Town of Oyster Bay Creates Department of Economic Development

Bad communication can stone-wall any growth. As a means of opening up the lines of communication between potential developers and the Town of Oyster Bay, the town is creating a new department that would work as a mediator between the parties and assist in having projects approved by the zoning board that are desirable to both sides.
According to TOB supervisor John Venditto, the Department of Economic Development’s (DED) goal is to “be a central depot where developers can go with an idea about a project and talk with people who have an understanding of the personality and needs of the town.” Together with the help of the department, a developer can determine in the early stages if a project is worth pursuing with the zoning board.
Venditto recalls, “seeing too many applications fail for lack of communication. Communication is a funny thing. When communication goes badly a lot of trouble starts. However, when there is good communication it can create more open-mindedness in the people and in the community.”
The department will understand that for a developer “time is money,” Venditto recognizes that, “The more time you spend in the system and try to figure out whether or not you have an acceptable project, the more money you have to invest. Then when someone says ‘no’ you are out a considerable amount of money.” Venditto believes, “we can start the process earlier. Developers will have a place to go where people are speaking with authority and knowledge. We can really streamline the process and get out applications that are good for this town and weed out the ones that are not desirable.”
As a helpful tool for the developer, the DED will be a place to go to get a straight-forward evaluation of their proposals. For TOB and its residents Venditto thinks, “it will be valuable because it will allow us the opportunity to confront the issues of a project. It will also help us to evaluate our needs and have projects evolve that are sensible and are going to add to the quality of life in our town.”
The department, which is hoped to be in operation by April 1st, will consist of a team of 10 to 12 existing town employees who will be reassigned to the department. There will be clerical staff, development experts and a management team. All positions come from within the town so Venditto wants to assure the taxpayers that, “there is no expansion of the budget with additional costs or salaries.”
A developer’s participation with the DED is optional. Developers that chose not to utilize the department’s services will still have the right to file an application with the Board. “Nothing changes in that regard. Nobody loses anything. There are no compulsions,” the supervisor said. Nevertheless, Venditto confided, “I feel that it is important to open the lines of communication between the developer and the Town with a view toward more desirable and needed projects.”
The supervisor acknowledged, “Often a developer goes into a hearing and there is already a predisposition. There just is, whether it is favorable or not. With this process we could have a negotiating process that would take into account the desires of both sides.” For the TOB supervisor, “it seems like a reasonable, sensible and intelligent way to approach so many of the proposals.”
Pertaining to the editorial seen in Newsday on Tuesday, January 15th titled, “Is Oyster Bay Sincere About Development?” Venditto wanted to address the concerns of some who are “worried that this department will be used as more as a shield than a sword.” AS he attests, “They are wrong. If you are a developer this is a good thing. Win, lose or draw, by going through the DED with your application you are going to get more attention and better service. This department will create a better sense of dialogue between perspective developers and the town and its residents. This kind of communication in terms of a desirable or needed project is priceless. Better communication will give rise to better development.”

-Faith Rackoff

reprinted from the 1/18/08 issue of the Oyster Bay Guardian

Dr. Wadyal Celebrates 25 Years in Oyster Bay

When Dr. Surinder S. Wadyal, DVM came to the United States in 1973, on a special science visa, he intended on staying for a few years and then returning to his homeland India. However after almost 35 years in the U.S. and 25 years as the owner of Oyster Bay Animal Hospital, located at 64 Pine Hollow Road, Dr. Wadyal has become a pillar in the community and considers the Oyster Bay-East Norwich vicinity his home.
As Dr. Wadyal explained, “I have a lot of opportunities to go back to India. I usually visit there about twice a year to see my friends and family there, but Oyster Bay is my home.”
Although he is an active member of the community who has served on the board of the Boys & Girls Club of Oyster Bay-East Norwich and is a member of the Oyster Bay Rotary Club and the Theodore Roosevelt Association, he purchased the animal hospital not knowing anything about the area. Dr. Wadyal had hit a salary at the practice he was working for in New Hyde Park. His employer and mentor Dr. Anthony Crawford recommended that Dr. Wadyal follow the American Dream and start his own practice. Dr. Donald Beck, who opened the Oyster Bay animal hospital in 1964, had the office for sale. With the help of Dr. Crawford, Dr. Wadyal purchased the animal hospital form Dr. Beck.
A resident of East Norwich for the past 23 years, both his son Raj, 28, and daughter Komal, 23, have been schooled throughout the Oyster Bay-East Norwich School District. In the spring Dr. Wadyal and his wife Jatinder, who he credits as being his “rock,” will celebrate the graduations of both of their children. Raj Wadyal will graduate from American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine in St. Maarten. Komal Wadyal will graduate with her Master’s degree in public health from Drexel University, located in Philadelphia, PA.
In addition to being involved in his community Dr. Wadyal is committed to his profession. He is a member and past president of the Long Island Veterinary Medicine Association (LIVMA) and continuously participates in local as well as national continuing education classes. In 2004, the LIVMA honored Dr. Wadyal with the veterinarian of the Year award.
Besides his medical practice that assists with the tradition cats and dogs as well as a few goats and sheep, Dr. Wadyal has a history of volunteering his skills when the situation arises. He assisted at Ground Zero after the tragic events of September 11th, 2001. Caring for the dogs that were of the search and rescue teams as well as the recovery teams, veterinarians from the tri-state area volunteered his skills and worked 12-hour shifts for weeks giving medical treatment to the dogs just as doctors were treating workers.
In addition he also helped with the transported pets form the Hurricane Katrina disaster to the New York area. For his efforts he has been awarded the New York State Senate Liberty Award by the State Senator Carl Marcellino, in 2006 for as Marcellino describes his, “selfless and courageous service to victims of the Hurricane Katrina Disaster.”
Dr. Wadyal considers the animals he treats like his children. As such, he worries about who will take care of them as time goes on. Although he has no plans of going anywhere he is planning for the inevitable future. He is actively looking for a successor who shares his views and his love of veterinary medicine.
Oyster Bay Animal Hospital is a full-service facility that treats, grooms and boards traditional domesticated animals. Lab work and surgery can also be done on premises. The office is open seven days a week. Office hours are Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and Friday from 7:30am to 5pm and Sunday from 9am to 5pm. For more information, call (516) 624-Pets (7387).
-Faith Rackoff
reprinted in the 1/04/08 issue of the Oyster Bay Guardian

