June 2010 Robert T

The Community Outlook

VOL. LXII, No. 3 May-June 2010 Robert T. Dowling © Robert T.

Published by Point Lookout Community Church, Point Lookout, Long Island, N.Y. Page 2 The Community Outlook May-June 2010

Pastor’s Outlook advancement seems to have convinced a lot the “more you get the more you want.” We’ve of people that we need quite a bit more than gotten pretty good at going from simply the Apostle Paul did. I recently read some enjoying things to a “must have” mentality. facts of how quickly our world is changing Turning luxury into necessity is what keeps to meet our high demands for more than just the economic machine running. There’s a food and clothes. Here’s just a few: reality to that we can’t deny but the Apostle • The top 10 in demand jobs in 2010 did not Paul reminds us to remember that anything exist in 2004. that isn’t eternally useful is eternally useless. Many say we’ve become a society that • The U.S. Dept. of Labor estimates that has a serious entitlement attitude. Maybe a The pursuit of happiness is something that today’s learner will have 10-14 jobs by the better question to ask ourselves isn’t “Am I this country gives us a good opportunity to age of 38. happy?” but “Am I free?”. Free from need- attempt. A summer in Point Lookout helps • 1 in 4 workers has been with their current ing all these other things to experience con- that pursuit even more. The Apostle Paul said employer for less than a year, 1 in 2 less tentment. Saint Francis of Assisi had a great that there was something else that goes with than 5 years. antidote to an entitlement attitude. He said contentment that is even better, “Godliness this: “Blessed is he who expects nothing, for • There are 31 billion searches on Google with contentment is great gain.” (I Timothy he shall enjoy everything.” every month. 6:6) One reason he gives as to why is because Perhaps the greatest danger of all is forget- it gives you a perspective that there is some- • The amount of technological information is ting that God has given us things to use and thing more valuable than the temporary things doubling every 2 years. people to love. Serious problems can arise if of this world. “For we have brought nothing we reverse that and start loving things and • For some students starting a 4 year tech. into the world, so we cannot take anything out using people. Jesus defined Godliness with degree, this means that half of what they of it either.” Paul had such a good grasp of contentment very simply, “Love God and learn in their 1st year of study will be out- that perspective of life he wrote these words love people.” (Matt. 22:37-40) No matter dated by their third year of study. right after that; “But if we have food and how much we advance, have to change jobs, clothing, we will be content with that.” The mad chase to keep up with the worlds or update our computers that truth will never Wow! I’m afraid I have to admit it takes a high demand of what they’ve convinced us change. It’s not a luxury, it’s truly a necessity. little more than just some food and clothes to is necessary can make your head spin. There God Bless. keep me content. Advertising and so call ed does seem to be something to the concept of — Pastor Greg Kemper

OUR LADY OF THE MIRACULOUS Point Lookout Community Church - Spaghetti Dinner MEDAL CHURCH 75 Parkside Drive, PO Box 20 Saturday, July 17th, 2010 starting at 5 p.m. Rev. Patrick J. Callan, Pastor Rectory Telephone: 431-2722 • 432-8669 at “Ye’ Old Firehouse” website: www.olmmc.com Masses-Weekdays: 7:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. Summer (Fundraiser Event for our Church Mexico Missions Trip) 7:30 a.m. Winter Saturday: 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. In connection with our August mission’s trip to an Sunday: 7:30 a.m. orphanage in Mexico, we will be having a Spaghetti 9:00 a.m. (Fundraiser) Dinner at the “Ye’ Old Firehouse” right 10:15 a.m. here in Point Lookout. Come out and enjoy some 12:30 p.m. fantastic food while supporting a great cause. Dinner Serving Lido Beach and Point Lookout will be served between 5- 7 p.m. Cost per dinner is $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for children 12 years and under. The evening will also include a raffle and/or a POINT LOOKOUT silent auction. COMMUNITY CHURCH 60 FREEPORT AVENUE If you would like to send a donation for this trip, Rev. Gregory Kemper, Pastor please make your check payable to “Point Lookout Church Phone: 432-5990 Community Church” and write in the memo Sunday Morning Worship: 10 AM “Mexico Mission”. Our mailing address is P. O. Box 160, Nursery Care: 10:30 AM Point Lookout, NY 11569. Sunday School: 10:30 AM If you have any questions, please call the church at (Pre-K to Grade 7) Men’s Bible Study–Tuesdays (516) 432-5990. 6–7 PM (Downstairs) Thank you for your support. Wednesday–“Alive” Youth Group Pastor Greg 7–9 PM for Grades 8–12 See our website for complete information The PLCC.com May-June 2010 The Community Outlook Page 3

