__________________ SEAFORD _________________
CoMMuNItY uPDAtE Infections as of May 17
2,065
Infections as of May 10 2,040
$1.00
HERALD
local author is inspired by family
Athletes sign college letters
Hundreds rally for police in Wantagh
Page 7
Page 10
Page 20
Vol. 69 No. 21
MAY 20 - 26, 2021
Best friends rise to top two Seaford’s valedictorian, salutatorian inspire each other to succeed By BrIAN StIEGlItZ bstieglitz@liherald.com
Jennifer Corr/Herald
A new tradition begins Barbara Richko and Phil Nicola, both members of the Seaford 9/11 Memorial Committee, were at the Seaford Makers Market, presented by the Chamber of Commerce, on May 15. Story, more photos, Page 4.
Asked what helped them cope and succeed in spite of the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, Seaford High School Valedictorian Julia Gambino and Salutatorian Kaylee Sanderson had the same answer: each other. Students at the high school didn’t return to their classes in person, full time, until April 21 — much later than many of their peers across Long Island, as well as Seaford’s elementary and middle schools. “Being isolated is a challenge that affected all of us this past year, and really tested our ability to stay on
track,” Gambino said, adding that she and Sanderson are close friends outside school and stayed in touch while in quarantine “so we kept each other motivated.” Sanderson added, “We tried to make the best of what we had and what we could do and make it work for us.” Gambino is the associate general chair of the Model Congress debate team, and Sanderson is a member. Both are in the school’s National Honor Society, Key Club, Yearbook Committee, Science Research Program and Best Buddies — a mentorship program for students in special education classes. Outside school, Continued on page 3
Town of Hempstead summer concerts are back By JENNIfEr Corr jcorr@liherald.com
This year, Town of Hempstead residents will have the chance to end a summer day by packing up their coolers, ordering some takeout and heading to their local parks with their family members and friends for a free concert. The Town of Hempstead Neighborhood Concert Series will kick off on June 26, with a performance by the Commodores, followed by a firework shows, in Point Lookout. The music will keep on going on weekday nights at 7:30 p.m. (see schedule, Page 3) until Sept. 4,
when Billy Joel tribute band Big Shot wraps up the season. “We are expecting great attendance with the concerts this year,” Town Supervisor Don Clavin said. “People are ready to get out, and they want to be outside. I think people are going to stay close to home, but they want to be out.” And having people out and about is also a plus for local businesses, which will be happy to supply takeout for hungry concertgoers, added Donna Jebaily, a member of the Seaford Chamber of Commerce board of directors. “As we’re getting more and more into people getting vacci-
nated,” Jebaily said, “people should have the opportunity, if they feel safe and healthy, to be able to get out and enjoy a good concert.” Seamans Neck Park, in Seaford, will host the Grateful Dead tribute band Half Step on July 21, and the Bon Jovi and Journey tribute band Bon Journey on Aug. 13. Wantagh residents can join their neighbors for the Linda Ronstadt tribute band Blue Bayou at Forest City Park on July 13, then catch the 70s Rock Parade in Echo Park on July 15. Last year, the Town of Hempstead hosted 28 bands with drivein concerts in Point Lookout.
But this year, residents will be able to visit their neighborhood parks and enjoy the music, see their neighbors and maybe bust a move. “The [drive-in concerts] were successful, people were excited, but I’ll tell you, people want that local concert,” Clavin said. “They want to walk down to that local park in Franklin Square, in
Uniondale or East Meadow, and watch a band.” Among the performers will be 45 RPM, known for its “C’mon Get Happy” show, featuring hits from the 1970s. The band will play at Merrick Road Park on July 9, in memory of its late bandmate, Danny Calvagna, of Deer Park, who died on Feb. 3 Continued on page 3