Sewanhaka H.S. musicians jam out this summer
Sewanhaka High School jazz band trumpeter Joseph Vandezande and drummer
Thomas Small performed at the school’s Music Under the Stars night last weekend. Story, additional photos, Page 3.
Nonprofit fashion show empowers youth
By REI WolFSoHN Correspondent
Girls and boys from all across Long Island and Brooklyn gathered to express their inner confidence and support the community at the fourth annual Meera Empowerment Fashion Show on July 27, Meera Empowerment is an Elmont-based organization that gives back to the community through its ambassadors’ program. It hosts an annual fashion show where girls display evening wear, cultural wear and casual wear. This year’s event was held at VFW Post 2718 in Franklin Square.
their hopes, dreams, and inspirations. Many girls want to be scientists, doctors, lawyers, and pillars of their community. One little girl was interested in bugs.
Meera Empowerment is a nonprofit organization that hosts charity events and fundraisers for local organizations with help from its ambassadors, young women and men who want to give back to their community.
I love that this organization brings the community together
leSHAWN WAlkER
Fashion show emcee
“I like that I can express myself in my clothes, and when I can wear something from my culture,” said Kalleen Gayle, who wore a traditional dress in African print during the cultural wear segment of the fashion show.
While each model walked up and down the runway, emcee LeShawn Walker described
“Meera helps me because it really gives me a lot of confidence through all the events that we do,” said Anniah Marajdeen, who modeled during both the evening wear and cultural wear segments of the fashion show.
Some of those charities are Ronald McDonald House, Building Homes for Heroes, and Island Harvest. Selene Ferdinand, founder of Meera Empowerment and last year’s National Miss Queen for her age group, wants to see the organization feed the homeless
Continued on page 9
Tim Baker/Herald photos
Island Harvest keeps children, teens fed
Island Harvest Food Bank’s Summer Food Service Program is stepping in to provide a crucial lifeline during the summer months.
Administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service, the program will deliver breakfasts, lunches, and snacks from Monday through Saturday. These meals will be distributed to programs operated by municipal agencies, summer and day camps, community centers, libraries, churches, and community-based organizations across Long Island.
Running from June 24, through Aug. 30, the service program is expected to serve over 60,000 meals to approximately 1,440 children and teenagers at 22 sites across Long Island this summer.
“For parents struggling to make ends meet, summer can be stressful, especially with the high cost of groceries and other essential items, and these months should not be a time for children to worry about when their next meal will be,” Randi Shubin Dresner, the president and chief executive of Island Harvest said. “The SFSP allows us to partner with community programs to help address the public health crisis of food insecurity, especially among the most vulnerable among us — children.”
The program is committed to providing meals and snacks, at no charge, to children 18 years old and younger without any form of discrimination. Its acceptance and participation requirements are the same for all, regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability. There is no discrimination in the course of the meal service. It is a federally funded, state-administered program that reimburses program operators for providing free healthy meals to children in Nassau and Suffolk counties.
For more information on the Summer Food Service Program, contact Jenny Schaeffer, chief programs and
network officer at Island Harvest Food Bank, via phone at (631) 873-4775 or email jenny@islandharvest.org. To find local food sources in your area, text your ZIP code to 631-450-3775.
Island Harvest Food Bank is a leading human services organization whose mission is to end hunger and reduce food waste on Long Island. The organization achieves this through innovative programs and services aimed at enhanced hunger awareness, short-term case management, nutrition education, outreach and advocacy initiatives, its Healthy Harvest Farm, a Work-
force Skills Development Institute, and efficient food collection and distribution. Island Harvest Food Bank directly supports children, families, seniors, and veterans who turn to them in times of crisis and supports a network of community-based nonprofit organizations. Island Harvest Food Bank is a member of Feeding America, a nationwide network of food banks leading the effort to solve hunger in the U.S. For more information, visit IslanddHarvest.org.