Also, we were happy to welcome five new computers. The “fish offs” will start in June. members into our midst: Bernie Kennedy, It is planned to have them every other Tues- Kevin Haff, Brian Crowe, Tom McGrath, day at Scotty’s when the tides are high. and Marvin Camacho. New member Tom Oftentimes, our loyal wives/girlfriends McGrath had the temerity to win the 50/50 must feel left out – second class citizens so drawing at his first meeting. We always keep to speak. However, Roberta Doheny had a the prize money amount a strict secret, espe- brainstorm – Mah Jongg! The Mah Jongg cially since a relatively new member Arnie fever has hit the females of the Point. Roberta Regnier works for the IRS. is presently giving Mah Jongg lessons in her The good news is that we will have a sum- home on Saturdays, but by the time you read It is now May and I am comfortably mer fluke season which will commence on this, tournaments will be in full swing at the ensconced in the Sunshine State. The weather May 15th and extend until September 6th. Buoy Bar on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Bet- has been for the most part, sunny and warm. The catch must be at least 21 inches long, ter yet, you don’t need a license! Even Mar- My routine is basically the same as in the and the angler is permitted only two “keep- tha Mellon has caught the fever. Point except that instead of frequenting ers” per day. The bad news is that you must One of the Mah Jonggers, Susan Marcote, Merola’s in the morning, I go to the Fatema purchase a salt water fishing license which can’t stop bragging about her son Brian. Market where I pick up the paper. Instead has a fee of $10 per annum. The license can Seems he caught a forty inch, forty pound of Catherine, Diane, and the Irish Daywork- be purchased at Dick’s Sporting Goods or the striped bass off Breezy Point. Harry Blair ers, I spend time with my buddies, Moham- Sports Authority in Roosevelt Field. There is reports that the fishing in the Keys was not med and Frank. Frank is a very interesting also a wide panoply of licenses for different great in March – and the weather was cold guy – he spent twenty-five years on Riker’s fees – a lifetime license, weekly, and daily. In my last article, I forgot to mention Island working for the NYC Department of There are even licenses for the disabled that we do not forget our departed broth- Correction – ending up as the captain of a which entail no fee. For more information or ers. At the beginning of our annual dinner cell block. Harry Blair, another denizen of to order by phone, you can call the NY State dance last January, a moment of silence was the Point, drops in frequently and is also a Department of Environmental Conservation observed in memory of Howie Meny and friend of the aforementioned duo. (DEC) at 518 402-8843. They will take a Vic Fucignas. Yesterday, I spent a pleasant afternoon credit card number and send you a license in — Roland Donohue with a fellow member, Kenny Andorfer and the mail. I guess you can also go online, but his wife Pat. They had been visiting at Bill I am a complete dummy when it comes to Kelly’s luxurious Hollywood apartment on Hutchinson Island and stopped off to visit me on their way to Key West. While they were here, I gave them the ten cent tour of Editor’s Announcements Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton, Hillsboro Beach, and Pompano. I am pleased to announce that Maureen Dowling O’Sullivan has agreed to serve as Assistant Editor. People down here are all in a frenzy and worried about the big offshore oil drilling After many years of faithful service as both editor and as the writer for the disaster in the Gulf of Mexico. So far, the About Folks section, Kathy Panzavecchia will become a less frequent contributor. winds have prevented any major damage I am thrilled that our local librarians, Ingrid Stillwaggon and Carole Condon, to the shoreline, but they expect that it is have agreed to write About Folks. To make the whole process easier on you, our neighbors, we have devised a system wherein, after July 1, you can fill inevitable that the oil slick will hit the coasts out a form or drop off your news at the Library or write to them at of Mississippi, Alabama, the Panhandle of [email protected]. A deadline will be posted for publication. Florida, and eventually, the west coast of Their column will begin in the summer after the next issue, which will be Florida. Even the east coast of Florida is Kathy's last under that heading. not safe if the oil is picked up by the Gulf Mr. Bernie Kennedy, Jr., a busy man if there ever was one, Stream. Whether one is pro or anti about has also agreed to become a regular columnist. offshore oil drilling, it appears to be a dead issue – at least in my lifetime. This month’s cover © Robert T. Dowling Although I am not physically present in The Community Outlook is always open to news and photographs the Point, I do have spies. I was informed of our beautiful community. that our April meeting was the biggest ever with 49 people in attendance at the Buoy Bar. As ever, we thank you for your support. People tell me how good it was to see Marc Dirolf at the meeting after a long absence. — Brendan Cahill, Editor Page 4 The Community Outlook May-June 2010

on the Loop Parkway just off Lido Blvd “A Service to the Community” when an automobile made a wrong turn onto the Loop and ended up northbound on the The southbound side. A serious head-on collision occurred requiring the use of the “Jaws of Community Life” to remove one of the drivers. The third Outlook auto accident was on the curve from the Loop to the Meadowbrook north. A pick up truck Issued throughout the year by the jumped the divider and ended up outside Point Lookout Community Church the rail facing the bay. Although his car was P.O. Box 28 April was a busy month for us. On Thursday pretty damaged the injuries weren’t serious. Point Lookout, Long Island, New York April 8 we held our annual department elec- All of these are a reminder of how impor- tions. The same slate as last year was elected tant it is to be aware and alert when driv- Brendan H. Cahill, Editor for another term: Chief of Department Matt ing, not only for what you are doing but for Maureen Dowling O’Sullivan, Thompson, First Assistant Chief Brian Guerin what other motorists are doing. On Saturday (Your Author) and Second Assistant Chief May 1 our units provided stand by coverage Assistant Editor Jimmy Walsh. In addition to the overall depart- for the Long Beach Fire Department while Linda Falabella, Subscriptions ment the 5 companies had their own elections: they operated at a house fire on West Wal- Marion Lemke, Advertisements Action Engine Co.1 Captain Stephen Merola, nut Street. On May 3 we were summoned to First Lieutenant Tom Conaty and Second the Baldwin Fire Department. A serious fire News, Letters, Comments, Lieutenant George Conaty; Renegade H & L broke out in a row of stores and apartments Subscriptions and Co. 2 Captain James Guerin and Lieutenant on Merrick Road and Grand Ave. Tower Lad- Donations welcome. Jerry Fitzsimons; Lido Engine Co. Captain der 254 operated at the for over 4 hours. Warren Jaffe, First Lieutenant Billy Dara Sr. Members got to relax and enjoy the night Please send all to: and Second Lieutenant Josh Weiselberg; First on May 7 at the annual Inspection Din- [email protected]. Aid & Rescue Co. Captain Brian Powers, First ner. Winners of the annual inspection were Lieutenant Peter Rooney and Second Lieuten- awarded plaques for their wins. The Dr. Carl ant Chas Thompson; Fire Police Co. Captain Wertheimer Award for Community Service Pat O’Neill, First Lieutenant Joe McGraw and was awarded to Stephen Merola, Deirdre Second Lieutenant Jack Paz. These are the Hannett and Linda DiGrazia for their work officers for the 2010-2011 term. Good Luck to organizing recruitment and fire prevention all the new and returning officers. events. The big award of the night went to On Sunday April 11 we held our annual Ex-Captain Marty Rowland of First Aid and department inspection. While all equipment is Rescue Company who received Life Mem- checked and cleaned routinely this is a major bership. Marty has accomplished much in cleaning of all apparatus and equipment, a short period of time. He has served the BUS SCHEDULE it’s a complete inventory and refresh for the department for 8 years, served as captain for POINT LOOKOUT- “new” year. It’s also a bit of a contest to see 4 years and continues to be a top responder ALL YEAR ROUND who “wins” inspection with the cleanest and on all calls especially EMS calls. On Satur- the most polished. Congratulations to all the day May 8 Action Engine Co. 1 dedicated MONDAY–SATURDAY winners and to the entire department for your Engine 253 in Honor of Ex-Chief Denis L.B. DEPARTS P.L. hard work. On Saturday April 18 the Fire Collins. Denis has served in the Fire Depart- Police Company dedicated their Unit “257” ment for almost 50 years. A very fitting trib- A.M. P.M. A.M. P.M. in Honor of Ex-Captain/Life Member Jimmy ute to all the recipients. Our memorial gar- 6:45 1:45 7:00 2:00 Mazzei and in Memory of Ex-Captains and den in front of headquarters is now complete 7:45* 2:45 8:00 3:00 Life Members Vincent Merola and Vic Fuci- with a spring planting. If you are walking 8:45 3:45 9:00 4:00 gnas. The ceremony and luncheon were well by stop and take a look. I hope you enjoyed attended and a fitting tribute to great men. your Memorial Day. Our annual July 4th 9:45 4:45 10:00 5:00 A plaque commemorating the event will be parade will take place at 10 am again step- 10:45 5:55 11:00 6:00 mounted on the vehicle. ping off from Lido Blvd and Mineola Ave. 11:45 6:35 12:00 7:00 During the end of April several high pro- Hope to see you there. Remember to service 12:45 7:38 1:00 8:00 file accidents occurred on our roads. The first your gas grills. Enjoy the sun and beach. was an overturn auto originally reported to be Our annual Fund drive is now in progress so * Denotes a L.B. Middle School on the loop parkway but ended up being on please consider donating today! stop on school days. the Meadowbrook Parkway with only minor — Brian S. Guerin injuries. The second auto accident occurred As always, stay safe and “In Case of Fire or Emergency dial 742-3300” for your Fire Department. May-June 2010 The Community Outlook Page 5

