Issuu

__________________ Merrick _________________

HERALD

Easy. Honest. Accurate.

tlake Team

Part of the Louise Pi

1254443

Office 516-623-4500 17 71 124 163 ll: Ce elliman.com Lisa.pellegrino@

THE LEADER IN PROP ERTY TAX REDUCT ION

Vol. 27 No. 43

oCT. 17 - 23, 2024

Maidenbaum Property Tax Reduction Grou p, LLC 483 Chestnut Street, Cedarhurst, NY 11516 Habl

$1.00 $1.00

1262380

ultant Real Estate Cons Top Producer

Save on your property taxes with Nassau County’s trusted tax reduction experts.

amos Español

Sensory Nook Pod now at the N. B. Library

district lines were drawn, and the library fell under Giangregorio’s jurisdiction. “I had a meeting with the The North Bellmore Public Library is now home to a Senso- company to get an idea of the ry Nook Pod — a certified specs, if it would work for us, because it’s an international autism resource for children of all ages with special education company,” Tymecki said of the needs and disabilities. Sensory Nook Pod. “We reached The new nook, installed in out to Legislator McKevitt at the children’s wing the time — he of the library, was thought it was a made possible great project.” through a commuM c K e v i t t nity revitalization brought Giangregoproject grant, rio into the game which was supporte a rl y, s h e s a i d , ed by Nassau Counbecause Giangregoty Legislator rio’s son has special Michael Giangregoneeds, and helping rio, who represents MIChAEl the autism commuparts of Mer rick nity is a big part of GIANGREGoRIo and Bellmore. his legislative goals. T h e n o o k i s Nassau County “It was a team International Board Legislator effort from the very of Credentialing Merrick b e g i n n i n g , ” and Continuing Tymecki said. Education StanThe nook pod is dards-certified for those with a highly inclusive, adaptable autism. space that is particularly effecPlanning for the Sensory tive for neurodiverse patrons, Nook Pod began about three including those with autism, years ago, Jessica Tymecki, the ADHD and dyslexia. Equipped library’s director, told the Her- with comfortable seating for ald. At that time, Legislator one to four persons, the nook is Tom McKevitt represented the a quiet sanctuary that boasts a area encompassing the library, table and bench seats, color at 1551 Newbridge Road. Fol- changing lights, and a fiber lowing the 2023 elections, new

By JoRDAN VAlloNE

jvallone@liherald.com

Courtesy Kristen Amato

John Paul Amato, a student at Calhoun High School, received a new service dog, Sunny, at Newbridge Road Park earlier this month. Family and friends are pictured alongside John Paul, who is in the center with Sunny.

Calhoun student finds joy, support thanks to new service dog, Sunny By JoRDAN VAlloNE jvallone@liherald.com

John Paul Amato, a 16-year-old student at Sanford H. Calhoun High School’s COORE Program, has a new reason to smile — a furry friend who will stand by his side, providing him with the support and services he needs while he’s out in public. John Paul and his family received a service dog, Sunny, at Newbridge Road Park on Oct. 3. And even though the animal has only been a part of his family for a few weeks, her arrival has already greatly impacted his demeanor, according to his mom, Kristen Amato. Kristen said her son, who has Fragile X Syndrome, a genetic disorder that can cause a wide range of developmental issues, including intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities and behavioral problems, received his first service dog, Perky, in 2016.

“She really did help him out with his anxiety,” she said of Perky. “He has anxiety when he goes to outdoor events, with regards to traveling, airport travel. If he’s in a large group, like at an amusement park, he’ll have a lot of anxiety. And she really did help ease that anxiety.” Perky went everywhere with the family, Kristen said, like restaurants and as far away as Disney World in Florida, but she died in January at the age of 13. The Amatos reside in Bellmore, but John Paul attends Calhoun High School in Merrick, which houses some of the BellmoreMerrick Central High School District’s special education services, including its COORE program, for students with special needs. Melissa Rohr, Calhoun’s special education chairwoman, said John Paul is such a pleasure to be around. “John Paul has such a vibrant personality,” she said. “He loves being at Calhoun. CoNtiNued oN PAge 2

am thrilled to have helped secure this grant for the library.

CoNtiNued oN PAge 5