Trivia Night Continues in Oyster Bay...

Join the Oyster Bay Main Street Association

the First Tuesday of Every Month

for a fun-filled evening of trivia & competition!

Grants for Oyster Bay businesses help retain its beauty

The owner of Osteria Leana in Oyster Bay used a $3,000 grant from the Oyster Bay Main Street Association to help lure customers to his restaurant on South Street in Oyster Bay. Wednesday, July 13, 2016 Photo Credit: Howard Schnapp

Originally printed in Newsday

Updated July 14, 2016 6:00 AM
By Ted Phillips  ted.phillips@newsday.com  

When Peter Van Der Mije opened Osteria Leana in the hamlet of Oyster Bay, he was faced with the problem of how to bring people into a restaurant off the beaten track.

The restaurant opened May 23 in the former location of the Oyster Bay Brewing Company, which faces a parking lot behind South Street and Audrey Avenue.
“We’re not in the best area; we’re not on Main Street,” Van Der Mije said.
The red brick storefront with black awnings and gooseneck lighting used a $3,000 grant from the nonprofit Oyster Bay Main Street Association that requires recipients to adhere to aesthetic choices intended to maintain the historic character of the hamlet and promote visual cohesion.

“For our style restaurant the best thing was a simple, elegant design, but also it had to be functional,” Van Der Mije said. “First and foremost we wanted something to be classy, something timeless, but also portrayed a little bit of the sense of Oyster Bay.”
The grant program, which began in 2012, has expanded and with it the fundraising needs have grown, too. This year the sign and improvement program increased its award to up to $3,000 from $2,000. The business must cover at least 25 percent of the cost of the sign and facade improvements.

Meredith Maus, executive director of the association, said its fundraising campaign has increased its goal for next year to $15,000 from $10,000.
To receive a grant, businesses must submit plans to the association to be approved by the group’s design committee. The association awards four or five grants a year on a first-come, first-served basis.

A 12-page design guide calls for things like the restoration of architectural elements and use of natural materials and choices that are in keeping with buildings’ style and history.

“We want a cohesiveness throughout the downtown,” Maus said. “We like the general look and feel to be one of a historic hamlet.”
Ryan Schlotter, co-owner of the Oyster Bay Brewing Company on Audrey Avenue, said the grants make it easier for businesses to invest in better signage. The brewery was allotted a $3,000 grant for its signage and facade at its new location, where it opened in February.

“Signage might be the last place some places will spend money,” Schlotter said. For their new location, the brewery went “for that Nantucket kind of city-by-the-sea kind of look.”
Schlotter said he sees the cumulative impact of the program on the hamlet.

“You can see when you walk up and down the street the signs are a step above what most places do in other towns; it adds to it and makes the whole street look really nice,” Schlotter said.

Oyster Bay Councilman Chris Coschignano said discussions are ongoing within the planning and development department about creating an overlay district that would incorporate some of the aesthetic choices promoted by the association “to enhance what they’re doing now and maybe expand it and give them some help.”

“We like what they’re doing and the town definitely wants to do more,” Coschignano said.

- - -

For more information on the Grant please visit: http://www.oysterbaymainstreet.org/obmsa-facade-and-sign-grant.html

To help us continue this positive momentum in the downtown, please consider contributing to our fundraising campaign: http://www.oysterbaymainstreet.org/fundraising-initiatives.html

The Teaching Studios of Art Announces...

New Children's Classes for 2 Age Groups

Our Classical Art Lessons for Children program takes young artists seriously. In fact, the program we put them through is just as rigorous and thorough as the one we have created for our adult students. But it's much more fun!

The Children’s program at Teaching Studios offers young artists an opportunity to study traditional drawing and painting techniques using graphite, charcoal and oil paints. Young artists begin with learning a step-by-step approach to the fundamentals of drawing and painting. They begin by learning concepts such as value, form, line, composition during the drawing program. Students move onto painting when ready, working on still-life, then landscape and finally, portrait. A fun and supportive classroom atmosphere is cultivated.

Instructor Leeanna Chipana has been working with young artists for almost 10 years in the North Shore area and developed Long Island’s first classical youth program. She’s developed a unique curriculum specifically designed for children. She has been joined by experienced instructors Anne Gunthner and Abigail Tullis, as the program has grown and we have added more classes for younger artists. This program provides a great opportunity for young artists to begin to build skills. It is ideal for the attention span of a mature child as classes run 2 hours long.

 Classes start on April 4th. You can learn more about the program or register on our website at

http://www.teachingstudios.com

Join Oakcliff Sailing Center for their 4th Annual...

