August 28, 2024 Massapequa by Long Island Media Group

TOWN RECEIVES HIGHEST NATIONAL AWARD

Town Receives Highest National Award For Excellence In Financial Reporting

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino announced that the Town received a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. The recognition, awarded by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA), is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting. The Town was praised for its annual comprehensive financial report, and is the only town in the “Large Municipal” category to win the award nationwide.

“This award represents a significant accomplishment by our Town and the way we have managed our finances,” said Supervisor Saladino.

“Since taking office, my administration has eliminated $44 million in deficits inherited from the prior administration while producing budget surpluses and earning 9 credit rating upgrades from Wall Street – all while cutting property taxes and repaving more roads than ever before! We’re proud to earn this recognition and will continue practicing fiscal restraint to protect taxpayers.”

The Town’s financial report is judged by an

impartial panel to meet the high standards of the GFOA program, which includes demonstrating a constructive ‘spirit of full disclosure’ to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the report.

The GFOA, founded in 1906, represents public finance officials throughout the United States and Canada deeply involved in planning, financing and implementing thousands of governmental operations in each of their jurisdictions. GFOA’s mission is to advance excellence in public finance.

TOWN RECEIVES HIGHEST NATIONAL AWARD - Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino announced that the Town received a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. The recognition, awarded by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA), is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting. Pictured above are Internal Audit Division Head Richard Principe, Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Town Comptroller Steve Ballas of Farmingdale, and Deputy Town Comptroller Christine Wiss of Massapequa Park.

Town Clerk LaMarca Announces Special One-Stop Passport Weekend

To help residents looking to obtain new passports, Oyster Bay Town Clerk Richard LaMarca announced that his office will offer a special one-stop Passport Weekend on Saturday, September 14th and Sunday, September 15th from 9am to 3pm at both Town Hall North in Oyster Bay and Town Hall South in Massapequa.

“Residents looking to apply for a new passport are invited to visit Town Hall during Passport Weekend to receive assistance,” said Town Clerk LaMarca. “We can help you with organizing your documents, obtaining a photo and submitting the documents for approval.”

Requirements for applying for a passport

include:

• One 2x2 color photograph with a clear view of the applicant’s face against a plain white or light colored background. Photos will also be available for $10 at both Town Halls North and South during Passport Weekend.

• Proof of U.S. Citizenship

– Previously issued undamaged U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth, Naturalization Certificate, or Certificate of Citizenship.

• Proof of Identity – Naturalization Certificate, Valid Driver’s License (cannot have been issued or renewed in the last

six months), Current Government ID (city, state or federal), Current Military ID (military and dependents).

• This service does NOT apply to Adult Renewals unless your Passport is expired for 5+ years.

Town Clerk LaMarca has offices located at Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Avenue in Oyster Bay and Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Road in Massapequa. Passport appointments are available Monday through Friday, from 9:30am to 3:30pm, and during this special Passport Weekend. For appointments in Oyster Bay, please call (516) 6246324. For appointments in Massapequa, please call (516) 797-7962.

8-Year-Old Mason Maier Signs Honorary Contract

A “Met For A Day”

It’s been a long road from Cohen Children’s Medical Center to home plate, but 8-year-old Mason Maier, of Massapequa, made the “Amazin’s” even more so when he signed an honorary contract to become a “Met for a Day.”

After joining the New York Mets during Spring Training earlier this year, Mason’s dream to join his favorite team came true when, flanked by his parents and his favorite nurse, he signed an honorary, one-day contract with the Mets.

All of this was a far cry from the frightened child, who in mid-June 2019, began to suffer from unexplained fevers for long period of time. His mother, Laura Maier, remembered that he became increasingly lethargic, ate very little and bruised easily.

In August of this year, his

parents brought him to the emergency department at Cohen Children’s Medical Center. A battery of tests revealed that Mason was living with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). To fight the disease, Mason underwent three years of chemotherapy; he also had to endure multiple hospital stays caused by infections or low white blood cell counts.

Mason has been deemed in remission for more than one year. He is now, according to his parents, a happy little boy who loves school, his friends, and, of course, the NY Mets.

