Living In Bellmore 2022

P u BLISH er letter from the

The past two years were tough for Bellmore, but its always-resourceful people came through once again, just as we did after Hurricane Sandy's wake in 2012. Neighbors helping neighbors. That’s what Bellmore is all about. And what it continues to be. We looked out for each other all through the Covid-19 crisis. Everyone stepped up during this challenging time: grocery stores and other necessary retailers, community organizations, civic leaders, local officials, etc. And we can never thank enough our health care workers for their selfless dedication. Now we understand just how resilient we, as a community, are.

A special supplement to the

Senior Reporter Jordan Vallone

Stuart Richner

The pandemic tested all of us beyond our limits. Bellmore, however, remains strong. It is a community full of fighters. And as the pandemic shifts to endemic stage and we fully resume our lives, we are all reinvigorated and re-energized. Throughout the crisis, the Bellmore Herald remained steadfast in informing everyone of the impact of the pandemic, and also all of the great things individuals, stores, police, firefighters, schools and community leaders were doing to keep moving forward. Herald reporters were at meetings, and talking to you and your neighbors, to paint a portrait of a community that may have struggled at times, but one that also is winning.

Richner Communications, which owns the Herald, was proud to do its part, too. Richner offered thousands of businesses marketing grants so that the merchants the lifeblood of the community could carry on. Now that we have emerged from the pandemic with vaccines and medical advances in our arsenal, we are ready to charge ahead with optimism and renewed vigor.

In this edition of our annual Living In Bellmore, we look at all that is wonderful about this lively community. A special publication of your hometown newspaper, it’s published in cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores. We are honored to mark another year as the chamber's official publication.

We hope you find this issue useful and informative, and that you enjoy reading the Bellmore Herald 52 weeks a year.

Be well and be safe.

Stuart Richner

Publisher P.S. If you're not currently receiving the Bellmore Herald by mail each week, please help keep quality local journalism alive in your community by subscribing. See our ad on Page 25 for subscription information, or find us online at LIHerald.com/subscribe.

Publisher Stuart richner Vice President of Sales rhonda Glickman

Executive Editor Michael Hinman

Deputy Editor

Jeffrey Bessen Features/ Special Sections Editor Karen Bloom

Multi Media Marketing Consultants robert Cummings

Creative Director Designer Jeffrey Negrin

In Association with The Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores OF

Passion for the streets drive them. We walk them. We live on them. We work, we play — every aspect of our lives can be tied straight back to a street. They are the heart of our community. You can't get anywhere unless you're on a street. In this year's Living in Bellmore, we explore the very streets that make Bellore what it is. From the businesses, to the parks, to even the town square. There's a story behind every street, and we hope you'll enjoy these stories, learning more about the community all of us love.

THE COVER

Festivals, parades, car shows and more on Bedford Avenue

Every September, Bedford Avenue — Bellmore’s main location for momand-pop shops — is flooded with patrons from all over who come out to shop, eat and play at the annual Bellmore Family Street Festival, hosted by the Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores.

Bedford is not one of Bellmore’s longest streets — in fact it only stretches from Merrick Road to Oak Street, a residential roadway. It is, however, integral to the town’s local commerce, hence why it is so popular for the chamber events it's known for. It holds a lot of history too — back in 2016, the Bellmore Historical Association shared postcards from the 1940s of the street. Cars lined the road, as they do today, in support of Bellmore’s economy

The festival is a major source

of funding for the chamber, and allows for it to host other activities throughout the remainder of the year, including the Halloween parade and Holiday Extravaganza. This year, the Family Street Festival took place as normal, in September. That wasn't the case during the coronavirus pandemic which canceled festivities in 2020 and 2021. But for 2022, the community welcomed the beloved event back with open arms.

Anthony Ricardi, a manager at Climb N Vibe in Bellmore,

Jordan Vallone/Herald photos

Top: Bedford Avenue is best known as the site of the Bellmore Family Street Festival, hosted annually by the Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores. Last year, the streets were packed with eager shoppers.

Bottom: Many of Bellmore’s mom-and-pop shops and community businesses are found on Bedford. Athena Silver and Michelle Vasilescu of Planet Play were at their booth during the street festival last year.

says he looks forward to setting up tables at the festival, which he attends nearly every year.

Samantha Devine, a general manager at Crunch Fitness, also said she enjoys taking part in the activities.

“It’s always a regular thing to look forward to,” Devine said. “It’s just such a good, fun time with music and food.”

Debby Izzo, the street festival coordinator and events chair for the Bellmore Chamber, said they thank all of the patrons and businesses that take part.

The festival this year paved way for other events, including the Halloween Parade in October, a visit from Santa Claus in November, and a Christmas Tree Lighting with the Holiday Extravaganza at the beginning of December. A Menorah lighting is still be to scheduled. Each of these events calls Bedford Avenue home.

Throughout the spring, summer and early fall, the railroad lot adjacent to Bedford is also the location for the chamber’s weekly Friday Night Car Show, which generally wraps for the season in October.

For more, visit BellmoreChamber.com.

— Jordan Vallone

Neil Miller/Herald photos

Top: Many parades come down Bedford Avenue throughout the year. A fire truck from the Bellmore Fire Department made its way down the street during this year’s Memorial Day Parade.

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Middle: On any given weekday or weekend, Bedford Avenue is always bustling with cars and shoppers.

Bottom: Bedford Avenue is the site of many beloved Bellmore events.

Town of Hempstead

Department of Sanitation

Important numbers

................. (516) 378-4210

Building Department (516) 538-8500

Town Hall (516) 489-5000

Parks and Recreation Department (516) 292-9000

Senior Enrichment (516) 485-8100

Veterans Services

............................. (516) 812-3506

Public Safety Department (516) 538-1900

Animal Shelter (516) 785-5220

Board of Appeals (516) 812-3004

Bellmore Fire Department

Non-emergency (516) 221-4418

Emergency (516) 783-6600

North Bellmore Fire Department

Non-emergency (516) 409-4700 Emergency (516) 781-9200

Bellmore-Merrick Emergency Medical Services

Non-emergency (516) 785-7700 Emergency (516) 742-3300

Police Emergency 911 1st Precinct (516) 573-6100 (Covers north of the Sunrise Highway)

7th Precinct (516) 573-6700 (Covers south of the Sunrise Highway)

Bellmore Memorial Library ............... (516) 785-2990

North Bellmore Public Library (516) 785-6260

Produce and volunteerism abundant on Bellmore Avenue

On Bellmore Avenue in North Bellmore sits the quaint St. Francis Episcopal Church. The roadway, which goes from the town’s southern half and ends when it merges with Merrick Avenue, is well traveled, and many passing the church may be unfamiliar with not only its history, but also its community garden.

