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FILM EXPO CELEBRATING 25 YEARS

GRADUATION 2022 JOHN J CROWE ACHIEVES EAGLES SCOUT RANK

ENTERTAINMENT IN AND AROUND TOWN

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NEWS

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Memorial Day Celebrated M emorial Day honors those that lost their lives while in the military service. It is traditional to fly the American flag at haft mast.

Many people visit national cemeteries where volunteers will place the American flag on each grave. In Bellmore and Merrick there were parades

and memorial services in honor of those who died in service to their country. Community members gathered along both sides of Merrick Avenue in Merrick and Bedford Avenue in Bellmore cheering and waving flags as the parade participants passed by.

15th Annual Robbie’s Run R obbie’s Run is a race in memory of Robbie Levine who died of sudden cardiac arrest on the little league field in 2005 at the age of 9.

In memory and honor of Robbie, the Merrick and Long Island Running community came together to participate in this years run on the streets of Merrick while celebrating Robbie’s life. The 15th Annual Robbie’s Run

took place on Sunday, June 5, 2022.

The Robbie Levine Foundation raises money to donate life saving AEDs to any place where kids play, and to teaching AED/CPR training to anyone who wants to learn! Forever 9, the Robbie Levine Foundation is a non profit organization that promotes AED/CPR in high school sports. Robbie’s Run is a major fundraiser for the foundation.

NEWS

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Bellmore-Merrick Graduates Class of 2022

he Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District graduating Class of 2022 was celebrated at three ceremonies on the Sanford H. Calhoun, John F. Kennedy and Wellington C. Mepham high school football fields on June 12.

It was cloudy with full school spirit as Calhoun, Kennedy and Mepham’s respective blue, green and maroon dotted the fields before staff, friends and families.

Valedictorians Tina Cheng of Calhoun, Christopher Prainito of Kennedy and Helena Fu of Mepham, as well as salutatorians Kaitlin Bondi of Calhoun, Michelle Brown of Kennedy and Justin Dioguardi of Mepham addressed the crowds.

Cheng reflected on goals of striving for perfection. “I hope that each of us can vow to ourselves that in the next few years, we will focus on our own happiness and accept that it is okay if we don’t live up to people’s expectations,” she added.

Boni talked about “beauty of unpredictability.” “We do not possess the ability to know the future - yet - so acknowledging and appreciating life’s unpredictability is our next best option,” she said. “In this sense, do not dwell too heavily on what could have been or what will be. Relinquish the false sense of control we all think we have over our lives.”

Prianito noted to his peers that they

should be ready to pivot thought life when it comes to careers and passions.

“We are the ones who choose our paths,” he said. “while it is important to have dreams and goals, it is just as important to be flexible.”

Brown spoke about COVID-related challenges. “We were really taken out of our comfort zones and as a result we have come out of high school stronger and more united than ever.”

Fu told classmates not to think of graduation as conclusion, but rather a continuation.

“Rather than being a timeline that we can easily follow, life takes on many different turns,: she said. “Yet our foundations are composed of teachers, admin-

Sanford H. Calhoun High School

John F. Kennedy High School

Wellington C. Mepham High School

istrators, coaches and role models who have taught us how to think for ourselves. You have helped us to foster the growth of the foundation that allows us to branch out into the future.”

Dioguardi spoke about the late Kobe Bryant’s pillars of success: fearlessness, obsessiveness, relentlessness and passion. These traits perfectly describe the Class of 2022, he said, “ We’ve all been faced with adversity during our high school years, but our relentlessness kept us going. Our determination is a major reason why the Class of 2022 is one of the most impressive classes to ever walk the halls at Mepham.”

Photos courtesy of the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District.

