Long Beach Magazine 09-04-2020

Magazine
September 2020 l FREE

Mike Francesa

The ‘sports talk’ icon
reflects on his years
behind the mic

Creative
Expression

Local arts scene
continues to thrive

A Coaching
Legacy

Farewell to Bill Gibson

Want to be Treated
Like Royalty?

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2 | Long Beach Magazine | SUMMER 2020

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SUMMER 2020 | Long Beach Magazine | 3

In this Issue

Magazine 12

ISSUE 12 Features
September 2020
28 28 - The Life and Career of 8
EDITORS 32
Scott Brinton Mike Francesa
Karen Bloom Sports radio icon recalls
growing up in Long Beach
MAGAZINE COORDINATOR
Kate Nalepinski 12 - Down to a Fine Art
Local artists find inspiration
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS during the pandemic
Nicole Alcindor
Tony Bellissimo 8 - Gibson leaves a coaching
J.D. Freda
Andrew Garcia legacy behind
Kate Nalepinski Beloved coach retires

PHOTO EDITOR 32 - Black Lives Matter in LB
Christina Daly The movement is at the
heart of the community
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Scott Brinton Contents 26 - Keeping Art Alive
LBNY-Arts maintains and
CONTRIBUTING 10 - Covid-19 Changed the encourages the artistic
PHOTOGRAPHERS community
Human Landcape
Christina Daly A photo essay 30 - Oysters and more
Nicole Alcindor Oyster Fest returns in
Andrew Garcia 16 - Stayin’ Alive September
Kate Nalepinksi Long Beach’s eateries endure
Darwin Yanes during the pandemic 34 - Sweet Treats
Irresistible goodies to try
ADVERTISING SALES 18 - Fresh Eats
Ellen Frisch New dining options 36 - Party On
Host a safe party during
PUBLISHER 22 - Yoga the ‘new normal’
Stuart Richner Feeding a healthy soul
during Covid-19
VICE PRESIDENT SALES
Rhonda Glickman Magazine On The Cover:
September 2020 l FREE
VICE PRESIDENT OPERATIONS Mike Francesa
Michael Bologna Mike Francesa
Sports radio legend
CREATIVE DIRECTOR The ‘sports talk’ icon Cover photo Courtesy Mike Francesa
AND LAYOUT DESIGNER reflects on his years Cover design - Jeffrey A. Negrin
behind the mic
Je rey A. Negrin
Long Beach Magazine is published by Rich- Creative
ner Communications, Inc. and is distributed Expression
by USPS to all households and businesses
in Long Beach, N.Y. and vicinity. Distribution Local arts scene
is supplemented via hotels, restaurants, continues to thrive
realtor o ces, professional o ces and
similar locations. A Coaching
Legacy
No part of Long Beach Magazine may be
reproduced in any form or by any means Farewell to Bill Gibson
without prior written consent from
the publisher. The views expressed by
contributors are not necessarily those of
the publisher, editor or staff of Long Beach
Magazine.

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

A supplement of
Herald Community Newspapers
© 2020 Richner Communications, Inc.

4 | Long Beach Magazine | SUMMER 2020

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SUMMER 2020 | Long Beach Magazine | 5

Editor’s Letter A lot has changed,
Long Beach
Kate Nalepinski
Long Beach Most of us thought we saw the worst of it after
Magazine Coordinator
Hurricane Sandy devastated Long Beach in 2012. Though
the storm was harrowing, we were able to rebuild the
community and come back stronger than ever.

But no one could have predicted the events that have unfolded in re-
cent months.

Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, we’ve seen a major shift in our day-to-
day lives. The rapid spread of the respiratory illness has created a “new
normal,” in which mask wearing, social distancing and working from
home are common. At press time in mid-August, some 760,000 people
around the globe had died of the virus, millions more were infected,
and it was unclear when a vaccine might become available. 2020 has
brought a sense of unease.

The pandemic, however, has allowed the staff of the Long Beach Herald
to refocus our content and shed light on how the community is work-
ing through this pandemic. The content in this issue reflects themes of
survival, renewal, and health and wellness — all topics that many of us
faced after Hurricane Sandy.

From the features of hometown heroes fighting food insecurity through-
out Long Beach, to the profiles on longtime retirees reflecting on their
careers, this issue has spurred some incredible stories of strength. They
reveal how during hard times, Long Beach is able to come together and
help those in need — at a distance, that is.

This magazine was written, edited and designed by Herald Community
Newspapers’ award-winning staff, and I’d like to thank the writers, pho-
tographers and production team who worked so hard to produce this is-
sue in the midst of the pandemic. I’m incredibly grateful for this opportu-
nity to oversee this project and help compile the powerful stories inside.

We hope this issue serves as inspiration on how to move forward and
stay motivated despite the troubling circumstances.

Stay safe and healthy,

[email protected] liherald.com/longbeach/ long beach magazine LongIslandHerald
6 | Long Beach Magazine | SUMMER 2020

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SUMMER 2020 | Long Beach Magazine | 7

leavesGIBSON coaching legacy Bill Gibson wouldn’t change anything about “I’ve been thinking about stepping down for a
behind in Long Beach his magnificent 28-year run as Long Beach’s boys’ few years,” said Gibson, who also had the pleasure
By Tony Bellissimovarsity volleyball coach, but he wonders if the result of coaching both of his sons, Max and Sammy.
of last year’s Long Island Class B championship “I’m thrilled to see someone like Nick get the
could’ve been different if the Marines had ample opportunity,” he said. “He’s ready. I think he’ll do a
prep time. great job.”

In what proved to be Gibson’s final match at the Not counting tournaments, Gibson’s teams won 393
helm, Long Beach dropped a five-set heartbreaker matches in 28 seasons and never missed the playoffs.
to Westhampton on Nov. 18 in the LIC, just three The Marines went undefeated in 2002 and 2008.
days after sweeping Bethpage for its fifth Nassau
County title under his watch. “I’ve worked with Coach Gibson for 18 years, and
he has all the attributes great coaches possess,”
“It was an enjoyable and memorable season,” Long Beach Director of Health, Physical Education
said Gibson, who took over the program in 1993 and Athletics Arnold Epstein said. “He combines
and guided the Marines to a county crown the great knowledge of volleyball with the ability to
following year as well as in 2002, 2003 and 2008. teach skills from the novice to the collegiate level
“I’ve always put a strong emphasis on preparation players. Bill was one of the first coaches here to
and strategy,” he added. “It was tough to have such understand how to use technology to improve his
a short turnaround to prepare for such a talented team’s chances of winning. He broke down game
Westhampton team, but our kids played their films and created the best possible strategies for
hearts out and almost pulled it out.” his team’s success.”

