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

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.

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

Project Clean Sweep: Downtown Oyster Bay

Quick Glimpse of Downtown Oyster Bay:

We have all noticed the state of the downtown: the overflowing garbage cans, the loose garbage, and the dirty sidewalks and streets.  Numerous editorials have been written about the state of our downtown, some calling it a "sorry site" and still others comparing parts of it to a third world country.  Letters from concerned citizens have pointed out that "the filth, trash/garbage on the ground [and] under the trash receptacles is prolific"  and that spotted attempts to clean the downtown have not had an impact - as one resident put it, "doing it once is like spit in the ocean."

In response to this, the Oyster Bay Main Street Association is looking to fill a recently created part-time position within the organization through our Clean Sweep Initiative.  We are looking to hire an individual to work twice a week, or as needed, to get the garbage in this downtown under control.  The job description is as follows:

If you, or anybody you know, are looking for a summer job and are interested in learning more please contact Executive Director, Meredith Maus, by phone: 516.922.6982 or by email: mamaus@oysterbaymainstreet.org.

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.

OBMSA Still Accepting Applications

OBMSA is still accepting applications for the third cycle of its privately funded Facade and Sign Grant.  We are currently halfway through the cycle and will be accepting applications on a rolling basis until August 11, 2015.  

The grant is eligible to new and existing businesses in the downtown who are interested in securing a new sign to positively highlight their business in the downtown.  The Main Street Association will work closely with business owners to design appropriate signage and will reimburse owners 75% of their pre-approved sign up to $2,000.  

For more information about eligible participants and for a copy of the application, visit: http://www.oysterbaymainstreet.org/obmsa-facade-and-sign-grant.html.

Since 2013, we have invested over $20,000 into the downtown, assisting 12 new and existing businesses.

Here are some photos from the previous and current grant cycles:

2013

4-8 Audrey Avenue Before

4-8 Audrey Avenue After

80 South Street After

9 East Main Street After

2014

2015

Where You Shop Matters - Support Our Community

Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Market December 6, 2014
Hosted by the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Chamber of Commerce
Photographs Courtesy of the Oyster Bay Main Street Association

With the holiday season upon us, we want to stress the importance of shopping locally to support our local business owners, who are our friends and neighbors, and to support the downtown as a whole.  According to the 3/50 Project for "every $100 spent in locally owned independent stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll, and other expenditures."  It was encouraging to see the success of American Express' Small Business Saturday as well as that of the Holiday Market set up by our Chamber of Commerce during the Christmas tree lighting last weekend.  We would love to see this trend continue throughout the holiday season!

We do, however, understand that many supporters of Oyster Bay do not live locally and so, we wanted to let you know of an opportunity to give back to our community while shopping online - not only now, but all year long.  Amazon.com has created the AmazonSmile Foundation and has pledged to donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products to the Oyster Bay Main Street Association so that we can continue our mission of revitalizing the downtown.

To make sure a portion of your purchases go to support the Main Street Association please click the banner to the left and you will be taken to the AmazonSmile website.  

After selecting to support the Oyster Bay Main Street Association, you can continue to shop as normal and Amazon will take care of the rest.  Make sure that upon returning to shop that you visit the AmazonSmile website: smile.amazon.com to ensure your eligible purchases have twice the impact!

Happy shopping!

Hope your holiday season is merry and bright!

Oyster Bay Main Street Association

OBMSA's Adopt-A-Spot Program Continues to Roll Out

Before and After photos of Berry Hill "Spot" adopted by the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Chamber of Commerce.
Photographs courtesy of the Oyster Bay Main Street Association

The Oyster Bay Main Street Association is pleased to announce that, through the generous support of Mill-Max Mfg. Corp and the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Chamber of Commerce, two additional locations in the downtown have been improved.  Since August of last year, three participants in the program have adopted and pledged to maintain three high visibility sites, which serve as the gateways to our downtown, including locations on West Shore Road, Cove Road and Berry Hill Road.  For more information about the West Shore Road improvement click here.

These sites, which had largely been ignored over the years, were a high priority for the Main Street Association.  On Cove Road and Berry Hill Road, specifically, the hand-carved “Welcome to Historic Oyster Bay” signs had both disappeared and been replaced with unsightly aluminum signs that did not match the tenor of the downtown.  With their adoption, the Chamber of Commerce and Mill-Max both purchased new welcome signs for their locations as well as new plantings, which will be maintained for two years by the adopters.  The Cove Road location is slated to have a sprinkler system installed with new plantings in the Spring.

