- The Chamber of Commerce of the Massapequas was proud to participate in the Massapequa Park Village 250th Birthday Independence Day Parade. It was a wonderful celebration honoring our nation’s 250th anniversary, the Village’s rich history, and the strong sense of community and patriotism that makes the Massapequas such a special place to live and
The Chamber of Commerce of the Massapequas was proud to participate in the Massapequa Park Village 250th Birthday Independence Day Parade. It was a wonderful celebration honoring our nation’s 250th anniversary, the Village’s rich history, and the strong sense of community and patriotism that makes the
Massapequas such a special place to live and work.
Chamber Members in photo: (left to right): Past President Gary Slavin, Chamber President Sal Polito, First Vice
President Greg Massimi, Immediate Past President Robin Hepworth, Michael Livingston, Lynn Livi, and Secretary Isabelle Rapacciuolo
Elected Officials
include: Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Massapequa
Park Mayor Daniel Pearl, Deputy Mayor Tina Schiffano, Trustee Todd Svec and Dana Durso, TOB Councilman Tom Hand, Councilman Steve Labriola, Congressman Andrew Garbarino, Assemblyman Michael Durso, TOB Receiver of Taxes Jeff Pravato.
WORDS
Find the words hidden vertically, horizontally, diagonally, and backwords.
Fairfield Earths Its Memories And Mementos Until 2050
Fairfield Elementary School students and staff capped the 2025-2026 school year by burying a new time capsule, preserving history for the next quarter century. It was buried on June 25 in front of the flagpole and will be unearthed in 2050 – the year that Fairfield turns 125.
The oldest school in Massapequa, Fairfield, celebrated its centennial in 2025, during which a time capsule from 2000 was opened. It held items such as VHS tapes, toys, and a Subway Series banner. Fifth-grade teacher Christopher Kiernan, who was a Fairfield student when that time capsule was buried, coordinated the planning of the next one.
The 2026 time capsule includes fifth-grade class photos, the centennial celebration brochure, articles on the Knicks’ recent championship and U.S. Open at Shinnecock, predictions for the year 2050, a top 20 list of what life
is like in 2026, mementos of the World Cup, pennies, a No. 2 pencil and trendy items like GOAT stickers, a hacky sack and NeeDoh squishy toys. Fifth-grade students wrote what they believe they will be doing 25 years from now.
“This was a special event because it is an honor to carry on this tradition that Mr. Crowley started with his students,” Mr. Kiernan said, referring to Bob Crowley, a retired Fairfield teacher who spearheaded the 2000 time capsule. “It was so much fun planning this with my current students and talking with them about how 25 years from now, this is going to be nostalgic for them.”
At the recent dedication ceremony, Assistant Principal Megan Pavlick spoke of the legacy the Fairfield community is passing from generation to generation, beginning with the burial of the first time capsule for the school’s 75th anniversary.
“We honored that legacy by entrusting this year’s fifth-grade class with a very special mission: to create and bury a new time capsule for future generations,” she
said. “Twenty-five years from now, another generation of Fairfield students and staff will gather to unearth it, discovering the memories our students have carefully preserved and continuing a tradition that beautifully connects Fairfield’s past, present and future.”
courtesy of the Massapequa School District
Principal Dr. Kristi Gerhard added, “This time capsule reflects the hopes, memories and spirit of our Fairfield community, creating a lasting connection between today’s students and future generations.”
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Affordable Summer Entertainment Options
Summer is full of opportunities to rest and unwind. It’s also a prime time for vacations, road trips and enjoying activities close to home. According to InsureMyTrip, millennials travel the most during summer, with July consistently ranking as the busiest month. Transportation Security Administration records also show that several July dates are among the busiest travel days.
Summer breaks and vacation time make it the perfect season to have fun, but not everyone has the budget for lavish trips or costly excursions. Fortunately, plenty of memorable experiences are affordable. Here are a few low-cost ideas.
Local sports game
Major League Baseball games can be expensive, but minor league teams offer the excitement of live sports at a fraction of the cost. Smaller crowds and nearby stadiums make them an affordable family outing.
