Manhasset Democrats are out there and they’ve come together to form a Democratic Club in Manhasset. Since the 2016 election, many Manhasset Democrats have wanted to make a difference and initially organized through the Manhasset Democratic Club and Manhasset Indivisible Facebook page to learn how they could impact political decisions changing lives. Residents flocked to the page and began to have conversations around democratic values. Now, a new entity, the Manhasset Democratic Club, has been developed to advance the ideals of a democratic government.
The first meeting was held in a packed room of 40 people, including many students in high school. Everyone talked about what they hoped for from the Democratic Party and the issues that of concern, from policy issues at the federal level such as a clean environment, climate change, healthcare, equal treatment of all people, gun control, income inequality and voting rights and at the local level of ensuring safe neighborhoods, good roads and fair taxes.
Club elections were held with the following appointments: President, Evan Mandery; Vice President, Beth Miller; Treasurer, Judy Esterquest; Secretary Valli Rajah Mandery. Directors representing young democrats: Ann Miller, Katie Miller, Josh De Leeuw, Eamon Vanrajah and Ben Reilly; Manhasset residents: Jen Johnston, Charlene Prounis and Armando Mejia.
Future meetings and events will include invited speakers, social get-togethers to meet other Democrats within Manhasset, fundraising events to support candidates and a student-led event.
At the last meeting, a new voting schedule was reviewed. Primaries will now be held in June and a discussion as to how this impacts candidate selection and petitioning to place candidates on the ballots.
Membership is open to all. For more information, contact Evan Mandery at ejmandery@gmail.com.

ThyCa Long Island, a support group for thyroid cancer survivors will be meeting on Sunday, April 14 from 1 to 3 p.m. at North Shore University Hospital, 300 Community Drive, Manhasset, in the Tower Pavilion, first floor in Tower Conference Rooms 1 and 2.

ThyCa Long Island is affiliated with ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc., a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization of thyroid cancer survivors, family members and health care professionals. We are dedicated to support, education, and communication for thyroid cancer survivors, their families and friends. The organization also sponsors Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month, year-round awareness activities and thyroid cancer research fundraising and research grants.

At meetings people share thyroid cancer information, their experiences and insights on how they are coping with thyroid cancer. The support group is free and open to any and all survivors and their families and friends.

ThyCa Long Island meets the second Sunday of each month (except May) from 1 to 3 p.m. Call ahead to confirm meetings, especially if you drive a long distance.

For more information, contact Abby Melendez at 516-608-5113 or visit www.thyca.org/sg/ny_manhasset.

The Manhasset Public Library proposed budget for 2019-20 is going up 2.9 percent to $5,403,412. Manhasset residents have received the latest report issued by the Manhasset Public Library Board of Directors. This year the budget vote will take place on Wednesday, April 10, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. There is also one seat that will be available with the departure of William McLean.
The League of Women Voters invites residents to come to the library on Monday, April 1, at 7 p.m. to meet the Manhasset Public Library Board of Trustees candidates. Voting day nominating petitions are all in and William Hannan and Mukul Puri are running for the one open seat.
William Hannan
William (Bill) Hannan and his wife Lisa moved to Manhasset in 2004 from Manhattan. They have three children: Elizabeth, 19, Jack, 17, and Catherine, 12. Catherine attends Manhasset Middle School, Jack is a senior at Manhasset High School, and Elizabeth is a sophomore at University of Southern California.
Hannan grew up on Long Island in East Rockaway. He graduated from N.Y.U. with a degree in economics and public administration. He began a career in public finance at Lehman Brothers where he co-managed the $2 billion tax exempt commercial paper program. Later, he became an institutional fixed income salesman, and continued in the municipal bond market at Chemical Bank, Raymond James and JP Morgan. Last May he joined Hamptons Risk Management as a Director of insurance brokerage. Bill earned his MBA from Fordham University, his MA in American Studies from Columbia University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and his MPH from Johns Hopkins University. He enjoys his children’s activities, reading, politics and sports.
Hannan has been active in Manhasset in both PAL and CYO. He is secretary of the Manhasset Chamber of Commerce and active in the Booster Club that supports athletic activities at the High School. Now that his children are transitioning to college, he has more time to serve his community. He is past president of Southampton Shores Colony Club Association which has 225 homes and a $500,000-plus budget. He served on the board there for eight years. Hannan is also a lector at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
When Hannan was asked what he would bring to the Library Board of Trustees, he stated, “The Manhasset Library functions as a place for community gathering, as well as a source of knowledge and the exchange of ideas. It is more relevant today than ever before. I hope my experience in public finance, as well as my curiosity, helps our library succeed in all its endeavors. The library’s function and operation are interwoven with the public trust and I believe my values compliment this trust.”
Mukul Puri
Mukul Puri and his wife Priyanka moved to Manhasset in 2015. They have two children Arjan, six, who attends first grade at Shelter Rock Elementary School and Rahm, two, who will attend Our Lady of Grace Montessori School in the future.
Puri was educated at Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science. He als

o attended Temple University’s School of Risk Management and insurance. He is the vice president of RCS Real Estate Advisors and is a commercial real estate consultant.
When ask why he wanted to run for trustee, Puri responded, “My interest in the Board of Trustees position for the Manhasset Public Library is deeply rooted in the belief of serving and giving back to our community. I look forward to developing relationships with the current trustees and the Library director so we may work side by side to develop and keep the Library at the forefront of our town.”
“We have always found the library to be the heart of our community for fun filled Saturdays with our kids, attending the many children’s programs or taking my parents when they visit,” Puri said. “It serves to be a great resource for both physical books and digital formats. Libraries have been an important part of their community for as long as we can remember. They have evolved tremendously over the years and will continue to do so. I believe it is important for the library to constantly adapt and evolve as quickly as the knowledge it serves to provide.”
When asked what he would contribute if elected, Puri replied, “I would seek to speak with members of the community to collect their thoughts and feedback. Addressing their comments and concerns would always be of the most importance.”
Library Budget And Trustee Election
Whoever gets the most votes will fill the five-year trustee position commencing on July 1 to June 30, 2024. This is an opportunity to hear what each candidate has to offer as well as how they would handle the responsibilities associated with the board position.
The Meet The Candidates program hosted by the Manhasset-Port Washington League of Women’s Voter carries out their mission of encouraging informed and active participation in government, the League of Women Voters continues to be key sponsors of candidate debates and forums. Last year, the Manhasset Public Library Trustee Election was settled by one vote. Every vote counts in this election.
In order to cast a vote for the Manhasset Public Library budget and trustee election, you must be a resident of the Manhasset School District, a citizen of the United States, at least 18 years of age and have been registered in Nassau County Board of Elections.
Absentee ballots are available in the library and online at www.manhasset
library.org/site/wp-content/uploads/Absentee-Ballot-Instructions-and-Application-2019.pdf.

