Smithtown Is Paddle Board Territory

By Dana Klosner

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Paddle boarding is the fastest growing water sport in the country now, according to Joe Funaro, owner of Long Island Stand Up Paddle Board Company based out of Smithtown’s Long Beach. And Smithtown is on top of that trend. You can find classes on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings through the Town of Smithtown Recreation and Parks department that sail out of Smithtown’s Long Beach. Classes are $40 and are taught by Funaro, who also sails out of Sunset Harbor Yacht Club in East Patchogue. He’s got boards in Lake George and Clearwater Florida. He sails out of six locations on Long Island that are Smithtown’s Long Beach, South Hampton, East Islip, Oyster Bay, Setauket and the Connetquot River. 

Paddle Boarding started in the Hawaiian Island a couple of hundred years ago, Funaro said. Big wave surfer Laird Hamilton brought it to the mainstream.

Funaro, a former Jones Beach lifeguard and current gym owner, saw Paddle Boarding in Florida eight years ago. 

“We used to stand on surf boards 15 or 20 years ago (on Jones Beach),” he said. He bought some boards and integrated the sport into his routines at Body FX the gym he owns in East Islip. Now the gym has classes in Yogalates, Boot Camp and Yoga all on the board.

“Paddle Boarding works for people at any age,” Funaro said. “It’s easier than surfing. For surfing you need much more instruction. For Paddle Boarding you can take one lesson and you’re doing it.”

With Paddle Boarding the wind has a factor in it but it’s not driven by it. For surfing, it seems like the stars have to be aligned for it to be perfect, Funaro said.

“In Paddle Boarding you don’t need a wave,” he said. “The boards are thicker, wider and longer, that gives them their balance.  You can stand on a Paddle Board for hours. You can do it anywhere. You can do it in calm water.”

That’s why Long Beach is good for the sport. It’s calm, it’s not that windy, it’s flat and there is not a lot of boat traffic, he said. 

There is no age restriction or background in water sports necessary to start paddle boarding. 

“I took a guy out who was 75,” Funaro said. “He had some challenges but inevitably was able to do it. You’re not going to start surfing at 75.”

And, if you get a shorter paddle even an 8 year old can do it. 

“I took a girl out who didn’t know how to swim,” he said. “People take kids 3 or 4 years old out on boards with them, they’re that stable.”

And it’s a relatively inexpensive sport, he said. 

“You can take an intro lesson for $40,” Funaro said. “Then you can buy your first board and paddle for $550. Boards go up to $4,000 and paddles go up to $500 but then you’re paying for lighter boards that are good for races. The lighter the board, the harder it is.”

For Myles Feeney, 19, of Smithtown, this was something he wanted to try after he saw people doing it in Montauk.

“It’s fun,” said Feeney who has gone kayaking. “I thought it would be more challenging. It looks hard, but it’s easy and nice and relaxing. You can even sit down if you get tired. A lot of people go kayaking because they think it’s easy because you’re sitting down. Paddle boarding is easier and more fun than kayaking.” 

Kathy Albrecht, 50 of Smithtown thinks of paddle boarding as a great workout.

“It’s great to be on the water and get exercise,” said Albrecht who goes to the gym five times a week. “There’s nothing more beautiful than being out in Long Beach and going into Stony Brook Harbor. It’s just magnificent. Paddle boarding is the hottest new fad for people over 50 because it’s easy on the joints. It’s a wonderful addition for the Smithtown Parks and Recreation program.”

To book a class call Smithtown Parks and Recreation at 360-7644 or call Joe Funaro directly at 326-7926.

Smithtown Dish – small bites of foodie news

By Nancy Vallarella

Chef Guy Rouge of Mirabelle - pig roast Aug. 29Really Local Foodie Deals, Steals and Fab Events!

Saturday August 2, stop by the Nesconset Farmer’s Market as they launch their August Give-a-Way…a Paderno Vegetable Slicer! To be eligible to win, register with your email address at the manager’s stand.  Recipe demonstrations using this appliance which slices vegetables into spaghetti and spiral shapes will take place each Saturday during the month of August. For more information reference Nesconset Farmer’s Market Facebook page.

Every Tuesday enjoy $2 tacos for lunch at Del Fuego in Saint James. Choose from beef, chicken, pork, brisket and fish.

Every Wednesday until September 3^rd – Sunken Meadow Seafood Fest 6pm- 9pm Field 1 Pavilion. ½ lobster, mussels, clams, corn, peel and eat shrimp and potato - $26.

Whisper VineyardThis summer enjoy  Wine Down Thursdays at Whisper Vineyards in Saint James. From 12 – 7pm enjoy 25% off glasses of wine! Cheese and antipasti platters available.

Date Night Thursday at the Chop Shop in Smithtown offers a choice of soup, salad or appetizer, your entrée and a bottle of wine from Date Night Menu - $59 ++/per couple.

Friday, August 29^th Chef Guy Rouge of Mirabelle at The Three Village Inn, Stony Brook will be hosting his end of summer pig roast! Save the date, this is a local culinary treat!

