Magazine layout

LONG ISLAND

HOME
REAL ESTATE • DESIGN • LIFEST YLE
SPRING 2022

IS IN THE AIR!

Plus Creating Historic Unforgettable Rooms We Love,
Gorgeous Houses Real Estate 5 Fab Home Shows
: Gardens Reimagined Deals And More!

InsideLIHome.com

to

Moorinthegs/Allen Estate
leathermanhomes.com

rime Opportunity to Etch yourself into Long Island Kevin Leatherman
History, Gold Coast Residential Lot in the Location of
"East Egg" as referenced in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The LICENSED REAL ESTATE BROKER/OWNER
Great Gatsby, the Incorporated Village of Sands Point. Call/Text: (516) 362-1828
Historically known as part of a larger property called [email protected]
"The Moorings" with an 1898 Carriage House/Barn
that still stands to this day. Near to the historic former
Guggenheim Estate now the Sands Point Preserve
Conservatory and the Wildbank John Philip Sousa House.
Elysian views of Manhasset Bay where Yachts stipple
the shoreline and a stone's throw from the prestigious
and long-established Cachet of the Manhasset Bay
Yacht Club. Direct access to Manhattan from the LIRR.
According to Niche.com Port Washington is #25 in Best
School Districts in New York.

2 | LI HOME Magazine | SPRING 2022

NSPoaotanibnledts John Philip

Historical Sousa

Significance • American Composer most famous
for the “Stars & Stripes Forever”
the official military march of the US
Marine Corps

• World War II Liberty Ship named in
his honor

Harry

Guggenheim

• Founder of “Newsday” in 1940, Long
Islands major newspaper publication.

• Appointed by President Hoover
to head the National Advisory
Committee on Aeronautics

• Funded much of the early space
flight research specifically the first
liquid-fueled rocket

• His estate, now the Sands Point Conservatory, served as part
of the inspiration for the homes in “East Egg” from F. Scott
Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”.

Sands Point Lighthouse

• Constructed in 1806
• Previously owned by William Randolph Hearst
• Declared a village landmark in 1992, but remains

privately owned
• Still stands, but is no longer operational

The

Moorings

• Varied History Dating Back to the Land Subdivided from the
Frederick Hicks Estate

• Property purchased in 1924 by George & Elizabeth Marshall
(includes the current Barn that is there now)

SPRING 2022 | LI HOME Magazine | 3

LOT 1Design your Lifestyle…

LOT 2Exquisite Gold Coast Land
For Sale!

29 CLeadnaer
Sands Point, NY 11050
3.17 Acres
$3,600,000

27 CLeadnaer
Sands Point, NY 11050
3.68 Acres
$3,995,000

4 | LI HOME Magazine | SPRING 2022

25 CLeadnaer LOT 3
Sands Point, NY 11050
3.36 Acres LOT 4
$3,300,000
LOT 5
23 CLeadnaer
Sands Point, NY 11050
2.74 Acres
$2,500,000

21 HLiacnkes
Sands Point, NY 11050
2.30 Acres
$2,000,000

25 S Village Avenue Rockville Centre, NY 11570
Call/Text: (516) 362-1828
[email protected]

SPRING 2022 | LI HOME Magazine | 5

AVANTINSIDE

It’s time to plant the seeds  HSepalethcFiinadls a
of innovation and 
inspiration... HOME
page
page
30
42
HOME

Shows
to Binge
page
50

6 | LI HOME Magazine | SPRING 2022

The Colombos-Dooley Team

The Founding Agents of Compass Long Island
and Members of the Luxury Division.

Experience isn’t expensive, it’s priceless...

Nicholas Colombos Angela Dooley
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
[email protected] [email protected]
M: 917.453.9333 M: 516.315.7781

The Colombos Dooley Team is a team of real estate agents affi liated with Compass, a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled
from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions. O: 516.517.4751

SPRING 2022 | LI HOME Magazine | 7

MUTTONTOWN, NY Located in the exclusive Pen Mor Farms Muttontown,
this stately 7,000 SF brick colonial sits on 2.5 acres.
19 Pen Mor Drive As you enter the home, the bridal staircase sets the
tone with custom detailing and amenities throughout.
$4,299,000 | 6 Bed | 5 Bath | 1 Half Bath Exquisite inground gunite pool and spa with outdoor
kitchen, bbq and tennis court.

The Colombos-Dooley Team is a team of real estate agents affiliated with Compass. Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity
laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to
the accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate
brokerage. 1695 Northern Blvd, Manhasset NY, 11030. 516.617.4751

8 | LI HOME Magazine | SPRING 2022

SANDS POINT, NY

70 Old House Lane

$4,599,000 | 7 Bed | 6 Bath | 2 Half Bath

This one-of-a-kind South Hampton Colonial Style home consists of the finest
quality craftsmanship and design. Complete with gourmet eat-in kitchen with
custom cabinetry, bright and spacious great room, formal living room/dining room,
study/office, pool, outdoor kitchen, private gated courtyard, and huge property.

The Colombos-Dooley Team

Represented by: Angela Dooley
Licensed RE Salesperson
Nicholas Colombos [email protected]
Licensed RE Salesperson M: 516.315.7781
[email protected]
M: 917.453.9333

The Colombos-Dooley Team is a team of real estate agents affiliated with Compass. Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for
informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the
accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional
advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage.

