The Massapequa Chamber of Commerce was proud to hold the exciting Grand Re-Opening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the beautiful new location of our member, EXIT Realty Premier proudly serving Nassau, Suffolk, and Queens Counties. EXIT Realty Premier has an unmatched record when it comes to helping you buy or sell your home. Check them out at 566 Broadway in Massapequa, or contact them at (516) 795-1000 for more information. Congratulations to Benny Diasparra & Jeff Mistretta, and the EXIT Realty Premiers team on this exciting milestone! We are proud to welcome you back to Massapequa. Photo courtesy of Howard Fritz
Saladino, Hand Join Massapequa Vets And Scouts To Respectfully Retire American Flags
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilman Tom Hand recently joined local boy scouts and veterans from the AMVETS Post 88 of Massapequa to respectfully retire American flags at TOBAY Beach. Old or worn American flags can be dropped off at local police and fire stations, veteran’s organizations such as American Legions, AMVETS and VFW posts, government offices, and with Boy Scout troops for proper disposal. For more information, please call the Town of Oyster Bay’s Veteran’s Services Division at (516) 797-7875.
All-State Festival Beckons For Massapequa Musicians
The musical abilities of 10 Massapequa High School students were recognized statewide with their selection as participants or alternates to honors ensembles at the New York State School Music Association’s 2024 festival.
Two musicians will share their instrumental talents
at NYSSMA’s annual AllState winter conference.
Trumpet player Austin Benedict was named to the wind ensemble, while his brother, Tyler Benedict, will play violin with the string orchestra.
Eight vocalists were also recognized. Isabella Corigliano and Giavanna
Pizzo, both sopranos, and Stephanie Guida, alto, will perform with the mixed chorus. Alto singers Chloe Legate and Emily Ogurick are joining the treble chorus. Luciana DiLibereto, Tiffany Gfrerer and Sofia Maran are alternates for the chorus.
All-State ensembles
represent the top music students from across the state. Solo auditions before NYSSMA-certified adjudicators took place in the spring before final selections were made. This year’s music festival will take place from Dec. 5-8 in Rochester and will include workshops, a keynote
address and ensemble performances.
“We are honored to have 10 students recognized as All-State musicians, a shining moment for the Massapequa music department,” said Vincent Green, director of fine and performing arts. “Their selection as participants
or alternates for NYSSMA honors ensembles reflects their hard work, commitment and love of music. This is also a testament to our highly dedicated music faculty, who have fostered their musical abilities and passion from elementary school through high school.”
Ten students from Massapequa High School were named NYSSMA All-State musicians, including seven festival participants and three alternates. They were congratulated by Superintendent Dr. William Brennan, Director of Fine and Performing Arts Vincent Green, Principal Barbara Lowell and their music teachers. Photo courtesy of the Massapequa School District
Lunch Break Becomes A Life-Saving Venture For Massapequa Seniors
When they left school for lunch on a recent afternoon, Massapequa High School seniors Emily Coyle and Nicoletta Iovine had no idea they would soon be in a situation to help save a young boy’s life.
Sitting in Emily’s car in a nearby town parking lot, they heard screaming. Nearby, two 4-year-old siblings were playing in the back of their parked minivan, when the
boy got caught in the seatbelt and it tangled tightly around his neck. Emily and Nicoletta rushed over to help. Soon after two employees from Zona Italian restaurant came out and cut the seatbelt away with a kitchen knife. The girls immediately provided comfort to the young boy, his sister and grandmother, and waited with them until first responders arrived. They returned to school
and went to their next class, not telling anyone else of the situation. The mother of the two children, Nicholas and Charlotte, contacted the school to share the good Samaritan actions of the seniors. On Oct. 9, Emily and Nicoletta were joined by their parents as they were recognized by school and district administrators for their quick thinking and selfless
actions. Also attending were the two children, as well as their mother and grandmother. The 4-yearolds, who will eventually attend Lockhart Elementary School, presented Emily and Nicoletta with handmade cards and a gift.
“This is the ideal of what we want our students to be,”
Principal Barbara Lowell
said. “In Massapequa, we always want to help and be there for one another.”
