‘I love anything that feels romantic and spiritual to me, but most of my ideas are honestly so random.’

Bridgette Yvette, Babylon

“I’ve been painting since childhood, and I never plan to stop. My art is very flowy and feminine. I love working with acrylic paint. I would love to work with oil paint one day because that’s what my grandpa would use, and I loved the look of it. Oil flows a little bit better. I want people to feel relaxed looking at my work. I love working big, using as much colors as possible, and I love telling a story. I’m very inspired by love and romance, and I think my pieces really capture the feeling of being in love. I love movement. I’m really inspired by Degas and his ballerinas I’ve been painting since childhood, and I never plan to stop.

So many times when I paint, five minutes turns into five hours.

“I was always encouraged by my family. My grandparents on my mom’s side both loved to paint, so when I showed interest in art as a kid, they were really supportive and encouraging. Once I learned my colors, my grandma would quiz me by asking me to name the colors on the outfits I was wearing. Growing up, I also watched my mom decorate cakes and make stained-glass windows. My dad handmade our dining room table out of wood, and it has a beautiful compass rose inlay in the middle. Being surrounded by so much creativity was so inspiring to me. I always loved to express myself through art because I had such great examples and so much support.

“I love anything that feels romantic and spiritual to me, but most of my ideas are honestly so random. I’ll either be reading something or watching something, or I’m out in nature and one thing makes me think of something else, and then that something else turns into a seed of an idea that I become obsessed with. I get really immersed in my work, so I have to be careful. So many times when I paint, five minutes turns into five hours.”

Interviewed by Maggie Rose Melito

‘She said that if I didn’t take Ollie, she would take him to a shelter…’

Jeff Voesack, St. James

“Ollie, our border collie, was born on a farm in upstate New York. From the outset, he was different. His siblings were all the typical colors: back and white. He was the only brown and white border collie in the litter. Because his coat made him look different, he was the last to be adopted, by a member of my family.

“Ollie was happy with his new home. He was treated like the baby of the family, had the run of the house. He went hiking with his owners. When they bicycled, he ran alongside them. Then things changed. The couple had a baby. Now that they were busy with the baby, Ollie didn’t get as much attention. He was so upset about the situation that he would growl at the baby. And that’s when the family member called me up. She said that she had a dog that wasn’t getting along with rest of her family and wanted to know if I wanted him. She said that if I didn’t take Ollie, she would take him to a shelter in upstate New York. The animal lover in me couldn’t let that happen.

“The thought that if Ollie wasn’t adopted after a waiting period, he might be put down was horrible. So, I thought, what’s one more dog in the house? My spouse and I have always had two dogs. This way when you go out and leave them alone, they have company. Ollie had visited us before with this family member, and he’s cute and sweet, so I decided to go upstate and bring him home and let him join our pack, which also includes Theo, Samantha and human Bob. Ollie was good with our other dogs, everybody got along. But he was taking a little while to get used to his new home. It was like he felt he was visiting. I’m sure he was always wondering when his former family was going to come and bring him back home. But Ollie’s sweetness, friendliness and most of all his uniqueness got me to thinking. I have always enjoyed writing stories. Might Ollie’s story be told in a way that other people who feel ‘different’ might benefit? I, too, have had challenges and felt different at various times in my life. I survived with the support of my spouse, my friends and my pets. I eventually found a safe place among caring people. And that led to another chapter in Ollie’s life and mine: children’s book publishing.”

Ollie has a Facebook page with over 4,000 members around the world.

“Ollie was unique in another way. Most dogs have two dewclaws, one each on the back of their front paws. Unlike other dogs, Ollie also has dewclaws on his back paws as well. After a couple of months of Ollie living with us, I thought the true story of a different dog would make a children’s book that kids would want to read. Kids are all different, too, I thought, so they might relate to that. I was joking around one day, saying, if someone can write a book about an orphaned monkey and a man with the yellow hat, why not tell Ollie’s story?

