FMC Folio Awards!

FMC Folio Awards flyer. Info below.

Fair Media Council Folio Awards

The Folio Awards, run by our sponsor The Fair Media Council, recognizes the best in news and social media. National and New York regional news of any topic may be entered, along with LI hyperlocal news stories. Social media submissions may come from anywhere to educate, inspire, or enlighten.

This event is excellent networking — They really do bring together the best in media and public relations, as well as a whole host of local notables.

Folio Awards Event Details

The event will be held at the historic stone Beaux Arts building known as the West Bath House on Jones Beach, which was restored and opened in 2019. Weather permitting, networking will be outdoors, overlooking the ocean with luncheon and awards inside. Be a part of it:
 
When: Friday, June 23rd from 11am-2pm
Where: Gatsby on the Ocean, Jones Beach.
To Register: Visit the FMC Website
Sponsorship Opportunities Available.

Special Awards

In addition to honoring the best in news and social media, the program will include the following special salute to news legends and legacies:
 
Distinguished Achievement Awards:
 
Garden City News — in commemoration of its 100th anniversary
WABC-TV — in commemoration of its 75th anniversary
WNET — in commemoration of its 75th anniversary
PIX11 — in commemoration of its 75th anniversary
Long Island Business News — in commemoration of its 70th anniversary
 
Lifetime Achievement Awards:
 
National news: Pat Milton, Senior Producer, CBS News Investigative Unit
Regional news: Tim Scheld, News & Programming Director, CBS Newsradio 880 (recently retired)
Hyperlocal news: Danielle Campbell, long-time anchor, News 12 Long Island (recently retired) 
Hyperlocal news: Doug Geed, anchor and one of the original staff from 1986, News 12 Long Island (retiring in July) 

About the Fair Media Council

The Fair Media Council has a multi-pronged mission that essentially works to advance quality journalism, and to help people become more discerning and better understand the media landscape. Their Member Benefits are valuable. You can also Subscribe to their Award-Winning Podcast, which engages notable guests in profound, informative conversation. It’s information you can use.

 

Pal-O-Mine Hay Drive Ends 5/15 – Donate Today!

Pal-O-Mine Logo
Pal-O-Mine’s very important Hay Drive is coming to a close. Please them fill the remaining gap!

Read this article we wrote with Pal-O-Mine. Visit their website to learn even more about this amazing healing place. Then help them raise the $20,000 needed to feed these amazing horses!

This webpage explains everything about the Hay Drive. You can give online or send a check made payable to “Pal-O-Mine Equestrian” to 829 Old Nichols Rd, Islandia, NY 11749.
 
Bottom line: $15 buys a bale. As of this writing, they’ve raised $15,635 through 114 donors. Thank you to all who are helping them fill that loft! 

FMC Folio Awards Ad Deadline Approaching!

Fair Media Council Logo

Fair Media Council Folio Awards

The Folio Awards, run by our sponsor The Fair Media Council, recognizes the best in news and social media. National and New York regional news of any topic may be entered, along with LI hyperlocal news stories. Social media submissions may come from anywhere to educate, inspire, or enlighten.

This event is excellent networking — They really do bring together the best in media and public relations, as well as a whole host of local notables.

Folio Awards Event Details

The event will be held at the historic stone Beaux Arts building known as the West Bath House on Jones Beach, which was restored and opened in 2019. Weather permitting, networking will be outdoors, overlooking the ocean with luncheon and awards inside. Be a part of it:
 
When: Friday, June 23rd from 11am-2pm
Where: Gatsby on the Ocean, Jones Beach.
To Register: Visit the FMC Website
Sponsorship and Ad Opportunities Available.