Dr. Watson Retires from CSH Laboratory

After nearly 40 years of service Dr. James D. Watson, 79 retired as chancellor of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL), as well as from the CSHL Board on Thursday, October 25th. This announcement comes the heels of the board’s decision to suspend Dr. Watson as that result some derogatory comments he made that were published in that October 14th issue of the Sunday Times Magazine out of London.
Dr. Watson, who won that Noble Prize, with Francis Crick, in 1962 for the discovery of the DNA structure, Issued a statement that explained ,” Closer now to 80 than 79, the passing on of my remaining vestiges of leadership is more then overdue.” In 1968 he was appointed Director of CSHL then served as its president from 1994 until 2003.
In press statements issued by both Dr. Watson and CSHL it appears that that both parties are working toward highlighting the achievements of Dr. Watson and Cold Spring Harbor Lab while minimizing that attention away from the comments made by Dr. Watson to his former protégée Charlotte Hunt-Grubbe, who authored that article. It was published that Dr. Watson expressed that he was “inherently gloomy about the prospect of Africa” because “all of our social policies are based on the fact that their intelligence is the same as ours- whereas all the testing says not really”.
Neither party mentions the published comments in their statements but Dr. Watson did mention that, “The circumstances in which this transfer is occurring are not those which I could ever have anticipated or desired.” Dr. Watson issues an apology after that media publicized his remarks, but never said he was misquoted. He also mentions that thee past week’s events made him reflect on the moral values of his Scot-Irish heritage that are “guided by a faith in reason: an honest application of its messages; and for social justice, especially the need for those on top to help care for the less fortunate.”
Focusing on the progress that CSHL has made and will continue to make, both parties released statements that were words of honor and hope. Dr. Watson referred to the fact that the “Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory is not one of the world’s premier sites for biological research and education.” He also mentioned that because of the laboratory and scientific advancement that answers concerning cancer as well as mental health will soon discover. As he expressed. “Finally victory is within our grasp.”
Nothing that, “Dr. Watson transformed a small facility into one of the world’s great education and research institutions,” the CSHL statement paid homage to achievements of Dr. Watson and the laboratory. His accomplishments include: initiating a program to study the cause of human cancer” and CSHL a broad cancer program, plant biology, neuroscience, and computational biology.” CSHL had also expanded its “science educational programs under Dr. Watson’s direction to include the famed Banbury Center and the DNA Learning Center that teaches middle and High School students and their teachers.”
Eduardo Meastre, Chairman of the Board of CSHL, said, “Dr. Watson had made immeasurable contributions to the Laboratory’s research and educational programs. His legacy as 1962 Nobel Prize laureate for describing the structure of DNA will continue to influence biomedical research for decades to come. The Board respects his decision to retire at this point in his career. We have great confidence in Dr. Bruce Stillman, who since 1994 has served as Director, then president, His leadership of CSHL’s 400 scientists will ensure the best environment for groundbreaking research.”
Dr. Stillman said, “Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory had been at the forefront of the research ever since it’s founding in 1890, but Jim Watson created a research environment that is unparalleled in the world of science. It was that environment that attracted me here 28 years ago. As one of the most highly rated research institutions in the world today, our many award-winning thanks to be extraordinary, young talent works here. We all owe Jim and his wife Liz a great deal of gratitude for devoting much of his professional career and all of their married life to building up Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory into leading research center. Jim’s legacy will not only include CSHL and the double helix, but his pioneering efforts that led to the sequencing of the human genome and his innovations in science writing and education...”
CSHL has served as home to a total of seven Nobel Prize-winning scientists. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory is a private , non- profit research and education institution dedicated to exploring molecular biology and genetics in order to advance the understanding and ability to diagnose and treat cancers, neurological diseases and other causes of human suffering.
Under the terms of his retirement Dr. Watson will be able to retain his home and office, both located on the grounds of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
-Faith Rackoff
reprinted from the 11/02/07 issue of the Oyster Bay Guardian

