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HERALD Baldwin schools are recognized
Beautifying the dog park
Bethany House Garden Tour
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Vol. 32 No. 26
JUNE 26 - JUly 2, 2025
$1.00
Ellen Pickus of Baldwin still shines on stage High School for three decades, and also managed the school’s literary and art magazine. She Ellen Pickus, a 75-year-old credits her background in literBaldwin resident and a retired ature with dee pening her English teacher, has been back appreciation for librettist W.S. on stage this month with the Gilbert’s lyrics, which she Gilbert & Sullivan Light Opera called “clever and witty.” Pickus said her interest in Company of Long Island, in a “Pinafore” dates new production of back to her child“H.M.S. Pinafore.” h o o d , wh e n h e r Pickus plays one aunt g ave her a of the many sisters, vinyl record of the cousins and aunts opera. of Sir Joseph Por“I played it to ter, First Lord of pieces,” she the Admiralty, in recounted. “I was the classic comic singing along with opera that tells a every part. One of satirical story of my favorites was love, duty and misEllEN pickUS the villain, Dick taken identity Baldwin Deadeye, because aboard a British his lines are so naval ship. funny.” A member of the Pickus has peropera company for med in every since 1985, Pickus recalled joining because she Gilbert and Sullivan opera with was simply looking for a night the company, but said that “Pinafore” and “The Pirates of out once a week. “I enjoy it, and it’s been a Penzance” are among the most steady joy in my life,” she said. frequently revived and consis“It’s a win-win — a delight for tently enjoyable. “It’s always a little different audiences who don’t have to go into Manhattan, and for per- depending on the cast, and the formers like me who just love young people this year are very talented,” she said. doing it.” Company director David Pickus taught English and creative writing at Long Beach Continued on page 11
By HERNESTo GAlDAMEZ
hgaldamez@liherald.com
F
Bill Kelly/Herald
Baldwin remembers George Trippletree Town officials honored FDNY firefighter and Sept. 11 first responder George Trippletree who died of 9/11-related illness in 2022 with a street renaming ceremony on June 21.
Celebrating 50 years of community
St. Christopher’s Church feast to be held July 17-20 By HERNESTo GAlDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com
St. Christopher’s Church in Baldwin is gearing up to celebrate a major milestone this summer — the 50th anniversary of its beloved parish feast. From July 17-20, the Baldwin community is invited to the parish grounds at 11 Gale Ave. for four days of rides, music, international food, games and faith-centered fellowship. The annual event, which began in 1974, has grown into a staple of the summer season and a reflection of the church’s deep ties to the Baldwin community. “This is a big one for us,” Gail Milne, a volunteer coordinator for the feast, said. “The idea
from the start was to bring the community together in more than just a worshiping way — to build camaraderie through fun and food.” Milne said this year’s celebration is especially meaningful because it coincides with the church’s Jubilee Year — a sacred period in the Catholic tradition marked by renewal, reflection, and gratitude. Jubilee years typically encourage acts of mercy, deeper faith, and unity among parishioners. “This year being 50 years, it’s in the scriptures — they talk about a jubilee every 49 years or every 25 years. The 50th or 100th year is celebrated as a jubilee,” Rev. Johnny Mendonca, pastor of St. Christopher’s said. “So this year is Continued on page 3
or many, the arts aren’t just a background they’re a lifeline.