–Jordan Vallone
Courtesy Metro
Island Harvest Food Bank, a leading human services organization whose mission is to end hunger on Long Island, will be distributing lunches to children and teenagers this summer.
HERALD SCHOOLS
Sewanhaka H.S. enjoys music under the stars
Members of the Sewanhaka High School community enjoyed a night of music at the school on July 23.
Students in the school’s chorus, orchestra and band played songs for family and friends at Sewanhaka High School Tuesday evening.
Christian McLeer, director of the chorus, performed ‘Two of us’ by The Beatles with the Sewanhaka High School chorus.
The school will host its third night of Music Under the Stars July 30 at 6 p.m.
If weather permits, the performances will take place outside on the lawn next to the Sewanhaka Central High School District office. Neighbors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to lounge on while they listen to the music.
–Nicole Wagner
Tim Baker/Herald photos
The Sewanhaka High School jazz band plays music for friends and family in the community on July 23.
Sewanhaka High School student Dhruvi Dani plays the drums for the jazz band during the school’s night of Music Under the Stars.
Christian McLeer, director of the chorus, performs ‘Two of us’ by The Beatles with the Sewanhaka High School chorus.
Friends and family in the Sewanhaka High School community show their support for the school’s jazz band, orchestra and chorus during a night of music under the stars.
Mireya Small plays the baritone saxophone during the Sewanhaka High School band performance last week.
CRIME bRIEfS
Men arrested for selling minors tobacco
Two men were arrested for allegedly selling tobacco products to minors as part of the Nassau County Police Department Community Oriented Police Enforcement Project 21 initiative on July 25 at 6 p.m..
Nebil Asmed, 25, of Biltmore Avenue, Elmont, allegedly sold tobacco products to a minor at Twelve Twelve Smoke Shop on Woodfield Road in West Hempstead. He was charged with alleged unlawfully dealing with a child, sale of flavored products prohibited and the sale of tobacco products.
Mohanad alteshee
Mohanad Alteshee, 21, of Macaky
Place, Brooklyn, allegedly sold tobacco products to a minor at LI Smokers Depot on Franklin Avenue in Franklin Square. He was charged with alleged unlawfully dealing with a child, criminal possession of controlled substance, sale of flavored products prohibited and the sale of tobacco products.
Asned is due back in Hempstead District Court Aug. 8. Alteshee was arraigned in Hempstead District Court July 26.
–Nicole Wagner
W.H. man charged with alleged assault
A West Hempstead man allegedly injured five Nassau police officers after he became “violent and combative.”
After a “verbal argument” between a man and woman, 26, at 78 Hempstead Turnpike in West Hempstead July 25, the man left the scene on a bicycle.
Police found him nearby and when they tried to arrest, Luis Taborda Corrales, 27, he struggled with them, and
all of the officers were injured and taken to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment, according to NCPD.
Corrales was charged with three counts of assault, four counts of harassment and resisting arrest.
He pleaded not guilty, the judge granted a temporary order of protection, and Corrales is out on bail.
His next court date is July 30.
–Jeffrey Bessen
Alleged burglars indicted for spree
Three men accused of committing multiple robberies, including stealing high-end vehicles, from across Nassau County were arraigned on July 24.
Fazon Farrington, 19, Jawaun Whitted, 22, and Raquil Hayes, 21, all of Newark, New Jersey, are alleged to be members of a New York and New Jersey burglary crew, were arraigned before Judge Terrance Murphy on counts of burglary, grand larceny, criminal possession of a weapon and criminal possession of a rapid-fire modification device.
“Over three weeks during the holiday season these defendants allegedly went on a burglary spree, targeting more than a dozen homes in Nassau County communities and making off with cash and cars,” Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly said in a news release. “The defendants are allegedly part of a burglary crew that breaks into homes hunting for key fobs to steal luxury vehicles that can then be stripped of their GPS devices and resold overseas.”
