U.S. Marshals Service - Telephone Scam Warning

“The U.S. Marshals Service is a federal law enforcement agency and does not seek payment of fines or fees via the telephone for individuals with outstanding arrest warrants.”

The U.S. Marshals Service is warning the public today of a telephone scam involving a fraudulent caller contacting members of the public and alleging they or their family members have an active federal arrest warrant and demanding payment of fines.

On December 7, 2015, the fraudster identified himself as a Deputy United States Marshal and informed the potential victims they or their family member had active federal warrants for their arrest. The caller then gave the potential victims a contact number and information to pay the fine. The phony law enforcement officer threatened the potential victims with arrest if the fine was not paid. The fraudster then tells the victim to buy a prepaid money card from a local grocery store in the Cincinnati area. The victim is then instructed to give the access account code for the prepaid money card to the phony law enforcement officer. The Marshals Service became aware of the scam after receiving several calls from alert citizens in the Cincinnati, Ohio area.

The U.S. Marshals Service is a federal law enforcement agency and does not seek payment of fines or fees via the telephone for individuals with outstanding arrest warrants.

The U.S. Marshals Service urges individuals not to divulge personal or financial information to unknown callers and highly recommends the public report similar crimes to the FBI or their local police or Sheriff’s office if they are the victims of fraud. For internet related fraud, the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center can be contacted at www.ic3.gov. 

U.S. Marshals are the nation’s primary fugitive hunting organization and capture more fugitives each year than all other law enforcement agencies combined.

Election Results From Contested Fire Districts

Hauppauge FD - Christopher Hirsch* (5 year term) 397 - Mark Levin 44

                               Robert Wind will fill the remaining 1 year term for Edward Crean (deceased)

Commack FD - Patrick Fazio* (5 year term) unopposed

                                    Jerome Quigley* will serve for 1-year term

                                    (filling the term of deceased Jerry O’Sullivan)

Smithtown FD - Padraig O’Brien* 332 (5-year term)- Timmothy Crafts 274 

St. James FD -  John Young* 182 (5 year term) - Victor Johnson 152

                                 William Kearney* 121 (fill final four years of Roy Bradshaw’s term) -

                                 Marilyn Davis 114 -   William Theobalt 109

* indicates winner

Hauppuage Fire Department has not responded at this time.

SHSE - Ilysa Sirota Wins Shanti Fund Art Contest

Smithtown East Student Art Wins Contest

Ilysa Sirota with SHSE Drawing Teacher Tim NeedlesSmithtown High School East sophomore Ilysa Sirota won first place in an art competition sponsored by the Shanti Fund for her piece that best depicted this year’s theme of peace and security. Her work was chosen as the best high school entry from hundreds of entries from more than 20 districts across Long Island.  

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone presented Ilysa with her award along with her drawing teacher Tim Needles during a ceremony at the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge. She was also awarded a gift certificate for $146, Gandhi’s age if he were alive today. The Shanti Fund is a charitable group dedicated to promoting Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals and his philosophy of peace. Her work will also appear in the Shanti Fund’s 2016 calendar.

 Illysa is shown here with Smithtown High School East drawing teacher Tim Needles.  Photo courtesy of Smithtown Central School District

What's Cookin'? - Smithtown - Old Street Restaurant And Bar

 

What’s Cookin’? – Smithtown

By Nancy Vallarella

Old Street Restaurant and Bar - Where great food, friends, families and memories are made!

In 1967, two south shore residents/business partners opened Gold Street Pub in Smithtown. In less than two years, they sold the business to Long Island Duck’s (hockey) Right Wing, Don Atamanchuck. Don made the frugal executive decision to drop the “G” in Gold Street when it broke off the sign. Hence the birth of Old Street Pub. Fast forward several decades, a few renovations, a couple expansions, and a third owner.

Today, Old Street Restaurant and Bar has one hundred-seventy seats and a vast menu. It is currently owned and operated by the Pizzimenti Family since 1996. Father (Frank), mother (Nancy), daughter (Laura) and son (Frank) have kept this establishment rich in history and great food. Many of the menu items have remained for decades. Customers insist that they do. It is obvious that these dishes are done well and take loyal customers back to a moment.

Complimentary deep fried rye triangles with a beer and cheddar cheese spread is served to dining customers. The rye bread is baked by neighboring business, Alpine Bakery. This appetizer is also sold on their “Starter Menu” in portions of 2, 4 or 6. No doubt it was being enjoyed at the bar when Smithtown resident/attorney, Ralph Lombardi made his infamous pay phone call to Oakland A’s owner Charlie Finley during the 1972 World Series. Ralph’s mission was to lend Charlie advice on how to win against the Cincinnati Reds. The final score A’s – 3, Reds – 2. This moment is commemorated with a plaque hanging in the bar area.

