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LONG ISLAND INTERNATIONAL FILM EXPO IN BELLMORE

REMEMBERING 9/11 20 YEARS LATER

BACK TO SCHOOL

ENTERTAINMENT IN AND AROUND TOWN

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NEWS

Your NewsMag

2021 | Vol.8 No.4

9-11 Remembrance W

e can never forget the community members whose lives were lost in the 9-11 terrorist attack. Twenty years later, ceremonies continue to be held to recognize those whose lives

were cut short on this day of infamy, including many of whom rushed into harm’s way to save countless others, only to pay with the ultimate sacrifice themselves. The Merrick and Bellmore Fire Departments hold 9/11 memorial ceremonies remembering the victims and first responders.

MERRICK – IN MEMORY OF: • Herman Charles Broghammer, 58 years old, Aon Corp., Tower II • Ronnie E. Gies, 43 years old, FDNY • David Joseph Grimner, 51 years old, Marsh & McLennan, Tower II • Aram Iskenderian, 41 years old, Cantor Fitzgerald, Tower I • Sean Patrick Lynch, 36 years old, Cantor Fitzgerald, Tower I • Katherine Marie McGarry-Noack, 30 years old, Telekurs USA, Tower I • Brian Edward Sweeney, 29 years old, FDNY • John Damien Vaccacio, 30 years old, Cantor Fitzgerald, Tower I • Frank J. Vignola Jr., 44 years old, Cantor Fitzgerald, Tower I

BELLMORE – IN MEMORY OF: • Lawrence Ira Beck, 38 years old, Cantor Fitzgerald, Tower I • Gary R. Box, 37 years old, FDNY • Michael Joseph Cawley, 32 years old, FDNY • Joni Cesta, 37 years old, A.L. Sarroff Lic, Tower II • William Esposito, 51 years old, Cantor Fitzgerald, Tower I • Bruce Henry Gary, 51 years old, FDNY • Manuel D. Mojica Jr., 37 years old, FDNY

• Kevin M. Prior, 28 years old, FDNY • Adam David Rand, 30 years old, FDNY • Karen Helene Schmidt 42 years old, IQ Financial Systems, Tower II • Andrew J. Stern, 41 years old, Cantor Fitzgerald, Tower II • Lonny Jay Stone, 42 years old, Carr Futures, Tower I • Michael Andrew Tamuccio, 37 years old, Fred Alger Management, Tower I • Steven Weinberg, 41 years old, Baseline Financial Services, Tower II

NEWS

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Back to School – A letter from the Superintendent of Schools By: Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Michael Harrington am writing today about the evolving situation concerning the opening of our school year and the COVID-19 health crisis. Currently, there is no official guidance on some of the important questions that would help schools navigate the start of the school year. In spite of this, the district has and will continue to work hard with the School Opening Committee on many preparations.

Please know that the health, safety and well-being of our students, staff and families remains our top priority.

As new information continues to develop, I will seek to update the school community as often as possible.

What we are happy to report as of August 9, 2021: • Schools will open fully for all students starting Wednesday, September 1, 2021.

• All schools will return to normal bell schedules.

• All transportation will return to normal schedules.

• All schools have removed the clear barriers/shields from stu-

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dent desks.

Students will be able to use lockers and locker rooms.

• The District will be reinstating instructional practices (handson learning, labs, group work, field trips, etc…) that make the overall learning experience as normal as possible.

Following CDC and AAP guidance that prioritizes in-person instruction, the District will not have a full-year remote learning program.

Increased cleaning and disinfection measures implemented last year will continue into the 2021-2022 school year.

As shared last week, the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) unexpectedly announced that they will not be providing reopening guidance for schools. At this time, the NYSDOH has said that school districts should develop their own plans to reopen in person this fall, utilizing the most current CDC Guidance for COVID-19 Prevention in K-12 Schools.

In response, State Education Department Commissioner Betty Rosa sent a letter urging the NYSDOH to recon•

CDC Guidance for COVID-19 Prevention in K-12 Schools Given new evidence on the B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant, CDC recommends universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status. Children should return to full-time in-person learning in the fall with layered prevention strategies in place. Visit www.cdc.gov for more information.

