island that makes gift baskets for the kids around this time of year!

“Getting the family and friends together to fill some of those country baskets you have lying around with toys, stuffed bunnies, slippers, socks, grass, plastic eggs, candy and happy meal toys can be fun!”

The Foster Grandparents Program of Suffolk County also be hosted a hospitality table for all the hungry, hardworking volunteers.

For more information visit the website at www.freewebs.com/hhinwi !

You would think that after members of Long Island’s Beacon Church finished a 5K half marathon and raised more than $12,000 for World Vision and clean water projects earlier this month they would need a little break, but they didn’t. Instead, this Sunday, over 150 members from all walks of life passed out thousands of custom grocery bags to help spread the word and collect food for the needy.

Lead Pastor, Robert Kelly, said of the Beacon Church congregation, “We have a real eclectic sort of mix but all have a really good heart and are really committed to helping others in need.”

The group is part of four other local churches in Nassau County, who are part of Vision Long Island, a network of like-minded churches, who collaborate on projects together to help under-resourced communities

“This is our biggest event,” Kelly said.

The four churches include: Beacon Churches in both New Hyde Park and East Williston, Center Point Church in Bellmore, Shelter Rock Church in Manhasset and North Shore Community Church in Oyster Bay.

Each grocery bag was “a little different,” Kelly said, because all four churches customized the bags to celebrate holy week.

The four churches will distribute over 12,000 grocery bags with information on the local participating churches and their food drives.

“When we started thinking about ways to raise awareness and help the community, we came across this idea of getting grocery bags out to community,” Kelly said.

He said the idea of the grocery bag started with a Christmas drive, when the church handed out bags to the community with the hope of reaching out to more people. It was a success and the church collected over 400 coats. This season, the church has decided to go bigger by adding 12,000 more bags for the spring drive.

Last Sunday, the church passed out the bags in hopes to get more food donations.

“We have a small congregation, so for the drive, we took part of our sunday service, ended it early and gave them stack of grocery bags with a map,” Kelly said. “Everyone then went into the neighborhood to distribute them to neighbors. Beacon has distributed 5,000 bags.”

Drop offs don’t begin until Holy Thursday, which is next Thursday. But that hasn’t stopped donors, Kelly said. “We got our first bag today.”

This Sunday, the church will give out the last of the bags, which Kelly estimated to be around 100 bags.

“The expense of bag is minor,” he said. “Compared to food we will collect.”

Fortune 52 This May!

The next Fortune 52 Networking event and Honoree presentation will take place on Monday, May 2, 2011 from 6 PM to 8 PM at TangerOutlets at the Arches in Deer Park.

The event honors and acknowledges the most recent group of extraordinary Long Island women who are highlighted each week in Beverly Fortune’s column, Fortune 52 and also invites Long Island business professionals for a night of networking.

This seasons honorees include, Virginia Frati, Founder & Executive Director Wildlife Rescue Center of the Hamptons; Virginia Peragallo-Dittko, RN,  BC-ADM, CDE, Executive Director of Winthrop University Hospital Diabetes and Obesity Institute; Jamie Isaacs, Founder of Jamie Isaacs Foundation for Anti-Bullying; LeaAnn Falabella, Co-Founder, The Lexiebean Foundation; Barbara Costello, Founder of Guardian Angel Family Crisis Center; Allyson Scerri, Founder & CEO New Beginnings Community Center for Brain Injury Rehabilitation; Barbara Allan, Founder, Prison Families Anonymous’ Jacqui Errico & Debbie Hughes, Founders, Strength For Life; Jan Brunswick; Founder, Operation : Cheerbox; Gina Casazza; Documentary Filmmaker; Karen Caroppoli, administrator, The Arbors Assisted Living Communities at Hauppauge & Ashley King, Director of Community Relations, The Arbors Assisted Living Communities at Hauppauge.

More details will be announced soon, but based on the success of the January 31st event at The Inn At New Hyde Park, this past January, more than 700 Long Island business professionals were in attendance including, Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice, you’ll definitely want to get your RSVP in early. Call Beverly Fortune at 516-284-3322 or email her at bfortune@longislandpress.com to reserve your spot.

TangerOutlets In Riverhead

This weekend several of the shoppers favorite home & garden outlet stores at the Tanger Outlet Center in Riverhead will be celebrating the arrival of Spring with tons of new merchandise for the home & garden!

Stores including Restoration Hardware, Pottery Barn Outlet, Williams Sonoma Home, Williams Sonoma Outlet, Kitchen Collection, Lenox, Clementine’s Country Furnishings will all be opening their doors to home and garden connoisseurs interested in celebrating the new season with some shopping.

Shoppers are invited to visit participating stores for daily specials, bonus 20% off coupons and the opportunity to win merchandise and gift card prizes at the participating stores.

The Home & Garden Weekend event takes place at the Tanger Outlet Center in Riverhead, Friday April 15th from 9am to 9pm, Saturday April 16th 9am to 9pm and Sunday April 17th from 10am to 8pm.

Visit www.tangeroutlet.com for a complete list of sale information.

Charles Keeling (left) and members of the Garden City Park Fire Department pose in front of one of the 11 vehicles Gershow donated for its extrication exercises on April 3.

Gershow Recycling Donates 11 Vehicles To Garden City Park Fire Department.

