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Page 3

Page 10

Vol. 37 No. 11

MARCH 12 - 18, 2026

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Professors getting down to ‘business’ at Molloy By AlYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com

Michelle Ebel/Herald

Champion Cyclones!

Molloy University, originally founded to educate women, continues to highlight the influence of women in leadership and education. During Women’s History Month, three faculty members in the university’s School of Business are helping prepare students for careers in marketing, finance and management, bringing decades of professional experience into the classroom.

Dawn DiStefano, assistant professor

The South Side High School’s boys’ basketball team captured the Nassau County Class AA title last Saturday evening with an 82-67 win over Roslyn at Farmingdale State College. Story, more photos, page 7.

DiStefano, a tenured assistant professor in Molloy’s School of Business, began her career in banking and finance, working at Charles Schwab & Co. and Fidelity InvestContinued on page 22

Rising to the occasion: Front Street Bakery turns 80 By BRIAN KACHARABA bkacharaba@liherald.com

For 80 years, Front Street Bakery has been a fixture in downtown Rockville Centre, its ovens emitting aromas that are seared into the memories of generations of local families, and its signature dot cookies delighting so many of their children. The family-run shop at 51 Front St. has long been a stop for residents picking up crumb cake for Sunday mornings, pastries for gatherings or custom cakes for major life celebrations. As the bakery marks its 80th anniversary this year, the

milestone reflects generations of dedication and the perseverance required to sustain a family business through changing times. “It’s a big milestone,” Coowner Lisa Acerno said. “Some businesses don’t even make a year sometimes. It’s not easy to run a business in this day and age.” Acerno has worked at the bakery since childhood, helping in the shop in the early 1970s and eventually teaming with her parents, John Wo h l f a r t h J r. a n d A rl e n e Wohlfarth. “I worked in the city, I worked in a dental office, and

then I always helped out a little bit [at the bakery],” Acerno said. “I would help out here and there, but they never forced me to work. But once I did, I decided that this is what I wanted to do.” The bakery’s roots date back to the early 20th century. Julius “John” Wohlfarth Sr. arrived in Hoboken, New Jersey, from Germany as a toddler in 1910, while Frieda Kloepfer emigrated from a town near Stuttgart, Germany, in 1926 at age 15. After arriving in New York, Frieda worked in her aunt’s Woodside bakery and later for her uncle, William Entenmann Sr., founder of the renowned

Entenmann’s bakery. By 1930, John was working as a delivery driver for his brother-in-law’s bakery in Sayville, where he met Frieda during one of his routes. The two married in 1932. Their son, John Jr., joined the operation after serving for four years in the U.S. Navy as a cook and baker. He later ran the

business with his wife, Arlene. In 2000, the third generation t o o k o v e r, w h e n J e f f r e y Wohlf ar th Sr. and Acer no assumed leadership. Wohlfarth Sr. continued baking longtime favorites such as Danish crumb cake, seven-layer cake and the original pink dot cookies, while also introducing custom fonContinued on page 20

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March 12, 2026 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

Molloy hosts festive spring celebration

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — March 12, 2026

By BRIAN KACHARABA bkacharaba@liherald.com

Even though it didn’t feel like it outside just yet, spring was in full blast at the lobby of the Public Square building at Molloy University, where the Springtime Spectacular & Egg Hunt brought the season indoors for dozens of excited children. Organized in just over a month by members of the student government and other campus clubs, the two-hour event transformed the space into a colorful hub of arts, crafts, games, and laughter. Tables lined the lobby, offering kids opportunities to color all kinds of Easter-themed items, hunt and decorate plastic eggs, and create pinwheels and flowers from streamer paper. The volunteers helped lead activities such as a ring toss with someone donning bunny ears, balancing eggs on wooden spoons while walking, knocking marshmallows off stacked cups using blower party horns, and even bowling with bunny-shaped pins. The Easter Bunny was also on hand to take fun photos with everyone who attended. There was no shortage of smiles as children jumped from one activity to the next, enjoying every creative challenge. “They put so much time and effort into making it a fun experience for the children,” said Janine Biscari, Molloy’s vice president of student affairs. “It ties to our mission of service and who we are. It was a nice community event.” Snacks and drinks were also available for attendees, giving families a chance to refuel between crafts and games. The mix of playful activities and festive decorations created a joyful atmosphere that captured the spirit of the season. For many children, it was a rare chance to enjoy hands-on activities and interact with peers in a bright, welcoming space. “It was nice to have a little splash of spring and get kids excited for Easter and the outdoor activities,” Biscari said.

Stu Goldman/Herald photos

Janine Biscari, Molloy University’s vice president of student affairs, from left, and student organizers Julie Manfro and “Abby” Wenz Abigail Fuentes ensured attendees enjoyed a fun and memorable experience.

Stefany Tiniganay, 6, of Medford was one of the many children that got to meet the Easter Bunny.

Cameron Matthews, 5, and 2-year-old brother Luca of Wantagh were among the many children that attended the Springtime Spectacular.

Student volunteer Mikee Althea adds a colorful touch to the face of 6-year-old Cecilia Rueda of East Northport during the March 7 Springtime Spectacular at Molloy University.

Carter Kacharaba, 10, of Bay Shore, created colorful works of art during the event.

Student volunteers Jasmine Lainez, left, and Monica Lineras helped 1-year-old Charlie Kuntzler of South Hempstead place inflatable rings on the bunny ears.

March 12, 2026 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

Crime watCh Fire

Leaving the sCene

On March 3, an apartment fire was reported at a Banks Avenue building. The fire was contained by the sprinkler system, and the damage was limited to the apartment involved.

On March 6, a Rockville Centre resident reported that he was involved in an auto accident on North Village Avenue and the other vehicle fled the scene.

On March 4, a car fire was reported on North Village Avenue. The Fire Department extinguished the fire and no injuries were reported.

UnUsUaL inCiDent

iD theFt On March 6, a Pine Street resident reported that someone used his personal information to open several accounts and loans in his name.

On March 6, an Ongley Street resident reported a large cavity caused by a collapsing cesspool in front of his apartment building.

LarCeny

On March 8, a passerby reported a flooding condition at a vacant house on Devon Road caused by a broken pipe on the second floor.

On March 7, a Holtsville resident reported that property was stolen from his unlocked vehicle while it was parked at the Rockville Centre sports complex on Peninsula Boulevard. On March 7, a Wantagh resident reported property stolen from his vehicle while it was parked at the Rockville Centre sports complex on Peninsula Boulevard.

