Long Island briefs

HUNTINGTONTown to step up boat patrols for July 4

The Town of Huntington will reduce speed limits and step up patrols in town waters on July Fourth.

This is the second year the town has imposed the restrictions on July Fourth, spurred by a 2012 tragedy in which three children died off Oyster Bay Cove. The boat from which they had watched a fireworks show capsized as it was returning to Huntington.

This year, officials have expanded the area covered and the hours the restriction is in effect, according to a town statement.

A 5 mph speed limit will be in effect from 8:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. in all of Northport Bay and Huntington Bay south from the line extending from Target Rock to Buoy One in Coast Guard Cove, as well as Long Island Sound from the easternmost section of the Northport Power Plant to the westernmost end of the causeway on Asharoken Avenue.

A copy of a map showing the affected areas can be viewed on the town's website.

The town also plans to step up patrols of the area and is working with the Suffolk County Police Department, the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, the Village of Northport harbormaster and police department, the Asharoken police department and the Huntington, Northport and Centerport fire departments.

The town has also worked with the Greater Huntington Council of Yacht and Boating Clubs to step up boater safety education and to encourage responsible boating.

"July 4 is traditionally a day when people spend time on their boats, from early in the morning to late at night. We want boaters to enjoy the day in a way that is safe for themselves, their guests and other boats," Supervisor Frank Petrone said in the statement. "We hope these measures will help make Huntington's waters a little safer for everybody."

NORTH HEMPSTEADFree summer movies

to include drive-in

The Town of North Hempstead has announced the schedule for its free summer film series, and one movie will be screened drive-in style.

Films will be shown July 13 and 29 and on Aug. 15 and 23 at parks throughout town.

"With summer upon us, the Town of North Hempstead invites residents from all over the town to join us for our free summer movie series," said Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth. "These movie experiences are a great way to enjoy a beautiful summer night with the family."

"Matilda," a critically acclaimed 1996 film based on Ronald Dahl's novel of the same name about a little girl dealing with her grouchy parents, will be shown on Sunday, July 13, at 7:30 p.m. indoors at Clinton G. Martin Park, 1601 Marcus Ave., New Hyde Park.

On Tuesday, July 29, "Million Dollar Baby" will be featured at 8:45 p.m. at the Clark Botanic Garden, 193 I.U. Willets Rd., Albertson. The 2004 sports drama about a boxing trainer's relationship with an underdog amateur boxer stars Clint Eastwood, Hilary Swank and Morgan Freeman.

"The Rookie," a 2002 film starring Dennis Quaid based on the true story of a high school teacher who makes it to the major leagues at age 40, will be screened at 8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 15, at Martin Bunky Reid Park, Broadway and Urban Avenue, New Cassel.

"Frozen," the 2013 Disney animated musical that won the Academy Award for Best Animated Film, will be the last feature in the series. The screening will be set up as an old-fashioned drive-in movie, so you can watch it in your car or bring your lawn chair. It will be shown on Saturday, Aug. 23, at 7:45 p.m. at North Hempstead Beach Park, 175 W. Shore Dr., Port Washington.

NORTH HEMPSTEADTown unveils FunDay events for seniors

The Town of North Hempstead has released the 2014 schedule for the popular free FunDay Monday program for seniors.

Events are organized by the town's Department of Community Services and are held every Monday from July 7 to Aug. 25 at North Hempstead Beach Park in Port Washington. Each event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and a different theme is featured each week.

"FunDay Monday is a fantastic series of events that allows our residents to see both new and familiar faces," Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth said. "Residents are able to have a lovely time at the beach, while enjoying entertainment and fun activities."

Each week, senior residents can participate in entertainment, fitness, games, music and dancing. A weekly class schedule features line dancing from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., yoga from 11 a.m. to noon, and mahjong from 11 a.m. to noon. FunDay Monday also offers photo shoots from noon to 1:30 p.m. with images available to download at: www. North HempsteadNY.gov/FunDayMonday.

Themes for this year's events include Welcome Back Seniors, Swing Party, Sock Hop, Health Fair, Blue Hawaii, Mardi Gras, Happy Anniversary FunDay Monday! and HomeTown USA Family Day.

Free transportation is available. Seniors can call 311 for a list of bus pickup locations or for more information. Seniors driving to the events can park for free. Rain dates will be on Thursdays of the same week.

WILLISTON PARKSeminar for veterans scheduled on July 14

A Veterans Casework Seminar will be held Monday, July 14, at the Williston American Legion Post 144 in Williston Park for those seeking information about their benefits.

The event will be hosted by Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth and Rep. Steve Israel (D-Huntington). Representatives from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will be on hand to participate in the discussion and provide information.

"Navigating the vast network of services available to our veterans can be a difficult task," Bosworth said. "That is why I am proud to partner with Congressman Israel to host this important seminar which will give veterans a forum to have their questions answered by experts from the Department of Veterans Affairs."

"We need to make it as easy as possible for veterans, who put their lives on the line for our country, to access the benefits they've earned," Israel said.