Dean of Students Kenneth Wing, who first learned about the actions of Emily and Nicoletta, noted it was important to recognize them because they exemplify the district’s new slogan, “Creating Leaders… One Child at a Time.”
Emily and Nicoletta are both members of Students Against Destructive Decisions. Nicoletta is also a rifle team captain and member of the Dog Rescue Club. Their caring personalities are reflected in their future ambitions – Emily wants to become a nurse and Nicoletta a veterinarian.
Grand Re-Opening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
The Massapequa Chamber of Commerce was proud to hold the exciting Grand ReOpening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the beautiful new location of our member, EXIT Realty Premier proudly serving Nassau, Suffolk, and Queens Counties. EXIT Realty Premier has an unmatched record when it comes to helping you buy or sell your home. Check them out at 566 Broadway in Massapequa, or contact them at (516) 795-1000 for more information. Congratulations to Benny Diasparra & Jeff Mistretta, and the EXIT Realty Premiers team on this exciting milestone! We are proud to welcome you back to Massapequa. Photo courtesy of Howard Fritz
Massapequa School District Superintendent Dr. William Brennan, left, and Principal Barbara Lowell, right, recognized seniors Nicoletta Iovine, seated left, and Emily Coyle for helping out in a recent off-campus life-saving situation. They were also joined by their parents. Photos courtesy of the Massapequa School District
The seniors received hugs from 4-year-olds Charlotte and Nicholas Pennacchio.
OCTOBER HAPPENINGS
FRIDAY, OCT. 25th
6:00PM-7:30PM CREATURES OF THE NIGHT
Meet nighttime animals, play a game with prizes, and take a nighttime hike in the woods to see where creatures of the night make their homes. Please bring a picnic blanket to watch the animal presentations. You may want to apply bug spray as well. Cost: $20 per person. Ages: 7y and up. Limited tickets may be available at the door. No refunds for missing the event. Sweetbriar Nature Center - ECSS, 62 Eckernkamp Drive in Smithtown. For more information, please call 631-979-6344
SATURDAY, OCT. 26th
10:00AM-1:00PM BOOK SALE
The Friends of the Lindenhurst Memorial Library, One Lee Avenue in Lindenhurst, is sponsoring a Book Sale, with a preview for current Friends of the Lindenhurst Library from 9:00am-10:00am. Anyone may sign up for membership at the sale. For more information, please call 631-957-7755
10:00AM-2:00PM CARS & COFFEE
The South Huntington Public Library, 145 Pidgeon Hill Road in Huntington Station will be hosting Cars & Coffee. Join the Centurion Cruisers Car Club in the parking lot for a day of classic cars and trucks. Enjoy coffee and meet other car enthusiasts. No entry fee. For more information, please call 631-549-4411
HOLIDAYS
2nd - Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown 11th - Yom Kippur begins at sundown 14th - Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples' Day 31st - Halloween
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
10:00AM-4:30PM APPLE FESTIVAL AND SCARECROW CONTEST
Fall in love with Autumn in Islip Town! The beloved Town of Islip Apple Fall Festival returns to the Islip Grange, 10 Broadway Ave. in Sayville. A day of family fun featuring craft vendors, amusement rides, a petting zoo, pony rides, live entertainment, a festival food court, fresh apple desserts and so much more! And don't forget about the Scarecrow contest! Contest begins at 10:30. Rain Date: Oct, 27th. For more information, please call 631-224-5430, www.islipny.gov
1:00PM-3:00PM HOWL-O-WEEN PETS & PARTNERS PARADE
All domestic pets and their owners are welcome! Leashes, Carriers or Pens Please! Costumes for Pets and their Partners are encouraged. Prizes awarded for Best Costume. Free Treats, Raffles, Music, compliments of Levittown's favorite DJ, Tim Aldredge! Bluegrass Lane is one block south of Hempstead Turnpike, 2970 Hempstead Tpk. in Levittown. For more information, please contact LevittownCouncil@yaloo.com
2:00PM-4:00PM
TRUNK OR TREAT