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On March 5, a South Long Beach Road resident reported that his elderly neighbor has been going through his mailbox on multiple occasions.

arrest On March 2, Justin Millien, 24, of Queens Village, was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated after an investigation at the scene of an auto accident on North Village Avenue.

People named in Crime Watch items as having been arrested and charged with violations or crimes are only suspected of committing those acts of which they are accused. They are all presumed to be innocent of those charges until and unless found guilty in a court of law.

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N Y S D E C # 0 8 1 4 5 F H A & VA C e r t i f i c a t e s I s s u e d Te r m i t e I n s p e c t i o n s Fo r H o m e P u r c h a s e s

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.

■ WEB SITE: www.liherald.com/rockvillecentre ■ E-MAIl: Letters and other submissions: rvceditor@liherald.com ■ EDITORIAl DEPARTMENT: Ext. 205 E-mail: rvceditor@liherald.com ■ SUBSCRIPTIONS: Press ”7” E-mail: subscriptions@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4942 ■ ClASSIFIED ADVERTISING: Ext. 286 E-mail: ereynolds@liherald.com Fax: (516) 622-7460 ■ DISPlAY ADVERTISING: Ext. 249 E-mail: rglickman@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4643 ■ PUBlIC NOTICES: Ext. 232 E-mail: legalnotices@liherald.com The Rockville Centre Herald USPS 74660, is published every Thursday by Richner Communications, Inc., 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530. Periodicals postage paid at Garden City, NY 11530 and additional mailing offices. Postmaster send address changes to Rockville Centre Herald, 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530. Newsstand Price: $1. Annual Subscription Rates, $52 per year autopay or $65 one-time payment within Nassau County or $76 outside of Nassau County. Copyright © 2026 Richner Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — March 12, 2026

St. Patrick’s Day 2026

LUNCH Open at Noon

Breast Cancer Coalition moves to new location By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com

The Rockville Centre Breast Cancer Coalition has a new home, and its leaders say the space marks an important step forward in supporting those facing breast cancer in the community. The coalition recently opened its North Park Avenue office with a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by local officials, Rockville Centre Chamber of Commerce members, and organization supporters. For coalition leaders, the event represented years of growth and a new opportunity to expand the group’s reach. Presidents Peg McDonald and Erin O’Sullivan said the office will allow the organization to better serve women and families affected by breast cancer while strengthening connections among survivors in Rockville Centre and surrounding communities. “For us, it’s like a dream come true,” McDonald said. “We have a lot of big plans for what’s going to happen here. We’re happy to have the town greet us with the ribbon cutting.” The new location comes as the coalition continues to grow and expand its services. Leaders said the additional space will allow them to hold monthly meetings, support programs, and other gatherings designed to bring members of the breast cancer community together. O’Sullivan said the office will also provide those seeking help with a private and comfortable place to meet with care counselors. “We also want a safe space for our recipients and care counselors to meet privately, so they can have a conversation with each other,” O’Sullivan said. “Just like a little community meeting space.” Dozens of supporters filled the office

on March 4 to mark the occasion. After the ribbon cutting, attendees celebrated with a toast and refreshments while exploring the space and connecting with coalition members. Among those present was Rockville Centre Chamber of Commerce President Ed Asip, who welcomed the coalition as one of the chamber’s newest members. “We love to come out and support new businesses coming into town,” Asip said. “We welcome them to the neighborhood, we welcome them to the Chamber of Commerce, and we’re very excited to have them as part of our network.” Several local officials also attended, including Legislator Scott Davis, Mayor Francis X. Murray, Trustee Gregory P. Shaughnessy, and Deputy Mayor Kathleen Baxley. Baxley, a two-time breast cancer survivor and former coalition board member, said the organization plays a crucial role in helping women navigate a difficult diagnosis. “I think the best part of the coalition is that women who have been through breast cancer can guide and support newly diagnosed women,” Baxley said. “I fully support it, and I love that there’s a new space for people to meet.” Before moving to the new office, the coalition held meetings at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, after initially meeting in members’ homes. McDonald said the organization eventually outgrew the church space as participation increased. “We grew so rapidly, we outgrew the space,” McDonald said. “It was time to make a change.” Now, coalition leaders say the new office will serve as a welcoming hub where survivors, patients, and families can gather, share their experiences, and support one another.

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Dozens of people gathered on March 4 as the Rockville Centre Breast Cancer Coalition celebrated the grand opening of its new office on North Park Avenue with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, at which co-president Erin O’Sullivan performed the honors.

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

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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.

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March 12, 2026 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

BRINGING LOCAL SPORTS HOME EVERY WEEK

By NICK MONGIOVI sports@liherald.com

In a packed Farmingdale State College gymnasium that almost had the roof blown off last Saturday evening, South Side’s boys’ basketball team gave Roslyn a taste of its own medicine, dropping a season-high 82 points in capturing the Nassau Class AA championship game by 15. Roslyn averaged 75 points per game this season but was held to 20 in the opening half and 67 on the night as the Cyclones captured their second county title in four years. Top-seeded South Side went on a 22-2 run from the last bucket of the first quarter to the end of the first half, to take a 32-20 halftime lead. Junior Trevor Walsh recorded eight of his career-high 23 points during the surge, while seniors Ryan Schmitt, John Pericolosi, Connor Erickson and sophomore Kieran Vetter combined for the other 14 points. “I think you saw this team play a little bit faster,” South Side head coach Jerry D’Angelo said of the adjustments that led to the momentum-shifting run. “We got some easy baskets in transition,” he added. “Pericolosi had two or three layups. We hit some big shots. Vetter hit two, Erickson hit one to give us a push into the Junior Trevor Walsh’s career-high 23 points led third quarter.” T h e a f o r e m e n t i o n e d r u n four Cyclones’ double-digit scorers in last turned into a 40-8 game-wrecker Saturday’s 82-67 win over Roslyn. midway through the third quarson, so there’s nothing more we could’ve ter. Before the explosion, the second-seeded Bulldogs led 18-10 and were asked for.” Roslyn had three score in double figin control. Senior Benjy Rubin recorded six of his 22 points in the first quarter ures, as junior Ben Pnini splashed a team-high 14, White finished with 12 and junior Davon White added 5. “I’d say we’re a second-half team,” and sophomore Brody Konigsberg Schmitt said. “Something ignited in us. added 11. D’Angelo last hoisted a county chamIt felt good to be up 12 at halftime, but [we imagined] how it would feel to be pionship plaque in 2023, when the Cyclones won the Class A title. He said, county champs.” Walsh’s night was straight out of Hol- “This bunch is a special bunch.” “They work really hard,” D’Angelo lywood. He saved the best game of his career for one of the biggest stages in added. “Spent a lot of time in the offseason and had a lot of injuries. We played high school basketball. “It feels amazing,” Walsh said. “Just almost half our season without our best everything leading up to this in the big- player, and kids had to step up. Vetter, gest game we’ve had yet. All the hard Harris Breene, Connor McNulty, Matt Grande, all stepped up and played big work paid off.” The Cyclones had four double-digit roles for us the last nine games.” South Side continues to dance as it’ll scorers in the win, which was the first time they’ve accomplished the feat this face Smithtown West in the Long Island season. In addition to Walsh, Pericolosi Class AA championship g ame on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at Farmingdale added 19, Schmitt had 16 and Vetter 14. South Side (20-3) cruised into the State. “They’re [Smithtown West] excelfourth quarter with a 59-38 lead on the lent,” D’Angelo said. “We got our work backs of those four and Erickson. “It feels great,” Pericolosi said. “We cut out, but we’ll do everything we can have a lot of seniors, it’s our final sea- to get ready.”

