Massapequa Takes Action Coalition (MTAC) works to promote a healthy Massapequa by educating our community about the dangers and prevention of substance misuse. For 10 Ways to Stay Safe on the Water, visit mtacoalition.com/campaigns
Drinking alcohol or using drugs while boating poses a significant health and safety risk. It is also 100% preventable.
This Independence Day Weekend, Massapequa Takes Action Coalition (MTAC) and the Town of Oyster Bay urge everyone to make safety a priority on the water. Stay sober while boating and help ensure a safe, memorable holiday for all.
Massapequa Class Of 2025 Ready To Take On The World As Leaders
On Sunday, June 24, 1956, Massapequa High School held its first ever graduation for about 200 seniors in the auditorium. Flash forward a few generations later, and Massapequa’s 70th class, with 472 students, graduated on Friday, June 20, 2025, at Hofstra University’s Mack Sports and Exhibition Center.
Principal Barbara Lowell, herself a Massapequa graduate, reflected on the similarities and differences between the two classes. Having done extensive research on the first-ever class of Chiefs, she cited the speech of the first principal, Arthur Rohr, who said that those seniors were building the traditions of Massapequa High School.
“I’m very happy to say that 70 years later, the seniors sitting in front of me tonight have fulfilled those traditions, improved upon them and created their own,” Ms. Lowell said. “I’m thankful, as principal, to have gotten to know these students over the years. They have shown me the absolute best that Massapequa has to offer.”
Superintendent Dr. William Brennan thanked the Class of 2025 for all they have brought to the schools over the last 13 years.
“You have modeled perseverance, resilience, empathy and leadership that no rubric on this planet could have captured,” he said. “You’ve shown that education isn’t just about tests and grades, but about courage, connection and growth.”
Graduates marched into the arena in their blue caps and gowns to “Pomp and Circumstance.”
Isabella Corigliano sang the national anthem.
Medallions were presented for academic excellence in all subject areas.
Student speakers included valedictorian Samantha Portz, salutatorian
Will Stebner, general organization President Olivia Valoroso and senior class President Jackson Yahner. Ms. Lowell also recognized students who will be going to military academies or joining a branch of the armed forces.
Samantha, who will be attending Amherst College in Massachusetts and joining the Army ROTC, reflected on what it means to be a Massapequa Chief.
“It’s about embodying the spirit of leadership, resilience and service,” she said. “It’s about being a Chief in every aspect of life, by stepping up to support others, volunteering, lending a hand to a neighbor in need or standing up for what is
right, even when it may be difficult.”
Will, who will attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, used the messages in his yearbook as inspiration for his address.
“Reading all these kind things made me realize how meaningful these years have been,” he said. “So, whether you’ve seized every moment of high school and never want to leave, or counted the days until today, or had mixed feelings about high school, that’s OK. Just don’t become a stranger to the people who care so much about you.”
Olivia said that although a chapter of their lives is closing, the memories and experiences will be with them forever. Every experience, she added, came with an important lesson.
Jackson reflected on the many talents and feats of the Class of 2025, from the classroom to the stage to the athletic fields.
“When you strive for greatness, you inspire others to do the same,” he said. “That, to me, is the spirit of a Massapequa Chief – the leader who leads by inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.”
Jackson paid tribute to a classmate who could not be there, Connor Kasin, who passed away
in November. Before the ceremony, teachers handed out bracelets for all of the graduates to wear in his
memory. Ms. Lowell also noted that earlier in the day, Connor’s family was presented with a diploma
and
and
from all four schools that he attended.
yearbook signed by the senior class
teachers
The student graduation speakers, from left, general organization President Olivia Valoroso, senior class President Jackson Yahner, salutatorian Will Stebner and valedictorian Samantha Portz showed off their diplomas and new sunglasses. Photos courtesy of the Massapequa School District
Superintendent Dr. William Brennan congratulated Massapequa’s newest alumni.
Massapequa’s 472 graduates received their diplomas.
