Massapequa’s Challenger and
By Mike Polansky
The Massapequa Board of Education paid tribute to the coaches, athletes, “buddies” and everyone who was part of the district’s successful 2023-2024 Challenger Athletics’ program and Unified Bowling Team.
At the June 6 school board meeting, School Board President Kerry Wachter, wearing her white Massapequa Chief Challenger shirt, lead off the evening with praise for the athletes. “These remarkable athletes show us every day what true determination, spirit and teamwork looks like,” she said. “Their passion and dedication inspire us all.”
Wachter also thanked the coaches, teachers and everyone involved in the program, especially the general education student “buddies” whose companionship and efforts are considered invaluable to the program.
Wachter then turned the podium over to Superintendent of Schools William Brennan, who introduced Edward Hoffman, Berner Physical Education and Athletics Chair. He heads up the district’s Challenger Athletics’ program and also serves as Nas -
(Continued on Page 3)
Unified Bowling teams honored by school board
Plainedge School District awards tenure to fifteen employees
The Plainedge School District recently awarded tenure to the following employees: District, Ananina Kletzkin, Curriculum Associate. Plainedge High School Adam Hovorka, Special, Education Teacher; Lauren Henriques, Guidance Counselor and Elyssa Ditizio, Guidance Counselor; Plainedge Middle School, Shannon Wood, Special Education Teacher; Alexa Gulotta, Sixth Grade Teacher. Eastplain Elementary School, Catherine Gulino, Fifth Grade Teacher.
Charles E.Schwarting Elementary School, Olivia Giordano, First Grade Teacher; Vanessa Gonzalez, Music Teacher; Diana Rotellini, Special Education Teacher and Nicole Schoppmann, Special Education Teacher. John H. West Elementary , Cassidy Brennan, Fifth Grade Teacher; Morgan Flanagan, Kindergarten Teacher; Nicole Fochi, Third Grade Teacher and Deborah Fallon, Teaching Assistant. MCC holds installation of officers, 2024
Amityville library voters give budget big ‘okay’
By Carolyn James
Voters in the Amityville library district overwhelmingly approved the library’s 2024-25 budget with a 76 percent plurality after rejecting it last month. The revote, on Tues., June 18, was 341 to 103.
“The Board of Trustees and staff of the Amityville Public Library would like to thank all those who voted in support of the library and helped spread the word for others to vote as well,” said Library Director Todd Schlitt. “It was a huge turnout! With the budget passed, we are able to continue to provide the Amityville community with the materials, services, and programs they deserve.”
The budget presented was for $3,410,712, an in -
(Continued on Page 3)
The Massapequa School Board honored the athetes from the district’s Challenger and Unified Bowling program at a recent board meeting.
Happenings at Your
Massapequa
40 Harbor Lane, 516-799-0770
• AARP Defensive Driving: Thursday, June 27, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This NYS DMV-approved Defensive Driving Course, sponsored by AARP, is a six-hour safe driving class, held in the Bar Harbour Auditorium. Participants can save 10% on auto insurance each year for three years, and may reduce up to four points off their license. Fee required.
• Children's Summer Kick-Off Celebration: Saturday, June 29, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Celebrate the beginning of summer at the library. Join the group in the Bar Harbour parking lot for games, face painting, balloon twisting, snacks and more. Tickets are a must.
Public Library
two presentations in the Bar Harbour Auditorium of “The Fall Guy,” starring Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt, about a down-and-out stuntman who must find the missing star of his ex-girlfriend’s blockbuster film.
again on July 10, 17, 24, 31, August 7, 14, and 21.
• Library Closed: Thursday, July 4. Library closed in observance of Independence Day.
Your Local Calendar of Events
Plainedge
1060 Hicksville Road, Massapequa 516-735-4133
Happenings at Your Public Library
• Library Closed: Thursday, July 4. Library closed in observance of Independence Day.
• Watercolor Painting Class: Wednesday, July 10, 10 a.m. Rosemarie Cascio leads this class in the Central Avenue Meeting Room, in a friendly and informal environment.
• Paper Airplane Challenge: Thursday, June 27, 6:30 p.m. Children in grades K-5 with an adult can join in the fun to create paper airplanes and conduct some experimental test flights with Miss Kathleen. This program will take place outside, weather permitting.
• Summer Reading Kick-Off Event: Saturday, June 29, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The library will have entertainment and fun activities for this summer reading event.
• Medicare and Me: Thursday, July 11, 7 p.m. Are you turning 65? Confused about your Medicare options? Attend this educational seminar conducted by Norma Fioravante, a local, award-winning, licensed Senior Healthcare Representative. Learn how to save money on prescription drugs and how to maximize your benefits and limit your out-of-pocket expenses.