Fairs and carnivals
A day at a major amusement park can cost a family of four anywhere from $370 to more than $1,100 before food and drinks, according to BestLifeOnline.com. Church carnivals and county fairs are often much more affordable and still feature rides, games and entertainment.
Day at the beach
A beach day is a classic summer outing. Visit different beaches throughout the season and save money by purchasing beach tags before summer begins. Many beaches also offer free or low-cost admission.
Summer offers plenty of affordable activities and adventures close to home.
Tips For Picking And Cutting Watermelon
Watermelon is a summertime staple. Each summer, stores and farm stands have an abundance of watermelons on display, and many people feel no picnic or barbecue is complete without watermelon.
Watermelon is a refreshing option on hot days. It’s ideal sliced and served, or can be included in fruit salads, smoothies, or even “spiked” cocktails. The key to a tasty watermelon is knowing how to pick one that is ripe while serving watermelon comes down to understanding some easycutting strategies.
• Choose a watermelon that has a firm, symmetrical shape. Avoid melons with bumps, dents, or cuts.
• Watermelons should be relatively heavy. They’re 92 percent water, and that juiciness should be reflected in a substantial weight for the melon’s size.
• Watermelon.org advises looking for a creamy yellow spot on the underside of
the watermelon. This is called the “ground spot.” It indicates where the melon sat on the ground and ripened in the sun. Once cut from the vine, a watermelon has about three to four weeks to be consumed.
• All parts of the watermelon are edible, including the seeds and rind. The rind can be pickled or cut up to use in stir-fry dishes. When bringing watermelon to an event, it is a courtesy to bring it already sliced or cut up. This ensures the host or hostess does not have to tackle what can sometimes be a chore. Here are three techniques to cut a watermelon easily:
Cubes
1. Cut both ends off of the watermelon.
2. Stand the watermelon on one sliced end. Use the knife to slice down and cut off the rind.
3. After removing the rind from all sides of the melon, cut into
discs about 1⁄2-inch in thickness.
4. Then cut those discs into cubes.
Slices
1. Cut the watermelon in half lengthwise.
2. Take one cut half and place it cut-side down.
3. Cut the watermelon into slices.
4. Repeat for the other cut half.
Continued On 13
Massapequa Kiwanis Display American Flags for Independence Day
In preparation for the Fourth of July celebrations, members of the Massapequa Kiwanis Club organized a community effort on June 30 to install American flags along Park Boulevard, from Lakeshore Drive to Clark Boulevard.
The annual display of
patriotic pride brought together Kiwanis members, their families and friends, as well as members of Boy Scout Troop 338, who volunteered to line the roadway with American flags ahead of the holiday parade.
Joining the volunteers
was Massapequa Park
Mayor Dan Pearl (far right) who also serves as a member of the Massapequa Kiwanis Club. Mayor Pearl worked alongside the group to help install the flags, demonstrating the community’s shared commitment to honoring
the nation’s Independence Day and celebrating the spirit of patriotism.
The flag display serves as a festive reminder of the community’s pride and appreciation for the freedoms and sacrifices that Independence Day represents.
Championship Title,) Girls Varsity
(2026
Receiver
Signature Cares Launches “Build A Backpack” School Supply Drive To Benefit Fiercely Leading Youth, Inc.
Signature Premier Properties’ community giving initiative, Signature Cares, is collecting school supplies for its “Build A Backpack” drive. The initiative benefits Fiercely Leading Youth, Inc., a Bay Shore-based 501(c) (3) nonprofit dedicated to inspiring, empowering, and educating at-risk youth to become successful, productive contributors to society.
Signature Cares is asking the community to donate unfilled backpacks, notebooks, folders, writing and art supplies, and other classroom essentials before students head back to school this fall. Requested items include unfilled backpacks, lunch bags, pencils, pens, erasers, pencil boxes, colored pencils, crayons, markers, highlighters, rulers, spiral and composition notebooks, loose leaf paper, tabbed
dividers, scissors, glue sticks, tape, folders, threering binders, index cards, compasses, book covers, tissues, hand sanitizer, and combination locks.
