Huntington Local

Whitman's band takes the field during a recent competition.

Eight schools will compete within their divisions at the Walt Whitman High School band show Saturday.

Competing schools are: Malverne, Garden City, Division Avenue, Whitman, Mineola, Central Square, Brentwood and Copiague.

The show, part of the New York State Field Band Conference, begins at 6 p.m. at the South Huntington School District field.

The Wildcats will host their home show Saturday evening.
Photos by Laura Sobocinski (top) and Frank Notarbartolo

Eva Browne of the Asharoken Conservation Board reports that 80 percent fewer green plastic spirals were found on the beach this year during the reacent volunteer cleanup campaign.

The spirals were reported in large numbers last year and turned out to be from the power plant in Northport.

Pictured above are members of Girl Scout groups 2420, 672, and 349 as well as some of their siblings who took part in a cleanup at Crabmeadow Beach.

“Even though this beach was cleaned by some other groups previously,” Browne wrote, “they still found over 100 pounds of garbage. The cleanup was followed by a picnic on the beach.”

This group found a sea gull bleeding from a fish hook in its mouth and tried to rescue it but it got away.

The picnic at Crabmeadow

By Lynn Ruvolo

The Robin Park Civic Association recently bestowed its “Keeping our Community Connected” award to Councilwoman Glenda A. Jackson for being a loyal advocate to the residents surrounding Robin Park.

During the presentation, the association complimented Jackson for her tireless efforts to ensure the quality of life is the best that it can be for all residents in the Town of Huntington.

Pictured with Councilwoman Jackson, who is holding the proclamation, is Robin Park Civic Association Vice President Gabe Perry and area residents.

Lynn Ruvolo works in Huntington Town’s Citizen Services Department.

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By Michael R. Ebert
michael.ebert@newsday.com

Frank Carasiti has been appointed interim superintendent of Harborfields Central School District.

He replaces Janet C. Wilson, whose contract was not extended by the school board, leading to litigation earlier this year in which Wilson tried unsuccessfully to have the board’s decision reversed.

Carasiti has more than 50 years of experience in 10 Suffolk school districts. He began his career as a sixth-grade teacher in Rocky Point Union Free School District in 1957 and later served as the district’s superintendent for 27 years before retiring in 1990.

Since then, he has served as an administrator in Longwood Central School District and as interim superintendent in Hampton Bays, Greenport, Middle Country, East Quogue, Port Jefferson, Eastport and, most recently, Three Village, where he spent the last five years.

By Lynn Ruvolo

Councilwoman Glenda A. Jackson and the Huntington Town Board recently awarded a proclamation to the Centerport Yacht Club for their 13th annual Swim-A-Thom, which this year benefited the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The Make-A-Wish Foundation is one of the nations largest wish granting organizations and has granted wishes to over 167,000 children.

On July 11, the swim team swam a total of 6,624 laps to grant wishes to two local children. One of the wishes granted was to build an above-ground pool for a 15-year-old boy from Huntington Station who suffers from Hodgkins Lymphoma.

Pictured above with the Town Board are members of the Centerport Yacht Club and the participating swimmers.

Lynn Ruvolo works in Huntington Town’s Citizen Services Department.

By Michael R. Ebert
michael.ebert@newsday.com

Every library in the Huntington School District is now fully automated following a summer upgrade that saw the six elementary schools join the middle and high schools in replacing the outdated card catalog system with a new Web-based cataloging system.

“There are a few kinks being worked out, but it’s wonderful to have this system available to students and staff,” said Woodhull Intermediate School librarian Christine Amodeo, referring to the Follett Destiny Library Manager system. “It’s similar to how items are checked out in a public library.”

The new system features handheld scanners, bar-code labels attached to each book, and new flat-screen monitors and computers. To familiarize themselves with the equipment, librarians and aides attended a two-day training session before the first day of school.