The Williston American Legion Post 144 is at 730 Willis Ave. For more information, call 311 in the Town of North Hempstead or 516-869-6311. Anyone who plans to attend is asked to email Michael Stinson at michael.stinson@mail.house.gov.

HEMPSTEADFree summer festival for children in July

Youngsters of all ages can see three variety shows scheduled at parks across Hempstead Town during a free Children's Summer Festival next month.

"The upcoming children's shows will entertain young audiences with music, magic and amazing animal adventures," Supervisor Kate Murray said in a news release.

She said there will be "morning and afternoon performances at beautiful parks throughout the township."

The festival features three individual shows and 31 performances.

The schedule includes singer-songwriter Darlene Graham in "Singing at the Beach" from July 11 to 18; The Magic & Comedy of Jim McClenahan from July 21 to 25; and Erik's Reptile Edventure providing an up-close encounter with friendly animals, amphibians and bugs from July 28 to Aug. 1.

All children's shows will be held outdoors, and blankets or lawn chairs are suggested for seating comfort.

For festival information, including dates, times and park locations, call 516-292-9000, ext. 7382, or visit the town's website at toh.li.

GLEN COVECity OKs contract

to replace concrete

The Glen Cove City Council has approved a $3,316 contract to Laser Industries Inc. for concrete replacement.

Ridge-based Laser was the lowest bidder among six companies that submitted bids up to $4,695. Sidney B. Bowne & Son LLP partner Frank Antetomaso reviewed the bids on behalf of the city and noted in a letter that the company has completed numerous municipal projects in Oyster Bay. The contract, approved at last week's council meeting, covers 20 to 30 different concrete replacement projects such as curb work, Mayor Reginald Spinello said when the contract was first discussed at a work session meeting earlier this month.

COMMACKValedictorian, 93,

is 'thirsty' to learn

Berthe Gersten, a 93-year-old resident of Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Commack, has had no shortage of accomplishments. She is fluent in five languages, served as a translator for reporters during World War II in Europe and was even a medal-winning hurdler and javelin thrower in the Israel Maccabiah, a Jewish international athletic event.

Gersten is now also a two-time valedictorian. She was the top scholar in 1935 at the Alliance Israelite Francaise in Jerusalem. And 79 years later, on June 19, she was celebrated as valedictorian of Gurwin's adult education program at its 26th annual commencement.

"I am thirsty for any knowledge that can come my way," Gersten said. "My favorite is always the arts, and they run a very good program here."

Gersten was one of 34 residents in Gurwin's program. They dressed in caps and gowns and celebrated their achievements beside family members, friends and the therapeutic recreation staff at the commencement.

"We study very hard to develop each course," said Karen Nash, the director of therapeutic recreation at Gurwin.

For the 2013-14 class, the 11-member therapeutic staff created nine classes, once a week, that ranged from cinematography to Spanish.

Gersten's daughter, Varda Gurwin, 61, of Dix Hills, beamed with pride about her mother's latest achievement. "She's always been quite the character," she said. "I am so proud of her. We all look up to her."

Gersten has no intention of settling down just yet. Speaking to the commencement audience at Gurwin, she said, "You thought we would be at an end when you brought us here -- but surprise, surprise, we beat the odds!"

WADING RIVERMount Sinai prom does without royalty

Students at Mount Sinai High School danced their prom night away at the Inn at East Wind in Wading River Wednesday night without a care as to who would be elected prom king and prom queen.

That's because they already knew who the winners would be: No one.

The school has elected a prom king and queen at different times in the past. According to senior adviser and guidance counselor Kristina McGuire, students decide if they want to go through with it, and over the last few years seniors have broken away from the tradition.

"For the prom, it's like, nobody's better than anybody else," McGuire said. "Just everybody having a good time."

Senior class president Jillian Juhas agreed.

"I just don't think it's necessary," she said. "It's usually like the most popular kids. And we have a homecoming king and queen so I felt like that was the big thing . . . Might as well dance and enjoy our prom."

Instead of worrying about ballots, students rushed onto the dance floor, dressed in their bow ties and beaded gowns to match the characters from F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel "The Great Gatsby," the theme for the night and one that has risen in popularity thanks in part to the 2013 film adaptation starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

Black and gold streamers and balloons adorned the room while the tables were covered in fedoras, pearls and feather boas to give off the 1920s persona of Gatsby.

MELVILLE

Fire department gets grant for equipment

The Melville Fire Department recently received a $24,863 federal grant to buy 10 sets of firefighting personal protective equipment. The items can include helmet, boots, gloves, pants, hood, and coat.

The money comes from micro-grants from the federal government through its Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, according to officials from Williston Park-based JSK Inc., the company that prepared the grant application.

Earlier this year the Dix Hills and New Hyde Park fire departments were awarded grants through the program. Dix Hills received a $24,974 grant to buy two air bottles, one face piece, and one self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighters. New Hyde Park fire officials received $24,273 for equipment to protect firefighters from heat, smoke, and flames during fires or hazardous materials incidents.