“RARE”
GATHERINGS! Feeds 12 people and includes the following:
INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING:
• Pino’s Famous Cheese & Parsley Sausage Ring
• USDA Prime Marinated London Broil
• 12 USDA Prime Sirloin Sliders
• 12 USDA GRADE A Chicken Skewers
An
•
•
•
Skewers
• Marinated Pino’s Famous Slow Cooked Marinated Baby Back Ribs
• Sugar Sweet Local Corn On The Cob
“WELL-DONE”
An impressive 6 protein package featuring filet mignon, shrimp kebabs & more!
INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING:
• Pino’s Famous Cheese & Parsley Sausage
• Pino’s Famous Slow Cooked Marinated Baby Back Ribs
• USDA Black Angus Filet Mignon Steaks
• Boar’s Head Hot Dogs, All Natural CHOICE OF:
USDA Prime Sirloin Burgers or USDA Grade A Chicken Burgers
USDA Prime Sirloin Steak Skewers or All Natural Jumbo Shrimp Kebabs
CHOOSE THREE SIDES:
MICHELLE LYNNE KERN
OCTOBER 2, 1985 - JULY 2, 2002
Thinking of our daughter every day & always on July 2nd. She left us at age 16, twenty three years ago, but will forever be in all our family’s hearts.
RENEW WITH SPRING at Woodloch
~ The Moran & Kern Families
RECIPE OF THE WEEK: Grilled Eggplant with Feta and Greek Couscous
TheFourth of July is a day to celebrate the birthday of the United States of America. Americans celebrate the Fourth of July in various ways, many of which involve spending time outdoors with family and friends. Grilling delicious foods often is part of the July 4 game plan. Burgers, hot dogs and chicken drumsticks will never fall out of favor for Fourth of July fare, but savvy grillmasters know to pepper the offerings with foods that will tempt palates in unique ways. This recipe for “Grilled Eggplant with Feta and Greek Couscous” from “Cooking Light Fresh Food Superfast” (Oxmoor House) by the Cooking Light Editors appeals to vegetarians, vegetable lovers and anyone who wants something a little lighter from the grill.
Serves 4
2 small eggplants (about 1 pound each), each cut into 4 lengthwise slices
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat grill.
2. Drizzle eggplant slices with olive oil. Sprinkle evenly with oregano, salt, and pepper. Grill 6 minutes on each side or until tender. Sprinkle eggplant with cheese; grill 2 minutes or until cheese melts.
3. While eggplant grills, prepare Greek Couscous.
4. Place 2 eggplant slices on each of 4 plates. Top each serving with 1 cup couscous. Garnish with oregano sprigs, if desired.
1 15-ounce can no-salt-added cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl. Cover and refrigerate 10 minutes.
Massapequa Takes Action Coalition Continues Boat Smart, Boat Sober Initiative To Promote Water Safety
The Massapequa Takes Action Coalition (MTAC) is proudly continuing the Boat Smart, Boat Sober initiative, aimed at enhancing water safety awareness and practices among local boaters. Drinking or using drugs while boating poses a significant health and safety risk. It is also 100% preventable.
Tell Us About It!
Let us know about your honors, awards, promotions and other announcements. They are always welcome. Photos can be emailed as well. Send them to editorial@ longislandmediagroup. com.
In collaboration with the Town of Oyster Bay, MTAC is working to raise awareness of this issue and to help keep residents safe this summer while on the water. This includes reducing boating accidents by promoting safe boating practices, as well as fostering an environment
that encourages healthy decision making. MTAC invites the community to join this important effort to make our waterways safer for everyone.
It is important to realize that on the water, even small amounts of substances may greatly impair one’s ability to function in three critical areas: balance, coordination, and judgment. Pair this with environmental stressors such as glare, heat, vibration, and engine noise, and you can become quickly fatigued, greatly slowing your reaction time.
the effects of alcohol or any substances may be even more dangerous. As of January 1, 2025, New York State law requires all boat operators, regardless of age, to obtain and carry the NY boating safety certificate. No one may operate a vessel on the waters of NYS while impaired or intoxicated through the consumption of either alcohol or drugs.
Also, if you are under the age of 21 in New York State, it is illegal to drink alcoholic beverages to smoke cannabis.
