What's Your Status? Do You Know?

You can find out with free, anonymous HIV testing in 20 minutes at FEGS Positive SPACE in Copiague.  Testing is offered every month and walk-ins are welcome. 

FEGS Positive Space is located at 445 Oak Street.  Call Vanessa @ 691-7080 ext. 403 for more info.

Party in Amityville on New Year's Eve

Revolution (the old Ollie's Point) is having a Lace & Leather party with open bar (10:30pm -1am).  Tickets are $30 and can be purchased here: http://www.ticketmaster.com/Ollies-Point-Revolution-tickets-Amityville/venue/340482.  I think that's a pretty good price considering it includes open bar.

Revolution is located at 140 Merrick Rd and 110. Doors open at 10:30pm.

I hear this place is under new management.  If you've been, please feel free to comment on what you think about it.

Kids Driving You Crazy Yet?

Kids are out of school this week.  The weather has been a mess, the kids are getting antsy and driving you up the wall.  What to do?  Here are a few suggestions:

• Bounce U in Farmingdale (on Rt 110) has bounce activities all day tomorrow, starting with pre-school aged kids at 10am and cosmic bounce at 4:15pm.  Here is the website for reservations: https://eres.bounceu.com/calendar.php?store_id=1197. 
• Long Island Children's Museum ( http://licm.org) has wonderful activities every day (all the time; not just for holiday season) except Monday.  If you are looking for something this weekend, special events include:
• Story & Art @ 12:30-1pm (T/F)
• Music & Movement @ 11:30am -12pm (W/F)
• Messy Afternoons 3:30 -5pm (Sa/Su) 
• Ice Skating @ Tanger Outlets in Deer Park (http://www.tangericerink.com/public-skating) is open every day until February.  Hours and prices vary so please check the website. They even have a DJ spinning your favorite tunes on Friday and Saturday nights!

New Year's Eve Plans??

Coldplay & Jay-Z will be performing at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on December 31st @ 9pm.  No, it's not in Long Island, but it is a quick and easy trip from the Amityville LIRR station to the Atlantic Avenue stop in Brooklyn. The Barclays Center is right across the street. 

Please share your comments if you decide to go.  Wish I could...

Help for Downloading eBooks and eAudiobooks

One on one Live-brary.com eBooks and eAudiobooks download help is available on Saturdays from 3-3:45pm or 4-4:45pm.  Bring your mobile device, USB cable, power cord and laptop. 

Registration is required and is limited to Amityville Library cardholders.

Wii Games at the Library

Want to try out a video game for free?  The Amityville Library Children's Department has Wii games available to adult Amityville Public Library cardholders.  Games include Super Mario Brothers, Just Dance, and Lego Harry Potter

Only one game may be checked out at a time.

Holiday Princess Tea Party

Darlings & Divas of Amityville is hosting the Holiday Princess Tea Party with an appearance by Rapunzel! The party is on Sunday, December 16th from 11am - 1pm and includes:

• princess tiara to keep
• makeover with sparkling makeup application & cheeky paint!
• holiday themed Christmas Cookie manicure
• glitter tattoo
• finger sandwiches & sweets

Prices are $29.99 per child, $24.99 siblings. Reservations are required as space is limited. Call 631.608.4710. 

Darlings & Divas
65 Merrick Road
Amityville, NY 11701
http://darlingsanddivasofamityville.com/

Amityville Fire Department Sandy Relief Fund

The Amityville Community and the Amityville Fire Department teamed up to create the AFD Cares/Sandy Relief Fund.  Anyone from the Village of Amityville who suffered significant damage to their home is eligible to enter a lottery for a $250 gift card to Home Depot or Lowes.  They will raffle off as many cards as the fund allows starting in December and will continue as long as funds are available.

For more information, please see the following link and application form:

http://www.egovlink.com/public_documents300/amityville/published_documents/General%20Information/AFD%20Cares-Sandy%20Relief%20Fund.pdf

Beaty and the Beast Jr. @ Studio Theatre in Lindenhurst

Looking for something to do with the kiddies?  The Studio Theatre in Lindenhurst is presenting the stage version of Beauty and the Beast, with music from the Academy award winning feature.  The show is running until 12/22/2012.  Showtime is each Saturday at 2pm.  Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online at http://www.studiotheatreli.com/.

