Long Beach Magazine 12-09-2021

Magazine
WINTER 2021-2022 l FREE

’Tis the Season

WMWOOISNNTDTEERRFU’SL GIV&ING • Historic
Homes Tour
EVENTS GIVING
BACK • Toasting
WHHOY THLEIDAYS Than TYHISEAR Long Beach’s
Ever IN LONG BEACH Oldest Bars
MATTER MORE
•And More

Setting New
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of Excellence in Senior Care

ht here in
ocated rig Long Bea
ch L

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WINTER 2021-2022 | Long Beach Magazine | 3

CONTENTS Features

18

Through the

FeSlercnrosootntf e

12 24

Holiday Season Giving Back

Returns to our own

4 | Long Beach Magazine | WINTER 2021-2022

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CONTENTS Departments Magazine

28 ISSUE 15
Winter 2021-2022
OBldaersst
EDITOR
in Long Beach Kate Nalepinski

33 EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Scott Brinton
Historic
SPECIAL SECTIONS EDITOR
Homes Karen Bloom

on the cover CONTRIBUTING
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Scott Ferrone took this shot on
the boardwalk exclusively for Christina Daly
Kate Nalepinski
Long Beach Magazine. Scott Ferrone

Courtesy Scott Ferrone ADVERTISING SALES
Ellen Frisch

PUBLISHER
Stuart Richner

VICE PRESIDENT
SALES

Rhonda Glickman

CREATIVE DIRECTOR
AND LAYOUT DESIGNER

Jeffrey A. Negrin

Long Beach Magazine is published by
Richner Communications, Inc. and is
distributed by USPS to all households
and businesses in Long Beach, N.Y.
and vicinity. Distribution is supple-
mented via hotels, restaurants, realtor
offices, professional offices and similar
locations.

No part of Long Beach Magazine
may be reproduced in any form or
by any means without prior written
consent from the publisher. The views
expressed by contributors are not
necessarily those of the publisher, edi-
tor 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
© 2021 Richner Communications, Inc.

6 | Long Beach Magazine | WINTER 2021-2022

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EVENTS

Dec. 11

WINTER

WONDERLAND

Celebrate the season
in the City by the Sea

By Kate Nalepinski Tenth Annual Electric Light Parade

It’s the most wonderful Dec. 11, 6:30 p.m. West Beech Street
time of the year, and that Among the most highly anticipated return of holiday traditions in Long Beach is the West End
means it’s time to enjoy Electric Light Parade, which is back and better than ever after going dark last year.
the sights and sounds Held once again on the second Saturday in December, the 2021 parade will run down West
of the holiday season in Beech Street beginning at Ohio Avenue. Antique cars, fire trucks, floats and bicycles, all wrapped in
Long Beach. From time- glittering lights, are just a few of the seasonal sights that will appear. In the past, the Chamber has
honored traditions to distributed awards to members of the parade precession in categories such as Best Walking Group,
brand-new experiences, Best Vehicle, Most Unique, Most Festive and more.
outdoor festivities to Parking will be available at Long Beach Catholic School at 735 W Broadway, where shuttle
indoor fun, in-person and buses will be waiting to take viewers to the West End. In addition to the main event, restaurants
virtual gatherings alike, in the West End are planning to roll out Electric Light Parade specials for visitors, making it truly a
a warm and jolly time night to eat, drink and be merry.
awaits…
continued on page 10
8 | Long Beach Magazine | WINTER 2021-2022

Wishing Everyone a Joyous and Safe Holiday Season,
and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year!

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continued from page 8 Dec. 11 Ongoing

CMARAK YOLURENDAR
ENJOY THE HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES!