The beautiful Folio Magazine does sell out, so it is strongly recommended you reserve your space ASAP. s

Special Awards

In addition to honoring the best in news and social media, the program will include the following special salute to news legends and legacies:
 
Distinguished Achievement Awards:
 
Garden City News — in commemoration of its 100th anniversary
WABC-TV — in commemoration of its 75th anniversary
WNET — in commemoration of its 75th anniversary
PIX11 — in commemoration of its 75th anniversary
Long Island Business News — in commemoration of its 70th anniversary
 
Lifetime Achievement Awards:
 
National news: Pat Milton, Senior Producer, CBS News Investigative Unit
Regional news: Tim Scheld, News & Programming Director, CBS Newsradio 880 (recently retired)
Hyperlocal news: Danielle Campbell, long-time anchor, News 12 Long Island (recently retired) 
Hyperlocal news: Doug Geed, anchor and one of the original staff from 1986, News 12 Long Island (retiring in July) 

About the Fair Media Council

The Fair Media Council has a multi-pronged mission that essentially works to advance quality journalism, and to help people become more discerning and better understand the media landscape. Their Member Benefits are valuable. You can also Subscribe to their Award-Winning Podcast, which engages notable guests in profound, informative conversation. It’s information you can use.

 

Synchronicity Open Doors Reception Featuring Dr. Jeff Reynolds

Flyer for Open Doors Reception

Join us for our next “Open Doors Reception”

This will be an evening of networking, light refreshments and music, focused on celebrating health and humans services professionals. We will also offer a taste of the healing power of art. It will be held at The Firefly Artists Gallery in the beautiful historic village of Northport, home of the Engeman Theater, excellent restaurants, lovely shops and a gorgeous park and harbor.

The shops mostly close around 6pm but a few of us, like our neighbors at Artisan House, like to stay open.

 

What: Synchronicity Open Doors Reception
Honoring: Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds of The Family & Children’s Association
When: Tuesday, April 18th at 6pm
Where: The Firefly Artists, 90 Main St., Northport
Please RSVP: to katelaible@gmail.com Space is limited!
 

A Little Bit About Jeff


“I’ve got more than 30 years worth of public service experience and currently serve as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Family and Children’s Association, based in Garden City, NY. Since it began as an orphanage 139 years ago, Family and Children’s Association (FCA) has been committed to caring for Long Island’s vulnerable children, youth and families while helping them prepare for successful futures. We offer community-based programs for struggling families, at-risk adolescents, vulnerable seniors, and adults challenged by substance abuse. Today, FCA is one of Long Island’s largest health and human organizations with an annual budget of $25 million, 360 staff, 200 volunteers and 40+ programs. FCA has consistently been named one of Long Island’s top places to work.”

His full bio on the Family and Children’s Association reads thus:

“An experienced, dynamic and committed public health professional, Dr. Jeffrey L. Reynolds is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Family and Children’s Association (FCA), based in Garden City, NY. Since it began as an orphanage in 1884, Family and Children’s Association (FCA) has been committed to caring for Long Island’s vulnerable children, youth, seniors and families while helping them prepare for successful futures. The organization offers community-based programs for struggling families, at-risk adolescents, vulnerable seniors, and adults with substance use disorders. Today, FCA is one of Long Island’s largest health and human services organizations with an annual budget of $24 million, 360 staff, 200 volunteers and 40+ programs. Since arriving at FCA, Dr. Reynolds has helped secure more than $18 million in new funding and launched several innovative services, including three new recovery centers. He also re-branded and modernized the agency’s identity and during COVID, spearheaded a move to a new 30,000 square foot headquarters.

From 2009-2014, Dr. Reynolds served as Executive Director of the Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (LICADD), an organization that provides substance abuse screenings, brief interventions and referrals to addiction treatment, as well as professionally-facilitated family interventions and anger management services to adults and adolescents. Under Dr. Reynolds’ leadership, LICADD pioneered evidence-based K-12 substance abuse prevention programs in several Long Island schools, initiated a new mentoring program for children of incarcerated parents and expanded LICADD’s Employee Assistance Program. During his tenure, LICADD’s revenues tripled, and the number of families served per month increased nine-fold.