This year’s village elections were anything but a slam dunk in the Incorporated Village of Plandome, as a surprise candidate was written into the mayor’s office.

Tom Minutillo, seven-year veteran of the village, has received the support of his Plandome neighbors and friends and was that write-in candidate, garnering 71 votes. That was 100 percent more than the candidate running for office, Andrew Bartels, who received 35. There were several write-in candidates for office but no one received as many votes as Minutillo.
The upset was intriguing and raised many questions, specifically, how did this happen? Minutillo was very open about the series of events.
“Shortly after the filing period ended, I was approached by a few neighbors who had been looking for a suitable mayoral candidate to add to the ballot,” said Minutillo. “At the time, I was hesitant, due to the fact the filing period had expired. I thought I missed the opportunity to build support, and interact with additional residents while collecting the appropriate signatures. As the election neared, I was again approached by a significant number of residents that were interested in changing the makeup of the board. They supported a proposed write-in campaign.”
So history was made. Minutillo works full time at Whitaker Securities in fixed income products. He and his wife Lynn are raising three children, T.J., Kayla and Matthew. The couple has lived in Manhasset for 20 years, but most recently in Plandome. Lynn is very active in the community.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to volunteer my time and energy to serve our great residence as mayor,” said Minutillo. “I feel my past experience serving on other boards will allow me to create effective lines of communication with our residents and village hall. In addition, I want to make sure we continue to support the Plandome Fire Department, maintenance crew, and village employees and volunteers. I am certainly appreciative of all the hard work and dedication they put forth to ensure our village continues to be a safe and peaceful community to raise our families.”
With Lloyd Williams retiring after a 12-years as mayor, the election sparked some action. Residents were upset with the recent development that is occurring:Trees being cut down, eliminating wooded areas that gave the village character. The building of multiple homes in the village seems to be at the crux of the discord. Many feel that the look and feel of Plandome is drastically changing. And, according to one resident who did not wish to be named, “There is a lack of transparency on spending and actions taken by trustees.”
Minutillo, who is 52 years old and a member of Plandome Country Club, has not been active in Plandome politics. “My goal as mayor is to create effective lines of communication between village hall and our residents, and seek to offer a high level of transparency on subjects that affect the village,” said Minutillo. “I am looking forward to communicating details on topics such as our annual budget and water cost for residents, just to name a few.”
Obviously, the people have spoken and it is time for a change. As is prominent sentiment throughout the community, Minutillo loves Plandome and the people who live there.
“I would like to thank Andy Bartels for running in the 2019 mayoral election,” said Minutillo. “His time served in our community should be recognized. As mayor, I look forward to working with Andy as a trustee. I plan to get to work with the rest of the board and discuss specific topics that will ensure Plandome continues to be a great place to live and raise families.”
Minutillo will assume office on April 1.

The Beth C. Tortolani Foundation (BCT) will host its 23rd Annual Dinner Dance at Terrace On the Park in Flushing, N.Y. on Saturday, April 13.
The foundation was founded in 1996 in memory of Beth Tortolani, who died of breast cancer at age 50. Donations from friends, hospitals and corporate sponsors have helped the foundation offer assistance and educational programs for breast cancer patients and their families and continue to support translational research at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
This year, BCT is honoring Dr. Kenneth S. Schwartz, medical director of New York Radiology Alliance, and director of Radiology Residency Program, Brookhaven Memorial Hospital; and Dr. Frederic I. Weinbaum, COO, CMO, campus medical director, Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, for their dedication and commitment to women with breast cancer, with special acknowledgment to board members Janet Pavlides and Paul Pavlides, Esq.
The foundation has raised more than $3 million and has sponsored programs extending through the five boroughs of New York as well as Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester counties, and continues to accept applications for grant proposals.
For more information about the BCT Foundation and its programs, or if you would like to attend the dinner dance, call the administrative director, Terry DeLauro, at 516-783-5398.
—Submitted by the BCT Foundation

The Manhasset Chamber of Commerce will hold its quarterly general meeting at Publicans located at 585 Plandome Rd. in Manhasset at 6 p.m. There will be raffle prizes so bring your business cards.

Come hear the latest information to put your business on the map. Not a Manhasset Chamber member, no problem, sign up online at www.manhassetny.org and join us. Hear about all the latest ideas that are shaping up to assist your business in getting visibility online, in print and on television.

Special presentation by Mark Snide of Maptoons.

The meeting is open to all levels of membership. Happy hour pricing available during the meeting.

A musical comedy comes to life on St. Mary’s stage

The St. Mary’s Elementary School performance of Bye, Bye Birdie was met with delight this March.

