Lynbrook/East Rockaway Herald 08-01-2024

Lynbrook/east rockaway

amy Cannon will run in november’s new York City Marathon to promote the nonprofit organization Shatterproof, which is dedicated to reversing the addiction crisis in the united States.

Runner wants to help addicts get to the recovery finish line

By BEN FIEBERT bfiebert@liherald.com

Just like training for a marathon, the journey to recovery for drug addicts is long, tedious, and requires a lot of work.

Lynbrook resident Amy Cannon is one of the thousands of people training for the Nov. 3 New York City Marathon. After reading “Can’t Hurt Me,” by David Goggins, Cannon was inspired to push herself past her personal limits to start training for the marathon. Working with the charity Shatterproof, she will be running in honor of her brother, Nick, who died of an accidental heroin overdose four years ago.

This won’t be Cannon’s first race. She ran the marathon in 2020, but due to the pandemic, she ran in her neighborhood instead of

the five-borough course. Then, earlier this year, her 16-year-old son gave her the book by Goggins, which sparked this latest inspiration to run the 2024 marathon.

“(Goggins) is all about overcoming obstacles and not using your fear to get in the way of living a better life,” Cannon said. “Then, I don’t know why, but I woke up one morning and it was almost like a voice told me you should run the New York City Marathon.”

Cannon said a sudden, strong urge to run 26.2 miles overtook her. She focused this feeling into running for a cause. After researching different charities to partner with, she eventually landed on Shatterproof.

The process behind partnering with a charity isn’t easy, Cannon explained. She said that you can’t just go to a marathon and

NUMC opens new clinic for mental health

By JORDAN VAllONE jvallone@liherald.com

The Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow has opened a newly remodeled mental health clinic — a state-ofthe-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.

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.”

I think it will help us provide a better and less stigmatizing source of care for our patients.

DR. CONSTANTINE IOANNOU

Chair of psychiatry, Nassau University Medical Center

The mental health clinic has played an important role in the county’s health care services

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

Continued on page 9

Courtesy Amy Cannon

NCPD Marine Bureau rescues wild bird

The Public Information Office reports the rescue of a protected class of bird that occurred on July 11 at 9:00 a.m. in East Rockaway.

Officers from the Nassau County Police Department Marine Bureau found an injured Osprey in near Harbor Road. Officers safely removed the bird from the roadway, brought it inside of a building for shelter, safety, and comfort, then contacted the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The Osprey was safely transported by a New York State wildlife rehabilitator to a rehabilitation facility where it will be treated for its injuries and then released back into the wild.

— Ben Fiebert

Courtesy Nassau County Police Department

An inured Osprey was spotted by county police officers on July 11 in East Rockaway.

The officers found the bird by Harbor Road. A New York State wildlife rehabilitator safely transported the osprey to a rehabilitation facility.

Emily Bergin makes waves for cancer research

By JUSTIN MCKENZIE Intern

After 15 years, the annual Swim Across America fundraiser is still going strong in the Lynbrook community.

Swim Across America is a fundraiser for cancer research where participants are challenged to raise $100 and swim one mile at the Lynbrook village pool. Last year, the fundraiser raised $8,556 and over the last 14 years, it has raised over $200k. This year’s event kicked off on July 26 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., as neighbors enjoyed a nice night at the pool.

“I’m most looking forward to seeing everyone get out and contribute to the cause,” Emily Bergin, the coordinator of Lynbrook Swim Across America, said.

“We started doing it as a nighttime event a couple years ago and that has definitely been a positive change,” Bergin continued. “I remember when we began 15 years ago in 2009. I participated as a 6 year old.”

Bergin has coordinated this event for the past four years. She said that her mom, along with her friend Kelly Stapleton, went to Nassau County’s Swim Across America and wanted to bring it to Lynbrook. After years of Bergin’s brother and Stapleton’s daughter being the lead coordinator, Bergin eventually inherited that role.

This annual event serves as an opportunity to bring the Lynbrook community together. Lynbrook Village Mayor Alan Beach and trustees attend the event alongside village residents. At every event, speakers are welcomed to share their stories in the fight against cancer.

“I look forward to getting to see everyone get out and contribute to the cause,” Bergin said prior to the event. “It’s healing for those affected by cancer to share their stories. A lot of families come together.”

Opening up the pool on a hot summer night and challenging participants to swim as many laps as possible adds a splash of family fun to the night. By volunteering in Lynbrook Swims Across America, Lynbrook residents raise money and awareness in the community. Different methods of fundraising, including Facebook fundraising, are used to raise money.

“Facebook fundraising has really taken off,” Bergin said. “Everyone links their Swim Across America account to the platform, which is great because it opens up a whole world of donations far and wide to help this cause.”

Volunteers who raise over $1,000 get the title of “Wavemakers.” Bergin noted that there are usually a couple of Wavemakers each year and they get a special swag gift from Swim Across America, as well as recognition at the event. Bergin herself was a Wavemaker at last year’s event.

Jason Diaz, captain of the Lynbrook village Swim Across America team, has been a Wavemaker each year he’s participated in the event. Bergin said she appreciates him for recruiting his team-

mates to join in on the event. Diaz also sings the national anthem during the opening ceremony.

“He has an amazing voice and sings our national anthem during the opening ceremony,” Bergin said.” Some volunteers find other ways to contribute to the event as well. Pauline Brennan who, a Lynbrook resident who is in a wheelchair, has done 38 miles of wheelchairing already to participate in the event.”