Michelle Ebel/Herald photos

Senior Ryan Schmitt added 16 points in South Side’s Nassau Class AA title win.

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — March 12, 2026

HERALD SPORTS South Side hangs 82 in championship effort

OBITUARY

Ellen Fine, educator and scholar, dies at 86

Courtesy Jono Mainelli

Ellen Sydney Fine, a Rockville Centre native and longtime French professor at Kingsborough Community College, was remembered as a devoted scholar, educator and advocate for the humanities. Marais district and immersed herself in the literary culture she loved. Summers often meant time with family in Rhode Island, where Fine spent time with her sister, Jill Fine

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Mainelli. There, Mainelli’s sons, Jono and Benjamin, spent childhood days with their aunt along the beach in the small village of Matunuck, where she sang French songs to them before retreating to a nearby cabin to write. “I was five, six, seven years old,” Mainelli recalled. “She was locked at her desk working on her stuff and then in the morning, she’d be on the beach with me and my brother.” Fine’s academic life placed her in conversation with some of the most influential writers and thinkers of her era. She shared conference stages with Nobel laureate and Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel and moved within literary circles that included author James Baldwin. Even late in life, Mainelli recalled bringing his aunt into Manhattan for plays, lectures and museum exhibitions, where her memories often surprised scholars who did not realize the quiet woman beside them had personally known many of the figures they studied. “I’m going to miss how much knowledge she took with her that I will never know existed,” he said. Beyond the classroom, Fine supported causes related to freedom, representation and cancer research, and established scholarships at Smith College and through the International Miami Book Fair in honor of her mother. She was predeceased by her parents and her longtime partner, New York University professor Edward Robinson. She is survived by her sisters, nephews and extended members of the Fine and Mainelli families.

ATTENTION PARENTS OF STUDENTS ATTENDING OUT OF DISTRICT SCHOOLS Online registration for private and parochial schools for the 2026/2027 school year is now open. Registration for transportation to these schools

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Ellen Sydney Fine, a Rockville Centre native who became a respected scholar, educator and advocate for the humanities, died on Feb. 20. She was 86. A graduate of South Side High School, Fine went on to a distinguished academic career as a professor of French at Kingsborough Community College, part of the City University of New York, where she influenced generations of students through her teaching and scholarship in French literature, Holocaust studies and poetry. Born to Dr. Benjamin Fine and Lillian Fine of New York City, she was raised in a family deeply connected to education and journalism. Her father served as the Pulitzer Prize–winning education editor of The New York Times and gained national recognition for his reporting during the 1957 integration crisis at Little Rock Central High School in Arkansas, where he documented the confrontation surrounding student Elizabeth Eckford and helped shield her from a hostile crowd. Her nephew, Jono Mainelli, remembered Fine as both deeply loving and intellectually demanding. “She has a soul of a teacher, just like her grandmother and her grandfather,” he said. “It’s kind of like having a loving teacher as an aunt.” Fine began her academic journey at South Side, where classmates recalled an exceptionally bright and curious student. She later graduated from Smith College, remained an active alumna and earned a master’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and a doctorate from New York University. Her work often carried her between New York and Paris, where she kept an apartment in the historic Le

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March 12, 2026 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

Paradiso receives Norman F. Lent Award

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — March 12, 2026

Members of the Rockville Centre Lions Club gathered recently to celebrate one of their own receiving a major legal community honor during the Criminal Courts Bar Association of Nassau County Annual Dinner Dance, held at The Fox Hollow in Woodbury. More than 200 attorneys, judges, public officials and guests attended the Feb. 11 event, which honored longtime Lion and jurist Anthony W. Paradiso with the prestigious Norman F. Lent Memorial Award, given to individuals who exemplify integrity, dedication to justice and outstanding service to the legal profession and community. The Norman F. Lent Memorial Award is considered one of the Criminal Courts Bar Association’s highest honors and is presented annually to a member of the legal community whose career reflects excellence in jurisprudence and dedication to public good. The award was formally presented by association president Chris Graziano, who highlighted Paradiso’s commitment to fairness, professionalism and public service throughout his career. Speakers emphasized not only his contributions within the courtroom, but also his involvement in civic and charitable organizations — including his longstanding role with the Rockville Centre Lions Club. Club members attended in strong

Courtesy Marian Thomsen

Members of the Rockville Centre Lions Club gathered at The Fox Hollow in Woodbury last month to celebrate fellow Lion Anthony W. Paradiso, seated center, as he received the prestigious Norman F. Lent Memorial Award from the Criminal Courts Bar Association of Nassau County. support, noting the recognition reflects both Paradiso’s legal accomplishments and his community leadership. Lions’ representatives said the evening underscored the organization’s mission of

service, leadership and volunteerism, values they believe Paradiso consistently demonstrates. For the Rockville Centre Lions, the night served as both a celebration and a

point of pride, as they watched a fellow member honored before peers, colleagues and community leaders across Nassau County. –Brian Kacharaba

