Massapequa Post Newspaper

Plainedge High School honored 15 student-athletes who have committed to play their respective sports at the collegiate level, on May 4. They are: Christopher Caldara, lacrosse, St. Thomas Aquinas College; Melanie Carbo, lacrosse, Misericordia University; Rylee Donnellan, lacrosse, University of New Haven; Jessica Ford, soccer, Georgian Court University; Kelly Gardner, lacrosse, Farmingdale State College; Kristian Kocoris (not pictured), track, Farmingdale State College; Silv...ano Kuna (not pictured), football, Utica College; Jason LaScala, football, Utica College; Joseph Leone, baseball, Queens College; Gabriella Luginbill, dance, Sacred Heart University; Jena McBride, track and field, Adelphi University; Emily Tierney, soccer, Felician University; Domenic Tuozzo, baseball, Herkimer County Community College or Monroe Community College; Abigail Wise, lacrosse, Quinnipiac University; and Jake Mosia, tennis, Farmingdale State College. www.massapequapost.com See more

Massapequa School Superintendent announces her retirement effective September, 2021. Read full story at: https://www.massapequapost.com//msd-superintendent-lucill/

The Massapequa Post wishes a very Happy Mother’s Day to all the special moms and mother figures in our lives, past and present, in person and in our memories. Thank you for all you do! www.massapequapost.com

Two students from the Massapequa High School Ames Campus were recognized for both their language skills and their creativity in a contest hosted by Long Island Language Teachers. Ninth graders Olivia Kenney and Emily Haggerty earned the top two spots in the written essay category for German in the 2021 Student World Language Competition. Olivia and Emily both created story books in German. Earning first place was Olivia’s imaginative story about a water molecule that runs for... president against a lamp on Mars. Second place went to Emily for her creative piece about a zebra that is bad at skiing, but eventually becomes good with the help of his friends. The students said that they decided to enter the competition because it sounded fun and they wanted an opportunity to enhance their German language skills. Olivia and Emily are students in Dean Guarnaschelli’s Level 2 class. www.massapequapost.com

Mayor Daniel Pearl along with Deputy Mayor Tina Schiaffino and Trustees Dana Durso and Todd Svec joined with Assemblyman Michael Durso for his Blood Drive at Brady Park Senior Center. This Blood Drive help hospitals meet the ongoing and pressing need for blood donations. Pictured L-R Dionis Xhindolli, NY Blood Center, Trustee Todd Svec, Trustee Dana Durso, NYS Assemblyman Michael Durso, Deputy Mayor Tina Schiaffino and Mayor Daniel Pearl Donating Blood. www.massapequapost.com

Jestina Bryan-Collins is a woman who does not let anything get in the way of getting the job done. A U.S. Army veteran, medic, financial analyst, sergeant in the Queens Criminal Courts and mother, Bryan-Collins can now add another piece to her résumé. Bryan-Collins, who was born and raised in Antigua, West Indies, has just completed her first year as the first female captain in the Massapequa Fire Department. There has never been a woman officer before in the Massapequa F...ire Department and never an African American male or female captain, said Bryan-Collins, who was sworn in recently after being voted into the post last year and again this year by her fellow volunteers. She brings her experience as a New York City Court Officer and a combat medic to our organization, said Massapequa Fire Chief David Batt. She is a wonderful mother, a leader here in Massapequa who exudes confidence in dealing with her patients and her team here and she brings all of that to the table. I can’t think of anything that is not remarkable about her. Bryan-Collins said the entire department is diverse and her post, as well as those of her 2nd Lt. Jennifer Felix, an entrepreneur, and 1st Lt. Dr. Caitlin Kenney, an EMTCC, who has special training in critical care, were also just re-elected to office. We have members 18 to over 70 years old; members from all walks of life who help build this company with a strong foundation. Each one of them is a very successful woman in their own right, and each one brings special skills and a diverse background to our volunteer organization, said Chief Batt. This is the first company in the department that has three female officers, said Bryan-Collins. I appreciate the confidence the members placed in me and the assistance of my fellow officers who keep me grounded. www.massapequapost.com

To raise awareness of pollution and its impact on Mother Nature, the Town of Oyster Bay invited 4th and 5th grade students to participate in a poster contest with the theme ‘How Plastic Pollution Harms Our Waterways.’ Appropriately on Earth Day, Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Councilwoman Michele Johnson, Councilman Lou Imbroto and Town Clerk Rich LaMarca honored the top three winners of the poster contest, which saw over 750 entries. This poster contest was a great way t...o bring more awareness to a critical issue that we are facing in our environment, Councilwoman Johnson said. These posters not only help inform those who view them, but the students involved can now keep their knowledge with them throughout their lives to help make a difference as they grow up. The contest was co-sponsored by The Waterfront Center and Friends of the Bay, who also provided prizes to the top three winners. Winners included: o First place: Elisa Wojnicki, 4th grader from Mrs. Ponzini’s class at Charles Campaign School in Bethpage; o Second place: Kalena Burgos, 5th grader from Mrs. Nuccio’s class at John H West Elementary School in the Plainedge School District; o Third place: Dimitri Fragopoulos, 4th grader from Mrs. Berzler’s class at Burns Elementary School in Hicksville. www.massapequapost.com

