Oyster Bay Main Street News

Oyster Bay Main Street Association Executive Director Resigns After Four Years of Service

noreply@blogger.com (Isaac Kremer) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 15:52:00 +0000

Isaac D. Kremer downtown.
Credit: Danielle Finkelstein/Newsday

Oyster Bay, New York – Nearly four years to the day since he first arrived, Isaac D. Kremer announced that he will be leaving the Oyster Bay Main Street Association where he served as Executive Director to assume a new role with the leading historic preservation organization in Austin, Texas.

“These past four years have provided a remarkable opportunity for personal and professional growth,” Kremer said. “The Main Street Association is now more focused on the historic preservation aspect of their mission than at any time ever before, and they now have the resources to carry out that mission.”

During his tenure several major historic preservation and building renovation projects were undertaken and completed, most notably the restoration of the historic Octagon Hotel. Theodore Roosevelt ran his campaign for Governor from this building and was a frequent guest. Close to another dozen projects followed, resulting in creation of new residential and commercial units downtown.

Several major State and Federal Grants were secured. This included $700,000 through the New York Main Street Grant program, and another $70,000 from the Federal Preserve America program. When private and philanthropic gifts for projects such as the Octagon Hotel and a new interpretive and way-finding signage program are added, the amount raised in support of historic preservation and heritage tourism in Oyster Bay during Kremer’s tenure topped out at nearly $1 million.

Before and after photos of the Octagon Hotel, in 2008 and today.

Partnerships were an important key to success. Projects with Sagamore Hill National Historic Site helped to highlight the many buildings with Theodore Roosevelt ties in the downtown. Oyster Bay was a founding member of the Gold Coast Mansions Historic Long Island Alliance to market and promote historic sites on Long Island. At the Federal level, Kremer participated in advocacy efforts for historic preservation through membership in Preservation Action and the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Main Street Center. He was also a member of the Rotary Club of Oyster Bay serving as Community Service Chair and President Elect.

The Main Street Association membership has undergone a remarkable transformation and growth over the past four years. The level of member giving reached the highest level in the history of the organization in fiscal year 2011, following upon four consecutive years of growth.

“What this shows is that the level of support for the Main Street organization mission among our members is the strongest it has ever been,” said John Bonifacio, Oyster Bay Main Street Association President. “This is a tribute to Isaac and his tenacity to lift up downtown Oyster Bay, by re-affirming our commitment to historic preservation.”

Dancing in the Street started in 2011.

The success in Oyster Bay is not measured merely by renovated buildings. Several new initiatives were started while Isaac was in Oyster Bay including the Oyster Bay Farmers’ Market, the Sundown Concert Series, Dancing in the Street, and many others. Individually and collectively these helped to attract people downtown once again.

Thirty businesses have opened or expanded in the downtown. Several of these business opened in under-utilized or previously vacant buildings that were upgraded and renovated thanks to State and Federal grants, as well as significant private investment.

Renderings from 1913 of "Hillside," a house at 198 East Main Street awaiting restoration.

This is a pattern that will hopefully continue moving forward. There are several large-scale projects such as restoration of the Hillside mansion (formerly the Trousdell House on East Main Street), as well as restoration of the Snouder’s Drug Store, and the Oyster Bay Long Island Railroad Station that will continue. By conservative estimates, close to $10 million in active or pending projects are underway that add to the over $30 million of investment made over the past decade.

“None of our success in Oyster Bay would have been possible without the support of the Oyster Bay Community Foundation, the Bahnik Foundation, and, most importantly, the time, passion, energy, and commitment of our Board of Directors and Members,” Kremer said. He added that on a personal level, “Oyster Bay gave me the greatest possible gift – I met my wife here and we have two beautiful sons. This is the legacy that I will forever be proudest of.”

Despite leaving, Kremer will seek to maintain a connection with Oyster Bay by continuing to advocate for support of revitalization of downtown areas across Long Island. Further, he will maintain his ties with the Underhill Burying Ground in Lattingtown, where Captain John Underhill was buried in 1672. Underhill helped to settle Oyster Bay in the 1650’s, and Kremer married his wife in Oyster Bay 350 years after Captain John Underhill married his wife in the same place.

Kremer hopes to come back a couple of times a year and to keep track of continued change and improvement in Oyster Bay. “Nothing would please me more than being able to stay at a bed and breakfast in a beautifully restored historic building near the downtown, and see Oyster Bay fully realize its potential to become one of the leading and most highly regarded small towns in America. The home town of Theodore Roosevelt deserves nothing less,” Kremer said.

In lieu of any gifts, Kremer has asked that financial contributions be made, in his name, to the Oyster Bay Main Street Association, P.O. Box 116, Oyster Bay, NY 11771.

Sagamore Hill offers tour of Theodore Roosevelt's Oyster Bay, Sunday, 2/19, 2pm

noreply@blogger.com (Isaac Kremer) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:46:00 +0000

Oyster Bay– Join Park Ranger Howard Ehrlich on Sunday, February 19, 2012 on an easy walk through historic Oyster Bay. The walk will highlight the major sites in the hamlet connected to Theodore Roosevelt and his family. The one hour program is free and begins at 2:00 p.m. in the Long Island Railroad parking lot at the Oyster Bay station. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and dress appropriately for the weather.

Roosevelts’ have lived in Oyster Bay since the 1860s. In 1885, Theodore Roosevelt built Sagamore Hill two and a half miles east of the hamlet center. Oyster Bay came to national prominence when Theodore Roosevelt became the 26th President of the United States. Roosevelt frequented Oyster Bay for goods, services, transportation and business. The ranger guided walk will highlight the major locations and structures in the hamlet connected to Theodore Roosevelt and his family. The walk is one of the best ways for visitors to become acquainted with the rich history of a presidential tour just a stone’s throw away Sagamore Hill, Theodore Roosevelt’s “Summer White House.”

Sagamore Hill National Historic Site, located at 12 Sagamore Hill Road, Oyster Bay, New York, is a unit of the National Park Service. The site was established by Congress in 1962 to preserve and interpret the structures, landscape, collections and other cultural resources associated with Theodore Roosevelt’s home in Oyster Bay, New York, and to ensure that future generations understand and appreciate the life and legacy of Theodore Roosevelt, his family and the significant events associated with him. NOTE: The Roosevelt Home was closed to the public for a two- to three-year period beginning December 5, 2011 due to a major rehabilitation of the home. However, the Visitor Center, Theodore Roosevelt Museum at Old Orchard and the grounds will continue to be open and free interpretive programs will be offered. For further information, visit our website at www.nps.gov/sahi, or call 516-922-4788. Be sure to follow us on twitter for updates at http://twitter.com/SagamoreHillNHS and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sagamore-Hill-National-Historic-Site/127271867334480

Camelia House Weekend at Planting Fields, February 25 and 26, 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Isaac Kremer) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:33:00 +0000

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OBMSA Annual Meeting Podcast, January 26, 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Isaac Kremer) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:23:00 +0000

For those who were not among the 100 or so people who attended the Annual Meeting of the Oyster Bay Main Street Association, on January 26, 2012, at the Life Enrichment Center at Oyster Bay, or for those who want to relive all of the wonderful moments of that meeting, a podcast of that meeting is available below.

We encourage you to read our Annual Report for 2011. In it you will find updates on our work in the past year, financial report, and four goals we have for upcoming years.

These goal include improving Fireman's Field, upgrading Townsend Park where the bandstand is located, continue our ongoing program of facade and sign improvements, and install interpretive and way-finding signage throughout the downtown.

