The

North Shoreian
A Magazine of North Shore Arts, Culture & Politics

T he R omantic N orth S hore

2009 Most Romantic Restaurants - Winter Harbor Strolls & Kissing Benches
Our 1st Year in Review - Black History Month: A Film Retrospective
Volume 2 / Issue 1 – Jan/Feb 2009 – A FREE MAGAZINE
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Great Food... The
North Shoreian
Great Service... Douglas MacKaye Harrington

Great Ambiance...
Publisher and Editor-in-Chief

Charles G. McKenna

Pure Bliss!
Publisher and Director of Sales & Marketing

Thomas Reid
Art Director
Gala Scibelli
Associate Art Director
Dylan Sullivan
Laura Kessler
Advertising Art Directors
Robert Romer
Director of Photography
Marie Ann Mordeno
Events Editor
P.J. Kessler
Editor’s Muse
Nancy Weeks
Associate Publisher/Copy Editor

Contributing Writers & Photographers

Michael X. Zelenak
C. Aphrodite Spanos
Jack Filasky
Jennifer Garvey

Valentine’s Day
Dan Stahl
Anthony Frasca
Elizabeth Bojsza
Mark Snyder, ChFC
Jim Bliss

Seating
Dr. Peter J. Stumpf
Joe Neuschatz
Helene Bredes
Carol Mathews
Susan Scholer
Tom Atkins

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Janelle Brooke Councill
David Woods
Laura Kessler
Shaughnessy Anne McKenna-Dusling
Sterling Bliss Ross-Harrington

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Abby Rocket

The Improper North Shoreian Magazine

is published monthly by
The Improper North Shoreian Magazine, Inc.
Post Box 251, Port Jefferson, New York 11777
All contents of this magazine may not be reproduced
without written consent of the Publishers.
Yearly subscription rate is $48.00
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A Letter from the Editor
Holy cow, it has actually been a year! Twelve issues on the street and still
growing, thanks to you our readers, our incredibly talented writers and artists, and
our devoted advertisers. This issue officially marks the start of our second year,
Volume II / Issue 1, The Romantic North Shore! Without dreams you only have
nightmares, so thank you for helping to make our dream a reality. We know you have
waited a bit longer for this issue to hit the streets, as we, like many other local publi-
cations, dropped our January issue and rolled it into February.
As we start our second year you will notice some changes that we hope will be
improvements in our publication. First and foremost, as you may have noticed, the
word Improper has been dropped from the title of the magazine. It was included
in the title when we started because so many of you had expressed how much you
missed seeing The Improper Hamptonian along the North Shore after I left that pub-
lication. I, of course, realize that you our readers and our present advertisers know
that when we say “improper” we mean thought provoking and edgy, not salacious or
inappropriate. However, we have some potential advertisers out there that, although
they get it, are apprehensive about advertising in a publication with the word improp-
er in its title. Don’t worry, we will still remain our version of improper in our content
and the column titles will not change. You may also notice some subtle changes in
layout, as we strive to enhance out visual presentation; some additions in our column
count, as we will always try to improve and increase our subject matter; and the
inclusion of more art and images to further visually compliment that added editorial
content. To that end, let me remind all of you once again that I welcome unsolicited
submissions of new fiction and poetry, interesting articles of a non-fiction nature and
op-eds, and any suggestions or pitches for articles you may want to write yourself
or see assigned to one of our writers. Please email me directly at dmharrington@
optonline.net. In addition, you will very soon be able to access the magazine on-line
in a sate-of-the-art website that is under construction.
As always, I urge all of you to support the local advertisers that are respon-
sible for the fact that this magazine is free to our readers. We are facing the most
difficult economy in our memory and the advertisers in The North Shoreian realize
that it is not a time to run and hide, but a time to reach out to customers and let them
know that they are indeed here and doing their part to survive, flourish, and turn the
economy around. China’s manufacturing industry doesn’t need any more of our help,
so drive past the enormous Wal-Mart parking lot and find a parking space in front of
a local merchant, you neighbor and friend! Make a reservation at a local restaurant,
not a national chain eatery with a cookie-cutter, more-of-the-same menu. Pass on a
month of Net-Flix and get out of the house and buy a ticket at one of the outstanding,
but struggling, live theaters along the North Shore. Wall Street may have created the
mess we are in, but I believe it will be Main Street that pulls us out of it. And if we
want our Main Streets to survive, we had better start shopping on them!
Enjoy the read this month and Happy Valentine’s Day! DMH
Letters to the Editor
Dear Mr. Harrington,
Your October cover with the orange pumpkins was another gem. You cap-
ture the moment. The November issue was yet another striking cover with words of
wisdom--very touching.
Waiting for the December issue I was rewarded with finally obtaining your maga-
zine at the Book Review in Huntington village. What a fine work of art! An utterly
unique, fat snowman. Then, of course, one has to peruse the contents with great
anticipation. I commend you! Your magazine gets better and better with every issue!
I wish you and your family good health, prosperity, happiness and continued success
in all your endeavors. PEACE!!!!!
Sincerely,
Ruth Semon Fahlbusch
Huntington
After years of attending A Christmas Carol at Theatre Three it was fun to get an
actor’s back stage perspective on what actually goes on. Thanks for sharing. I also
really enjoyed Mr. Zelenak’s piece on James Stewart, it was wonderful. Merry
Christmas and Happy New Year!
Elliot Johnson
Dear Doug, the most success and the least amount of financial stress by continuing to commu-
Loved the article--I thought the perspective was wonderful--honoring the Christ-
mases Past and Present--a terrific account! Thank you for this kindness to the theatre
(and to me on a personal level). Wishing you and your family a happy holiday sea-
son.
Best.
Jeffrey Sanzel
Artistic Director, Theatre Three, Port Jefferson

I THE COLUMNS I
The opinions expressed in the columns are those of the authors
and do not necessarily reflect the editorial viewpoint of the
Publishers of the Improper North Shoreian Magazine.
I On Money With Mark
Financial Advice and Commentary
by Mark Snyder, ChFC
For Love and/or Money
Rarely do any topics elicit more passion than love and money, but waiting until
after the knot is tied can be a disastrous time to learn that the two of you financially
do not see eye-to-eye. While no one can say for certain if a couple will be financially
compatible, the sooner one brings their feelings into the open the better they’ll be
able to react and plan. The good news is that money problems can often be resolved
once a realistic discussion is held with an impartial third party.
As always, there’s a finite amount of money to work with but a seemingly infi-
nite amount of things on which to spend. Younger couples, at least initially, are often
in agreement. But frequently they’ve yet to be financially challenged. Such issues as
saving for a down payment and being able to handle mortgage payments generally
top the list for those considering getting married. They should also try to put money
aside in a “rainy day” fund in the event of a layoff or other sudden income loss.
Other decisions, such as whether or not to purchase life or disability insurance or to
save for retirement, as fewer
companies now provide such
benefits, can complicate mat-
Are you and your mate ters.
financially compatible? When children come
along things can change.
Hot-button issues: should one
spouse stay home or should
each continue working and
get child care? Should money be put aside for the child’s future or invested for retire-
ment? Should you move to a larger house? A better school district? More subjective
issues like ego and status can lead to a cycle of debt. Is it important for one spouse
to have a new car in the driveway every other year? Maybe the other spouse would
rather keep the old car and pay down the mortgage?
The list can go on and on. One may like to shop while the other prefers to save.
Is anyone balancing the checkbook? What about retirement plans and insurance? The
basic question is: have you gotten to know each other financially?
It’s sadly become common knowledge that about half of first marriages end in
divorce, as do 60% of remarriages, according to the Center for Disease Control’s
National Vital Statistics Report. Money conflicts generally play a major role when
couples decide they no longer wish to remain together.
Also consider the kind of household in which you were raised. This will often
influence one’s views on money. Were your parents careless spenders – common
among Boomer Generation members – or were they conservative savers – a trait
prevalent among members of the Great Depression and their immediate offspring.
Did you come from a household where money was hard to come by? Was there a
major event in one’s life that had serious financial ramifications such as a divorce or
a parent’s job loss? Events such as these can make a lasting impression on how one
deals with money.
Similarly, the financial issues an individual may have faced early in their life
such as saving, spending and accumulating debt can drastically change from those
one faces when becoming a parent as this generally causes a seismic shift in goals
and priorities. Looking ahead, the landscape often changes again when one must
begin to seriously plan for retirement. What to Do?
While financial stress can wreak havoc on nearly any marriage, one of the most
financially healthy things a couple can do is regularly discuss their feelings about
money. The most constructive environment is when both spouses contribute to the
formation of a financial plan. As their situation evolves, couples frequently will have
nicate and work together on an ongoing basis. The first step is to open a meaningful
dialogue. It can help to do so in the presence of an unbiased but qualified third party,
such as a financial adviser.
It’s often recommended that newlyweds establish a “financial priorities list”
by reviewing previously separate assets, liabilities, income and expenses. Savings
should be directed towards meeting new financial priorities such as purchasing a
home. It’s also wise to start a savings or investment account specifically to fund that
down payment. For older newlyweds or those starting second marriages the issue of
whether to merge finances can be difficult, but this bridge can be crossed by gradu-
ally moving finances together.
Practical things like name changes for a new social security card and drivers
license can help start the merger process. Beneficiary designations on retirement ac-
counts and insurance policies should then be changed as should investment and bank
accounts. For couples having trouble working together it can help for each partner
to continue keeping track of their finances individually for three months after the
marriage with no changes and then start a joint budget as needs present themselves.
There are many couples who pay some expenses jointly and others separately. Others
basic financial items couples should tackle are reducing credit card and college-loan
debt, establishing a revocable trust, health care proxy and durable power of attorney.
What’s the best way to keep finances from disrupting a marriage? Agree to keep
talking together about them and if you think you need help, speak with a financial
adviser sooner rather than later. If you cannot locate one through a friend’s recom-
mendation, speak with a professional such as an accountant or lawyer for a referral.
A good financial adviser should have a broad foundation that goes beyond
investing and includes insurance, tax planning, budgeting and mortgage expertise,
plus college and estate planning. Individuals with more complicated situations such
as planning for children from a prior marriage or business-succession issues should
seek an adviser skilled in such areas.
The Financial Planning Association, a nationwide trade organization with a
Long Island chapter, (www.fpanet.org) offers referrals based on geographic location,
specialty or name. Your introductory meeting should be pressure-free and focus on
articulating your long-term needs. Many advisers supply a questionnaire to better
learn about prospective clients and often ask to review such items as tax returns, in-
surance polices, financial statements and retirement accounts before making recom-
mendations. Many do not charge for an initial consultation.
An inability to agree on and manage long-term finances, especially in a new
marriage, can present a major hurdle in the love nest. It’s important to prevent finan-
cial matters from controlling one’s relationship. It should be the other way around,
meaning money should be a means to an end, the tool in which a couple can increase
its happiness and realize its dreams.
As the Beatles sang, “money can’t buy me love.” But it sure can make life
easier. It’s better couples learn this sooner rather than later.
Mark J. Snyder, ChFC, is an independent financial adviser in Medford. For a free,
no-obligation copy of his newsletter, The Snyder Report, please call his office: 631-
289-4224 or visit: www.markjsnyder.com.
Clean, Green and Renew
Environmental Commentary
Jennifer Garvey
Environmentally Attractive
I was recently informed about a 1960’s study which found that environmental-
ists enjoy a significantly better love life than the average person. My source couldn’t
tell me the name of the study, and I thought everyone enjoyed an above average
love life in the ‘60s, but the theory is food for thought, nonetheless. And so with the
“romance” issue on the horizon, I set out to do a little analysis.
First, I considered the people in my office. We are a small group, but a very
happy one. Each of has a boyfriend or spouse, and the combined current relation-
ship-length between the four of us is approximately 45 years. I can also report that
these relationships seem especially positive – everyone appears noticeably happier
with his or her significant other than without. Yet, between each couple differences
of opinion abound, from favorite sports teams to political philosophies, so reenact-
ments of a previous evening’s debate are often part of the morning coffee talk. Push-
overs, we are not. But evidently our passion is endearing – or else we’d all be single.
Next, I considered the people in other environmental offices. Most fall into the
categories newly married, married for many years, engaged, dating for several years,
etc. Clearly these folks are also highly lovable individuals, which is why they’re all
taken. And why wouldn’t they be? They’re passionate, engaging people. All are
energized and informed individuals, each ready and willing to stage a protest in front
of bulldozers or spend a Saturday collecting petition signatures at the post office.
Are traits such as these ever undesirable in a person?
Then, I considered the community members we work with. And what did my
analysis reveal? More fabulously likable people, most of whom come in married
pairs. These environmentally-minded residents typically find their way to us because
of an issue they’ve become involved with near their homes – an inappropriate devel-
opment, a toxic plume, an interest in restoring a spoiled area, and so on. They are
naturally conscientious about their surroundings, have a strong sense of social jus-
tice, and encourage others to learn more and participate in the issues at hand. They
simply give a damn. And people appreciate them for it.
So yes, the environmentalists I know live full lives, and people care for them

fully in return. If there is a study out there that proves this, so be it. But I don’t need
charts and graphs to convince me that people who care about the environment are
also lucky in love. There’s something sexy about trying to protect the planet – how-
ever large or small your role may be. Environmentalism made Al Gore cool (and an
Academy Award Winner), Ted Turner content and Teddy Roosevelt a visionary – it’s
powerful stuff.
Perhaps the best way to put this in perspective is to consider what life must be
like if you’re not an environmentalist of any sort. Maybe you can throw garbage out
the car window without a twinge of guilt. And there’s a good chance you think re-
cycling rules do not apply to you. Or maybe you douse your lawn in toxic fertilizers
because you cannot bear to jeopardize its vibrant green color. But if you are uninter-
ested in taking care of your surroundings, you may suffer from a similar apathy in
caring for the people around you.
So if you don’t yet have the environmental bug and your love life is a little
lackluster, head for the beach or take a walk in the woods; breathe in the fresh air and
revel in the scenic peace and quiet. Relax. And if you look around and you don’t see
anything worth protecting, so be it. But if you do – and I think you will – promise
yourself you’ll find one new way to be a little greener this month, and maybe one
more way the month after that. Don’t be alarmed if you begin to feel quite good
about your new habits. You may even feel like others should try these new habits
as well. And before long you could have a full-blown environmental conscience. If
that’s the case, brace yourself, because love is headed your way.
A life-long resident of the East End, Jennifer keeps her ear to the ground on all is-
sues environmental through her day job with the Long Island Pine Barrens Society.
And while she thinks Long Island is one of the lovelier places to live, she wonders
how anyone can actually afford to be here. Questions and comments always appreci-
ated at garvey.jennifer@gmail.com.
A View Askew
Wit and a Little Wisdom
By Joe Neuschatz
Haven in Brookhaven
(My New Year’s Wishes)
The United States of America is our beautiful country, New York is our
spectacular state and Suffolk, and (I am scratching my head waiting for inspiration),
and Suffolk…is our county. The Town of Brookhaven is an important geographical
component of all of the above.
I recently learned that Brookhaven is not only larger than the entire Nas-
sau County, but also bigger than two of the fifty states. I had no idea. When it comes
to maps, I am geographically impaired. But, let me ask: is “being big” enough of a
reason for us, town residents, to pay federal, state, county, local and other taxes and,
in exchange, be forced to dig cesspools (instead of having sewers), buy water in the
supermarkets (to avoid drinking from possibly polluted wells) and having to choose
between bumper-to-bumper highway driving and snail-paced trains?
In our days, when large groups of people living in the same geographi-
cal area become unhappy with their fate, they request independence. Georgia (the
country, not the state) has its problems, Czechoslovakia is now divided in two and
good old Yugoslavia in five or six (I stopped counting). The Tibetans demand free-
dom from China, the Irish from England, the Basques from Spain, the Bretons and
the Corsicans from France and the Kurds, from both Turkey and Iraq. In Cyprus, the
Greeks don’t get along with the Turks and, in Belgium, the Flemish speakers and the
French speakers don’t speak to each other. Even Alaska has an Independence Party.
How about us?
During a recent desk drawer cleaning, I discovered an old article about
the Monarchs Club, an organization which used to promote the Brookhaven Town
Republican Party political candidates, are they still in business? As soon as I finished
reading their commentaries, a light-bulb went on, inside my brains: what could be
better than having Monarchs Clubs in our area? Having real monarchs, of course!
Bye-bye Brookhaven Town, hello The Independent Kingdom of Brookhavia! A cross
between the British royal system and the principality of Monte Carlo, Brookhavia
will become both a human paradise and the tax haven of North America.
Granted by King William and Queen Mary in 1693 and situated on the
William Floyd Parkway, the geographical center of Brookhavia, the Manor of Saint
George will be the perfect location for the Brookingham Palace. A chain of grandiose
hotels built around the palace will accommodate the droves of local and international
tourists, coming to watch the changing of the royal guards.
All the income from the tourist tax will go into the Brookhavian treasury, to
be added to the abundant receipts from the state-owned North Shore and South Shore
casinos. Income tax, real-estate tax and sales tax will become a thing of the past. In-
ternational tennis stars, rich retired soccer players, wealthy movie directors and other
big spenders, will find refuge, in our beloved kingdom, hiding from the dreaded tax
man. And let’s not forget the alimony avoiders. Eat your hearts out Swiss banks!
To eliminate traffic jams, only Brookhavians will be allowed to drive their
vehicles on our roads. Like in the British island of Bermuda, visitors will have to
choose between taking taxis and using public transportation. The word “unemploy-
ment” will be eliminated from local vocabulary. Our improved budget will also help
improve the rate of the Long Island Railroad’s electrification. At a minimum, it will
double from 46 to an electrifying 92 inches a year. At the new pace, we should have
the historical inauguration of our first “bullet train” on April 1st 2437 (if it doesn’t
rain).
No more wasted money on electoral campaigns, no more staying in line for
hours to cast your vote, no more tedious elections. No more Joe-the-Plumber. A royal
dynasty will be chosen once-
A cross between the British royal system and and-forever by our beloved
the principality of Monte Carlo, Brookhavia Brookhavian citizens.
will become both human paradise and the And who will be the
tax haven of North America first king of Brookhavia? I
don’t really know but please,
allow me to become the lead-
ing candidate for the throne.
I came to the US of A 45 years ago as a LEGAL immigrant. Arriving here legally
meant that I wasn’t just accidentally born here (like Barak Obama). I was SELECT-
ED to come here. I passed an exam to become a citizen, a CHOSEN AMERICAN 5
years after my arrival. But today, 40 years later, I am still not allowed to run for the
presidency. As far as I know, the US Constitution doesn’t forbid me to compensate
by becoming a king. I am retired, I am available, I have an enormous experience with
crowns (if you don’t believe me….ask my dentist) and, since retirement, I am use to
sitting around and do nothing all day long. If I become king, I promise to do exactly
the same thing, but this time, for the good of the country. I will receive in audience
all the would-be investors and any other kind of important visitors. All I am asking
for is a well padded reclining throne, with a high-definition television attachment,
next to a beer cooler. And, to top it all, if the Grucci Brothers will be kind enough to
offer me a royal discount, I promise to pay for the coronation fireworks with my own
money.
If you are still not sure who to vote for in the monarchical elections, please
allow me to ask this important question: whose idea was it in the first place? Our
new “Change We Need” president, will surely not mind the changes. Forget Joe-the-
Plumber. Long live Joe-the-King! Could Brookhaven composers please start working
on a Brookhavian national anthem?
Joseph J. Neuschatz M.D. lives in Port Jefferson and was born in Romania, hates
writing...loves being published, retired anesthesiologist, refuses to become an Ameri-
can Idle. Featured in the New York Times, Newsday, Vogue, The New York Doctor,
Greenwood Press etc. and author of “terrO.R.”
The Improper Harrington
Small Observations On The Big Picture
Douglas MacKaye Harrington
The “American” President
As anyone who knows me will tell you, I am extremely excited
and optimistic regarding our new president and the new political
direction the nation is taking. I am not alone, even as we all feel fear
and a certain malaise when it comes to the economy, I sense a definite
feeling of hope for the nation among my fellow citizens. I think there
is a palpable sense of real optimism on the surface, even though there
is a just as real sense of anxiety that percolates in our stomach like
brewing coffee.
You could see that optimism on the faces of all the millions of
people that braved the cold in Washington to be part of, if not actually
see, President Obama’s inauguration. They traveled from around the
nation and the world to be part of it. It was important to many of our
fellow African-American citizens because our new president is a man
of color. In his success, they see the potential success of themselves
and, perhaps more importantly, their children. Regarding race, it was a
day that many thought they would never see in their lifetimes.
Obviously, it was not an entirely African American turn out.
There were multitudes of white, Latino, Asian and, I am sure, Native
Americans who were just as thrilled to share in this historic day in

American history. Barack Obama is a man of color, but he is first a
man and that is the point I want to make, as the forces of opposition
are now mounting their attacks against our optimism.
You know who I am taking about. Guys like Rush, who
suggest we are giving the President a pass because his father came
from Africa. Well Rush, his mother came from Kansas and he was
primarily raised by his white grandparents. I actually feel badly for
his mother and grandparents sometimes, as if their involvement in the
President’s life is marginalized by the color of his skin. As I stated
earlier, he is first a man,
in my opinion a very
Barack Obama is a man of
intelligent, articulate,
color, but he is first a man and moral man. He is this
that is the point I want to make man because of the
influence of his family,
among others, but I
believe it is always family that influences our futures most. In truth,
President Obama’s African father stepped out his life at a fairly early
age and unfortunately died young. Does that mean he didn’t influence
the President’s future? Of course not, but does the color of his skin
diminish the impact of his other parent or his grandparents.
For my part, as I have stated in other columns, I have always
referred to Barack Obama as our first mixed-race President, or a
man of color, not African American. In truth two races, and for me
that should be the true symbol of our optimism. He cannot be called
African American, he can not be called white, what we can call him is
American! A reaffirmation of the melting pot that America was once
so proud to claim as a quality. More importantly, he is an American
from a middle class family that rose to the highest office in the nation.
His is an American that loves his wife and is a devoted father. He is
an American that took a Harvard law degree and went to work as a
community organizer when he could have easily filled out the race
quota of a corporate firm. He is an American that decided to run at
one of the most difficult times in our nation’s history when he could
have stayed comfortably in the Senate and waited it out. My optimism
comes from the fact that I see him as a good man, an intelligent man, a
good American man.
So let’s drop the labels and give this new American President
the energy of our gathered optimism. Don’t let the race baiting and
negativity diminish the hope. Let’s revel in the diversity of this man,
but let’s revel first in the quality of the man. I hope his presidency
ushers in a new era in American politics, the era of color blindness.
Conservative Conscience
Conservative Political Commentary
by Tom Atkins
I Want My Money
and I Want It Now
Seven Point Eight Trillion. $7,800,000,000,000. Look at those zero’s! In a show
of truly bipartisan idiocy, that’s how much the Federal Treasury is forking out to
virtually every financial institution that shared Hank Paulson’s country club. Then
came GM, Chrysler, and the State of California with a hand out. And now Barack
Obama is proposing we add another trillion bucks. That makes $9 trillion. Even the
porn industry is lining up Frankly, if my daughter came home announcing her new
job, I’m not sure which institution would disappoint me worst.
So here’s my burning question: Instead of showering trillions to the very dolts
who screwed everything up in the first place, why doesn’t the government give that
money to me? And maybe 300 million of my closest friends, the American citizens?
Yeah…I thought that might make sense. So, I want my money, and I want it now.
First, let’s acknowledge how deep we are. The sub-prime mess didn’t merely
“lose money” that was collecting dust in bank vaults. We even lost money that didn’t
exist. Fannie Mae committed massive fraud on such a leveraged scale it hasn’t been
computed. Add in Wall Street credit swaps and derivative losses? We’re looking at
somewhere between $50-60 trillion. My business calculator literally doesn’t go that
high. So doesn’t it make sense to give all that government money to the people? Yes.
Not just morally, but economically.
Can you imagine the power of a $9 trillion tax cut? Banks, of course, would be
flooded with a cash rush, instantly solving their problem. And with all that ka-ch-
ing in their wallets, confident consumers will buy cars, homes, trinkets, baubles and
downloads to their hearts content. The economy would roar back to life instantly.
That’s why we need a Total Tax Moratorium.
But how about all that debt? Well, Treasury just gave away 7.8 trillion. (and
nothing happened!) What’s the difference? Besides, at this point, treasury investors
accept outrageous numbers. A tax cut offers them hope. Put that money into people’s
too full of love for comfort as he quickly added that we should “stay in touch” as he
wrote his cell number on his business card.
Okay, so am I the only one who thinks that we are watering down that very
special expression known as, “I love you.” And what ever happened to a simple hand-
shake? Do we actually have to kiss everyone we run into at a restaurant, the mall, the
supermarket? I have many dear friends that I kiss hello, even Harrington. But the guy
from the opening I hadn’t seen in six months and if he hadn’t given me his card, I
wouldn’t have even remembered his name.
This is too much! We beat everything to death trying to find a life. Well, get
one and love me
not! Like me, com-

