August 6, 2025 Massapequa Park

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

Petrucco, Mia Arnone and Emma Bosman at the Ames Campus. Photos courtesy of the Massapequa School District

LONG ISLAND MEDIA GROUP

PUBLISHER

Jeff Lambert

ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER

Diana Lambert

PRODUCTION MANAGER

CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION

Joe Lambert

Ethan Keattikul

ADMINISTRATION

Teri Tinkler

Josh Marlowe GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

MANAGING EDITOR

Felicia Edwards

MARKETING MANAGER

Noelle Lambert

Victoria Kokolakis

Stephan Schulze

PROOFREADING

Kerry Mastrobuoni

ACCOUNT

EXECUTIVES

Carol Link

Bob Liquorie

Nicole Sims

Kim Volz

Bonnie Schifano

Lucille Moran

Terry Rydyzynski

Noelle Lambert

SCAN HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION:

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.”

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 wellbeing 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 Monday,

August 11th from 10 AM to 12 PM at the Hicksville Community Center, located at 28 West Carl Street, Hicksville and 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-come, first-served basis, with a limit of one booklet per person per year.

Hold

Your Mail

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 1November 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 7 - December 27).

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) 227-8900.

(NAPSI)—A visible pile of delivered mail and packages in front of your home is an invitation for the bad guys to help themselves. If you’ll be away for an extended period, have your mail held at the Post Office. For more tips, visit www. uspis.gov/holiday-2022.

“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 wonderful program and experience the health

AUGUST HAPPENINGS

FRI., AUGUST 8th

SAT., AUGUST 9th

9:30AM-3:00PM

INDOOR/OUTDOOR YARD SALE

Community Presbyterian Church, 1843 Deer Park Ave. in Deer Park. For more information, please call 631-242-0221. Rain or Shine.

SAT., AUGUST 9th

10:00AM-9:30PM

Grand Entry: 12 Noon & 7pm

SUN., AUGUST 10th

10:00AM-5:00PM

Grand Entry: 12 Noon

PAUMANAUKE POW-WOW

The Paumanauke Native American Festival Inc., The Babylon Citizens Council on the Arts (BACCA), and the Town of Babylon proudly present the 43rd Paumanauke Pow-Wow at Tanner Park in Copiague. This twoday, family-friendly festival of Native American culture features Indigenous dance and dance competitions, traditional drums, native foods, and plenty of audience participation. For more information contact BACCA: 631-587-3696 / info@babylonarts.org Gerry Goodlin: 516-495-6076

MON., AUGUST 11th

8:15AM-12:15PM

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church 147 Park Ave. in Amityville. August 11 through August 15. Bible lessons, music, games, crafts, snacks and more. It's all FREE. Ages 4-year-old through sixth grade. To register at vbspro.events/p/8265d0. For more information, please call 631-264-0763

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

TUES., AUGUST 12th

11:00AM-4:00PM

31st ANNUAL

CLAM SHUCKING CONTEST

West Islip Breast Cancer Coalition For Long Island, Inc. Shuckin’ Fun in the Sun. Fun For Kids Too! Corn Husking Face Painting. Bay Shore Marina, South Clinton Avenue, Bay Shore. For more information, please call 631-669-7770 Email: info@wibcc.org Website: www.wibcc.org

7:00PM

REPUBLIC AIRPORT COMMISSION MEETING

7150 Republic Airport, Room 201, in Farmingdale. For information call 631752-7707 x6109 or email: contactus@ republicairport.net

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

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, Amityville, NY 11701.

2:00PM

SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK SERIES at Bayard Cutting Arboretum, Great River 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

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!

Summer Recreation Fosters Timeless Friendships

In a typical week, more than 1,000 students are roaming the classrooms, fields and playgrounds at the Massapequa School District’s six elementary schools. It’s another successful summer for the popular Summer Recreation Program, which ran from July 1 to Aug. 1.

Those students are joined by hundreds of high school and college-age counselors, as well as the building directors. The program creates connections among participants of all ages throughout the first half of summer vacation.

