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This year’s distinguished honoree is Julia Poli Pecora.

The Daniel Gale Foundation, the philanthropic division of Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty, will be holding its Third Annual Outing on Monday, June 9 at the Huntington Country Club. The outing will offer a day of golf, tennis, and pickleball in support of the Foundation’s mission to benefit charitable causes across Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island, the North Fork and the Hamptons. Last year’s event achieved 110 percent of its goal, with more than $110,000 earmarked for multiple Long Island charitable organizations. 

This year’s distinguished honoree is Julia Poli Pecora, a Huntington native and Vice President of Partnerships at UBS Arena and the New York Islanders. Now in her sixth season with the team, Julia has played a pivotal role in the franchise, leading numerous revenue generating sales efforts. Julia’s work, which was pivotal to the successful opening of UBS Arena in November of 2021, continues to greatly benefit the organization. Most notably, Julia recently secured a long-term partnership with JetBlue Airways. 

A seasoned sports industry executive with 17 years of experience, Julia has held key roles  as an executive with the National Football League, Under Armour, and FOX Sports prior to joining the NY Islanders. 

“With heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors and attendees who made our first two events a success, we anticipate another opportunity to make a meaningful impact on our neighbors in need,” said Deirdre O’Connell, Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty Chief Executive Officer and President of the Daniel Gale Foundation. “Our commitment remains steadfast – to support the communities we serve across Brooklyn, Queens, and Long Island.” 

Co-chairing this year’s event for the Daniel Gale Foundation are two of its board members, Melissa Stark, Sales Manager for Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty’s Cold Spring Harbor, Huntington and Northport offices and Abby Sheeline, Senior Media & Communications Strategist in the corporate office. 

To register for or to sponsor the outing please visit 3rd Annual Daniel Gale Foundation Golf Outing.  

About the Daniel Gale Foundation

The Daniel Gale Foundation was established in 2022 as part of Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty’s celebration of its centennial year. Charitable donations and community outreach have been integral to the fabric of the Daniel Gale organization throughout its history through donations totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars and hundreds of volunteer hours.

As its sphere of influence has grown, so has the reach of its community giveback. The Foundation was formed to consolidate and organize the considerable charitable giving and outreach efforts of the organization’s management, staff and real estate advisors to make an even greater impact. In the three years since its formation, the Foundation has donated the equivalent of 150,000 meals to Island Harvest and City Harvest food banks during Hunger Action Month®, supported Pink Aid in its fight against breast cancer, and raised more than $300,000 for local charitable organizations from Brooklyn to the North Fork and the Hamptons.

To learn more about the Daniel Gale Foundation or make a donation, please visit www.danielgalefoundation.org.

 

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Shark Tank Showdown on April 1. Photo courtesy of The People's Arc of Suffolk
Shark Tank Showdown on April 1. Photo courtesy of The People's Arc of Suffolk
Shark Tank Showdown on April 1. Photo courtesy of The People's Arc of Suffolk
Shark Tank Showdown on April 1. Photo courtesy of The People's Arc of Suffolk
Shark Tank Showdown on April 1. Photo courtesy of The People's Arc of Suffolk

People’s Arc of Suffolk and Rise Life Services co-hosted an April Fool’s Day “Shark Tank Showdown” fundraiser on April 1 with six of its fundraisers taking a dive into the shark tank at the Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead to raise funds for the two non-profit agencies. The event raised more than $60,000 for the two organizations.

The event was emceed by News 12 Long Island anchor Jenn Seelig and meteorologist Alex Calamia.

“People may have thought this was an April Fool’s Prank, but it’s no joke. People are going in,” said John McGuigan, CEO of People’s Arc of Suffolk. “We have 250 people that have come together to raise critical funds to support people with disabilities on Long Island and we’re so grateful.”

Divers suited up and entered a shark cage in pairs and were lowered into in the giant shark tank at the aquarium, accompanied by a dive master. Each duo spent about five minutes underwater, coming up close and personal with the sharks and other fish in the massive tank.

The dives were broadcast onto large screens throughout the aquarium for dinner-goers to watch.

People’s Arc, which provides services for intellectually and developmentally disabled Long Islanders, invited the 12 people who are fundraising for the event to create social media videos that were shot entirely by People’s Arc TV program participants. They operated the cameras, asked the questions and will edit the video for posting online.

