Limba

A World Without Nuclear Weapons is Possible and Necessary
2024-04-19 08:30 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | Candlelight Diner, 56 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Commack, NY, 11725, United States
With Karl Grossman, Investigative Reporter and Professor SUNY Old Westbury
A World Without Nuclear Weapons is Possible and Necessary. Those words are those of Pope Francis at a meeting of nations that have ratified the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. Now signed on to by most nations of the world, it bans development, testing, production, stockpiling, stationing, transfer, use and threat of use of nuclear weapons. The Pope’s words are the title of a presentation to be given by investigative reporter and journalism professor Karl Grossman before LIMBA on March 15th. Can the atomic genie be put back in the bottle? Anything people have done other people can undo and the prospect of huge loss of life from nuclear war is the best of reasons. A precedent: the outlawing of chemical weapons after their impacts were horrifically demonstrated in World War I. With war and what could n been to midnight, Grossman will detail why the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons is essential and crucial.
Karl Grossman, an award-winning investigative reporter, has long focused on nuclear issues. For 20 years he was a member of the Commission on Disarmament Education, Confliction Resolution and Peace sponsored by the United Nations and the International Association of University Presidents. He is a full professor of journalism at the State University at Old Westbury. Television programs he has written and presented include Nukes In Space: The Nuclearization and Weaponization of the Heavens. He is the author of Weapons in Space. He is a board member of the organization Beyond Nuclear. He has given presentations on nuclear issues around the world including in Norway, Russia, Thailand, Germany and Mexico and at the UN in both Genera and New York. Twice he addressed members of the British Parliament on the weaponization of space.

The Argyle Theatre’s Impact and Educational Outreach
2024-05-10 08:30 - 10:00 | Candlelight Diner, 56 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Commack, NY, 11725, United States
Three pairs of tickets to an upcoming production will be distributed as door prizes during the meeting.
The Argyle Theatre in Babylon has played a key role in the revival of Main Street since its reopening in 2018. Offering a diverse range of performances, the theatre has turned the downtown area into a vibrant hub for the local community. The upcoming event will focus on how venues like the Argyle Theatre not only serves as economic engines for Babylon and other downtowns, but increases community engagement.
General Manager Marty Rubin, along with Co-Owners Mark Perlman and Dylan Perlman, will share insights on the impact of entertainment venues and their potential to attract more people and businesses. They will also highlight the Argyle Theatre’s “Academy of the Arts,” which educates local students with supportive environments in musical theatre and performance skills. Additionally, attendees will have the chance to win tickets to “A Bronx Tale,” a musical that explores themes of loyalty, love, and family. This discussion aims to highlight the essential role that cultural and entertainment venues play in revitalizing local areas around Long Island.

The Multimillion-Dollar Economic Impact of the Arts on Long Island
2024-05-31 08:30 - 10:00 | Candlelight Diner, 56 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Commack, NY, 11725, United States
With Waldo Cabrera, Executive Producer
Islip.TV and Publisher, MyLITV.com and BroadwayandMain.com
Join two-time Emmy Award-winning TV producer Waldo Cabrera as he discusses the findings of the Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 study, conducted by Americans for the Arts in partnership with the Long Island Arts Alliance. Waldo also serves as the Executive Producer of Islip.TV and is the Publisher of MyLITV.com and BroadwayandMain.com.
During the discussion, he will cover the significance of economic contributions of nonprofit arts and cultural organizations to Long Island, their influence on audience engagement, and role in fostering community pride. Gain valuable insights into how these organizations are key drivers of economic growth and community development across Long Island.