SPRING 2022 | LI HOME Magazine | 9

INSIDE Welcome LONG ISLAND

HOME HOME
Issue 3
Wreaths Spring 2022
Seasonal décor
comes full circle STAFF

page Editorial Team Karen Bloom
Kate Nalepinski
12
Sales & Marketing Amy Amato
• My L.I. Home 14.... Anna Graci
• Real Talk ....20 Lori Pedone
• How To .... 48
Publisher Stuart Richner
Vice President Sales Rhonda Glickman

Director of New
Escapes Business Development Eric Feil

History and hospitality Creative Director
at the and Designer Jeffrey A. Negrin

Three Village Inn LONG ISLAND
page
HOME
52 REAL ESTATE • DESIGN • LIFEST YLE
SPRING 2022

IS IN THE AIR!

Plus Creating Historic Unforgettable Rooms We Love,
Gorgeous Houses Real Estate 5 Fab Home Shows
: Gardens Reimagined Deals And More!

InsideLIHome.com

Home Long Island HOME Magazine is published by
Sweet Richner Communications, Inc. and is distributed
Home by USPS to households and businesses on Long
Island. Distribution is supplemented via hotels,
HOME Is Where restaurants, real estate and professional offices,
the Is and similar locations.
page No part of Long Island HOME Magazine may
be reproduced in any form or by any means
58 without prior written consent from the publisher.
The views expressed by contributors are not
necessarily those of the publisher, editor or staff
of Long Island HOME Magazine.

Cover photo from www.123rf.com

Long Island HOME Magazine
2 Endo Boulevard, Garden City, N.Y. 11530
Voice: (516) 569-4000 • Fax: (516) 569-4942

© 2022 Richner Communications, Inc.

10 | LI HOME Magazine | SPRING 2022

THE RIGHT COVERAGE MATTERS 1143574

HOME • AUTO • FLOOD • BUSINESS • CONDO/CO-OP

Serving Long Island for Over 80 Years

A Boutique Agency with the Power of Experience

Offering Services in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Florida,
North Carolina and South Carolina

(516) 432-5800

www.yourcoverage.com • [email protected]

SPRING 2022 | LI HOME Magazine | 11

Welcome HOME Spring is the season of rebirth, a time for homes to
come to life with bursts of color in the garden and
SEASONAL lively decorative touches around the house. There are
any number of ways to capture the joy embodied in
Décocmoers the cycle of the year having come full circle, back to
this beginning, and among the most beloved signs of
CLE the season is the wreath.
CIR
FULL Wreaths have long been symbolic of joy and
celebration, but perhaps most typically associated
with winter. In Christianity, many believe the
wreaths of holly we see adorning homes during the
Christmas season symbolize the crown of thorns
that Jesus Christ wore on the cross. Wreaths of other
evergreens that evolved over time have extended the
symbolism to include immortality, the preservation
of greenery as showing the power of life and hope to
survive through the cold, harsh months.

Outside wintertime we’ve all seen wreaths of bright
flowers and plants and vines and such, not only
evergreens. Numerous historians have traced the
origins of ornamental wreaths further back in time

to 150 B.C. or so, to personal adornment worn
on the heads of ancient Greeks, for whom
interwoven bands of laurel represented victory in
sporting competition and, for the Romans, who
applied the laurel wreath to winning in battle.

The very shape of the wreath itself conveys
infinity, continuity, no beginning and no end.
The circle also brings to mind the sun and the
moon, the endless cycle of day and night that
carries us through every day and month of the
year. Native-American, Celtic and Norse cultures
have all used wreaths to capture and express these
concepts, even presenting them as wedding gifts to
symbolize unity and wholeness.

In many cases, the substance of the wreath can hold
additional meaning. A wreath woven of wheat, for
example, symbolizes hospitality and bounty. One
made of grapevines suggests fertility and abundance.
Magnolias represent dignity and nobility, good luck
and stability; while sunflower wreaths exude passion
and sunshine.

Of course, when hung on your front door, perhaps
most important is a wreath’s ability to capture and
express your individual taste and style, to celebrate a
season and to say to guests, simply, Welcome…

Photo 123rf

12 | LI HOME Magazine | SPRING 2022

Bath | Kitchen | Medicine Cabinets | Shower Doors | Accessories
Faucets | Hardware | Vanities | Fixtures | Mirrors | Lighting

Plumbing Supply Inc. 196 Merrick Road - Lynbrook, NY 11563
516-599-6655
KITCHEN & BATH DESIGN CENTER
www.candlplumbingsupply.com

SPRING 2022 | LI HOME Magazine | 13

My L.I. Home

HOME rt Celebrating our collective
IS creative past at the
is
where Heckscher Museum of Art

the By Kate Nalepinski

14 | LI HOME Magazine | SPRING 2022 Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner. Willem and Elaine de
Kooning. William Merritt Chase and William Sidney
Mount. George Grosz and Arthur Dove and Helen Torr
and ...

Countless legendary artists, along with curator, Karli Wurzelbacher. Karli Wurzelbacher
others whose names we don’t yet know
but surely will in time, have called Long A century after its founding, the CURATOR
Island home, inspired by its lifestyle, its Heckscher Museum of Art continues
landscapes and its light. Their presence still to connect Long Island’s artistic past “If you think about the Metropolitan
resonates here, giving residents a sense of with its present while also looking to the Museum of Art, it was only founded 50
how important the creative spirit, and its future under Wurzelbacher’s considered years before us in one of the biggest cities
preservation, is to life on this island. It is a watch. Located in scenic Heckscher Park, in the world.”
sensibility that spurs new artists today, and a cornerstone of Huntington Village, “it’s
one that continues to drive the Heckscher one of the first art museums in a non- continued on page 16
Museum of Art in Huntington and its urban setting,” Wurzelbacher notes. SPRING 2022 | LI HOME Magazine | 15

