Welcome to asharoken.com, serving the Incorporated Village of Asharoken. Patricia Irving, Mayor.
Asharoken is located on the North Shore of Long Island, New York. Asharoken.com provides details on current events in and around Asharoken, lists upcoming Village meetings, provides access to the minutes of past meetings, supplies an array of online forms and permits, and much, much more.
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Village of AsharokenThe small but powerful Village of Asharoken
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NEWS & NOTICES:

J&R Computer/Music World
Library Corner--February 2012:

Visit the Northport/East Northport Libraries
Image: Amiaga Photographers
Visit the Northport/East Northport Libraries
Visit our Libraries at:
Northport: 151 Laurel Avenue; tele: 631-261-6930 and
East Northport:185 Larkfield Road, tele: 261-2313 and online: Northport-East Northport Public Library.


Short Story Central
Tuesday, February 7, 7:00 p.m. – Northport Public Library
This month we focus on stories from The Mechanics of Falling by Catherine Brady. Please pick up your copies of the stories at the Circulation Desk in either library building.

Page Turners
Thursday, February 9, 2:00 p.m. – Northport Public Library
Join Donna Diamond for a discussion of Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani. Copies of the book will be available at the Northport Library Circulation Desk.

Let’s Talk:
English Conversation Group
Fridays, February 10 & 24, 7:00 p.m. – East Northport Public Library
Are you learning English? Would you like to practice your conversational English in a friendly, informal atmosphere? Join our new English Conversation Group. No registration required.

Organizing Your Documents
Friday, February 17, 10:00 a.m. – East Northport Public Library
If we could take all of our important stuff and put it in one big box it would be easy—but it wouldn’t be wise. A representative from the Retired Senior Volunteer Program will explain how to categorize and prioritize your papers and determine what documents to save and for how long. Health Care Proxies and other legal documents will also be discussed. No registration required.

Novel Ideas
Monday, February 27, 7:00 p.m. – Northport Public Library
This month we take a look at The Piano Teacher by Janice Y. K. Lee. Please pick up your copy of the book at the Northport Library Circulation Desk.

The Northport Library System serves the Village of Asharoken
Northport Arts Coalition presents Expressions of Asia
Wednesday, February 8, 7:00 p.m. – Northport Public Library
The Northport Arts Coalition, in cooperation with the Library, presents an ensemble performance of classical Chinese and Indian dance, drumming, and song. Featured will be musician Judy Shih Hua playing the Chinese guqin and guzheng instruments. This program has been organized by the Long Island-based Asian-American Cultural Circle of Unity. No registration required.

A Lighthearted Look at the Presidents
Wednesday, February 15, 7:00 p.m. – Northport Public Library
Don’t miss this fun-filled look at American presidents with comedian and historian Peter Bales. Dr. Bales has appeared on Comedy Central, Lifetime, A&E, MTV, and in countless comedy clubs. Dr. Bales has a Ph.D. in history from SUNY Stony Brook and is currently on the faculty of Queensborough Community College. No registration required.

Current Events in Perspective
Thursday, February 23, 7:30 p.m. – Northport Public Library
Michael Libresco-D’Innocenzo, professor of history at Hofstra University, will explore significant national and international developments. All attending the program are welcome to share their views. No registration required.

Immortal Love Songs
Sunday, February 26, 2:00 p.m. – Northport Public Library
Join us for a delightful musical afternoon with mezzo-soprano Frances Devine and bass-baritone Richard Cassell of Capital Heights Lyric Opera. They will perform some of opera and Broadway’s best-loved arias and duets from Barber of Seville, Kiss Me Kate, Carousel, and more. No registration required, however space is limited. Please show your NENPL Library card at the door. Non-district residents will be seated as space permits.

Heart Disease Prevention
Wednesday, February 29, 7:00 p.m. – Northport Public Library
Learn about the top five ways to prevent heart disease and the nutrients that support heart health with registered dietician and nutritionist Katherine Espinoza. She will talk about cholesterol, plant stanols and sterols, fiber, omega 3 fatty acids, CoQ10, lecithin, and more. No registration required.

February 2012 Art Gallery Exhibit at the Northport-East Northport Public Library:

Northport & East Northport Galleries:
Reflections Showcase by Elementary Schools of the Northport-East Northport School District

The Reflections Program is sponsored by the National PTA as a vehicle to foster an appreciation of and a participation in the arts. These exhibits will include drawings, paintings, photography, and literary works.

