Long Island Blog - Long Island, New York

Fun Indoor Activities For Kids & Family That You Can Enjoy All Winter Long!

2012-01-27T14:49:00.005-05:00

There may be a chill setting in the air, but don't let the winter cold slow you and your family down! If you're looking for fun indoor things to do with your family, then we've got you covered! From great spots to take the kids out and spend the day, to fun activities and recipes that parents and children alike can enjoy in the comfort and warmth of home, there's plenty to do - even on a snow day.

Check out the Guide in Full on LongIsland.com!

When you're stuck inside with a case of the winter blues, what do you do for fun? Let us know, and your idea may be featured in one of our upcoming articles!

Disco Fever this Weekend in Patchogue with Mickey B!

2011-11-07T15:19:00.000-05:00

Dutch Christmas at Meadow Croft, 2011

2011-10-31T06:49:00.003-04:00

Photo courtesy of Alida Thorpe

A DUTCH CHRISTMAS AT MEADOW CROFT

Bayport Heritage Association invites all local-area residents to their

DUTCH CHRISTMAS AT MEADOW CROFT,

which will be held on

Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 3rd, and 4th, 2011,

at the Meadow Croft estate located at

299 Middle Road at Brown’s River on the Bayport Sayville border.

Meadow Croft is the 1891 estate of John E. Roosevelt and family. The Roosevelts were, of course, Dutch by ancestry. The house will be decorated in a Victorian/Edwardian motif with beautiful wreaths, poinsettias and greenery magnificently reminiscent of a hundred years ago and tied in with a Dutch flavor.

Musical selections will be played on the original Roosevelt grand piano filling the house with the music of the season.

Upstairs, special exhibits, including electric trains, vintage clothing, woodcarvings, and Christmas specialties, will be on display for public enjoyment.

Hot chocolate and cookies will add to the coziness of the occasion. St. Nicholas, the Dutch version of Santa Claus, will be there to look up individual children’s names in his ledger and he’ll find out who’s been ‘naughty and nice’ in 2011.

This Dutch Christmas at Meadow Croft is open from

noon to 4 PM both days.

Admission is only $5 for adults and $3 for seniors & children age 4-12.

Not suitable for children under 4 years of age.

All the decorations will be raffled off.

Info: 631-363-6487

October 16, 2011 House Tour

2011-10-12T08:20:00.000-04:00

The Bayport Heritage Association is having their 25th Autumn House Tour,

Sunday, October 16th.

Tickets are $25 per person and all proceeds go to the Bayport Heritage Association.

A limited number of tickets will be sold!

Ticket are now available at these locations:

Country Junque on Middle Road
Bayport Flower House
Bayport- Blue Point Library

After the tour, refreshments will be served at Meadow Croft on Middle Road in Sayville.

The tour takes place at seven different locations throughout Bayport and Blue Point. Six homes and Meadow Croft are featured, including the estate home designed by George B Post, architect of the NY Stock Exchange.

Website: http://bayportheritage.blogspot.com
Phone: 631-419-6044
Email for questions: mont4@optonline.net

Price: $25

Bayard Cutting Arboretum

2011-09-21T08:13:00.004-04:00

photo courtesy of Alida Thorpe

Dahlia Garden in Oakdale

The Bayard Cutting Arboretum in Oakdale has a beautiful Dahlia Garden.

The dahlias are in full bloom and spectacular in color and design.

Take a ride over there. For directions, visit their website: http://www.bayardcuttingarboretum.com/

From their website:

The Dahlia Garden is located in the easterly end of the park behind the Cow Barn. It was planted and is maintained by the LONG ISLAND DAHLIA SOCIETY. There are currently approximately 500 plants and over 400 varieties. This is one of the largest dahlia gardens on the east coast. The garden peaks in September and October. The LIDS holds flower shows at the Arboretum in the fall of each year. Membership in the society is available. For further information contact the Arboretum at 631-581-1002.

~~~

Problems with the National Flood Insurance Program

2011-06-13T16:11:00.001-04:00

The National Flood Insurance Program, run by FEMA, comes up for renewal again in September. There have been several lapses in the program in the past few years because it gets used as a political football. Members of congress who are NOT in flood-prone states hold up their votes to force others to support their particular bills and projects. Congress is trying to start work early on the process, but there are several obstacles.

The biggest obstacle is that the whole FEMA Flood Insurance program, both here in New York and around the country, has been losing money for years, where it is supposed to be self-supporting. Naturally that means higher rates but that is not a very popular idea with members of congress.

Another area they have been looking at is whether catastrophic windstorm (hurricanes) should be added to the flood insurance program. Hurricanes are not so much of an issue in the Midwest where they are experiencing record flooding because of record snows this past winter. But here on Long Island and all along the east coast, hurricanes are a HUGE issue and something that needs to be addressed.

So some politicians want to add wind coverage to the flood insurance policy. But others are against it for several reasons. First, it is available in the private market and our system of government is based on private business wherever possible. But also, if they have been losing money on the flood insurance, chances are they would just lose even more money if you added windstorm coverage.

Today the GAO (General Accounting Office) issued a report that severely criticized the management of the National Flood Insurance Program, and says that if they don't make significant changes, they will never become profitable. So again, the fear is that if they were to add windstorm coverage, the program would lose even more money.

I just hope they figure it out quickly enough that the basic program is renewed in September.

Take a ferry ride this weekend!

2011-05-16T17:46:00.004-04:00

photo courtesy of Alida Thorpe

Check the ferry schedules for the new spring/summer runs.

Nothing to do this weekend?

Take the ferry to Fire Island or Connecticut!

Check the schedules here!

They leave from various towns and there are activities everyone!

Combating weekend boredom on Long Island

2011-05-09T18:22:00.004-04:00

Now that the weather has finally broke and summer is right around the corner, the pressure will really be on to find things to do on Long Island and entertain your family come the weekend.

With gasoline prices sticking above $4.00 a gallon, more people are saying that they will forgo the plane rides and stick close to home come their vacation. And Long Island is an OK place to be.

Of course, you have the beaches and parks. You have the great wineries on the north fork of the east end and the Hamptons and Montauk on the south fork. There are over 100 museums. You even have amusement and water parks.

But don't forget to look for the great events featured on Long Island. Each weekend, there are countless events taking place that will cater to almost every taste. The events section is the most popular category on LongIsland.com. Some are free while others charge a nominal participation fee.

Check out the local Long Island Events.

Find a local Long Island Business

Until next time...

LongIsland.com is on the move

2011-04-21T15:22:00.004-04:00

The long awaited renovation of LongIsland.com is finally in the starting blocks.

As the new kid on the block, I hate to bash the LongIsland.com design. After all, in it's day, the website was state-of-the-art. Unfortunately, it's day was 2002.

The process to get here was painstakingly slow. There are hundreds of categories and thousands of pages to deal with, and the project was not taken lightly. But in the end, the wait will be well worth it.

We have looked at dozens of other geo sites to come up with a template for what we want. Sites like www.SanDiego.com gave us inspiration and a feel for what our end product can look like. We knew we were close because in recent weeks, we went from frustration to excitement.

I will share the process with you. I can't wait for you to see what we already can. The aesthetics will only be topped by the exceptional content we promise to deliver. Whether you are looking for restaurants, things to do with your kids, or just about anything Long Island, LongIsland.com promises to deliver.

Stay tuned. Your new and improved Long Island resource for everything is right around the corner.

Until next time...

Updates in the Insurance Market

2011-02-17T16:54:00.001-05:00

It's been a while but the insurance marketplace has been quiet. Still, there are a couple of new items to report.

Across New York state, a law was passed a while back making it illegal to be using anything other than a hands-free phone while driving. I don't know how it is in the rest of N.Y. but here on Long Island it seems that almost half of the drivers going by my office every day are on a hand-held phone. But now the law has been given more teeth. As of yesterday, a cel phone violation will now add two points to your NY driver's license and motor vehicle record. That means that if you get a couple of other tickets, a cel phone violation could be the difference that causes your license to be suspended (for accumulating more than 11 points in an 18 month period). Insurance companies will also be more likely to charge for cel phone violations now, although New York car insurance companies use a different point system.

Research has shown that driving while talking on a hand held phone gives you about the same chance of having an accident as driving while under the influence of alcohol. So this is a real issue. Of course, so are other distractions such as applying makeup, texting (possibly the worst) or reading the paper while drinking coffee. The bottom line is that when you get behind the wheel you are now in a potentially deadly weapon, and we all need to be more careful.

Meanwhile in the Long Island homeowners insurance market, if anything it has eased up a little, though the larger carriers continue to cancel and non-renew some homeowners policies, especially along the south shore in Suffolk County. But some new, smaller insurance carriers have come into the market, and competition has caused some pricing to drop. So if you had to buy expensive homeowners insurance because you were canceled or you bought your waterfront home in the past couple of years, you might want to contact your agent to see if he or she can shop around for you a little.

Christmas at Meadow Croft 2010

2010-12-04T10:19:00.003-05:00

The "1910 Christmas at Meadow Croft"

will be on held on Saturday and Sunday

December 4th and 5th, 2010

12 noon to 4 pm

Visit Santa, see exhibits, eat cookies, drink hot chocolate,

hear carols on the Roosevelt grand piano.

Holiday displays and collections are on exhibit upstairs and rooms will be beautifully decorated by local flower houses, garden and community clubs.

The rooms will be gorgeous in Holiday Finery, all donations by the organizations listed here:

Bayport Flower Houses
Bayport Homemakers
Daisy Garden
Lea Rose Interior Designs
Le Soir
Neighbors & Gardners
Audrey's Bakery
Rambling Rose
Sayville Flowers
Sayville Flower & Garden Shop
Sayville Garden Club

All arrangements will be raffled,

with the winners to be called December 6th.

If you haven't purchased raffle tickets already,

they can be purchased at Meadow Croft, December 4th & 5th.

Admission: $5 adults, $3 seniors and children 12 and under.

(This event is not suitable for children under 4. Please no strollers.)

~~~

Bayport Heritage Association and the Bayport Memorial Park Board will decorate the

Memorial Park Gazebo

again this year with a lighted tree, roping and bows, the first week of December--

-our own Norman Rockwell lovely holiday scene for the community to enjoy.

Stop by to see the decorations!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

2010-11-19T15:23:00.001-05:00

Hope you have a happy, healthy, thankful, Thanksgiving Day!

Photography Exhibit

2010-10-30T07:09:00.002-04:00

Do you love nature photography?

Well, if you do, don’t miss this show!

The NWPLI (Nature and Wildlife Photographers of Long Island) will have its annual Autumn Exhibition beginning

November 7th through December 5, 2010.

The reception, with refreshments, will be November 7th from 12noon-3pm.

It is being held at the

Castello di Borghese Winery in Cutchogue.

The exhibit will showcase the group’s best work in nature,

wildlife and landscape photography.

NWPLI has been awarded numerous honors for its work, most recently winning the Nature’s Best Photography International Awards (Camera Club Category) sponsored by Nature’s Best Photography Magazine.

Visit the group's website: http://www.nwpli.com

The photography on display will include natural subjects that have been captured with digital and film cameras.

Photos are from Long Island's own natural surroundings.

Some selected images will also be available for purchase.

The Show will run from Sunday, November 7th - December 5th, 2010,

during winery hours.

For directions to Castello di Borghese…Click Here!

For additional information, contact Lou Buonomo at lou@nwpli.com

I hope you have the opportunity to stop by the exhibit on your yearly autumn visit to the wineries and to the pumpkin farms!

It’s nature photography at its best!

~~~~~~~~~~~~

24th Autumn House Tour-Bayport

2010-09-22T22:34:00.001-04:00

The Bayport 24th Autumn House Tour will take place on

Sunday, October 17, 2010.

1 pm to 5 pm

Tickets, $25, go on sale Friday, October 1st at Country Junque on Middle Road in Bayport

and the Bayport-Blue Point Library.

'Tis the Season (Hurricane Season, that is)

2010-08-30T13:16:00.003-04:00

We will all be watching carefully as Hurricane Earl chugs up the coast this week towards Long Island and the rest of the eastern seaboard. If you want a little more info on hurricane preparedness, here are some handy links:

www.ready.gov is fema's site. www.southamptontownny.gov has a cool book you can download. Suffolk has info athttp://www.co.suffolk.ny.us/departments/firerescue/ and the Town of Babylon info can be found athttp://www.townofbabylon.com/emergencyinfo.cfm

Home Insurance - Going to the Dogs?

2010-08-14T08:50:00.001-04:00

I read an interesting statistic recently. These days one out of every three homeowners insurance liability claims across the country is coming from the family dog! Those are lawsuits since they fall under liability, not cases where the dog chewed up a piece of furniture. And that is a national statistic, not limited to New York or Long Island.

Anybody who has changed (or been forced to change because you are 'too close to the water') home insurance in the last few years knows that you now have to answer a bunch of questions about your dog if you own one. Certain breeds are not wanted by almost any insurance company here on Long Island, where lawsuits are even more common than they are in other areas.

The latest development is that ISO, the Insurance Services Office who comes up with the standardizes policy forms used by many insurance companies all over the country, is including a canine exclusion in their next major revision to the homeowners policy form, due to come out later this year. That does NOT mean that all policies will immediately exclude dogs, but it DOES mean that, if approved by the N.Y. State Insurance Department, the exclusion will be available for insurance carriers to use.

I believe this has become one of the 'dirty little secrets' of why there have not been more insurance companies coming in to the Long Island area to write new homeowners coverage after the massive pullout by the 'big companies' that has been happening for several years now (think good hands, good neighbors, etc). I am not criticizing those companies for reducing their exposure to major storms in the New York coastal areas, because they definitely had too much financial exposure to large losses from the inevitable big hurricane.

But the companies that HAVE come in to fill the gaps, including Lloyd's of London, and other 'non-admitted' insurers, have all included dog exclusions in their policies. They can do this because as non-admitted or excess lines insurers, they are not subject to New York rules. So while their hurricane exposure is greater, the day-to-day problem of dogs is gone. This also applies to their exclusions for trampolines, another seemingly minor thing that has become a major issue.

One company has even come up with a specific liability insurance policy to cover dogs. Unfortunately it costs $800 PER DOG! But the reason it's so high is that they feel the only people who will buy the policy are those who feel they have the kind of dog who needs to be covered. So it's not like most folks with a sort of normal, happy-go-lucky dog will feel they need it, but the ones with the pit bulls, dobermans, and rottweilers might.

Ferries from Long Island

2010-07-27T07:04:00.008-04:00

photo courtesy of Alida Thorpe

Are you looking for a one day adventure?

There are many choices and a ferry ride to somewhere new is always an adventure!

Here are some ferries and a list of the destinations.

From Sayville to the Pines, Cherry Grove, Sunken Forest and Water Island:

To New London Conneticut from Orient Point:

From Bay Shore to Atlantique, Robbins Rest, Ocean Beach, Seaview and Ocean Bay Park:

From Port Jefferson to Bridgeport, Connecticut:

From Montauk to Block Island:

To Shelter Island.

Hope you enjoy the day!