On Jan. 4, at 3:48 a.m., Whitted allegedly entered an Ocean Avenue home in Lawrence through a rear sliding door, stealing car keys and a white BMW X7 SUV, valued at $50,000, along with other items and a Range Rover SUV from the driveway.
Four days later at 2:50 a.m., Whitted
and Farrington allegedly entered a Park Lane home in Woodmere, stealing a key fob for a BMW 760 and the vehicle valued at $130,000.
Last July, Whitted and a co-defendant allegedly entered a Pepperidge Road home in Hewlett Harbor through an unlocked rear sliding door, stealing $500 cash, key fob and other items, before being confronted by the homeowner. Whitted, allegedly ran out of the home, taking the homeowner’s white 2023 Audi RS6, worth $170,000 and a red Jeep Cherokee.
The men allegedly entered and stole from homes in Franklin Square, North New Hyde Park, Syosset and Lake Success where Lake Success Police apprehended them. Lake Success Police and the Nassau County Police Department’s Burglary Pattern Squad arrested Whitted and Hayes on January 13.
The Nassau police department’s Burglary Pattern Squad arrested Farrington March 14.
Farrington’s bail is $1 million bond. He is due back to court July 26. Hayes’ bail is $100,000 bond and is due back in court on July 24. Whitted’s bail was set at $250,000 case, $500,000 bond and $2.5 partially secured bond. He is due back in court on Sept. 12
–Parker Schug
The Elder Law Power of Attorney
A power of attorney allows someone you choose as “agent” to handle your legal and financial affairs, most often if you become disabled. However, not all powers of attorney are created equal. The standard form, used by many attorneys, is what we term “over the counter medicine”. Instead, we choose to use what we call the “prescription strength” elder law power of attorney.
It works just like medicine. What happens when you only have over the counter medicine but you need prescription strength? You know what happens – it doesn’t work, it’s not strong enough.
For example, the standard form allows the agent to make gifts up to $5,000 dollars per year. The elder law power of attorney has no such limitation, allowing the agent to gift any amount. Let’s say a client is going into a nursing home or needs care at home. We often save the family hundreds of thousands of dollars using the elder law power of attorney to gift out to the children those amounts that will help qualify the client for Medicaid benefits. Generally, even on
the nursing home doorstep, we can save about half of a parent’s assets by gifting. Now, if the client only has the standard power of attorney, they can only gift five thousand dollars a year. When it comes to Medicaid, it’s move it or lose it! Almost all of the client’s money will have to be used for their care.
Let’s say the client has $500,000 in assets and needs nursing facility care. We use the elder law power of attorney to gift $250,000 to the children (tax-free). So long as we use the remaining $250,000 to pay for our client’s care, the family gets to keep the $250,000 gift.
Other valuable powers added to the elder law power of attorney are (1) powers to create or modify trusts (2) powers to change beneficiaries on IRA’s, annuities and insurance policies, and (3) powers to refuse any inheritances left to the disabled person.
For clients age sixty and older, choosing an elder law attorney often makes the difference between keeping your home and life savings or losing everything to pay for long-term care.
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.
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 Meadow’s Rich Ohrnberger won the Thorp Award as Nassau’s best football player and went on to play in the NFL for three teams.
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.
NUMC opens new mental health care suite
Renovations to create state-of-the-art clinic in hospital’s main building made possible by donations
By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
The Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow has opened a newly remodeled mental health clinic — a stateof-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.
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.”
Incredibly Great Rates & Personalized Service!
Jordan Vallone/Herald photos
Dr. Constantine Ioannou, chair of psychiatry at the Nassau University Medical Center, cut the ribbon at the newly remodeled mental health clinic on July 23.
Meg Ryan, interim chief executive and president of the Nassau Health Care Corporation, said that NUMC decided to move its mental health services to the main building to provide a better experience for patients and staff.
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.
Fashion show highlights girls’ heritage
and those in need.
