This past Friday the 13th was not your average Friday night in Manhasset as a new season and sport debuted under the lights. Manhasset High School girls gathered on the Manhasset football field for the first annual Powderpuff Flag Football game. The game was conceived and organized by ninth grader, Kyra McLaughlin.

Powderpuff is a tradition in many schools across the country where girls have fun while competing to raise money for charity. After the Nov. 13 game, over $1,200 was raised and will be donated to the Leukemia Research Foundation and the American Cancer Society.

The evening began with the Manhasset High School boy’s football team singing the Star Spangled Banner. The boys helped coach the girls on the field. Also coaching was Nicholas Armstrong, a history teacher at Manhasset Middle School, student advisor Erin Mormando’s husband Nick Mormando and several Manhasset dads.

Fundamental Sports generously provided a referee and logistical support. Many local businesses and Manhasset residents sponsored the event.

The Manhasset High School Girls Varsity Tennis Team accomplished the rare feat of an undefeated season 17-0 and back-to-back titles with a 5-2 victory over Cold Spring Harbor in the Nassau County Championships on Oct. 23 at Eisenhower Park.

The championship capped off an incredible run dating back to last year, when the team also won the County Championship for the first time in 25 years, after finishing runner-up in 2013.

“The last time Manhasset had back-to-back championships in girls tennis was 1983-84, and it was never done with an undefeated team before,” said Coach Eileen Cuneo. “This is a very special accomplishment. Repeat championships are always harder than winning the first time because expectations are raised, and not only did the team meet expectations, they exceeded with an undefeated, perfect season.”

The championship team consisted of singles players Amanda Foo, Stephanie Petras and Brooke DiGia. Doubles players included Lia Frankis and Kyleigh Harmon; Alina Zhitnik and Yaya Wang; Grace Catlett and Caprice Catalano; and Samantha Guagliardo and Reed Pelton.

In the Nassau County individual tournament the previous week, Manhasset entered three doubles teams and all three secured victories through the quarterfinals to achieve All County designation. Amanda Foo paired with Lia Frankis to reach the finals; Brooke DiGia and Kyleigh Harmon reached the semifinals; and Grace Catlett and Alina Zhitnik reached the quarterfinals. Foo and Frankis also achieved All State honors.

“The number of All County players is unprecedented,” said Cuneo. “To have four All County and two All State is amazing. We had the most entries as a school because of our team’s success this season.”

Cuneo added, “The spirit of these players matches their skill set. They support each other, both on and off the court, and they root for each other and inspire each other. I’m really proud of this team.”

By Richard Tedesco

The owners of a house on Norgate Road in Manhasset left vacant for the past 13 years applied for a demolition permit last week on the decrepit structure which has concerned area residents.

One of the owners, Franklin Steinberg, who owns and operates the Sunset Chapels funeral home at 1285 Northern Blvd. in Manhasset, said last week he plans to demolish the house as soon as the Town of North Hempstead Building Department issues the demolition permit he is seeking.

“When they issue the permit, then we’ll proceed,” Steinberg said.

Steinberg said he intends to leave the property at 22 Norgate Rd., adjacent to the parking lot of the funeral home, as “an open field” after the house is destroyed.

Franklin Steinberg and his brother, Stephen, own the property and operate the Sunset Chapels in partnership as Steinberg and Company, according to town records.

The house appears to be in an advanced state of disrepair, with a rotting front door and shutters, on a lot that is unkempt.

“It’s an absolute travesty what’s going on there,” Chris Quirin, president of the Norgate Civic Association said of the property he described as “overgrown.”

Quirin said he has expressed his concerns about the decrepit structure on Norgate Road to Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth and town Councilwoman Anna Kaplan.

The demolition permit application drew a “permit pending omission” letter from the town building department seeking a rodent inspection certification letter and contractor insurance information, according to Town of North Hempstead spokesperson Carol Troterre.

Troterre said the owners have been served “numerous” court appearance tickets for a fence that is in disrepair on the property. The owners also have been served with tickets for litter and trash on the property, she said.

“I don’t think he has any respect for anybody in this town,” Quirin said, adding that Steinberg has refused to discuss the situation with members of the civic association.

Steinberg said he has not been approached by the civic association for a meeting to discuss the property, which he said he has owned for the past 20 years.

John Mitsinikos, who lives next door to the vacant house, said he has seen evidence of raccoon and rat trails on the property. He also said there are holes in the roof of the house.

