How one boutique contractor on Long Island is riding out the recession.

(Long Island, N.Y.) Spotless Contracting Services – a local small business on Long Island built by Ken Barone will not buckle in this shaky economy. That’s because the company is constructed by hard work, honesty, true craftsmanship and a personal touched unmatched by competitors. The boutique contacting company, which has earned a great reputation among local homeowners, was created close to ten years ago by Ken Barone after working for other high-end contractors on Long Island. He went to school at New York Tech as an architect major. In the 90’s the economy wasn’t so great, similar to what it is now, explains Barone, so he researched other venues and ultimately came back to what he loves—construction, contracting, interior design and decorating.

The company is licensed and insured for both Nassau and Suffolk County as contractors. There’s been a recent government mandate to be EPA certified and Spotless Contracting is certified—trained in lead-based renovation work. “Any house built prior to 1978, is assumed to have lead paint in it, so now the government has stepped in and said we must be trained to do that,” explains Barone.

Spotless Contracting does anything from window removal and installation, interior and exterior doors, roofing, siding, additions, garage and basement conversions. They are a full-service operation, from full-size kitchen and bathroom renovations and extensions– but according To Barone, his pride and joy is moulding and mill work. “It’s something that I studied when I went to school at NY Tech in the architecture program. It’s a lost art. Not a lot of people specialize in that.”

Constructing a Company

Like most kids, Barone set his sights on becoming a police or fireman but as he grew up, he had a knack for taking something and making it better or changing it. He was drawn to constructing and building things. “It more evolved into doing something that I enjoy doing,” says Barone. “Every day is a new challenge and transforming people’s homes and spaces is definitely something I love doing.”

In this still chilly economic climate, Barone says he’s still hammering away and business is still booming–but it has shifted a bit. He says he’s doing a lot more crown mouldling and media rooms where the emphasis is on the moulding aspect where the typical construction jobs (roofing, windows, siding) have slowed down. Even with the government trying to put stimulus money at those events—people still can’t come up with the thousands of dollars needed to transform the outside of the space.

“People are taking fewer vacations and we’re seeing fewer major renovations—they are more asking for minor renovations on a budget. I would probably say in the last 12-18 months, there’s really been a strong push in moulding. People have found the lost architecture of moulding. Typical home haven’t had that so it’s kind of been re-invented.”

Barone knows what it takes to make a small family-owned company succeed. Although he relies a great deal on word-of-mouth and customer referrals, he understands the power of social media and networking. While he has yet to start tweeting on Twitter, he does interact via his company’s Facebook page.

Shaking the Stigma

Since the economic downturn, Barone has found ways to fire up business and stay afloat. And his attitude is one of understanding and acceptance. “People are struggling themselves to eat and breathe so all of a sudden projects that were scheduled went away,” he says. “People’s homes are no longer worth what they were. Their mortgages are just so exuberant that they’re not going to put anything into the home. All of a sudden everyone was becoming a contractor (whether they were insured or not) and doing it on the side. They weren’t doing things right and they even further gave contractors a bad name. “Everyone is tightening their belt and the competition is probably fiercer than ever.”

Back to Basics

Barone has stepped up his game and he has adopted a rather positive take on all of this: “The good things that have come out of the poor economy is just going back to (and relying on) our ethics. Our product, regardless if it’s a hardwood floor installation or crown moulding—there’s a lot of value in what I personally bring to the table. From the design aspect to all levels of the experience, Barone is all about telling homeowners the truth and not selling something they don’t need. He continues to prove that a personal touch goes a long way. He’s present on every single job, deals with the homeowners directly and has an impeccable eye for detail. “I do the design work. I do get dirty and wear my tools so it’s more of a hand-holding operation for homeowners that want someone that’s going to be there 24-7 throughout the project.”

Two entertainment industry insiders are making movies their mission–films to fund education

(Long Island, N.Y.) I recently learned about a new organization that’s about to take Hollywood by storm–and that’s a very good thing! ReDistribute was founded on the belief that by changing the way that audiences are connected to entertainment, they have the ability to not only make a quality film, but also to ensure that there is a substantial audience waiting for it when it is released. They believe that Hollywood can be an agent for good, not only in the products that it releases, but also in its distribution of wealth.

They began by finding a compelling script that will reach a wide audience. From there they chose a national social issue that their passionate about, in this case, education with a special emphasis on reaching children in grades K-6.

