Huntington Local

The 12th Annual Barn Dance Land & Sea Extravaganza is presented by Friends of the Farm and takes place on Saturday from 7 to 11p.m. Clam Bar extraordinaire, fish, lobster and live entertainment by the Country Band will be featured at St. Philip Neri Parish Center at 15 Prospect Street in Northport Village. Tickets are $45 per person and proceeds go to the feeding and caring for the animals and preserving the Lewis-Oliver farm in Northport. For more information and tickets call 631-261-6320.

An announcement from Dowling College on Thursday

OAKDALE, NY - Donald A. Resnick, a resident of East Northport, has been named Vice President, Enrollment and Student Services for Dowling College. In this position, Mr. Resnick will be responsible for developing, implementing and continuously monitoring the College’s Student Services functions and serves as an advocate for student interests and concerns.

Mr. Resnick’s previous experience includes his most recent role as Director of Graduate Enrollment Management at New York University. Mr.
Resnick also served as Assistant Dean for Recruitment and Director of Admissions at New York University School of Law. Mr. Resnick has vast experience in higher education, also having worked at Hofstra University, Drexel University and Baruch College. He has many professional affiliations and honors and has had numerous articles published.

“Mr. Resnick brings with him a wealth of experience in higher education. We are thrilled to welcome him to the Dowling College team,” said Dowling College President Robert Gaffney.

Marge Ricci, center, and Marie Darienzo warm up during dance class.

By Lida Russo

Is 70 the new 30?

One would think so at weekly dance classes held at “Amelia’s Studio”.

Dance teacher Catherine Lawrence, a professional dancer for over 18 years, conducts ballet classes for beginners, intermediate and advanced students. Many of her regulars are from the Huntington area and have attended classes with Catherine for over 15 years. All ages are represented, however, the majority are over 30 and many over 70 years of age.

Through weekly training everyone stays in shape physically, mentally and spiritually. In spite of the vast age differences, Catherine says, “It is a very positive atmosphere which cultivates friendships as well as an extended support system”.

Many of Catherine’s students have performed locally on stage at Heckscher Park in Huntington.

Catherine also teaches dance at Stony Brook University as well as being a Licensed Realtor with Prudential Douglas Elliman in Huntington.

To see a gallery of photos, click here.

Feel like kicking up your feet? Contact Catherine at Amelia’s Studio, 6090 Jericho Turnpike, Commack. Tel: 631-499-7595

The Book Revue in Huntington has scheduled talks and book signings by several authors in the coming weeks:

Ellie Krieger, host of Food Network's Healthy Appetite, will be speaking about and signing her new cookbook, "The Food You Crave," Saturday at 8 p.m.

Martin Fletcher, an NBC News foreign correspondent, will be speaking about and signing his new book, "Breaking News: A Stunning and Memorable Account of Reporting from Some of the Most Dangerous Places in the World," Wednesday, March 5, 8 p.m.

Susan Blech, weight loss motivational speaker, will be speaking about and signing her memoir, "Confessions of a Carb Queen," Tuesday, March 11, at 7 p.m.

Roy Gutman, former foreign editor at Newsday, will be speaking about and signing his new book, "How We Missed the Story: Osama bin Laden, the Taliban, and the Hijacking of Afghanistan," Wednesday, March 12, 7 p.m.

Howard Kroplick, Long Island author and researcher, will be speaking about and signing his new book Vanderbilt Cup Races of Long Island, Thursday, March 13, at 8p.m.

Jeffrey Archer, bestselling suspense author, will speaking about and signing his new thriller, "A Prisoner of Birth," will Saturday, March 15, 8p.m.

The blog Northport11768 continues to be a good source of information about events in the village. Click on the Saturday Blog for the latest on unofficial voting for village trustee going on at Copenhagen Bakery, or to read about residents of Bayview Avenue telling the village a neighbor on their residential street is running a real estate office out of their home.

This statement arrived yesterday from the office of Steve Israel, a Democrat who represents the Huntington area in Congress:

Huntington, NY— Today the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) awarded Congressman Steve Israel with a 100% rating for his environmental record in Congress. Israel was one of three elected officials in New York to receive a perfect rating on the LCV’s national environmental scorecard for the first session of the 110th Congress which can be accessed online at http://www.lcv.org/scorecard/.