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☞ TABLE OF CONTENTS

NEWS: Memorial Day Celebrated; 15th Annual Robbie’s Run (page 2); Congratulations to Eagle Scout John J. Crowe; Long Island Council of Churches Emergency Food Dive (page 16) SCHOOL NEWS: Bellmore-Merrick Graduates Class of 2022 (page 3); Top of Their Class… Meet Calhoun High School Valedictorian Tina Cheng and Salutatorian Kaitlin Bondi (page 6); Top of Their Class… Meet Kennedy High School Valedictorian Christopher Prainito and Salutatorian Michelle Brown (page 8); Top of Their Class… Meet Mepham High School Valedictorian Helena Fu and Salutatorian Justin Dioguardi; Top of Their Class… Meet Meadowbrook Alternative Program Valedictorian Jenna Friedlander and Salutatorian Dara Levitt (page 14); Kennedy’s Cougar Crier Named Best High School Newspaper (page 11) ENTERTAINMENT Entertainment In and Around Town including 4th of July Fireworks, Live Music, Movie Night, Car Shows and More! (page 17) The 25th Anniversary Edition of the Long Island International Film Expo (LIIFE) full schedule of screenings and events from July 13 - July 17 at the historic Bellmore Movies (pages 18-21)

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Congratulations Class of 2022!

n to the next chapter in life to experience a wonderful journey of living, learning and taking on new responsibilities. As a tribute to the hard work and effort required to reach the high school graduation milestone, each student is named in a list along with their fellow graduates from Calhoun, Kennedy, Mepham High Schools and the Meadowbrook Alternative Program.

Take a moment to meet the valedictorians and salutatorians and don’t forget to check out photos from graduation day!

Kennedy’s Cougar Crier was named Best School Newspaper at the Press Club of Long Island’s Media Award dinner. This is a very prestigious recognition and I applaud the student staff members and faculty for their hard work and efforts.

John J. Crowe, a member of Troop 285 in Bellmore, achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. This is a very difficult and lengthy process that only few scouts ever achieve.

Robbie’s Run has returned after a two year break to a fabulous turnout. Robbie’s Run is a major fundraiser for the Robbie Levine Foundation.

The 25th Anniversary edition of Long Island International Film Expo (LIIFE) returns to Bellmore from July 13 - 17, 2022. The film festival is hosted at the historical Bellmore Movies on Pettit Avenue in Bellmore.

LIFFE 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.

Looking for more fun things to do this summer?

There is plenty of entertainment in and around town. From exciting 4th of July fireworks to the Bellmore Friday Night Car Show and a blockbuster line up of Free Live Concerts and Movies for families to enjoy. And, the Jones Beach Bandshell Rock Concerts are back! See the entertainment schedule “In and Around Town”!

Do you know of something newsworthy that you would like to share with Your NewsMag readers? Is your business celebrating an anniversary or someone in your family celebrating a special occasion? We want to know. After all, your news is our news. 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.

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Top Of Their Class... Meet Calhoun High School Valedictorian and Salutatorian Valedictorian Tina Cheng Tina will graduate from Calhoun High School with a 101.96 GPA, and her humble demeanor and thirst for knowledge will be difficult to replace.

One of Tina’s most admirable traits is her completely independent nature. She isn’t the student who is constantly checking her grades, fighting the teacher for the extra point, with the “goal” of becoming Valedictorian. Her parents let her navigate high school on her own, and don’t micro -manage her schedule or classes. Anything Tina has earned throughout high school, has completely been done by her.

Art plays an influential role in Tina’s life. Her interests emerged around 5th grade, when a group of students were given the opportunity to create pieces of art during their lunch period and eventually get their art portfolio graduated.

The judge gave Tina a perfect score.

When Tina told this story, she said that looking back on those pieces, she can confidently say that she has improved quite a bit, but it is gratifying to look back at that experience and see how it affirmed her love for art.

She feels that expressing herself through art is vastly different from the sciences and math; it grants her the freedom to do whatever she wants, but still requires intense focus. Although it can be “messy”, the final product makes it all worth it. In addition to Tina’s interest in art and research, Tina is on the tennis team,and is a member of the National, World Language, Science and Math Honor Societies.

Other accolades include Tina’s ACT score of 35, her ability to understand the Chinese dialect of Fujionese, which her parents speak, her interest in science research and her independent nature.

Next year, Tina will be attending Cornell University.

Salutatorian Kaitlin Bondi Kaitlin Bondi is a student who has surpassed even the highest expectations of the typical high school student’s experience.

