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ADL III Architecture

ADL III has worked on significant waterfront residential projects around Long Island and upstate New York as well as numerous main street mixed use projects, comprised of first floor retail and second and third floor office/apartments, built historical renovations ranging in location from Oyster Bay to Utah, and commercial projects that include a variety of typologies.

Their town planning work on Long Island includes corridor revitalization projects in Mastic/Shirley and Middle Island, involving the design and development of five new villages. ADL III is a regular community visioning consultant around Long Island. Recent projects and design work has been in Huntington, Huntington Station, Wyandanch, New Cassel, Yaphank and Roosevelt. Their current work in design and planning includes development for properties in Westhampton Beach, Islandia, Glen Cove and Flying Point. Community designs typically focus on pedestrian friendly elements which include brick sidewalks, street lighting, well designed storefronts, pocket parks, village squares and prominent locations for civic buildings such as libraries, post offices and community centers.

"The successful conclusion of the SEQRA process yielded a 140 page findings statement that concluded the Environmental Review Process and served as the predicate for the approval of the master development plan. This has brought the redevelopment of the Glen Cove Waterfront a major step forward. I am pleased that the City’s Planning Board and consultant’s took the appropriate amount of time to thoroughly review and incorporate the information gathered from the many different streams of input including the public comments, the regulatory agencies, and the IDA and CDA Board members. The City looks forward to having all of the sites remediated and in buildable condition later this year and shovels in the ground shortly thereafter.” - Glen Cove City Mayor Ralph Suozzi

"The Waterfront Revitalization Project could be shovel-ready potentially in the fourth quarter of 2012. Everyone is looking forward now to really seeing something happen." - Don Monti, Glen Isle Development

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The 2012 Smart Growth Awards are fast approaching

Nominate an individual, project, policy or organization that has advanced Smart Growth

Deadline extended to Friday, February 17th

The 11th annual event will honor individuals and organizations taking leadership in advancing Smart Growth projects, policies, regulations and initiatives. Specific focus areas include mixed-use development, affordable housing, environmental health and safety, open space and historic preservation, traffic calming and pedestrian safety, transportation enhancements, clean energy, downtown revitalization and/or community based planning. The deadline for submissions is February 17th.

Smart Growth gaining ground across Long Island

Multifamily, mixed-use projects have been seen a growing demand in the past year, as new single-family home construction has declined. Vision Long Island Executive Director Eric Alexander is quoted in a recent New York Times article, explaining the sites in highest demand are “in downtowns, near transit and other amenities.” With 12 projects including 1,588 units approved last year and a possible 15 projects including over 2,000 units in 2012, development focusing on Smart Growth principles are on the rise.

Among the highlighted developments are the Metro 303 in Hempstead Village, Summer Wind Square in downtown Riverhead and the Glen Cove Waterfront Revitalization Project. The Metro 303 project featuring on infill design near two railroad stations will spur redevelopment projects on Main Street in Hempstead and is expected to have occupants by fall. The Summer Wind Square in downtown Riverhead is a mixed-use four-story complex that will hold 52 units available for rental, a restaurant, cafes, retail and possibly a market. According to Town of Riverhead Councilwoman Jodi Giglio, this is meeting a large demand for mixed-use in the Town and County. The Waterfront Revitalization Project in Glen Cove which has been in the works since 2003 has recently been approved, is in the process of site plans and construction and could be shovel-ready in late 2012.

Many great projects are being developed to meet Long Island’s growing demand for mixed use development focused on Smart Growth principles. Read more here.

New York-Connecticut Sustainable Communities Consortium issues RFP for Infill Redevelopment Feasibility Study in Nassau

The New York-Connecticut Sustainable Communities Consortium is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFPs) that seeks a consultant or teams of consultants to conduct a feasibility study of sustainable infill development and opportunities to promote transit-orientated development around up to three (3) Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) stations in the Preliminary Regional Nassau Hub Study Area. The deadline is February 8th.

The RFP is available online here.

LI Index released with focus on the "innovation economy"

The Rauch Foundation released their 9th annual Long Island Index study on Wednesday with an event at Farmingdale State College. This year’s theme is the Innovation Economy, concentrating on biotech, clean energy, higher education and advanced manufacturing sectors. The presentation also promoted the concept of building up our downtown centers and adding more affordable housing in order to keep young people on the Island. A short video covered some of these ideas and stressed their urgency. A report on LI’s demographic trends was released following the presentation.

The event drew a large crowd from various sectors. Nancy Rauch Douzinas began and introduced the keynote speaker,Mary Walshok, Associate Vice Chancellor of the University of California and Co-founder of CONNECT, San Diego’s Innovation Cluster Development Organization. Walshok described the history of San Diego and how it transformed itself into an innovation hub, relating its story to Long Island’s potential to grow certain sectors. She provided some valuable lessons, including the “power of place,” the necessity to collaborate and the need to make good land use and infrastructure decisions.

