May 22, 2024 Massapequa Park

Gregory

Greg DAmico,

Massapequa Park, NY 11762

Bus: 516-798-3276 Fax: 888-798-3701 greg@gdamico.com

Park, NY 11762 Bus: 516-798-3276 Fax: 888-798-3701 greg@gdamico.com

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Grads Give Career And Life Advice

Massapequa graduates spanning generations came together recently at the Massapequa High School Ames Campus to share words of wisdom

with the future workforce. The 17th annual Alumni Career Day featured

GRADS GIVE CAREER AND LIFE ADVICE - Brianna Hobert, from the Class of 2019, spoke to students about her career in NASA. Joining her on the panel were country singer Carolyn Miller, Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Massapequa’s Assistant to the Superintendent for Human Resources Bob Schilling.

20 guest speakers representing a wide range of professions.

Over two sessions, each ninth grader was able to hear from eight different speakers. The guests spoke about their career paths, the positive aspects and challenges of their current jobs and what the future holds for their respective fields. The Berner and Massapequa graduates also emphasized the skills needed for success, and how today’s students can begin preparing for careers while still in high school.

“Students learned that it’s not always a straight path from point A to point B,” said School-to-Career

Coordinator Denise DeLury. “A lot of the speakers, when they were in high school, thought they were going to do one thing and ended up in a place they never even thought about.”

Ms. DeLury, who coordinated the program along with Career and Technical Education Supervisor Patricia LiVecchi and business education teacher Christine Poggioli, said what stood out most about the speakers was their passion for their professions. Careers included business and finance, engineering and science, entertainment, hospitality, information

technology, law enforcement, public service, sports marketing and more.

Several of the speakers return year after year to speak to Ames students because they believe in the value of Career Day. Ms. DeLury noted that a few have come as many as 15 of the 17 years the program has been held. There were also a few newcomers this year, including the Class of 2015 valedictorian. The alumni ranged from a 1966 Berner High School graduate to a 2019 Massapequa High School graduate.

Photos courtesy of the Massapequa School District

MASSAPEQUA GRADUATES - The Ames Campus welcomed back 20 Massapequa graduates to speak at this year’s Alumni Career Day.

20

May Happenings

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22

7:00PM-8:00PM

SOUL WITH HEART BOOK CLUB

Held at Freeport Memorial Library. This is a free event. To attend in person, please register by visiting www.freeportlibrary.info and click on the date of the program in the event calendar. To attend virtually, visit the date of the program in the event calendar and click on the link provided. For more information call the library at 516-379-3274.

FRIDAY, MAY 24

9:00PM

2000S RAVE

Party like it's 2003 at Mulcahy's Pub & Concert Hall in Wantagh, featuring DG GrooveCube and Synova. Doors and show start at 9pm. For more information, please call Mulcahy's at 516-783-7500 or email them at info@mulcahys.com.

SATURDAY, MAY 25

9:00AM-3:00PM

SPRING YARD SALE

The Yaphank Historical Society will hold our annual multi-vendor Spring Yard Sale on the grounds of the Robert & Isabella Hawkins House at 4 Yaphank Avenue, Yaphank There will be a large variety of crafts, collectibles, and household items. Rain date is Sunday, the 26th. For more information please email jrvavrina@optonline.net.

12:00PM-4:00PM

SPRING FARM FESTIVAL

The Smithtown Historical Society is hosting a Spring Farm Festival. There will be kids crafts, pony rides and petting zoo, live music, traditional craft demonstrations, historic farmhouse tour, food and

Make a submission! Events must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event date and will run free of charge on a space available basis. For more info, call 631.226.2636 x211 or send events to natalieraccuglia@longislandmediagroup.com.

craft vendors, face-painting, and more. Rain date on May 26th. Leashed dogs welcome. General admission is $7, kids under 3 free. For more information please call 631-265-6768 or visit their website at www.smithtownhistorical.org.

12:30PM BARK IN THE PARK LI DUCKS

Bark in the Park returns to Fairfield Properties Ballpark. The game takes place at 1:35 p.m. against the Lancaster Stormers, with the ballpark gates opening at 12:35 (12:20 for full season ticket holders). All fans are invited to bring their dog with them to the ballpark to enjoy the game. No additional ticket purchase is required to take part in Bark in the Park. To purchase tickets visit www.liducks.com/bark and see a full list of rules for pets and their owners.

