MASSAPEQUA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HAWAIIAN INSTALLATION
The Massapequa Chamber of Commerce proudly hosted their Hawaiian Installation & Awards Dinner at Patrizia's in Massapequa Park. Congratulations to our newly installed Executive Officers: President - Robin Hepworth, First Vice President - Linda Rowse, Second Vice President - Sal Polito, Third Vice President - Janice Talento, Treasurer - Karen Gawrych, Recording Secretary - Tom LoFaso. Congratulations to our newly installed Board of Directors: Robert Barrett, Lucrezia Falacara, Maria Guzzetta, Chris Merz, Annette Morreale, Jenna Muscarella, Stephen Parmiter, Isabelle Rapacciuolo, Tim Ryan, Gary Slavin, Keith Wilson, and Robert Zabbia. Thank you again to our outgoing President Robert Zabbia for his dedicated service over the past two years.
Athletes Of All Ages Stay Active At Massapequa Sports Camps
The future of Massapequa High School athletics is bright, which is evidenced by the hundreds of children participating in the district’s summer sports camps throughout July. The youngsters are learning the foundational and teamwork skills needed to succeed in multiple sports from today’s coaches and athletes.
The camps, most running for five days but some spanning several weeks, include baseball, basketball, cheerleading, field hockey, football, gymnastics, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, speed and agility, track and field, volleyball and wrestling.
Each session is led by varsity and junior varsity coaches, and supported by high school athletes and even some recent graduates.
“I like working with the kids, seeing them have fun making the experience the best for them,” said incoming ninth grader Sienna Erker, a volunteer at the girls basketball camp. She has been mostly working with children at passing and shooting stations.
Due to high demand, this year’s girls basketball camp was expanded to include students entering second and third grades, while continuing to serve
grades 4-8. Sienna said that for the elementary students, they get to meet children from other schools who could become their teammates in a few years on Berner Middle School’s modified teams.
The cheerleading camp also grew this summer because of increasing popularity, with a morning session for grades K-2 and an afternoon program for grades 3-8. Kira Bettineschi, the junior varsity cheerleading coach and assistant coordinator for the summer program, said the younger children learned basic motions and light stunts. With the help of high school
cheerleaders, each group put together a short, twominute routine to show their parents on the last day of camp. The older participants in camp created a competitionready routine, as the goal was to give them as close to a high school cheerleading experience as possible.
The baseball camp runs for several weeks at the high school, where children travel from station to station to learn skills like bunting, hitting, fielding, baserunning and pitching. They are guided by current and former athletes from Massapequa baseball.
“All I did when I was
younger was play baseball,” said 2022 graduate Tim Dorman, who attended the camp as a kid and still serves as a counselor.
Tim said his goal is to make camp has fun as possible for the children, so they are excited to learn the fundamentals of baseball. He usually has them play games related to a skill because “anything you turn into a competition for them, they love.”
At the girls lacrosse camp at Berner Middle School, students would spend the first half learning different skills and techniques, enjoy a snack, then close out the morning with
scrimmages to put their knowledge into practice.
Incoming sixth grader Marissa Cafiero said she signed up for the camp to get better at the sport, learn the rules and stay active during the summer.
Charley Dittenhoefer, also a sixth grader, participated in the girl lacrosse camp for the third time and enjoyed getting to know other players.
“This helps me get better and it’s fun,” she said. “I want to make Massapequa’s lacrosse teams in the future.”
Volunteers Sienna Erker, left, and Brooke Schneidler worked with students in grades 2-4 at the girls basketball camp, part of Massapequa’s Summer Sports Skills program.
Photos courtesy of the Massapequa School District
Girls lacrosse players did an activity that helped them keep the ball secure in their sticks as they ran across the field.
Young cheerleaders worked on a short routine to showcase to their parents at the end of the week-long camp.
At the speed and agility camp for high school students, participants did drills that would help them with their conditioning for any sport.