East End Economic Opportunities
2024-06-21 08:30 - 10:00 | Candlelight Diner, 56 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Commack, NY, 11725, United States
Fred W. Thiele, Jr. is a New York State Assemblyman representing New York’s 1st Assembly District which includes the Towns of East Hampton, Southampton, Shelter Island, southeastern Brookhaven, and Southold. Before being elected to the New York State Assembly in 1995, Mr. Thiele has served as the Southampton Town Attorney, Suffolk County Legislator, Southampton Town Supervisor, and Sag Harbor Village Attorney. A lifelong resident of Sag Harbor, Mr. Thiele graduated from Pierson High School, and attended Cornell University, Southampton College, and Albany Law School.
Mr. Thiele is Chairman of the Assembly Local Governments Committee and serves on the following Assembly Committees: Rules, Environmental Conservation, Oversight, Analysis and Investigation, and Transportation. He is also a member of the Assembly Majority Steering Committee. As a member of the New York State Assembly, Mr. Thiele authored legislation which created the Peconic Bay Community Preservation Fund Act (CPF) which authorized the five towns in the Peconic Region to establish dedicated funds for land preservation and water quality protection.

Policing in Suffolk County
2024-07-19 08:30 - 10:00 | Candlelight Diner, 56 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Commack, NY, 11725, United States
Join Suffolk County Deputy Police Commissioners Belinda Alvarez-Groneman and Kevin T. Catalina as they discuss “Policing in Suffolk County,” covering the challenges, evolution, and technological advancements in law enforcement.
Deputy Commissioner Alvarez-Groneman began her career in the Suffolk County Police Department in 1981 and has since achieved historic milestones, including being the first Hispanic woman on the Police Commissioner’s staff as Special Assistant. She has been recognized for her exceptional police work and commitment to improving police- community relations. Her efforts also revitalized the 3rd Precinct Explorer program. After retiring as a detective, she served with Congressman Lee Zeldin. She organizes events such as the Suffolk County Executive’s Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration and the Adopt-a-Family at Christmas Program.
Kevin T. Catalina oversees the operation and administration of the Suffolk County Police Department. As Deputy Police Commissioner, he has developed strategies to enhance police effectiveness, evaluates unit performance, and analyzes crime trends. From 2018 to 2023, he served as Undersheriff for the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, overseeing Intelligence Operations and the Training Academy. His 27-year career with the NYPD included roles such as Deputy Chief and Commanding Officer of the Intelligence Bureau’s Operational and Analytical Section. His initiatives in the NYPD’s Gang Division led to a significant reduction in shooting incidents.

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman
2024-09-20 08:30 - 10:00 | NYIT de Seversky Mansion, 1 Northern Boulevard, Old Westbury, NY, 11568-8000, United States
LIMBA is hosting this important meeting at the De Seversky Mansion. We expect a substantial response and therefore we recommend early registration.
Nassau County Executive Bruce A. Blakeman, elected on November 2, 2021, brings extensive experience in government and homeland security. His administration focuses on fixing the property tax assessment system and enhancing police resources to combat rising crime rates. Previously, as a Hempstead Town Councilman, County Executive Blakeman consistently voted to cut property taxes and approved fiscally responsible budgets, earning the town high Wall Street credit ratings.
County Executive Blakeman’s tenure saw the creation of the Town’s first Compliance Officer and the appointment of a former federal prosecutor as Town Attorney to protect taxpayer money. He strengthened laws to prevent drug proliferation in communities. As a Commissioner of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey post-9/11, he fought to secure vital infrastructure.
A staunch advocate for law enforcement, County Executive Blakeman held roles with the New York Police Chief’s Benevolent Association and the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Foundation. As a former Presiding Officer of the County Legislature, he cut $40 million in excessive spending and reduced political appointees’ salaries. He also championed environmental conservation, downtown business improvements, and established the Hewlett House breast cancer resource center. County Executive Blakeman is also a practicing attorney and a graduate of California Western Law School and Arizona State University.

