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Merrick Herald 03-12-2026

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HERALD local mom club comes together

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Vol. 29 No. 11

MARCH 12 - 18, 2026

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Purim festivities with the Chabad

GUS LAFKAS

Chop Your Locks for Charity returns Over the history of the event, Mepham has raised more than $700K fundraiser became a Mepham tradition in 2008 and was revived in 2013. “We made a pledge that we Students at Wellington C. Mepham High School in North would continue to do this event Bellmore will host the 16th until there is a cure and less annual Chop Your Locks for harmful treatments for childCharity event on March 18, hood cancers,” she said. raising funds for the St. BalDennis added that the school drick’s Foundation, a nonprofit community has been personaldedicated to fundly affected by pediing childhood cana t r i c c a n c e r. “ I cer research. think it’s deeply The event, which personal for our will be held from 6 community,” she to 8 p.m. in the said. “We have had school’s south gym, a number of stuencourages students over the dents, faculty, staff years who have batand community tled cancer when members to shave they were children their heads in soli… and we are in a darity with chilvery generous comdren battling can- KERRy DENNiS munity.” cer, to donate 10 or Co-organizer, As of press time, more inches of hair, Mepham High School more than $60,000 or collect pledges. has been raised. Registration and donations can “There’ll be a DJ there, rafbe made online or at the event. fles, music, and right now we “Each year, our students have a competition amongst the step up to make a tangible dif- students,” she said of the ference in the lives of children March 18 fundraiser. “The stuand families facing unimagina- dent that raises the most ble challenges,” Chris Patten, money will be principal for a social studies teacher and event day.” organizer, said. For 25 years, St. Baldrick’s Kerry Dennis, another co- has worked to fund research organizer and social studies Continued on page 16 teacher, told the Herald the

By HERNESTo GAlDAMEZ

hgaldamez@liherald.com

Courtesy North Merrick Public Schools

Wonderland, here they come Rehearsals are underway for the North Merrick School District’s rendition of ‘Alice in Wonderland’ at Brookside School with students from Camp Avenue, Old Mill Road and Harold D. Fayette elementary schools. Dozens of young performers are practicing lines and songs to bring the story’s colorful characters to life, from the curious Alice to the energetic Mad Hatter and the everhurried White Rabbit. The production, which teaches students teamwork, confidence and creativity, will be performed March 27 and 28 at 7 p.m. at Brookside School, 1260 Meadowbrook Rd.

W

e made a pledge that we would continue to do this event until there is a cure.


OBITUARY

Hundreds say goodbye to ‘Grandpa Harry’ By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com

At every stage of life, Harry Adwar happily contributed to a greater whole: his family, his community and his country. Adwar died in his Florida home on Feb. 20 of ongoing medical problems. He was 88. A dw a r, a l s o k n ow n a s “ H ap py Harry,” was a big personality in Merrick, often found with his bright suits, hearty laugh and wide smile. Adwar was born on March 10, 1937 on the lower east side of Manhattan. He was the 10th of 14 siblings. In early adulthood, Adwar served in the U.S. Army as a supply sergeant at Fort Meade in Maryland for three years, where he met his wife Judy at a country club dance, the beginnings of a 69 year relationship. “He was a giving person,” Judy said. “It’s been a tough time… He’s at peace now.” After his years in the army ended in 1972, Adwar spent the rest of his career working as a jewelry manufacturer through his business Adwar Casting. He retired from the position about 15 years ago, leaving his son Gregg to continue with the craft.

Throughout his career, Adwar prioritized donations to various charitable causes, including the Yemenite Jewish Federation of America, various homeless shelters and countless community groups. “He was a true believer,” Gregg said. “If you give, you get back.” One of Adwar’s many generous habits was providing a handmade golden Hamsa to anyone he met who was sick or expecting a child to provide spiritual protection. Adwar was a deeply devout member of the Jewish community, attending many services with his brother Sammy, who shared in many songs of worship. Adwar and his brother, Sammy, used to sit next to each other at services. Yemenite background, sharing new songs of worship with the people of Merrick. “He polished the silver on the Torahs for the High Holidays,” said Rabbi Ira Evan of the Congregation Ohav Shalom. “He took and he took pride in that, in making sure that things shined… He wanted everything to be with a sparkle and make it extra beautiful.” At Birch School in Merrick, Adwar ear ned another moniker: Grandpa Harry. The partnership began when his

Courtesy Keith Adwar

Harry Adwar, a prominent volunteer and jewelry manufacturer, died last month at age 88. grandsons, Justin and Taylor, entered first grade and were nervous about starting school. From there, Adwar made improving the students’ quality of life his mission by helping around the classroom, buying school supplies and encouraging kids to have fun with their friends. Judy Gilliam, a teacher at Birch

School, worked frequently with Adwar. “When he retired, we had a little gathering with all the students that remained in the school, and they all wrote memories that they had with him,” she said. “It was very touching. He was really a positive influence.” Merrick resident Miriam Baruch was a longtime friend of Adwar’s for over 50 years. “He was a role model, husband and a father and a grandfather,” she said. “You never heard a word of anger or raised his voice. He would always compliment people, and he was just a very special, sweet man.” Adwar’s funeral was held in Gutterman’s Funeral Homes in Woodbury on Feb. 25. Hundreds of Adwar’s friends, neighbors and former students attended the service and reached out to express their condolences. Adwar spent most of his retirement living in Florida’s Highland Beach, where he had a similar impact on his community, supporting local organizations and spreading joy among his neighbors, his memory living on in the hearts of thousands across the country. He is survived by his wife, Judy, and their three sons, Gregg, Keith and Marc, as well as four grandchildren and one great grandson.

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March 12, 2026 — MERRICK HERALD

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MERRICK HERALD — March 12, 2026 Courtesy Chanie Kramer photos

Children and family members dressed up for the special occasion.

Community celebrates Purim at Hawaiian-themed party Chabad of Merrick-Bellmore-Wantagh celebrated Purim on March 3 with a festive Hawaiian-themed party. Purim, a Jewish holiday commemorating the story of Queen Esther and the salvation of the Jewish people in ancient Persia, is traditionally observed by giving gifts of food to friends, donating to the needy, hearing the megillah, and enjoying a festive meal.

Participants at the event took part in all of these mitzvahs while also enjoying themed activities, including a treasure hunt at “Waikiki Beach” to create I Spy graggers, wooden gragger and lei making, and an exotic animal encounter with snakes and other reptiles from Uncle Tony’s Tropical Reptiles. — Hernesto Galdamez

Participants at the Chabad of Merrick-Bellmore-Wantagh celebrated Purim with a festive Hawaiian-themed party on March 3.

Purim is traditionally observed with a festive celebration.

Members of Chabad of Merrick-Bellmore-Wantagh joined in the festivities.


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March 12, 2026 — MERRICK HERALD

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ated subtext to these souls. Their he room filled quickly with some of the participants carrying gifts upbringing, the formative years, the socialization process as we are known and treats. The ubiquitous coffee to call it. They discuss it freely and urn chugged through its routine openly. Many, if not all had horrendous filling the air with the pungent aroma experiences, a home life filled with of a strong brew. I observed quietly as abusers of all kinds of substances: everyone found a comfortable place to drugs, alcohol, gambling and all kinds sit, the chairs set up in a large oval of non-substance abuse: three rows deep. A quick mental, physical and sexual. count came to 50 members Caustic relationships with attending, impressive conparents and siblings, spoussidering the frigid weather. es and friends. Some were When the welcoming unable to maintain employhugs, handshakes and kisses ment, some experienced were completed the crowd homelessness. settled in and once quieted As someone who has had by the chairperson, the first-hand view of the ravagmeeting commenced. It was es of alcohol, violence and a meeting of an AA group, gambling as well as the one that meets frequently and in different places. But oB alleschi death of two young men from the plague of opiates , I this day was special, because listened with great interest. being the last day of the I had witnessed the fracmonth, and falling on a Saturday, it was the meeting in which anni- tured souls of parents and children, the broken lives and the pain and anger versaries are celebrated, yes anniversathat ensues, I have always found that ries of sobriety, not so much designated the grief that ensues is permanent and by the date but the month in which an that people do not recover. I was once addiction was abandoned. quoted as saying “there is no truth to These meetings are generally closed to members only, however on anniversa- the old adage that times heals all wounds, no that is why we have scars, ry days the celebrants are permitted to they remind us of our past sufferings.” invite a spouse, a friend, a relative or But here I see healing, I see people whomever they choose. Personally, I am viewing this event at uplifted from the depths and soaring in life, always mindful of one day at a the invitation of a friend, one that in time, one month, one year and that you my mind has clearly conquered her are always tempted. The magic formula addiction, for it is her 18th year. The is support and that comes from undercelebration process is simple; after an standing which is what makes this prointroduction, the award of a pin, then gram so effective. These people specialsomeone chosen by the celebrant speaks. What may be surprising is that ize in empathy, in understanding rather the chosen speakers, after providing the than reaction, in analysis rather than a appropriate congratulations to the celejudgement, in caring rather than disbrants, speak primarily about themdain. selves. I think how contrary it is to the It is understandable to expect to hear items we view in everyday life. But I how some escaped the lowest of points will tell you how the AA experience to which their lives had sunk. Rehabs brought me back to the simple ideal and halfway houses, struggles, gradual that “it is only the giving that makes progress and for some sobriety. Most you who you are.” blame themselves for their own weaknesses and poor choices. However, there Bob Palleschi is a Bellmore resident. is a not so surprising yet underappreci-

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HERALD — March 12, 2026

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BRINGING LOCAL SPORTS HOME EVERY WEEK

HERALD SPORTS Confident Hofstra brings high hopes By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com

The Hofstra women’s lacrosse team fell one game short in its quest for a conference tournament spot last season and is determined this spring to be on the championship stage. The Pride were picked to finish fifth in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) preseason poll, which would leave it once again on the outside looking in for reaching the four-team league playoffs. Hofstra placed fifth last year with a 4-4 CAA mark to finish one game behind Elon for the final tourney spot. “We want to do everything we can to get into the CAA playoffs to give us an opportunity to play for the CAA championship, and an opportunity to win and get into the NCAA tournament,” said 14th-year Hofstra head coach Shannon Smith. “The only way to do that is by playing a very competitive non conference schedule to prepare us for a conference play.” Leading the charge to bring Hofstra into the postseason is red-shirt junior attacker Nikki Mennella, who tallied 99 points on the strength of 62 goals and 37 assists last year. The reigning 2025 CAA Attacker of the Year registered six goals and seven draw controls in a 14-8 win at Marist on Feb. 26. “She is a warrior out there on the field,” said Smith of Mennella, a USA Lacrosse preseason All-American selection who registered 24 goals and 11 assists through Hofstra’s first seven games. “She’s electric and has and can shoot the ball very well but more importantly she celebrates her teammates’ success even that much more and gets so excited for their big plays and goals, which is really fun to see.” The Pride also returned sophomore attacker Kayleigh Bender, who was named the CAA Rookie of the Year as a freshman after recording 41 points on 31 goals and 10 assists. The Huntington High School product tallied a season-

Nikki Mennella found the back of the net 62 times last spring and tallied 99 points. high four goals in Hofstra’s 12-7 Valentine’s Day victory at Quinnipiac. Hofstra’s offense has featured multiple scoring weapons early in the season including junior midfielder Natalie DeMeo (10 goals) and junior attacker Kristen Redding (seven goals). Freshmen Charli Joyce and Shannon Steck, a Massapequa native and Saint Anthony’s graduate, have also shown offensive potential early in their collegiate careers. The defense is anchored by junior defender Christine Dannenfelser, who was named to the All-CAA First Team as a sophomore with 42 ground balls and 24 caused turnovers along with 58 draw controls. “She’s everywhere on the field,” said

Back attacked? We’ve Got Specialists For That ®

Smith of Dannenfelser. “She plays very inspired and with a sense of urgency.” Dannenfelser leads a defensive unit that features juniors Evin Terzioglu and Natalie Little. Local freshmen Grace Varley, a Babylon native, and Brighid Smith, a Wagner transfer who was an All-County player at Wantagh High School. Senior goalie Luchianna Cardello patrols the net for her final college season this spring. The former Massapequa High School standout recorded 12 saves in a 16-9 home loss to third-ranked Maryland on March 4 and eight stops in the Quinnipiac triumph. “Lulu is seeing the ball very well,” said Smith of Cardello, who also had 12 saves in a 17-7 setback at Big Ten foe

Photos courtesy Hofstra Athletics Communications

Massapequa native Luchianna Cardello patrols the crease for the Pride. Rutgers on Feb. 28.. “She is a senior so she has seen all sorts of different game scenarios and different shots.” Hofstra opens up CAA play at home this Saturday against Elon at noon before hosting Ivy League Power Princeton Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. The Pride conclude the CAA regular season at home on April 25 against William & Mary before what they hope will be a conference semifinal game the following week on April 30 hosted by defending league champion Stony Brook.

