18
contents The View From My Porch......................................................................................................................................... 14 Featured Article by Brendan Cahill
The House on The Meadow................................................................................................................................. 18 Featured Article by Bob Doxsee
Tween the Point....................................................................................................................................................................... 22 Stoked for Stack by Devin and Aidan O’Sullivan
How to be Cesspool Savvy...................................................................................................................................... 26 Helpful tips from Point Lookout Civic Association Environment Commitee Chair Gerry Ottavino
The Park Project...................................................................................................................................................................... 29 Matthew Brennan discusses the Point Lookout Civic Playground, an area neglected for the better part of two decades
The Community Outlook - Fall 2014 | Volume 66 - www.communityoutlook.org | 2
14
22
Pastor Greg’s outlook from the
About Folks by Point Lookout
Community
Resident Bernie Kennedy
Church
in
Point
Lookout .............................................................. 6
............................................................19
Missives from the Point Lookout
Home Living with Point Lookout
Fishing Club
Resident Ginny Kelly
.............................................................. 8
............................................................21
Point
Civic Association Message from
Lookout
|
Lido
Fire
Department News
President, Richard Tighe
........................................................... 10
........................................................... 22
The Outlook - Fall 2014 | Volume 66 - www.communityoutlook.org | 3
outlook
community
magazine
T
he Community Outlook is published by the Point Lookout Community Church
Editor In Chief Ann Holt, Editor
in association with the Point
Lookout Historical Society
and PLHS Vice President
Assistant Editor Maureen Dowling O’Sullivan
ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS in the COMMUNITY OUTLOOK!!
Layout & Design Richard Zampella Reviewers Jessica Brennan Sinead Cain Photography Robert T. Dowling Richard Zampella On The Cover: Photo by Nicole Koenig Passman Thanks to Michelle Gola, Bob Doxsee, and Nicole Koenig Passman for contributing photographs to this issue. HELP SUSTAIN THE CO by sending in a small donation to PO Box 28, Point Lookout, NY 11569 We always welcome new submissions. Check the call for submissions in this issue.
Up to 1/8th of a page $250 Inside front page $200 Middle pages $150 Inside back cover
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$550 Inside front pages,
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$300 Inside back cover Fees include publishing for the entire year. Send your advertisement via email as a .pdf or .jpeg attachment (with a minimum of 300 dpi resolution). Include in the body of the text clear specifications of placement (i.e. front, middle, or back). Ads can be sent to the editor at annholt@pointhistorical.org . Checks can be written payable to “The Community Outlook” and sent to PO Box 28, Point Lookout, NY 11569. Note: Fees must be paid in full before publishing.
We are very proud to partner with the Point Lookout Community Church to publish our beloved Community Outlook as this journal, which dates back to 1948, represents a historic narrative of our community. The Community Outlook is designed to provide information of a general nature. The opinions and interpretations expressed within are those of the authors only. The Community Outlook does not warrant the accuracy and completeness of this newsletter, nor endorse or make any representations about its content. In no event will The Community Outlook be liable for any damages whatsoever arising out of the use of or reliance on the contents of this newsletter.
stay
connected www.communityoutlook.org
www.facebook.com/TheOutlook The Community Outlook welcomes submissions of photographs for our cover. Send all submissions electronically to the editor annholt@pointhistorical.org
The Community Outlook - Fall 2014 | Volume 66 - www.communityoutlook.org | 4
Printing by: Russell Sparks Perfect Run Printing “It’s a Perfect Day at Perfect Run Printing”
letter
from the editor
I love “things” that can tell stories, teach us, and inspire us. People, artifacts, and places can do that. The Point Lookout Historical Society holds copies of past Point Lookout journals that were in print even before the Community Outlook, which was first published in 1948. Reading through these old copies has been one of the ways that I have learned about this place. This interest in history and the historical record is why the Point Lookout Historical Society is bringing The Community Outlook into the fold of their other preservation activities and why I have decided to serve as editor. It is not just a paper. It is, in my opinion, one of the most tangible pieces of Point Lookout history that we have, where readers of all ages (present and future) can glean a profound understanding of this place. What makes this journal what it is however are the contributors: the authors and artists who tell the stories, give the reports, and add their insight as well as visual flair. When we announced our intention to revive the Community Outlook to those who had been gracing the pages of the many past issues, we were very encouraged by their responses. Everyone was very happy to continue being a part of this great tradition and I thank them wholeheartedly. I would also like to thank our volunteer, creative genius, layout rock star, Richard Zampella for the beautiful work he has done to bring the Community Outlook into the NOW. He is artistically honoring hints from the past but celebrating current but classic trends in text and visual culture. Aside from this major facelift, the Community Outlook is also offering a lot more opportunities for all ages and genres to contribute voices to it. I urge you to look at the call for submission possibilities. Brendan Cahill’s dedication as editor to the Community Outlook for the past five years has made the transition for me fairly easy. I still have a lot to learn to fill his flip-flops though. He has been close by lately (in the virtual sense) with quick advice and answers and I am happy that he will continue to stay connected to the paper authoring his “View from the Porch”. Thankfully, I have his assistant Maureen Dowling O’Sullivan who is continuing on with me to help smooth out the rough patches and lend me her insight. Together, we are a force to be reckoned with!! My volunteer reviewers, Jessica Brennan and Sinead Cain have eyeballs like lasers. It takes a village folks… It takes a village, like our little Point Lookout, to put this little gem together. The Community Outlook might have new wings, but the problems that almost extinguished it last year remain the same. The harsh reality is that this issue you hold in your hands all but depleted the bank reserve for printing and mailing the next issue, which is why we decided to forgo the cost of mailing this issue and instead relied on volunteers to distribute it. The sustainability of this paper involves all of us- readers, writers, and the whole mechanism behind the publication and distribution of the paper into your hands. This is why we count on the support of advertisers and donations big and small and we invite your suggestions and feedback. Everyone counts. This is your paper Point Lookout. Lets keep the presses rolling! Go to the CO website and peruse past issues, comment, and most of all- support it.www.communityoutlook.org Remember, PLHS is a designated 501(c) (3) charity - donations are fully tax deductible. Make checks payable to PLHS with “Community Outlook” specified in the memo.
Ann Holt, Editor The Outlook - Fall 2014 | Volume 66 - www.communityoutlook.org | 5
PASTOR’S
OUT LOOK “Freedom is not so much the absence of restrictions as finding the right ones, those that fit with the realities of our own nature and those of the world”
W
ell, it’s good to have the Outlook back after
physically, and spiritually.
a long break. We don’t always feel that way about other things, like back to fall after
We can get this misconception that work is the opposite of
summer, or back to work after vacation. It’s
freedom because freedom is the complete absence of any
interesting how some things seem burdensome but in fact we
constraints. But think of a fish. Because a fish absorbs oxygen
find out how much we actually need, and even like them if
from water, not air, it is free only if it is restricted to water.
they are taken away.
If a fish is “freed” from the river and put out on the grass to explore, its freedom to move and soon even to live is
Work often can be viewed as a necessary burden in order to
destroyed. The fish is not more free, but less free, if it cannot
get what we really need or want. But the Bible makes us to
honor the reality of its nature. The same is true in many areas
understand that God has wired us for work. Now by work, I
of life; Freedom is not so much the absence of restrictions as
don’t just mean a paid position. It could be raising children,
finding the right ones, those that fit with the realities of our
cleaning your house, mowing your lawn, shoveling your drive-
own nature and those of the world.
way, or better yet your neighbor’s driveway. Whatever it is, it is as much a basic human need as food, rest, friendship or
So the Bible gives us the commandments of God not to restrict
breathing air; it is not simply medicine but food for our soul.
us, but as a means of liberation, because through them He
Work is not just needed so that we can accomplish certain
calls us to be what he built us to be. Cars work well when you
tasks, but it is needed to become the well adjusted human
follow the owner’s manual and honor the design of the car.
beings God desires us to be. Without meaningful work, we
If you fail to change the oil, no one will fine you or send you
sense significant inner loss and emptiness. People who are
to jail; your car will simply break down because you violated
cut off from work because of physical or other reasons quickly
its nature. You suffer a natural consequence. In the same way,
discover how much they need work to thrive emotionally,
human life works properly only when it is conducted in line
The Community Outlook - Fall 2014 | Volume 66 - www.communityoutlook.org | 6
“It’s interesting how some things seem burdensome but in fact we find out how much we actually need, and even like them if they are taken away.” with the “owner’s manual,” the commandments of God. If you disobey the commands, not only do you dishonor God, you are
The Point Lookout Library
the Ten Commandments. “Six days you shall labor and do all
As of Monday September 8th, winter hours are as follows: Monday 4-8pm Tuesday Thursday and Friday 2-6pm Saturday 10am-2pm Closed Wednesday and Sunday
your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord. (Exodus
_______________________________________________________
actually acting against your own nature as God designed you. And so it is with work, which (in rhythm with rest) is one of
20:9-10) Interesting that the Bible doesn’t say we should work one day and rest six, or that work and rest should be balanced evenly-but directs us to the opposite ratio. Leisure and pleasure are great goods, but we can take only so much of them. According to the Bible, we don’t merely need the money from work to survive; we need the work itself to survive and live fully human lives. Hope you had a blessed and restful summer, but I also pray you’ll come to a deeper experience of the blessed benefits of work during this school year. God bless, Pastor Greg
Point Lookout Civic Association Please log on to the official PLCA website www.pointlookout. org and click on the MEMBERSHIP link to renew your membership, join for the first time, or make changes to your information. Credit card payment is available through online membership. The annual fee is $50. Alternatively, you may use the form below to join or renew your membership. ________________________________________________________
Point Lookout Chamber of Commerce Thank you Point Lookout for Shopping Local Visit us online and view our business listings at www.pointlookoutcommerce.com Local shops are proud to invest in our community
The Outlook - Fall 2014 | Volume 66 - www.communityoutlook.org | 7
-ROLAND DONAHUE
L
ike the Phoenix rising from its ashes, the Community Outlook has been reborn, and again it blossoms on our barrier island.
