_________________ WANTAGH ________________
HERALD
IS IT TIME FOR A HEARING CHECK-UP?
Page 8 VOL. 74 NO. 20
MAY 14 - 20, 2026
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Wantagh C of C installs its new leadership team with the beach behind them. The setting in and of itself encompasses really what Wantagh is all The Wantagh Chamber of about, the gateway to Jones Commerce celebrated new lead- Beach.” The chamber installed Karen ership, honored longtime community supporters and reflected Lofgren as president, Rich as on the importance first vice president, of volunteerism at Matthew Koundrup its annual Installaas second vice prestion Dinner at Gatsident and Kim by on the Ocean at Kefer as correJones Beach. sponding secretary. The evening fea“We all work tured the installawell together,” Rich tion of the chamsaid. “We all have ber’s new executive the same outlook leadership team, for Wantagh.” recognition of comShe described munity award Lofgren as deeply recipients and an rooted in the comemotional tribute munity and comto the late Mike mitted to ensuring Dunphy, a longtime that chamber chamber member events run smoothand a fixture in the ly. “She loves this Wantagh communitown and this comty, who was posthumunity,” Rich said. mously honored MARILYNNE RICH “When we walk with the organiza- First Vice President down the parade tion’s Lifetime route, everybody Achievement knows Karen.” Award. The evening also highlighted “This was the first year that the chamber’s annual communiwe did not have rain,” First Vice ty awards, recognizing residents, President Marilynne Rich joked. organizations and businesses for “We were actually able to see the their contributions to Wantagh. beach and the sunset. People This year’s Citizens of the were taking pictures outside
By HUNTER FENOLLOL
hfenollol@liherald.com
A
Courtesy Wantagh Preservation Society
The Beech Street School property as it stands today.
Ahead of budget vote, a push to save historic Beech Street School By HUNTER FENOLLOL hfenollol@liherald.com
As Wantagh residents prepare to vote May 19 on whether the school district should sell the historic Beech Street School property, the local preservation society is urging the community to consider the site’s historical significance. The proposed $1,075,000 sale, which will appear on the district’s budget ballot, would transfer ownership of the property to developer Brah Property Owners Inc., which district officials said intends to demolish the building and construct two private homes on the site. The issue was discussed at a meeting of the Town of Hempstead Landmark Commis-
sion last week, when members of the Wantagh Preservation Society pled their case for landmark recognition of the century old school building. District officials, including Superintendent John McNamara and legal counsel representing the school district, also addressed the commission. In a statement to the Herald following the meeting, McNamara said the district is recommending the sale because the building “does not currently serve any purposeful use for the district,” adding that it is too small for instructional use and does not meet current New York State Education Department codes for housing students. McNamara said the building would require more than $1 million in repairs, CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
mazon is great, but your local stores and your local restaurants and your local service people… these are the people that are supporting the community.
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