In support of local Fire, Rescue and Emergency Medical Services crews, Gershow Recycling opened its Huntington Station facility to the Garden City Park Fire Department on April 3rd to allow them to perform their extrication exercises. Exercises included, firefighters extricated a “victim” from a car involved in a “crash” using the “Jaws of Life.”

Gershow also donated 11 vehicles to the fire department.

Currently, Gershow Recycling has seven locations throughout Long Island and the metropolitan New York area including Brooklyn, New Hyde Park, Freeport, Lindenhurst, Huntington Station, Bay Shore and Medford.

For more information, call (631) 289-6188 or visit www.gershow.com.

NEW YORK LIFE SUPPORTS BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF LONG ISLAND WITH A $15,000 COMMUNITY IMPACT GRANT

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island announced today that it was just awarded a $15,000 Community Impact Grant from New York Life Insurance Company to support the company’s mentoring programs.

“We are grateful for New York Life’s investment in our program,” said Mark Cox, Chief Development Officer in a press release, “New York Life’s ongoing service will enable more children across Long Island to have positive role models in their lives and realize their endless potential.”

“New York Life is proud to provide grants to local organizations that help meet the increasing needs of the community,” said managing partner of the company’s Long Island office, Sal Farina in a press release, “It’s gratifying to know this grant helps BBBSLI make meaningful matches between children and volunteer mentors that will help to create better lives for Long Island’s children and their families.”

The Community Impact Grant program began in 2008 and awards grants of up to $25,000 to local nonprofit organizations which are supported by New York Life agents and employees and address the needs of the community.  One hundred and twenty-eight grants totaling over $1.4 million have been awarded since the program’s inception.

The Bethpage Air Show Rocks! Facebook Contest

Bethpage Federal Credit Union has just launched a Facebook contest called The Bethpage Air Show Rocks!

Each year, hundreds of thousands of spectators flock to Long Island to take in the annual Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach. The Bethpage show that’s headlined by some of the most elite pilots in the world, is challenging fans to share their stories and/or photos from any of the previous seven air shows that capture the thrill and excitement of the air show performances and the incredible family fun this event brings to all.

All Long Islanders are challenged to share their stories and/or photos from any of the previous seven Bethpage Air Shows that took place from 2004 through 2010 and post to the official Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach Facebook page or mail them in for a chance to win.

Three random winners whose photos or stories capture the thrill and excitement and of course the good old family fun of the Air Show will receive a Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach VIP Prize Package valued at $500 and exclusive Centennial of Naval Aviation commemorative merchandise.

Those interested in participating in the contest can upload their photos and stories to the official Air Show Facebook page, www.facebook.com/jonesbeachairshow, or by mailing photos and stories to Bethpage Federal Credit Union 899 South Oyster Bay Road, Bethpage, New York 11714, ATTN:  Bethpage Air Show Rocks! Contest.  All names will then automatically be entered into the Bethpage Air Show Rocks! contest.

As far as Facebook submissions, the more posts you share with photos and stories, the closer you are to winning because each post counts as a submission. The contest is accepting submissions now through May 9, 2011 at 5:00 PM ET.  For photos or stories mailed in, submissions must be received by Bethpage by 5:00 PM ET on May 9, 2011.  Bethpage will announce the three winners on Tuesday, May 10, 2011.

The Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach will help commemorate America’s Centennial of Naval Aviation this year and will be held Memorial Day weekend 2011 at Jones Beach State Park in Wantagh on May 28th from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM and Sunday, May 29th from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.  (The Air Show is free to the public, but the standard $10.00 vehicle use fee will be collected each day upon entry to the State Park.)

As far as performances, the following will be performing:

• Military Performers: U.S. Airforce F22 Raptor, U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, A-10 East Demo Team, 106th New York Air National Guard Air Flight Rescue Demo HC-130/HH-60, World War II B17 Flying Fortress, World War II B25 Mitchell Bomber, World War II B29 Superfortress.
• Civilian Performers: Sean D. Tucker – Team Oracle, John Klatt – National Guard Reserve, GEICO Skytypers, David Windmiller, American Air Power Museum Warbirds, and Mike Goulian.

For more information visit www.jonesbeachairshow.com, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Regional Office, Recreation Department at 631/321-3510 or www.lovebethpage.com.

New York Press Association Awards Long Islanders Top Honors.

Over 4,000 New York Press Association members competed against their peers in the annual Better Newspaper Contest. The contest has been around since 1930 and compares papers of similar size against each other in categories including news, photography, and advertising.

Members of Arizona Press Association judged this past year’s entries in January and winners were announced in April. Among them were many Long Island publications.

