Janet Prete/Herald Brian Amato, a naturally talented percussionist, performs a drum solo.
If he hears it, he can play it
Oceanside resident with autism finds his niche behind a drum kit and rocks with
By JANET PRETE Correspondent
Brian Amato, of Oceanside, may have difficulty expressing his thoughts through words, but his love of music is unmistakable to anyone watching him play the drums.
Sitting behind the drums with his band, Westlake, Amato flashes a smile as he lays down rhythms for covers of songs from the Allman Brothers Band, the Beatles, Grateful Dead and Nirvana.
Amato, 27, has autism. His gift for music was discovered around age 9 when he sat down at a piano in the family home and just started playing. During a trip to the Sam Ash music store with his grandmother, Maria Heller, to purchase some sheet music, Amato
the band Westlake
found his way to a drum set in the store and played well enough to convince the salesman that he had been playing for more than just three minutes. He had never previously taken a piano or drum lesson.
Amato’s parents, Ann and Peter, then actively pursued avenues to develop his gift, enrolling him in the iSchool of Music and Art, which put him together with other kids to form an ad hoc band. That was Amato’s first experience playing with other people and a band teacher.
“Brian is very creative, very spontaneous with music and can learn a song in no time,” Peter Amato said. “He can hear a song and remember almost the whole song. He can do that with the drums, and he can do that with
With kickball, I.P. remembers Geri Yellin
By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com
The annual kickball tournament honoring the memory of Geri Yellin, of Long Beach, who died in 2018, at 47, after a lengthy illness, will take place at Lincoln Orens Middle School in Island Park on Aug. 10.
The annual Momma Yellin’s Kickball Classic, which started in 2022, raises funds for the Geri E. Yellin Scholarship, which is awarded to a Long Beach High School senior who exemplifies the characteristics Geri embodied: strength, bravery, determination and kindness. There will be a number games throughout the day, and prizes will be raffled off by local businesses. Money raised from entry fees, sponsorships and purchases on the day of the tournament help fund the scholarship.
sue similar to the lining of the uterus, the endometrium, grows outside the uterus. Despite her illnesses, she found joy in life and was deeply involved in raising her daughter, Brooke Yellin, now 22, of Island Park.
BROOKE YELLIN Kickball Classic organizer
Brooke said she learned that when her mother was born, “she was the color blue.” “She had 5 percent oxygen going to her brain,” Brooke explained. “Her doctors (said) that she would never have a normal life, she’d be a vegetable after two weeks — and then she was still OK. She was the embodiment of determination and going against the odds.”
Yellin, a longtime resident of Long Beach, was born with congenital heart disease and faced numerous health challenges, including diabetes and endometriosis, a condition in which tis-
The scholarship is the Yellin family’s way of ensuring that Geri’s spirit lives on by supporting students who share her qualities. Yellin was a stay-athome mom who was dedicated to raising Brooke, her only child. Now, Brooke’s father, Ian, works two jobs to help put her through college.
“My mom was with me every second of the day,” Brooke said.
Continued on pAge 4
MSSN poll reveals opinions on medical aid in dying
A new “Truth in Medicine” poll by Mount Sinai South Nassau shows that more than one-third of Long Island and New York City residents support the legalization of medical aid in dying. According to the survey, 37 percent favor allowing doctors to help terminally ill patients end their lives, while 21 percent are against it, and 43 percent are undecided.
The poll also highlights local residents’ views on their health and their experiences with healthcare services. Among those aged 65 and older, 60 percent say their health is “excellent” or “good,” even though they face higher risks of chronic conditions like dementia, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and arthritis. Overall, 70 percent of respondents feel their health is “excellent or “good”
The survey reveals that Black residents and men are less engaged with the healthcare system compared to other groups. About 29 percent of respondents have completed a patient satisfaction survey after a hospital stay, with older adults being the most likely to participate.
Surprise medical bills are a common issue, with one-third of respondents reporting unexpected charges. This problem is especially prevalent among Long Island residents, those with health insurance, and those aged 65 and older. The federal No Surprises Act, which started in January 2022, has
helped prevent over 10 million surprise medical bills.
Advance care planning is another important topic, as 53 percent of those 65 and older have a living will, and 52 percent have a healthcare proxy. However, only 32 percent have long-term care insurance, and just 15 percent have toured an assisted living facility. Satisfaction with private health insurance varies, with 25 percent of respondents rating their insurance as
“very positive.” The majority, 75 percent, has a primary healthcare provider, with engagement highest among those aged 65 and older. Younger adults prefer urgent care and telehealth services over traditional primary care.
The poll also found that 59 percent of those recently hospitalized had a positive experience, although 15 percent reported negative experiences due to lack of follow-up and substandard care.
The “Truth in Medicine” poll, conducted from March 21-26, 2024, by LJR Custom Strategies, surveyed 600 residents via landlines and cell phones. Mount Sinai South Nassau has been conducting these polls since 2017 to educate and foster discussions on critical public health issues. For more information, visit www.southnassau. org/sn/truth-in-medicine.
— Kepherd Daniel
Attend Hofstra’s Virtual
GRADUATE OPEN HOUSE
Tuesday, August 6, 2024
6 p.m.
