My Hometown

Bill Horan learns about a music program for young girls that was created through something called The Flowerkids Foundation. The project was developed as part of a Girl Scouts Gold Award project, and it focuses on building confidence, creativity, and performance skills through music.  He speaks with 18-year-old Rebecca Comba, who created the project, along with her sister Allison Comba, the founder and owner of The Flowerkids Foundation, and Angelina Abbatiello, who was part of the project!

Bill Horan and Riya Pantel learn about Ayuda For The Arts, an alliance dedicated to helping students with a financial need, pursue their education in art related fields. They offer undergraduate scholarships and mentorship to advance their studies in their chosen field of the arts.  They speak with Jim Taratunio, the President and co-founder.

Bill Horan learns about the Nassau County SPCA, which offers resources for pet owners, assisting in the care and placement of homeless pets, enforcing animal protection laws, preventing animal cruelty, and serving victims of animal cruelty.  He speaks with Kathy Payne, the Disaster Response Assistant Coordinator, and Beverly Poppell, the Disaster Response Outreach Coordinator, at the Nassau County SPCA.

Bill Horan and Riya Pantel discuss food insecurity - which many don’t even realize is a problem on Long Island.  They speak with Robert LaBarbara, the VP for Procurement & Supply Chain Oversight, at Long Island Cares, the Harry Chapin Regional Food Bank, a non-profit that benefits people dealing with food insecurity.

Bill Horan and Riya Pantel talk with Angelik Bell, a registered nurse and case manager at Long Island Jewish Valley Stream Hospital, part of Northwell Health. Besides being a terrific nurse, she has spent the weekend before Thanksgiving making sure families in her community have what they need for the holiday - and she’s been doing it for the past 18 years through her non-profit, Harvest For The World.

Bill Horan meets 17-year-old Kendall Aufenanger, a junior at Great Neck North High School, who has been named a youth ambassador for the National Baseball Poetry Festival and was also recognized as a 2025 youth contest winner - an honor that reflects both her writing talent and her growing role in helping promote creative writing among young people.  Founded in 2022, the National Baseball Poetry Festival takes place at Polar Park in Massachusetts with programs on readings, workshops, panels, performances, a ballpark tour, two ballgames, fireworks, and conversations that bring together poets, educators, baseball fans, and community members.

Bill Horan meets the creators of FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS - a weekly event that takes place in the spring, summe and fall in Levittown, NY - so bring some money and an empty stomach, because this community event is sure to fill up your heart - and your stomach!  He talks with Wendy Lantigua, the CEO and Creator of Food Truck Fridays, along with Joe Fradella, the owner of The Lemon Life, a fresh lemonade vendor who can be found at the event.

Bill Horan and Riya Pantel learn about PRONTO of Long Island: People Helping People, with a mission to feed the hungry, clothe the needy, welcome the strangers & provide healing and hope to everyone who walks through their doors.  They speak with Merlisa Fairley, Chief Operations Officer, and Keith Scott, the President & CEO.

Today, we’re talking Long Island music royalty… without needing backstage passes! Bill Horan and Riya Pantel talk with Norm Prusslin, the Co-Founder, and First Vice Chair on their Board of Directors, and a 2026 inductee to the Hall of Fame, at the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame in Stony Brook. Norm is also a professor at Stony Brook University and a past General Manager of their college radio station, WUSB.

Bill Horan and Riya Panel talk with Cosmo Leone, the author of YES, IT’S COSMO!  He is an alum of WHPC and Nassau Community College, and his book is all about his career in the radio industry.

Bill Horan and Riya Pantel talk with Hilary JM Topper, who is the former owner of HJMT Public Relations, and is now the author of "Unlocking the Triathlon: The Beginner’s Guide to Competing in a Triathlon", which tells her story of how, as a 53-year-old non-swimming mom and business owner, she trained for and completed her first triathlon.

Bill Horan and Riya Pantel talk with Kristen Stucchio-Suarez, the Project Director at RRDA, the official tourism and promotions agency for Nassau County, about fun things to do around the county this spring and summer, including Long Island Restaurant Week, events at UBS Arena, The Gold Coast Book Festival and more.

Get your dancing shoes ready - Bill Horan talks with Nicole Loizides Albruzzese, the Executive Artistic Director of New York Dance Theatre and the affiliated Ohman School of Ballet. She is also the Executive Producer of the Gold Coast Dance Festival.