Farmingdale 116 Merritts Road, 516-249-9090
Your Local Calendar of Events
• Movie: Thursday, July 11, 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. The library will offer
garyslavinauthor.com
• Wednesday Morning Yoga: Wednesday, July 3, 11:45 a.m. Join instructor and life coach Evelyn Regan for this in-person chair yoga class. Registration and payment can be made at the library by card or check, $64, no refunds. Yoga class meets
easy read with a storyline that takes place on Long Island; great mystery with vibrant characters, familiar places and intrigue that will capture your imagination from beginning to end.
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“George’s morning runs were predictable and uneventful. This morning, however, George’s detective radar picked up on some unusual activity. Keeping his pace steady, he watched a tall Italian-looking lady, driving a black Range Rover, stop three quarters around the vehicle pathway, step out, pick up four pebbles, and put them on the left side of the bench in front of the vehicle.”
Follow George’s journey through intrigue and suspense in this story set in scenes of familiar Massapequa. Get your copy of Gary Slavin’s novel today.
• Page Turners Book Club: Thursday, June 27, 10:30 a.m. Join the group to discuss “The Weight of Heaven,” by Thrity Umrigar, about a couple who lose their only child to a sudden illness, and what they do when the perfect life they had built is shattered.
• Ornamental Grasses in Your Garden: Thursday, June 27, 3 p.m. Horticulturist Paul Levine returns to talk about the variety of color grasses like
Blue Fescue, Japanese Red Blood, and the Dwarf Purple Fountain Grass. He will speak about where the grasses come from and how to care for each grass. Come down for helpful tips and ideas.
• Farmingdale Library Cinema: Tuesday, July 2, 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The library will present two showings of last summer’s blockbuster hit “Oppenheimer,” starring Cillian Murphy and Emily Blunt, which tells the story of American scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer and his role in the development of the atomic bomb.
• Library Closed: Thursday, July 4. Library closed in observance of Independence Day.
• Novels After Noon Book Club: Monday, July 8, 2 p.m. Join the group to discuss “Sometimes I Lie,” by Alice Feeney, a psychological thriller about a woman in a coma who suspects her husband’s involvement.
A.G. Berner High School Class of 1974 Reunion scheduled for
The A.G. Berner High School Class of 1974, 50 Year Reunion will be taking place on Sat., Oct., 12 from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. at Captain Bill’s in Bay Shore.
The cost is $100 per person. For tickets and more information, please email berner1974reunion@ gmail.com, call Maureen Sweeney-Oehl at 516234-1679 or Nancy Viglietta-Campbell 631-2523527. Captain Bill’s is located at 122 Ocean Ave., Bay Shore.
October
When baseball came to Babylon, June 28
The Village of Babylon Historical and Preservation Society will present “When Baseball Came to Babylon”, an historical account of the Cuban Giants in Babylon and a look at the history of Ar-
gyle Park. Guest speaker will be Babylon historian Mary Cascone. The event is Fri., June 28 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 117 W. Main St., Babylon. Baseball-themed refreshments will be served. The event is free and open to all.
Massapequa Chamber holds its annual Installation of Officers
The Massapequa Chamber of Commerce hosted an Hawaiian Installation and Awards dinner a Patrizia’s in Massapequa Park on June 4. Newly installed officers pictured here, are President, Robin Hepworth;
First Vice President, Linda Rowse; Second Vice President, Sal Polito; Third Vice President, Janice Talento; Treasurer, Karen Gawrych and Recording Secretary, Tom LoFaso.
Also installed were members of the Board of Directors including Robert Barrett, Lucrezia Falacara, Maria Guzzetta, Chris Merz, Annette Morreale, Jenna Muscarella, Stephen Parmiter, Isabelle Rapacciuolo, Tim Ryan, Gary Slavin, Keith Wilson, and outgoing president Robert Zabbia, who was thanked for his service to the Chamber over the past two years.
For more information on the Massapequa Chamber of Commerce, go to massapequachamber.org. or call their offices at (516) 541-1443.
Amityville library voters give budget big ‘okay’
(Continued from Cover)
crease of $338,334 over the current budget. It is the same budget voters rejected in May 88-71. The largest part of the increase, $276,886, will cover the 2024-25 fiscal year’s debt service interest payments on the bond for the Library’s previously approved capital construction project. The remaining $61,000 of new spending will pay for contractual employee salary and health insurance increases and cover the cost of hosting off-site library programming during construc¬tion. The new spending, except for the bond pay¬ments that voters approved in November 2022, represents a 2 percent increase, within the state tax cap. The construction at the library, now underway, includes a new children’s room, a dedicated children’s program room, two new bathrooms on the first level, two new bathrooms on the upper level, a pro -
Voter gets help at polls last week.
gram room on the upper level, a rooftop terrace and a new elevator to the second-floor program room terrace.
“The project moving along well and is on time
and on budget,” said Schlitt. “We are on schedule for a grand opening in early fall of 2025.”
The library is open during construction.