Robin Hepworth President, Massapequa Chamber of Commerce
Dear Fellow Chambers Members and Residents of the Massapequas,
It is with immense pride and enthusiasm that I address you today as the President of the Chamber of Commerce of the Massapequas. My name is Robin Hepworth, and I have lived in Massapequa for over 30 years. I’m a small business owner, and I know first-hand just how special our community is. Massapequa is more than just the place we call home; it is a family unit with a unique sense of community and togetherness. As we all strive for progress and prosperity, it is our responsibility to ensure that we build a nurturing environment for the growth of vibrant businesses - businesses that not only enhance our local economy, but also enrich the lives of our families. I have been a proud member of the Massapequa Chamber of Commerce for over 10 years. If you’re already a member of our organization, I thank you for your ongoing support, and hope you’re active in attending our meetings and events. If you’re not yet part of the Chamber, please consider the many advantages of joining us as we continue to push forward for economic growth and prosperity. Together, we can all make Massapequa even better.
One of the many benefits of joining the Massapequa Chamber of Commerce is the great volunteer opportunities. Committee work offers an opening to make a true impact on the businesses and communities that the Chamber serves, while forging friendships with like-minded Chamber members. I have established so many good friendships through our Chamber over the years, and I hope you will too. Our next luncheon meeting is Thursday, August 22nd at 12:00 Noon at Burgerology in Massapequa. (Continue to check our website and e-mails for registration details.) Please join us, and register for one of our committees – we will have a sign-up sheet available for you at the meeting .
This summer has been wonderfully full and eventful for our Chamber, and even though my tenure as President has just begun, I have already had the privilege of connecting with many of our members. The Chamber was again invited to join in the Independence Day Parade by the Incorporated Village of Massapequa Park, and we were proud to march in celebration of our great nation. Many of our Chamber members participated as well, and excitedly marched with their new member benefit - a complimentary personalized member poster, which showcased to the community the many businesses that proudly represent our Chamber.
In addition, the Chamber also held a handful of Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies for our members, including the Grand Re-Opening Ceremony for Century 21 AA Realty (celebrating their beautiful new location at 896 North Broadway), as well as Grand Openings for Burgerology (4225 Merrick Road, Massapequa); Blooming Blossom Nails & Spa (5466 Merrick Road, Massapequa); and Khamdee Thai Kitchen (4887 Merrick Road, Massapequa Park.) Please support your fellow Chamber members and patronize these establishments. All members are welcome and encouraged to attend our Ribbon Cuttings!
Local businesses are truly the lifeblood of a community. My husband and I raised our two sons here in Massapequa - the boys kept us busy for many years with their various activities and programs, and this really opened my eyes to how important it is to support our local businesses. When we support small businesses, we are encouraging the growth of establishments that our families can proudly patronize.
As your President, I am here to listen, to collaborate, and to guide our Chamber to even greater heights. My door is always open, and I welcome your thoughts and ideas on how we can continue to elevate our business community. Thank you for the trust that you have placed in me to lead this esteemed organization. I am excited about the journey ahead, proud to work with this amazing group of Officers and Directors, and look forward to achieving great things together.
I hope you all enjoy the rest of the summer, stay heathy, and remember to Shop Local to Support your Local Businesses!
Sincerely,
Robin
Hepworth,
President Massapequa Chamber of Commerce
On Tuesday, June 4, 2024
The Massapequa Chamber Of Commerce Proudly Hosted Our Hawaiian Installation & Awards Dinner At Patrizia’s In Massapequa Park.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEWLY INSTALLED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS:
President - Robin Hepworth, First Vice President - Linda Rowse
Second Vice President - Sal Polito
Third Vice President Janice Talento Treasurer - Karen Gawrych, Recording Secretary - Tom LoFaso
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEWLY INSTALLED BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Robert Barrett, Lucrezia Falacara, Maria Guzzetta, Chris Merz, Annette Morreale, Jenna Muscarella, Stephen Parmiter, Isabelle Rapacciulolo, Tim Ryan, Gary Slavin, Keith Wilson, and Robert Zabbia.
