March 12, 2025 North Massapequa by Long Island Media Group

e Chamber of Commerce of the Massapequas, Inc.

Address: 675 Broadway, Massapequa, NY 11758-2318 | Phone: 516-541-1443

E-mail: massapequachamber@gmail.com / Website: massapequachamber.org

IT’S OFFICIAL! We are thrilled to announce that the Massapequa Chamber of Commerce will be hosting our FIRST-EVER ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE on Saturday, March 15, 2025!

e following streets will be closed from approximately 9:00AM-4:00PM to accommodate the parade route:

Broadway starting at Jerusalem Ave. and moving south to Veterans Blvd.

All side streets beginning at Hamilton Ave.

Keith

As this is our rst parade, we’re pulling out all the stops to make it a memorable event. We’re thrilled to bring this fun and family-friendly celebration to our community, and we hope you’ll join in on the excitement. We are proud to announce the Grand Marshals of this inaugural event - Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder and Massapequa Chamber of Commerce Past President Gary Slavin. We are also very grateful to the Main Event Sponsor of the parade, Embassy Diner.

To help you plan ahead, please note that street closures will begin at approximately 9:00AM and will remain in e ect until approximately 4:00PM. “No Parking” signs will be posted and a police presence will be on hand to redirect tra c. We recommend checking our website or social media for the most up-to-date information on street closures and parade details.

Wilson, Parade Chairperson Past President Robin Hepworth, President

e safety of our participants and spectators is our top priority. We’re working closely with the Nassau County Police Department to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience for all. With their guidance, we’re con dent that this will be a safe and memorable event. We want to thank you in advance for your patience and understanding. Your cooperation means the world to us, and we’re honored to have such a supportive community behind us. We’re grateful for the support of our local businesses, organizations, and residents who have helped make this event possible. So mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate with us! We can’t wait to share this special day with our community. With Warm Appreciation,

• Certiﬁed Early Childhood Teachers

• CPR / First Aid Certiﬁed

• Brightwheel Communication App

• Secure Building

• Large Air-Conditioned Classrooms

• Child-Size Bathrooms

• Large Indoor Gym w/Playground

• Innovative Outdoor Playgrounds For Infants, Toddlers & Pre-Schoolers

• Lovely Park-Like Courtyard

• Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum

• Faith-Based Program With Monthly Chapel Visits

• Monthly Music & Yoga Classes

• Holiday Celebrations

• Moving Up & Graduation Ceremonies

• Summer Fun Program

Recipe Of The Week: Irish Guinness Stew with Lamb

St.Patrick’s Day is known for revelry. A festive atmosphere prevails each March 17. Cuisine is a big part of Irish culture, even if it’s not the ﬁrst thing people think of when pondering the Emerald Isle. This St. Patrick’s Day, celebrants can bring a touch of Irish cuisine to their celebrations by preparing the following recipe for “Irish Guinness Stew with Lamb” courtesy of Lines+Angles.

Makes 6 servings

8 cups lamb or beef stock; divided

1 cup pearl barley

3 lb. lamb shoulder, cubed Salt, to taste

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

3 tablespoons oil

1⁄2 cup unbleached all-purpose ﬂour

4 stalks of celery, washed, trimmed and chopped

Directions:

1. In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, bring 3 cups of stock to a boil; add barley. Reduce heat to low and gently simmer for 20 minutes. Set aside.

2. Meanwhile, pat the meat dry with paper towels. Season the meat with salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a 6-quart Dutch oven. Brown the meat on all sides over medium-high heat. Using a slotted spoon, remove the meat from the pot. Sprinkle ﬂour over the meat, shaking off any excess; set aside.

3. Add the celery, onions, garlic and carrots to the pot and saute until onions are soft and translucent. Add Guinness and deglaze the pot, scraping up all the caramelized bits on the bottom and sides of the pan.

4. Chop the leaves of the parsley, reserving the stems.

2 large yellow onions, peeled and chopped

3 cloves of garlic, minced

3 large carrots, peeled and roughly chopped

12 ﬂuid ounces Guinness stout

1 bunch fresh parsley

1 bunch fresh thyme

1 bunch fresh rosemary

3 large potatoes, peeled and cubed

2 teaspoons cornstarch

4 teaspoons water

Tie the parsley stems and several sprigs of thyme and rosemary into a bundle; drop the bundle into the pot. Chop the remaining thyme and rosemary; set chopped herbs aside.

5. Return the meat to the pot. Add the potatoes, barley and enough stock to cover the meat and vegetables. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to very low and simmer for 2 to 3 hours, or until meat is fork tender. Stir occasionally, adding remaining stock as necessary.

