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Randy Couture to Appear at XtremeCouture in Centereach Long Island

News LI Editor — Sun, 11 May 2008 15:34:24 +0000

(Centereach, N.Y.) On Sunday May 18th Randy “The Natural” Couture will be appearing at XtremeCouture MMA & Fitness Center 2120 Middle Country Road in Centereach New York 11720.

Click for map to location

Mr Couture a 6 time UFC champion and hall of famer will be conducting a training seminar from 9am - 2pm for all members and from 2pm-3:30pm he will be signing autographs and pictures for fans at a cost of $25.00.

Please come early to reserve your spot and a chance to meet one of the greatest fighters in UFC history.

Call Jay at 631-331-0125 for more details

About Randy Couture
Randy Duane Couture is an American mixed martial artist, Greco-Roman wrestler, and former collegiate wrestler. Couture is one of the two MMA fighters to have held a championship title in two different divisions (heavyweight and light heavyweight) of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) (the other one being BJ Penn), as well as the only five-time champion in UFC history, earning him the nicknames “The Natural” and, later, “Captain America”. He is considered by many to be the most popular fighter in MMA history, and is a member of the UFC Hall of Fame.

About XtremeCouture New York
XtremeCouture in Centereach is one of five other Extreme Couture gyms across the U.S which are owned by Randy Couture. The 6,000 square foot facility is slated to have a boxing ring, an octagonal cage, mats, and an area for weight training and cardio equipment. The gym is located at 2120 Middle Country Road, Centereach, NY 11720. For more information, visit Extreme Couture MMA www.xtremecoutureny.com

Appearence May 18th, 2008
For members 9AM - 2 PM
For autographs and pictures for fans (cost of $25.00) 2PM - 3:30PM

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XtremeCouture New York
2120 Middle Country RD
Centereach NY 11720
(516)870-2085
www.xtremecoutureny.com

H2M To Discuss Groundwater Protection on Long Island

News LI Editor — Sun, 11 May 2008 15:10:14 +0000

(Melville, N.Y.) Holzmacher, McLendon & Murrell, P.C. (H2M), a multi-disciplined Engineering, Architectural and Laboratory Analysis firm, has been helping to educate students on the importance of groundwater protection. In connection with the Long Island Groundwater Research Institute (LIGRI), on Friday, May 16, at the Candlewood Middle School (Half Hollow Hills district), from 9:30 to 11:00 and 12:30 to 2:00 Kenneth P. Wenz, Jr., C.P.G., of H2M, will be teaching middle schoolers about how they can help save and protect Long Island’s water supply.

The students will learn valuable information about geology, landforms, groundwater, the water cycle, and the importance of groundwater protection. Mr. Wenz will be showing them a 3-dimensional model of the Long Island groundwater system, which displays how groundwater travels within the aquifers of Long Island.

The presentation works on many different levels and has been presented to both adults and children. This same seminar was presented at the Commack, Manhasset, Levittown and Bayville schools as well as environmental fairs in Cold Spring Harbor and Huntington. One of the goals of the presentation is to raise awareness about groundwater issues and to educate the community on the region’s most pressing groundwater problems.

Mr. Wenz has more than 20 years of experience in the environmental field, comprising both consulting and regulatory experience, and is a resident of Commack, NY. If you would like H2M or Kenneth Wenz to make a presentation in your school or meeting feel free to contact H2M at 631-756-8000 or visit our website at www.h2m.com.

Founded in 1933, H2M has grown to be one of the most respected professional consulting firms in the Northeast, providing full-service engineering, architecture, environmental services, and laboratory analysis. H2M consists of Holzmacher, McLendon & Murrell, P.C., H2M Labs, Inc., H2M Associates, Inc., H2M Architects & Engineers, Inc.; and has offices in Melville, New York and Parsippany, New Jersey.

