Oyster Bay Town officials honor TOBAY beach lifeguards
Among those honored are a father, son and grandson who have made saving lives a family tradition
By Christie Leigh Babirad
What makes TOBAY Beach in Massapequa last year’s winner in the Bethpage Federal Credit Union’s Best of Long Island contest? Lieutenant John McGovern, a lifeguard in his 57th year at TOBAY, said “it’s the people.”
And John would know because he’s been working as a lifeguard at TOBAY since 1967. John, several members of his family, and other lifeguards serving the Town of Oyster Bay, were recently recognized by the town for their commitment and service.
Originally from Massapequa and now living in West Islip, John was recently honored at Lifeguard Appreciation Day at TOBAY Beach alongside his fellow lifeguards, son Captain Kim McGovern of West Islip, and grandson Jack McGovern of West Islip and Nosara, Costa Rica.
John served the Massapequa School District for 33 years as a Physical Education teacher and chairman, but every summer would return to TOBAY to lifeguard since that first summer when he was in college. He also shared a fact that he said most probably don’t know, “My wife Donna was actually a lifeguard before me and was one of the first women to work at TOBAY Beach,” said John.
As he spoke recently about his family and TOBAY Beach, which has become an integral part of their family’s history, he said that what he enjoys most is sharing the job now with his son and grandson. “It’s nice to be able to work with Jack especially and spend quality time together since he is normally very busy,” said John, adding that it’s a joy for him to be working with both his son and grandson.
John said that TOBAY Beach is a positive environment where people are happy and smiling and added that he enjoys the many people who approach him year after year saying that working at TOBAY was the best job they ever had. “I love working with the people here, both the employees and TOBAY’s patrons,” said John. “It’s all about the people to me.”
His son Kim, who has been a lifeguard at TOBAY for 22 years, echoed this sentiment saying that working at TOBAY has given him the opportunity to meet many people and form lifelong relationships. “It’s one big family here,” said Kim.
In addition to being a lifeguard at TOBAY, Kim runs a surf school in Costa Rica, Nosara Surf Academy. He said he has been going to TOBAY Beach since he was a child. And, while many things have changed over the years, the one thing that has not changed is the business of saving lives. “I feel very fortunate to
(Continued on Page 11)
Honorees Jack, Kim and John McGovern, center, with Town of Oyster Bay Councilman Louis B. Imbroto, Councilwoman Laura L. Maier and Supervisor Joseph S. Saladino, left, and Town Clerk Rich LaMarca and Receiver of Taxes Jeffrey Pravato, right.
Massapequa School Board introduces new personnel; outlines goals and objectives for coming school year
by Mike Polansky
Newly appointed professionals were introduced at the Massapequa School Board meeting Aug. 1 including Caitlyn Krauszer, the new Elementary School Special Education Supervisor, Sandra Rago, a new teacher at the Fairfield Elementary School, and Jared Esposito, the newly appointed Technology teacher at the Berner Middle School.
Dr. Jordan McCaw, assistant superintendent for pupil personnel services, introduced Krauszer, noting that after an intensive search she “stood out as the most impressive candidate for the position.”
Krauszer served as a school psychologist and CSE Chairperson in the Locust Valley School District prior to coming to Massapequa.
Nine other professionals were approved by the board: Elementary School Psychologist Megan Farley, Special Education teacher Krista Caracaterra, Elementary Speech Teacher Jenna Lewis, and six teaching assistants.
In other business at the meeting the board: •discussed the school board’s goals for the2024-2025 school year. Superintendent of Schools Dr. William Brennan started off the discussion by noting that the board must establish goals “always seeking to make sure that our students are achieving the best that they can, throughout (Continued on Page 11)
Antoine Hilton awarded paid internship Page 2
National cemetery remembers deadly fire 75 years ago, Page 3
Bon Anno Realty in Massapequa celebrated 40th anniversary with a Blood Drive
Shown in photo at the event are are Russ Bonnano Jr., an associate broker; MaryAnn Toner, a salesperson, and Russ Bonanno Sr., broker-owner. life-saving blood to 93 patients across local hospitals.
Bon Anno Realty in Massapequa, recently celebrated its 40th anniversary and tocommemorate the event, held a blood drive.
“We wanted to do something that would benefit the community to recognize our 40 years here,” said Russ Bonanno Sr., the broker-owner of the company.
Working with the New York Blood Center, the drive had 40 pledges and col-
In addition, many local businesses helped to support the event by providing gift cards and prizes that were raffled off free to all those who participated to give blood.
The company was started by Lucille Bonanno. Bon Anno Realty is at 1068 North Broadway, Massapequa. Their
Toes in the sand, good book in hand...
An 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.
“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, garyslavinauthor.com
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.
I’m very excited to share some amazing news with you! Page Publishing has developed a partnership with ReaderHouse, the #1 site for indie & best selling books, that saves readers 10% when they purchase the book. For anyone interested in purchasing the book, feel free to use this link https://readerhouse.com/?s=9781662407550&post_ type=product and use the promo code FF- Save10 at checkout. It is that simple!
