News
Name Address Phone Pick &Delivery More Information
BAKERIES
St. Honore 993 Port Washington Blvd 767-2555
pick up 7-3 daily, Sunday 7-1
Steiners 148 Main St. 612-9730
Pick up open regular hours, Monday Closed
BANKS check for hours
Dime 1000 Port Washington Blvd. 800-321-3463
new hours M to F 9 to 3, HARDWARE
Ace 3A Soundview Marketplace 944-1757
Pick up Mon-Sat 9AM to 5PM Sun 10AM to 5PM
No postal service til further notice
Alpers 81 Main St. 767-0508
Pick up Please shop by phone
Shields 267 Main St. 767-0300
Call for curbside pickup Open at 6:00 AM Call first
WINES & LIQUORS
Bottles Wine and Spirit 63 Shore Rd. 883-1634
Pick up only 10-6
Vintage Grape 999 Port Washington Blvd. 918-9999
Parking lot side pickup 11AM til 7PM, CC only,
Order from 10AM til 9PM
Black Tie 112 Shore Rd. 767-9000
Curb side pick up
w.blacktie.net
M,T, W.. Closed Th, Fr, Sat - 11-7 Sunday 12-6
Main Street Wine & Spirits 188 Main St. 883-6488
Pick up Mo/Tue - 10-7 Fri/Sat - 10-8 Sun 12-6
MAIL
PW MailRoom 191 Main St. 883-2064
open regular hours
US Post Office 1051 Port Washington Blvd 8830754
Open regular hours
RESTAURANTS
16 Handles 1005 Port Washington Blvd. 439-4715
Pickup Sun-Thur 11:30 to 10PM Fri/Sat 11:30-10:30
Aiko 90 Main St. 883-7253
Closed til further notice
Aki 46 Main St 883-3366
Closed til further notice
Ale'Port 611 Port Washington Blvd. 708-1264
Take out & Delivery
Amalfi 49 Old Shore Rd. 883-4191
Pick up only 10% discount Cash only
Ayhan’s Mediterran. Mrket 293 Main St 767-1400
Curbside pickup and Delivery text: 516.457.0661 www.Ayhans.com
Ayhan's Shish Kebab 283 Main St. 883-9309
Curbside pickup and Delivery text: 516.457.0661
Bagel Time 93 Manorhaven Blvd. 767-3822
Take out only
Bareburger 42 Main St. 708-9920
Pick up and Delivery 11:30 til 8PM Daily
Bella Deli 45 B Main St. 441-588
Take out
Belissimo Pizzeria 18 Soundview Marketplace 439-5152
Take out and Delivery
Bistro Etc. 43 Main St. 472-7780
Take out Order On line: clubetc@bistroetc.com
Boychiks 900 Port Washington Blvd. 321-9999
Pick up and delivery
Bosphorus 138 Shore Rd. 321-9999
Pick up and delivery
Bonsai 92 Main St. 883-0103
Closed til further notice
Cactus Grill 19 Old Shore Rd. 570-6060
Take Out & Delivery
Carlos Pizza 109 Main St. 944-9754
Take out only
DiMaggio's 706 Port Washington Blvd. 944-6363
Take out only
Diwan 37 Shore Rd 439-4200
Take out only
Domino's 147 Main St. 944-5500
Pickup & Delivery
Dynasty 405 Main St. 883-4100
Pickup & Delivery
Closed Tuesday
D & V Hot Bagels & Deli 126 Shore Rd. 883-8080
Take out
Eastern Strawberry 704 Port Washington Blvd 767-2050
Closed til further notice
El Rey De La Cucina 148 Main St 944-0426
Take out & Delivery Mon-Sat 7AM - 9 PM Sun 7AM -7PM
f.i.s.h. on Main 286 Main St 883-1515
Finn MacCool's 205 Main St 944-3439
Closed til further notice
Frank's Pizza 14 Main St. 883-9390
Pickup & Delivery
Gino's 48 Main St. 944-0276
Pickup & Delivery
Gum How 29 Old Shore Rd. 944-8713
Closed til further notice
Hana 14 Haven Ave. 883-4262
Closed til further notice
Harbor Deli 304 Main St 883-9597
Pickup & Delivery Pick up (parking lot) 20% discount
Harbor Deli Two 35 Old Shore Rd 883-8877
Pick up only 10% discount 65 & older
Haven Diner 6 Haven Ave. 883-5252
Pickup & Delivery
Hickory 674 Port Washington Blvd 883-7174
Pickup & Delivery
Hincks 666 Port Washington blvd. 883-3730
Pick up 6 to 6 and Delivery 10 to 4
J& Hee Deli 670 Port Washington Blvd 944-8544
Take out
La Piccolo Liguria 47 Shore Rd 767-6490
Take out & Delivery
La Parma on the Bay 415 Main St. 439-4360
Pick up, Free Delivery Tu-Fri 4-8, Sat 4-9, Sun 1-7
