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VOL. 61 NO. 10
MARCH 5 - 11, 2026
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A Seussian celebration of reading and fun bringing to g ether beloved favorites like Dr. Seuss, but in recent years we really wanted Hundreds of people filled to expand it to stress the importhe Oceanside Library for its tance of literacy. That’s why it’s 13th annual Dr. Seuss and now Dr. Seuss and Friends Day, so we can tap into Friends Day, a celeother authors and bration of reading represent the t h at h a s g row n diverse world of into one of the literacy.” community’s most In the library’s anticipated family theater, families events. gathered for a liveChildren clutchly sing-along with ing goodie bags the BenAnna streamed through Band, which perthe doors last Sunf o r m e d s i l l y, day after checking rhyming songs. in at the welcome Children laughed table, where each and danced as lyryoung reader ics played on the received treats to trademark rhythm kick off the festiviand wordplay of ties. Inside, the Dr. Seuss. building buzz ed Elsewhere, with activity — youngsters lined from crafts and up for balloon art sing-alongs to creations and temstory times and MICHELLE SAMUEL p o r a r y t a t t o o s, scavenger hunts — Assistant director, while others folda l l c e n t e re d o n Oceanside Library ed colorful paper sparking a love of creations in “Oribooks. “Today is really about show- gami from the Jungle of Nool,” ing the community the fun in a workshop blending the Japareading, the joy in literacy,” nese art of paper folding with Michelle Samuel, the library’s Seussian-style beasts and exotassistant director, said. “We’re
By ABIGAIL GRIECO
agrieco@liherald.com
W
Courtesy Island Park Public Schools
Students share the love Students at Francis X. Hegarty Elementary School and Lincoln Orens Middle School, in Island Park, joined more than 500 schools statewide on Feb. 13 to mark P.S. I Love You Day. With many dressed in purple, the initiative’s official color, students took part in activities promoting mental health awareness, kindness and community.
Friedberg JCC hosts lively Purim carnival By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com
Families filled the halls of the Friedberg JCC on Sunday morning for a high-energy Purim carnival that has become a beloved tradition in the Oceanside community for more than a quartercentury. The annual celebration transformed the JCC into a lively carnival scene complete with games, arts and crafts, face painting, bounce houses and obstacle courses. New this year were go-karts, which quickly became a highlight for many of the youngest attendees. Children and parents arrived dressed in colorful costumes, embracing the playful spirit of the Jewish holiday. “We have this every year,” said Andrea
Ahearne, senior program director of early childhood at the JCC. “We didn’t have a specific theme. We invited all families just to be themselves and dress up in their own creative way, which they did, along with staff.” The event is a collaboration between the JCC’s Early Childhood and Youth Services departments, whose staff begin planning shortly after Hanukkah ends each year. While preparations take place behind the scenes for months, the transformation of the building happens in a matter of hours. “Our maintenance staf f is incredible,” Ahearne said. “They turn the building around so quickly for setup and breakdown. We really have a solid team to ensure that the event is successCONTINUED ON PAGE 10
hile we have added new things, I think the nostalgia of it, and the family feel, is what keeps everybody coming back. It really is just a fun family day, something for everyone to enjoy.
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