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Student Mural Celebrates Seven Years of ARCiB Bioinformatics Research Lab at Dowling College

News LI Editor — Sun, 11 May 2008 15:02:46 +0000

(Oakdale, N.Y.) Darina Boycheva, a graphics arts student at Dowling College, has created a mural to celebrate the seventh year of the ARCiB Bioinformatics Research Laboratory at Dowling College. The laboratory works on problems on software for molecular graphics and the representation of information in structural biology. Started at Dowling College in 2002 under a grant from the National Science Foundation to Dowling Professor Herbert J. Bernstein for “Accessible Retired Computers in Biology (ARCiB)”, the laboratory has engaged students in a variety of projects at the intersection between structural biology and computer science. The projects have been funded by the NSF, the Department of Energy (DOE), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the International Union of Crystallography and Dowling College with work presented at national and international scientific meetings.

In the 2007-2008 school year, there are 5 externally funded computer science research projects in the laboratory employing eight undergraduate students. Students have been proud to see their work used by scientists around the world. In recent years, students have attended scientific meetings and presented their work in Salt Lake City, UT; Chicago, IL; Florence, Italy; Honolulu, HI; and Manchester, England and in the summer of 2008 will present in Osaka, Japan.

Late last year, one wall of the laboratory was cleared to provide a place to display some of the research. Ms. Boycheva was commissioned to create a mural to frame the display area. Assisted by computer science student Georgi Todorov, Ms. Boycheva designed and implemented a mural combining representations of tRNA (transfer ribonucleic acid) and DNA (deoxynucleic acid). Both molecules are important in the processes that sustain life, and are also artistically appropriate to the task of creating a frame. The famous double helix of DNA works well as a straight border and tRNA makes an effective corner decoration.

To see more photos and info on the mural, click on http://arcib.dowling.edu/mural.html or come visit us in KSC 020.

About Dowling College
Dowling College is an independent, coeducational college that serves more than 6,500 students at its historic Rudolph Campus on the banks of the Connetquot River in Oakdale, NY, and the 105-acre Brookhaven Campus in eastern Long Island and a business center located near the Nassau-Suffolk border in Melville. Dowling offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in several disciplines through its four schools: Arts and Sciences, Aviation, Business, and Education. www.dowling.edu

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Students Develop Adaptive Equipment to Expand Use of Computers and the Internet Among the Elderly

News LI Editor — Sun, 11 May 2008 14:54:33 +0000

(Auburn, N.Y.) Bright ideas, solid research and teamwork won four students from The Laurel Hill School, East Setauket, New York, a spot as finalists in the Christopher Columbus Awards, a nationwide program that challenges middle-school students to explore opportunities for positive change in their communities. Sixth-grader Laurence Caradonna, seventh-graders S. Aleksander Caradonna, Marena Elle Minelli and Sarah Parente, and their coach, William Schmidt, made it to the semifinals earlier this month, and now are one of eight finalist teams in the country to compete for the grand prize—the $25,000 Columbus Foundation Community Grant.

With computers and the Internet playing a central role in their daily lives, the students wondered why the senior citizens with whom they interact—grandparents, other relatives and friends they have made through volunteer work—don’t make use of these vital technologies. They learned from the American Medical Association that 75 percent of people over the age of 60 are afraid of or have no interest in using computers. Considering the fact that the same study suggests that seniors who use computers are more independent, feel more connected to society and tend to suffer less depression than those who do not, the student team determined that efforts must be made to expand the use of computers and the Internet among the elderly.

The students worked with the County Office for the Aging, State Veterans’ Home and several Atria Assisted Living Residences to reach out to senior citizens in their area. First, they surveyed seniors about their current computer use and the specific challenges they have encountered in using computers and the Internet. Next, they trained seniors to use the IN2L (“It’s Never Too Late”) computer system, a $60,000 adaptive computer system that addresses the needs of senior computer users. It was a hit. The student team then developed its own adaptive computer system. While based on the IN2L, the $5,000 the student model is far more affordable, with few sacrifices.

