January 2025 - April 2025
Prepared by
The Office of Communications and University Relations
Available online: https://www.cityandstateny.com/power-lists/2025/02/2025-black-trailblazers/
Education/Old Westbury
SUNY Old Westbury to break ground on renovations for Natural Science Building
By Casey Fahrer Posted on February 4, 2025
SUNY Old Westbury will begin renovations this week on its Natural Science Building that will move the school closer to its future conservation goals and support a spike in enrollment.
The college is set to begin a complete renovation and expansion Wednesday of its current 60,000-square-foot Natural Science Buildi ng, which originally opened in 1985. The project will turn the building into the center of science learning and research that the campus needs to better prepare graduates for work in scientific, medical and technological fields, the school said.
According to the school, an expansion would add up to 20,000 square feet to the building, although the exact measurement has yet to be finalized. It will include modernized teaching laboratories, the replacement of the campus greenhouse, new collaboration spaces for teaching and co-curricular activities, as well as a planned teaching garden.
“The renovation and expansion of our current science facilities into a modern center of learning is crucial to our ability to continue to grow as an institution and to prepare young men and women for the positions in hospitals, laboratories, wind and chip manufacturing, public health, and more that await them,” SUNY Old Westbury President Timothy Sams said.
This project is expected to exceed SUNY’s energy and carbon reduction goals by approximately 9%. The university system wants to reduce greenhouse gas
Natural Science Building at SUNY Old Westbury
Photo courtesy of SUNY Old Westbury
emissions by 40% and 70% of renewable energy by 2030. SUNY ultimately wants to have 100% zero-emission electricity by 2040 and 85% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, according to its initiatives relating to the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.
SUNY Westbury said the building will be 50% more efficient than the current building after renovations. The building is also expected to save the school roughly 21% in utility cost savings over the original design. It will also have an Optimized Ground Loop geothermal system for heating, cooling and electricity generation, a high-performance heat recovery system, low-flume hoods which will consume less energy, exhaust less air and produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions, energy- efficient glazing on its windows and external sun shades, and a green roof, according to the school.
“We are proud that this building, once complete, is expected to exceed the goals SUNY has set for us when it comes to energy and carbon reduction,” Sams said. “As our campus mission demands of us, we will focus on environmental sustainability throughout the course of this work and in the years ahead as we create a facility that will prepare students to own their futures.”
Westbury
SUNY Westbury has seen a jump in enrollment as well. The school reported its largest freshman class ever for the 2024- 25 academic year. The total number of full-time students at the university was 4,227 in 2019. That number jumped to 4,448 students in 2023 – a 5% increase over just a few years.
An initial planning study was performed in 2016 about ways to upgrade the Natural Science Building. The final recommendation provided two options, with the first one including the expansion of the Natural Sciences Building and full renovation of the existing building. It proposed that the addition would be constructed before the renovations and it would come with a total cost of approximately $67,351,000. The school did not provide an updated cost estimate for the project.
SUNY Westbury lists a number of other projects in progress that also align with its effort to be a more sustainable campus on its website.
There is no timetable currently available for the completion of the project.
The article may be view at https://www.longislandpress.com/2025/02/04/suny-old-westbury-renovations/.
BY CHRIS BOYLE
Governor Hochul Announces $200 Million Investment To Boost Energy Efficiency At SUNY Old Westbury
PUBLISHED: FEBRUARY 05 2025
SUNY Chancellor King, Old Westbury President Sams, and Campus Community Join for Groundbreaking on Long Island.
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a $100.2 million New York State investment for the first major phase of a deep energy retrofit at SUNY Old Westbury. The investment, plus approximately $100 million more for the final phases, will transform the college’s Natural Science Building, which was originally opened in 1985.
“Once again, people will be looking at New York State as a leader in developing sustainable, green energy solutions that will not only enhance the academic experience for our students and faculty, but also contribute to a healthier environment for all New Yorkers,” Governor Hochul said. “With this state-of-the-art, energy-efficient facility, we are one step closer to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and zero waste across the SUNY system while also providing new opportunities for green workforce development and resilience in the face of climate change.”
The project is part of SUNY’s Climate and Sustainability Action Plan to achieve netzero SUNY-wide greenhouse gas emissions and zero waste. Full details about the plan can be found on the SUNY website.
