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Vol. 27 No. 1
JANUARY 2 - 8, 2025
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Local civic celebrates anniversary civic association in New York, initially served all of Nassau County. But was scaled back in The Garden City South Com- 1952 to include only Franklin munity League, a civic associa- Square School District 17, as tion serving Franklin Square, other civic associations became celebrated its 95th anniversary incorporated. In celebration of the at the Plattdeutsche Park Reslea gue’s history, taurant on Dec. 4. elected officials More than 60 included Assemblyguests were in man Ed Ra, County attendance, includComptroller Elaine ing Nassau County Philips and Legislaofficials and memtor John Giuf fre bers of the civic presented awards association, to comt o Ke l ly, l e a g u e memorate the Director Ellen l e a g u e ’s h i s t o r y Andrasick and forand honor its sermer County Legisvice to the Franklator Laura Schaelin Square commufer. nity. Kelly was recogAt the cocktail nized for her comparty, there was a m u n i t y s e r v i c e, table display of the although she wantleague’s minutes, MARgE KEllY ed to make sure the treasurers’ reports President, rest of her board and newspaper Garden City South was commended clippings dating Community League for the support back to the 1950s. they’ve given her League President Marge Kelly said those items since she became president in would eventually be given to 2018. “Everyone views the presthe Franklin Square Historical idency as this big thing,” she said. “I’m out front and center, Society for preservation. The league, which was origi- fighting the fight. But nobody nally established on Dec. 2, works alone. I do nothing with1929, as the first incorporated Continued on page 9
By RENEE DeloRENZo
rdelorenzo@liherald.com
I
Courtesy Anthony Lee
Sogna Bella Santana performs on the apollo Historic theater stage for amateur night: Holiday Special on dec. 14.
Sogna Santana, 9-year-old Apollo Theater winner By RENEE DeloRENZo rdelorenzo@liherald.com
Sogna Bella Santana has been carrying a tune since before she could even talk. She would hum along with her grandfather and copy the melodies he sang. By age four, Sogna’s mother signed her up for dance classes, but she couldn’t keep herself from singing along to the songs. Soon after, she began performing in children’s productions, landing several lead roles, including the title role in “Annie.” Then, on June 26, at just nine years old, Sogna won Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater.
Sogna, originally from Franklin Square, recalled the moment she found out she’d be performing at the famous theater. She said she got off the bus after school and her mother, Gloria, told her she had a surprise for her. “I was like, ‘What is it? A toy?’” Sogna laughed. “But she goes, ‘No. You’re going to sing at the Apollo.’” “It’s very competitive,” Gloria said. “You have to audition, so you have to be talented already.” For her performance, Sogna sang “I Have Nothing” by Whitney Houston. Gloria said she got a standing ovation. After winning Amateur Night, Sogna received a large $5,000 check and was invited Continued on page 8
t’s a great community. Nobody leaves this town because that’s just the way Franklin Square is. We support each other.