Spring Art Show & Champagne Brunch!

They Asked and You Voted...

OYSTER BAY BREWING COMPANY

IS THE

CRAFT BEER BREWERY!!

Congratulations to the Oyster Bay Brewing Company on their impressive win, replacing Blue Point Brewery as the regional winner of the Bethpage Best of Long Island competition!

ACROSS ALL CATEGORIES:

50,717 BUSINESSES WERE NOMINATED

2,050,950 VOTES WERE CAST

AND

479 WINNERS WERE CROWNED

BEST OF LONG ISLAND!

For more information, visit: http://bestof.longislandpress.com

Making Waves in Oyster Bay

Please Join Us for an Opportunity to

MEET MAIN STREET!

You may be familiar with OBMSA and all our initiatives or you may only know us by name, but now is your opportunity to learn more about Main Street and meet the Board and staff behind the organization making waves in Oyster Bay!

JANUARY 28, 2016

7:00 in the evening

_________________

OAKCLIFF SAILING CENTER

4 South Street, The Great Room

Oyster Bay, New York 11771

__________________

Join us as we reflect on the past year and discuss our objectives for the year to come in the Great Room of the new dormitory constructed for the staff and students of Oakcliff's rigorous training programs.  While there, learn more about Oakcliff and all the great work the organization is doing in the world of sailing and for the reputation of Oyster Bay!

Hope to see you there!

Townsend Park Renovation is Underway in Oyster Bay!

Current state of Townsend Park

Oyster Bay, NY – In cooperation with the Town of Oyster Bay and local merchant Main Street Nursery, the Oyster Bay Main Street Association is pleased to announce the renovation of the public park in between the historic Oyster Bay Post Office and the historic Oyster Bay Town Hall known as Townsend Park.

Originally designated a public park in 1906, when the Townsend Family subdivided their lot and created Audrey Avenue, the area was largely used as a public gathering space and in 1909 a bandstand was erected on the site to suit this purpose.  After the original bandstand was torn down in the 1930s, the park was given fresh life when a replica bandstand was created and dedicated in 1981.

Original Bandstand and Layout of Townsend Park circa 1910
Postcard courtesy of the Oyster Bay Historical Society

In the ensuing 35 years, several piece-meal renovations have been completed in the area.  While originally no trees adorned the public park, over time three Honey Locust trees were added to the west side; approximately 20 years ago, a Christmas tree, originally intended to be temporary, was added to the east side; and most recently, within the last five years, two Purple Leaf Plums were also added to the east side in an attempt to even out the lot.  These mismatched and overgrown trees have severely limited the visibility of the bandstand and the usable space within the public green.

The plans, provided by Main Street Nursery and sponsored by the Oyster Bay Main Street Association, seek to create a uniform and attractive design for an area that has great potential to be the focal point of the downtown once again!  Based off of the assessment of certified arborist, Jason LaMay, the existing trees were recommended for removal to be replaced with six Zelkova Green Vase trees more suited for the area and properly spaced on the property to improve sight lines.  Plans also include improved lighting, the placement of benches, improved landscaping and repair of the brick walkway in the area.  In total, a substantial improvement to a small but important area, resulting in another great asset to the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Community!

With support from the Town of Oyster Bay and other local organizations – including Friends of the Bay, the OB-EN Chamber of Commerce, Oyster Bay Civic Association, Oyster Bay Historical Society, Oyster Bay Railroad Museum, Oyster Bay Rotary Club, OB-EN Youth Athletic Association, Raynham Hall Museum, Sagamore Hill NHS and the East Norwich Civic Association - we are excited to move forward with this renovation and have it complete for the whole community to enjoy during the Old Fashioned Holiday Market and Christmas Tree lighting on Saturday, December 12, 2015!

An Economic Vision for Nassau County

There has been plenty of talk surrounding the economic state of Nassau County - from concerns over corporations leaving and taking job opportunities with them to the so-called "Brain Drain" with the youngest generation leaving the county to find job opportunities elsewhere - but by and large, there has been no action.

Projections indicate that over the next 10 years, by 2024:

• Nassau County's population will decline by approximately 3.0% from 2012 to 2024
• The senior (60+) segment will increase to 27.4% of the County population, up from 22.2% in 2012
• The County will continue to experience a decrease of 11.1% of those aged 10-19, who will go on to college or move elsewhere and not return to Nassau County.
• The 0-9 year old segment will have approximately 60,000 fewer children or about 30% less than in 2000.