The organization then partners with exciting charities and organizations who have a regional or nationwide impact and are integrating innovative approaches to education. Each Charity is thoroughly researched to make sure that it has excellent organizational efficiency and a strong financial core. Once the film is finished, it finds distribution in theaters, on dvds, on television and through Video-On-Demand and EVERY PENNY OF OUR PROFIT GOES TO CHARITY. End of story. Period.

I recently caught up with ReDistribute’s producer Spero Stamboulis –a talented actor with numerous television and film credits, as well as countless commercials under his belt.

Can you explain the Long Island connection?

We’re very excited that the screenplay writer for our first project under the ReDistribute arm is Mike Muldoon. He grew up in Mastic, was a ’92 graduate of William Floyd High School and was an all country wide receiver in addition to playing lacrosse. His family still resides on Long Island. He spent last summer in KY writing the feature film “Remembering Rachel’ and most recently finished working on a project for the SYFY network.

What sparked the idea for ReDistribute?

After reading one too many articles about how Hollywood was going to do a questionable remake of an 80’s television show or video game, coupled with the fact that while a handful of people/conglomerates were making billions of dollars off of Hollywood films while education budgets in the US were being decimated. The idea came out of how to try and bring new and exciting films to theaters while benefiting those in need.

How does it work?  Four simple steps:

1. People join the Facebook Cause
2. We make the film
3. People support the film
4. We give 100% of our profits to Charity.

We begin by asking people to go to our website at: www.weReDistribute.org to find out more about who we are and what we are doing. From there, we ask people to click on the link to our Facebook Cause page, join the Cause and then recruit 10 people who will recruit 10 people.

While that is happening, we partner up with 50-100 education focused organizations throughout the country. We look for organizations who are doing innovative work both inside and outside of the classroom to impact young people’s lives.

Through our partnership, we offer them the overall profits in exchange for using their existing networks to help us recruit our supporters. We are able to offer these profits, because the cast and crew salaries for making the film keeps everyone afloat. In the near future, through these actions, we will have over one million supporters.

From there, we utilize this enormous pool of supporters when we sit down with film studio heads, investors and A-list actors to gain their support. Once the film is made and ready to be released, we once again reach out to our supporters and ask them to watch the film in their local theater.

Finally, all of the profits that come to us are given to the organizations that we partner with. We fully expect this to be well over $40 million. The ultimate number will be a result of the quality of our movie and how well we were all able to help spread the word.

What’s your mission…long term goal?

1. Allow incredibly talented filmmakers to do what they do best while putting food on their table,
2. Entertain and Educate our audiences and
3. Have a significant impact on those who need it most. Our long term goal is to make this a sustainable program that funnels millions of dollars to a different issue each project. While our first focus is education, in the future we’ll be looking into: medical research/services, foster care, hunger, etc…

How can we help your efforts?

This program is only possible when a wide community of people become aware of it and rally around it. It is the purest form of democracy because each individual gets to have a direct impact on the success of the film and the amount that goes to our charities. We enthusiastically partner with news outlets both local and national, to help us spread the word and inspire people to join with us

How do you think a community of “regular” people can create change?

We all have the power to make a difference in the world. Brick by brick, we are building a foundation that will benefit so many kids….The Internet offers artists so many ways to be creative and impact others. We at ReDistribute are embracing change and want others to be a part of it. We want to show all young people that any of us can have a lasting impact on the lives of others.

What will your online community gain by being part of this?

First off, they get to know that they are directly affecting where millions of potential dollars are going. They also get to be the first to know the ‘insider tidbits’ like which celebrities are being cast, what the story is, where it will be shot, behind-the-scenes photos/videos, etc… Through our ever-evolving list of contests, they can not only win great prizes, but also have a rare chance to either be on the actual film set or attend the film’s World Premiere. They can also reach out to education organizations who are important to them and help them apply to be one of our recipients. Lots of exciting opportunities!

(Long Island, N.Y.) A beach front escape hours before you hit the Hamptons? Oh yeah. The Allegria Hotel is an oceanfront luxury property located in the iconic beach community of Long Beach – less than 30 miles from midtown Manhattan and 15 minutes from JFK.

They just wrapped up ‘Surf Week at the Allegria’ (July 11th through Friday, July 16th) where guests were treated to a week-long series of surf-themed special events, lessons, and fun for the whole family.

I’m no surfer and I’m petrified of the sea, but I had the opportunity to visit a few months ago and I must say, it was super chic. It’s got a South Beach, sophisticated vibe–elegant but not too stuffy where you feel like you can’t relax. In fact, the property embodies serenity and it makes the perfect setting for an ocean front escape. I loved every second on my stay there and feel it’s worth every penny.