The plan not only aims to achieve net-zero SUNY-wide greenhouse gas emissions and zero waste in line with Governor Kathy Hochul’s climate goals, but also addresses increasing academic and research opportunities, expands green workforce development, and defines actions related to campus and building operations and capital project development to design for resiliency.
SUNY Old Westbury Renovation and Deep Energy Retrofit
The renovated Natural Sciences Building is expected to be 50% more energy efficient and will boast a geothermal system for heating and cooling, as well as energy efficient glazing on the facility’s windows. It will also feature modernized teaching laboratories, a new campus greenhouse, and collaboration spaces for teaching and co-curricular activities. The final future phase is expected to include a green roof.
The Natural Sciences Building at SUNY Old Westbury has served as the academic home for the Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Physics, and Public Health programs. Biology is the second highest program by enrollment at Old Westbury.
The project will be constructed in three phases. The first phase, moving forward this week with a groundbreaking with SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. and SUNY Old Westbury President Timothy Sams, focuses on the replacement of outdated laboratory spaces, the relocation of the specialized research equipment and support space, and the creation of surge space. This initial step lays the groundwork for the comprehensive modernization and expansion of the building. The second phase will construct a new addition to the building to house additional space for the departments. The third phase will include the renovation of the balance of interior as well as the exterior rehabilitation of the facility.
SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said, “Thanks to the substantial state investment secured by Governor Hochul, this project represents a significant transformation for the Natural Sciences Building, which was built over four decades ago. With 40% of state-owned buildings, SUNY has the ability to help achieve Governor Hochul’s ambitious climate goals through exciting projects like this one. Future generations who come to learn on SUNY Old Westbury’s campus and in the Natural Sciences Building will have a brighter, more sustainable future.”
SUNY Old Westbury President Timothy E. Sams said, “We are proud that this building, once complete, will exceed the goals SUNY has set for us when it comes to energy and carbon reduction. As our campus mission demands of us, we will focus on environmental sustainability throughout the course of this work and in the years ahead as we create a facility that will prepare students for work in hospitals, laboratories, wind and chip manufacturing, public health, and more that are so vital to their own and New York's success."
State Senator Jack Martins said, “I applaud SUNY Old Westbury and Governor Hochul in prioritizing student education at our SUNY Old Westbury campus. This refurbished facility will provide better opportunities for generations of students and have a significant impact as they pursue careers thereafter.”
Assemblymember Charles Lavine said, “This investment right here in my district will transform existing infrastructure to provide SUNY Old Westbury with the latest technology to help increase sustainability and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It will also help students, faculty, and researchers meet the demands of modern science education and research. I am so proud of Governor Hochul for her continued commitment to fighting the very real problem of climate change and this institution which is setting the standard for the critical importance of diversity and inclusion in higher education.”
Assemblymember Alicia Hyndman said, “As a proud advocate for sustainability and education, I’m thrilled to see this investment in SUNY Old Westbury. This isn’t just about upgrading a building it’s about creating opportunities. By modernizing the Natural Sciences Building with energy-efficient technology, we’re not only taking real steps toward a greener future, but we’re also equipping students with the skills they need to lead in the growing green economy. New York is once again leading the way, proving that when we invest in education and sustainability, we invest in our future.”
When all phases are completed, the project will transform the Natural Sciences Building into a state-of-the-art facility, providing students, faculty, and researchers with the resources and space needed to meet the demands of modern science education and research.
The full article may be viewed at https://www.longisland.com/news/02-05-25/governor-hochul-announces-200-million-investment-to-boost-energy-efficiency-atsuny-old-westbury.html#google_vignette
Energy Overhaul For SUNY Old Westbury's Natural Science Building
The three-phase project is a $100 million investment from the state, Gov. Hochul announced.
Posted Wed, Feb 5, 2025 at 3:38 pm ET
OLD WESTBURY, NY Gov. Hochul announced a $100 million investment for an energy retrofit at SUNY Old Westbury.
It's the first major phase that will transform the college's Natural Science Building, originally opened in 1985.
The project is part of SUNY’s Climate and Sustainability Action Plan to achieve net-zero SUNY-wide greenhouse gas emissions and zero waste. Full details about the plan can be found on the SUNY website.