Prior to joining LICADD, Dr. Reynolds worked for the Long Island Association for AIDS Care for 19 years, where he started out doing case management and finished his tenure as Vice President for Public Affairs, responsible for government relations, resource development, strategic marketing, and communications. In 1997, he co-founded BiasHELP of Long Island, an organization dedicated to assisting victims of hate crimes and their families. As BiasHELP’s Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Reynolds secured federal, state and local grants and launched a wide array of crime victim assistance services and school-based violence prevention
programs.

Dr. Reynolds currently serves on New York’s Heroin and Opioid Task Force, the Executive Committee of the Nassau County Heroin Prevention Task Force, Suffolk County’s Heroin/Opiate Epidemic Advisory Panel, the board of the New York State Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare, Nassau’s Family Violence Task Force, Suffolk County’s Welfare-to-Work Commission and he co-chairs the Huntington Town Opioid Task Force. He serves as a board member and treasurer of Lightning Warriors, a youth
triathlon team, and serves on the board of the Long Island Association (LIA).

Dr. Reynolds is Vice Chair and remains the longest serving member of the NYS AIDS Advisory Council, first appointed by the NYS Senate Majority Leader in 1994 and reappointed five times since then. Dr. Reynolds has also served on the NYS Governor’s Recreational Marijuana Task Force, been chair of Nassau County’s Youth Board, co-chaired Nassau County Comptroller’s Non-Profit Steering Committee and served on the transition teams for County Executives Laura Curran (D) and Bruce Blakeman (R).

Dr. Reynolds has served as a consultant and grant reviewer for the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services  Administration (SAMHSA) and is a frequent presenter and keynote speaker at statewide and national health and human service conferences. He has authored more than 250 news and op-ed articles that have appeared in a wide variety of publications and is consistently used as an expert source for substance use, addiction, HIV/AIDS and human/civil rights information by local and national radio, television, online and print outlets. Dr. Reynolds has received numerous awards for his community service and leadership and was named one of the “most influential Long Islanders” each year 2010-2022 by the Long Island Press. Dr. Reynolds has received leadership awards and honors from the Simple Hope Foundation, Caron Treatment Centers, Strong Youth, Inc., the Long Island Recovery Association, Mainstream House, LICADD, Long Island Business News (Long Island Business Hall of Fame, 2021) and Herald Newspapers (Top Business Leaders in Nassau County, 2021). Dr. Reynolds is also a graduate of Energeia, a regional stewardship program spearheaded by Molloy College. In 2022, he received a Long Island Excellence in Healthcare Award from Herald Newspapers and a “Hero of Hope” award from CN Guidance and Counseling Services. 

Dr. Reynolds holds a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Dowling College (1988), a Masters in Public Administration (MPA) with a specialization in health administration from Long Island University (1997) and a doctorate from Stony Brook University’s School of Social Welfare (2007). Dr. Reynolds’ doctoral dissertation was on “Using the Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change to Explore Substance Use Patterns and HIV Risk Behaviors in a Suburban Sample.” He has been a Certified Employee Assistance Professional since 2011.

A lifelong Long Islander and cancer survivor, Dr. Reynolds is an avid marathon runner having completed 15 marathons and is also an Ironman triathlete, a passion he’s used to raise much-needed funds for FCA, LICADD, United Way of Long Island and other local/national charities.”

———

Basically, we’re lucky to have this guy.

Pal-O-Mine Stable Spirits Art Show & Auction Fundraiser

Pal-O-Mine Logo
Pal-O-Mine Stable Spirits Art Show and Auction: A fun way to support an amazing healing organization!
 
Read this article we wrote with Pal-O-Mine, visit their website to learn even more, and then join them for a fabulous evening as they transform their barn into an art gallery and creative space. Guests will enjoy art by local artists along with wines paired with delicious small bites. Attendees will participate in the creation of a themed mural to be hung in the on-site Occupational Therapy in Motion and Speech Language Pathology in Motion Location.
 
What: Pal-O-Mine Stable Spirits Art Show & Auction
Where: 829 Old Nichols Rd, Islandia
When: May 4th, 5:30-8:30pm
Details: $60 tax deductible ticket includes 4 wine tastings, paired small bites, door prize ticket, interactive mural painting with Splashes of Hope
Contact: 631-348-1389, www.pal-o-mine.org
 
Please note: Tickets MUST be purchased in advance and will NOT be available at the door.

