Your NewsMag February 2018 Full Edition

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VOLUME 5, NUMBER 4

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February 2018

Enjoying The Arts

NEW UPGRADES FOR LOCAL LIRR STATIONS

COMMUNITY AWARDS GIVEN OUT

ICONIC MUSIC CLUB TO REOPEN

2

NEWS

Your NewsMag

2018 | Vol.5 №4

New Upgrades Coming to IMPROVEMENTS Bellmore, Merrick LIRR Stations F

S

ubstantial work to improve overall communications to users and to upgrade several structures to provide added safety, convenience and aesthetic measures to the Bellmore and Merrick Long Island Rail Road stations has been given a green light to proceed.

According to MTA spokesperson Sarah Armaghan, construction to im-

prove several facets of the Bellmore and Merrick Long Island Rail Road stations will begin this spring as part of New York State Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s $120 million investment to provide state-of-the-art enhancements in communications and building structures that will also include improved system connectivity to MacArthur Airport in Suffolk to help

The Merrick station improvements may include new ceilings, floors and walls to existing structures

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Fresh

transport Bellmore and Merrick residents to that airport to catch flights.

The improvements are seen as necessary components to strengthen Long Island’s infrastructure to meet the standards of viability as Long Island’s popularity as a destination to live grows - and its economy grows.

Armaghan told Your NewsMag that the work at these two stations will enhance the appearance, functionality and safety at LIRR stations, as well as improve customer communications.

With this work, she said, the LIRR will have the infrastructure needed to better serve its existing customers and to better accommodate future customers.

Enhancements for each station will be customized to the needs of a particular station and constructed with minimal disruptions to customers and the community, she said.

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or example, work may include renovations to platforms, including repair of concrete slabs, as well as new yellow tactile platform edge warning strips, new railings, new platform shelters, stairs, ramps, overpass modifications, signage, and lighting and communications systems.

Interior station building renovation work may include new flooring, wall and ceiling finishes, new doors and windows, new ADA compliant restrooms, new lighting, communications systems, HVAC systems, signage, benches, and information screens.

Added amenities may include free customer Wi-Fi, USB charging ports, CCTV cameras, totems, art, trash receptacles and digital LED information screens.

Armaghan said the contract award for the Bellmore and Merrick stations was approved by the MTA Board at a recent board meeting, and

Improvements may also include new digital signage, yellow stripping, LED screens and art is progressing in the design phase, as it is a design-build contract.

As of press time, no timetable has been set to determine when construction will begin this spring.

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Vol.5 №4 | 2018

CHAMBER NEWS

Your NewsMag

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Bellmore Chamber Presents New Awards, Installs Officers THE ROY WEINMAN LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Anne and Henry Stampfel: Bellmore Movies and Showplace nne and Henry Stampfel have ope­ rated or owned of the Bellmore Movies and Showplace on Pettit Avenue for over 30 years. It is a landmark theater documented to have been built before 1912, and is thought to be the oldest operating theater on Long Island. They have renovated and maintained the single-screen theater by bringing back live entertainment, renting the facility for private events and fundraisers, and bringing in the finest in motion picture entertainment. The Bellmore Movies remains the last single-screen theater on Long Island, offering first-run mainstream films, independent films and live shows ranging from plays to comedy acts to recitals.

In addition to owning the Bellmore Movies and Showplace , Anne and Henry own the Malverne Cinema and the North Shore Towers Cinema in Floral Park. Henry is the chairman, president and treasurer of Long Island Film/TV Foundation, with Anne immersed as its bookkeeper, honorary board member, and advisory board and Festival Committee member. For more than two decades Anne and Henry have been part of the Long Island film and TV scene, with their involvement in both the Long Island Film/ TV Foundation (LIFTF) and the Long Island International Film Expo (LIIFE) as well as the various cinemas they operate throughout the year.

The Bellmore Movies and Showplace is home to the annual Long Island International Film Exposition, which has been named “One of the Top 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World” by MovieMaker Magazine. LIIFE is one of Long Island’s most prestigious film festivals, and the premiere Long Island film festival focusing squarely on independent films and filmmaking. Bellmore businesses look forward to the additional revenue from the influx of thousands of people the event brings to the Bellmores to shop and dine. LIIFE and the historic Bellmore Movies and Showplace have clearly helped to put Bellmore on the map as a destination.

As expected, the Long Island Film/TV Foundation and the Nassau County Film Commission will present the 21st Annual LIIFE – Long Island International Film Expo, July 13-19 at the historic Bellmore Movies.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF THE BELLMORES

A

OFFICERS FOR 2018

Jim Spohrer, President Gene Judd, Vice President Jackie Fithian, Secretary Debby Izzo, Treasurer

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

This year’s festival will include over a hundred short and feature-length independent films from all over the world. www.longislandfilm.com The Stampfels have also been very active in the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce. Henry has held several positions in the NCCC over the years, including Recording Secretary and Breakfast Chairman of the annual NCCC Breakfast, which honors chamber members around the county for their outstanding efforts. Both Stampfels have dedicated their time and energy to support the NCCC goals and events.

Serindiptously, Anne and Henry met one another at the movies, fell in love at the movies and will soon be married 38 years.

They have two daughters, two wonderful sons-in-law and now a new grandson. All of the above is truly an achievement!!

THE LOUIS CAMILLERI CHAMBER MEMBER OF THE YEAR Stop & Shop LLC In 2001, Stop & Shop LLC took over the Grand Union supermarket location on Jerusalem Avenue in North Bellmore, and has been there since. The supermarket became a member of the Chamber of Commerce in 2011, and has participated in the Bellmore street fair every year since becoming a member. The store did a Chinese Auction style fundraiser at the fair, raising over $2000 for the American Cancer Society. In 2017, Stop & Shop hosted American Red Cross blood drives, donated food to the Little League kick off ceremony, and “adopted” the Bellmore-Merrick school district Community Pantry for Thanksgiving, raising over $1500. Bellmore Stop&Shop has raised funds for Making Strides against Breast Can-

cer, and walked at Jones beach to show support. The store also conducted an employee and customer event to collect toiletries for the pantry resulting in many boxes of goods to fill the shelves.

THE ZAGARINO OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY MEMBER OF THE YEAR Sgt. Marcelo Kreisel: Nassau County Auxiliary Police Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Marcelo Kreisel immigrated to the United States in 1964 with his parents and brothers. In 1982 Marcelo married Martha Moss Kreisel, a graduate of Mepham High School, and they moved to North Bellmore. Their daughter Sara, also a graduate of Mepham, is a wetland scientist who is working as an environmental consultant in Massachusetts. For over 35 years Marcelo worked as a cabinetmaker in Queens and the Bronx until his retirement in 2007. Upon retirement, he became a volunteer driver for Island Harvest, picking up rescued food and delivering it to shelters. For four years he also delivered food backpacks to local elementary schools so that children could have food over the weekends.

In 2008 Marcelo joined the Bellmore unit of the Nassau County Auxiliary Police and was promoted to Sergeant in 2016. He subsequently became the Commanding Officer of the Bellmore and North Bellmore units.

As an Auxiliary Police Officer he has been able to help the Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores with traffic at the weekly car shows, provide safe crossing passage for visitors at the annual Christmas tree and Menorah lighting, patrol the streets of the Bellmores and help provide traffic control at other events.

Sal Briganti Jill Bromberg Hector Granados Emilio Manzo Marc Menzies Marcus Palanisamy Billy Polara Peter Ray, Immediate Past President Kristen Robertson William Wilgus Dan Yngstrom

BOARD MEMBER OF THE YEAR William Wilgus: W.A.W. Creative Construction Bill Wilgus started WAW Creative Construction in 1984 and joined the chamber of commerce in 1989. He has served on the Board of Directors of the chamber since 1991, and was Vice-President for over 10 years. He has coordinated the craft fair at the Bellmore Family Street Festival for a number of years. Bill built and sets up the Menorah each year for the Annual Village Holiday display.

Bill is also the chairperson of the Easter and Halloween Parades and the Annual Santa Run, Holiday Extravaganza/Tree Lighting and the Menorah Lighting. He continues to actively participate in chamber activities, including ribbon cuttings, beautification and parades, and maintains the chamber sign and shadow boxes along Bedford Avenue. Bill was the recipient of the NCCC 2002 Small Business Person of the Year Award. In 2015 Bill was awarded the Chamber’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

After earning an Associate’s Degree in Construction Technology from SUNY Farmingdale, Bill served on its Alumni Board of Directors for eight years, and ran the annual Homecoming event. He has been a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers since 1972.