Long Island Traditions Sponsors Annual Freeport Bay House Tours: CHAMBER July 17 and August 14, 2010 OF On Saturdays July 11th and August 14, 2010 Long Island Traditions will sponsor its annual COMMERCE bay house tours in Freeport. The tour will include conversations with local bay house own- 2010 ers and will be hosted by folklorist Nancy Solomon, director of LI Traditions. The trip will POINT LOOKOUT visit area bay houses on the 1½ hour tour. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBERSHIP The bay houses have a long history, dating from the mid-19th century when baymen har- ADDE K SALON vested salt hay for the farmers during the winter. The bay houses provided shelter, along ASSET SERVICING CORP. with storage for fishermen's traps and duck decoys. They have been used by duck hunt- AXA ADVISORS ers and commercial fishermen, and have been passed down from generation to generation BRENNAN DEVELOPEMENT CORP. within many families. In the Town of Hempstead stand approximately 30 bay houses on BROWARD LIMOUSINE island marshlands, originally built by fishermen and baymen that have been passed down DOXSEE SEA CLAM CO. INC. from generation to generation. Take a tour on a comfortable passenger boat for the 1½ hour FRANK QUINTO & SONS trip to these historic houses. Each tour will visit two bay houses including the Sheehan - Van FUTURISTIC HOME, INC. Wicklen and Seaman bay houses. GELO’S POINT PHARMACY GOMEZ POINT REALTY The boat will also visit other bay houses. Come join us for this unique event. Tickets for the HARDENBURGH REALTY bay house tours are $40 for adults and children over 10 years old. No children under 10 are HOME CARE CONCEPTS allowed. Space is limited. For tickets call LI Traditions at (516) 767-8803. The program is IGA MEROLA SUPERMARKET funded in part by the New York State Council on the Arts. J.R. TORRES LANDSCAPING JOJO APPLES LAVENDER ON THE CHANNEL LECHLER ELECTRIC, INC. LOWEREE CONSTRUCTION MACDONALD PLUMBING MCINTYRE CONTRACTING MORNING SUN NURSERY SCHOOL OCEAN GRACE, INC. DECORATING OLIVE OIL’S PELIKAN’S PEEPS POINT ARTWORKS POINT BOTTLE SHOP RESCUE FINANCIAL SERVICES SCOTTY’S FISHING STATION SOURCE ABSTRACT, INC. TED’S FISHING STATION TOM HUG REAL ESTATE TWISTER, INC. WILLIAN MEIER REAL ESTATE

Morning Sun Nursery School For more information, please call Judi Benz at 516 432.6333. Page 6 The Community Outlook May-June 2010