Bill Horan and Riya Pantel talk with Laura A. O'Connell, the internship coordinator, and a professor in the Communications Area within the Humanities, Fine and Performing Arts Department at Nassau Community College.  She is the author of a new book, "The Internship Companion: Guiding You Through Each Phase of Your Journey."

Bill Horan and Riya Pantel talk with Leora Lanz, a Huntington resident, who is a full-time professor at Boston University. She is the former Global Director of Marketing and Communications for HVS, a hospitality consulting firm then located in Mineola, and the former Director of Public Relations and Advertising for the ITT Sheraton Hotels of New York, among other jobs.  She is the author of a new book called, Developing Your Marketing Mindset.

Bill Horan and Riya Panel meet East Meadow resident Spencer Cook, who wants to help people who are struggling with addiction. He struggled himself, and was even arrested back in 2014, when he was 27. In 2020, after six and a half years of incarceration and a year under house arrest, he dedicated his new lease on life to becoming sober, creating the SoberIn40 Program.

Bill Horan and Riya Pantel talk with Peter Hewitson, the owner of Uncle Bacala’s Italian Seafood and More, on Jericho Turnpike in Garden City Park, about what makes his restaurant stand the test of time, being open since 2004.

Bill Horan and Matt Leonard talk with Liz Suter, an environmental science professor at Molloy College, who she is at the forefront of a genomic revolution in marine research, using environmental DNA to decode the hidden life of oceans and reshape how scientists monitor ecosystems, from Long Island bays to global waters.

Bill Horan and Gabby Seudath talk with Mr. Lester Paldy, a professor emeritus from Stony Brook University, who was tapped by the CIA in 1988 to join the agency for a “trial run” as they faced a troubling new situation in Russia.  That “temporary” assignment would last for 25 years. He extends an invitation to join him on his life- changing journey as the professor with his new book titled, “No Cloak, No Dagger.”

Bill Horan and Gabby Seudath talk with Mr. Anthony DeVito, a Long Islander who lost his father, Joseph DeVito on January 18th, 2023, at the hands of a drunk driver.  But he turned that huge negative into a bigger positive by partnering with MADD, whose work includes advocating against drugged driving, supporting victims of both drunk and drugged driving, and preventing underage drinking.

Bill Horan and Gabby Seudath learn about a Long Island based, family-run, non-profit organization, driven by a shared commitment to honor a lost father’s legacy of compassion, service, and love.  Bill: The organization is called HOWIE’S HEART, named after HOWIE CONKLIN, with a mission to inspire children, teens, and families to find joy in helping others through meaningful, carefully created volunteer opportunities that contribute to the greater good of our community and spread kindness.  They speak with the co-creators of Howie’s Heart… Howie’s daughter Jen Camacho, and his son James Conklin.

Bill Horan and Gabby Seudath learn about a Long Island organization that is trying to make a positive difference in people’s lives through their homes.  People with disabilities & financial hardships struggle every day with tasks that most people find second nature. They want to make lives easier by improving and/or eliminating hurdles in homes. It's called RESCUING FAMILIES, and they talk to the founders of the organization, Gina and Vinny Centauro.

Bill Horan and Gabby Seudath learn about a program that was created by students at JFK High School in Bellmore that connects teens with senior citizens across Long Island called Senior Teen Joy, Long Island's first Jewish intergenerational program.  They speak with the co-founders, Zachary Hoberman and Benji Balshin, along with their Social Media Director, Brianna Balshin.

Bill Horan and Gabby Seudath meet Pete Benney and Mark Novak, the local entrepreneurs and creators of a ping-pong game called BATZ, online at www.playbatz.com.

Bill Horan and Gabby Seudath learn about The QuackerJack Foundation - the charitable arm of Long Island’s hometown baseball team, the Long Island Ducks! The QuackerJack Foundation is a non-profit that was formed in 2003 to better coordinate the team’s charitable endeavors, named after the club’s ever-popular mascot, QuackerJack.  They speak with Michael Polak, the Vice President of Communications with the Long Island Ducks.

Bill Horan and Gabby Seudath talk to Professor John D. Lin, who also teaches at St. Johns University, and the City University of New York, and is the author of a new book titled - Eli and Me: My Inspiration and the Epitome of Excellence.