"Once again, people will be looking at New York State as a leader in developing sustainable, green energy solutions that will not only enhance the academic experience for our students and faculty, but also contribute to a healthier environment for all New Yorkers," Hochul said. “With this state-of-the-art, energyefficient facility, we are one step closer to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and zero waste across the SUNY system while also providing new opportunities for green workforce development and resilience in the face of climate change."
The renovated Natural Sciences Building is expected to be 50% more energy efficient and will boast a geothermal system for heating and cooling, as well as energy-efficient glazing on the facility’s windows.
The project will be constructed in three phases. The initial phase, moving forward this week with a groundbreaking focuses on the replacement of outdated laboratory spaces and the relocation of specialized research equipment.
"Future generations who come to learn on SUNY Old Westbury’s campus and in the Natural Sciences Building will have a brighter, more sustainable future," SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said.
The Article can be viewed at https://patch.com/new-york/portwashington/energy-overhaul-suny-old-westburys-natural-sciencebuilding.
Gov. Hochul announces a $100 million commitment to upgrade SUNY Old Westbury's Natural Science Building. (Google Maps )
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New York invests $200 million in energy efficiency project at SUNY Old Westbury
February 14, 2025
Brady Pieper
New York is investing more than $200 million to retrofit deep energy utilities and develop sustainable infrastructure at the State University of New York (SUNY) Old Westbury campus.
The state funding, announced by Governor Kathy Hochul, will support a three-phase project at SUNY Old Westbury that will revolutionize energy sustainability on campus. The project looks to meet future demands by increasing campus energy efficiency by about 50%, while supporting university-wide efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and waste.
The project is a crucial aspect of SUNY’s Climate and Sustainability Action Plan, which seeks to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and zero waste across all campuses. Guided by a 53-person advisory council, the plan requests $2.5 billion in state capital funding and Clean Air, Clean Water and Green Jobs Bond Act funds to implement energy efficiency and infrastructure projects over the next five years.
The Natural Science Building’s renovation will convert the existing structure into a state-of-the-art facility that will bolster the campus’ climate goals. The project, which will be completed in three phases, will include energy efficiency upgrades, modernized campus spaces and new teaching laboratories designed to promote collaboration.
The project’s first phase will encompass the groundbreaking of the Natural Science Building, which was originally opened in 1985. This phase will kickstart construction activities and focus on replacing obsolete laboratory spaces, relocating necessary equipment and creating a surge space for expanded building capacity.
The second phase will construct additional spaces for academic departments in the new building.
The final phase will prioritize work on both interior and exterior spaces, creating a balanced learning environment and developing a new “green” roof to further improve energy efficiency.
The first phase of the project is anticipated to be completed at some point in 2028. The remaining second and third phases are expected to be fully implemented by 2032. Interested entities may discover more about SUNY’s sustainability initiatives in the Climate and Sustainability Action Plan.
This investment in campus facilities and infrastructure will bring the state’s total to nearly $1.2 billion for SUNY’s sustainability, construction and redevelopment initiatives this year.
As part of these state investments, SUNY will secure approximately $1 billion to modernize and revive the SUNY Downstate hospital in central Brooklyn and $15 million for an electric vehicle initiative that will install charging stations universitywide.
“Once again, people will be looking at New York State as a leader in developing sustainable, green energy solutions that will not only enhance the academic experience for our students and faculty, but also contribute to a healthier environment for all New Yorkers,” Governor Hochul said. “With this state-of-the-art, energy-efficient facility, we are one step closer to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and zero waste across the SUNY system while also providing new opportunities for green workforce development and resilience in the face of climate change.”
The article may be viewed at https://govmarketnews.com/new-york-invests-200-million-in-energy-efficiency-project-at-suny-oldwestbury/
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SUNY Old Westbury launches graduate Healthcare Management degree
Fall 2025 class now forming for new Master of Science program
Posted Mon, Feb 24, 2025 at 11:47 am ET
As the healthcare industry on Long Island and across the metropolitan New York City area continues its expansion, the management of these organizations continues to require more and better attention as it grows in complexity and scope.
