Huntington Local

What the neighbors are up to

Compiled by Lynn Petry lynn.petry@newsday.com Huntington Town’s Zoning Board of Appeals meets tonight at 6 to consider the following applications: Cold Spring Harbor: 55 Fox Hill Llc seeks lot width, frontage, rear yard and relief of 280-a to demolish detached garage and build new one-story detached garage (537 square feet) in same location and relief to maintain four garages (total), south side of Walnut Tree Lane, east of Shore Road. Huntington: Charleen Francis seeks relief from lot area, width and side-yard setback requirements to apply for a building permit to legalize a second-story side deck, rear deck, finished basement (kitchen to be removed) and move a detached shed to a conforming location, south of Milton Place. Huntington: Laurie and James White seek long-street side variance to build a one-story addition to replace screened porch and expand kitchen and build one-car garage attached to existing garage, southwest corner of Dumbarton and St. Andrews drives. Huntington Station: Margaret and Antonia Padinha seek long-street side-yard and front and interior side-yard relief to replace building permit to convert existing screened porch to living space and replace existing portico with new roofline and pillars, southwest corner of Court Drive and Senate Lane. Melville: John Semioli, PE / MJM Engineering seeks a special-use permit and parking variance and interpretation determining if the school building is another main building or accessory building to build a religious school building, east side of Old East Neck Road.

Trying to draw a crowd in Northport

Ever wonder What Not to Wear? Ever want to flaunt your locks on a Bad Hair Day? Or take a shot at Northport Idol? Those are just some of the activities planned on Tuesday nights in August on the village's Main Street. Arlene Gross, writing in the Times of Northport, explains it’s a response by the village’s Chamber of Commerce to tough economic times.

Family of fallen Northport firefighter raising funds

The family of Charles J. Varese after his death in April. From left, Uncle James Varese, chief of the Centerport Fire Department; father Robert Varese, chief of the Northport Fire Department; brother Robert; sister Rebecca with her daughter Samantha; mother Lorri Varese and brother Will. (Newsday / Ken Sawchuk.) By Tim Healy tim.healy@newsday.com The family of Chuck J. Varese, a Northport volunteer firefighter killed in an auto accident earlier this year, is organizing a golf outing in his name in September to raise money for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. “We need golfers,” said Becky Varese, Chuck’s sister, who says sixty foursomes have signed up so far but that the family is aiming for another twenty. The deadline for setting up a foursome has been extended to Aug. 15. The outing is scheduled for Sept. 24 at the Swan Lake Golf Course and costs $130 per golfer. Included will be a continental breakfast and a barbecue with salads, beer and soda. Becky Varese said the organizers had received many great prize donations, including a car through Northport Ford as a prize for a hole in one. There will also be raffles, including a 50/50. Chuck Varese, 24, was killed April 15 when his motorcycle was struck by a car on Route 25A in Centerport. The car driver, a Stony Brook man, was charged with driving while ability-impaired by drugs. Varese’s father -- Bob Varese, the chief of the Northport Fire Department -- said that local fire departments had run an “extrication tournament” in his son’s name in May, raising about $1,000 for the Suffolk County Burn Center in Stony Brook. The tournament was a timed event in which departments competed in setting up emergency gear, removing car doors and lifting the dashboard of a car in simulation of getting an accident victim out. Varese said more than $4,000 has been raised for the burn center in his son’s name. “We’re just going to try to keep his name alive through that entity and then also through St. Baldrick’s, two separate funds that we’re trying to promote through the tragedy of his death, just to keep his name alive in a good sense.” St. Baldrick’s is a national organization that raises money for pediatric cancer research. For further information about the golf outing, or to sign up, contact Becky Varese at 631-940-0394 or 631-365-6644.