Kindness, integrity, empathy, brilliance, confidence and leadership are just a few adjectives to describe her and how she is seen by everyone not only within our school and district but our community. She has created a path for herself that has led to success in every realm, excelling academically and as an athlete, a science researcher, and a committed advocate to service within the school and community, serving as a student leader in many facets, a friend to many, a mentor, and a role model to all.

Kaitlin is an explorer of knowledge and ideas, an academic risk taker. She has pursued the most rigorous academic program available and has demonstrated mastery of every course she has taken.

She has an insatiable drive to learn, and has been rewarded for her efforts by being recognized as an AP Scholar with Distinction! She has been inducted into all of the school academic honor societies. For the past two summers Kaitlin has forged a partnership and has interned at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Partners for the Future Program under the mentorship of Dr. Kim Hyun Soo and at the NYU Langone Fink Lab, where she worked on a study of gathering normative language and data through semantic tasks to aid in brain mapping. Kaitlin is very active within her community and spends countless hours volunteering.

Her activism and relentless support of others also take shape on the Volleyball and Badminton Courts. She served as the Volleyball Varsity Captain and is a News12 Scholar Athlete and Section 8 Scholar Athlete recipient.

Kaitlin is the whole package, fearless, intuitive, driven and a true leader She will be pursuing her degree in Health Science at Northeastern University in the Fall.

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Top Of Their Class... Meet Kennedy High School Valedictorian and Salutatorian

Christopher Prainito Valedictorian Christopher Prainito is intellectually curious and willing to take risks to follow his passions.

Christopher’s transcript represents the absolute height of rigor beyond what the school was capable of offering him. His sheer brilliance and desire to always achieve more allowed him to skip the Algebra II course students typically take, earn a perfect score of 100 still on its corresponding state Regents exam, and exhaust the school math curriculum before he even began his senior year.

Chris was President of the school Math Team in his junior year, a notable member of the Advanced Science Research program, developed an independent graduate-level research project and created a paper-based, polymeric biosensor for the detection of COVID-19 spike pro-

tein in saliva.

In addition to his scholastic successes, the talented musician that he is, Chris will perform in the All-National Honor Ensemble and plays first-chair oboist in the Nassau Principal Orchestra outside of school too. He has a unique determination to do things that will not only benefit himself alone, but rather, as many people as possible around him, and to make a true impact on the world. Chris has founded his own nonprofit, environmental organization, Students Giving Trees, Inc. He was one of the founders of our school’s Cyber Patriot team in his freshman year, and served as its President. Chris participates athletically in the Varsity Track and/or Cross Country program every year for all three high school sports seasons. This is but a small snapshot of the person and student Chris Prainito is. A multi-faceted and respectful young man who is decent to the very core, Christopher Prainito is the best of the best in every capacity.

Christopher was named a finalist in the NSPC Health Science Competition.

He was invited to compete for top hon-

ors at the International Science and Engineering Fair in Atlanta, Georgia for his research. Chris was also recognized as a semifinalist in this year’s Regeneron Science Talent Search for his work, among the 300 best and brightest young scientists in the Nation.

Salutatorian Michelle Brown Michelle Brown is the absolute “real deal”: a scholar, a musician, a scientist, a leader, a team player, a friend to all and so much more. Michelle is genuine in everything she sets out to accomplish. With an impressive grade point average of 102, she represents Kennedy in every facet.

Michelle is a genuine learner. She excels in all academic areas and has achieved near perfect grades in every class she has taken. Michelle has been inducted into every academic honor society at Kennedy, is an AP Scholar, has earned the AP Capstone Diploma, and is a Commended Student for the National Merit Scholarship Program.

Michelle has a passion for the sciences. As an ASR student, Michelle’s research focuses on Parkinson’s Disease.

This investigation has fueled her desire to major in biochemistry and ultimately

become a physician. Michelle’s maturity, strong sense of purpose and passion for the sciences will enable her to make this dream a reality.

After school hours, Michelle is the President of Mock Trial and acts as the Lead Attorney. She is also a member of the Science and Math Clubs, Class Government and Key Club. She is also the Co-Founder/Co-President of the Junior Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee.

