Social media has come a long way — from chronological text feeds to AI-powered, video-first experiences. As the landscape keeps shifting, the platforms and creators that stay adaptable, transparent, and genuinely connected to their audiences will thrive. 

Discussion will focus on:
<ul><li>From simple connections to global platforms — Social media started to connect with friends and share updates. Early platforms like MySpace, Facebook, and Twitter laid the groundwork, turning personal profiles into powerful broadcasting tools.</li><li>Video and algorithms took over — Short-form content exploded with TikTok, Reels, and YouTube Shorts, while algorithms and AI reshaped what we see, how we engage, and how brands reach their audiences.</li><li>What's next is bigger than ever — AR, VR, AI-generated content, and decentralized networks are pushing social media into new territory, with authenticity and community leading the way forward.</li></ul>

Also, there will be some discussion on influencer relations and its importance.

PRESENTER INFO:
Hilary JM Topper, MPA, has written five books and numerous articles. She is an adjunct professor at both Hofstra and Fairleigh Dickinson Universities. An avid blogger and podcaster, Hilary was an early adopter of social media and the former founder of Social Media Association. You can follow her on Instagram at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/hilarytopper" rel="nofollow noopener">http://www.instagram.com/hilarytopper</a>. Her website is <a target="_blank" href="https://www.hilarytopperauthor.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">http://www.hilarytopperauthor.com</a>.

Local Event: The Evolution of Social Media: Where We've Been and Where We're Headed

Nassau County

Wantagh-Seaford

New York

The Evolution of Social Media: Where We've Been...

Social media has come a long way — from chronological text feeds to AI-powered, video-first experiences. As the landscape keeps...

The Evolution of Social Media: Where We've Been and Where We're Headed

St. Frances de Chantal R.C. Church

St.Frances de Chantal Knights of Columbus Council 6526 invites everyone to the Parish Christmas Craft Fair on Saturday, November 21, 2026 from 10am till 4pm in the Parish Center located at 1309 Wantagh Ave Wantagh NY.

Local Event: Christmas Craft Fair

Christmas Craft Fair

St.Frances de Chantal Knights of Columbus Council 6526 invites everyone to the Parish Christmas Craft Fair on Saturday,...

Temple B'nai Torah

Experience the TBT Jr. Players live on stage as they present this beloved musical production. Tickets range from $10 to $20 with general seating available for all performances. Join us for a family-friendly theater event featuring talented youth performers.

Local Event: Bye Bye Birdie Youth Edition

Bye Bye Birdie Youth Edition

Experience the TBT Jr. Players live on stage as they present this beloved musical production. Tickets range from $10 to $20...

Bideawee’s Pet Memorial Park in Wantagh: 3300 Beltagh Avenue in Wantagh, NY (Long Island)

On Sunday, December 13, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., Bideawee will host its second annual “Bright Night in the Park,” a night to remember your late beloved pet during the holiday season. Bideawee is one of the country’s oldest animal welfare and pet adoption organizations.

Whether your beloved pet is buried at Bideawee’s Pet Memorial Park or elsewhere, all are welcome to join as Bideawee staff lights selected trees in its Wantagh Pet Memorial Park and family members hang ornaments in memory of pets that have passed. As cardinals often represent the spirit of a departed loved one, Bideawee is selling cardinal ornaments which it will personalize with your pet’s name. 
Participants should arrive to the event 15 minutes early to pick up their ornament and are encouraged to write a special message on the back. During the event, personalized ornaments will be hung on the lit trees. If you cannot attend, Bideawee staff will hang the ornament for you. The evening will include music and refreshments. 

Click <a href="https://secure.bideawee.org/site/Donation2;jsessionid=00000000.app20045a?mfc_pref=T&amp;8460.donation=form1&amp;df_id=8460&amp;NONCE_TOKEN=6E758EC106AFAD64400BFEAC7EDB04D7" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">here</a> to purchase your ornament from Bideawee. Ornaments (one per pet) must be purchased by Friday, December 4, 2026. If you do not wish to purchase an ornament, but would like to attend the event, please sign up<a href="https://www.bideawee.org/18032-2/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">here.</a>

Sunday, December 13, 2026; 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Bideawee’s Pet Memorial Park in Wantagh:3300 Beltagh Avenue in Wantagh, NY (Long Island)

The event is free. Ornaments are $30 each.

Bideawee, which means “stay awhile,” in Scottish, is one of the country’s oldest animal welfare and pet adoption organizations. Founded in 1903, Bideawee’s mission is to create and strengthen the human-animal bond through best-in-class lifesaving and compassionate care for pets and the people who love them. Bideawee provides an array of high touch services including adoption centers, animal hospital, pet therapy programs, and pet memorial parks that serve pets and pet lovers on their lifelong journey together. Bideawee is a not-for-profit 501(c) 3 humane animal organization and 100% of Bideawee’s funding comes from private sources. Bideawee operates in New York City, Wantagh, and Westhampton. For more information, visit: <a href="https://www.bideawee.org/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">www.Bideawee.org</a>

Local Event: “Bright Night in the Park"

“Bright Night in the Park"

On Sunday, December 13, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., Bideawee will host its second annual “Bright Night in the Park,” a...

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Tara Ekelman is an award-winning licensed real estate salesp

Douglas Elliman Real Estate

Tara Ekelman is an award-winning licensed real estate salesperson based at the Douglas Elliman Real Estate office in Syosset, New York. A lifelong resident of Wantagh and an active member of the local Chamber of Commerce, she provides expert guidance to clients navigating the diverse real estate markets across Long Island and New York City. With over 20 years of professional experience in private school admissions, Tara brings a sophisticated, detail-oriented approach to property buying, selling, and leasing. Her expertise spans both suburban and urban environments, including deep knowledge of Manhattan neighborhoods like the Upper West Side and Upper East Side, as well as the Rochester area. She specializes in providing personalized market analysis and strategic representation for clients with complex real estate needs. Ranked in the top 25% of real estate agents nationwide and a recipient of the Leading Edge Award in 2025 and 2026, Tara is recognized for her integrity, discretion, and emotional intelligence. Clients can expect a dedicated, concierge-level experience from a professional who is available seven days a week to ensure every transaction is handled with precision and care.