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Watson families dance into winter break Floyd B. Watson Elementary School’s third- and fourth-grade students kicked off their weeklong winter recess with a festive, PTA-organized “Bring Someone You Love Dinner-Dance” last month, transforming the school gymnasium into a lively celebration filled with music, laughter and school spirit. Families gathered for the evening event, which gave students and their parents an opportunity to unwind together just as the school break began. The gym was decorated from wall to wall with paper hearts and heart-shaped balloons, creating a colorful, love-themed atmosphere. A popular photo booth, complete with an assortment of playful props, allowed students and families to capture memorable moments throughout the night, while tables around the gym provided space for socializing between dances. Music kept the energy high as students and parents filled the dance floor for party favorites including “Cotton Eye Joe,” the “Cha-Cha Slide,” “Gangnam Style,” “The Chicken Dance,” and “YMCA.” One highlight of the evening was the interactive “High-Five, Low-Five” dancing game, in which participants followed musical cues to exchange high fives and low hand slaps, keeping kids and parents moving and laughing together. Adding to the excitement was a “How Many Kisses Are in the Jar?” guessing contest, which drew eager participants hoping to win bragging rights. By the end of the night, the dance served as a joyful sendoff into winter recess, giving students a chance to celebrate friendship, family and fun with their school community.

Sue Grieco/Herald photos

The photo area was a popular spot for groups of friends to capture fun memories, as students and families posed with props and smiles during the event.

–Brian Kacharaba

Melissa O’Brien and her third-grade son, Declan, shared a memorable moment in the photo area at the PTA’s “Bring Someone You Love Dinner Dance.”

Victoria Pizziatolla and her third-grade son, Vincent, celebrated matching moves during the lively “High Five, Low Five” dance game.

Tricia Tucci and fourth-grader Sophie Monaco boogied down to “The Chicken Dance.”

Students and family members packed the dance floor, enthusiastically forming the iconic letters to “YMCA,” a timeless crowd favorite that had dancers of all ages moving in sync throughout the celebration.

PTA volunteers Stephanie Dilworth, left, and Lauren Cruise, organizers of the “Bring Someone You Love” dance, helped bring an evening of music, games and fun to life.

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — March 12, 2026

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March 12, 2026 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

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.”

Classic Irish songs captivate local audience Intern

Traditional Irish music and storytelling captivated audience members in the Helen Kraus Room at the Rockville Centre Public Library as local musician Greg Ryan performed “The Songs and Music of Ireland.” Ryan’s program, part of the library’s live concert series, brought together vibrant folk tunes, emotional anthems and multiple instruments for an audience celebrating Irish culture. Throughout the March 8 performance, Ryan played guitar, harmonica and the tin whistle, often singing while accompanying himself on an instrument and occasionally playing two at once. Between songs, he shared stories about their meanings and cultural significance. The program featured many well-known Irish classics along with traditional songs that included phrases and lines in the Irish language. “You have to do the classics,” Ryan said. “Like ‘When Irish Eyes Are Smiling,’ the George M. Cohan medley, ‘The Wild Rover,’ of course. I always try to insert some really Irish songs in the Irish language.” Ryan’s performance also included beloved ballads that many audience members recognized once he began to play them. “‘Danny Boy’ is a beautiful song,” he said. “‘Carrickfergus’ is another great song.” Ryan left time in the middle of the program to ask the audience for song requests, making the performance more interactive and unique. He said he tries to play as many of the requested songs as possible. “I know most of the songs,” he said. “I may have to go dig the words up on the iPad, because you may not sing them for two or three years before somebody asks

Sue Grieco/Herald

for it again.” The audience played an active role in the performance. Some joined in singing when they recognized the lyrics, while others clapped along to the beat or swayed their heads to the music. Laughter filled the room as Ryan shared humorous and candid stories from his life, while more emotional ballads created moments of thoughtful reflection. His easy interaction with the crowd energized the audience as much as the classic tunes he performed. For many listeners, the music carried personal meaning beyond the afternoon’s performance. Dorothy Moody said the concert resonated with her because of her family’s connection to Ireland. Her husband was Irish, and she said hearing familiar songs

during the program brought back memories of traveling through the country together and visiting relatives. “‘Danny Boy’ — my favorite,” Moody said. “What it brought back was my memories of traveling through Ireland.” She described the trip as a cherished experience and said the performance reminded her of how much she enjoyed her time there. “We had a wonderful time. Ireland was great, and that’s what brought me here today,” she said. As the performance concluded, Ryan reflected on the experience of being a Rockville Centre native and playing for a local audience. “It’s been a real pleasure to play to my hometown crowd,” he said.

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Local artist Greg Ryan performed traditional Irish songs and folk favorites during his “Songs and Music of Ireland” program at the Rockville Centre Public Library on March 8.

By KYLE DENSON

March 12, 2026 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

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March 12, 2026

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March 12, 2026 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

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Seeing Potential Through a Design Lens

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oseph DeVito, a under contract in Malverne-based Malverne. listing agent and The five-bedroom owner of White home situated House Home, on more than approaches real 18,000 square estate differently feet of property than many in the is an unusually industry. large property for Malverne. In addition The house had to representing been in the sellers in the same family for village where he generations, and lives, DeVito also Joseph DeVito DeVito listed it operates a design publicly after prior attempts centered business that includes to sell it as a private exclusive interior, landscape and masonry listing were paused when the design services, a combination owners decided they were not he describes as a “360-degree” ready. approach to helping clients buy In cases like that, DeVito and sell homes. buyers evaluating older homes. said the process is often less “The real estate, the Rather than immediately about price and more about landscape, the masonry and the recommending updates, he said readiness. interior and exterior design, are he has learned to observe first. He said many sellers tend essentially vertically integrated “Listen and watch and then to focus first on listing the and they all feed off of each respond,” DeVito said. property, then later confront other,” DeVito said. He recalled showing larger questions: About 90 percent of his a property that he Where will they real estate business involves initially viewed as go? How will they representing sellers, most of diffi cult to market due to coordinate buying he real whom come from what he calls unconventional fi nishes. and selling? How will his “sphere of influence.” In estate, the A prospective buyer, they manage decades a small village like Malverne, however, saw something landscape, the of belongings? where neighbors closely follow entirely different. “There’s this masonry and local sales, he said reputation “My cats are going to sort of tipping the interior and and relationships matter. love this,” the buyer said point and balance upon seeing a heavily exterior design that happens,” he carpeted From Storefront to said of longtime are all vertically recalled. basement, he Integrated Service homeowners. integrated — The experience “Sometimes you do DeVito owns White House reinforced his view that they feed off get these false starts.” Home, a design consultation value is often personal “What I like to business located in a 120-yeareach other. and that not every home do with people is not old cottage storefront in the needs to be reinvented. make them feel pressured to list center of town that he lovingly their home, to help them get a restored and renovated roughly Strategy Grounded in perspective on the full picture,” a decade ago. Preparation he said. “I really want them What began as a luxury to have 360-degree comfort in tableware, gift, lighting When he takes on a listing, what is going to happen in the and home accessories shop DeVito said he follows a defined coming months.” gradually expanded as clients timeline. Homes are typically In some situations, he sought broader advice about photographed early in the advises clients to consider an their homes. week, entered into the multiple interim move rather than trying listing service with professional That evolution, he said, to sell and buy simultaneously now informs how he evaluates images, and then shown by if the pressure becomes properties for buyers and scheduled appointments overwhelming. prepares homes for market. grouped within a specific time “When someone is leaving “The uniqueness of what I window. a home they’ve been in for offer as a real estate agent is, By concentrating bydecades, that’s not just a again, the 360-degree service appointment showings into transaction,” he said. “It’s a life level,” he said. a defined period rather than moment.” holding a traditional open house, he said he is able to Preparing Sellers for