North Massapequa’s
Browne Graduates
U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
Kristin Margaret Browne, daughter of Trish and Bob Browne, of North Massapequa recently graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) at Kings Point. Browne earned a Bachelor of Science degree and a commission in the U. S. armed forces. She also earned a Merchant Marine officer license, qualifying her to serve as an officer on any ship in the U.S. flag merchant marine. Browne is a graduate of Farmingdale High School.
The United States Merchant Marine Academy is one of five U.S. federal service academies. It educates and graduates licensed Merchant Marine officers to serve the nation during peace and war. In addition to the rigorous academic and physical requirements for admission, applicants must be nominated by their Congressman or Senator. All USMMA graduates incur an obligation to serve the United States.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of women entering USMMA, making it the first federal service academy to admit women. In honor of this celebration, Rear Admiral Dianna Wolfson (USMMA class of ‘96) delivered the distinguished Alumna speech.
For more information about the Academy, visit https://www.usmma. edu/
Antoine Hilton of Massapequa awarded paid summer internship
Antoine Hilton of Massapequa, a student at Amityville High School, Class of 2026, was one of eight students awarded a paid summer internships by ERASE Racism. The summer internships run for six weeks, ending on August 16. They offer the interns an opportunity to help advance ERASE Racism’s mission daily and, in doing so, to learn more about structural racial inequity, especially in housing and public education, on Long Island and statewide. The internships also enable the students to conceive of solutions to structural racial inequity in the region.
“ERASE Racism is excited to be working with these eight interns this summer,” said President Laura Harding. “They each bring their own special talents and commitments to our work, and by engaging them we are
building a new generation of advocates for racial equity.”
For more information on the organization go to: eraseracismnyorg.
National Cemetery tribute service marks the anniversary of deadly firefighting day 75 years ago
By Carolyn James Terry Martinelli
and her husband James of Lindenhurst know the meaning of honor. They lost their son, Anthony, a member of the U. S. Army in 2014. Since then, they have become an integral part of a group that volunteers and dedicates their time to ensure that every veteran buried at National Cemetery at Farmingdale, including Anthony, is never forgotten.
On August 5, they were among a small group of people who stood at the gravesite of Stanley Joseph Reba, a World War II veteran. Reba, a Brooklyn native, died in 1949, one of 13 men killed during a devastating fire in Mann Gulch, Montana 75 years earlier
“We wanted to be here to show our respect and our support,” said Terry who wears a pin with her son’s name and photo, his date of birth and his date of death, along with other pins on a vest.
Anthony, a member of the U.S. Army, committed suicide in 2014, one of 22 veterans who take their lives every day in America.
Immediately after getting the devastating news, the Martinelli’s were contacted by members of the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR), a national volunteer organization founded in 2005 that supports military families and shields them disruptions at their funerals, memorials and other services.
The tremendous impact the PGR had on Terry and her family, and the solace it’s members helped bring them following Anthony’s death, resulted in their commitment to not only the PGR but also to National Cemetery. As a result, they help organize and take part in many services held there and in the words of one cemetery official, “are invaluable to ensuring a continued commitment to all military personnel and their families buried here.”
“We were so touched by what the PGR did for us during that very difficult time that we joined the organization because we wanted to be there for others,” said Terry. “As a result, we get to honor those who deserve to never be forgotten.”
Aug. 5, 2024 marked the 75th anniversary of the fire at Mann Gulch a remote canyon in Montana, one of the deadliest firefighting disasters in U.S. history. A small wildfire, started by lightning, grew into a blaze that consumed 60 acres and killed 13 men—12 smokejumpers, including Reba, and a ground firefighter – at Mann Gulch, a remote canyon in Montana.
Smokejumpers are wildland firefighters trained by the United States Forest Service to parachute into fires. Their primary mission is fire suppression and with the speed, range, and capacity of
their fixed-wing aircraft, can quickly deliver as few as two or as many as 12 professionally trained firefighters with equipment and supplies, directly to the fire in a single trip.
An accounting of the fire provided by the National Smoke Jumper Association describes the ferocity of the blaze: “Making their way down the canyon, the smokejumpers soon found themselves in an ominous situation when the fire exploded into a raging inferno, trapping them on a steep ridge with no escape route. Despite their training and experience, the smokejumpers struggled to survive against the fast-moving flames that consumed the dry grass and timber around them. All perished except one who lit a fire in the grass ahead of the approaching fire and positioned himself in the burnt-out area. This was the crew foreman Wagner Dodge who was unable to encourage the others to join him.”
Ten of the 13 firefighters at Mann Gulch, including Reba, had served in the United States military and continued to serve their country as Smokejumpers after their discharge. Reba served in the Aviation Cadet Air Corps during World War II, then went to the University of Missouri to study forestry. He married the love of his life, Juline Marie Nagel, in the fall of 1948 and became a Smokejumper. He was 26 years old when he died at Mann Gulch a year later.
