Limba

Winters Center for Autism Hire for a Higher Purpose! With Christine Ponzio, M.S.Ed.
2023-08-25 08:30 - 10:00 (America/New_York) | Winters Center for Autism, 92 Mahan Street, West Babylon, 11704
NOTE NEW VENUE
Christine Ponzio, M.S.Ed.
Executive Director, The Winters Center for Autism
Christine Ponzio, M.S.Ed., has worked with individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities and their families for more than 35 years. She started her career in 1989 at the Developmental Disabilities Institute’s (DDI) Children’s Residential Program as a special educator and became the voice for children who had not yet found theirs.
Christine served as the director of the Young Autism Program (YAP) and developed countless opportunities for students and families to find great success and created an environment for staff members to excel. She served as the key administrative and clinical leader for the New York Centers for Excellence for children with autism and complex needs. She led the team to target and achieve deliverables related to new reimbursement methodology; develop a statewide data repository with the potential for predictive analytics; improve assessment, screening and intervention methods; inform research and create communications platforms for sharing and disseminating information internally and to New York State providers.
Today, Christine works with over 20 companies who have embraced a neurodivergent workforce.

The Future Of Brookhaven With Brookhaven Town Supervisor Ed Romaine
2023-09-15 08:30 - 10:00 | Candlelight Diner, 56 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Commack, NY, 11725, United States
Ed Romaine, the Republican/Conservative candidate for County Executive, has served as Brookhaven’s Town Supervisor since 2012. Under his leadership, Brookhaven has maintained a AAA bond rating from Wall Street ratings agencies for the past decade, reduced Town debt and held the line on property taxes to spur economic development and make Brookhaven more affordable for our families.
Romaine has earned a reputation for providing cost-effective government through innovation and technology. He is held in high regard by the environmental community, having authored Suffolk’s Clean Water Act and spearheading legislation to protect the Carmans River.
As Supervisor, he’s worked to maintain the Brookhaven’s suburban quality of life by aggressively prosecuting problem landlords and eliminating hundreds of zombie homes. He’s hired more public safety officers to help secure our communities and has worked to ensure that local government best serves all of the residents of the Town.
Romaine has been a recognized leader across Suffolk County throughout his career. Prior to being elected Town Supervisor, he served in the County Legislature and as Suffolk County Clerk, where his pioneering approach to government technology led to increased productivity and improved access to official records. Because of this, he was recognized as NYS County Clerk of the Year.

Hospitals, Health, and Industry – Partners in Achieving a Healthier Long Island With Janine Logan, MS, APR
2023-09-29 08:30 - 10:00 | Candlelight Diner, 56 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Commack, NY, 11725, United States
Vice President, Communications and Population Health Suburban Hospital Alliance of New York State
Janine Logan is vice president of communications and population health for the Suburban Hospital Alliance of New York State and its two regional entities – the Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Council (NSHC) on Long Island and the Northern Metropolitan Hospital Association (NorMet) in the Hudson Valley. She oversees and coordinates marketing/communications initiatives for these three associations, ensuring that the appropriate messages about hospitals and healthcare policy are delivered and understood by such targeted audiences as the media, lawmakers, business and industry, government agencies, allied health associations, and the public. She also directs the Long Island Health Collaborative (LIHC), a population health-based initiative coordinated by the Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Council. LIHC is a coalition of 300-plus organizations, including hospitals, local county health departments, community-based organizations, health plans, academic institutions, schools, libraries, physician associations, and several businesses. She is also an adjunct assistant professor of Community Health at SUNY Farmingdale.
She previously served as assistant director of public relations for South Oaks Hospital, a comprehensive behavioral healthcare facility and its sister agency Broadlawn Manor, a skilled nursing facility. Before that, she served as the public relations coordinator for the National Catholic Development Conference, a membership association for religious fundraising organizations.
She holds a Master’s degree in Health Communications from Boston University and a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts from St. John’s University. Her public relations/marketing work has been recognized by regional and national peer organizations, especially for her efforts in the area of outreach and awareness. In 2012, she was awarded the Outstanding Association Achievement Award for excellence in healthcare communication from the Association of Association Educators, a subgroup of the American Hospital Association. She has earned several regional awards for her health promotion campaigns and communications initiatives. She frequently lectures and writes about health policy, legislation and regulation, population health, public health, and how the power of the narrative distills these complex and abstract concepts into the understandable. Accredited by the Public Relations Society of America in the practice of public relations, she serves on a variety of state, regional, and local task forces.

