Start Hoarding large Sodas Now!
Ben Vitale
Mayor Bloomberg is introducing a law that prohibits the sale of sugar based Soda larger than 16 ounces, in NYC.
You will be allowed to drink "Diet Soda." Thank you so very much Mr Bloomburg! Please go to Google and look up the effects of Aspartame, the most common ingredient in diet soda. Actually, in my opinion, he should be banning Diet Soda, and allowing Sugar based Soda. I believe that Sugar based Soda is better for your health. Who knows the law may preclude you from buying two 8 ounce sodas. I wouldn't be surprised if the Mayor tries to pass a law mandating "Balanced Meals."
Talking about stealing our civil rights, one small law at a time. No way Bloomberg!
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Thursday, May 31, 2012
Monday, May 28, 2012
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Sam Gordon Building update:
Ben Vitale
TriTec allowed David Kennedy, a Patchogue community leader, along with members of the "Friends of Carnegie Library," to tour the Library. At that time the Sam Gordon Building was also discussed with TriTec. TriTec is currently the owner of the Sam Gordon property. Tritec said that the building was too unstable to move; Peter Sarich, a Patchogue Village Inspector did agree; it was "too far gone" to move.
Sam Gordon Wholesale Depot
Why do I feel that another piece of Patchogue History has fallen victim to the "Bulldozer." The operation of the Sam Gordon vegetable wholesale operation has not been extensively documented. In the early 1900s Sam probably delivered wholesale vegetables using a "Mack Truck," (see photo at link below)
Mack trucks
Is this not history? I do feel a sense of loss; the historic "Gordon Building" has indeed been demolished. Where does progress begin, and destruction of history end? Must we destroy all of our historic treasures. I feel that one cannot appreciate the present until he knows about the past.
I have on numerous occasions, attempted to generate a sense of awe in young people by telling them what it was like to live without a TV, or without a Computer. I have failed miserably! Most young people for some unknown reason appear to be indifferent to learning about the past. I would guess this indifference is because the past is not their past! Actually; when I think back to my high school days, I can recall that I did not like history. I had not realized that appreciation of the present comes from Knowledge of the past! I actually hated history class! "Why do I have to remember all this C$%p; what can I do with it?" It appears that nothing has changed very much! I feel that there is not as much concern for our history, as there should be! It is an unfortunate fact of life, that many people have to progress in age, before their appreciation for history blossoms!
Instead of restoring the Swezey building to its previous splendor, we are now about to demolish it. Another piece of Patchogue history will be delivered to the Dumps. And now, the Sam Gordon building is gone!
I as well as a few other concerned residents of Patchogue, "Googled" Sam Gordon; we all found the same limited information, that was written in "Long Island Stories." Almost nothing is known about the operation of Sam Gordon's business as it relates to Patchogue. Did Sam provide produce for all of the existing hotels at that time? Did the local residents buy produce from Sam? Did Mr. Gordon buy from local farms? Extensive information about Sam is simply not available.
A few years ago I had the pleasure of sitting next to a relative of Mr. Gordon, while on a Plane Flight to Florida or Las Vegas. Unfortunately I did not learn much about Sam Gordon. Wouldn't it be wonderful if the Gordon family would share some history about their relative Sam Gordon. I feel that there is a story that could and should be made available for everyone to enjoy. The Gordon family history is part of our history!
We, the residents of Patchogue Village, must learn to be proactive, in the preservation of our historic Landmarks. Hopefully we still have a few landmarks, that have not yet seen the Bulldozer! Is it possible to get Grant Money for historic preservation?
Comments?
(Left click "Comments," below)
*
Our Thanks to Google/ Blogger for Hosting Our Site.
Ben Vitale
TriTec allowed David Kennedy, a Patchogue community leader, along with members of the "Friends of Carnegie Library," to tour the Library. At that time the Sam Gordon Building was also discussed with TriTec. TriTec is currently the owner of the Sam Gordon property. Tritec said that the building was too unstable to move; Peter Sarich, a Patchogue Village Inspector did agree; it was "too far gone" to move.
Sam Gordon Wholesale Depot
Why do I feel that another piece of Patchogue History has fallen victim to the "Bulldozer." The operation of the Sam Gordon vegetable wholesale operation has not been extensively documented. In the early 1900s Sam probably delivered wholesale vegetables using a "Mack Truck," (see photo at link below)
Mack trucks
Is this not history? I do feel a sense of loss; the historic "Gordon Building" has indeed been demolished. Where does progress begin, and destruction of history end? Must we destroy all of our historic treasures. I feel that one cannot appreciate the present until he knows about the past.
