Attendees gathered at Temple B’nai Torah in Wantagh on March 8 to enjoy a night of square and line dancing.
Square and line dance brings community together
Temple B’nai Torah in Wantagh hosted a lively square and line dance on March 8, featuring a three-piece band and caller Chart Guthrie. Attendees enjoyed an evening of dancing, music, and community fun.
The event also included a hot buffet dinner, snacks, coffee, and soda. Temple members and guests filled the dance floor, embracing the spirited atmosphere.
— Charles Shaw
Attendees enjoyed live music as they danced in the
Mike Monahan/Herald photos
Ane and Fred Dinstell hit the dance floor.
Sherry Bloom dresses for the occasion at the square dance.
temple’s auditorium.
Artie and Debbie Schlesinger with Carol and Rob Meyerson enjoying the entertainment at the square and line dance.
Leaders and advocates celebrate Sustainability
Local leaders push for greener, cleaner communities
By Kelsie Radziski
Visionaries, advocates and trailblazing leaders gathered at the Heritage Club in Bethpage on Feb. 26 to celebrate groundbreaking innovations and inspire bold action toward a sustainable future. From young students to influential policy-makers to community members making a difference, the Herald Sustainability Awards of Long Island, presented by Reworld, recognized those whose efforts are shaping a cleaner, greener tomorrow.
“It is an honor for us at the Herald and Reworld to showcase the achievements of these leaders,” Stuart Richner, president and publisher of Richner Communications Inc. and the Herald, said.
As Azeez Mohammed, CEO of Reworld, emphasized, the commitment to sustainability is not just about progress — it’s about making a lasting, positive impact.
“We are honoring those leaders and budding youngsters who demonstrated a commitment to sustainability, and that matters a lot to us,” Mohammed said. “Because with Reworld, our claim to fame is that we are the only company that manages waste in a sustainable manner.”
Reworld utilizes “infrastructure, technology and imagination to solve complex waste management challenges and help create a sustainable and more prosperous future for businesses and communities,” according to the company’s website.
Reworld was represented at the awards ceremony by Maureen Early, lead community relations specialist; Dawn Harmon, director of Long Island market; Adel Omrani, president of the East Region; and Lloyd Naideck, director of state government relations along with many other Reworld team members.
“We’re delighted to be able to honor all of these sustainability champions here tonight,” Early said. “So many of them have done so much in making Long Island a better place to live, work and play.”
Two young students were recognized for their sustainability efforts. Joseph Petraro, an 11-year-old who is a freshman at Louisiana State University, founded the Joe’s Be Kind Campaign, a nonprofit aimed at promoting positive social change, especially for vulnerable children. The initiative’s mission is to foster kindness, inclusivity and connections throughout communities, and to promote positive mental well-being.
“I used to get bullied when I was a lot younger,” Joseph said, “and I don’t want other people to feel that same way.”
He also started other initiatives, including the Clean Wells for Humanity program, which tackles global water scarcity, and the Adopt-a-Grandparent program, which fosters intergenerational bonds and promotes sustainable living practices. Joseph’s efforts to bring people together to help the environment made him a Student Champion for Sustainability Award winner.
Desiree Mohammadi, a 12-year-old student at South Woods Middle School, in Syosset, was honored for her initiative Seeds of Hope, which began when she saved the seeds from the vegetables in her family’s garden. Seeds of Hope has blossomed into a bigger movement, and Desiree has partnered with Island Harvest to plant seeds every spring at the nonprofit’s Healthy Harvest Farm in Brentwood.
“I think it’s a human right that people should be able to access fresh fruits and vegetables,” she said. Both student award winners were also presented with $2,500 to support their education or future sustainability projects.
Other honorees include Don Clavin, Town of Hempstead supervisor, and Rich Schaffer, Town of Babylon supervisor, who received Environmental Leader in Policy awards. They have each made efforts, working with Reworld, to improve sustainability and environmental efforts in their towns.
“It’s a great honor to be recognized by the Herald and by Reworld,” Schaffer said. “Reworld has been an excellent partner with the Town of Babylon, and it’s probably the main part of our solid waste infrastructure and how we deal with making sure the garbage leaves the curb and is dealt with correctly.”
Local community leaders were also recognized for their work. Adrienne Esposito, executive director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment, works to protect natural resources and public health. She and her organization have taken on challenges such as upgrading failing sewage-treatment systems, protecting and filtering drinking and surface water and supporting large-scale renewable-energy projects in the interest of improving the environment.
“We really feel it’s our job to make sure Long Island is clean, safe and sustainable for now and in the future,” Esposito said.
Gregory Sandor, executive director of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Nassau County, was honored as well, for the strides the organization has made during his 12 years of leadership. The group has earned grant funding for a number of its specialized programs, including renewable energy, sustainable food systems, urban forestry and youth development. Cornell Cooperative is currently working with Reworld to build a Dynamic Learning Center in East Meadow, with the goal of educating the public about sustainability issues.
“We’re always looking at sustainability issues and how to be more resilient,” Sandor said. “So it’s exciting to be a part of that, and be a part of this different group of leaders that are being recognized.”
As attendees mingled and celebrated the honorees, vendors offered their donated products, among them Barrier Brewing Co., Garvies Point Craft Brewery, Farrm Wines, Borghese Vineyard, Del Vino Vineyards, Loughlin Vineyard and Twisted Cow Distillery.
The Herald Sustainability Awards were a testament to the collective impact when leaders and advocates unite with a shared purpose. The inaugural event showed that commitment to sustainability is about leaving a lasting, positive imprint on the world for generations to come.