Before and After photos of Cove Road "Spot" adopted by Mill-Max Mfg. Corp.  Complete plantings and an installation of a sprinkler system for the location will be completed in the Spring.
Photographs courtesy of the Oyster Bay Main Street Association 

About the Adopt-A-Spot Program

The Main Street Association’s Adopt-A-Spot program was designed to help enhance the overall appearance of the downtown.  The program invites community groups, downtown businesses, or professional landscapers who are interested in beautifying the downtown to adopt a spot for a minimum of two years.

How to get involved

If you are interested in adopting a spot or if you want to recommend a location for adoption, please contact Meredith Maus, Executive Director of the Oyster Bay Main Street Association, at 516.922.6982 or mamaus@oysterbaymainstreet.org for more information.

Before and after of West Shore Road "Spot" adopted by Forest Iron Works of Locust Valley.
For more information about this Adopt-A-Spot click here.
Photographs courtesy of the Oyster Bay Main Street Association

Thank you for making Our End of the Season Benefit a Success!

On the night of September 17th the Creek Beach Club was hopping with supporters of the Oyster Bay Main Street Association as sponsors, guests, and board members got together for the Association's second End of the Season Benefit.  The benefit - organized by board members Tracy Dellomo, John Bonifacio, Henry Clark, Kyle Piechucki and Alex Urdea with support from Executive Director Meredith Maus - sought to raise funds for OBMSA's programs and initiatives in the year to come.

In his welcome to the crowd, the President of OBMSA, John Bonifacio, highlighted some past initiatives of the organization including the design, purchase, and installation of 120 new street signs for the downtown; beautification efforts including the purchase of 16 new street lamps for South Street; and our successful advocacy and fundraising for the preservation of the Trousdell House.  After thanking the crowd for their support he highlighted some new initiatives the organization is trying to fund, including: 

• hiring an individual to pick up loose debris in the downtown to combat the growing problem of garbage;
• incorporating new neighborhoods and streets with a second wave of our newly designed street signs; and
• continuing to advocate for historic buildings in the downtown, with a specific focus on the Mill Pond House and Snouder's Corner Drug Store.

We cannot thank all of our supporters enough - for those who were able to join us and those who sent their well wishes.

As is the case with everything we do, we could not have done this without you!

Thank you!

Join Us for our End of the Season Benefit!

There is still time to purchase tickets for tomorrow evening!

Please join us for our End of the Season Benefit Enjoy great company and a gorgeous view over drinks, hors devours, and a manned sushi bar     The Creek Beach Club 1 Horse Hollow Road, Locust Valley Wednesday, September 17, 2014 6 o'clock in the evening until 9 o'clock $125 per person, $150 at the door (Click link above to purchase tickets online) All proceeds to benefit the Main Street Association  as we work to revitalize the downtown through building  renovations, beautification efforts, and historic preservation. cocktails & light fare $100 per ticket is tax deductible Federal Tax I.D. 11-3623349

The Oyster Bay Main Street Association would like to announce...

The Second Annual End of the Season Benefit!

http://www.oysterbaymainstreet.org/end-of-the-season-benefit-party.html

Dancing in the Street Happening in the Hamlet of Oyster Bay!

FIRST NIGHT OF “DANCING IN THE STREET”ATTRACTS LARGE CROWD

Oyster Bay, NY—On Friday evening, July 11, under a full moon, the streets in downtown Oyster Bay around the Bandstand were transformed into an inviting dance floor.  The Oyster Bay Main Street Association kicked off their fourth season of “Dancing in the Street,” once again sponsored by BMW of Oyster Bay.  More than 130 participants, of all ages and all levels of dancing ability, both singles and couples, took to the street as the music filled the summer night air.  DJ Louis del Prete, back again by popular demand, played and sang all types of songs, from Latin to rock, from the crooners of the 40s right up to today’s hip-hop artists.  His line dance instruction had everyone bounding out of their chairs to get a spot on the floor.  It was an evening of fun for all.

OBMSA Promotions Chair Diane Meltzer announced that this free event is one of the organization’s community building/downtown revitalization efforts.  They will continue for the next two Fridays, July 18 and 25, from 7-9 p.m.