New York has gone to pot. The insiders’ view of how the cannabis industry will move forward.
2023-10-27 08:30 - 10:00 | Candlelight Diner, 56 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Commack, NY, 11725, United States
Arthur “Jerry” Kremer, Partner and Chair of the Municipal and Regulatory Affairs Practice Group and Cannabis Practice Group at Ruskin Moscou Faltischek P.C., and President of Empire Government Strategies
Arthur “Jerry” Kremer’s career in government began with his appointment as corporation counsel of Long Beach, NY. Jerry was elected to 13 terms in the New York State Assembly and was the only Long Island legislator to ever head the prestigious Ways and Means Committee. He has served, by appointment of the governor, on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Capital Review Board and the Public Authorities Control Board.
Jerry has represented a large number of Fortune 500 companies in complex matters. He has served as government relations counsel to Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, Public Service Electric & Gas, Hostelworld, New York State Bowling Proprietors’ Association, Bus Association of New York State, the New York State Power Authority and various medical groups, technology groups and prominent energy companies. In addition, he is chair of the New York Affordable Reliable Electricity Alliance. City and State magazine has designated him as one of the most powerful lobbyists in Albany. He is also a member of the Long Island Business News Hall of Fame. Jerry is a colonel (ret.) in the New York State Guard.
Elizabeth S. Kase, Of Counsel, Co-Chair of Ruskin Moscou Faltischek’s Cannabis Group
Elizabeth Kase counsels clients seeking licensure in the emerging adult-use cannabis space pursuant to New York’s Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act.
Since the inception of The Compassionate Care Act in 2014, Ms. Kase guided entrepreneurs, businesses, and social equity applicants seeking to navigate New Yorks’s ever-changing regulatory landscape. She lectures extensively about the status of the laws, legal ethics, and compliance in the cannabis space. She has published numerous articles pertaining to criminal law, cannabis law, and cannabis/derivative products.
Ms. Kase is also well-known for her tireless advocacy and commitment to her clients, defending large-scale federal and state criminal matters, including public corruption cases, conspiracies, mortgage fraud, healthcare fraud, immigration fraud, embezzlement schemes, sex crimes, and narcotics cases, as well as complex DWIs. She proudly serves as Village Justice of Baxter Estates in Port Washington, New York since 2011. Ms. Kase is a graduate of Smith College and Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, where she also teaches trial advocacy.

The Future of Higher Education With James P. Lentini, D.M.A. President of Molloy University
2023-11-10 08:30 - 10:00 | Candlelight Diner, 56 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Commack, NY, 11725, United States
Dr. James Lentini began his tenure as Molloy University’s seventh president in June 2020. Under his leadership, major goals have been established to expand enrollment and develop new academic programs to meet the needs of students and the greater New York metropolitan area. Milestones achieved include Molloy’s status change from a college to a university in 2022. Building a new vision for the future, Dr. Lentini is leading the development of a new strategic plan that sets a path for Molloy to expand its impact and reach as a comprehensive university that offers top-tier professional and academic programs rooted in the liberal arts.
Accomplishments include record-setting levels of fundraising and grants since Dr. Lentini’s arrival, in addition to the creation of Molloy’s first-ever position of vice president for diversity, equity, and inclusion that aligns with the institution’s history and mission as a Catholic institution in the Dominican charism.
Dr. Lentini was elected to the board of The Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities in 2023, and serves as a board member of the Long Island Association and the Long Island Arts Alliance.
His accolades include being named to the Long Island Business News “Powerlist” as one of the “60 Most Powerful Influencers” (2022), the Long Island Press PowerList (2022), the Long Island Press “A-List” (2022 and 2021) and the Long Island Business News “Power 25 in Education” (2020). In tandem with his achievements as a university leader, Dr. Lentini is an award-winning composer and classical guitarist and is a voting member of the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences GRAMMY awards.