A panel discussion closed the event, moderated by Howard Schneider of Stony Brook University. Panelists included Marck Fasciano of Canrock Ventures, Jeffrey Kraut of North Shore-LIJ Health System, Thomas Rogers of Nassau BOCES, and Anne D. Shybunko-Moore of GSE Dynamics. Panelists were cautiously optimistic about LI’s future, citing initiatives like $1 billion that the healthcare/IT industries are investing to collaborate on patient care, rather than compete against one another. Cuomo’s Regional Economic Development Council and its grants were cited as an example of the risk-taking leadership that Long Island needs. This money will fund Accelerate LI, which will create an industry hub in Hicksville and bring together talent, capital and research. Some challenges the panelists cited included the tendency to be complacent and fall into the same old routine, as well as the need for rental housing and possibly magnet schools.

Read more in Newsday, with this opinion piece featuring the Accelerate LI program and Joye Brown’s column that laments LI’s slow progress and inertia, with the notable exception of small villages such as Patchogue and Mineola which have “welcomed change enough to reinvigorate their downtowns."

Watch the video and read the report here. Get a one page summary of the report here. The demographic report is available here. Findings from the video were taken from this Innovation Index report. A report on residential satisfaction is available here.

Hub update: Time is running out on redevelopment

Nassau County Executive Mangano has been seeking private development options for Hub and further plans are coming in in an attempt to keep the New York Islanders at Nassau Coliseum and develop the surrounding area. The project was deemed not ready when Mangano sought $200 million from state in last year’s round of economic development funds. With funding, zoning and flexibility issues, developers are saying that time is running out for the project.

Some have expressed doubt due to the County’s contracting process not have the approval of the Nassau Interim Finance Board in some cases. Jan Burman of Garden City based Engel Burman Group, expressed doubt that a clear plan will be found in 2012. He believes that no firm will make a long-term investment without the assurance that the hockey team would make a 20- to 30-year tenant arrangement. The team’s recent performance has also been a reason of doubt, as investors do not want to invest in a new arena for a team that is not performing well both on the ice and off.

Hofstra University President Stuart Rabinowitz noted the Town of Hempstead’s zoning laws, explaining the need for variances in the laws to allow for more dense development which would make the Hub more competitive in contests to receive state funds. Kevin Law and StuaRabinowitz, who serve as co-chairs of Long Island’s Regional Economic Development Council, are hopeful a plan will come together.

Eric Alexander, Vision Long Island's Executive Director, noted the funding of the project and zoning codes are holding back development that would improve the surrounding area. Alexander referenced the failed referendum on county funding for the project and expressed state or federal subsidies, even if not secured before development, would be needed to make the Hub possible. He called for developers and the town to be more flexible in its planning to allow for mixed use development which would benefit the community for years to come.

It is unclear if a plan will surface soon enough to keep the Islanders, whose lease expires in 2015, on Long Island. Developers, government and the community will have to come together with a flexible plan that will work for everyone, promote economic growth and improve community. And there must also be a way to fund it.

Read more in an article by John Callegari from Long Island Business News this week here.

Governor Cuomo releases 2012-13 Executive Budget

This past Thursday, January 19th, Governor Cuomo traveled to Flushing, Queens to outline his 2012-13 Executive Budget and Reform Plan.  The plan continues with the reforms and changes in government that Cuomo has been enacting since he entered office.

"The historic steps we took last year have allowed us to put forward an honest and straightforward budget that calls for real reforms to right size government and puts the people first," Governor Cuomo said. "This budget holds the line on spending while protecting the taxpayer dollar, and ensures that New York's education system is transformed to make students the top priority. We have made our state a model for getting things done, and we must continue to work together in a bipartisan manner to rebuild our economy, create jobs, and build a New New York."

Highlights include $1.3 billion in state infrastructure funding that will be used to leverage up to $25 billion in additional funding, including private companies, the federal government and local authorities in the hopes of getting major infrastructure projects to move forward.

Governor Cuomo also addressed the issue of transportation, noting that the new budget will make strategic and accelerated investments in the State’s highway and bridge infrastructure, including $1.16 billion in New York Works and federal funds.  This will be complimented by the New York Works program, which will accelerate capital investment by building on core transportation funding. The State will provide $770 million to the MTA’s capital program to help fund the $22.2 billion 2010-2014 MTA program to improve service.

Read the Governor’s address here.

Glen Isle gets the go-ahead for Glen Cove Waterfront

The Glen Cove Planning Board has approved a Special Use Permit for the Glen Cove Waterfront Redevelopment. RXR Glen Isle’s project received a Smart Growth Award in 2010 for creating a mix of uses. It is expected to break ground after over 9 years of efforts towards the end of 2012, according to Mayor Ralph Suozzi. The project will transform 56 acres of a brownfield site into a vibrant, walkable community, consisting of 860 housing units, a 250 suite hotel and conference center, 50,000 sq. ft. office building and 25,000 sq. ft. of retail and cultural space.

