Issuu

______________

UNIONDALE _____________

HERALD BEACON

tabletop hobbyists return

First 100 days of school

Student overcomes obstacles

Page 3

Page 10

Page 11

Vol. 76 No. 11

MARCH 12 - 18, 2026

$1.00

A long shot pays off with a new home nonprofit land trust was created in 2010, in response to the foreclosure crisis that hit the In February 2025, after community particularly hard learning he was ranked fourth following the housing market in a housing lottery for a new collapse of 2008. home in Uniondale, Juan Kelly The Long Island Housing visited the empty lot on Union- Partnership helped the land dale Avenue where trust with the the house would application and elieventually stand, gibility review probowed his head and cess for the 125 prayed. applicants who “Me being a completed the prochurch kid, I asked cess before identiGod to give me this fying a qualified house,” Kelly, a buyer — Kelly. As it Long Island Rail happened, the top Road employee, three ranking said. “I came in applicants were fourth — but I unable to provide didn’t want the the necessary docufirst three people to ments. fail for me to get it. Kelly and his I prayed that God daughters, Jaylnn would give the first and Kimberly, ANeSToRIA three people better moved into the opportunities and SHAlKowSKI home, across the let me have this President, street from the Uniondale Community U n i o n d a l e F i r e house.” A f e w w e e k s Land Trust Department, on later, that prayer Feb. 14 — one week was answered before the official ribbon-cutwhen Kelly became the owner ting ceremony. of that newly built home, “I absolutely love the thanks to the Uniondale Com- house,” Kelly said. “Of course, munity Land Trust’s afford- it’s going to take some getting able-housing program, the used to. It’s a whole new area, a Uniondale Avenue Project. The Continued on page 9

By STACY DRIKS

sdriks@liherald.com

Photos courtesy Northern Parkway Elementary School

educating through hip-hop Northern Parkway Elementary School third-grade teachers Lisa Stutts, far left above, Keith Hinnant, Xiomara Flowers, Emely Sosa and Erica Heyward presented “Hip-Hop in the ’90s,” celebrating the beats, rhymes and culture of 53 years of hip-hop as part of a Black History Month program. Decorations with New York City themes were displayed throughout the school, including Metropolitan Transportation Authority logos and subway station stops reflecting hip-hop’s origins in the Bronx. At right, Ricardo Molina, Axel Maldonado and Issac Orozco showcased a hip-hop sweatsuit and a Pittsburgh Steelers jersey worn by quarterback Russell Wilson. Story, more photos, Page 5.

aving a home creates stability — not only stability for the family, but it also creates stability for the community.

March 12, 2026 — UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON

NOMINATE A STUDENT CHAMPION FOR SUSTAINABILITY! Do You Know an Extraordinary Young Leader Making a Difference in Their Community? Nominate a student under 18 for the Sustainability Champion Award to recognize their efforts in driving sustainable change.

WIN A $2,500 PRIZE!

Submit a nomination of approximately 100 words or less describing the student’s leadership in promoting sustainability: What motivates them? What impact have they had? Be sure to include a photo or an example of their work—whether it’s a community garden, an environmental campaign, or a creative solution to a sustainability challenge.

The award will be presented at the 2026 LI Herald Sustainability Awards of Long Island powered by Reworld on May 14th.

PRIZE POWERED BY:

DEADLINE: MARCH 17TH

1340247

Scan to Nominate!

Tabletop Game Expo returns to Cradle of Aviation

UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON — March 12, 2026

By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com

The Long Island Tabletop Gaming Expo is a one-stop shop to learn and buy board games of all kinds. The March 7 and 8 event brought thousands of tabletop hobbyists and local vendors to the Cradle of Aviation in Uniondale in an eclectic mashup of interests and attractions “We’ve got stuff from all across the industry: card games, role playing games, board games, miniature games, and we’ve got panels and classes on them,” said Event Coordinator Jesse Harchack. “(For) pretty much anything on the tabletop hobby, you can find something here.” While conventions attract many hardcore fans, the expo focuses on approachability to welcome newcomers. “We always put a focus on walk-ups, people completely fresh to the hobby,” Harchack said. “I think people want more engagement in their hobbies and their life right now… you see people playing with people who are complete strangers. They just met, and they’re having a good time playing games. I think people really just like the social aspect of it.” For the past four years, the expo has been bringing together friends and families for game tournaments and panels of industry experts, exhibits of board games throughout history, and sessions helping new game designers test out their designs. Johnathan Sammis attended the expo for the first time this year at the suggestion of his friends. “I’m big into Magic: The Gathering,” he said. “This is actually neat because there’s a whole bunch of vendors from all over the island. This is one of the conventions where there’s a handful of them all in the same building. It’s really nice being able to see what other people have to trade, to buy, to sell, and just a little bit of everything.” Vendor stations and game tables filled the museum, taking space between various aeronautical exhibits, featuring everything from global franchises like Warhammer 40,000 to games made by local and independent creators. On the second floor of the building, attendees were able to borrow board games and play them for free. The convention’s vendors offered instructed play for many games, such as Battletech: Alphastrike and Halo: Flashpoint, two combat board games using plastic miniatures, hosted by Brothers’ Grimm Games from Selden. “We’re running a bunch of demos this year,” said BGG staff member Sarah Becker. “We run them every year. They’re free to play, they have so many options… we’re serving our patrons and hopefully making some friends along the way.” Darlene Hartman attended the event with members of her hobby group. “We’re looking for some things for our Dungeons and Dragons tables: some dice, some terrain, some new miniatures,” she said. “We like just playing the game. Later on, we’re playing a few of the roleplaying games here just to feel them out.”

Joseph D’Alessandro/Herald

The Long Island Tabletop Gaming Expo offered thousands of attendees an opportunity to play new board games for free.

Joseph D’Alessandro/Herald

Darlene Hartman, second from left, speaks with Jason Bullara of the Tabletop Society in Bethpage about gaming supplies. Jason Bullara of the Tabletop Society in Bethpage welcomed Hartman and her crew, introducing them to his custommade game tools. “We pull some an array of 30 printed accessories and other jewelry and dice trays and Dungeons and Dragons accessories and gaming accessories,” he said. “People get excited over this, so we get excited too.” While the expo offers a new space for hobbyists’ interests to flourish, one group sought to share the fun with people in need. Chris Rodriguez, co-founder and executive director of the Queens based nonprofit Board Games for the Better, held a fundraiser for their special programs with a sixty-prize giveaway. “We’re a nonprofit organization that

donates board games to children and families across the country,” he said. “We’ve been doing this for about a little over four years; we’ve donated over 9,000 games, and we have a game date program where we’ve done about 200 hours of game time with kids in schools, shelters, domestic violence shelters and libraries.” The nonprofit developed and began distributing their own nautical-themed board game, Bluffing for Booty, at the event, prioritizing their goals to make gaming accessible and enjoyable for all people. “We designed a game that we think is playable by anybody and everybody. We’ve played this with four-year-olds and played this with 103-year-olds.” To learn more about future events, visit LITableTop.com.

Joseph D’Alessandro/Herald

Erin Johnston and Chris Rodriguez are the co-founders of Board Games for the Better, a Queens based nonprofit that provides entertainment to people in need.

ARE YOU AT RISK OF LOSING YOUR HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER?

News briefs

Do you have a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8), and are facing eviction or possible voucher termination?

HELP IS AVAILABLE Housing Help Inc. offers FREE and confidential assistance with: Eviction and Court Notices • Voucher Termination • Understanding Program Requirements • Connection to Pro Bono Legal Help Lauren Chin/Herald

CALL US TODAY!

Students approached the podium by school and asked their local officials and fire department questions on local improvements and overall quality of life.

516-912-3443

www.housinghelpinc.org

Students raise concerns in the community

Appointments available in person, by phone, or videoconference.