As of the end of last year, I thought my career as a quasi-journalist had come to an abrupt halt. I was prepared to do what my wife says I do best – nothing! But, surprise, we received an e-mail from our new editor, Ann Holt, and viola!—we’re back in business. The club is still thriving.
I’ve been a
member since 1972, and it had been in existence decades before that, and it still goes on! Our annual July barbeque was held at Ted’s Fishing station. At the affair, a new slate of officers was elected. Herb Abbe is our new president. He will be ably assisted in that position by lst V.P., Kevin Halpin; 2nd V.P., Herb Lippe; treasurer, Joe McGraw; and recording secretary, Ken Andorfer. The picnic was a great success. We would like to thank Ted Wondsel for the use of his facilities. A special thanks to master chef, Marc Abbott who slaved over the grill. I especially enjoyed the German frankfurters and the sliced steak. We would be remiss if we didn’t give our outgoing president, Rob DeVerna, a round of applause. The annual Frank Balchaitis Lithuanian Horseshoe Tournament was won by the team of Jim O’Brien and George
POINT LOOKOUT
Wiesendanger, Jr.
FISHING CLUB
The 50/50 drawing was won by Heinz
“One day, a gentleman who was passing in his car saw us standing in front of the store and mistakenly took us for the guys who stand in front of Home Depot looking for work.”
The Community Outlook - Fall 2014 | Volume 66 - www.communityoutlook.org | 8
The trophy will be
formally presented to the winners at the Fisherman’s Ball which is held in January. Posch. Since we were not in print since last year, we would like to mention that the second winner of the George Wiesendanger trophy for the dock fisherman of the year was awarded to Anthony Holmes of Baldwin Avenue.
The trophy is in
memory of our beloved past president,
“If you are retired and have nothing to do, look for us in the park at 8 AM. If you cannot find us there, we’re inside by the Scott tissue.” George Wiesendanger who passed away in July of 2012. It
prejudiced, a couple of other nationalities were allowed to slip
is presented to the angler who the judges felt best acquitted
in. One day, a gentleman who was passing in his car saw us
himself at our fishoffs which are held at Scotty’s Fishing
standing in front of the store and mistakenly took us for the
Station during the summer months. Anthony caught a prize
guys who stand in front of Home Depot looking for work. He
fluke and managed not to fall in the water. The winner!
asked if we cleaned windows. We thought it pretty funny that a group of retired cops, firemen, school teachers, electricians,
On a patriotic note, Ludwig Meyer has participated in the
and even two lawyers, could be mistaken for those poor
Waterfront Warriors Project for several years. One of the
unfortunates looking for work. We instantly became the Irish
activities is to take wounded and disabled veterans on fishing
Dayworkers. Jim Reilly is our president. His underlings are
trips. Some of these guys are multiple amputees. Ludwig
Ray Gerrigan, Billy Kelly, “Fuzzy Joe” McGuire, Billy Magale, Joe
coordinates this worthy endeavor with the cooperation of
Moran, Bob Walsh, John “two hooks” Kelly, Richard Roskelll,
both Tom Doheny and Ted Wondsel of Scotty’s and Ted’s
B.O.S., Ken “the Burgermeister” Andorfer, Don Kelly, Henry
fishing stations which enables these fellows to enjoy a day
Holton and Jack Keating. Jim O’Kelly was a founding father,
on the water. Some of our members donate their time and
but he couldn’t take the pressure and moved “out east.” We
vessels to this worthy cause. They are Bill Kelly, Jim O’Brien,
meet seven days a week at the little park next to Aggie’s
John Krush, Rich Cohen, and from Long Beach and Freeport,
kitchen at 8 AM. During the winter or inclement weather,
Layne Wagner, Mike Willard, Paul Seidon, Jim Rooney, and Don
Aggie’s management is kind enough to let us meet inside
Marin. Thanks, guys!
the store. You can find us by the paper goods. We normally discuss world problems and offer solutions. Unfortunately, no
Then, there’s the Irish Dayworkers. This group came into
one pays attention to us.
being really by accident. A few years ago, some retired guys, creatures of habit, would go into the IGA (formerly Merola’s)
If you are retired and have nothing to do, look for us in the
every morning to pick up the newspaper and a few items.
park at 8 AM. If you cannot find us there, we’re inside by the
Afterwards, they would stand outside and shoot the breeze for
Scott tissue.
a few minutes, and their numbers gradually increased. Most of
Women need not apply.
us just happened to be of Irish descent, but not being
I like to stir the pot!
Point Lookout’s own, Jon Passman, won the biggest fluke of the season at 11.3lbs! He was using a spearing and squid combo! Great fish! Won the largest Fluke of the2014 season from the Town of Hempstead.
The Outlook - Fall 2014 | Volume 66 - www.communityoutlook.org | 9
POINT LOOKOUT FIRE DEPART MENT
NEWS -Brian S. Guerin
“We are still in hurricane season. Make sure you’re prepared if bad weather threatens us again.”
W
ell, it’s good to be back. Thank you to Brendan
While responding with all our warning devices we are request-
Cahill for all the time and hard work and
ing the “right of way”. It’s important for drivers to remember on
thank you to Ann Holt for continuing the
the approach of sirens and lights to move to the right. Move
tradition. The Community Outlook has been
all the way to the right-hand side of the road and come to a
an integral part of our community for so many decades and
complete stop until the emergency vehicle or vehicles have
hopefully many more to come.
passed. It’s for everyone’s safety.
It has been almost a year since we last “spoke.” There have not
While we are on the topic of vehicle safety, it’s timely to review
been any major fires or incidents in 2014, but we have had
alternative fuel vehicles. The use of alternate fuel vehicles
our fair share of auto accidents. There have been several auto
especially hybrids and electric cars are on the rise. While this
accidents along Lido Boulevard and the Loop Parkway. These
is great for the environment it poses new challenges for the
accidents serve as a reminder to be vigilant. Just because
first response community. Many traditional methods of remov-
you’re following the rules of the road, it doesn’t mean others
ing people from cars involved in major auto accidents have
are.
to be modified to fit newer cars. It’s important to know about your vehicle if you have one. What are the dangers and safety
Responding to emergencies is an extremely dangerous action.
information for your vehicle? Where is your battery located?
The Community Outlook - Fall 2014 | Volume 66 - www.communityoutlook.org | 10
Our Annual Fund Drive is underway for 2014. We appreciate all of your continued generosity.
Are there High voltage concerns? Even
Beach in Point Lookout and the Dunes
Open House in late October as well as
though the car being involved in an
by Biarritz, the beach was full and the
our school education program , please
auto accident is an issue for us to
sun was shining.
look out for more information as we get
tackle, some simple acts like getting a
closer. Remember to check your smoke
jump can become an issue if you’re not
Our Annual Fund Drive is underway for
and CO detectors and change out the
familiar with the vehicle.
Please take
2014. We appreciate all of your con-
batteries.
the time to educate yourself about your
tinued generosity. We are not able to
vehicle in order to help us help you
thank everyone individually, but please
should the need arise.
know every donation is greatly appreciated. On behalf of the Point Lookout –
Thank you to all who came out to honor
Lido Fire Department we sincerely.
our fallen on Memorial Day with our annual community service and break-
THANK YOU for your donations.
fast. Then in July, in spite of Mother Nature, we squeezed in the July 4th
We are still in hurricane season. Make
parade before it poured. The turnout
sure you’re prepared if bad weather
was great considering the outlook.
threatens us again. The PLLFD contin-
Featured Historical Hint In 1931, a small garage served as the first Point Lookout firehouse and was originally located on Bayside Drive between Garden City and Glenwood Avenues. It was later moved to Lido Boulevard and Hewlett Avenue. Shortly thereafter, through the efforts of Point Lookout Community members, a community hall (Ye Old Firehouse) was erected on its east flank and dedicated in 1934.
ues to be at the forefront of hurricane Kids Day proved to be another suc-
and emergency preparedness. Let’s all
cess…great weather and great com-
have a safe Autumn.
munity! Thanks to the Civic Association for another great year. Both at Civic
We will host another Fire Prevention
The Outlook - Fall 2014 | Volume 66 - www.communityoutlook.org | 11
ABOUT
FOLKS by Bernie Kennedy
“If you know someone in town who you feel has had a particularly interesting life...”