“I’m honored by this recognition of my efforts to fight for the environment, protect Long Island Sound and achieve energy independence” said Congressman Israel. “These priorities are critical to Long Island’s economic competitiveness and our nation’s security.”

Each year, LCV selects key votes in both the House of Representatives and the Senate and scores every member of Congress on these votes. The report card measured a number of topics including Congressional commitment to increasing renewable energy sources, decreasing global warming and pollution, implementing fuel efficiency standards and rejecting dangerous environmental policies such as offshore drilling.

Congressman Israel has been named Environmentalist of the Year for 2007 by the Long Island Sierra Club and received the 2007 Environmental Equinox Award from Citizens Campaign for the Environment. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, he secured $5 million in FY2008 for Long Island restoration and conservation programs. As the Co-Chair of the Long Island Sound Caucus, he has successfully fought for more than $40 million in funding for the restoration of Long Island Sound since coming to Congress. Congressman Israel co- authored the Long Island Sound Stewardship Act – legislation signed into law in 2006 that authorizes a $25 million per year stewardship initiative to protect and preserve the Sound’s shorelines and open spaces. As a new member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water, Congressman Israel fought to increase the federal energy efficiency and renewable energy budget to $1.7 billion, rejecting the President’s $238 million cut and adding $248 million above 2007 funding levels.

The town issued this announcement this morning:

Huntington, NY - In a continued effort to promote the safety of boaters in the Town of Huntington, Councilman Mark Cuthbertson announced today that he would again be sponsoring the Boating Safety Course on February 25th, 27th and 29th from 6:00-9:00PM at the Centerport Fire Department.

This year’s class already has 65 attendees signed up. The class will provide detailed information on how captains and skippers alike can have a more safe and enjoyable season on the water. The course will cover the basics in safety and meets state requirements for a license to operate personal watercrafts such as jet skis. Completion of the 3-day course also means a discount for adults on their marine insurance and children can get their license.

“This demonstrates our active interest in safety on behalf of our boating community,” remarked Councilman Cuthbertson. “Every year nearly 5,000 people experience a boating emergency in America and I am committed to seeing all of our yachters and watercraft enthusiasts in Huntington enjoy the season without accident or injury.”

Centerport Fire Department has graciously agreed to host the classes and is located at 9 Park Circle, Centerport, NY just north of the intersection of 25A and Broadway-Greenlawn Road.

If you are interested in participating, please contact the Town of Huntington Harbormaster, Rick Rollins at 631.351.3255

One of our sister blogs, Spin Cycle, has an item about a Huntington businessman approaching local Republican leaders to talk about challenging Democratic Congressman Steve Israel in November.

Frank Stalzer, 50, describes himself as “a conservative pro-growth Republican.” For more details, see the Rick Brand posting by clicking here.

Stories from other new organizations about the Huntington area:

CURATOR vs. WAR HERO. The Huntington school district is struggling with a proposal to rename Woodhull Intermediate School after the district curator, Jack Abrams, who has served the system for 53 years. Trouble is, it is now named for Nathaniel Woodhull, a Revolutionary War hero. For a story by Arlene Gross in The Times of Huntington, click here.

HI-TECH TEACHING. Visitors to the Jan. 28 meeting of the Northport-East Northport school board were treated to a demonstration of the latest in educational technology -- an interactive Smart Board. The device is a large, screen-like "whiteboard" that functions in tandem with a computer and a projector. To read Elise Pearlman’s story in The Times of Northport, click here.

TOAZ SCHOOL RULING. A state Supreme Court judge has sided with the Good News Church in a dispute with the Huntington School District over the former Robert K. Toaz Junior High School, Mike Koehler writes in The Long Islander. To read about the dispute, click here.

At the East Northport dinner in May, from left, are Richard Witter and his grandson Robbie Witter, 2nd Assistant Chief Mike Tarantino, 1st Assistant Chief John McCoy and Chief Bruce Gosik. (Photo by Steve Silverman)

By Steve Silverman

The East Northport Fire Department was saddened at the passing of Honorary Chief and 71-year member Richard H. Witter, 90, on Feb. 13. Witter was honored at last year’s department installation dinner for 70 years of service, the first member to achieve that milestone. Witter received a standing ovation at the dinner, and was bestowed with many awards and honors for his dedicated service, including the “Firefighter of the Year” award.

