_________ Oceanside/island park ________
HERALD VoL. 59 No. 49
Island Park Scouts help out
o’Side teacher wins award
Page 16
Page 10
NoVEMBER 28 - DECEMBER 4, 2024
$1.00
Parents voice concerns over Guardian Bus when a Guardian bus hit a pickup truck, before fatally striking a 70-year-old pedestrian and A Change.org petition, titled smashing into a dry cleaning Demanding Accountability and store. Neither incident involved Safety from Guardian Bus Com- criminality. pany, has sparked concer n Oceanside parent Lisbeth among Oceanside residents, Salazar, said her 5-year-old son who are calling for Ethan was injured immediate safety while riding a bus reforms after a stuon the way home d e n t s u f f e re d a from school in Sephead injury on a tember. Ethan hit school bus. his head against the Guardian, a diviwindow due to, what sion of the Logan his mother claims Bus Company, prowas reckless drivvides transportaing, which resulted tion for generalin a visible bump education, specialand bruise. Salazar needs and present her son to the school students doctor and was not across New York informed immediState. The petition LISBEtH SALAzAR ately about the injualleges Guardian’s Oceanside mom ry by the bus driver. negligence, insuffiShe sent an email to cient training, and the school later in the day, asking a lack of transparency in why those on the bus did not addressing number incidents inform her of the incident. After involving personal injuries over which the school nurse checked the years. The petition, as of her son the next day. press time has 538 signatures. “You have to see how the Guardian drivers have been buses are driving and if they involved in several crashes, are following safety guidelines,” including a February 2021 fatal Salazar said. “I know the bus crash in Oceanside in which a company is responsible to some Guardian bus fatally struck an extent, and they should be 81-year-old pedestrian and a responsible. But it’s the school March 2022 crash in Merrick COnTinueD On page 11
By KEPHERD DANIEL
kdaniel@liherald.com
Kepherd Daniel/Herald
The cast of ‘Oklahoma!’, which has been rehearsing for weeks, will stage two shows at Oceanside School Six on Dec. 7 and 8.
Oceanside to stage ‘Oklahoma!’ Theatre guild to give two performances at School Six By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com
The Theatre Guild of Oceanside, a community theater program in association with Oceanside Department of Community Activities will bring the classical Rodgers and Hammerstein musical “Oklahoma!” to the stage next month for two memorable performances at Oceanside School Six. Under the direction of longtime Oceanside teacher Bruce Bider, the musical will be performed on Dec. 7 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. The community production, showcasing both seasoned performers and talented newcomers, promises to breathe new life into the timeless tale of love, rivalry and hope on the American frontier. Set in the early 1900s, “Oklahoma!” tells the story of farm girl Laurey and her suitors, cowboy Curly McLain and the mysterious Jud Fry. The production has already created a strong sense of community among its cast and
crew. For many, “Oklahoma!” is more than just a show — it’s an opportunity for the performers to connect with others, hone their craft, and share the joy of theater with audiences from near and far. “This cast, and even (with the) challenges they’ve faced, is one of the nicest group of people that I have ever worked with,” said Oceanside resident Jacki Schwartz who will play Aunt Eller. “I just think theater people, in general, are very nice, but this group happens to be extraordinary. And to me, that’s the best part of the rehearsal, is being with these people.” For many involved, the production represents a chance to either return to or debut on the stage. Oceanside resident Mark Greenberg thanked his daughter, Gracie, who is studying musical theater in college and once had Bider as a teacher, for debuting in his first production. Gracie Greenberg, who starred as Miss Hannigan in the play “Annie” during her COnTinueD On page 7
Y
ou have to see how the buses are driving and if they are following safety guidelines