August 13, 2025 Massapequa by Long Island Media Group

Photo by Richard Termine

Saladino And Blakeman Announce Free $25 Farmers’ Market Coupons

Oyster Bay Town

Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Nassau

County Executive Bruce Blakeman announce that income-eligible adults aged 60 and over can now receive free $25 coupon booklets from the New York State Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP). These coupons can be used to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at authorized farmers’

markets and farm stands.

“We are committed to enhancing the quality of life for our senior residents,” said Supervisor Saladino. “The Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program is an excellent initiative that helps seniors maintain a healthy diet while enjoying the fresh produce our local markets have to offer.

It is important for us to provide opportunities that

support the well-being of our older adults, and this program does just that by making nutritious food more accessible.”

The $25 Farmers’ Market coupon distribution will take place on Thursday, August 21st from 10 AM to 12 PM at the North Massapequa Community Center, located at 214 North Albany Ave., North Massapequa. Coupons will be distributed on a first-

Senator Steve Rhoads To Host Inaugural Veterans Valor Walk

Senator Steve Rhoads will host the first-ever Veterans Valor Walk—a patriotic community event and food drive— on Saturday, August 23rd at Eisenhower Park. The event will feature a 0.5-mile walk around Salisbury Lake to honor local veterans and support those in need. Participants are asked to bring a non-

perishable food item to benefit a local veterans’ food pantry.

come, first-served basis, with a limit of one booklet per person per year.

Attendees are encouraged to wear red, white, and blue to show their patriotic spirit. Following the walk, registered participants will enjoy a complimentary bagel breakfast and refreshments.

Pre-registration is

strongly encouraged using the following link, but walk-ins welcome: https://docs.google.com/ forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe3Ok8 fNMcXS3zWE8Ma5MEMn WE1mP8VtmavCKzACF03 LLBTTw/viewform

Senator Rhoads invites the community to come together to honor those who served and ensure no hero goes hungry.

Coupons can be used at the Country Fresh Farmingdale Farmers’ Market, located at Village Green, 316 Main Street, Farmingdale, open Sundays from 10 AM to 2 PM (June 1 - November 23), at Deep Roots Farmers’ Market, located at 100 Garvies Point Road, Glen Cove, open Saturdays 9 AM to 1 PM (May 31 –November 1) and at the Seaford Farmers’ Market, located at Seaford LIRR Parking Lot 3, Sunrise Hwy. & Washington St., open Saturdays from 7 AM to 12 PM (June 7December 27).

wonderful program and experience the health benefits of fresh, locally sourced produce,” added County Executive Blakeman.

The Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program and Mobile Farm Stand are sponsored by the Nassau County Office for the Aging, the New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets, the New York State Department of Health, the New York State Office for the Aging, and the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.

To find additional farmers’ markets

participating in the SFMNP Coupon Program, please visit: https://agriculture. ny.gov/farmersmarkets. For more information, call the Nassau County Office for the Aging at (516) 2278900.

Did You Know?

If you get a call from a government agency or other business asking for a payment, hang up. No one from a federal government agency will ask for money over the phone.

“By participating in this program, our seniors can enjoy the benefits of fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables, while supporting the local economy. I encourage all eligible seniors to take advantage of this

The Chamber Of Commerce Of The Massapequas Presents $5,000 Check To The Village Of Massapequa Park

The Chamber of Commerce of the Massapequas recently presented a $5,000 check to the Village of Massapequa Park to sponsor the incredible fireworks celebration held a few weeks ago at Mansfield Park.