Nassau played volleyball in the spring prior to Long Beach girls’ varsity volleyball coach Kerri
2010, so last fall marked Long Beach’s first-ever Rehnback said she was fortunate to have Gibson
appearance on the Long Island championship as a mentor for 15 years. “He was so instrumental in
my development as a volleyball coach,” Rehnback
stage. Gibson, who has taught said. “He’s a wealth of information and was willing
science at the high school to share it. When we won the state championship in
and middle school, 2008, he was a huge part of it. As soon as the boys’
turns the program
over to one season ended, he volunteered to help coach
of his former the girls.”
players, Nick Luke Hamlet was an All-County middle
Smith, a 2010 hitter/blocker on the Marines’ undefeated
LBHS graduate county championship team in 2008 and went
who served as on to play four years at New York University.
assistant coach He was recruited by Gibson, who was his
in 2019. middle school science teacher at the time.
“Wrestling was the big sport in my family, but
Coach Gibson urged me to play volleyball, and it
turned out to be life-changing,” Hamlet said. “He’s
definitely the best coach I’ve ever had.”
Gibson, who earned Nassau Coach of the Year
honors 10 times, said he will miss everything about
coaching. “I’m not sure in what capacity, but I’ll be
involved in the sport in some way forever,” he said.

Brian Ballweg/Herald

Photo: After 28 years leading Long Beach boys’ volleyball, Bill Gibson, left,
has stepped down as coach and will be replaced by former player Nick
Smith, above right. The Marines won the 2019 Nassau County Class B title
behind captains Dominick Cieleski, second from left, and Evan Michaels.

8 | Long Beach Magazine | SUMMER 2020

As the
sun sets…

Photos by Christina Daly/Herald

While West Marina in Lido Beach is well known for its
fishing pier, it’s also a beautiful spot for sunsets.

After spending a day at the Long Beach recreation cen- 1099461
ter, take in a sunset at the pier.

SUMMER 2020 | Long Beach Magazine | 9

HOW

COVID-19

changed Long Beach’s

HUMAN

landscape

L ong Beach is not as it was, battered — like so many other
places — by an insidious virus that has stolen too many lives
and taken too many jobs. People can no longer gather in
large groups — problematic for a beach community that depends
on summer tourism as one of its major revenue streams.

In this photo essay, Herald Photo Editor Christina Daly took
a look, from April on, at how the coronavirus has altered the
human landscape in a city accustomed to a bustling summer
scene normally full of people. No doubt, it’s been less crowded
than usual.

10 | Long Beach Magazine | SUMMER 2020

Photos by Christina Daly/Herald

Main photo left page: Chalk writing on a board-
walk bench photographed April 16 reminded
beach-goers to be safe during the pandemic.

Top photo right page: Community members
relaxed at the beach under Beach Comfort
umbrellas while maintaining six feet of distance
Aug 3. A sign from the City of Long Beach
reminded visitors to stay six feet apart, wear a
mask, avoid group spots and respect one anoth-
er’s space.

Photos left to right: Marianna Raisig, of Long
Beach (right), hit the boardwalk with her friends
Elizabeth and Bill Hicks May 24, the day the
boardwalk reopened. Raisig said she wore her
mask because “it’s the proper thing to do. Even
with no symptoms, you have no idea.”

Angela Skudin, right, helps to prepare her store,
The Codfish Cowboy, May 29, the day it
reopened. Skudin reopened the shop, which
offers a variety of paintings, jewelry, clothing and
children’s books, after a two-month closure.

Second row: An employee of Sujecki Farms of
Calverton shucked corn July 22 at the Long
Beach Farmers Market, roughly a month after it
reopened in June. One of the best places in the
city to get organic vegetables, herbs and greens,
the Farmers Market will be open Saturdays and
Wednesdays through November.

Residents, locals and visitors of all ages, right,
flooded the Long Beach boardwalk May 24, the
day the boardwalk reopened. Most were seen
wearing face coverings.

Bottom photo: A group of locals enjoyed a “park-
ing lot party” at sunset April 4 at Lido Town Park
in Point Lookout. In the early days of the pan-
demic, many drivers could be spotted in their
vehicles, gathered in circles with other drivers,
allowing them to “hang out” with one another at
a distance.

SUMMER 2020 | Long Beach Magazine | 11

Down to a
Using the pandemic as fuel,
artists find solace in creating

By Kate Nalepinski Whether she was constructing paint. “It created this domino effect,
a personal website or shooting when I thought that inspiration had
A detailed collage of coronavirus promotional restaurant photos, Degen, been completely lost,” Degen said.
headlines. Multiple line drawings about 34, was able to channel her artistic skills Though the pandemic is far from
life in isolation. A photo series of vibrant, through her work. over, Degen’s business is improving. As
neon flowers and houseplants, taken in That changed after the state shifted clients reschedule their photo shoots,
quarantine. to lockdown. Many of the projects she said she is more conscious about
These are just some examples Degen was responsible for were following appropriate precautions and
of the work Long Beach artists have canceled, which made it difficult for her maintaining a distance.
produced in recent months. to book appointments. Preoccupied Local artist Allan Fox had no
While the Covid-19 pandemic has with finances, Degen struggled to find shortage of creativity during quarantine.
generated challenges for everyone, The Long Beach resident, who
it has also given local artists the “I was barely staying can likely be found busking on the
opportunity to think and experiment. afloat,” Degen said. boardwalk in front of Marvel Frozen
After overcoming initial creative blocks, Dairy on his days off, plans to release
many artists used paintbrushes, “It’s hard to be three digital EPs and publish three
cameras, pens or even guitar picks to creative when I don’t hardcopy books of his artwork later this
process their negative emotions about year.
the viral outbreak. have any money Fox keeps a positive outlook: “I’m a
Long Beach resident Kathryn coming in. All I could big believer that there’s beauty in the
Ramsey, president of the Arts League stuff that you don’t think is beautiful,”
and Long Beach Council for the Arts worry about was he said. “We’re in probably the most
board member, said she lacked her paying my rent. challenging time in our recent history,
usual sources of innovation when When you don’t have but there’s some beauty in it, and there
the pandemic hit New York. With the the padding, it’s hard will be beautiful things that come out of
group painting course she attended to just sit down and it.”
shut down because of the mandatory be creative or do Another LBNY-Arts board member,
stay-at-home order March 22, she was things just for fun.” Fox is a singer-songwriter and
unable to turn to teachers or peers for illustrator. He frequently uploads vlogs,
inspiration. She then had to develop her motivation. line drawings and music to YouTube.
own ideas. Unable to leave her Long Beach He aims to complete his first book of
Ramsey found inspiration in current apartment, the LBNY-Arts board doodles this fall.
events — including the morning news. member said she was forced to convert While he said the subject matter
In March, she picked up The New York the space into a photography studio. of his material has only changed “a
Times, which included headlines about But then, she was hit by a spark of little bit” since the pandemic struck, he
mask shortages. Not long after, she inspiration — a “light bulb moment,” as recorded the majority of his new music
clipped out the headlines and crafted she shined her phone flashlight onto in his home studio during quarantine.
them into a collage. houseplants and flowers inside her In the past, he was too invested in
Some of her other work, she said, is apartment. The dramatic shadows from work and family life to devote much
also geared toward the pandemic. She the light made strong photos. time to his art. He plans to focus on
was recently motivated to produce a The series of images, which Degen music, art and writing when he retires
collage about social distancing after later titled “Electric Shadows,” is visible in April 2021. In the meantime, he has
she overheard two women discussing on the LBNY-Arts digital arts gallery. started a personal company, Realize
sending a first-grader to school later Moreover, the series motivated her Harmony, which promotes art, music
this fall. friend to illustrate the flower photo with and ideas.
“So much has changed since For those feeling pressured to
March,” she said. “This has been a whole create during the pandemic, his advice
process, and we’re not done yet.” is “just do it.”
Similarly, freelance photographer “Don’t wait until you think it’s the
and graphic designer Liz Degen, also right time to start,” he said, “because
of Long Beach, said she experienced sometimes, the greatest ideas come
blocks in her creative process earlier out just from getting in the habit of
this year. doing it.”