Bergin noted that she is grateful for the staff at the pool who always help out at the event. She said that the mayor, trustees, and recreation department help Swim Across America raise a lot of money towards finding a cure for cancer.

Alice Moreno/Herald Photos From left, Emily Bergin, Julie Bergin, Kelly Stapleton, Catherine Foley, Tina Horgan, and Arlene Salazar at the 15th annual Swim Across America fundraiser in Lynbrook last Friday.

Gianna Godoy, 10, rocks her ‘Swim Across America’ temporary tattoo.

Lynbrook Village’s Trustee AnnMarie Reardon, left, standing alongiside Mayor Alan Beach, who gave a passionate speech to the volunteers at the Swim Across America event.

From left, Kelly Stapleton, Julie Bergin, AnnMarie Reardon, Mayor Alan Beach, Emily Bergin, Rob Boccio, Mike Hawxhurst, Nikki Diaz, and Jason Diaz posing with a plaque commemorating this year’s Swim Across America event.

News briefs

Senator honors Steve Grogan on induction into Veterans Hall of Fame

Last Monday night, during the Lynbrook Village Board Meeting, Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick honored Stephen Grogan as her 2024 nominee for the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame.

“I had the distinct honor of recognizing Mr. Stephen Grogan as my nominee for the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame,” Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick said.

“Stephen Grogan, born on Veterans Day, November 11, served as an Intelligence Special Agent in the Army and as Public Information Officer for American Legion Post 335. He continues to serve as an active member of the Lynbrook Fire Department and Vice Chairman of Nassau County Firefighters Operation Wounded Warrior.

“As a dedicated family man who has contributed greatly to our country, Stephen is more than deserving of this honor and continues to make the 9th Senate District proud.”

House fire extinguished last Sunday

Lynbrook firefighters, under the command of Chief Scott Bien, responded to a reported fire at a house on Hodson Street last Sunday afternoon at about 2:15 p.m.

Reportedly, the homeowner smelled smoke and went outside. They found the outside backyard corner of his house was ablaze and quickly extin -

guished the fire using their pool water. Firefighters pulled the melted siding from around the fire area and wet down the interior wall.

“The family was lucky they were home, otherwise it could have been a major fire,” Bien said.

— Contributed by Steve Grogan

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.

— Ben Fiebert

New York State Senator Patricia CanzoneriFitzpatrick has named Lynbrook’s Steve Grogan to the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame. The honor and presentation of a plaque was made to Grogan at the Lynbrook Village Board meeting on July 22.

Courtesy Steve Grogan

Lynbrook firefighters helped douse a house fire on Hodson Street.

Cannon wants talk about addiction to be normalized

choose to run for any charity. She said you need to contact them, set up an interview, and if they like your story, then they will select you to wear their charity’s bib.

Cannon said that after she told them about her brother, she was accepted onto their team. She was asked to raise a minimum of $5,000 and she currently raises over $4,100. By partnering with Shatterproof, Cannon hopes to raise awareness of how common addiction is and how it can affect anybody in any walk of life.

“It really affects a lot of people, and a lot of people are afraid to talk about it,” Cannon said.

“And I think by me putting myself out there, it’s been a way to get people talking.”

Cannon said that Nick was a hard worker, had a huge heart, and was most proud of being an uncle to her kids. She explained that he got involved with a group of people who proved to be a bad influences on him. This is particularly why Cannon believes it is so important to get the conversations on addiction started and, more specifically, talk about peer pressure.

“When you have an addictive gene, you don’t even know it sometimes until it’s too late,” she said.

Nick tried several times to get sober, Cannon noted, but for him, being inebriated made him feel in control. Cannon explained that heroin is a death sentence. Nick, just shy of his 40th birthday, died due to fentanyl being mixed with the heroin that he ingested.

“And when I heard that, I had to Google it because I didn’t even know what it was,” Cannon said. “And then when I found out what it is and how even the tiniest little dose of it can stop your heart, it’s really scary.”

This sparked multiple conversations between Cannon and her children. She started normalizing conversations about drug addiction, informing them what fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, and other drugs are, as well as the dangers.

“When they have the information, they are armed with it and can make better decisions,” Cannon said. “If it’s something that’s never talked about, it’s never going to be talked about it until it’s too late.”

Cannon is hoping by running in the marathon for her brother, it will ignite conversations in families about heroin addiction and overdoses. By opening the door to starting these conversations, Cannon hopes that she can save one life,

which is what she believes her brother would have wanted her to do.

Currently, Cannon believes that there are not enough services for people suffering with addiction. She noted that rehab is expensive, preventing people from checking themselves in and getting the help they need.

“The amount of work that you have to do on your own and the depth of how bad you would want to get clean would have to be so large that I feel like you have to check yourself in somewhere and you have to learn a whole new way of life,” Cannon said.

According to Cannon, once people check themselves out of rehab, there is not enough assistance from the federal, state, or local governments to get them back on their feet. Cannon explained that’s why nonprofit organizations like Shatterproof are so important.

“We have all the little people doing things like this, like having runners run a marathon and try to win at least $5,000 a piece because for someone to go to rehab, that costs a lot of money,” Cannon said. “So, our country could do 1,000 percent better.”