Glen Cove Mayor Ralph Suozzi said, "the successful conclusion of the SEQRA process yielded a 140 page findings statement that concluded the Environmental Review Process and served as the predicate for the approval of the master development plan. This has brought the redevelopment of the Glen Cove Waterfront a major step forward. I am pleased that the City’s Planning Board and consultant’s took the appropriate amount of time to thoroughly review and incorporate the information gathered from the many different streams of input including the public comments, the regulatory agencies, and the IDA and CDA Board members. The City looks forward to having all of the sites remediated and in buildable condition later this year and shovels in the ground shortly thereafter.”

Read more in Glen Cove Patch here and here or learn more about RXR Glen Cove and the project here.

Many benefits seen in reducing speeds in Smithtown

There has been a lot of discussion lately on how to improve the safety, appearance and business of Smithtown’s Main Street. Advocates, elected officials, local business people and community members joined with walkability expert Dan Burden to develop smarter roadway designs. Plans to reduce the number of lanes from 4 to 2, raising medians, creating bike lanes and installing roundabouts have been offered as solutions to calm traffic, increase safety and make the street a destination for the community. Reducing the speed limit still holds as the most effective way to redesign the road.

Advocates from Tri-State Transportation Campaign, Smithtown Chamber of Commerce, AARP and Vision Long Island have come together to promote speed limit reductions. Poor design has caused six fatalities in the past seven years and the downtown business has been stagnant, causing high vacancy rates. Research shows pedestrian fatalities drop 80 percent with speed limit reductions from 40 mph to 20 mph, while improving business, reducing retail vacancies and increasing property values.

The New York State Department of Transportation’s plans to redesign the road are a step towards a road that is safer, but more smart changes must be made to calm traffic in the downtown. Improving safety and the community have been long overdue in Smithtown.

Newdsay published a letter to the editor in December 28th's print edition of Newsday. It is transcribed below:

Reduce speeds on Smithtown’s Main St.

As a result of poor roadway design, Main Street in Smithtown has been the site of six fatalities in the past seven years and has seen stagnant economic development and retail vacancy increase dramatically in the last decade [“Changes would make Main St. worse,” Letters, Dec. 28].

Transportation research routinely finds that pedestrian fatalities drop by 80 percent when speed limits are reduced from 40 mph to 20 mph, and retail vacancies go down while housing values increase when traffic calming measures are employed.

While the New York State Department of Transportation has proposed a modified road design to help reduce speeds on Main Street, our groups believe this should only be the first of many steps toward creating a traffic-calmed road that is safe for all, not just drivers who are trying to get through the downtown as fast as possible.

Smart changes, regardless if they are done in the name of safety or community improvement, are a long time coming.

Eric Alexander,
executive director
Vision Long Island

Ryan Lynch,
Long Island coordinator
Tri-State Transportation Campaign

Mark Mancini,
president,
Smithtown Chamber of Commerce

Will Stoner,
associate state director
AARP

Bus Riders Union holds first meeting

Tuesday night marked the inaugural meeting of the Long Island Bus Riders’ Union, held at 1199 SEIU headquarters in Hicksville. Bus riders and advocates gathered to launch this new group, which will be following the operations of the new NICE Bus system to ensure that it meets the needs of riders. The meeting, led by Charlene Obernauer of LI Jobs With Justice, covered rider concerns, demands and action steps.

The group drafted a preliminary list of demands for Veolia and Nassau County including: no service cuts and fare increases, expand service especially on weekends and off-peak hours (and restore previous MTA cuts), post mulitlingual schedules accessibly, have a rider or community person on the County’s Transit Advisory Committee, communicate any changes with riders, connect with local planning initiatives and others.

Next steps will include weekly flyering at bus stations, creating an online presence and possibly holding a press conference announcing the demands. The group will continue to meet monthly, with the next meeting scheduled for February 15th at 6pm at 1199 SEIU headquarters in Hicksville.

Intern with Vision this spring!

Vision Long Island is looking for interns for Spring 2012. Our staff likes to say we "wear many hats," and interns will have to do the same. Interns will assist with planning, design, outreach, event planning, writing, research, attending meetings, reporting, photography, video and more. Bring your unique skill set to the table! We are looking for energetic and conscientious individuals with an interest in urban/suburban planning from a bottom-up perspective. This is a valuable opportunity to work with great people and learn about the issues impacting Long Island. Strong writing skills a plus.

To learn more or apply, send a resume, cover letter and writing sample to info@visionlongisland.org. Put Spring 2012 Internship in the subject heading. For more information, call our office at 631-261-0242.

EPA Environmental Quality Awards seeking nominations

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is pleased to solicit nominations for its annual Environmental Quality Awards. These awards recognize and honor those individuals and organizations who contributed significantly to improving the environment during the past year in New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Nominations must be submitted by February 21st. Self-nominations are welcome. Award recipients will be honored at a ceremony in April at EPA's Manhattan offices. For more information on award criteria, prior winners and nomination instructions, please visit the Environmental Quality Awards' site here.