than the upper. He flies just clear of the water their live stock to various meadow islands to and “skims” the surface ready to snap shut graze and forage on the salt meadow cord when he gets his prey. Shore birds have small grass. They also harvested it for numerous bodies with long legs for wading. Beaks purposes. Old charts of the south shore of come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each Long Island and other east coast areas show for a particular use. The majority eat small several Hog Islands and Hog Inlets. invertebrates picked out of the mud. Differ- Many species of wildlife, including ent lengths of bills enable different species to waterfowl, directly consume the wetland feed in the same habitat without competition plants and their seeds. Even more species, for food. Many waders have sensitive nerve including zooplankton, shrimps, snail, and endings at the end of their bills which enable worms eat the detritus from decaying plants. WE HAVE MET THE ENEMY them to detect prey deep down in the mud. I These species become the primary food for have seen small herons perched on a tie up larger fish such as bluefish, striped bass, Next to tropical rainforests, tidal wetlands are line at my dock. They hover inches above the flounder and weakfish and on and on up the the most biologically productive ecosystems surface peering into the water. They are very food chain. on earth. Wetlands provide habitat, nesting, patient and when they dip their bill after small Due to the ban on DDT, the cormorant, feeding grounds and shelter for shorebirds: fish, they never miss. which was almost extinct, has made an serve as nursery ground for larval and juve- Shore birds are champion migrators, trav- unwelcome comeback. The birds are vora- nile species of many fish and shellfish. Some eling thousands of miles between Arctic cious predators and can dive very deep to begin their lives in tidal wetlands and then breeding grounds and winter havens as far hunt fish underwater. They have excellent migrate offshore. In spring, marshes are lush south as the southern tip of Argentina. The underwater eyesight, are great underwater green. In fall the green begins to turn brown white rumpled sandpiper flies about 13,000 swimmers and can eat their weight in fish as leaves die and decomposition begins. miles on a one way migration cycle. in no time. Their droppings are acidic and Tidal action breaks up decaying leaves and The rallidae is a member of the rail fam- their nesting areas soon become devoid of grass and scatter them around the mud flats. ily. These birds prefer to run rather than fly. plant life. Besides, they will strip trees of Bacteria, fungi and algae break this material They are not strong fliers although many their bark with their sharp terminally curved down to a substance called detritus which migrate. They are easily blown off course beaks. Fishermen call them the “BLACK is digestible by worms, shrimp and other which has led them to colonize isolated off- PLAGUE”. My good friend, Tom Marron, life forms. The remaining detritus becomes shore islands. fertilizer for the next spring crop of marsh Egrets stalk prey in shallow water as well grass, thus repeating the cycle. as “dip fishing” by flying with their feet just A typical tidal wetland is the salt marsh over the water. Their bill is long and har- which is found in the near shore areas poon like. In the past the beautiful plumes around Long Island. These are dominated by of Snowy Egret were in great demand as grasses and other marsh plants that live with decorations for ladies hats, thus reducing the the rise and fall of tides. The grass provides population to a low level. The great egret is a hiding place for juvenile fish and habitat the symbol of the National Audubon Society for animals. The grass blades become a vital and represents a conservation success story. part of the food chain when it decays, pro- Terns hunt fish by diving. They like to viding food for detritivores (animals that eat hover over small schooled fish and then dive decaying organic material) and nutrients to in groups. One Arctic tern, ringed as a chick, the marine environment. flew from the eastern coast of Great Britain Estuarine and marine fish and shellfish, in the summer of 1982 and reached Mel- various birds, and some mammals must bourne, Australia in three months. A flight have coastal wetlands to survive. Many of over fourteen thousand miles; one of the fish spawn in coastal marshes. Menhaden, longest recorded for a bird. A voyage of half flounder, sea trout, spot, croaker, and striped way around the world across the Ocean of bass depend on coastal wetlands, along with Air. Hard to believe. shrimp, mussels, clams and crabs. Migratory Fiddler crabs are so called because the waterfowl also use coastal wetlands as rest- males have one enormous claw, held in front ing, feeding and nesting grounds. of the body like a fiddle. Hermit crabs got A few of the common birds of the tidal their name because they live hermit like in marsh include osprey, herons, egrets, and some other creatures shell. rails. The skimmer has a lower bill longer In days gone by Long Island farmers swam May-June 2010 The Community Outlook Page 7