John Avlon, Candidate for Congress
2024-10-18 08:30 - 10:00 | NEW VENUE: Candlelight Diner Corporate Room, 56 Veterans Memorial Highway, Commack, NY, 11725, United States
John Avlon, a candidate for Congress in New York’s 1st District, is focused on tackling the cost of living crisis, uplifting small businesses, and rebuilding the middle class. As an author, presidential historian, and former CNN Anchor, John has consistently advocated for bipartisan approaches that help everyday Americans. His priorities include securing federal investment to make our communities more resilient to the impacts of climate change, improving our local transportation infrastructure, and helping working families get ahead. John believes in protecting reproductive freedom for women, restoring state and local tax deductions, expanding the child tax credit, and ensuring public safety as a fundamental human right.
John is a native New Yorker, grandson of immigrants, and has made his home in Suffolk County with his wife and two children. He values the sense of community here and is committed to maintaining the shared values that define our region. With his extensive background in addressing the challenges of polarization and extremism, John is running for Congress to work to strengthen our democracy, improve our standard of living, and make government work again.
EVENT SPONSORED BY:

The LIMBA Roundtable
2024-11-15 08:30 - 10:00, 2026-01-16 08:30 - 10:00 | Candlelight Diner, 56 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Commack, NY, 11725, United States
Over the years, we have had roundtable discussions to get insights on what would advance the quality of life on Long Island. At this roundtable meeting, we want to hear from the members and Long Island residents.
Please bring your ideas and concerns to this meeting, and be prepared to explain your thoughts and participate in the discussion.

LIMBA Holiday Party - 2024
2024-12-13 08:45 - 11:00 | Beach Club Estate
We look forward to this great season of celebration and renewal.
Kick off the holiday season with music from Juilliard- trained violinist Sean Quinn and vocalist Bella Serrano. There will also be humor, conversation and holiday magic.
Be sure to make your reservations for this very special event. Every year, it gets better and better. Please join us!
Ticket are $70 each and $700 per table of 10.

Importance of Freight Transportation
2025-01-31 08:30 - 10:00 | Candlelight Diner, 56 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Commack, NY, 11725, United States
DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING, NEW YORK & ATLANTIC RAILWAY
JOHN GLEESON
John Gleeson is the Director of Sales and Marketing at New York & Atlantic Railway, where he is committed to advancing sustainable freight solutions and reducing reliance on heavy truck transportation. With nearly 20 years of experience in the rail industry, he has played a key role in optimizing rail operations, developing shipping facilities, and implementing innovative logistics strategies. His career includes managing transportation fleets for major companies and overseeing service operations for railcar leasing firms. A Chicago native, Gleeson holds a B.A. in Communications from Loyola University Chicago.

Latest Updates to the Rail System with the President of Long Island Rail Road Rob Free
2025-02-07 08:30 - 10:00 | Candlelight Diner, 56 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Commack, NY, 11725, United States
With more than 32 years at the organization, Mr. Free has equipped himself with an extraordinary grasp of rail operations, planning, and customers. He built his career from the ground up, starting with the railroad as a Station Cleaner and later moving up to a variety of mission-critical roles, including management.
As Chief Transportation Officer, he was responsible for over 2,000 employees and maintaining efficient systemwide train operations. His ability to fix numerous track outages allowed significant projects such as the Ronkonkoma Branch Double Track and State of Good Repair maintenance to progress. As Senior Vice President, he was responsible for over 7,000 employees in Rolling Stock Maintenance, Train Movement, Maintenance of Way, Service Planning, Security and Station Operations.
Mr. Free led operations through the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring train service for essential workers, and also helped advance the railroad’s epic Capital Program, which included megaprojects such as the Main Line Third Track and Grand Central Madison. He also oversaw the projects’ operations and service planning, staffing, and maintenance, which, upon the successful launch of these projects, resulted in an astounding
40% increase in train service.