The “Shark Tank Showdown” is a unique fundraising event where two individuals who raise the most and least funds will enter the 120,000-gallon shark tank at the Riverhead Aquarium for a face-to-face swim with sand tiger and nurse sharks, and a variety of exotic fish. This thrilling experience aims to raise awareness and support for programs benefiting children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

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From left, Deborah Pflieger, President, Board of Directors, People’s Arc of Suffolk; Brian Cabezas, Chief Operating Officer, People’s Arc of Suffolk; Andrew Richards, LIREG; John McGuigan, CEO, People’s Arc of Suffolk; Ayse Bin Csalman; Director of Residential Services, People’s Arc of Suffolk; Christina Goerler, President, AHRC Suffolk Foundation; Mary Fu, Chief Advancement Officer, People’s Arc of Suffolk surround Janice, one of nine residents of the Dix Hills home receiving the newly renovated kitchen. Photo courtesy of People's Arc
$25k project donated by the Long Island Real Estate Group
People’s Arc of Suffolk hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 26 to celebrate the renovation of the kitchen at their Dix Hills Residence, which will enhance the daily lives of the intellectually and developmentally disabled residents who live there, offering a more functional and welcoming environment.
“The kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s where people get together to share stories about their day,” said John McGuigan, CEO of People’s Arc of Suffolk. “For the nine people who live here, this is where they get together. It’s an integral part of the program for them.”
The renovation took approximately three weeks and saw the installation of new dining room and kitchen floors, new recessed lights, baseboard covers, window moldings, blinds, countertops, cabinets, new refrigerators, paint, and a new flattop stove. The kitchen suffered from decades of wear, including scuffed countertops, uneven floors and aging plumbing.
“This is good because I can get around easier that way,” said Janice, a 30-year resident in the house, as she surveyed the new kitchen from her motorized wheelchair.
The renovation was made possible through the generous support of the Long Island Real Estate Group, which donated $25,000 for the project. The renovation exemplifies the power of community partnerships and the commitment of the Long Island Real Estate Group to making a positive impact.
“To see people in a home, happy, to make them more comfortable, is wonderful,” said Andrew Richards, member of the LI Real Estate Group. “It’s very personal. We care. A lot of us don’t have to deal with the challenges people in this program live with every day. To be able to make this happen is very important to us.”
People’s Arc of Suffolk says the next project is renovating the bathroom, for which they are seeking a similar philanthropic partner.
About People’s Arc of Suffolk
Formerly known as AHRC Suffolk, People’s Arc of Suffolk is dedicated to creating communities where people of all ages and abilities can enjoy life to its fullest. The organization provides a wide array of services, including employment opportunities, education programs, and community engagement, all aimed at fostering an equitable and integrated community for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Follow People’s Arc of Suffolk on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

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Attendees at the collection event, including HLII co-founders Mary Fu (Standing, second from left) and Nicole Weingartner (standing, right) and members of the Suffolk County Office of Women’s Services. Photo courtesy of Her Long Island Influence

Her Long Island Influence (HLII), a networking group dedicated to empowering women across Long Island, collected essential items – including shampoo, conditioner, soaps, journals and razors, all stuffed into colorful backpacks – for the Suffolk County Office of Women’s Services at a recent gathering hosted by Community Care Rx in Plainview. The effort underscores the group’s commitment to uplifting and supporting women throughout the Long Island community.

“Our goal is to create a supportive and inspiring space where women can connect, grow, and thrive,” said Mary Fu, Co-Founder of Her Long Island Influence. “We Want to empower women and make a tangible impact in our community.”

The event also featured an engaging presentation Community Care RX on wellness and IV therapy, highlighting its benefits in supporting women’s health. This informative session provided attendees with valuable insights into innovative health practices, aligning with the group’s focus on personal and professional growth.

“Her Long Island Influence continues to be a driving force, attracting female leaders in every industry,” said Nicole Weingartner, Co-Founder of Her Long Island Influence. “Through events like this, we create opportunities for leadership development, collaboration, and community engagement.”

HLII was founded by Nicole L. Weingartner and Mary Fu and aims to redefine networking for women by cultivating connections, fostering growth, and amplifying voices.

For more information about Her Long Island Influence and upcoming events, please visit www.herlongislandinfluence.com.

About Her Long Island Influence (HLII):

Her Long Island Influence (HLII) is a networking group founded by Nicole L. Weingartner and Mary Fu, dedicated to redefining networking for women on Long Island. HLII focuses on cultivating connections, fostering growth, and amplifying voices, creating a supportive environment for women to thrive personally and professionally. Follow Her LI Influence on Instagram.