continued from page 15

The museum opened July 10, 1920; are many people who paint beautiful, realistic representations of quintessential Long
its construction funded by Anna Island landscapes—but there’s also a lot of other things going on, too.”
Atkins and August Heckscher, a
German immigrant who had a summer Wurzelbacher came to New York and obtained her master’s degree in art history from
home with his family in Wincoma, Hunter College, and worked at Manhattan’s renowned DC Moore Gallery. She’s also
a small hamlet located northwest of previously worked at the Baltimore Museum of Art, and has curated exhibitions at
Huntington Bay. Originally filled with the Columbus Museum of Art, Hunter College Art Galleries and the University of
185 works donated by Heckscher, the
museum later made space for rotating continued on page 18
exhibitions. With assistance from
Eva Gatling, who in 1962 was named Photos courtesy Heckscher Museum of Art
full-time professional director, the
museum was put “on the map,” says Prior page: The Heckscher Museum of Art is located on the Heckscher Park grounds in Huntington, both originally
Wurzelbacher. funded by Anna Atkins and August Heckscher.
Top photo this page: A 1940 postcard displays the park grounds.
The curator understands better than Bottom photo: The onetime home of Arthur Dove and Helen Torr is a historic landmark owned by the museum.
most its integral place not only among
the region’s many museums, but in
the literal geography that begins
the moment one leaves the island of
Manhattan for the one stretching from
Queens and Brooklyn all the way to
Orient and Montauk.

“I love going to the Museum of
Modern Art, I love going to the
Metropolitan Museum of Art, but it’s
an all-day experience,” she says. “Here,
you can pop in. It’s more intimate, it’s
less of an undertaking.”

A resident of Bayside, Wurzelbacher
loves how Long Island offers that ease of
access. She feels it holds as true for the
outdoors, nature and the surrounding
waters—the Ross, Ohio native still has
moments when she’s amazed by the
ocean—as it does the museum, whose
location offers a touchpoint that has
it “plugged in” to Long Island’s art
community, as she says.

As such, it actively highlights works from
a range of Long Island natives, residents
and frequenters.This is accomplished in
part through the Long Island Biennial,
a juried exhibition featuring work by
contemporary artists exclusively from
Suffolk and Nassau County.

“What I just continue to find
remarkable is the diversity of art being
made here,” Wurzelbacher says. “There

16 | LI HOME Magazine | SPRING 2022

aPaPnrnrododffepepsasasssissiosoinionoananlalattee. .

““HHaavvininggEElizliazabbetehthMMarakrokvoivcicseslleolluorur
hhoommeewwaas sththeebbesetstdedceicsiiosinonwewe
mmaaddee. .SShheewwaas sprporfoefsessiosinoanlaelveevreyry
ssteteppoof fththeewwaay.yS. hSehegugiudieddedusus
ththrorouugghhththeewwhohloeleprporcoecsessws iwthitheaesaes. e.
EElilzizaabbeeththwwaas saalwlwayasysavaavialailbalbeletoto
aannswsweer roouur rqqueusetsiotinosnsataat lal tllimtimese. s.
FFrorommstsatartrttotofinfiinsihs,hw, we eknkenwewwewe
wweerereininggooooddhahnadnsd.sW. We ewowuolduldhighhiglyhly
rereccoommmmeennddEElizliazbaebtehthfofroar naynyofoyfoyuorur
rereaal leestsatatetenneedesd”s.”.
——LLininddaaaannddJeJrerryr,yS, eSlelellresrs

CCaalllmmee ttooddaayy if you are thinkkiinngg ooff sseellilningg.. SPRING 2022 | LI HOME Magazine | 17

EElliizzaabbeetthh MMaarrkkoovviicc

LLiicceennsseedd AAssssoocciiaattee RREE BBrrookkeerr
MeMelli:i:zz5a5a11bb66ee..22tt5h5h2@[email protected]|b|bOeOett::hh55mm1166aa..5r5rk1k17o7o.v.4v4i7ci7c5.5c.1c1oomm

Elizabeth Markovic is a Real Estate agent affiliated with Compass. Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws.
Elizabeth Markovic is a Real Estate agent affiliated with Compass. Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws.

continued from page 18 periods, across countries … and putting “This is a natural and vibrant part of
work together in constellations that it has Long Island,” Wurzelbacher says, “and
Delaware’s University Museums. When not been in before.” to have a place dedicated to that in the
she joined the Heckscher Museum present, and also to share with people this
as its curator in 2019, she says she That balance of old and new, then incredible history of Long Island’s past—
was naturally drawn to the role. “We and now—it all comes together so Richard Mayhew, George Grosz, Arthur
have a strong collection of American organically here. The onetime home of Dove and Helen Torr—to introduce
Modernism,” she notes, “and that’s what I Arthur Dove and Helen Torr is even people, or reacquaint people, with history
know best.” part of the museum. The Dove/Torr and how important this place has been…
Cottage, which the couple bought in it’s incredible.”
In fact, works by American modernists 1938, was acquired by the Heckscher
Arthur Dove and Helen Torr, two artists Museum of Art in 1998 (with help “Richard Mayhew: Reinventing Landscape”
who Wurzelbacher studied for her from the Times-Mirror Corporation runs through April 24. “Moonlight” is on
dissertation, are featured in “Moonstruck,” and the New York Department of Parks, exhibition through September 18. The Long
one of two galleries currently on display Recreation and Historic Preservation). Island Biennial is open through April 30.
(along with “Reinventing Landscape,” Only three miles from the museum, the For more information on the Heckscher
spanning the career of Amityville-born site stands as a tangible piece of Museum of Art in Huntington, visit
artist Richard Mayhew). Drawn from art history. heckscher.org.
the museum’s collection, the exhibition
features celestial artworks inspired by the And the main museum building housing Photo courtesy, Heckscher Museum of Art
moon and moonlight. all these wonderful works is a work of art
itself. Designed by Julius Franke of the “Richard Mayhew: Reinventing Landscape” puts the Long
“What I really love about the thematic legendary New York architecture firm of Island native’s works in the spotlight.
shows is you can see we are very Maynicke & Franke, it is on the National
deliberately juxtaposing the old and the Registry of Historic Places.
new,” she says. “We’re pulling across time

18 | LI HOME Magazine | SPRING 2022

Your home.
My mission.