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2018 | Vol.5 №4

Your NewsMag

☞ TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGES 2-8: NEWS

New upgrades coming to local LIRR stations … Local chambers of commerce vote in new officers and present community minded awards … Can water rates be lowered?.. 2017 Women of Distinction Awards

PAGES 10-12, 14, 18, 21-22: THE ARTS

Locally, the arts flourish. This year Your NewsMag presents several facets of the arts within the communities, and those residents who make it their business to present artistic flair for everyone to enjoy. These arts include local culinary (10, 11, 12) revelers who cook up perfect meals; who has made local cinema (14) a lifetime of endeavor; who’s presenting at writing (19) workshops and schools to guide local writers and authors; and who is working on re-opening an iconic music (21, 22) club we all remember from the past!

PAGE 15: SCHOOL LIBRARIES

School Library Design Promotes Student Collaboration The “Digital Divide” has gotten little traction in separating us from the tried-and-true library as the preferred one-stop information center. Rather, digital devices have now created new ways for students to collaborate with other students in libraries to enhance the learning process - and make it fun

ALSO: Construction to begin on North Bellmore Public

Library; St. Baldrick’s Foundation requests your donations – and your hair; County residents vote to permit Nassau BOCES to purchase CHSD’s Jerusalem Avenue school building

WHO’S WHO AT YOUR NEWSMAG Advertising and Publishing

Editing and Reporting Doug Finlay

Jill Bromberg

Online Erin Donohue

Contact us with story ideas and news at: edit@yournewsmag.com info@yournewsmag.com To advertise, Jill@yournewsmag.com

Phone: 516-633-8590 P.O. Box 15, Bellmore, New York 11710

Bellmore • Merrick

Enjoying the Local Art Scenes The passion for the arts takes many forms, from the culinary arts, cinema and theater, to books and writing, to one of my favorites: musical arts, including everything from opera to rock- ‘n-roll, to name just a few. And there are bountiful opportunities in our neighborhood to enjoy and participate in them.

Interested in culinary arts? Then join the Merrick Girls Weekday Recipe facebook group and see what’s cooking! This month they shared recipes using their artistic flair and creativity of cooking with wines and spirits. I recently attended a meet-and-great at Cardoon Mediterranean restaurant, where the group gathered to celebrate their shared appreciation for food, cooking and friendship. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet the people behind the facebook posts. I thoroughly enjoyed the night and the food was delicious. Inside are some recipes from the group they provided to share with the community. Give them a try.

Those of you that grew up in Merrick and Bellmore in the late 70s and 80s are sure to remember the iconic music club My Father’s Place, where many of today’s rock legends got their start. Well, baby boomers, today is your lucky day: My Father’s Place is back!

Owner Michael “Eppy” Epstein is bringing back My Father’s Place featuring comfortable seating with well-known artists as well as welcoming new talent to find their way into the limelight. We spoke with Bellmore resident Dan Kellechan, who’s helping resurrect the club, to find out what the plans are, and who’s playing.

Owners Anne and Henry Stampfel celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Long Island Film Exposition, held at the famous Bellmore Movies and Showplace that many may still lovingly refer to as the “Itch.” The Bellmore Movies has a long and interesting history, and Anne and Henry recently received a special honor from the Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores for their impact on the local scene.

Interested in the literary arts? Then Long Island Writers Guild workshops may be for you.

Look for the schedule inside. The schools also

promote opportunities to express and appreciate the literary arts for inspiring young writers.

Open to the community for theater-minded students are wonderful productions from Calhoun’s On-Tour program, including participating in smash hit productions such as “We Will Rock You.” The best word that comes to mind to describe the show is Wow! Many members of the community have been honored for their dedication to our community. From New York State Assemblyman Dave McDonough’s Woman of Distinction honorees, to the Bellmore and Merrick Chamber of Commerce honorees and new chamber board members, our neighborhood is full of giving, dedicated residents and business owners who make a tremendous contribution to the towns we call home.

Congratulations to them all!

Improvements to the Bellmore and Merrick LIRR stations are coming this spring. There are plans for upgrades to the infrastructure and added amenities as well as improved system connectivity to MacArthur Airport in Suffolk.

Can NYAmerican water rates be lowered?

Clean Air Water and Soil Ltd.’s (CAWS) recent public meeting at the Merrick Clubhouse provided updates to residents on their fight to reduce rates and fight increases on water, a public necessity.

Your NewsMag is delivered to all homes in Merrick and Bellmore free of charge because you live here and are part of the community.

Advertising support pays for Your NewsMag, so please support participating businesses by shopping locally. If you know of something that is newsworthy, please let us know. If your business is having an anniversary or someone in your family is celebrating a special occasion, we want to know. After all, your news is our news. Join us on Facebook and visit yournewsmag.com for updates through the month.

Jill Bromberg PUBLISHER 516.633.8590 Jill@YourNewsMag.com

Vol.5 â„–4 | 2018

Your NewsMag

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NEWS

Your NewsMag

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2018 | Vol.5 №4

Can NYAmerican Water Rates Be Lowered?

lean Air Water and Soil Ltd. of Merrick, an environmental group seeking to reduce NYAmerican Water rates in the Merrick district through at least two avenues, provided updates to over 30 residents at a recent meeting at the Merrick Clubhouse. Residents in the water district currently pay three to five times the water rates residents in municipal districts (Town of Hempstead, Town of Oyster Bay, Town of North Hempstead) pay, while up to 70% of those rates collected pay for NYAmerican Water’s property taxes.

With calls for “we want municipal water” sprinkled throughout the meeting, co-director Dave Denenberg said there was cause for hope rates could drop based on NYAmerican Water’s recent admission its rates had been miscalculated within the Sea Cliff water district, and was recalculating those rates. Privately owned NYAmerican Water provides water within its three districts of Lynbrook, Merrick and Sea Cliff.

With NYAmerican Water’s admission of rate miscalculations – which Denenberg said NYAW had known for years, CAWS has asked that the rate increases of last May be rescind-

ed until PSC can recalculate rates, based upon more accurate NYAmerican Water calculations.

However, PSC has asked for a stay of the rates until it can recalculate them.

“What if NYAmerican Water has miscalculated all of its rates?”

Denenberg has asked.

Sea Cliff resident Agatha Nadel, an advocate for municipal water, told Your NewsMag she had already seen evidence of rate reductions, but added they were still too slight to make an impact. NYAW headquarters in Merrick In her talk to residents, she showed water bills for her home of $600 to filings with the New York State Office of Real $700 per quarter for service and taxes, noting Property Tax Service regarding Sea Cliff propthat the taxes on the water service provided erties. by the private company were higher than the The filing said “ … it was determined that a water service itself. number of NYAW utility properties in its Sea In a letter to the state Public Service ComCliff District were over assessed due to errors mission from NYAmerican Water dated Janu- in one of its asset inventory filings with the ary 29 regarding Case 17-W-0300, the compa- New York State Office of Real Property Tax ny asked for petition to reconcile surcharges it Service (ORPTS). The over assessments led to certain NYAW property being taxed more had overcharged, or would charge, residents than the property would have been had the in the future, because of incorrectly assessed

The Best Moments in Life

ORPTS asset inventory not contained the errors.”

The letter added that it had recently reduced surcharges to residents of Sea Cliff because of the errors, confirming Nadel’s bills being slightly reduced.

Denenberg told the audience CAWS filed an Article 78 lawsuit against the New York State Public Service Commission in September after the PSC allowed NYAmerican Water to raise rates by at least 4% across its three water districts. He claimed the PSC was not adequately protecting the rights of residents against predatory practices of corporations – especially when water is a public necessity.

He explained that he and co-director Claudia Borecky have spent time before state administrative judges, attorneys for NYAmerican Water and PSC officials to ascertain how PSC calculated its new rates, and was overruled several times by judges when PSC officials objected to Denenberg’s pointed questions.

[CONT. ON PAGE 16]

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NEWS

Vol.5 №4 | 2018

In & Around …

CONSTRUCTION TO BEGIN: A contractor to refurbish the existing North Bellmore Public Library space of 13,367 square feet - by adding 4000 square feet to accommodate for more growth and better services to patrons – has been awarded the work. By March up to four mobile buildings will be placed on ground presently occupied by basketball courts next to the roller rink on Bellmore Avenue, and connected to form a temporary structure to house the library’s current collections. Library Director Tom Bazzicalupo told Your NewsMag earlier he had anticipated March as the date when the library would move into its temporary quarters … BOARD OF TRUSTEES: The North Bellmore Public Library would also like to hear from residents interested in becoming members on its Board of Trustees. If you would like to consider running for a seat on the board, contact library Director Tom Bazzicalupo at 785-6260, ext. 301 for further details.