For past OBMSA meetings, please visit:

Oyster Bay Main Street Annual Meeting on January 26, 7pm!

noreply@blogger.com (Isaac Kremer) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 19:27:00 +0000

Oyster Bay, New York – Over a decade has passed since the Oyster Bay Main Street Association officially received its charter on September 28, 2001. Since that time downtown Oyster Bay has been transformed for the better. In the past decade over $30 million of public and private investment has been made in the downtown. This has helped to support 57 business start-ups, over 80% which are still open today. Over 60 façade and signs have been improved, with many of these receiving OBMSA support.

To celebrate these changes to downtown Oyster Bay, Main Street is planning an Annual Meeting for January 26, 2012, from 7pm-9pm at The Life Enrichment Center at Oyster Bay (formerly Doubleday Babcock Senior Center), 45 East Main Street. Many people involved in the founding and the growth and development of Main Street will be present. A special panel discussion on the “Future of Oyster Bay” will be held, echoing a report of the same title published in 1999 that helped to get the Main Street idea in Oyster Bay started.

John Bonifacio, President,
Oyster Bay Main Street

Guests planning to attend the Annual Meeting are encouraged to RSVP.

Oyster Bay Main Street President John Bonifacio speaking of the meeting said: “I can imagine no better time than our 10 year anniversary to look back at our past accomplishments, while also sharing a positive and proactive vision for our future.”

A blog has been created, to provide an overview of positive changes that have been made to Oyster Bay over the past decade. This may be accessed at: http://futureofoysterbay.blogspot.com/.

Four New Initiatives Will be Announced

At the Annual Meeting four new initiatives will be announced. These will be included in an Annual Report. The report distributed to members who register or renew their membership at the meeting or in advance. One of these initiatives includes a façade and sign improvement fund.

Oyster Bay Main Street Vice-President, Design Chair, and practicing Architect Henry Clark said: “It has long been an aspiration to have a fund for building improvements that Main Street controls. We are now fortunate to have this thanks to the generosity of our many donors.”

The new fund will assist with façade and sign improvement funds downtown. Projects receiving funding will be asked to follow the Oyster Bay Design Guidelines available on the Main Street website. This fund will provide up to 75% of the total project costs not to exceed $1,000 for sign improvements downtown. Even greater support is available for façade improvements in eligible buildings.

The first business to already benefit from this program was Funni Business, a toy store which recently opened at 27 Audrey Avenue. Those seeking funding should request and submit an Application available in the Main Street office in the Oceanic House at 21 West Main Street.

Before and after photo of the Oceanic House, 21 West Main St.

New Office in the Oceanic House

On October 1, the Oyster Bay Main Street program officially opened a new office in the Oceanic House. President John Bonifacio speaking of this location said, “The Oceanic House and the loving restoration by its owners exemplifies the sort of improvements that Main Street seeks to encourage in downtown Oyster Bay. This building not only affords us an excellent office space but also powerfully expresses our mission to enhancing an attractive and thriving downtown, while maintaining its historic integrity.”

New Members Sought

In preparation for the Annual Meeting on January 26, an Annual Appeal was sent out to members. Given the 10 year anniversary of the organization, a special request was made for returning members and new members to consider making a three-year pledge to the Association. As an incentive for members who contribute $500 or greater, they will receive a beautiful aerial photograph of Oyster Bay framed and signed by photographer Stephen Mastrorocco. Main Street Treasurer Claude Bahnik said, “This is just a small way for us to recognize and thank people for their generosity.”

For those wishing more information about the Oyster Bay Main Street Association, membership, sponsorship opportunities, or the upcoming Annual Meeting on January 26, please call (516) 922-6982 or visit www.oysterbaymainstreet.org.

For past OBMSA meetings, please visit:

Celebrate the Holidays at Coe Hall Mansion in Historic Oyster Bay

noreply@blogger.com (Isaac Kremer) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 15:29:00 +0000

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Make Great Holiday Memories in Historic Oyster Bay!

noreply@blogger.com (Isaac Kremer) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 17:04:00 +0000

Oyster Bay has something for everyone this holiday season. From our great local businesses and many charming and attractive attractive shops in our historic downtown, to wonderful dining at one of our many local restaurants, and so many great events - we hope you will make downtown Oyster Bay your holiday home, or at least your home away from home this holiday season!

Holiday Ladies Night at Dodds & Eder, December 1, 6pm-9pm

Take a night for you and your girlfriends to have some fun and get some holiday shopping done! There will be raffles and giveaways, refreshments, store-wide discounts, local vendors and more!
Dodds & Eder, 221 South Street, Oyster Bay

Jewelry Extravaganza at Think Long Island First, December 3, noon-3pm

Known anyone who likes jewelry? Comes see some great holiday gifts and the artists who designed them with skill and care. Think Long Island First in downtown Oyster Bay is providing a great chance not only to admire work of the very accomplished local jewelers but also to meet them in person. The jewelry represents many different styles, from sterling silver chain mail and vintage to fused glass and lampwork, with various esthetic approaches from the very classic to modern if not cheeky. For more information, and examples of the artists' work please visit this page.

Think Long Island First in Buckingham Variety Store, 36 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay

Christmas with the Roosevelts at Sagamore Hill, Saturday, December 3, 11am-4pm
Sagamore Hill National Historic Site will have holiday music performed on a harp and flute by Musica Dolce, Christmas carols sung by Close Enough, and original and seasonal poems read by the Nassau County Poet Laureate Society. Finally a very special appearance by “Theodore Roosevelt,” as portrayed by James Foote, will share his reminiscences of how the Roosevelts celebrated Christmas at Sagamore Hill and White House. Ranger-guided tours of the Roosevelt Home will feature information about Christmases past and the festivities that the family enjoyed. Complimentary hot cider and cocoa will be provided by the Friends of Sagamore Hill.

Sagamore Hill National Historic Site, 12 Sagamore Hill Road, Oyster Bay

Oyster Bay Tree Lighting Ceremony, December 3, 4:30pm
Join us for this classic holiday celebration at the Derby-Hall Bandstand. The singing and readings will be sure to get your holiday season off to a festive start. Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies afterwards.
Derby-Hall Bandstand, Shore and Audrey Ave (by the Post Office), Oyster Bay

Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at Planting Fields, December 9, 5:30pm
Arboretum gates will open at 5:30PM and the tree lighting will take place at 6:00PM sharp. As in previous years, we will light the magnificent thirty-five foot Japanese Umbrella Pine, which is located on the south side of the Camilla Greenhouse. The event will feature several special guests, including Santa and carolers. Guests will have the opportunity to view the first floor of Coe Hall. In addition, guests will be able to view the spectacular poinsettia display in the Main Greenhouse. The Main Greenhouse display will feature several hundred poinsettia plants comprising forty varieties of poinsettias. Don’t forget to visit our beautiful Periwinkles café in the Visitor Center and enjoy a great snack. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to see Planting Fields in all its’ winter splendor. Both the grounds and the building will be open until 8:00PM. Admission is free. For more information, please call Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park at 516-922-9200 or visit our website at www.plantingfields.org.
Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park, 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay

Sanctuary Traditions, December 10, 4pm-7pm and December 11, 1pm-4pm
Start a new holiday tradition at the Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary & Audubon Center’s "Sanctuary Traditions." This holiday-themed family event will feature: Nature walks, Holiday Storytelling, Music and refreshments, Holiday-themed crafts, Activities to help wildlife, and even Santa will join us at the end of the day! Preregistration and Prepayment Required: Register early to reserve your date. (516) 922-3200. Members $20 per family / Nonmembers $28 per family.
Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary & Audubon Center, 134 Cove Road, Oyster Bay

