On Tuesday, September 30th, the Chamber of Commerce of the Massapequas held a ribboncutting ceremony to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Mercato Kitchen & Cocktails, located at 4958 Merrick Road in Massapequa Park. Congratulations to Keleigh, Brian, and Chef Matt Bivona. The Chamber congratulates Mercato's on this incredible milestone and thanks them for being such a valued part of the Massapequa community.
October 2025
Dear Fellow Chamber Members and Residents of the Massapequas,
As I write this, my favorite season of beaches, barbecues and flip flops has officially come to a close, and fall has arrived. While I’ll miss those long, sunny days, I’m excited for the season ahead and for all the ways our Chamber will continue to bring people and businesses in our community together.
This past summer, we were honored to sponsor the Massapequa Park Fireworks, and it was great to see so many families and neighbors come together for such a fantastic evening. We also had a great time participating in Park After Dark, connecting with our community and supporting our local businesses. We also held our very first Member Appreciation Picnic at Marjorie Post Park in August, and it was a wonderful evening filled with laughter, good food, and great company.
One of my favorite events each year is our Annual Police Luncheon, which we held on September 25th at the American Legion Post 1066. As the wife of a retired NYPD Lieutenant who proudly served for 31 years, this event holds special meaning for me. The Massapequa Chamber of Commerce is always proud to Back the Blue! This special celebration shines a well-deserved spotlight on the heroes of the Nassau County Police Department. This year, we had the privilege of honoring Police Officers Christopher Guardino, Christopher Lamonica, Paul Mangione, and Brittany Jackolski. They all exemplify dedication, compassion, and service to our community. A special thank you to our generous event sponsor, New You Plastic Surgery, for helping make this day possible.
With the fall season in full swing, we’re looking forward to several upcoming events that promise to bring our community even closer together! Our Second Annual Halloween Trunk or Treat, proudly sponsored by James Funeral Home, will take place on October 18th from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the McKenna Elementary/Senior Center Parking Lot. This family-friendly event is open exclusively to Massapequa families and will feature our Chamber member businesses in a fun-filled, spooky afternoon!
October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time that holds special meaning for our Chamber as we remember our beloved Past President and dear friend, Patricia Orzano, who passed away in November 2023 after a courageous battle with breast cancer. Patty’s dedication to our Chamber and her love for this community were extraordinary. In her honor, we encourage everyone, especially women, to make their health a priority by scheduling routine mammograms and screenings. Early detection truly saves lives.
As the spooky season continues, we’re excited to host more opportunities for networking and fun! Join us for our Annual Fall “Spooktacular” After-Hours General Meeting on Thursday, October 23rd at 6:00 PM at Zona Restaurant. Costumes are optional but always welcome! It’s a perfect evening to connect with fellow business leaders while enjoying a delicious dinner in a festive atmosphere. Be sure to visit our website to RSVP!
Looking ahead, we’re thrilled to celebrate the continued growth and success of our members. Recent ribbon-cuttings and milestones highlight the vibrancy of our local business community. We welcomed Over South Real Estate and congratulated Sean Manning and the entire team on their Grand Opening in Massapequa - it was a pleasure celebrating this new beginning with you and we wish you great success as you help families find their dream homes! We also celebrated the 10-Year Anniversary of Mercato Kitchen & Cocktails - congratulations to Keleigh, Brian, and Matt Bivona! A decade in business is an incredible accomplishment and a true testament to your commitment to excellence, exceptional cuisine and service and we wish you many more ahead.
I am also very excited to welcome our three newest board members: Randi Jankowski, Anthony Migliorelli, and Angela Shirian. Their enthusiasm, fresh ideas, and commitment to the community will be an incredible asset as we continue to grow and strengthen our organization.
We also bid a fond farewell to our Office Manager, Shelley Siemsen, who is moving on after ten years of dedicated service to our Chamber. Shelley has been the heart of our office, and we wish her all the best in her next chapter. We are incredibly grateful for all she has done for our members and our community.
If you’d like to get involved, please call us at 516-541-1443 or visit www.massapequachamber.org to learn more about membership and sponsorship opportunities. We can’t wait to welcome you into our vibrant Chamber family.
