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HERALD pOsT
Also serving Farmingdale, Massapequa, Massapequa Park and Plainedge
Amityville boys track team wins SC championship
Massapequa science symposium Page 3
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VOL. 112 NO. 23
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JUNE 24 - 30, 2026
$1.00
44th Annual Massapequa Firecracker 5K Run
TOBAY launches patriotic decorating contest Town of Oyster Bay officials are encouraging residents to show their patriotic spirit this summer through a communitywide decorating initiative celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary. Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilwoman Laura Maier announced the town’s “Red, White & Blue” decorating campaign, inviting residents to adorn their homes with patriotic displays from July 1 through July 14. Participants are encouraged to decorate with American flags, bunting, lights, banners, flowers and other red, white and bluethemed decorations. Town Hall will also be illuminated in patriotic colors during the celebration. “America’s 250th Anniversary is a once-in-ageneration opportunity to celebrate our nation’s remarkable history and the freedoms we enjoy every day,” Maier said in a statement. “By decorating our homes and neighborhoods in red, white and blue, we can demonstrate our pride in our country, honor those who have served and sacrificed for our freedom and help inspire a renewed sense of unity and patriotism throughout our community.” Residents who participate can submit photographs of their displays by emailing photos@oysterbay-ny.gov. Town officials said three winners will be selected from across Oyster Bay and will receive complimentary Town of Oyster Bay beach passes for the 2027 season.
What’s on kids summer ‘must do’ list?
By MIKE POLANSKY Senior Correspondent
Courtesy Massapequa Fire Department
Charles Rupport, third from left, as he was recognized for 70 years of service to the Massapequa Fire Department. He is shown with former fire chiefs Jeffrey Friedland, William Monjerdo and David Batt.
World War II veteran named grand marshal of Massapequa Park’s America 250 parade By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com
Massapequa Park resident Charles Ruppert has spent much of his life serving both his country and his community. This Independence Day, the World War II Navy veteran and local firefighter will be honored for that lifelong commitment as grand marshal of the village’s America 250 celebration and parade. Ruppert, who celebrated his 99th birthday this year, was selected by the Village of Massapequa Park and the Massapequa Fire Department to lead the July 4 parade, a centerpiece of the community’s observance of the nation’s 250th anniversary. Raised in Glendale, Queens, Ruppert joined the U.S. Navy
at age 18 and served from 1945 to 1946 as a coxswain during the final months of World War II and the immediate postwar period. He moved to Massapequa in 1951 purchasing a home under the GI bill and quickly became a fixture in the community. That same year, he joined the Massapequa Fire Department after serving with the Mastic Fire Department from 1946 to 1951. This year marks 80 years of fire service for Ruppert, a milestone few achieve. Ruppert served as chief of the Massapequa Fire Department from 1965 to 1967, helping guide the department during a period of growth and change. “Mr. Ruppert embodies the spirit of service, dedication and patriotism that this historic celebration recognizes,” MassCONTINUED ON PAGE 10
A field of 331 runners and walkers completed the 44th annual Massapequa Firecracker 5K on June 14, as cooler temperatures and a light breeze greeted participants at the 5 p.m. start. Conditions marked a sharp contrast to last year’s race, when temperatures reached 87 degrees. John Schmuck, 23, of Westbury won the overall title in 16:46, edging Matthew Mullan of Medford by five seconds. Aaron Robertson of Melville finished third overall in 17:20 and was the top Masters finisher. The top local finisher was 16-year-old Casey Kogan of Massapequa Park, who placed fourth overall. In the women’s race, Elizabeth LaMarca, 30, of Albertson took first in 18:47, followed by Vivien Lim of Great Neck in 20:10. Staci Blanket, 61, of Old Bethpage finished third among women and earned Female Masters honors in 21:21. Carly Manchio, 24, of Massapequa Park was the top local female finisher in 22:59. The event also featured a quarter-mile Kids Fun Run with 32 participants. Priya Smith, 8, and Aiden Jarret, 10, both of Amityville, led the field. The race was hosted by the Massapequa Road Runners, with Sam Buttigieg serving as race director for the third consecutive year. He noted strong community
87-year-old Norman Hershkowitz of North Massapequa participation, with about 60% of runners from Massapequa and 39% from Massapequa Park. “We love hosting this summertime tradition that brings the Massapequa community together,” said Massapequa Road Runners President JoAnn Todtfeld. “It’s extra exciting this year because the run is being held on Flag Day, so there’s a little extra patriotic spirit in the air.” Proceeds from the event help fund two scholarships for Massapequa High School track athletes. The 3.1-mile course began near Clark Avenue, continued up Park Avenue to Mansfield Park, then through the Preserve bike path before finishing on Lake Shore Drive near Brady Park. CONTINUED ON PAGE 10