516.536.2800 | orlincohen.com

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March 12, 2026 — HERALD

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BRINGING LOCAL SPORTS HOME EVERY WEEK

By BRIAN KACHARABA bkacharaba@liherald.com

One year after watching from the sidelines, Jackson Austin delivered the biggest goal of his life. Austin, who didn’t suit up during the Bellmore-Merrick Bulldogs’ hockey county championship run last season, deflected home the tiebreaking goal with 2:52 remaining in regulation to lift the team to its first New York State title with a 4-2 win over St. Francis Prep of Buffalo at SUNY Broome Community College in Binghamton on March 1. Austin also assisted on AMax Vitale’s empty-netter with 83 seconds left as the Bulldogs capped a perfect 5-0 run through the eight-team tournament. Henry Lagalia made 16 of his 32 saves in the third period, and Jourdan Luskoff and defenseman Luke Tepfer also scored for Bellmore-Merrick, which will travel to Plymouth, Minnesota, to compete in nationals March 18-22. “I mean, it can’t be any better than that,” coach Patrick Braglia said. “The goal is to win and to win in the fashion [that we did]. To play five games over

Courtesy NYS Amateur Hockey Association

Bellmore-Merrick scored late to break a tie with St. Francis Prep to win the New York State hockey crown. the course of three games, three days, it’s pretty taxing on the boys, but for them to come out and go 5-0, it’s pretty amazing.” The Bulldogs led 2-1 with just over seven minutes remaining in the third period but encountered a bit of misfortune that allowed St. Francis Prep to tie the game. A Bellmore-Merrick clearing

attempt glanced off a referee, and the puck bounced to Red Raiders forward Troy Massey near the bottom of the faceoff circle for a tying goal. The play was particularly ironic — Austin had attempted the clearing pass that deflected off the referee. Lagalia responded with glove saves on shots by Hayden Cole and Liam Fattey over the

next two minutes, setting the stage for Austin’s heroics. After a pair of failed clearing attempts by St. Francis Prep, Harrison Nawrocki held the puck in at the right point and fired a wrist shot toward the net. Austin, positioned in the right circle, tipped the puck past goaltender Gabriel Waterman. “Harrison Nawrocki took a perfect shot from the point — nice and low, great for a deflection,” Austin said. “I got a good stick on it, and it took a good bounce.” Austin finished the tournament with two goals and six points after scoring three times during the regular season. Bellmore-Merrick also defeated St. Anthony’s, 4-2, before beating St. Francis Prep and Saugerties by 6-1 and 4-3 scores, respectively, the next day. The Bulldogs then knocked off Long Beach, 8-4, earlier on March 1 to reach the final. The victory over Long Beach was particularly satisfying after the Marines handed Bellmore-Merrick its only regular-season loss and swept the Bulldogs in the best-of-three Nassau County championship series.

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HERALD — March 12, 2026

HERALD SPORTS Bulldogs make history with state hockey title


March 12, 2026 — HERALD

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celebrating women’s history month

Empowering and assisting the county’s libraries “Because to be able to work,” she said, “you need to have a resume, submit your application over email, and know how to use Word.” After finishing her degree, she worked at the The Nassau Library System is a cooperative of 54 libraries throughout the county. While each one is sup- Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library, in ported by local taxes and governed by its own board of Manhattan, part of a nationwide network that protrustees, the NLS provides services, materials and pro- vides reading materials to patrons who are blind or visually impaired. Ashby, who worked gramming to all member libraries. with patrons by phone and email, and “One of the largest services we prosuggested braille and audio materials, vide are delivery services five days a credits this experience for broadening week,” NLS Director Caroline Ashby Joan whitney her perspective of library services. said. “We enable libraries to share Payson co-founder and owner In 2014 she was hired as assistant resources with one another. So when a new York Mets director of the NLS. “I wanted to come patron in Levittown wants to use a book back home and serve a community closonly owned by the Elmont library, we’ll er to my heart,” Ashby said. In 2019 she pick it up from Elmont, sort it in our was promoted to director. facility and send it to Levittown the next NLS delivers more than materials to day for the patron to check out. grace local libraries. Technology is a major “We save Nassau taxpayers thousands hartigan aspect of its service, as it provides abstract of dollars a year,” Ashby added, “by expressionist painter libraries with broadband internet serresource-sharing this way.” vice and organizes the shared-material Ashby, a native of Port Washington, influential women catalog. The online catalog allows any began her library career with the New on long island cardholder in the county to view materiYork Public Library while studying for a als available at system branches. master’s in library and information sciNLS offers continuing education for library staff. ences at the Pratt Institute. “I was a volunteer in the adult literacy center as a tutor,” she recalled. “These “We provide training to library trustees on their govwere people from their 40s to their 70s who’d made it ernance responsibilities, we provide training to library administrators on management and legal comthat far without real literacy skills.” At the center, Ashby built relationships with pliance topics, and training for public-facing staff on patrons and learned about the challenges they faced, outreach and best practices,” Ashby explained. such as a lack of technology skills. She decided to Through its networking opportunities, she added, the teach those as well, helping with internet browsing, NLS encourages librarians to “learn from one another setting up emails and teaching them Microsoft. so the service provided at public libraries in Nassau

By MADISON GUSLER

mgusler@liherald.com

Courtesy Caroline Ashby

Caroline Ashby, director of the Nassau Library System, with Assembly Minority Leader Ed Ra at the 2025 Library Advocacy Day in Albany. can be as consistent as possible.” She also leads NLS’s advocacy work, connecting with local and state elected officials to ensure that libraries receive the funding and support available. “The more NLS can do to support member libraries,” Ashby said, “the more freedom those libraries have to serve their communities in close, responsive ways.”

Opening doors for the next generation of women By ALLYSON FERRARI aferrari@liherald.com

A leader helping Long Island girls find their voices traces that mission back to a childhood shaped by an immigrant’s perseverance and a belief that girls deserve the same opportunities to lead and succeed. Now, as executive director of Girls Inc. of Long Island, Patricia Charlemagne works to expand opportunities and leadership pathways for girls across the region. Charlemagne, 52, grew up in Queens before her family moved to Baldwin when she was 11. Now she lives in Baldwin with her husband of 15 years, Frank, and their two children, Alix, 13, and Taylor, 11. Her parents, immigrants from Haiti and the Dominican Republic, prioritized education above everything else. Growing up in a working-class immigrant household, Charlemagne said she was surrounded by opportunities that helped shape her interests and ambitions. “Education continues to be the most important thing to my family,” she said. “They were very committed to my education.” Despite her family’s modest means, she took part in activities including ballet and piano lessons, afterschool sports and school programs focused on the visual and performing arts. At the time, she said, she didn’t fully realize the sacrifices her family made to provide those opportunities. Those experiences later reinforced her belief that all children — regardless of economic background — deserve access to activities that help them grow and thrive. After graduating from high school, Charlemagne attended Wesleyan University, where she earned a

Courtesy Patricia Charlemagne

Patricia Charlemagne at the Girls Inc. of Long Island fall gala in November, which celebrated the 20th anniversary of the organization. bachelor’s degree before following it with a law degree from Temple University’s Beasley School of Law and a doctorate in educational and organizational leadership from the University of Pennsylvania. During her studies, she developed an interest in how laws and workplace systems treated women differently, particularly women of color — which eventually led her to a career in nonprofit leadership.

Girls Inc. offers girls mentorship, leadership development and exposure to career pathways often dominated by men. Industries such as the trades and technology still have a relatively low representation of women, she said, something she hopes to change by introducing girls to those fields early. “My journey to Girls Inc. of Long Island has been a full recognition that when girls are given resources, when girls are given opportunities, when girls are made to feel safe and a sense of belonging,” Charlemagne said, “there is no limit to what they can do.” In addition to youth programming, the organization has begun partnering with companies working to diversify their workforces. The goal, she said, is to help businesses create environments in which women feel supported and encouraged to pursue careers in under-represented fields. Charlemagne believes women and girls should be included when decisions are made, rather than having programs and policies created for them without their input. Her perspective has been shaped by challenges she has faced as a woman in the workforce, including disparities in pay and having her ideas overlooked. “You share an idea and no one hears it,” she said. “Then a man repeats the idea, and all of a sudden it makes perfect sense.” Those experiences, she said, reinforced the importance of helping girls develop confidence and learn to advocate for themselves. For Charlemagne, empowering girls also means encouraging women to support one another and prioritize their well-being. “Take care of yourself first,” she said. “You cannot do anything for anyone else if you’re not taking care of yourself.”


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SPONSORED CONTENT MERRICK HERALD — March 12, 2026

Nearly 40% of LI Isn’t Fighting High Property Taxes Ownwell explains why Long Island homeowners are likely paying more than they should.

A System That Penalizes Non-Filers. ���������������������������������� ������������������������������������� homeowners agree that the current property tax system negatively affects ��������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������� of property owners successfully appeal their assessments, the overall tax burden ������������������������������������������ ������������������������������������� who trust their initial assessments ������������������������������������� the process too confusing, and end up subsidizing tax reductions for those who ���������������������������������������� tax system should function,” said Colton Pace, Founder and CEO of Ownwell. ����������������������������������� knowledge to pay their fair share.” The Affordability Crisis ������������������������������� ��������������������������������������� ����������������������������������� far exceeding the national median ��������������������������������������

of Long Island homeowners express concern about the long-term affordability of owning a home here due to property ��������������������������������� �������������������������������������� ���������������������������������� neighboring families trying to stay in the communities they love.