Bill Horan and Gabby Seudath learn about The Long Island Crisis Center, which provides 24/7, free, high quality, confidential and non-judgmental programs and services to support and empower Long Islanders at critical times in their lives.  They speak with Katie Stoll, the Crisis Center Director, and Jackie Lucianil, their Program Development Administrator.

Bill Horan and Matt Leonard learned about a local group called NY Furs, which looks to bring people together at in-person furry events all over New York, each event giving an opportunity for people to let their fur fly toward their goal of strengthening the local community to keep furries connected to local happenings.  They speak with Anthony Ryabchikov, the Founder of NY Furs, and their Head of their Events Team Manager, Vinny Lugo, also known by Vinegar.

Bill Horan and Gabby Seudath learn about a joint admissions program that eases the pathway to a bachelor's degree - between Nassau Community College, and Farmingdale State College. They speak with Maggie Fleming, the Director of Interinstitutional Partnerships at Farmingdale State College.

Bill Horan and Ashley Ramirez talk with Long Islander Chris DeFlorio, a former NYPD officer who is the author of a book titled, Called into Darkness: Two NYC First Responders Battle the Supernatural.  Chris and his wife, Harmony, were both first responders during some of NYC’s darkest days. Today, they’re spiritual investigators answering calls from people experiencing terrifying paranormal disturbances, drawing on decades of experience in law enforcement and emergency response.

Bill Horan and Stacy Raine meet The Traveling Professor—a man who turned his love of history, culture, and perfectly packed suitcases into unforgettable small group tours. His name is Steven Solosky, a retired professor in the math department here at Nassau Community College, and now the creator of TravelingProfessor.com, and SmallGroupTours.com.

Bill Horan and Stacy Raine learn about the Girl Scouts of Nassau County, working to build girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place.  They speak with Rande Bynum, the Chief Executive Officer of the Girl Scouts of Nassau County - and a Lifetime Girl Scout Member!

Bill Horan and Stacy Raine learn about The Rare Treats Baking Company, a home kitchen from Malverne, specializing in dairy-free and nut-free treats that are delicious for EVERYONE. They create baked goods for families navigating food allergies and restrictions, especially those living with Eosinophilic Esophagitis, or EoE. They speak with Stephanie Fitzpatrick, the founder and baker behind The Rare Treats Baking Company.  She is joined by her oldest son, 11-year-old Logan - the inspiration for Rare Treats.

Bill Horan and Stacy Raine learn about the Amateur Observers Society of New York, where astronomy enthusiasts of all ages get to meet together to bring Long Island astronomy to the public and provide astronomy resources to members, with a goal to educate and inspire the public.  They speak with Jason Cousins, the President of the Amateur Observers Society of New York.

Bill Horan and Matt Leonard talk with Kristen Stucchio-Suarez, Project Director at RRDA, the official tourism and promotions agency for Nassau County, about all of the big events coming to Nassau County this fall, including a watch party for the Ryder Cup, events at UBS Arena, and more.

An "angel shot" is a discreet way for bar customers to signal to staff that they need help in an unsafe situation.  It's not a drink, but a code word or phrase that bartenders and servers are trained to recognize and respond to. And our guest today has taken that concept into the 21st century by creating an app that can do just that, digitally, called The Angel Shot App.  Bill Horan and Stacy Raine talk with Stephen Brennan, the owner of the bar Whiskey’s in Freeport, who along with his partner Jimmy LaSalle, created the Angel Shot App.

Bill Horan and Stacy Raine learn about The Veterans Resource Facility at Nassau Community College, which is dedicated to fostering a sense of community and to developing a channel of communication among student veterans and with faculty, staff, administration and community. They welcome and support veterans and recognize the contributions they have made for our nation, and at the same time, they are proud of the level of diversity and academic excellence that veterans bring to the campus. They speak with Miguel A. Castillo, the Veterans Resource Coordinator, and Roosevelt Morring, the Student Veterans Club Advisor.

