_________________ WANTAGH ________________
HERALD one hundred days of learning
A rare birthday celebration
The year of the dragon
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Vol. 72 No. 10
FEBRUARY 29 - MARCH 6, 2024
STATE CHAMP!
$1.00
Jeremy Loud is on the road to recovery “He’s been going since May of last year, and that’s where his progress has really come Seaford resident Jeremy in,” his wife said. Loud’s uncle, Chris Amato, Loud has been on a difficult — yet persistent — quest to walk has also seen how much progagain after a pool accident ress he’s made since going to almost four years ago left him Project Walk. Amato became confined to a motorized wheel- legal guardians to Loud and his sister Nicole after their mother chair. Loud has been commuting died in 1987 when Jeremy was 9 years old. Though with his wife, Jacknot directly related, ie, more than 200 Amato considers miles twice a week them his children. to undergo physical Loud’s progress therapy at Project at Project Walk has Walk, a paralysis been tremendous, recovery center in improving his balMount Laurel, New ance and regaining Jersey. He said the the use of his arms, facility provides according to exercise focusing Amato. on strengthening “All those things his core, and with JEREMY loUd are making him be some assistance, he able to function at said he’s able to stand on a treadmill and pedal such a higher level than he was a n e x e r c i s e b i k e — b u t able to do,” Amato said. “We’re acknowledges that he still has a just hoping that it continues to the point where he gains a lot long road ahead. “The rough part about spi- more independence.” To help provide more sesnal cord injury is it’s a slow, slow process,” he said. “It’s not sions for him at Project Walk, something that’s going to hap- Amato and his wife, Linda, pen overnight. I have to keep have reached out to The John reminding myself, ‘I’m not run- Theissen Children’s Foundaning a race, I’m running a mar- tion to set up a raffle and auction fundraiser, which will take athon.’” However, Project Walk is not place at Mulcahy’s Pub and covered through insurance, and Concert Hall in Wantagh on the Loud family must pay $240 Sunday, March 3. Loud said he’s thankful for for a two-hour session. In addition to tolls and gas, each com- all the help he’s received from mute they take to the recovery the community in organizing facility costs them around $400, the event. “Everything seems to be but they said the trip is worth it. Continued on page 4
By CHARlES SHAW
cshaw@liherald.com
T
Raymond Nelson/Herald
Wantagh High School senior Joseph Clem captured the New York state title in the 131-pound weight class last Saturday night in Albany with a dramatic 5-3 victory in the final match. Story, additional photo, page 8.
Bagel store owners honored by veterans for their generosity By RACHEl BAMGBoSE Correspondent
Aiding war veterans can take on all shapes and sizes, and the charitable contribution made to them by one Seaford store is round with a hole in the middle. The owners of Seaford Bagels, at 3970 Merrick Road, have donated bagels to a veterans group for its holiday breakfast charity events. As a result, the store owners were honored with a plaque as a show of appreciation for giving back to their community and to veterans. On Feb. 24, several members of the Catholic War
Veterans Post 1772 in Queens, including Stephen Biscotti, John Vosilla, John Scalesi, Henry Hernandez and Commander Raymond Fortune, stopped by the store for a ceremony to present a plaque to owner John Scannello and manager Virginia Glenn for their contributions. State Sen. Steve Rhoads was also in attendance to commemorate the success of their donations, and presented a proclamation to the store owners. For Easter and Christmas, the Queens post hosts charity events for veterans. Biscotti said the events draw between 150 and 200 community Continued on page 7
he rough part about spinal cord injury is it’s a slow, slow process.