����������������������������������� ������������������������������������� of savings and don’t cover SCAR ��������������������������������������� Also, Ownwell has strong results. �������������������������������������� reductions for properties valued between ��������������������������� the pre-SCAR level. �������������������� his isn’t ������������������������� how a fair ������������������������� ���������������������� property properties valued between tax system ��������������������������� should function. the pre-SCAR level. Ownwell combines Homeowners advanced data analysis with shouldn’t need local expert representation insider knowledge to build the strongest property tax appeal to pay their fair case using hundreds of share. comparable data points. ��������������������������� �������������������� COLTON PACE advocacy for you. Founder and

T

Why Nearly 40% Still Haven’t Filed.������������� Island homeowners believe their county’s property tax system is either inaccurate ���������������������������� Despite these concerns ����������������������� ������������������������ Long Island homeowners ��������������������������� tax grievance. Among those ���������������������� were unaware they could challenge their assessment, �������������������������� �������������������������� gap is costing homeowners CEO of Ownwell thousands of dollars Time Is Running Out: ����������������������� Important Deadlines. If reform (or, at a minimum, ��������������������������� accessible appeal options) has never property tax grievance, time is critical. been clearer. ������������������������������������ Nassau County: Deadline is March 31, Not All Property Tax Services Are The ������Suffolk County: Deadline is May Same.����������������������������� ����������Westchester County: Ongoing a difference. Unlike the traditional deadlines vary by town from January

��������������������������������� these deadlines means waiting another year and continuing to overpay on your property taxes. Don’t Let Your Neighbors’ Grievances Cost You More�������������������������� Island’s property tax system has created ��������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������ necessary to avoid overpaying. When ����������������������������������� successfully appealing their assessments, ������������������������������ shouldering more than your fair share of the tax burden. Ownwell makes the process simple, affordable, and effective. ���������������������������������������� for a reduction. With no upfront costs and payment only upon successful savings, there’s no risk. Only potential savings. In a property tax system where knowledge and action determine who pays their fair share, Ownwell levels the �������������� Don’t let another year of overpayment go by. Your deadline is approaching! Footnotes: https://www.ownwell.com/insight/longisland-homeowner-property-tax-survey/ https://www.ownwell.com/trends/newyork/nassau

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f you’re a Long Island homeowner or property owner, there’s a strong chance you’re overpaying on your ���������������������������������������� a tax grievance, you’re likely paying even more than you should. A recent survey1 of Long Island homeowners by ������������������������������������ ������������������������������������ a property tax grievance — nearly triple ������������������������������������������ ��������������������������������������� necessary defense against a property tax system that many homeowners say is broken.


10

After North Bellmore exhibit, quilter brings work to E. Meadow

March 12, 2026 — MERRICK HERALD

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

Art has long been engrained in Patti Schust’s ethos. “I loved art from a very young age and was encouraged all through school by my mom and by my teachers,” she said. Schust attended Adelphi University, where she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts. She continued to work in the art field after graduating, before going back to school to become a librarian. She worked as a librarian for many years, before becoming an administrator for a private school in Forest Hills, Queens. But one thing remained constant during that time: An artist at heart, Schust perfected the art of quilting. “I love it,” she said. “First of all, I like to create, but I also find it to be extremely relaxing. After a busy or hard day of work, it kind of takes the edge off. I think quilting is nice, because it tells a story, and you can do it in very different ways.” Whether she’s creating quilts with fabric purchased from quilt shops or with recycled fabrics, from things like neck ties or other clothing items, each piece she creates is unique and interesting. And through April, her work will be on display at the East Meadow Public Library. The North Merrick resident celebrated the opening of her show on March 8 in the library’s makerspace rooms. Quilts, Schust said, are so much more than a blanket. “People will come to a show and say, ‘Oh, look at the nice blankets,’” she explained. “It really gets to me. They’re being complimentary, but quilts are much more than a blanket. They have a story — and they have, all through history.” D u r i n g c o l o n i a l t i m e s, S ch u s t explained that clothing was often crafted into quilts, as it is today when people are seeking to memorialize a relative or a time period in one’s life. During the Civil War, Union states would tell stories in quilting patterns, helping slaves follow known routes to freedom. “They also carry on your family,” she said. “If you’re cutting up pieces of, as I said, someone’s ties or shirts — when my mom passed away many years ago, I took all of her house dresses and cut them apart. I made a quilt out of those. It’s a nice way to remember people.” Schust has taught a few quilting classes, but said she really enjoys creating art for herself. As a retiree, she has a lot more time on her hands and can work whenever she wants to on her next project. Her work has been displayed in a number of libraries, most recently at the North Bellmore Public Library and Hewlett-Woodmere Public library. Libraries are inviting spaces, she said, which makes it easy to network across the Nassau Library System and find openings for shows. Beyond libraries, Schust has also displayed her work in

Holden Leeds/Herald photos

Patti Schust, to the immediate left of the display quilt, opened her art show at th East Meadow Public Library on March 8. She was joined by Maria Farres, Cecilia Tinio, Celine Beazley, Judy Carman, Barry Goodman, and William and Robin Bence.

Irene Schlagman and Susan Resch enjoyed looking at the many quilts on display. other locations, such as historical centers, restaurants and local shops. At the exhibit in East Meadow, viewers can see her work in the styles of English paper piecing, fabric piecing and hand applique. Schust spoke highly of the display space in East Meadow, as well as some smaller spots she can put work to entice people to come see the rest of the show. “East Meadow is such a beautiful library,” she said. “It has a very nice exhibition area, and it’s by the community room, so it gets good foot traffic.” For more on the show and upcoming programming, visit EastMeadow.info.

Claire Sattler and Estelle Shafer admired Schust’s work.

Patti Schust showed off one of her many creations on display.


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Local mom hosts women’s empowerment events hgaldamez@liherald.com

South Bellmore resident Genevieve Kreindel is celebrating Women’s History Month by hosting a series of events designed to empower women and showcase local women-owned businesses through her organization, Off Duty Moms Club. “This month is all about putting a spotlight on strong, intelligent women and creating spaces where they can connect, learn and thrive,” Kreindel said. “If my business is there to empower women, I want to help make money for other women-owned businesses.” The club’s networking event, dubbed “The 6 p.m. Edition,” took place March 12 at Olive It in Merrick. Unlike her consumer-focused events, this gathering was designed specifically for women entrepreneurs to connect and collaborate. Kreindel said the $15 ticket price was intentionally kept low to make the event accessible to newer or leaner businesses. Later this month, the club will host “Bags, Charms and Besties,” a creative workshop at the same venue on March 21, where participants will weave handbags under the guidance of the woman-owned business Woven Intents. The event will also feature collaboration with the podcast brand Not Your Average Mom. Planning each event requires careful attention to detail, from coordinating

Courtesy Genevieve Kreindel

Genevieve Kreindel through her organization, Off Duty Moms Club, hosts events throughout the year to connect and support women. with collaborators to creating an inclusive environment where attendees feel welcome whether they come solo or with friends. “I live in the community. I’m a parent

in the community. People who follow me go to my gym, they’re on the PTA that I’m part of. It’s really important to me that I deliver the best experience possible,” she said.

Interest in the club has grown quickly. Its Instagram account recently surpassed 2,000 followers, a milestone Kreindel described as both exciting and humbling. She regularly shares content on fitness, self-care, relationships and mental health, emphasizing realistic, manageable changes rather than perfection. While the club initially centered on supporting mothers navigating pandemic isolation, Kreindel emphasized that its mission now extends to all women. “This is not just a place for moms,” she said. “I’m a women’s mental health advocate. I’m here to make women’s lives easier, because it’s challenging being a mom, but it’s also challenging being a woman.” Her husband, Lee Kreindel, added: “Women are the strongest people in the world and should be celebrated. I’m happy Genevieve is helping moms celebrate themselves not just for Women’s History Month, but all year long.” Kreindel said she plans to continue hosting events and producing content year-round, not just in March. She wants women to know they can take time for themselves, reconnect with hobbies, and build meaningful connections with others in the community. “Supporting women is something we should be doing every single day,” she said. For more information on upcoming events, follow OffDutyMomsClub_LI on Instagram.

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John Miro, crossing guard in Merrick, dies from injuries By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

A Nassau County crossing guard who was struck by a pickup truck while on duty in Merrick last week has died from his injuries, authorities said. John Miro, 70, of Massapequa, died Friday at a local hospital, eight days after the Feb. 26 crash at the intersection of Sunrise Highway and Merrick Avenue, according to Nassau County police. Miro suffered broken ribs, a punctured lung, skull fractures and bleeding on the brain after being struck while working the morning school crossing. In a statement posted on Facebook, CSEA Nassau Local 830 said crossing guards serve communities with courage and dedication. “John answered that call of service, and his commitment will not be forgotten,” the statement said. “CSEA Local 830 extends our heartfelt condolences to John’s family, friends, and his fellow crossing guards during this incredibly difficult time.” Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said he was saddened to learn of Miro’s death and ordered county flags to fly at half-staff beginning last Friday until the day of Miro’s burial. “Sad to hear of the passing of our beloved and dedicated crossing guard, John Mirro,” he wrote in a statement. “Our hearts go out to his family and to all crossing guards who perform a great service to our young people.” Nassau County police said Friday night that Joshua Alvarado, the driver accused of hitting Miro, is now facing upgraded charges of second-degree manslaughter and second-degree assault following the crossing guard’s death. Alvarado, 30, of Rosedale, Queens, had previously

been arrested at the scene and charged with driving while impaired by drugs after the crash. Earlier charges included second-degree vehicular assault, second-degree assault, driving while ability impaired by drugs and operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs. Alvarado had pleaded not guilty to those charges during a Feb. 27 arraignment in Hempstead. Prosecutors allege Alvarado passed out behind the wheel of his pickup truck while driving to work shortly after 8 a.m. on Feb. 26. Authorities said he was awakened by other drivers honking and then accelerated while attempting to turn, jumping the curb and striking Miro. Police previously said Miro had just helped students cross Sunrise Highway and was returning to the sidewalk when a white Ford pickup truck mounted the curb and struck him near the Merrick Long Island Rail Road station at about 8:03 a.m. Alvarado remained at the scene and was arrested following an investigation. The crash forced authorities to shut down portions of Merrick Avenue and Sunrise Highway as detectives established a crime scene near the Merrick Long Island Rail Road station. Miro was a retired tugboat operator who had worked part time as a crossing guard since 2023. Visitation services were held Wednesday at Massapequa Funeral Home. A funeral Mass was scheduled for Thursday at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Massapequa, followed by interment at Pinelawn Memorial Park in Farmingdale. The incident occurred about one month after Nassau Police Officer Patricia Espinosa was killed by an alleged drunken driver in Suffolk County while on her way to work.

Courtesy John Scalesi

Community members left heartfelt messages in tribute to John Miro at the site of the accident.

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Freeport-Merrick Rotary collecting shoes for Soles4Souls

Courtesy Freeport-Merrick Rotary Club

The Freeport-Merrick Rotary Club is collecting footwear through March 28 for Soles4Soles. eight clubs in total. Rigueur said the shoe drive aligns with the Rotary’s mission of service both locally and globally. “It’s a good way for people to connect with our club, learn about the good work we’re

doing, and participate in helping others,” he said. Residents are encouraged to donate shoes at any of the designated collection points through the end of March. The program not only provides footwear for those in need but also helps

raise awareness of community service and the ongoing work of local Rotary clubs. For more information, community members can contact the Freeport-Merrick Rotary Club or visit participating locations.