Michelle is an absolute gem destined to make a difference in this world. She received numerous senior awards and has recently been named a Cougar Pride recipient, which is one of the highest honors to receive at Kennedy High School.

MIchelle will be attending Duke University in the fall.

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Kennedy’s Cougar Crier Named Best High School Newspaper

t the June 2 Press Club of Long Island’s Media Awards dinner, Bellmore-Merrick’s John F. Kennedy’s Cougar Crier was named Best High School Newspaper.

“Being recognized along with some of the best journalists is something to be proud of, “Sam Luckman, the paper’s editor-in-chief, said. “This wouldn’t have been possible without all of the hard work put in by the advisers, editors and staff.”

In addition, students Jess Mer and Nikita Rodov won third place in the Editorial/Commentary category (Student Division) for Mehr’s opinion piece, “The Case for A Virual Option,” in which Rodov edited. The winning piece can be viewed at https://issuu.com/jfkcougar-

crier/docs/apznzaye7cqhyifubmklunnyf_mxy3zpeawacd8-djlemmtxel/4 Dr. Dennis Urban and Brad Seidman serve as co-faculty advisers for The Cougar Crier.

“Mr. Seidman and I are fortunate to have a dedicated staff of editors, writers and photographers at The Cougar Crier,” said Dr. Urban. “We are so proud of their accomplishments in transforming the Crier into an award-winning newspaper. Their hard work has helped the newspaper become a true reflection of Kennedy High School’s excellence.”

View online editions of The Cougar Crier at : https://issuu.com/jfkcougarcrier.

Photo courtesy of Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District.

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Top Of Their Class... Meet Mepham High School Valedictorian and Salutatorian Valedictorian Helena Fu Helena Fu has been recognized as a National Merit Semifinalist, AP Scholar with Distinction, an All-County Artist.

Helena is among the first cohort of Bellmore-Merrick students to complete both the AP Capstone and Mandarin curriculum. As an AP Capstone student, Helena conducted original research entitled “Sustainability Without Borders: The analysis of international eco-housing models and their sustainable concepts, and theoretical design of a sustainable apartments model in Manhattan, USA” Helena conducted her research under the mentorship of Vivien Li, a waterfront expert, urban developer, and designer; who often speaks about climate resilience and ur-

ban development.

Helena earned a perfect score on her AP Research exam. Not only did Helena earn the top score of a 5, she is one of only 375 students worldwide to earn every possible point on the exam.

Helena is a multifaceted and talented young woman. She has excelled in the most challenging courses. She is President of the Chinese Honor Society and member for four additional honor societies. Helena has made significant contributions to the Environmental Club, the Class of 2002 and Badminton team. Helena participated in online coursework with Stanford University and Delft, University of Technology in the Netherlands.

Salutatorian Justin Dioguardi Justin Dioguardi has achieved the well-deserved title of Mepham’s Class of 2022 Salutatorian. He has challenged himself throughout his high school tenure with his rigorous course selection; taking a high concentration of Advanced Placement, Honors, and Dual Enrollment classes. Justin has been named an AP

Scholar with Distinction, which highlights his outstanding academic success.

He was also commended by his AP Chemistry teacher, Mrs. Parlagreco, with the Outstanding Scholastic Achievement Award, which is given to one student each year who shows exceptional skills throughout their Chemistry studies. He is an integral part of Mepham’s Advanced Science Research program, where he conducted a Covid-related experiment that tested whether in-person spectators affected the performance of players at sporting events.

Along with his educational achievements, Justin is well respected by his peers and the faculty alike. He is viewed as a leader, as he was voted by his class-

mates to hold executive board positions in the National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, and English National Honor Society. Justin derives much of his own happiness from helping others.

He serves as the Vice President of the Leo Club and encourages others to remain as active as he is. Throughout his time in this club, Justin has cleaned beaches to protect the environment and built a home for a less fortunate family through a Habitat for Humanity event. He has taken it upon himself to further his love of aiding the community by volunteering with the Operation SPLASH organization.

