January 25, 2023 Massapequa

A MULTI-BILLION DOLLAR INVESTMENT FOR LONG ISLAND

Sands, the world leader in developing integrated resorts, is proposing a multi-billion-dollar investment at the current site of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. This groundbreaking, worldclass hospitality and entertainment project will be transformational for the Long Island economy, creating thousands of quality union jobs and generating millions of dollars in tax revenue.

A HISTORIC OPPORTUNITY FOR LONG ISLAND BUSINESSES

Sands is committed to developing long-term partnerships with local businesses. For Long Island-based manufacturers, distributors, wholesale suppliers and other companies servicing the hospitality and entertainment industries, the Sands project will be an unprecedented opportunity to grow your business and be part of what will surely become an iconic centerpiece of the Long Island landscape.

Named Student Of The Quarter By Nassau BOCES

Liliana Scarfo from the Massapequa UFSD was named Student of the Quarter at Nassau BOCES GC Tech career and technical education high school. Liliana, from Massapequa High School, is a Medical Assisting student.

Students of the Quarter

are honored for their grades, attendance, work ethic and preparedness. These students have taken the initiative on class projects and are role models for their fellow students, in both the classroom and the workplace.

STUDENT OF THE QUARTER - Liliana Scarfo (right) of Massapequa is congratulated on being named Student of the Quarter by Barry Tech Principal Madelaine Hackett. Photo courtesy of Nassau BOCES

Insurance Tips And Information

Review Your Home Coverage

Have you reviewed your insurance coverage this year? Within the past five years? Unfortunately, most people’s eyes glaze over when offered the chance to review their coverage. “Everything is fine,” they instinctively say, stalwart in their effort to not-be-sold anything. The problem is our lives are dynamic and ever-changing. We must alter our coverage to fit our ever-changing physiques.

In the consumer focused, internet age, we can choose the coverage we want. Seldom, however, do our needs remain the same from year to year. We often need a professional to guide us to purchase what we want, whether we know what we want or not.

Have building codes changed since you purchased your home? Did you ask about Code Coverage? Do you know what Code Coverage provides? Is your personal property insured against loss or theft? How about if it’s away from home? What happens if you list your house on Air BNB? Or rent a room or floor to a tenant? Are you covered for their lost possessions? Are you covered if you are sued by them?

Call your agent and talk about changes in your life. Review your coverage considering how you live.

KEN MARCUS

Article provided by Ken Marcus and Mitchell Barber

Saladino, Lamarca Invite Couples To Free Valentine’s Day Vow Renewal Special Event To Feature Reenactment Of America’s First Valentine

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Town Clerk Richard LaMarca invite residents to renew their wedding vows at a special ceremony on Valentine’s Day, Tuesday, February 14th, at Oyster Bay Town Hall. Co-sponsored by Raynham Hall Museum, the event will include a reading of America’s First Valentine, which was written on February 14, 1779 in Oyster Bay. The special ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. and will include light refreshments for all guests.

“Valentine’s Day is the most romantic day of the year, and many couples celebrate their wedding anniversaries on this special day. We look forward to making this special day even

better as couples renew their marriage vows and declare their endless love for one another,” said Supervisor Saladino.

“Couples often select Valentine’s Day to celebrate their relationship,” added Town Clerk LaMarca. “It may be a sentimental choice for couples who had their first date, first kiss, or even engagement on Valentine’s Day. Whatever the reason, we are proud to offer this special vow renewal ceremony at Town Hall.”

The ceremony will take place at Oyster Bay Town Hall, 54 Audrey Avenue in Oyster Bay hamlet. The event is offered free of charge to Town residents but reservations are required. Residents interested in

renewing their wedding vows should RSVP to (516) 624-6380.

The story of America’s first Valentine is a proud piece of Oyster Bay history which dates back to the time of the Revolutionary War, as British troops occupied Long Island homes. During the height of the American Revolutionary War, love improbably blossomed between Lt. Col Simcoe and a young patriot named Sally Townsend as the Townsend property served as a headquarters for a regiment of 300 British troops. Lt. Col. Simcoe presented Sally with a poem he wrote asking her to be his Valentine, and his famous poem, entitled ‘Will You Be My Valentine,’ became the first documented written Valentine in America.

BROOKHAVEN ANIMAL SHELTER • 300 HORSEBLOCK ROAD, BROOKHAVEN • 631.451.6950

ACE 4 year old male. High energy and an active guy. Sweet and affectionate.

BERTHA 5-7 year old female. Sweet and energetic. Outgoing and loves to play.

SHELLY 7 year old female. Sweet girl. A ball of sunshine who loves to play.

PRINCE 2 year old male. Beautiful and playful. Loves going on walks and enjoys sunshine.

SPENCER

8 year old male. King Charles Cavalier. Sweet boy who is graceful and affectionate.

RALPH

2 year old male. Schnauzer. Engaging and social. Happy and affectionate.

BUBBLES

3 year old male. Cane Corso. Down to earth, goodnatured, well-mannered.

HOLLY

6 year old female. English Bulldog. Lovely and lively. Engaging and friendly.