Instead of showering trillions to the

pockets, and the economy
would go thermonuclear.
Learn, dear reader, love is like pliment me on my
outfit, particularly
very dolts who screwed everything We’d probably have to raise
taxes just to slow it down.
expensive perfume, great but my hat, tell me you
liked (or hated) my
up in the first place, why doesn’t the
government give that money to me?
Phase taxes in as the econo-
my grows, and we’d probably
not in excess. last column, but
please don’t tell me
pay off the debt inside of 10 you love me when
years, while enjoying im- you don’t even
mense prosperity. Instead of re-arranging the money pile, we’d grow it. know the names of my children or my home telephone number.
Other benefits? We get to rewrite the tax code. (Maybe a flat tax?) And we could Sure everyone loves me, everyone loves everyone, even the strangers who
eliminate those stupid government programs that don’t work. Lobbyists could go kiss me on both cheeks. Where are we, France? There, at least, it can be excused as a
pester someone else. No capital gains tax means businesses can create and expand, “cultural” expression. We throw love and kisses around like confetti on New Year’s
hiring more workers. No corporate taxes means lower prices and greater profits. Eve. Do we really love complete strangers? Do we really think they love us enough
Good for your 401k. And last, we could end all speculation as to the effect of tax that they’ll follow us to the car dealership for a tune-up on a snowy day and drive us
rates on the economy. home? Won’t happen baby! My long time, real friend Chris, who I do love, drove me
Unfortunately, we are led by a collection of economic fools. To solve this crisis, home.
Bush’s team tried corporate welfare. Obama is proposing government welfare. One Love is like Harrington’s favorite single malt scotch...not to be watered down!
is a band-aid, the other is hand cream. The patient is starving to death. The capitalist Learn, dear reader, love is like expensive perfume, great but not in excess. Shake
beast must be fed. hands with me folks or maybe just wave if you see me at the supermarket, especially if
Alas, there is a glimmer of hope. President Obama’s key economic advisor, Cal- you don’t even remember my name. Think when you end a letter or email with “Love”
Berkeley economist Christina Romer proved cutting one tax dollar creates $3 in the or “Love you” what you’re going to have left to say when you are communicating with
economy. A three year 9 trillion dollar tax cut would give a $27 trillion return. Over someone you actually do love. Adore might work, until the marketers and Oprah get
a decade, we could eliminate the entire national debt and create the best economy in a hold of it. But in truth, do you actually really “adore” me? Let’s let the words and
world history. expressions truly mean what they mean. There is true love, there is friendship love, but
This offers Obama a unique opportunity. He inherits a severe emergency with
few “outs.” Tossing a few dollars around the ‘hood won’t help. Wall Street and Main
Street must sing “Kumbaya.” Like Bill Clinton, who circumstantially found himself
cutting taxes, signing Welfare reform, and accidentally creating a good economy,
Obama can triangulate. His dilemma? Cuts taxes, and he doesn’t merely flip-flop.
He effectively surrenders the class warfare argument. But no tax cuts? No recovery.
Simple as that. As Inauguration Day arrives, the most liberal President in American
From Black and White
history may be forced into embracing the boldest possible conservative dream: mas- to Full Color
sive tax cuts.
So why not make the move? A short moratorium on taxes would create the best Letterheads • Envelopes • Forms
economy in world history. He could out-supply-side the Republicans and redefine
the Democrats. It certainly wouldn’t be the most radical thing he’s ever done. And he
Menus • Banners • Posters
might just get reelected as an American hero. Worked for Reagan. Flyers • Banners
Tom Adkins has left people laughing, crying, angry, but always thinking about the is- Business Cards • Journals • Books
sues. Beneath Tom’s ironic style, lies deep theoretical detail. Tom has been published
in the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Washington Times, City Paper, Insight, The Hill, and
Mugs • Magnets • Pens
often picked up via wire services in most major newspapers. He’s also appeared on Shirts • Hats • Sweatshirts
ABC’s “Politically Incorrect”, Fox “News Beyond the News”, “Hannity & Colmes”,
CN8’s “It’s Your Call” and numerous other shows. Tom resides in the Philadelphia
area, taking on liberals wherever he finds them. For more about or to contact Tom
please be sure to visit www.commonconservative.com.
All Your Art for All Your Projects
Under One Roof

AGC
Properly Improper
Commentary on All the NS Fuss
by Helene Bredes

Love Me NOT, Thank You!

So the editor who, thank goodness, has never said he loves me, asks me to
write about love for this issue. “It’ll be easy. Everyone loves you!” Obviously, that wry
Scottish sense of humor was in full bloom, or he was just being sarcastic as hell.
Design
Printing
It did actually sound easy...too easy! It is not like the subject hasn’t been writ-
ten about before. Then I reached into the purse I had with me at the Bliss Happy Hour
and found some guy’s business card. I had scrawled UGH across it, with a pen I had
631.363.0154 fax 363-3615
borrowed, ironically, from Harrington the night before. email agcprinting@yahoo.com
This guy had walked in, smiled broadly, and given me a big kiss with an even
bigger, “Helene, I love you, haven’t seen you since the opening at Gallery North.”
That particular opening was six months ago and this guy was just a bit too close and

10
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11
Romantic
North ShoreTables...
East to West 2009
by Douglas MacKaye Harrington
Editor’s Note: Lily and I went in search of this year’s romantic North Shore tables and came up with a few
more than we did last year. As always, these choices are completely subjective on our part and you may
have some favorite spots that we have overlooked. If so, let me know and we will take a look at them for next
year’s Valentine issue. All of the restaurants listed here have some very special plans for their customers
this Valentine’s Day. Some have special menus and seatings, some have live music and dancing, some have
special extras that might surprise you. Please call the restaurants directly to find out what they have to offer.
Don’t forget, this year the love day falls on a Saturday and many of the restaurants are celebrating all week-
end long. Happy Valentine’s Day! DMH

Blackwells Restaurant
Wading River 929-1800
Although probably covered in snow, the vistas from the library dining
room of this superb restaurant in the Great Rock Golf Course club-
house nestle this white linen establishment in complete seclusion. The
three separate dining areas are all remarkable in their own ways, but
the warm and wood paneled ambiance of the library caught our eye
this year and table 28 directly in front of the roaring fireplace is the
Brian Scotts Valentine table of choice.
Miller Place 331-4848
Along the historic thoroughfare that is North Country Road in Miller Place, this landmark home was
transformed into a restaurant decades ago as The Secret Road Inn. Now owned by celebrated North
Shore chef Brian Burner, this warm and cozy spot is like coming home, while eating out. A small
front dining room and a more expansive main dining room, walled in glass, with a view of the roman-
tic night sky make any table the right table this Valentine’s Day. However, totally enclosed and com-
pletely private, table 5 is without a doubt the place to pop the question or simply say, “I love you!”

Pace’s Steakhouse
Port Jefferson 331-9200
Our favorite Port Jefferson steakhouse makes the list for the
second year. Upscale and smart, for the carnivorous lovers
Pace’s boasts a marinade that is legendary, and the staff is
one of the most professional in the business. Always busy,
this harbor town eatery is the place to be in every season for
locals and tourists alike. Without a doubt, table 14 in front
of the candle illuminated fireplace remains our choice for
the most romantic table in this classic and tasteful restau-
rant. GM Bernie is the host with the most and if you are
lucky enough to get Frankie as your waiter, your Valentine
dining experience will be perfect.

Bliss Restaurant
Setauket 941-0430 The Country House
The French-American cuisine created by Chef Stony Brook, 751-3332
Danny Avalos (with touches of his own culinary Another second time choice as a must reservation for
heritage) is worth the trip alone. When you add to Valentine’s Day, the Zagat guide describes this historic
it the exuberant warmth of the management and restaurant as “A midsummer night’s dream come to
staff, the very urbane and understated Manhattan life!” Well deserved and rightly so, as it was voted
ambiance, and the smart and stylish crowd that Long Island’s most romantic restaurant in AOL’s City
frequents this popular nightspot, it is, indeed, pure Guide 2007. If you are so in love that you feel like
bliss! Cozy in the corner is the place to be with you are lost in a dream, this is the place to dream on
a full view of the dining room at table 20. Small and on and on! On top of all that the staff is charm-
and intimate, reservations are always suggested. ing and attentive and the food seasonally fresh and
extraordinary. Try and reserve one of the two tables in
the garden room, our choice is table 3.

12
 Pentimento
Stony Brook, 689-7755
Earth toned sponge painted walls, beautiful and classic European Cocktail Art
Posters, and a reputation for some of the finest Italian food in the country has
given Chef Dennis Young’s restaurant its well deserved longevity. Exemplary
and detailed service under the watchful eye of Lisa Cusamano will guarantee
an very special Valentine’s evening at this beautiful and understated Stony
Brook favorite. Our choice for the most romantic spot is table 15.

Panama Hatties
Huntington Station 351-1727
A Zagat Top Spot and we couldn’t agree more.
The reputation of this very desired reserva-
tion is well deserved. Don’t let the strip-mall
location throw you, once inside you’ll melt
into the perfectly lit ambiance of this taste-
fully decorated and professionally staffed
restaurant. The American cuisine served at PH
has never lost it luster and is considered some
of the best on the Island. There are several
romantic tables, but we suggest corner table 3
in the front dining room.

Honu Kitchen & Cocktails

Huntington 421-6900
Breathtaking may be the only word to describe this extraordinarily
striking restaurant. Crystal chandeliers from the enormously high ceil-
ing hang like suspended galaxies over the expansive, yet warm, dining
room. The lengthy bar and its beautiful backdrop makes one wonder
why anyone actually would even want a table. The critically acclaimed
small plate, seasonal menu put this restaurant on the fast track to be one
of Long Island’s hottest destinations. And yes, the tables are worth a
walk to from the bar, try one of the fireplace tables 40-45...we like 42!

Cafe Buenos Aires

Huntington 603-3600
Tango into this Argentinian landmark and you will not be disappointed. The ethnic
food and exotic flavor of the ambiance makes you feel like a cast member of Evita.
The bar is busy, as is the dining room in a restaurant whose unique cuisine draws
patrons from far and wide in search of some South American flare. With a view of
the bar and a peek at the street, our pick for a romantic table here is table 43.

Grasso’s
Cold Spring Harbor 367-6060
One of the last great jazz spots on Long Island, the eponymous Gail
Grasso has as heartfelt a dedication to live jazz as she does to fine cuisine
and excellent service. A Main Street must in Cold Spring Harbor for many
years, this Italian trattoria is a local favorite, but draws patrons from Man-
hattan on a nightly basis. The lineup of musicians is a jazz Who’s Who,
but our favorite is singer Ernie Bird. For a great, romantic view of the
music we suggest table 44.

13
14
15
 Romantic
EDITOR’S NOTE:
As our North Shore winter is upon us, it does seem too cold to do
many things. But what of love and romance? Should either ever be put on
hold because of wind and weather, season or snow? Admittedly, all that
know me know that I am a hopeless romantic. I cherish romance and hold
fast to it in the face of all adversity, even the foulest of weather. Despite
what the cynics may say, more than money, possessions, or status, love is
what truly drives the joy in all of us. Love is that difficult to define emotion
that can unravel all other ambitions, or bring them into pure clarity. Many
an Irish couple have walked the Quays of the River Liffy in Dublin and
looked at a full Valentine’s moon from the Ha’ Penny Bridge in February.
The cold of winter doesn’t prevent lovers, young and old, in Paris from
finding a cozy bench and kissing alongside the Seine. On the briskest of
British days, couples stroll the Thames in London hand in hand.
Of course, I reference here old, romantic European cities whose
Miller Place Pond - Romer
Ashley Wine & Andrew Wilkey,
Huntington Harbor - Councill
16
Winter Strolls
banks have been walked for centuries. Patroned by peasants and kings, po-
ets and prostitutes, merchants and millionaires, love and passion is the only
common denominator. Well, we may not have a single, quayed romantic
river that runs the entire length of the North Shore, but we have our harbors
and ponds, inlets and estuaries.
For your consideration, we offer some suggested locations in this
photo spread created by Robert Romer and Janelle Brooke Councill. Turn
off the TV, put down the magazine (even ours), get out of the house and take
the hand of the one you love, or hope to love, and stroll a watery sunset or
dawn this winter. Wrap you arms around them and pull them close as you
take in the romantic vistas that are purely North Shoreian. Whether young or
old, find a romantic bench and make-out like crazy fools in love. I promise,
your lips will not freeze together, but I guarantee, your heart will skip a beat
and you will be left breathless by the passion of that perfect winter kiss.
DMH
Stony Brook Harbor - Romer
Dana Indelicato & Erik McCormack,
Northport Harbor - Councill
and Kissing Benches Photo Essay
by
Robert Romer and Janelle Brooke Councill

Setauket Inlet - Romer

Cedar Beach,
Mt. Sinai Harbor - Romer

Frank Melville Jr. Park, Setauket - Romer

Port Jefferson Harbor - Romer

Melissa Rosen &

Rich Toscani
on Crab Meadow Beach,
Centerport - Councill
17
 Brian Scotts
AMERICAN RESTAURANT
Where Dining out. . .
is like coming home!

Now accepting reservations

for Valentine’s Day
Special Menu at three seatings
5, 7, & 9 P.M.
Happy Hour • Thursday & Friday • 4 - 7 P.M.
NORTH COUNTRY ROAD, MILLER PLACE
631-331-4848 • www.brianscotts.com

BrianScott_Val_Feb09.indd 1 1/29/2009 10:00:20 PM

1
 of on-stage audience seats. The effect of this choice is that not only does the audi-
ence see the actors on stage, but they see themselves watching the action as well.
Sixth Row on the Aisle We also see quite a bit of the horses Alan Strang loves so much. The six
horses that appear in the story are played by men clothed in platform shoes fitted
Theatre Criticism and Commentary with horseshoes and wearing stylized horse head masks. The illusion of horses is
achieved through careful movement work (choreographed by Fin Walker), in which
Elizabeth Bojsza the men mimic the twitching, hoof scraping and braying that is the essence of the
equine. Director Thea Sharrock has made the horses a major presence on stage, mak-
ing them a physical manifestation of the god-like omniscience with which Strang
Equus Begets the Career of imbues them.
In this production, the audience is taken on a journey with Dysart as our guide.
a Rising Star We get to know Alan Strang as Dysart did: who at first was
only able to talk at the boy, who would spout commercial
Many of you have heard about the production of Equus jingles instead of responding to questions. Gradually, the
currently running on Broadway. Written in the 70s by Peter psychologist earns the boy’s trust and encourages Alan to
Shaffer, who also wrote Amadeus, Equus focuses on the relive his memories, which are then played out on stage. We
struggle of a psychologist to uncover and come to terms with also get more clues from Dysart’s interviews with the stable
the driving force behind a young man’s brutal act of animal manager and Alan’s parents. We discover that not only is
cruelty. Doesn’t ring a bell? Okay, maybe I should have Alan willful, he is smart too, and he has created a private
started with the sensational: this is the show in which Daniel devotion to horses that becomes nothing short of his religion.
Radcliffe (yes, the actor who became the face of Harry Potter) (I don’t want to give too much away in terms of plot sum-
bears it all. “Oh, THAT Broadway production,” you might be mary, because if you are not familiar with this play already I
saying. want you to have the opportunity to discover Alan’s motives
But this not a mere gimmick on the part of the producers yourself).
and casting director, as many skeptics initially touted. Or if In the playwright’s note in the program, Shaffer speaks
it was, they struck oil. Nineteen-year-old Radcliffe, whom to his initial hesitation to reviving the play 35 years from its
the world has seen change from a boy into a young man in the Harry Potter mov- premiere. Much has changed in the field of psychology and he was concerned that
ies, is extremely well cast as Alan Strang, an isolated teenager on the cusp of sexual Dysart’s approach to treating Alan Strang might date the play and therefore make it
awakening. There is not a trace of the bold young wizard in Radcliffe’s portrayal less accessible to current audiences. From my observation, the costumes were quite
of Strang, who vividly recounts and even relives Strang’s most private moments neutral and the set is so stylized that it was not clear if the production team had tried
of obsession, pleasure, and shame. Reviewers of the to update the story to the present or leave it set in the
London production and this current Broadway run echo 1970s, but it somehow doesn’t matter. One can only
similar sentiments: They entered the theatre expecting Nineteen-year-old Radcliffe, whom the assume that this ambiguity was intentional. The story is
an average performance from an on-screen superstar, world has seen change from a boy into a inspired by a very specific crime, but is really an explora-
and left convinced of Radcliffe’s talents. In accepting young man in the Harry Potter movies, is tion of the human psyche and spirit beyond the histori-
this role in Shaffer’s psycho-sexual drama, Radcliffe
seems to have found the perfect vehicle to broaden his
extremely well cast as Alan Strang. cal incident. With this revival, Equus has proven that it
withstands the test of time. Equus runs through February
career—equally as removed from the fantasy genre as it 8th at the Broadhurst theatre.
is from a smoking and boozing “bad boy” role.
As psychologist Martin Dysart (played powerfully by Richard Griffiths) looks Elizabeth Bojsza is a dramaturg, director, and teacher. She has worked profes-
back at the toughest, most enlightening case of his career, he steps in and out of his sionally in New York City, Long Island, and in community-based theatre. Elizabeth
memory scenes on a minimal set. Four rectangular blocks are shifted by the actors to currently teaches theatre at Stony Brook University, where she earned her MFA in
create all of the locations in the play. In the original concept (described in Shaffer’s dramaturgy in 2004, and is the Literary Associate for Young Playwrights Inc, a the-
stage directions) the ensemble of actors also sit on stage to watch the action, but atre company dedicated to fostering the development of playwrights 18 years of age
stage designer John Napier has morphed that concept of “witnessing” into a gallery and younger. www.youngplaywrights.org.

19

The Improper Cinephile #13
Film Criticism and Commentary
Michael X. Zelenak (Member RPSL)
Guess Who’s Coming to the
Inauguration?
Black and White in Hollywood
Besides its entertainment and artistic values, film provides an unparalleled
sociological documentation of its audiences and their values. Race is a giant scar
that runs through the American consciousness and,
not surprisingly, film, the American art form, has a
complex and checkered history in its depictions of
relationships between blacks and whites. For de-
cades Hollywood settled for uncritical replications
of American segregation and the racial ideology un-
der which it thrived. Not until the crest of the Civil
Rights Movement of the 1960s did Hollywood fi-
nally begin to critically examine this issue head-on.
Since then, a plethora of films have come at the race
issue from every direction.
The most important landmark in American
film history, D.W. Griffith’s introduction of mon-
tage and the full-length feature in The Birth of a
The late 1950s saw the
arrival of the “Barack
Obama of American cin-
ema” in Sidney Poitier.
Nation (1915), for all its greatness, is so shamefully
marred by the theme of white supremacy in its sec-
ond-half as to make it difficult to watch today. In
the Civil War epic’s depiction of postwar Recon-
struction, blacks are literally depicted as barefoot,
fried-chicken-eating animals that steal, pillage and
seek to rape white women with gleeful abandon.
The ending of the film is perhaps Griffith’s most
distinctive and powerful montage sequence as the
Ku Klux Klan (to the orchestral strains of Wagner’s
“Ride of the Valkyrie”) swarm to the rescue of the
threatened white virginity of the pubescent Lillian Gish. Al-
most as outrageous as the content is the fact that the rabid
blacks are all played by white actors in black-face. Griffith,
the son of a confederate soldier, was no philosopher, and
his film followed his source material uncritically; the novel
and play “The Clansman” by the Rev. Thomas Dixon. The
NAACP organized demonstrations and several big cities,
like Pittsburgh, pulled the film, and five states banned it out-
right. Ironically, the Klan had ceased to exist by 1915. The
film’s success led to its rebirth, and in 1924 over 100,000
hooded Klansmen proudly paraded through our nation’s
capitol across the very spot from which 40 years later more
than a quarter-million Civil Rights marchers would hear
Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech in 1963. er.
From the 1920s through 1950s, the American film
industry accommodated itself to the social realities of segre-
gation and Jim Crow laws. Most theatres and movie-houses
were segregated (in some cities blacks were allowed seating
in the balcony of white theatres). Hollywood films featured
all-white actors, with blacks occasionally passing through
the scenes as bell-hops, shoe-shine boys, short-order cooks,
chauffeurs or train-porters. Historical films set in the south
often had large-black supporting casts, but in the roles of
mammies, field and house Negroes, slaves and servants,
such as the Bette Davis triumph Jezebel (1938, dir. William
Wyler), set in pre-Civil War New Orleans, which actually had more black than white
actors. Hattie McDaniel was the first black to receive an Academy Award, for the
20
“Mammy” role in Gone With the Wind (1939, dir. Victor Fleming). More common,
however were the dim-witted antics of comics like Stepin Fetchit (the first black to
receive featured billing in an American film) which could interrupt a movie at any
moment to provide laughs and “comic relief.” By the 1940s a few light-skinned black
performers started to gain acceptance to white audiences, e.g. Lena Horne in Stormy
Weather (1943).
The most noticeable thing, however, about the treatment of black and white
relations in Hollywood films was its lack of treatment. Hollywood produced several
films that had a “colored angle,” such as Imitation of Life (1934) and Pinky (1949,
dir. Elia Kazan), nominated for three Academy Awards. Both films portray a light-
skinned black woman who “passes” for white. Kazan’s film, in the late 1940s-50s
“problem-film” tradition, gives a fairly accurate portrayal of racism and its effects. A
young light-skinned African American woman (the white actress Jeanne Crain) has
returned south from nursing school in Chicago, where for the first time she had “been
treated like a human being.” She rejects her mother (Ethel Waters, in the mammy role)
and wants to leave her past and skin color behind by
returning north to marry a white doctor. In the end,
she decides to stay and open a health clinic for the
poor: “You can change your name, but I wonder if
you can change what you really are inside.”
The master artist of film melodrama, Douglas Sirk,
remade Imitation of Life in 1959, and the result is
still controversial. Without any overt commentary
Sirk meticulously depicts the unspoken racial dou-
ble standard of American society. The white “star,”
Lana Turner, a troubled actress who rises to wealth
and stardom, chews through the scenery oblivious
to the problems of her huge-hearted nanny (Juanita
Moore, Academy Award nomination) and her light-
skinned daughter, Sarah Jane (part-Hispanic Susan
Kohner, who won the Golden Globe), who wants
to be “white.” Kohner and her problems are con-
trasted with Turner’s All-American daughter (San-
dra Dee). Sirk starkly, but matter-of-factly, presents
white racism and the inbred self-loathing forced
upon African Americans. When Sarah Jane’s boy-
friend (teenage heart-throb Troy Donahue) finds out
that she is part black, he brutally beats her for her
presumption. Sarah Jane insists: “I’m white, too. If
I have to be colored, I want to die. I want to have a
chance in life. I don’t want to have to come through
back doors.” She escapes her racial identity by run-
ning off to become a “white” chorus girl and bar
room dancer. The film is unflinching melodrama,
with no directorial commentary, and was one of the
biggest box office hits of the year.
The late 1950s saw the arrival of the “Barack
Obama of American cinema” in Sidney Poitier.
Poiter totally transformed both white and black
Americans’ racial stereotypes in a series of brilliant
film performances. Here was a handsome, confident, articu-
late and strong but non-threatening black man. In Stanley
Kramer’s The Defiant Ones (1958), as Noah Cullen, he finds
himself shackled to the racist “bo-hunk” John “Joker” Jack-
son (Tony Curtis), as they escape from a chain-gang and
are forced on the lam together. Even though Curtis never
even learns Poitier’s name (he simply calls him “nigger” and
then later “colored”), they both learn a grudging respect for
one another and finally bond as friends. The film received
ten Academy Award nominations and was so popular it re-
ceived a “Merrie Melodies” cartoon parody D’Fightin’ Ones
(1961), where Sylvester the Cat and Hector the Bulldog find
themselves chained together while escaping the dog-catch-
1967 was the watershed year which produced two films
that seared into America’s consciousness---Stanley Kram-
er’s Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner? and Norman Jewi-
son’s In the Heat of the Night, each by Jewish-American
directors and each featuring Poitier, who had already won
an Oscar as Best Actor in Lilies of the Field (1963), which
presented a remarkably integrated portrait of the American
south-west. Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner? paired one of
America’s iconic screen duos for the last time (Katherine
Hepburn and Spencer Tracy). The film (nominated for eight
Academy Awards) was a splash of cold water in the faces
of “progressive” white audiences who believed that racism
was confined to the backwaters of the deep south. Spencer Tracy’s (he died shortly
after the film wrapped) Matt Drayton is “a lifelong fighting liberal who loathes race
prejudice” and a member of San Francis- ages of the Klan, we are brought closer to images of Nazis in Eastern Europe. Even
co’s wealthy social elite. But he and wife if scenes in the film are “over the top,” it’s hard to know what that really means. As
Hepburn find that they have “a sort of a actor Ving Rhames notes: “Nigger. It’s just another word for guilty.” As both fact
situation here” when pampered daugh- and metaphor, the lurid images of the film project the lynchings and hundreds of
ter (Katharine Houghton) returns from acts of racial hatred that mar our heritage. In 1993 the Florida Legislature granted
college engaged to Dr. John Prentice millions of dollars in compensation to the survivors of the racial murders in Rose-
(Poitier). The film has many reversals wood. The late 1980s also saw the emergence of Spike Lee, one of America’s most
of expectation as the couple meets a wild important directors. Lee is not only a great director, but a superb actor and an often
twist of obstacles, not the least of which more brilliant screenwriter. His ear for dialogue and his ability to sharply distill
are Poitier’s parents’ objections and the the rhythms of speech make him an urban
outrageously memorable comments of the American George Bernard Shaw. Like
Drayton’s black maid Tillie Binks (Isabel Shaw, some of his work has been uneven,
Sanford): “Civil Rights is one thing. This and especially in recent years he has be-
here is something else.” At one point, she come prone to Black Muslim didacticism
describes Poitier as “one of those smooth- (which marred the last third of the amaz-
talking smart-ass niggers.” Poitier and his ing epic Malcolm X, 1992), but he has al-
white fiancée dream of a day when their ready created a body of remarkable films.
mixed race “child will be president of the Do the Right Thing (1989) which he di-
United States.” 41 years later a similar rected, produced, wrote and starred in, is
event, unthinkable even a few years ago, a masterpiece of American cinema. Set
would actually happen, even though at the on a single block of Stuyvesant Avenue
time interracial marriage was illegal in 23 of Brooklyn’s Bed-Stuy neighborhood,
states. Frank Rich in a November 1 ar- he creates a microcosm of the American
ticle in The New York Times has already racial urban landscape. The only busi-
pointed out the historic ironies and similarities to Poitier’s role and that of nesses in the neighborhood are Sal’s
current president-elect Barack Obama. Even more blisteringly contempo- Famous Pizzeria and a Korean-owned
rary was In the Heat of the Night (Academy Award for Best Picture). Al- convenience store, and none of the lo-
though Poitier had the starring role with top billing, Rod Steiger gave an ex- cals seem to have jobs except Mookie
traordinary career-defining role (and Best Actor Oscar) as police Chief Bill (Lee), Sal’s (Danny Aiello) 28-year-old
Gillespie of Sparta, Mississippi. A dead body leads Gillespie’s “cracker” minimum-wage delivery boy, himself
Keystone cops to arrest a black man at a train station, suspicious because the unmarried father of a mixed-race
he’s “dressed in white man’s clothes” (a coat-and-tie). The black man turns child by Tina (Rosie Perez). The mythic
out to be Homicide Detective Virgil Tibbs (Poitier) from Philadelphia, PA. Sal’s Famous Pizzeria is a white Italian
Instead of a jail-cell, Tibbs becomes involved in and takes the lead in the American island in an African American
murder investigation, much to the amazement and anger of the local rac- and Puerto Rican sea. Sal’s racist son
ist elites and hoi-polloi. A pretty standard Pino (John Turturro) hates the neighbor-
murder-mystery melodrama is turned by hood and the people: “Everyday I come
Poitier and especially Steiger into a densely to work it’s like Planet of the Apes.” The
textured character study of two men trying action spans a single typical but tragically
to do their jobs while also forced to confront eventful day in the midst of a record-setting
their personal demons of racial stereotypes. heat wave. Lee’s brash imaginative sweep
Of course, Poitier finally solves the murder, shows a bold mastery of camera work, edit-
but not before standing up to local Klans- ing, music, and action. The script creates
men and in a landmark scene, slapping-back a range of performance styles from natural-
in the face, racist white cotton Baron, Eric istic ensemble acting to choral stylization
Endicott (Larry Gates). Both men earn a and bravura linguistic arias. The pounding
grudging, but deeply-felt respect for each rhythm of the gangster-rap song “Fight the
other after a terrifying glimpse at the true Power” by Public Enemy, echoes through-
depth of the American racial divide. The out the film. Lee peoples his world with an
1980s and 90s saw a huge surge of films that amazing array of fantastically real memo-
treated American racism from every direc- rable characters, from Mookie, Sal and his
tion. A major genre was the “Liberal White two sons, Radio Raheem (Bill Nunn), Da
Guilt” films, where white directors and Mayor (Ossie Davis), Sister Mother (Ruby
mostly white protagonists dealt with horrif- Dee), Buggin’ Out (Giancarlo Esposito) to
ic events manipulated to allow their largely the chorus of Sweet Dick Willie, ML and
white audiences a purgation of their real or Coconut Sid. The neighborhood gnarls
imagined social guilt: Mississippi Burning with racial tensions on a razor’s edge, wait-
(1988, dir. Alan Parker), Murder in Missis- ing for a flame and any stray wind to ignite
sippi (1989), A Time to Kill (1996, dir. Joel it. A minor misunderstanding turns short
Schumacher), Ghosts of Mississippi (1996, tempers and misplaced anger into an apoca-
dir. Rob Reiner), Amistad (1999, dir. Spiel- lyptic frenzy of violence.
berg) and The Hurricane (2000, dir. Jewi- “There is no end in sight for the heat
son). Race is a highly charged issue, and as wave” DJ Mister Señor Love Daddy (Sam-
we all should have learned, one that can be uel L. Jackson), another choric presence,
easily fanned and twisted by emotions, and pipes out as the neighborhood cleans up
several of these films border on either overt from the latest riot and senseless murder.
reverse racism (Ghosts of Mississippi) or Almost as great a film, Jungle Fever (1991),
naïve imbecility (Amistad). Director John again written, produced, and co-starring
Singleton had powerfully depicted the cri- Lee, sets off a series of seismic explosions
sis facing inner-city black youth in Boys’ N when a married black architect from Harlem
the Hood (1991), and in 1997 would drama- (Wesley Snipes) begins a passionate affair
tize one of America’s least-known and most with an Italian American secretary (Anna-
shameful outbursts of racial hatred and vio- bella Sciorra). Lee has the courage to deal
lence in Rosewood. Rosewood, Florida was openly with racism and racial stereotypes
a prosperous middle class town where blacks from every direction and in every form,
owned their own homes and businesses un- black and white. Don’t watch Lee if you
til January 2, 1923, when neighboring whites went on a racial rampage, massacring can’t deal with reality served up double espresso, in black and white. Another recent
dozens of black men and women and burning every home to the ground. Forget im- film, writer-director Paul Haggis’ Crash (2004, nominated for six Academy Awards,