Bill Horan and Stacy Raine talk with Rich “Big Daddy” Salgado, known to be one of the most trusted men among professional athletes and an agent to the stars.  As the chief executive of Coastal Advisors, otherwise known as Big Daddy Insures, he is an insurance adviser to more than 500 of the most prominent names in the world of sports, business, media and the entertainment industry with clients including former New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan, Fox Sports analyst Reggie Bush, former NBA point guard Jeremy Lin, ESPN senior NFL Insider Adam Schefter, and actress Melissa Joan Hart.  And he’s from right here on Long Island.

Bill Horan and Stacy Raine learn about the Casey Skudin 343 Fund - providing First Responders with access to holistic and alternative treatment modalities for the purpose of healing traumas, and related mental health challenges that arise with a career of public service on the front line, based in Long Beach, NY.  They speak with Angela Skudin, their Founder and CEO.

Bill Horan and Matt Leonard meet students who were selected by NASA to compete at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Alabama.  They are from Chaminade High School who are a part of their Science Research Club, and were lucky enough to be one of 75 teams selected to compete in the
HERC - Human Exploration Rover Challenge!  They talk with Charles Clague and Ryan Ava Riebli, Class of ’25, Antonio Savastano and Dylan Stampfel, Class of ’26, and Christopher Covelli, Class of ’28.

Bill Horan and Stacy Raine learn about a Long Island organization that has created a warm and inviting home to secure the lifelong spiritual, educational and fellowship needs of the community at large, dedicated to the greater Jewish community and the State of Israel.  It's called Manetto Hill Jewish Center - a conservative, egalitarian synagogue located in Plainview that wants to help everyone engage in Jewish life and become part of a greater Jewish Community.  They speak with Rabbi Neil Schuman, the Spiritual Leader at Manetto Hill Jewish Center.

Bill Horan and Stacy Raine meet a publicist and an author from Long Island, Carol Hoenig, who has been in the publishing industry for over 30 years, as a bookseller, former bookstore owner, consultant and an author. Her most recent published novel is titled BEFORE SHE WAS A FINLEY.

Bill Horan and Stacy Raine learn about the North Shore Historical Museum - which exists to preserve the history of the North Shore of Long Island through the stewardship of its collections and historic structure to engage the public, and to interpret the history of the North Shore, in particular the area once known as the “Gold Coast”, through exhibitions, lectures, and programs.  They speak with Christopher Judge, the Director of the North Shore Historical Museum, and Gaitley Stevenson-Matthews, one of the museums board members.

Are you ready to be "WOW"ed?  Bill Horan and Stacy Raine learn about “Winning On Wednesday” - a virtual business networking platform that meets by ZOOM every Wednesday. They prioritize building meaningful professional relationships to help businesses grow and expand networking opportunities. They talk with Juan Vides, the Founder of "Winning on Wednesday."

Bill Horan and Matthew Leonard talk with Cassandra Basile, the Director of PR and Marketing at Ronald McDonald House Charities New York Metro, which is anincredible organization that provides comfort, care, and housing to families with seriously ill children. They find out how they help families during some of their most challenging times, and learn about the impact it has on communities in the Long Island area.

Bill Horan and Stacy Raine find out what it takes to own your own roofing company by speaking with Kevin Miller, owner of Chief Cornerstone Roofing, based on Long Island.

Bill Horan and Stacy Raine shine a spotlight on elder care and the legal professionals who help families navigate the challenges of aging with dignity. From estate planning to long-term care options, we’ll hear from one local expert to better explain what it is that they do and how they might be able to help you!  They speak with Lisa R. Valente, a partner at Makofsky Valente Law Group, P.C., with offices locally in Garden City.

Bill Horan and Stacy Raine meet Seaford native Jesse Kinch - who is not only a successful rock musician, but he beat the odds stacked against him by overcoming a brain tumor.  We listen to his music and find out all about his career.

We don’t usually think of Nassau County as a place for tourists since we LIVE here. But luckily, there are people that are paid to do so, for the people who DON’T live here to come and visit - or maybe, you can have a STAYCATION this spring. Bill Horan and Stacy Raine find out more from Kristen Stucchio-Suarez, Project Director at RRDA, the official tourism and promotions agency for Nassau County.