“We all know that every one of these 13 Smokejumpers had lives and families and stories,” said John Pietras, a former Smokejumper and member of the National Smoke Jumper Association that arranged for the ceremonies at Farmingdale that day. “They were loving sons, brothers, uncles, cousins, friends, and, for two, including Reba, wonderful husbands. Mann Gulch was a tragedy that shocked our nation, their families, and our firefighting community. It would be
another tragedy if these 13 men, who averaged only 22 years of age, were forgotten.”
At last week’s event, an Honor Guard, and the Martinelli’s, stood by Reba’s headstone with about a dozen others, including representatives from the New York City Fire Department, present and former firefighters, and Smokejumpers.
The ceremony was one of dozens held in cemeteries throughout the country recognizing the men who died at Mann Gulch.
Among those also attending was former Smokejumper Tom Roche of Albertson.
“I wanted to be here to ensure his memory is preserved,” said Roche, now an ironworker and New York City firefighter. “These were young guys who were heroes and who never could have imagined that they would lose their lives like this.”
Stan Reba was described by those who knew him as “that burly, football playing, smokejumping man” who loved poetry. His favorite poem was “Crossing the Bar” by Alfred Lord Tennyson, which reads, in part:
Sunset and evening star, And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea. Pietras read the poem, reminding those attending that Reba lived a life of service, hope and promise and found solace in Tennyson’s words. That hope, he said, is also part of the Mann Gulch story because The United States Forest Service drew lessons from the tragedy, designing new training techniques and safety measures that developed how the agency approached wildfire suppression and emergency management. The agency increased an emphasis on fire research and the science of fire behavior that has helped increase effectiveness and protect life and property.
“It is always difficult to find something positive from a tragedy like this, but the lessons learned that day have helped save many lives in the more than seven decades since it occurred,” said Pietras. For more information on the Smokejumpers, visit smokejumpers.com
For information on the Patriot Guard Riders go to patriotguard.org
Photo left: Photos of 14 Smokejumpers at Mann Gulch. All but Wagner Dodge.
Photo above: Group at gravesite of Stanley Joseph Reba at National Cemetery at Farmingdale August 5.
Wedding photo of Juline Marie Nagel and Stanley Joseph Reba, 1948
Live beyond death by becoming an organ donor
There is a profound way to continue living even after you’re gone: by donating your organs.
In the United States, nearly 90,000 individuals are on a waiting list for a kidney, while countless others await other vital organs. Despite this urgent need, the number of people who choose to donate their organs upon death remains heartbreakingly low.
In 2022, only 14,903 people across the nation became deceased organ donors, a figure that, though a 7.5 percent increase from the previous year, still falls short of what’s needed to save every life in waiting.
The impact of organ donation is beautifully illustrated by the story of Mark Staunton, a volunteer firefighter from Yaphank who tragically
died of a heart attack. At his family’s request, his organs were donated, saving multiple lives, including that of a retired NYPD officer from Bayport who received Mark's kidneys. This story is a poignant reminder of the hope and profound difference that organ donation can make.
Becoming an organ donor is a simple yet powerful decision. Start by discussing your wishes with your family. Then, you can register at donatelife.ny.gov/register or indicate your wish to be a donor on your motor vehicle records.
Few choices in life carry such a monumental chance to save others.
Organ donors embrace this opportunity, and in doing so, they become an enduring beacon of life and hope.
PUBLIC COMMENTARY:
Banning Sadako won't keep kids safe from nuclear war
By Rivera Sun
Every child has that book. The one that breaks your heart wide open. Bridge To Terabithia. The Velveteen Rabbit. Charlotte’s Web. The Hate U Give.
For me, it was Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes. Based on the true story of Sadako Sasaki, it tells the story of a 12-year-old girl who survived the nuclear bombing of Hiroshima as a toddler, but later died of leukemia, or as it was called at the time ‘atom bomb disease’. Drawing from a traditional belief in Japan, she starts to fold 1,000 origami cranes in hopes that her wish for survival will be granted. When she does not succeed, her friends and family finish making the paper cranes after her death.
This was the story that broke my heart and taught me that not all stories have happy endings. The good guys (or girls) don’t always win. It presented a view of WWII that no other movie or book offered. It didn’t glorify the mushroom cloud or show the shocking horror of an obliterated city. No, Sadako’s story simply showed the reality of war from the eyes of a child.
It turned me into a lifelong peace activist. Perhaps that’s
why Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes is banned in Florida.
More than 100 books have been banned or put under review by school and public libraries in Florida. The titles include classics like The Bluest Eye and Beloved by Toni Morrison, Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, Letter from Birmingham Jail by Martin Luther King Jr., and Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut. The list has a decidedly anti-diversity slant, overwhelmingly trying to eliminate stories about racial justice, the Civil Rights Movement, Black Lives Matter, Indigenous Rights, women’s rights, transgender health, queer love, migrants, horrors of war, and refugees, and so forth.
Each one removes another piece of history, reality, and humanity from the shelf. But children need these stories. And we need the next generation of adults to know them.
