INCORPORATING THE WEST HEMPSTEAD BEACON VOL. 75 No. 36
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Finding a new purpose in art Jefte and his wife Milagros have been married for 47 years and have three adult children and five grandchildren. His exploration of the world of art For many, retirement is a time to slow down, but for Elmont resident Jefte began just 13 years ago, when he was 59. “I started very late,” he recalled. “I Valle, it marked the beginning of a was with my granddaughter, vibrant new chapter as an and she was painting with artist. tempera paint on an easel. I The 72 year-old Valle, just sat down with her and whose work will be featured s t a r t e d p a i n t i n g . ” W h at at the Freeport Recreation began as a bonding moment Center’s Art Alcove in Sepquickly blossomed into a pastember in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, has a sion. story as colorful and inspir“I liked it. And I said, ‘I ing as his paintings. His art, JeFTe vALLe think I want to pursue this,’” according to Larry Dresner, Artist he said. executive director of the Valle turned to YouTube Long Island Arts Council at Freeport, tutorials and workshops to learn the displays a “great variety of themes and challenging medium of watercolor. subject matter. His artistic style is very “Watercolor is one of the hardest media engaging.” COntinued On Page 7
By MOHAMMAD RAFIQ
mrafiq@liherald.com
Maureen Lennon/Herald
thousands of community members from Freeport lined up for the giveaways.
Cutz for Edu holds back-to-school giveaway for Freeport students Trimz Barber Shop, county legislators are partners in annual event
an ice cream truck, cotton candy, a bouncy house and more. Broughton, who said the event drew Cutz for Edu hosted its 20th annual nearly 2,000 participants, including 1,100 back-to-school giveaway for Freeport stu- children for the back-to-school giveaway, dents on Saturday — this year teaming up spoke about the motivation behind orgawith Nassau County Legislator Seth nizing the event. “But the places that have come out, Koslow and Trimz Barber Shop owner they really enjoy being a Leon Levar Broughton. part of it, and they really Students lined up enjoy giving back. And between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. that’s all we can ask for,” in the Village of FreeBroughton said. port’s municipal lot #10, Broughton shared that behind Trimz, at 20 Guy his favorite part was creLombardo Ave., for backating a mascot named packs and school supplies Bucky and distributing a on a first-come, firstserved basis. The give- LeOn LevAR BROugHTOn children’s coloring book promoting anti-bullying aways also included free Trimz Barber Shop owner and self-confidence, which haircuts from Trimz and pairs of sneakers courtesy of Heeling was well received by the children attending the event. Soles. Koslow, who has taken over the event The back-to-school giveaway is held in partnership with Debra Mulé, the Legisla- from the previous legislator, Kevan Abrature’s alternate deputy minority leader; hams, highlighted its importance from Heeling Soles, Inc. and Steve Muir, its his own experience as a parent who wants president and cofounder; Glory House to see his kids succeed in life. “As a parent, I have my own kids, and I Recovery, Inc. and Terenna Williams, the shelter’s executive director; and support want to make sure they’re set up for success,” Koslow, whose district includes from the Village of Freeport. The five-hour event featured a variety Freeport, said. “I want to make sure they of fun activities, including a video game know that school is important, and it’s truck, music by DJ Sour, face painters, as important to go in with the right attitude. well as light refreshments and snacks for And when they come to an event like this, participants. Other attractions included COntinued On Page 3
By MASHIAT AZMI
Intern
W
hen I’m in art, I disconnect from the world.
T
hey really enjoy being a part of it, and they really enjoy giving back.
Courtesy Jefte Valle
in ‘Snow in the City,’ a 10x13 watercolor, a lone figure holding a red umbrella stands between snow-covered cars, gazing toward tall buildings in the distance.