Although there is no cornerstone, parishioners estimate the church was built sometime between 1913 and 1919, making it more than 100 years old. A community-driven garden was founded on its grounds in more recent years, and has expanded extensively since.

It regularly serves the community by growing and selling fresh produce at weekly farm stands, and donating what is left over each week to local food banks and pantries in the area.

The volunteer-based garden is run by its manager, Kristin Talbot, who grew up in nearby Wantagh. She began her role at the church last year, and since then, has strived to make the garden a safe space for everyone, regardless of religious beliefs or physical ability.

With a focus on sustainability, no pesticides are used, and the garden is fertilized with compost. Bees from its honeybee hive pollinate the plant life and produce the garden’s honey that is sold at the stands.

Top: The Garden at St. Francis Episcopal Church is known for its commitment to the greater Bellmore community.

Bottom: The garden’s abundant fields sit behind the church and church hall, just off of Bellmore Avenue.

The garden aims to not only provide food, but to also educate its neighbors on how to maintain and sustain a healthy garden. It runs events throughout the year, such as Pollinator Week. Talbot feels the more people know about gardening, the easier it will be for them to bring skills and knowledge into their own backyard.

The Rev. Grace Flint says she was excited to come to a church where community outreach is already embedded in its values.

The garden has volunteer hours from 3 to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays, and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. The farm stand is open every Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., either outside the church or inside the church hall. For more, or to learn how to volunteer, call (516) 679-1184.

The church and garden are located at 1692 Bellmore Ave., in North Bellmore.

— Jordan Vallone

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Top: Volunteer Carl Bucking helped the Rev. Grace Flint with some of the vegetables.

Middle left: Camille Gaynor, a longtime garden volunteer, weighed some zucchini and potatoes at a weekend farm stand.

Middle right: Garden manager Kristin Talbot, with the Rev. Grace Flint in the garden.

Bottom: Beth Baier from North Merrick, and Amy Long, who teaches brain and body yoga Classes at the church, chatted with Kristin Talbot about some of the produce.

Fire departments and film festivals? Find both on Pettit Avenue

Pettit Avenue is a unique street in Bellmore — part of it serves as municipal parking for the Town of Hempstead and Long Island Rail Road commuters. It intersects Bedford and Central avenues, and is always bustling during the Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores' annual events.

Aside from being one of the first streets you see as you step off the LIRR platform, Pettit Avenue is important to the community for some specific reasons. It is home to the Bellmore Fire Department’s headquarters, and also the Bellmore Movies, the site of the annual Long Island International Film Expo.

The fire department operates three firehouses in Bellmore,

but its headquarters — with a large, south-facing façade — are a staple to Petitt. Central to Bellmore, neighbors are likely familiar with its sirens during times of emergency, and seeing it used throughout the year for various department events.

In front of the department is its Sept. 11 memorial.

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Top: Pettit Avenue intersects Bedford Avenue, making it the perfect gateway to the Bellmore com munity and main shopping district.

Jordan Vallone/Herald photos

Bottom: Many activities take place outside of the Bellmore Fire Department headquarters. That includes a salute in 2021 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.

A ceremony is held outside each year in conjunction with the North Bellmore Fire Department, which has its headquarters on Newbridge Road.

Right next door is Bellmore Movies, a 107-year-old one-room cinema. For the last 15 years, it has hosted the Long Island International Film Expo, attracting movie lovers

festival in the independent film community. Whether you’re heading into the Bellmore community to do some shopping, or hopping on a train to the city, be sure to take in all that Bellmore has to offer — including everything you can find on Pettit. And beyond.

— Jordan Vallone

Top: The large, south facing façade of the Bellmore Fire Department headquar ters calls Pettit Avenue its home.

Bottom: For the last 15 years, the Bellmore Movies has been the site of the Long Island International Film Festival.

Congregation Beth Ohr (516) 781-3072

2550 South Centre Ave., 11710

Spirtual Leader: Cantor Joshua Diamond Bellmore Presbyterian Church (516) 785-2590

2740 Martin Ave., 11710

Pastor: the Rev. Dr. James W. Barnum Bellmore United Methodist Church (516) 221-1220

2657 Clarendon Ave.

Pastor: the Rev. Dyanne Corey Chabad Center for Jewish Life (516) 833-3057

2174 Hewlett Ave. Merrick 11566

Rabbi Shimon Kramer Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church (516) 785-5029

1294 Bellmore Ave.

Pastor: the Rev. James Krauser

Jaam’e Masjid Mosque (516) 785-1426

1425 Newbridge Road

President: Syed Fahad Qamer Center Point Church (516) 826-0432

98 Jerusalem Ave. Massapequa 11758

Pastor: Brian McMillan Neighborhood Assembly of God (516) 221-3719

2832 Merrick Road, 11710

Pastor: Robert J. Caridi

St. Barnabas the Apostle Roman Catholic Church (516) 785-0054

2320 Bedford Ave.

Pastor: Father Jeff Yilldirmaz St. John’s Lutheran Church ELCA (516) 785-4331

2150 Centre Ave. Deacon: Charlene Drewes

St. Francis Episcopal Church (516) 679-1184

1692 Bellmore Ave., North Bellmore

Pastor: The Rev. Grace Flint

East Meadow Beth- El (Conservative) (516) 483-4205

1400 Prospect Ave., East Meadow

Leader: Rabbi Ronald L. Androphy

Temple B’nai Torah (516) 221-2370

2900 Jerusalem Ave., Wantagh 11793

Leader: Rabbi Daniel Bar-Nahum Temple Beth Am (516) 378-3477

2377 Merrick Ave., Merrick 11566

Leader: Rabbi Michael Baum Temple Israel of South Merrick (516) 378-1963

2550 South Centre Ave., 11710

Spirtual Leader: Cantor Joshua Diamond

Jordan Vallone/Herald file

Congregation Beth Ohr’s Hebrew School students sang Hanukkah songs during the Chamber of Commerce’s Menorah Lighting in December.

