_________ Oceanside/island park ________
HERALD o’Side schools walk for autism
Friedberg JCC’s run for a cause
o’Side math teacher honored
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Vol. 59 No. 23
MAY 30 - JUNE 5, 2024
$1.00
He’s a Joe of all trades By KEPHERD DANIEl kdaniel@liherald.com
Daniel Tommasino/Herald
Remembering our fallen heroes oceanside hosted its Memorial day parade Monday to honor those who have fallen in war.
Author unveils ‘The Perfect Sister’ O’Side’s Stephanie DeCarolis is set to release new novel By KEPHERD DANIEl kdaniel@liherald.com
Oceanside resident Stephanie DeCarolis is ready to captivate readers with her latest psychological thriller, “The Perfect Sister,” slated for release by Ballantine Books on July 16. The book delves into the mysteries surrounding a young woman’s disappearance in the Hamptons. A lifelong resident of Oceanside, DeCarolis, 38, initially pursued a career in law, specializing in medical malpractice. But her passion for writing eventually led to a career change. Her journey to becoming a bestselling author is as intriguing as the plots of her novels.
“Writing has always been something I loved, and it was sort of a hobby for me,” DeCarolis said. “It was a hobby that I fell back into after having my two daughters. I had taken a step back from my career. If I was ever going to write a book, now was the time to do it, before I went back to work full-time.” Her leap of faith paid off: Her debut novel, “The Guilty Husband,” published by Ballantine, a division of Random House, in 2021, became a USA Today bestseller. She followed it with “Deadly Little Lies” later that year, quickly building a reputation in the genre of suspense. “I got very lucky that first book that I wrote Continued on page 6
Joe Pontecorvo’s extensive involvement in local organizations and his commitment to his community have made him a well-known figure in Oceanside, Island Park and Long Beach. His decades-long contributions were honored by the Oceanside Kiwanis Club at its meeting on May 1, when “Ponte,” as he’s affectionately known, and other members were awarded the Legion of Merit commemorative lapel pin and certificate. “Joseph Ponte is always a familiar face in the community,” Hempstead Town Councilwoman Laura Ryder said. “If Kiwanis or another organization is hosting a charitable event, there are two things you can be sure of: One, it will be a huge success, and two, Joe Ponte will be there. Our community is fortunate to have a thriving Kiwanis organization, and it’s all thanks to the volunteer members who work diligently in serving the community.” Pontecorvo, 76, was one of three Kiwanis members recognized for 15 years of service at the meeting — in his case, for his combined service with the Oceanside and Island Park clubs. “ Jo e Po n t e c o r vo b e i n g awarded the Legion of Merit commemorative pin comes as
no surprise to me,” State Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick said in a statement. “After 15 years of dedicated service to Kiwanis, his contributions have not gone unnoticed. He has significantly enhanced, enriched and positively impacted the youth of Oceanside and Island Park, as well as all of us in these remarkable communities. His leadership reminds us of the profound impact we can have when we commit ourselves to serving the next generation.” Pontecorvo was born and raised in Long Beach, and his first job at age 12, delivering n e w s p a p e r s f o r N e w s d ay, marked the beginning of his connection to community affairs. “I enjoyed it, except for the winter,” Ponte recalled of the experience, which, he said, shaped his work ethic. He attended East Elementary School in Long Beach, where he shared classrooms and a friendship with the future comedian and movie star Billy Crystal — who mentioned Pontecorvo in his Broadway show “700 Sundays.” Pontecorvo eventually served as a Long Beach building and fire inspector and in the city’s parks department, as well as with the Nassau County Department of Minority Affairs. “Working in gover nment Continued on page 5