January 11, 2023 North Massapequa

Lockhart Elementary School

Photo courtesy of the Massapequa School District

Supervisor Saladino Swears In Massapequa Water District Commissioner

MASSAPEQUA 4183-4185 Merrick Rd. 516-26-GLASS • 516-264-0321 Fax: 631-264-3186 Monday-Friday 10am-6pm Saturday 10am-5pm Closed Sunday www.The-ShowerDoor.com

MASSAPEQUA WATER DISTRICT COMMISSIONER - Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino administered the Oath of Office to Massapequa Water District Commissioner Raymond Averna, who was elected to a 5th term on Wednesday, December 13th. Pictured from left to right are: Massapequa Water Commissioner Michael Mazzola, Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Maria Averna (wife of Raymond Averna), Massapequa Water Commissioner Raymond Averna, and Massapequa Water Commissioner Thomas McCarthy. “Keeping our water

districts, and Massapequa is fortunate to have

Suffolk Credit Union’s Holiday Drive Donates 400 Toys

Suffolk Credit Union (SCU) announced a donation of 400 toys in partnership with the New York Cancer and Blood Specialists, which provides patient-centered, affordable care to patients with cancer and blood disorders.

The toys for local children were donated by credit union staff and members during a holiday season drive at its branches. As a community-focused local institution, Suffolk Credit Union has a tradition of contributing to nonprofit

organizations that assist residents throughout Long Island.

“Our ‘Suffolk Smiles’ toy drive reflects our commitment to helping people in our community,” said Laura Racioppi, AVP Corporate and Community

Partnerships, Suffolk Credit Union. “The toys will certainly bring a smile to the faces of many children this holiday season.”

New York Cancer & Blood Specialists diagnose and treat every kind of cancer, offering patients state-ofthe-art treatments, clinical trials and comprehensive support services. Its multidisciplinary team of physicians, surgeons, nutritionists, social workers and other health specialists work together to develop a personalized treatment plan that fits a patient’s needs throughout diagnosis, active treatment, remission and survivorship.

Michele Dean, President & CEO of Suffolk Credit Union, concluded, “Our credit union has a 55-year history of partnering with deserving organizations as well as providing members with guidance and service they can count on. It’s all part of empowering people

in our community to thrive.”

About Suffolk Credit Union

Suffolk Credit Union is a local not-for-profit cooperative financial institution owned and operated by its members. It was chartered in 1967 by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). The volunteer-directed credit union has assets in excess of $1.6 billion, 10 branches

and over 69,000 members, including partnerships with Suffolk County employees and unions. Membership is open to anyone who lives, works, worships, attends school or regularly conducts business in Nassau and Suffolk counties as well as immediate family members of current membership. To learn more, visit www. suffolkcu.org or call 631924-8000.

HOLIDAY DRIVE DONATES 400 TOYS - Representatives from Suffolk Credit Union and New York Cancer and Blood Specialists gather donations from the ‘Suffolk Smiles’ Holiday Toy Drive collected during the holiday season for Long Island children.

Pravato Reminds Residents To Avoid Penalties By Paying General Taxes Prior To February 10th

Oyster Bay Town Receiver of Taxes Jeffrey Pravato reminds residents that the First Half of the 2023 General Tax Levy was due on January 1st, but can be paid without penalty through February 10th. Please be certain to sign your check, payable to Jeffrey P. Pravato, Receiver of Taxes. Indicate your property’s S.D. Code, Section, Block, Lot, and Phone number on the check.

“The Town of Oyster Bay did not raise taxes for 2023, however, the General Tax bill also includes amounts for Nassau County and special districts. New York State Laws allows my office to provide taxpayers with a 40-day penalty free period from the date the tax is due during which payment may be made without penalty,” added Receiver Pravato.

“After the 40 days, State Law requires a one percent penalty be added for each month the tax remains unpaid, retroactive to January 1st. Don’t delay, make your payment before February 10th and ensure you aren’t paying more out

of pocket than you need to.”

Taxes can be paid inperson at Town Hall North (74 Audrey Avenue in Oyster Bay) and at Town Hall South (977 Hicksville Road in Massapequa) daily from 9:00am to 4:45pm to assist residents and accept payments with either a check, cash or credit card.* Both indoor offices and walkup outdoor windows are staffed to assist the public. On February 9th and 10th, both offices will be open from 8:00am to 6:00pm. When paying in person, residents are reminded to bring the entire tax bill. Drop Boxes have been installed at both Town Hall North and Town Hall South for residents to make payments when the Tax Office is closed.