These books aren’t just introducing children to tough topics. In many cases, they’re also affirming the realities these children already live. Migrant and refugee children deserve to have their experiences acknowledged just as much as Anne of Green Gables. Queer, trans, gay, and lesbian children
no matter their life experiences. Ignorance won’t keep anyone safe, not in the short or long term. Many of the groups and individuals behind the Florida book bans seem to be suppressing history in order to control the future. But when you remove the narratives of resistance and diversity, what is left is the same violent, militarized, racist, sexist, discriminatory, and exploitative world that got us into this mess in the first place.
What remains in the gutted wreckage of literature left behind by these book bans is the same worldview that killed Sadako Sasaki and thousands more like her; the world that murdered Black children like Trayvon Martin and Tamir Rice; the world that has gunned down hundreds of schoolchildren in mass shootings; the world that separates thousands of children from their parents as they cross borders hoping for safety; the world that beat and bullied transgender teen Nex Benedict until they committed suicide; the world that has threatened the existence of all future generations through ecological collapse.
The banned books list isn’t about protecting children. It’s about protecting this empire of abuse.
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
Periodicals Postage paid at the Post Office at Massapequa, NY (USPS 333440) and Additional Entry Offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to Massapequa Post Newspaper, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530. © 2024 Richner Communications, Inc.
Member: NY Press Association Press Club of Long Island
Society of Professional Journalists A HERALD Community Newspaper
Serving the communities of • Massapequa • Massapequa Park • Plainedge • North Massapequa • South Farmingdale Since 1951
Deadline Advertising deadline is noon, Friday. Editorial must be received by noon Thursday, to be considered. Calendar items are due two weeks prior to publication date requested. Clear black and white or color photos will be considered with articles, but we can’t guarantee their return.
deserve to have their sexualities affirmed just as much as Jo and Laurie in Little Women. Black and Brown readers deserve to see heroes of color as powerful and compelling as Harry Potter and Percy Jackson.
Young people are surviving gun violence, school shootings, poverty, migration, war, climate disaster, and other dangerous realities. These children aren’t sheltered by the exclusion of their stories. They are abandoned twice over as we render them unseen and unacknowledged.
When we ban books, we do not protect any of our children,
And worse, the book bans target stories of resistance that could help young people change the injustices they face. Here are a few other books on the banned list: The Hill We Climb: An Inaugural Poem for the Country, by Amanda Gorman; The Hate U Give, by Angie Thomas; Hiawatha and the Peacemaker, by Robbie Robertson; Anne Frank's Diary: The Graphic Adaptation, by Ari Folman; Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood, by Marjane Satrapi.
Books like these give young readers courage to rise up for a better world.
The writer has written numerous books, including The Dandelion Insurrection and the awardwinning Ari Ara Series. She is the editor of Nonviolence News, Program Coordinator for Campaign Nonviolence, and a nationwide trainer in strategy for nonviolent campaigns.
Massapequa 40 Harbor Lane, 516-799-0770
• Delayed Opening: Thursday, August 15, 12 p.m. Both the Bar Harbour branch and the Central Avenue branch will open at noon.
• Author Event: Saturday, August 17, 2 p.m. Author, veteran and actor Stephen Axelrod will discuss his life and his book in the Bar Harbour Auditorium. In his memoir, “Surf Avenue,” Stephen Axelrod discusses his stint in the U.S. Marine Corps, his seat on the New York Stock Exchange, and his acting career. Axelrod’s acting roles include “Law and Order,” “Law and Order: Criminal Intent,” “The Plot Against America,” “Daredevil,” “Gotham,” and others He’ll also discuss his childhood growing up in Queens. Sharing some fascinating stories, Axelrod will touch on various highlights from his life and career. This special event is presented with some help and assistance from the Friends of Massapequa Library.
• Introduction to Excel: Wednesday, August 21, 6:30 p.m. In this hands-on class in the Bar Harbour Create Lab, learn the basics of the world’s most popular spreadsheet program, including creating, editing, and formatting
worksheets, formulas, and much more.
• Movie: Thursday, August 22, 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Come to the Bar Harbour Auditorium to watch the 1981 classic “On Golden Pond,” starring Katharine Hepburn, Henry Fonda, and Jane Fonda, about a curmudgeon and his wife who agree to care for the son of their estranged daughter’s new boyfriend, and an unexpected relationship blooms.
• Literature and Life Book Discussion: Tuesday, August 27, 1 p.m. Esther Davidson will discuss Anna Quindlen’s novel “After Annie,” a store about how a family pieces itself back together after monumental loss. Program will be held in the Central Avenue Children’s Room.
Plainedge
1060 Hicksville Road, Massapequa 516-735-4133
• Air Fryer Event: Thursday, August 15, 6:30 p.m. Air Frying like you’ve never imagined. Completely new and game-changing, the techniques demonstrated and taught will revolutionize how to use your air-fryer. Recipes include yogurt-tenderized ginger chicken, sweet potato fries or breaded cauliflower. A $3 nonrefundable, registration fee reserves your spot.