Pal-O-Mine Equestrian: Celebrating a Season of Miracles in a Place They Happen Every Day

Photo of stable wall with uplifting messages posted

I was so happy to be invited along with my family to Pal-O-Mine Equestrian’s  “Winter Wonderland” on the last day of the J-STEP Holiday Market (they’ve since added a few more days…see below!) The childlike delight on my teenagers’ faces made it even better.

This is a deep, yet quiet celebration. It is not a day for the horses to strut their stuff. In fact, they seem to be on holiday themselves, enjoying the beautiful weather and occasionally approaching visitors to say “Hello.”  

PalOMine Horses at Rest
Pal-O-Mine horses at rest

It is the smaller animals — fancy chickens, sheep and ponies — that have center stage. Children of all ages pet and walk the gentle creatures as they learn about the farm and its residents.

“If you really need some TLC, though,” says an instructor named Danielle, indicating an enormous Belgian Draft Horse standing by one of the fences, “Go see Boomer. He’s the best. He’ll fix you right up.”

Photo of Boomer & Friend
Photo of Boomer and Friend by Ellen Lear

“This is the day we give back to our volunteers and funders,” she continues, “Today, they get to come and enjoy, and we get to work.”

The way she phrases this is intriguing, “Ummm….Aren’t you usually working when you’re here?”

“Yeah,” she smiles, “But our volunteers donate so much of their time, and our donors make it all possible. Usually, I’m working with clients. Today, I get to give back to our supporters, hang out with my coworkers, relax and enjoy.”

“Isn’t that right, Lovie?” She nods to the sheep whose line she has just handed off to an older girl. That girl is now guiding other children in petting him and feeling for the lanolin deep in his wool. Danielle offers Co-Worker Lovie a snack and strokes his head.

Photo of Lovie the Sheep
Lovie the Sheep photo by Katheryn Laible

I have yet to meet a staff member here who does not exude love and deep appreciation for their job.

“I met my best friend here,” says another instructor named Eve. She’s talking about Deb who is standing next to her. With them are two miniature horses whom we’ve been strolling with. They go on about funny coincidences and sweet simple fun. We marvel at the healthy 40-year old little horse named Honey and her dear friend, Darla. We breathe in the whole atmosphere and smile.

“We’re not snorting fairy dust here,” says Deb. Quite the opposite, actually. We laugh, thinking about the stuff inevitably in the air of a farm, even one as remarkably clean and well-kept as Pal-O-Mine. There is hard work being done here every day with a broad range of clients who are generally dealing with serious issues. The energy is overwhelmingly positive, though. Those involved speak of earthly miracles.

Photo of Deb and Eve with miniature horses Honey and Darla

Miracles and peace. “Among so many blessings, this place offers the beautiful gift of being present,” Deb reflects, “Whether you work here, or are served here, or are just visiting there is nothing you can do but slow down. The animals require it. The clients with the deepest connection to them need it, too.

“We’re all about the ‘Power of the Pause’ here,” she says. “It’s magical.”

Peace, positivity, and appreciation of what’s possible. “There are so many good people and great stories here…and everywhere, really,” Deb says. “I see it every day. I think more people need to be shown.

“Yeah,” she continues, “we have to face and deal with the tough things, but people need to see the good stuff that is happening, too. Then, they know what can be done.”

I know I’m sure grateful for everyone showing me.

Thank you!!!

J-STEP Holiday Shop invitation and images of crafts

Pal-O-Mine’s added more days to their 2021 J-Step Holiday Shop!

Stop in at the front office if you would like to go to the shop

December 16-18

Thursday and Friday from 10am-4pm

and

Saturday from 10am-2pm

at

The Classroom at Pal-O-Mine

829 Old Nichols Road, Islandia, NY 11749

Cash, Card and Check Accepted!