For the latest updates on COVID-19 information, vaccination sites and testing visit https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/4963/COVID-19-INFORMATION

sider and share guidance with school districts. The Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District also sent letters to the respective commissioners of the NYSDOH and the Nassau County Department of Health requesting that they provide school districts with detailed plans regarding how to safely reopen our schools for the 2021-22 school year. While we await a re-

sponse, the district continues to make preliminary plans for school to open.

As noted above, our top priority is the overall well-being of our students, faculty and staff, and to have them in the best and safest learning environment possible. As new information regarding the opening of school becomes available, I will communicate with families.

Take care. Be well.

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☞ TABLE OF CONTENTS

NEWS 9-11 Rememberance (pg 2), Back to School - A letter from the Superintendent of Schools (pg 3); Program bridges gap between middle and high school (pg 7), Make a Statement: 4 Back-toSchool Shoe Trends to Try (pg 8), 2021 Marks Milestone 20th Anniversary of 9/11 (pg 10), Prep Your Home, Dorm and Classroom for a New School Year (pg 11) ENTERTAINMENT IN AND AROUND Entertainment In and Around... Car Show, Live Concerts, Movies and More! (pg 13); Kim Delaney and Kristin Thorne Honored at the 24th Annual Long Island International Film Expo Clocing Ceremony Sunday August 15 (pg 14 & 15), LIIFE film schedule and ticket information (pg 16-19)

HEALTH MATTERS How to Protect Your Family from the Delta Varient (pg 12)

WHO’S WHO AT YOUR NEWSMAG Advertising and Publishing Jill Bromberg

Contact us with story ideas and news at: edit@yournewsmag.com To advertise, Jill@yournewsmag.com

Phone: 516-633-8590 P.O. Box 15, Bellmore, New York 11710

Bellmore • Merrick

Back to Full Time InPerson Learning!

COVID-19 has changed the world. We’ve all made adjustments to the way we live, work and learn. We found ways to communicate, share, learn and grow even under the toughest circumstances. And now, its time to get back to seeing our family and friends.

Humans need personal connections and the children need to learn through in person experiences.

Michael Harrington, Superintendent of Schools shares a letter to the community on what to expect when school resumes on September 1, 2020. After reading his letter I am sure that you will agree that the health and well-being of students and his staff is of top priority.

The Long Island International Film Expo (LIIFE) returns to Bellmore.

The film festival is hosted at the historical Bellmore Movies on Pettit Avenue in Bellmore. LIFFE, now in its 24th year, celebrates independent film makers from across the globe. There are in-person screenings, virtual movie blocks and free panels. See the full schedule and ticket information inside.

Live entertainment is back! There is a full schedule of outdoor concerts and movies that you are sure to enjoy. Look inside for entertainment “In and Around" town. See information about Labor Day Fireworks Spectacular, 9-11 “Never Forget” 20th Anniversary Concert at Jones Beach Theater and more!

It’s been twenty years since the 9-11 terrorist attack on our country. Both Bellmore and Merrick Fire Departments hold 9-11 memorial ceremonies as a reminder and tribute to those whose lives were lost in the 9-11 terrorist attack. The names of our community members whose lives were cut short on

that day of infamy are listed inside. We will never forget!

Your NewsMag is now optimized for viewing on any device and social sharing. Read digital stories and follow live links for an exciting interactive experience.

Your NewsMag is keeping up with the times delivering community news digitally so you can enjoy Your News Mag when you want, where you want and from your cell phone, iPad or desktop. Would you like to get Your News Mag sent directly to your inbox? Email jill@yournewsmag.com and request your free digital edition delivered directly to your inbox. Visit www.yournewsmag.com and follow us on Facebook where you can let us know which stories you like.

I hope you have an opportunity to participate in some of the events listed in Your News Mag. Enjoy Labor Day and Holiday celebrations!

Jill Bromberg PUBLISHER Your NewsMag 516-633-8590 jill@yournewsmag.com

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Program bridges gap between middle and high school

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ighth grade students in the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District have been participating in a fun, educational program to prepare for the upcoming academic and social challenges in high school. As part of the four-week Summer Bridge Program, 16 students are engaged in service learning, mindfulness, social interaction and teambuilding activities.

