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aMITyvIllE _____________
HERALD
September 27 11 AM -2:30 PM
RECoRD AFA Barbara
Amityville Ragamuffin Parade coming up Page 8 VOL. 75 NO. 40
Rabinowitz Education & Resource Center 149 Schleigel Blvd, Amityville, NY 11701
Heading back to school in Copiague Page 10 SEPTEMBER 24 - 30, 2025
Registration Require d afalongisland.org
$1.00
Amity PBA Boat Parade to benefit local family’s fight By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD cbabirad@liherald.com
Erik Lee/Herald
Shown above are Amityville musicians Naomi Chavez Duran (15/11th grade) bassist/vocals, Harper DeBruin (12/7th grade) guitarist/drums and Jack Nehring (13/8th grade) guitarist/vocals, of the band ‘Split Signal’ performing for Play Music on the Porch Day at the home of Dave and Annemarie Smith, 133 Richmond Avenue.
Music on Porch brings Amity community together By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com
Amityville turned into an open-air concert hall Sat., Aug. 30 as musicians filled porches and front lawns with the sound of live music for the village’s second annual Music on the Porch Day. The global event, held each year, encourages amateur and professional musicians alike to bring their talents outside—onto porches, stoops, driveways or sidewalks—inviting neighbors and passersby to stop, listen, and connect through music. “If one person told me, ten told me that this is their favorite event in Amityville,” Mayor Michael O’Neill said. “And, they were not just saying it, they were genuine.”
O’Neill credited his predecessor, former Mayor Dennis Siry, a longtime musician, for introducing the idea to the village. “He saw or heard about [it] someplace else and decided it would be perfect for Amityville,” O’Neill said. The strong impact of the event on Amityville was pointed out by Amityville resident and Babylon Town Clerk Geri Compitello. She said the village is earning a musical reputation on Long Island. “People see what we’re doing here, and they associate Amityville with the arts,” she said. Unlike formal concerts with ticketed venues, Music on the Porch Day transforms ordinary spaces into stages, creating a laid-back, spontaneous and community-driven celebration. CONTINUED ON PAGE 16
The Amityville PBA Guardian Angel Foundation is holding its annual Holiday Boat Parade Sat., Nov. 15 at Amityville Beach followed by a fundraiser at the Unqua Yacht Club. All proceeds from this year’s event will be donated to the Norton Family of Massapequa, whose daughter was recently diagnosed with a rare neurodegenerative disease. “This event brings the community together to celebrate the season while supporting a family in need,” said Amityville PBA President Harold Miller. The Amityville PBA joins other fire departments throughout Long Island that are holding fundraisers and events to help the Norton family. For six joyful months, Kaitlin and Gerard Norton lived every new parent’s dream. Their baby girl, Madeline, was healthy and thriving. But after a routine wellness visit, the Massapequa couple received a phone call that changed everything. Madeline had tested positive for a rare genetic condition called PKAN — Pantothenate KinaseAssociated Neurodegeneration — a progressive neurological disorder that slowly robs children of their ability to walk, talk and eventually, live independently. There is no cure. “Classic” PKAN, the form Madeline has, is often fatal before age 10.
“We noticed some stiffness but never imagined it would lead to something like this,” Kaitlin said. Now 9 months old, Madeline is still showing no major symptoms. She loves Mickey Mouse, food, and playing with her dogs, Dasher and Bear. Her days include visits to the local library and coffee shop with her parents — quiet moments that have taken on new meaning. Rather than retreat, the Nortons are choosing to fight. Kaitlin, 29, and Gerard, 32, launched “Madeline’s Mission,” a social media and fundraising campaign to raise awareness and support for PKAN research. Their GoFundMe has raised more than $55,000 toward a $100,000 goal. “Every time you talk about it, it does reopen some wounds,” Kaitlin said. “But this is how we’re going to find a cure.” Charlie Mackie, president of the Massapequa Historical Society and Madeline’s grandfather, said that the slow progression of the disease will give scientists time to hopefully come up with genetic therapy. “It is around the corner, not only for my granddaughter but for all children suffering from rare genetic diseases,” said Mackie. He added that the way his daughter and son-I,” he said. “And they have taught me a lot about how social media works and how to get the word out to give my granddaughter—and all children like her— the best chance. CONTINUED ON PAGE 15