A petition to run for a trustee seat must be returned by Monday, March 5 … BOCES RESIDENTS VOTE TO PURCHASE JERUSALEM AVENUE SCHOOL: While CHSD residents

voted 759 votes to 278 votes in December to sell the Jerusalem Avenue Middle School to Nassau BOCES, Nassau residents throughout the county have now voted to permit Nassau BOCES to purchase the school. Final cost of the sale is expected to be $12 million, which CHSD Superintendent John DeTommaso said will help reduce budgeting costs to keep taxes down over the next 10 years. He said over $15 million would have been needed to refurbish the structure using bond issue finances. Nassau BOCES paid $1.3 million yearly in rent.

The district will continue to own the athletic field on the property, so that district teams can continue to practice on the field. The district had recently added $20,000 in new bleachers.

The district wished to thank all those who voted in favor of the proposal … ST. BALDRICK’S: Mepham High School will host its eighth annual Chop Your Locks for Charity event on Tuesday, March 13, from 6-8:30 p.m., at the school’s South Gym. The event benefits the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, a nonprofit organization that raises funds to help find cures for children with cancer. Previous events have raised thousands of dollars for childhood cancer research, while helping to gain material for wigs for the children as they undergo treatment …

Your NewsMag

2017 Women of Distinction Awards

N

ew York State Assemblyman Dave McDonough (R,C,I-Merrick) once again hosted The 2017 Women of Distinction ceremony in the 14th Assembly District to honor local women who have made tremendous contributions to their community in the fields of volunteerism, education, military service, community and civic affairs, government, healthcare, business and humanitarian efforts.

The annual ceremony took place at the Merrick Library in Merrick with Assemblyman McDonough awarding an official Assembly Citation to each woman who was selected.

The women included eight from the Merricks, and two from North Bellmore.

“This is a wonderful event that allows me to give back to those women who have dedicated their lives to making our community a better place to live, work and raise a family,” McDonough said. “I hear so many tremendous and heartwarming stories year after year through this event that allow me to appreciate the selfless and dedicated individuals we have here on Long Island.

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He said it was his distinct pleasure to honor these 13 women and is pleased to know the communities are filled with such great people.

2017 WOMEN OF DISTINCTION: From left are Sara Vasilakos of Wantagh, Theresa Ruescher of North Bellmore, Doreen Moran of Merrick, Heather Berberich of Merrick, Berta Weinstein of Merrick, Michelina Saracino of Merrick, Assemblyman Dave McDonough Virginia Ott of Wantagh, Dawn Cirino-Sambade of North Merrick, Nancy Evans of Levittown, C.J. Marie of North Bellmore, Dominique Tirino of Merrick, Dr. Jamie Rockwin of Merrick and Rachel Roslow of Merrick.

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Your NewsMag

CHAMBER NEWS

2018 | Vol.5 №4

Merrick Chamber Installs New Officers, Presents Awards MAN OF THE YEAR

Kevin Hofmann Kevin Hofmann grew up in Atlanta, Ga., graduating from Wheeler High School and continuing on to DeVry Institute of Technology. While going to college, Kevin started his hotel career as a Grand Opening team member with the Stouffer Waverly Hotel. After three years at the Waverly, he was driving past a Marine Corps recruitment center and decided to stop in to see what they could offer. Fast forward, and Kevin was in the Corps 30 days later.

Duty stations included Okinawa, Japan; Guam; South Korea; and the Philippines.

After the Marine Corps, Kevin headed back to Atlanta, landing a position with the French Quarter Suites hotel. A short time later he joined the Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company groomed Kevin’s service skills and from that moment he knew that he would always be in the service industry.

Kevin has owned a dry cleaners and a breakfast lunch café…both quite successful because of his exceptional customer service skills.

Kevin relocated to Long Island in 1997 to raise his two daughters, Dara and Chase. Dara is attending the University of Pennsylvania, and Chase, SUNY Oswego. Kevin commuted to the World Trade Center each day, working for the company Marsh Inc. - ‘bringing his customer service skills this time into the technology arena. After 9-11, Kevin finally located to Merrick.

Working in Merrick for the past 11 years as the general manager at the Gateway Inn, Kevin has proven that he belongs in Merrick. During this time, he has served as Vice President and President of the Merrick Lions Club, and Chairman for the Taste of Merrick, and has raised thousands of dollars for the Cure of Ars food pantry/Outreach Center, the Long Island Crisis Center, United Cerebral Palsy, Americas Vet Dogs and the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.

Kevin also has been an intricate part of the Merrick Chamber of Commerce, serving as a board member for 10 years and now one of its vice- presidents. He also serves on several committees that assist the chamber to keep Merrick alive with its visibility and connection with business owners.

WOMAN OF THE YEAR

Arlene Gregory Arlene is a 40-year resident of North Merrick. Through her good heart and tenacious nature, many organizations and businesses have benefitted from Arlene being a member or leader. Arlene’s career as a Realtor with Century 21 American Homes for the past 35

2018 MERRICK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS Erin Donohue, President Ira Reier, Vice-President Margaret Biegelman, PP, Secretary Kathy Chuber, Treasurer Hon. David G. McDonough, PP, Presidential Advisor years, where she has held the titles of agent, manager of their Merrick location, broker and partner in both the Fresh Meadows and Brooklyn offices. She is currently Century 221 American Homes Worldwide Relocation Director. Besides her work duties, Arlene is heavily involved with the varying fundraising events the company holds, for Easter Seals and its new Heart of American Homes Foundation.

Arlene’s community service began when she joined the Old Mill Road PTA, where her children, Michael and Kelly, attended. She participated in and ran many fundraisers for the benefit of the children. Arlene later joined the Merrick Chamber of Commerce, organizing many community engagement events, as well as monthly chamber networking meetings. Presently, Arlene is a member of the chamber’s board of directors.

Arlene is also a distinguished Past President of the Merrick Kiwanis Club, a current board member and can be found at almost every Kiwanis activity, whether collecting school supplies, wrapping presents at Roosevelt Field, flipping and serving pancakes,or interacting with children (her favorite) and adults at the street fair. When you meet her at these events, you will be met with a smile and can feel her warmth.

Arlene two children are both Calhoun graduates. Michael, who graduated from NYU, now works as a scientist at the university and lives in Prospect Park, Brooklyn. Kelly and her boyfriend Judd live in Cortland, where Kelly graduated from SUNY Cortland. They own and operate BRU Coffee/Pour House on Main Street in Cortland.

Arlene is most proud of her family, her work colleagues and the many friends she has made in the Merrick community over these past 40 years, especially through Kiwanis and the chamber. Her mantra is: “The best thing

about giving back is the feeling of happiness you experience every time you do.”

MERCHANT OF THE YEAR

Armando D’Accordo, CMIT Solutions Armando D’Accordo has 30 years of experience in the technology industry. Since 2007, as president of CMIT Solutions of South Nassau, Armando has provided Long Island businesses with technology solutions that facilitate cybersecurity, business continuity, compliance and disaster recovery, often while reducing cost and downtime.

He is an industry leader as well as an accomplished public speaker, and in 2009 Armando co-wrote and published his first book entitled: I Just Want My Computers to Work! In 2017, CMIT was recognized by the readers of the Long Island Business News as the best information technology company on Long Island.

PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

Marian Fraker-Gutin, Select-A-Home Island South Realty Marian Fraker-Gutin, GRI, CRB, has been an active real estate professional since 1967. In 1976 she became broker-owner of Mary Elmore Realty Co., Inc. in Merrick.

Marian became a member of the Long Island Board of REALTORS, Inc. (LIBOR) in 1970 and has been active for the past 30 years in almost every committee of the board, either as chairperson or member. In 1990, she was elected board officer and served as president in 1994 and 2005. In 1995, she was LIBOR REALTOR of the Year. She has served the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) as zone chairperson, officer and president in 1982 . Marian has served as a director of the LI REALTORS Federal Credit Union since 1972 and as president from 1977- 1982, and presently on the Board of Directors.

On the state level, Marian has been a Direc-

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Femy Aziz Audrey Cohen Armando D’Accordo Ilene Dixel Timothy Feldis Marian Fraker-Gutin, PP Arlene Gregory Susan Helsinger Carmela Lage Leo Levine Julie Marchesella, PP Douglas G. Mills, PP Margaret Mueller, PP Andrew Nachamie, Esq. Randy Shotland, PP Salvatore Vassallo, PP

tor, Committeee Chair and member of the New York State Association of REALTORS (NYSAR) since 1982. She was honored as NYS REALTOR of the Year in 1999. On the national level, Marian has been a director and committee member since 1984. She served as NYS Liaison for Congress and the US Senate, and was a federal district coordinator to Congressman Peter King.