Residents who prefer to mail in their payments should send them to the Office of the Receiver of Taxes, 74 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, N.Y. 117711539. Please be certain to sign your check, and make it payable to Jeffrey P. Pravato, Receiver of Taxes. Indicate your property’s

S.D. Code, Section, Block, Lot and phone number on the check, along with your payment stub. Residents should NOT write on, fold, staple or otherwise deface the tax stub as it can cause the computer system to reject the payment.

Taxpayers can access 2023 General Tax information at www. oysterbaytown.com. Residents may view tax bills, print out a hard copy, or pay taxes with an ACH check payment using a checking account for a service fee of $1.75 cents*, or by credit card for a much higher fee* charged by the credit card companies. *Town of Oyster Bay receives no portion of this fee.

For more information on property taxes and/or payments, residents may call at (516) 624-6400 or email receiveroftaxes@ oysterbay-ny.gov. Callers are requested to have the school district, section, block and lot numbers of the property in question available. This information is listed on the tax bill and on the property deed.

Massapequa’s Lockhart Students Make Wishes Come True

It was another very successful year for the annual Make-A-Wish Foundation fundraiser at Lockhart Elementary School in the Massapequa School District. Students and staff collectively raised more than $9,500, which will grant wishes to three children.

The 34th annual MakeA-Wish concert on Dec. 23 featured musical performances by the fifth grade band, chorus and orchestra, as well as a holiday sing-along. The musical presentation is traditionally held the day before the holiday break to celebrate the generosity of the Lockhart community. In 34 years, the school

has donated more than $190,000 to Make-A-Wish, including $9,530 this year.

Assistant Principal Louisa Vecchione said that the donation was made possible by small and large acts of kindness. Money was raised from a walk-a-thon, bracelet sale and contributions from families.

“This truly continues to be a community effort,” she said. “We are one little school but our impact has been tremendous.”

The wishes that Lockhart will grant this year are a ski trip to Alaska for a 10-yearold boy, an adaptive play set for the backyard of an 11-year-old girl and a puppy for a 13-year-old

boy. Joan Siedlecki, a wish granter for the foundation, was on hand to accept the donation from Lockhart’s student council.

Diane Bacheller, the student council adviser, said the annual Make-AWish concert is a tradition steeped in the joy and excitement of giving to other people.

Musical performances included Christmas, Hanukkah and winter songs by the orchestra under the direction of Alison Pearl, the band conducted by Nicole Boyle and the chorus led by Kathleen Dyckman and special guest conductor Vincent Green, Massapequa’s director of fine and performing arts.

LOCKHART STUDENTS MAKE WISHES COME TRUE - Lockhart Elementary School raised $9,530 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation this year. From left are Massapequa Superintendent Dr. William Brennan, student council adviser Diane Bacheller, Assistant Principal Louisa Vecchione, wish granter Joan Siedlecki and Board of Education Secretary Gary Baldinger, along with student council officers. Photo courtesy of the Massapequa School District

THE FIFTH GRADE ORCHESTRA PERFORMED - The fifth grade orchestra performed at the 34th annual Make-A-Wish Concert Photo courtesy of the Massapequa School District

By Noelle Lambert

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

www.pal-o-mine.org

Pal-O-Mine Equestrian is a local non-profit organization that began in 1995 as a therapeutic horseback riding program for individuals with disabilities and other vulnerable populations. They grew from having two programs, eight horses and 80 students per week to 11 programs, 25 horses and 400 students per week - and they continue to grow today!

“Our mission has been, and continues to be, to provide a comprehensive therapeutic equine program using horses to facilitate growth, learning and healing,” said Lisa Gatti, Founder and CEO of Pal-O-Mine Equestrian. “We proudly serve individuals with disabilities, those who have been abused or neglected, the military and the impoverished.”

Their location in Islandia offers an unequaled setting for equestrian activities, with a 20-stall barn on 13 acres, handicapped accessible bathrooms, a 100’ x 120’ indoor arena with state-of-the-art-footing and a rider hoisting system, 3 outdoor riding arenas, classrooms, accessible playground, a greenhouse and a wellness center.

Looking back on 2022, Pal-O-Mine logged 4,250 hours of Volunteer Hours and 86,400 Client Contact Hours. “2022 was about inspiring one another to reach common goals and emerging stronger,” said Lisa. “Our volunteers are an integral part of the day to day

operations at Pal-O-Mine. We all work together to serve our clients the best we can.”

They also aded four new animals to their gang; three horses and a Great Pyrenees Mountain Dog, Luca who is a natural at his job of watching over the herd. Bubba, one of the horses was generously donated to them by the Morris Family. He is an amazing lesson horse and is a client favorite in their equine yoga program. Another one of the horses is Alana, a pro at teaching new students to ride independently. Lastly, Sunflower is their newest horse, which is enjoying to learn about all the different programs held at Pal-O-Mine.