I have on numerous occasions, attempted to generate a sense of awe in young people by telling them what it was like to live without a TV, or without a Computer. I have failed miserably! Most young people for some unknown reason appear to be indifferent to learning about the past. I would guess this indifference is because the past is not their past! Actually; when I think back to my high school days, I can recall that I did not like history. I had not realized that appreciation of the present comes from Knowledge of the past! I actually hated history class! "Why do I have to remember all this C$%p; what can I do with it?" It appears that nothing has changed very much! I feel that there is not as much concern for our history, as there should be! It is an unfortunate fact of life, that many people have to progress in age, before their appreciation for history blossoms!
Instead of restoring the Swezey building to its previous splendor, we are now about to demolish it. Another piece of Patchogue history will be delivered to the Dumps. And now, the Sam Gordon building is gone!
I as well as a few other concerned residents of Patchogue, "Googled" Sam Gordon; we all found the same limited information, that was written in "Long Island Stories." Almost nothing is known about the operation of Sam Gordon's business as it relates to Patchogue. Did Sam provide produce for all of the existing hotels at that time? Did the local residents buy produce from Sam? Did Mr. Gordon buy from local farms? Extensive information about Sam is simply not available.
A few years ago I had the pleasure of sitting next to a relative of Mr. Gordon, while on a Plane Flight to Florida or Las Vegas. Unfortunately I did not learn much about Sam Gordon. Wouldn't it be wonderful if the Gordon family would share some history about their relative Sam Gordon. I feel that there is a story that could and should be made available for everyone to enjoy. The Gordon family history is part of our history!
We, the residents of Patchogue Village, must learn to be proactive, in the preservation of our historic Landmarks. Hopefully we still have a few landmarks, that have not yet seen the Bulldozer! Is it possible to get Grant Money for historic preservation?
Comments?
(Left click "Comments," below)
*
Our Thanks to Google/ Blogger for Hosting Our Site.
Monday, May 14, 2012
The Riverfront and Maple Avenue
Recently I was asked by the editor of the Gazette to comment on the activities of the newly formed Patchogue Riverfront Residents group. Last time I looked Maple avenue does not run any where near the Patchogue River but the issues of our group are I think connected in many ways to the goals of the Maple Avenue Neighborhood Watch.
We too are residents, not business owners, who have banded together because of quality of life issues that are negatively affecting our homes and how we live in them.
The revitalization of the village, while welcome in many ways, has also brought some challenges to residents, whether home owners or tenants as various neighborhoods in the village face development pressures.
The rise of club culture along the rim of the riverfront has brought new found traffic issues and noise complaints. Years of ineffective enforcement has led to a cry of what appears almost to be a revolutionary nature: the law must be enforced fairly, equally, and in a timely manner.
Although Maple Avenue has no Tikki bars I would imagine that neighborhood issues on Maple avenue, or South ocean avenue, and other streets, avenues and by ways of the village share that same view: it’s good that business is booming but let’s not forget that Patchogue Village belongs to the people who live here and their interest too must be protected in the march forward to a revitalized village.
At the present time our group is focused on fact finding. We are looking at the existing noise code and reviewing it for possible changes that will be recommended to the village board. We are looking at various clubs that have been ticketed for noise complaints and researching what exactly happened to tickets that were issued. We are looking into just what financial contribution riverfront clubs are actually making to the village in terms of fees and taxes paid to see what their true economic impact is. Other activities are also occurring.
We know that we have much work ahead of us and the issues involved here are not going to be solved anytime soon. But we also know that doing nothing just invites worse and that is something all of us are determined to prevent.
We are on Facebook: Patchogue Riverfront Residents for any who would like to keep track of our progress or who would like to join.
Special thanks to Ben Vitale who has already provided some technical support on strategies for controlling outside noise and who otherwise has been encouraging of our advocacy role.
John Bogack
Patchogue Riverfront Residents
5/14/12
Comments?
(Left click "Comments," below)
Comments?
(Left click "Comments," below)
*
Our Thanks to Google/ Blogger for Hosting Our Site.
Recently I was asked by the editor of the Gazette to comment on the activities of the newly formed Patchogue Riverfront Residents group. Last time I looked Maple avenue does not run any where near the Patchogue River but the issues of our group are I think connected in many ways to the goals of the Maple Avenue Neighborhood Watch.
