Proposed School Budget Is Under Tax Cap

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

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.

Courage And Resilience

Center Celebrates Massapequa Community Spirit

While it has been nearly seven months since Superstorm Sandy barreled her way though Long Island, the lasting effects of her passing are still being felt by residents in the form of lost belongings, shattered homes, and displaced lives.

Wishing to pay tribute to the strength the people of Massapequa who steadfastly refused to buckle under the weight of such hardship, local social-work organization YES Community Counseling Center is organizing a special event in their honor, dubbed “Massapequa Breathes,” to be held on Saturday, May 18 at Berner Middle School.

Walmart Burglar At Large

Local authorities are investigating a robbery that occurred at the Walmart department store in the Sunrise Mall on Saturday, May 11 at 1:25 a.m.

The subject was described by police as a 5-foot, 8-inch-tall, medium-build man, wearing eyeglasses, khaki pants, a blue shirt, a blue Yankee cap and orange and white gloves. The man was allegedly let into the store after closing by a store manager, who assumed he was a store employee.

Spring Has Sprung: A Day at the Massapequa Street Fair

On Saturday, May 4 a successful ride on the big slide at the Massapequa Community Street Fair warranted a photo, and she was happy to oblige.

A Day To Celebrate

As Massapequa continues to recover and rebuild from Hurricane Sandy, community and school organizations are planning a celebration of the community’s perseverance with a day of fun.  

“Massapequa Breathes,” set for May 18 from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., will include complimentary food, D.J. music and other entertainment while honoring local individuals, businesses, and organizations that helped Massapequa through this challenging time.

John Lepre Makes Magic in Massapequa

To John Lepre, his 71 years on earth have been made all more precious and enjoyable by something that many people refuse to believe in—the power of magic.

Born in the Bronx in 1941, Lepre has been making his living as a full-time performing magician for the past 18 years. A kindly, energetic, soft-spoken man, with a full mane of silver hair and a perpetual smile plastered on his boyish face, he said he was first exposed to what would become his life’s passion at an early age.

Lavallee’s On First

Don Cheadle lobbed his best pitch from the mound at Citi Field just before the players trotted out to a thunderous applause. His Irish eyes were smiling, Keith Lavallee came across the Jumbotron and exclaimed the traditional game opening phrase, “play ball!”

A season ticket holder for more than 12 years, Lavallee, 53, was asked by Citi Field officials to take part in the opening rituals of the game. The tickets are a part of the law firm Lavallee runs with his father, Lavallee Law Offices, located on 4 W Gate in Farmingdale.  

Paying For College: The Great Tuition Crunch

“List price” can be shocking.

But there are ways to beat it.

Andy Newman and Pete Sheehan, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

“Every year, we always see families that are facing the paying for college dilemma,” notes Paul Weber, guidance chairperson for the Massapequa schools.

“There are always students who apply and are accepted to a great college that they have dreamed of attending,” said Weber. Yet once they hear from the financial aid office and see how much assistance they will get, they might face $30,000 to $40,000 a year in college payments.

The Bobcat Must Go

Agreement reached with town on wildlife in home

Bobby Horvath relaxed in his North Massapequa home one day last week, soon after he and his wife, Cathy, had reached an agreement with Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto that the couple could keep some of the animals and birds they rescued at home, although others would have to go, namely  Tasha the bobcat.

The agreement between the Horvaths and the town came after negotiations, which were sparked by a neighbor’s complaint, objecting to all of the wildlife at the house on North Wyoming Avenue.