“I would like to expand a little more,” Ferdinand said. “To get more people involved and make it bigger. Next year is our fifth year doing the fashion show, so I hope to make it a lot bigger.”
Ferdinand started the fashion show in 2021, after she had been involved in pageants since she was four years old. She says it has given her confidence.
“I started the fashion show, and especially Meera Empowerment, because through pageantry I’ve learned the value of community service and to inspire our community and to get the youth out of their comfort zones,” Ferdinand said.
This year, Ferdinand’s sister queen Mariah Gomez from the National American Miss pageant was a model for the fashion show. The sisters have been doing community service together throughout the year.
“What I really appreciate about pageantry, National American Miss, is that now it’s a lot more about the girl on the inside, and inner confidence that displays outside, rather than just how pretty you are or what size you wear,” Gomez said.
A key component of this year’s fashion show was the cultural wear segment. Six young women walked the runway in five traditional African prints and one sari to express their heritage. Zikora Agu wore a traditional Nigerian print; Gayle, Christina Alden and Marajdeen wore traditional African prints; Kelli-Rose Simpson wore a traditional Kente cloth; and Ferdinand wore a green sari.
“I love that this organization brings the community together, that they spotlight the youth, the teens, in the community,” Walker said. “And that they’re able to showcase their confidence, showcase their self-esteem, and have a little fun in the process.”
Walker is the leader of You’re Our Unity, a socially conscious community outreach network. Often collaborating with Meera Empowerment for the youth segment, Y.O.U. puts on a television show on channel 20 on Sundays at 4 p.m. where Walker interviews change-makers and peacemakers from the community.
Kelli-rose Simpson wears an african Kente cloth during the cultural wear segment as she walks the runway at the fourth annual meera empowerment fashion Show.
Rei Wolfsohn/Herald photos Selene ferdinand models a traditional indian sari for the cultural wear segment of the fourth annual
Some members of the Nassau County Firefighters Pipes and Drums make a toast for a successful fundraiser
Tunnel to Towers hosts summer salute concert
Community members enjoyed their weekend at the Plattduetsche Park Restaurant and Beirgarten on July 28.
Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to honor first responders, veterans and their families, hosted a Summer Salute event at the Plattduetsche last weekend to show their support for local heroes.
Neighbors enjoyed live perfor-
mances by Nassau County Firefighters Pipes and Drums, Old School, and The Katie Mitchell Band. The event was hosted by Larry “The Duck” Dunn of 92.7 WLIR/DARE FM.
To learn more about Tunnel to Towers Foundation, visit t2t.org.
To learn more about upcoming events at the Plattduetsche, visit ParkRestaurant.com.
–Nicole Wagner
Keith Rossein/Herald photos
at Plattduetsche Park, Restaurant and Biergarten on July 28.
The Katie Mitchell Band, featuring Paul Resnik on keyboard, John Einstman on guitar, Katie Mitchell, Tom Clancy on drums, Jenny Rubin as singer, Ben Brenner on Bass guitar, and John Botten on guitar, jammed out at the Plattduetsche last weekend.
Francis Cahill and Jaclyn Cahill of Sayville, 18-month-old Casey Cahill 18 months, 12-month-old Eily Behan, Deidre Behan and Brendan Behan of Mineola enjoy the Tunnel to Towers fundraiser at the Plattduetsche.
Bill Lucano, of Garden City, receives information from Marlene Mendoza about the nonprofit organization Tunnels to Towers.
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
THE Your Neighborhood
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. Aug. 9
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 sharp-witted 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.
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.
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 express themselves as they create characters, explore different worlds, stretch their imaginations and build selfconfidence. This week’s theme: Unicorns and Dragons! Costumes encouraged. $5 with museum admission. Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.
In concert
The Paul Effman Band performs at Elmont Memorial Library, Friday, Aug. 2, 12:30 p.m. Enjoy tunes from the fabulous 40s to the Fab 4, and more. Instrumental and vocal music is performed in an elegant jazz style. Free. No registration required. First-come first-seated. 700 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont. For more information, visit ElmontLibrary.org or contact (516) 354-5280.