We too are residents, not business owners, who have banded together because of quality of life issues that are negatively affecting our homes and how we live in them.
The revitalization of the village, while welcome in many ways, has also brought some challenges to residents, whether home owners or tenants as various neighborhoods in the village face development pressures.
The rise of club culture along the rim of the riverfront has brought new found traffic issues and noise complaints. Years of ineffective enforcement has led to a cry of what appears almost to be a revolutionary nature: the law must be enforced fairly, equally, and in a timely manner.
Although Maple Avenue has no Tikki bars I would imagine that neighborhood issues on Maple avenue, or South ocean avenue, and other streets, avenues and by ways of the village share that same view: it’s good that business is booming but let’s not forget that Patchogue Village belongs to the people who live here and their interest too must be protected in the march forward to a revitalized village.
At the present time our group is focused on fact finding. We are looking at the existing noise code and reviewing it for possible changes that will be recommended to the village board. We are looking at various clubs that have been ticketed for noise complaints and researching what exactly happened to tickets that were issued. We are looking into just what financial contribution riverfront clubs are actually making to the village in terms of fees and taxes paid to see what their true economic impact is. Other activities are also occurring.
We know that we have much work ahead of us and the issues involved here are not going to be solved anytime soon. But we also know that doing nothing just invites worse and that is something all of us are determined to prevent.
We are on Facebook: Patchogue Riverfront Residents for any who would like to keep track of our progress or who would like to join.
Special thanks to Ben Vitale who has already provided some technical support on strategies for controlling outside noise and who otherwise has been encouraging of our advocacy role.
John Bogack
Patchogue Riverfront Residents
5/14/12
Comments?
(Left click "Comments," below)
Comments?
(Left click "Comments," below)
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Our Thanks to Google/ Blogger for Hosting Our Site.
Friday, May 11, 2012
Rollercoaster on Northridge Street.
Ben Vitale
Looking West on Northridge Street, you can see that this road looks like a washboard. It has not been serviced in Decades. Once you enlarge the photo you can then see that the entire road needs to be replaced up to Maple Avenue..
(Left click photo to make it larger.)
(Left click photo to make it larger.)
Please send photos of the "Road" on your block if it needs repair.
Please put your comments both on Patch, and also on this Blog.
Comments?
(Left click "Comments," below)
*
Our Thanks to Google/ Blogger for Hosting Our Site.
Ben Vitale
Looking West on Northridge Street, you can see that this road looks like a washboard. It has not been serviced in Decades. Once you enlarge the photo you can then see that the entire road needs to be replaced up to Maple Avenue..
(Left click photo to make it larger.)
(Left click photo to make it larger.)
This Storm Drain below, is five inches above grade; no one dare drive directly over it so everyone drives over this drain with one wheel. With one wheel on the Sewer Grate and the other wheel close to the Curb; the grade differential is from 5 to 8 inches. A 5 to 8 inch grade differential feels like driving over a Curb!
(Left click photo to make it larger.)
(Left click photo to make it larger.)(Left click photo to make it larger.)
Maple Avenue and Cleveland Street
Please send photos of the "Road" on your block if it needs repair.
Please put your comments both on Patch, and also on this Blog.
Comments?
(Left click "Comments," below)
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Our Thanks to Google/ Blogger for Hosting Our Site.
Tuesday, May 08, 2012
Tuesday, May 01, 2012
My Brooklyn Rock and Roll Heritage
Submitted by: Ben Vitale
As I recall my days in Brooklyn; it was not "drugs, sex and rock and roll," but "good times and rock and roll." As a youth in Brooklyn, I found myself out dancing and meeting new people sometimes three nights a week. My crowd would regularly socialize at "youth dances," that were held at the local, K of C, the Jewish Center, and at local social clubs.
In the 50s people could get involved, helping and guiding the local youth without fear of being sued. I learned Ju Jitsu, and Boxing at the local Italian Social Club; taught by a retired officer from the United States Marines. When two young adults had a serious confrontation with each other, the coach at the social club would drag the individuals into the club, put Boxing Gloves on them, and have them settle their problem.
In the "City" the youth participated in what we called "seasons." At certain pre-defined times of the year we as a group participated in the same type of activity. We had "the Carpet Shooter Season," the "Pea Shooter Season, Yo-yo Season, Marble Season, Scooter Season, Sports Card Season, and "Balsa Wood Plane Flying Season." On Halloween we would put crushed chalk into a Sock and hit each other with these powder filled bags; we all came back home at night looking like Snow Men.
