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HERALD VOl. 33 NO. 20
Chapter No. 718 honors mothers
SCOPE awards district members
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MAY 14 - 20, 2026
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Students build libraries for local readers website, the organization’s mission is “to be a catalyst for building community, inspiring Baldwin High School stu- readers, and expanding book dents have built and painted a access for all through a global dozen Little Free Libraries that network of volunteer-led Little will soon appear throughout Free Library book-exchange the community, turning a class- boxes.” The libraries operate room project into a neighborthrough a “take hood literacy inio n e, l e ave o n e ” tiative aimed at honor system that expanding access allows community to books. The initiative, members to donate called “Little books while taking Libraries, Big another book for B a l dw i n , ” i s a free. partnership Planning for the between the Baldinitiative began in win School Dis- ElISSA KIRChNER October with the trict and the Bald- Co-chair, Baldwin goal of unveiling win Civic Associathe project during Civic Association tion. The program, National Library Beautification launched April 24 We e k i n Ap r i l , during National Committee Gabriella Franza, L i b r a r y We e k , the district’s assisfalls under the 2026 theme tant director of instructional “Find Your Joy.” programs, said. The project builds on a comAbout 40 students in woodm u n i t y - b a s e d L i t t l e F r e e working and art classes particiLibrary effort that has contin- pated in the project. Students ued throughout Baldwin for the in the woodworking program past five to six years, according handcrafted the libraries, while to Elissa Kirchner, co-chair of Art 3 students painted and decthe civic association’s beautifi- orated them with original cation committee. designs. Little Free Library is a nonFranza said students largely profit organization based in St. directed the artwork and overPaul, Minn. According to its
By AllYSON FERRARI
aferrari@liherald.com
I
Maureen Lennon/Herald
Hangout One Happy Place founder Angela Lucas, center, with her students during remarks and performances at the annual autism walk celebration in Baldwin Park.
Autism walk fills Baldwin Park with a celebration focused on inclusion By AllYSON FERRARI aferrari@liherald.com
What began as a rain-delayed celebration became what organizer Angela Lucas called “the most beautiful walk ever” — a day filled with emotional performances, dancing and community connection centered on inclusion and acceptance. The sixth annual Hangout One Happy Place Autism Walk, which took place April 26, after weather forced a schedule change from the day before, drew about 200 people to Baldwin Park for a celebration Lucas described as “magical.” “It was a day of love where everything was OK,” she said. “Everybody embraced each other.” Families gathered beneath cloudy skies as music filled Baldwin Park, where participants danced, waved signs and cheered on
performers throughout the afternoon. Audience members sang along during the performances while children and adults joined hands near the stage, turning the walk into both a celebration and a community gathering. Lucas created Hangout One Happy Place to provide a welcoming social space for young adults of varying abilities through expressive and creative programming. The nonprofit offers dance, fitness and art classes throughout the week, giving participants opportunities to build confidence, friendships and routine in an inclusive setting. While previous years were more Baldwincentered, Lucas said this year’s walk attracted broader support from across Nassau County and the neurodiversity community. Despite the weather and the schedule change, she said, participants adapted effortCOntinued On PAge 8
hope our neighbors feel the love of Baldwin that I do.
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