Like us on Facebook Scan our QR code on your smartphone to visit our website!
Look for our Back to School Issue on August 14
www.BellmoreLife.com
Serving the Bellmores since 1964 Printed on recycled paper
Vol. 52 No. 31 (USPS
049-500)
Bellmore, NY 11710
The Community Newspaper
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
75¢
HOLDING SWAY: From left, Federico Castellucio (Best Director, Shor t Film, “Checkmate – Keep Your Enemies Closer”), Eddie McGhee (lead actor in Best Feature Film “The Human Race”), Fred Carpenter (Best Audience Award for “Send No Flowers’) and Trip Hope (producer, “The Human Race”) celebrate after their big wins at the Long Island International Film Expo at the Bellmore Movies last week. Bellmore Life photo by Douglas Finlay
Winners take over at LIIFE awards ceremonies
by Kristen Buckley and Colin Hekimian
1980s’ brat-pack princess Ally Sheedy (“Breakfast Club,” “St Elmo’s Fire”), who received LIIFE’s Humanitarian Award, joined with veteran actor William Sadler (“Shawshank Redemption,” “Iron Man 3”), who received the LIIFEtime Creative Achievement Award, to mingle with host, actor Kevin Brown (“30 Rock”), Anthony Laciura (“Boardwalk Empire”) and Federico Castellucio (“The Sopranos”) to present awards during LIIFE’s annual gala awards ceremony last week at the Bellmore Movies.
In a twist, host Kevin Brown presented Mr. Castellucio with a Best Director Award for “Checkmate, Keep Your Enemies Closer,” which starred Mr. Sadler. Mr. Castellucio dedicated his award to the late James Gandolfini, star of “The Sopranos” TV series. Mr. Castelluccio said, “I dedicate this award to two people. I dedicate it to my cousin who passed away recently and James Gandolfini [who played Tony Soprano]. He was a great friend, an incredible actor and a true inspiration.” “I am humbled and surprised by this award,” Mr. Castellucio told this newspaper after the win. “I made a good friend in
Bill Sadler when shooting the movie. He’s so versatile.” He then spoke of his good friend Mr. Gandolfini, saying they worked together on several scenes regularly in “The Sopranos” and that he admired him for his talent. “I saw him twice in the ‘God of Carnage’ [on Broadway] and he was magnificant.” “I will greatly miss him,” he concluded.
Big Long Island winners The big Long Island winners of the evening were “Send No Flowers” and “Tilt of a Rose.” Both films tied for the Best Long Island Film Award. “Send No Flowers” won two other awards: the
Audience Award, which is determined by audience ballots, for local director Fred Carpenter; and Best Actor in a Feature Film, for Russ Camarda. In his acceptance speech Mr. Carpenter declared that “Send No Flowers” was the “best film, best group of people I’ve ever worked with.” Mr. Camarda praised LIIFE as “one of the best indie film festivals in the world” during his own acceptance speech. “Tilt of a Rose” also won the award for Best Supporting Actor in a Short Film for Matt Heller. The shorts and feature from the festival’s (continued on page 7)
NAMES MAKE THE NEWS: Read about y our neighbors! 101 local people’s names were in y our community newspaper last week. Maybe yours is in this week! See inside.
Mark Bonilla found guilty page 2
Residents rally for teacher page 3
Crime spree stopped? page 8
‘Baby Boom Baby’ gets second date page 11
(516)
781-5050
When it comes to Facilities, the Bartholomew Funeral Home provides the best in the Bellmore area.
Town Clerk Mark Bonilla ing how could there have been corroboration on count two. Mr. DiLuzio admitted that text messages were sent among the parties at
2 Bedrooms • 2 Bath • New Appliances • All New Sunlit Kitchen • Livingroom w/Fireplace $2,400
WWW.SASREALESTATE.COM
Claim filed Nassau District Attorney Kathleen Rice said in a news release that in August 2012, a 21-year-old female employee in Mr. Bonilla’s office filed a sexual harassment claim against Mr. Bonilla, claiming that he had groped her and made sexual advances toward her for two years. Later that month, the DA said, Mr. Bonilla met with a male employee who was in a relationship with the woman who filed the claim against him. Mr. Bonilla asked the male employee to provide him with inappropriate photographs of his accuser.
After the male employee did not deliver the pictures by early September, Mr. Bonilla threatened to transfer him out of the town clerk’s department. But he also promised the employee a transfer to full-time status if he was able to deliver the photos, the DA said. The case was referred to the DA’s office by Town of Hempstead officials, and Mr. Bonilla was arrested on September 21, 2012, as a result of an investigation. Of Mr. Bonilla’s action, the DA said, “Mark Bonilla created a toxic work environment with his personal conduct and then tried to smear a young woman who rebuffed his unwanted sexual advances.” She said voters rightly expect elected officials to do their jobs with professionalism and common decency, and that her office will continue to hold accountable those who violate the public trust.
The best
WANTAGH LUXURY CONDO!
Real Estate
1237 Wantagh Ave., Wantagh N.Y. 11793
one time, but would not elaborate. He encouraged Mr. Bonilla to go to work because he is a professional, but added that he expected there to be calls for his removal from office. “He’ll be at that job unless he’s removed from it [before his term expires], said Mr. DiLuzio.
Clubhouse • Tennis Court, • In-Ground Pool (lifeguard) Call Immediately: (516)
per month
781-5050
Back to School Special Issue
Coming Soon...
August 14 & 15
Flowers by Voegler
10% OFF
1171 Merrick Avenue Northowned Merrick Since we’re family & operated, we have the
w/AD
6962JA1011
Hempstead Town Clerk Mark Bonilla of Bellmore was found guilty last week in the First District Court in Hempstead of threatening to transfer an employee unless he gave personal photographs of a female employee who had accused him of sexual harassment. Mr. Bonilla, 50, was convicted by Judge Sharon Gianelli on one count of Official Misconduct, the most serious count, a class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail. Mr. Bonilla was acquitted of another count of Official Misconduct, and acquitted of Coercion – also a Class A misdemeanor – and Attempted Petit Larceny, a lesser Class B misdemeanor. He will be sentenced September 26. “We’ll appeal the verdict,’ remarked Adrian DiLuzio, attorney for Mr. Bonilla. “I’m not happy with how she [the judge] rendered her verdict,” he continued. “There was no corroboration of a threat [of intimidation] in count one, three or four” from the witness, he said, ask-
9732AU113PR
481-1277 481-7416 flexibility to meet• FAX your individual needs. You will www.flowersbyvoegler.com be served by people who are members of bythis Flowers Voegler community, where the best does not cost more, 481-1277 in fact it may cost less. 1171 Merrick Avenue North Merrick
The best When it comes to Faciliti es, the Bartholomew FunFeUra NERAL HOME lService HomSince e p1914 rovides Family to to Family Family Service Since 1914 the bestFamily in the Bellmore are a. Todd W. Althenn, licensed funeral director & pre-need specialist 302 S. Bedford Avenue, Bellmore, N.Y. 11710 Tel: 516-785-0225 • Fax: 516-785-5406 www.csbartholomewandson.com
FULL CIRCULATION Merrick Bellmore And Wantagh EXTRA CIRCULATION Freeport Baldwin And Seaford
378 -5320 • Merrick Life • Bellmore Life • Wantagh/Seaford Citizen • Freeport/Baldwin Leader
Your community paid subscription newspapers
Since Since we’rewe’re famfamily ily owowned operated, ned && op eratedwe , whave e hathe ve the flexibiflexibility lity to mtoeemeet You will t yoyour ur inindividual dividualneeds. needs. You will be se ed bybypepeople berv served are members ople wwho ho are membersofofyour this comm community, where best service is affordable. unity, whe re ththee be st does not cost more, in faTcto ditd m Way . Aco l t hst e nle n ,ss. licensed funeral director & pre-need specialist 302 S. Be dford Aven ue , Be llm ore, N. Y. 11710 Tel: 516-785-0225 • Fax: 516-785-5406
4840JA509JB
Call today for rates. Rese rve your space now!