Every night a crowd of about 40 youths would "hang out," on the corner. The adults were not at all intimidated by such a large crowd of youths, because they knew all of our parents. One word from a neighbor to our parents would get us into serious trouble.
During the Winter months we would eagerly wait for the first snowfall. Sides would be chosen and Two Snow Forts would be built. We would throw Snow Balls at each other for Four months!
During the summer we would take the Subway for 10 cents and go to Coney Island. No trip to Coney Island was complete without buying a "Hot Dog and a Nedicks Orange Drink," for 25 cents at Nathans. On days that we did not go to Coney Island, we went to Sunset Pool.
We were all just too busy to get into trouble. In between the "Seasons," we played "Kick the Can," Stick Ball, and "Johnny on the Pony." All of the above was held together by a strong foundation of "Rock and Roll;" Alan Freed was "The Man!"
Many of the youth at that time were actively involved with "a Singing Group;" we all worked feverously, hoping to be discovered by, Alan Freed. Please enjoy the "Rock and Roll," narration by "Angelo the Barber," all presented with a genuine Brooklyn accent! Hope this brings back memories!
(Click the link below)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8_0gDS-XEQ&feature=related
From Jo Miller:
You brought back many memories. I'm older than you are but the memories are the same. Where in Brooklyn did you live? I lived in East New York, went to Bishop McDonnell HS. We moved to Long Island about 40 yrs ago.
Comments? (Left click "Comments," below) * Our Thanks to Google/ Blogger for Hosting Our Site.
Submitted by: Ben Vitale
I am very proud of my "Brooklyn, NY," heritage. I refuse to relinquish, my Brooklyn accent often called "Brooklynese." My Brooklyn accent; it is an integral part of what I am today. Yes, I do not always speak "Brooklynese;" I flaunt my accent only when I am with friends!
As I recall my days in Brooklyn; it was not "drugs, sex and rock and roll," but "good times and rock and roll." As a youth in Brooklyn, I found myself out dancing and meeting new people sometimes three nights a week. My crowd would regularly socialize at "youth dances," that were held at the local, K of C, the Jewish Center, and at local social clubs.
In the 50s people could get involved, helping and guiding the local youth without fear of being sued. I learned Ju Jitsu, and Boxing at the local Italian Social Club; taught by a retired officer from the United States Marines. When two young adults had a serious confrontation with each other, the coach at the social club would drag the individuals into the club, put Boxing Gloves on them, and have them settle their problem.
In the "City" the youth participated in what we called "seasons." At certain pre-defined times of the year we as a group participated in the same type of activity. We had "the Carpet Shooter Season," the "Pea Shooter Season, Yo-yo Season, Marble Season, Scooter Season, Sports Card Season, and "Balsa Wood Plane Flying Season." On Halloween we would put crushed chalk into a Sock and hit each other with these powder filled bags; we all came back home at night looking like Snow Men.
Every night a crowd of about 40 youths would "hang out," on the corner. The adults were not at all intimidated by such a large crowd of youths, because they knew all of our parents. One word from a neighbor to our parents would get us into serious trouble.
During the Winter months we would eagerly wait for the first snowfall. Sides would be chosen and Two Snow Forts would be built. We would throw Snow Balls at each other for Four months!
During the summer we would take the Subway for 10 cents and go to Coney Island. No trip to Coney Island was complete without buying a "Hot Dog and a Nedicks Orange Drink," for 25 cents at Nathans. On days that we did not go to Coney Island, we went to Sunset Pool.
We were all just too busy to get into trouble. In between the "Seasons," we played "Kick the Can," Stick Ball, and "Johnny on the Pony." All of the above was held together by a strong foundation of "Rock and Roll;" Alan Freed was "The Man!"
Many of the youth at that time were actively involved with "a Singing Group;" we all worked feverously, hoping to be discovered by, Alan Freed. Please enjoy the "Rock and Roll," narration by "Angelo the Barber," all presented with a genuine Brooklyn accent! Hope this brings back memories!
(Click the link below)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8_0gDS-XEQ&feature=related
From Jo Miller:
You brought back many memories. I'm older than you are but the memories are the same. Where in Brooklyn did you live? I lived in East New York, went to Bishop McDonnell HS. We moved to Long Island about 40 yrs ago.
Comments? (Left click "Comments," below) * Our Thanks to Google/ Blogger for Hosting Our Site.
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