Mastic Beach Evacuation During Hurricane Sandy

Hurricane Sandy is rushing over Long Island and Mastic Beach will be an area that might be hit hard.  Current Mastic Beach evacuations during Hurricane Sandy include:

Areas east of Whittier
Areas south of Dogwood
Areas north of Riverside Drive

Be safe and make sure to evacuate before high tide hits tonight. Updates are available at News 12, which is accessible by Smartphone, iPod or other device that can be charged in a car.  So far power is on but some areas are already experiencing outages.  Area shelter facilities are open at Riverhead schools and Eastport South Manor schools. Bring basic supplies including toiletries and head out before the storm gets worse.

UPDATE: Riverside Drive is being evacuated as well as Dana Estates and Osprey Point.

Happy Fourth of July!

The Fourth of July weekend is a time to reflect on our appreciation that we are an independent nation.  We also express gratitude to the veterans who fought to keep us keep that freedom.  Of course people flock to beaches, barbecues and parties to get some much-needed rest and relaxation.

Smith Point County Park is a gathering place during the summer, especially on Fourth of July.  There is a beautiful beach, playground, trails and those fantastic waves.  You might even see some fireworks in the sky.  Many people are headed to Umbrella Beach in Montauk to watch the Fourth of July fireworks.

No matter what you do, don't drink and drive.  The majority of the car accidents on this holiday (and others) involve drinking and driving.  Have a designated driver or barbecue at home if you want to enjoy a few summer cocktails, glasses of wine or beer.

Have a happy Fourth of July!  What will you be doing?

Summer in Mastic Beach

Summer is here and the living is easy! Today is the last day of school for the elementary school students. Summer in Mastic Beach means sunny days, hazy night and plenty of time soaking up seaside pleasures. The natural beauty is all around us at the beaches, William Floyd Estate and our own backyards.

Happy summer everyone! Check out the Community Library for the Summer Reading Club. Children of all ages are included. The adult reading club encourages me to grab a book when I'm lounging by the pool. When parents read, it's a good example to the children! Today the library will be kicking off the Summer Reading Club with giveaways and events, so don't miss it. The library is an excellent place to chill out and cool down all summer.

Mastic Beach Village Vote Brings Out Entire Neighborhood

It's a little after 9 pm and we just returned from the Mastic Beach village vote at the firehouse on Neighborhood Road.

I was pleased to see the number of concerned citizens voting about the possible village. Whether the votes were yes or no, certainly everyone in the neighborhood cares about the future of Mastic Beach.

The line went around the firehouse with demonstrators out on the street encouraging citizens to vote yes or no. The police indicated people could not get on line after 9 PM. Even with that in mind, the vote is sure to go on until at least 10 pm at this point.

While we waited to vote about the potential Incorporated Village of Mastic Beach, we crossed paths with many neighbors and friends. The children compared school schedules and I made a date to meet a friend at the gym once the kids are back.

I look forward to hearing the results of the Mastic Beach Village vote and working together to build an ever better neighborhood. Right now, News 12 is saying the vote is too close to call...

According to my unofficial poll, 29 percent are against the Village of Mastic Beach and 71 percent are for it...

Blue Claw Crab Festival in Mastic Beach and Mastic Beach Village Vote on August 31

We stopped by the annual Blue Claw Crab Festival at the marina in Mastic Beach.  Last night I forgot about the Festival with the hectic pace of back-to-school.  Riding by the beach and seeing all the signs, fencing and stands reminded us to pay a visit today!

Our waterfront marinas and beaches are beautiful.  It makes you sad to realize there is less than a week of summer vacation left with school back in swing on September 3...

But then there's still Labor Day weekend!  Enjoy the rest of summer in Mastic Beach and don't forget to vote yes or no to a possible Village of Mastic Beach on August 31 at the Mastic Beach firehouse on Neighborhood Road between noon and 9 pm.

Fourth of July in Mastic Beach

Between summer camp for the kids and the summer reading club at the library, we haven't had a dull moment!  We realized we are free to have fun this weekend for Fourth of July!

Did you notice the rebuilding of the beach at the end of Washington?  The new barriers should keep the beach and water where it belongs.  It's a perfect oasis for some time out!

Happy Fourth of July everyone!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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...)

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.

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!

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!

What Are You Doing For New Year's Eve?

As my son just said, 2008 is already an "old geezer" and we're only a day away from 2009. What are you doing for New Year's Eve? Will you be staying home or going out? If you're still not sure, check out this article on Associated content about cool family stuff to do on Long Island.