Witter was born in 1917 and joined the department in 1937. He served as the department secretary for 40 years and also was the fire police lieutenant for several terms. In 1987, Witter was recognized for 50 years of service and appointed honorary chief.

Witter was the loving husband of the late Anne R. Witter. He is the devoted father of Richard B. Witter and his wife Chris, John T. Witter, Robert D. Witter and his wife Donna, and James S. Witter and his wife Angela. He was devoted to his seven grandchildren; Alexandra, Eddie, Andy, Flora, Annie, Michael and Robbie.

Firematic services were held Feb. 15, at the Nolan Funeral Home in Northport, with the Funeral Mass held on Feb. 16, at St. Anthony of Padua Church in East Northport. Interment followed at the St. Philip Neri Cemetery in East Northport.

The Northport-East Northport Library is holding a Dance Dance Revolution contest for youngsters at the Northport branch, 151 Laurel Ave., on Thursday, Feb. 21, from 2 to 3:30.

Four players at a time will go head to head using this popular interactive video game. You can register at the East Northport branch for this contest, which is being run by the Teen Services Department. Questions? Call 261-6930 for Northport or 261-2313 for East Northport.

-- ”Oliver!” (with Nick Arleo as Fagin, above) goes over well at Woodhull Intermediate.
-- While Huntington Intermediate is treated to “Alice in Wonderland.”
-- Long-gone assistant principal establishes a lacrosse scholarship.
-- High school seniors offered Multicultural Literature course.
-- Finley’s musical honor society triples in size.

The Huntington Manor Fire Department is still selling tickets for a fundraiser Friday night at the firehouse featuring six comedians from the city.

A buffet dinner with beer, wine and soda, as well as coffee and cake after the performances, is all included in the $35 ticket price, according to Capt. Frank McQuade, who also said there would be a 50/50 door raffle as well as raffles for gift certificates from nearby businesses and shops.

The firehouse is at 1650 New York Avenue, Huntington Station. For more information or to arrange for tickets, call 631-905-4031.

Whitman seniors Tyler Brown and Bianca St. Louis display their "2008 Future Leaders Award." With them are Chairman of the African American Advisory Board, the Rev. Roderick Pearson, left, and Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy, at right.

County Executive Steve Levy hosted an Economic Empowerment Symposium titled “Investing in our Future.” this past weekend at Suffolk Community College, as part of the Suffolk County Black History Program and in collaboration with the Suffolk County Office of Minority Affairs,

The afternoon symposium focused on economic empowerment, as well as collaboration and alliances across businesses within the public and private sectors. Many of Long Island’s most sought-after companies were on hand to promote employment opportunities via an exciting career fair.

“This year’s symposium was a great success. All of the events were of great interest, including the job fair, financial symposium, and panel discussion, and culminating with a celebration and recognition of some of the most outstanding students in the county,” said Levy. “It was a real pleasure to pay tribute to the African American community and its important role in sustaining and building our economy, both present and future.”

“The students honored at the program were cited for their outstanding contributions, both academically and within the area of community service,” continued Levy.

Walt Whitman students Bianca St. Louis and Tyler Brown were two such students. At Whitman, honor roll senior Bianca excels in winter and spring track as both a thrower and a sprinter. She has been awarded all-league in varsity track and field. In addition to being a Minds in Motion award winner, Bianca is an active church member and vacation bible school teacher. She has also been a key contributor to Whitman’s Black History Month production, a participant in the Liberty Partnership, a member of the National Honor Society and Natural Helpers, and is active in the Senior Blood Drive and Powder Puff Football.

Senior Tyler Brown has also led an active life at Whitman. He is an all-division football player and team captain in both football and lacrosse, and he is a member of the varsity track team. Tyler is an honor roll student and a member of the National Honor Society. He is a recipient of a Minds in Motion award and has been recognized in Who’s Who among American High School Students. Tyler has been active in the ALS Walk, the Breast Cancer Walk, and his church’s food pantry. He volunteers for the Huntington Youth Football League and Huntington Lacrosse Clinic. He has attended the National Youth Leadership Conference and is active in the Little Buddy Big Buddy program and Safe Halloween and is a member of the Pre-Med Club at Whitman.