For more information about the Boat Smart, Boat Sober initiative, please visit https://www. mtacoalition.com/aboutmtac/campaigns or contact Rameama Rahman at (516) 719-0313 x131 or rrahman@yesccc.org.
About MTAC: Massapequa Takes Action Coalition is dedicated to fostering a safe, healthy, and vibrant community through collaborative efforts and proactive initiatives. MTAC addresses various community concerns, including substance misuse prevention, mental health awareness, and public safety.
Town Sanitation, Recycling Collection Modified For
Independence Day
Alcohol can affect a person’s ability to understand what is happening around them, which in-turn, can decrease their ability to react to an emergency or operate a boat. For new boaters, who are already unfamiliar with the water,
Oyster Bay Town Councilman Lou Imbroto reminds residents that Town sanitation and S.O.R.T. Recycling collection schedules will be modified for the observance of Independence Day on Friday, July 4th. “There will be no
sanitation or recycling collection on Friday, July 4th for residents who normally receive Town service,” Councilman Imbroto said. “Residents who generally receive Town pickup on Fridays will have their collections done the next day, Saturday, July
5th.”
The Councilman added that Town offices will be closed on July 4th, but beaches, parks and pools will remain open. For more information, visit the Town’s website, www. oysterbaytown.com.
“Shootout for Soldiers” Charitable Lacrosse Marathon To Support Vets
Event Benefits U.S. Troops, Honors Vietnam Veterans With Medals & Features A Parachute Landing
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and the Town Board will host the 11th Annual “Shootout for Soldiers” 24-Hour Lacrosse Benefit Game at the Town of Oyster Bay’s Field of Dreams Athletic Complex, located on Old Sunrise Highway in Massapequa. This year’s event begins on Wednesday, July 9th at 9:00 a.m., and continues to Thursday, July 10th to 9:00 a.m. The event benefits veterans and active duty military personnel. The Long Island Air Force Association will conduct a special ceremony on July 9th at 5:00 p.m. to honor hometown Vietnam War Veterans and present them with medals that commemorate their
service to our nation. There will be a parachute landing on the field conducted by the “All Veterans Group,” which will deliver the official ball on Friday at 6pm.
Supervisor Saladino stated, “Shootout for Soldiers is a wonderful event that provides local lacrosse players a chance to enjoy a sport they love in a unique way while also raising charitable funds to support the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces. Whether you enjoy lacrosse or are just looking for a fun-family event, I invite residents to be a part of the festivities.” The charitable funds raised at Shootout for Soldiers will benefit the
Long Island Air Force Association, Strongpoint Theinert Ranch, and The Warrior Ranch Foundation. The event features 24 1-hour sessions. The score is cumulative, resulting in unique scores for a lacrosse game with totals reaching into the hundreds. Participants include children, adults, seniors, youth, high school, college players and veterans. Teams that accommodate players with special needs are also scheduled to play. For more information, please visit http:// shootoutforsoliders. com or contact Harry Jacobs at longisland@ shootoutforsoldiers.com or at (516) 315-3002.