Holiday Express, December 10 and 11, noon-5pm
The Oyster Bay Railroad Museum will once again host this family-friendly celebration with an operating model railroad, hot cider, candy canes and light refreshments. The Horse drawn carriage rides are free, and on a first-come-first-served basis. There will be wonderful raffle prizes to bid on and a 50/50 raffle (winner need not be present).We will also be collecting new, unwrapped toys for the U.S. Marine's Toys For Tots program.
The Oyster Bay Railroad Museum Visitor Center, 102 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay

Book Signing with David Morrison, December 10, noon-5pm
Railroad historian David Morrison will be on hand for a book signing. His book entitled, Jamaica Station covers the history of the Long Island Rail Road in the Jamaica area, including construction photos taken during the 1913 Jamaica Improvement Project. The book contains 128 pages and over 200 historic images, and makes a great Christmas gift!
The Oyster Bay Railroad Museum Visitor Center, 102 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay

Santa Claus visits the Oyster Bay Railroad Museum, December 11, 1pm-3pm
Santa Claus will be appearing at the Oyster Bay Railroad Museum Visitor Center on Sunday, December 11, from 1pm-3pm. Bring along your kids and don't forget your camera.
The Oyster Bay Railroad Museum Visitor Center, 102 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay

Holiday Dance Social at Bliss Studio, December 16, 7:30pm
Kick off your holidays with a fun group dance class at 7:30, continuing with open dancing and refreshments afterwards. Have fun mingling, enjoying light refreshments, and good music dancing with our World Class Dance Instructors! Only $10 per person! For more information, please call (516) 624-9642.

The Bliss Studio, 127 South Street, Oyster Bay

Opera Night - 'Christmas in Oyster Bay,' December 16, 8pm
Performing opera favorites. The fee is $15 per person. For more information, please call (631) 261-8808.
Christ Church, 61 East Main Street, Oyster Bay

Lessons and Carols, December 18, 4pm
The combined choirs of Christ Church will sing a traditional Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, please call (516) 922-6377.
Christ Church, 61 East Main Street, Oyster Bay

Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary & Audubon Center's Holiday Sanctuary Adventures Program, December 27-30, 9am-2pm
The Holiday Sanctuary Adventures Program will introduce your child to the wonders that await them in the natural world. Teacher Naturalists will instruct your child through nature hikes, games, crafts, stories, and live animal presentations all based around the cycles of life and exciting daily themes. Activites are designed to incorporate hands-on learning, while encouraging exploration, observation and problem solving skills. Program Fees: Members:$225 per week or $70 per day, Non-Members: $255 per week or $80 per day. Refer a Friend 10% Discount! Advance Registration is Required. Call 516-922-3200 today! Additional information and registration is included on the attached brochure and can also be found at: http://ny.audubon.org/CentersEdu_TRoosevelt-Events.html.

Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary & Audubon Center, 134 Cove Road, Oyster Bay

Graduated Pearls Public Art Project Receives Great Press Coverage

noreply@blogger.com (Isaac Kremer) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 00:41:00 +0000

Here are just a few of the articles highlighting the Graduated Pearls public art project by acclaimed Oyster Bay artist Jerelyn Hanrahan. The sculpture was installed in Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park in Oyster Bay this past October. Visitors are welcome to come and see this interesting and playful piece where the land and water meet, just north of the main entrance to Theodore Roosevelt Park.

Also, here are just a few of the references to Graduated Pearls in the press:

Pearls in the Oyster Bay, Newsday, October 10, 2011
Pearly sights, Newsday
Artist proudly places pearls in TR Park, Oyster Bay Guardian

Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at Planting Fields, Fri, 12/9, 5:30pm

noreply@blogger.com (Isaac Kremer) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 20:02:00 +0000

The New York Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation is pleased to announce the seventh Annual Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony at Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park in Oyster Bay, NY.

The tree lighting will take place on Friday, December 9, 2011. Arboretum gates will open at 5:30PM and the tree lighting will take place at 6:00PM sharp. As in previous years, we will light the magnificent thirty-five foot Japanese Umbrella Pine, which is located on the south side of the Camilla Greenhouse. The event will feature several special guests, including Santa and carolers. Guests will have the opportunity to view the first floor of Coe Hall. In addition, guests will be able to view the spectacular poinsettia display in the Main Greenhouse. The Main Greenhouse display will feature several hundred poinsettia plants comprising forty varieties of poinsettias. Don’t forget to visit our beautiful Periwinkles café in the Visitor Center and enjoy a great snack.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to see Planting Fields in all its’ winter splendor. Both the grounds and the building will be open until 8:00PM. Admission is free. For more information, please call Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park at 516-922-9200 or visit our website at www.plantingfields.org. For more information about New York State Parks, visit our website at www.nysparks.com.

Directions: Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park is located in Oyster Bay and can be reached via the Long Island Expressway, Exit 41 North (route 106) to Route 25A west, and then follow signs to the park.

Christmas with the Roosevelts’ at Sagamore Hill, 12/3, 11am-4pm

noreply@blogger.com (Isaac Kremer) — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 16:19:00 +0000

Christmas with the Roosevelts’ at Sagamore Hill

Oyster Bay, NY: On Saturday, December 3, 2011 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sagamore Hill National Historic Site will hostChristmas with the Roosevelts at Sagamore Hill. Activities will include holiday music performed on a harp and flute byMusica Dolce, Christmas carols sung by Close Enough, and original and seasonal poems read by the Nassau County Poet Laureate Society. Finally a very special appearance by “Theodore Roosevelt,” as portrayed by James Foote, will share his reminiscences of how the Roosevelts celebrated Christmas at Sagamore Hill and White House. Ranger-guided tours of the Roosevelt Home will feature information about Christmases past and the festivities that the family enjoyed. Complimentary hot cider and cocoa will be provided by the Friends of Sagamore Hill.

-NPS-

Sagamore Hill National Historic Site, located at 12 Sagamore Hill Road, Oyster Bay, New York, is a unit of the National Park Service. The site was established by Congress in 1962 to preserve and interpret the structures, landscape, collections and other cultural resources associated with Theodore Roosevelt’s home in Oyster Bay, New York, and to ensure that future generations understand and appreciate the life and legacy of Theodore Roosevelt, his family and the significant events associated with him. Tours of the home are limited to fourteen persons and are offered on the hour on Wednesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m to 4 p.m. Tour tickets are five dollars each and tickets are sold on a first-come-first-served basis each day beginning at 9 a.m. NOTE: The Roosevelt Home will be closing to the public for a three year period beginning December 5, 2011 due to a major rehabilitation of the home, however the Visitor Center, Theodore Roosevelt Museum at Old Orchard and the grounds will continue to be open and free interpretive programs will be offered.The grounds of Sagamore Hill are open year round from dawn to dusk. For further information, visit our website atwww.nps.gov/sahi, or call 516-922-4788. Be sure to follow us on twitter for updates at http://twitter.com/SagamoreHillNHS.

English Country Houses and Their Landscape Gardens, Oct 30, 2:30pm

noreply@blogger.com (Isaac Kremer) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 20:10:00 +0000

Lecture "English Country Houses and Their Landscape Gardens
Slide Lecture by Henry B. Joyce
Sunday, October 30, 2011 at 2:30pm Coe Hall
Free with $3.50 admission
Mr. Joyce will discuss the development of English Landscape Gardens using photographs from a recent trip to England. He will make a special reference to the history of landscape paintings and the work of Thomas Gainsbourough

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TR Birthday Celebration with National Parks Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis, This Thursday!

noreply@blogger.com (Isaac Kremer) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 20:21:00 +0000

Past birthday commemoration at TR Gravesite in Oyster Bay

Jonathan B. Jarvis, Director,
National Parks Service

Oyster Bay, NY: National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis will be in Oyster Bay on Thursday October 27 to participate in the annual Presidential Wreath Laying Ceremony at Youngs Memorial Cemetery to celebrate Theodore Roosevelt’s 153rd Birthday. After the ceremony, the Director will participate in a special program at Sagamore Hill National Historic Site to transfer a new item to the Sagamore Hill archival collection, a 1903 note card written by Theodore Roosevelt to his son Quentin from Yellowstone National Park during a trip to western states.