At Hofstra University, graduate students plant the seeds to advance in their career. Hear from representatives across 200 programs that include business, communications, education, engineering, health sciences, nursing, and psychology, and learn all the ways your success can sprout at Hofstra University. Your future awaits.
For event details and to RSVP, visit hofstra.edu/visit
Courtesy MSSN
Over one-third of Long Island and New York City residents support doctor-assisted deaths according to a new poll.
Finn Fest 2024: music, comedy, and community
Island Park Beach came alive on Saturday as Finn Fest returned for another successful year, drawing in a vibrant crowd of over a thousand attendees. Organized by the Dorothy Finn Foundation, this beloved music and comedy festival continues to honor the legacy of Dorothy Finn, a cherished Long Beach resident known for her dedication to teaching children to dance and caring for animals at the Humane Society. This year’s lineup featured an eclectic mix of live performances, showcasing a wide range of music genres from tribute bands to original rock acts. Festival-goers enjoyed electrifying sets from bands such as The Chain, Shattered, Half Step, Sons of Skynyrd, Track 9, Echoes of the Eagles, The
Valen-Tides, Tri-State Alehouse, Diamond Groove, Breakaway, Katie Mitchell Band, and Jerry & The Newcomers. The addition of line dancing, a new feature for this year’s festival further enhanced the lively atmosphere. In the comedy tent, laughter echoed as local comedians Mike Keegan and friends delivered their stand-up routines. Beyond the music and comedy, Finn Fest 2024 continued its tradition of supporting the community. Proceeds from the event will be donated to nonprofit animal rescues, reflecting the foundation’s commitment to carrying on Dorothy Finn’s passion for animal welfare.
— Kepherd Daniel
Skye Margies/Herald
“Michelle Fabre Band” playing on the beach stage in Island Park.
The crowd at the comedy tent listening to Mike Keegan’s comedy show.
Norah Kelleher, President of the Dorothy Finn foundation joined with her Charlie Kelleher, and stage manager Jade Hassett.
Chuck , left and Richie Glicksman from “Diamond Groove” playing to the crowd on Masone Beach.
Yellin will always remember mom fondly
“She was my best friend. I was standing there at 15, and I didn’t know what to do with myself, because I knew I wasn’t a dark, dark path kind of person. I knew that’s who my mom never raised me to be. I asked my therapist how I could keep her name alive.”
She decided to organize the kickball tournament, bringing the community together in a celebration of sportsmanship and remembrance. Held each of the past three years, it brings participants of all ages together for a day of fun and friendly competition. Before the tournament, Brooke sold phone wallets and bracelets to raise money in honor of her late mother. Now teams are formed, strategies are devised and the participants are caught up in the spirit of camaraderie.
Passionate about physical education and influenced by her mother’s encouragement of her athletic pursuits, Brooke has worked extensively with children as a coach and activity director at Long Beach Summer Camp. She also played soccer and was the first female placekicker on the Long Beach High School football team.
Over the past four years, Brooke has attended Queens College, working toward her goal of becoming a phys. ed. teacher.
“My mom looks down on me and says, ‘You picked the right career,’”
Brooke said. “She supported everything that I wanted, and I still get to live that through P.E. and help kids out through physical activity. I’ve picked something that’s really meant for me, and it’s nice because my mom supported all my dreams.”
In the six years that the scholarship has been in existence, Brooke has raised about $5,000, even while taking a break during the pandemic. One scholarship is awarded each year to a Long Beach High
student who has not only excelled academically, but also demonstrated Geri Yellin-like character.
“There’s a lot of athletic scholarships, and there’s a lot of academic scholarships, but there’s never really a highlight on a student’s character to push through adversity and overcome obstacles,” Brooke said. “Just because they had something bad happen in their life doesn’t mean that they have to go down that dark road. I know that my
mom was the embodiment of the scholarship. She’s the (essence) of determination and strength, and kids need to be recognized for that.”
One of the recipients of the scholarship was Moira Ryan, who sent Brooke a thank-you card for receiving the honor.
“I never expected anything from these kids, ever, but the fact that I had got a handwritten thank-you card for just giving her a scholarship was something that made it all worth it,” Brooke said.
Balancing the organization of the kickball tournament with her full-time phys. ed. studies is no small feat, but Brooke has handled it with grace. Her dedication to ensuring her mother’s legacy is evident in every aspect of the event. From securing sponsors and volunteers to coordinating with participating teams, she ensures that every detail has been covered.
“When my mom passed away, the town of Island Park, the town of Long Beach — their support was amazing,” she said. “So if I can give support to them the way they’ve given support to me, then I think my life is set. I feel like I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing.”
For those interested in taking part in or supporting the event, more information can be found on the Instagram page geri.e.yellin.scholarship or by emailing byellin1018@gmail.com.
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.
Courtesy Brooke Yellin
The kickball tournament brings the communities of Island Park and Long Beach together for a good cause.
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.
OBITUARY
Beloved Donnell Hickson dies at 43
By MELISSA BERMAN & KEPHERD DANIEL of the Oceanside/Island Park Herald
Three communities are in mourning.
Baldwin resident Donnell Hickson, 43, who worked at the Oceanside Costco and was a track star at Lawrence High School died in a June 20 car crash on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, which also killed his two children — son, Decir, 18 and daughter, Kyla, 11. He is survived by his wife Keisha and Decir’s mother, Martinique.
