HERALD UNIONDALE
Charter school plan stirs up anger
By KELSIE RADZISKI kradziski@liherald.com
A third charter school hopes to open in Hempstead, and community leaders and local residents are not happy with the idea.
Residents of Hempstead, Uniondale, Baldwin, Roosevelt, and other nearby communities packed the band box, a large space at Alverta B. Gray Schultz Middle School in Hempstead, on Monday night for a public hearing to voice their opposition to the proposal.
“We’re producing remarkable outcomes for children of ContinUeD on pAge 5
Uniondale High grad runs his way to Paris Games
By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com
Chris Borzor, 25, of North Baldwin, never sought the awards, the records or the spotlight that came with his success as a track athlete. His sole focus was to “just run.”
“I’m just running for fun,” Borzor said last week, before departing for the Olympics in Paris, where he will represent his native Haiti in the 100-meter dash on Saturday. “I don’t really think about that in my head,” he added of the records and awards. “Like, ‘Oh, I got to break this record.’ I just step on the track, run, and have fun
with it.”
Borzor, whose family came to the United States when he was six, gained prominence for his sprinting at Uniondale High School and then at the University of Cincinnati and the University of Southern California, ultimately earning the opportunity to represent his homeland on the world stage as a member of the Haitian track team competing at the Summer Games.
’m going to go out there and do my best for my country.
Olympian
“The past couple of months, though I knew I was going to the
Olympics, I’ve been calm about it,” he said. “But the closer I get to the date, it’s like, OK, it really is coming true.”
Borzor’s interest in running can be traced back to the fifth grade, when he watched his older cousin Jonathan Prevost compete in track at Holy Trinity High School in Hicksville. Prevost eventually signed his younger cousin up for the sport in a summer league in Baldwin.
“I was just running to run,” Borzor recalled. “I didn’t really
know anything about it. I didn’t really start falling in love with it until I got to high school.”
Though he lived in Baldwin, he attended Uniondale High, and was a member of the class of 2018. There he excelled in the 100 as well as the 200- and 400meter dashes and the long jump.
As a senior, he finished fifth in both the 100 and 200 at the New York State Public High School
Athletic Association Track and Field Championships.
In his senior year, he qualified for the New Balance Nationals, and got a taste of national competition.
At Cincinnati, where he earned a degree in interdisciplinary studies, Borzor set university records in the 200 (20.55 seconds) as well as the indoor
Kelsie Radziski/Herald
Uniondale school district Superintendent Monique Darrisaw-Akil said she opposed the proposal to build a Diamond Charter School in Hempstead by September 2026.
Working on keeping Hempstead Stop & Shop’s open
By KELSIE RADZISKI kradziski@liherald.com
With the announcement that the Hempstead Stop & Shop, at 132 Fulton Ave. is one of four being closed by Ahold Delhaize USA that owns the supermarket chain, Nassau County Legislators Siela Bynoe and Scott Davis wrote the company a letter opposing the decision.
The letter was addressed to Maura O’Brien, the government affairs manager for Ahold Delhaize USA, the company that owns Stop & Shop, and it details the “many unresolved issues related to the potential loss of a vital community hub” that the legislators feel will negatively impact the community.
“We are deeply concerned about how Hempstead Village residents may experience intensified difficulties in acquiring fresh, nutritious, and affordable food in a community that was recently designated a food desert by experts,” Bynoe and Davis in the letter.
A food desert is defined as an area or community that has a low access to healthy and affordable foods.
The legislators assert in the letter that the Stop & Shop location is the only classified supermarket operating within Hempstead Village, meaning that its closure would “escalate food inequality within the community by dramatically constricting consumer
choice and curtailing access to affordable nutrition options.”
People who face transportation challenges, including seniors, would have to find ways to travel further for their grocery needs, they added.
In comparison, East Meadow, another Stop & Shop location designated to be closed, has three other major supermarkets where community members
can shop, according to Bynoe and Davis. They draw comparisons between Hempstead and East Meadow to demonstrate the greater toll the decision would take on Hempstead residents.
Using recent census data, the lawmakers note that Hempstead’s median household income of $80,350 is “significantly less” than East Meadow’s of
$129,258, and that the poverty rate in Hempstead — 16 percent — is nearly triple East Meadow’s rate of 5.9 percent.
The lack of health insurance in Hempstead can cause problems for people who may now struggle to access nutritious foods with the potential closure of the store, according to the legislators, with 13.2 percent of residents under the age of 65 uninsured. East Meadow’s figure is much lower at 5.1 percent.
“The departure of a reliable source of nutritional options threatens to exacerbate existing healthcare disparities in Hempstead Village,” they wrote in the letter.
Bynoe and Davis implore Ahold Delhaize to reconsider closing the Hempstead Village Stop and Shop and instead “identify pathways” to keep the facility open in a way that benefits the business as well.
“The decision to close our Hempstead store was a difficult one, and only made after careful analysis and deliberation as we know our stores are closely embedded in our communities,” spokesman Dan Wolk wrote in an email.
He noted that Hempstead will continue to have home delivery after the store’s closure, and a school partnership will to donate $20,000 to Alverta B. Gray Schultz Middle School and David Paterson Elementary School.
Herald file photos
County Legislators Siela Bynoe and Scott Davis oppose the closing of the Stop &Shop in Hempstead. Both sent a letter to Ahold Delhaize USA, the company that owns the supermarket chain.
Gone fishin’ with Uniondale youth
The Uniondale Community Council Youth Project and S.T.R.O.N.G. Youth, Inc. went on a nautical adventure on July 22.
A group of 72 kids, ages 7 to 12, plus staff members from both groups took a ride on the Captain Lou VII, departing from the Nautical Mile in Freeport for an afternoon of fishing.
“The captain and crew were terrific with our kids and much appreciated,” Lorraine Danser, executive director of the Uniondale Community Council Youth Project, said.
The children spent four hours on the water catching flounder, chum mackerel, sea robins, crabs, and even baby sharks. Captain Nick and his crew from the Captain Lou Fleet taught the kids about fishing and guided them throughout the afternoon. All marine life were safely returned to the water.
Vineyard Offshore, a clean energy company based on the East Coast that has recently expanded into New York, sponsored the fishing trip.
The company is sponsoring fishing trips for communities across the state. This is the first summer the program is running, and Uniondale is one of the first communities to go on the trip.
“The idea behind the trips is to find people who don’t have access to being on the ocean on a boat,” Andrea Bonilla, senior manager of external affairs for Vineyard Offshore, said. “The idea is just to create that exposure as a way to create awareness for potential maritime fisheries, careers, opportunities, and
offshore wind in general.”
The fishing trip was just one of multiple field trips the Uniondale Community Council Youth Project goes on throughout the month-long summer camp, and Danser is appreciative of the “wonderful day and experience” Vineyard Offshore provided for the kids.
— Kelsie Radziski
Photos courtesy Uniondale Community Council Youth Project
Children with the Uniondale Community Council Youth Project and S.T.R.O.N.G. Youth, Inc. prepare for their afternoon fishing trip on July 22.
Kids look on as a crewmember holds up a baby shark on a fishing line.
Iyanla Belizaire-Brown, a staff member at the Uniondale Community Council Youth Project, with the fish she caught.
NUMC opens new suite for mental health care
By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
The Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow has opened a newly remodeled mental health clinic — a state-of-the-art facility designed to provide comprehensive mental health services to some of Long Island’s most vulnerable populations.
NUMC, which is overseen by the Nassau Health Care Corporation, previously housed its mental health facilities in the J Building, which is one of the many buildings on its campus. The medical center and NuHealth, the health care network that the hospital is part of, has provided adult outpatient psychiatric services to Nassau County residents for 42 years, including comprehensive psychiatric care and psychotherapy, delivered by both psychologists and psychiatrists.
The mental health clinic has played an important role in the county’s health care services for decades, Meg Ryan, the medical center’s interim president and chief executive, said at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 23.
“We receive referrals from all over Nassau County — the courts, the correctional center, division of social services,” Ryan said. “It has the largest training program in Nassau County for both psychiatric residents and psychology interns and externs.”