B
ack in the late 60’s when I was a young teenager in the Point, Mrs. Amy Miller wrote the About Folks column in each month’s edition of The Community
Outlook, filling it with announcements about birthdays, anniversaries, graduations and exotic trips of Point Lookout’s residents. Back in August of 1965, she wrote about a letter received from Mrs. (Millie) King about the King family’s trip to Gaza where they would live for the next two years, including their stopover in Copenhagen, their visit with Tom Jorgensen (another Point Lookout resident) in Beirut and their plane ride from Beirut to Gaza. “When they arrived in Gaza there was a group waiting with flowers and kind words of welcome,” she wrote. Imagine that. The About Folks column was a staple in the Outlook and a “must read” from its inception in 1948 through the publishing of its latest edition last year.
I remember the simple
excitement it provided me as a boy to find out
Image Courtesy of John D. MacDonald Plumbing
who in town shared my birthday month and to read some other news about the kids I knew and their families. I remember distinctly when the Kings moved to the Middle East (although I thought it was Egypt) and how all of Kevin’s friends (myself included) wondered whether Mr. King hadn’t been sent there on a secret government mission.
The TheCommunity CommunityOutlook Outlook- -Fall Fall2014 2014| |Volume Volume66 66 - -www.communityoutlook.org www.communityoutlook.org| |12 12
In the same edition, Mrs. Miller wrote about Little League dance at which John Lombardi won an “RCA color TV” and about the Our Lady of Miraculous Church luncheon at which “Catherine Monahan of 124 Mineola Avenue” won the first prize trip to Europe and “it couldn’t have happened to a nicer person.” She concluded the column with reminders about the Father-Son baseball dinner on September 1st, the Mardi Gras dance for teenagers on September 4th (with music by The Chasers) and the 33rd Annual Civic Association dinner-dance on September 5th featuring none other than the Jimmy Cullen Orchestra. With the re-introduction of the Community Outlook this year, we’d like to bring back that old-fashioned About Folks spirit where we not only announce local events and milestones but celebrate them as well. So if you have information about a birthday or anniversary or birth of a child or grandchild or any other matter that you feel merits sharing with our community, please don’t hesitate to send it in so it gets included it in our next edition. In addition to the standard fare, we will also from time to time be publishing feature stories about local people of interest, so again if you know someone in town who you feel has had a particularly interesting life or accomplishment worthy of a feature story, please let us know and we will make every effort to pursue it.
The Point Lookout Historical Society PLHS is looking to
Please send all information and suggestions to communityoutlookaboutfolks@gmail.com. We look forward to continuing this wonderful community tradition and we look forward to hearing from you.
showcase a Point Lookout artist for their 2015 annual Art/ Wine Fundraiser!! This is a great opportunity to showcase your talents. Artists should submit two high resolution digital images (jpeg please) of the artworks: One that conveys a feeling about Point Lookout’s Bay and one that conveys a feeling about Point Lookout’s Ocean. The selected artwork will be generated on wine labels as well as larger formatted signed artist prints. The chosen artist will also have the opportunity to exhibit other work and have an artist reception sponsored and hosted by the Point Lookout Historical Society in June 2015 at the beginning of the beach season. For more information please call PLHS at (516) 897-0324. Submissions are due by March 1st, 2015 and artists will be notified by March 15th. Strict size format for the label images should be the following: 3 ¾ inches length by 3 inches width. E-mail jpegs to annholt@pointhistorical.org
The Outlook - Fall 2014 | Volume 66 - www.communityoutlook.org | 13
2014
THE
VIEW FROM MY PORCH By Brendan Cahill
I
always believe that Point Lookout and its traditions
Saturday we watched the lines of 8-, 9-, 10- year olds being
stand a bit outside of time, and there are many, many
called into the ocean, and this time it was my friend Scott
moments when I pass a landmark - say, the Pavilion
Cunningham holding the end of the starting rope, the anchor-
- and I am reminded of mornings as a child spent with
man in the deep end, where, in my memory palace, it was his
my friend Liz jumping off the low walls, or, later, drinking beer
father in the early 1970s calling us over the megaphone, call-
on the benches as a teenager, or another time, maybe a bit
ing us into the water and I knew that Michael Dinneen had
older, maybe not, nestled in a hollow of the dune in front of it,
a more than very good chance of beating me. Was it always
kissing a girl - was it my first kiss? - while someone’s cassette
raining, or cold, or 7 in the morning? Did we always swim
player had Dylan’s “Lay Lady Lay” playing and I was thinking
against the current? We raced like herring in a net, and every-
how perfect everything in the universe was, the stars above,
one seemed damaged by it. Freddie Amato kicked me in the
the music, the girl, that feeling. I now walk my children up the
face once, and I guess that was an accident. It always seemed
steps and sit in the same benches. And that’s just the Pavilion!
that way. I was just happy not to have a Comerford my age, as
How do we continue with the accretion of so many memories?
that would have automatically put me one more place back.
All of our places, all of our traditions, affect me in that way.
My Grandmother, dead now since 1983, had written about her
Do I mourn the loss of Drop Beach, where, on some summer
return to Point Lookout. It was 1931 and their friends had
nights, we, as children, would run around while our parents
invited them down and it was the first Children’s Day and she
drank and had a bonfire and Mrs. Stillwaggon would play the
was reminded of her own childhood summers in that same
guitar? Did it even happen that way or is it just the memory I
place, back when there were only a handful of houses among
have constructed? Was there a Drop Beach? Were there par-
the dunes and the steam ferries would bring “day trippers”
ties? Was I there? Why do some things stay vivid after forty
over from Freeport. There, in 1931, among the running races
years and others get forgotten after forty days?
and swimming races she thought, then and there, that this was
Standing at the Children’s Day Races with my father on
the perfect place for her children to be.
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“I get a hangover just walking past the The Point Alehouse, even at this age, as the ghosts in the cinderblocks of The Bayhouse still know my name”
“On Children’s Day in the 1970s, Mr McDonnell cut watermelons with a machete”
The Community Outlook - Fall 2014 | Volume 66 - www.communityoutlook.org | 15
She bought her own house back the next month, the house I live in today. Now, in 2014, just two days ago, my Dad and I stood behind the police barricades on that beach, down by the tide line where the children lined up according to their ages, and he was looking out into the ocean. I asked what he was thinking about and he said, “I was thinking of the year Lucy Hoolahan won the greased watermelon contest. She was the first girl to do it.”
Children’s Day Program from 1935
She bought her own house back the next month, the house I live in
Racing they must have gotten rid of that event), which was as
today. Now, in 2014, just two days ago, my Dad and I stood behind
exciting as anything on Wide World of Sports. We were all kneel-
the police barricades on that beach, down by the tide line where
ing on the sidelines and the contestants – always married (wasn’t
the children lined up according to their ages, and he was looking
that a prerequisite then?) would start the game. It just dominated
out into the ocean. I asked what he was thinking about and he
your attention. Really, you could not look away. There was audible
said, “I was thinking of the year Lucy Hoolahan won the greased
excitement when the judge would say, “And now the ladies take one
watermelon contest. She was the first girl to do it.”
step back”. We all sat there thinking, “Holy cats, there will be blood
And that was in what? 1944? 1945? There is that last sentence of
now. “ The amateur couples fell quickly, and then you got to the
Moby Dick where Melville wrote, “the great shroud of the sea rolled
pros, those final men and women who probably had been practic-
on as it rolled five thousand years ago.” The same sea, the same
ing all winter in their basements. Who won? I always remember the
races – Grandma’s memories, Dad’s memories, my memories: our
McGivneys dominating that event but that may be another ghost
communal memories all laid out together and intertwined.