Targeting the need for more professional managers within the healthcare field, the State University of New York at Old Westbury is launching a new Master of Science program in Healthcare Management. The first class of students in the program will enroll for Fall 2025.
“The highest priority of healthcare organizations must be patient wellness from the perspective of individual and community health and the quality of the services they provide,” said Shalei Simms, dean of the SUNY Old Westbury School of Business. “The constantly evolving landscape of financial and regulatory factors makes that challenging and requires more, better trained professionals who can step in to management positions and lead their organizations successfully.”
Offered as a 30-credit program, the M.S. in Healthcare Management program can be completed in one year of full-time study. The culminating experience for all students will be “Strategic Healthcare Management,” a supervised research project capstone. Through the capstone, students conduct a case study examining a health care organization applying the management, operational, and financial skills they’ve learned to a real-world setting.
“Along with being a pathway for business students seeking further specialization, we believe this program will be especially beneficial to students and working professionals who have backgrounds in health-related fields by increasing their business acumen and preparing them for expanded roles across the industry,” said Madeline Croccitto, chair of the Management, Marketing and Finance Department within the School of Business. “Graduates of our program will be ready to lead people and manage resources all while maintaining and improving the health of their neighbors and communities.”
According to Simms, between the relatively short one-year course of study and the program being offered at the low cost of SUNY tuition, the Old Westbury M.S. in Healthcare Management will be a more affordable vehicle for a greater number of talented students and professionals in the region.
“Affordable graduate education in business-related fields like healthcare management will benefit the region economically by increasing the graduates’ earning power while they, in turn, lift the region socially by contributing to the productivity of our healthcare providers,” said Simms.
Read more about the M.S. in Healthcare Management.
The Article can be viewed at https://patch.com/new-york/longisland/suny-old-westbury-launches-graduate-healthcaremanagement-degree-nodx
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Wed, Feb 19 - Thu, Mar 13 2025
https://www.dutchcultureusa.com/event/gyz-la-riviere-wallace-gallery/
Rhythms of Resilience
Wednesday, March 5, 2025 2:40 PM
Seji Lounge Woodlands Hall 1, SUNY Old Westbury Social and Environmental Justice Institute
The Rhythms of Resilience symposium proposes a reflection on Latin music as resistance, memory and reterritorialization. In dialogue with the exhibition Nuevo Muntu e Los Sonidos de la Nueva Atlántida, explores African, indigenous and Afro-diasporic sounds, highlighting the transnationality in Latin American music. Part of: Nuestros sonidos
Venue Information
SUNY Old Westbury Social and Environmental Justice Institute
Seji Lounge Woodlands Hall 1 | Old Westbury, New York
Carnegie Hall's Nuestros sonidos (Our Sounds) festival shines a light on the vibrant sounds, diverse traditions, and enormous influence of Latin culture in the US. From February through May 2025, Nuestros sonidos extends beyond the walls of Carnegie Hall to include more than 100 events hosted by over 50 cultural and academic partner organizations across New York City. Events presented range from concerts, exhibitions, workshops, and talks to dance, theater performances, film screenings, and more.
El festival Nuestros sonidos de Carnegie Hall ilumina los vibrantes sonidos, diversas tradiciones y la enorme influencia de la cultura latina en Estados Unidos. Desde febrero hasta mayo de 2025, Nuestros sonidos se extiende más allá de las paredes de Carnegie Hall para incluir más de 100 eventos organizados por más de 50 organizaciones culturales y académicas aliadas en toda la ciudad de Nueva York. Los eventos presentados abarcan desde conciertos, exhibiciones, talleres y charlas, hasta danza, presentaciones teatrales, proyecciones de películas y más.
Presented by The Black Speculative Arts Movement and SUNY Old Westbury Social and Environmental Justice Institute
Melvis Santa presents Jazz Orishas: A Fusion of Afro-Cuban Spirituality and Jazz Wednesday, March 5, 2025 1:30 PM Green-Lounge, SUNY Old Westbury Social and Environmental Justice Institute
Singer and multi-instrumentalist Melvis Santa masterfully embodies Afro-Cuban culture, seamlessly weaving its rhythms and heart into the jazz world. Because her artistry is deeply rooted in Cuban Santería traditions, her music celebrates Orisa, the Yoruba deities brought to the Americas that represent elements of nature and our shared humanity. Melvis with her band Jazz Orishas infuses vibrant cultural symbolism and masterful musicianship, crafting a performance that feels both sacred and modern. In dialogue with the exhibition Nuevo Muntu e Los Sonidos de la Nueva Atlántida: An Exploration of Afro-Indigenous Sonic Artistry.