He said demolition of the house would be welcome “as long as they conduct a thorough extermination before they knock it down.”

Mitsinikos said Franklin Steinberg has been unresponsive when Mitsinikos has attempted to speak
to him.

Troterre said town building department officials have attempted to gain access to the house to inspect it “many times,” but the Steinbergs had not responded.

The Steinbergs were denied a demolition permit they applied for in 2002. The building department never received a response to correspondence it sent to the Steinbergs about that permit application, Troterre said, while the Steinbergs say they did respond at the time.

The building department and the Steinbergs have been in correspondence this year about the original permit application.

Quirin said a homeless person was living in the house last winter, sparking safety concerns about the wooden structure among residents in the neighborhood.

“That’s a structure that could easily catch fire,” Quirin said.

Troterre said the town has a policy which requires the property owner to either have a plan for another house following the demolition of an existing house, or supply a new survey detailing the elevations of the property so that a house too tall or too low that can take on water will not be built on the property.

Quirin said Steinberg intended to put an access road to the parking lot of the funeral home through the property, but was told by the building department that was not a permissible use.

When asked why he has not leased the house to tenants since 2002, Steinberg said, “The last tenant left the place in such destruction, it wasn’t worth the cost to fix it.”

The Manhasset Community Fund (MCF) has begun its annual fundraising efforts to bring needed support to many in our community. It serves as a vital fundraising effort to bring unrestricted grants to many of the charities that serve those of us most in need. Please support this effort and watch for the letter that is being sent in the mail to you now. MCF urges readers to “Give Local.”

For more information go to www.manhassetcommunityfund.org.

2015 Plandome Heights Civic Association with special guest speakers.
(Photos by Nicole Longo-Sims)

Plandome Heights Civic Association held its Annual Meeting on Oct. 22 at the Port Washington Yacht Club. Plandome Heights Civic President Marion Endrizzi opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and then introduced the board, George McCarthy, vice president; Nicole Longo-Sims, secretary; Anne Dorogoff, treasurer; and legal council Mike Tiliakos. The executive board consisted of Roxanne Fitzig and Matthew Sherwood.

Rich Bentley

Endrizzi addressed the 78 Plandome Heights members who were present and introduced the four speakers.

Inspector John Berry of Nassau County’s Third Police Precinct spoke about how to protect your home against break-ins and safety measures to protect individuals and their homes.

Nassau Acting District Attorney Madeline Singas spoke on the problems Nassau County is facing with gangs, human trafficking, heroine and other substance abuse. She addressed the actions being taken against these issues.

David Paterson, commissioner of the Manhasset Park District, updated them on actions taken to improve the parking situation in the downtown area.

Rich Bentley, president of the Greater Council of Manhasset Civic Associations, provided an overview of various projects in the Manhasset area. Refreshments and dessert were served at the meeting.

Munsey Park fifth and sixth-graders came out to enjoy tricks and treats on Halloween.

The Manhasset 10U Indians won the Columbus Day Tournament in Baseball Heaven, defeating Team Pride 6-2 in the final game. In both the semifinal and finals, the team came back from 2-0 deficits late in the game to win.

The team was an undefeated 6-0 in the tournament, giving up only five runs in the entire tourney.

The 10U team is an undefeated 14-0 in winning three championships at the prestigious baseball complex. Competing as the only town team, they defeated travel teams from the entire tristate area.

The players are: Christian Antonopolous, Mikey Brunetti, Nate Chen, Mark DeGaudenzi, Jake Moss, Jack Petersen, Dylan Rorech, Tommy Tsongas and Michael Waltos.

Every year the Munsey Park Women’s Club (MPWC) reaches out to the community to search for philanthropic opportunities. They ask residents of Manhasset to apply for a grant that will help support a cause that benefits the residents of Munsey Park and/or Manhasset. The grants are then reviewed and one or two are chosen by the MPWC board. Valerie Siener, the cochair of philanthropic steering with the MPWC, leads the outreach effort and advocates for funding for small organizations.

The MPWC strives to diversify giving and utilize local resources. One of the groups that the MPWC has chosen to support is a sports enrichment program for children with special needs. So many local children go to Unlimited Sports Action (USA) in Port Washington for all sorts of sporting lessons, clinics and activities. Be the Best Sport is a nonprofit arm of USA. Be the Best Sport advocates, develops, creates and builds specialized hands-on adaptive sports programs for children ages 18 and younger with developmental disabilities as well as physical impairments. There is a lack of such organizations in the area that are dedicated to providing support for youngsters with special needs. Be the Best Sport accepts donations so that they can keep the cost down for participation in the classes, buy specialized multi-sensory equipment and provide trained staff and coaches.