21
 I
the same year he wrote Million Dollar Baby) is a perfect bookend to Spike Lee’s
Do the Right Thing. Both are episodically structured, and in each the melting-pot
becomes a boiling-kettle, but instead of the grimy streets of Brooklyn where all races
daily confront and brush up against each other, Crash is set in sprawling Los Angeles,
Practicalities of
where the city on wheels insulates the races behind the metal barriers of cars and free-
ways. A crash sets off an exploration where everyone “loses their frame of reference”
the Surviving Artist
and leads to a total breakdown of the social contract as every race turns on each other- By Joseph Shortsle
--black, white, Asian, Hispanic, Middle-Eastern. The all-star multi-ethnic characters
(Sandra Bullock, Don Cheadle, Matt Dillon, Jennifer Esposito, “Ludacris,” Brendan
Fraser) and the audience are forced to confront the same powerful question, one that Return to Music, Recorder Style
continues to haunt America as a repetitive refrain and seemingly inescapable leitmotif: This is article is co-published with The North Shoreian by BeYourArt.
“You think you know who you are? You have no idea!” com, a website dedicated to providing business resources to artists.

Michael Zelenak received his doctorate from Yale University in Dramaturgy and I’m writing this for everyone who wants to play music, and especially for
Criticism. He worked with Martin Scorsese as dramaturg on the Academy-Award- those who used to play but gave it up to focus on other things. Making music is
winning Age of Innocence (Columbia Pictures, 1993). His Gender and Politics in fun and satisfying, but it can be a daunting prospect starting out. Assuming you can
Greek Tragedy (Peter Lang) recently was reprinted in a second edition. He is As- already read music at a basic level, major concerns are usually the cost of buying an
sociate Professor in the Theatre Arts department at Stony Brook University, where instrument, deciding whether or not to take lessons, and finding opportunities to play
he teaches theatre and film history. the music that you enjoy. If these concerns are what are stopping you from pursuing
music, either as a hobby or more seriously, I suggest you consider learning to play
the recorder.
I understand that the recorder carries with it a certain stigma - most of us
recall the terrible screeching and whistling that was part of our elementary school
musical education. The recorder is ideal as a beginning instrument because the
DVD Pick of the Month fundamentals of the instrument are easy to grasp. That’s not to say that the recorder
is a “simple” instrument. It is just as nuanced and faceted as many of our modern
Title: White Dog instruments
Director: Samuel Fuller and an expan-
Year of Release: 1982 The recorder is ideal as a beginning instrument sive repertoire
DVD Publication Date: December 2, 2008 because the fundamentals of the instrument are of both solo
Publisher: The Criterion Collection # 455 and ensemble
Retail Price: $29.95
easy to grasp. That’s not to say that the re- works has been
corder is a “simple” instrument. written for the
Sam Fuller, the brash pulp poet of auteur directors, following the commer- instrument.
cial success of his war epic The Big Red One (1980), was handed a large budget Recorders
to film the novel “White Dog,” about a rabid canine who had been trained to are far more
attack and terrorize blacks. Hoping to duplicate the success of recent hysteria- affordable than most student instruments, as well. You can pick up a good set of
horror exploitation films, Paramount plastic Yamaha recorders (called a consort and comprised of a soprano, alto, tenor,
was hoping for a “Jaws with Paws.” and bass recorder) for what you might expect to pay for a decent trumpet or clarinet.
Instead Fuller delivered a blister- There’s another reason for my suggesting the recorder, too. Long Island
ing over-the-top moral indictment is home to many local and amateur ensembles, including a chapter of the American
of American racism that was pulled Recorder Society. RSLI, the Recorder Society of Long Island, “consists of a group
from release after only a single pre- of music-loving recorder players of all ages and levels, ranging from beginner to
view. Kristy McNichol played the advanced,” according to Margaret Brown, former President of RSLI. The musical
young struggling actress Julie Saw- director is Rachel Begley, but each month features a different guest conductor. Ms.
yer who adopts the wounded stray Begley is a professional recorder artist who holds a Doctorate of Musical Arts in
animal. After hunting down and rip- recorder and early music from SUNY, Stony Brook. (See the Sound Waves column
ping apart a black man in a church on page.) RSLI has been in existence since the 1970’s and currently counts around
underneath a stained glass window 30 full-time members that, “represent a broad spectrum of careers and professions
of St. Francis of Assisi (protector … includ[ing] teachers, physicians, scientists, homemakers, lawyers, information
of animals), McNichol takes the technology people, college professors, and artists.”
all-white German shepherd to the Music does not have to be a full-time profession. You can add a little music
animal shelter “Noah’s Ark,” run by to your life with a modest financial investment and a little practice at home. Dues for
Carruthers (Burl Ives) and his trainer the American Recorder Society are $40 per year and RSLI charges $10 per session as
Keys (Paul Winfield). Winfield be- a playing fee (which compensates the guest conductors for their time). Visitors and
comes obsessed with the re-training new-comers are invited to play “for free” on their first visit. The RSLI meets once a
of man’s best friend whose instincts month and is invaluable both for guidance (ask to be paired with a mentor if you’re
have been twisted and polluted by feeling unsure of yourself) and for being able to play with a full ensemble. I can
racism, constructing a huge caged arena where man (in heavily armored gear) speak from experience that RSLI’s members are welcoming, generous, and genuinely
and dog fight it out through a series of gladiatorial re-programming combats. want you to succeed.
Winfield’s character, an obvious double for director Fuller, re-educates the dog Exploring music is a worthwhile and fulfilling activity. Don’t be afraid to
step by step until he has cured him of his hatred of blacks. When he is finally test the waters! Inquire about affordable lessons at your local music store or college
un-leashed to display his de-programming, the dog licks the hands of Winfield campus, check online for affordable instruments, and check the bulletin boards at
but then quickly turns and brutally attacks the white Burl Ives. libraries and community centers for beginner’s courses. If you’ve been looking for
The country was so confused and racially polarized in 1982 that the film an opportunity to play music casually, or if you’ve been looking for opportunities
got mistakenly dubbed “racist” and never released in America, but was criti- to play early music repertoire, I urge to you to go www.rsli.info and contact RSLI.
cally acclaimed in Paris and did a respectable box office in Europe. Only a You’ll find that Long Island is home to a wonderful and supportive group of musi-
single print survived, which was shown at a New York film seminar in 1991. cians who “just like to have fun playing together.”
Criterion’s digital restoration has saved the film for posterity, bundled with a
number of interviews and extras. Incidentally, most of the film’s budget went Joseph Shortsle is originally from Michigan. He completed his studies in music there
to extensive animal training and stunt work by five separate similar-looking before moving to Long Island to explore its vibrant artistic community. He writes The
dogs under the supervision of Karl Miller, who went on to become Holly- North Shoreian’s monthly music column, Sound Waves.
wood’s top animal trainer in films such as Babe (1995). Fuller was never one
for subtlety. The film’s message keeps slamming in the face, but it contains
some absolutely remarkable visuals and amazing camera-work.
-The Improper Cinephile

22
 performs medieval, renaissance, baroque and modern music, as well as arrange-
ments of traditional/world music, and their collection of instruments numbers more
Sound Waves than two dozen recorders from makers around the world.” They have appeared in
concert throughout the New York tri-state area, and have performed with prestigious
North Shore Music Review and Commentary
ensembles including the world-renowned Flanders Recorder Quartet. Their concerts
Joseph Shortsle have earned them both local “… and national acclaim and in 2004 they were featured
in the inaugural New York Early Music Celebration, and appeared in concert at the
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.”
As a performer, Begley is always aware of her influence over the audience.
Rachel Begley “When I’m playing … I try to bring some passion into it.” She understands that the
NS Recorder Virtuoso audience will respond to the intensity of the performance and it’s that intensity that
can enrapture even today’s over-stimulated audiences. In her words, she strives for a
dramatic performance. “I do love drama because it engages people in that moment.”
Appearing with prestigious orchestras and ensembles, teaching aspiring In her performance of “Daniel” at the Cloisters this past December she was, “In cos-
musicians, and traveling to and fro to perform, one North Shore resident is always tume! I sing, I dance, I play - all from memory. Each time it’s performed it’s a new
seeking out the new and exciting. Rachel Begley is a recorder virtuoso and freelance interpretation because there’s much improvisation. Even the rhythm is un-noted.
musician living in Port Jefferson Station, but performing and teaching throughout Whatever I performed today will not be what happens tomorrow.” It’s exactly this
Long Island and the United States. type of dramatic role that she searches for, and she knows that the audiences searches
For Begley, early music has always held a special interest. She began for it as well. “I think that’s why people love opera, there is music plus.”
her studies in Begley doesn’t have much of a routine, preferring to do what she finds inter-
England, but esting. In addition to her performing career, Rachel teaches privately and at festivals
moved to the
United States “Generally, whatever I’m do- and workshops in the US and Europe, and is Music Director for the Recorder Society
of Long Island. As Music Director for RSLI her goal, “is to provide stimulating and
for Graduate
work, eventually ing is what I want to be doing.” varied opportunities for players,” and, “to provide an interesting program of opportu-
nities for players of all levels.” She has a warmth and a humor about her that makes
earning her Doc- her very approachable. Working with students and workshop participants, she can
tor of Musical answer questions and tell jokes almost simultaneously and never seems to lose sight
Arts degree in of the goal. Her demeanor is not snobbish or elitist. Instead, she approaches music
recorder and with a cross between business-like professionalism and the easygoing spirit of a sum-
early music from SUNY Stony Brook in 1997. She is a recorder virtuoso, but also mer picnic.
plays historical bassoon (baroque and classical). “Older ones [bassoons] have a
different number of keys,” she explains, referring to the number of finger holes Joseph Shortsle is originally from Michigan. He completed his studies in music
of the older bassoons compared to the number of keys on a modern bassoon. She there before moving to Long Island to explore its vibrant artistic community.
slips seamlessly into being the educator without breaking the humorous and casual
nature of the conversation. She continues, “The older ones don’t have keys. Modern
ones have keys that solve
some of the problems.” It
seems that the baroque
and classical instruments
experienced peculiarities in
intonation which resulted
in unique tonal colors when
the instrument was played
in different key centers.
“Composers took advan-
tage of the tone colors and
wrote for the instrument
with them in mind.”
Begley’s studies
in the United States began
at Indiana University’s
Early Music Institute. She
moved to New York to
pursue her Doctorate and
has been based here since.
She is active as both soloist
and orchestral player, and
appears regularly with such
ensembles as the New York
Philharmonic, New York
City Opera, the American
Classical Orchestra, New
York Collegium, Concert Royal, the Long Island Baroque Ensemble, and Philomel.
She has performed as a soloist at the prestigious Boston and Berkeley Early Music
Festivals, in addition to performing concertos and giving recitals across the country.
She co-founded the New Amsterdam Recorder Trio which, “… was founded in 2001
by three recorder virtuosi, from England, Israel and the Netherlands, now living in
New York.” Their name is taken from the original name for New York, and it also
reflects both the more recent recognition of Amsterdam as the “recorder capital” of
the world and their desire to break new ground in the art of recorder playing.
Her musical interests are not greatly restricted by the period in which her
instruments flourished. “I swing through phases,” she says. “This precise weekend
I’m in the 12th century because I’m performing ‘Daniel’ at the Cloisters. Last week
I was in the 18th century. Generally, whatever I’m doing is what I want to be doing.”
She finds that being a freelance musician gives her the freedom to go where the
opportunities are best. “You do pick and choose [from] what comes your way. I do
enjoy more interesting projects.”
With NewART she gets to explore a broad range of material. “… NewART

