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Long Island E news

March 3rd, 2009 3:22 PM

What's In This Issue?

Happenings on the Island this weekend
Editor's Note
Movie Releases
LongIsland.com Site Feature
Web Site of the Week
Long Island News Highlights
Weekly Column & Expert Spotlight
We Want Your Feedback

Editor's Note

The weekly edition of this newsletter is published at LongIsland.com eNews for those who prefer text only email.

Long Island Maps

Cartoon town maps, limited edition lithographs, specialty maps of LI's best golf courses, restaurants, marinas and more!

Safe & secure online ordering at the Long Island Maps Store

Movie Releases

These new releases are playing at local theaters. For more information regarding what's playing where, check out the movies section

JONAS BROTHERS: THE 3D CONCERT EXPERIENCE
A 3-D concert documentary chronicling the Jonas Brothers' 2008 "Burning Up' tour. Stars Joe Jonas, Nick Jonas and Kevin Jonas. Rated G.

STREET FIGHTER: THE LEGEND OF CHUN-LI
Based on the popular video game franchise, a female fighter embarks on a quest for justice. Stars Kristin Kreuk and Neal McDonough. Rated PG-13.

More movies, info and reviews...

Web Site Feature

SCENES OF LONG ISLAND
Beautiful images of Long Island New York

Mother Nature gave us beauty. Those with an artistic eye can capture moments for others to enjoy. Photos of Long Island by local photographers.

Web Site of the Week

THE SOLDIERS PROJECT

A private, non-profit group of volunteer licensed psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, mental health nurses, and marriage and family therapists that was established to provide FREE confidential psychological counseling to military personnel who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan and their loved ones (including girlfriends, boyfriends, spouses, children, parents and grandparents).
For more information visit: The Soldiers Project

Submit your site for the Long Island Website of the Week Award

Your Feedback

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Advertising Info

LongIsland.com
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Featured Business:

Backyard Masters Pool & Spa
912 Broadhollow Rd
Farmingdale, NY 11735
631-501-7665

Find a Business
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Dear LongIsland.com Member:

This weekend is for music lovers and wrestling fans. Plenty of fun stuff to do for everyone, see below for details.

LongIsland.com eNews is yours because you joined our Internet Community at http://www.longisland.com/ and we thank you for doing so.

If you find this newsletter helpful, feel free to forward it to friends, relatives or fellow Long Islanders.

M & V LIMOUSINES

All new Escalades, Navigators, BMW, Lexus, Jaguar, VW Beetle, Excursion, Hummers, we have them all! When you want something different M & V Limousines has something to suit your needs.

Look for M & V Limos as a featured vendor in the
Long Island Wedding Directory
- A comprehensive guide to planning the perfect wedding on Long Island.

Highlight

SWEETWATERS BAR & BISTRO

An upscale eatery featuring corporate lunches and happy hour. Neat, casual attire. Busy bar with a mature crowd. We have expanded our restaurant to include a banquet room, where you can host your next special event.

Sweetwaters Bar & Bistro
470 Wheeler Road
Hauppauge, NY 11788
631-348-0808

Sponsor Message

Blackfoot Charters
73 Sunrise Court
Moriches, NY 11955
631-874-0070

Blackfoot Fishing Charters can accommodate 1 to 6 people on our 30' Sea Ray Weekender. Fishing for fluke, flounder, stripers, blues, sea bass, porgies, and blackfish or trips tailored to your party's schedule.

Long Island Events

SHIP IN A BOTTLE LECTURE AND DISCUSSION
On Sunday, Mar 1, 2009 at 2pm author and craftsman Guy DeMarco will share his vast knowledge in a lecture and demonstration about this age-old nautical craft to reveal the mystery behind Ship in a Bottle. Free with admission. Discussion takes place at The Whaling Museum on Main Streeet in Cold Spring harbor. For more information call 631-367-3418.

