Molto Bene! Large Crowd Enjoys Festival
Written by Ronald Scaglia Friday, 05 October 2012 00:00
Not even a mid-afternoon sun shower could dampen the spirits of so many who turned out to enjoy the annual Sons of Italy Italian feast held on Sunday, Sep. 30. Except for that brief shower, the weather was perfect as a large and enthusiastic crowd came to Broadway in North Massapequa to enjoy the event. The smell of Italian sausage, zeppoles, cotton candy, hot dogs and pizza permeated the air as participants enjoyed all the activities.“It was a great day for the Massapequa community,” said Patricia Orzano who is the president of the Massapequa Chamber of Commerce and was also the grand marshal of the event. “It was a tremendous day of community pride. It’s just a fabulous festival equivalent to the best on the island. It’s a big day for the community. It’s a fun day for everybody. I was honored to be their grand marshal representing the business community.”
Bands played a variety of music that appealed to all generations. Vendors offered a multitude of items for purchase including jewelry, T-shirts, toys, and even hand-rolled cigars. Children delighted in all of the rides and games to play. The faces of young children lit up with excitement as they saw the ducks, goats and even a donkey that were in the petting zoo. The youngest children even got to take a ride on a pony.
“This is an amazing way to celebrate the Massapequa communities, our Italian heritage and to bolster our local economy, all while having a lot of fun,” commented New York State Assemblyman Joseph Saladino.
As John Roper and the Bob Knight Four belted out their rendition of “Ride Sally Ride,” the audience talked, shopped, enjoyed the fare and spent the early autumn Sunday in a carnival atmosphere.
“I come every year and I enjoy it,” said New York State Senator Charles Schumer. The senator greeted residents, shook hands and posed for pictures. He was one of the many elected officials on-hand greeting the crowd.
Keith Wilson, president of Columbus Lodge 2143 of the Order of the Sons of Italy, said that the event typically is very well-attended. Wilson said this year, that trend was continued.
“We’re just pleased everyone from Massapequa and surrounding areas came out,” he said.
While the event was a lot of fun, it also helped to bolster the local economy. In addition, there were many chances to contribute to worthy causes through raffles, donations, or even by adopting a pet. A greyhound rescue organization brought some of their greyhounds and the gentle canines were quite an attraction.
Another popular booth was provided by the Plainedge High School cheerleaders. Set up was a typical carnival activity in which a cheerleader sat perched above a pool of water, only to be dropped into the water when an accurately thrown ball would hit its target. Many took the opportunity to “dunk a cheerleader,” with the proceeds from the activity being used to pay for the expense of the team’s participation in the high school nationals competition.
A little bit of water didn’t dampen each team member’s spirit as smiles beamed from the cheerleaders even when they got “dunked,” just as some rain from the clouds couldn’t dampen the spirit of all those who came out to enjoy what has become a popular Massapequa tradition.
News
Thursday, 23 May 2013 00:00
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.
Thursday, 23 May 2013 00:00
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
Thursday, 23 May 2013 00:00
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.
Thursday, 23 May 2013 00:00
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