A new 10-week mini-course has been approved for J. Taylor Finley Middle School students in the Huntington school district. Topics in Humanities will be offered for the first time next September, with an enrollment projected at 180-200 eighth graders.

“This course will support and motivate student awareness and participation in the political process,” according to the new course proposal. “The 10-week course is divided into two components, each of which lasts five weeks. The course is purposely designed with a project-based learning component.”

The new course was earlier approved by the district’s Education Development Committee, consisting of teachers and administrators. The course is slightly different from one approved in 1998 and never funded. This new model does not require additional staffing since it will replace a public speaking class in the 10-week rotation.

“The course Topics in Humanities is an appropriate replacement for Public Speaking as students in the new course will have similar presentation and speaking requirements, however in this course the topics are focused and contextualized,” states the course proposal. “The course is rich in content and addresses both social studies and English New York State standards. The course is designed to be topical and thus will be of high interest to students.”

In the first half of the course, students will study specific time periods in American history when art and music was utilized to make a call for social change and reform. “During this first five week component, students will be guided in viewing art and music as a catalyst for specific calls for change and progress, with the goal of making one’s own community or nation a better place to live,” according to the course proposal.

Students will study the “abolition movement and its connection to slave spirituals and the blues in the Reconstruction period; the movement and settlement of the West and the interpretation of this change by American painters; the 1930’s Depression era art and music; the protest music of the 1960’s with its calls for social reform and civil rights,” states the course proposal.

In the course’s second half, students will identify a local or national issue, research and examine it and propose potential solutions. The course concludes with a presentation of a student portfolio that argues for a change in public policy.

“The course has reading, writing, listening and speaking tasks connected to self-selected topics and as such will not only have a positive impact on their (students) performance on the English and social studies state assessments, but will also enrich students’ content and skill development,” according to a course rationale that accompanied the proposal submitted to trustees.

Sixty-six antiques dealers will be offering everything from 18th and 19th Century furniture and accessories to vintage garden and architectural elements at the annual Greenlawn-Centerport Historical Association show next weekend.

The show is slated to run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb.23 and Sunday, Feb.24 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Harborfields High School.

The show provides funds for the group to maintain its historic properties and develop programs for the education and enjoyment of the community.

An ATM will be on the premises. Lunch will be provided by the Culinary Studio.

Co-Chair Kirsten Heinemann, Stimson Social Worker David Perkins, Co-Chair Brian Ziegler and Virginia Gonzales, at the recent Mentoring Matters Conference.

Social Worker David Perkins has been named the winner of the 2008 Excellence in Mentoring Achievement Award from the Long Island Mentoring Association. Perkins is the program coordinator of Project Excel at the Henry L. Stimson Middle School in Huntington Station.

The vision and leadership provided by Perkins enabled the initiation of the Project Excel program at Stimson Middle School more than 10 years ago. Each year he works diligently with about 30 students to support their academic, emotional, and social development. He has also created connections with Stimson parents and seeks their participation in the program.

As part of this program, he has forged relationships with more than 30 mentors, who provide one-to-one guidance to Stimson students. Perkins has also introduced summer employment for many of the Project Excel youngsters through a collaboration with the Suffolk County Department of Labor.

LI-DOG will present speaker Suzanne Johnson, who is certified by the Red Cross in pet First Aid, at its Thursday monthly meeting at the Huntington Public Library.

Johnson will discuss techniques for dealing with dog emergencies, including a Heimlich Maneuver for dogs and information on dog CPR.

The group will also begin working on some of its major projects for the year, including
A spring event for owners and dogs
A dog park education program

Since Thursday is Valentine's Day, the group promises to have special treats for everyone!
The meeting is set for 7 to 9 p.m. in the library's main auditorium.

Mike Ficco and the Long Island Jazz Orchestra will perform Saturday Feb.23 at the South Huntington Public Library.

The program is set for 7 p.m. in the library's community room. The group will entertain with original arrangements of jazz and swing favorites.

The library is at 145 Pidgeon Hill Road, Huntington Station.