Cold Spring Harbor lab tops off new campus

By Jim Bono Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) celebrated a “topping” ceremony Tuesday, marking a milestone in the construction of the laboratory’s $100-million Hillside Campus research complex. Tuesday’s ceremony was held in the center courtyard of the Hillside Campus, where distinguished guests, colleagues, friends and members of Long Island’s talented construction trades gathered to commemorate the occasion. A topping ceremony is a tradition in the construction industry and is celebrated when a project’s “cap” or “crown” is placed on the building’s highest point. Invited guests proudly observed as a 10-foot-6 inch squared by 13-foot- high, 5,000-pound stainless steel pyramid was lifted by crane and secured to its new home atop an 85-foot ventilation tower. In addition to the pyramid, a white steel beam autographed by hundreds of CSHL staff and visitors was first secured as part of the foundation for the “crown.” Composed of six buildings totaling 100,000 square feet, when completed the Hillside Campus will increase total research space at CSHL by 40 percent. Fifteen new faculty and two hundred employees will conduct research on cancer, autism and schizophrenia in the new complex. Bruce Stillman, Ph.D., president of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, welcomed the assembled crowd to the Hillside courtyard and thanked them for their superb work and commitment to their trade. “From the very beginning it has been our goal to maximize the number of Long Island-based contractors for this project. I’m happy to say we have succeeded. Many have rich histories on Long Island and have performed construction projects for the likes of Grumman and other industry giants during Long Island’s golden age of aerospace. Today these skilled craftsmen perform the same tasks for us here at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory as we stand on the cusp of what I believe is the next wave of economic expansion on Long Island with a new type of high technology. With over 1,000 employees on Long Island and more to come with the completion of the Hillside Campus project, CSHL continues to play a key role not only as a global leader in biomedical research, but also as a driver of the local economy,” explained Stillman.“ “On behalf of CSHL, I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation to the contractors, subcontractors and suppliers for providing the excellent quality of construction that brings us to this critical milestone. We could not be more pleased by the care and professionalism they have demonstrated,” said Art Brings, vice president and chief facilities officer at CSHL. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory is a private, nonprofit research and education institution dedicated to exploring molecular biology and genetics in order to advance the understanding and ability to diagnose and treat cancers, neurological diseases and other causes of human suffering. For more information, visit the lab’s Web site. Jim Bono is director of public affairs at the lab.

'Summer Barn Bash' at Northport farm

The Town of Huntington is holding a “Summer Barn Bash” at the recently acquired Lewis Oliver Farm on Burt Avenue, Northport, on Saturday, Aug. 2 from 3 to 8 p.m. The event will feature hay rides, a country western band, a pie-eating contest and the opportunity to visit the newly opened Country Store. Food will be provided by Northport Fish and Lobster. There is no admission charge, but there will be a fee for food and hay rides. Friends of the Farm is a not-for-profit volunteer group in which 100 percent of all donations and money raised go to feeding and caring for the animals and preserving the farm. For additional information, call 261-6320.

Indiafest coming to Melville on Aug. 3

A scene from an earlier Indiafest. By Rajeshwar Prasad The India Association of Long Island will be holding its 18th Indiafest on Sunday, Aug. 3, rain or shine, from noon to 10:00 p.m. at the Huntington Hilton, Melville. Indiafest has attracted thousands of people, not only from Montauk and Orient Points to Manhattan but from as far places as New Jersey and Westchester. With some three dozen vendors in Indian arts & crafts; prestigious restaurants with exotic Indian food and traditional snacks, delicacies, and drinks; with whole full live music and dances wit DJ; booths for information about various services such as health care; face painting for children; the atmosphere will create a nostalgia of little India. The event will provide an opportunity to meet political and social dignitaries. The festival is open to all, with free admission and free parking. You may win prizes in a raffle, and there is a Silent Auction of two round trip tickets to India. IALI is a not-for-profit community organization operating on Long Island for the past 32 years. It undertakes many programs for youth, seniors, women and families throughout the year. For further information, please call Dr. Anila Midha, IALI president at 516-569-6261 or Dr. Jagdish Gupta, Indiafest chairman, at 516-746-2266 Rajeshwar Prasad is chairman of public relations for Indiafest.