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Freeport-Mer rick Rotary Club is joining a long-standing shoe drive this month, helping collect gently used footwear for communities in need across the globe. The initiative, called Soles4Souls, is a partnership among several Rotary clubs, with the Northport Rotary Club leading the effort. Marc Rigueur, treasurer of the Freeport-Merrick Rotary, said the club has participated in the drive for the past five to six years, assisting with collections and local outreach. “A lot of people have shoes they don’t need,” Rigueur said. “Instead of throwing them away, they can go to a charitable organization where they’ll be put to good use.” Collection boxes are set up through March 28 at CYBS Accountants and tax Specialists at 147 W. Merrick Road in Freeport and Sacred Heart Church, 115-50 221st Street in Cambria Heights, allowing community members to drop off new or gently used shoes. Last year, the club collected roughly 500 pairs of shoes, and organizers are

aiming to surpass that number this year. Soles4Souls was brought to Northport by Anita and Bill Thomas. Anita, affectionately known as “The Shoe Lady,” discovered the Tennessee-based organization after her retirement in 2008. The nonprofit collects shoes from local drives and distributes them to areas affected by poverty or natural disasters. Shoes are either given directly to those in need or purchased by micro-entrepreneurs, who repair and sell them to support their families. Andrew Giffin, secretary of the Northport Rotary Club, explained how the initiative has grown over the years. “The first year, we collected 500 pairs at a Gold’s Gym in East Northport,” Giffin said. “By 2018, we were collecting over 21,000 pairs in a single drive.” Following the deaths of Bill and Anita Thomas in 2020, Rotary members have continued their legacy, maintaining largescale collections each year. The pro g ram has expanded to include clubs in East Northport, Brentwood, Rocky Point, South Queens, and now Freeport-Merrick, bringing together seven or

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hgaldamez@liherald.com

MERRICK HERALD — March 12, 2026

By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ

15


Fundraiser supports childhood cancer research Continued from page 1

into pediatric cancer and remains the largest charity in the United States providing research grants specifically for childhood cancer. Cancer is the most common disease-related cause of death among children in the country. Since its founding on July 4, 1999, when three friends held a single headshaving fundraiser in Manhattan, St. Baldrick’s has grown into one of the largest private funders of pediatric cancer research. The foundation became a registered 501(c)(3) charity in 2004 and has since awarded more than $369 million in research grants to support nearly 2,000 studies and trials across more than 30 countries. Its funding has helped advance scientific priorities worldwide, support international scholars, and drive breakthroughs such as new drug approvals and expanded clinical trials that improve survival and quality of life for children with cancer. Each year, the fundraiser brings in hundreds of thousands of dollars, with a large portion coming from the Mepham community. Seniors at Mepham have collectively raised more than $700,000 for St. Baldrick’s over the history of the

Herald file photo

then mepham sophomore Jack Savalli participated in the event in 2019. event. Dennis reflected on the event’s enduring impact and the hope it represents for children battling cancer. “It would be amazing if we didn’t have to have the event because we succeeded in finding a cure for childhood cancer,” she said. “But until we have that, I hope that the event continues to be a staple within this community, not only raising an incredible amount of money to help fund the research, but also paying tribute to those that bravely battle this disease.”

Courtesy of the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District

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Cheese Soda Bread

Get your Irish on for St. Patrick’s Day A taste of the Emerald Isle

By Karen Bloom ith hints of spring beginning to emerge (or so we hope), St. Patrick’s Day arrives like a cheerful burst of green, bringing with it a welcome dose of celebration and comfort. The beloved holiday is about more than festive attire and lively parades — it’s a chance to gather with family and friends, savor time-honored traditions and, of course, enjoy the rich flavors of Irish cooking. From the hearty satisfaction of corned beef and cabbage to the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked soda bread, St. Patrick’s Day offers the perfect excuse to bring a little Irish spirit into the kitchen. Naturally, no St. Patrick’s Day table would be complete without one of Ireland’s most beloved staples: Irish soda bread. This simple, satisfying quick bread — made with baking soda rather than yeast — has been a household favorite for generations. Whether you prefer the classic loaf or a modern twist, such as soda bread muffins, there’s a version to suit every taste and skill level. Best of all, it’s easy to make, making it a perfect recipe to add to your seasonal repertoire.

Classic Irish Soda Bread The “real” Irish soda bread consists simply of flour, baking soda, salt and buttermilk. At the other end of the spectrum is Americanized Irish soda bread, a white, sweet, cake-like confection filled with raisins or currants and caraway seeds. Both are equally delicious! • 3 1/2 cups unbleached all purpose flour • 3/4 teaspoon Kosher salt • 3/4 teaspoon baking soda • 1 1/2 cups buttermilk • Salted butter (preferably Kerrygold) Preheat the oven to 450°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. To a large mixing bowl, add the flour, salt, and baking soda. Whisk to combine thoroughly. Using a wooden spoon, make a well in the

center of the dry ingredients. Add the buttermilk to the dry ingredients in the well. Use the wooden spoon to gently stir the ingredients together, starting at the center of the bowl and slowly working out. The dough will be very shaggy, that’s perfect! Lightly flour a work surface, and pour the dough out onto the surface. Use your hands to gently knead the dough about 4 times, until it comes together, and the surface is slightly smoother. Use the palms of yours hands to shape into a round loaf. Transfer the loaf to the prepared baking sheet. Lightly sprinkle the top with flour. Use a sharp chefs knife to slash a large X on the top of the dough. Transfer right away to the oven and bake for 15 minutes at 450°. Lower the temperature to 400°F, rotate the pan 180° in the oven, and bake for another 25-30 minutes until deeply golden brown. Allow the bread to cool for at least 20 minutes, then serve warm with salted butter.

Irish-American Soda Bread This classic quick bread recipe also brings great taste into your home. • 5 cups all purpose flour • 1 cup sugar • 1 tablespoon baking powder • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt • 1 teaspoon baking soda • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into cubes, room temperature • 2 1/2 cups raisins • 3 tablespoons caraway seeds • 2 1/2 cups buttermilk • 1 large egg Preheat oven to 350° F. Generously butter heavy ovenproof 10- to 12-inch-diameter skillet with 2- to 2 1/2-inch-high sides. Whisk first five ingredients in large bowl to blend. Add butter; using fingertips, rub in until coarse crumbs form. Stir in raisins and caraway seeds. Whisk buttermilk and egg in medium bowl to blend. Add to dough; using wooden spoon, stir just until well incorporated (dough

will be very sticky). Transfer dough to prepared skillet; smooth top, mounding slightly in center. Using small sharp knife dipped into flour, cut 1-inch-deep X in top center of dough. Bake until bread is cooked through and tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 1 hour 15 minutes. Cool bread in skillet 10 minutes. Turn out onto rack and cool completely. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Wrap tightly in foil; store at room temperature.) Serve with hot tea and organic jam, Irish stew, traditional Irish cabbage dishes, or enjoy on its own!

The Grammy-nominated global music sensation returns with their new tour, Celtic Woman — A New Era. The show, featuring Mairéad Carlin, Muirgen O’Mahony, Ciara Ní Mhurchú, and new singer Caitríona Sherlock, fuses the ensemble’s signature sound with fresh orchestrations, dynamic stage production, and a contemporary spark that honors Ireland’s rich musical and cultural heritage while embracing Celtic Woman’s continued evolution. The concert promises to be a mesmerizing blend of timeless tradition and modern storytelling, a spellbinding tribute to the enduring power of Irish music and the extraordinary talents of the performers. Audiences can expect an unforgettable and energetic evening with renowned and breathtaking harmonies, stirring original compositions, and instrumental virtuosity brought to life, reflecting the vibrancy of modern Ireland and its heritage.

Sunday, March 15, 8 p.m. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

Cheese Soda Bread This modern savory twist is another winner. • 2 1/2 cups flour • 1/2 cup sugar • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 2 teaspoons caraway seed • 1 teaspoon garlic powder • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper, ground • 1/2 cup shredded Irish Cheddar cheese • 2 eggs • 1 1/4 cups buttermilk Preheat oven to 350° F. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt and seasonings in large bowl. Stir in cheese. Set aside. Mix eggs and buttermilk in medium bowl. Add to dry ingredients; stir until well blended. Spread in lightly grease 9-inch round cake pan. Bake 30-40 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack 10 minutes. Remove from pan. Cool completely on wire rack. Tip: This recipe also lends itself well to a muffin version. Prepare dough as directed and divide among 12 greased muffin cups. Bake 2025 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Josh Joplin with Jeffrey Gaines lternative rock mainstay Josh Joplin returns to the stage for an intimate, can’t-miss evening alongside acclaimed singer-songwriter Jeffrey Gaines at My Father’s Place. Joplin spotlights songs from his latest full-length release, GpYr (“gap year”), a deeply personal project that arrives after a 12-year hiatus. It marks a bold new chapter in Joplin’s career. A deeply personal project, it’s an introspective musical journey that, via Joplin’s own experiences, allows us to ponder all of life’s transitions. Jeffrey Gaines brings his own brand of soul-baring musicianship, heralded for his soul-searching lyrics and his powerful live performances. Armed with little more than his voice and an acoustic guitar, He’s built an international following on the strength of his deeply felt lyrics. His stripped-down sets create an atmosphere that is at once intimate and electrifying.

Thursday, March 19, 7:30 p.m. $43. My Father’s Place 1221 Old Northern Blvd., Roslyn. Tickets available at mfpproductions.com.

MERRICK HERALD — March 12, 2026

Celtic Woman


March 12, 2026 — MERRICK HERALD

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North Bellmore BOE meets

CALENDAR Rob Reiner Retrospect

Keith Crocker is back at Merrick Library with another film screening and discussion of Rob Reiner’s iconic movies. This month, enjoy a screening of “When Harry Met Sally” and join the conversation afterward.

The Board of Education holds its next meeting. Stay up to date on district issues.

• Where: 2616 Martin Ave. • Time: 7:30 p.m. • Contact: northbellmoreschools. org

• Where: 2279 Merrick Ave. • Time: 1:30-3:30 p.m. • Contact: merricklibrary.org

Symphony of Hope This special performance celebrates the power of music to unite people of all faiths and backgrounds. Paganini Competition winner Simon Zhu performs as principal soloist, with rising star Jeffrey Dokken conducting. The program also includes a major work by Long Island composer Alexey Shor, joined by a local choir for an evening of reflection, resilience and hope. Violins of Hope, a collection of restored instruments owned and played by Jewish musicians before and during the Holocaust — some performed in ghettos and concentration camps, others belonging to musicians who did not survive are featured. Proceeds support the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance, Molloy University and Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County. • Where: Madison Theatre, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre • Time: 8 p.m. • Contact: madisontheatreny.org or (516) 323-4444

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Drop by to check out hundreds of antique and custom cars, every Friday, through Oct. 30.

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Three Italian Tenors

Direct from Rome, the Three Italian Tenors stop at Tilles Center on their North American Tour debut. Everyone will be captivated by Giovanni Maria Palmia, Ugo Tarquini, and Alessandro Fantoni accompanied by pianist Fabrizio Mocata. Their salute to the great Italian tenors — Luciano Pavarotti, Andrea Bocelli, Mario Lanza and Enrico Caruso — is an exhilarating and unique musical event. It features original arrangements and universally loved Italian songs and tenor arias, fusing Italian wit and charm with romanticism, lyricism, dramatic flair and operatic style. From “Nessun Dorma” to “O Sole Mio” to “That’s Amore” and more, the trio perform the songs that define Italian musical brilliance. You will be swept away by operatic gems like “E lucevan le stelle, “ “La donna è mobile” and “Nessun dorma,” alongside timeless Neapolitan songs such as “Torna a Surriento,” “’O surdato ’nnammurato” and “Funiculì Funiculà.” Their repertoire also includes romantic ballads like “Musica Proibita” and “Dicitencello vuje,” a tribute to Dean Martin with Volare, and a lively piano medley of popular Italian tunes — all culminating in a thrilling celebration of vocal artistry and Italian musical heritage. You’re sure to be enthralled by the stunning program that voyages through • Where: LIU Post campus, nostalgia with favorite memorable classics. Experience their rich vocals, heartfelt 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville emotion and the golden tradition of Italian vocal artistry. • Time: 7 p.m. • Contact: tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100

• Time: 10:15 a.m. and noon; also March 15, March 18-19 • Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800

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• Where: Bellmore LIRR parking lot on Broadway between Bellmore and Bedford avenues. • Time: 5-10 p.m.

Families with kids ages 3-8 are invited to Bellmore Library to join local author Jeannette Cregg as she reads from her book, “Early Easter Morning.” Registration required.