Jordan Vallone/Herald file

The St. Francis Episcopal Church in North Bellmore underwent renovations over the last year, and reopened for public use in April.

This past year has presented unusual challenges

Newbridge Road Park is the staple of Bellmore recreation

Perhaps one of Bellmore’s most comprehensive recreational facilities, there is much to do and see at Newbridge Road Park.

Maintained by the Town of Hempstead, the park is ideal for visitors any time of the year — there’s a pool, indoor ice rink, playground, and even a dog park.

The 14,000-square-foot dog park is only open to town residents — and of course their dogs, who must be registered with the town, and up to date on their rabies vaccines. With sanctioned areas for both small and large dogs along with a secure chain-link fence, the grounds are completely paw-friendly, according to town officials. The space is for more than just socializing — there are ramps, hurdles, and other fun amenities for pooches of every shape and size.

The dog park opened in 2016, and is a big hit — not just among Bellmore residents, but also neighbors from nearby communities. It's so popular, a group on Facebook, “Puppy Parents of Newbridge Road Dog Park,” was formed to unite dog owners from near and far.

In the summertime, visitors can kick back at Newbridge’s pool, open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

daily. The pool is both a practice and swim meet location for the town’s competitive team that competes in the Nassau Swim Conference. It's open to swimmers between 6 and 16.

The indoor ice rink is open year-round, and features public skating sessions and lessons. Hockey programs — such as private lessons, clinics and leagues — are available to young people between 5 and 17.

The playground at Newbridge and the pool saw some fun renovations this year. Town Councilman Chris Carini, who’s district encompasses parts of Bellmore, said last December that due to the town’s good finances, visitors could look forward to some upgrades in the spring.

“It’s a big capital project,” Carini said. “We got bond upgrades, which means we are able to get bonds at a lower rate. We decided to add $10 million in upgrades to town parks — this is part of that capital.”

The playground was completely redone, and the pool will get a new, state-of-the-art splash pad next summer.

Tim Baker/Herald photos

The sprawling recreational facility that is Newbridge Road Park got some upgrades this year — a brand new playground was added this past spring.

On top of the park’s main features, there are multi-use walking paths, sport fields and courts, a large hill that is often a spot for sledders when it snows, and views of the water and bay. The park is located in Bellmore’s southern half, at 2600 Newbridge Road.

For more information on the park, and what you can do there, visit HempsteadNY.gov.

— Jordan Vallone

Top: The park’s entry is located at the south ernmost point of Newbridge Road, where it of course, gets its name from.

Middle: Dakota loved the puppy pool at the dog park.

Bottom: One its most popular features is a dog park, with separate sections for large and small pups. Hershey, front, and Dakota took a rest on a hot day.

Top left: Skyla Smith, 3, had a blast on the new playground.

Top right: With many walking paths, those utilizing the park can enjoy a nice view of Bellmore’s canals. Bottom: The park hasmuch to offer, including an indoor ice skating rink, an outdoor pool, and plenty of recreational sporting fields and courts.

stay connected with the we are just a away!

In many ways, putting out a newspaper each week is an interactive process. We need your participation to do our job, so we offer you — our readers and partners — a reminder of how and when to reach us.

To tell us what’s going on in your community, or news of upcoming events sponsored by civic, service, religious or community organizations, the deadline is 10 a.m. the Friday prior to publication. Notices are printed free of charge, and should be emailed to jvallone@liherald.com

We also welcome the news of your family life, your business life and your social life. We accept, at no charge, obituaries and Neighbors in the News items, including awards, honors, births, graduations, marriages and promotions.

We value your opinions, and provide a forum for them in our popular Letters to the Editor space. Letters should be emailed to jvallone@liherald.com

The Herald also offers tours of its Garden City headquarters and printing plant for schools, scouts and other community groups. To schedule a tour, contact Michael Romero at (516) 569-4000, Ext. 235, or email mromero@liherald.com.

Jordan Vallone • Senior Reporter

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Bellmore Herald

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Fax: (516) 569-4942

Senior Reporter: Jordan Vallone (jvallone@liherald.com) (516) 569-4000 ext. 287

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Courtesy Wendi Murphy

Two high schools are better than one

Be llmore is a community with not one, but two high schools — John F. Kennedy High on Bellmore Avenue in South Bellmore, and Wellington C. Mepham High on Camp Avenue in North Bellmore.

Mepham opened at its Camp Avenue location in 1937 with an enrollment of over 700 students — the mostly residential street connects Bellmore to neighboring Merrick. The school’s distinctive clock tower is its most impressive feature. As Bellmore grew, there became a need for another high school, and thus came Kennedy, which opened its doors in 1966

The Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District was once known as Central District 3, and to this day, Kennedy High remains the only operating school in the hamlet’s southern half. It is also situated residentially, and is just blocks away are many canals and inlets that lead to Bellmore’s bays. At Kennedy, students in the district can enroll in the Culinary and Hospitality Applied Management Program, a specialty program that teaches young chefs the in and outs of kitchens, cooking and restaurant management.

In addition to C.H.A.M.P., Kennedy is known for its many students that have passed through, and done exceptionally well, in the Advanced Science Research class, taught by Barbi Frank. Students submit a research-based

project to the Society for Science & Public Science Talent Search, sponsored by the pharmaceutical company Regeneron. This year alone, 6 students were named semifinalists in the competition, and two of them went on to be named finalists.

Over at Mepham High, students can put their broadcast journalism skills to the test, by enrolling in the district’s specialty program, Bellmore-Merrick Broadcasting. Students in the program, according to Stuart Stein, one the program’s instructors, can work as news directors, sports directors, and anchors, among many other roles.