DON’T WAIT. EARLY ACTION PROTECTS YOUR VOUCHER AND YOUR HOME. Hempstead and Nassau County Residentss

1339729

Housing Help Inc. is a HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agency

Students from across the Uniondale school district gathered at Uniondale High School for a legislative forum where they raised questions and concerns directly with local officials and members of the Uniondale Fire Department. During the discussion, students asked about issues affecting their community, including traffic studies they said are often overlooked by the town and speeding that needs to be reinforced on their school premises. High school students mentioned the growing concern of ICE fears among students. Uniondale district board student Valentina Goris brought back quotes from

students who expressed their concerns for their parents’ possible deportations anonymously. Some students also raised concerns about the police academy located near the Lawrence Road Middle School and asked whether its proximity presents any safety risks, as the Nassau County Police Department uses it as a shooting range during school hours. The forum provided students an opportunity to engage with local leaders and discuss issues impacting their schools and neighborhoods. — Stacy Driks

Hempstead High School hosts Career Day Hempstead High School hosted its annual Career Day event, giving students an opportunity to hear from professionals working in a variety of fields. Among several professionals who spoke with students was Nassau County Legislator Viviana Russell who represents Uniondale. During the Feb. 11 event, Russell addressed three classes about her career in real estate and what her life has been like since joining the County Legislature this year. Career days bring professionals into schools to share insights about their

industries, daily responsibilities and educational paths, helping students connect classroom learning to real-world careers. “Considering your future after graduating high school can be extremely daunting,” Russell said. “Whether your path includes college, trade school, professional endeavors or military service, it is always beneficial to have insights from others who have already walked that path.” —Luke Feeney

HOW TO REACH US Our offices are located at 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530 and are open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

MAIN PHONE: (516) 569-4000 ■ E-MAIl: Letters and other submissions: rbethany@liherald.com ■ EDITORIAl DEPARTMENT: E-mail: rbethany@liherald.com ■ SUBSCRIPTIONS: (516) 569-4000 Press ”7” E-mail: subscriptions@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4942 ■ DISPlAY ADVERTISING: (516) 569-4000 Ext. 249 E-mail: rglickman@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4643 ■ ClASSIFIED ADVERTISING: (516) 569-4000 Ext. 286 E-mail: ereynolds@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4643 ■ PUBlIC NOTICES: Ext. 232 E-mail: legalnotices@liherald.com

1340355

March 12, 2026 — UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON

Uniondale Herald Beacon Newspaper (PP#), is published Weekly on Thursday by Richner Communications, Inc., 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530. Periodicals Postage Prices is Pending at Garden City, NY 11530 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Uniondale Herald Beacon, 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530. Subscription rates: $52 per year auto pay or $65 one time payment within Nassau county (excluding qualified zip codes) or $76 outside of Nassau County or qualified request in zip code 11514, 11530, 11550, 11553, 11555, 11556, 11590. Copyright © 2026 Richner Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

Northern Parkway explores hip-hop contributions Hip-hop began in the Bronx in 1973, primarily among Black and Latino youth. It developed as a creative outlet in neighborhoods facing poverty, underfunded schools and limited resources, giving young people a way to express their experiences and identity. Like earlier Black musical traditions such as blues, jazz and soul, hiphop often tells stories about life, struggle, resilience and community. Many artists have used lyrics to address social issues, discrimination and inequality. Through performances and classroom activities, students reflected on how hip-hop has influenced music, art and storytelling across generations.

UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON — March 12, 2026

Third-grade students at Northern Parkway Elementary School celebrated the culture and impact of hip-hop during a special Black History Month program highlighting the music and movement of the 1990s. The school was decorated with posters representing hip-hop culture. One display featured a map of the New York City subway system, while others highlighted destinations in the Bronx, where hip-hop originated. During the event, students explored the beats, rhymes and cultural influence of hip-hop while learning how the genre evolved over the years. The presentation highlighted voices and contributions that helped shape hip-hop as both a musical style and a cultural movement.

— Stacy Driks

Photos courtesy Northern Parkway Elementary School

Many students gathered together to celebrate Black History Month by speaking aloud the history of hip-hop. Other activities included decorating hats.

Yuleisy Hippolite, reads contributions from hip-hop for their special event. Besides her is Velini Roopnauth, and Aubrey Panton.

1332997

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

1339305

March 12, 2026 — UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON

UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON — March 12, 2026

Hosted by:

Mayor Robert T. Kennedy Freeport Village

SUPERVISOR

JOHN FERRETTI Town of Hempstead Department of Occupational Resources

invites you to a

TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

JOB FAIR THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2026

Freeport Recreation Center • 130 East Merrick Road • Freeport 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.- Open to Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. - General Admission

Registrants will receive an invite via email to attend a pre-event online workshop to prepare for the Job Fair. Free professional headshots will be available to registrants at the Job Fair.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. To register, please visit:

www.hempsteadworks.com/jobfair

BRING SEVERAL COPIES OF YOUR RESUME

Employers at the event include:

ACCES-VR • Advantage Solutions - CDS • AHRC Nassau • Always Compassionate Health • Camps ‘R’ Us • Council for Airport Opportunity • CVS • EAC Network • EPIC Long Island •�� Retention • Flagstar • Harbor Child Care • Health Plus Management • Local 15 • Long Island Cares • Long Island Clean Energy Hub • MercyFirst • Mill-Max Mfg. Corp. • MTA • Nassau University Medical Center • New York City Department Of Correction New York State Department of Civil Service • NY Army National Guard • PSEG Long Island • Reworld • Richner Communications RiseWell Community Services • Rolling River Day Camp • Soccer Shots • Sunrise Credit Services • The Viscardi Center Tiegerman School • Total Fire Protection • United States Marines Corp • United States Postal Service US Air and Space Force • US Navy • ValuCare Inc. • and more!!!

Visit our website: www.HempsteadWorks.com

John John Ferretti Supervisor

Council Members Dorothy L. Goosby • Dennis Dunne, Sr. • Thomas E. Muscarella Melissa Miller • Laura A. Ryder • Christopher R. Schneider

Kate Murray Jeanine C. Driscoll Town Clerk

Receiver of Taxes

Rev. Dr. Eric C. Mallette Commissioner, Dept. of Occupational Resources

1339521

For more information, please call (516) 485-5000, ext. 1100

March 12, 2026 — UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON

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 provides 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.”

Land trust housing lottery changes futures

Deliah Roberts/Herald

anestoria Shalkowski, president of the uniondale Community Land trust, far left, presented Juan Kelly with a ceremonial key after Kelly became the owner of a newly built home on uniondale avenue, thanks to the land trust’s affordable-housing program. With Kelly were his daughters, Jaylnn and Kimberly. by land trusts, the organization retains ownership of the land, and a homeowner purchases the house itself at a reduced cost, helping keep housing affordable while still making it possible for a family to build equity. Kelly bought his new home for $175,000, but in last February the estimated value, was $620,000. Anestoria Shalkowski, president of the land trust, said she believes its latest appraised value in November is much higher, close to $690,000. In Uniondale, where the median

Apply Online Now www.RCACS.org

TUITION FREE

home price was about $642,000 as of December, according to housing data cited by the land trust, homeownership is difficult, if not impossible, for many families. Shalkowski said the organization’s goal is to make ownership attainable for those who might otherwise be priced out of the market. The lottery, she said, offers applicants the chance to purchase a home “for a fraction of the going market rate.” “Having a home creates stability — not only stability for the family, but it also creates stability for the communi-

ty,” she said. “Renting is more for short term. There are a lot of people who rent because they have no other option. “When you rent, what you’re doing is you’re paying somebody else’s mortgage,” Shalkowski added. “And at the end of the day, it’s almost the same as having a mortgage — maybe a little bit less.” Kelly’s house was built using modular construction by Simplex Homes in Scranton, Pa., and transported to Uniondale in sections before being secured on its foundation. He and his family were there the day the house arrived, last March, and watched as it was constructed. “I had never seen anything like that before,” he said. “To watch it come down the road and know it was going to be our house was amazing.” Shalkowski said that a house on the site had burned down in the 1990s, and the land trust later acquired the parcel through the Nassau County Land Bank. After the house was installed on the foundation, it needed several months of additional work before it was ready to be occupied. For Kelly, the opportunity represents a major turning point. Owning a home, he said, provides the stability he had long hoped to give his family. “I absolutely love it,” he said. “It’s a new area and a new beginning for us. I’m excited to be part of the community, and to make this house our home.”