After touring the mental health clinic in the J Building, Ryan said she felt the hospital could “do better.”
“It was immediately clear to me that we could do better for our patients, and we certainly could do better for our staff,” she explained.
The building lacked an elevator, central air conditioning and was in poor physical condition, and the estimated cost to repair the J Building was $2 million, hospital officials said.
Hospital administrators said they then decided to convert the space in its main building that previously housed its Covid-19 vaccine
clinic during the height of the coronavirus pandemic. The suite was large and useful at the time, but was no longer being utilized, Ryan said. In addition, the cost to make the space work for its mental health services was only $62,000.
think it will help us provide a better and less stigmatizing source of care for our patients.
The enhanced space features upgraded security, air conditioning and modern amenities, providing a more comfortable environment for patients and staff. The cost of the renovation was offset by donations of $25,000 from the law firm of Abrams Fensterman, and $1,000 from the Kiwanis Club of East Meadow.
Matthew Bruderman, chairman of the board of directors for the Nassau Health Care Corporation, reminded those attending
last week’s ribbon-cutting ceremony that NUMC is one of three “safety net” hospitals in New York, serving all patients, regardless of their ability to pay.
The hospital has made great strides in fixing its financial state, Bruderman said, and its work is reflected in new spaces, such as the mental health clinic.
“It’s about patient care, it’s about employee care,” he said. “It’s about caring about the community. This team, this hospital — I think it’s just an amazing organization.”
Bruderman called mental health “fundamentally important.”
“The opening of this clinic marks a new chapter in NUMC’s long history of serving the needs of our community,” he said. “We are proud to provide a space that is not only modern and welcoming, but also equipped with the resources necessary to offer comprehensive mental health services to people in crisis.”
Dr. Constantine Ioannou, the chair of psychiatry in the health care corporation, said the new suite de-stigmatizes psychiatric care.
“It is the first time that our patients with complex psychiatric diagnoses are part of the main hospital — they walk through the same entrance as everyone else, they are treated exactly the same way everyone else is treated,” he said. “Every place I have been, the psychiatric clinic is further away from the main building, and the only one that is even further away from that is addiction services.”
Ioannou said the work to reopen the new clinic was “lightning fast,” and he thanked everyone who worked hard to make that happen.
“I think this makes a very big statement that behavioral health and psychiatric care is an integral part of the mission of NuHealth and NUMC,” he said. “I think it will help us provide a better and less stigmatizing source of care for our patients.”
Jordan Vallone/Herald
Dr. Constantine Ioannou, chair of psychiatry at the Nassau University Medical Center, cut the ribbon on the newly remodeled mental health clinic on July 23.
Vocal opposition to third area charter school
color,” Monique Darrisaw-Akil, superintendent of the Uniondale school district, said. “We do not need Superman or anyone else to come and save us, because our schools are quality.”
The New York-based Diamond Charter School submitted a proposal earlier this year to build its first school in Hempstead. The goal is to have it up and running by September 2026, founder and Executive Director Mark Crusante told the Herald, starting with kindergarten and first grade and adding a new grade each year until it becomes a kindergartenthrough-fifth grade school by 2030. This would be the third charter school in Hempstead, along with the Evergreen and Academy schools.
Wlocal school districts, which in turn largely comes from local tax revenue.
Nassau County Legislator Siela Bynoe spoke in opposition to the charter school, and detailed the additional costs and concerns the facility would bring with it, including the cost per pupil, zoning issues with the construction of the building, and even the cost of additional crossing guards.
e do not need Superman or anyone else to come and save us, because our schools are quality.
Monique DarrisaW-
akil
Uniondale school district superintendent
A major concern expressed by nearly 20 speakers at the 90-minute meeting was that a third charter school in Hempstead would take public funding away from public schools and put more of a burden on taxpayers. Charter schools, like public schools, are publicly funded and tuition-free, but in New York state, funding comes from money allocated to
“What are the school board members left to do to make sure children have resources, to make sure teachers have resources, to make sure that they can attract and retain teachers?” Bynoe said. “They either have to cut services or raise taxes. That is unfair and creating inequity here in our districts.”
Charter schools in New York state have more freedom to individualize their curriculums, academic focus, rules and policies, student bodies and staff, which in the case of public schools are generally overseen at the district or state level.
Public school staffs, Darrisaw-Akil said, are “held accountable by our boards of education, held accountable by the public, and also held account -
nassau County Legislator Siela Bynoe detailed the tax burdens and community concerns a third charter school would bring to the neighborhood.
able by the New York State Department of Education. So if any entity were to come into our school district to take our children, they should meet those same qualifications.”
Crusante told the Herald that his vision for the school is to give parents a chance to choose which school is best for their children.
He said he understood the community’s concerns, but added that charter schools have smaller budgets than public schools, so his facility would not take too much funding away from the public school district. And a charter school only has five years to “have their mission, have their vision, and really help those kids,” he said, or it can be shut down, so it must benefit the community in order to succeed.
“I actually want to be integral and help and work with our school districts and work with our community partners,” Crusante said. “My true goal is to really service the students of Hempstead, and work with families and really get them from point A to point B.”
But many who spoke at the meeting said that the community has seen repeated success in its public schools, and that a new school would only detract from those achievements.
“We are proud of what our children have accomplished, and yes, we have more work to do, but the answer is not taking funds away from our school districts,” Darrisaw-Akil said.
The hearing was recorded and sent to the SUNY Charter Schools Institute in Albany, which is expected to approve or deny the proposal by Sept. 15.
Have an opinion on the Diamond Charter school proposal? Send a letter to kradziski@liherald.com.
Attend Hofstra’s Virtual
GRADUATE OPEN HOUSE
Tuesday, August 6, 2024 6 p.m.
At Hofstra University, graduate students plant the seeds to advance in their career. Hear from representatives across 200 programs that include business, communications, education, engineering, health sciences, nursing, and psychology, and learn all the ways your success can sprout at Hofstra University. Your future awaits.
For event details and to RSVP, visit hofstra.edu/visit
HERALD SPORTS
Nassau HOF class of 2024 announced
By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com
The Nassau County High School Athletics Hall of Fame will hold its 2024 induction ceremony Sept. 25 at the Crest Hollow County Club. For more information and tickets, go to www.sectionviii. org. Here’s a list of local honorees.
Tom Catapano
He’s been nothing short of a wizard since becoming Baldwin’s girls’ basketball coach in 2010. He’s guided it to 12 Nassau Class Conference AA championships, 10 Nassau Class AA titles, 5 Long Island Class AA crowns, a pair of New York state public school championships, and a State Federation title.
Canute Curtis
One of the greatest in a long line of great football players from Farmingdale, Curtis was a standout two-way star at running back and linebacker while leading head coach Don Snyder’s Dalers to an undefeated 10-0 record and the Rutgers Cup in 1991. His dominating performances as a senior were good enough to earn Curtis All-Nassau, All-Long Island and All-State honors.
Crystal Dunn
A genuine soccer phenom at South Side. So talented at a young age that she missed her junior season because she was playing for the United States Under17 team in New Zealand. The Cyclones won three state championships (2006, 2007 and 2009) with Dunn, who scored 46 goals and assisted on 35 others. She was a two-time All-American at North Carolina and played defense for the U.S. Women’s National Team and is a twotime Olympian.
Jim Graziano
The best big man developed at Farmingdale and one of the best to play basketball on Long Island. The 6-foot-10, Graziano was a four-year starter, outstanding as a freshman and improved every season until his senior year when he averaged 26 points and 15 rebounds. A three-time All-Long Island selection, he was the New York State Player of the Year in 1976. He starred at South Carolina and was drafted by the NBA’s Denver Nuggets.
Jay Iaquinta
One of the most decorated football coaches in Nassau County over the past three decades, Iaquinta has amassed 211 victories with stints at Lynbrook, Hewlett and Manhasset. Named the county’s Coach of the Year in 1986 and 2021.