Studio Theatre
141 South Wellwood Avenue
Lindenhurst, NY 11757
            
       

Holiday Tips from the Amityville Police Department

Here are some holiday tips from the Amityville Police Dept.  This is posted on www.amityville.com:
 

The Holiday Season can bring new opportunities for criminals. The Village of Amityville Police Department hopes you take into consideration the following safety tips during this 2012 Holiday Season:

When Shopping

•  Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
•  Park in a well-lit area and have your keys and cell phone at the ready.
•  Remember where you parked. Look at the row markings when you arrive.
•  Keep packages and valuables out of view in the car and lock your vehicle.
•  Try to shop with a companion during daylight hours.
•  Only take with you what is necessary for shopping. If you are pickpocketed, you don’t want to lose everything.

At Home

•  Set the alarm if you have one.
•  Let trusted neighbors know your plans so they can keep watch.
•  Lock the doors and turn on outdoor lighting.
•  Try to be home for package deliveries. A package sitting on the doorstep can be a dead giveaway that no one is home.
•  Be alert and aware of what is happening in your neighborhood and our community.
•  Call the Police immediately if something seems out of the ordinary.

Driving
 Our roadways can be extremely dangerous during normal circumstances. When you factor in our preoccupied minds during this holiday season, congested roadways and people rushing around, this can only increase the odds of having an accident. Add alcohol or talking and texting on the phone to this equation and you create a recipe for disaster.

We implore you to be responsible and alert. When driving, wear your seatbelts and stay off the phone. If you ability is impaired, DO NOT DRIVE!

The members of the Amityville Police Department wish our community a safe and healthy Holiday Season and hope you seriously consider our recommendations.


Chief Donald J. Dobby, Jr.

Restaurant Week Extended to November 18th!

Long Island Restaurant Week is being extended to November 18th due to the hurricane.  This means you get an extra week to eat at your favorite restaurants for $25 prix-fixe.  Here is the link to check which restaurants are participating:

http://longislandrestaurantweek.com/

Amityville Volunteer Efforts - St. Martin of Tours and Hope for Amityville Facebook Community

Need help?  Want to help?  St. Martin of Tours gym has become a central location for various community volunteers.  People in need can pick up supplies, food, toiletries, blankets, etc.  Volunteers can sign up to deliver items, organize donations, clean houses, etc.

Hope for Amityville Community Hurricane Relief (Facebook) is part of this effort.  Here is an example of an awesome way villagers are banding together, pooling talents and resources, and taking action to help fellow neighbors in need in the wake of this devastating hurricane. 

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hope-for-Amityville-Community-Hurricane-Relief/433266573403346?ref=stream

A text hotline has been set up for those who need help.  Please text the address and items needed anonymously to: 516-456-9912 or 631-338-0174.


Get involved; it's your community.

Dinner for Amityville Residents without Power

Amityville residents without power will be able to enjoy a hot meal at the Amityville Main Fire House, 55 W. Oak Street, this Friday, November 9th and Saturday, November 10th between the hours of 6 PM and 9 PM.  Please bring proof of residency.

Food donated by Country Roads Caterers and the Village of Amityville.

Food & Water Distributed @ Babylon Town Hall

Food and water will be distributed on Friday, November 9th, from 11am to 1pm at Babylon Town Hall for residents affected by Hurricane Sandy. The town hall also has charging stations for electronic devices.  Please notify those who may be in need.

Babylon Town Hall200 East Sunrise Highway
Lindenhurst NY 11757

New Autism Insurance Reform Law

This information concerning insurance benefits was posted on 10/31 by Senator Fuschillo's website: http://www.nysenate.gov/senator/charles-j-fuschillo-jr.  It should be especially helpful for those families affected by autism:

Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) announced today that a new law he authored to enable individuals with autism spectrum disorders to receive insurance coverage for screening, diagnosis and treatment, will take effect tomorrow, November 1st. The new law will save families with autism tens of thousands of dollars a year in out of pocket costs for autism treatment and therapies which many insurance companies refuse to cover.

“For years, families have fought for access to treatment coverage for their loved ones with autism,” said Senator Fuschillo. “This new law affords individuals with autism the opportunity to receive treatments and therapies they need without being forced to spend tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket every year. The law taking effect tomorrow will dramatically improve the lives of families affected by autism.”