~~~

Happy July 4th!

2010-07-04T07:34:00.002-04:00

photo courtesy of Alida Thorpe

~~~

Hope you have a wonderful Independence Day celebration with family, friends and good food!

Be careful of those fireworks and play safely!

Happy July 4th!

~~~

Hometown Huntington

2010-06-02T20:01:00.002-04:00

Exclusive Premiere

Monday, June 7th at 8 pm on WLIW21

Visit wliw.org/huntington for more information.

~~~

From the WLIW website:

There is no place like Huntington. With its harbor villages and picturesque towns it has long been a haven for residents and tourists, ripe with glorious beaches, abundant fishing and a sense of place that embraces both the quintessential Main Street and the height of sophisticated culture. A place where Gold Coast mansions were matched in riches by the cherished storybook childhoods and close-knit communities of post-World War II suburbia. If you were lucky enough to grow up here, you knew Freddie the Shoemaker and Tony the Fruit Man, not faceless chains; the joy of a burger served hot off the train at Hamburger Choo-Choo; and many other special shared memories. WLIW21’s new productionHometown Huntington brings together past and present residents, including Tony Award-winner Patti LuPone, actor Ralph Macchio, cartoonist Bunny Hoest (The Lockhorns), historians, and renowned Huntington families like the Finnegans and Sammis, plus home movies, photos and letters to celebrate a place rich in history, natural beauty and charm. Hosted and narrated by Lloyd Harbor resident Bernadette Castro.

Memorial Day

2010-05-30T07:41:00.005-04:00

photo courtesy of Alida Thorpe

Memorial Day

Remember why we celebrate this holiday......

Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May.

Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U.S. men and women who died

while in the military service.

First enacted to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War

(it is celebrated near the day of reunification after the Civil War),

it was expanded after World War I.

~~~

Suffolk to hold meetings for info on Hurricanes, Flood and Home Insurance

2010-05-26T11:32:00.003-04:00

Starting tonight and for the next several weeks, the Suffolk County Department of Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Services is holding a series of meetings around the County where the topics will be Hurricane Preparedness, as well as how to understand your homeowners and flood insurance and make sure you have the protection that you think you have.

Each meeting will have a presentation from the County, as well as a representative from the Board of Directors of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of Suffolk County. I will be at the one tonight (May 26) at the Tanner Park Senior Center in Copiague, as well as the one in West Islip next Thursday at the American Legion Hall on Union Blvd. Times are 7-9. Other agents from our Association Board will be at the various other meetings. Check the link below for the schedule.

For more information please visit www.suffolkcountyny.gov/MEND

Fishing from Captree

2010-05-13T08:02:00.005-04:00

photo courtesy of Alida Thorpe

Fluke season opens Saturday, May 15th through September 6th, 2010

Fish size, 21-inch minimum and two fish per day, per person

The fishing season is in full bloom with bass, blues, fluke and flounder being reported.

Check out the links for fishing on the sidebar. The photo above is part of the Captree Fleet.

~~~

Earth Day Celebration: Seatuck

2010-04-22T07:55:00.003-04:00

photo courtesy of Alida Thorpe

Celebrate Earth Day and

the Grand Opening of the Suffolk County Environmental Center.

SEATUCK presents the

Eco-Carnival

April 24th, 2010. 10 am to 7 pm.

Located at 550 South Bay Avenue, Islip, NY.

The Eco-Carnival will be a full day of family fun featuring nature programs, storytellers, animals, face painting, live music, art, games and food!

Visitors will have the opportunity to tour the NEW Environmental Center.

Enjoy the 70-acre property.

There will be hands-on activities:

Nature Stations

Salt Marsh Exploration

Birds in the Woods (Bring binoculars)

Insect Adventures (Dig in the dirt)

Green on the Scene (Learn some botanical basics)

Nature Journals (Use art and journal writing)

Food: Taste of the South Shore

Food Court featuring samplings from local restaurants!

Music throughout the day! Live animal show!

Hope you will join us for a day of fun and learning!

~~~

Feds Allow FEMA Flood Insurance Program to Expire

2010-03-02T12:10:00.002-05:00

Greetings all, and sorry it's been a while since I have posted. But there has not been a whole lot of news to report until now.

The Federal Government, in its infinite wisdom, has allowed the FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to expire as of yesterday, March 1 2010. This is due to the fact that one senator from Kentucky is currently blocking ALL legislation. The Flood Insurance Program has often been used as a political 'football', with senators and congresspeople in non-flood prone areas using renewal as leverage to get things they want.

The good news is that if you currently HAVE flood insurance, it will stay in force until your renewal date. We expect that Congress will take action very soon. The bad news is that if you were getting ready to buy a house, you can't currently buy FEMA flood insurance here on Long Island or anywhere else.

This will probably be taken care of within a few days, but if it's not, there are alternatives to the FEMA program that would enable you to go through with the purchase of your home. Contact us for more information.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2010-02-26T15:58:00.008-05:00

photo courtesy of Alida Thorpe

St. Patrick's Day on Long Island, 2010

Here are some ideas to help you celebrate St. Patrick's Day with parades and other activities. Be sure to check their websites and confirm the information in case there is a change in plans.

Saturday, March 13

Bay Shore Patrick’s Day Parade. St. Patrick's Church, 9 North Clinton Avenue, Bay Shore. Mass begins at 12 noon. The parade starts at 2 pm on Saxon Avenue and travels west onto Main Street to St. Patrick's Church. For more information: http://www.stpatricksparadebsbw.com/

Saturday, March 13 and Sunday, March 14

The Long Island Children's Museum presents Pinch Pot O'Gold at 3 p.m. on Saturday. This program for ages 5 and up will feature some of the famous myths and legends of Ireland, including those of leprechauns. Children then crafts their own pinch pots to fill with treasures of their own. Fee: $3 with museum admission ($2 for LICM members.) Celtic Fun with Darlene Graham at 1:30 p.m. each day. At the LICM Theater, this performance explores traditional Irish music. The audience is welcome to join in and sing. For ages 3 years and up. Fee: $4 with museum admission ($3 for LICM members), $8 for theater only.

Sunday, March 14

Long Island’s oldest and largest parade, the 76th Annual Huntington St. Patrick’s Day Parade starts at 2 p.m., north of the Huntington Station along New York Avenue, then turns west onto Main Street, and ends at Saint Patrick’s Church.

Sunday, March 14

Come to the Ward Melville Heritage Organization Educational & Cultural Center in Stony Brook for a St. Patrick's Day Celebration. Click here for more info: http://www.wmho.org/WMHOEventCalendar.asp

Sunday, March 14

The 19th Annual Bayport-Blue Point St. Patrick’s Day Parade,, starting 11:30 a.m. from Snedecor Ave to Blue Point Avenue along Montauk Highway, usually entertains 25,000 onlookers.

Sunday, March 14

The 60th Annual Miller Place-Rocky Point Parade kicks off at 1 p.m. More info here: http://friendsofsaintpatrick.com/index.html

Saturday, March 20

At 12 noon, Rockville Centre presents its 14th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Click here for more information: http://www.rvcstpatrick.com/

Sunday, March 21

Montauk: Starting at 12:30 p.m., Montauk will host its 48th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, starting at Edgemere Road. Go here for more information: http://www.montaukfriendsoferin.com/parade.htm

Sunday, March 21

Glen Cove presents its Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade starting at 1 p.m. Go to: http://www.glencoveirish.org/category/parade-news/

Sunday, March 29-Patchogue: The Patchogue St. Patrick’s Day Parade kicks off at 2 p.m., starting at Main Street.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day from LongIsland.com!
~~~

Mardi Gras 2010

2010-02-14T08:34:00.004-05:00

photo courtesy of Alida Thorpe

Mardi Gras this year is Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Do you have plans?

~~~

Valentine's Day

2010-01-15T08:22:00.003-05:00

Valentine's Day is here!

Are you planning a special day?

Long Island has an excellent selection of wonderful restaurants.

Make plans now to show your "special" valentine that you care!

~~~

Win FREE tickets to Oleanna, the Broadway Play!

2009-11-30T20:11:00.001-05:00

Come to Cutchogue for the Photography Exhibit!

2009-11-21T07:35:00.002-05:00

See the information below.

~~~~

Award Winning Photography Show

2009-10-21T08:11:00.003-04:00

Award Winning Photography Group Announces Upcoming Show.

Nature and Wildlife Photographers of Long Island (NWPLI)

is proud to announce their annual Autumn Exhibition of Nature Photography.

The Exhibit will once again take place at the Castello di Borghese Winery in Cutchogue, New York and will showcase the group’s work which presents nature, wildlife, and landscape photography at its best.

NWPLI and its membership have been awarded numerous honors for their work.

Exhibition photography will encompass a diverse variety of natural subjects that have been captured with digital and film based mediums, many from Long Island's own natural surroundings. Select images from the exhibition will be also available for purchase.

The exhibition will open Sunday, November 15 and will run through Saturday, December 12, 2009.

The exhibit is open to the public, free of charge, during the winery’s regular business hours.

An opening reception will be held on Saturday, November 21 from 12-3 PM. Many club members will be in attendance. Light refreshments will be served.

Castello di Borghese is located at:

Route 48 (Sound Ave) and Alvah’s Lane

Cutchogue New York 11935

Tel. (631) 734-5111

Directions are available online at: http://www.castellodiborghese.com/directions.html

For additional information, please contact Terry Buonomo at nwplisec@optonline.net or at (631) 877-1036.

About NWPLI

NWPLI is Long Island based photography organization whose members have combined a love for nature with a passion for photography. This award winning team is comprised of approximately 65 members, many whom have also received individual recognition. The main focus of the group is capturing the essence of nature while not disturbing the elements. Their team approach promotes the exchange of ideas and knowledge, fostering the growth of each team member’s photographic skill. While photography from exotic locales is always welcome, the group’s main subject matter is the diverse natural beauty of Long Island.

Learn more at: http://www.nwpli.com

~~~

Fishing on Long Island

2009-10-11T09:18:00.008-04:00

photo courtesy of Alida Thorpe

~~~

There are many opportunities for fishing on Long Island. The photo above was taken at Davis Park on Fire Island at sunrise.

These fishermen/women were fishing for bluefish and striped bass. There are many places on Fire Island where you can surf cast.

Follow the links on the sidebar right for fishing information.

Take advantage of all that Long Island has to offer!

~~~

Great South Bay Baymen

2009-09-01T07:08:00.002-04:00

After Labor Day the Great South Bay is reclaimed by the baymen.

No more vacationing boaters to create turbulence around them, the clam boats and eel catchers can work undisturbed.

~~~

Photo © and courtesy of Alida Thorpe

LONG ISLAND ARTIFACT MUSEUM

2009-07-02T06:37:00.003-04:00

LONG ISLAND ARTIFACT MUSEUM OPENS AT JFK HIGH SCHOOL

IN PLAINVIEW-OLD BETHPAGE

Museum made possible with a grant from the Long Island Index

Plainview, NY (June 23, 2009) -The new Long Island Artifacts Museum at Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK High School opened on May 27. The museum, created by Nick Ventimiglia of Merrick and a social studies teacher at the school, was made possible by a grant from the Long Island Index for the development of a program that engages Long Island students in learning more about the region. The museum will be utilized by students in the Plainview-Old Bethpage district and will be available, by appointment, to school groups from other districts.

Mr. Ventimiglia was inspired to create the museum after taking classes from local historian Beverly Tyler and believes that the museum’s exhibits will be an excellent supplement to the new course he has created called, “Long Island’s History through its Economics”, and a great project for JFK’s students.

The first exhibit entitled “Tools of the Trade” spans over 300 years of Long Island history, and includes farming implements, medical instruments, fishing and manufacturing tools used on Long Island. The oldest artifact in the museum is a tobacco shearer from the 1700’s. Other objects are from Native American cultures, the Industrial Revolution and the Great Depression. Most of the items on display are on loan from a private collector and will be rotated each semester.

The students studied the history of farming and industry on Long Island in order to learn more about the donated relics. As part of the project they used their research to create the placards that describe each of the articles and researched patent information to date several items.

Rochelle Morgan, an art teacher at the school, worked with her students to create the montage of Long Island scenes that wrap around the exhibit. The school’s marketing club, DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) will be taking over the business of running the museum next year including running tours, creating a web site and outreach programs, raising funds and developing new programs as the exhibits are rotated.

“We are trying to make it an interactive learning experience for kids outside of the classroom” said Mr. Ventimiglia. “Our goal is to make this fun every year. We’re going to come back in September with a whole new set of artifacts.” The next exhibit will be called “Long Island Leisure: Games, Toys, Recreation and Sports of the last 200 years.”

Gerard Dempsey, Superintendant of Schools, commentated that “the development and launch of the museum was a unique and remarkable achievement. It involved several departments, numerous students and a variety of disciplines all working together to accomplish a common goal. I am very proud of everyone who participated. Every student will benefit from this extraordinary learning experience.”

From fourth graders who are learning about local history, to seventh graders learning about New York State history, Mr. Ventimiglia says that he “is confident that the museum will benefit all 5400 students in the Plainview-Old Bethpage school district, because the museum brings history to life”.

~~~

"Breakfast at Belmont"

2009-06-15T08:53:00.006-04:00

Photo courtesy of Alida Thorpe

The morning exercise at the Belmont Park Racetrack.

~~~

Belmont Park has "Breakfast at Belmont" on weekend mornings.

It's free!!

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the world of thoroughbred racing, including guided tram tours of Belmont’s remarkable stable area, trackside commentary of live morning workouts, daily starting gate demonstrations, and much more!