Whatever you decide to do, be safe and don't drink and drive.

Happy New Year 2009 Mastic Beach!

Taking A College Road Trip To The Library

Our Community Library is the perfect place to gather. There's something for everyone and it's always free or low cost. My family and I went to see "College Road Trip" yesterday and had a great time!

The downstairs room at the library just like a movie theater, with comfortable seats and a large screen. Bags of popcorn and juice boxes were served. The movie was an excellent choice with back to school and encourages young people to think about college. "College Road Trip" stars Raven, Martin Lawrence and Donny Osmond, so we laughed during the entire movie.

Where else can you have such a fun afternoon for free?

Village of Mastic Beach and The Links

Are you concerned about Mastic Beach becoming an incorporated village? Do you wonder what will happen with the redevelopment project at The Links in Shirley? These are pressing concerns for all of us.

On October 13 at 7 PM the Chamber of Commerce of the Mastics and Shirley will have their monthly meeting at Ladakins Restaurants on Montauk Highway in Moriches. There will be two guest speakers. Paul Breschard, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Pattersquash Creek, will discuss creating a village in Mastic Beach. A rep from the Holiday Organization will talk about future plans for The Links at Shirley. To get more info call Pres. Mark Smothergill at 631-399-0396. Be in the know and go to this meeting about your community.

Krusty Krab Arrives In Mastic Beach - 4th Annual Blue Claw Crab Festival

Admittedly I watch too much children's television with my kids but I can't resist announcing the Krusty Krab has found it's way to Mastic Beach for all the Sponge Bobs who love crabby patties (better known as crab cakes in these parts).

On August 24, the Mastic Beach Property Owners will hold their 4th annual Blue Claw Crab Festival at Marina 1 on Riviera Drive. The festivities will start at 10 am and continue until 6 pm. With performanced by the Del-Satins along with country dancin' and singin', the event promises to be great family fun. We went last year and had a complete blast with our friends and neighbors. Admission is free and you can find out more by calling 631 399 6111. If you are an interested vendor, contact 631 281 2231.

Food served includes blue claw crabs, shrimp, crab cakes and clams. Beer, wine and soda are served to add to the good times by the beach. With face painting, sand art and a variety of craft vendors, there's something for everyone, young and old.

I am a major crab fan and have even visited Baltimore Maryland to feast on the best blue claws in the world - got news, Maryland has nothing on Mastic Beach! The locals whip up some fabulous crabby cuisine you just have to try. My family and I won't miss it - see ya there!

Metro Balloon & Music Festival Is Lots of Hot Air

I was excited about the Metro NY Balloon and Music Festival when it came to town last year. Imagine such an event right around the corner with performers from my youth such as Joan Jett! After finding out the cost of tickets, I decided to volunteer to offset the price. The only problem is volunteers have to arrive at 5 AM, a tall order when you have children and a business to run.

I wondered if I was being cheap when I thought $10 parking and $25 entry fees were outrageous - never mind the hundreds of dollars it costs to actually go up in a balloon. We are a family of four so I spoke to friends in the same situation. Both felt the prices were outrageous and were more beneficial for those profiting from this event rather than this area. In fact, my friend estimated for a family of four to experience the entire event (ride bracelets, a snack, balloon rides for everyone) would cost more than her last vacation to Disney. When I received a call to volunteer this year, I just chuckled and passed. In fact, we went camping in East Hampton instead to get away from the hectic pace in the neighborhood (we've grown accustomed to the quiet). Our entire weekend cost about 100 bucks and the kids had a great time.

After returning home, I still felt a bit guilty about skipping the festival another year. After checking out this blog, I realized my friends and I have plenty of company from the comments:

http://longislandnewyork.blogspot.com/2007/08/metro-ny-balloon-music-festival-august.html

I am sure many people enjoyed this event, though I doubt many are from around here. With the foreclosure rates so high in our area, people can barely keep a roof over their heads never mind attend such as pricey festival. How is this fun for the majority of our residents, who really can't afford it? Even those who are making ends meet, such as my friends and I, worked hard to get there and aren't ready to fritter away funds for a day trip.

There are things that would be fun and affordable for everyone. I am still concerned about the everyday quality of life in our neighborhood. What happened to our million dollar pool? Another summer goes by with no pool for our residents to appreciate. A decent town pool in our area is long overdue. Will there ever be a skate park or rec center for our kids? While people cluck at the kids skateboarding by the Community Library, they have no suggestions for alternative recreation. Where are they supposed to go? There are the things I want to see happening in our neighborhood...how about you?