Wishing you a fantastic and festive fall season!
Robin Hepworth, President Chamber of Commerce of the Massapequas, Inc.
Free Mega Job Fair In Bethpage
Oyster Bay Town
Supervisor Joseph Saladino and The Workforce Partnership announced that a Mega Job Fair will take place on Thursday, October 23rd, at the Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center, located at 1001 Stewart Avenue in Bethpage. There is no charge for admission and parking is free. Doors open at 10am, and the event runs until 1pm.
Employers from across Long Island will be seeking candidates for positions including entry and middle management level, licensed professional, hospitality and food service industries,
banking, staffing and individuals with technical and IT experience.
The Town of Oyster Bay serves as administrator of The Workforce Partnership, a consortium of local governments funded by the Federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act that provides free valuable resources to both employers and job seekers at Career Centers in Hicksville and Massapequa. These centers help train employees to meet the needs of the private sector, connecting qualified job seekers with employers, and by assisting
applicants in accessing job opportunities. The Centers offer Resource Rooms, which are equipped with state-of-the-art computer workstations, complete with Microsoft software and internet access. Additionally, these Centers offer residents access to job listings, resource materials, photocopiers, fax machines and telephones. The Centers provide employability and computer workshops, as well as career counselors who will guide residents through their job search. Computer workshops are taught on-site in modern computer labs. Residents can increase their marketability by updating or acquiring new computer skills at the Centers.
For more information about this program and the many other great services that the Town’s Workforce Partnership program offers, contact (516) 797-4560 or email business@oysterbayny.gov.
Residents Invited
To Free Family Fall & Halloween Festival
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino invites residents and their families to the Town of Oyster Bay’s Family Fall & Halloween Festival, which will be held on Saturday, October 25th, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Marjorie R. Post Community Park, located at 451 Unqua Road in Massapequa.
“This festival is a great opportunity for residents to celebrate Halloween and the fall season with activities that are fun for residents of all ages,” Supervisor Saladino said. “Families are sure to enjoy all that the festival has to offer, including pumpkin picking and our popular Halloween hayride. Remember, costumes are encouraged!”
The Family Fall & Halloween Festival will
feature a ‘U-Pick’ pumpkin patch for children to pick their own pumpkins (while supplies last), Halloween games and giveaways, inflatables, hayride, and food trucks, as well as a special character appearances presented by Royal Events Princess Parties. Costumes for those attending are encouraged!
The Family Fall & Halloween Festival will be held rain or shine. For more information, please call the Town’s Department of Community and Youth Services at (516) 797-7925 or visit oysterbaytown. com.
Town Kicks Off Foodie Week To Highlight Local Businesses
Continuing efforts to help restaurants recover from the impact of the economic downturn, Supervisor Joseph Saladino, joined by Receiver of Taxes Jeffrey Pravato, announced the return of Foodie Week – a unique opportunity for dining establishments to showcase their worldclass culinary hotspots. This week-long event highlights the finest culinary creations local chefs, bakers, and artisans have to offer, running from October 19th to October 26th.
“This great – and fun – event gives participants an opportunity to support their favorite restaurants, as well as try new ones,” said Supervisor Saladino. “Restaurants are vital to our downtowns and crucial to our local economy. Foodie Week gives us the chance to support our favorite eateries through a fun and unique experience.”
Consistent with well-known New York City standards for similar restaurant promotions, a Long Island Food Critic panel has curated all participating restaurants and evaluates them based on the same set of criteria to help ensure that restaurants are of a similar caliber. Participation in Foodie Week is free of charge for restaurants located in the Town of Oyster Bay. For additional information, as well as a full list of participating venues and events, visit www.FoodieWeek.com.
Town officials announce the return of Foodie Week at Palmer’s American Grille in Farmingdale. Shown are Carl Mattone, owner of Ficarra Ristorante of Hicksville, Bob Gebbia, owner of Palmer’s American Grille, Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Receiver of Taxes Jeffrey Pravato.
