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Young scout plants seeds of growth in Woodmere By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com
Courtesy Annie Petraro
Joseph Petraro, 13, sixth from left, completed his Eagle Scout project at the Five Towns Premier Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, in Woodmere, on April 22.
At age 13, Hewlett resident Joseph Petraro is already achieving what many Boy Scouts spend years working toward, completing the requirements for one of the highest honors in scouting with a deeply personal and community-driven Eagle Scout project. A Lone Scout in Scouting America, Joseph began his journey as a 5-year-old Cub Scout before becoming a Boy Scout at age 10. What started as games quickly evolved into leadership and service. “At first, it was just fun,” he said. “But as I got older, I realized it was a lot more CoNTiNuEd oN PAgE 7
An era ends: Hewlett King Kullen to close on May 21 By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com
King Kullen in Hewlett will close its doors for good on May 21 after it was unable to negotiate a new lease, marking the end of a 45-year presence for shoppers in the community. Located at 1765 Peninsula Blvd., the supermarket has long been a neighborhood staple, offering groceries, prepared foods and a familiar gathering place for generations of residents. Closing the store is expected to leave a noticeable gap for many who relied on its convenience and connection to the community.
In an April 20 statement, a company spokesperson said the decision was tied to lease challenges. “The decision to close was made after lease options expired and we were unable to reach favorable lease renewal terms,” the statement read. “King Kullen is honored to have served the Hewlett community for 45 years.” Still, the impact on the community is expected to be significant. For many residents, the store’s central location made it a reliable and accessible option for everyday needs. Shoppers will now have to travel a bit farther, with the nearest King Kul-
len located in neighboring Valley Stream. Dennis Gilroy, a Woodmere resident and longtime Hewlett Fire Department member, said he shops at the Peninsula Boulevard supermarket up to three times a week. “It’s convenient and it’s a great grocery store,” Gilroy said. “I don’t know why they’re leaving. I’ve been shopping here since it was called the Big Apple.” Gilroy commended the shop for its convenience and the courtesy he receives from its workers. “When I heard they were closing, I couldn’t believe it,”
he said. “They have the best cold cutters, the know-how to cut the meat, and they know what they’re doing. Everybody here is family and my whole family has been here their whole lives.” The nearest supermarket is Foodtown, at 1368 Peninsula Blvd. in the Peninsula Shopping Center in Hewlett.
“We have King Kullen and Foodtown. That’s all our choices,” Gilroy said. “I don’t go to Gourmet Glatt or Trader Joe’s.” Beyond convenience, longtime shoppers said King Kullen’s closing represents the loss of a familiar neighborhood fixture. Over the years, it has been more than just a place to buy CoNTiNuEd oN PAgE 13