Neighbors

Spreading signs of love, strength in Baldwin

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Last month, Baldwinite Marie Ilardi spent a day traveling around Long Island with her family displaying affectionate messages on homemade posters.

“We stopped at different places and visited different people that we miss and whom we wanted to put a smile on their face,” Ilardi said, referring to the endeavor as a “sign party.”

The signs, which family members and friends read from safe distances away, read “We miss you” and “Stay strong.”

Heather, Rachel and Tori Ilardi joined Marie in visiting friends and family at their homes in Baldwin, Freeport, Westbury, Smithtown, Patchogue and Riverhead, who were surprised to see them.

“Some were seniors who live alone,” Ilardi said. “They were the ones we especially wanted to get to.  We did brighten their day — some to tears, happy tears. I hope maybe others will be inspired to make a smile on other people’s faces.”