Got a story idea? Does your organization have an event coming up? Why not send the information to us so we can share it with our readers. Submit items at cjames@liherald.com
Massapequa’s Challenger and Unified Bowling teams honored by school board
(Continued from Cover)
sau County coordinator for the Challenger Sports League.
Hoffman detailed the strides that the Challenger program has made in the past year, with 44 Challenger athletes participating this year, compared to 35 in 2022-2023. He noted that the Massapequa Challenger Cheerleaders performed at the inaugural Newsday Cheerfest at Hofstra this year, and that the number of teams in the Massapequa Challenger basketball, track & field and soccer programs had increased from two to three this year.
“These students represented Massapequa in a way that makes us all so proud,” he said. He also thanked the dozens of general education student “buddies” who, he said, spent many hours making the program a success.
Hoffman also pointed out the new Massapequa Challenger Athletics online store, with the profits going to the Massapequa Special Education PTA (SEPTA).
Following Hoffman, Challenger coaches Megan Porter, Dr. Lauren Dean, Kathleen Wegener and Sal Calderone called each of the challenger athletes up with their “buddies” to receive their recognition awards.
The Massapequa Unified Bowling Team, now in its second year, also received recognition at the meeting. On the team, athletes with intellectual disabilities are teamed up with partners who are general education students. All members of the team contribute equally, and all their scores count equally, said officials.
This year’s Massapequa Unified team went 6-0 and won the Nassau County Championship Tournament, the first ever held. Coach Jesse Meyer introduced the members of the team, emphasizing that “inclusion is the most important thing.”
“Winning is a lot of fun, but there’s so much more to it than the medals and the tee shirts,” Meyer added.
Finally, SEPTA Co-President Debbie O’Fee, offered her heartfelt thanks to the “buddies” who are so essential to the program.
“Everyone else involved are grownups, but you are doing all the right things at a very early age,” she said. “I think I speak on behalf of the other SEPTA parents who sometimes worry when they speak of our children’s futures, and we worry, and we remember that you are our kids’ peers and will be alongside of them in adulthood. It reassures us that if only for that reason they will be okay.”
In other business at the meeting, the board accepted a donation of a GE clothes dryer to be used by the school lunch program.
Justin Timberlake has been shown overwhelming support from fans following his arrest and charge for drunk driving on Long Island almost two weeks ago.
During a traffic stop, Sag Harbor police observed Timberlake as saying he had "one martini and was following his friends home." Officers noted his "bloodshot and glassy" eyes and the "strong odor of an alcoholic beverage" on his breath, according to court records.
At a recent World Tour concert, Timberlake addressed the incident for the first time, telling fans, “We’ve been together through ups and downs and lefts and rights, and it’s been a tough week. But you’re here, and I’m here, and nothing can change this moment right now.” He became emotional, responding to the audience's support by saying, “I know sometimes I’m hard to love, but you keep on loving me and I love you right back.” He was seen wiping away tears and added, “Thank you so much.”
Though Timberlake has only been charged and not convicted of drunk driving, his heartfelt acknowledgment to fans was touching. However, his message could have been more impactful had he addressed the serious risks of drunk driving. Acknowledging that those who drink and drive endanger not only themselves but also the lives of others would have been a powerful and meaningful message.
Drunk driving is a serious crime that our police officers battle every day, many who have been called to a drunk driving incident only to find that an individual who chose to drink and get behind the wheel of a car had killed innocent people.
Without acknowledging culpability in the incident, Timberlake could have pointed out the reckless decision to drink and drive and thus could have played a crucial role in changing attitudes and reducing the "Body Count" caused by drunk driving, ultimately saving lives.
PUBLIC COMMENTARY
Happiness and peace is a choice well worth making
By Bryan Golden
Within each of us is the battle between positive and negative forces. We have the power to pick which force dominate. The character of a person is determined by the decisions we ultimately make, not the internal battles we experience.
Positive energy creates more happiness, attracts good things, and draws other positive people to you. Since you do have a choice, why not choose the good feelings?
You can find joy by paying attention to all the good that exists. Even when the world appears to be filled with turmoil, there is still a lot of good many people overlook. Don't immerse yourself in
Postmaster: Send address changes to: 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530 Phone: 516-569-4000 x 329 e-mail: cjames@liherald.com Massapequapost.com
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the negative. Overexposure to negative news and people will smother your joy.
Finding joy takes more effort than finding problems. If you habitually take the path of least resistance, joy will be elusive. People are not joyous by accident; they consciously choose it. So instead of looking for problems, seek solutions.
There is a solution for every problem. Just the realization of this should provide some peace and relaxation. As you become adept at solving problems, you take them more in stride. As a result, peace takes over.
Love is touted as an elusive emotion that has the
Action is what makes hope work. Hope for what you want. Then take the necessary steps to get it.
The writer is a management consultant, motivational speaker, author, and adjunct professor. E-mail him at bryan@columnist.com.