CHAMBER PLAYERS INTERNATIONAL MUSICAL CUISINE
On Sunday, Mar 1, 2009 at 12 noon enjoy brunch and music at the DeSeversky conference center at NYIT in Old Westbury. Mozart’s Piano Concertos, #24 in C minor, K. 491 and #27, in B flat major, K. 595, with pianist Tatiana Goncharova and chamber orchestra. $60 per person includes concert and champagne brunch. For more information call 1-877-444-4488.

STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY MEN'S LACROSSE VS. HARVARD
Seawolves fans: Reserve your seat for Saturday, February 28th as your Seawolves take on Harvard at 3:00PM at Kenneth P LaValle Stadium Stony Brook. Wear Red and Show Your Seawolves Pride! Go Seawolves! Tickets are available by calling the Stony Brook ticket office at 631-632-WOLF.

Events this weekend: http://events.longisland.com/weekend.php
All events: http://events.longisland.com/

Sponsor Message

INDEPENDENT HEALTH INSURANCE BROKER:
For small business groups and self-employed persons in Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn and NYC. Choose from a multiple of plans and insurance companies, including Empire Blue Cross, Oxford, HIP, Healthnet and others.

FOR EXAMPLE: Good for Self-employed persons and small business groups in Nassau and Suffolk counties: " Smart Start" from HIP (formerly Vytra Health Plans) New York, NY.

Monthly rates for plans starting in 1st quarter 2009:
Single.....$313.95
Two persons.....$659.30
Family.....$847.67
Medical & Hospital; No Referrals needed; discount prescription drugs. Pay monthly directly to insurance company.

For a detailed outline of plan and benefits, contact: Joseph Sullivan, Independent Health Insurance Broker at joechfc@yahoo.com or call 631-943-7739.

Long Island Local News

Read the top stories and local news reports in the Long Island News Section. Updated throughout the day featuring local news, business news, sports news, entertainment and top stories from newspapers and media outlets across the globe.

Cablevision's New Online News Model May Be Optimum. Or Not. - ZDNet
Packed Wrestling Weekend on LI - Newsday
Auditors Peer Into Finances of New York Schools Statewide - New York Times
President Obama, You are getting very sleepy... - Long Island FREE Press at LongIsland.com

Weekly Column & Expert Spotlight

Reclaiming Integrity
By Father Francis Pizzarelli, SMM

Cheating! It has become a widespread problem, not only in the business world, but in the classroom, on the playing field and in the lives of ordinary people. Right now, if we think of cheating, we immediately think of our financial crisis and all the dishonesty and greed that have placed our nation on the brink of financial ruin.

Our financial ruin did not just happen overnight. Unfortunately, it was developing for years because of mismanagement, selfishness, dishonesty and blatant cheating. Now innocent people are paying the price, because of a few self-absorbed, dishonest human beings. Finally people are being held accountable for their poor choices and decisions.

Our present social landscape is very troubling. There is an infectious attitude among young people that seems to tolerate various forms of cheating and dishonesty. Too many adults also minimize various forms of cheating and dishonesty among teenagers.

Too often it starts in middle school when students start cheating on exams and on homework and get away with it. If they get caught, it is usually dismissed with little or no consequence. It seems over the years that our ethical student code of conduct has gotten buried in the rubble of day-to-day living.

Read the rest of this article at: Father Frank

About the Expert: Father Francis Pizzarelli, SMM
Father Frank is a minister who offers real life advice on dealing with children, teens and family relationships.

LongIsland.com has an entire section devoted to articles on a variety of topics ranging from Acupuncture to Yoga in our Experts' section at http://experts.longisland.com/ These columns are written by Long Islanders that have a certain expertise in their subject matter and share their information and knowledge.

Thank you for reading

If you find this newsletter helpful, feel free to forward it to friends, relatives or fellow Long Islanders. Have a happy and safe weekend and tell 'em you read about it in the LongIsland.com eNews!