By running in this marathon, Cannon said she wants to send the message that you people can do anything they put their mind to.

“And one of the quotes in that great book I read, he said ‘you’re either getting better or you’re getting worse. You’re never staying the same’,” Cannon said. “And this is the way for me to be better and not just be better physically, but to be better in ways that I’m raising awareness and getting people to talk about something that nobody wants to talk about.”

To help Cannon in raising money for Shatterproof, you can donate at TinyURL.com/4nk7b9rx.

Courtesy Amy Cannon amy Cannon’s brother, nick, died of an accidental heroin overdose four years ago.

HERALD SPORTS

Nassau HOF class of 2024 announced

By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com

The Nassau County High School Athletics Hall of Fame will hold its 2024 induction ceremony Sept. 25 at the Crest Hollow County Club. For more information and tickets, go to www.sectionviii. org. Here’s a list of local honorees.

Tom Catapano

He’s been nothing short of a wizard since becoming Baldwin’s girls’ basketball coach in 2010. He’s guided it to 12 Nassau Class Conference AA championships, 10 Nassau Class AA titles, 5 Long Island Class AA crowns, a pair of New York state public school championships, and a State Federation title.

Canute Curtis

One of the greatest in a long line of great football players from Farmingdale, Curtis was a standout two-way star at running back and linebacker while leading head coach Don Snyder’s Dalers to an undefeated 10-0 record and the Rutgers Cup in 1991. His dominating performances as a senior were good enough to earn Curtis All-Nassau, All-Long Island and All-State honors.

Crystal Dunn

A genuine soccer phenom at South Side. So talented at a young age that she missed her junior season because she was playing for the United States Under17 team in New Zealand. The Cyclones won three state championships (2006, 2007 and 2009) with Dunn, who scored 46 goals and assisted on 35 others. She was a two-time All-American at North Carolina and played defense for the U.S. Women’s National Team and is a twotime Olympian.

Jim Graziano

The best big man developed at Farmingdale and one of the best to play basketball on Long Island. The 6-foot-10, Graziano was a four-year starter, outstanding as a freshman and improved every season until his senior year when he averaged 26 points and 15 rebounds. A three-time All-Long Island selection, he was the New York State Player of the Year in 1976. He starred at South Carolina and was drafted by the NBA’s Denver Nuggets.

Jay Iaquinta

One of the most decorated football coaches in Nassau County over the past three decades, Iaquinta has amassed 211 victories with stints at Lynbrook, Hewlett and Manhasset. Named the county’s Coach of the Year in 1986 and 2021.

Charlene Lipsey

She played basketball, volleyball, and softball at Hempstead before focusing on

track. In just three years she became a five-time state champ and the Gatorade New York State Runner of the Year. Lipsey went on to a decorated career at LSU and was an eight-time All-American and three-time SEC champion.

Matt McLees

Head coach of Carey’s football team for 16 years and the winningest coach in school history with 76 victories. He was named Nassau Coach of the Year three times, served as President of Nassau Football Coaches Association and is currently the Athletic Director for the Sewanhaka Central School District and Nassau’s football coordinator.

Gary Mims

He grew up in Freeport but became a son of Massapequa. He played three sports for the Chiefs (football, wrestling

and lacrosse) and returned home to coach the wrestling team for 29 years, beginning in 1977. He was named Nassau Coach of the Year three times and produced 31 county champions while winning 291 dual meets.

Rich Ohrnberger

A star two-way lineman for three years at East Meadow, in 2003 he not only won the Martone Award for being Nassau’s top lineman but also the Thorp Award as the county’s best player. After a stellar career as an offensive lineman at Penn State, he was drafted by the Patriots and later played for the Cardinals and Chargers.

V ictor Randazzo

It has been 52 years since Randazzo graduated from Long Beach , and his senior year was special. He was the New

Rockville Centre’s Crystal Dunn was a three-time state champion at South Side, a two-time All-American at North Carolina and a member of the U.S. Women’s National Team.

Thorp Award as Nassau’s best football player and went on to play in the NFL for three teams.

York State champion in the Still Rings competition and the Rope Climb. He won the Still Rings at the Empire State Games five times and went on to become the NCAA Still Rings champ for Southern Connecticut State, helping it to the 1976 collegiate team title.

Max Seibald

A special athlete, Seibald was an AllCounty selection in four sports (football, soccer, track and lacrosse) at Hewlett and a superstar in the latter. He led the Bulldogs to a county championship, beating Garden City in the finals, and was a four-time All-American at Cornell. In 2009 he won the Tewaarton Award as the nation’s top collegiate player. He was a five-time Major League Lacrosse All-Star.

East Meadow’s Rich Ohrnberger won the

Photos courtesy Nassau County Athletics

Long Beach’s Victor Randazzo was the New York State champion in the Still Rings competition and the Rope Climb in the early 1970’s.

Some familiar faces at the GOP convention

A number of Republican elected officials from Long Island attended the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee July 15 to 18.

Included in the mix were the GOP congressional contingent from Long Island: Anthony D’Esposito, who represents a majority of the South Shore of Nassau County; Andrew Garbarino, whose district spans from Seaford to Calverton in Suffolk County; and Nick LaLota, whose district stretches east from Huntington Station to the twin forks and Montauk.

