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.

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

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".

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

(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.

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.

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).

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.

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.