Neighbors

Seaford family hosts child through Fresh Air Fund

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Peggy and Frank Marenghi’s family got a little bigger last week. The Seaford couple hosted a child from Brooklyn through the Fresh Air Fund, giving the young girl a taste of life in the suburbs.

But it wasn’t a new experience for the Marenghis or their guest. This was the second year that they welcomed 8-year-old Sade (pronounced sha-DAY) Miller into their home. Last year, Peggy saw a flier for the Fresh Air Fund at a PTA function at Abbey Lane Elementary School in Levittown, and suggested the idea to her husband. “We decided to do it,” she said.

Frank, who grew up in Brooklyn, said he knows that outdoor opportunities can be limited for children in many neighborhoods there, and wanted to give a child a chance at a new experience.

Eleven children from New York City, staying with families across Long Island, arrived by bus at the Sears parking lot in Hicksville on July 18, and the Marenghis were there to greet Sade. Peggy said there was more excitement and less apprehension than last year. “Because she knew us,” she said of Sade, “it was much easier this year.”

One of the Margenhis’ grandchildren, Kerry McKinney, joined them, and held up a handmade sign, “Welcome Back Sade.” And Sade came bearing pictures she drew for them.

That afternoon, they went out east to a family party. On Sunday, the Marenghis had their grandchildren over for swimming and dinner. Sade said that last summer was the first time she ever went in a pool. “Now she’s swimming and she’s going off the diving board,” Peggy said. “We keep her busy, but we do have enough down time because she loves the pool.”

The Fresh Air Fund’s Western Suffolk and Nassau County Volunteer Committees held a gathering for all the families at Adventureland in Farmingdale on July 20.

Other activities during the week included a trip to Tobay Beach, a visit to White Post Farms, fishing on a boat off West Islip, and making a craft at Lowe’s through the Build and Grow program.

Peggy and Sade also had a “girls’ day” on which they went shopping and got manicures and pedicures. Sade bought an outfit for her soon-to-be-born baby sister. They also went book shopping at Barnes & Noble.

Last year, Peggy took pictures throughout the week and sent Sade a memory book. She plans to do the same this year. They also kept in touch throughout the year, and even got together for a weekend in the fall.

Sade, who will be entering third grade, loves word searches and is an avid reader. That pleases the Marenghis, who are both educators. Peggy is an elementary school principal in New Hyde Park and the president of the Levittown Board of Education, and Frank is an English and business teacher at Chaminade High School. Two of their daughters are also teachers.

Because of their availability during the summer, the Marenghis are able to host a child through the program. Sade was never alone, as she was constantly surrounded by the Marenghis’ grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Sade has become particularly close with grandchild Kailey McKinney, 6.

Sade said that is one of the best parts of her visit. “I get to see their grandchildren,” she said. “I have fun with them.”

Peggy calls Sade their adopted granddaughter and just “part of the crew.”

“It’s a great experience for our grandkids,” she said, “to know that it’s important to open up your home to other people.”

To Sade, who lives in an apartment, the Marenghis’ modest home with a backyard on a average-sized suburban property is a “big house.” Spending the week in Seaford, she said, is the highlight of her summer.

Sade’s nickname at the Marenghi house is “Bendy” because she does gymnastics and likes to show off her abilities. She is also a dancer, and takes classes in Brooklyn.

As long as she wants to keep coming, the Marenghis say, they will welcome her back every summer. “It really is a pleasure,” Frank said. “She just makes herself right at home. She really does just fit right in.”

They described her week at their home as being like a sleepaway camp, just with a family. Before the Marenghis were assigned a child, they had to undergo a background check.

Peggy said that while the Fresh Air Fund is an invaluable experience for the children who get to spend a week away from the city, it is just as great an experience for the host families. “It’s two-fold,” she said. “It’s just as rewarding to you.”