Hand-stitched Hamlet picking up steam!

The Hand-stitched Hamlet, the fiber art installation slated for installation in the downtown of Oyster Bay in Spring 2014, is making headway with sponsorships and making headlines in Newsday!  Articles, videos and galleries are available on the Newsday website.

Starting this Sunday, December 8, 2013 the Knitted Purl will be hosting crochet boot camps for those interested in volunteering their time to make the crochet panels that will adorn our streets! Learn how to do simple crochet stitches for free on needles and yarn provided for you!

You can learn more about the event by visiting the Hand-stitched Hamlet Facebook page or by contacting Patti McSkane at 516-558-7800.

Get excited and get involved!!

Knitting project will put a sweater on Oyster Bay

Originally published: November 29, 2013 6:07 PM
Updated: December 2, 2013 1:21 PM
By BETH WHITEHOUSE  beth.whitehouse@newsday.com

Patti McSkane is undertaking a challenging yarn project. A complicated sweater, you say? A matching hat and booties for a baby?

Ha!

Think muuuuuch bigger.

McSkane, owner of The Knitted Purl yarn shop in Oyster Bay, wants to see crocheted or knitted panels decorate all of Oyster Bay's downtown. She envisions colorful bands wrapping the trunks and lower branches of 48 trees, the poles of 45 lampposts, the sides of four informational kiosks, plus the hamlet's gazebo and three ceremonial cannons.

McSkane has partnered with a professional fiber artist to get the installation -- dubbed "The Hand-Stitched Hamlet" -- in place for public viewing by spring.

They've wrapped four "sample" trees downtown to show locals what an ambitious installation could look like. Their quest elaborates on the worldwide trend of "yarn bombing" -- which is creating clusters of woven graffiti-esque art on public objects.

"Already people stop I don't know how many times a day to take pictures," says Catherine Drabin, owner of Chrison & Bellina on Audrey Avenue, which has a decorated tree in front. "I've got a burst of color right outside my door."

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Meanwhile, McSkane needs help to make the 500 panels of macramé nylon cord in nautical colors such as aqua and royal blue as well as raspberry, green and purple. She's enlisting all interested crocheters and knitters on Long Island and is even hosting free knitting/crocheting "boot camps" to instruct volunteers how to make the 18-inch-high panels -- the first is 2 p.m. Sunday at her store on South Street. Even kids ages 8 and older can participate with an adult. Yarn and needles will be provided -- crochet hooks the size of tapered candles and knitting needles the size of drumsticks.

"You pay nothing. It's your sweat we're looking for," McSkane says. Other local businesses will sponsor upcoming crochet/knit nights.

Groups or organizations also can sponsor items to be wrapped in yarn, which will get them a sign or tag next to their object. A lamppost is $50, a cannon is $75, trees run $120-$200 and the gazebo is $500. Proceeds will go to the Youth and Family Counseling Agency of Oyster Bay and East Norwich.

GERM OF PROJECT

McSkane and her husband, David, opened The Knitted Purl last December in a blue house downtown. The shop sells yarn and offers lessons. "One of the things I really wanted to celebrate was the artistic side of fiber art," Patti McSkane says.

McSkane called Carol Hummel of Ohio, who has designed and executed fiber installations in Norway, India and cities in the United States, to ask permission to hang photos of her works on the walls of The Knitted Purl. She told her, 'We'd love to have you come to Oyster Bay.'"

A few months later, Hummel did, installing the four sample trees. Once the 500 panels are finished, Hummel will return. "What I like to do with my projects is involve communities in creating art that is their art," Hummel says. She says it will take about two weeks to stitch the completed panels to the trees, poles and other objects around town.

TOWN PROJECT

The project has become a group effort, with the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Chamber of Commerce, its Friends of the Hamlet group and the Oyster Bay Main Street Association getting onboard.

"It's infectious," says Walter Imperatore, Chamber of Commerce vice president. "Just the idea of knitting all these things is going to bring people in and get them talking to each other."

Meredith Maus, executive director of the Oyster Bay Main Street Association, crocheted one of the panels for the four sample trees. "It's really simple; it's very straightforward," she says.

The goal is to have the project finished in time to complement Oyster Bay's Sunday Art Walks. One Sunday a month in the summer, artists line the streets of Oyster Bay, showcasing their work, drawing tourists from across the Island. Visitors can have brunch at one of the hamlet's restaurants, then peruse the art on the streets and in the galleries around town. The Art Walks culminate in a weekend Family Arts Festival in September.

"When you come into town, it's going to be transformative," McSkane says. "When the whole town is done, it's going to be amazing."

CROCHET/KNIT BOOT CAMP FOR 'THE HAND-STITCHED HAMLET'

WHEN|WHERE 2 p.m. Sunday at The Knitted Purl, 80 South St., Oyster Bay. Advance registration required.

OBMSA names Meredith Maus their new Executive Director

Meredith Maus, a native of the south shore of Long Island, received her bachelor of arts degrees in Anthropology and History from the University of New Hampshire.  After graduating Magna Cum Laude with honors from UNH, Ms. Maus continued to reside in New Hampshire working part time as an editorial assistant and volunteering with a local environmental group.