Charlene Lipsey
She played basketball, volleyball, and softball at Hempstead before focusing on
track. In just three years she became a five-time state champ and the Gatorade New York State Runner of the Year. Lipsey went on to a decorated career at LSU and was an eight-time All-American and three-time SEC champion.
Matt McLees
Head coach of Carey’s football team for 16 years and the winningest coach in school history with 76 victories. He was named Nassau Coach of the Year three times, served as President of Nassau Football Coaches Association and is currently the Athletic Director for the Sewanhaka Central School District and Nassau’s football coordinator.
Gary Mims
He grew up in Freeport but became a son of Massapequa. He played three sports for the Chiefs (football, wrestling
and lacrosse) and returned home to coach the wrestling team for 29 years, beginning in 1977. He was named Nassau Coach of the Year three times and produced 31 county champions while winning 291 dual meets.
Rich Ohrnberger
A star two-way lineman for three years at East Meadow, in 2003 he not only won the Martone Award for being Nassau’s top lineman but also the Thorp Award as the county’s best player. After a stellar career as an offensive lineman at Penn State, he was drafted by the Patriots and later played for the Cardinals and Chargers.
V ictor Randazzo
It has been 52 years since Randazzo graduated from Long Beach , and his senior year was special. He was the New
Rockville Centre’s Crystal Dunn was a three-time state champion at South Side, a two-time All-American at North Carolina and a member of the U.S. Women’s National Team.
Meadow’s
Thorp Award as Nassau’s best football player and went on to play in the NFL for three teams.
York State champion in the Still Rings competition and the Rope Climb. He won the Still Rings at the Empire State Games five times and went on to become the NCAA Still Rings champ for Southern Connecticut State, helping it to the 1976 collegiate team title.
Max Seibald
A special athlete, Seibald was an AllCounty selection in four sports (football, soccer, track and lacrosse) at Hewlett and a superstar in the latter. He led the Bulldogs to a county championship, beating Garden City in the finals, and was a four-time All-American at Cornell. In 2009 he won the Tewaarton Award as the nation’s top collegiate player. He was a five-time Major League Lacrosse All-Star.
East
Rich Ohrnberger won the
Photos courtesy Nassau County Athletics
Long Beach’s Victor Randazzo was the New York State champion in the Still Rings competition and the Rope Climb in the early 1970’s.
Some familiar faces at the GOP convention
A number of Republican elected officials from Long Island attended the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee July 15 to 18.
Included in the mix were the GOP congressional contingent from Long Island: Anthony D’Esposito, who represents a majority of the South Shore of Nassau County; Andrew Garbarino, whose district spans from Seaford to Calverton in Suffolk County; and Nick LaLota, whose district stretches east from Huntington Station to the twin forks and Montauk.
Not long after the convention, at which former President Donald Trump and his vice presidential pick, Sen. J.D. Vance, accepted their party’s official nominations, the political landscape changed dramatically, as President Biden decided not to run for re-election and Vice President Kamala Harris became the presumptive Democratic nominee.
The Democrats will hold their national convention in Chicago Aug. 19 to 22.
–Jeffrey Bessen
•
•
•
•
•
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, left and U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito outside the Fiserv Arena in Milwaukee, where the Republican National Convention took place.
Photos courtesy Matthew Capp
The Long Island Republican congressional contingent — Nick LaLota, far left, Anthony D’Esposito and Andrew Garbarino — on the convention floor.
Borzor will compete in the 100 meters in Paris
200 (20.84) and 300 (33.98).
He studied for a master’s in gerontology at USC, where he continued to excel on the track.
His coach at Cincinnati, Nadine Faustin-Parker, who had run for the Haitian national team in 2000,2004 and 2008, set up an interview for Borzor with team officials, in which he expressed his interest in running for his country. Then, in June, he competed in the 100 meters in the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletics
Association New Life Invitational, in Nassau, Bahamas, where he broke the Haitian national record with a time of 10.14 seconds, and earned a spot on the country’s Olympic team.
“It was cool,” Borzor said. “I didn’t know I broke the record until the next day. It was an exciting moment.
“I know, in the Olympics, I’m going to pick it up again,” he added. “I’m trying to do it on a big stage.”
The recent international spotlight on Haiti has been challenging for Borzor to comprehend. In Port-au-Prince, the capi-
tal city, gangs have engaged in fierce battles, escalating tensions. In early March of this year, the violence reached a new level, as gangs launched attacks on two of the country’s largest prisons and critical infrastructure, including the international airport.
“My country has been through a lot in a couple of years,” Borzor said. “I’m going to go out there and do my best for my country.”
He left for Paris on July 23, and the preliminary heats of the 100 meters are scheduled for Saturday.
Seeing his younger cousin have a chance at this once-in-a-lifetime experience, Prevost, expressed pride and a sense of inspiration, knowing that he played a role.
“It means a lot to me,” Prevost said. “He’s my younger cousin. I grew up with him and watched him grow up early on. So when he came to me and said he wanted to run track, it meant a lot to me.
“To see it come full circle I know how dedicated he is to the sport, and how much work he puts into it,” he added.
Continued from page 1
Photos courtesy Chris Borzor
Chris Borzor set numerous school records on the track at the university of Cincinnati.
Borzor also attended the university of Southern California, where he studied for a master’s in gerontology and continued to excel as a sprinter.
Inspiring youngsters at museum’s camp
The Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City covered “The Eras of Aviation” at their summer camp last week.
Campers ages 9 to 11 spent five days learning about the different eras of air and space, starting with the earliest ideas of flying before airplanes were invented and fast-forwarding to the space age.
“[The] kids find these things super interesting and they gain so much from being here,” Victoria Ferguson, public programs coordinator for the museum, said. “It’s a really unique opportunity.”
Ferguson, along with museum educator Anne Baranello, ran a week full of lessons and crafts for the 19 boys spanning across a wide variety of aviation topics.
Friday, the final day of the camp week, was Space Day, a day centered on all things space. Campers built “lunar modules” out of different materials, including cardboard, paper plates and tin foil, to replicate the spacecrafts that go to the moon.
They put eggs inside their modules, and the goal was to build safe enough structures that the eggs don’t crack after being dropped from the second floor of the museum. Out of nine total modules, seven successfully protected their eggs.
The boys also launched rockets outdoors. Each rocket came with engines and starters, and with the press of a button, each camper shot their rocket up almost 300 feet.
“When we did the crafts, we learned a lot about science and aviation,” Skyler Zorio, 10, said. This was his second year taking part in the weeklong camp.
“It’s really fun,” he added. “I suggest a lot of other people should start doing it too.”
— Kelsie Radziski
Kelsie Radziski/Herald photos
Campers wait in line to shoot off their rockets at the end of the Cradle of Aviation summer camp week.
Twin brothers Marcello, left, and Francesco Damiano, both 11, jump for joy when they see their egg and lunar module survived the fall.
The group of 19 boys, ages 9 to 11, enjoyed a week full of lessons and crafts about aviation at the Cradle of Aviation Museum.
Ben Willcox, 9, prepares to drop his lunar module as his teammate, Aaron Lin, 10, and Anne Baranello, Cradle of Aviation museum educator, look on in anticipation.
OUT
Sometimes, the tiniest things — in this case insects — have the biggest story.
Welcome to the world of “OVO.”
Cirque du Soleil brings the relaunched show to Elmont’s UBS Arena this month with new acts and characters. “OVO” is a colorful intrusion into a new day in the life of insects. Through Cirque’s signature mix of acrobatics, lively visuals and humor, unique personalities and abilities of selected insect species emerge.
“OVO” explores the beauty of biodiversity in all its contrasts and vibrancy. It’s where the every day becomes extraordinary. As told by the creative team: OVO is a headlong rush into a colorful ecosystem teeming with life, where insects work, eat, crawl, flutter, play, fight and look for love in a non-stop riot of energy and movement. The insects’ home is a world of beauty filled with noisy action and moments of quiet emotion.
“Imagine you lift up a rock and find a whole habitat underneath it.” says Artistic Director Lydia Harper, who’s been with Cirque du Soleil since 2015.