12 | Long Beach Magazine | SUMMER 2020

a fine art

1

3

2 5

1 - 3 photo across top: “Electric Shadows,” photographed 4 4 - Bottom middle photo: Allan Fox performs his original
by Liz Degen. music at The Cafe on W Beech St July 8.
2 - Left middle photo: “Dreaming of Peace and (Courtesy of Allan Fox)
Tranquility,” a college by Kathryn Ramsey. 5 - Right photo: Liz Degen on the Long Beach boardwalk
3 - Middle photo: Line drawing by Allan Fox. August 13. (Photo by Kate Nalepinski)

SUMMER 2020 | Long Beach Magazine | 13

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SUMMER 2020 | Long Beach Magazine | 15

Stayin

Long Beach’s eateries
cope with the pandemic

By Andrew Garcia a doorway overlooks the dining area be known for in town,” Hisiger said. “We
usually filled with hungry guests. sold a lot of chicken.”
For restaurant owners, continuing “A restaurant is like a concert or a Whereas Social used to have only
to serve the Long Beach community bowling alley — they’re built on energy,” two tables for outdoor dining, it now
through the pandemic has been no Hisiger said, while sitting at the LB has eight, which must all be transferred
easy feat. The familiar sounds of a busy Social bar. “When you’re in the kitchen, back and forth from storage every day.
kitchen and a dining room crowded you hear the energy levels; you hear a Inside, there used to be 16 tables, but
with chatting guests is a reality many fork or a knife hitting a plate; you hear indoor seating is now limited.
long to return to, and financial woes people talking. Now when you walk in, it A new modified takeout window at
are still being felt in every corner of the doesn’t feel alive.” the front of the restaurant is a staple
industry. “That’s how it is,” he added somberly. of LB Social, Hisiger said. Many of the
Still, however, they’ve persevered. “But it’s getting better.” changes forced upon the restaurant —
On a recent Friday morning, Matt Although Social’s “Cheers”-like vibe takeout, delivery, family meals — are
Hisiger was in the same spot where he has been interrupted, staff were able to here to stay.
has found himself every day the past shift operations “overnight,” Hisiger said, Like Social, located across from
few months: the back kitchen of LB to provide takeout and delivery in lieu of the train on Park Avenue, Swingbelly’s
Social, where he wiped the counters in-person dining — something that had Beachside BBQ, on Beech Street,
and prepped food for the day. As the never been offered before at Social. relies heavily on Long Beach’s bustling
owner, he will stay in the kitchen until Much of the eatery’s eclectic menu nightlife. “It’s crazy to look out at 9 p.m.
around 3 p.m., when he will move to the remained in place, but some items on a Friday night and see nobody,” said
front of the restaurant to answer calls were removed, including LB Social’s owner Dan Monteforte. “It’s usually
with his team and make sure deliveries signature flatbread pizzas. Family packed.”
are moving out the door — his new daily dinners were introduced, such as a Swingbelly’s welcoming bar,
routine. 10-piece fried chicken meal complete which sits under an array of beer tap
Pre-pandemic, Hisiger typically with a salad, mashed potatoes and ice handles hung from the ceiling, receives
spent entire days in the kitchen, where cream — “the biggest thing we came to a different level of attention than it

16 | Long Beach Magazine | SUMMER 2020

’ alive:

used to. Guests would flock to the Swingbelly’s on Beech Street, dozens 11th annual Golf Tournament at the
bar, crowding the spot while sharing of arranged music performances have Inwood Country Club, which benefits
pleasantries over drinks. Now, if you been canceled. The calendar had been the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1384.
want to be served alcohol, you must booked through the fall, according to Although he could not host the usual
order food. owner Pete Jacoutot. after-party at The Inn, the event was still
Luckily, Swingbelly’s already had “I’ve had to have hundreds of a success.
takeout and delivery options of its own, conversations with bands that have “It’s all supported by people in our
and it expanded online ordering once been playing here for years,” Jacoutot community,” he said.
the pandemic hit. It also offered family said. “Socially, people’s lives have been
packages, including a fried chicken The business model of The flipped,” Monteforte said. “But we’re on
meal with a Monster Margarita on the Inn completely shifted. Although a good path. We’re just waiting until
side. it was once a “lively bar for sports people are ready to go out again.”
“We tried to make things as normal entertainment and live music,” Jacoutot “I now know why people talk about
as possible,” Monteforte said. Although said, staff introduced takeout and the community aspect of Long Beach,”
there’s no more casually hanging out delivery options, which had never been Hisiger said. “I’ll never own a business
at the bar, guests are still welcome to done before. Outdoor dining was also outside this town.”
be seated on a first-come, first-served expanded with new lighting, umbrellas
basis. and canopies. Photos by Andrew Garcia/Herald
“We are currently as busy as we The Inn had been closed for at least
can be,” Monteforte said. “But it’s 100 a month in April, according to Jacoutot, Photos from left to right: Matt Hisiger, owner of LB Social,
percent of the work for 50 percent of and once it reopened, he rehired all cleaned countertops in the kitchen, as he has every
the profit.” full-time staff members. Many servers’ morning since the pandemic began. Masks are hung
Keeping his employees in mind, hours are shortened from the usual late ready for workers to use.
Monteforte offered his staff positions hours they had worked, often serving
at Long Beach Sandwich Co., which for birthday parties, anniversaries or LB Social’s new takeout window is now a staple of the
he also owns and operates with Jamie graduations. restaurant, Hisiger said.
Dowling and Jake Marlin. He did the Through the adversity and stark
same with Blackdoor Burger, owned by changes, the staff was “terrific in Swingbelly’s Beachside BBQ is characterized by stylish
his brother Frank Monteforte, for servers adapting,” Jacoutot said. “The Inn is like décor, with walls covered in license plates and a ceiling
who relied on their jobs. a family — from the staff to the regulars, of beer tap handles.
At The Inn, a popular spot for live we’re all like a family.”
music located a few storefronts west of Jacoutot recently hosted The Inn’s “Sometimes I’ll stand outside [Swingbelly’s] on the cor-
ner and just say, ‘Ugh, I miss it so much,’” owner Dan
Monteforte said.

