Breakfast brings families together in Massapequa Park
by Ron Scaglia

Summer has arrived in Massapequa Park. While summer officially began on June 21st, for Massapequa Park residents, the summer kick-off occurred with the annual "Breakfast in the Park" presented by the Village of Massapequa Park. This year, the breakfast was held in Brady Park on a sun-drenched but refreshingly chilly July 1st morning.

"It's a beautiful day in the park," said Oyster Bay Councilwoman Rose Marie Walker as she served bacon to residents of Massapequa Park. "What a wonderful event seeing everyone enjoying themselves. It's a spectacular annual event in Massapequa Park and I'm very proud to be a part of it."

Councilwoman Walker was on hand with other elected officials to do what they were elected to do - to serve the public. Dishing out eggs, bacon, French toast, and other breakfast items were State Assemblyman Joseph Saladino, Nassau County Legislator Peter Schmitt, Village Trustee Jeff Pravato, and other local officials.

Also on hand were many of the residents of Massapequa Park. The group was a mix of long-time residents who have experienced the annual event many times as well as new residents who were enjoying their first taste of a Massapequa Park breakfast. And while they had different reasons for being there, everyone agreed that on this morning, Brady Park was the place to be.

"The breakfast is good and the price is right," said Sal Amato who has been to the annual event many times. Amato was enjoying the morning with other long-time residents Maggie Dwyer, Angela Stagno and Jim Stagno, who came to Massapequa Park years ago after playing on a minor league affiliate of the Yankees. He seemed to enjoy everything about the morning, except the Red Sox hat worn by this reporter.

"This is very nice," said another resident, Beth McKenna. "It's a chance to see our neighbors, have breakfast and enjoy our Town festivities" McKenna and her family were enjoying the day along with the O'Sullivan and Meaney families, and the children seemed delighted at the opportunity to play in the park.

If the breakfast wasn't enough, there was also musical entertainment. Massapequa resident David Abbinanti performed a medley of classic rock songs such as Takin¿ It Easy, Mrs. Robinson and New York State of Mind. Abbinanti was also promoting his debut CD, Local Train to Babylon.

For some, the nice weather was more than enough reason to spend time in the park. Lorraine Vanikiotis attended the event with a group of divorced and separated Catholics and felt the day was perfect.

Said Vanikiotis, "I've been coming for over ten years. On a beautiful day like this, who wants to be in the house."

Those in attendance for the first-time also enjoyed the early-summer tradition. The Murphy and Shane families of Massapequa Park both enjoyed the festivities and intend to return to the event for a second time next year.

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