Bill Horan and Matthew Leonard talk with a playwright, screenwriter, and television writer and producer, whose credits include the stage plays Key Exchange, Mr. &Mrs., and Cruise Control, and the screenplays for Working Girl, TrueColors, Mr. Baseball, Junior, Meet Joe Black, and Maid in Manhattan. For television, he has served as the showrunner, executive producer, and backseat driver of the CBS drama Blue Bloods since 2011 - and he is from Long Island   His name is Kevin Wade, and he is also the author of a new novel titled “JOHNNY CARELESS.”

Did you know that the Incorporated Village of Valley Stream on Long Island is the third largest village in the state, and is about to turn 100 years old this year? Bill Horan and Stacy Raine learn more by talking to Village Mayor Edwin Fare and Village Historian Carol McKenna.

Bill Horan and Stacy Raine get business empowerment from Michael Gliner, the board chairperson at the Inwood Civic Association, a community organization based in the Inwood neighborhood, focused on addressing local issues and improving the quality of life for residents by advocating for their needs to government officials and organizing community initiatives.

Bill Horan and Stacy Raine learn about Long Island organizations that are a part of the Epic Family of Human Service Agencies - who provide treatment, care, education and support to those with epilepsy, and to individuals with intellectual or emotional challenges.  They speak with Janet Romeo, their Director of Epilepsy Services, along with Irene Rodgers, their Chief of Development and Engagement Officer.

Bill Horan and Stacy Raine learn about the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center in Rockville Centre. Many know what Dr. King did in his lifetime, especially his “I Have a Dream” speech, but did you know there was a community center in our backyard named after him?  They learn more from Sharon Sheppard, Assistant Director, and Jaylen Benjamin, Activities Coordinator, at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center.

Bill Horan and Stacy Raine learned that people in Freeport were upset when back in 2022, a very popular ice cream shop called Pip’s Ice Cream Parlor was forced to close to do storm damage from Superstorm Sandy and rising rent costs. But since 2024, it’s back, under a new name, thanks to an amazing local hero who helped financially and emotionally bring it back to life, now called Sam’s Scoops - located inside Sparkle on Stage Cultural Arts Center on Woodcleft Avenue in Freeport. They speak with Robyn Workman, the owner and proprietor of Sparkle on Stage Cultural Arts Center, and the biggest sponsor of Sam’s Scoops in Freeport.

Love is in the air! Bill Horan and Stacy Raine learn all about Long Island company WeekendDating.com - who has been organizing Long Island Speed Dating and Speed Dating N-Y-C events since 2003, resulting in at least 85 marriages and 13 children. They sponsor events that include speed dating, trivia nights, cultural events and much more.  They speak with Jay Rosensweig, the owner of WeekendDating.com.

Bill Horan and Stacy Raine learn about the Long Island based company called BEDGEAR.  They speak with Eugene Alletto, their CEO and Quarterback.  BEDGEAR has created over 280 global Patents, Trademarks and Patents-pending, developing the world’s only performance bedding brand.

Bill Horan and Stacy Raine learn about Wild Ones, a national non- profit organization with local chapters that promote the many benefits of landscaping using native plants such as wildflowers, shrubs, trees, and grasses. They speak with Wild Ones New York Metro Region’s president, Fred Nass, and Olivia Cunningham, who is a Community Hub Leader at Wild Ones for the towns of North Hempstead and Smithtown.

Bill Horan and Stacy Raine talk with John DeBacker - the Vice President of a foster based animal rescue group called Long Island Cat and Kitten Solution, with the goal to rescue and save as many animals as humanly possible.

Bill Horan (a Chaminade alum!) and Stacy Raine learn about a program at Chaminade High School in Mineola called The Flyer Partnership, with a goal to increase the daily interaction between special needs students and Chaminade’s student body so the students can learn transferable job skills. They speak with Carlo Mansueto, their Supervisor of Grounds, and Tina Smith, their Librarian, both of whom have worked with students in this amazing program.

Bill Horan and Stacy Raine talk with Lauryn Ciardullo from Valley Stream, who played Princess Jasmine and many other roles in the award- winning Broadway production of Aladdin as an original cast member and can be heard on the Original Cast Album and performed on the 2014 Tony Awards. BUT when Broadway closed its doors in March 2020, Lauryn started offering online song and dance classes which has now grown into a place for young performers to work on singing, acting and dance called ‘Class with Lauryn.’