The Allegria also offers surf lessons throughout the summer through Skudin Surf. Prices are $75/person for a group lesson, and $95/hour for a private lesson (one hour each).

If you’re planning a get-away and refuse to sweat it out sitting in traffic on the Long Island Expressway, here’s the scoop on a closer (and equally cool) Long Island hot spot.

Luxe Lodgings

The Allegria has 112 guestrooms and 31 suites, many with ocean views and they’re designed in a white and sand color palette with driftwood and periwinkle accents. Bathrooms are finished in limestone with rain showers and include signature marine-based skin and hair products. Rooms are equipped with high-definition LCD televisions, sumptuous 400-threadcount custom made in Paris, and towels woven from plush Egyptian cotton round out the amenities. All accommodations have Juliet balconies to let in the ocean air.

Sweet Services

A throw back to the days of cabana boys, the hotel’s beach concierge provides Allegria guests with custom beach chairs, umbrellas, towels and refreshments, as well as assisting with surf rentals, volleyball games and various other beach activities. Guests also have complimentary access to the rooftop ocean view fitness center and yoga studio as well as private beach access.

Lounge Out

L’Onda Lounge – meaning “wave” in Italian – features a large double-sided mirrored fireplace, 24-seat communal table, outside terrace service, and a circular bar made of glass mosaic. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the Atlantic Ocean and Long Beach’s iconic boardwalk making it the quintessential setting for waterfront cocktails. Guests may choose from an eclectic list of cocktails and a menu of 100 wine varietals, many of which are organic and biodynamic. With 15 wines offered by the glass, selections hail from the North and South Fork wineries as well as international vineyards.

Decadent Dining

Led by esteemed Chef Todd Jacobs, the property’s signature restaurant and bar, the Atlantica Bar & Grill features robust yet sophisticated American cuisine. Jacobs is known by New Yorkers and Long Islanders from his long history with successful restaurants in the Hamptons. Atlantica at the Allegria sources and utilizes mostly locally grown and organic ingredients, a major component of Jacobs’ ‘close-to-door’ philosophy.

Jacobs draws on seasonal flavors with dishes from the “Sea” portion of the dinner menu that includes Pan Seared Local Sea Bass with Chili Lime Beurre Blanc served alongside Local Organic Greens Sautéed with Garlic and Crisp Corn Polenta or the Charbroiled Organic Scottish Salmon with Lemon-Caper Vinaigrette and accompanied by Grilled Vegetables and Organic Brown Rice. Other culinary creations showcased under the menu’s “Earth,” “Starters” and “Desserts” are equally tempting and represent Jacobs’ mastery of innovative American cuisine. The 143-seat space is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. For a more intimate and memorable experience, private dining includes a chef’s table for up to 16, just steps from the ocean, nestled quietly among the restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling wine wall showcasing over 3,000 bottles.

Party Hearty

The hotel’s 3,182 square-foot grand ballroom can accommodate up to 200 guests and divides into smaller spaces for more intimate events. The luminous ballroom exudes luxury and glamour, with silver leaf ceiling tiles and 73 exquisite Kazumi glass chandeliers. Three meeting rooms situated on the third floor – Madison, Park and Lexington Suites – are ideal for breakout sessions. A dedicated staffer, skilled in orchestrating functions for social and corporate clients, is assigned to each event to ensure a smooth agenda from start to finish. The property’s location on the Atlantic Ocean is the ideal setting for special events on the beach. Chef Jacobs’ team oversees all catering for events.

(Long Island, N.Y.) I’ll admit it, I’m a hot mess. When my husband passes the reins to me at the grill, I run for the hills. I just don’t feel confident cooking outdoors. Hence my nickname… “The Dehydrator”.

I grilled Tino Masotto, owner of Cow Palace (a place I’ve crowned as one of the best butcher shops on Long Island) about some simple ABC’s of barbecuing.

Can you tell me a little about average cook times for specific cuts?
For most all steaks and chicken on a hot BBQ, the average cook time is seven minutes per side.

What’s the biggest mistake people make when grilling meat?
The biggest mistake is trying to flip the meat too soon after putting it on the grill. The meat will stick to the grates if it is not allowed to cook sufficiently before turning over. Flipping too much is another big mistake, and of course–overcooking.

Do you have a secret to “the prefect marinade” you can share?
An ingredient we like, that gives marinade body is honey. It also helps the liquid ‘stick’ to the meat.