Thousands of families and neighbors came out to enjoy this cherished community tradition, and we were proud to help make it happen. A big thank you to Mayor Daniel Pearl, the Village Trustees, our dedicated first responders, and everyone who helped bring this amazing night

to life! Pictured: Karen Gawrych-Treasurer, Dana Durso-Village Trustee, Dan Pearl-Massapequa Park

Mayor, Robin HepworthPresident, Sal PolitoFirst Vice President, Tina Schiaffino-Deputy Mayor, and Todd Svec-Village Trustee. Photo courtesy of Andrew Hepworth

1. Missing dip container 2. Mozzarella sticks replaced fried potatoes

Pepperoni pizza missing pepperoni slice 4. Pretzels in bowl instead of tortilla chips

AUGUST HAPPENINGS

SAT., AUGUST 16th

2:00PM

SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK SERIES AT BROOKSIDE PARK, W. SAYVILLE

Islip Arts Council and Studio Theater of Long Island Shakespeare Troupe present "Much Ado About Nothing," a comedy by William Shakespeare. This limited engagement will be performed FREE. *Schedule subject to change Shakespeare in the Park is made possible through a grant from the Suffolk County Ofﬁce of Cultural Affairs. For more information visit Isliparts.org, or call 631-888-3525

SAT., AUGUST 23rd

SUN., AUGUST 24th

10:00AM-5:00PM

FARMINGDALE VENDOR FAIR ON THE VILLAGE GREEN

361 Main St. in Farmingdale. Free Event. Family shopping fun and a great way to spend the day! For more information, please call 516442-6000

SUN., AUGUST 24th

1:00PM-5:00PM OPEN HOUSE

Join Us for the Science of Spirituality Meditation Center's 21st Anniversary Celebration Open House. An amazing day featuring special guest speakers, introductory meditation sessions, vegetarian cooking demos, yoga demonstrations, live music, a tour of the garden & grounds, an outdoor picnic, and more. Open to all and free of charge. For more information, please call 631-8227979, Infotristate@sos.org. Science of Spirituality Meditation Center, 79 County Line Road in Amityville.

MAKE A SUBMISSION!

Events must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event date and will run free of charge on a space available basis. For more info, call 631.226.2636 x275 or send events to editorial@longislandmediagroup.com

South Shore Audubon Bird Walk

Join the South Shore Audubon Society for a bird walk at the Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve in Merrick on Sunday, August 17, starting at 9:00 a.m.

The entrance road to the Norman Levy Preserve is located on the south side of Merrick Road, just east of the Meadowbrook Parkway. (It is the same road as the Department of Sanitation entrance).

Safety

Walk leaders and other birders and nature enthusiasts will be happy to share their knowledge and experience with you. The bird walk is free of charge. Bring binoculars. To register, text your name and contact information to 516 467-9498. No walk if it rains. Text regarding questionable weather. For more information, log onto www.ssaudubon. org

Recalls

2:00PM

SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK SERIES AT BAYARD CUTTING ARBORETUM, GREAT RIVER

TUES., AUGUST 26th

12:15PM FREE BROWN BAG CONCERT SERIES Tuesdays at the Bay Shore Band Shell, 80 East Main Street in Bay Shore. Chasing Time / Music of the 60's 70's and 80's. For more information, please call the Islip Arts Council 631-888-3525

WED., AUGUST 27th

5:00PM-8:00PM

DROP-OFF DRUG EVENT

International Overdose Awareness Day. The Lindenhurst Moose Lodge, Lindenhurst Community Cares, CASJ, and Suffolk County Police C.O.P.E. have joined forces to create a united front in preventing addiction and overdose deaths in our community. Please bring your prescription medications for safe disposal to: Lindenhurst Moose Lodge #1421, 883 South Broadway, in Lindenhurst. Anyone who drops oft medicine will receive a rafﬂe ticket for a prize! Together we can make a difference!

