Shed Light on Smith Point

I am grateful to live in a community surrounded by beach and beauty.

Shed Light

(c) Stacey "Mamasaid" D. All Rights Reserved 2010

Happy New Year 2010!

Happy New Year 2010!  We rang in another new year in Mastic Beach as a family.  The neighborhood was peaceful after a quiet snowfall in the afternoon. 

We look forward to a happy, productive 2010 in Mastic Beach.  I want to take a moment to wish you and yours a healthy, joyful new year . See you around Mastic Beach!

Shinnecock Tribe Gets Closer To Federal Recognition

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:

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!

Mastic Beach Tree Lighting 2009

Thanks to the Mastic Beach Property Owners Association, the community will enjoy a Christmas tree and menorah lighting on December 5, 2009 at the gazebo on Neighborhood Road.  It's right across from the John's Pizza (the pink pizza place). 

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. 

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.” 

Autumn In Mastic Beach

Summer sands slip through our fingers the leaves turn from green to shades of orange, yellow and red.  Instead of hanging out at the Beach Hut at Smith's Point, we are hiking at our local trails.

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.