Another fun celebration that started at Mepham is a Holi Festival, hosted by the “A World of Difference” Club. A Hindu festival that marks the beginning of spring, this year in May, students took part in the festivities on Mepham’s field, by throwing colored packets in the air, and learning about traditional Indian dances and cuisine.

Whether you consider yourself a Cougar or a Ram, school spirit runs deep in Bellmore, a town that’s proud of its students, and of course, their accomplishments.

— Jordan Vallone

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Top: Students in Mepham’s ‘A World of Difference’ Club celebrated the Hindu festival Holi in May

Jordan Vallone/Herald photos

Top: Bellmore-Merrick Broadcasting is housed at Mepham. Students Hannah Broxmeyer and Sean McQuillan on set during the 2021-22 school year.

Bottom: Kennedy High is known for the vast number of students who have done exceptionally well in the Society for Science & Public Science Talent Search competi tion. This year, it had six semifinalists, Christopher Prainito, Shannon Su, Michelle Brown, Desiree Rigaud, Brandon Lin and Christopher Luisi.

A town that loves to read: Meet Bellmore’s two libraries

Bellmore is home to two libraries — the Bellmore Memorial Library on the southern half of Bedford Avenue, and the North Bellmore Public Library on Newbridge Road.

The Bellmore Memorial Library was founded in 1948 by civic-minded residents in a central location in South Bellmore. Bedford Avenue starts at Merrick Avenue, intersecting with Sunrise Highway, taking travelers toward Bellmore’s center for local shops and commerce. Its building is now a vibrant community center, serving some 16,000 residents.

The library in North Bellmore dates back to the 1960s. It recently underwent an extensive renovation, which expanded its size and modernized that location. During the construction process, artwork from the past was

discovered, making many Bellmorites fond of the building’s history and its ever-growing future. No matter which library neighbors claim as theirs, they’re sure to find a wonderful educational center that keeps the community learning and reading.

Over the past couple years, Bellmore’s libraries have needed to adapt to the coronavirus pandemic, and find new and different way to host regular activities. With that said, this past summer, activities and the seasonal reading

Jordan Vallone/Herald photos

Top: Bellmore Memorial Library’s Martha DiVittorio, Pamela Pagones and director Elaine CummingsYoung at last year’s Bellmore Family Street Festival.

Bottom: North Bellmore Public Library’s Nancy DeLuca, Mary Anne Leisenring, director Jessica Tymecki, Corinne Thurale and Melissa Bobe greeted young readers last fall at the Bellmore Family Street Festival.

Earlier this year, the Bellmore library collaborated with local schools to host field trips in an effort to attract more students visit the library. Pamela Pagones, head of the library's children’s department, says it helped draw attention to the library.

“We’ve been able to increase library card numbers, increase circulation of materials, and make them more aware of the programs that we offer,” Pagones said. “We’ve definitely been trying to bring people back to the library.”

Jessica Tymecki, the director of the North Bellmore library, said the facility’s programming has been back at full capacity.

“Our story times have a great number of kids coming out with their parents,” she said. “Every day, we see more people coming into the building.”

Still, the libraries are cognitive that some people may prefer virtual or hybrid programs.

Pagones said. “We’ve been able to reach people who we’ve never been able to reach before. It’s a need the we didn’t even know existed until the pandemic, but it’s been going really well.”

Overall, the libraries are actively trying to maintain the “new normal,” while getting back to way things were pre-pandemic.

“They’re little differences that we’ve been making,” Pagones said. “But we’re trying to get back to where we were, and it definitely feels good coming back.”

For more, reach the Bellmore Memorial Library at (516) 785-2990, or the North Bellmore Public Library at (516) 785-6260.

— Jordan Vallone

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Top: The Bellmore Memorial Library is located on the southern half of Bedford Avenue.

Bottom: The North Bellmore Public Library is on Newbridge Road, across the street from the North Bellmore Fire Department.

ELECTED OFFICIALS Town officials

Don Clavin Town of Hempstead Supervisor

coUnTY

Kate Murray Town Clerk

Christopher Carini Councilman

5th District

sTaTE

Dennis Dunne Councilman 6th District

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman (R)

1550 Franklin Ave. Mineola, N.Y. 11501 (516) 571-3131

Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly (R)

262 Old Country Road, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 (516) 571-3800

Governor Katherine Hochul (D)

State Capitol Building Albany, N.Y. 12224 (518) 474-8390

State Attorney General Letitia James (D)

NYS State Capitol Building Albany, N.Y. 12224 (518) 776-2000

United States Senator Charles E. Schumer (D)

757 3rd Ave., Suite 1702 New York, N.Y. 10017 (212) 486-4430

United States Senate 313 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 (202) 224-6542

Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips (R)

240 Old Country Road Mineola, N.Y. 11501 (516) 571-2386

NCComptroller@ NassauCountyNY.gov

Nassau County Clerk Maureen O’Connell (R)

240 Old Country Road Mineola, N.Y. 11501 (516) 571-2664

State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli (D) 110 State St., Albany, N.Y. 12236 (518) 474-4044

State Assemblyman 14th District David G. McDonough (R) 404 Bedford Ave., Bellmore, N.Y. 11710 (516) 409-2070

Legislative Office Building 443, Albany, N.Y. 12248 (518) 455-4633

State Senator 8th District John Brooks (D)

5550 Merrick Road, Massapequa, N.Y. 11758 (516) 882-0630

Legislative Office Building 806, Albany, N.Y. 12247 (518) 455-2765

United States Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand (D)

780 3rd Ave., Suite 2601 New York, N.Y. 10017 (212) 688-6262

United States Senate 478 Russell Building Washington, D.C. 20510 (202) 224-4451

Nassau County Legislator District 13 Thomas McKevitt (R)

1550 Franklin Ave. Mineola, N.Y. 11501 (516) 571-6213

Nassau County Legislator District 19 Steve Rhoads (R)

1550 Franklin Ave. Mineola, N.Y. 11501 (516) 571-6219

United States Representative 4th District Kathleen Rice (D)

200 Garden City Plaza, Suite 200 Garden City, N.Y. 11530 (516) 739-3008

1508 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515 (202) 225-5516

The town of Bellmore traces its beginnings back to 1643, when it was known as a farming and fishing town.