The annual Presidential Wreath Laying ceremony at Youngs Memorial Cemetery to celebrate Theodore Roosevelt’s birth was first organized by the Quentin Roosevelt American Legion Post #4 in October 1919, making this its 92nd year. The ceremony will begin at 10:00AM and include a color guard from the Post and representatives from the Veterans of Foreign Wars, as well as elected officials, active duty Navy personnel from the USS Theodore Roosevelt, National Park Service staff, local Boy Scouts and the second grade class from Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School. The ceremony will include the posting of colors, the presentation of the Presidential Wreath, a song from the school children and the playing of taps by a Boy Scout Bugler to end the ceremony.

Activities will then shift to Sagamore Hill National Historic Site where the Birthday celebration will continue on the porch of the Roosevelt home at approximately 10:45AM. Director Jarvis will be joined by National Park Foundation President Neil Mulholland, a Theodore Roosevelt Association representative and Sagamore Hill NHS Superintendent Thomas Ross for the presentation of the card to the National Park Service. The note card was written during Roosevelt’s 8-week train tour of the western United States in 1903. Roosevelt toured 25 states, two territories and some 14,000 miles and made time to visit National Parks such as Yellowstone and Yosemite with conservation luminaries of the day such as John Muir and John Burroughs during the trip. The note card sends loving wishes to his young son and contains a sketch of one of the mules in the pack train carrying supplies during Roosevelt’s camping trip in Yellowstone Park. The ceremony will include an appearance by Theodore Roosevelt as portrayed by nationally recognized re-enactor James Foote.

The note card will join the park’s 300 items associated with Quentin Roosevelt, one of the largest collections in the country. Quentin Roosevelt, the youngest son of Theodore and Edith died at the age of 20 on July 14, 1918 in air combat action behind enemy lines in France during World War I.

The note card will go on display at the Theodore Roosevelt Museum at Old Orchard after the transfer ceremony. The public is welcome to view the card during normal Museum hours, Wednesday through Sunday 10:00AM to 5:00PM daily.

--NPS--

Sagamore Hill National Historic Site, located at 12 Sagamore Hill Road, Oyster Bay, New York, is a unit of the National Park Service. The site was established by Congress in 1962 to preserve and interpret the structures, landscape, collections and other cultural resources associated with Theodore Roosevelt’s home in Oyster Bay, New York, and to ensure that future generations understand and appreciate the life and legacy of Theodore Roosevelt, his family and the significant events associated with him. Tours of the home are limited to fourteen persons and are offered on the hour on Wednesdays through Sundays from 10am to 4pm. Tour tickets are five dollars each and tickets are sold on a first-come-first-served basis each day beginning at 9 AM. NOTE: The Roosevelt Home will be closing to the public for a three year period beginning December 5, 2011 due to a major rehabilitation of the home, however the Visitor Center, Theodore Roosevelt Museum at Old Orchard and the grounds will continue to be open and free interpretive programs will be offered. The grounds of Sagamore Hill are open year round from dawn to dusk. For further information, visit our website at www.nps.gov/sahi, or call 516-922-4788. Be sure to follow us on twitter for updates at http://twitter.com/SagamoreHillNHS.

Get Your Halloween Thrills and Chills in Downtown Oyster Bay!

noreply@blogger.com (Isaac Kremer) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 16:06:00 +0000

Come visit us in historic downtown Oyster Bay (postcard ca. 1910)

Where better to celebrate Halloween than Oyster Bay, one of the most historic communities on Long Island dating all the way back to 1653? We've had our fair share of characters pass through from British officers during the Revolutionary War, to the author of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow - Washington Irving himself - who visited Oyster Bay many times, and modern day figures like Mary Mallon who is better known today as Typhoid Mary. Nothing will prepare you for the fun and exciting events family-friendly events we have in store for you this Halloween! Just a few of these follow.

Ghost Rides, Sunday, October 30, 3-7pm
Hop on the horse drawn carriage at Sweet Tomato (91 Audrey Ave.), and just stay on on for a free half-hour circuit ride, OR, for a fee of $10 for adults, $5 for kids (free if they're under 48 inches) you can hop on and off for ghost tours at the following stops: Oyster Bay Historical Society (20 Summit Street), the famously haunted Raynham Hall (20 West Main Street) and the old Railroad Station, (a VERY spooky place at the end of Audrey Avenue) for ghost stories, paranormal investigations, and other spine tingling fun. For more information, call 516-922-6808 or visit www.oysterbayhistorical.org.

Raynham Hall Museum with spooky Victorian Gothic tower as it appeared around 1880.

What's Cooking Halloween Spooktacular

Thursday, October 27th & Friday, October 28th, 5-7:00pm

There are no tricks to these treats! What's Cooking (30 East Main Street, Oyster Bay) has brewed a Halloween special for our chefs. From tasty treats to decorative ghoulish cookies and desserts, these recipes are as delicious as they are spooky. Create a craft, a take-home treat, There are no tricks to these treats! What's Cooking? has brewed a Halloween enjoy a main course while they are here, and a yummy treat. Menu to include:

Haunted Chocolate House,

Mummy Dogs w/ Homemade Fries, Halloween Sugar Cookies, Ghostly Pumpkin Pudding, and Slime Juice. Please visit the What's Cooking website to register!

Last Oyster Bay Farmers' Market of the Year!

Friday, October 28th, 10am-4pm

Come out and get the finest fall produce, as well as special treats that all of our vendors have to provide from pickles, to baked goods, eggs, nuts, dog treats, soaps, mums, and, yes, we have PUMPKINS! The market is located in Townsend Park by the Derby-Hall Bandstand. Free cider and donuts will be available at the Oyster Bay Main Street table for ghosts and ghouls who stop by and say hi (or boo!).

Halloween Spooktacular! at Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary & Audubon Center
Sunday, October 30th (various times) - Please Note Day Change from Saturday due to expected inclement weather

Toddlers Only: 11:00am-12:00pm (spooky)Kids 2-10 years: 1:00-2:30pm (spookier)Kids 8+ years: 6:00-7:30pm (spookiest)Held at the Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary & Audubon Center (134 Cove Road)

Have an up-close encounter with some spooky animals, find and decorate your perfect pumpkin from the patch, and go on a Halloween adventure walk. We'll end each session with Halloween stories around the campfire and prizes for the best costumes. The spookiness increases as the day progresses. Registration Required! $5 members / $8 non-members per child, $2 per adult. For more information, please call (516) 922-3200. Please visit the Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary & Audubon Center website for more info!

Fit Fusion Interactive 1st Annual Halloween Costume Party

Sunday, October 30th- 12:00 Noon - 2:00pm

Enjoy free munchies, games, and prizes at Fit Fusion Interactive (67 West Main St.) an interactive fitness studio located in the spooky and historic Octagon Hotel that was built in 1851.

Christ Church in the 19th century, before this building was encased in stone.