In other news, Huntington High School recently unveiled two new science laboratories that include an ice-making machine, fume hoods, whiteboards and additional storage areas.

By Steve Bartholomew

Led by drum majors Amara Correll and Gillian Sobocinski, the Wildcat Marching Band took first place in its division at last Sunday's Division Avenue Band Festival in Levittown.

Len Martello, Whitman's Symphonic band director, was delighted but not surprised. "Although this was my first time out with them, the band has been working on their program since early July," he said. "Everyone worked together to produce an outstanding performance. It was such a pleasure for me to see the band's cooperative spirit, and it was a pleasure to watch their precision and hear their musical excellence. I'm grateful to our entire marching band staff, chaperone Rich Fornaro, and the parent volunteers for all their assistance."

For those who have yet to see it, Martello said, "This year's marching band show is titled 'La Pasion del Tango.' It includes four selections: Por Una Cabeza, Zamba, Adios Norino, and Tres Minutos con Realidad. It was arranged by the remarkable Wildcat Marching Band staff: Marching Band Director Mr. Antonio Thompson, Mr. Darick Kelly, Ms. Kim Musgnug, and Mr. Nick Ashley. Mr. William Neater designed the drill program."

Martello continued, "The Wildcat Marching Band has momentum going into this weekend's home performance. This sets the stage for a tough competition at this week's home show, set for Saturday, October 11, at Walt Whitman High School, with a 6 PM start. Come out and join us as eight of Long Island's best marching bands compete."

South Huntington Superintendent Dr. Thomas Shea congratulates Brig. Gen.Philip Volpe.

By Steve Bartholomew
The streets were lined with community support as the Homecoming Parade of floats, led by the Wildcat Marching Band, wound its way through neighborhood surrounding Walt Whitman High School on a beautiful fall Saturday.

Spirits were high as citizens welcomed a new addition to this year’s parade: the South Huntington Hall of Fame float.

With the first-ever induction ceremony just hours away, Whitman alumni to be honored this year proudly rode their way into history.

This year’s inductees were: David Brieff, class of ‘76; Jerome Cipriano class of ‘71, Kieth Cockrell, class of ‘79, Gerry Cooney class of ‘74, Jana L. Fox, class of ‘92; Tom Gugliotta, class of ‘88; Jordan Leeds, class of ‘79; Maureen McGrath Jenness, class of ‘67; Philip Volpe, class of ‘73; and Beverly Wideman, class of ‘66.

At the induction ceremony, held just prior to kick-off, the honorees received a Hall of Fame plaque and heard Dr. Thomas Shea, superintendent of South Huntington Schools, detail the reasons for their selection. Dr. Shea had this to say about one honoree in particular: Brigadier General (BG) Philip Volpe.

“Philip Volpe graduated from Walt Whitman in 1973, where he lettered in football, wrestling, and lacrosse. After graduating from Notre Dame in 1977, he entered the Army through the Health Professions Scholarship Program, and he earned his doctorate in osteopathic medicine. General Volpe served as Operational Medicine Consultant to the Surgeon General from 1998 to 2003 and rose to rank of Brigadier General in 2005. He has received the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart Medal, and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, among many other awards. Brigadier General Volpe was recently honored for distinguished military service by Notre Dame Alumni Association.”

A veteran of many US Army operations around the world, Volpe was tasked with planning and providing medical support for a number of enormously difficult and challenging missions. Most notable was his performance during an epic battle in modern American history, Task Force Ranger operations in Mogadishu, Somalia, in 1993. As the Task Force Ranger surgeon, BG Volpe contributed his expertise in joint medical operations and in combat casualty care, resulting in the survival of numerous critically wounded soldiers. BG Volpe’s performance in key leadership positions as a member of the Army Medical Department and the Military Health System has been stellar.

