_________________ FREEPORT _________________
HERALD Also serving Roosevelt
Roosevelt kids awarded seal
Tiny athletes run laps
Non-profits gain $200K in grants
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Vol. 89 No. 25
JUNE 13 - 19, 2024
$1.00
Woodward school hoops with fire dept. By MoHAMMAD RAFIQ & AVITA JoHN of the Freeport Herald
Courtesy Deliah Roberts
The Woodward Wildcats pose with Freeport police and firefighters in celebration of the day’s festivities.
The Woodward Children’s Center in Freeport was bustling with excitement and community fervor on June 8 as the school’s students and staff went toe-to-toe against members of the Freeport fire and police departments in a spirited game of basketball. The event, held on school grounds at 201 West Merrick Road, aimed to strengthen community ties and provide a fun-filled day for everyone involved. The center is a K-12 school that was created in 1957 for the nurturing and development of children who face social, emotional and behavioral challenges. Greg Ingino, Woodward’s executive director and a member of the Freeport Chamber of Commerce, shared his insights about the event. “This is the first year in history that we ConTinued on page 3
Freeport prepares for the second ‘Pride on the Mile’ By AVITA JoHN Intern
Last year, Pride on the Mile emerged on Freeport’s Nautical Mile as a beacon of inclusivity, and organizers are now gearing up for the second annual event on Saturday. Joseph Anthony Smith, a lifelong village resident and a member of the LGBTQ community, dreamed up the event in 2022 after a conversation with Robyn Workman, owner of Sparkle on Stage Cultural Arts C e n t e r, a b o u t Wo rk m a n’s enthusiasm for all things drag. Noting the absence of Pride celebrations in Nassau County,
Workman and Smith decided to fill the void in Freeport. They made plans for a small-scale event, but last year’s festivities surpassed expectations. Now its co-creators plan to continue championing visibility and acceptance for all in their vibrant community. “We were really excited to give something to the community, especially … the young folk, and certainly adults, too, who live here,” Smith said. “It doesn’t matter where you’re from,” Workman added. “We invite you to be here in Freeport, and we invite you to feel comfortable here in Freeport, and that we’re open, and
as long as you’re not hurting anybody, it doesn’t matter who you are, who you love. Come and be a part of our community.” This year, Pride on the Mile promises a vibrant and diverse lineup of activities and events for those of all ages and interests. The festivities will open up with a ribbon cutting by Mayor Kennedy at Sparkle on Stage Cultural Arts Center at 11:45 a.m. Sparkle on Stage will host a Pride Carnival from noon to 6p.m., featuring a Drag Story Hour starring renowned drag queen Bella Noche, along with
magic shows and a unique class called Drama with Your Mama, designed for families. Attendees can snack on popcorn and cotton candy, and capture memorable moments at themed photo backdrops. For those looking to explore Freeport’s culinary offerings, the Pride Crawl along the Mile will offer alcoholic and non-alcohol-
ic routes, with 12 participating restaurants and bars offering special Pride cups and drink deals from noon to 6 p.m. A Pride Concert will take place at the tent at 175 Woodcleft from noon to 6, as well as live music at Jeremy’s Alehouse at the same time. The concer t will feature seven ConTinued on page 9