The Long Island Association honored John Durso at its annual golf outing held recently. As President of the Long Island Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO, Durso leads the fourth-largest central labor council in the United States, representing 250,000 union members in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. “John boasts a tremendous résumé of service to the labor movement and dedication to the betterment of Long Island’s economy and
working families,” said an LIA official Pictured at the event are, left to right: Stevens J. Martinez and Robert Calarco of Governor Kathy Hochul’s Office, Assemblyman Michael Durso, Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer Cheesman DeSena, John Durso, Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado, Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey, Town of Hempstead Supervisor Don Clavin. Sent from my iPhone
• Musical Quiz Show: Thursday, August 22, 7 p.m. Adults 18 and older are invited to join Adam King for a fun, musical quiz show.
• Back to School Story Craft: Monday, August 26, 4 p.m. Children in grades K through 5 and an adult are invited to listen to a great story with Miss Rachel, and do a fun art activity to match.
• Medicare and Me: Thursday, August 29, 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
• Singing and Dancing with Joe Pace: Thursday, August 15, 12 p.m. Joe Pace has been entertaining at centers, clubs, and restaurants for more than 25 years. He plays and sings music from the ’50s through the ’80s. Joe has worked and appeared with a variety of performers, including Chuck Berry and “Uncle Floyd” Vivino. All are invited to participate in
dancing and singing along.
•Waffle Party: Friday, August 16, 2:15 p.m. Children in grades 6-12 are invited to enjoy waffles with tasty treats from the waffle bar.
• Farmingdale Library Cinema: Tuesday, August 20, 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The library will present two showings of “Night of the Museum: Secret of the Tomb,” starring Ben Stiller and Robin Williams, about an epic quest to save the magic before it’s gone forever.
• Page Turners Book Discussion Group: Thursday, August 29, 10:30 a.m. Join the group to discuss “The Personal Librarian,” by Marie Benedict, a novel about the life of Belle da Costa Greene, the personal librarian to J. P. Morgan, as well as the first director of the Morgan Library & Museum.
Obituary NOtice
Matthew J. DeMarco, Amityville Resident, Musician & Attorney, at 58
By Carolyn James
Matthew J. DeMarco, a resident of Amityville, who was a local musician and attorney died suddenly July 10, 2024 in Waveland, Mississippi. He was 58 years old.
Mr. DeMarco was born in Brooklyn on April 2, 1966, the son of Mario J. and Mildred (Cooney) DeMarco.
He was a graduate of Amityville Memorial High School and attended St. John’s University Law School. He formed the law firm of Schwarz and DeMarco in Garden City.
While living in Amityville he played with a local band as a guitarist and singer. He was also a parishioner of St. Martin of Tours R.C. Church and a volunteer with the Parish Outreach. He found a home in the Village, said his son Christopher, “and found many, many friends.”
An avid sailor, he was a member of and Commodore of the South Bay Cruising Club of Babylon Town.
“My dad has a passion for the water and every summer we would pack up the four kids, two adults and one of our many cousins on to the family’s sailboat, Grace, and go sailing for weeks at a time… it made our 39-foot boat seem small but we always had a great time exploring.”
Mr. DeMarco was a self-described ‘hack at playing the guitar,’ but nonetheless had the power to bring people together with music, said his son.
Several years ago, Mr. DeMarco moved to Mississippi and worked as Director of Risk Management in the South Mississippi Regional Center of Long Beach.
Mr. DeMarco He was pre-deceased by his father Matthew Joseph. He is survived
by his mother Mildred; his former wife Jennifer of Amityville; his children Christopher of Amityville, Madeline of Arlington, Virginia; Joseph of Amityville and James of Amityville; his brothers Nicolas and his wife Eniko of Amityville and James and his wife Ann Marie of New Jersey; his sisters Mary and her husband Edmund of Huntington, Miriam and her husband Kevin of Fort Pierce, Florida, Maura and her husband William of Amityville and Mark and his wife Christina of Amityville.
Father Malcolm Burns officiated at a Mass of Christian Burial, assisted by the Consolation Ministry, at St. Martin of Tours RCC Church. This was followed by interment in St. Charles Cemetery.
Arrangements were under the direction of Powell Funeral Home, Inc., 67 Broadway, Amityville, New York.
ATTENTION FAMILIES AND FUNERAL DIRECTORS
Family members and funeral directors may submit obituary notices to us at: Massapequa Post Newspaper, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530 or may call us at 516-569-4000 ext. 329. We will also consider publishing clear black and white or color photos with the articles.
Matthew J. DeMarco
Durso, Saladino, Kennedy and NCDA hold free child ID card program
NYS Assemblyman Michael Durso, in coordination with Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Nassau County Legislator James Kennedy, and the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office recently held a free Child ID Card Program at Marjorie Post C ommunity Park Pool in Massapequa.
The Nassau County DA’s child ID program, Operation Safe Child, provides parents with an identification card for their children containing pertinent physical information to give law enforcement officials a head start
on a missing child. The child ID card includes the child’s name, birthdate, age, gender, hair and eye color, height and weight, fingerprints, and a highresolution digital photo.