These trends are a cause for serious concern - If something is not done there will be serious economic ramifications for our schools, taxes and real estate prices.  

If you are interested in learning more about potential solutions to: Restore economic vitality,

Combat population decline, and 

Create good paying jobs...

...Then Join Us!

A Time for Specters & Spooks in a Historic Haunted Home known for Soldiers & Spies

In the heart of downtown Oyster Bay...

stands the ancestral home of one of the most influential families in the Hamlet's history

- the Townsend Family -

 

(Credit: Newsday / Thomas A. Ferrara)

The home has stood through the centuries, bearing witness to the passing of generations and the build up of the downtown that now surrounds it.  Known as Raynham Hall, the home has received some notoriety beyond its historic ties to the Revolutionary War and George Washington's Culper Spy Ring by being named one of the most haunted places on Long Island by Newsday.

Fittingly, for this season, the home has been chosen as the venue for a killer Halloween Party hosted by Raynham Hall and the Oyster Bay Main Street Association! 

Enjoy a rare opportunity to explore the homestead outside of normal museum hours, while delighting in live music provided by the band Mad Pursuit and partaking in our open bar and hors d' oeuvres!

Further details below:

Before the trick-or-treating commences on the 31st,

 Raynham Hall Museum 

& The Oyster Bay Main Street Association 

cordially invite you to join them 

for a Halloween Party that is sure to be a treat! 

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2015

AT RAYNHAM HALL MUSEUM

20 WEST MAIN STREET, OYSTER BAY

$125 per person including a seated buffet banquet at 7 pm
or
$75 per person for the after-party only, from 9 pm to 12 am

Music by Mad Pursuit
Beer by Oyster Bay Brewing
Cocktails, hors d' oeuvres

Dress Code: Spook-tacular (prizes for best costume)
Please Call 516.922.6982 for more information

Order Tickets Online Below:

Order Online

Could the Best of Long Island Be Right Here in Oyster Bay?

It's that time of year again! Bethpage Federal Credit Union's 11th year of the "Best of Long Island" competition is underway! Voting is open from October 1st until December 18th, vote early and vote often for your favorite businesses, organizations, and events!

Oyster Bay has quite a few nominees in the running this year and it would be great if we could all take a moment to support our small businesses and organizations, who do so much for our downtown! Each title (i.e. Entertainment, Automotive, etc.) is a link to the voting page for that section, just click it to be directed to the Best of Long Island page!

Here are the Oyster Bay Nominees:

Entertainment

• Annual Event or Festival
• Oyster Bay Cruise Nights
• Oyster Bay Oyster Festival
• Celebrity Impersonator
• James Foote as Theodore Roosevelt
• Museum
• Raynham Hall Museum
• Sagamore Hill National Historic Site
• Public Garden
• Planting Fields Arboretum

Automotive

• Foreign Auto Dealership
• BMW of Oyster Bay
• Long Island Collectible Car Club
• New York Auto Fest
• Motorcycle Shop
• 20th Century Cycles

Clothing

• Vintage Clothing
• Next to New Boutique

Education

• Art School
• The Teaching Studios of Art
• Catholic School
• St. Dominic's High School
• School Principal
• Cecilia St. John of St. Dominic's

Food

• Best Gyro
• Greek Cove
• Best Hot Dogs
• Bonanza's 
• Sausage & Peppers Sandwich
• Bonanza's

Health & Wellness

• Assisted Living
• Harbor House
• Oyster Bay Manor
• Day Spa
• Blue Water Spa
• Personal Trainer
• Meta Burn Fitness
• Skin Care
• Blue Water Spa

Home & Garden

• Appliance Store
• Appliance World
• Architect
• Oyster Bay Drafting
• Barbecue Store
• Appliance World
• Nursery Garden Store
• Main Street Nursery
• Martin Viette
• Patio Furniture Store
• Dodds & Eder Home
• Roofing Company
• Oyster Bay Roofing

Nightlife & Spirits

• Craft Beer Brewery
• Oyster Bay Brewing Company

Services

• Dry Cleaning
• Greensleeves Cleaners
• Environmental Organization
• Friends of the Bay
• Gold Buyer
• Coin Galleries of Oyster Bay

Shopping

• Antique Store
• The Attic Door
• Jewelry Store
• Coin Galleries of Oyster Bay

Sports

• Recreational Center
• Oyster Bay Community Center
• Skate Shop
• L-Industrie Long Boards
• Water Sport Rental
• WaterFront Center

Weddings

• Honeymoon Travel Planners
• Cruise Planners
• Oyster Bay Travel
• Wedding Jeweler
• Coin Galleries of Oyster Bay

Dancing in the Street Concludes Most Successful Season!

