They may not yet have mastered trigonometry, the periodic table of elements or even, in some cases, subtraction, but the kindergarten class of 2011 is undeniably on its way to the academic elite. The last two weeks saw both St. Christopher’s School and the Baldwin Nursery School award capped-and-gowned kiddies diplomas for completing their first full year of school. An occasionally baffled procession of youngsters received their accreditations amicably as flashbulbs popped and eyes got misty. Unsubstantiated reports indicate a great deal of ice cream may have been enjoyed as well. more

After more than 40 years helping residents overcome problems with substance abuse, the Baldwin Council Against Drug Abuse, known as the Baldwin Community House, an unassuming facility at 950 Church St., has lost state funding and will have to shut down. In a struggling economy, politicians use terms like “budget cuts” and “staff reductions” to gain advantages in the quest for elected positions, the media use them to add color and drama to dry financial forecasts and treasurers use them to leverage more money out of funding sources. But when the buck finally stops, real jobs are lost, real programs are closed and real communities are forced to go without. In the next few weeks, Baldwin will have another concrete example of these all-too-real consequences. more

Two Nassau County Police officers revved up the motor on a device not much larger than a lawnmower engine. As the machine roared last Wednesday afternoon, the officers used its cutters to slowly peel off the driver’s side door of a badly damaged minivan. No one was inside the van, but students at Holy Trinity High School in Hicksville watched quietly and anxiously as the “Jaws of Life” crushed the car’s metal. more

We’ll return to the mini-series about the ups and downs of the teacher job market next week. But first, a preview of an upcoming program that is of interest to all this week: “Suicide is preventable.” Suicide is the leading cause of death among young people.Therefore, the leading cause of death among children and teens is preventable. That’s a fact—and yet we’re losing an increasing number of young people. more

Exhibits and more... Donald BaechlerThis large-scale installation by artist Donald Baechler is accompanied by several of his collaged paintings. Through May 8. Nassau County Museum of Art, … more

Exhibits and more... Donald BaechlerThis large-scale installation by artist Donald Baechler is accompanied by several of his collaged paintings. Through May 8. Nassau County Museum of Art, … more

Every January, staff members at the Herald Community Newspapers pore over their work from the past year, deciding which entries to submit to the New York Press Association’s annual Better Newspaper Contest. more

Exhibits and more... Donald BaechlerThis large-scale installation by artist Donald Baechler is accompanied by several of his collaged paintings. Through May 8. Nassau County Museum of Art, … more

Herald Community Newspapers took home 23 awards from the New York Press Association’s Better Newspaper Contest at NYPA’s annual spring convention. A dozen Herald staff members attended the conference April 8 and 9 at the Gideon Putnam Resort in Saratoga Springs. more

Exhibits and more... African American DollsA selection of African American dolls from the collection of Freeport artist April Marius are on view, commemorating Black History Month. Through April … more