The spectacle begins as a colony of insects embraces a mysterious egg brought by the Blue Fly. Then the egg disappears.
“It’s such an exciting way to start a show, because then you go, ‘anything can happen,” says Harper.
When that egg appears in their midst, the insects are awestruck and intensely curious about this iconic object that represents the enigma and cycles of their lives. It’s love at first sight when a quirky insect arrives in this bustling community and a fabulous ladybug catches his eye — and the feeling is mutual.
The name “Ovo” means egg in Portuguese. This timeless symbol of the life cycle and birth of numerous insects represents the show’s underlying thread, according to Deborah Colker, the production’s writer, director and choreographer. An homage to her Brazilian heritage, it reflects her background in dance and interest in movement on a large scale.
“It’s a story about falling in love, making friends, meeting strangers, and what adventures they can take you on,” Harper says.
The “colony” of quirky insects each have distinct personalities, fully portrayed by each cast member. The social Ladybug is always clowning around. The cheeky cricket is full of jumping energy. The mysterious spider climbs through her web. With 52 performers, these are only some of the dazzling bugs you’ll meet.
And in true Cirque du Soleil style, the cast’s jaw-dropping acrobatics enhance each insect’s personality.
“There’s an aerial cradle number where we see 12 artists high above the stage. You’ve got humans throwing humans and doing double somersaults. It’s one of those moments where you stop and just go, ‘How are these people capable of this?” Harper says.
Featured as Scarabs in that segment are two gymnasts who competed in the Olympics — Olga
Buggin’ out with acrobatic finesse
A spectacular ecosystem comes to life in Cirque du Soleil’s ‘OVO’
Shcherbatykh (in 2004) and Nansy Damianov (in 2008).
The Chinese Pole act, one of the production’s newer showstopping additions, is performed by a formidable “army” of synchronized ants.
“There’s a lot of teamwork, you have them climbing up a pole, all in sync. It’s really beautiful,” Harper adds.
Embodying the characters personalities involves much more than gymnastic aerobatics; it requires careful attention to the show’s theme, along with an understanding of movement and cadence of the insects.
“You take an inspirational source and you go, ‘How can I, as a human, create that so the audience understands who I’m trying to be without just crawling around on all fours pretending to be an ant? You’ve got to find the quality of movement and apply it to choreography or a stylized way of moving,” Harper explains.
• Thursday through Sunday, Aug. 15-18; times vary
• Tickets available at CirqueDuSoleil.com/ovo
• UBS Arena, 2400 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont
Add to that vibrant costumes, tech-driven set design and dynamic music — and the world of bugs transforms into the surreal.
“We have this huge wall that covers the whole back of the stage, and that’s brought to life by video projections. So, we have the ability to make it a very small, intimate moment or bring the whole space to life with projections and lighting,” Harper says.
Naturally, the show wouldn’t be complete without accompaniment of a seven-piece band of musician “bugs.”The score, punctuated with Brazilian-style percussion, was composed by Musical Director Berna Ceppas, who has worked extensively in the film industry.
“We have a singer who sings in a various languages. She’s got a bit of Portuguese in there, sometimes Spanish, with the lyrics influenced by the story,” Harper says.
The spectacle takes a magnifying glass to small moments — on big scale in true Cirque fashion — that represent a heightened world booming with life and beauty.
“I’ve always been so inspired and motivated by the ability to create a world that takes you so far away from reality. It’s escapism in its purest form, while blowing your mind at how humans can do these things,” Harper says.“You get to be transported out of this world, It’s kind of making the impossible possible right in front of your eyes.”
The Midtown Men
Former stars of the Tony, Grammy and Olivier Award-winning jukebox musical “Jersey Boys,” reunited as The Midtown Men, bring their ‘60s vibe to Eisenhower Park. During their time in the mega-hit musical, these talented artists — Tony Award winner Christian Hoff, Michael Longoria, Daniel Reichard and Tony nominee J. Robert Spencer — shared the stage for over 1,000 performances. The high-octane musical tour de force that took the “Jersey Boys” phenomenon to Broadway and beyond, is now rocking the stage as a concert. These Broadway veterans, with their band, realized the dream they brought to life as the iconic Four Seasons. The dynamic foursome now celebrates the music that defined the 1960s. The Midtown Men is the next chapter for these accomplished entertainers, making them the first vocal group ever formed by the principal cast of a high-profile Broadway show.
Sunday, Aug. 4, 6:30 p.m. Free admission. Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park, East Meadow. For information, visit NassauCountyNY.gov.
Dance Theatre of Harlem
The acclaimed dance company appears on the Tilles Center stage as it continues its 2024 tour. With a storied history, the first Black classical ballet company, co-founded by dance icon and superstar Arthur Mitchell, has toured the world and introduced young minds and bodies to the power of dance. With all its renown, this boundary-breaking organization has maintained Mitchell’s core belief that ballet belongs to everyone. The 18-member, multi-ethnic company performs a forwardthinking repertoire that includes treasured classics, neoclassical works by George Balanchine and resident choreographer Robert Garland, as well as innovative contemporary pieces. The dynamic program includes “Higher Ground,” with choreography by Robert Garland, featuring Stevie Wonder tunes;“New Bach,” and also choreographed by Garland, with music by J.S. Bach.
Sunday, Aug. 4, 7 p.m. Tickets are start at $64; available at TillesCenter.org or (516) 299-3100. LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville.
Photos courtesy Cirque du Soleil
vibrant insect ecosystem is filled with noisy action and moments of quiet emotion.
Gladys Knight
Hop aboard that “Midnight Train to Georgia” when the legendary soul chanteuse brings her Farewell Tour to Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair, Friday, Aug. 9, 8 p.m. Gladys Knight is without a doubt one of the most influential, beloved, and important living singers on the planet. And while the Empress of Soul may have been in the business for more than 60 years now, that hasn’t stopped her from continuing to rock that beat as only she can do. She’s bringing her classic Motown-style R&B to audiences one last time before she bids us farewell. The great ones endure, and Gladys Knight has long been one of the greatest. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee’s fierce vocal power, elegant precision, and heartfelt performances have cemented her as one of music’s unquestionable icons. Among her many accolades she is rated by Rolling Stone as one of the top vocalists of all time. For sure, very few singers over the last 60 years have matched her unassailable artistry.
If you’re a fan of her classic Motown-style R&B, then you’ll surely want to see her perform — on more time. “That’s What Friends Are For,” “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” “Midnight Train to Georgia” — you know the hits, now hear her bring them to life once again in her inimitable style. You know the hits – from “Midnight Train to Georgia” and “License to Kill” to “That’s What Friends Are for” and “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” – now see her do them live in a once-ina-lifetime concert. The Farewell Tour is a celebration of Gladys Knight’s extensive, illustrious, and ground-breaking career, packed to the brim with iconic music that captivated the world back then and will continue to for a long time to come. She oozes the Southern aura through her soulful vocals and grace, allowing an audience to get totally swept away in unforgettable moments of romance, mystery, and charisma. Tickets start at $63. Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. Tickets available at LiveNation.com.
Dramatic Play
Theatre Playground returns to Long Island Children’s Museum with “Dramatic Play!,” Monday, Aug. 5, 1 p.m., taught by Lisa Rudin, Director of Theatre Playground. In this interactive, theater-inspired workshop, children will act out an original story and help choose how it unfolds. Music, props, and sound effects create a theatrical world where participants are immersed in the story.
Children are encouraged to express themselves as they create characters, explore different worlds, stretch their imaginations and build self-confidence. This week’s theme: Unicorns and Dragons! Costumes encouraged. $5 with museum admission. Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.
Uniondale Fire Department dedication
Celebrate Uniondale Fire Department’s new 753 Engine at a dedication ceremony, Sunday, Aug. 4, at 11 a.m, at the Sherman Van Ness Fire Station. With refreshments. 154 Uniondale Ave. Call the fire department at (516) 481-8808 with questions or concerns.