Bellmore

The Bellmore-merrick Central High School District was founded in 1934, under the name Central High School District 3.

Sometime in the early 1640s, Robert Bedell, an early settler, moved to the community and became one of the more successful salt marsh farmers.

The area known as North Bellmore was first settled in 1655. In its early years, the area was known as Smithville.

The South Side Railroad, now the long Island rail road, arrived in Bellmore in 1870.

Wellington C. mepham High School opened in 1937, with an enrollment of 741 students.

In the late 1700s, George Washington marched through the community to decorate Revolutionary War heroes.

Bellmore was known as 'New Bridge' and 'little Neck' before it officially became known as Bellmore in 1900, when the post office was established.

The Bellmore memorial library was established in 1948, in one room of an old wooden school house, by civic-minded residents.

mcClusky’s Steakhouse, known for its wide variety of cuisine, opened in the 1930s. It closed, after more than 60 years in business, in 1995.

In 1966, John F. Kennedy High School opened. It was South Bellmore’s first, and only, secondary school to be built.

In 1974, Trudie Cowen founded the Historical Society of the Bellmores.

Clubs OrganizatiOns

b ellmore-Merrick

Emergency Medical s ervices (516) 785-7700

2434 Grand Ave., Bellmore

Chief: Matthew Lubliner

Asst. Chief: Nicholas Lilli

b ellmore lions Club P.O. Box 1159

President: Camille Morvay Raia

Central b ellmore Homeowners a ssociation P.O. Box 1291 (516) 781-9440

centralbellha@aol.com

President: Marge Congello Chamber of Commerce of the b ellmores 2700 Pettit Ave. (516) 679-1875

Host of Nassau County’s largest family street fair BellmoreChamber.com

President: Jim Spohrer Community Parent Center (516) 771-9346

1260 Meadowbrook Road, Brookside School, Room 31

Director: Wendy Tepfer Kiwanis Club of the b ellmores P.O. Box 11 (516) 448-4774

BbellmoreKiwanisClub.com

l ong island Citizens in action 62 Elinore Ave., Merrick 11566 (516) 546-9868

Contact: Marge Harrison lupus alliance of a merica 2255 Centre Ave. (516) 783-3370

Executive Director: Patricia D’Accolfi Civil War roundtable P.O. Box 915 (516) 785-2593

Mepham alumni a ssociation c/o Mepham High School, 1024 Camp Ave. Mepham.org

united Cerebral Palsy a ssociation of nassau County 380 Washington Ave. Roosevelt 11575 (516) 378-2000

Pnina Chapter/Dayan lilah group of Hadassah (516) 766-2725

President: Rhoda Smolow

Freemasons

Baldwin Masonic Hall Spartan Lodge 956 754 Prospect St., Baldwin 11510 (516) 867-9812

Russ Sparrow

t he s outh b ellmore Civic a ssociation (516) 418-2297 southbellmorecivic@gmail.com

Knights of Columbus Council no. 3689 (516) 785-9407

101 Frederick Ave., Bellmore

The Ladies Auxiliary from the Bellmore Knights of Columbus Council No. 3689 marched down Bedford Avenue during this year’s Memorial Day Parade.

s ons of i taly in a merica Giovanni Caboto Lodge No. 2372 (516) 375-4516

2301 Penatiquit Ave. Seaford 11783

President: Janet Galvin

Political

nassau County Democratic Committee 100 Garden City Plaza, No. 115 Garden City 1130 (516) 294-3366

Chair: Jay Jacobs NassauCountyDems.com nassau County republican Committee 164 Post Ave., Westbury 11530 (516) 334-5800

Chair: Joseph Cairo

services

a merican red Cross nassau County Chapter 195 Willis Ave., Mineola 11501 (516) 747-3500 RedCross.org/ny/mineola

Veterans

nassau County a merican l egion 121 Powell Ave. Rockville Centre 11570 (516) 536-3796

b ellmore a merican l egion Post no. 948 2730 Royle St. (516) 783-7127

north b ellmore a merican l egion Post no. 1749 P.O. Box 559 785-5130

Commander: Pat Yngstrom

Veterans of Foreign Wars b ellmore Vigilant Post n o. 2770 2400 Bedford Ave. (516) 785-9506

Commander: Chris Peterkin

Youth

b ellmore-Merrick Youth a ssociation (The Braves) (516) 361-0604

President: Gary Ouelette BellmoreBraves.org

north b ellmore- north Merrick little l eague (516) 476-2185

President: Craig Kute

Merrick- b ellmore little l eague P.O. Box 435

info@merrickbellmorelittleleague.org

President: Nick Ippoliti MerrickBellmoreLittleLeague.com

b oy s couts of nassau County t heodore roosevelt Council (516) 797-7600 544 Broadway, Massapequa 11758

Scout Executive: Christopher Coscia TRCBSA.org

girl s couts of nassau County (516) 741-2550

110 Ring Road W. Garden City 11530

customercare@gsnc.org

Police activities l eague b ellmore- north b ellmore 2276 City Place (516) 867-6279 BellmorePAL.org

Neil Miller/Herald file

Welcome to La Strada of Merrick, a family owned, community oriented establishment and purveyor of fine Italian cuisine.

Join us and soak in the Northern Italian ambiance, while enjoying our Zagat rated specialties. We are here to cater to your every need, on or off premises.