The winter production was delayed as a result of the cold and flu season. The majority of the cast and crew came down with the flu, forcing St. Mary’s to cancel the production in February until everyone recuperated and was in top form. The play featured the student performers of St. Mary’s Elementary School. The musical comedy was set in the early 1960s featuring small-town America, teenagers and the rock and roll fad.
The scene was set as teenage heartthrob Conrad Birdie is the biggest rock and roll star of the ‘60s. But alas, he gets the word that he has been drafted into the armed services. Albert Peterson is convinced he can make his fortune and still marry his girlfriend, Rosie, if he gets Conrad on the Ed Sullivan Show to kiss a lucky high school girl goodbye, as a way of saying goodbye to all his fans. They choose all-American girl Kim McAfee for the very public farewell kiss. Of course, this doesn’t come without some concerns by Kim’s father, who is not a fan. Also, not a fan is Hugo, Kim’s high school sweetheart. Then there is Albert’s mother, who will do anything to break him up with Rosie. All in all, quite a bit for small town Sweet Apple, OH, to handle.
With two terrific shows, the middle school students of Saint Mary’s Elementary School took to the stage like ducks to water—many for the very first time making their debut in the school’s performing arts program. Under the direction of Andrew Joseph Koslosky, they acted, danced and sang beautifully. More than 25 cast and crew members showcased their talent, ability to delight and entertain the audiences, giving much reason for them along with their instructors, families and the school to be proud of their hard work in bringing the show together.
—Additional information and photos submitted by Eileen Symmons

The Manhasset Chamber of Commerce held its quarterly general meeting at local favorite Publicans located at 585 Plandome Road.The meeting began with a presentation from Eric Munroe, president of the Manhasset Civic Association to the Manhasset Chamber presidents Stephanie Solomon and Elizabeth Johnson for the chamber’s participation in the Bayview Children’s Holiday Movie. Robbie and Matt Donno were spearhead the chamber’s efforts.

The crowd was genial and very interested in topics discussed including the building department, parking, upcoming television opportunities with a presentation from the owner of Maptoons who is working on putting every business on a special map of Manhasset which will be given to all members of the 11030 community. In addition, if you are not a chamber member but wish to participate in the map, the chamber will provide you a complimentary one year membership when you purchase a Maptoons offer.

Exciting raffles were provided with a Chocolate Works basket, T shirts and four tickets to the Aquarium and oddly enough Steven Blank owner of Blank Slate Media won a free one year subscription to the Manhasset Press.

Upcoming events include a shredding event in April, a Nassau County Chamber 40th event in May and a business card exchange at North Hill Country Club featuring guest speaker former White House Director Anthony Scaramucci in June.

For more information on the Manhasset Chamber of Commerce, visit www.manhassetny.org to join. Membership is available on a rolling basis as an individual, business, non-profit or beautification. Join the chamber, your membership is valued and continues to make Manhasset hometown USA.

Manhasset residents are urged to cast their vote on the Manhasset Public Library’s Budget and Trustee Vote today, April 10. Registered voters can place their ballot at 30 Onderdonk Ave. in the library’s community room from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. this evening.

Two candidates Bill Hannan and Mukul Puri are running for one trustee seat vacated by William McClean. For background information on the candidates click here.

Your vote counts so make sure you get out and vote!

Library Budget Vote

Yes 402

No 142

Trustee Election:

Mukul Puri 285

William Hannan 289* winner

For more on the library budget and trustee vote read the April 17 issue of the Manhasset Press

Church of Our Saviour, Lutheran of Manhasset held a very successful Fiesta Night fundraiser where proceeds from the event will be donated in part to the Once Upon a Time Park Rejuvenation Project and SOS Children’s Villages.
As a child’s first step into education, Once Upon A Time is a fairy tale where young children are encouraged to socialize and express creativity. Classes are small and intimate, ensuring that children form a strong foundation for future learning.
Weather permitting, a part of each morning is spent on the playground, where the children enjoy the outdoors, learn to physically challenge their growing bodies, and exercise as part of their daily routine—all of which are invaluable skills that benefit their mental and physical health well beyond nursery school. Despite the daily, year-round use of the playground (including during the school’s summer program), the playground has not been refurbished in 25 years. The school is in need of a new and improved playground that is safe, compliant, and inclusive for children of all abilities to play for many years to come.
The goal is to raise $50-$60,000, which would rejuvenate the entire playground with new equipment suitable for ages two to five, new surfacing, new sub-base, and removal of existing equipment.
One hundred percent tax-deductible donations will help the school continue its mission of engaging young children physically and mentally in a safe and fun outdoor environment. For those who have a donation matching program via an employer, additional information regarding the organization can be provided. Donations will be gratefully accepted. More information about the school can be found at www.onceuponatimenurseryschool.org.
To contribute, make your check payable to Church of Our Saviour (specify OUAT Park Project in the comments) and mail to: Once Upon A Time at 1901 Northern Blvd., Manhasset, NY 11030.

Boy Scout Troop 71 graduated four new Eagle Scouts: William Simone, Jay Wiebe, Brett Bossé and Devin O’Brien on March 23. Fellow Scouts, family, friends, leaders, Boy Scout of America representatives, elected officials, representatives from American Legion Manhasset Post 304 and other dignitaries and guests filled the meeting room at Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department Company two to celebrate these young men for earning Boy Scouting’s highest honor and offer their insights on the award’s importance to their futures and society. Among them was State Assemblyman Anthony D’Urso and Patricia O’Brien, president of the Post 304 Women’s Auxiliary, who awarded each Eagle a special citation after heartfelt remarks about the youths and impact of their contributions.
The event opened with a video of the Scouts spanning their years in Cub Scouting, joining the Troop, high adventure and other trips and Eagle service projects. Always the most touching part of the ceremony was when each honoree’s mother pinned the Eagle rank onto their son, followed by the Scout’s pinning their siblings and bestowing the Eagle mom and dad pins. After acknowledging the Eagle Oath and Charge, the honorees remarked on their trail to Eagle and what Scouting means to them, offered advice to their Scout brothers, presented their Mentor pins and thanked all those who assisted them with their Eagle Service Projects:
Simone cleared, cleaned, organized and lighted the archival attic at the Sands-Willets Historical House; Wiebe created a Veterans Memorial Garden at Roslyn Harbor Village Hall dedicated at the exact 100th anniversary of the end of WWI; Bossé removed the old dilapidated storage and built 108 new rower cubby units at Port Rowing; and O’Brien transformed a shed for the Cow Neck Historical Society into a vintage general store. A lunch reception hosted by the Eagle Scout parents topped off the wonderful event. Congratulations to the community’s newest Eagle Scouts.