9682JN2713JB
Bellmore Life Wednesday, July 31, 2013 Page 2
Town Clerk Bonilla found guilty of Official Misconduct
Page 3 Wednesday, July 31, 2013 Bellmore Life
Residents protest over ousted coach
SOLD
by Colin Hekimian
CHSD responds Deirdre Gilligan, speaking on behalf of the school district, provided this newspaper with a prepared statement: “Stefan Serie submitted his letter of resignation to the district on June 26, 2013, and the Board of Education accepted his resignation at the July 9, 2013, meeting.” “As this is a matter of personnel, the district cannot disclose any further details,” she said. The board voted 8-0 to rescind Mr. Serie’s tenure on June 17, Ms. Grassman told this newspaper. Mr. Serie had been granted tenure in May, according to school board minutes prior to his appearance in (continued on page 5)
The Best Selling Homes In Bellmore/Merrick Have One Thing In Common...
WE BUY HOMES FOR CASH CALL 783-5900
PREVETE REAL ESTATE
783-5900
2585 Merrick Road, Bellmore Century21Prevete.com
SOLD
32SP1205SI
FREE MARKET EVALUATION
IF YOUR PROPERTY IS CURRENTLY LISTED WITH A REAL ESTATE BROKER
PLEASE DISREGARD THIS OFFER
(ages 18 months-5)
x x
5
Specialized elective program @ Iconic Musical Theatre program @ Iconic
info@campiconic.com
camp@weefriendsnurseryschool.com
S9729AU113PR
Parents and students demonstrated outside of Brookside School last week to protest the ouster of Merrick Avenue Middle School health teacher and wrestling coach Stefan Serie. His supporters believe Mr. Serie was fired because of an appearance in the show “Long Island Princess” for jumping into a pool with his shirt off during a national TV show. But about 80 community members, who want Mr. Serie reinstated, protested the dismissal outside of Brookside School just before the regularly scheduled CHSD school board meeting. “Bring Serie back!” chanted Christine Grassman, who led the protest. She began the movement through Facebook for her son Braden’s sake. “I’ve been eating, drinking and sleeping this case. What happened to Coach Serie is childlike and disgusting. If the board cares about what the community cares about, he will be reinstated.” Asked if she was surprised with the turnout, Ms. Grassman said, “I’m not surprised at all. This is the type of loyalty and respect he engenders. He is a huge part of this community.” Stacy Grossman was another vocal leader of the protest.“What they did to him is a travesty. He is wonderful with the children. He teaches them to stay away from drugs and alcohol,” she said. “He lost his house during Hurricane Sandy but he was still out giving supplies. He is a positive role model. We are all allowed to have a life after work. He did nothing wrong.” Merrick dad Jeff Fine told this newspaper he was in disbelief upon hearing about Mr. Serie’s dismissal. “Mr. Serie made the biggest impact on my son. If he loses his job it will create a tremendous void. I hope I can do a small part in reversing the decision. I only hope the board is big and strong enough to recognize their mistake. The punishment doesn’t fit the crime. My son just told me he is going to write his college essay on Mr. Serie as the man who impacted his life.” Mr. Serie’s attorney Joseph Kilada, retained by Mr. Serie to get his teaching position back, said, “I think the support is fantastic. This has to do with parents expressing their voices. When people see injustice they want to fix it. They want to know why [Mr. Serie] has been fired. My hope is he will be reinstated. I hope the board has decency and common sense. They represent the parents and the parents want him reinstated.” County Legislator Dave Denenberg of Merrick added, “This protest is a groundswell of support for a teacher who people think was wrongfully de-tenured. It shows that this teacher has a lot of support from parents, students – and teachers!”
Bellmore Life Wednesday, July 31, 2013 Page 4
BELLMORE LIFE USPS (049-500) 1840 Merrick Avenue, Merrick, N.Y. 11566 Telephone 378-5320 FAX 378-0287 e-mail: LMPUB@optimum.net AN INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER ESTABLISHED 1964 AS A COMMUNITY SERVICE Published Weekly on Wednesday by L & M Publications FAITH AND JOHANNES LAURSEN, FORMER PUBLISHERS L & M Publications LMPUB@optimum.net Subscriptions Dept. LMSUBS@optimum.net Classifieds Dept. LMCLASS@optimum.net Display Ads LMADS@optimum.net Editorial Dept. LMEDIT@optimum.net
Publisher: Editor: Paul Laursen x 20 Assistant Editor: Sales Manager: Staff Writer:
Linda Laursen Toscano x 19 Supervisor: Nicolas Toscano Douglas Finlay Jill Bromberg x 16 Laura Schofer Production Manager: Marilyn Loheide Graphic Artists: Judy Ammerman, Pat McKay, x 22
MOVIE MAKERS AND SHAKERS pose for a quick photo at the Long Island International Film Expo awards night last week at the Bellmore Movies. See story on page 1.
Circulation: Kathleen Murphy x 25 Periodicals postage paid at Bellmore, N.Y. Price 75 cents a copy, $20 a year, $36 for two years, $49 for three years; (Outside Nassau County $40 per year). Postmaster: Send address change to: 1840 Merrick Avenue, Merrick, N.Y. 11566 Composition responsibility: Not liable beyond cost of space occupied by error. All art work, layout and editorial content are the sole property of Bellmore Life and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without permission of L & M Publications. All editorial submissions are subject to editing. Not responsible for return of materials submitted for publication. Materials submitted may be used in print and online editions.
The community newspaper - the glue that helps hold a community together, and the spur that helps keep it moving forward
Been there, done that Many years ago, as a reporter for the Daily Hampshire Gazette, my assignment was to visit a group home for young adults that had been passionately opposed by neighbors on that dead end street five years earlier. But on my visit the neighbors could not speak more highly about that home that had become a second home for many of them. They spoke about neighborhood picnics and softball games. They said the home had brought them all together in a good way, and they would not have wasted time and bad feelings on fighting it if they had only known. Recently, I was talking with a friend from Wantagh who told a similar story. Neighbors on her street had been up at arms about a group home coming in. It came anyway and turned out to be a great thing for the neighborhood. The home was maintained perfectly. There were no problems with noise or traffic. And everybody loved the kids. Ironically, one of her own children grew up to live in another group home, a source of relief for her that he would be assured the care he needs. It made her feel bad that she had once fought the kind of home her child would live in. And it made her feel good that things turned out the way they did. She wishes everybody could understand that. NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) is a powerful force. Homeowners will fight any thing that they believe will lower their property values or change their quality of life. For most people, their home is their nest egg, their one investment. It is not fair to belittle their concerns. But from someone who has “been there, done that” the assurance that everything will work out okay is a powerful one and should be considered.