 

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From left, Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Korneich, Nancy Goroff, Amani Kahn, Maria Nardiello, and Trust President Peter Legakis. Photo by Gretchen Oldrin Mones

Awards, recognition and special proclamations went to Nancy Goroff, Amani Kahn and Maria Nardiello at the Three Village Community Trust’s Annual Membership Meeting on March 12. The trust expressed a deep appreciation of the honoree’s unique contributions to the community: 

Maria Nardiello was recognized for her special role in the life of Three Villages and community affairs:

● Long time innkeeper and resident manager of the Setauket Neighborhood House.

● 25 years of providing welcoming and friendly hospitality and service to the Three Village Community. 

● Over the years, her friendly professionalism has made the Neighborhood House the place for all community events.

● Providing a welcoming meeting place for all residents

● An enthusiastic booster of our Three Village community

● Always ready to assist in planning family and community events at the Setauket Neighborhood House

● Widely known as a caring, gracious, calming voice in every interaction with residents

● A steady, dependable and welcoming presence at the Neighborhood House 

● A very likely ‘person of history’ in the story of the Three Villages for her remarkable role at the Inn  

Amani Khan was honored for her help and support to the residents of Council District 1:

● Longtime senior Legislative Aide for Council District 1

● A beloved and respected staff member at the Town and to the entire District 1 community 

● Known for her outstanding, dependable and efficient constituent service

● Recognized for her ability to easily navigate the complexities of the town’s many different offices, departments, codes and regulations

● Acknowledged as an expert in all issues impacting the Three Village community

● Engaged in all issues of the Three Village community and the surrounding area

● Well-known to residents for her honesty, integrity and steadiness in all things ‘Brookhaven’

● An unrivaled ability to use grace and understanding in all situations and at all times

Nancy Goroff was recognized for her advancements in education, art, culture  and science: 

● President of the Board of Gallery North, the largest non-profit art gallery on Long Island

● Treasurer and Co-Founder, Long Island Strong Schools Alliances 

● Founding Board Member of the Institute for Digital Media and Child Development

● Past Chair of the Chemistry Department at Stony Brook University – a recognized leader in chemistry, materials science, and higher education. 

● Gifted public servant with a track record of accomplishment as a leader, scientist and communicator. 

● A history of building and managing diverse teams in a variety of disciplines. Demonstrating a longstanding commitment to community service and nonprofit organizations. 

● Lifelong advocate for good government

● Outspoken leader in civic affairs  

● A champion of rights for woman, children and the underserved and disenfranchised

● A fierce defender of the principles of fairness and compassion for all.

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2025 Polar plunge at Smithtown Bay Yacht Club. Photo by Luciana Hayers

By Luciana Hayes

Saturday, March 8, Long Island citizens participated in the 2025 Polar Plunge at Smithtown Bay Yacht Club. 

People of all ages plunged into the freezing waters at 2 p.m. to raise money for the Smithtown Children’s Foundation. The foundation raises money for local families in crisis, which includes bill playing, school supplies, adopting families at the holidays, groceries and much more. 

Sponsors for the event include Adelberg Dentist, Saf-T-Swim and title sponsor James E. Hall from CPA Accounting Firm. In addition to the financial sponsors, Saf-T-Swim brought an extra ten plungers and the Hauppauge-Smithtown Swim Team brought an extra 33. 

Christine Fitzgerald, executive director of the Smithtown Children’s Foundation,  stated, “last year we did about $10,000 and we had about 125 plungers and I think we’re over that already today.” 

The Smithtown Children’s Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing financial and emotional assistance for local families of the Smithtown School District. The foundation originally organized to raise money for a kindergartener  diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma in 2008. 

Since then, the foundation had raised approximately $1 million for the Smithtown community, funding medical bills, medical equipment and overdue mortgages. The organization also funded $20,000 in scholarships and continues to be a prominent and valuable resource for social workers. 

The foundation is expanding beyond the Smithtown boundaries with chapters such as Tristian’s Wish, Smiles 4 Sean, Anthony’s Hope, Silent Night and Hart to Hearts.  Saturday  was  the third annual polar plunge for the Smithtown Children’s Foundation.

Fitzgerald said the event was “really a great joint effort.” Many people and businesses donated to the cause, which led to the overall success of the 2025 Polar Plunge. Fitzgerald estimates the profits exceeded those of the previous year, which were around $10,000. 

