This week Smithtown will be hosting their Restaurant Week where the participating restaurants will be serving $25 prix-fixe three course meals.  It is a great way to get a savory meal especially during these recession times.  You can really top off the night by using a local limousine or black Long Island car service to get you there.

Across Long Island people are responding to the energy crisis by making simple everyday changes such as using reusable containers , implementing the use of renewable energy in their homes by installing solar panels or by cutting back on their use of water.  Visit our directory of solar panel contractors on Long Island.

RELI (Renewable Energy Long Island)

“Is a membership-based, non-for-profit organization promoting clean, sustainable energy use and generation for Long Island. RELI seeks public participation in energy policy decisions to encourage energy efficiency, use of renewable energy sources, and to protect our environment, economy, and public health.”

This organization supports Long Island initiatives such as:

WindWorks - the Long Island Offshore Wind Initiative Learn about Renewable Wind Energy

LIshines - which hosts tours of solar homes on Long Island and green homes on Long Island

Renew LI - an initiative to pass legislation to inact a National Renewable Energy Standard

LI-CAN - Long Island Climate Action Network a grassroots movment providing speakers and taining for speakers looking to spread the word about global warming and climate change

GreenAAA - Reli’s Green Ask, Answer, Act providing expert answers to all of your green building questions and concerns

LISaves - Energy saving tips saving your pockets and the environment

GreenChoice - Green Power is electricity generated by renewable energy sources such as wind, hydroelectric, biomass or solar energy

Some other useful sites which you can use to better educate yourself on “going green” and reducing your carbon footprint:

citizenre

LIPA

Solar Energy Center

Neighborhood Network

Back to school at your local elementary schools means a mad rush for jansport backpacks, back to school gifts Long Island. If is important to pick a backpack which gives the student support or even now a days on wheels reducing the impact the weight has on children’s backs.

Going back to school reminds me of the fall and the changing leave colors seen all over Long Island. Some of my back to school activities included compiling my back to school supplies every thing that I would need for back to school was on my list I had gone shopping with my mom and bought all the latest fashions. My clothes always looked stylish I loved shopping in stores like Zara for back 2 school is fast approaching

you can find back to school deals at Office Max Long Island where a wide variety of back to school supplies are 1c at this promotion you will find a lot of back to school discounts.

you may also want to do some online shopping and see if you can find any deals on cell phone service
by buying through one of the online malls listed on shopdex.

With back to school right around the corner. Many people on Long Island and in New York City are looking for the best deals to be able to clothe their children. In Commack, Long Island Marshall’s had a grand opening on August 14 there you can find many brand name clothiers such as Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Express, Steve Madden, abercrombie, American Eagle, Roxy, Juicy Couture, Dooney and Bourke, Tahari, Giorgio Armani, Kenar, MaxStudio, Zara, 7-jeans, Marc Jacobs, Minolo Blaniks, Quicksilver, True Religion, Nine West, Ellen Tracy, Via Spiga, Stride Rite, and Keds.

ideeli is a brand new membership-only community for women looking to set the next trends. You can get the next fashions and the hottest items from last season at unbeatable prices. Visit ShopDex for other e-commerce sites for the latest fashions for the fall 2008.

All though the economy has been slowing

This St. Patrick’s Day on Long Island there will be many different parades and even a spectacular fireworks display to be seen. So even if you’re not Irish be sure to get out and mingle with some Irish folk and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Or use this holiday to do what a volunteer fireman did in Cold Spring Harbor, Long Island, NY .

Westhampton Beach St. Patrick’s Day Festivities March 14-15

On Friday, March 14 as a prelude to the Saturday March 15th St. Patrick’s Day Parade there will be much going on as the Westhampton All-Stars host the Harlem Wizard at the Westhampton beach High School Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for children.

Looking for something free to do? Westhampton Beach will be hosting a Fireworks display over the Westhampton Country Club at the Great lawn which is free to all.

Finn McCools (located at 101 CR 31 Westhampton Beach, NY 11978) well known for their most recent feature on “Kitchen Nightmares” with Gordon Ramsay is hosting Irish Rock and Roll with Fathom as well as a traditional Irish Breakfast to benefit H.U.G.S. H.U.G.S. is a drop in center for Westhampton adolescents in grades 6,7, and 8 with daily after school programs and Friday night hang-out from 6-10.

