Massapequa C of C hosts its inaugural St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Gary Slavin and Patrick Ryder named Grand Marshals
By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com
When Gary Slavin’s grandfather emmigrated from Ireland to the United States, an immigration officer made a change to his name. The officer “lopped off” the ‘O’ from O’Slavin, leaving it simply as Slavin.
“He came over during the Irish rush, and a lot of Irish immigrants weren’t being hired, so that turned out to be very beneficial,” Slavin said. “My grandfather was grateful to that immigration officer from Boston. My grandfather got a job immediately; they thought he was German.”
Over time, the Slavin family—now without the ‘O’—settled in America, with some eventually calling Massapequa home, including Gary.
This year, Slavin will be honored as a Grand Marshal, alongside Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder, at the Massapequa Chamber of Commerce’s first-ever St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 15.
“When my name was called as one of the honorees, I was very surprised,” said Slavin, a financial advisor with Leb-
enthal Financial. “I was also very honored.”
Slavin recently met Ryder at an event where they discussed the recognition they are both receiving. The two men agreed that “it should be a lot of fun,” Slavin added.
Slavin and his wife, Evelyn, have two sons, Gregory and Christopher. Gregory lives with his family next door to Gary, while Christopher resides in New Jersey.
“My parents lived three blocks away, and my mother-in-law also lived next door to us in Massapequa when my boys were growing up, so they got to see their grandparents every day, helping to keep the family ties strong and close,” Slavin said—something he believes his grandfather would be proud of.
A past president of the Massapequa Chamber of Commerce, Slavin has been active in the community for decades, working with veterans and other local organizations.
Ryder has served as commissioner of the Nassau County Police Department since 2018 and is in his 41st year of law enforcement. He has spent the last 38
years with the Nassau County Police Department. Under his leadership, Nassau has been named the “Safest Community in America” by U.S. News & World Report for three consecutive years.
The inaugural parade will start at 11 a.m. It will begin on Jerusalem Avenue, travel south on Broadway, and conclude at Veterans Boulevard, with the Showmobile located at the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and Broadway. For more information, contact the Chamber at 516-541-1443 or email massapequachamber@gmail.com.
CRIME WATCH
The following incidents have been reported by the Nassau County Police department and other law enforcement agencies:
C. ISLIP MAN CHARGED WITH THEFTS AT GYMS
The Nassau County Police Department’s Seventh Squad reports the arrest of a Central Islip man for multiple grand larcenies, including one in Massapequa that occurred on Feb. 17.
Police gave this account: The suspect allegedly went into nine different gym lockers, which were unlocked, and tookcar keys out of the lockers which he then used to enter cars and take various items. In seven of the incidents, the defendant allegedly used or attempted to use the victim’s credit cards at nearby locations.
In addition to the Massapequa incident at 7:30 p.m., at Planet Fitness, 923 Carmans Road, Massapequa, he was charged with incidents at the following dates and locations: Fri., Feb. 14, Planet Fitness, 1630 Merrick Road, Merrick; Satu., Feb. 15, 8 p.m., Planet Fitness, 40 Manetto Hill Mall, Plainview; Tues., Feb. 18, 2025, 10:50 am, Blink Fitness, 1789 Grand Avenue, Baldwin; -Tuesday, February 18, L.A. Fitness, 1111 Marcus Avenue, New Hyde Park; Fri., Feb 21, Blink Fitness, 1789 Grand Avenue, Baldwin and Tues., Feb. 25, Blink Fitness, 1968 Grand Avenue, Baldwin.
After an extensive investigation, de-
fendant Devon D. Barrett, 33, was arrested on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at 7:50 p.m. in Brentwood and charged him with eight counts of Grand Larceny 4th degree, seven counts of Identity Theft 2nd degree, and two counts of Petit Larceny. He was arraigned on March 6, at First District Court, 99 Main Street, Hempstead. Detectives request anyone who feels they may have been the victim to contact the Nassau County’s Seventh Squad Detectives at 516-573-6754.