A United States Supreme Court case about student rights served as a learning opportunity about the First Amendment and the judicial system for students in Massapequa High School’s law program. On April 28, the level 1, 2 and 3 law classes gathered in the auditorium to listen to oral arguments in the case, Mahoney Area School District vs. B.L., through C-SPAN. The case focuses on social media posts made by a student, over a weekend and away from school, upon failing to make th...e varsity cheerleading squad. Following the profanity-filled post, she was suspended from the junior varsity team. B.L. sued the school saying that the suspension violated her First Amendment rights. Massapequa law teacher and mock trial adviser Daniel Bachman described it as a once in a generation case. He noted that it is the first time the Supreme Court will make a determination about school speech since 2004. Mr. Bachman said he was looking for new opportunities in a year when some activities have been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and having them listen in to oral arguments before the Supreme Court, on a case of interest to their age group, was a great opportunity. I wanted them to see how something so small as a Snapchat post can have broad ramifications, Mr. Bachman said. A kid has a bad day in 2017, and four years later the highest court in the land is applying her case to a nation adjusting to at-home learning in a pandemic. B.L. is in college now and her name will forever be tied to decision that will decide when schools can police off-campus speech. Mr. Bachman said that students in the advanced law class argued the case themselves based on materials provided by Street Law, an organization that supports schools and communities to educate people about law and government. On the day of the oral arguments, students from all of the different law classes participated in a videoconference with John F. Tinker. His Supreme Court against the Des Moines Independent Community School District in the 1960s established the precedent for free speech in public schools. They also had follow-up a follow-up discussion with U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Joseph Bianco. Students definitely took an interest in this case in class, Mr. Bachman said, saying they had extensive class discussion, and that his law students asked many insightful questions. I’m hoping the case decision will be announced near the end of the school year. www.massapequapost.com

Man Charged in Assault That Took Place in Massapequa Preserve: The Nassau County Police Department’s Eighth Squad reports the arrest of a South Farmingdale man who was charged with committing an Assault Wed., May 12, at 5:10 p.m. in North Massapequa. Arrested was Joshua Jones, 32 years old, of 31 10th Avenue, South Farmingdale. According to Police, a female victim and a friend were walking at the State Preserve located at the corner of Northwest Drive and Triangle Place Nort...h when they noticed a male acting erratically. The women decided to create distance from the man by walking in a different direction, moving away from him. As they were walking away the defendant approached them from the rear and struck the victim with a closed fist in the back of the neck. The victim was injured suffering pain and swelling. Shortly after, the suspect was apprehended and placed into custody. The defendant was transported to a local hospital for a mental evaluation. The defendant is charged with Assault in the 3rd degree and will be arraigned on May 13, 2021 in Mineola. Police request any other victims that may have encountered this subject to please contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS or call 911. See more

The Massapequa School District has again been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from the National Association for Music Merchants Foundation. This is the 13th consecutive year that Massapequa was recognized for its outstanding commitment to music education. It was one of 686 districts in the country to be named to the 2021 list. To qualify for the Best Communities designation, Massapequa responded to detailed questions about funding, graduatio...n requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and community music-making programs. Responses were verified with school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas. Music is important to Massapequa, whether on campus or in the community beyond said Director of Fine and Performing Arts Vincent Green. After such a challenging year, being recognized for our continuing efforts will reinvigorate the students, staff and community in supporting and growing the music program. Despite restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, music remains an important part of education in Massapequa. General music instruction at the elementary schools and small-group instrumental and vocal instruction at all levels has continued, following social distancing guidelines. In lieu of winter concerts this year, the Fine and Performing Arts Department created a virtual holiday arts gallery featuring student performances from elementary and secondary musicians. Three Massapequa High School student-musicians were selected to the 2021 New York State School Music Association’s virtual All-State festival. www.massapequapost.com

It’s Weird Wednesday! Parents and grandparents, brace yourselves: there is a new version of the alphabet song! The new tune is slower and clarifies the letters LMNOP, to avoid the ELEMENOP that many kids learn. It was created by Dream English, an English-teaching website, in 2012. Hear it for yourself on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch www.massapequapost.com

Nassau County is offering a Rental Relief Program to residents struggling to pay their rent due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Renters must have a demonstrated loss of income due to COVID-19. To learn more, visit https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=8699. To submit an Initial Inquiry Form, visit www.cdcli.org. www.massapequapost.com

Join the Farmingdale Public Library’s Family Scavenger Hunt, which runs through February 28. Download the Scavenger Hunt form on the library’s website and return the completed form to the Children’s Library to be entered into a raffle for a chance to win a prize. www.massapequapost.com