LaPetite Framboise Bistro 294 Main St. 767-7164
Open for pick up
Let There Be Bagels 475 Port Washington Blvd. 944-8822
Pick up 5AM to 3PM
Louie's Grille & Liquor 395 Main St. 883-4242
Curbside pick up and Delivery
$15 lunch Special $20 Dinner Special
Other orders 20% discount
Margaritas Café 95 Manorhaven Blvd. 570-2949
Take out and Delivery 1:30 to 10PM
Take out Margaritas, Mojitos and Beer
Door Dash and Uber www.margaritascafe.com
Mojito Café 109D Main St. 439-4667
Closed per Yelp
Mole Mole 73 Main St. 321-9707
take out
Nikki of Peru 55 Shore Rd. 439-4201
Take out only
Oliva Deli 147 Manorhaven Blvd. 767-2732
Take out only
Peppe Rossa 24 Manorhaven Blvd 944-9477
Curb side pick up and Delivery Or Honk your horn
Piccolo Liguoria 47 Shore Rd. 767-6490
Pick up and delivery
Port Thai 24B Main Stl 883-3940 Pick up
PW Diner 41 Main Stl 767-3624 Closed
Restaurant Yamaguchi 49 Main St. 883-3500
Pick up only
Sabor Latino Deli 4B Manorhaven Blvd 767-9317
Take out
Salvatore's Pizza 124 Shore Rd. 883-8457
Pick up
Schmear 83 Main St. 439-4077
Pick up and delivery 7:AM to 4PM
Smashburger 975 Port Washington Blvd. 439-4736
Pick up and Delivery Order on line: Smashburger.com
Starbucks 72 Main St. 944-5082
Closed til further notice
Subway 938 Port Washington Blvd 944-5566
Pick up and Delivery
Sullivans Quay 541 Port Washington Blvd 883-3122
take out only 3 to 8PM
Tosconni 179 Main St 944-0755
Pick up or Delivery
12 to 8 10% Discount on all
Tropical Smoothie 11 Old Shore Rd. 441-5150
Take out only
Uncle Bucks Deli 15 Rockwood Ave. 767-8833
Take out
Waterzooi 1029 Port Washington Blvd. 472-7484
Pick up and delivery 12 to 8
Wild Goose 75 Main St. 441-5505
Free Delivery and Curbside pickup
Wild Honey 172 Main St. 439-5324
closed, call Oyster Bay Store (open) 922-4690
Wings Plus 18 Haven Ave 767-9647
Pick up and Delivery 8AM til 9PM Daily
Yummy Gyro 82 Main St. 798-9020
Take out and Delivery 7 Days
Delivery Free with $15 min. 20% discount on all
Yummy Oriental 86 Main St. 883-3888
Closed til further notice
Check the Events Calendar for Upcoming Happenings
From The Publisher
So Much Happening, Where Do We Start?
 |
Dave Allen |
June 2018
With this issue we begin our 11th year of publishing
the Port Washington Calendar. It is hard to believe we
introduced this idea to the community at HarborFest
2008. The Calendar was based on the idea that Port
Washington had so many events, meetings and happenings
that it was difficult for even the most diligent
citizens to remember the ones they wished to participate
in, let alone all the others.
On page 5 of this issue we feature a number of the local merchants who
‘bought’ into the whole idea and made the project worthwhile. I would be
remiss if I did not mention Hal, James, Suzie and Marie who worked in so
many ways to put the magazine together.
The Calendar is simply a reflection of the spirit of Port. We easily recognize
the merchants, civic and not for profit organizations at HarborFest
who lend time and energy to support the community. Less visible are the
hundreds of individuals and businesses who provide behind the scenes
contributions.
So, I will take this opportunity to highlight just one group.
Coinciding with HarborFest, the Twin Pines Community Charitable Thrift
Store has reopened. I think you will be impressed with the rejuvenation.
This total makeover was made possible by financial support from the
Community Chest, The Dejana Family Foundation, an anonymous philanthropist
and a couple dozen dedicated, hard working volunteers.
