__________________ SEAFORD _________________
HERALD Kiwanis prepares for food drive
Honorary patriots announced
Giving back with yoga
Page 2
Page 2
Page 2
Vol. 73 No. 9
FEBRUARY 27 - MARCH 5, 2025
$1.00
She’ll play ball in Germany this summer in Florida last year. For her, the opportunity to compete in another country is an incrediMegan Martone, a Wantagh ble experience. “ I w a s re a l ly e xc i t e d , ” Middle School student, will travel to Germany this summer Megan said. “I didn’t believe to represent the United States it.” She said she has played softin an inter national softball tournament, which ball since she was 6, runs from July 28 to and her primary Aug. 5. position is catcher, Competing with with shortstop as the 18 and under her secondary positeam, the 14 year tion. Megan, who is old will be one of a sw i t c h h i t t e r, the youngest athplays for the Phoeletes on the roster. nix Fire Fastpitch, Me g an will be a non-profit, Long playing on AmeriIsland-based travel ca’s Team, an orgafast pitch softball nization dedicated pro g ram, on the to providing athTeam PF Showcase letes with opportuElite. Her father nities to explore has been coaching new cultures the team for three through sports. The years, but the core g r o u p a r r a n g e s NiCK MARtoNE g roup has been international tours Megan’s father and to gether for five so that players can coach years, previously compete against playing under a diflocal teams while ferent organization. experiencing the host country’s According to her father, culture. Each team is led by col- Megan has played with athletes lege coaches, ensuring a high from the West Coast to the level of mentorship and compe- South and has built lasting tition. friendships with many of them. According to Nick Martone, Martone said playing in Gerher father and coach, Megan many should be a smooth tranwas recruited to play for AmerContinued on page 4 ica’s Team during a showcase
By CHARlES SHAW
cshaw@liherald.com
S
Courtesy Levittown Public Schools
Felicia garramone, a Macarthur High School junior, took first place in her age group in the prestigious andrey Stoyanov international piano Competition in Sofia, Bulgaria, in november, showcasing her talent on a global stage.
he’s been fortunate that she’s played in a lot of situations where she’s played with kids from all over the country.
Easy. Honest. Accurate.
Garramone hits the right notes
Wrap Ad Specs
MacArthur junior wins at international piano competition
x 6.5” = Yellow box
Save on your property taxes with Nassau County’s trusted tax reduction experts.
around the world. “It was a mix of emotions,” Garramone said of her win. “I was shocked at first, but Years of mastering the piano have paid then I was really overjoyed, because I was off for Levittown’s Felicia Garramone, who happy that all my hours that I spent working won a first place diploma in the prestigious on piano really paid off.” The competition, named for the BulgariAndrey Stoyanov International Piano Coman pianist and composer Andrey Stoyanov, petition in Sofia, Bulgaria, in November. Garramone, 16, a junior at General Doug- took place Nov. 14-17 at the Community and las MacArthur High School in the Levittown Cultural Center and the National Music school district, has played piano since she Academy Hall in Sofia. Garramone competwas 4 years old. In the years since, she has ed in the 15-to-19 age group against 16 other taken part in New York State School Music performers, and her performance earned Association competitions, and even per- first place in the category. In preparation for the competition, she formed with the All-State Orchestra at Carnsaid, she practiced two to516.715.1280 four hours a day egie Hall when she was inat eighth grade. Apply online mptrg.com/heraldwrap or call The Andrey Stoyanov competition, held on piano, playing her pieces slowly in order annually in Sofia, draws young pianists from Continued on page 10
By CHARlES SHAW
cshaw@liherald.com
DEADLINE APRIL 1ST
Postal Address Box Must be white (void of ink) Dimensions:
4” x 1.5”