Celebration of "All Hallows' Eve" at Christ Church
Sunday, October 30th- 5:00-6:00pm

The Episcopalian congregation in Oyster Bay, dating back to 1705, invites you to Christ Church (61 East Main St.) to hear spooky organ music starting at 5pm, with the sanctuary lit only by candles from Jack-o-lanterns. A ghost and witch straight out of the Bible will make a special appearance. The fun will then continue next door with a festive supper party for the entire community in the Parish Hall with costumes, games and more Jack-o-lanterns, of course! The event will benefit the Episcopal Relief and Development fund. for more information, please call 516-922-6377.

Knitting Circle - Potluck Lunch, Nov. 5, 11am-2pm

noreply@blogger.com (Isaac Kremer) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 14:35:00 +0000

Knitting Circle - Potluck Lunch
Saturday, November 5th, 11 am - 2 pm

A group of novice and expert knitters, fiber artists, weavers, and spinners will meet at the store for a few hours of pattern swapping, exchanging ideas, and just pure fun. The event is open to public so join us with your hooks and needles.

We held a similar event last year to a great success. In addition to knitting and crocheting we got a chance to try our hands at spinning and weaving - Donna Lee Trunk brought a portable loom, Carrie Wood set up a spinning wheel.

It's a potluck event so please bring a small dish (really small) to share with other guests. We will have limited storage and heating abilities so make is something uncomplicated.


Some participants of a prior event	Carrie Wood at her spinning wheel	Donna Lee Trunk with a portable loop

Think Long Island First is dedicated to promoting goods made on Long Island by local artists and craftsmen. By selling things made locally, Think Long Island First lowers the environmental footprint by removing the long distance delivery of products. The company also lifts the barrier of anonymity and non-accountability by introducing to the general public not only the local products but also their makers.

Sagamore Hill Announces $6.2 Million Dollar Rehabilitation Beginning Spring 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Isaac Kremer) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 14:22:00 +0000

Sagamore Hill Announces $6.2 Million Dollar Rehabilitation Beginning Spring 2012

Oyster Bay, NY – Theodore Roosevelt’s Sagamore Hill home will undergo a $6.2 million rehabilitation beginning in spring 2012. The three year project will give the home a comprehensive interior and exterior rehabilitation of its architectural and structural elements, from its roof to the foundation.

“This project represents a significant investment by the American people ensuring that the Roosevelt home and its irreplaceable collection are protected for future generations to appreciate, gain inspiration, and learn from” said Sagamore Hill National Historic Site Superintendent Tom Ross.

Guided tours of the home will be given through December 4^th, when the home will close to visitors. “While the home is closed to visitors,” said Ross, “we will continue to serve visitors with special programs and activities at the Visitor Center, Theodore Roosevelt Museum at Old Orchard, historic farms buildings and throughout the grounds.”

According to Ross, areas that remain open to the public during construction include the visitor center and museum store; the Theodore Roosevelt Museum at Old Orchard; site outbuildings and grounds, along with the nature trail which leads to the national wildlife refuge on Cold Spring Harbor. Public programs and special events will continue at the site including nature and grounds walks as well as the popular Junior Ranger programs for children.

Several new programs include talks on the site as a working farm, illustrated programs, self-guided cellular phone tours, and an 18 minute narrated video tour of the Roosevelt home which takes visitors room by room through the house.

The rehabilitation includes work to interior elements such as woodwork, flooring, and lighting, as well as to mechanical systems including electrical, heating and ventilation, fire suppression and security. Exterior work includes installation of a new roof, gutter and drainage system, waterproofing of the foundation, and rehabilitation of historic windows, doors, siding, and porches to historic preservation standards.

The home’s original rear porch and its sky lit central light well, both of which were altered or removed in past work on the home, will be restored. In addition, an accessible ramp along with a walkway from the site’s visitor center will be installed.

Other aspects of this project include rehabilitation of the adjacent ice house, upgrade of the site’s fire hydrants, electrical service, and the installation of stand-by generators and upgrades to the site’s outdoor security lighting.

For more information on the project and room or floor closures of the home, please visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov. For information on the rehabilitation project visit:http://parkplanning.nps.gov.

-NPS-

Sagamore Hill National Historic Site, located at 20 Sagamore Hill Road, Oyster Bay, New York, is a unit of the National Park Service. The site was established by Congress in 1962 to preserve and interpret the structures, landscape, collections and other cultural resources associated with Theodore Roosevelt’s home in Oyster Bay, New York, and to ensure that future generations understand and appreciate the life and legacy of Theodore Roosevelt, his family and the significant events associated with him. Tours of the home are limited to fourteen persons and are offered on the hour on Wednesdays through Sundays from 10am to 4pm. Tour tickets are five dollars each and tickets are sold on a first-come-first-served basis each day beginning at 9 AM. The grounds of Sagamore Hill are open year round from sunrise to sunset. For further information, visit our website atwww.nps.gov/sahi, or call 516-922-4788 . Be sure to follow us on Twitter for updates at http://twitter.com/SagamoreHillNHS and on Facebook athttp://www.facebook.com/pages/Sagamore-Hill-National-Historic-Site/127271867334480

'Fireboats of 9/11' Screening and Discussion, 10/13, 7pm

noreply@blogger.com (Isaac Kremer) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 20:33:00 +0000

Be sure to check out this event brought to Oyster Bay by the Long Island North Shore Heritage Area. Then actually see one of those fireboats at the Oyster Festival this weekend!

LINSHA LECTURE SERIES

Thursday, October 13, 2011, 7 pm
FREE Screening and Discussion

FIREBOATS OF 9/11

Oyster Bay Community Center

Church Street, Oyster Bay

Downtown Oyster Bay Celebrates 'Fall Harvest Days' Every Friday in October

noreply@blogger.com (Isaac Kremer) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 12:44:00 +0000

Oyster Bay, New York – Every Friday in October from 10am-4pm, we will be celebrating the culmination of another year of the highly successful Oyster Bay Farmers’ Market with ‘Fall Harvest Days.’ We welcome you to drop by and see the vendors you’ve come to know and love one last time. Come early to enjoy cider and donuts. All throughout the day family-friendly activities and events will give another reason to visit the market.

Award-winning farmer Beagan Gouth will have his fresh fruits and vegetables grown right here in Nassau County. Also on display will be the over 20 ribbons and prizes he won at the recent Long Island Fair. Joining him will be Armstrong Farm of Lattingtown with their very popular organic eggs. Scarola Farms will continue to bring their choicest wines from the North Fork of Long Island. Need some mums or flowers to give your home a splash of fall color? WPW Growers is here to help you with that too.

Maybe you are looking for baked goods, tea, or pickles? We have Meredith’s Bread offering the most delicious breads, pies, cookies, and other treats. The Tea Plant will offer loose tea and accessories. And, the always popular Horman’s Pickles brings their full line of products for the true pickle connoisseur in your household.

Rounding out the market are several vendors making fresh and handmade products. Bambino’s Ravioli has homemade pastas and sauces. DelPozzo brings the finest of oils that complement the many other food products available at the market. Naturally handmade Soaps by Susan are perfect for your home or as gifts this coming holiday season. Bring along your fine furry friend for natural dog treats and pet items by Little Lexi’s Barkery. Rounding out the excellent vendors we have is Bang’N BBQ with their smoked BBQ items, and prepared ready-to-eat sandwiches.

The Oyster Bay Farmers’ Market is located in Townsend Park between Town Hall and the U.S. Post Office. Parking is easily accessible throughout the downtown. For questions please call (516) 922-6982 or visit www.oysterbaymainstreet.org.

Sagamore Hill offers tour of Theodore Roosevelt's Oyster Bay, 10/9, 2pm

noreply@blogger.com (Isaac Kremer) — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 14:18:00 +0000

Join Park Ranger Howard Ehrlich on Sunday, October 9th on a history stroll through Theodore Roosevelt’s Oyster Bay. The free one hour program begins at 2:00 PM in the Long Island Rail Road parking lot at the Oyster Bay station where Roosevelt traveled to and from New York City. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and dress appropriately for the weather.