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — March 12, 2026

A Malverne Realtor Who Sells Homes Through Design

March 12, 2026 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

From German roots to a local landmark Continued from page 1

dant and specialty cakes. His wife, Angela, joined the team to help support daily operations, and Lisa focused on customer service while adding offerings like dessert platters, gift baskets and seasonal dot cookie variations, and expanding its presence through Facebook and Instagram. “My brother and I kind of brought it to the next level,” Acerno said. “With the fondant cakes, gift baskets and social media … back then they didn’t have anything like that.” A major renovation in 2016 tripled the size of the storefront and kitchen, allowing the bakery to expand its offerings again while maintaining longtime recipes. Today, a fourth generation helps lead the business. Jeffrey “J.J.” Wohlfarth Jr. co-owns the bakery with Acerno and her son, Robert. “I used to spend a lot of time with my grandfather,” J.J. said. “It was kind of a bonding experience as well.” For many residents, the bakery holds decades of personal memories. Catherine Brunetta, who grew up in Rockville Centre, said the shop remains her go-to bakery — even though she now lives in Massapequa. “It means everything to me, because as soon as I need something big, I’m going to Front Street, regardless,” she said. “I live in Massapequa now, but I

Courtesy Lisa Acerno

owner Lisa acerno with her brother, Jeffrey Wohlfarth Sr., who spent decades helping run front Street Bakery alongside his family. Wohlfarth died last year after a battle with pancreatic cancer. don’t care that it’s 11 miles away — that’s where I’m going.” James Hirschfeld remembers visiting the bakery as a child in the 1970s and 1980s. “They’re not just really good bakers, but I was a little kid, and they would

just always give you a cookie,” he recounted. “Always.” Louise Renda, who worked at the bakery for 36 years after starting there in 1978, said the business has always maintained a strong connection to the com-

munity. “They really know their customers. They really are interested,” Renda said. “If somebody dies, they go to their wake. If somebody’s sick, Lisa is always there, bringing them [treats]. If they’re in the hospital, she brings to the nurses. They’re nice to take care of the people.” Andi Brennan, a Rockville Centre native, said the bakery has been part of her life for decades. “A lifetime of memories,” she said. “I’m 76, so the bakery is my whole life.” One tradition that has endured is the complimentary dot cookie for children who visit. “I remember as a child the grandmother, Frieda, behind the counter handing me a dot cookie every time I came in,” Rockville Centre Mayor Francis X. Murray said in a statement. “Moments like that are what make places like this so special to our community.” The past year has been a difficult one for the family. Last June, Jef frey Wohlfarth Sr. died at age 69, after battling pancreatic cancer. His absence continues to linger in the bakery. “He definitely has an impact on the business still, in memory of him,” J.J. said. “We’re making him proud.” Acerno reflected on the loss of the brother she spent decades working beside. “My brother was always here with me,” she said quietly. “So that’s a big thing.”

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SPONSORED CONTENT ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — March 12, 2026

How to report unethical or illegal workplace activity without fear What employees need to know about whistleblower protections, retaliation and reporting misconduct safely.

But employees are not powerless. With the right preparation, documentation and legal guidance, it is possible to report misconduct while protecting your career and well-being. “Blowing the whistle isn’t just a legal act; it’s an act of courage that can shake a person’s emotional and financial stability,” says Marjorie Mesidor, founding partner and chief visionary officer of Mesidor PLLC. “Before we talk about statutes or timelines, we create a space where they feel psychologically safe, validated and truly heard.”

Who is protected when you speak up? One of the most common misconceptions about whistleblowing is that only certain employees qualify for protection. In reality, the law casts a much wider net. “Many people think you have to work in compliance or HR, or that you need to have ‘proof ’ before speaking up. That’s not true,” Mesidor explains. “Under New York law, you qualify as a whistleblower if you reasonably believe wrongdoing is occurring and you report it to someone with authority to fix it.” It’s also important to note that New York’s whistleblower laws have expanded in recent years, offering protections not just for illegal conduct but also for fraud, safety violations, unethical practices and threats to public health or trust. Employees are protected even if they raise concerns internally

to a supervisor — not just to government agencies.

Understanding retaliation and how it shows up Retaliation rarely starts with termination. Instead, it often unfolds quietly and in stages. “We see sudden exclusion from meetings, changes in job duties, unfair write-ups, isolation or hostile treatment from supervisors, reduced hours, shift changes and sudden drops in performance evaluations,” Mesidor says. “These actions aren’t just inconvenient— they’re designed to intimidate.” Recognizing these early signs matters. Retaliation can take a severe emotional toll, but it can also become powerful legal evidence if documented properly.

What to do if you suspect retaliation If retaliation begins, Mesidor emphasizes three immediate steps.

• Step 1: Document everything. “Dates, conversations, emails, changes in duties, anything that feels off,” Mesidor says. • Step 2: Speak to a lawyer early. • Step 3: Don’t panic. “Retaliation is frightening, but it is also incredibly powerful evidence,” Mesidor assures. Keeping chronological notes, saving communications and preserving performance reviews can make a significant difference later.