THURS., AUGUST 28th

6:00PM-7:00PM

PAUMANACKE GARDEN CLUB PROGRAM

Pauley the Plant Man will speak on 'Early Fall Gardening.' No preregistration necessary. Refreshments served after the program. Wantagh Public Library, 3285 Park Avenue in Wantagh Questions? contact paumanackegc@gmail.com

SAT., AUGUST 30th

12:00 Noon

AMITYVILLE PORCH MUSIC DAY

Go porch-to-porch in the Village to hear live music! See map of porch/ band locations at Amityville.com. To sign up a band/porch email us at Mayor@amityvil le. com. For more information, please call Village Hall 631-264-6000

THRU SAT., AUGUST 30th

DURING LIBRARY HOURS

PHOTOGRAPHY EXIBITION at the East Islip Library. Perspectives in Photography” is a diverse visual interpretation of the world as seen by Rick Jacobs. East Islip library, 381 East Main St, in East Islip. 2nd ﬂ. The event is free. For more information, please call 631-581-9200

SAT., AUGUST 30th

SUN., AUGUST 31st

10:00AM-5:00PM

EISENHOWER PARK FIELD 8 ART CRAFT & GIFT VENDOR FAIR

Famlily shopping fun and a great way to spend the day! For more information, please call 516-4426000, www.NassauCountyFarirs.com

Millions of drivers across the country are putting themselves and their loved ones at risk by driving vehicles with unrepaired safety recalls. A staggering 57.7 million vehicles in the U.S.—roughly 1 in 5— have outstanding safety recalls, according to data from CARFAX. (NAPSI)

CLUES ACROSS

1. Fairly large

6. Barrels per day (abbr.)

9. Cover the entirety of

13. Leafy appetizer

14. Showy ornament

15. Norse personiﬁcation of old age

16. Athletes

17. Closes tightly

18. Attack via hurling items

19. Where the reserves stand

21. Sword

22. Begat

23. Damage another’s reputation

1. Vipers

5. “Pollock” actor Harris

6. Bleated

7. Monetary units of

24. Northeast 25. Turf 28. For each 29. Hours (Spanish) 31. Western state

33. One who offers help

36. Flanks

38. A woolen cap of Scottish origin

39. Free from drink or drugs

41. Tunnels

44. Mature

45. More dried-up

46. News organization

48. Steal something

17. Begets

20. Face part

21. Frocks

23. Hill or rocky peak

25. Giving the impression of dishonesty

26. About ear

27. Male parents 29. Popular grilled food 30. Vaccine developer 32. Not conforming 34. Polite address for women 35. 1970 U.S. environmental law 37. Astronomical period of 18 years 40. One who ﬁghts the government

49. Forms one’s public persona(abbr.)

51. Female ﬁsh eggs

52. Small petrel of southern seas

54. Edible starches

56. Historical

60. In a place to sleep

61. Horse grooms

62. Off-Broadway theater award

63. Chinese dynasty

64. Resembling a wing

65. Small projection on a bird’s wing

66. Of the Isle of Man

67. Derived unit of force (abbr.)

68. Plate for Eucharist

42. Center for Excellence in Education

43. Watches discreetly 47. An electrically charged atom

Hymn

50. Arabic given name

Popular pie nut 53. City in Zambia 55. Species of cherry 56. John __, British writer

Be next to 58. Make angry 59. Give birth to a lamb or kid

Why Car Washes Are Important

Taking care of a vehicle involves more than just maintaining the equipment under the hood. Car washes keep a vehicle shiny and clean, which can help it look good while sitting in the driveway or cruising the highway. However, regular car washes are more than cosmetic.

• Protection from the sun: A car that is routinely and properly washed and waxed is less vulnerable to damage from the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

• Extend the life of paint: Dirt and debris can build up on the paint surface and eventually lead to scratches and other damage. Bird droppings and sap can be corrosive. Washing will help remove grime and protect the paint in the process.

• Preserve the vehicle’s value: Drivers who plan to sell or trade in their vehicles in the future should realize that a wellmaintained car can bring in as much as 20 percent more for above-average condition, according to Kelley Blue Book. Maintaining a clean and shiny vehicle can protect its long-term value.

• Remove salt: Drivers who live near the ocean or in areas where roads are salted in the winter to melt snow may have cars with high salt corrosion rates. Unless it’s washed off frequently, salt can take its toll, leading to damage.

