A United Independent Front - Vecchio, McCarthy And Nowick Endorse Each Other

Maureen Rossi

(click on photos to enlarge)

Close to fifty Smithtown residents, community leaders and members of the press battled Tuesday’s mid-day downpour as they scrambled towards the Watermill for a press conference called by Supervisor Vecchio.  The Supervisor took the podium with Councilman Thomas McCarthy and Legislator Lynne Nowick at his side.

“We are here for a significant announcement having to do with the lady next me,” said Vecchio.

 “My presence here reflects many weeks of soul searching, listening to merchants, the civics and the citizens; the same issues are arising over and over again and people are upset”, lamented Nowick. Choosing her words carefully, Nowick, expressed the sentiment that the recent division on the town board erodes public trust.  She added that she has grown tired of hearing about how Smithtown has to be fixed.  “Many of my colleagues in the legislature often comment, you are so lucky to represent such a lovely town”, which she attributed to the hard work of her father, (former Councilman) Eugene Cannataro and Paul Fitzpatrick (former Town Supervisor), Assemblyman Mike Fitzpatrick’s father.

Nowick said she plans on being an independent voice on the Town Board.  Independent was the word of the day as all three elected officials emphasized the word throughout the press conference.  

click on photo to enlargeMcCarthy stated that Nowick, with her eighteen years of public service, brings a great deal to the table.   “We have three people here with integrity, open minds and our own voices,” he explained.  He said the threesome won’t always see eye to eye on every issue and they have no plans whatsoever to vote as a block.

Vecchio spoke of his disdain for the recent political literature disparaging Smithtown and he spoke of his love of the town and its natural splendors.   “I’ve always been a champion of open space, we deserve to breathe clean air and we have 22 parks, 3 wonderful beaches, all maintained to the highest degree.”   Nowick concurred saying, “That’s how we came together, the sense that we stood for the same things.”

All three are united in their opposition to the proposed development across from St. Johnland Nursing Home in Kings Park, “The Uplands” .  Vecchio noted that one doesn’t have to be an environmentalist or a genius to know that developing in the middle of residential areas is not appropriate.  “One doesn’t’ need an environment impact study to know it’s wrong and improper and shouldn’t happen,” he added.  His comments were met with a robust round of applause from the audience.

Referring to the Uplands, “It’s a bucolic property, it’s not the place – no one here is opposed to assisted living but 200 units and only 26 slated for assisted living, that’s not assisted living, it’s maximizing profit”, declared Vecchio.   He added that the two-hundred units are slated for condominiums and will sell in the 800K range.

The Fort Salonga Civic Association was represented by Paul Graf stating “a good idea deserves our support and this is an idea that is a good idea”. Graf reaffirmed the organization’s neutrality in the election and stated “Fort Salonga Association recognizes that zoning is everything and to construct two hundred units on a possible twenty acres is ridiculous and we applaud Mr. Vecchio and his partners today for taking the position that this development should not stand.”

Linda Henninger, a member of the Kings Park Civic Association and Kings Park Neighbors Association released the following statement on behalf of both organizations: 

“We were glad to hear Supervisor Vecchio and Councilman McCarthy reaffirm their positions on the Uplands and we were excited to learn that Legislator Nowick also sees the truth about this project – it is not right for the proposed location. A massive 50 foot high facility with an underground parking garage has no place in a residential area and would set a negative precedent for every residential neighborhood in the Town of Smithtown.” 

With “independent” the key word at the conference it was clear that this was not a love fest. Vecchio, Nowick and McCarthy came together after each did some soul searching and some strategizing finding a path they hope will lead to victory in the primary. 

Theater Review - "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof"

THEATER REVIEW

“Cat on a Hot Tin Roof”

Produced by: The BroadHollow Theatre Company: Studio Theatre

Reviewed by: Jeb Ladouceur

No one can say that Tennessee Williams ever left any gut-probing stone unturned when addressing one of his heartrending, autobiographical themes: Unsatisfied desire (“Streetcar…”); Illusory self-imprisonment (“Glass Menagerie”); Excessive pride (“Rose Tattoo”)—all of the Mississippi playwright’s works hammer at unpleasant topics experienced as a youth in his own dysfunctional family.“Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” with its incessant emphasis on Mendacity and Greed, is no exception.