Not long after the convention, at which former President Donald Trump and his vice presidential pick, Sen. J.D. Vance, accepted their party’s official nominations, the political landscape changed dramatically, as President Biden decided not to run for re-election and Vice President Kamala Harris became the presumptive Democratic nominee.

The Democrats will hold their national convention in Chicago Aug. 19 to 22.

–Jeffrey Bessen

GRADUATE OPEN HOUSE

Tuesday, August 6, 2024

6 p.m.

At Hofstra University, graduate students plant the seeds to advance in their career. Hear from representatives across 200 programs that include business, communications, education, engineering, health sciences, nursing, and psychology, and learn all the ways your success can sprout at Hofstra University. Your future awaits.

For event details and to RSVP, visit hofstra.edu/visit

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.

Donations used to offset renovation costs

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.”

psychiatry in the health care corporation, said the new suite de-stigmatizes psychiatric care.

meg r yan,

building, and the only one that is even further away from that is addiction services.”

•

Dr. Constantine Ioannou, the chair of

“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

Ioannou said the work to reopen the new clinic was “lightning fast,” and he thanked everyone who worked hard to make that happen.

“I think this makes a very big statement that behavioral health and psychiatric care is an integral part of the mission of NuHealth and NUMC,” he said. “I think it will help us provide a better and less stigmatizing source of care for our patients.”

Jordan Vallone/Herald

dr. Constantine ioannou, chair of psychiatry at the nassau university medical Center, cut the ribbon on the newly remodeled mental health clinic on July 23.

interim chief executive and president of the nassau Health Care Corporation.

Roopchands showcase their life on social media

By BEN FIEBERT bfiebert@liherald.com

Shayna and Gary Roopchand have been showcasing their daily life on Tik Tok and Instagram since their video of their marriage went viral in 2021.

In July of 2021, St. Agnes Cathedra in Rockville Centre hosted a wedding that was different from those that usually take place there, as it was Indian-themed. Shayna and Gary were wed in the cathedral, and then headed out onto Sunrise Highway leading a parade-like march to the Masonic Temple on Lincoln Avenue where Shayna’s brother Ian is a member, to the cheers and honks of residents near the Rockville Centre train station. After their wedding, Shayna and Gary focused on content creation.

Shayna and Gary documented their post-wedding journey on their Tik Tok account RoopchandWedding. There, they post about their two children, weddings, travel, and culture. The couple collaborates with businesses such as Sesame Place, Marriott, Famous Food Festival, The Diner Boys, and other local hotels.

“We have just been trying to really refocus our social media because originally, our content was focused on weddings and now we have a family so we kind of shifted that focus to our family,” Shayna said.

Shayna explained that a lot of her recent content has been culture-themed. She recently attended the Thunderbird Pow Wow, which showcases Native American culture. Shayna said she is Cherokee and she wanted to display her culture on her Tik Tok account.

“I also wanted to show that the Cherokees don’t always look like the Native Americans that everyone’s accustomed to seeing,” Shayna said. “A lot of them look just like me and I wanted to showcase that.”

Shayna explained that content creation to her is all about being “social” and interacting with as many people as you can. She pointed out that a lot of people try to get famous on social media and in doing so, they’re ignoring people. This is why Shayna makes sure to reply to as many comments and messages as she can.

Shayna, who is a Lynbrook resident, said she would like to partner with local businesses. She said that since moving here, she realized that the village has a lot of diversity and she said she would like to showcase that.

“We went into a restaurant called Oulala, which is a Hatian restaurant,” Shayna said. “My grandfather is of Hatian descent so it was nice to see that.”

To stay up to date with the Roopchands, you can follow their Instagram and Tik Tok accounts RoopchandWedding and RoopchandTravelTribe.

Democratic club hosts first ever Pizza in the Park last month

On July 24, the Malverne-Lynbrook-East Rockaway Democratic Club welcomed neighbors to their first “Pizza in the Park” outing.

The event, which was free for all community members, started at 6 p.m. at Greis Park in Lynbrook. The goal was to introduce the club to the community, and specifically, other democrats. It was an opportunity for neighbors to meet people with similar viewpoints.

“We are trying to introduce ourselves to the community and other democrats within the community,” club member Jeanne D’Esposito, said.

“When Biden won, my neighbors were celebrating and I realized I didn’t know any of them,” D’Esposito said. “I think democrats feel very outnumbered, especially in certain communities on LI. We’ve allowed a perception that we’re a minority. That can make people unmotivated to vote. We want people to understand that there’s enough of us to make a difference and that they should go to

the polls and vote. Voting makes a huge difference.”

D’Esposito said the turnout at the event was about 80 to 90 people. She noted that the recent announcement of Kamala Harris’ candidacy has energized democrats in the area. The energy was kept high at the event, as Stuart Markus, singer and songwriter from Malverne, performed live music.

Congresswoman Laura Gillen, Senator James Lynch, Assemblywoman Judy Griffin, and Tina Polteri were all in attendance for the event.

“Our hope was to build a sense of community within the democratic community and carry that energy into the November elections. This event was a big boost for democrats in the area.” D’Esposito explained. “We would like to thank everyone who showed up. We would also like to thank Mama Gina’s and Joey’s pizzerias for catering for us.”

— Justin McKenzie

Curran honors Future Leader of NY State award winner News briefs

Assemblyman Brian Curran honored Our Lady of Peace student Vittoria Brown as a Future Leader of New York State award winner.

