Puppies and playtime at the library
Howie’s Heart and Canine Companions team up for experience with service puppies in training
By MELISSA PANIN Intern
On March 1, Howie’s Heart Organization teamed up with Canine Companions to raise awareness about the roles of service dogs while fostering a sense of community and encouraging acts of kindness.
This event, which was hosted at the Franklin Square Public Library, was open to all community members, including non-residents. Children, families and friends gathered in the library’s meeting room to create tug toys for service dogs using colorful pieces of felt provided by the organization.
Let love be your legacy. And that’s what my dad’s legacy is.
JENNIfEr CAMACho
Adriana Galindo, a volunteer with Howie’s Heart who created the event, began planning her ideas last November. The discussion turned into action in January when she set a date with the organization and library, finally sharing it with the community.
Through personal connections, Galindo learned about Howie’s Heart when it was first founded in February 2024, and she has been involved with the organization since their first event.
“It’s really rewarding every time we do an event,” she remarked.
Sandra Slomovitz, a volunteer from Canine Companions, said the organization has collaborated with Howie’s Heart on past events. The idea to make tug toys to donate to service dogs marked the initial step in their planning for this event, she said.
Having events where attendees interact with the dogs, she added, serves as beneficial training for the animals.
All three puppies featured at the event Fritz, Van and Verney are puppies in training. The puppies are raised by “puppy raisers,” she explained, who care for them and socialize them for the first 18 months of their lives.
After this period, she continued, the puppies attend “puppy college, which is an advanced training, where they specialize in various service categories, including hearing dogs, full-service dogs, facility dogs, skilled companions and veterans’ dogs.
The founder of Howie’s Heart, Jennifer Camacho, explained how she and her siblings founded the organization after her father, Howie Conklin, passed away. Her father was passionate about dogs, she recounted, and adopted medically fragile and elderly dogs that had been given up by their owners. This was a reflection of his kind nature, she said.
“Let love be your legacy,” she said. “And that’s what my dad’s legacy is.” Camacho said because her organiza-
tion has worked with Canine Companions multiple times for other events, it made sense for them to help Canine Companions the same way they’ve helped her. She hopes attendees left the event feeling inspired to help others, as well.
Evelyn Maglio, a sixth-grade student from Washington Street School, said this is precisely how the event impacted her, and she left wanting to get more involved.
She previously thought service dogs were only for individuals in wheelchairs, she said, but this event significantly expanded her understanding of what their role is.
She also mentioned how eager she
was to be involved with the organization, and she’s previously participated in many library events. Her first experience with Howie’s Heart was during a kindness rock project last April, and she has engaged in numerous events since.
The possibilities are endless when people come together, Camacho said. And, she hopes attendees feel a connection to the cause they’re supporting. “I want them to feel a sense of community,” she explained.
She also expressed her aspiration to inspire people to give back to Canine Companions. She hopes some may even consider being a part of the program to train dogs to support their cause. “They really do incredible work,” she said.
Alejandro Curbelo, who attended Fritz and Friends, spent time connecting with Van, a puppy in training, and other puppies at the event.
Slomovitz noted that after meeting individuals paired with dogs that graduated from advanced training, she witnessed profound changes in their lives. “It’s a no-brainer why I do what I do,” she remarked. Howie’s Heart and Canine Companions members said they will continue to collaborate on events in the future. As of now, they are organizing a bake sale on April 26 in Franklin Square to support service animals. More information can be found on their Instagram page, @HowiesHeart, or their website, HowiesHeart.org.
Melissa Panin/Herald
Leo Brunhuber, left, Lily Maglio, Emma Scheidling and Evelyn Maglio create personalized pull toys for the Canine Companions puppies in training.
Photos courtesy Howie’s Heart
Howie’s Heart and Canine Companions staff, Jennifer Camacho, left, Deb Rodgers, Linda Herskowitz, Sandra Slomovitz, Adriana Galindo, Rich Slomovitz, James Conkin and Elana Conklin, come together to host a special Fritz and Friends interactive event.
Donna Nowakoski’s diamond art exhibit
Donna’s artwork, which took seven years to complete, is featured at the Franklin Square library
By RENEE DeLORENZO rdelorenzo@liherald.com
Lifelong Franklin Square resident Donna Nowakoski is being recognized for her diamond artwork at the Franklin Square Public Library. Her mother, Theresa Nowakoski, said the 16 pieces on display in the library’s meeting room took about seven years for Donna to complete.
Within two days of her work going on display, 10 of her paintings were sold to visitors for up to $50 each.
