READER OF THE WEEK IS MARY STEWART OF MASSAPEQUA PARK
Long Island diver heads to Rome, Page 3
Vol. 73, No. 30
WEDNESDAY, July 24, 2024
Massapequa H of F Honorees, Page 8 & 9
www.massapequapost.com
Obituary: Valerie Gill Page 6 50 CENTS
Massapequa FD hosts opening ceremony for newly renovated Parkhouse By Carolyn James The Massapequa Fire Department unveiled its newly renovated Parkhouse on Front Street in Massapequa Park June 30. The $12 million project compliments the department’s East and West End firehouses, providing the department with a centrally located firehouse within the district, said Justin Maurici, Captain of Engine & Hose Company #5. “This has been a long time coming and a lot of hard work to get to this point,” he told approximately 150 people who attended the opening. The project, which took about three years to complete, was briefly stalled by the pandemic, when building supplies were difficult to get. Despite that, it moved forward
IN THE NEWS Farmingdale grad recognized by town as he joins U.S. Navy
and now the members of Engine & Hose Company# 5 and Rescue Company #3 have a modern facility in which to meet, train and maintain the department’s supplies and vehicles. The renovation committee, made up of members of both Engine & Hose Company #5, “worked tirelessly on all of the fine details of this building,” said Maurici. “There were countless trips to furniture stores to figure out the proper tables and chairs, stonework factories to figure out the right countertop materials and discussion on how to set up the meeting room. I don’t think any of us want to look at a material or color sample swatch ever again.” The new building, designed by H2M Architects and Engineers, has four bays for fire trucks, which are significantly wider than the bays in the original building. In addition, there are three ambulance bays, all of which free up space between Massapequa Fire Department 3rd Ass’t Chief Robert Kennedy the vehicles so volunteers can more easily speaks at the event. maintain them. to pull a stretcher out of the bus while remaining indoors The renovations, in part, include the addition of a tem- and to hold ladder trucks inside when on standby. It also perature and access-controlled room to store life-saving provides separate areas for male and female members EMS medications. Rehab equipment is also available to during overnight standbys. Voters approved the new firehouse in March 2019 folhelp cool down volunteers working during heat waves. Ambulance bays are now large enough to allow members (Continued on Page 7)
Massapequa Coast LL captures two baseball titles 11 and 12-year olds advance to New York State Championships
Elijah Davis, a graduate of Farmingdale High School was recently recognized by Oyster Bay Town. Davis has committed himself to the service of the nation by joining the United States Navy. He was recognized at the Town’s ‘Salute to America’ celebration, which honors hometown heroes from throughout the Town. “This outstanding young man graduated from Farmingdale High School in June and has made the courageous decision to join the United States Navy, and we couldn’t be more proud of his accomplishments,” said Supervisor Saladino. “Your journey will be challenging, but it will also be filled with honor and purpose. For that, you have our deepest respect and gratitude.” Shown in photo are Oyster Bay Councilman Tom Hand, Supervisor Joe Saladino, Elijah Davisw, Lee Rocker of Stray Cats which performed at the Saltue to America celebration, and Jeff Pravato, Receiver of Taxes.
The Massapequa Coast Little League once again has left their imprint on Long Island, capturing two Long Island section baseball titles and advancing to the New York State championships. The 11-year-old Williamsport All- Star Team and the 12-year-Old Williamsport All-Star Team each captured their respective district championships and Long Island Finals section championships. For the Massapequa Coast, this is the 14th year of the last 15 years that it has had baseball teams represent the Massapequa Coast Community and Long Island in the New York State finals, an achievement unmatched by any little league in Long Island. The 11-year-Old All-Star Williamsport team managed by Kevin Podmore, with Assistant Coaches Jon Henchy, Sean Graham and Sean McDonough piloted their 12-man squad comprised of players strictly from the Massapequas: Nathaniel Broder, Jack Burke, Mason Graham, Quinn Hartmann, James Henchy, Jackson Lermayer, Dylan Lyons, Jaxon McDonough, Dominick Podmore, Colton Robitaille, Derek Schroeder and Thomas Solnick.
The 11 -year old team won the district championship going 4-1 with wins against Merrick/Bellmore, Seaford and Massapequa International before defeating Massapequa International again in the championship game 6-5 on July 6th. Coast defeated Merrick/Bellmore 3-1 to open up the District Tournament led by Dominick Podmore on the mound with a complete game 1 hitter and a huge 2 RBI double by Robitaille.
(Continued on Page 5)