______________ VALLEY STREAM _____________
HERALD
Your Home is Your Sanctua ry.
Don’t Let High Ta Chase You Away!xes
DEADLINE MARCH 31ST
Meet Central’s top two
Village honors residents
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VOL. 37 NO. 12
MARCH 19 - 25, 2026
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V.S. author releases new children’s book a 13-year educator in Queens. She teaches fifth grade and, for the past three years, served as a A Valley Stream resident is literacy coach at the elementary adding another title to her grow- school, where she supports ing list of accomplishments teachers with reading instruction and works with students through children’s literature. Anastasia Difino, who has who struggle with literacy. “I was always a reader and a lived in Valley Stream for more than a decade, recently released writer,” Difino said. “I always wanted to write her second self-pubsomething. I was lished children’s very into poetry book, “T he Dare g row i n g u p, bu t Book,” on Feb. 26. being in schools, The project reflects getting so into chilboth her professiondren’s books and al experience as an h av i n g m y o w n educator and her boys, drove me to personal life as a think I should write parent. children’s books.” Difino, of Greek Her first chilAmerican heritage, dren’s book, “On grew up in Queens the Bright Side,” but moved to Valley Stream with her ANAstAsIA DIfINO was released in 2023 after she began husband, Joe, who Author, writing it during was raised in the “The Dare Book” the height of the c o m m u n i t y. T h e Covid-19 pandemic couple is raising their two sons, Frankie and in 2021. The story emerged from Peter, there alongside extended conversations she had with stuf amily members who also dents who asked difficult quesreside locally. Difino said the tions about the world around strong family connections and them. The book focuses on sense of community were encouraging children to look major reasons they chose to for positivity and goodness even remain in the village after get- during challenging moments. Her newest book builds on ting married. Outside of writing, Difino is Continued on page 7
By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO
azingariello@liherald.com
K
Alice Moreno/Herald photos
Girls run the world at Green Acres Green Acres Mall hosted a Women’s History Month celebration last Saturday, recognizing local women leaders while offering beauty demonstrations and community activities. The event, held in front of Macy’s, featured master classes and demonstrations from Estée Lauder, MAC and Lancôme, along with complimentary headshots, giveaways and meet-and-greet opportunities with representatives of Miss Long Island Pageants. During the event, local elected officials also recognized several women for their leadership, military service and contributions to their communities. Story, more photos, Page 10.
ids need brain breaks. They need a pause; they need a timeout. Let them be a kid.