Compass is the nation’s leading brokerage. It is a real estate company, but also a
powerful technology firm. It confidently helps evaluate properties, predict market trends,
and helps you achieve the greatest return in the shortest time. The market for sellers
is still robust and prices are at their peak. If you are curious about what your home is
worth call Karen Elefante! She will help you explore your options.

Karen Elefante compass.com

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson Karen Elefante is a real estate agent affiliated with compass. Compass is
[email protected] a licensed real estate broker and abides by equal housing opportunity laws.
M: 516.398.5055
100 Merrick Road, Rockville Center, NY 11570 SPRING 2022 | LI HOME Magazine | 19

Real Talk

Your First Time
You Never Forget
very real estate deal is unique. Some are certainly more memorable than
others, naturally, as each buyer and bidding war, each seller and situs, each
neighborhood and negotiation, brings something unique to the table.
Yet there is something truly special about that very first deal that makes
it unforgettable. With a mix of life-changing moments, career-informing
lessons and emotional rides, our gathering of Long Island real estate
professionals look back and share stories of their first time.

Kevin Leatherman

Leatherman Homes

It was at The Parker Deauville, in Long
Beach. I was the board president and sold
one of my neighbor’s units during a very
slow market. I had a warm emotionally
soaring feeling on scoring on my first deal
with a buyer that truly appreciated my hard
work and efforts in helping them. For the
first time in my professional life, everything
just clicked! I felt like I had arrived! I knew
before the closing that real estate was my
true calling. Soon after, I quit my full-time
job as a Wall Street trader and opened my
own agency. I went for loving what I do for
a living over just making as much money as
possible, and I never looked back.

Elizabeth Markovic

Compass Real Estate

The first time I must say, I was a little
nervous, mainly because I didn’t want
anything to go wrong. I feel that I was lucky,
as my buyer was really a pleasure to work
with, along with the listing agent. It was
interesting to see how comfortable both
the buyer and seller were at the closing table,
which created a very pleasant atmosphere. 

continued on page 22

20 | LI HOME Magazine | SPRING 2022

From the community.
For the community.

We help Nassau residents save.

DEADLINE EXTENDED

File with the leader today and discover positive
results backed by a commitment to superior
quality, expertise and customer service.

Apply online at mptrg.com/lihome or call 516.715.1247

THE LEADER IN PROPERTY TAX REDUCTION

Maidenbaum Property Tax Reduction Group, LLC – 483 Chestnut Street, Cedarhurst, NY 11516

SPRING 2022 | LI HOME Magazine | 21

Home Experts continued from page 22 Karen Elefante
22 | LI HOME Magazine | SPRING 2022
Compass Real Estate

I will never forget my first deal! I got my buyer a home
in Nassau County. The buyers and sellers signed the
contract—a reason to celebrate for all parties. A few
weeks later it was revealed that my buyer had a co-op
to sell in Queens. Being so new to the industry, I never
asked if they had something to sell. I thought the listing
agent was going to. Well, the buyer sold the co-op in a
week, so all was okay. Five years later, they sold the house
and bought one on the North Shore—I was the realtor
on all transactions! 

Ray Pearson

Cobbleridge Realty Corp.

I originally came from the mortgage side of the business,
so we didn’t have the opportunity to meet anyone. It was
just numbers and paperwork faxed to our office. Yawn.
I never got the privilege to see how we were changing
people’s lives for the better. I always loved the direct
interaction with individuals and hearing their stories, so
I made the move to real estate. It was exhilarating, to say
the least. I knew nothing about the business back then,
but what I did know was I was directly responsible for
the next chapter in families lives.

When you have a grown man who says, with tears in his
eyes, “Thank you, we never thought we would ever own
a home”—he then proceeded to give me a hug—I was
hooked on this passion, which just happens to allow me
to bring families to their next journey in life. 

Dee Dee Brix

Berkshire Hathaway Home Services —
Laffey International Realty

I have vivid memories of my first sale. It was in 1995
and I was at a seminar and went to the pay phone to
call my client—she told me she would sell the house for
$263,000 if my customers would meet that counter offer.
They did! And when I called the owner back to tell her
they met her counter, she burst into tears—she had lived
in that house for 40 years and the reality hit her. Then I
cried along with her. Buyers and seller were very happy
to make their move!

SPRING 2022 | LI HOME Magazine | 23

continued from page 24 Angela Dooley Excellence
24 | LI HOME Magazine | SPRING 2022
Compass Real Estate

The first real estate transaction was the sale of my neighbor’s home! It
was a bittersweet event, as I was extremely happy to have sold my first
home, setting a sales record in my area, but on the other hand I was
extremely sad that I was losing one of my best friends, as they were
moving out of town. 

Donna O’Reilly Einemann

Douglas Elliman

My very first sale was a buyer I met at an open house in Hewlett
that I was doing for the listing agent. The buyer didn’t purchase that
house, however—I showed her another house that she did purchase in
Lynbrook. We closed on the home in December 2005, seven months
after I got my real estate license. I was so excited! I was working a full-
time job and working real estate nights and weekends, so my focus was
primarily working with buyers, because that was when they were available.

This house was a 1947 expanded Cape with a large kitchen that opened
up to a sizable family room. I can still picture it today. I learned so
much handling this sale, especially at the home inspection. I must
have asked the inspector 1,000 questions! That’s where I learned that
100 amps of electric was the minimum a home could have in order to
get financing. This house only had 60 amps...yikes! But we negotiated
successfully and closed the deal with the mentorship of the listing agent
whose open house I did. Great teamwork!  
 
