Midterms are kind of a big deal. We think local elections are, too. Here are all sorts of resources specific to that and on how to be better citizens generally…
Continue readingVote Smart: Resources for Upcoming State and Federal Elections
FMC: Your Executive Briefing, Upcoming Masterclass, Nominate Now
Here’s some of the latest from our dear friends and sponsors at The Fair Media Council:
Fair Media Council Launches New Season of Master Classes
The Fair Media Council invites you to “Meet three of the biggest players behind Long Island’s evolving local news landscape. These digital outlets are building audiences with fast, accessible local coverage — no paywalls, no accounts and fewer barriers between a story and the people who need to see them. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look into what and how these news outlets cover Long Island, plus the chance to pitch them your story.”
What: “The New Front Page: Masterclass & Pitch Session”.
When: October 21st, 9am-11:30am
Where: 58 S. Service Road, Lower Level, Melville, NY
Speakers: Michael White, Founder, Greater Long Island Media Group, Inc; Gregory Zeller, Editor & Publisher, Founder, Innovate Long Island; Jonathan Marx, Founder, The Long Island Times
For tickets and more information: Visit the event page here. Tickets are partially tax-deductible. Continental breakfast included.
New Newsletter: FMC Media Intelligence
We have long appreciated and encouraged folks to check out “The Latest,” the Fair Media Council’s educated inside view of and commentary on the rapidly changing media landscape. Now, we are excited to for their new dispatch, “FMC Media Intelligence”. According to the Fair Media Council this new “executive-style brief” will be “focusing on how media trends are impacting how business is done.” Here’s the link to sign up.
Nominate Today! Fair Media Council Folio Awards
FMC is now accepting nominations for the 2027 Folio Awards. This event recognizes the best in news and social media. National and New York regional news on any topic may be nominated so long as the work was published in 2026. Categories continue to evolve beyond traditional news media, reflecting a rapidly changing landscape.
There will be Signature and Lifetime Achievement Awards, as well as diverse news and media categories. These will invite both professional and student journalism as well as other media reflecting the increasing role businesses and nonprofits have come to take in their own communications. Do check the website for details!
To Nominate: Visit the Folio Awards Event Page
Deadline: February 1, 2027
The Fair Media Council wants folks to know that, “for more than four decades, the Folio Awards have stood apart as the only recognition that bridges industry standards with public values. Each award affirms not only quality, but also impact — proof that the work being done is what people value, want, and need.
The annual Folio Awards luncheon gathers leaders from news, media, business, and the community to celebrate those who set the standard. It is more than a ceremony — it is where public trust meets media excellence, and where the future of storytelling is defined.”
In the end, it’s about quality, effectiveness and most of all trust.
You can find information about past honorees here. If you’d like to be considered as a judge, you may apply here. Nominations are judged by both industry professionals and dedicated community leaders. I’m honored to be a long time judge myself. I found the whole experience deeply educational, enlightening and worth the time it takes to do the job.
About the Fair Media Council
Check out this interview with Executive Director Jaci Clement on the Main Street News, presented by Vision Long Island.
The Fair Media Council operates at the intersection of media, influence and power. For 45 years, they have been holding news and media accountable while working to create an informed, media-savvy society. The more time goes on, the more important, and broadly applicable their work becomes. It’s about transparency, accountability, and credibility, as well as fostering the ability to both convey that, and recognize it when we see it.
The FMC offers clear eyed, informative commentary, and is known for quality, unscripted conversations with top influencers in news, business and technology. Members have access to a broad array of resources. Intimate educational events feature excellent presenters offering timeless wisdom and latest understandings of our constantly revolutionizing media ecosystem.
Whether it’s considering the current state of affairs or what to make of what’s coming, managing our brands, dealing with PR crises or simply learning how best to get a reporter’s attention, FMC offers thought provoking and practically useful programming. A signature project is their annual Folio Awards, which honors the best in news and other media. It’s excellent networking and always insightful. Another main event, their annual “Boot Camp” is lower key, but also kind of a big deal.