PUBLIC NOTICE

K-8th Public School of Choice Est. 2000 (NYS-Local Educational Agency) ROOSEVELT CHILDREN’S ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL

ROOSEVELT CHILDREN’S ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL

STUDENT RECRUITMENT OPENINGS FOR 2026-2027

WHEN YOU K NOW THE IMPORTANT DATE: DEADLINE: APRIL 1, 2026* FACTS, THE NEW STUDENTS APPLICATION DEADLINE* CISION DISTRICT TRANSPORTATION REQUEST DEADLINE* DE IS EASY! LOTTERY DRAWING AT 6PM*

• SAFE, NURTURING ENVIRONMENT; EXTENDED DAY TO 4PM-AFTERSCHOOL HOURS 4-6PM • RIGOROUS ACADEMIC PROGRAMS, WITH TWO ADULTS IN EACH CLASSROOM • HIGH FAMILY SATISFACTION AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

THE ROOSEVELT CHILDREN’S ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL

Board Meeting

Date: Tuesday, March 24, 2026 • Time: 6:00pm Place: 201 Debevoise Ave. Roosevelt, NY 11575 All Are Welcome Board members participating remotely: Fort Mills, SC 29707 • Durham, NC 27713 • Winston Salem, NC 27103

1339654

whole new world — but I’m eager to fit into the community and looking forward to being part of it. “The land trust provided this opportunity,” he added. “I am absolutely grateful. But without God, none of this would have been possible for me.” It is the first home Kelly, a resident of Queens, has ever owned. During the lottery process, he and his daughters lived with his sister-in-law. His wife died three years ago, he said, and the family had been through difficult times together. At one point Kelly said, he even considered resigning from his job with the LIRR and moving with his brother to Charlotte, N.C., because living in New York had become too difficult. “I’d have had to look for work, but it would have all been to just have some stability,” he said. “Although it helped me to save some money being with family, I just wanted my home for me and my daughters.” Uniondale was particularly affected by the housing crisis that began 18 years ago. The community had a high concentration of subprime mortgages, which led to a wave of foreclosures and abandoned properties. Residents began exploring ways to stabilize neighborhoods and expand access to homeownership, and eventually creating the Uniondale Community Land Trust. Under the shared-equity model used

PUBLIC NOTICE THE ROOSEVELT CHILDREN’S ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL

Limited openings are available in grades 1st - 8th on a space availability basis. APPLY ONLINE NOW: www.RCACS.ORG (Se Habla Espanol) For more information or to request an application contact Enrollment Call (516) 867-6202 (ext 8204 or ext 8240 or ext 8404) • Fax: (516) 407-5156 201 Debevoise Avenue, Roosevelt, New York 11575

1339916

Students with Disabilities (SWD), English Language Learners (ELL), and Economically Disadvantaged are encouraged to apply.

Board Retreat Date: Friday March 27, 2026 Time: 9:00am-1:00pm Place: 111 Pleasant Ave. Roosevelt, NY 11575

Board members participating remotely: Fort Mills, SC 29707 • Durham, NC 27713 • Winston Salem, NC 27103

1339663

eligible students must SEATS AVAILABLE FOR KINDERGARTEN (Kindergarten be 5 yrs. old by December 1, 2026)

UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON — March 12, 2026

Continued from page 1

What’s neWs in and out of the classroom

March 12, 2026 — UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON

HERALD SchoolS

Photo Courtesy of California Avenue School

California Avenue School students celebrated 100 days and dressed up as senior citizens in items like gray wigs, suspenders and oversized glasses.

Kindergarten students 100 days smarter By ABBY GIBSON

Intern

allways were filled with laughter and cheer as kindergarteners dressed as senior citizens paraded through California Avenue School on Feb. 26 to celebrate the 100th day of school and show off their class projects. Students participated in a “100day project,” creating displays with help from their families before presenting them to classmates. The activity helps develop listening and speaking skills as students explain who helped them create their projects and what materials they used. “They get very excited about something that they made at home that they’re proud to share,” said Lourdes Reina, a kindergarten teacher at California Avenue School. One of the highlights of the celebration is when students and teachers dress up as if they were 100 years old, wearing outfits that include wigs, canes and glasses before parading around the school. For students, the milestone represents how much they have learned since the start of the school year. “It’s a milestone that we’ve reached 100 days, and we let them know that they’re all 100 days smarter,” Reina said. “We’ve been looking forward to this from the

Kindergarten teachers, Jessica Wiesler,left, Lourdes Reina, Christine Aruanno and Marni Krell join in a tradition that encourages both staff and students to celebrate the progression of the school year. beginning of the school year.” Reina said she has seen significant growth in her students since the first day of school. “They know how to write their names, their letters, their sounds, and they can count to 100,” she said. “A lot of them can read, which is exciting, and there’s growth in their confidence and self honesty.” Five-year-old Dahra Jatroop dressed as an elderly woman and said her favorite part of the celebration was making her project. “We made our 100 days of school project, and I made it out of 100 pieces of Legos and made it the number 100,” she said. Jatroop added that her favorite part of school is “learning new things,” especially lessons about ocean animals such as sharks and killer whales. Assistant Principal Michelle

Minnelli said the 100th day celebration has been a long-standing tradition at California Avenue School, likely started by kindergarten teachers as a way to highlight student growth. Minnelli said many students arrive on the first day of school feeling nervous because they are unsure what to expect. “But after 100 days,” she said. “Everyone’s thriving as the routines are well put into place and students are excelling at what they’re doing.” The celebration stays in touch with one of the school’s core values of excellence. As the school recognizes Kindergartners’ progress, the school reinforces the importance of perseverance and growth. “We really do connect it to our core value of excellence and making sure that we celebrate the

Kindergarten students paraded through the halls with their projects. accomplishments,” Minnelli said. “Even though things might have been tough or might have been hard. Some of our students, they were able to excel and push through.” Although the 100th day marks a major milestone, teachers say it is only one step in the students’ learning journey as they continue developing academically and socially through the rest of the school year. The 100 days of school are more than just a celebration at California Avenue, they make it a powerful reminder that every day of learning adds on to something extraordinary.

