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HERALD
March is Here — Let’s Make Your Mov e If you
’re thinking about buy ing or selling, now ma the time to get ahead. y be The Toler Team is rea dy to help you make your move this March. Let’s talk!
Easter fun returns
Honoring local women
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VOL. 37 NO. 11
MARCH 12 - 18, 2026
Natalie Toler
Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker ABR, SRS, SRES, SFR O 516.669.3700 | M 516. 388.0912 natalie.toler@elliman. com Rockville Centre Offi ce | 304 Merrick Road | 516.669.3700
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© 2026 DOUG LAS ELLIM AN ROAD, HUNT INGTO N STATI ON,REAL ESTATE. EQUA L HOUSING OPPO RTUNITY. NEW YORK 11746. 631.5 49.74 01
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Bahá’í Center prepares for its New Year Marie McNair, a member of the Bahá’í Faith for more than 50 years and involved in orgaMembers of the Bahá’í Faith nizing the celebration, said the across Long Island will gather holy day holds symbolic meanon March 20 at the Bahá’í Cen- ing for followers. “Often there are gatherings, ter in Valley Stream to celebrate Naw-Rúz, the faith’s New parties, prayers, joy, bringing t o g e t h e r g u e s t s, Year. socializing, and so The evening celon,” McNair said. ebration, scheduled “But while there to be gin at 6:30 are those physical p.m., will include a manifestations of dinner, a short prothe value of this gram with prayers celebration, it also and readings and has a very importime for fellowship. tant spiritual sigOrganizers said the nificance, because event is open to what we’re also celmembers of the e b r at i n g i s t h i s public as well as N ew D ay, wh i ch followers of the reflects this new faith and is intendrevelation.” ed as a welcoming The Bahá’í Faith gathering that be g an in Persia, reflects the reliwhich is presentgion’s emphasis on day Iran, in 1844, unity and commu- MARIE McNAIR and was founded by nity. Member, Bahá’u’ lláh. The Naw-Rúz, which Bahá'í Faith re l i g i o n t e a ch e s means “New Day,” that humanity is marks the end of a 1 9 - d ay p e r i o d o f f a s t i n g one family united under one observed by members of the God and that the world’s major Bahá’í Faith. During the fast, religions represent successive adult Bahá’ís abstain from food revelations meant to guide and drink between sunrise and humanity’s spiritual and social sunset to focus on prayer, reflec- development. tion and spiritual renewal. ConTinuED on PaGE 12
By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO
azingariello@liherald.com
W
Alice Moreno/Herald
Rose Gerard, Claudia B. Morgan-Morris, Cristina Medellin-Paz, Cecilia Scott-Croff and Jacob Dixon were honored by Valley Stream based nonprofit the Elite Scholarship Foundation at a gala celebrating educators last Sunday. Honoree Eva J. Thomas could not attend.
Elite Scholarship Foundation honors six educators at gala By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com
The Elite Scholarship Foundation hosted its “Passionately Pursuing Purpose: An Evening to Esteem Exemplary Educators” gala at the Coral House in Baldwin, honoring six educators whose work has made significant contributions to students, families and communities. The Valley Stream–based nonprofit described the March 8 evening as both a celebration and a mission-driven fundraiser. Proceeds from the event will support student scholarships, expand educator recognition initiatives and help the organization continue its work creating opportunities for families throughout the community. “Tonight is more than just a gathering,”
Paula Mills, president of the foundation, said. “It is to remember that when passion meets purpose, lives can be impacted in meaningful ways.” The event featured presentations highlighting the honorees, along with dinner, live entertainment and acknowledgments of their contributions to education and service. The Elite Scholarship Foundation is a charitable 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to helping students pursue higher education through scholarships, mentorship and career or entrepreneurship programs. The foundation was established through Elite Scholars Christian Academy, which has served the Valley Stream community for more than 15 years with a focus on academic excellence, character development and faithConTinuED on PaGE 10
hile there are those physical manifestations of the value of this celebration, it also has a very important spiritual significance.