OCTOBER HAPPENINGS
THURSDAY, OCT. 23rd
3:00PM-4:30PM
GALLERY TEA
Islip Arts Council Gallery Tea Steeped in Strength: A Gallery Tea for Breast Cancer Awareness. Includes teas, light bites, a gallery talk, and meditation. $20 Registration is required. Share in the power of creativity, compassion, and connection. Guests will gather for a soothing afternoon of art, tea, and refl ection — surrounded by works that celebrate resilience, healing, and the beauty of life. For more information, please call 631-8883525, Islip arts.org
FRIDAY, OCT. 24th
DOORS OPEN 6:00PM
BINGO STARTS 7:00PM WEST ISLIP FIRE DEPT LADIES AUX MUSIC BINGO FUND RAISER West Islip Fire Dept. 309 Union Blvd West in Islip. Tickets $20 extra cards for sale, 50/50, Lotto board. Raffl e baskets. for more information and for tickets, please call 516-318-530. Light food for purchase. Donate a non perishable item for a ticket to a special raffl e
6:30PM-8:00PM
HAUNTED HIKES
Garden City Bird Sanctuary, 182 Tanners Pond Rd. in Garden City. Long Islands favorite family Haunted Hike is back. With both Scary and not so scary walks (on separate trails) a maze and some fun photo opportunities. For more information, please visit https:// thegcbs.org/gcbs-home
HOLIDAYS
13th - COLUMBUS DAY
INDIGENOUS PEOPLES' DAY 31st - HALLOWEEN
MAKE A SUBMISSION! Events must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event date and will run free of charge on a space available basis. For more information, please call 631.226.2636 x275 or send events to editorial@longislandmediagroup.com
SATURDAY, OCT. 25th
5:30PM-7:00PM FUNDRAISER TO BENEFIT PAWS WITH A CAUSE Painting Night Fundraiser. Proceeds to benefi t Paws With A Cause Hosted by AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary #18, 141 Carleton Ave. in East Islip. Doors open 5:30 p.m. Painting begins 6:00 p.m. For more information, please call Vicky 516-241-8371
SUNDAY, OCT. 26th
Start Time: 8:00AM (KIDS FUN RUN) Start Time: 8:30am (5K Run/Walk) JOHN THEISSEN CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION FREAKY 5K "Flat and Fast" Start and Finish in TOH parking lot at 1869 Wantagh Ave, Wantagh. For more informtion, please call 516-6795098 or emal John john@jtcf.org. Register online at runsignup.com
1:00PM-5:00PM GIOVANNI CABOTO LODGE SCHOLARSHIP LUNCHEON
Will be held at Verdi's of Westbury. Funds raised enables the Lodge to award several scholarships to local high school students and to Lodge members children or grandchildren. It also helps support the many OSDIA sponsored charitable organizations. For tickets please contact Rosemarie DiChiara at 516458-0097
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 29th 10:30AM-11:15AM
NOT-SO-SCARY PJ STORIES at The Merrick Library, 2279 Merrick Ave in Merrick. Free Event . No registration required. Wear your PJs or a costume and drop in for stories that are more silly than scary. For more information, please call 516-3776112
7:00PM POCKETBOOK BINGO
The Memorare Columbiettes Auxiliary is hosting Pocketbook Bingo. Doors open at 6:00pm, games start at 7:00 pm. The Memorare Council is located at 2183 Jackson Avenue in Seaford. $35 per person includes 8 games of bingo, wine, soda, snacks, coffee and dessert. (Snacks from home are always welcome). 50/50 and lotto board raffl es and additional bingo cards will be available for purchase For more information or to purchase tickets please contact Lisa Koenig 516205-0768
THURSDAY, OCT. 30th
6:00PM-7:45PM THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW SCREENING
The Merrick Library, 2279 Merrick Ave in Merrick. Community Room. Free event. No registration required. A fl amboyant transvestite offers shelter to a straight-laced, newly-engaged couple whose car breaks down near his mansion, introducing them to a wild and outrageous cast of partygoers. For more information, please call 516377-6112
Receiver Pravato Announces 40-Day Penalty Free Period To Pay School Property Taxes
Oyster Bay Town Receiver of Taxes, Jeffrey P. Pravato, reminds residents that the First Half of the 2025-2026 School Tax Levy that was due on October 1st, can be paid without penalty through
November 10th.