Long Beach Menorah LBNY Window Adult Holiday Craft
& Long Beach Decorating Contest
Christmas Tree Long Beach Public Library,
Dec. 1–Dec. 24, Ongoing 2 p.m. Dec. 11.
Ongoing Throughout the City
Long Beach City Hall Need a break from the hustle and
There’s something special about those bustle of the holidays? Looking for a last-
If you weren’t able to attend the festive scenes decorating the Macy’s store minute gift idea? The Long Beach Public
menorah lighting or you missed windows in Manhattan that puts one in the Library is hosting an hour-long seasonal
the illumination of the Christmas holiday spirit — and now that feeling will be candle-holder decorating session during
tree, there’s still plenty of time to right here as the Long Beach Chamber hosts which participants will be guided through
enjoy the lights that bring so much its annual LBNY Window Decorating Contest how to use paint markers on glass candle
warmth and wonder to the season. until Dec. 25. All businesses with storefront holders to create wintry designs. All mate-
The Long Beach menorah will windows have been invited to enter the rials will be supplied by the library. Space
remain lit until the end of Decem- free competition and decorate their windows for this event is limited, so secure your spot
ber in front of Long Beach City Hall with wintry scenes; the public is welcome to by calling the Reference Desk at (516) 432-
on W. Chester Street, where the come downtown and vote for their favorite 7201 ext .225. Note: Masks are required at
Long Beach Christmas tree will also starting on Dec. 15. Winners will be an- all times regardless of vaccination status.
remain lit until at least Jan. 1. nounced Dec. 27.
Lido Beach Cleanup
Holiday Decorating Competition
Dec. 12, 9 a.m.
Dec. 1–Dec. 31, Ongoing - Throughout the City Lido Beach Town Park

The Long Beach Chamber of Commerce and City of Long Beach host the second Among the greatest gifts we have here
annual Holiday House decorating event to bring some light and love to residents on Long Island are our beaches, and this is
amid this special season. This year’s theme is, fittingly, holiday cheer during the the perfect time to give a little something
pandemic. back to the sand, surf and sea. Anyone
Residents are encouraged to sign up to participate in the contest and adorn their can sign up to volunteer at the cleanup,
properties with lights, wreaths, reindeer and more. hosted by Atlantic Marine Conservation
Beginning Dec. 15, community members are invited to drive past the decorated Society, Town of Hempstead and All Our
homes throughout the city by following a digital map created by the Chamber of Energy, but there are a maximum of 30
Commerce. The public will have the opportunity to vote on their favorite decorated participants per one-hour time slot. Clean-
house via Facebook, and sponsored prizes and awards will be distributed for People’s up supplies will be provided; organizers
Choice and Judge’s Choice. For more information, follow the Long Beach New York recommend volunteers bring their own
Facebook page and go online to: www.the longbeachchamber.com. gloves. Parking fees will be waived for reg-
istered participants. For more information,
10 | Long Beach Magazine | WINTER 2021-2022 visit hempsteadny.gov and search events.

Dec. 13 Feb. 6 Dec. 1-Dec. 24

2021 Women in the Arts “It’s a time when we recognize women Virtual:
Awards and Recognition who support the art in the community,” Spectacular Holiday Songfest
Fundraiser Artists In Partnership executive director
Johanna Mathieson-Ellmer says. “They Dec. 15, 7–9 p.m.
Dec. 13, 7–10 p.m. can be business-owners, artists, perform- Long Beach Public Library
Bright Eye Beer Company ers, musicians or people in government
who seek to get support into these town The Young Artists of Long Island, com-
Help nonprofit Artists In Partner- programs.” posed of local singers from Nassau County
ship, Inc. honor incredible women This year’s event will be a hybrid-style, 13 and older, will be singing winter-themed
in Long Beach at their fifth annual with a limited number of people permitted melodies and holiday favorites by Henry
Women in the Arts event. This year’s to attend in person while others can stream Purcell; grand operas by Mozart, Puccini,
honorees include visual artist Joan the event virtually. “It’s an opportunity for and Gounod; and plenty of popular Broad-
Lazarus, AIP Board of Directors people to come together, and a celebra- way and contemporary tracks. Attendees
member Maddy Levi, Town Council- tion to look at the positivity,” Mathieson- can register for the Zoom concert until Dec.
woman Elizabeth Treston, Chamber Ellmer says, “particularly women who bring 14 by visiting longbeachlibrary.org.
of Commerce member Michele humanity and heart to every community,”
Dodd, jewelry designer Yvonne Tickets are $30 per person and can be To find more great events in Long Beach and
Santana, Daniel Gale Sotheby’s purchased at aip-arts.org. across Long Island, visit www.LIHerald.com.
International Realtor Leah Tozer and
others. WINTER 2021-2022 | Long Beach Magazine | 11

Long Beach Polar Bear Plunge 2022

Feb. 6, Time TBA

More than 1,000 folks are expected to don bathing suits and wacky costumes and
dive head-first — or at least toes-first — into the frigid Atlantic Ocean for this wintertime
Long Beach tradition, which operates as a fundraiser for Make-A-Wish Metro New York.
Organized every year by the Long Beach Polar Bears, the event always takes place on
Super Bowl Sunday — the day that club co-founders Pete Meyers and Kevin McCarthy
took their first plunge into the Atlantic in 1998.
In 2000, Meyers and McCarthy decided to turn their plunge into an annual char-
ity event for Make-A-Wish to honor their friend Mike Bradley’s son, Paulie, who died of
cancer at age 4 in 1997. For more than 20 years now, locals and visitors have proudly and
energetically plunged into the freezing waters for this heart-warming cause. As of last
year, the group had raised more than $7 million to help fulfill the wishes of children with
life-threatening medical conditions.

