_________________ BALDWIN ________________
HERALD Three schools earn ADl honor
Future Problem Solvers shine
Celebrating a lasting impact
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Vol. 33 No. 26
JuNE 25 - July 1, 2026
$1.00
Where stories unite us, one page at a time where I grew up,” Munn said. “It has that same mix of lowerto upper-middle-class working A new chapter has begun for professionals, along with many Baldwin book lovers. Book residents who immigrated from Nook, Long Island’s only Black- the Caribbean and Africa.” For Munn, the bookstore’s owned bookstore, opened at mission extends beyond book1205 Grand Ave. on May 2. It is also the hamlet’s first shelves and bestseller lists. She independently owned book- hopes it will serve as a gatherstore. After years of research, ing place where neighbors can Marlene Munn and her hus- meet, share ideas and build band, Rober to relationships. Joseph, chose Bald“We need a third win for their busispace,” she said, ness, believing resioutside homes and dents would workplaces or embrace a local schools. “I think gathering place people are craving centered on reading for it and don’t necand connection. essarily know “I just thought where to go to crethat this was a ate it. So we’re hopgreat community to MARlENE MuNN ing that this be in,” Munn said. Owner, Book Nook becomes their third “I felt that there space.” were a lot of profesSince the store sionals here, and I thought it opened, customers have reguwould be an asset.” larly struck up conversations Baldwin’s diversity and while browsing the shelves. strong sense of connection, she “They’re looking for a book, added, made it a natural fit for but they hear a conversation an independent bookstore. It going on, and they come and reminded her of her childhood they interject,” Munn said. neighborhood in southeast “It’s the sharing.” Queens, a stable area of workResidents say that Book ing professionals from a vari- Nook has quickly become a ety of cultural backgrounds. Continued on page 11 “Baldwin seemed similar to
By AllySoN FERRARI
aferrari@liherald.com
Maureen Lennon/Herald
Celebrating freedom and heritage Members of the Baldwin Civic Association came together to celebrate Juneteenth and the power of community. Story, more photos, Page 3.
Painting a path to peace across L.I.
Students’ artwork donated to family courts to inspire hope By AllySoN FERRARI aferrari@liherald.com
For children and families navigating the uncertainty of family court, a colorful sunset, peaceful landscape or serene photograph may offer a brief moment of calm. That is the goal of Baldwin School District’s Mindfulness Through Art program, which celebrated its third annual exhibition on June 5 at Baldwin High School before donating more than 30 student-created works for permanent display in Nassau and Suffolk family courts. The initiative, inspired by the district’s Assistant Director of Instructional Programs Gabriella Franza’s experiences as a foster and adoptive parent, brings together student artists, educators and court officials to create more welcoming spaces for families facing difficult circumstances. “There’s a lot of uncertainty about family, and that can be the core support to our lives,” Franza said. “Having and creating a space in there that can support the mental health, the mindfulness of anyone, was really important.”
The exhibition featured paintings, drawings and photographs created by students from across the district. Before the pieces are installed in courthouses throughout Long Island, students had the opportunity to display their work gallery-style and discuss the inspiration behind it with judges, court staff, family members and district administrators. The program grew from a partnership Franza helped establish with Nassau and Suffolk family courts after developing a relationship with the Nassau County Bar Association. “It’s just been a really great relationship that we’ve had now for three years,” she said. While the artwork itself varies in subject matter, students were united by a common goal: creating pieces that promote mindfulness, hope and relaxation. To help inspire their work, students participated in a “Leaving to Learn” experience at Planting Fields Arboretum, where they explored natural landscapes and discussed concepts such as mindfulness, peace and emotional Continued on page 7
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hey feel proud that someone took a chance to open a bookstore.