Gallego and Matthews "Fight For Charity"

Two prominent Oyster Bay figures participated in the 5th annual Long Island’s Fight for Charity boxing event before a sold out crowd at the Hilton in Melville on Monday, November 19th. President of Oyster Bay Chamber of Commerce Alex Gallego of East Norwich and noted sports Newsday reporter Wallace Matthews, who lives in Oyster Bay, trained hard and volunteered to be at the Mercy of the ring as a means of raising funds and spreading awareness for local charities and the vital programs and services they provide.
Committing themselves to the arduous training and the $5,000 entry fee, these gentlemen joined 18 other participants in filling the fight card bill. Each of the ten bouts was broken up into 3 2-minute rounds. The fighters were required to work out three days a week with Tony Forntunato of Eye of the Tiger Boxing., who assisted each boxer in gaining the experience, skills and confidence needed to prepare for the main event.
Alex “El Torito” – the Baby Bull” Gallego, who is the first vice president/ branch manager at Stiffel Nicolaus, which is located at 50 Audrey Ave in Oyster Bay, has been active with the Long Island’s Fight for Charity for years, but this year was the first time he stepped into the ring.
With the gusto that he applies to every other aspect of his life Gallego both exceeded the training and the financial target goals. In addition to training at Powerhouse gym in Farmingdale with the other contenders, he utilized the resources in the Oyster Bay as he worked out at both Evolution Fitness and Fitness Together. Then the Baby Bull pulled together enough sponsors to raise almost $8,000 toward the $3,000 more than the requested donation.
L.I.’s Fight for Charity pools together all of the money raised and then distributes a percentage of sum to a charity of the fighters’ choice. Gallego chose to have the proceeds support the Hispanic Cultural Center’s (Centro Cultural Hispano) CARE program, which provides an after-school program to children at James H. Vernon Middle school in East Norwich and Theodore Roosevelt Elementary school in Oyster Bay for children whose parents’ first language is not English. It provides a safe environment for kids to receive help with their homework and language skills away from negative influences outside of the home. Gallego remembers that, “Once I found out my fighting would help CARE, it was an easy decision.”
On the night of their 12th wedding anniversary, Rosemarie Gallego watched from the crowd with their three children, Natalie, A.J. and Anna, in anticipation as her husband went up against Brian “Hyatt Hitman” Kramer in the 6th match of the evening. Kramer is the General Manager of the Hyatt Regency Long Island at Wind Watch Golf Club. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Long Island Convention and Visitors Bureau as well as serving on Long Island Hotel and Motel Association’s Golf Committee and is involved in a number of charities including Relay for Life and MS Walks.
“I was so nervous watching him up there,” admitted Mrs. Gallego. She had been supportive of her husband through the entire process, but nothing prepared her for the sight of seeing him the ring.
Despite any anxiety, from the ringing of the bell of the first round until the final moments of the bout, Gallego dominated the match. Kramer spent most of the time blocking and covering, while El Torito chased him around the ring giving him an occasional jab or hook. Although the judges determined that all of the fighters were considered winners, the crowd screamed, “Bull! Bull! Bull!” upon the completion of Gallego’s match, affirming his dominance.
After the match watched by a crowd of about 1,200 people Gallego recalled the experience as “very exciting” but “glad it was over.” He stated that he was, “not really ready to fight in front of all these people.” He was amazed that, “when you are up there it goes by very quick.”
Wallace “The Oyster Bay Bomber” Matthews was sponsored by Newsday for this event. Matthews was one of the more experienced fighters of the evening. Although he had not competed in ten years, he has competed in numerous amateur and white collar boxing tournaments in the past. He even fought in the New York Golden Gloves as a middleweight in 1977. Since there were no fighters in the area who could match his skill, the L.I. Fight for Charity had to import an opponent for Matthews. Frank “Hands Up” Fitts, who resides in Stone Ridge and City Island with his wife and three kids, was willing to take on the challenge.
Matthews who can be seen regularly running throughout the hamlet of Oyster Bay, was full of adrenaline as he hit ring. Fitts appeared more as a stand in than a viable opponent. Matthews’ precision and speed was a reflection of his skill and Fitts was blinded by the Oyster Bay Bomber’s ability. There was no question at the end of the contest that Matthews was the better boxer.

