________ Franklin square/elmont _______
HERALD
LOWER YOUR ENERGY BILLS At No Cost!
With Insulation & Air
Conditioning *
*for qualifying househ
Summer lessons heat up in school
Page 3
Page 7
Vol. 27 No. 31
JUlY 31 - AUGUST 6, 2025
CALL NOW! 631-426-6672
$1.00
130 803 90 130 789
Campers learn about bunnies
olds
Provided By State an d Local Energy Rebate Programs
Community says goodbye to Valley Caterers father of Steven Dawideit, Valley Caterers began as a simple chicken and rib takeout spot. Valley Caterers, a corner- Over time, it evolved into a fullstone of the Franklin Square service delicatessen, bakery, community for nearly six and catering hub. Hank Martensen, who joined decades, will permanently close its doors on Aug. 17 after 58 the business in 1982 and eventually became coyears in business. owner with DawiThe family-run deit, has spent 43 operation, known years serving the for its fresh baked community. g o o d s, p r e p a r e d “We’re a staple meals, and commuin the community,” nity spirit, has long Martensen said. been a local favor“We probably feed ite — especially about 300 families around the holifor Thanksgiving days. alone, and we bake The closure thousands of pies marks the end of for the holidays.” an era not just for lISA DEllIPIZZI Martensen, 65, Franklin Square, Franklin Square said the decision to but for nearby com- resident close came after munities like Valyears of trying to ley Stream and West Hempstead, where genera- sell the business. “I knew I wanted to retire,” tions of customers remained he said. “We couldn’t sell the loyal to the deli and bakery. “I commend them for being business, so we’re selling the open for 58 years. That alone is real estate.” While Dawideit’s family is astounding,” said Lisa DelliPizzi, a Franklin Square resident relocating to Texas, Martensen and former president of the said he is staying on Long Island and will be spending Franklin Square Chamber of Commerce. “But I’m disap- time doing something he hasn’t had much time to do over the pointed. People are so upset.” Founded in 1967 by the Continued on page 11
By RENEE DeloRENZo
rdelorenzo@liherald.com
I
Renee DeLorenzo/Herald photos
Johnny Maestro tribute band wows park crowd Above, hundreds of concertgoers fill Rath Park for a summer evening of oldies and classics during the Town of Hempstead’s Neighborhood Concert Series, featuring Johnny Maestro tribute band Step by Step. The concert featured hits by the popular singer from the 1950s and ‘60s. Friends and families danced to the beat as the band rocked-nrolled, drawing a crowd of all ages to the nostalgic sounds of the golden era of music. At right, John Rigrod, of Northport, enjoys ice cream while taking in the evening’s music, reflecting on the times he spent as a child listening to Maestro. Story, more photos, page 10.
t was more than a business — it was part of the fabric of Franklin Square.