“We want to thank all the wonderful members of Mason’s care team at Cohen Children’s for helping Mason on his medical journey,” said Ms. Maier. “And, of course, thank you to the Mets for making this dream come true. Baseball has always

been a big part of Mason’s life and we’re so grateful that he gets to be here today with his favorite team.”

Donovan Mitchell,

senior director of DEI and Community Relations for the Mets, was present for the honorary contract signing. As he presented the document to Mason,

he said, “As a token of our appreciation and for what you’ve gone through, we’d like to present you with a one-day contract.”

As soon as it became

“official,” Mason quickly swapped his Cohen Children’s cap for a Mets cap. When asked how he felt, Mason replied, “I’m excited to be a Met.”

AUGUST HAPPENINGS

SATURDAY AUGUST 31

7:30AM-1:00PM RUNNERS EDGE

MAIN STREET MILE

The 21st Annual Runner’s Edge Main Street Mile will begin with a Kid’s Fun Run at 8:30 a.m. on Main Street in Farmingdale, followed by a woman’s one-mile run at 9:00 a.m. and a Men’s one-mile run at 9:30 a.m. Hockey legend Pat LaFontaine will be on hand for the races, as well as a postrace blow-out at The Tap Room in Farmingdale beginning at 11 a.m. ! For more information, please call 516-420-7963

10:00AM-4:00PM END OF SUMMER FESTIVAL

Holy Trinity Orthodox Church at 369 Green Avenue in East Meadow will host its End of Summer Festival (rain or shine). It will feature Ethnic and BBQ foods, live music, kids’ games, flea market, basket raffle, and $1,000 cash prize raffle. Admission is free. For more information, please call 516-483-3649, email htocem@gmail. com or visit www.htocem.org.

2:00PM-5:00PM DAHLIA EXHIBITION AND PHOTO SHOW

The Long Island Dahlia Society will hold its annual Dahlia Exhibition and Photo Show at the Bayard Cutting Arboretum, Carriage House, 440 Montauk Highway in Great River. Show is free with entry in the park. For further information visit WWW. LongIslandDahlia.org

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

UPCOMING SEPTEMBER EVENTS

THURSDAY, SEPT. 5

7:00PM LINDENHURST EVENING HOMEMAKERS GROUP

Join Lindenhurst Evening Homemakers Group at the Amityville Senior Center on Cedar St. Open to all members and newcomers 18 years old and up. Meet ups start at 7pm & new members should arrive 15 min. early. For more information, please call Lisa LeBrie at 516-413-7467

SATURDAY, SEPT. 7

6:00PM

QUEENS SOUND PRESENTS: "SONGS BENEATH THE TREES"

Our Lady of Grace Concert Series Presents an evening of serene melodies evoking a world of natural beauty. $10 Suggested Donation. Refreshments will be served. Our Lady of Grace, 666 Albin Ave. in West Babylon. For more information, please call 631-587-5185

SUNDAY, SEPT. 8

9:00AM-4:00PM

36th ANNUAL COPIAGUE KIWANIS CAR SHOW & MARKET PLACE

This event is proudly presented by the Copiague Kiwanis in collaboration with the Town of Babylon and will take place at Tanner Park. Get ready for a day ﬁlled with chrome, classic tunes, and family fun. For further questions, Phil Guerra can be contacted directly at 516-647-2754 or via email at philcarshow@optonline.net.

9:30AM 9/11 REMEMBRANCE SERVICE

The Farmingdale United Methodist Church, 407 Main Street, will hold a Remembrance Service on the 23rd anniversary of 9-11. Following the service everyone is invited to honor the day by placing ribbons around the Memorial Tree dedicated to Lt. Christopher P. Sullivan, FDNY, who generously led our Nursery School children in ﬁre safety. All Farmingdale ﬁremen/emergency responders and their families are invited to attend, as is the general public. Please join us.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 12

7:00PM LONG ISLAND IN THE MOVIES

The Seaford Historical Society will host a presentation by Greg Blank about Long Island in the Movies, at the Historical Society Museum. The Museum is located at 3890 Waverly Ave. in Seaford. Members Free. $5 fee for nonmembers. For more information, please call Judy Bongiovi at 516-660-2275

CALL FOR TIME GENERAL BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP & LOSS OF ADULT CHILD GROUP

The General Support Group is open to anyone who has suffered a loss at least three months prior to the start of the group. The Adult Child Group has a no wait requirement. Pre-registration is required. Seating is limited. The groups will be offered at St. John Nepomucene, 1140 Locust Ave. in Bohemia. Please call to reserve your seat, 631-589-0540, ext. 250.