SBA seeks small business nominees

The U.S. Small Business Administration is seeking nominations for awards honoring the critical economic role small businesses play in federally funded research and development through SBA’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.

The SBIR and STTR programs currently account for more than $2.5 billion per year in federal R&D funds and are coordinated by the SBA in cooperation with 11 other federal agencies with large external research and development budgets. Three awards will be given: one for companies that have participated in the SBIR/STTR programs, one for individuals who advocate on behalf of the programs and a third “Hall of Fame” award recognizing companies that have an extended period of extraordinary success of research, innovation and product commercialization within the SBIR or STTR program.

The Tibbetts Awards are named after Roland Tibbetts, who was instrumental in developing SBIR, a highly competitive program to ensure small businesses get a chance to compete for federal research and development funding, along with the opportunities it provides to profit from commercialization of the technologies they develop.

The awards are presented to companies and individuals that are beacons of promise and models of excellence in high technology. Typical of past award winners are a Maine company that created a self-propelled and eco-friendly “AquaPod” for sustainable aqua-culture. A previous Hall of Fame award winner that won numerous SBIR grants – a major west coast chip manufacturer – started with a staff of 35 and has expanded to a global work force of 17,500.

Selections for Tibbetts Awards are based on several factors, including the economic impact of the technological innovation, overall business achievement and demonstration of effective collaborations.

Nominations for these awards will close at 5pm on January 31st. Awards will be presented in Washington, DC, in April 2012. To submit a nomination, please visit this site for the Tibbetts Awards and this site for Hall of Fame Awards.

Student Leaders Program accepting applications

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s Student Leaders Program is accepting applications for the 2012 program. This program is open to students that are current high school juniors and/or seniors. Five students from Long Island will be chosen to participate in this program.

As part of the company’s lending, investing and giving to strengthen the communities they serve, the Bank of America Student Leaders Program has recognized more than 1,600 exemplary high school juniors and seniors with a passion for improving their communities. The program helps students gain a greater understanding of how nonprofits create impact in the community and develops them as the next generation of community leaders through two components: First, a summer 2012 eight-week paid summer internship with selected nonprofit organizations designed to provide opportunities for the students to develop and apply leadership skills through hands-on work experience, while raising their awareness of community issues addressed by their host organization and second, a week-long all-expense paid Student Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., July 15-20, 2012. Conducted in partnership with the Close Up Foundation, the Summit introduces students to aspects of civic, social and business leadership and provides them with knowledge and skills they will use throughout their life to create positive community change. The student must participate in the Summit to be eligible for this program.

Please note the application deadline of January 25, 2012. Students can apply here.

NEA Our Town livability grants available

The National Endowment for the Arts is offering a limited number of “Our Town” grants, ranging from $25,000 to $150,000, for creative placemaking projects that contribute toward the livability of communities and help transform them into lively, beautiful and sustainable places with the arts at their core. The grants will invest in creative and innovative projects in which communities, together with their arts and design organizations and artists, seek to: improve their quality of life, encourage creative activity, create community identity and a sense of place and revitalize local economies.

All applications must reflect a partnership that will provide leadership for the project. These partnerships must involve at least two primary partners: a nonprofit organization and a local government entity. One of the two primary partners must be a cultural (arts or design) organization.

Applications are due on March 31, 2012. More information is available here.

Lydon to speak this Sunday, January 22nd

This Sunday, January 22nd, at 11am, Mike Lydon of Street Plans Collaborative will be giving a free talk on “Ethical Issues in Urban Planning” at the Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island in Garden City. Coffee and light refreshments will follow at noon.

Lydon is the co-author of the Smart Growth Manual, and is deeply involved in issues relating to Smart Growth and New Urbanism. He is a founding member of the New England Chapter of the CNU, a Board Member for CNU New York and a steering committee member of the Next Generation of New Urbanists. Read more about Lydon here.

The Ethical Humanist Society is located at 38 Old Country Road in Garden City. Directions and more information are available here.

Attainable LI Awards Day and Dinner to be held on January 25th

The U.S. Green Building Council Long Island Chapter, United Way of Long Island and the Town of Babylon have teamed up for the first annual Attainable Green Home Competition Awards Day and Dinner, which will take place on January 25th at Carlyle on the Green in Farmingdale. Attainability for this competition refers to the ability of Long Island residents, of low to moderate income, to own and live in a single family home.

The Attainable LI partnership's mission is to transform the way homes are built and move toward constructing LEED-certified, environmentally-responsible housing that is financially attainable, durable, energy efficient and healthy to live in. The Attainable Housing movement is a grassroots effort to combine affordable and sustainable initiatives to provide responsible housing solutions that are replicable in mature suburban communities throughout the nation.

The event will discuss the design and construction of high performing yet affordable LEED homes, view designs and honor the winners of the Attainable LI Awards Competition, including top awardee Jeremy Schlicher of Urban Green Design Ltd. There is a $10,000 main prize, a Student Award and an Emerging Professional award. Other award categories include: creative design, best curb appeal, best use of technology, best use of sustainable landscaping (xeriscaping) and energy efficient design.