Remake Penn Station To Improve Its Usability With Samuel Turvey
2023-12-01 08:30 - 10:00 | Candlelight Diner, 56 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Commack, NY, 11725, United States
Samuel Turvey is a longtime community activist and Board Member in the not-for-profit community. He recently retired from TIAA, where he served as a Managing Director in the firm’s legal department, but continues to provide consulting services to the financial services industry. Sam was a Founding Member of the East Village Parks Conservancy, a Founding Member and Producer of New York’s Charlie Parker Jazz Festival (from 1993 to 2002) and presently a Board Member of the National Jazz Museum in Harlem and the John Noble Maritime Collection on Staten Island.
Parenthetically, advocacy came to Sam early. As a grammar school student during the 1960s, Sam participated in protests and rallies to save Staten Island’s Greenbelt, including High Rock, from expressways Robert Moses hoped to link to the newly opened Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. That effort proved to be successful.
Sam majored in Urban Studies at Fordham University and also graduated from Fordham Law School, where he served as an Associate Editor of the Law School’s Urban Law Journal.
Sam is a native of Staten Island and has lived and worked in each of New York City’s five boroughs. He also has commuted at one point or another from Westchester, Fairfield, Essex, Morris and Monmouth Counties

LIMBA Holiday Party - 2023
2023-12-13 08:30 - 11:00 | Windows on the Lake, 235 Lake Shore Road, Ronkonkoma, NY, 11779, United States
We are looking forward to our Holiday Gathering that will feature humorists Eric Haft and Rich Walker.
Eric is responsible for many of the comedy shows at Engemann Theater in Northport and we can expect a professional performance.
Ticket are $75 each and $750 per table of 10

Propel NY- Building a Robust Electric Distribution System With Steve Cole-Hatchard
2024-01-12 08:30 - 10:30 | Candlelight Diner, 56 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Commack, NY, 11725, United States
Steve Cole-Hatchard serves as the Project Director for New York Transco LLC, where he is responsible for all project development activities associated with the Propel New York Energy
Project, a transformative electric transmission project.
Prior to this position, Steve was NY Transco’s Senior Project Manager for the Rock Tavern to Sugarloaf Project, an electric transmission project in Orange County that, under his management, was permitted in less than a year, and built and put into service 18 months ahead of schedule.
Steve started his career at Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc., where he held many roles including gas operations Operating Supervisor for gas operations and Chief Construction Inspector in substation and transmission construction.
Steve’s expertise is centered around management, permitting and construction of underground and overhead electric transmission lines and substations in congested urban and suburban areas.
Steve holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Manhattan College and a Master of Business Administration with specializations in Corporate Finance, Management, and Real Estate from New York University’s Stern School of Business.

Congressional Update With Congressman Nick LaLota
2024-01-26 08:30 - 10:00 | Candlelight Diner, 56 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Commack, NY, 11725, United States
U.S. Representative Nick LaLota (NY-01) was first sworn into office in January 2023. Nick’s father served as a Nassau County Police Officer, his grandfathers served in the NYPD, and his stepfather served in the Navy.
After graduating from St. Anthony’s High School, Nick matriculated to the United States Naval Academy. Upon graduating, Nick entered the Navy and attained the rank of Lieutenant. He served as a Surface Warfare Officer and Tactical Action Officer. He deployed overseas on three separate occasions and to twenty countries.
After leaving the Navy, Nick went on to serve on the Amityville Board of Trustees, Commissioner of the Suffolk County Board of Elections, and as Chief of Staff to the Suffolk County Legislature.
A husband and father, Nick and his wife Kaylie, his high school sweetheart, are raising three daughters.
Nick is a cum laude graduate from Hofstra University’s Zarb School of Business with an MBA and holds a Juris Doctor from Hofstra University’s Maurice A. Deane School of Law.
Nick continues his commitment to serving Long Island in the halls of Congress by fighting to lower taxes for working class Long Islanders, secure energy independence and defend all of our constitutional freedoms.

The LIMBA Roundtable
2024-02-09 08:30 - 10:00, 2024-11-15 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.

Sands Project in Nassau County
2024-03-29 08:30 - 10:00 | Candlelight Diner, 56 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Commack, NY, 11725, United States
EVENT SPEAKER:
Senior Vice President and Corporate Social Responsibility Officer Tracey Edwards

A World Without Nuclear Weapons is Possible and Necessary
2024-04-19 08:30 - 22:00 | 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:

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.