“We see glimmers of positive energy and work ethic among many of the students,” said Mary Donnelly, the Summer Bridge Program coordinator and district English chairperson. “Students have already started opening up and building relationships with teachers, and a few students who indicated to us that they were afraid to come back to school already appear to have shaken off some of that anxiety.”

The Summer Bridge Program, which is now in its fifth year, has evolved over the years to adjust to the unique needs of students. They meet four days a week and participate in three, one hour-long instructional blocks – the Genius Hour, humanities, and math and science – as well as weekly special programming designed to increase their self-efficacy through service learning.

During their Genius Hour, the stu-

dents have delved into designing their own service-learning projects to collect donations for local community organizations, including the Bellmore-Merrick Community Cupboard, the Bideawee Animal Shelter, the Merrick Fire Department and the YMCA. Many students have moved on to their next independent reading novel in humanities, and they’ve been discussing the benefits of sleep and meditation and gaining time management skills to improve their focus and concentration. As part of the math and science instruction, the students are practicing their calculator skills and learning about the importance of making hypotheses in science experiments.

Throughout the summer, the students tour each of the three high schools they will attend in September to meet with building administrators in a smallgroup setting. In addition, they participated in an interactive paint lesson to create colorful cityscapes. The activity fostered an appreciation for creative expression, strengthened their fine motor skills, promoted confidence and emotional well-being, and improved their socialization skills.

Donnelly said the students and staff were delighted to connect in person.

Students from the district’s Summer Bridge Program display artistic creations made during the group’s paint party. They are pictured with teacher Ms. Nicole Levesque.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BELLMORE-MERRICK CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT

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Make a Statement: 4 Back-to-School Shoe Trends to Try

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s children all over the country count down the last days of summer, parents are checking off their to-do lists to make sure everyone is ready to head back to school. In addition to school supplies, new shoes are almost always at the top of the list to accommodate growing feet – whether attending class in-person, or virtually.

According to Laryssa Grant, kids buyer for national retailer Rack Room Shoes, this season’s sneaker styles give nod to classic designs and simple silhouettes and are sure to complement any school wardrobe.

“Back-to-school shopping is always an exciting time for families,” says Grant. “And this year, it’s easier than ever for parents to ensure comfort while helping their children express their individualities.”

Here are four back-to-school shoe trends to try: • Athletic Styles: It’s all about comfort these days, and athleisure wear continues to remain a staple for students of all ages. Athletic shoes typically reserved

for a P.E. class are popular this season and can be paired with almost any casual-inspired outfit.

Shoe to try: Lightweight and breathable with a clean, sleek design, the New Balance Roav women’s running shoe is the perfect blend of style and comfort for those on-the-go.

• High Tops: Fashionable and versatile, high-top shoes are back in a major way.

This year’s high tops feature on-trend and seasonal colors to wear with skirts, dresses, jeans and more.

Shoes to try: A variety of brands such as Nike, Adidas, and Converse offer high-tops this season that kick it up a notch with brighter and more pro-

nounced patterns.

• Prints and Patterns: Patterned shoes are no longer treated as a statement shoe, but rather as a neutral that can be mixed and paired with any item in the closet.

Shoe to try: The Vans Ward sneaker adds a fun twist to its classic skater-style shoe with assorted patterns and colors. Available in men, women, and children’s sizes, there is something available for students of all ages.

• Color Blocking: Color-blocked styles are a fresh choice for this backto-school season – and an ideal way to add a unique look to an outfit.

Shoe to try: Nike’s Air Max Excee sneaker offers a variety of vibrant color-blocking options, with sizes for school-aged girls and boys -- and parents, too.

For one-stop-shopping during the back-to-school season, parents can visit the Kids Club at Rack Room Shoes in stores or online at rackroomshoes.com.

When it comes to your children’s shoes, style and comfort should both be prioritized. Take a cue from those in the know to ensure your selections are both on-trend and highly functional. ~ StatePoint

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2021 Marks Milestone 20th Anniversary of 9/11 To acknowledge the 20th anniversary of the tragedies of September 11, 2001, the Merrick Bellmore School District Extended School Year Program students planted 500 flags in a field of honor at Brookside. Always Remember.