I’m happy to say that the buyer still resides in that home today. I’m sure
with 200 amp electric by now! 

NICK COLOMBOS

Compass Real Estate

My very first deal in real estate was a rental on Allen Street off of Canal
in NYC. I was working as a new agent with Sopher Real Estate and
received a cold call from the front desk to show this dilapidated prewar
rental building to a prospective renter.  I think the manager had nobody
else to give the call to. 

We arrive at the building only to find a drunk super in the main lobby
with the keys to the walk-up apartment. We walk up seven flights in
the afternoon July heat, enter the two-bedroom railroad apartment
with tub and toilet in the kitchen, and find two mice chasing each
other from one side of the apartment to the other. I was shocked and
jumped on the kitchen counter while the prospective buyers stood there
motionless. 

I remember feeling that this deal was not going to happen, but was
surprised they still wanted the apartment and signed a lease. 

Home | Condo/Co-op | Auto | Renters
Flood | Boat | Life

Financial Planning | Commercial | Umbrella

Peter Catalano, Exclusive Agent
Personal Financial Representative

855-428-4001
[email protected]

SPRING 2022 | LI HOME Magazine | 25

Rooms We Love

“A room without books “
is like a body without a
26 | LI HOME Magazine | SPRING 2022 soul.
— Marcus Tullius Cicero
Photo 123rf

Smart Home
Audio Systems
Climate Controls
Home Theater Systems
Lighting Controls
Motorized Shades
Network Solutions
Wire Solutions

SPRING 2022 | LI HOME Magazine | 27

WiWshisYhoYuoHuaHdadThTehPeePrekrsks
OfOHf aHvainvignYgoYuoruOrwOwnn
CoCnocniecriegregSeerSevrivciec?e?

NoNwowYOYUOCUACNA.N.

Give yoGuivrseeylfo, uarrseelalf,tiavereolartfivrieenodr ftrhieengdiftthoefgtimft oef time
with ApweixthCAopnecxieCrognecSieerrgveicSeesr,vdiceelivse, drinelgivetoripn-gtietor,p-tier,
white gwlohviteecgolonvceiecrgonecsiergviecesesrtvoiccelisetnoteclelieonnteLleoonng LIsolanngdIsland

and theanNdetwheYNoerkwCYitoyrkarCeiaty. area.

OurOsuer vsiecrevsi:ces:

Private PCrhiveafte Chef PersonPaelrCsohnaaul fCfehuaruffeur
NutritionNisut ritionist PrivatePJriveat t&e YJeatc&htYRaecnhttaRlsentals
In-HomIen-BHeoamuetyB&eWauetylln&eWssellness PrivatePDrivuattyeNDuurtsyinNgursing
TreatmeTrnetastments Live-inLPiveer-sinoPnaelrsAosnsaisltAasnstsist/ants /
Salon &SSaploanS&eSrvpicaeSservices CompCanoimonpsanions
MassagMeaTshseargaepTishterapist PatienPt aStitietenrtsSfiottreHrsofsopr iHtaol s/pital /
At HomAetYHoogmae Yoga HospicHeospice
Event PElavnennitnPglanning NannyNSaenrnvyicSeesrvices
Luxury LCuaxruRryenCtaarlsRentals HouseHColuesaeniCnlgeaannidngmaonrde.m.. ore...

If the serIfvtihce syeoruvinceeydouisn’et eodnisthni’st olisnt,tghisvelisut,sgaivceaulls. a call.
We’ll creWaete’llacrceuastetoamcpuastcokmagpeackage
to fit youtor ifintdyivoiudruinadl niveideudasl.needs.

1-8661-V8I6P6--AVPIPE-XAP(1E-8X6(16--886467--824773-92)739)

28 | LI HOME Magazine | SPRING 2022

24-2h4o-uhrocuor nccoinecrgieergseersveicrveicseasvavilabilalebl3e63565dadyasyas ayeyaera!r!

OptioOnpstifoonrsefxocrluesxcivleusmivemmbeemrsbheiprsohirpsoinrgslien-gsle-rsveicrevicne endese.ds.
We aWlsoe oaflsfeoroAffpeerxACpeoxnCcioenrgceieSrgeervSiceervsicaessaaCs oarCporpaoteraEtme EpmloypeloeyeBeenBeefniteofirt aonr an

EmpElomypeleoyReeewRaerwd aPrrdoPgroagmr.am.

apexacpoenxccieorngceiesergrveisceersv.icoems.c|oVmIP|@[email protected]

SPRING 2022 | LI HOME Magazine | 29

AVANT NO LIVE COPY OR LIVE PHOTOS IN THIS SPACE

It’s time to plant the seeds  
of innovation and inspiration...

By Kate Nalepinski

Photos 123rf

30 | LI HOME Magazine | SPRING 2022

NO LIVE COPY OR LIVE PHOTOS IN THIS SPACE The joys of surrounding a home with
flowers, trees, ponds, stones and other
touches are as varied as the gardens that
come together in their midst. Every
landscape presents a way to connect
with the natural world, to bring new
visions to life, to create something that
will never be exactly the same from one
day to the next, but will grow and evolve
over time.
As spring once again presents a fresh
canvas just waiting to be transformed, a
gathering of Long Island landscape and
garden gurus comes together to inspire,
inform and help us realize the potential
in the proverb “Life begins the day you
start a garden.”

