Your Impatiens Are Doomed

A bad season is ahead for the local favorite.

But there are alternatives

When gardeners begin shopping for spring flowers, they may notice a familiar staple missing: the impatiens.

Impatiens walleriana, which are beloved globally for their wide selection of color and low maintenance, have been affected by a fungus called downy mildew. The fungus first causes tiny spots, then yellowness on the leaves. A few weeks later, all that’s left is the flower’s stem and a frustrated gardener.

Jabbing Left And Right

Peter King takes love of boxing to another level

Some may question why U.S. Representative Peter King would step in the ring against a younger opponent who is a former New York State kickboxing champion. While the Congressman did help promote local business, something he says is pivotal as the economy continues its struggle to recover, King has a far simpler reason for doing so. He just loves boxing.

“I’ve been a boxing trainer for nine years,” said King. “I do it to try and stay I shape and get some self- defense. It’s a great sport.”

Venditto: Debt Not A Worry

Supervisor speaks about

bonding, taxes and town debt

Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto believes that the town is a great place to live and he emphatically said so at a recent board meeting.

He also forcefully defended the decision to incur debt, which he said protects the quality of life of the town’s residents.

“I made a decision a long time ago, that while I would never spend unreasonably, I would spend appropriately to advance legitimate town purposes,” he said. “And I don’t think there is any higher town purpose than to protect the quality of life that we enjoy in the Town of Oyster Bay– the suburban quality of life that we enjoy here in the Town of Oyster Bay.”

Haber: I’ve Helped Massapequa

County Executive candidate speaks

about plans for Nassau’s future

Adam Haber lives in Roslyn and is on the school board there. He also owns a restaurant in Mineola. With strong ties to a different region of the county, Haber was asked if he would pay Massapequa much attention if he is successful in his recently launched bid to become Nassau County Executive. His response is that he already has.

“After Hurricane Sandy, there was a need for services,” he said while speaking with reporters at the offices of Anton Community Newspapers. “So, I filled up a van with clothing, food and water and made four separate runs. I’m Nassau first.”

Cops Identify Dead Woman

Questions remain about circumstances

surrounding death of woman found on Ocean Ave.

The body of a woman found Feb. 14 in an unoccupied home on Ocean Avenue has been identified as 60-yerar-old Irene Luetje, known to her family as Renee, according to Nassau County police.

Police responded to a call at 27 Ocean Avenue around noon and discovered the body. Det. Lt. John Azzata, commanding officer of the Nassau County homicide squad, reported that Luetje was found wearing a black jacket, black Capri pants, a black pullover shirt and silver shoes. Her purse, which contained money, was found with her, as was her driver’s license. What is not clear is how Luetje ended up more than five miles away from her apartment at 124 West Drive in North Massapequa, where her car was still located. The landlord of the home had a conversation with Luetje at 11 a.m. on January 6. Azzata said that is the last time Luetje was seen alive. Police are hoping someone may have spotted Luetje after Jan. 6 and will come forward.

Cops Probe Deadly Fire

Nassau County police are investigating a house fire that claimed the life of an occupant of a Massapequa Park home. Approximately 100 firefighters from the  Massapequa Fire Department responded to an active fire in a home at the northwest corner of Van Buren Street and Park Boulevard during the early morning hours of Wednesday, Feb. 20.

When they arrived, a man was discovered on the second floor, apparently trapped by the fire and unable to escape. A Nassau County advanced medical technician pronounced him dead at 2:50 a.m., about one hours and 45 minutes after firefighters arrived.

The Nassau County Police announced that the arson bomb squad is investigating the fire. It is considered non suspicious, although the investigation is ongoing. As of press time, police had not released the identity of the victim, pending notification of his family as well as the report of the medical examiner.

Suozzi: I Love Massapequa

Last week, the political scene in Nassau took an unexpected twist when Tom Suozzi, the former Democratic county executive, announced that he is seeking to reclaim the office he held for two terms before being narrowly defeated by Republican Ed Mangano in 2009 in a bid for a third term. Right after his announcement, Suozzi kicked off his campaign and stopped at Anton Community Newspapers for a meeting with editors. He was questioned about his relationship with Massapequa, a town dominated by Republicans. He expressed an affinity for the area.

“Southeast Nassau is one of the only places that is still consistent with the original suburban concept,” he remarked. “It’s still the closest to the original suburban dream and I would like to keep it the way it is,”

They Really Do

Massapequa couples celebrate

more than six decades of marriage

What is the secret to a long and happy marriage? For two Massapequa couples, the answer is, at least partially, both fate and faith. Grace and William Smith will mark their 63rd wedding anniversary this April, while Angela and Fred Esposito have been married for 61 years.

Both couples were invited and scheduled to attend a special Valentine’s Day reception hosted by Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano. This is significant as Valentine’s Day holds a special meaning for the Espositos. Their romance began at a Valentine’s Day dance in 1945.

Sulc Out, Iconis In

Massapequa Superintendent Charles Sulc stunned the community at a recent school board meeting, announcing he would retire on June 30, the end of this school year. The school board immediately announced Sulc is to be replaced by Lucille Iconis, currently the assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction.

“I think I’ve made a difference,” Sulc told the Massapequan Observer. “One of the things that I always want to be remembered for is that I would never let this place fail. Whatever it took to get something done, I would do it. I’ve had great teams to work with and those great teams have made this a better place. We’ve had a lot of success in my six years as superintendent.”

Mayor Angry At Cuts

Mayor James Altadonna expressed frustration at the cuts in state aid given to the Massapequa school district in Gov. Cuomo’s proposed 2013/14 executive budget. At a recent village board meeting, the mayor lashed out at the proposal, saying that the governor has not taken into account how badly damaged the Massapequa area was by Superstorm Sandy.

“This community is hurting,” Altadonna said. “We need to have a number of years where we can rebuild. We still have people not in their houses. We need to recover.”