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Prep Your Home, Dorm and Classroom for a New School Year

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any students spent the last school year learning virtually, and now, there are a lot of items on parents’ and teachers’ to-do lists to help get ready for a return to traditional learning this school year. Below are tips to help simplify the transition – at home, in the classroom and in a dorm room.

AT HOME

Take Time to Declutter. With most students returning to in-person learning, it’s easy to forget about the workspace at home. Create an area for homework and studying that’s free of distractions by throwing out unnecessary items, filing away papers in folders and buying new supplies like pens, highlighters and paper.

Add Duck Brand Select Grip EasyLiner to desk drawers and shelves to keep items in place and protect the surface from scratches and dents.

Meal Prep for Simple Mornings. Early morning routines and busy commutes will become the norm again. Keep them stress-free by stocking up on a variety of breakfast and lunch options so you can

prepare and pack delicious meals and nutritious snacks for the week. By having meals planned and proper ingredients on-hand, kids can get to the bus on time and stay focused all morning.

IN THE CLASSROOM

Welcome Students Back. Teachers can create a fun and welcoming environment by decorating the classroom with colorful bulletin boards and personalized nametags. EasyLiner Adhesive Laminate is a budget-friendly way to add extra protection and ensure they last all year long.

Help Keep Students and Teachers Healthy. The health and safety of students and teachers should continue to be prioritized. Take proper hygiene measures by encouraging kids to wash their hands, cover their coughs and catch their sneezes. Keep a small bottle of hand sanitizer in lunch boxes and backpacks for convenient sanitizing.

IN A DORM ROOM

Create a Home Away from Home.

Moving away from home and adjusting

to living alone can be challenging for college students, but the transition can be made a bit easier by making their dorm feel like home. Personalize the space by hanging family photos, canvases with fun colors and patterns or string lights.

If you’re worried about paint chips on the wall, try hanging items with Nano-Grab Gel Tape. The multi-purpose solution holds up to 20 pounds and can be used on a variety of surfaces, without leaving behind a sticky residue.

Ensure Proper Nutrition. Getting adequate sleep and proper nutrition are necessary for fighting colds and flus while living in close quarters with others.

Skip the chips and use EasyLiner Disposable Cutting Mats to cut up fresh fruits and veggies for a nutritious snack without having to leave the room. These disposable cutting mats provide a strong and flexible cutting surface, while the

textured bottom keeps the cutting mat in place. They come in a convenient box with a built-in easy cut slider for quick and easy clean-up.

To find other products and ideas that can help get the school year off to a great start, visit duckbrand.com. For many students, this school year is coming on the heels of a year and a half of virtual learning. With a few smart strategies, you can help keep students organized, happy and healthy as they make the transition. ~ StatePoint

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HEALTH MATTERS

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How to Protect Your Family from the Delta Variant

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espite significant gains in vaccinations and fighting COVID-19, the rise of the more transmissible Delta variant poses a significant risk for unvaccinated people.

“We are at a critical moment in the COVID-19 pandemic. We have the vaccines and public health measures necessary to protect people and stop the spread of the virus, but the onus is on all of us to get vaccinated in order to protect ourselves and our communities.

Despite the gains we have made, the dangers – particularly of the Delta variant – are real and concerning,” says Gerald E. Harmon, M.D., American Medical Association (AMA) president.

According to the AMA, here is what you can do now to decrease the risk to you and your family.

1. Talk to your doctor. Speak to your own physician about vaccines. Physicians remain one of the most important sources for information about vaccines.

And with 96 percent of physicians vaccinated, according to a recent AMA poll, they are prepared to answer your questions and speak about their own experience with vaccines.

2. Get vaccinated ASAP. If you’re not already vaccinated, get the first vaccine available to you. Three vaccines are now available in the United States: those made by Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson/Janssen Pharmaceuticals. All are safe and highly effec-

tive at preventing severe COVID-19 illness, hospitalizations and death.

3. Immunize your child. Now is the time to immunize your child, if they are eligible, so they are fully vaccinated by the start of school. It takes five weeks for the two-dose Pfizer vaccine to be fully effective. With schools reopening in person in August in many places, and with just one in five children between 12-15 years old vaccinated, you should start the vaccination process as soon as possible.