-Faith Rackoff
reprinted from the 11/23/07 issue of the Oyster Bay Guardian

Proposed Sewer Treatment Plant Causes Stir in LV

On Meleny Road, a residential road located in a Locust Valley community known as the Birches, Nassau County in agreement with the Town of Oyster Bay, is working on a plan to build a sewer treatment plant a mere 15 feet away from someone’s house. The sewer treatment plant is considered the solution to the excess effluent discharge that has caused the pollution of the Mill Neck Creek and resulted in the county being fined by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation ( NYSDEC).
Some homes within the Birches, particularly those on Allen Drive and Michael F Street, have problems with their cesspools and flooding. Nassau County Legislator Diane Yatauro (18th District) Points out that the problem is so bad that, “ there are people that have not only replaced their cesspools, but have had to ass additional cesspools. One home in particular has four cesspools.” She further explained, “Many homeowners do not use their dishwashers or their washing machines because their cesspool fills up so fast.”
The cost of filling up the cesspools and connecting a house’s pluming to the facility’s pipes will be at the expense of the homeowner, which will on average cost about 12,000. Each homeowner will be required to switch over to the sewer system by a specific deadline or they will be subjected to a fine.
However, not every home has problems with their cesspool. Under the proposed plan, about 60 homes will be obligated to fill up their existing cesspools, at their own expense, and hook up to the sewer system. Those homeowners who are not having problems are outraged. Resident Kathy Carney Protests that, “I have not had any problems with my cesspool and yet I will be forced to pay to have my cesspool filled up and join a system I didn’t need to begin with. That’s not right.” Town Councilwoman Elizabeth Faughnan explained, “Once a sewer district created, it will be mandatory for all of the residents to hook up to it.” However, the town would waive the hook up fees. In addition, Yatauro and the country understands the financial strain that the cost will inflict on the resident, it is a big concerns for us right now.” She said. “The county is looking into what can be doe to defer some of the costs. Since the project will be done under one umbrella, we are looking to see who we can work with to help us defray the expense.”
The $6 million inter-municipal project, which split the cost of the construction of the plant between Nassau County and the Town of Oyster Bay, Will all include the re-pavement of the roads within the Birches community. The NYDEC has also agreed to contribute a grant of 522,500 towards the proposal.
The plot of land being looked at on Meleny Road already contains underground chlorination tank that was built in 1983. In 1999, the NYSDEC found that the discharge form the disinfectant tank continually exceeded the limitations fort the pollutants that the State Pollution Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) permit place on the discharge. The original tank continues to operate and still pours pollutants beyond that of the limitations into the Creek.
Yatauro, who is running for re-election on November 6th, admits there are a few homes that do not have a cesspool problem. She claims that their excess discharge is also running into Mill Neck Creek. “There is a pollution issue and that’s what the NYSDEC is fining the town and the county for. The Village of Bayville does a water test annually because of the growing concern of the pollution problem, so everyone needs to be part of the infiltration system other wise we are not going to change the health of the Creek at all.” Yatauro suggest a different perception.” Os we just forgot about all the constituents needs and look at it form an environmental aspect, in this day and age there should not be the level of coliform and other things that are in the pond,” she said.
As a joint project, Nassau County and the Town of Oyster Bay introduced the idea of building a membrane bioreactor (MBT) sewage treatment plant to the residence of the Birches at the meeting held on August 27th. At the meeting, it was explained that MBR technology was chosen for its small footprint, its effectiveness at removing pathogens and nitrogen, and the small amount of residual sludge produced. It was also explained to the residents that the site between 22 and 24 Meleny Road was considered the optimal site for the MBR facility because of its proximity to the wetlands, the slope of the land and its existing outfall pipe. Yatauro admits that the Meleny Road plot is that only location that “will work for $6 million without having to escalate further.”
With the notion of the sewer treatment plant being built a few feet away from their homes, the homeowners on Meleny Road were filled with questions and concerns. First was the question of location. The home of Dr. Alan Nelson, who lives at 22 Meleny Road, is just 15 feet away from proposed building. Nick Cavagnaro’s house, 24 Meleny Road, is 22 feet a way from the proposed building they questioned if is was safe to build any type of sewer treatment plan so close to a residential community. To appease the residents the county supplied those interested with a list of MBR facilities and the contact information to arrange site visits. Cavagnaro spoke of how they went to view some of the sites and that none of the locations listed where remotely close to the proximity of houses. In fact, that closest plant was a full commercial size parking lot away from a house for seniors. It did not compare to the 5 yard away from Dr. Nelsons dining room window.
