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Health & Fitness

Huntington SEPTA Celebrates at Gala

The Huntington Special Education PTA’s fifth annual Sunset and Sounds on the Bay gala celebrated another year of accomplishments for an organization thoroughly dedicated to the district’s students.

The event drew a crowd of about 125 to the Head of the Bay Club, including Huntington School Board President Emily Rogan, trustees Jennifer Hebert and Tom DiGiacomo, Superintendent James W. Polansky, Assistant Superintendent Joseph Giani, Southdown Principal Michelle Marino, Jefferson Principal Valerie Capitulo-Saide, Finley Principal John Amato, special education administrators and even retired school officials.

“It was a sensational evening,” SEPTA President Christine Biernacki said. “We were able to raise in excess of our goal. We are so grateful to have the support of the community.”

Rain was falling early in the evening, but skies cleared as the night progressed. Spirits inside the Bay Club were running high. Mrs. Biernacki and Nancy Wilson, district director of special education and student support services set the tone with warm welcoming remarks.

The Saturday evening event proved to be an enjoyable time for everyone. The raffles were impressive, totaling more than 50 attractive baskets. Auctioneer extraordinaire Jeffrey Klaverweiden deftly handled the live auction action, which raised even more monies that will be used to support SEPTA’s programs.

The Willie Steel Band played through the night. This year’s gala marked the fifth straight appearance by the band and they remain as popular as ever, with the dance floor filled for most of the evening.

A group of dedicated SEPTA volunteers engaged in extensive planning to insure the large event came off without a hitch. Sunset & Sounds on the Bay is crucial to SEPTA’s efforts to raise the funds necessary to support the group’s initiatives, including its grant program.

Dr. Vicki Mingin, who retired last summer as the district’s executive director of special education and student support services after decades of service, was on hand to share in the festivities. PTA Council President Bari Fehrs was also in attendance, along with many individual school PTA presidents, both past and present.

Gala-goers said the hors d’oeuvres and meal were delicious and the desserts, which were donated by Bon Bons Chocolatier, Cookie Twin Catering and A Rise Above “were out of this world.” Planning is already underway for next year’s event, which will again be held at the Head of the Bay Club.

For more information contact SEPTA by sending an e-mail at to huntingtonsepta@gmail.com

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