Saturday March 15 at 12 Pm the 41st annual Westhampton Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade will kick off and wrap up with a Corned Beef and Cabbage Lunch at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church.
At 3pm on Saturday March 15 Michael Mancuso, a native Long Islander will be performing a Aerobatic Stunt Show known as one of the best aerobatic stunt pilots in the nation.In Nassau County The Old Bethpage Village is hosting a St. Patrick’s Day Celebration on March 16th. The “Grand Limerick Contest will be held from 11:30-4; categories are as follows “Things Irish”, “About Long Island”, and “Best Overall Limerick”.

Also in Nassau County, Long Island NY Hofstra University is hosting the 10th annual Irish Experience Festival which will feature Irish music, food and culture. There is a $3 suggested admission fee.

Be sure to enjoy a safe and sunny St. Patrick’s day weekend on Long Island NY with you and your family.

Have a designated driver or call a Cabs/Taxis on Long Island.

News12 Long Island, NY did their normal Pre-Storm Winter coverage as they do before every snow storm that hits Long Island. I allowed my self two precious more hours of sleep this morning as when I opened one eye and looked out the window everything was covered in a thick blanket of white. Living in a densely populated but not highly traveled part of Cold Spring Harbor, Long Island, NY (map) my street is still yet to be plowed even once, but my SUV (Cheap Gas LI) allowed me to float through the snow (generating a sensation very close to skiing) and get to work.

Hempstead, Long Island, NY (map) has recently purchased new technology which allows Hempstead Township to get ahead of the storm. February 22, 2008 the New York Times ran a story saying that the year-end snow storm had left many Hempstead, Long Island, NY residents complaining about the roads that lay in the town’s jurisdiction rather than the county’s or the states.

The roads in Hempstead, Long Island, NY should not be too snowy this morning. As a result of the many complaints that came from not only town residents but town officials whom had found themselves stranded with their employees December 30th, 2008. Hempstead bought new technology from a Canadian company called Epoch. I have always wondered why life doesnt come to a screaching hault every time it snows in northern provinces. The science behind it is as follows. They launch a Pre-Storm assault on the roads. In other words the salt spreaders take to the street hours before the storm hits and spreads a watery mixture of finely ground salt sand and clay. This makes it harder for the snow to stick to the roads before the snow even begins to fall; making ths plow’s jobs much easier and more efficient, and leaving the salt and sand spreaders to complete the mixture after the snow removal has begun.

Hopefully this kind of technology will be come a staple at all of the dispatch stations across Long Island (map) as all of its residents on especially on the North Shore know that one thing Long Island surely does not lack is hills which can become very quickly very trecherous and dangerous.

Town Departments

Manhasset, Long Island, NY
Americana Mall
Sales
Gift Certificates

My father and I went to look at what was being featured at the Americana mall this year for the holidays in Manhasset Long Island NY here are some of the sales that I found along my way:

• At kate spade if you head for the back right wall you will find a selection of purses in metallic, suede, and stripped fabric purses on sale for the holiday season.

• Heirshleifer’s is featuring many sales such as jmendel fur pieces, black, beige satin, and purple satin holiday dresses. Jimmy Choo shoes and purses are also on sale. Versache, Valentino, and Miu Miu separates are all on sale.

• At Giorgio Armani they are already featuring their pre spring collection 2008 as well as other winter separates which are on sale (to start making room for the new spring collection) .

• At Slavatore Ferrragamo there are scarves, handbags, accessories such as wallets, key chains, and clutches; shoes, ready to wear separates are also on sale. Be sure to try on the Verde Bott (3129) jacket, which is exquisite, and on sale. This beautiful jacket made of shaved mink is incredible. They also feature a more mature quarter length jacket in blue teal mink, shaved with a cable and woven pattern into the jacket, which is more appropriate for a woman with more mature taste.

• Carolina Herrara other than their exquisite clothing be sure to visit and ask for James a delightful personal shopping assistant who will be sure to make sure you’re dressed to the nines for your next holiday party where they are featuring all ready to wear men’s wear and women’s ready to wear (including evening dresses) on sale.