All were celebrating this joint effort and start looking forward to the fourth annual Polar Plunge.

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Pictured from left,Twila Silverman, Chair of Suffolk County Women’s Advisory Commission; Stacey Ann Caggiano, Director of Suffolk County Department of Women’s Services; Legislator Bontempi; Suffolk County Woman of Distinction honoree Linda Oristano and Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine. Photo courtesy of Leg. Bontempi's office

Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (R-18th L.D.) proudly honored Linda Oristano as the Suffolk County Woman of Distinction for the 18th District, during a celebration luncheon at the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge on March 4.

A Northport resident for over 20 years, Linda Oristano serves as the Executive Director of the Northport/East Northport Community Drug & Alcohol Task Force. Her dedication to community service and advocacy has earned her numerous accolades, including recognition as one of Long Island’s Top 50 Women, the Humanitarian Award from the Special Olympics, and the Soroptimist Award for Making a Difference for Women.

With extensive experience in counseling, advocacy, mentoring, and education, Oristano has devoted her time to supporting the elderly, individuals facing personal challenges, and those seeking spiritual guidance. She is a Certified Addiction Recovery Coach, a Certified Recovery Peer Advocate, M.A.T. trained, a CASAC-T, an Associate of the Sisters of St. Joseph, and a Credentialed Spiritual Director. Her career spans over 30 years in social services, community service, training, and healthcare.

 “Linda’s dedication to improving the lives of so many in our community is truly inspiring. Her work has made a lasting impact on our local families, and she is incredibly deserving of this honor,” said Legislator Bontempi.

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Honoree Leslie Bellissimo weith Leg. Rebecca Sanin. Photo courtesy of Leg. Sanin's office

Suffolk County Legislator Rebecca Sanin proudly recognized Leslie Bellissimo as District 16’s Woman of Distinction at the annual Suffolk County Women of Distinction Luncheon, celebrating her lifelong dedication to empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and driving meaningful change.

For over 35 years, Leslie has been a champion for families across Long Island and the New York Metro region, currently serving as the Long Island-New York Metro Regional Director at Friends of Karen. In this role, she leads efforts to support families facing the unimaginable challenge of a child’s life-threatening illness, ensuring they receive financial assistance, emotional support, and advocacy throughout their journey.

Prior to her work with Friends of Karen, Leslie played a pivotal role at the American Heart Association, where she helped secure major funding for lifesaving initiatives and spearheaded key Long Island fundraising events. A lifelong resident of Huntington, Leslie’s dedication to service extends beyond her professional career—she has volunteered tirelessly for local charities, organized community drives, and educated others in lifesaving skills like hands-only CPR.

“Leslie Bellissimo embodies the very essence of this recognition,” said Legislator Sanin. “Her commitment to uplifting others, whether through her work, her advocacy, or her community engagement, is truly extraordinary. Suffolk County is a better place because of leaders like her.”

The annual Suffolk County Women of Distinction Luncheon recognizes women across the county who have demonstrated leadership, service, and a commitment to making a difference in their communities.

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Pictured from left,Twila Silverman, Chair of Suffolk County Women’s Advisory Commission; Stacey Ann Caggiano, Director of Suffolk County Department of Women’s Services; Fifth Legislative District Woman of Distinction Johanna Kosak; Suffolk County Legislator Steven Englebright; and Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine. Photo courtesy of Leg. Englebright's office

At a luncheon held at the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge on March 4, all 18 Suffolk County Legislators honored the county’s Women of Distinction for 2025. The county’s Department of Women’s Services asked each legislator to choose an impressive female constituent from their district who volunteers their time to make their community a better place. Legislator Steven Englebright (D-Setauket) named nonprofit founder Johanna Kosak as the Fifth Legislative District’s Woman of Distinction.

Kosak founded the Comsewogue Music and Arts Corporation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, in September 2023 after her daughter noticed a lack of music and arts scholarships in the Comsewogue School District. The nonprofit organization assists students pursuing creative paths.

“It’s impressive that Ms. Kosak found a need in her children’s school district and took matters in her own hands to do something about it,” Englebright said. “Music and other creative pursuits are vital for the collective good of our society.”

Kosak works alongside school district mothers Secretary Michele Provenzale and Treasurer Yoon Choi-Perrone, as well as the nonprofit’s student volunteers, her daughter, Annmarie; Perrone’s son, James; and Provenzale’s son, Michael.