They cleaned up, cleaned out, redid and did again until everyone’s head
was spinning. The fact is these people represent just a few of the hundreds
of volunteers who work for the good of Port – all year around.
So when you stop by the Thrift Shop in the Community Chest Building,
say “Hello,” and think about how many make Port Great!
From The Publisher
Rules, What Rules? And Whose Rules?
|
Dave Allen |
May 2018
We made a few notes from a recent issue of
Newsday, they included: Trump/Cohen (lack of)
client privilege, Cosby Guilty, Korea agreed to
something, Mangano et. al. – Agreements, Jay
Jacobs 10 year camp, now in violation, Nixon/
Cuomo – who’s lying? (Both?), NIFA Pay Freeze
fight, US Constitution Obligation of Contracts
Clause.
Wow! What a great array of sins, violations, half truths and more.
This set me on a bit of a tirade about rules (honesty and what does a
contract mean? can be addressed in a later column).
We each make an effort to train our kids to ‘follow the rules’ or, do
we?
A trip through Port could be titled “What rules do you break
regularly?”
• U turns on Main Street?
• Speed limits in Town ie: along Port Boulevard?
• Double parking for just a minute?
• OK to speed through town if it’s to catch the train?
• By the Post Office, park on the crosswalks? Park in the Handicap spot?
• Roll through any and all stop signs, especially by Louie’s?
• Checking your emails at a traffic light? (until someone behind you
“honks”?)
• Picking up the cell phone call for just a minute while driving?
The disturbing fact about each of these ‘frequently broken’ rules is
that when we do them, it seems ok, when ‘the other guy’ does them it
isn’t ok.
From The Publisher
Are You Too Busy?
|
Dave Allen |
April 2018
During a recent discussion with a friendly customer
I brought up the overall problem of communicating in
today’s hyperactive atmosphere. My thought was that
there were so many messages hitting all of us 24/7,
we just cannot keep up and/or react when we should,
could or want to.
I read recently that we are bombarded with somethinglike 3000 messages each day, including: email,
text, snail mail, newspapers, TV, radio, outdoor boards and more.
Maybe all of that is true, but my friend had another take on the question.
He contends everyone is so busy managing their business and/
or personal lives that they simply forego the niceties of responding to
Birthday and other good wishes, and other opportunities that could
ultimately be of benefit.
They (we) are just too busy.
I do not know the solution, but his contention did make me pause
and consider a couple of long distance friends who never miss sending
a card or other good wishes (In writing, of course). These notes always
make me feel good and I just bet they do the same for the senders.
Yes, in these days of 24/7 communication, helicopter parents, etc., it
might just be worthwhile to set aside a specific time to think and review
what is important. It could be a specific time each day, each week,
etc. Or even something as simple as a friend manages to do. His work
demands he be available day and night… so he sets aside one day a
year for himself and simply says
From The Publisher
Adding to the Editorial Menu
|
Dave Allen |
March 2018
In this column last month, titled “I Wish I Had Known,” we embarked on a new phase in the development
of the Port Washington Calendar. That is, we would provide timely listings of specific products
and services available locally. In addition, we would begin a monthly listing of Port Washington restaurants
by the type of food served.
This issue is our first attempt at these ambitious projects and they are published here with more than
a little difficulty. For the Summer Camp directory we mailed something like 400 letters and a similar number of emails to religious organizations,
learning centers, children’s centers, music, sports and recreation organizations. Of course we missed the fact that a significant percentage of those involved with children take the Presidents’ week vacation to escape from Port.
This reminded me of a sales job I had in Chicago more years ago than I want to discuss. It was a salaried job selling product to grocery stores and the emerging supermarket business. The cynics in the company had a mantra, “You never get into trouble until you do something.” So here we are.
The result of this first effort is a nice listing of about a dozen camps
spanning a terrific spectrum of interests and opportunities. Knowing that this is not as comprehensive as we would like, we are asking any interested
camp group to contact us and we will publish a supplementary list in our April issue.
Such is life.
Undaunted, our schedule for the year can be found below.
From The Publisher
“I wish I had Known”
|
Dave Allen |
February 2018
Almost ten years ago, The Port Washington
Calendar of Events was conceived as a result of
comments regarding the Chamber of Commerce
SOUPer Bowl. The SOUPer Bowl soup tasting event
was a great success and as word spread a number
of folks expressed the most frustrating line a sponsor
can here, “I wish I had known about it.”
The PW Calendar was begun to provide information
on the dozens of events, meetings, seminars, entertainment
venues BEFORE they happened. Today we publish between 200
and 300 separate coming events each month. I would be remiss if I did
not acknowledge the retail establishments who support this effort with
their advertising.