Part of: Nuestros sonidos
Venue Information
SUNY Old Westbury Social and Environmental Justice Institute
Seji Lounge Woodlands Hall 1 | Old Westbury, New York
Carnegie Hall's Nuestros sonidos (Our Sounds) festival shines a light on the vibrant sounds, diverse traditions, and enormous influence of Latin culture in the US. From February through May 2025, Nuestros sonidos extends beyond the walls of Carnegie Hall to include more than 100 events hosted by over 50 cultural and academic partner organizations across New York City. Events presented range from concerts, exhibitions, workshops, and talks to dance, theater performances, film screenings, and more.
El festival Nuestros sonidos de Carnegie Hall ilumina los vibrantes sonidos, diversas tradiciones y la enorme influencia de la cultura latina en Estados Unidos. Desde febrero hasta mayo de 2025, Nuestros sonidos se extiende más allá de las paredes de Carnegie Hall para incluir más de 100 eventos organizados por más de 50 organizaciones culturales y académicas aliadas en toda la ciudad de Nueva York. Los eventos presentados abarcan desde conciertos, exhibiciones, talleres y charlas, hasta danza, presentaciones teatrales, proyecciones de películas y más.
Presented by The Black Speculative Arts Movement and SUNY Old Westbury Social and Environmental Justice Institute
Persistence pays off: Unconventional path to SUNY Old Westbury basketball
By Larissa Fuentes Posted on March 10, 2025
SUNY Old Westbury basketball player Anthony DeSando credits perseverance for his journey to earning a spot on the Panthers’ roster.
“Keep working. Those hours alone in the gym eventually they’ll pay off, no matter how old you are,” DeSando said.
College freshman Anthony DeSando has dreamed of being a professional basketball player since he was 3 years old, watching games with his father.
With his eyes set on becoming the next LeBron James, DeSando joined Hauppauge’s Premier Basketball NY AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) team in eighth grade. It was there that his love for basketball grew, he honed his skills, and he committed to his dream of going pro.
When DeSando attended Smithtown High School, he decided to stay with the travel team rather than join the Smithtown West basketball team, citing his dedication to Premier Basketball NY.
After aging out of the program, DeSando knew he wanted to continue playing in college. But to be part of a college basketball team, players typically need to be recruited.
“It started when I was working out at the gym and met some guys that asked me if I’d like to join a club team,” DeSando said.
DeSando spent his fall semester playing for the college’s club basketball team and using most of his free time to practice in the gym. During that time, he caught the attention of Old Westbury men’s basketball head coach Bernard Tomlin.
During the 2024-25 season, the Old Westbury team lost some players due to injuries and personal reasons. Midseason, Tomlin began considering players who were truly dedicated to the game.
“I would always see him in the gym, early or staying late, so I liked the fact that he’s a really dedicated athlete. I think he’s a kid that really has a passion for the game, and that was the reason behind giving him the oppo rtunity,” said Tomlin.
DeSando is grateful to Tomlin and the Old Westbury staff for the opportunity and plans to stay with the Panthers basketball team as long as he can.
“For kids that don’t play in high school, there’s still hope. If you persevere and just keep working hard, there’s always a place that’ll find you, and they’ll respect the work,” DeSando said.
The article may be view at https://www.longislandpress.com/2025/03/10/suny-old-westbury/
Anthony DeSando, a shooting guard for SUNY Old Westbury Basketball team. Photo courtesy Anthony DeSando
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Article can be found onlineat: https://www.longislandpress.com/2025/03/21/tomlin-40-coaching-game/
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April 15, 2025, 11:00 am
Northport Resident Named ‘Long Island Poet of the Year’
Northport resident Jesse Curran has been named Long Island Poet of the Year by the Walt Whitman Birthplace Association.