Robin Hepworth
Autumn Romer Was This Years Winner Of The Massapequa Chamber Of Commerce Member’s Child Scholarship Award
Nassau County Legislator James Kennedy & Town Of Oyster Bay Installed Our Executive Officers And Board Of Directors
Isabele Rapacciuolo Received Patricia Orzano Small Businesswoman Of The Year In Honor Of Our Past President And Dear Friend. Our 2024-2025 Executive Officers
Lights Of Hope Remembrance Ceremony
To Honor Loved Ones Lost To An Overdose
YES Community Counseling Center’s Annual Lights of Hope Remembrance Ceremony is being held on Monday, August 12, 2024, at 7:00 pm. The ceremony will be held at YES Community Counseling Center’s Levittown office located at
152 Center Lane.
Family members are invited to bring a small framed photo of their loved one for a candle lighting ceremony. This event provides a safe space for our community to remember loved ones for who they were. Let’s come
together to honor their lives.
Please see the attached flyer for registration link and QR code.
For more information, contact Kathleen Coletta, LCSW (516) 799-3203 x127 or email at kcoletta@ yesccc.org
Science Teacher Joining Massapequa High School Leadership Team
Michael Brzezinski, an experienced science teacher in the Massapequa School District, is joining the administrative team at Massapequa High School on July 1 as the executive assistant to the principal. He is replacing Michael Quigley, who is retiring.
Mr. Brzezinski came to the district in 2005 as a science teacher at Berner Middle School, then moved to the high school in 2006, where he has primarily taught biology, anatomy and physiology, and marine science. He has also taken on several leadership roles including as assistant coach of the varsity lacrosse team, member of the Shared Decision Making Committee and coordinator of the summer recreation program and summer sports skills camps. Earlier this year, he
accompanied two students to the Long Island Regional Student Leadership Forum.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in pre-medicine from LIU Post, a master’s degree in science education from New York University and his administrative certificate from Stony Brook University. The married father of two resides in Huntington.
As Massapequa works to develop its Portrait of a Graduate, Mr. Brzezinski welcomes his expanded leadership role in helping the district fulfill its vision and mission.
“My goal is to support the students, teachers and all of the other stakeholders in our community,” he said. “I will bring a collaborative and cooperative approach, and will have an open-door policy. I’m looking forward to being more involved in the milestone events for our students and giving them the best possible high school experience.”
In moving from the science wing to the general office, Mr. Brzezinski joins the administrative team of Principal Barbara Lowell, fellow Executive Assistant to the Principal Deja Murphy and deans of students John Musmacker and Kenneth Wing. His responsibilities will include oversight of extracurricular activities, management and administration of Advanced Placement exams, and coordination of major events like homecoming, prom and graduation. He will also take over as chairman of the Shared Decision Making Committee, a group of administrators, teachers, staff, students and parents.
MICHAEL BRZEZINSKI - After spending 19 years in the front of a science classroom, Michael Brzezinski moves into an administrative role as Massapequa High School’s new executive assistant to the principal on July 1. Photo courtesy of the Massapequa School District
Massapequa Coast Little League 11-Year-Old and 12-Year-Old Williamsport Tournament Teams Advance To The New York State Championships
The Massapequa Coast Little League once again have left their thumbprint on Long Island, capturing 2 Long Island Section Baseball Titles and advancing to the New York State Championships. The 11 Year old Williamsport All-Star Team and the 2 Year Old Williamsport All-Star Team each captured their respective District Championships and Long Island Finals Section Championships. For the Massapequa Coast, this is the 14th year of the last 15 years that they have had baseball teams represent the Massapequa Coast Community and Long Island in the New York State Finals. It’s an achievement unmatched by any little league in Long Island.
