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TOB Homeowners On Alert For Asian Beetle

TOB Homeowners On Alert For Asian Beetle

While the Asian Longhorned Beetle is most active between June and September, it can be present as early as May and as late as October. With that in mind, residents in the Asian Longhorned Beetle quarantine area to be on the alert for infestations of the beetle. The quarantine area in the town covers most of the Massapequa/North Massapequa area, inclusive of several blocks north of Southern State Parkway, several blocks west of Broadway/North Broadway, east to the town line and south to Great South Bay.

“So far, the town’s efforts to keep the Asian Longhorned Beetle from spreading beyond the quarantine area have been successful, due, in part, to the vigilance of our residents,” Oyster Bay Town Councilman Joe Muscarella said. “We must remain on the alert, though, if we are to preserve the remaining trees in the quarantine area and prevent the beetle from advancing into new areas.”

Asian Longhorned Beetles were first discovered in areas of Massapequa and Amityville in 1996. Quarantine was imposed to regulate the movement of wood from the areas to stem the spread of the beetle.

The Councilman indicated that the beetle’s trees of choice are hardwoods and urged residents to keep an eye out for the verdure varmint. “The beetle is very distinctively marked,” he said. “It has a 1 to 1 1/4-inch long body with two horn-shaped antennae (feelers) that are longer than the body. The body is shiny black with white spots and the antennae are banded black and white. The plate-shaped feet are black with a whitish-blue upper surface. It has wings and can fly for short distances.

“The Asian Longhorned Beetle’s calling card is also easily recognizable. It leaves large round holes in branches, trunks or roots where it exits the tree. There may be large piles of sawdust around the base of a tree or excessive sap oozing from the tree caused by a beetle exiting from inside. There may also be oval, darkened places in the bark where females chew out a spot to lay their eggs.”

To report a beetle sighting, contact the Cooperative Asian Longhorned Beetle Program at 1-866-265-0301.

News

Navy SEAL killed in crash was top student athlete

Jonathan Kaloust, a 23-year-old Navy SEAL who hailed from Massapequa, lost his life last Wednesday in a freak Humvee crash during a training exercise in Fort Knox, Ky.

A 2007 graduate of Massapequa High School and standout wrestler, Kaloust was recruited to Binghamton University, where he continued to wrestle while pursuing a political science degree.

Increased service will save local

commuters up to 40 minutes a day

A $40-million construction project, designed to modernize the Massapequa Station at Sunrise Highway (Route 27), just east of Broadway and Route 107, was announced by the Metropolitan Transit Authority and the Long Island Railroad. The station renovations are part of a multi-phase initiative to improve infrastructure and train service at the station that serves approximately 6,000 customers every weekday.

The first phase is scheduled to begin on May 29, and the improvements are scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2015. Over the next two years, the rehabilitation project will include the sorely needed replacement of the station platform and canopy, heated platform waiting room, escalator, elevator and staircases, pedestrian walkway over Broadway, public address system, plus the addition of signage, energy-efficient platform lighting, and a decorative granite wall adjacent to ticket office. The railroad is also starting work on the installation of a pocket track just east of the station that will significantly improve train service and frequency, as well as on-board seat availability.  


Sports

The U.S. Tennis Association Long Island Region has recognized Michelle Carnovale of Massapequa for her tennis playing in 2012. Michelle was honored for her ranking in the Girls’ 14s on Long Island.

With more than 9,000 members, the Region promotes the growth and development of Long Island tennis and supports USTA programs including Jr. Team Tennis, National Junior Tennis and Learning, High School Tennis, College Tennis, USTA 10 and Under Tennis, USTA League Tennis, and community tennis.

The volunteer-based Board of Directors works with USTA members to create programs and activities for all the tennis players on Long Island, from small children to seniors. For more information, visit www.longisland.usta.com or email ustaonlongisland@gmail.com.

Last Wednesday the Massapequa Observer A’s had a come-from-behind victory 5-2 over the Trial Lawyer Mets, powered by key hits from Ray Anzelone, Michael Grisanti, and Jason Kopp. Evan “Mariano” Barrow came in again with no outs and the bases loaded to pick up the save.

On Saturday, the Observer A’s beat the Kleer Fax Yankees 4-2. The A’s were down 1-0 into the 4th inning due to an RBI single by Ross Mitton of the Yankees. Anthony Patullo drove in two runs with an RBI triple to give the A’s a 2-1 lead. This was followed by Brendan Castonguay driving in two runs with a double to make the score 4-1. Patullo pitched three solid innings in the start with Castonguay pitching the final three innings for the win.


Calendar

Marine Corps Barbecue

Monday, May 27

Wantagh Preservation Society Meeting

Tuesday, May 28

America’s Boating Course

Tuesday, May 28


Columns

Moving Pictures
Written by Mike Barry, MFBarry@optonline.net

Private Power Isn’t Our Only Option
Written by Michael A. Miller, Millercolumn@optimum.net

Building Better Legislators
Written by Michael A. Miller, Millercolumn@optimum.net