“New York State Law allows my office to provide taxpayers with a 40-day penalty free period from the date the tax is due during which payment may be made
without penalty,” Receiver Pravato explained. “After the 40 days, State Law requires a one percent penalty is added for each month the tax remains unpaid, retroactive to October 1st. Don’t delay,
Assemblyman Durso To Hold Blood Drive Event
New York State
Assemblyman Michael Durso (R-Massapequa Park), in coordination with the New York Blood Center and the Long Island Republican Assembly delegation, will be holding a blood drive event at the Massapequa Donor Center located at 1050 Sunrise Highway in Massapequa through Sunday, October 26, 2025
This event is in honor of Madeline Norton, who at just 6 months old, was diagnosed with PKAN, a rare disease that robs children of their motor functions, speech, and eventually their ability to walk, eat, and live independently. Currently, there is no cure.
Madeline’s Mission, a social media and fundraising campaign, was started by Madeline’s parents and Massapequa residents, Gerard Norton, a Rockville Centre Police Officer, and his wife Kaitlin, to raise
awareness and support PKAN life-saving research.
The Norton’s are not giving up hope but choosing to fight by getting the word out to give their child, and all children like Madeline, the best life possible.
“I encourage anyone who can donate to roll up their sleeve in honor of Madeline and to support
those in need of life-saving blood transfusions,” said Assemblyman Durso.
To schedule an appointment, please visit New York Blood Center’s website at www.nybc. org/madeline or call 1-800-933-BLOOD (2566). Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are preferred.
make your payment before November 10th and ensure you aren’t paying more out of pocket than you need to.”
The Tax Office is open in both Town Hall North, 74 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, and Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa, daily from 9:00 am to 4:45 pm to assist residents and accept payments with a check, cash or debit/credit card (for a fee). Outdoor walkup windows are also available to accept payments with a check. On November 7th and 10th both offices will be open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. When paying in person, residents are reminded to bring the entire tax bill.
Residents who prefer to mail in their payments should send them to the Office of the Receiver of Taxes, 74 Audrey Avenue,
Oyster Bay, N.Y. 11771-1539.
Please be certain to sign your check, and make it payable to Jeffrey P. Pravato, Receiver of Taxes. Indicate your property’s school district code, section, block, lot and phone number on the check. All mailed payments must have a United States Postal Service postmark dated on or before November 10th.
Taxpayers also have access to the 2025-2026 School Tax information on our online system via a link on the Town website, www.oysterbaytown.com.
Residents may view current tax bills, print out a hard copy, or pay taxes with an ACH check payment for a service fee of $1.75, or by debit/credit card for a much higher fee charged by the credit card companies. The Town of Oyster Bay receives no portion of this fee.
Receiver Pravato reminds residents that school budgets are set by their local school districts, and the Town of Oyster Bay is not involved in that process. Any questions related to School Tax rates and amounts should be addressed to the resident’s school district. The telephone number for each school district is printed on the front of the School Tax bill.
To contact the Receiver of Taxes Office, please call (516) 624-6400 or email receiveroftaxes@ oysterbay-ny.gov. Residents are requested to have the school district code, section, block and lot numbers of the property in question available. This information is listed on the tax bill and on the property deed.
Discover The Orthodox Christian Church
The Orthodox Church offers you the authentic Christian Tradition maintained without innovation since Apostolic times, which fulfills life on a daily basis, not just on Sunday. We welcome all people seeking a community rooted in the oldest Christian Church
with an emphasis on Holy Scripture, Holy Tradition, liturgical and prayer life, and traditional Christian values. The Divine Liturgy is celebrated every Sunday at 9:30 AM (Hours at 9:00 AM) at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, 369 Green Avenue, East Meadow. Coffee hour
follows the Divine Liturgy. Services are also streamed on https://www.facebook. com/htocem. All services are conducted in English. Additional information and schedules can be found on the parish website, www. htocem.org, or by email, htocem@gmail.com.
