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Music teacher strikes a chord with the Grammys By HAIlEY FUlMER hfulmer@liherald.com
Courtesy Christine Tuzzolo
Christine Tuzzolo’s spirited personality extends beyond her role as a music teacher, as she is widely recognized for bringing the entire Polk Street community together.
At Polk Street School, students in music classes learn lessons that extend far beyond melody and rhythm. For Christine Tuzzolo, a music teacher with a deep passion for education, the goal is not simply to teach music, but to build confidence and create a space in which students feel safe expressing themselves. Tuzzolo’s dedication has not gone unnoticed. Members of the school community have nominated her for a Grammy Music Educator Award, which recognizes educators who make lasting impacts on students and their communities. The nomination was initiated by parent Anna McCombs, who submitted a letter to the Grammy Museum, which present the reward, along with an upbeat video featuring students describing Tuzzolo’s character and influence. The video highlights how Tuzzolo’s efforts extend well beyond the classroom. In November, for example, her sixthConTinued on Page 13
Uniting heritage with leadership at lodge installation By HAIlEY FUlMER hfulmer@liherald.com
The colors white, red and green — symbolizing the Italian flag — were joined by gold and purple, the official colors of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, America Lodge 2245, in Franklin Square, as members gathered on March 18 to mark the start of a new term for lodge President Joseph Armocida and fellow officers. The OSDIA is the largest and oldest organization in the country representing Italian heritage, and the future of the lodge always stems from the
leadership and the duties performed by its leaders. The lodge holds elections every two years, with the president serving as the highestranking officer and overseeing operations and gover nance. Armocida was sworn in for his second consecutive ter m as president of the lodge. The installation ceremony, which took place at the OSDIA’s regular meeting place, the Veterans of Foreign Wars on Lincoln Road, recognized both outgoing and incoming officers and began with a celebratory meeting featuring authentic Italian cuisine, reflecting the group’s emphasis on family,
heritage and cultural tradition. Maria Passalaqua, a lodge member for eight years, who previously served as financial secretary for the 2024–2026 term, was installed as first vice president. She said she is eager to connect with officers from other lodges and learn more about the organization’s inner workings. The installation included outgoing officers stepping forward, removing their regalia and returning to the general assembly. Afterward, incoming officers then stepped forward to assume their roles. During the ceremony, Nassau County Legislator John
Giuffré, also a member of the organization, recognized the lodge’s continued growth, even during the Covid-19 pandemic. Giuffré, whose grandfather arrived on Ellis Island at age 14, said his Italian heritage remains an important part of his identity. “The consistent excellence of leadership from before and
after the pandemic has resulted in the growth of the lodge,” Giuffré cited. “The only organization that I know that grew during the pandemic.” Sally Nicoletti, 88, a lodge member for 45 years, said she hopes to continue embracing her Italian roots. Carolyn Reyes, who served ConTinued on Page 10