Claude Solnik

4 days ago | longislandpress.com | Claude Solnik

In a deal that created one of the biggest community banks on Long Island, ConnectOne has merged with First of Long Island, resulting in a financial institution with a wide regional reach from branches to assets. Englewood, NJ.-based ConnectOne Bancorp, Inc., parent company of ConnectOne Bank, completed its merger with Melville-based The First of Long Island Corp., parent company of The First National Bank of Long Island.

5 days ago | bxtimes.com | Claude Solnik

Sometimes boating leads to unexpected destinations. Rocking the Boat, a Hunts Point-based nonprofit that teaches Bronx youth to build and operate wooden boats, typically works along the Bronx River. But on May 29, their journey brought them to Midtown Manhattan’s Town Hall, where they were recognized by musician and Talking Heads co-founder David Byrne for their impactful work.

5 days ago | amny.com | Claude Solnik

Artists at the Time To Be Happy Gallery on the Lower East Side. Galleries typically show finished work made out of sight in artists’ studios, but a Manhattan gallery is celebrating its one year anniversary by inviting the public in to see more than 60 artists creating in front of them. Time To Be Happy Gallery, at 219 Bowery, between Prince and Spring, is celebrating its one-year anniversary with a four-day art festival featuring over 60 artists creating live art.

6 days ago | newsday.com | Claude Solnik

Philip Policastro, a Metropolitan Transportation Authority supervisor who lives in Patchogue, ordinarily drives a Tesla Model 3. But on a recent windy morning, he slipped into the driver’s seat to experience the power of driving a Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS. Policastro said his wife has been diagnosed with cancer, making him painfully aware of the precariousness and preciousness of each moment.

2 weeks ago | newsday.com | Claude Solnik

This month Newsday will begin highlighting the passionate, engaging and innovative educators of Long Island in a new Teacher Spotlight feature. Nominate those who create curriculums that advance learning, leave lasting impacts on students for years to come or have received state or national recognition by sending details to [email protected]. The first time Jericho High School math teacher Matthew DeMarinis stepped foot into a classroom as a teacher, he was barely older than his students are now.