Under the law, insurance companies are required to provide coverage for the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of autism spectrum disorders, including behavioral health treatments, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. Many insurance companies have routinely denied coverage for these treatments, forcing families to choose between exhausting their finances or forgoing important treatments because they can’t afford the cost. Insurance companies are also prohibited from terminating coverage or refusing to renew, adjust, amend, issue, or execute a policy solely because the individual has been diagnosed with or received treatment for autism spectrum disorders.

The new law builds upon an existing law, authored by Senator Fuschillo, to ensure that individuals with autism receive equitable coverage.

Autism Spectrum Disorders affect individuals of all ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic groups. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 1 in 88 children, including 1 in 54 boys, are currently affected with autism. More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes, and cancer combined, according to Autism Speaks, one of the nation’s largest autism science and advocacy organizations.

Post- Sandy Dumpster Locations

The following is a message concerning the removal of storm debris from amityville.com:


The removal of storm debris is a combined Village of Amityville/Town of Babylon effort. There will be no charge for the removal of storm debris. Any debris placed in front of your home in the affected area will be removed. This is a monumental effort and we ask you to please be patient. Additional manpower and equipment is on its way from outside the area. Both the town and village forces are working 7 days a week to get the debris removed.

Dumpsters have been placed throughout the village for storm related household debris. Dumpsters will be emptied once full and replaced. DPW will be picking up items placed at your curb and load it in the dumpsters. The following are the current locations of dumpsters for storm related household debris:
Richmond & Ocean (3)

Shore & Central (1)

Richmond & Anita (1)

S Bayview & MacDonald (1)

Bayside Place & Ocean (1)

Dewey & Purdy (1)

S Bayview & Purdy (1)

Bayview Place & S Bay Road (1)

Dumpster locations will be adjusted based on the debris locations.

Amityville Schools to Re-open

The schools will re-open for students on Wednesday, November 7th.  Only staff returns today, November 6th, for Superintendent's Conference Day.

Long Island Restaurant Week: Nov 4 - 11

Long Island Restaurant Week is finally here and right on time to provide a much needed distraction from the events of the past week.  Over 225 restaurants participate in this annual prix-fixe feast where you can dine at some of the island's best restaurants for only $25.

Two Amityville favorites are included this year: Vittorio's and VERO (which just re-opened), both on Rt.110 in the village. You can book your reservations at www.opentable.com.  If you have dined at either of these restaurants, you know $25 is a steal!  Please be sure that you are ordering from the Restaurant Week menu.

For more information and to find out if your favorite restaurant is participating, go to -
http://www.longislandrestaurantweek.com/dine.php. 

Mandatory Evacuation South of Merrick Rd.

Please see the following message from the Village of Amityville website:

State of Emergency in the Village of Amityville beginning 2:00 p.m. Sunday, October 28th and continuing until 2:00 p.m. Thursday, November 1, 2012. The Amityville Village Office of Emergency Management has declared a mandatory evacuation of Village residents south of Merrick Rd. or who live in a low lying area that has flooded in the past.
LIPA call center is 800-490-0075.
Log onto Amityville.com for continuous updates or call the Village Storm Information number at 631-264-7651.

Safe Havens (provides shelter but no services and pets are not allowed) :
• Lindenhurst High School, 300 Charles Street, Lindenhurst, NY 11757.
• Babylon Town Hall Annex, 281 Phelps Lane, Babylon, NY

Shelters:
• Brentwood High School, Sonderling Bldg. - 52 Third Avenue, Brentwood, NY 11717

Pet Friendly Shelters:
• Brentwood Rec Center – 99 Third Avenue, Brentwood, NY 11717
• Suffolk County Community College Eastern Campus – Corchaug Bldg. - 121 Speonk-Riverhead Road Riverhead, NY 11901, Brentwood, NY
11717

Anyone planning to utilize shelters, please remember to:
• Bring medications and disposable medical supplies
• Shutoff your electric power

Residents who live in mandatory evacuation areas are reminded that if you do not evacuate, police, fire and emergency rescue personnel will not be able to help you once there is flooding and sustained winds of 50 mph.
Residents who wish to move their cars to safer areas may park in Village municipal parking lots and the LIRR parking lot.
As we mentioned previously, LIPA has advised us that since this is a slow moving, multi-day storm, it is likely that power outages will be long because it may not be possible to send crews in to fix the outages if the winds create life-threatening situations for LIPA crew.