in the machine. What is very clear was the way it always ended – absolute agony for the losing couple (would their marriage survive
Is memory, especially subjective memory, a burden? Are those
until next summer?) and the judge taking the winning couple’s egg
who’ve bought their houses recently, who’ve brought their families
and cracking it on the victor’s head. Everyone laughed, although we
into the town recently, are they any better, or any worse, because
all knew the punch line was coming, having seen this skit before. It
they don’t remember those ghosts from the past? This column
was always great. This sepia tinted perfect postcard memory dark-
is obviously not for them. On Children’s Day in the 1970s, Mr
ened slightly. Things fall apart, the centre cannot hold, as the poet
McDonnell cut watermelons with a machete – and
reminds us. As I grew, the authorities - never the cops, mind you, but probably the aforementioned Mr LaManda, or Mrs McGoldrick
Whoa! that was dramatic - and someone – the Merolas? – gave out
or someone else who knew how to call our parents - struggled
Dixie cups of vanilla ice cream. Getting the two things was may-
to prevent the teens and tweens from buying out the entire eggs
hem, jostling to get to the front like a refugee looking for a sack of
section of Merola’s and getting in the mother of all egg fights. The
rice. There was no bouncy castle, no dunk tank, no dinner. Senator
PLCA also opened the Egg Toss to unmarried couples and the social
D’Amato and the President of the Civic Association – it was always
compact began to waver. My cousin and I even won the contest
Mr LaManda and he was always old and short and no-nonsense
once, entirely by good fortune and the accident of youth, but I think,
with kids – gave out the trophies. I was not a perennial favorite,
in retrospect, that was in itself a line crossed. We all start out so
but my brother Christy won enough and everyone, winners and los-
pure and end in sin. They stopped the Egg Toss and now there is
ers, was expected to crowd around the Pavilion for the ceremony.
some emasculating sack race or something ridiculous that takes up
Anyway, we had nothing else to do.
the time before we can get on line for the dinner buffet and the opportunity to dance the electric slide.
Of course, in those days, there was also the Egg Toss (once Lucy Hoolahan broke the gender barrier in Greased Watermelon
I get a hangover just walking past the The Point Alehouse, even
The Community Outlook - Fall 2014 | Volume 66 - www.communityoutlook.org | 16
at this age, as the ghosts in the cinderblocks of The Bayhouse still know my name. Memory always begins with me, but of course that isn’t true. My mother used to tell me that once, when she was a teen, she and her crowd had an Addams Family party in her home on Glenwood Avenue (spirits, this is the home I live in now) and, as the festivities reached their natural end the boys brought Val
Message from Father McNamara Our Lady of Miraculous Medal
Steffin in a makeshift coffin into The Patio (pre-Bay House, pre-The Point) and spent the rest of the night there, ghouls and goblins, ladies and gentlemen, enjoying the libations. That bar - a bank of heartache and love. So many of those who enjoy the delicious burgers of The Point won’t think of that, but, in truth, aren’t we, who lived here, condemned to remember the past and the memories we had there or lost there, feeding quarters into the juke box so that Blind Faith or Led Zeppelin would be the soundtrack for our joys and sorrows at an hour that was always later than was better for us? The current owners can’t be blamed – they run a great business – but must we forgive? In a town where everyone knows your name, and all your secrets, you can take that comfort, or intrusion, in whichever way you want. Secrets, however, will always out, so why would we care how to spin the news? To the contrary, when things are so very bad, it is this community that seems to come together to support one anoth-
As the Community outlook begins a new season, I would like to offer my congratulations and support. I have been pastor here at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church for a little over a year. In that time I have come to appreciate the generous community spirit and the care for others that marks this community. I have had the privilege to meet and work with Pastor Greg of the Community Church. We had an ecumenical service last Thanksgiving at his Church and I am looking forward to this event again this year.
er. It is strangely freeing to think that all of our weaknesses and sins – infidelity, illness, death, dependence – are absorbed and that, outside of the comfort of our bourgeois lives we live, out among ourselves, open to comment and free from full judgment, because, after all, aren’t we all imperfect and bound only by the strictures of whether we sit on the right or the left of the lifeguard stand? My father went swimming early this morning, as he always does, to welcome the dawn, and there he met three young boys sitting on the lifeguard stand who had also awoken early to remember their last sunrise of this summer together. In different phases of life my father and those boys were drawn to setting a punctuation mark on the season. In Celtic Ireland they set fires at Midsummer; in Point Lookout we take one last swim at Last Summer. I heard the story from all sides by 9.00, as nothing is secret on Glenwood Avenue. We all have our own traditions, our own histories, and yet, just look at us, one family of friends and neighbors, stuck with one another and all that we bring along as baggage, loving and needing and giving from one day, one season, one year to another. - Brendan Cahill
We are a worshipping community who believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who came on earth to save us from sin and from the incompleteness and the illusions of this life. We are sinners in search of the salvation Jesus Christ offers us and we invite you to join us on this search. Each Sunday we celebrate Mass together because we believe that in His words of life and especially in His Body and Blood Jesus Christ is present in the Mass in a unique way and has something to offer us. So why not come by and join us? We celebrate Mass on Saturday evening at 5:30 pm and on Sunday morning at 7:30, 10:00, and 11:30 am. Are you looking for some meaning and purpose in life? Are you tired of the rat race and the fleeting pleasures of this world? Then come and be with us so that together we may find God and celebrate His presence. Fr. Jim McNamara
The Community Outlook - Fall 2014 | Volume 66 - www.communityoutlook.org | 17
“When my parents were married in July of 1923, their first home was a wood-framed cottage facing Swift Creek on Meadow Island, just inside Jones Inlet.”
THE HOUSE ON THE MEADOW By Bob Doxsee
W
hen my parents were married in July of
connected to a crank handle was driven by Jack Armstrong.
1923, their first home was a wood-framed
Gradually, as the cream thickened, the crank grew harder and
cottage facing Swift Creek on Meadow Island,
harder to turn and someone would have to hold the tub from
just inside Jones Inlet. Pop and his brother
spinning. We anxiously awaited the solidifying of the ice
Spencer ran Bright Eye Fish Company, an ocean fish-trap
cream, then, greedily scoffed it off the paddles. It was the best,
operation from the island. The cottage was to be our summer
laced with rock salt. Beyond a foot bridge, over by the fish
home for over a decade and the scene of my earliest childhood
camp, was an artesian well. It was close by the bank but cool,
recollections. Access to the island was by boat only. There was
sweet, fresh water gushed forth.
no electricity, running water, roads or services of any kind. Cooking, heating and lighting were powered by kerosene-
Although Spartan, the island was a popular place in summer.
fueled appliances. Refrigeration was by the dependable old
A number of artists vacationed there in bohemian style. Ernie
ice-box. Transportation was water borne. Rainwater, run off
Wagner was a flautist with the New York Philharmonic and
the roof, was collected in an outdoor barrel, as was the privy
was host to intellectuals of many persuasions.
an out-of-doors affair. The roof was made from cedar shakes nailed directly over 1 X 2 shingle lathe (no sheathing). In
My earliest memories were of following our pet black duck
dry weather you could see daylight through the gaps in the
under the house that was set on pilings. Although born wild,
shingles. The shingles would swell up and become water tight
he stayed around because one of the fishermen had mended
at the first hint of rainfall. I can clearly remember my mother
an injured wing and kept it clipped. He also liked swimming
putting up homemade root beer in reusable bottles, topping
around our “Jimmy Boat” which lay to the dock in front of our
them off with an old-fashioned rack and pinion bottle capper.
house. Every winter, his feathers came in and he flew away.
We made ice cream using the old-fashioned bucket with the
One summer, when he didn’t return, I missed my friend and
ice cream ingredients in a central cylinder surrounded by
looked for him in vain.
chipped ice, topped off with rock salt. A geared mechanism
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There was no electricity, running water, roads or services of any kind. Cooking, heating and lighting were powered by kerosene-fueled appliances.
M
y older brother and sister played with other
down by constant sharpening. No real fisherman was ever
children on the island, mostly swimming from
without a sharp knife. The indelible circular print of a tin
docks and sandy beaches. As there were no
of Copenhagen snuff was embossed on shirt pockets while
kids around my age, I tagged along, so Mother
a pinch was inevitably under the lower lip. The camp itself
rigged me in a life jacket, which I wore continuously. Pop
consisted of a long dock, parallel with the shore line, to
taught me to dive by holding me ankles up and letting go. It
lay boats to. As I remember, there were three long, narrow
worked. Just about everything done by that incomparable man
buildings sheathed in tar paper and peaked metal roofs.
was equally direct.
Two buildings stored nets and gear while the other was a bunkhouse for the crew. We had a cook, just like in a western
Seamen
movie. I remember him fixing me up with homemade bread and jam, which I scoffed down.