Volpe has this to say about his fond memories of South Huntington: ”I’d like to thank the teachers here in South Huntington, who gave me the tools to succeed. One teacher in particular, my eleventh-grade biology teacher, Mrs. Graziano, made a lasting impression on me, encouraging me to reorganize my priorities, think about my future, and utilize my talents and skills. One of the most important aspects I took away from my education here in South Huntington was passion—the sense that whatever you do in life, you should have passion for it. The teachers and community here in South Huntington gave me that passion.”

Family members and town officials at the ceremony.

By Deborah S. Morris
deborah.morris@newsday.com

Town of Huntington officials recently changed the name of Ramita Lane in Commack to Dennis Scauso Way in memory of Dennis Scauso, a firefighter who died in the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

Scauso grew up at 6 Ramita Lane where he met his next-door neighbor and future wife, Janlyn, and where his parents Rose and Salvatore still call home.

“That street was a very important part of his life,” said Janlyn Scauso of Dix Hills. “It was the most appropriate street to be renamed in his honor.”

Town supervisor Frank Petrone served as master of ceremonies at the Sept. 29 event and was joined by town board members Mark Cuthbertson, Susan Berland, Stuart Besen and Glenda Jackson. Representatives from several local volunteer fire departments were on hand.

“We gather to honor and remember Dennis Scauso and to acknowledge the impact of his life on those he loved and those who loved him,” Petrone said. “The renaming of Ramita Lane will serve as a reminder of Dennis’ life and service to others.”

Scauso’s four children Darcie, 20, Donny, 18, Gabrielle 13, and Juliette, 11 were also on hand.

“It was a very bittersweet day,” Janlyn Scauso said. “I wanted to wait until the family, his parents, were ready to see that sign every day. I think now was the time. Everybody was ready to embrace it and it was a more of a dedication than a memorial.”

Scauso graduated from Commack South High School in 1973. After graduation he attended SUNY Farmingdale and then went on to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach. He worked for several airlines as a pilot. He joined the Fire Department of New York in 1989.

He served with Engine 319 in Forest Hills before joining the Maspeth-based Hazardous Materials Unit in 1991. Scauso was awarded three citations for valor before perishing with 342 other firefighters on Sept. 11.

“He was one of the most intelligent people I have ever known,” said his widow. “And probably ever will.”

The orchestra in concert. Photo by Michael Brennan.

By Stephanie Branta

The Northport Community Orchestra, under the direction of Richard Hyman, will present a free concert on Friday, November 7, 2008 at 8:00 P.M. at Northport Middle School. The program features Symphony No.1 by Ludwig van Beethoven and will also include additional works by Beethoven, Vaughan Williams, Rossini, and Handel.

Northport Middle School is located at 11 Middleville Rd., Northport (south of Rte. 25A, east of Vernon Valley Rd.). Donations accepted; all proceeds benefit the Northport Community Orchestra.

These free concerts are supported by donations from our generous sponsors, donors, and audience members. We also thank State Senator Carl Marcellino and Assemblyman Andrew Raia for their assistance in obtaining grants from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation.

For further information, call (631) 549-9515 or visit our website at northportorchestra.org.

Stephanie Branta is a member of the orchestra.

On Friday night at 7, the Nassau County Firefighters Museum and Education will honor the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund, which was established in memory of Terry Farrell – a former chief of the Dix Hills fire department who died in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The Hicksville Illustrated News has a story about the event.

By Nancy P. Jacobsen

Suffolk County Legis. Steven Stern (D-Huntington), chairman of the Veterans & Seniors Committee, is urging all those at high risk of serious influenza and complications and those whose occupations make them likely to spread influenza, to get flu shots.

The flu is responsible for an average of 36,000 deaths a year in the United States and all high-risk patients should be immunized.

Those who should be immunized include people 65 years and older, residents of long-term care facilities, people with heart, lung, kidney, metabolic disease, asthma and certain blood disorders, people with swallowing disorders, immuno-suppressed persons, pregnant women, caregivers for children 5 and under and doctors, nurses and hospital personnel.

