The Shinnecock Nation is one of the oldest self governing Indian tribes in the nation. Located in Long Island's tony Southhampton, the Shinnecock tribe is almost guaranteed federal recognition. These Algonquian Indians have lived along the East End of Long Island, New York since around the 1600s.
The New York Times reports on the 30 year battle for the Shinnecock Nation to gain United States recognition. Today the Obama administration said the Shinnecock Indian Nation of Long Island met the criteria for federal recognition. There is still a period of public comment before the tribe gets recognition.
The major concern for local residents is the tribe building a casino on their 800 acre reservation. Federal recognition would allow the Shinnecock Indian Nation to build a casino on the reservation or outside the reservation in the NYC/suburban area.
At this point it appears the Shinnecock tribe is considering a casino outside the reservation because it would be more lucrative for them and New York state. The reservation is located in Southampton where transportation is often strained.
Federal recognition would be a major accomplishment for the Shinnecock Nation. Frederick C. Best, one of the nation's three trustees, sees offhanded neglect at the reservation amidst one of the wealthiest communities in the country. A casino could significantly improve their way of life.
As an East Ender, I see the condition of the reservations and feel improvements must be made. Recently the local reservations on Long Island lost their right to sell untaxed cigarettes which serious impacts their ability to earn money. The Shinnecock Nation needs the Federal recognition to generate essential revenue for their communities. The location of the potential casino is a concern for everyone.
Here is a YouTube video of the Shinnecock Indian Nation 63rd Annual Labor Day Weekend Powwow in 2009:
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Mastic Beach Christmas Tree & Menorah Lighting
The Mastic Beach Christmas tree and menorah lighting was rained out yesterday and rescheduled to Sunday, December 6, at 6:30 PM. See you there!
Friday, December 4, 2009
Mastic Beach Tree Lighting 2009
Santa will be there so bring the children for a great family time! We had fun last year and look forward to attending this year. Isn't the snowman from last year's ceremony adorable? There will be decorations and memories to be made right in Mastic Beach.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Keith Romaine, Brookhaven Councilman, Dies At Only 36
Everyone was extremely saddened to hear Keith Romaine, our Brookhaven councilman, died at the young age of 36. His hard work and dedication will be greatly missed.
The Long Island Press reported Romaine passed away at Winthrop University Hospital in Mineola from complications caused by a viral infection.
Romaine just won the reelection last week. It is shock to hear he died at 11 a.m. today. Romaine's dad is Ed Romaine, a Suffolk Legislator who served as County Clerk under the former County Exec Robert Gaffney.
Suffolk GOP chair John Jay LaValle, a long time friend of Romaine, was quoted by the Long Island Press something that reflects what everyone feels, "I am deeply saddened by the loss of my friend and colleague. The thoughts and prayers of the entire Republican family are with his father Ed and the entire Romaine family. Although he passed at such a young age, his tireless efforts on behalf of his community have left an indelible mark on so many lives. He will be missed but not forgotten.”
The Long Island Press reported Romaine passed away at Winthrop University Hospital in Mineola from complications caused by a viral infection.
Romaine just won the reelection last week. It is shock to hear he died at 11 a.m. today. Romaine's dad is Ed Romaine, a Suffolk Legislator who served as County Clerk under the former County Exec Robert Gaffney.
Suffolk GOP chair John Jay LaValle, a long time friend of Romaine, was quoted by the Long Island Press something that reflects what everyone feels, "I am deeply saddened by the loss of my friend and colleague. The thoughts and prayers of the entire Republican family are with his father Ed and the entire Romaine family. Although he passed at such a young age, his tireless efforts on behalf of his community have left an indelible mark on so many lives. He will be missed but not forgotten.”
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Autumn In Mastic Beach
The Wertheim, St. Georges Manor and William Floyd Estate are beautiful places to hike during the fall season. Listen to the birds as you observe the fantastic fall foliage and watch the deer run by.