In those days foreign seamen would jump ship in the Port of New York and wind up along the waterfronts of Long island
Our fish traps or “pounds” were outside Jones Inlet in the
and New Jersey. These types made up the bulk of Pop’s crew,
ocean. The term pound comes from impoundment such as a
mostly Swedes and Norwegians. Rough and ready, they were
dog pound. They were an elaborate affair, strung over acres
a hardworking and hard drinking lot. They were strong silent
of ocean, and supported by ninety foot North Carolina hickory
men with huge, hard hands and powerful fingers that could
poles jetted into the sea floor. We shipped to Fulton Market
unlay the largest rope with a single twist. Faces weather-
from Freeport Point at the tip of Woodcleft Ave. The Market
beaten; lips dry and cracked; forearms bronzed; their upper
was on South Street in those days, at the tip of Manhattan on
arms, backs and foreheads were lily white. They wore caps
the East River.
with pull drawer visors, trousers that were rigged with both galluses and wide leather belts that had attached sheath
The crew would use the “Jimmy Boat” for shore leave. She was
knives. The blades, just a sliver of hardened steel, were worn
in the twenty-foot range, had a cuddy cabin forward and
The Outlook - Fall 2014 | Volume 66 - www.communityoutlook.org | 19
open cockpit aft. She had a slow turning engine with a single
one of our clam boats. Back in the day Ollie made plenty of
cylinder known as a “one lunger”, and a simple magneto
money in the rum trade and spent it as fast as he made it. A
ignition system called “make and break”. It had a distinctive
small man, Ollie liked large things-especially blondes and
chug-a-chug sound. When the gang would return from a night
Buicks. They used WWI high powered, twelve cylinder, Liberty
of recreating ashore, the boat would pretty much have to run
aircraft engines that could be purchased surplus for pennies
itself. Sometimes she would run aground or run up on the
on the dollar—and from the same government that was trying
creek bank. Eventually they would get off and continue like
its best to lock them up. Another popular aircraft engine was
nothing had happened. In my mind’s eye, I see them now. So
the Italian Fiat. They had a way of rigging the engine exhaust
long ago, powerful, hardy, stoic, proficient seamen-inarticulate,
system, so that if needed, it could draw used engine oil into
profanes, yet the gentlest of men.
the red-hot exhaust pipe. Making their escape when under hot pursuit, they would disappear under the umbrella of a
Rum Runners
huge thick, black smoke screen billowing out astern. Necessity is the mother of invention. In
prohibition
many
local
days,
boatmen
The most famous rum-runner of all time was Captain Bill
were into running rum; a
McCoy, the founder of the row. With his Gloucester salt-bank
respectable trade before
schooner, Arethusa, he would lay off shore and sell to all
the gangster element
comers for cash money. Such was his reputation for honesty in
became involved. They
a crooked business and for the high quality of his goods that
would run offshore in
his name found its way into American folklore as a symbol of
fast skiffs and buy from
the genuine article; the “Real McCoy”.
schooners
that
came
down from the French
One Sunday morning during prohibition, my mother was
islands
St. Pierre
reading bible verses to the family on the front porch of our
and Miquelon off the
of
cottage, when up-creek steamed Captain Ben Eldred with the
Canadian
and
Coast Guard picket boat in hot pursuit. Suddenly Ben turned
up from Nassau in the
coast
hard aport and bore down on our house. After ramming the
Bahamas. Outside the
bank at full speed, all hands and the cook jumped ashore
twelve-mile
territorial
carrying a case with Ben in the lead. As they ran by the house,
limit was a floating
each man made a respectful, “Morning Bob, Mrs. Doxsee” as if
marine liquor market stretching from Cape May, New Jersey
it happened every day.
to Montauk Point known as “Rum Row”, where the booze trade flourished day and night. The U.S. Coast Guard could not interfere outside their jurisdiction but would try to intercept the liquor coming ashore. Much of it found its way past Meadow Island, and on up to Freeport. Growing up, I knew several men who had plied that trade. My favorite story concerned Captain John being pursued by a four stacker. To make matters worse, they were fired on, so things got really bad when a school of “fifty caliber fish” started splashing all around the boat. When unloading the contraband at dockside, Captain John had another trick. He would tie up with very light line. The engine would be off to maintain silence, but left in gear. If the revenue agents came down on them, he would hit the ignition switch and off they would go at high speed, parting the dock lines. Another old-timer was Ollie from Freeport. When I knew him, he skippered “Pocahontas”,
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The Cottage In
1933,
dictated
progress that
the
Doxsee Brothers set up a fish packing house on Reynolds Channel
in
Point
Lookout, where roads and
utilities
were
available, allowing us to ship direct to New York
City.
We
continued
to
live
summers
on
the
while
Pop
island
commuted to work by boat. In 1936, he sailed the cottage over to Point Lookout on a deck scow where it stood for the next seventy-eight years. I started a family and resided there for twelve years. My mother spent the last years of her life there and my grandchildren lived there for over a year. We were hosts to several notable tenants; the last family to live there found “port of refuge,” after losing their home to Hurricane Sandy. In October of 2013 the old cottage embarked on its final voyage bound for “Harbor of Memory” after succumbing to the wrecker’s ball. Still-emotions run strong when I think of the cottage and our life on Meadow Island. A gang of Swedes, a pet black duck, home-made ice cream, a young Bob Doxsee teaching me to dive, and the pungent odor of marsh bog, creek mud and salt hay mingle with the memories of eighty years ago. *Salt-bank schooner: In the old days schooners would spend summers on the Grand Banks catching cod with hook and line. The cod were headed and gutted and preserved by sprinkling them with just the right amount of salt. The salt also preserved the wooden planks of the schooners. When I was a boy, my mother would buy Beardsley’s shredded salt cod in red boxes, reconstitute it by soaking it in water and serve it over mashed potato.
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N E E TW
P E TH
R A L A B
S T OIN
T S M A
Balaram was just in Point Lookout again because he
was here to compete in the 2014 Volcom Unsound Pro surf competition in Long Beach. It was so cool and exciting for
M
local surfers. The contest was really fun to watch. Balaram y mom told us that many famous people have
made the finals and took fourth place overall (out of 96).
lived in Point Lookout.
We are writing about
When asked at the contest about what his best part of week
one of our favorite surfers Pro Surfer Balaram
was, Balaram said he had the best time “surfing the heat” with
Stack. He is famous in the surfing world. We
the kids from Stoked. (Stoked is a non profit organization that
found out even more about Balaram when we looked him up
helps inner-city kids through surfing. “STOKED’s mission is to
on Wikipedia and then interviewed him. Balaram started to
promote personal development, academic achievement, and
boogie board when he was three! He had a talent for surfing
healthy living to underserved youth through action sports
even when he was eleven and got sponsored by Unsound Surf
culture.”)
Shop. He started winning a lot of contests and then got spon-
sored by Quiksilver and joined their team. He got to travel
us for an interview. It was great. Aidan asked the questions
the world and surfed in awesome places like G-Land, Oahu’s
and I (Devin) held the camcorder.
We were lucky because Balaram took time to sit with
Banzai Pipeline, France, Tahiti, Barbados, Mexico, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Peru, Canada, Chile, and Australia. He has traveled
Aidan : “What is your best memory of growing up in Point
and trained with some of the best surfers and he has learned
Lookout?”
a lot. He has competed with the best surfers out there. He
Balaram: “My best memory is probably surfing at the cove
has many more sponsors such as Volcom, New Era, OAM (On A
when I was younger.”
Mission), Sector 9, Rockstar, and Unsound.
A : “How did you come to live in Point Lookout?”
B: “My mom brought us back here because my grandma lived
We are very lucky because Balaram lives a few hous-
es up from ours. He moved here when he was a little kid. We
here.”
started surfing because of Balaram Stack. He is awesome. He
A : “Did your grandma have any influence on you as an athlete?
can do many tricks like 360 and 180 airs. He can also do sick
B: “Sure. My grandma taught me how to play checkers. I would
cutbacks and snaps. He gets barreled a lot too. He must have
cheat and beat her all the time…(lol) and I became competi-
learned all these moves from skateboarding and practice.
tive…she taught me how to win contests… She also taught
Balaram also does a lot for charities and volunteers to teach
me how to skate.” Balaram’s grandma Margaret Regina Mink
kids. He is just a great Point Lookout kid.
was an awesome speed skater and tried out for the Olympics!
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ulliv S ’ O idan A d n an i v e by D k c a t or S f d e S to k
an
K C TA
A : “Did you ever play any other sport? Why did you choose surfing?” B: “I played baseball and hockey, but I just liked surfing more than anything else.” A : “What makes Point Lookout a special place?” B: “It’s a small town, it’s a great place to grow up, it’s home.” A : “What would you tell kids who want to become a pro surfer like you?” B: “ Start competing early and a lot. And don’t do drugs.” A : “When and where is your next big competition?” B: “Oceano Santa Catarina Pro 14 in Florinopolis, Brazil in October.” A : “What does your name mean? B: “It means the strength of God. Bala means ‘strength’ and ram means ‘God’, so strength of God.” A: “Cool.” A : “What is your favorite food? B: “Gino’s pizza” A : “What is your favorite music?” B: “Hip-Hop.” A: “Where is your favorite surfing spot?” B: “Scotland.” A&D: “Seriously? Wow.” A: “What was the first concert you ever went to? B: “My first concert was Britney Spears. I went with Lenny and Katie Manning.” A: “Thanks Balaram! Good luck. We’ll be watching you!”