Next month the PW Calendar will introduce a new phase of this effort
to inform residents and visitors alike. We will work to inform them of
the many fine business establishments available right here in Port. Each
month we will list a category of businesses or services you should know.
These listings are free of charge (even though we would gladly accept
their advertising).
The March listing will include the host of Summer Camps and
programs available, including those dedicated to learning, sports, music
or just plain fun. All we require is an email, to dave@pwcalendar.com,
indicating the name, contact information and focus. We will also take
suggestions from you, our reader, for any program you would like us to
include in this effort.
Maybe will do one small part in diminishing the “I Wish I Had Known”
line, and just maybe we can encourage everyone to do a little more local
shopping.
By the way, the April listing will include spring cleaning, garden, pool
and marine services, products and maintenance.
From The Publisher
Tis the season…or is it?
|
Dave Allen |
December 2017
When I thought about this column for December
I considered two distinct subjects… The way the
internet has changed our habits … and the joy of the
season where we offer our best wishes to all.
The first idea came from seeing an ad on television
for another App where you can ask about household
vendors without having to talk with your neighbor.
That got me to thinking about what it was like when
I purchased my first house outside of Detroit. We had
moved to a neighborhood quite a distance from family and friends and
really did not know anyone on the block.
The good news was we met the neighbors right next door and they
were ‘older,’ maybe in their thirties.
They had lived in their house for a number of years and they were nice
enough to introduce themselves and offer help anytime we needed.
Then came the first ‘tragedy’ in our new house: the hot water tank
sprung a tiny pin hole leak that seemed to generate gallons of water all
over the basement. Of course the tank was just that… a cast iron thing
that did not look very friendly.
Being ignorant of this kind of thing I trekked next door and asked Otto
if he knew who I should call. Instead he came over, looked at the culprit
and went home to get some things. The things turned out to be a drill, a
screwdriver, a metal screw with a neoprene (plastic) washer. In less than
a minute he had drilled the tank and inserted the screw and my tank was
good.
So, as we enjoy the season, I hope you have an Otto you can call on
without resorting to some internet program. Just in case, why not actually
walk next door or down the block (or hall), introduce yourself and make a
new friend or two with a Happy Holiday, Merry Christmas greeting. Maybe
sometime you may need an Otto, or be one.
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah,
|
Dave Allen |
December 2017
When I thought about this column for December
I considered two distinct subjects… The way the
internet has changed our habits … and the joy of the
season where we offer our best wishes to all.
The first idea came from seeing an ad on television
for another App where you can ask about household
vendors without having to talk with your neighbor.
That got me to thinking about what it was like when
I purchased my first house outside of Detroit. We had
moved to a neighborhood quite a distance from family and friends and
really did not know anyone on the block.
The good news was we met the neighbors right next door and they
were ‘older,’ maybe in their thirties.
They had lived in their house for a number of years and they were nice
enough to introduce themselves and offer help anytime we needed.
Then came the first ‘tragedy’ in our new house: the hot water tank
sprung a tiny pin hole leak that seemed to generate gallons of water all
over the basement. Of course the tank was just that… a cast iron thing
that did not look very friendly.
Being ignorant of this kind of thing I trekked next door and asked Otto
if he knew who I should call. Instead he came over, looked at the culprit
and went home to get some things. The things turned out to be a drill, a
screwdriver, a metal screw with a neoprene (plastic) washer. In less than
a minute he had drilled the tank and inserted the screw and my tank was
good.
So, as we enjoy the season, I hope you have an Otto you can call on
without resorting to some internet program. Just in case, why not actually
walk next door or down the block (or hall), introduce yourself and make a
new friend or two with a Happy Holiday, Merry Christmas greeting. Maybe
sometime you may need an Otto, or be one.
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah,
From The Publisher
It’s Our Turn – Port Washington Restaurant Week
|
Dave Allen |
October 2017
Included in the plethora of
announcements contained in this
issue of the PW Calendar, is the
information on Port Washington’s
own Restaurant Week. This opportunity
to sample many of Port’s
terrific restaurants occurs October
15 through 22.
Aside from the fact that more
than two dozen local eateries offer a Prix-fixe dinner for
the bargain rate of just $25, there are literally hundreds
of reasons for all of us to visit and show your support.
While attending the Chamber of Commerce Dinner
and Installation of Officers the end of September, the
conversations turned to the many events sponsored by
the Chamber and other not for profit organizations.