We took a hike last week at the Wertheim but I forgot to bring my camera. I can't wait to go back and get those fabulous shots of the fall foliage reflected on the Carman's River.
Mastic Beach is much more than summer fun - it's a breathtaking place to be in the fall.
By the way, are you getting ready for Halloween? I just put up all my harvest decorations and bought pounds of candy in preparation for the trick-or-treating ghosts and goblins.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Do You Really Want Mastic Beach To Be A Village?
Everyone is doing it. Those cool green signs are posted all over the neighborhood, indicating a household in support of making Mastic Beach an incorporated village. Is it peer pressure or do you really want to be a village?
Having been employed in municipal law for over a decade, I am well aware of the positive and negative elements of becoming an incorporated village. In some instances, communities gain much-needed organization and assistance. Often this occurs in tiny communities with little other opportunity for a voice.
Mastic Beach is a large area. While many people claim we won't pay more taxes as a village, that simply isn't true. I've seen these plans in action over the years in many areas. We will pay more taxes and can the residents of Mastic Beach really afford that? What about seniors who lived here their entire lives? Disabled veterans and their families barely getting by now? Will this new village financially force these people out? Where will they go after building this community, often considered one of the "last hopes" on Long Island? Is this a way to thank them, the PEOPLE of Mastic Beach?
I don't see it impacting the slumlords, who are all integrated into our school district, government and community organizations. They will tailor laws to suit their own needs, creating an area with the "have's" and "have-nots" instead of the wonderful, struggling middle class community we are.
It seems to be another way to pick the pockets of residents of our community. Ultimately, more people will be in "power" with greater control over our lives, homes and money. We know what government officials have done with that power in the past. Is this what we really want?
Frankly, I was for this Village idea for all of ten minutes until I started to reconsider the harsh realities. It seems to be wiser to band together to demand our already elected officials DO THEIR JOBS. If everyone did their jobs, this would not be an issue. Our government is already top heavy with little real representation for the people. Though I don't see it in the media or local papers, many people I talk to do NOT want the village and feel it is a mistake.
How about signs for us? Let's stand up and be counted.
Having been employed in municipal law for over a decade, I am well aware of the positive and negative elements of becoming an incorporated village. In some instances, communities gain much-needed organization and assistance. Often this occurs in tiny communities with little other opportunity for a voice.
Mastic Beach is a large area. While many people claim we won't pay more taxes as a village, that simply isn't true. I've seen these plans in action over the years in many areas. We will pay more taxes and can the residents of Mastic Beach really afford that? What about seniors who lived here their entire lives? Disabled veterans and their families barely getting by now? Will this new village financially force these people out? Where will they go after building this community, often considered one of the "last hopes" on Long Island? Is this a way to thank them, the PEOPLE of Mastic Beach?
I don't see it impacting the slumlords, who are all integrated into our school district, government and community organizations. They will tailor laws to suit their own needs, creating an area with the "have's" and "have-nots" instead of the wonderful, struggling middle class community we are.
It seems to be another way to pick the pockets of residents of our community. Ultimately, more people will be in "power" with greater control over our lives, homes and money. We know what government officials have done with that power in the past. Is this what we really want?
Frankly, I was for this Village idea for all of ten minutes until I started to reconsider the harsh realities. It seems to be wiser to band together to demand our already elected officials DO THEIR JOBS. If everyone did their jobs, this would not be an issue. Our government is already top heavy with little real representation for the people. Though I don't see it in the media or local papers, many people I talk to do NOT want the village and feel it is a mistake.
How about signs for us? Let's stand up and be counted.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Mastic Beach's Anna Wintour On David Letterman
Mastic Beach is home to an array of famous people including artists, writers, politicians, editors and more. One of our most famous residents is Vogue magazine editor, Anna Wintour. Also known as the inspiration for the movie, "The Devil Wears Prada", Ms. Wintour recently spoke about this and more on the David Letterman show.