Book-A-Trip to The Museum of the Moving Image Thursday, February 16, 2012:
Departure: 9:30 a.m. from the William J. Brosnan building parking lot (across from Northport Library)
Return: 6:30 p.m.
Cost: $87 per person
(checks only, non-refundable, payable to Northport-East Northport Public Library)
Itinerary: Our day begins with a visit to the newly expanded Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria. It is the only institution in the United States dedicated to exploring the art, history, and technology of the moving image. Lunch at Ben’s Best Kosher Deli will be followed by a visit to the Queens Museum of Art.
Registration: Register in person at the Northport Public Library

Winter 2011 Gardening Column

Asharoken resident and Master Gardener Joan Hauser has written her final installment for 2011. Joan covers all the chores you should consider getting done now in the garden to ready it for winter and get a jump on next season. Click here to read the full article.

To see all of Joan's articles and much more, visit the Home & Garden section. Click on the "Resources" button above, then "Home & Garden".
Northport's Food Pantry, Thrift Store Need Your Help:

The cupboards are nearly bare and the number of needy are growing. Non-perishable food items are always most needed. In addition, you may wish to support their holiday drive with contributions of non-food products such as health/personal care items, diapers and detergent. Checks and supermarket gift cards are always appreciated. The food pantry is located on the lower level of the First Presbyterian Church, 330 Main Street, Northport. It is open Monday-Thursday, 10am-Noon. For more information, call the Pantry Director, Sally Stark: (631) 261-4357.

The Trinity Episcopal Church, 130 Main Street, Northport, welcomes donations of clothing, books, toys and unique "gift" items that are sold in their Thrift Store, open Tuesday-Saturday, 11am-3pm. If you have questions about what you would like to donate, contact Sharon Wolpert for more information: (631) 262-0791; email: swolpert@trinityec.com. FYI: The Trinity Episcopal Church also holds a variety of engaging events throughout the year, see their website for more details.
Open Letter to all Beach Lot Owners:

November 4, 2011

Dear Beach Lot Owner,

As you know, the dunes between the beach lots and Asharoken Avenue have sustained severe damage in the past two years.

The Village is undertaking a project that should result in substantial restoration of the dunes where they are most susceptible to breaching. During the week of Nov. 7, 2011 the Village intends to install snow fencing along the front of the dunes facing Long Island Sound.

Sand blowing off the beach will collect behind the fence, in front of the dune, instead of blowing onto Asharoken Avenue. This project is not only permitted by NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, it is strongly recommended. The Village is also encouraging all other property owners on Long Island Sound to install similar fencing at the base of their sand dunes. No DEC permit is required, provided you use standard snow fencing.

The fencing will approximate the property line between your beach lot and the Village right-of-way. Although the fencing will run for more than a quarter of a mile along Asharoken Avenue, there will be numerous openings in the fencing to allow all beach lot owners access to their lots.

It is the intention of the Village to remove this fencing next spring. It is important that the fence not be disturbed until such time it is removed. Removal is regulated by the piping plover season.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this project, please contact Village Hall.

Please remember to remove all personal property, including chairs, umbrellas, beach toys, boats, etc. from your beach lot as soon as possible. These items are not to be left on the beach during the winter months.


Very truly yours,

Mayor Pat Irving for the Board of Trustees
Village Permit & Fee Handbook Published

In June 2011, for the first time, the Village of Asharoken published and distributed a Village Permit & Fee Handbook that outlines important information for all property owners. Before you plan your next project and are not sure if a building permit is needed, please refer to the Handbook and as always, call the Village Clerk or Building Inspector for more specific information.

The Handbook also outlines permit fees, zoning requirements, driveway and curbing requirements, information on signage, etc. Compliance within our Village helps to enhance our property values and our Quality of Life. This Handbook does not take the place of our Village Code Book which is available to review at Village Hall during normal business hours or for purchase. For more information, see the Village Code section of the website by clicking on the "Government" tab above, then "Village Code" or click here.


Suffolk County JEEP:
Joint Emergency Evacuation Plan

In the event of a natural or man-made disaster, the Suffolk County Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services may provide assistance for eligible disabled individuals who may have no other way to evacuate their homes.