“Balaram Stack is a sick surfer, great skateboarder, and a good neighbor. We are just stoked for Stack and we are really proud of him.”
The Outlook - Fall 2014 | Volume 66 - www.communityoutlook.org | 23
©2014 Photo by Robert T. Dowling
The Point Lookout Civic Association
PLCA Membership
The Civic Association was excited to hear about the revival
If you are not an active member but occasionally spot a child
of the Community Outlook. The Outlook is one of those Point
laughing at Children’s Day, our Pumpkin Walk, or Monsters,
Lookout things that makes our community special. Your Civic
Inc.; or you enjoyed a refreshing cocktail at our Welcome to
Association works hard to help foster that sense of community
Summer Party, then please take this opportunity to renew your
through our fun-filled line-up of events like Children’s Day,
membership. Please fill out the form on the back cover and
the Pumpkin Walk and the Welcome to Summer Party.
send it in, or head to our newly updated website to join for the first time or renew membership. www.pointlookoutcivic.org
Like Santa’s elves planning Christmas, this year’s greenshirted volunteer team led by Michael O’Malley began
While programming is the most obvious result of your
preparing for Children’s Day months in advance. We would
support of the PLCA, we also have many behind the scenes
like to thank Mike for stepping up to chair the event over the
efforts going on to serve the community. The Environmental
last couple of years. It may be your membership dues that
Committee headed up by Dr. John Manning, has been focused
pay for the day’s events, the medals, the dunk tanks, and the
on the Long Beach Island Dredging Project (the New York one,
DJ, but without our volunteers this event and the memories it
not the New Jersey one). The current hold up of the project is
creates would not be possible.
our Piping Plover neighbors located in the Nassau Beach area. For those of you who do not know, the Plovers are endangered
This year the PLCA sponsored what we hope to be another
birds that join us for our warmer months. Because of the
annual tradition, Movie Night on the Beach. With the
Endangered Species Act, the Plover population habitat is
August Supermoon as our backdrop, 300+ of our closest
currently under review by Fish and Wildlife. We will update
friends joined us for a screening of Monsters ,Inc. Your
you with any news in the coming weeks. Our membership
collective membership dues allow us to continue our great
numbers allow us access and a voice in these discussions.
programming. Keep in mind, if we can expand our membership ranks, we can also expand our offerings. While the glamorous
So again, we thank those of you who continue to be loyal
work of getting permits and vendors lined up for events like
members year after year. If you are not a member please
movie night takes time, these vendors are funny folks in that
take this opportunity to join the PLCA. Your membership will
they also expect to be paid for their tents, dunking booths
make our programming stronger, our voice louder, and our
and movie screens. If you are an active member, we thank-you
community more resilient.
for supporting your community.
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-PLCA
Message from your PLCA President… Sadly, another summer in Point Lookout has drawn to a close. I would like to take a moment to thank those volunteers in the Civic Association who have been so busy all summer making our community the great one that it is. From the Welcome to Summer Party in July to Children’s Day on Labor Day weekend and then throughout the rest of the year, civic members are always planning, organizing and pulling off fun events that bring neighbors, friends, and families together. Since over eighty years, Children’s day is one of our signature events. It is a day well spent, laughing with family and friends. This year, as always, was a tremendous success. Watching the kids competing in the morning swimming and running makes us all look back fondly to our own youth. Later in the evening, watching five hundred people breaking bread on the beach, then dancing under the stars to the DJ’s fine music, reminds us why this is such a special community. After Labor Day, our town settles quietly back into the routine of school and work. We look forward to the annual Pumpkin Walk and the chance to see our youngsters dressed in their adorable Halloween outfits. Before we know it, the holiday season is upon us, and the start of a new year. As president of the Civic, I encourage you to be a part of this great tradition of Point Lookout; to become a member of the Point Lookout Civic Association. I also encourage you to volunteer your time by joining a committee or helping out at the many civic events during the year. I also would like to encourage our Point Lookout teens, who might be interested in taking part in civic life and gaining leadership skills. There are many ways to volunteer. Lastly, come to the meetings and give your input on what can improve our quality of life in Point Lookout. If you would like to raise an issue, email me anytime at point prez @gmail.com. Richard Tighe
Watching the kids competing in the morning swimming and running makes us all look back fondly to our own youth.
The Community Outlook - Fall 2014 | Volume 66 - www.communityoutlook.org | 25
6 TIPS
TO BE CESSPOOL SAVVY
Helpful tips from Point Lookout Civic Association Environment Committee Chair Gerry Ottavino
The Community Outlook - Fall 2014 | Volume 66 - www.communityoutlook.org | 26
1
Make sure that your cesspool is inspected by a licensed contractor every three years; and, when necessary, have the system pumped. Safeguarding our health, while preserv-
ing our community’s character, are salient reasons why every
6
When it comes to wastewater, less is better than more; so, take every step possible to become water efficient. If possible, install high-efficiency toilets and showerheads, and faucet
aerators.
Point Lookout property owner must be proactive about caring for their cesspool systems. Simply, everything that goes down
PLAN AHEAD
your drain ultimately finds its way into our local environment.
time; and spread it out. When possible, avoid using high
– Avoid excessive water use at the same
concentrations of water from different sources at the same
2
The best (and cheapest) form of maintenance is prevention, so “Abstain from the drain;” and think before you flush! Do NOT dispose non-readily degradable products such as grease, coffee grounds, hygiene items, dental floss, cigarettes, cat litter, or paper products (other than toilet paper). Dispose of these products elsewhere. Under-maintained systems will con-
time.
taminate the underground; and, upon surfacing, wastewater
select the proper load size. Avoid washing small loads. Both
will attract disease-breading insects and introduce health
will reduce water waste.
For example, do NOT use your washing machine,
dishwasher, and shower all at once; and refrain from using them during periods of heavy and prolonged rain or flooding. Spread out washing your laundry, rather than doing it all at the same time. When doing multiple loads of laundry consecutively, your cesspool(s) is/are not given the time to properly treat and dispel the wastewater coming in, This is sure to flood your system. When doing laundry, be sure to
risks, possibly initiating code violations and respective fines as well. In addition, poorly treated leachate will introduce pollut-
Know When to Call a Professional
ants into our waterways.
Sure Signs of Cesspool Failure Wastewater backs up into your household drains;
3
Similarly, whatever goes down your drain ultimately finds its way into our local environment; so, do NOT dispose of petroleum, other chemical products or unused medications of any kind down the sink or toilet. Again, dispose of these products elsewhere.
Toilets don’t readily flush;
Therefore, vigilant inspections and preventative maintenance
Water pools on your lawn, or muddy soil exists at or close to
are critical requisites. By being “Cesspool Savvy,” owners can
your cesspool system.
Strong odor(s) exist inside and/or close to your property, among them possibly hydrogen sulfide, usually emanating from internal drains or up from the system itself; Grass at or close to your cesspool area is bright green and/or spongy, even during prolonged dry weather; and/or
avoid illness, pollution, fines and punitive expenses, while preserving their property values, community and natural
Nassau County’s 4th precinct accepts unwanted prescription
environment.
and over the counter tablet medications.
4 5
For questions, call ahead: 516-573-6400.
Never park on or drive over your cesspool system. You should never park your cars around the septic system. You don’t want any
* Many pharmacies will accept various forms of medications
added weight on your septic tank or leach filed as
Ask yours. Much of the information imparted above was
it can potentially crush your drains and leach lines.
– both over-the-counter and prescription – for disposal. acquired from Suffolk County Legislator William Spencer, M.D.’s Thursday’s Thoughts, July 10, 2014 informational, and the EPA
Do NOT plant trees or shrubs close to your cesspool system. You should never plant trees
website. For information visit the website at: http://water.epa.gov/infrastructure/septic/septicsmart.cfm.
or large shrubs near your septic tank. This will cause roots from trees and shrubs to grow close
to your tank and clog up the pipes. This can result in serious damage to the tank.
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IN MEMORIAM
PASSAGES A look at Point Lookout residents that we lost in 2014. Pause to remember friends and colleagues in the community who have left us during the past year.
MARY CROUTIER Point Lookout is mourning the loss of Mary Croutier. Mary A. (Marie) nee Mulligan of Rockville Centre and Point Lookout died on July 13, 2014. She was the beloved wife of William. J. for 61 years. Loving mother of William J, Jr. (Mary Beth), Kevin (Patrice), Patti (John), Matthew (Margi), Vincent (Julia), Eugene, LeeAnn (Vito), Daniel (Cathy), Brian (Judi), and Michelle (Tim). Dear sister of John, and loving in-law of Florence and Robert Clark. Cherished Nana of 24 and great grandmother of 6. Mary would often be seen on Civic Beach playing bridge with friends or laughing, surrounded by her children and grandchildren in the ever-expanding Croutier circle. She so loved the beach that her family poured some Point Lookout sand into her grave so that she would always be resting on sands from her beloved Civic beach. Loyal friend and neighbor…Point Lookout will miss her.