A week of theater and music at Heckscher

Shira Kline, left, and Sonia Manzano (Maria from "Sesame Street) By Dianne Matus The Huntington Summer Arts Festival begins its sixth week tonight, and Friday's feature is a special night of literature in performance from Symphony Space, celebrating the short story “Pets!”. The performance is a stage adaptation of the popular NPR show “Selected Shorts”. Tuesday: Shira Kline Family Concert Shira Kline uses music and dance to awaken the audience to the beauty of the world around us, as seen through Jewish eyes. For the past 14 years, she has worked with national organizations, synagogues, museums, Jewish Community Centers, families, students and theater companies as a musician, educator and performer. Wednesday: Huntington Community Band Classical Join Musical Director Tom Gellert and the Huntington Community Band for our fourth stop on the around the world tour of great music. Tonight’s music features rousing music from such countries as: Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic. Special guest conductor and HCB Music Director Laureate Robert V. Domencetti returns to share the podium. Also, very special guests the Long Island Tuba Quartet will return to perform. Thursday: Township Theatre Group, “Over the River and Through the Woods” Comedy abounds when a young executive from New Jersey is offered his dream job in Seattle. Moving across country does not sit well with his four Italian-American grandparents who fill their Sunday dinner get-togethers with unsolicited advice, matchmaking and unending food in an effort to keep their grandson around. Friday: Symphony Space, “Selected Shorts” A unique night of literature in performance! A selection of stories from Symphony Space's new Selected Shorts CD "Pets!" It includes: T.C. Boyle's "Heart of a Champion" read by Isaiah Sheffer, a hilarious Lassie send-up in the style of a film treatment; Gail Godwin's "St. George" read by Bernadette Quigley, the dilemma of a medieval scholar confronted by a living dragon. Also, Ana Menendez' "Story of a Parrot," read by Sonia Manzano (Maria from "Sesame Street), in which a beautiful bird makes a woman reflect on her marriage. Saturday: Aquila Theatre, Catch 22 With precision, sensitivity and unity, The Aquila Theatre Company articulates the human essence inherent in classical drama. Combining the techniques of British and American theatre and following a philosophy of theatrical utilitarianism, Aquila believes that the greatest works should be seen by the greatest number. They will perform Joseph Heller’s stage adaptation of his novel Catch-22 at the Chapin Rainbow Stage. Aquila is a New York-based company of British and American artists dedicated to classical drama. PG-13 recommended. Sunday: Island Hills Chorus This award-winning chapter of the Sweet Adelines International brings together a 65-voice woman’s barbershop ensemble for an evening of vibrant musical entertainment. The Island Hills Chorus will perform both quartets and full chorale pieces that are sure to delight audiences. The Huntington Summer Arts Festival is presented by the Town of Huntington, produced by the Huntington Arts Council and sponsored in part by the New York State Council on the Arts and the Suffolk County Office of Cultural Affairs. The festival runs June 20 through August 17. Performances are free and open to the public at the Chapin Rainbow Stage in Huntington’s Heckscher Park. Bring a blanket or beach chair. All performances begin at 8:30 p.m., except the Tuesday Night Arrow Electronics “It’s Showtime” Family Series performances, which start at 7:30 p.m. For directions or more information, call the Festival Hotline at 631-271-8423 ext. 5, visit huntingtonarts.org, or stop by the Huntington Arts Council, located at 213 Main Street in Huntington Village, for a free copy of the Summer 2008 Arts Cultural News. Bring an umbrella: no rain dates except Tuesday Family nights; call Severe Weather Extension 631-271-8423 ext. 4 if in doubt about Tuesday performances only. Dianne Matus handles press and public relations for the arts council.

Favorite Huntington beaches so far

Colorful planter greets beach-goers at Gold Star Battalion in Huntington. Here's what people are saying about their favorite beach in the Town of Huntington. Check out the links below to see how you can join in the conversation: Fleets Cove. As a past supervisor of the beaches in Huntington I have to say this is the nicest. The gentle slope into the water, the perfect sand, the playground and the view of Northport bay. It is a perfect family beach and was always a place to go to relax and enjoy a perfect north shore beach. -- Rich Hahn The West is the Best. West Neck Beach in Cold Spring Harbor. -- Anonymous Steers Beach. It is in Northport Village which is in the Town of Huntington, I think it is better than the rest because it is clean and quiet. You also have a great view of Northport bay from its beach. -- Tom Kehoe It's gotta be West Neck Beach because it's hidden north of Huntington Village in a nice beautiful spot, not overpopulated, nothing fancy, just relaxing which a beach should be. It's the secret beach of Huntington, and everything in Huntington in the summer is far from quiet and private. -- Michele M. Bella Hobart/Sand City was my favorite when I lived on Long Island. I have many happy memories of going clamming there with our bare feet & then being able to steam them open on the grill right there on the beach with the rest of our meal. Friends & relatives would show up, many of them by boat & it would turn into a big beach party. We did this when I was a child & then later when we would do the same with all our friends. It was the only beach my father would go to, even tho he was born & raised on Long Island he never liked the beach. Here he could have his clams, use the grill & have a few beers. I also going & exploring to the very end of the beach, checking out the cement ruins (I can't even remember what they were originally). Not to mention it never had as many rocks as the other Huntington town beaches. -- Jill Myers Crab Meadow Beach in Northport. La Casa Cafe, enough said. -- Dan Johnson Has to be Centerport Beach, work there as a life guard from '60 to '63 while attending college. It was a six days a week job that paid $10.50 a day which wasn't bad when a six pack of Bud went for a buck. With a staff of five guards we would spend a half hour on a stand and a half hour on a blanket with the girls. We a first full job like that it sort of spoils you, so I gravitated to law enforcement and became a Suffolk County cop. -- Duncan Fisher Centerport Beach -- Maureen O'Prey What's your favorite beach? Before August 1, let us know or share some photos, and you could win some Newsday gear: Tell us why your beach is better than the rest, and you may win a Newsday travel chair. Send us photos of your beach and you may win a Newsday beach bag. Vote on what you think is the best beach in town. Text and photos may appear on Huntington Local.