She has been on the Legislative Committee since the 1970’s to present day, as a lobbyist for Nassau County homeowners.

In her hometown community of Merrick, Marian is past president of the Merrick Chamber of Commerce and the Community Council of the Merricks. She was recognized as “Woman of the Year” in 1981 by the Merrick Chamber of Commerce and also as “Outstanding Small Business Owner” in 1985 by the Nassau County Council of Chambers. She still sits on the chamber board to this day. Marian resides in Merrick. She has two sons, Lawrence and Paul Michael, and a daughter, Ellen and a son in law, Tom. Her grandsons, Nicholas and Thomas, attend the Merrick schools.

Vol.5 №4 | 2018

Your NewsMag

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10

THE ARTS: CULINARY

Your NewsMag

2018 | Vol.5 №4 RECIPES

Enhance Your Recipes by Cooking With Wine

U

Cooking with wine can be an adventure: It is creative, it’s an art … and it’s a science!

sing wines to prepare dinners is, above all, about taste. What wine you decide to use will clearly enhance the flavors of the dish(es) you serve because it combines both the taste of the wine in preparing the foods and the flavor of the meat, chicken or fish you are cooking. And that is usually an inviting combination.

It helps, too, to know the type of wine to use with what type of meat you are preparing – and don’t use a wine you would not drink by itself. A Pino Grigio white wine, for example, contains enough acids in it from the grape to enhance the flavor of most sea foods, eliminating the need for a wedge of lemon to tease out the seafood flavors.

From Wine Enthusiast magazine website: “For delicate fish or vegetables, a dry non-oaked wine works best. If your recipe is packed with onions, carrots and tomatoes, there will be plenty of sugars in the pot, so cooking with a fuller-bodied, less dry white wine can integrate perfectly.”

While cooking wines are thought to add too much salt to the dish, other wines, such as marsala and sherry, are known for bringing out the

flavors of veal and chicken. Fruity red wines are also known to enhance chicken dishes.

Ports are good for stews and other dinners that will feature plenty of red meats, for example.

But do make sure to burn off enough of the alcohol in wine, which will help create the more delicate and balanced flavors you are working to attain. The longer the wine is allowed to settle into the dish, the more flavorful and exciting it will be to the palate. Leaving less time for the alcohol to burn off may result in a stronger alcohol taste to the overall dish.

Robin Niad Canrick, an admin on MGWR, said Merrick Girls Weekday Recipes is not simply a Facebook page anymore. “We recently had a Holiday Meet and Greet at Cardoon in Seaford, where new friendships were formed over extraordinary food. Go to www.facebook.com, join the group and join in the fun!

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Pan Roasted bay scallops w bread crumbs and lemon • 1/2 cup fresh bread crumbs, preferably from brioche or challah • salt and freshly ground pepper • 1 tbsp. olive oil • 1 1/2 pounds bay scallops • 1 large shallot, thinly sliced • 1 small Meyer lemon • 1/4 cup white wine, Sauvignon Blanc • 1 tbsp. chopped parsley In a large skillet, melt one tablespoon of butter. Add the bread crumbs, season with salt and pepper and cook over moderate heat, stirring so the crumbs don't burn, about 3-4 min-

utes. When the crumbs are golden brown and crisped, remove them to a plate. Wipe out the skillet. Add the oil and heat on high until it shimmers. Add half a tablespoon of the butter and let it melt. Add the scallops, season with salt and pepper and brown, about 2 minutes.

Add the shallots and the remaining butter in the skillet. Add the juice of a small Meyer lemon and the white wine. Cook over moderate heat until the liquid has reduced, about 4 minutes. Check for seasoning. Remove from the heat and stir in the parsley. Sprinkle the toasted bread crumbs on the plates, add scallops on top of the crumbs and serve.

BEEF ERICCA

Sherri Ann Trapp-Coots Chuck roast 1 can of Cream of Mushroom soup 1 packet of dried onion soup mix 8 oz. port wine Put about 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan. Cover your Chuck Roast on all sides with flour.

Sear all sides of your toast. Put in the oven at 350 degrees. Mix togeth[CONT. ] • • • •

THE ARTS: CULINARY

Vol.5 №4 | 2018 RECIPES • • • • • • •

Beef Ericca [CONT.] er your Cream of Mushroom soup, (I use Campbell’s), one packet of dried onion soup mix (I use Lipton) and one cup of port wine (I just pour it into the empty soup can) into a bowl and mix well. I usually double or triple the recipe depending on the size of the chuck toast. About 1.5 hours into cooking (again, depending on size) I add soup and wine mixture into the dutch oven. I let it cook for another two hours or until done, stirring occasionally. The port wine will reduce and you will get a nice, thick rich gravy.

Serve with mashed potatoes or noodles, salad and some nice crusty bread.

SHRIMP SCAMPI

Robin Niad Canarick • 2 tbsp.butter

2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil 4 garlic cloves, minced ½ cup dry white wine ¾ tsp. kosher salt, or to taste ⅛ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes, or to taste Freshly ground black pepper 1 ¾ pounds large or extra-large shrimp, shelled • ⅓ cup chopped parsley • Freshly squeezed juice of half a lemon In a large skillet, melt butter with olive oil.

Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add wine, salt, red pepper flakes and plenty of black pepper and bring to a simmer.

Let wine reduce by half, about 2 minutes. Add

Shrimp Scampi shrimp and sauté until they just turn pink, 2 to 4 minutes depending upon their size. Stir in the parsley and lemon juice and serve over pasta or accompanied by crusty bread.

SHRIMP WITH HOT BRANDY SAUCE

Elizabeth Schulman Kranz • 2 tbsp. olive oil • 2 large garlic cloves, minced • 2 bay leaves • 1 lb. medium shrimp, shelled and deveined (size is unimportant) • 3/4 cup chicken broth • 2 tbsp. brandy • 1/4 tsp. hot red pepper flakes (use less or more, to taste) • 1/2 tsp. salt, or to taste • 1 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley (can substitute dried parsley) • (optional: 1 lb. pasta, as linguine) If making pasta, cook as directed on package. Meanwhile, in large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and bay leaves; saute 5 minutes or until tender. Add shrimp; saute 3 minutes or until cooked through. Remove bay leaves. Add chicken broth, brandy, hot red pepper flakes and salt; bring to a boil.

Reduce heat and simmer for 1 minute. Drain pasta. Place in serving bowl. Add shrimp sauce; toss. Sprinkle with parsley. Serve immediately.

CHICKEN CUTLETS & MUSHROOMS

Debra Eiberson Gordon • 8 chicken cutlets • 2 cups sliced mushrooms

Your NewsMag

11

• • • • • •

1 cup chicken broth ½ cup cold water vegetable oil 2 cups bread crumbs/matzah meal 1 cup white wine 4 large eggs First, dry the cutlets. Beat eggs and add a dash of water. Dip cutlets in bread crumbs, in beaten egg and water mixture and in bread crumbs again. Sauté cutlets in oil, remove and set aside. In the same pan, sauté the sliced mushrooms. Place cutlets in baking dish and cover with mushrooms. Mix white wine and chicken broth together and pour over chicken and mushrooms. Bake 20 minutes covered at 350 degrees, then bake uncovered for 30 minutes. This dish can be prepared one day in advance and baked the next day, or prepared up to two weeks in advance and frozen.

CHICKEN CACCIATORE

Syndi Goldman-Reibman • 4-6 boneless skinless chicken thighs, seasoned and cut in half • 1/2 cup flour in a large Baggie for dredging • 2 tbsp. minced garlic • 3 large onions sliced • 1 lb. sliced baby Bella mushrooms (optional) • 3 peppers sliced [CONT. ON PAGE 12]

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THE ARTS: CULINARY

Your NewsMag

2018 | Vol.5 №4 RECIPES

Chicken cacciatore [CONT. FROM PAGE 11]

• • • • •

1 cube or packet chicken bouillon 1 4-oz can tomato sauce 1 cup water 1 cup white wine or cooking wine Salt, pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, oregano, basil, parsley, garlic powder Begin by prepping your onions and peppers and setting them aside. Heat up a good amount of olive oil in a large frying pan. Take the flour and put it in the Baggie. Add salt, pepper, parsley and a little garlic powder to the flour (to taste... no measurement). Shake up well. Place chicken on a cutting board or large surface and season well with salt and pepper on both sides before cutting. Take chicken pieces and shake a couple of pieces at a time, then gently place in flour mixture till well coated. Place each piece in the frying pan making sure it is on a medium heat. You don't want to cook the chicken, just braise it to sear in the flavor and juices. It may take 2 or 3 batches.

Cook about 3 1/2 minutes per side. Put "cooked" chicken aside when done. When all the chicken is done, add more olive oil to the same pan and stir a little to get the nice bits off the bottom.

