Jumping ahead: Hop-skippity, intrepid innovators! You’ve vaulted to another Friday, with another well-earned weekend just one giant leap away – filled with back-to-school shopping and/or lazy relaxation, and we’ll discuss both in a moment.
Before we spring too far ahead, let’s leap (faithfully) into this weekly innovation review – the perfect jumpstart to a brilliant workweek finale.
Sweet solution: When life gives you lemons…
Taking it easy: Today is Aug. 15 and we’re getting a jump on the weekend with National Relaxation Day, an annual homage to mind- and body-regenerating recreation and, if preferred, simple peace and quiet.
Toughing it out a bit are leatherworkers – nothing kinky, mind you, but the artisans earning applause on National Leathercraft Day, which celebrates the rich heritage of shaping, cutting, dyeing, stitching, tooling and finishing leather.
Taking it hard: While some nationwide districts are already back at it, Long Island schools are scheduled to begin the 2025-26 academic year in just over two weeks, making today perfect for National Back to School Prep Day. (And the rest of the weekend, too – sorry, kids.)
This will soften the blow: It’s also National Lemon Meringue Pie Day, celebrating the tart, sweet and sensational dessert every Aug. 15.
Who’s this? Saying “hello” when we answer the phone became a thing on this date in 1877, when Thomas Edison convinced the president of the Central District and Printing Telegraph Company of Pittsburgh to codify the telecommunications greeting. (Alexander Graham Bell had been lobbying for “ahoy, ahoy.”)
Die lard: While many cooks prefer butter and healthier oils, Crisco still has its diehard supporters.
What’s that? Also entering the mainstream on Aug. 15 was Crisco, the hydrogenated shortening lard introduced in 1911 by Procter & Gamble, which had tried (and failed) to create hardened soaps from fats.
Where’s that? Speaking of streams, the Panama Canal – which allowed ships to travel from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean in less than 10 hours – opened to maritime traffic on this date in 1914, eliminating the lengthy and hazardous trip around the tip of South America.
Who rang that bell? Near the shores of the Pacific, just 19 months after Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer bought the rights to L. Frank Baum’s classic story, “The Wizard of Oz” premiered in Hollywood 86 years ago today. (What does “who rang that bell” mean? How quickly we forget.)
Who’s there? And it was Aug. 15, 1977, when Ohio State University astronomers working in the Big Ear Radio Observatory had their bell rung, detecting the infamous “Wow Signal” – still considered by some to be ironclad proof of intelligent alien life.
It was probably just a comet.
Desert fox: Lawrence experienced adventures across the Arabian Peninsula.
Seven pillars: British Army officer, archaeologist, diplomat and writer Thomas Edward “T.E.” Lawrence (1888-1935) – an archeological scholar known best for his circa-World War I adventures across the Middle East – would be 137 years old today.
Also born on Aug. 15 were Scottish novelist, poet and historian Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832), the inventor – and, arguably, greatest practitioner – of the historical novel; French theoretical physicist and aristocrat Louis Victor Pierre Raymond, 7th Duc de Broglie (1892-1987), a 1929 Nobel Prize-winner, quantum-theory pioneer and literal prince of a guy; New Zealand chemist, mathematician and astronomer Leslie Comrie (1893-1950), who punched his ticket to immortality with punch-card calculations; American teacher, author, television personality and Frech cuisine master Julia Child (1912-2004), also maybe an Office of Strategic Services spy; and American commercial airline pilot Beverly Lynn Burns (born 1949), the first woman to captain a Boeing 747 jetliner.
Gates keeper: And take a bow, Melinda French Gates! The American philanthropist, businesswoman, computer scientist and women’s- and girls’-rights advocate – who co-founded one of the world’s largest charitable organizations with her famous ex-husband – turns 61 today.
Give your best to the former co-chairwoman of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation at editor@innovateli.com, where our foundation rests on the bedrock of your news tips and calendar events.
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BUT FIRST, THIS
Put ’er there, Pal! An annual golf outing has hoofed it, once again, for Long Island’s premier equine-therapy organization.
The New York Claim Association saddled up July 21 at the Garden City Country Club in support of Pal-O-Mine Equestrian, an Islandia-based horse farm that provides comprehensive therapeutic programs featuring horses and horseback riding for children and adults with disabilities, as well as veterans, first responders and other trauma survivors. The Claim Association stuffed $5,000 into the saddle bags of the 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, which also services people on the autism spectrum.
With its 30th anniversary annual fundraiser still a month away, Pal-O-Mine founder and CEO Lisa Gatti praised the efforts of the Claim Association, a New York City-based nonprofit advancing professional ethics and education across the insurance industry. “All of us at Pal-O-Mine are very grateful to … the New York Claim Association for their continued support over the years,” Gatti said. “Their generous contribution will enable us to continue our Summer Employment Training Program, which changes lives through the healing power of horses, the outdoors and hard work.”
Wrong number?: Hochul is all smiles now — but may be overestimating the popularity (and enforceability) or her new school cellphone ban.
Dialed in: Albany has created a website designed specifically to educate students and parents on the state’s new school cellphone ban.