How to prepare before reporting misconduct Protection doesn’t start after a report—it starts before one is made. Employees are advised to gather what they know, identify who is in the chain of command and evaluate whether internal reporting feels safe. There is no single “right” way to report wrongdoing. In some

Marjorie Mesidor Chief Visionary Officer and Founding Partner at Mesidor PLLC

workplaces, internal systems function as intended. In others, reporting too early or to the wrong person can trigger immediate retaliation. “If you feel unsafe, unsure or already targeted, speaking to a lawyer before reporting is the best move,” Mesidor advises. “Your safety and long-term protection come first—not the company’s preferred process.”

mean the absence of fear; it means acting in spite of it—with support, strategy and protection.” That philosophy is captured in the firm’s guiding principle: “Courage should never cost you your career.” As she explains, “Doing the right thing should not destroy your livelihood, your reputation or your mental health.”

Fear is often what keeps people silent—but silence comes at a cost, too.

For employees unsure where to begin, the advice is simple: start with confidential legal guidance. “You don’t have to make your first move alone,” Mesidor says. “Once you do, you’ll realize you have more power than you think.”

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Courage shouldn’t cost you everything

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Speaking up about wrongdoing at work is one of the most difficult decisions an employee can face. Whether it involves fraud, safety violations, discrimination or other unethical conduct, reporting misconduct often comes with a heavy emotional burden and a real fear of retaliation.

Female profs connect careers to classroom Continued from page 1

ments after earning degrees from Hofstra University, Dowling College and Pace University. “My family was very good with banking, numbers, math,” DiStefano, 49, said. “So I just thought that would be my natural progression.” Her career path shifted after she volunteered as a guest speaker at her alma maters, which sparked an interest in teaching. DiStefano began teaching at Nassau Community College in 2006, and later worked as a senior gift officer for the American Red Cross on Long Island, where she led fundraising initiatives, doubled the organization’s annual gala revenue and helped secure a $250,000 donation in her first six months on the job. Today she teaches full-time at Molloy and part-time at NCC, and encourages women in her classes to be confident in their abilities. “In the beginning, it wasn’t very welcoming at all,” she said of her early years in brokerage. “You were looked upon as like, ‘What are you doing here?’ And I quickly said in my mind and in my heart, ‘I can win them over.’”

Donna M. Iucolano, Ph.D., assistant professor Iucolano, an assistant professor of marketing at Molloy, brings more than two decades of experience in direct and

Dawn DiStefano

Donna M. IucoLano

digital marketing, e-commerce and business strategy to her teaching. A firstgeneration college graduate, she earned a doctorate in management from Case Western Reserve University and holds additional degrees from Hofstra University and the Fashion Institute of Technology. Before entering academia, Iucolano, 62, held senior leadership roles at companies including 1-800-Flowers.com, Scholastic Corporation and New York & Company. “I have deep experience in building and growing businesses,” she said. “I worked at companies of all different sizes, and I was always responsible for starting or building new divisions and growing sales and revenue.” Her projects included launching and scaling business divisions that generated hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue. She began teaching as an

RoSe M. LaveLLe

adjunct in 2014 at Hofstra University while still working in business, before working full time at Molloy in 2021. “I was getting to the point where I really thought that I wanted to give back in some way,” Iucolano said. She joined Molloy in a tenure-track position in 2021, after transitioning to academia full time during the pandemic. “I find my students to be very creative,” she said. “I try to really stress that marketing today is really a hybrid, or a combination of the creative and the analytical, and that they really need to focus on both in order to do well as a marketing professional.”

Rose Lavelle, professor of practice Lavelle brings more than 25 years of experience in the capital markets to her work in business education. During her career on Wall Street, she held senior management roles in credit,

risk management and fixed-income trading at several financial fir ms. Working in a male-dominated industry — and as the only woman in her training program — presented challenges, though Lavelle, who is 62, said that growing up with five brothers helped prepare her. Exposure to instructors from the business world also sparked her interest in teaching. “People from industry were teaching the actual content, which I found so interesting,” she said. “I remember at that point thinking, ‘I would like to do this.’” Lavelle later earned New York state certification to teach business and marketing, and joined Molloy in 2021. “We have some amazing people on our faculty, and I think we all really try to infuse our experience from our careers into the classroom and try to make the curriculum really come to life,” she said. “There’s nothing quite like sharing personal anecdotes, which helps make these concepts relatable to the students.” Lavelle is also active in nonprofit leadership, serving on the executive board of Tuesday’s Children. “Don’t tolerate being treated as a second-class citizen,” she said when asked what advice she might offer younger women who wish to go into the field. “If you accept it, you’re just allowing it to occur. Make your presence known.”

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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.

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — March 12, 2026

Celtic Woman

March 12, 2026 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

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

BOE meets Join the Rockville Centre Board of Education for their next regular meeting in the South Side High School Commons Room. This is a crucial opportunity for parents, students, and community members to stay informed about key updates in local education, including upcoming initiatives and district-wide plans. Public participation is encouraged, with time allocated for community members to address the Board. • Where: 140 Shepherd St., Rockville Centre • Time: 7 p.m. • Contact: (516) 255-8957 or social@rvcschools.org

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

CALENDAR mar

Grand Marshal reception

The Rockville Centre St. Patrick’s Parade Committee invites the community to the 2026 Grand Marshal Reception honoring Grand Marshal Bill Hogan. This cocktail reception is one of the highlights of the parade season and features entertainment, an open bar, passed fare, raffles, and a festive atmosphere, all in support of local charities. Formal attire is encouraged. • Where: 600 N. Long Beach Road • Time: 7 p.m. • Contact: RvcStPatrick.com/ Grand-Marshal-Dinner

mar

Tax help

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

Get free in-person tax help for seniors and low-income families (under $73,000) at Rockville Centre Public Library. Bring last year’s return, W-2s, investment info, Social Security cards, ID, and a blank check for direct deposit. Friendly experts will guide you through your taxes, helping you get your refund safely and with confidence. Appointments only, no walk-ins. • Where: 221 N .Village Ave. • Time: 9:15 a.m.-2:15 p.m. • Contact: rvclibrary.org or (516) 766-6257

mar

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

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.