These are all worthwhile endeavors in terms of
bringing visitors to Port and for enhancing Port’s unique
quality of life.
However, these events could hardly be successful if
it weren’t for the donations in food, coupons, merchandise,
ad book support, etc. by our own merchants…
and the restaurants are a major component of this
support.
Each of us quickly realized that this support,
particularly from the restaurants is huge in value and
frequency. This Calendar publishes information of more
than 200 events each month, many of these have fundraisers
of one sort or another and almost all implore the
restaurants and others for support.
When you total it up, each restaurant , and other
retailers, receive dozens, if not hundreds, of requests
each year… and their generosity allows our not for
profits to flourish
Restaurant Week provides an economical opportunity
to enjoy out restaurants and say Thank You for their
generous support of the Port Washington way of life.
From The Publisher
Have the courts and lawyers taken us
to the point of absurdity?
|
Dave Allen |
September 2017
I don’t know about you, but it seems to me that
the lawyers and courts have taken us on a path
of revolving doors that only seem to help the law
profession.
Let’s take a look at the fine print on the bottom of
almost any TV, print or internet ad. It contains disclaimers
originally designed to be a real protection
against misleading or dishonest headlines. We can
certainly thank the lawyers for that. However, these
same lawyers found a way around their own laws… make the type so
small you cannot read it, or have it blend into the ad’s background making
it unreadable.
You know the copy I am referring to: the paragraph that you could
not possibly read without a magnifying glass and a Philadelphia lawyer
present - which says that with “the special offer of 24 monthly payments
of $12 each for a new horseless carriage also included indenturing my
first born and several thousand dollars in ransom.”
This, of course, is followed up with a legal addendum to the contract
you sign at Honest Horseless Carriages, Inc. saying you have read all the
fine print in all the papers you are signing.
OK, so this isn’t a news flash… and we all know that corporate
management is now so paranoid about legal implications they cannot
say or print anything without legal counsel. See how this goes around
and around?
However a new line has begun to appear which convinces me the
whole system has run amuck.
It is the one that appears regularly on TV. It is for a product that seems
to be a prescription drug that will make my skin look like a teenager’s
(without the pimples, I trust). It is called XXXX (oops, lawyers again). The
voice over provides all the standard possible reactions including some
we usually relate to someone living on the streets.
The final line of warning, and proof we have gone over the edge, is
“Do not to take XXXX if you are allergic to XXXX”.
Cheers!
Terrific! We have now reached the point of no return. When do we say
not to use a lawyer as you could be liable for legal decisions.
I know you have seen these disclaimers and conditions. They appear
across the bottom of the ad and are normally in soft grey type on a
background of a similar color. The same system is used on junk emails to
hide the possibility of unsubscribing.
I don’t know about you but I am almost afraid to try any new product
for fear of a deadly reaction which, of course, was ‘covered’ in the
products promotion.
It seems to me that the conditions of sale should be at least as obvious
as the offers themselves.
|
Dave Allen |
September 2017
I don’t know about you, but it seems to me that
the lawyers and courts have taken us on a path
of revolving doors that only seem to help the law
profession.
Let’s take a look at the fine print on the bottom of
almost any TV, print or internet ad. It contains disclaimers
originally designed to be a real protection
against misleading or dishonest headlines. We can
certainly thank the lawyers for that. However, these
same lawyers found a way around their own laws… make the type so
small you cannot read it, or have it blend into the ad’s background making
it unreadable.
You know the copy I am referring to: the paragraph that you could
not possibly read without a magnifying glass and a Philadelphia lawyer
present - which says that with “the special offer of 24 monthly payments
of $12 each for a new horseless carriage also included indenturing my
first born and several thousand dollars in ransom.”
This, of course, is followed up with a legal addendum to the contract
you sign at Honest Horseless Carriages, Inc. saying you have read all the
fine print in all the papers you are signing.
OK, so this isn’t a news flash… and we all know that corporate
management is now so paranoid about legal implications they cannot
say or print anything without legal counsel. See how this goes around
and around?
However a new line has begun to appear which convinces me the
whole system has run amuck.
It is the one that appears regularly on TV. It is for a product that seems
to be a prescription drug that will make my skin look like a teenager’s
(without the pimples, I trust). It is called XXXX (oops, lawyers again). The
voice over provides all the standard possible reactions including some
we usually relate to someone living on the streets.
The final line of warning, and proof we have gone over the edge, is
“Do not to take XXXX if you are allergic to XXXX”.
Cheers!
Terrific! We have now reached the point of no return. When do we say
not to use a lawyer as you could be liable for legal decisions.