A Legislative Update from Albany with NYS Assemblyman Steve Stern
2025-02-28 08:30 - 10:00 | Candlelight Diner, 56 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Commack, NY, 11725, United States
New York State Assemblyman Steve Stern, a Long Island member of the New York State majority, will provide an update on the 2025 legislative session, including this year’s budget.
Assemblyman Stern represents the 10th Assembly District. He was elected to the Assembly in a special election in April 2018. Before that, he served six terms as Suffolk County Legislator representing the 16th District.
In his first six weeks in the Assembly, he passed six bills, including laws to protect our precious groundwater, the environment, services for veterans and measures to protect children’s health. He also secured unprecedented funding for our local schools and for law enforcement for the fight against the deadly opioid epidemic and MS-13.
He is the proud co-sponsor of New York’s “Red Flag Law” and introduced the Housing Our Homeless Heroes Act. He also created New York State’s first Silver Alert system, which helps loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other cognitive disorders return home safely.
Assemblyman Stern graduated from Tulane University and received his law degree from Western Michigan University TMC Law School, graduating cum laude. He is also a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA).

Update on Suffolk County with Ed Romaine, Suffolk County Executive
2025-03-14 08:30 - 10:00 | Candlelight Diner, 56 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Commack, NY, 11725, United States
EVENT SPONSORED BY:

Mr. Romaine was elected Suffolk County Executive in 2023. Before his election, he served as Brookhaven Town Supervisor for 12 years. During that time, he achieved and maintained the town’s AAA credit rating from Standard & Poor’s. He complied with New York State’s property tax cap, achieving properly balanced budgets while delivering four straight years of surpluses and reducing $31.1 million in pipeline capital debt.
Before entering local government, Mr. Romaine taught history in the Hauppauge School District for 10 years. In 1980, he entered public service as Brookhaven’s first Commissioner of Housing and Community Development and was later appointed Director of Economic Development. From 1986 to 1989, he was a member of the Suffolk County Legislature before being elected County Clerk. His use of technology and ways to improve access to official records led him to be chosen as “New York State County Clerk of the Year” in 2001.
In 2005, he was again elected to the Suffolk County Legislature, representing the First Legislative District and re-elected in 2007, 2009 and 2011. As a County Legislator, he preserved countless acres of open space across eastern Brookhaven, the North Fork and Shelter Island. He sponsored numerous pieces of landmark legislation, including “Michael’s Law,” which banned explosive fuel gels; the state’s first local law to regulate helicopter traffic; and established the LIPA Oversight Commission. He also reduced the tax burden on residents by promoting smart government initiatives and real tax reform.
Mr. Romaine earned a B.A. in History from Adelphi University and a Master’s in History from Long Island University.

Carrie Meek Gallagher, PSC Regional Director
2025-04-04 08:30 - 10:00 | Candlelight Diner, 56 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Commack, NY, 11725, United States
In her current role, Carrie and her team oversee LIPA and PSEG LI, ensuring fair electric rates while safeguarding reliable and sustainable utility services, including system updates.

LIMBA Strictly Networking
2025-04-22 17:30 - 19:30 | Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse, 160 Walt Whitman Road, #1108B, Huntington Station, NY, 11746, United States
Join us for an evening of networking with Long Island’s leaders in government, politics, and business. Connect, collaborate, and cultivate new opportunities in a relaxed and engaging atmosphere.
Complimentary appetizers and cash bar
RSVP by Tuesday, April 15
(Registration will remain open, but an early RSVP is required for an accurate food count.)

Challenges and Successes in Smithtown with Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim
2025-04-25 08:30 - 10:00 | Candlelight Diner, 56 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Commack, NY, 11725, United States
Mr. Wehrheim has over 40 years of government experience. He started working at the town’s Department of Parks, Buildings and Grounds in 1972. In 1989, he was appointed Director of the department and remained in that position until his retirement in 2003. During his tenure, he saw Smithtown’s recreational facilities labeled as some of the finest in the state.
In 2003, Mr. Wehrheim was appointed to the Town Council and, in 2018, he was elected Town Supervisor. Some of the accomplishments he oversaw as Supervisor were roadway repairs as part of the Kings Park Downtown Revitalization Initiative, the streamlining of the building permit application process, the creation of an Opioid and Addiction Task Force, the construction of a sports complex in Nesconset and $1.5 million in funding for the Paul T. Given Park.
As Supervisor, Mr. Wehrheim has introduced and passed budgets that stayed under the tax cap. As a result of his fiscal prudence, the Town maintained its AAA bond rating from Moody’s Investors Service.
A Kings Park resident, Mr. Wehrheim is a Vietnam War veteran who served two tours with the U.S. Navy. In addition, he is a Trustee of the Kings Park Education Foundation and a member of numerous local organizations, including the Smithtown Sunrise Rotary, the Smithtown Historical Society and the Smithtown BPO Elks Lodge.