-LT
‘A Tale of Two Cities’ by Bob Trentlyon (my apologies to Mr. Dickens) The two cities are Stamford and Norwalk, both on the Long Island Sound in Western Connecticut. The 1938 hurricane caused enormous damage, and Stamford, now a city of well over 100,000, finally had the Army Corps of Engineers build a storm surge barrier, which was completed in 1968. The barrier is 3,000 feet long and has one gate, which can be moved up and down. The city of Stamford has added a wall so that the entire protected length is 2.5 miles. The city operates a couple of pumping stations as part of its section of the wall. 600 acres of Stamford are protected by this barrier. To give you an idea of what 600 acres are, all of Manhattan south of Chambers Street totals 500 acres. During the time since the barriers were constructed there have been many hurricanes and storms, with flooding occuring from two to 20 times a year, but Stamford has not had damage from either storm surges or flooding. The Army Corps part of the barrier cost $14.5 million to build. The Army Corps spends several hundred thousand dollars per year on staff and maintenance. The cost saving from Irene was $5,869,000. The cost saving from Sandy was $25,500,000. Unfortunately, I have not been given the cost savings going back to 1968, but I am sure the
bellmore bits
BOE MEETING: The next CHSD board meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 7, at 8 p.m. in the board room at 1260 Meadowbrook Road. ©©© VENDORS SOUGHT: The Bellmore Ladies Auxiliary of Bellmore Knights of Columbus 2333 Bellmore Avenue seeks vendors for its fair on October 27. Call 785-9407 by October 19 to reserve a space. ©©© B L O O D D R I V E : Assemblyman Dave McDonough (R,C,I-Merrick) will host a blood drive in support of Long Island Blood Services on Thursday, August 8, from 1:307:30 p.m. at the American Legion Post 1749, 1298 Newbridge Road, North Bellmore. Long Island Blood Services will also provide two tickets to an upcoming New York Mets game to donors. To be a donor you must bring valid photo or signature identification, weigh at least 110 pounds, be age 16-75 (16-year-olds must have parental permission), eat well and be hydrated prior to your appointment, and not have gotten a tattoo within 12 months (unless applied in New Jersey). For information call the assemblyman’s office at 409-2070. ©©© DAYAN LILAH GROUP: The Bellmore-Merrick Dayan Lilah Group of Hadassah has announced it will hold its annual Mah Jongg, Games and Martinis Night on Wednesday, August 14,
at 7 p.m. at the Bellmore fire station, 230 Pettit Avenue, across from the LIRR station. The cost of $33 per person/members or $37 per person/nonmembers,. and includes martinis, snacks, Italian dinner and desserts. Instruction will be provided to those who don’t know how to play mah jongg. RSVP by Tuesday, August 6, to dayanllilah@gmail.com or email with any questions. Sorry, no walk-ins! Proceeds from this event will go towards Hadassah’s breast cancer research. ©©© ICE HOCKEY CLUB The FUNDRAISER: Bellmore-Merrick Bulldogs Hockey Club will host a day at Bethpage Ballpark, home of the Long Island Ducks, on Sunday, August 25. For $35 per adult (includes children 11 and up) and $30 per child (ages 4-10 [children under 4 no charge]) come and enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet and the game. It will begin at 3:30 p.m. in the Hebrew National picnic area. The pre-game buffet lasts for 90 minutes prior to the game. Make checks payable to BellmoreMerrick Bulldogs Hockey Club, Inc. and mail to Michele Lynott, 1791 Thomas Street, Merrick 11566 no later than August 15. Any questions can be directed to Lenore Baccarella at 300-9500 or Michele Lynott at 384-7221. ©©© BBQ FUNDRAISER: The Bellmore Knights of Columbus
Bellmore Life photo by Paul Laursen.
will hold a country-themed barbecue on Sunday, August 11, from 1-6 p.m. in support of families who have been harmed by the Oklahoma tornadoes. Cost is $30 for adults and $10 for kids. There will be food, drinks, a pig roast, games, prizes and more. For information call 785-9407. ©©© KENNEDY REUNION: The Bellmore-Merrick JFK Alumni Group will hold a multiyear reunion on Saturday, September 21, from 7-11 p.m. at Mulcahy’s of Wantagh, 3232 Railroad Avenue, Wantagh, and invites all graduates, teachers, coaches and staff to attend, with a special section for 1973, 1983, 1993 and 2003 class reunions. The class year with the greatest turnout will have a plaque placed in the high school and a scholarship will be presented. Alumni musicians, bands and live music from The Kamelot Alumni Band, The Friends to the Ends Alumni Band, Suzanne Levy, Rick Gigi, Larry Schwartz, Scott Sander, Elliot Negrin, Brian Hand and David Kane from the Class of 1980 will be there; Dana Ritacco (stage name Dana Rayne) from Class of ‘97 and JFK Alumni Choir will be there. Free buffet will be from 7:309:30 p.m. Cost is $35 until August 31, and $40 after September 1. Purchase tickets and print out your receipt for admission to this event at bellmorejfkalumni.org/reunion_re gistration. ©©©
from Sandy was $25,500,000. Unfortunately, I have not been given the cost savings going back to 1968, but I am sure the total saving must be enormous. Norwalk, a city of 80,000, lies 14 miles east of Stamford. I was told by the city’s press officer that it is a charming town. It is on the Norwalk River, which flows for two miles through Norwalk to the sound. Four small barrier islands are at the mouth of the river. Two are bird sanctuaries and the other two are uninhabited. Along River Road, which borders the Norwalk River, are 400 houses that are in the flood zone and were damaged by Sandy. There are another 400 houses that also were damaged that lie outside the flood zone, for a total cost of $10 million in damages. I looked up Norwalk because National Public Radio had a piece on Washington Village, which lies in the flood zone and has the only public housing in Norwalk. Some state legislators want FEMA to come up with close to $100 million so a developer can raise the public housing building six feet and enlarge the structure to include affordable housing. FEMA does not want to spend money on a structure that is continuously being flooded. No one in Norwalk ever mentions building storm surge barriers, or even a sea wall along River Road. The populace seems content with its city, which is a tourist attraction, and seems willing to put up with the worsening storms. In any case that I have looked at, the total cost of building storm surge baririers is a fraction of the savings that result, not to mention lives saved, time lost from work, and human anguish.
from page 3 “Long Island Princess.” Ms. Grassman told this newspaper that Mr. Serie was “forced to submit a letter of resignation under duress rather than be terminated.” The demonstration carried over into the board meeting during the public comments section. Former Bellmore-Merrick social studies teacher Bernie Stein said, “It appears that his firing was based on an appearance on a TV show. When we enter the teaching profession we don’t give up our First Amendment rights too.” Jesse Cologne asked if there was something in Mr. Serie’s contract that permitted appearances on television shows or accepting work from other parties but the board refused to comment.