If you think you will need special assistance, such as transportation and/or sheltering, then this plan may be of assistance to you. You must apply to ensure that you qualify for this program:

  • An Application must be made: forms available at Asharoken Village Hall. If you need an Application sent to your home, call Village Hall at: (631) 261-7098.
  • Once your Application is complete and has been approved, you will be contacted by Emergency Services and they will inform you about shelter services and assigned transportation services.
  • Note: If you are unable to fill out the Application and need assistance, please call Village Hall who will provide assistance to you.
    For more information, visit the: Suffolk County Goverment JEEP website.
  • Beach and Shellfishing Advisories:

    For information about beach closings, especially related to stormwater runoff, call the Suffolk County Dept. of Health Services at (631) 852-5760 during weekday business hours or their 24-hour pre-recorded Beach Hotline at (631) 852-5822.
    The NY State Dept. of Environmental Conservation also provides a 24-hour pre-recorded message advising the public of temporarily closed shellfishing areas at (631) 444-0480. The DEC's website www.dec.ny.gov also provides shellfish closure information, including written descriptions and color-coded maps. More information about shellfish harvesting is also available by calling the DEC's Bureau of Marine Resources at (631) 444-0475, weekdays between 8:30am and 4:45pm.

    News Release from Suffolk County Dept. of Health Services:
    Thousands of Small Plastic Discs Wash Up Onto North Shore Beaches

    (March 25, 2011): After conducting an extensive investigation, the Suffolk County Department of Health Services has confirmed that the thousands of small, white wagon-wheel shaped disks that have been washing up for a week or more on Suffolk County’s North Shore Beaches from Northport to Mattituck came from a Wastewater Treatment Plant located in Mamaroneck, NY.

    The disks, which are made of polyethylene, were discharged into the Long Island Sound early March 2011, according to officials from the Westchester Department of Environmental Facilities. The Westchester Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) is currently under construction, officials said, with two of the six aeration tanks being upgraded for advanced wastewater treatment. The disks, which are used to help clean wastewater, escaped from one of the tanks during startup of the process. The disks are used in the process of removing nitrogen from the wastewater to prevent hypoxia (inadequate oxygen) in the Long Island Sound.

    “Based upon review of information from Westchester County, and discussions with New York State’s Department of Conservation and Department of Health, it appears that there is no evidence which suggests a significant public health concern associated with the washed up disks,” said Dr. James Tomarken, Suffolk County Commissioner of Health Services. “It is unlikely that anyone who touches the disks will encounter contaminants for several reasons: the disks went through a chlorination process before they were discharged, they traveled for a long time and distance in the cold marine environment, and disks themselves are not likely to harbor contaminants. However, as with any debris or litter, gloves should be used as a precaution when handling and disposing of these materials.” Dr. Tomarken advises residents to dispose of the disks as they would dispose of any normal debris.

    Suffolk County residents who have questions about health concerns related to the disks should contact the Department of Health Services at 631-853-3055.

    Those with questions concerning disposal of the disks are advised to contact the Westchester Department of Environmental Facilities at 914-813-5400.

    Suffolk County Police Department: Operation Medicine Cabinet

    Did you know prescriptions have become one of the most abused illegal drugs for teenagers in the United States, second only to marijuana? In fact, according to the Office of National Drug Control Policy, nearly one out of every five teens is said to have abused prescription drugs, with the majority believed to have obtained the drugs from friends and family. This is deeply concerning as statistics show illegally used prescription drugs and marijuana often serve as “gateway drugs” for teens who progress to use heroin and other deadly substances.

    Please help us to reduce the accessibility of prescription drugs to young people by anonymously disposing of unwanted prescription drugs in collection containers located at all Suffolk County PD precincts. For more information, please visit: Suffolk County Police Department Operation Medicine Cabinet.

    UPDATE: National Flood Insurance Program
    Finding Your Property on the National Flood Maps

    In order to maintain eligibility in the National Flood Insurance Program, it is necessary that our Village adopt the new Flood Insurance Study and Flood Insurance Rate Maps into our community's floodplain management standards and regulations. Our local law is designed to comply with the floodplain management standards and regulations of the National Flood Insurance Program.

    Background:
    In November 2008, open house meetings were held to discuss the new FEMA Flood Maps. These meetings gave Asharoken residents an opportunity to ask questions about the new maps, the development standards in floodplains, and flood insurance. Staff from NYSDEC were joined by representatives from FEMA to answer questions.