Latest Developments from the Town with Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter
2025-05-16 08:30 - 10:00 | NY
In 1993, Ms. Carpenter was elected to the County Legislature. She served on almost every legislative committee, where her leadership generated countywide initiatives in public safety, education, economic development, consumer protection and cultural affairs. She was elected unanimously to serve as the Legislature’s Deputy Presiding Officer for two consecutive years.
Ms. Carpenter’s experience as a business owner was invaluable in helping to draft the county’s $2 billion-plus budget during her years in county government. She worked to bring the Touro School of Health Sciences to downtown Bay Shore and increase aid to Suffolk County Community College. She also helped implement a mass transportation public information program, enacted a Linked Deposit Program to promote local business expansion, directed the county Health Department to provide free testing for prostate cancer and worked with local breast cancer coalitions. She was also instrumental in the acquisition and preservation of Sagtikos Manor in Bay Shore as a historic landmark and improvements at Gardiner County Park.
In November 2005, Ms. Carpenter was elected County Treasurer. In her role, she increased interest earnings with all designated depositories and recommended changes to the state’s Real Property Tax Law. On March 1, 2015, she was sworn in as the first woman supervisor in Islip’s 300-plus-year history, filling the seat vacated by Tom Croci, who was elected to the state Senate. In November 2015, she was elected to the post.
Ms. Carpenter is a member of the Salvation Army Advisory Board, past President of the Board of Our Lady of Consolation, and former chair of the Catholic Health Services Continuing Care Board, and Vanderbilt Board of Trustees. She also served as President of the West Islip Chamber of Commerce for many years, and formed the Town-wide Chamber of Commerce Council, which united Chambers throughout the Town.

Economic Benefits for Businesses Expanding or Relocation to Suffolk with Kelly Murphy, Suffolk County IDA
2025-06-06 08:30 - 10:00 | Candlelight Diner, 56 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Commack, NY, 11725, United States
EVENT SPONSORED BY:

Ms. Murphy has been the Executive Director/CEO of the Suffolk IDA since June 2024 and as Acting Executive Director from June 2023 to June 2024. She previously served as the Deputy Executive Director of the Suffolk IDA since January 2015.
Prior to her role at the SCIDA, Ms. Murphy held positions including Assistant to the Commissioner of Suffolk County Economic Development and Planning, the Executive Director of the Glen Cove CDA/IDA, and the Director of Strategic Initiatives at the City of Glen Cove.
She also serves on the boards of the New York State Economic Development Council, Suffolk County Workforce Development, and the HIA-LI.

Shaping the Future of Economic Benefits for Businesses Expanding Clean Energy in New York
2025-06-27 08:30 - 10:00 | Candlelight Diner, 56 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Commack, NY, 11725, United States
EVENT SPONSORED BY:

Peter Rooney – Vice President, Project Management & Construction, New York Transco
Peter joined New York Transco in 2024, bringing decades of experience in energy and infrastructure. Before this, he was Vice President of Project Management and Execution at Eversource Energy, where he led major wind generation projects in New York and Rhode Island. Peter holds a Bachelor of Engineering from the City College of New York and is a Long Island resident.
Melanie Sinesi – Manager, Communications & Public Affairs, New York Transco
Melanie leads communications for the Propel NY Energy Project on Long Island. Prior to joining New York Transco, she served as Chief of Staff for Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone and worked for U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand in both her Long Island and New York City offices. Melanie holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Stony Brook University and serves on the Girl Scouts of Nassau County’s Board of Directors.
Jim Certa – Long Island Community & Government Relations Director, New York State Power Authority (NYPA)
Jim has been with NYPA since 2017, managing community relations for projects like the Propel NY Energy initiative. Before joining NYPA, he worked at The Princeton Partnership and has extensive experience in public relations. Jim holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature from American University and is an active community supporter.

