The Christmas and Chanukah shopping season is under way now and I know the feeling of panic when I think of some of my friends and relatives for whom I can't think of a thing to buy! As a reminder to everyone, we have some very good restaurants right here on Park Boulevard and a gift certificate for dinner is always welcome. Don't forget when you come to the village to bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the Massapequa Park Merchants Association (MPMA) and the Massapequa Chamber of Commerce's Food Drive. Boxes are located at the Astoria Bank and at the Massapequa Post newspaper office.

The Merchants Association just held its annual holiday dinner and a good time was had by all. Our members work hard to do different things for our community. Decorating the Christmas and Chanukah houses is no easy task. Our member volunteer, who dresses up to be Santa Claus, puts in many hours walking in the Village and handing out candy canes to everyone. Massapequa Cares will be receiving a large donation from us. This money goes a long way in helping the Veterans at the Northport Veterans Hospital. We are happy to help them. The Massapequa Fire Dept. will also be receiving another large donation from the Merchants Association this year.

Please, please support our village stores and professional offices. Without you, we cannot contribute to the well-being of our village nor can we stay in business. In January and February the stores and offices all experience slow times and so we look to you to come to our village and shop locally. We need your support in order to maintain a viable shopping area. One or two stores for rent still have not been rented. We do not want more stores to go out of business because of the lack of customers. So, please continue to shop locally. We really appreciate it.