SPRING 2022 | LI HOME Magazine | 31

32 | LI HOME Magazine | SPRING 2022

NO LIVE COPY OR LIVE PHOTOS IN THIS SPACE

NO LIVE COPY OR LIVE PHOTOS IN THIS SPACE Flower Power

The beginning of a beautiful landscape starts,
naturally, at the beginning. The first step, says
David Curcios, owner of V.S. Roses Landscape
and Design, is “you have to look at the borders of
the home. That’s along the line of where your grass
ends and your soil starts. You’ll want to plant along
the border of all entranceways, and you’ll want
those to be well-manicured.”

For the brightest blooms this spring, hold off
on purchasing flowers until after Mother’s Day,
Curcios advises. “Around that time, flowers that
come out are impatiens, marigolds, which produce
really bright color schemes.” And first-time
gardeners, don’t be afraid to start small, he adds.
It’s great to purchase one or two flats of flowers
and lay them in flower pots near the entryways for
a burst of color.

SPRING 2022 | LI HOME Magazine | 33

34 | LI HOME Magazine | SPRING 2022

NO LIVE COPY OR LIVE PHOTOS IN THIS SPACE

NO LIVE COPY OR LIVE PHOTOS IN THIS SPACE Garden
of Eatin’

“You can grow tons of different vegetables on
Long Island, from tomatoes and cucumbers
to asparagus, onions, okra, watermelon, garlic
and potatoes among others,” says Karen
Musgrave, a state-certified nursery and
landscape professional with Hicks Nurseries in
Westbury. “I prefer to grow heirloom varieties,
which are typically hardier and easy to grow.
They are also less susceptible to insect and
disease issues.”

Vegetable gardens grow best in areas with full
sunlight for six or more hours during the day,
says Musgrave. Cool-season vegetables such
as kale, broccoli, lettuce, cabbage and carrots
are typically planted outdoors beginning
in late March. These greens prefer daytime
temperatures around 60 to 65 degrees and
“will tolerate some light frost.” However, resist
the urge to plant warm-season vegetables
(think tomatoes, eggplant, peppers and
zucchini) too early. These veggies should not
be planted until around Mother’s Day, when
daytime temperatures are between 65 to 80
degrees.

SPRING 2022 | LI HOME Magazine | 35

Inside Out NO LIVE COPY OR LIVE PHOTOS IN THIS SPACE

“When it comes to selecting outdoor garden furniture, choose something
that is an expression of your personal style,” says Kerri Medina of Laura’s
Home & Patio in East Northport. “Look for quality pieces that will
allow for years of enjoyment in your outdoor oasis.” In addition to
springtime florals, outdoor garden furniture can be accented with colorful
throw pillows to add a pop of color. “Umbrellas are also a great way to
add color to your landscape and offer you shade while you’re outside
relaxing,” she says.
Don’t forget about outdoor area rugs, which can be used to create a
“defined space in the garden” and add that extra color.
“By adding furniture, lights and decorative accessories to a garden,” she
says, “a homeowner can make a backyard feel like part of your home and
expand your living and entertaining space.”

36 | LI HOME Magazine | SPRING 2022

NO LIVE COPY OR LIVE PHOTOS IN THIS SPACE

SPRING 2022 | LI HOME Magazine | 37

Wet & Wild

Water elements provide myriad benefits
to a home garden in both form and
function. The contrast of colors and
textures of a small waterfall, fountain or
pond against flowing green plantings or
hard stone provides eye-catching focal
points. Unlike many plants in a garden,
which can require constant care, “any
water feature can be low-maintenance,”
says Doug Steigerwald, owner and
operator of DesignScapes of Long
Island. “But none are maintenance-free.”

A pondless waterfall, for example, in
which water runs along a stream or
bed of pebbles and spills into a
decorative stone basin, is safe for
pets and children, Steigerwald notes,
while offering white noise to enhance
entertaining, conversation and relaxation.
A quiet pond set amid trees, grasses
and other native flora can offer a
soothing space for quiet reflection as
well as a habitat for aquatic plants and
fish, such as koi, which symbolize luck,
prosperity, happiness and, as befits an
ideal garden, harmony.

38 | LI HOME Magazine | SPRING 2022

SPRING 2022 | LI HOME Magazine | 39

40 | LI HOME Magazine | SPRING 2022

NO LIVE COPY OR LIVE PHOTOS IN THIS SPACE

NO LIVE COPY OR LIVE PHOTOS IN THIS SPACE Now & Zen

“The purpose of a Zen Garden is to
formulate a platform to allow the ‘user’
to become a participant, not an observer,”
says Glenn Lawton, owner of landscape
design firm Spatial Arts in Sag Harbor.
“The general intent is to empty your mind
of all distraction, allow you to commune,
to notice, to allow any given interruption,
then to return.”

Lawton, who developed a deeper
understanding of the cultural relevance
of Zen gardens during a “life-changing”
independent study in Kyoto, Japan, notes
that Zen gardens are unique, as they
embrace the abstract. The material palette
should be sparse: gravel, moss, maybe an
authentic ground cover, perhaps a water
element in the background.

What’s most critical is the effectiveness
and degree of the space, bringing in less,
not more. “A cushion, if needed. That’s it.”
The key to creating the ideal environment
is minimalism.

SPRING 2022 | LI HOME Magazine | 41

FEATURE “

SpecialHealth Finds a
Home

in Babylon

Home is the
lifeheart of …

— Terence Conran

By Kate Nalepinski

he sage-toned Victorian-style house at

T“60 George Street in Babylon stands on the
same corner it has since the 19th century.
An air of solidity and serenity emanates
from every corner, both to passers-by in this waterfront
village and to anyone stepping inside.

A sense of warmth and welcome is very much at the
foundation of this building, so it feels almost fated that it
became home to the Stroke & Brain Aneurysm Center
of Long Island in October 2021. While in-patient
services are still primarily handled just a stone’s throw
away at Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center in
West Islip, the outpatient headquarters moved here with
a vision of becoming an essential part of the lives of
patients and the community.