Storybook Stroll
Bring the kids to Old Westbury Gardens for a storybook adventure, Saturday, Aug. 3, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Stroll the gardens and listen to Michaela Goade’s “Berry Song.” Later create a unique take home craft. For ages 3-5. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information visit OldWestburyGardens.org or contact (516) 333-0048.
In the garden
Enjoy the glorious grounds of Old Westbury Gardens and listen to some stirring sounds, with Gardens favorite the husband-and-wife folk duo Hungrytown, Sunday, Aug. 4, 3-4 p.m Rebecca Hall and Ken Anderson, joined by cellist Suzanne Mueller, present their original music blending traditional and modern influences, at the Barn.. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information visit OldWestburyGardens.org or contact (516) 333-0048.
NEW YORK’S WRONGEST RUNNING COMEDY!
Movie Night
Enjoy a family film outdoors on Eisenhower Park’s big screen, Wednesday, Aug. 14, dusk, at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre. See Disney’s recent animated musical comedy “Wish.” Audiences are welcomed to the magical kingdom of Rosas, where Asha, a sharpwitted idealist, makes a wish so powerful that it is answered by a cosmic force, a little ball of boundless energy called Star. Together, Asha and Star confront a most formidable foe, the ruler of Rosas, King Magnifico, to save her community and prove that when the will of one courageous human connects with the magic of the stars, wondrous things can happen. Eisenhower Park, Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow. For information, visit NassauCountyNY.gov.
Teen Chess Club
Kids in grades 6 through 12 are welcome to join Uniondale Library’s Teen Chess Club, Fridays, 4-5:30 p.m.
Interested in playing Chess with other Teens? Not sure how? Former Junior Friends member Mr. Raynor is here to help. Registration required. 400 Uniondale Ave. Register at UniondaleLibrary.org or call (516) 489-2220.
Circus antics
Get in on the action with I.FLY Trapeze, Long Island’s only flying trapeze and circus arts school.
Families will enjoy “Wild West Circus,” Saturday, Aug. 17, at 8 p.m., at Eisenhower Park. I.FLY Trapeze puts spectators up close to the aerialists who perform amazing feats of athleticism and agility 25 feet in the air. Performances include Chains, Silk and Lyra, with comedy and on the grounds acts with Balancing and Baton, also a Flying Trapeze Finale. Next to the Nassau County Aquatic Center off Merrick Ave., East Meadow. Free parking available in lot 1A adjacent to the trapeze. For more information, please visit: IFlyTrapeze.com.
Uniondale Junior Friends
Uniondale Junior Friends invite teens in grades 6 through 12 to join in their peer-led meetings, Fridays, 4:305:30 p.m. Discuss upcoming events, share ideas and learn about community service opportunities. 400 Uniondale Ave. For more information, visit UniondaleLibrary.org or call (516) 489-2220.
Having an event?
Farmer’s Market
Visit Parking Field 8 at Eisenhower Park for a farmer’s market full of farm-fresh produce and locally-made products, Saturdays, through Oct. 26, 9 a.m.- noon. 1899 Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow. For more information, call (516) 8322591.
E-Cycling and Shredding Event
Got electronics you need to get rid of? Head over to Levittown Town Parking Field L2, on Saturday, Aug. 3, to dispose of them properly (and for free!). All televisions, computers and parts, tablets, e-readers, printers, scanners, fax machines, VCRs, DVD players, video game consoles, and portable digital music players will be accepted. Cell phones are NOT accepted. There will also be a shredding service available for the disposal of old documents. Services available from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Division Ave., off Hempstead Turnpike, Levittown. For more information, call (516) 4895000.
Items on The Scene 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 thescene@liherald.com.
On exhibit
Nassau County Museum of Art ‘s latest exhibition
“Seeing Red: Renoir to Warhol,” reveals the many meanings, connotations, and associations of this powerful color in art. Evoking strong emotion, red can represent the human condition. Its myriad variations have come to signify authority as well as love, energy and beauty. Red warns us of peril and commands us to stop, but it can also indicate purity and good fortune. Red boldly represents political movements and religious identities. From the advent of our appreciation for this color in antiquity to its continued prominence in artistic and popular culture, this exhibition will span various world cultures through a range of media. It features more than 70 artists, both established and emerging, ranging from the classical to the contemporary. American portraitists such as Gilbert Stuart imbued red in their stately paintings of prominent individuals to conjure authority.
Robert Motherwell, Ad Reinhardt, and other major abstract painters displayed a deep fascination with red in their commanding compositions that evoke a sense of chromatic power. And, of course, Andy Warhol is known for his bold and imposing silkscreened portrait of Vladimir Lenin saturated in bright red to his signature Campbell’s Soup Cans. On view through Jan. 5. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.
‘Walkin’ After Midnight’
Plaza Theatrical presents a showstopping tribute to the legendary Patsy Cline, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2:30 p.m. Through a colorful tapestry of iconic songs and witty personal storytelling, Carter Calvert uses her award-winning vocal talents to create this captivating musical tribute. Calvert, a Broadway star and title character in Always… Patsy Cline (opposite Emmy Award winner Sally Struthers), has gained rave reviews and triumphant accolades for her heartfelt portrayal of this legendary country recording artist.
She vocally captures Cline’s musical stylings pitch-perfectly in mega hits including “Crazy,” “I Fall To Pieces,” “She’s Got You” and “Walkin’ After Midnight.” Both captivating and endearing, this fastpaced entertainment delights audiences of all ages. It’s performed at Plaza’s stage at the Elmont Library Theatre, 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. $40, $35 seniors. Elmont. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit PlazaTheatrical.com.
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
Uniondale student wins leadership award
As the start of a new school year creeps closer, Wilem Hernandez, 11, of Uniondale prepares to continue his BOCES education after winning the Dr. Robert R. Dillon Exemplary Citizenship and Leadership Award.
He received a $100 scholarship and a commemorative certificate for his achievement.
Hernandez was a student at the Nassau BOCES Jerusalem Avenue Elementary School in North Bellmore, and was recognized at the June 20 graduation ceremony. He will be attending Robert Williams School in Jericho in the fall.
The award recognizes students who have shown “exceptional and impactful leadership skills” and who have “fostered positive and productive relationships both inside and outside of school,” according to BOCES officials.
Dr. Robert R. Dillon was the former Nassau BOCES District Superintendent. Upon his death last summer, his family made donations to the Nassau BOCES Educational Foundation in his memory up to $13,000, according BOCES officials said in a news release.
A portion of the donation is dedicated to student awards, including the one Hernandez received.
“These awards recognize and honor Dr. Dillon’s commitment to ensuring that all students be provided with equal opportunities and serve as a reminder of his passion for education,” Anthony Fierro, chairperson of the Nassau BOCES Educational Foundation and chief administrator of the Nassau BOCES Department of Facilities Services and Capital Projects, said in the release.
Three students won the Exemplary Citizenship and Leadership Award. The other two students are Karina Licitra from Long Beach and Luisaury Collado Recio from Freeport.
Other awards include the Dr. Robert R. Dillon Core Values Champion
Courtesy Nassau BOCES Educational Foundation Wilem Hernandez, 11, smiles at his graduation ceremony after winning the Dr. Robert R. Dillon Exemplary Citizenship and Leadership Award.
Award, with 12 winners, and the Dr. Robert R. Dillon Outstanding Teamwork Award, with one winner.
The Nassau BOCES Educational Foundation is a non-profit organization that aims to “acquire and distribute funds to enhance educational opportunities for all students who attend or take part in Nassau BOCES schools, services, or programs,” according to the news release.
— Kelsie Radziski
NUMC lights up purple for Adam Schwam
The Nassau University Medical Center illuminated its iconic tower in purple on July 27, to honor and celebrate the life-saving journey of Adam Schwam.