“As a dad of two young daughters, having an ID with their photo and description all on one card gives us peace of mind that in an emergency we can provide this information immediately to police officers,” said Durso.
“I want to thank Supervisor Saladino, Legislator Kennedy and the Nassau County DA’s office for all they do to keep our kids and communities safe. A special thank you to the Marjorie Post Pool staff and all the families that came out to take advantage of this free program ”
LIMEHOH rock band event
Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame will be featuring class rock band, Shindig on August 18 at 3 p.m. The band has been performing on Long Island for 30 years and for their special show at LIMEHOF they will be performing original material as well as covers from many of the LIMEHOF inductees.
For ticket information, please visit limusichalloffame. org or call 631-689-5888. The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is located at 97 Main Street, Stony Brook.
LMAS1
Public Notices
Notice of formation of More Growth Esthetics LLC
Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 02/22/2024 Office location, County of Nassau.
SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a process served to:
More Growth Esthetics LLC, 520 Franklin Ave. Ste L21-C Garden City, NY 11530 Purpose: any lawful act. 24-621 . 7/10, 14, 24, 31, 8/7, 14
Notice of formation of Glamwithnikki LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 6/5/2024. Office located in Nassau County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC Northwest Registered Agent LLC at 418 Broadway, Ste N, Albany, NY 12207. Purpose: any lawful purpose. 24-643. 8/7, 14, 21, 28, 9/4, 11
Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: NA0340-24-128256 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 300 302 Main St, Farmingdale, NY 11735, County of Nassau, for on premises consumption at Casa Stellina LLC. 24-642. 8/7, 14
Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: NA-0371-24-127037 for liquor, beer, wine, and cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell liquor, beer, wine, and cider at retail in a Bar/Tavern under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 495 New St, Oceanside, NY 11572, County of Nassau, for on premises consumption at Tiki on the Canal LLC. 24-644. 8/7, 14
NOTICE TO PROPOSERS
The Board of Education of the Amityville Union Free School District, Towns of Babylon and Oyster Bay, Suffolk, and Nassau Counties of New York invites sealed proposals for Medicaid Billing-Medicaid Cost Reporting, as specified in the contract documents. Proposals will be received until 2:00 PM, prevailing time on August 30, 2024, at the District Administrative Offices at 150 Park Avenue, Amityville, New York 11701. The Board of Education reserves the right to reject any proposals and waive any informality in any proposal. It shall further, make awards in any way it deems advisable to the School District's best interest. Any proposals submitted will be binding for forty-five (45) days after the formal opening, and no proposal shall be withdrawn during that time, pending the decision of the Board of Education. Any firm wishing to receive a copy of the above proposal must call the District’s purchasing department at (631) 5656039. 24-645. 8/14
THURSDAY, AUGUST 22ND 7:00PM-9:00PM
LET’S SING TAYLOR
Pets, Pets, Pets...
by Joanne Anderson
The sad saga of black cats
Black Cat Blues: In respect to color, black cats always have the hardest time finding homes, and the greatest chance of being euthanized in shelters throughout the US. To make their situation worse, for years many humane societies prohibited the adoption of their black cats and kittens around Halloween to protect them from “evil “ people who may be planning to hurt them. Thankfully, this thinking is changing. The ASPCA states: “There’s no evidence Halloween cat adoptions are less safe or successful than those at any other time of the year.”
Despite superstitions, black cats aren’t bad luck, but they have the worst luck finding homes quickly. There are several reasons why black cats tend to linger in shelters, none of them being the fault of the poor cats. Petfinder, the online adoption service, did a survey and found it takes black cats and dogs four times longer to be adopted than pets of other colors. First, there seems to be a disproportionate number of black kittens born, more so than other colors. Put them together with the many tuxedo (mostly black with some white) cats, and all the black fur seems to blur together. Potential adopters don’t notice specific black cats because there is so much “sameness.” The dark cats and kittens are in competition with each other for homes.
fabulous, black cat temperaments. Throughout history, many well-known people have owned black cats, including Fred Astaire, Winston Churchill, Calvin Coolidge, Ernest Hemingway, John and Yoko Lennon, Frank Zappa, Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull), Queen Victoria, Charles I, Edgar Allen Poe, and John Travolta.
Ripley Believe It or Not Reasons to Be a Black Cat Fan:
• Kittens born with a black coat have a higher concentration of the pigment melanin.
• Black cats do not belong to a special breed. They exist in almost all breeds. Bombay, British Shorthair, Oriental Shorthair and Scottish Fold breeds are commonly associated with black.
• Black cats’ eyes are typically shades of yellow to deep green. It is rare to find a black cat with blue eyes.
• National Black Cat is October 27th each year, purposely placed before Halloween. The date is also observed in Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia.
This adoptable black kitten shows up better in the photo because his handmade hammock is colorful.
This is similar to the phenomenon of not spotting a “special” Pit Bull in a municipal shelter filled with up to 100 similar dogs. It’s hard to pick out individuality drowning in a sea of similarity. People tend to walk through the kennels quickly because no dog stands out in the crowd.