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potential to solve all of mankind's problems. The fact is, there are people you don't like and there are those who don't like you. Even so, it's important to be able to love yourself. This means you are happy with who you are and constantly strive to improve.
Happy people are always filled with hope. They smile, laugh, and are pleasant to be around. People who drag themselves around, don't have hope. Hope is a cause, not a result.
Subscribers and nonsubscribers can also write us a letter. Send it to 2 Endo Boulevard, Garden City NY 11530 or to our email address at: cjames@liherald.com
Charles “Charlie” Steinwand of Massapequa Park, at 77
By Christie Leigh Babirad
Charles “Charlie” Steinwand, long-time resident of Massapequa Park who enjoyed taking long rides on his bike around town and was a passionate Yankees and Islander’s fan, died on June 5, 2024.
Mr. Steinwand was born on April 10, 1947 in Queens to Anne and Charles Steinwand. The family soon moved to Massapequa where he attended and graduated from Berner High School.
His work was within the tool and die industry and his nephew Richie Steinwand said that he made numerous factory parts.
“He was a hard worker, getting his first job by walking right into a factory and proving that he could do everything the employees there could do,” said his nephew. “My uncle was hired on the spot.”
He added that his uncle spent decades lending his expertise to the craft and training many others along the way.
In his free time, Mr. Steinwand enjoyed sports and spending time with his family.
“He certainly loved riding his bike around Massapequa and would do five to seven miles a day, stopping by his favorite soda shop on his way back home,” said his nephew.
In addition to biking, Mr. Steinwand enjoyed surfing, softball and ice hockey.
When he was younger, he surfed off of Jones Beach. “It provided him endless enjoyment and calm, even if he did sacrifice
his keys to the surf on at least one occasion,” said his nephew.
Vinny Marciante, a friend of Mr. Steinwand’s for 50 years said they played ice hockey and softball together and took 10 to 12 cross-country road trips, one as far as Alaska. “We were on the road for a whole month, just sightseeing,” said Marciante.
“He was a great guy,” adding that he is grateful that his friend gave him all the pictures from the trips they took together. “That was a big gift,” he said.
Mr. Steinwand also had a passion for television and sound system technology and he loved to host friends and family for Islanders and Yankees games, and movie nights. He also had an extensive record collection.
“For the last 25 years, I’ve been at his house every Wednesday night to watch a sports game with him,” added Marciante.
Charles Steinwand is predeceased by his mother and father, Anne and Charles Steinwand, and his brother Brian. He is survived by his nephew Richie Steinwand and his wife Colleen O’Shea of Columbia, Maryland and his sister-in-law
Robin Steinwand of Saint Albans, Maine. He reposed at Massapequa Funeral Home, 4980 Merrick Road in Massapequa. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. To find out more, please contact the Massapequa Funeral Home at 516-882-8200.
Amityville, NY 11701
(Route 110, Just North of Merrick Road, In the Heart of the Historical District) Tel: 631-691-0172
Handicapped Accessible Pre-Need Information Available
Micah J. Stumme,
Merrick Rd. & Cedar Shore Dr. Massapequa, NY 516-798-1122
The Rev. Dr. Walter V. Hillebrand Rector
8am & 10am Mass with Holy Eucharist 9am Christian Education 9am Adult Christian Education
Charles Steinwand
Harbour Green Shore Club, Massapequa, hosts Military Appreciation Day
On Friday, May 31, in recognition of Military Appreciation month, the Harbour Green Shore Club in Massapequa honored one of their veteran members, Ken Hernandez, as well as all military personnel and first responders. The event featured the playing of the National Anthem followed by a color guard salute performed by Massapequa American Legion Post 1066 and Bagpipers from the Amityville American Legion Pipe Band.
Kenneth, who served tours of duty in both Kuwait and Iraq and then
worked as a Port Authority Police Officer was awarded a Citation from Massapequa American Legion Post 1066 Commander John J. Nolan III for his service to our country.
Also in attendance was Town of Oyster Bay Councilwoman Vicki Walsh, who also awarded Ken a Citation from the Town of Oyster Bay.
The Harbour Green Shore Club then surprised Ken with a sand carpet so he could take his wheelchair across the sand and down to the fire pit area.
Left: Massapequa American Legion Post 1066 Commander John J. Nolan, III presenting Citation to Ken Hernandez.
Above: From left to right. Top row: Chris “Fuzzy” Zeller, HGSC President Mike Sarna, Tom Harrington, Edward Harney, Joseph Danaher.
Front row: Jacob, Kenneth, Patti Hernandez and Councilwoman Vicki Walsh. Also, in picture Ken’s faithful companion Miller.
Meet some of our local scholars
The following students were recently recognized for academic achievement and graduation at their respective colleges:
•Alexandros Katsaounis of Farmingdale was welcomed into the New York Institute of Technology fall 2024 semester and plans to major in Architectural Technology.