CATHERINE LINTON
DORIS CULLEN Doris Cullen, beloved wife of John B Cullen ( deceased) , died at home on July 8th, 2014. Mother of Dana Conklin , John Cullen ( deceased) and Gail Cullen. Grandmother of Chad Conklin and Paige Horak. Great Grandmother of Tyler, Halle, Skylar and Christopher. Doris was a long time resident of The Point and on many Autumn days you would see her walking down Glenwood Avenue for a swim. She loved her town and there were numerous organizations to which Doris and John donated. Doris had a passion for the nursery school she directed for 28 years. She was also the visionary and developer of the Village Gardeners. Doris was strong minded and
Longtime resident Catherine Linton passed away on August
sometimes held opinions that were not popular. However, she
27, 2014 in her 99th year. Beloved wife of the late Leonard.
stood up for her values, and if necessary, separated from the
Loving mother of Alexandra Linton (Dara Zargar), Patricia
norm and spoke her mind. Sometimes there are great prices
Linton (Jeffrey Fenton) and Nicholas Linton. Known for her
to pay in this world for being too outspoken. To our mother:
elegance and style as well as her untiring charitable work for
A Sensitive Soul...Pure in Heart and Soul
the AHRC, she imparted humor and wisdom to her family and
At the end of her life
community. Born in Russia, raised in Paris, she was a world
Her True Soul’s Essence
traveler who loved her home in Point Lookout. A Memorial
Bloomed in Full like
Service will be held near what would have been her hun-
The flowers she adored
dredth birthday on October 11 at 11am at the Point Lookout
So much.
Community Church, Point Lookout. In lieu of flowers, dona-
...at the end of her life she wanted to tell everyone that she
tions to Camp Anchor, 630 Lido Blvd, Lido Beach, NY 11561.
loved them...
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PARK PROJECT On behalf of those volunteering on The Point Lookout Park Project, I am thrilled to say welcome back to the Community Outlook and thank you for giving us the opportunity to speak to the community about the Point Lookout Park Project. The Point Lookout Park Project was born out of a need to enhance some of the neglected public spaces of Point Lookout. The Point Lookout Park Project Inc. will engage in large-scale public revitalization projects in and around the parks and public spaces of Point Lookout. We have, and will continue, to seek input from the community to identify needs, prioritize projects and see the ideas through to completion. We will work with local governments and community groups on project design and bridge the funding gap between available public resources with private donations to see our community works come to fruition. We were incorporated at the start of the year and have applied for 501(c)(3) designation. Our first project will focus on the Point Lookout Civic Playground, an area neglected for the better part of two decades. The ultimate goal of the project is to remove all
-Matthew Brennan
the existing equipment except for the rock climbing walls and replace the equipment with new playground structures. Additionally, we will install a new rubber mulch safety surfacing in 2/3 of the complex, and leave 1/3 of it sand. The pace for which the project gets completed will be determined by the pace of fundraising; too much funding, and we move on to other projects, too little, and we will work in stages to complete the playground. A common question we have heard is: Why isn’t the Town of Hempstead rebuilding the playground? If you have ever looked at your tax bill, you know Point Lookout Civic Beach and Park enjoys special park district status. We pay a maintenance fee to the town to upkeep both Civic Park and the facilities at the beach, while the Point Lookout Community is responsible for any capital improvements. This is why all the existing equipment in the playground was purchased by private citizens and donated. After speaking with the Town of Hempstead and having several community outreach events, we are now focusing on our fundraising efforts. Thus far we have two primary fundraising
Renderings of Point Lookout Future Playground
vehicles, our Beach to Bay 5K event and our ongoing brick campaign.
We will be installing the inscribed bricks, benches and cornerstone plaques along a new pathway in the park.
Our 5K event was held in early August and had over 300
If you would like to be a part of our brick campaign, we invite
participants. We hope that in a couple of years from now, we
you to head over to www.pointlookoutparkproject.com to
will have our capital projects completed and we can utilize
view renderings of your future playground and to find more
the proceeds from the 5K for ongoing maintenance of our
information about our fundraising opportunities. You can call
projects. Our second primary fundraising tool is our ongoing
me directly at 718-809-1217, or call Robin Amato at 516-
brick campaign.
835-9676. The Outlook - Fall 2014 | Volume 66 - www.communityoutlook.org | 29
A MESSAGE FROM THE
PLHS
A
“Our mission is to preserve and to educate the community about Point Lookout’s historical heritage.”
The Point Lookout Historical Society PLHS is a
next door to Ocean Grace, Inc. and just around the corner
committee of the Point Lookout Civic Association
from Olive Oils and Aggie’s Market. We have had some very
since 1993. Our mission is to preserve and to
well attended and awesome events over the last few months.
educate the community about Point Lookout’s
In March for Women’s History Month, we held a women’s col-
historical heritage. The society serves as the
lections development workshop generously sponsored by
steward of historical ephemera for which it maintains an
Heneghan’s Tavern. At the Point Lookout library in May, we
archive and repository. We are very proud to partner with
did a trial run doing a zine workshop with the kids in Krazy
the Point Lookout Community Church to publish our beloved
for Books Kids club. We plan on repeating this workshop at
Community Outlook as this journal, which dates back to 1948,
our space sometime over the school year. In June, we held our
represents a historic narrative of our community.
first annual Artist Wine Tasting sponsored by Jo Jo Apples. Any artists out there who would like to submit for next year? Take
We are excited to share our news that PLHS is no longer home-
a look at our call for artists here in the Community Outlook.
less! This home has been made possible by an endowment fund created in the name of one of our founders Rosemary
The first week of October is our week for preservation
Dowling. This money goes to rent and physical maintenance
consulting thanks to a grant from the National Endowment
of the PLHS locale. We are also very excited to announce that
for Humanities. Archivist Jackie Esposito will be coming in
until November 30th 2014 your donation (specifically to the
from Penn State University to do an archival primer for our
Rosemary Dowling endowment) will be matched 100% by
volunteers and conduct an emergency preparedness and
a generous donor. This means that your contributions are
heritage workshop with our neighboring historical societies
doubled! Checks can be written to PLHS RM FUND and mailed
in Long Beach and Freeport. We are looking for volunteers
to PO Box 822. PLHS is a designated 501(c) (3) charity and
for a wide range of activities. Give us a call at 897-0324. We
therefore, donations are fully tax deductible. Come by and see
would love to hear from you. Follow us on Facebook too for
us at our new address: 23B Bellmore Ave.,
announcements and random historical tidbits.
The Community Outlook - Fall 2014 | Volume 66 - www.communityoutlook.org | 30
PLHS:
FALL 2014 CALENDAR
Volunteer Workshop
two different Saturdays: December 6th, and December 20th.
Preserving the Heritage of Point Lookout: An Archival Primer
Times are: 10am to 12pm (grades 3 to 5), 12pm to 2pm
Tuesday, October 7, 2014 from 9:00am–11:00am
(grades 6 through 8), 2pm to 4pm (grades 9 through 12)
at the PLHS space, 23B Bellmore.
Space accommodation will limit enrollment so please register
As part of a week-long preservation assessment/consultation
early!! Workshop fee includes all materials: $25 per child, $20
funded by the National Endowment for Humanities, PLHS
per child if enrolling siblings. Reserve: (516) 897-0324
would like to invite all current and prospective volunteers to a workshop/ presentation facilitated by University Archivist and Head of Records Management at the Pennsylvania State University, Jackie Esposito. Please RSVP: 516-897-0324
“We are a steward of
___________________________________________________________
historical ephemera
PLHS Open House- Housewarming
which we maintain
Saturday, November 22nd, 5:00 to 7:00 pm Whew! The Point Lookout Historical Society has a new home at 23B Bellmore and we are ready to celebrate with a reception for our new exhibit! Come and welcome us to the neighborhood! ____________________________________________________________
Upcoming Exhibition Ye Olde Firehouse (1934 to present): Community Interactions November 15th through February 1st The seeds of this dynamic community-made exhibit about the Ye Olde Firehouse are planted using artifacts from the Point Lookout Historical Society archives. However, the story is also told by your objects too. Over the course of the exhibition dates, PLHS invites community members who would like to bring in their own objects to add to the Ye Olde Firehouse timeline. Original or digitized copies of your objects will be securely registered and tagged and can include a range of genres: 3D artifacts, photos, textual materials (letters, posters, invitations, etc...) What have you kept over the years? What are your stories? Call for information: 516-897-0324
Zine Workshop Make history! Make your own zine! (elementary, middle and high school) Zines are self-published visual and textual magazines. The zine can be a critical platform for both envisioning one’s sense of place in the present and re-envisioning one’s future. How might the Point Lookout Historical Society encourage in our youth a sense that their voices matter and that they too are part of the historical fabric of this place? This is an interactive 4-hour workshop that will take place over the course of
and archive.”