“We want to be sure that the people who are going to live closest to the facility will be comfortable with what is going on. We want them to help us design the building. They can pick whether it is a brick building of a house with shingles. They can tell us what type of trees they want in the lot.” Assured Yatauro.
“The issue is more than esthetic,” expressed Susanne Seperson, who lives across the street from the proposed lot. “It is not about the esthetics. I am sure they will make it look as pleasing as possible. It is really about the health and safety. Would you want your children to play around a sewage plant?” continuing about the health and safety issues she said, “everything I have read says that there is a long-term health risk. You know that if people can blame breast cancer on the quality of water. Nevertheless, there is a correlation. The health concerns are genuine concerns, not fantasy, and nobody wants to address it because it is not immediate.”
In response to the heath and safety concerns, Yatauro said, “This is similar to what a cell tower is. If you believe or you read that there is a health risk associated with cell towers then there is no way that anyone can convince you that there isn’t. We have done our homework and we have identified that there is not a health risk issue for this plant in any way. It is going to smell better there. There will not be waste in the area. It’s going to change their lives considerably”
However when the same concern was shared with faughman, who is running against Yatauro for the seat in the country legislature, she said, “I understand their concern. But federal lay does not allow for local governments to look at health risks so I don’t really know.” Faughnan went on to say,” No matter what, having a treatment plant is much better than the raw sewage that is out in the Creek now.”
Would you want to live next door to a sewer treatment plant? “No, I wouldn’t, “Confined Faughman. The Meleny Road residents suggested other locations for the plant, one on the elbow of Michael F Street, the other on Bayville Road by the Tides Motel. However, they were told that no other location was a feasible option.
The property close to the Tides Motel has already been accepted as State Protected Wetlands. In order to overturn that categorization it would require two consecutive state legislatures to pass a bill that would declassify the land.
As for that land suggested ton Michael F Street that county answered that, “there is no guarantee from that NYSDEC as to whether that County would receive permits to proceed.” Also that, “Our preliminary layouts indicate that the treatment building will be between 30 and 40 feet from adjacent property lines. This clearance assumes that a variance is received from that NYSDEC on the offset from a regulated wetland. If offsets are not approved building on this lot would not be feasible.”
The Meleny Road plot is 15 feet away from a property line, yet the town, the county and the NYDEC seem determined to build the sewer treatment plan there. Town consultants Hal Mayer and John Elswork explained that, “because of the pre-existing chlorination tank, the treatment plant is being looked at as an upgrade process as compared to starting a project from zero.” Many of the regulations and permits can bypassed as a result.
To the residents living on Meleny Road the implementation of the sewer treatment plant seems more like major construction than the mere expansion of the existing chlorination tank. The initial plan for the existing chlorination tank was to handle the excess water of 23 homes. The MBR- facility will take care of the solid waste, effluent discharge and wastewater of up to 60 homes. In addition, the residents will have to deal with a truck interrupting their quiet community once a mother to remove sludge builds up from the plant.
Property value is another major concern for those involved. That homeowners worry that the value of their homes will plummet if a sewer treatment plant is built too close. Yatauro blames those residents that brought the issue of the facility to the media for any recent property value decline. She has spoke with several real estate agents and it is their opinion that, “No one wants to touch those houses. No one wants to have a problem with the septic system. “ Yatauro claims that by “identifying that there is a way for you to live normally it will actually help that property values.” She acknowledges that the five homeowners who adamantly object to the plant would disagree vehemently. “The market is soft, these people have beautiful homes and they will have new roads, they will have the curb cuts the way they want them. I think that living on the water and not having a it smell will be very advantageous to those who live there now.” There is not denial that there is an issue with the pollution of Mill Neck Creek as well as some homes’ cesspool systems. Nevertheless, for the residents of Meleny Road who are subject to living in close proximity to the sewer treatment plant their main concern is that the County and Town of Oyster Bay remember to consider that homeowners’ health and safety first
-Faith RAckoff
reprinted from the 11/2/07 issue of the Oyster Bay Guardian