Unless you are skilled behind the lens, black cats are not as easy to capture in photos as cats with unique markings or tabby patches. The solid black ones need a splash of color, possibly a cute toy or bright blanket to accentuate their photos, especially if they squint so no one can see their magnificent eyes. Patient cats may allow you to put a bandanna or colorful outfit on them long enough to get a photo. In addition, all cats have thin coats from the corner of their eyes spreading outward toward their ears. On black cats, this eye area can look bald which may deter potential adopters too.
Famous Black Cat Owners: Nowadays there are groups on social media that boost posts and promote black cat adoptions online such as the Face book “Black Cat Appreciation Society.” The groups sing the praises of the
Freddie #4-2494 month old male kitten
• People in Scotland consider black cats to be a sign of prosperity.
• If you live in the United Kingdom or Japan, a black cat crossing your path will make you smile and think that good fortune is on its way.
• Latvian farmers who find black kitties near their grain bins look forward to an abundant harvest.
• For centuries black cats have been welcomed aboard ships because they are believed to bring favorable winds. In Norse mythology, black cats had magical powers to navigate ships through storms and safely return them to land.
• In China, the older, uglier and blacker a cat is the luckier it is for those who posses the cat.
• King Charles the First of Britain had a black cat that his guards watched over 24 hours a day. The day after the cat died from illness, Charles was arrested.
• In 1969 at Shea Stadium, a black cat burst onto the field during a playoff game between the Cubs and Mets. The cat made a beeline for the Cubs dugout where he stared down at all the players. The Cubs not only lost that game but much of the rest of the season.
A word of caution about a black cat at Shea jinxing a National League Baseball team. Our national pastime is imbued with various superstitions. Silly beliefs of players, coaches and managers are part of the fun of the sport. This lost black cat became the Chicago Cubs’ scapegoat in 1969.
Black Cats for Adoption at Babylon Shelter (631-6439270), 80 New Highway, N. Amityville 11701:
Chickadee #3-382 - one-year-old female has been at the shelter since July 2023. Oh, no! Over a year. Freddie #4-249 is a four month old male who came into the shelter as a three -week -old infant. All Babylon cats are spay/neutered, tested for FeLV/FIV, vaccinated, wormed, microchipped and vet checked.
Babylon Shelter
Poster Cats:
Chickadee #3-3821 year old female been at shelter since July 2023
Your Local Calendar of Events
THURSDAY, August 15
• Town of Oyster Bay Planning Advisory Board: 7 p.m., Town Board Hearing Room, Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Ave., Oyster Bay, NY. Call 516-624-6380 or visit https://oysterbaytown.com/calendars/ with related questions.
FRIDAY, August 16
• 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 516-798-9887.
SATURDAY, August 17
• 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. For more information call 631-9728829 (leave message) or visit www.longislanddahlia. org
SUNDAY, August 18
• 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 516-249-0093.
MONDAY, August 19
• Massapequa Park Lions Club: 7 p.m., Zona’s, 4883 Merrick Road, Massapequa Park. The Lions Club is a volunteer organization, and its motto is “We serve.” For more information, call Sharon Wozniak at 516-779-4037, or email Massapequaparklions@ hotmail.com.
TUESDAY, August 20
• 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.
• Movies on the Village Green—Lyle, Lyle Crocodile: Farmingdale Village Green, 361 Main Street, Farmingdale. Movies start at dusk, preceded by cartoons. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Free popcorn and ice cream will be served. For more information, call 516-249-0093, or visit www. farmingdalevillage.com.
WEDNESDAY, August 21
• 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
• Park After Dark: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Park Boulevard, Massapequa Park. Music, food and more. For more information, call the Massapequa Park Village at 516-798-0244.
• 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 516-220-7808. All calls are confidential.
• Farmingdale School District Board of Education: 8 p.m., Weldon E. Howitt Middle School auditorium, 70 Van Cott Avenue, Farmingdale. Call 516-434-5170 with related questions.
AUTO DONATIONS
AUTO DONATIONS
***AAA*** AUTO BUYERS $Highest$ Ca$h Paid$. All Years/ Conditions! WE VISIT YOU! Or Donate, Tax Deduct + Ca$h. DMV ID#1303199. Call LUKE 516-VAN-CARS. 516-297-2277
GOT AN UNWANTED CAR??? Your car donation to Patriotic Hearts helps veterans find work or start their own business. Fast free pick. Running or not! Call 24/7: 1-888-251-3135.
ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS! Discover Oxygen Therapy That Moves with You with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. FREE information kit. Call 888-514-3044
HEARING AIDS!! High-quality rechargeable, powerful Audien hearing aids priced 90% less than competitors. Tiny and NEARLY INVISIBLE! 45-day money back guarantee! 855-598-5898 Attention:
VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! A cheaper alternative to high drugstore prices! 50 Pill Special - Only $99! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW: 1-855-399-2582
FreedomCare. Let your loved ones care for you and get paid! Paid by Medicaid. Choose family or friends as your paid caregiver. Check your eligibility today! Call FreedomCare now! 1-855-385-7556
HEALTHCARE WORKER WITH: 40 years of experience working with the aging and geriatric population in various settings. Seeking a companionship position with flexible scheduling. 516-640-4204
Oyster Bay Town officials honor ToBAY beach lifeguards
(Continued from Cover)
be a part of the TOBAY Beach Academy and it was an honor to be recognized,” said Kim.