Family theater

• Where: 2288 Bedford Ave. • Time: 11-11:45 p.m. • Contact: bellmorelibrary.org

Long Island Children’s Museum stages “Pete the Cat,” the charming musical based on the book series by Kimberly and James Dean. Life is certainly an adventure for Pete, no matter where he winds up. The minute the groovy blue cat meets The Biddles, he gets the whole family rocking. That is, except for young Jimmy Biddle, the most organized second grader on planet Earth. But when Jimmy draws a blank in art class during the last week of school, it turns out Pete is the perfect pal to help him out. $11 with museum admission ($9 members), $15 theater only. • Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City

Candlelight Celtic Bask in the ambience of softglowing candles and Irish melodies in this intimate evening performance on the Adelphi University stage. Surrounded by the soft, warm glow of over 1,000 candles, world champion Irish dancer Scott Doherty and Irish musician Chris Smith, along with their band, bring classic Irish tunes, songs, and stories to life. You’ll be immersed in a one-ofa-kind enchanting atmosphere, filled with the soul-stirring melodies of Ireland, as the beauty of Irish music and the intimacy

of candlelight come together in perfect harmony. • Where: Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, 1 South Ave., Garden City • Time: 8 p.m. • Contact: adelphi.edu/pac or (516) 877-4000

Pi Day: Where Math Meets Mayhem! Visit Long Island Children’s Museum for a wacky, wonder-filled celebration of everyone’s favorite infinite number! Grab your goggles, get ready for the ultimate Pie Toss Party and help make math history in the messiest, most hilarious way possible. Come for the numbers, stay for the splatter, because at LICM, learning is as fun (and as messy) as you make it! • Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City • Time: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. • Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800

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The Chamber holds its monthly meeting.

Where: Vamps Club North Bellmore Fire Department, 15500 Newbridge Road. • Where: Vamps Club North Bellmore Fire Department, 15500 Newbridge Road. • Time: 7-9:30 p.m. • Contact: bellmorechamber.com

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The popular Long Live Long Island lecture series at Merrick Library returns to explore the history and culture of the island. • Where: 2279 Merrick Ave. • Time: 6 p.m. • Contact: merricklibrary.org

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Bring the family to the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey. $40 per person, checks made payable to Bellmore Memorial Library. • Where: 2288 Bedford Ave. • Time: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. • Contact: bellmorelibrary.org

The weather during the month of March can be described as coming in like a lion and out like a lamb. Families are invited to join the Green Teens at Long Island Children’s Museum in welcoming spring. Explore what happens during the change of seasons at the drop-in program. For ages 3+. • Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City • Time: Noon-2 p.m. • Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800

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The annual Chocolate Expo returns for another delectable edition. Check out the tastings and sales of chocolates, baked goods, specialty foods, cheeses, dairy products, craft beverages (wines, spirits, cider, mead and more and ready-toeat foods from 60-120+ vendor booths. With demos, interactive presentations and celebrity appearances, plus fun for children in the “Kidz Zone.” • Where: Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale • Time: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. • Contact: ticketmaster.com

Pokémon Club Ages 5-12 can get in on the action. Meet other trainers while playing Pokémon at the Bellmore Library. Bring your cards to trade or play. Registration required. • Where: 2288 Bedford Ave. • Time: 7-8 p.m. • Contact: bellmorelibrary.org

Having an event? Items on the Calendar page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to kbloom@liherald.com.


Public Notices

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LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY CHRISTIANA TRUST AS CUSTODIAN FOR GSRAN-Z LLC, Plaintiff against BHNV REALTY 2 CORP

(AKA BHNV REALTY 2 CORP.), et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Hersko & Ehrenreich P.C., 555 Willow Avenue, Cedarhurst, NY 11516, (516) 942-4216. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered September 5, 2024, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 8, 2026 at 3:30 PM. Premises known as 1765 Carroll Ave., Merrick, NY 11566. Sec 55 Block 081 Lot 364 (Group Lot: 364-365). All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being, and identified on the land and tax map of the County of Nassau in the State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $3,913.40 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 607315/2023. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.” Gerard DeGregoris, Jr., Esq., Referee File # 19-6406 158721

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE FOR THE REGISTERED HOLDERS OF SAXON ASSET SECURITIES TRUST 2005-3 MORTGAGE LOAN ASSET BACKED NOTES, SERIES 2005-3 Plaintiff, Against JODI DASHOSH A/K/A JODIE DASHOSH, et al Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered

01/15/2026, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on 4/7/2026 at 3:00PM, premises known as 2110 Vine Drive, Merrick, NY 11566, and described as follows: ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Merrick in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Section 63 Block 321 Lot 13 The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $895,863.35 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 618070/2024 If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction. This Auction will be held rain or shine. Gerard DeGregoris Jr, Esq., Referee. MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573 Dated: 2/4/2026 File Number: 20-302849 CA 158719

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR RMAC REMIC TRUST, SERIES 2009-9, Plaintiff, vs. CLAUDIO JOVELL, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on October 25, 2016 and an Order Appointing Successor Referee duly entered on January 6, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 7, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 1720 Montague Avenue, Merrick, NY 11566. All that certain

plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 55, Block 24 and Lot 120. Approximate amount of judgment is $633,799.60 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 003996/2014. Cash will not be accepted. Scott Siller, Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 158709 PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES… To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com

LEGAL NOTICE AVISO LEGAL AVISO DE AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA, VOTACIÓN DEL PRESUPUESTO Y ELECCIÓN DE FIDEICOMISARIOS DE LA BIBLIOTECA PÚBLICA DE NORTH MERRICK POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA que se llevará a cabo una audiencia pública de los votantes calificados por la Junta de Fideicomisarios de la Biblioteca Pública de North Merrick (la “Biblioteca”), municipio de Hempstead, condado de Nassau, Nueva York, el 21 de abril de 2026 a las 7:00 p. m. en la Biblioteca, 1691 Meadowbrook Road, North Merrick, Nueva York, con el propósito de analizar los gastos incluidos en el presupuesto propuesto de la Biblioteca para el año fiscal 2026-2027. Y POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA ADICIONALMENTE que dicha votación del presupuesto y elección de los votantes calificados del distrito escolar público de North Merrick, condado de Nassau, estado de Nueva York, calificados para votar en reuniones escolares en dicho distrito, se llevará a cabo el miércoles 29 de abril de 2026, en la Biblioteca, 1691 Meadowbrook Road, North Merrick, Nueva York, entre las 10:00 a. m. y las 9:00 p. m., para votar mediante máquina de votación sobre los siguientes asuntos:

1. Adoptar el presupuesto anual de la Biblioteca para el año fiscal 2026-2027 y autorizar la porción necesaria de este a ser recaudada mediante impuestos sobre la propiedad gravable del Distrito. 2. Cualquier otra cuestión o proposición sobre asuntos, gastos o autoridad para imponer impuestos que pueda ser presentada para votación conforme a la Ley de Educación. TÓMESE NOTA ADICIONAL de que en dicha votación y elección que se llevará a cabo el 29 de abril de 2026, se elegirá a un (1) miembro para la Junta de Fideicomisarios de la siguiente manera: 1. Elegir a un (1) miembro de la Junta de Fideicomisarios de la Biblioteca para un período completo de cinco (5) años, que iniciará el 1 de julio de 2026 y concluirá el 30 de junio de 2031. El actual titular es William Pezzulo, cuyo mandato finaliza el 30 de junio de 2026. TÓMESE NOTA ADICIONAL de que las peticiones para nominar candidatos al cargo de miembro de la Junta de Fideicomisarios de la Biblioteca deberán presentarse ante la secretaria del distrito escolar de North Merrick (el “Distrito”), Harold D. Fayette School, 1057 Merrick Avenue, North Merrick, NY, a más tardar el 30 de marzo de 2026, entre las 8:00 a. m. y 5:00 p. m. Se requerirá una petición separada, debidamente firmada por al menos 25 votantes calificados del distrito, conforme a la ley, en la que se indique la residencia de cada firmante, para nominar a un candidato a cada cargo individual. Las peticiones para miembros de la junta escolar deberán describir la vacante específica en la Junta de Educación para la cual se nomina al candidato; dicha descripción deberá incluir al menos la duración del mandato y el nombre del último titular, si lo hubiera. Y POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA que el registro personal de los votantes es obligatorio, y ninguna persona tendrá derecho a votar en la reunión cuyo nombre no aparezca en el registro del Distrito Escolar preparado al

efecto. Los votantes calificados pueden registrarse cualquier día escolar con la secretaria del Distrito, Joanne Long, en el edificio de administración, 1057 Merrick Avenue en Merrick, entre las 9:00 a. m. y las 4:00 p. m. La inscripción en persona debe realizarse en la oficina de la secretaria del Distrito a más tardar el viernes 24 de abril de 2026 a las 4:00 p. m. Cualquier votante calificado de la Biblioteca que tenga dudas sobre si está registrado para votar en la votación del presupuesto y elección del 29 de abril de 2026, debe comunicarse con la secretaria del Distrito por correo electrónico a jlong@nmerrick.org. La Junta de Registro se reunirá durante la elección del miércoles 29 de abril de 2026 en la Biblioteca con el propósito de preparar un registro para reuniones y elecciones posteriores a dicha votación del presupuesto o elección. Y POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA ADICIONALMENTE que una copia de dicho presupuesto o declaración puede consultarse en el sitio web de la Biblioteca o solicitarse por cualquier residente del Distrito entre las 10:00 a. m. y las 5:00 p. m. a partir del 14 de abril de 2026, excepto domingos y días festivos, en la Oficina del Director de la Biblioteca, 1691 Meadowbrook Road, North Merrick, Nueva York, y en la Oficina del Director de cada uno de los siguientes edificios escolares a partir del 1 de abril de 2026 durante el horario escolar. Camp Avenue School Harold D. Fayette School Old Mill School Estos documentos también estarán disponibles en el siguiente sitio web: https://www.nmerrickli brary.org/ Y POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA ADICIONALMENTE que las boletas de voto en ausencia y las boletas de voto anticipado por correo estarán disponibles para la votación y elección. Las solicitudes para boletas en ausencia y boletas de voto anticipado por correo podrán ser presentadas a la secretaria del Distrito no antes del día 30 anterior a la elección para la cual se

solicitan. Las solicitudes están disponibles en la Oficina de la Secretaria del Distrito, ubicada en Harold D. Layette School, 1057 Merrick Avenue, North Merrick, NY. Para que una boleta en ausencia o boleta de voto anticipado por correo sea enviada a su domicilio, la solicitud correspondiente, completa y firmada, debe estar en la oficina de la secretaria del Distrito a más tardar a las 4:00 p. m. del 28 de abril de 2026. La solicitud de boleta en ausencia o boleta de voto anticipado por correo puede realizarse en persona entre las 9:00 a. m. y las 4:00 p. m. cualquier día escolar y hasta las 5:00 p.m. del 28 de abril de 2026. Las boletas en ausencia deben ser recibidas por la Secretaria del Distrito a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m. del miércoles 29 de abril de 2026. Y POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA ADICIONALMENTE que una lista de las personas a quienes se les emiten boletas en ausencia y boletas de voto anticipado por correo estará disponible para inspección por los votantes calificados del Distrito a partir de la emisión de dichas boletas, así como la lista de votantes registrados, en la oficina de la secretaria del Distrito en cada uno de los cinco días previos a la elección, excluyendo domingos, entre las 8:00 a. m. y 4:00 p. m. en días hábiles, y el 25 de abril de 2026 con cita previa, así como en el lugar de votación el día de la elección. Y POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA ADICIONALMENTE que los votantes militares que actualmente no estén registrados para votar pueden solicitar su inscripción como votantes calificados del Distrito contactando a la secretaria del Distrito en 1057 Merrick Avenue, North Merrick, NY 11566, por correo electrónico a jlong@nmerrick.org, o por fax al (516) 282-1822, para recibir una solicitud de registro como votante calificado del Distrito para dicha votación y elección del 29 de abril de 2026. El votante militar puede indicar su preferencia para recibir la solicitud de registro por correo, fax o correo