Justin has shown consistency and commitment through his active involvement in Spring Track since Freshman year.

Each season, he saw substantial growth in his running abilities due to his relentless effort at practice and drive to succeed by running on his own time. His curiosity was evident as he ventured outside his sprinting comfort zone to also pursue long jumping.

Justin begins his next chapter majoring in Economics at Northwestern University.

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Top Of The Class... Meet Meadowbrook Alternative Program Valedictorian and Salutatorian Valedictorian Jenna Friedlander Jenna Friedlander has a love for learning. While other students are on their phones engaging in social media activities and playing games, Jenna is often found learning a new language or researching the history of person of interest. She strives to be the best, and at the Meadowbrook Alternative Program (MAP), she has demonstrated her ability to be the best.

Jenna is an active learner who participates in class more than any other MAP student. Jenna is thoughtful in her responses and is serious about getting her work done in a timely manner at the highest level of quality. This does not only apply to traditional academic classes. Jenna is an artist with a creative mind and classic tastes. Her depiction

of Audrey Hepburhn in a piece she completed in art class is nothing short of stunning. She is the highest achieving student at MAP, which makes her the Valedictorian, but there is so much more to Jenna than just high grades.

Beyond her grades and talents, Jenna is a person who gives of herself for others. She is the person that the MAP Principal uses as his unofficial ambassador to the program. When a new student joins MAP, she is paired with them to help the new student make a smooth transition. Additionally, Jenna is involved in leadership roles in school and community-based organizations that help people. As the Vice President of the MAP Key Club, Jenna led the effort to raise funds for Ukrainian refugees this year. She volunteers regularly in the District’s Community Cupboard food pantry that collects and distributes goods to families in the Bellmore-Merrick Community. As a member of the Brookside Buddies, Jenna spends time working with students with developmental disabilities to develop social skills and other functional academic

skills. Jenna is also relied upon to be the program student representative for signing official business documents that deposit money for student organizations.

Jenna is a high achiever who has demonstrated herself academically, socially, and has established herself as a responsible member of the MAP community. Next year following graduation, Jenna plans to continue her academic achievement as an honors student at Nassau Community College.

Salutatorian Dara Levitt Dara Levitt is courageous in his pursuit of learning. The confidence in himself has developed tremendously over a very short period of time while at the Meadowbrook Alternative Pro-

gram (MAP). Academically, he is an active participant in class who is both inquisitive and curious in his pursuit of knowledge. He contributes to the school community environment and elevates it to a higher level through his questioning and hard work. He has a history of strong academic achievement prior to coming to the Meadowbrook Alternative Program (MAP), and continued to achieve at a high level thereafter. As a senior at MAP, Dara demonstrated a love of the arts and had a piece chosen for the Bellmore-Merrick Cultural Arts Festival. Beyond his excellent grades and many talents, Dara regularly demonstrates kind-heartedness toward others. He participates in the Key Club and is someone who is always willing to help a fellow student with academic support when they need it the most. He works in the District’s Community Cupboard among other efforts to better the school, District, and society at large.

Dara will continue his academic studies at Nassau Community College next year.

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Congratulations to Eagle Scout- John J Crowe E

agle Scout is the highest achievement or rank attainable in Boy Scouts of America. Since its inception in 1911, only four percent of Scouts have earned this rank after a lengthy review process! John

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is a member of Troop 285 in Bellmore. Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray, Town Councilman Chris Carini and Legislator Steve Rhoads recognized John on his achievement.

Emergency Food Drive

ong Island Council of Churches Emergency Food Pantry is asking for your support to aid in continuing to serve our neighbors in need with donations by visiting the website, LICCDonate.org or mailing a check to Long Island Council of Churches Att: Emergency Food Drive 230 Hanse Avenue, Freeport, New York 11520-1009.

In 2021 LICC served 52,905 individuals 477,459 meals. As of May 2022 they served 24,222 individuals 217,998 meals. Although they are receiving both monetary and food donations they are experiencing severe food shortages.