DJ Mark James teaching the crowd some Swing!
Photo by Meredith Maus

Oyster Bay Main Street Association's

Event Bigger and Better than Ever

By Diane J. Meltzer

Starting with the holiday weekend full moon on July 3rd, and ending with the full “blue” moon on July 31st, DANCING IN THE STREET lit up downtown Oyster Bay for five Friday evenings. Perfect weather on all five dates enticed almost 800 people to “come on down,” with over 200 on the final night.

Dancing!
Photo by Meredith Maus

BMW of Oyster Bay was once again the sponsor for this fifth season, and brought a shiny new car every week to display. Two local boy scouts, hired with money generously donated by the Oyster Bay Chamber of Commerce Cruise Night, set up and took down the temporary barriers each Friday to close off the street near the bandstand. And everyone’s favorite DJs—Louis del Prete and Mark James—took turns returning to play a variety of music and give free dance instructions to the crowds.

Selection of BMW cars on display throughout the event

Photos by Meredith Maus

The difference this year was the greater diversity participating: young and old, singles and couples, from near and far, taking to the dance floor/street; families enjoying a night out together and not once checking their phones; senior citizens sitting in chairs and happily watching the action that brought back wonderful memories. With many walking through town and eating in the restaurants before and after, it was a win-win situation for all!

Dancing into the night!
Photo by Meredith Maus

7 Things To Do in Oyster Bay

Postcard Courtesy of the Oyster Bay Historical Society

C&T's Empire Insider will give you the ins and outs of what to do, what to see, and where to see it in all corners of New York state.

Originally posted in AAA's Car & Travel, July/August 2015 

AAA.com/EmpireInsider
By: Andrew G. Rosen

Oyster Bay is often revered as the crown jewel of the opulent North Shore. With deep historical ties, including President Theodore Roosevelt taking up residence in the region, it’s no wonder the area is consistently a must-visit for Northeasterners. The stellar water quality of Oyster Bay helps produce mouth-watering oysters, representing up to 90 percent of the oysters and up to 40 percent of the hard clams harvested in all of New York State.

Planting Fields Greenhouse
Photo by Meredith Maus

1. With over 400 acres of rolling lawns and woodland paths, Planting Fields Arboretum offers a gorgeous collection of horticulture, much of which is unique to the area. Coming soon is the new “sensory garden” where an interactive pool and sheltered outdoor room promise to deliver tranquility and beauty to all who visit.

Sailboats loading at the WFC
Photo by Meredith Maus

2. Once a hub for manufacturing WWII minesweepers for the U.S. Navy, The WaterFront Center is now an environmental education and recreation not- for-profit community center. After renting a kayak or paddleboard, be sure to check out the historic Christeen, the oldest surviving oyster sloop in North America (sunset and harbor sails are offered).

Sagamore Hill NHS
Photo by Meredith Maus

3. One visit and it’s easy to understand why Theodore Roosevelt, the only U.S. president born in New York City, made Sagamore Hill his “summer White House.” Technically in Cove Neck, east of Oyster Bay Cove, the recently rehabilitated home (as of press time, expected to re-open in mid-July) serves up a slice of history.

Flight Tasting at OBBC
Photo by Meredith Maus

4. The nautical-themed tasting room at the Oyster Bay Brewing Company is standing room only, but after a craft beer flight, who cares! Watch them brew their hoppy IPA or crisp amber ale on premises or fill up your empty growler and enjoy from the comfort of home.

Photo Courtesy Audubon New York

5. Originally designed to provide a protected environment for songbirds in the 1920s, the 12-acre Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary & Audubon Center was donated to the public by the president’s cousins in his name. Visitors leave with a greater respect for the natural world after enjoying hands-on environmental education programs.

Photo Courtesy Oyster Fest Facebook

6. We had to talk about the oysters, no? The annual Oyster Festival (Oct. 17–18, 2015) attracts over 200,000 people who partake in oysters— raw, fried and stewed. As the East Coast’s largest waterfront festival, you’ll find entertainment, rides, crafts and over 60 food options (just in case oysters aren’t your thing).

Photo by Meredith Maus

7. Rooted in the community since the early 1900s, Bonanza’s is more than your average walk-up snack window. Enjoy a chili dog (it’s boiled!), gooey cheese fries and cool off with creative homemade Italian ice flavors such as margarita, PB&J and cake batter. No wonder this place has been a community staple for generations.