A family friendly taste of Italy awaits you right in your hometown. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Bellmore Chamber of Commerce

A& l &J Service Center Inc. 409-4433

2100 Bellmore Ave. Abco Art 785-2606

411 E. Sunrise Highway Abruzzo Beauty Bar 667-69474

2115 Bedford Ave.

Advantage Acupuncture Therapy PC 313-5052

423 Stewart Ave.

AG electrical Supply Co. Inc. 221-2209

All Island media 603-8783

1 Rodeo Drive Edgewood 11717

Ammel Construction Corp. 221-4081

903 Oakland Court Angelo l . Buonomo, CPA 993-3085

2719 Court St.

Anthony's Kitchen and Cocktails 408-5311

2601 Merrick Road

Approved Contracting Corp. of l I 781-3030

2648 Grand Ave.

A r Workshop Bellmore 780-0135

2930 Merrick Road Arby's - Bellmore 557-2297

409 E. Sunrise Highway

As You Wish Parties, llC 590-7878

59 Merrick Avenue Merrick 11566

Association for the Community Parent Center Inc. 771-9346

1260 Medowbrook Road, Room 31 North Merrick 11566 Auto Connection 557-0557

2860 Sunrise Highway Avenue Social Kitchen & Cocktails 900-1660

106 Bedford Ave.

BC's Pub and Tiki (809) 5501-2711

Grand Avenue Bedford Avenue Deli 783-0155

105 Bedford Ave.

Bedford Stationery and Printing 221-2234

207 N. Bedford Ave.

Belair Care Center 826-1160

2478 Jerusalem Ave.

Bellmore American l egion Post 948 660-4504

2730 Royle St.

Bellmore Automotive Inc. 783-1188

950 Bellmore Ave.

Bellmore Beverage/ Newbridge Wine & liquors 785-2320

1377 Newbridge Road Bellmore BP Auto repair 785-3151

2798 Merrick Road Bellmore Chamber (409) 0544-2700

Pettit Avenue

Bellmore Cigar & Vape 785-8879

2825 Merrick Road Bellmore Father & Son 485-2930

1912 Newbridge Road Bellmore Fire Department 230 Pettit Ave.

Bellmore Fire Department (Station 1) 221-4418

230 Pettit Ave.

Bellmore Fire Department (Station 2) 781-4236

2670 Bellmore Ave.

Bellmore Fire Department (Station 3) 783-0333

2455 Newbridge Road

Bellmore Fire District 2450 Newbridge Road Bellmore Funeral Home 781-2022

2340 Jerusalem Ave.

Bellmore Herald Rob Cummings 569-4000, Ext. 212 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City 11530

Bellmore Knights of Columbus 3689 826-5258

101 Frederick Ave. Bellmore lions Club 783-1471 P.O. Box 1159

Bellmore memorial library 785-2990

2288 Bedford Ave.

Bellmore merrick Democratic Club 868-8490

Bellmore merrick emS P.O. Box 8

Bellmore movies & The Showplace 783-7200 222 Pettit Ave.

Bellmore Pediatrics marchitelli & Fasano 781-9898

2073 Newbridge Road Bellmore Physical Therapy 785-1667 2566 Jerusalem Ave.

Bellmore Post o ffice 2611 Merrick Road

Bellmore Presbyterian Church 785-2590

2740 Martin Ave. Bellmore republican Club 783-0330

406 Bedford Ave.

Bellmore United methodist Church 221-1220 2655 Claredon Ave.

Bellmore United methodist Nursery School 221-1483

2640 Royle St.

Bellmore Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2770 785-9506

2400 Bedford Ave.

Bellmore Veterinary Hospital 308-4050 229 Bedford Ave.

Bellmore Wine & Spirts 221-8622

1885 Bellmore Ave.

Bellmore- merrick United Secondary Teachers 992-1068

1260 Meadowbrook Road Merrick 11566

Courtesy Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores The grand opening of Abruzzo Beauty Bar drew quite the crowd in Bellmore this year. The chamber celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, well-attended by members and elected officials.

Bellmore Chamber of Commerce

All businesses are in Bellmore, NY 11710 unless noted

Continued from previous page

Bellmore/ No. Bellmore Auxiliary Police

2708 Pettit Ave.

Better Homes and Gardens Dream Properties 445-4803

980 Broadway Massapequa 11758

Billy Deans Showtime Café 783-0003

1538 Newbridge Road Bin City (800) 795-1282

308 Bedford Ave.

Blessed with Friends Childcare llC 477-3057

1243 Peapond Road Blue Iris Boutique 882-4006

1499 Bellmore Ave.

Blue Island Homes 613-3600

2878 Merrick Road Brow Design New York 567-1636

2932 Merrick Road

Tom Brucia Certified Financial Planner 521-7362

609 Clemons St. Built Well Solar 695-1000

2473 Jerusalem Ave. Buzz'd e xpress Coffee 962-9674

1799 Bellmore Ave.

Canine Couture Dog Grooming Salon 221-3134

Cardsmart Bellmore 826-8772

Carvalhos restaurant 679-3300

2700 Sunrise Highway Carvel 809-5002

301-A Bedford Ave.

Cassidy's Bar & restaurant 783-8788

1367 Newbridge Road Central Service 282-0202

2658 N. Jerusalem Road Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores 679-1875

2700 Pettit Ave.

Charmed The eclectic Healing Shoppe (347) 739-2832

305C Bedford Ave. Cherrywood Foot Care Group 826-9000

2791 Jerusalem Ave. Chocolate Works of Bellmore 900-1119

2350 Merrick Road

Clair S. Bartholomew

& Son Funeral Home 785-0225

302 Bedford Ave.

Classic Beverage 308-4747

1811 Newbridge Road Climb n' Vibe 804-5878

2477 Merrick Road Clothesline Clothing Co. 557-2162

402 Bedford Ave.

Concorde Brokerage of l I 4th Armond enterprises 764-9100

2473 Jerusalem Ave. Congregation Beth o hr 781-3072

2550 S. Centre Ave.

Constantinidis & Associates, P.C. 844-PILAW-911

2492 Merrick Road Costello's Ace Hardware 308-7941

1305 Newbridge Road

Creamy Dreamy Fudge & Tasty Treats 578-5228

Creative Arts Design Studio 606-6217

2680 Lee Place CrossFit merrick 608-9389

2030 Newbridge Road Crunch Fitness Bellmore 221-4000 2212 Centre Ave.

CWC Security llC 889-3600

2882A Merrick Road D & P Auto Sales Inc 781-5641

1900 Bellmore Ave. Dad's Bounce Co. 564-3085 1932 Charles St. Danny's Chinese Kitchen 783-9000 2370 Merrick Road David mcDonough 409-2070 404 Bedford Ave.

DeeVa Dance Studio 308-6441 2156 Bellmore Ave. Demartini & Yi, ll P 294-1333

254 Pettit Ave.

DII Stores 604-0370 2815 Jerusalem Ave. Doc Side marine 221-9818

136 Clubhouse Road

Dr. John P. Ickowicz, DDS 785-2064 1450 Bellmore Ave.