We are honored to call them a sponsor and find all they do deeply informative and a source of meaningful connections. We are grateful!!!
Rebuilding Together Long Island
Rebuilding Together LI
Since 1992, Rebuilding Together Long Island (RTLI) has been dedicated to making homes safer, healthier and more accessible. The organization is powered by volunteers who give of their time and skills to serve neighbors in need, providing a variety of home repairs and more to help Long Islanders deal with situations that may be overwhelming, while remaining independent and connected to the communities they call home.
They aptly call it “affordable housing preservation.” I first met them through my beloved Queen of Freeport, Lois Howes, who met them herself as part of her neighborly adventures with the Friends of Freeport after Superstorm Sandy. She introduced me to their Vice President, Steve Walker. Since then, Steve has become a dedicated Firefly as well, often finding ways to use art to advance his passion for RTLI.
Full Disclosure: They Kindly Hired Me!
We’ve long talked about writing about RTLI, and somehow just haven’t gotten it together. Now, I have even more reason as, full disclosure, I am honored and excited to personally join Rebuilding Together Long Island as a part time Manager of Corporate Development.
This is not the type of thing I would normally do. I haven’t been anyone’s employee in about 25 years, treasure my freedom as an independent consultant, and was quite frankly hesitant. However, I find this organization uniquely down to earth and community oriented. I am also grateful they respect the other things I do, may each in synergy strengthen the other. Still, if it wasn’t for a Firefly Artist who has also appreciated Synchronicity and has been passionate about RTLI for as long as I’ve known him, I would have gratefully refused!
Having said that, I am very happy to be here and hopeful to be of good service!
A Very Local Chapter
Having accepted, I am even more excited to share this good work and help them to grow. RTLI is a very local chapter of a national organization that really seems to understand that the magic of what they do happens on the ground in a spirit of community. Please understand, I’m not against national organizations. They have important roles to play. Rather, I’m all in for local groups and human connections, and helping folks understand how deeply important they are.
I’m just beginning to get the story of how these particular folks got together. I can tell you already it’s a group of 1,000 sweet tales, and not always the kinds you’d expect!
RTLI was founded by a few local gentlemen named Joe Botkin and Sol Goldstein who are no longer with us but remain deeply beloved and appreciated. The network now stretches across Long Island, with a significant core now having served for decades. While I’ve gotten used to how this works with artists, I marvel at how some of these folks seem to use this experience of volunteer physical labor as a fountain of youth. It’s impressive!
They are always looking for more volunteers, especially folks with relevant skill sets who like working with layman volunteers. Furthermore, they are interested in partnering with other groups to see how we can better serve our region. They would love to speak with you about whom else they should be talking to, and how everyone may get involved.
Some Touching Coverage
Check out the RTLI website where you can find a really nice piece put together by NBC Universal, as well as a lot of other information. You can also follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
Here’s an article in Newsday (mind the paywall, please support local press) that talks about the deep impact they have on local families. Here’s another one from NBC New York,
It’s mostly regular homes with everyday neighbors, but they do a bit more, too. Here’s a piece from News12, where they covered a wheelchair ramp built for a VFW in Port Washington. RTLI has even gotten involved in historic preservation, forming a hyper local group that included the Chair of the local Historic Preservation Commission to restore windows on an historic home in Southold. You can read about that in the Riverhead News Review.
Leads Welcome!
Thank you to folks who already know and have supported this good work. I’m praying I can introduce them to more, learn what folks’ experiences have been, and see how we all might serve each other well.
Even though my focus is corporate fundraising, these folks can’t finish a sentence without talking about how what they really want to do is build relationships to better serve our neighbors, helping people to stay in their homes and fix what’s broken. Yes, they want and need funding to meet ever growing expenses and to continue to help folks maintain and rebuild. Yes, I’m looking for leads to do that, but it’s also about volunteers and partnerships and, most fundamentally, community.
If you’re interested and would like to know more, please let me know. Thanks!