“I enjoy being a counselor because it helps me make better relationships with the kids,” said Colin Doherty, a Massapequa High School junior who is working for the third summer at East Lake Elementary School, which he once attended. “I want the kids to know you can always trust your counselors and if they ever need someone to talk to, we are here for them.”

Colin, who remembers looking up to his counselors when he was in the summer recreation program as a child, takes his responsibility seriously to ensure that students in his group are having fun, making new friends and staying safe. He and his fellow high school leaders know the key to

a successful summer is setting a positive example, always bringing a smile and working hard to relate to the younger children.

Junior Kayla DiIorio, who works with a group of girls entering kindergarten and first grade, loves getting to know the children and seeing their different personalities.

“All of them are different and fun to hang out with,” she said, adding that this gives her experience if she decides to pursue a childcentered career.

During a typical day at summer recreation, the groups rotate through different stations including the art room, game room, snack, playground, indoor sports and outdoor sports. Each school hosts several special events throughout the summer. Students make ceramics, decorate hats, stuff bears and tie dye T-shirts. There are performances from Alex the Magician, Mad Science and My Reptile Guys. They get treats on ice cream, pizza, pretzel and smoothie days. Each school also hosts a block party or carnival day with a dunk tank, face painting and games created by the counselors.

Campers can also sign up for any of the field trips that take place throughout the summer such as bowling, Dave and Busters, Long Island Children’s Museum,

miniature golf and the movies.

The elementary program is open to students entering kindergarten through fifth grade. Students going into ninth grade can serve as volunteers while 10th12th graders can work as high school leaders. After graduating, they can work as college assistants and are all CPR and AED certified. The building directors are certified teachers.

“Those who are interested in working for summer recreation go through a rigorous hiring process,” summer recreation Coordinator

Dani Shehada said, noting that applicants must get letters of recommendation from teachers and commit to all five weeks of the program. “Summer recreation staff create a wide-range of events that cater to different interests, ensuring that every child can find something they enjoy. The counselors are responsible for guiding and mentoring campers. This role fosters a sense of responsibility and enhances teamwork abilities, essential traits for future academic and career endeavors. Additionally, counselors often form lasting friendships with both peers and campers, creating a supportive community that can be invaluable.”

Popular Arts Camp Keeps Growing In Massapequa

It’s rarely business as usual for the Massapequa School District’s Summer Fine Arts camp. This year, the program added several new courses, saw increased participation and embraced more digital tools.

Jessica Wyman, coordinator of the fiveweek camp, said there were 576 registrants this year along with 30 teachers, 39 student assistants and two college assistants. There were 60 one- and two-week course offerings in music, theater and visual arts. The program, which runs July 7-Aug. 8 at Massapequa High School, is held in partnership with Nassau BOCES.

“It’s been fantastic,” Ms. Wyman said. “We have a lot of very talented students across the board and what’s cool is to watch their growth across only a few days.”

Many of the traditional courses are back such as beginner and intermediate band and orchestra lessons, musical theater workshops, and art classes in drawing, painting, sculpture and mixed media. A Young Artist Explorers camp returned for the second year, giving younger elementary students a chance to learn different techniques while emulating the work of noted artists like Keith Haring and

Wassily Kandinsky.

In a new summer dance camp, students learned various dance styles and techniques, and were introduced to multiple music genres. Music Theory for All was also added this year, in which students explored the structure and analysis of music creation, then made their own 16-measure solo pieces.

Rising seventh grader Niall MacLeod, who is a percussionist in the band, enrolled in Music Theory along with three other courses this summer – Introduction to Improvisation, Jazz Band and Rock Band.

“I was looking at all of

the camps and they were all really interesting, so I wanted to do as many as I could,” Niall said. “I really like doing anything with music and learning new things that make me a better musician.”

Ninth grader Loris Chen took the Ceramic Glazing Techniques class, during which she made projects such as bowls, mugs, plates and vases.

“It was interesting and I’ve never done anything like this,” she said. “Seeing the results is always so cool.”

Paul Leone, the ceramics class teacher, said that students are able to complete very in-depth

projects in the course, which meets three hours a day for a week. After sculpting, their pieces are placed in a kiln overnight and ready for glazing the next day.