•Donald Reed of Massapequa Park was welcomed into the New York Institute of Technology fall 2024 semester and plans to major in Mechanical Engineering.
•Gabe Zwilling of Farmingdale was welcomed into the New York Institute of Technology fall 2024 semester and plans to major in Mechanical Engineering.
•Krish Patel of Massapequa was welcomed into the New York Institute of Technology fall 2024 semester and plans to major in Life Sciences/Osteopathic Medicine.
•Sebastian Flores of Farmingdale was welcomed into the New York Institute of Technology fall 2024 semester and plans to major in Architecture.
•Winston Lepik of Farmingdale was welcomed into the New York Institute of Technology fall 2024 semester and plans to major in Architectural Technology.
•Kaitlyn Cavallo of Farmingdale, attending SUNY Potsdam as a Music Education major, was named to the Spring 2024 President’s List.
•Brandon Cherry of Farmingdale, attending Champlain College and currently majoring in Game Programming, was named to the Spring 2024 Dean’s List.
•Evan Walters of Massapequa was named Student of the Quarter at Nassau BOCES Barry Tech Career and Technical Education High School. He is also a student at Massapequa High School and is studying Cosmetology.
•Cailey Cummings of Massapequa Park was recognized by the New York Institute of Technology, School of Health Professions, receiving the Benjamin Morey Commitment to Excellence Award at this year’s 2024 commencement ceremony.
•Lenore Shapiro of North Massapequa was recognized by the New York Institute of Technology, School of Health Professions, receiving the John J. Theobald Graduate Achievement Award in Clinical Nutrition at this year’s 2024 commencement ceremony.
•Avery D’ Andrea, attending the College of Charleston, was named to the Spring 2024 President’s List.
•Skylar Avedisian of Farmingdale, attending Albright College, is one of 10 students from various academic disciplines conducting Albright Creative Research Experience (ACRE) projects over the summer. Avedisian is studying Fashion: Merchandising and Psychology and is working
with MeeAe Oh-Ranck, M.S., Associate Professor of Fashion Merchandising and Design, on “Cultivating Sustainable Alternatives: Mushroom Leather Tanning Processes from Start to Finish.”
•Brooke Masaitis of Massapequa is a spring 2024 graduate of the University of the University of Alabama, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree.
•Elisabetta Antonacci of Massapequa Park, attending the University of Buffalo, was named to the Spring 2024 Dean’s List.
•Brooke Bauer of Massapequa, attending the University of Buffalo, was named to the Spring 2024 Dean’s List.
•Michael Caliendo of North Massapequa, attending the University of Buffalo, was named to the Spring 2024 Dean’s List.
•Ricardo Castillo of Farmingdale, attending the University of Buffalo, was named to the Spring 2024 Dean’s List.
•Angel Cheng of Massapequa, attending the University of Buffalo, was named to the Spring 2024 Dean’s List.
•Alex Davila of Massapequa, attending the University of Buffalo, was named to the Spring 2024 Dean’s List.
•Gia Maresca of Massapequa, attending the University of Buffalo, was named to the
Spring 2024 Dean’s List.
•Grace Markey of Massapequa, attending the University of Buffalo, was named to the Spring 2024 Dean’s List.
•Kaylin Ricci of Massapequa, attending the University of Buffalo, was named to the Spring 2024 Dean’s List.
•Spencer Rustyak of Farmingdale, attending the University of Buffalo, was named to the Spring 2024 Dean’s List.
•Jimmy Sanders of Massapequa Park, attending the University of Buffalo, was named to the Spring 2024 Dean’s List.
•Julianna Schuler of Massapequa, attending the University of Buffalo, was named to the Spring 2024 Dean’s List.
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Pets, Pets, Pets...
by Joanne Anderson
Unclaimed Love: Why some lost dogs are left behind in shelters after being found
The recording “Who Let the Dogs Out?” was once #3 on a Rolling Stone poll of the most annoying songs of all time. It ranked right behind “The Macarena.” Irritating as it is, this tune is not as annoying or frustrating as the town shelter “Who Let the Dogs Out?” lament concerning unclaimed strays. Too few lost dogs picked up by animal control or brought in by finders are redeemed by owners.
On Long Island, most adult dogs, unlike less fortunate felines, had a home at a point in their lives. Therefore, who DID let the dogs out? Furthermore, why don’t they come looking for their dogs? It cannot be that in each case a little old lady died, or the former family is lost in the Bermuda Triangle, leaving poor Fido to fend for himself.
Certain strays are so unique that it becomes more remarkable that no one is on their trail. Let us dig deeply into the “Babylon Believe or Not” files. The strangest stray ever was the Shepherd mix that entered Babylon Shelter circa 1990 wearing a hand-sewn pirate costume. Nope, it was not Halloween. Staring now at his smudged Polaroid still in disbelief, I recall no owner claimed him. Instead, a new family adopted the pup, sans his skull n’ crossbones garb.
enrolling him in a cancer drug trial, but the rules were too complicated for a homeless dog. Phelps recovered and was adopted into a caring home. He died years later of a different cancer.