The executive director of Be the Best Sport, Michael Furino, explained, “We are so excited to receive generous funding from the Munsey Park Women’s Club for new equipment for our special needs sports program. It is because of organizations like the MPWC that allows Be The Best Sport to provide sports enrichment services to children and adults with special needs at a low cost. Funding like this enables our organization to grow and continue to offer special needs sports services to children and adults of all different ages and ability levels.”

“On behalf of the MPWC Philanthropic committee, we are happy and proud to support Be The Best Sport with a donation towards their continuing effort to offer opportunities for special needs children, so they may develop and strengthen their self-esteem, confidence and sportsmanship. We also applaud Michael Furino for reaching out to this underserved population,” says Siener.

The MPWC hopes to continue to assist groups like these and thanks the Manhasset community residents and MPWC members for support.

—Submitted by Munsey Park Women’s Club

Melba Molson is a senior citizen who began painting three years ago. She has been studying with Ed Balcourt at the Port Washington Senior Center. She lived in Manhasset from 1985 to 2003 and currently resides in Port Washington. Molson is a member of the Manhasset/Port Washington Kiwanis Club.

See her artwork below:

North Shore Nursery student

North Shore Nursery School had a ribbon cutting for the newly resurfaced playground in Manhasset on Oct. 15. The new playground features a rubberized base replacing the sand that had surfaced the playground for more than 20 years. North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth and Councilwoman Anna Kaplan attended the ceremony.

North Shore Nursery School is a nonprofit cooperative school founded in 1961. Originally housed in the Unitarian Universalist Church, the school moved into the Community Reformed Church at 90 Plandome Rd. in 1993.

After a record-setting dual-meet season, The Manhasset Girls Varsity Swim Team was excited and prepared for the post-season. The first week of the post-season was the Divisional Championships at the Nassau Aquatic Center.

On Tuesday, Oct. 27, the girls swim team competed against Divisional opponents Great Neck South, Jericho, Farmingdale, Lynbrook, East Meadow, Hewlett, Cold Spring Harbor, Freeport and Hempstead in Nassau’s Division A Championship. On the line for Manhasset was an opportunity to win a fourth consecutive Division title.

In the opening event, the 200-yard Medley Relay Manhasset set the tone for the evening by taking first with open water. After finishing 2nd, 4th, 5th and 6th (top 20 score), Manhasset took a commanding early lead that they would never relinquish. The total team effort was evident as Manhasset placed all four swimmers in the top 10 of 7 of 8 individual events. The Indians also took 1st place in all three relays.

Highlights from Divisions include many season best performances:

Senior Kylie Mulholland swam a 2:09.82 in the 200-yard IM, qualifying for the NYS Champs. Grace Kenlon swam a 59.55 in the 100-yard Backstroke, qualifying for the NYS Champs. Julia Henry swam a 2:02.56 in the 200-yard Free. Allegra Sodi swam a 2:04.09 in the 200-yard Free. Meredith Johnson swam a 1:04.76 in the 100-yard Butterfly. Delaney Flynn swam a 59.86 in the 100-yard Free. Kaitlin Baranello swam a 26.82 in the 50-yard Free. Grace Amato swam a 1:10.42 in the 100-yard Backstroke. Michelle Sciarrino scored 188.40 points in 1m diving.

Junior Megan Smith swam a 1:08.15 in the 100-yard Breaststroke, qualifying for the NYS Championships. Madeline Kang swam a 56.50 in the 100-yard Free. Olivia Garvey swam a 5:41.98 in the 500-yard Free.

Sophomore Garrity Kuester swam a 1:08.42 in the 100-yard Breaststroke, qualifying for the NYS Champs. Claire McNeary swam a 2:14.43 in the 200-yard IM. Rose Marie Donnell swam a 2:08.38 in the 200-yard Free. Michaela DePhillips swam a 2:27.17 in the 200-yard IM. Madelyn Cecchini scored 295.40 points in 1m diving. Vanessa Zhang swam a 1:18.34 in the 100-yard Breaststroke.

Freshman Francesca Antonopoulos swam a 2:23.65 in the 200-yard IM. Lara McCusker swam a 1:14.64 in the 100-yard Breaststroke. Congratulations, Manhasset 2015 Division A Champions.