They were in a 2018 Honda Accord headed east around 4:25 a.m. on the Turnpike in Penn Township, Lancaster County when they collided with a FedEx tractor-trailer also going east, according to Pennsylvania State police.
The force of the collision caused both vehicles to leave the roadway, all three family members were pronounced dead on the scene, according to police.
Hickson ran winter and spring track, and also played football all four years at Lawrence. He graduated in 1999.
Lawrence track coach Bud McQuillan expressed his deepest condolences and reflected on his time with Hickson and who he was as a person.
“He was a guy that would do anything for anyone, he always had a smile from ear to ear,” McQuillan said.
Hickson attended York College in Queens where he was an All-American and competed in the 2005 NCAA championships for the triple jump.
“He would do any event, he used to say to me, whatever events you need me to do, I’ll do,” McQuillan added.
Hickson never missed a track practice in all four years and had physical talents to compete in any event.
“He was a hell of a 400 runner and even better jumper,” McQuillan said. “He was one of the best triple jumpers on Long Island and became an all NY State jumper his senior year and competed in nationals down in Carolina.”
After graduating, Hickson applied his track knowledge to help McQuillan teach the young jumpers the skills they needed to be successful.
Hickson worked at Costco in Oceanside. As of press time administrative staff declined to comment.
An online fundraiser was created to raise money for his wife Keisha and son Martinique to help pay for funeral expenses and any other immediate or necessary expenses.
According to the fundraiser, Decir was preparing for college and his sister Kyla was an aspiring cartoonist.
“Donnell was Lawrence track royalty, the class on 1999 lost a superstar in my eyes,” McQuillan said.
The link to the fundraiser is https://www. gofundme.com/f/three-lives-lost-two-mothersneed-our-support
There is no burial or funeral info at the time of print.
Courtesy Bud McQuillan Lawrence High School track athlete Dimitri Drouillard, left, Donnell Hickson and track coach Bud McQuillan.
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.
The band Westlake set to rock Oceanside
the piano, and he can remember most of the words.”
The members of Westlake are all Oceanside residents. Amato plays drums and sings backup vocals; Owen McCain, 25, plays bass guitar; Joe Knipe, 24, is on lead vocals, rhythm guitar and drums; Grayson Rosen, 22, plays rhythm and lead guitar and lead and backup vocals; and Sean Harkins, 23, plays lead guitar and vocals. Several of them are members of other bands as well.
Amato met Rosen at Oceanside High School through a program that paired someone without a disability with someone on the autism spectrum. Both shared a love and talent for music and were able to play their instruments together.
Westlake had formed organically during Covid when many musicians were out of work. Several music teachers lived in Amato’s neighborhood, and since he receives funding through Medicaid for community classes and lessons because of his autism, he was able to pay these musicians to come to his house and to play some music with him.
They were astonished at how much music he knew and how well he could play. The band members had a lot of fun jamming together and started calling themselves Westlake, after the street where Knipe lived. As many people did during the pandemic, they kept themselves in a “bubble” and wore masks dur-
ing rehearsals.
When Covid restrictions began to ease, the band started taking outdoor gigs, and Westlake became even more popular. Peter Amato, the band’s informal manager and reluctant roadie, gets phone calls for band gigs all the time. They play about once every two weeks, sometimes every week, at private parties and public venues. Peter said it’s hard to turn down some of these opportunities.
“I’m my son’s best advocate because he’s never going to promote himself,” Peter Amato said. “He’s just happy to play in the community. Music is his love and being out in the community with people is his love. He loves to be applauded and cheered for. Money means nothing to him.”
Westlake practices for about an hour and a half four days a week at the Amatos’ house. During the summer, Brian attends Camp Anchor, returns home to take a nap, and then gets up for a 4:30 p.m. practice. Camp Anchor is a facility for children with special needs that has operated in Lido Beach for the past 50 years.
“He’s got his priorities, that is what he wants to do,” his father said. “He loves what he does. He’s really enjoying himself.”
Knipe, the lead singer, is also a direct support provider for Amato, completing day-to-day community habilitation work for him. Comparing his role to a life coach, Knipe views it as part of his mission to ensure that Amato is having a
Westlake’s performances this month
■ The Warehouse in Amityville on Aug. 7
■ Sonny’s Canal House in Baldwin Harbor on Aug. 10
■ Jordan Lobster Farm in Island Park on Aug. 16
■ Barrier Brewing Company in Oceanside on Aug. 23
good time.
“The best part of it is music because playing gigs live is community habilitation work,” Knipe said. “I’m out in the community with Brian, he’s out in a public area performing, doing a service for people. It goes hand in hand with my daily work with him. I feel good about doing this.”
Westlake has a packed schedule in August, performing at The Warehouse in Amityville on Aug. 7; at Sonny’s Canal House in Baldwin Harbor on Aug. 10; at Jordan Lobster Farms in Island Park on Aug. 16; and at Barrier Brewing Company in Oceanside on Aug. 23.
Janet Prete/Herald
Westlake has a number of performances scheduled for Oceanside and Island Park.