The Suffolk County Health Department is offering the flu vaccines at no cost to traditional Medicare enrollees or Medicaid recipients and for $39.00 for others.

Additionally, the Health Department is offering pneumococcal vaccines at no cost for those eligible and at $55.00 for others.

“It is particularly important, not just for seniors, but for all those who are vulnerable to be immunized against the flu. This is a simple precaution that can prevent serious illness and even death,” Stern said.

Please note the following dates and locations for flu vaccines:

-- Oct. 9 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Town of Babylon Senior Center-438 Spangle Drive North Babylon
-- Oct. 15 from 10 a.m. -12 p.m. from at the Town of Huntington Senior Nutrition Site, 423 Park Avenue
-- Oct. 27 from 10 a.m. -12 p.m. at the Suffolk Y-JCC 74 Hauppauge Road, Commack
-- Nov. 19 from 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. at the Huntington Library 338 Main Street Huntington
-- Nov. 20 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Commack Public Library 18 Hauppauge Road, Commack
-- Dec. 1 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the Half Hollow Hills Public Library 55 Vanderbilt Pkwy, Dix Hills

Please bring proof of Suffolk County residence and a check payable to the Suffolk County Health Department. For further information and additional locations and times please visit the Health Department website, www.suffolkcountyny.gov/health or call 853-8405.

Nancy P. Jacobsen is a legislative aide to Stern.

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Greenlawn Fire Chiefs, from left, Greg Moran, Scott Waryold, and Scott Demarest, ex-wife Valerie Stilwell, and Bea Bivona. Seated is Arnold's mother Dorothy Stilwell.

Photo and Text by Steve Silverman

The Greenlawn Fire Department recently dedicated their new ambulance in memory of Firefighter Arnold “Swifty” Stilwell, a 50-year member of the department.

Stilwell was charter member of the Greenlawn Rescue Squad, where he was a very active volunteer. He passed away in October 2006.

The new state-of-the-art ambulance is a Horton, unit 2-7-5, and replaces a 14-year-old ambulance that was taken out of service. The new rig was placed into service in July, and dedicated on Labor Day weekend at the Greenlawn Fireman’s Fair.

After a welcome by Board of Fire Commissioners Chairman Larry Ancewicz, Greenlawn Chief Scott Demarest presented commemorative plaques and flowers to members of the Stilwell family. The ceremony concluded with the reading of the Fireman’s Prayer by Chaplain John McKenna.

Steve Silverman is with the Town of Huntington Fire Chief's Council.

Flanked by Huntington Community First Aid Squad President Reeve Conover and Chief Mary Conover on the left and his parents Mary and Roger Winter on the right, EMS Volunteer of the Year Christopher Winter receives a proclamation from Suffolk County Legis. Lou D’Amaro.

By Karen Klafter

Following in the footsteps of his parents Mary and Roger Winter, 17 years ago Huntington Station resident Christopher Winter joined the Huntington Community First Aid Squad to do his part to help insure the safety and well-being of Huntington residents.

In that time, he has held positions as captain, first deputy chief and second deputy chief, served as a practical work instructor for the Suffolk County Emergency Medical Service (EMS) and has earned Advanced Life Support (ALS) Provider certification.

In recognition of this extraordinary service and commitment to the community, and in conjunction with the Suffolk County Legislature’s annual Volunteer Recognition Program, Suffolk Legis. Lou D’Amaro (D-Huntington Station) named Christopher Winter the 2008 EMS Volunteer of the Year within his legislative district and honored him with a proclamation at the Legislature’s General Session on Sept. 16th.

“Chris gives selflessly and tirelessly to the Huntington community and the residents of Suffolk and is an inspiration to others,” D’Amaro said. “He is a true neighborhood hero.”

Karen Klafter is a legislative aide to D'Amaro.