2
ARRESTS IN ILLEGAL SPEED CONTEST
Suffolk: Following an investigation by Nassau and Suffolk police, two individuals from Massapequa were arrested in connection with an illegal speed contest. Charged two counts of Reckless Endangerment 2nd Degree and one count of Unlawful Speed Contest was Devin Chmielewski, 22, of Massapequa. A passenger, in Chmielewski’s car, Adrianna Langone, 19, of Massapequa, was arrested and charged with Unlawful Speed Contest.
Police said Chmielewski was operating a Lexus GS 300 at a car meet-up in the parking lot of the Deer Park Railroad Station on February 25. The vehicle was seized. Chmielewski and Langone were released on Desk Appearance Tickets and will be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip. Anyone with information on this incident can contact Third Precinct Crime Section at 631-854-
8352 or call anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.
LARCENIES
Farmingdale: A woman who was parked near the Tap Room, 206 Main Street, called police to report that between Feb. 1 and 2, someone went through her vehicle and stole an assortment of personal items. The incident was reported at 1:50 p.m.
Massapequa: Two Heineken beers were stolen from the Bolla gas station at 5389 Merrick Road. The report noted that an unknown male walked into the station, picked up the beers and left without paying for them.
Divine Beauty, women’s spiritual retreat, planned at Meditation Center on March 15
Science of Spirituality will be hosting a Women’s Retreat on Saturday, March 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Learn how to face life’s challenges by finding your center of inner strength, peace and love through meditation. The program will include a complimentary vegetarian lunch. Come for discussion, sisterhood, meditation and friendship.
Featured workshops include Meditation, Beautify Your Life with Emo-
tional Wellness with Ekta Kohli Portillo, LCSW; Yoga for Health and Inner Harmony with Ferlaisa Gomez, ALM, RYT; and Vegan Bites for One or More with Rosanna Jimenez, CHHC. To register, email infotristate@sos. org. For more information, call (631) 8227979.
Science of Spirituality Meditation Center is located at 79 County Line Road, Amityville.
Patrick Ryder
Gary Slavin and his wife, Evelyn
Devon D. Barrett
HERALD SPORTS
Amityville edges Smithtown West for county title
By TONY BELLISSIMO
tbellissimo@liherald.com
Amityville entered the Suffolk Class AA boys’ basketball playoffs with nearly three weeks to chew on consecutive losses.
Then in span of 10 days, the Warriors with junior guard Amir Dickerson leading the charge took out No. 4 Bellport, No. 1 Wyandanch and finally No. 3 Smithtown West to claim their first county championship in five years.
Dickerson put the finishing touch on fifth-seeded Amityville’s title run, scoring 28 points including the goahead basket with less than three minutes remaining in last Friday afternoon’s 60-57 victory over the
Bulls before a jam-packed crowd at Farmingdale State College.
“We wouldn’t be denied and it feels great,” said Dickerson, who scored 14 points in each half. “We’re a closeknit team on and off the court and we really wanted to win.”
Senior Dajon Clinton added 11 points, senior Taki Mason 9 and junior Wes Flythe 8 for the Warriors, who improved to 16-7 and advanced to face Baldwin for the Long Island Class AA supremacy on Tuesday evening at 6 p.m. at Farmingdale State.
Junior Michael Cascione paced Smithtown West (18-5) with 22 points, 10 of which came in the fourth quarter when it battled back from a ninepoint deficit to pull even.
“I’m so happy because these kids
practiced and worked so hard all season,” Amityville head coach Jack Agostino said. “I’m very proud that we got this done as the 5-seed. That’s never happened here before, to win it all as that low a seed.”
Agostino’s coaching counterpart in the championship game was his younger brother Mike.
“They were probably the bestcoached team we’ve faced all season,” said Jack, who’s in his second coaching stint with the Warriors (1997-2014, 2022-present), has more than 530 career victories and is assisted by another brother, Anthony. “We knew this was going to be a battle right down to the wire and that’s exactly what it was. I wasn’t shocked.
“I’m thankful the kids found a way and that we get to practice for at least three more days together,” he added.