“We realized that there were many benefits for senior citizens to be introduced to computers,” the team members remarked. “Seniors could use computers for entertainment, communication, education, hobbies, business and to learn new skills. They could decrease their depression, feel more connected to others, increase their self-esteem and improve their short-term memory.”

A panel of community leaders, scientists and experts in science education selected this idea as one of the top eight entries in the U.S. More than 600 students and coaches participated nationwide.

Team Wins a Trip to Walt Disney World
The team and their coach win an all-expense-paid trip to the Walt Disney World® Resort, where they will compete in the Christopher Columbus Awards National Championship Week, June 16-20, 2008, plus a $200 grant to further develop their project.

Each member of two Gold Medal winning teams will receive a $2,000 U.S. Savings Bond, and one team will receive the $25,000 Columbus Foundation Community Grant as seed money to help bring its idea to life in the community. The Grant winning team will receive support from the Christopher Columbus Awards staff and continued guidance from their coach and community leaders.

The finalists will also attend the Christopher Columbus Academy, a custom-designed educational program. Conducted by scientists, engineers and educators, the program reveals the science and technology behind the thrills and excitement of Epcot® and the Magic Kingdom.®

Positive Community Change
The Christopher Columbus Awards challenge teams of middle-school students to explore and discover opportunities for positive change in their communities using science and technology. The program is now in its 12th year, and has attracted more than 15,500 students from diverse backgrounds all across the U.S. The program is sponsored by the Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation (www.columbusfdn.org) with support from the National Science Foundation, and is endorsed by the National Middle School Association. Past winners have included: a group of Native American girls who built a study hall out of straw bales on the Crow Indian Reservation in Montana; and a team of students from Pennsylvania who developed a video/motion sensor device to deter motorists from trying to illegally pass stopped school buses.

Strong Participation from Girls, Minorities
The program attracts many students who may not typically enter a science competition. More than half of the entrants are girls, and nearly a fourth are from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, statistics that are higher than those of most science competitions. The Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation believes the teamwork aspect and community focus draw a broader range of students to enter.

About the Sponsor
The Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation is an independent Federal government agency created by Congress in 1992 to encourage and support research, study and labor designed to produce new discoveries in all fields of endeavor for the benefit of mankind. The Foundation has established Frontiers of Discovery–Work in Progress and Discover the Future, programs that recognize “cutting edge” innovations, innovative ideas of America’s youth, and honor teachers. These programs include the four new Life Science Awards, $25,000 Homeland Security Award, Christopher Columbus Awards, and the $10,000 Freida J. Riley Teacher Award.

For more information, call 1-800-291-6020 or visit www.christophercolumbusawards.com.

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William Shakespeare’s Hamlet Now in Production at RWStageArt

News LI Editor — Thu, 08 May 2008 18:50:32 +0000

(Long Island, N.Y.) RWStageArt, a North Fork-based theater company focused on bringing the works of William Shakespeare to the stage with passion and energy, is going into production of their latest offering, Hamlet: Prince of Denmark. The company has signed on East End Shakespeare’s A.D. Newcomer as director, Joan Chambers as costume designer, Alan Stewart as Fight Director, and Kevin Twigg as the composer of an original score written especially for this production. Ms. Chambers has designed costumes for Shakespeare productions for many years, both on the North Fork and in New York City and her painstaking attention to detail, her incredible sense of color and texture, and sumptuous fabrics will be an invaluable asset to the production. Mr. Twigg is a percussionist and composer working all over the country as a performer, frequently with David Amram, and also teaches percussion at the East End Community School of the Arts. He has been involved in scoring many theater productions, mostly in New York City, and given his crazy schedule, we are very lucky he has agreed to work with us. Ms. Newcomer is a new director who has worked on several local Shakespeare productions with both Northeast Stage and RWStageArt as stage manager, assistant director and Shakespearean dramaturg and has also trained at Shakespeare & Company.