The competition was open to both professionals and students to find the best home designs that use building science and common sense design to help create the next generation of high performance homes that address issues of affordability, sustainability, efficiency and environmental design. The winning design is being built by the UWLI Youthbuild Program in conjunction with local contractors and volunteers in Wyandanch. The U.S. Green Building Council Long Island Chapter will assist the winning professional/team in all aspects related to LEED for Homes certification.

Speakers include: Steve Bellone, Suffolk County Executive; Michael Hervey, Chief Operating Officer at LIPA; Theresa A. Regnante, President, United Way of Long Island; Vince Capogna, USGBC-LI Executive Director; Sam Rashkin, Chief Architect, US DOE Building Technologies Program; and Bob Catell, Chairman, AERTC Stony Brook University & Chairman of the NYS Grid Consortium.

A session on continuing education will take place from 3-6pm. A cocktail hour begins at 6pm and the dinner is at 7pm. Tickets are $50 for continuing education sessions, $100 for dinner and $125 for the complete package of education and dinner. Please register here by January 20th.

Vision’s Elissa Ward to be honored with '40 Under 40' award on January 26th

Congratulations to Vision’s Elissa Ward, who was selected to receive one of this year’s Long Island Business News “40 Under 40” Awards! A gala will take place on January 26th from 6-10pm at the Crest Hollow Country Club to honor the awardees.

Though she has worked with Vision as a consultant for many years, Elissa formally joined the Vision Long Island team in 2009 as Sustainability Director. As a LEED AP, she helps keep the organization connected to environmental issues such as green building, carbon reduction, habitat and open space preservation and water quality protection. In addition, she provides technical assistance through the review of development proposals and road projects through a Smart Growth lens. She focuses in community design, most recently helping to organize a community planning process in Hicksville to revitalize its downtown area.

Elissa grew up on Long Island, a short walk from Huntington Village. After receiving her Bachelor of Architecture from Carnegie Mellon University, she returned to Long Island to work for ADL III Architecture, an architecture firm in Northport. As an associate and project manager at ADL III she has worked on numerous commercial and residential projects. In addition to her architectural work, she has also participated in many community design charrettes in towns and villages across Long Island as a member of the design team. At these visioning sessions, she has worked with community members to determine appropriate and desired projects as well as what sort of architectural form it should take. In addition, Elissa is also the past-Chairperson of the Huntington Historic Preservation Commission and a graduate of Leadership Huntington’s class of 2010.

The winners of this award represent intelligent, hard-working and dynamic men and women. Past awardees represent entrepreneurs, government, education, law, banking, not-for-profits and the high-tech industry.

View the full list of awardees and register on the LIBN website here.

The Vision team congratulates Elissa on this terrific honor!

NY-CT Sustainable Communities to team with HUD for Town Hall meeting on January 31st

On Tuesday, January 31st, New York–Connecticut Sustainable Communities and the US Department of Housing and Urban Development will hold a town hall meeting in order to gather public input on programs designed to link open space protection to downtown revitalization. This meeting will include a presentation on the work of the involved organizations as well as a discussion of Suffolk County’s efforts to accommodate population growth while protecting natural resources. There will also be information on how the partners are working to expand job and housing opportunities, how Suffolk and Nassau Counties are participating in the effort and how to receive preferred status for grant applications.

The New York–Connecticut Sustainable Communities Consortium is a partnership working with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and other federal agencies to create economic opportunity, housing options, transit and a better quality of life for you and your community. Speakers will include Paul Beyer from the NYS Department of State, Jennifer Cribbs from HUD, Adrienne Esposito from the Citizen’s Campaign for the Environment and Michael Kelly from Long Island Builder’s Institute.

For more information regarding this Town Hall Meeting, please contact Andrew Freleng via email or 631-853-5191. You can also check out NY-CT Sustainable Communities’ website or Facebook page for more informatino. Registration is available online as well.

LI Jobs With Justice offering Youth Organizer training on February 4th

Long Island Jobs With Justice will present Long Island Student/Youth Organizer Training on Saturday, February 4th from 9am to 8pm. The location is TBA. Youth or students ages 16-28 can participate. The training brings together young people from across Long Island to participate in popular-education based workshops. The workshops provide participants with tools and skills to be more strategic, tactical and effective in carrying out campaigns in the fight for economic justice on their college campuses and in their communities.

A full training schedule will be released shortly. Registration is now open and available here. For more information, contact Anita Halasz at 631-348-1170 ext. 310 or ahalasz.lijwj@gmail.com.

Suffolk County Housing Summit to be held on February 8th

Join fellow policymakers and thought leaders to strategize about our region's housing needs at the Suffolk County Housing Summit. This year's focus is on "ideas, policies, and paths forward." It will be held on February 8th from 9am-3:30pm at the Wang Center at SUNY Stony Brook.