Manhasset varsity tennis players representing Section VIII continue winning momentum in post-season play in the New York State tournament.

On Oct. 17 and 18, three doubles teams were selected by Coach Eileen Cuneo to represent Manhasset Girls Tennis in the individual Nassau County Tournament at Eisenhower Park. Manhasset had the most teams entered of any other Nassau County school participating based on their undefeated season. As a result of their performance, teams would be selected to represent Section VIII in the State Tournament in Latham, NY, on Oct. 31 through Nov 2.

Coach Cuneo determined teams the Thursday prior to County Tournament; Amanda Foo and Lia Frankis, Kyleigh Harmon and Brooke DiGia and Alina Zhitnik and Grace Catlett would represent Manhasset. The doubles competition had over 40 teams competing from schools across all conferences in Section VIII.

Manhasset performed extremely well over the two day tournament: Harmon/DiGia earned All-County honors defeating a strong Syosset team in three sets and Zhitnik/Catlett won in straight sets. Foo and Frankis earned All-State honors coming in second with their only loss to the defending State Champions from Oyster Bay. Foo and Frankis would go on to represent Section VIII in the State Tournament.

During the New York State High School tournament in Latham, NY, all players from Nassau County had a strong showing by finishing first and third in both singles and doubles competition.
Manhasset’s Foo and Frankis, seeded 2, advanced three straight matches before falling in the semi-final round in a three set, very close match to a very strong Westchester County team of Campos and Ciano.

In the final day of the competition, Foo and Frankis sealed third place by defending the team of Pinchman and Luo from Rochester. An incredible accomplishment for these two talented players.
At the awards ceremony, Manhasset senior and cocaptain Amanda Foo was awarded the Section VIII Sportsmanship Award. This is an award given to a player who consistently demonstrates sportsmanship on and off the court. Girls Coordinator Shai Fischer states, “Amanda is a model citizen on the court and the level of care she exhibits off the court to the rest of the section is outstanding. She really exemplifies what a student-athlete should be.”

Coach Cuneo said, “Amanda and Lia played so well together throughout the County and the State tournament. I knew they would make a formidable duo, their individual style of play complements each other in a doubles format, their on court communication and perseverance is highly effective which created a dynamic doubles combination. An incredible wrap up of a fantastic season by a team that deserved the awards they earned.”

Manhasset’s Varsity XC Team stands proud after taking home the Section VIII Class II team title. Pictured from left: Joe Meyer, Ryan Thorpe, Ryan Watson, Justin Blanche, Nicky Harris, Aidan Caggiano, Athan Anderson, Harrison Barsky, Tim Courts, Daniel Petruso, John Cyprus and Milton Pirsos.

Last week, for the second time in many years, Manhasset’s Varsity Boys Cross Country squad captured the Nassau Class II County Championship, defeating their nearest competitor Mepham High School, 43-60. The team ran strong over the five kilometer course through the woods and around the polo field of Bethpage State Park, taking advantage of a cool but beautiful autumn morning to put forward their best performance of the season. 

Senior Tim Courts was the top individual in the race, earning his first-ever county title en route to leading Manhasset to the win. Courts’ time of 16:33 is the 11th fastest time recorded on the course in school history and he continues to climb up through the Manhasset record books this season. The story for the rest of the squad was once again the strength of the lead pack—which streamed through the finish line in succession, claiming the 9th to 13th spots to seal the victory. Juniors Justin Blanche (17:15) and Daniel Petruso (17:19) were joined by sophomores Nicky Harris (17:24—#10 All-Time Sophomore) and Aidan Caggiano (17:26—#11 All-Time Sophomore) and senior Athan Anderson (17:26), all of whom continue to make steady progress as the team moves forward in post-season competition. Junior Milton Pirsos (17:33) dropped 34 seconds from his previous best and was proceeded by sophomore Jack Cyprus (17:38—#17 All-Time Sophomore) who demonstrated similar improvement. Senior Harrison Barsky (17:59), and sophomore Ryan Watson (18:03—All-County Sophomore) completed the varsity scoring. Manhasset’s top 9 finishers all earned individual All-County honors—a school record. However, the accolades on this day did not end with the varsity competition.

