GRAND OPENING RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY - NSE WINDOWS
The Massapequa Chamber of Commerce recently held a Grand Opening ribbon-cutting ceremony for
NSE Windows, located at 5340 Merrick Rd. in Massapequa. Congratulations to owners Joe Mauceri, Eric Clemente, and their team on this exciting milestone! Pictured: left to right, Megan Wilson-Office Manager, Janice Talento-MCC
Vice President, Sal Polito-MCC Second Vice President, Isabelle Rapacuillo-MCC Board of Directors, Robin Hepworth-MC Chamber President, Joe Mauceri-NSE Window owner, Eric Clemente-NSE Windows Owner, Joe Mauceri Jr-Marketing Director, Fran Mauceri, and Carol Link-South Bay's Neighbor.
Gestures anyone can embrace in support of veterans
Veterans Day is Novemeber 11. Community-wide events tend to be held on that day, but any day of the year is a good time to pay respect to veterans. On a local level, people can do much to thank veterans for their service and sacrifice.
· Provide a free restaurant meal. Offer to take out a veteran for breakfast, lunch or dinner. If you see a veteran eating in a restaurant, anonymously pay the bill for that person.
· Send care packages. Communities can gather resources and chip in to make care packages for veterans who live in town, and even to send to troops stationed elsewhere.
Include foods and comforts from home.
· Buy from veterans. Seek out veteran-owned businesses in the area, and then make purchases from their retail stores or utilize their services.
· Volunteer at a VA hospital. Spend time with veterans where they receive care for current health needs or past injuries suffered in combat.
· Participate in a parade. If your town hosts a Veterans Day parade, find out how you can volunteer or be a part of it. Oftentimes parade officials enable youth groups, such as high school marching bands or scouting troops, to participate in the parade.
· Write to a publication. Write an op-ed or highlight piece to submit to a local newspaper about veterans in the community. Mention local veterans who have unique stories, or speak about the importance of veterans to the community.
· Ask a veteran to speak. If you work in a school or a community center, ask veterans to share their experiences with area youth.
· Visit local memorials. Spend time visiting memorials nearby and paying homage to the veterans who devoted their time, or even their lives, to service.
To all our Veterans, We respect you, we thank you and we honor you today and always.
- The Staff of Long Island Media Group
Town Celebrates
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Receiver of Taxes Jeffrey Pravato recently joined the Woman’s Club of Massapequa to celebrate the organization’s 100th anniversary alongside current President Frances Cloud. The Woman’s Club of Massapequa is one of the oldest existing organizations in Massapequa and over the last century has made a positive impact within the community and advanced many worthwhile initiatives, particularly those affecting the welfare of children.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony NSE Windows
GRAND OPENING RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY - NSE WINDOWS
- The Massapequa Chamber of Commerce recently held a Grand Opening ribboncutting ceremony for their member, NSE Windows, located at 5340 Merrick Rd. in Massapequa. Congratulations to owners Joe Mauceri, Eric Clemente, and their team on this exciting milestone! Pictured: left to right, Megan Wilson-Office Manager, Janice Talento-MCC Third Vice President, Sal Polito-MCC Second Vice President, Isabelle Rapacuillo-MCC Board of Directors, Robin Hepworth-MC Chamber President, Joe Mauceri-NSE Window owner, Eric Clemente-NSE Windows Owner, Joe Mauceri Jr-Marketing Director, Fran Mauceri, and Carol Link-South Bay’s Neighbor.
Assemblyman Durso Hosts 4th Annual Women Of Distinction Ceremony
New York State Assemblyman Michael Durso (R-Massapequa Park) recently held his 4th Annual Women Distinction Ceremony at the Marjorie Post Community Center in Massapequa Park, recognizing ten extraordinary women for their professional accomplishments, personal achievements, and significant contributions to their communities. The honorees are leaders, entrepreneurs, mothers, wives and role models from diverse backgrounds and fields, who have broken barriers and paved the way for future generations.