What are your top summertime sellers?
Best seller without a doubt is our own store-made chicken patties. They come in two flavors: spinach & cheese and broccli & mozzerlla and they are awesome on the grill. Another top seller is our own cheese and parsley sausage rings and (of course) steaks and sirloin burgers.

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I love supporting local businesses: They are family-owned here on Long Island for 32 years–locations in Rocky Point, Moriches, and Middle Island.

This summer, Cow Palace will have a fresh produce stand (in the parking lot) on weekends and on some select weekends, even a roadside BBQ. And if you want to make your life a little easier this summer, their freezer fillers and summer bundles are the way to go.

My hubby gets all the grill glory at our summer parties–thanks to their incredible London Broils.(Ask for their special marinade.)

For some online coupons, check out www.cowpalace457.com

(Long Island, N.Y.) It’s official: I will never be able to tell my kids, “there’s nothing to do today!” That’s because the first mobile phone travel app to cover Long Island has just been released (Sutro Media) and the days I don’t have the slightest idea what to do/where to go with the kids–are long gone. (It’s a good thing!) And, considering the fact that I can get lost in my own t-shirt, technology has once again come to my rescue. Here’s why.

The Essential Long Island Guide, by award-winning writer Iyna Bort Caruso, is now available through the Apple app store. The fast-browsing guide features more than 125 attractions, must-do activities and hidden gems and 750 pictures. It’s full of insider tips for locals, day trippers and first-time visitors. (Costs $2.99 and includes free updates)

Engaging and easy-to-navigate features include:

• Photo slideshows for each entry, so users know what to expect before they go.
• Concise, original text by a Long Island native.
• Entries sortable by categories like Hidden Gems, Historical, Long Island Originals, Outdoors, Family Friendly, Dining, Shopping, Great Strolls and more.
• Entries sorted by name, distance, price and neighborhood.
• One-click website and phone interface to buy tickets, peruse menus and more.
• Google maps and driving directions for each entry.
• Over 100MB of offline content that can be accessed anytime without an internet connection.
• Neighborhood overviews to help visitors decide how and where to spend their time.

I recently caught up with Iyna Bort Caruso, a Rockville Centre-based freelance writer, author and New York Emmy Award-winning promotional writer, who says when she decided to take this project on, she was surprised there wasn’t already a Long Island iPhone travel app.

“With all the incredible things to do, historical sites and gorgeous towns, how was that possible? I loved taking on the role of tour guide. But I also wrote the app for Long Islanders, too. I designed it to be a resource they can refer to again and again–to remind them of all the great treasures in their own backyard and introduce them to attractions they never knew existed.”

Her goal at the onset, she says, was to provide a thorough and lively representation of a very large region. She really worked hard to make sure users would get a lot of value out of it, no matter what their interests or budgets.

“It would have been easy to concentrate only on the most popular areas such as the Hamptons, the Gold Coast and the wine region–and I do have a lot of listings for these areas–but I also want people to discover lots of great new places.”

To get this useful app, visit http://sutromedia.com/apps/Essential_Long_Island

(Long Island, N.Y.) Well, we can all say we knew them when! Here’s the scoop on two musical talents who teamed up to make a big splash is the music industry—they are known as Jac&Jill. And boy, can these two beauties rock it.

Jaclyn (Jac) Quatela and Jill Winter were both born and raised in New York and came from very musical families. Jac’s family used to harmonize around the kitchen table and her father played drums in an “oldies” band. Jill’s father was a singer in a doo wop group and her brother played guitar and sang. Both girls realized, respectively, that they were musically inclined at an early age. Jac began taking voice lessons at the tender age of 6 and later decided to teach herself piano as well. Jill was always picking up guitars/basses and drumsticks and by the age of 13 was a drummer in a rock band.

Both went directly to college after graduating high school (Jaclyn attended LIU CW Post Campus and Jill attended Five Towns College) to study music and attain a greater knowledge of their craft while continuing to perform in various local bands. At this point, neither of the girls knew that their musical counterpart existed.

Jaclyn and Jill finally crossed paths in the Fall of 2006 when Jaclyn auditioned for a band that Jill was playing bass in. One day while passing the time before band rehearsal, Jac sat down behind her piano, Jill picked up an electric guitar and the two realized immediately that their musical chemistry was undeniable. From that point on, they started writing music together and decided to part ways with the band they were in to pursue their journey as “Jac&Jill”. Luckily, they didn’t have to think long and hard about their band name!

Jaclyn resides on Long Island and Jill resides in Queens.

