Long Island Headlines

By Waldo Cabrera

BELLPORT, NY — Community members gathered at the Bellport Village Marina beside a 9/11 memorial made with steel from the World Trade Center to remember those we lost in the attacks 25 years ago.

First responders from the Bellport Fire Department, Hagerman Fire Department, South Country Ambulance and Brookhaven Fire Department showed up in force, joining residents in ensuring that we never forget.

Never forget the pain and loss of that day. Never forget the extraordinary kindness and unity Americans showed one another in the days that followed.

And never forget the responsibility we have to pass these stories on to the generations born after September 11, 2001 — so they understand what happened, remember those who were lost and honor those who answered the call to help.

The evening concluded with an extraordinary and emotional drone display presented by the Grucci family, longtime Bellport residents who were also present for the ceremony. The illuminated drones filled the night sky, providing a moving conclusion to an evening of remembrance.

**Never forget.**

By Waldo Cabrera

Greenvale, NY - November 14 — Vibrance 360's "Heroes Deserve Healing" event attracted community leaders and firefighters from across Long Island and New York City.  Dr. Helen Hsieh the founder of Vibrance 360, gave a thorough demonstration of the cutting edge technology to Suffolk County Comptroller John Kennedy, Nassau County Legislator Samantha Goetz, North Hempstead Town Councilwoman Christine Liu and many others.

The "Heroes Deserve Healing" is a nationwide campaign dedicated to enhancing the mental and physical well-being of firefighters. The program is spearheaded by BTL Industries, a global frontrunner in medical devices. 

According to national data, up to 30% of firefighters experience behavioral health issues — often worsened by physical injury, lack of recovery time, and repeated trauma exposure. Yet, many remain reluctant to seek help.

BTL's Firefighter Initiative aims to change that by offering a science-rooted, stigma-free path to healing. With these non-invasive technologies, firefighters can receive treatments that support mental health and physical recovery — all without medication, surgery, or downtime.

For more information visit Vibrance360.co

By Waldo Cabrera, Jennifer Ross and Elizabeth Woodward

Three years ago, US Navy veteran, Mike Miezianka and life-long EMT Ray Smith Jr., pivoted careers to become oyster farmers on the Great South Bay. In 2025, Through the Taste NY program, they were invited to showcase their shellfish at the Ryder Cup and give the world an opportunity a taste of Long Island

Waldo Cabrera

Locust Valley, NY — The Quaker community on Long Island gathered to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the Matinecock Meeting House, a landmark built in 1725 that has long stood as a symbol of Quaker perseverance and spiritual life. For three centuries, Friends have met in this simple wooden structure—through revolution, social upheaval, and renewal—guided by the core belief that there is “that of God in everyone.”

The anniversary also became a homecoming for former members who once worshiped at Matinecock before moving away from Long Island. Among the attendees were Town of Oyster Bay Clerk Richard LaMarca, Friends Academy Head of School Paul Stellato, North Shore Historical Museum representative Linda Darby, and former Friends Academy teacher Melinda Wenner Badley.

The day began with a traditional Quaker worship session, 45 minutes of silent reflection inside the Meeting House. Guests then gathered at Friends Academy for a celebratory luncheon.

The Quaker movement took root in 17th-century England amid religious conflict, and early Friends brought their message to Long Island decades before William Penn established Pennsylvania—making the region one of the earliest centers of American Quakerism. Since George Fox’s first visit in 1672, the Matinecock Meeting has remained a steady witness to Quaker values across generations.

More information is available at matinecockquaker.org.