A local businessman and entrepreneur, Schwam was involved in a horrific motorcycle accident 37 years ago on July 27, 1987, which nearly claimed his life. After being airlifted to Nassau University Medical Center, doctors and surgeons at the hospital restored Schwam’s heart rhythm and, following several surgeries, put him on a path to living a normal life. This special lighting event symbolized hope, resilience, and the exceptional care provided by
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE OF TIKI SERIES IV TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. BERNICE OSUJI, Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on June 11, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on August 19, 2024 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 712 Campus Street, Uniondale, NY 11553. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Uniondale, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 50, Block 265 and Lot 67. Approximate amount of judgment is $525,746.06 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #610628/2022. This foreclosure sale will be held on the north side steps of the Courthouse, rain or shine. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the sale. Fabiana Ida Talarico, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff Firm File No.: 221656-1 148061
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU OCWEN LOAN SERVICING, LLC, -againstWILLIAM F. JONES, JR, ET AL.
NOTICE OF SALE
ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 008792/2014. George Esernio, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 148046
Weiss Weisman & Gordon, LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-089829-F00 81438 148113
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY QUORUM FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, Plaintiff against SHAUN HANLEY, et al Defendant(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Stern & Eisenberg, P.C., 20 Commerce Drive, Suite 230,Cranford, NJ 07016 and 1131 Route 55, Suite 1, Lagrangeville, NY 12540.
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST, Plaintiff against MARIE DAMOUR, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Stern & Eisenberg, P.C., 20 Commerce Drive, Suite 230, Cranford, NJ 07016 and 1131 Route 55, Suite 1, Lagrangeville, NY 12540.
the NUMC health care professionals who saved Schwam’s life.
Schwam’s story as a testament to the dedication and expertise of the NUMC team, highlighting the hospital’s commitment to providing outstanding medical care and making a difference in the lives of patients and their families. The color purple also holds special significance as it is the signature color of Sandwire Technology Group, which Schwam founded in 1998 and continues to lead as president.
Today, Schwam resides in Lynbrook with his wife, Marisa, and daughters, Allie and Ava.
—Jordan Vallone
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on May 3, 2023, wherein OCWEN LOAN SERVICING, LLC is the Plaintiff and WILLIAM F. JONES, JR, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on August 21, 2024 at 2:30PM, premises known as 529 LIBERTY STREET, UNIONDALE, NY 11553; and the following tax map identification: 50-137-317.
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU CitiMortgage, Inc., Plaintiff AGAINST Fritz Mathieu, Chantale Mathieu, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered April 10, 2019, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501, ‘Rain or Shine’ on August 27, 2024 at 2:30PM, premises known as 517 Linwood Street, Uniondale, NY 11553. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Uniondale, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 36, Block: 128, Lot: 195, 196 and 511. Approximate amount of judgment $344,070.86 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #614603/2018. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 Protocols located on the Office of Court Administration (OCA) website (https://ww2.nycourts.gov /Admin/oca.shtml) and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832.
Wayne Wink, Esq., Referee Frenkel Lambert
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered June 25, 2024, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on September 4, 2024 at 2:00 PM. Premises known as 624 Southern Parkway, Uniondale, NY 11553. Sec 36 Block 139 Lot 97. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in Hempstead, in the County of Nassau, State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $144,549.60 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 601949/2023. During the COVID-19 health emergency, Bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of the sale including but not limited to wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Should a bidder fail to comply, the Referee may refuse to accept any bid, cancel the closing and hold the bidder in default. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.” Property is being sold subsequent to two prior liens of record.
Paul Meli, Esq., Referee File # NY202200000779-1 148198
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered June 6, 2024, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on September 5, 2024 at 2:00 PM. Premises known as 477 Armond Street, Uniondale, NY 11553. Sec 50 Block 122 Lot 230. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $432,723.63 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 601025/2023. For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. During the COVID-19 health emergency, Bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of the sale including but not limited to wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Should a bidder fail to comply, the Referee may refuse to accept any bid, cancel the closing and hold the bidder in default. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.” Joy S. Bunch, Esq., Referee File # NY202200000304-1 148196
gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to mhinman@liherald.com
MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
MEDICAL RECEPTIONIST: PART TIME, Must be Fluent in English and Spanish, Must Have Good Computer Skills, Able to Learn New Programs, Pleasant Phone Voice, Good People Skills, Salary Negotiable. 516-726-0309 or Email Resume to coreybickoff294@gmail.com
MULTI MEDIA
ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT
Inside Sales
Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $33,280 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286
OUTSIDE SALES
Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $33,280 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250
PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing Press Operators in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various
A Waterfront Dream
Union Avenue. Expanded Ranch. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Partial finished basement. Eat-in kitchen. Open layout. Den/ family room. First floor master bedroom. Security system. Taxes: $16,309.12 Long Beach $640,000
Avenue. Ranch. 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom. Eat-in kitchen with granite countertops. Open layout.
Taxes: $10,162.56
Malverne $620,000
Rolling Street. Cape. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Eat-in kitchen. Formal dining room. First floor master bedroom. Handicapped accessible home with ramp and wide entrance door. Taxes: $15,128
Merrick $1,187,500
Pettit Avenue. Colonial. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. Large center hall move-in ready home. Gourmet custom eat-in kitchen with granite countertops and center island. Open floor plan. Formal dining room. Great room with gas fireplace. Ensuite master bedroom with 2 walk-in closets and spa-style master bathroom. All large rooms and oversized bedrooms. High end finishes include cathedral ceiling and custom wood built-ins in office/den. 2nd floor laundry room; also sauna/steam room. Double water filtration system with UV light for whole home. Oversized backyard with 2 tier deck, inground swimming pool with waterfall and professionally landscaped garden. Taxes: $20,015
Oceanside $696,500
Weidner Avenue. Split Level. 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Eat-in kitchen with granite countertops. Formal L-shaped dining room. Den/family room.
Taxes: $14,008.13
Rockville Centre $999,000
Lincoln Avenue. Colonial. 4 bathrooms, 2.5 bedrooms. Eatin kitchen with
Lightning rods on the roof?
Q. My neighbor is getting lightning rods installed on his roof as a precaution amid all the storms we’re having. He said his brother in South Carolina had a fire when his roof was struck. The rods, he said, attract lightning, which keeps the rest of the roof safe. Is this a standard thing for your house, and is lightning really a problem? I never worried about this, and never knew anybody having an issue with it. Should I be considering it?
A. Lightning rods aren’t a bad idea; they’re just not a common thing to have. A lightning rod’s purpose is not to attract lightning, but if lightning should be headed in the direction of your roof, rods and attached cabling can direct it to the ground. Grounding is intended to complete the path to a safe point where it can dissipate.
When you see lightning, usually at the end of a hot summer day, what you’re witnessing is a natural phenomenon that’s similar to the static electricity you produce when you rub a wool blanket and see sparks fly. You’re seeing the accumulation of electrically charged ions that will build up until they can be connected to an oppositely charged set of ions.
Most lightning never reaches the ground because of cloud movement. Charges are often created by a column of warm air radiating from the sun-heated ground. The atmosphere cools as the sun’s heated rays are reduced from the shadow of moisture accumulating in the clouds or at dusk.
Any time of day, columns of warm air, helped by low atmospheric pressure — which is literally less pushing of air molecules against one another — allow the heated air against the ground to rise. As these columns of air rise, the ions in the air molecules “rub” against the cooler clouds that have been gathering evaporated moisture from the heated ground. This all happens faster than you can read this, so the friction building up causes large and rapid accumulations. When a path of released ions forms, as the electrically charged ions rapidly move toward oppositely charged ions in the clouds, bright flashes of light energy, from quickly uniting ions that are crashing into each other, are given off. After all, opposites really do attract in nature, not just to form a wedding party. The sound of thunder is caused by the extremely fast and very large force of the atmosphere being separated by the electricity and then crashing back together again to fill the vacuum from the bolt of lightning that just parted the air.
There is a lot of energy in lightning, certainly enough to cause a fire from the heat and friction — between 100 million and 300 million volts, although it’s the 30,000 amperes (amps) that can kill a human. Install lighting rods to feel safer and protect property, but research a trained professional to get the spacing and materials correctly installed. Based on your experience and knowledge, the decision is yours. Good luck!