The event kicked off with performances by Massapequa High School’s String Ensemble, Emily Ogurick singing the National Anthem, and the Chordettes, a talented acapella group singing the classics with their harmonious renditions.
Babylon resident, Joan Caliendo, a 2022 Women of Distinction and current Ms. New York Senior America, was the keynote speaker. She delivered inspiring words of encouragement, determination, and taking risks no matter what your age. Joan recently participated in the National Ms. Senior
America Pageant at the Tropicana Hotel in Atlantic City and was crowned 2nd runner-up.
“I want to congratulate all of the 2024 Women of Distinction honorees. It was a privilege to acknowledge these ten remarkable individuals who exemplify what it means to be courageous, selfless, and a positive role model for young women,” said Assemblyman Durso. “I want to especially thank the Massapequa School District and Massapequa High School students for their incredible performances.”
Massapequa’s Pink Events Raise Awareness And Funds
Massapequa students dig their pink attire, which they have been wearing throughout October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In addition to showing their support through fashion, students, staff and community members have also been raising money for local organizations.
The girls volleyball team held its annual Dig Pink event on Oct. 22, with varsity and junior varsity games against Mineola. A fundraiser in the gymnasium lobby included raffle baskets, a 50/50 drawing and candy and dessert sales. Guests could also buy pink girls volleyball shirts. Each player on the varsity team had an online donation page, with proceeds from all of the fundraising efforts going to
the Side-Out Foundation.
Amanda DelGiacco, the varsity volleyball coach, said that this is the 17th year of Dig Pink, and the first 16 events raised more than $170,000. This year’s total is still being finalized as the online fundraising pages are open through the end of the month. She said that each $2,000 raised benefits one breast cancer patient.
“I’m excited to take part in this campaign because we’re raising money for people going through this tough time and our hearts go out to them,” senior volleyball player Mariah Morisi said.
“It’s really special to our team,” added Micaela Gillis, whose grandmother is a breast cancer survivor. “It shows everyone that we’re here to play for something bigger than the game.”
Coach DelGiacco said that the Dig Pink event has become an important tradition for the girls volleyball team. This year, the players wore special shirts for the game along with pink armbands and socks.
Berner Middle School held its annual Think Pink day on Oct. 24. During lunch periods, student council leaders sold Berner Thinks Pink shirts as well as raffle tickets for a candy basket, with proceeds going to the Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition and the Side-Out Foundation. Students were encouraged to wear pink and several handmade banners were hung throughout the school to raise awareness.
School District
them to editorial@ longislandmediagroup.com.
Pictured L to R: Back Row: Carol D’Amato, Dawn Dahill, Assemblyman Michael Durso, Michelle Panetta, and Robin Hepworth. Front Row: Denise Heegan, Donna Marano, Deirdre Trumpy, and Gaby Paulino-Pena. Not pictured: Theresa DiPietto and Debra Ragusa
The Massapequa High School girls varsity volleyball team held its annual Dig Pink game on Oct. 22 with proceeds going to the Side-Out Foundation. Photos courtesy of the Massapequa
The junior varsity game against Mineola was the first contest of the annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month event.
New York State Empire Award Recipient
NEW YORK STATE EMPIRE AWARD RECIPIENT - The Massapequa Chamber of Commerce recently nominated their long-time member, Pequa Park Florist, for the New York State Empire Award, presented on October 16 by Senator Alexis Weik! Vincent and Joseph Bordino and their team have brought joy to Massapequa and beyond with their stunning arrangements, same-day delivery, and exceptional service for over 60 years! Family-owned and operated, Pequa Park Florist is the trusted name for Fresh flowers Fruit baskets, custom pieces, and gifts for any occasion. Pequa Park Florist has also been voted “Best Long Island Florist.” They truly deserve this recognition. Congratulations!