Regional Solid Waste Challenges – And Solutions - Winters Bros Waste Management, Michael E. White
2025-07-11 08:30 - 10:00 | Candlelight Diner, 56 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Commack, NY, 11725, United States
EVENT SPONSORED BY:

Michael E. White is a consultant on special projects with Winters Bros. Waste Systems of Long Island, LLC. He is also President and Owner of LI Strategies, Inc., an environmental planning consulting firm, and an attorney with a law practice focused on environmental law, solid waste, municipal law, land use, natural resources, and freight rail transportation.
He serves on the Board of Governors of New York Sea Grant. He is also an Adjunct Faculty Member in Environmental Management and Interim Director of the Waste Reduction and Management Institute at Stony Brook University’s School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (SoMAS). He is the Principal Investigator on a New York State-funded project addressing regional solid waste management for Long Island and serves on the Long Island Commission on Aquifer Protection and the Steering Committee for the Long Island Sound Tidal Energy Project.
Among his honors are the Touro Law Center Pro Bono Attorney of the Year (2004), the Theodore Roosevelt Preservation Award (2005), and Environmentalist of the Year by Stony Brook University’s EarthStock Program (2014). He holds a Juris Doctor from Touro College Law Center, along with academic degrees in Environmental Studies and Earth and Space Sciences, and has completed graduate work in Marine Sciences at Stony Brook University.

Shaping the Future of Innovation, Access, and Academic Excellence With Dr. Edward Bonahue, President, Suffolk County Community College
2025-09-12 08:30 - 10:00 | Candlelight Diner, 56 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Commack, NY, 11725, United States
Dr. Ed Bonahue was appointed President of Suffolk County Community College in April 2021 and assumed leadership in June 2021. He is the seventh president of the college, the largest community college in the State University of New York (SUNY) system.
Under Dr. Bonahue’s leadership, SUNY Suffolk has recommitted itself to a mission of open access, academic excellence, equity, and expansion of the workforce and continuing education divisions. The college now serves over 26,000 credit students, with several thousand more in English language and workforce and continuing education programs.
The college has joined SUNY in implementing free community college for adult New Yorkers through the SUNY Reconnect program. The program provides free tuition to a range of high-demand programs for students 25 to 55 years old who have not yet earned a degree.
To better serve the healthcare sector, the college launched a new degree program in Surgical Technology in 2024 and is currently working to expand Nursing enrollment by 20%. SUNY Suffolk is also the first and only community college on Long Island with partnerships allowing graduates to transfer first into bachelor’s and then Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), Medical Doctor (MD) or Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degrees.
In addition to offering comprehensive arts and sciences and preprofessional classes for undergraduates in over 100 majors, the college has also established new short-term certificate programs in many fields.

Pat Halpin, Former Suffolk County Executive, Candidate for Congress
2025-10-10 08:30 - 10:00 | Candlelight Diner, 56 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Commack, NY, 11725, United States
Mr. Halpin, a lifelong Long Islander, began his public service at 26 as a Suffolk County Legislator (1979–82) and later became the first Democrat in over a century to represent his Assembly district (1982–87), where he chaired the Ethics Committee and the Subcommittee on Long Island Marine Resources.
In 1987, at 34, he was elected Suffolk County Executive — the youngest in county history — serving from 1988 to 1991. His administration expanded housing for families and veterans, launched community policing and anti-domestic violence programs, introduced DARE in schools, and advanced a nationally recognized open space preservation initiative.
Mr. Halpin joined the Suffolk County Water Authority in 2006, becoming Chair in 2018, where he safeguarded clean drinking water for over one million residents while improving efficiency, transparency, and public health protections.
Beyond government, he served as Executive Vice President of the Institute for Student Achievement and later as Managing Director at Mercury Public Affairs LLC until 2023. He has announced his candidacy for New York’s 2nd Congressional District, covering the south shore of Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