6. Check seasoning; adjust to taste. Stir in chopped parsley, thyme and rosemary. Mix cornstarch in water and stir. Add to stew, stirring to incorporate. Cook over low heat for 5 to 10 minutes or until stew thickens. Ladle into bowls. Serve with crusty bread and of course more Guinness if desired.

7 Fun Ways To Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated each year on March 17. The day honors St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, but it’s also a celebration of Irish culture.

Although St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated around the world by people who can trace their lineage to the Emerald Isle, millions more with no such heritage join in

the festivities each year. That means anyone who is Irish or just Irish in spirit can take part in St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

There are many entertain-

ing ways to commemorate this special day. Here are a few to get the party started.

1. Eat green foods. Green is a prominent color for St. Patrick’s Day and Ireland

in general. Many people eat foods and consume beverages dyed green on March 17.

2. Bake soda bread. Everyone can take part in the kitchen whipping up a batch of delicious Irish Soda Bread. This is a great recipe for kids because there’s no need to wait for dough to rise. Baking soda is the “soda” in the recipe and serves as the leavening agent.

3. Take part in a parade. St. Patrick’s Day parades are held in major cities across the country, making it relatively easy for people to be there in person. However, many communities also host parades that are small in scale but still big on fun.

4. Attend an Irish dancing demonstration. Irish dance is a traditional dance that originated in Ireland. It is known for

Town Launches New Online Permit System For Faster, Easier Approvals

its intricate footwork and minimal upper-body movement.

5. Dine the Irish way. Although corned beef and cabbage is often served on St. Patrick’s Day, it is not the most authentic Irish fare one can eat. Find a restaurant that serves Irish stew, Boxty, Colcannon, or Black and white pudding, or try making such dishes at home.

6. Host a scavenger hunt. See who can find the gold at the base of the rainbow. Pick a person to organize the scavenger hunt. This person can write the clues and hide the prize.

7. Listen to Irish music. Tune in to The Chieftains, The Dubliners, Planxty, The Gloaming, The Wolfe Tones, and others to get into a festive spirit. Enjoy the different ways to celebrate.

No more trips to Town Hall! Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Councilman Lou Imbroto, and Town Clerk Rich LaMarca announced the launch of a new online permit system that allows residents, businesses, and contractors to apply for more than 20 types of fast-order building permits—all from the convenience of their home or office.

The Building Division Portal, accessible via the Town’s website, streamlines applications for projects like fences, generators, sprinkler systems, solar panels, and more. Officials were joined at the announcement by representatives from the Long Island Builders Institute, including Executive Director Michael Florio, President Anthony Barone, and Vice President John

Weiss.

“This new system is a game-changer for homeowners and contractors alike,” said Florio. “By modernizing the permitting process, the Town of Oyster Bay is cutting red tape, saving time, and making it easier for businesses and residents to get projects done efficiently.”

Supervisor Saladino added, “This great service allows applicants to submit materials, track progress, schedule inspections, and receive updates - all without stepping foot in Town Hall.”

The portal also provides step-by-step instructions, checklists, and a full list of eligible permits. Homeowners can create an account, while contractors can request activation online. For more details, visit oysterbaytown. com/buildingportal

MARCH HAPPENINGS

SAT., MARCH 15th

11:00AM-2:00PM

ST. PATRICK’S CHURCH

CLOTHING SALE

305 Carll’s Path in Deer Park.In the church hall. Rain or shine. Hot beverages will be served. Come by and take a look. You won’t be disappointed. Plenty of women’s, men’s, and children’s clothes, shoes, and accessories at great prices. For more information, please call 631-242-7530

SUN., MARCH 16th

1:00PM

WINTER CONCERT SERIES

Cambiata Cello Duo Paul Finkelstein & Suzanne Mueller

The New York Ofﬁce of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation invites you to enjoy the comfort of ﬁne classical music on Sunday afternoos at the Upper Carriage House at Bayard Cutting Arboretum in Great River. For more information, please call the Islip Arts Council at 631-8883525. For information on the day of the concert, please call Bayard Cutting Arboretum at 631- 581-1002

SAT., MARCH 22nd

10:00AM-1:00PM

LENTEN COLLECTION FOR SOLES4SOULS

Farmingdale United Methodist Church, 407 Main Street, invites the community to join their Lenten Collection for SOLES4SOULS, a nonproﬁt organization that

HOLIDAYS

9th - Daylight Savings Begins

17th - St. Patrick's Day 20th - Spring Begins

MAKE A SUBMISSION!

