The Chamber of Commerce of the Massapequas proudly hosted their Western Installation & Awards Dinner at Elks Lodge #2162 in Massapequa. Congratulations to the newly installed Executive Officers: President-Robin Hepworth, First Vice President- Sal Polito, Second Vice President-Lucrezia Falacara, Third Vice President,-Greg Massimi, Treasurer-Karen Gawrych, Recording Secretary-Keith Wilson. Congratulations to the newly installed Board of Directors: Thomas Antonetti, Robert Barrett, Randi Jankowski, Annette Morreale, Jenna Muscarella, Stephen Parmiter, Isabelle Rapacciuolo, Tim Ryan, Gary Slavin
Massapequa Dog Rescue Club Makes A Paws-Itive Impact
Massapequa High School’s Dog Rescue Club supported three local animal organizations with significant monetary donations. The group held a check presentation ceremony afterschool on June 11.
The donations totaled more than $4,000, with Last Hope Animal Rescue, Paws of War and Pawsitive Possibilities Rescue Inc. each receiving a check for $1,450. The Dog Rescue Club held several fundraisers throughout the year including monthly bake sales, online T-shirt sales and a walk-athon.
Representatives from each of the organizations were on hand to accept the donations along with students from the Dog Rescue Club and co-adviser Christina Sabbiondo. Paws of War pairs veterans with service dogs, while Last Hope Animal Rescue and Pawsitive Possibilities
facilitate animal adoptions. Many students in the club volunteer with these organizations. Providing financial
support to nonprofit animal organizations is the Dog Rescue Club’s major initiative each year, but it also holds other
events such as puppy yoga and a pet adoption fair.
Club President Charlotte Focarazzo said it is rewarding to help these
organizations, which rely on donations to fulfill their missions.
“Everyone in the club definitely contributed a lot and worked hard,” she said. “The organizations and shelters make the most of any donations that they get.”
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Massapequa High School’s Dog Rescue Club presented donations to three nonprofit animal organizations on June 11. Photo courtesy of the Massapequa School District
Robin Hepworth
President, Chamber of Commerce of the Massapequa’s
Dear Chamber Members and Massapequa Neighbors,
As we wrap up another Chamber year, I just want to take a moment to say thank you - and to look back at everything we’ve done together with pride and gratitude. It’s been a truly amazing year for the Chamber of Commerce of the Massapequas. Thanks to the dedication and hard work of our volunteer Executive Officers and Board of Directors, the Chamber is stronger than ever. We now have 278 members and are in great nancial shape. That says a lot about the support and trust we have from our local business community - so thank you for being part of it.
This year, we made a real effort to be more involved in the community, and it paid off in such meaningful ways. We held some exciting rst-ever events, like our St. Patrick’s Day Parade, a beautiful Breast Cancer Awareness Walk in honor of our dear friend and Past President Patricia Orzano, and a super fun Trunk or Treat in the fall. At the same time, we kept our beloved traditions going strong. From our second Taste of Massapequa in April to the Holiday Fair and Christmas Tree & Menorah Lighting Ceremony, there was something special for everyone. We expanded our scholarship program, ran successful food and toy drives, and held heartfelt ceremonies to recognize our police officers, re ghters, and veterans. Our networking events also gave our members a chance to connect and grow their businesses.
One of the biggest highlights was our Annual Street Festival, dedicated to Past Presidents Anthony Ventiera and Patricia Orzano. It was an amazing day that brought the community together and honored two people who meant so much to us. Huge thanks to Keith Wilson (Event Chairperson), along with Steve Parmiter and Pastor Chris Merz (Co-Vice Chairs) for putting their all into making it such a success, and to Massapequa Imaging an affiliate of Northwell Health for their generous sponsorship as the Main Event Sponsor.
We also had a great time at our Western-themed Installation Ceremony and Awards Dinner. It was a fun evening lled with good company and great energy as we welcomed our new Executive Officers and Board of Directors. I was honored to be sworn in for a second term as President by Legislator James Kennedy, and our Board of Directors were proudly sworn in by our good friend Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino along with Councilman Andrew Monteleone. Special thanks to Masone Masonry for sponsoring the event, Investment Insight Wealth Management LLC for sponsoring the awards - and to everyone who came out and made it such a fun and memorable night!
Looking ahead, we’ve got some exciting things coming up. For the rst time, the Chamber will be sponsoring the reworks at the Village of Massapequa Park’s Fireworks Display at Mans eld Park in July - and we’re thrilled to help bring this summer tradition to life. We’re also planning our rst-ever Chamber Member Picnic in August. This is a free event for our members, just to say thank you. It’ll be a laid-back afternoon with good food and great company - stay tuned for more info!