Breakfast at Belmont Park is open to the public on weekends and holidays during the Belmont Spring/Summer Meet

(May 2 – July 26)

Admission and activities to Breakfast at Belmont Park are free, and an optional breakfast can be purchased.

Check out the info here: Click Here!

~~~

New Online Defensive Driving Course Available

2009-06-04T16:25:00.002-04:00

Once again I find myself having to apologize to all you big insurance fans out there for not posting more often on what I'm sure is your absolute favorite subject.

Most of my posts have been about keeping everybody informed about the coastal/waterfront homeowners insurance problems. The problems are still there but there has not been enough change to require me writing about it.

What HAS happened in the car insurance area is that New York State recently approved an online version of the Defensive Driving Course that gets you 10% off your car insurance and up to 4 points off your Motor Vehicle record. Find out more by clicking here.

Jones Beach Air Show, May 23 & 24, 2009

2009-05-23T19:36:00.003-04:00

photo courtesy of Alida Thorpe

The Bethpage Federal Credit Union NY Air Show at Jones Beach

Memorial Day Weekend: May 23 & 24, 2009 10:00 am to 3:00 pm

Don't miss this amazing show.

There will be many events and performers: the USAF Thunderbirds, the US Army Golden Knights, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, the Super Hornets and

so much more!

Don't miss it!

If you are going, arrive early!

Also, dress for the beach but bring warmer clothing for cool breezes and a change in weather.

Don't forget your sunglasses and sun screen!

Bring a towels and beach chairs and be prepared to be dazzled!

~~~

Laughing Gull, Summer

2009-05-20T07:00:00.004-04:00

Laughing Gull, Summer

photo courtesy of Alida Thorpe

~~~

A sign of the Long Island summer

is the abundance of gulls in their summer plumage!

~~~

WLIW21 NEEDS HUNTINGTON MEMORIES

2009-05-03T14:25:00.002-04:00

WLIW21 NEEDS HUNTINGTON MEMORIES

FOR A NEW DOCUMENTARY

Share Your Stories, Photos & Home Movies

In the tradition of WLIW21’s award-winning New York The Way it

Was series, the New York public television station is getting

ready to explore the story of one of Long Island’s most

interesting communities – Huntington.

Following the tremendous success of New York War Stories, which featured viewer- contributed videos and letters,

WLIW21’s production team turns to viewers like you once again for stories, photos and home

movies of family celebrations, sporting events, carnivals,

parades and other Huntington activities.

If you lived in

Huntington Village, Cold Spring Harbor, Huntington Station,

Northport, Greenlawn, Dix Hills and Lloyd Neck

between 1950 and 1990,

please share your memories of the places and people that

will always remind you of your hometown, Huntington.

WLIW21’s

cameras can capture Huntington today, but need your help to

tell the story of yesterday.

Visit wliw.org for details.

Send your photos or movies (any format) to:

Stephanie Marsh

WLIW21

P.O. Box 21

Plainview, NY 11803

Please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want

your submission returned.

All photo submissions will also be considered for the film’s

DVD cover.

Email your stories of life in Huntington as you knew it to

Hometown@wliw.org.

Call 516.367.2100 x8461 with any questions.

Submissions will be accepted through June.

~~~~

contributed by Alida Thorpe

2009-04-19T15:42:00.003-04:00

Photo courtesy of Alida Thorpe

Brookhaven Wildlife & Ecology Center

This peacock, showing his full colors, is at the ecology center in Holtsville.

It is a great place to take young children!

Goats, chickens, an eagle, bears and more, are there for you to see.

Where is it?

Buckley Road

Holtsville, N.Y. 11742

Hours of Operation:

Monday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Spring is here!

2009-03-30T16:06:00.002-04:00

Photo courtesy of Alida Thorpe

Spring has arrived on Long Island!

The crocus are popping through the garden soil

and tulips and daffodils are getting ready to show their blooms!

Also, we've spotted some Robins and Red-winged Blackbirds!

Hurray for spring!

HAPPY ST. Patrick's Day

2009-03-15T15:44:00.004-04:00

photo courtesy of Alida Thorpe

A Snowy Long Island

2009-01-21T09:33:00.001-05:00

photo courtesy of Alida Thorpe

Long Island Winter

HAPPY NEW YEAR, 2009!

2009-01-01T13:35:00.007-05:00

photos courtesy of Alida Thorpe

~~~

Happy New Year, 2009!

~~~

The photo above was taken just after sunrise, January 1, 2009

New Years Day

Browns Creek near Sayville, Long Island

Click on the photo to see a larger size!

We wish you and your family good health and happiness in the New Year!

~~~

Long Island Duck, Flanders

2008-11-23T16:48:00.002-05:00

Flanders Duck in its present location

~~~

Photo courtesy of Alida Thorpe

In 1931, duck farmer Martin Maurer built this 20-ft. high, 30-ft. long, concrete-over-wooden frame "duck" to use it as a Riverhead (Flanders) shop.

Maurer sold ducks and duck eggs from this location.

When the land was sold for development, the Giant Duck preservationists and the Friends for Long Island's Heritage petitioned to save the structure which had become a Long Island attraction.

The owners donated the Big Duck to Suffolk County in 1987.

In 1988 it moved from Flanders to Hampton Bays along Route 24 at the entrance of Sears-Bellow County Park.

It has now moved back to Flanders and rests near the original duck farm, on Flanders Road.

The shop still operates -- now as a tourism center for the East end of Long Island, selling souvenirs to tourists and New York City weekend visitors.

Each year, on the first Wednesday in December, the Suffolk County Parks Department sponsors the Annual Holiday Lighting of the Big Duck.

This year, it will happen on December 3rd.

Visitors join in singing carols and once Santa arrives, transported by the Flanders Fire Department, the switch is activated and the Big Duck lights up for all to see.

~~~

Internet Safety for Parents: Do You Know What Your Child is Doing Online?

2008-11-13T01:21:00.003-05:00

By Jason Reis

Most school age children in today’s society have full access to the internet. While it is true that the internet possesses an infinite amount of information which can help with schoolwork, it also opens up a whole new social world and brings together people from all over the world that may be preying on children.

According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, 1 in 5 children state they have received unwanted sexual advances while online.

And, a 2006 study by the Zandi Group of teenage students reported the following disturbing statistics:

54% of students surveyed said they frequently have private conversations with online strangers
42% of teens said they have posted personal information online
30% of teens reported that they have talked with a cyber stranger about
meeting in person
16% of pre-teens and teens discovered that someone online was an adult
pretending to be much younger.

In the same study;

33% of pre-teens and teens say that their parents know little or nothing about what they do online,
22% say their parents have never discussed Internet safety with them
42% of parents don't monitor what their children read or type in chat rooms.
95% of parents have stated they don't understand the shorthand lingo kids' use in chatrooms such as "A/S/L" which means age/sex/location, or "P911" which means parent over shoulder.

Parents need to know what their children are doing on the internet at all times. The internet is a world that is the total opposite of the offline “real world.” For instance, we teach our children never to talk to strangers or give out personal information. We even define a stranger as anyone the child has not met and does not know. Yet in cyberspace, with the popularity of sites like Facebook or MySpace, kids are talking to strangers and even exchanging personal information on a daily basis.

Even internet games have become a source for predators to contact children, as well as a place where children get harassed and bullied. X-Box, PlayStation and even many computer games now include features that allow children to talk to each other real time (using a microphone).

Many parents are still intimidated by computers because they simply don't understand them, yet kids seem to grasp technology much faster. However parents need to educate themselves and learn the lingo. It's only after they learn the language and put aside their technology fears that they can truly understand the threat and protect their child from it.

Here are important tips to keep your children safe online:

1. Create your own home computer rules that each child should read, understand and sign. Keep a copy posted near the computer.

2. Keep the home computer in a common space that can easily be seen by parent(s) as they do house choirs, not in a child’s room.

3. Look into purchasing filtering programs such as “spyware”, “adware” and anti-virus, and parental block software to safeguard web surfing.

4. If your child uses chat or e-mail, talk to them about never meeting in- person with anyone they first "met" online.

5. Talk to your child about who they are emailing and chatting with online.

6. Visit the websites your child visits on a regular basis. If your child has a MySpace or Facebook account, log in and become familiar with the site and review what your child has posted.

7. Type your child's full name, username and any alias you know your child uses into a search engine. Children often post on message boards and social networking sites. This is a good way to discover what your child is posting online.

8. Monitor where your child goes online. For example, all computers have a history folder and temp files folder which enable you to see what websites have been visited, as well as any files that have been downloaded.

9. Teach your child the golden rule of cyberspace: Never do anything online that they would not do offline.

10. Get involved with your child and stay in the loop of what he/she is doing online, while still allowing some level of personal space.

----------
Jason Reis is the owner of Session Media, a website development and branding solutions firm based out of Selden, NY. Session Media strives to provide the service and solutions that satisfy their existing customer needs—as well as to meet the needs of new customers. With access to some of the best resources for product development and branding services, Jason welcomes the opportunity to provide advice and solutions on a myriad of IT topics, including safety and security. For information, check out his website at www.sessionmedia.net and drop him an email.

NY Auto and Home Insurance in the Financial Crisis

2008-10-16T11:46:00.001-04:00

By Aaron J. Stein

Greetings, all. Like most small businesspeople these days I have been very busy trying to make sure I do those things necessary to keep our office busy and profitable in tough economic times. So I thought this would be a good time to talk about how the financial crisis is affecting the insurance companies.

We have all been reading about the failure of many Wall Street firms and banks. Some even have divisions in the insurance business such as AIG whose a widely publicized problems have many people worried because of their insurance policies with various parts of that group. However while banks and brokerage firms were de-regulated a number of years ago which is part of the reason for the current mess, the same is not true of the insurance business.

Insurance is one of the most heavily regulated businesses and New York in particular is considered the model for other states and around the world in keeping New York insurance companies solvent and able to pay their claims. Even in AIG, it is the parent holding company not the insurance units that are having problems.

As long as you were insured with a New York licensed insurance company you would have nothing to worry about in terms of whether claim would be paid up to $1 million, which is a guarantee that is part of the New York State insurance guaranty fund. And if you are one of those people on Long Island who have coastal or waterfront property and have been forced to get your insurance with an unlicensed carrier such as Lloyds of London or any number of other carriers out there, you are probably even safer because these companies have been managed for the long-term as opposed to the short-term money making goals of some of the big American financial companies which is what caused them to get in trouble.

One of my biggest fears about the insurance industry is that up until recently, there was a lot of talk about deregulation for insurance. What we have seen in this financial crisis is that deregulation leads to sacrifice of long-term viability in favor of short-term profits. That might be fine if you are talking about selling TV sets, but insurance simply must be based on a longer-term perspective including reserves for catastrophes that might only happen every 50 years. If we allowed the same sort of short-term thinking that led the large brokerage houses to package up toxic loans and sell them to people and then run with their commissions, we could easily cause a similar disaster in the insurance business by allowing people to suck out this money instead of putting part of it away for long term catastrophe management.

What we are seeing is a huge drop in value of all stocks in the financial sector based on the problems of the banks and brokerage houses. There really is not much reason for this in the insurance industry but there are probably some great bargains to be had on their stocks right now because they have been trampled with the rest of the sector.

But for the average person just wondering if they would get paid if they needed to put in a claim on their flood insurance or homeowners insurance (or car insurance for that matter) then the answer is that in general there should be nothing to worry about and the vast majority of insurance companies have plenty of money to pay claims. What we will most likely see is some consolidation of companies who do have very strong balance sheets who will be out there looking for other companies they can buy at bargain prices.

NWPLI Exhibition

2008-10-07T08:31:00.001-04:00

See the information below:

NWPLI Exhibition Information

2008-10-07T08:21:00.002-04:00

Photo: Alida Thorpe

Do you love nature photography? Well, if you do, don’t miss this show!

The NWPLI (Nature and Wildlife Photographers of Long Island) will have its third annual Autumn Exhibition beginning October 18th through November 22, 2008.

It is being held at the Castello di Borghese Winery in Cutchogue.
The exhibit will showcase the group’s best work in nature, wildlife and landscape photography.

NWPLI has been awarded numerous honors for its work, most recently winning the Nature’s Best Photography International Awards (Camera Club Category) sponsored by Nature’s Best Photography Magazine.
Visit the group's website: http://www.nwpli.com

The photography on display will include natural subjects that have been captured with digital and film cameras. Photos are from Long Island's own natural surroundings.
Some selected images will also be available for purchase.

The Show will run from Saturday, October 18 - November 22, 2008

The reception, with refreshments, will be Saturday, October 25 from 1-5 pm

For directions to Castello di Borghese…Click Here!

For additional information, contact Lou Buonomo at lou@nwpli.com

I hope you have the opportunity to stop by the exhibit on your yearly autumn visit to the wineries and to the pumpkin farms!
It’s nature photography at its best!
~~~~~~~~~~~~

Pumpkins on the North Fork

2008-10-04T08:53:00.003-04:00

photo courtesy of Alida Thorpe

~~~

The farmstands on Long Island, especially the North Fork, are abundant with pumpkins this time of year.

Why not head out to the East End and get your autumn displays?

~~~

You can also visit the vineyards and experience the agricultural ambience that is so enjoyable this time of year.

~~~~

Blue Claw Crabs in Season

2008-09-20T16:08:00.001-04:00

photo courtesy of Alida Thorpe

It's blue-claw crab season and the bay is abundant with crabs.

Actually, you can catch crabs on Long Island all summer, but it is not until late August into September that they are full size.

An interesting thing has been happening though, and my husband and I don't know why.

Usually, we throw the females back into the water so they will reproduce. This year we have only caught males, no females.

Just an observation, but I wonder why?

~~~

How do you cook crabs?

Do you have a favorite recipe? Do you steam them?

Well, this is how we make them in our family, a recipe handed down from my parents:

When you catch the crabs, immediately kill them with a sharp knife through the body.

(In my opinion, this is much more humane than steaming them alive, but I guess that's debatable!)

Then clean them by pulling off the top shell and cleaning out the insides. (I also know some people eat the insides, but we don't.)

When they are clean, throw them into a fresh pot of tomato sauce.

That's it! Cook up some pasta and serve.

The crabs and sauce are so sweet this way.

It is a messy dinner, so be prepared with lots of napkins, a washable tablecloth and don't forget the nut-crackers and picks.

Yummy!

Here is a another hint:

If you only catch a few and/or are not ready to eat them, freeze them after cleaning.

Keep adding cleaned crabs to the freezer in zip-lock bags until you have enough.

Sometimes we catch crabs all week and make the sauce on the weekend.

It's an inexpensive dinner and so delicious!

Long Island Blue-Claws! Mmmmm!

