Military Children Enjoy Some Mini-Golf Fun

Pictured L-R: Legislator Steve Stern, Tom Ronayne, Director, Suffolk County Veterans Services Agency, Steve Gramolini, Owner, Monster Mini-Golf, Service member Robert Walsh, John Nicolette, Owner, Monster Mini-Golf, Michael Haynes, Long Island Cares-The Harry Chapin Food Pantry, 4-H volunteer, Vicki Fleming, “Operation Military Kids”, Cornell Cooperative Extension,and military children. Photo Credit: Office of Steve Stern


Children of those serving in our nation's armed forces recently got a chance to have some fun at Deer Park's Monster Mini-Golf. 

Suffolk County Legis. Steve Stern, D-Huntington, chairman of the Veterans and Seniors Committee, hosted an event for military children and their families to commemorate the “Month of the Military Child" on April 28. 

Steve Gramolini and John Nicolette, the owners of Monster Mini-Golf in Deer Park, graciously donated use of their fantastic facility for the celebration.  Steve and John provided snacks, goody bags and the chance to play glow-in-the dark mini golf and play video games with other military children. Their parents enjoyed a break and the opportunity to spend time with other military families.

“Operation Military Kids,” a program provided by Suffolk County 4-H, Cornell Cooperative Extension, brought “Family Pack” backpacks, loaded with goodies for the children, including a one-time use camera, family games and a “Welcome Home Garden” seed packet for families to plant together. 

Bono’s Pizzeria of Deer Park provided delicious pizza for all who attended. Long Island Cares- The Harry Chapin Food Bank brought its mobile pantry and snacks for the children. Stern introduced legislation marking April as “Month of the Military Child” to recognize and honor the sacrifices made not only by the brave men and women serving our great nation, but by their families as well.  

“As Chairman of the Veterans and Seniors Committee, I have the great honor to work with and for our military members and their families and am acutely aware of the immense sacrifices they make on a daily basis,” Stern said.  ‘It is vitally important to support these families and especially their children, not just with words, but with action. I am pleased to host this event for the children and their families as a way to give back and let them know we support them.  I would also like to thank John and Steve and their friendly staff for their incredible generosity and dedication to our servicemen and women and their families.” 

“I didn’t realize how much we needed this,” said Tiffany Gentile of the Fighting 69th Family Readiness Group.  “The minute I walked in here, it was like an enormous weight was lifted off my shoulders and we could just have fun.” 

"It was an honor and a privilege to give back to the military people and their families, John Nicolette and Steve Gramolini, owners of Monster Mini-Golf said. “ We are very grateful for their many sacrifices made in order to keep our country safe." 

“I thank everyone who helped make this event such a success,” Stern said.  “Our military children and families deserve our support and must know that we as a community are here for them and recognize their sacrifices for our great nation.”