St. Patrick’s Day Party

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

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at the Sandel Senior Center. Guests enjoy a festive luncheon of corned beef sandwiches, cole slaw, and potatoes, followed by Irish and American music by Timothy Quinn, generously donated by Mary Eisenstein. $8 per person. Advance sign-up is required. • Where: 50 S. Park Ave. • Time: 12:15 p.m. • Contact: (516) 678-9350

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-

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

Bar crawl Raise a glass and explore Rockville Centre’s nightlife at

the best bar crawl. Ticket holders will receive an email with the full lineup of participating bars the morning of the crawl. Guests 21 and older can enjoy a night of fun, drinks, and local vibes — just show your ticket at each venue and get ready to crawl responsibly through the village’s hottest spots! • Where: Will be emailed after ticket purchase • Time: 4-10 p.m. • Contact: EventBrite.com/e/ rockville-centres-best-stpatricks-day-weekend-barcrawl-tickets-1982194740829

mar

Oceanside Chorale welcomes new members

The Oceanside Chorale seeks new members in all sections to sing in their next concert.,“Going to the Movies, on June 7, at Fulton Avenue School. Rehearsals are Wednesday evenings. • Where: Fulton Avenue School, 3252 Fulton Ave. • Time: Ongoing Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m. • Contact: Marie at: (516) 459-8513 or email oceansidechorale@gmail.com

St. Patrick’s Parade

The streets of Rockville Centre turn a brilliant shade of green as the 2026 St. Patrick’s Parade steps off, bringing bagpipes, marching bands, festive floats and community pride to the heart of the village. One of Long Island’s most beloved traditions, the parade celebrates Irish heritage with plenty of music, pageantry and hometown spirit. Residents and visitors are encouraged to arrive early, wear their green and enjoy a spirited afternoon of family-friendly fun! • Where: North Long Beach Road, Maple Avenue, North Park Avenue, College Place, Quealy Place, North Village Avenue, and Washington Street (parade route). • Time: Noon • Contact: RvcStpatrick.com

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.

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — March 12, 2026

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Public Notices

News brief

March 12, 2026 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

LROC1 0312

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE UNDER SECURITIZATION SERVICING AGREEMENT DATED AS OF AUGUST 1, 2005 STRUCTURED ASSET SECURITIES CORPORATION, STRUCTURED ASSET INVESTMENT LOAN TRUST MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-HE3, Plaintiff, Against FOLAREMI ABIOLA; et al, Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 02/01/2018, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on 4/7/2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 1288 Dekoven Street, Rockville Centre, New York 11570, and described as follows: ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Rockville Centre, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Section 38 Block 114 Lot 905, 906 and 907. The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $557,690.22 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 15-010953 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. Janine Lynam, Esq., Referee. MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573 Dated: 1/29/2026 File Number: 15-315268 CA 158717 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. NASSAU COUNTY. L&L ASSOCIATES HOLDING CORP., Pltf. vs. RUSSELL S. HARRIS, JR., et al, Defts. Index #609180/2022. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered Jan. 12, 2023, I will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on April 9, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. prem. k/a Section 38, Block 113, Lots 937-938. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the sale. The foreclosure sale will be held, “rain or shine.” SCOTT SILLER, Referee. LEVY & LEVY, Attys. for Pltf., 12 Tulip Dr., Great Neck, NY. #102805 158713 LEGAL NOTICE Public Notice to Bidders Sealed Bids will be received by the Purchasing Department of the Village of Rockville Centre, One College Place, Rockville Centre, New York for the matter stated below until 11:00 am prevailing time on MARCH 26, 2026 at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud. The contract will be awarded as soon thereafter as practicable for: 2026 ROAD PROGRAM Bid No. 2603CP3(1180) The contract documents, specifications and plans can be examined on the Village’s website at www.rvcny.gov. Follow the link to the Purchasing Department. Each bid must be accompanied by a certified check, bank check or bid bond payable to the Incorporated Village of Rockville Centre in the amount of five (5%) percent of the gross amount of the bid. All questions should be directed to the Purchasing Department. Please contact Lisa Strazzeri via email only at Lstrazzeri@rvcny.us. Questions must be submitted no later than March 19, 2026.

All contractors and subcontractors submitting bids or performing construction work on public work projects or private projects covered by Article 8 of the Labor Law are required to register with the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) under Labor Law Section 220i and must include a copy of the registration with their bid response. Award of Contract will be made to the lowest responsible bidder in accordance with applicable provisions of the law. The Village reserves the right to reject all bids or make such determination as in the best interests of the Village, as provided by law. Purchasing Department Lisa Strazzeri Purchasing Agent 516-678-9213 15866

LEGAL NOTICE Public Notice to Bidders Sealed Bids will be received by the Purchasing Department of the Village of Rockville Centre, One College Place, Rockville Centre, New York for the matter stated below until 11:00 am prevailing time on MARCH 26, 2026 at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud. The contract will be awarded as soon thereafter as practicable for: PARKING FIELD #9 & #19 ELECTRIC / LIGHTING INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES Bid No. 2603E1(1181) The contract documents, specifications and plans can be examined on the Village’s website at www.rvcny.gov. Follow the link to the Purchasing Department. Each bid must be accompanied by a certified check, bank check or bid bond payable to the Incorporated Village of Rockville Centre in the amount of five (5%) percent of the gross amount of the bid. All questions should be directed to the Purchasing Department. Please contact Lisa Strazzeri via email only at Lstrazzeri@rvcny.us. Questions must be submitted no later than March 19, 2026. All contractors and subcontractors

submitting bids or performing construction work on public work projects or private projects covered by Article 8 of the Labor Law are required to register with the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) under Labor Law Section 220i and must include a copy of the registration with their bid response. Award of Contract will be made to the lowest responsible bidder in accordance with applicable provisions of the law. The Village reserves the right to reject all bids or make such determination as in the best interests of the Village, as provided by law. Purchasing Department Lisa Strazzeri Purchasing Agent 516-678-9213 158867

LEGAL NOTICE BUDGET HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN in accordance with New York Village Law 5-508(3) that on April 13, 2026, at the Eugene J. Murray Village Hall, One College Place, Rockville Centre, New York, at 7:30 pm, the Board of Trustees of the Village of Rockville Centre will hold a public hearing to consider the adoption of the budget of the Village of Rockville Centre for the fiscal year commencing June 1, 2026 and ending May 31, 2027. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a copy of the tentative budget and a copy of the Property Tax Exemption Impact Report are available at the office of the Village Clerk at the Municipal Building of the Village of Rockville Centre, One College Place, Rockville Centre, New York, where they may be inspected by any interested persons during office hours. The said budget proposes payment of compensation to members of the Board of Trustees as follows: Mayor $110,000.00, Deputy Mayor $33,000, each other Trustee of the Village $21,500.00. DATED: Rockville Centre, New York March 3, 2026 By Order of the Board of Trustees Nancy Howard Village Administrator, Clerk--Treasurer 158865 Place a notice by phone at 516-569-4000 x232 or email: legalnotices@liherald.com

Brian Kacharaba/Herald

Holy Trinity High School will host the Nassau County Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championships on March 15, where District 19 winners from the St. Agnes and Fr. Joseph O’Connell councils will compete for a spot in the Long Island finals.

