_________________ bellmore ________________ Our property taxes went down.
HERALD
I got the slide!
local artist hits the stage
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A library card offers more than books es, programs, technology, creative spaces, educational opportunities, and services designed Owning a library card pro- to meet the evolving needs of vides much more clout than our community,” she added. Among the resources availsimply checking out a book for three weeks at a time — and the able to cardholders are e-books, North Bellmore Public Library concerts, bus trips, cooking and is encouraging residents to take c r a f t p r o g r a m s , a n d t h e another look at what it can offer library’s growing Library of as part of SeptemThings — a collecber’ s National tion that includes Library Card Signfolding tables and up Month. chairs, lawn games, While borrowing an outdoor movie books always will projector and remain central to screen, a sewing t h e l i b r a r y, t h e machine and a drill. building, at 1551 “A library card Newbridge Road, unlocks these opporhas evolved into a tunities and so community hub much more,” offering educationTymecki said. al programs, tech- JESSicA TyMEcki Tymecki said the n o l o g y, c u l t u r a l North Bellmore Public library also offers experiences and Library Director several lesserresources designed k n ow n s e r v i c e s, to meet a variety of needs, including genealogy sessions according to the library’s direc- for residents interested in tor, Jessica Tymecki. researching their family history “As the needs of our commu- and home delivery of library nity have evolved, the library materials for residents whose has continued to adapt and medical or physical needs prei n n ov a t e t o m e e t t h e m , ” vent them from visiting the Tymecki said. library. “A library card is much more Scouts can receive Merit than a means to borrow books Badge Counseling in reading, — it’s a gateway to free resourc-
By HERNESTo GAlDAMEZ
hgaldamez@liherald.com
A
Courtesy Vonn Brickmeier
With the help of artificial intelligence, Kathy and Vonn Brickmeier have created animated scenes and backgrounds for the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District’s Extended School Year production of ‘Ones Upon a Mattress.’
ESY students bring ‘Once Upon a Mattress’ to the big screen By HERNESTo GAlDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com
Students in the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District’s Extended School Year program took to the screen Aug. 13 with a production of “Once Upon a Mattress,” continuing an 11-year tradition of giving students with special needs an opportunity to perform in a supportive, creative environment. The film was shown at Merrick Avenue Middle School for family members, teachers, administrators and other supporters. About 50 students participated in this year’s production, according to Kathy Brickmeier, a Calhoun High School paraprofessional who writes and directs the
shows. The musical, a comedic adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Princess and the Pea,” follows Prince Dauntless as his mother, Queen Aggravain, tries to prevent him from finding a bride. Princess Winnifred the Woebegone arrives and challenges the queen’s plans while winning over the prince. For the students, however, the production is about more than the fairy tale. The six-week ESY program serves students with special education needs ages 11 to 21. Along with academics, students participate in social activities, trips, recreation and enrichment opportunities. “It’s also to help with socialization,” COntinUED On pagE 3
library card unlocks these opportunities and so much more.
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