Grub, Scaparro Named Seaford Starters In Annual Hot Chocolate 5K

SEAFORD, NY. — The Seaford Wellness Council has named Marge Grub and John Scaparro as the honorary starters for its 20th annual Hot Chocolate 5K, honoring Scaparro as a community representative and Grub as the Seaford Chamber of Commerce’s businessperson of the year.

Race participants will receive a free T-shirt, and hot chocolate and bagels are served afterward accompanied by a raffle and an awards ceremony.

Proceeds from the run will support the Seaford Public Library’s Summer 2026 Children’s Reading Program, a cause supported strongly by both starters "thanks to their strong ties to children’s literacy," the district said: Grub is a former fifth-grade teacher and administrator in New York City public schools, and Scaparro is the President of the Board of Trustees of the Seaford Public Library and the President of the Nassau Library System’s Board of Trustees.

“Oh it’s phenomenal. They do great work,” Scaparro said of the reading program. “I’m really happy that the money’s going to be going to that, because my staff, they are the library…I can’t say enough about them.”

“Knowing that [Seaford kids are] going to read over the summer, and come back, hopefully, in September, with a little bit more knowledge than they left with is absolutely wonderful,” Grub added. “My own three kids, I made sure they joined the Seaford reading program every summer. I think a child should never stop reading-nor an adult.”

While both starters are behind the cause the 5K will support, they share another common characteristic as well: Neither plans to run on Dec. 6. Grub said a knee issue will keep her sidelined, while Scaparro said he prefers to walk.

“I walk. I’ve done a couple of 5Ks, but I walk them,” Scaparro said. “I’m a retired police officer; I didn’t run when I was a cop, I don’t run as a retired person.”

Regardless of running, walking or just enjoying a hot drink, Wellness Council President Mike DiSilvio said the event is a great way for Seaford residents to get in the holiday spirit come early December.

“This event is a wonderful way to start the holiday season in Seaford,” DeSilvio said. “Every year I see nothing but smiling and happy faces from the folks who participate in the Run/Walk.”

The 5k will take place Dec. 6, starting at Seaford High School at 1575 Seamans Neck Road, Seaford, at 9 a.m. More information on the event can be found at the Seaford Wellness Council’s website.