October 22, 2025 Seaford by Long Island Media Group

South Bay's Neighbor

KITCHEN & COCKTAILS Celebrates 10 Years!

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.

Senator Rhoads Leads Successful Self-Care Drive To Support Long Islanders

State Senator Steve Rhoads recently concluded a successful Self-Care Starter Kit Drive, collecting essential hygiene items to assist neighbors in need across Long Island. The Senator expressed his gratitude to the Seaford, Wantagh, Island Trees, and Farmingdale public libraries for serving as collection sites, and gave special recognition to summer intern Emily Baum for her dedication in championing the effort. Thanks to the generosity of the community, the drive will provide meaningful support to countless residents in need.

Residents Invited To Oyster Bay Halloween Ghost Walk & Dance Party Raynham

Oyster Bay Town Councilwoman

Vicki Walsh and Town Clerk Rich LaMarca invite residents to the annual Halloween Parade presented by Raynham Hall Museum in Oyster Bay. The event will be held Saturday, November 1st beginning at 5:45 p.m. Residents are invited to dress up in costume and bring their little ghosts and goblins (two and four-legged welcome) for a ghost parade throughout town. Participants are invited to bring lanterns and noisemakers.

“Residents of all ages are invited to enjoy ghostly entertainment, a DJ, food and drink available for purchase, and more at this fun, festive annual event,” said Town Clerk LaMarca. “Participating vendors include Gimme Burger, Home Sweet Home, Oyster Bay Brewing, the Oyster Bay Main Street Association, and more. This event has something for everybody!”

Anyone interested in assisting Raynham Hall by volunteering to help carry ghostly puppets can contact info@raynhamhallmuseum.org. The parade route begins at Oyster Bay High School on East Main Street, west to Audrey Avenue and spookily encircle the bandstand in Townsend Park.

Hall To Host Annual Halloween Parade November 1st

A Lively Lunchtime In Seaford Middle School’s Library

Seaford Middle School’s library is hub of activity during lunch periods, as students can enjoy activities that foster friendships, promote teamwork and stimulate their minds. After eating, students can get a pass for Lunch in the Library, with 30 spots

available per lunch period.

Librarian Samantha Riebling said the program was enhanced this year to take advantage of the

Town

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.

revamped space. Over the summer, the library was remodeled with flooring, bookshelves and multiple seating options.

Students can contribute to a pixel art project, a sticker-by-letter poster that reveals a mystery picture when completed. They can choose an option from the game cart such as Battleship, chess, Guess Who and Scrabble. Ms. Riebling also plans craft project and STEM challenges. At the beginning of the year, students made miniature vision boards to hang in their lockers to remind them of their goals for the year. There were also friendship bracelets and pom-pom bookmarks. Recently, they worked in teams to build the tallest possible tower using 20 pieces of spaghetti, 20 marshmallows and a yard of Scotch tape.

Lunch in the Library visitors can also use the time to get a head start on

their homework. They also are encouraged to take out a book before leaving.

In October, Ms. Riebling is hosting a scary story contest. During Lunch in the Library, they can drop off their two-sentence scary stories, with a winner to be announced on Halloween.

“The library is a safe space for students to come and try something new,” she said. “It’s really important for students to have choice. I want them enjoying the library as much as possible, because we have so many materials and resources to offer them. It’s so cool to see them eager to come here.”

To Collect DVDs For U.S. Troops & 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.

Librarian Samantha Riebling measured the tower height of Lily Sessler and Ashley Motroni’s creation.

Mason Kanover, left, Carter Von Gerichten, center, and Tristan Flood checked out the board games cart.

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INFORMATION:

Free Mega Job Fair

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.

“We’re proud to have helped thousands of residents find meaningful employment through our career center and private sector jobs fair,” said Supervisor Saladino. “The

Workforce Partnership and Town of Oyster Bay are committed to helping residents find meaningful employment opportunities as well as assisting local businesses in recruiting qualified employees.

This Mega Job Fair will connect private and public sector employers with job seekers.”

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) 7974560 or email business@ oysterbay-ny.gov.

State Utilities is a major oil dealer on Long Island providing heating fuel to residents and businesses in Nassau and Suffolk County; we offer on-line fuel ordering, delivery, and full service heating oil contracts.

State Utilities takes pride in supplying fuel you need to heat your home and/or office to the comfort level you desire. Winter can be long and brutal, and should your burner fail to start it can become a crucial disaster. It is comforting to have full service during this disruption by contacting us by telephone or Email, no matter what the weather outside.

Celebrating 74 years in business, we are grateful to the many generations of loyal customers who have entrusted State Utilities with their interior comfort. Thank you.

Residents Invited To Submit Photos For Town Publications

Want to see your photos in upcoming Town publications such as the Town calendar? Oyster Bay Town Councilman Andrew Monteleone invites residents to submit photos taken in the Town of Oyster Bay to be considered for future use in print or online. Photos are needed depicting all seasons.

“We accept photos

year-round submitted by our residents which depict people, places, community events and scenery throughout our Town,” said Councilman Monteleone. “We accept photos for the calendar, as well as other Town publications, including our website, social media pages and brochures.”