Dr. Kimon Bekelis, director of the Stroke & Brain
Aneurysm Center of Long Island, and his wife, Hillary,
a nurse practitioner, intentionally selected what they
admiringly refer to as this “architectural landmark
in Babylon” to serve a very specific role for their
medical program, which treats a wide range of
cerebrovascular diseases.

Having been both a private residence at times and also

continued on page 44

Photos by Kate Nalepinski

Anne Marie Virgilio, Dr. Kimon Bekelis and Hillary Bekelis outside of the office.

42 | LI HOME Magazine | SPRING 2022

Custom, Hand-
Crafted Glass
Fireplace Doors
Are Designed
To Enhance The
Beauty Of Any
Fireplace And
Increase Safety
And Efficiency.

Taylor’s Hearth & Leisure

Franklin Square, NY 11010 • 516.877.1960 • 726 Hempstead Turnpike
www.TaylorsFireplaces.com

SPRING 2022 | LI HOME Magazine | 43

44 | LI HOME Magazine | SPRING 2022

NO LIVE COPY OR LIVE PHOTOS IN THIS SPACE continued from page 42

part of Northwell Health’s South Shore University Hospital, formerly Southside
Hospital, in Bay Shore, the building appealed to them for the “medical significance”
in its past, Dr. Bekelis notes, as well as its longtime presence in the village.

“We wanted to make a statement in that regard and show that we are part of the
community and we want to preserve the heritage of the community,” says Dr.
Bekelis, who established the Center five years ago to fill what he saw as a gap in
stroke and brain aneurysm care on Long Island’s South Shore.

Constructed in 1865, the three-story structure now welcomes more than 90 percent
of Center patients, Dr. Bekelis says, mostly for consultation and minimally invasive
imaging services. The space without doubt makes a body-mind-soul connection for
everyone who enters, while also connecting
its new owners to local history. As with most
worthwhile journeys, the one that led here was
not without its challenges.

The Bekelises closed on the then-vacant
building in January 2020, the timing of which
added an additional layer to the task awaiting
them and Bay Shore–based interior designer
Anne Marie Virgilio, who had worked with
the Bekelises on reconstructing their East Islip
home in 2017. They had established a special
sort of personal and professional relationship.
Virgilio notes, that made their teaming up
again at 60 George Street an ideal fit.

But it was no easy task. The interior footprint
was very different when they purchased the
home, Virgilio says, from what we see today. It desperately needed a full renovation.
Think breaking down walls, removing marble fireplaces and freshening up the
old-school infrastructure.

While Virgilio helped to create consultation, examination and sonogram rooms
to fit the center’s modern-day requirements, “We really tried to maintain the ...”
Hillary starts.

“Integrity of the building,” Virgilio finishes.

“Yeah!” Hillary immediately agrees. “We really loved the moldings, the high-ceilings,
the big windows. We tried to keep as much of the building as we could, while
enhancing it for what we needed.”

The exterior has maintained its classic rooftop finials, cozy front porch and set of
welcoming, red round-top double doors. Inside, a half-turn staircase, revitalized with
glossy wood, commands a visitor’s attention. Tin ceilings in the stairwells have been
refreshed and repainted white. Most rooms are coated with a cool, green tone.

continued on page 46

The Victorian-style exterior of the office space in Babylonm maintains its historical warmth, as do such small touches
as the dooknob inside the office.

SPRING 2022 | LI HOME Magazine | 45

continued from page 45 selfies on the staircase, take pictures of the front door,”
Hillary says. “I think, especially a lot of people from the
“We wanted the building to feel serene for the area, they know this building and they’re all pretty excited
patients,” Virgilio says, “because going to a to stop by.”
physician for an appointment such as this, patients “The most important part,” Dr. Bekelis points out, “was
are very tense.” the ability to transform a building that we thought was a
symbol of Babylon into something more.”
Extraordinary attention to detail was put into the
design, from leather-bound accents that match •••••
across various rooms to the light fixtures, most Dr. Kimon Bekelis is a neurosurgeon who specializes in
of which are set on dimmers to improve patient endovascular neurosurgery and neurovascular critical
comfort. Every aspect of color palettes, artwork and care, which encompasses the treatment of stroke and brain
even furniture was considered to create the “calming aneurysms. He completed his residency at Dartmouth College
environment” Hillary says, while the functionality of in New Hampshire and finished a fellowship in endovascular
a medical office had to remain top of mind. neurosurgery in Thomas Jefferson University in Pennsylvania.
In addition to his work with the Stroke & Brain Aneurysm
“Anne Marie was testing out all the furniture, Center of Long Island, Dr. Bekelis is the Co-Director of
considering the patients each step of the way, Neuro ICU and Medical Director of Comprehensive Stroke
making sure they could get in and out of the chairs Center at Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center. He
comfortably,” Hillary recalls. The building is ADA- is also the Chairman of Neurointerventional Services at
compliant, of course, and has a lift for individuals Catholic Health.
who are in wheelchairs or use walkers.
The refurbished wooden staircase in the front of the office makes visitors feel at
Indeed, the process was long, but Dr. Bekelis feels home. Each design element inside the Center’s headquarters was carefully
it was all worth the effort and time. Everyone at selected, including artwork inspired by the image of a brain scan.
the Center is grateful for the opportunity to give
back to the community and for this place they
now call home to serve as a reference point for
cerebrovascular diseases.

And in the short time they’ve been in Babylon, the
building has become something of a community
focal point.

“When we first opened, patients were asking to take

46 | LI HOME Magazine | SPRING 2022

THE HOTTEST IDEA
IN HOME COOLING.