Cow Bay residents are excited for the opening of T.J.Maxx in Port Washington. TJX Companies, owner of T.J. Maxx, Marshalls and Home Goods is finally opening in the incorporated Village of Port Washington North in May. This will complement the Home Goods store located on Shore Road and the Marshall’s store on Northern Boulevard in Manhasset.

One of the nation’s leading off-price retailers with more than 1,200 stores currently operating in 49 states and Puerto Rico, will open in Soundview Marketplace on May 5. From fashion and accessories to jewelry, home, beauty, pet products, toys and more, shoppers can expect to find something for the entire family at the latest T.J.Maxx store.

“Our newest store in Soundview Marketplace will offer an ever-changing selection of high-quality, on-trend and brand-name merchandise at the amazing prices T.J.Maxx is known for. Our buyers create a unique mix that offers value for styles in every department, and we’re excited to bring this experience to a new neighborhood,” said Tim Miner, president of T.J.Maxx. “With a constant flow of new arrivals, we offer an exciting one-stop-shop that makes it easy for consumers to find what they want, take it home that day and save money at the same time.”

Manhasset, Port Washington and Sands Point shoppers can celebrate the opening of the newest location beginning Sunday 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. and experience the thrill of off-price shopping. Special reusable gift bags will be given to the first 500 customers. Regular store hours will be 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays.

The new store plans to add approximately 60 full and part-time jobs to the area.

In celebration of its new Port Washington location, T.J.Maxx will contribute to the surrounding community by presenting a $10,000 donation to Littig House Community Center at the ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 5 at 7:30 a.m. The new store will also join all other stores nationwide in sponsoring Save the Children’s U.S. Programs. T.J.Maxx also supports Save the Children, Autism Speaks, and Joslin Diabetes Center with annual in-store fundraising campaigns.

Third Squad detectives are investigating multiple burglaries that occurred in an apartment complex on Monday, April 15, 2019 in Great Neck.

According to detectives, an unknown male subject was observed on video surveillance entering the apartment building located at 50 Hillpark Avenue and then entering the superintendent’s office at approximately 1:40 a.m. where it is believed that he attempted to disarm the video system by cutting wires between the DVR and the video monitor. The subject is then captured on video exiting the building at approximately 1:46 am. (See still picture)

At 9:41 a.m. the same subject is again observed entering the building where he proceeds to the 2^nd floor and is believed to have committed multiple burglaries by breaking into four separate apartments where jewelry and cash was removed.

Detectives request anyone with information regarding this incident or who may be able to identify this person to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS. All callers will remain anonymous.

By Carolyn White

The Chancel Choir and soloists of The Congregational Church of Manhasset will present their annual Spring Concert on Sunday, May 5, at 3 p.m. in the Sanctuary of the church. This concert is being performed in memory of Andrew McMorris, grandson of Jim and Sally McMorris, longtime members of the Chancel Choir. Andrew, at age 12, died from injuries sustained after he was struck by an alleged drunk driver on September 30, 2018, while on a hike with his Boy Scout troop.

The major portion of the program will feature the Mass of the Children, written in 2003 by English composer, John Rutter, after the sudden death of his son. The Mass is a non-liturgical Missa Brevis, a Latin Mass without a Credo, in five movements. Several additional English texts are also included, and these form a progression from waking to sleeping that runs through the work as a counterpart to the liturgy of the conventional Mass text. The program will also feature selected anthems by the composer, including “For the Beauty of the Earth,” “The Lord Is My Shepherd,” “A Gaelic Blessing,” “The Lord Bless You and Keep You,” “Wings of the Morning” and “Look to the Day.”

The concert is under the direction of Craig Tocher, with organ and piano accompaniment by Bernadette Hoke and a chamber orchestra of nine instrumentalists.

The community is extended a cordial invitation to attend this free concert and remain for the reception in the church’s Parish Hall following the performance. The Congregational Church of Manhasset is located at 1845 Northern Blvd., Manhasset. All areas are handicapped accessible and there is on-site parking. For additional information, call 516-627-4911 or visit the church’s website at www.uccmanhasset.org.

Carolyn White is a freelance writer.

The Strathmore-Vanderbilt Country Club blends traditions of the past with nuances of the present

The Strathmore-Vanderbilt Country Club blends traditions of the past with nuances of the present

The Strathmore-Vanderbilt Country Club (SVCC) is very traditional. While some may think that such elite clubs in Gold Coast mansions are a way of times past, a fresh approach to inclusivity means one thing: family.

“Whether someone’s grandparents played here before or they got married here, our philosophy is always about keeping with tradition but trying to start new traditions as well,” says General Manager Donald Feimer.

In the mid 1800s, the land that would later become Strathmore-Vanderbilt was originally part of an estate belonging to a wealthy farmer in the sugar business. Years later, the property became used as a country estate, with the likes of the Whitney, Payson, Paley, Kelly and Bull families frequenting the scene.

When the next owner, an ice cream and candy entrepreneur named Louis Sherry came along, he redecorated the house in a French Château style. The home included a formal garden and a library off the foyer, which was purchased in France and replete with wood paneling and books.