Twenty-eight years with Old Street, head chef, and sometimes bartender Joe LaRock explains several key reasons for the success of Old Street’s menu longevity, “Our meat is sourced from the same purveyor for the past 20 years.   It is hand cut and roasted in house.”  Burger of the week specials contribute to the 2,500 - 3,000 burgers served monthly. “All soups and stocks are made from scratch.” The French onion soup is a year-round favorite. Other menu options with a loyal following are NY Shell Steak and Marinated Steak Sandwich.

Recently, Nissequogue residents gathered to feast on an array of Old Street’s offerings: Seared Tuna Salad, Spicy Shrimp Avocado, Stuffed Mushroom Caps, Baked Clams, Pumpkin Ravioli, Kale and Butternut Squash Salad, Old Street Salad, Chicken Caprese, Salmon and Rice, Sliced NY Shell Steak, Chicken Cardinale, a trilogy of: Fries, Sweet Potato Fries and Onion Rings, an assortment of Burgers and desserts.

Nissequogue resident and Long-time customer Fred Hagenberger shared with neighbors his fondest memory. He recalled the holiday he hosted a family dinner at Old Street. After a great meal enjoyed by all, he arranged for limousines waiting outside the restaurant. The family was whisked into Manhattan to see the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.

Old Street is a home away from home for many Smithtown residents.  On any given day, since 1969 you can find Walter (Wally) and James (Jimmy Townline) at the bar ready to give up their seat and share stories about the patrons and employees.  Talk about wearing your heart on your sleeve, James has OSP tattooed on his forearm!

Ask any Smithtown resident if they have an Old Street memory. If they don’t, they know someone who does. I recall nine years ago, sitting in Mrs. Robin Baker’s 2^nd-grade class for meet the teacher night at Saint James Elementary. She introduced herself and shared the story of her life-long Smithtown residency. Growing up in Smithtown, attending school here, and even meeting her husband at Old Street Pub. To this day, Robin and her husband Jim dine at Old Street. They are joined by their children and enjoy menu favorites: Hickory Burger, Steaks and French Onion soup.

trio of fries & onion rings, salad LJO PhotographyRobin and Jim Baker, married thirty-five years, are not the only ones who fell in love at Old Street. Back in their teens Sue Langill and Mike Guglielmo were sweethearts. They had many date night dinners at Old Street. When they prepared to wed, Old Street was the natural choice for their rehearsal dinner. Mr. and Mrs. Guglielmo have been married for 26 years.  Charlie Costello popped the question at Old Street 12 years ago. Kim said yes and they had their baby shower there in 2005.

Old Street Restaurant and Pub has nearly 50 years of continuous operation to celebrate. What better way to celebrate than with those who have memories filled with love and Old Street food!

Share your love story. If possible, include then and now pictures.

Send to Pat Biancaniello, editor of Smithtown Matters at pat@smithtownmatters.com  through January 31, 2016.  Finalist will be judged on an Awww factor. Winner will receive dinner for two on February 14, 2016, at Old Street Restaurant and Pub.

LONG ISLAND ‘ENCORE’ THEATER AWARD WINNERS – 2015

LONG ISLAND ‘ENCORE’ THEATER AWARD WINNERS – 2015

Selected by Syndicated Reviewer, Jeb Ladouceur

As usual, Theatre Three and The Engeman dominated this year’s ‘Encore’ selections … with each of those superb organizations producing winners in four of the competition’s ten categories. The Gateway and Arena Players deservedly garnered the other two prizes. Repeat triumphs in this, the third successive year that ‘Encore’ certificates have been awarded, were Gina Milo and Jennifer Collester Tully. They had previously been selected in 2014 and 2013 respectively. Worthy of note are impressive standbys which add much to Long Island’s theater scene; notably, the world-class setting provided the Arena Players by the Vanderbilt Carriage House in Centerport, and Port Jefferson’s acclaimed tradition, ‘A Christmas Carol,’ staged by Theatre Three for 32 consecutive years. Along with the resplendent Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts, they have become institutions hailed by theatergoers from near and far. 

Best Play or Musical

‘A Chorus Line’

John W. Engeman Theater, Northport

 For the third consecutive year, Northport’s Engeman Theater wins the top ‘Encore’ prize with a lavish musical. Choreography, Lighting, Costume, and Acting excellence combined to make ‘A Chorus Line’ the inevitable winner despite strong competition from a number of compelling productions.