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington at the Cinema Arts Centre
Cinema Arts Centre is showing Mr. Smith Goes to Washington this Monday, October 7th. Here’s an ode to the timeless wisdom to Frank Capra.
Continue readingVote Smart: Resources for Upcoming State and Federal Elections
It’s about the President, yes, but a lot more, too! Here is information to help you vote smart in the 2024 election.
Continue readingAn Exhibition, A Upcoming Vigil: Helen Murdock-Prep & So Many Others Can Finally Say “#MeToo”
It’s been seven years since #MeToo moved women the world over to share all too common, each uniquely painful stories of sexual abuse. Now, Helen Murdock-Prep is finally getting to share hers. It’s proving to be a moving experience for all involved…
Continue readingPostscript Post – 11/1/23
Photograph by Firefly Steve Caputo, Light of Day Gallery
Postscript Post – You might be interested to know that there were 27,500 people participating in the American Cancer Society’s Photo-a-Day challenge in October. The fundraiser generated over $350,000 for ACS. A very special thank you to every one of you who contributed. As a result, we were the #1 donor group among ALL 27,500 PARTICIPANTS, generating almost $6,000, more than double our goal!!! I am so grateful for your love and support and generosity, thank you one and all, and God Bless You!
This blog started with a photo a day to help the American Cancer Society fight for a world without cancer. Like so many, I have known family and friends who’ve battled the disease, including some who continue to fight. This year, I find myself personally impacted, and it occurs to me that this platform offers a way to channel my passion for photography to help relay a personal journey that may resonate with others. The month is done, but you can still make a donation because every little bit helps. Thank you for your support!
Trick or Treatment – 10/31/23
Photograph by Firefly Steve Caputo, Light of Day Gallery
Trick or Treatment – Laughter as medicine is underrated. They do say it is the “best”, but I suspect “they” might not have AMA credentials. Then again, neither do I, but here’s how I see it. We can’t always choose when we are happy or sad or angry or anxious. But we can choose an approach to living, and it begins with how we opt to view the circumstances we find ourselves in. I cannot control the diagnosis, but I can muster my inner strength to not to let it attack my outlook. Finding grace and humor when it may not be out in the open is a superpower. Can it kill bad cells? Maybe they die laughing. For me, a sense of humor and a sense of well-being are inextricably linked, and I will hang a bag of that alongside my chemo any day.
It is a glorious and amazing miracle of the cosmos that we are standing here on this planet right now, playing our part in a world that is bigger than all of us. We are here by no doing of our own, but we can choose how we use the time we have. Make the most of yours.
Today marks the end of the ACS Photo-a-Day Challenge, and with it, these posts. Thank you to for taking the time to read, reflect and respond over the course of this month. As I mentioned at the outset, the intention in sharing my story was to offer some trail markers for others on this path, and to share a light of hope and faith for those needing a lift. As for me, following today’s treatment I am scheduled for a scan next week, which will give us a look at where things stand.
In closing this monthlong chronicle, I truly cannot say enough about the health care professionals who are caring for me. Their knowledge, aptitude and diligence are matched by their sensitivity, caring and kindness. To a person, each exhibits an empathy that is at once professional and personal. The doctors are resolute in prescribing a course of treatment, and from a patient’s perspective, confidence in that front line of defense is the foundation on which that patient’s positive outlook is built.
Those of us privileged enough to know nurses personally know what a rare gift they possess in order to assume the work that they do. Compassion in a most objective sense. Caring because caring is what is needed, regardless of the individual or the circumstance. The nurses in my infusion center have my un-dying gratitude. You are my heroes, and now my friends. Thank you.
Peace.
I’m taking a photo a day to help the American Cancer Society fight for a world without cancer. Like so many, I have known family and friends who’ve battled the disease, including some who continue to fight. This year, I find myself personally impacted, and it occurs to me that this platform offers a way to channel my passion for photography to help relay a personal journey that may resonate with others. Please consider making a donation because every little bit helps. Thank you for your support!