Overcoming obstacles lead to SUNY recognition

UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON — March 12, 2026

cational Opportunity Program for helping guide her through her college experience. “The EOP has guided me throughout the time at NasValeria Alfaro Rivera, a Uniondale resident and Nas- sau,” Rivera said. “I have so many questions and they sau Community College student, has been awarded the were always able to guide me.” College officials praised Rivera for her perseverance 2026 Norman R. McConney Jr. Award for Educational and commitment to her education in a Feb. 17 press Opportunity Program Student Excellence. The statewide honor recognizes students who have release. The EOP Award for Student Excellence highlights not overcome significant personal obstacles while achieving only exceptional academic achievement, but academic success. Rivera was recognized also the courage and determination it takes during a ceremony hosted by SUNY Chancelto seize opportunity and turn it into success,” lor John B. King Jr. on March 9, alongside said Maria Conzatti, NCC’s chief administrarecipients from SUNY’s 64 campuses. tive officer. Rivera said mental health has played a sig“We are incredibly proud of Valeria and nificant role in shaping her journey. She excited to see the continued impact she will admitted it was difficult at times but said she make in our community and beyond,” she had a strong support system behind her. added.” She is completing her sophomore year, The Educational Opportunity Program about to finish up at Nassau and apply herwas created to provide access, academic supself elsewhere with a bachelor degree majorport and financial assistance to students ing in criminal justice. She said learning she from disadvantaged backgrounds. Across the had been selected for the award was both surSUNY system, the program has helped thouprising and deeply rewarding. VALERIA of students pursue higher education “It was definitely exciting,” Rivera said. “I ALFARO RIVERA sands and build successful careers. felt very grateful that my hard work was recAfter she completes her bachelor degree, ognized. I was shocked and grateful because her long-term goal is to attend law school and pursue a so much work was put in over the years.” Rivera said her academic journey has been shaped by career as an attorney. Rivera said receiving the McConney award has reindetermination and a strong support system. She credits her family for motivating her to continue pursuing her forced her determination to keep moving forward and continue working toward her career goals. goals, noting the sacrifices they made along the way. She also hopes her story can encourage other students “My family has made so many sacrifices,” Rivera said. “I’ve seen how hard my family worked, and it was facing similar obstacles. “Mental health has played a significant role in shapone of the motivating factors that helps me keep striving my journey,” she said. “I’ve had to be resilient – it can ing.” She also credited Nassau Community College’s Edu- be hard.

By STACY DRIKS

sdriks@liherald.com

Herald file photo

Nassau Community College, where Uniondale resident Valeria Alfaro Rivera studies criminal justice and recently earned a statewide SUNY award. But when you have a system of people in your community,” she added. “It helps you believe in yourself and know that you’re never alone.”

HOUSE Job Fair!

Now Hiring Sales Professionals Join One of Long Island’s Leading Media Companies Richner Communications is expanding our sales team and looking for motivated, competitive professionals ready to grow their careers.

Now Hiring:

• Outside Advertising Sales (must have car)

Wednesday, March 18

• 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM • 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

516-569-4000 ext. 239 careers@liherald.com

• Inside Advertising Sales • Digital Advertising Sales

We offer strong earning potential, established multimedia products, digital solutions, and a respected brand presence throughout the communities we serve. If you have proven sales experience and the drive to succeed, we want to meet you.

Location

RCI Headquarters 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530

Publishers of: 1339673

March 12, 2026 — UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON

SPONSORED CONTENT

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

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

1304659

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.

things to know ABoUt woMEn’s histoRY Month

By Chris ColuCCi ccolucci@liherald.com

For nearly 40 years, the U.S. has used the month of March to commemorate National Women’s History Month. While women makeup just over 50 percent of the population, their fight for equality on all fronts — economic, social and political — has been a constant. The annual acknowledgment highlights the impact made by women across the country.

The National recognition has international roots The American celebration of Women’s History Month began somewhat informally, without official government support, as National Women’s History Day in the early 1900s. Early advocates for women’s rights created the day to bring attention to key issues, including suffrage — the right to vote — in 1909. The idea spread quickly and, by 1913, European countries including Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland were celebrating International Women’s Day. The international counterparts used the day in similar fashion — raising awareness of women’s issues and holding rallies to protest unfair treatment. In 1917, the Petrograd Women’s March took place in Petrograd, Russia (now Saint Petersburg), protesting food shortages during WWI.

It began as a day, then a week, then a month National Women’s Day, Feb. 28, was first recognized in 1909. After gaining traction across the globe and shifting into the month of March, American interest in the celebration expanded in 1980 when President Jimmy Carter declared the first Women’s History Week — the week containing March 8. By 1986, states took the opportunity to increase awareness further, spurring President Ronald Reagan to declare Women’s History Month in 1987. “From earliest times, women have helped shape our Nation,” Reagan wrote in a Presidential proclamation. “Historians today stress all that women have meant to our national life, but the rest of us too should remember, the achievements of women throughout American history.”

This year’s theme: Shaping a sustainable future Women’s History Month isn’t only a chance to support women-owned businesses, celebrate local women in political positions, or learn about an array of historical figures. Each year has a specific theme chosen by the National Women’s History Alliance — a nonprofit organization founded in 1980 to promote women’s history throughout the United States. The 2026 theme is “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future.” The aim is to honor women who create long-term sustainability in multiple arenas — environmental, economic, educational, and societal. Previous themes include “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating and Inspiring Generations” in 2025.

PROUD TO CARE FOR AMERICA’S GREATEST GENERATION CARING FOR LOVED ONES

• Facility/In Home C Care Insurance • Long Term Insura ance Accepted Experienced • Trusted & Experie enced Caregivers

CARE BEYOND COMPARE

2026 TOP 3 FINALIST

24/7

Publication Dates

Lacrosse Preview ........................................... Apr. 9 Football Preview .........................................Sept. 10 Basketball Preview .......................................Dec. 17

SPECIAL PACKAGE

Honoring H onoring 250 250 Years Years of of the the U.S.A. U.S.A.

Print and digital combined

LONG L LO ONG ISLAND’S ISL SLAND’ SLAN AND’ AN DSP PR PREMIER REM EM MIIIE ER HOMECARE AGENCY H HO OME M CA AR RE EA GE ENC CY

516-719-0909 5 16-719-0909

Call 516-569-4000 | ext. 250 or your account representative or email rglickman@liherald.com

1339095

Reserve your space today!

TTLCCOMPANIONS.COM LCCOMPANIONS.COM EVERYONE EV VER ERYO ERYO YONE NE NEEDS NEE EEDS D A LITTLE LIT TT TL LE TLC TLC TL

1339492

Editions

UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON — March 12, 2026

March celebrates women shaping the future

How tradition evolved into today’s festivities By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com

Every March 17, communities across the world celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with parades, music and plenty of green. What began as a religious feast day honoring Ireland’s patron saint has grown into a global celebration of Irish heritage and culture. Here are three things to know about the holiday and its history.

St. Patrick’s Day began as a religious feast, not a party Observed each year on March 17, St. Patrick’s Day honors Ireland’s patron saint, St. Patrick, who is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland in the fifth century. The date marks the traditional anniversary of his death in A.D. 461. The day was originally a solemn religious feast day in Ireland, marked by church services and family meals. For much of its history in Ireland, the day was observed quietly, and pubs were even closed by law until the 1970s. Irish immigrants later transformed it in the United States into a public celebration of heritage and pride. Today, cities across the country host parades, festivals and cultural events. While it’s often associated with revelry, the holiday’s roots are spiritual and historical, commemorating Irish identity and resilience.

Why we wear green — and other symbols

Signature dishes are essential for celebrations

Green became associated with St. Patrick’s Day because of Ireland’s nickname, “The Emerald Isle,” and the shamrock, which Irish legend says St. Patrick used to explain the Holy Trinity. Wearing green is also said to make someone “invisible” to mischievous leprechauns in Irish folklore. Other popular symbols include Celtic crosses, harps and pots of gold; the cross symbolizes Irish Christianity, the harp represents Ireland’s long musical and cultural heritage, and the pot of gold comes from legends of leprechauns said to hide treasure at the end of the rainbow. Even rivers get in on the tradition — the Chicago River is famously dyed bright green each year as part of the city’s festivities.

While many people consider corned beef and cabbage a classic St. Patrick’s Day meal, it’s more Irish American than traditionally Irish. In Ireland, bacon and cabbage were more common, but Irish immigrants in cities like New York City substituted corned beef because it was more affordable and readily available from local butchers. Over time, the dish became closely tied to March 17 celebrations in the United States, symbolizing both adaptation and the blending of Irish heritage with American life. Another traditional favorite is Irish soda bread, a simple loaf made with baking soda instead of yeast that dates back to rural Irish kitchens. Often served alongside the main meal — and sometimes sweetened with raisins in American versions — soda bread has become a staple of holiday tables.

Real News, Real Local ...

All The Time!

Nobody covers your home town like we do all in on trusted place.

3 Easy Ways To Subscribe

Super easy — do it yourself! Scan the QR code to subscribe. It’s Fast and easy.