    Click here to search the FEMA Website for updated rate maps for our area. On the FEMA site, select a tab at the upper-left to search by address or Map Panel ID number. Below, we've listed the Map Panel ID numbers of several overview maps for Asharoken. The maps are interactive; you will need to zoom in to see useful detail.

    Flood Insurance Maps
    Map Panel ID Number Areas Included in Map
    36103C0336H Village Hall to 359 Asharoken Avenue, Eastern Duck Island
    36103C0309H 359 Asharoken Avenue to Morgan Estate Property, northern portion of Bevin Road
    36103C0317H Duck Island, Duck Island Harbor, southern portion of Bevin Road, Bevin Road East, Bevin Road West, Eaton Harbors area (South Harbor Road, North Harbor Road, Cove Road, Clam Shell Lane, and New Harbor Road)

    These flood rate maps took effect September 25, 2009. Paper copies of the maps are available at Village Hall for viewing. For additional details, click on FEMA Flood Map Program and Suffolk County Flood Maps (by address).

    NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE:
    U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Website

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York District, website has been expanded to include a web page for the Asharoken Coastal Storm Damage Risk Reduction Feasibility Study. This special page will serve as the online repository for the publicly available reports and meeting presentation materials.
    Master Plan Online:

    The Asharoken Master Plan is available online. It is a .pdf document that will open in a new window. Note: At 73 pages, the Master Plan is a 6MB download and not recommended for dialup users.
    Update:
    Annual Library Vote: Approved

    The annual library operating budget (tax rate increase: 1.6%) and election of one trustee was approved by the voters on April 13, 2010. There were 569 "Yes" votes cast; 110 "No" votes.

    The library budget details were published in the March 2010 issue of the Library Newsletter. Copies are available at either branch of the library and also on the library's website: by clicking here and follow the link for "Newsletter" in the "Most Popular" section (left hand side).

    LEGAL NOTICE: Town of Huntington-Special Election
    Vote on Tuesday, December 22, 6am-9pm, at Asharoken Village Hall

    Vote "Yes" or "No" for the Town of Huntington Proposition #1: "Shall a Ward System be established for the election of Town Councilmen/Councilwomen in the Town of Huntington?"

    For more information, click here to view the Town of Huntington flyer on the Proposition and ballot information.

    Click here to view the Times of Northport article covering the recent public hearing about this subject.
    LEGAL NOTICE: Zoning Board Of Appeals Public Hearing

    The next public hearing of the ZBA will be held on December 14, 2009 at 7:30pm at Village Hall. One request will be heard. Click here to view the Legal Notice for this meeting.
    LEGAL NOTICE: Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting: September 9, 2009

    The next Asharoken ZBA Meeting will be held at Village Hall on Wednesday September 9, 2009 at 7:30pm. Click here to view the variance request that will be reviewed during the meeting. (Document will open in a new window.)
    LEGAL NOTICE: Public Hearing: September 8, 2009
    A Local Law for Flood Damage Prevention

    A Public Hearing will be held by the Village Board of the Village of Asharoken on Tuesday, September 8, 2009 at 7:30pm at Village Hall. The hearing will be for the purpose of adopting a Local Law for Flood Damage Prevention which includes the National Flood Insurance Rate Maps dated September 25, 2009 (36103C0309H, 36103C0317H, 36103C0328H, 36103C0336H) and the Flood Insurance Study. Copies of the Flood Insurance Rate Maps and Local Law for Flood Damage Prevention are on file at Asharoken Village Hall and may be viewed during normal business hours, between 9am and 2pm.
    Asharoken Garden Club Announces 10th Annual Street Garden Recognition Program

    A Lovely Entrant in the Village of Asharoken Street Garden Program
     
    A Lovely Entrant in the Asharoken Street Garden Program
    The Asharoken Garden Club is calling on all homeowners to join their program, create a street garden, and help beautify our community. This year, all entrants will receive a plaque acknowledging their participation. The three gardens judged to be the most outstanding will receive wooden signs featuring artwork by Marilyn Chiodo.

    To read a letter detailing the 2009 Changes to the Street Garden Program, click here. To view and print the 2009 Street Garden Entry Form, click here. To enter, this form must be returned by May 18th.

    Garden judging will take place between June 22 and June 29, with the winners announced on "Street Garden Recognition Day", July 11.