Dr. Kelly's The Health & Healing Grotto 221-SALT 1762 Newbridge Road Drobbin Chiropractic & Wellness 379-8500 1298 Newbridge Road DSD Dance Center 783-6734 2635 Pettit Ave. Dunkin' 221-0580 1526 Newbridge Road Dunkin' 785-3388 2813 Jerusalem Ave. e ast Coast Dance Force lTD. 396-0500 2643 Grand Ave. edward Jones 783-3046 233 Bedford Ave. elisa's restaurant 679-4805 2754 N. Jerusalem Road elite Smoke Shop 385-3761 1992 N. Jerusalem Road embroidery and Screen Printing by lifestyles Sports 781-8070 1709 Newbridge Road emtique 765-3252 2818 Merrick Road energy Fuel Bellmore 221-3835 206 Bedford Ave. eternal roses (888) 440-2255 705 Bedford Ave. eXp realty 765-7090 3165 Jason Drive Finker Wellness 765-3272 2308 Bellmore Ave.

First National Bank of l ong Island 679-6200 408 Bedford Ave. Forman & Company, CPA 662-2621 988 Little Neck Ave. Frank's Pizza & Pasta Family restaurant 636-5569 505 Bedford Ave. Fredrite Window Cleaning Service 809-5360

Frigidyne Air Conditioning and Heating 785-9000 1924 Bellmore Ave. Fuel The Soul 379-0810 2880B Merrick Road

Bellmore Chamber of Commerce

All

Continued

Furniture Gallery of l .I. 308-7041

607 Sunrise Highway

Garfinkel Family Chiropractic 783-8300

2350 Merrick Road Geller & Associates (631) 760-2292

200 Broadhollow Road Melville 11747

Gennaro Jewelers 785-0134

410 Bedford Ave. Gerrato Agency Inc. 826-3666

107 Bedford Ave.

Giovanni Caboto l odge 2372 Sons & Daughters of Italy in America American l egion Hall 458-0097

2301 Penatiquit Ave. Seaford 11783

Gold Benes, ll P 512-6333

1666 Newbridge Road Grand order of New York orders Sons of Italy in America 785-4623

2101 Bellmore Ave. Hair effex 221-2022

304 Bedford Ave.

Healing Hands Wellness 229-1107

2439 Grand Ave. Hemp Smarts 262-8620

2974 Merrick Road Hennig Collison Center 221-1238

2345 Merrick Road

High Tech Design Plumbing & Heating Inc. 805-6040

804 Sterling St. Holzhauer Plumbing & Heating 858-0268

730 Farmers Ave. Home Physical Therapy Solutions. P. C. 433-4570

2710 Grand Ave.

Inch by Inch Childcare Center 783-3636

2016 Newbridge Road Income Tax Plus 785-3046

P.O. Box 1119

Island Federal Credit Union (631) 851-1100

2752 Sunrise Highway Island Greenery 785-0349

2036 Bellmore Ave. J & H Jewelry 785-4540

2723 Merrick Road Jam Dance & Fitness Center 781-5090

227 Bedford Ave.

Jerry's Auto Center 785-8400

1885 Newbridge Road

Jersey mike's Subs 612-8372

2756 Sunrise Highway Joe rutigliano l andscaping 443-5484

2069 Bellmore Ave.

John Giugliano, DC PC 679-3100

616 Bedford Ave. Johnson CPA 409-1120

109 Bedford Ave. Jonah's Garden 387-5229

2279 Jerusalem Ave. JuiceBar 378-1221

2306 Bellmore Ave. Kardesh Jewelers Inc. 208-3002 2370 Merrick Road

KB Bicycle repair & Sales 826-0457

Kee-Zac Pharmacy 221-4022

111 Bedford Ave. Kiwanis Club of the Bellmores 903-1923 P.O. Box 11

Komo Asian Cuisine 781-1899

221 Bedford Ave.

Kona Ice of l I South Shore 342-5757

1483 Merrick Ave. Merrick 11566

l a Pink 526-7465

2947 Merrick Road l aser Plus 785-0700

2719 Merrick Road l ast minute Details 647-7763

217D Bedford Ave.

l aw o ffice of Cheryl Kitton 826-1100 103 Bedford Ave.

l aw o ffice of David Paul Weiss, e sq. 783-0330 406 Bedford Ave.

lGB Tax and Accounting 780-0652 1725 Bellmore Ave.

linda Donnelly Birdsall

Daniel Gale Sotheby's International realty 808-1845 North Bellmore

livingston Foot Care Specialists 826-0103 1685 Newbridge Road

l ong Island Crisis Center Pride for Youth 679-9000 2050 Bellmore Ave.

l ong Island Tech 874-5483 326 Frederick Ave. mango Indian Cuisine 809-9927

2920-22 Merrick Road

maui Wowi Smoothies & Catering 521-4008 maximillion Watches 804-2545 2938 Merrick Road

mediterranean Diner 221-8721 195 Bedford Ave.

merrick Collision 623-9259 36 Broadway

metro Physical Therapy 586-5533 616 Bedford Ave.

metromodes 221-2868 1850 Newbridge Road

Courtesy Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores Brow Design New York, founded by Christie Bolanos, opened this year in Bellmore. She celebrated her grand opening with a ribbon cutting over the summer.