SUNDAY, MAY 26

9:00AM-12:00PM

RUN FOR BRIGGS 5K RUN/WALK

Technical Sergeant Dashan Briggs made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the 106th NYS Air National Guard unit as a Special Missions Aviator in Western Iraq in 2018 when his HH-60 Pavehawk helicopter crashed. The foundation was created to honor his legacy by supporting future generations. All proceeds from this event will go to the Dashan J. Briggs Memorial Foundation. The race begins at Burman Blvd. in Calverton. For more information call 516-531-3323.

5:00PM-6:30PM

FAMILY FILM SERIES

The Suffolk in Riverhead will be playing Shrek. Featuring kid-friendly

food and drink menu. Tickets are $15. Doors open at 4:30pm. Showtime is at 5pm. For more information call 631-727-4343 or visit www.thesuffolk.org.

MONDAY, MAY 27

8:00AM-12:00PM

MEMORIAL DAY FREEDOM 5K

Held at Chester A. Reese Veterans Memorial Park in Malverne. Parking will be available on the opposite side of the train tracks in the commuter train lot next to Conolly Station Pub. $35 for the 5K Run/Walk, $15 for Fun Run (ages 12 and under). For more information please call 516-531-3323.

9:00AM

ANNUAL MEMORIAL DAY PARADE

Join Sgt. John Sardiello Post 1634 of the American Legion as they pay their respect to fallen veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice to keep us free. Memorial Service and Wreath Ceremony to follow Community Picnic immediately following the ceremony. Held in West Babylon. Everyone is welcome. For more information please call them at 631-669-3931.

FRIDAY, MAY 31

12:00PM-5:00PM

ANTIQUE VINTAGE BOOK SALE

The Friends of the West Islip Library is doing a Vintage & Antique Book Sale on May 31st and June 1st from 9am-2pm. Held at the West Islip Public Library, 3 Higbie Lane. There will be a wide variety of books, including history, biographies, general fiction, children's literature, classics, and more. For more information call 631-206-4206.

NEIGHBORS’

Free Online Writing Workshop

(NAPSI)—Famed science fiction authors and judges of the L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future contest and professional instructors offer aspiring writers a free online writing workshop. Learn more at www.writersofthefuture. com/register/onlineworkshop and bit.ly/ WOTFWorkshop.

Airbag Recall

(NAPSI)—For more peace of mind on your next trip, check whether your vehicle’s airbags have been recalled. Millions of unrepaired recalls are on U.S. roads today. You can find out if your vehicle has an open recall by visiting CheckToProtect.org.

United States Navy Blue Angels, To Headline 20th Anniversary Bethpage Air Show

Bethpage Federal Credit Union and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, are pleased to announce the final performer line-up for the much-anticipated 20th Anniversary Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach, taking place on Saturday, May 25, 2024 and Sunday, May 26, 2024, from 10 AM – 3 PM.

The United States Navy Blue Angels, which headlined the very first Bethpage Air Show back in 2004, will return to Long Island to headline the 20th Anniversary show. This will be the Blue Angels’ 10th headliner performance for what has grown into one of the most respected air shows in the country.

Military performers joining the Blue Angels include the United States Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, the A-10C Thunderbolt II Demo Team, and the U.S. Navy F-35C Demo Team. Civilian performers Mike Goulian, North America’s most decorated aerobatic pilot; the world-famous Skytypers; Warbird Thunder Airshows; Farmingdale State College Flying Rams; Long Island’s own David Windmiller and the American Airpower Museum Warbirds.

To help celebrate the 20th anniversary show, organizers are giving away 30,000 commemorative U.S. Navy Blue Angels signed posters to fans attending the practice show on Friday, May 24th, and the weekend show on Saturday, May 25th and Sunday, May 26th.

The show will also feature other celebratory elements throughout the holiday weekend including a special, 15 ft x 20ft, anniversary cake weighing in at 1000 pounds, which fans will be able to enjoy on Friday, following an 11:00 am Jones Beach Press Conference.

Returning again for the 2024 show is the Bethpage Air Show Mobile App. Text ‘Airshow’ to 516-842-4400 to download the app for performer and sponsor information, a site map, helpful FAQs to help prepare you for the show, and more to come. Available now on the App Store and Google Play.

The Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach is one of the largest, most respected and most popular air shows in the country. Over 240,000 fans attended the Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach in 2022, when the Blue Angels last performed during a stormy weekend show. Last year, over 419,000 fans

attended.

The Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach is sponsored by Bethpage Federal Credit Union; New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; Newsday, WABC-TV Channel 7; Natural Heritage Trust; Connoisseur Media Long Island; Catholic Health, Jones Beach Brewery; Rallye Motor Company; PSEG Long Island; News 12 Long Island; The Foundation for Long Island State Parks; Pinelawn Memorial Park and Arboretum; Stop & Shop; and New York Islanders. The show can be heard in its entirety on WHLI 1100 AM and 104.7 FM.

The show is free to the public, but the standard $10.00 vehicle use fee will be collected each day upon entry to the State Park. For 2024 NYS Empire Pass Card holders, there is no vehicle use fee charge.

For up-to-date information about this year’s show, please visit www.bethpageairshow.com or https://www.facebook. com/BethpageAirShow/, or contact the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Regional Office, Recreation Department at 631-321-3510.

As hundreds of ninth graders began lining the sidewalk in front of Massapequa High School’s Ames Campus on May 14, they had no idea of the impact they were about to make. Within a few minutes, a police escort led participants in the ALS Ride For Life into the circular driveway, and students enthusiastically cheered.

Ride For Life has visited Ames for more than a decade to raise awareness

about the progressive neurological condition commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Two ALS warriors were part of this year’s group, and told students how much their support means.

“You guys are the hope that we need in this world,” said Paul, a Bohemia resident who has lived with the disease for more than 10 years. “You’re making a big difference.”

Paul has visited the

school during previous Ride For Life events and is extremely grateful for the continued support. Joining him was Jordan, of Islandia, who came to Ames for the first time. Jordan said that ALS is not a common ailment and Massapequa’s ninth graders can now serve as ambassadors to raise awareness.

Students lining the front of the school held signs with messages like “Never give up,” “Stay strong” and

“Ames is fighting for you.”

Members of the student council carried banners with the pictures and names of people who have lost their battle with ALS.

Ride For Life was founded in 1997 by Christopher Pendergast, who was diagnosed with ALS while a teacher in East Northport, and lived for 28 years with the disease. He did the first ride in 1998 in a wheelchair from Yankee Stadium to Washington, D.C. His wife, Christine, was among the participants who came to Ames this year.

Since Ride For Life was founded, it has raised more than $10 million, largely with the help of students across the country. Through afterschool bake sales, the Ames student council raised $200 this year for the nonprofit organization.

Principal Tania Willman told students to remember the message of Ride For Life – never give up, always have hope and strive to overcome obstacles. She added that it is the collective strength of a community that can turn the impossible into the possible. While there

is no known cure for ALS, it is events like Ride For Life and the enthusiastic support from students that creates hope that someday there will be.

Barbara Brown, the Ride For Life school outreach coordinator, added that Christopher Pendergast’s dream of finding a cure lives on through the support they get from students and staff in communities like Massapequa. She closed out the event by leading students in a chant of “strike out ALS.”

SHOWING THEIR SUPPORT - Ninth graders awaited the arrival of Ride For Life participants to show their support.

Four Low-Cost Marketing Tips to Boost Your Business This Summer

By JoAnn Cilla

I love talking with local small business owners because I always get great ideas from them on how to promote my business. For my article this month, I decided to share with you four low-cost marketing tips that will help drive sales in the summer without breaking the bank.

Work with Other Local Businesses – This idea is a “no brainer.” Team up with nearby businesses to run joint promotions. This could be as simple as promoting each other on social media or as elaborate as co-hosting events, offering package deals, or running contests. It’s a “win-win. You can expand your reach, find new customers, and make your existing customers happy as well.

Use Social Media Creatively - Social media platforms are perfect for engaging directly with our local community. You can share promotional events, tell your story, and thank loyal customers. You can run contests where customers share photos using your product in

JOANN CILLA

exchange for a chance to win a prize. However, you must use the right social media platform. You can’t be only on Facebook if all your customers are on Instagram. Ask them how they want to connect with you on social media and build your presence there!

Host or Sponsor Local Events - Summer is the best time to host events in our town, and to get involved in community activities. Consider hosting a workshop, a free class, or a community service event that is part of your business. You can also sponsor a local sports team or maybe a town

event. Events are a great and inexpensive way to promote your business locally.

Offer Time - Limited Promotions – What customer doesn’t love a limited time offer? Memorial Day, Father’s Day, and Independence Day are all great opportunities to attract new customers looking to make seasonal purchases. Offer 10% off a product or service the week before Memorial Day to bring customers into your store. The deals can be promoted through flyers, social media posts, and email campaigns to your existing customer base (You can give them something extra if they refer a new customer to your business).

