_________________ FREEPORT _________________
HERALD Also serving Roosevelt
School destroys vacant building
Red Devils make playoffs
Roosevelt rings in homecoming
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Vol. 90 No. 43
oCToBER 23 - 29, 2025
$1.00
Freeport plans for America’s 250th birthday cooking. “I know it seems like we have lots of time, but for the Each month, organizations Bicentennial in 1976, we had including the Freeport Memori- two years to plan,” Feeney al Library, the Chamber of added. “The war went on for Commerce, and Sparkle on seven years, and we’re only celStage Cultural Arts Center ebrating one part of it. Even so, meet to coordinate events for there is a lot to do.” Feeney also noted that the Freeport’s upcoming 250th anniversary celebration the week of July 4 will be crowded with national week of July 4, 2026, events. “It is the and throughout the week of the World year. Cup finals that will The latest planbe in New Jersey, ning meeting was and the tall ships set for Wednesday, will be arriving,” after the Herald she said. “You’ ll went to press, at the watch parties library. RoBERT KENNEDy have and other activities. “What we’re Mayor So getting your pardoing now is a lot ticular event on the of planning and making sure that dates don’t calendar is important.” While no single organization conflict,” librarian and archiv i s t Re g i n a Fe e n e y s a i d . is leading the overall effort, a “We’re discussing what each shared calendar can be found at org anization has planned, freeportnyhistory.org. The first whether it is booked and event is scheduled for Nov. 24, whether it needs a permit. So at 2:30 p.m., at the library, far, the only event that definite- where a plaque will be unveiled ly needs a permit is the fire- honoring one of two known works hosted by the Chamber Revolutionary War patriots from Freeport. of Commerce.” “There were two patriots,” The celebration will feature lectures, concerts and histori- Feeney says. “The other plaque cal demonstrations, including will be at Village Hall, and re-enactments and colonial-era Continued on page 5
By MoHAMMAD RAFIQ
mrafiq@liherald.com
Courtesy Woodward Public Schools
Woodward School holds Hispanic Heritage event Flamenco dancer Sophia, left, speaker Janna Rodriguez, Danielle Barry, Assistant Executive Director, guitar player Mark, Executive Director Greg Ingino and Natalia Basava of Cadencia Dancers gathered following Woodward’s Hispanic Heritage event. Story, more photos, Page 3.
Greg Ingeno lauded by Nassau County Chamber of Commerce By MoHAMMAD RAFIQ mrafiq@liherald.com
After nearly half a century dedicated to education and community service in Freeport, Greg Ingeno, 69, continues to shape lives as executive director of Woodward Children’s Center, a school renowned for its unwavering support of students with special needs. Ingeno’s contributions once again have been recognized, most recently by Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce as its Business Person of the Year — a testament to a career rooted in compassion, resilience and visionary leadership. A graduate of C.W. Post College and a former
teacher at William Floyd Elementary School, he soon found his niche working with children who faced unique challenges. “I felt it was my calling and, you know, here I am, 46 years later,” Ingeno recalled. He began his journey at Woodward – which is located at 201 W. Merrick Road – as a special education teacher in 1979, moving across grade levels, and embracing every opportunity to connect, mentor and support. Over the years, he introduced the school to vocational programs, enriching the learning environment with practical and engaging experiences. For the past 22 years, Ingeno has served as Continued on page 6
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t seems early, but it really isn’t.