‘What’s important to me is knowing that I made a significant effort to have a positive influence on the lives of others.’

Arthur Dobrin, Westbury

“When my wife, Lyn, and I joined the Peace Corps after graduating from college in January of 1965, there were only two places in the world that were taking Peace Corps volunteers — Kenya and Thailand. I was very interested in Africa because I had been a history major and thought that I would continue with African studies. We were in Kenya for two years, and our son was born there. Later we led educational safaris and sponsored a school. I was involved with farmers cooperatives — people who grew coffee — and Lyn was involved with women’s empowerment initiatives.

“What most impressed us was how people who can be very different from you fundamentally are also very much like you; it’s appreciation of good people who can be found anyplace, anywhere, anytime. Beyond the cultural differences, there are things that make us all human. We all seek to be respected, and we all desire to have lives that are filled with happiness. When we moved back to America, I became the leader of the Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island, where I served as a minister. For many years, I was also a teacher at Hofstra University.

“What’s important to me is knowing that I made a significant effort to have a positive influence on the lives of others. Writing has always been central to everything that I do. I’ve published 30 books ranging from fiction to poetry to philosophy to children’s books. ‘Westbury Imagined’ is my latest; it’s historical fiction with a bit of poetry included. We have lived in the same house in Westbury since 1969. Our children also live in this town, our grandchildren grew up here, and we are still very involved in community organizations such as Westbury Arts.

“I started writing ‘Westbury Imagined’ about all the people who have lived in the houses on my street, and it quickly expanded to across the street, down the block and further. I think there is value in recognizing wherever you are it is really infinitely interesting and full of very human stories.”

Interviewed by Meagan Meehan

‘You should never be limited in the way you think because that’s the one freedom you have that nobody can take from you.’

Francesco Marasco, Westbury

“I was born in Calabria, Italy, and my family and I immigrated in 1987. My father was always about the American dream, so he started different businesses. When I got out of high school, I attempted to go to college, but it wasn’t for me. I went to work with my father in home improvements, landscaping and construction. Around 2002, we decided to pursue the marble business. I flew to Italy and stayed with my grandparents and worked out of a factory. While I was doing that, my father built our original workshop and showroom here. I took over the company in 2006.

In all aspects of my life, I don’t believe that we’re limited. If you want something enough, you’ll figure out a way.

“In 2011, I came across gemstone materials like amethyst and tiger eye; things that were used in jewelry were now being formed into large-format slabs that can be customized into different products. I was just turning 30 and read a book from the 1920s, ‘Think and Grow Rich.’ It was about the way you think about yourself and what you believe you can achieve. I saw my life flash before my eyes. I thought, if you can change anything right now, what would you do? What would you create? I wanted to develop a brand with the new material, and I decided to name it after a nickname given to me by my grandmother. She used to call me Zecca Di Nana. I twisted the name as a kid. That’s how I came up with Zicana. I didn’t want, necessarily, my personal name so I kind of used the nickname.

“People thought I was crazy. I built a gallery strictly for these materials. The market is always shifting. I always broke the boundaries. I didn’t just repeat what everybody was doing. I was always fascinated with business in general. Watching my father start and sell businesses inspired me more into being an entrepreneur. He was always a risk-taker and didn’t let anything stop him. That definitely impacted me. In all aspects of my life, I don’t believe that we’re limited. If you want something enough, you’ll figure out a way.

“I don’t get discouraged when things don’t happen because there were always better outcomes that came from those things not happening. You have to believe in what you want, your overall goals. You should never be limited in the way you think because that’s the one freedom you have that nobody can take from you.”

Interviewed by Liza Burby

‘The arts saved my life.’

Westbury

“I was born in the Dominican Republic and came to America with my parents when I was 13 years old. I initially thought I was on vacation, so it was a shock when I learned that we were all staying! In my hometown, a simple greeting is part of our values, even between strangers, so it was a culture shock to realize that it wasn’t the norm here.

“I attended Brentwood High School, learned English, and became the family translator. I ultimately became the first person in my family to attend college. While I was at Stony Brook University, I overheard a professor analyzing literature in Spanish. I was so intrigued that I signed up for her class and changed my major to Spanish language and literature. Simultaneously, I got a teaching certificate and eventually earned a graduate degree. This was a very rewarding experience for me since I inspired younger relatives to attain a higher education, too. I also use my own experiences to inspire my students, many of whom are immigrants from Spanish-speaking countries who face many challenges adjusting to American life and the English language.

I am the founder of Cuentos de Triadas, which is an organization that focuses on creating culturally enriching experiences for Long Island communities.

“In 2007, I went through a very severe depression. While I enjoyed crafting stories and poems since the age of 8, literature and writing helped me find my purpose during those hard times. The arts saved my life. After I recovered, I started delving into poetry readings and art shows and organizing cultural events. I am the founder of Cuentos de Triadas, which is an organization that focuses on creating culturally enriching experiences for Long Island communities.