I know you have seen these disclaimers and conditions. They appear
across the bottom of the ad and are normally in soft grey type on a
background of a similar color. The same system is used on junk emails to
hide the possibility of unsubscribing.
I don’t know about you but I am almost afraid to try any new product
for fear of a deadly reaction which, of course, was ‘covered’ in the
products promotion.
It seems to me that the conditions of sale should be at least as obvious
as the offers themselves.
From The Publisher
Sometimes the ordinary is really extraordinary
|
Dave Allen |
August 2017
A few weeks ago Marie and I had an opportunity to sit down
with a delightful fellow who grew up in Port and now splits his
time between Manhattan and Port. His story was about an ‘ordinary,’
yet fascinating family. The subject was Rose Trinchitella
and a birthday party planned for her on August 12 at LaParma on
the Bay.
While we often hear about individuals in and from Port who
make headlines and/or lots of money, it soon occurred to us that
sometimes the ordinary folks who simply get married, work hard
and raise a family also help make Port the a special community.
Rose’s parents, Antonio and Maria, were married in 1910. Antonio moved from
their home in Potenza, Italy to Port in 1912. Maria followed a year or so later. They
had 10 children including Rose
who was born in 1927 and the
youngest daughter. Rose became
the caregiver while her parents
worked… and even today, she
is known as the favorite aunt
because of her consistent concern
for everyone else.
Rose married Dominic in 1951.
They first lived on West Shore
Road and moved to 64 Wildwood
in 1944. They raised two children
James and Daniel, who has two daughters, Sarah and Kathleen.
Dominic ran gas service stations in Port and New Hyde Park and the boys grew
up working in the stations. Rose worked for the school district at the Main Street
School. James worked for Leon Goldstein Fabric Store, had paper routes and a
variety of other local jobs.
Dominic died a few years after their 50th anniversary.
So, this month about 50 cousins, nieces, nephews, grandchildren and friends
of the family will celebrate Rose’s 90th birthday…A celebration and tribute to a
hard working family whose parents emigrated here to work hard and live a special
dream.
Marie and I thought this was special, we hope you do also.
Cards and notes of good wishes should be sent to Rose Trinchitella at 32 Fairview,
Port Washington NY 11050.
From The Publisher
Can it be that 2017 is half way to history?
|
Dave Allen |
July 2017
It seems that just yesterday we were all working on
those new year’s resolutions. I do not know how you
have done with yours but the only visible one I have
kept was to produce this column once a month – and if
wasn’t for my partner, … well you know the rest.
Maybe this provides a clue to this annual ritual we call
New Year’s Resolutions… we need a partner, a friend,
spouse, brother or sister… someone who pushes us,
without offending.
They say that repeating a process 7 times can make it a habit. Maybe this
July issue column will be that turning point.
But, back to 2017. It is hard to believe that Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day,
Father’s Day and HarborFest, to name a few, are already In our rear view
mirror. No, I am not lamenting the fact that half the year is gone. On the
contrary the realization should encourage all of us to double up on our goals
and effort to make this year all that we were looking for last December 31.
Here is one thought. If one of your goals was to get more involved with
special organizations or events, maybe you could peruse this issue of the
PW Calendar and find some organization or group that could use your
expertise…. Like participating in the Twin Pines Charitable Community Thrift
Shop. The folks there could really use your help, and you will feel better for
your involvement.
Have a great second half of 2017!
From The Publisher
The L.I.E. Driver Mantra
|
Dave Allen |
June 2017
Those of you who commute regularly on the Long Island
Expressway know immediately what I mean when I say ‘the
L.I.E.Driver Mantra’. … no matter what… do not make eye
contact. Eye contact means acknowledging you are about to do
something that is probably dangerous or, at least, inconsiderate.
Eye contact means acknowledging the other person exists.
Of course that means you would be obligated to recognize
them and, possibly, be nice in one way or another.
Well, it seems that the L.I.E. Mantra is spreading and I do not
know which is more troubling.. the fact or the solution.
How many times have you stood at a doctor’s reception counter while people on
the other side busy themselves, walking back and forth and discussing one thing
or another? You know the feeling, they make no eye contact with you, they do not
say ‘hello,’ or ‘someone will be with you in a minute.’ By not making eye contact
they do not admit you exist, so they have no obligation to welcome you.
In the larger stores we dodge very busy, self important, clerks moving through
the aisles with the attitude that their ability to put the cans of peas on the shelf is
more important than the customers trying to purchase them.