Massapequa Chamber Of Commerce Teams Up With News 12 And A Few Local Chamber Businesses

The Massapequa Chamber of Commerce recently teamed up with News 12 and a few of our local Chamber businesses to showcase them on the Main Street Massapequa series. Some of the businesses featured was Broadway Gourmet, Sage and Selente Holistic Spa, Ultra Lanes Bowling Alley, Burgerology, Gum Drop Garden and Zona Restaurant. Pictured: News 12 at Zona Restaurant. Pictured left to right, Leah CGilvray, Gianna Hiotis-Catering Manager, News 12 anchor Jenn Seelig, and Olga Langis-Owner of Zona. Photo by Robin Hepworth

Pictured: Ultra Lanes Bowling Alley, Massapequa. From left to right, News 12 anchor Jenn Seelig, Robin Hepworth-Chamber President, Brenda Khabie Owner, Janice Talento-Third Vice President, Sal Polito-Second Vice President, News 12 cameraman.

Pictured: Gum Drop Garden. From left to right, Lauren Nesler, Jenn Seelig, Jacqueline Gaynor.

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Garage Door

Free Waterfront Festival & Outdoor Concert At TOBAY Beach On September

8th

Live Music From Captain Cool Band; Marine And Outdoor Exhibits, Children’s Snapper Derby And Police Boat Demonstrations

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and the Town Board announced a Free Waterfront Festival and Outdoor Concert will take place on Sunday, September 8th at TOBAY Beach Marina. This family-fun day will feature marine and outdoor exhibits, a children’s snapper derby, police boat demonstrations, food concessions and a free concert featuring Captain Cool Band with yacht rockin’ hits. The festival will run from 12:00pm to 4:00pm.

“The Town is thrilled to offer a free day of family-fun and live music at TOBAY Beach. Bring your family to Waterfront Festival for a great outdoor concert, educational exhibits and foods and drinks as the summer ends,” said Supervisor Saladino. “This free festival also provides a great opportunity to introduce children to recreational sport of fishing, as all equipment will be provided along with professional assistance and guidance.”

The Town of Oyster Bay Free Waterfront Festival and Concert is presented by Optimum and made possible through the following sponsors; Friendly’s, News12, Long Island Press, K-Joy 98.3, WHLI 1100am, 103.1 The WOLF, Walk 97.5, Go Palm Trees, Surf Shack, The Boat Yard, and the Nassau County Police Department.

For more information about the Waterfront Festival and Free Concert, call (516) 797-4121 or visit www. oysterbaytown.com

Receiver Pravato Advises Late General Taxpayers of Last Chance

To assist property owners who missed the August 12th deadline for paying their 2024 General taxes, Town of Oyster Bay Receiver of Taxes Jeffrey Pravato reminds residents that they can still pay the bill September 3rd with the State mandated 2% late payment penalty while avoiding additional interest and fees from accruing on their property. Late payers should immediately contact the Receiver’s office at (516) 624-6400 if

they did not receive a second notification with a delinquent tax bill. Payments postmarked after August 31st cannot be accepted since the collection warrant will have expired. Those payments must be sent to the Nassau

County Treasurer at 1 West Street, Mineola, New York 11501.

In September, the Nassau County Treasurer will be mailing notices to all property owners with taxes in arrears.

Receiver Pravato advises

Town To Upgrade Main Baseball Field At Burns Park

Oyster Bay Town

Supervisor Joseph Saladino and the Town Board announced that major upgrades are coming soon to the 90ft baseball field at John J. Burns Park in Massapequa. The Town of Oyster Bay will upgrade the natural surface infield

to a synthetic turf playing area.

“These important upgrades will enhance the overall playing experience for our little leaguers and others who use this field,” said Supervisor Saladino. “Upgrades will be achieved in the most cost-effective

way while bringing added enjoyment to all who use them.”

Artificial turf fields have a general useful life of up to 10 years, however they are less expensive than the long-term cost of maintaining natural grass and a dirt surface. Turf fields also provide the potential for fewer cancellations of games due to inclement weather, as the field is able to absorb rain storms in a manner that is not possible on a fully-dirt infield.