Marty's Party Opens Second Store in Bayville

After 21 years in the Oyster Bay-East Norwich area Marty’s Party, a party goods/cards store, has opened its second location in Bayville. The new store, located at 70 Bayville Avenue in Bayville, is next door to the IGA Food Basket in the Northwood Shopping Center. The shop was formerly known as Special Moments.
Delighted to be in Bayville, Marty Green and his wife of 32 years Peggy have partnered up with their son Michael and his fiancée Melinda Rodriguez to open this location. Having considered for many years to expand beyond Oyster Bay, it wasn’t until the opportunity arose that Green knew the time was right. The former owner of Special Moments is a personal friend of Green. His friend said he wanted to get out of the business and he offered Green the opportunity to buy the store. Green recalls that, “Knowing the store, knowing him, and knowing the community it was a no brainer.” He believes that the store will be very successful in Bayville because he said, “We have already been embraced by the community. It was a natural extension to come to Bayville.”
Green attests that the key to success in a small town is personal service. “You can’t go into the mall and develop a relationship. However, you can do it in a small town. People get to like you and you become part of the family.” Green feels it’s important to have a staff that is “friendly, clean-cut and would represent you.” Green added, “We provide customers with the service they will not get in big stores. They do not have the ability to give that kind of attention.” At Marty’s Party he says the difference is, “Whether it is the biggest balloon job you want or the smallest balloon job you can think of, you’ll get the owners doing it.”
Green is proud of what her calls his “product availability,” which goes back to customer service. “If I don’t have something, I’ll get it,” he said. “You can come in with any kind of request on any day except Friday and I can have it for you the next day. And that’s what has made us successful in the Oyster Bay store (265 Pine Hollow road). We have the ability and equipment to handle any size job.” AS an example, Green described the current state if his business in the midst of a worldwide helium shortage. “Right now there is a worldwide helium shortage, it is a very big problem in the industry and we seem to be the only ones around that can get the helium. The reason is that we have made a lot of friends over the past 20 years and we have made connections that allow us to get things that no one else can get, and I’m willing to pay the price. The price right now is very high and has unfortunately increased the price of balloons but its like gasoline with supply and demand. We buy a better grade helium at a very high price. Unfortunately we had to increase the price of balloons by 14% but our customers understand.”
If you are dependable and reliable, which we are, the customer will trust you’, Green confided. “Reputation is something that is very important and we pride ourselves on our reputation.”
For more info, about Marty’s Party in Bayville, call (516) 628-3205.
-Faith Rackoff
reprinted from the 11/9/07 issue of the Oyster Bay Guardian

Dr. Watson Suspended from CSH Laboratories

Dr. James D. Watson, the Nobel Laureate, who helped establish Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories as a leading genetic research facility., was suspended from his administrative responsibilities as chancellor of the Watson School of Biological Sciences and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. This suspension ws a direct reaction to racist comments Dr. Watson made which were then published in the October 14th edition of The Sunday Times Magazine out of London.
In an interview with his former Protégée, Charlotte Hunt-Grubbe, to promote his new book Avoid Boring People: Lessons from a Life in Science, Dr. Watson, 79, expressed that he was “inherently gloomy about the prospect of Africa” because “ all of our social policies are based on the fact that their intelligence is the same as ours- whereas all the testing says not really.” He went on to say that while he wished that everyone were equal “people who have to deal with black employees find this not true.”
Dr. Watson , who won the Noble Prize, with Francis Crick, for the discovery of the DNA structure, has a history of making outrageous comments. In 1968, while promoting his book, The Double Helix: A Personal Account of the Discovery of the Structure if DNA, he made a bold statement about the importance of a woman’s looks. Ten years ago, the Sunday Telegraph quoted Dr. Watson in reference to abortion as saying, “if you could find the gene which determines sexuality and a women decides that she doesn’t want a homosexual child , well , let her(abort the fetus).” When speaking before an audience at the University of California, Berkeley, in 2000, he spoke of a link between skin color and sex drive. Despite his continual political incorrectness no action was even taken against Dr. Watson and his legacy. Known for being outspoken, Dr. Watson admits in the October 14th article that , “ If I believe something then I’ll say it. I figure , generally , at least half the time I am reflecting common sense, which is not a lie.” Dr. Watson also claimed, “ The time is surely not far off when academia would have no choice but to hand Political correctness back to the politicians.” For friends that know and have worked with Dr. Watson his remarks were typical. In a follow up article released on October 21st on Times Online Hunt Grubbe states, “ Colleagues expect Watsons conversations to be peppered with ‘ un-PC’ comments. It is part of his character.”
As a result of his latest comments, Cold Spring Laboratory’s Board of Trustees has taken action against Dr. Watson for the first time. In an emergency trustee teleconference the board made a decision to suspend Dr .Watson. in a press release Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory issued the following statement. “ The Comments attributed to Dr. James Watson that first appeared in the October 14,2007 edition of the Sunday Times U.K. are his own personal statements and in no way reflect the mission, goals, or principles of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory’s Board, administration on faculty. Dr. Watson is not the President of Cold Spring Laboratory and was not speaking on behalf of the institution.”
The release also wanted to reassure the public that, “ Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory does not engage in any research that could form the basis of statements attributed to Dr. Watson.”
Dr. Watson Apologizes
However after the negative spin associated with the article, Dr. Watson released a statement to the Associated press that claims “I cannot understand how I could have said what I am quoted as having said.” He went on to clarify that “To all those who have drawn the inference form my words that Africa, as a continent, is somehow genetically inferior, I can only apologize unreservedly. That is not what I meant. More importantly from my point of view there is no scientific basis for such a belief.” The Times Online reported on Friday, October 19th that the Sunday Times Magazine interview was recorded and that the publication stands behind its story.
Hunt- Grubbe released a follow up article on October 21st on Times Online that defended not only her work but also that of Dr. Watson. She wrote , “ I can’t support those few, perhaps unguarded , comments he said to me but I can say that he works tirelessly to encourage scientist from all backgrounds and countries … I am not trying to destroy a brilliant scientist and I am genuinely horrified by the response.” Her intention of the October 14th article was to show the complexity of the scientist. “ I sought a balance, one that reflected his eccentricities but also brought home the magnitude of his contribution to science and continuing devotion to disease research.”
Since the article Dr. Watson’s Britain book tour has been cancelled. Dr. Watson’s publicist Kate Farquhar Thomson states that he left England on Friday, October 19th. “ His decision to leave the country, I believe, was due to things going on at Cold Spring Harbor.”