FEATURE

Keeping Spirits Bright

The warmth and wonder of the holidays return to Long Beach

By Kate Nalepinski Part of this may be a rising sense of safety amid the
pandemic. Vaccination rates in Nassau County soared this
Christmas lights draped across lampposts in the West End, year: As of early November, at least 95% of adult residents in
restaurant windows painted with wintry designs and the Nassau had at least one Covid-19 vaccination dose, according
menorah lit in front of City Hall can only mean one thing: The to the Nassau County Department of Health. Additionally,
holidays are back in Long Beach! we have all learned how we can adapt behaviors, take
precautions and plan ahead for safe social gatherings and
It’s been nearly two years since the community has had events.
the opportunity to truly gather together in person, and
while wearing masks is still widely encouraged, and many Here’s what some Long Beach locals are saying about the
community events are at limited capacity — for example, resurgence of the hope and joy, and new approaches to old-
this year’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony only permitted time holiday traditions, that this year’s season brings…
a limited number of residents to attend — spirits seem to be
brighter than ever this season.

12 | Long Beach Magazine | WINTER 2021-2022

Bob Johnson Ian Danby

‘‘ Owner,TheCabana President, Long Beach
I’m just really happy that we have the OK here
in Long Beach, and on Long Island, to get ‘‘ ChamberofCommerce
together,” Johnson says. “I’m looking forward This is the first time that L.B. will celebrate the
to the holiday season.” During the height of the holidays with public events since the pandemic
pandemic, Johnson notes, his restaurant utilized restrictions were put in place, and Danby says he’s
outdoor parking lot space and was able to thrilled — both for the boost to local businesses,
expand the interior of the eatery into one large and even more for the fun to be had by the
room. He’s optimistic about an uptick in business community at large. “Although there are still some
in the West End amid the winter season. “You restrictions in place, I think people are more than
can just feel the excitement now that people are ‘‘likely to be going out, especially since kids can
back to doing things that they’ve grown used get vaccinated now — I think that’ll make a huge
to doing … The Cabana is set up is to host live difference, since it’s this season is great for families.
music, so people can enjoy themselves. If I can
increase business this winter, it’ll help me that continued on page 14
much more when we get past St. Patrick’s Day. WINTER 2021-2022 | Long Beach Magazine | 13

continued from page 13 Pam Rosenbluth

Matthew Hisiger Owner, Club Pilates Oceanside

‘‘ Owner,LBSocial Rosenbluth is grateful that
We are looking forward to a festive year residents are able to celebrate
of family and friends reconnecting,” says the season together once
Hisiger, whose eatery this year offered its again. Still, the holidays remain
popular to-go Thanksgiving menus and
is currently participating in the holiday ‘‘a stressful time for many,
window decorating competition, organized she admits. To stay healthy,
by the Chamber of Commerce. “Getting balanced and calm during
back together, traveling and celebrating holiday craziness, Rosenbluth
‘‘like we’ve never celebrated before. encourages community
members to set aside time to
14 | Long Beach Magazine | WINTER 2021-2022 be active during winter months.
“Working out is a wonderful
way to not only keep your body
feeling its best, but it is great
for your mental health as well,”
she says. “There’s something
about spending an hour moving
your body and focusing on your
breath that does wonders for
your mood.”
Rosenbluth, who will soon
open a new Club Pilates location
in Merrick, adds that having a
strong, supportive community
is key to a stress-free holiday
season. “So many members at
Club Pilates Oceanside have
shared with us how the positive
energy and camaraderie they
experience at the studio has
been life-changing,” she says.
“Whether through group classes
or one-on-one training, having
like-minded individuals holding
you accountable is helpful for
‘‘staying in a routine during the
busy holidays.

continued on page 16

Herald File Photo

Opening page: The boardwalk was adorned with nauti-
cal-themed holiday lights in 2017, which invited resi-
dents to take a nighttime stroll to admire the decora-
tions.
Top left: Members of the Westholme Civic Association
participated in the Electric Light Parade in 2018.
Bottom left: In years past, Kennedy Plaza has been
decorated with a nativity scene around the holidays.

