Photography Exhibit

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!

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24th Autumn House Tour-Bayport

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)

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?

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

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!

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Happy July 4th!

photo courtesy of Alida Thorpe

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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!

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Hometown Huntington

Exclusive Premiere

Monday, June 7th at 8 pm on WLIW21

Visit wliw.org/huntington for more information.

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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

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.

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

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

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.

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Earth Day Celebration: Seatuck

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!

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Feds Allow FEMA Flood Insurance Program to Expire

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

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!

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Mardi Gras 2010

photo courtesy of Alida Thorpe

Mardi Gras this year is Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Do you have plans?

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Valentine's Day

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!

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Win FREE tickets to Oleanna, the Broadway Play!

Come to Cutchogue for the Photography Exhibit!

See the information below.

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Award Winning Photography Show

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

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Fishing on Long Island

photo courtesy of Alida Thorpe

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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!

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Great South Bay Baymen

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.

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Photo © and courtesy of Alida Thorpe

LONG ISLAND ARTIFACT MUSEUM

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”.

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"Breakfast at Belmont"

Photo courtesy of Alida Thorpe

The morning exercise at the Belmont Park Racetrack.

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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!

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New Online Defensive Driving Course Available

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

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!

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Laughing Gull, Summer

Laughing Gull, Summer

photo courtesy of Alida Thorpe

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A sign of the Long Island summer 

is the abundance of gulls in their summer plumage!

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WLIW21 NEEDS HUNTINGTON MEMORIES

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.

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contributed by Alida Thorpe