I.P. Kiwanis Club raises $3,800 at annual lobster bake
The Island Park Kiwanis Club hosted its annual lobster and steak dinner at Masone Beach on August 4. The event, a fundraiser for the club, raised $3,800. The funds will benefit children and families in Island Park and beyond. The club will vote on allocating these funds, with plans to award a scholarship to a graduating senior from Island Park.
In previous years, the raised funds have supported sending local children from low-income families to Camp Kiwanis, donating pediatric trauma
units to the fire department, and contributing to The Eliminate Project, which provides tetanus shots for pregnant mothers in countries abroad.
Captain Mike Spina from Capt. Mike’s Seafood in Oceanside provided the meals. This year marks the Kiwanis Club’s 70th year of service in Island Park. To celebrate, a public event will be held at DaVinci’s restaurant in Island Park this in October.
— Kepherd Daniel
Jaci Zitman/Herald
The Island Park Kiwanis club raised over $3,000 at this years lobster and steak dinner.
Lisa Roberts, John Herbert, Diane Horn enjoy a nice dinner in Island Park thanks the Kiwanis club. Sue Burgher, Jason Jackson, Leighton Burgher enjoyed the steak and lobster feast.
June Leonetti, Terry Hastava, Club president Karen Davis, Laurain Jone.
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.
Momma Yellin’s Kickball Classic
Participate in the Third Annual Momma Yellin’s Kickball Classic, Saturday, Aug. 10, noon-4 p.m., at Lincoln Orens Middle School. The event, organized by her daughter Brooke Yellin, in memory of Geraldine Yellin (Franco), a beloved Long Beach native who moved to Island Park, supports an annual scholarship awarded to a Long Beach High School senior who has overcome adversity. Enjoy a day of kickball, food, drinks, music, and raffles. Teams consist of 8-12 players in a double-elimination bracket. If you can’t participate, donations are welcome to support this worthy cause. 150 Trafalgar Blvd,. Island Park.
Island Park Fire Department 100-Year Celebration
Join the Island Park Fire Department in celebrating 100 years of service with a parade and block party, Saturday, Aug. 10. The parade will step off from Warwick Road in Harbor Isle, featuring departments from across Nassau County. A large crowd is expected, and citations will be presented.
Storybook Stroll
Bring the kids to Old Westbury Gardens for a storybook adventure, Saturday, Aug. 3, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Stroll the gardens and listen to Michaela Goade’s “Berry Song.” Later create a unique take home craft. For ages 3-5. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information visit OldWestburyGardens.org or contact (516) 333-0048.
In the garden
Enjoy the glorious grounds of Old Westbury Gardens and listen to some stirring sounds, with Gardens favorite the husbandand-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.
July
29
Summer Gazebo Readings
Published authors and poets read from their works at the annual Summer Gazebo Readings series, Mondays, through Aug. 26, 7 p.m., at School House Green Bring a chair and enjoy a relaxing literary evening. Foxhurst Road across from Oceanside Fire Department headquarters.
Pet Adoption Program
Adopt your “fur-ever” friend this summer. There’s no better time to adopt a new pet than during the ”summer of love” at the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter. Now through Sept. 1, all pet adoption fees are waived and include free spaying/neutering, vaccinations and microchipping. There is a $10 license fee for dogs. Check out the friendly faces of the dogs and cats before stepping foot in the shelter online at HempsteadNY. gov/179/Animal-Shelter or on the shelter’s Facebook page at Hempstead Town Animal Shelter. For more information, contact (516) 785-5220.
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. T
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.
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.
Annual Family BBQ
Knights of Columbus #3481 invites all to their annual family barbecue, Saturday, Aug. 17, noon-4 p.m., at Tabor House, St. Anthony’s Church. Enjoy a fun-filled day with food, drinks, games, and family activities, along with a 50/50 raffle and other exciting raffles. $20 per person, with kids under 10 free. 88 Anchor Ave. RSVP by August 10 to Grand Knight James McCabe at (516) 680-8250.
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.
Nassau Dems urge first responder funds
By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com
Nassau County Democrats, including Legislator Debra Mulé, accused Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman of not disbursing funds to certain legislative districts and plan to block him from borrowing any more money until he does.
Legislators from those districts say millions of dollars were promised early this year to pay for resources in their communities but remain “locked” by the Blakeman administration in favor of districts led by Republican legislators.
Baldwin, one area withheld from legislator’s first responder funds, also includes East Meadow, Glen Cove, Glenwood, Muttontown, Port Washington, Sands Point and Sea Cliff.
“I’ve never seen things like this happen since my time as a legislator,” Mulé said at a press conference on July 24 alongside other party members. “There is no such thing as a Republican fire or a Democrat fire, there are just fires.
“Shame on anybody who is preventing safety from happening — this is something my colleagues on the majority should be standing up saying, ‘This is wrong,’ ” she added.
Until Blakeman honors the funding requests, which have already been agreed upon with the administration, Democrats will block borrowing until the county executive honors the requests, they say.
Republicans hold a 12-7 majority in the legislature. Blakeman needs a supermajority of 13 votes to approve finance requests for larger countywide projects.
A request in Mulé’s district of Baldwin was made for the Baldwin Fire Department for a new bucket truck last December for $169,241.
“Here we are, seven or eight months later, and we still haven’t heard anything about this project,” Mulé said.