First Place Winners:

Stuart C. Dorman Award for Editorial Excellence

Long Island Press

John J. Evans Award

Nassau Herald

Community Leadership

Merrick Herald

Past Presidents’ Award For General Excellence- First Place

The North Shore Sun- First Place- Division 1

The Southampton Press- Eastern Edition- First Place- Division 2

Long Island Press- First Place- Division 4

Best Front Page- First Place

Lynbrook/ East Rockaway- First Place- Division 1

Long Island Business News- First Place- Division 2

The Sag Harbor Express- First Place- Division 4

Best Editorial Page- First Place

Shelter Island Reporter- First Place- Division 1

Overall Design Excellence- First Place

Long Island Press- First Place- Division 2

The Southampton Press- Eastern Edition- First Place- Division 3

The Top Give- Group Or Chain Newspapers- First Place

Times/ Review Newspapers

Herald Community Newspapers

The Press Newspaper Group

Top Five- Single Flag Newspapers- First Place

Long Island Press

Sag Harbor Express

Long Island Business News

The Top Five Newspapers- Editorial- First Place

Long Island Press

Sag Harbor Express

The North Shore Sun

The Riverdale Press

The Southampton Press- Eastern Edition

Top Five Newspapers- Advertising – First Place

Nassau Herald

The Record-Review

Sag Harbor Express

The Southampton Press-Eastern Edition

The Riverdale Press

Feature Story- First Place

Marissa Miller- Sag Harbor Express

Vera Chinese- The News-Review

Jaclyn Gallucci, Long Island Press

News Story- First Place

Tim Kelly- The Suffolk Times

Christopher Twarowski- The Long Island Press

Feature Photo- First Place

Katherine Schroeder- The Suffolk Times

In-Depth Reporting- First Place

Linda Leuzzi- Long Island Advance

David Winzelberg- Long Island Business News

Chris Twarowski- The Long Island Press

Sports Action Photo- First Place

Michael Heller- Sag Harbor Express

Robert O’Rourke- The North Shore Sun

Best Column-  First Place

John Kominicki- Long Island Business News

Jed Morey- Long Island Press

All Long Island Winners:

Rookie Reporter Of The Year

Amanda Lindner- The Long Islander- First Place

Naomi Spencer- West Seneca Bee- Second Place

Erin Geismar- The East Hampton Press- Third Place

Sports Writer Of The Year

Joe Wekmeister – The North Shore Sun – First Place

Drew Budd- The Southampton Press-Second Place

Photographer Of The Year

Christina Santucci- Bayside Times- First Place

Michael Heller- Sag Harbor Express- Second Place

Best Front Page

Lynbrook/ East Rockaway Herald- First Place – Division 1

Long Island Business News- First Place- Division 1

Sag Harbor Express- First Place- Division 4

The Southampton Press- Eastern- Division 4

The East Hampton Press- Division 4

Best Editorial Page

Shelter Island Reported- First Place- Division 1

Sag Harbor Express- Second Place- Division 1

The News-Review- First Place- Division 2

The Southampton Press-Eastern- Second Place- Division 2

The Suffolk Times- Third Place- Division 4

Photographic Excellence

The Suffolk Times- Second Place- Division 4

Overall Design Excellence

The News-Review- First Place- Division 1

Long Island Press- First Place- Division 2

Long Island Business News- Third Place- Division 2

The Southampton Press- First Place- Division 3

Sag Harbor Express- Third Place- Division 3

Advertising Excellence

Sag Harbor Express- Second Place- Division 2

Nassau Herald- Third Place- Division 2

The Suffolk Times- Third Place- Division 4

Best Newspaper Web Site

The Southampton Press- First Place

Coverage Of Local Government

Sag Harbor Express- First Place-  Division 1

Sag Harbor Express- Second Place- Division 1

The Southampton Press- First Place- Division 2

The Suffolk Times- Third Place- Division 4

Coverage Of Education

Sag Harbor Express- Second Place- Division 1

Malverne/ W Hempstead Herald- Third Place- Division 1

The Southampton Press- Second Place – Division 2

Coverage of Education

Long Island Press- Second Place- Division 4

Coverage of Business, Financial & Economic News

The North Shore Sun- First Place

Long Island Business News- Third Place

Coverage Of The Arts

Sag Harbor Express- Second Place- Division 2

The Southampton Press- Eastern- Third Place- Division 2

Coverage of the Arts

The Village Times Herald, Setauket-Third Place-Divison 4

Coverage of the Environment

Long Island Press, Syosset- First Place

Coverage of Health, Health Care & Science

Long Island Press, Syosset- Second Place

Headline Writing

The North Shore Sun, Rocky Point-First Place- Division 1

Sag Harbor Express, Sag Harbor-Second Place-Division 2

The News-Review, Riverhead-First Place-Division 4

Long Island Business News, Ronkonkoma- First Place Division 4

Coverage of Crime/Police/Courts

The North Shore Sun, Rocky Point–First Place-Division 1

The Long Islander, Huntington-Second Place-Division 2

The Southampton Press-Western, Westhampton Beach-First Place- Division 2

The News-Review, Riverhead-Second Place- Division 2

Long Island Press, Syosset–First Place-Division 4

Coverage of Elections/Politics

Sag Harbor Express, Sag Harbor–Second Place-Division 1

Sports Coverage

The North Shore Sun-First Place-Division 1

The Southampton Press-Western-Third Place-Division 2

The Suffolk Times- First Place- Division 3

In-Depth Reporting

Long Island Advance, Patchogue- First Place- Division 1

The Southampton Press-Eastern-Second Place-Division 2

Long Island Business News- First Place- Division 3

Long Island Business News- Second Place- Division 3

Long Island Business News- Third Place- Division 3

Long Island Press- First Place- Division 4

Long Island Press- Second Place- Division 4

Long Island Press- Third Place- Division 4

Spot News Coverage

Shelter Island Reporter- First Place- Division 1

News Story

The Times of Northport & East Northport, Northport- Third Place- Division 1

The East Hampton Press, East Hampton- Honorable Mention- Division 2

The Suffolk Times- First Place- Division 3

Long Island Press-First Place-Division 4

Best News or Feature Series

Valley Stream Herald–Third Place-Division 2

Long Island Press-First Place-Division 4

Long Island Press- Third Place- Division 4

Best Obituaries

Sag Harbor Express- Third Place

Feature Story

Sag Harbor Express- First Place -Division 1

Sag Harbor Express- Third Place- Division 1

The News-Review, Riverhead-First Place-Division 2

The Village Times Herald-First Place-Division 3

The Jewish Star- Third Place- Division 3

Long Island Press- First Place- Division 4

Long Island Press- Second Place- Division 4

Long Island Press- Third Place- Spencer Rumsey

Best Column

The North Shore Sun- Second Place- Division 1

Long Island Advance- Third Place- Division 1

Long Island Business News-First Place-Division 3

The Suffolk Times-Second Place- Division 3

Jed Morey, Long Island Press- First Place- Division 4

Beverly Fortune, Long Island Press- Third Place- Division 4

Sports Feature

Joe Werkmeister, The North Shore Sun- First Place/Second Place- Division 1

Ted Hills, Shelter Island Reporter- Third Place- Division 1

Bridget Degnan, The News-Review- First Place- Division 2

Bob Liepa, The Suffolk Times- Second Place- Division 3

Daniel Dunaief, The Village Times Herald- Third place- Division 3

Cailin Riley, The Southampton Press-Eastern- Second Place- Division 4

Editorial Cartoon

Peter Waldner, Shelter Island Reporter- First Place- Division 1

Peter Waldner, The North Shore Sun- Second Place- Division 1

Anthony Freda, Port Times-Record- Second Place- Division 2

Jennett Russell, The Southampton Press-Eastern- First Place- Division 4

Best Use of Multimedia

Long Island Press- First/Second Place

Feature Photo(s)

Mary Malloy, Baldwin Herald- First Place- Division 1

Barbaraellen Koch, The News-Review- Second Place- Division 2

Colleen Reynolds, The Southampton Press-Eastern- Third Place- Division 2

Katherine Schroeder, The Suffolk Times- First Place- Division 3

Tim Kelly, The Suffolk Times- Second Place- Division 3

Sports Action Photo(s)

Michael Heller, Sag Harbor Express- First Place- Division 1

Frank Koester, Oceanside/Island Park Herald- Third Place- Division 1

Ron Manfredi, Valley Stream Herald- Second Place- Division 2

Sports Feature Photo(s)

Michael Heller, Sag Harbor Express- First Place- Division 1

Chris Connolly, Baldwin Herald- Second Place- Division 1

Barbaraellen Koch, The News-Review- First Place- Division 2

Art Photo

Beverlea Walz, Shelter Island Reporter- Third Place- Division 1

Barbaraellen Koch, The News-Review- Third Place- Division 2

Paige Rentz, The Sound & Town Report- First Place- Division 3

Tim Kelly, The Suffolk Times- Second/Third Place- Division 3

Arthur Findlay, Valley Stream Herald- Third Place- Division 4

Picture Story

Sag Harbor Express- First Place- Division 1

The North Shore Sun- Second Place- Division 1

Lynbrook/ East Rockaway Hearld- First Place- Division 2

The Suffolk Times- Second Place- Division 3

The Suffolk Times- Third Place- Division 3

Sports Feature

Joe Werkmeister, The North Shore Sun- First Place/Second Place- Division 1

Ted Hills, Shelter Island Reporter- Third Place- Division 1

Bridget Degnan, The News-Review- First Place- Division 2

Bob Liepa, The Suffolk Times- Second Place- Division 3

Daniel Dunaief, The Village Times Herald- Third place- Division 3

Cailin Riley, The Southampton Press-Eastern- Second Place- Division 4

Editorial Cartoon

Peter Waldner, Shelter Island Reporter- First Place- Division 1

Peter Waldner, The North Shore Sun- Second Place- Division 1

Anthony Freda, Port Times-Record- Second Place- Division 2

Jennett Russell, The Southampton Press-Eastern- First Place- Division 4

Best Use of Multimedia

Long Island Press- First/Second Place

Feature Photo(s)

Mary Malloy, Baldwin Herald- First Place- Division 1

Barbaraellen Koch, The News-Review- Second Place- Division 2

Colleen Reynolds, The Southampton Press-Eastern- Third Place- Division 2

Katherine Schroeder, The Suffolk Times- First Place- Division 3

Tim Kelly, The Suffolk Times- Second Place- Division 3

Sports Action Photo(s)

Michael Heller, Sag Harbor Express- First Place- Division 1

Frank Koester, Oceanside/Island Park Herald- Third Place- Division 1

Ron Manfredi, Valley Stream Herald- Second Place- Division 2

Sports Feature Photo(s)