Give It Back - Business Owner MJ Kim Wants Hess To Adhere To Covenants

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“What sets America apart from the rest of the world is not voting or democracy, it is America’s support and commitment to the fundamental law of property rights” - MJ Kim owner of State Farm Insurance business located at 2102 Jericho Tpke., Commack.

MJ Kim - Outside his office Jericho Tpke. CommackMr. Kim has operated at the same location on Jericho Tpke. for twenty-two years. During those twenty-two years Mr. Kim shared a driveway  (curb cut allowing access) on state road 25 with the gas station on the corner of Harned and 25.  According to Mr. Kim the curb cut was similar to other curb cuts on the road with the first thirteen feet of property belonging to NYS.  

The filling station went out of business, the property fell into disrepair and was a boarded up vacant blighted site for many years.  A proposal was made to demolish the old filling station and to build a Hess gas station with a retail operation. Variances were required for the retail operation. Public hearings were held and the public showed up in large numbers with a majority opposing the granting of variances which would allow for the retail operation. The Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) approved the variances. The Town Board was divided with Councilman McCarthy, Creighton and Malloy supporting the proposal and Supervisor Vecchio and Councilman Wehrheim in opposition.   Between the time Councilman Malloy lost his election and before the the new board was sworn in, the board moved to approve the Hess proposal which included the variances.  

New Hess station corner of Harned and Jericho Tpke. CommackMr. Kim spoke quietly at the public hearings, not in opposition to the proposed Hess Station, but he spoke in detail about his business, his roots in the community and his business needs. (Mr. Kim was born in South Korea and moved to the U.S. at the age of five. Kim lived in Setauket attended Ward Melville HS and attended church in Commack. He has a bachelor’s degree from Stony Brook University and a masters from Adelphi University.) Not surprisingly access was his concern. His remarks revolved around ensuring that his business would be able to survive and thrive as it had for twenty-two years.  According to Mr. Kim, he has spoken with representatives at the Planning Department, NYS Department Of Transportation and the owners of the property, Lenny and Mike Icovino, who in a letter to Mr. Kim proposed the purchase of Mr.Kim’s property.   All offered assurances that Mr. Kim’s concerns would be addressed.

Mr. Kim, in an interview in his office Monday, July 28th, expressed his frustration with the Town, the DOT and with his future neighbor. Earlier this month, after receiving permits from NYS DOT, thirteen feet of Mr. Kim’s curb cut was removed narrowing access to his property without his consent.  To add insult ot injury, construction vehicles parked on the street in front of his property obstructed visibility and access. Mr. Kim pointed out that he located on Jericho paying a premium for his property because of its visibility and accessibility.

Mr. Kim has documents showing covenants on the property which allow him access and parking in the back of the property which have been eliminated by the ongoing construction. A second covenant, according to Mr. Kim, is the prohibition of a restaurant facility to be built on the site, which he argues is exactly what Hess is doing by serving food and beverages.

According to Mr. Kim the town is denying any responsibility for covenants suggesting it is a civil matter. 

What does Mr. Kim want? He wants his curb cut returned to its former state, cross access and parking, and he wants to be allowed to operate the way he has for the past twenty-two years. How does this end? Mr Kim has secured legal counsel and is going to do whatever is necessary to have his property returned to its original state.  “I’m not stopping at the first round. This will continue until I get satisfaction and I am left alone.”

Leg. John Kennedy Candidate For County Comptroller "I am very comfortable with taking on the responsibility of the function.”

By  Dana Klosner

When Suffolk County GOP Chairman John Jay Lavalle withdrew from the County Comptroller race Suffolk County Legislator John M Kennedy, Jr. was named the Republican Candidate.

“I had not originally considered running,” Kennedy said. “It was clear John was seeking the position. He was knowledgeable, confident and able. I felt we had a good candidate, a candidate who would run, win and prevail. When he withdrew, the rest of the names (that were being considered by the Republican Party) didn’t have what it took to be a countywide viable candidate. They didn’t have the strong independent voice at the comptroller level.”

And what qualifies Kennedy for the position?

“When you look at my background you see I have 10 years as a legislator and leader of the Republican Caucus. I spent nine years as the director of cooperation in the County Clerk’s office. (I also have) strong academic credentials. I have a Juris Doctorate from St. John’s University and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Adelphi University with a concentration in Capital Budgeting. I felt that I had the best combination of hands on skills and academic qualities to put myself forward as a candidate. The committee agreed and here we are. I’ve been a candidate for less than a week.” 

Kennedy has said he is “vehemently opposed” to a proposal to merge the offices of county comptroller and treasurer. 

“I’m vehemently opposed because the proposed savings is negligible at best,” he said. The amount of necessary oversight that will be forfeited will be tremendous. It has always been proven that there should be separation of function of those who can write the checks and those who run the ledger. The treasurer is a significant countywide function. Suffolk County is larger than 13 states in the nation. I don’t want to minimize the significance of taxpayer funding.”