spends a lot of time on the bay shooting birds side, enriching the beach. Fort Neck towed Cool as a cucumber Reggie said” I’ll with his camera. The pictured cormorant is my sixty by twenty foot deck scow, the tow you stern too.” I rigged a bridle off the swallowing a one pound flatfish head first. Bright Eye One, to the site off Bellmore with two stern bitts and he towed me backwards. Unfortunately, we were not always so pro- one of their small tow boats. The pipes were Without the wheel wash boiling up under the tective and knowledgeable about wetlands. about two feet in diameter and twenty feet counter of the blunt bow, we took on much During the 1950’s and part of the 1960’s, in length. Loading them was the easy part. less water. With a stick hand pump I was many, many hundreds if not thousands of With Bright Eye’s powered deck winch, it able to keep her afloat. acres of wetlands on western Long Island was simple enough to snake the pipes off We were making less than two knots of were gobbled up by dredges and the dredge the meadow and by bridling each pipe, deck speed and it seemed interminable before spoil used as fill on more wetlands to provide loading them. I stacked the pipes pyramid we reached Gilgo Beach. With me pumping housing. Miraculously, fifty two acres of style cross ways on deck. Then we set out liked fury all the way. pristine wetlands escaped the dredge’s maw, on the tow to Gilgo. The tow captain was a At long last we reached our destina- and are now a Marine Nature Study Area in fellow named Reggie. We got through the tion, pulled up alongside a floating crane Oceanside, nestled between the ball park Wantagh Draw Bridge okay, but then the barge and tied up. A crew was standing and golf course. There are trails - paved with trouble began. Bright Eye did not leak at by to offload us. After unloading, the boat crushed Doxsee clam shells - and elevated the dock, but with the deck load, she was returned to an even keel which allowed me plank board walks over marshes. Over 250 down in the bow. Seams above the water line to pump her out. species of birds have been recorded there. were open and we started taking on water. It is all too easy to hide behind the charge An osprey platform is on the outer edge, and When one thing goes wrong, everything that the decline of our fisheries is simply due on a recent visit I saw a large heron and a goes wrong. The propeller wash from the to overfishing. The irreversible destruction multitude of waterfowl. I talked with some tug heaped up under the counter of Bright of our precious wetlands and marine habi- bird watchers who had recently spotted a Eye’s square bow, forcing water through tat has had and will continue to have severe pectoral sandpiper. those seams. AND with the bow down so impact. In the immortal words of Walt Kel- The Lido Beach Nature Area boasts 40 far, water in the bilges ran forward. The ly’s Pogo: “We have met the enemy and acres of ecologically sensitive property .The bilge pump intake was too far aft and would he is us.” parking lot and trails are of, you guessed it, not draw. Reggie was in a daze, I could not — Bob Doxsee crushed clam shells. Its 75% marsh supports get his attention. The channel was marked a wide range of vegetation and marine, avian and terrestrial life. In the upland wooded Point Lookout Civic Association area, you can hear a beautiful melody from The schedule of General Meetings of a variety of songbirds. As you walk towards the Point Lookout Civic Association for the bay, marshland prevails. From a raised 2010 will be: berm close to the parking area are some Saturday, July 10, 2010 benches where you can enjoy is a beautiful Welcome to Summer Party 6 pm view of the bay. Hempstead Town Depart- Tuesday, August 17, 2010 ment of Conservation and Waterways man- Rec Center at 8 pm age both preserves. Tuesday, October 19, 2010 Rec Center 8 pm The Merrick landfill, which was built on wetlands, was transformed into the Norman J. Please post this at home and join us. Levy Preserve. Talk about making lemonade by poles with large steel or aluminum arrows Tell your neighbor. We can be a greater from a mess of lemons. There are two paths pointing out the deep water. Reggie got me community by greater involvement and cooperation. to the top. The short, steep way and the easy too close to one of the markers. We smacked circumferential way. I chose the latter. It is a the arrow with one of the pipes. WHAM. gentle rise parallel to the Meadowbrook Park- That heavy duty arrow bent like a paper clip. way, clear to the south end of the mountain All of a sudden Reggie woke up. I climbed and around to the other side where you come up on top of the pipes and shouted, “REG- upon a beautiful view of Merrick Bay. GIE, I’M SINKING.” One thing about Laid Fifty years ago, I became indirectly Back, Imperturbable Reggie, he was nothing involved with the dredging business. Fort if not calm in a crisis. To sink in the middle Neck Dredging Company hired me to trans- of the State Boat Channel with a deck load of port some dredge pipe from a job at Bell- heavy dredge pipe would have been not only more Shores to Gilgo Beach where they disastrous, it would have been catastrophic. were pumping fill from the bay to the sea- Not just a simple matter of life and death, Page 8 The Community Outlook May-June 2010

On May 15 a presentation held at the Long Beach Public Library included Lido Beach historian Steven Kelly joining Pt POINT LOOKOUT BRANCH Lookout's, Don Kelly discussing landmarks LONG BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY along this Long Beach Barrier Island. A HOURS: video presentation was followed by a ques- Monday 4 PM–8 PM tion and answer session which proved very Tues., Thurs., Fri. informative. This was hosted by the Long 2 PM–6 PM We are so happy to welcome the warm Beach Landmarks Association and copies of weather and sunshine. With this weather we the video are available for sale. Saturday 10 AM–2 PM are out and about and see one another more On June 26 the Lido Beach Civic Asso- STORYTIME: than just in passing... ciation will be hosting their annual Welcome On May 1st we had our annual spring to Summer Party. This year the party coin- Monday 4:15 PM cleanup along the beach path. In addition to cides with the fireworks which are held in Check dates at Library some Town of Hempstead employees from Town Park at Pt Lookout after the summer the Parks Dept, we were lucky to have some concert. It should be a wonderful evening to of our residents, young and old, to work see old friends and meet new neighbors. Try alongside each other to spruce up the area. to attend and plan to stay and see the fire- Many hands did make light work! works! The gardens that are by the ramps and The beach season is upon us and we are The Community Outlook thanks you along the path are maintained by the Beau- looking forward to a glorious summer along for your donation. The Community tification Committee of the Lido Beach our glorious beach. Several members of the Civic Association. This committee works Beach Committee of the LBCA met with Outlook is a free paper published all spring, summer and fall to ensure that the Town of Hempstead's Parks and Recreation six to seven times a year supported by gardens are well kept. Each season the path Commissioner earlier this spring. We were contributions and advertisements. gets more beautiful thanks to their hard work assured that we will have all the necessary and your generous contributions. staffing to keep our beach running smoothly. If you could consider sending a The Lido Beach Civic Association held its Please remember to bring your tags to the donation, it is always welcome. spring open meeting on April 21st. We were beach, swim in front of the lifeguards and happy to have our esteemed President, Mark dispose of your garbage. Our beach weath- Please send a check in any Dirolf,back at the helm running the meeting. ered quite a lot of storms this past winter and amount made payable to: Mark, Julie has been a great caregiver to you early spring and we must all work together during your illness. You will have plenty of to keep it clean. It is truly extraordinary! Community Outlook time to reward her as she has her retirement Enjoy the summer, enjoy the beach P.O. Box 28 from the school system approaching this and support our local businesses. They June. Congratulations Julie, please relax this are there to serve us and can use our year Point Lookout, N.Y. 11569 summer and enjoy the beach with Mark at round support! your side. At the meeting we welcomed our new — Liz Murdy County Executive, Ed Mangano, as our key- note speaker. Joining him was Denise Ford our Legislator, as well as several county employees. In addition they were joined by ATTENTION ALL RESIDENTS Nassau County Police Department Inspector The Nassau County Police Department actively enforces Cleary. Together they all provided a great the regulations pertaining to: deal of information and we were glad to see the large number of residents who attended. Walking Dogs on the Beach As the graduation season approaches, we congratulate our graduates as they move Restricted Parking on to the next phase of their education. 15 MPH Speed Limit With each ending comes a new beginning. Embrace it! Congratulations to those who made their PLEASE COOPERATE WITH THE NCPD TO KEEP OUR COMMUNITY First Holy Communion on May 2 at OLMM, SAFE AND CLEAN. including Biarritz Street's Olivia Caggiano. May-June 2010 The Community Outlook Page 9

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THE VILLAGE GARDENERS, INC. The Village Gardeners, Inc. 2010 SEASONAL PROJECTS Post Office Box 678 Point Lookout, NY 11569 • Continued Maintenance and Seasonal Planting of our Beautiful Garden Island with Flag Pole and Welcome to Point Lookout Sign June 2010 area at the entrance to town. Recently we had the Welcome to Point Lookout Sign reconditioned and painted. It was much needed and Dear Resident: IT LOOKS GREAT!!