Other CHSD business The Board of Education discussed a referendum to renovate the school buildings. Areas of concern are science rooms, bathrooms, parking, athletic fields, the Americans with Disabilities Act alterations, asbestos, masonry, boilers and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC)
work. The potential bond referendum vote date would be around November/December timed frame. Superintendent John DeTomasso said, “Hopefully we can renovate these buildings for DEMONSTRATION: Parents, students, neighbors, and friends joined at Brookside school in protest last week over the ouster of Avenue Merrick Middle School health teacher and wrestling coach Stefan Serie. photo by John Scalesi Jr.
NYEntertainmentClub.com
Tommy Koenig
MEET OUR NEW RABBI
~ TAMAR CRYSTAL ~
“Baby Boom Baby” a musical comedy
Friday, August 2, 2013
CONGREGATION B’NAI ISRAEL 91 NO. BAYVIEW AVENUE, FREEPORT
Showtime 8:30 pm (Doors open at 8pm) 9718JL0913ES
• $25 General Admission • $30 VIP First 7 Rows
Tix Available at NYEntertainmentClub.com and The Bellmore Theatre Box Office For more Info: 516-785-4234 Theater info 516-783-3199 Bellmore Movies (LiveStage) 222 Pettit Ave Bellmore NY, 11710
For tickets go to NYEntertainmentClub.com
WIN A
Bellmore Movies 222 Pettit Ave.
Info Call - 783-7200
GOLDSTEIN & GARBAR, P.C. Attorneys at Law
BELLMORe MOVIES SCHEDULE
8/2/13 - 8/13/13
(Not the Bellmore Playhouse)
THE WAY WAY BACK
2770 Sunrise Hwy Bellmore
Harvey O. Garbar Gary Goldstein Donna L. Simendinger
(near King Kullen)
679-8787
Find Your Name In The Classified Ads
FREE CONSULTATION Personal Injury - NO Fee Unless We Recover
Employment Discrimination Sexual Harassment Slip & Fall Matrimonial Wrongful Death Stockbroker Complaints
Once a month a name will appear in the classifieds. If you find your name just call
378-5320
826-0400 1800 Bellmore Ave. Bellmore
CongregationBnaiIsrael.blogspot.com
Sponsored by:
For info call 516.785.4234
GGFIRM@AOL.COM
516-623-4200
PIZZA & A MOVIE
Live Stage at the Bellmore Movies near Bellmore Train Station 516.783.3199
Auto Accidents Real Estate Work Injuries Corporations Wills, Trusts, & Estates Bankruptcy
the next 45 years for an educationally sound future. These buildings are our most valuable assets. I am so pleased to announce that this is the direction we are going to move in.”
OUR HOUSE IS YOUR HOUSE SUNDAY, AUGUST 4 10-12 PM HEBREW SCHOOL REGISTRATION FIRST CHILD FREE WITH MEMBERSHIP!
35SP1205SI
6745OC1810JB
Gary Smith’s
Many of Mr. Serie’s students made comments as well, praising their muchadmired teacher. Erin Visconti Olson said, “This teacher has done an outstanding job. We are now in a changing environment where everything is overexposed. I see teachers around Long Island all the time. It is their own private arena and we have to be careful with how much we encroach into that space.”
Call must be received during month of publication. Employees of L&M Publications are not eligible. Non-subscribers may e-mail entry to lmsub@optimum.net 236SP2605SI
PG-13 • 1HR 45 MIN FRI 2:00 4:30 SAT- SUN: 2:00 4:30 7:00 9:20 MON: 2:00 4:30 TUES -THURS: 2:00 4:30 7:00 9:20
BA BY BOOM BA BY FRI 8/2 8:30 PM TIX INFO 516 -783 -3199
Page 5 Wednesday, July 31, 2013 Bellmore Life
Residents protest over ousted coach
Bellmore Life photos by Douglas Finlay and Paul Laursen
Is Proud To Announce
Detox Wednesdays
30 Minute Foot Detox Spa Only $40
Buy A Prepaid 10 Spa Session Discount Card For $300 Bring This AD When You Purchase Your Discount Card And
Receive One Spa Treatment FREE! AT TOP, Ally Sheedy (“St. Elmo’s Fire”) and William Sadler (“Iron Man 3”) present awards. In middle, Anthony Laciura (“Boardwalk Empire”) and Kevin Brown (“30 Rock”) pose. Above, Federico Castellucio (“The Sopranos”) signs copies for Bellmore Life intern Colin Hekimian.
2174 Hewlett Avenue Merrick, NY 11566 • 516-379-2560
9647JN2013ES
Bellmore Life Wednesday, July 31, 2013 Page 6
AWARD WINNERS show off their award hardware, above, for the film “End of the Great American Businessman” and “Us and Them” at the LIIFE awards on Thursday night. At right, film aficionados gather outside the Bellmore Movies to mingle with industry players before the star-studded awards gala.
from page 1 opening night won their own awards and nominations. The Belgian short “Bona Nox” was nominated for Best Story in a Short Film and Best Foreign Film. “Bona Nox” lost to the French short film “Time 2 Split” in the later category. “Wet Behind The Ears” won the Gold Pass Award, which was decided by the festival’s Gold Pass holders, and Best Supporting Actor in a Feature Film for Michael Giese. Bellmore resident Leslye Abbey’s documentary “The Buffalo Nation/Children Are Crying” was nominated for Best Movie Trailer. “Beyond Broken,” a short documentary about a Garden City artist struggling with multiple sclerosis, took home the Best Documentary Award. Loosening up After the gala, actors, directors and winners all hung around, congratulating one another. Writer Lee Kolinsky of “Send No Flowers” told this newspaper, “It’s great to see this film get made and to have it taken to this level. The theater was rocking and rolling during the premiere. The support the audience showed was unbelievable.”
Added Fred Carpenter, director of “Send No Flowers,” “I was excited that we won the audience award, because that is an award from the crowd and from the people. It was great to win. Long Island is a breeding ground for talent.” Mr. Kolinsky and Mr. Carpenter had worked together previously on a film called “The Blue Lizard.” Mr. Kolinsky said, “It’s a great experience to work with Fred.” Upon accepting the Best Actor award for “Send No Flowers,” Russ Camarda of Lindenhurst remarked that “I’ve been kicking around dark theaters for 20 years now, so its nice to be recognized finally.” Mr. Carpenter said, “It’s a great thing that we get to show these films. I’ve been at this independent filmmaking for a while. I’ve directed 18 films and this – “Send No Flowers” is my best one.” Steve Sage, director of “Bullified” winner of Best First Film, said, “It felt amazing and unexpected to win Best First Film.” On the importance of independent films, he said, “Independents take a lot of blood, sweat and tears. Our budgets aren’t as big, so each filmmaker has to wear 15 different hats. The director might have to do the lighting, producing and editing. They aren’t easy.”