NOVEMBER HAPPENINGS
THURSDAY, NOV. 7th
7:00PM
LINDENHURST
EVENING HOMEMAKERS GROUP
Join Lindenhurst Evening Homemakers Group at the North Amityville Senior Center 48 Cedar Rd. in Amityville (off of New Hwy.) Open to all 18 years old & up. New members should arrive 15 min. early. For more information, please call Lisa LeBrie at 516-413-7467
SATURDAY, NOV. 9th
10:00AM-3:00PM
VETERAN'S BENEFITS SYMPOSIUM
Sgt . John Sardiello Post 1634 of the American Legion, 10 Bruce Street in West Babylon. Breakfast & Lunch Served. Open to all veterans and/ or their families seeking information and services. Need Information, call 631-669-3931, secretary.post1634@ gmail.com
SUNDAY, NOV. 10th
9:00AM-2:00PM OPERATION ENDURING CARE BENEFIT CAR SHOW
Hosted by the Centurion Cruisers Car Club and American legion Post 1244 Greenlawn - Remembering our Veterans. Walt Whitman High School 301 West Hills Road in Huntington Station. They are collecting donations to benefit in-patients and Community living Centers at the Northport V.A. Hospital, United Beacon House shelter and other transition and rehabilitation programs. For more info contact: Hank 516-650-9095 or Charlie 917-337-2234
HOLIDAYS
3rd - Daylight Savings Time Ends
5th - Election Day
11th - Veterans Day
28th - Thanksgiving
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-2:00PM BARK IN THE PARK
The North Babylon Lions Club will be hosting Bark in the Park at Birch Pavilion Belmont State Park. 5K Walk, dog costume contest, food, beverages, music, raffles, pet and gift vendors, $10 donation for each dog and walker, All proceeds will benefit the Guide Dog Foundation. All dogs must be on a leash. Questions and to Pre-register contact Joanie Zangerie 631-8604874, joaniezang@gmail.com
SATURDAY, NOV. 16th
9:00AM-11:00AM
SANTAPOGUE CREEK
DEFENDER CLEAN UP
Santapogue Creek Defender Clean Up/ West Babylon in collaboration with Babylon Rotary. Meet up is in old K-mart parking lot, Montauk Highway (across from Aldi). Gloves and bags to be provided. Please wear weather appropriate clothing. Volunteer here https://savethegreatsouthbay.org/ volunteer/
10:00AM-1:30PM
WANTAGH KIWANIS FOOD DRIVE
HUNGER affects people in EVERY community of ALL ages throughout the YEAR. Please join us at the King Kullen on Wantagh Ave. in Wantagh. Locally Benefitting: St. Francis Food Pantry & St. Jude Episcopal Food Pantry - Wantagh. For more information, please call Marlena Schein 516-297-2772
SUNDAY, NOV. 17th
DOORS OPEN AT 1:30PM
BUNCO FUNDRAISER
The Joseph Barry Columbiettes are
sponsoring a BUNCO fundraiser on Sunday, November 17th at the Joseph Barry Knights of Columbus hall (45 Heitz Place, Hicksville). Games will begin at 2 o'clock. RAFFLES AND PRIZES, 50/50 For more information, please call Susan at 516-680-8487, or email SueSarandis@gmail.com
MONDAY, NOV. 18th
7:00PM START
HOLIDAY BINGO
The LongIsland Society of Italian Americans(LISIA) is having a Holiday Bingo at St Mary’s Knights of Columbus, 78 Hempstead Avenue, Lynbrook. $45.00 per person, spaghetti and meatball dinner served family style, coffee, dessert and a cash bar. 2 games of Bingo, fun prizes awarded, share the wealth raffle. Reservations required, please call Diane Langella 516-398-3484 for information.
TUESDAY, NOV. 19th
7:00-9:00PM
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
The Historical Society of Islip Hamlet and the Islip Public Library will co-host a showing of Gerald Charles Dickens movie, "A Christmas Carol". Mr. Dickens is the great-great-grandson of Charles Dickens and he performs his one-man show in Rochester, England, where Dickens lived. The movie will be shown at the Islip Public Library, 71 Monell Ave; there will be light refreshments. The movie is free and open to the public but registration is required, call 631-581-5933. For more information visit www. isliphamlethistory.org, or call 631-559-2915.