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.
Bingo Night
Who wants to wear their best Hawaiian shirt/Hula Girl outfit, play bingo, win cash and prizes?
Rescuing Families hosts its second annual Luau Bingo Party, at VFW Post 2718, in Franklin Square, Friday, Aug. 9. Play five games of Bingo with great monetary prizes! ($100, $150, $200, $250 and the $500 jackpot game). With buffet, dessert and drinks, plus raffle baskets. Attendees are encouraged to dress up. Prizes awarded for the best Hawaiian shirt and hula girl outfit. $35 ticket for entry. Event is 18 and older only. 68 Lincoln Road. For more information, contact (516) 697-9403.
Movie time
Cool off with a movie on Elmont Public Library’s big screen, Friday, Aug. 2, 2:30 p.m. See the 2021 sci-fi blockbuster “Dune,” starring Timothee Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, Jason Mamoa, Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgard, and Javier Bardem. Difficult, often life-threatening choices and decisions must be made in the distant future when a duke takes control of a desert planet that contains the most powerful, valuable material in the universe.
With only his concubine, his heir, and a few trusted advisors to support him, the duke must navigate the treacherous traps set by his enemies, the dangerous native sandworms, and the mysterious, reclusive people who populate the arid planet. No registration required. First-come first-seated. 700 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont. For more information, visit ElmontLibrary.org or contact (516) 354-5280.
Having an event?
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.
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.
Attend Hofstra’s Virtual
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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
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
Feral cat tests positive for rabies in Nassau County
The Nassau County Department of Health announced that a feral cat was found in Cedarhurst by the Town of Hempstead and has tested positive for rabies. Analysis was performed by the New York State Department of Health’s laboratory. This marks the first reported case of rabies in Nassau County since 2016, when a raccoon was identified with the disease.
“We urge all residents to avoid contact with feral and wild animals and to ensure their pets are up to date with their rabies vaccinations,” Nassau Health Commissioner Irina Gelman said in a news release. “The detection of rabies in our county after several years of no reported cases is a stark reminder of the ongoing risk, and it’s crucial that we take proactive measures to protect our community.”
Irets, horses, and livestock. Vaccination protects pets if they are exposed to rabid animals. Pets too young to be vaccinated should be kept indoors and allowed outside only under direct observation.
■ Keep family pets indoors at night. Don’t leave them outside unattended or let them roam free.
■ Do not feed unknown animals and discourage them from seeking food near your home.
t’s crucial that we take proactive measures to protect our community.
In an effort to protect pets and prevent the spread of rabies, Nassau County Department of Health has partnered with the Town of Hempstead to offer free rabies vaccinations for dogs, cats and ferrets. Open to all Nassau County residents, the vaccination clinic will be held on Saturday, Aug. 24, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter located at 3320 Beltagh Avenue in Wantagh.
IrIna Gelman Nassau Health Commissioner
“The Town of Hempstead is proud to partner with Nassau County for this rabies clinic, which will help not only safeguard our pets but also shield our communities from a deadly and preventable disease,” Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin said in a news release.
Dogs must be on a leash at all times and cats and ferrets must be in enclosed carriers. It is recommended for dogs, cats, and ferrets older than four months to receive their first two shots one year apart and additional booster shots every three years thereafter.
Rabies is a viral disease that is spread to humans and pets primarily through bites, scratches, or salivary contact from an infected animal.
To protect from exposure to possible rabies:
■ Don’t feed or touch wild animals, stray cats, or dogs.
■ Ensure pets are up to date on rabies vaccinations, including dogs, cats, fer-
■ Advise family members against approaching any unknown animal – wild or domestic – especially those acting unusually.
■ If a wild animal is on nearby, let it wander away and bring children and pets indoors. Contact a nuisance wildlife control expert who will remove the animal from the property for a fee.