~~~~

Quick Update on Long Island Flood Insurance

2008-08-19T15:58:00.001-04:00

Summer is the season where everybody on Long Island has much better things to do than think about their insurance (as opposed to the rest of the year, when it's everybody's favorite pastime). But there is one item I wanted to post about since it may affect some of the readers.

FEMA, the government agency that oversees the National Flood Insurance Program, has been in the process of re-mapping Nassau and Suffolk counties, which is done about every 10 years. This is the first one for our area since Katrina so expect some changes.

The new maps take effect next summer. But in the meantime FEMA is hosting two meetings in Nassau County for anyone who might be interested in more information. The meetings will run from 4 to 8 p.m. and will be on September 9 at Valley Stream High School on Fletcher Blvd and September 10 at Long Beach Middle School on Lido Blvd.

According to the Newsday article, 28,000 more buildings will be brought into flood hazard areas next year when the new maps take effect, and of those, the people who have mortgages insured by FNMA and other government backed plans will get a letter advising that they are now required to buy flood insurance where they did not have to before.

In the meantime, people have an opportunity to be 'grandfathered' into the maps and plans that are in effect now. If you buy flood insurance before the change next summer, and your flood zone changes under the new maps to a higher rate, you will still be able to keep the previous zone. So if you think you might be on the border of a flood zone, and may be in a higher rate class next year, you might think of buying coverage now to lock in your current zone.

Summer on Long Island

2008-08-02T12:45:00.002-04:00

Photo by Alida Thorpe

Summertime on Long Island is the time for:

beaches

sailing

boating

water skiing

jet skis

barbecues

sunning

outdoor concerts

reading

fishing...

the list is endless!

Check out the sidebar links for your favorite activity.

There is a place on Long Island for you this summer!

~~~~~~~

Insurance Issues as we head into Hurricane Season 2008

2008-07-11T16:00:00.000-04:00

Greetings all. have not posted in a while about the Long Island homeowners insurance market because it has been 'more of the same' for a while now. That's not to say the situation has gotten better, but change is what makes news, and there have not been many changes making their way to the public for a while.

It seems a little strange to be blogging about hurricane and flood catastrophes as I sit in my office and look out on to one of the most beautiful days we have had. Still, the 2008 hurricane season is underway, with Bertha chugging around the Atlantic as a reminder. Of course once again you can find experts who are saying that this season will be more active than normal, but those same experts have been saying that for several years and so far they have been wrong. I only wish I had a job like the weatherman, where I could be wrong half the time and still get paid.

There has been one interesting development recently that could make it easier to get homeowners or similar insurance down near the water. The New York Property Insurance Underwriting Association has been permanently authorized by the state legislature. This may not seem like much to the average person, but for years now, this New York State-backed insurer of last resort has had to be re-authorized every year, and has been held hostage by various groups within the legislature. They would only authorize the renewal if downstate legislators, who had to make sure this coverage was available to their constituents, would in turn vote for other things that they did not necessarily want. Ain't politics wonderful?

In any event, they have now been made permanent. In addition, they have been authorized to offer broader coverages, and incentives to partner with regular insurance companies who would then be able to write supplemental coverage known as 'wraparound' so that the two policies together will provide something closer to a homeowners policy. Naturally it will take some time to put this in place, but kudos to the state legislature for getting this done.

Meanwhile, on the flood insurance side, the re-mapping of Nassau and Suffolk Counties continues. Newsday had a big article this week on the changes that are being revealed now in Nassau. A lot of folks who were previously right on the edge of a 'special flood hazard area' as defined by FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program may now find themselves drawn into the hazard area by the new maps, which use more accurate mapping techniques as well as information drawn from the government's experiences with Katrina and other flooding situations.

If you think you are close to a flood hazard area but not in one, you might want to think about buying flood insurance soon. If you are outside the zone, in what's called a 'preferred zone' and buy coverage at those low rates, then it changes, you are grandfathered in to the low rates for as long as you keep your home. The difference can be thousands of dollars. And if it turns out that you were NOT one of those now lumped in to the higher hazard area, you can always stop carrying the flood coverage in a year or two when we know more about the new maps.

As always, for more information you can contact us through our web site at www.NYInsuranceWithSerivice.com.

Things To Do on Long Island New York

2008-06-28T02:57:00.001-04:00

Sundown Series: Summer Concerts and Family Fun

The following programs are being presented by The Parent Resource Center (PRC) of Port Washington on Tuesday nights and are geared toward kids and families. All proceeds generated by PRC hosted events are used to support the Parent Resource Center and its programs.

The Parent Resource Center is a non-profit cooperative dedicated to providing affordable, quality educational and social opportunities to all of our community’s families. Operating in an economically and culturally diverse area, PRC members celebrate their differences through the open exchange of ideas and experiences. At the same time, families come together at the PRC to share the joys and challenges of raising young children while their children play, experiment, and learn in a safe and nurturing environment.

The Parent Resource Center
232 Main Street, Suite 4
Port Washington, NY 11050
516-767-3808

Port Washington Parent Resource Center
Sundown Series: Port Washington Police and Fire Department/BBQ

Tuesday evening July 8, 2008 6:00-7:30pm

Meet our local firefighters and police officers. Climb aboard a real Fire Truck! Learn all about fire safety and wear a fire helmet. Bring a blanket and join us outside on the lawn at Landmark Park (across from the library). A BBQ dinner and other tasty treats will be available for purchase. Admission is $5 per person. Children under 1 year are free. No reservations or advanced ticket sales necessary. Please call the PRC office at 516-767-3808 for details.

Port Washington Parent Resource Center
Sundown Series: Jeff Sorg and his Songs Say So Much Band with tips for “living green”

Tuesday evening July 15, 2008 6:00-7:30pm

Dance and sing along with the music of this popular recording artist and Port resident. And pick up some tips for “living green”. Bring a blanket and join us outside on the lawn at Landmark Park (across from the library). Pizza, beverages, and other tasty treats will be available for purchase. Admission is $5 per person. Children under 1 year are free. No reservations or advanced ticket sales necessary. Please call the PRC office at 516-767-3808 for details.

Port Washington Parent Resource Center
Sundown Series: Miss Holli and Tommy with a Luau theme

Tuesday evening July 22, 2008 6:00-7:30pm

Kick up your heels and enjoy this fabulous duo’s fun interpretations of children’s classics! Our Luau theme will create a more festive evening so don’t forget to try some Hula-dancing lessons and the Limbo. Bring a blanket and your best dance moves to the Landmark Park (across from the library) for plenty of warm weather and musical fun! Pizza, beverages, and other tasty treats will be available for purchase. Admission is $5 per person. Children under 1 year are free. No reservations or advanced ticket sales necessary. Please call the PRC office at 516-767-3808 for details.

Port Washington Parent Resource Center
Sundown Series: Laugh and Sing with Bruce

Tuesday evening July 29, 2008 6:00-7:30pm

Sing along to original music and old time favorites with Bruce Katz of Little People Entertainment. This fun interactive show will let your children participate with props and musical instruments. So gather the kids, bring a blanket and join us outside on the lawn at Landmark Park (across from the library). Pizza, beverages, and other tasty treats will be available for purchase. Admission is $5 per person. Children under 1 year are free. No reservations or advanced ticket sales necessary. Please call the PRC office at 516-767-3808 for details.

Port Washington Parent Resource Center
Sundown Series: Lynda Quinn – DJ extraordinaire

Tuesday evening August 5, 2008 6:00-7:30pm

Turn the beat around! Join us as we reunite with the PRC’s favorite DJ, Lynda Quinn! She’ll be sure to have everyone up and dancing! So gather the kids, bring a blanket and join us outside on the lawn at Landmark Park (across from the library). Pizza, beverages, and other tasty treats will be available for purchase. Admission is $5 per person. Children under 1 year are free. No reservations or advanced ticket sales necessary. Please call the PRC office at 516-767-3808 for details.

The Parent Resource Center
232 Main Street, Suite 4
Port Washington, NY 11050
516-767-3808

----------
The PRC is a Parent CO-OP that offers members classes for pre-school aged children (with and without their parents), social gatherings and field trips for the whole family, workshops for parents, drop-in playtime (with parents) , drop-off baby-sitting and a myriad of resources for the whole family. For more information and upcoming programs, visit the website at www.parentresource.org

Memorial Day 2008

2008-05-26T07:36:00.001-04:00

Photos courtesy of Alida Thorpe

Calverton National Cemetery

Calverton, Long Island

~~~

For more information and directions: Click here.

~~~~~~~~~~

Old Westbury Gardens

2008-05-18T13:58:00.003-04:00

Photos courtesy of Alida Thorp e

~~~

Old Westbury Gardens

Old Westbury

~~~

The wisteria are in bloom.

For directions and more information, visit:

www.oldwestburygardens.org

~~~

NWPLI Exhibition at the Fire Island Lighthouse

2008-04-16T06:35:00.001-04:00

Photo by Alida Thorpe

NWPLI

(Nature and Wildlife Photographers of Long Island)

Spring Exhibition at the Fire Island Lighthouse

April 19 - May 10, 2008

The Spring 2008 NWPLI Exhibit opens this Saturday, April 19th.

There will be an opening reception party from 5-8 PM at the Lighthouse.

Parking is at Robert Moses Field #5 (east end)

and a shuttle bus will be available for the duration of the party.

If the weather is nice, you can walk on the boardwalk to the lighthouse.

Handicapped parking is available at the base of the Lighthouse and a ramp leads from the unpaved lot to a side entrance of the Lighthouse.

Free admission to the exhibit.

Weather-permitting, tower tours may be available for a small fee.

Please join NWPLI to celebrate the opening of the show.

If you cannot join us for the opening,

the show remains at the Lighthouse until Saturday, May 10th.

It is available during the regular Lighthouse hours, generally 9:30-4:00.

We hope you can come and see some of the beautiful nature photography presented by NWPLI.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Growing Demand of Families Struggling on Long Island, New York

2008-04-05T02:56:00.001-04:00

Dear Friend,

Newsday's recent cover story, "Look Who Needs Help Now," may seem like an eye-opener, but sadly it is a situation with which we at Island Harvest are all too familiar.

With the cost of such essentials as home heating oil up 50%, gasoline up 21%, food staples up 18 - 22%, unrelenting taxes, and increasing mortgage payments - we find ourselves in a crisis that is compelling solidly middle class Long Islanders to turn to food pantries and other local charities for assistance with the basics.

We hear the stories every day - and have been hearing them for a while about the struggle working people must face to provide their families with nutritious meals to make it through a day. Demand for turkeys by our network of member soup kitchens, food pantries, and other agencies reached 22,000 last holiday season - a shocking 42% increase over the prior year.

As Long Island's largest hunger relief organization, we are supplementing over 5 million meals each year - yet it is still not enough to meet the growing demand of those struggling to make ends meet.

We continue to work hard to find creative ways to fill in the ever growing gap between the supply of donated food and demand for it - including securing commitments from new businesses and trucking in more food to Long Island from other parts of the country.

Your help is needed to address this not always visible, but serious and growing situation. You can help by making a contribution, volunteering, donating food, organizing a food drive, or getting your company or school involved with us. Our Web site offers many great suggestions on how you can get involved in the fight against hunger and food waste - and lend a hand to our neighbors in need.

Or if you want to talk to a person, you can call us at 516-294-8528.

Thank you for your concern and continued support as we work together in ending hunger and reducing food waste on Long Island.

Sincerely,
Randi Shubin Dresner
President and CEO

Island Harvest
199 Second Street
Mineola, N.Y. 11501 USA
516-294-8528

Island Harvest is a non-profit organization the bridge between those who have surplus food and those who need it. Our staff and volunteers “rescue,” or “collect,” good surplus food from over 600 retailers and wholesalers. Then, they deliver it, free of charge, to our network of 440+ soup kitchens, food pantries, shelters, Head Start programs, senior and community centers, and other places where those who need it can get it, all across Long Island, New York.

There are so many ways you can get involved with Island Harvest, from making a contribution or making a long-term investment by leaving Island Harvest in your will, becoming a volunteer, conducting a food drive or becoming a sponsor. For more information call 516-294-8528 or visit the website at www.islandharvest.org

Flood and Wind Insurance Reform in Congress

2008-03-26T14:24:00.001-04:00

By Aaron J. Stein
The National Flood Insurance program, administered through FEMA which is in turn part of the Department of Homeland Security, is currently how the vast majority of Long Islanders and people all around the country buy their flood insurance when needed. The idea of the program was that because flood is catastrophic in nature, meaning that it can affect large numbers of people at the same time, that only the taxing power of the federal government was enough to make sure that when the time came to pay huge claims, the money would be there.

The problem is that the rates being charged in the program are not nearly enough to pay the claims, so additional monies have had to be put in over the years by Congress, and those funds basically come out of taxes paid be everybody, not just those in the flood hazard areas. There are some social arguments back and forth about whether that's right or wrong, but after Katrina, it was decided that the program needed to be revised to be 'actuarially sound', meaning that it would collect enough premium dollars to pay the claims, without resorting to general tax revenues or other bailouts. The difference is many billions of dollars, and the answer they have come up with is to include more people in the flood hazard areas and also to increase rates.

But since a couple of the people whose homes were destroyed in Katrina happened to be influential members of Congress, they are not looking to stop there. In trying to judge who was responsible to pay the claims of Katrina, there was a lot of finger-pointing on the part of insurance companies who denied some claims that they felt should have been paid under flood coverage. However since many of the affected residents had been told that the work of the Army Corps of Engineers, in building the levee system, would protect them from flood, they did not carry flood insurance and so were left with no way to rebuild.

What is being proposed is to move windstorm coverage from the private homeowners insurance industry to the government-backed flood insurance program, and price it accordingly. Interestingly, this has the insurance industry up in arms. Although as we know here on Long Island, and particularly as you get farther out on the South Shore of Suffolk County, many insurance companies are shying away from providing policies at all because of the windstorm exposure.