CARLEY

Female kitten. Beautiful black and white colors. Friendly and playful.

SUSHI Female kitten. Adorable Torti with personality.

STORMIE

PARIS Female kitten. Brown Tabby. Very friendly and loves attention.

Neighbor Pets’

Pravato To Host Free Property Tax Assessment Grievance Workshops

Town of Oyster Bay Receiver of Taxes Jeffrey Pravato will host two free Property Tax Assessment Grievance Workshops for residents looking to acquire information on how to challenge their 2024-2025 property tax assessments.

The workshops will be held inperson on February 8, 2023 at 7pm at the North Massapequa Community Center (214 N. Albany Ave., Massapequa) and on February 13th at 10am at Town Hall North (54 Audrey Ave., Oyster Bay).

“While Nassau County determines your value, we in Town government want to make sure you know that you have a right as a homeowner to challenge your

assessment. Remember, your assessment can only be lowered as the result of a challenge –it can never be raised – and this workshop helps you challenge for free,” said Receiver of Taxes Pravato. “If you are a homeowner who disagrees with the assessed value of your property, I invite you to attend this Property Tax Assessment Workshop, as the property tax grievance deadline of March 1 is approaching.”

In January, Nassau County notified residents of their home’s tentative assessed value for the 2024/2025 school tax period and the 2025 general tax period. Any residents who did not receive the notice may view it online at www. mynassauproperty.com

or contact their County Legislator.

At the workshop, Receiver of Taxes Pravato will answer questions and show residents how to use online tools to file an “Application for Correction of Property Tax Assessment” online or via mail. There is no requirement to pay a law firm or agency to file a grievance. For those unable to attend the workshop, Receiver of Taxes Pravato offers an online video at www. oysterbaytown.com/ grievancevideo

For more information on the Free Property Tax Grievance Workshop, please call (516) 6246380. For more information on your property, visit https:// lrv.nassaucountyny.gov

Helping You Help Others

By Noelle Lambert

The Charity of the Month for January is Pal-O-Mine Equestrian

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From its inception in 1995, Pal-OMine Equestrian has o ered unprecedented equine assistance programs to individuals with disabilities and other vulnerable populations. Today, as a leader in the industry, this non-profit organization continues to foster growth, learning and healing in 400 students weekly through the power of the horse.

To continue to empower, educate and enrich the community around us, Pal-O-Mine Equestrian has embarked on an Expansion Campaign. This “Race We Will Win” campaign will provide their organization with building renovations, new paddocks and other essentials for their herd, along with additional tools to further enhance their programs.

Looking to get involved? The organization will be o ering various events throughout 2023, some of which are noted below.

•February 15th - 3 month Virtual Hay Drive Fundraiser begins

•May 3rd through May 7th - Annual J-STEP Spring Craft Fair

•May 4th - Stable Spirits Art Show and Auction

Additionally, they are actively looking for new volunteers that are willing to lend a helping hand. “Volunteers are the backbone of PalO-Mine,” said Lisa. “Our mission would not be fulfilled and our work would not be possible without the dedication and e orts of our volunteer team where there is one goal…to facilitate growth, learning and healing through the use of our equine partners in an emotionally and physically safe environment.”

Volunteers at Pal-O-Mine Equestrian can help in the following ways:

•Side-walk in riding lessons

•Groom and walk mini horses and donkeys, as well as care for chickens

•Assist with barn chores, such as cleaning tack and mucking stalls

•Attend and assist with their events

•Help with property enhancement and landscaping

•Fundraising

Whether you’re looking for a career in a related field or are just a local resident that’s looking to give back, you can donate your time as a volunteer. They also allow groups to volunteer together, which is a great team-building e ort.

All volunteers must be at least 16 years of age, attend a volunteer orientation (orientations are held every month) and complete a minimum of 8 hours of training. “We want to make sure all our volunteers are fully trained and feel ready to be a part of our team. We appreciate each and every person who gives their time and believes in our mission.”

To learn more about volunteering, please contact their Volunteer Coordinator, Andrea Casey at acasey@ pal-o-mine.org or 631.348.1389. For more information on all that Pal-O-Mine Equestrian o ers, visit www.pal-o-mine. org.

Assist with special projects

Eagle Scout Project To Support Hungry For Music

Scouts BSA Life Scout, Hanna R. of Troop 430 Chartered by Amvets Post 76, is working on her Eagle Scout Service Project and

is asking for your help. The project includes collecting musical instruments to donate to Hungry for Music, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit

organization that provides instruments to schools and children in need. The Instrument collection drive is ongoing and all band and orchestra instruments are accepted. If you or someone you know have an instrument you are no longer using and would like to donate, please call or text (631)647-0814 to set

up pick up or drop off.

Visit hungryformusic.org for more information about the project beneficiary.

For more information

on Scouts BSA in Suffolk County please visit https:// www.sccbsa.org/ For more information on scouting in the Bay

Shore Brightwaters area visit:http:// troop0043bayshore. ScoutLander.com

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.

Massapequa Seventh Grader Shares His Heart To Help The World

He’s only in seventh grade, but Ryan Hirschhorn already has a long history of helping others. The student at Berner Middle School in the Massapequa

School District recently hosted an event to raise money for medical aid for Ukraine.