Upgrade to a Year Round Air Source Heat Pump System.

COOLER WARMER CLEANER SMARTER

Higher efficiency Save on heating Lower carbon Add to your
cooling fuel costs emissions home’s value

Upgrade now and
SAVE 3000$UP
TO ,

Visit PSEGLINY.com/HomeComfort

SPRING 2022 | LI HOME Magazine | 47

How To

GREEN SCENE

laTiwmento gretethpataired effort ”The final steps in the annual process
are to fertilize the lawn in the fall and
and ready for its CLOSE-UP winter seasons.

The winter season may have given us should speak to their local landscapers As for reviving your lawn with new growth
picturesque moments of yards with snow, about the condition of their lawn and and pondering when to seed your lawn,
but it left many Long Island lawns looking how to control the crabgrass. “That’s the you may have missed the ideal moment
downright abysmal as the season starts to first kind of layer, or application, that you for the coming season. Kramer says fall is
change. With spring upon us, there’s no want to do at the beginning of the season,” optimal. It’s a misconception that spring is
time like the present to start learning how Kramer says. the best time to seed.
to make that lawn lush again.
When summer rolls around, consider “In the spring, you’re sometimes battling
Whether a homeowner goes with a fertilizing your lawn through a company Mother Nature and the heat,” he says.
lawn-care company or not, “it’s up to the or in a DIY manner. Then it’s time to lay “Each year is different, but you want to
homeowner to be sure they’re holding up down weed control—a process that is seed your lawn when it’s not too hot.”
their end of the bargain,” says Ted Kramer, rarely a one-and-done.
owner of the Deer Park Lawn Doctor. One thing Kramer says he tries to stress is
“Watering properly, cutting lawns at the “Weeds are very, very stubborn,” Kramer proper watering and mowing height—the
proper height, preventing animal damage says. “That’s an uphill battle that clients two things that will keep a lawn looking
and urination, and other variables.” face, we face. It does take time, and stellar year-round. One of the worst things
unfortunately there’s no magic potion to a homeowner can do is cut their grass very
Since Long Island’s soil is mostly get rid of weeds.” short during the hotter months.
indistinguishable from end to end, you’re
going to want to skip any soil testing and Kramer, who has owned the Deer Park “That’s like if a bald man went to the
go straight to fighting crabgrass, which franchise for more than 15 years, stresses beach in the summer and he didn’t put any
can steal nutrients from the soil. Residents that lawn maintenance is a “year-round suntan lotion on his head,” he says with
a chuckle. “Same with the lawn. In the
48 | LI HOME Magazine | SPRING 2022 hotter months, you want to have as much
grass on your lawn as possible to protect
the roots.” And here in the cooler months,
you want to have as much planning and
preparation done as possible.

Tax Correction Agency
AD

checking again
with Amy.

Why pay more in property taxes?

Two minutes could save you thousands in taxes.

80,000 30 340,000

Homeowners Represented Years In Business Grievances Filed

DEADLINE EXTENDED TO MAY 2, 2022

SIGN UP TODAY at TaxCorrectionAgency.org
516.933.3555

SPRING 2022 | LI HOME Magazine | 49

The List

SHCORMEEEN W ith spring in the air, there are any number AMAZING INTERIORS
of home projects just waiting to be tackled. Where to Watch:
Five fab shows to binge But we all need a little break every now
and then, right? No, we are not suggesting you put off A roller coaster in your backyard.
RIGHT NOW that spring cleaning or redecorating or any other task A scuba-diving aquarium in your
before you’ve even begun. We are, however, offering living room. Interior decorating
some sources of inspiration, a little escapism, a touch (and a few outdoor touches as
of soap-opera drama, a dose of DIY, and even a trip to well) gets redefined in this series
one of Long Island’s most luxurious locales. It’s all here that showcases one-of-a-kind
in this edition of the L.I. HOME List as we get ready to décor ideas that turn dreams (and
settle in for some serious binge watching… in some cases, nightmares) into
reality and will make you think
HOME DREAM HOME that hey, maybe that idea for a
Where to Watch: Where to Watch: waterfall in my bedroom wasn’t so
crazy after all.
SELLING THE HAMPTONS Part home show, part study in
Where to Watch: TIDYING UP WITH
An original documentary series sociology, part cultural exploration, MARIE KONDO
There’s something to be said for that not only takes us inside some this China-set show takes us Where to Watch:
being able to transport yourself of the most innovative homes inside the lives—and homes, of
into summertime on Long Island’s on the planet, but also inside course—of ordinary families from Spring cleaning. So many people
East End without leaving your the minds of the visionaries who around the country who are facing know they need to do it, so few
couch. The home to Long Island’s imagined them in the first place. housing challenges driven by know where to begin. The lifestyle
10 most expensive sales last year Stunning visuals and superb everything from multigenerational makeover guru has six rules for
is also the home to a group of storytelling introduce viewers to households to economic issues. tidying up your home (and life),
real estate agents grappling for an international array of amazing When teams of designers are which some of you can probably
success, sales and stardom as they people using 3-D printing to entrusted to make a full renovation recite from memory. Perhaps the
show off the stunning properties meet challenges of homelessness, of the houses with limited funds most famous—Ask yourself if it
and luxe lifestyle of the Hamptons creating new homes from old and space, they also help the sparks joy—is also the one that
during a frenzied season of selling. recycled materials, rethinking families and us, the audience, “to comes to mind thinking about
Sorry, beach parking passes not the concepts of community and interpret the meaning of home, watching Marie for a few hours.
included. neighborhood, and redefining the and to witness the happiness of
idea of “home” itself. home decoration and renovation.”
50 | LI HOME Magazine | SPRING 2022
Find more binge-worthy home shows to watch at InsideLIHome.com.