Roosevelt’s have lived in Oyster Bay since the 1860s. In 1885, Theodore Roosevelt built Sagamore Hill two and a half miles east of the hamlet center. Oyster Bay came to national prominence when Theodore Roosevelt became the 26^th President of the United States. Roosevelt frequented the hamlet for goods, services, transportation, conducting speeches and participating in local civic activities. The ranger stroll will highlight the major sites in the hamlet connected to Theodore Roosevelt and his family.

Sagamore Hill National Historic Site, located at 12 Sagamore Hill Road, Oyster Bay, New York, is a unit of the National Park Service. The site was established by Congress in 1962 to preserve and interpret the structures, landscape, collections and other cultural resources associated with Theodore Roosevelt’s home in Oyster Bay, New York, and to ensure that future generations understand and appreciate the life and legacy of Theodore Roosevelt, his family and the significant events associated with him. Tours of the home are limited to fourteen persons and are offered on the hour on Wednesdays through Sundays from 10am to 4pm. Tour tickets are five dollars each and tickets are sold on a first-come-first-served basis each day beginning at 9 AM. The grounds of Sagamore Hill are open year round from sunrise to sunset. For further information, visit our website at www.nps.gov/sahi, or call 516-922-4788. Be sure to follow us on Twitter for updates at http://twitter.com/SagamoreHillNHS and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sagamore-Hill-National-Historic-Site/127271867334480

Harvest Regatta Celebration Returns on October 7

noreply@blogger.com (Isaac Kremer) — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 18:36:00 +0000

Oyster Bay, New York— The Oyster Bay Main Street Association and Oakcliff Sailing Center are joining forces again to host the Harvest Regatta Celebration on Friday, October 7, 2011. Last year's smashingly successful event will be duplicated. At 6:30pm a strolling dinner will be held in the quaint clubhouse and grounds of the Oakcliff Sailing Center at 2 South Street in Oyster Bay. Festivities will continue next door with live music and dancing, a unique silent auction, and showing of the work of the talented local artist Kirk Larsen that will be available for purchase.

The next day the signature Harvest Regatta will again take place in conjunction with the final Fall Classics Race. Costumes are strongly recommended. Regatta goers will have a chance to retrieve pumpkins from the water while sailing to win special prizes.

Several area restaurants will be providing food for the strolling dinner portion of the event. These include Coach Grill and Tavern, Christina’s Epicure, Jack Halyards American Bar & Grill, Luce Restaurant, Saggio’s, and Sweet Tomato. Bringing the “harvest” to the Harvest Regatta Celebration will be DelPozzo Foods from East Norwich. DelPozzo Foods participates in the Oyster Bay Farmers’ Market that is held downtown every Friday from 10am-4pm through October 28. They will bring their pastas, olive oils, balsamic vinegars, marinades, and pasta sauces to offer partygoers a taste of the farmers' market.

There are many businesses to thank for their role adding to the festivities. A wonderful selection of wine, beer, and specialty drinks will be provided. Wine has been donated by Testa Wines of Oyster Bay and Massican vineyard of Napa Valley. Mt. Gay cocktails will flow from the Boat Shed once again. Dodds & Eder has generously donated decorative plants for the night of the event. ENGEL & VÖLKERS of Locust Valley has sponsored printing of the event program.

Special silent auction prizes will include a sunset sail for four with Oakcliff Sailing Center and dinner at Jack Halyards American Bar & Grill; a house membership to Sagamore Yacht Club; an overnight stay at Oheka Castle; and various other fitness, health, spa visits, and dining auction items that people may bid on.

New this year is a ‘pick a prize’ raffle with a brunch for two at Rothmann’s, dinner for two at Wild Honey, and gift certificates to a number of area restaurants including Coach, Luce, Cafe al Dente, Canterbury's Oyster Bar and Grill, Serata, and Angelina's. If health and wellness is what you are looking for, maybe you can win a facial at Blue Water Spa or Shangri-La Spa, or treatments at Healthy Living Therapeutic. Promote your personal fitness with gift certificates from Bliss Studios and Evolution. Finally, fill your shopping needs with a gift certificate to Dodds & Eder, a gift basket from Chrison & Bellina, gift basket from Bon Vie, and a Utrecht gift bag and three complementary lessons at The Teaching Studios of Art.

The Oyster Bay Main Street Association is dedicated to enhancing and promoting an attractive and thriving downtown, while maintaining its historic integrity. We are a 501(c)3 Non-Profit using the national Main Street Approach® to downtown revitalization. Since 2001, we have been responsible for helping to attract over $30 million of investment to downtown Oyster Bay. This has led to the renovation of over 60 buildings, and the start of 57 new businesses in the downtown area. We manage a series of events throughout the year meant to promote the downtown and improve the quality of life including the Oyster Bay Farmers’ Market, the Oyster Bay Sundown Concert Series, and, new this year, Dancing in the Street.

Oakcliff Sailing Center was formed in 2010, to raise the levels of sailors and competitive sailing in the U.S. The Center is physically comprised of an America’s Cup-like campus in downtown Oyster Bay. The clubhouse, boat yard, and climate-controlled buildings house boat and sail storage, as well as rigging, composites, winch and hardware workshops. All of this is in close proximity to the commuter train station and a hundred yards from the Center’s deep-water docks and moorings.

Tickets are $75 in advance and $100 at the door. Tickets may be purchased securely online by visiting www.oakcliffsailing.org. Tickets may also be purchased by check, making this payable to OBMSA and sending this to PO Box 116, Oyster Bay, NY 11771. All proceeds are tax deductible and will jointly benefit the Oyster Bay Main Street Association and the Oakcliff Sailing Center.

Volunteers are needed to help the night of the event. For more information about sponsorship, tickets, or to volunteer please call (516) 922-6982 (516) 922-6982 or write oysterbaymsa@gmail.com.

Oyster Bay Groups Plan Shadow Ball to Aid with Preservation of Historic House

noreply@blogger.com (Isaac Kremer) — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 19:36:00 +0000

Oyster Bay, NY – The Oyster Bay Historic Preservation Roundtable has launched a community-wide campaign to raise $60,000 to address the pressing stabilization needs of the Adelia and Cornelius McCoon House, the 1844 summer cottage that served most recently as the home of Dr. James Trousdell and family. The house and two-acre property at 198 East Main Street and the corner of Sandy Hill Road was purchased this spring by the North Shore Land Alliance. They are in the process of placing a conservation easement on the property, and making the property available to purchase by a private buyer. The campaign will culminate in a final community thank-you reception held at the house on September 18 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., where all supporters will gather to celebrate the success of their mission.

At the heart of the campaign is the Shadow Ball—a “danceless” fundraiser for which donors purchase tickets to an imaginary ball as their contribution to the McCoon House’s stabilization fund. Such a stay-at-home event is an Oyster Bay fundraising tradition of sorts. Mrs. Chauncey B. Garver, who owned the house with her husband from 1920 to1949, put on shadow balls to raise funds for charity. And, more recently, Angela Koenig arranged stay-at-home Mother’s Day events in support of the Doubleday-Babcock Senior Center (now the Life Enrichment Center).

Lisa Ott, President of the North Shore Alliance said about the event and also the fundraising effort, “I could not imagine a better way to protect this notable house and the land it rests on, then by taking a page from Mrs. Chauncey B. Garver’s fundraising playbook. The Shadow Ball will give us the resources needed to stabilize this important house, so it may be passed on to a buyer with an interest in conservation of the land and preservation of this important building.”