Before I close, I want to give a huge shoutout to our Executive Officers and Board of Directors. Your time, your energy, and your heart have made such a difference this year, and I couldn’t be more grateful. I’m really looking forward to what’s ahead. Let’s keep the momentum going, keep supporting each other, and keep making Massapequa the vibrant, connected community we all love.
With heartfelt thanks,
Robin Hepworth, President Chamber of Commerce of the Massapequa’s Robin Hepworth
P.S. Follow the Chamber of Commerce of the Massapequa’s on social media for updates on events, member news, and more!
• Chamber of Commerce Page: https://www.facebook.com/MassapequaChamber
• Member to Community Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/massapequacommunity
• Member to Member Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/massapequachambermembers
BOOST
On Thursday, June 12, 2025 Chamber of Commerce Of The Massapequa’s Proudly Hosted Our Western Installation & Awards Dinner At The Massapequa Elks Lodge
Executive Officers
Robin Hepworth - President
Sal Polito - 1st Vice President
Lucrezia Falacara - 2nd Vice President
Greg Massimi - 3rd Vice President
Karen Gawrych - Treasurer
Keith Wilson - Recording Secretary
Thomas Antonetti
Robert R. Barrett
Randi Jankowski
Anthony Migliorelli
Annette Morreale
Gary Slavin Board of Directors
Jenna Muscarella
Stephen Parmiter
Isabella Rapacciuolo
Tim Ryan
Community Pools To Open Daily Beginning June 28th
Supervisor Joseph Saladino announced that all Town of Oyster Bay community pools will open for the season beginning on Saturday, June 28th. The Town of Oyster Bay operates five pool facilities, including Bethpage Community Park, Marjorie Post Community Park, Plainview-Old Bethpage Community Park, Syosset-Woodbury Community Park, and Tappen Pool at Tappen Beach in Glenwood Landing.
“The warm, sunny days of summer are nearly upon us and all residents are welcome to join us for a swim all summer long,” Supervisor Saladino said. “Town Pool memberships offer families and senior citizens access to many great amenities, including upgraded restrooms, pool deck furniture, picnic benches and sunshades.”
Pool hours from Saturday, June 28th through Labor
Day, Monday, September 1st will be 11am to 7pm daily, weather permitting. Additionally, extended hours until 8pm, will be offered as follows (weather permitting) at the following locations on the following schedule: Monday: Syosset-Woodbury Tuesday: Plainview-Old Bethpage
Wednesday: Bethpage Thursday: Marjorie R. Post Fridays: ALL pools open late including Tappen Pool memberships can be obtained at each park location. Memberships are available at community park pools for both park district residents and nonpark district residents. Daily admission rates, nanny memberships and group access are also available. In addition to the great new amenities at our facilities, the Town is offering swimming lessons at local pools to members age five and older. Applications
to register for swimming lessons are available online at oysterbaytown.com/ sports, with four swim lesson sessions available to choose from.
The Town will also offer a swim team this summer at outdoor pools located in Syosset-Woodbury Community Park and Marjorie R. Post Community Park in Massapequa. Town of Oyster Bay residents aged 6 to 16 are eligible to register for the swim program. Practices will be held on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays, from 9:00am to 10:30am beginning Monday, June 30th. Swim meets will be held Saturday mornings and class meets will be held Tuesday afternoons. Schedules will be distributed the first week of practice. For more information, including membership rates, and schedules for swim lessons, please visit www. oysterbaytown.com/pools.
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino joined with the Superintendent and Commissioners of the Massapequa Water District to unveil the new ‘John F. Caruso Education Center.’ The new education center, located at Well #9 on Sunrise Highway, is a facility where students, scouting groups and local organizations can gather to learn where their water comes from and how it is
treated.
Town & Massapequa Water District
Dedicate John F. Caruso Education Center
“As Water Commissioner, John Caruso invited the public to see firsthand the operations of the district and how their water is processed. He always wanted residents to feel aware and involved in the operations of the water district,” explained Water Commissioner Ray Averna. “Thanks to his efforts, the district began to offer programs to high school students interested in
environmental and science studies, as well as scouting and other organizations.”
John Caruso, a professional engineer and longtime Public Works deputy commissioner for local government, served as Commissioner for the Massapequa Water District for 19 years. Throughout his career, John was more than a respected engineer – he was a tireless advocate, a visionary and a dedicated public servant. He was instrumental in the effort to contain and remediate the Grumman-Navy Plume, the largest toxic plume of its kind within a sole-source aquifer in the United States.
“John’s deep knowledge of engineering, environmental remediation, and environmental law was invaluable. His leadership helped clear roadblocks, accelerate progress, and inspire action across agencies and communities,”
“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
said Supervisor Saladino.