The role of Hamlet will be played by RWStageArt co-founder Robert L.S. Wilson and other members of the cast include RWStageArt co-founder Rebekah White as Ophelia, Mel Mendelssohn as Polonius, Philip Reichert as Claudius, Susan Cincotta as Gertrude, Tom Rosanti as Laertes, Jere Jacob as the Gravedigger and Player Lucianus, Kevin Monsell as Marcellus, the Priest and the Player King, Allyson Bunch as the Player Queen, Ed Weiss as Barnardo and the English Ambassador , and Alan Stewart as The Ghost.

While we have edited the script down to a shorter performance time of 2 ¾ hrs, the language remains otherwise unaltered and every effort has been made to keep the rhythmic flow of the verse and the dramatic structure of the full text. We are working to infuse a timeless script with our own creative energy, bringing a fresh but true interpretation to one of the best-known and loved plays of all time. We hope to create a production that reaches modern audiences artistically, energetically, and powerfully and reveals for them the beauty and music of Shakespeare’s verse, as well as the rich complexity of Shakespeare’s characters. Part of our mission is to work collaboratively with actors, directors, musicians, visual artists and Shakespeare in a creatively nurturing environment that allows for the continued exploration of all the aspects of the art and craft of performing Shakespeare with vision and clarity.

We rehearse in Southold and performances will take place at the Vail-Leavitt Music Hall on August 1st, 2nd, 7th, 8th and 9th at 7pm, with Sunday Matinees on August 3rd and 10th at 2pm.

Tickets will be $15/$10 for students and seniors.

We still have a few roles available and interested actors can contact the director for audition info before May 23rd. Members of the creative team are available for interviews upon request. Photos and other materials also available. Contact A.D. Newcomer at 631-208-6933 or by email at anewcome@suffolk.lib.ny.us.

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Vail Leavitt Music Hall
Map of 18 Peconic Ave, Riverhead, NY 11901
http://www.vail-leavitt.org/

A.D. Newcomer
Director, RWStageArt’s HAMLET
631-208-6933

Dowling College Establishes Intergenerational Center on Policy and Practice

News LI Editor — Thu, 08 May 2008 18:42:55 +0000

(Oakdale, N.Y.) Long Island’s first center for intergenerational policy and practice is being launched at Dowling College. According to Robert Gaffney, Dowling’s President, “The Center for Intergenerational Policy and Practice is dedicated to the promotion of policies, programs and coursework that bind generational groups together as well as intergenerational practices that reduce age stereotyping and discrimination.” “The Center is a partnership of Dowling College with Intergenerational Strategies, a Hauppauge-based not-for-profit organization and Long Island’s pre-eminent leader in the intergenerational field,” Gaffney continues.

“The Center will be multi-disciplined, offering not only an academic studies program but also a leadership development initiative directed to age 50+ adults who are looking for second careers in public service work. In addition, the Center will offer seminars and an annual conference,” says Dr. Susanne Bleiberg Seperson, the Intergenerational Center’s Director.

Paul Arfin, President and CEO of Intergenerational Strategies, reports that the Center is the first of its kind in the entire region. According to Arfin, “the Center will draw upon best practices in the growing intergenerational field and serve as a replicable model for other colleges and universities.” He feels intergenerational programs are the wave of the future and are needed on Long Island. Intergenerational programs have demonstrated that they can improve the health conditions of older adults while benefitting the groups they serve whether they are children, youth, or older populations.

The Center’s public policy agenda will concentrate on generational equity issues challenging those that would pit one generation’s needs against those of another generation. We will recommend and promote policies that see each generation having assets to contribute to the common good.”

The Center will launch its activities in July with a Summer Seminar Series on intergenerational and aging issues. A conference is being planned for November.

For further information about The Center for Intergenerational Policy and Practice, please contact Dr. Susanne Bleiberg-Seperson at bleibers@dowling.edu.

Senate Democratic Leader Calls for Transparent Fuel-Savings Policy for New York State

News LI Editor — Thu, 08 May 2008 13:50:41 +0000

(Albany, N.Y.) Senate Democratic Leader Malcolm A. Smith (D-St. Albans), supported a controversial bill to eliminate the gasoline tax as prices at the pump hit a record $4 per gallon in some parts of the state. Smith said that while the legislation was “not perfect, any relief we can provide for families was important.”