Events must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event date and will run free of charge on a space available basis. For more info, call 631.226.2636 x275 or send events to editorial@longislandmediagroup.com

collects new/slightly used shoes and distributes them to people in need. Donations can be brought to their Grant Avenue entrance.

5:00PM-8:00PM

ST PATRICK'S DAY DINNER & SHOW

First Presbyterian Church 497 Pulaski Road in Greenlawn. $30.00 per person. Entertainment~ Mulvahill-Lynch School of Irish Dancers. Full Traditional Irish Meal, Irish Soda Bread beverages & dessert, Rafﬂe Baskets and a Door Prize! Call Priscilla for tickets and reservations 631-379-4889. RSVP by March 15

SUN., MARCH 23rd

11:00AM-5:00PM

ST JAMES MODEL RAILROAD CLUB

WINTER OPEN HOUSE

Located at the Mills Pond House in St James. Once again opening to the public with many new additions to the Layout There is a requested donation, Adults $2.00, Children .50. PLEASE NOTE: The St. James Model Railroad Club is not handicapped accessible. For further information call evenings 516-263-9607 or 631-543-8732

12:00PM-4:00PM

ANNUAL ST JOSEPH CELEBRATION

Long Island Society of Italian Americans (LISIA) are getting ready for their annual St Joseph Celebration at The Inn at New Hyde Park. $100.00 per person includes antipasto, complete dinner, beer, wine & soda and

New York Blood Center Declares Blood Emergency

Help Needed - @ New York Blood Center has issued a blood emergency. The blood supply has dropped from 5 days to a 2-3 day supply, and 1-2 day supply of type O;

NYBC warns this could signal more severe shortages in the weeks ahead. Please sign up to donate at a convenient donation location near you: smarturl.it/NYBC_ Urgent

dancing. Call Diane Langella @ 516-398-3484 for additional information and reservations.

THURS., MARCH 27th

6:30PM-9:30PM

MUSIC BINGO FUNDRAISER

The Seaford Historical Society will host a fundraiser, Music Bingo, at the museum. The event is $25 per person, which includes 2 bingo cards. There will be rafﬂes, door prize and a 50/50. Coffee and water will be available. The museum is located at 3890 Waverly Ave. in Seaford. Tickets can be purchased at their website seafordhistoricalsociety.org/ music-bingo. Seating is limited. For more information, please call Judy Bongiovi at 516-783-8629

SAT., MARCH 29th

8:30AM-11:30AM

HECKSCHER STATE PARK

MARATHON, HALF MARATHON & 5K

1 Heckscher State Parkway, Field 6 in East Islip. Rain or Shine. Boston Qualifier Marathon and USATF Certified 5K and Half Marathon! The course is fully stocked with water and nutrition stops. The course is on fully closed park roads. This is one of the 1st Marathons & Half Marathons of the spring - come run a well supported event at Scenic Heckscher State Park! Each runner will receive a longsleeved shirt & a finisher medal! For more information, please contact Brendan Dagan 516-531-3323

March 2025

Dear Fellow Chambers Members and Residents of the Massapequas,

As we move into March, I am lled with gratitude and excitement for all that we have accomplished and the exciting events ahead. Our community continues to grow stronger, and it’s inspiring to see so many come together to support one another.

We just recently honored our local heroes at our Annual Fire ghters of the Year Awards Luncheon, where we had the privilege of honoring four outstanding local re ghters from the Massapequa and North Massapequa Fire Departments. Their dedication and service to our community are truly commendable, and we thank them for their bravery and commitment. A special thank you to Investment Insight Wealth Management for sponsoring this wonderful event. Congratulations to our well-deserving honorees: From the Massapequa Fire Department, Fire-Medic David Lee (Rescue Company 3) and Fire ghter Eric Devine (Ladder Company 6.) From the North Massapequa Fire Department, Ex-Chief Mark Frascella (Engine Company 3) and Ex-Captain Jack Smalley (Ladder Company 1.)

Our Multi-Chamber Networking Event at Knights of Columbus - Our Lady of the Island Council was a great success! It was fantastic to see so many local businesses come together, fostering new relationships and opportunities for collaboration. These events are a testament to the strength and unity within our business community, and we look forward to more successful gatherings in the future. Special thanks to Neil DeRosa for coordinating this special event, as well as Grand Knight Matt Salvo for your continued support and generosity.

As we move forward into 2025, we are thrilled to host our First Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 15, 2025! The parade route will start on Broadway and Jerusalem Ave., proceeding south on Broadway to Veterans Blvd. This event is something I have long believed was overdue for our community, and I couldn’t be more excited to see it nally come to life. With a few short weeks away, we invite all Chamber member businesses, Massapequa schools, and community organizations to march and participate in what we hope will become a cherished annual tradition. This is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our vibrant community, showcase local pride, and bring people together in the spirit of unity and festivity.