“Roscoe,” at Oyster Bay Town Shelter, was another contender for the most unusual, unclaimed stray dog. A lady said she found him on Forest Avenue near the Massapequa/Seaford border. “Roscoe” was a young Shepherd with a bobbed tail. More important, he had a congenitally deformed front leg bent at a right angle. Roscoe held it up like a waiter balancing a tray of cocktails. The leg pitched him forward when he walked. Despite his disability, Roscoe was a sweet fellow. Last Hope took him from the shelter. Our vets recommended amputating the deformed front leg, so he had better balance. After his surgery, we placed Roscoe in a loving home.
Unclaimed strays that are rare or expensive purebred dogs surface at municipal shelters. Over 30 years, I took at least twelve Afghan Hounds, four Standard Poodles, three Collies, a Boston Terrier, a Bearded Collie, a Whippet, two Shetland Sheepdogs, a Giant Schnauzer, three Papillons, a Pointer, a Bullmastiff with a broken pelvis, a Wheaten Terrier, three Bassets, an Irish Setter plus many plentiful purebreds like Beagles and Dachshunds from Long Island town shelters. A friend recently adopted a neglected Boerbel (which is a South African Mastiff) from a Long Island town shelter. In most cases, the original owners went out their way to acquire and pay for these dogs. Why weren’t they reclaimed by their owner?
Your Local Calendar of Events
FRIDAY, June 28
• Simpson United Methodist Church: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 30 Locust Ave., Amityville. For more information, call 631-789-2569.
• Our Lady of the Island K of C 6911 BINGO: 7:30 p.m., Our Lady of Lourdes School, 855 Carmans Rd., Massapequa Park. For more information, call 516798-9887.
SATURDAY, June 29
• The Long Island Dahlia Society: 9 a.m., Bayard Cutting Arboretum, 440 Montauk Hwy., Great River. All are welcome. Come and learn how to care for your dahlias. Tubers will be available for sale starting in April. For more information call 631-972-8829 (leave message) or visit www.longislanddahlia.org
SUNDAY, June 30
• Farmingdale Farmers Market on the Village Green by Schneider’s Farm: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 361 Main Street, Farmingdale. For more information, call 516249-0093.
MONDAY, July 1
• Plainedge Public Library Board of Trustees: 7 p.m., Local History Room, 1060 Hicksville Road, Massapequa. For more information, call 516-735-4133 or visit plainedgelibrary.org.
• North Massapequa Board of Fire Commissioners: 8 p.m., 960 Hicksville Road, Seaford. For more information, visit https://nmfd-660.com/district/ or call 516-579-0900.
TUESDAY, July 2
B.C. (Before Computers, that is) it was more difficult to track dogs via vet records. Around the same time as the pirate pooch, a red Doberman with a huge external fixator and a limping Afghan whose leg x-ray showed she already had a surgical plate surfaced at Babylon Shelter. In both cases, orthopedic specialists had performed expensive operations, yet no one redeemed either dog. The specialists looked through their notes to try to help identify the dogs but could not produce matches.
“Ruby,” the Dobie, went to ladies in Bay Side, while the Afghan received a new plate via League for Animal Protection, and then a doting home in North Babylon (and the Icelandic name for “witch”) to honor their Afghan who had just died. The couple called both Afghans “Grille” but when I check the translation nowmore than 30 years later, “Norn” or “Galdranorn,” are Icelandic words for “witch”. Well, Grille lived up to her name because she did not seem to appreciate all done to save her and her leg.
Yes, some callously dump their pets, whereas others are not telling the truth when they bring a “found” dog to the shelter; but until canines start speaking English, we will have to piece together the clues to determine which are abandoned and which are really lost. Below are several other strange stray stories from town shelter archives:
“Phelps,” a Retriever mix, swam a Babylon Village canal into the waiting arms of the police. After several months unclaimed at Babylon Shelter, he went to Last Hope where he had a leg lump removed which turned out to be mast cell cancer. At the time we investigated
For Adoption at Last Hope Animal Rescue, 3300 Beltagh Ave, Wantagh: Tok is a six-year-old female Beagle and Arlo a handsome, young male Retriever mix with green eyes. Hard to believe but his mom is a purebred Basset. Both Tok and Arlo passed their formal cat tests with ease. Call 631-671-2588 for more info.
Last Hope Poster Pups
• Emotional Health Recovery and Support Group: 7:30 to 9 p.m., Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9592, 55 Hickory Lane, Levittown. Free weekly, in-person meeting of Emotions Anonymous, a 12-step support group for anyone experiencing emotional difficulties. For more information, call Steve at 631-332-0552 or Jill at 516-220-7808. All calls are confidential.