SUMMER 2020 | Long Beach Magazine | 17

Judith

Rivera at 917 376

3615

Fresh eats:

With safety in mind, eateries open this season

By Nicole Alcindor customers. do a great job at social distancing,
In his restaurant, customers cannot and this is one of the one places I feel
With the Covid-19 pandemic still stand up unless they are using the comfortable going to during Covid
lurking, various Long Island restaurants bathroom or entering or exiting the times. It’s exciting that new restaurants
have suffered financial blows. Many restaurant. Masks must be worn if are coming to Long Beach.”
owners have struggled to keep patrons are not seated to minimize the In early August, East Atlantic Beach
their businesses afloat or have been spread of the coronavirus, he said. resident Chris Doto chowed down on
forced to close permanently due to “We must follow CDC guidelines. fish and chips and a fish taco, and drank
the instability of the ever-changing It is what it is,” Fee said. “You have to a glass of sangria in the outdoor dining
economy. roll with the punches and stick with area.
Despite the struggles faced by many your punches on how to run your place “I feel comfortable,” Chris said of
Long Island restaurateurs, a number of in order to survive as a restaurant the outdoor area. The only downside,
eateries are thriving — with some even business. It’s been extremely tough with she said, is the cigarette smokers in
opening amid the pandemic. About a all the rules and regulations changing, the vicinity. “But I like this sectioned-off
half-dozen restaurants have opened in but we just want to keep everyone outdoor seating area where cars aren’t
the city in recent months, but the new safe, especially customers, in this new distracting you while you eat.”
owners said getting their businesses off normal.” “It’s exciting and great to see Long
the ground has been hard. At Shore House Bar and Grill, diners Beach coming to life,” Long Beach
Kenneth Fee, the owner of Shore can sit and eat in the restaurant’s resident Patrick Orna said, who also
House Bar and Grill, which recently outdoor seating area, secluded from dined at Shore House Bar and Grill
opened on East Park Avenue, explained the street, or inside. in early August. “I enjoy the exciting
that since opening, he abides by “I’ve been coming here for the variety of restaurants, and I came here
the Centers for Disease Control and wonderful staff and good food,” Long because of the great food and great
Prevention’s guidelines to serve his Beach resident Tom Lee said. “They personalities. This is what Long Beach is

18 | Long Beach Magazine | SUMMER 2020

all about.” restaurant.” Boardwalk Cheesesteaks on East
Even with the new restrictions Quinn has separated tables six feet Park Avenue, said they focus mainly
impacting how he runs his business, apart, and diners must wear masks if on takeout and delivery, but offer an
Fee said he is still glad he chose they want to move around. outdoor seating area to customers if
to open the restaurant when he “I was nervous when I first opened they prefer to dine in.
did, because regardless of the up, and it was a challenge because Similar to the other restaurants,
circumstances, he said he believes we didn’t know for sure what would the owners have instituted social-
Long Beach is a excellent location to happen,” Quinn said. “But it’s been great distancing and ask diners to wear
operate his business. getting to meet people in the Long masks when not seated. Hand sanitizer
“Long Beach is great for business Beach community and sharing my love stations are set up, all employees wear
in the summertime and all year round of food and cocktails with others.” masks and gloves, and only paper
because many people come from Some residents and people from menus are distributed.
different places on Long Island,” Fee neighboring communities said Anchor “Opening a restaurant is already
said. “...Overall, my experience running Tavern is a welcome new, alternative challenging,” Farrell said. “Imagine
my new business during the pandemic addition to the list of Long Beach opening during a pandemic, which is
has been stressful, a lot of work, but eateries. even more challenging.”
very exciting.” “I wanted to try something new, and Despite the service restrictions
Mchael Quinn, owner of Anchor the beer is good,” Long Beach resident and guidelines, both owners said
Tavern on West Park Avenue, was Marc Rattnar said. “The atmosphere is they enjoyed working together the
planning a grand opening on April 17 — nice, and they were accommodating.” most, and they find that the best part
until the pandemic struck. It forced him Greg Smith, who lives in the West about opening a restaurant together is
to push the opening to June 24. End, said he enjoyed the shrimp steak brainstorming ideas.
Facing the pandemic while opening at Anchor Tavern, and it kept him “It’s been exciting because many
his restaurant has been difficult. To coming back for more. people want to try something new,”
minimize the spread of the virus, Quinn “This restaurant is phenomenal, Donnelly said. “Long Beach is a hotspot
has limited live music performances in spectacular and just glorious, and it was and vibrant market for business, so we
the restaurant. by far my best quarantine experience,” have received a great welcome from
“We have live music every day, but Smith said. “It was safe, clean and the city.”
we cannot book any bands,” Quinn said. services were respectable, and the food
“Large groups are not allowed, so we is beyond fantastic.” Photos by Nicole Alcindor/Herald
can only book single artists to minimize Kevin Donnelly and Paul Farrell,
the amount of people crowded in the owners of the recently opened Left photo: The Anchor Tavern, on Park Avenue.

Right photo: The Shore House Park & Grill, also on Park.

SUMMER 2020 | Long Beach Magazine | 19

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T he sun is setting at Ted’s Fishing Later, participants are given flowers
Station in Point Lookout as a to hold — each one representing a
small group of people line up challenge unique to its bearer. As they

along the dock to board a Freeport toss the flowers over the edge of the

Water Taxi. boat into the Reynold’s Channel, they

Gentle music guides the group symbolically release that obstacle.

onto the vessel, where red and pink Although Shockley has led these

flower petals are scattered across the sunset meditation cruises for three years,

deck. Laura Shockley, owner of Point the trips this summer have held more

Lookout Yoga & Wellness, stands weight than before. Months spent in

in front of the group, ready to lead quarantine have pushed her and other

them in a 40-minute meditation members of the studio to reflect on past

session on the boat at sundown. experiences and engage more deeply,

“Allow the sounds to pass she said.

through you as energy and When the pandemic struck the

vibration,” Shockley says after United States in mid-March, Shockley

the watercraft leaves the dock. was leading a retreat in Costa Rica with

She encourages participants to her students, a journey that partially

close their eyes and use their focused on the release of negative

external environment to focus on energies.

meditation. Returning to the United States as

the virus was peaking evoked fear in

her and retreat-goers, but the group

implemented the techniques they had

learned and immediately applied them

to the circumstances, Shockley said.

“It’s about … knowing that the soul

comes from a place of love, and allowing

that to guide us through this pandemic,

rather than being guided by fear,” she

said.

Samantha Wondsel, a Long Beach

resident who has practiced yoga for

nearly 10 years, said she struggled with

OGAY meditation in the past. However, once

she started practicing in Point Lookout

with Shockley, her skills were “taken to

a whole other level.” Now, Wondsel is an

instructor at the studio.

Wondsel said, “I was able to stick with it, and

use her teachings outside of just the classroom,

which has been transformative for me.”