Additionally, childhood and adolescent vaccination rates against diseases such as measles, pertussis and human papilloma virus dropped precipitously during the first few months of the pandemic stay-at-home orders. Although rates have picked up, they have not picked up enough to achieve catch-up coverage, so make sure your child’s immunizations are on track during wellchild visits with their doctor.

“In order for communities to fully move on from COVID-era restrictions and ensure we don’t fall back due to spread of COVID variants, everyone must do their part now and get vaccinated. Too much is at stake,” says Dr. Harmon.

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines by visiting getvaccineanswers.org or find a location to get vaccinated near you at vaccines.gov. ~ StatePoint

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Entertainment In and Around…

Friday Night Car Show at the Bellmore train station parking lot is once again running every Friday night, weather permitting from 6pm - 10pm until Oct. 1. Free to walk through, admission fee for cars is $5.

JFKennedy High School Multi-Year Reunion for Alumni Grad years 1968 – 1985 will be held on Saturday, August 14 from 1-5pm at Tropix On The Mile – The Bayview Catering at Tropix located at 395 Woodcleft Avenue, Freeport, NY. Outdoor bar capacity holds approximately 1500 people; indoor seated dinning about 330 and buffet indoor capacity is 500 people. Advance registration is requested by August 7, 2021. $20 per person includes buffet, 1 drink and live band. Rain or Shine, No Refunds. Registration and payment after August 7 and at the door is $30 per person (bring exact change). For more information and to register and pay online today visit https://www.bellmorejfkalumni.org/reunion_registration

9-11 “NEVER FORGET” 20th ANNIVERSARY CONCERT at Jones Beach Theater on Saturday, August 21 featuring performances by Journey, The Chainsmokers, Steve Miller Band with special guest Jesse Colin Young, John Fogerty, Ann Wilson of Heart, Lee Brice, Wyclef Jean, Gavin DeGraw, Wé McDonald, Flo Rida, Danny Rodriguez, and Jax. Guitarist G.E. Smith (“Saturday Night Live,” Hall & Oates) of Amagansett will serve as the musical director. The concert starts at 7pm. Doors open at 6pm.

To Buy 9-11 “Never Forget” Concert Tickets visit: https://jonesbeachtheater.ticketsoffice.org/tickets/4754700/never-forget-concert-journey-the- chainsmokers-steve-miller-band-tickets-sat-aug-21-2021-northwell-health-at-jones-beach-theater All proceeds will benefit the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which provides mortgage-free homes to our nation’s catastrophically injured veterans and first responders, as well as Gold Star and Fallen First Responder families with young children. For more information about Tunnel to Towers Foundation or to donate visit: https://t2t.org/ FREE SUMMER FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT Free Thursday Family Movie Nights.

Lakeside Theatre, Field 6 Eisenhower Park. Movies start at sunset, times are approximate.

August 19....My Spy (PG 1 Hr 39 Min) ... 7:48pm August 26....Dora and the Lost City of Gold (PG 1 Hr 42 Min) ...7:37pm FREE EVENTS AT EISENHOWER PARK LAKESIDE THEATRE, Field 6 Friday August 27 from 7pm-10pm Joysetta & Julius Pearse African American Museum presents A TRIBUTE TO MARVIN GAYE. (Rain Date August 30) Sunday, August 29 at 6:45pm Salute to Veteran’s featuring TONY ORLANDO American Bombshell Saturday, September 4 at 7pm TD Bank presents CELEBRATES AMERICA FIREWORKS SHOW Featuring DEAN KARAHALIS and the Concert Pops of Long Island Bellmore and Merrick Festivals Dates: Bellmore Family Street Festival September 2326, 2021; Merrick Fall Festival October 22- 24, 2021.

FREE LIVE CONCERTS at Eisenhower Park Lakeside Theater EVERY SATURDAY from 8pm-10pm! FREE ADMISSION. BRING BLANKETS OR CHAIRS. Food trucks will be available at concerts. Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park Field 6. All advance ticketing, limits on capacity and reservations are lifted. For more information or updates visit: https:// www.nassaucountyny.gov/parks Blockbuster lineup of rockin’ summer concerts brought to you by Jovia Financial Credit Union, Nassau County Executive Laura Curran, All Music Inc. and Rick Eberle Agency.