■ Do not touch dying or dead animals. If they must be moved, use a shovel, wear heavy rubber gloves and double bag the carcass.
New York State law requires all dogs, cats and domesticated ferrets to be vaccinated against rabies. If an unvaccinated pet or one that’s overdue for its vaccination comes in contact with a rabid or suspected rabid animal, the pet must either be euthanized or strictly quarantined for up to six months. However, if a vaccinated animal comes into contact with a wild animal, it needs only a booster vaccination which must be administered within five days of exposure. To protect families and pets, it is essential that animals have up-to-date rabies vaccination.
Individuals bitten or scratched by any animal should immediately contact their physicians or seek medical help at a hospital emergency room and then call the Nassau County Department of Health at 516-227-9663.
Additionally, residents are asked to report any dead, sick or abnormal acting animals by emaiing rabies@nassaucountyny.gov for possible collection and rabies testing.
For additional information on rabies visit the Nassau County Department of Health website.
–Nicole Wagner
Public Notices
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU KONDAUR CAPITAL CORPORATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY IN ITS CAPACITY AS SEPARATE TRUSTEE OF MATAWIN VENTURES TRUST SERIES 2019-4, -againstHENRY LAURENT, ET AL.
NOTICE OF SALE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on June 27, 2023, wherein KONDAUR CAPITAL CORPORATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY IN ITS CAPACITY AS SEPARATE TRUSTEE OF MATAWIN VENTURES TRUST SERIES 2019-4 is the Plaintiff and HENRY LAURENT, 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 15, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 142 DUTCH BROADWAY, ELMONT, NY 11003; and the following tax map identification: 32-671-62. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT ELMONT 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.: 615025/2019. Louis B. Imbroto, 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. 148019
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR VERUS SECURITIZATION TRUST 2019-INV2, Plaintiff, vs. ZEESHANA KHAN, ET AL., Defendant (s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on April 14, 2023, 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 on August 15, 2024, at 2:30 PM, premises known as 1314 GLOBE AVENUE, ELMONT, NY 11003. 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, Section: 32, Block: 571, Lot: 30, 31, 32 & 33. Approximate amount of judgment is $613,580.26 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 612216/2020. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Mortgagee’s attorney, or the Referee. LOUIS IMBROTO, Esq., Referee Roach & Lin, P.C., 6851 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 185, Syosset, New York 11791, Attorneys for Plaintiff 148015 LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK TRUST, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR LSF10 MASTER PARTICIPATION TRUST, Plaintiff AGAINST DAPHNE SPENCE, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered May 28, 2024, 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 20, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 1601-14
Johnson Avenue, Elmont, NY 11003. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, Section 32, Block 470, Lot 0026. Approximate amount of judgment $588,480.02 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #615809/2018. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the foreclosure auction. Michael J. Langer, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 18-002213 81427 147979
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, as Trustee for the benefit of the Freddie Mac Seasoned Loans Structured Transaction Trust, Series 2021-2, Plaintiff AGAINST Nauman Siddiqui; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered July 5, 2024 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on September 4, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 804 Forte Boulevard, Franklin Square, NY 11010. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Franklin Square, County of Nassau, State of NY, Section 35 Block 545 Lot 5. Approximate amount of judgment $601,436.79 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index#
600762/2023. The auction will be conducted pursuant to the COVID-19 Policies Concerning Public Auctions of Foreclosed Property established by the 10th Judicial District. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.” Lee Schwartz, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792
Dated: July 22, 2024
148207
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU Citibank N.A., Plaintiff AGAINST Kathleen Brancaleone, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered June 27, 2023, 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 on August 29, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 497 Tulip Avenue, Floral Park, NY 11001. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Village of Floral Park, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 32, Block: 273, Lot: 26. Approximate amount of judgment $542,666.53 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #609197/2019. 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. Scott H. Siller, Esq., Referee Frenkel Lambert Weiss Weisman & Gordon, LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-091795-F00
A Waterfront Dream
$748,000 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
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!