Visit liherald.com/Subscribe, to sign-up and start having the Herald delivered to your mailbox each week.

Call us at (516) 569-4000 x7 and speak with a member of our team. They’ll be happy to help!

1337663

March 12, 2026 — UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON

things to know about st. patrick’s day

From the community. For the community. We help Nassau residents save. Hablamos Español Apply online at mptrg.com/heraldwrap or call 516.715.1280

WE DON’T PLAY GAMES. WE GET RESULTS.

Apply online at mptrg.com/heraldwrap or call 516.715.1280

Hablamos Español

M E H T S V US

Surprise

35 + Years Of Experience Native To

Industry Newcomers Not Based

DEADLINE MARCH 31ST Maidenbaum Property Tax Reduction Group, LLC – 483 Chestnut Street, Cedarhurst, NY 11516

Apply online at mptrg.com/heraldwrap or call 516.715.1280

DEADLINE MARCH 31ST

1337067

UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON — March 12, 2026

Restored Holocaust violins headline show By ROKSANA AMID & BRIAN KACHARABA ramid@liherald.com

Symphony of Hope will bring restored Holo‑ caust‑era violins, international soloists and local ensembles to Long Island for a concert that will trans‑ form private histories of loss into public acts of remembrance and education. On March 12 at 8p.m., Madison Theatre at Molloy University will host the collaborative program pre‑ sented by Molloy University, the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance, the Holocaust Memorial and Tol‑ erance Center of Nassau County and the Long Island Concert Orchestra. The centerpiece of the evening is the Violins of Hope collection — instruments once owned and played by Jewish musicians before and during the Holocaust that have been meticulously restored for performance. “It really brings to life the people who once owned them and played on them in real time,” said David Winkler, executive director and composer‑in‑residence of LICO. Winkler, who founded the orchestra in 2016, framed the event as both a memorial and a community effort: “I consider Symphony of Hope to be a celebra‑ tion of the human spirit through music.” Only a portion of the collection will be used in the Madison Theatre performance; roughly 70 instru‑ ments are currently in performing condition, with many more awaiting restoration. Avshi Weinstein, who continues the restoration legacy begun by his father, master luthier Amnon Weinstein, will partici‑ pate in the presentation, bringing the project’s craft and historical expertise to the stage. Winkler emphasized why violins, in particular, carry such resonance: “Only the violins fall into this category. All other instruments were either discarded

Courtesy Long Island Concert Orchestra

Simon Zhu will perform as part of The Symphony of Hope, a unifying musical program taking place March 12 at 8 p.m. at Molloy University’s Madison Theatre. or torn apart. Violins are relatively small instruments that can be taken, put into a knapsack, into a bag.” That portability, he said, allowed persecuted musi‑ cians to carry cultural identity and, in some cases, a means of survival. The program pairs local and international talent. The Long Island Concert Orchestra will be joined by the Long Island Choral Society, with rising guest con‑ ductor Jeffrey Dokken on the podium and Simon Zhu. The repertoire blends historical resonance and con‑ temporary voices, including Violin Concerto No. 7 by

Long Island composer Alexey Shor and work by Win‑ kler titled Pacifica, which is “dedicated to peace.” Grammy‑nominated music director Enrico Fagone is listed as the orchestra’s artistic leader. Institutional leaders framed the concert as both an artistic event and an educational mission. “Molloy University is honored to host The Symphony of Hope at our Madison Theatre,” s Molloy University Presi‑ dent James Lentini, said. Jolanta Zamecka, vice chair of HMTC and a LICO board member, emphasized the event’s broader purpose: “The Symphony of Hope enables us to honor musicians whose lives ended far too soon and to inspire future generations to reject hatred and intolerance.” Michael Klinghoffer, presi‑ dent of the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance, added that the arts “have a power to transcend time and place and bring the world together with a healing presence.” LICO traces its roots to the Sea Cliff Chamber Play‑ ers, formed in 1971, evolving through various itera‑ tions before Winkler established the Long Island Con‑ cert Orchestra in 2016 after the Long Island Philhar‑ monic ceased operations. Winkler described the orchestra’s mission as responding to Long Island’s “growing needs” with large‑scale special events and community‑oriented programming. Each instrument in the Violins of Hope collection carries a distinct story of survival, loss or rescue — some were played in ghettos or camp orchestras, oth‑ ers were hidden or carried by those who escaped per‑ secution. Presenting these violins onstage seeks to give voice to those personal histories in a way organiz‑ ers say can resonantly educate and move contempo‑ rary audiences. Ticket and sponsorship information for Symphony of Hope is available at madisontheatreny.org.

ET 12 G 2 1 BUY E FREE! MOR

PICTURE PERFECT, NOW

YOU TASTE IT ONLY

$3499

Reg. Price $44.99

Special Limited Time Offer!

27% SAVINGS INCLUDING SHIPPING

SAVE 56%

4 Butcher’s Cut Filet Mignons (5 oz.) 4 Air-Chilled Boneless Chicken Breasts (5 oz.) 4 Boneless Pork Chops (5 oz.) 4 Individual Scalloped Potatoes (3.8 oz.) 4 Caramel Apple Tartlets (4 oz.) 1 Omaha Steaks Seasoning (3 oz.) 8 FREE Omaha Steaks Classic Burgers (4 oz.) 81305DBC separately $294.94 SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY PRICE

Order Now!

GET 8

Hale Mini Honeybells

FREE BURGERS A $23 value!

The once a year citrus sensation!

Buy 12 get 12 more

Call 1-516-853-7487

129

to Order Item 2692X

or Visit HaleGroves.com/H6YU54

OmahaSteaks.com/Savory3101 | 1.888.792.3598

Only $34.99 plus $7.99 shipping & processing. Satisfaction completely guaranteed.

��

THE BEST STEAKS OF YOUR LIFE OR YOUR MONEY BACK *Savings shown over aggregated single item base price. Photos exemplary of product advertised. Limit 2. 8 free (4 oz.) burgers will be sent to each shipping address that includes 81305. Standard S&H added per address. While supplies last. Items may be substituted due to inventory limitations. Some products may not be available for sale in your area. Sales are subject to OmahaSteaks.com/terms-of-use. Expires 03/31/26. | 25M8964 | Omaha Steaks, LLC

FREE!

Since 1947. Hale Groves, Vero Beach, FL 32966

IC: H6YU54

27% SAVINGS! INCLUDING SHIPPING!

*Plus $7.99 handling per pack to the 48 contiguous states. Limited time offer, good while supplies last. Not valid with any other offer. Limit 5 boxes per customer.

1331797

Butcher’s Savory Collection

1331093

March 12, 2026 — UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON

STEPPING OUT

Classic Irish Soda Bread

Irish-American Soda Bread

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.

UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON — March 12, 2026

Celtic Woman

March 12, 2026 — UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON

Your Neighborhood mar

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, Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre • Time: 8 p.m. • Contact: madisontheatreny.org or (516) 323-4444

mar

Family theater

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

mar

Candlelight Celtic

Bask in the ambience of soft-glowing 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-of-

CALENDAR the Cradle of Aviation Museum.