The 11-year-old All-Star Williamsport team is managed by Kevin Podmore, with Assistant Coaches Jon Henchy, Sean Graham, and Sean McDonough piloting their 12-man squad comprised of players strictly from the Massapequa’s, Nathaniel Broder, Jack Burke, Mason Graham, Quinn Hartmann, James Henchy, Jackson Lermayer, Dylan Lyons, Jaxon McDonough, Dominick Podmore, Colton Robitaille, Derek Schroeder and Thomas Solnick.
The 11-year-old team won the district championship going 4-1 with wins against Merrick/Bellmore, Seaford, and Massapequa International before defeating Massapequa International again in the championship game 6-5 on July 6th. The 11-yearold team then went on to win Sections again going 4-1 defeating Rockville
Centre twice and then Port Washington before winning the championship game on July 15th against Port Washington 7-0.
The Section Championship advances the 11-year-old All-Star Team to the New York State Championship hosted in the Bronx this year, which will pit the top 8 teams in the State
against each other as one team seeks a berth in the Regionals.
The 12 Year Old AllStar Williamsport Team managed by Bryan Love, with Assistant Coaches Nick Garland and Craig Garland piloted their 11 man squad also comprised of strictly Massapequa locals Matthew Franzese, Joseph LaBella, Ryan Love,
Daniel Moreno, Charles Puricelli, Keane Rimler, Michael Santopietro, Chase Santoro, Ryan Scarry, Chase Vetro and Jackson Walsh.
The 12-year-old Team, won the District Championship going 3-0 in defeating Seaford LL, Merrick/Bellmore LL, and then dramatically capturing the District Championship with
a come-from-behind victory on July 6th vs their cross-town rivals Massapequa International LL in a 4-2 victory.
The 12s then again went 3-0 in the Long Island Section Finals defeating Garden City LL 10-0, then d efeating Oceanside 2-0, and then winning the Section Championship on July 16th in a 5-3 Victory over
Port Washington LL. The Section Championship advances the 12-year-old Coast AllStars to the New York State Championship pitting the top Little League teams in the State against each other. The tournament this year is hosted by South Shore LL in Staten Island with the winner advancing to the Regionals in Bristol.
Summer ‘Movies By Moonlight’ In Town Of Oyster Bay Parks
Supervisor Joseph Saladino and members of the Town Board announce that free ‘Movies by Moonlight’ will be offered in local parks on Thursday evenings this summer, beginning July 11th and concluding on August 8th. Residents are welcome to bring blankets and chairs when attending these familyfriendly movies.
“Residents and families looking for a fun night need look no further than their
backyards this summer as the Town is ready with a summer to remember,” said Supervisor Saladino. “We’re thrilled to once again show family-friendly films at our parks, along with character meet and greets, inflatables, games, and more.”
Seating and pre-movie activities will begin at 6:00 p.m. including character meet and greets at select movies, inflatables and games. All movies begin at sundown and are subject to
change. They will be held weather permitting. For additional information, please call (516) 7977925 or visit the Town’s website at www. oysterbaytown.com.
Programming is made possible through the generous support of sponsors, including Steel Equities, Gold Coast Studios, Extreme Auto Body, Action Auto Wreckers, Complete Basement Systems,
Webster Bank, Northwell Health’s Plainview & Syosset Hospitals, The Gucciardo Law Firm, Long Island Speech, Soccer Stars, Zorn’s of Bethpage, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Royal
Events Princess Parties, News12 Long Island, KJOY 98.3, WHLI 104.7 FM, WALK 97.5, THE SHARK 94.3, THE WOLF 103.1, and Friends of the Community Service Department.
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilman Steve Labriola announce the Town’s S.T.O.P. (Stop Throwing Out Pollutants) and Homeowners Cleanup Days for summer 2024. During these programs, residents can drop off materials at the Old Bethpage Solid Waste Disposal Complex, located at 101 Bethpage-Sweet Hollow Road in Old Bethpage.