    Mayor Irving Attends Eaton's Neck Fire Department Installation Dinner, NYCOM Conference

    Asharoken Mayor Pat Irving attends the Eaton's Neck Fire Department Installation Dinner.
    Image: Steve Silverman 
    From the left: 1st Assistant Chief Kevin O'Neill, Mayor Irving, Chief Joseph Cartolano, and 2nd Assistant Chief Jerry Hehir at the Eaton's Neck Fire Department Installation Dinner.
    In January, Mayor Patricia Irving attended the installation dinner for the new officers of the Eaton's Neck Volunteer Fire Department as part of her community relations efforts.
    Mayor Irving at the New York Conference of Mayors. Irving met with state Assemblyman Andrew Raia (left) 
      and Senator Carl Marcellino (right)
     
    Mayor Irving at the NY Conference of Mayors. Irving met with state Assemblyman Andrew Raia (left) and Senator Carl Marcellino (right).
    Representatives from the Eaton's Neck FD attend all Asharoken Emergency Planning Committee meetings.

    In February, Mayor Irving attended the New York Conference of Mayors (NYCOM) Winter Legislative Meeting in Albany. During the sessions, Irving met with our elected state officials Assemblyman Andrew Raia and Senator Carl Marcellino.
    Support Asharoken's Independence Day Fireworks:
    2009 Special Design Logo Tee Shirts Available for Sale

    See the order form on page eight of the June 2009 Asharoken Village Newsletter.

    "Who's That Knocking at My Door?"
    "It's Only Me the Census Taker"

    The process of preparing for the 2010 census has begun. Through the end of June, as part of step one, there may be a knock on your door as census takers are verifying house numbers. All census takers have an official Federal government ID card.
    Asharoken Village Taxes Due Starting June 1

    Your village taxes are due and payable on June 1, 2009 without penalty through July 1, 2009 by mail or in person at Asharoken Village Hall. This year, the tax bills were mailed with a pre-addressed return envelope to assist taxpayers and speed payment to Village coffers.

    A summary of the proposed 2009-'10 budget, which has a 3.89% property tax increase, was mailed to all residents on February 25. A detailed several page copy of the budget was distributed during the March 2 public review of the budget. Contact Village Hall if you missed the March 2 meeting and would like a copy of the detailed budget.

    LEGAL NOTICE:
    Special Meeting of Board of Trustees--June 25

    The Asharoken Board of Trustees will review the MS-4 Stormwater Report, and other such business that shall come before the Board, on Thursday, June 25, 2009 at 7:30pm at Village Hall.


    Take the chill out of your winter energy bills. New York State's HeatSmartNY program offers a variety of ways to help you manage your energy bills, save money and help protect the environment. The State also has information on financial and bill payment assistance. Call toll-free: 1-877-NY-SMART (1-877-697-6278) or on the internet: Heat Smart, New York.

    How does your home heating cost stack up? The NYState Energy Research and Development Authority conducts a weekly survey of average prices for oil, propane, natural gas and the like. The survey is done by regions within the state, Long Island (Nassau and Suffolk) are one such region: NYState Energy Survey.
    PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE:
    U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Presentation: April 23, 2009 

    On Thursday, April 23, at 7pm, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will present to our residents the current status on issues involving the "Sand on the Beach" Project. Join with your neighbors at Northport Middle School, 11 Middleville Road. More than 100 residents have indicated their interest in attending.

    LEGAL NOTICE:
    Voting to Adopt Annual Library Budget: April 14, 2009 

    On April 14, 2009, between 9am-9pm, voting will take place to adopt the Annual Library District Budget for the fiscal year 2009/2010 and the election of one Library Trustee. Voting takes place in both the Northport and East Northport Libraries. The library budget is a separate real estate tax in addition to school taxes and the Asharoken Village tax.
    The proposed budget is available for review at either library or on the library website.

    Notice: Special Meeting of Asharoken Trustees

    There will be a special meeting of the Board of Trustees on Monday, March 30 at 7:30pm. This meeting will be a continuation of the "Old Business" portion of their March 2, 2009 meeting agenda. The public is invited to attend.

    LEGAL NOTICE: (Dated March 5, 2009)
    Tax Assessment Available for Inspection

    The completed and verified annual assessment roll of property taxable within the Incorporated Village of Asharoken was, on the 2nd day of March, 2009 filed with the Village Clerk and subject to inspection for fifteen (15) days from the date of this notice (March 5, 2009).