St. Agnes, O’Connell, hoop stars advance Members of the St. Agnes Knights of Columbus Council #2548 and Fr. Joseph O’Connell Knights of Columbus Council #3481 of Oceanside squared off to determine who would represent District 19 in the Nassau County Free Throw Championships this weekend. Twenty young athletes competed across multiple age and gender divisions, showcasing skill, determination, and sportsmanship. The day’s competition crowned champions across all age groups. Representing St. Agnes will be Niamh McCutchean (age 9), Maeve Quigley (10), Viviene McDonald (11), Lilly Ventimiglia (12), Cate Villanova (13), and Connor Ventimiglia (14), who all claimed victo-

ries in their respective divisions. From Fr. Joseph O’Connell, Brendon Hennessey (9), Kevin Staines (10), and Declan Driscoll (11) emerged as winners in the younger boys’ divisions, while Donovan Blaney (12) and Santino Rosa (13) rounded out the boys’ champions. All of them advanced to the Nassau County championships at Holy Trinity High School on March 15, where they will face the champions from nine other county districts. Those winners will advance to the Long Island championship on March 22, also at Holy Trinity.

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Town Hall Plaza, One Washington Street, Hempstead, New York on 03/25/2026 at 9:30 A.M. to consider the following applications and appeals: -----------------------------THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30 A.M. 1176/26. NR ROCKVILLE CENTRE Timothy & Stefanie Sakowich, Variance, front yard setback on Searing St., construct one-story addition attached to dwelling., S/W cor. Searing St. & Rockwin Rd, a/k/a 39

properly come before it. 158814

–Brian Kacharaba

Public Notices Searing St. ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550. This notice is only for new cases in Rockville Centre within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available at https://hempsteadny.go v/509/Board-of-Appeals The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.go v/576/Live-StreamingVideo Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may

LEGAL NOTICE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of Rockville Centre (Village) will hold a public hearing with respect to the following proposed local law: Bill RVC 2026-A. A local law authorizing a property tax levy in excess of the limit established in General Municipal Law §3-c Time and Place of Hearing: Eugene J. Murray Village Hall, Second Floor One College Place, Rockville Centre, New York Date of Hearing: March 18, 2026 Time of Hearing: 6:00 pm The proposed local law is available for public inspection at the Village Clerk’s office at One College Place, Rockville Centre, New York, between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday, except

legal holidays. All interested persons will have an opportunity to be heard at the public hearing. This local law is being proposed for adoption only in the event that completion of the Village budget process indicates that the Village needs to exceed the tax cap. If the final budget indicates that it is not necessary to exceed the tax cap, this propoed law will not be adopted. The Village complies with the Americans With Disabilities Act. Disabled persons with special needs should contact the Village Clerk’s office at 516-678-9212 at least three business days prior to the hearing, so that reasonable efforts may be made to accommodate such needs. Dated: March 2, 2026 BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF ROCKVILLE CENTRE 158864 Place A Notice Call 516-569-4000 x232

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ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — March 12, 2026

HERALD

C4 03/12

Answers to todAy’s puzzle

March 12, 2026 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

C2 03/12

Homes

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HOME Of tHE WEEK

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

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‘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.

C3 03/12

Market Place • •

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ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — March 12, 2026

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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

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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.

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — March 12, 2026

A heart-stopping hockey victory was marred by politics

Herald editorial

Rockville centRe

March 12, 2026 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

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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 RVC school district residents need more financial information To the Editor: Our community is standing at a financial and academic crossroads that many of our neighbors have yet to realize. The Rockville Centre School District is facing a staggering $7 million deficit. While administrators claim half of this gap will be closed by not replacing retirees, we are still left to contemplate a remaining $3.5 million deficit. The proposed short-term solution — deeper staff reductions and higher taxes — is known to be generally ineffective in the long run. Yet viable alternatives, such as school mergers/consolidations, learning model redesigns and resource realignments are not being considered. As a parent and a taxpayer, I have been following the budget meetings. Thus far I have yet to see the one

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

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?

Letters thing any responsible person needs to make an informed decision: the data on the district’s finances. If you asked to see your bank statement and were met with silence, you’d be worried. If you were told you had to pay a massive bill without seeing the charges, you’d be outraged. Yet, this is exactly what the district is asking of taxpayers. We are being pressured to “debate” and fund a budget without being shown a fund balance report, a snapshot of the district’s bank account. The community has requested this information, but it has not been made available. If our savings are trending downward (as spending has skyrocketed), we need to see that trajectory in black and white, not in PowerPoint slides. Change requires conversations that the district seems intent on delaying. There are some community members who believe we have viable options for structural reform, such as moving to a Princeton Plan (grade-level schooling) or consolidating our elementary schools. Many have also proposed that the district reevaluate our general-education learning model, which requires “advanced for all” and IB curriculum, regardless of individual students’ abilities. While this formulation is touted by the district as core to our identity, the current implementation is fiscally unsustainable and, as evidenced by our rankings and proficiency rates, not producing the results we would hope for. At the same time, our teachers are

expected to deliver an increasingly complex curriculum, but because training is delayed, they are stuck always playing catch-up. This forces teachers to prioritize new state mandates over foundational skills, which is exhausting our staff and eroding morale. With our educators already stretched, cutting additional staff will negatively impact our children. When I moved back to this district in 2010, South Side High School was ranked the 46th best high school in country (and No. 1 on Long Island) by U.S. News & World Report. Most recently it was ranked 611th. During this same time frame, our budget increased from $93.5 million to $139.89 million. Nevertheless, the district continues to send the message that the perfect storm came from factors beyond our control (aid cuts, insurance hikes and inflation), but these are issues that all school districts are navigating. Something must change. The district should be more transparent about the state of our finances. A starting point for this would be to provide the fund balance report so the community can have an educated discussion of what is best for us, our teachers and, most important, our children. We’re all in this together, but the only way to have a constructive dialogue is to provide residents the critical information they need to make informed decisions. MARLeeN MACCoNe 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.

Framework by Tim Baker

At last month’s inaugural WInterfest — Rockville Centre

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — March 12, 2026

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