Simpson United Methodist Church, 30 Locust Avenue, in Amityville, is hosting a Trunk or Treat event. Vote for your favorite decorated car. Free Trick or Treating! Please come in costume. For more information, please call Mary at 516-991-8098
SATURDAY, OCT. 26th & SUNDAY, OCT 27th
11:00AM-4:00PM
OPEN HOUSE EVENT
Central Operating Lines Model Railroad Club, 50 A Carlough Rd. in Bohemia, is having an Open House. Come see their 1,600 square foot model train. Please bring an unwrapped toy to participate in their holiday toy drive. For more information, please call 631-563-0173
SUNDAY, OCT 27th
3:00PM
BRAHMS' GERMAN REQUIEM
The First Presbyterian Church of Greenlawn will host a performance of Brahms' German Requiem in the church Sanctuary. The performance will benefit the New Organ Fund at The First Presbyterian Church, located at 497 Pulaski Road in Greenlawn. For more information, please call the church office at 631-261-2150, www. greenlawnpresbyterianchurch.org Facebook.com/First-PresbyterianChurch-of-Greenlawn
THROUGH OCT. 31st
SEE BELOW FOR HOURS PUMPKIN PATCH
A Giant Pumpkin Patch at St. Thomas of Canterbury Episcopal Church, 29 Brooksite Drive, in Smithtown. Many unique and regular pumpkins, all sizes. for more informtion, please see website: https://www.sthomasofcanterbury. net, or call 631-265-4520. Mon-Fri: 2:30 pm – 6:30 pm. Sat: 9 am – 5 pm; Sun: 12:00 pm - 5 pm
Residents Invited To Oyster Bay Halloween Ghost Walk & Dance Party
Raynham Hall To Host Annual Halloween Parade October 26th
Oyster Bay Town Councilwoman Vicki Walsh and Town Clerk Rich LaMarca invite residents to the annual Halloween Parade presented by Raynham Hall Museum in Oyster Bay. The event will be held Saturday, October 26th beginning at 5:30 p.m. Residents are invited to dress up in costume and bring their little ghosts and goblins (two and four-legged welcome) for a ghost parade throughout town. Participants are invited to bring lanterns and noisemakers.
“Residents of all ages are invited to enjoy ghostly entertainment, a DJ, food and drink available for purchase, and more at this fun, festive annual event,”
said Town Clerk LaMarca.
“Participating vendors include Gimme Burger, Home Sweet Home, Oyster Bay Brewing, the Oyster Bay Main Street Association, and more. This event has something for everybody!”
Anyone interested in assisting Raynham Hall by volunteering to help carry ghostly puppets can contact info@ raynhamhallmuseum. org. The parade route begins at Oyster Bay High School on East Main Street, west to Audrey Avenue and spookily encircle the bandstand, lurch south on Spring Street, and head east on West Main Street to Town of Oyster Bay parking field 0-1 adjacent to Raynham Hall.
Study Partners Soar To The Top Of Massapequa’s Class Of 2025
Since their first advanced class together in ninth grade, Massapequa High School seniors Samantha Portz and William Stebner have found themselves at nearby desks many times. Now, they are together side-by-side in the Class of 2025 rankings.
Samantha is the valedictorian with a weighted grade point average of 101.34, followed a fraction of a point behind by William, the salutatorian, with a 101.083 GPA. On a recent Friday, Samantha was called to Principal Barbara Lowell’s office from her Advanced Placement Biology class and told the good news. A few minutes later, William was called down from AP Physics.
“I was extremely happy, all my hard work over the years being recognized,” Samantha said, jokingly adding, “I always knew that Will was main competitor.”
“We’ve always been there to support each other,” William said, noting that they were never actually in competition, but always rooting for each other’s success and studying together ever since they took AP Human Geography at the Ames Campus.
Both describe their
areas of strength as math and science, although they have challenged themselves across the curriculum. Samantha has taken 14 AP classes at Massapequa High School and William enrolled in 13.
With all the rigorous courses, Food and Nutrition is the class that stands out for Samantha as a favorite from high school. Learning how to cook and prepare healthy meals was a valuable life skill, she noted.