    Emergency Planning Committee Meeting

    The next meeting of the Asharoken Emergency Planning Committee, organized by Bill Raisch, Chairman, will be held on Friday, February 6, 2009, 4pm-6pm at Village Hall.

    Through the committee's last meeting on January 9, 2009 the committee has:
    Identified potential hazards for the Village.
    Evaluated their potential impact, our available resources to address them, and prioritized them appropriately.
    Developed preliminary strategies for how to prevent or minimize the impact of the prioritized hazards.

    The focus of the next meeting will be to discuss and develop a response plan for each of the high priority hazards that we cannot otherwise prevent.


    The next meeting of the Asharoken Emergency Planning Committee, organized by Bill Raisch, Chairman, will be held on Friday, November 7 in Village Hall from 4pm to 6pm.
    BE SURE TO VOTE: November 4 General Elections

    To help you prepare for election day, the League of Women Voters has created a website: Smart Voter.
    Input your address and you'll see all the offices and propositions you will vote for on November 4.
    The League is recognized nationwide for providing non-partisan election information.

    Voting at Asharoken Village Hall is scheduled 6am-9pm.
    Flood Maps/Insurance Impact--Scheduled

    Open House meetings are scheduled for the general public to discuss the new FEMA Flood Maps.
    These are not formal meetings and comments will not be taken. It is designed instead to provide community residents an opportunity to view the preliminary FIRM panels and to ask quesitons about the new maps, development standards in floodplains and flood insurance. Staff from NYSDEC will be joined by representatives from FEMA to answer questions.

    Dates and Locations:
    Wednesday, November 12th Babylon, Town Hall Annex, 281 Phelps Lane, North Babylon, NY 11703 4pm to 9pm.

    Thursday, November 13th Southhampton, Southhampton Cultural Center, Levitas Center Concert Hall, 25 Pond Lane, Southampton, NY 11969, 4pm to 9pm.

    Friday, November 14th Brookhaven, Brookhaven Town Hall, Auditorium 2nd Floor, One Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 4pm to 9pm.

    Any Questions call 518-402-8151.

    For more details on the web: FEMA Flood Map Program and Suffolk County Flood Maps (by address)
    Zoning Board of Appeals Hearing

    The Asharoken Zoning Board of Appeals will hold its next public hearing on Monday, November 17 at Village Hall at 7:30pm. The board will consider the following variance requests (document opens in a new window).
    Farmers Market--Saturday is the final day this season:

    Every Saturday, through November 22, from 9am to Noon, head to the foot of Main Street Northport and purchase the freshest produce and other foods all from local purveyors.
    Join your neighbors at the annual Asharoken Residents Holiday Party on November 23 (Sunday), from Noon-4pm, at the Northport Yacht Club. Fare includes: hors d'oeuvres; fish, pasta, carving and salad stations; dessert and refreshments; cash bar. Tickets are $45.00/per person. To RSVP, see the flyer in the printed/mailed edition of the October Asharoken Newsletter or contact resident Catherine J. Burch, 164 Asharoken Avenue, phone: (631) 754-8030.

    The Holiday Season

    On Sunday, December 21, Santa toured Asharoken.  At Village Hall after his tour, Santa, his helpers and your neighbors enjoyed Santa's favorite holiday refreshments--hot cocoa and cookies. Santa had heartwarming traditional gifts for the young ones. See our Asharoken Spirit section for the full story and photos.

    Northport has kicked off Winterfest 2008 by lighting the village holiday tree at Village Park and decorating downtown.

    Each Tuesday evening, December 2, 9, 16, 7pm-9pm, Main Street Northport will be closed to cars from School Street to Woodbine Avenue. Various activities will take place, including holiday music, contests and other free activities for children.

    Weekend of December 13-14, 9am-5pm, the Eaton's Neck Volunteer Fire Department begins its annual Christmas tree sale at the Fire House (55 Eaton's Neck Road; tele: 631-757-8932).

    Also note: the Toys for Tots collection boxes, sponsored by the U.S. Marines, have started to appear at various Chamber member locations (such as Copenhagen Bakery) so remember a neighboring needy child by dropping off an unwrapped toy this holiday season no later than December 17.   Also at the bakery, and Assemblyman Raia's office, Operation Warmth is accepting warm clothing (coats, hats and gloves) to provide for the less fortunate members of the community.

    Visit the live camera link to Christmas in Rockefeller Center if you can't get into Manhattan to see the tree, ice skaters and holiday crowds!