The Housing Summit is hosted by the Suffolk County Planning Commission in conjunction with the Suffolk County Supervisors’ Association and the Suffolk County Village Officials’ Association. The luncheon keynote will be delivered by Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone. The agenda includes the presentation of fresh ideas on housing policy; “From the Front Lines” perspectives from municipal leaders, developers, financiers and advocates; and discussions about how to approach the challenges that lay ahead for Suffolk’s housing future.

The event is free but space is limited and registration is required before February 3rd. More information and registration are available here.

Have a Heart for the Homeless Candlelight Vigil on February 13th

Each year, the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless holds a Candlelight Vigil for the Homeless to raise awareness about the issue of homelessness across Long Island. The 2012 Vigil will be held on Monday, February 13th from 6 to 8pm at Farmingdale State College, located at 2350 Broad Hollow Road in Farmingdale on the Plaza and in the Multi-Purpose Room at Roosevelt Hall. The event features musical guests, speakers, a candle lighting ceremony, refreshments, plus lots of booths including face painting and free haircuts. LICH will be accepting donations of unused baby items, diapers, formula, unopened cleaning supplies, unopened toiletries, non-perishable food items, new clothing and coats, etc.

If you you are interested in conducting a drive for the Vigil, or if you want to help but need some ideas, visit the LICH website here or contact LICH at 516-742-7770 or gguarton@nsch.org or jking@nsch.org.

Check out what downtown theaters and performing arts centers are playing this weekend! Consider visiting a local bar or restaurant, or doing some shopping before or after the show.

Bay Street Theater
The Long Wharf, Sag Harbor:
William Powell and Myrna Loy Weekend: Love Crazy – Friday, January 20th at 8:00pm 
William Powell and Myrna Loy Weekend: The Thin Man – Saturday, January 21st at 8:00pm
Tickets and more information available here.

Boulton Center
37 West Main Street, Bay Shore:
NRBQ – Friday, January 20th at 8:00pm
Tickets and more information available here

John W. Engeman Theater
250 Main Street, Northport:
Broadway Concert Series: Broadway Spectrum – Saturday, January 21st at 8:00pm
Tickets and more information available here

Guildhall, John Drew Theater
158 Main Street, East Hampton:
The MET- Live in HD: The Enchanted Island – Saturday, January 21st at 1:00pm 
East Hampton Library Winter Film Festival: The Colors of The Mountain – Sunday, January 22nd at 4:00pm
Tickets and more information available here

Landmark on Main Street, the Jeanne Rimsky Theater
232 Main Street, Port Washington:
Stew and the Negro Problem – Saturday, January 21st at 8:00pm
Joan Osborne – Sunday, January 22nd at 2:00 pm
Tickets and more information available here

Patchogue Theater for the Performing Arts,
71 East Main Street, Patchogue:
The Vince Neil Band and The Ted Poley Band – Friday, January 20th at 7:30pm
Tickets and more information available here

The Paramount
370 New York Ave, Huntington:
Paramount Comedy Series – Friday, January 20th at 8:00pm 
Robert Earl Keen – Saturday, January 21st at 8:00pm
“Gameday for a GIANT Cause” Benefit to Boomer Esiason Foundation – Sunday, January 22nd at 2:00pm
Tickets and more information available here

Theatre Three
412 Main Street, Port Jefferson:
Jack and the Bean Stalk: School Performance – Saturday, January 21th at 11:00am and Sunday, January 22nd at 3:00pm
Proof – Friday, January 20th at 8:00pm, Saturday, January 21st at 8:00pm and Sunday, January 22nd at 7:00pm 
Friday Night Face Off Improv – Friday, January 20th at 10:30pm
Tickets and more information available here

Vail-Leavitt Music Hall
18 Peconic Avenue, Riverhead:
The Gathering of Slides – Saturday, January 21st at 7:30pm
Tickets and more information available here

Museums in or near Long Island downtowns:

Garvies Point Museum and Preserve
50 Barry Drive, Glen Cove
The museum is a center for research on Long Island geology, Native American archeology and natural history. Current exhibits feature, “The Seasonal Round”, an exploration through Long Island Native American life throughout the seasons. Exhibits on Long Island’s glacial formation, landform change and cultural evolution are on display. Prehistoric artifacts and audio descriptions add to the story of Long Island migrants, their lifestyles and interactions with newcomers such as Europeans. The museum has special educational programs to accommodate field trips and science research on the history of Long Island.
To arrange a visit, call 516-571-8011 and for information and brochures, visit their website

Fine Arts Museums of Long Island
295 Fulton Ave, Hempstead
The museum highlights pieces of contemporary and pre-Columbian art which have travelled internationally. It features innovative technologies such as, an interactive computer center, a video room and computer assisted art displays. These technologies give an innovative museum experience to enrich the value taken away by visitors. The 21st century experience is fitting for student field trips as well as visitors of all ages.
For information, visit their website or call 516-481-5700

Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum
Main Street, Cold Spring Harbor
The museum explores the relationship between Long Islanders and the sea through. It details the history of the regional whaling industry, whale conservation and the history of Cold Spring Harbor as a maritime port. A new exhibit, “Right Whales”, highlights the biology, history and decline of the Right Whale. Exhibits featuring New York’s only fully-equipped 19th century whaleboat, ship logs and correspondence as well as whaling and maritime artifacts. Art programs are available for all ages.
For information, visit their website or call 631-367-3418

East Hampton Historical Society
101 Main Street, East Hampton
The headquarters for the East Hampton Historical Society, the house is an example of life in the post-colonial era in the East End. It features historic furnishings and crafts built by local craftsmen of the time. The Historical Society also has four other museums and town houses including one of New York’s first educational academies and a colonial town government meeting house.
For information, visit their website or call 631-324-6850

Heckscher Museum
2 Prime Avenue, Huntington
Located in Hecksher Park, the museum features collections of European and American paintings which spans over 500 years of Western art. Photography has become a growing part of the collection as well. Current exhibits include “A Way with Words: Text in Art”, which displays the incorporation of text in visual art and “Coming of Age in America : The Photography of Joseph Szabo”, which portraits adolescence of Long Island through time with a look at summers spent at the beach. The museum also features educational experiences for students and adults and will exhibit Long Island’s best young artists in April.
For information, visit their website or call 631-351-3250

Hicksville-Gregory Museum
Intersection of Heitz Place and Bay Avenue, Hicksville
The museum includes a history of the Heitz Place Courthouse and a collection of earth science materials to describe the natural history of the area. It features one of the few remaining Long Island lock-ups and is one of the few remaining courthouses standing from before Nassau County split from Queens. The earth science exhibit in the museum has recent additions of a Mosasaur skull, prehistoric amber and the horn of a Triceratops horridus. The educational program at the museum offers experiences in paleontology, dynamic earth processes and investigating butterflies and moths.
For information, visit their website or call 516-822-7505

Islip Art Museum
50 Irish Lane, East Islip
The museum is the leading exhibition space for contemporary art on Long Island, featuring work from international, national and emerging local artists. It is said to be the best facility of its kind outside of Manhattan. Current exhibits feature “Jam Session”, a holiday exhibit featuring paintings and sculptures influenced by music. The museum’s store features one of a kind jewelry, crafts and art work. Educational opportunists are also offered at the museum through its Cultural School of Arts.
For information, visit their website or call 631-224-5402

Long Island Maritime Museum
88 West Avenue, West Sayville
Featuring 14 acres with 9 historic buildings on the West Sayville waterfront, the museum preserves Long Island’s maritime history and heritage. It is committed to research, preservation and interpretation of the region’s nautical history and the relationship to Long Island’s natural history. The Elward Smith Library houses racing trophies and records of over 500 wrecks and groundings in the Long Island waters. The other buildings feature rotating exhibits of maps, photos, newspapers and personal accounts of maritime history. Also highlighted are boats and materials left behind by the US Life Saving Service. For information, visit their website.

Museum of the Village of Rockville Centre-Phillips House
28 Hempstead Ave, Rockville Centre
The museum is a restored 19th century Victorian home which displays life in Rockville Centre in the 19th and 20th centuries. It features furnishings, antique kitchen tools, carpentry tools and clothing of the time period. The museum is considered one of the finest small museums in the state and there is never an entrance fee for special events or exhibits.
For information, visit their website or call 516-766-0300

Oyster Bay Historical Society
20 Summit Street, Oyster Bay
The Earle-Wightman House built in 1720, gives a picture of life in Oyster Bay during the colonial period and its transition through the mid-20th Century. It features an 18th century garden, maintained by the North Country Garden Club, holds ornamental plantings as well as herbs used for cooking, medical purposes and fragrances. Exhibited are postcard, photograph, map and newspaper collections. Current exhibition, “Women Wearing History: The Force Behind Fashion”, details women’s influence on the textile and fashion industry in the 19th and 20th centuries.
For information, visit their website or call 516-922-5032

Port Jefferson Historical Society
115 Prospect Avenue, Port Jefferson
The Mather House Museum, the headquarters of The Historical Society of Greater Port Jefferson, and features several exhibitions of local artifacts. The museum complex features the 19th century home, a country store, a marine barn, a tool shed, the Spinney Clock Museum and the Thomas Jefferson Perennial Garden. Exhibitions feature ship models, period furniture and paintings, vintage tools and clothing, antique dolls, taped oral histories, 250 antique clocks and other examples of life in the 19th century.
For information, visit their website or call 631-473-2665

Sag Harbor Whaling and Historical Museum
Main and Garden Streets, Sag Harbor
The museum details Sag Harbor’s whaling industry through the 19th century and its impact on the culture and development of the area. It details how the whaling industry brought migrants from all over the globe and turned the port into an international destination. Artifacts left by whalers, antique tools, harpoons, captains’ portraits, antique furnishings and children’s toys are all on display at the museum.
For information, visit their website or call 631-725-0770