Michael Heller, Sag Harbor Express- First Place- Division 1

Chris Connolly, Baldwin Herald- Second Place- Division 1

Barbaraellen Koch, The News-Review- First Place- Division 2

Art Photo

Beverlea Walz, Shelter Island Reporter- Third Place- Division 1

Barbaraellen Koch, The News-Review- Third Place- Division 2

Paige Rentz, The Sound & Town Report- First Place- Division 3

Tim Kelly, The Suffolk Times- Second/Third Place- Division 3

Arthur Findlay, Valley Stream Herald- Third Place- Division 4

Graphic Illustration

Long Island Press- First Place- Division 4

Mike Albano, Long Island Business News- Second Place- Division 4

Best Use of Color

The Southampton Press-Eastern- First Place

Best Special Section Cover

The Suffolk Times- First Place- Division 2

The Southampton Press-Eastern- First Place- Division 2

Long Island Press- First Place- Division 4

Nassau Herald- Second Place- Division 4

Special Sections

The Southampton Press-Eastern- Second Place- Division 3

Shelter Island Reporter- Third Place- Division 3

Long Island Press- First Place- Division 4

Nassau Herald- Second Place- Division 4

Best Real Estate/Home Section

The Southampton Press-Eastern- First Place- Division 4

Special Holiday Edition

The Suffolk Times- First Place- Division 2

Sag Harbor Express- Second Place- Division 2

The Southampton Press-Western- Third Place- Division 2

The Southampton Press-Eastern- Second Place- Division 4

Best Special Section- Advertising

The Southampton Press-Eastern- First Place- Division 4

The Village Times Herald- Second Place- Division 4

Best Advertising Campaign- Large Space

The Southampton Press-Western- Third Place

Best Advertising Campaign- Small Space

The East Hampton Press- First Place

The Village Times Herald- Second Place

Best Large Space Ad

Nassau Herald- First Place- Division 2

The East Hampton Press- Second Place- Division 2

The Suffolk Times- Third Place- Division 2

The Village Times Herald- Second Place- Division 4

Best Small Space Ad

Sag Harbor Express- First Place- Division 1

The News-Review- Third Place- Division 1

Nassau Herald- First Place- Division 2

The Village Times Herald- Second/Third Place- Division 4

Best Multi-Advertiser Pages

The Southampton Press-Eastern- First Place- Division

Nassau Herald- First Place- Division 4

Best Color Ad Created by the Newspaper

Sag Harbor Express- First Place- Division 1

Nassau Herald- Second Place- Division 2

Best House Ad/Ad Campaign

Sag Harbor Express- First Place- Division 1

The News-Review- Second Place- Division 1

The Southampton Press-Western- Second Place- Division 2

The Suffolk Times- Third Place- Division 2

Nassau Herald- First/Second Place- Division 4

Merrick Herald- Third Place- Division 4

Classified Advertising

The Village Times Herald- Second Place

The Suffolk Times- Third Place

Circulation Promotion Award

Nassau Herald- First Place

Blooper of the Year

Nassau Herald- Second Place

Best College Photography

The Chronicle at Hofstra- Second Place

Best High School News Story

Hoofbeats, Sanford Calhoun High School- First Place

The Sesquicentennial anniversary of the war brings back a new fascination with war reenactments now happening across the nation. The 67^th New York, 1^st Long Island Volunteers Civil War Reenactors will have an official civil war reenactment in Bensalem, PA on April 30^th.

The Old Bethpage Village Restoration holds reenactments regularly and officially opened for business this year on April 1^st. It began its season with a commemoration for the 150^th anniversary with a Civil War program called, “School of the Soldier”. The event was performed by the Company “E” of the 14^th Brooklyn Regiment, New York State Militia.

The militia’s history began in April 1861 in Brooklyn, New York until May 1864 and was made up of volunteer abolitionists. They received the nickname, “Red Legged Devils” due to their intense combat and refusal to retreat.

The regiment was called to duty after the Civil War ended for the Spanish American War the members of the 14^th Regiment New York Veterans Association continue to hold monthly meetings and hold battlefield memorials much like the ones performed in Old Bethpage.

This past weekend dozens of reenactors took soldier stance at Old Bethpage Village for a two-day encampment, to show visitors what it was really like on the battle field!

Other places celebrating the 150th anniversary of The Civil War on Long Island include, Huntington Historical Society, who have introduced ”A Soldier’s Return… Huntington During the Civil War,” an exhibit that opened April 12th at the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Building.

By Carmen Bica

(Information from Newyorkcivilwar.com, Nassaucountyny.gov, Wikipedi. Featured picture from www.newyorkcivilwar.com)

Frank Frisenda, an associate professor of general science studies at Nassau Community College, will be honored as New York State United Teachers’ Higher Education Member of the Year.

Frisenda, of Middle Island, has 26 years of experience as a college instructor. He is the vice president of classroom faculty and formerly the president of the Nassau Community College Federation of Teachers. For more than two decades, he has been the Engineering/Physics/Technology Department representative for the federation. A passionate unionist, Frisenda has a sterling record of solidarity with colleagues on Long Island and around the state, applying his practical knowledge through years of building a stronger faculty federation. Nearly 3,000 NYSUT delegates, guests and staff are in New York City this week for the union’s annual policy-making convention.

“Frank represents the best of our union with his commitment to advancing his profession,” said NYSUT President Richard C. Iannuzzi. “His zeal for bettering the lives of his higher education colleagues as well as his students symbolizes the professionalism that defines NYSUT.”