Sincerely,
The LongIsland.com Team

Posted by Barbara Tretola on March 3rd, 2009 3:22 PM

$8000 Tax Credit and Foreclosure Relief

March 27th, 2009 1:48 PM

Federal government provides needed incentives.

By Robert Freedman | April 2009

Debbi Burright knows just how powerful the first-time homebuyer tax credit can be. Last November, the Portland, Ore., broker of Keller Williams Realty Portland Premiere worked with a customer who took advantage of the credit to buy a house after she introduced the incentive to him.

He was the first of three of Burright’s clients to use the credit at her recommendation—and that was before the federal government improved the program in February as part of its sweeping economic stimulus package.

Before the change, the credit was for a maximum of $7,500 and had to be repaid over 15 years. Today it’s for up to $8,000 and doesn’t have to be repaid if borrowers own their house for at least three years. The elimination of the repayment feature is retroactive to the start of this year, but doesn’t apply to transactions in 2008.

"The tax credit is really a phenomenal thing," says Burright, who promoted the credit heavily last year.

The improvements to the credit, heavily backed by NAR, as well as the restoration of last year’s high-cost conforming and FHA loan limits of $729,750 (they had dropped to $625,500 at the start of 2009), promise to be game-changing because they directly address reasons households have been sitting on the fence, says NAR President Charles McMillan.

"These changes are aimed at giving people the tools they need to buy right now," he says.

Burright agrees and would like to see the federal government go even further. "I’d love to see the elimination of the repayment feature made retroactive for taxpayers who bought last year," she says.

Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., the original sponsor of the tax credit and author of a Senate provision that would have increased it to $15,000, told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in February that he hasn’t ruled out additional changes—including making it available to all home buyers.

Broad Real Estate Focus

The $8,000 credit and the higher loan limits could result in hundreds of thousands of new buyers and move-up buyers coming into the market this year, says NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun.

But these two aspects of the stimulus are just the tip of the iceberg for real estate. The new law includes tens of billions of dollars in other assistance through a variety of programs that impact real estate, such as commercial real estate tax credits and grants for low-income rental housing.

Foreclosure Prevention Plan

Separate from the stimulus package, President Obama has made up to $200 billion available to shore up investor confidence in the mortgage secondary market and up to $75 billion in incentives to encourage lenders and borrowers to refinance troubled loans. The effort is critical because of the destabilizing impact of high foreclosures and distressed sales, says NAR.

"When people lose homes to foreclosure, our communities, the housing market, and our economy all suffer," McMillan says. The plan details include:

Help for home owners making their payments but at risk of default. Home owners with a conforming loan could be eligible to refinance as long as their mortgage doesn’t exceed 105 percent of the home’s current market value.

Help for home owners already in default and in need of loan modification. For lenders that voluntarily agree to lower a borrower’s payment so that it makes up no more than 38 percent of the borrower’s income, the government would share the cost of lowering the mortgage burden further.

Doubled resources to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. To encourage investors to buy the secondary market companies’ mortgage-backed securities, the government promises to back them to up to $400 billion, twice the current amount.

Guidelines for the program could be out before April 1. If you’re working with borrowers who are having trouble keeping up on their mortgage, tell them to call their mortgage servicer or a HUD-approved nonprofit housing counseling agency.

The stimulus package and foreclosure plan are a good start to solving the nation’s economic woes, says NAR 2009 President-elect Vicki Cox Golder. "By helping good people caught in bad mortgages, we’re keeping inventory from being added to a market already under stress."

Posted by Barbara Tretola on March 27th, 2009 1:48 PM

New Long Island E News

March 23rd, 2009 1:54 AM

What's In This Issue?

Happenings on the Island this weekend
Editor's Note
Movie Releases
LongIsland.com Site Feature
Web Site of the Week
Long Island News Highlights
Weekly Column & Expert Spotlight
We Want Your Feedback

Editor's Note

The weekly edition of this newsletter is published at LongIsland.com eNews for those who prefer text only email.

Long Island Maps

Cartoon town maps, limited edition lithographs, specialty maps of LI's best golf courses, restaurants, marinas and more!