“It took less than a month to write the draft. I sent the manuscript out to several illustrators, one of whom was particularly interested. Penny Weber, who has illustrated many children’s books, got back to me immediately. She loved Ollie’s story and just had to do it. She helped make the story flow and to develop each human and dog character. We collaborated to create the actual book as it would be seen on a bookstore shelf, from the cover to where the words are placed on the page and the type font. A couple of mainstream publishers expressed interest, but they wanted the option to change the story. I wanted to tell Ollie’s true story, so I decided to self-publish with Amazon.

“In the autumn of 2022, ‘Ollie: The Dog No-One Wanted!’ was published. It’s currently available in 42 countries. Ollie has a Facebook page with over 4,000 members around the world. When we do readings or signings, Ollie joins me. When people buy the book at these author signing events, all the money is donated to Home Sweet Home Animal Rescue of Long Island in Huntington. Ollie’s second book, ‘Ollie’s Camping Trip,’ came out in January. It covers his vacation to the Blue Ridge Mountains, where Ollie has many adventures, including an encounter with a bear on a hike. I currently have planned two more books in the series. All are based on Ollie’s adventures. When we do the public events, people often come up and say, ‘I’m a Facebook friend of Ollie’s.’ Ollie is now 7 years old, and he adores all the attention. The experience has been so fulfilling – for both Ollie, me and our family – that there might even be an Ollie AI-created cartoon in the future.”

Interviewed by Jim Merritt

‘That’s when I received unexpected news: I had breast cancer.’

Stephanie Grimaldi-Lang, Northport

“For cosmetic reasons, I got breast implants in 2000 when I was 27. In 2008, I exchanged my saline implants for silicone, believing they were a better option. This decision had unforeseen consequences. In 2009, I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s [disease], and I soon began to experience several other issues like brain fog, weight gain, dry skin, inflammation, dry eyes, low libido, leaky gut, intolerance to cold and aching joints. I was only 35. I discovered the condition known as breast implant illness; all the symptoms I was experiencing were on the list.

“After doing extensive research, I decided to have breast explant surgery to have the implants removed. On October 20, 2020, I went in for a two-week post-op, relieved that the textured implants that were making me so sick were out and that I was recovering. That’s when I received unexpected news: I had breast cancer.

I’m here to help and advocate and just try to get the word out there for any women who are going through their journey that they’re not alone.

“I’m an extraordinary woman who faced a life-changing challenge. After consulting with my breast surgeon and radiologist, I did 17 rounds of radiation starting in December 2020. I was determined to stay strong and faced this challenge with bravery, resilience and courage.

“Despite the difficult times, I smiled through it all and looked for the silver linings. Finally on December 24, 2020, I celebrated the end of my treatment. It was the best Christmas Eve ever. On February 2, 2023, I had a double mastectomy with DIEP breast reconstruction [deep inferior epigastric perforator flap]. I wasn’t getting breast implants again.

“I want to spread the word that anybody who’s getting breast implants should do their research and learn about FDA warning labels. The plastic surgeon is supposed explain all the things that possibly can happen, one of them being breast implant illness.

“I always kept up with my mammograms, and it’s possible removing the implants saved my life. I’m doing great. I feel like myself now. The silver lining of this whole thing is for me to help anybody who is thinking about getting breast implants or has implants and you want to take them out. I’m here to help and advocate and just try to get the word out there for any women who are going through their journey that they’re not alone.”

Interviewed by Liza Burby

‘My personal experiences have shown me that expecting and new mothers often face unrealistic portrayals of pregnancy and motherhood.’

Shaquasia Brooks, Lindenhurst

“Throughout my childhood, my family moved frequently across various towns in Suffolk County. Now, as a new mother, I have shifted my focus towards supporting mothers on Long Island and beyond, aiming to create a sense of community and belonging. My personal experiences have shown me that expecting and new mothers often face unrealistic portrayals of pregnancy and motherhood. Many struggle with postpartum depression, co-parenting challenges and body image issues. To provide a safe space, I founded SuperMom Mission Inc., dedicated to offering support, resources and guidance to mothers and children in need. My goal is to make a positive impact and empower these individuals.

