Dancing in the Street Continues for two more Friday Nights this July!

Please Join Us!

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

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OAKCLIFF SAILING CENTER

4 South Street, The Great Room

Oyster Bay, New York 11771

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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!

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!

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

Sagamore Hill National Historic Site Re-Opening!

Sagamore Hill, Photograph taken by Meredith Maus

Oyster Bay, New York - The main house at Sagamore Hill National Historic Site has been closed to visitors since December 4, 2011.  In the past four years - while the grounds, Visitor Center, and Theodore Roosevelt Museum at Old Orchard have remained open - the 26th President's former home underwent a $10 million renovation.

The pain-staking renovation may not be noticeable to returning visitors - and this is exactly the point.

All of the books, hunting trophies, and furniture were removed from the massive three-story and 28 room mansion during the renovation - which included replacing the roof, repairing the foundation, and rewiring the home's electrical system - and then replaced exactly where they had been.

Sagamore Hill National Historic Site during Renovation
Photograph by Meredith Maus

"We hope that if he walked

through the front door right

now, he would think he was

back during the presidential

years."

- Susan Sarna

Museum Curator

The home is now slated to open its doors again to the public and a grand re-opening celebration has been organized by the staff to commemorate this momentous occasion!

Come one, Come All!

To the Re-opening Celebration & Family Festival! 

Sunday, July 12, 2015 starting at 10 am

• Reopening address to be presented by Roosevelt family members, public officials, and an appearance by Theodore Roosevelt (portrayed by James Foote)
• 10 AM - Tale of Two Teddies - Children's book author, Kathleen Bart will be signing books in the book store
• 11 AM to 4 PM - Children's Activities
• Arts & Crafts
• Old-Fashioned Games
• Pony Rides
• Rough Rider Enlistment
• 1 PM - "Rough Riders" Cavalry Demonstration
• 2 PM - Sagamore Hill Band - Under the direction of Steve Walker
• 11 AM to 4 PM - Other Performances Demonstrations & Services
• Long Island Band Organ under direction of Michael Falco
• Interactive Photobooth provided by Baltimore Photo Social
• Historic Carriages displayed by Paumanok Driving Club
• Antique Automobiles displayed by Long Island Sound Region: Classic Car Club
• Food & Refreshements will be available through vendors on site

Sagamore Hill's gateway community - Oyster Bay - is also busy prepping for the event.  Trolly service will be available from the LIRR station and other parking locations in the downtown to Sagamore Hill to help cut down on congestion at the hill.  Great restaurants and businesses will be open for those interested in making it a whole day affair!

The Fifth Season of 'Dancing in the Street' Coming to Oyster Bay!

Oyster Bay Community Expo

Are you interested in getting more involved in the community?  Have you been looking for a summer internship or volunteer opportunities?  
Well then, You should...

Join Us Monday, March 30, 2015

4pm - 8pm at the Oyster Bay HS Gym

for the

Oyster Bay - East Norwich Community Expo!

The Oyster Bay and East Norwich Communities are serviced by a number of great organizations and now is your opportunity to get to know them!  Sponsored by the Oyster Bay- East Norwich Chamber of Commerce and the Oyster Bay High School Guidance Department, this event brings together: 

     the local non-profits,
     museums,  

     educational groups,  

     summer camps,
     sports organizations,
     houses of worship,

     charitable organizations,
     environmental groups,
     emergency service organizations,

     civic and fraternal groups,
     local employers,  and more!

                                                                                    

And puts them all under one roof!  Giving you the opportunity to see and interact with all the different organizations and find one that meets your interests or those of your child.  

All residents and parents are invited and encouraged to attend this free event.  Meet the groups - and the people behind them - that invest in our community.  Take the time to share your ideas and learn how to get more involved!  

Some of the local organizations participating are:

Atlantic Steamer Fire Co, Coast Guard Auxiliary, Community Preparedness, Friends of the Bay, General Utilities, Life Enrichment Center, Mill Neck Manor, North Shore Assembly of God, North Shore Community Church, North Shore/ LIJ Hospital, Oakcliff Sailing, OB-EN Boys & Girls Club, OB-EN Chamber, Oyster Bay Civic Association, Oyster Bay Fire Co. 1, Oyster Bay High School Booster Club, Oyster Bay Historical Society, Oyster Bay Main Street Association, OB-EN Public Library, Oyster Bay Railroad Museum, Oyster Bay Rotary, Sagamore Junior Sailing of Sagamore Yacht Club, St. Dominic's CYO, Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary & Audubon Center, The WaterFront Center, and the Youth & Family Counseling Agency...

All press requests and inquiries can be sent to the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Chamber of Commerce, OBENchamber@gmail.com or 922-6464.

Join us for OBMSA's Annual Meeting!

Please Join Us!

