__________________ Merrick _________________
HERALD
Back to School, Back to
Natalie Toler
Colts to honor fallen FDNY hero
Art lovers gather at library
Page 4
Page 9
Vol. 28 No. 36
$1.00 $1.00
september 4 - 10, 2025
Home!
Looking for the ideal home this Fall? Whether you ’re buying or selling, I’ll guide you through the proces s. September is the sea son of new beginnings.
Make your move tod
ay!
Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker O 5166693700 | M 516 3880912 | natalie.toler@ elliman.com
Rockville Centre Offi ce | 304
Merrick Road | 516.669 .3700
elliman.com © 2025 DOUG LAS ELLIM AN 110 WALT WHIT MAN ROAD, REAL ESTATE. EQUA L HOUSING OPPO RTUNITY. HUNT INGTO N STATI ON, NEW YORK 11746. 631.5 49.74 01
A program that packs a real punch mental sharpness. Lebeaux said that the program is promoted by local doctors and therapists The sound of gloves hitting as well as word of mouth. “Doctors refer here, physical heavy bags echoed through the fitness room at the Friedberg therapists refer here, and peoJCC in Oceanside last month, ple call us themselves,” she when instructor and North said. “This is just one piece of Merrick resident Steve Solo- what we do for Parkinson’s — mon led a group of five seniors we offer discussion groups, through a Parkinson’s boxing caregiver support, and lots of class. Gloria Lebeaux, senior different activities.” The boxing prodirector of social services at the JCC, gram runs twice a said the twice-aweek — on Monweek program is a days, at 12:45 p.m., lifeline for those when it draws a parwith the progressive ticularly larg e disease. group, and again on “It’s really T h u r s d ay s , a t 6 important, because p. m . , a s m a l l e r, it’s the only thing more intimate sesthat, scientifically, sion. has any impact on steVe solomoN Tom Minlionica, Parkinson’s at all,” Boxing instructor 73, of Baldwin, who Lebeaux said. “Medh a s Pa rk i n s o n’s, ication has an said the sessions impact on symptoms, but it are more motivating than typidoesn’t reduce the disease. cal exercise. “It helps, and I Exercise — and boxing in par- notice the difference,” he said. ticular — has been shown to “It’s something I look forward have an actual impact on the to.” disease process.” Hewlett resident Steve Toor, Boxing’s unique combina- 74, was diagnosed with Parkintion of footwork, coordination son’s in 2019, after noticing and cognitive focus works the mobility issues during a busib r a i n a n d b o dy t o g e t h e r, ness trip to Las Vegas. His docimproving balance, posture and
by KepHerD DANIel
kdaniel@liherald.com
Y
Joseph D’Alessandro /Herald
Justina Martin attended Meet, Greet and a Treat to introduce her children, kindergartener Pauly, 3rd grader Mariella and 5th grader Mickaline to their teachers at Old Mill Road Elementary School on Aug. 28.
Teachers welcome new and returning Students connect with teachers at annual Meet, Greet by JosepH D’AlessANDro jdalessandro@liherald.com
Teachers across North Merrick received students and parents with open arms at the annual Meet, Greet and a Treat event, gently beginning a new school year. At Old Mill Road Elementary School, a steady crowd of parents and their children approached a line of tables set outside the building on Aug. 28. Behind each of the tables were pairs of teachers, introducing themselves to newcomers and welcoming familiar faces with enthusiasm. Similar events happened at the Harold D. Fayette and Camp Avenue elementary schools. A key attraction of the event was teachers offering a treat to students, usual-
ly in the form of school supplies like writing utensils, pencil cases, and folders. Ivy Morash has taught kindergarten at Old Mill Road for 29 years. “It’s always nice to have a new beginning and a new set of really excited learners, and especially for me,” she said. “In kindergarten, it’s just their first experience in the big school, and it’s really nice to be that teacher that’s with them in their first experience.” Families and educators meeting each other before classes begin gives both parties an opportunity to coordinate without the pressure of fitting conversation into a full day of classes. “We have the kids come in for an hour on COnTinuEd On PAGE 8
ou just adapt to their needs and don’t treat them too differently.
COnTinuEd On PAGE 23