There’s a vast but uniquely familiar range of musical inspiration in Jac&Jill’s music. From the Motown influenced harmonies that texture the backdrop of tracks like “Mm’ Mm’ Good” and “Listen” to the infectious Pop/Rock hooks and driving riffs of “Can’t Stop”, it becomes apparent that popular music has always been a source of inspiration for Jaclyn and Jill.

After writing over two dozen songs, the duo worked with Producer/Engineers Patrick Ermlich and Eshy Gazit at The Cutting Room Studios NYC on their Pop/Rock debut album. All 10 songs on the album were written by Jaclyn Quatela (Lead and Backing Vocals, Piano and Synths) and Jill Winter (Lead and Rhythm Guitars and Backing Vocals).

Jac&Jill’s song “Listen” was used as the opener for Elvis Duran and The Morning Show on NY’s #1 Hit Music Station Z100 in the Fall of 2009. On March 16th and 17th, 2010, Jac&Jill were featured yet again, on Elvis Duran and The Morning Show with their song parody for Elvis. Their song “Can’t Stop” is also receiving airplay on the show “Unlabled” from Long Island Radio Station WMJC 94.3 fm and can be found on multiple online radio stations as well . Jac&Jill’s song “Mm’ Mm’ Good,” is featured on the Wal-Mart exclusive version of the video game “Sing Scene Pop” by Jakks Pacific, alongside artists such as: Rihanna, Fergie, Alicia Keys, Fall Out Boy, etc. Jac&Jill are currently endorsed by Future Sonics, Arbor Collective, In Tune Guitar Picks, Inc. and HairXpression by Balmain Paris.

Their debut self-titled album is currently available in Looney Tunes CD Store (West Babylon, NY) and online at LooneyTunesCDS.COM. The girls have also recently recorded “Dinosaurs Don’t Fly” for the children’s book “The Butterfly and The Dinosaur”. (Lyrics by author Sonny Grosso / music by Jac & Jill).

Some of the venues that Jac&Jill have performed at, with their band, in the Tri-State area include:

Six Flags Great Adventure, Rye Playland, Jones Beach, Southpaw, Public Assembly, Don Hill’s NYC, Adventureland, Salon Rock, Hot Topic Stores etc.

Jac&Jill’s upcoming performance’s for 2010:

• May 20th (Acoustic) Long Island Vinyl Exchange (East Northport) – 8pm
• June 5th- The Saint (Asbury Park, NJ) 9pm
• June 29th Looney Tunes CD Store (West Babylon, NY)-CD RELEASE 7pm
• July 3rd – Kennywood Amusement Park (West Mifflin, PA) 4pm
• July 9th Jones Beach Bandshell (Wantagh, NY) 7:30pm
• August 7th Live&Local At Six Flags Great Adventure (Jackson, NJ) Times TBD

Check out the band’s official website:
www.myspace.com/jacandjillmusic

(Long Island, N.Y.) Since 1994, HopeCuts has raised over $500,000 for the City of Hope National Medical Center and Beckman Research Institute.

How cool is this: Sunday, May 16th from 12:00- 4:00 PM stylists will donate their time for a worthy cause by going to work on their regular day off.

HopeCuts began in 1994 when one salon in Philadelphia decided to open for business on a Sunday afternoon and donate their time and effort and profits for the day to City of Hope. Today, HopeCuts events are held in salons in New York, Chicago and various cities across the country.

Services including haircuts, manicures, makeup applications and more will be offered at drastically reduced rates at participating salons in an effort to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer, pediatric cancer and HIV/ AIDS Research. All proceeds benefit City of Hope’s National Medical Center and Beckman Research Institute.

Here are the participating salons:

Something New Hair Salon
300 Gordons Corner Rd
Manalapan, NJ

Main Line Salon
1800 Laurel Hill Plaza
Clementon, NJ

Freedom Salon and Spa
3301 Long Beach Blvd
Brant Beach, NJ

Michele’s Salon and Spa
2345 Dune Drive
Avalon, NJ

Joli Salon and Spa
343 Halstead Avenue
Harrison, NY

The Hair Designers
100 Main Street
White Plains, NY

CPW Vein & Aesthetic Center
75 Central Park West
Manhattan, NY

Olmi Dominican Salon
683 Woodfield Rd
West Hempstead, NY

The Secret Garden
702 Forest Ave
Staten Island, NY

About City of Hope:
The City of Hope National Medical Center and Beckman Research Institute-designed Comprehensive Canter Center, is one of the world’s leading research and treatment centers for cancer and other serious diseases, including diabetes and HIV/AIDS. The work conducted at City of Hope is shared with medical centers worldwide, touching the lives of millions of people everywhere.