Letterman asked if she was as cold as the movie "The Devil Wears Prada" portrays. Wintour demurely replied, "Well, I'm very decisive and I try and give very clear direction to the people that I'm working with, and sometimes, unfortunately, they don't hear the answer that they would like to hear."
Wintour further commented on a recent New York times article claiming she's an ice queen. "I read in the New York Times this week that I'm an ice queen, I'm the sun king, I'm an alien fleeing from District 9 and I'm a dominatrix. I recon that makes me lukewarm royalty with a whip from outer space. What do you think?"
Wintour removed her signature sunglasses for the Letterman interview and wore a fabulous black and white dress by Carolina Herrera.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Kate Browning Visits Bay Manor Reunion
For decades, people sent their children to preschool at Bay Manor. Located in a cozy little room at the Grace Lutheran Church, many happy memories were made at Bay Manor. Both of my children attended this preschool. It was a joyful introduction to learning and we made several lifelong friends.
Due to lack of funding, Bay Manor finally closed their doors. Last year was the first year people did not have Bay Manor to send their children to. It was a sad moment for many of us.
On July 26, Miss Maria decided to host a Bay Manor reunion at South Haven Park. It was a beautiful afternoon. Miss Rosie and Miss Debbie were there to celebrate with many Bay Manor students and families. We all picnicked, talked and had a great time.
Kate Browning visited the Bay Manor reunion to give kudos to Miss Maria for her dedicated service to the children and community. Miss Maria was touched by the lovely commemoration she deservedly received.
I wrote an enthusiastic article about Bay Manor preschool years ago if you want to read more about it. For many Mastic Beach residents, Bay Manor was the beautiful beginning of community life in Mastic Beach. We will miss you, Bay Manor, and look forward to future reunions!
Due to lack of funding, Bay Manor finally closed their doors. Last year was the first year people did not have Bay Manor to send their children to. It was a sad moment for many of us.
On July 26, Miss Maria decided to host a Bay Manor reunion at South Haven Park. It was a beautiful afternoon. Miss Rosie and Miss Debbie were there to celebrate with many Bay Manor students and families. We all picnicked, talked and had a great time.
Kate Browning visited the Bay Manor reunion to give kudos to Miss Maria for her dedicated service to the children and community. Miss Maria was touched by the lovely commemoration she deservedly received.
I wrote an enthusiastic article about Bay Manor preschool years ago if you want to read more about it. For many Mastic Beach residents, Bay Manor was the beautiful beginning of community life in Mastic Beach. We will miss you, Bay Manor, and look forward to future reunions!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Mastic Eyesore Co-Owned By Assistant Principal
I was alarmed to read a recent Newsday article about Rob King, the assistant principal at Paca Middle School in the William Floyd School District. The article states Rob King co-owns a Mastic home the Brookhaven Town Supervisor Mark Lesko claimed is "one of the worst properties in the entire Town of Brookhaven. It was unfit for human occupancy."
The house located at 120 N. Titmus Drive, Mastic, was illegally rented to tenants. King, who works in our community but lives in Smithtown, co-owns this Mastic home with a resident of Nesconset since 2003. King claims to be unaware of the situation and thought the co-owner was residing in the home to make renovations for legal rentals.
Since King is present in Mastic Beach everyday for his job, I'm unsure why he never checked the house. The lack of electricity, presence of a generator and outdoor cooking conditions were obvious from a quick perusal. According to King's attorney, his client states he never signed leases or received rental income from the home.
It upsets me a school administrator would be part of the slumlord problem in our community, whether knowingly or unknowingly. What I found even more perturbing were statements made by a few neighbors that one of the tenants was a sex offender. I cannot substantiate this rumor but find it even more disturbing.
It is rather surprising we heard so much about a store proprietor giving a robber a loaf of bread but there was little publicity about this serious problem. Our community has suffered as a result of careless behavior from "investors" for too long. To find them employed by our school district and taking home a salary while living miles away is offensive to me. Why wasn't this home found in the Town of Smithtown, where the co-owners reside? How do you feel?
