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Community Corner

Vanderbilt Museum to Celebrate 100th Anniversary and Prime Creates Think Pink Menu

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On Sept. 25, the Vanderbilt Museum will celebrate its centennial, as it marks the anniversary of William K. Vanderbilt II's purchase of the land where he would build his mansion and waterfront estate, which he called "Eagle's Nest."

The celebration will offer the rare opportunity to dine at a sprawling, landmark American estate and to listen and dance to live music from the period when the Vanderbilt family lived at Eagle's Nest and entertained guests that included European royalty, captains of industry and Hollywood stars.

Andy Farber, a Huntington native and leading New York City musician, will perform with his sextet at the gala benefit. Music will include hits from the American Popular Songbook by artists that include Duke Ellington, George Gershwin, Frank Loesser, and Rodgers and Hart. Farber just completed a tour with Wynton Marsalis and has recorded and toured with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.

Events have been set up during the cocktail hour as representation of the Vanderbilt's wide-ranging education programs in the arts and sciences. To symbolize live music and entertainment, husband and wife, Nelson and Madalyn Avila will be performing the Tango and will offer mini-lessons to guests. Guides in period costumes will give living history tours and the marine museum and natural history exhibits will be open during that time as well. If the weather permits, there may even be telescopes set up to view the night sky as a reminder of the planetarium's role in the educational importance of the museum.

Elegant gift baskets filled with treats will be offered at the silent auction, thanks to the wonderful donations from local area businesses.

According to the museums executive director Carol Ghiorsi Hart, they expect the attendance of about 200 guests. Tickets are still available, with a request that reservations be made by Sept. 17. The $100 price is notably lower than most fundraisers of this caliber, and the decision to set it at that point was a conscious one.

"Because we are one of the largest general museums on Long Island – touching on natural history, the fine arts and science – many people from all over have memories of visiting here," Hart said. "We wanted this celebration to be accessible. We want people to come out and enjoy the beauty of the Vanderbilt."

Although the golf course is set with a large tent to guarantee the success of the celebration in any weather, Hart shared that they are hoping for an Indian summer night so that they can move the party to the beautiful courtyard. Doing so would ensure an evening that will be  "absolutely magical." Sponsors and donations are still being accepted and interested parties should contact the executive director at (631) 854-5579.

PRIME CREATES THINK PINK MENU FOR BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Prime Restaurant has created a special "Think Pink" menu in support of the Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition (HBCAC).

Since 1992, HBCAC has operated as a non-profit, grassroots organization that is focused on the prevention and ultimate eradication of breast cancer through education and awareness. They are also actively involved with helping those who are faced with a positive diagnosis.

According to Prime owners, Michael and Kurt Bohlsen, the "Think Pink" menu will be offered at all of the Long Island restaurants of The Bohlsen Restaurant Group, including H2O, Tellers, Verace and Beachtree.

"As local business owners born and raised on Long Island, serving and employing Long Islanders, each restaurant will support its local breast cancer coalition," Michael said. "The cause is so near to our hearts as a family and as an employer. The work local breast cancer coalitions do is very helpful to the people in the communities in which we live and work."

Pink touches, with ingredients known to be rich in antioxidants, are at the heart of the dinner menus and specials will also be offered as appetizers and desserts. Shades of pink extend to the drinks menu beginning with a selection of rosé wines by the glass and including signature pink cocktails.

Prime will feature this menu for the entire month of October. Pink baseball hats will also be available to those who wish to make an extra $10 donation to the coalition.

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