23

One Year
Strong!
A Look Back
On Our First Volume
Although not yet named, The “Improper” North Shore-
ian was officially created out of a cocktail conversation I had
with my friend Nancy Weeks, telling her of the idea I had for
a local publication. Sometime after, I told my friend and pub-
lishing partner, Charlie McKenna, that I had a very editorially
specific plan for a North Shore magazine. At first, I wanted to
create a publication to serve the Port Jefferson/Three Village
demographic, “Let’s drop 5,000 copies in this area and make
it something so visually beautiful, demographically specific
and thought-provoking that literally everyone will want to
pick it up!” He said, “Let’s double the circulation and drop
from Northport, where I grew up, to Port Jefferson!” Well, we
did! Thanks to the support of our readers, our advertisers, our
families, good friends, and all the brilliant writers and artists
that make this magazine happen, we are actually celebrating
our 1st Anniversary. And only a year later, we now serve a
demographic from Cold Spring Harbor in the west to Baiting
Hollow in the east with an estimated readership of 40,000.
On a very specific level, Charlie and I would like to thank
our loves, Cyndi and Lily, our children, Associate Publisher
Nancy Weeks, Art Director Tom Reid, Associate Art Director
Gala Scibelli, Events Editor Marie Ann Mordeno, Photography
Editor Robert Romer, Advertising Editors Dylan Sullivan and
Laura Kessler, and our Ambassadors-at-Large Helene Bredes,
Patty Yantz, and Chris Oster.
Here is a brief overview of the evolution of the magazine
through the first twelve issues with a sampling of selected
article excerpts.
the
I-1: The Holday Issue North ShoreiaN a MagaziNe of North Shore artS, Culture & PolitiCS
The very first editorial started
when, before we even had a print
date, I got Mike Zelenak, Nancy
Weeks, our Photography Editor
Bob Romer and myself unlim-
ited-access press passes for The
Hamptons International Film
Festival based on my years as
Cover doc.indd 1
Editor-in-Chief of The Improper
Hamptonian.. Before we ever had a dime to actually create
the magazine you are reading now, some of the most creative
and inventive editorial that has ever been written about that
festival was penned by Michael X. Zelenak, The Improper
Cinephile. Even though not a word about the Hamptons has
probability been written since in these pages, they were the
words that drove this magazine into existence. (And yes, we
all had a hell of a time in the Hamptons that week. Long live,
Hunter S. Thompson!)
Here I am! A celebrity-industry-only private-invite only
open bar party for Mitchell Lichtenstein, writer, director and
producer of Teeth. I went to Yale with Mitch and haven’t seen
him in a quarter-century. We go over old times and all the
by
Douglas MacKaye Harrington
Editor-in-Chief
“boola-booola” stuff. I ask him how he was able to escape
the kiss-of-death “X” rating with all the sex and violence in
his film. He was pleased to tell me that the MPAA had made
a special exception for his film and given it an “R” rating in
the hopes that it would be “morally edifying” by discourag-
ing teenage sex, especially among boys. We parted as he is
mobbed by hundreds of fans in the wildest party so far. I walk
outside to reflect on the film as I watch dozens congregating out
back behind the old barn near the forest frolicking and revel-
ing in what appears to be some kind of Dionysian autumnal
fertility rituals. As I get squashed by the mobs, decide to go
and have a few martini nightcaps in a more contemplative
environment.
While Zelenak’s article drove the idea of The Improper
North Shoreian into fruition, the very first words sent to the
printer must be considered the very first words of our cover/
lead story, written by Sharon Sudano. Our cover art was a
painting of the venerable Three Village Inn done by Chris-
topher DeVeau (Christopher Gallery), a designated historical
site and the reservation made by multiple generations of our
North Shore families, including my own, for more holidays
than any of us can even possibly remember.
With its porch light always burning, you never know who’s
going to stop by 150 Main Street in Stony Brook. Gloria Swan-
son, Jackie Gleason, James Cagney, Robert Redford, Louis
Armstrong, Bud Harrelson and even Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th
Dalai Lama of Tibet all have graced the Three Village Inn’s
Improper doorstep over the years. Most recently, former Supreme, Mary
Wilson came to dine with friends at the Inn’s piano lounge,
The Sandbar... the second installment of a column called Eye on Altrusim,
And since the days of Jennie Melville’s tea room, The Three
Village Inn has been a place for the community to celebrate
- not only the holidays - but life in general. Just ask any one
of the regulars, mortal or otherwise.
Add to that, the first recognition of the very first Proper
Improper North Shoreian, Helene Bredes, who would go on
Volume I / Issue 1 December 07 –A Free mAgAzIne
11/28/2007 10:31:37 PM
to become our Properly Improper columnist. A celebration,
written by Deborah Wolffe Lamson, of those lifelong North
Shoreians, along with Helene, that not only revel in the joy
that is the North Shore, but exemplify the attitude and lifestyle
that makes all of us extraordinary because of the place we have
chosen to call our home.
At the end of our first interview she confides, “I have done
everything I have ever wanted to, but I’m not anywhere near
ready to die yet...there’s still TOO MUCH to do!” Yes, there is
still too much to do, and it’s time that I get started doing some
of it myself. And for you, gentle reader and long lost kindred
kind, it’s time to “come out and just jump into the water of
life!” Helene says it’s just fine and I certainly believe her.
In this first issue we also had a feature about the Caroline
Church, our first dinning review (Bliss Restaurant), and our first
The Creatives column (Christian White) featuring North Shore
artists. Of course, our first issue signaled the debut of some
of our regular and semi-regular columnists like Jack Filasky,
Anthony Frasca, Dan Stahl, C. Aphrodite Spanos, Co-Publisher
Charlie McKenna and Jim Leotta, among others. We will give
you a taste of everyone before this article is finished.
I-2 Film, Theatre and
Improper
THE
Romance NORTH SHOREIAN
A MAGAZINE OF NORTH SHORE ARTS, CULTURE & POLITICS
The second issue was devoted to
film, theatre and romance with
many more contributors, including
myself in regards to theatre.
Shakespeare wrote that “All the
world’s a stage and all the men and
women merely players.” His words
Film
Romance
Theatre
VOLUME I / ISSUE 2 FEBRUARY 08 –A FREE MAGAZINE
RM
Improper North ShoreianCoverOnly january.p653 1/13/2008, 7:53 AM
certainly hold true across Long
Island, as both Nassau and Suffolk
counties are rich in playhouses that range from professional
equity performances to small community acting companies.
Within the demographic of this particular magazine there are
four venues of note, The John W. Engeman Theater in Northport
Village, The Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts on Main
Street in Smithtown, Theatre Three in Port Jefferson Village,
and The Staller Center for the Performing Arts at Stony Brook
University.
Our fellow first contributor to this magazine, Zelenak, wrote
a definitive piece celebrating the centennial of John Wayne and
his films. To help round out the romance aspect of the issue, we
featured our first article about romantic restaurant tables along
the North Shore and a very romantic piece of original fiction,
At Last Unfolded, submitted by J.T. Harrison.
He can barely remember their first words as they sat facing
each other alone at the bar. Bright sunlight filled the room and
her last defense remained with her, her eyes where cloaked in
her impenetrable sunglasses. The memory of those eyes that
had been looked into a thousand times during his exile from
her were now, in her presence, hidden from him. What would
they reveal? What would they say to him? He longed to see
love in them, but would be satisfied with hope, anything but
ambivalence.
“I can’t see your eyes.” She hesitated, as if she had known
all along that this was her last defense. She lowered her head
and with her long, beautiful fingers gently removed the shroud.
She raised her head slowly and they looked into each other with
an intimacy that had not paled. He did not see love for she,
unlike him, was not yet ready to surrender. But in the beautiful
azure of her perfect blue eyes he saw hope and the promise of
a love lost and perhaps found again. It was as if his life had
begun anew in her return.
This issue also ushered in Dr. Peter Strumpf ‘s health and
wellness column, Elizabeth Bojsza’s monthly theatre column,
Jim Bliss’s Spirit World column about potent potables, and
wherein Charlie McKenna focuses on good deeds done by
North Shoreians. In this case, Robert Frey and the Frey Family
Foundation.
In closing, I find it necessary to say that although Robert
is the product of an Irish Catholic upbringing, his life has led
him to delve into Buddhist fundamentals and I find this most
interesting. The theory of karma in basic Buddhism tells us,
essentially, what I have learned from my Irish mother: “What
goes around, comes around.” Robert Frey and the Frey Family
Foundation do a world of good for our North Shore community
and do not seek the limelight to be recognized for it. Simply
put, they are just good people doing good things for the right
reasons. It cannot be stated any better than the quote by Nelson
Henderson found on the letterhead of the Frey Family Founda-
tion: “The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose
shade you do not expect to sit.” The Freys are another reason
that it is a pleasure to be a North Shoreian.
I-3 The Annual Irish Issue
Okay, let’s just say it, Charlie and I are as Irish as Guinness
itself. (Well Charlie is, I am, thank God, half Scottish.) So, when
the March issue comes around, it is
going to be The Irish Issue! Not the
THE
Improper
NORTH SHOREIAN
worst choice, considering that the A MAGAZINE OF NORTH SHORE ARTS, CULTURE & POLITICS
US Census has established that the
majority of North Shore residents
do indeed claim Irish ancestry, Irish Emigrant Replica Ship
and Michael McCormack’s feature
The Jeanie Johnston
Port Jefferson Harbor, July 2003
IN THIS ISSUE
about the AOH touched all of our
The History of the
Irish Festival
Postcards from Galway
The Ancient Order of Hibernians
Irish readership.
THE IRISH ISSUE
VOLUME I / ISSUE 3 MARCH 08 –A FREE MAGAZINE
What history does tell us, how-
ever, is that continued oppression
and periodic crop failures forced many Irish to flee to other
lands for survival. The inclination toward secret societies,
which had developed in Ireland as a defense mechanism, went
with them, especially those committed to the ethnic slums of
the lands to which they fled. Initially formed as fraternal as-
sociations to promote the welfare of its members and families,
like the Hibernian Sick and Funeral Society, they soon found
a militant dimension necessary to defend against bigoted op-
position. In early nineteenth century America, the Ancient
Order of Hibernians, with its motto Friendship, Unity, and
Christian Charity, became a modern link in the evolution of
those ancient societies. Organized with the same intention of
defending Gaelic values under attack, it can claim continuity
of purpose and motto unbroken back to the Defenders of 1565,
for the need for a defensive society in America was the same
as it was in Ireland.
And Black 47 lead singer, novelist and Irish renaissance
man Larry Kirwan added his poetic reflection in this same issue.
Across the aisle sits a countryman in his early 60’s - the type
you see in Gaelic Park on a Sunday afternoon, tweed jacket,
fawn trousers, gleaming brown shoes, hair slicked back and
carefully creased. He stares off into the distance. He’s going
home too and I know exactly what he’s thinking. A couple of
seats further on, a woman in her late 30’s, stylish in an Ann
Taylor suit, no stranger to the bistros of Greenwich Village. I
recognize her faraway look too. I don’t know either of them,
I probably never will, but they’re my people now and I’m no
longer alone. For all we’ve gained, there’s something that we’ve
lost; something ineffable that can’t be measured and all three
of us are wondering how the hell we let it slip away.
Get over it, Paddy, you made your choice a long time ago!
And before you know it, you’re shuffling down the terminal hall
in the soft morning; you stand in line, then the immigration of-
ficial stamps your passport and without looking up murmurs,
“welcome home.”
Local historian Kenneth Brady contributed a brilliant piece
on Port Jefferson during Prohibition.
The rum-runner eased his powerful motorboat pass the
breakwater and made his way to the landing on the west side
of the harbor. Several men waiting on shore came out of the
darkness and quietly unloaded the vessel’s cargo of contraband
liquor. Within an hour, $30,000 worth of high-quality whiskey
was on trucks headed to speakeasies in New York City. Although
this incident occurred in Port Jefferson during the Prohibition
era, its history can be traced back to the early days of the tem-
perance movement in the United States.
I-4 Health and Beauty
Improper
Issue four and it was time to NORTH SHOREIAN
THE
actually create an issue that would
A MAGAZINE OF NORTH SHORE ARTS, CULTURE & POLITICS
be informative, but might also drive
ad revenue. I could have devoted
an issue to health clubs and beauty
salons, as nothing more than a very
profitable advertising circular, as
many publications do. I chose in-
stead, to devote an issue to Health H ,B &F EALTH
VOLUME I / ISSUE 4 APRIL 08 –A FREE MAGAZINE
and Beauty that was more substan-
tive, and to lead in the issue with a
piece by one of the most honest writers I know, Hope Glennon.
I asked her to write about what our society physically asks of
women, that they do not ask of men.
Healthy voluptuousness is definitely making a comeback. And
we do have our share of reasonable icons now, but what took
so damn long? And at what cost? From her same book Caroline
Knapp quoted Renoir, commenting on his own painting APPE-
TITE, saying, “The women linger at the water’s edge, and they
are stunning in the most unusual way: large women, voluptuous,
abundant, delighted.” He also once stated, “If it were not for
the female body I never could have become a painter.” “This
is clear’ Knapp contends of Renoir’s painting, “there is a love
for women [healthy, full-figured women] in each detail of the
canvas, and love for self, there is joy and there is a degree of
sensual integration that makes you want to weep…so beautiful
it seems and so elusive.” Let us reflect on this sentiment and
know that in this millennium, the re-celebration of women is
in its dawning. The right to a renaissance is upon us… and
however tragically, we’ve earned this triumph. today’s “green” became the thing to do, Mom would spread
Perhaps the feature, by Dr. Robert B. Goldberg, we ran
about the loss of North Shore Doctors to the cost of actually
practicing on the North Shore to the depth we did in this issue,
might have touched, as well as alarmed, some of you.
There is a high probability that it is going to become more
and more difficult for both Proper and Improper North Shore-
ians to find a doctor who is “in today” or any other day. The
reason is that many physicians will only be treating low-risk
cases, moving to another state or quitting the medical profes-
sion altogether. The reason is the ballooning cost of medical
liability insurance premiums, coupled with other rising costs
and reduced or flat income, which are making it difficult for
doctors to maintain the practice of medicine as a financially
viable profession in New York.
And in simple, straight-ahead, common sense health advice
in our No Bones About It column, Dr. Peter Strumpf com-
mented,
Believe it or not, there are things in this world that are
addictive and good for you. Exercise is one of them. It truly
provides you with more energy and a sense of accomplishment.
The problem is that too often we try to overdo it. In a world of
instant gratification, we are used to getting things now if not
sooner, and the thought of waiting for results is unfathomable.
How many crash diets have you begun just to get started? How
many times have you begun an exercise plan by trying to up
and run three miles on the first day because you used to be able
to? little to turn our cozy dwellings of the chilly winter past into
I-5 The Memorial Day Issue New England summer house, how in lieu of the air-conditioning
Memorial Day! We remembered
those lost and those that serve,
living daily with the possibility of
being lost. As recorded in Mary Ann
Donovan’s piece called LOSS.
I remember the photo that sat on NORTH SHOREIAN
my grandparents’ sideboard. It was a M D
picture of their nephew, my mother’s
cousin, Freddie. The man in the photo
was handsome. He was wearing his army uniform. As I think
back on it now, it was probably the photograph that is taken
by the army when a soldier has completed his or her training.
He looked back at the camera with a soft smile and trusting
eyes. I remember staring at the photo for long minutes on those
days that I accompanied my mother to my grandparents’ house.
I thought if I looked at the picture long enough something of
the mystery of who he was or why his picture was there would
somehow become clear to me.
Freddie was killed in action in the invasion of Italy at Anzio
during World War II. He was the only son of my grandfather’s
EAUTY ITNESS
brother, my mother’s uncle, Tom. It seemed so ironic to me that
Uncle Tom, and his wife Aunt Susie, who had left Italy to seek
a better life for themselves and their children here in America,
could have their only son, Freddie, die on the shores of the
land they had left so many years ago. To his parents, Freddie
held the hope of their future and all of their dreams. But, that
day, on the beach of Anzio, he was “cannon fodder”, part of
the brave but expendable infantry that were doomed as they
were sent in waves to their deaths trying to secure a piece of
shoreline. The number of casualties in each of the invasions of
World War II is staggering. Freddie was just one among many
thousands who would bravely give his life to save freedom for
future generations. For my grandfather’s brother and sister-
in-law, it was a terrible price to pay.
We also celebrated the day that honors our Moth-
ers, as readers submitted Mother’s Day memories in
prose and poems, such as Ruth Semon Fahlbusch.
My Mother was an exemplary lady and made our home life
special. Mother was gifted with a glorious contralto voice. Mu-
sic, therefore, was always in our home and lives. Long before
a newspaper on the kitchen table to catch the food peelings.
She would then wrap the peelings up in the newspaper and tie
it neatly with twine into a packet for the garbage. With Mom’s
many attributes, she taught my sister and me life-long lessons
of love, laughter and the golden rule. A very special lady, my
Mom!
I-6 Home and Garden Improper tHe
This issue was devoted to the pure nortH sHoreIan
a maGazIne of nortH sHore arts, Culture & PolItICs
joy of where we live, the North
Shore, and the possibilities of what
we can make out the very place
we call home. Nancy Dorney, of
Samantha Drew, contributed our
first interior design feature that
in the following month became a H G ome and arden
Volume I / Issue 6 – June 2008 – A Free MAgAzine
regular column. In the true style of cover June 2008.indd 1 5/23/2008 11:53:19 AM
our magazine, it was anything but a
cliched home décor article.
Winding lanes leading to the sound, village streets lined with
homes dating back to the 18th and 19th century, the new town-
houses that are growing in popularity, estate homes with their
lawns sloping to the water; they can all become “Summer
Homes” if we let them.
The media seems to be reminding us of all the reasons we
ought to stay home this summer, vacationing on the North Shore
of Long Island, in our own back yards, eating in our wonderful
restaurants and lying on our very own beaches. It takes very
open, breezy harbingers of the warm days ahead. Converting
a home into a “Summer” or “Beach” house, should not be a
daunting task. I remember well, in my Grandmother’s once true
of today, a few transformations made the rooms feel and look
cool and light.
On the development of our precious Island, our environmental
columnist Jennifer Garvey wrote,
THE
Improper Truthfully, I think it is fear for Long Island’s future that moti-
A MAGAZINE OF NORTH SHORE ARTS, CULTURE & POLITICS vates us most, in the land preservation business. The stakes are
EMORIAL AY
VOLUME I / ISSUE 5 – MAY 08 – A FREE MAGAZINE
extremely high, and we are competing with the Island’s most
powerful industry. Our intent is not to halt new development
altogether. We simply want to be smart about where we build
and where we preserve.
And Anthony Frasca, our Improper Vinophile, extolled the
how-to and joys of a home wine cellar.
My friend Jack who lives in Miller Place stopped by my house
a few weeks ago; he came to borrow a book from my daughter
for his son. He was a little more cheerful than usual and I
quickly discovered why. He was in the final phases of building
his wine cellar and he gushed enthusiasm. He went on about
the brick and the wood and the racking systems he planned to
install. The more he talked, the more animated he became.
Jack has been collecting wines for some time and recognized
his need to store the wines properly. Asking the question, “How
do I know when I need a wine cellar?” is like asking, “How do
I know when I need to buy diapers?” You just know.
We were also joined in editorial this issue by Christina Davies,
who has gone on to write several columns about skin care for
us.
Recent research has revealed impressive anti-aging and
healing effects from foods with high levels of anti-oxidants.
These powerhouses are able to absorb free radicals which
exist in our environment in many forms, such as pollution and
chemical compounds found in products. Free radicals cause
major damage to our skin and the DNA within its cells. Citrus
fruits, strawberries, blackberries, cherries, grapes and broc-
coli are a few of which are plentiful in vitamin C, a powerful
anti-oxidant.
I-7 The Revolutionary
NORTH SHOREIAN
North Shore
Our 4 th of July Issue was her-
alded as a definitive examination
of the role of the North Shore
in America’s struggle for inde-
pendence. Bev Tyler’s piece on
the role of Washington’s North
Shore spies opened up the issue. T R N S
When the British took control of Long Island and New York City
(Manhattan) in 1776, after their defeat of General Washington,
they established outposts or forts along both shores, forced
residents to sign a Pledge of Allegiance to the British Crown
and used Long Island as a supply base for their troops. It was
not long before patriots on Long Island and refugees in Con-
necticut began to disrupt British plans. Spying on the British
and attacking their ships and outposts became an important
factor in their eventual defeat.
From across the Sound in Connecticut, Chris Whitten
contributed with an extraordinarily researched piece on the
history of our flag, particularly the historical “Don’t Tread On
Me” snake flag (our cover).
After the Revolution, rattlesnake flags became less common.
General Washington and many members of Congress preferred
stars, stripes, and more conventional symbols, such as the
eagle. Over the years the Gadsden flag has become more and
more associated with rebellion and totally disassociated with
pride in one’s government. Some say that this makes it a lousy
symbol for the Fourth of July. But I say that makes it a great
symbol for celebrating the spirit of July 4, 1776.
And David “Homer” Hughes contributed a piece called,
The Weapons and Tactics of the American Revolution.
It is a myth that the Colonists won by using cover while
the dumb British stood in the open ranks to be shot by the hid-
den Colonists. Both sides fought primarily in the open and
in formation. When General Von Stueben took over training
at Valley Forge, he put a single standard and methodology
into the Continental Army’s field maneuvers. This allowed
the Continental Army to fight as a more cohesive force. They
then became a match for the British on the open ground in
every respect. The Colonists had been hampered by various
methods and commands of maneuver, with little large scale
drill. General Von Stueben changed that by setting a single
standard and then training the army to use it. The Colonists
proved their ability to use these techniques combined with
weapons such as the musket, bayonet, and cannon to defeat
the greatest superpower of the 18th century.
I-8 The Annual Art Issue
The cover art of this issue was the first of two Joe Reboli
paintings to grace our publication and he was remembered
fondly in a piece I wrote about Gallery North in Setauket.
The Reboli Center will house a main gallery for revolving
exhibitions, two smaller galleries for smaller exhibitions and
single artist shows, a gallery dedicated to the work of Joseph
Reboli on loan from various col- Improper
lections that will be changed at North ShoreiaN a MagaziNe of North Shore artS, Culture & PolitiCS
least six times a year, a small
library with a collection of ma-
terials on Reboli and other Long
Island artists, a cafe, and a gift
shop. Recently an out of state
owner approached the gallery and
wished to sell a museum quality
1985 Joseph Reboli painting titled
the art iSSue
VoluMe i / iSSue 8 – auguSt 2008 – a free MagaziNe
Bellport Gate. (Our cover this Gallery North
month.) When the Gallery Trustees and Director Reboli 100sawFundit, they
knew that it was such a special painting that the2008 gallery should
try to purchase it and use it as the icon for the new Reboli Center.
Gallery North has launched a fund raising campaign called the
Reboli 100 Fund to purchase that painting. For a donation of
$100 per person, individual contributors will have their name
on a plaque next to the painting and will also receive a 12 x 18
THE
Improper poster of the painting. Ms. Hanson explained that, “The dona-
A MAGAZINE OF NORTH SHORE ARTS, CULTURE & POLITICS tion of $100 was purposely set low so that a maximum number
of contributors could participate. Joe was always involved with
community projects and frequently gave paintings to support
local organizations. We think that he would love the idea that
the community in turn has responded in large measure to sup-
port this project for him.”
HE EVOLUNTIONARY ORTH HORE Local artist and long time friend of Joe Reboli, Dennis
Coburn, was profiled by Laura Kessler in the start of her tenure
VOLUME I / ISSUE 7 – JULY 2008 – A FREE MAGAZINE
as The Creatives columnist.
A true lover of Long Island, Dennis has painted his way from
Montauk to Mattituck to Manhattan. He began his adventure as
an artist at the mere age of five. Claiming his grandfather was
his biggest fan, he would buy Dennis charcoals only to watch
him eagerly draw away on every visit they had.
Among the numerous articles relat-
ing to our North Shore art scene, Mary Ann Don-
ovan wrote about three extraordinary women artists.
Some time in the early 1970’s, three North Shore artists met
each other while taking a drawing class at SUNY Stony Brook.
Eleanor Tyndall Meier, Jeanette Dick, and Flo Kemp, forged
a friendship then, which has endured over thirty years. These
colleagues have not only helped and encouraged each other
to hone their artistic skill, but through their efforts, they have
created an environment which has caused many other fellow
artists to thrive. They are three exceptional women who share
a common vision of a community of artists. They are dedicated
to encouraging individual growth in artistic expression and
to providing the means to give public exposure to an artist’s
work.
I-9 The Annual Writers Issue
Several months earlier I had put
Improper
out a call for submissions of original North ShoreiaN
fiction by North Shore writers. I was
overwhelmed! Of the dozen or so
submissions I felt were worthy of
publication, I only had room to pub-
lish six pieces. We also had related
writing features like a piece I wrote
in praise of independent bookstores
and David Wood’s piece on uniting t W ’ i
the computer and print age.
Improper Sept 2008 Cover.indd 1
Writing is in a state of change today, caught, like reading,
between the old world of print and the computer age. The
Improper North Shoreian was created almost a year ago to
bridge both worlds, to express the beauty and stability of print
and then link the print and computer worlds for all of you who
know one but not the other.
And Claire Nicolas White’s, Private Correspondence, about
the lost art of letter writing.
But how much it has meant to me through the years to find
letters in my mailbox! I used to have a mystique about my
daily trip to the roadside to retrieve its contents. What the sea
is to the fisherman, the earth to the gardener, the mailbox is
the to the correspondent. My feelings got so confused about it at
times that I was tempted to practice superstitious rites such as
postponing my visit for several hours to let the mail “ripen”.
The letters I wrote to solicit responses I thought of as “bait”.
When the result was unsatisfactory I tended to blame the mail-
man, but when successful my affection for him was almost like
being in love. If really desperate I considered writing him
letters. There should be someone, I thought, at the post office,
composing consolation notes to the forgotten.
Joseph Reboli, Bellport Gate, 1985, oil on
Joseph canvas,
Reboli, 60x60
Bellport Gate
Even Jim Bliss got in the mix, tying his Spirit World column,
as usual, into the issue’s theme.
When someone says the word writer, an immediate picture forms
in my mind. On a dark wooden desk is a rocks glass filled with
ice and some sort of amber liquid. Along side sits a black rotary
telephone, a half filled ashtray with smoke swirling toward the
ceiling from a half burned cigarette, and next to this, centered
in the middle of the desk, is a typewriter already loaded with
a sheet of paper and two fingernail bitten hands poised at the
ready to add more words to the next line of the story, while trying
to meet a deadline. This coming from a man who in 2008 finally
ditched his beeper for something that’s called a cell phone. I’ll
let you know how it works when I figure it out. Now I’m try-
ing to envision the writer of the 21st century. I’m picturing the
same desk, only this time it’s a laptop being operated by two
hands that are manicured. Replacing the ashtray, rocks glass
and telephone, sits a tray of celery stalks, carrot sticks, and a
cell phone alongside a glass of white wine.
I-10 The Harvest Issue
As October is the harvest month,
Improper the
the issue was titled appropriately. North ShoreiaN a MagaziNe of North Shore artS, Culture & PolitiCS
Two of regular columnist took on
the roles of feature writers as An-
thony Frasca, The Improper Vino-
phile, contributed a brilliant piece
on the Long Island wine industry
and our gardening columnist, Jack
Filasky, wrote about Agritainment.
Long Island’s fall season has
the harveSt iSSue
The Vineyards - Agritainment - The Haunted North Shore - Chef Profiles
voluMe i / iSSue 10 – oCtober 2008 – a free MagaziNe
grown a whole new industry simply Improper Oct 2008 CoverPump.indd1 1 9/25/2008 5:18:47 PM
referred to as Agritainment. The
traditional farm stand has morphed into an entertainment des-
tination like never seen before. Corn mazes, U-pick pumpkins,
horror houses, corn stalks, U-pick apples and so much more.
Some of the best tasting apple cider and fruit pies in the North-
east originate right here in Improper Suffolk County. There is
more family oriented entertainment available on the East End
than ever and Harbes Family Farm in Mattituck goes out of its
way to prove just that! Several years ago Ed Harbes and his
family ventured into the agricultural entertainment business.
Since then they have become one of the East End’s leaders in
farm stand marketing. With everything grown or produced on
the family farm, it leads the list for destination produce buying
the
and agritainment. They are one of many farming operations that
a MagaziNe of North Shore artS, Culture & PolitiCS
offer corn mazes, hayrides and a slew of family activity. They
even produce their own Long Island wines!
In every issue we feature a dinning profile and here is,
pardon the pun, a taste of our Epicurean Quartet writer,
Shaughnessy Anne McKenna Dusling.
Dessert at Grasso’s was nothing short of spectacular
he riter S SSue
VoluMe i / iSSue 9 – SePteMber 2008 – a free MagaziNe
and nearly 100% of the selections available are prepared in
8/28/2008 10:56:23 AM
house. The New York style cheesecake was rich and creamy.
The chocolate mousse cake was chocolaty and sweet. Each of
these two cakes was served with fresh fruit and the dish was
prepared so artistically, the cakes and fruit looked to be flowers
on the plate. I had the Tartufo and it was a nice finish to my
delicious meal. The most remarkable dessert of the evening
was what Kevin ordered. He ordered the Napoleon that was
made with fresh mascarpone and fresh fruit. This dessert was
inadvertently patriotic with the red, white and blue combination
of the cream, blueberries and strawberries. Each dessert was
scrumptious.
We also included some Halloween related reads in C. Aph-
rodite Spanos’ piece on the troubled writer Edgar Allan Poe...