“The high gasoline costs continue to affect all New Yorkers,” said Senator Smith. “The bill being proposed is truly bigger than your typical partisan politics. I support this bill, which sends a message to my constituents that Albany understands their concerns, but I have some serious concerns with the bill, especially the lack of transparency.”

The bill (S7594-B) would save New Yorkers 32 cent per gallon and eliminate the New York State taxes on gasoline from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Smith said that the bill passed with a vote of 48 to 15, did not have mechanisms to ensure consumers would reap the benefits of the state tax suspension.

Senator Smith challenged the majority’s proposed legislation as being fiscally irresponsible. Implementing this bill would cause the state to incur an additional $500 million deficit. Still, Senator Smith said that he understood that families and small business owners needed help during these tough fiscal times.

“Gas tax relief sounds good at face value, but the reality is we will have to find a way to pay for it,” Smith said. “We are looking at ways that we can provide relief for consumers but also keep the state’s finances on track. While the budget is balanced this year, budget projects the next fiscal year show a multi-billion deficit. That is something we all must keep in mind.”

The legislation passed included an anti-price gouging clause similar to the failed cap issued in 2006. Smith said that his conference was split down the middle over the issue of whether to support the controversial tax.

Senate Energy & Telecom Committee Ranking Member, Senator Kevin Parker (D-Brooklyn), said: “The proposed gas tax relief plan is short-sighted and ultimately won’t work. The money intended for state highway infrastructures to pay for roadwork, bridge construction, repairs and maintenance jobs would suffer. Instead, we ought to encourage alternative energy vehicles and use of public transportation.”

Key concerns were raised by Smith, Deputy Democratic Leader Jeff Klein (D-Bronx), and several Democratic Senators—Tom Duane (D-Manhattan), Ruth Hassell-Thompson (D-Bronx), Eric Schneiderman (D-Manhattan), Darrel Aubertine (D-Cape Vincent), Liz Krueger (D-Manhattan), William Stachowski (D-Buffalo), Martin Connor (D-Manhattan), and Kevin Parker (D-Brooklyn).

Smith said loss of state revenues and the lack of anti-price gouging language in the legislation were just some of the concerns. He added that past studies on gasoline rebates have shown they do not benefit the state and/or consumers.

“I do support this bill, but it’s unfortunate that Senators on both sides of the aisle were not asked for their input on this legislation–another example of the lack of transparency in Albany,” said Senator Stachowski. That being said, I’m hopeful that my constituents do in fact realize the significant savings at the pump that this legislation promises, because they certainly need it.”

The recently passed Senate bill will likely be a one-house bill since the Assembly has already signaled it would not support the plan.

Senator Smith concluded: “In the perfect world, the Democratic Conference would have had the opportunity to submit healthy energy alternatives to address the rising gasoline costs, however, the majority has instead decided to pass a bill that directly addresses the concerns of their respective districts. This issue of equal concern should have been a catalyst for reform.”

Allan Houston to Address 1,000 Graduates and receive an Honorary Degree

News LI Editor — Tue, 06 May 2008 18:37:38 +0000

(Oakdale, N.Y.) Allan Houston, famed professional athlete, philanthropic community leader and successful entrepreneur, will address an estimated 1,000 graduates and their families at Dowling College’s 46th Commencement ceremony on Tuesday, May 20, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. at the Nassau Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, N.Y.

“We are honored to welcome Allan Houston back to Dowling College. We were thrilled when he visited Dowling this year for our Homecoming event and forged such a positive relationship with our students and faculty. Allan Houston’s professional athletic accomplishments as well as his community dedication will truly uplift and inspire our graduates and their families,” said Robert J. Gaffney, President of Dowling College. Mr. Houston will receive an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Humane
Letters.