Upon Sherry’s death in 1923, the home and its 700 acres was sold to Frank A. Munsey, an American newspaper and magazine publisher, who decided to remodel the home. Renovations included an extension of the house with two wings of pink brick and imported stone trim around the arched windows; an octagonal tower, which borrowed heavily in design from Louis XV’s château by importing French marble fireplaces and mantles, brass fixtures for the windows and doors, and commissioning a hand-painted mural for the ceiling of the Marie Antoinette dining room. Despite his architectural overhaul, Munsey never formally occupied the home and died a bachelor, leaving his entire estate to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The secondary name of the club is owed to Graham Fair Vanderbilt, a descendant of the Vanderbilt family and fortune, who purchased the house with 100 acres from the Metropolitan Museum of Art. For a decade, the property was used as a summer home and provided the luxurious setting for garden parties and social gatherings, which New York’s wealthiest attended. The property was ultimately inherited by Consuelo Vanderbilt, who later sold the house and the 100 acres to William Levitt, an architect and builder gaining prominence in developing various Strathmore communities in Manhasset. He named his new acquisition Strathmore-Vanderbilt, as it is known today.

Levitt centered his architectural design plans on the picturesque view of the French Château at the end of the long tree-lined drive. He conceived the idea of an association of property owners who would share in its continued maintenance and benefit from its facilities.

“In 1939, the property was given to the residents of Strathmore to be their clubhouse and social center,” says Feimer. “What began as a club strictly for residents would later evolve into a true family club.”

Today, the Strathmore-Vanderbilt is situated on nine acres and includes hard tennis courts, a basketball court, a pool and a children’s playground and recreation room in the gatehouse. Feimer notes that as with any commercial business operating in an historic home, rooms have been restored or upgraded. There is a bridal suite upstairs for weddings as well as dining areas. A ballroom on the first floor was added on. However, some of the window treatments, the light fixtures, the library and the mirrored ceiling in the Marie Antoinette dining room has remained untouched.

“It’s the tug and pull of the new and old trying to meet that’s the challenge of decorating an 80-year-old clubhouse,” says Feimer.

SVCC continues to be the North Shore’s premiere family-oriented club, affording families the opportunity to enjoy numerous activities, sports and recreational facilities, as well as the grounds, which are utilized on a daily basis during the summer months.

“It’s a place where people can come and socialize with their friends and neighbors. The club is opened up to all Manhasset residents, and we have families from all over Manhasset joining together here,” says Feimer, noting that the SVCC’s junior tennis program, summer swim team, green and white races and a summer sport program continue to grow. “The amenities and formalities have changed, and it has evolved to a younger style club with casual dining and casual dress attire, but we’re evolving with the times.”

With a multitude of events throughout the year, there is always something going on at the club. A member of the Manhasset Chamber of Commerce, the SVCC hosts chamber meetings, the Kiwanis Club, the Women’s Club, as well as working with St. Mary’s and Manhasset High Schools and hosting those institutions’ sports dinners. The SVCC also hosts the sixth grade graduations for Munsey and Shelter Rock schools.

“Everything is done here on premises,” says Feimer of the SVCC’s full scale a la carte restaurant. “We have a full-time chef, who has been here for 15 years, and we do weddings, bat mitzvahs, holidays, happy hours and different types of events.”

Feimer added that the club is open 10 months out of the year but during the summer high season, it is completely full. From outdoor dining on patios and fun by the pool to barbecues and specialty nights like a men’s steak night, it is important to blend the old with the new.

“We try to do a little bit of everything to get everyone here,” says Thais Laguna, assistant to controller Wendy Zoeller. “Some of our older members—our oldest member is around 90 years old—enjoy the Italian family night. It’s very old world with different scenery, music and dancing. The international nights really attract the older members.”

In celebration of its 80th year, the SVCC has planned ’80s themed events throughout the year. Bringing the club into the 21st century is key to enticing new members. However, the hardest part is garnering attention for the SVCC because as a private club and 501c, it is difficult to advertise. To help with that is Laguna, who also handles the marketing and social media aspect of the club.

“We’re trying to stay current with technology because of our younger members and we plan on upgrading our website to be more engaged with social media because we know that’s where things are headed,” she said. “Events get broadcast to members digitally and sent out in a physical print newsletter to the older members who don’t use technology, but even some of them are creating media accounts as that is how their children and grandchildren like to stay in touch.”

The Strathmore-Vanderbilt, which is often compared to Oheka Castle in Huntington, is what Feimer calls “the most hidden gem up in the North Shore” as a functioning working business and club.

“A lot of people don’t even know we’re here, but we’re proud to keep it running,” he says. “It’s been here for 80 years, and we don’t see it going anywhere.

The Strathmore-Vanderbilt Country Club is located at 260 Country Club Drive in Manhasset. For more information, call 516-627-2433 or visit strathmorevanderbiltcc.com.

—Additional information courtesy of
Strathmore-Vanderbilt Country Club

Nestled away on the Gold Coast of Long Island, you will find the quaint and secluded Village of Munsey Park. Even though Munsey Park is quite a small village, its history has been an expansive one since its establishment began in the late 1800s.

In 1860, approximately 60 settlers were granted title to land in Manhasset. The rolling terrain, later to become the Strathmore-Vanderbilt Country Club, was part of the vast Spreckels Estate that belonged to a wealthy farmer in the sugar business.

In 1906, the title was given to William Chester, who subdivided the land by selling it for use as a country estate to people whose names appeared prominently on the society lists of New York City. It marked the beginning of an elegant period that featured weekend country leisure, with riding and entertaining as favored activities.

In 1914, Chester sold the remaining part of his holdings—a French Chateau—to an ice cream and candy entrepreneur, Louis Sherry, who was enamored by the well-balanced architecture and proceeded to redecorate the house to resemble the Petite Trianon, a cottage of Marie Antoinette at Versailles.

When Sherry died in 1923, the house was sold to English author Frank A. Munsey, who was the owner of the New York Sun, The Baltimore Sun and the Munsey Trust Company. Also an art connoisseur and the patron of the arts, Munsey was critical of Sherry’s architect and undertook a grandiose remodeling that lasted two years and cost $2.5 million.

Through additional purchases, Munsey amassed close to 663-acres of property. The estate included all of present-day Munsey Park, extending south across North Hempstead Turnpike, which is now known as Northern Boulevard, into the Strathmores, abutting the Nicholas Brady (Inisfada) Estates on the east and to the approximate location of Deepdale Drive on the west.

