Editorial: Calling All Heroes

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Editorial: Calling All Heroes

Written by Ron Scaglia Friday, 04 January 2013 00:00

When tragedies occur, it is the names of the perpetrators that stay in most people’s minds, but not the victims nor the heroes. Unfortunately, we can recall the names of the shooter in the Newtown tragedy, but how many of us know the names of the police officers who charged into the building to rescue the trapped children and educators? To those of you who can recall the terror that was wrought on the LIRR in Dec. 1993, you probably remember the name of the gunman, Colin Ferguson, but do you know the names of the individuals who subdued him and stopped him from taking even more innocent lives?

Maybe we can’t change this throughout the world, but we can help to change our corner of it. That’s why the Massapequan Observer is creating a new feature titled, “Local Hero.” We are asking you, our readers to submit stories of good deeds that have been performed right here in Massapequa. Perhaps it’s something simple, such as a good deed performed by a neighbor or an act of kindness done by a child. There is no good deed that is too small to be recognized. So, please, send your submissions to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . By accentuating the positive, maybe we can make the world better, and we can start right here in Massapequa.

- RS

News

Proposed School Budget Is Under Tax Cap

Wednesday, 15 May 2013 00:00

Declining enrollment and

reserve funds are key factors

As voters in the Massapequa Union Free School District approach the Tuesday, May 21, budget vote, the proposed spending plan retains popular educational programs while keeping the rise in spending to 1.49 percent.

Despite what district officials call unprecedented increases in state-mandated employer pension contributions, as well as rising health insurance costs, the overall budget is up just over $2.7 million.

Rebuilding Together Long Island

Thursday, 16 May 2013 00:00

Rebuilding Together LI volunteers, sponsors from Long Island Board of Realtors and their associates from Albany, working on a home in Cedarhurst damaged by Sandy. After Massapequa resident Sol Goldstein and several friends helped finish building a house for a family 20 years ago for Habitat for Humanity, they had a question: “What do we do now?” They were all retired, had enjoyed working together and accomplishing something for a family in need, and wanted to do more.

“I was looking for something [to do] hands-on,” said Joe Botkin, of Williston Park, a retired principal, who had worked with Goldstein in building the home.

Sports

Coach of the Month: Vinny Zanfardino

Thursday, 16 May 2013 00:00

Vinny Zanfardino started his coaching career in 1997 when he stepped up to coach his daughter’s Little League team.

What started as a hobby turned into a full-blown obsession for Zanfardino, 48. Coaching became an outlet to do some good for children while staying close to the game he loves: baseball.

Golf Course To Be Named In Honor Of Colby

Thursday, 16 May 2013 00:00

On Saturday, May 18, the Town of Oyster Bay will conduct a ceremony to officially re-name its golf course in honor of Joseph Colby, a resident of Massapequa Park who served as the Town of Oyster Bay’s 56th supervisor. The Honorable Joseph Colby was appointed supervisor in 1977 and was elected to that office five times in the following ten years. He was then elected as a New York State Supreme Court Justice in 1988, a post he held through his retirement from public service in 1992. The unveiling will take place at the main entrance of the course off South Woods Road in Woodbury.

“When the sign for Honorable Joseph Colby Town of Oyster Bay Golf Course is unveiled, it will celebrate an outstanding career in public service,” Supervisor John Venditto said. “Joseph Colby has always had the needs of the public as his top priority and has been widely respected for his innovation and responsiveness. This golf course will now forever bear his name as a tribute to his outstanding legacy.”