Place onions in the pan. Cook about 5-7 minutes, mixing often till slightly softened.

Add garlic and cook an additional 3-4 minutes. Add peppers and mix well. In a separate cup/Pyrex, mix bouillon with hot water to make broth. Add chicken broth to veggie mix-

Lemon chicken ture. Immediately add wine and tomato sauce.

Mix well. Cook this mix for a good 5 minutes till simmering to cook the alcohol off. Add chicken and mix. Now, give a good sprinkling of pepper, crushed hot pepper, garlic, parsley, oregano and basil. Mix well, turn down and allow this to simmer for half an hour. I leave it uncovered so it thickens.

Serve with pasta, rice, nice crusty bread or whatever makes you happy! Serves 4

LEMON CHICKEN

Syndi Goldman-Reibman 2 lbs. thin cut chicken cutlets 1/4 cup flour 1 tsp. seasoned salt 1/2 tsp. pepper 1 tbsp. parsley 6 lemons juiced (3/4 cup lemon juice) 2 tbsp. olive oil for sautéing 1 lb. sliced baby bella mushrooms 3 tbsp. butter 2 tbsp. flour 2 cups chicken broth 1 cup white wine baggie for shaking the chicken In baggie, add quarter cup of flour, seasoned salt, pepper, and shake well. Taking one piece of chicken at a time, shake each piece of chicken in the flour dredge and place on a plate. Meanwhile, put oil in a pan and begin heating the pan to a medium Heat. When all of the chicken is coated, begin sautéing two minutes per side. Remove chicken to a casserole dish. When all of the chicken is done, you should have about two layers. Sprinkle the chicken with parsley, and season with a little bit of salt and pepper overall.

In the same pan, add a little more oil and • • • • • • • • • • • • •

start sautéing the mushrooms. Cook them until they release liquid. Turn off and pour the mushrooms over the chicken. Preheat oven to 275 degrees. While pan is still hot, add 3 tablespoons of butter. When the butter is melted add two tablespoons of flour and mix very well to make a roux. Cook for about a minute, stirring well. Add chicken broth, lemon juice and wine. Simmer 10 minutes, stirring frequently to cook off the alcohol. Turn off and pour sauce over chicken and mushrooms. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes. (Or turn up to 375 and cook 30 minutes.)

CHICKEN LOMBARDY

Carol Schmertzler Siegel • 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour • 9 to 12 tbsp. butter, divided (I use olive oil) • Salt and pepper • 1 1/2 cups sliced mushrooms (I use more) • 3/4 cup Marsala wine • 3/4 cup chicken stock • 1 cup shredded Italian Fontina, or Mozzarella cheese • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Dredge chicken lightly in flour. In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt 3 tablespoons butter. Place several pieces of [CONT. ON PAGE 19]

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Vol.5 №4 | 2018

Your NewsMag

In A Challenging Market You Want To Be On The "Winning" Team!

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14

THE ARTS: CINEMA

Your NewsMag

2018 | Vol.5 №4

Making History at the Bellmore Movies with Anne and Henry Stampfel

W

hen Your NewsMag last spoke with Anne and Henry Stampfel they were celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Long Island International Film Exposition, the premiere Long Island film festival that brings independent film front-and-center as a critically acclaimed art form, and exposes independent filmmakers and actors to an exceptional avenue and outlet for creativity in which to explore their muses and succeed. The film festival is sponsored by the Nassau County Film Commission, and this year it will be celebrating its 21st year.

The festival was inaugurated at their art house cinema in Malverne in 1998. The festival outgrew the five smaller screens and moved to their Bellmore Movies eight years later; and the Stampfels have not looked back on that move since.

The festival’s move to Bellmore – which will be its 13th in Bellmore this year - brought with it the unexpected delight of actors and actresses walking the Bellmore streets and contributing to the community’s summer economic successes. It also brought with it legions of fans who rush to see their works on screen - and

the actors in living color - at the festival while bringing with them appetites and thirsts filled and quenched by local eateries. Several recent movie shoots in and around town have also generated revenues for many businesses, as well, putting Bellmore squarely in the sites of filmmakers’ lenses widow.

HUMBLED

In recognition of the Stampfel’s – and the Bellmore Movies and Showplace – success in achieving such accomplishments within the community, the Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores has bestowed upon them the inaugural Roy Weinman Lifetime Achievement Award.

Says Anne of the award: “We are humbled by this recognition of achievement. For us the achievement also means we've survived in this industry and grown with it. Plus, the award is named for a special man, Roy, who helped us many times over the years. We would patronize his business to find just the right screw or bolt and he always seemed to have whatever we were looking for. He is dearly missed in our community. We are very proud to be the first recipients.”

The Stampfels took over management of the historic one-screen theater in 1986, and purchased it outright in 2000. Before the Stampfels, there was the late Bill Zagarino of Zagarino Realty, who, according to his brother Pat, “managed the movie theater for several years, where he showed first-run movies such as “The Longest Yard.” “You could see features for $1” then, said Zagarino.

Over the years the Stampfels have recast the historic iconic movie house into a community entertainment center for children’s theatrical productions, TV commercial shoots, film au-

ditions, marriage proposals, rock shows, country singers, comedians, dance recitals, film debuts and, of course, film festivals – in addition to its first-run movies.

“We’re also very proud of our live shows,” Anne said. She said Rob Bartlett, Jackie “The Joke Man” Martling and Mickey Rooney have all performed on its stage, as well as Kenny Vance and The Plantones.

The movie house itself is thought to be over 100 years old. Anne says they have a survey that shows the building was in Bellmore in 1912. They also claim that, through internet research, they have found documents dating back to 1908. However, they are not certain precisely how old the building is.

Originally, the Stampfels’ plan was to turn the Bellmore Movies into a multiscreen theater. Henry remarked that it seemed like the logical thing to do, in order to complete with the surrounding cinemas. However, with the wild success of the film festival over the years, they do not look back on that plan, either.

Both Anne and Henry Stampfel hope to maintain the Bellmore Movies and Showplace as one of the premiere entertainment centers in the Bellmore community and surrounding communities for many years to come.

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SCHOOL LIBRARIES

Vol.5 №4 | 2018

School Library Redesign Promotes Collaboration T he Digital Divide has not widened much at all in attempting to prove itself a superior one-stop information center to the libraries it seeks to replace.

The devices have instead turned into tools to promote student collaboration during school hours in libraries as they also bring them in after school to continue conversations with friends, finish homework or just hang out to share digital games with each other.

The completed redesign of the Grand Avenue Middle School is the latest district project now incorporating openspace seating that draws students into the library to work on homework on their laptops, or chat with friends while texting on soft cushion chairs.

Principal Carl Conti called the new library “a student-driven space,” explaining that integral to the new design is fur-

niture: “Furniture for working, and furniture for discussion and collaboration.”

New modular tables can be configured for a variety of seats, for two students up to 12 and more, or the size of a classroom. Low-height cushioned chairs tackle a more “comfortable” assertion that students can retain more information when seated in cushioned chairs often found in living rooms.

Mary Donnelly, English chairperson at Grand Avenue Middle School and Mepham High School, told Your NewsMag that studies have found comfortable seating becomes an indispensible aid to both study and retention. “Students do have preferences,” she asserted. “Let the library be a comfortable place to read,” she said.

Conti explained that in the new library students come in, sit at a table to [CONT. ON PAGE 19]

Your NewsMag

15

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2018 | Vol.5 №4

Your NewsMag

CAN NYAMERICAN WATER RATES BE LOWERED? One critical question Denenberg wanted answered was how the PSC could raise rates higher than the current state cap of 2% and less on property taxes that has been in place for several years.

[CONT. FROM PAGE 6]

REQUEST FOR HIGHER RATES

NYAmerican Water initially requested a much higher rate increase of 8% and more roughly a month after the Nassau County Water Authority of South East Nassau County concluded a study that did not recommend a municipal takeover of NYAmerican Water, the second such study to conclude so.

WASENC based the recommendation on a strong evaluation of the private company that would cost ratepayers higher monthly bills of $100 and more a month for up to 30 years to take over and then maintain NYAmerican Water infrastructure, which would include labor and structural costs.

WASENC concluded that residents were paying far less in increases under NYAmerican Water than they would under a takeover.

Denenberg objected to the study’s conclusions last March, saying WASENC, like the first WASENC study before it, was really about a lack of political will. He told Your NewsMag

then that the first WASENC Study of the 1990s remarked in final comments that “ ‘…It was politically difficult to eliminate the taxes from the host municipality’s revenues,’ the first study concluded, adding that ‘the tax authorities that received these taxes [from NYWater] insisted that a municipal-owned system make Payment In Lieu of Taxes at levels similar to the taxes being paid by NYWater.’ ” Denenberg has insisted that no revenues would be lost in a takeover when spreading the costs of revenue earned from the taxes among all communities within the county.