Born in Mercer, Maine, Munsey was a prominent and conservative newspaper publisher who accumulated a fortune that was estimated at more than $40 million when he died in 1925. Munsey, who didn’t have any family, left his entire estate and assets to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The museum sought the most effective means of converting the land into funds, which could be used to enhance their superb art collections.

Graham Fair Vanderbilt, a scion of the Vanderbilt family and fortune, offered to purchase the house with 100 acres from the Metropolitan Museum. The property was ultimately inherited by Consuelo Vanderbilt, who sold the house and its property to architect and builder William Levitt, who was gaining prominence in developing various “Strathmore” communities in Manhasset.

To reflect the generosity of Munsey, the syndicate engaged by the museum for the initial land development was the Hasset Realty Company, headed by Alexander M. Bing with other notable associates such as William S. Coffin, Douglas L. Elliman and Elliot Cross. Coordinating with the museum’s directors, a first tract of 83-acres was converted into a prime residential community named Munsey Park, which was originally called Munsey Meadows in the mid-1920s. The streets were named for illustrious American artists to signify the museum’s role.

By January of 1929, not only was the community growing, but a community spirit and character was growing as well. A year later in 1930, Munsey Park elected its first mayor, Herman Block. In addition to four elected village trustees, there were clerk, police justice, treasurer and registrar of vital statistics appointments also.

After seeing a big boom within the village in terms of occupancy, a business district for the convenience of local residents was of importance, and soon plans for the erection of a commercial building of harmonious styling at the Munsey Park Shopping Center were underway. The commercial building would not only have space for nine stores on North Hempstead Turnpike, but also a fine community meeting room to be furnished by W. & J. Sloane. It was opened officially June 1, 1931, shortly after the election of Marion Rodgers, the village’s second mayor.

A most significant event occurred May 29, 1932, with the formal opening of a new 18-hole, 6,600-yard, par 71 Munsey Park Golf Club with accommodations for 400 members. The course layout occupied the museum’s property from Port Washington Boulevard to Remington Road; and from North Hempstead Turnpike to the Flower Hill line, with the exception of development abutting Park Avenue.

In 1935, Fred W. Wulfing was elected as Munsey Park’s fourth mayor after Harold B. Callis’ term as mayor was over. Wulfing and his administration had effects on the village that is still felt today, such as the proposal to dead-end all through streets, except Park Avenue for east-west traffic, and Manhasset Woods Road for north-south traffic. However, by the end of 1936 the museum, the village’s largest taxpayer, was still operating the Munsey Park Golf Club at a continuing deficit.

A year later, the Munsey Park Golf Club closed forever and Wulfing announced at a Munsey Park Association meeting that the second nine holes, the portion south of Park Avenue, would be developed in the spring. Wulfing also revealed the happy news that three acres had been set aside for a park and playground by the museum. It was not actually developed until 1940, when W.P.A. workers did groundwork and added a water main to the pond. Concrete benches, which had been in use at the 1939 World’s Fair at the House of Jewels exhibit, were donated to the park by a resident, Mr. K.I. Van Cott. Today, Copley Park remains as one of the loveliest and most natural areas within the village.

By 1938, the long-proposed grade school construction could no longer be deferred, and was approved by a 2-1 vote in August, 1938. The project almost came to a screeching halt when the Manhasset School Board not only refused to acknowledge any authority of the Village of Munsey Park, but also made a strong worded written protest. The matter between the board and the village was settled with a commonsense avoidance of litigation and an adjustment of fees. The Munsey Park School cornerstone was placed on April 30, 1937, and opened that September to accept some 200 children from Munsey Park, Flower Hill, South Strathmore and Strathmore-Vanderbilt.

In March of 1941 Mayor Wulfing was succeeded by H. Earle Dow. The village took time out to observe, not without concern, William Levitt’s plans for a “Fifth Avenue Shopping Center” on Northern Boulevard, which ultimately ushered in the “Miracle Mile” concept for commercial districts.

In March of 1945, when Mayor Dow announced he would not be a candidate for a third term, C.C. Kohlheyer was pressed to accept the position as mayor. Three years later, Kohlheyer’s tendered resignation had to be accepted due to his extended absence overseas. From among the trustees, G. Schuyler Tarbell was elected to complete the unexpired term as mayor. In a surprising, and the only contested, mayoral election in village history, Coleman R. Sample, president of the Munsey Park Association, was chosen as the village’s eighth mayor in a write-in vote.

Further progress in the form of new telephone numbers reached the village in July 1948. A numeral was added to each central office, thus Manhasset 7. The Sixth Precinct also put up a small Police Booth at the Park Avenue & Manhasset Woods Road triangle where it remained until destroyed by fire in 1962.

The Lutheran Church followed the example of their Congregational neighbor and on August 21, 1949, broke ground for a new church on Northern Boulevard opposite B. Altman’s. The Church of Our Saviour, Lutheran, erected on one of Manhasset’s highest pieces of ground, became the eighth church in Manhasset’s history.

Mortimer J. Gleeson succeeded Mayor Hayes G. Shimp as the village’s 10th mayor of Munsey Park in 1954. During this period, plans for the construction of Bonwit Teller were drawn and approved for the business district. This store was completed and opened to the public in 1956. Russell D. Higgins became the eleventh mayor in 1958 and was succeeded by William Dailey in 1960. Two years later when Harold E. Johnson took office, his term would coincide with one of the last heavy development periods in the village.

In 1966, J. Roy Price took office and served as mayor until 1971 when John C. Heim was elected as Munsey Park’s 15th mayor. The village board was still meeting in a small rented room in the Munsey Park office building. All the official records had increased tremendously and were stored in dispersed locations, sometimes in the homes of village officers. The need for a single facility was essential and in 1972 the board authorized preliminary drawings for a village hall that might be built on the Sargent Place property purchased in 1950 from Dr. Butman.