Dear Fellow Chambers Members and Residents of the Massapequas,
As I write this, summer has officially come to a close, and fall has arrived. It seems that we’ve waited a long time for fall through an especially hot summer. I will miss the summer (my favorite season), but I’m excited for the cozy charm of fall. The cooler weather, vibrant foliage, early sunsets, and cozy sweaters are just a few things I love about this time of year. And let’s not forget football and networking events! At the Massapequa Chamber of Commerce, we’re excited to kick off this new season with an exciting lineup of events and initiatives that will bring our community together.
Building on the success of our summer events, we were excited to partner with News 12 for their “Main Street Long Island - Massapequa” series. In August, we showcased the exceptional talent of our member businesses, including Broadway Gourmet Bagel Café, Massapequa Ultra Lanes Bowling, Burgerology, Sage N Selenite Holistic Spa, Gumdrop Garden, and Zona Restaurant. It was truly thrilling to see our members shine on local TV!
One of my favorite events of the year is our Annual Police Luncheon, which we held on September 26th at American Legion Post 1066. The Massapequa Chamber of Commerce is always proud to Back the Blue! This special celebration shines a well-deserved spotlight on the heroes of the Nassau County Police Department. We had the privilege of honoring two exceptional officers from the 7th Precinct who embody the department’s dedication and service: Police Officers Nicholas Russo and Christopher Ryder. We extend our gratitude to event sponsors Thomas Antonetti (BHHS Laffey International Realty) and Masone Masonry for their generous support.
With the fall season in full swing, we’re excited to host several events that will bring our community together! Our Chamber’s rst Halloween Trunk or Treat on October 19th, 11am-1pm, at the McKenna Elementary Senior Center Parking Lot, promises to be a fun- lled afternoon with our member businesses. (Exclusive to Massapequa families only.) Come and join in the spooky spirit!
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and in honor of our beloved Past President and dear friend, Patricia Orzano - who passed away last November after battling breast cancer for many years - we’re hosting the Patricia Orzano Breast Cancer Awareness Walk on October 27th at Marjorie Post Park. Patty was a mentor and friend to me, and I felt there’s no better way to honor her than to have this walk in her name. All monies raised will go towards two incredible organizations: Mondays Cancer Care and Hewlett House. I know Patty would be so proud - her dedication to the community and our Chamber was nothing short of extraordinary, and she is deeply loved and missed. Together we can spread awareness, honor Patty, and support those affected by this disease. Our special thanks to Masone Masonry for their sponsorship of this special event. We’re grateful to Past President Robert R. Barrett for chairing this new initiative. Register now and make a difference in our community!
As the spooky season approaches, we’re excited to host more networking events to foster meaningful connections among our members. We’re again hosting the Annual Halloween Networking Spooktacular – After-Hours Dinner at Zona Restaurant on October 24th! Wear your best costume and connect with fellow business leaders while enjoying a delicious dinner. Be sure to visit our website and secure your spot!
Looking ahead, we’re excited to see the growth and success of our member businesses. Recent ribbon cuttings have been a testament to the vibrancy of our community. We celebrated the Grand Re-Opening of Exit Realty Premier, welcoming them to their beautiful new location in Massapequa. Additionally, we marked the Grand Opening of NSE Windows’ stunning new showroom in Massapequa. We’re delighted to have these ceremonies as opportunities to recognize our members’ achievements and contributions to our community. Congratulations to both Exit Realty Premier and NSE Windows - we’re proud to support our member businesses and look forward to their continued success!
And speaking of milestones, special congratulations to our amazing Office Manager, Shelley, on her impressive 10-Year Anniversary with our Chamber. Shelley always goes above and beyond for our Chamber and members. She is incredibly dedicated and always puts her heart into everything that she does. We are incredibly lucky to have her, and send her our sincere appreciation!
Ready to get involved? Call us at 516-541-1443 to learn about sponsorship opportunities or join the Chamber. We can’t wait to welcome you to our vibrant Chamber family!
Wishing you a fantastic fall season!