Mason’s three-pointer to close the third quarter gave the Warriors a 4540 halftime lead after the game was deadlocked at 28 at intermission. Baskets by Clinton and Flythe to open the fourth gave Amityville its largest
lead at 49-40, but the Bulls responded with a 12-3 run to create what would be the game’s final stalemate.
Dickerson scored seven of the next nine points, including a traditional three-point play off a feed from sophomore guard Allen Dodson-Isabell and an end-to-end rush capped by a floater in the lane.
Dickerson, who has taken his game to an elite level under the guidance of former Amityville star and former NBA player A.J. Price according to Jack Agostino, poured in 31 points in the 68-50 quarterfinal win at Bellport Feb. 26 in what was the team’s first game in 19 days. Mason poured in 16 and Flythe chipped in 10.
Then came a much-anticipated showdown with Wyandanch, which beat Amityville twice during the regular season—Jan. 14 on a buzzerbeating trey, 57-56, and Feb. 6, 72-59.
In a back-and-forth classic semifinal March 3 at Longwood High School, Dickerson (27 points) nailed the decisive shot with 10.3 seconds remaining for a 64-63 win.
Junior Amir Dickerson, right, poured in 28 points to lead the Warriors to their first county championship in five years.
Erik Leei/Herald
Senior Dajon Clinton had 11 points in the county title victory.
Leaders and advocates celebrate Sustainability
Local leaders push for greener, cleaner communities
By Kelsie Radziski
Visionaries, advocates and trailblazing leaders gathered at the Heritage Club in Bethpage on Feb. 26 to celebrate groundbreaking innovations and inspire bold action toward a sustainable future. From young students to influential policy-makers to community members making a difference, the Herald Sustainability Awards of Long Island, presented by Reworld, recognized those whose efforts are shaping a cleaner, greener tomorrow.
“It is an honor for us at the Herald and Reworld to showcase the achievements of these leaders,” Stuart Richner, president and publisher of Richner Communications Inc. and the Herald, said.
As Azeez Mohammed, CEO of Reworld, emphasized, the commitment to sustainability is not just about progress — it’s about making a lasting, positive impact.
“We are honoring those leaders and budding youngsters who demonstrated a commitment to sustainability, and that matters a lot to us,” Mohammed said. “Because with Reworld, our claim to fame is that we are the only company that manages waste in a sustainable manner.”
Reworld utilizes “infrastructure, technology and imagination to solve complex waste management challenges and help create a sustainable and more prosperous future for businesses and communities,” according to the company’s website.
Reworld was represented at the awards ceremony by Maureen Early, lead community relations specialist; Dawn Harmon, director of Long Island market; Adel Omrani, president of the East Region; and Lloyd Naideck, director of state government relations along with many other Reworld team members.
“We’re delighted to be able to honor all of these sustainability champions here tonight,” Early said. “So many of them have done so much in making Long Island a better place to live, work and play.”
Two young students were recognized for their sustainability efforts. Joseph Petraro, an 11-year-old who is a freshman at Louisiana State University, founded the Joe’s Be Kind Campaign, a nonprofit aimed at promoting positive social change, especially for vulnerable children. The initiative’s mission is to foster kindness, inclusivity and connections throughout communities, and to promote positive mental well-being.
“I used to get bullied when I was a lot younger,” Joseph said, “and I don’t want other people to feel that same way.”
He also started other initiatives, including the Clean Wells for Humanity program, which tackles global water scarcity, and the Adopt-a-Grandparent program, which fosters intergenerational bonds and promotes sustainable living practices. Joseph’s efforts to bring people together to help the environment made him a Student Champion for Sustainability Award winner.
Desiree Mohammadi, a 12-year-old student at South Woods Middle School, in Syosset, was honored for her initiative Seeds of Hope, which began when she saved the seeds from the vegetables in her family’s garden. Seeds of Hope has blossomed into a bigger movement, and Desiree has partnered with Island Harvest to plant seeds every spring at the nonprofit’s Healthy Harvest Farm in Brentwood.