Dowling College applauds all of Allan Houston’s major achievements in the NBA. Before his retirement in the Fall of 2005, he was touted as one of the “purest shooters” in the NBA, finishing his career as one of the NBA’s all-time greatest long-range shooters and one of the all-time leading scorers in Knicks history. Mr. Houston was a two-time NBA All-Star, and in his last healthy season, he finished as the 10th leading scorer in the league. Mr. Houston was named one of The Sporting News’ “Good Guys in Sports” when he helped Team USA bring home the gold medal in the 2000 Summer Olympics games.

Dowling College commends Allan Houston, a man of faith and strong family values, for living his life with a determination to utilize his success as a professional athlete to help others while continuing to grow a variety of entrepreneurial interests. Mr. Houston’s dedication to helping others is demonstrated through the work of his Foundation, which is currently working with a variety of community and corporate partners to empower and serve the needs of young people. The Foundation’s original programming includes a “Father Knows Best” Basketball Retreat, a weekend event that combines high-powered basketball with meaningful life-skills for fathers/mentors and their sons/mentees. An innovative new program in business education and
development was launched in Harlem last year and is now expanding to New Orleans. These meaningful programs are empowering young people socially, professionally and spiritually.

Allan Houston conveys strong familial, community and educational values that he continues to instill in others. Mr. Houston is a native of Louisville, Kentucky, a graduate of University of Tennessee and is happily married to Tamara Johnson Houston with four wonderful children.

About The Allan Houston Legacy Foundation
The *Allan Houston Legacy Foundation* is a registered public 501(c) 3, non-profit organization based in New York City. Its mission is to facilitate individual and collective growth through initiatives that - 1) Restore a strong family unit, 2) Provide economic empowerment through entrepreneurship, 3) Encourage education and life skill development, and 4) Enhance spiritual growth. For more information on the *Allan Houston Legacy Foundation*, please visit the official website at www.AllanHoustonFoundation.org.

Federal Medical Marijuana Program Marks 30th Anniversary

News LI Editor — Tue, 06 May 2008 15:09:44 +0000

(Washington, D.C.) A little-known federal government program that supplies medical marijuana to a handful of patients will mark its 30th anniversary on May 10.

The federal medical marijuana program — referred to as a Compassionate Investigational New Drug (IND) program — resulted from a lawsuit filed by glaucoma patient Robert Randall, who successfully showed that his use of marijuana was a medical necessity.

The program slowly grew for over a dozen years. In the wake of a flood of new applications from patients battling AIDS — who found that marijuana boosted their appetites and relieved the nausea often caused by anti-HIV drugs — the George H.W. Bush administration closed it to new applicants in March 1992, but continued supplying federal marijuana to those already receiving it. Four of those patients survive today.

“Most Americans would be shocked to know that the federal government supplies medical marijuana to patients while claiming that marijuana is a harmful drug with no medical value,” said Rob Kampia, executive director of the Marijuana Policy Project in Washington, D.C. “If federal officials believe their own statements, they’re knowingly poisoning four innocent people, but in fact they know better. The four remaining patients in the federal program have benefited from their medical marijuana use, groups like the American College of Physicians and the American Public Health Association have said that marijuana is a safe and effective medicine and, as a result, we must change the federal laws that prohibit medical marijuana.”

Officially, the Compassionate IND is a research program. Participants were required to sign a consent document calling the program a “study.” Yet the federal government has never studied the patients in the “study.” In fact, the only study ever published of these patients was privately financed and conducted.
“May 10 marks the 30th anniversary of federal hypocrisy and dishonesty about medical marijuana,” Kampia said. “When future historians see how much effort our government made to avoid learning that marijuana is a safe and effective medicine, they’ll shake their heads in disbelief.”

With more than 23,000 members and 180,000 e-mail subscribers nationwide, the Marijuana Policy Project is the largest marijuana policy reform organization in the United States. MPP believes that the best way to minimize the harm associated with marijuana is to regulate marijuana in a manner similar to alcohol. For more information, please visit http://MarijuanaPolicy.org.