“2023

If you would like more information about getting involved with this organization, please call 631-348-1389 or visit www.pal-o-mine.org. If

will be a year of physical growth with our new educational center and treatment clinic, as well as spiritual growth by continuing to serve the many who need our 13 acre farm and herd to help them heal from trauma, grow in personal strength and learn new things to brighten their future.”

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Sanitation, Recycling Collection Modified For MLK Holiday

Oyster Bay Town Councilman Lou Imbroto reminds residents that Town sanitation and S.O.R.T. Recycling collection schedules will be modified for the Monday, January 16th observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

“There will be no sanitation or recycling

collection on Monday, January 16th for residents who normally receive Town service,” Councilman Imbroto said. “Residents who generally receive Town pickup on Mondays will have their collections done the next day, Tuesday, January 17th. Those who usually receive pickup on Tuesdays will be collected

on Wednesday, January 18th.”

The Councilman added that Town offices will be closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, but parks and skating rinks will be open and offer extended hours. For more information, visit the Town’s website, www.oysterbaytown.com.

Newly Re-Elected Massapequa Fire Commissioner Michael Gange

RE-ELECTED MASSAPEQUA FIRE

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino recently administered the Oath of Office to Massapequa Fire Commissioner Michael Gange, who was re-elected on Wednesday, December 13, 2022. Holding the Bible is Commissioner Gange’s wife, Linda. Commissioner Gange first was elected Commissioner in 2013. He has been a member of the Massapequa Fire Department for the past 43 years and served as Chief of the Department from 1992 to 2000. Supervisor Saladino proudly led the installation, and thanked members of the volunteer fire service for their selfless dedication to the community.

COMMISSIONER MICHAEL GANGE

It’s another successful year for the annual holiday toy drive at Birch Lane Elementary School in the Massapequa School District. Two weeks into the collection, nearly 300 toys had already been

donated.

The toy drive is organized by the student government, led by advisers Kelsey Downey and Casey Russell. Donations go to the John Theissen Children’s Foundation to support

sick and underprivileged children.

Every morning, students leave toys in holiday bags in each classroom. Then, the Birch Lane elves – fifth grade student government members – go around the

Birch Lane Toy Drive

DRIVE

school, collect all of the toys and place them in large bins. Representatives from JTCF came and picked up the donations several times each week.

In addition to toys for children of all ages,

students can also donate gift cards to any store that sells toys.

Fifth grader Ellie Casper said it makes her feel great to help others and that the large number of donations “means that people are

caring about kids in need.”

“I’m glad that we got a lot of toys,” added Blaise Regis, “so we can give them to kids that deserve them and really need them. We’re doing this for a really good cause.”

TOY

ELVES - Birch Lane’s fifth grade student government members serve as the toy drive elves, picking up the donations from each classroom every day from Dec. 1-20. Photo courtesy of the Massapequa School District

SORTING TOY DONATIONS - Fifth graders Kara Fox and Blaise Regis, joined by student government advisers Casey Russell, left, and Kelsey Downey, helped sort toy donations. Photo courtesy of the Massapequa School District

JORDAN DESTEFANO

KIMBERLY HOLLAND

Public Skating Sessions For Martin Luther King Holiday

Oyster Bay Town Councilwoman Laura Maier announced that residents looking for a fun way to spend their Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday can head to one of the Town’s three ice skating facilities, where holiday hours will be in place, offering extended public skating opportunities.

“For a fun, familyfriendly activity, residents

can head to one of the Town’s ice skating rinks –outdoors at Marjorie Post and Syosset-Woodbury Community Parks, and indoors at the Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center in Bethpage – on Martin Luther King Jr. Day,” said Councilwoman Maier. “All three facilities will be offering special public sessions to provide children who are off from

school with a fun-filled activity.”

On Monday, January 16th, all Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Rinks will be open for public sessions from 1pm-3pm and 4pm6pm. The outdoor ice rinks are located at Marjorie Post Park, Unqua and Merrick Roads in Massapequa, and at Syosset-Woodbury Community Park, 7900 Jericho Turnpike in

Woodbury. The Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center is located within Bethpage Community Park at 1001 Stewart Avenue, in Bethpage.

For more information, including information about the Town’s Youth Ice Hockey Program, figure skating, or general skating sessions, visit www. oysterbaytown.com/ice.

Did You Know?

Supporting small businesses ensures more money stays in the communities those businesses serve. The U.S. Small Business Administration says $48 out of every $100 spent at a small business stays in the community. On the flip side, when a person spends $100 at a big-box store or

a national chain, only $14 remains in the community. Local businesses are more likely to utilize other local businesses, such as banks, service providers and even farms. Small businesses also pay employees, many of whom are local and shop local, thereby keeping even more dollars in their communities.

PARK