Amityville lemonade stand gets boost

While Tropical Storm Irene inconvenienced the younger set on Amityville’s Folkstone Road by shutting off the television and hot water — and slamming a door on John Schlinger’s thumb — it also created an entrepreneurial bonanza for the 8-year-old and his friends.

The downed trees blocking nearby South Bayview Avenue meant more traffic for the lemonade stand the group set up on the corner. Monday’s revenue topped $25, according to John’s sister, Samantha, 12.

“We never usually get any customers at all,” she said of the summer’s earlier thirst-quenching efforts.

“Now everyone's coming through here,” said Grant Meyer, 13.

Plans for the rest of the day included treasure hunting on the beach where, John said, toys and lawn furniture likely had washed up.

When night falls, they might go inside. “If we hook up the generator, we can watch a movie, turn on the lights and use the oven,” Samantha said.