For Shockley, the retreat motivated her to help

the Long Beach community with food insecurity.

She quickly formed a group of volunteers when she

returned home. With the Long Beach Soup Kitchen, the

Point Lookout Civic Association and local restaurants,

more than 1,800 meals were distributed from April to

June to people throughout Nassau County.

“The word yoga means to unite — so we’re all united

here,” Shockley said. “We’re called to help each other

when a crisis comes. And it was a beautiful example of

what we can do when we come together.”

feeding a Long Beach resident and longtime studio
member Barbra Shelley described Shockley

as a leader who has been conscious of the

healthy soul community’s needs from the beginning of the
through the pandemic.
pandemic “She’s most definitely a leader in
community action like that,” Shelley said.
Shockley “does it all out of the kindness
of her own heart.”
Yoga studios were removed

from Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Phase 4

By Kate Nalepinski reopening guidelines, Shockley said,

22 | Long Beach Magazine | SUMMER 2020

and classes are not permitted inside. For Christina Daly/Herald
that reason, instructors at her studio have
been hosting outdoor classes during Top photo: Yoga instructor Laura Shockley hosts yoga
the pandemic, in addition to the sunset cruises out of Ted’s Fishing Station in Point Lookout.
meditation cruises. Most of Shockley’s
revenue is generated through the store Bottom photo: Shockley who owns Point Lookout Yoga
attached to the studio, she said. & Fitness, in a meditative moment.

“None of us know what’s next, and I
have friends who are closing their studios
almost every week,” she said.

Despite the studio’s uncertain future,
Shockley said she has faith that it will
persevere, and hopes to continue offering
programs to the community. The studio
also offers free yoga and meditation
courses to anyone experiencing financial
hardship.

For those who are struggling with
pandemic-related stress, Shockley
recommends “using this time as an
opportunity to recast how you’re living
your life … and connect more deeply with
yourself.”

“In a way of looking at the positive
aspects of what this can bring,” Shockley
said, “it’s that simplicity of not having all
of this diversion outside of the home or
outside of yourself. It’s more important
now than ever that we become healthy in
our body, mind and spirit.”

SUMMER 2020 | Long Beach Magazine | 23

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SUMMER 2020 | Long Beach Magazine | 25

KEEPING A
How LBNY-Arts continues to expose local
artists’ work during pandemic

By Kate Nalepinski By mid-April, the council had
received submissions from nearly
The Covid-19 pandemic has exposure for the Long Beach artists,” a dozen local artists for the gallery.
generated new challenges for everyone Board Secretary Wendy Goldstein said. Designed in part by council member Liz
— and the artistic community is no Degen, it launched later that month.
exception. When City Hall closed to in-person
business in March and the media for Following the success of the digital
Artists who are eager to share or Art in the Lobby was removed from gallery, the council assembled another
sell their work are restricted by state the interior walls, council members one to highlight artwork created by
and national guidelines. Most indoor brainstormed how they would adjust to children in Long Beach. The project
events where artists can gain publicity the pandemic and continue featuring motivated kids to use art as a way to
— like indoor galleries, auctions or live art, Goldstein said. process the pandemic, Goldstein said.
concerts — have been canceled or shut Launched on the council’s Facebook
down for the foreseeable future. “Pretty quickly, we shifted gears,” page June 3, the gallery features photos
she said, “and launched our first digital of work from students in grades one to
Despite the circumstances, the art gallery.” 10.
Long Beach Council for the Arts and
community members have found new The digital gallery is a virtual, In July, LBNY-Arts collected literary
ways to bring awareness to local artists. safer alternative to Arts in the Lobby, submissions for a third digital gallery.
Goldstein said. Long Beach residents were asked to
Re-established by the Long Beach submit essays, poems, letters and other
City Council in 2014, LBNY-Arts aims to written works about how they were
enhance the cultural environment and impacted by the pandemic.
encourage artistic awareness in the
Long Beach community. Most notably, Art “is a vibrant mechanism during
in February 2019, the group launched this pandemic, and we want to ensure
Art in the Lobby — an exhibition space that people of all ages explore their
in the lobby of City Hall on West creative side,” Board Treasurer George
Chester Street. Trepp said.

“Because most people in Long Board member Allan Fox said
Beach will pass through City Hall at he and other council members also
one time or another, it’s a very good discussed offering digital workshops

26 | Long Beach Magazine | SUMMER 2020

ART ALIVE

based on their artistic skills. On Aug. efforts of LBNY-Arts have not stopped: Photos by Kate Nalepinski/Herald
13, Fox began hosting a weekly Zoom Trepp said the group is always looking
course to educate viewers on recording, for new ways to spotlight artists. Left bottom photo: Art on display in the council’s virtual
mixing and editing audio on software gallery.
like GarageBand and LogicProX. “We are constantly seeking Above photo: The Long Beach Council for the Arts is
innovative ways to encourage the artists always looking for ways to show artists’ work, even during
Fox, a singer-songwriter who does and the art community during this the Covid-19 pandemic.
most of his recording at home, said he pandemic,” he said. “We want to keep Bottom photo: Members of the Long Beach Council for
is a firm believer that “everyone has the arts alive and have a vehicle for the Arts practicing mask wearing.
creative talents that sometimes go people to share their experiences.”
untapped.” With high-quality recording SUMMER 2020 | Long Beach Magazine | 27
equipment readily available, he said, he The digital art gallery can be viewed
hopes to encourage others to channel online at https://lbny-arts.org/spring-
their inner talent. 2020-digital-gallery/.

LBNY-Arts has also partnered with
the West End Beautification Association,
a nonprofit dedicated to improving
quality of life in the West End of Long
Beach.

WEBA founder Mary Ellen Pollina
said the group first partnered with
LBNY-Arts in 2013 to beautify the
business district following Hurricane
Sandy. For two years, the organizations
have teamed up to find local artists
to design and decorate plant boxes
located throughout the West End.

“Last year, the net result was just so
uplifting,” Pollina said.