Now this sets up an interesting position for the insurance carriers. On the one hand, they are arguing that wind insurance should NOT be taken out of their hands and put into the Government hands. In general, a founding principle of our country was private ownership, and that the Government should not set itself up as a competitor to private industry. But there are many cases (Medicare, Workers Comp...) where private industry was not up to the task and the government stepped in.

To me, it seems simple enough - if covering losses for hurricanes is a money-losing proposition for insurance companies (which one would have to think it must be if they won't write more coverage) then why would they care if the government took it over? And virtually any argument that could be made for or against the government covering windstorm could be easily turned into the same argument for flood insurance. So which is it? The coverage is too risky and they don't want it, or it's profitable and should be left in private hands? The answers being given by the industry suggest they are trying to play both sides of the fence.

As for me as an agent, I have to say it doesn't really matter. I sell both the government flood insurance as well as home insurance for all kinds of waterfront property. Our job is to deliver, explain, and service the product. So I have no great stake in the outcome here, but I know a snow job when I see one.

Walking the Boardwalk, Sunken Meadow

2008-03-13T16:50:00.000-04:00

Photos by Alida Thorpe

I went for a walk today on the Sunken Meadow boardwalk.

It was really pleasant and fortunately, not very cold.

I thought it was too cool today for a beach walk but the North Shore was protected from the wind and the warming sunshine was a welcomed addition.

It was a wonderful walk and a wonderful sunny day.

Can spring be close behind?

~~~~~~~~~~

Big Changes in Long Island Flood Insurance

2008-02-28T11:41:00.002-05:00

By Aaron J. Stein

Hello all, and please accept my apologies for not having written a blog entry in quite some time. But this morning's Newsday article regarding flood insurance had something in it that got me so frustrated that I had to write.

The article is about the re-mapping of flood zones on Long Island by the FEMA, the government agency in charge of the national flood insurance program. They are using new equipment and techniques to reevaluate all the flood maps which may or may not result in people now being required by their bank or mortgage company to carry flood insurance where they may not have been required before.

FEMA is suggesting that some who live near a flood zone are currently outside of it might want to think about purchasing flood insurance now because the price may change dramatically if they are included in a flood zone after the new maps are issued. For instance right now someone who is not in a flood hazard area here on Long Island would pay under $400 for the maximum flood insurance available from the government. If your house is deemed to be in a flood hazard area when the new maps are complete your rate could easily be four to five times higher.

Under FEMA rules, if you have a flood insurance in place and your zone changes you grandfathered in to the old zone for as long as you keep your insurance in force. So if you live close to a flood zone but outside it you might want to think about buying one of the inexpensive policies now. If you end up in a flood zone and your bank requires the coverage, you will be locked into the lower rate. If you remain outside of flood zone under the new maps, you could cancel the policy after a year if you wish. (FEMA will not allow a policy to be canceled in the middle of the year unless you sell your home)

My problem is that in the article there is a quote from County Executive Steve Levy saying that homeowners should be allowed to make their own decision on whether to carry flood insurance or not, as opposed to having that decision made for them by FEMA or their bank. The fact is that we hear every day from people who are only buying flood insurance because their bank is forcing them because of government regulations. They feel that the fact that they've never seen a flood in their home means they will never be flooded. Unfortunately this is not the case and we only need to look at the ongoing problems resulting from hurricane Katrina to see that.

In addition, the idea coming from the County Executive that people should be able to choose which government programs and mandates they participate in and which they choose not to is absurd. If that were the case most people on the South Shore would probably still have cesspools in their backyards except that the government mandated participation in the Southwest Sewer District in order to protect our drinking water in the long run. The same logic is behind a part of our sales tax collections which go to fund open space purchases.

And how about school taxes? I have no children in school anymore. Can I opt out of school taxes because I no longer see the direct benefit to me? I found this to be a very irresponsible statement by the County Executive and contrary to the whole reason for the existence of virtually every government program. It's fine to be a fiscal conservative with the general opinion that government should take the least role possible in people's day-to-day lives. However say that these decisions should all be left to the individual homeowner and rely on them to make the best decision for everybody for the long-term simply does not work and is not valid.

Old Bethpage Village, Long Island

2008-01-28T18:04:00.001-05:00

The Powell Farm

~~~~~~

Colonial American Details

~~~~~~~
In the heart of the hamlet of Bethpage is Old Bethpage Village Restoration.

Bethpage is in the town of Oyster Bay, in Nassau County.

The Village Restoration is just one reason for people of Bethpage to be proud of the community in which they live.
Old Bethpage Village recreates the times of pre-Civil War Long Island and shows the agricultural and commercial, as well as the domestic lifestyle of the era.

It illustrates the crafts and skills of the time. The homes are filled with antiques and there are gardens and fields. The general store sells old fashioned root-beer and pretzels.

There are live demonstrations of hat making, spinning, weaving and blacksmith crafts.

There is always something new; the village is in a constant state of restoration.

There are more than 55 historic buildings on 200 acres, all original structures.

It gives the town of Bethpage a sense of history and makes people proud to live here.

Buildings were saved from demolition, from all over Long Island, and moved to this site.

Shops are set up and there is a school house with working fireplace and a period costumed teacher. In fact, all of the volunteer and working town’s people are dressed in period costume.

The Powell Farm is original to the site and is complete with pigs, cows and turkey.

This entire area was originally part of the Powell Farm and historical records tell us that Thomas Powell, a devout Quaker, bought the land in 1695 from the Massapequa, Secatog and Matinecock people.

The Old Bethpage Village Restoration is the center of community activity.

Special events are planned each month. There is sheep shearing in May and Autumn Harvest-time in October and there are various other activities throughout the year.
It is a wonderful historic destination and can be part of family life for those living near the village especially if the family interests involve historical America.

Old Bethpage Village also runs school group tours to enrich the culture of Long Island.
This is just one reason to drive out and visit Old Bethpage!
~~~~~~~~
Directions from the Southern State Parkway:
Southern State Parkway to Exit 28A Seaford Oyster Bay Expressway (NY135) North. Seaford Oyster Bay Expressway to Old Country Road East exit 10. Right turn onto Old Country Road Eastbound to Round Swamp Road. Right onto Round Swamp Road and village entrance will be on your left.

~~~~~

Photos and text by Alida Thorpe

Winter on Long Island

2008-01-11T21:27:00.000-05:00

photos by Alida Thorpe

Winter on Long Island holds many surprises.

The weather is cold but not for long periods of time.

Surrounded by water, the winters are relatively mild.

I hope you are enjoying your Long Island winter!

~~~~~~

Lost and Found Items on the Long Island Railroad

2007-12-19T01:40:00.000-05:00

Tom writes, "I lost my camera 12-15-07 on train to Mineola. Does the LIRR have a lost and found department?"

Yes, the MTA Long Island Rail Road has a Lost and Found department open M–F, 7:20AM – 7:20PM and Weekends, 7:20AM - 3:10PM. You may be able to get specific information about a recently lost item by calling 212-643-5228. They should be able to direct you to the main storage area for lost and found items, or direct you to a local facility based on the train line.

Hopefully a conductor or a commuter turned in your lost item. If you find something on the LIRR it is always a good idea to bring it to the attention of a conductor. In light of our National security issues, the public is urged to keep their eyes open and to report suspicious packages.

North Fork Vineyards in Winter

2007-12-17T07:58:00.000-05:00

Photo by Alida Thorpe

The North Fork vineyards no longer have grapes to harvest. After all, it is winter.

They are busy for the holidays, offering special sales and wine-tastings for shoppers.

And as many farmers know, winter is the time to prepare for spring.

~~~~~~~~

Major Changes Ahead for the Insurance Industry?

2007-11-26T21:54:00.000-05:00

BY AARON STEIN

Welcome back. I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. This post will not be about the New York auto or home insurance coverage that we usually cover. This time I will be highlighting some larger trends that in some cases have already come to affect other industries but may now be coming to an insurance policy near you.

One such new area is that the 'capital markets' are starting to make eyes at the insurance industry. When I say capital markets, I'm talking about monies raised by the giant investment firms like Merrill Lynch or Goldman Sachs. Up until now, insurance companies raised the money needed to back their insurance products by selling stock, and collecting premiums and investing them. But now these super-sized financial companies have become experts at raising literally billions of dollars quite quickly and efficiently, in their constant efforts to find investments to sell to their clients.

Traditionally, these financial companies would raise money for other companies by underwriting offers of their stocks and bonds. So if General Motors wanted to raise a billion dollars to invest in a new vehicle product line, for example, they could have Merrill agree to make good faith efforts to sell enough shares of GM stock (remember that stock represents an ownership interest) or GM could offer corporate bonds (debt that has to be repaid, but does not give up any ownership) for a similar amount. They would have to weigh the plusses and minuses of each.

Now, however, with the advent of things like hedge funds, and giant pension funds and even major individual investors looking to put their money to work, enough capital can be raised to start whole new companies and industries. The capital markets were a major force behind the growth of sub-prime mortgages over the past several years, as investors chased higher yields which could only be had by coming up with the many strange variations of mortgages, and in many cases giving them to people who, it turns out, couldn't afford them and are now facing serious financial problems.

These companies could end up having a huge impact on major insurance coverages such as catastrophe insurance. For instance, billions could be quickly raised to offer reinsurance (the kind of insurance that insurance companies buy for themselves against major events like hurricanes) except that instead of insurance companies buying their reinsurance from traditional markets like Lloyds, or SwissRe, they might look for better deals from the capital markets.

Competition is generally good in that it reduces costs. For instance, it would help us here on Long Island right now if insurance carriers could lower their cost of reinsurance for windstorms and hurricanes. That's what is causing all the disruption in the insurance market for waterfront homes these days. On the other hand, the capital market's tendency to use overly aggressive sales pitches, and only shoot for short term profit as opposed to long term viability, can make for quite a mess. Right now we are going through a mortgage and real estate crisis that was made much worse by predatory lending practices and speculation, fostered by these 'capital markets' chasing down an extra per cent or two of interest on their money through sub-prime mortgages.

The one thing about insurance that is different from almost any other kind of product, is that you can have catastrophic, once-in-a-lifetime events like Katrina or the four hurricanes in 3 weeks that hit Florida a couple of years back. These require careful long-term planning and an industry with plenty of real money behind it. I'm not sure I want to see insurance get the same kind of treatment as the mortgage industry has gotten this year as a result of reckless short term practices over the past couple of years.

Next up, will the next Presidential election bring a total change to our health insurance system? As always, you can contact us through our web site at http://www.nyinsurancewithservice.com/

Autumn on Long Island

2007-11-13T09:20:00.000-05:00

~~~~~

Photo: Alida Thorpe

The fall is here, with Thanksgiving Day just a week away.

I hope you are enjoying the beautiful colors of our "Island"

...and that you find many reasons to be thankful!

~~~~~~~

Here’s To The New Gym. Same As The Old Gym

2007-10-26T16:31:00.000-04:00

By Michael Watt

When I joined yet another gym earlier this month, the thought occurred to me that I have more former gym memberships (seven) than I do former girlfriends (six – give or take a second date or two).

Make of that what you will, but I hope this gym relationship lasts a good, long time – because joining a gym can be even more awkward and uncomfortable than dating.

Take that first day at the gym, for instance. Just like a first date, you don’t really know what to expect. Will you be welcomed? How long will it take you to feel comfortable? This assumes, of course, that at some point you get to feel comfortable. This is not always the case, as gym veterans know. In the early 1980s, for instance, I joined a gym in Massapequa with my friend John. It was inhabited mostly by muscleheads and the like. John was about an inch shorter than me but a lot stronger and so he fit right in. The bulk of my exercise, on the other hand, was moving that little spike way up on the stack of weights to significantly reduce the burden I had to pull up, press down or push away. I swear I could hear the whole place silently snicker as I did so.

Did not belong to that place for long.

A couple of years later I noticed there was a ring around my waist that had never been there before. Apparently the kid who could wash down a pizza with a Fribble and experience no discernible weight gain was now the adult who did not ride his bicycle everywhere he went as he did in high school or traverse the hills posing as streets in Scranton as he did in college. I decided to explore the possibility of joining a gym again and paid a visit to the place that is across the street from the Sunrise Mall. My plan was to “check things out.” Silly me. Once I walked through that front door I might as well have had a sign on my forehead that read, “Gullible and Vulnerable – take your pick.” They assigned me to a gym bunny “to help with any questions I might have about the facilities.” During our “conversation” she took out a caliper to measure the aforementioned “ring” around my waist. She said if she could “clip” more than an inch then I had better get involved in an exercise program Post Haste. So what happens? She grabbed at least an inch of waist with the caliper – who didn’t see that coming? I was so mortified I would have signed up for a tour of duty in Iraq if doing so meant I would never again have to experience an attractive young lady measuring my fat content.

Lasted there about a year.

Soon after I left I joined a gym in Wantagh with my friend Jack, mostly to play racquetball. Well, to be more precise, mostly to lose to Jack in racquetball. Great workout, though.

Then I got married. Like most new grooms I saw little reason to exercise on a regular basis once I tied the knot. Before I knew it I was several years removed from the gym scene while knocking off a pint of Ben & Jerry’s before bedtime on a regular basis. Not good.

In the early 1990s I was living in Farmingdale and working in Valley Stream so I joined a gym in Rockville Centre. A lot had changed in the gym world in my absence, however. They had these new things called spin classes and aerobics. I found it all so intimidating I opted instead to go jogging through the streets of Rockville Centre. After a while I realized that I could just as easily run through the streets of Farmingdale without having to part with that monthly gym stipend.

I like to jog because a) I get a lot of fresh air that way and b) it does not cost anything. This plan worked through 1998. I even participated in two NYC Marathons. Then I had to have knee surgery – minor enough that I did not miss any work but major enough that I have not run since. With my 20-year college reunion coming up in 2001, however, I decided to re-visit the gym world, just in case any of my former classmates came to the reunion armed with calipers.

I am on my third gym since then. I suppose I am still searching for a gym with a comfort level, although I am not sure what that would entail. I hope this gym works out, though (wow – that pun just spilled out). Just as I don’t need any more former girlfriends, I don’t need any former gym memberships, either.

Thank you for reading this column.

2007-09-28T19:13:00.000-04:00

photo: Alida Thorpe

The pumkins are ready!

East End of Long Island

What are you waiting for?