Despite these small leaps towards success, Poe remained
on the verge of poverty and illness. Virginia’s health was on a
steady decline, while Poe constantly fought his demons with
drink. Still in all, Poe remained prolific. He tried to start several
journals and literary magazines. He experimented with new
genres of fiction, inventing with the publication of “Murders in
the Rue Morgue” the detective mystery story. He also explored
the workings of the unconscious mind in such stories as “The
Fall of the House of Usher” and “The Tell-Tale Heart”. But
fame and fortune still eluded Poe until the publication of the
poem “The Raven” in 1845. The poem seemed to make a distinct
impression upon the literary circles that once shunned him. De-
spite his newfound popularity, Poe continued to attack various
literati, including Longfellow, who he accused of plagiarism.
...and Kerriann Flanagan Brosky’s article about the haunted
North Shore.
When the British soldiers eventually left the house the
local townspeople murdered Annette in the house. Apparently
she has never left. Country House owner Bob Willemstyn has
actually seen Annette, as have several patrons and employees.
One woman in particular, an artist, saw her so clearly that she
made a painting of her which hangs in the restaurant today.
Light flashes, cold spots, candles relighting themselves, foot-
steps, overwhelming feelings of sadness, items being moved or
misplaced, and the sounds of a girl crying are just a few of the
many occurrences which have taken place and continue to take
place at Country House.
I-11The Altruism Issue everything. It is art, Art that drives our lives. Stewart’s iconic performance as George Bailey in It’s a
The words on the cover say it Improper
North ShoreiaN
best, “All or doing without char-
ity are nothing worth.” To that end
our lead story profiled North Shore
charitable organizations that deserve
our support. My Editor’s Note lead
in the feature.
This represents a very small t a i he
sampling of the altruistic, not-for-
VoluMe i / iSSue 11 – NoVeMber 2008 – a free MagaziNe
Improper Nov2008 Cover2.indd 1
profit organizations on the North
Shore that serve the communities we call home. This is far from
a complete list and I apologize to those noble organizations that
were omitted. Be assured that there are many more, be equally
assured that they all need your help. The information here was
garnered directly from the organization’s websites and I urge
all of you to use the Internet to further investigate the good
work of these groups and the ways in which you can help, with
both financial and volunteer support. You can search for other
local charitable organizations by simply typing the words Long
Island Not For Profits into your web browser. In this season of
giving thanks, let us relish and be thankful for the good in all of
us and let us all try to wear that good on our sleeves, in action
and deeds.
There were several other features about altruism including
a piece celebrating National Adoption Month by Jeena Belil.
This weekend, my family will be celebrating my daughter’s
fourth anniversary of her Adoption Day. We are planning to
start the day with a big Mickey-Mouse pancake breakfast and
end it with an ice cream cake lit with four candles. Adoption
Day is a big event in our household – just as big as a birthday,
as we commemorate the day Elaina became our forever daugh-
ter. What an amazing day that was! One day we were a couple
touring the sites of Beijing, China, and 48 hours later, we were
the parents of an adorable, spit-fire of a toddler.
As much as our columnists try to include issue theme in
their columns, it not always possible. However their columns
are always thought-provoking, as our financial writer, Mark
J. Snyder, was clearly timely regarding the nation’s economic
crisis
Part of this mess is due to Wall Street’s love affair with exotic
investments – CMO’s (collateralized mortgage obligations) for
one. Writing mortgages for unqualified homebuyers, followed
by a bursting of the residential real estate bubble, caused the
collapse that has wreaked havoc in the financial markets. Now, it
up to our Government to fix the mess by lowering interest rates,
injecting liquidity into the financial markets and allocating an
unprecedented $700 billion of taxpayer dollars into buying up
mortgage-related assets.
And sometimes our writers are just plain witty and our
funniest, most witty writer has to be Joe Neuschatz.
For me, giving up work included a psychological return
to early days. But, instead of the ADD of yore, I am now suf-
fering of AGDD, a common post-retirement disease. And, in
my case, this dreaded Attention-Getting Deficit Disorder is
worsened by having younger, non-retired friends. Not only
are such people seldom available when you need them but,
when finally accessible, they like to ask things like: “Enjoying
retirement?”…. “What are you doing all day long?” and other
painful to answer questions. Finally, in this issue our theatre
writer, Elizabeth Bojsza, examining the suffering of dedicating
one’s life to the struggles of art, in its own way, a form of altru-
ism.
I have these romantic notions of shutting myself up in an
attic a la Emily Dickenson and pouring out the next great mas-
terpiece of theatre, stopping only to nibble my meager rations
and add another layer of blankets to ward off the biting cold.
Then I am in a theatre, again, so cold (it is always winter in the
world of the starving artist)—this time the actors and I can see
our breath as we rehearse in the crumbling edifice of an aging
and neglected theatre we are going to save. We are creating
out of nothing because we are compelled. Theatre is the first
priority: above adequate housing, regular meals, relationships,
the
a MagaziNe of North Shore artS, Culture & PolitiCS
I-12 The 2nd Holiday Issue
In this issue, our lead story
focused on the 25th year of Theatre
Three’s A Christmas Carol and the
Port Jefferson Dickens Festival.
By the multitude, the residents
ltruiSM SSue
The Good & Giving of the North Shore of Port Jefferson Village, young Improper the
10/23/2008 5:44:06 PM
and old, transform themselves into
North ShoreiaN
a MagaziNe of North Shore artS, Culture & PolitiCS
the characters of a street theatre
t h i he
The 25th Christmas Carol - The Dickens Festival - Holiday Shops - New Year’s Eve Picks
VoluMe i / iSSue 12 – deCeMber 2008 – a free MagaziNe
production of Dickens’ A Christmas Improper Dec 2008 Cover.indd 1
Carol. They costume themselves as
19th century gentry, common folk, and street urchins. There
are horse drawn carriages with top hatted drivers, there are
dust covered chimney sweeps, there are Christmas carolers on
street corners, there are harmless cockney pick-pockets as Main
Street, Port Jefferson turns into Doughty Street, London. Eb-
enezer Scrooge himself wanders about the street humbugging
all who come in contact and the Town Crier, voice bellowing,
announces each day’s events. Holly and wreaths adorn the
street lamps and store fronts, particularly East Main Street
which is transformed into Dickens Alley.
A Partridge in a Pear Tree is a Christmas classic, but our
Of Woods and Water outdoor columnist, Dan Stahl, had a dif-
ferent take on that subject.
The Holidays that are quickly approaching also bring
together families and feasts. This year, we are heading north
for a few days, to my brothers place in the Adirondacks. Here
we don’t sing about a partridge in a pear tree, we have a par-
tridge drizzled with a pear sauce for dinner. Now that is quite
a bird, the ruffed grouse, or partridge, which is the ultimate
hunting quest. Game fishing has its top angling species such as
a bonefish on a fly rod, or tarpon, and even that cow striper we
all long for. Hunting also has its legends. A partridge is one
of them. This bird, when it is flushed from its cover, thunders
aloft, zig zags through the trees, and it is gone. You are lucky
to get a shot at it.
We also featured articles on the North Shore’s best holiday
shops and great restaurant New Year’s Eve choices. This issue
included some new columnist including a music column called
Sound Waves by Joe Shortsle, a women health column called
Ask Abby by Abby Rockett, and a new Conservative Conscience
columnist in Tom Atkins. On the other hand, due to personal
time constraints, we are saying good-bye to our Cigar Lounge
columnist, Raymond Grinere, and in search of another cigar
expert. (Email me at dmharrington@optonline.net.) Ray will
be missed and we are very grateful for his contribution to the
magazine. Here is the last paragraph of his last column.
The accessory choices we have discussed in this article
are available at most quality tobacconists and I suggest that
you ask them to demonstrate your gift choices for you before
you buy them. For lighters and cutters, take them in hand
to experience how comfortable they feel and try them out to
determine ease of use. Open a humidor to check the seal and
look at the thickness of the Spanish cedar lining the interior of
the box. Most importantly, have fun shopping for that special
someone knowing you will lift their hearts and harken memories
of wonderful a Christmas past. Alas, my Tatuaje J 21 is now
just a memory and it is time to venture out to shop for those I
love (darn shame Linda doesn’t smoke cigars). May you have
a blessed holiday season and may God Bless you and yours.
Thank you for the gift you have offered me by stopping by and
visiting the Improper North Shoreian Cigar Lounge...HO HO
HO!
I am going to end this overview of our first year with the
words of the writer that started it all. In this issue Michael X.
Zelenak devoted his Improper Cinephile column to the 100th
anniversary of the birth of American film icon Jimmy Stewart.
In this excerpt Michael writes about the film that Stewart is
best remembered for, A Wonderful Life. Read it carefully, as
within this excerpt are words that should speak to all of us. I
can tell you that it speaks to me and my original vision for the
purpose of this magazine.
Wonderful Life is also powerfully relevant today. Capra’s
film is a living Norman Rockwell tableau vivant about a man
who spends his life not leaving his home town. Its action and
back-story cover the great Depression, as banks were closing
and the housing market collapsing. Eschewing his personal
dreams of exploring the outside world and a college education,
George Bailey stays in his hometown of Bedford Falls to keep
alive his family’s independent Building and Loan Association,
while money-grubbing capitalist Henry F. Potter (Lionel Bar-
rymore) seeks to reduce life to blind survival of the fittest (and
oliday SSue
greediest). Bailey had wanted to “do something big, something
11/26/2008 7:33:22 PM
important,” but now feels himself a failure since he’s done noth-
ing but stay in Bedford Falls, raise a family, help his younger
brother through college, provide low-interest loans to average
people who can’t afford the shark-rates of Potters big-business
conglomerate, and found Bailey Park, which provides clean
affordable housing for working class folk. A near death expe-
rience gives George a vision of the world without him, where
there is no Bedford Falls, but instead the grimy slum-riddled
“Potterville,” the American dream turned on its head, to use
Hamlet’s words: “An unweeded garden, things rank and gross
possess it merely.” George Bailey realizes that he is not a
failure, but has had a wonderful life, with family, friends and
a real community. This film is the ultimate Capra-corn fantasy,
but we could really use a belt of that dreamy drink today. The
meaning of life and the road to true prosperity can’t be found
through material wealth, big government bailouts or corporate
buyouts, but somewhere in ourselves, one person at a time. We
need to find a way to re-imagine at least the possibility of a
shared spiritual vision, to rekindle that American heroic ideal
of populist-driven individualism, based on honesty, integrity,
self-sacrifice and “gosh-darn plain common sense,” as a Jimmy
Stewart character might put it.
 William Oberst
Waterway, Shelter Island
watercolor

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28
 Interior Design
Nancy Dorney

The Romantic
Winter Bedroom
Winter is here and it’s not hard to anticipate climbing under a pile
of down comforters and quilts. How to create a romantic and calm bedroom?
Where do you start?
My suggestion is to start with getting rid of any clutter. The last thing
we want is to walk into a bedroom that tells us there are things to take care of.
Our bedrooms should be a sanctuary away from the noises of everyday life.
Keeping the bedroom an orderly, tranquil place is so important. Any amount
of embellishments will do nothing to a chaotic space. So, books go in shelves
or neat piles, knitting or mending in baskets, chests tops, night stands and floor
alike, free of disorder.
Wall color is vastly important. Choose a cool color with blue tones,
be it a gray, beige or indeed a member of the blue family. Yellows will bring
light to a dark room, but keep it subtle. Generally colors in the red or orange
families are not the best choice. They can be a little startling.
Window treatments need not be exotic. I find that the simple flow of
wonder-
ful fabric
For an inviting, romantic room add a drifting
few whimsical touches. Try a spray of to the
floor sets
lavender linen spray on the sheets and the tone
for a
pillow cases. peaceful
space.
Keep the rods high and remember to set the treatments off the window so they
don’t crowd. If room darkening is desired or privacy needed, they can be ad-
dressed with a soft and classic shade. Window panels or draperies can be put
on rings so they may be drawn across the window.
On to the bed! First the decision as to how you like your bed made.
Do you like the room kept very cool, perhaps choosing to crack a window,
and thus prefer the bed made up with a feather bed covering the mattress,
sheets and a blanket, topped off with a high loft down comforter covered with
a duvet cover? Shades of “The Princess and the Pea” or memories of a winter
in the Austrian Alps! Perhaps the room is warm and you prefer the neat look
of a coverlet, quilt or bedspread. A happy medium is to make the bed with a
blanket or quilt and fold the duvet covered comforter at the foot of the bed.
Trust me, jumping into clouds of down may seem a bed and breakfast dream,
but if the room is warm, you will be too! Too warm! Good pillows and large
26” “European Squares” to back them are fantastic. A place to nestle with a
good book or breakfast in bed! Do finish the bed off with a dust skirt. This
can be a simple white one or a gorgeous fabric that coordinates with the duvet
cover and window treatments.
If your room is large enough, a seating area is great. Two comfort-
able arm chairs, small sofa or chaise can work well. Add a pair of good read-
ing lamps beside the bed, lighting in the seating area and cozy rugs, just about
finish it off.
For an inviting, romantic room add a few whimsical touches. Try a
spray of lavender linen spray on the sheets and pillow cases. You almost feel
as if you were walking into a country inn. Light some candles, set a tray with
two glasses and a bottle of wine or the makings for tea. Send the children and
the dogs to another place. Let the snow fall and the wind howl. Maybe you
can forget shoveling the drive way in the morning? How about that breakfast
in bed? Delicious winter moments, mmm!

Nancy Dorney has lived on the North Shore for almost 20 years. She has a
fine arts background and has been in the interior, merchandising, framing
,event and floral design fields for many years. The owner of Prides Crossing
which once was a part of the Stony Brook Village Center, Nancy is currently
with Samantha Drew on 25A in Stony Brook.

29
30
 Novel Terms: Bridge It!
Literary Criticism and Commentary Monthly Bridge Column
C. Aphrodite Spanos By Carol Mathews and Susan Scholer

Love Is A Four Letter Word Curses, foiled again!

What is Love? This is, of course, a discussion with no real answer. In fact, Bridge teachers tell their students that when the dummy is tabled, one is supposed to
it has been discussed throughout the ages. We can love a movie. We can love our take time to make a plan. We caution them to count winners or losers, consider the
pets. We can love to eat certain things. But does this really answer out very heated alternatives and decide what the line of play will be. Should you draw trumps, set up
question? I think not. Love is a strong emotion shared between beings that have a long suit or take a finesse (which we all know never works for you)?
come together and found things in common. It is chemical reaction within our very
being that can make us do, say, and react in a particular way. When we look into the Unfortunately, the best laid plans of declarer can be foiled by a clever defendant.
eyes of someone we love, we can actually feel what has come over us. Our blood Then it is time to go to plan B (hopefully there is a plan B).
pressure may rise. Our hearts might start beating fast. Our hands might begin to
sweat. It is more than physical attraction. It is the desire to be with that person for-
ever…to share our thoughts, feelings and emotions. We want to live with this person
because it makes us happy, but it is also a selfish emotion. We want to take care of Consider this hand:
this person, but we also want to be taken care of. We want to be accepted for who we
are, no matter what our shortcomings, but we also must accept our partner’s draw- North
backs and idiosyncrasies. Not an easy task. ♠QJ98
What happens when we love, but our love is not returned? Unrequited love ♥K63
turns our lives upside down, forcing us to look at ourselves and ask the question ♦AJ762
WHY? We can choose to accept our fate, or pursue our Valkyrie in ways that may ♣7
be detrimental
to ourselves, as
well as to the
For many of us our definition of love and West East
♠654 ♥32
person we are heartache, passion and romantic joy may ♥QJ 10 ♥A 8 7 5
pursuing. We derive from some the novels we have read ♦ K 10 8 4 3 ♦Q9
may win the ♣J 8 ♣ K 10 9 4 3
fight, or we may along the way.
lose that love South
forever. In the ♠ A K 10 7
end, we still harbor these feelings, while our loved one may want to never see nor ♠942
hear from us again. We have all been through some sort of emotional torment. We ♦5
can only hope that our future quests produce more positive results. ♣AQ652
For the writer, their art prevents them from simply suffering heartache in
silent solitude. The nature of their passion for expression forces them to confront
their feelings and bring them to the page. For many of us, our definition of love and The auction was uneventful:
heartache, passion and romantic joy may derive from some of the novels we have
read along the way. They may also, in their pages, provide a place of refuge for the North East South West
broken hearted or affirmation for those in the ecstatic throws of true love. 1♣ Pass
All of this is a prelude to the following books and films that reflect these 1♦ Pass 1♠ Pass
heightened emotions. Our Editor asked that I offer a list of the dozen most romantic 4♠
novels ever written. (Thanks a lot Douglas, no easy task!) As love is subjective, so
are my picks! This is only my list. I am sure that you, as the reader, have your own
special picks for the most romantic novels ever written. Here are mine, along with a Please note, North with a good hand should bid 1 Diamond in response to
dozen favorite romantic movies that I have certainly seen more than once. South’s opening of 1 Club and not 1 Spade showing his four card major. If South
has four spades he will bid them at his second turn and the major fit will not be lost.
BOOKS: ANNA KARENINA-Leo Tolstoy, WUTHERING HEIGHTS-Emily The opening lead is the Queen of hearts (promising the Jack and possi-
Bronte, PRIDE & PREJUDICE-Jane Austen, ROMEO & JULIET-William Shake- bly the ten of the suit-top touching honors). South ducks the first heart…..and the
speare, JANE EYRE-Charlotte Bronte, REBECCA-Daphne du Maurier, DOCTOR second…..to no avail as East wins the third with the Ace. East diabolically returns a
ZHIVAGO-Boris Pasternak, THE ENGLISH PATIENT-Michael Ondaatje, TRIST- trump at trick four. Here’s the “curses, foiled again” part
ESSA-Jack Kerouac, LOVE STORY-Erich Segal, LOVE IN THE TIME OF CHOL- Did you pay careful attention to the spots in the trump suit? With a single-
ERA-Gabriel Garcia Marquez, THE GREAT GATSBY-F. Scott Fitzgerald ton in the minor suit in both hands, south’s plan was to play the aces and then happily
execute a cross ruff for ten tricks; the two aces and eight ruffs using all trump cards
FILMS: THE WAY WE WERE, CASABLANCA, GHOST, DON JUAN DE separately to win ten tricks. Nobody could overtrump. What fun!
MARCO, WHEN HARRY MET SALLY, SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE, A BEAUTI- With east’s trump switch this is no longer possible…one cannot ruff the four
FUL MIND, ARTHUR, DANGEROUS LIAISONS, NOW VOYAGER, YOU’VE losers in the minor suits with only three trumps left in each hand. Time for plan B:
GOT MAIL, THE AFRICAN QUEEN south has no choice but to win the trump lead in the dummy and take the club finesse
by leading his singleton toward the ace and queen.
These are just a few of my favorites. My list is actually quite a bit longer. As you can see, the story has a happy ending as the king of clubs is in east’s
I would like to hear some of your selections, as well. Here’s to love, won and lost. hand and the finesse works. What would have happened if west had the king of
Here’s to all the pleasure, as well as the pain...because we all know that given a sec- clubs? Then south would not make his contract having been the victim of an excel-
ond chance, we would do it all over again! lent defense.
Moral of the story: When you see shortness in the dummy, it is almost
C. Aphrodite Spanos is a novelist, essayist, critic, on-line purveyor of rare and always a good idea to lead trump.
unusual books and co-owner of the Bohemian Book Bin in Lake Katrine (Kingston),
New York. Carol Mathews and Susan Scholer are ACBL accredited bridge teachers and Club
Directors: Smithtown Bridge Studio (631)360-8456

31
 tracks and the ground giving way at each turn gave me that weightless feeling. You
New Words know the felling in your stomach when your dad used to drive fast over small hills.
30 seconds later I was back on a groomed trail but the moment was powerful enough
to compel me to write this entire story.
New Words by Kieran Russell
The rest of the trip down to the lift I could not help but think how skiing and
being in the outdoors is such a wonderful experience. Last weekend I had been cav-
Moments in Utah ing and the weekend before, backpacking. This combination in addition to walking
for an hour every morning has enriched my soul. I have come to the realization that
Day One: there is much more life to live than many of us realize. We have boxed ourselves into
There she was just as I expected. Her Western face beginning to glow as the sun a reality of perception, putting a greater importance on what others think instead of
broke the canyon’s walls. There was no glare as the light snow created a soft glow, what we ourselves feel. I recommend the outdoors and specifically a dose of sun-
the one a photographer prefers. The portrait was perfect to me as I peered out the shine to change your mood. Something I knew but have been re-taught recently. The
window of my regular room. Not much to speak of inside: a Murphy bed with little real lesson I learned is to appreciate the moment; sometimes it’s all we have.
room to walk when open, a bath and simple closet, no TV, comfortably simple. The day was not perfect; there were a number of phone calls, a dozen or so
Even though we arrived at 2 am I was up early and felt well rested. I seized the mo- e-mails and a conference call, which I participated in while getting ready for the hot
ment to sit in the gathering room by an open hearth fire and e-mail some photos that I tub. Dinner was at 6 pm. You sit with other guests. Tonight it’s Rich, an Englishman
had edited in flight. I checked with the office and responded to the morning mail then from Switzerland and his friend James from Ramsey, NJ of all places (really great
made my way down stairs to the dining room. guys because they picked up my wine bill), and a dentist and his son from Dearborn.
I am not one to talk about food but I was hungry, dinner being some chips in Rich was well traveled and had spent eight years in Italy. He seemed to like holding
flight. I filled my plate with some real oatmeal and grilled potatoes, then ordered court, so I sat back and listened, though I did interject a bit. I was a bit tired and he
an omelet from the chef, “Everything but mushrooms” I said. I was feeling hungry. was interesting.
Sometime later he delivered it to the table. Day Two:
“Nothing but mushrooms, as you requested sir.” I appreciated his wit. It is The morning started out with more phone calls and e-mails, some great and
common here, young smart ski bums working as help at the lodge, always with a some not. When you open an e-mail or get a call it’s kind of like skiing a blind
bright positive demeanor. The omelet was the best I have ever had and I named it the corner not knowing whether the ground falls away and there is an obstacle like a
“EBM” so I would remember it. rock or there is an open untouched field of snow. With the communications complete
The buzz as always in ski lodges is the weather, specifically the snowfall. One I set off to the dining room for breakfast: more oatmeal, a waffle with blueberries,
of the staff, a young lady (the post-college type), unassuming but obviously very sausage and some fruit and coffee. I am spending time on the food because there
intelligent (my favorite type) gave a technical description of the storm coming in, are many “foodies” in my life, and some do not think I get it. For me a great meal
above my ability to fully recreate in this writing, It included “the drop would be 10 includes more than a good tasting dish; it is visual, presented with accompaniment: a
to 12” and that the “wind direction is ideal for the Western good wine, complementary appetizers, candles and of course, music. And it is never
facing slopes.” My portrait was getting better. As the day rushed. This is in comparison to those who can seem to
progressed the staff would say in a non-alarming but excited put away any amount of food. I am not about quantity, I
way, “We’re getting nuked.” I thought that this was an odd am about the moment. Last night’s dinner started with
term for a heavy snow fall. Snow is cold and something a very sharp tomato soup, the Peruvian house salad and
“nuked” is usually getting burnt to a crisp or blown up. sesame seared tuna drizzled with wasabi over minced
I rented these really cool “powder” skis; they are extra veggies. The tuna was excellent. The wine was a Caber-
wide so you can float above the snow. With a full tank net from California. They say white with fish, but Cab
and all geared up we made our way to the shuttle, having is my favorite and the wine police weren’t looking.
learned years ago that although we can see the lift, walking Those cool skis I mentioned earlier apparently
to it at 8000 ft. with our gear will leave us totally drained, were not cool enough, as a few of the staff were raving
winded and crawling. Our chariot driver is another one of about these new Pontoon skis, again with the technical
those post-college ski bums, except he is 50+ and just never jargon, “They are reverse camber and are not for carv-
left. In the five minute ride he spoke all about a gypsy and ing but in the powder you can’t touch them.” I went to
her band who just came through town. He was playing her the ski shop downstairs. Everything is in one building
CD in the van. She must have set a spell on him because he like a little cruise ship but without the bathing suits, oh
described her look, complete with 3 in. earrings and flowing wait what am I saying there is a heated pool and two
hair, as mystical. I was not moved by the music but I under- hot tubs. Well any way I asked the tuner (name for a
stood how she moved him. Every time we took the shuttle ski shop guy) about the Pontoon skis. I told him I was
she was on. interested but was taking an “off piste” (off trail) lesson
On the lift the amount of snow falling was intense. and was concerned about changing to the new design.
As we traveled up, the density increased. By the time we
reached the summit it might as well have been midnight, “You will be showing the instructor with these.”
just all white instead of all black. It was then I understood He pulled them out and they looked like shovels, the
the “nuked” comment. The morning was great skiing fattest ski I ever saw. There was even a graphic of a
except for the visibility. Staying near the trees and rocks, plane with pontoons on them, hence the name. I gave
while presenting increased risk, helps you see the flat snow him my boot so he could set them up and then told
better so that is what I did most of the day. After lunch the Dave and he got a set too. We agreed to be at the lifts
air became still and snow settled down to the point where when they opened so I could get a run in before the les-
the flakes seemed to be in suspended animation, as if the son.
ground had a reversed magnetic field. It was a little spooky but I was not surprised There was already a line even though we were
as things related to weather are very different here in little Cottonwood Canyon. It 15 minutes early. You see when there is a “major dump” (the old school term for
was a very light and dry lake effect snow from the Great Salt Lake. The canyon is “getting nuked”) skiers come out of the hills. The lifts opened and soon we were at
ideally situated to strip the perception from the sky which it does to the tune of 600 the top. We arranged to meet at the lodge for lunch at 12:30 pm and off I went to the
in. per season. It is so soft that you are prone to laughter if you fall in a big pile of it, high traverse along with everyone else looking for fresh powder and a clean line. I
something that I have experienced many times. broke off the traverse and shot a semi difficult line. I had to find out what these sticks
I spent the morning with the iPod cranked, blasting down the groomed trails could do early enough to exchange them. It was quite a ride. Skiing powder intro-
while adrenaline rushed through me. I always stay on the trails when I first go out to duces a third dimension. You are floating on a layer of powder, suspended; turns are
tune up. My playlist contained a number of classical pieces but I settled on rock band graceful and repeat with rhythm. It is a dance in total silence. The skis passed muster
“Snow Patrol,” of course. After lunch I left the music behind as the day had calmed and I made off to a few trails I knew would not be tracked yet, floating between trees
and I decided to make the afternoon runs more aggressive. with the snow ripping off the bottom of my skies was exhilarating, and I was still
I ski alone at times; it gives me time to think and take in the space. The light “in bounds” as it were. Checking the time I blasted down to the lift by means of the
snow is silent as you traverse it and you can move quite briskly in this silence. At first groomed trail, when all of a sudden I became a novice skier. These skis had no
one point in mostly fresh powder I came through two towering ponderosa pines control whatsoever on the hard pack. And therein lies the problem with a lot of things
(think very tall and thin but full Christmas trees). Coming between these monoliths in life. They’re really good at one thing and suck at another, and I knew at that mo-
at speed, I did not know what I would find on the other side (which is what I want, ment that these babies were not coming home with me, but I was happy to have them
of course). The interest in what is behind the curtain combined with the exhilaration knowing what was to come.
of a chase. The scene was as perfect as if God had painted it: rolling hills with no I met Steve, my instructor, at the base of Collins Lift. We spoke a few words and

