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Vanessa Leggard

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Six East End Kids to Perform at Carnegie Hall….Greetings Hamptons MouthPiece Readers in early December 2012 at WestHampton Performing Arts Center, Camp Broadway held one of many nationwide open call auditions for an opportunity to perform at the New York Pops 30th Birthday Gala at Carnegie Hall on 4/29/13.  Over 500 kids auditioned throughout the country  56 were chosen and six talented kids from the East End  of Long Island were selected: 

Jack Vicari of Remsenburg NY, Jacqueline Minogue of Southampton NY, Madeline Seitles of East Moriches NY, Meghan Renna of Speonk NY, Sarah Pierson of Southampton NY, and my daughter Allura Leggard of Sag Harbor, NY.

photo 1These six along with 50 other kids will travel to NYC on Friday and begin rehearsals on early Saturday morning for their big debut on the legendary Carnegie Hall Stage. What a once in a lifetime opportunity for these budding theater enthusiasts. How exciting for them to be on stage with some of their favorite Broadway actors. My daughter is over the hill about meeting Megan Hilty from the TV show “Smash”. Megan will also be performing at a already sold out performance at Sag Harbor’s Baystreet Theatre this Memorial Day weekend.camp bwayThe Camp Broadway® Kids, is a musical theatre ensemble comprised of 56 theatre-loving kids, ages 12-16, are set to perform as part of The New York Pops 30th Birthday Gala on Monday, April 29, marking three decades of bringing music to New York City.. The Camp Broadway Kids, under the direction of Camp Broadway’s Artistic Director, Tony Parise (Broadway credits include Me and My Girl and 42nd Street), will make their sixth appearance with The New York Pops at Carnegie Hall. The Cast Members were selected from a nation-wide pool of over 500 auditionees, and will perform alongside Broadway stars during musical numbers honoring the works of Frank Loesser, Jule Styne and Danny Kaye!

The concert begins at 7:00 PM and will be hosted by journalist and newscaster Paula Zahn, featuring a spectacular lineup of guest artists Nick Adams, Laura Benanti, Stephanie J. Block, Liz Callaway, Will Chase, Megan Hilty, Marilyn Maye, Rob Mcclure, Donna Murphy, Kelli O’hara, Laura Osnes, Leslie Uggams, Max Von Essen, Anthony Warlow And Betsy Wolfe under the baton of Music Director Steven Reineke. Additionally, Camp Broadway has created a special three-day program leading up to the performance, including a series of Broadway workshops, classes and rehearsals to prepare participants for this once- in-a-lifetime performance.

Single tickets to the concert-only are $62, $95 and $155. To purchase, call CarnegieCharge at 212-247-7800, visit the Carnegie Hall Box Office at 57th St and 7th Ave, or online at www.carnegiehall.org. For dinner and dance tickets, visit www.newyorkpops.org or call The New York Pops office at 212-765-7677.

Founded in 1995, CAMP BROADWAY® is Broadway’s Original Summer Program for theatre-loving kids. Proclaimed “The Camp of Dreams” by Live Magazine, Camp Broadway has hosted nearly 20,000 children at its annual summer programs in New York City and nationwide tour cities. Camp Broadway has been featured on the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® telecast; performed with The NewYork Pops at Carnegie Hall; and appeared in Broadway on Broadway®. Camp Broadway has worked with dozens of Broadway productions, estates and authors to develop interactive workshops that have enabled over 350,000 children to attend Broadway shows.

 The New York Pops is the largest independent pops orchestra in the United States, and the only professional symphonic orchestra in New York City specializing in popular music. Led by Music Director Steven Reineke, the orchestra performs an annual subscription series at Carnegie Hall, enjoying one of their highest subscription renewal rates. The New York Pops’ annual birthday gala is celebrated each spring, raising funds for the orchestra and its education programs. Now in its 30th season, The New York Pops celebrates the diversity of popular music’s evolving songbook. Every concert is a unique experience, with influences ranging from Broadway melodies to film scores, jazz, rock, pop and everything in between. Under the leadership of dynamic Music Director and Conductor Steven Reineke, The New York Pops continues to re-imagine orchestral pops music. 

Congratulations and Good Luck, Jack , Jacqueline , Madeline , Meghan , Sarah and Allura. I look forward to seeing all of you on stage. Have a fantastic time and take it all in, this is going to be a wonderful experience for all of you.

Where is the sand at Long Beach? Greetings Hamptons Mouthpiece readers..today, April 10th, 2013 while walking on long Beach in Sag Harbor I noticed that there seemed to be more shells on the beach than usual. I decided to really take a closer look and to my surprise there is limited sand for the entire stretch of the beach. Where is the Sand at Long Beach in Sag Harbor? When Hurricane Sandy hit Long Island in October 2012, I remember driving down Long Beach Road and the entire parking lot was filled with salt water, the beach was gone. The aftermath of Hurricane Sandy is quite noticeable at this beach in some areas.

IMG_1724
Hamptons Mouthpiece, Long Beach, Sag Harbor, NY

Long Beach is known to many locals as a rocky beach with limited sand, but what struck me today was that in many areas there is absolutely no sand, it is as if all the sea shells and sea rocks in the world washed up on one beach and that is Long Beach. I am not sure what plans are being made to take care of the mounds of shells that are dominating this beach in many areas, it is my hope that it will all be taken care of  before the season kicks off, since this is the beach where many families with small children spend their time.