“During my administration, minority members of the legislature received over 2 million dollars for community projects in their districts,” Blakeman wrote in a statement to the Herald. “Previously, the Democrat members of the legislature tried to hijack the capital budget, withholding funds for a variety of infrastructure projects and public safety projects including police body armor.
“If the Democrats are serious about moving projects forward they must immediately pass the capital projects budget and complete their due diligence and paperwork on project requests that to date have been incomplete and lacking important details. I stand ready to work with either side of the aisle,” he added.
According to a list sent to the Herald from the Blakeman administration, Mulé received $285,317 in funding for Sanitary District 2 to purchase a sand blaster in 2022 and a street sweeper cleaner the following year.
Caregiving Excellence in NY
Courtesy Daniel Schrafel
A group of Democratic Nassau County legislators call on County Executive Bruce Blakeman to release funding for certain legislative districts. From left, Delia DeRiggi-Whitton of Glen Cove, Seth Koslow of Merrick, Debra Mulé of Baldwin, Siela Bynoe of Westbury and Scott Davis of Rockville Centre.
Public Notices
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. L&L
ASSOCIATES HOLDING CORP., Pltf. vs. NANCY M. NATOLI, et al, Defts. Index #617880/2022. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered April 30, 2024, I will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on August 15, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. premises k/a Section 43, Block 212, Lots 28-30. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. CHRISTY DEMELFI, Referee. LEVY & LEVY, Attys. for Pltf., 12 Tulip Dr., Great Neck, NY 11021. #101575 147900
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORKCOUNTY OF NASSAU INDEX # 609404/2022
FILED: 07/18/2022
SUMMONS Plaintiff designates Nassau County as the place of trial based on the location of the mortgaged premises in this action. Plaintiff’s principal place of business is c/o Celink, 3900 Capital City Boulevard, Lansing, Michigan 48906. FINANCE OF AMERICA
REVERSE LLC, Plaintiff, against JOHN ARLO AS HEIR AT LAW AND NEXT OF KIN TO FRANK ARLO; JOHN DOE AND JANE DOE 1 THROUGH 50, INTENDING TO BE THE UNKNOWN HEIRS, DISTRIBUTEES, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, TRUSTEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, AND ASSIGNEES OF THE ESTATE OF FRANK ARLO, WHO WAS BORN IN 1951 AND DIED ON FEBRUARY 10, 2022, A RESIDENT OF NASSAU COUNTY, WHOSE LAST KNOWN ADDRESS WAS 82 CALIFORNIA PLACE S, ISLAND PARK, NEW YORK 11558, THEIR SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST IF ANY OF THE AFORESAID DEFENDANTS BE DECEASED, THEIR RESPECTIVE HEIRS AT LAW, NEXT OF KIN, AND SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST O THE AFORESAID CLASSES OF PERSON, IF THEY OR ANY OF THEM BE DEAD, AND THEIR RESPECTIVE HUSBANDS, WIVES OR WIDOWS, IF ANY, ALL OF WHOM AND WHOSE NAMES AND PLACES, ARE UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF; SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; LVNV FUNDING LLC; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA O/B/O INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE; “JOHN DOE #1” to “JOHN DOE #10,” the last 10 name being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the persons or parties, if
any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the mortgaged premises described in the complaint, Defendants. To the above-named defendants: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with this summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the plaintiff’s attorneys within twenty (20) days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within thirty (30) days after the service is complete if this summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York); and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE MORTGAGE COMPANY WHO FILED THIS FORECLOSURE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT, A DEFAULT JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED AND YOU CAN LOSE YOUR HOME. SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY OR GO TO THE COURT WHERE YOUR CASE IS PENDING FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON HOW TO ANSWER THE SUMMONS AND PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY. SENDING A PAYMENT TO YOUR MORTGAGE COMPANY WILL NOT STOP THIS FORECLOSURE ACTION. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (FINANCE OF AMERICA REVERSE LLC) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.
MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, Attorneys for Plaintiff, One Huntington Quadrangle, Suite 4N25, Melville, NY 11747. (631) 812-4084 (855) 845-2584 facsimile. File # 22-301016. HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS IN FORECLOSURE NEW YORK STATE LAW REQUIRES THAT WE SEND YOU THIS NOTICE ABOUT THE FORECLOSURE PROCESS. PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY. SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME. IF YOU FAIL TO RESPOND TO THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT IN THIS FORECLOSURE ACTION, YOU MAY LOSE YOUR HOME. PLEASE READ THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT CAREFULLY. YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY CONTACT AN ATTORNEY OR YOUR LOCAL LEGAL AID OFFICE TO OBTAIN ADVICE ON
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF. SOURCES OF INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE The State encourages you to become informed about your options in foreclosure. In addition to seeking assistance from an attorney or legal aid office, there are government agencies and non-profit organizations that you may contact for information about possible options, including trying to work with your lender during this process. To locate an entity near you, you may call the toll-free helpline maintained by the New York State Department of Financial Services at 1-800-342-3736 or visit the Department`s website at www.dfs.ny.gov RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO LEAVE YOUR HOME AT THIS TIME. You have the right to stay in your home during the foreclosure process. You are not required to leave your home unless and until your property is sold at auction pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale. Regardless of whether you choose to remain in your home, YOU ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR PROPERTY and pay property taxes in accordance with state and local law.