The donations collection period ends on August 5th. Items can be dropped off at any of Signature Premier Properties 23 locations across Long Island. Visit this link to find an office near you Offices - Signature Premier Properties.
“Every child deserves the tools to start the school year ready to learn. A backpack full of supplies can make the difference in how a student starts the year. We are calling on our community to fill that need for the young people Fiercely Leading Youth serves,” said Kathy Viard, CoOwner, Signature Premier Properties.
Fiercely Leading Youth, Inc. works to prepare at-risk
youth with the tools and support needed to succeed academically and personally. The donated supplies will go directly to students the organization serves as they return to the classroom this fall.
For more information on the “Build A Backpack” drive, or to arrange a donation, please visit, https://www. signaturepremier.com/ signature-cares/.
About Signature Premier Properties
Signature Premier Properties is Long Island’s largest independent real estate brokerage with more than 1,500 real estate professionals serving clients from 23 offices across Long Island, Brooklyn and Queens. The company ranks among the top five percent of residential real estate brokerages nationwide, as recognized by RealTrends and RISMedia, reflecting
innovative marketing, professional development and a collaborative environment that empowers
agents while delivering
outstanding results for buyers and sellers. For more information, visit www. signaturepremier.com.
its position as one of the nation’s leading residential real estate firms. Signature Premier Properties provides industry leading technology,
its
JULY HAPPENINGS
SATURDAY, JULY 18th
10:00AM-4:00PM
WANTAGH PRESERVATION SOCIETY'S 5TH ANNUAL ANTIQUE CAR SHOW
Rain date Saturday July 19th. On museum grounds 1700 Wantagh Ave, in Wantagh. Cars from the 1960's & older. Entrance fee - $1. Refreshments for sale, museum complex sites will be open, 50/50 , music. For more information, email: wantaghmuseum@ gmail.com
9:00AM-1:00PM
AMITYVILLE FARMER'S MARKET
The Amityville Farmer's Market runs Saturday mornings on the Great Lawn at 25 Broadway in Amityville, next to the historic First United Methodist Church. Amityville Farmer’s Market is sponsored by the Bay Village Civic Association. There will be a local farmer, and many vendors. For more information, contact amityfarmers market @ gmail.com or bayvillagecivic@aol. com.
SATURDAY, JULY 18th
7:30PM
SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: THE LITTLE MERMEN –DISNEY HITS ROCK BAND
FRIDAY, JULY 24th
7:00PM
SUMMER CONCERT PERFORMANCE
The Town of Babylon hosts its 2026 Summer Concert Series at the Tanner Park Bandshell, 400 Baylawn Avenue in Copiague. Join us for an evening of live music as part of the Town of Babylon’s Summer Concert Series. Featuring free weekly outdoor performances and tribute bands. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy a great night of
4th - Independence Day
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 information, please call 631.226.2636 x275 or send events to editorial@longislandmediagroup.com
entertainment. Weather permitting. For more information, please visit https://townofbabylonny.gov/ calendar.aspx
THRU JULY 19th
FAIR HOURS: 5:00PM11:00PM weekdays and NOON11:00PM Saturday - Sunday EMPIRE STATE FAIR at Nassau Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Turnpike. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult age 21+ Enjoy Fireworks by Grucci, midway rides, family entertainment, favorite fair food & more! For more information, please call 866-6663247 or Empire State Fair
THURSDAY, JULY 23rd
6:00PM-7:00PM
PAULEY THE PLANT MAN
At the Wantagh Public Library 3285 Park Avenue Wantagh. By popular demand 'Pauley the Plant Man' will return and speak on 'Five plants easy to care for and four plants not so easy to care for.' Refreshments served after the program. Questions? contact paumanackegc@gmail.com
FRIDAY, JULY 24th
7:00PM-11:00PM
DISCO NIGHT