Once again The Village Gardeners would like to thank our • Holiday Decorations along Lido Boulevard including the Trans- wonderful Residents, merchants and seasonal renters for your formation of our Magnificent Garden Island into a Winter Wonder continued support. Last years fundraiser was a huge success. Land along with Santa and his antique Sleigh at Christmas Time These funds enabled our dedicated committee to continue our Due to the severe storm we had in December, our antique sleigh goal of preserving and enhancing our naturally beautiful town. was blown off the island onto Lido Blvd. This required a complete refurbishing. IT LOOKS TERRIFIC!! We are about to begin our Twelfth year of commitment to Point Lookout. With great pride, we continue to expand our creativity • Seasonal Plantings along Lido Boulevard. Six new Alberta Spruces and involve our organization in extended projects around at Jo Jo Apples. Store Front Planters that require annual power town. We hope that you appreciate our commitment and once washing and sealer, Post Office plantings, Ye Olde Firehouse, the again provide us with the financial support that is necessary to main entrance to the beach, and maintenance to the park adjacent continue. to Merola’s IGA

Our beach concerts on Sunday evenings have become a Point • The Sunday Evening Summer Concert Series at the Beach. With Lookout family tradition. Providing live music on our beautiful overwhelming requests to continue these concerts, we have an beach every Sunday evening really brings the town together. exciting new schedule of events for the coming season. MUCH Children and adults together dancing in the sand and conver- OF THIS DEPENDS ON YOUR DONATIONS! The first evening sation flowing between neighbors are so memorable. Our full concert begins Sunday July 4th and our intention is to continue on intension is to continue this bonding tradition if the funds allow every Sunday Evening throughout July and August, if funds allow. us to. Please consider the above when making your donation. Enclosed please find a schedule of dates! It’s a wonderful way to Recognize the beautiful and wonderful things around you and plan a Sunday evening with your family on the beach. support them! • We continue to work together with the Point Lookout Civic Asso- This letter kicks off our 2010 Fundraiser. We look forward to ciation in the planting of dune grasses on our beach. In addition your generous donation for the year ahead. Thank You! we are speaking with the Town of Hempstead to plant several new trees along Lido Blvd in replacement of trees that have died and Yours Truly, been removed. The Village Gardeners, Inc. Thank you for your continued support.

Please return this part with your check made payable to: The Village Gardeners, Inc. | P.O. Box 678 | Point Lookout, NY 11569

I would like NAME to volunteer

YES ADDRESS

TELEPHONE NUMBER AMOUNT CONTRIBUTED

COMMENTS

The Village Gardeners, Inc. is a Non-Profit Organization May-June 2010 The Community Outlook Page 11

Point Lookout Civic Association | General Meeting – April 25, 2010

The Meeting was called to order by 2. Paperwork has “disappeared” so there 2. For some reason, the Civic Association John Manning. has been a delay in the TMDL study. The is not getting all of the variance notices money has been allocated and the paper- before the BZA so we need the help of the A motion was made by Robert DeVerna to work was filed; however…? residents to inform the Civic Association reinstall in positions of Chairman of the of any upcoming hearings. If you don’t Board and Vice Chairman of the Board 3. A mailing has been sent by the TOH see a permit, please inform us. There was which had been eliminated from the bylaws regarding a proposed incinerator being a discussion about why we have not been several years ago. Beth Wiesendanger sec- constructed in Freeport. Please read it and receiving notification and Frank Ryan onds the motion. There was a vote and the fill it out. It will be further reviewed by the suggested we contact Joe Pelligrini. motion passed unanimously. EC and PLCA Board. TOH is against it. 3. There is no construction work on Satur- John Manning indicated that minutes of pre- 4. John Manning indicated that in the early days and only from 8:00 am -6:00 pm dur- vious meetings could be found on our web- summer, a mailing will be sent out to all ing the week. site – www.pointlookout.org. residents about sewers being installed in Point Lookout. Please just check “yes” Historical Society Civic Committee if you are in favor or “no” if you oppose Beth Wiesendanger reported Beth Wiesendanger read Sara Moran’s them. We need to get a lot more infor- report about the new fence and gate that will mation about the sewers – As of now, They would like to get the museum in order be installed at the ballfield. It will be an alu- the taxes would be $300-500 yearly and and they could use many volunteers . Please minum gate that looks like wrought iron. between $6,000-10,000 to hook-up – All contact Rary Gibson, Kathy Panzavecchia, Herb Abbe, or Don Kelly to volunteer your Membership Committee other costs will be covered by Nassau County (It would not just be our town time. Bob Doxsee has donated many photos Beth Wiesendanger indicated that we cur- covering the cost of this project) – It is and we need to scan and file everything. rently have 193 members. still years away. Executive Committee Beach Committee 5. Nassau County sewage treatment plants Matt Miller Kevin Haff noted that we have lost a lot of discharge over 64 million gallons a day sand and we need to be vigilant about check- 1. Every email that is sent to Civic Associa- into the back bays. Long Beach’s sewage ing the beach tags this year. Please BRING tion is read and addressed in some man- treatment plant requires maintenance and YOUR BEACH TAG whether you have ner. For the $50.00 membership fee, we upgrades. lived in the town 6 months or 60 years, as it help to make the beaches better and our will be enforced this year. There was a dis- 6. John Manning indicated that Ron Mas- town better. We’ve lost 4 stores since cussion about what will happen if a person ters informed us that TOH has a dredge August and we need to support the local tries to get onto the beach without their tag. and will be able to dredge 50,000-60,000 businesses due to the difficult economic We will have booths at each of the entrances cubic yards of sand each year. However, times. He wrote a letter as a resident in and the people manning the gates will have there is a very small 6. time frame to do so support of the Buoy Bar so we don’t lose walkie talkies to get in touch with the super- due to the piping plovers and the spawn- them as well. There has been a tremen- visor who will handle the situation. ing of the flounder. Unfortunately, the dous response to the email sent out to help out Merola’s. Environmental Committee time when it can be done happens to be during the Nor’Easter season. Gerry Ottavino 2. There was a suggestion by a resident on 7. Please do not let your dogs chase birds Parkside Drive to hire a tow truck com- 1. At the end of March, members of the on the beach. The beach could be closed. pany to tow illegally parked cars away. Environmental Committee, SPLASH & Also, please pick up after your dogs. The The general feeling was that it is probably the Citizens Campaign for the Environ- fecal matter gets into the storm drains and not legal and not a solution to our prob- ment met with Nassau County to discuss eventually, in the bays. lem. If there are cars illegally parked, call the TMDL and upgrading their STPs; and 911 and tell them that it is not an emer- they [the County] were very receptive. Zoning Committee gency and then state the problem. There will be a 2nd meeting on May 4, John Manning 2010 to follow up addressing the quality 3. Ms. DeErico sent a letter asking about of the sewer treatment plants and enact 1. Property subdivided on Cedarhurst is just the feasibly to having mail delivered to tertiary treatment to further remove nitro- a C/O issue. They are not subdividing the our houses since many of our residents gen and ammonia. We are hoping the land. are elderly and have a difficult time with County will write a letter to the Governor this task. It needs to be addressed by the to advance the TMDL. federal government. Claire Curtin then continued on page 12 Page 12 The Community Outlook May-June 2010