WEDNESDAY, July 3
• The Long Island Dahlia Society: 9 a.m., Bayard Cutting Arboretum, 440 Montauk Hwy., Great River. All are welcome. Come and learn how to care for your dahlias. Tubers will be available for sale starting in April. For more information call 631-972-8829 (leave message) or visit www.longislanddahlia.org.
• Massapequa Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: 12 p.m., Khamdee Thai Kitchen, 4887 Merrick Road, Massapequa. For more information, call 516-804-9424, or email massapequachamber@ gmail.com.
• Emotional Health Recovery and Support Group: 7:30 to 9 p.m. Free weekly, virtual meeting of Emotions Anonymous, a 12-step support group for anyone experiencing emotional difficulties. For more information, call Steve at 631-332-0552 or Jill at 516-2207808. All calls are confidential.
• Farmingdale Village Pops on the Village Green: 7:30 p.m., 361 Main Street, Farmingdale. Concerts directed by Brad DeMilo. For more information, call 516-249-0093 or visit www.facebook.com/farmingdale11735.
1990 Polaroid of Babylon Shelter stray found wearing this pirate outfit.
ARLO- male Retriever mix with green eyes.
TOK- female Beagle
Two Massapequans among ten honored as Women of Distinction by Town of Oyster Bay
Catherine Chiocchi and Katie Stone of Massapequa were recently among those recognized by the Town of Oyster Bay at a special ceremony recognizing exceptional women who have significantly contributed to the communities in the Town of Oyster Bay. They were among ten Women of Distinction’ honored.
“These extraordinary women all have outstanding qualities and have truly made our Town a better place,” said Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joe Saladino. “Together with my colleagues on the Town Board, we salute these outstanding residents for giving back to the charities, our hometown and the neighbors they love so much.”
Catherine ‘Kitty’ Chiocchi has been a crossing guard at Fairfield Elementary School for 45 years. While she protects children and pedestrians every day, she has also become an integral part of the community. Her warm demeanor, reliability, and genuine concern for children have left a lasting positive impact on the entire community. She has touched thousands of lives, not only demonstrating true professionalism but special care at the start and end of every child’s day.
Katie is the Deputy Municipal Market Director
and Assistant Studio Director at H2M architects + engineers. Since achieving her Master of Architecture, she has worked on an array of projects, and was the driving force on H2M’s Sustainability Committee to help improve corporate’s social responsibility and overall carbon footprint. Katie also acts as Lead Mentor for H2M’s ACE Mentoring Program, helping to inspire young students to follow a career path in architecture.
Other town residents honored included: Kimberly Leary of Glen Head; Dr. Monica Shekher-Kapoor of Roslyn Harbor; Mindy Davidson of Bethpage; Dr. SimranJeet Kaur of Hicksville; Erica McKeon of Syosset; Rabbi Deborah Bravo of Woodbury and Valerie Monroy & Donna Galgano of Oyster Bay Councilwoman Johnson, Chairperson of the Women of Distinction Committee, added “All of our honorees went above and beyond in their communities. All these women have an inspiring story to tell, and while their backgrounds are different, they all have one thing in common – they don’t do what they do looking for accolades. All our honorees should take pride in their great achievements as they are true role models in their various fields and communities.”
Sons of Italy awards scholarships to local students
The Sons of Italy Columbus Lodge #2143 recently awarded scholarships to students in six categories. Local students honored included Ava Mininni of Massapequa High School who received the Zabbia Award for Health Care. She will be attending the University of Florida.
Marissa Battista of Plainedge High School and Alessia Ferro of Farmingdale High School received the Excellence in Italian Language award. Battista will be attending Quinnipiac University and Ferro will be attending the University of South Carolina.
Scholastic Achievement Awards went to Jonathan Sirico of Farmingdale High School who will be attending Molloy University; Ethan Pravato of Massapequa High School who will be attending Purdue University and Isabella Lima of Massapequa High School who will be attending the University of Connecticut.
The P. Vincent Landi Award went to Ashley Snyder, Alexandria Puccia, Lucas Emmanuel and Francesca
Mastrangelo, all of Plainedge High School. Snyder and Puccia will be attending Quinnipiac University, Emmanuel will be attending James Madison University and Mastrangelo will be attending SUNY Geneseo. The students are shown with Oyster Bay town Receiver of Taxes, Jeff Pravato, NYS Assemblyman John J. Mikulin, former Assemblyman Mike Li Petri and members of the Lodge.