In 2010, Ms. Maus was accepted into the highly prestigious University of Vermont's Historic Preservation Master of Science Program.  Through the program, Ms. Maus became well versed in both the policy and the "brick and mortar" techniques of historic preservation, which served her well as an intern for the Oyster Bay Main Street Association in the Summer of 2011.  As an intern, she was heavily involved in the preliminary work to save the Trousdell House alongside her predecessor Isaac Kremer.  

Once Ms. Maus graduated with her MS in 2012 she was hired by OBMSA as a Project Manager.  She worked over a year and a half on the administration of the major grants of the organization including the 2009 and 2011 NYMS grants, Preserve America Grant, and the privately funded OBMSA Facade and Sign Grant.  

In the Fall of 2013, Ms. Maus was promoted to be the organization's new Executive Director.  She will continue to work on the grants of the organization as well as taking on new projects such as creating a safer, more walkable downtown and providing technical assistance and support towards efforts to save important buildings in the downtown like Snouder's Corner Drug Store.  She is excited to continue working with the organization and the community to make the Hamlet a vibrant, thriving, downtown for all to enjoy.  

End of the Season Benefit Party - September 25th!

To RSVP, please click here.

For more information please contact Executive Director, Meredith Maus, at 516.922.6982

Hand-Stitched Hamlet in Oyster Bay!

Oyster Bay Arts Festival - September 21st & 22nd!

Come down to the Hamlet of Oyster Bay

for a weekend of art, music and good food!

Adopt-A-Spot Initiative: Beautification of the Downtown Spot by Spot

Have you noticed something different as you enter Oyster Bay via West Main Street?  The Oyster Bay Main Street Association is pleased to announce that due to the generous help and support of Board member Mario Gallo, the once uninviting gateway to our historic hamlet has been adopted and transformed by Forest Iron Works of Locust Valley.  The entrance is now one that all of Oyster Bay should be proud of!

Entrance from Bayville prior to adoption.  Sadly the metal greatly detracted from the beautiful carved sign and was the not the inviting look we wanted the downtown to give

Thanks to Mario Gallo and Forest Iron Works the spot is now bright and welcoming
The new fence and garden will be maintained by Forest Iron Works for a full year.

The Board of Directors of the Main Street Association noticed a few months back that unsightly metal brackets cluttered the welcome sign.  They immediately reached out to the Chamber of Commerce who owns and maintains the beautiful wood carved welcome sign and worked together with their President, Dottie Simons and the Town of Oyster Bay to come up with a plan of action.

Mario Gallo offered his assistance and came up with a beautiful design that all parties agreed would be a more fitting entrance.  His company will maintain the plantings throughout the year through the Main Street Association’s Adopt a Spot Program. 

Thank you for all your hard work!

Those interested in adopting a spot should contact Meredith Maus, of the Oyster Bay Main Street Association, at 516-922-6982 for a list of locations throughout the Hamlet of Oyster Bay.

Party for the Grand Opening of Oakcliff's US Sailing Team Sperry Top-Sider Training Center!

Please join Oakcliff and US Sailing Team Sperry Top-Sider for the grand opening of their Training Center.  The party will be held on Thursday August 22, 2013 from 7:00pm to 1:00am at: 

Oakcliff's Clubhouse and Beach

2 South Street, Oyster Bay, NY 11771

Get Directions Here

Register Here!!

Third Annual Dancing in the Street! Starting in July!

“DANCING IN THE STREET” RETURNS FOR THIRD SEASON IN JULY

Main Street Association Invites Public to Free Downtown Events

Sponsored by BMW of Oyster Bay

May 20, 2013, Oyster Bay, NY—Dust off your dancing shoes!  The Oyster Bay Main Street Association is thrilled to announce the return of “Dancing in the Street,” a series of free dance evenings on the streets of historic, charming Oyster Bay.

Following on the success of last year’s “Dancing in the Street,” OBMSA is calling dancers of all ages, skills, and styles—even those with two left feet—to come out for delightful evenings of pure fun under the stars.  This year BMW of Oyster Bay has most graciously offered to sponsor the entire series.  And—like last year—they plan to bring several of their newest model cars to put on display for everyone’s viewing pleasure.

Mark your calendars now for the four Fridays in July:  Friday, July 5^th (we’ll kick off the July 4^th weekend), Friday, July 12^th (coinciding with St. Rocco’s Festival), Friday, July 19^th, and Friday, July 26^th.  The hours are 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., on Audrey Avenue around the Bandstand.  Bring a chair if desired.

Music and dance instructions will be provided by several of Long Island’s most popular DJs/Dancers.  All steps are geared for singles and couples alike. 

Louis del Prete will take the lead on July 5^th.  He has a huge following, and participants may remember him from the past two years.  Not only is Louis an excellent ballroom dancer and teacher, but he is also a talented musician and singer! At one time he taught dance on popular cruise lines, and now he teaches group and private lessons and runs many dance venues.  For Oyster Bay he will play all types of music from the 1940’s right up to today.  Included will be line dancing, Latin music, ballroom, and any other style desired.