LIVE music by Deverne Williams & The Vintage Soul Band, Buffet dinner, beer/wine/soda, dessert & coffee included. $45 per person. Call Barbara Napoli 631-786-9306 for advance reservations. Brumidi Lodge Sons & Daughters of Italy in America, 2075 Deer Park Ave. in Deer Park
SATURDAY, JULY 25th
6:00PM-8:00PM
SUNSET MUSIC FEST
A community concert & collection of essentials to support the performing arts, On the Village Green. Lively performances celebrating local artists, with tributes to America’s 250th Anniversary ~ Presented by New York Senator Steve Rhoads and the Farmingdale Village Board of Trustees. Bring chairs/blankets for seating. For more information, please call 516)-882-0630
MONDAY, JULY 27th
thru FRIDAY, JULY 31st
5:30PM-8:00PM
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Ages 4 through 11, $15 per child includes dinner nightly. Complete & return registration form & payment by July 9th, available on the website ALL4GOD.ORG. Community Presbyterian Church, 1843 Deer Park Ave. in Deer Park. For more information, please call 631-2420221, churchon231@gmail.com
NOW THROUGH SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6th
TIMES VARY
2026 JONES BEACH BANDSHELL SUMMER CONCERT
The New York State Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation is thrilled to announce the 2026 Bandshell Summer Concert Series at Jones Beach State Park at Field 4 Boardwalk. Every night through September 6th. For the most up to date information on performance status and schedule, please contact Jones Beach State Park at 516-7851600.
Refer to Job #: BA052626. To apply send resume to tlederer@eagny.com or else mail it to HR,
W ANT your phone to rr rr ring? Place an ad in Classified!
BUYING? SELLING? RENTING?
Place your ad in the Classifieds 631 -2 26-2636, Ext. 276
THINKING ABOUT ADVERTISING YOUR BUSINESS and not sure how to get started? Call today and one of our experienced Sa les Representatives will assist you. We c an help you with a lin e ad or a di splay ad. Let us at SOUTH BAY'S NEIGHBOR NEWS PAPE RS set up an adv ertising program for you. Y ou'll be glad you di d! Call 631-226-2636, ext. 276
THINKING ABOUT ADVERTISING YOUR BUSINESS and not sure how to get started? Call today and one of our experi enced Sa les Representatives will assist you. We c an help you with a lin e ad or a di splay ad. Let us at SOUTH BAY'S NEIGHBOR NEWS PAPE RS set up an adv ertising program for you. Y ou'll be glad you di d! Call 631-226-2636, Ext. 276
Picking And Cutting Watermelon
Continued From 6
Strips
1. Cut the watermelon as you would with the slices. Rather than leaving it in large slices, turn the watermelon and cut the same size slices in the opposite direction. This creates strips that are easy for kids to grab and maneuver.
2. Repeat with the other half of the watermelon in the same manner.
Did You Know?
TO pl ace an ad in the CLASSIFIED se ctio n, call 631-226-2636, press “2”. A sales representative will be happy to assist you. TO pl ace an ad in the CLASSIFIED se ctio n, call 631-226-2636, press “2”.
TO pl ace an ad in the CLASSIFIED se ctio n, call 631-226-2636, press “2”. A sales representative will be happy to assist you.
HAVE AN APARTMENT TO RENT?
Place your ad in our Classifieds 631 -2 26- 2636 Ex t. 276
BUYING? SEL LING? RENT ING?
Place your ad in the Classi fieds 631 -2 26-2636 Ext. 27 6
Although motorcycle ridership skews heavily toward men, women represent a rapidly growing segment of riders. Recent data from the Motorcycle Industry Council indicates approximately 19 to 20 percent of motorcycle owners in the United States are women. This is a significant jump from a few decades ago. The rising numbers are largely driven by Millennial and Gen X women. The mean age for women riders is 39, which is younger than the average age of 48 for men. Motoress®, a resource for woman motorcycle enthusiasts, found that women prefer cruisers and scooters as their rides of choice, followed by sport bikes. Fun and recreation, sense of freedom and access to nature are the main reasons women ride.