General Meeting to the Buoy Bar. Rob DeVerna made a motion to adjourn continued from page 11 the meeting. Gerry Ottavino seconded John Manning – school board elections will the motion. Motion passed. Meeting was spoke about the “Favor for a Neighbor” be held on Tuesday, May 18, 2010 – please adjourned. program. Hopefully, it will be up and run- vote. There was a discussion about our dis- ning by the end of June. You can contact trict was #4 on the list of amount spent per The next board meeting will be Tuesday, Cathleen Driscoll. child in our schools, yet we were only #51 May 11, 2010. (out of 56) in academic achievement. We 4. Real estate issues – there was a discus- have been voting blind or not voting at all. sion about how many renters can live in 1 — Respectfully submitted, Something has to be done and it starts by house b/c it is becoming an issue of 6 or Beth Wiesendanger - Secretary voting for the school board members. more people living in 1 house. The law is Please join the Civic and get involved!! no more than 3 unrelated people living in 1 house. Call 911 or hire at attorney – it is a legal issue. Matt Miller invited all of the real estate people in town to come to address the issue, but they all declined.

5. We all need to look out for each other – whether it is calling 911 to report illegally parked cars, people sub-leasing their house, or too many people living in 1 house, we need to be vigilant. “A Night At the Movies” Old Business none August 7, 2010, 7 until 11 o'clock New Business Tickets: $60 each. Kevin Haff spoke about the movie Mildred Pierce that will be filmed in town. They will be shooting at the house by the Post Office, Limited number of tickets left - Don't be left out! 50 Beech Street, the Olde Firehouse for 2 ½ days. They will use the beach parking field. Contact Michaela Sheridan ([email protected]) or The Post Office will remain open – there Brendan Cahill ([email protected]) might be a few minute delay during actual shooting times. The Nassau County Police and TOH are involved with this project. The schedule is on the web-site and at the kiosk at the Post Office. June 2, 3 and June 9 are the scheduled days. They will be very generous to our town and use our stores. The 15 mph will be adhered to. There was a discussion about the buses during the shooting. We will notify Long Beach.

Crosswalk will be added by the main entrance to the beach. Unfortunately, we are not able to get one installed by Merola’s b/c it is too close to the light.

The Civic Association will be meeting with the police about speeding in our town. We all need to look out for our children.

Roberta Doheny, who owns the Buoy Bar, thanked everyone for their support. They appreciate all those who came to the hear- ing, who signed the petition, and who come May-June 2010 The Community Outlook Page 13

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Editorial As we go to press my wife is due to give best, as they move through the day switching tions, you just have to respect the ghosts of birth to our fourth child, a feat which puts alliances among the three of them, fighting, the home. We had the gas stove serviced last us in a league of parenting for which I’m not sniping, reconciling. Anyway, we’re in this year and the technician said, “There’s a huge sure we’re qualified. Being half-German, limbo, while we wait for the baby to come, leak in this oven. You should thank God your I think Christina always wanted a family not yet being a family of six and not really house is so full of holes or it would have like the Von Trapps - tidy, polite, talented. being a family of five. We’re washing bottles blown up a long time ago.”. I didn’t know A family that could fit into a small car. As and folding baby clothes. We’re waiting for whether to thank him or kick him. with most things in life, we ended up getting this new life to change us. Will he change We’re waiting to start our summer - late not what we thought we wanted, but more us? I’m not so sure. He’ll add to the chaos this year - after the baby is born and the chil- what we were meant to have. Our children and to the happiness. Then we get the puppy. dren are out of school. We’re eagerly await- are beautiful but they do not line up at bed- Our wonderful neighbor, Antonia ing the McTernan family, who move down time, they do not sing in unison, and they O’Connell, sold her house and is moving to later in the summer, after Finn and Eamon do not respond to whistles (or anything for Florida. She’s not yet gone but she’s had the finish camp, and then our block will be com- that matter). My son likes to wear glasses garage sale already and that separation feel- plete and perfect. We’re waiting for Spectag- that have no lenses because he said it makes ing has already started, like that last day of ala, although I’m not looking forward to the him look like “The Mayor”. My daughter summer and your mother’s packing up the morning after. We’re waiting for those Vil- had a hula hoop accident. Our house is like car. Her house is neat as a pin. Our house lage Gardener concerts. Summer couldn’t be the one you pass where someone’s crying, isn’t neat even when its just been cleaned. here soon enough. someone’s laughing and someone’s run- This drives Christina crazy but if you live in — Brendan Cahill ning through a door screen. All we lack is a house that’s very old, when it’s been lived the wet dog. It’s sort of controlled chaos at in by so many people over so many genera-