“I understand the difficulties firsthand. I aim to empower mothers and children and foster a supportive community. I also recently authored a book called ‘The Joy of My Pain,’ chronicling my pregnancy journey and early motherhood experiences. My son is my inspiration, propelling me to work harder and persevere. I draw inspiration from the resilience and kindness of those around me. My son inspires me on a daily basis because I’m truly blessed. His existence pushes me to work harder and keep going. I’m also inspired by the resilience and compassion of individuals that I meet. My hope is to empower people, spark curiosity and foster connections that lead to positive change in their lives and communities.

Many struggle with postpartum depression, co-parenting challenges and body image issues. To provide a safe space, I founded SuperMom Mission Inc.

“I believe helping your community can take many forms, both public and private. Small acts of kindness, volunteering behind the scenes or simply being there for someone in need can make a significant difference. Every gesture counts, regardless of whether it’s visible to others. What matters most is the genuine intention to make a positive impact, no matter how it’s expressed.”

Interviewed by Starr Fuentes

‘Most of us pilots love to fly, so we do this flying at our own expense and time because we’re wanting to pay it forward.’

Doug Wohl, Fort Salonga

“I was in my mid 40s and a friend said, ‘I’m going for a demonstration flight in a small airplane.’ And he said, ‘Would you like to try it?’ I said, ‘Sure.’ I went to Farmingdale Airport and took a flight — and I was hooked.

“Over the years I started flying for public benefit organizations, and PALS [Patient AirLift Services] SkyHope is part of it. I’m up to about 200 missions. It was a lot of hard work to develop the skills to take my wife and kids, and finally strangers, up safely.

“I fly a Cirrus SR22. It’s a reasonably new airplane with a lot of innovative safety features, like a full-plane safety parachute. When my wife heard about that, she said, ‘That’s the plane you’ve got to fly.’

“Most of us pilots love to fly, so we do this at our own expense and time because we’re wanting to pay it forward. When I started, my kids were young and I was partial to families with kids who needed help.

“PALS SkyHope does outreach with doctors, hospitals and programs to find patients who need help getting to treatment; they do mission coordination. You don’t have to be monetarily in need. Somebody could make a decent living but can’t travel eight hours for treatment or be away from family or work, or they’re immunocompromised and can’t take public transportation.

Most of us pilots love to fly, so we do this at our own expense and time because we’re wanting to pay it forward.

“The folks at PALS know I’m partial to kids. So when they have a family starting out for treatment, they reach out to me. If I told you I’m going to fly you from White Plains to Boston, high through the clouds, you might be a little nervous. So I give a lot of safety instructions. And we do a little sightseeing. If we’re flying over Manhattan and our route takes us over Central Park, I point that out. Or you can look one way and see the George Washington Bridge and look the other way and see New York Harbor and Statue of Liberty.

“I flew a young girl years ago. She was maybe a year old or so, and it was the first time she and her family were going for a consultation in Boston. She had problems walking. I flew her and her family many times over the years, and eventually I got videos of her running around her backyard with her brother and her parents. I still get a picture or video once in a while.

“Doing this, you do make lasting relationships with people.”

Interviewed by Rosemary Olander-Beach

‘I was playing sports but quietly studying, practicing and playing chess and falling in love with the game.’

Russell Makofsky, Mastic Beach

“I grew up in Mastic Beach, and went to Tangier [Smith] Elementary [School], where I first brought my chess board to school. There wasn’t a big chess community there, but I found a couple of people who liked the game so that’s where I first played. I also played varsity tennis, basketball and cross-country, but chess was not something that really came up in day-to-day life growing up where I lived.