“So far, the highlight of my career was meeting artist Francisco Poblet, who was the last apprentice of Salvador Dali. He came to the official Westbury Arts gallery opening in 2021, which turned out to be his final public event before he passed away. In the future, I will continue writing and sharing stories that benefit underrepresented youth. I am currently working on my first English-language poetry book. I also plan to continue bringing cultural programs into schools to celebrate our diverse heritage and culture.”

Interviewed by Meagan Meehan

‘I got to pursue both my loves —soccer and the stage!’

Westbury

“When I graduated from high school, I gave up a soccer scholarship to attend dance classes back home on Long Island with my first mentor, Deidre McCarthy. That shouldn’t be surprising — I always loved being on stage. In elementary school in Bayville, the assistant principal recruited me onto the stage as a member of a small repertory company of actors that performed for other schools.

“In junior high, I appeared in commercials and later danced at Joffrey School of Ballet in New York City. The following fall, I attended Indiana University on a ballet scholarship. I left there to perform with four ballet companies before realizing I wanted to expand my storytelling as an actor-singer-dancer.

Michelle and I are now entering our tenth year as owners of the American Theater Dance Workshop in Mineola.

“Returning to New York City, I made the transition to musical theater, working for the legendary choreographer Jerome Robbins. From there, I toured Europe in ‘West Side Story,’ and enjoyed working so much with my dance partner, Michelle O’Steen, that I married her, and we subsequently had two children, Michaela and Thomas. I continued to grow, landing roles in the original companies of ‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,’ ‘Dream,’ ‘Kiss Me Kate,’ ‘Curtains’ and ‘Seussical.’ After the opening night of ‘Seussical,’ Michaela, almost 3 years old — a very talkative child — met Rosie O’Donnell during the party at Tavern on the Green. She charmed Rosie, who asked Michaela, ‘Would you like to be on my show?’ Michaela happily agreed and was so popular she appeared four times on Rosie’s show. Her first appearance was on her third birthday, and she sang. She was so cute, she broke up the audience. Katie Couric followed Michaela and told her, ‘You’re going to be a star someday!’ On Michaela’s second appearance, she introduced baby brother Thomas, who had just been born. Fun days!

“I subsequently became a director and choreographer, and Michelle and I are now entering our tenth year as owners of the American Theater Dance Workshop in Mineola. But my immediate attention is on a new Broadway show in which I’ll be appearing, ‘The Nutty Professor.’ And, by the way, I spent 15 years as a professional soccer coach. I got to pursue both my loves — soccer and the stage!”

Interviewed by Saul Schachter

‘Helping kids from my neighborhood to be contributing members of society, that’s my favorite part of what I do.’

Westbury

“I grew up in this [school] district, and what drew me here to work was luck, faith and blessings. I was the districtwide homeless coordinator when I first started working as a social worker in Westbury in 2004. Around 2011, they deemed the job unnecessary and moved me to the Dryden Street School, even though I’m still dealing with homeless issues to this day. I started coaching basketball when I was in 10th-grade in Westbury, first for boys, then girls’ CYO and PAL teams. Some of those girls now have jobs and kids of their own. I also coach football, the Westbury Little Dragons. I know these families, and there’s so many that would still fit the criteria for homeless, so I help them out. If they need sneakers or glasses, I buy them. If you let the kid play, you really should provide them with everything they need to have a chance to be successful. A few parents won’t do the right thing. Most parents can’t.

Everything I put together is to combat some challenge in the school.

“I had an 11-year-old student who was acting out and cranky. He told me he shares the bed with his little brother, who kicks him in his back, and his feet hurt because his shoes are a size and a half too small. He broke his glasses, so he couldn’t see. So I got him a pair of sneakers and glasses. His mom got another bed that was donated to him. He’s like a whole new kid; he made the high honor roll. I try to find out what’s going on with them individually because my instructions as the homeless coordinator were to help the children to have as comparable an experience as the others. Everything I put together is to combat some challenge in the school. I have folks I can tap into, like my mom, who started teaching special education here in 1968 until 2003. She was doing this when she was a teacher and with some of the same families.

“Doing community service was just always something you were supposed to do. Everybody wants their neighborhood to have a good reputation. I get paid help to further perpetuate that, which allows me to help give kids what they need and make them feel good about themselves. Helping kids from my neighborhood to be contributing members of society, that’s my favorite part of what I do.”

Interviewed by Liza Burby

‘I’ve had about 176 clients. My responsibility is to make sure when they’re getting ready to transition out of prison, resources are available to them.’

Westbury

“I first became aware of Network Support Services Inc. when I was in Otisville State Correctional Facility serving a 25-year sentence for an offense I didn’t commit.

“The residential prison program is designed for individuals who believe they need change, empowering incarcerated people to transform their lives and reenter society as productive citizens with a renewed sense of purpose.

“I became a group leader conducting sessions discussing stresses, concerns and long- and short-term goals. We created programs geared towards bettering ourselves. Network is a positive environment for human development in a caring community where individuals help themselves and each other. It’s like a brotherhood, so we look out for each other.

Time is precious.

“While participating in the program for two years, I rose up to become coordinator. I was released in May 2017 and placed on parole. Upon my release, the former executive director, who had a vision of this therapeutic organization, made me outreach coordinator.

