_______________
BABYlOn _______________
HERALD BeACOn
Also serving Babylon, Bay Shore, Copiague, Deer Park, Farmingdale, Lindenhurst, North Babylon, West Babylon, West Islip and Wyandanch
Meet NOT Ms. Rachel Saturday in Farmingdale Page 10
Children’s Librarian lauded for service Page 3 VOL. 75 NO. 43
OCTOBER 16 - 22, 2025
____________
$1.00
MAssApequA ___________
HERALD pOsT
Also serving Farmingdale, Massapequa, Massapequa Park and Plainedge
VOL. 74 NO. 43
OCTOBER 16 - 22, 2025
$1.00 Photos Carolyn James/Herald
Tami Buitrago and Nick Schlecht enjoy a little German tradition at the fair.
Lindenhurst Village Mayor Michael Lavarata with Angelo Dattoma.
Lindenhurst celebrates 30 years of Oktoberfest joy by CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com
The streets of Lindenhurst came alive with the sounds of music and laughter—and clinking beer mugs—as the Village and the Lindenhurst Rotary Club hosted the 30th annual Oktoberfest along Wellwood and Railroad avenues. The fall tradition drew several thousand visitors from all over who sampled bratwurst, browsed local vendors and admired classic cars that lined the streets. The Village’s popular restaurants joined in, opening their doors to the steady flow of festivalgoers. Rotary volunteers — easy to spot in blue and white shirts — guided guests through the grounds and kept tables clear throughout the day. “It’s really all about community,” said Mandy Bopp, president of the Lindenhurst Rotary who extended a warm thank you to all the Rotarians and other volunteers who worked hard to make the event such a success. She also pointed out that the money raised will go toward the charitable work the Rotary volunteers do all year long including stocking local food pantries, hosting the annual snapper derby, working with local families in need and raising money to send two local autistic chil-
dren to summer camp every year. “Our volunteers work very hard and we are very grateful for the support of the community,” she said. The morning began with Suffolk County Legislator Kevin McCaffrey welcoming the crowd, followed by George Formes’ rendition of the national anthem outside the Belfast restaurant, where tents and tables filled the corner of Wellwood and Railroad avenues. Hundreds stood with hands over their hearts in a display of local and national pride. Diana Romano led the crowd in singing “God Bless America,” before Mayor Michael Lavorata and Deputy Mayor Richard “R.J.” Renna greeted festivalgoers, thanking organizers and attendees for supporting a beloved village tradition. Village Trustee and Rotarian Maryann Weckerle said the event is a true team effort between the Village and the Rotary Club. “We are happy to do this for our residents and to have visitors from other Villages and towns so we can show them all that Lindenhurst has to offer,” Weckerle said. “And we can’t forget that this is the Rotary Club’s biggest fundraiser, which then helps the club to take on its charitable endeavors throughout the year.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 8
George Formes sings the National Anthem.