Ithink it gives her confidence, especially now that the library recognized her. It’s exciting for both of us
Donna, 40, is a patron of the library who regularly attends art programs hosted by Melinda Space, the library’s adult program coordinator. As a disabled adult, Donna often engages in adult programming that guides art projects.
ThEREsa NOwakOskI Franklin Square resident
“I like drawing because it keeps me calm,” Donna said. “It makes me feel good, too.”
She recalled drawing and creating art with her late grandmother, whom she was close with and said she misses a lot. Her grandmother encouraged her creativity, she continued, and she draws pictures of the two of them together sometimes.
Donna explained that Space approached her after one of their crafting classes in late February and asked her if she’d be willing to share her diamond art in the library. She remembered being excited about it because it is the first time she’s hosted a solo exhibit.
While Donna already had a few art pieces ready to go, she created a few more specifically for the exhibit. However, because it is a tedious art form, it can be quite time consuming.
Diamond art, Theresa explained, is a type of painting that utilizes a labeled template in which users individually place thousands of diamond studs on a canvas to create pictures of various sizes. It is similar to paint-by-number kits, she said.
According to Theresa, Donna will sit patiently for hours placing the diamond studs on the canvas, one by one, using a small applicator pen.
“She’s just so focused,” Theresa said. “I can’t even get through an entire bag!”
The first diamond art kit Donna received, Theresa said, was a Christmas gift from one of her aides. Once Donna started, Theresa said, she ended up loving it. Now, Theresa said she often finds diamond art kits for her on Amazon or in local craft shops.
“I think it gives her confidence,” The-
Renee DeLorenzo/Herald photos
Donna Nowakoski, a lifelong Franklin Square resident, has created 16 diamond art paintings over the course of seven years, which she is now selling through an art exhibit at the Franklin Square Public Library.
Donna’s art pieces vary in size and, depending on how large the painting is, can take weeks or months to complete.
resa said, “especially now that the library recognized her. It’s exciting for both of us.”
Donna won second place in at the 2018 Arc New York Fall Board of Governors meeting in Albany, as well, receiving $200 for her diamond art painting of a heart tree.
AHRC Nassau, an adult program Donna attends, has sold her artwork, as
well. Donna said her program hosts art galleries in the park sometimes, and they currently have a movie exhibit at the East Meadow Art Gallery. She said she did a painting from one her favorite movies, “The Sound of Music.”
This diamond-studded cardinal is one of the larger paintings Donna completed, which her mother, Theresa, said took a couple of weeks for Donna to complete.
Donna said she’d like to host an exhibit again, although Theresa pointed out it could take a very long time for her to create another full portfolio of work to fill an entire exhibit. Depending on the painting size, Theresa explained, it can take Donna weeks or even months to complete a full piece.
Nonetheless, Donna said she is proud of herself and hopes to continue making diamond art.
Leaders and advocates celebrate Sustainability
Local leaders push for greener, cleaner communities
By Kelsie Radziski
Visionaries, advocates and trailblazing leaders gathered at the Heritage Club in Bethpage on Feb. 26 to celebrate groundbreaking innovations and inspire bold action toward a sustainable future. From young students to influential policy-makers to community members making a difference, the Herald Sustainability Awards of Long Island, presented by Reworld, recognized those whose efforts are shaping a cleaner, greener tomorrow.
“It is an honor for us at the Herald and Reworld to showcase the achievements of these leaders,” Stuart Richner, president and publisher of Richner Communications Inc. and the Herald, said.
As Azeez Mohammed, CEO of Reworld, emphasized, the commitment to sustainability is not just about progress — it’s about making a lasting, positive impact.
“We are honoring those leaders and budding youngsters who demonstrated a commitment to sustainability, and that matters a lot to us,” Mohammed said. “Because with Reworld, our claim to fame is that we are the only company that manages waste in a sustainable manner.”
Reworld utilizes “infrastructure, technology and imagination to solve complex waste management challenges and help create a sustainable and more prosperous future for businesses and communities,” according to the company’s website.
Reworld was represented at the awards ceremony by Maureen Early, lead community relations specialist; Dawn Harmon, director of Long Island market; Adel Omrani, president of the East Region; and Lloyd Naideck, director of state government relations along with many other Reworld team members.
“We’re delighted to be able to honor all of these sustainability champions here tonight,” Early said. “So many of them have done so much in making Long Island a better place to live, work and play.”
Two young students were recognized for their sustainability efforts. Joseph Petraro, an 11-year-old who is a freshman at Louisiana State University, founded the Joe’s Be Kind Campaign, a nonprofit aimed at promoting positive social change, especially for vulnerable children. The initiative’s mission is to foster kindness, inclusivity and connections throughout communities, and to promote positive mental well-being.