Emergency items needed: Dry Cereal; Hot Cereal; Vegetables (canned corn, carrots, spinach, collard and green beans…etc, Jelly (plastic bottles pre-

ferred); Soup; Pasta; Pasta Sauce; Rice (1 or 2 lb bags); shelf stable Milk; Canned Meats; Toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, deodorant, feminine products, razors, shampoo, conditioner); Baby Diapers.

For questions, contact Freeport Emergency Food Pantry at 516-868-4989

ENTERTAINMENT

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Entertainment In and Around…

“CELEBRATE AMERICA” FIREWORKS AND SHOW on July 1, 2022.

Featuring The Captain Jack Band (Tribute to the music of Billy Joel) plus The School of Rock. A fun way to celebrate the 4th of July with an evening of music, food, and fireworks!

The FREE event will take place at the Lakeside Theatre in Eisenhower Park on July 1 from 6:00pm - 10:00pm.

Rain date, July 2. Parking Field #6. Entrance on Merrick & Stewart Avenues and entrance on Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow. Bing Chairs!

Event sponsored by Nassau County and TD Bank.

JONES BEACH FIREWORKS SHOW begins at 9:30pm on July 4th. Fireworks show will last 30 minutes. Revelers are advised to arrive early. Parking on the shoulder is prohibited.

Drivers will be charged $10 special event fee. The usual parking fee will change to a “special event” fee at 4:00pm. You can walk or travel by bike via the Cedar Creek County Park 5 mile path to Jones Beach State Park.

Cedar Creek Park is on Merrick Road in Seaford. The show can also be seen from Wantagh Park and Cedar Creek Park. The county does not charge a parking fee after 4:00pm. For a fee, spectators can also watch the show from boats leaving from Captree and Freeport.

FOOD TRUCKS COME TO MERRICK! Every Sunday 10:00am 4:00pm throughout the summer. The marketplace features many great vendors and food trucks to enjoy on Sundays.

FREE MOVIE NIGHT AT LAKESIDE THEATRE All movies will begin at dusk. All showings weather permitting at the Lakeside Theatre in Eisenhower Park, Parking Field #6. Thursday, July 7 “Paw Patrol: The Movie”; Saturday, July 9 “Space Jam a New Legacy”; Thursday, July 14 “Rock Dog 2”; Thursday July 21 “The Adams Family 2”; Thursday, July 28 “Clifford the Big Red Dog.” Nassau County FREE 2022 Summer Fun Guide includes International Nights, Concerts, Movie Night For event schedule visit https://www.nassaucountyny. gov/5054/Events

JONES BEACH BOARDWALK BANDSHELL FREE LIVE MUSIC SERIES IS BACK!!!

July 29 at 7:00pm - Desert Highway recreating the music of the Eagels.

Opening act: Jill Gioia.

July 30 at 7pm - Freebird pays resect to Lynyrd Skynyrd. Opening act: Ten Ton Mojo.

August 6 at 7pm - Experience the music of Led Zeppelin with Misty Mountain.

August 12 at 8:00pm - Relive the swagger of Mick Jagger as Streetfighter plays the Rolling Stones catalog.

August 13 at 8:00pm Catch Beyond Fab as they tip their hat to The Beatles.

August 19 at 8;00pm Don’t miss Half Step’s tribute to the Grateful Dead.

August 26 at 7:00pm David Clark will sing the songs of the Piano Man in his “All About Joel” show. Opening act: Otan Vargas.

August 27 at 7:00pm Shoot 2 Thrill channels AC/DC. Opening act: Emerald Rising

Springsteen at East Village Green, Levitown; Jimmy Kenny and the Pirate Beach Band play tribute to Jimmy Buffet, Kenny Chesney and The Zac Brown Band at Forest City Park, Wantagh; Gypsey - performing the hits of Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac at Merrick Road Park, Merrick on Thursday, August 18.. For other concerts playing throughout the Town of Hempstead visit https://hempsteadny.gov/349/Performing-Arts-Concerts

BELLMORE FRIDAY NIGHT CAR SHOW - Every Friday night at the Bellmore Train Station from 6:00 10:00pm weather permitting. Free to walk through. Admission fee for cars $5.