Keeping the Discussion Civil with Steve Levy, Esq.
2025-10-24 08:30 - 10:00 | Candlelight Diner, 56 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Commack, NY, 11725, United States
Steve Levy is also co-publisher of Long Island Life & Politics and President of the Center for Cost Effective Government. He served as Suffolk County Executive from 2004 to 2011, leading New York’s largest suburban county, with a population of 1.5 million, a workforce of over 10,000, and a $2.7 billion budget.
Renowned as one of the nation’s most fiscally conservative managers, Levy delivered eight consecutive years of tax cuts or freezes — unmatched in New York State at the time. His administration also led major initiatives in open space preservation, alternative energy, workforce housing, and economic development, creating or preserving over 15,000 jobs. Crime dropped by more than 20% under his leadership.
Levy previously served as a New York State Assemblyman (2001–2003) and Suffolk County Legislator (1985–2000), and was also a candidate for Governor. He is the author of two books — Bias in the Media and Solutions to America’s Problems — and co-hosts the On The Right Side podcast. His commentaries have been published in numerous publications. In addition, he has appeared on local and national TV and radio programs.

Growing Long Island’s Agricultural Future with Bill Zalakar, Executive Director, Long Island Farm Bureau
2025-11-14 08:30 - 10:00 | Candlelight Diner, 56 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Commack, NY, 11725, United States
Bill Zalakar, Executive Director of the Long Island Farm Bureau, brings more than 45 years of diverse experience in the agricultural industry. His expertise spans horticultural business, regulatory affairs, and personnel management.
Before assuming his current role, Bill served as Director of Facilities and General Manager at Kurt Weiss Greenhouses for 28 years, helping the company become one of the leading horticultural operations in the U.S.
A past President of the Long Island and NYC Farm Bureaus, Bill revitalized key committees and strengthened connections between traditional and urban agriculture. He currently serves on multiple New York Farm Bureau committees, including Promotion & Education, Labor, Membership, and Cannabis/Hemp.
Bill’s dedication to agricultural advancement has earned him numerous honors, including the Horticulture Industry Leadership Award (2020) and the James Quinn Award (2022). A Penn State University graduate, Bill holds a Bachelor of Science in Horticultural Business.

Holiday Party - CANCELLED
2025-12-12 13:00 - 15:00 | Beach Club Estate

How Government and Small Businesses Can Work Together to Strengthen Our Local Economy With Rebecca Sanin, Suffolk County Legislator
2026-01-30 08:30 - 10:00 | Candlelight Diner, 56 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Commack, NY, 11725, United States
A lifelong Long Islander, Ms. Sanin has dedicated her career to advancing meaningful change and advocating for her community.
Since joining the Suffolk County Legislature in January 2024, she has built strong partnerships with community organizations, small businesses, and nonprofits, establishing herself as a vital link between government and the public. Her work has driven tangible progress across health, environmental, and human services.
Previously, Ms. Sanin served as President and CEO of the Health and Welfare Council of Long Island, where she focused on strengthening support systems for families and children across Nassau and Suffolk Counties. She also played a leading role in the successful 2020 Census effort, helping secure fair federal funding and representation for Long Island.
Ms. Sanin later served as Assistant Deputy County Executive under Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, helping coordinate the county’s response to Superstorm Sandy and leading initiatives to improve county operations. She also chaired the Suffolk County Task Force to Prevent Family Violence, advancing policies to protect county employees from harassment, discrimination, and workplace violence.

