Community Turns Out for NS Hispanic Chamber's Latin Fiesta/Expo

Glen Cove, NY – Last month, the North Shore Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (NSHCC) hosted a vibrant Latin Fiesta and Business Expo at the Sea Cliff Yacht Club. The event, held on July 18, 2024, drew a capacity crowd, bringing together local businesses, community members, and cultural performers for a celebration filled with networking, entertainment, a showcase of Hispanic culture, and an opportunity to honor founding board member and former councilman Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews with the Leadership Award.

President Connie Pinilla expressed, “We could not have been more pleased with the turnout and the enthusiasm of everyone who attended. The support shown for the expo and for Gaitley was truly heartwarming. We were very appreciative of all who turned out for the event, and it was a special privilege to have the opportunity to honor Gaitley, who does so much for our community.”

The celebration began with President Pinilla inviting three prominent veterans from the community to lead the Pledge of Allegiance: Howard Stillwagon, Commander of VFW Post 347; Vinnie Martinez, Commander of American Legion Post 76; and Ben Farnan, known for spearheading the WWII monument project at the entrance of Morgan Park and the inaugural recipient of the Tribute and Honor Foundation’s Legacy Award.

The pledge was followed by a magnificent rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner sung by tenor Joe Stroppel, a moving address and welcome by President Pinilla, and a greeting on behalf of Glen Cove Mayor Pam Panzenbeck.

While the evening featured a delightful meal, lively salsa dancing, and a spirited performance by Anisa Gathers, there was also ample time for networking. Participating vendors had the opportunity to showcase their products and connect with attendees, making it a well-rounded and engaging event.

Cona Elder Law was the proud Platinum Sponsor of the event and a participating company. Jennifer B. Cona, Esq., AEP® founder and managing partner of Cona Elder Law, which specializes in elder care and estate planning, shared, “We were pleased to attend the event to support President Pinilla and the chamber and to join the community in honoring Gaitley. It was also a fantastic opportunity to connect with other local businesses and contribute to celebrating a vibrant community on Long Island.”

Local insurance agent Celeste P. Gullo, well-known for her support of many charities and community initiatives, was a vendor and Silver Sponsor at the event. She expressed, “The event was truly remarkable. It was inspiring to see the community come together in support of the expo and to honor Gaitley. The incredible mix of people from across the community made for a perfect networking opportunity and a beautiful evening.”

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Community Leadership Award to Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews, a distinguished community leader, former Glen Cove Councilman, and a founding member of the NSHCC. Stevenson-Mathews, who also served as the chamber’s 2nd Vice President, was recognized for his extensive contributions to the community. The award ceremony was an emotional moment, with heartfelt thanks extended by Stevenson-Mathews to President Connie Pinilla, Esq., Vice President Ever Padilla, board members Denky Begonja, Carlos Santana, Nadia Vee, and Lisa Golden, Esq., and to the full community for their support and kindness in honoring him.

At one point, Stevenson-Mathews expressed regarding leadership, “Sometimes people think leadership is about telling people what to do, but nothing could be further from the case. True leadership is about earning people’s respect through actions, helping them reach their greatest potential, and lifting others up to achieve common goals.”“Leadership is not just about direction; it’s about leading with heart and inspiring others to work together toward a common vision,” noted Ever Padilla, Vice President of the NSHCC. “This perspective aligns perfectly with Gaitley’s approach in his professional work and as a volunteer. I was very pleased to join our President, Connie Pinilla, the board, and all in attendance in honoring Gaitley with this well-deserved recognition.”

The event saw attendees from a broad spectrum of organizations from Glen Cove and the North Shore, reflecting the widespread support and respect for Stevenson-Mathews. Among the attendees from organizations were Dr. Maxine Mayreis, President, and Matt Nartowicz, Immediate Past President, of the Glen Cove Chamber of Commerce; Rev. James Booker, Pastor of Calvary AME Church; Marisa Cipriano, President, Joseph Gallo, Immediate Past President, and Ralph Ciano, Principal Trustee, of Loggia Glen Cove #1016 Sons and Daughters of Italy in America; Dr. Paul Berg, physician with Glen Cove Hospital and member of the Advisory Council of the Morgan Park Summer Music Festival; Commanders Howard Stillwagon of VFW Post 347 and Vinnie Martinez of Glen Cove American Legion Post 76; Angelina Stanco Stone and Tom Bunger from the Tribute and Honor Foundation; Paula and Steven Frome from North Country Reform Temple; Lia DiAngelo, President and Founder of Comité Cívico Argentino; Victoria Crosby, Poet Laureate of Glen Cove; and Dr. Sharon Harris, Executive Director of SAFE.

There were also a significant number of members from these organizations in attendance.“Of course, we turned out for Gaitley and the Latin Fiesta,” said Marissa Gambino, President of Loggia Glen Cove. “Gaitley is a remarkable force in the community and a tremendous asset to our lodge. I’m always baffled by his amount of energy, his ability to come up with wonderful ideas, and by the fact that whatever he touches, he makes a point to follow through! At the beginning of the year, we were pleased to elect him to the board of trustees. His unwavering commitment benefits not only our organization but also many others on the North Shore and beyond. It was important for us to attend the event and honor him for his outstanding contributions.”

Elected officials, including Mayor Pam Panzenbeck, Comptroller Elaine Phillips, North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, Oyster Bay Councilwoman Michele Johnson, and Glen Cove Council Members Grady Farnan and Michael Ktistakis, attended the event. Deputy Mayor Donna McNaughton also attended the occasion.

“It’s always wonderful to see our community come together in celebration and recognition of deserving individuals like Gaitley. The honor was certainly well deserved,” expressed Mayor Panzenbeck. “Gaitley is involved in so many different types of organizations and truly cares about our community. He has lived in many places, but Glen Cove is truly his home. Congratulations also to Connie and the board of the North Shore Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on their continued growth and the success of the July event.”

President Connie Pinilla expressed special thanks to the event sponsors, including Cona Elder Law (Platinum), Regency Assisted Living (Gold), Lisa Golden (Gold), Celeste Gullo of Allstate Insurance (Silver), Westbury Florist / Comité Cívico Argentino (Silver), Sergio Rendon Giraldo of New York Life Insurance Company (Silver), Nadia Vee (Silver), and Emerge Nursing and Rehabilitation at Glen Cove (Silver), all of whom played a significant role in the event's success.

“This event was a testament to the strength and unity of our community and the deep appreciation for the gifts and leadership that Gaitley brings to our organization and to the community,” remarked President Connie Pinilla. “We are incredibly grateful for the support shown by everyone who turned out for the Latin Fiesta and Business Expo, and for Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews. His unwavering dedication as a leader and friend to many has greatly enriched our community. Honoring him was a highlight of the evening, as it allowed us to acknowledge the profound impact he has had on the North Shore and beyond. The event was also a wonderful opportunity to network and simply enjoy time with friends. I urge everyone to keep an eye out for next year's Latin Fiesta and Business Expo and to secure your tickets as soon as the information is posted; you won't want to miss it!”

For more information on the North Shore Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, visit the organization’s official website at nshchamber.org.