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Environment: Be Your Canine’s Keeper

Granted, most Point Lookout dog owners act Some owners, while exercising their dogs, If this opinion appears to unfairly target the responsibly. They respect the rights of oth- perpetrate wildlife and beach infractions. Do Point Lookout canine community, it’s only ers, follow protocol and comply with the law. not allow dogs to chase birds, disturb nests because the dismissive few have painted a This opinion is not directed at them. They get or otherwise harass wildlife; and keep them very large “bull’s-eye on its back.” If deposit- it. Nor is this an attack on dogs. Expectantly, (and yourself) out of the dunes. Note, pursu- ing feces around town, harassing wildlife or they act as nature intended. It is, however, ant to federal and NYS protection laws, severe assaulting strangers is completely unaccept- aimed directly at the negligent few who, sim- penalties, including heavy fines and imprison- able when perpetrated by a person, then it ply put: “Just don’t get it!” or, perhaps more ment, may be assessed on individuals judged must be deemed likewise unacceptable when aptly put, conveniently refuse to get it. responsible for these and related offenses. In perpetrated, in effect, by a dog owner. And It became woefully evident this spring that rare and extreme cases, when endangered spe- what the culpable must come to realize is the few are leaving more and more fecal waste cies are deemed threatened, beach closings just how hackneyed and hollow their excuses around town. As their winter sins thawed, we could result. ToH Code sections 78-4 (noted have become, almost never providing appro- found ripe land mines everywhere – in our above) and 152-9(A) compliment federal and priate reparation for their continued indiscre- streets and parks and on Civic Beach. And, state laws. As a related aside, rodents, strays tions. As for the compliant, they too must bear looking forward to the barefoot and summer and feral cats can stress and harm local wildlife some responsibility, as diluted standards, con- seasons, beach violations loom particularly as well. Sightings at the cove or on the beach venient dispensations and bite-your-tongue offensive, as simply removing feces from a should be reported promptly to ToH Animal silence have served to condone, reinforce sandy site is neither efficient nor sufficient. Control, 516-785-5220. and arguably proliferate the sins of the guilty. Inevitably, residue left behind clings to visi- Owners, it may come as a shock to you, Point Lookout owners and non-owners alike: tors’ feet and hands as they walk and play in but not everybody shares the same affection Please be attentive and pro-active on these affected areas. During any season, abandoned for your dog as you do. Individuals, having issues and insist everyone follow protocol scat, among other serious concerns, can cause been nipped or knocked off a bicycle, may and comply with the laws cited above. serious health problems and rodent infesta- be apprehensive or legitimately frightened; I realize I have dwelled heavily on the tion; and, when left at the shoreline, will others may be allergic. Runners are particu- negative; but, as noted above, I do not wish leach bacteria and related contaminants into larly wary of dogs not kept under an owner’s to berate the compliant or group them in with proximal waters. Equally important, pick-up immediate restraint. Maintain full control the scofflaw few – quite the opposite. In fact, violations are storm drain violations as well. of your dog at all times. Note, under ToH in some ways I tip my hat to this overlooked Just an average rain will mainline street waste Code section 152-8, dogs are not permitted majority. To place one effort in perspective, directly into the bay. (Remember: Only rain to be “at large,” i.e., they are to be controlled the Point Lookout Civic Association hosts down the drain.) Keep our community and and not beyond a six-foot leash. and boasts Earth Day clean-ups twice a year. local environment, particularly its streets, In summary, Point Lookout owners: Be By contrast, many dog owners invest hours shoreline and beaches, absolutely free and respectful of your neighbors and mindful of volunteer “sweat equity” in this town clean of fecal waste. Note under ToH Code of your surroundings; and PLEASE: weekly. Many carry trash bags with them section 152-9(B), owners must always pick • Clean up after your dogs and strongly urge on their walks around town everyday and up after their dogs; and, perhaps even more others among you to do likewise; do more than their fair share, not only pick- germane, under Code section 78-4, these ing up after their delinquent counterparts but problems are doubly offensive since, with • Prevent them from stressing wildlife or also after the canine-free, who, unchecked, rare exception, dogs are not permitted to enter entering dune protection areas; and blatantly and shamelessly sully our commu- Town parks, including the special park dis- • Do not allow your dog to approach people nity in numerous other ways. trict of Point Lookout. with out their expressed consent. — Gerald Ottavino

An expression of thanks from the family of Audrey Brown

We were overwhelmed by the support and kind expression of condolences from friends and neighbors of Point Lookout and the Community Church. So many people approached us with remembrances of Mom and also Dad, who passed away almost 29 years ago.

Thanks also to Pastor Greg for such an appropriate memorial service and to Brendan and Kathy for the wonderful special issue on Mom and Dad. And last but not least, thank- you to all the people who helped make Mom’s life a little easier these last few years. It makes us proud to have had such wonderful parents. They and Point Lookout will always be in our hearts. THE COMMUNITY OUTLOOK P.O. BOX NO. 28 POINT LOOKOUT, L.I., N.Y. 11569

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