Jack McGovern, who is in his first summer lifeguarding at TOBAY, said that he wanted to follow in the steps of his father and grandfather. He agreed that it’s the people he works with at TOBAY that make the job so special. “It felt good to be recognized and appreciated by the Town of Oyster Bay even though it’s only my first summer,” said Jack, adding that he expects to return next summer. “Yes, that’s definitely the plan,” he said.
Jack was born and raised in Costa Rica and will be entering his senior year in Nosara, Costa Rica at Del Mar Academy. He is looking into colleges and is interested in pursuing civil engineering and architecture.
Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph S. Saladino formally presented the McGovern family—John, Kim, and Jack—with pins, thanking them for their lifeguarding service. The other TOBAY lifeguards in attendance also received pins for Lifeguard Appreciation Day.
“This amazing lifeguard team protects our residents each and every day, but we have something really special: we have three generations of TOBAY lifeguards here today,” said Saladino. “And as the saying goes, ‘the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.’ John has filled his career with hard work and commitment, and now it’s being passed down to the next generation and the generation after.”
Saladino added that all of the TOBAY lifeguards are “second to none.” “Our lifeguards are the best trained, most loyal, most courteous, and most dedicated lifeguards anywhere on the east coast, and I’ll challenge the west coast to the same,” he said. “They have saved thousands of lives.”
“Town of Oyster Bay lifeguards are the best of the best and we thank them for all that they do,” said Town of Oyster Bay Councilwoman Laura L. Maier, adding that lifeguarding is not easy and that they all go through a lot of training to provide us with the protection we rely on.
TOBAY Beach is located via Ocean Parkway, Massapequa. For more information about the Town of Oyster Bay and its beaches, please visit oysterbaytown.com or call the Parks Department at 516-7974128.
Massapequa School Board introduces new personnel; outlines goals and objectives for coming school year
(Continued from Cover)
K-12.”
Among the general goals that were discussed by the Board were to:
-establish better communication with parents to ensure they have the needed at home support, to help the children develop and maintain a sense of belonging in the school community;
-commit to a “robust review of all data relating to class size guidelines,” and helping parents realize that the process of setting up classes goes on until the last day before school starts in September;
-hire a new School District Director of Athletics;
-strike the right balance between advanced placement courses and college credit courses;
-increase vocational education opportunities, and recognize that “decision day” is not just a college decision day but also includes military, vocational, and trade school choices, with Board President Wachter observing that “we need to make (students) aware of the different career…opportunities.”
-be fiscally responsible, with Wachter noting that “people are taxed to the max” and the Board needs to develop a budget for the district that results in as close to a zero-tax increase that is possible.
In other action, the board authorized the issuance of Tax Anticipation Notes not to exceed $15,000,000 in anticipation of the receipt of taxes. All five board members expressed their frustration at the need to do so and to incur a significant amount of interest charges and borrowing fees, because New York State refuses to allow school districts to utilize reserve funds to pay its bills pending the receipt of tax revenues. The board agreed that it will continue to push
New Elementary School Special Education Supervisor Caitlyn Krauszer is welcomed to the district staff by Assistant Superintendent Dr. Jordan McCaw.
for State legislation that would resolve this situation. The next regular Massapequa School Board meeting will be held Thurs., Sept. 26, 8 p.m. in the district board room, Massapequa High School rear entrance.
Lieutenant John McGovern recently celebrated his 57th summer at TOBAY Beach; he started lifeguarding in college in 1967.
Jack McGovern, the youngest of the McGovern lifeguards is in his first summer at TOBAY and is entering his senior year of high school at Del Mar Academy in Nosara, Costa Rica.
Captain Kim McGovern grew up at TOBAY Beach and has been a member of rt of what he calls the TOBAY Beach family er for 22 years. He also runs a surf school in Costa Rica.
Giving Birth? Look No Further than the South Shore’s
Only High Performing Hospital for Maternity Care
Mothers looking for a hospital at which to give birth should consider the quality indicators used by U.S. News & World Report ® to determine institutions deemed High Performing for Maternity care.
Mount Sinai South Nassau is the only South Shore hospital to earn the rating of High Performing based on eight key measures:
• Reduced C-section delivery rates
• Low early elective delivery rates
• Low overall unexpected newborn complication rates
• Increased routine VBAC rates
• Increased exclusive human milk feeding rates
• Low episiotomy rates
• Routine birthing-friendly practices
• Transparency on racial/ethnic disparities
If you want the best birthing experience for you and for your baby, look no further than Mount Sinai South Nassau.
Learn more at southnassau.org/maternity, or call 877-SOUTH-NASSAU.