“I remember watching ‘Searching for Bobby Fischer’ as a kid, seeing the images of Josh Waitzkin playing in Washington Square Park, and it captivated me. My grandmother was an avid player, and she bought me my first chess board when I was 7 years old.

“My other family members don’t play, but there was something inside of me that became a lifelong passion. My father would drive me into the city to Washington Square Park so I could play chess there like in the film, and that was everything to me. I was playing sports but quietly studying, practicing and playing chess and falling in love with the game.

“I was self-taught; I used the book ‘Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess.’ There weren’t many people around me who played chess, but I got a board in front of anyone I could. I did find a few people to play with as I grew up and ended up becoming a pretty competitive player. Even when I’d go into the city to play, I’d do fairly well.

“When I moved to Montreal for college, I would play chess there in the cafes late into the night, where students would congregate. There was sort of a subculture there for students who played chess, and I was a part of that. I attended Concordia [University], an English-speaking college, and never learned French, but I would play chess against people who didn’t speak English and it wasn’t important, because chess formed a bridge; you don’t communicate, you just shake hands and then play, and enjoy the experience.”

While I was coaching basketball, some parents had asked if there was anyone teaching chess.

“I graduated with a bachelor’s of commerce [degree] from the John Molson School of Business, and I had played varsity basketball for the college, which led to me getting involved with coaching youth basketball at a middle school. It was from that I learned about becoming an educator and a coach, which was a gateway to becoming a chess educator.

“When I moved back to New York in 2007, I started working at a Manhattan brokerage firm. I had thought that was what I wanted to do, but I found my heart was crushed. I dreaded waking up every morning. However, the financial crisis hit around that time, so I felt it was the time to make a career shift. I started coaching basketball in Manhattan school programs, and all the while, I was playing chess on the streets. I would play at 112th Street and Broadway, where college students, artists, all sorts of people would also come to play.

“At the same time, while I was coaching basketball, some parents had asked if there was anyone teaching chess. It helped me realize there was a need for a youth chess program, so I started my own chess coaching business in 2008. I’ve been coaching as a part of the NYC school system ever since.

“Then, in 2020, I founded The Gift of Chess when the pandemic shut schools down. In-person teaching collapsed, and we were forced to teach virtually. I found that the chess community we had been building began to fray, as the connection through virtual instruction was not the same. This led me to an idea of giving the gift of chess, by buying thousands of chess sets and then giving one to every city student I had been teaching, with the goal of refocusing and reconnecting them with chess.”

I’ve donated thousands of chess sets across the U.S. already, and I’d be happy to make donations to Long Island school districts so they can start chess clubs and programs.

“The move gained media attention, and a law firm asked me if we’d like to become an official charity, so The Gift of Chess became a nonprofit. My work also gained the attention of someone else who had been giving out chess sets across the world, and he asked me if I would like to go to Africa to give some. So, a year later, we flew chess sets to African countries, and the response was so great we came back three months later with more chess sets.

“The demand was incredible and, eventually, we brought 50,000 more sets back, reaching about 50 different countries, giving about 1,000 sets to each, and then helped them create their own chess communities. In effect, we’re helping create critical thinkers around the world. We’re also making change, because by doing this, they’re using chess as an opportunity to educate.

“I don’t live in Mastic Beach anymore, but I’m still a big fan of Wiliam Floyd High School sports and keep tabs on the teams. I’m proud of where I come from. I’ve donated thousands of chess sets across the U.S. already, and I’d be happy to make donations to Long Island school districts so they can start chess clubs and programs.

“There’s a mantra I put on the backs of the T-shirts we give out that says, ‘It is possible to do great things from a small place.’ I’ll always see myself as an underdog from Mastic Beach who dreams big, and I believe that if you do the work and put your heart into something, you can always grow beyond where you started.”

Interviewed by Ian J. Stark

‘In the beginning, I had no idea what I was doing about business. I learned from a lot of places.’