Sayville Historical Society
Edwards Street, Sayville
The museum is the headquarters to the Sayville Historical Society. The museum aims to foster historical spirit, encourage historical research and to preserve historical materials. The museum features products of both Sayville and other Suffolk localities. The Society holds 4 historic buildings, 1,500 items of clothing, 1,000 photographs, a map collection and numerous classic furnishings. Its collection is constantly growing and tours of the Edward Homestead offer a view at the area through its history.
For information, visit their website or call 631-563-0186

Sea Cliff Village Museum
95 Tenth Avenue, Sea Cliff
The museum presents changing exhibits on the history and culture of Sea Cliff. It strives to raise community awareness by preserving artifacts, photographs and costumes relating to the unique historical background of the village. It contains 287 photos taken by Long Island postcard photographer, Henry Otto Korten. Currently exhibited, “Then and Now…” displays a range of artifacts and costumes over a 125 year span. Exhibits include the Connor Cottage, Victorian Kitchen, and a historical town diorama.
For information, visit their website or call 516-671-0090

Smithtown Township Arts Council
660 Route 25A, Smithtown
The Council aims to enrich the township and surrounding area’s quality of life through celebrating and supporting the arts in everyday life. It is a goal to make art accessible to people of all backgrounds. It Mills Pond House is a valuable place in its preserved traditions as well as its evolving and unique influences. Current exhibit, “Winners Showcase” displays the artistic development and achievements of the region and nation. Classes in jewelry making, poster design, scrapbooking, pottery, drawing and several other skills and topics are available. The Council has also partnered with local downtown businesses to display local artists’ work.
For information, visit their website or call 631-862-6575

Southampton Historical Society
17 Meeting House Lane, Southampton
The Southampton Historical Society was created to preserve the town’s history as well as history from the surrounding area. Its Rogers Mansion Museum features year round exhibits, a research center and education programs for children and adults. Current exhibits include “Shopkeepers of Southampton: Photographs by Davis Gaffga”, which gives a detailed look into historic businesses which helped shape downtown and community. Its research center allows for visitors to conduct research with a professional research assistant. Collections feature antique furnishings, a classic parlor room and dining hall and photographs of the 1938 historic hurricane.
For information, visit their website or call 631-268-2494

Freeport Historical Museum
350 S Main Street, Freeport
Housed in a Civil War cottage, the museum chronicles Freeport's history through the 20th century. On display are a spinning wheel from the town’s oldest house, vaudeville-era items, waterfront memorabilia, a 1930s television and a 1777 13-star flag. The museum holds a collection of historic postcards and high school yearbooks from the early 1900s to present day.
For information, visit their website or call 979-233-3526

Palace Galleries
117 Middle Neck Road, Great Neck
The museum features highly distinctive collections of antiques, artworks and fine furnishings from around the world. It is a premier art dealer dating back to 1971 and features expertise in 17th to 19th century works. The gallery experience offers the opportunity to not only view fine art but to purchase a piece which stands out.
For information, call 516-439-5218

Long Beach Historical Museum
226 W. Penn Street, Long Beach
The museum, operated by the Long Beach Historical and Preservation Society, is a classic Craftsman-style summer villa. The house built in 1909, features large stain glass windows which are a hallmark of classic Long Beach estates. The house and backyard are furnished with local artifacts, including an original broadwalk bench, photographs and archaeological findings. The garden features original stock rose bushes.
For information, visit their website.

Nassau

Clearview Grand Avenue
1841 Grand Avenue, Baldwin
516-223-2323
clearviewcinemas.com

Bellmore Movies
222 Pettit Avenue, Bellmore
516-783-7200

Glen Cove Theatres
5 School Street, Glen Cove
516-671-6866
www.glencovetheatres.com

Clearview Squire Cinemas Great Neck
115 Middle Neck Road, Great Neck
516-466-2020
clearviewcinemas.com

Long Beach Cinema
179 East Park Avenue, Long Beach
516-431-2400

Clearview Manhasset 3
430 Plandome Road, Manhasset
516-627-7887
clearviewcinemas.com

Clearview Port Washington
116 Main Street, Port Washington
516-756-2589
clearviewcinemas.com

Clearview Roslyn Theatre
20 Tower Place, Roslyn
516-756-2589
clearviewcinemas.com

Seaford Cinemas
3951 Merrick Road, Seaford
516-409-8700
seafordcinemas.com

Suffolk

Clearview's Babylon Cinemas
34 Main Street, Babylon
clearviewcinemas.com

AMC Loews Theatres – Shore 8
37 Wall Street, Huntington
888-262-4386
amctheatres.com

Cinema Arts Centre
423 Park Ave, Huntington
631-423-7611
cinemaartscentre.org

Islip Cinemas
410 West Main Street, Islip
631-581-5200

Sayville Theatre
103 Railroad Avenue, Sayville
631-589-0232
sayvillecinemas.com

A SmartTalk viewer sent us this banner, on display in the Buckingham's Variety Store front window in Oyster Bay. The reader notes that the store has been featuring local crafts. Great find!