More Honors for Scientist

Massapequa Native Kerry Samerotte Wins Nationwide Competition In Field of Molecular Biology

In March 2000, Dr. Kerry Samerotte, then Kerry Geiler, a student at Massapequa High School, was named as a seventh place winner in the prestigious Intel Science Talent Search.

But that was only the start of her many achievements in the world of scientific research.

Tremor Causes No Damage in Massapequa

All is well in Massapequa following the biggest earthquake to hit the eastern seaboard in 114 years. According to village officials, there were no reported major injuries or damages in the village, a condition that appears to be generally true for the other parts of the United States and Canada, whose residents felt the tremor on Tuesday afternoon.

The quake, whose epicenter was the small town of Mineral, VA, registered 5.8 on the Richter scale, making it the most powerful one in the state since a 1897 quake, which registered the same total. The 1897 quake originated in Giles County, VA, an area in the southwestern part of the commonwealth, not far from Mineral, itself a town 40 miles northwest of Richmond. The 2011 quake took place along the Spotsylvania fault line.

Massapequa Students Named Kids of Distinction

Two Massapequa area high students are among the six local winners selected as “Kids of Distinction” for 2011. Natalie Gramegna and Nora M Reade were both selected for the honor by the organization Kids Helping Kids by Kids Way, Inc., which established a committee to judge applications.

The winners were announced by Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto and Kids Helping Kids by Kids Way, Inc. co-founders Robert A.J. and Philip M. Eslick.

Saladino Unveils Task Force on Substance Abuse

Professionals in Various Fields Asked to Contribute Ideas and Opinions

In recent years, the Massapequa area has presented a united front in the battle against substance abuse. Most prominent have been such popular organizations as Yes Counseling Center and Drug Free Massapequa (DFM). The arrest and conviction of a Merrick-based physician for selling prescription drugs to minors near Massapequa High School was the most dramatic example of the problem in the area.

Now, New York State Assemblyman Joseph S. Saladino has lent his support to the struggle. At a press conference last Wednesday at South Oaks Hospital, he announced the creation of the Heroin and Prescription Drug Abuse Relief Task Force.

Renovation Underway at Massapequa Preserve Duck Pond

Volunteer Assistance From Seaford High, Wellness Council, and Kiwanis Club

Possibly prompted by my suggestion in one of my series of articles following the progress of the work in the Massapequa Preserve, work has begun to refurbish the Nassau County Park, known to local residents as The Duck Pond.

Steven Mosiello Laid to Rest

9/11 Hero and Massapequa Resident Was Both a Vietnam and FDNY Veteran

Steven C. Mosiello, 58, a FDNY members and a resident of Massapequa was laid to rest Tuesday, July 19. He was the aide to Chief of Department Peter J. Ganci Jr., who was killed on that fateful morning of September 11, 2001 when the south tower of the World Trade Center collapsed.

Mosiello’s assignment just put him out of harm’s way. Unfortunately, the chemicals and particles that the smoke carried led to his death. He died of esophageal cancer at the Hospice Inn of Melville on Friday, July 15.

Medal of Valor Award for Massapequa FD

County Holds Special Ceremony To Honor Local Heroes

On Friday, July 29 Nassau County held its first annual emergency services summit with over 500 police, firefighters, EMTs, and hospital officials to reduce wait time that occurs during emergencies.

Ellis Henican was the master of ceremonies, while Nassau County Legislator and Public Safety Chair Dennis Dunne, along with County Executive Edward Mangano, and other local emergency officials and hospital staff authorities addressed the attendees and held panel discussions.

Kessler Named Principal Of Carman Road School

Steven Kessler has been promoted to principal of the Carman Road School, located in Massapequa Park, a school that is part of the Board of Cooperative Services of Nassau County (Nassau BOCES). Kessler, who served as assistant principal at the school for the past 12 years, has spent the last three decades working in the special education field.

Kessler started his career at Nassau BOCES in 1988 as coordinator of the Supported Work Program where he followed up on special education students after they entered the workplace. A devout champion of special needs youngsters, he then moved to the Rosemary Kennedy School as the Assistant Principal for six years.

Carpenter Takes Movie Magic to Our Lady of Lourdes

Love Me Tonight Viewing Aug. 11

Over the past several years, John Carpenter has made Massapequa the Classic Movie Capital of Long Island as thousands of New Yorkers have traveled to that village to view an eclectic array of movies from Hollywood’s Golden Age.

Carpenter has also shown such films in locations as different as Lindenhurst and East Meadow. But when he shows his films in Massapequa, they are always at the Bar Harbor Library. Now, Carpenter will be showing a 1932 classic, Love Me Tonight on Thursday, Aug. 11 at his home parish, Our Lady of Lourdes. The viewing will begin at 7 p.m. The film, which tells the story of a common tailor who wins the love of a princess, stars Hollywood legends Maurice Chevalier and Jeanette MacDonald.

Parker Family Members All Born on July 19

Baby Mason Snuck In Under the Wire: Born at 11:30 p.m.

When the Parker family of Massapequa celebrates a birthday on July 19, it just won’t be for young Mason, who was born on that date last week at 11:30 p.m. at Long Island Jewish Medical Center.

In fact, that date will be the birthday of not just the son, but of both his parents, who were also born on July 19.