Push Play performing in the Meadowlands in August. Newsday Photo / Charles Eckert

By Diane Matus

The Huntington Arts Council will host a series of free outdoor concerts during the upcoming Long Island Fall Festival, which kicks off Friday evening, Oct. 10 at Huntington’s Heckscher Park. The lineup includes folk, jazz, a U2 tribute band, great rock from the 1970s and much more.

Friday, Oct. 10
7-7:30 p.m. Paging Grace, adult contemporary. Now packing clubs all across Long Island and in New York City, this crowd-pleasing foursome’s debut single “Leave” reached Number 1 on the “Independent Music Networks” radio station show within three weeks. Come hear the infectious, piano-driven sounds of this native band on their way up!
7:30-9:30 p.m. Push Play, pop. Recently dubbed the “new fab four” by Newsday, this band of fresh-faced Long Island boys just appeared with Miley Cyrus and are releasing a single this month. The band has become a household name in New York City, selling out at Irving Plaza, the Nokia Theatre and the Blender Theatre at Gramercy.

Saturday, Oct. 11
11-noon Martha Trachtenberg, singer/songwriter. Martha Trachtenberg was a founding member of the Buffalo Gals, the first all-woman bluegrass band. She has performed with artists such as David Bromberg, Lucy Kaplansky, Livingston Taylor, and Steve Forbert. Her songs have been recorded by several nationally-known artists, including Little Toby Walker, Tony Trischka and Skyline, and Missy Raines and Jim Hurst. Her CD, It's About Time, won straight A’s from Newsday and enjoys radio airplay both in the States and abroad.

Noon-1 p.m. Jo Williamson, singer/songwriter
"Her well-honed and wide vocal range...has a lovely crystalline quality and works well with simple acoustic arrangements" declared online journal Musical Discoveries in their review of New York based singer-songwriter Jo Williamson's 2008 debut EP/album Wake on the Hudson. This creative performer has worked with avant garde composer Faye Ellen Silverman, acted, worked with video artists, and currently co-hosts a radio show in Bridgeport. All this is in addition to playing guitar, singing and writing songs.

1:30-2:30 p.m. Home Grown String Band, bluegrass. "Whether you classify their sound as Americana, bluegrass, folk, or old-time country, Rick Jackofsky, his wife Georgianne, and their daughters Erica and Annalee are not only dedicated to keeping a classic tradition alive, they're advancing it," wrote Bill Dahl, author of Motown: The Golden Years. The band has performed up and down the East coast, including a gig at the National Theatre in Washington, D.C. In addition to their voices and dancing, some of their instruments include clawhammer banjo, harmonica, banjo uke, mountain dulcimer, doumbek, fiddle, mandolin and jawharp.
3-4 p.m. Mary Lamont Band, country. Hailed as the “Queen of Long Island Country” by Newsday, the Mary Lamont Band was voted "Band of the Year" by the New York Metro Country Music Association and Mary was twice voted "Female Singer/Songwriter of the Year" by the New Jersey Country Music Association. Mary and her band recently completed a tour of Mainland China; their music has been played on radio stations both here and in Europe. Mary's single "Ontario" was voted a favorite by many independent European radio DJs. Newsday's Nightbeat section lists her as a "best bet" for a live performance, so don't miss this free performance of one of Long Island's hottest acts!
4:30-5:30 p.m. Vista Hill Band, rock. Grab a seat front and center to catch the performance of Long Island's own feel-good adult contemporary band, Vista Hill. This seven-piece band plays for ages 4 to 84 with their own inimitable sound, which is not unlike Barenaked Ladies with a twist of the Beatles.
6-7 p.m. That 70’s Band, rock. A Saturday evening of your favorite rockin’ tunes from the 1970s, as performed by That 70s Band, guaranteed to get you dancing and singing in the aisles!
7-8 p.m. A Live DJ from Party 105 FM
8-9 p.m. That 70’s Band