The Junior Varsity squad was dominating in securing a victory of their own, as freshman Christopher Courts took the individual win to pace the Indians. Courts, who a week earlier earned All-County Freshman honors, recorded a personal best of 18:26, good for #12 on Manhasset’s All-Time list for freshmen. He was followed by junior All-Conference harrier James Grant (18:29), junior Luke LaSpina (19:00), sophomore Jack Boyle (19:19), and freshman Adam Stefan (19:30), who continues to make huge strides from one week to the next. The team’s score of 21 points bested the next best team by more than 30 points. The Indian’s JV squad was recently measured as the 6th best in New York State according to informal rankings produced by NY Milesplit, a regional and national-running website.

Many more Manhasset athletes ran to personal bests, including three who overcame the 20:00 5k barrier for the very first time; Dan McNeary (19:32), Aidan Sweeney (19:33), and Dan Cizmarik (19:38) all accomplished this feat, while senior cocaptain Joe Meyer just missed that mark, running 20:07 in his first all-out race in a seasoned plagued by an injury sustained during his summer training. Freshman Kyle Grant (20:07) and Henry Son (20:40), as well as sophomore Alex Mazer (20:13) also look poised to run beneath that mark before season’s end. Freshman James Chang demonstrated the biggest week over week improvement for the second consecutive time, shaving another three and a half minutes off his previous best to run 22:51 over the 5k course. Michael Cozzi, Marc Avallone, Andrew Liang, Matthew Cozzi and Jordan Ma also had big days, dropping between one and three minutes from their early season best.

The varsity squad will now begin their final preparations for the State Qualification meet was held on Nov. 7 at Bethpage State Park, where they will compete for a chance to represent Section VIII at the NYSPHAA Championships was held on Nov. 14 at Monroe-Woodbury High School in Central Valley, NY.

Manhasset residents are cordially invited to officially kickoff the Christmas season this Friday, Dec. 3, at 4:15 p.m. with the annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Mary Jane Davies Park. 

The program begins with the Pledge of Allegiance led by the Manhasset American Legion, a blessing from local clergy and a performance from the Manhasset High School Brass Choir. The winners of the Chamber of Commerce Poster Contest will be announced and there will be an appearance by Santa. So come on and enjoy live music from DJ Kev D, a photo booth station and hot chocolate.

The event is sponsored by the Town of North Hempstead, the Manhasset Park District, the Chamber of Commerce and the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Dept.

The Manhasset SCA Family Theatre has been entertaining Manhasset and neighboring communities for decades. Family Theatre is the perfect event for people of all ages: children, parents, grandparents and the like will enjoy two professional productions during the 2015-16 season.

A Charlie Brown Christmas will be performed by Plaza Theatrical Productions on Saturday, Dec. 5, at the Munsey Park Elementary School Auditorium at 2 p.m. When Charlie Brown complains about the overwhelming materialism that he sees amongst everyone during the Christmas season, Lucy suggests that he become director of the school Christmas pageant. Charlie Brown accepts, but it proves to be a frustrating struggle. When an attempt to restore the proper spirit with a forlorn little fir Christmas tree fails, he needs Linus’ help to learn what the real meaning of Christmas is.

Skippyjon Jones, Snow What, will be performed by Theatreworks USA on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016, at the Munsey Park Elementary School Auditorium at 2 p.m.

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the bravest Chihuahua of them all? Skippyjon Jones, the Siamese cat who thinks he’s a dog. While his sisters listen to Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, Skippy bounces on his big-boy bed and heads off for the real adventure awaiting him in his closet. Once inside, he finds himself in a magical snowy forest of make-believe, where the seven Chimichangos challenge him with his most dangerous task yet: to wake up Nieve Que, the frozen princess, by kissing her. Yuck. Will this hero agree to don a prince’s pantelones and save his poochitos?

Advance ticket sales are available by U.S. mail or by contacting SCA Family Theatre Chairperson Jodi DiTore at 516-318-9325 or jodiditore@optonline.net.

Advance tickets for both shows are $20 or $12 per show. All tickets at the door on day of show are $14 each. Children under the age of 3 are free.

For more information, visit the SCA website at www.manhassetsca.org.

Buying a Christmas tree certainly adds beauty and holiday cheer to one’s home, but buying one from the youth group at The Congregational Church of Manhasset can make a lasting difference in the lives of others. The sale begins this Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 5 to Dec. 6, in the church courtyard. The money raised from this sale supports such events as last summer’s mission trip to repair homes for low-income residents in Birmingham, Alabama.