-Faith Rackoff

reprinted from the 10/26/07 issue of the Oyster Bay Guardian

OB Resident Volunteers in Texas to Remember 9/11

While many attended vigils in remembrance to 9/11/2001, some who were directly affected from the devastating event took the time to give back and help those in need. Oyster Bay resident Liz Bice, who is the Director of Family Services for Tuesday’s Children, a 9/11 organization which provides events and programs to support friends and family members of those who died on 9/11, was one of the 35 people from New York who volunteered to travel to Texas to help rebuild a house that was destroyed by a tornado in December 2006.
The trip was a brainstorm of Jeff Parness who is the founder and board member of New York says Thank You Foundation (NYSTYF) is to send volunteers from New York City each year on the 9/11 Anniversary to help rebuild communities around the country affected by disasters. It is their way of commemorating the extraordinary love and generosity extended to New Yorkers by Americans from all across the United States in days, weeks and months following September 11th.
When Bice was asked to start an initiative at Tuesday’s Children called Tuesday’s Champions, which geared toward the support of rescue and recovery workers from Ground Zero, she found out about Jeff Parness and NYSTYF. Tuesday’s Children program Helping Heals that Bice explained, “People feel they heal the best by helping others.” She felt that having the Tuesday organizations participate with NYSTYF would be a great match. As she recalls, “It made perfect sense for TC to join the cause. We brought a few family members from Tuesday’s Children as well as a few rescue and recovery workers from Tuesday’s Champions as a pilot program this year. It was a remarkable transformation for every one of us who attended.”
The group traveled down to Groesback, Texas to help rebuild the home of James and Eva Vincent, which was ruined by a F3 tornado on December 29, 2006.
The Vincent’s are an extraordinary American family. Three generations of the Vincent family have run assisted living centers for disabled veterans out of their homes. They created a unique and loving environment where these men who served our nation could eat at the family’s dining room table, play with the children in the extended Vincent family, and enjoy the 100+ animals in a beautiful country setting. In addition to serving the disabled veterans, the Vincent’s also served their community as they comprise nearly one quarter of the 40 member volunteer fire department of Groesback, a town of just 4,000 people halfway between Dallas and Austin and just east of Waco.
The disaster destroyed one of the veterans’ homes and smashed the home where James and Eva lived with their 14 month son Hunter and 5 of the veterans. With just 30 seconds warning before the tornado struck, Eva woke Hunter from his crib and gathered the 5 veterans in her home and huddled them in a small inner hallway of the house. Sadly one of the men died in the tornado but Eva’s quick actions literally saved the lives of her young son and other men in her care.
As Bice recalled, “the crew arrived at 8am on September 7th to see a huge slab of concrete. We started putting up the frame of the house. Then before I knew it there were so many volunteers from around the county helping.” In addition to New York City firefighters and the volunteers for Tuesday’s Children and Champions, volunteers from around the country including survivors or Hurricane Katrina from Slidell, Louisiana and survivors of the 2003 San Diego wildfires, the 2004 Utica, Illinois and 2005 Evansville, Indiana tornadoes came to help.
The crew was there for four days. Within that Bice was amazed at how quickly the house went up. “We did the framing, then the trusses, and then started on the inside and it was all because of the volunteers. There were workers who were team leaders and the volunteers followed the team leaders,” she said. Habitat for Humanity was there and the inexperienced volunteers found themselves drawn to an organization because they are experienced in helping people who know nothing about construction.
This wasn’t “Extreme Home Makeover” though. Although the team had accomplished a lot in four days the house will not be livable until November. Hundreds of local volunteers from across East Central Texas and from Dallas, Waco and Austin will continue efforts of building the house for the Vincent family.
When building the house was the project at hand, those who participated got a lot more out of the experience. “It was amazing to see construction workers talking with family member, sharing stories that they have from 9/11. It was interesting to see the many points of view.” Bice pointed out, “America was being reintroduced to 9/11 through the voices of 9/11 construction workers and family members. A woman from Indiana who had lost her church was holding on to a woman who lost her husband during 9/11. It was the most heartfelt conversation for me to be privy to.”
The effects of 9/11 were prevalent, but it was not all bad. “The essence of America is generally the same. People are good. Most people want to help. Most of us were really affected by 9/11. It may be geographically different, but in our hearts the same, which was comforting for our family members and construction workers” added Bice.
Bice also stated that every person who represented Tuesday’s Children and Tuesday’s Champions have committed themselves to help again next year. Next year though Bice plans to expand the program out to more people. “We need to be aware that the needs of 9/11 families has not diminished, their needs have evolved. And we need to continue our programs for the families and rescue workers,” said Bice.
For more information, call (516) 562-9000 or visit: www.tuesdayschildren.org.