Call for Volunteers for the PLHS Here is a list of all PLHS volunteer opportunities (Pick as many as you want... Multi-tasking is FUN!!) Get involved!! CALL us: 516-897-0324. Archival: Processing materials Collections development Outreach and Education Exhibits Coordination Docent/ Reception Gift Shop Coordinator Events Coordination and help Fund-raising Grant-writing & Research Public Relations • Mailing • Social Media • Website Maintenance and Design of the PLHS locale (interior and exterior) Community Outlook • Advertising • Proof-reading • Article Coordination • Distribution
The Outlook - Fall 2014 | Volume 66 - www.communityoutlook.org | 31
HOME LIVING WITH
GINNY KELLY “Enjoy my regular column featuring crafts, gardening or as in this month, baking ideas. It is fun to make my peach blueberry pie recipe. It appeared in Martha Stewart Magazine. Let me know. Contact me at our great Community Outlook. Good luck. Ginny� PREP: 30 MINS TOTAL TIME: 1 HOUR 30 MINS
1 1/2 cups sugar 5 tablespoons quick-cooking tapioca 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt 3 pounds peaches, peeled and sliced (6 cups) STEP 1 Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, tapioca, and salt. Add peaches, blueberries, and lemon juice and toss to combine; let sit 15 minutes. Lightly flour a rolling pin and work surface and roll out half the dough to a
12 ounces blueberries (2 cups) 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
12-inch round. Place in a 9-inch glass pie plate and brush with egg white. Pour in fruit filling and dot with butter. STEP 2 Roll out remaining dough to a 12-inch round and place over fruit filling. Trim excess and crimp edges to seal. In a small bowl, lightly beat egg yolk with 1 tablespoon cold water. Brush top of dough with egg yolk mixture. With a paring knife, cut several small slits on top to vent. Set on a rimmed baking
All-purpose flour, for rolling 1 homemade or store-bought double-crust pie dough 1 large egg, separated, white lightly beaten
sheet and bake until crust is deep golden brown and juices are bubbling, about 50 minutes. (Tent loosely with foil if crust browns too quickly.) Let pie cool completely on a wire rack, about 3 hours.
2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
The Community Outlook - Fall 2014 | Volume 66 - www.communityoutlook.org | 32
A MESSAGE TO PROSPECTIVE AUTHORS, poets, artists, photographers and budding authors: The Community Outlook needs you to contribute to its pages!!
C
Point Perspectives (grades 9-12) up to 1500 words. What do you think? What do you know? What do you want to share? Get published!!! Note: Research and writing using the Point Lookout Historical Society archives is eligible for a $50 award. General Articles about Point Lookout up to 2000 words. Articles can be historically based and/or offer contemporary perspectives about Point Lookout. Can be co-authored. Point Lookout Ghost Writers up to 1500 words. Feeling shy
olumns to Contribute to :
to put out your work? Want to just test the water? This is an
About Folks- up to 1000 words. We seek a diver-
opportunity to just paddle around before setting full sail on
sity of voices. Group submissions are encouraged.
open seas.
Can be submitted in an interview-based format Point Arti-Facts Mash Ups up to a half page, any visual or text-
as well.
based contribution using the Point Lookout Historical Society Off the Point- 250-750 words written by Point Lookouters
materials. Be creative!
whose hearts are here but they happen to hail from yonder Prospective new authors: Please send a short description of
seas.
your proposed contribution or article idea to the editor at Kids Point (Pre-K through grade 5) up to 250 words or half a
PO Box 28 or e mail it to: annholt@pointhistorical.org
page from the point of view of our future Point Lookouters.
Deadlines for article submissions are rolling: Sep. 1st, Dec. 1st,
This can be anything you want: book/ movie reviews, inter-
Mar. 1st and June 1st NOTE: Articles should be written in 12
views, photo essays, poems, artwork- you are the author of
pt. font and double spaced for easier review. All photographic
your dreams.
submissions should be atleast 300 dpi.
Please send a short description of your proposed contribution or article idea to the editor
Tween the Points (grades 6 through 8) up to 750 words. Again, this can be anything you want: book/ movie reviews, interviews, photo essays, poems, artwork- you are the author of your dreams.
I am delighted to have provided the design and layout for
Our goal is to advocate for our business community and
this issue of the Community Outlook. As President of The
to help them grow and more importantly, to continuously
Point Lookout Chamber of Commerce, I would like to send
promote Point Lookout’s quality of life. By encouraging
a BIG THANK YOU to the PL community for continuing to
collaboration and cooperation between businesses and
shop local! By utilizing local merchants, you help provide
residents, we help create a synergistic environment in
a sustainable business community in Point Lookout as well
which we all thrive. Our ongoing mission is to support,
as foster growth and positive change. Only through your
promote and attract business for the advancement of
support can we continue to fund important community
our community. We hope that during your visits around
initiatives and lead the way for community improvements.
Point Lookout, you can appreciate how diverse our local businesses are. Please contact us directly if you need
The Chamber of Commerce would like to extend a special
assistance.
thanks to Dana Conklin and the Village Gardeners for all their hard work in the upkeep of the public spaces around
Once again, we thank the Point Lookout Community for
town. The new fountain at the corner of Cedarhurst Ave.
shopping local which is an integral part of our collective
and Lido Blvd. is a outstanding addition to the Point
success and future!
Lookout landscape. -Richard Zampella, President, PLCC
The Outlook - Fall 2014 | Volume 66 - www.communityoutlook.org | 33
HISTORICAL
Town BENCH(MARKS) Around with Photographer Robert T. Dowling
NOW AND THEN - by Don Kelly
B
enchmark # 1 23(A) and 23(B) Bellmore Avenue Now: 23 (A ) Ocean Grace and 23(B) Pt. Lkt. Historical Society Then: Lookout Tap Room
Classic bar and restaurant run by Mc Mahon family (Rick). Site of the world record “head underwater in a bucket.” Is this why saloons are called watering holes? See you in the next Community Outlook Issue with Benchmark #2... Would you like a bench (marked) on these sites? Let me know at plhs@optonline.net
Lido Blvd. Late 1940s
The Community Outlook - Fall 2014 | Volume 66 - www.communityoutlook.org | 34
POINT PERSPECTIVES T
KID’S POINT By: Eldjima Djandabri-Holt “Ellie”
Point Perspectives: Children’s Day By: Chloe Brown What is Children’s Day? Children’s Day is the best day of the summer! It always has been and always will be. That is because the people of our beloved town, Point Lookout, come together “to put the icing on the cake called summer.” Just over 80 years ago, Children’s Day started at our very own Point Lookout beach. When this day first started, there were only two events: running and swimming. I spoke to former children’s day participant, Margaret Dougherty who had said the day was running, swimming, getting watermelon, and only vanilla ice cream cups. Then, later in the day, they gave out first, second, and third place trophies; When Margaret’s father was a kid, one of the only prizes was a pencil. Eventually Children’s Day progressed to adding another event, the egg toss, for the parents. Margaret told me a story. She said “One year I dressed up as my mom for the egg toss. I wore my mom’s terry cloth robe, big straw hat, and her big, green, plastic earrings.” This is a story that Margaret cherished from Children’s Day. Over the years, more events gradually became part of Children’s Day. Now, the events are: running, swimming, boogie boarding, the egg toss, sack races, the sand castle
My point is about Ted’s and the annual Pirate Celebration. My favorite part about the Pirates coming to Ted’s was that they were really good actors… REALLY good actors. And, their confetti guns are scary and at the same time funny. I got to spend Pirate’s Day with my Grandma. She stayed for two or four days with me while my Mom and Dad went to go
contest and many more events and activities! There is also a barbeque at the end of the day for everyone to enjoy along with a DJ for the kids. To make this day happen, it is truly a community effort! This year’s Children’s Day was another success and we all look forward to many more.
for my sister in college in Montreal. I think Pirate’s Day should be the same but different every year. My other favorite thing about Ted’s is that very nice people work there. Also, sometimes you can catch jellyfish, crabs, and hermit crabs. Most of the time I see my friends there and it’s really fun. If you are a kid and you go to Ted’s, the best thing to do is play nuke’em or volleyball. The best thing on the menu is the pizza and the best dessert is candy and ice cream.
The Community Outlook - Fall 2014 | Volume 66 - www.communityoutlook.org | 35
THE COMMUNITY OUTLOOK P.O. BOX NO. 28 POINT LOOKOUT, L.I., N.Y. 11569
To Join The Point Lookout Chamber of Commerce – Email us at news@pointlookoutcommerce.com or call 917-280-6483
The Community Outlook - Fall 2014 | Volume 66 - www.communityoutlook.org | 36