(Long Island, N.Y.) I love the warmer weather. The kids get to spend some more time outdoors, playing at the park and romping on the grass, but the biggest summer bummer: the danger presented by tiny parasites, called Ixodes scapularis (also known as black-legged or deer ticks). Yikes! These are the ticks that transmit Lyme disease, the most common tick-borne disease in the United States and one of the most potentially dangerous infections for kids.

Lyme disease poses the biggest threat in the spring and summer, says Diane Blanchard, co-president of Time for Lyme, Inc., a research, education and advocacy group based in CT in a prepared statement. According to the latest government figures, there are roughly 29,000 confirmed Lyme disease cases in 2008 and experts agree that there are many, many more that go unreported (or undiagnosed). In fact, some estimate that there are ten times as many cases of Lyme each year. And although Lyme can strike people of any age and either gender, one of the most susceptible groups is children aged 5 to 9.

Spring and summer are the peak times for Lyme infection because many ticks are in the nymphal stage (they have a two-year life cycle), meaning they’re very small, about the size of a poppy seed, says Dr. Harriet Kotsoris, medical advisor to Time for Lyme. “These things are tiny, and most kids would never notice them,” says Dr. Kotsoris. At the same time, kids are spending more time outside, in areas where ticks also frequent.

As in adults, Lyme disease can be devastating in children. Most people with Lyme disease experience a rash, headaches, fatigue and flu-like symptoms, but if left untreated, the disease can also involve learning and behavioral problems, depression, nerve damage, memory loss and other cognitive, psychiatric and neurological complications. Children with serious Lyme infections have developed symptoms very similar to those of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and other neuropsychological disorders.

Unfortunately, many parents don’t know much about Lyme disease – or how to prevent it.

Time for Lyme (www.timeforlyme.org) is an organization dedicated to eliminating the devastating effects of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illness. Its mission is to prevent the spread of disease, develop definitive diagnostic tools and effective treatments, and to ultimately find a cure for tick-borne illness by supporting research, education, and the acquisition and dissemination of information. In addition, TFL continues to act as an advocate for Lyme disease sufferers and their families through support of legislative reform on the federal, state and local levels.

The organization provides four things to teach your children about avoiding Lyme:

1. Stay out of the bushes. Ticks typically hide in dark, moist areas, such as tall grass and shrubs, so kids should hike and play in clear areas. Be sure to keep swing sets and other toys away from long grassy or wooded areas, as well.
2. Wear the right clothes (and repellant). Kids should wear closed-toe shoes (not sandals), socks, long pants and long-sleeved shirts in light colors (it’s tougher to spot ticks on dark fabrics). Parents should consider using an approved insect repellant made with the chemical DEET. They are encouraged to ask their physicians advice on the appropriate amount of DEET for their family. Some repellants that contain the insecticide Permethrin are only safe for use on clothes, not skin.
3. Do regular Tick Tests. Teach your child to check his skin and hair for ticks every time he comes inside after playing in a tick-friendly area. He should pay special attention to underarms, the backs of his knees, waist, groin and hairline. When you think of Lyme, remember that timing is everything: Unlike mosquitoes or other biting insects, a tick must grab hold and burrow its mouth parts into the skin before it can begin feeding, a process that usually takes between 10 and 30 minutes. During this process the tick anesthetizes the area of the bite so the host or child or victim does not feel it. The chances of contracting Lyme disease from an infected tick increases with the length of time it’s attached. Thus, being vigilant with inspections means your child is much less likely to have a tick bite. And if that tick is infected, the bite is much less likely to cause problems if it’s discovered quickly.
4. Remove it right. If your child finds a tick, she should tell you right away (you can teach an older child how to remove it herself). Remove the tick by grasping its head with fine-tipped tweezers as close to the point of contact or as close to the skin as possible and pulling gently, straight away from the body (don’t twist). It is critical to note that improper removal can lead to disease.

(Long Island, N.Y.) I get a lot of news about local authors penning children’s books, but this one in particular caught my eye. Salvatore ‘Sonny’ Grosso has been in the security and private investigation business for many years “breaking necks and cashing checks” as they say. Born and raised in New York/Long Island, Sonny’s tough guy, private eye exterior hides a much softer and gentler side which comes through in his writing. He has published over thirty poems but this is his first book, ‘The Butterfly and The Dinosaur‘.

I recently caught up with Sonny to ask him some tough (and not-so-tough) questions about his beautiful book.

What inspired you to write The Butterfly and The Dinosaur?

