_________________ WANTAGH ________________
HERALD Vol. 73 No. 18
Fighting for the Warriors
NCPD marks 100 years
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MAY 1 - 7, 2025
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Wantagh Chamber celebrates leaders By CHARlES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com
Danny Gillespie/Herald
Chamber members and local officials gathered at Gatsby on the Ocean at Jones Beach on April 24 for the Wantagh Chamber of Commerce’s annual installation and awards dinner, celebrating local businesses and community contributions.
The Wantagh Chamber of Commerce celebrated the contributions of several members during its annual installation and awards dinner on April 24. The event, which attracted dozens of guests, took place at Gatsby on the Ocean at Jones Beach’s historic West Bathhouse. Joining chamber members at the dinner were State Sen. Steve Rhoads; County Legislator Michael Giangregorio, who swore in the chamber’s trustees during the ceremony; and COntinued On pAGe 10
‘Mary Poppins’ takes the stage at Wantagh’s Temple B’nai Torah By CHARlES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com
The Mainstage Players of Temple B’nai Torah in Wantagh are ready to hit the stage this month for four performances of the whimsical musical adventure, “Mary Poppins.” The show, based on the iconic story of a magical nanny who brings adventure, music and life lessons to the Banks family, will be performed in the temple’s auditorium. According to temple member Lisa Shubin, who is producing the play, more than 40 performers — a mix of adults and children ages 8 and up — have been rehearsing three to four days a
week since January. “It’s a fun show, and people who come will have a great time,” said Shubin, whose husband, Tom Reilly, is directing the show. Shubin said the decision to stage “Mary Poppins” was based on the cast that they anticipated, considering factors like age range, vocal abilities and acting experience. Playing the lead role of Mary Poppins is Marni Tessler, 30, who said she’s passionate about singing and enjoys the rehearsal process. She added that her parents were members of Temple Emanu-El, and she began performing in temple productions at age 7. Altogeth-
er, she has spent about 15 years involved in the shows, returning in 2022 after a break. Fo r Te s s l e r, re h e a r s i n g alongside younger performers has been a great way to watch them progress in their acting abilities. “I have grown very close with them, so it’s a really fun experience to watch them grow and to see what roles they take on,” she said. Temple member Jef f Minkowsky will take on the role of Bert, the cheerful chimney sweep who serves as Mary Poppins’ friend and guide through the children’s magical adventures. He has been performing in temple shows since
2019, initially joining as a way to connect his family to the community. “I just thought it was a wonderful oppor tunity for my daughter and I to join a theater show and be a part of it together, and it was the best decision we ever made,” he said. Minkowsky’s oldest daughter, Lila, 14, is playing Jane Banks, one of the two children
under Mary Poppins’ care. His younger daughter, Arielle, 12, is performing in ensemble roles, and his wife, Rachel, is playing Mrs. Brill, the Banks family’s cook. When it comes to theater, the biggest lesson learned is that it’s a marathon, not a sprint, Minkowsky said. “It takes hard work,” he COntinued On pAGe 4