Robin Hepworth President, Massapequa Chamber of Commerce
Garage Door
COAST LITTLE LEAGUE
WHERE:
Birch Lane Elementary School (41 Birch Lane, Massapequa Park)
Sat. Nov 2 (9:30am-11:00am) • Thurs. Nov 7 (7:30pm-9:00pm) Tues. Nov 12 (7:30pm-9:00pm) • Thus. Nov 14 (7:30pm-9:00pm)
WHO:
For boys/girls interested in BASEBALL. Players MUST be 4 prior to Sept. 1, 2025 and cannot be older than 16 prior to Sept. 1, 2025 to be eligible for our program
REG FEES FOR PLAYERS RESIDING OR ATTENDING A SCHOOL SOUTH OF SUNRISE HIGHWAY IN MASSAPEQUA/MASSAPEQUA PARK BOUNDARIES
MAXIMUM FEE PER FAMILY FOR SPRING REGISTRATION IS $350
OUT OF BOUNDRY RESIDENTS, REGISTRATION FEE IS $500 PER PLAYER.
NEW PLAYERS TO PROGRAM MUST PRODUCE A COPY OF BIRTH CERTIFICATE & SCHOOL VERIFICATION FOR MCLL RECORDS
Players who HAVE NOT participated in the Coast League during one of our Spring Seasons in the past, MUST provide an original Raised Seal Birth Certificate.
FIRST TIME PLAYERS SHOULD ATTEND REGISTRATION FOR JERSEY SIZING
T-Ball Note for 6 year olds: Must play t-ball if first year playing
Sandlot Note for 6 year olds: Must have played 1 year of documented t-ball. Player should be capable of hitting a pitched ball, otherwise t-ball is recommended
AA Note for 8’s: Rating will be reviewed, ratings will dictate placement regarding this request
AA Note for 10’s: A player based on ability can be placed in AA upon parent request
Majors Note for 11’s: For 11’s not drafted into the Majors, they will be placed in AAA despite registering for Majors... An 11 year old registering for Majors is a request and placement will be determined at Draft...
Juniors Note: 90 foot baseball... 13 & 14 year olds.
Seniors Note: Once again, we will play inter-league with the Massapequa International League
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
Vegetable Choose Two
• String Bean Casserole
• Candied Sweet Potatoes
• Mashed Potatoes
• Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts
• String Bean Almondine
Dessert Choose one
• Homemade Pumpkin Pie or Apple Pie
• Fresh Cut Fruit Bowl
Fearless Engineers Stand Tall
There weren’t any crows to scare away, but that didn’t stop fourth graders in the Magnet program from embarking on a fun fall engineering challenge at East Lake Elementary School in the Massapequa School District.
Under the direction of Magnet and STEAM teacher Lisa Gennardo,
groups to make three paper scarecrows stand. The goal was to find three different solutions to make the scarecrows stay upright, without taping them to the desk or floor.
The materials they had to work with included a clothespin, index card, paper clip, plastic spoon, pipe cleaners, Q-tip, straws,
masking tape. The young engineers first had to discuss their plans before building. Once completed, they used a straw to blow on each scarecrow and if it fell over, they had to modify the design and try again. Students enhanced their critical thinking, problem-solving and teamwork skills.