• August 14: Misty Mountain – Led Zeppelin Tribute • August 21: Strange Magic: Electric Light Orchestra Tribute • August 28: Street Fighter – Rolling Stones Tribute TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD FREE COMMUNITY CONCERT SERIES returns to neighborhood parks. All live concerts begin at 7:30pm. Please note that all concerts are outdoors and can be affected by weather. Visit hempsteadny.gov or follow town of hempstead on facebook for event updates.

• Monday, August 16: So Good the Neil Diamond Experience at Rock Hall Museum, Lawrence • Thursday, August 19: Wonderous Stories at Merrick Road Park, Merrick • Friday, August 20: Shining Star at Town Park at Point Lookout • Saturday, September 4: Celebrate Labor Day Weekend with a Special Labor Day Weekend Concert and Fireworks Spectacular! Starting at 7:30pm, A Tribute to Frontline Workers Ceremony followed by a concert

by Mike DelGuidice & Big Shot (celebrating the music of Billy Joel) and fireworks show. Visit hempsteadny.gov for more details.

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ENTERTAINMENT

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Kim Delaney and Kristin Thorne Honored at the 24th Annual Long Island International Film Expo Closing Ceremony Sunday August 15th

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Actor and Newscaster to Receive Awards at Top Indie Film Festival Finale

n Sunday August 15th beginning at 530pm, Actor Kim Delaney (NYPD Blue, CSI: Miami, Army Wives) will receive the Excellence in Film & TV Award and Channel 7 WABC-TV Newscaster Kristin Thorne will receive the Excellence in Newscasting Award at this year's Long Island International Film Expo’s closing ceremony, happening at the historic Bellmore Movies 222 Pettit Ave, Bellmore, NY. Hosted by Kevin Brown (30 Rock) with presenters Lukas Hassell (The Blacklist) and Chris Roach (Kevin Can Wait), the LIIFE closing ceremony will also feature, in person, many of the fine actors, directors, producers of the incredible films being shown all week, including Long Island’s Daniel Baldwin; who will also be appearing at the event in support of his new documentary, “My Promise to PJ”.

Learn more at: https:// fb.me/e/2QGBbOwdn or http://longislandfilm.com/ awards-ceremony/ Kim Delaney is a nationally known actress with a highly acclaimed career in both television and film including television roles on “All My Children,” (daytime Emmy nomination), “Tour of Duty,” “CSI: Miami,” “Philly,” “The O.C.” and two of her most memorable roles as and as as Claudia Joy Holden in “Army Wives”, and as Diane Russell in “NYPD Blue,” for which she earned 3 Emmy nominations, two Golden Globe nominations, three Screen Actors Guild nominations and won the Emmy for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. On the big screen, Kim appeared in a variety of films, most notably Brian DePalma’s, “Mission to Mars,” also starring Gary

Sinise and Tim Robbins. Kim most recently starred in Lifetime’s, “The Long Island Serial Killer: A Mother’s Hunt for Justice,” which premiered in 2021. The movie is inspired by the emotional story of Mari Gilbert, played by Delaney, a mother whose daughter’s disappearance led to the discovery of 19 bodies, many of which are believed to have been murdered by an unidentified Long Island serial killer.

Kristin Thorne is the Long Island correspondent for WABCTV's Eyewitness News. Kristin loves being involved with the Long Island community. She volunteers with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Little Shelter Animal Rescue and Adoption Center and the Boy Scouts. She also is a Eucharistic minister and lector at her church. She is the recipient of an Emmy Award and has received numerous Emmy nominations. She has also been honored with a regional Edward R. Murrow Award and has received several Folio awards, which honor the best of Long Island journalism.