• Where: Cradle of Aviation Museum Atrium, Charles Lindbergh Blvd. • Time: Noon–3 p.m. • Contact: cradleofaviation.org

Meet the artist Meet New York-based artist Imani Monroe during the Uniondale Library’s March artist exhibition. Monroe uses photography, collage and painting to create abstract observations of life. Presented by Academic Support at Exceed Learning Center.

mar

• Where: 400 Uniondale Ave., Uniondale • Time: 2-3:30 p.m. • Contact: uniondalelibrary.org or (516) 489-2220

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

a-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 the museum, 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) 2245800

Irish soda bread workshop Learn to make traditional Irish soda bread during a hands-on workshop

with a demonstration at Uniondale Public Library. Participants will mix their own loaf to take home and bake. All ingredients will be provided. Presented by John M. Bednarik. Cost is $3.25 online or $3 in person cash only. • Where: 400 Uniondale Ave., Uniondale • Time: Noon • Contact: uniondalelibrary.org or (516) 489-2220

Moonlight Market Expo Those interested in crafts, curiosities and oddities should check out the Moonlight Market featuring more than 150 vendors, live music, performance and a burlesque show. Guests can also explore free workshops, classes and demonstrations focused on mystic arts and occult practices. Celebrity guests including Harvey Guillén from “What We Do in the Shadows” and Doug Jones of “The Shape of Water” and “Hellboy,” and Billy from “Hocus Pocus.” $25, $35 for a weekend pass. No one under 18 is permitted. • Where: David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex, Hofstra University, 245 Hempstead Tpke., Hempstead • Time: Noon-8 p.m., also on March 15 • Contact: (516) 225-2112

mar

Library Board of Trustees Meeting

The Uniondale Public Library Board of Trustees meet on the third Wednesday of the month. Residents are invited to attend and may ask questions or share concerns during the meeting. Visit website for the public packet. • Where: 400 Uniondale Ave., Uniondale • Time: 7 p.m. • Contact: uniondalelibrary.org or (516) 489-2220

Little Readers Club The John J. Byrne Community Center hosts storytime and activity club for children with big imaginations and parents looking to nurture a love of reading each Saturday. Sessions feature interactive storytelling, themed crafts, puzzle games and a kidfriendly snack break. • Where: John J. Byrne Community Center, 800 Jerusalem Ave., Uniondale • Time: Noon-2 p.m. • Contact: byrnecenter.org or (516) 554-8124

mar

Long Island Family Camp Fair & Activity Expo

Rescheduled because of the Jan 25 snow storm, The Long Island Family Camp Fair & Activity Expo returns to the Cradle of Aviation Museum Atrium for an afternoon of family activities and camp exploration. Families can learn about local camps and programs while enjoying interactive experiences. Admission is free, but registration is required to secure a spot. Separate admission is required for museum galleries and planetarium shows. Tickets are not available through

mar

Stop Myopia

Join a communityfocused Myopia Awareness Campaign designed to help families and residents better understand myopia (nearsightedness). The session explains how myopia develops, common warning signs and practical steps families can take to support long-term eye health and encourage early intervention for healthier vision outcomes. Open to families and the community. • Where: John J. Byrne Community Center, 925 Jerusalem Ave., Uniondale • Time: 10 a.m • Contact: Byrncenter.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.

JOIN US – IT’S FREE!

UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON — March 12, 2026

MARCH 13 • 10AM-12:30PM

EMCEE

EAST MEADOW BETH-EL JEWISH CENTER 1400 Prospect Ave, East Meadow FREE community event focused on health, wellness, and lifestyle Meet trusted local exhibitors and service providers Take advantage of on-site health screenings Enjoy lively entertainment, fitness demonstrations and interactive experiences Hear from experts during a panel discussion with Q&A Win raffles, prizes, and giveaways Snack station for all

MAE CAIME FOUNDER, AMAEZING MIDLIFE & BEYOND

AGENDA:

VISIT EXHIBITORS 10:00AM - 12:30PM EXPERT PANEL + Q&A 11:30AM - 12:30PM RAFFLE DRAWINGS* *must be present to win

AN ALL-IN-ONE EXPO FOR HEALTHY, FULFILLING LIVING GOLD SPONSOR

GET MOVING SPONSOR

Scan Here!

SILVER SPONSORS

TO SPONSOR OR EXHIBIT CONTACT ANNA GRACI AGRACI@LIHERALD.COM OR 516.569.4000 X290

GIFT BAG SPONSOR

1333763

All designed to help you stay active, informed, and engaged at every stage of life.

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. L&L ASSOCIATES HOLDING CORP., Pltf. vs. BEVERLY A. GIBBS, et al, Defts. Index #605304/2025. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered Dec. 22, 2025, I will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on March 24, 2026 at 2:30 p.m. premises k/a Section 55, Block 494, Lot(s) 12-14. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. The foreclosure sale will be held “rain or shine.” KENNETH GARTNER, Referee. LEVY & LEVY, Attys. for Pltf., 12 Tulip Dr., Great Neck, NY 11021 #102735 158459 LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST C/O U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff AGAINST CARLOS AZUCAR, SILVIA AZUCAR AKA SYLVIA AZUCAR, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered December 8, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 31, 2026 at 3:30 PM, premises known as 1345 Galley Street, Uniondale, NY 11553. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, and State of New York, Section 50 Block 336 Lot 10. Approximate amount of judgment $626,751.93 plus www.liherald.com

March 12, 2026 — UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON

LUNI1 0312

interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #601687/2024. Cary D. Kessler, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 22-003487 88768 158539

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that NYS Application ID: NA-0138-26-104206 for eating place beer has been applied for by Compa Bros Corp. to sell beer at retail in a delicatessen under the Alcohol Beverage Control Law at 294 Uniondale Ave. Uniondale, NY 11553 for on premises consumption. 158727 Place a notice by phone at 516-569-4000 x232 or email: legalnotices@liherald.com

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF LEGAL POSTPONEMENT OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS LEGAL TITLE TRUSTEE FOR TRUMAN 2016 SC6 TITLE TRUST, Plaintiff AGAINST MICHAEL CARROLL, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered January 22, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 23, 2026 at 2:30 PM, premises known as 617 Wellelein Road, Uniondale, NY 11553. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Uniondale, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 36 Block: 140 Lot: 19. Approximate amount of judgment $700,140.60 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #011317/2011. Original Sale Date: February 23, 2026 Oscar A. Prieto, Esq., Referee Tromberg, Miller,

Morris & Partners, PLLC 39 Broadway, Suite 1840 New York, NY 10006 25-001120 89248 158805

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR LEGACY MORTGAGE ASSET TRUST 2021-GS1, Plaintiff, Against MARIE RAPHAEL, EDELINE L. SAUNDERS, LONG ISLAND TAX REDUCTIONS INC.; FRITZ JOSEPH (JOHN DOE #1); FRITZ JOSEPH, SR. (JOHN DOE #2) Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 02/05/2024, 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 4/13/2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 1076 Northgate Court Square, Uniondale, New York 11553, 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 Uniondale (Unincorporated Area), in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Section 55 Block 532 Lot 24 The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $601,359.45 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 616200/2022 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.

News briefs

Samantha L. Segal, Esq., Referee. SHELDON MAY & ASSOCIATES Attorneys at Law, 255 Merrick Road, Rockville Centre, NY 11570 Dated: 2/20/2026 File Number: 38281 CA 158844

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 NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, AS OWNER TRUSTEE OF THE RESIDENTIAL CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES TRUST VIII-A, Plaintiff, vs. FRANZ CASIMIR AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE TO THE ESTATE OF MAGNOLIA STEPHENSCASIMIR, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on January 29, 2026, 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 15, 2026 at 2:30 p.m., premises known as 679 Midwood Street, Uniondale, NY 11553. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Uniondale, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 50, Block D02 and Lot 2. Approximate amount of judgment is $239,358.91 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 615759/2023. William J. Birney, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 230638-1 158854

Legal Notices are everyone’s business

READ THEM

Courtesy Town of Hempstead

Ralph and Jacqueline Hanna of Uniondale celebrated their renewed wedding vows after 19 years of marriage at the Corral House in Baldwin with Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray.