Frisenda served in the Navy during the Vietnam War era, then returned to attend Nassau Community College, where he was inspired by a history class taught by a newly hired, radical professor.

He was an air traffic controller, until the PATCO union was abolished by President Ronald Reagan. For a time, he drove a New York City cab. He found a job teaching at Nassau, where he was asked to attend a union meeting. He was delighted to find that meeting run by the history professor who had inspired Frisenda years earlier.

For 17 years, Frisenda has attended (and led) the Nassau delegation to SUNY Lobby Days in Albany organized by NYSUT. He has recruited many faculty members to travel to Albany to give legislators the classroom perspective. He has also organized brunches for state and county leaders, showcasing Nassau Community College programs such as hospitality, fashion design, and music and dance.

“Decades of service are the foundation of Frank’s spirit of unionism,” said NYSUT Vice President Maria Neira.  “He represents NYSUT’s gold standard of professionalism.”

“For Frank, it all comes down to a deep concern for social justice,” said M. Debra DeSanto, president of the Nassau Community College Federation of Teachers. “He learned all that as a student at the very institution where he now protects the working conditions necessary for a new generation of faculty to instill in a new generation of students the sense of intellectual freedom and critical thinking skills needed to solve the social problems of their day.”

The New York City Central Labor Council and the NYS AFL-CIO have organized a rally this weekend called “We are One.”

Thousands will march in Times Square (7th Avenue & 42nd Street) in New York City to support workers’ rights this Saturday, April 9th. UFT President Michael Mulgrew is scheduled to speak during the rally.

“Come out and show your support with thousands of working men and women and our allies from across New York State delivering one simple message: We will not give up our VOICE! We will stand in SOLIDARITY! We are ONE. Respect our RIGHTS.”

The rally will begin at noon, and is the result of events in Wisconsin.

“Sisters and brothers in Wisconsin, Ohio, Indiana and many other states face the loss of basic civil rights, and workers’ rights in New York are also under attack,” NYSUT President Dick Iannuzzi told local leaders this week (NYSUT.org). “Now is the time to unite and lead. It is time to defend and protect our rights and the rights of all working people.”

Marchers are encouraged to wear red clothing and carry their union banners.

To all eager Easter egg hunters, Easter is upon us and before we know it the Easter Bunny will be hiding eggs for the children of Long Island to discover. But where did a bunny get any right to start hiding eggs? It used to be forbidden for Catholics to eat eggs during the fast of Lent, so Easter Sunday, the Easter Bunny brings an abundance of eggs in celebration of Lent’s end. The Easter Bunny has been hiding eggs in the United States since the 18th century, and if you’d like to join  the tradition of participating in a Long Island Egg Hunt, there are a few different locations where the Easter Bunny will be tactfully placing pastel-dyed eggs. The following is a listing of upcoming egg hunts which are located throughout the island. Find one that is close to you, grab a basket and don’t forget your Easter bonnet!

Sunday, April 10

5th Annual Easter Egg Hunt and Easter Bunny Visit
Swan Lake Park Civic Association Fundraiser
86 Lake Drive
East Patchogue, NY
12:00pm Activities Begin
1:00pm Easter Egg Hunt Begins
$8.00 per child/$5.00 per child for members
All Ages
East Patchogue’s Egg Hunt also has activities and the Easter Bunny will also stop by for some fun.

Easter Egg-Stravaganza
Pal-O-Mine Equestrian facility
829 Old Nichols Road
Islandia, NY
631-348-1389
1:00pm
Admission: $5.00 per child
All Ages
Join Pal-O-Mine Equestrian facility the fifth annual Easter EGG -Stravaganza! Be one of the first 50 children and receive a free Easter basket! Also enjoy pony rides for $10, a petting zoo for $1, a plant sale and prizes.

Saturday, April 16

Easter Egg Hunt
Dowling College Great Lawn
Idle Hour Blvd
Oakdale, NY
631-750-5515
12-2pm
Free Admission
All Ages
The Easter Bunny will be here for a visit and also expect prizes, raffles and more exciting activities! Don’t forget to bring a basket!

5th Annual Easter Egg Hunt
The Great Lawn
Westhampton Beach, NY
631-288-3337
12:00pm
Free Admission All Ages

When coming to this hunt make sure you bring a basket big enough! There are 5,000 eggs hidden on this lush green lawn, and inside every egg, you will find all sorts of treats like candy, fake tattoos, coins, dollar bills and chocolate! The Easter Bunny will be hiding his own special prize to make the hunt even more exciting! Children will be separated by age so each child gets to collect as many eggs as possible! Pictures will be available throughout the day. The rain date has been set for Saturday, April 23rd at 12:00pm.

Massapequa Spring Festival
Long Island Rail Road North Parking Lot
Sunrise Hwy and Broadway
Massapequa, NY
631-724-5966
11:00am-6:00pm
Free Admission
All Ages
Enjoy a spectacular outdoor event where arts and craft artisans can display their work. The Massapequa Spring Festival has an exuberant amount of vendors making it fun for the entire family!

