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HERALD Also serving Roosevelt
VOL. 90 NO. 48
Lester Fieldsa is remembered
Sparkle puts on ‘Oz’
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NOVEMBER 27 - DECEMBER 3, 2025
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Woodward kids show culinary skill at luncheon By MOHAMMAD RAFIQ mrafiq@liherald.com
Holden Leeds /Herald
Woodward culinary students James Eick, Bobby Albano and Orlando Brown prepare meals for the Freeport Chamber of Commerce.
Woodward Children’s Center invited the Freeport Chamber of Commerce to the school’s first-ever community luncheon last Tuesday, giving local business leaders a close-up look at a culinary program that has grown into one of its most successful vocational offerings. The luncheon was the brainchild of Greg Ingeno, Woodward’s executive director, who also serves as the chamber’s vice president. He said the goal was simple — bring the community in, and let the students shine. “It’s community relationships,” Ingeno said, “and Woodward has a very extensive culinary program.” The program has been in operation for about 25 years, but in the past two years, Woodward – located at 201 W Merrick Road – has expanded it significantly by bringing in outside chefs to work directly with students. Chef Richie Venticinque — who has more than 35 COntinuEd On pAgE 6
Rotary delivers a holiday boost to Long Island Cares By MOHAMMAD RAFIQ mrafiq@liherald.com
The Freeport-Merrick Rotary Club’s annual effort to suppor t Long Island Cares at Thanksgiving retur ned last week with renewed urgency, as Rotarians delivered roughly $1,500 worth of groceries to the hunger-relief organization’s Freeport pantry at a time when food insecurity has surged across Nassau County. The project, now a yearly tradition for the club, culminated last Friday afternoon, when Rotarians gathered at the Costco in Westbury for a coordinated shopping run led by club
Secretary Kerry Hayde. Though this was her first year heading the operation, Hayde organized the logistics with precision: six members arrived at noon, collected shopping carts and began loading them with turkeys, stuffing, baking supplies, canned items and other holiday staples specifically requested by Long Island Cares. The effort was structured to ensure that the food would be both fresh and immediately useful. After filling their carts, the Rotarians wheeled the items out to their vehicles, packed their trunks and backseats, and caravanned to Long
Island Cares’ Freeport location, where staff and volunteers awaited the delivery. The timing was intentional: Long Island Cares needed room to sort the goods and prepare for one of the busiest distribution periods of the year. “We’re excited to be able to donate to Long Island Cares at a time where food prices keep increasing,” Hayde said. “It’s getting harder and harder for folks to (afford) basic goods.” She noted that the project is supported by a mix of club fundraising and a Rotary district grant. While the final breakdown is still being confirmed, the dis-
trict grant, she said, totaled $915, and the remainder was generated by the club’s own charitable efforts. Hayde emphasized that the project reflects a commitment among members to get involved when community needs rise. “It’s important to be a part of that community,” she said, “and step in and help when you
have the ability and resources to do so.” For Hayde, the effort also comes with an awareness of the pressures facing families in need — rising food prices, the instability of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits and the effects of economic strain across the region. COntinuEd On pAgE 7