FORECLOSURE RESCUE
SCAMS Be careful of people who approach you with offers to “save” your home. There are individuals who watch for notices of foreclosure actions in order to unfairly profit from a homeowner`s distress. You should be extremely careful about any such promises and any suggestions that you pay them a fee or sign over your deed. State law requires anyone offering such services for profit to enter into a contract which fully describes the services they will perform and fees they will charge, and which prohibits them from taking any money from you until they have completed all such promised services. § 1303 NOTICE 147907
LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU. CITIBANK, N.A., Plaintiffagainst- HEIDI LIPPACHER et al Defendant(s).
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered herein and dated May 6, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court “Rain or Shine” located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on August 13, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Island Park, Nassau County, New York,
bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the northerly side of Quebec Road, distant 110 feet easterly from the intersection of the northerly side of Quebec Road with the easterly side of the basin; being a plot 100 feet by 34 feet by 100 feet by 34 feet. Section: 43 Block: 41 Lot: 107 All bidders must wear a face mask/shield at all times and social distancing must be observed by all bidders at all times. Bidders who do not comply with the face mask and/or the social distancing mandate will be removed from the auction.
Said premises known as 10 QUEBEC ROAD, ISLAND PARK, NY 11558
Approximate amount of lien $193,383.08 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. 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 or the Mortgagee’s attorney. Index Number 604145/2018.
SCOTT SILLER, ESQ., Referee David A. Gallo & Associates LLP Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 47 Hillside Avenue, 2nd Floor, Manhasset, NY 11030 File# 5025.2937 {* OCEAN ISLAND*} 147874
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: Accomando Design & Manufacturing LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 04/07/2024. NY Office location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to: 2870 Lenox Rd, Oceanside, NY 11572 Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity.
147884
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU
DEUTSCHE BANK
NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY AS TRUSTEE FOR INDYMAC INDX MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2005-AR7, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2005-AR7, -againstJENNIFER IADEVAIO, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE
Crime watCh arrest
Giovanni Gadison, 34, of Castle Hill Avenue in the Bronx, was arrested on July 22, and has been charged with criminal possession of a weapon, criminal possession of a loaded firearm and the unlawful purchase of body armor following an investigation at the scene of a traffic stop on Hempstead Avenue.
Palo Howe, 45, of New Street in Uniondale was arrested on July 23, and has been charged with criminal mischief, obstructing governmental administration and disorderly conduct following an investigation on Merrick Road in which he intentionally damaged a police vehicle.
Criminal misChief
A resident of Lenox Road reported on July 24 someone damaged his vehicle while it was parked in a Lenox Road parking lot.
larCeny
A resident of Shellbank Place reported on July 25 someone stole property from a package that was delivered and left on his doorstep.
A motorist reported on July 28 someone stole property from her unlocked vehicle, which was parked in a N. Village Avenue parking lot.
leaving the sCene of an aCCident
A motorist reported on July 23 that her vehicle was struck by another vehicle, which then fled the scene while she was parked in a Merrick Road parking lot.
A motorist reported on July 24 that her vehicle was struck by another vehicle, which then fled the scene while she was parked in a Merrick Road parking lot.
A motorist reported on July 25 that her vehicle was struck by another vehicle, which then fled the scene while she was parked in the parking lot at the Rockville Centre Recreation Center.
arson
A resident of Morris Avenue reported on July 26, someone attempted to set fire to a tree on her property.
People named in Crime Watch items as having been arrested and charged with violations or crimes are only suspected of committing those acts of which they are accused. They are all presumed to be innocent of those charges until and unless found guilty in a court of law.
Public Notices
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on February 14, 2017, wherein DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY AS TRUSTEE FOR INDYMAC INDX MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2005-AR7, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2005-AR7 is the Plaintiff and JENNIFER IADEVAIO, 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 20, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 61 MONTGOMERY AVE, OCEANSIDE, NY 11572; and the following tax map identification: 43-332-349.
ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATED, LYING AND BEING AT OCEANSIDE, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 019258/2009. Barton Slavin, 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. 148017
transferring these funds to the District’s General Municipal Law § 6-d Repair Reserve Fund. Additional information may be obtained by contacting Salvatore Carambia, School Business Administrator, at (516) 434-2600. Cindy Pastore District Clerk
Dated: July 29, 2024 148235
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS
LEGAL NOTICE Island Park Union Free School District NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Island Park Union Free School District will be holding a public hearing on August 26, 2024 at 7:00 p.m., in the Lincoln Orens Middle School Auditorium, 150 Trafalgar Blvd., Island Park, NY to consider appropriating Four Hundred Twenty Thousand dollars ($420,000.00) held in the District’s General Municipal Law § 6-r ERS Retirement Contribution Reserve Fund and
Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Old Town Hall, 350 Front Street, Room 230, Second Floor, Hempstead, New York on 08/07/2024 at 9:30 A.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:
THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30 A.M. 517/24. - 518/24. OCEANSIDE - Robert Weisenburger, Special exception to maintain shed higher than permitted & not
permitted in the front yard; Maintain pool & pool equipment not permitted in the side yard., W/s Stewart Ave. 187.78’ N/o Stevens St., a/k/a 2800 Stewart Ave. ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550. This notice is only for new cases in Oceanside within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available a t https://hempsteadny.gov/ 509/Board-of-Appeals The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.gov/ 576/Live-Streaming-Video Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it. 148230
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
$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 kitchen
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. 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.
