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AMITYvIlle _____________
HERALD ReCORD
Also serving Amityville, North Amityville, Amity Harbor, Copiague, and East Massapequa
Real World lessons in Copiague
Faith brings peace to author
Former LaGrange Inn restaurant owner dies
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VOL. 130 NO. 7
FEBRUARY 12-18, 2025
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Races heating up in Amityville Village as hopefuls get ready lenges from Peter Collorafi, an attorney in Amityville, and Rob Voters in Amityville Vil- Russo, owner of Russo’s Landlage will be heading to the polls scaping Business in Amityville. An eighth candidate, SanMarch 18 to elect a new mayor tiago “James” Galand two out of the linat, the owner of four trustees. Al’s Oil Service in Petitions were Amityville, says he due Feb. 11, as reith the is running for one quired under New Village of the two trustee York State election seats. Both he and law. But as of Feb. 10, in the middle of Onderdonk, runpress time, none of so many major ning as The People’s the prospective canParty of Amityville, didates who have projects and have received enexpressed interest more coming up, dorsement from the in running had of- including downtown Amityville PBA. ficially submitted a revitalization, work In addition, Vilpetition. lage Justice Joseph The mayor’s seat at the Triangle and L. Calabrese will is open this year others, we need be running for resince Dennis Siry election, so far unis term limited and people on the opposed.. cannot seek reelec- board who have The candidates tion. Several individ- knowledge and have been out walkuals have indicated ing and gathering through advertise- experience working petitions and talkments and social me- on these projects ing to residents dia that they are run- to be able to move about their reasons ning for that seat. for running, which They include Trust- them forward range from bringees Mike O’Neill and ing better fiscal acKevin Smith, former Dennis Siry, countability to the Amityville Police Of- Amityville Village village to greater ficer and firefighter Mayor control over planEric Onderdonk, and ning and developChris Papile, a comment and better puter programmer community collaboration. and software engineer. O’Neill has served six years In addition, Trustee Owen Brooks said he is running for on the Village Board and two reelection and will be filing his years on the Planning Board. petitions. He faces possible chalCONTINUED ON PAGE 6
By CAROLINE JAMES
cjames@liherald.com
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Photo Credit/ American Red Cross
New York State Sen. Monica R. Martinez, center, receives a 2025 New York State Legislator of the Year award from the American Red Cross in Albany. She is shown with Alexis Morledge, American Red Cross Long Island Chapter Board Member (left) and Jose Dominguez, Executive Director, American Red Cross Long Island Chapter.
Senator Monica Martinez honored as Red Cross Legislator of the Year By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com
The American Red Cross celebrated five New York State legislators for their commitment to the Red Cross mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies. Among those recognized as a 2025 Legislator of the Year was State Senator Monica R. Martinez Martinez, who was lauded for her support of community outreach efforts to build more resilient communities. “We are so grateful for the partnership we share with our legislators across the state,” said Kevin Coffey, a regional CEO of the American Red Cross in the state. “Their commitment to improve the lives of their constituents aligns with the Red Cross mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies. They each share in our humanitarian spirit, and we are honored to recognize them for their efforts to help build more resilient communities.” Martinez was an integral supporter of the inaugural “Prepare the Town” in Brentwood,
an event series that brings preparedness trainings and resources from the Red Cross and other organizations serving high-risk communities throughout the region. She also hosted emergency preparedness presentations for constituents including for the Home Fire Campaign, as well as educational courses for adults and children. “The American Red Cross is a lifeline in times of crisis, offering relief, education, and hope when it’s needed most,” Martinez said. “From responding to hurricanes, floods, or home fires, or equipping communities with life-saving skills like CPR, this organization stands ready to support those in need. “ She added, “I am humbled to be recognized as a 2025 New York State Legislator of the Year, not because it highlights my efforts, but because it reflects the impact of supporting one of the most respected organizations dedicated to alleviating suffering. Through its work and partnerships with government leaders, the Red Cross brings vital support to neighbors facing unimaginable loss.”