Mackenzie Berrios, Carter Smith and Xander Kerley worked a scarecrow STEAM challenge. Photo courtesy of the Massapequa School District
CLUES ACROSS
1. Absence of effort
5. Preserve a dead body
11. Gratitude
14. The act of coming together again
15. Simpler
18. Visionaries
19. Large, fish-eating bird
21. Indicates near
24. Icelandic poems
28. Pop
29. “Hammer” is one
30. Senses of self-importance
32. Thyrotrophic hormone
33. Not around
35. Electronic data processing
36. Licenses and passports are two types
39. Snakelike fish
41. Air Force
44. Of a withered nature
46. Wings
47. Used in combination
49. Laid back
52. Jeweled headdress
56. In slow tempo
58. __ Falls
60. Assertions made again
62. Periods of history
23. Former CIA agent and critic
CLUES DOWN
1. Body part
2. Mimics
3. Expel large quantities rapidly
4. Sea eagle
5. A type of subdivision
6. Variety of Chinese
7. Mr. T’s name on “The A-Team”
8. Consumed
9. Chinese dynasty
10. NFL great Randy
12. Ireland
13. Palm trees with creeping roots
42. Popular computers
16. Fungal disease
17. Impressionable persons
20. Affirmative! (slang)
22. Instinctive part of the mind
25. “The First State”
26. A way to develop
27. Fraternities
29. Woman (French)
31. Sunscreen rating
34. Beer
36. Spiritual leader
37. Indigo bush
38. Burn with a hot liquid
40. Junior’s father
63. Hyphen
43. Ray-finned fishes
45. Morning
48. Line passing side to side through the center (abbr.)
50. Double curve
51. A small bundle of straw or hay
53. Got older
54. Crater on Mars
55. Humanities
57. Relating to the ears
58. “To the __ degree…”
59. Residue of a burned product
It cools a home
The Wonders And Importance Of Bees In Feeding The World
By Deb Colton
Beekeeping helps many communities around the world by providing income, supports agriculture and improves food security.
Honey can be used as a natural preservative due to its antibacterial properties and has been used to
preserve fruits and other foods for centuries; Honey never spoils. Archaeologists have found pots of honey in ancient Egyptian tombs that are over 3,000 years old and still perfectly edible; Bees are essential for growing many of our foods.
They pollinate about 1/3 of the food we eat including fruits, vegetables, and nuts; Honey bees are the only insects that produce food eaten by humans. They are unique and their production of honey has been a staple in human diets for thousands of years;
Honey can improve sleep. A spoonful of honey before bed can promote relaxation and better sleep by raising insulin slightly and allowing tryptophan to enter the brain;
Honey has natural healing properties and different medicinal uses in various cultures. It can help soothe sore throats, speed up the healing of wounds and burns due to its antibacterial qualities and is used to treat digestive issues; Honey can help your brain. It contains antioxidants that may support brain health and improve memory; Honey can help with seasonal allergies. Consuming local honey is believed by some to help build immunity to local pollen and reduce allergy symptoms;
Bees produce a tiny amount of honey in their lifetime. A single worker
bee produces about 1/12 of a teaspoon of honey in their entire life, but together they are a powerful force and need protection; There are over 300 types of honey in the United States. The flavor, color and aroma depend on the flowers that bees visit;
Beeswax is used in many everyday products. It is found in things like candles, lip, balm and even some types of food packaging;
Beyond all of that, here are some fascinating factoids about bees – they are colorblind to red. Bees can see ultraviolet light which humans cannot, but they cannot see the color red.
Bees have a built-in GPS that uses the position of the Sun, the Earth’s magnetic field, and their own memories of landmarks to navigate and find their way back to the hive. Bees are known to communicate through dancing. They perform a
“wiggle dance” to tell other bees where to find the best flowers. Bees can even recognize and remember human faces, much like they remember flowers. Bees are critically important in food production around the world.
631-226-2636 Ext. 276
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 LOOKING TO ADVERTI SE YOUR BUSINES S? Call Classified and one of our experienced sales representatives will help you. BIG BUDGET? SM ALL BUDGET? 631-226-2636, press 276
Education: Assistant Professor, Physical Education (Adapted) (Garden City, NY). Adelphi University seeks f/t tenuretrack candidate to, among others, conduct research, and teach undergrad & grad level Phys Ed Teacher Ed courses to diverse student population in initial & advanced teacher certi cation program primarily w/i Adapted & Inclusive Phys Ed. Must have at least 1 yr teaching exp; an active, ongoing scholarly agenda; and PhD or EdD in Phys Ed or a related eld (certain ABDs will be considered). Pay range $75,000 to $76,000/ yr. To apply http://www. adelphi.edu/positions/ faculty.