Virtually everyone in this long, classic play directed by Doug Lillie appears to be lying to someone else at some time, or at least hiding their true feelings. And yes, it’s depressing theater—but it’s supposed to be.

Mark T. Cahill (Brick), Frank Dispigno (Big Daddy) and Constance I. Moore (Big Mama)Brick Pollitt, the young alcoholic husband played convincingly by Mark T. Cahill, seems to have had a fling with a former football teammate but he’s not telling. Brick’s frustrated wife Maggie the Cat (Maryellen Molfetta) suspects, but is interested only in grabbing as much inheritance as possible when the play’s star Big Daddy Pollitt dies. The vital father character is assigned to Frank Dispigno who’s a natural born actor if ever there was one. And Brick’s conniving lawyer brother Gooper (Gary Tifeld) wants the whole plantation for himself and his ultra-fertile wife Mae. Lesley Wade fills that prime antagonist’s role superbly.

Constance I. Moore as Big Mama Pollitt epitomizes Southern matriarchal overprotection and denial. Even when cancer-ridden “Big Daddy” tells her (and everyone else) that she’s been a lousy wife, “Big Mama” dismisses the accusation as medically-induced ranting.

And nobody can rant like “Big Daddy” can! Granted, Tennessee Williams has given the self-made millionaire the play’s choicest lines, but they still have to be delivered with authority and in many cases, simpatico. Frank Dispigno filled the bill last weekend in what was the finest character portrayal this commentator has viewed all year. I never thought anyone could top Burl Ives’s 1958 film interpretation of the earthy Mississippi mogul, but Dispigno is better!

Molfetta as “Maggie” performs what is essentially the narrator’s function with workmanlike accuracy in Act 1, and it all proves to be a vital prelude for the beautifully paced dialogue between “Brick” and his father in Act 2. Unlike the wonderfully conceived conclusion of “Glass Menagerie” (Williams’s finest play) “Cat…” limps a bit in the third stanza—but not fatally.

The other three adult actors in the cast are: a doctor, a clergyman, and a butler, nicely done by Patrick Finn, Steven Prendergast and Kevin Knight respectively. Also, the children, John Dobbins, Samantha Hmelovsky, and Hailey Lamacchia, provide welcome breaks in the typical Tennessee Williams pounding; the three Pollitt Kids are unaware of the emotional turmoil involving their elders, and they show it with unbridled exuberance and fine stage presence.

Those who have not yet visited Studio Theatre on South Wellwood Avenue in Lindenhurst are in for a surprise and a treat. The comfortable venue accommodates about 140 patrons. The seats are wide and plush and the legroom is twice that normally found in Long Island theaters. The proximity of the players to the audience at this well air-conditioned second-floor hall adds an intimacy to the proceedings and makes for a truly pleasant theater experience.

Award-winning Smithtown writer Jeb Ladouceur is the author of seven novels. His theater reviews appear in several major L. I. newspapers. In Ladouceur’s next thriller, “The Dealer” due this fall, Israeli extortionists threaten to destroy Hoover Dam demolishing the Las Vegas Strip - if casino operators don’t pay millions.

"Mr. Malloy Take Down This Sign" Smithtown Democratic Chairman Ed Maher

“False, Misleading And Just Plain Wrong! Mr. Malloy Take Down This Sign” Smithtown Democratic Chair Ed Maher

Smithtown Democratic Chairman Ed Maher is not happy with this billboard located on a residential property on  Pulaski Rd. in Kings Park. The problem, according to Maher, is that Malloy is not on the Independence line. “The sign, in addition to being wrong, is misleading. Malloy and his supporters should take the reference to Independence off the sign or take it down”, said Maher. (Councilman Malloy was not available to comment)

Update on Sunday, August 11, 2013 at 11:19PM by .

“I’m glad that Mr. Malloy saw fit to cover the “Independence” on his sign that is displayed on Pulaski Road. It is now at least accurate if not still ugly. Mr. Malloy is not the Independence Party’s candidate. In the Smithtown Town Government elections The Independence Party has endorsed Steve Snair for Town Supervisor, Richard Macellaro & Adam Halpen for Town Council, Eddie Haeffer for Town Clerk and Tom McCarthy for Highway Superintendent. I hope all the Independence voters will come out in November and vote for these excellent candidates.” Ed Maher

Rob Trotta - Candidate For 13th Legislative District Says Thank You!

