__________________ Merrick _________________
HERALD
May 16, 2024
Page 7
with a focus on programs and activities
VOL. 27 NO. 21
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Student honored at Poetry Out Loud $1.00 $1.00
MAY 16 - 22, 2024
Poets find their ‘open road’ Birch Pages Writing Club honored at Walt Whitman’s L.I. birthplace Walt Whitman, who is known for his renowned works, such as “Leaves of Grass,” and is The Birch Pages Writing considered one of the most Club has been judged among influential American poets. The poetry contest intends the year’s best poets on Long Island, winning a first-place to promote literacy, poetry and history among stuaward in the annual student poetry dents, according to contest hosted by the association’s the Walt Whitman website. Birthplace Associa“This is our 38th tion. The club was annual student honored at the poetry contest,” the Whitman museum association’s educain Huntington Station director, Lisa tion on May 5. Pulitzer, said at the Eight fourthc e r e m o n y. “ T h e grade students in contest is centered the Birch Pa g es around Walt Whitclub, from the Merm a n ’s b i r t h d ay, rick Union F ree which is in the end School District’s of May. So we celeBirch School, were brate his birthday CRYStAL LOPEz selected as the winwith the big poetry Adviser, ners in one categocontest, and the ry of the competi- Birch Pages winners of the Writing Club tion from a pool of poetry competition over 4,000 submisare going to read sions. The writing their poems today. club was created by Birch It’s very prestigious.” teacher Crystal Lopez earlier The theme of this year’s this school year, for students in competition was “Song of the lower grades. Open Road,” named for a WhitThe ceremony took place at man poem. Students were chalthe Walt Whitman Birthplace lenged to use their poetic voice Museum, the historic home of to show judges, in 30 or fewer Long Island author and poet Continued on page 2
By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO
jdalessandro@liherald.com
I
Tim Baker/Herald photos
Potluck unites communities Neighbors from Merrick, Bellmore and beyond came together at the Merrick Golf Course Clubhouse on May 11 for a potluck celebration in honor of Eid. Those attending brought a slew of delicious dishes, and children were able to take part in several activities, such as face painting, henna tattoos, a variety of games and more. There was something for everyone to enjoy as the communities marked Eid, and promoted a sense of unity among attendees. Above, Mohammad Arshad, who is in the Merrick Fire Department, with fellow department members James Bain, Stefan Oberman and Mike Sankovsky. Right, Aaira Chohan, 4 of North Bellmore, showed off her balloon creation. Story, more photos, Page 10.
am so incredibly proud of them and the effort they put into getting this anthology together.