The house located at 120 N. Titmus Drive, Mastic, was illegally rented to tenants. King, who works in our community but lives in Smithtown, co-owns this Mastic home with a resident of Nesconset since 2003. King claims to be unaware of the situation and thought the co-owner was residing in the home to make renovations for legal rentals.
Since King is present in Mastic Beach everyday for his job, I'm unsure why he never checked the house. The lack of electricity, presence of a generator and outdoor cooking conditions were obvious from a quick perusal. According to King's attorney, his client states he never signed leases or received rental income from the home.
It upsets me a school administrator would be part of the slumlord problem in our community, whether knowingly or unknowingly. What I found even more perturbing were statements made by a few neighbors that one of the tenants was a sex offender. I cannot substantiate this rumor but find it even more disturbing.
It is rather surprising we heard so much about a store proprietor giving a robber a loaf of bread but there was little publicity about this serious problem. Our community has suffered as a result of careless behavior from "investors" for too long. To find them employed by our school district and taking home a salary while living miles away is offensive to me. Why wasn't this home found in the Town of Smithtown, where the co-owners reside? How do you feel?
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Shirley Store Owner Helps Robber - Only In Our 'Hood
I wasn't surprised to hear about the Shirley convenience store owner who wound up praying with a robber and giving him $40 and a loaf of bread. That's just the kind of neighborhood we are.
Newsday reports a masked man with a bat entered Shirley Express Convenience store on William Floyd Parkway. He demanded cash and store owner Mohammad Sohail grabbed his rifle and ordered the man to the floor. Suddenly Sohail felt compassion as the robber said, I have no money. I have no food. I haev no job. I have to take care of my family." The man indicated he wanted to be a Muslim, too, and prayed with Sohail.
Sohail gave him 40 bucks, bread and when he went to get him milk, the robber fled on foot. Sohail doesn't want him arrested or punished but hopes he learned a lesson from the experience.
By the way, the gun Sohail brandished was legal.
It's a great example of the understanding and compassion people of all ages, backgrounds and circumstances show for each other in our neighborhood.
Newsday reports a masked man with a bat entered Shirley Express Convenience store on William Floyd Parkway. He demanded cash and store owner Mohammad Sohail grabbed his rifle and ordered the man to the floor. Suddenly Sohail felt compassion as the robber said, I have no money. I have no food. I haev no job. I have to take care of my family." The man indicated he wanted to be a Muslim, too, and prayed with Sohail.
Sohail gave him 40 bucks, bread and when he went to get him milk, the robber fled on foot. Sohail doesn't want him arrested or punished but hopes he learned a lesson from the experience.
By the way, the gun Sohail brandished was legal.
It's a great example of the understanding and compassion people of all ages, backgrounds and circumstances show for each other in our neighborhood.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Memorial Day In Mastic Beach
Happy belated Memorial Day! Some bad news in our family has kept me away from my personal blogs for a few weeks. This past weekend, we took some much-needed time out. We got out on our boat for the first time and launched at Mastic Beach Marina I. As always, everyone was friendly and helpful. It felt good to get out on the bay and get some sunshine after a backyard barbecue with family. My husband is a disabled Vietnam veteran so I try to infuse a little joy into this day filled with sad memories.
How did you spend Memorial Day and are you looking forward to summer as much as I am? (Although the last couple of chilly, gray days don't feel anything like the warm, hazy days of summer I was dreaming of...)
How did you spend Memorial Day and are you looking forward to summer as much as I am? (Although the last couple of chilly, gray days don't feel anything like the warm, hazy days of summer I was dreaming of...)
Friday, March 20, 2009
Happy Spring & The 14th Annual Easter Egg Hunt
Happy first day of spring! The telltale signs are appearing with budding flowers, longer days and warmer sunshine. As spring approaches, many of us are consider Easter egg hunts and Easter baskets.