Rather, all county residents would pay fairly and equally for municipal water.

SECTION 485-D

At the meeting, Merrick resident Margaret Valentino-Maher said it was imperative that ratepayers “go to their government” to request assistance in the fight to lower water rates. “We need more support from the local government levels to support those who elect them” into office. She said local town board meetings and legislative meetings were the ideal places to air out grassroots grievances to get assistance in amending state laws, such as Section 485-D.

North Bellmore resident Michelle Gagnon agreed, saying residents should put pressure on their local governments to assist them in lowering their rates.

Co-director Borecky thought it could be a substantive plan, especially with County Executive Laura Curran being from Baldwin – part of NYAmerican Water’s Merrick district, and several members of the Hempstead Town Board living in high-rate NYAmerican Water communities, such as the Lynbrook district.

Besides the Article 78 lawsuit, Denenberg suggested another avenue CAWS was taking to lower water rates was the little known real estate law known as Section 485-D. The law, officially known as New York State Real Estate Property Tax Law Section 485-D, asserts that water works corporations are exempt from property taxes: “Real property situated in a city with a population of one million or more owned by a water-works corporation subject to the provisions of the public service law and used exclusively for the sale, furnishing and distribution of water for domestic, commercial and public purposes, shall be wholly or partially exempt from taxation provided that the local legislative body of such a city within such

property is situated adopts a local law so providing.”

Denenberg maintains that if the law could be amended to add the words “or county” after the word city, the amended law would exempt NYAmerican Water from having to collect taxes from ratepayers on its properties within the water districts it serves. This would substantially reduce water rates to residents in the NYAmerican Water, he said.

In its January 29 letter to PSC, NYAmerican Water further commented that “NYAW is required to pay high property taxes … and these taxes are borne by customers as an expense component of the company’s rates for water service, making it challenging for the Company to provide customers with safe, reliable water service at fair and reasonable rates. “ Requests for comments to Hempstead Town Councilwoman Erin King Sweeney (4th CD) and to County Legislator Debbie Mule, (5th LD), who attended the meeting, were not answered by press time.

While the lawsuit continues, CAWS looks for donations to defer the continued cost of legal expenses. Residents can donate to either CAWS or the Law Offices of Teresa Butler, c/o LI Clean Air Water & Soil, P.O. Box 500, Merrick, New York 11566. Checks made out to CAWS are tax deductible.

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andace Casimir, a sophomore a Mepham High School, won the regional Poetry Out Loud Competition recently at Nassau Community College. Casimir will now represent Mepham at the New York State competition on March 9. English teacher Nicole Maresca and English Chairperson Mary Donnelly were instrumental in organizing this year’s program.

Candace Casimir, left, is pictured with teacher Nicole Maresca

Local Band to Play Mickey Mo’s

T

he Sheltones, a local band featuring several players from Bellmore and Merrick - or who have roots in the community, will play Mickey Mo’s Café & Lounge on Saturday, March 3, beginning at 8:30 p.m.

The band, together for 18 months, features Fred Rubinstein on keyboards, Shelly Shulman on guitar and vocals, composer Bill Winters on guitar and vo-

cals, Layne Dornstein on flute, Russ Remondino on percussion and Jane Batterman on guitar and vocals.

The band practices regularly in Merrick.

Mickey Mo’s “hot spot” at 428 Sunrise Highway hosts live bands playing the blues, jazz and soul, complete with a dance floor and billiard table. Visit www. mickeymo’scafe.com.

No cover charge.

Vol.5 №4 | 2018

Your NewsMag

17

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THE ARTS: WRITING

Your NewsMag

Author inspires young writers at Park Avenue

T

o support young writers, author Dusti Bowling recently skyped with fifth-graders at Park Avenue Elementary School in the North Bellmore School District. The videoconference took place over the SMART Board in teacher Nicole Giusto’s room.

Students read Bowling’s book, Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus, before the video interaction. They asked questions about the details of her book,

the writing process, how she gets her ideas for stories and authors she admires. She shared pictures of some of the people who served as inspiration for her book.

Ms. Giusto said that the purpose of the skype session was to give students insight into how much work goes into writing a book. As fifth-graders, they write memoirs, opinion essays and biographies.

The Writing Arts signed to help writers improve their craft. A $5 registration fee is required. Call the library at 785-6260, or visit www.northbellmorelibrary. org.

The North Merrick Public Library will also hold two different writing workshops for adults and like-minded individuals. On Monday, February 26, from 1:30-2:30 p.m. there is a creative writing workshop for adults, with Jen Calonita again holding sway in helping work with the group to come up with ideas and write them into reality. While classes have begun, the class is ongoing.

Then on Monday, March 12 and 26, and again on April 9 and 23, from 1:15-2:30 p.m., Calonita will hold a workshop in memoir writing.

In this class, participants will learn how to bring focus and clarity to a memoir through writing exercises.

All creative writers are invited to join in the classes. Contact the library at 378-7474, or visit www. northpubliclibrary.org.

he Long Island Writers Guild will hold two ongoing workshops at the Bellmore Memorial Library in March: on Tuesdays, March 6, at 10:30 a.m., and on March 20, at 10:30 a.m. The workshops help inspiring writers get published by helping them hone their skills. Accomplished authors from the writer’s guild make up the instructors, along with special guest authors. For information contact the library at 785-2990, or visit www.liwritersguild.org.

Meanwhile, The North Bellmore Public Library will hold a writer’s critique group on Wednesday, March 7, and again on Wednesday, April 11, both at 7 p.m., to give authors and writers input and feedback on their works with guidance from local author Jen Calonita, who has penned over 20 novels. Writers will share their assignments with the assembled group to get feedback and opinion on where to lead the work next. The group is de-

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Your NewsMag

SCHOOL LIBRARY REDESIGN PROMOTES COLLABORATION [CONT. FROM PAGE 15] work on homework, and then migrate to a cushioned chair to text leisurely on smartphones while resting between assignments, or to read hard-cover books and magazines. The comfy chairs, like tables, are not fixed to the floor, and can be moved from one area of the library to the next to increase pod seating “if several friends come in to join in conversation,” Conti said.

Eighth-grade student Danny Shami, doing homework on his laptop during his lunch break – in which several lunch passes are given to students to come to the library after lunch, said, “It’s a comfortable place to come, and I can read what I want on the cushioned chairs.”

Eighth-grader Sam Lackman also called it a “great place to do work.”

Both said the library during lunch becomes a place they can catch up or finish homework assignments from earlier periods.

Seventh-graders Taryn Gilman and Gabby Friscia were in from lunch, both sitting on a two-seated cushioned chair,

chatting with one another as they texted other friends to make plans.

GAMS librarian Roseanne Walker, a part-time librarian also at the North Bellmore Public Library, said students often arrange cushioned chairs in a circular fashion, and then retrieve Chromebooks from a modular cabinet, and play collaborative games or communicate in other ways with one another in a fun setting.

Most impressive are the new collaborative methods the school has employed that now permit classes, such as an eighth-grade English class and a social studies class, to study together. Using a SMART board, both an English teacher and a social studies teacher can present curriculum materials from each class on the board – such as a novel with references to historical events that can be borne out in social studies - which stu-

Tables in back for studying make way to comfortable chairs in foreground for leisure conversation and reading

19

dents can receive on their phones as a copy. Without taking notes, the students have the exact plans from the SMART boards now on their phones to refer to when completing class assignments.

NEW KENNEDY LIBRARY

A donation of $234,000 from a Kennedy alumnus specifically for a library redesign will complete the district’s long-standing march toward redesigning the five middle and senior high school libraries. After the upgrade, all school libraries will utilize the student-driven open-planning space to attract students into an environment that mirrors such public venues as Barnes & Noble and Starbuck’s for its leisureliness in encouraging conversation and discussion while actually encouraging work.

Kennedy English Chair Adeline Atkins said the new Kennedy library will be more of an “innovation lab,” a designer showcase that will include a 3D printer, a media center, jacks for phones while featuring the same modular furniture.

“The high school library will become a great hub of social activity when complete,” she concluded.

RECIPES [CONT. FROM PAGE 12]

chicken in the pan, without overcrowding them. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. When browned, place chicken in a lightly greased 13-by-9-by-2-inch pan and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.

Repeat browning procedure with remaining

Chicken lombardy chicken, adding a little butter each time. Reserve the drippings.