• Improve fuel efficiency: Drivers have felt pain in their wallets at the fuel pump in recent years. Dirty cars may be less aerodynamic and less fuel-efficient as a result. Keeping a car clean may improve its fuel efficiency.

• Maintain the interior: Car washes are not only about the exterior. Keeping a clean and tidy interior can help improve the air quality inside of the vehicle and prolong the life of upholstery, mats and interior components.

Find the words hidden vertically, horizontally, diagonally, and backwords. See this puzzle and its answers at

Having A Say In Their Day At Massapequa Teen Center

Abuzz every day for five weeks is Massapequa’s Teen Center, the middle schoolage piece of the district’s Summer Recreation Program. There are about 125 sixth, seventh and eighth graders at the Ames Campus on a typical day, along with college-age counselors and building directors.

Teen Center runs from July 1 to Aug. 1 and is open to students entering grades 6-8. The program is far less structured than the elementary camps and designed to promote increased independence as they reach middle school age. Participants

can choose their activities as there are rooms for arts and crafts, games and movies, as well as both gymnasiums and the outside fields for sports. Counselors are assigned to each location.

Campers also get to participate in special events and field trips. At

Ames, there was a Tropical Smoothie Day, a beach glass art session with DeeSigned by Me and the popular Camper Games, which included a dunk tank, snow cones, relay races and a tug-of-war. Field trips included bowling, the movies, Round 1 arcade and SkyZone.

Rising seventh grader

Mia Arnone attended the Teen Center for the second year and came for four of the five weeks.

“It’s fun,” she said. “You can be with your friends, and all of the directors and counselors are nice.”

Emma Bosman enjoys going on the field trips and

also likes the how the camp is structured so she and her friends can decide how their day is spent. Lucas Jardine said his favorite daily activities are playing basketball in the gym and cards in the game room.

“You can go to whichever room you want,” he said. “I like the choice.”

Massapequa Summer Recreation Teen Center counselor Sarah Tamke was joined by students, from left, Giovanna DellaSpelanza, Declan Petrucco, Mia Arnone and Emma Bosman at the Ames Campus. Photos courtesy of the Massapequa School District

Sophia Jacobson, left, and Delaney Martin work on beach glass art projects during a craft session hosted by DeeSigned by Me.

Assemblyman Durso To Host Free Veterans’ Appreciation

Pancake Breakfast & Resource Fair

New York State

Assemblyman Michael Durso (R-Massapequa Park), in partnership with the Massapequa American Legion Post 1066, is hosting a Free Veterans’ Appreciation Pancake Breakfast and Resource Fair on Saturday, August 23rd from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the American Legion Post 1066 in Massapequa.

Veterans will be treated to a complimentary pancake breakfast and provided with valuable information from over 20 vendors on issues such as healthcare, housing, education, legal services, and other veteran support services. This free event is open to all veterans who live in or belong to a veteran’s organization in the 9th Assembly district.

Blood Drive Honoring Late Bridget McElroy Returns To Massapequa

In July 2020, Bridget was diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer. While hospitalized on her 35th birthday in August 2021, she asked her loved ones to donate blood in her honor, instead of celebrating. She passed away just three months later, but her selfless final wish sparked a movement that continues to save lives.

“Bridget was an amazing young woman who lost her life to cancer far too soon,” said Supervisor Saladino. “Even at her most vulnerable, she made it her mission to inspire blood donations and help others.”

Bridget’s mother recalled her words: “All I want for my birthday is for everybody to give blood.”

Now in its fourth year, Bridget’s Birthday Blood Bank will once again be held in partnership with the New York Blood Center. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are

encouraged.

The blood drive will take place on Saturday, August 23 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Marjorie Post Park Community Center (Rooms A & B), 451 Unqua Road in Massapequa.

Schedule your donation at https://donate.nybc. org/donor/schedules/ drive_schedule/325620.

Tell Us About It!

Let us know about your honors, awards, promotions and other announcements. They are always welcome. Photos can be emailed as well. Send them to editorial@ longislandmediagroup. com.