The Chamber of Commerce of the Mastics and Shirley are holding their 14th Annual Spring Egg Hunt on April 4, 2009, from 10 AM to 1 PM at the William Floyd High School Gym. The event is limited to 800 participants and is open to children under 10 years of age.
Children must have a ticket to attend. Tickets can be picked up at Century 21 Cor-Ace Realty, Hansen Carpet (where we usually go), Ice Cream Cottage (their rainbow cakes are incredible) and Subway on Montauk Highway in Shirley.
For more information, call Joe Asaro at 878-3400 or Bill Ryan at 399-5502.
The Chamber of Commerce of the Mastics and Shirley are holding their 14th Annual Spring Egg Hunt on April 4, 2009, from 10 AM to 1 PM at the William Floyd High School Gym. The event is limited to 800 participants and is open to children under 10 years of age.
Children must have a ticket to attend. Tickets can be picked up at Century 21 Cor-Ace Realty, Hansen Carpet (where we usually go), Ice Cream Cottage (their rainbow cakes are incredible) and Subway on Montauk Highway in Shirley.
For more information, call Joe Asaro at 878-3400 or Bill Ryan at 399-5502.
Friday, February 27, 2009
The Loss of Corey Stark
Posted on the William Floyd School District website:
Tuesday, February 24th 2009
The William Floyd School community is saddened by the sudden loss of one of our students, Corey
Stark, a high school senior, who passed away this afternoon. Counselors will be made available at
the high school for our students. Our thoughts and prayers are with Corey's family and friends
during this difficult time.
Our community is terribly saddened by this tragic loss. Prayers, sympathy and support go out to Corey's family and friends.
Tuesday, February 24th 2009
The William Floyd School community is saddened by the sudden loss of one of our students, Corey
Stark, a high school senior, who passed away this afternoon. Counselors will be made available at
the high school for our students. Our thoughts and prayers are with Corey's family and friends
during this difficult time.
Our community is terribly saddened by this tragic loss. Prayers, sympathy and support go out to Corey's family and friends.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
I'm A Seabird, Light and Free
The salty sapphire sea
Calls out to me
I respond with a caw
Hold on with my claws
To a pole in the water
Then my wings flutter
I'M OFF.
Perched on the boat's hull
One hungry gull
The smell of the fish
Making me wish
The the folks with poles
Would somehow go.
I'M OFF.
Pecking the shoreline
Small scraps are mine
Shells in the way
Of my catch of the day
Now I have enough
Tiny but tough.
I'M OFF.
Dominion nest
Overlooking the rest
Eggs to protect
The sun reflects
Off my shiny back
As my wing flap.
I'M OFF.
We all return to the sea,
The place we must be,
Not to breathe like a fish,
Just because we wish,
To make seaside homes,
Then fly and roam,
To return once more,
To the endless shore.
© 2009 - All Rights Reserved Stacey Mamasaid D.
Learn More About Incorporated Village of Mastic Beach
Find out more about our hamlet becoming a village. Visit the website for the Mastic Beach Village Exploratory Committee to see who the key players are and what is being done to move in the direction of becoming a Village. There are links to find out more about Mastic Beach and its history as well as a link to offer your help. Let's make Mastic Beach the best it can be! I included them in my list of links show along the right side of the page.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Lastest Mastic Beach Poll
I recently posted a poll, which ended. Before I put up a new poll, I decided to reveal the results of this one to show the top priorities for Mastic Beach residents:
According to the poll, the top priority for 2009 is making Mastic Beach an incorporated village according to 45 percent of the people.
Other priorities all received equal standing. The poll revealed 18 percent want school safety improved, 18 percent feel rentals should be better regulated and 18 percent would like to see Neighborhood Road improved.
Now that we have our priorities in order, it's time to come together as a community and make it happen. Here's to an even more fantastic Mastic Beach in 2009!