Mark James (“United States Champion” & “Dance Teacher of the Year”), assisted by Karen Lupo (“United States Latin & Rhythm Finalist”), are full time professionals who also have a large following on Long Island.  They will be gracing the stage (also known as the street) on July 12^th and 26^th.  They have been featured performers at many dance competitions and fundraisers, and on PBS.  From Salsa to Hustle, from elegant to upbeat, with some Sinatra, Pop, and Swing thrown in—Mark will wow you with his style and quickly inspire you to  join in.

Marianne Taylor’s energy is contagious.  On July 19^th she will be doing what she loves and does best:  teaching line dancing.  She likes teaching beginners the best, because of the “eureka” moment when they suddenly remember the pattern of the dance steps.  As Marianne says, “Line Dancing is exercise in disguise!”  Some of the line dances she plans to teach us include:  Boot Scoot n’ Boogie, Ah Si, Mamma Maria, and Cowboy Charleston.  She will also teach a partner dance El Paso, which can be done alone or with a partner.  Come on down!

“Dancing in the Street” is one of the community building/downtown revitalization efforts organized by the Oyster Bay Main Street Association (OBMSA).  As Promotion Chair Diane Meltzer commented, “what is there not to like about a starlit night in a beautiful town, good music, and fun dance instructions?  Everyone loves it!"

General Manager Bob Federico of BMW of Oyster Bay said, “We’re honored to sponsor this event.  Oyster Bay is a great town with great people, and it’s our pleasure to participate in something that brings so much joy to all ages.”

For more information, please visit www.oysterbaymainstreet.org or call 516-922-6982.

Contact:                                                         

Diane J. Meltzer                                             Meredith Maus

Promotion Chair, OBMSA                             Project Manager, OBMSA

diane.writes4@gmail.com                               mmoysterbay@gmail.com

516-313-1683                                                 516-922-6982                                                                                                                                                                               

How I Love Sagamore Hill - Exhibit Open until Sunday June 9th!

The Oyster Bay Historical Society opens its spring exhibition with the fine art photographic series Theodore Roosevelt – “How I Love Sagamore Hill” by Xiomáro (pronounced SEE-oh-MAH-ro), a Long Island artist. Xiomáro photographed the interiors of the President’s house at what is now Sagamore Hill National Historic Site. The collection of over 140 photographs was created last year during the removal of the mansion’s contents and furnishings as part of a three-year, $6.2 million structural rehabilitation by the National Parks Service. The debut exhibit features 20 photographs from the collection with each image uniquely titled so that a poetic narrative unfolds about TR and his household. The photographs remain on view at the Society’s Koenig Center through June 2. The exhibit then travels to Harvard University for a year-long display with plans to invite documentary filmmaker Ken Burns as a speaker.

Free Photo eBook

The artist is also offering a free photo eBook, based on the exhibit, at his website: www.xiomaro.com. The website includes information on viewing hours and a series of free gallery talks presented by the artist.

Rarely Seen Views

Theodore Roosevelt’s famed “North Room” by Xiomaro

The photographs show the house in a historically rare condition in that the 22 room mansion, usually chock full of furnishings and mementos, was nearly vacant. Yet, “so much of the Roosevelt family’s personality is revealed by the house,” said Xiomáro, “even though its occupants – and now most of its contents – are absent from the premises.” Images from the exhibition reveal not just the imposing character of America’s 26th President, but also the more intimate domestic nature of his family, such as the textured sconce globes of Edith Roosevelt’s drawing room. “Some of these details,” continued Xiomáro, “may have previously been overwhelmed by a room’s furnishing, or inaccessible to visitors behind velvet rope barriers.”  The artist produced a video with commentary from staff at the Historical Society and Sagamore Hill as well as from Elizabeth Roosevelt, a descendant of the President.

Taste of the Town - Get Your Tickets!!

Do not forget to buy tickets to Oyster Bay's Taste of the Town ~ Thursday, May 9th!  

This is a true community party in downtown Oyster Bay!

To purchase tickets log onto obenschools.org and click on the "Taste of the Town" button to be directed to Paypal for this event.  

Remember to look for "Taste of the Town" featured in Newsday's Top Ten Things to do column this Sunday.  

Come down and join the party...

OBMSA Garden Tour 2013 Canceled

OBMSA Annual Meeting, January 15th, 2013

Join us for our Annual meeting January 15th at:

Sagamore Yacht Club

1 Bay Avenue

Oyster Bay, NY 11771

Enjoy refreshments as we review the accomplishments of the organization over the past year and what we are looking forward to in the year to come.

Featured Speaker

Raynham Hall will give a preliminary talk about their latest display entitled "Wish You Were Here!" which includes historic photographs of Oyster Bay throughout the decades.

For Press Inquiries and questions:

516.922.6982 or oysterbaymsa@gmail.com

www.oysterbaymainstreet.org