32
then were interrupted by someone yelling, “Hey Steve!” This was to repeat itself the 48, yada-yada. I need not put you through the pain, reading this “my rant” is enough.
entire time we were out. It was like I was with the mayor. Steve was a stocky man I waited till he needed to catch a breath to interject. I gave him a lame excuse that I
in his sixties, who worked at the mountain for thirty years. In earlier years he was a am sure he did not believe. Why I would leave a comfortable chair next to the fire to
contractor doing some projects and getting them done by winter to work at the moun- sit in my little room?
tain. He mountain biked, golfed and played with his black lab, but never mentioned Since my rhythm was thrown off by you-know-who I decided to call it a night.
wife or family. His statement about being a ski instructor (“My job is better than It was 11 pm NY time and I did not want my bio-clock to be thrown off. Before
your vacation”) rolled off too easily. They must tell all the instructors to say that. I settling in I went outside and took some pictures of the moon over High Rustler; it
told him I was in electronics, my typical response when I know there is no potential was magnificent. Tomorrow’s plan was to try the K2 Apache skis that replaced the
for a sale. Steve was excellent, “It’s about balance. Staying centered over the ski Pontoons and photograph some of today’s great runs and vistas.
is crucial. Don’t lean back. Keep pressure on your shins. Chin forward. Maintain a Last day:
dominate ski always, and shit stop locking your down-hill knee!” It was as it needed Breakfast was terrible. Not the food (Oatmeal, sausage and an EBM omelet), it
to be to break old habits. Within a half hour I was skiing down runs that I would not was the company. We again were joined by Mr. Know-it-all but there was another
have considered. Then, just after getting off the lift at the summit, Steve turned to character at the table. A spooky type; one of the other guests called him Ted Bundy’s
me and said, “Brian, today is your lucky day.” He noticed that a guide was removing cousin. Asked a lot of questions and when you answered he would cut you off mid
the safety rope to an off limits entrance, an area untouched. I was on his tail knowing way as if he heard enough and ask another question. He made a comment a few min-
that if I lost him I would be in trouble. We traversed a few thousand feet and I got utes into the meal. “Being Ivy leagued educated…” I couldn’t care less what he said
to do a long run in virgin snow. With these fantastic skis, I felt like I was flying. We after that. He and the know-it-all made some gray ethnic remarks and I was done and
went through areas I had only seen from a distance, always wondering who was all excused myself.
the way up there. This time it was me. Later that day I pointed the area out to Dave. Getting into the shuttle Tyler, the driver we have gotten to know, asked how we
The skiers at the top looked like little specs; it was neat. were doing. I said I was better now¸ feeling stupid after breakfast with a know-it-all,
We made our way down and to the right on the lift and to the same area. By this done-it-all. Tyler knew immediately who I was talking about “The real estate guy. He
time skiers found the run so we took some detours, under the ropes stuff. After about bent my ear for an hour. We have a kid on our staff who is the same way. We call him
an hour and a half I was feeling it. It’s hard to keep composure when your muscles ‘I–E–R.’ Every sentence starts with ‘I’ and ends with ‘E–R.’ ‘I did it better, bigger,
are burning. Steve said, “Ski down and stop just before the faster.” We all agreed to have a little pity on these guys and
ridge. Let the downhill ski dominate. Shift your weight concentrate on what was really important: skiing.
quickly.” I did as he requested and carved through the deep Moments become memories, Back on the slopes the new skis combined with my con-
snow. As I reached the ridge I turned back to see my instruc- which are the patchwork in fidence quickly erased any negative aftertaste from break-
tor’s comments. “Great” is all he said as he followed me fast. Took some cruisers with Dave as we had not skied
down. Just then I heard a big scratching sound and he was the quilt of life. together that much, so it was good to share a few runs. I
down after hitting a hidden rock. He was ok but had lost peeled off into the trees whenever I could. A few runs in,
one of his skis. I removed one of mine and my leg sunk in I got more aggressive and took some air on a small bump,
the snow to my crotch, the incline was steep and I quickly realized there was no way but there was less ground underneath than I thought and my flight was a little longer
I was getting up the 150 ft. or so to help him. Another skier, a young lady he knew, but effortless. A shot of adrenaline was immediately delivered to my brain and I had,
stopped to help. 20 minutes later they still hadn’t found it and Steve shouted for me as Tom Cruise said in top gun, “a need for speed.” Pointing my skies straight down
to meet him at 1:30 pm at Collins and we would continue the lesson. “Go back the and picking the steepest line I built up more speed and was flying until my logical
same way we went last time.” brain woke up and said, “What the hell is wrong with you?! You can’t do this!” At
“OK,” I said. Getting back was a little more difficult. I wasn’t following a thity that point I lost control, jerking back and forth and about to “tomahawk” (another ski
year experienced skier and tracks were everywhere, through the trees, over the rocks, bum term for tumbling uncontrollably down the mountain). Seconds later I regained
through some brush. Some better skiers were around but I didn’t know which one to control and like a NASCAR driver I hit the accelerator, the result of another jolt of
follow. My confidence was high but I wasn’t interested in any serious aerial maneu- adrenaline I suspect. Another way cool moment!
vers. I picked my way through and made it to the base. Just then Dave appeared as if It was time for a break and we stopped in for coffee (as if I needed to put more
on cue and we caught the shuttle back to the lodge for lunch. I explaining that I lost speed in my body). Afterward I went off-piste to an ungroomed and very unpopu-
my instructor and the tuner was right about the skis. lated area. Coming through a group of trees I entered a peaceful space surrounded
Lunch was chili, chicken with a fruit filling and an assortment of other options. by trees and then I saw her: a snow angel. It was only the second time I had seen one
I rushed through it and made more calls, then went back out to meet Steve for the since coming here. The last time was three years ago at a ravine on Number 9 Ex-
rest of the lesson. The next hour was great fun. I had fresh legs and Steve took me press (my favorite run). I was by myself looking down the field of small moguls and
to more places that I never knew existed. Near the end I did a short run on some she came up behind me, in her thirties and very fit, in a light colored outfit, not too
difficult terrain while he watched. He high-fived me and said, “A few more runs like flashy. As she passed quite close she turned, stopped and stared right at me for a mo-
that and you’ll be ready for the whoop–whoop–whoop!” I looked at him oddly and ment. We spoke for a bit. I don’t remember the words; I was too overcome with her
he knew I did not understand. “A Helicopter,” he said. There it was, another moment. eyes. We started to ski synchronously side by side but after a few turns all I saw was
I had never told Steve of my plan to heli-ski for my 50th. His comment boosted my her magic dust. Women are in the minority at Alta, as it is serious skiing and very
confidence which was already pretty high. I left Steve feeling like I was 25 and made little else to do. The ones who are here are serious and are not to be messed with.
my way to Alf’s slope side restaurant to meet Dave. He was just getting his stuff Steve had joked with one of his friends who rode the lift with us, about one of the
on after a break and we went right to the lift for the last couple of runs. I peeled off bartenders, Rachel. A hard body, “She would ski Kieran’s pants off.” It wasn’t meant
through the trees as often as I could. It was an excellent day. as it sounds, or maybe it was and I didn’t get it at the time. This time I came upon the
Après-ski is for me green ginger tea at the lodge and then the normal routine: snow angel, she stopped as before and stared, but this time I knew my place and just
shower, hot tub, shower again and dinner at 6 pm. The soup with chunks of shrimp nodded and watched as she flew away.
and a spicy bite was great. I ordered the Lamb and when asked how I wanted it I told Snow angles are like butterflies: their beauty is captivating, and at times if you
the waiter, “As the chef prefers.” The waiter seemed impressed and said, “I gotta re- are fortunate they pause and let you look at them. Don’t look too long, lest their im-
member that.” It was the right decision as the lamb was excellent, and went perfectly age be burned into your eyes and you spend your life chasing them. You can bet that
with the Cab. I finished with chocolate cake, the perfect finish a near perfect day at this was another moment!
Alta. I put the headphones back on and shuffled the Derek Trucks Band’s Soul
Things at dinner were not quite perfect, however as we were joined by a know- Serenade album and skied down the next few runs to clear my head. I caught up
it-all, been-everywhere, done-everything guy. You know the type, always has a with Dave to pick up the items we bought on the mountain. The on-mountain shops
one-up story. I had a girlfriend like that years ago. After you told a story or made a deliver your purchases to the base which is quite nice.
statement she would always say, “That’s OK but I did this…” It frustrated the hell Back to the lodge and returned the K2 Apaches. “Awesome skis,” I said to the
out of me then, and I have been very careful to avoid these types, but I was stuck. If I tuner. I had to say something about the skies that kept me upright going faster than
ever get this way I implore anyone who cares for me to give me a smack right across ever before. Then the routine you know by now: shower, tub, shower, dinner; then
the kisser. pick-up for the airport, to make an 11:15 pm flight, with time change will put us into
After dinner I was back at the fire listening to my iPod and writing. The music JFK by 5:30 am. Dave will drop me at the office and the work day will begin with a
over those last two days has been great, mostly because I raided Susan’s CDs before full schedule of appointments.
I left. Many I had given her but had not downloaded; others were Susan’s. Every My trip is over and so is this little story. I must add that this is a great time of
song was perfect and a reminder once again to pinch myself for having a friend with my life and I know it. It is because of my wife and many others who make it so; you
the same passion and similar taste. Another moment. know who you are. I send her and you my most sincere appreciation and love. Spe-
But it was short lived as the know-it-all, done-it-all sat down and started speak- cial thanks to Dave for introducing me to Alta, Utah and for being my ski buddy!
ing to me, even with the headphones on and the laptop covering half my face (I mean
really)! He went on to say how he doesn’t want to go to sleep too early and then got
into the real thing he wanted to talk about which was himself, and how he retired at

33
GD 3.125 x1.875 Bus. News Ad:GD 3.5 x2 Bus. News Ad

Creating and Refining

Business Image for more than Of Woods and Water
3 Decades. Nature and Sport Around the North Shore
Dan Stahl

Fertile Ground for Romance

Winter is indeed fertile ground for romance. Admittedly, I’m simply your
outdoor columnist, but I also consider myself a romantic. I’m always quick to pause
Call Alan Gaites 631-277-9193 along some majestic bluff, while venturing out with my wife, and gazing at the
Fax: 631-277-9350 • 70 Quail Run • E. Islip, NY 11730 beauty of our shoreline, only quickly to comment that it is only the beauty of her
company that can take my eyes away from the landscape beyond her. (That’s sure to
pay off when she sees this issue!)
Okay, now its time to get outside and find a place to take that stroll. Luckily
enough, you can just drive north, park, and walk the beach. Yes, you have to get out
of the car, no fogging up the windows just yet. I like privacy, so often I will wander
a bit, driving back roads along the shore until I find that little known entrance. These
are small paths, probably made by teenagers on Saturday nights looking for their
own meeting places to hang out. You found the beach, now for the outdoorsy part.
Look at the wind, then look at the land, and find a bend in the beach that will create
a little calm where the wind goes over the beach a bit for a more comfortable stroll.
From Eatons
Neck through
Smithtown,
...and just like in Vegas, what you have some
wonderful bluffs
you do in the woods, stays in the that make for
terrific winter
woods. jaunts. You also
have trails and
parks that offer
a wonderful setting for sharing our views of beauty, and just like in Vegas, what you
do in the woods, stays in the woods. Often these State parks, like Caleb Smith, have
wonderful wintry trails that lead to a frozen pond. Quiet and cold, you just have too
snuggle up a bit and rub noses.
For a shorter quick breath of wintry air you could take a ride down to North-
port Village and stroll its little park at the end of Main Street. The large town dock
with its gazebo at the end would be a great place to stop, gaze out at the harbor and,
of course, give her a little cozy up time too. Then back up to Main Street where you
can pop into a local café to have some warming up time. This town, once called Cow
Harbor, is one of just many wintry romantic towns that dot our shores. Maybe some
other couple will see you come in off the dock, and they will look at each other,
grasp each others hands and venture out to see what it was you were looking at. Then
when they reach that spot looking out onto our shorelines, they glance at each other,
and add there gift of love and beauty to that of the North Shore.
Okay guys and girls, now that those points were scored, its off to some of
the February outdoor shows. The Outdoor Expo at the Nassau Coliseum is January
16-18, the Fishing Show at SUNY Farmingdale is January 30 - February 1 and the
Rockland Community College Outdoor Expo is March 3 - 7. Grab some brochures at
these events, pick a spot and plan a spring camping family adventure. These outdoor
shows are great places to get information about our state parks and other outdoor
adventures. It is fun and easy, so first timers don’t need to be intimidated. Go on-line!
For less than the cost of airfare, you can outfit yourself for many adventures. You
can even practice in some of our local parks. The kids may hesitate, but throw in that
portable game thing, some DVDs for the drive and you’re there. Now, not to be too
politically incorrect, but ladies don’t fret, the few days camping will be worth it, it is
a priceless memory. No hair dryers, but smiles and stories galore.
Now I probably just blew that whole getting lucky thing I started with...no,
she knows I meant it all and she knows we will soon have that wintry stroll along
the village dock. She will gaze out and say, “Isn’t it wonderful that we live here, just
look at that sunset!” And I will reply, “It is a beautiful sunset, almost as beautiful as
my wife.”

Dan Stahl is a hunter, fisherman, conservationist and life-long North Shoreian. He

is a United States Coast Guard Licensed Captain and a New York State Licensed
Guide. Check out Dan’s website at www.outsidenorthshore.com

34
 Jack’s Backyard
Gardening Tips and Tales

Jack Filasky

Roses, Among Other Things!

On deck is the day of roses, candy and love….Valentines Day! The long stem
rose has long been the symbol of undying love for those special romantic occasions
and some times even the way out of the dog house. The source of the long stem roses
comes from the hybrid “Tea” rose. Roses that were grown in China were introduced
to the European varieties and soon were cross bred giving us those fabulous long
stems, colors and most of all the fragrance. Whether a single stem is used to convey a
message of elegant simplicity or a beautifully arranged box of long stems, it would
be difficult to match the impact of long stemmed roses!
After the lights and decorations come down and the holiday parties are over the
house is going to look rather plain. The short days of winter and cold weather will
keep us indoors with not much to look at. If you’re conserving your heat resources
and keeping the house on the cool side, I’m going to suggest a few “easy care”
houseplants with great foliage to liven up the interior landscape. I’ve used these
plants successfully in many office situations that have low lighting and even lower
humidity with hot air heat and they have performed well in spite of the climate. The
following plants are child and pet safe!
As with all the plants I am about to mention, water carefully as they don’t like
“wet feet” meaning they don’t like to be kept wet and the best way to avoid over
watering is check the water need by picking up the plant . If it is heavy, leave it be.
If it is very light,
give it a good
soak. During Roses that were grown in China were intro-
the short days
duced to the European varieties and soon
of winter, plants
tend to slow were cross bred giving us those fabulous long
down a little, stems, colors and most of all the fragrance.
so use fertil-
izer sparingly
and give the plants a chance to rest. In March, when the days are getting noticeably
longer, increase the frequency of feeding your plants
Fatsia Japonica is a handsome plant with dark green oak like leaves that toler-
ates low light and cool temperatures (50-65 degrees) making it a good candidate for
the living room or sun room. Although they can get to six feet high, they are easily
pruned back to keep their shape and size. Other than that, let it be and enjoy.
The Parlor Palm is one of my favorites. A popular houseplant since Victorian
times, this plant blends with any décor and adds an elegant touch to any interior-
scape. Parlor palms like medium, indirect sunlight and moist soil. Keep it away from
cold drafts and direct sunlight, as either of these situations can brown the leaf tips. I
have used this plant in low light and low humidity situations where it gets about 10
hours of fluorescent light and no humidity and it has performed well.
Bromeliades are a smaller potted plant often with stripes running through the
leaves and a colorful spike type flower. There are hundreds of varieties and sizes
available and these beauties can be used as an accent or a highlight and garner their
fair share of curiosity as they are very tropical looking. Care for these guys is a bit
different. They need a good source of light to maintain the variegation and exotic
colors. Watering is a bit unusual in that you water the “cup” form by the leaves at
the base of the flower spike. In their native locations they grow on tree limbs and
claim their water from the rain having very little in the way of a root structure. The
flowers can last for two or three months leaving just the foliage behind .
Pothos or “Devils Ivy” is one of the traditional workhorses of indoor plants.
Low light, low humidity, too much dust and neglect doesn’t seem to affect this plant
too much. Although it can adapt to almost any condition, it favors low light and
moist soil. I exaggerated about the dust (someone once said, “Dust is the Devil’s
snow.”) As with all houseplants, keep the leaves free of dirt and dust. A clean leaf is
the best air cleaner you can own.
Next month I‘ll introduce a few more easy care houseplants and we’ll look at
some of the “All American Selections” for the garden. I welcome questions and com-
ments from our readers at flbarnighl@optonline.net. So for now that’s what’s goin’on
in Jack’s Backyard.

Jack Filasky is the General Manager and Head Grower for Flower Barn / IGHL
Greenhouses in Moriches.

35
 The Creatives
North Shore Artists in Profile
Laura Kessler
Lynn Spinnato:
Forever in a Moment
Being a gymnast is something that stays with you for life, and, although I thought
it was far in my past, seeing Lynn Spinnato brought back some great memories. You
see, her sister Jodi was my coach at Spins Gymnastics for many years and Lynn was
very much a part of our gym family. While our reunion may seem irrelevant to most,
after seeing what Lynn is capable of, it is nothing short of irony. Lynn is a person who never relive other than documenting a scene.
has the ability to capture a moment in time that seems to last forever. Although once
you have been somewhere you can never really go back, Lynn has a way of preserving
those memories so that it’s as if you had never left.
Growing up in Port Jeff Station, she has always been a part of the island we love
to call home. If you talked to anybody but her, they
would tell you she’s been an artist forever, and know-
ing her free spirit I’d say I have to agree. Like many
Lynn’s success in photography lies in al- inside, to bring out the beauty others may never see.
kids Lynn had a great imagination, but little did she lowing people to let her inside, to bring out in photography, subjects have their doubts, but Lynn
know at the time that grade school would be the start beauty that others may never see.
of her career. Rounding up the neighbors and making
plays with sheets for backgrounds and an audience of
no more than twenty was where it all began. Although she started as an amateur, today
Lynn is far beyond her days of sheets and folding chairs.
At the age of fourteen Lynn took her first photo class. It was there she discovered told her, “Shoot whatever you want.”
her true passion, saying “The first time I saw an image in the developing tray it struck A great deal of her ability to capture the seemingly impossible comes with ex-
me like a bolt of lightning and I knew that’s what I wanted to do.” She continued
to learn and her talent grew. Years later she studied French and Art History at Stony
Brook University. She then began taking graduate classes at the School of Visual
Arts, and then expanded into film making at NYU and The American Film Institute in
California.
Her background in film is what inspires Lynn’s photography. She says “It’s the
ability to capture a moment in time, to tell an entire story within one frame that makes
it remarkable.” Unlike a landscape photographer she believes the magic is in the fact
humans change constantly, and it is so special being able to tell a story that one could
Her cultural heroes like Ansel Adams, may seem old school to some, but when
you see Lynn’s work it is no surprise why they inspire her. She owes her love of
black & white to the great Alfred Hitchcock, and the ability to use commercialism
in a thought provoking and beautiful way to good old Annie Leibovitz. Lynn’s suc-
cess in photography lies in allowing people to let her
Through her lens, that is exactly what she does. Often
is always confident. “The pressure of when people
think it can’t happen is when I’m inspired most.” For
example, Lynn was hired for the Suffolk Bar Associa-
tion to photograph US Attorney John McKay. Everyone told her “He won’t give you
the time of day,” but Lynn ended up with nothing short of amazing photos as McKay
perience. Having worked with a number of celebrities in her past, Lynn knows of the
constant assault they encounter and that respect is really all they need. Working in
areas such as film and music videos and gaining the trust of people like Ben Stiller,
Bill Cosby and even The Stone Temple Pilots is something Lynn has learned to grasp
well. This is why when you visit Spinnato Gallery you will find her gold record among
others hanging on the wall. The lady’s got talent, but she would probably be the last to
boast about it.
Lynn understands the power of humility and that is why she is able to capture such
natural beauty. Like a fly on the wall, her portraits seem to choose her. Her subjects
trust through her eyes, although unlike a fly, she only has two, and that’s what comes
out as unusual and intriguing. By creating a story within her environment people open
up and reveal something. “I feel I’ve touched their lives and they’ve grown because
they see how beautiful they are for the first time.” By believing everyone has a par-
ticular beauty, Lynn is blessed, for she has the gift to allow people to see it. “When I
photograph I get just as much from them as they do from me.”
“Time Out” is a particular piece of Lynn’s work that really speaks to her. During
a photo study of dancers she told them she was done, and it was at that instant when
they began to break apart that she got the best shot of the day. The candidness of that
moment was beautiful. The feeling Lynn gets from this shot is not far off from those of
other photographers she personally admires, such as a picture of a young Mick Jagger
smoking backstage sans all sags and wrinkles. ”It’s about when you capture that mo-
ment and it is captured forever.”
Lynn believes to be a great artist takes passion and no fear. “You have to be brave
enough to express what you’re feeling. I think most people are protecting themselves
too much to become deep.” This fear is something she is now attempting to fully
36
 conquer. Lynn is currently
working with “her people”
to raise money for a film
based on her journals of six
years at Atlantic Records
traveling and making music
videos. “The hardest part
for me is just to get really
honest.”
While she has very
little of it, her spare time
is used to decorate her new
200 year-old house. It has
been a challenge balancing
the character of the house
with hers. “The house is
so alive and speaks to me in
a way that I feel like we’re
decorating it together.”
The house isn’t the only Mel Pekarsky
new thing in her life, so is Edge
her man. Settling down at pencil on paper
home, however, will not in-
terfere with her work. Next
year she will be traveling
to China, Africa and Israel Gallery North
so she can share some of
A not-for-profit Gallery
their natural beauty with the
world. 90 North Country Road
The Spinnato Gallery
Setauket, NY
will hold its opening on
March 28th from 2-5 p.m. The show is entitled; “Through My Eyes: Abstractions of 631-751-2676
the Human Body” and personally, I can’t wait to see what else Lynn’s eyes have to www.gallerynorth.org
say. She is a woman who is constantly growing, yet, being young, has already seen
so much. “If I can touch people and make them happy through my chosen field then I Celebrating 44 years of promoting
p the finest
contemporary Long Island art and craa

feel I have given back to the world.” And that she does! You can get a glimpse of her
on the web at spinattogallery.com, but I think it’s something you really should see for
yourself, from Lynn’s eyes to yours.

Laura Kessler is a recent Summa Cum Laude graduate from Savannah College of
Art and Design and is aspiring to become the greatest advertising art director of her
time. While she currently makes her living slinging drinks, creativity is really what
she has in the mix.