Excavation was started in May 1974 and the building was ready for occupancy six months later, with an open house dedication held on Dec. 8, 1974. Since that date the Munsey Park Village Government has been centralized at 1777 Northern Boulevard. The street number was selected as the closest to 1776 which, unfortunately was reserved for the south side of the boulevard. The Munsey Park Association donated prints of the noted American artists for whom the village streets were named and are displayed throughout the village hall.
Donald H. Miller became mayor in March 1975; four years later in 1979, a precedent was established with the election of Munsey Park’s 17th mayor, the first woman so elected. Louise V. Reebel, the village’s first distaff trustee in 1974, now served as mayor during the 50th anniversary year of Munsey Park.

Munsey Park, since its establishment, has been governed by dedicated and devoted citizens to make Munsey Park the great place that it is to live.

Pure Barre Manhasset brings a new world of workouts to town

If you’ve ever searched “barre” on the Internet, you’ve probably seen images of women in tank tops and leggings, high ponytails bobbing as they hold light dumbbells out to either side or pulse in a squat position with a small rubber ball balanced between each thigh. The workout appears to be simple enough, but as any Pure Barre class-goer can attest, it isn’t at all what it seems.

“It’s always challenging, it’s always different,” says Jenny Bernholz, co-owner with Deena Cavalli of Pure Barre Manhasset. “This is such a challenging workout every single time, and it’s really getting results. It specifically targets the arms, the abs, the seat and the thighs.”
Bernholz and Cavalli both grew up playing sports, and the duo met while playing Division I lacrosse at The George Washington University. Each woman left lacrosse in the past after earning her degree, but never gave up an active lifestyle. Enter Pure Barre.

Bernholz, with her passion for marathons, found Pure Barre as her favorite complement to running. Combined with moving to Long Island with her husband and discovering there was no Pure Barre location in the area, Bernholz took her newfound love for the workout and turned it into a business opportunity.

“I never really had it in my head to open a business, but once I learned a little bit more about the company and then how you open a franchise, I talked to Deena and it’s really been wonderful,” explains Bernholz, who celebrated the five-year anniversary of their Pure Barre opening this past January. “This community has been so warm and welcoming from day one. We got really, really lucky.”

The studio offers three different classes: Pure Barre, the 50-minute classic format that guides clients through low-impact, high intensity movements to strengthen and tone muscles; Pure Reform, a 50-minute resistance-based strength training class that incorporates resistance bands and sliders; and Pure Empower, a 45-minute fusion of barre and interval training that uses ankle and wrist weights to keep the heart rate up for the duration of the class.

Each class holds no more than 20 guests, with a waitlist holding another 20 guests hopeful for a spot. The studio discourages distractions and asks that clients leave their cell phones, along with their shoes, in the provided complimentary lockers. All necessary equipment like dumbbells, mats, resistance bands, rubber balls and sliders are provided by the instructor. Attire may be anything you’re comfortable in (don’t forget socks), but guests are advised not to wear shorts. First-timers are encouraged to arrive 15 minutes early to fill out a waiver and familiarize themselves with the space.

“We generally say allow yourself to be a beginner no matter your background,” Bernholz says. “It’s always going to be challenging, whether it’s your first class or your thousandth class.”

And Bernholz doesn’t lie. Pure Barre is certainly no walk in the park. Clients leaving the studio thank her for an intense workout and joke that they’ll be feeling the burn for days. Sample a class, and you’ll quickly understand. The sweat pours faster than you think it will, and you’ll be certain to mumble expletives while tucking, holding and pulsing your way to a leaner body.

As studio owners, Cavalli and Bernholz not only receive the physical benefits of constantly participating in barre classes, but they also receive the gratification of providing community members with the same sense of physical accomplishment.

“Just when someone comes up to you, maybe they’re new to Pure Barre, and they talk about the changes in their body and how much stronger they feel,” Bernholz says of what is most rewarding for her in co-owning the studio and bringing Pure Barre to Manhasset. “Seeing people smile when they work out, smile when they leave, it’s a sense of accomplishment that you’re helping someone achieve. I love it, I love what I do.”

With both women coming out of college with business-related degrees and a passion for athletics, Bernholz comments that it simply made sense for the pair to open Pure Barre in their community.

Manhasset residents and those who have never tried the workout before are welcome to a free trial class. After that, single classes carry a $34 fee, with packages ranging from four classes for $99 to 20 classes for $479. A 12-month annual contract is $199.

“We hope to stay in Manhasset for a long time,” Bernholz muses. “Pure Barre is going to continue to change and evolve in the best way.”

Pure Barre is located at 1681 Northern Boulevard in Manhasset. Want to take a class? For more information on Pure Barre, visit purebarre.com/ny-manhasset.

With spring in the air, it is the perfect time to do some shopping and give your wardrobe a little refresh. A stroll down the Miracle Mile offers an array of fine retailers of men’s clothing and accessories. Whether you’re a casual dresser, always in office mode or ready for a night on the town, you can find everything you need on Manhasset’s stretch of Northern Boulevard.

Jump into the spring season with some of these fresh styles.

Ludlow Slim-Fit Unstructured Suit Jacket

Whether it’s a first date or a tenth anniversary, a navy Ludlow in breathable cotton-linen from Portugal’s Somelos mill makes a strong impression, and fits in just about anywhere, from a white-tablecloth restaurant to a taco truck. Shown in Navy. $210 · J.Crew

Slim American Pima Cotton Oxford Shirt

The oxford-cloth button-down shirt is a quintessential wardrobe staple and a hallmark of old-school collegiate style. This shirt is versatile and engineered with mechanical stretch. Shown in Old Red Gates Multistripe. $86 · J.Crew

Knit Tie

This hand-stitched Italian silk tie is handmade in Long Island City by Mane, whose skilled craftsmen have been making ties since 1957. Shown in a Navy and Grey Stripe. $86 · J.Crew

Lambskin Suede Jacket

This exclusive jacket is made of premium quality lambskin suede, finished on both sides. The jacket has flat rib-knit cuffs and a hem for minimum weight and horn buttons that highlight the sophistication of the garment. $4,295 · Giorgio Armani