Saute mushrooms in the same pan with a little more butter, and then add chicken stock into the pan, scraping to deglaze the pan, and cook for about 10 minutes or more until sauce is reduced and thickens a bit. Next, spoon the sauce over chicken. Combine Fontina and Parmesan cheeses and sprinkle over chicken.

Bake for 10 minutes, or until chicken is thoroughly cooked. Place under broiler until

cheese has melted and bubbly or in my case usually, extremely browned!

Note: I browned the chicken, removed them to a plate, sauteed the mushrooms, then returned the chicken to the pan, added the stock and the Marsala, and reduced the sauce. Then I put the chicken in a baking dish, poured the sauce and mushrooms on top, and baked it in the oven for about 10-15 minutes to make sure chicken was cooked thoroughly. I then sprinkled with just shredded mozzarella and broiled it until the cheese was brown and bubbly! This time I used boneless, skinless thighs.

I’ve also used a package of chicken tenderloins!

RUM CAKE

Debra Eiberson Gordon Cake: • Yellow cake mix with pudding • 1 cup chopped pecans • 3 eggs • 1/3 cup oil • ½ cup cold water • ½ cup dark rum Glaze: • ½ lb butter • ¼ cup water • 1 cup sugar • ½ cup dark rum

Preheat oven to 324 degrees. Grease and flour 10” tube or 12 cup bundt pan, and sprinkle chopped pecans over bottom of pan. Mix all cake ingredients together. Pour batter over nuts and bake 1 hour. Invert on serving plate.

For glaze, melt butter in saucepan. Stir in water and sugar. Boil 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in rum.

Prick top and sides of cake. Pour glaze into holes of cake. Allow cake to absorb glaze. Repeat until glaze is used up.

TORTONI

Carol Schmertzler Siegel • 1/2 cup blanched and sliced, slivered or chopped almonds • 2 1/2 cups amaretti cookies (I used a 7 oz. bag of Lazzaroni Amaretti Snaps Cookies) • 2 tbsp. amaretto liqueur (more or less to taste) • 1 cup heavy cream, chilled • 2 tsp. almond extract • 1 quart homemade or premium quality vanilla ice cream, softened (I used a pint) • Maraschino cherries, drained and halved for garnish Preheat oven to 350 degrees . Place chopped almonds on small baking sheet and toast in the oven until lightly golden. Set aside to cool.

Or you can toast them in a nonstick skillet (no

oil, dry) on the stove over medium heat. Be careful to watch them so they don't burn. Put the cookies in a Ziploc plastic bag and crush the cookies into small pieces with a rolling pin, a meat pounder or your hands. Be careful not

Tortoni to turn them into tiny crumbs. Place crumbled cookies in a medium bowl and toss with the almonds. Set aside.

In a large bowl, beat cream with an electric mixer until thickened. Pour in the amaretto and whip until medium peaks form. Spoon the cookie mixture into the whipped cream, reserving 3/4 cup or so for topping. Add the almond extract to the softened ice ice cream and stir until blended and very smooth. Fold the cookie/whipped cream mixture into ice cream.

Spoon into little pastry cups or ramekins.

Sprinkle each cup with some of the reserved cookie mixture and top with a cherry. Freeze until firm.

THE ARTS: ????MUSIC

Your NewsMag 20 Your2014 NewsMag 1№5 | FEBRUARY

2018 2014 | Vol.5| №5 №4 Your NewsMag FEBRUARY 1

Ladies and Gentlemen, Once Again DOUGLAS FINLAY

H Owner Michael "Eppy" Epstein with Peter Hedeman, technical director

The Police held sway early on at My Father's Place

orn-driven funk band Tower of Power was the last band to play at My Father’s Place rock cabaret club in Old Roslyn before the stage went totally dark and the doors suddenly slammed shut in May 1987, bringing with it the end to the once-vaunted Long Island music club. The rock stage had born or sustained the early careers of The Ramones, Blondie, Joan Jett, Iggy Pop, The Police, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Leo Kottke, Larry Coryell, James Cotton Blues Band, Tom Petty, Link Wray, The Good Rats and a host of other top-flight musical entertainers, many of whom have attained a spot on the legends of rock list as well.

What precipitated such an unceremonious closing had as much to do with the perennial problem of parking for over 200-and-more fans who filed into the tightly situated club under the Route 25A overpass, as it did with the ominous writing on the wall the music scene was evolving from small venues in favor of large arenas.

For founder Michael “Eppy” Epstein the club’s demise brought with it a profound hurt. But, as the music scene and the music business had claimed his DNA back in 1971, when he first opened the club Memorial Day that year featuring Richie Havens, the notion of one day opening a second incarnation of

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF SPECIAL DISTRICT MEETING NORTH BELLMORE PUBLIC LIBRARY NORTH BELLMORE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Special Library District Meeting and Voting upon the appropriation of necessary funds and tax levy to meet the estimated expenditures of the North Bellmore Public Library for the fiscal year 2018-2019, and the election of a Library Trustee for a full five-year term, to the position currently encumbered by Vincent Maiello, whose term of office will expire June 30, 2018 will be held at the North Bellmore Public Library at 1551 Newbridge Road North Bellmore, NY 11710 opposite the firehouse in North Bellmore, on Wednesday, April 4, 2018 from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and as much longer as may be necessary for all voters then present to cast their votes.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN THAT: 1. Pursuant to Education Law Section 2014, personal registration of voters is required and no person shall be entitled to vote at said meeting and election whose name does not appear on the register of said Library; and 2. Any person shall be entitled to have his name placed upon such register provided he is known or proven to such Board of Registration to be entitled to vote at the meeting or election for which such registration is prepared to vote at general elections; and 3. Qualified voters may register at the North Bellmore Public Library on Thursday, March 29, from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Voters having previously registered for

My Father’s Place quickly flooded his thoughts frontand-center.

“I have always been offered new places to reopen My Father’s Place” he told Your NewsMag when it recently visited ground zero of the newly planned MFP, again in Roslyn. “But it would never have felt the same,” he continued. “It had to be in Roslyn for it to work again.”

Enter Lawrence Ross, a Realtor with High Cap Group in Roslyn who brokered the sale of the Roslyn Hotel within the last year to new owners. Ross, along with many others, had known for years of Eppy’s interest in reopening MFP. So, when walking through the boutique hotel at 1221 Roslyn Road with new owner Sumar Kakar, Ross came upon a small banquet room he felt had an extraordinary charm about it. Kakar was asking Ross what might be done with the room.

“My vision was this would be a perfect place to resurrect My Father’s Place,” Ross remarked.

VISION REALIZED

On Saturday, June 30, My Father’s Place Supper Club will open its doors once more in Roslyn, out of that remodeled banquet room. “Livingston Taylor is almost sold out” for opening night, Eppy announced.

My Father’s Place Speakeasy and Restaurant will also

any Annual or Special Library or School District Election or Meeting, or who shall have voted at any Annual or Special Meeting or Election held or conducted at any time within the past four (4) calendar years prior to the preparation of the register, or who are registered to vote at any general election pursuant to Article 5 of the Election Law of the State of New York are considered registered to vote. Such register will be filed in the office of the Director of the North Bellmore Public Library five (5) days preceding such Special District Meeting and will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the District during such days between the hours of 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. 4. In accordance with Education Law No. 2018-a, application for absentee ballots for the Library Special District Meeting may be applied for at the Library. Such application must be received by the Board of Registration at least seven (7) days before the election if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or on the day before the election, if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter. The Board of Registration shall make a list of all persons to whom ab-

open its doors across the foyer from the supper club, and will provide more elaborate settings and dining for what management hopes will include a more refined – if not elite - musical business clientele.

Parking will be plentiful, as patrons will enter the club and speakeasy from a parking lot.

Kakar thinks the rebirth of My Father’s Place will be a positive influence on the town and on the hotel.

“My Father’s Place will be a tremendous new gathering place for all musicians and those in the industry once again.”

The refined name of “supper club” may come off as a misnomer. There are no stylized waiters and waitresses in black jackets with linen napkins draped over their arms taking orders for food and libation.

But orders for food and drink are indeed part-andparcel of the resurrected MFP, just like the original room. “There will be no bar, however,” remarked Bellmore resident Dan Kellechan, who will serve as general manager of MFP Supper Club, along with Alex Ewen, former CEO of SiriusXM radio’s Little Steven’s Garage channel.

Kellachan walked Your NewsMag through the ballroom to explain the new floor plan.

A 10-foot by 20-foot stage will hide a door into a kitchen area behind it. Waiters and waitresses will come and go through the door [CONT. ]

sentee voters’ ballots have been issued, and have it available during regular office hours until the day of election. Such list shall be posted at the polling place during the election. No absentee vote ballot shall be canvassed unless it is received not later than 5:00 PM on the day of the election.