“I think it’s a human right that people should be able to access fresh fruits and vegetables,” she said. Both student award winners were also presented with $2,500 to support their education or future sustainability projects.
Other honorees include Don Clavin, Town of Hempstead supervisor, and Rich Schaffer, Town of Babylon supervisor, who received Environmental Leader in Policy awards. They have each made efforts, working with Reworld, to improve sustainability and environmental efforts in their towns.
“It’s a great honor to be recognized by the Herald and by Reworld,” Schaffer said. “Reworld has been an excellent partner with the Town of Babylon, and it’s probably the main part of our solid waste infrastructure and how we deal with making sure the garbage leaves the curb and is dealt with correctly.”
Local community leaders were also recognized for their work. Adrienne Esposito, executive director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment, works to protect natural resources and public health. She and her organization have taken on challenges such as upgrading failing sewage-treatment systems, protecting and filtering drinking and surface water and supporting large-scale renewable-energy projects in the interest of improving the environment.
“We really feel it’s our job to make sure Long Island is clean, safe and sustainable for now and in the future,” Esposito said.
Gregory Sandor, executive director of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Nassau County, was honored as well, for the strides the organization has made during his 12 years of leadership. The group has earned grant funding for a number of its specialized programs, including renewable energy, sustainable food systems, urban forestry and youth development. Cornell Cooperative is currently working with Reworld to build a Dynamic Learning Center in East Meadow, with the goal of educating the public about sustainability issues.
“We’re always looking at sustainability issues and how to be more resilient,” Sandor said. “So it’s exciting to be a part of that, and be a part of this different group of leaders that are being recognized.”
As attendees mingled and celebrated the honorees, vendors offered their donated products, among them Barrier Brewing Co., Garvies Point Craft Brewery, Farrm Wines, Borghese Vineyard, Del Vino Vineyards, Loughlin Vineyard and Twisted Cow Distillery.
The Herald Sustainability Awards were a testament to the collective impact when leaders and advocates unite with a shared purpose. The inaugural event showed that commitment to sustainability is about leaving a lasting, positive imprint on the world for generations to come.
Tim Baker/Herald
Maureen Early and Dawn Harmon pose with Gerry Compitello, Janina Martinez, Greg Gaxiola, Jassi Anand, and Doug Jacob accept award for Rich Shaffer.
Holden Leeds/Herald photos
Lorne Brousseau receives award for his work with REACH.
James Wylie, Lorne Brousseau, and Garrett Chelius.
Holden Leeds/Herald photos
Gregory M Sandor, executive director of Cornell Cooperative Extention Nassau County.
Citizens Campaign for the Environment Executive Director Adrienne Esposito.
Hempstead Town Supervisor Donald X. Clavin gets his award for establishing the first hydrogen fueling station on Long Island.
Michael Fiorentino, Natural Resource Program Director at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Nassau County.
Seatuck Environmental Executive Director Enrico Nardone proudly poses with his award.
Desiree Mohammadi (center) proudly poses with her $2,500 check, joined by former NY Rangers Mike Richter, Maureen Early and Dawn Harmon.
Island Harvest CEO and president Randi Shubin Dresner proudly poses with her award.
Stony Brook University student Esther Poon with their award.
Reworld CEO Azeez Mohammed gives welcoming remarks.
Jason Thomas/Herald
REACH Rotary Club honoree James Wylie playfully points out the towering height of former NFL star Justin Tuck as they pose together for a photo.
Lissette Pellegrino, celebrating her award for Environmental Stewardship.
Garrett Chelius receives his award for his work with REACH.
Operation SPLASH president Robert Weltner.
Thomas Powell accepts an award on Eric Swenson’s behalf to recognize his exceptional contributions.