Ally Sheedy went onstage to accept the Humanitarian Award. Famous for starring in “The Breakfast Club,” “St. Elmo’s Fire,”
“War Games,” Ms. Sheedy now teaches at LaGuardia High School. She runs a shelter for teenage kids and she does work for
Jury Award for Best Short Film “My Friend Charlie Wright”
The stars came out to play at LIIFE’s closing night awards gala at the Bellmore Movies last week, of fering up a full night of fun and irreverence! And the winners are:
Jury Award for Best Feature Film “Theresa is a Mother”
Best Documentary “Beyond Broken”
Audience Award “Send No Flowers”
Best Feature Film “The Human Race”
Gold Pass Award “Wet Behind the Ears”
Best Music Video “Barnaby Bright – Old Coats” Best Foreign Film “Time 2 Split” Best Student Film “Girls Named Pinky” Best Short Film “Four Simple Rules” Best Long Island Film (tie) “Send No Flowers” “Tilt of a Rose” Best First Film “Bullified” Best Trailer “The Clear” Alan Fortunoff Humanitarian Film Award “Deputized” Best Story Feature Film “Carla” – Writer: Eli Hershko
Best Director Feature Film “Things I Don’t Understand” – Director: David Spaltro Short Film “Checkmate, Keep Your Enemies Closer” – Director: Federico Castelluccio
S9714JL0913PR
Short Film “For Clearer Skies” – Writer: Alfredo Salvatore Arcilesi
S7629AU1511JB
More of LIIFE’s winners
516-431-1133
Page 7 Wednesday, July 31, 2013 Bellmore Life
Winners take over at LIIFE awards ceremonies
Walter Eisenhardt, Bellmore resident and New York Times employee, lives in a 104-year-old Victorian-Era house on Martin Avenue in which the original builder and owner advertised in the local paper for a live-in “girl” to clean and maintain the house. Mr. Eisenhardt – who lives in the house with his six-year-old son – now wants the house deemed a landmark by the Town of Hempstead. The hearing is scheduled for September 19 in front of the town’s Landmarks Preservation Commission. Who might have been the first owner of the house over 100 years ago? Mr. Eisenhardt told Bellmore Life that Charles Frisch and family lived in the house in what was known then as Smithville South in 1909, and Mr. Eisenhardt considers Mr. Frisch among Bellmore’s first true entrepreneurs. An avid history buff, Mr. Eisenhardt – who has lived in the house since 2007 – believes the 26-year-old builder and businessman is an integral part of the community’s development and deserves to be recognized. “My desire is to get information about the Frisch family out there and to get this house landmarked,” remarked Mr. Eisenhardt. “He should be recognized for his contribution to Bellmore and High Hill Beach [now part of Jones Beach],” he continued. Mr. Eisenhardt wants the house to be called The Charles A. Frisch House. Mr. Eisenhardt researched the Frisch family’s history through old copies of the South Side Messenger, a newspaper published in Bellmore during the 1900s that covered areas such as Wantagh, Freeport, Smithville South and New Bridge. (The last two are now part of Bellmore.) “Merrick Road in Smithville South used to be called Fulton Street, and there was no Sunrise Highway.” From documents, Mr. Eisenhardt
surmised that Mr. Frisch was able to develop a monopoly on beachgoers who took the ferry to High Hill Beach. High Hill Beach stood at what is now the easternmost shore of Zach’s Bay. It is occupied only by a state equipment storage building, and is overrun with brush. Wantagh and Levittown historian Josh Soren contracted Lyme disease while researching around the area over 30 years ago. Through old newspaper accounts and other documents, Mr. Eisenhardt established that city dwellers from Manhattan and Brooklyn would likely come out to the Island and stay at the Clarkson Hotel. The hotel was built on land Mr. Frisch owned that is where Vamps Club is located. “It was on the Fredericks’ farmland,” Mr. Eisenhardt said. While Mr. Frisch built the hotel it wasn’t until December 1914 that he took it over, according newspaper accounts. High Hill Beach “Visitors would come out to stay the night in the Clarkson Hotel, and then take the ferry to High Hill Beach, where they stayed in bungalows that Mr. Frisch built in partnership with R.T. Wilmarth, who owned a casino.” The ferry, Mr. Eisenhardt said, was owned by Mr. Wilmarth and cost five cents for the 40-minute ride. Mr. Frisch’s entrepreneurial spirit shined through in that he cornered the market with his hotel and bungalows, remarked Mr. Eisenhardt. Coming or going, visitors to High Hill Beach stayed in an accommodation built by Mr. Frisch. And this was long before Robert Moses, he added. “Frisch’s bungalows were the size of an average house, about 2,400 square feet,” Mr. Eisenhardt said. The house to be landmarked on Martin Avenue is roughly 2,400 square feet [which was a large house then requiring a live-in person, but in which Mr. Eisenhardt lives comfortably today
Local crime spree results in arrest Nassau police arrested a Bellmore man at his home at 2:50 p.m. on Monday after identifying him as a suspect in several local burglaries and attempted burglaries. According to Seventh Squad detectives, Sergey Fattakhov, 23, of Public Highway, attempted to gain entry to a residence on Beech Street in Wantagh through a rear door on Wednesday, June 26, but was unsuccessful. He also tried to enter a shed on the property through a window, but also failed. There were no proceeds. Between Sunday, June 30, and Tuesday, July 2, he broke into a residence on Centre Avenue in Bellmore through a basement window. He removed an iPad, iPod, cash and sports memorabilia photos, police reported. Mr. Fattakhov next attempted to enter a residence on Bayview Avenue in Wantagh on Monday, July 8, but fled the scene without any proceeds after being confronted by the homeowner. On Tuesday, July 23, he attempted to enter a residence on South Hewlett Avenue in Merrick through a side window but was unsuccessful and fled without any proceeds.
Later that same day Mr. Fattakhov gained access to a home on Whaleneck Drive in Merrick through a window and removed a gold necklace and diamond bracelet, police said. Mr. Fattakhov entered a home on Harvest Road in Wantagh on Thursday, July 25, through a kitchen window by cutting the screen, and removed assorted jewelry and a laptop computer. He exited the residence through a door. He attempted to enter a home through a window on Tally Lane in Wantagh the same day but was unsuccessful, police reported. During the morning hours of Monday, July 29, Mr. Fattakhov entered a home on Eastern Avenue in Bellmore by slashing the screen of a kitchen window and removed a laptop computer, cash and assorted jewelry, said police. The suspect was identified through witnesses who observed him leaving the scene of some of the burglaries, and he was taken into custody without incident. Some proceeds were recovered at the suspect’s residence. Mr. Fattakhov was charged with eight counts of burglary.
THIS VICTORIAN wraparound porch house was built by a young Bellmore entrepreneur in 1909, who also built bungalows at High Hill Beach. gather ‘round the fireplace and listen with his son], and features three to the radio,” he said. upstairs bedrooms – not including the The floor in the kitchen is the bathroom, three downstairs rooms and orginal yellow knotty pine, he said, a basement. though he has stained it red mahogany. Mr. Frisch built the bungalows in the The chandelier over the dining room same Victorian manner as he built the table has reproduction Robert Findlay house in Bellmore, Mr. Eisenhardt said. Fine fixtures, with Fenton glass. Mr. When High Hill Beach eventually Eisenhardt learned while riffling dissolved, about 50 bungalows were through old New York Times adverlifted and moved to what is now Gilgo tisements in papers that Mr. Findlay Beach. Many of the bungalows still had a manufacturing facility on Fifth exist on Gilgo Beach. Avenue in 1919. The Frisch family owned 99 cotThe heater radiators are from origitages and bungalows over 30 years – nal 1865 designs. The whole house is and he built them all. Apparently, Mr. renovated to be age-appropriate. Mr. Frisch had his finger on the pulse of Eisenhardt has done research for years the community: In 1914 the South and renovation for the last six. Side Messenger announced that he had “Everything is period correct,” he said. a son, and in 1918 the newspaper Regarding its livability as a historiprinted a comment that Mr. Frisch had cal structure, Mr. Eisenhardt said, “a severe attack” of tonsillitis. “This isn’t a museum. It’s where my A portal son and I live.” Mr. Eisenhardt has “Everything in this house [on lived at this house for six years and Bellmore Avenue] is 100 years old. plans to give it to his son, refurbished This house is a portal. It takes you and paid off, when the time comes. back to the time period,” said Mr. According to Mr. Eisenhardt, there Eisenhardt. are not many of these houses left. There is a Philco radio built into the “Charles Frisch was an unsung hero. side of the fireplace, for example. “In He was instrumental in developing the early days, homeowners would Bellmore.”