Converse Camouflage Pattern Hi-Tops

The classic shoe is updated with camouflage patterning in the canvas upper and features the signature rubber toe cap and Converse All Star patch. $85 · Hirshleifers

Double-Breasted Trench Coat

This metropolitan trench coat is crafted from cotton with a water-repellent finish and offered in a long length for a timeless silhouette. An authentically styled storm flap, adjustable belt at the waist, shoulder epaulets and belted cuffs complete the strong look of this outerwear piece. $695 · Hugo Boss

Brooks Brothers Made to Measure Suit

Nothing compares to the feeling of a custom suit or tuxedo. The Made to Measure experience allows you to create tailor-made garments that are uniquely yours. Choose from more than 1,000 fabrics and customize every detail down to the buttons. Personalized garments are typically ready in three to four weeks.

Pricing begins at $1,145 for suits and $129 for shirts · Brooks Brothers

Cotton Piqué Polo Shirt

Designed with relaxed comfort in mind, this polo shirt is crafted in cotton piqué with a slub knit for subtle texture. Ribbed striped knit gives it a slightly retro aesthetic. Pair it with tailored shorts for a stylish warm-weather look. Shown in Olive. $98 · Michael Kors

Cashmere and Cotton Sweater

This pale pink melange sweater is made of cotton, cashmere, silk and linen and features a crewneck with pointed yokes, long raglan sleeves and ribbed borders. $1,100 · Ermenegildo Zegna

Leather Belt

Handcrafted in Italy, this fine leather belt has a stitched edge and smooth polished finish, with matte dark metal hardware and a single leather loop. Shown in Cognac. $79.50 · JoS. A. Bank

Sky-Dweller Watch

To preserve the beauty of its pink gold watches, Rolex created and patented an exclusive 18 carat pink gold alloy cast in its own foundry: Everose gold. A fixed inverted red triangle on the dial points to the chosen reference time on the off-center 24-hour disc. The Sky-Dweller is fitted on a solid-link Oyster bracelet and is equipped with caliber 9001, a self-winding mechanical movement. $48,850 · Rolex

Must de Cartier Bag, Document Holder

This limited edition document holder is made from caramel grained calfskin and features a zip closure, palladium-finish metal parts, ebony fabric lining, a quilted laptop compartment and additional organizational sections. $2,160 · Cartier

In front of the St. Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Centre, Janet Klinger of Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) called on the Rockville Centre Diocese to release a list of sexual abuse accused clergy.

The Rockville Centre Diocese is the largest diocese in the nation that has not come out with a list of names of clergy accused of sexual abuse.
“Every day that a predator’s name is hidden, kids are at risk of horrific abuse,” said Klinger standing alongside members of SNAP and sexual abuse survivors. “[Bishop John O.] Barres must post credibly accused clerics’ names immediately. It’s never premature to warn the public about potentially dangerous men.”

In January, the USA Northeast Province Jesuits released a list of accused Jesuits—four of whom were in Manhasset during their time as part of the clergy. SNAP brought attention to these priests as evidence that there has been maligned behavior in the diocese. According to the report from the Jesuits:

Father Joseph Towle was accused of sexual abuse in 1971 and was based at Inisfada, a Jesuit retreat house in Manhasset that was sold to developers in 2013, from 1968 to 1971. Father Edward D. Horgan was accused of sexual abuse in 1966 while he was at Regis High School and also stayed at Inisfada from 1983 to 1994. Father John Garvey was accused of abuse in 1978-79 and was based at Inisfada from 1978 to 1987. Father Joseph Fitzpatrick was accused of abuse in the 1980s and from 1971 to 1983 he was at St. Mary’s parish in Manhasset. His whereabouts from 1984 to 1986 are unknown, but he started to work again in 1987 at St. Mary Church in Marlboro, New York.

“At the very least, Barres should tell us those alleged predators who are alive and may pose threats to children right now,” said Klinger.

However, Bishop Barres has been involved in covering up sexual abuse cases going back to his time as Bishop of Allentown from 2009 to 2016.

A grand jury report by the Pennsylvania Attorney General published in 2018 revealed that Bishop Barres failed to remove Father Michael S. Lawrence after he abused two minors, ages 12 and 13. In 2014, Bishop Barres wrote a letter to the Vatican stating that Lawrence would “remain under this supervised way of life,” and not be removed from the church.

The grand jury report also reveals the failure to remove Monsignor Thomas J. Benestad from the clergy by Bishop Barres. In regards to Monsignor Benestad’s abuses the grand jury report states, “Benestad unzipped his pants and told the victim to perform oral sex on him. The victim did as he was told. Benestad also performed oral sex on the victim. The victim recalls that, after the abuse, Benestad would produce a clear bottle of holy water and squirt it into the victim’s mouth to purify him.”

No attempt was made to remove Benestad from the clergy according to the report.
In 2017, Bishop Barres was promoted to the Rockville Centre Diocese – the eighth largest diocese in the country. SNAP continues to push Barres to release the names of accused clergy, but have heard little to no response.

One member of SNAP on hand to call on Bishop Barres to release the names was sexual abuse survivor Brian R. Toale. “Central to their strategy is keeping secrets. It’s one of the reasons why the bishops resisted and acted against the child victims act and now that the child’s victims act is passed and the window will be open starting in August there will be an opportunity for civil suits to be brought,” said Toale, who was abused at Chaminade when he was 16. “If names are listed and survivors come forward and suits are engaged in, then there is the process of discovery, which means they have to show what they knew and when they knew it and that is what they are afraid of.”

“I went to Catholic grammar school, high school, college and graduate school. I still believe in God, but I’m angry with the way the church has responded or not responded,” said Mary McKenna, a Bellmore resident and a member of SNAP.

“I’m incredulous. It’s not rocket science, protect your children. If it was not a priest, if it was a regular civilian, they would be in jail,” said McKenna.