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Also serving Farmingdale, Massapequa, Massapequa Park and Plainedge
Just how bad are NYS roads?
Oyster Bay honors Women of Distinction
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VOL. 74 NO. 23
Plainedge Schools host Special Olympics Page 10
MAY 28 - JUNE 3, 2025
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Massapequa firefighters honored for half a century of service
Photo/Town of Oyster Bay
Six members of the Massapequa Fire Department were recently recognized by the Town of Oyster Bay for 50 years of service to the department and the community. “I’m so proud to honor these exceptional members of the Massapequa Fire Department for their five decades of service, bravery, and commitment to protecting the lives of the residents in this incredible community,” said Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “Thank you for going above and beyond the call of duty and thank you for being part of the select few who choose to run towards an emergency, instead of away. God bless all first responders and the brave men and women in uniform who protect and serve.” Honorees included Ex-Chief Gary Persichetti, Ex-Chief Thomas Kennelly, Ex-Captain Daniel Walsh, Ex-Captain Randall Wilson, Ex-Captain Kevin Kennedy, and Fire Fighter Michael Mazzola. They are shown, at left, with Saladino holding their proclamations. In the background are Fire Commisioners Justin McCaffrey, Joe Giordano and Mike Hanna,
Local school budgets pass easily, despite low voter turnout By MIKE POLANSKY Senior Correspondent
Voters in the Massapequa, Amityville, Plainedge and Farmingdale school districts approved their respective budgets last week with few surprises and fewer residents heading to the polls Massapequa’s budget was approved, and incumbent trustee Chris Brooks was re-elected unopposed. Plainedge’s budget, which includes a 1.75 percent tax levy increase—below the district’s 2.36 percent tax cap—passed. Also getting voter approval was the Amityville school budget in a vote of 959 to 477, and
Farmingdale voters passed their budget, 2,047 to 1,495. MASSAPEQUA Massapequa’s $243.2 million budget, which raises the tax levy by 2.9 percent, also under its 3.09 percent cap, was approved 1,498 to 679. In addition, incumbent trustee Chris Brooks, was re-elected unopposed, receiving 1,692 votes. Superintendent Dr. William Brennan expressed appreciation to the community. “We thank the Massapequa community for their strong support of our fiscally responsible budget,” he said. “Your commitment empowers us to continue bringing our mission and vision to life—nurturing every learner and leader in their
pursuit of excellence, growth, and opportunity.” Board President Kerry Wachter also expressed gratitude, crediting district staff for their efforts. “We thank Dr. William Brennan, Superintendent of Schools, and Mr. Ryan Ruf, Assistant Superintendent for Business, for their leadership and for taking the time to meet with residents, answer questions, and clearly communicate how this budget supports the needs of our students,” she said. PLAINEDGE In Plainedge, the $107.9 million budget passed by a vote of 1,040 to 395. In addition, three Board of Education seats were
decided. Incumbent Kathleen Versace defeated challenger Farjana Kahn, 956 to 256. Ken Auer narrowly defeated incumbent Jennifer Maggio, 658 to 656, in a tight race. Michael Ponticello, running unopposed, received 1,060 votes. Versace was appointed in January to fill a vacancy left by Sonny Spagnuolo and will serve the remainder of his term.
School Board President Joseph Beyrouty said he anticipated the close race between Auer and Maggio. “I expected it to be a close race, and it panned out that way,” he said. Beyrouty welcomed the budget’s passage but noted a decline in voter turnout compared to last year. “I’m hoping to get the commuCONTINUED ON PAGE 2