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Chamber honors Volunteer Firefighters of the Year By MIKE POLANSKY Senior Correspondent
Paul Grassini/Herald
County Champions!
Fire-Medic Stephanie Seltzer and Firefighter John Gennardo of the North Massapequa Fire Department, along with Massapequa Fire Department Chaplain and ex-Captain Ben Diventi, were recognized as Volunteer Firefighters of the Year by the Massapequa Chamber of Commerce. The event was held at the North Massapequa firehouse on Thursday, Feb. 26. Robin Hepworth, president of the Chamber of Commerce of the Massapequas, opened the ceremony by highlighting the
courage and selflessness of the honorees. She thanked Commissioner James Meraldo, Chief Joe Ferrante, and the North Massapequa Fire Department for hosting the event, as well as Investment Insight Wealth Management for sponsoring the luncheon for the second consecutive year and Sal’s Place for catering. Massapequa Fire Department Commissioner Michael Gange introduced Diventi, who began as a volunteer with the Elmont Fire Department in 1973 and joined Massapequa in 2003. As chaplain, he has guided the CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
Plainedge High School’s girls’ basketball team captured the Nassau Class A championship last Friday night, beating Floral Park, 48-28, at Farmingdale State College. Story, more photos, page 8.
Amityville extends superintendent’s contract Two-year deal approved by board in 4-2 vote, amid criticism By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com
The Amityville Board of Education voted 4-2 March 4 to extend the contract of Superintendent of Schools Dr. Gina Talbert for two years, approving salary increases that will bring her pay to $251,125 in the first year and $257,430 in the second. The decision came through a walk-on motion — meaning it was added to the agenda during the meeting — and amounts to a raise of about $11,000 over the life of the contract. Trustees Lisa Johnson, Leslie Kretz, Chris Nehring and Carol Seehof voted in favor of the extension, while trustees Juan Leon and Megan Messmann voted against it.
Talbert was hired by the district in July 2023, replacing former superintendent Edward Fale. She previously served in the Wyandanch School District, which at the time faced scrutiny over student performance and testing practices. She said at the time that her vision for Amityville schools is to “bring the past, present and future together, and use the successes of today to empower us for the challenges of tomorrow.” The decision to extend her contract drew both criticism and support from speakers at the meeting. Board President Lisa Johnson said Talbert was the right person for the job. “Dr. Talbert is the right choice to lead AmiCONTINUED ON PAGE 3
Mike Polansky/Herald
Chamber Vice President Sal Polito, Chamber President Robin Hepworth and Chamber Vice President Greg Massimi, right, congratulate Massapequa Ex-Chief Ben Diventi.