The Long Island International Film Expo (LIIFE) is the premiere filmmaker community on Long Island, and one of the most respected festivals of its kind in the world; showing almost 125 feature-length films in many different genres each year. Sponsored by the Long Island Film-TV Foundation (LIFTF), the County of Nassau, the Nassau County Industrial

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Development Agency and Gold Coast Studios, this year the 24th Annual installment will be held from August 10th – August 15th 2021 at the historic Bellmore Movies, 222 Pettit Ave, Bellmore, NY and will feature films from around the globe including: Tango Shalom which is actor Joseph Bologna's last film; his son Gabriel Bologna (Director) was an actor in "Tracks" which won at LIIFE and directed The Elevator (HBO Original Release); Produced by Joel Zwick (My Big Fat Greek Wedding) and Robert Meyer Burnett (Agent Cody Banks franchise) and includes Emmy Award winning and Academy Award nominated Actress Renee Taylor (The Do Over, The Nanny, How to be a Latin Lover), Academy Award nominated actress Lainie Kazan (My Favorite Year, My Big Fat Greek Wedding), Jos Laniado (Jessica Jones), Judi Beecher (Taken 3), Bern Cohen (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), Karina Smirnoff (Dancing With the Stars) and Marci Fine (Saturday Night Live). My Promise to PJ starring Alec Baldwin, Daniel Baldwin, Stephen

ENTERTAINMENT Baldwin and William Baldwin, One Moment starring Danny Aiello in his final performance as well as LIIFE's past Rising Star honoree, Sal Rendino (Billions), The Soul of a Farmer with Isabella Rossellini, Lie Hard starring Catherine Curtin (Stranger Things, Orange is the New Black), Joel Marsh Garland (Orange is the New Black), Alysia Curtin (Orange is the New Black) and Melanie Chandra (Code Black) as well as countless other phenomenal films to enjoy all festival long. There is also the Friday the 13th Horror Block at 11:30 PM and a NEW Midnight Madness Block at 11:30 PM Saturday August 14th.

LIIFE is proud to feature Twenty eight films made by Long Islanders; (including The Tuneful Trolley, which was shot in Islip at Viking Inn Tavern, in Brightwaters, Hewlett, at Merle's TNT Boutique and features Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee Ken-

ny Laguna plus Jay and the Americans member “This Magic Moment”, the singer of “Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka-dot bikini” Brian Hyland and others), Twenty World Premieres, Nine US Premieres, Thirty-nine New York Premieres, Thirty-seven Long Island Premieres, and Films from ten countries! There are also Thirty Three Female Directors, a record for LIIFE. Panels include: Tues, Aug 10th 11:30am: Directors Audition Panel Thurs, Aug 12th, 1pm: Legalities & Liabilities with Earl Eaton and Marc Jacobson (any word from Michael Prywes?)

3pm: Crowdfunding and Advertising with Christina Raia and Rick Eberle Fri, Aug 13th 1pm – Packaging Your Project with Heather Buckley and Eric Xandra Thirteen from Black Mansion Films 3pm – Cinematographer & Camera Expo: Philip Kral, Marc Riou, John Hedlund (more TBA) Sat, Aug 14th 10:30am – Filmmakers Roundtable: Brittney Lee Hamilton, Grace Soriano, Jennifer Enskat, Bret Lada (more TBA)

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1pm – The Write Stuff with Mitchell Bard 3pm – Better Festing with Katha Cato, Brian W Smith, and Debra Markowitz This year’s panels are free, but you must get your tickets online at www.longislandfilm.com/tickets You can also learn more about specific live and virtual screenings/times and purchase tickets at: www.longislandfilm.com.

Festivals of the past have included such luminaries as the late Danny Aiello, Ed Asner, Blue Bloods’ Robert Clohessy and Abigail Hawk, Ralph Macchio, John Amos, Ally Sheedy, 30 Rock’s Kevin Brown, Cathy Moriarty, Steve Buscemi, Ed Burns, William Sadler, Ilene Kristen, and so many more.

LIIFE has become a must attend festival for serious filmmakers; with local and foreign film screenings, celebrity appearances, entertaining and informative panels, a star-studded awards ceremony, Q & A with filmmakers from the world over and networking galore.

LIIFE's sister festival, Scared for Your LIIFE, a short horror festival, is open for submissions at https://filmfreeway.com/ ScaredforyourLiife and the event will be held October 22, 2021 – further details TBA.

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