Safe & secure online ordering at the Long Island Maps Store

Movie Releases

These new releases are playing at local theaters. For more information regarding what's playing where, check out the movies section

THE LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT
Two ordinary parents exact revenge on the group of vicious sociopaths who harmed their daughter and left her dead. Stars Garret Dillahunt and Martha MacIsaac. Rated R.

MISS MARCH
A young man awakens from a four-year coma to hear that his once virginal high-school sweetheart has since become a centerfold in Playboy. Stars Raquel Alessi and Molly Stanton. Rated R.

More movies, info and reviews...

Web Site Feature

SCENES OF LONG ISLAND
Beautiful images of Long Island New York

Mother Nature gave us beauty. Those with an artistic eye can capture moments for others to enjoy. Photos of Long Island by local photographers.

Web Site of the Week

LONG ISLAND WOMAN

A blog with everyday happenings in the life of a Long Island Woman, Alida Thorpe with great photos too. For more information visit: Long Island Woman

Submit your site for the Long Island Website of the Week Award

Your Feedback

LongIsland.com is growing in leaps and bounds. We are working hard to make this your Internet Community.
Questions or comments?
Send us an email

I Love LI Store

I Love Long Island
online store with something for everyone!

Subscription Info

Advertising Info

LongIsland.com
Long Island's Most Popular Web Site^SM

Interested in advertising?
Email us: sales@longisland.com

Featured Business:

Sterling Glen of Roslyn
100 Landing Road
Roslyn, NY 11576
516-626-6900

Find a Business
Get Your Business Listed

Dear LongIsland.com Member:

It's a celebration of green this weekend. Happy St. Patrick's Day! Plenty of fun stuff to do for everyone, see below for details.

LongIsland.com eNews is yours because you joined our Internet Community at http://www.longisland.com/ and we thank you for doing so.

If you find this newsletter helpful, feel free to forward it to friends, relatives or fellow Long Islanders.

THROUGH THESE EYES PHOTOGRAPHY

Frank Koester is an award winning photographer with years of experience. He understands the HIGH cost of living on Long Island and helps couples save money by keeping costs down, without compromising quality. Blending several styles of photography the “perfect wedding memory” is created.

Look for Through These Eyes Photography as a featured vendor in the
Long Island Wedding Directory
- A comprehensive guide to planning the perfect wedding on Long Island.

Highlight

Robert N. Kandell Insurance & Financial Services, LLC

I, Bob Kandell, strive to provide my customers with affordable and innovative insurance protection while maintaining the highest quality customer service. You will not get lost in a barrage of voice mails or emails wondering if you will ever get a phone call returned to you. I will give you that personal hometown treatment, yet stay on the cutting edge of technology and information, so that you the customer will stay informed. I treat every client, whether large or small with the service they rightfully deserve. Lastly, as an active member of the local community, I can identify exposures affecting individuals, families, businesses and community organizations.

Robert N. Kandell Insurance & Financial Services, LLC
Serving NY, Nassau and Suffolk County
East Quogue, NY 11942
631-653-3911

Sponsor Message

Blackstone Steakhouse
10 Pinelawn Rd
Melville, NY 11747
631-271-7780

Blackstone is an architectural masterpiece that offers an unforgettable dining experience. The menu is truly unique, combining tantalizing steakhouse classics with amazing and seafood and sushi creations.

Find restaurants and great places to eat in the Long Island Restaurant Directory

Long Island Events

MS. NEW YORK SENIOR AMERICA BROADWAY REVUE
On Saturday, March 14, 2009 at 8pm at Congregation Beth Shalom, 441 Deer Park Ave in Babylon enjoy a wonderful evening of high stepping entertainment with a Broadway Revue, presented by the talented performers of Ms. New York Senior America -- vocalists, dancers, comics, and musicians. $25/ticket. For more information call 631-587-5650.