S.T.O.P. program
- Saturday, August 10th from 9am –4pm: collects various hazardous materials, including: asbestos material (double bagged); automobile batteries; automobile tires (with or without rims); brake and transmission fluids; drain and oven cleaners; fire extinguishers; fares; fluorescent bulbs; gasoline; pesticides and insecticides;
oil-based and latex paint; outdoor gas grill propane tanks; photo chemicals; rechargeable and button batteries; small aerosol cans; smoke detectors; solvents; spot removers; thermostats; waste motor oil and antifreeze; and wood preservatives.
“Improperly disposing of products such as waste
oil, oven cleaner or paint thinner could contaminate your water supply,” said Supervisor Saladino. “Anything poured on the ground or put into cesspools, storm drains, or recharge systems can work its way down to the aquifer or our waterways.”
Homeowners Cleanup Days – Saturday, July
27th & August 24th from 8:30am – 4pm: collects non-hazardous waste only, including: air conditioners; all e-waste; campers; boats and boat trailers (proof of ownership requiredoil, gas, other fluids and batteries removed); clean, broken concrete; large metal items; propane tanks and propane torches; tires; and yard waste.
“Many of our residents take the opportunity to clean out their yards in the summer months and may have large amounts of non-hazardous debris to dispose,” said Councilman Labriola. “Residents can bring items such as used tires, fence posts, clean broken concrete or yard waste to our Homeowners Cleanup.”
to destroy unwanted documents in a safe and secure manner. Residents only, no businesses, can bring up to four bankers’ boxes of paper to the shredding program.
The Town’s S.T.O.P. and Homeowners programs are open to residents within
the Town’s Solid Waste Disposal District. Proof of residency is required. For more information, including a full list of what is accepted at these programs, visit www. oysterbaytown.com/ cleanup or call (516) 6775848.
Free Paper Shredding Services - Saturday, July 27th & August 24th from 8:30am – 4pm: provides residents an opportunity
Baked Ziti
Meat Lasagna
Baked Manicotti
Baked Stuffed Shells
Baked Cheese Ravioli
Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce
Penne with Butter Sauce
Penne with Garlic & Oil
Penne alla Vodka served in a pink, cream sauce
Spaghetti with Meatballs pasta topped with our homemade meatballs
Spaghetti with Sausage
Penne with Meat Sauce
Spaghetti Carbonara bacon, peas and onions in a white cream sauce
Fettucine Alfredo served in a white cream sauce
Rigatoni Bolognese ground beef & veal with tomato sauce, onions, peas, herbs & a touch of cream
Rigatoni Buttera sausage & spinach, topped with fresh mozzarella in garlic & oil
Chicken Parmigiana fried chicken cutlet, baked with mozzarella and tomato sauce
Chicken alla Vodka Parmigiana fried chicken cutlet, baked with mozzarella and vodka sauce
Chicken Francese lightly battered, lemon, white wine & butter
Chicken Marsala lightly battered with mushrooms & marsala wine sauce
Chicken Sorrentino sliced chicken, eggplant, melted mozzarella, served in a brown demi-glace
Eggplant Parmigiana fried eggplant, baked with mozzarella & tomato sauce
Eggplant Rollatini
ricotta, mozzarella and tomato sauce
Sausage, Peppers & Onions
All Served With Penne Pasta
JULY HAPPENINGS
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 27
6:00PM
FREE SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK
Islip Arts Council and Studio Theater of Long Island Shakespeare Troupe present "A Comedy of Errors" by William Shakespeare at the South Shore Mall in Bay Shore. Limited engagement. For more information, please call 631-888-3525, or visit isliparts.org/
9:30AM - 2:30PM
MEDITATION SATURDAY: RETREAT FOR BODY, MIND, & SOUL The Science of Spirituality Meditation Center, 79 County Line Road in Amityville will be hosting Meditation Saturday: Retreat For Body, Mind, & Soul. A day of rejuvenation, with stress-reducing and inspirational workshops designed to provide a welcome oasis in your busy week. For more information, please call 631-822-7979; infotristate@sos.org To Register: sos.org/location/amityville
10:00AM-2:00PM
FREE CHILD ID CARD PROGRAM
Nassau County Residents Only New York State Assemblyman Michael Durso, in partnership with Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Nassau County Legislator James Kennedy, and the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office, is holding a FREE Operation Safe Child ID Card Program at Marjorie Post Pool in Massapequa. No appointment necessary. For more information, please contact Assemblyman Durso’s district office at 516-541-4598.