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.
In 1997, I had the good fortune to visit with then Senator Biden on the day that
As the years rolled by, I lost contact with Biden, but followed his many moves as he eventually advanced to the vice presidency. Then, by chance, I was invited to attend a speech that he gave in a Manhattan hotel to promote one of his many good causes. I was standing a few rows back at the event, not expecting him to see me or know I was there. But just before he left the stage, he spotted
Say what you will about today’s Joe Biden, but his critics can’t erase the many things he has accomplished. When all the naysayers, including Donald Trump, are gone from the planet, the historians will tell the great story about a humble man from Scranton, Pennsylvania, who was responsible for historymaking achievements, and who joined George Washington and Lyndon Johnson in giving up his dream job for the good of the country.
Jerry Kremer was an assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He now heads Empire Government Strategies, a business development and legislative strategy firm. Comments about this column? jkremer@liherald.com.
PETER KinG
JERRY KREMER
HeraLd editoriaL
Olympic spirit shines on Long Island
With the eyes of the world focused on Paris for the Summer Olympics, Long Islanders have special reasons to feel connected to the global spectacle unfolding across the Atlantic. Our very own Crystal Dunn, from Rockville Centre, is once again representing the United States in women’s soccer, while Wantagh’s Andrew Capobianco is competing in diving. These hometown heroes remind us that Olympic dreams can indeed be born and nurtured in our local communities.
Dunn’s journey from Nassau County fields to international stardom, and Capobianco’s path from Long Island pools to the Olympic springboards embody the Olympic spirit of perseverance, excellence and community support. Their success stories aren’t just about individual achievement; they’re a testament to the robust youth sports programs, dedicated coaches and supportive families that form the backbone of Long Island’s athletic culture.
As we cheer for Dunn, Capobianco and Team USA, we’re reminded of the countless young athletes in our own backyards who harbor similar aspirations. From the soccer pitches of Eisenhower Park to the diving boards of the Nassau County Aquatic Center, Olympic potential is being cultivated daily across the Island.
But the Olympics offer us more than just athletic inspiration. They provide a moment for global unity, a rare opportunity when the world sets aside its differences to celebrate human achievement. In these divisive times, such moments of collective joy and shared purpose are more valuable than ever.
Letters
No, we’re not a nation of one religion
To the Editor:
On Long Island, we can take a cue from this Olympic spirit. Our communities, diverse in culture, ethnicity and economic background, can find common ground in supporting local sports and celebrating shared achievements. Whether it’s a high school championship game or a community swim meet, these events have the power to bring us together, fostering a sense of local pride and unity.
Moreover, the Olympics remind us of the importance of investing in our youth and their dreams. Long Island has a proud tradition of producing worldclass athletes in a variety of sports. From Jim Brown in football to Sue Bird in basketball, our local heroes have shown that with proper support and resources, the path from local fields and pools to international arenas is possible.
This Olympic season, let’s recommit to supporting our local sports programs and recreational facilities. Let’s ensure that every child, regardless of their background, has access to quality coaching, safe playing fields, well-maintained pools, and the opportunity to pursue their athletic passion. This isn’t just about creating future Olympians; it’s about building healthier, more connected communities.
The Olympic motto — “Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together” — can serve as an inspiration beyond sports. In our local governance, business practices and community initiatives, we can strive to be more efficient, aim for higher goals, build stronger bonds, and do it all collaboratively.
As we watch the Olympics unfold, let’s use this opportunity to reflect on
Re Will Sheeline’s column last week, “We are not a nation of one religion”: We’re not even a nation of one Christianity, and that’s part of the problem. Those demanding a national “return” to some mythical origin are selling a bogus product, relying on American’s ignorance of history and religion.
The bait and switch begins by invoking the Puritans. They opposed England’s established church, and were allowed to leave, partly as exile, in order to set up a “plantation” along the lines of Ulster and Jamestown. They were Christians, but subject to the King. Some 170 years later, the United States was founded, and one of the things the American Revolution rejected was the ancient combination of church-state.
Thomas Jefferson, a biblical scholar, composed
our own community. How can we embody the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect in our daily lives? How can we support the Crystal Dunns and Andrew Capobiancos of tomorrow who are practicing in our local parks and pools today?
Let’s also remember that not every young athlete will make it to the Olympics, and that’s OK. The real value of sports lies not in the medals won, but in the life lessons learned: teamwork, discipline, resilience and the pursuit of personal bests. These are qualities that serve us well in all aspects of life, from the classroom to the boardroom.
In the spirit of the games, let’s challenge ourselves to go beyond being spectators. Volunteer at a local youth sports league, mentor a young athlete or simply show up to cheer at a high school game or swim meet. These small actions can have a profound impact on young people’s life and contribute to the vitality of our communities.
As Crystal Dunn takes the field and Andrew Capobianco climbs to the springboard in Paris, they carry with them not just the hopes of a nation, but also the pride of Long Island. Their journeys from local fields and pools to the world stage are reminders of the potential that exists in every corner of our community.