Bell-to-bell restrictions on Internet-enabled personal devices, including smartphones, arrive with the new school year, as per a new law signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul in May. Statewide school administrators have leeway in how they collect and store devices, punish noncompliance and otherwise police personal Internet access during the school day, and were given until this month to create their individual plan – leading to a mishmash of enforcement policies from that state’s roughly 1,100 public districts, charter schools and BOCES facilities.
The new website breaks it down school-by-school for students and families – an important database, according to Hochul, as K-12 students and the schools they attend adjust to the new state law. “Our kids succeed when they’re learning and growing, not clicking and scrolling,” the governor said Thursday. “As we look ahead to the start of the school year, communication is key – and our new online resource is making it easier for parents and students to review their school’s plan.”
TOP OF THE SITE
At this rate…: The latest rate hike by gas and electricity utility National Grid – approved Thursday by the New York State Public Service Commission – has sparked a war of words between Gov. Kathy Hochul and the very commissioners she appointed.
Now broadcasting: Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency CEO and Executive Director Kelly Murphy joins “Spark: The Innovate Long Island Podcast” to discuss her decades of public service, the importance of tax abatements and the wisdom of Suffolk’s economic-development strategies – plus her royal ties to the New York Mets.
ICYMI
The Debrief consults with Long Island Children’s Museum Director Erika Floreska about the museum’s old-fashioned ideals and next-generation exhibitions, and how they’re blurring the lines between art and education.
Something to say? Welcome to The Entrepreneur’s Edge, Innovate Long Island’s new promoted-content news feature platform – a direct link from you to our innovation-focused audience. Progressive product to promote? Singular service to sell? Sociopolitical position to push? Shine a bright light on the big picture, the little details and everything in between with The Entrepreneur’s Edge. Living on the edge.
BEST OF THE WEST (AND SOMETIMES NORTH/SOUTH)
Innovate LI’s inbox overrunneth with inspirational innovations from all North American corners. This week’s brightest out-of-towners:
From Florida: Miami-based maritime-transaction marketplace Boat Trader simplifies personal boat buying and selling with an innovative online suite.
From New Jersey: Hoboken-based hospitality-solutions honcho Hudini forms a strategic partnership bringing end-to-end tech services to customers across Europe.
From Virginia: Arlington-based vertical-farm designer, builder and operator Area 2 Farms selects the site for its second sustainable urban farm.
ON THE MOVE
Jennifer Almquist
+ Jennifer Almquist has been named chief of staff for new Stony Brook University President Andrea Goldsmith. She was chief of staff to the president and liaison to the Board of Trustees at the University of Northern Colorado.
+ Peter Michaelson has joined the Stony Brook Medicine Community Medical Group. The retired U.S. Air Force Air National Guard colonel and senior flight surgeon is the founder of Commack-based Suffolk ENT.
+ The Smithtown-based Developmental Disabilities Institute has announced two new hires:
- Nicole Russo has been hired as marketing and communications strategist. She was deputy director of communications in the office of former Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone.
- Rhonda Greene has been hired as director of learning and professional development. She was learning and development manager at Nestlé Health Science in Ronkonkoma.
+ Nicole Silvestro has been promoted to project manager at TPD Engineering in Melville. She was a transportation planning specialist.
+ Johanna David has been hired as counsel at Garden City-based Jaspan Schlesinger Narendran. She was a partner at Uniondale-based Forchelli Deegan Terrana.
+ Uniondale-based Rivkin Radler has welcomed two new attorneys to its Long Island office:
- Jason Gil has joined the Commercial Litigation and Real Estate practice groups. He was an associate attorney at Rosenberg & Estis in New York City.
- Nabeel Gadit has joined the Commercial Litigation and Insurance Fraud practice groups. He was an assistant general counsel for the U.S. General Services Administration.
+ Kristy Loewenstein has been named dean of the Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies. She had been interim dean since 2024.
+ Moritt Hock & Hamroff has added two attorneys to its Garden City office:
- Susan Coleman is counsel in the Litigation and Real Estate practice groups. She was the town attorney for the Town of Huntington.
- Michael Kwiatkowski is counsel in the Creditors’ Rights, Restructuring & Bankruptcy Practice Group. He was a partner at Uniondale-based Cullen and Dykman.
+ Kori Schneider has been hired as director of community relations at SUSA FC Soccer Academy in Central Islip. She was a community relations volunteer.
Like this newsletter? Innovate Long Island newsletter, website and podcast sponsorships are a prime opportunity to reach the inventors, investors, entrepreneurs and executives you need to know (just ask FourLeaf FCU). Gregory Zeller can tell you more.
BELOW THE FOLD (Try, Try Again Edition)
Risky business: Warehousing — which often combines heights, hefty packages and heavy machinery — remains one of the most dangerous occupations.
Try this at home: Behold, “Land Snorkeling” – the latest rage among vacationers and staycationers alike.
Don’t try this at home: The Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals America’s most dangerous jobs.
The old college try: Some have capitulated, but many college leaders are still battling the Trump administration.
Always trying: Please continue supporting the outstanding organizations that support Innovate Long Island, including FourLeaf Federal Credit Union, which always makes every effort to answer the needs of its members and their communities. Check them out.