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU Nationstar Mortgage LLC dba Mr. Cooper, Plaintiff AGAINST Peter Falci, Kim Falci, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered March 5, 2019, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501, Rain or Shine, on July 15, 2024 at 2:30PM, premises known as 287 North Delaware Avenue, Massapequa, NY 11758. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in Massapequa, in the Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York, SECTION: 52, BLOCK: 527, LOT: 245. Approximate amount of judgment $800,575.12 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #009037/2013. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 Protocols located on the Office of Court Administration (OCA) website (https://ww2.nycourts.gov/ Admin/oca.shtml) and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. Only Bank or Certified check payable to the Referee will be accepted for the downpayment. No third party check or cash will be accepted. Lisa Goodwin, Esq., Referee Frenkel Lambert Weiss Weisman & Gordon, LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-046203-F00 80892 24-611. 6/12, 19, 26, 7/3
Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: NA-0340-24-122963 for liquor, beer, wine, and cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell liquor, beer, wine, and cider at retail in a Restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 1658-1662 Old Country Road, Plainview, NY 11803, County of Nassau, for on premises consumption at Papa J Restaurant Limited Liability Company 24-615. 6/26. 7/3
INCORPORATED
VILLAGE OF MASSAPEQUA PARK NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to the provision of the State of New York, that a Public Hearing will be held by the Zoning Board of Appeals in the Incorporated Village of Massapequa Park on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at 7:00 PM in the Village Hall, 151 Front Street, Massapequa Park, New York 11762 for the following purposes: Case No. 4444 To consider the variance application of Mr. Christian Horn, 25 Massapequa Avenue, Massapequa Park, NY 11762 to maintain an emergency egress rescue opening on the side yard without the required setback is in violation of Village Code. Such proposal is in violation of Village Code Chapter 345-31(C) Side Yards which states: Must maintain a five (5) foot side yard setback. Existing emergency egress rescue opening is located four feet five inches (4’-5”) from west side property line, deficient by seven (7) inches. By order of the Zoning Board of Appeals June 20, 2024 24-616 6/26
Catherine Chiocchi
Katie Stone
Beach Parking Stickers Available
Oyster Bay Town announced that seasonal beach parking sticker sales and the free distribution of stickers to senior citizens and the disabled is underdway. The Oyster Bay Town Board has restricted beach access to residents only and enhanced safety measures by installing signage and pedestrian barriers. A major sand replenishment project will be complete by Memorial Day weekend.
Beach parking stickers are available at John J. Burns Town Park in Massapequa, Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park in Oyster Bay and at TOBAY Beach.
To purchase a beach parking sticker for your vehicle, residents must present a valid NYS driver’s license with residency in the Town of Oyster Bay, their vehicle registration, and bring the vehicle they plan to drive to the beach. Parking stickers are placed on the vehicle at the time of purchase. Only residents may purchase beach parking stickers for Town of Oyster Bay beaches. Beach parking stickers are $60, which pay for themselves following three visits.
FREE PASSES FOR SENIOR CITIZENS:
Town of Oyster Bay residents over the age of 60 can obtain a free parking sticker by presenting their driver’s license with town residency and
their vehicle registration. After receiving the sticker, senior residents must be present in the vehicle for entry on each visit. If visiting the beach in another vehicle, seniors can show their driver’s license and get a free day pass.
FREE PASSES FOR DISABLED/ SOCIAL SECURITY RECIPIENTS:
Residents who are disabled or receive social security can acquire a free beach parking pass by showing their Town of Oyster Bay Disability ID card (which can be obtained at the Town Clerk’s Office for a one-time fee of $32) or Notice of Award Letter, alongside their driver’s license showing residency in the town and their vehicle registration. A parking sticker will then be adhered to the vehicle.
DISCOUNTS FOR VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS, VETERANS & CLEAN PASS VEHICLE OWNERS: Town of Oyster Bay volunteer firefighters, members of the Armed Forces, veterans and Clean Pas eligible vehicle owners qualify for beach parking passes at reduced rates.
Only cashless payments are accepted, including credit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay. For more information, please call the Town of Oyster Bay Parks Department, Beaches Division, at (516) 797-4111.
YES Music Bingo FUNraiser, June 27
Now, more than ever, children and families deserve access to local and affordable help. At YES, the need for our services exceeds our capacity. Join us for our FUNdraiser with Music Bingo at 317 Main St.,
Farmingdale on June 27 from 7 to 10 p.m.! Proceeds will directly support our ability to respond to local children and families!
Information about this event can be found at https://www.yesccc.org .
Farmingdale Class of 1964 reunion scheduled for September
The Farmingdale Class of 1964, 60th reunion, is scheduled for Thurs., Sept. 19 at Captain Bill’s in Bay Shore from 6 to 10 p.m.
For more information and to RSVP, please email marionstark70@gmail.com Captain Bill’s is located at 122 Ocean Avenue in Bay Shore.
Do you have something good to shout about?
Let us help you share the good news about your wedding, anniversary, birth, graduation or any other happy event.
Send items to us, including photographs, at cjames@liherald.com Please include your name and phone number for verification. Questions? Call us at 516-569-4000 ext. 329