How Higher Education Fosters Innovation and Entrepreneurship on Long Island With Dr. Jerry Balentine, President of NYIT
2026-02-20 08:30 - 10:00 | NYIT Innovation & Entrepreneurship Academy, Midge Karr Building, Northern Boulevard, Old Westbury, NY, 11568
EVENT SPONSORED BY:

FREE EVENT. SEATING IS LIMITED.
SPECIAL LOCATION: Startup Tech Central, Innovation & Entrepreneurship Academy, Midge Karr Building
Northern Boulevard, Old Westbury, New York 11568
The fifth President of New York Institute of Technology and an expert in emergency medicine, Dr. Balentine served as Chief Medical Officer and Executive Vice President of St. Barnabas Hospital and Healthcare System in the Bronx, New York, prior to joining New York Tech as Vice President for Medical Affairs and Global Health in 2014. He held numerous other positions throughout his career, including Hospital Medical Director, Emergency Department Director, and Residency Director.
Dr. Balentine has been an Adjunct Faculty Member at the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYITCOM) for more than 20 years. In 2009, he was the Chair of the Emergency Medicine Division within the Department of Clinical Specialties and was appointed Faculty Associate in the Center for Global Health in 2010.
A graduate of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Balentine completed his internship at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Philadelphia and his emergency medicine residency at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in the Bronx, where he also served as Chief Resident. He earned his undergraduate degree from McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland.
Dr. Balentine has authored and edited many web and textbook chapters and was Medical Editor of newyorkmedicaljournal.org. He is also a Medical Author and Editor for the WebMD network, which includes MedicineNet, eMedicineHealth, RxList, and WebMD

The State of Healthcare in New York with Michael Dowling, CEO Emeritus, Northwell Health
2026-03-27 08:30 - 10:00 | Candlelight Diner, 56 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Commack, NY, 11725, United States
EVENT SPONSORED BY:
Eagle Business Solutions

During his 23-plus-year tenure, Dowling led the transformation of Northwell Health from a network of Long Island-based hospitals into one of the nation’s ten largest health systems, recognized for its clinical, academic, and research excellence. Under his leadership, Northwell expanded to include 28 hospitals across New York and Connecticut, employing more than 104,000 individuals and working with over 14,000 affiliated physicians across approximately 1,000 care locations. The system also offers an extensive network of home care, rehabilitation, and end-of-life services.
As president and CEO, he championed major investments in research and innovation, helping grow the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research and positioning Northwell as a leader in the emerging field of bioelectronic medicine. He also advanced medical education through initiatives such as the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, the Hofstra-Northwell School of Nursing, and Northwell’s Center for Learning and Innovation, helping to prepare the next generation of health care professionals.
In addition, he has been a prominent advocate for addressing gun violence as a public health issue, mobilizing more than 60 health care CEOs nationwide to support prevention efforts. He has also been named to Modern Healthcare magazine’s “100 Most Influential People in Healthcare” for 18 consecutive years, earning a No. 1 ranking in 2022.

The Successes and Challenges of Fighting Crime in Suffolk with Errol Toulon, Sheriff, Suffolk County
2026-04-17 08:30 - 10:00 | Candlelight Diner, 56 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Commack, NY, 11725, United States
EVENT SPONSORED BY:

Sheriff Toulon brings more than 30 years of criminal justice experience, with a strong focus on corrections intelligence and combating gang violence. He spent 25 years with the New York City Department of Correction, rising from correction officer to Deputy Commissioner of Operations, and serving in key roles including the Emergency Service Unit and Firearms and Tactics Unit.
Elected in 2018 as Suffolk County’s 67th Sheriff and the first African American elected to a non judicial countywide office, he is now serving his second term. As Suffolk County’s highest ranking law enforcement official, he leads innovative efforts to reduce crime and recidivism, while implementing responsible fiscal policies to serve over 1.5 million residents.
Sheriff Toulon has developed impactful programs targeting human trafficking, violent crime, and successful reentry for formerly incarcerated individuals. He holds degrees from Monroe College, Dowling College, and Long Island University, and has received national recognition for his leadership in corrections and law enforcement.