Sonny: In 2006 right before the holidays, I was diagnosed with Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma, (Non-Hodgkins). While going through chemo and radiation through 2007, I began to re-think my priorities. Wondering what kind of a mark I would leave on this great planet if I didn’t win my fight. In life, we have all held on to someone we didn’t want to lose from our lives without fully thinking of the other person. The relationship becomes smothered and then often dies.

It could be a special love, a friend or even a parent letting a child go to live their life. We tend to grasp them tighter selfishly (although unconsciously). The old saying about letting someone go and if they come back it’s meant to be is a scary and painful thought for most of us. But the true joy of any relationship should be the happiness of the other. I came to know and love a very special person who touched my life and opened my eyes and my heart, but eventually had to let fly away like a butterfly for their happiness.

It was a painful yet satisfying decision. I realized that there are kids, young adults and even we grown ups who face these kind of decisions every day. So much ugliness in the news across the world. Relationships breaking up and ending tragically, students not being accepted and bullied also ending tragically. I wanted to help, send a message, a lesson. Sometimes letting go, means letting grow.

What was the hardest part about getting this book into print?

Sonny: Initially it was the insecurity that comes with the process. You ask yourself, why would anyone want to hear what I have to say? But I began to think, if a dinosaur like me can learn a lesson, why not someone else? I wanted to get out the message and help others, it then became easy. The hardest part was waiting. I have a tendency to be just ever so slightly impatient at times.

Can you tell me a little bit about your work in the security and private investigation business?

Sonny: I have been in the security, protection and investigation business for over 30 years. I spent 25 years with A&P/Waldbaum Supermarkets. During my career there, I had apprehended and arrested hundreds, if not thousands of individuals doing some not so nice things. While that made the bosses happy, I was always let down. I would travel around the country holding seminars for management, senior level too, teaching them to be PROACTIVE instead of REACTIVE. In other words, put the programs in place to stop someone from turning bad. In other words, protect each other from making bad decisions.

After retiring, I started my own company in 2002, InterSec Protection Inc. I had the absolute pleasure of providing security coverage at Adventureland, which I still do today. That was it for me. To see the smiles on the kids and families faces is worth the long hours. Getting to know the workers there also inspired me to the book. I became Uncle Sonny there and always had time for them.

I realized that even in 2010, the dilemas, pains, insecurities of growing up, relationships and life in general have not changed since I was 16. I also provide security at schools and had the time of my life in 2008 when I worked at Holy Family Elementary School in Hicksville. I became known as Uncle Sonny there too. Anyone who doesn’t love kids and who doesn’t realize that they truly are the responsibility of all of us, needs to re-examine themselves.

Given your background, what was the reaction of your friends and family when you told them you were writing a children’s book? Was anyone surprised by your softer side?
Sonny: Well, there were some very mixed reactions. Some were surprised that I could draw, (I did the illustrations). Some flat out didn’t believe that I did it at all. I have to be honest, sometimes I cannot believe it myself. I have heard that some people snickered behind my back and quickly apologized when they read the book. I have received many glowing, loving and positive responses from all across the country, Canada, England and even Italy and that completely floors me.

I wonder if some of the people I tangled and wrestled with read the book, what they would think. But in all honesty, it doesn’t bother me. As I have done my whole life, I gave it my all and I am proud of the outcome. My son had the best reaction of all…”Holy Crap! This is soo good Dad” Hahahahahah, gotta love it!

What do you hope children (and parents) hope to gain by reading your book?

Sonny: I hope that everyone who reads The Butterfly and The Dinosaur sees a little of themselves in it. Realizes some mistakes they have made and maybe are making right now. My goal is for us to realize that we are all we have on this planet and we should start treating each other with respect and love and unselfishness. The whole concept sweeping the world is “live for today” and “look out for number one because nobody else will”…I don’t believe in that. I believe that we need to live each day to the fullest but not selfishly.

On my facebook page, I post a daily “Thought for the day” and in it I try to reinforce these philosophies. Smile at strangers, pet a dog, wave hello to a kid sitting in a car on the LIE, open a door, tell someone you love them, etc. This attitude is free, it costs absolutely nothing, yet some people act like it costs them their very soul or persona. If the end of the world came tomorrow, what would you regret the most?

Do you do school visits or readings here on Long Island?

Sonny: I have several school visits and readings in the works. They are listed on my website www.dinomish.com and will be updated as events come. Please visit and say hello, see the reviews. But I refuse to do the readings. I would rather involve the students. We have drawing contests, the kids read the parts of the characters and the narration. I picture myself in the audience listening to some guy reading his own book to me, and I shudder. Now they are involved and it’s a fun learning atmosphere.