Wednesday, April 20

The Adventures of Peter Rabbit
Theatre Three Broadway on Main Street
412 Main Street
Port Jefferson, NY
631-928-9100
1:00pm-4:00pm  All Ages Admission: Varies by seating. See Theater website for ticket and seating prices. This is not exactly an egg hunt, but it is a play which is great fun too! It’s no secret that kids love Peter Rabbit and since spring is in the air, Peter and Benjamin Bunny back to their old tricks, and the McGregors are not pleased. Peter and Benjamin Bunny need some help from their “bunny friends” to get out of trouble! After the play, there will be an actual egg hunt Sunday at 1:00pm! Visit the website for additional show times and dates.

Saturday, April 23

7th Annual Penguin Egg Hunt and Brunch
Atlantis Marine World
431 East Main Street
Riverhead, NY
631-208-9200
10:00am-1:00pm
Admission: Easter Egg Hunt free with paid admission.
Brunch pricing: Children 3 to 12 & Seniors 62+: $27.95 (Aquarium Members: $24.95) Adults: $32.95 (Aquarium Members: $27.95) Children 2 & Under: Free
All Ages
Sick of the traditional egg hunt? Become part of something new at a Penguin Egg hunt! There will be prizes such as a free birthday party, arcade game cards, Atlantis Explorer Tour Boat tickets and Discovery Tower and Submarine Simulator rides. If you would like to make your day even more fun, call for reservations ahead of time and enjoy the family brunch. Tickets include all-day Aquarium Admission.

Annual Easter Egg Hunt
Bookhampton
20 Main Street
Sag Harbor, NY
631-725-0011
1:00pm-2:00pm
Free Admission
All Ages
Not only can kids enjoy and egg hunt but they are encouraged to show off their bonnets in the Annual Easter Bonnet Parade which starts at Bookhampton on Main Street, and finishes at the Petting Zoo. The Easter Egg hunts will come after the parades are over.

Annual Bunny Breakfast, Easter Egg Hunt, Basket and Bonnet Parade
Vanderbilt Museum
80 Little Neck Road
Centerport, NY
631-854-5555
9:00am
Admission: $30 Adults, $23 for members, $18 for children, $15 for members. Pre-registration is required.
Have some breakfast with the Easter Bunny and his friend “Lil Chic” for fun at Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum. The day starts with Bunny Breakfast at 9:00am, Egg Hunt in the Vanderbilt Rose Garden, Basket and Bonnet Parade, Games, photos and video with Bunny and Lil’ Chick and a breathtaking Planetarium show, “A Trip to the Planets,” at 10:15am.

EGGstravaganza
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
3434 Hempstead Turnpike
Levittown, NY
516-731-7387
1-3pm
$5 per child
Here you will have a chance to meet the Easter Bunny at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and along with an egg hunt and crafts you will be able to take pictures with the Easter Bunny!

Sunday, April 24

Easter Parade and Hunt
Port Jefferson Village
Main Street
Port Jefferson, NY
631-473-1414
12:00pm
Free Admission
Come to Port Jeff for a parade and egg hunt! The fun starts with the parade in front of Theatre Three on Main Street at noon and includes free candy for everyone! The Parade finishes at the Harborfront Park. “Children should come in their ‘Easter Best’.” There is no rain date as the parade will take place, rain or shine!

By Maria Vultaggio

It’s time to tell Fido to start stretching.

Home to dozens of dog parks, Long Island has acres upon acres of open field and woods, lakes and sand, and richly forested hills and valleys for you and your four-legged friend. With separate areas for large and small dogs, just about any dog can enjoy them. Here are just a few:

BY JENNIFER CINELLI

Nickerson Beach Dog Park

LIDO BEACH. 880 Lido Boulevard. 516-571-7700.

With separate large and small dog areas, this large Nassau County dog park is one of the busier runs on Long Island—despite the fact that dogs are strictly prohibited from entering the beach and the sand dune areas. The sand dunes serve as nesting areas for the Piping Plover, a federally protected bird. At this dog run, located on the southwest corner of the main parking lot, there is also a raised cement platform with seating and an agility area where dogs can try basic obstacles. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, it costs $8 for residents and $20 for nonresidents.

Old Bethpage Restoration Dog Run

OLD BETHPAGE. 1303 Round Swamp Road. 516-572-8400

With six dog runs and two separate areas for small and large dogs, the Old Bethpage Restoration Dog Run is home to the summer 2010 terrier trials. Not only does it provide dogs with drinking water, unlike many dog parks, it uniquely features a “green” water system that collects and filters rain water for the dogs to drink in style. Benches were also donated by the Boy Scouts for owners to rest. The dog run is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and on Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday hours are from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The run is located near the entrance to the property and there is no fee.

Blydenburgh Dog Park

SMITHTOWN. Veterans Memorial Highway. 631-854-3713

At the Blydenburgh Dog Park, which officially opened in 2007, dogs have 1.8-acres of entirely fenced-in open field and woods to run around in. Located at the headwaters of the Nissequogue River, the beauty of the park lies in its richly forested hills, valleys, and man-made lake. The park has separate areas for small and large dogs and designated areas for leashed and unleashed dogs. And it’s high in pet-owner resources with water fountains in each area, double-gated entries, and several benches and waste bag dispensers. In the heat of the summer, owners and pets alike will be glad for the park’s abundance of shade. The park is open year-round from 8 a.m. to sunset. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, it costs $3 with a green key to enter or $10 without one.