TOWN OF HEAMPSTEAD SUMMER FREE 2022 CONCERT SERIES all shows begin at 8:00pm. Songs in the Attic - music by Billy Joel featuring David Clark performing at Newbridge Road Park, Bellmore on Tuesday July 5; Shining Star - An Earth Wind and Fire Tribute at Merrick Rd. Park, Merrick on Friday, July 8; Brothers & Friends - A Marshall Tucker tribute at Speno Park, East Meadow;You will be “Dancing in the Dark” with Alex Shillo’s Tribute to Bruce

ANTIQUE CAR SHOW at the Wantagh Museum, 1700 Wantagh Avenue, Wantagh, NY on Saturday, July 16, 2022 from 10:00am 4:00pm. Rain date Saturday, July 23. Cars from 1975 and Older! Entrance Fee: $1 Adults 18 and older, children free

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The 25th Anniversary Edition of The Long Island International Film Expo E

xperience Local and Foreign Film Screenings, Celebrity Appearances, Informative Panels, A Star-Studded Awards Ceremony and Q & A’s with Top Filmmakers From Around The World The Long Island International Film Expo (LIIFE) is proud to announce the full schedule of screenings and events for the 25th Anniversary presentation of the festival, happening from July 13th - July 17th at the historic Bellmore Movies, 222 Pettit Ave in Bellmore.

Some highlighted selections for the festival include: For the past 25 years, LIIFE has been the premiere filmmaker community on Long Island, and one of the most respected festivals of its kind in the world; showing almost 125 independent films in many different genres each year from filmmakers around the globe.

Gold Passes (which get you access to all film screenings, virtual film screenings, panels, the Opening Night Party, Filmmakers Round table, and the Closing Night Awards Ceremony and After Party) and individual blocks are up for sale as well.

Want to attend the fest digitally instead? No problem, we have a virtual GOLD pass available for $75, a 10-Film Virtual Pass for $50, and 5-Film Virtual Pass for $30. Individual Virtual Blocks are $7 each. Get tickets now at:http:// longislandfilm.com/tickets/ Hot Water On Long Island - Feature Doc - 90m - dir. Colleen Callan - 'Environmental Awareness' block Thurs July 14 at 4pm - local An environmental Report about three schools on Long Island where the students and staff are experiencing high rates of Cancer and other illness... connected to toxins in the groundwater.

Hudson Falls - Pilot - 22m - Wri/ Dir. Elias Plagianos - Opening night, Weds 6:15 pm - 'Slice Of LIIFE' Block - Local - LI Premiere The secrets of a small upstate town that revolve around an eccentric sci-

entist (William Sadler) begin to unravel when a private eye from the city (Richard Kind) takes on a seemingly mundane job in an effort to rekindle a relationship with his ex wife (Jessica Hecht). Starring William Sadler, Richard Kind, Jessica Hect, Robert John Burke, Tara Westwood Montauk77 - Feature - 94m - Wri/ Dir Michael Scully - Friday 4pm 'Daddy Dearest' Block - Local Long Island Filmmakers Harry, a "down on his luck" middle-aged ride-share driver is reluctantly hired by a 15 year old girl named Liz to transport the remains of her late mother to the beach at Montauk Point, Long Island. Little does Harry know, Liz has an ulterior motive as he is asked to form a criminal pact with his young passenger. This first feature length film from Long Island, NY natives (and father/daughter filmmaking duo) Michael and Michayla Scully is a passion project in the making since December of 2018. Having been sidelined (and nearly dismantled) by the COVID-19 pandemic, MONTAUK77 found new life in the fall of 2020 and the film was finally shot in the early spring of 2021 after a successful crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo. Inspired by such films as Leon: The Professional (1994), The Wrestler (2008) and Thunder Road (2018), MONTAUK77 hopes to win the hearts of those who cherish family above all and believe in second chances.