Couple renews vows fo Valentine’s Day Uniondale couple, Ralph and Jacqueline Hanna renewed their vows after 19-years of marriage on Feb 12. Hempstead Town Supervisor John Ferreti and Town Clerk Kate Murray celebrated the Uniondale couple along with 100 others that day. They hosted a marathon vow renewal ceremony at the Coral House in Baldwin. Couples ranged from newlyweds to

those married for a few decades as they reaffirmed their commitment in heartfelt ceremonies officiated by Murray. The event was sponsored by the Town of Hempstead and was offered free of charge. The day highlighted the season of love and the importance of community across Hempstead. – Abby Gibson

Courtesy Sacred Heart Academy

Sacred Heart Academy earned Platinum distinction on the 2025 Advanced Placement School Honor Roll for the second consecutive year, placing the all-girls Catholic school among fewer than eight percent of schools nationwide to receive the College Board’s highest AP recognition.

Sacred Heart earns award for honor roll For the second consecutive year, the College Board announced that Sacred Heart Academy earned Platinum distinction on the 2025 Advanced Placement School Honor Roll. This honor is the highest level of recognition awarded. Fewer than eight percent of schools nationwide receive this distinction, placing the all-girls Catholic school in a select group for AP programming. The high school said the distinction reflects its college-going culture, where seniors complete at least one AP course. Another measure is college credit, in which students earn AP scores of three or

higher. The third is college optimization, where students complete five or more AP courses during high school, with at least one taken in ninth or tenth grade. “Our young women at SHA do very well with our many AP classes and appreciate the added preparation for college,” said SHA President Kim Johnson in a statement on Feb. 6. “We are very proud to share that for the second consecutive year SHAhas received the highest distinction Platinum AP School Honor Award, recognizing the superior college culture and AP success at Sacred Heart Academy!” — Stacy Driks

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.

G BUS NOW HIRIN VERS RI AND VAN D

DON’T MISS The Bus!

FEEL LIKE A KING IN QUEENS.

A LICENSED F RCDLBPS EPTEMBER $5000 SIGN ON BONUS FOR ALREADY & CPS DRIVERS!

Big Bus

NEW

$31.68/hr.

1339620

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

Email: info@bellautoschool.com

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

choose

RICHNER Printing Services

• Eco friendly facility • Environmentally safe soy based inks • Recycled paper • Help reduce the carbon footprint

Call Lou today at 516-569-4000 ext 223

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

1338726

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

EMPLOYMENT

Non-Benefit Rate

We Guarantee 30 Hours A Week

or CDL driver bus and Sign On Bonus $5,000.00 van $500.00 for non CDL drivers. f

*Some restrictions may apply.

Will train qualified applicants

EDUCATIONAL BUS TRANSPORTATION

516.454.2300 Call Today!

SCAN TO APPLY NOW.

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

One phone call, one order, one heck of a good price to run your ad in any state, or across the country. Call the USA Classified Network today!

1-800-231-6152

Household Help Offered HOUSEKEEPING/ SENIOR CAREGIVER Available. Private/ Professional. CNA* HHA* CCA Certified. Experienced/ Excellent References. Emma 516-519-0456

Open the door to a bright future! Check the

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

1318134 1333893

Ready to feel like the real deal? Join the winning team at Resorts World New York City. We’re offering big opportunities for experienced, fulltime Game Dealers. Your big break is waiting. Join the at Deal-MeIn.com

Non-Benefit Rate

Van

Job listings today!

516-569-4000 Press 5

UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON — March 12, 2026

HERALD

March 12, 2026 — UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON

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.

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

© 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.

E3 03/12

Market Place • •

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

UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON — March 12, 2026

HERALD

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

T&M GREENCARE 223-4525 •

586-3800

1339228

TREE SERVICE

WE BEAT ALL COMPETITORS’ RATES www.greencaretreeservice.com Residential & • TREE REMOVAL Commercial • STUMP GRINDING 1340151

• PRUNING

FREE ESTIMATES

Lowest Rates

Seniors, Veterans, Police & Fireman Discounts 1334838

1340518 1333017

631-532-5617 • Cell: 516-996-3036 L IC: #42194- H

tikalhomeimprovement@gmail.com L IC: # H 3711000000

CHRIS, RYAN & SAL PEKOFF

MEMBER OF THE CHAMBER OF

COMMERCE OF THE BELLMORES (516) 546-4976 S & M CONCRETE PAVERS • PATIOS • DRIVEWAYS • SIDEWALKS & ALL OTHER CONCRETE WORK CALL OUR EXPERTS FOR ADVICE & FREE ESTIMATES LICENSE & INSURED #H2302040000 | 40 YEARS IN BUSINESS

1339604

Home Improvement Corp.

FREE ESTIMATES • Licensed & Insured Masonry • Steps • Driveways Water Proofing • Pointing • Siding Kitchen Remodeling • Roofing PVC Fence • Basements • Windows • Sheetrock & More

NO JOB TOO SMALL OR TOO LARGE

SPECIAL ATTENTION TO HOME OWNER

Carpentry & Painting Specialist

Residential and Commercial - All Phases

BOGO 40% OFF

Also specializes in ★ Kitchens ★ Bathrooms ★ Finished Basements ★ Flooring ★ Repairs ★ Woodwork/mouldings ★ Siding ★ Gutters

1302223 1333673

1339543

“Anthony & J Home Improvement, Inc.”

516-678-6641– Licensed & Insured

Free estImAtes...call Anthony romeo 1323594

Carp Carp Ca pen entte ter / Ha ter Hand dym yman

+ $200 OFF

Your Entire Purchase Minimum purchase of 4 ENDS 3/31

516-540-5944

1331031

CALL NOW

516.540.6059

Add'l terms apply. Offer Add’l terms apply. Offer subject to change subject change and vary and varyto by dealer. Expires 12/27/26. dealer. Expires 12/27/26. 1340133

Sheetrock / Spackle / Painting Flooring, Tile & Doors Bathroom Repairs & Remodeling 16-259-4 4444 Gutter Repair & Replacement 51 631-201-4444 Rooﬁng, Chimney & Lic. L Li i Nas. #200851 | Suf. # HI68009 Skylight Leak Repairs

1337568

Safety. Style. SPECIAL OFFER Waiving All Stress-Free Installation Installation. Costs!

Minimum purchase of 4

JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE... JOBS, MERCHANDISE, It’s in the Herald Classifieds... REAL ESTATE & MORE... Call 516-569-4000 JOBS,To Advertise MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE... JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE... press 5

Stuff

ANNOUNCEMENTS Announcements AFFORDABLE TV & INTERNET. If you are overpaying for your service, call now for a free quote and see how much you can save! 1-833-323-0160

Professional Services

Announcements SAVE ON YOUR TRAVEL PLANS! Up to 75% More than 500 AIRLINES and 300,000 HOTELS across the world. Let us do the research for you for FREE! Call: 877 988 7277

Professional Services

Accounting Services Available Professional bookkeeping and accounting for small businesses, entrepreneurs, Condos, Co-Ops and HOA. • Monthly & annual bookkeeping • Payroll & tax preparation • Bank reconciliation & reporting • Sage and accounting software support.

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

TAX DIRECTORY

Home Improvement

TO ADVERTISE IN THIS DIRECTORY, CALL 516569-4000

PERSONAL & BUSINESS TAXES IN-HOME SERVICE AVAILABLE SENIOR & VETERAN DISCOUNTS

MERCHANDISE MART

FINDS UNDER $100

Antiques/Collectibles

Finds Under $100

We Buy Antiques, Fine Art, Coins & Jewelry Same Day Service, Free In-Home Evaluations, 45 Year Family Business. Licensed and Bonded, Immediate Cash Paid. SYL-LEE ANTIQUES www.syl-leeantiques.com 516-671-6464

HErald

Crossword Puzzle

PREPARE FOR POWER outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-877-516-1160 today to schedule a free quote. It's not just a generator. It's a power move. PREPARE FOR POWER outages with Briggs & Stratton® PowerProtect(TM) standby generators - the most powerful home standby generators available. Industry-leading comprehensive warranty - 7 years ($849 value.) Proudly made in the U.S.A. Call Br iggs & Stratton 1-888-605-1496

TAX PREPARATION & ACCOUNTING SERVICES

CALL ROSE: 516-492-0442

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

1334237

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

HERALD

1340193 1332966

March 12, 2026 — UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON

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

SERVICES Cable/TV/Wiring Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000 OnDemand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $ 6 0 0 I n G i f t C a r d s . C a l l To d a y ! 1-866-782-4069

Cleaning Services WENDY'S CLEANING SERVICES INC. Commercial/Residential. We Specialize In Houses, Apartments, Offices, Airbnb & More. Good References. Free Estimates. Call/Text Wendy 516-406-5375 Or Email wencruzpa@gmail.com

Electricians E-Z ELECTRIC SERVICES, INC. All Types Residential/Commercial Wiring, Generators, Telephone/Data, Home Entertainment, Service Upgrades, Pools, Spas. Services/Repairs. Violations Removed. Free Estimates Low Rates. 516-785-0646 Lic/Ins.