The Cornelius & Adelia McCoon House was originally a Greek revival home with Colonial Revival details added later around 1913. This is one of Oyster Bay’s last remaining examples of a summer colony destination for nineteenth-century visitors that included members of the Roosevelt and Irvin families. The Oyster Bay Historic Preservation Roundtable’s campaign to raise funds for immediate repair and stabilization work represents the first crucial step in preserving such a vital symbol of Oyster Bay history.

The Oyster Bay Preservation Roundtable represents the collaborative efforts of many community organizations, including the North Shore Land Alliance, Oyster Bay Historical Society, Oyster Bay Main Street Association, Oyster Bay Railroad Museum, Raynham Hall, Save the Jewel, and the Society for the Preservation of Long Island Antiquities.

The Host Committee for the Shadow Ball fundraiser at this time includes: Phillip Blocklyn, John Bonifacio, Harriet Gerard Clark, Ben Jankowski, Isaac Kremer, Lisa Ott, Rita Pecora, and Alexandra Wolfe.

For more information please contact the North Shore Land Alliance at (516) 484-4419 or visit www.northshorelandalliance.org.

'DANCING IN THE STREET' FREE EVENTS IN OYSTER BAY, Every Friday Evening in August

noreply@blogger.com (Isaac Kremer) — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 12:52:00 +0000

MAIN STREET ASSOCIATION, LOCAL BUSINESSES, AND DANCE STUDIOS ANNOUNCE 'DANCING IN THE STREET' FREE EVENTS IN OYSTER BAY

July 12, 2011, Oyster Bay, NY – Picture people literally dancing in the street this summer. Downtown Oyster Bay will be your place to be for music, outdoors, in a beautiful historic setting every Friday in August from 7pm to 9pm.

Live music, dancing lessons, and demonstrations will be provided by the bandstand on Audrey Avenue between Town Hall and the U.S. Post Office.

Ewa Rumprecht, one of the organizers of the event and co-owner of the Think Long Island First store in Oyster Bay said “This is an event that will help to put Oyster Bay on the map. We have so many cultural and artistic activities happening here already, that dancing is the next step in the evolution.”

The DJ’s and groups leading dance instruction follow:

August 5th, DJ Louis del Prete with a Latin and Ballroom Mix, plus dance instruction, and featuring a demo by Lisa Sparkles Studio

August 12th, music by Scofflaws, a Huntington ska band, “so hip it’s ridiculous”

August 19th, DJ Louis del Prete with a Latin and Ballroom Mix plus dance instruction

August 26th, DJ Louis del Prete, dance instructions and demo by Bliss Studio

This Dancing in the Street event is generously sponsored by local businesses and organizations: New York Islanders, State Bank of Long Island, Think Long Island First, Bliss Studio, English Country Flowers, State Farm Insurance – John Specce Agency, Lisa Sparkles Dance, and the Oyster Bay Main Street Association.

####

ABOUT OYSTER BAY MAIN STREET ASSOCIATION

Oyster Bay Main Street Association (OBMSA) is dedicated to enhancing and promoting an attractive and thriving downtown, while maintaining its historic integrity. We are a 501 (c) 3 Non-Profit using the national Main Street Approach® to downtown revitalization.

Sundown Brings Live Music to Oyster Bay, 1st Thursdays, June to September

noreply@blogger.com (Isaac Kremer) — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 15:07:00 +0000

The Oyster Bay Main Street Association is excited to announce the line-up for its third “SUNDOWN” Concert Series. Eagerly awaited by residents who enjoyed it the last two years, this year’s entertainment promises to be even more fabulous! Diane Meltzer, Chair of the OBMSA Promotion Committee, said “we are thrilled to be bringing live music to the downtown area for a third year of warm weather outdoor concerts.”

Once again, the acts will coincide with Oyster Bay’s “First Thursday” Art Walk, adding another option for residents and visitors enjoying the gallery exhibits, restaurant specials and general bonhomie on those evenings. SUNDOWN concerts are FREE for everyone, and chairs are provided for your listening pleasure. All concerts are from 7 – 9 p.m. in the evening, and each month will feature something different. Following is a list of this year’s musicians:

June 2— “Johnny Q” electrifies the evening with an eclectic musical journey including everything from Elvis Costello to Bob Dylan. The trio on violin, bass, and drums will put a unique personal twist on favorite songs. — Renaissance Plaza, 24 Audrey Avenue

July 7— “Scofflaws” ska/reggae/R & B are “so hip it’s ridiculous.” Established in 1988, they are based on Long Island but have toured the states extensively doing live gigs. Current members play tenor sax (while doubling as lead vocal), guitar, bass, and drums. — Renaissance Plaza, 24 Audrey Avenue

Art and Jack

August 4—“Jack Morelli’s Jazz Duo” delivers a swinging evening under the stars.” Enjoy classic jazz, blues, and songs from the Great American Songbook. Art Rome, on keyboard and vocals, is a master of improvisation and has played on Broadway. Jack Morelli is one of the top drummers anywhere. — Renaissance Plaza, 24 Audrey Avenue

September 1 — “Flashback” has you dancing and singing to the Golden Oldies of the 60’s – 90’s. Long Island’s own “Village People”: retired senior training captain for the NYC Department of Corrections on rhythm guitar/ vocals; several incredible musicians/electricians on guitar/ drums/vocals! A rockin’ good time to celebrate the start of the Labor Day Weekend! — The Homestead (outdoor patio, optional table dining), 107 South St.

Mark your calendars now for these four SUNDOWN concerts, as downtown Oyster Bay will again be the place to hear and enjoy live music this summer. For more information call 516-922-6982 or visit www.oysterbaymainstreet.org.

OYSTER BAY FARMERS’ MARKET “GROWS” BIGGER AND BETTER, Open May 27-Oct 28, 10am-4pm

noreply@blogger.com (Isaac Kremer) — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 22:08:00 +0000

What started as a seedling of an idea in the Oyster Bay Main Street Association’s office, has blossomed into a bumper crop of a concept for downtown Oyster Bay! The Oyster Bay Farmers’ Market returns for its second year in the historic downtown with more vendors, an expanded location and better space for parking and shopping.

The market, which features over 15 vendors and offers goods as varied as homemade pickles to natural pet treats, will celebrate its grand opening on Friday, May 27. What a great way to kick off the Memorial Day Weekend! New hours this year are from 10 am – 4 pm. The market will continue to operate every Friday through October 28. Many vendors from the market’s inaugural year are eagerly returning to harvest the benefits of a bursting downtown! They will be joined by an impressive number of new exciting vendors wanting to be part of the weekly event. The market will now be situated on Audrey Avenue, north of the Oyster Bay Bandstand, which will become a pedestrian thoroughfare on market days.

The Oyster Bay Main Street Association is thrilled to again be organizing and managing this enterprise in conjunction with the Town of Oyster Bay. For more information, please call the Oyster Bay Main Street Association at 516-922-6982 or visit us on the web at www.oysterbaymainstreet.org. You can also find us on Facebook at “Historic Oyster Bay” and follow us on Twitter @oysterbayny.

Vendors and Their Products
WPW Growers... Flowers and Plants
Armstrong Farm of Lattingtown... Organic Eggs
Horman’s Pickles... Pickles
Little Lexi’s Barkery... Natural Dog Treats & Pet Items
Naturally Handmade by Susan... Soaps
Scarola Vineyards... North Fork Wine
The Tea Plant... Loose Tea & Accessories
Bambino’s Ravioli... Homemade Pastas, Sauces
Beagan Gooth... Locally Grown Produce
Meredith’s Bread... Breads, Pies, Quiches, Empanadas
Bang'N BBQ... Some of the most delicious BBQ you've ever had

Plein Air Competition at Sagamore Hill NHS, September 9 and 10, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Isaac Kremer) — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 19:03:00 +0000

Please note that this event originally scheduled for August 26 and 27, has been rescheduled for September 9 and 10 on account of the weather.