What else would you like readers to know about you?

Sonny: In the 70’s and 80’s, I worked several clubs as a bouncer and although things got crazy sometimes, I almost never had to use my hands. Words are the power. When I was locking up a drug addict for stealing, I bought them a soda or a hotdog. I remember one day while working at Adventureland, I noticed a guy with his family staring me down. This went on for over an hour.

My gut was telling me that whatever contact we had in the past, it wasn’t positive. I stayed alert and kept my distance. Finally, he approached me and asked if I was Sonny from Waldbaums? I said yes and took a step back ready for whatever was about to come. He lifted up his hands, came towards me and hugged me. He told me he wanted to thank me. I had caught him in an embezzlement and prosecuted him. So why was he thanking me?

What people don’t know is that I went to each of his trials, spoke with the District Attorney and helped him find a job. He brought his family over to meet me and in true Uncle Sonny form, I got them free passes for the next time they came. That is what it’s all about, making difference, looking in the mirror and just being nice to each other!

I have published over thirty poems, (another secret revealed). I have a son nicknamed “The Clone” who is finishing college at Methodist University in North Carolina this year. I am lucky to still have my Mom and Dad, I have three sisters, two nieces, two nephews, six godchildren, love the Yankees and Elvis. I make a Christmas Album every year. But aside from this book and some other things you may not have known, here’s another. The opening and closing song you hear at Adventureland every day is me. So come there, enjoy yourselves, but the book in the gift shop and smile at the people who may bump into you BY ACCIDENT!!

Lastly, I want to thank The Butterfly who made this all possible!

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To learn more about Sonny, check out: www.dinomish.com and to purchase his book: www.authourhouse.com

(Long Island, N.Y.) I don’t know what it is about the circus, but long ago when I was a kid, “The Greatest Show on Earth” captured my heart. Whenever I hear that the circus is coming to town, I get, well, a little giddy. I tend to take the “children of all ages” literally and my face still lights up with wonder. (Perhaps the feeder bag of popcorn and cotton candy adds a little to my excitement!)

We’ve made it a family tradition to hit the circus — and this year is no exception. Lucky for me the show is always changing, so my kids are always in for a new treat each time. Anther reason why it’s a big hit: It’s totally affordable. The tickets prices alone make it a family outing worth taking–starting as low as $15!

I’d rather skip the movies this month, head to Nassau Coliseum, and let the kids feast their eyes on:

• The Flying Caceres attempting to complete the elusive quadruple somersault on the flying trapeze
• The Puyang troupe from China dazzle with a stunning display of dexterity as they bounce, flip, and twirl to new heights on a two-tiered trampoline.
• The impossible contortions of the body benders who fit three humans in a cube the size of a milk crate.
• The wondrous ability of the Mighty Meetal, the strongest man in the world, as he lifts over 1,200 pounds.
• The stupendous skills of the hand balancers featuring Duo Fusion, a married pair of performers with a twist; the wife does the heavy lifting

About the Show

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents Barnum’s FUNundrum–featuring 130 performers from six continents, almost 100,000 pounds of performing pachyderms, cowboys, pirates, and mermaids.

Ringmaster and New York City’s own Jonathan Lee Iverson, invites the audience to leap aboard the Ringling Bros. train and go on a family FUNtastic adventure to meet exotic characters and witness thrilling performances that attempt to answer Barnum’s FUNundrum, “What special wonders create The Greatest Show On Earth?”

Produced by sisters Nicole Feld and Alana Feld, the first-ever female producers of The Greatest Show On Earth, Barnum’ FUNundrum! provides hours of thrilling entertainment that’s fun for the whole family.

Step Right Up
If you want to join in the fun, the circus train is set to make stops here on Long Island (Nassau Coliseum March 17-21) and New York City (Madison Square Garden March 25 – April 4).

Early Bird Special

Arrive an hour before show time for the All Access Pre-show – FREE to all ticket holders – and meet performers and animals, learn circus skills and enjoy a taste of the performance before the show even starts! It’s the beginning of an experience you and your family will never forget.

TICKET PRICES
$150.00 (Circus Celebrity) $70.00 (VIP Seats), $50.00, $30.00, $20.00 and $15.00 (prices do not include facility fees and taxes). Opening Night tickets are only $12.00 (excluding Circus Celebrity and VIP seats).

Tickets are available at ringling.com, all arena box offices, all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com. All seats are reserved. To learn more about Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, log on to www.ringling.com.