Caruso was the first civil service engineer to develop a comprehensive model of the plume during his time as Deputy Commissioner of Public Works for Nassau County. He spent decades identifying its parameters, advocating for its cleanup,
and leading expert teams to ensure progress. In 2017, he brought his expertise and passion to the Town of Oyster Bay as Deputy Commissioner of Public Works, continuing the fight to protect our environment — from the Grumman plume to the cleanup of
Bethpage Community Park.
“Today, thanks to the dedication of the Massapequa Water District, we celebrate now only his work but his legacy, with the naming of this beautiful education center in his honor,” Supervisor Saladino said.
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.
Cooking Your Own Meals
Aging men and women may be tempted to eschew home cooking entirely. After all, there are plenty of convenient frozen or takeout foods available that can be whipped up in a snap. However, there are certain benefits to cooking your own meals. John Moore, DO, an Aetna medical director and senior health specialist, says that cooking can be good for helping to stave off cognitive decline. Dr. Moore notes that, when cooking, the mind is put to use following a recipe and learning new skills and tasks. Furthermore, cooking for oneself can boost seniors’ self-confidence, reassuring them that they can handle an important daily task without having to rely on their family for meals. As long as it is deemed safe (i.e., no sign of cognitive decline), seniors should be encouraged to continue cooking.
RECIPE OF THE WEEK: Fourth Of July Cookie Cups
DIRECTIONS:
1. To make the cookie cups: preheat the oven to 350 F. Spray a 24-count mini muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or in a large mixing bowl using a handheld mixer, beat the butter and granulated sugar together for 1 to 2 minutes, or until well combined.
4. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined, making sure to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
5. Mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
6. Evenly distribute the cookie dough among all 24 cups in the mini muffin pan, a little more than 1 tablespoon of cookie dough per cup. Press each ball of cookie dough into the cups and smooth it out.
7. Bake for 11 to 13 minutes, or until the edges of the cookie cups are lightly browned and the tops are set.
8. Remove from the oven, and make an indentation in each cookie using the back of a measuring spoon. Allow to cool in the muffin pan, then carefully remove from the pan and set aside.
9. To make the vanilla buttercream frosting: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or in a large mixing bowl using a handheld mixer, beat the butter for 1 to 2 minutes until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing in each addition until well combined.
10. Add the heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until fully combined, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Pipe the frosting into the cooled cookie cups and top with the sprinkles.
12. Store the cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for
to 4 days.
Free Pool Safety Seminar Offered
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
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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
Free Senior Services Presentation & Senior ID Card Program
New York State Assemblyman Michael Durso (R-Massapequa Park) and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, in coordination with the Nassau County Office of the Aging, will hold a free Senior Services Presentation & Senior ID Card Program beginning at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 30th at the Massapequa Public Library, Bar Harbour Building, located at
40 Harbor Lane in Massapequa Park.
The Nassau County Office of the Aging will provide a brief presentation on various senior citizen services it offers. Afterwards, seniors can obtain a free wallet-sized senior ID card which includes their photo and personal contact information (name, address, phone number, date of birth) along with an emergency contact name and phone
number which could be useful to emergency responders. All Nassau County seniors are eligible to receive the free senior ID card. No appointments necessary. Walk-ins welcome. Participants do not have to attend the presentation to obtain a senior ID card.
For more information, please contact Assemblyman Durso’s district office at (516) 541-4598.
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Durso Holds A Joint Press Conference
Announcing ‘Connor’s Law’ In Memory Of Athlete’s Tragic Passing
New York State
Assemblyman Michael Durso (R-Massapequa Park) recently held a joint press conference alongside Senator Alexis Weik (R-Bohemia) to announce, ‘Connor’s Law’, (A.2697/S.3503) a bill which would require yearly cardiac fitness tests, including an EKG or an echocardiogram, as part of the mandatory sports physical for public
school student athletes.
Connor Kasin was a Massapequa High School senior who unexpectedly passed away this past November. He was a seemingly healthy, active 17-year-old student athlete who suffered a medical emergency on the ice during a charity hockey game and later tragically passed away.
“After Connor’s passing, I
came up with the idea for this bill to ensure that student athletes can participate in sports safely and with peace of mind. ‘Connor’s Law’ will bring awareness to heart health in young athletes and help prevent other unnecessary tragedies,” said Assemblyman Durso. “Heart screenings are important tools used to detect potentially underlying conditions that may put
a child at risk and should be required in order to participate in school sports. I want to sincerely thank the Kasin family for allowing me this opportunity to honor their son Connor with this important piece of legislation.”
The State Legislature must act now to protect the health and safety of our children.
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