The goal for these low-cost marketing tips is to increase your visibility and enhance your connection to the community. It’s a wonderful way to say “thank you” to your loyal customers too. With creativity and effort, your business can grow nicely this summer, proving that effective marketing doesn’t have to be expensive.

Receiver Pravato Advises Late School Taxpayers Of Last Chance

To assist property owners who missed the May 10th deadline for paying their 2023-2024 School taxes, Town of Oyster Bay Receiver of Taxes Jeffrey Pravato reminds residents that they can still pay the bill by May 31st with a State mandated 2% late payment penalty while avoiding additional interest and fees from accruing on their property.

In September, the Nassau County Treasurer will be mailing notices to all property owners with taxes in arrears.

Receiver Pravato advises homeowners

Late payers should immediately contact Receiver Pravato’s office at (516) 624-6400 if they did not receive a second notification with a delinquent tax bill. Payments postmarked after May 31st cannot be accepted since the collection warrant will have expired. Those payments must be sent to the Nassau County Treasurer at 1 West Street, Mineola, NY 11501.

who fall under those circumstances to contact the Nassau County Treasurer at (516) 5712090 to determine the amount due. They may also visit the Treasurer’s office at 1 West Street, Mineola, NY 11501.

Receiver Pravato noted, “Taxpayers in the Town of Oyster Bay are already paying some of the highest property taxes in the nation, and I want to make sure that our residents do not pay more out of pocket than they have to.”

Imbroto Announces Pickleball Pickup Game Summer Schedule

Oyster Bay Town Councilman Lou Imbroto and the Town Board announced the pickleball pickup game schedule across multiple parks for this summer. With eight sessions scheduled throughout the week, residents of all ages and skill levels are invited to play this growing sport in a casual environment without a formal instructor.

Pickleball, a blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, provides a fun and social way to stay active.

“Engaging in recreational activities like pickleball not only promotes physical health but also fosters a sense of community. These sessions provide an excellent opportunity for residents of all ages to come together, have fun, and stay active. This fun sport has gained in popularity throughout our Town and we’re thrilled to see our parks filled with energy and camaraderie as more residents give it a try,” Councilman Imbroto said.

Beginning on Monday, July 1, 2024, Hicksville

Athletic Center will host Pickleball Pickup Session 1 every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 7:00 AM to 8:15 AM. Meanwhile, Lenox Avenue Park in Bethpage will kick off Pickleball Session 2 on Tuesday, July 2, running every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM.

Another opportunity to play arises with Pickleball Session 3, also starting on July 1, taking place at Lenox Avenue Park every Monday and Wednesday from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM.

Garrick Williams Park in Massapequa will open its courts for Pickleball Session 4 on Wednesday, July 3, and will continue every Wednesday and Friday from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM.

Garrick Williams Park will host Pickleball Session 5 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM, starting on July 2. This schedule extends to Pickleball Session 6, taking place at the same location every Wednesday and Friday from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM, starting on July 3. Centre

Island Beach in Bayville will be the venue for Pickleball Session 7, commencing on July 2, with games scheduled every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM. Finally, Pickleball Session 8 will take place at Centre Island Beach, starting on July 1, with games scheduled every Monday and Wednesday from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM. These sessions offer residents ample opportunities to enjoy the sport of pickleball across various locations the town.

Registration takes place online at: www. oysterbaytown.com/portal.

Residents can register beginning Monday, May 13 at 5 PM and must upload proof of residency (tax or utility bill) and a valid identification card such as a driver’s license. The resident fee is $75. Non-Residents can register beginning Monday, May 20 at 9 AM, and the fee is $100. Rackets are not provided. Registration is First-Come, First-Served.

For more information, please call (516) 797-7945.

Hospital Association Offers

$2,000 Scholarship

The Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Council (NSHC) announces a $2,000 scholarship for college juniors/seniors or post graduate students who are studying Journalism, Marketing/ Communications, or Healthcare Administration.

(The scholarship is not for clinical-based study.)

The Ann Marie Brown Memorial Scholarship honors the late Ann Marie Brown, who served as vice president for government and public relations for the Hospital Council from 1983 to 1993. The

scholarship is administered by the Hospital Council’s Communications Committee.

Filing deadline is June 14, 2024.

For more information and an application go to the NSHC scholarship page or call 631-334-8321.