MAINTENANCE MECHANIC
3-5 Yrs. Electrical Experience Required, Basic Carpentry, Minor Painting/Taping, Plumbing Knowledge A Plus. M-F 7:00am-3:30pm $81,888/Year, Comprehensive Bene t Package. Quali ed Candidates Should Use e Qr Code Below To Access OLAS Application Online.
COPIAGUE PUBLIC
www.copiague.k12.ny.us Equal Opportunity Employer
Town To Collect DVDs For U.S. Troops & Children’s Hospitals
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and the Town Board today announced a partnership with Massapequa-based “Big Hy for Heroes” to collect DVDs for those deployed and serving overseas in the United States Armed Forces, as well as movies for children’s hospitals.
Donations will be accepted during October and then delivered to Chaplains, Commanding Officers, Sergeant Majors, and Sergeants around the globe to distribute to troops and arrange movie nights this holiday season.
Supervisor Saladino stated, “The Town of Oyster Bay is proud to
partner with Big Hy for Heroes for our Annual DVD Collection Drive and send thousands of DVDs to troops serving around the globe, as well as to children receiving care in local hospitals. Help support these brave men, women, and children by donating DVDs.”
The Big Hy for Heroes
organization was founded in 2002 by Massapequa resident and World War II veteran Hyman Strachman, who, along with his son Arthur Strachman, personally began sending DVDs to U.S. troops overseas. Over the years, Big Hy for Heroes has shipped hundreds of thousands
of DVDs worldwide and continues to do so today. Exciting, suspenseful, comedy, and classic DVDs are among the most requested by the troops for movie nights. Children’s movies are needed for local hospitals. Residents can donate DVDs at any of the following locations through October 31st:
Town Hall North –54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay Town Hall South –977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa For more information on the DVD Collection Drive for U.S. Troops and local children’s hospitals, please call (516) 624-6380.
Come October 31, there is extra mischief in the air, and who knows what might be lurking around those dim corners? Halloween is a time when the line between having fun and being scared is easily blurred. While trick-or-treating and attending parties are ways to enjoy the final day of October, there are plenty of other ways to make Halloween more fun.
• Read some scary stories. There’s something to be said about reading scary stories or poems on Halloween. Readers’ imaginations take over on Halloween as they envision scary characters and scenarios. Edgar Allen Poe, author of many notably macabre works, is a popular read come Halloween.
• Go pumpkin picking. Most people already make pumpkin picking an annual treat. Don’t overlook mishappen
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Get Into The Spooky Spirit This Halloween TO PLACE YOUR AD
pumpkins that can be carved into spooky jacko’-lanterns. Also, enhance Halloween decor with pitted and warty gourds that lend that scary appeal.
• Create a haunted house. Instead of going elsewhere to get chills and thrills, transform your house or yard into a spooktacular vision and invite neighbors to explore.
• Make creepy crafts. Children can get a kick out of crafting Halloween decorations. Drape a piece of muslin over a beverage bottle and spray it with laundry starch. Let sit and the muslin will stiffen when it dries. Paint on black circles for eyes and hang your “ghost” from a string.
• Whip up Halloween treats. Candied apples, extra-rich brownies and mini hot dogs wrapped in crescent rolls to look like mummies are just some
of the ways to create a scary Halloween feast.
• Have a costume theme. Everyone in the household can get in on the fun by planning costumes to fit a theme. For example, everyone can dress like the Addams family.
• Host a Halloween book club. Those who love to read can ensure the October gathering of a book club is one that features a discussion of a scary book. Those looking for a scare can explore horror authors like Stephen King, Anne Rice, Dean Koontz, Clive Barker, Shirley Jackson, and Tananarive Due.
• Host an outdoor movie. Projectors can now be hooked up to smartphones and tablets, so it’s easier than ever to watch movies outside. Simply project a device onto a screen, white fence or even a bedsheet. Since it gets dark somewhat early in October, the movie doesn’t have to start very late. Depending on the audience, choose a movie that is very scary or only mildly so if children will
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be viewing.
• Organize a Halloween treat exchange. Similar to a Christmas “Secret Santa,” participants put together a wrapped gift of homemade or store-bought foods and exchange with others. Halloween can be made even more entertaining with some extra activities that appeal to people of all ages.