Ok… the easy solution is to exhibit a bit of courtesy on all sides and local shopping
would be a bit more pleasant.
However… as in all such situations, there are some shopkeepers (of all sizes)
who have recognized the ‘problem’ early and developed a system to correct it.
Yep. I am referring to the practiced speech that says ‘welcome to our wonderful
store and excellent help.’
I do not know how it sounds to you but the practiced line is just about as offensive
as being ignored… and I’ll bet you.
From The Publisher
A Perspective On Retail Closings,
or Is The Customer Always Wrong?
|
Dave Allen |
May 2017
Recently we came across
a listing of retail chain store
closings... the number
were astounding even to a
curmudgeon like myself. The
list included Wal-Mart, Sears,
JCPenney, CVS, Kmart and on
and on. Of course the Ogre,
the cause of this was easily
identified as “THE INTERNET.”
That is probably correct, except we see a trend
that is certainly working to speed up the transition
from the shopping center or downtown hopping
trip.
A key factor has to be the evolution from the
customer is always right, to the customer is
always wrong.
The recent United Airlines and American Airline
fiascos are the easy targets of this axiom. But
there are more examples every day, and they
are much more insidious than those big headline
grabbers.
Just in the past few days we went shopping at
the hardware store we often visit. We checked out
with a friendly clerk, started to pay and then asked
if she had given me my senior discount. “No,” she
replied, “you are supposed to tell me first and I am
not supposed to do this now” (she did so anyway).
Possibly there is a legal requirement that she is
not allowed to ask if I am “old.” Or by setting
up this “Tell me first” policy, the store is able to
advertise the discount but avoid giving it. In any
event I was “Wrong.”
Bouncing around in Long Island traffic is not
the most relaxing interlude between customer and
vendor visits. So, I stopped at a popular fast food
chain and ordered an outrageous, calorie laden
lunch last week. This was one of those places that
have 2, 3 or 4 “windows” that may or may not be
open depending on the time of day. I passed the
first one as no one was there and the window was
closed. Upon stopping at the next window a frantic
person came running up (from the inside) berating
me for not paying at the previous window. I suggested no one was there to which he replied, “you
should have waited.” Wrong again.
I realize that neither of these places is in danger
of my going to the internet for a few screws or
sandwiches. However our last encounter proved
that the internet is more customer friendly.
A major department store ad listed men’s shoes
that I like at a very attractive price. The ad carefully pointed out that this price was available in
stores or on the web. Nice.
We thought going to the store would insure
getting the correct size and receiving the prized
package instantly. Wrong again. After searching
for the shoes and a salesperson, we asked to
confirm the price listed in the ad. The salesperson
was exceedingly honest... she had no idea of the
price or the ad. All she could do in check them
out on the register and see what came up. She
did and the price was a good 20% higher than
the ad. After shrugging off the discrepancy I heard
“maybe it was a one day sale, I have no way of
knowing.” But I could not be right about the price.
Wrong again.
You guessed it... we went home, pulled up the
website and ordered the shoes, at the sale price
with free delivery.
Yes, I have heard the excuse that retail people
are abused by customers and/or ill trained for
their jobs, and that is why customers are so ill
treated. Somewhere we need to get over the
chicken and egg arguments and find a way back
to customer service and polite customers, or the
internet will become king and just as customer friendly as the Friendly Skies.
From The Publisher
Spring in Port Washington
|
Dave Allen |
April 2017
It’s such a good feeling to be in Port in the
spring…the boats are quickly slipping into the bay,
the snowbirds are returning from points south.
Mother’s Day, Memorial Day and Independence
Day are all just around the corner.
While this past winter was not particularly difficult,
it made certain we did not get off completely
free with the harshest weather hitting us hard in
March. But, no matter: Spring is here and we are
all happy to shed the overcoats, boots and hats.
We are even happy to begin the spring chores: clean ups, plantings,
garage cleanouts, spring maintenance and all those other items
delayed over the winter.
Your local merchants are key participants… They are stocked
with products and staffed with smiling faces… take advantage of all
the benefits of shopping local.
The feeling is good, the smells of spring are in the air, Port is smiling
and looking for you to enjoy the world around you.
From The Publisher
An inconvenient convenience
|
Dave Allen |
March 2017
I guess we all get a little confused as we grow older. Here is my latest
example… it is based on the new convenience that laws and rules are
not necessarily adhered to…that is everyone seems to be able to
exempt themselves from those rules and laws they find inconvenient;
like stop signs and u turns. Our government leaders also find their own
way to avoid following the laws they pass for the ‘benefit’ of the rest of
us, like free and tax free lunches in Congress while the rest of us
struggle with the business lunch IRS rules.