3
 is different, and people will try different therapies. Some women will try natural
soy remedies such as Peruvian yam, red clover, or soy supplements. Many women
Ask Abby have tried the natural black cohosh. And women are still using prescription hormone
Women’s Healthcare replacement therapy for a short period of time. I have had clients have some success
using these products. None of these products are safe for woman with a history of
Abby Rockett breast cancer, or other estrogen dependent cancers. Stress has been shown to con-
tribute or exacerbate various health problems including menopausal symptoms like
hot flashes. Managing stress and taking control of your body changes as you enter
into this next phase of your life and is essential to your sense of well being. If you
Menopause...When? do not have a method for reducing stress consider including one of the many healthy
options into your routine. There are many choices, such as: repetitive prayer, yoga,
Dear Abby, tai chi, and qi gong, breathe focus, mindfulness meditation, and guided imagery.
I am 46 years old. My periods are getting closer together. Sometimes I get it Meditation and exercise are known to increase the endorphins in your body the make
twice in one month. My friends told me that it means that I am starting menopause . you feel good – they are good for you too.
Is more frequent bleeding a sign of menopause? K.L.
More frequent bleeding is not necessarily a sign of menopause. The definition My daughter is 15years old, when should I bring her to the gynecologist? T.J.
of menopause is absence of your period for one year. Most women will experience For a well visit, I like to see girls as soon as they are thinking about dating
fewer bleeding episodes as they approach menopause. Eventually, the bleeding or just when they start dating. Her first visit can be scheduled as a consult only.
episodes stop This will give your daughter an opportunity to meet and feel comfortable with her
all together. If health care provider in a non-threatening format. A health history will be taken

The definition of menopause

your bleeding and her questions regarding her gynecological care will be answered. Later, when
is accompanied she needs a full exam or if she comes for a problem, she will be more comfortable
by your normal
PMS symptoms
is absence of your period for knowing who she will be examined by. The worse time for her to meet her gyneco-
logical provider for the first time is when she is having a problem. She may actually
like cramping, one year. be too scared or embarrassed to come in at all. There are a lot of “old wives tales”
out there that teenagers pass to each other that can steer your daughter in the wrong
breast tender-
ness, bloating direction. It is better to have your health provider dispel them early.
etc. then you
can be reassured that the bleeding is hormonally driven and is alright. However, Please keep the letters coming! You can reach me by Emailing me at Abby@
if you bleeding is “out of the blue” or you don’t feel it coming on, then you should AbbyRockett.com and include Ask Abby in your subject line. Abby.
check with your health care provider.
Abby Rockett is a board certified Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner and has been in
I am 50 years old, my periods have pretty much stopped. When will my hot practice for 11 years. You can visit her website at AbbyRockett.com to find out about
flashes stop! S.A. upcoming exercise programs that are being developed especially for women in their
There is more than just one answer to your question. My son who is 16 wants to “Prime.” It is never too late to do something about your health.
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No Bones About It
Natural Health Care and Wellness
Dr. Peter J. Stumpf
Childhood Obesity
Okay, so it has been quite a bit chilly lately, and everyone seems more than willing
to hang up the running shoes in favor of snuggling on the couch with the remote and
surfing listlessly through countless television shows rather than brave the cold outside.
I have to admit that I have done my fair share of lazing around under the premise
that it is simply too cold outside to even take the garbage to the curb, let alone try to
exercise. However, this mentality during the winter months can severely cut down on
overall health and well-being. And although you may be willing to sacrifice a little of
your own personal gains over the last few months in favor of some hot chocolate and
a Law and Order marathon, it should be another matter entirely to promote this lack
of physical activity in your children. Childhood obesity has more than doubled in the
past 25 years and about 30 percent of U.S. children are now overweight? Research
indicates that there is an 80 percent chance that an overweight adolescent will be an
obese adult.
I remember a veterinarian telling me once that you can’t blame a pet for being
overweight – you need to blame the owner! Children, just like pets, have that innate
response to want to just be kids and run around and play all day. Somehow, over the
years, our society has transformed youth into a sedentary fast food and technology
lifestyle. Children need the adults in their lives to set limits and present good models
for healthy living.
It is extremely important to instill a healthy lifestyle in our youth today, so that
they can grow up to be healthy adults. Child obesity increases the risk dramatically for
diabetes, heart disease, and a host of other disorders. There are many factors related to
childhood obesity, but there is one in particular that has been studied recently and that
is the targeting of children through fast food advertising on television. Studies have
concluded that a ban on fast food advertising during children’s programming would
drastically reduce obesity in kids. My personal feeling is that television does not have
much to offer anyway and cutting down on children’s exposure to it would have an
overall positive impact on them.
39
Childhood obesity continues to rise in the United States and watching too much
television has statistically been proven to be one of its causes. Additionally, the num-
ber of fast food advertisements that are streamlined over the airwaves only adds to
the obesity problem. Add to this research that demonstrates that television is linked
to a variety of other maladies and you should be alarmed and compelled to limit the
amount of television your children watch.
Winter is a difficult time of year in New York. I remember when I lived in the
Atlanta area and activity was promoted by the warmer climate, it was definitely much
easier to stay active throughout the year. Although the weather may seem like an
obstacle, there are many activities
that children can enjoy which will
Child obesity increases the risk dra- enable them to flourish even dur-
matically for diabetes, heart disease, ing the cold winter months. Be-
and a host of other disorders. gin by thinking back to your own
childhood. How did you spend
your winter afternoons? Bundle
the kids up and take them outside
for a brisk walk, sleigh ride or snowball fight. Remember to dress warmly in layers,
have fun, and allow children’s imaginations to reign free. The fresh air will refresh
them, they will get some needed vitamin D from the sun’s rays, and they will be mov-
ing around expending calories instead of zoning out in front of a screen.
If outside activities are out of the question, there are still a number of options
available. Countless parenting and children’s websites provide a myriad of craft ideas.
Even activities as simple as teaching kids how to help around the house allow them
to be active and learn important life skills. Of course, it is easier to allow them to
play video games or watch a favorite show while you cook, clean or focus on that last
minute paperwork, and sometimes an alternative activity is not an option. However,
we should all continually monitor how much television we allow into our family’s life.
Being conscious of the time will allow your family to prioritize what you truly want to
watch and provide your family with more time to reach its full potential, both regard-
ing physical as well as mental health. Until next time, be well.
Dr. Stumpf owns Sunshine Chiropractic, a family practice located on Route 25A in
Miller Place. He can be contacted through his website – www.sunshinechiropractic.
net.
 Three Village Innkeeper Jimmy Miaritis Retires
An Interview with a Proper Improper North Shoreian
by Irene Ruddock
Jim, you have recently retired as proprietor and official “Innkeeper” of the
famed Three Village Inn located in Stony Brook. The awards you and your son Lou
won include Restaurateurs of the Year, Man of the Year, and Business People of the
Year. You are one of the most respected and beloved men in our community. Tell us
about your upbringing and how you got to where you are today.
I was born in a small mountain village called Fourna in Greece where life was
very simple. We were self sufficient with everything harvested from the land. Meat,
cheese, wine, etc. It was an idyllic upbringing until we were attacked by Mussolini and
endured the German occupation. It was a terrible existence, but nothing could compare
with the Civil War that followed.
Why was that?
In the civil war, it was the communists
vs. the loyalist. It was friend against friend, father
against son. You were afraid to talk with anyone
for fear that someone would turn you in. The peo-
ple were starving to death. There was no bread,
no salt, no eggs, or milk. The communists would
break down your doors in the middle of the night
to take any food that you may have had. The com-
munists were taking the young men of Greece to
Europe to indoctrinate them. Over 35,000 were al-
ready snatched from their homes. Since I was an
American citizen because my father had already
emigrated to the U. S., I decided to seek safety in
the states.
That must have been a difficult decision to
leave your family and friends.
Yes, but I had a dream that changed my
life. In the dream, I was saying goodbye to my
family when I was approached by an older woman
dressed in black whom I had never met. She said
that she was my deceased grandmother and told
me never be afraid of anything for I would succeed
in everything I would ever do. I believed her. From
that day forward, I was never afraid of any deci-
sion I ever made.
What happened when you came to the
states?
I lived in Hell’s Kitchen in a cold water
flat. We had to go to the public bath to pay a nick-
el to get a shower. We were snowed in for seven
weeks during the worst snowstorm since the bliz-
zard of 1888. During that time, my friend and I
bought an English/Greek dictionary to study the
language since we couldn’t speak a word of English. One of my first jobs was as a
dishwasher where I worked 6 days a week, 12 hours a day for $28.95! We felt very
safe in the city. We were free as birds going to Central Park in the middle of the night
or traveling on the subway for a nickel.
Other than your dream, was there anything else that had a profound effect on
your life?
The owner of the restaurant in Hells Kitchen had promised me that I could
eat some corn beef and cabbage if I worked very hard all day. When the time came, he
gave me moldy meat from the refrigerator which I thought was an inhumane thing to
do. This was another turning point in my life. I refused to work for him anymore. I also
vowed that I would never treat anyone like that. I promised that I would work hard to
reach a position where I could help someone and never demean them.
How did you get to work in the John Peel Room at the famed Island Inn?
Among other jobs, I found my way to the Pennsylvania Hotel where I worked
as a waiter. I felt that it was an honorable profession to serve someone. I was drafted
to the Army during the Korean War where I became a corporal. When I returned to
the Pennsylvania Hotel I earned $20 a day. I truly believed that the streets of America
were paved with gold! I eventually came to the John Peel Room where I worked for 30
years as a waiter, captain, matre de and finally associate director. I was honored to have
met and served hundreds of famous people including a president, actors, astronauts,
athletes, senators, and Supreme Court justices.
Whom did you admire the most?
I admired Angela Lansbury because she was so kind. I used to chat for hours
with Steve and Edie Gorme. Boris Karloff was another of my favorites. There were
hundreds of others since many came to the John Peel Room after performing at the
Westbury Music Fair. I have autographs and photos from many of them.
40
How did you come to purchase the Inn?
My dream was to climb the ladder to the mountain top and for me that was to
own my own restaurant. When the opportunity came, I remembered what my grand-
mother told me in my dream and never hesitated. In the fulfillment of my dream, my
son Lou played the greatest role. I thank God for his help in reaching the mountaintop.
The Inn is such a special place. There might be better places, but there is no place
like the Inn. I treated it with the respect and affection it deserved. I had a respect for
the history of the place too, knowing that the Inn was even bigger than the thousands
who frequented it. I always wore a suit and a tie while there. People responded and
knew it was different, a place where you would be proud to bring your family or busi-
ness associates. I believe that The Inn symbolizes
everything beautiful and special about the Three
Village area.
What advice could you give someone starting out
today in the restaurant business?
Remember that your job is to serve the customer.
You must give them a reason to come back and
they will in turn be your good will ambassador. No
job should ever be beneath you from sweeping the
floor to clearing tables because each job is a step-
ping stone to another. If you love what you do, you
will never tire. I walk about 6 miles a day at the
Inn! There is great pleasure in giving, in serving
someone, in making them happy. You can never
run out of smiles!
What advice would you give anyone about life?
Always believe in yourself. Never let stress enter
your life. Work as hard as you can, give it your all
and then don’t worry about a thing. Never harm
anyone and never hold grudges. It is up to you to
climb the ladder of success.
You have a wonderful family. Do you have any ad-
vice for families today?
Yes, stay out of debt by living within your means.
Give children love, not things. Teach them history.
Give them respect and affection because that alone
is worth a fortune. I couldn’t have accomplished
what I did without the loyalty of my wife and fam-
ily.
What would you like to say to the people who
came to the Inn over the years?
I want to say a special thank you the people of
Long Island for supporting the Inn. After 19 years,
it is the fulfillment of a dream and will be in my
heart forever. I was not only there Innkeeper, but their friend. It was my honor and
privilege to serve them over the years. And I am deeply humbled and touched by the
party organized for me by Helene Bredes at the Old Field Club. I thought it was sym-
bolic that I even had corn beef and cabbage!
Do you have any final words for us?
I would like to end with a poem that I wrote on the anniversary of the Statue
of Liberty. When you have lost your freedom as I had, you appreciate every day, every
liberty. No one can stop you from succeeding in this country. I believe and trust the
American people and the American way of life. We are the shining city on the hill.
Never forget that!
The Grand Old Lady
Oh, say can you see
What’s that statue above the sea?
It stands there for all to see
Her name is Liberty
Her torch all lit and bright
She’s greeting people day and night
She gives them courage; she gives them hope
For all the people from abroad
May God bless and keep her free
The Grand Old Lady named Liberty
 Happy Holidays

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 I
typical American might
cringe. The more dar-
Epicurean Quartet ing of us (okay, fine,
everyone except me)
Fine Dining Review and Profile tried everything and
Shaughnessy Anne McKenna Dusling found it enjoyable
and unique. Included
in our sampling was

Costa De Espana:
Serrano Jamon y Man-
chego Queso ($14.50),

A Taste of Spain in Port Jeff this combination was a

fine Spanish ham and
For the past quarter century, tucked away and nestled into a cute corner of Port Jef- cheese served cold.
ferson Village known as Trader’s Cove is a little bit of Spain’s culture and flavor. We also tasted Gambas
Family owned, Al Ajillo ($10.25), this
Costa de Espana jumbo shrimp in garlic
has been a North
Costa de Espana was a lovely escape sauce was delicious.
Shore staple The Champinones Rellenos (Stuffed Mushrooms, $8.25), and Calamares Fritos (Fried
with its authentic from the ordinary and was an authentic Calamari, $8.75) were also enjoyed by all. As I previously mentioned that I am too
Spanish menu Spanish experience that is hard to find. timid to have tried the Caracoles (Escargot in white cream sauce, $10.25) and Pulpo
and ambiance. a la Gallega (Galician Style Octopus, $9.50), however Kevin and Charlie found each
Upon entering dish to be wonderful and they were happy to experience this authentic dining opportu-
the bright red nity.
door, diners are As we dined on the Tapas, all of which are available on the bar menu, we or-
greeted with a warm and cozy feeling. Stone walls, wooden ceiling and dim lighting dered our entrees. I ordered the Mariscada a la Marinera ($26.75), this gigantic meal
provided by beautiful glowing chandeliers create a welcoming atmosphere that has a was prepared and served in a large pot. The seafood combination included lobster,
relaxing effect. The sultry Spanish crab, clam, mussels and scallops
voices and rhythmic beats of Latin cooked in a marinara sauce. It
music flowing throughout the res- tasted fresh and delicious, and
taurant, combined with Spanish art- there was enough to feed two
work and deep red table linens and people. Charlie tried Lengua-
curtains, is something to experience. do a la Parrilla ($17.75), this
The combination of the sensational broiled filet of sole was served
atmosphere and the friendly wait alongside spinach. Charlie men-
staff left me feeling as if I had left tioned several times that the fish
the bubble of Port Jefferson and was was cooked to perfection, and
sitting seaside in Spain. once again, the portion size was
The authenticity of this ex- very generous. Cyndi sampled
perience was compounded by the va- the Ternera a la Chef ($21.75),
riety of menu items that were being this veal was the specialty of the
offered, and as we were soon to find chef and was tender and smoth-
out, the taste and quality of the food. ered in a sweet tomato based
Our party was welcomed with an in- sauce. Pollo Costa de Espana
credible half pitcher of homemade ($15.25) was Kevin’s choice.
Sangria ($10.50), the recipe was not This chicken dish was prepared
to be shared when Cyndi later asked. in a wine and tomato sauce with
It is something that you need to visit onions, and mushrooms. Kevin
to experience. The rich and fruity enjoyed this dish and found it to
flavor was enjoyed by all who tried be a little on the sweeter side.
it. Charlie was happy to find that his Each entree comes with the
thirsty taste buds were not going to choice of yellow rice or Span-
go unattended to. Costa de Espana ish potatoes. Each of these two
carries O’Douls for those who prefer sides were exceptional.
non-alcoholic beverages. For dessert, Charlie enjoyed the
To get our meal started we were provided with a sampling of the Tapas menu. Spanish style Rice Pudding ($5), and Cyndi tried the Natilla Pudding ($5.25), a cin-
Each and every item was beautifully presented and prepared, however some of us were namon flavor pudding with fresh cream on top. Kevin devoured the Flan ($5.25), a
much more timid to venture in trying them. Costa de Espana prepares food that would traditional Spanish custard dessert and enjoyed a strong Espresso ($3.25). I enjoyed
be found commonly in Spain, that includes Octopus and Escargot, two items at which a the Tortufo ($6.00), chocolate and vanilla ice cream with a chocolate shell and cherry
center.
Overall, we were very impressed with the service, our water glasses were
always attended to, and crumbs were cleared away from the table with record timing.
Costa de Espana was a lovely escape from the ordinary and was an authentic experi-
ence that is hard to find. Costa de Espana would be the perfect setting for a romantic
evening or a special event to celebrate with friends and family.

Overall Consensus: Unique! Tasty!

Prices: Tapas - $8.75 to $25
Entrees - $15 to $32
Dessert - $5/6
Handicap Accessible: No, there are steps to enter the building and inside the dining
areas.
Points of interest: Open year-round, weather permitting beautiful outdoor dining and
smoking area, reservations are accepted, Bar Menu available until 10pm weekdays
and 11pm weekends. Private parties are available.
Costa de Espana
9 Trader’s Cove, Port Jefferson, NY 11777
(631) 331-5363
www.costadeespana.com

42
 The Improper Vinophile
Adventures in Wine
Anthony Frasca
The Wine Bubble Has Burst!
If you have been down to your wine cellar recently you may have heard a decidedly
ominous crash. Breathe easily; it was not one of your precious bottles crashing to the
floor. It was, sadly, the value of your collection that has taken a nosedive along with
the rest of the economy. It may be shocking, but it was certainly inevitable. The wine
bubble has also burst.
The evidence for the distressing news came from a recent auction of fine wines held
in Manhattan by the wine auction house Morrell & Company. The November auction
proved to be a morose affair. Typically at these auctions in the past, nearly all of the
lots sold at their asking price, or above in some cases. The success rate has typically
been 90 to 95%. Not so at the last sale.
Of 1138 lots,
453 lots went
begging for an Nevertheless, where there is
anemic 60%
sale rate. At one despair there is also hope and
point early in
the auction 11 opportunity.
consecutive lots
of Colgin Cel-
lars wines went unsold. You can imagine the collective gasp of the participants and
auctioneers alike as only 22 of 82 lots of boutique California wines found buyers; a
pathetic 26% sale rate.
1982 Bordeaux was no exception. 1982 Bordeaux prices have seen a steady, nearly
astronomic, climb over the past two decades for a number of reasons. To borrow an
axiom from real estate, they’re not making any more of it. Long the darling of the
auction market, only 10 of 40 lots sold for a pitiful 25% sale rate.
For the lots that did sell, the news was just as grim. Of 685 lots sold 547 sold at
or below the low estimate of the auction house. That leaves a paltry12% of lots sold
above the low estimate. Talk about a softening market. Clearly Wall Street bankers
are in no mood to splurge on fine wines.
Wine auctions in general provide a vehicle for buyers to obtain aged wines, and
wines that are nearly impossible to get from your local retailer. Many California
boutique wineries maintain mailing lists, some with waiting lists years long. Some
have closed their mailing lists altogether. You can find these wines at auction, but it’s
costly.
Aside from being costly, buying wine at auction can be fraught with hidden perils.
Although the auction houses makes an effort to be sure that the wines they procure
have been stored in a temperature-controlled environment, there is no guarantee that
the wines have been stored that way since release. In addition, every lot sold is as-
sessed a buyer’s premium. In the case of the Morrell auction the premium is an eye-
popping and wallet unfriendly 18%. And if you don’t have the luxury of being able
to pick up the wines yourself in Manhattan, the auction house charges to ship the
wines. Wines shipped within New York State cost $35 per case to ship. Add to that
the mandatory insurance of 1% and it’s no wonder why the auction market has slipped
considerably.
The real question is, how did the wine market sustain its meteoric rise over the last
two decades? Did the irrational exuberance that fueled the rise of the stock market
carry over into auctions of fine wines? The global demand for elite wines has increased
steadily over the last two decades, but with the economies of many countries in disar-
ray the demand has dropped precipitously.
Nevertheless, where there is despair there is also hope and opportunity. If you are
contemplating establishing a wine cellar this is a good time to search for bargains and
value. The unsold lots from the Morrell auction were available for purchase after the
auction and some lots found eager buyers.
You may have looked at a number of your own wines, and instead of seeing an
opportunity to enjoy the fruits of your labor, you may have seen dollar signs instead.
Have no fear. You can now consume these wines knowing they have been devalued to
the point that they will give you much more pleasure in your glass than the sadness of
seeing them passed over at auction.
Instead of feeling indigestion in the pit of your stomach, you can have Colgin
Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon swirling around instead. Cheers!
Anthony Frasca is a freelance writer and photographer. He lives in Setauket with
his wife and three children. If any readers have any comments or suggestions for the
wine editor you can e-mail him at mnkymn1956@gmail.com
43
The Spirit World
Commentary on the Potent Potables
Jim Bliss
What’s New For 2009?
Whew, we made it! 2008 was a pretty tough year, but we can put that all
behind us now because 2009 is the year of promised change. The lesson for me, that
which I take from 2008, is the realization and application of the Peter Principle both
in government and business. No, it can’t be, it’s a silly concept I used to think. Lo
and behold weren’t the events that took place in 2008 the epitome of proof that this
principle is a reality? That being said let me tell you that a lot of things are going to
change around here when my bail-out comes through. I guess buying rum futures
from Guyana wasn’t such a good idea. I should have listened to my buddy Warren and
went with rums from Trinidad.
In this article we are supposed to talk about what’s new. How about this, how
about we abolish this common innocuous greeting of “what’s new?” I don’t know
about you but I’m a little annoyed by the pressure that is instantly placed upon me
when asked this question. Do I now have an obligation to relate my knowledge of new
world events or worse, an obligation to tell some intimate new detail of my personal
life, or even worse yet, to explain that I have no life by saying the all too common
response of nothing is new? Here are some of the new spirit products, ideas and hap-
penings that are coming forth for the year 2009.
Hendrick’s Gin is looking to get your attention with an advertising campaign explain-
ing that it is a most unusual gin by featuring the infusion of cucumber and rose petal.
Blue Ice American Vodka is four times distilled and five times filtered and is made
from russet potatoes from Idaho.
Snow Queen Vodka commits to growing the brand more effectively. The bottle pack-
age is extraordinary, as the product hails from Kazakhstan Russia and has mostly,
an on premise
placement. Look
Look for a new device for pouring this for a new de-
vice for pouring
vodka that will light up the bottled this vodka that
when it is being tilted for pouring. will light up the
bottled when it
is being tilted for
pouring.
The Imperial Collection is a super premium vodka from Russia and is self described as
fit for a king. The vodka undergoes a multiple refinement process nine times distilled
and has a shelf price between $40 and $46 for a 700 ml. sized bottle. This company
indeed has the gift for the person that has everything. They offer their vodka in care-
fully crafted Fabergé eggs made in Italy of fine Venetian glass, and have a richly gilded
decoration, golden decals, and a decorative gilded cap with a red Swarovski crystal on
top. The top of the line costs $1,800 per bottle. Move over Louis XIII you’re not the
king of price anymore.
Orzel Vodka from Poland is six times distilled and filtered over Quartz.
Ed Hardy Vodka with a bottle design by Christian Audigier is imported from France.
The vodka is distilled and filtered five times. The packaging on this baby is insane.
Does either of these two fellow’s names ring a bell? Christian Audigier is a French
designer and entrepreneur who designed for Lee, Diesel, Liberto Kookai, and Von
Dutch. Don Ed Hardy has achieved his life’s long ambition of becoming a tattoo artist.
Again the package is insane.
The rare Courvoisier Erte collection will be made available for the year of 2009. Erte
is a unique collection of rare blend Courvoisier Cognac reserves in seven limited edi-
tion bottles designed by Erte, an acclaimed artist from the art deco movement. A bottle
has a suggested retail value of $1,450.
Michelob Shock Top Belgian White and Stone Mill Pale Ale will be the first nationally
available organic beer.
Miller lite for coming out in 2009 with the first screw top can that will reseal for fresh-
ness. Test marketing for this product will be done in the Midwest and Southern United
States. Does Joe Six pack really have a need to reseal his beer for freshness? I’m so
confused. Isn’t buying rum futures from Trinidad a better idea? I was just thinking the
other day that what the world needs now is another ale. Budweiser thinks so too. For
the first time ever we are about to be blessed with Budweiser American Ale.
In 1968 Lawrence J. Peter and Raymond Hull announced their findings that
employees were promoted to the level of their incompetence. Is the Peter Principle
true...at least in the spirits industry?
Jim Bliss is a 35 year veteran of the liquor business on Long Island. You would be hard
pressed to find a restaurant or bar owner on the North Shore whose hand he hasn’t
shook.