We don’t usually think of Nassau County as a place for tourists since we LIVE here. But luckily, there are people that are paid to do so, for the people who DON’T live here to come and visit - or maybe, you can have a STAYCATION this winter. Bill Horan and Stacy Raine find out more from Kristen Stucchio-Suarez, Project Director at RRDA, the official tourism and promotions agency for Nassau County.

Bill Horan and Stacy Raine learn about an organization in Nassau County called Families For Inclusion - where they promote education about autism, neurodiversity, and inclusion in elementary schools, and to assist the process wherever they can.  They speak with Gina DeGregorio-Sonbert, the Founder of Families For Inclusion, and the author of a children's book series called Theodore Bearkins, about the first autistic, non-speaking main character in a children’s book where autism is NOT the focus of his tale.

Bill Horan talks with Joan Hyland, the founder of Love, Nana - a Community Service Project presented by another group called Backyard Players and Friends, Incorporated. They are a volunteer & donation based non-profit whose mission is two-fold: to assist local families in need by providing gently used clothing for newborns and offering a skills training and community experience program for their participants.  He also speaks with Ellen White, the Director of Backyard Players & Friends, Incorporated.

Over 400,000 New Yorkers are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and more than 500,000 family and friends are providing care. Bill Horan and Stacy Raine learn about the Alzheimer's Association Long Island Chapter - who help families, caregivers, health care professionals and those living with the disease by providing education and support, advocate for the needs and rights of those facing Alzheimer’s disease and all other dementia, and advance critical research to develop new treatments and, ultimately, a cure.  They speak with Alaina Nathan, the Senior Manager of Programs for the Alzheimer's Association Long Island Chapter.

Bill Horan talks with two Long Island heroes - Rachel Travis, who is a boy scout troop parent and a registered nurse from West Hempstead, along with 17-year-old Isaac Samuelson, one of the scouts, who both are credited with saving someone’s life mid-flight.

Bill Horan and Matt Leonard talk to a graduate of Nassau Community College who has gone on to do some big things in his life, including being a Corporal in the United States Marines, recently continuing his education to become a mental health counselor for veterans, and now, has started a new venture into the world of boxing.

Bill Horan and Stacy Raine talk to Jerry Barmash, Long Island author of "Here Now the News: An Inside Scoop into New York's Best-Loved Anchors, a look behind the camera at how the anchoring landscape changed in New York City---and across the country."  He is also a long time broadcaster and journalist.

Bill Horan and Stacy Raine learn about the Raynham Hall Museum - a place that connects you to the complex and evolving story of our nation through the lens of one revolutionary household - the Townsend Family Home, located on West Main Street in Oyster Bay. They talks with Christopher Judge, their Director of Visitor Services, and Justinne Lake-Jedzinak, their Director of Education and Public Programs.

Bill Horan and Stacy Raine talk with Renee Morgan, the owner and creator of Aviator Balloons, located in Bellmore, Long Island! Aviator Balloons curates customizable party décor and balloon garlands to enhance your special events!

Bill Horan and Stacy Raine learn about Cona Elder Law, located on Long Island. Their practice concentrates in the areas of elder law, estate planning, estate administration and litigation, special needs planning and health care law. They speak with Kristi DiPaolo, a Senior Associate at Cona Elder Law.

Bill Horan and Stacy Raine talk with Paul R. Martin III, a military history buff who has had a great interest in Mitchel Field since his boyhood days growing up in East Meadow. Paul is a display and special events coordinator for the Army Air Forces Historical Association, Chaplain of the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 1009, Chairman of the Yorktown Veteran's Day Parade, President of the Rockland Civil War Round Table and the Yorktown Historical Society, Secretary of the Company of Military Historians, West Point Chapter, and board member of the Lincoln Depot Museum and Lincoln Society in Peekskill. He is also a professional Historical Artist, and author of two new books - Faces from Mitchel Field, Portraits and Stories from 1917-1961 Forgotten Eagles, as well as Beneath the Shadows of Wings, Untold Stories from Mitchel Field Long Island.

Bill Horan and Stacy Raine learn some basic life support and the education opportunities available from Mount Sinai South Nassau.  They speak with Abigail Fromm, a registered nurse and their Director of Community Education, and Valentino Griffiths, the Community & Staff Education Instructor and the American Heart Association Training Center Coordinator.