Though Arts in the Lobby reopened
in early August along with City Hall, the

THE LIFE
and

CAREER

of Long Beach’s own

MIKE
FRANCESA

Broadcasting legend recounts
family upbringing in the city

By J.D. Freda pieces of top radio music hits blaring “We rented places in Long Beach
from family’s personal radios as he after he left. We always stayed there,
On July 24, sports radio legend walked blanket to blanket. He attended and hey, we had a roof over our head,”
and WFAN mainstay Mike Francesa, Long Beach Catholic Regional School Francesa said. “I never had my own
66, rose from his seat and put down on West Broadway, and sometimes, bedroom until I got my own place after I
his headphones for the last time as even before school, he would visit the moved out and went to work for the first
a regularly scheduled radio host. beach. time.”
Although he had seemingly “retired”
before, he was adamant in his My career took He credited his older brother John,
distinctive sharp Long Island accent, off very, very quickly. who is six years his senior, as the “hero”
one that has echoed across New York Once I did it, I knew of his story.
metropolitan area airwaves and beyond
for three decades, that it was time to go it was where I “He made sure we had a stable life.
home. belonged, and it was He worked hard, and really he allowed
me to go to school. Without his help, I
Home these days for Francesa is the job for me. wouldn’t have gotten anywhere near
Manhasset with wife, Roe, and three where I am today,” Francesa said. John
children, Jack, Emily and Harrison. He “When you grow up in a town that’s started selling cars at 19 and eventually
also owns a house in Palm Beach, Fla., a beach town, everyone there really became a general manager for a Buick
where he is looking to spend more gets used to that,” Francesa recounted dealership. Most important, he provided
time as he leaves his regular hosting in an interview with Long Beach for his family, and he never left. John
duties and afternoon drive radio slot in Magazine in August. “Things may drag Francesa still lives in Long Beach today.
the rearview mirror. But the story of the you away, but it is always in your blood,
supremely successful “Sports Pope” it never leaves you, even when people Mike Francesa began cutting his
of New York started long before his themselves move away.” teeth and molding his bold and brazen
Marconi Awards. debate style talking sports with John’s
He poetically wove through friends.
Michael Patrick Francesa was born memories of galavanting about the
on March 20, 1954. He was raised in neighborhood with either of his two “We would argue about sports
Long Beach and East Atlantic Beach. brothers and friends and working all the time. [John’s] friends were six,
His East Atlantic Beach home, on nearby from a young age, parking cars seven years older than me. We loved it,”
Oswego Avenue, is where he spent a at East Atlantic Beach Club. Francesa Francesa said. “When I was a kid, before
good portion of his childhood, but lived learned his work ethic from his mother, I would get on the bus, I would pay
in various areas around the Long Beach who worked tirelessly to support her eight cents for the paper, and I would
and Atlantic Beach area, including three sons after Francesa’s father read the sports pages in the classroom.
homes on Michigan Street, Mohawk abandoned the family, leaving them I was immersed at that age.”
Avenue and Buffalo Avenue. destitute.
Francesa’s love for sports
Francesa said going to the beach manifested early. He fondly looked
was a major part of his childhood. He back on his days playing baseball for
remembers exploring the sands, where school and in multiple recreational
he could nearly connect the bits and leagues around Long Beach, including
those organized by local legend Bob
28 | Long Beach Magazine | SUMMER 2020 Carroll. He reflected on the many

AB C
F
D
E

pickup basketball games played at and instead went to work with CBS but a WFAN program.
West Elementary School and various as a researcher for college sports. “When I went to [WFAN], I dreamed
playgrounds on Park Avenue and Beech He worked with CBS, Inside Sports
Street. His younger brother, Marty, was Magazine and NFL Today before of [hosting] afternoon drive. I said I’d be
popular around Long Beach and known securing a position at WFAN, which was there 15 years,” Francesa said. “Thirty-
as a good basketball player, according a regional upstart radio station when it three years later, I have been able to
to Francesa. Mike Francesa was close launched in 1987. have a show on at the same time on the
with his younger brother who, according same station sitting in the same seat. It’s
to Francesa, dealt with bipolar issues “At that time, sports radio had never been an amazing run.”
in his late 20s. Marty died by suicide at been a real viable way to earn a living,”
33 after spending several years battling Francesa said. “My career took off very, Now, in retirement, Francesa will
his illness. “He was a very good kid,” very quickly. Once I did it, I knew it was spend time with his family and work
Francesa said. where I belonged, and it was the job for on his golf game. But when he does
me.” take that drive south from Manhasset
Francesa’s first schooling venture back to Long Beach, Francesa always
outside the barrier island came when Francesa’s career then exploded catches the same feeling.
he attended high school at Maria with the inception of the famed “Mike
Regina High School, now Kellenberg and the Mad Dog” radio show that aired “I like to go down on the
Memorial High School, in Uniondale. He regularly from 1989 to 2008 with lively Meadowbrook to the Loop [Parkway] at
said that in high school he was aware and animated co-host Chris “Mad Dog” the early part of the morning, it is just
that a future as a professional baseball Russo. The duo won the 2000 Marconi a beautiful sight,” Francesa said with
player seemed far-fetched, but his Award for Major Market Personality of a warmth in his voice. “When I hit the
passion for sports kept him focused. the Year, an award Francesa duplicated Loop and I go over those little bridges
He attended St. John’s University on an in 2008 as a solo act. to get to Lido Boulevard, that’s when I
academic scholarship and graduated know I’m going home.”
with a bachelor’s in communication and Although Francesa is seemingly
athletic management. done hosting a daily radio show, his Photos courtesy of Mike Francesa
tireless work ethic keeps him busy in
While at St. John’s, he interned for “retirement.” He is an avid stock market A: Mike Francesa and his mother on a summer day in
two years with World Team Tennis, enthusiast and has taken interest in Long Beach on June 29, 1955.
a professional tennis league where owning race horses. He also does not
he regularly worked with Billie Jean rule out a return to radio, albeit in a non- B: Francesa as a student at Long Beach Catholic
King. After his internship, WTT offered regular schedule and never on anything Regional School.
him a full-time position. He declined
C: Francesa’s children Harrison, Emily and Jack.
D: Francesa with daughter Emily.
E: Mom, John and Mike, nearly 2, on Oswego Avenue.
F: Francesa and wife, Roe.