Now we have found another truth that isn’t: the concept of cash being
the best payment for goods and services, or, as the dollar bill says “This note is legal tender
for all debts, public and private.”
The TONH Department of Waste Management seems to have never read this or have
simply decided that they do not have to follow this rule… I understand part of the reasoning,
after all the cash from the dump drop off seemed to drop off and disappear. What isn’t
understandable is the cure... just do not take cash… That might eliminate something called
stealing.
At the same time it appears that the TONH has found another way to steal, or should I
say “divert the funds from the crooks to the Town.” It was a great surprise the other Sunday
when we dropped off a car full of the inevitable trash we all seem to collect. Yes the $5.00
minimum charge was still in effect. And cash was unacceptable.
Then came the real surprise on the bill – $5.00 for the drop off and a $1.95 “Convenience
Fee.” A fee for paying with my credit card! Maybe a 2% or 2.5% credit card fee would be
somewhat acceptable, but a “Convenience Fee” of almost 40%???
So the logic is to avoid internal theft, make us pay by credit card then charge 40% for
the convenience of paying by credit card… Maybe someone can explain the logic.
From The Publisher
Beautiful Port Washington…
|
Dave Allen |
As we write this the election is still a week or
so away. Obviously, we do not know who the
winner, or loser, is we know there will still be a
great divide among those who voted, and
those who didn’t.
Even so we are going to stick our neck out
and outline a couple of thoughts we trust all of
us can agree upon.
Let’s start with what seems like an easy
proposition: no elected body should be able to
pass any legislation that exempts the members
of that body for the legislations impact. If lunches are not tax
deductable or chargeable to the recipient, then Congress and
all the members should be subject to the same rules. If the
Affordable Care Act is applicable to the citizens then it should
be applicable to all members of Congress.
Simple, huh?
Of course this means that the NY/NJ Port authority
personnel and board should have to pay tolls like the rest of us.
Maybe it would also mean that the plethora of Courtesy Cards
issued by the various police agencies, benevolent associations,
etc. should declared illegal. And off duty police, fire and public
officials would have to obey the same traffic laws as the rest of
us. (Maybe the new $105 surcharge on tickets in Nassau would
thus not be needed)
You can fill in a number of additional examples at your
leisure.
My second proposal is equally simple. No legislation local,
state or federal should be allowed to contain any amendment
or clause that is not directly related to the primary subject of
the legislation… no more hiding a special swimming pool in a
groundwater protection act.
Thirdly, any member of a legislative office found guilty of a
State of Federal offense should lose their position in that body
and lose their pension or benefits.
That’s it… when I think of it; these three items may be a bird’s
eye view of what this election was all about anyway.
From The Publisher
Important News
For New & Remodeled Businesses
Let us know your plans… When you expect to open or accomplish your remodeling. We will give you coverage in the Port Washington Calendar.
|
Dave Allen |
Another opening, another business, another look.
With all of the good things and good looks of Port, we are regularly reminded of the number of empty or underutilized commercial properties throughout our community.
While we would agree that there are few items that look worse than an empty storefront, we would have to say the opposite is also true… a new venture, a cleaned up or refurbished location is a great indication of a strong community… Beautiful!
We have been encouraged lately with a number of initiatives to assist and encourage merchants and property owners to improve the ambiance of their locations.
Yet, the most encouraging event is the implementation of a new look or a new opening. Recently, we have seen a number of these happenings.
Examples are The Music Store, Port Beer and Soda and Bareburger which opened recently, plus the BlueBird Café and the Craft Beer Cellar which are scheduled to open shortly. This is good news for locals who spend their money in the community. For visitors it adds to the attraction of Port, and for the rest of the merchant community it helps give a vibrant, growing and prosperous look to Port.
So, beginning with the August issue, the Port Washington Calendar will make every effort to identify and print information on upcoming openings and improvements… and other recent openings.
We all have a stake in their
success.
NOW AVAILABLE!
FREE EMAIL Subscription to
Simply email us at FREESUB@PWCalendar.com
with your name and email address
where you would like to receive the calendar
Of course, the Calendar IS STILL available
At more than 100 locations around town
On the web at www.PWCalendar.com
Questions? Just call 516-883-0313
Port Washington's Own Calendar of Events
It's about what is happening, not what happened
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Check on the Port events and happenings wherever you happen to be...
we will update as new events are annouced and provide the full calendar link each month
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