Sutta Saraphum, Valley Stream

“I was born and raised in Thailand. I came to the United States for school. It was so difficult for me as an international student. I couldn’t find anything like the Thai food or culture. Language was troubling for me because I couldn’t speak English at that time. I came to New York in 2011. Moving to New York was one of the greatest opportunities for me to learn a new language, culture and food. When I was in Thailand, I only knew Thai food, but when I came to this state, they had a million foods that I had never found.

It’s hard, but I will not give up.

“However, I couldn’t find any Thai hot sauce like home. I couldn’t find any bottled products that were imported from Thailand or even made here that tasted somewhat similar to what I eat at home. Everybody in Thailand knows how to make it, but because I live here, it’s very difficult to find. Nobody is going to sell it because the sauce is a very unique product with unique ingredients. Thai hot sauce is not just regular hot sauce. It’s not designed for cooking. It’s just designed for dipping and pouring right on top of your food, and your food will turn to the next level.

So, I decided to make my own sauce, bottle it and sell it. I created SD Sauce based on my journey and lifestyle. I knew I should spread this sauce to the world, and then somehow people were loving my sauce. I have six different flavors, like original, ginger vegan, barbecue. This is a homemade sauce. I had to source all the ingredients, the bottle, labeling and legal licensing. I have my husband helping me behind the scenes. He loves researching and is a big supporter.

“In the beginning, I had no idea what I was doing about business. I learned from a lot of places. It took me a long time to get things started. I have no idea when I started or formed the company, but it took me years to get here today. As time went by, I learned little by little. It’s not easy with the economy, all the ingredients and inflation. It’s hard, but I will not give up. I don’t know how far I can go or be successful, but as long as the consumer is eating my sauce and enjoying my products, that is my success. That puts a smile on my face.”

Interviewed by Victoria Bell

‘I found a lot of solace being out on the water, offering a sense of freedom and a connection with nature.’

Steven Faber, Great Neck

“Soon after starting my career in the garment industry working in Manhattan and getting married, we looked for a house on Long Island. After looking at several houses in Great Neck, our broker suggested taking at look at Steppingstone Park. There’s a beautiful waterfront park with views of Stepping Stones Lighthouse, the Throgs Neck Bridge and NYC skyline views with sunsets that are just amazing.

“Shortly after moving, I discovered my love for being out on the water, learning to sail, owning a kayak and a motorboat. I found a lot of solace being out on the water, offering a sense of freedom and a connection with nature. I found myself trying to get on the water as often as possible. It is a fantastic way to unwind, de-stress and recharge. I would often feel like I was coming back from vacation after being on the water. One the biggest challenges was finding people to go out with me every day.

I am always meeting new and diverse people.

“Fast-forward 30 years, the business that I loved became thankless and very stressful. It was time to change my life, I got my captain’s license and started Captain Steve’s Sailing Experience. It brought me great joy to be working on sharing my love for being on the water. I am always meeting new and diverse people. I get to share birthdays, bachelorette parties, retirement celebrations and get-togethers. Wedding proposals are the most special! I get goose bumps every time someone comes on my boat to propose.

“I find it very fulfilling to watch people experience the beauty and thrill of sailing. There is nothing like the feeling when the sails are unfurled, the engine is turned off and the wind powers the boat across the water. Many people have a fear of sailing and sea sickness, but there is little to worry about. We sail a protected body of water with land always in sight.

“I sail Manhasset Bay, Gatsby’s East Egg and West Egg, then we sail the western Long Island Sound bordered by the Bronx and Westchester on one side and Long Island and Queens on the other. Guests are greeted by an amazing view of the NYC skyline and Throgs Neck Bridge.

“Now instead of hearing about production and delivery issues, I hear, ‘That was amazing, best day ever.’ To be paid to do what you love, isn’t that the dream?”

Interviewed by Liza Burby

‘I experienced cyberbullying, physical assaults and verbal insults, making it an extremely difficult time for me.’

