Last week in this space we deplored the end of Phil's Manhasset Sports Shop from our local scene. This week we present the "silver lining department." As related on page one of today's Manhasset Press, Dennis Klainberg, son of our "Bernie's Banter" columnist and himself a resident of Manhasset with his young family, is active in and past president of the Rotary Club at JFK, where his family business, Berklay Cargo Services, is located. That Rotary Club heard of a homeless shelter in its vicinity where Salvation Army workers were helping out. They approached JFK Rotary asking for a basketball hoop and a few balls for their resident children. Here is where imagination comes in. Dennis Klainberg, who grew up in Manhasset and for whom the Sports Shop was part of his local scene, thought that perhaps there would be some basketballs left over when the Sports Shop went out of business. When he approached Phil and Andy Ruggiero, he was invited into the basement beneath the store where he found treasure indeed. There were sports jackets and helmets and other equipment and, yes, basketballs, a hoop and a stand. Phil and Andy generously gave him carte blanche. With the help of some Manhasset Rotarians and JFK Rotarians and the Salvation Army, the cargo was loaded onto a truck and delivered to some kids who must have looked upon it as an early Christmas. In his story about the event on page one, Dennis reveals that Phil Ruggiero was one the the first members of Manhasset's Silver M society. He neglects to mention that he and his siblings were all chosen for this unique honor. Congratulations to all concerned. It's a fitting tribute to a much loved institution.

E.F.B.