All Things Must Pass – 10/30/23
Photograph by Firefly Steve Caputo, Light of Day Gallery
All Things Must Pass – As a big Beatles fan, their music is seared into my subconscious. I’ve been known to quote their lyrics in casual conversation as recently as Yesterday, but when I received No Reply I just figured I’m a Loser and I Should Have Known Better. Their words often find a way into my ear canals right when a message of encouragement is needed.
I’ve been very fortunate and grateful to not be experiencing any pain since being diagnosed . There’s discomfort, loss of sensation, and maybe some aches and twinges, but nothing debilitating. I need to remind myself that it is a silent foe that I’m battling. While I trust that the treatments are doing what they are supposed to, their side effects leave me fatigued and generally “out of sorts” for several days afterward. And so, as treatment week and its cavalcade of side effect approaches, George Harrison will steel my resilience by reminding me that all things must pass…
Now the darkness only stays the night time
In the morning it will fade away
Daylight is good at arriving at the right time
It’s not always gonna be this grey
Hoping your daylight arrives at the right time
I’m taking a photo a day to help the American Cancer Society fight for a world without cancer. Like so many, I have known family and friends who’ve battled the disease, including some who continue to fight. This year, I find myself personally impacted, and it occurs to me that this platform offers a way to channel my passion for photography to help relay a personal journey that may resonate with others. Please consider making a donation because every little bit helps. Thank you for your support!
I’ve Been Thinking – 10/29/23
Photograph by Firefly Steve Caputo, Light of Day Gallery
I’ve been thinking back on the events of these last four months of my life, how they unfolded and how I evolved to my current state of mind. With all due apologies to Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, I see this journey as The Seven Stages of Hope.
• The Shock – There are no other words to describe the moment I learned of my diagnosis. “We see a malignancy.” My response was not outwardly emotional, more of an internalized, “Wait. What?” My brain took a few beats to process the information, since this outcome was not on the radar screen.
• The Terror – Maybe that term is too dramatic, but the aftershock felt as if a trap door had opened up, and I was in freefall down a bottomless shaft. “What does this mean for me?” In instances when we find ourselves facing new and extreme circumstances, human nature has us imagining worst case scenarios.
• The Fear – So much was unknown to me, including things like survivability and quality of life. What is going to happen? The impulse to want these answers combined with frustration of not having them raises anxiety and fosters fear and along with it, a darkness of thought that can be the gateway to depression.
• The Realization – Time can mitigate the shock and terror. Living with the diagnosis becomes a new way of life. Fear is a tougher stage to conquer. For me, it required prayer and meditation to form a conscious reminder NOT to allow the darkness to speak to me. Only then could I begin to build the inner strength and resolve I will need to combat this challenge.
• The Acceptance – Like the Serenity Prayer petitions, “Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” Accepting the diagnosis meant recognizing that it was beyond anything that I could control.
• The Letting Go – As personality traits go, mine lean toward rationality. Once I accepted the diagnosis, it made no sense for me to worry about it, nor to assign any judgment regarding it. It is what it is. My energy would be much better directed to the things I can control. Things like my strength, my weight, my mental and spiritual well-being.
• The Letting In – As humans, our survival instincts drive us to take care ourselves. What may not be so instinctive is the willingness and the worthiness to accept help from others, to let them in. I have come to understand that it is not something that I need to take on by myself.
I am so grateful for support and assistance that has come from so many sources including family, friends, healthcare professionals and spiritual guides. The abundance of love and prayers from everyone who has taken the time to follow my journey have lifted me up and strengthened my resolve to meet the challenge of this disease head on, and the hope to overcome it. Thank you.
I’m taking a photo a day to help the American Cancer Society fight for a world without cancer. Like so many, I have known family and friends who’ve battled the disease, including some who continue to fight. This year, I find myself personally impacted, and it occurs to me that this platform offers a way to channel my passion for photography to help relay a personal journey that may resonate with others. Please consider making a donation because every little bit helps. Thank you for your support!