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

Please 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

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.

Earth Day in Oyster Bay: Plus things You can do Everyday

How Can You Help and Get Involved?

Image courtesy of www.sustainablefurnishings.org

On the 45th Anniversary of Earth Day it is important we take a moment to consider how we might get involved in taking care of our planet.  The concept of taking care of a whole planet can be overwhelming, but you can make a difference by getting involved on a local level, right here in Oyster Bay.  Stealing a sentiment here from Theodore Roosevelt's 1906 Fourth of July speech, "The way to be good citizens of this nation, you friends here, is to be good citizens of Oyster Bay."

ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMS - VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

There are many organizations you can get involved with that are working to clean up our harbor, beaches and our streets for the benefit of all.  Below are some different activities, volunteer opportunities and programs you may want to involve yourself in sponsored by the Town of Oyster Bay Department of Environmental Resources, Friends of the Bay, New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA), and PSEG-LI:


-  Coming up this Saturday, April 25th there will be a Harbor & Beach Clean Up Co-sponsored by the Town of Oyster Bay, Friends of the Bay, and the North Oyster Bay Baymen Association.  To learn more about volunteering Call: 516-677-5943

-  The Town of Oyster Bay's Department of Environmental Resources installed a rain garden near the waterfront to help mitigate the negative effects of storm water runoff.  To learn more about the garden click here.  The Department will assist students with volunteer and scouting projects in creating and building rain gardens.  For more information call (516) 677-5853. 

- TOB also has several other programs you can be involved in including Water Quality Monitoring, GeesePeace program, and multiple outreach programs.  To learn more about programs offered through the Town click here.

- Friends of the Bay also has many volunteer opportunities year round for those interested.  To get involved visit their website: www.friendsofthebay.org.

- The Oyster Bay Main Street Association will also be hiring an individual twice a week to clean up around the downtown - sweeping up loose debris on our streets and in our parking lots.  If you know anybody who is interested please have them contact Executive Director, Meredith Maus, 516-922-6982 or by email, mamaus@oysterbaymainstreet.org.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY - OPPORTUNITIES TO SAVE YOU MONEY

Outside of volunteering and helping to clean up our ecosystem there is something we can each do to ensure that our homes and our businesses are efficiently using energy or in some cases, producing energy.

- NYSERDA is offering free energy audits to non-profits and businesses with 10 employees or less through their Small Commercial Energy Efficiency Program.  Energy assessments can help small businesses and not-for-profit organizations make informed electrical energy decisions and implement energy-efficiency strategies. Assessments help identify economically viable improvements that yield substantial annual energy savings.  If you are interested in learning more, please contact Elisabeth Fiteni, NYSERDA Regional Outreach Coordinator at 631-471-1215 x166 or by email: efiteni@cdcli.org.

- NYSERDA is also offering through their Small Commercial Energy Efficiency Program two low-interest loan options to finance energy efficiency projects.  These financing opportunities help small businesses and not-for-profits access upfront capital to make upgrades in their buildings to improve energy efficiency and lower their energy bills.  For more information visit: http://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Programs/Small-Business-Financing or Contact Elisabeth Fiteni at the contact info above.

- PSEG-LI is also cooperating with NYSERDA in a solar program, The NY-Sun Incentive Program.  This program is open to residents and small businesses and provides funding to help reduce the cost of installing solar electric systems across New York State.  Click here to learn more about how to participate in this program.

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The Oyster Bay Main Street Association and the Chamber of Commerce would be happy to arrange a public information session regarding these programs if individuals are interested in learning more.  If you are interested, please send a quick email stating as much to mamaus@oysterbaymainstreet.org.

Happy Earth Day!

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.