Bill Horan and Stacy Raine talk with Maria Dello, a Long Island-based published author, seasoned nutritionist, and a true friend to dogs. Beyond her professional endeavors, Maria dedicates her free time to rescue work and puppy obedience training, because she believes that dogs deserve the best.  She is the author of her first ever children's book, "Theodor Says: Dogs Are People Too!"

Bill Horan and Matt Leonard talk with Matthew Mullen, the owner and creator of the new Empire Adventure Park, located on the second floor of the Samanea Mall (formerly The Source) on Old Country Road in Westbury.  The park includes trampolines, augmented and virtual reality, adventure mazes, laser tag, zip lines, inflatables and more.

Bill Horan and Stacy Raine learn about Nassau County Tourism - where they tell us that there is always MORE TO EXPLORE! Whether you’re planning a family getaway, weekend staycation, or a quick afternoon away, their guest, Jaime Hollander, Managing Director of RRDA, the advertising agency that oversees Nassau County Tourism, tells us all about the organization and gives us some ideas on how to relax right here at home!

Bill Horan and Stacy Raine learn about a relatively new business located in Merrick, NY.  They speak with Nick Christofides, one of the partners at The Diner Boys - where they have reimagined beloved diner fare to cater to modern palates through a menu that features an array of delectable and unique offerings you won’t find at your average diner.

Bill Horan and Stacy Raine talk with ALI THE ANTHEM GIRL! Her real name is Ali Berke, and she is a singer and songwriter from Oceanside, NY, who has a goal to sing at every sports stadium. She recently had the opportunity to perform the National Anthem before a New York Knicks game at Madison Square Garden, and has performed at Citi Field and a bunch of other stadiums already.

Bill Horan and Stacy Raine learn about the Long Beach Latino Civic Association, an organization that works to alleviate the social problems of the Latino community in the city of Long Beach here on Long Island by advocating for communities and individuals in crisis by providing resources and access to opportunity networks. They speak with Helen Dorado Alessi, their Executive Director, and Nicole Fader, their board Vice President.

Stacy Raine learns about a local Nassau County company that helps people reach financial goals and meet their full financial potential. She speaks with Richard (Rick) Meier, Senior Executive Vice President and Director of Investments at Blue Ocean Wealth Solutions, a Mass Mutual Firm.

Stacy Raine learns about The Mental Health Association of Nassau County, a not-for-profit membership organization that advocates for the needs of adults and children with psychiatric and emotional difficulties. Their services assist individuals facing chronic and serious mental illness and psychiatric disabilities, supporting them on their paths to building productive and meaningful lives. She speaks with Malika Watson, the director of the Education and Training, and Rachel Priest, Behavioral Health Educator.

Bill Horan and Stacy Raine learn about The Little Saint Nick Foundation, located in East Rockaway, New York, which inspires kids in local communities to give back to those kids in need all year long! They speak with Zack Andersen, the Chief Operating Officer, and Bradley Cooper, Executive Director of the North East Region, of the Little Saint Nick Foundation.

Bill Horan and Stacy Raine talk with 15-year-old Alicia Tritchler from Lynbrook Girl Scout Troop 2168, and her troop leader, Debbie Prial, about Alicia’s Silver Award winning project, an amazing Positivity Board that has been featured in her local library and in her community.

Bill Horan and Stacy Raine talk with Bobby Hazen, one of the founding members of The New York Water Safety Coalition and Executive Founder of End Drowning Now. Bobby has been in the swim school and water safety industry for over 26 years.

Bill and Stacy talk with Bobby about what it means to be safe around water, especially when it comes to kids. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4, but there are steps everyone can take to keep kids safe around water. 

Print your Water Watcher Card here.

Learn more at End Drowning Now.

Bill Horan and Stacy Raine learn about The Long Island Community Foundation - an organization that works to improve the quality of life for all Long Islanders by connecting past, present, and future generations with other nonprofits on Long Island, to make a healthy, equitable, and thriving community. They speak with Marie Smith, the Director of Donor Relations and Communications, and Sol Marie Alfonso Jones, the Program Director.

Learn more about The Long Island Community Foundation.

Bill Horan and Stacy Raine learn about the Glen Cove Downtown Business Improvement District - located adjacent to Glen Cove’s waterfront, the downtown encompasses part of State Route 107/Glen Cove Road, Pulaski Street, Glen Cove Avenue, Brewster Street, School Street, Glen Street, and Bridge Street.  They speak with Jill Nossa, their Executive Director.