SUMMER 2020 | Long Beach Magazine | 29

Long Beach

OYSTER FEST

set for Sept. 19

Oysters, beer and music

By Kate Nalepinski However, the new regulations will festivals, but a musical guest has not
not deter the fun, Mulligan said. yet been announced, Mulligan said.
It’s a trio that Long Beach resident
Terence Mulligan calks “the Holy Trinity” “Even though this In an effort to remain low-waste,
— and it’s a quintessential part of this year is different,” oyster shells from the event will be
year’s fifth annual Long Beach Oyster Mulligan said, “we’re recycled through a partnership with
Festival. still going to have Long Island-based Community Oyster
music, and it’s going Restoration Effort, Mulligan said.
However, this year’s festival, which to be a great vibe.” According to its website, C.O.R.E. aims
will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. on Sept. 19 to “restore Long Island’s oyster reefs by
at the Cabana on West Beech Street, The oyster festival came to Long recycling oyster shells from restaurants,
will operate differently from past Beach in 2016 at Jetty Bar and Grill festivals and other sources.”
festivals in an effort to follow social — but the initial festival was hosted a
distancing guidelines. year earlier on Beach 116th Street in Similar to years past, JetBlue will be
Rockaway Beach. The idea to host at raffling off a pair of roundtrip tickets to
The outdoor event is the second that location came from the Cabana any destination.
stop on the Oyster Tour, comprising the owner Bob Johnson.
Brooklyn Oyster Fest (Sept 12), the Long Johnson said he likes to keep
Beach festival and Rockaway Oyster “I’ve been to a bunch of his festivals, the neighborhood in mind and is
Fest (Sept. 26.) and I’ve always had a great time,” eager to host the festival, where an
Johnson said, who has owned the estimated 2,500 to 3,000 oysters will be
Festival founder Mulligan, who Mexican-American restaurant for 15 consumed this year.
had Covid-19 in March and has since years. “I’m a seafood, shellfish and
recovered, said changes needed to be music lover, and we happen to have a “If you can bring back some sense
made to the festival model to reduce lot in common.” of normalcy and still be safe and smart
the spread of the coronavirus. about it, I think everyone’s happy,”
Longtime friends Johnson and Johnson said.
“Everything is done with safety and Mulligan discussed hosting the festival
health rules in mind,” Mulligan said. “But at the Cabana several times before the Tickets for the event are $50 per
it’s always been like that with us.” pandemic. Since this year’s event has person and only available to those age
limited tickets as a safety precaution, his 21 and over. For more information, visit:
To ensure that guests are venue was appropriate, Johnson said. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/long-
maintaining an appropriate social beach-oyster-fest-tickets-113513596222.
distance, the event will operate As for tunes? Jahstix, aka
restaurant-style: servers will bring “Rastarock,” has performed at past Courtesy Terence Mulligan
unlimited, locally grown Blue Island and
Peconic Gold Oysters to each table, Top photo: Locally grown Blue Island and Peconic Gold
and Heineken and Amstel Light will Oysters will be served at the festival this year.
be poured all evening. In years past,
visitors waited in line to get freshly Kate Nalepinski/Herald
shucked oysters.
Bottom Photo: Longtime friends Bob Johnson and
30 | Long Beach Magazine | SUMMER 2020 Oyster Fest founder Terence Mulligan teamed up this
year to create a safer oyster festival in Long Beach.

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Black Lives Matter in Long Beach

How the movement lives
in the heart of the community

By Andrew Garcia amount of time Minneapolis officer them, with a community board led by
Derek Chauvin kneeled on Floyd. Black residents, according to an op-
Although the alarm bells from ed written by Patrick Graham, former
national and local leaders about the “There’s two pandemics going on executive director of the center.
coronavirus rang loud this summer, right now,” said James Hodge, chairman
calls for social justice rang even louder. of the Martin Luther King Center in Long From 1967, it took eight years to
Despite the pandemic that had families Beach. “There is a national emergency establish a center run by the Black
isolated at home, the Black Lives Matter with Black lives, and there’s a health community. The path toward its creation
movement swept the nation, bringing pandemic.” “was filled with impediments of racial
thousands to the streets with chants of division and paternalism… a sign they
“We want justice!” and “I can’t breathe!” Hodge, who organized a second knew all too well,” Graham wrote.
after instances of police brutality went protest at the MLK Center, has been According to reporting by the Long
viral. involved with the organization almost Island Press, a “predominantly white
his whole life — it’s where he had his group” opposed the project, while a
Nationwide, protests were sparked first job in 1988, he said. Located in “predominantly black group” supported
over the deaths of George Floyd, a North Park, the center lies at the heart it as debates came to a head in 1975.
Black man who died in police custody of Long Beach’s Black community.
when a Minneapolis officer held a knee Ultimately, the Black community
against his neck, and Breonna Taylor, a In many ways, the racial disparities prevailed and voted to establish a
Black woman who was shot by officers that plague the nation exist in Long board to run the center on October 27,
in her Louisville, Ky. home, among Beach. Inequalities are felt in health 1975. “The election is the realization of
others. care, income, housing and education, black dreams from the South and a new
Hodge said, evidenced by the many institution in the North,” Graham wrote.
On June 2, it was Long Beach’s turn youth who walk through the MLK “Today, the MLK Center building at the
to join those protests. Center’s doors. corner of Riverside Boulevard and Pine
Street is a symbol of black community
Tuesday, roughly 2,000 “A lot of frustration comes from pride, interracial partnerships, and hope
demonstrators took to the boardwalk, institutional and systematic racism,” for a neighborhood often excluded from
according to Nassau County Executive Hodge said. “Some communities are social and economic mobility.”
Laura Curran. A sea of signs echoed depressed communities because it’s
messages in support of Black Lives designed that way. So, it’s a constant With the center’s historical
Matter, including “All lives can’t matter fight to try to help the less fortunate.” presence, Hodge said, and its
until Black lives matter.” Before the surrounding community influence, it
march, the group kneeled for nine The center’s history is steeped in was only natural for there to be protests
minutes, a gesture mirroring the racial debate. In the late 1960s, Black
migrants from the South advocated for Continued on page 33
32 | Long Beach Magazine | SUMMER 2020 a community center that represented

Continued from page 32 everything to the side.” Darwin Yatesi/Herald
“I see what we do here as essential,”
in the area. “People are tired of hearing Left page photo: Thousands of protesters marched
the same rhetoric,” Hodge said. Hodge said. “I want people to along the boardwalk in June.
understand how important it is to serve
He said he hopes one message is and to help others.” Above photo: Demonstrators kneeled for nine minutes
clear after the nation saw thousands in honor of George Floyd.
protesting: Invest in underserved
communities, both financially
and socially. “I think what makes
communities better is when you invest
into education and have a proactive,
holistic approach with the programming
that you do to meet the needs of the
community,” Hodge explained.

Inside the MLK Center is a computer
lab, gymnasium, dance studio, boxing
and workout room, a full kitchen and
a studio to record and edit music and
videos for youth to use. For decades,
the surrounding community has passed
through its facilities, and many still live
nearby.

Outside the center, a neighbor
waiting to greet Hodge is never far
off. One neighbor, Reggie Krakowski,
recalled fond memories of Hodge’s
undying support for the Black
community. “No matter what was
happening, he’d be there,” he said.

“He’s like a father figure, a big
brother, a mentor,” said Rashawn Harris,
another neighbor. “Whether it’s family
issues or financial trouble, he puts

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SWEET

Top-Selling Desserts in LB

By Nicole Alcindor opened the frozen yogurt shop, he that are prepared according to the
said he was inspired to have an original requirements of Jewish law.
TUTTI FRUTTI business that operates on self-service, “Even though we serve customers of
FROZEN YOGURT to allow for customers to create their all nationalities and religions, we have
own desserts and personalizing it with a wide range of Jewish clientele who
LOCATION: 28 W. Park Ave., Long Beach flavors and toppings. come to get kosher desserts,” said
TOP SELLER: Birthday Cake, Cookies & owner James Finch.
Cream or Taro Frozen Yogurt As a Long Beach resident, Berkowitz
said that it was only natural for him to The only challenge with having
This chain froyo shop, which is the open the shop in his home city. His kosher items, he said, is keeping the
only of its kind in Nassau County, is a goal has always been to create an appearance and flavor of the kosher
self-serve froyo stop with cones, cups environment where people can feel and non-kosher options identical.
and a variety of toppings. welcomed and relaxed. “Tutti Frutti has For Finch, working at the bakery for over
truly become an original fabric in the 20 years has brought him joy.
While the environment has changed Long Beach community,” he said.
during the pandemic, and treats are “I enjoy having something sweet
currently prepared to order, owner COUNTRY BOY for everyone,” he said. “It makes me so
Eric Berkowitz said young children BAKERY proud to be able to make people happy
can traditionally be seen giggling and and put a smile on their faces even in
screaming, as they run into the shop to LOCATION: 256 E. Park Ave., Long this pandemic time.”
make their own frozen yogurt. Beach
TOP SELLER: Kosher Cannoli WAFFLE CABIN
“I would like to think that kids see
my frozen yogurt shop as a part of their Country Boy Bakery is a gem for LOCATION: 874-B W. Beech St.,
childhood, that they will never let go of,” dessert-lovers who follow a kosher Long Beach
Berkowitz said. diet, because this bakery serves sweets TOP SELLER: The Original Waffle