IMG_1737The area near the  bathrooms are ok..This area is less rocky and more sandy. This beach is especially popular because the water is shallow and it is relatively safe for families with smaller children.IMG_1729

There  are many rocky areas so bring those sand shoes when taking a stroll on the beach because there are cluster areas where there is no sand only rocks and shells.

Popular Hamptons Plant will be limited this Season 2013....Greetings Hamptons Mouthpiece readers spring is buzzing in the Hamptons and the Daffodils, Cherry Blossoms and Tulips will be blooming soon. The trees will be budding and those who suffer with allergies to pollen will be living in pure hell. I love this time of the year minus the swollen eyes, tearing, stuffy nose and headaches all due to the pollen from the trees . The Burst of color is so beautiful and I can’t wait to see the Acelas in bloom.

sunny_daffodils-normal

You should of course remember to replace your air filters inside, you can order them online (for example: FilterBuy AFB Silver MERV 8 16x25x1 Pleated AC Furnace Air Filter, (Pack of 4 Filters), 100% produced in the USA.) It’s essential you do this regularly, not only to reduce power consumption, but to increase your snuffling quality of life. Additionally, you can check out this video I found on YouTube for a natural treatment to avoid the runny nose, puffy eyes and pollen allergy this season…I cannot wait to try it out…It’s just lemon and honey…2 of my favorite ingredients..

Double Impatien
Double Impatien

Popular Hamptons Plant will be limited this Season 2013…Earlier in March 2013 I had an opportunity to speak with Phil & Diane Bucking the owners at the Sag Harbor Garden center and we spoke about what was the big news about plants this year. Phil told me that most green houses in Long Island will not be growing a Hamptons favorite plant the traditional Impatiens this year or for a couple of years, because the downy mildew disease a fungus-like algae has infected many of the greenhouses in Long Island. The downy mildew affecting Impatiens plants is called Plasmopara obducens. It spreads rapidly, under the right conditions, and once infected, there is no cure. The Downy mildew disease is caused by oomycetes or water molds. It is a disease that can stay in the soil for 3 years, even if you plant fresh ones every year because the soil is infected. This however only affects the traditional Impatiens and the Double Impatiens. You may still be able to find some traditional Impatiens but they will be limited this year at least at NY Garden centers.

Impatiens-Walleriana
Impatiens-Walleriana

The New Guinea Impatiens and the SunPatiens are safe. The New Guinea Impatiens are a little more needy than the traditional Impatiens they need more water and less sun. Ahhhh I have a horrible green thumb and that is why I love the traditional Impatiens because they require no love, just some water periodically.

According to an e-Grow Alert by Nora Catlin, Floriculture Specialist, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County, the following types of Impatiens are susceptible to downy mildew.

  • All Impatiens walleriana, including the double and mini types. These are the most common bedding Impatiens sold in garden centers. (I. walleriana hybrids, like the Fusion® series are less prone, but still susceptible)
  • Balsam Impatiens / Garden Balsam (I. balsamina) These are taller plants than common Impatiens, with elongated, pointed leaves.
  • Jewel Weed (I. capensis) and Yellow Jewel Weed (I. pallida). Generally considered weeds, but if they are in the area, they can spread the disease to your landscape Impatiens.
New Guinea Impatiens
New Guinea Impatiens

Impatiens Not Affected

  • Himalayan balsam a wild and sometimes invasive species that can reach heights of 6 – 10 ft. (2 – 3 m), is tolerant of the disease, but can act as a host.
  • New Guinea Impatiens and its hybrids, like SunPatiens®, have so far shown resistance.

Hamptons Mouthpiece Readers there you have it…traditional Impatiens are very popular here in the Hamptons, but due to this nasty fungus you may have to seek other alternatives to replacing your favorite plant, the New Guinea Impatiens, SunPatiens, Pogonia’s are beautiful alternatives and will give you that shock of color to replace the traditional or double Impatiens plant this year.

New sidewalk on Sag Harbor BridgeHampton Turnpike…Greetings Hamptons Mouthpiece Readers…has anyone noticed the new sidewalk on Sag/bridge Turnpike? It starts at Scuttle hole Road and continues all the way to Montauk Highway. This is fantastic  for pedestrians. Now lets see if there will be plans to extend into Sag Harbor. But this is a nice start.photo-726919

Dockers Waterside in Quogue Opens for the Season…Dockers will be serving a Grand Brunch Buffet for Easter Sunday with 3 seating’s at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. Please call for a reservation and large parties welcome. Go to our website for the buffet menu and additional details.

Hamptons Restaurant: Friday, April 5th Through Sunday, April 14th. 3 courses for $27.95 and 3-course menu is available on their website.
dockerswaterside.com

Season Launch Party is scheduled for Saturday, April 20th at 5pm hosted by Hamptons Magazine, Martin Codax Wine & LaMarca Prosecco. This is the biggest Spring Party and has been widely referred to as the “Opening of the Hamptons!” Music starts at 5pm with Paul Mahos with special guest Candice. Dress to impress – dance, drink and come out for this amazing annual event. Dinner reservations start at 7:30pm and sell out fast.

photo credit: Kurt Leggard
photo credit: Kurt Leggard

The weekend’s weather is looking great in the 50’s and sunny!