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Women’s Club Scholarships Page 2 VOL. 75 NO. 30
Amityville Pipe Band to lead Pearl Harbor ceremonies... Page 8
JULY 16 - 22, 2025
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TOB, MACK group respond after violent incident at basketball event By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com
Erik Lee /Herald
Kiwanians present living replica of Pulitzer Prize winning photo by Joel Rosenthal of the raising of the flag at Iwo Jima, Feb. 23, 1945. Shown in photo are Townsend Thorn, Bobby Mills, Rich Licari, Kevin Smith and Dave Heller.
Amityville honors tradition with Fourth of July Parade through village streets By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com
Former Amityville Fire Chief Dennis James took in this year’s Fourth of July Parade from a chair on the sidewalk, a wellearned rest after years of marching in the annual celebration. “I walked in a lot of parades,” James said. “Now it’s my turn to sit this one out.” On the other hand, Ann Marie Crocitto, 88, marked her 50th year of taking part in the parade as a member of the Columbiettes. Her family was there in full force to support her as she marched. “We are out here every year supporting her, the Columbiettes and all of the other marchers,” said her daughter, Lovi Crocitto Fiore. “We wouldn’t miss it for anything.” Hundreds of residents and families lined the streets to watch the parade, which was
sponsored by the Village of Amityville and the Amityville Fire Department. The route began at Bayside and Ocean avenues, continued to South Ireland and Bennett Place, crossed Merrick Road and wound through Broadway — drawing applause and cheers the entire way. Spectators called the parade a beloved Independence Day tradition, one that brings the community together year after year. “It was an absolutely gorgeous day,” said Amityville Fire Chief Stephen Juliano. “I want to thank all the volunteers who helped make the parade and the day a success, and I appreciate the community for coming out and celebrating America’s birthday.” Amityville Village Mayor Michael O’Neill noted the distinctive nature of the parade, which winds through residential areas where neighbors can watch from CONTINUED ON PAGE 10
Following a June 28 stabbing after a youth basketball event at Bolden Mack Park, Babylon Town officials said ongoing issues have put the town’s permit for the organization, MACK, at risk. However, they are working with event officials to improve safety and security. “Several issues the day of the event led to overcrowding, alcohol and marijuana—all violations of the organization’s permit to use the park,” said Babylon Town Supervisor Richard Schaffer. “We are not saying that the organizers themselves were responsible, but it happened, and we are now going through the official process to be transparent and express our concerns to ensure this does not happen again.” The incident occurred following the opening game of the summer basketball season organized by Making Athletes Career. Knowledgeable (MACK), a nonprofit that has run a popular basketball program in the community for nearly a decade. According to Suffolk County police, a 33-year-old woman was stabbed in the back outside the park, located at 3453 Great Neck Road. She was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. While the stabbing took place after the event and outside the park’s premises, MACK founder
and president Andrew Ayodeji acknowledged the concerns raised by the town. “We want to strengthen our relationship with the town, and we are taking all proper steps by working with security professionals,” Ayodeji said during a meeting with town officials. “We thank you for your support over the past nine years and for the opportunity to rectify this situation.” The MACK board was scheduled to meet again with Babylon Town leaders to develop a safety plan, which may include relocating the event to a more suitable venue. Supporters of the program addressed the town board at the July 9 meeting, emphasizing MACK’s role in providing a positive and structured environment for hundreds of local youths — many of whom have gone on to attend college on basketball scholarships. “MACK has done a great job for our young people,” said Bishop Walter Willie of Prayer Tabernacle Church of God in Christ, located on Great Neck Road. “And the town has done a great job supporting youth — we’re confident they can work this out.” MACK board member Dan Lloyd presented the board with a petition signed by more than 700 residents in support of the program. “Community is like family; CONTINUED ON PAGE 11