This award is presented to students who exhibit leadership skills and community spirit, along with an awareness of the responsibilities of being a good citizen in today’s society. This award commends young people who have shown a strong sense of civic involvement, social conscience, and an enthusiastic attitude to

making the world a better place.

“The future of New York is in good hands with young people like Vittoria leading the way,” Curran said in a press release. “She is an excellent leader among his peers at school and in the community and always goes the extra mile in whatever he does. I was so proud to present her with this award, and I cannot wait to see what she accomplishes in the future.”

— Ben Fiebert

Photos courtesy Harold Patino

Shayna and Gary Roopchand were married in an Indian-style ceremony at St. Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Centre in 2021. Now, they showcase their cultures on their Tik Tok and Instagram accounts.

The bride and groom led a procession from the cathedral on Clinton Avenue and eventually onto Sunrise Highway.

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.

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.

Catch up with Kiwanis

Lynbrook Kiwanis Club meets twice monthly. Meetings are held the first Thursday, at 6:30 p.m., at the Lynbrook Library, 56 Eldert St., and on the third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at Savino’s Restaurant and Wine Bar, 88 Atlantic Ave. For more information, visit Facebook.com/ KiwanisLynbrook.

Mayor’s Golf Outing

Enjoy the day playing golf with friends and business associates while supporting the Lynbrook Community Chest, on Monday, Aug. 12, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., at the Inwood Country Club. There are opportunities for non-golfers to participate with the option to be sponsors or donate items for one of the many raffle baskets. Play golf, honor some Lynbrook businesses, win raffles, and finish off with a delicious dinner. 50 Peppe Drive, Inwood. To register, visit TinyURL.com/3t6xnmzw.

East Rockaway Kiwanis Car Show

Stop by East Rockaway Kiwanis car show, every Monday. Car enthusiasts display their classic cars beginning at 6 p.m. with music entertainment by DJ Ken Kojak, who spins doo-wop classics and oldies. Weekly raffles games, prizes, and giveaways will be at the event.

All proceeds are donated to the East Rockaway Schools Graduation scholarship fund and other Kiwanis community non-for-profit partners. 13 Weeks Main St., next-door to the Post Office. Any questions, call Michaelene at (516) 7219657.

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.

Lynbrook Cruise Nights

Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce car shows are back on Atlantic Avenue, every Thursday! Come enjoy a nice evening out in Lynbrook. Check out the cars and have dinner in one of Lynbrook’s local restaurants. Spectators are free! Showing a car? It’s $5. Staging starts at 5:30 p.m., at 14 St. James Place between Forest and Earl. For more information, visit LynbrookUSA.com or call (516) 242-4649.

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.

Knights of Columbus BBQ

St. Mary’s/Maris Stella Knights of Columbus invites everyone to a barbecue, Saturday, Aug. 3, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. With food, music, games, a bounce house, carnivals games, wacky racers, and more. Free admission. 78 Hempstead Ave. For more information, call (518) 8872228.

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.

Bingo

Stop by St. Mary’s Maris/ Stella Knights of Columbus, every Thursday, at 7 p.m., for bingo. There will be $1,500 cash prizes, food from Vincent’s Restaurant, coffee, snacks, and more. 78 Hempstead Ave. For more information, call (516) 8872228.

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.

Board of ed. reorganizes for upcoming school year

The East Rockaway School District’s Board of Education kicked off the 2024 to 2025 school year with its annual reorganization meeting on July 9. The meeting was held in the auditorium of East Rockaway High School.

Superintendent of Schools James DeTommaso took the oath of office and newly elected board trustee Joseph M. Lores was sworn in. Together, the board elected Peter McNally as board president and Dineen Cilluffo as board vice presi-

dent. Both took the oath of office to uphold their duties for the 2024 to 2025 school year.

In addition, Nereyda Amaya-Moran was re-appointed as district clerk and sworn in, along with Michael Van Wart, deputy superintendent.

The district said in a press release that they look forward to a successful school year ahead.

— Ben Fiebert

Courtesy East Rockaway School District

Dineen Cilluffo was sworn in as board vice president for the 2024 to 25 school year.

Peter McNally was sworn in as board president for the 2024 to 25 school year.

Newly elected board trustee Joseph M. Lores was sworn in.

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT

NASSAU COUNTY

PENNYMAC LOAN

SERVICES, LLC, Plaintiff against BRIAN SUGRUE, et al

Defendant(s)

Attorney for Plaintiff(s)

Fein Such & Crane, LLP, 28 East Main Street, Suite 1800, Rochester, NY 14614.

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered February 9, 2024, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on August 21, 2024 at 3:00 PM. Premises known as 117 West Boulevard, East Rockaway, NY 11518. Sec 42. Block 45 Lot 12. All that certain plot, parcel, piece of land with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Bay Park. Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $412,416.52 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 606420/2022. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.” Ralph John Madalena, Esq., Referee File # XPNMN188 148031

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC, Plaintiff AGAINST JAMES MANTHOS, LINDA MANTHOS, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered December 11, 2014, 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 26, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 27 Second Street, Lynbrook, NY 11563. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Lynbrook, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 38, Block

241, Lot 25, A/K/A Section 38, Block 241, Lots 25-27. Approximate amount of judgment $756,633.90 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #013847/2013. 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. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine”. Ellen Durst, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 00-295303 81529 148109

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE VILLAGE OF EAST ROCKAWAY

Lynbrook. BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS, Ginger Fuentes, Chair Person of the Board of Zoning Appeals, Brian Stanton, Superintendent, Department of Buildings Lynbrook Publish 1X 148243

LEGAL NOTICE BAY PARK LIBRARY FUNDING DISTRICT NOTICE OF SPECIAL ELECTION

Absentee ballots may be obtained by contacting Nolan O’Brien or Edward Lino, Office of the Town Attorney, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York 11550. Their phone numbers are 516-812-3197 and 516-812-3254 respectively, and the email address is specialelections@hempst eadny.gov.