BELLMORE
G et Your Extr a C opies O f
LIFE
BELLMORE LIFE At T hese Newsst an ds
Rite-Stop 1445 Newbridge Rd.
7-11 Newbridge Rd.
Stop & Shop Jerusalem Ave.
Blossom Farm Deli 100 Bedford Ave.
Bedford Ave. Deli 105 Bedford Ave.
Fresh Break
2736 Merrick Rd.
Cool Stop
Park Deli
2825 Merrick Rd.
1420 Park Avenue
Cards Unlimited
Village Deli
39 Merrick Avenue
2655 Bellmore Ave
1591MY2906JB
by Colin Hekimian and Danielle Sopchak
In MERRICK
Bellmore Life Wednesday, July 31, 2013 Page 8
Bellmore resident seeks landmark status for house
The recent communion breakfast held at the Bellmore Knights of Columbus on Bellmore Avenue last month was one of many family and spiritually oriented gatherings hosted by Bellmore Council on the fifth Sunday of the month. The Bellmore Council recognized the accomplishments of local student Julia Linekin, after competing in and winning the 2013 Basketball Free Throw Championship final in her division at West Point, U.S. Military Academy. This is an annual Knights of Columbus event for boys and girls aged 10-14. It began in February at the first
round in Bellmore. Julia excelled and won all successive rounds on Long Island before heading to the West Point final. Competitors from around the state participated. Julia is a student at Grand Avenue Middle School and was joined at the Council's breakfast by her mom Raena and dad Tim, her sisters and grandparents. To the applause of all attending guests, a presentation was made to Julia which included event photos, flowers and a gift card to a local restaurant by Grand Knight John P. Murphy.
VETERANS PROPERTY TAX BENEFITS: American Legion post members stand with Senator Charles Schumer as he urges organizations to make veterans more aware of their benefits, particularly their property tax break upon discharge, when returning home and through the Internet. “Long Island veteran organizations are not notified about the tax break and this is unacceptable and disrespectful to our country's veterans,” said Senator Schumer. Bellmore Life photo by Danielle Sopchak
PUBLIC NOTICES
SHE’S A CHAMP! From left are Grand Knight John Murphy, Julia’s dad Tim Linekin, Julia and mom Raena.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and Municipal Home Rule of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing will be held in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the 6th day of August, 2013, at 10:30 o’clock in the forenoon of that day to consider the enactment of a local law to amend Section 202-1 of the
code of the Town of Hempstead to INCLUDE “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” at the following location: NORTH BELLMORE PIERCE AVENUE (TH 80/13) East Side – NO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER – starting at the south curbline of Phyllis Drive, south for a distance of 40 feet. The proposed local law is on file in the Office of the Town Clerk of the Town of Hempstead, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New
York, where the same may be inspected during office hours. ALL PERSONS INTERESTED and citizens shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid. Dated: July 9, 2013 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD KATE MURRAY Supervisor MARK A. BONILLA Town Clerk BL 436 1T 7/31
CLASSIFIED SERVICE DIRECTORY Call 378-5320 to place your ad in this section CHIMNEY CLEANING EMPIRE CHIMNEY CORP • Chimney Cleaning • Cement Repairs • Stainless Raincaps • Animals Removed • Owner Operated
781-0897
Lic.
Ins.
CONTRACTING GENERAL CONTRACTOR
30 Years’ Experience Specialist In: • Decks • Siding • Windows • Kitchens • Baths • Basements • Conversions • M/D • Dormer Extensions
BELLCRAFT CONSTRUCTION 223-9058 License #H173393000
Insured
Terms Available
CONCRETE S & M CONCRETE
Driveways - patios Uprooted Sidewalks Our Specialty - Lic. & Ins. Family Owned & Operated Member Bellmore Chamber Lic. in Long Beach & Village of Freeport
General Contractor, Handyman and Restoration Specialist 50+ years experience no job too little or big Complete Bath & Kitchen packages with every package purchased receive a FREE two rooms of carpet clleaning Dormers, basements, extensions and handyman specials Certified Lead Contractor Mold Remediation & Storm Damage Repair Experts. MILRO SERVICES INC. Lic. 516-379-6100 Ins..
PAINT & DECORATE
K&H Carpentry
Marc Bromberg Painting
Home Repairs
The Painter of Choice to...
Small Jobs Specialist
• help select an elegant palette for your home • trust in your home • be extremely neat & clean • call back the same day
(You Goof, I Fix)
Custom Carpentry Interior Trim Work Cabinets • Furniture Closets • Mica Work
379-8291
Free Estimates
DECKS
Lic & Ins
HANDYMAN/CARPENTER ALL COUNTY DECKING “CUSTOM DECK BUILDERS” • Composite •Cedar Treated • Multi-level Decking • Vinyl Siding and PVC Railings • Front Porches • Porticos • Custom Pool Decks • Sliding Doors/Windows • Kitchens • Baths • Basements Storm Damage
Many Local References FREE ESTIMATES Experienced, Reliable Carpenters . 783-5465 Ins Lic. Established 1989
No job too small.. All types of interior and exterior renovations. Power washing Reasonable rates Free estimates
Lic.
Call Pat 867-6840
Ins.
LAWN SPRINKLERS
378-0391 PLUMBING If you have a plumbing problem Don’t panic!... For prompt professional and courteous service call...
SAL MANZO
• Spring Turn-Ons • Installations/Renovations • Service • Repairs Certified Backflow Tester Custom Wood • PVC • Chainlink Professionally Installed & Repaired Iron, PVC & Aluminum Railings 2207 Newbridge Rd. Bellmore Lic.. Ins.
Interior/Exterior • Sheetrock/Plaster Water Damage Repair Owner Operator/Expert Craftsmanship Local Merrick Resident
Cell 516-448-6276
FENCES
546-4976
Ready for that new paint job? Support our advertisers!
HANDYMAN
CONSTRUCTION
Free Estimates Licensed and Insured
Joe Barbato 516-826-7700
Licensed and Insured
All phases of residential repairs and alterations
PLUMBING & HEATING
516-783-0490
Emergency service available 24 hours a day
PLUMBING N.Y.S. Certified Backflow Testers
BOB PHILLIPS DAVE MARLOWE PLUMBING & HEATING Lic. & Ins.