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continued from page 14

Judi Vining Johanna
Mathieson-Ellmer
Executive Director, Long Beach AWARE
Executive Director,
We’re putting our toes in the water,” says Vining, whose
organization works to shift community culture around ‘‘ Artists in Partnership
alcohol and other drug use, and promote a healthier Long The busy holiday season,
Beach. The executive director acknowledges that there
stress from the pandemic
‘‘have been improvements in regards to Covid-19, yet the
organization continues to meet remotely — and will still host and political division can
outdoor meetings when possible —which remains the more
sometimes prevent people

from expressing themselves
comfortable option for most Coalition members. “I think each honestly, Mathieson-Ellmer

person needs to decide for themselves, and stick to what says. However, art can be

makes them feel safe.” used as a tool for individuals

With the busy shopping season approaching, Vining says to raise their voices in a

she tends to err on the side of caution there as well. “I, as non-confrontational manner.

much as anyone else, want to get out there and be normal, Thus, Artists in Partnership is
but I am cautious. I think once or twice before I go into a always seeking new ways to
improve residents’ spirit and
‘‘crowded department store, and opt to shop locally, or online. find opportunities for them to
creatively express themselves,
she says. “We’re never at a loss
for looking at the immediate

future and what we can bring

to the community to help

with people’s spirits and to

find ways to creatively express

themselves, because there’s

a lot of stuff going on in the

world.”

The group has been

actively working with other

art organizations in the

city to create new ways of

approaching the arts. For

example, with help from Arts

in the Plaza, Long Beach Arts

League and West End Arts,

the organization recently

held a nearly month-long

Sam Pinot community-driven project to
create “healing flags,” which
‘‘ Board of Education Trustee, Long Beach City School District promoted positivity in the
Firefighter, Long Beach Fire Department community. “We’ve found that

The holiday season is when our community spirit thrives, Pinot ‘‘our strength,” she says, “really
says: “I feel like this year, we’re really going to shine. I think people
are really going to embrace the holiday spirit together.” lies in collaboration so that we
can get programming done.
Pinot, who has served as a Long Beach City School District
board member for four years and as a firefighter for over 15, Herald File Photo
says that parents and kids in the school community are looking
forward to more in-person and communal events: “We need that Above photo: Hockey players practice on the ice at
social and emotional connection to help celebrate the holidays. the Long Beach Ice Arena. The arena is open
throughout the winter season.
16 | Long Beach Magazine | WINTER 2021-2022

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FEATURE

A Portrait of Passion

Creativity, community and the vision of Scott Ferrone

By Kate Nalepinski himself in the process. Sometimes, this means waking up
before daybreak, waiting two hours at a time or utilizing an
A rustic, wooden lifeguard chair with a blue plastic app on his phone that indicates the trajectory of the moon
marker sits atop a sand dune on the beach. Its backdrop is so he can know exactly when and where he has to be for his
an icy blue sky. Framed perfectly behind the seat is a vivid photoshoot with nature.
orb colored with bursts of tangerine, lemon yellow and rich
fuchsia. “I could never do this in the pre-digital age,” Ferrone, who
has lived in Long Beach since 2013, says with a laugh. “When
One could assume this landscape shot of the full moon I go out, I can shoot around 300 shots. I could never develop
in July in Long Beach was Photoshopped, or at least heavily all of those.”
edited using some digital program. The reality is, the
photograph is unedited, taken using a DSLR camera with Ferrone, 55, took photography courses in high school but
an immeasurable amount of patience and vision of Scott says he really picked up the hobby in 2016, when he snapped
Ferrone. a cellphone photo of the Long Beach boardwalk and shared
it online to the popular local Facebook group I Love Long
The local photographer has gone to great lengths to Beach, NY. Blown away by the community response, he was
capture such shots, making an ever-growing name for