Museum Passes @ Amityville Library

Did you know that museum passes are available to adult Amityville Public Library cardholders?  Passes are available for the following museums:

• Long Island Children's Museum
• Nassau Museum of Art
• Vanderbilt Museum
• Intrepid Air & Space Museum
• Guggenheim
• Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium

Passes must be reserved in advance and only one may be taken out at a time!

October Children's Department Raffle @ Amityville Public Library

The Children's Dept of Amityville Public Library will be raffling off a family pass to the American Museum of Natural History this month.  All you need is a valid library card to enter.  One entry per family, please.

Online Q & A with Sen. Fuschillo on October 24th

Got a question for NY State Sen. Charles Fuschillo? Submit your questions online and check back on Wednesday at 7pm for a virtual Q&A session. 

Click here for more info: http://www.nysenate.gov/senator/charles-j-fuschillo-jr

Free Mammograms for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

In honor of breast cancer awareness month, women with limited or no insurance will be able to receive free breast cancer screenings at LIJ Medical Center.  First, a clinical breast exam is performed at the Ambulatory Care Unit at LIJ Medical Center, at 270-05 76th Avenue, first floor, Research Building, in New Hyde Park. The mammograms are provided at the Breast Imaging Center at North Shore-LIJ’s Center for Advanced Medicine at 450 Lakeville Road in Lake Success, across from the main entrance to LIJ Medical Center. The screenings are offered Monday-Saturday, by appointment only.

For an appointment for a free cancer screening, call the LIJ Ambulatory Care Unit at 718-470-4165. Accessible by public transportation, the hospital also offers parking in its visitor’s garage

Beware! Jeepers Creepers Haunted Lair is Back!

Amityville's Jeepers Creepers is back, claiming to be bigger and scarier than ever! Dare to enter @ 25 Ronald Drive South in Amityville.  The fee is only $7 per person.  The haunted location will remain open from 7:30pm to 10pm on October 21, 26-28, 30 & 31.  Contact 646-884-1374 for more info. 

Flapjack Fundraiser Breakfast @ Applebee's on October 20th

The Scholarship Ministry of Hollywood Full Gospel Baptist Cathedral  is hosting the Flapjack Fundraiser Breakfast at Applebee's in Airport Plaza on Rt. 110 (Farmingdale, NY) on Saturday October 20th from 8am to 10am.  The donation is $10 per person. 

Come get some yummy pancakes and support a good cause! Contact Hollywood Full Gospel Baptist Cathedral @ (631) 842-7091 for more information and tickets.

How Does $10 Unlimited Wine with Dinner Sound?

H20 Seafood Grill  in Smithtown is celebrating its 11 year anniversary with a special - $10 unlimited wine served with any entree.  The special will run from now through October 14th. I've never been to H20, but I have been to some its related restaurants and they were all very good.  Maybe it's time to take a trip over to Smithtown...

H20
215 W. Main St.
Smithtown, NY 11787
631.361.4141

http://www.h2oseafoodgrill.com/

Do You Know a Family in Need?

The Amityville Public Library will have free and confidential screenings for food stamp eligibility.  The screening will be held on Tuesday, October 16th from 10am to 12pm.  All are welcome.  Please contact the library for more information at 631-264-0567.

Residential Repair Program for Seniors

If you are a senior in need of small repairs (which do not require a licensed craftsman) completed in your home, you may be interested in the Suffolk County Residential Repair Program for Seniors.  It is a town based program for seniors over 60 years old.  Clients are responsible for the cost of materials, but the labor is free. 

Town of Babylon residents should call 631.422.7680 for information.

National Fire Prevention Week

This Week's To Do List
1. Test the batteries in the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
2. Make a donation to the Amityville Fire Department, 55 W. Oak St., Amityville, NY 11701

If you knew you were going to have a fire in the next 12 months, would you give a donation to the Amityville Fire Department?  Probably so.  The Amityville Fire Department is having its annual fund drive and now is the perfect time to show your support and make a donation because October 7 - 13 is National Fire Prevention Week.

Most people don't know when they are going to have a fire or when they will be involved in a car accident; if they did, they would try to prevent it from happening. This is why they are often called accidents.  Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working and make a donation to the fire department because you want them to have the funds they need.  You never know when tragedy will strike.