Hearts for Ukraine, a fundraiser and celebration

of art, was held at the Long Island Children’s Museum on Jan. 6. In addition to guest speakers, there was a performance by a Ukrainian children’s dance troupe and a viewing of Ryan’s Hearts for Ukraine sculptures. The event raised about $20,000 for Project C.U.R.E., which provides humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, including medical equipment and supplies.

RYAN HIRSCHHORN - Berner Middle School

seventh grader Ryan Hirschhorn recently organized a charity event that raised more than $20,000 for Project C.U.R.E. to send military aid to Ukraine. Photo courtesy of the Massapequa School District

Ryan’s artwork was inspired by a paper heart sculpture he made in fourth grade at Birch Lane Elementary School. At the fundraiser, he acknowledged his Magnet program teacher, Kelsey Downey, who assigned that project. After the war in Ukraine began, Ryan created his first Hearts for Ukraine sculpture, a collection of different sized aluminum blue and yellow hearts, representing the country’s colors. That was

THE WORLD - Ryan talked about his Hearts of Ukraine fundraiser with Principal Jason Esposito and executive assistants to the principal Keri Wing, left, and Beth Mullins, who said they are extremely impressed with Ryan’s philanthropic spirit. Photo courtesy of the Massapequa School District

displayed at Birch Lane for a few weeks at the end of the 2021-2022 school year, and during the summer at

13 Year Old’s Sculptures In Support Of Ukraine At LICM

Maimonides Park, where the Brooklyn Cyclones play, for a game between the Ukrainian national baseball team and the FDNY and NYPD.

He has created two more sculptures since. One is a nine-foot by nine-foot heart wall with blue and yellow hearts that are lit by LED lights. It includes an ultrasound motion sensor that increases the brightness of the lights as someone gets closer. The eight-inch thick wall is intentionally cracked and chipped to resemble walls of buildings that have been damaged during fighting in Ukraine.

The other sculpture, “Peace and Progress,” features white and silver hearts. White represents peace and silver is for progress. Behind the aluminum hearts is a mural with a rainbow array of hearts and a dove. Ryan noted that all of his sculptures are filled with symbolism.

Seventh-grader Ryan Hirschhorn, 13, of Massapequa was so inspired by a school Valentine’s Day art project that he has used it as the inspiration to help support people in Ukraine through a series of three

sculptures he has created. With the largest of the three sculptures measuring 9 feet by 9 feet, the series, known as “Hearts for Ukraine” has helped raise more than $35,000 for medical supplies for the people of

Ukraine.

Now Ryan has been selected as the Long Island Children’s Museum’s “AdvoKid” Artist of the Month for his inspirational work lending help and support for this very

important cause. The museum’s monthly series honors children who have learned to stand up against bullying or advocated for others. Ryan’s artwork will be on display at LICM through the end of January.

“I love to help people, and doing this is helping a lot of people,” Ryan said, noting that his recent charity event, combined with one last year, have collectively raised about $40,000 for Project C.U.R.E.

Ryan said that with the

war in Ukraine nearing a year, he is concerned that people may have forgotten about it. He empathizes with children there who constantly leave in fear, and said it gives him perspective about the gravity of problems.

“We need to raise awareness because it’s been almost a year,” he said. “Nobody really knows what’s going on over there and we need to change that.”

Ryan’s guidance counselor, Nick Breslin, was struck by the magnitude of Ryan’s efforts, as well as his strong desire to help others.

“It’s inspiring that he wants to spread awareness for what’s going on over there,” Mr. Breslin said. “It comes from a place of wanting to help.”

As a fifth grader, Ryan and classmate Tyler Uberti teamed up with the Kids for Kids Foundation to raise more than $5,000 for St. Jude Children’s Hospital. They organized a virtual polar plunge, in which participants could submit a video of themselves jumping into a body of water or doing another cold activity, then donate to St. Jude.

Photo courtesy of Long Island Children's Museum

SEVENTH GRADER SHARES HIS HEART TO HELP

Cell: 516-551-7309

Golden Tones Entertainment Group Seeking New Members

Oyster Bay Town Councilwoman Michele Johnson announced that the Town’s ‘Golden Tones Entertainment Group’ is seeking new members. This chorus is a social group open to Town residents over the age of 60 who have an interest in singing, dancing, or entertaining. Anyone 60 and over is welcome to join; a great singing voice is not required to participate in this social group.

“We hear from choir members all the time how singing together lifts their spirits while providing great joy to others in senior care facilities, schools and at public events,” said Councilwoman Johnson. “The Golden Tones Entertainment Group provides a creative and social outlet for seniors to make new friends and bond over their love of music. Join us today!”

Meetings are held every Friday, beginning February

3rd, at 10am at the North Massapequa Community Center, located at 214 North Albany Ave. in North Massapequa. There are two planned shows, a Spring Show as well as a Holiday

Show, scheduled. Senior citizens interested in joining the Golden Tones of TOBAY Entertainment Group should call (516) 797-7916 for information.

PARK