Middle Island Dog Park

MIDDLE ISLAND. 1075 Middle Country Road.

Middle Island Dog Park may just be the safest dog park on Long Island. A “Pooch Pass” is required to enter, which ensures that all dogs have had their rabies shots and are spayed or neutered. Middle Island Dog Park, the first dog park in the town of Brookhaven, has four acres for your four-legged friend to romp around in. There are separate areas for large and small dogs, benches, water fountains in each area, and waste-bag dispensers. Next to agility areas, dogs can choose to play in the sand or shade.

Robinson Duck Farm Dog Park

BROOKHAVEN. 2903 Montauk Highway.

As part of a pilot program, this new, large dog park is now open year-round at the former Robinson Duck Farm on Montauk Highway in Brookhaven Hamlet. Its 2.6 acre land is surrounded by four-feet of high wooden-slat snow fencing and two double-gated entrances. But because it has “natural borders,” the park will not have the usual amenities associated with more traditional fenced dog parks, like waste-disposal bags and water. Also, although a request has been made, the Suffolk County park does not provide trash receptacles or waste removal at this time.

By Melissa Chan

Cactus has just announced a cool new contest!

Cactus is looking for Long Island’s Best Mom.

Sure we all think our own mom is the best, but Cactus is judging this competition. The best part? they’ll be giving out awesome prizes to a three mom’s they deem “The Best.”

” Nominate that Mom that you think has Mrs.Brady, Marge Simpson and all the rest beat!”

Through the Cactus facebook page, people can nominate the mom of their choice, even if it’s not your own, as “Long Island’s Best Mom.”

There will be three winners and over $2000 in prizes including an Ultimate Day of Beauty from Cactus, Limousine service to and from salon, Dinner for 4 at Shiro, 6 month membership to Sportime, Full line of products from Cosmetic Surgeon in a Jar from Dr Stephen Greenberg, Professional Teeth Whitening Service, Flowers and Gift Card for Flower service, $200 gift Certificate to Love My Shoes, Month of Spray Tanning Service from Suvara and $300 gift Card from Nikki Dress.

Nominate your mom of choice here, www.facebook.com/cactussalonandspa

On April 16th, Championship pitmasters will be teaching the tricks of the trade at WilliePallooza, a NY State BBQ Championship in Brentwood. The event is a fundraiser for Breast Cancer Help, a charity leading the fight against breast cancer on Long Island.

The annual event invites anyone interested in the art of ‘low and slow’ to register for these free classes.

The first class will be held at 2:00 pm and will feature James Liquori, pitmaster of the Smoke ‘N Barrel competition team, demonstrating how to prep, trim, rub and smoke delicious St. Louis style spare ribs. At 4:00 pm the pitmasters from the NY State Champion BBQ team JC’S BAR-B-QUE & Catering will demonstrate the grilling techniques that placed them in the top 10 at the Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational competition.

Registration is necessary and the interested parties can register by emailing events@bbq-brethren.net with ‘WilliePallooza’ in the subject line and ‘Class’, their names, email addresses and phone number in the body.

Attendees are asked to bring two cans of food to contribute to the on-site food drive for Island Harvest.

Sanna Mattson MacLeod Advertising named David Rogan as its Creative Director today.

The Smithtown marketing and advertising business hired Rogan to assist with the agency’s growth plans in developing new business and providing creative strategies and copywriting to SMM.

Rogan has been re-hired after working at SMM from 2001-2003. His resume consists creating campaigns for four different MTV Games Rock Band games, Dance Central, 2K Sports, Sony Professiona, Nivea for Men, W Hotels and Yoostar Entertainment. of being the creative director for RDA International in New York, where he produced campaigns for several national accounts.

In a press release, Charlie MacLeod, the president of SMM indicated that David is an exceptional talent and has experience in a wide variety of creative work, including broadcast television, consumer and business to business print and interactive media.

” He will be a wonderful addition to our creative team, and we welcome him back.,” said MacLeod.

Since the companys founding in 1985, SMM has served regional, national and international clients, including many Fortune 500 corporations. SMM is a member of the American Association of Advertising Agencies and the ANEW Marketing Group. Recently, SMM has been recognized as one of the nations top business-to-business advertising firms by B to B magazine.

More information about SMM visit, http://www.smmadvertising.com.

Today marks the start to the first annual Spring Long Island Restaurant Week. The week dedicated to fine dinning deals, goes through April 10th!

The eight-day promotion features a special prix fixe dinner offered by all restaurant participants who will offer a three-course meal for $24.95. From Sunday to Sunday, patrons can pick from the many restaurants and browse each unique Restaurant Week menu for a great deal on top eats.

Why a Restaurant Week in the Spring? Normally, Restaurant Week take’s place in the Fall and the very first one started in 2006, but this year the week dedicated to dining grew so popular that the people in charge, WordHampton Public Relations, have decided to try a spring edition!

So, get out and try something new this week because everyone can afford it and every type of cuisine is being offered! Not sure where to head? You can check out www.longislandrestaurantweek.com to find all participating restaurants as well as recommendations.

A record number, 163 Long Island restaurants, are participating; here are two that we suggest:

Graffiti at the Woodbury Commons

8285 Jericho Turnpike, Woodbury (516-367-1340)