On Friday night the young people will gather to set up for the sale. After several hours, the area is prepared as the excitement builds. The youth spend the night in the church, ready to sell at 9 a.m. sharp on Saturday morning. The tree sale is more than just a fundraiser for the youth program; the teens take part in every aspect of the sale from collecting the money to tying trees on top of customers’ cars. It is not only fun, but also allows the youth to learn responsibility and teamwork.

Customers have their choice of traditional balsams and Douglas firs in a variety of sizes. Persons looking for a wreath or pine roping will be pleased with the selection. Snow, rain, or shine, the Saturday hours are 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. On Sunday morning, the sale begins after worship at 11 a.m. and runs until 2 p.m. If any trees are left, they can be purchased during the week by calling 516-627-4911. The Congregational Church is located at 1845 Northern Blvd. in Manhasset.

Last November, after celebrating another wonderful Thanksgiving at my sister’s house, I was driving my father back to his home. During the ride, I asked my father, who will be 99-years-old in early December, “How did you enjoy the day?” He turned to me and replied, “Any day with the family is a great day.”

Naturally, my father’s thoughtful comment brought tears of appreciation to my eyes. My father’s joy lies in his wish, as is the hope of virtually all fathers and mothers, to witness their sons and daughters growing up and living a full, healthy and wholesome life where peace, love and caring are the norm.

As we know, such hopes for Thanksgiving are put to the test at times. As our families gather together for Thanksgiving 2015, horrific acts of violence both in our nation and in countries around the world continue to challenge the mettle of even the strongest among us. During a recent sermon at the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, where a memorial service was conducted in homage to the victims of that city’s deadly terrorist attack, Paris’ Cardinal Andrew Vingt-Trois said, “We pray for hope, not hate.”

As families gather around the table on this Thanksgiving, it is most appropriate to hold hands with loved ones as heartfelt words of reflection are spoken. During this time, we are able to express our gratitude for all that we have and reflect on those we love who are with us either from a distance or in spirit. This Thanksgiving, may we also offer a special thought for those who unfortunately have experienced deep suffering and pain by wishing for their recovery or consolation.

Finally, let us especially reflect on our children here in Manhasset and around the world, that they will grow up in societies where joy, laughter and innocence are the norm and my father’s words, “Any day with the family is a great day,” may be their lived experience.

I hope that you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your families!

—Superintendent Charles Cardillo

By Liz Blaney

The Manhasset High School Theatre Department presented Hello, Dolly! after months of rehearsals and preparation. The cast, crew and orchestra gave a magical performance with breathtaking costumes and scenery. The play, filled with romance and comedy, was heartwarming and very entertaining.

Kate Brady, a senior at Manhasset High School, starred as the lead, Dolly Gallagher Levi. Kate’s performance was brilliant, showcasing her incredible acting and breathtaking singing talents. Dolly’s love interest, Horace Vandergelder, was effortlessly played by junior Kevin McAleer. Kevin played the grouchy, stingy Horace with great humor and insight. Sophmores Decker Paterson and Philip Barsky were cast perfectly as Vandergelder’s two employees, Cornelius and Barnaby. Paterson as Cornelius was charming and hysterical, while Barsky as Barnaby was quick-witted and showcased his dancing talent.

Seniors Bridget Blaney (Thursday/Saturday) and Gabriella Tranchina (Friday/Sunday) shined as Cornelius’ love interest, the charming Irene Molloy. Their performances were filled with beautifully sung love songs and wonderful dancing. Molloy’s best friend, Minnie Fay, was played by senior Kristina DiCarlo. DiCarlo and her courter Barsky danced around the stage with elegant pirouettes and challenging leaps.

Additional comic relief was to be had by Jennie Whalen as Ernestina, Elizabeth Guariglia as Ermengarde and Julia Ellinghaus as Rudolph. All three leading ladies are seniors and have been active in Manhasset theatre since middle school. Their roles kept the audiences in stitches throughout the show. Ermengarde’s soon-to-be husband, Ambrose Kemper, was played by Oswaldo Herrera. Oswaldo, a junior, effortlessly fell right into character.

The opening night performance was thrown a curveball when Kate Brady, home with laryngitis, was unable to perform. Understudy Regan Lavin stepped up and played Dolly. Lavin’s performance was wonderful, filled with poise and enthusiasm. Juniors Alexandra Bowman (Thursday/Saturday) and Amanda Capra (Friday/Sunday) played Mrs. Rose. On their off nights they filled the ensemble with great energy, both singing and dancing.

