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Irish Soda Bread bake off winners By MADISON GUSLER mgusler@liherald.com
Sue Grieco/Herald
To celebrate the annual Community Irish Soda Bread Throw Down at Phoenix Family Chiropractic on Saturday, a bagpiper and drummer played Irish music.
Evelyn Heredia, owner of Phoenix Family Chiropractic, hosted Malverne’s annual Community Irish Soda Bread Throw Down on Saturday. This was the business’s ninth year hosting this event. Residents submitted their bread at the chiropractor’s office earlier that day, and each was tasted by a panel of judges. There were 14 entries in this year’s competition. “It’s all about bringing the community together and supporting our neighbors,” Heredia said. Pennie Schwartz, the office’s previous owner, held the first Throw Down over 12 years ago. When Heredia took over the practice in 2017, she continued the tradiConTInueD on Page 23
Village’s former first lady celebrates her 100th birthday By MADISON GUSLER mgusler@liherald.com
Friends and parishioners gathered at the Community Presbyterian Church of Malverne on March 8, to celebrate the 100th birthday of Florence Cocchi, whose late husband, Louis, was a village mayor. Cocchi’s actual birthday is March 22, but residents held an early celebration for Cocchi, who’s vital to the community. “I’m happy to be here for your 100th birthday, and I’m happy to call you a friend,” Malverne Mayor Tim Sullivan said, as he presented Cocchi with a citation.
“I’m trying my best to follow in your husband’s footsteps, as mayor and Republican leader,” Sullivan continued. “But I always say, we can only do this because of the support of our families. Your family and your own accomplishments in the village are unbelievable.” Cocchi’s husband, who died in 2018, served Malverne as mayor and trustee, as well as captain of the Malverne Fire Department, executive leader of the Malverne Republican Committee, and a district deputy in the Second Kings Masonic District. A U.S. Army veteran, he was a member of the American Legion and Veterans of
Foreign Wars. Cocchi and her late husband were dedicated members of the C o m m u n i t y P r e s by t e r i a n Church, which they joined in 1961 after moving to the community that year. Cocchi has served as a council elder, leader and deacon, and her husband was a trustee of the church. She was the Sunday school teacher and supervisor, as well as choir member and director of vacation Bible school. Cocchi was mission treasurer of the church, managing initiatives that met local, national and global needs. She was also the leader of the church’s food pantry and is responsible for
organizing what is now known as the People’s February Food Drive, which collects thousands of dollars worth of food to donate. She also spent some time as a Boy Scout den mother. “I am so proud that you’ve reached this beautiful milestone,” State Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick said. “You are a fixture in the Malverne
community, and I’m happy to be here to celebrate with you.” Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, a Malverne resident, also presented Cocchi with a citation and spoke about her history with the family. “I have known the Cocchi family virtually my whole life,” she said. “I remember listening to your husband’s ConTInueD on Page 24