HOFSTRA'S STRING QUARTET
On Sunday, March 15, 2009 at 3pm Hofstra's String Quartet performs works by Felix Mendelssohn and Ralph Vaughn Williams. $15 for general admission, $12 for seniors 65 and over, one free ticket with Hofstra ID. The event takes place at the Monroe Lecture Center Theater, South Campus at Hofstra University on Hempstead Tpke. For more information call 516-463-6644.

HOFSTRA'S 11th ANNUAL IRISH FESTIVAL
On Sunday, March 15, 2009 from 11am-5pm celebrate in grand Irish style. Featuring a full schedule of live entertainment, food and craft vendors. $5 suggested admission. The Irish Festival takes place at the Physical Fitness Center, North Campus at Hofstra University on Hempstead Tpke. For more information call 516-463-6582.

LUCKY & LOVABLE ADOPTION EVENT
On Sunday, Mar 15, 2009 from 12pm-5pm, open your heart to a furry 'pot of gold' - adopt a dog or cat & get more than the luck of the Irish. Hundreds of animals available. Festivities, giveaways, bake sale & more! The event is presented by Little Shelter Animal Rescue and Adoption Center, 33 Warner Road in Huntington. For more information call 631-368-8770 x205.

ST. PATRICK'S DAY CELEBRATION
On Sunday, Mar 15, 2009 at 1:30 pm the St. Patrick's Day Celebration begins at the Stony Brook Village Center on Main St in Stony Brook. Band, dancers and crafts for the kids. $10 adults; $8 seniors; and... FREE with admission to above enjoy "A Taste of Stony Brook" - Food samples, coupons, goody bags and more, courtesy of Stony Brook Village Center stores!! For more information call 631-689-5888.

COURTYARD MARRIOTT ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR
Arts & Crafts Fair on Saturday, Mar 14th, 10-8pm and Sunday, Mar 15th, 10-4pm at the Courtyard Marriott, 5000 South Service Rd in Ronkonkoma. Raffle for the American Cancer Society Relay for life. More than 50 vendors selling handmade items, including hand painted wood, metal and glass, baked goods, soaps, candles, embroidery and much more. Free admission. For more information call 631-612-5000.

Events this weekend: http://events.longisland.com/weekend.php
All events: http://events.longisland.com/

Sponsor Message

LIVineyardTours.com
Tour Long Island East End Wineries. Custom or guided winery tours, wine tastings and limousine service provided by Long Island Vineyard Tours. For more information call 516-LIMO-SERVICE (546-6737) or visit the site at http://www.LIVineyardTours.com

Long Island Local News

Barnegat house arrives on Long Island - Philadelphia Inquirer
Big transit projects planned for Big Apple - USA Today
Rallying for New York's Children - Manhasset Press
Education a Pawn in Governor's Budget - Levittown Tribune

Weekly Column & Expert Spotlight

Communicating with a Financial Professional
By Larry Sprung

Be certain your financial professional is asking the right questions.

Financial professionals are generally perceived to be more concerned with the fiscal side of your plans, especially when it comes to retirement. And making sure you have a comfortable savings to retire on, and enough to continue living the same lifestyle, are two extremely important things they do their best to help you achieve. But it’s a deeper knowledge and understanding of you as a client that helps them truly succeed.

In fact, in order for them to truly know you as a person, a friend, and a client, they need to be asking the right questions and you need to be sharing with them more than just the bottom line.

Read the rest of this article at: LI Seniors

About the Expert: Lawrence Sprung
Lawrence Sprung is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® who works hand in hand with retirees, small business owners & entrepreneurs and corporate executives. Utilizing his years of experience as a financial professional he assists them in developing a plan that will help them in becoming and remaining financially independent.

Thank you for reading

If you find this newsletter helpful, feel free to forward it to friends, relatives or fellow Long Islanders. Have a happy and safe weekend and tell 'em you read about it in the LongIsland.com eNews!

Sincerely,
The LongIsland.com Team

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Posted by Barbara Tretola on March 23rd, 2009 1:54 AM