“However, if it is the will of the people to consolidate the offices I will likewise be able to answer to the responsibility,” He continued. “I have experience in the tax collection process, the trust in agency process, cash management, cash flow and cash protection. I am very comfortable with taking on the responsibility of the function.”

What are some of the challenges Kennedy thinks he will see if elected County Comptroller.

“The issues are similar to what we’re looking at in general in county operation. There is a long term structural imbalance. We are on track to have a $170 million budget shortfall in 2015. The comptroller is challenged with the review of what’s going on with borrowing and debt offerings at the very best interest rate. We must identify areas where there is financial weakness and make recommendations on how to improve,” he said.

There are many areas this can be done, he said.  He said it’s time for a Department of Social Service audit. Verizon is responsible to remit surcharges within the 911 system. The Parks department is responsible for quickly depositing all the entrance fees into the park. 

“We can make recommendations for improvements,” he said.  

And what does Kennedy say makes him the best candidate as he faces Democrat Jim Gaughran in November?

“I am in my 11^th year as a legislator,” he said. “I have been a legislator since 2004 when we had a relatively stable and growing economy which has moved to one that has presented real challenges. I still believe my opponent to be a good man. I have the most current skills and experiences and I am knowledgeable in savings. I have more contemporaneous skills and more direct hands on knowledge.”

Theater Review - "Deathtrap"

James Lloyd Reynolds and Loren Dunn occupy Center stage on Jon Collins’ magnificent set at the Engeman Theater in Northport..Photo by Michael DeCristofaroTheater Review “Deathtrap”

Produced by the John W. Engeman Theater, Northport.

Reviewed by: Jeb Ladouceur

Of all Ira Levin’s works: “The Boys from Brazil” – “Deathtrap” – “The Stepford Wives” – “Rosemary’s Baby” … and dozens of other novels, plays, and film adaptations … “Deathtrap” is the one that incorporates the most convoluted plot. The comedy-thriller is considered in show biz circles an absolute monster to direct, but with Robert Moore at the helm in 1978, the play opened to critical acclaim at the Music Box Theater in New York. And it didn’t close until June of 1982 … after 1800 performances … making the tragicomedy the longest running drama of its genre in Broadway history.

As in most Levin fiction, there are unmistakable elements of truth in the story of a desperate, once successful playwright, listlessly typing away in his Connecticut home. The author’s inner spark seems to have fizzled … the creative wellspring has run dry!

I have never seen a satisfying summary of this ‘plot-reversal’ play, and it’s rather doubtful that one can be written in an abstract shorter than the script for the two-act, six-scene drama itself. Suffice it to say, the unexpected is the one thing we can expect in “Deathtrap.” Therefore, journalistic limitations being what they are, and not wanting to give away too much, the only appropriate suggestion is—find out for yourself … go see this incredibly well-crafted thriller as fast as you can.

The thing that’ll initially take your breath away is Jonathan Collins’ set. The Encore Award-winning scenic designer puts us in a writer’s study so appropriately appointed that we can virtually see and hear the gulls of Westport diving for baitfish in the nearby Sound. And Wilburn Bonnell’s lighting adds its own magic,  especially during a totally convincing electrical storm, and on the three occasions when the fireplace is lit … and glows radiantly.

There are only five characters in “Deathtrap” and one gets the impression that given all the twists and turns that alternately take us wide-eyed, laughing, or alarmed through this ingenious show, the quintet is a perfect squad for enacting what Levin, the master of misdirection, had in mind. One more player in the unpredictable game of ‘Omigosh’ would have been one too many.

James Lloyd Reynolds, whose credits read like a ‘Who’s Who’ of top theater roles—both on and off Broadway—is as good as advertised playing writer ‘Sydney Bruhl.’ And Loren Dunn, a most welcome newcomer to Long Island, complements him nicely as the opportunistic plagiarist ‘Clifford Anderson.’ Veteran Engeman theatergoers will be glad that Dunn’s circuitous path through Arizona and Ohio playhouses, has brought him ultimately to Northport.

Charming Mary Mossberg plays Sydney’s plucky but sickly wife ‘Myra’ to near perfection, while supporting actors, Patrick Husted and Sue Mathys, also succeed in bringing ‘Porter Milgrim’ and ‘Helga Ten Dorp’ to life respectively.

But the hardest won victory here almost certainly involves the directing. What demands concerning well timed action and dialogue this play makes! Accordingly we have Richard T. Dolce to thank for the smooth-as-silk result he’s brought to the Engeman stage. Manipulating the Rubik’s Cube of horror, innocence, deceit, and surprise … and assigning varying degrees of each component’s emphasis appropriately, must have been a maddening challenge at times. Dolce, however, has steered his talented charges through the maze masterfully.

This gasp-a-minute winner runs through September 7^th – Call 631-261-2900 for tickets.

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Award-winning Smithtown writer Jeb Ladouceur is the author of eight novels, and his book and theater reviews appear in several major L.I. publications. In Ladouceur’s next thriller, “Harvest” due in late summer, an American doctor is forced to perform illegal surgeries for a gang of vital organ traffickers in The Balkans.