-Faith Rackoff

reprinted from the 9/28/07 issue of the Oyster Bay Guardian

Brownfields Hearing held in CSH

Four years after their implementation, the Brownfields Cleanup (BCP) and the Opportunity Area (Boa) Programs are considered disappointments to Long Island communities. State senator Carl L. Marcellino (R- Syosset), Chairman of the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee, held a joint legislative hearing on Monday, August 27th, at the Cold Spring Harbor Library, to review the efficiency of these programs with the State Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel (D-Great Neck).
In 2003, New York took an innovative step in incorporating the BCP and BOA programs into the already existing Superfund bill. Yet four years later, while $75 million dollars have been appropriated toward the bill, only $7.6 million has been allocated toward it. Even more discouraging is that Long Island has awarded a mere $623,970 in Brownfield Opportunity Area grants toward the development of 5 areas, including that of Hicksville-Oyster Bay. Worse yet, to date no funds have been released from the state.
Brownfields are blighted areas on our community where redevelopment or reuse is hindered because of real or perceived contamination. There are 6,800 sites considered brownfields on Long Island. The contaminated areas range from abandoned gas stations to old industrial sites. The goal of the Brownfields Cleanup Program is to bring these parcels back to life, improve public health and turn an economic drain into a public gain.
The original intention of the bill was to use generous tax credits as well as the existing infrastructure to entice developers to invest in the redevelopment of brownfields rather than erode the number of greenfields that exist.
“Unfortunately,” admits Marcellino who wrote the bill, “The program has not lived up to my hopes.”
To date no projects have been completed on Long Island. Marcellino blames, “high administrative hurtles in the program” as the problem.
Critics suggest that the cost of the program is not worth the benefits of the program. State Senator contemplates that “The problem with the brownfields program is not that the credits program being too generous; it may just be that the incentives still are not sufficient to overcome all of the hurdles that the brownfields present. There are serious delays and uncertainties in the program, irrational restrictions on eligibility in terms of what constitutes sufficient contamination and limitations on polluters’ ability to enter the Brownfields Cleanup Program.”
It is these hinderances that have forced developers to withdraw from the projects before completion and accumulate massive legal and regulatory costs.
The state senate looks to revamp the bill to make it more efficient.
“By working together in a bipartisan way, we will make sure that we strengthen the law to reverse lost years that have doomed localities to unremediated contamination and the public to exposure to toxic pollutants. It is important that we work that we work to put urban eyesores back on the tax rolls and make them community assets rather than letting them eat away at the heart of our cities, towns and villages”, said Marcellino.
“Passage of the landmark Brownfields Cleanup Program law in 2003 was an important first step toward the elimination of contaminated sites across the state. Now four years later, we must take the time to review the implementation of the programs and the allocation of resources to ensure the smooth and efficient cleanup and reuse of brownfield sites,” said Assemblyman Sweeney, co-chair of the hearing.
Hearings are being held to listen to the recommendations and suggestions of experts in the fields. Specifically at Cold Spring Harbor hearing the tax credit structure and the regulations that are now in place for the program were reviewed.
Testifying at Long Island brownfields hearings were Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Peter Grannis and Director of Environmental Remediation for the New York State Department of Environment Conservation Dale Desnoyers. Others who contributed statements to the hearing included: Ann Marie Jones, Director of Downtown Revitalization from the Town of Babylon; Michael Posillico, President of Posillico Environmental; Sarah Lansdale, Executive Director of Sustainable Long Island; Michael Deering, Vice President of Governmental Affairs for the Long Island Association; Marcia Bystryn, Executive Director of the New York League of Conservation Voters and Michael White, Executive Director of the Long Island Regional Planning Board.
A second hearing will be held in Albany on Tuesday, September 25th.

-Faith Rackoff
reprinted from the 9/1/07 issue of the Oyster Bay Guardian