A Moment Of Gratitude For Massapequa’s Education Leaders
From twice-a-month board meetings to committee meetings to evening and weekend events, the five trustees of the Massapequa School District Board of Education make a big commitment to their volunteer positions. They were celebrated for their dedication at the Oct. 24 meeting to mark School Boards Recognition Week.
Superintendent Dr. William Brennan presented each trustee with a shirt that has the district’s new slogan, “Creating Leaders…One Child at a Time,” along with a sketch of the high school done by art teacher Paul Leone.
“It’s a week where we get to recognize and thank our school board members for their commitment to our community and the incredible role they play in the success of our schools,” Dr. Brennan said. “The time and energy and passion that each of them put into our school district is inspiring.”
This year’s board of education consists of President Kerry Wachter, Vice President Jeanine Caramore, Secretary Cher Lepre and trustees Christopher Brooks and Danielle Ocuto.
Massapequa Teacher To Share Best Practices Abroad
With an opportunity to give back to her profession, Kristen Urban, a sixth grade teacher at Berner Middle School in the Massapequa School
District, will spend a week in Jamaica to help improve literacy instruction.
Ms. Urban departs for her trip on Oct. 19 and will be assigned to New
Hope Preparatory School in the Caribbean island nation. A few years ago, she became involved with humanitarian organization Great Shape!
Inc., and has visited Jamaica for the past three summers to train teachers on literacy and math education, as well as behavior management
techniques. This will be her first time traveling there during the school year and it will allow her to work directly with students.
During her week abroad, Ms. Urban will be working with students in second through fifth grade, providing smallgroup literacy lessons and also modeling instructional strategies for teachers. Because she has her special education certification, she will also be able to provide guidance to teachers on assisting students with disabilities.
“I’m hoping I can offer some of my expertise and experience to help their young readers,” she said.
During her summer trips, Ms. Urban said the Jamaican educators have always been very welcoming and appreciative, and she looks forward to establishing further connections there
with both teachers and students.
In advance of the trip, Ms. Urban got her students and colleagues involved. Her sixth graders wrote book reviews that she will share with youngsters in Jamaica. And those books will be available because the student suggestions were added to an Amazon wish list and purchased by fellow Berner teachers.
Ms. Urban will be bringing more than 100 books with her, as well as other school supplies to donate.
“It’s been nice to involve my students in this,” she said. “They’ve had a lot of questions. They’re curious about what schools are like over there.”
Ms. Urban has been in Massapequa since 2016. She was a learn at lunch teacher at the Ames Campus before moving to Berner four years ago as a sixth grade English language arts and math educator.
Berner Middle School sixth grade teacher Kristen Urban will be traveling to Jamaica for a week to model literacy instruction techniques. Her students contributed book reviews that will be shared with youngsters there. Photo courtesy of the Massapequa School District
A MOMENT OF GRATITUDE - Massapequa Superintendent Dr. William Brennan, left, presented shirts with the district’s slogan to board of education trustees, from left, Danielle Ocuto, Vice President Jeanine Caramore, President Kerry Wachter, Secretary Cher Lepre and Christopher Brooks. Photo courtesy of the Massapequa School District
Much Character & Curb Appeal. Enter Southern Exposure Vaulted Sunroom
TESTIMONIALS ... WHAT YOUR NEIGHBORS ARE SAYING!
“We selected Michele and Mark Goodman as our listing agents. They are extremely dedicated and knowledgeable professionals and did a fantastic job selling the home. It was definitely our very best decision! Michele and Mark listed it & also sold it due to their marketing strategy which created an event with numerous offers and their negotiating expertise resulted in a sale within 30 days for $32,300 over list price. We highly recommend them to all sellers and buyers!” ... Michael Patoka
“We give Michele & Mark Goodman our very highest recommendation!! My husband who is a real estate attorney & I knew that we wanted Michele and Mark to find a buyer for our home and quickly! That was a good decision!! They found a buyer within a few weeks & negotiated a price of $82,000 higher than our asking. We have already recommended this team to clients and will highly recommend them to friends & family. They are true professionals!!” ... Arnie & Resa Hauptman