Friday, January 23, 2009
Mastic Beach Village Meeting
The next meeting regarding Mastic Beach as an incorporated village will be held on February 2 at 7 PM at the Mastic Beach Fire Department. Be there for your community!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Inaugural Parties In The Mastic Beach Area
Besides your friends, family and local organizations, several other people and places in the local area will have inaugural parties to welcome Barack Obama as President. To find out the location of parties for this historical event on January 20, 2009, visit Inaugural Bash.
Here's to change both nationally and right here in Mastic Beach!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Christmas Tree Lighting Pics from MBPOA
I recently wrote about the Mastic Beach Property Owners Association tree lighting and how much we enjoyed ourselves. I could not post the pics because my computer was dying a slow death at the time. It ceremoniously went down for the holidays, forcing me to max out my credit card to get a new one. (A writer without a computer is like a taxi driver without a car - without the equipment, you're not making any money.)
Anyway, I am finally getting to put up a pic of the Christmas tree. Hope your holidays were happy and the new year is prosperous for you and yours!
(Reminder: Tonight is the special Board of Ed meeting about the H.S. shooting incident.)
Another Note:
With the holidays, I've been "out of the loop" (never mind we had 2 computers break down, a cell phone and hubby's truck in 2 weeks). I managed to miss an important meeting last night listed on the MBV Exploratory blog:
Meeting on Monday evening, 5th January--all welcome!
Monday, January 5, 2009, 7pm-9pmMastic Beach Fire Department, Neighborhood Road , Mastic Beach, NY
Pattersquash Creek Civic Association, Inc. and Mastic Beach Village Exploratory Committee
Agenda:
1. Presentation of Our Two Trophies for Our Two Floats in the Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade
2. Report on the Neighbor-to-Neighbor Letter Campaign
3. Report on Petition Drive Against the J6 (Second Story) Rezoning of Neighborhood and Mastic Roads in Mastic Beach
4. Guest Presenter: Terry Germano of the Community Library on Library Link and Our Two Listings on that Website
5. Report on Community Efforts in Response to Recent Gun Violence
6. The Mastic Beach Village Exploratory Committee Presents The Year in Review. Videos of the past meetings with West Hampton Dunes Village Mayor Gary Vegliante, Patchogue Village Mayor Paul Pontieri, Islandia Village Mayor Allan Dorman, and Municipal Attorney Joseph Prokop will be shown.
All residents are cordially invited to this very important meeting
that will affect the future of our community.
All members are encouraged to bring a guest or guests.
1. Presentation of Our Two Trophies for Our Two Floats in the Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade
2. Report on the Neighbor-to-Neighbor Letter Campaign
3. Report on Petition Drive Against the J6 (Second Story) Rezoning of Neighborhood and Mastic Roads in Mastic Beach
4. Guest Presenter: Terry Germano of the Community Library on Library Link and Our Two Listings on that Website
5. Report on Community Efforts in Response to Recent Gun Violence
6. The Mastic Beach Village Exploratory Committee Presents The Year in Review. Videos of the past meetings with West Hampton Dunes Village Mayor Gary Vegliante, Patchogue Village Mayor Paul Pontieri, Islandia Village Mayor Allan Dorman, and Municipal Attorney Joseph Prokop will be shown.
All residents are cordially invited to this very important meeting
that will affect the future of our community.
All members are encouraged to bring a guest or guests.
Monday, January 5, 2009
New Year Board of Education Meeting for Mastic Beach
Happy New Year, Mastic Beach! Are you ready for change in 2009? I certainly am. My word for the new year is "organization". Do you have a word or resolution to live by?
On a local note, I received a telephone call and email about a special Board of Education meeting tomorrow night addressing the recent shooting outside the high school. The email informational purposes is as follows:
Good evening this is Dr. Casciano, Superintendent of Schools. This is a reminder that there will be a special Board of Education meeting Tuesday night, January 6th at 7:30 pm in the High School Auditorium to discuss our district’s response to the incident that occurred after the Varsity basketball game on December 12th. County and law enforcement officials will be at the meeting. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow evening. Thank you and have a good night.
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