Devin Moore, North Babylon

“Growing up on Long Island, I always enjoyed being close to my family. However, when I started middle school, I encountered severe racism and harsh bullying. At 14, I experienced racist bullying from my former middle school classmates. This mistreatment involved cyberbullying, physical assaults and verbal insults, making it an extremely difficult time for me.

“Beyond my personal experiences, I have seen bullying occurring worldwide, so I created Race To Speak Up, an organization focused on anti-bullying to educate and empower youth on prevention and standing up against bullying. I began speaking at various platforms like schools, podcasts and churches, and shared positive affirmations online to uplift others, especially in the digital space. My efforts have led me to speak at national conferences, develop an anti-cyberbullying curriculum called #BehindTheScreen, host monthly webinars based on the curriculum, launch the ‘Race To Speak Up’ podcast, and continue school presentations on bullying prevention.

Taking steps like these can make a positive impact on our world and save lives.

“My recent milestone includes writing a children’s anti-bullying book called ‘Devin Speaks Up!,’ sharing my personal bullying experience, encouraging speaking up to trusted individuals, promoting standing up against bullying and celebrating our diverse differences on the cover.

“I am dedicated to advancing anti-bullying education through workshops and book readings, believing in the significance of spreading kindness and making a positive impact. I’ve been fortunate to have come across many new opportunities. I collaborate with an organization called Humanity Rising, which led to the creation of my ‘Race To Speak Up’ podcast. Through this platform, I interview both youth entrepreneurs and adults. In the ‘Race To Speak Up’ podcast, I engage with activists, entrepreneurs and business leaders who are driving positive change in their communities or addressing cyberbullying.

“Alongside my co-host, Sun Hamama, who specializes in child and adolescent bullying, we host anti-cyberbullying webinars together. I always say you don’t need to start an organization to make a positive change, just speak up! If you don’t speak up, situations can get worse. Even if it’s in a smaller capacity, maybe you’re too shy or a little too scared, there’s other ways to speak up. You could do it through writing a note and then handing it to someone that you trust so that they know what’s going on. Taking steps like these can make a positive impact on our world and save lives.”

Interviewed by Starr Fuentes

‘Whatever you want to do, do it now because you never know what the future holds.’

Nettie Michel, East Meadow

“I did not know I wanted to study nursing. I just followed in my mom’s footsteps. I went to Hunter College, and I was not accepted to the nursing program. So, then I went to Hostos [Community College]. I got an associate degree in nursing, and I graduated in 1996. I worked as a camp nurse, and then I took my National Council Licensure Examination. I passed it, so I became a registered nurse. When I finished the camp nursing, I worked for an agency in a nursing home and then at a long-term facility for [NYC] Health + Hospitals corporation, both for a short time.

You are only as good as your team, and I am fortunate to have a good team.

After, I worked for Elmhurst Hospital Center. I worked in the NICU, ICU and labor and delivery [L&D]. I think L&D suited me best, so I stayed there. After doing it for 17 years, I just wanted to have a little break. I went to [working on] postpartum, but it was not a right fit for me because I was bored. So, I went to back to L&D as a head nurse. That is where I currently am, and I have been there for about seven years. It is a good fit for me because I can manage the unit. You are only as good as your team, and I am fortunate to have a good team. I originally was going for my bachelor’s, so once my children were graduated, I completed my degree. I received my bachelor of science, magna cum laude, from Chamberlain University with a 3.9 average.

Currently, I am also working as a clinical instructor, which is very rewarding and makes me feel good because I have the opportunity to share my knowledge with students and they are inspired. When I see what a wonderful job I did in raising children, I feel that my calling is to teach and inspire. I also took a job as a supervisor in a nursing home. The nursing home has humbled me. You realize how important life is and to do all the things that you set out to do. You never know when you will not be able to do it. Whatever you want to do, do it now because you never know what the future holds.”

Interviewed by Victoria Bell