BUDGET PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that a Public Hearing will be held on Thursday, March 29, 2018 at 7:00 PM at the North Bellmore Public Library for the purpose of discussion of the said expenditures of funds and the budget thereof.

Copies of the proposed 2018-2019 Library Budget will be available at the North Bellmore Library during regular library hours (9AM-9PM Monday-Thursday, 9AM-6PM Friday, 9AM-5PM Saturday and 1PM-5PM Sunday) commencing fourteen (14) days immediately preceding the Special District Meeting of April 4, 2018 and at the polling place on the day of the Special District Meeting.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the candidates for the office of Library Trustee shall be nominated by petition.

Each petition shall be directed to the

Secretary of the Library Board of Trustees and shall be signed by at least twenty-five (25) qualified voters of the District, shall state the residence of each signer and shall state the name and residence of the candidate and specific vacancy for which a candidate is nominated, including at least the length of the term of office and the name of the last incumbent, if any. In the event that any such nominee shall withdraw his candidacy prior to the election, such person shall not be considered a candidate unless a new petition nominating such person in the same manner and with the same limitations applicable to other candidates is filed with the Secretary of the Library Board of Trustees. No person shall be nominated by petition for more than one separate office. Each petition shall be filed with the Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the North Bellmore Public Library between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, not later than the thirtieth (30th) day proceeding the day of the election, to wit:March 5, 2018 at 5 PM.

BY ORDER OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES NORTH BELLMORE PUBLIC LIBRARY

THE ARTS: MUSIC

Vol.5 №4 | 2018

– My Father’s Place [CONT.] with foods and drinks. “In front of the stage will be plush seating, such as couches or swivel chairs with cushions,” Kellechan said. He said the chairs will remain low to provide viewing for the next tier of seats: several rows of long tables and chairs for dining or placing bottles of wine or drinks, farther back from the stage. These long tables and seats will be located precisely in the middle of the room, as patrons walk in.

“Toward the back will be bar stools all along the width of the room,” Kellachan continued. Tall floor tables - or counters attached to the walls will provide for placements of drinks or foods.

Patrons sitting in these chairs will see the stage over those sitting at tables and those sitting in chairs at the front of the stage.

Kellachan says he hopes the new club can reinvigorate Long Island’s huge musical fan base by presenting themes from former musical eras, such as an “Action House” evening that would present bands that got their start at the famed Action House rock club in Island Park: Leslie West, Vanilla Fudge, the Rascals?

SHIFTING MUSIC SCENES

Eppy knows well the continually shifting ground under the music scene: the demise of the

Fillmore East in favor of Madison Square Garden; videos replacing radio; Neil Young’s “rebuff” of Melanie from appearing on stage with him in the ‘00s. Although both were ‘60s musical children who once played on the same stage, Eppy said the music industry had fragmented into literally dozens of genres, each requiring its own venues and avenues (SiriusXM) to promote. Rock is one avenue, folk and adult alternative are others.

He remarked that in 1981, when he left the club to go down south to work on another start up, he gave the controls of My Father’s Place over to manager Tim O’Connell, telling him, “Don’t bring in any name entertainers, because you’ll lose” to the record companies, who had managed to gain control of where their contracted bands would play for the largest revenue.

“I tried closing the club a few times back in the ‘80s,” he said, because it became hard to “buy” talent. Smaller clubs were no longer in vogue, he maintained.

Still, he persisted during the ‘80s, setting up live broadcasts with bands that were getting constant airplay in WLIR FM 92.7. “Rock,” counter to what Roger Daltrey once wailed, was not “dead,” but was evolving with new music bands such as Duran Duran and The Cure playing “alternative.” Live

broadcasts allowed My Father’s Place to remain open as a viable music club as long as it did, well into the 1980s.

Peter Hedeman, technical director of the new MFP who will build the stage, was with the club in the early days when it began broadcasting live bands played on WLIR –FM. “I ran the truck for ‘LIR, and we recorded over 200 shows ‘LIR broadcast over the radio,” he said. The recordings can be found at the independent website http:// sugarmegs.org.

Like the original My Father’s Place, Eppy keeps a promise to promote several genres of music. For jazz lovers, he has the incomparable jazz pianist McCoy Tyner and contemporary jazz guitarist Pat Metheny booked.

He speaks of booking the Reverend Horton Heat, rockabilly/alternate rockers from Texas stirring up a storm across the country, and of Third World, one of the world’s top reggae bands. He believes he can still get traction to “buy” such talent to play in a small club in the face of promoters such as Live Nation.

But Eppy calls these bands “the staples,” the well-known names he will bring to the club in order to get revelers into the place. He says he also manages three local bands, books for The Lighthouse in Glen Cove and is working full time to bring new Long Island talent to the stage. The hope is nurture them and help get them name recognition, which could further them up the

Your NewsMag

21

ladder to other Long Island venues, such as the Paramount in Huntington – or clubs in New York City.

Eppy’s long range intention is to bring radio station 92.7 FM into the hotel and promote it as a viable concert station to broadcast live from My Father’s Place Supper Club, like the first My Father’s Place did. “Back then, we wired My Father’s Place with broadcast-quality equipment that allowed the new music bands of the 1980s to get play over the airwaves, bands WLIR FM had begun promoting rather than the older rock band scene.”

Dennis MacNamara, WLIR FM’s station manager for decades, was said to be hosting a monthly new wave show.

Eppy also has booked comedians Rob Bartlett and Sandra Bernhardt, as he attempts to create a new stage once more for Long Island comics –and those up-and-coming.

Upcoming shows include Livingston Taylor on Saturday, June 30, at 8 p.m.; Roomful of Blues, July 1, at 7 p.m.; Blue Velvo, Tuesday, July 3, at 8 p.m.; High Fascination, July 5, at 8 p.m.; Robert Gordon, Saturday, July 7, at 8 p.m.; John Hammond, Friday, July 13, a 8 p.m.; Garland Jeffreys, July 13, a 8 p.m. ; Spyro Gyra, Saturday, July 21, at 8 p.m.; NRBQ, Friday, July 27, a 8 p.m.; McCoy Tyner, Friday, August 3, at 8 p.m,; and Barnaby Bye, Saturday, August 4, at 8 p.m.

For tickets and more information, visit www.myfathersplace.com.

22

THE ARTS: THEATER

Your NewsMag

WE WILL ROCK YOU!

Calhoun High School’s On-Tour program recently presented the smash musical “We Will Rock You,” a musical based on the songs of British rock band Queen, with a book by Ben Elton.

The musical tells the story of a group of Bohemians who struggle to restore the free exchange of thought, fashion, and live music in a distant future where everyone dresses, thinks and acts the same. Musical instruments and composers are forbidden, and rock music is all but unknown.

The next production of the On-Tour program is “Grimm’s Tales of Young and Old” and the “Monty Python Edikationshional Show,” a High School Premiere, on Friday and Saturday, May 18 and 19, at 7:30 p.m. For tickets call the box office at 992-1377.

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2018 | Vol.5 â„–4

Your NewsMag

DO YOU SUFFER FROM A PAINFUL BUNION?

BY Dr. Leon Livingston, Dr. Douglas Livingston and their Associates at Livingston Foot Care Specialists.

Now there’s a new technologically advanced surgical procedure that will allow you to walk immediately after the procedure, with minimal down time, no crutches, no cast and early return to work. The surgeons at Livingston Foot Care Specialists have extensive training and experience in this technologically advanced procedure. A bunion is a poorly aligned big toe joint. The big toe may point toward the second toe causing a bump on the outside edge of the toe. This poorly aligned joint will lead to many complications including arthritis including inflammatory or degenerative forms, causing the protective cartilage that covers your big toe joint to deteriorate. This is why it is so important to treat your bunion deformity.

Bunions are often caused by an inherited foot type, foot injuries, and certain deformities and can be exacerbated by high heels or ill-fitting shoes. This may lead to swelling, redness, or soreness around the big toe joint, thickening of the skin at the base of the big toe, corns or calluses, pain, and restricted movement of the big toe.

By pushing the big toe inward, a bunion can squeeze your other toes into abnormal positions.

Over time, this crowding can lead to contractures of the other toes known as hammertoes.

A bunion may be treated conservatively with such modalities as utilizing wider shoes with a higher toe box, paddings, strappings, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, custom molded foot orthotics, and injection therapy, which can help alleviate the symptoms associated with a bunion.

If these conservative modalities fail to resolve the symptoms then surgical management is an option and the new technology available today can fix this condition with minimal down time and early return to work.

The Board Certified podiatrists at Livingston Foot Care Specialists treat all foot conditions from the simple corn to total reconstructive foot surgery.

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