• Dior is having a sale on a wall full of shoes and select handbags.

• Oscar Delarenta has a half off sale on all evening separates. Their exotic fabric handbags in coyote and mink are also half off as well as the shoes, and pre-fall/fall collection. All sales are final

These are some of the sales featured at the Manhasset Long Island NY Americana Mall this holiday season be sure to check them out.

Another great store which resides a little farther down on the strip at the Americana Mall in Manhasset, Long Island, NY: The Sharper Image. The Long Island, Manhasset Americana Mall Sharper Image’s most popular products this year are a motley concoction with sure-fire smiles for many members of you holiday shopping list. The Ion Audio USB Turntable ($199.95) is a great gift for dad which he can now even plug into his computer allowing him to “rip” songs from his old lp’s and right onto his Ipod. The Panasonic Body Massage might be a great pick for grandma depending on your budget; because although it is the ultimate gift of relaxation it will run you a steep $4,799.00. What to get for little bro who loves Star Wars (or for any other Star Wars fanatic for that matter) the R2-D2 Interactive Droid is a great pick and considering the other steep prices featured at Sharper Image $119.95 does not sound that bad. Finally have a mother who’s obsessed with a clean house and still complains between the housekeeper’s visits? Although getting people appliances is never my first choice and know that my mother would probably take insult… the Roomba 560 Vacuuming Robot is a great choice maybe more appropriate as a gag gift for a college student although at $349.95 may be a slightly steep price for a gag gift depending on your budget. I know I would love one! Be sure the visit the American Mall in Manhasset Long Island NY for great deals on high-end goods.

The Cold Spring Harbor firehouse bond was voted on last night and it failed

The 3 yr term will be occupied by Bruce Hafner

The 5 yr term will be occupied by Kevin O’Brien

December 11, 2008

Cold Spring Harbor residents have an opportunity to vote on an important issue today at the Cold Spring Harbor Firehouse (2 Main St, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724). A $6.9 million dollar bond is in question and your tax dollars are at stake.

Are all of the renovations/expansions necessary or appropriate for our community? You decide.

There are two seats available for reelection this year on the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Cold Spring Harbor Fire District. The Board of Fire Commissioners consists of 5 members who each serve a 5 year term. As one of the Commissioners resigned this year with 3 yrs left on his/her term there are two positions up for reelection this year.

The candidates and their literature are as follows:

5yr term:

• Kevin O’Brien, Cold Spring Harbor Fire Commissioner Candidate
• Jack Palatella, Cold Spring Harbor Fire Commissioner Candidate Statement

3yr term

• Bruce Hafner, Cold Spring Harbor Fire Commissioner Candidate Statement
• Vincent Papa, Cold Spring Harbor Fire Commissioner Candidate Statement

The board of Fire Commissioners of the Cold Spring Harbor Fire District states that the impact the renovations/expansion of the firehouse on local taxes will be:

“…For every $1,000 of assessed value, your Fire tax rate will increase by $56.81…”

and describes the budgeting as follows:

• The firehouse has not been renovated in 36yrs
• The firehouse is not up to building code e.g. handicapped accessibility
• Safety Improvements
• Improvements to the building’s energy efficiency, and modernization of mechanical systems
• Upgrade the emergency generator
• Create an Emergency Shelter
• Restore the facade
• The addition of another bay to house the equipment which is currently stored outside

The Concerned Citizens of Cold Spring Harbor estimate the median tax increase higher than figures stated by the Board of Commissioners:

“…annual tax bill to go up between $300 and $2,300 dollars for the next 15yrs in order to pay the bond off…”

They also bring to light details of the firehouse expansion not included in the Board of Fire Commissioner’s literature:

• A substantial section of the expansion includes a Meeting Room which will seat 150 people and a commercial kitchen (catering hall?)
• A fitness center at the firehouse for the volunteer firemen whom currently have fully paid membership to health clubs in Huntington
• A training facility is in question; the firemen currently use one in Yaphank where all Suffolk County volunteer firemen train
• Many of the firemen in favor of the bond do not live in Cold Spring Harbor therefore are unaffected by the tax increase
• The heating, air conditioning, cleaning, and maintenance costs have not been taken into account which could mean more tax increases
• The expansion eliminates the parking spaces adjacent to the firehouse no additional provisions have been made for parking accomodations

