Hat Luncheon Held At Old Westbury Gardens

Old Westbury Gardens held its annual Hat Luncheon on Oct. 2. The event raises funds to support Old Westbury Gardens children’s programs, which are presented throughout the year. Students from many local schools visit Old Westbury Gardens to get a firsthand look at a historical site, and learn about life in a Long Island mansion during the early 20th century, which is especially important for fourth grade students as New York State history is part of the curriculum. A project is in the planning stages of restoring a barn on Orchard Hill and turning it into an education center.

Massapequa Girls Soccer Teams Kicks Off New Season

Seniors lead the way as team tries to recapture county title

There are some events which are expected to happen routinely every fall. Leaves will fall off of the trees, a bit of a chill will emerge in the air, children will delight at the thought of dressing up in costumes and trick or treating on Halloween, and for eight years, the Massapequa varsity girls soccer team would win the Nassau County championship. Between 2003 and 2010, Massapequa girls varsity soccer had a phenomenal run, winning eight consecutive county titles. During that time, the team also brought four Long Island championships and three New York State championships to Massapequa. That streak of county championships was snapped last year.

“We were very disappointed,” says coach Bruce Stegner of having the streak come to an end. “We didn’t see it coming. It was disappointing that we couldn’t get to the same spot.”

Molto Bene! Large Crowd Enjoys Festival

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.”

Amityville School Placed In Lockdown

Massapequa Park resident arrested by police

On Friday, Sept. 28, St. Martin of Tours School in Amityville was put in lockdown for about 40 minutes. According to a spokesperson for the Amityville Police Department, a school employee, who is also a resident of Massapequa Park, was responsible for that lockdown because of inappropriate comments made within the school. Lieutenant Gerard Gralton of the Amityville Police Department said that individual has been arrested.

Massapequan Completes Eagle Scout Project At Massapequa Preserve

Steven Laudage of Massapequa completed his Eagle Scout service project in Massapequa during the weekend of Sept. 22 and 23. The project involved correcting some of the problems on and around the Greenbelt Trail. The trail is almost three miles in length and goes through the Massapequa Preserve from Merrick Road to Linden Street. Laudage directed the remarking of the entire trail, cut back overgrowth along the mostly unpaved trail, replaced part of a rotted footbridge and cleaned up areas in which parties had been held. Richard and Lisa Schary of Friends of the Massapequa Preserve and the Long Island Greenbelt Trail Conference sponsored the project. Steven is a member of Troop 576, which meets at the United Methodist Church in Massapequa Park.

Come To The Oyster Festival October 13, 14, From 11 To 6

Visit the Oyster Bay waterfront for food and family fun

Make some wonderful memories the weekend of October 13 and 14 at the annual Oyster Festival, held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. along the Oyster Bay waterfront. Come see the tall ships, three tents of handmade crafts, a Coast Guard water rescue demo, pirate treasure hunts, music for the young and old, midway rides, petting zoo and the most delicious oysters ever- all in one place.

Organized by the Oyster Bay Rotary Club, the profits from all food court sales support over 25 local charities while proceeds from the rides and merchandise sales will be donated to Rotary’s many charities.

‘Barktoberfest’ Held In Massapequa

Massapequa Pet Vet, located at 5330 Merrick Road, will host a “Barktoberfest” fundraiser on Sunday, Oct. 14, from noon until 5 p.m. at its facility in Massapequa. All profits will directly benefit Canine Companions for Independence, The Guide Dog Foundation and the Long Island Wildlife and Animal Rescue (LIWAR), which are all nonprofit organizations.

Nassau County Legislature Presiding Officer Peter Schmitt Dies

Nassau County Legislature Presiding Officer Peter Schmitt died suddenly on the morning of Oct. 3. According to Ed Ward, spokesperson from the legislator’s office, Schmitt, 62, collapsed while in a budget meeting with Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano in the Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building and was rushed to Winthrop Hospital. He died at 11:55 a.m.

“Nassau County has lost a dedicated public servant,” said Mangano in a statement. “My wife Linda and I lost a friend of over 20 years. Presiding Officer Peter Schmitt served the residents of Nassau County with great integrity and pride. I had the privilege of serving closely with Peter in the legislature since its creation in 1996, where he distinguished himself as an outspoken advocate for the residents of the 12th Legislative District.”

Sale Of Land For Cell Tower Approved

Nassau County Legislature votes unanimously to sell land near LIRR station to Massapequa Park

The Nassau County Legislature, by a unanimous vote of 19-0, has approved the sale of a small patch of land located on Sunrise Highway, near the southwest corner of the Massapequa Park railroad station, to the Village of Massapequa Park. As previously reported in the Massapequan Observer, the village sought to acquire the land for the construction of a cell tower. According to Massapequa Park Mayor James Altadonna, both Verizon Wireless and AT&T Wireless are seeking another cell tower or more antennas within the village to provide coverage in Massapequa Park as an agreement between Verizon and the Massapequa Water District is expiring and the cell carrier has been asked to remove its equipment from one of the water district’s towers. Both the mayor and Nassau County Legislature Presiding Officer Peter Schmitt, who represents Massapequa and Massapequa Park, said that the Federal Communications Act prohibits a municipality from stopping the construction of a cell tower. Therefore, both elected officials say they worked to get this deal completed, so that the cell carriers could still get the tower they are seeking, but it would be in a non-residential location that is not adjacent to residents’ homes.

Tricarico Appointed Water Commissioner

Joseph Tricarico has been serving the people of Massapequa for many years. He recently retired from the Town of Oyster Bay, where he most recently held the position of deputy commissioner of highways. After giving 36 years of service to the town, it might be expected that Tricarico would relax and enjoy some time for himself. However, the desire to serve has not left, so now he will be serving Massapequa in a different way. Tricarico was appointed on Sept. 4 to the Board of Commissioners of the Massapequa Water District, replacing Vincent Guadagno.

“I thought it was a great opportunity to serve this community,” said Tricarico about his appointment. “I do live, work, and play here. Working for the town, I’ve done a lot for these people.”