Massapequa’s unique law program, which has a dedicated classroom that resembles a courtroom, struck William’s interest.
Samantha, who started as a kindergartner at Lockhart Elementary School, looks to major in math in college. She has already committed to Amherst College in Massachusetts to play softball and join the ROTC.
After those four years, she plans to join the military as a second lieutenant.
Her involvement in high school stretches well beyond the classroom.
She’s been on the varsity softball team for four years, varsity soccer for three years and varsity bowling for two years, is a member of Best Buddies
and was selected to the National and Spanish honor societies.
The top-ranked graduates are Class of 2025 officers, with Samantha serving as secretary and William as treasurer. They are also both members of Science Olympiad and last year teamed up to win a regional medal in the chemistry lab competition.
William, a Birch Lane Elementary School graduate, is co-captain of Mock Trial. Last year, he was the starting lawyer in a simulated case during a New York State Bar Association competition. He is also a member of mathletes and plays the violin. After high school, he wants to study chemical engineering.
“It’s really important to make the most of it in the four years that you get in high school,” William said. “There’s always a way to be active in school.”
Outside of school, Samantha supports players in the Massapequa Youth Little League as a softball instructor, does kickboxing, and is a
babysitter and math tutor. William is a Boy Scout who earned the Eagle rank by helping the Massapequa Historical Society clean and repaint the foundation of Old Grace Church. He also volunteered the past two summers at Camp Invention.
Both seniors will graduate with the AP Capstone Diploma and the Seal of Biliteracy, and they have been named AP
Scholars with Distinction.
Samantha and William both credit their parents, teachers and guidance counselors for their success. For Samantha, her twotime math teacher and AP Research mentor Christopher Diehl was a tremendous inspiration, while William admires Daniel Bachman’s passion for teaching law.
Ms. Lowell,
who met Samantha and William in sixth grade when she was executive assistant to the principal at Berner Middle School, admires their dedication to both their academics and student life.
“They are super involved,” she said. “They have great attitudes, great work ethics. They really enjoy high school and made the most out of their experience.”
Samantha Portz and William Stebner are the valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, of the Massapequa High School Class of 2025. Photo courtesy of Massapequa School District
Congratulating Samantha and William on the accomplishment were Superintendent Dr. William Brennan, Executive Assistant for Guidance Paul Weber, guidance counselors Allison Fifield, Principal Barbara Lowell and guidance counselor Eileen Tilton. Photo courtesy of Massapequa School District
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Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino recently honored Department of Parks employee Christopher Baranski as the Town’s “Employee of the Month” for his dedication and selfless commitment to the Town’s residents. A proud resident of Massapequa Park, Christopher has
Baranski
used his expertise to restructure and remodel town athletic fields, laying sod and preparing them for games. He is greatly appreciated and respected by Town residents and his colleagues on the job for his attention to detail.
Supervisor Saladino stated, “I commend Christopher for being
an important part of the Town’s exceptional work force. He serves as an amazing role model in the Parks Department and, on behalf of my colleagues on the Oyster Bay Town, I am proud to issue this Town citation in recognition of his exemplary service! Congratulations, Chris!”
Pictured from left to right are Deputy Parks Commissioner Gregory Mangino, Supervisor Joseph Saladino, honoree Christopher Baranski and Parks Commissioner Joseph Pinto.
Garage Door
Women Of Distinction
WOMEN OF DISTINCTION - Huge congratulations to our talented Massapequa Chamber Board Members Lucrezia Mastroserio-Falacara and Annette Morreale, who were recognized on Saturday, September 28th, by Assemblyman Mikulin as Women of Distinction. We’re beyond proud of your dedication, leadership, and community impact!