Handyman

PAINTING & HANDYMAN SERVICE Tired of calling a contractor & they don't call back? I will call you back the same day!

917-822-0225 Ricky

Specializing in carpentry, bathrooms, kitchens, sheetrock, flooring, electric, plumbing.

Over 25 yrs exp.Lic/Ins H3805150000

Home Improvement BEAUTIFUL BATH UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Superior quality bath and shower systems at AFFORDABLE PRICES! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Call Now! 1-833-807-0159 CARPENTRY & PAINTING: Residential/ Commercial. All Phases. Licensed/Insured. FREE ESTIMATES! Anthony & J Home Improvements 516-678-6641 DO YOU KNOW what's in your water? Leaf Home Water Solutions offers FREE water testing and whole home water treatment systems that can be installed in as little one day. 15% off your entire purchase. Plus 10% senior & military discounts. Restrictions apply. Schedule your FREE test today. Call 1-866-247-5728

SAFE STEP. NORTH America's #1 WalkIn Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-855-916-5473

Miscellaneous GET BOOST INFINITE! Unlimited Talk, Text and Data For Just $25/mo! The Power Of 3 5G Networks, One Low Price! Call Today and Get The Latest iPhone Every Year On Us! 844-329-9391

Services AGING ROOF? NEW HOMEOWNER? STORM DAMAGE? You need a local expert provider that proudly stands behind their work. Fast, free estimate. Financing available. Call 1-833-880-7679 INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT? Don't Accept the insurance company's first offer. Many injured parties are entitled to major cash settlements. Get a free evaluation to see what your case is really worth. 100% Free Evaluation. Call Now: 1-833-323-0318. Be ready with your zip code to connect with the closest provider. PEST CONTROL: PROTECT YOUR HOME from pests safely and affordably. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders and other pests. Locally owned and affordable. Call for service or an inspection today! 1-833-549-0598 Have zip code of property ready when calling!

Telephone Services CONSUMER CELLULAR - the same reliable, nationwide coverage as the largest carriers. No long-term contract, no hidden fees and activation is free. All plans feature unlimited talk and text, starting at just $20/month. For more information, call 1-844-919-1682

Satellite/TV Equipment

DIRECTV- All your entertainment. Nothing on your roof! Sign up for Directv and get your first three months of Max, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ and Cinemax included. Choice package $84.99/mo. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-888-534-6918

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Health & Fitness ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS! Discover Oxygen Therapy That Moves with You with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. FREE information kit. Call 1-833-661-4172 ATTENTION: VIAGRA AND CIALIS USERS! A cheaper alternative to high drugstore prices! 50 Pill Special - Only $99! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW: 1-833-641-6397

AUTOMOBILE & MARINE Autos Wanted ***AAA*** AUTO BUYERS $Highest$ Ca$h Paid$. All Years/ Conditions! WE VISIT YOU! Or Donate, Tax Deduct + Ca$h. DMV ID#1303199. Call LUKE 516-VAN-CARS. 516-297-2277 DONATE YOUR CAR today, running or not. Support Patriotic Hearts for our Veterans and their Families! Free fast pickup. Max tax deduction. Se habla Español. Call now: 844-415-1229 GET A BREAK on your taxes! Donate your car, truck, or SUV to assist the blind and visually impaired. Arrange a swift, nocost vehicle pickup and secure a generous tax credit for 2025. Call Heritage for the Blind Today at 1-855-484-3467 today! WE BUY 8,000 cars a week. Sell your old, busted or junk car with no hoops, haggles or headaches. Sell your car to Peddle. Easy three step process. Instant offer. Fr e e p i c k u p . Fa s t p a y m e n t . C a l l 1-855-403-3374

Junk Cars Wanted

TOP CA$H PAID

Junk Cars Bought

CALL US LAST!

516-766-0000

Tree Services T&M GREENCARE TREE SERVICE *TREE REMOVAL *STUMP GRINDING *PRUNING. FREE ESTIMATES. 516-223-4525, 631-586-3800 www.tmgreencare.com

Answers to todAy’s puzzle

opinions

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

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-

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

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.

UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON — March 12, 2026

A heart-stopping hockey victory was marred by politics

Herald editorial

UNIONDALE

HERALD March 12, 2026 — UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON

BEACON

Established 2023 Incorporating The Uniondale Beacon The East Meadow Beacon Stacy DrikS Senior Reporter rHonDa Glickman Vice President - Sales

oFFicE 2 Endo Boulevard Garden City, NY 11530

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS Cliff Richner Publisher, 1982-2018 Robert Richner Edith Richner Publishers, 1964-1987 ■ StUart ricHnEr Publisher BraDlEy m. Harmon Chief Operating Officer Brian corcoran Chief Financial Officer

■ JEFFrEy BESSEn

Managing Editor JorDan VallonE

Deputy Managing Editor Jim Harmon

Copy Editor karEn Bloom Features/Special Sections Editor tony BElliSSimo Sports Editor tim BakEr Photo Editor

■ rHonDa Glickman Vice President - Sales amy amato Executive Director of Corporate Relations and Events lori BErGEr Sales Director EllEn rEynolDS Classified / Inside Sales Director ■

JEFFrEy nEGrin Creative Director roBin cartEr

Art Director

craiG carDonE Production Coordinator ■ DiannE ramDaSS Circulation Director ■ HEralD commUnity nEWSPaPErS Amityville Record Babylon Beacon Baldwin Herald Bellmore Herald East Meadow Herald Franklin Square/Elmont Herald Freeport Herald Glen Cove Herald Hempstead Beacon Long Beach Herald Lynbrook/East Rockaway Herald Malverne/West Hempstead Herald Massapeqa Post Merrick Herald Nassau Herald Oceanside/Island Park Herald Oyster Bay Herald Rockaway Journal Rockville Centre Herald Sea Cliff/Glen Head Herald Seaford Herald South Shore Record Uniondale Herald Beacon Valley Stream Herald Wantagh Herald

mEmBEr:

America’s Newspapers Empire State Local News Coalition Local Media Association New York Press Association Press Club of Long Island

Published by richner communications, inc. 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530 (516) 569-4000

Hundreds of students are sick, unseen, left behind

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

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.

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.

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

Commentsaboutourstories? 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.

UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON — March 12, 2026

For now, New York City is alive and well

March 12, 2026 — UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON

Mount Sinai South Nassau is proud to be named a high performing hospital in heart attack and heart failure by U.S. News & World Report® year after year. Our comprehensive heart care, including award-winning expertise in minimally invasive treatments to address blockages, has made us the premier choice for cardiac care on the South Shore. Cardiac surgeons from the world-renowned Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital in Manhattan also now see patients at our Oceanside campus for pre and post operative evaluation and rehabilitation. The Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital at The Mount Sinai Hospital is ranked No. 2 in the nation for Cardiology, Heart, and Vascular Surgery by U.S. News & World Report®, outranking every cardiac program on the South Shore. Learn more at mountsinai.org/southnassau

1338247

High Performing Heart Care, Right Here on the South Shore