© 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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Monte Leeper
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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.
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.
Y es, he talked too much, but he also gave unexpected shout-outs.
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.
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.
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
WHERALD
ith 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
Our water utilities should put ratepayers first
Families across Long Island are feeling the strain of inflation and rising bills for energy, water and other essential utilities. Unfortunately for many South Shore homeowners and businesses, the burden of rising utility costs has been particularly severe — especially for those whose water service is provided by a private company. As these companies impose steep rate increases, it becomes even more critical for utility providers to prioritize the needs of ratepayers.
In these challenging times, ensuring that all residents receive reliable service at a fair cost is paramount. Water, a vital public resource, should not be used as a tool for profit. Instead, it must be managed with the sole purpose of serving our communities’ best interests. Most Long Islanders receive their water from a public utility. Suffolk County is almost exclusively covered by public water. In Nassau County, however, we have a patchwork system mixing private and public water, depending on where you live. This creates a convoluted system in which neighbors find themselves in different water districts,
paying vastly different amounts for water.
Some residents pay up to four times as much for private water than those who have public water. This discrepancy raises the question of whether private water utilities charging much higher rates are fit for purpose if their service is only on par with — or worse than — public water providers.
tThe problem of rising water bills has become even more pressing due to recent exorbitant post-pandemic increases, proposed rate hikes, and the added costs of removing dangerous per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — PFAS, or so-called “forever chemicals” — from our water. But the cost increases implemented by private water companies have far exceeded the rate of inflation, and often don’t correspond to the rate increases or quality of service provided by public water utilities.
and funding for infrastructure improvements, which helps keep costs down for consumers.
he discussion of taking private water companies public continues.
In contrast, private water systems are operated by private companies focused on making a profit. While they may offer competitive services, their pricing is often influenced by business goals and shareholder interests, which can lead to higher costs for consumers. Private companies typically do not have access to government funds, and often pass the costs of repairs and infrastructure improvements directly on to ratepayers. As a result, private systems can be more expensive and less transparent, operating primarily based on market forces and business strategies rather than community needs.
which regulates utilities and approves or rejects any proposed rate increases.
I strongly encourage anyone who is currently a Liberty Water customer to get involved in this process. While learning the intricacies of utility regulation and keeping track of these proceedings may not be the most exciting endeavor, it is vitally important for every household that has to pay these water bills. Input from ratepayers is invaluable for the key decision-makers moving this process forward.
Public and private water systems differ mainly in ownership and operation. Public systems are managed by government entities such as towns or regional authorities, with the goal of providing reliable and affordable service to everyone. Their rates and operations are overseen by public regulators to ensure fairness and transparency. These systems can also access government grants
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.
In 2021, the State Legislature established the South Nassau Water Authority to improve water service for Town of Hempstead residents now served by Liberty Water, the major private water utility in our area. The SNWA is now considering municipalizing water service, which would involve acquiring Liberty’s assets and transitioning the service to a public water authority. To facilitate this process, the SNWA has held several public meetings to engage with the community and to adhere to the guidelines set by the state Public Service Commission,
Framework by Tim Baker
The SNWA’s meetings are open to the public, and notices are posted on its website. I will continue to advocate for fair and reliable utilities for my constituents through this process, and ask that you add your voice as next steps are considered. I also encourage you to stay updated on proceedings brought before the Public Service Commission. Its meetings are also open to the public, and it accepts public comments on the cases before it.
Regardless of your views on public or private water utilities and the course of action that should be followed, we can all participate in these proceedings to bring accountability to our utility providers, and urge them to prioritize the best interests of ratepayers over shareholders.
Michaelle Solages represents the 22nd Assembly District, and chairs the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislative Caucus.
BRIAN KELLy Rockville Centre
michaeLLe soLages