UFO Club - Feature - 72m - Wri/ Dir. Steven G. Tsapelas - Weds Opening Night Feature - 9pm - Local World Premiere When nerdy high school senior William learns his hero, an eccentric UFO hunter, has been arrested, he searches for a piece of evidence that will prove his innocence. However, it’s fallen into the hands of Alexandra, an intimidatingly confident classmate. A quirky romantic comedy set in 1998. *LIIFE Success Story - this script was the Best Screenplay Winner for 2021, LIIFE Alumni 5 years in a row, filmed

on Long Island and Connecticut, he met the producer at LIIFE! Launch At Paradise - Short - Dir. Carrie Ann Quinn - 'Retro Futurism' Block - Thurs 8:45pm (Sci Fi & Noir films) - Local The lines between life and death become blurred for John as he takes the risk to live forever. Starring Catherine Curtain, Zainab Jah, James Harkness Wishlab Inc. - Short - Starring Chad Coleman - 'Retro Futurism' Block - Thurs 8:45pm (Sci Fi & Noir films) In a chamber play that could be aptly named as sci-fi-tragedy, Roger‘s desperation about the imminent end of his relationship with Jen drives him to a drastic act: he has her cloned in hopes that the baby will save the relationship. Jen does not react as desired.

She leaves him and takes the child with her. 25 years later Roger finds himself as the new lover of Jen’s oblivious clone Hannah, who is in search of answers after her “mother’s” suicide and the the newly acquired knowledge of her creation. Whilst Hannah is occupied with the question if she is a human or just a surrogate, Roger has to decide if he tells Hannah the truth or continues to live a lie with her - both would have severe consequences.

For the 25th anniversary, LIIFE is proud to feature 22 films made by Long Islanders, 12 World Premieres, 4 US Premieres, 39 New York Premieres, 36 Long Island Premieres, and Films from 12 countries! There are also 40 Female Directors, a record for LIIFE. Panels include: -Directors Audition Panel - Tuesday the 12th -Student and Alumni Night at the Opening Party - Weds the 13th -Screenwriting Winner Table Read - Thursday the 14th -SAG Panel - Friday the 15th -DP Expo - Friday the 15th -Better Festing Panel - Saturday the 16th This year’s panels are free, but you must get your tickets in advance at www.longislandfilm.com/tickets

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Continued from page 18 On Sunday July 17th at 4:00pm, please join us for LIIFE Closing Awards Ceremony, as Producer Jeff Waxman (Don't Look Up, John Wick, Narc) will receive the “Excellence in Film & TV” award, Actor Catherine Curtain (Orange is the New Black, Stranger Things) will receive the “Excellence in Creative Achievement” award and long time Channel 4 WNBC-TV Newscaster Greg Cergol,will receive the “Excellence in Newscasting”

award.

Hosted by Kevin Brown (30 Rock) with presenters Abigail Hawk (Blue Bloods), Robert Clohessy (Blue Bloods), Lukas Hassel(The Blacklist), Sal Rendino (Billions), Chad Coleman (The Walking Dead), Tara Westwood (The Grudge) and others, the LIIFE closing ceremony will also feature, in person, many of the fine actors, directors, producers of the incredible films being shown all week. Additional presenters are being confirmed. Celebrities appear schedule permitting.

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Festivals of the past have included such luminaries as the late Danny Aiello and Ed Asner, Robert Clohessy, Abigail Hawk, Ralph Macchio, John Amos, Daniel Baldwin, 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 filmmakers of all levels; 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. Sponsored by the Long Island Film-TV Foundation (LIFTF), the County of Nassau, the Nassau County Industrial Development Agency and Gold Coast Studios.

For More Information on LIIFE or to purchase tickets, please visit: www.

LongIslandFilm.com LIIFE's sister festival, Scared for Your LIIFE, a short horror festival, is open for submissions at https://filmfreeway. com/ScaredforyourLiife

CHAMBER RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONIES

The Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores welcomes new member Blue Island Homes to Bellmore with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Blue Island Homes is located at 2878 Merrick Rd., Bellmore.

The Merrick Chamber of Commerce welcomes new member Club Pilates to the Chamber with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Club Pilates is Located at 1674 Merrick Rd Merrick

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The Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores welcomes new member Abruzzo Beauty Bar to the Chamber with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Aburzzo Beauty Bar is located at 2115 Bedford Avenue, Bellmore.

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