On Our Island: Grants, giving and green goals shine in LI community

In Brief:

Options for Community Living receives $121K HEALI grant

Options for Community Living has been awarded a $121,000 Capacity Building Grant from the Health Equity Alliance of Long Island (HEALI) Social Care Network to strengthen its efforts in addressing the social determinants of health affecting Long Islanders in need. This funding will support critical infrastructure improvements in screening, navigation and care management—helping connect individuals more effectively with essential services and resources.

The grant is part of HEALI’s broader initiative to empower community-based organizations with the systems and tools needed to better support underserved populations. By expanding and enhancing the local social care network, HEALI aims to close the gap between clinical care and social support—ultimately advancing health equity and improving outcomes.

Gershow Recycling sponsors summer concert series

Gershow Recycling sponsored the Medford Chamber‘s Concert for Veterans on June 13 at Medford Memorial Park, featuring The Projekt. The performance was part of the chamber’s summer concert series.

Pictured with the members of The Projekt are Nick Caracappa (left), Suffolk County Legislator and Chair, Legislative Veterans Committee; Paul Donoghue (fourth from right), president, Medford Chamber of Commerce; and Dominick Thorne (right), Suffolk County legislator.

Gershow has locations in Brooklyn, New Hyde Park, Valley Stream, Freeport, Lindenhurst, Huntington Station, Bay Shore, Medford and Riverhead.

NY Marine Rescue Center, Canon celebrate World Sea Turtle Day

During this year’s World Sea Turtle Day, the New York Marine Rescue Center (NYMRC) furthered its mission to rescue, rehabilitate and protect marine life, with the support of Canon U.S.A. Both organizations took their conservation story to the heart of the community by visiting the Seacrest Studios at Cohen Children’s Medical Center in New Hyde Park, one of many locations across the country founded by the Ryan Seacrest Foundation, which Canon supports.

Patients and hospital staff enjoyed a special interactive session where NYMRC team members shared insights about marine life, the importance of conservation, and the stories of sea turtles and seals rehabilitated through Canon’s support. The event also included a lecture on sea turtle biology; the rescue and rehabilitation process; and a hands-on display of turtle artifacts, photos and videos to deepen the educational experience.

Girl Scout donates custom benches to Bristal of Sayville

Suffolk County Girl Scout Lauren Smalley, a Sayville High School senior, donated custom-built benches and a wheelchair accessible vegetable garden that she created as part of her Girl Scout Gold Award project to residents of The Bristal at Sayville. A 13-year member of Girl Scouts of Suffolk County, Smalley received the most prestigious award in Girl Scouting.

The project came during a challenging time for Smalley and her family. In December 2024, while she was working on the benches, her family’s home was severely damaged by a fire, and they needed to move out. Despite the tragedy, Smalley completed her promise, seeing everything through to completion.

To meet the Girl Scout Gold Award requirements, each candidate must total at least 80 hours toward their project.