 

Face Masks Are Required While Shopping Indoors

Last chance for the J-Step Holiday Shop! 

J-Step Holiday Shop at Pal-O-Mine Equestrian

Pal-O-Mine Logo
Flyer for JSTEP Holiday Shop
You can read all about Pal-O-Mine Equestrian in this article we wrote. Basically, it’s a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities, the abused or neglected, the impoverished and the military.
 
Its J-STEP (Job Security Through Equine Partnership) program, is a paid internship vocational program that runs 5 days per week for people with disabilities who are 18 years or older.
 
They are currently hosting a Holiday Shop of items hand crafted by these interns.
 
Where: The Classroom at Pal-O-Mine, 829 Old Nichols Road in Islandia
 
When: Thursday December 9th, 10am-2pm, Friday December 10th, 12pm-6pm, Saturday, December 11th, 9am-4pm, Sunday, December 12th, 10am-4pm
 
Please Note: Face masks are required while shopping indoors.
You can find items crafted by these folks at other locations, too, including The Firefly Artists in Northport, where we have beautiful key chains that help raise awareness and show support for folks living with a variety of different conditions.
Pal-O-Mine has also put together a Herd Wish List for those who would like to support the horses!
For More Information: Visit www.pal-o-mine.org or call 631-348-1389

Pal-O-Mine Equestrian: Save the Dates

Pal O Mine Events Flyer

You can read all about Pal-O-Mine Equestrian in this article we wrote. Basically, it’s a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities, the abused or neglected, the impoverished and the military.


June 4 — The Pal-O-Mine Stakes
at Pal-O-Mine

June 28 — Par Fore the Horse at Southward Ho Country Club, Bay Shore

July 11-17 — Ride for Pal-O-Mine at Pal-O-Mine

September 12 — Fall Festival and Concert at Pal-O-Mine

For More Information: Visit www.pal-o-mine.org or call 631-348-1389

 

FMC Folio Awards THIS FRIDAY!!!

FMC Folio Awards

The Fair Media Council works to advance quality journalism and to help people like us better recognize and appreciate it, as well as to better understand the media landscape as a whole.

We’re honored to call them a friend and a sponsor, and to have served this year as jurors for their 2021 Folio Awards, which recognizes quality news on the hyperlocal Long Island, New York City regional and National levels.

It’s an informative, inclusive process (Kate did it with her kids!) that helps create discerning news consumers while providing important feedback to news creators. It really did just that! Join us in honoring the winners!

Fair Media Council Folio Awards

When: Friday, April 23rd from 11am-12:30pm

Where: Live Online!

To Register: Visit the FMC Website

Enjoy a behind-the-headlines chat with Newsday’s investigative team that brought to life the stunning Decades of Deceit multimedia report. Ask Jeff Basinger, Paul LaRocco and David Schwartz questions via the Q&A box!

They’ll salute the Folio Awards judges & celebrate the awards presentation with you – use the chat box to congratulate the winners!

Hosted by news personalities Sukanya Krishnan and Scott Stanford of the Suki & Scott Show, with Lynda Lopez, WCBS Newsradio 880 news anchor, taking part in the festivities.

This program is dedicated to two longtime Fair Media Council Board members, James Kinney and Terry Lynam, who have retired after many years of volunteering their time, resources and support to turn FMC into the organization it is today.

Become a Member Benefits abound.

Subscribe to the Podcast It’s information you can use.

 

A Park for Joy!!!

Here’s the story we wrote about Joy Squires, Huntington’s Environmental Sage in 2016. She’s been chair of the Huntington Conservation Board since 1979, and also long-led the NYS Conservation Commission, where she continually endeavors to help others better steward their own open spaces and to encourage new generations to be actively engaged in environmentalism.

If you know her, you have probably been informed about parks in your area and opportunities to serve as their steward. We are delighted to hear that Manor Plains Park will now be renamed in honor of her!

When: Thursday, April 22, 2021 at 12:30pm

Where: Manor Plains Nature Park, 91-93 Manor Road, Huntington