JULY HAPPENINGS
WEDNESDAY, JULY 2nd
7:30PM
FARMINGDALE VILLAGE POPS
ON THE VILLAGE GREEN
Farmingdale Village Pops On the Village Green, 43rd Season and Crowd Favorite! Wednesdays July 2nd, July 9th, July 16th, July 23rd & July 30th. Held on the Village Green, 361 Main Street, or along Main Street (as noted). Outdoor events are weather permitting. Bring chairs/blankets for seating for Movies, Pops concerts & theatre performance. For more information, please call Farmingdale Village, 516-249-0093
FRIDAY, JULY 4th
8:30AM-12:00PM
INDEPENDENCE DAY 4 MILE RUN/WALK At Bellmore Fire House, 230 Pettit Ave Bellmore. 8:30AM 4 Mile Start, 8:00AM 1 Mile Start. Rain or Shine. Sanctioned by USATF-LONG ISLAND & an individual scoring race in the USATF-LI Grand Prix. All are welcome, you can also become a member today to score! This event is a USATF-Long Island fundraiser, with all proceeds going directly to Long Island Track & Field. For more information, please call 516-531-3323
SATURDAY, JULY 5th
3:00PM
CONCERT OF PATRIOTIC MUSIC
Celebrating God and Country featuring Kathryn Wilson, soprano soloist. A free-will offering will be taken. Grace United Methodist, 515 S. Wellwood Ave., Lindenhurst. For more information, please call 631-226-8690
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 x275 or send events to editorial@longislandmediagroup.com
SATURDAY, JULY 12th &
SUNDAY, JULY 13th
10:00AM-6:00PM LONG BEACH ARTS AND CRAFTS BOARDWALK FESTIVAL
The City of Long Beach Department of Parks and Recreation is pleased to announce that the 2025 Arts and Crafts Boardwalk Festival has returned. Vendor applications are available. All artisans are encouraged to apply! For more information, please call 516-705-7414
THROUGH JULY 13th
5-11PM WEEKDAYS AND NOON-11 PM SATURDAYS, SUNDAYS & JULY 4th
EMPIRE STATE FAIR
This family-fun annual event features a variety of live entertainment, four nights of spectacular Fireworks by Grucci, exciting rides and games for the whole family, and plenty of delicious fair food. For more information, please call 866-666-3247
SATURDAY, JULY 19th
10:00AM-4:00PM ANTIQUE CAR SHOW
Wantagh Preservation Society's 4th Annual Antique Car Show.(Rain date Sunday July 20th) Wantagh Preservation Society Museum, 1700 Wantagh Ave., Wantagh. Cars from 1960's & older. Entrance fee $1. Refreshments for sale, 50/50 raffle, music! Go inside Wantagh's 1885 Train Station, Wantagh's 1907 Post office & get your free ticket to board the 1912 Jamaica Parlor car, (Parlor car open from 12 - 2pm). emailWantaghmuseum@gmail.com (Matt)
6:30PM-10:30PM
HAWAIIAN LUAU
Grab your grass skirt & Hawaiian shirt. Brumidi Lodge, Deer Park is hosting a HAWAIIAN LUAU. Hawaiian Style Buffet Dinner, Slushies & soda included, Tiki Bar, Brumidi’s Famous Hawaiian Entertainment DJ Gene & Joanne Spinning in the Music Hut. Raffles & Much More Summer Fun For tickets and more information, please call Anita 631-422-6914. Sons & Daughters of Italy in America 2075 Deer Park Ave., Deer Park.
SUNDAY, JULY 20th
11:00AM-4:00PM
SPIRIT OF SUMMER ART FESTIVAL Spirit of Huntington Art Center, 2 Melville Rd. N. Huntington Station. A day of celebrating inclusion and diversity in the arts, hand-made goods, community, food trucks, raffles, games, music performances, fun crafts and activities for the whole family! Hosted by the Spirit of Huntington, a non-profit community art center that teaches creative expression classes to all ages and all abilities. Connected with over 500 participants and dozens of local organizations across Long Island. For more information, please call 631-470-9620
MONDAY, JULY 21st
9:00AM-12:00PM
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Saint John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 36 E. John Street in Lindenhurst. July 21st through July 25th. Bible lessons, Music, Games, Crafts, Snacks, and more! FREE!! Grades K-6th. Register at https:// saintjohnsvbs.myanswers.com
Massapequa Fifth Graders Rejoice And Reminisce At Year-End Picnics
For six years they worked hard, so Massapequa fifth graders earned a day to play hard. Late May featured fifth grade picnics so the soon-to-be middle schoolers could celebrate the success of their
elementary years. McKenna Elementary School’s fifth graders walked from the school to nearby Brady Park on May 27, where they played basketball, kickball and volleyball, and
enjoyed some time on the playground. After lunch from All-American provided by the PTA, students got their yearbooks. The fifth graders wore their Class of 2025 T-shirts that were designed
McKenna Elementary School fifth graders enjoyed some time together on the playground at Brady Park for their fifth grade picnic on May 27. Photos courtesy of the Massapequa School District
by classmate Scarlett Palmerin. Students were invited to submit designs in fourth grade, and the winner was chosen by a grade-wide vote and printed on T-shirts to wear for special events during
their last year of elementary school.