18 | Long Beach Magazine | WINTER 2021-2022

inspired to snap more local shots. Sue Hampton-Auriemma, Barb Lobosco and Paul Mele.
“People started asking, ‘Do you sell your photos? Are It’s all paved the way for his first solo exhibit, at the

you a professional?’ But it was just a hobby at that point,” West End Library, where some of his favorite shots will be
Ferrone recalls. on display until the end of the year. In January 2022, his
work will be featured in the Mineola Public Library. And of
In early 2017, he purchased his first-ever Nikon camera. course, you’ve already seen one of his original photos on this
Since then, he’s garnered nearly 5,000 followers on issue’s cover.
Instagram and has sold his work at local art fairs and through
social media. A member of West End Arts Visual Artist Guild, Though Ferrone is a talented photographer in all genres,
Inc. — a nonprofit that represents the interests of local artists including frequent cityscapes of Manhattan, his preferred
— Ferrone has been featured in numerous photography subject is landscape. He says it’s because Long Beach’s
exhibits this year, including “Lights, Cameras, Captures!” seascapes, beachscapes and more are beyond compare. “The
exhibit at the Freeport Memorial Library and “The Best creations that Mother Nature and God have put up are
of Both Worlds, City and Beach” at the Long Beach Public unbelievable.”
Library with fellow photographers Weldy Steve Escalante,
continued on page 22
WINTER 2021-2022 | Long Beach Magazine | 19

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continued from page 19

His favorite times to shoot are 20 minutes after sunset and an hour Courtesy Scott Ferrone
before sunrise. The sun rising on the opposite side of the horizon can create
magnificent colors if weather permits. Opening page: Ferrone snapped this icy picture of the Long Beach
As his main hustle, the photog currently works in sales for a landscape boardwalk on March 22, 2018.
equipment distributor that operates across Long Island, where he’s been for
35 years. Ever the creator, Ferrone is also a passionate pianist and guitarist. Top left: Ferrone took this photo of the moonrise in July 2021 in
Over the next few years, Ferrone plans to bring these two creative Long Beach.
passions together when he release a photo book that contains a QR code or
download link to his ambient-style music. He’s already written a good deal of Top right: Scott Ferrone, of Long Beach, snags a landscape shot on
the serene soundtrack, much of which he says he’s composed while staring his Nikon.
out his living room window at the ocean.
“Especially with everything going on in the world, it’s very tranquil and Bottom left: Ferrone took this photo of the moonrise in July 2021 in
very rewarding to be able to do that,” he says. Long Beach.
During the pandemic, Ferrone never stopped making art. It offered a
sense of comfort to some of his faithful viewers. Bottom right: Ferrone has produced many colorful, animated sunset
“I could easily bundle up, mask up and go on the beach by myself photos, including this one of the Long Beach boardwalk.
when social distancing started. I was putting my photos on Facebook and
Instagram, and I had several people actually say to me, ‘You’re a special kind
of person, out there shooting, and when I see your photos it helps me to kind
of get through this challenging time.’ To hear someone say that was really
impactful.”
`See more of Scott Ferrone’s images on Instagram at @scott_ferrone and on
Facebook at Scott Ferrone Photo & Music.

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TheFEATURE Season of Giving Back
Helping Long Beach help its own

By Kate Nalepinski Beach Soup Kitchen, MLK Center and Long Beach Christmas Angel
have faced age-old needs while also having to adapt to the Covid-19
The small group of friends gathered pandemic.
inside the toasty Long Beach home on Since the onset of the pandemic, Sofield’s group has seen more
a crisp winter night have no idea about students’ families asking to be connected to mental health and financial
the lives they are going to change. They assistance resources. Last year, Christmas Angel (which now operates
collect toys for the Salvation Army Angel out of St. Mary of the Isle Roman Catholic Church) was one of the first
Tree program and Toys for Tots, but local organizations that provided bulk produce orders to restaurants so
really, it’s just a party, a jolly scene now they could stay afloat. The group also supplemented the MLK Center,
two decades old — friends sharing baked schools and the Long Beach Soup Kitchen, Sofield says, and did their
goods and Santa Claus stopping by to give best to meet the needs of the area’s senior citizens.
gifts to the kids in attendance. The group hosted this year’s fundraiser event on Dec. 3, with the
As LB entered a new millennium, the focus very much on how Covid-19 has exacerbated situations requiring
holiday party continued, but by then it their aid — “Immeasurable,” Sofield says — and what that means for
had become an established nonprofit that the future.
accepted financial donations throughout The same kind of focus is top of mind for the Long Beach Soup
the year to assist children and families Kitchen, at W. Pine Street, which is open six days a week, serving up
within the Long Beach City School free hot meals to anyone who stops by Monday through Saturday,
District. Around that time, the group and offering a food bank Monday through Thursday. They’ve seen the
helped a single mother get back on her
feet after she had been abandoned by her continued on page 26
husband, paying for her to attend school
and obtain a certification that would help
rebuild her future. And now the group
had a name.
“We call it the Long Beach Christmas
Angel, because it started as a holiday party
and to kick off the holiday season and to
do something good for someone else,”
says Johanna Sofield, whose home was
the site of those early gatherings and who
is founder and executive director of the
charity.
Local nonprofits like the Long Beach
Christmas Angel and their efforts to
help the community are as much a
part of the holiday season as holly and
mistletoe. Though their dedication and
generosity of spirit may get the most
attention now, many are working 365
days a year to assist those in need. And
each day presents new challenges. Over
the past year and a half, volunteers from
nonprofit organizations such as the Long