~~~~~

Long Island Home Insurance in the News

2007-09-14T11:25:00.001-04:00

BY AARON STEIN

It's been an interesting Summer in the homeowners insurance business here on Long Island, but it all seemed to come to a head a couple of weeks ago when Newsday started their series about Allstate and Liberty Mutual causing some trouble by non-renewing some people because they did not carry their car insurance with them along with their house insurance.

Regular readers of this blog have known about that for some time. In fact, everybody involved, including the New York State Insurance Department, agrees that Allstate even went so far as to discuss their plans with the previous administration of the Insurance Department even though they did not think it was required, and the plans were approved. (Author's note - apparently the State Insurance Department actually reads this blog, and I had a call from them today. It is their position that Allstate did NOT receive any kind of formal approval from the prior administration at the Insurance Department for their actions) Liberty Mutual had the same opinion that approval was not required, and so did not ask.

I am certainly the last person to be an advocate on behalf of Allstate, who has always been one of our biggest competitors in the home and auto insurance market here on Long Island. But this situation points up several issues that, while seeming to help on the surface, may not be good for the overall marketplace in the longer term.

For one thing, there are several major carriers (GEICO, Progressive, AIG, Unitrin Direct, and others) who are ONLY writing auto insurance, which is currently more profitable for them and carries virtually NO catastrophe risk exposure from hurricanes and other major weather events. Yes there may occasionally be a bad car accident that costs an insurance company several million dollars, but that pales in comparison with $65 Billion of insured losses from Katrina, which was estimated to wipe out all insurance company profits in that area from the last 20 years. Why isn't the State Insurance Deparment insisting that these carriers participate in the property market some way, whether by writing propery insurance or by putting contributions in a pool to back up those companies who do?

Next problem. Allstate had gotten this approved by the State Insurance Department before they started. Now they are being told that this doesn't count. One of the advantages companies always felt they had here in New York was that, even though we are a lawsuit and claim-happy bunch here in the New York area and on Long Island in particular, at least our insurance department was known for being firm and consistent, so that decisions could be made based on what they were told by the regulators. Now the insurance department is saying that's no longer the case, they can tell you one thing and change it completely a short while later. Lack of consistency is very dangerous in terms of encouraging new companies to come in to our market.

The third issue here is the government telling a private company in an open market place who they can and can not take or cancel as clients. I know this is no consolation if you are one of the people cancelled by Allstate, Liberty Mutual, State Farm or one of the many other carriers who are taking these actions. But our economy is based on capitalism, a free market, and supply and demand for the product involved. It may indeed be the place of government to step in and say that a company can't discriminate based on things like race, national origin, or other criteria that can be broadly grouped under the heading of 'prejudice'. But to start telling companies who they must insure based on what can be considered legitimate business criteria (such as not buying more coverage from them) is a very dangerous step in the wrong direction.

The fact is that you do not have a constitutional right to be offered an inexpensive homeowners insurance policy regardless of how exposed your home is to windstorms, or if it's in an earthquake zone, or next to a brush area that has major fires each time there is a thunderstorm, or any other criteria that can be shown to increase your risk of loss. You have the right to sell your house and purchase one somewhere else, or to shop around for the best price you can get for the coverage you want from companies who, based on our highly competitive free market, are willing to sell the coverage.

The FEMA Flood Insurance Program, available throughought Long Island and all over the country, is a good example of the opposite of what is being done here in the homeowners insurance market. FEMA has to take all people who apply and qualify. The government sets the rates and is considered the only entity large enough to insure the kind of catastrophe risk represented by flooding, which can affect thousands of people at the same time (as opposed to a fire or car accident, which might affect more than one person or property, but not likely a whole town or city)

But the FEMA program is way past bankrupt, and politicians who represent areas that do not get floods are sick of their constituents' tax dollars being diverted to pay for losses to homes in flood prone areas that get damaged again and again.

I don't claim to have the solutions here, but this is a complicated issue that should not be played out in news headlines about the big bad insurance companies picking on the masses without cause.

As always, for more information, visit our web sites at http://www.nyinsurancewithservice.com/ and http://www.floodinsuranceny.com/.

Upcoming Photography Exhibit

2007-09-10T08:13:00.000-04:00

Photo: Alida Thorpe

Do you love nature photography? Well, if you do, don’t miss this show!

The NWPLI (Nature and Wildlife Photographers of Long Island) will have its second annual Autumn Exhibition beginning September 22th through December 9th.
It is being held at the Castello di Borghese Winery in Cutchogue.
The exhibit will showcase the group’s best work in nature, wildlife and landscape photography.

NWPLI has been awarded numerous honors for its work, most recently winning the 2006 Nature’s Best Photography International Awards (Camera Club Category) sponsored by Nature’s Best Photography Magazine.
Visit the group's website: http://www.nwpli.com

The photography on display will include natural subjects that have been captured with digital and film cameras. Photos are from Long Island's own natural surroundings.
Some selected images will also be available for purchase.

A Preview Show will open on Saturday, September 15, 2007

The full exhibition will begin on Sunday, November 4, 2007 at 11:00 AM, with both NWPLI Board Members and photographers on hand to discuss their work and the group’s mission.
The exhibition is scheduled to end on December 9, 2007.

For directions to Castello di Borghese…Click Here!

For additional information, contact Lou Buonomo at lou@nwpli.com

I hope you have the opportunity to stop by the exhibit on your yearly autumn visit to the wineries and to the pumpkin farms!
It’s nature photography at its best!
~~~~~~~~~~~~

Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge, Sag Harbor

2007-09-07T07:42:00.000-04:00

Photo: Alida Thorpe

You can have the chickadee eating out of your hand! Literally!

At the Elizabeth A. Morton Wildlife Refuge in Sag Harbor, the chickadee will eat sunflower seeds right out of your hand.

There are hiking trails and a beach on the Peconic Bay, and many beautiful birds.

Now, I don't want all of you rushing over there to scare the poor little birds away!

Be respectful of nature. Stand quietly with hand extended. Quietly!

The chickadee are as light as a feather.

Try not to move!

There are some other rules that you should follow when observing nature on Long Island or elsewhere.

"Don't take anything but photographs and don't leave anything but footprints!"

~~~~~~~~~

It’s Takes A Labor Day of Love to Fully Appreciate the Summer

2007-08-31T15:20:00.000-04:00

By Michael Watt

Is there a more melancholy holiday than the Labor Day Weekend?

Think about it. Nobody even tries to guilt us into not enjoying ourselves by reminding everybody that the day was originally created to give American laborers a much-needed day off. To many of us Labor Day simply serves as the unofficial, summer-ending bookend to the unofficial, summer-starting Memorial Day weekend. To the thousands of schoolteachers living throughout Long Island it denotes the end of the party, the extended-summer-vacation equivalent of somebody turning the lights up and the stereo off as a signal for everyone to go home – or, in this case, back to work. After having ten-plus weeks with no alarm clocks ringing, that must be one nasty transition.

The Labor Day weekend also serves as a good time to assess one’s summer. I like to look back and ask myself if I accomplished all that I set out to accomplish way back in May. Of course I never do. I’m 47 and I have no recollection whatsoever of ever experiencing a summer where I felt I made the best possible use of my time. This summer, for instance, I spent zero hours with my family at the beach. Not one second frolicking in the sand and pretending to go into the ocean. Shame on me for that. I plead baseballus parentus, but still. What’s the point of living on Long Island if you don’t take advantage of all it has to offer? One little barbecue on the sandy shores of Robert Moses? Is that asking too much?

In the meanwhile, thanks to endless hours on the ball field wearing shorts and a t-shirt I find myself sporting a baseball tan – bronzed lower legs, wrists, neck and face. My chest and belly, however, are whiter than a Love Child produced by Gwen Stefani and Edgar Winter would look should such a human being ever come into existence. I should also point out that because I wore sandals whenever possible this summer I have tan lines that make my feet look like I’m wearing white buck shoes even when I am barefoot.

It was a strange summer, too, in the sense that it never really seemed to get off the ground. I blame the lackluster Fourth of July, and I blame the lackluster on the fact that the Fourth of July took place on a Wednesday. We didn’t get that extended Fourth of July break and, as a result, I never got into a summer groove.

The Yankees never really seemed to get going, either - this past week's sweep of the Red Sox notwithstanding. No long winning streaks, no running away with the pennant. They didn’t completely stink, either, as they have in other summers. Nineteen ninety, for instance, was horrific – one loss after another. If it hadn’t been for the birth of my son Alex that year the summer would have been a total loss.

It’s funny how you remember different summers, and how some summers are more memorable than others.

Since 1999 my summers have been dominated by baseball – Little League baseball initially and now travel team ball. I would not have it any other way, with the possible exception of working in a little more beach time, anyway. The summer of 2007 will be remembered by me as the summer of the weddings: my niece Nadya’s and my sister Ann’s. I have written quite enough about them of late, thank you very much, but it is funny how you spend the days counting down to an event and then the next thing you know nearly a month has gone by since the event took place.

It’s also interesting how certain songs instantly remind you of summers past. Every time I hear any of the following songs my mind is instantly transformed to good times celebrating sand, surf and sunshine: “Heatwave” - Martha Reeves & The Vandellas; “Summer Wind” – Frank Sinatra; “The Girls on The Beach” and/or “The Warmth of the Sun” by The Beach Boys; anything by The Beach Boys, really, and of course, the ultimate summer song, “Summer In The City” - The Lovin' Spoonful.

Which brings us back to Labor Day. I started the column with the notion that it is a melancholy weekend. But there is something pleasant about it, too. Donning a sweatshirt and watching the sun go down on Sunday night is something special. You feel the chill of the autumn onset and you know it is time to get back to work, time for the third act of the calendar year. Ideally you get a chance to play Sinatra’s “Summer Wind” a few hundred times, fire up a stogie, draw yourself a Scotch on the rocks and then reflect back on what was and what should have been. Then you wash the sand off your feet for the last time this year and head back to the house, knowing that the alarm is going to go off the next morning and its back to the grind.

Oh well.

Thank you for reading this column.

Living The Scooter Life

2007-08-22T15:41:00.000-04:00

By Michael Watt

If I could figure out a way to do it, I would walk around with the number 10 sewn onto my shirtsleeves, at least for the rest of the baseball season. That’s how upset I was last week to learn of the passing of Phil Rizzuto, even though his demise was not unexpected. (Does anybody else find it weird that Phil died on the same day – albeit 12 years later – that Mickey Mantle died, and just three days before the anniversaries of the deaths of Elvis and Babe Ruth? It’s just weird is all I am saying.)

Forget about Rizzuto the baseball player, or even Rizzuto the announcer. How about Rizzuto the living representation of how much we should enjoy life?

Even as a kid growing up watching Yankee games on TV and listening to them on the radio (back then announcers did double duty, rotating between radio and television duties), I marveled at the good fortune this man enjoyed. He grew up in Brooklyn and despite his diminutive size played on a string of championship Yankee teams the likes of which may never be seen again. Once his playing days were over – and he was rather unceremoniously dismissed from the team’s roster – he just moved upstairs to the broadcast booth and plied his art there for another 40 years. Forty years!

His success on the field was all the more remarkable because of his size. His “success” – some people would argue that he was a terrible announcer – in the booth was even more amazing because his initial two broadcast partners, Red Barber and Mel Allen, were living legends themselves and non-athletes who resented his lack of formal training and announcing skills. Yet Phil persevered and, as a result, never had to lift anything heavy for the rest of his life.

The man played the game his entire career with a piece of chewing gum on top of his hat for good luck! Can you imagine any of today’s self-important, image-is-everything athletes running around with gum on his hat? Not going to happen – unless, of course, a chewing gum company paid a small fortune for the exposure.

Then there were the games he broadcast. As I mentioned earlier, like many New Yorkers I grew up listening and watching the “Scooter” do his thing during Yankee broadcasts. His voice and persona are as integral a part of the soundtrack of my youth as my grandfather’s – and that’s saying something. Both had a certain way of talking that just could not help but entertain, and both lived and loved to tell a story.

On the night of his death my family and I were watching the Yankees being pasted by the Baltimore Orioles. It occurred to me that I had a copy of a televised Yankee game I recorded – WITHOUT expressed, written consent from Major League Baseball, I might add - in 1996. I had taped the game because my son Alex and I had tickets to it and the tickets were right along the leftfield foul line. I wanted to preserve the game for posterity just in case the camera caught us in the crowd (it did – for a fleeting second or two). Of course I forgot all about it until last week.

I dug out the tape, popped it into the VCR (yes, we still have an operating VCR hooked up in our house) and relished the dulcet sounds of Mr. Rizzuto wishing half the world a happy birthday and thanking the other half for sending fresh pastries. He bantered with his broadcast partner, former Yankee Rick Cerone, about this and that and, oh yeah, occasionally noticed that there was a baseball game going on. His storytelling meanderings notwithstanding, Phil knew the game as well as any of the other pontificating poof-heads working the baseball airwaves today. I had forgotten how much fun it could be to watch a Yankee game.

And let’s not forget the fact that Phil Rizzuto is the answer to one of the all-time great trivia questions: Who is the only American League MVP to earn a Platinum Album award as well? Phil, of course, was immortalized for his “play-by-play” interlude in “Paradise By The Dashboard Light” on Meat Loaf’s “Bat Out Of Hell.” The story goes that when my man Todd Rundgren (who produced “Bat Out Of Hell”) was told that Phil Rizzuto agreed to be on the album, Todd’s reply was, “Really? What instrument does he play?”

I still haven’t figured out whether so many things worked out well for Phil Rizzuto because of his positive outlook on life or whether he had a positive outlook BECAUSE so many things worked out for him. They just did. God bless him.

So thanks, Phil, for the laughs and the great baseball and, mostly, for being such a fun part of my life. You will be missed.

Thank you for reading this column.

Metro NY Balloon & Music Festival, August 10, 11, & 12th

2007-08-11T12:18:00.000-04:00

Photo courtesy of Alida Thorpe

My husband and I went early this morning, sunrise actually, to the

Metro NY Balloon & Music Festival,

being held August 10th, 11th & 12th at Brookhaven Calabro Airport.