“I used to get bullied when I was a lot younger,” Joseph said, “and I don’t want other people to feel that same way.”
He also started other initiatives, including the Clean Wells for Humanity program, which tackles global water scarcity, and the Adopt-a-Grandparent program, which fosters intergenerational bonds and promotes sustainable living practices. Joseph’s efforts to bring people together to help the environment made him a Student Champion for Sustainability Award winner.
Desiree Mohammadi, a 12-year-old student at South Woods Middle School, in Syosset, was honored for her initiative Seeds of Hope, which began when she saved the seeds from the vegetables in her family’s garden. Seeds of Hope has blossomed into a bigger movement, and Desiree has partnered with Island Harvest to plant seeds every spring at the nonprofit’s Healthy Harvest Farm in Brentwood.
“I think it’s a human right that people should be able to access fresh fruits and vegetables,” she said. Both student award winners were also presented with $2,500 to support their education or future sustainability projects.
Other honorees include Don Clavin, Town of Hempstead supervisor, and Rich Schaffer, Town of Babylon supervisor, who received Environmental Leader in Policy awards. They have each made efforts, working with Reworld, to improve sustainability and environmental efforts in their towns.
“It’s a great honor to be recognized by the Herald and by Reworld,” Schaffer said. “Reworld has been an excellent partner with the Town of Babylon, and it’s probably the main part of our solid waste infrastructure and how we deal with making sure the garbage leaves the curb and is dealt with correctly.”
Local community leaders were also recognized for their work. Adrienne Esposito, executive director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment, works to protect natural resources and public health. She and her organization have taken on challenges such as upgrading failing sewage-treatment systems, protecting and filtering drinking and surface water and supporting large-scale renewable-energy projects in the interest of improving the environment.
“We really feel it’s our job to make sure Long Island is clean, safe and sustainable for now and in the future,” Esposito said.
Gregory Sandor, executive director of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Nassau County, was honored as well, for the strides the organization has made during his 12 years of leadership. The group has earned grant funding for a number of its specialized programs, including renewable energy, sustainable food systems, urban forestry and youth development. Cornell Cooperative is currently working with Reworld to build a Dynamic Learning Center in East Meadow, with the goal of educating the public about sustainability issues.
“We’re always looking at sustainability issues and how to be more resilient,” Sandor said. “So it’s exciting to be a part of that, and be a part of this different group of leaders that are being recognized.”
As attendees mingled and celebrated the honorees, vendors offered their donated products, among them Barrier Brewing Co., Garvies Point Craft Brewery, Farrm Wines, Borghese Vineyard, Del Vino Vineyards, Loughlin Vineyard and Twisted Cow Distillery.
The Herald Sustainability Awards were a testament to the collective impact when leaders and advocates unite with a shared purpose. The inaugural event showed that commitment to sustainability is about leaving a lasting, positive imprint on the world for generations to come.
Tim Baker/Herald
Maureen Early and Dawn Harmon pose with Gerry Compitello, Janina Martinez, Greg Gaxiola, Jassi Anand, and Doug Jacob accept award for Rich Shaffer.
Holden Leeds/Herald photos
Lorne Brousseau receives award for his work with REACH.
James Wylie, Lorne Brousseau, and Garrett Chelius.
Holden Leeds/Herald photos
Gregory M Sandor, executive director of Cornell Cooperative Extention Nassau County.
Citizens Campaign for the Environment Executive Director Adrienne Esposito.
Hempstead Town Supervisor Donald X. Clavin gets his award for establishing the first hydrogen fueling station on Long Island.
Michael Fiorentino, Natural Resource Program Director at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Nassau County.
Seatuck Environmental Executive Director Enrico Nardone proudly poses with his award.
Desiree Mohammadi (center) proudly poses with her $2,500 check, joined by former NY Rangers Mike Richter, Maureen Early and Dawn Harmon.
Island Harvest CEO and president Randi Shubin Dresner proudly poses with her award.
Stony Brook University student Esther Poon with their award.
Reworld CEO Azeez Mohammed gives welcoming remarks.
Jason Thomas/Herald
REACH Rotary Club honoree James Wylie playfully points out the towering height of former NFL star Justin Tuck as they pose together for a photo.
Lissette Pellegrino, celebrating her award for Environmental Stewardship.
Garrett Chelius receives his award for his work with REACH.
Operation SPLASH president Robert Weltner.
Thomas Powell accepts an award on Eric Swenson’s behalf to recognize his exceptional contributions.