Annual Farmingdale Columbus Day Street Fair

The Farmingdale Fire Department is hosting the annual Farmingdale Columbus Day Fair near the firehouse on Main Street.  Festivities have already begun and will end on Sunday October 7th.  There will be music, food, vendors, rides and festivities topped off with a parade at 6pm and fireworks at 10pm on Sunday.  Carnival rides will be open from 12pm - 11pm on Saturday and Sunday.  A pay one price bracelet for rides is $25.   It will be fun for the whole family!

Think Pink Wine Dinner @ Verace

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, Verace restaurant of Babylon has created the Think Pink menu.  A portion of the proceeds from this menu will be donated to the Islip Breast Cancer Coalition.  Have a yummy dinner and support a good cause.  Please click this link for the menu: http://veracerestaurant.com/menus/special/thinkPink12.pdf 

Cheers!

Long Island Fall Festival This Weekend

The Long Island Fall Festival runs from October 5 - 8 at Heckscher Park Huntington. There will be live music, vendors and fun all weekend long!

Heckscher Park
164 Main St.
Huntington
631.423.6100
http://www.lifallfestival.com/

Amityville Applefest October 6th

Now this sounds like fun for the whole family!  Saturday, October 6th from 10am to 6pm the Amityville Applefest will take place by the Park Ave Gazebo south to Park Ave School grounds.  There will be live music, a sidewalk sale, pumpkin patch, crafts for the kids, a pie eating contest, vendors, raffles and more! Support local businesses!

For more info: http://www.egovlink.com/public_documents300/amityville/published_documents/General%20Information/AppleFest%20placematVer2.pdf

Artists Circle Opening Party for "Reflection" Exhibit

The Artists Circle will be hosting the opening party for Reflection on Sunday, October 7th from 4pm to 6pm.  All are welcome!  The exhibit runs through October 19th.

The Artists Circle is located at 186 Broadway. Go to  www.amityvilleartistscircle.org for more info.

Wanna Get Spooked? Try a Haunted House in October.

Oh the thrill of it!  I love the idea of a good haunted house (not really haunted - for fake, ok?)!  I've heard of a few of them that will be open from October 1 - 31.  Please comment if you know of some others or share your experience if you've been to any of these.

Darkness Rising Haunted House
10 Brooklyn Ave.
Massapequa
516.799.4747

Darkside Haunted House
5184 Route 25A
Wading River
631.369.SCARE

Zombie World Attack of the Killer Clowns Haunted House
41 Homer Ave
Deer Park
631.667.6665  (oh no!  the six trifecta!)

Green Energy Program @ St. Martin of Tours on October 2nd

St. Martin of Tours Social Ministry will host Power Up Communities, a green energy program that will help people save money and the earth.  The event will be held on Tuesday, October 2nd from 7pm to 9pm.  To register or for more info, contact Keith at smtoutreach@optonline.net.  

Step Up for Kids at the Every Child Matters March - Includes Free Admission to Children's Museum

Do you have 15 min or more to be a voice for children? If so join Every Child Matters in The March for Every Child on Thursday October 4^th at Hofstra University at 11am. Activities include the unifying march, free admission to the Children’s Museum and free raffle prizes. Let’s all march together with signs that show we care about children’s needs. This Step Up For Kids Day do your part to make children matter.

See the attached flier or go to http://www.everychildmatters.org/state-campaigns/long-island/upcoming-ecm-li-events for more info...

Community Service Opportunity - Great South Bay Clean Up

Are you looking for a way to give back to your community?  Do you know teenagers who need community service hours?

The 6th Annual Great South Bay Clean-Up may be a great opportunity for you to contribute.  The clean up will be at 8am on Saturday, September 29th at the Yacht Service Boatyard on Ocean Ave. in Amityville.

For more info see www.greatsouthbaysociety.org

Welcome to The Amityville Senser

Hi Neighbors,

Welcome to The Amityville Senser blog.  I decided to start this blog because I was looking for a blog that had interesting information relevant to Amityville, NY and the surrounding areas- new restaurants and stores, events, etc.

I am fairly new to Amityville and Long Island so I usually rely on information in periodicals and online to find fun things to do and places to go.  I admit to you now that I may post a few things that have nothing to do with Long Island.  I am looking to build a community of people with similar interests so if it is interesting to me, I may want to share it with you, my neighbors, and I hope that you will share your interests as well.  I welcome comments, but I will exclude those that are offensive or derogatory (that's not very neighborly).  If there is something I should be posting about, please tell me!

Thanks!

The Amityville Senser