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CONTACT:
Bruce Mirken,
MPP director of communications
415-668-6403 or 202-215-4205

Old Westbury Gardens Announces The Orchard Hill Designer Showhouse

News LI Editor — Tue, 06 May 2008 14:28:23 +0000

(Long Island, N.Y.) The Orchard Hill Designer Showhouse at Old Westbury Gardens opens this spring in Old Westbury, NY. The Showhouse opens with a gala preview party on Friday, May 2nd, and runs for 6 weeks through Sunday, June 15. Proceeds benefit Old Westbury Gardens.

The Orchard Hill Designer Showhouse at Old Westbury Gardens is a showcase for America’s premiere design talent. Approximately 20 top interior designers and decorative artists will transform Orchard Hill into a decorating masterpiece in the gracious traditional manner of the house itself.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Old Westbury Gardens is the former country estate of John S. (Jay) Phipps. Westbury House, a magnificent, Charles II-style mansion, is surrounded by 200 acres of tree-lined walks, lakes, statuary, grand allées, and indescribably beautiful gardens. Jay’s daughter, Peggie Phipps Boegner, who grew up in Westbury House and was the founder of Old Westbury Gardens, lived in the Orchard Hill home from 1930 until her passing in 2006.

Mrs. Thomas M. Bancroft, Jr. is the Showhouse Chairman. Mario Buatta is the Honorary Showhouse Chairman and Mrs. Howard Phipps is the Honorary Preview Party Chairman. The Showhouse is sponsored by No. 9 Thompson, Electrolux and Daniel Gale. The Showhouse is produced by Hampton Designer Showhouse Foundation, Inc.

The Orchard Hill Designer Showhouse at Old Westbury Gardens opens with a gala preview party on Friday, May 2 and runs for 6 weeks. The Showhouse is open seven days a week, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. (Last admission is at 4:00 PM). Children under six, infants, strollers and pets are not allowed in the Showhouse. Admission to the Showhouse is $30 and includes the Showhouse Journal as well as admission to Old Westbury Gardens on that day.

For more information, please call 516-333-0908 or 212-980-1711.

About Orchard Hill
The name Hicks is very much entwined with the history of Nassau County. Valentine Hicks, the man for whom Hicksville, NY was named, was the second president of the Long Island Railroad. From 1812 to 1850 he lived in a house that is now home to the Maine Maid Inn. Another family member, Isaac Hicks, founded Hicks Nursery in 1853.

Built in 1859 by John D. Hicks and his wife Caroline Haviland, Orchard Hill is the former home of John S. Phipps’ daughter, Peggie Phipps Boegner, who grew up in Westbury House. Originally constructed in the Italianate style, the house featured an arcaded porch, round-headed windows, and a bay window on its front façade. In 1900, a wing was added to the house that now includes the living room and master bedroom suite. In the early 20th century, Mr. John S. Phipps purchased the Hicks’ house, moving it to its present location and re-named it Orchard Hill. Upon her marriage, Peggie Phipps Boegner moved into the house which became her home until her death in 2006. Mrs. Peggie Phipps Boegner was the founder of Old Westbury Gardens. Orchard Hill, now part of Old Westbury Gardens, will be used to promote environmental activities for its visitors.

About Old Westbury Gardens
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Old Westbury Gardens in Nassau County, NY, is the former country estate of John S. (Jay) Phipps and his wife Margarita. Mr. Phipps was the son of Henry Phipps, a partner in the Carnegie Steel Company. Westbury House, a magnificent, Charles II-style mansion, was the family home until 1958 when it became an incorporated-non-profit institution open to the public. The house and gardens were planned by London designer George Abraham Crawley and he was assisted in the construction of Westbury House by American architect Grosvenor Atterbury.

Preserving the charm and beauty of the property in the tradition established by the Phipps family, Old Westbury Gardens features 200 acres of tree-lined walks, lakes, statuary, grand allées, and some of the most beautiful formal gardens in America.

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Photo: Westbury House (Front View) - Old Westbury Gardens

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