SUNDAY, JULY 28
2:00PM
FREE BEATLES ON THE BALCONY CONCERT: THE LIVERPOOL SHUFFLE
First ever free concert outdoors on LIMEHOF terrace featuring Beatles tribute band. 97 Main Street, Stony Brook. For more information, please call Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame 631-689-5888 or visit info@ limusichalloffame.org
3:30PM
AFTERNOON AT THE RACES
Brumidi Lodge, 2075 Deer Park Avenue in Deer Park is hosting an Afternoon At The Races. Adults $15, Ages 4 to 12 $10, Ages 3 and under are Free. Buffet Style Dinner, Beverage, Dessert and Coffee. Cash Bar. Raffles. For more information, please call Marian at 631- 332-9775 or Anita at 631-422-6914 to reserve your spot!
MONDAY, JULY 29
6:00PM – 7:30PM PAINT NIGHT: SUMMER SUNFLOWERS
The Babylon Public library, 24 S. Carll Ave. in Babylon, will be hosting a Paint Night: Summer Sunflowers. Join local artist Kathy Reccardi as she teaches participants step-by-step how to paint an arrangement of sunflowers. No painting experience needed. Nonrefundable $5 fee due at registration. For more information, please call 631-669-1624. Email: info@ babylonlibrary.org, Website: www. babylonlibrary.org
TUESDAY, JULY 30
12:15PM FREE BROWN BAG CONCERT SERIES
LADY BLUE SAX
Tuesdays at the Bay Shore Band Shell 80 East Main St, in Bay Shore. For more information, please call 631-888-3525, or visit isliparts.org/ for additional shows.
7:30PM
MOVIES ON THE FARMINGDALE VILLAGE GREEN
Enjoy free movies Tuesday nights on the Farmingdale Village green, 361 Main Street. Movies start at dusk, preceded by cartoons. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Movies will be shown through August 20 (weather permitting). For more information, please call 516-249-0093 or visit http:// www.farmingdalevillage.com/
WEDNESDAY, JULY 31
PLEASE ARRIVE at 8:30AM
RETURN approx. 8:30PM BUS TRIP TO WIND CREEK CASINO St. Ignatius Loyola Church in Hicksville is hosting a Bus trip to Wind Creek Casino in Bethlehem, PA. Cost: $55 per person, which includes the driver’s tip Give back: $35 slot play. For more information, please call Barbara at 516-935-5576 or Karen at 516-937- 5527. Please make checks payable to “St. Ignatius Church”. The first to pay is the first on the bus.
7:30PM
SUSPIRIA - SCREENING AND Q&A
Author / film critic Maitland McDonagh hosts SUSPIRIA at Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave. in Huntington. $16 public | $10 members. Horror-film maven Maitland McDonagh, author of Broken Mirrors/Broken Minds: The Dark Dreams of Dario Argento, hosts a screening and Q&A for Argento’s masterpiece Suspiria (Italy, 1977), considered to be one of the most terrifying and stylized horror films of our time. For more information, please call 631-423-7610, or visit cinemaartscentre.org/
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Dangerous Budget Inn Motel Permanently
Closed And Will Be Demolished Town Reaches Legal Settlement To Demolish
Structurally Unsafe Motel & Hub For Criminal Activity
In a tremendous victory for public safety and our suburban quality of life, Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and the Town Board today announced the permanent closure and future demolition of the Budget Inn Motel in Massapequa. The Town previously filed a lawsuit to address longstanding concerns about the property, which was deemed structurally dangerous and a hub for criminal activity. A legal settlement has since been reached to close and demolish all buildings on the property.
