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HERALD RECoRD
ASD celebrates Black History Month Page 2 VOL. 112 NO. 11
Obituary: WB firefighter Garry Mowbray, 69 Page 6
ASD appoints new ass’t superintendent Page 12
MARCH 25 - 31, 2026
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St. Paddy mischief fills Northeast halls
Carolyn James/Herald
Newly elected Village Trustee Adam Ansanelli is shown third from left as he celebrated his victory with Village Justice Joseph Calabrese, Trustee Owen Brooks, Mayor Michael O’Neill and Trustee Roger Smith.
On March 17, it was a day full of laughter, creativity, and a little bit of mischief at Northeast Elementary School in Amityville, as pre-K and kindergarten students and teachers celebrated St. Patrick’s Day in festive style. Classrooms were a sea of green, with students and staff dressed head-to-toe in their most spirited attire. But the real excitement began before the school day even started — mysterious leprechauns paid an early visit, leaving behind a trail of playful chaos. Tiny green footprints and fingerprints covered classroom surfaces, sparking curiosity and delight among students as they arrived to discover the surprising scene.
Throughout the day, young learners embraced the holiday with hands-on activities, including crafting bright green clovers and participating in themed games and lessons that brought the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day to life. Meanwhile, teachers joined in the fun with a friendly Irish soda bread baking contest, showcasing their culinary talents and adding a delicious twist to the celebration. From imaginative surprises to creative projects and tasty traditions, the day was a memorable one for students and teachers at Northeast, proving that a little leprechaun magic can go a long way in making learning fun.
Ansanelli wins election By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com
Though Amityville Village Trustee Adam Ansanelli faced no formal opposition, voters turned out March 18, driven by civic duty and a grassroots write-in campaign for firefighter Eric Onderdonk. Unofficial results showed Ansanelli winning decisively, 546 votes to 114. “We won this and we won big,” Ansanelli said as he gathered with family, friends, supporters and village officials at his campaign headquarters. “I am incredibly grateful to the voterse. Thank you for coming out in those frigid conditions to make your voices heard.” The write-in campairgn was promoted by Amityville resident Peter Collorafi, primarily on social media. Onderdonk, who said he did not ask for the grass roots support, added he was nonethless “honored that so many people chose to write in my name. “I think it speaks volumes,” said Onderdonk who ran for Mayor in 2025. “I hear you and I am more motivated than ever to keep pushing forward.” Mayor Michael O’Neill said he was pleased to
see Ansanelli continue in the role. “In a short period of time, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to our residents and has worked collaboratively with all members of the board,” O’Neill said. He pointed to upcoming environmental efforts, including a parrot feather removal project scheduled for early April at the Delano Preserve, as an example of Ansanelli’s focus. “His commitment to environmental stewardship is clear, and I’m confident it will continue,” O’Neill added. Despite cold temperatures and high winds on Election Day, residents said voting remained a priority. “I always vote,” said resident Paul Ketcham. “It’s important.” “It’s our civic duty,” his wife added. Jennifer Monahan echoed that sentiment. “I always vote — it’s important,” she said. Eileen Allstadt, who voted with her husband, Phil, said participation is essential. “We believe it is the American thing to do,” she said. “If you don’t vote in your community elections, you have nothing to say about what goes on,” Phil Allstadt added.
Courtesy Amityville school district
Students and teachers at Northeast Elementary School in Amityville were dressed in green during their annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration on March 17.