Oyster Bay Main Street Association's

Annual Meeting 

January 29th at 6:00 pm

Thursday, January 29, 2015 join the Oyster Bay Main Street Association for their Annual Meeting to be held at the Christ Church Parish Hall - 61 East Main Street, Oyster Bay, New York 11771.

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

The meeting, which is OPEN and FREE to the public, is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the Main Street Association and how you can get involved in the improvement of downtown Oyster Bay or, as the case may be, what we as an organization can do for you as a resident, building owner or business owner in the downtown.

SPECIAL GUEST - JOHN COLLINS

A special presentation will also be given by historic architect John Collins - member of the Town of Oyster Bay Landmarks Commission and President of Raynham Hall.  Mr. Collins will lead a brief discussion on how the maintenance and proper renovation of historic properties helps to sustain and attract appropriate businesses in a downtown, highlighting specific projects he has had an opportunity to work on in and around Oyster Bay.  

For all individuals concerned about local property values, the economic vitality of our downtown, and Oyster Bay's future - this is an event not to be missed!

Thank You for Helping Us Get into the Holiday Spirit!

Despite the rain, the Oyster Bay Main Street Association's 

Second Annual Yuletide Church Walk was a great success! 

St. Dominic's R.C. Chapel, 93 Anstice Street, Oyster Bay, New York
All photographs taken by Meredith Maus of the Oyster Bay Main Street Association

December 6, 2014
Oyster Bay, New York - So many participants braved the rain to join us for the first leg of our journey, which began in St. Dominic's R.C. Chapel.  Participants began the tour seated in the pews learning a brief history of the church and its connection to the well known resident of Oyster Bay - Louis C. Tiffany.

St. Dominic's Alter and Pipe Organ

Pieces all over the church have been examined by experts and almost conclusively determined to be the work of Tiffany, from its interior windows to the elaborate alter at the front of the church.  As the tour went on, participants were invited to take a closer look of the alter and even to venture to the balcony to take a closer look at - and play a few chords on - the church's beautiful organ.

Christ Church of Oyster Bay, 61 East Main Street, Oyster Bay, New York

We then made our way down the hill to our second stop of the trip - Christ Church of Oyster Bay.  The amazing thing about these churches is that despite their close proximity the architecture varies so drastically.  Upon entering Christ Church, participants were given a quick history of the church and shown several photographs of the church buildings that had stood on the site prior to the present one. The church's ties to Theodore Roosevelt and his family were also highlighted with several drawings and photographs from the President's funeral on display and perhaps most significantly the original pew where Roosevelt sat during his Sunday masses is still in tact.  Our gracious hosts also explained to the crowd the importance of the lay out of the church, which is in that of a cross, as well as the importance of the stories told in the stained glass windows.

The First Presbyterian Church of Oyster Bay

As we made our way to the final destination - The First Presbyterian Church of Oyster Bay - our group had noticeably grown in number.  Upon arrival, we were treated to a presentation and question and answer session by Pastor Jeffrey Prey on the history and architecture of this beautiful building, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.  Following Pastor Prey's talk, the Mount Olive Baptist Church's Gospel Choir took to the stage and regaled the crowd with several selections from their repertoire.  The music was breathtaking and a perfect way to bring this years Yuletide Church Walk to a close.

A big thank you to all of our gracious hosts for their knowledge and their hospitality!  

And another huge thank you to the Mount Olive Baptist Choir for their gospel concert!

It was truly a beautiful evening, thank you to all who attended.  We hope to see you next year!

Come enjoy the Holidays in Oyster Bay

You're invited to the

Oyster Bay Main Street Association's

2nd Annual Yuletide Church Walk 

and Gospel Concert

Please join us

Saturday, December 6, 2014­­

for an afternoon that is sure to get you in the holiday spirit!

Oyster Bay is fortunate to have a number of different churches, each with its own distinctive architecture and history.  And we are pleased to offer you the opportunity to learn about and see these historic gems up close, with holiday decorations and spirit at their most festive!

2 pm - Our Journey begins as St. Dominic's Chapel

93 Anstice Street

Where we will learn about the history and design of this beautiful chapel, which was first built in 1897.

2:30 pm - We head down the hill to Christ Church

61 East Main Street

Where a short film highlighting the history of the church and its ties to President Roosevelt and his family will be shown from 2:45 to 3:15,

including a Q & A session.

3:15 pm - We then process to The First Presbyterian Church

60 East Main Street

Where we will learn about the architecture and history of the 1873 chapel, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

3:30 pm - Mount Olive Baptist Church's Mass Choir

As a grand finale, the 15 member choir of Mount Olive Baptist will perform gospel and holiday songs for the crowd.  This is an opportunity that is not to be missed!

4:45 pm - Annual Oyster Bay Tree Lighting

Following the concert, we will take a short walk along Audrey Avenue and end our journey at the Annual Oyster Bay Tree Lighting Ceremony with free refreshments available for all!

This event is free and participants are welcome to join us at any point along the way.

Looking forward to seeing you there!