We are honored to have Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick J. Ryder and Past President Gary Slavin as our Grand Marshals for this special event. Let’s make this a memorable milestone for our town! Stay tuned for more details as we nalize plans. Thanks again to our Chairperson Past President Keith Wilson for all his hard work and efforts. And sincere appreciation to all of our sponsors, especially our Main Event Sponsor, Embassy Diner, for your generosity and support.

We are also excited to announce our 2nd Annual Taste of Massapequa. On Thursday, April 24th from 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, come sample the best of Massapequa’s culinary scene at Wren Kitchens (5500 Sunrise Highway, Massapequa.) For just $30 per person, you’ll enjoy over 30 local restaurants sharing their signature dishes, raffles and prizes to win, and live music and entertainment. We invite all our member restaurants to participate and showcase their culinary expertise. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with the local community and promote your business! And to our community, we encourage you to come out and support your favorite local eateries while discovering new avors and favorites! Reserve your space now and join us for an unforgettable evening of food, fun, and community connection! Special thank you to CoChairs 3rd Vice President Janice Talento and Chamber member Linda Rowse for all of your hard work in coordinating this event.

Finally, join us for the Anthony Ventiera / Patricia Orzano Memorial Annual Massapequa Community Street Festival on Sunday, June 1st at 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM on lower Broadway in Massapequa! Enjoy delicious food to satisfy your cravings, great music to get you grooving, amazing prizes to be won, fantastic vendors with unique nds, and fun family activities for all ages. Calling all vendors - don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to showcase your business! Reach out to secure your spot! Bring your friends, bring your family, and get ready to make some unforgettable memories! Special thanks to Event Chairperson Past President Keith Wilson, as well as Vice-Chairs Stephen Parmiter and Pastor Chris Merz, for all your efforts in organizing the special event.

As we continue into 2025, I look forward to a year lled with collaboration, growth, and shared success. Our Chamber remains committed to supporting businesses, fostering connections, and strengthening our local economy. Your participation and dedication make all the difference, and I’m grateful to be on this journey with such an incredible group of individuals.

Robin Hepworth President, Massapequa Chamber of Commerce

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Did You Know?

Snakes are featured prominently in the legend of St. Patrick, whose feast day is celebrated every year on March 17. As the legend goes, St. Patrick drove all snakes from Ireland. But scientists and historians note that St. Patrick, who lived in the mid-fifth to early sixth century, likely came along too late to accomplish such a feat, as evidence suggests post-glacial Ireland never had any snakes. Indeed, the ocean waters surrounding the Emerald Isle are too cold to enable the migration of snakes from other locales, which suggests the snakes in the legend of St. Patrick are symbols and not meant to represent reptiles.

Massapequa Chamber of Commerce FIRST-EVER St. Patrick’s Day Parade Saturday, March 15, 2025! Grand Marshals Of This

Inaugural Event

Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder

And Massapequa Chamber Of Commerce Past President Gary Slavin

Patrick J. Ryder was named Acting Police Commissioner of the

Nassau County Police Department in 2017 and in February 2018 he was named Police Commissioner. He is in his 42nd year in law enforcement, serving the last 38 years with the Nassau County Police Department.

Commissioner Ryder began his law enforcement career with the New York City Police Department on January 4, 1984. He joined the NCPD on July 18, 1986 and was assigned to the 3rd Precinct. In 1989, he was assigned to the Bureau of Special Operations. Following his promotion

to Sergeant in 1995 he was assigned to the 5th Precinct, 8th Squad, and the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) as the Deputy Commanding Officer. In 2008 he was designated the Commanding Officer of Asset Forfeiture & Intelligence (AFI), where he proactively implemented a number of life-saving programs and initiatives that helped ensure officer and public safety. These include the NCPD’s Real-Time Intelligence (RTI) system; the R.E.A.C.H. Program; the Civilian Intelligence

A distinguished financial services professional with over four decades of experience in asset

management, employee benefits, and insurance consulting. Currently serving as a Financial Services Representative and Employee Benefits Counselor at Lebenthal Financial Services, managing over $70 million in client assets and overseeing benefits for more than 900 families while leading a team of advisors and support staff. Recognized as a member of the prestigious Million Dollar Round Table (Life Member) - an achievement reached by only 1% of industry professionalsand holder of multiple

professional designations including Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC), Life Underwriting Training Council Fellow (LUTCF), and Certified Long Term Care Counselor (CLTC).