The volunteers organize and host 20 to 30 fundraisers annually and have raised $12,000 since September 2023. The nonprofit is present at every school concert and drama production to sell flowers and snacks, hold raffles and request donations.

The nonprofit raises funds for scholarships for Comsewogue High School seniors who plan to enroll in college music, arts, marketing, business and architecture programs. CMAC also provides opportunities for art students to promote their artwork at the nonprofit’s craft fair. Last year, the sale of artwork supplied funds for CMAC and the Arts Honor Society.

Additionally, the CMAC supports teachers by providing grants for educators to invite professional musicians and artists for workshops and career development sessions. CMAC also raises funds to reduce costs for families in financial need who wish to send younger children to music or drama programs during the summer vacation.

The nonprofit’s work includes supporting the Comsewogue High School Business Department by providing learning and collaboration opportunities for students interested in digital art marketing.

In addition to her volunteer work with CMAC, the mother of four works fulltime and volunteers with her husband at Infant Jesus Roman Catholic Church. Her husband serves as the organist, while she plays keyboard. A former instructor at Suffolk County Community College, Kosak also volunteered with the Suffolk Piano Teachers Foundation, serving in roles such as president, vice-president and competition coordinator.

Kosak said she was honored and humbled to be honored and credited her fellow volunteers and the community for making CMAC a success.

“This recognition was not only for me but for our entire community and a great encouragement to continue,” Kosak said.

 

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The historical structure at Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe underwent significant structural damage after a fire on Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2023. Photo courtesy Tesla Science Center

Just days before the fire erupted, the Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe was marching along a path toward prosperity.

Center officials held a gala Nov. 16, announcing a $1.15 million installment of capital funding toward its anticipated $20 million restoration and redevelopment project.

Earlier, the center broke ground on the project, with demolition ongoing.

The center was ushering in a new era in its storied history.

“We were never in better shape,” said TSCW Executive Director Mark Alessi. “We were finally making the progress we had been working so hard for for many years.”

That’s when the flames broke loose.

Last Tuesday, Nov. 21, a conflagration — the cause of which is still unknown — enveloped the historic building on-site, designed by famed architect Stanford White.

In the aftermath, center officials are working to remediate the situation. During a press event on Tuesday, Nov. 28, Mark Thaler, partner at Thaler Reilly Wilson Architecture & Preservation of Albany, reported that the original building was “fireproof for the most part,” noting that the original brick walls remain standing after the fire.

“We have lost some of the roof structure, which will be able to be restored, and we’re poised and ready to do that,” he said, adding that the ensuing stages include cleaning out the building, securing the walls and drying out the interior.

Mission Rebuild

Given the extent of the damages, the center is now calling upon benefactors from both near and far to bolster the restoration work.

Coined Mission Rebuild, the nonprofit has launched a $3 million emergency fund drive on Indiegogo. Mission Rebuild represents a separate fundraising effort from the $20 million redevelopment campaign. 

Public officials from across levels of government attended Tuesday’s event, pledging their support.

“This is a really important historic site — not just for this county or this state or this country but worldwide,” said New York State Sen. Anthony Palumbo (R-New Suffolk). “We will do everything we can without question on the state level to continue to get the funding you need to get this project to the end.”

Deputy Suffolk County Executive Jon Kaiman said, “Buildings can burn down and then be rebuilt. The ideas behind them — the person, the history, the narrative that was created over 100 years ago — still exist.”

The deputy county executive continued, “Because the story behind it is so strong, so important, so relevant, we know that we can all stand together and continue this journey that was started so long ago.”

Suffolk County Legislator-elect Chad Lennon (R-Rocky Point) thanked the local firefighters “for taking such care” in extinguishing the fire while preserving the structure. Despite the setback to the organization’s momentum, he pledged to help the center continue carrying out its mission. 

“It was one step back, and we’re going to take two steps forward,” Lennon maintained.

Also attending the press event, Town of Brookhaven Councilwoman Jane Bonner (R-Rocky Point) sang an optimistic tune: “Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, this Tesla Center will rise as well,” she forecasted. “We will help you raise your money. We will get you back to where you were,” adding, “At the end of the day, Tesla was successful — and so will the Tesla Science Museum and this organization.”

To donate to Mission Rebuild, please visit www.indiegogo.com/projects/fire-at-tesla-s-lab-immediate-restoration-needed.

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