24 | Long Beach Magazine | WINTER 2021-2022

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WINTER 2021-2022 | Long Beach Magazine | 25

continued from page 24 meal. Blau says it’s all possible through a team effort among all local
organizations, one that is strong during the holiday season and can
number of guests quadruple since the pandemic provide an inspirational example for the rest of the year — when
began, notes president and Long Beach resident volunteers and donations start to dwindle, but the need certainly
Robert Blau. does not.

“On a normal day, indoors, before Covid, ‘The guests go away with enough food between us and
we’d serve anywhere between 15 and 20 lunches. Christmas Angel or St. Mary’s Church or whatever it may be,” he
Currently we’re serving anywhere from 50 to 80 says. “We supplement everybody and everybody supplements us.”
lunches,” Blau says. “There are just more people in
need of our services.” Courtesy Robert Blau

“There’s always an increased need for support,” Volunteer Nicole Reiger prepares a to-go meal at the Long Beach Soup Kitchen.
agrees MLK Center Executive Director Mack
Graham. The community-based MLK Center works Christina Daly/Herald
to improve the health, welfare and educational
programs of all residents, and places emphasis on Melvin Lewis preps dinner — Eight turkeys, ham and 40 pounds of roasted potatoes smothered
underserved youth, families and individuals. in cheddar cheese — on Thanksgiving at the MLK Center in 2018.

“Right now, most of our programming is Sue Grieco/Herald
tailored around students,” Graham says. “We do
have evening programs for adults, but we’re looking Long Beach High School and Middle School students volunteering at the 2016 Long Beach
to bring in even more adult programs.” Christmas Angel event.

The MLK Center is currently seeking volunteers
to help prepare meals for Christmas, but also
year-round individuals to provide administrative
assistance and help with youth programming.
Though it served up meals during the pandemic,
the MLK Center does not have a regular meal
distribution schedule at this time. It is, however,
looking to offer a free weekend breakfast program
in the future.

Luckily, there’s been no shortage of food
programs or volunteers at the Soup Kitchen (where
community members are also encouraged to
donate hats, gloves and scarves). Since the city-
owned facility remains at limited capacity due to
Covid-19 safety protocols, it can accommodate only
about 30 volunteers. In fact, Blau says, they’ve had
to turn new volunteers away, and the group is in
good financial standing, as it doesn’t rely solely on
nonperishable food drives or food donations.

“The biggest part of giving back is the City of
Long Beach allows us to use their facility,” Blau
says. “Without them, and the community, we
couldn’t support ourselves and we couldn’t run the
Soup Kitchen the way we run it today.”

Last year, the Soup Kitchen and the MLK
Center could only provide to-go meals around
Christmas due to safety concerns amid the
pandemic. But this year, both facilities will open
their doors on Christmas Day to serve a traditional

26 | Long Beach Magazine | WINTER 2021-2022

1150355

1149776

WINTER 2021-2022 | Long Beach Magazine | 27

WhereFEATURE Since 1955
Everybody
Knows
Your Name

Cheers
to the oldest

bars in
Long Beach

By Kate Nalepinski

The clinking of beer glasses after a game of pool. The
infectious laughter among friends on a night out. A bright
grin from a bartender and hearty greeting when a regular
customer walks through the door.

No need to apologize if the Cheers theme song is
playing in your head right now. Had the show been set
on Long Island instead of in Boston, you would have seen
Norm sitting at Nolan’s Pub and Shine’s Bar. The two
oldest bars in Long Beach are exactly the kind of place
where ‘everybody knows your name’.

The structure that houses Nolan’s Pub, on E. Park
Avenue, was constructed in 1927 as a grocery store
during Prohibition. It remained so until World War II,
when the U.S. Navy took over the Lido Hotel and it
became a bar, one whose quirky history is part of its
charm.