Top Overall Show ‘A Chorus Line’

__________________________________________________________________

Best Supporting Actress (play or musical)

Jennifer Collester Tully - (‘Oliver!’)

Theatre Three, Port Jefferson

This one was easy. Jen Tully is quite simply the Babe Ruth, The William Shakespeare, and the Amadeus Mozart of Long Island character actresses. Tully’s name on the marquee has come to guarantee sellouts, and she excels whether her roles require tenderness or gusto.

Jennifer Collester Tully in ‘Oliver’

__________________________________________________________________

Best Actress (play or musical

Gina Milo - (The Producers’ )

John W. Engeman Theater, Northport

Gina followed-up her 2014 ‘Encore’ victory (supporting actress – ‘Plaza Suite’) with a madcap performance in Mel Brooks’ classic, ‘The Producers.’ Ms. Milo exercises complete command of the ‘come hither,’ ingénue roles that display her charms and talents.

Gina Milo

__________________________________________________________________

Best Supporting Actor (play or musical)

James D. Schultz - (‘A Christmas Carol’)

Theatre Three, Port Jefferson 

Any actor who can make an audience forget that Jeffrey Sanzel is on-stage, deserves all the accolades one can bestow on him. In ‘A Christmas Carol,’ the versatile Schultz seized the role of ‘The Ghost of Christmas Present’ and wrung every bit of drama and humor from it.

James D. Schultz

__________________________________________________________________

Best Actor (play or musical)

Dean Schildkraut - (‘Othello’)

Arena Players

What a joy it was to watch Schildkraut interpret The Bard’s nefarious ‘Iago.’ He was understated when necessary, ostentatious when appropriate, and though he was on-stage for virtually the entire two hours of ‘Othello,’ we missed him during the few minutes he was gone.
 

 

Dean Schildkraut

__________________________________________________________________

Best Scenic Design (play or musical)

Randall Parsons - (‘Sweeney Todd’)

Theatre Three, Port Jefferson

The multi-tiered set that ‘Sweeney Todd’ demands will severely test the capabilities and vision of the finest designer. This play is only as good as its launching pad … and the 2015 production of ‘Sweeney’ was one of the best ever, thanks largely to Randall Parsons’ innovative arrangement.

‘Sweeney Todd’

__________________________________________________________________

Best Child Actor (boy or girl – play or musical)

Ethan Eisenberg - (‘Billy Elliot’)

Gateway Performing Arts Center, Patchogue

As little ‘Billy Elliot’s’ cross-dressing friend and classmate, Ethan Eisenberg stole the show with a sterling performance that combined, dancing, singing, and acting ability in equal measure. This rising star can do anything on stage that might be asked of him. Ethan thrilled his audience.

Ethan Eisenberg

__________________________________________________________________

Best Costume Design (play or musical)

Ronald Green - (‘Don’t Dress for Dinner’)

Theatre Three, Port Jefferson

His winning farce is named ‘Don’t Dress for Dinner,’ and costume designer Ronald Green cleverly chose to take his cue from that title. He dressed everyone in the cast with austere apparel, except for the play’s glamorous leading lady … whom Green dolled- up to a fare-thee-well … with magnificent effect!

‘Don’t Dress for Dinner’

__________________________________________________________________

Best Director (play or musical)

Igor Goldin - (‘West Side Story’)

John W. Engeman Theater, Northport 

With his masterful interpretation of a play that can be boring, Engeman’s Igor Goldin was able to replace perennial ‘Encore’ winner, Jeffrey, Sanzel as the region’s top theatrical helmsman. Goldin’s cast and crew were near-perfect in their execution under his direction.

Igor Goldin directed Engeman’s ‘West Side Story’

__________________________________________________________________

Best Newcomer (male or female – play or musical)

Meaghan Marie McInnes - (‘Miracle on 34^th Street’)

John W. Engeman Theater, Northport

At 11, Meaghan McInnes is a superstar in the making. She’s got all the tools, and the audience for this year’s Engeman holiday spectacular was intrigued by her performance as Susan’ in ‘Miracle on 34^th St..’ It’s hard to match Santa at Christmas, but Meaghan managed to do it.

Meaghan McInnes

__________________________________________________________________

Noted critic, Jeb Ladouceur is the author of eleven novels, and his theater and book reviews appear in several major L.I. publications. His latest book, THE GHOSTWRITERS, probes the bizarre relationship between Harper Lee and Truman Capote, and poses the question: who really wrote ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’?