Dated: June 18, 2024 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD

TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, NEW YORK

KATE MURRAY

News briefs

Town Clerk

DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR. Supervisor 148237

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Zoning Board of Appeals of the Incorporated Village of East Rockaway, Nassau County, New York, will hold a Public Hearing at the Village Hall, 376 Atlantic Avenue, East Rockaway, NY on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at 8:00 PM on the following application: #07-2024 Application of Jenna Lehman, Owner, requesting a variance of: Section 288-12 Rear yards. to construct an extension to an existing deck with a rear yard setback of 17.83 feet, where 25 feet is the minimum required. The premises are located at 34 Wesley Drive, as described on the Official Tax Map as Section 28, Block 261, Lot 14. TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that all interested parties will have the opportunity to be heard at the aforesaid time and place. BY ORDER OF the Zoning Board of Appeals of the Incorporated Village of East Rockaway. John F. Felbinger Superintendent Department of Buildings

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 216 of the Laws of 1998, Chapter 184 of the Laws of 1999, Chapter 268 of the Laws of 2001, the Town Law, the Election Law, and the Education Law, all of the State of New York, a special election will be held on August 20, 2024, at which the Bay Park Library Funding District (the “District’s”) qualified voters shall select one (1) of the candidate library’ proposals to provide library services to the District for the next five (5) years, and the winning candidate library’s proposal shall be the basis of the contract and cost for such library services (the “Election”). The Election’s hours shall be between the hours of 12:00 P.M. (noon) and 9:00 P.M. local prevailing time, as stated in the enabling legislation, and the polling place shall be Rhame Avenue School, 100 Rhame Avenue, East Rockaway, New York, 11518.

The Town of Hempstead received two (2) proposals for the provision of library services and voters can select one (1). The library candidates are:

1.East Rockaway Public Library 477 Atlantic Avenue East Rockaway, New York 11518

District’s cost for 2025: $174,301.00; or, 2.Lynbrook Public Library

1 Columbus Drive Lynbrook, New York 11563

LEGAL NOTICE

MILL BROOK LIBRARY FUNDING DISTRICT NOTICE OF SPECIAL ELECTION

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 374 of the Laws of 2002, the Town Law, the Election Law, and the Education Law, all of the State of New York, a special election will be held on August 20, 2024, at which the Mill Brook Library Funding District (the “District’s”) qualified voters shall select one (1) of the candidate library’s proposals to provide library services to the District for the next five (5) years, and the winning candidate library’s proposal shall be the basis of the contract and cost for such library services (the “Election”).

The Election’s hours shall be between the hours of 12:00 P.M. (noon) and 9:00 P.M. local prevailing time, as stated in the enabling legislation, and the polling place shall be Forest Road School, 16 Forest Road, Valley Stream, New York, 11581.

East Rockaway’s Deputy Superintendent of School Michael Van Wart accepted a check for $5,000 from Burlington and AdoptAClassroom.org, alongside some Centre Avenue students.

Students from Centre Avenue help cut the ribbon for the grand opening of Burlington’s new Oceanside location.

Centre Avenue Elementary School awarded donation money

On July 12, Centre Avenue Elementary School in East Rockaway received a $5,000 donation from Burlington, in partnership with AdoptAClassroom.org.

This grant will assist Centre Avenue’s teachers in acquiring essential classroom supplies. The check presentation occurred during the grand opening of Burlington’s new Oceanside store, featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony performed by store staff and several

Centre Avenue students.

Since 2017, Burlington has supported over 1.3 million students nationwide in obtaining the supplies they need for a brighter future.

In a press release, it was stated that the East Rockaway School District is immensely grateful to be the recipient of their latest grant.

Public Notices Public Notices

Dated: August 1, 2024 148240

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC WORKSHOP

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS will hold a WORKSHOP on Thursday, August 8, 2024 at 5:30 P.M. in the Board Room at the Village Hall, One Columbus Drive, Lynbrook, NY 11563, on the following case: #1013 - 875 Sunrise Realty LLC, 875 Sunrise Highway,

District’s cost for 2025: $273,555.00. Both library candidates’ proposals are for a 5-year term (2025-2029), and the winning library candidate’s 2025 District’s cost will cumulatively increase by 1% each year of the contract after 2025. Every voter of the Town who resides in the District as of the date thirty (30) days preceding the Election and upon such date, and is registered to vote at the next general Town election, as evidenced by the voter registration records of the Board of Elections of the County of Nassau, shall be qualified to vote at said special election as stated in the enabling legislation.

The Town of Hempstead received two (2) proposals for the provision of library services and voters can select one (1). The library candidates are:

1.Henry Waldinger Memorial Library 60 Verona Place Valley Stream, New York 11580 District’s cost for 2025: $263,848.00; or, 2.Lynbrook Public Library 1 Columbus Drive Lynbrook, New York 11563 District’s cost for 2025: $574,993.00.