“There’s nothing more important to the Town Board and I than protecting your safety and your quality of life, which is why I’m
proud to announce that the Budget Inn Motel will remain closed, and will be demolished,” Supervisor Saladino said. “This eyesore was the location of violent criminal activity and was in a serious state of disrepair. We took immediate action to rid our community of this dangerous property, and today’s settlement is a tremendous victory for the Town of Oyster Bay and all our residents.”
Under the terms of the settlement, all structures on the property will be demolished by June 30, 2025 and the Town will be reimbursed for the expenses it incurred during the litigation process. Additionally, all certificates of occupancy for the Budget Inn remain revoked, so
the structure may not be occupied. Previous news reports indicate that 15 arrests took place at the Budget Inn in 2023, including for criminal possession of a weapon, promotion of prostitution and assault. Inspections of the motel have led to numerous code violations.
“The closure of the Budget Inn Motel is a major step forward in our efforts to address properties that pose a danger to the public,” Supervisor Saladino added. “The agreed-upon demolition and reimbursement will not only remove an unsafe structure but also ensure town taxpayers aren’t forced to bear the financial burden of this careless property owner.”
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• In-House Designer Available To Assist With Material Selection And Provide 3d Renderings
• Dedicated Project Manager Assigned To Oversee Each Renovation From Start To Finish
• 1 Year Labor Guarantee And On-Call Service Technician For Added Peace Of Mind
Blossom team!
Massapequa Welcomes Back Experience Athletic Leader
The Massapequa School District announces that Martin Voigt has been named the district’s interim director of physical education, health, athletics and recreation for the 202425 school year. Mr. Voigt worked in the district for more than three decades as an administrator, teacher and coach before retiring in 2021.
His career in Massapequa began in 1985 as a physical education teacher, and worked at Birch Lane, East Lake and Hawthorn elementary schools during his tenure. In 2001, he
moved up to Massapequa High School to serve as the physical education chairperson and athletic coordinator for the main and Ames campuses. His responsibilities included overseeing the high school physical education curriculum and budget, staff development and athletic facility usage, conducting teacher observations and evaluations, and serving as a liaison to the district athletic director. As chairperson, Mr. Voigt spearheaded the creation of the high school’s selective
physical education program which gave students more choice in their activities, introduced a personal fitness and wellness component to the program, and developed the online Pex and home instruction program for physical education.
Mr. Voigt is an accomplished coach in the district. He led the boys varsity basketball team to more than 300 victories in 28 seasons, along with four conference championships. He also
Continued On 18
Free Child ID Card Program
New York State Assemblyman Michael Durso, in partnership with Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Nassau County Legislator James Kennedy, and the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office, is holding a FREE Operation Safe Child ID Card Program on Saturday, July 27th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Marjorie Post Pool in Massapequa. The program is free and open to Nassau County residents only. The ID cards will be produced on site and available in minutes. No appointment is necessary.
When a child goes missing, every moment is precious. Law enforcement needs accurate information and quickly. The Nassau County DA’s Operation Safe Child program provides parents with an identification card for
Tell Us About It!
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their children containing pertinent physical information to give law enforcement officials a head start on a missing child. Information on each card includes the child’s name, birthdate, age, gender, hair and eye color, height and
weight, fingerprints, and a high-resolution digital photo.