From left, Ryan's sister Morgan, 15, mother Peg, Centerport Fire Chief James Varese, father Gary, and brother Derek, 22. Photo by Steve Silverman.

By Steve Silverman

The family of Ryan Schacker, an 18-year-old Centerport resident, came to thank the Centerport Fire Department for saving his life after he was seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident on January 16.

Ryan, who's car was struck broadside in the Route 25A crash, suffered serious head trauma and internal injuries, and was in a coma for 12 days following the accident.

Ryan's parents and doctors credit the professional emergency medical care that he received from the members of the Centerport Fire Department with saving his life. Ryan has recently been transferred to a rehabilitation facility in White Plains, and is significantly improving every day.

The members of the department were very touched and moved that the family took time out of their busy schedule caring for their son, to come down to the firehouse to express their heartfelt thanks and gratitude.

The Schacker's presented the department with a cake and card signed by family and friends to the "Heroes of the Centerport FD, Thank You for Saving Ryan's Life!"

Three Walt Whitman students took home awards in the recent Suffolk County high school French poetry contest.

Jonathan Balsano took honorable mention in the level 3 category, which is for Regents and honor students.

Rolandecia Richard was awarded second place in level 4, the category for Advanced Placement and native speakers, and Tahmina Igamberdiev was awarded first place in the level 3 category.

“These are very motivated students, doing a lot of hard work,” said Whitman’s French Honor Society adviser and teacher Dr. Eikenaar-Klang. “This contest required students to study very hard. They not only had to memorize poetry, but they were judged on their intonation and punctuation as well.”

Walt Whitman High School is staging its second annual Black History Month presentation Wednesday evening.

Historical and cultural presentations, song, dance and more are all part of the program.

The program is set for 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 at the door.

With some of her students at her side, Birchwood fourth-grade teacher and South Huntington’s Teacher of the Year Patricia Wilkinson, top right, is congratulated by Board of Education President Jim Kaden, back row, left, Birchwood Principal Anthony Ciccarelli, center, and Schools Superintendent Dr. Thomas Shea.

Birchwood fourth-grade teacher Patricia Wilkinson has been named Teacher of the Year in South Huntington.

“Trish is the type of teacher who is always looking for ways to positively impact her community, the Birchwood community, and the world around her,” said Birchwood Principal Anthony Ciccarelli in introducing his star teacher at the celebration honoring her and other colleagues. “She lives by the motto of Mohandas (Mahatma) K. Gandhi, who said, ‘We must be the change we wish to see in the world.’”

It was 18 years ago that young infant/toddler specialist Trish Wilkinson journeyed to the South Huntington district office for a toy fair. This was long before the popularity of GPS systems, Map Quest, and cell phones, and she found herself lost, finally arriving at her destination after the toy fair had ended. As she explored the halls on her way out of the building, she came upon a job posting on a bulletin board. There she saw it: “Wanted--Infant/toddler specialist.” She applied immediately.

Nearly two decades later, she experienced the satisfaction of standing before hundreds of colleagues, cheering enthusiastically as they celebrated her achievement.

Ms. Wilkinson thanked her family and friends for their support and spoke of her colleagues at Birchwood as an exceptional group of teachers who continually challenge themselves to learn and grow, just as their students do. She noted that Birchwood teachers understand that they have as much to learn from their students as they do to teach them. She spoke of Birchwood as a second family and of her colleagues as treasured members of her life.

A Whitman fencer in foreground takes on an opponent. Photos courtesy of Eric Michelson

Eight teams competed in the Section XI Suffolk County championship Saturday at Walt Whitman High School in South Huntington.

Competing in the day-long tournament were: Huntington, Brentwood, Commack, Centerreach, Half Hollow Hills, Newfield, Ward Melville and Whitman.

Awards were given in numerous team and individual categories. Ward Melville's teams won both girls and boys' titles.

The Whitman boys team finished seventh; the girls finished fifth. Both teams are coached by Kathleen Kolakowski.

Whitman girls captain Jackie Addeo gives advice to freshman teammate Lily Michelson.

Anne Easter Smith, author of "A Rose for the Crown," will be at the Book Revue in Huntington on Feb.18 to speak about and sign her new historical novel, "The Daughter of York."
Her talk is scheduled for 8 p.m.