Tim Baker/Herald
Maureen Early and Dawn Harmon pose with Gerry Compitello, Janina Martinez, Greg Gaxiola, Jassi Anand, and Doug Jacob accept award for Rich Shaffer.
Holden Leeds/Herald photos
Lorne Brousseau receives award for his work with REACH.
James Wylie, Lorne Brousseau, and Garrett Chelius.
Holden Leeds/Herald photos
Gregory M Sandor, executive director of Cornell Cooperative Extention Nassau County.
Citizens Campaign for the Environment Executive Director Adrienne Esposito.
Hempstead Town Supervisor Donald X. Clavin gets his award for establishing the first hydrogen fueling station on Long Island.
Michael Fiorentino, Natural Resource Program Director at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Nassau County.
Seatuck Environmental Executive Director Enrico Nardone proudly poses with his award.
Desiree Mohammadi (center) proudly poses with her $2,500 check, joined by former NY Rangers Mike Richter, Maureen Early and Dawn Harmon.
Island Harvest CEO and president Randi Shubin Dresner proudly poses with her award.
Stony Brook University student Esther Poon with their award.
Reworld CEO Azeez Mohammed gives welcoming remarks.
Jason Thomas/Herald
REACH Rotary Club honoree James Wylie playfully points out the towering height of former NFL star Justin Tuck as they pose together for a photo.
Lissette Pellegrino, celebrating her award for Environmental Stewardship.
Garrett Chelius receives his award for his work with REACH.
Operation SPLASH president Robert Weltner.
Thomas Powell accepts an award on Eric Swenson’s behalf to recognize his exceptional contributions.
Wantagh’s grand marshal honored at dinner
Since 2021, Shevlin, 48, has served as president of the Nassau County Police Benevolent Association, with a focus on creating government policies that encourage officers to receive assistance and support for mental health.
Shevlin described the feeling of being grand marshal as “amazing” and a great honor, adding that being part of the celebration was special to him. He praised Wantagh as one of Long Island’s best communities and said he considers its residents like family.
We love protecting and serving them, and there’s no better feeling to get honored by them.
Tommy Shevlin
President, Nassau County Police Benevolent Association
“We love being police officers for them,” Shevlin said. “We love protecting and serving them, and there’s no better feeling to get honored by them.”
At last week’s dinner, guests were treated to performances from members of the Show Stompin’ Irish Dance School and the Wantagh American Legion Pipe Band, and sashes were presented to members of community organizations who will serve as aides to the grand marshal.
Shevlin has spent 26 years in law enforcement, serving in both the New York City and Nassau County police departments before becoming Nassau’s PBA president. Previously, he worked as a counselor in the Nassau County Police Department’s Employee Assistance Office, providing mental health support to officers.
As PBA president, he has prioritized expanding mental health resources for police. In January, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced $13 million in funding for officer mental health support, crediting Shevlin for highlighting the issue and advocating for greater awareness of the challenges officers face.
Chamber President Cathy McGrory Powell said Shevlin has dedicated his career to helping fellow officers, and his passion to make positive change in the world made him the right choice to lead the parade.
“Tommy has chosen to handle some of the tough and not-so-easily broached topics facing our first responders,” McGrory Powell said. “We need someone to look out for those who look out for us. Tommy is the
man for the job.”
Congratulating Shevlin at the dinner were several local elected officials, including Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Legislator John Ferretti Jr., Comptroller Elaine Phillips, and Town of Hempstead Councilman Chris Schneider.
Now in its fifth year, the Wantagh St. Patrick’s Day parade has grown into Long Island’s largest. Last year’s event drew around 75,000 people, according to county police statistics.
“The first year when we turned the corner and saw thousands of people, we knew we had something special,” McGrory Powell said. “It’s a great team effort. Everybody does a great job. It’s a lot of work and everybody loves it, and we’re so happy to do it.”
She thanked the parade’s sponsors, everyone who made the event possible, and the Wantagh community for its support.
Past grand marshals have included John Murray Jr., owner of Mulcahy’s Pub and Concert Hall; Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder; Michael Dunphy, owner of the Wantagh Inn; and John Theissen, founder and executive director of the John Theissen Children’s Foundation.
Theissen, who was last year’s grand marshal, said
marching through a large crowd was an incredible experience, being cheered on by a community that has supported his organization for decades. Since 1992, his nonprofit foundation has helped sick and underprivileged children through donations and fundraisers.
“It’s really an honor,” Theissen said of being named grand marshal, “and for Tommy, he does so much — not only with the police being a PBA president, but also Nassau County and the community. I’m really happy for him, and I’m looking forward to marching with him on the 16th.”
The parade will take place on Sunday, stepping off at 2 p.m. from Wantagh High School. Marchers will proceed south on Wantagh Avenue before ending at Railroad Avenue. Road closures along the route will begin at noon. Following the parade, two block parties will be held on Railroad Avenue and in the Park Avenue back lot, featuring live music, food vendors and family-friendly entertainment.
Shevlin said he’s hoping for clear skies as he marches and waves at a community that has supported him and his fellow officers.
“I’m looking forward to a sunny day,” Shevlin said, “and seeing all of the people smile, especially the kids.”
Shevlin, left, with last year’s grand marshal, John Theissen. Theissen said that being the grand marshal of the parade is an honor, and that he was looking forward to marching with Shevlin on Sunday.
Past grand marshals John Murray Jr., left, owner of Mulcahy’s Pub and Concert Hall, and Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder attended this year’s Grand Marshal Dinner.
Holden Leeds/Herald photos
At the Grand Marshal Dinner, guests were treated to a performance by members of the Show Stompin’ Irish Dance School.
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