“Replacing the infield with synthetic turf allows for extended play time for athletes and brings a significant upgrade to this beautiful park,” added Supervisor Saladino. “We are pleased to bring these enhancements to the

Massapequa community while keeping a watchful eye on our bottom line.”

For more information about Town parks, including local programs and events, visit the Town’s website at www. oysterbaytown.com/parks.

homeowners who fall under those circumstances to contact the Nassau County Treasurer at (516) 571-2090 to determine the amount due. They may also visit the Nassau County Treasurer’s Office at 1 West Street in Mineola.

Receiver Pravato noted, “Taxpayers in the Town of Oyster Bay are already paying some of the highest property taxes in the nation, and I want to make sure that our residents do not pay more out of pocket than they have to.”

Light bulbs turned on, figuratively and literally, for more than 200 students who took part in Camp Invention from Aug. 5-9 at Unqua Elementary School. The program, which combines science, technology, engineering and mathematics, is an annual summer tradition in the Massapequa School District and throughout the country.

This year’s theme was “Illuminate.” Children had about six hours per day to explore and create, as they rotated through five different stations. Each classroom was led by a certified teacher, who were supported by middle schoolage leaders-in-training.

In Let It Glow, students

Bright Minds Gather At Camp Invention

created their own glow boxes that allowed them to illuminate a self-created scene. They explored concepts such as fiber optics and reflection. Students built circuits to power white and ultraviolet lights.

The Prototype Studio was a place for students to create their own inventions. They learned about several inventors, such as Rory Cooper, Beulah Louise Henry and Steve Sasson, and then did projects to simulate their creations. Operation Hydrodrop featured water challenges that focused on ecosystems and water conservation.

Students created their own game boards, similar to a Skeeball machine, at

the In The Game center. They explored kinetic and potential energy while using their creativity to customize their boards and come up with rules for their games. Camp Invention Games featured collaborative challenges, such as building the tallest free-standing tower out of balloons.

Camp Invention, sponsored by the National Inventors Hall of Fame, aims to turn curious children into innovative thinkers. High school science teacher Nancy Porcellini served as coordinator for Massapequa’s five-day program.

“The whole idea is to promote STEM in a fun manner,” she said. “Students don’t recognize that they’re

Students at Camp Invention, held at Unqua Elementary School in the Massapequa School District, worked on their inventions made from recycled materials in the Prototype Studio station.

learning so much. They think they’re just having fun. The content is so rich. They’re applying complicated concepts and learning very technical terms.”

This year’s camp had 235 participants, which included campers entering grades K-6 as well as seventh and eighth grade leaders-in-training. There were also nearly 20 high school-age leader interns. The volunteers were each assigned to a group, tasked with bringing their students to the different stations and helping out with the activities.

“Everyone is so nice and it’s a lot of fun,” rising senior Jules Esposito said of Camp Invention. “It’s something

different that introduces science at a young age.”

Jules, who has been a leader intern for several years, worked with students entering first grade this year. Her favorite part of the camp was watching them explore and discover as they completed different activities.

Will Stebner, entering his senior year at the high school, was a leader intern for the second year, and was also a camper several years ago. He enjoyed supporting the second graders in his group as they used their imaginations.

“I like giving back and giving the campers the same experience that I got,” he said, adding that he wants

to study engineering in the future.

Leaders-in-training Sarah Karchinski and Sophia Morales, both incoming seventh graders, spent the week in the Let It Glow room. They valued helping the children with the projects and serving as role models.

At the beginning of the week, students brought in materials from home for the upcycling room. Children could go there when they need project supplies, such as cardboard boxes and tubes, plastic containers, stickers, toys and more. As camp ended, they took home their creations made from those recycled materials.

Leader-in-training Sarah Karchinski worked with Camp Invention participants, from left, Dominic Barricella, Matthew Castiello and Dylan Vasselman as they created their glow boxes.

Massapequa Superintendent Dr. William Brennan met with Camp Invention participants, from left, Madeline Scaturro, Nicholas Viola and Emma Hipper. Photos courtesy of the Massapequa School District

Students visited the upcycling room to look for recycled materials for their various projects.