Boys and girls fencing teams from eight Suffolk County schools will compete Saturday at the Section XI championships at Walt Whitman High School.

Medals will be given in both team and individual competitions. All-County awards also will be presented.

Bouts begin at 9 a.m. Fencers will compete in saber, foil and epee divisions.

With our recent warm weather can Spring be far behind? A sure sign of Spring…The Town of Huntington Organic Garden applications have been sent out to renewing participants.

For a fee of $25 per year, per resident ($15 for seniors over 62 years of age), you can grow your own organic fruits, vegetables, flowers and shrubs. Each garden plot measures 20 x 30 feet and is provided with it’s own water spigot. The Town also provides composted horse manure and wood chips, free of charge, for use as natural soil amendments.

Gardening is done the “Natural” way, completely free from pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and chemical fertilizers.

Besides cultivating the garden, friendships develop from year to year. Gardeners bring younger members of their family, introducing them to the joys of seeing seedlings grow and later reaping the rewards of their work. A camaraderie among gardeners is common…comparing garden techniques, successes and failures, working and then relaxing and sharing years of gardening and life experience. Members view the garden as a plus to living in Huntington which provides hours of good clean fun, a needed break from the stresses of everyday life, and getting back to nature.

When there is a surplus of produce, donations can be made to the Outreach Gardens for daily pick up. The produce is then distributed to local charities and food banks

The Garden is open from March 1st to December 1st.

For complete information and to request a plot, call the Town of Huntington at 631-351-3186.

With Seed Catalogs being delivered daily, can Spring be far behind?

Northport High School teacher Don Strasser and 26 students from the Honor Society were commended Tuesday night for raising $250,000 at their Jan. 10 charity fundraiser -- A Midwinter Night’s Dream at OHEKA Castle, to benefit the Amyotrophic Later Sclerosis (ALS) Foundation. This was their fourth annual event and to date they have raised a total of $722,000 towards a cure for ALS, also commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Councilman Mark Cuthbertson and his fellow town board members presented a proclamation to the group. Above, the board is in the background and some members of the school group are in front.

FULL-DAY KINDERGARTEN. Two school districts -- Northport-East Northport and Greenlawn -- are considering providing full-day kindergarten. The Northport board, resolved after decades of study, consideration and unsuccessful funding bids, voted unanimously recently to look into the space needed for staff and facilities to do so. For stories Christopher F. Holfester and Arlene Gross in the Times of Northport, click here.

TRAFFIC STUDY FOR LOWE’S. An analysis prepared for the Town of Huntington finds that a proposed Lowe’s Home Center on Jericho Turnpike near Route 110 finds that it would not worsen traffic there, according to an article in The Long Islander by Mike Koehler. To read it, click here.

CHARGES AGAINST POLICE. Two Northport men are seeking $10 million each in a suit against three village police officers they say used excessive force against them during an arrest on November 9. The village board may discuss it at its meeting Thursday night. For Patricia Proven’s story in The Times of Northport, Click here.

COIN COLLECTION. Students in the Half Hollow Hills district are getting ready to gather spare change as part of a program to fight hunger on Long Island. Island Harvest’s Coin Harvest Campaign has school children across the Island collecting coins for two-week periods between February and May. For Tricia Arend’s story on the drive, click here.

Sergeant William Ricca of the Northport Police Department received a Top Cop Award from the Suffolk Police Reserve in January.

On Oct. 13, 2007, at 2:21 a.m., Sgt. Ricca observed a suspicious vehicle outside a convenience store/gas station. The vehicle's driver appeared nervous and was unaware of Sgt. Ricca's presence. As Sgt. Ricca continued to monitor the vehicle and its driver, two people emerged from the business fighting with chains. At that point the vehicle's driver attempted to help an accomplice escape by driving the vehicle into the building.

As the fight ensued, Sgt. Ricca determined that the driver and her accomplice were attempting to rob the store. But the attendant refused to turn over the store's receipts, prompting the fight. Sgt. Ricca called for assistance and held the driver and accomplice at gunpoint.

The two subjects were arrested for attempted robbery in the first degree, criminal possession of a weapon, attempted assault in the first degree and reckless endangerment in the first degree.

For a collection of stories about local police officers who have received honors, click here.