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Editorial: Happy Holidays Massapequa And Massapequa Park

It seems like it was just yesterday when the temperature was in the nineties and trips to Jones Beach for a swim or Bethpage State Park for a round of golf were in season. However, the holidays are here again. On Saturday night, Massapequa Park will host its annual tree and menorah lighting event. I encourage all of you to attend. There are some events that make a community special, and this is one of them. It is heartwarming to see the delight in the children’s eyes as the big man in the red suit makes an appearance. It’s equally nice to see members of the community come together and share a special event. The last month has been quite difficult due to the storms, but the Massapequas are still a very special place and it is events like the tree and menorah lighting that make them so. Please come and enjoy. Happy Holidays!                          

-R.S.

News

Declining enrollment and

reserve funds are key factors

As voters in the Massapequa Union Free School District approach the Tuesday, May 21, budget vote, the proposed spending plan retains popular educational programs while keeping the rise in spending to 1.49 percent.

Despite what district officials call unprecedented increases in state-mandated employer pension contributions, as well as rising health insurance costs, the overall budget is up just over $2.7 million.

After Massapequa resident Sol Goldstein and several friends helped finish building a house for a family 20 years ago for Habitat for Humanity, they had a question: “What do we do now?” They were all retired, had enjoyed working together and accomplishing something for a family in need, and wanted to do more.

“I was looking for something [to do] hands-on,” said Joe Botkin, of Williston Park, a retired principal, who had worked with Goldstein in building the home.


Sports

Vinny Zanfardino started his coaching career in 1997 when he stepped up to coach his daughter’s Little League team.

What started as a hobby turned into a full-blown obsession for Zanfardino, 48. Coaching became an outlet to do some good for children while staying close to the game he loves: baseball.

On Saturday, May 18, the Town of Oyster Bay will conduct a ceremony to officially re-name its golf course in honor of Joseph Colby, a resident of Massapequa Park who served as the Town of Oyster Bay’s 56th supervisor. The Honorable Joseph Colby was appointed supervisor in 1977 and was elected to that office five times in the following ten years. He was then elected as a New York State Supreme Court Justice in 1988, a post he held through his retirement from public service in 1992. The unveiling will take place at the main entrance of the course off South Woods Road in Woodbury.

“When the sign for Honorable Joseph Colby Town of Oyster Bay Golf Course is unveiled, it will celebrate an outstanding career in public service,” Supervisor John Venditto said. “Joseph Colby has always had the needs of the public as his top priority and has been widely respected for his innovation and responsiveness. This golf course will now forever bear his name as a tribute to his outstanding legacy.”


Calendar

Line Dancing  

Friday, May 17

Library's Board of Trustees Meeting

Wednesday, May 22

America’s Boating Course

Tuesday, May 28



Columns

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

Quietly Vindicated
Written by Mike Barry, MFBarry@optonline.net

Health Insurance Crisis Still Here
Written by Michael A. Miller, Millercolumn@optimum.net