Expertise extends to Series 7, 6, and 63 licenses, with specialized knowledge in the Affordable Care Act, contributing to its implementation taskforce in New York State.

A distinguished business leader with extensive experience in both insurance and community development. Leadership roles include former President of the

Analyst Program; the DNA Collection Initiative; and the creation of the CounterTerrorism Unit, Think Tank, and the Department’s Criminal Intelligence Rapid Response Team (CIRRT). Together these initiatives have brought crime in Nassau County to historic lows, allowing residents to enjoy one of the lowest crime rates in the United States. In 2022, Nassau County was named the “Safest Community in America” by U.S. News and World Report for the third year in a row.

Commissioner Ryder

has a Master’s Degree in Homeland Security and Management from Long Island University. He is an Adjunct Professor of Criminal Justice and Intelligence-Led Policing at Nassau Community College and taught at Dowling College until 2015. He currently sits on the Advisory Board for Criminal Justice at SUNY Farmingdale and has been a Counter-Terrorism Lecturer at the University of Maryland Center for Health and Homeland Security. Commissioner Ryder is a NYS Division of

Criminal Justice ServicesCertified Law Enforcement Instructor, a NYS Certified Crime and Intelligence Analyst, a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist, and has Top Secret clearance with the FBI’s New York Field Office. He has also been deputized as an IRS Criminal Investigator. Additionally, he has trained members of law enforcement agencies from Egypt, Tajikistan, Tunisia, South Africa, and Turkey. He and his wife Jill have three children: Liam, Sean, and Meghan.

Professional Insurance Agents of New York, Massapequa Chamber of Commerce, Nassau Shores Civic Association, and East End Disability Foundation, Treasurer of the Nassau Council of Chamber of Commerce. Notable recognitions include induction into the Massapequa Hall of Fame, MetLife’s ‘Life of Significance’ award, and the Massapequa Chamber of Commerce Businessperson of the Year award.

Led major initiatives to advance the insurance industry across New York

State while simultaneously fostering local business growth and economic development in Nassau County. Demonstrated expertise in industry advocacy, regulatory affairs, and community leadership through these pivotal roles representing both statewide insurance professionals and local business interests.

As President of the Professional Insurance Agents of New York he successfully lobbied for four bills that eventually passed by both houses of the New York Legislature, and the Governor has

signed all four bills into law.

A Marist College graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Marketing, supplemented by financial planning studies at C.W. Post. Currently serves on the boards of the New York State Professional Insurance Agents and Massapequa Chamber of Commerce, continuing a legacy of community involvement recognized by the Town of Oyster Bay for contributions to the ‘Field of Dreams’ park project.

PATRICK RYDER

GARY SLAVIN

Polar Plunge Returns To TOBAY Beach March 29th

Oyster Bay Town

Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilman Lou Imbroto invite residents to be “Freezin’ for a Reason” at the annual Polar Plunge benefitting Special Olympics New York on Saturday, March 29th at TOBAY Beach.

“Many of our residents head to TOBAY Beach for summer fun, but this event provides an enjoyable and charitable reason to spend a great day at the beach much sooner,” said Supervisor Saladino. “Participants will have an opportunity to prove their mettle and their compassion by wading into

the chilly waters of TOBAY Beach to raise funds for the athletes of Special Olympics New York.”

The event kicks off with winter festival fun and registration starting at 9:00 a.m., with the plunge beginning at 11 a.m.

Requested donation is $25 per participant. Plungers who raise $150 receive a commemorative Polar Plunge sweatshirt.

All of the money raised through the Polar Plunge helps provide yearround sports training and competition as well as leadership, health and inclusion programs

for individuals with intellectual disabilities in your community.

“This polar plunge is sure to create lasting memories for all participants while supporting a very worthwhile cause,” added Councilman Imbroto.

“Special Olympics New York changes lives through the joy of sports and the Town of Oyster Bay is proud to partner with this outstanding organization to help make this event a success. Please join with me in braving the chilly waters for a great reason.”

Pre-register yourself, family and team today at

www.PolarPlungeNY.org. For more information, call Rebecca Hoffmann at (631) 458-1579 or e-mail rhoffmann@nyso.org.

Thank you for the following sponsors: Optimum, News 12 Long Island, Long Island Igloos, Jersey Mike’s Subs, 7-Eleven, New York Islanders, Washville, 106.1 BLI, Special Olympics New York, Nassau County PBA, WBAB 102.3, Nassau County Police Department, CSEA, Liberty Beverages, Adventureland, Adventureland’s Helping Hands Foundation, and Long Island Press.

BUYING? SELLI NG? RENTING? Place your ad in the Classifieds. 631-226-2636 Ext. 276

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