Notice is hereby given that SEALED PROPOSALS for INTERIOR RENOVATIONS AT THE EDMUND W. MILES MIDDLE SCHOOL AMITYVILLE
UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT
SED Control No.: 5801-06-03-0-008-019
CONTRACT G –
GENERAL CONSTRUCTION WORK
CONTRACT P –
PLUMBING WORK
CONTRACT H –
HVAC WORK
CONTRACT E – ELECTRICAL WORK
Will be received until 11:00 am prevailing time on April 9th, 2025, at the Central Administrative Con-ference Room of Amityville UFSD, located at 150 Park Avenue, Amityville, New York 11701. Complete digital sets of Plans, Specifications, Instructions for Bidders, Proposal, and Contract Docu-ments may be obtained online as a download for a nonrefundable fee of One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) at the following website: melville.h2mplanroom.com beginning on March 12th, 2025. Com-plete sets of hard copy Plans, Specifications, Instructions for Bidders, Proposal, and Contract Documents may be obtained from Rev, 330 Route 17A, Suite #2, Go-shen, New York 10924 Tel: 1-877272-0216, upon depositing the sum of One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) for each pa-per set furnished. Make deposit check payable to the AMITYVILLE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT. Bidder’s deposit will be re-
funded if the set is returned in good condition within thirty (30) days following the award of the contract or the rejection of the bids covered by such plans and specifications. Non-bidders shall receive partial reimbursement, in an amount equal to the amount of the deposit, less the actual cost of reproduction of the documents if the set is re-turned in good condition within thirty (30) days follow-ing the award of the contract or the rejection of the bids cov-ered by such plans and specifications. Any bidder requiring documents to be shipped shall make arrangements with the printer and pay for all packaging and shipping costs. Bids must be made in the standard proposal form in the manner designated therein and as required by the specifica-tions that must be enclosed in sealed envelopes bearing the name of the job and name and address of the bidder on the outside, addressed to: AMITYVILLE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, clearly marked on the outside: Bid For: Interior Renovations at the Edmund W. Miles Middle School. Each proposal submitted must be accompanied by a certified check or bid bond, made payable to the AMITYVILLE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, in an amount equal to five percent (5%) of the total amount of the bid, as a commitment by the bidder that, if its bid is accepted, it will enter into a contract to perform the work and will execute such
further security as may be required for the faithful performance of the contract. Certification of bonding company is required for this bid, see In-structions for Bidders section. Each bidder shall agree to hold his/her bid price for fortyfive (45) days after the formal bid opening.
A pre-bid meeting and walk thru is scheduled for March 19th, 2025 at 3:30 pm at the project site. Potential bidders are asked to gather at the Construction Entrance to the project site, at which time they shall be escorted to all areas of work. Although not mandatory, it is highly recommended that all potential bidders attend.
It is the Board’s intention to award the contracts to the lowest qualified bidder providing the required security who can meet the experience, technical and budget requirements. The Board reserves the right to reject any or all bids, waive any informality and to accept such bid which, in the opinion of the Board, is in the best interests of the School District.
Amityville Union Free School District Board of Education 150 Park Avenue Amityville, New York 11701 25-133 3/12
Notice of formation of ELEVATION PARTNERS CONSULTING LLC
Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 02/25/2025
Office location, County of Nassau. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC
Public Notices
upon whom process against it may be served.
SSNY shall mail a process served to:
ELEVATION PARTNERS CONSULTING LLC
179 Atlantic Ave, Hempstead NY 11550
Purpose: Financial Analysis and Bookkeeping Services. 25-130 3/12, 19, 26, 4/2, 9. 16
Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: NA0240-25-105382 for beer, wine, and cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell beer, wine, and cider at retail in a Restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 106 Main Street, Mineola, NY 11502, County of Nassau, for on premises consumption at Iopen Corp. 25-129. 3/12, 19
Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: NA0340-25-105430 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 238 Post Ave, Westbury, NY 11590, County of Nassau, for on premises consumption at Jar Hospitality Inc. 25-132. 3/12, 19
RESOLUTION # 6
MASSAPEQUA FIRE DISTRICT
HVAC REPLACEMENT AT THE EAST END FIREHOUSE WHEREAS, the MASSAPEQUA FIRE DISTRICT has by appropriate resolution established a certain capital reserve fund designated as the Building and Grounds Capital Reserve Fund, established pursuant to Section 6(g) of the General Municipal Law, in an account for deposit of said Capital Reserve Fund entitled, "The Massapequa Fire District, Section 6(g) General Municipal Building and Grounds Reserve Fund" in local banks; and WHEREAS, the expenditure of funds for the HVAC replacement at the East End Firehouse is deemed necessary to meet the emergency services needs of the residents of the MASSAPEQUA FIRE DISTRICT; and WHEREAS, the maximum cost for the HVAC replacement at the East End Firehouse including incidental expenses, is estimated to be eight hundred twenty five thousand ($825,000.00) dollars.