electrónico. La solicitud de registro debe ser recibida por la secretaria del Distrito a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m. del vigésimo sexto día antes de la votación, es decir, el 3 de abril de 2026. El registro de votantes preparado y archivado en la oficina de la secretaria del Distrito incluirá los nombres de todos los votantes militares que presenten un registro de votante militar válido. Se entiende por votante militar a un votante calificado del estado de Nueva York que se encuentre en servicio militar activo y, por lo tanto, estará ausente del Distrito en el que está calificado para votar el día de la inscripción o elección, o que sea dado de baja del servicio militar dentro de los 30 días previos a la elección; o al cónyuge, padre, hijo o dependiente del votante militar que lo acompañe o se encuentre con él, si también es votante calificado del estado de Nueva York y residente del mismo distrito escolar que el votante militar; o al personal militar que resida en una base militar dentro de un distrito escolar de Nueva York durante un período de 30 días inmediatamente antes de dicha votación y elección. Y POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA ADICIONALMENTE que los votantes militares que sean votantes calificados del Distrito pueden obtener una solicitud de boleta militar en la oficina de la secretaria del Distrito en 1057 Merrick Avenue, North Merrick, NY 11566, por correo electrónico a jlong@nmerrick.org, o por fax al (516) 282-1822. La solicitud de boleta militar debe ser devuelta en persona o por correo a la oficina de la secretaria del Distrito a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m. del vigésimo sexto día antes de la votación, es decir, el 3 de abril de 2026. El votante militar puede indicar su preferencia para recibir la solicitud de boleta militar por correo, fax o correo electrónico. Las boletas militares serán enviadas o distribuidas de otra manera a más tardar 25 días antes de la votación y elección, es decir, el 4 de abril de 2026. Las boletas militares deben ser recibidas por la

MERRICK HERALD — March 12, 2026

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON F/K/A THE BANK OF NEW YORK AS SUCCESSOR TO JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR THE HOLDERS OF THE BEAR STEARNS ALT-A TRUST 2004-10, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2004-10, Plaintiff, Against LUIS A. QUIJANO, et al, Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 03/22/2023, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on 3/26/2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 174 Babylon Turnpike, Merrick, New York 11566, and described as follows: ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in Merrick, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York. Section 55 Block 166 Lot 158 The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $1,154,373.34 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 005630/2015 If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction. This Auction will be held rain or shine. Ronald J. Ferraro, Esq., Referee. MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573 Dated: 1/20/2026 File Number: 17-300295 CA 158468


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Public Notices

secretaria del Distrito (1) antes del cierre de las urnas el 29 de abril de 2026, con el matasellos del Servicio Postal de EE. UU. o de un servicio postal extranjero, o con un sello de recepción fechado por otra agencia del gobierno de EE. UU.; o (2) a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m. del día de la votación y elección, firmadas y fechadas por el votante militar y un testigo, con una fecha que corresponda como máximo al día anterior a la votación y elección. Independientemente del modo de transmisión preferido, la solicitud de boleta militar y la boleta militar deben ser devueltas por correo o en persona. Los votantes calificados del Distrito podrán consultar la lista de todas las personas a quienes se les hayan emitido boletas militares, en la Oficina de la Secretaria del Distrito, durante el horario de oficina de 9:00 a. m. a 5:00 p. m., hasta el día de la votación y elección. TÓMESE NOTA ADICIONAL de que cualquier propuesta o cuestión que se coloque en las máquinas de votación deberá presentarse por escrito mediante una petición firmada por al menos 25 votantes calificados del Distrito y archivada en la oficina de la secretaria del Distrito a más tardar el 30 de marzo de 2026, excepto las peticiones relacionadas con una proposición que deba incluirse en el aviso de votación y elección. Las peticiones relacionadas con propuestas que deban incluirse en el aviso de votación y elección deberán presentarse sesenta (60) días antes de la votación y elección. Cualquier proposición puede ser rechazada por los fideicomisarios si el propósito de esta no está dentro de las facultades de los votantes, o si la proposición no incluye la apropiación específica necesaria, cuando se requiera el gasto de fondos según la proposición. REQUISITOS PARA VOTAR: 1.Ser ciudadano estadounidense. 2.Tener dieciocho años o más. 3.Ser residente del Distrito por un período de treinta días o más

inmediatamente anteriores a la elección en la que se ofrece a votar. 4.Estar registrado para votar. TÓMESE NOTA ADICIONAL de que la votación sobre todas las proposiciones y la elección de candidatos en la votación y elección que se llevará a cabo el miércoles 29 de abril de 2026, se realizará mediante máquina de votación. Todas las referencias al momento, lugar y forma de las audiencias, registro y votación en la votación del presupuesto y la elección están sujetas a modificación de acuerdo con la legislación aplicable o por indicación de la entidad con jurisdicción sobre la Biblioteca. En North Merrick, Nueva York con fecha del 2 de febrero de 2026 Por orden de la JUNTA DE FIDEICOMISARIOS DE LA BIBLIOTECA PÚBLICA DE NORTH MERRICK North Merrick, Nueva York Jacqueline Perez, directora 158876 To place a notice here call us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING, BUDGET VOTE AND TRUSTEE ELECTION OF THE NORTH MERRICK PUBLIC LIBRARY NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a Public Hearing of the qualified voters will be held by the Board of Trustees of the North Merrick Public Library (the “Library”), Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York on, April 21, 2026, at 7:00 PM at the Library, 1691 Meadowbrook Road, North Merrick, New York, for the purpose of discussing expenditures contained in the Library’s proposed budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that said Budget Vote and Election of the qualified voters of the North Merrick Public School District, County of Nassau, State of New York, qualified to vote at School Meetings in said District will be held on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, in the Library, 1691 Meadowbrook Road, North Merrick, New

York, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., to vote by voting machine upon the following items: 1. To adopt the annual budget of the Library for the fiscal year 2026-27 and to authorize the requisite portion thereof to be raised by taxation on the taxable property of the District. 2. Any other questions or propositions as to matters or expenditures or authority to levy taxes that may be presented for a vote under the Education Law. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that at said Vote and Election to be conducted on April 29, 2026, one (1) member is to be elected to the Board of Trustees as follows: 1. To elect one (1) member of the Library Board of Trustees for a full term of five (5) years commencing July 1, 2026, and expiring on June 30, 2031. The incumbent is William Pezzulo whose term expires on June 30, 2026. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that petitions nominating candidates for the office of member of the Library Board of Trustees shall be filed with the Clerk of the North Merrick School District (the “District”), Harold D. Fayette School, 1057 Merrick Avenue, North Merrick, NY, not later than March 30, 2026, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. A separate petition, duly signed by at least 25 qualified voters of the district, as in accordance with law, and stating the residence of each signer, shall be required to nominate a candidate to each separate office. Petitions for school board members shall describe the specific vacancy on the Board of Education for which the candidate is nominated; said description shall include at least the length of the term of office and the name of the last incumbent, if any. AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that personal registration of voters is required, and no person shall be entitled to vote at the meeting whose name does not appear on the register of the School District prepared thereof. Qualified voters may register any school day

with the District Clerk, Joanne Long, at the Administration Building at 1057 Merrick Avenue in Merrick between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.. In person registration must be done in the office of the Clerk of the District not later than 4:00 p.m. on Friday, April 24, 2026. Any qualified voter of the Library who is doubt as to whether she/he is registered to vote at the April 29, 2026 Budget Vote and Election, should contact the Clerk of the District via email at jlong@nmerrick.org. The Board of Registration will meet during the election held on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, in the Library for the purpose of preparing a register for meetings and elections held subsequent to such budget vote or Election. AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a copy of such budget or statement may be accessed on the Library’s website or obtained by any resident of the District upon request between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. beginning April 14, 2026, except Sunday or holidays, at the Library Director’s office, 1691 Meadowbrook Road, North Merrick, New York and the Principal’s office in each of the following school buildings beginning April 1, 2026 during school hours: Camp Avenue School Harold D. Fayette School Old Mill School These documents will also be available on the following website: https://www.nmerrickli brary.org/ AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that absentee ballots and early mail ballots will be available for the Vote and Election. Applications for absentee ballots and early mail ballots may be received by the District Clerk no earlier than the 30th day before the election for which it is sought. Applications for absentee ballots and early mail ballots are available in the Office of the District Clerk, which is located at Harold D. Fayette School, 1057 Merrick Avenue, North Merrick, NY. To have an absentee ballot or early mail ballot mailed to your home, an

www.liherald.com

March 12, 2026 — MERRICK HERALD

LMER2-2 0312

applicable completed and signed application must be in the District Clerk’s Office no later than 4:00 p.m. on April 28, 2026. Application for an absentee ballot or an early mail ballot may be made in person between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m on any school day and up until 5:00 p.m. on April 28, 2026. Absentee ballots must be received by the Clerk of the District not later than 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a list of persons to whom absentee ballots and early mail ballots are issued will be available for inspection to qualified voters of the District commencing with the issuance of such ballots, as well as the list of registered voters, in the office of the Clerk of the District on each of the five days prior to the election, excluding Sunday, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on weekdays, and on April 25, 2026 by appointment, and at the polling place on the day set for the election. AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HERBY GIVEN that Military Voters who are not currently registered to vote may apply to register as a qualified voter of the District by contacting the District Clerk at 1057 Merrick Avenue, North Merrick, NY 11566 or by email jlong@nmerrick.org or fax sent to (516) 282-1822, to receive an application to register as a qualified voter of the District for said Vote and Election on April 29, 2026. The Military Voter may indicate their preference for receiving the registration application by mail, by facsimile or e-mail. The application

to register must be received by the District Clerk no later than 5:00 P.M. on the twentysixth day before the vote which is April 3, 2026. The register of voters prepared and filed in the District Clerk’s office shall include the names of all military voters who submit a valid military voter registration. A military voter means a qualified voter of New York State who is in actual military service and will, therefore, be absent from the District in which he or she is qualified to vote on the day of registration or election or is discharged from military service within 30 days of an election, or a spouse, parent, child or dependent of the military voter, accompanying or being with such voter, if a qualified voter of New York State and a resident of the same school district as the military voter, or military personnel residing on a military base within a school district in New York State for a period of 30 days immediately preceding said Vote and Election. AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Military Voters who are qualified voters of the District may obtain an application for a military ballot from the District Clerk at 1057 Merrick Avenue, North Merrick, NY 11566 or by email jlong@nmerrick.org or fax sent to (516)282-1822. A military ballot application must be returned in person or by mail to the Office of the District Clerk, no later than 5:00 P.M. on the twenty-sixth day before the vote which is April 3, 2026. The Military Voter may indicate their preference for receiving

the application for a military ballot by mail, by facsimile or email. Military ballots will be mailed or otherwise distributed no later than 25 days before said Vote and Election which is April 4, 2026. Military ballots must be received by the District Clerk (1) before the close of the polls on April 29, 2026 and show a cancellation mark of the U.S postal service or a foreign country’s postal service, or showing a dated endorsement of receipt by another agency of the U.S. government or (2) by 5:00 P.M. on the date set for the Vote and Election and signed and dated by the military voter and one witness thereof, with a date which is ascertained to be not later than the day before said Vote and Election. Irrespective of the preferred mode of transmission, the military ballot application and military ballot must be returned by mail or in person. A list of all persons to whom military ballots shall have been issued will be available for inspection to qualified voters of the District in the said Office of the District Clerk during regular office hours, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., (Prevailing Time), until the day of said Vote and Election. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that any propositions or questions to be placed upon the voting machines shall be submitted in writing by petition subscribed by at least 25 qualified voters of the District and filed in the office of the District Clerk on or before March 30, 2026, except for petitions relating to a proposition which must be included in the notice of the vote and

election. Petitions relating to a proposition which must be included in the notice of the vote and election must be submitted sixty (60) days in advance of the vote and election. Any proposition may be rejected by the Trustees if the purpose of the proposition is not within the power of the voters, or if the proposition fails to include the necessary specific appropriation, where the expenditure of monies is required by the proposition. QUALIFICATIONS FOR VOTING: 1.A person shall be a citizen of the United States. 2.Eighteen or more years of age. 3.A resident of the District for a period of thirty days or more next preceding the election at which he or she offers to vote. 4.Must be registered to vote. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the vote on all propositions and the election of candidates on the Vote and Election held on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, will be conducted by voting machine. All references to the timing, location, and manner of hearings, registration, and voting in the budget vote and election are subject to modification based on applicable legislation or direction by an entity with jurisdiction over the Library. Dated: North Merrick, New York February 2, 2026 By Order of the BOARD OF TRUSTEES NORTH MERRICK PUBLIC LIBRARY North Merrick, New York Jacqueline Perez, Director 158874 To Place A Notice Call 516-569-4000 x232