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Unfortunately, a north wind kept the balloons from flying.

As one balloon owner said, "...in this wind, nowhere to go but the ocean!"

It was wonderful to watch the balloons fire up and get ready.

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For more information, directions and the festival information, visit the website..here.

I will tell you that it costs $10 to park and $25 per person to enter, so it is not an inexpensive family activity.

No coolers are allowed but you can bring in a folding chair.

Hope you enjoy your Long Island weekend!

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So Many Milestones, So Little Time

2007-08-10T14:23:00.000-04:00

By Michael Watt

Okay, so we’re in the homestretch of what I affectionately refer to as my mini-milestone-marathon.

Last weekend (on Friday), you’ll recall, my niece Nadya got married. This Saturday it’s my sister Annie’s turn. That’s a lot of excitement in an eight-day span. Throw in the birthdays of my two sons (Alex, 17 and Max, 13), the premier of “The Simpsons Movie,” a night out for a rock concert (Todd Rundgren and “The New Cars”), more than a handful of baseball and softball games and – oh yeah, that damn day job - and you have a whirlwind couple of weeks on your hands. Did I mention that we are having the house painted this week? Right now the fumes have me higher than a Rastafarian at a Reggae concert After Party.

Whew! As my favorite rappers like to say, “It’s all good.” But is it amusing? Let’s find out.

As I predicted, at my niece’s wedding my wife Sharon and I found ourselves situated so far removed from the action you could have used a golf cart to get from our table to the dance floor. Not to worry – we were that much closer to the Viennese table at night’s end. Of course being closer to the desserts than to the dance floor probably resulted in my adding a couple of pounds to the mid-section by night’s end, but it was just as well. The DJ, believe it or not, did not have a copy of “Love Shack” to play.

Can you imagine that?

It’s times like these that I wish I could be governor of Long Island. If I were and I became aware of a “Love Shack”-less DJ I would decree – right there on the spot – that all DJs plying their craft on the Island had to be licensed and in order to secure that license they had to demonstrate a willingness and ability to spin the greatest song ever written about a shanty with a rusted tin roof. Being a DJ at a party and not spinning “Love Shack” is like opening an ice cream store and not offering chocolate. Stupid DJs. Oh, and for the record it’s not as if I was the only one asking for the song, either. A hip, vivacious, pretty young lady - in other words, everything I am not – asked repeatedly for the song to be played, too. When she wasn’t tugging on her strapless gown, that is, to make sure the situation didn’t deteriorate from a "Love Shack" request to Love Rack display, if you know what I mean.

Because I like to think of myself as a pro-active, pre-emptive, let’s-make-lemonade-out-of-a-lemon kind of guy, I have commissioned my son Alex to burn a copy of “Love Shack” onto a blank CD and will keep that CD in the glove compartment of my car go forward, so that this tragic situation will never again have to be endured.

Other than the Shack-less blemish the wedding was a blast. The DJs did, for instance, play “Shout.” “The Worm” was performed to perfection by yours truly with many, many others accompanying me. They might not have realized they were accompanying me, of course, but trust me – they were. I bow to no one – with the possible exception of my brothers Eddie and Raymond – when it comes to declaring myself “King of The Worm.”

Perhaps the most impressive thing about Nadya’s wedding was the fact that it started on time. It seems the bride has a thing about punctuality and even the priest was caught off guard. He started his sermon by commenting that in his many years of marrying couples this ceremony marked the first time one had started when it was supposed to.

The priest marrying my sister Ann and her fiancé Mark will not be making such comments. Ann’s just as organized and on top of things as Nadya, mind you, but punctuality has never been a big priority at the Watt household. When my brother Ray got married, for instance, he asked all his brothers to be ushers and as a result we were there, in the back, when the Wedding Mass started. “So this is what the beginning of Mass looks like,” cracked one of my other brothers.

Ann’s getting married in St. Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Centre, the same church where my parents got married back in 1952 and almost 33 years to the day that my older sister Margaret became the first in our family to marry. In between there have been eight other Watt wedding days. (If you’re keeping score at home, that leaves three brothers yet to be married. Don’t hold your breath; as far as I can tell each is quite happy with their single status. All the more power to them.)

The reception afterward will serve as a family reunion as much as anything else, with brothers, sisters, cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles coming in from all over the country. Those are always fun, too, especially with every one all dressed up and on their best behavior. I know I plan to don the same pair of red argyle socks I wore to my wedding 22 years ago and to every wedding since (including Nadya’s). I also know that while wearing those red socks I will be the first one (okay, maybe the second or third) out to the dance floor to do “The Worm.”

Hey – you celebrate your milestones your way, I’ll celebrate them with mine.

Thank you for reading this column.

Montauk Point Lighthouse

2007-08-07T22:13:00.000-04:00

Photo: Alida Thorpe

Montauk Point Lighthouse, Long Island

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For more information about the lighthouse and visitors' center...Click here!

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Restoration of the Grist Mill

2007-07-13T19:41:00.000-04:00

photo: Alida Thorpe

Grist Mill, Connetquot River State Park Preserve

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The mill originates from the 1700s.

Over the years, weather and age have taken their toll on the structure.

The restoration project, initiated by the Friends of Connetquot, is now in progress.

A mill expert has been hired to oversee the restoration which includes plans to stabilize the structure, eventually raise it and build new stone piers. It needs a new foundation, new shingles and roof. Eventually, the interior and milling machinery will be restored to create a working mill.

This project is a major undertaking and will take much time and require major funds.

Monetary grants have been received from both the federal and state governments.

The Friends of Connetquot are working to contribute additional money raised from donations and fund raising events.

If you would like to donate or help in some way, please call the Park at 631-581-1005

or send contributions to:

Friends of Connetquot, P.O. Box 472, Oakdale, NY 11769

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A New Hurricane Season

2007-07-11T21:10:00.000-04:00

Welcome back. I have not had time to post in a while but today as I was doing some "homework" I found that I needed to change the look of the blog, because with Google's new system, they had new template designs, and I had to choose one. I hope you like the look, though I know I don't have that many 'regular' readers. After all, not many people choose to while away their hours reading about insurance. I do have some regular readers of my other blog, http://www.aroundbabylon.com/, but that's because I write about local happenings in our Village.

But while I'm here, I will write a short post. The market for homeowners insurance on Long Island is continuing to change. This past week we had our first call from someone who's being canceled by State Farm. They were told that State Farm is canceling people within a half mile of the water. I had heard that they stopped writing new business within a half-mile of the South Shore of Long Island but not that they were canceling anybody.

I say this not to pick on State Farm in any way. I happen to think they are pretty good company, and they are the biggest in auto and home insurance. Unfortunately, I just point it out to show what is happening in the Suffolk County and overall Long Island insurance marketplace. Even the largest insurance carriers do not have the capacity to absorb the business being shed by their competitors.

We need a lot of changes in not only the insurance business but also in the codes for new home construction and in other government regulations. But in the meantime, what we need most is a number of new carriers to come in the market and each take a small percentage of the business.

A big part of my job these days is keeping my eyes and ears open all the time for these new players. We wrote our first policy with one such insurance program this week. Our agents Association works hard on this issue all the time but Independent Insurance Agents only represent about 35% of the personal insurance market (meaning car and house insurance). And so we are not the "big players."

That would be Allstate, State Farm, Farmers and a few others. The problem is that, as I pointed out above, size is not an advantage here, because of the massive damage that would be possible in a Katrina size hurricane. Allstate is in favor of a government 'backstop', which is the only thing that would help them because of the sheer volume of business they wrote in coastal areas. But that idea has not caught on with most of the other companies, who would rather see a competitive market with risk-based pricing.

And while the public may debate about global warming, and whether it's caused by humans or not, the fact remains that sea levels are rising and temperatures are going up. And so the insurance companies simply don't know what's going to happen. Even if there is no such thing as global warming (and I personally think there is such a thing), we are at the very least in a period of rising temperatures and increased storm activity, even if it's just a natural cycle that will go away at some point.

That point may still be 20 or 50 years away during which time we may or may not have some pretty strong storms. When you add that in to the amount of property value there is here on Long Island it's a pretty scary scenario.

Meanwhile, there are also a number of major insurance companies, who need no introduction here, who are chasing just the automobile insurance market without taking any share of the risk 0f catastrophic loss that mainly affects the property market. As these companies suck dollars from the insurance buying public, the effect is to weaken the financial positions of those companies who also take their fair share of the property insurance market.

We live in interesting times. As always, more information is available by visiting our web sites at http://www.nyinsurancewithservice.com/ and http://www.floodinsuranceny.com/.

Long Island's ''Feast of Feasts'' July 11-15, 2007 - Wellwood Ave. Lindenhurst, New York

2007-07-11T07:10:00.000-04:00

OLPH International Feast 2007

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church
2007 INTERNATIONAL FEAST
July 11-15, 2007

Celebrating it's 25th year, Our Lady of Perpetual Help(OLPH) Parish has expanded their annual feast making it bigger and better than ever! The festival committee has turned this local event into an International delight. More rides, more food, more vendors and more fun than before...

OLPH International Feast takes place on Wellwood Avenue in Lindenhurst, New York. Festival activies start on Wednesday, July 11, 2007 and run through Sunday, July 15, 2007.

The International schedule of events include Polish, Irish, Italian, American and German themed nights. Rides, games and attractions. Expanded vendor area with an assortment of ethnic inspired foods and specialty items. Air-conditioned Vegas area located in the School will be open every evening. Live music and entertainment is scheduled for each themed evening.

Polish Night - Wednesday, 7/11/07
Celebrate your Polish heritage on Wednesday July 11th, or learn about Polish tradition at the OLPH International Feast's Polish Night. Dance to the music of Polka band "Retro" performing live on stage in the entertainment area. Dine under the stars in the food court where Polish delicacies include pierogies and kielbasa. Enjoy all the other foods and browse through the specialty showcase items in the vendor area.

Special Benediction, Procession and Blessing begins at 5:00pm from the Church led by Monsignor Rev. Daniel S. Hamilton. The United States Marine Corp. will be making a special appearance providing the color guard for the opening ceremony!

Irish Night - Thursday, 7/12/07
OLPH International Feast's Irish Night celebrates and honors the Irish with music, dancing and delicious Irish food on Thursday. A changing of the flag ceremony followed by the Award Winning New York Shields. Gerry Finlay and the Cara Band will be performing live on stage in the entertainment area.

Irish delicacies, including corned beef and cabbage as well as other delicious ethnic food will be served in the food court. Additional vendor areas with ethnic inspired specialty items make this a fun-filled evening with a bit of the Irish for everyone.

Italian Night - Friday, 7/13/07
Dance "The Tarantella" when the OLPH International Feast Italian Night takes place on Friday, July 13, 2007. A changing of the flag ceremony will be held at the beginning of the evening. Enjoy live music in the entertainment area and stroll through the vendor areas for all things Italian.

Delicious food prepared by Joe's Italian Deli will be served in the outside eatery. Sausage and peppers, peaches and wine, cannoli, funnel cakes, ice cream and other ethnic treats. So, bring the family and don't miss this fun-filled evening when lil' Little Italy comes to Lindenhurst, New York.

American Night - Saturday, 7/14/07
Rock n' Roll American Style on Saturday, July 14, 2007 with special showcase 50's Band "The Beltones" at the OLPH Annual Feast. A changing of the flag ceremony takes place at the beginning of the night. Savor a variety of foods along Wellwood Avenue in Lindenhurst. Vendor areas with ethnic specialty items on sale as well rides, games and attractions. It's American, it's International, it's fun for all ages and backgrounds.

International Fair and German Day & Night - 7/15/07
The final day of the OLPH International Feast, Sunday, July 15th, 2007, will be one to remember with the biggest addition in 25 years. Wellwood Avenue from West Gates to Hoffman Avenue in Lindenhurst will be shut down for the International Street Fair! Fun filled activities begin at 10am and last until the festival closing bell at 9pm. The street fair features hundreds of vendors with food, crafts and novelty items.

The changing of the flag ceremony starts off the evening for German night. Live music in the entertainment area by long-time favorite performers, "The Spitzbaum". Knockwurst, Bratwurst, Sauerkraut and Potato Pancakes are on the menu at the outside eatery as well as other ethnic treats.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help International Feast features rides, games and attractions. Vendor area with an assortment of ethnic inspired food and specialty items. Air-conditioned Vegas area located in the School will be open every evening. Live music and entertainment is scheduled for each themed event.

For general information visit the OLPH International Feast Website
OLPH Feast Coordinator 516-242-9531.
Vendor space available 631-539-4942.

OLPH International Festival is sponsored by:
LongIsland.com, Walk 97.5 FM, Artusa Construction, Four Seasons Sunrooms, Manhattan Beer Distributor, Pepsi Cola, Joe's Italian Market, Johnstons' Funeral Home, Lindenhurst Funeral Home, OLPH Kinghts of Columbus, The Cannoli Factory, OLPH Holy Name Society, OLPH Parents Association, Allstar Midway, Carnival Amusements, Sal's Fruit Tree, All County Business Machines, Eye Values, Inc., Johnny Mica, Inc. Ridgewood Savings Bank, Giannini Landscaping and Babylon Dental Care.

Special thanks to contributors, vendors and volunteers, the OLPH Feast Committee, The Incorporated Village of Lindenhurst as well as the church staff for helping to make this event possible.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church
210 S Wellwood Avenue
Lindenhurst, NY 11757
Rectory Phone: 631-226-7725

OLPH School
240 S Wellwood Avenue
Lindenhurst, NY 11757
School Phone: 631-226-0208

Long Island Rail Road

2007-06-29T00:30:00.000-04:00

The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is operated by the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) which is a state agency. The MTA provides a resource of information on their website, but it is not always easy to find information quickly, especially when there are unexpected train delays.

LongIsland.com provides Long Island Rail Road information and news as a courtesy to our site visitors. LIRR news is updated on a continuous basis through feeds from a variety of news and media outlets. Although we are not directly affiliated with the Long Island railroad we have received quite a few emails from people frustrated by the system. Basic information with quick links to the MTA and LIRR schedules is provided below.