Bellmore Chamber of Commerce

All businesses are in Bellmore, NY 11710 unless noted

Continued from previous page

michael Berkenfeld DDS 221-6262

1985 Newbridge Road mike Walsh State Farm Agency 900-1526

2698 Merrick Road, Suite A mill Pond Auto Body 785-8974

3000 Merrick Road moonflower Yoga Inc. 557-2206

2093 Bellmore Ave.

mothers Against Drunk Driving (631) 547-6233

20 Broadhollow Road Melville, NY 11747

mr. Softee 884-8419

mW Designs 987-0021

2109 Monroe Ave. Nassau County Police- 1st Pct. 900 Merrick Road Baldwin 11510

Nassau County Police- 7th Pct. 3636 Merrick Road Seaford 11783

Nassau-Suffolk School Boards Association Inc. 781-2053

219 Bedford Ave. Neighborhood Assembly of God 221-3719

2832 Merrick Road

Nelson realty Group Inc. Barry C. Nelson 222-9025

220 Pettit Ave. Newbridge Coverage Corp. 781-9000

1666 Newbridge Road Newsday media Group (631) 843-2387

6 Corporate Drive Melville 11747

NextHome Supreme realty 442-8855

217 Bedford Ave., Unit C N mr Tattoo, llC 261-9278

1924 Bellmore Ave.

North Bellmore American l egion 1749 P.O. Box 559

North Bellmore Collision 785-4862

2734 N. Jerusalem Road

North Bellmore Fire Department 821 Newbridge Road

North Bellmore Fire District 1500 Newbridge Road North Bellmore Public library 785-6260

1551 Newbridge Road

North Star Auto Body 781-2200 2374 Merrick Road Northwell Health 200-7400

1872 Bellmore Ave. Now Dental 783-2900 2442 Merrick Road

NY Photo / Video Group 352-3188 305 Bedford Ave.

old mill Nurseries llC 679-6228

1862 Newbridge Road onyx Fitness 221-1800 2060 Bellmore Ave.

oriental martial and Healing Arts 221-2503 738 Farmers Ave. oshode Health &Fitness (914) 999-2304

2884A Merrick Road Parts Authority 221-5700

2121 Bellmore Ave.

PDP Technology Inc. 526-7007 925 Armand St.

Peak Auto Body 785-2084

2488 Merrick Road Pepe Displays Inc 557-2684 2470 Charles Court Perfection Printing 221-4100 2829 Merrick Road Petite Florist Inc. 221-3749

2701 Pettit Ave. PF Parking Corp. 268-2378 2306 Bellmore Ave. Piccolo ristorante 679-8787

2770 Sunrise Highway Planet Play 636-5622

418 Bedford Ave. Polara & Co. 785-4141 102B Bedford Ave.

Posh Paws Pet Spa & Boutique 804-2423 3694 Merrick Road Precious Pearls Home Healthcare 221-4500

2570 N. Jerusalem Road ram Abstract ltd. (718) 846-7800

2635 Pettit Ave.

rare Violet Boutique 765-7455 213 Bedford Ave. ridgewood Savings Bank 785-0385 2080 Bellmore Ave.

richner Printing Services

Michael Karff 516-569-4000, Ext. 288

2 Endo Blvd. Garden City 11530 road ready 785-8539

2786 N. Jerusalem Road

robert F. Alweis, P. e ., P.C. Professional engineer 679-4731

1 Catherine Place rodriguez Insurance Agency 268-6016

2995 Merrick Road

roslyn Savings Bank A Division of NY Community Bank 826-9100 2641 Merrick Road S & m Concrete 546-4976 Merrick 11566 Sal's lunch Box 263-0344 Salpino 900-1540 1540 Newbridge Road Servpro of Bellmore/ Wantagh 809-9600 2448 Charles Court

Shore line realty Group Corp. 650-5394 244 Pettit Ave. Shoreline Acupuncture 783-1454 2807B Merrick Road Simply Kitchen and Bath 804-2047 1480 Bellmore Ave. Sklar, Kantor, Block CPAs 826-4300 500 Bedford Ave. Soul Brew 804-4624 2718 Grand Ave. Specialty rarities Inc. 826-4444 2816 Merrick Road Spiga Bakery 557-2688 2680 Merrick Road St. Francis episcopal Church 679-1184 1692 Bellmore Ave.

State Farm Insurance John rossi Jr. Agency Inc 785-2526 210 Pettit Ave.

Stella's Pizza & restaurant 826-8468

2831 Merrick Road

Stitch This Print That 308-3833 1921 Bellmore Ave. Stop & Shop 826-0880 2450 Jerusalem Ave.

Bellmore Chamber of Commerce

All businesses are in Bellmore, NY 11710 unless noted

Continued from previous page

Sunset Travel 783-1200

2820 Merrick Road

T- mobile of Bellmore 900-1616

2839 Jerusalem Ave. Wantagh 11793

TCS marine Services 333-5500

2933 Judith Drive

The Accounts retrievable System Inc. 783-6566

2050 Bellmore Ave.

The Best Kept Secret 581-7825

1522 Broad St.

The Clean machine 221-6100

1199 Newbridge Road

The Clubhouse 308-7750

134 Clubhouse Road

The Conneely Allstate Agency 781-7722

115 Bedford Ave.

The Dirty Dawg 785-2442

1867 Newbridge Road

The Goddard School 464-1010

1641 Bellmore Road

The Keratoconus Center of l ong Island 409-2020

2848 Bellmore Ave.

The l aw o ffice of rachel m . Hollywood 308-4540

244 Pettit Ave.

The rock Underground 221-7625

300 Bedford Ave.

The rock Underground music School 221-7625

300 Bedford Ave.

Third Wave Clothing NY llC 384-0621

2714 Grand Ave.

Town Bagel 785-8986

2729 Merrick Road

Tristan Saade - New York life 509-4459

Urban Farmhouse 636-5117

108 & 112 Bedford Ave.

Vietnam War Veterans Association 946-2906

1298 Newbridge Road

Villa D'Aqua Waterfront ristorante 308-4900

2565 Bellmore Ave. Village Auto of Bellmore 785-7763

2741 Broadway

Vincent's C&D Service Inc. 557-2068

2475 Charles Court Vital Signs Plus Inc. 223-3080 P.O. Box 262

W.C. mepham High School Alumni Association 785-8230

2401 Camp Ave. Wing Zone 563-4054

2760 Sunrise Highway Worldwide Puppies & Kittens 679-7880

2560 Sunrise Highway Your Newsmag 633-8590 P.O. Box 15 Zagarino realty 785-0013 6 Broadway

Courtesy Bellmore Memorial Library

At the Bellmore Memorial Library this summer, the summer reading program, themed ‘Oceans of Possibilities,’ kicked off with a fun, outdoor celebration.

One of the best. Once again. Right here in Oceanside.