“I’ve heard conflicting reports about what it was
called back then,” current owner John “Roscoe” Deniston,
an LB resident since 1955, says with a laugh. “Some have
said it was called Carol’s.”

It became Nolan’s in the 1950s when it was purchased
by a retired police chief — about 20 years before a young
Deniston strutted into the establishment to work behind
the bar. He would later purchase the building with his
friend, school teacher Charlie Northrop, in 1984, and
two decades later they bought out the owner to run the

continued on page 30
28 | Long Beach Magazine | WINTER 2021-2022

WINTER 2021-2022 | Long Beach Magazine | 29

continued from previous page Shine’s says thanks by hosting a customer
appreciation night, where visitors bring
business themselves. dishes and celebrate the season. “The bar
And over all that time, its heart and soul has remained. Yes, there have has a charming little atmosphere normally,
so imagine that with 1960s multicolored
been changes — after Hurricane Sandy, parts of the pub were redone, and lights and this nice warm glow,” Casey says.
they’ve also expanded its patio and the outdoor area features a Bocci ball “There’s a real Christmas tree and there
playing area — but it’s still integral to the fabric of Long Beach because of its are gifts under the tree — it’s so cute.”
down-to-earth authenticity. “It’s a neighborhood bar. It is what it is and you
can’t make it what it isn’t. I’ve tried to keep it as a neighborhood bar and keep Community members are encouraged
up with the times,” says Deniston, now 74. “It’s not a disco, there’s no blaring to bring gifts, which are donated to either
lights or music. It’s just a friendly place. You can’t make it something it’s not.” St. Mary of the Isle Roman Catholic
Church, St Ignatius Martyr Church or the
Nolan’s is a family-run affair. Currently managed by Deniston’s daughter, MLK Center. Such giving back is not just
Tricia Moran, his son Brendan often jumps in to fill in, as do the rest of seasonal, but is rather at the core of the
his nine children. That sense of lineage has long provided comfort to the role Shine’s plays in the community.
community.
Shine’s served as a safe space when
“Everyone knows [my dad] from growing up in Long Beach, and we’re Hurricane Sandy struck Long Beach in
just a big family that’s well-known here,” Moran says. “I’ve had guys come 2012. Casey and her husband operated
in and tell me stories about hanging out with him, or when he was serving as a soup and supply kitchen for those in
them, and now their grandkids are in here.” need, and even distributed free drinks.
When the current pandemic hit, she
A storied West End establishment created local business bingo cards,
On the other side of town, Shine’s Bar stands as a staple in the West which encouraged people to stop by
neighborhood restaurants and eateries.
End, one of the oldest buildings in Long Beach — and quite possibly the Winners would get a free drink at Shine’s.
whole Barrier Island — according to co-proprietor Megan Casey, who owns She also crafted local scavenger hunts
the spot with her husband. The property dates back to the 1820s, when the for children and helped individuals
structure is believed to have been a private home. By the time Prohibition make vaccine appointments. For such
arrived, Casey says, it was a bar. In 1912, Eugene Shine purchased the site, continuous efforts, Casey was named the
and when the bar was forced to shut down in 1919, a speakeasy was opened Long Beach Chamber of Commerce’s
in the formally detached garage. An old trap door from the Prohibition era 2021 Business Person of the Year.
still remains.
Such awards and accolades are a
“I can’t think of a lot of bars…that were able to function before, during well-deserved moment to shine. But the
and after Prohibition,” Casey says. She and her spouse have been involved deepest connections among these bar
since 2006, and are looking forward to 2022, when Shine’s will celebrate its owners, their establishments and their
110th anniversary. communities are found in the simpler
moments of the day-to-day.
Regulars fill the place year-round, year in and out, so around the holidays
“Like, I know today who is going to
30 | Long Beach Magazine | WINTER 2021-2022 come in and at what times,” Moran says.
“For most of them, I’ll see them outside,
and their drink is ready by the time they
come in.”

Herald file photo

Opening page: Shine’s Bar hosted its fifth annual Prom event
on May 2017.
Megan Casey, the co-proprietor of Shine’s, was this year
named the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce
businessperson of the year for her community involvement.
Tricia Moran and John “Roscoe” Deniston manage Nolan’s
Pub in Long Beach.

Courtesy Tricia Moran

Above: A young John “Roscoe” Deniston works behind the bar
at Nolan’s Pub in Long Beach in the 1970’s.