CLUES ACROSS
1. “60 Minutes” network
4. Train line
10. Go quickly
11. Straightforward
12. Canadian province
14. At any rate (abbr.)
15. Genealogy
16. Make changes
18. Utter repeatedly
22. In a way, turned up
23. Type of ship
24. Agents of one’s downfall
CLUES DOWN
1. A place to lounge
2. Skewed views
3. Peacefully
4. Commercial
5. Auxiliary forces
6. Large mollusk
7. Take out again
8. Sharp and forthright
9. Knight (chess)
12. Source of fiber
26. Not out
27. Something to scratch
28. Round water pot
30. Refreshing green fruit (slang)
31. Promotions
34. Primordial matters
36. One-time world power (abbr.)
37. Source of illumination
39. The content of cognition
40. An Arab ruler
41. South Dakota
42. Gnawed at with teeth
48. Hawaiian island
13. Flesh covering some birds’ beaks
17. Energy
19. Night monkeys genus
20. Small, sharp nails
21. Pleasant-smelling liquid
25. Affirms one’s hold
29. CNN’s founder
31. Texans can’t forget it
32. “Oppenheimer” actor Matt
33. Expression
35. Vessel
50. Smaller
51. Of a single person
52. Rigid bracelet
53. Barbary sheep (Fr.)
54. Not even
55. Specific gravity
56. Engage in petty bargaining
58. Boxing’s “GOAT”
59. Split between parties
60. Notable offensive
38. Lacking poetic beauty
41. Tall, swift and slender dog
43. Sports personality Michelle
44. Robber
45. Liquefied natural gas
46. Snakelike fishes
47. The most worthless part of something
49. City in Crimea
56. Bad grades
57. Reichsmark
Antipasto Choose One
• Traditional Antipasto Platter
• Mozzarella Caprese Platter
First Course Choose One
• Penne Alla Vodka
• Baked Ziti
• Stuffed Shells
• Cavatelli Calabrese
• Lasagna (Meat or Cheese)
• Manicotti
Cornbread Stuffing Choose One
• Crisp Apple & Sausage Meat
• Sauteed Spinach, Onions & Pancetta
Main Course Fully Cooked
• All Natural, Hormone & Antibiotic Free, Whole Young Turkey (Vegetable Diet Fed)
This October, supporting breast cancer research is as easy as buying paint. Throughout the month, for every gallon of premium paint sold at Aboff’s Paint stores and online at aboffs.com, the company will generously donate a portion of the proceeds to support breast cancer research at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL).
The original Aboff’s Paints Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign raised over $10,000 for CSHL breast cancer research in 2012. In 2023, the two Long Island institutions renewed their partnership and raised over $40,000.
Free Family Fall & Halloween Festival
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino invites residents and their families to the Town of Oyster Bay’s Family Fall & Halloween Festival, which will be held on Saturday, October 26th, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Marjorie R. Post Community Park, located
at 451 Unqua Road in Massapequa.
“This festival is a great opportunity for residents to celebrate Halloween and the fall season with activities that are fun for residents of all ages,” Supervisor Saladino said. “Families are sure to
enjoy all that the festival has to offer, including pumpkin picking and our popular Halloween hayride. Remember, costumes are encouraged!”
The Family Fall & Halloween Festival will feature a ‘U-Pick’ pumpkin patch for children to pick their own pumpkins (while supplies last), Halloween games and giveaways, inflatables, hayride, and food trucks, as well as a special character appearances presented by Royal Events Princess Parties. Costumes for those attending are encouraged!
The Family Fall & Halloween Festival will be held rain or shine. For more information, please call the Town’s Department of Community and Youth Services at (516) 797-7925 or visit oysterbaytown. com.
“Breast cancer awareness is near and dear to all of us here at Aboff’s,” said Aboff’s Paints owner and CSHL Corporate Advisory Board member Matthew Aboff. “We are delighted to renew our partnership with Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory for October 2024 and hope to make this year’s campaign our most successful yet.”
Family-owned and operated, Aboff’s Paints has been proudly serving Long Island and the New
York region for 95 years.
The knowledgeable team of paint experts leverage decades of experience, and with 32 convenient locations across Long Island, they’re on hand to accommodate any residential, commercial, or industrial painting project. For more information, contact Shayna Bowles at Aboff’s Paints (sbowles@ aboffs.com; 631-4272008 ext. 153) or Sarah Kitt at CSHL (kitt@cshl. edu; 516-367-6808).
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