HERALD
© 2024 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.
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MAAX ALLIA SHR4834 Acrylic Walk-In Shower. Brand New. 48"x34"x88". Paid $2,774 Selling $1,400. Babylon,Location. 941-321-1790
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There’s just no predicting what will happen next
Barely two months ago, I wrote a column saying that the 2024 presidential race was already a campaign like no other. Little did I, or probably anyone, know what the subsequent weeks would bring.
The cascade of events that would shake the political firmament began on the evening of June 27, in Atlanta, when President Biden and former President Donald Trump squared off in a nationally televised debate on CNN — a debate called for by Biden and conducted pursuant to the rules of engagement that he set. A presidential debate this early was unprecedented. Not only was it more than two months earlier than any previous debate, but neither candidate was yet the official nominee of his party.
It was Biden who called for the debate, and challenged Trump to go mano a mano with him. I never understood why Biden or his handlers issued this challenge, unless they thought
Trump wouldn’t accept. If so, their thinking couldn’t have been more wrong. Not only did Trump immediately accept the challenge, but the debate was a devastating defeat for Biden, causing even fervent supporters to call on him to consider bowing out.
PAs events unfolded, I would wonder whether people in the Biden campaign had set him up for failure and coordinated the calls for his withdrawal. Those calls increased steadily over the following weeks. Some carried the implication that Biden was too mentally enfeebled to get the job done, or in some cases made that charge directly. Some calls, including one from mega Hollywood star and Democratic fundraiser George Clooney, were loud and overt. Others, from Democratic icons Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi and power brokers Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries, were more subtle, but just as damaging.
resident Biden’s political career ended as if it had been planned this way.
Biden attempted high-level damage control, but only furthered the image of his being impaired. Every day, more Democrats were calling on him to withdraw.
Then there was the horrific assassi-
nation attempt in Pennsylvania, in which Trump escaped death by inches, one Pennsylvanian was killed and two were seriously wounded. The lasting image of that day would be a bloodied but defiant Trump holding his fist high, defying death and demonstrating grace and courage under fire. That was followed just days later by an exceptionally successful Republican convention, and a triumphant Trump path to victory seemed very real — especially with the drumbeat of anti-Biden stories emerging from Democratic sources. Big-money donors stopped contributing. More stories of Biden’s memory lapses showed up in the media. When it seemingly couldn’t get worse for the president, he came down with Covid-19 and had to self-isolate at his Delaware home — a particularly cruel but apt metaphor. Also damaging were media accounts now appearing of conversations days earlier that Schumer and Pelosi had with Biden urging him to withdraw for the good of the party. (I’ve known Nancy Pelosi for more than 30 years, and we had a good relationship. She is mentally sharp and as tough as
ever, doing what she has to do to get things done.)
There were no sounds or sightings of Biden. Then, on a quiet Sunday afternoon, a letter on his personal stationery signed with an auto-pen appeared on social media, announcing that he would not run for re-election. Just like that, Biden’s 50-year career had ended, and not with a bang. Almost as if it had been planned this way all along — which it most likely had — support for Vice President Kamala Harris came from throughout the Democratic universe. (And, belatedly, from Biden himself.)
Eighty-one million dollars from Democratic donors appeared literally overnight. Democrats hailed Harris as the country’s savior. Much of the mainstream media followed suit. Many of those who did so much to push Biden out now hailed his patriotism and courage. Taking his cue, presidential historian Jon Meacham compared Biden to George Washington!
There are now fewer than 100 days to Election Day in this most tumultuous year. What could be next? Hang on. God only knows!
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
When Joe was born, they threw away the mold
imust admit that from time to time, I get a little emotional. It takes something significant to trigger that reaction, but I’m proud of the fact that I care enough to react to such moments. I couldn’t help but feel strong emotion when I heard that President Biden had decided to end his distinguished political career.
My personal history with the president dates back to the mid1980s. I was asked to co-sponsor a series of fundraising events for Joe when he was seeking re-election to the U.S. Senate. At the time, I didn’t know him very well, but those informal parlor meetings gave me a chance to see him in action. At the outset, I was very impressed with his encyclopedic knowledge of numerous facets of the federal government. He could recite statistics with no notes, and showed a keen understanding of foreign affairs. He had one obvious flaw: He talked too much. His campaign
team used every signal possible to get him to quit talking, but he loved to regale his audience with Washington stories.
I was pleased to see that every one of the guests came away impressed with Biden’s feel for how the government worked. And during his many fundraising opportunities, he couldn’t help but talk about his personal tragedy. It was at the beginning of his first campaign that his first wife and two of his children were killed in a car crash. In the aftermath of that horrible event, Biden was prepared to quit the race and go back to being a private citizen. But his close friends insisted that he continue campaigning, and he was subsequently elected to the Senate. Biden continued his legislative career, and eventually became the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. An appearance before that extremely significant committee is the first stop for any candidate for the U.S. Supreme Court.
Y es, he talked too much, but he also gave unexpected shout-outs.
Bill Clinton was sworn in as president. My wife, Suzan, and I spent some quality time with him, and marveled at how gracious he was and how much he had grown over those many years. By that point, I had learned one thing about Joe Biden. He remembered people who had helped him, and never turned his back on any friend, at any time. That Inauguration Day he was busy holding a hearing on some federal court appointments, and he invited us to sit in the committee hearing room to see how the confirmation process worked. He was a strong chairman who warmly welcomed all of the judicial candidates and treated them fairly as he questioned them at length.
me and yelled out, “Give a shout-out to a guy who helped me in so many ways.”
And so I fast-forward to now, when Biden has decided that he will no longer pursue his political dreams. His decision to give up his candidacy for the White House was a gut-wrenching one for him and his millions of admirers. No one on the Washington scene can match his talent for getting things done on a bipartisan basis. In fact, when he leaves the White House, there will be no one left with that unique talent.
In 1997, I had the good fortune to visit with then Senator Biden on the day that
As the years rolled by, I lost contact with Biden, but followed his many moves as he eventually advanced to the vice presidency. Then, by chance, I was invited to attend a speech that he gave in a Manhattan hotel to promote one of his many good causes. I was standing a few rows back at the event, not expecting him to see me or know I was there. But just before he left the stage, he spotted
Say what you will about today’s Joe Biden, but his critics can’t erase the many things he has accomplished. When all the naysayers, including Donald Trump, are gone from the planet, the historians will tell the great story about a humble man from Scranton, Pennsylvania, who was responsible for historymaking achievements, and who joined George Washington and Lyndon Johnson in giving up his dream job for the good of the country.
Jerry Kremer was an assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He now heads Empire Government Strategies, a business development and legislative strategy firm. Comments about this column? jkremer@liherald.com.
PETER KinG
JERRY KREMER
HeraLd editoriaL
Olympic spirit shines on Long Island
With the eyes of the world focused on Paris for the Summer Olympics, Long Islanders have special reasons to feel connected to the global spectacle unfolding across the Atlantic. Our very own Crystal Dunn, from Rockville Centre, is once again representing the United States in women’s soccer, while Wantagh’s Andrew Capobianco is competing in diving. These hometown heroes remind us that Olympic dreams can indeed be born and nurtured in our local communities.
Dunn’s journey from Nassau County fields to international stardom, and Capobianco’s path from Long Island pools to the Olympic springboards embody the Olympic spirit of perseverance, excellence and community support. Their success stories aren’t just about individual achievement; they’re a testament to the robust youth sports programs, dedicated coaches and supportive families that form the backbone of Long Island’s athletic culture.
As we cheer for Dunn, Capobianco and Team USA, we’re reminded of the countless young athletes in our own backyards who harbor similar aspirations. From the soccer pitches of Eisenhower Park to the diving boards of the Nassau County Aquatic Center, Olympic potential is being cultivated daily across the Island.
But the Olympics offer us more than just athletic inspiration. They provide a moment for global unity, a rare opportunity when the world sets aside its differences to celebrate human achievement. In these divisive times, such moments of collective joy and shared purpose are more valuable than ever.