516-766-4583 516-223-1296 516-623-6939 50 Years of Prompt Reliable Service
TREE SERVICE
EMPIRE TREE SERVICE Tree and Shrub Removal Pruning, Stump Grinding Free Chips • Free Firewood Owner Operated for over 20 yrs. Licensed and Insured
Call Brian • 781-6536
WINDOW CLEANING WINDOW CLEANING inside/out Including screens Experienced, Reliable, Neat #1 Customer Satisfaction Free Estmates HANDY ANDY ASSOCIATES
516-541-2718
Page 9 Wednesday, July 31, 2013 Bellmore Life
Knights of Columbus recognizes Basketball Free Throw champion
Bellmore Life Wednesday, July 31, 2013 Page 10
Classified Action Ads DEADLINE FRIDAY FRIDAY @ 12PM
Your Classified Ad Automatically Appears In 4 NEWSPAPERS Covering 6 TOWN AND THE INTERNET
We Accept VISA/ Mastercard
Choose from 3 cost-effective options Classified 1 Inch Box Ads 23-25 words all 4 newspapers per week rate: 1x = $35; 4x = $30 ; 13x = $26; 26-52x = $23.50
Classified Display Ads 1/16 of a page Merrick Life only = $38.12 Bellmore Life only = $35.80 Wantagh-Seaford Citizen only = $31.50 Freeport-Baldwin Leader only = $18.10
Classified Action Ads
BELLMORE LIFE
$27 for 20 words, running copy. $1 for each additional word.
MERRICK LIFE
THE CITIZEN
THE LEADER
1840 Merrick Avenue, Merrick, NY 11566 • 378-5320 Fax: 378-0287 www.merricklife.com • www.bellmorelife.com • www.wantaghseafordcitizen.com • www.freeportbaldwinleader.com
E-MAIL YOUR AD TO: lmclass@optimum.net • DEADLINE FRIDAY AT 12 P.M. • CANCELLATIONS NO LATER THAN 12P.M. FRIDAY
ADVERTISE YOUR GARAGE SALE HERE !
FIND WHAT YO U ’RE LOOKING FOR IN OUR CLASSIFIEDS
Cars For Sale 1997 Chevy, silver camaro with T-tops, v6, great running condition. Well maintained. $2000. Call 516-945-4903
For Sale 2009 Seadoo RXT 255 Supercharged and 2008 Kawasaki Ultra LX both 3 seaters with only 65 hours each comes with 2010 Karavan trailer with utility lock box clean. Fully serviced andwinterized yearly $17, 5000 or Best offer cash!!
House Cleaning House cleaning available weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, Over 25 years Experience Have local references. Call Sara Today: 409-0650
AND PICK UP YOUR FREE GARAGE SALE KIT! 378-5320 EXT 11
NYSCAN CLASSIFIED ADS
Adoption ADOPTION - Happily married, nature-loving couple wishes to adopt a child. We promise love, laughter, education, security, and extended family. Expenses paid. www.DonaldAndEsther.com. 1-800-965-5617. ADOPT- Hoping to share our hearts and home with a newborn baby. Loving, nurturing home for your baby. Expenses paid. Married couple, Walt/ Gina 1-800-315-6957 ADOPTION: Affectionate, educated, financially secure, married couple want to adopt baby into nuturing, warm, and loving environment. Expenses paid. Cindy and Adam. 8 0 0 . 8 6 0 . 7 0 7 4 orcindyadamadopt@aol.com
Help Wanted ATTENTION NEW ADVERTISERS Tax Preparers, Accountants, Tutors, Music instructors and Real Estate etc...
Call for our Special rates 378-5320
Owner/ Ops: A. Duie Pyle offers excellent income with No Touch Freight!! Home Weekends!! CALL DAN or JON @ 1-800-477-0020 EXT. 7 or APPLY @www.driveforpyle.com AIRLINE CAREERS begin here Get FAA approved Aviation Maintenance Technician training. Financial aid for qualified studentsñ Housing available.Job placement assistance. Call AIM 866-296-7093
Home Improvement HAS YOUR BUILDING SHIFTED OR SETTLED? Contact Woodford Brothers Inc, for straightening, leveling, foundation and wood frame repairs at 1-800-OLD-BARN. www.woodfordbros.com.Suffo lk Cty License #41959-H Nassau Cty License #H18G7160000
Land For Sale NY-VT BORDER: 40 acres only $99,900, easy access Albany NY, Bennington VT perfect mini farm, open & wooded, ideal for equestrian or sportsman, abundant wildlife, surveyed & perc tested Bank financing available. Call owner 413 743 0741
Vacation Rentals
NOTARY PUBLIC
Is your ad
CLASSIFIED
The Notary Public is available Thursday & Friday in our L & M
OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND. Best selection of affordable rentals. Full/ partial weeks. Call for FREE brochure. Open daily. Holiday Real Estate. 1800-638-2102. Online reservations: www.holidayoc.com
Publications
Wanted
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
CASH for Coins! Buying ALL Gold & Silver. Also Stamps & Paper Money, Entire Collections, Estates. Travel to your home. Call Marc in New York 1-800-959-3419
Your Ad Could Be Here!
Call 378-5320
Ask about our Display Classified Ads for added sales impact Call 378-5320 CONTRACTORS/LAWYERS Place your legal notice in L & M Publications Call (516) 378-5320
?
information
office from
The $2 Notary Fee Will Be Donated
Ask about our Display Classified Ads for added sales impact
Western
Metro
NYSCAN The only way to cover all of New York State with a Classified Ad. . . It’s so easy.
Your 25 word ad will run in 209 weekly newspapers in New York State cities and towns. Call (516) 378-5320
!
Alzheimers
Call L&M Publications
Foundation Call (516) 378-5320
378-5320 for
Central
information.
L&M Publications
L&M PUBLICATIONS
With one simple call to our newspaper, you can tap into a network of more than 200 community newspapers, covering New York State. The most effective classified advertising you can buy. With NYSCAN you can cover the whole state, or select the regions you want to target.
ARE YOU A SENIOR HOME OWNER? Distressed by the high cost of home ownership? Seeking companionship at home? Needing help with some chores?
HOME SHARE/ LONG ISLAND May be able to help you! Home Share/Long Island links senior homeowner who have extra room in their homes with adults who need an affordable place to live. Personal interviews, background checks and reference investigations are provided. Possible matches are offered, but the decision is yours. For more information, call (516) 292 - 1300 Ext.2312 HomeShare/Long Island is a collaborative partnership with Family Service League, Intergenerational Strategies, and Family and Children’s Association. Family and Children’s Association acts in compliance with the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968
by Douglas Finlay Standup comedian Tommy Koenig of Far Rockaway, praised during his 30-year career by the New York media as a “major talent,” and a “master of caricature,” brings his increasingly popular one-man musicomedy “Baby Boom Baby” to the Bellmore Movies LiveStage on Friday, August 2, beginning at 8:30 p.m. The musicomedy, developed and honed from his memories of growing up as a ’60s child – when the “tribes” gathered for peace and love – opens with comic gems such as “I walk around the stage alot because I’m a baby boomer and I don’t want to be in once place: all my heroes were shot!” Or, “When my parents told me how I was born I didn’t believe them, I thought I was brought by the stork, the way the cartoons told me I was!” Mr. Koenig told Bellmore Life the musicomedy plays homage to all genres and eras of popular music, and is an all-inclusive show for fans of Sinatra to Lady Gaga. “I go from music of the ’40s to The Beatles, to Neil Young to disco to rap to Madonna to Lady Gaga,” he remarked. He wears the obligatory wigs that help portray the characters of the era – and create the setting and environment he’s after.