TASTE OF MASSAPEQUA EVENT - The Massapequa Chamber of Commerce recently held its first Taste of Massapequa event on April 18th at Wren Kitchens in Massapequa. It was a wonderful event that brought together the community, Chamber, and restaurants for a night of fabulous food from various Massapequa restaurants. Thank you to all restaurants who participated, the Taste of Massapequa Committee, the board members who helped, and all those who attended. Pictured: Karen Gawrych-Recording Secretary, Steve Parmiter-Board of Directors, Wren Kitchens General Manager-Peter Conway, Robin Hepworth-First Vice President, Janice TalentoTreasurer, Tim Ryan-Board of Directors, Anthony Ventiera-Past President, Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Linda Rowse-Second Vice President, Town of Oyster Bay Councilwoman Laura Maier, Maria Guzzetta-Board of Directors. Photo courtesy of Robin Hepworth

Town, Massapequa Chamber Of Commerce To Host Street Fair On June 2nd

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and the Town Board announced that the Town is partnering with the Massapequa Chamber of Commerce to host the Annual Street Fair. Held at Broadway and Veteran’s Blvd in Massapequa, this event will bring the community together for a day of family fun on Sunday, June 2nd, from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Rain Date Sunday, June 9th).

“We’re supporting downtown businesses and keeping our local economy vibrant by hosting the Annual Street Fair in partnership with the Massapequa Chamber of Commerce,” said Supervisor Saladino. “This fair is a great opportunity for residents to come out and support local businesses while enjoying a family-fun day on Long Island. You won’t want to miss it!”

The event includes Showmobile performances featuring DJ sets, live music by TIME WAS and L.I. REWIND BAND, and the Amvets Post 88 Honor Guard. In addition to the

musical offerings, families can enjoy a petting zoo, pony rides, and a variety of rides suitable for all ages. Craft and food vendors will line the streets, offering an assortment of culinary delights and handcrafted goods to peruse. Magician John Lepre will also be in attendance. Jen and Mike Masone will be honored as the event’s Grand Marshals.

The event wouldn’t be possible without the support of local sponsors, including Entertainment Sponsor Masone Masonry, Ride Sponsor Massapequa Imaging, Silver Sponsors Allstate and Extreme Auto Body, and Bronze Sponsors DQ Grill & Chill, Jersey Mike’s, James Funeral Home, Webster Bank, The Bristal Assisted Living, Island Federal, and Northwell Health

For further information regarding the Annual Street Fair, including vendor opportunities and event updates, please visit MassapequaChamber.org/events or call 516-541-1443.

Long Island Water Conference Hosts 36th Annual Drinking Water Tasting Contest

In honor of National Drinking Water Week, the Long Island Water Conference (LIWC) hosted its 36th annual drinking water tasting contest at Farmingdale State College from Tuesday, May 7 to Wednesday, May 8. 14 water providers from across Long Island vied for the title of best drinking water in Nassau County and Suffolk County, respectively.

“Our annual drinking water tasting contest is one of the most exciting times of year for us,” said LIWC Chairman Jason Belle. “It not only serves as a fun, friendly competition between our many water providers, but it affords us the opportunity to engage with the residents whom we serve and help them understand just how much work goes into providing them with high-quality water every day.”

More than 240 participants voted for their favorite tasting water and received exciting giveaways. In addition, LIWC representatives educated attendees on the water delivered to the homes and answered questions on the treatment methods maintaining Long Island’s high-

quality drinking water.

This year’s winners were the Bayville Water Department for Nassau County and the Suffolk County Water Authority for Suffolk County. For emerging triumphant with the best tasting drinking water, these water providers hold onto the coveted trophy for a year and win bragging rights among their fellow providers. They will also participate in the New York State Regional Metro Tap Water Taste Contest held in New York City in early August to compete for entry into the statewide contest held at the Great New York State Fair. About the Long Island Water Conference

The LIWC has been committed to providing pure and plentiful water for the Long Island community since 1951. The LIWC represents over 50 water suppliers regionally and aims to provide and maintain an adequate and safe water supply today, while anticipating the water concerns of future generations. LIWC members provide more than 375 million gallons of clean water daily. For information, please visit www.liwc.org.

BOULEVARD

516-729-8931 DEBRA IENNA

631-335-0316

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson Cell: 516-457-4248 dienna1034@yahoo.com debra-ienna.kw.com

greg@masaitisteam.com www.longislandhomesonline.com