Birch Lane Elementary School’s fifth graders donned their blue and gold Fifth Grade Class 2025-Senior Class 2032 T-shirts during their picnic on May 28 at Marjorie Post Park. More than 100 students participated in games and relay races, had All-American burgers for lunch courtesy of the PTA and visited an ice cream truck.
Birch Lane fifth graders had fun on the volleyball court.
Birch Lane students enjoyed their treats from the ice cream truck.
Kickball was one of the many activities for Birch Lane Elementary School fifth graders at their picnic at Marjorie Post Park on May 28.
Scarlett Palmerin was the designer of McKenna’s fifth grade T-shirt.
McKenna fifth graders, from left, Stephanie Dauria, Emma Greenberg, Reagan Littell and Taylor Maher took advantage of the Class of 2025 photo station.
Massapequa Coast Annual End-Of-Season T-Ball/Coach Pitch Picnic At John Burns Park
Massapequa Coast hosted its
season T-Ball/Coach Pitch picnic at John Burns Park on Tuesday, June 17th. Despite gloomy overhead skies, the 500 players, along with an estimated 2,500 family members from the Coast Leagues’ lower divisions, were all smiles. For 3 hours, they enjoyed 3 giant inflatable attractions. The kids had a blast of a time like they were at an Amusement Park. In addition to the cost of the Inflatables, the Massapequa Coast went to the expense of renting 100 tables and 500 chairs so that every team could enjoy a picnic atmosphere. The Coast League grilled
up hot dogs and offered bottled water for free, and each team brought their own assortment of goodies for their team picnic tables for players and families to feast on. The picnic opened up with an Opening Ceremony where each team was announced onto the Major Field as they lined the warning track of the outfield fencing. After the National Anthem, the kids were off to the Giant Inflatables. In addition to the amusements and food, every player was presented with a personal award for their great baseball season.
The Squirts division players received impressive medals, and in the T-Ball, Sandlot, and Rookies Divisions, each player’s trophy was personalized with the player’s name engraved on it. This year, Mike Gentile of Genstar Masonry made a generous donation of 3 thousand dollars to sponsor the event, thus offsetting the cost of the event, which totals approximately $10K that is paid for from the Massapequa Coast General Fund. This was Mr. Gentile’s second year sponsoring the event. In
2024, his company donated 5 thousand dollars to the event. In addition, Kevin Podmore of More Juice Inc. donated 1200 Hot Dogs for the enjoyment of the families attending. The President of Massapequa Coast Craig Garland, said an event this size takes a lot of planning, coordination, and leg work by a very dedicated Board of Directors who do so as volunteers for their Love and Pride in the Community, and to see all those happy faces celebrating their baseball season.
Classifieds
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Free Pool Safety Seminar Offered By Town And Catholic Health
Oyster Bay Town
Supervisor Joseph Saladino, members of the Town Board and Catholic Health are partnering to offer residents a Free Pool Safety Seminar on Tuesday, July 8th, at 1 p.m. at Syosset-Woodbury Community Park, located at 7800 Jericho Turnpike in Woodbury. Families are encouraged to attend as children under the age of 15 make up more than 78 percent of pool submersion injuries in the United States annually, with 67 percent
of them including children under the age of three.
Supervisor Saladino stated, “Nothing is more important than the safety of our children, and to improve pool safety we offer this seminar to with the goal of saving lives through public education and awareness. We want you to have lots of fun in the sun while always be prepared to respond to emergencies.”
Seminar attendees will learn from professionals about
healthy swimming, basic first aid, hypothermia, cramping, drowning prevention, basic CPR (not certification), recreational water wellness and EMS ambulance education. The seminar is sponsored by Optimum, News 12, KJOY 98.3FM, WHLI 1100AM, 103.1 The Wolf, and Nassau County. For more information, call (516) 797-4121 or visit www.oysterbaytown. com
516-902-7388 krealtorg@aol.com
DEBRA CARPLUK
Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker Cell: 631-335-0316 debbiecarpluk@aol.com
JANIS THOMSON
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson Cell: 631-902-1044 janisthomsonrealtor@gmail.com