                   I am writing this  to thank the 1000 or so people whose doors I knocked on during the early part of this summer. Almost without exception they were not only friendly but were also appreciative of my efforts to give them a choice in the upcoming Republican primary for Suffolk County Legislator. A few of people stand out, one was Robert And June Moylan  who live  in St James . While I was leaving their home, it began to pour so I began jogging down the street and around the corner to my car, just then Mr. Moylan pulled up in his car and gave me a ride. Here I was a guy he never met, who probably interrupted his dinner and he was nice enough to come out in the pouring rain to give me a ride.

 Next was Sadie Catanese and her daughter  Anna Salvatore who live on Washington Av in Kings Park , Sadie  is 103 years old and full of energy, we talked for a while and she was  a true inspiration. Sadie and Anna and others like them, including friends from my old Commack neighborhood, made the petition drive enjoyable and informative. I would also like to thank my wife and kids for being so understanding about my absence this summer.

    All in all it was a great experience, and I hope everyone takes advantage of their right to vote in the Republican Primary on September 10th.

                                               Rob Trotta

                                      Republican  Candidate for Suffolk County Legislator

Fitness Week 4 - Getting Serious About Staying Healthy

By Kia Edwards

This is the fourth and final work-out in the four week program. Congratualtions to those of you who have kept up through the four weeks

If you’re just starting, don’t worry!  It’s not too late to join.  Additionally, if you found weeks 1 through 3 to be particularly challenging, you can repeat one of them this week in order to continue building necessary strength.  This is by far the most challenging week, so feel free to take breaks during the workout. Also, know your limit. If you feel dizzy, STOP. Should you have any questions, please contact me at  HYPERLINK “mailto:kia@lafortesse.com”Kia@LaFortesse.com and I will respond as quickly as possible.  It’s the last week- get ready!!

As a trainer who mainly focuses on in-home exercise, I can tell you that a gym is not necessary to keep fit. A few pieces of basic equipment and a small space can help you achieve or maintain a healthy fitness level. This month, I’ll give you weekly exercise plans to help you reach your goals without having to go to the gym. They are simple, yet effective and can be done by nearly everybody.  Each workout should start with a short warm-up to get your muscles ready and end with a quick stretch.  

What you’ll need: 

Dumb bells: 10-15lbs or Resistance Bands 

An exercise mat, preferably one with good padding to protect your back

Good sneakers 

Optional pieces: 

Exercise ball

Medicine Ball (8-12lbs)

Jump rope 

Monday: cardio - Aim for 45min of interval cardio such as jogging mixed with running 

Tuesday: Upper Body - Do these with as little rest as possible

Bicep Curls: 15 - Lateral raises: 15 - Front Raises: 15 - Push-ups: 15 - Rest: 30sec to 1 minute - Lying leg lifts: 15-20 - Sit-ups (with medicine ball): 25 - Plank: 1min hold Repeat 1x

Wednesday: Rest and Stretch

Thursday: Speedy Lower Body and Core - Do with minimal rest in between - Jump rope: 50-100 - Weighted Squats: 25 - Walking Lunges: 4 times across room - Calf Raises with weight: 50 - Crunches: 50 - Reverse Crunches: 25 Repeat 1-2x

Friday (almost done!): Interval cardio - 30min alternating between moderate to high intensity cardio and low intensity cardio. For example: jogging with a mixture of moderate running 

Saturday: Full Body Workout - Let’s go, champ!

Jump rope: 75-100 (or more if you can) - Bicep Curls: 15 - Overhead Presses: 15 - Lateral Raises: 15 - Front Raises: 15 - Push-Ups: 15-20 - Jump Rope: 75-100  - Squats: 25 - Calf Raises: 50 - Squat Hold against wall (weights optional, but encouraged): 1min.- Walking Lunges: twice across room - Sit-ups: 30 - Leg Raises: 20-25 - Bicycles: 20 - Plank: 1min

Sunday: Rest, Recover, Feel Awesome

Kia Edwards is a certified personal trainer and nutrition specialist who lives in New York City. She studied French and Economics at Colgate University, spent 15 years as a high-level competitive gymnast and 6 years as a gymnastics coach.  Her business, La Fortesse At Home Fitness Training, helps clients get healthy with simple at home exercises and nutrition counseling. www.LaFortesse.com