__________________ Merrick _________________
HERALD Page 2 Vol. 28 No. 20
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Courtesy Merrick Union Free School District
Word wizards compete in Scrabble tournament Students at Birch School in the Merrick Union Free School District put their thinking hats on, participating in a scrabble tournament. The preliminary tournament determines which students will compete in the districtwide event, hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Merrick, later this month. Above, Freya, Olivia and Mila were among the many players.
‘My Italian Secret,’ Holocaust film, screened at Merrick golf course By REI WolFSoHN Correspondent
Producer and former educator Vince Marmorale was surprised to discover Livia Delessio, who survived the Holocaust in the care of a convent in Italy, at his recent showing of “My Italian Secret,” a film about Jewish Holocaust survival in Italy, which was screened at the Town of Hempstead’s Merrick Golf Course Clubhouse on April 30. “My Italian Secret” covers the story of the Catholic refugee network and the Jews that it saved. Delessio, an attendee of the screening, shared her story with the audience.
In World War II, the Nazis arrived at Delessio’s door and asked her mother for their papers. Her mother provided their old papers, without religious designation. When the Nazis asked where her husband was, she said he was working for the Nazis in Germany and she saluted Hitler — and they left her alone with her two daughters. “It was a miracle,” Delessio said. “God, somehow he must have inspired my mother on what to answer the German Nazi that came to the door.” Delessio was saved by her town’s convent, which allowed her and her sister to spend their Continued on page 22
There’s no place like Merrick — but you don’t need us to tell you that. Want to spend the day outside? Head to Levy Park & Preserve, one of the best parks around. Looking for something to do this season? There’s always an event on the horizon in Merrick, from beloved holiday parades to community fairs. And speaking of schools — this town has some of the best. From award-winning programs in the Merrick, North Merrick, and BellmoreMerrick school districts to outstanding students who continue to shine in academics, the arts, and athletics — Merrick’s commitment to education is second to none. The Merrick Herald is your community newspaper. No one knows this town, its people, and the things they care about more than we do. We’re here for you in the best of times, and the worst of times — and every moment in between. This week’s Merrick Herald is being mailed to every home, and includes a copy of our popular annual magazine, the Merrick Community Guide. Inside, you’ll find the places,
people, schools, and events that help make this community such a great place to live. If you’re not a Merrick Herald subscriber, we hope this week’s edition persuades you to become one. Each week, in these pages and online, we cover the stories that matter most — and bring you the local news you can’t find anywhere else. To keep quality local journalism strong in Merrick, subscribe today at LIHerald.com/subscribe or call (516) 569-4000, ext. 7. You can also support our work with a one-time or recurring donation at LIHerald.com/ donate. If you’re already a subscriber, thank you for your support. We hope you’re enjoying the paper each week. If you’re new to the Merrick Herald, welcome — our mission is to cover all the news of your neighborhood: from schools to sports, houses of worship to acts of kindness, and everything in between. Enjoy the paper — and thanks for reading! Jordan Vallone, Senior Editor