Letters
No, we’re not a nation of one religion
To the Editor:
On Long Island, we can take a cue from this Olympic spirit. Our communities, diverse in culture, ethnicity and economic background, can find common ground in supporting local sports and celebrating shared achievements. Whether it’s a high school championship game or a community swim meet, these events have the power to bring us together, fostering a sense of local pride and unity.
Moreover, the Olympics remind us of the importance of investing in our youth and their dreams. Long Island has a proud tradition of producing worldclass athletes in a variety of sports. From Jim Brown in football to Sue Bird in basketball, our local heroes have shown that with proper support and resources, the path from local fields and pools to international arenas is possible.
This Olympic season, let’s recommit to supporting our local sports programs and recreational facilities. Let’s ensure that every child, regardless of their background, has access to quality coaching, safe playing fields, well-maintained pools, and the opportunity to pursue their athletic passion. This isn’t just about creating future Olympians; it’s about building healthier, more connected communities.
The Olympic motto — “Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together” — can serve as an inspiration beyond sports. In our local governance, business practices and community initiatives, we can strive to be more efficient, aim for higher goals, build stronger bonds, and do it all collaboratively.
As we watch the Olympics unfold, let’s use this opportunity to reflect on
Re Will Sheeline’s column last week, “We are not a nation of one religion”: We’re not even a nation of one Christianity, and that’s part of the problem. Those demanding a national “return” to some mythical origin are selling a bogus product, relying on American’s ignorance of history and religion.
The bait and switch begins by invoking the Puritans. They opposed England’s established church, and were allowed to leave, partly as exile, in order to set up a “plantation” along the lines of Ulster and Jamestown. They were Christians, but subject to the King. Some 170 years later, the United States was founded, and one of the things the American Revolution rejected was the ancient combination of church-state.
Thomas Jefferson, a biblical scholar, composed
our own community. How can we embody the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect in our daily lives? How can we support the Crystal Dunns and Andrew Capobiancos of tomorrow who are practicing in our local parks and pools today?
Let’s also remember that not every young athlete will make it to the Olympics, and that’s OK. The real value of sports lies not in the medals won, but in the life lessons learned: teamwork, discipline, resilience and the pursuit of personal bests. These are qualities that serve us well in all aspects of life, from the classroom to the boardroom.
In the spirit of the games, let’s challenge ourselves to go beyond being spectators. Volunteer at a local youth sports league, mentor a young athlete or simply show up to cheer at a high school game or swim meet. These small actions can have a profound impact on young people’s life and contribute to the vitality of our communities.
As Crystal Dunn takes the field and Andrew Capobianco climbs to the springboard in Paris, they carry with them not just the hopes of a nation, but also the pride of Long Island. Their journeys from local fields and pools to the world stage are reminders of the potential that exists in every corner of our community.
Let the Olympic flame ignite a renewed sense of community spirit here on the Island. Together we can create an environment where every child feels supported in pursuing their dreams, athletic or otherwise. In doing so, we’ll be building a stronger, more united community — one that truly embodies the Olympic ideal.
opinions Perhaps now — finally — we can work together
sometimes good things come from bad things. That’s why I am hopeful.
The attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump once again shook the foundation of America’s democracy. Deadly shots fired could further tear our country apart . . . or not.
This horrific event might just give America a new opportunity to heal the divide.
President Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump and elected officials can all help us come together as a nation.
I have always tried to work across party lines. At my swearing-in speech before Congress in February, I said, “Wake up. The people are sick and tired of finger-pointing and petty partisan politics.”
We know our country is fractured. Partisanship prevails. Confrontation has replaced cooperation. Anger and hate speech seem much too common. Congress is literally a House divided against itself.
Our founders disagreed on many things, but were unanimous in their
contempt for partisan politics, calling it “a dangerous vice and a moral disease.”
I have championed the belief that we must find common ground, that we must work across party lines to actually get things done for people. We can disagree with one another, but we must remember that we are in the solutions business. Again, we can disagree, but we must not hold one another in contempt. Contempt is one of the biggest problems in our politics. It’s a recipe for disaster.
tI have always worked hard to build coalitions of like-minded Democrats and Republicans to solve problems. Right now I am focused on the border. So what is causing this intense division?
15 percent — and those who vote tend to be more extreme on the political spectrum, extremist candidates on both sides tend to win.
A candidate in a safe seat only need win the primary; the general election is safe. To win the primary, too many candidates just pander to the base.
he attempt on Donald Trump’s life shook the foundation of our democracy.
Second, the more extreme you are on social media, the more “likes” or “follows” you get. We have all seen hateful, venal posts that seem to get more views than even the cute cat videos. Extreme social media is also more likely to generate small donor contributions from a vast audience. “Let’s work together” just doesn’t seem to generate much excitement.
tent. They are blowing up issues where we have the slightest disagreement and trying to make us unrecognizable to one another.
Our laptops and cellphones have become treasure troves of misinformation, disinformation and phony websites. Computer algorithms are programmed to feed us more and more of the same content we seem interested in.
But I still have great faith in the American people, and in our system. Biden, Harris and Trump have a wonderful opportunity in the coming months to move beyond divisive rhetoric and try to bring us together. We can disagree — disagree strongly — but not promote contempt or hate, and certainly not violence.
I think there are four major factors contributing to today’s divisions: safe seats, social media, cable news, and our foreign adversaries.
The first major problems we face is gerrymandering, drawing congressional and other seats to favor one party. Ninety percent of House seats are safe — overwhelmingly Democratic or Republican. The only way to beat a member of Congress in a safe district is to primary them. But since so few people vote in primaries — fewer than
Letters
his own Christ-centric bible, yet when later asked why the Constitution didn’t mention God, he replied, “We forgot.” The founders, and American society, were “Christian,” but of a wide variety that included Anglicans, Baptists, Quakers and even the (then) widely hated Catholics, and the often suspect Jews.
The founding era of the 1780s was dominated by the Enlightenment of liberal ideas, of science, and of democracy as a natural extension of the Christian precept of equality. Abandoning “established” religion was affirmed as a form of progress. It reinforced the common goals of unity, democracy, of free expression and liberty of association.
American culture was dominated by what was later called mainline Protestantism. This Christianity, retaining much of Catholic theology, held truth and God as aligned; reason, logic and science were God-given tools to comprehend the universe and means to improve the human condition. That Christianity supported the democratic republic being constructed.
Seventy-five years later, this was what Lincoln meant by “our ancient faith”: the tradition of church-free, ethical democracy. The U.S. did not then have a Pledge of Allegiance, no “under god” until 1953. About 100 years after Lincoln, this remained the core of Martin Luther King’s philosophy: a Christian-infused population would bend the arc of the moral universe toward justice. It has.
Under the label “Christian,” House Speaker Mike Johnson types seek to sell a “biblical worldview” model, the Jeff Landry sorts spout his Commandments as a preamble to the Constitution, and the Lauren Boebert fools are “tired” of America’s history of opposition to their dominion. They promote, under the costume of Christian morality, an Old Testament time of “divine right” governance, rigid social hierarchy, slave economies and tribal warfare. America is far too Christian a country to accept such foolishness.
Third, cable news. Think Fox and MSNBC. Depending on the show and the target audience, cable news networks hire talent and invite guests who will reinforce their own narrative that the other side is destroying our country. The crazier the quotes, the more airtime you get.
Fourth, and the most pernicious, our foreign adversaries Russia, the Chinese Communist Party, Iran, and North Korea are using our freedom of speech, our social media and more, and they are sowing disinformation and discon-
Framework by Tim Baker
I’m hopeful, too, that we might all seize this moment to recognize that politics is serious business, and realize how harmful hate is and how badly it affects the political climate.
No foreign adversary can ever hope to defeat America. None ever has. The greatest threat to our republic comes not from external forces, but from within. Only internal divisions could topple our government.
Now more than ever, let’s all find common ground, work together, and make America the best it can be.
Tom Suozzi represents the 3rd Congressional District.
BRIAN KELLy Rockville Centre
tom
sUoZZi
