_________ Oceanside/island park ________
HERALD VE SECTION 2024 SPECIAL COMMEMORATI
LaRosa brings music to I.P.
oceanside shows team spirit
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VoL. 59 No. 10
FEBRUARY 28, 2024
FEBRUARy 29 - MARCH 6, 2024
$1.00
LI Pride Lions members share mission to help Island. Through a variety of events, it raises funds for charities and community projects. “It’s never easy to start a new The LI Pride Lions Club is making waves in Long Island’s club, and we’re only about two LGBTQ community with its years out, but already we have dedication to service, fundrais- an amazing group of people,” ing and community engage- Caputo said. “We have a solid ment. Founded two years ago, board of directors. We try to do the club has quickly become a at least four big events a year, all hub for those passionate about fundraising or service activities, and we have a great time making a difference. doing it.” The club convened The club has nearfor its monthly meetly 50 dues-paying ing on Feb. 22 at the members, and meets Halo nightclub in at different locations Oceanside. across Nassau CounIts president, ty. “Everyone’s welMichael Caputo, of come to come to a Oyster Bay, initially m e e t i n g , ” C ap u t o joined because he said. “T here’s no wanted to get more pressure to sign up involved. and become an offi“I’ve always want- ANtHoNy cial member. The goal ed to do more volunPARADIso is to always make teer work, and I was International lions sure we have plenty lacking in that in the charity department,” Caputo club director account so when peosaid. “I met a group of guys one night at NuBar, ple come to us in need, we’re which is another gay bar locat- able to help them out.” One of the club’s main events ed in Farmingdale, and they were starting a Lions Club, and is an annual Tea Dance fundthey’re allowing us to be our- raiser, which was held in September. In the LGBTQ commuselves. I said, sign me up.” Lions Clubs International’s nity, a tea dance is a cocktail mission is to empower volun- party that serves as a safe space, teers to serve their communi- where community members are ties, and their five most impor- not ostracized for their life tant causes are vision, hunger, choices. LI Pride Lions also organizes diabetes, cancer and the environment. The organization a bowling fundraiser and an encourages special clubs, like LI annual comedy night, which Pride Lions, which has a mis- this year took place Feb 18 at sion of its own: to provide sup- Governor’s Comedy Club in port and assistance to LGBTQ Continued on page 8 org anizations across Long
By KEPHERD DANIEL
kdaniel@liherald.com
Dina Ewashko/Herald
Kitty Cove raises $30,000 Tessa Rau with the feline-costumed Annie Melia, of the Long Beach Humane Society, also known as Kitty Cove in Island Park, at the annual bowling for Kitties Fundraising Event at Maple Lanes in Rockville Centre last Sunday. More photos, Page 3.
New Oceanside Chamber president details his vision for the future By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com
The Oceanside Chamber of Commerce has ushered in a new era of leadership, naming John Dianellos, the owner of Old Spirit Distillery, its new president. Dianellos replaces Paul Engel, who completed his two-year term as president. Dianellos, who was appointed the Chamber’s new leader on Jan. 1, wasted no time in outlining his vision for the local business community. He said he wants the Chamber to be a proactive force for business advocacy and support, and stressed the need for small business owners to unite in facing common challenges.
“We are small business owners,” Dianellos said. “We are in the same boat when it comes to different issues that we face — financial issues, regulatory issues, promoting issues, business marketing issues. All these things are issues and problems that we all face one way or another. Not everybody has huge budgets behind them, and we should try to use whatever resources we have and address those issues.” As he prepared for the Chamber’s installation dinner at Temple Avodah on Thursday, when he was set to officially assume his new duties, Dianellos said his goal is to lead the group into a new era of growth, innovation and collaboration. Continued on page 7
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check on this club, because it’s doing a great job.