Both library candidates’ proposals are for a 5-year term (2025-2029), and the winning library candidate’s 2025 District’s cost will cumulatively increase by 1% each year of the contract after 2025.

Every voter of the Town who resides in the District as of the date thirty (30) days preceding the Election and upon such date, and is registered to vote at the next general Town election, as evidenced by the voter registration records of the Board of Elections of the County of Nassau, shall be qualified to vote at said special election as stated in the enabling legislation. Absentee ballots may be obtained by contacting Nolan O’Brien or Edward Lino, Office of the Town Attorney, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New

York 11550. Their phone numbers are 516-812-3197 and 516-812-3254 respectively, and the email address is specialelections@hempst eadny.gov.

Dated: June 18, 2024 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, NEW YORK KATE MURRAY Town Clerk DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR. Supervisor 148238

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of Lynbrook will hold a Public Hearing to consider the application of 831 Sunrise LLC for a Special Use Permit pursuant to Village Code §252-52(D) and §252-116 to allow underground parking below the building known as and by 831 Sunrise Highway to accommodate seventeen parking spaces in an existing basement; under SEQRA Regulations, to determine whether the proposed use would constitute a

significant negative impact on the environment; said Public Hearing will be held at 7PM on August 19, 2024 at the Village Hall, One Columbus Drive, Lynbrook, New York. All interested persons will be heard during the Public Hearing at the time and place aforementioned. BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES JOHN GIORDANO, VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR

LYNBROOK, NEW YORK

Dated: July 22, 2024 148241

— Ben Fiebert

Courtesy East Rockaway School District

news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to mhinman@liherald.com

MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

MEDICAL RECEPTIONIST: PART TIME, Must be Fluent in English and Spanish, Must Have Good Computer Skills, Able to Learn New Programs, Pleasant Phone Voice, Good People Skills, Salary Negotiable. 516-726-0309 or Email Resume to coreybickoff294@gmail.com

MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT

Inside Sales

Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $33,280 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286

OUTSIDE SALES

Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $33,280 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250

PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing Press Operators in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Hours vary, so flexibility is key.

A Waterfront Dream

Hewlett $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. Eat-

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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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.

YBill 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.

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

With the eyes of the world focused on Paris for the Summer Olympics, Long Islanders have special reasons to feel connected to the global spectacle unfolding across the Atlantic. Our very own Crystal Dunn, from Rockville Centre, is once again representing the United States in women’s soccer, while Wantagh’s Andrew Capobianco is competing in diving. These hometown heroes remind us that Olympic dreams can indeed be born and nurtured in our local communities.

Dunn’s journey from Nassau County fields to international stardom, and Capobianco’s path from Long Island pools to the Olympic springboards embody the Olympic spirit of perseverance, excellence and community support. Their success stories aren’t just about individual achievement; they’re a testament to the robust youth sports programs, dedicated coaches and supportive families that form the backbone of Long Island’s athletic culture.

As we cheer for Dunn, Capobianco and Team USA, we’re reminded of the countless young athletes in our own backyards who harbor similar aspirations. From the soccer pitches of Eisenhower Park to the diving boards of the Nassau County Aquatic Center, Olympic potential is being cultivated daily across the Island.

But the Olympics offer us more than just athletic inspiration. They provide a moment for global unity, a rare opportunity when the world sets aside its differences to celebrate human achievement. In these divisive times, such moments of collective joy and shared purpose are more valuable than ever.

Letters

Lynbrook residents receive a confusing mailing

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

A Lynbrook resident recently received a solicitation mailing with a return address of 2024 Lynbrook-Area Fund Drive for Wounded Warriors. Every year at this time, the same type of letter is sent to Lynbrook residents.

This resident and others believe, as many have in past years, that this mailing is for the Lynbrook Fire Department’s annual Wounded Warrior fundraiser, which this year will be held on Sept. 21 at Greis Park. It is not.

The funds raised by firefighters in Lynbrook and other Nassau County fire departments go to Nassau County Firefighters Operation Wounded Warrior, a charity that this year is celebrating 20 years of helping wounded warriors and their families. This is the Lynbrook department’s 13th annual fundraiser for

our own community. How can we embody the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect in our daily lives? How can we support the Crystal Dunns and Andrew Capobiancos of tomorrow who are practicing in our local parks and pools today?

Let’s also remember that not every young athlete will make it to the Olympics, and that’s OK. The real value of sports lies not in the medals won, but in the life lessons learned: teamwork, discipline, resilience and the pursuit of personal bests. These are qualities that serve us well in all aspects of life, from the classroom to the boardroom.

In the spirit of the games, let’s challenge ourselves to go beyond being spectators. Volunteer at a local youth sports league, mentor a young athlete or simply show up to cheer at a high school game or swim meet. These small actions can have a profound impact on young people’s life and contribute to the vitality of our communities.

As Crystal Dunn takes the field and Andrew Capobianco climbs to the springboard in Paris, they carry with them not just the hopes of a nation, but also the pride of Long Island. Their journeys from local fields and pools to the world stage are reminders of the potential that exists in every corner of our community.