In addition to traditional art classes, there are several technology focused classes. In the new Canva Digital Art course, students designed board games and graphic novels from scratch. They learned how to overlap layers, add graphics and images and create their own characters. The Fashion Design course is now done entirely on iPads, which students designing clothing for models on ProCreate.

Ms. Wyman said that many of the ideas for new courses come from the district’s art and music teachers. She said they are encouraged to bring ideas for topics that aren’t typically covered during the school year.

“Most of our camps are because the people teaching them are passionate about that subject or medium,” she said.

Each music and theater camp ends with a performance for families, while every art class culminates with an exhibit.

Photo courtesy of the Massapequa School District

Classifieds

PATIOS , WALKWAYS , DRIVE WAYS PAVE RS, ETC. CH ECK OUT OUR WEBSITE TO LEARN ALL ABOUT US WW W.HY DROPOWER SOLUTI ON.COM DISCOUNTS FOR VETERANS, SENIORS, FIRST

RECIPE OF THE WEEK: Liquid Iron

Free Child ID Card Program Held In Massapequa

New York State Assemblyman Michael Durso (R - Massapequa Park), in coordination with Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Nassau County Legislator James Kennedy, and the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office recently held a free Operation Safe Child ID Card program at Marjorie Post Community Park Pool

in Massapequa. The Nassau County DA’s child ID program, Operation Safe Child, provides parents with an identification card for their children containing pertinent physical information to give law enforcement officials a head start on a missing child. The child ID card includes the child’s name,

birthdate, age, gender, hair and eye color, height and weight, fingerprints, and a high-resolution digital photo.

If you are a Nassau County resident and would like more information on this program, please contact the Nassa County District Attorney’s Office at 516-571-3800.

STAY COOL AS SUMMER WINDS DOWN

Though few people consider the end of summer a cause for celebration, the weather outside need not preclude men and women from enjoying a cool and refreshing beverage. Those who simply can’t say “so long” to summer may want to find a nearby patio, pull up a chair and pour themselves a glass of “Liquid Iron” courtesy of Brian Preston-Campbell’s “Cool Waters” (Harvard Common Press). Not only is the following drink refreshing and cool for those waning hot days before summer officially goes away, but it’s also a great source of iron and calcium.

Makes 6 servings

2 stalks red Swiss chard, chopped

1⁄4 cup chopped spinach leaves

1⁄4 cup chopped purple kale

1 teaspoons loose green tea leaves

6 cups still water

DIRECTIONS:

1. Place the chard, spinach, kale, and tea leaves in a blender with 1 cup of the water. Purée until fairly smooth, about 1 minute.

2. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a large pitcher, using a ladle or rubber spatula to extract as much juice as possible. Add the remaining water, stir gently, and serve.

The Michele & Mark Goodman Team

“We give Michele & Mark Goodman our very highest recommendation!! My husband who is a real estate attorney & I knew that we wanted Michele and Mark to find a buyer for our home and quickly! That was a good decision!! They found a buyer within a few weeks & negotiated a price of $82,000 higher than our asking. We have already recommended this team to clients and will highly recommend them to friends & family. They are true professionals!!” ... Arnie & Resa Hauptman

“During our first meeting with Michele we knew immediately she was the person we wanted to help sell our home of 36 years. Every detail of the process was clearly explained to us and executed exactly as proposed. Michele helped us carefully review our offers and pointed out the positives and negatives of each one. In the end we got a terrific price for our home and we were very happy. We highly recommend Michele for her professionalism and many years of real estate knowledge.” ... Andrew & Sheryl Engel

“After researching and interviewing a number of realtors to sell our Massapequa home, we decided on using the Michele and Mark Goodman Team at Douglas Elliman Real Estate. Michele and Mark conducted thorough market research, had expert historical knowledge of the house and its community and were very knowledgeable of the various selling features the neighborhood offered. The Team’s confident approach to listing and marketing the property was effective, resulting in strong prospect interest and ultimately a very satisfying sales price within a short time frame. They also did an excellent job keeping us informed along the way and were, without fail, extremely responsive to questions sent to them regardless of the time of day.” ... Jeffrey Tomitz