MTA Web Site

LIRR Train Schedules and Information

MTA Feedback form for Questions/Comments

24 Hour Travel Information
Nassau 516-822-5477
Suffolk 631-231-5477
New York City 718-217-5477
In case of emergency call the MTA Police directly at 888-MTA911PD

The mailing address of the MTA:
Metropolitan Transportation Authority
347 Madison Ave
New York, NY 10017
212-878-1063

Straphangers.org is website with information on how to send comments, suggestions or complaints....
http://www.straphangers.org/complaints.html

Management and Government contacts:
Peter S. Kalikow - Chairman, MTA
347 Madison Ave
New York, NY 10017
Phone: 212-878-7200
Fax: 212-878-7031

Howard Roberts, President
MTA New York City Transit
2 Broadway
New York, NY 10004
Phone: 646-252-5800
Fax: 646-252-5815

Michael R. Bloomberg, Mayor
City of New York
City Hall
New York, NY 10007
Phone: 311
Fax: 212-788-2460

Eliot Spitzer
Governor, State of New York
State Capitol
Albany, NY 12224
Phone: 518-474-8390

You are welcome to post your comments.

Have you been to Watch Hill?

2007-06-25T07:56:00.000-04:00

Photo by Alida Thorpe

The photo above was taken at Watch Hill on Fire Island.

Have you been there lately"

There is so much to do and see that you must check it out for yourself.

(Click on the photo to see the larger version.)

You can take the ferry from Patchogue. The ocean beach has life guards.

There are nature trails, a marina and an information center.

The restaurant and snack bar are now open after having been closed for the last few years.

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For more information, click here for the National Park Service, Watch Hill site.

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Don’t Stop Bellyaching

2007-06-15T16:13:00.000-04:00

By Michael Watt

Okay, so Tony Soprano didn’t die. Or maybe he did. We’ll never know, at least until the movie comes out. The movie? Oh yeah, there will be a movie. “Sopranos” creator David Chase can deny it all he wants but just as you can be sure a Lohan Family reunion will require at least one restraining order, you can be sure “The Sopranos” will make it to the silver screen.

I did not have a big problem with how “The Sopranos” ended Sunday. Remember “Lady, or the Tiger”? That short story, which many of us had to read in grammar school, leaves the reader hanging, wondering whether the princess in the story points her would-be lover toward the door hiding a tiger or the door hiding a beautiful woman. The way I see it Chase did the same thing with “The Sopranos” ending, and he did for a couple of reasons.

For one thing, Chase wanted to make fun of us for paying so much attention to such silliness. They’re fictional characters, for gosh sakes. Murderers. Liars. Cheaters. The kind of people who – when they’re late returning books to the library - use the drop off bin to avoid paying the late fee. I’ll bet you Tony - and AJ, too, for that matter – doesn’t ever put the cap back on the toothpaste. Chase’s message was, “You people should have a lot more important things to worry about than whether Tony’s going to flip or die.”

I also think Chase was in a Malthusian no-win situation. There was no way to close the series that would please everyone. He’s not the first creative force to face this dilemma, either. Some of the great television series of our time ran into the same problem. Very few people, for instance, were happy with how “Seinfeld” ended. The final episode of “M*A*S*H” was a disaster that seemed to last longer than the Korean War; and the final “Friends” was sappier than a stack of pancakes slathered in Aunt Jemima syrup and left out in the hot sun.

I have documented in this space the genius featured in the ending of the second “Bob Newhart” show: Bob waking up in bed with his wife from the first “Bob Newhart” show, freaked out by a “dream” he had about owning an inn in Vermont. But in my book the best “last episode” was the ending of “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.” Everybody but Ted Baxter the buffoon anchorman (redundant?) gets fired and they all have to leave the newsroom. Nobody wants to, of course, so while still in the midst of one last group hug they shuffle out en masse, while singing “It’s a long way to Tipperary.” I laughed. I cried. So do the rest of America.

No, I did not have a problem with how "The Sopranos" ended. I did have a problem, however, with Mr. Chase’s use of the Journey song, “Don’t Stop Believing.”

Like a lot of people as I watched “The Sopranos” over the years I became more and more enthralled with the show. The word “genius” gets tossed around too much these days but Chase certainly had a genius for drawing the viewer into the program, so much so that almost every time the show ended I would be caught by surprise when the credits started to roll, forgetting that I was watching a television program as I became totally absorbed in the drama and action.

As a result, after a while I began to think that this Chase fellow might be smarter than your average bear. Then he picks a Journey song. Journey! A mediocre band from a mediocre musical era. Just look at sample verse:

Some will win,
some will lose
Some were born to sing the blues
Oh, the movie never ends
It goes on and on and on and on

Now, the hours spent learning literature from Len Gougeon at the University of Scranton may not have resulted in my becoming an imagery expert, but for my money there are not a whole of lot creative juices at work here. Couldn’t Chase have gone with something from Tom Waits or even that noted Jersey native, Bruce Springsteen?

More aggravating than anything, however, is that I have had that stupid song stuck in my head all week.

Whatever. Now it’s so long “Sopranos.” I’ve already canceled my subscription to HBO (who needs to pay a channel that runs “Momma’s House 2” six times a week.) I’ve also sworn off getting roped into watching another serial show. I hope to use the extra hour a week to finish the book I am working on, which no doubt will one day be made into a movie. I have to believe that to make it happen, but you can be sure the theme song won’t be “Don’t Stop Believing.”

Thank you for reading this column.

Coastal Homeowners Insurance - Has it stopped getting worse?

2007-06-07T20:34:00.000-04:00

BY AARON STEIN

Apologies for not writing in a while. I'm not unhappy to say that it's because our office has been very busy. We're having other adventures as well, having just installed a new 'paperless office' software and hardware system. There is still paper on everybody's desk, but the piles are slowly going down and will not return.

In any event, there is news, and some rumors, to report. In the very short term, like right now, insurance companies are still tightening up and cancelling or non-renewing homeowners insurance for many people on Long Island and other coastal areas. In the past two weeks, two fairly large players shut off new business in Suffolk County and most of Nassau. This is a matter of how much capacity they have overall, not a fear of any one house getting damaged. Another major carrier, one of the biggest in the country, in fact, stopped writing within a half mile of the shore and rumor has it they may start canceling those within 1000 feet of tidal water.

Insurance companies can buy reinsurance to protect themselves from major catastrophes. But how much they can buy is limited to some extent by their overall size and capital reserves (that's grossly oversimplified but the longer explanation is so boring that it hurts). And the insurance regulators as well as the financial companies that give insurance carriers their precious A and A+ ratings are threatening to lower them if they don't reduce their waterfront and coastal insurance exposure.

Add in to those issues that there are a number of large carriers that have come in to the market just writing car insurance, taking no part of the risk in the homeowners insurance department, and most especially not the coastal properties. That has also reduced the capital and reserves of the remaining companies that write both auto and home insurance. That's why one of the big criteria that a certain company is using to decide who to cancel is whether they have their car insurance with them or somewhere else. They are giving preference to customers who also insure their cars along with the home, and why not? Most businesses are expected to give some discount or other incentive to those who buy more from them.

But there may be some light at the end of the tunnel. For the first time in a long time I heard at a meeting the other day some news of early discussions with insurance carriers who are not in the Long Island homeowners insurance market at all. That's what we need, some companies who can balance their exposure in other parts of the country against some new business in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. This will still take probably the rest of this year to show any real progress, but at least it's a rumor in the right direction.

Theodore Roosevelt Bird Sanctuary

2007-05-26T07:35:00.000-04:00

Photo by Alida Thorpe

Barred Owl

at the Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary and Audubon Center

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Are you looking for something to do this weekend?

Why not visit the Theodore Roosevelt Bird Sanctuary in Oyster Bay?

For information and directions, visit the Audubon.org site:

http://ny.audubon.org/trsac.htm

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There is always something to do on Long Island!

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Sunset on Long Island

2007-05-08T07:50:00.000-04:00

West Sayville Golf Course

Beautiful sunsets are an added bonus to living on Long Island.

Notice how the tall pine tree is sculptured by the wind coming from the Great South Bay.

I love Long Island!

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Photo by Alida Thorpe

Click on the photo to see a larger version.

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Ode to a Carbonated Beverage

2007-04-30T22:29:00.000-04:00

By Michael Watt

I attended my first college fair as a parent earlier this week and quite frankly I went in there thinking, “If nothing else, I should be able to get a column out of this.”

Alas and alack: After hours of trying the only thing I can come up with is, “Boo hoo my kid’s going off to college. Now I feel old because it seems like just last week I was going off to college and blah blah blah.” Nobody wants to read that and I certainly don’t feel like writing it.

As I contemplated what else I might want to write about, however, I poured myself a tall glass of seltzer. Now there’s something worth writing about: seltzer. It just sounds funny.

I love my seltzer. I can drink it all day and it doesn’t make me nauseous or jumpy or stupid like so many other beverages I can name. Right now under my desk is a case and a half of the stuff and I don’t have to count the bottles after I’ve been out of the house for a while to determine if my impressionable young sons got the urge to “experiment” and “explore” in my absence.

It’s fun to drink, too. If I drink a big glass quickly, for instance, I can almost always count on a huge belch ensuing. Sometimes all you need to break up your day and/or lighten the mood is a good belch. As my son Max likes to say, “Some things never get old.”

It can be a pain in the neck to order in restaurants, though, especially when I’m out with a group of friends (like that ever happens) or at a business dinner (more likely). Most folks order something cool or adult sounding, like “I’ll have a glass of Chardonnay,” or “I’ll take an unsweetened Iced Tea.” When it comes around to me I order my seltzer and for some reason I almost always have to repeat myself. Sometimes I think they think I’m saying salsa, which wouldn’t make any sense for obvious reasons. It doesn’t matter, though, because invariably they bring me club soda anyway.

Now, not too many people know that there is a difference between seltzer and club soda, primarily because not too many people care. I know I didn’t know, or care, until I was in my late teenss. I was filling in as a bartender at a Bar Mitzvah when one of the party attendees asked me for a seltzer. Not knowing (or caring) I poured him a club soda. He called me on it and when I asked – probably in a not-very-nice-way – what the difference was, he was kind enough to explain that seltzer has no sodium in it while club soda is rife with the stuff. He also explained that seltzer is Kosher and club soda is not. Unfortunately he explained this to me after several other party patrons were served club soda thinking it was seltzer.

Is that a big deal? Let’s put it this way: You don’t know guilt until you’ve discovered that several very nice folks may have to spend a few extra days in whatever it is Jewish people consider hell because their paths crossed with a brash, unthinking Gentile.

Seltzer can also be a pain because it’s not something most folks have on hand. I have gotten into the habit, therefore, of bringing my own seltzer with me on those rare occasions when I get invited to someone else’s home. You can just imagine how impressed my hosts are when I whip out two liters of “Vintage” or “Zazz.” Nothing screams “cheapskate” and “oh, this ought to be a laugh riot” like store-brand seltzer. (Don’t even get me started on what it’s like to show up at an all-night poker game packing a night’s supply of seltzer when everyone else is lugging in 12-packs of beer. Let’s just say I’m lucky they let me sit at the table).

Being a seltzer aficionado beyond the tri-state area can also be problematic. Anytime I go away on a business trip, for instance, the first thing I do when I get to my destination city is head to a local convenience store to stock up on the stuff I forgot to pack – a toothbrush, matching socks, a re-charger for my cell phone, etc. I also like to buy the basic food staples - bananas, chocolate and cookies - I need to get me through the next couple of days. I would get some seltzer, too, but for some reason seltzer does not exist west of the Hudson. I am sure it is just a coincidence but my rule of thumb is, “If you can’t find any good bagel places in the neighborhood then there’s not going to be any seltzer on the supermarket shelves, either."

Drinking seltzer does have its advantages. There are no calories, for instance, and I have never consumed excessive quantities of the stuff and then surrendered to the urge to call an old friend collect in the middle of the night. My only hope is that my older boy embraces my passion for seltzer when he goes away to college because it seems like only yesterday I was going off to college and I can tell you now the carbonated beverage I wrote odes to back then was definitely not seltzer.

Thank for you for reading this column.

Storm Damage at Davis Park, Fire Island

2007-04-22T23:43:00.000-04:00

I just thought you might like to see some photos of the recent damage to the Davis Park area on Fire Island.

Although none of the homes were totally swept away by the waves, many were damaged and need to be moved or reinforced. Some may have to be torn down.

Here above is just one photo, but you can follow the link to see a slideshow of addtional photos.

Slideshow of a recent Davis Park.

Our First Storm Scare of the Season

2007-04-18T16:06:00.001-04:00

BY AARON STEIN

This past weekend, Long Island and the surrounding areas got our first scare of this season. For those who don't realize it, we are already in the beginning weeks of what is considered hurricane season for our part of the world.

Here in Nassau and Suffolk counties, we got pretty lucky this past weekend. New Jersey was not so lucky and they continue to dig out of the mess. This was a nor'easter, as opposed to a tropical storm. There are a couple of things that were different. One is that it came from over the middle of the country, as opposed to tropical storms and hurricanes, which originate (strangely enough) in the tropics, out over water.

So that means that our deluge of rainfall was preceded by a bunch of snow being dropped on the middle part of the country. Usually they are laughing at us when we get hit by a tropical storm, because those rarely make it far inland. Once they do go over land, they quickly lose much of their strength.

The other thing that makes nor'easters so treacherous, especially here on Long Island and in the sort of inverted coastal corner that is the New York metropolitan area, is that the wind comes from a different direction than what is normal for us. Typically, our winds are the 'prevailing westerlies'. (Wind is named for the direction where it originates). That's why our weather patterns usually run from west to east. So if it's raining in central Pennsylvania, most times you can watch as the weather forecasters tell us how long it will be until that reaches us.

Even in this nor'easter, it came from the west relative to us. But the wind is from the northeast instead of the usual west. That means that to a certain extent, these high winds are blowing water in towards our south shores as they circulate around the storm's center! That's why nor'easters can cause heavy flooding even though it might not seem, walking out into our back yards, that things are all that horrible.

Let's hope this does not portend a more active hurricane season here on Long Island. In the past few weeks several more major insurance carriers have stopped writing in Suffolk County. The markets that are open are getting more expensive. And a couple of bad storms could really cause a crisis. We shall see.

As always for more information please visit our web sites at www.NYInsuranceWithService.com and www.FloodInsuranceNY.com.