DeRiso Named Principal of Plainedge MS

The Plainedge School District has appointed Anthony DeRiso as Principal of Plainedge Middle School.

DeRiso has been working with the district since 1999 and has served in a variety of capacities. Most recently, DeRiso worked as the district’s Director of Personnel and Operations. As such, he was responsible for managing districtwide operations and initiating and overseeing capital improvement projects, which have included the high school music room and the beautification of West and Schwarting Elementary Schools.

On the Road With Patrick Fenton

More Honors for Jack’s Last Call

Massapequa resident Patrick Fenton continues his tireless work to keep the literary legacy of Jack Kerouac alive and kicking.

Fenton, who is the author of Jack’s Last Call: Say Goodbye to Kerouac, a play dramatizing Kerouac’s final night in Northport, has been in the news lately, this time making the rounds in Kerouac’s stomping grounds in Queens County.

Congressman King Sponsors September 11 Blood Drive

In his continuing effort to promote September 11 as a national day of voluntary service, charity and good deeds, Congressman Peter T. King (R-Seaford) will be holding his 3rd annual blood drive on Friday, September 11, from 10 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. at his District Office, 1003 Park Boulevard, Massapequa Park. The blood drive will be administered by Long Island Blood Services.

“This blood drive is a way to encourage people to perform one special deed on September 11 as a way to honor the victims and heroes of that tragic day,” Congressman King stated. “It is also a way to rekindle the spirit of unity and compassion that existed in the nation after the tragedy.”

NMFD Battalion Parade and Drill Saturday, September 19

The North Massapequa Fire Department will be hosting the Annual 6th Battalion Parade and Drill on Saturday, Sept. 19, according to Chief Sean K. Abrams.

“This special event celebrates 75 years of service to the community by the members of the North Massapequa Fire Department,” Chief Abrams said. “It is a prestigious parade and I’m sure the community will come out to show their support of our volunteer firefighters and attend the gala festival following the parade.”

Red Light Cameras Going Back Up

Village Agrees to Give Revenue to the County

The red light cameras are going back up in Massapequa.

At its Aug. 24 meeting, the village board of trustees voted on a resolution, one that would allow the cameras to return to the intersection of Merrick Road and Park Boulevard. Moreover, the BOT agreed to return all revenue from vehicle violations to Nassau County coffers.

Swift Named Principal at Our Lady of Lourdes

Our Lady of Lourdes School, located in Massapequa Park, has named Rita Anne Swift, a longtime Catholic school educator and administrator, as its new principal. The appointment comes as the school is in the midst of launching an ambitious series of initiatives to improve services and resources for students.

Progress Made on Dredging Project

The Massapequa Preserve stream and drainage pond-dredging project took on another step recently. The laying of the underground piping connecting the water flow in the Massapequa Creek from Linden Street south to the Massapequa Lake at Merrick Road took place. The purpose of this part of the project is to pump water from the lake underground to a pumping system at Linden Street and back into the creek. The project when completed will keep water circulating and much cleaner. Water in the creek and drainage ponds will be kept cleaner from the filtration systems already in place at the catch basins that funneled roadways storm water into the preserves drainage ponds.

Village Amends Flood Damage Ordinance

New Codes for Commercial, Residential Construction

At its most recent meeting, the Village of Massapequa Park board of trustees approved a local law, one that amends its Flood Damage Prevention ordinance.

The BOT acted because it considers damages from flooding and erosion to be an increased problem for village residents and businesses.

A Brief History of Massapequa Schools

According to my family and several other Massapequa natives that I have spoken with, the first school in Massapequa was built during the year of 1820 on property just west of where the old Grace Church and cemetery is presently located at Merrick Road and Cedar Shore Drive.

The building built entirely of wood was totally destroyed by fire in 1852 during the night, possibly from a stove fire used for heat. It wasn’t until 1910 that Massapequa had a fire department.

Red Light Cameras Removed From Massapequa Intersection

Altadonna, Mangano Denounce County ‘Greed’; Spokesman Cites State Law

Red light cameras are being installed at 50 of the most dangerous intersections in Nassau County. The purpose is to both reduce traffic accidents and collect fees to cut into budget deficits.

Already, the cameras are a source of controversy in Massapequa.