Ten years ago, when Berkowitz first Waffle Cabin is home to some of

34 | Long Beach Magazine | SUMMER 2020

TREATS

TUTTI FRUTTI FROZEN YOGURT COUNTRY BOY BAKERY

COUNTRY BOY BAKERY COUNTRY BOY BAKERY

the most decadent waffles around: up new places in different areas. Now Coffee Roasters used to be.
the recipe for the Liege-style Belgian there are over 40 locations worldwide. “We are a family-owned business,
Waffle hails from Belgium, where owner
Peter Creyf is from. He reopened the LB “We have been doing this for over and we are proud to be in the
shop in July of this year. 20 years, and I couldn’t be prouder,” community,” Marvel’s director of
Schneider said. “A lot of our customers marketing and social media, Colleen
Manager Garrett Schneider said are kids, so I enjoy interacting with them Digney, said. “Working there is a positive
he said associates the location with and making them happy.” experience and seeing people connect
the great quality and originality of the to the store and bring their families
waffles and ice cream that they serve. MARVEL as a tradition shows that we are more
FROZEN DAIRY than just an ice cream shop — we are a
“I get a sense of fulfillment from staple of their memory.”
working there,” he said. “The waffles are LOCATION: 258 Lido Blvd, Lido Beach
great, and you can tell customers love it. and the boardwalk, National Boulevard, Photos by Kate Nalepinski/Herald
We stand out as one of the only shops Long Beach
of our kind in Long Beach.” TOP SELLER: Classic Vanilla Soft-Serve Left page photo: Waffle Cabin owner Peter Creyf serves up
a Belgian Waffle with chocolate glaze.
Creyf founded the company in 1998, Since 1951, Marvel Frozen Dairy
when it was called “Leo’s Gaufres de has been serving up ice cream on the At Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt:
Liège” — Gaufre being the French word barrier island. A beloved community Taro frozen yogurt with toppings.
for waffle, Liège the central hub where staple on Lido Boulevard, Marvel
the waffle originated. recently expanded, opening an outpost At Country Boy Bakery:
on the boardwalk, where Gentle Brew Kosher puff pastries with cannoli filling.
Over time, Waffle Cabin became Cookies are prepared daily.
more known as it slowly began opening An assortment of chocolate cakes are available.

SUMMER 2020 | Long Beach Magazine | 35

10
WAYS
to host a safe worn over the
After being party amid a nose and mouth.
isolated at
home during Wearing a mask
pandemic
quarantine, protects
many Long yourself and

Beach By Kate Nalepinski others from viral
residents may spread and when

be eager to social-distancing

gather with friends and family. measures are difficult to maintain.

Though the number of For a fun twist, ask guests to

Covid-19 cases in New York decorate their masks with nontoxic

state has decreased since markers before attending.

March, the coronavirus has Avoid the hug. When guests

not gone away: Cases have arrive, resist the urge to welcome

surged across America them with an embrace. Instead, opt

since late July, according for a verbal greeting, elbow bump

to data from John Hopkins or distanced dance.

University. It lends itself Be prepared with supplies

to the question: How can and tidy up. Hand sanitizer, soap

people safely gather during and water, tissues, trash bins with

the pandemic? lids, and masks are all necessary

While a beachside supplies to provide to guests.

rager with hundreds The CDC advises event

of people might planners to clean and

not be the safest disinfect frequently used

option as the respiratory illness is on the rise, there are safer surfaces daily or more

alternatives. often with Environmental Protection Agency-approved

However, even outdoor in-person gatherings — in which disinfectants.

individuals from different households remain at least six feet Stagger arrivals and departures. Hosts should aim to

apart, wear masks, do not share objects and come from the minimize crowding. It’s OK to invite fewer people, or ask

same local community, town or county — pose a risk, as per them to arrive when another party leaves — we are living in a

guidelines from the federal Centers for Disease Control And pandemic, after all.

Prevention. Host outdoors. Experts say the risk of catching the virus is

Here are 10 tips, with guidance from national health lower outdoors than indoors. Whether it’s the park, the beach,

organizations, on how to plan a more conscious socially or your backyard, it’s safer than cramming guests inside your

distanced party. home.

Consider the risks.You may be more cautious to host Keep all attendees six feet apart. Covid-19 spreads

a gathering if you, or someone in your household, is mainly among people who are in close contact, or within

immunocompromised, or lack the ability to fight off infections about six feet of one another, excluding members of the

and other diseases. This category includes people with same household, according to the CDC. Consider measuring

certain conditions, like AIDS, cancer, diabetes, malnutrition the distance between seating to ensure appropriate

and some genetic disorders. measures are met.

Brief your guests about safety before the event starts. Ask guests to bring their own food and drinks. Skip the

If you are hosting, talk to your guests about the precautions chips and salsa this year and avoid sharing snacks. If you

that need to be followed at the event, the World Health prepared a meal, designate one person to serve the group,

Organization recommends. This includes the basics: so multiple people aren’t handling utensils.

stay home if sick, wear a mask and use social-distancing Consider going digital. Celebrate on Zoom, Facebook

techniques. Some rules may be broken, so be sure to enforce video or Facetime instead! There’s no risk in getting your pals

guidelines for the duration of the gathering. together on a video call, having a drink and sharing good

Make sure all attendees wear a mask. Evidence shows conversation.

that masks reduce the spray of respiratory droplets when Page graphics are resources from Freepik.com

36 | Long Beach Magazine | SUMMER 2020

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SUMMER 2020 | Long Beach Magazine | 37

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38 | Long Beach Magazine | SUMMER 2020

TYHOINUKINRG HOFOSEMLLEIN?G 1097092

NOW IS THE RIGHT TIME!

Since May there have been
12,000 new listings
on Long Island with

15,000 homes pending
and 7,000 homes sold.
These home purchase statistics prove
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during this time.

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SUMMER 2020 | Long Beach Magazine | 39

Good Luck to All 1098092
Returning Back to School.
Wishing You a Safe & Healthy Year!

Results. Ethics. Quality. Class.

“The Long Beach market has once again proved its
resilience and strength. Since our return to work in Phase 2,
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you can rely on us as your real estate experts.” - Barbara
Visit us at:

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40 | Long Beach Magazine | SUMMER 2020