Legal Notices are everyone’s business

READ THEM


21

E1 03/12

Employment

CLASSIFIED

Fax your ad to: 516-622-7460 E-mail your ad to: ereynolds@liherald.com E-mail Finds Under $100 to: sales@liherald.com DEADLINE: Monday, 11:00 am for all classified ads.

To pLACE your AD CALL 516-569-4000 - press 5

Every effort is made to insure the accuracy of your ad. Please check your ad at the first insertion. Credit will be made only for the first insertion. Credit given for errors in ads is limited to the printed space involved. Publisher reserves right to reject, cancel or correctly classify an ad.

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Help Wanted CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE Full Time/Part Time Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc. STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multi-task, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines. Salary Range is $17 per hour to $20 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: circulationassociate@liherald.com

DRIVERS WANTED

Full Time and Part Time Positions Available! Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience. Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239

DRIVING INSTRUCTOR

Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome! $22 - $27/ Hour Bell Auto School 516-365-5778

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EDITOR/REPORTER

Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. H i s t o r i c a l l y, r e p o r t e r s w h o h ave launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com Why Not Print

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MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT Inside Sales Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $35,360 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286

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GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 877-8-HOPENY OR TEXT HOPENY (467369). RESORTS WORLD NEW YORK CITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

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MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

$28.91/hr.

PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing Press Operators in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $20 per hour to $30 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

Positions available in Nassau and Suffolk Counties Apply At: www.educationalbusjobs.com/ EOE

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OUTSIDE SALES

Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $35,360 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250

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HERALD — March 12, 2026

HERALD


March 12, 2026 — HERALD

22

E2 03/12

Homes

HERALD

To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5

HOME Of tHE WEEK

• To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5

Lido Beach

Prestige Oceanfront Living

Open House: Sunday, March 15 12:00-2:00pm. Lido Towers 2 Richmond Road, Unit 3A.

L

ido Towers is one of the most prestigious luxury buildings on Long Island. This newly listed oceanfront condo boasts amazing views of the Atlantic and is in a prime central location. It has been completely updated to mint condition, and the kitchen and 2 bathrooms are brand new, offering comfort and luxury to enhance your oceanfront lifestyle. You will enjoy amenities galore in this magnificent complex ~ pool, tennis, pickleball, gym, card room, party room, social gathering room, storage, bike racks, and private beach access with cabana personnel. With proximity to the LIRR, parkways and houses of worship, you can have a Hamptons lifestyle without the commute. Come experience an extraordinary life by the beach!

Tom Tripodi Associate Broker Tripodi | Shemtov Team Douglas Elliman Real Estate 30A West Park Avenue, Long Beach 516.902.3497

Rent Your Apartment

REAL ESTATE Real Estate WE BUY HOUSES for Cash AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-888-704-5670

through the Herald and PrimeTime Classified section. Call us for our great *specials. 516-5694000, press 5 for Classified Dept. *(private party only)

Helping you find a HOME or sell a HOME … a place to call your own. Suburb or country, house, condo, townhouse or apartment, our Classifieds can help you find a HOME that fits your style, your budget and Real Estate needs... it’s a MUST SEE!

Call us today!

Your Hometown Newspaper

To Place an Ad Call: 516-569-4000 • Press 5

‘Let the design professional make the decision’

Q. Are there better times of the year to do construction, and are there cheaper times to do construction? Also, my contractor keeps saying we could save money with smaller lumber, that what is in our plans is “overkill.” Should I opt for smaller lumber? Who decides this? A. There are some benefits to building in milder weather, such as spring and fall, but not because it’s cheaper. Materials respond better when they’re in an environment that isn’t extremely hot or cold. Internal expansion and contraction of materials is hard to control, and so it’s best, for the overall building, to install when the weather is mild. onte eeper Asphalt roof shingles installed in hot weather, for example, can experience micro tears when the material contracts in cold weather. Siding can distort from heat after being installed in cold temperatures. Wood flooring can buckle due to temperature and humidity changes … and on and on. As for cost of construction, if weather were the only factor, it would be simpler to answer that the majority of people would rather not be outdoors working in bad weather. You may get a better deal to do interior work in the winter, but that can vary, based on a bustling economy versus a slow time, when construction companies are trying to keep their employees working for them and being paid. But there are many factors, such as tariffs, material cost fluctuations based on the seasons, fuel cost increases (and decreases), workforce availability and competition. Many skilled workers tell me it’s hard to find the next generation to hire, meaning that you have to pay the workforce you have to stay and train with you. The cost of construction is always going to be cheaper, based on historical observation, in today’s dollars than in the future. Putting off construction projects in the hope of getting a better price has never paid off, it seems. As for deciding what size materials are required, such as beams and wall studs, there are also many factors that go into the decision process of selecting structure, and this is not to be left to opinion, especially for someone who doesn’t have the training to know how these decisions are made. Structural design isn’t arbitrary. The many factors that go into designing a structure include many internal and external forces, and the wrong selection can be disastrous. The general public has to understand that putting materials together in the field, and engineering the many factors that determine a structural system, are very different. Sometimes the choice of a simple roof rafter seems like overkill, and it may actually be, until you consider that the depth of insulation that goes between the structure has to meet a completely different set of criteria. If you can’t pass the energy code, then the smaller structure is not a savings. Taking the structure apart or adding more material just to pass the separate energy code is expensive. Let the design professional, not the assembler, make the decision. Good luck!

Ask The Architect

M

L

© 2026 Monte Leeper Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.


23

E3 03/12

Market Place • •

To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5

To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5

HERALD — March 12, 2026

HERALD

To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5

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Stuff

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• To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5 • To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5

TAX DIRECTORY

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Antiques/Collectibles

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HErald

Crossword Puzzle

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Reliable. Accurate, Confidential. Let us handle your numbers, so you can handle your business! Email us and tell us what your needs are and we will respond acctprotech@hotmail.com | 516-780-4187

E4 03/12

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To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5

HERALD

HERALD

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March 12, 2026 — HERALD

24

BABY'S CHANGE TABLE. Gently used, white, 3 drawers. $15. Lido Beach. (516)705-9398 DRESSER WOOD: W34" D18 1/2" H 30" Walnut, 3 Drawers, Good. $50 S. Freeport 516-279-7696

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Handyman

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Answers to todAy’s puzzle


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opinions

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he U.S. men’s hockey team’s 2-1 sudden death, overtime win over Canada to win the Olympic gold medal set off a wave of patriotism that few people anticipated. There was, of course, the usual hope of victory when the Americans won their first four games in Italy. That hope increased when they advanced to the final against Canada, the clear favorite. It wasn’t a David vs. Goliath match like the fabled 1980 Miracle on Ice, in which an American team comprising a bunch of amateur college kids defeated the Soviet Union, which was acknowledged to be the overwhelming favorite. But this year’s gold medal game, too, was an instant classic. The winning goal came less than two minutes into overtime on a rocket-like shot by Jack Hughes. There was exultation among the American fans in the arena, and the many millions watching on TV across the country. On the ice, the players were euphoric, overcome with absolute joy. The exuberant Hughes topped it all off

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by giving credit to his teammates and exclaiming, “I love the USA. I’m so proud to be an American!” His words were obviously genuine and sincere — a raw, unfiltered expression of Americanism that would have had a visceral impact on many Americans at any event. But they came against the backdrop of other American Olympians criticizing the United States and President Trump. The attacks by these athletes against their own country on foreign soil, at an international event, infuriated and disappointed countess Americans regardless of whether or not they supported the president. The reaction of many progressives in politics and the media was that these statements were merely free speech. No one, of course, was denying that the athletes had the right to say what they did. But just because you have the right to say something doesn’t make it right. Nor should you say it in another country, when you’re representing the United States. Whenever I traveled overseas as a congressman, I never said a critical word about my country or the president, whether he was Democrat or Republi-

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can. I believe that politics stops at the water’s edge. Besides, I can think of no country that offers more opportunity for more people or has done more good for the world than the United States. For whatever the reasons, the several days after the Olympics ended saw a wave of unabashed patriotism and expressions of love of country spread across the land. It peaked when Trump presented the hockey team at his State of the Union address. And then Hughes got a heartwarming welcome when he returned to play his first home game for the New Jersey Devils. Unfortunately, there were the naysayers. An op-ed in The New York Times claimed that the American had allowed themselves to be politicized, and had gone from heroes to zeros. The genesis of the criticism of the players was their acceptance of Trump’s invitation to visit the White House and be his guests at the State of the Union. The invitation had been made by way of FBI Director Kash Patel, who had celebrated with the players in the locker room and held his phone so they could hear Trump’s congratulations. The president’s call to the locker room was described as a political intru-

obody complained about Herb Brooks’s chat with Jimmy Carter in 1980.

sion, though it’s customary for presidents to make such calls. When President Jimmy Carter called to congratulate the 1980 gold medal winners, Coach Herb Brooks not only accepted the call, but also told Carter he supported his controversial decision to boycott that summer’s Olympics in Moscow. Back then there wasn’t a word of complaint from the media. Though Trump also invited the American women’s gold medal-winning hockey team to the White House and the State of the Union, he was assailed for prefacing the invite with the friendly jibe, “I guess I have to invite the women.” Talk about political correctness run amuck! Lighten up! Similarly, there was the criticism that the men were the object of more public acclaim than the women, ignoring the fact that the women’s team had been favored from the start and has now won three gold medals since 1998, while the men hadn’t won in 46 years. We must put aside stridency and needless political division to enjoy such moments of national patriotism, and celebrate that we are fortunate to live in the greatest nation in the history of the world. USA! Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.