For more information on this program, please contact Assemblyman Durso’s district office at (516) 541-4598. No appointment necessary.
po si ti ng la rge ca sh rece ip ts (must ha ve a clean re cord and be bo ndable); de li ve ry of confidential and sensitive do cu ments; main ta inin g di st rict ve hi cle; performing rout ine clerical ta sks
www. copiague.k12.ny.us and email or fax al on g wi th resume and co ve r le tt er to : Mr Todd J. Andrews Assistant Supe rintendent for Human Resources
COPIAGUE PUBLIC SCHOOLS Ema il: Apply@ copiague.net
AN
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you. BIG BUDGET? SM ALL BUDGET? 631-226-2636, press 276
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Get Results Call Classifed 631-226-2636 Press “2”
THINKING ABOUT ADVERTISING YOUR BUSINESS and not sure how to get started? Call today and one of our experienced Sa les Representatives will assist you. We c an help you with a lin e ad or a di splay ad. Let us at SOUTH BAY'S NEIGHBOR NEWS PAPE RS set up an adv ertising program for you. Y ou'll be glad you di d! Call 631-226-2636, ext. 276
THINKING ABOUT ADVERTISING YOUR BUSINESS and not sure how to get started? Call today and one of our experi enced Sa les Representatives will assist you. We c an help you with a lin e ad or a di splay ad. Let us at SOUTH BAY'S NEIGHBOR NEWS PAPE RS set up an adv ertising program for you. Y ou'll be glad you di d! Call 631-226-2636, Ext. 276
Massapequa Welcomes Back Experience Athletic Leader
Continued From 15
served as junior varsity football coach for nine years and an assistant basketball coach at Hofstra University for eight years.
One of his proudest accomplishments was launching an annual alumni basketball game to raise money for the Lustgarten Foundation, which funds pancreatic cancer research, in
honor of his father.
Mr. Voigt is a Massapequa Hall of Fame inductee, a recipient of Adelphi University’s Department of Health and Sports Science Ronald Feingold Award, an administrator of the year honoree from Long Island’s Council of Administrators and Supervisors and a three-time winner of the Section VIII Coach of the Year award.
“I am looking forward to working with the physical education teachers and athletic coaching staff,” Mr. Voigt said of his new role, “and utilizing my 38 years of experience in both teaching and coaching. Massapequa’s physical education program is a model and our athletics is one of the most highly regarded programs in the state.”
Supporting An Inclusive Playground At East Lake
Striving to make the playground more inclusive for all students at East Lake Elementary School in the Massapequa School District, the debut of a say and play board was the culmination of months of planning by administrators, faculty and staff.
The large board, adjacent to the playground, was customized for the needs of East Lake students. Several students in the Eagle program, which is housed at the school, are nonverbal and require the use of assistive communication devices. As those devices can be hard to carry around while enjoying the playground, the say and play board has words and images that students can point to.
Teachers designed the
board using CoughDrop, a language learning app, and included the specific pieces of equipment available at East Lake’s playground. There are also images for common actions, feelings and questions, as well as letters and numbers. The board was installed by the custodial staff.
Fifth graders in the Kids Care buddies program also learned how to use the board to support their friends. The children get together afterschool for different activities, and the addition of the say and play board now makes the playground a new option for the buddy meetups.
To better understand the communication needs of their peers, the fifth grade buddies participated in a
workshop in which they learned how some children use assistive devices. They then had conversations with each other using devices to experience it for themselves. The goal is for them to serve as role models for the rest of the school to foster a greater appreciation for all ways that children communicate.
“We hope that the addition of the say and play board builds awareness within our school community,” said speech language pathologist Elizabeth Schoepflin. “We want to have out students with disabilities included in the general education setting as much as possible.”
“It gives everyone a voice and way to communicate,” added fellow speech language pathologist Kim Watson.
MARTIN VOIGT - Martin Voigt returns to the Massapequa School District to serve as the interim director of physical education, health, athletics and recreation for the 2024-25 school year. Photo courtesy of the Massapequa School District
SUPPORTING AN INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND AT EAST LAKE - The addition of a say and play board at East Lake Elementary School supports the communication needs of all students at the playground. Photo courtesy of the Massapequa School District