Let the Olympic flame ignite a renewed sense of community spirit here on the Island. Together we can create an environment where every child feels supported in pursuing their dreams, athletic or otherwise. In doing so, we’ll be building a stronger, more united community — one that truly embodies the Olympic ideal.
opinions
Perhaps now — finally — we can work together
sometimes good things come from bad things. That’s why I am hopeful.
The attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump once again shook the foundation of America’s democracy. Deadly shots fired could further tear our country apart . . . or not.
This horrific event might just give America a new opportunity to heal the divide.
President Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump and elected officials can all help us come together as a nation.
I have always tried to work across party lines. At my swearing-in speech before Congress in February, I said, “Wake up. The people are sick and tired of finger-pointing and petty partisan politics.”
We know our country is fractured. Partisanship prevails. Confrontation has replaced cooperation. Anger and hate speech seem much too common. Congress is literally a House divided against itself.
Our founders disagreed on many things, but were unanimous in their
contempt for partisan politics, calling it “a dangerous vice and a moral disease.”
I have championed the belief that we must find common ground, that we must work across party lines to actually get things done for people. We can disagree with one another, but we must remember that we are in the solutions business. Again, we can disagree, but we must not hold one another in contempt. Contempt is one of the biggest problems in our politics. It’s a recipe for disaster.
tI have always worked hard to build coalitions of like-minded Democrats and Republicans to solve problems. Right now I am focused on the border. So what is causing this intense division?
15 percent — and those who vote tend to be more extreme on the political spectrum, extremist candidates on both sides tend to win.
A candidate in a safe seat only need win the primary; the general election is safe. To win the primary, too many candidates just pander to the base.
he attempt on Donald Trump’s life shook the foundation of our democracy.
Second, the more extreme you are on social media, the more “likes” or “follows” you get. We have all seen hateful, venal posts that seem to get more views than even the cute cat videos. Extreme social media is also more likely to generate small donor contributions from a vast audience. “Let’s work together” just doesn’t seem to generate much excitement.
tent. They are blowing up issues where we have the slightest disagreement and trying to make us unrecognizable to one another.
Our laptops and cellphones have become treasure troves of misinformation, disinformation and phony websites. Computer algorithms are programmed to feed us more and more of the same content we seem interested in.
But I still have great faith in the American people, and in our system. Biden, Harris and Trump have a wonderful opportunity in the coming months to move beyond divisive rhetoric and try to bring us together. We can disagree — disagree strongly — but not promote contempt or hate, and certainly not violence.
I think there are four major factors contributing to today’s divisions: safe seats, social media, cable news, and our foreign adversaries.
The first major problems we face is gerrymandering, drawing congressional and other seats to favor one party. Ninety percent of House seats are safe — overwhelmingly Democratic or Republican. The only way to beat a member of Congress in a safe district is to primary them. But since so few people vote in primaries — fewer than
Letters
his own Christ-centric bible, yet when later asked why the Constitution didn’t mention God, he replied, “We forgot.” The founders, and American society, were “Christian,” but of a wide variety that included Anglicans, Baptists, Quakers and even the (then) widely hated Catholics, and the often suspect Jews.
The founding era of the 1780s was dominated by the Enlightenment of liberal ideas, of science, and of democracy as a natural extension of the Christian precept of equality. Abandoning “established” religion was affirmed as a form of progress. It reinforced the common goals of unity, democracy, of free expression and liberty of association.
American culture was dominated by what was later called mainline Protestantism. This Christianity, retaining much of Catholic theology, held truth and God as aligned; reason, logic and science were God-given tools to comprehend the universe and means to improve the human condition. That Christianity supported the democratic republic being constructed.
Seventy-five years later, this was what Lincoln meant by “our ancient faith”: the tradition of church-free, ethical democracy. The U.S. did not then have a Pledge of Allegiance, no “under god” until 1953. About 100 years after Lincoln, this remained the core of Martin Luther King’s philosophy: a Christian-infused population would bend the arc of the moral universe toward justice. It has.
Under the label “Christian,” House Speaker Mike Johnson types seek to sell a “biblical worldview” model, the Jeff Landry sorts spout his Commandments as a preamble to the Constitution, and the Lauren Boebert fools are “tired” of America’s history of opposition to their dominion. They promote, under the costume of Christian morality, an Old Testament time of “divine right” governance, rigid social hierarchy, slave economies and tribal warfare. America is far too Christian a country to accept such foolishness.
Third, cable news. Think Fox and MSNBC. Depending on the show and the target audience, cable news networks hire talent and invite guests who will reinforce their own narrative that the other side is destroying our country. The crazier the quotes, the more airtime you get.
Fourth, and the most pernicious, our foreign adversaries Russia, the Chinese Communist Party, Iran, and North Korea are using our freedom of speech, our social media and more, and they are sowing disinformation and discon-
Framework by Tim Baker
I’m hopeful, too, that we might all seize this moment to recognize that politics is serious business, and realize how harmful hate is and how badly it affects the political climate.
No foreign adversary can ever hope to defeat America. None ever has. The greatest threat to our republic comes not from external forces, but from within. Only internal divisions could topple our government.
Now more than ever, let’s all find common ground, work together, and make America the best it can be.
Tom Suozzi represents the 3rd Congressional District.
BRIAN KELLy Rockville Centre
tom
sUoZZi