Let the Olympic flame ignite a renewed sense of community spirit here on the Island. Together we can create an environment where every child feels supported in pursuing their dreams, athletic or otherwise. In doing so, we’ll be building a stronger, more united community — one that truly embodies the Olympic ideal.

opinions

Perhaps now — finally — we can work together

sometimes good things come from bad things. That’s why I am hopeful.

The attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump once again shook the foundation of America’s democracy. Deadly shots fired could further tear our country apart . . . or not.

This horrific event might just give America a new opportunity to heal the divide.

President Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump and elected officials can all help us come together as a nation.

I have always tried to work across party lines. At my swearing-in speech before Congress in February, I said, “Wake up. The people are sick and tired of finger-pointing and petty partisan politics.”

We know our country is fractured. Partisanship prevails. Confrontation has replaced cooperation. Anger and hate speech seem much too common. Congress is literally a House divided against itself.

Our founders disagreed on many things, but were unanimous in their

contempt for partisan politics, calling it “a dangerous vice and a moral disease.”

I have championed the belief that we must find common ground, that we must work across party lines to actually get things done for people. We can disagree with one another, but we must remember that we are in the solutions business. Again, we can disagree, but we must not hold one another in contempt. Contempt is one of the biggest problems in our politics. It’s a recipe for disaster.

tI have always worked hard to build coalitions of like-minded Democrats and Republicans to solve problems. Right now I am focused on the border. So what is causing this intense division?

15 percent — and those who vote tend to be more extreme on the political spectrum, extremist candidates on both sides tend to win.

A candidate in a safe seat only need win the primary; the general election is safe. To win the primary, too many candidates just pander to the base.

he attempt on Donald Trump’s life shook the foundation of our democracy.

Second, the more extreme you are on social media, the more “likes” or “follows” you get. We have all seen hateful, venal posts that seem to get more views than even the cute cat videos. Extreme social media is also more likely to generate small donor contributions from a vast audience. “Let’s work together” just doesn’t seem to generate much excitement.

tent. They are blowing up issues where we have the slightest disagreement and trying to make us unrecognizable to one another.

Our laptops and cellphones have become treasure troves of misinformation, disinformation and phony websites. Computer algorithms are programmed to feed us more and more of the same content we seem interested in.

But I still have great faith in the American people, and in our system. Biden, Harris and Trump have a wonderful opportunity in the coming months to move beyond divisive rhetoric and try to bring us together. We can disagree — disagree strongly — but not promote contempt or hate, and certainly not violence.

I think there are four major factors contributing to today’s divisions: safe seats, social media, cable news, and our foreign adversaries.

The first major problems we face is gerrymandering, drawing congressional and other seats to favor one party. Ninety percent of House seats are safe — overwhelmingly Democratic or Republican. The only way to beat a member of Congress in a safe district is to primary them. But since so few people vote in primaries — fewer than

Letters

wounded warriors.

The mailing the residents have received was from the Wounded Warrior Project, but that information is not on the envelope. We firefighters are not associated with the Wounded Warrior Project. We do not get paid for what we do. We are volunteers, and we volunteer to help the wounded. Over 95 percent of every dollar raised by firefighters goes to the needs of the wounded and their families. We are not a national fundraising operation; we are active only in Nassau County.

Each year, for some reason, this “Lynbrook-Area Fund Drive for Wounded Warriors” sends out their mailing just prior to Lynbrook’s actual Wounded Warrior event. And in the past, residents who came to our fundraiser have said they already mailed in a donation in response to the letter they received.

So, residents, please don’t be confused by this mailing. It is not from the Lynbrook Fire Department or NCFF-OWW, and please support the Lynbrook Fire Department’s fundraiser on Sept. 21. The End of Summer

Bash for Wounded Warriors starts at 3 p.m. at Greis Park, and seven wounded warriors from the military rehabilitation center at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, will attend. A number of bands will play, and over 125 prizes will be raffled off, including JetBlue tickets donated by the airline, which is one of our sponsors. The entrance fee is $20, and we feed you.

Earlier that day, starting at 11 a.m., there will be a car show in the park. That fee is $20, too, but it also gets you into the Bash at 3 p.m.

If you can’t attend on Sept. 21 but want to donate to our effort, you can mail a check to NCFFOWW, P.O. Box 295, Garden City, NY 11530. For more information on the events that day, call ExChief Kevin Bien at (516) 9936074.

I ask residents to please support our firefighters’ efforts to help the wounded who have sacrificed so much for all of us.

STEVE GROGAN

Lynbrook F.D. Vice chairman, NCFF-OWW

Third, cable news. Think Fox and MSNBC. Depending on the show and the target audience, cable news networks hire talent and invite guests who will reinforce their own narrative that the other side is destroying our country. The crazier the quotes, the more airtime you get.

Fourth, and the most pernicious, our foreign adversaries Russia, the Chinese Communist Party, Iran, and North Korea are using our freedom of speech, our social media and more, and they are sowing disinformation and discon-

I’m hopeful, too, that we might all seize this moment to recognize that politics is serious business, and realize how harmful hate is and how badly it affects the political climate.

No foreign adversary can ever hope to defeat America. None ever has. The greatest threat to our republic comes not from external forces, but from within. Only internal divisions could topple our government.

Now more than ever, let’s all find common ground, work together, and make America the best it can be.

Tom Suozzi represents the 3rd Congressional District.

Framework by Tim Baker

tom

sUoZZi