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REAL ESTATE/HISTORY

ThiHsEtOoRIriGIcNhOoF LmBe’Ss By Jennifer Corr

Karen Adamo and Jeanne Browne, of the began in 1878 when, utilizing post-Civil War
Long Beach Historical Society, beamed with
pride as they explored the houses that have technology, a portion of the island was leased
held decades upon decades of history within
their walls. as a railroad terminus. Shortly after, in 1880, a
The first home they showed a Long Beach
Magazine contributor was the building that seaside hotel was constructed.
houses the Long Beach Historical Society
itself: A two-story Craftsman-style house that In 1906, a Brooklyn syndicate, led by
was built in 1909 and was one of the original
estates of Long Beach summer residence villas. former State Sen. William Reynolds, purchased
The home is on the U.S. Department of the
Interior National Register. the hotel and railroad lease. Two years later,
Browne says she became involved with the
city’s history in the 1970s and 80s, a time that’s they began developing the island to become
nicknamed the “renaissance of Long Beach.”
Browne says the historical society – which aims “The Estates of Long Beach,” which featured
to educate the public about LB, and preserve
and enhance the city’s architectural and large stucco, red tiled roof homes. Those
historical heritage – got its start at that time.
“It was a time that all of the real estate homes were situated on red-bricked streets,
values were very, very low and no one wanted
to live here. We had to do promotions and that often referred to as the “Historic Red Brick
is where the Long Beach Historical Society got
its beginnings from Roberta Fiore,” Browne Districts.”
says.
And there’s much history to absorb. Long Today, the Red Brick District can be found
Beach, as described in the book Images of
America: Long Beach, written by Long Beach on Penn Street between Grand Boulevard and
Historical and Preservation Society historians,
sits on a barrier island. National Boulevard.
The development of the barrier island
As beautiful and historic as these homes

were, they were called “white elephants” since

they didn’t sell well, Adamo, a realtor, says.

“People did not want to purchase,” she says.

“They were just sitting because people thought

there was too much work to do. But now, we

have a real resurgence of people buying the

historical, older homes, and restoring them, not

renovating them.”

These homes, and their stories, still stand

as Long Beach, a five square mile community

with an estimated 35,000 people, has gone

through its many stages of change. The sense

of community, Browne adds, is another aspect

of Long Beach life that keeps people in this

historical city.

WINTER 2021-2022 | Long Beach Magazine | 33

T ur 262 W. Penn St.

Long Beach’s Style: Georgian
ARCHITECTURAL Home size: Five bedrooms,

Landscape five bathrooms
Year built: 1907
Featured on Last purchased: 2015
previous page: Selling price: $1.3 million

“The Long Beach
Whitehouse”

238 W. Penn St.

Style: French Revival
Home size: 10,000 square feet

Year built: 1915
Last purchased: 1994
Selling price: $1.4 million

160 Lafayette Blvd. 342 W. Penn St.

Style: Spanish Style Architecture Style: Colonial
Home size: 2,699 square feet Home size: Nine bedrooms,
Year built: 1925
Last purchased: 2013 four bathrooms
Selling price: $665,000 Year built: 1906
Last purchased: 2016
Fun fact: This home was built for Selling price: $900,000
Max Fleischer, who invented
the famous character Fun fact: This home was the
“Betty Boop.” first of 10 cottages built by

Former State Sen.
William H. Reynolds.

34 | Long Beach Magazine | WINTER 2021-2022

310 158 Edwards Blvd.
Riverside Blvd.
Style: Queen Anne Style
Style: Spanish Revival, Home size: N/A
Art Deco interior Year built: 1908

Home size: Three connected towers, Last purchased: N/A
seven stories tall. Selling price:

Year built: 1929 by architect Estimate: $1.7 million
Lang & Rosenberg
157 Long Beach Blvd.
Fun fact: This historic apartment
building was added to the Style: Queen Anne Style
U.S. National Register of Home size: 6617 square feet
Historic Places in 1984.
Year built: 1908
Long Beach Last purchased: N/A
Historical Society
Selling price:
226 W. Penn St. Estimate: $1.7 million

Style: Japanese Influence, WINTER 2021-2022 | Long Beach Magazine | 35
Arts and Crafts

Home size: 2,717 square feet
Year built: Approximately 1909

Last purchased: 1997 by the
Long Beach Historical Society

Selling price: $250,000

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WINTER 2021-2022 | Long Beach Magazine | 39

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40 | Long Beach Magazine | WINTER 2021-2022