Bill Horan and Stacy Raine learn about the Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center, which explores the relationships between human beings, energy systems, and the environment. Located on the West End of Long Island’s Jones Beach State Park, the Center offers permanent and rotating exhibits, public programs, and educational resources to help visitors understand and appreciate the coastal environment. Bill: Sounds great - and I bet many people listening right now didn't even know this existed right in our backyard. They speak with Mia Ramirez, lead educator of the Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center.

Bill Horan and Stacy Raine learn about a non-profit organization from Nassau County that helps women fighting cancer feel beautiful again, creating a six product, six minute beauty routine that is not too physically demanding, and can help restore self-confidence and a sense of personal beauty. The organization is called The Basic Six Inc., and they speak with June Bleich, their President and founding board member.

Bill Horan and Stacy Raine talk with Sara DeGennaro, the owner of Tap to Pointe Dance Center in Malverne, and a first time children’s author of a book called “Sofia’s First Ballet Class: Ballet Is Fun”.

Bill Horan and Stacy Raine meet a 12-year-old 6th grader from the North Merrick School District who has raised tens of thousands of dollars since she was only SIX years old for the Ronald McDonald House Charities - and the way she does it is quite special. Bill: I would love everyone to meet Julianna Tand, and her mom Jennifer, creator of Julianna’s Works of “HEART” - a 501c3 non-profit organization where Julianna sculpts clay figures and does many other things to raise money for charity to help sick kids.

Bill Horan and Stacy Raine talk to a local business looking to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The event is the US COFFEE 4-MILE RUN WALK FOR LLS 2024, and they speak with the organizer and sponsor of the event, happening Saturday, March 30th, Doug Shindler.

Bill Horan and Stacy Raine speak with Bonnie Yam, owner of ATAX, a tax-preparation business in Bellmore, to talk about your tax return in 2024. She is also an expert in finance, insurance and Medicare.

Bill Horan and Stacy Raine meet Eric Spinner, the Founder and Webmaster of a website that exists to help everyone remember our Veterans, remember our American history, and to let others know that veterans will not be disenfranchised. The website is www.we-are-vets.us.

Bill Horan and Gina Halstead learn about Malverne High School's Spoken Word Poetry Club, something Gina took part in as a student. It’s a space where students, regardless of race, religion, gender identity, or economic background, can come together and express themselves creatively, freely, and emotionally using words. They speak with Jacinta Bowman, a Teacher and Librarian at Malverne High School, and the advisor to the club, along with some of her students - Nirvana Cole, Lucian Valerie, Uche Alozie, and Tatiyana Forbes-Smith.

Bill Horan and Gina Halstead learn about Malverne High School's Spoken Word Poetry Club, something Gina took part in as a student. It’s a space where students, regardless of race, religion, gender identity, or economic background, can come together and express themselves creatively, freely, and emotionally through the use of words. They speak with Jacinta Bowman, a Teacher and Librarian at Malverne High School, and the advisor to the club, along with some of her students - Nirvana Cole, Lucian Valerie, Uche Alozie, and Tatiyana Forbes-Smith.

Bill Horan and Stacy Raine learn about the online Facebook group called Renee’s Reading Club - and they speak with the creator of the group, Renee Weingarten from Atlantic Beach.

Bill Horan and Stacy Raine learn about FCA, the Family and Children’s Association - an organization that protects and strengthens Long Island’ most vulnerable children, seniors, families and communities. Their guest is Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds, their President and CEO.

Bill Horan and Stacy Raine learn about the Community Re-Entry Consortium. Their guests include Marcellus Morris and Demar Tyson, who both spent time in prison and are now back in the community and trying to improve not only their lives but the lives of other people who have had similar life journeys, and L. Antonia Codling, a criminal defense attorney, who for the past 25 years has been fighting for justice and never giving up!

Bill Horan and Stacy Raine learn about the Community Re-Entry Consortium. Their guests include Marcellus Morris and Demar Tyson, who both spent time in prison and are now back in the community and trying to improve not only their lives but the lives of other people who have had similar life journeys, and L. Antonia Codling, a criminal defense attorney, who for the past 25 years has been fighting for justice and never giving up!