Curran, a lecturer in the English Department at SUNY Old Westbury, is a poet and essayist. Her creative work has appeared in dozens of literary journals, including “About Place,” “Blueline,” and “Ruminate.” She has also authored two chapbooks of poems and a lyric novel, “A Handful of Earth.”
Her recent book project, a collection of poems and essays, turns to the North Shore of Long Island and explores the metaphorical resonance of local landmarks, using as her centerpiece landscapes and other works by Arthur Dove and Helen Torr, mid-20th Century artists who often used its geography as inspiration for art.
The Long Island Poet of the Year award is an annual award given by the Walt Whitman Birthplace Association, Inc., to honor a notable and distinguished local poet who actively promotes poetry on Long Island. Awarded since 2002, the Poet of the Year has been awarded to nationally recognized poets who champion poetry and through their writing, teaching and support of the Long Island poetry community.
Founded in 1949, the Walt Whitman Birthplace Association is a not-for-profit organization first established to preserve Whitman’s birthplace and then, in 1957, led the successful effort to designate the birthplace a New York State Historic Site. In 1985, the property was listed on the NYS and National Registers of Historic Places. Today, the Association operates the historic site in partnership with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
Farmingdale, Old Westbury coaches face off in sibling rivalry
By Casey Fahrer
Posted on April 24, 2025
The Pennino family has produced two Long Island softball coaches who have worked together in the past, but now have a collegiate-level rivalry.
Tom Pennino is the head coach of the SUNY Old Westbury softball team, and Liz Pennino is the head coach of Farmingdale State College’s softball team. The two coaches faced off for a doubleheader on Saturday, April 19.
Tom was born in 1984, and his sister Liz was born one year later. The two excelled in sports growing up, with Tom picking baseball as his primary sport and Liz choosing softball.
Tom enrolled at Indian River Community College in Florida to continue playing baseball, and one year later tried convincing Liz to join him. She opted to play softball at Manhattan College. Tom later transferred to finish his collegiate career at Stony Brook University.
The siblings took different paths from there. Liz coached at a high school level while Tom continued to play baseball professionally.
Tom played three years for the Evansville Otters of the Frontier League and for the Long Island Ducks in 2010 and 2011.
Liz had the idea of running a travel softball program, the LI Surge Fastpitch, which she later formed with her brother’s help in 2012.
That same year, Liz became an assistant coach at Farmingdale. Two years later, she recruited her brother to join the staff. The Penninos spent five years together as part of the coaching staff. Tom then received the opportunity to get a head coaching job at SUNY Old Westbury.
“One of the reasons why I transitioned over there was to take over my own program and build a program from scratch,” Tom said.
SUNY Old Westbury went 9-18 with just two conference wins in 2019.
That same year, Liz became the head coach at Farmingdale. The siblings had to wait until 2022 to play each other as the COVID-19 pandemic wiped out the 2020 season.
“He’s like my best friend,” Liz said. “I think it’s very special that we have the chance to do this. We’re both college softball coaches, but at the same time, we’re competing against each other.”
Farmingdale won both games of an April 2 doubleheader by a score of 8-0. The Rams have won every regular-season game against the Panthers since the Penninos became the coaches of the two programs.
Liz Pennino (L) and Tom Pennino (R) faced off against each other on April 19 as coaches and siblings
Photo provided by Liz Pennino
SUNY Old Westbury did get the most important win of the recent head-to-head matchup.
The two teams played in the first round of the Skyline Conference playoffs in 2024. Farmingdale won that game 8-0, sending Tom’s squad to the losers’ bracket. Liz’s team lost in its next game, forcing a win-or-go-home contest between the two teams.
Tom got his first win against his sister, sending the Panthers to the conference finals.
“I’ll take losing every regular season game ever and never beating her in the regular season if I could knock them out in the playoffs every day,” he said.
Liz won two Skyline Championships as a head coach, in 2021 and 2022, and was named the Skyline Conference Coach of the Year in 2021 and 2024.
Both coaches said they enjoy each other’s company off the field, whether spending time on the beach or fishing together.
The Skyline regular season concludes on May 4, with the first game of the playoffs beginning on May 6.
The article may be view at https://www.longislandpress.com/2025/04/24/farmingdale-old-westbury-coach/
Liz Pennino on the back of her brother, Tom Pennino, when they were younger.
Photo provided by Liz Pennino