IT IS RESOLVED that pursuant to the laws and regulations applicable and in particular to Section 6(g) of the General Municipal Law, that the HVAC replacement at the East End Firehouse and that the cost and expenses for such construction, shall be expended from the Building and Grounds Capital Reserve Fund upon authorization of the Board of Fire Com-
missioners, at the maximum estimated cost of eight hundred twenty five thousand ($825,000.00) dollars; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution is subject to a permissive referendum as provided for in Section 6(g) of the General Municipal Law.
The adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly put to a vote and upon roll call the vote was as follows:
Chairman Justin McCaffrey ) AYE
Vice-Chairman Michael Hanna ) AYE
Commissioner Michael Gange ) AYE
Commissioner Gary Persichetti ) AYE
Commissioner Joseph Giordano ) AYE
The resolution was thereupon duly adopted. Dated: Massapequa, New York February 24, 2025 25-135. 3/12
LEGAL NOTICE TO THE TAXPAYERS OF THE MASSAPEQUA FIRE DISTRICT: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a resolution was duly adopted by the Board of Fire Commissioners of the MASSAPEQUA FIRE DISTRICT, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau, State of New York, on the 24th day of February, 2025, subject to permissive referendum as provided for by the General Municipal law.
This resolution shall not take effect until thirty (30) days, unless in the meanwhile a permissive referendum as provided by the General Municipal Law is required to be held.
Dated: February 24, 2025 BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS MASSAPEQUA FIRE DISTRICT TOWN OF OYSTER BAY ATTEST: Joanne Riggio Secretary 25-134. 3/12
An extract of the resolution is as follows: THE MASSAPEQUA FIRE DISTRICT APPROVED THE HVAC and ROOF REPLACEMENT AT THE DISTRICT BUILDING AT A COST, INCLUDING COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH SUCH TRANSACTION NOT TO EXCEED ONE MILLION TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($1,200,000.00) DOLLARS WITH FUNDS FROM THE BUILDING AND GROUNDS CAPITAL RESERVE FUND.
Durso announces pet food drive
NYS Assemblyman Michael Durso, in coordination with Long Island Cares, is inviting the community to participate in his annual Pet Food Drive to help families keep their pets out of shelters and remain at home where they belong. Durso is asking residents, community organizations and pet lovers to kindly donate unopened bags of dog and cat food, canned pet food and pet supplies. All items collected will be donated to Baxter’s Pet Pantry, operated by Long Island Cares, which provides free pet food and pet supplies to petowning families in need throughout Long Island.
Donations can be dropped off through April 4 at Durso’s district office at 512 Park Blvd. in Massapequa Park or at various other locations throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties including:
Petco 5500 Sunrise Hwy, Massapequa; Babylon Public Library 24 S Carll Ave, Babylon; North Babylon Public Library 815 Deer Park Ave, North Babylon; West Babylon Public Library 211 109, West Babylon or West Islip Public Library 3 Higbie Lane, West Islip.
In addition, students at the following schools can bring in donations: Massapequa High School, Massapequa; Bayview Elementary School, West Islip; Manetuck Elementary School, West Islip; Oquenock Elementary School, West Islip; Beach Street Middle School, West Islip Udall Road Middle School, West Islip; West Islip High School, West Islip and Paul J Bellow Elementary School, West Islip
For more information, call Durso’s district office at 516541-4598.