Varied music A sampling of music from the eras he cracks wise about includes James Brown, The Four Seasons, Santana, The Ramones, Duran Duran, Bill Haley and the Comets, the Grateful Dead, Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, Run DMC, Human League, The Eagles, Garth Brooks, The Sugar Hill Gang, Rosemary Clooney and a host of other popular music artists. He debuted “Baby Boom Baby” in the U.S. in January at the Bellmore Movies LiveStage to a receptive audience. “It was supposed to debut on November 11,” he said. But being less than two weeks after superstorm Sandy’s tidal surge destroyed a significant size of the South Shore, the show was postponed to January. Comments on Facebook, and letters from friends after that show, included
“What an amazing talent,” “The show was awesome,” “Kudos to Tommy for a magificant show spanning the decades with his patter and spot-on renditions,” and “He’s like a combination of Jerry Lewis, George Carlin and Soupy Sales.” For the Friday, August 2, show, he says he has cleaned up the setting a bit. “I’ve added graffiti pillars on the stage in which to store my wigs so they aren’t seen,” he told this newspaper. “At the first show I just put them on a stool and everyone saw them,” he continued. The perfect stage He latched onto the Bellmore Movies LiveStage as the perfect vehicle and environemnt to bring his developing show to when he attended the comedy tribute to ventriloquist Vince Dantona, who had died suddenly. Witnessing the size and acoustics of the theater, where 12 Long Island comedians poured their comic hearts out for Mr. Dantona for almost two hours, he spoke with entertainment promoter Gary Smith of nyentertainmentclub.com about bringing the show into the theater. A peer among the comedians paying tribute to Mr. Dantona that day, Mr. Koenig also cut his teeth at Mr. Smith’s former club the Brokerage Cabaret during the ’80s, when comedy was in the air and clubs such as East Side Comedy and Chuckles (Rich and Chuck Minervini), Governor’s (Jimmy Finn), McGuire’s (John Ryerson) and The Brokerage Cabaret helped nurture comic talents and shared them freely among the clubs, with little restraint about when they could play other clubs – or where.
From Mexico to Bellmore The seeds for the “Baby Boom Baby” musicomedy – which he calls his lifelong aspiration to do – took place in a little theater in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, in 2009, Mr. Koenig told this newspaper. For years he has wanted to do a show called “Baby Boom Baby,” basing it on his life experiences that married music with the times he lived in.
The experiences would be all-inclusive: the emotions he felt, the morés of the period, and the culture and styles of the periods he lived through when hearing the music. “I feel compelled to tell my story,” he said, and says he found the perfect audience when playing at the Santa Barbara Theatre in Puerto Vallarta. “I have done standup and did several parodies during my standup routines,” he said. The audience at the Santa Barbara Theatre was in the middle-age category and appeared to have a link back to other musical and cultural periods, he remarked. In 2010 he premiered his “Baby Boom Baby” to popular reception and debuted it in the U.S. in January at the Bellmore Movies LiveStage. “I’ve been reworking the material,” he said, and is excited to be bringing it back to Bellmore. “I learned growing up there is power in gathering, and I hope to gather a lot of people from all around to see the show – with a sense of love
From George Gershwin to George Michael (and everywhere in between), an evening of jazz, rock, standards, country and more will be served up this Friday, August 2, at The Bellmore Bean Café, 2718 Grand Avenue, by Canary and The Cat. Canary and The Cat are Bellmore residents Laura Perdicaro, vocal stylist, and Tony DeStefano, guitarist extraordinaire. Silky smooth bluesy versions of ‘Ain’t Misbehavin’ ” by Fats Waller and “Love Her Madly” by the Doors
CALLING ALL CERTIFIED
HOME HEALTH AIDES IMMEDIATE WORK AVAILABLE! Paid Vacation • Direct Deposit • 401K • Paid in Service • Referral Bonus
UPON HIRE
FREE 13 DAY HOME HEALTH AIDE TRAINING
$SIGN ON BONUS$
Training Dates Coming Soon
$125 LIVE-IN/ UPON HIRE $50 Certified HHA UPON HIRE
For Certified HHA's Only
629745
Call Mrs. K for an Appointment
Resume can be emailed to: Cathleen.Selber@doccs.ny.gov
Tommy Koenig that such gatherings used to bring.” For tickets ($25) and information call the box office at 783-3199, 785-4234, or visit www.nyentertainmentclub.com.
Canary and the Cat perform at The Bean Café
Physician
NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision has a full-time opening at a correctional facility in southern Dutchess County for a NYS licensed physician to provide primary care to offender-patients. The position offers a competitive salary and NYS civil service benefits. The position includes limited on call responsibilities. Please direct inquiries and interest to: Cathy Selber, Personnel Director, Green Haven Correctional Facility, Stormville, N.Y. 12582, 845-221-2711 ext 3600, fax number 845-221-2711 ext 2099.
Page 11 Wednesday, July 31, 2013 Bellmore Life
‘Baby Boom Baby’ gets second date at Bellmore Movies
Suffolk 631-654-0789 EOE Nassau 516-681-2300 FAMILY AIDES INC.
“are very happy to be together in our performances,” said Mr. DeStefano. “A great song is a great song,” he said. The performance will start at 8 p.m. at the coffeehouse in the heart of Bellmore. A variety of coffees, teas, wine and beer will be available, as well as an assortment of cakes, cookies and pastries. Laura and Tony are also hosts of the weekly Open Mic Night at the Bellmore Bean every Thursday at 8 p.m.
Louise Pitlake
Todd Litz
Trudy Stern
Ronnie Gerber
Director of Sales
Susan Sorid
Gloria Datlow
Janet Salvaggio
Phyllis Halpern
Margaret Biegelman
Bonnie Goldstein
Annette Samant
Lori Hochhauser
Praneet Valenti
Fran Santacapita
Barbara Scalese
Melvin Butow
Eric Seewaldt
Ann Manzo
Jacalyn Isola
Maria C. Pagiazitis Milito
Maxine Strachan
Heli Howe
Edith Heinemann
Susan Helsinger
Bobbi Brown
Sheri Kutilek
Nancy Coletto
Anita Bachrach
Roger Cooper
Lisa Pellegrino
Jennie Katz
Thomas Ciulla
Franca Dalfume
Nazerine Misir
Seth Pitlake
Merrick Office | 2300 Merrick Road | 516.623.4500
Elyse Whiton
9461AP413JB
Bellmore Life Wednesday, July 31, 2013 Page 12
Barbara Schultis
Joseph Thomas
Doreen Teta Gail Rattner
Marlene Morris
Annette Greenfield
Michael Byrne
Debra Fisher
Ann Diamantidis
Linda Alfino
Marie Skarren
Gloria Rabson
Ellen Bauer
Anthony DeSantos
Geri Sonkin
Barbara Pugh
Robin Reiss
Lisa Deturris
Paul Conforti
Diane Cohen
Jeanette Zagon
Mary Ann Lana
Gus Lafkas
Mary Faulkner
Andrea Schichko