Writing the history of our lives in small print

s the Nassau Herald marks its centennial, I hope to light at least one candle on the birthday cake. I have been opinionator-in-residence for over four decades, in addition to my duties as editor for many years. That would be roughly 2,236 columns. A while ago I reconciled to the fact that when you write a column for 40-something years, some will be good, most will be good enough and some will miss the mark — any mark. And very occasionally, you hit one out of the park. I have written every week, through the ’80s, ’90s and and up to today, commenting on the news and chronicling my kids’ school years, our family vacations in the wilds of Montana, the life and times of our dogs and the adventures of my good-natured husband, who has tolerated my writing about everything from his red golf pants to his ongoing fight with pancreatic cancer. A longtime weekly column becomes a

history of its time. I wrote in heavy black ink about the World Trade Center attacks, Hurricane Sandy, presidential elections, fashion trends, diets and riots, and with a finer-tipped pen I wrote about my family, eventually including eulogies for my mother and father and more than one friend. My column has been my space to figure out what I think about this world and how to be a good neighbor in our community. I’ve tried to use my 750 words each week to promote serious debate. My outlook, supporting diversity and women’s rights, reflects what I believe. Not everyone agrees, and I have the letters to prove it. In recent years, some have gotten ugly, like so much dark current flowing through our media. I can recall, at the beginning of my newspaper career, cutting and pasting printed stories on boards, each one a page of the paper. If the story didn’t fit, you just cut a paragraph or two from the bottom. Thus the importance of the first sentence or two, known as the lede, and the first three paragraphs, which basically told the story. I was hired away from the late South Shore Record, owned by the indomitable

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Florence Schwartzberg, by Leatrice Spanierman, the Herald’s brilliant editor in chief and a natural news writer. Leatrice was socially, intellectually and emotionally intertwined with the Herald brand. We turned out big local papers in those days at our Lawrence headquarters. Our team wrote 10 to 20 local stories every week, and our motto was, “Everything that happens anywhere in the world has a Five Towns angle.” And it was true. If a ship hit an iceberg in Antarctica, for sure there was someone who knew someone on board. This is all to say that local newspapers are essential to a functioning democracy, and I am grateful to have enjoyed this golden age of local journalism. This is also to say that across the country, small papers are closing. The loss of a reliable local news source has many consequences for a community. One is the inability to monitor the actions of government agencies and elected officials. Subscribe to and read and advertise in our papers. We need to mind what’s going on in our schools, and to do that we need reporters to monitor the board meetings, and to do that we need to pay

verything that happens anywhere in the world has a local angle.

them. Local papers cover everything from potholes to parades. The obituaries are their guiding light, reflecting a community’s past, reminding us of the special ties that bind friends and neighbors together. When you wanted the scoop on how the blizzards of 2026 affected our schools and roadways, you read about it in the Herald. Wonder why the athletic fields at Lawrence High School are still closed? Want to know what Peter King said about “bipartisanship”? Do you know which Long Beach native won gold at the Olympics? Open the Herald. If you have property tax grievances or worry about the electric grid in your area, read the Herald and find the facts you need to better understand the issues facing Long Islanders now. The dailies look at news through a wide-angle lens; our focus is narrow. I love being a part of this news-gathering and opinion-formulating enterprise. From my perch, I focus inward, on family and life issues, and sometimes outward, on the political and social forces that unite and divide us. It’s a wonderful job, getting to tell the ongoing story of our American democracy. Copyright 2026 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.

MERRICK HERALD — March 12, 2026

A heart-stopping hockey victory was marred by politics


26

Herald editorial

Merrick

March 12, 2026 — MERRICK HERALD

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Hundreds of students are sick, unseen, left behind

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hat if we told you that in every school district across Long Island, an average of 200 students are silently suffering from a condition that has left them barely able to get out of bed? That these children miss school at more than twice the rate of their peers? That they are twice as likely to struggle to learn, concentrate and remember? What if we told you that these students suffer from depression at three times the rate of their healthy schoolmates? That, unlike the flu, their illness doesn’t dissipate with rest and time, and in many cases gets worse? That it can take months or years for a family to find a doctor who understands the disorder — and that when they do, that doctor often has no treatment to offer? If we told you a crisis of that scale was playing out in every Long Island school district, you would expect emergency meetings of school boards, action from Albany and, at minimum, that someone in a position of authority was paying attention. Yet, tragically, this crisis is real, and almost no one is paying attention. An estimated 25,000 children across Long Island are living with long Covid — the little-understood condition that develops when a Covid-19 infection does not fully resolve. Formally known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2, it is defined as symptoms that persist or newly arise more than three months after infection — and many of the 23 million Americans with long Covid have been suffering for over half a decade. “Long haulers” experience a unique combination of more than 200 potential symptoms, including crushing fatigue, brain fog, heart palpitations, pain with

no clear origin, and immune dysfunction that standard blood tests cannot detect. The National Institutes of Health’s RECOVER Initiative determined that roughly 4 percent of children who contracted Covid-19 later develop the condition — translating to 200 students per district in Long Island’s 125 school districts. And because Covid continues to circulate, new cases are being added every day. Harvard economists have estimated the total cost of long Covid to the United States at $3.7 trillion. For a family with a seriously affected child, navigating years of visits to specialists, lost parental income and insurance companies that routinely deny claims, the financial burden can easily reach six figures. This is not a minor post-pandemic inconvenience. It is one of the largest ongoing public health and economic crises in American history. A situation of this magnitude should be impossible to miss. School boards should have data. Superintendents should have plans. Doctors should have answers. Instead, these children are largely invisible — and the reasons are worth understanding. Long Covid carries no definitive diagnostic test, its symptoms overlap with conditions doctors are quicker to define, and families often spend a year or more cycling through specialists without answers. Many of these families suffer quietly at home, unaware of others going through the same thing, with no community, no organized voice, no constituency demanding to be heard. Parents describe a particular kind of helplessness. They watch a child who was active, engaged and social withdraw from everything that once defined them. They fight insurance companies, drain

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letters News literacy should be required in schools To the Editor: As a superintendent and a proud educator for over 25 years, I couldn’t agree more with the editorial in the Feb. 26-March 4 issue, “Long Island students need news literacy.” In fact, I believe it should be mandated in all K-12 school districts. In today’s digital world, especially in the age of A.I., where fake images and misleading headlines often come across as “authentic,” developing strong news literacy skills is more important than ever. With a competitive 24-hour “breaking news” cycle coupled with the constant flow of social media feeds, the singular, more traditional news sources are long gone. Now audiences, including young and impressionable adolescents, often rely on media outlets and websites that may be unverified or deceptive.

savings and search online late at night for anything that might help. They sometimes pursue ineffective — and dangerous — therapies offered by unscrupulous people preying on their desperation. More than anything, they wait for a return to normalcy that medicine has not yet figured out how to deliver. Teachers watch capable students quietly disappear. The hand that was always first in the air goes still, and half-done work replaces finished assignments. Without the training to recognize the symptoms of long Covid, too many educators mistake it for disengagement or a behavioral problem. It is neither. Children are being left behind in ways that cannot always be recovered — the reading level never reached, the travel team never made, the Homecoming never attended, the college essay never written. Childhood has a timeline, and long Covid does not respect it. If your child has been struggling since a Covid infection — however mild or even asymptomatic — long Covid may be the explanation no one has yet offered. Ask your pediatrician. Mount Sinai South Nassau hospital, Northwell Health and Stony Brook University Hospital all have long Covid clinics — worldclass resources waiting to help, right in our backyard. This Sunday, March 15, is Long Covid Awareness Day. But awareness without action is futile. So let’s commit to making this the year long Covid gets the recognition, coverage and funding it so sorely needs. Our children deserve nothing less. Are you or your child suffering from long Covid? We want to hear your story, which we will keep anonymous. Email us at longcovid@liherald.com.


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opinions

or the past two months, many skeptics of the administration of New york City Mayor Zohran Mamdani have been anticipating an exodus of residents because of the new mayor’s policies. For now, anyone who tells you that people are leaving New york City in droves is indulging in wishful thinking. But it’s useful to examine Mamdani’s short history to see what he’s doing and whether there are any warning signs ahead. First of all, it’s worth talking about trends when it comes to people leaving the city and the state. Overall, the state is losing population due to the high cost of living and people’s desire to live in warmer climates. in the case of New york City, the only numbers available to date are from July 2024. At that point the city had gained 87,000 new residents in the previous year, the result, demographers explained, of a combination of an increase in the birth rate and wealthy

people from other parts of the world continuing to come to the Big Apple. The international arrivals are the well-to-do who buy high-cost apartments and buildings. Take a trip to Manhattan’s 57th Street and you’ll find towering buildings with breathtaking Central Park views. New york is a very attractive place for these bigmoney people who can’t find the kind of attractions they’re seeking in their native countries. Mamdani has appointed many people who have had previous government experience at the federal and state level. his first deputy mayor, Dean Fuleihan, was my chief of staff in the Assembly when i was chair of the Ways and Means Committee, and the budget director for Mayor Bill de Blasio. Fuleihan is smart, and knows the city’s fiscal issues. The mayor was fortunate to be able to keep Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, and she’ll stay as long as he doesn’t meddle in police operations. The recent snowstorms were a big test for Mamdani, but by the second big storm, last month, the cleanup was a lot smoother. Snowstorms have always

Letters The ability to critically analyze and question the information we encounter is no longer optional; it’s an essential life skill. This is why the Baldwin Union Free School District has implemented a robust news and media literacy curriculum for several years now. Beginning in sixth grade, news literacy skills are embedded into our middle and high school social studies and English coursework. Our high school seniors are also required to complete College Civics and News Literacy, a dual-credit course through our partnership with Stony Brook University’s Center for News Literacy. We even hosted a workshop to educate parents about misinformation, since becoming news-literate is important for everyone. News literacy is much more than distinguishing between true and false. Students acquire skills to identify credible sources and misinformation, recognize bias, assess evidence and sources, and critically evaluate the influence of media on individuals and society, including online “trolls.” Teaching these skills in our classrooms prepares students not only for higher education and future careers but also to become thoughtful, informed citizens who are trusted sources of information.

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been a big deal in the city, and especially since the days of Mayor John Lindsay. After the first major snowstorm of his administration, the city failed to plow any streets in Queens, and that damaged Lindsay’s reputation for years. And de Blasio had a horrific first snowstorm experience when he decided to keep the plows out of key sections of Manhattan. The most important issue facing the mayor is his multi-billion-dollar budget deficit. Mamdani has suggested that the state allow the city to tax the earnings of millionaires and billionaires, but that proposal has gotten a cold shoulder from gov. Kathy hochul, who’s running for re-election this year. in the past few weeks, a number of progressive groups have been in Albany, pushing for that increase, but any legislation that creates such a tax is sure to be vetoed by the governor. Since the mayor began talking about the deficit, the state has found an extra $1.4 billion that will help the city. One new proposal that would help raise at least another $1 billion is to add more parking meters around the city. That

ut what will a 34-yearold, first-term mayor have to do to balance the budget?

Framework by Tim Baker

ANThONy MigNELLA Superintendent, Baldwin Union Free School District

Comments about our stories? Send a letter to the editor to execeditor@liherald.com.

At last month’s inaugural WInterfest — Rockville Centre

idea might not be very popular, but it’s better than the mayor’s proposed 9.5 percent citywide increase in the real estate tax. There is some support from Albany progressives for the idea, but it would have to get through both houses of the Legislature. So what will a 34-year-old, first-term mayor have to do to balance the budget? There is such a thing as cutting some expenditures, though that hasn’t been attempted by any recent mayors. The 2025 city budget was an estimated $112.4 billion. having chaired a legislative fiscal committee, i believe that an honest effort should be made to trim some unnecessary spending in order to persuade the state to help close the city’s budget gap. At this point there hasn’t been any so-called “Mamdani effect.” There are lots of things that could happen, but so far, so good. When you manage a government as large as New york City’s, however, there are many land mines ahead, any one of which could do a new, young mayor in. Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He currently chairs the Capitol Insight Group, a government relations firm. Comments? jkremer@liherald.com.

MERRICK HERALD — March 12, 2026

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For now, New York City is alive and well


March 12, 2026 — MERRICK HERALD

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