NS Events: where to go, when to show!
Welcome to The Improper North Shoreian Events
Calendar. After many months of preparing this calendar,
it still amazes me what our area offers people of all ages
ART
Adult Workshops at Gallery North
Watercolor Workshop with William Oberst Saturday Feb.7
10-5, Sunday, Feb.8th 12-5
Two-Day Intensive Oil Painting Workshop with Christian
White: Sat. & Sun. Feb.28th &
Mar. 1st 10-5
Oil Painting Color Workshop with Eileen Sanger; Sat. Mar.
7 & 8 10-5
Calll for more info and registration. Workshops for begin-
ners and advanced students. Workshop fees are $140; $140
for Friends of North.
Gallery North @ 751-2676 or email gallerynorth@aol.com
Adult Classes At Gallery North 7pm.
Watercolor Class with Elizabeth Greaf: Monday 7-9PM
February 2 through March 30th; Closed February 16 and
March 9
Printmaking Class with Linda Prentiss; Tuesday 7-9PM;
February 3rd through March 31; Closed February 17
Understanding and Using Alberttian Perspective with Chris-
tian White
Wednesdays 7-9PM February 4th to March 25th; Closed Feb.
28th
Cartooning with Doug Reina; Thursdays 7-9PM
February 5th to March 26th’ Closed February 129th.
Classes are open to beginners and advanced Students.
To register or for more info: Call Gallery North at 631 752-
2676 or wwwGalleryNorth.com
ENDGAME……New Work by Mel Pekarsky
Inspired by the Mojave Desert, his landscape pictures are
intellectually as well as perceptually provocative.
Runs to February 8th - Gallery hours: Saturday 10-5 and
Sunday 12-5. Closed Mondays.
ArTalk on Sunday, February 1 3PM by Mel Pekarsky
Gallery North 90 No. Country Rd.
Setauket, NY 11790
For info call (631) 751-2676 or www.GalleryNorth.org.
Inner Space at The Art-rium Gallery in Melville
The gallery is open Monday through Friday from 7am to
7pm.
Huntington Arts Council For info call 631 271-8423 ext. 15
or www.huntingtonarts.org
RED……….A GROUP SHOW
THEMED SHOW OF MANY ARTISTS…Eleanor Meier,
Baron Krody, Jane McGraw
Teubner and others.
Exhibit runs to February 22nd
Also Joe Reboli paintings on view in the gallery.
For more info: Christopher Gallery 631 689-1601 or email:
www.christophergallery.net
Heart With Soul , an exhibition of paintings by Marie
Finnegan @ Artastic Destination
A Huntington Village Gallery Exhibit runs from February
4th to March 1st
Gallery open : Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays 12-
8pm, Fridays & Saturdays 12-9pm..
Artastic Destination 372 New York Avenue
Huntington, NY 11743
For info call: Claudia Markovich @ (631) 424-7074 or
online artasticdestination@gmail.com
A COLLECTION OF ORIGINAL JOSEPH REBOLI
PAINTINGS ON EXHIBIT
Paintings are on exhibit and available for purchase.
Christopher Gallery, 131 Main Street, Stony Brook Villlage
For more info call (631 689-1601) or online at info@.christo-
phergallery.net
Runs to February 22nd
and interests in entertainment and culture. Hopefully, I
will see you out and about at one of these amazing events.
If you see me, let me know that you read about it in TINS.
CHILDE HASSAM; AN AMERICAN IMPRESSIONIST
ON LONG ISLAND ART MUSEUM
Enjoy a different exhibition one Tuesday each month from
10am to noon.
Free admission for seniors 62 and older.
The Long Island Museum 1200 Route 25A Stony Brook,
NY 11790 631 751-0066 or online @ www.LongIslandMu-
seum.org
BOOKS
BOOKSIGNINGS AT BOOK REVUE– Authors will speak
about books as well.
Book Revue, 313 New York Avenue, Huntington. Call (631)
271-1442 / online: www.bookrevue.com All signings at
Tuesday, February 3rd – Amy Dickinson and new memoir,
The Mighty Queens of Freeville
Thursday, February 5th – Dr. Robert Melillo and new book,
Disconnected Kids: The Groundbreaking Brain Balance Pro-
gram for Children with Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia and Other
Neurological Disorders.
Friday, February 6th – Steven Gaines and new book, Fool’s
Paradise: Players, Poseurs and Culture of Excess in South
Beach
Thursday, February 12th – Jimmy Breslin and new book, The
Good Rat: A True Story
Tuesday, February 24th – Beth Harpaz and new book, 13 is
the new 18….and other things my children taught me while I
was having a nervous breakdown being their mother
Thursday, February, 26th – Peter Morgan Kash & Jay Lom-
bard, M.D. and their new book,
Freedom from Disease The Breakthrough Approach to
Preventing Cancer, Heart Disease, Alzheimer’s and Depres-
sion by Controlling Insulin
DANCE
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21ST
DRUMLINE LIVE at STALLER CENTER
8PM – Main Stage $38 – Sponsored by WALK 97.5 Radio
The new Broadway – style musical based on the movie,
Drumline, brings the colourful, athletic and percussion
– driven marching band tradition of Southern /Black colleges
to the theatrical stage.
Tickets and info: 631 632-ARTS or online @ stallercenter.
com.
FILM
HOT NEW MOVIES! COMING SOON!
THE WRESTLER, CHERR BLOSSOMS, REVOUTION-
ARTY ROAD, CHE, DEFIANCE, WINDY AND LUCY,
THE READER
Tickets $9/Public, $6/CAC members unless otherwise noted.
. Contact www.cinemaartscentre.org for schedule. com.
Staller Center Film Series
Friday, January 30 – The End of America – 7pm
The Dark Knight – 9:30pm
Friday, February 6 – Man on Wire – 7pm
The Lucky Ones – 9pm
Friday, February 27 – I’ve Loved You So Long – 7pm
Happy – Go – Lucky 9:30pm
Tickets and info: 631 632-ARTS on online @ stallercenter.
com
FUNDRAISING
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23RD
HOPE FOR JAVIER – DINE AWAY DUCHENNE
Speaking on the most promising scientific Research Stuart
Peltz Ph.D., CEO, PTC therapeutics to be introduced by Dr.
44
This column will endeavor to be the definitive source
for events along the North Shore and will feature music,
theater, film, dance, opera, literature, poetry, lectures
and sports listings, as well as community and charitable
events. If you would like your event listed, please email
me at nsevents@optonline.net at least 30 days prior to
the event date.
Marie Ann Mordeno, Events Editor
Steven L. Strongwater, M.D., CEO, SBU Hospital
Join us for an intimate 5 course dinner with wine pairing at
BLISS in Setauket on
cocktails at 6pm and dinner at 7:30PM.
Ron Hoffman of Bliss has joined Hope for Javier in the fight
to make Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy History.
Adhering to Bliss’ Meticulous standards for excellence, Ex-
ecutive Chef Danny Avalos and sous chef Evan McDonough
have created a culinary masterpiece.
RSVP by February 9th.to blissrestaurant @ 631 941-0430.
HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1
Chinese New Year Celebration
WMHO Educational and Cultural Center Stony Brook Vil-
lage
Celebrate the Year of the Ox with festivities including Lion
Dance by Wu Mei Kung Fu Association, Spotlight Dance
Academy and Stony Brook Taiko Drum Ensemble.
Advanced reservations required. Adults: $10; Seniors: $8
and children under 12 including craft activity $8. For more
info and reservations call 631 689-5888.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7TH
Dinner & Dancing with Tony Della
WMHO Educational & Cultural Center
Treat your favorite Valentine to aromantic event featuring
Vocalist Entertainer, Tony Della, known as “the Romantic
Voice of” John Mathis, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and
others. Buffet dinner and wine provided by “The Country
House”, a Godiva Chocolate & free gift for your Valentine.
Advance reservations required; $75 per person..call 631
689-5888.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8TH
VALENTINE’S DAY & CHOCOLATE AT THE LONG
ISLAND MUSEUM
LEE PERROTTA FOUNDER OF RR CHOCOLATE IN
BELMORE PRESENTS
Get a head start on Cupid with a program including a choco-
late display, a chocolate lecture and of course a tasting. Free
program with regular museum admission. @ 2PM.
The Long Island Museum ,1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook
631 751 1066
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14TH
THE PUPPINI SISTERS AT STALLER
8PM - Main Stage The sensational singing musical trio
from England! Modern-day Andrews Sisters specialize in
close harmonies providing a perfect night out with your
special Valentine.
Tickets and info: 631 632-ARTS or online @ stallercenter.
FEBRUARY 24TH TO March 27th
Suffrage and Courage: A Woman’s Quest for Equality
WMHO Educational & Cultural Center
A thought provoking drama debating a Women’s Right to
Vote, circa 1917, as seen through the eyes of Suffrage Advo-
cate Alva Vanderbilt Belmont & Caroline Astor.
WMHO Educational and Cultural Center Call for registra-
tion 631 689-5888
MUSIC
WEDNESDAYS
ACOUSTIC LONG ISLAND
8-10PM – Free Admission Music ONE Wednesday .each
month
Deepwells Mansion , Route 25A, St. James, NY
Online @ thisweek@acousticlongisland.com
JAZZ IN THE LIVING ROOM AT MILL POND HOUSE
IN ST. JAMES
7:30pm Bring your own instrument. Beginners welcome;
everybody plays
Started by Ranny Reene over 40 years ago. Free for listen-
ers. $5 for participants.
Smithtown Township Art League Mills Pond House Rte
25A St. James, NY
Trevor Davison at BLISS
Dinner or Bar Menu and The Piano Man
Come to Bliss for dinner or bar menu and music!
Trevor plays from 8–11 pm. Proprietor: Ronald Hoffman
Chef: Danny Avalos
BLISS RESTAURANT & BAR, 766 Route 25A, East
Setauket
Reservations: (631) 941-0430 or email: blissli.com
Wally Alysse At The Piano – Wednesdays In The Lounge
WAVE Restautrant & Lounge Danford’s Hotel & Marina 25
E. Broadway Port Jefferson, NY
For info call 631 928-5200 or www.danfords.com
THURSDAYS
MUSIC AT PENTIMENTO’S EVERY THURSDAY 6-8PM
Rudy Perrone, classical guitarist and composer performs.
Bocacinni and specialty Martinis Chef/Owner: Dennis
Young
Pentimento 93 Main Street Stony Brook, NY
11790 631 689-7755
FRIDAYS
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27TH
BUCKWHEAT ZYDECO - & HOMECOOKED LOUSI-
ANA DINNER AT IMAC
Blues and Jambalaya! Show at 8pm. Tickets $40. Dinner:
$23.
Contact box office for more information.
IMAC Inter-Media Art Center, Inc. 370 New York Avenue
Huntington, New York 11743
Box Office: 631-549-ARTS e-mail: boxoffice@imactheater.org
Rick Anzalone at The Fifth Season in
Port Jefferson Every Friday
Music 5-8PM; Happy Hour Specials 4-6PM; Bar Menu
beginning @4PM
The Fifth Season, Route 25A, Port Jefferson Village
www.thefifth-season.com
TREVOR DAVISON AT THE COUNTRY HOUSE
TONIGHT AND EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT
Prix Fixe Prime Rib dinner at $19.95; expanded lounge area
and beautiful white piano bar.
Country House Restaurant & Club at Stony Brook, Route
25A, Stony Brook, NY Reservations not necessary except
for dinner. For more info call: 631 751-3332
Jazz Duo; Chris & Andrew @ The Fifth Season Saturdays in
Port Jefferson Village
Music Saturdays 7-11PM; bar menu beginning @ 4PM
Music 5-8PM; Happy Hour Specials 4-6PM; Bar Menu
beginning @4PM
The Fifth Season, Route 25A, Port Jefferson Village
www.thefifth-season.com
SATURDAYS
ERNIE BYRD AND OTHER MUSIC GREATS AT
GRASSO’S
For a great dinner and an amazing jazz quartet in the heart
of Cold Spring Harbor.
Music also on Tuesday through Sunday. Check restaurant
for exact schedule.
Grasso’s, 134 Main Street, Cold Spring Harbor
For reservations and exact schedule call (631) 367-6060
www, grassosrestaurant.com
OPEN MIC NIGHT WITH RICH & KYLE AT COOL
BEANZ ST. JAMES
SATURDAY NIGHTS, Sign up 7:30PM, from 8PM – 11PM
For schedule of Poetry Night, Teen Open Mic Night, Psychic
Night and Music Events. Call: 862-4111 email: saintjames-
coolbeanz@optonline.net. Cool Beanz Coffee House, 556-04
North Country Road, St. James, NY
Saturday, January 24th For more info and table reservations call 631 537-0153 or
online @ www.LIDecoyCollectors.org.
KEIKO MATSUI – Jazz pianist extraordinaire @ 8PM
Call IMAC for tickets WINTER ON THE L.I. GREENBELT TRAILS
IMAC Inter-Media Art Center, Inc. 370 New York Avenue HIKING TRAILS………….GET OUT AND WALK
Huntington, New York 11743 For full schedule contact:
Box Office: 631-549-ARTS e-mail: boxoffice@imactheater.org L.I. Greenbelt Trail Conference P.O. Box 5636
Hauppauge, NY
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7TH Call 631 360-0753 or ligreenbelt@verizon.net
Rhythm Kings Acoustic Duo At The Bench in Stony Brook THEATER
on Saturdays
7PM-10PM RUNS TO JANUARY 31ST
The Bench, Route 25A Stony Brook
LITTLE BO-PEEP & THE GREAT LOST SHEEP CAPER
MAXI PRIEST AT IMAC – REGGAE A TIMELY TALE OF MEDIA MISINFORMATION USING
Tickets $45/$34 for members One show at 8pm PUPPETS AND LIVE ACTORS.
IMAC Inter-Media Art Center, Inc. 370 New York Avenue THEATRE THREE, 412 Main Street, Port Jefferson. Call
Huntington, New York 11743 (631) 928-9100 or www.theatrethree.com.
Box Office: (631) 549-ARTS e-mail: boxoffice@imactheater.
org THE NERD BY Larry Shue at Theatre Three in Port Jef-
ferson
SUNDAYS Hilarity takes center stage in this laugh-out-loud comedy!
Larry Shue is the author of The Foreigner.
CAROLYN BENSON PERFORMS AT BLISS THEATRE THREE, 412 Main Street, Port Jefferson. Call
EVERY SUNDAY @ 6pm (631) 928-9100 or www.theatrethree.com.
Carolyn comes to us from her recent performance as “Mae
West” FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13@8PM
but sings everything from Evita to Clooney. Takes re-
quests…… NEIL BERG’S 101 YEARS OF BROADWAY
“Come on down and see her some time.” to Bliss that is. For more info and tickets call 516 299-3100 or online @
BLISS RESTAURANT & BAR, 766 Route 25A, East tillescenter.org.
Setauket
Reservations: (631) 941-0430 or email: blissli.com RUNS FEBRARY 14TH TO MARCH 21ST
MICHAEL KHORB - SOOTHING GUITAR AND SONG CASH: RING OF FIRE at THEATRE THREE in Port Jef-
PEFECT FOR SUNDAY AFTERNOON ferson
Dinner, bar menu and beverages. Created by Richard Maltby Jr.; Conceived by William Meade
Oscar’s Restaurant Route 25A St. James, NY From the heart of the songs of singer-songwriter Johnny
Cash comes a unique musical show about love and faith,
SUNDAY, JANUARY 25 struggle and success. Captures the Man in Black.
THEATRE THREE, 412 Main Street, Port Jefferson. Call
North Shore Pro Musica Concert at WMHO in Stony Brook (631) 928-9100 or www.theatrethree.com.
Village
Featuring the French horn and various instruments. SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22ND
Adults $! 5 and Students $10. For info call: 631 584-8945.
SWEENEY TODD – A MUSICAL THRILLER
SPEAKERS AND PROGRAMS For more info and tickets call 516 299-3100 or online @
tillescenter.org.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17TH TO THURSDAY, FEBRU-
ARY 19TH RUNS FEBRUARY 2ND TO MARCH 1st
WINTER BREAK WORKSHOP – Design & Build Your Disney’s High School Musical 2
Own Model House & Garden Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 E. Main Street,
With Art Teacher & Historian, Bob Sternlieb @ Smithtown
WMHO Educational and Cultural Center For Tickets call (631) 724-3700 or email: smithtownpac.org
Instruction and discussion of the architectural details of
homes such as those designed by Stanford White and Frank Runs through FEBRUARY 22ND
Lloyd Wright.
Classes for ages 10-13, Minimum of 10 students; $45pp The Foreigner by Larry Shue at John W. Engeman in North-
includes all materials. port Village
WMHO Educational and Cultural Center Call for registra- An award winning comedy set in rural Georgia in a fishing
tion 631 689-5888 lodge. Froggy Le Seur and
Charlie keep you laughing.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20TH John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport. Tick-
ets:631 261-2900 or www.engemantheater.com
AARON W. GODFREY PRESENTS TO THE LUNCH
GROUP
AT THE COUNTRY HOUSE IN STONY BROOK CIRCLE YOUR CALENDAR!
He is DIRECTOR TEACHER of OPPORTUNITY CORPS
EUROPEAN LANGUAGES AND CULTURES …..Lunch SATURDAY, MARCH 7TH
and presentation…….starts at 12 noon
For reservations contact thelunchgroup@verizon.net as early STALLER CENTER GALA 2009
as possible. An Evening with Patti Lupone and Mandy Patinkin
8pm Main Stage…..Two Broadway giants onstage together
for an electrifying evening.
SPORTS Show tickets are sold out. A limited number of Gala spon-
sorships that include a reception are available. Call 631
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28TH 632-7469.
38th Annual Decoy, Fishing Tackle & Sporting Collectibles FRIDAY, March 20th & Saturday, March 21st
Show
9am to 4pm at Patchogue Manor 9-11 Railroad Avenue DUCKS UNLIMITED NEW YORK STATE CONVEN-
Patchogue, NY TION
Featured Exhibits by Verity Family Decoys DANFORD’S HOTEL & MARINA, PORT JEFFERSON
For more info email: rmehc@optonline.net.
45
 I
his wife,Stephanie’s diagnosis of colon cancer. He
stayed by her side for 18 months, until she passed
Out and About away at age 51. When talking about Burt Bacha-
rach, he reminds us that he played and sang A House
Is Not A Home for her memorial service. “You can’t
By Marie Ann Mordeno write a better
song than this.” he said. This is one of his favorite
songs, as is One Less Bell to Answer. He wasn’t
Back to Romance is the thread that seems sure if he could include it since it was Dionne War-
he hopes she keeps making movies for a long time
to go through Steve Tyrell’s life. From early on, wick’s song and was written for a woman. Burt and
because he sings in all her movies. When asked how
he had a love of music, then the love for his wife, Steve realized they only had to change one word to
it feels to not be behind the scenes and be on stage
Stephanie, and through his philanthropy, a love for make it work. ”One less gal to pick up after, I should
and considered a heartthrob, he blushed. Steve said
humanity. Love and be happy but all I do is cry.” Changing guy to gal
he enjoyed per-
romance are also com- made it work.
forming in both
mon threads in the He shared his photographs of Yogi, Bernie
small and larger
music he listens to, and his son with us. He talked about his work with
venues and that
produces and now per- Katie Couric, a good friend and television journalist
they offer differ-
forms. who lost her husband Jay Monahan to colon cancer.
ent advantages to
Steve Tyrell Their work for the National Colorectal Cancer Re-
a performer. One
returning from a stint search Alliance (NCCRA) has been tireless. Since
of his first big
at The Café Carlyle in his wife’s death they have worked to raise funds
jobs was singing
Manhattan performed to benefit Colon Cancer Research and are co-host-
with Rosemary
at the Tilles Center ing an annual benefit in Seattle called Making the
Clooney at the
on January 3rd. Dur- Evening Matter. The Dodgers also raised $350,000
Chandler Pavil-
ing an hour long inter- for the cause. The Bacharach song What the World
ion in Los Ange-
view, Steve shared his Needs Now Is Love, Steve believes is more relevant
les.
life story, his musical than ever. Once the anthem to end the Vietnam War,
W h e n
career and his philan- it does seem relevant to our times. It is also being
asked what his
thropy with The North used as an anthem to raise money for NCCRA.
biggest thrill in
Shoreian. He gathered James Taylor, Rod Stewart and others
performing was,
Steve Tyrell to record the song on Back to Bacharach and all the
he quickly pointed out how great it is to have people
was born in Houston, Texas to Sicilian/Calabrese proceeds for the single will go to colon cancer re-
you admire come to see you and like what you do.
parents who owned a grocery store in a mixed com- search. Steve pointed out that we may not be able to
Then he listed sports figures; his idol Yogi Berra,
munity. His parents cure colon cancer, but if we can improve the quality
Bernie Wil-
loved music and and increase the length of the patient’s life, then we
liams, Joe Tor-
were very proud of have accomplished something.
res and Frank
Steve, who at age Steve Tyrell will return to the east coast next
Gifford. They
3, although not yet November and December to perform at the Carlyle.
came to see
reading, could iden- He is working on a CD of bluesy standards with an
him at the Car-
tify any song on an Etta James tone. Could he be including the Obam-
lyle.
LP. At 15, he had a as’ dance song, At Last? Love, romance and music
S t e v e
few R&B hits and at have certainly played a large part inSteve’s life and
also pointed
19 was working in he continues to share this with family, friends and
out how diffi-
New York at Scepter people in need. When choosing romantic music for
cult it is to se-
Records, adjacent to your Valentine, look for one by Steve Tyrell! You
lect songs for
Baby Monica Pub- won’t be disappointed.
a show, when
lishing Company. We must thank Doris Meadows of Tilles
people have
He was surrounded Center for arranging the interview. And I personally
there favorites
by Carole King, Ash- thank Debra Lebel for playing ace reporter. The dy-
from his al-
ford & Simpson and namics would not have been the same without her.
bums. It was
Barry Mann. When When we parted, he was warm and friendly and re-
pointed out that This Guy’s In Love With You was
he met Burt Bacharach and Hal David, the rest as membering his connection to Yogi. I said, “When
this writer’s favorite. He guaranteed it was in the
they say, was history. you come to a fork in the road...” He finished with,
program. His albums include his first, A New Stan-
As a musical producer, he was one of the “Take it!”
dard, Standard Time, This Time of Year (A Christmas
first to release hit songs with films.The Look of Love album), and This Guy’s
by Dusty Springfield for Bond’s Casino Royale, Al- in Love and his new one
fie by Cher and Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head Back to Bacharach. Steve
by B.J. Thomas for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance assured us that “Although
Kid. Raindrops won Bacharach and David an Oscar I loved Cole Porter, God
in 1969. Bless Him. I never knew
Steve moved to California in the 70s and Cole Porter, but I knew
with Barrry Mann co-founded Tyrell Mann Music. Burt Bacharach and Hal
Steve won a Grammy for Rod Stewart’s Stardust: David and that was my
The Great American Songbook in 2004. Another music.”
groundbreaking hit was the first super hit ever con- It seems like Steve
nected to a children’s film; Somewhere Out There Tyrell lead a charmed life.
from Steven Speilberg’s An American Tail. From However, when he had
that time on, all children’s movies had key songs just recorded two songs
that became hits. for Back to Bacharach,
Producer Steve Tyrell, became performer, tragedy struck. You could
when he sang The Way You Look Tonight in Father see the faraway look in
of the Bride. He loves Diane Keaton and says that his eyes as he told about

46
 The Three Village
Holiday Parade, Setauket

Realtor and Chamber President Michael Ardolino, Chamber Execu-

tive Director David Woods, and Legislator Vivian Viloria-Fisher

Legislator Vivian Viloria-

Fisher and Assemblyman
Steve Englebright

David Woods, Colleen Hanson (Gallery North), Dr. Andy

Polan (Vision-World) and others gather in front of the new
Three Village Chamber of Commerce headquarters.

The Man of the Hour...Santa!

Grand Opening Party,

Brian Scotts American
Restaurant, Miller Place
Brian Scotts
Owner-Chef
Brian Burner

The bar crowd at Brian Scotts

Nancy Weeks, John Mutch (Earring Taboo), Helene Bredes and Phyllis Kessler


 Opening Reception for Gail Halbicht, Lily Shen, and artist of
the hour, Mel Pekarsky

Artist Mel Pekarsky,

Gallery North, Setauket

Editor DMH with poet

Clare White, Staller Ar-
tistic Director Emeritus
Terry Netter, and artist
Christian White

Win McDermott &

Birgit Thomas
NEW YORKER cartoonist George Booth &
his beautiful wife Dion
Helene Bredes, Jack & Jane Faigle, Elena Reitta

A “Winter White”
Holiday Party, Pianoman
Trevor Davison

Stony Brook with our Events

Editor, Marie
Ann Mordeno

Ray Trinkle, John and Patty Yantz and Alison Orlick

Helene Bredes,
in the thick of
Dave and Mary Ann Donovan, Karen Smith, Frank Fallace and Vinny Ruffini it...as usual!


 The February “Red” Show
at Christopher Gallery,
Stony Brook

Artist Eleanor
Meier

Artist Jane McGraw-Teubner

Photographer Jeff Foster and Christo-
pher DeVeau of The Christopher Gallery
Cover Artist Barron Krody (notice the the original Artist Marlene Weinstein
painting in the background) and Marianne Taylor-Smith

New Year’s Eve at Helene

Bredes
and Irene

The Old Field Club Ruddock

Margo
Tom Hess Dimech
of The Old and Chris
Field Club Oster

Bob and Kathleen Depasquale, David

Woods, Desi Burgess

Fred and Kathleen Swedish, Tim and Carolyn McNamara Lily and DMH


 Senator John Flanagan
congratulates Smithtown
HS 10th Grader Robert
Bernardini, a People to
People Ambassador

Michael Ardolino’s Holiday

Party at Mario’s, East Setauket

Colleen Hanson,
Marie Ardolino,
Liz Miastkowski

David Prestia, Dawn

Viola and Michael
Ardolino

John and
Marie
Rob Emmerich and John Tunis McKinney

Lou Petrucci and students at The Playboy of the Western World

booksigning for Heart of the Hide Cast, Stony Brook University
at Bliss Restaurant, Setauket (Who the hell’s the old guy?)

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