The Long Islander “$6.95 mill Fire Vote Still Alarming Residents”

Get out and vote today:

Cold Spring Harbor firehouse, 2 Main Street, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724 between 5pm-9pm

I love Shopping! Shopping for shoes especially whether they be - dressy and casual, flats and high heals, boots, sneakers, sandals and slippers. I don’t think that I could ever own too many pairs of shoes. My other favorite part of shopping is buying accessories. So many accessories so little time, so many ways to coordinate between scarves, hats, bags, boots, jackets, vests, gloves etc. One of my favorite stores for hats scarves and gloves is H&M because their selection is fascinating and their prices are great. I am one to lose such separates very easily and hence refuse to spend too much money on them. Another great source for clothing accessories is Old Navy; although I find too often when I buy something from Old Navy I am guaranteed to see someone else wearing the same article of clothing. I enjoy acquiring unique pieces and have found a great store but you need to allow yourself some time before you go shopping at Century 21. At Century 21 you can find beautiful designer pieces at some of the most outrageously discounted prices. It is really a jewel, which can be found both on Long Island and in New York City. The most popular shopping malls on Long Island are: Roosevelt Field Mall, Americana Manhasset Mall, Broadway Mall, Walt Whitman Mall and Tanger Outlet. They feature well-known department stores Bloomingdale’s, JCPenney, Macy’s, Target and hundreds of specialty shops including Fashion Clothing and Accessories, Jewelry, Health and Beauty Products, Home Furnishing and Décor, Electronics and Entertainment, Sporting Goods and much more offering a large choice of styles and brands from famous designers: Christian Dior, Fendi, Prada, Valentino, Versace, Liz Clairborne, Gucci, Givenchi, Dolce & Gabbana, Giorgio Armani, Hugo Boss, Calvin Klein etcAs I was looking at these various malls I decided to investigate how many of them featured deals on items that I was looking into for my family members. On my quest for a sweater for my father I found that the Brooks Brother’s at the Americana Manhasset mall was having promotion on the Marino wool, Lambs wool, Shetland wool sweaters which are being featured at two for $129.99. As I looked through their outerwear selection (as I am in need of a new winter coat) I found that they are giving away a $350 gift bag with any purchase of $500 or more on outerwear. This is one of the only stores at the Americana Manhasset that is featuring any kind of sales before Christmas. As my search for an affordable sweater at the Americana Manhasset malls was not very successful I turned to my father’s favorite brand Van Heusen. As I have visited the outlets at Bellport in the past I recalled having seen a Van Heusen store there. So on my way home I stopped by the outlets and found that Van Heusen was having some great sales. They are having a store wide 50% off sale on all of their merchandise, which includes sweaters, sportswear, dress shirts, and outerwear for the special man on your holiday list. I have many nieces and nephews and am always looking for bargains that will put a smile of their faces and their parent’s as well. The Children’s Place is a great store which features many items for babies and children and all of their merchandise is $8-$14 dollars for children’s sequins sweaters, half zip sweaters, and fleeces. With the chilly weather upon us these kinds of gifts will be surely appreciated. The Children’s Place is located at the Broadway Mall, Smithaven Mall, and Walt Whitman Malls on Long Island, NY. Another great pre-teen store that I found at the mall having some great sales was Claire’s at Claire’s they are featuring a buy two get one free sale on their stock of earrings. Speaking of jewelry be sure to stop at the Roosevelt Field Mall and visit Bailey Banks and Biddle unfortunately this store is going out of business and has marked down their entire stock of jewelry 40%-70% off; a bargain that will be hard to beat.

Finally Bombay Company in Huntington, Long Island, NY 11743 is going out of business. Their stock is as abundant as the markdowns. Be sure to stop by and take a look maybe you will find a wall hanging or night table to complete your home décor; or a find a beautiful Nutcracker for the Clara in your family.