The students cast as ensemble had endless singing and dancing talents as well. Kimmie Brogan, Cara Cobden, Maddie Conner, Emily Cruz, Kristin D’Angelo, Grace DePietro, Alex Hill, Mia Krishnamurthy, Erin Love, Sebastian Macchio, Amanda Naccarato, Lizzy Rutkovsky, Anna Sabo, Lauren Schwartz, Walter Stackler, Isabel Vigliotti and Jenna Weitman made every scene come alive. With the guidance of choreographer Victoria DiCarlo (a Manhasset alumna), scenes featuring “Call on Dolly”, “Before the Parade Passes By” and “The Waiter’s Gallop”, were a joy to watch. Victoria was assisted by dance captain Anna Sabo.

The sets were beautifully designed by Karl Heuglin, who has been working on Manhasset sets for 35 years. With the help of an amazing crew, Heuglin transformed the stage to 1895… a feed store in Yonkers, a hat shop in New York City and the extravagant Harmonia Gardens Restaurant. Behind the scenes, senior Nicole Rinaldi was the technical director/running crew hand. Rinaldi has been working on the crew since seventh grade. Michelle Marcisak, also a senior, was the stage manager/assistant director. Marcisak has been working tirelessly on Manhasset productions for many years as well.

Senior Emma Carr was the makeup crew head. Her gift was evident when looking at the actors on stage. The crew family includes Kellyann Bock (props crew), Jai Nanda (assistant director/production manager/stage manager), Michaela Ryan (costume crew head/scenic art and makeup crew), William Stackler (stage crew), Jack Sullivan (running crew), Troy Beattie (sound crew head), Natalia Farrell-Ortiz (makeup crew), Gavin Friedman (lighting crew head), Adam Smotkin (lighting crew head), Briana Yarrington (props crew head and running crew) and Jonathan LaPlaca (production assistant). Manhasset alumnus Mike Rinaldi, shop supervisor and lead master carpenter, used his talents making Heuglin’s set design a reality.

The show would not go on without Director Robb Fessler. “Fess” is the man with the vision. From casting the students to assisting Heuglin with the sets, Fess is part of every aspect of the production. He brings the costumes to another level by hand sewing them himself, and so the show is ready for Broadway. Another Manhasset alumna Penny Tadler, production assistant, was by Fess’ side working with the students and ready to help in every way. Special thanks to Adelina Hair Design, who donated their time to making the actors look like 19th-century ladies.

Manhasset Chamber of Commerce board members Suzanne Sokoloff, Katie Miller, CJ Coleman, Nancy Morris, Marion Stainkamp, Elizabeth Johnson and Diane Harragan holding up poster entries. Photo by Pat Grace

All Manhasset residents officially kicked off the Christmas season with the annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Mary Jane Davies Park. The winners are of the Manhasset Chamber of Commerce poster contest grades kindergarten through sixth were announced.

The program began with the Pledge of Allegiance led by the Manhasset American Legion, a blessing from local clergy and a performance from the Manhasset High School Brass Choir. There was an appearance by Santa following. Everyone enjoyed the live music from DJ Kev D, a photo booth station and hot chocolate.

This was the beginning of holiday happiness from the Town of North Hempstead, the Manhasset Park District, the Manhasset Chamber of Commerce and the Manhasset Lakeville Fire & Water District who sponsored this great hometown event.

The Adult Choir of the Church of St. Mary

The parish community of the Church of St. Mary, Manhasset, will present its annual service of Advent Lessons and Carols on Sunday, Dec. 13, in the church at 7:30 p.m. “Waiting For the Lord—In the Year of Mercy” commemorates the inauguration of the Holy Year of Mercy declared by Pope Francis and is under the direction of Robert C. Levulis, who serves as the director of music for the parish. This musical celebration will be led by the choirs of St. Mary’s Parish Adult Choir and Youth Choir, along with the Chamber Choir of St. Mary’s High School, which is under the direction of Andrew J. Koslosky, director of the performing arts program at the high school.

Through scripture readings and hymnody, the Lessons and Carols retells the events leading up the great feast of Christmas and features works of Mendelssohn, Handel, Marcello, Vierne and other composers. The service will be accompanied by The Schola Musica Orchestra and acclaimed organist John P. Buckel.

All are welcomed to attend this beautiful evening that will bring serenity and joy to all in preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.