Plein Air Competition at Sagamore Hill September 9 & 10

Teaching Studios 1st Annual Plein Air Competition is being held at Sagamore Hill National Historic Site in Oyster Bay, New York - a setting with over 83 acres of beautiful landscape, as well as the last home of Theodore Roosevelt, a 23 room Victorian structure of frame and brick.

The historic site is located on the beautiful Gold Coast of northern Long Island.
Entry is by application only, and is limited to a selection of 35 artists. We seek to assemble the best 35 Plein Air painters possible, in one location, and let beautiful paintings happen. There will be several awards given out for those who make paintings of distinction.

CALENDAR 2011
Please review carefully
May 20- Online applications accepted
July 16- Deadline for Applications
July 23- Selected participants announced via email
September 9- Competition Commences
September 10- Competition Ends at 4pm
September 10- 7-9pm Exhibition of selected works
and prizes awarded.

JURORS
Bennett Vadnais, Plein Air Instructor and Artist, the Teaching Studios of Art
Jane McGraw Teubner, Pastel Painting Instructor and Artist, the Teaching Studios of Art

AWARDS
Main prize:
$1000 award given to the best overall painting, as decided by our jurors.
Runners Up:
•Best Oil painting
•Best Pastel painting
•Best Water Media painting
Each of these receive a $150 gift certificate from Utrecht Art Supply
This event will take place rain or shine.

ELIGIBILITY
Open to all plein air artists. Jurors will select participants using one criteria: quality of work.

ENTRIES
35 artists selected
The deadline for submissions is Saturday, July 16 (5pm EST).
There is a non-refundable $35 application fee.
3 images of the artist’s best work must be submitted in .jpg format

EXHIBITION
Selected works will be exhibited at the Oyster Bay Historical Society, in their new art gallery at the Koenig Center. There will be an artist’s reception and an awards ceremony on Saturday September 10, from 7-9pm. Work will be made available for sale, with a percentage of proceeds going to benefit the Historical Society.

ABOUT THE JURORS
Bennett Vadnais studied classical drawing and painting at the Bougie Studio, MN, the Water Street Atelier, NY, and the Art Students League of New York. He has won two of the most prestigious awards that the Art Students League of New York grants its members: the McDowell Travel Grant and the Xavier Gonzalez Travel Grant. Vadnais has done various landscape workshops around Long Island and New York City, and has earned a reputation for excellence in teaching. Before joining the Teaching Studios, he previously taught at the Long Island Academy of Fine Art. He has exhibited in galleries in New York City and nationally. He was recently profiled in the Fall 2010 issue of American Artist Workshop magazine.

Jane McGraw-Teubner has achieved the honored rank of Master Pastel Artist, awarded by the Pastel Society of America. She is also on the Board of Directors for the Catherine Lorillard Wolfe Art
Club and a Resident Artist in the Salmagundi Art Club in Manhattan. She studied with pastel artists Jeff Webb, Frank Federico, Albert Handell, Anita Louise West, Larry Blovits, Richard McKinley and at the Art Students League with Richard Pionk. She exhibits in galleries in New York City and the metropolitan area. She teaches pastel painting for the Teaching Studios of Art.

Live Demonstrations

Utrecht Artist-in-Residence Joe Gyurcsak will be doing a plein air demonstration on day 2 of the event. Saturday, September 10, 11am-2pm. Free and open to the public.
Rob Zeller, Bennett Vadnais and Jane McGraw-Teubner will all be painting during the event, as well, (for enjoyment and not for competition).
Itinerary for the Event
Friday September 9
9am:
Check in at parking lot of Sagamore Hill.
Canvases checked and stamped. Maximum size: 16 x 20
Promotional supplies from American Artist Magazine will be distributed to each artist (yes, goodies for everyone). Use of these materials during the competition is optional. American Artist would like feedback from anyone who uses the materials during the competition, though.
Artists are free to paint anywhere on the preserve. Please budget enough time to get where you are going. This is a very large preserve. To reach the coastal area can take up to a 15-20 minute hike.
Park closes at dusk, but artists are asked to leave by 5pm.

Lectures at the Teaching Studios of Art in Oyster Bay (free and open to the public)
The Barbizon Painters, 8:00- 9:00pm Rob Zeller
The Russian Landscape Artists, 9:00-10:00pm Bennett Vadnais

Saturday, September 10
9am: Artist assemble in the parking lot and head out to their respective locations.
4pm: Drop off completed works, at Oyster Bay Historical Society- Koenig Center, 20 Summit Street
Oyster Bay NY 11771
4:15-5:15pm Curating of show and judging of works.
5:15- 6:15pm hanging of show
6:30-7:00pm Teaching Studios and Historical Society Member Preview
7:00- 9:00pm Exhibition of works open to the public.

Exhibition:
All work must be framed. No larger than 16 x 20. Artists will receive a 50% commission on any work sold.

Special thanks to:
Oyster Bay Historical Society
Utrecht Artist Supplies
American Artist Magazine
Sagamore Hill National Preserve
This event was created and is managed by:
The Teaching Studios of Art
115 Irving Ave. Oyster Bay, NY 11771
516.558.7367
www.teachingstudios.com

Pearls of Oyster Bay Award Winners Announced

noreply@blogger.com (Isaac Kremer) — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 18:54:00 +0000

The “Pearl of Oyster Bay” was awarded to Sagamore Hill National Historic Site this week, one of 19 sites in the area elected by the community as a "Pearl of Oyster Bay". Sagamore Hill, family home of President Theodore Roosevelt, was designated a unit of the National Park Service System in 1962 and welcomes more than 50,000 visitors from the community and around the world who visit the Roosevelt Home and grounds each year.

Accepting the award on behalf of Sagamore Hill NHS are Thomas E. Ross, Superintendent and Sherry Justus, Chief of Interpretation, Visitor Services and Natural Resources. Pictured above left to right are Jerelyn Hanrahan, Artist of the Graduated Pearls Project , Sherry Justus, Tom Ross and Tracy Dellomo, Graduated Pearl Committee Member and Board Member of the Oyster Bay Main Street Association.

The sculpture project now has an underwriting sponsor, Superior Concrete of Brooklyn owned by local resident Constance Cincotta. The 20x40 foot pearl necklace sculpture will be cast in concrete supplied by Superior Concrete. The project has also been funded by an initial grant by the Oyster Bay Main Street Association and the New York Foundation for the Arts. The project, however is still in need of funding to bring it to completion. Interested donors should contact Jerelyn Hanrahan at Atelier Gallery 516-205-0907 for more information.

Other sites receiving recognition as "Pearls of the Community" in addition to Sagamore Hill, include The Waterfront, and Friends of the Bay. More "Pearls of the Community" still await to be announced.

Dawn Riley of Oakcliff Sailing Center and David Waldo of The WaterFront Center accept a pearl on behalf of the waterfront.

Pat Aitken, Executive Director, accepting a pearl on behalf of Friends of the Bay

Presentation of a pearl to Harriet Gerard Clark, Executive Director of Raynham Hall Museum.
Pearl presentation to William Miller and Mary Abbene of The Printery on West Main Street.

Another pearl presentation to Gooseberry Grove on East Main Street.

Nobman's Hardware accepting a pearl with Derrick Nobman, 4th generation to own and operate the business.
And, finally, St. Dominic's Chapel, another pearl of the community.