Sunday, Oct. 12
11-noon The Blur Division, jazz. Anyone interested in experiencing an afternoon of innovative contemporary music is invited to attend this performance of the New York-based trio The Blur Division. The band demonstrates the limitless possibilities of three exploratory musicians getting together to craft their own original compositions which reconcile history with the future, tradition with technology, and jazz with a unique approach that resists categorization.
12:30-1:30 p.m. Claudia Jacobs Band, folky blues & jazz
Described as one of Long Island's most important new female songwriters, Claudia Jacobs combines folky blues with elements of jazz, soul and country. The power and energy of her voice makes her show an unforgettable experience. What you see is what you get, and what you get is an emotionally charged musical performance every time.
2-3 p.m. Gail Storm, jazz. Gail Storm is a pianist and vocalist who specializes in classic blues and jazz. Though Gail draws her influences from traditionally based performers such as Bessie Smith, Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Jordan, many of her fans compare her to modern performers like Diana Krall and Marcia Ball. She regularly performs in a wide variety of venues and has radio and television appearances to her credit. In addition to her solo gigs, she also performs with other established musicians. The Gail Storm quartet will feature Bernice Brooks on drums, Shenole Latimer on sax, and Joe Vicino on guitar.
3:20-3:40 p.m. Tae Kwon Do, martial arts. Master Chris Gates, 4th Degree Black Belt, presents martial arts. The Chris Gates Tae Kwon Do Health Center is recognized as one of the toop 10 martial arts school in America by Black Belt Schools International.
3:45-4:05 p.m. Dancin Feet, dance
4:10-4:55 p.m. Jam, creative dance
5:00-5:15 p.m. Steppin Out, dance
5:20-5:40 p.m. The Northport Dance Company, dance
6-6:30 p.m. Michelle Hall, pop/rock/alternative. Michelle Hall is a 16-year-old Long Island native who writes all her own songs in addition to singing them, dancing and playing the guitar. Her songs are upbeat, contemporary and done with a style amazing for such a young artist.
7-9 p.m. 2U, the world’s second best U2 show. 2U (formerly Joshua Tree) has become one of the Northeast's top U2 tribute bands playing venues such as The Hard Rock Cafe in NY and Penn State University for more than 4,000 people. Playing the best of every era.

The Long Island Fall Festival is presented by the Huntington Chamber of Commerce. The concert series at the Chapin Rainbow Stage are produced by the Huntington Arts Council. Performances are free and open to the public at The Chapin Rainbow Stage in Huntington’s Heckscher Park. Visitors are encouraged to bring a blanket or folding chair.

Founded in 1963, the Huntington Arts Council is a not-for-profit organization which enriches the quality of life of Long Islanders with programs and services that address the needs and interests of artists, cultural organizations and the community. The Council’s programs reach over 750,000 Long Island residents. The Council is the official arts coordinating agency for the Town of Huntington, and serves as the primary regranting agency in Suffolk County for the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), in addition to its services to over 600 member cultural organizations and individual artist members.

Dianne Matus handles press and public relations for the Huntington Arts Council.

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One of Huntington's own local residents Jennifer Schechter, after having graduated Huntington High School, enrolled in the Peace Corps and served for several years in Africa. While there Jennifer worked closely with HTH, the Hope Through Health organization. This not-for-profit group's goal is to develop and expand community-based health care systems that provide the highest standard of support and treatment for people living with AIDS in poverty. HTH currently provides services to over 1400 people living with HIV/AIDS in Togo, West Africa.

Having returned to Huntington, Jennifer is committed to spreading the word of HTH's success and to generate funds necessary to the continuation of this aid. The 3rd Annual HTH Benefit & Silent Auction is scheduled for November 15, 2008 at the Huntington Yacht Club. Tickets are $75 per person.

Local businesses and individuals wishing to be a part of this exciting event should contact:

Jennifer Schechter
631-721-5917 or 631-427-1486
jschechter@hthhglobal.org