“Since then, I’ve had about 176 clients. My responsibility is to make sure when they’re getting ready to transition out of prison, resources are available to them. We network in the prison, where I have the privilege of communicating with the guys.

“We network in the community, where it’s an ongoing therapeutic treatment that these guys will receive upon their reentry. We assess what they need: a debit card, Social Security card, employment, housing and transportation.

“They have to complete our 12-week programming in the community if mandated. My commitment to the people of New York is to reduce the recidivism rate of incarceration. This is the goal of Network. Providing housing and employment for the formerly incarcerated helps prevent them from re-offending.

“I believe that they are the ones who are going to really transform this world because they’ve come from a different world that society has no clue of what’s going on, and they’re at a greater advantage than normal people out here.

“Time is precious. I used my time in prison by developing a disciplined lifestyle. I allowed my mind to be set on positive ideas so that I can apply that same disciplined lifestyle in the community.”

Interviewed by Liza Burby

‘Diversity awareness and outreach are always a great challenge for immigrant communities, irrespective of their ethnic and religious background.’

Westbury

“I moved to Long Island 30 years ago and got actively involved in the Sikh Gurudwara in Plainview. Diversity awareness and outreach are always a great challenge for immigrant communities, irrespective of their ethnic and religious background. I started the American Diversity Forum and played a key role in the Indian American Forum, the International Punjabi Society and others to promote diversity. It’s about people meeting each other, talking, joining in celebrating diversity. I am fortunate to be able to partner with likeminded business, community and political leaders to create awareness.

“After 9/11, we felt the need to be more proactive and structured in outreach and awareness initiatives. I met face-to-face with members of local government and law enforcement to lay the groundwork to help them understand more about us. We were fortunate that they were quick to respond, to stop any untoward or hateful incidents. In 2002, Congressman Tom Suozzi (then Nassau County Executive) appointed me in his administration, giving me more opportunities and platforms, accomplishing greater success in diversity outreach initiatives. I was involved in events like Sikh Day and India Day parades. We did these celebrations locally, in Albany and the White House where I was invited by President Bush and President Obama. I worked with the Nassau and City Police Departments so that Sikhs could be employed in law enforcement and the armed forces with a turban and beard. Communities and officials all over America welcomed those initiatives.

When something bad happens, everybody is affected. In the Sikh religion we have a saying that all human race is one. Anything against any one of us is against humanity.

“To be proactive in diversity outreach you have to get involved with all communities. My simple approach and goal is to show up and be known, to first tell them who we are. I don’t take it for granted that they’ll know about us and expect them to behave accordingly. I ask them where they are from or what they do and those questions lead to more openness so then everybody can understand that we are trying to educate each other and learn from each other. In learning, one always grows and benefits. When something bad happens, everybody is affected. In the Sikh religion we have a saying that all human race is one. Anything against any one of us is against humanity.”

Interviewed by Liza Burby

‘As a family doctor at Northwell Plainview Hospital, I’ve worn all three hats — as a COVID patient, as a family member of a patient who didn’t make it through COVID and as a provider who sees COVID on a daily basis.’

Westbury

“As a family doctor at Northwell Plainview Hospital, I’ve worn all three hats — as a COVID patient, as a family member of a patient who didn’t make it through COVID and as a provider who sees COVID on a daily basis.

“I had it myself in March and after seven days in, I was asking, ‘Why am I not getting better?’ I kept coughing. I felt so short of breath and I felt so tired.

“Then I started thinking about my 8-month-old daughter at that time. ‘Am I going to be able to make it to see her graduate kindergarten?’ I was hearing all these stories of people dying overnight. I called employee health services after three days of being fever free and said, ‘I want to go back to work.’ I was still very tired, very fatigued, but this is what I signed up for, and I wanted to get back in it.

“The fear was less, I knew I survived it, but then my grandfather was brought to the hospital the week after. He was in a nursing home and he ended up in the ICU and we said goodbye to him. He was 77, and he didn’t make it.

“That gave me that experience of having a family member who passed and it’s a comforting thing for my patients. There’s that human aspect to it. Then about three or four months, later my mother-in-law in Puerto Rico got it. We made it to her bedside, she seemed to improve, but then she didn’t make it overnight. She had a heart attack at 59.

My advice to patients is find new ways of being positive. I’m very carpe diem in everything.

“It’s been especially tough now during the holidays and we’re trying to keep her spirit alive. The baby’s a godsend because as she’s growing, she is starting to understand things and we’re trying to stay happy for her.

“With the vaccines, I use the analogy with patients: Do you drive a car without a spare tire? Or do you go in the deep end without knowing how to swim?

“I’ve lost most of my antibodies and if I can get another layer of protection outside of my PPE, this is the reason I took the vaccine. My advice to patients is find new ways of being positive. I’m very carpe diem in everything. I did that with my grandfather and my mother-in-law. I made sure that each moment we were together, I thought, ‘What can we do to create a moment?’

“I think if the population does that, they won’t be steered wrong.”

The person profiled here has been a guest on Newsday Live.

Interviewed by Rachel O’Brien – Morano