Has stress become your default way of living? Join health coach Lisa Zimmerman in a Zoom meeting on Thursday, January 14 at 7 p.m. through the Plainedge Public Library to take a proactive role in your health and well-being. Register in advance at https://us02web.zoom.us//tZIodeCgqz0vE93GsBk65Uqg0G6BbYK4T www.massapequapost.com

Join Shinnecock Indian Nation enrolled tribal member Jeremy Dennis as he discusses his work as an artist and photographer on Tuesday, January 12 in a Zoom meeting at 7 p.m. Dennis will also share his mission to preserve and present Native American history on Long Island. To register, call Lee Gundel at 516-798-4607, ext. 6304, or email [email protected]. www.massapequapost.com

Congrats to Farmingdale High School senior Leann Nicholas on being selected for the College Board National African American Recognition Program. Leann earned National Athletic status in track and field, is a member of the National Honor Society and volunteers weekly at Southside Hospital. Way to go! www.massapequapost.com

Do you have a phone, laptop or tablet that you are not using? Students at Stony Brook University are asking that these items be sent to TeleHealth Access for Seniors, which is collecting them to assist low-income senior patients in virtually interfacing with their doctors, families, and friends. To donate a gently used device, mail it to TeleHealth, 71 Glen Hill Rd., Wilton, CT 06897. In addition, you can arrange to have the device picked up by going online to: shorturl.at/mGM07. www.massapequapost.com

Congrats to the Farmingdale High School students who were selected by the New York State School Music Association to participate in All-State and All-National performing groups. All-National Alternate Honors: Aidan Kelly-Tenor-Mixed Chorus and Gabriella Sferlazza-Alto-Mixed Chorus. All-State Honors: Heather Cacace-Alto 1-Mixed Chorus, Antonio Castano-Viola-Symphony Orchestra, Joseph Connors-Multiple Percussion-Symphony Orchestra, Abigail Faber-Double Bass-Symphonic Band, Tyler Hothersall-Tenor-Vocal Jazz, Aidan Kelly-Tenor 1-Mixed Chorus, Cooper Malanowski-Trombone-Instrumental Jazz and Trombone-Wind Ensemble, and Gabriella Sferlazza-Alto 1-Mixed Chorus. All-State Alternate Honors: Kaitlyn Cavallo-Mixed Chorus and Joseph Connors-Timpani. www.massapequapost.com

The Town of Oyster Bay residents can dispose of their Christmas trees on regular recycling/yard waste days until Friday, January 15. For additional questions, residents can contact the Town’s Sanitation Division at 516-677-5848. www.massapequapost.com

It’s Weird Wednesday! Feel like you’re getting a cold shoulder from a certain someone? (And, no, we don’t mean the new fashion style that features a cut-out, bare shoulder.) This common phrase dates back to the early 1800s when people were serving a meal to guests. If a guest was welcome, the host would serve them a delicious hot meal. But if a guest was unwelcome, the host would serve a cold cut of shoulder meatpork, beef or mutton. The shoulder was known to be the toughest part of an animaland the most inferior pieceso by serving a cold cut of uncooked meat, the guest would certainly know they were unwelcome! www.massapequapost.com

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Register now for some virtual New Year’s Eve family fun! The Jester Jim Comedy Show on Thursday, December 31 at 11 a.m. is perfect for families with children ages 3 and older. Register on the Massapequa Public Library website. www.massapequapost.com

And now a word from our sponsors.... www.massapequapost.com

Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilman Lou Imbroto caution residents who leave donations in collection bins to make sure the organizations behind those bins have good intentions. There has been a proliferation in illegally-placed bins asking residents to drop off clothing or toy donations. Many of these structures appear to be homemade, contain stencil lettering and no sign of legitimacy. To determine is a charity is registered in New York State, visit the State Attorney General’s website at www.charitiesnys.com or call 212-416-8401. www.massapequapost.com

A blood drive in honor of Aliyah Petrone will be conducted Sat., Dec. 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Marjorie Post Park, Merrick and Unqua Roads, Massapequa. Appointments preferred, but walk-ins invited as capacity permits. To schedule an appointment email: [email protected] or call 1-800-933-BLOOD. www.massapequapost.com

Community United Methodist Church is offering a Blue Christmas gathering via Zoom for families and individuals who are grieving this Christmas season. The service will be held on December 18 at 7 p.m. The community can access the service at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/967147746 Meeting ID: 967 147 746, or by calling: 1-929-436-2866, Meeting ID 967147746# US (New York). www.massapequapost.com

It’s Weird Wednesday! The next time you’re stuck in traffic, be grateful you’re not driving in Beijing, China. In the summer of 2010, 10,000 vehicles were trapped along a 74.5 mile stretch of the Beijing-Tibet expressway for 11 days! It was dubbed the Great Crawl of China. www.massapequapost.com