'Yappy Hour' for dog owners in Huntington

The Long Island Dog Owners Group, which boasts a mailing list of 1,000 dog owners from Long Island, held a "Yappy Hour" Thursday evening at a new pub in Huntington. Here's a video:

Revolutionary re-creation in Huntington

On Sunday, the Huntington Militia re-creates events that took place on July 23, 1776, when news of the Declaration of Independence arrived in Huntington. Musket and cannon drills, period craft and cooking demonstrations, plus house tours will be featured, 3-5 p.m. at the Arsenal, 425 Park Ave. Admission is free and you can call 516-785-3030 for more info or visit their Web site, geocities.com/limilitia. Lynn Petry

Huntington considers law to save trees

Huntington Town is considering making it illegal to remove any landmark tree, large tree, medium tree or more than three small trees within a one-year period without first obtaining a permit. Arlene Gross, writing in The Times of Huntington, explains the proposal, which would also deter commercial entities from any mass clearing of trees on their properties.

New dog park in West Hills

A dog park for canines 25 pounds or less has opened in West Hills County Park, according to LI Dog, the Long Island Dog Owner Group. You can find out more about the facilities at their site.

What the neighbors are up to

Compiled by Lynn Petry Huntington's Zoning Board of Appeals meets tonight at 6 to consider these applications: Centerport: Craig Wolff seeks front- and side-yard variances to maintain conversion of front screen porch to wrap-around porch, build second story on structure, legalize cellar entrance, alter rear deck, rear deck, two-story addition; and convert garage to shed and remove shower, north side of Johnson Street, west of Harrison Drive. Commack: T&C Service Ltd. seeks a special-use permit for used-car sales accessory to auto repair of service station, including buffer and parking variances and determination if this action is in excess of nonconforming use (see previous grant 18541). Dix Hills: Angelo Katevatis, Shells Only, seeks a front-yard variance to build a front roofed-over portico 7-foot by 4-foot, south side of Gerber Street, west of Woodlawn Avenue. East Northport: Frederick Limbach seeks relief of cumulative floor area requirements for accessory structures to legalize two detached garages, one garage has expired permit for farm storage building converted to three-bay garage, second garage has two bays, north side of Fifth Avenue. East Northport: Randy T. Rodecker / Swim King Pools seeks accessory-structure relief to replace above-ground pool, previously granted under zoning board of appeal 11192 with in-ground pool, which is on long street, side yard and project required yard line, southeast corner of Abbey Drive and Elmbark Lane. Huntington: Charles and Ana Maria Rottkamp seek to maintain a 24.3-foot by 10-foot shed two feet from the side yard, north side of Dumplin Hill Lane, west of Godfrey Lane. Huntington: Renee and Kenneth Lochridge seek side-yard relief to legalize side addition, north side of Crooked Hill Road, west of Park Avenue. Huntington Station: Gerard Haff seeks front-yard variance for a certificate of occupancy for a replaced permit from Sept. 21, 1959, for conversion from single-family to a two-family house, west of Schiller Avenue north, of Jericho Turnpike. Melville: Madison National Bank seeks sign variance for one north-side facial sign that exceeds the maximum allowed, Walt Whitman Road.

Tell us about the beach (prizes available)

Beachgoers at Gold Star Battalion Beach off West Shore Road in Huntington. Now that summer is in full swing, we want to know what is your favorite public beach in the Town of Huntington. Before August 1, let us know or share some photos, and you could win some Newsday gear: Tell us why your beach is better than the rest, and you may win a Newsday travel chair. Send us photos of your beach and you may win a Newsday beach bag. Vote on what you think is the best beach in town. Text and photos may appear on Huntington Local.

100 years of service in Centerport

Centerport Fire Department Second Assistant Chief Andrew Stevenson, Paul Heglund, Commissioner Joe Williams, Ken Klerk, and Centerport Fire Department Chief James Varese. Photo and text by Steve Silverman Two Centerport firefighters were recently honored for achieving a combined total of 100 years of service to the Centerport Fire Department. Ex-Chief Ken Klerk was recognized for 60 years of service and Ex-Chief and Chaplain Paul Heglund with 40 years. Heglund was also given the title of chief emeritus. Both firefighters have had very successful firematic careers and came up through the ranks to serve as chief of the department. Suffolk County Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services Commissioner Joe Williams presented proclamations from County Executive Steve Levy to both men. It is interesting to note that in 1968 when Heglund joined the department at the age of 18, Klerk was the chief. In addition, Heglund and Williams are both retired New York City firefighters, having served together at Ladder Company 58 in the Bronx during the 1970s and 1980s.