Officials Urge Safe Boating This Summer
Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino joined with members of the Town’s Bay Constables Marine enforcement crew and National Education Director of Safe Boating America Richard Werner to remind residents of appropriate safety measures that should be taken for boaters and personal watercraft operators ahead of the start of the summer seaso. Officials demonstrated a variety of lifesaving
equipment and encouraged anyone out on the waters to enjoy them respectfully and responsibly.
“Whether traveling in the Great South Bay or in beautiful Oyster Bay Harbor, we want to remind all residents out on our waters about the importance of safety,”
Supervisor Saladino said.
“I have ordered the Town’s Bay Constables to intensify patrols throughout holiday weekends, such as July 4th and Labor Day, to
help prevent senseless accidents. In addition to observing speed limits, all levels of law enforcement will be out to make sure those who are enjoying our waterways are doing so responsibly.”
The Supervisor noted that holidays can often be a dangerous time as drunk drivers can behind the wheel of a boat the same way they can get behind the wheel of a car, putting the lives and safety of innocent people in jeopardy.
Unfortunately, statistics show an increase of BWI and DWI around holidays, and all are encouraged to take caution.
“Our Bay Constables and other law enforcement personnel will be patrolling the Great South Bay, the Long Island Sound, and Oyster Bay Harbor in an effort stop drunken boaters and keep our residents and waterways safe,”
Supervisor Saladino said. “Remember, if you booze and cruise, you lose!”
Community Counseling Center Celebrates Selection As A Stop & Shop Community Bag Program Beneficiary
YES Community Counseling Center has been selected as a beneficiary of the Stop & Shop Community Bag Program for the month of July.
The Stop & Shop Community Bag Program, which launched July 1, 2026, is a reusable bag program that facilitates community support with the goal to make a difference in the communities where shoppers live and work.
YES Community Counseling Center was
selected as the July beneficiary of the program by store leadership at the Stop & Shop located at 702 Hicksville Road, Massapequa NY. YES Community Counseling Center will receive a $1 donation every time the $2.50 reusable Community Bag is purchased at this location during July, unless otherwise directed by the customer through the Giving Tag attached to the bag.
“We are thrilled that YES Community Counseling
Center was selected for the July Community Bag Program. We are grateful for the support of Stop & Shop and the entire community,” said Adrienne LoPresti, Executive Director of YES Community Counseling Center. “This will strengthen YES’ ability to continue to provide critical support to individuals and families facing life’s challenges.” YES Community Counseling Center is a nonprofit based in Massapequa and Levittown, NY. Founded in 1977, YES
100 YEARS, COUNTLESS BLESSINGS
Community Counseling Center has helped increase awareness about personal and community issues, prevent and treat substance abuse, and promote healthy families and a safe community. Learn more about YES Community Counseling Center by visiting https://www.yesccc. org/
For more information on the Stop & Shop Community Bag Program, visit stopandshop.2givelocal. com.
April 8, 2026, I had the joy of joining the 100th Birthday Drive-By for Emily Crupi!
She was my crossing guard on Merrick Road growing up, guiding generations of children with care and kindness. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Emily is also a pillar of St. Francis de Chantal, serving as a Eucharistic Minister and volunteer. Her life is a shining testament to love, service and community.
Emily was born on April 8, 1926, in Brooklyn, New York. After losing her mother at age 12, she moved in with her sister and went on to build a life rooted in strength, love, and community. She married her husband Peter on February 8, 1948, and together they raised three beautiful children, three grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren, later settling in Wantagh in 1962.
While Peter served as a New York City detective for 33 years, Emily became a beloved Nassau County crossing guard.
For 25 years on Merrick Road, she cared for generations of children, forming lasting connections with families who still remember her warmly today.
As she celebrates her 100th birthday, Emily is deeply grateful for her life, her family, and the Wantagh community. She thanks God for these many blessings and for the years filled with joy and meaningful connections.