Councilman Monteleone noted that photos should be

taken within the confines of the Town of Oyster Bay. Digital submissions are preferred, but highquality photos may also be submitted. Emailed photos should be sent to photos@oysterbay-ny. gov. Printed photos can be submitted to the Town’s Public Information Office, 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay NY 11771. Residents should

make sure their name, address, phone number and brief description of the photo are included with their submission. The photographer is responsible for the correct spelling of the names and subjects in the photos, as well as notifying subjects they may appear in a Town publication.

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

FOOTBALL SPECIALS

ZUCCHINI STICKS - $10

MAC & CHEESE BiTES - $10

FRIED PICKLE CHIPS - $10

BASKET OF FRIES - $5

SWEET POTATO - $6

TRUFFLE - $7

ONION RINGS - $6

SLIDERS - $3

WINGS - 50¢

HOT DOGS - $4 - BAR SPECIALS -

DOMESTIC BUCKETS - $25

IMPORT BUCKETS - $30

WHITE CLAW BUCKETS - $30

SURF/SUNCRUISER BUCKETS - $35

MILLER PINTS - $4

MILLER PITCHER - $15

HOUSE PINTS - $7

KONA PITCHER - $20

Fa Cocktails

CARAMEL APPLE MARTINI

Van Gogh Dutch, Caramel, Apple Cider, Cinnamon Sugar Rim

BOURBON CIDER SMASH

Jeffersons Bourbon. Apple Cider, Maple Syrup, Lemon Juice, Ginger Ale

FALL SANGRIA

Pinot Noir, Blackberry Brandy, Simple Syrup, Orange & Apple, Splash Ginger Ale

PRICKLEY PEAR MARGARITA

Teremana Tequila, Prickly Pear Syrup, Cointreau, Lemonade, Tajin Rum

PUMPKIN SPICE MARTINI

Pumpkin Baileys, Pumpkin Liquor, Vanilla Vodka, Cinnamon Sugar Rim

On September 18, State Senator Steve Rhoads celebrated the achievements of 17 remarkable women at his 3rd Annual Women of Distinction ceremony, held at the Plainview-Old Bethpage Library. The event recognized women whose leadership, dedication, and service have profoundly shaped the communities across his Senate district.

From the moment honorees entered the auditorium to the stirring sound of bagpipes, the energy in the room was electric. Attendees erupted into applause, signaling deep appreciation for the honorees’ contributions.

The ceremony opened with Girl Scout Troop 3009 from Judy Jacobs Parkway

Senator Steve Rhoads Honors Local Trailblazers

At 3rd Annual Women Of Distinction Ceremony

Elementary School leading the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by Mairead Hill Hotz of Wantagh performing the National Anthem, and a welcoming prayer from Reverend Iwy Patel-Yatri and Pastor Rosa Larios of Hicksville United Methodist Church, creating a sense of unity and reverence.

Entertainment added to the celebratory atmosphere, with a lively dance performance by Hollie Werner of 5678 Dance Studio in Levittown and a stirring piano performance by internationally awardwinning pianist Felicia Garramone of Levittown, showcasing the vibrant local arts community.

Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly,

a trailblazer in law and justice with more than three decades of experience, delivered the keynote address. Her words inspired the audience, emphasizing the importance of service, perseverance, and using one’s talents to strengthen the community.

Each honoree’s biography was read aloud, highlighting their unique contributions— from volunteerism and advocacy to leadership in education, business, and the arts. Senator Rhoads personally presented the Women of Distinction awards, expressing heartfelt gratitude for their tireless efforts to improve the quality of life on Long Island.

In his remarks, Senator Rhoads said, “These extraordinary women show us every day that one person’s courage, vision, and dedication can transform a community. Their achievements inspire all of

us to work harder, dream bigger, and leave a lasting mark on the world.”

The ceremony concluded with a warm reception, giving attendees the opportunity to connect, share stories, and celebrate the accomplishments of these outstanding women. Through this annual event,

Senator Rhoads continues to honor the achievements of community leaders while inspiring future generations to make a meaningful difference in their neighborhoods.

Honorees:

Susan Maher (Levittown)

Nanda Sundri (East Meadow)

Farah Abidi (East Meadow)

Judith Bongiovi (Seaford)

Janet Goller (Bellmore)

Nina Lanci (Bellmore)

Dr. Nancy Kaplan

Shashi Malik

Deirdre Trumpy (Wantagh)

Laura Dupkin Memisha (Wantagh)

Donna Rivera-Downey (Hicksville)

Catherine Gabreski (Farmingdale)

Jennifer Biren (Old Bethpage)

Gina McGovern (Bethpage)

Cheryl Dender (Plainview)

Maryanne Hyland (Westbury)

(Merrick)

Marie Testa (Merrick)

(Wantagh)

Front Row: L-R (Sitting) Judith Bongiovi, Jennifer Brien, Janet Goller, Nina Lanci, Dr. Nancy Kaplan, Donna Rivera-Downey, Cheryl Dender, Susan Maher, Shashi Malik. Back Row: L-R (Standing) Senator Steve Rhoads, Laura Dupkin Memisha, Catherine Gabreski, Maryanne Hyland, Nanda Sundri, Farah Abidi, Deirdre Trumpy, Gina McGovern, Marie Testa, District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly

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