Tara Ekelman is an award-winning licensed real estate salesperson based at the Douglas Elliman Real Estate office in Syosset, New York. A lifelong...

Available Office Space at 208 Route 109, Farmingdale  

Affordable Offices/Salon/Studio Spaces

Available Office Space! 208 Route 109 in Farmingdale NY Waterline available for sink, convenient Route 109 location Call 934-222-4522 for more information or to schedule a viewing! Fortune Financial is a real estate investment and development firm focused on acquiring, developing, managing, and revitalizing commercial properties. The company specializes in owning and developing strategically located assets in prime infill, urban, and suburban markets across the United States.

Available Office Space! 208 Route 109 in Farmingdale NY Waterline available for sink, convenient Route 109 location Call 934-222-4522 for more...

New York's Premier Axe Throwing Experience

NY Axe Throwing

NY Axe is a great choice for a casual night out, double date, family activity, birthday celebration, or get-together with friends. No experience is needed, and every session is guided by trained coaches who help with safety, technique, and games. NY Axe combines the excitement of axe throwing with a social, competitive atmosphere that keeps everyone involved. Guests are not just watching — they are playing, competing, laughing, and creating memories together. At select locations, guests can also enjoy additional activities such as ninja stars, knife throwing, safe archery, digital darts, mini golf, and other tech-driven games. Whether it is your first time throwing or you have been before, there is always something fun to do. NY Axe is also a great option for larger celebrations and planned events, including birthday parties, corporate outings, team-building events, school groups, summer camps, fundraisers, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and private events. Select NY Axe locations feature full bars and food options, making them ideal for adult nights out, company events, and celebrations. Other locations allow outside food, making them a convenient option for families, kids’ parties, and community groups. Whether you are planning a date night, a night out with friends, or a larger group event, NY Axe offers a fun, easy-to-book experience that brings people together. To learn more, view locations, or book your next visit, go to NY Axe online and plan your next throw today.

NY Axe is a great choice for a casual night out, double date, family activity, birthday celebration, or get-together with friends. No experience is...

Skin Space

20% off for all New Clients! At Skin Space, we offer a luxurious day spa and medspa experience for both women and men at our highly-rate skin clinic. From facials and skincare treatments to body and hair restoration, even injectables like Botox, all using the latest products and technology, right in the heart of Massapequa. Our goal is to deliver the ultimate experience in anti-aging services and customer care. Indulge yourself, or a loved one, as we all deserve to feel fabulous.

20% off for all New Clients! At Skin Space, we offer a luxurious day spa and medspa experience for both women and men at our highly-rate skin...

It'a a Good Day to Make Art @ ink & easel Art Studio!

ink & easel Art Studio

Welcome to ink &amp; easel — An innovative art studio designed to inspire artists of all ages and experience levels. Through small-group instruction, workshops, private lessons, and open studio sessions, we create opportunities for our community of artists to explore, learn, and grow through art. From drawing, painting and crafting classes to private events and take-home workshop experiences, ink &amp; easel makes creativity accessible both in the studio and beyond. No two artists learn the same way - that's why our private and semi-private options are fully personalized. We create custom art curriculum based on student age, interests, experience level and creative goals. Our mission is to bring art to the masses by empowering individual creativity and building a vibrant community through hands-on artistic experiences, expert instruction, and a passion for self-expression. It’s a good day to make art.

Welcome to ink & easel — An innovative art studio designed to inspire artists of all ages and experience levels. Through small-group instruction,...

Get Ready for Summer with Brands Cycle & Fitness

Brands Cycle & Fitness

Brands Cycle &amp; Fitness is a premier bicycle and fitness equipment retailer located at 1966 Wantagh Ave in Wantagh, NY. Since 1954, this family-owned and operated business has served the Long Island community, evolving from a department store into a comprehensive resource for cycling enthusiasts and fitness seekers alike. Customers can explore a wide selection of products online or visit the store seven days a week for personalized service. The staff of 60 to 110 employees (seasonally) is dedicated to making the cycling and home fitness experiences as convenient and enjoyable as possible. The store specializes in high-quality bike sales, including road, mountain, electric, and children's models from top brands like Trek, Specialized, Giant, and Scott. Beyond sales, the shop provides expert professional bike repair, tune-ups, and custom bike fitting services to ensure every rider has a safe and comfortable experience. They also carry an extensive inventory of fitness equipment, parts, and accessories to support both outdoor cycling and home gym setups. With a 4.8-star rating from over 500 customer reviews, Brands Cycle &amp; Fitness is recognized for its knowledgeable staff and commitment to customer satisfaction. Shoppers can expect a transparent, pressure-free buying experience, with convenient options.

Brands Cycle & Fitness is a premier bicycle and fitness equipment retailer located at 1966 Wantagh Ave in Wantagh, NY. Since 1954, this family...

Learn the Skills, Love the Sport, Swim for Life!

Long Island Swim School

Long Island Swim School is the teaching arm of the nationally ranked Long Island Aquatic Club. Our Learn to Swim programs create strong, safe, and confident swimmers for life. With locations in Garden City and Syosset we train over 2,000 children each week at every swim level from Beginner to Olympian. Long Island Swim School offers swim lessons for children ages 2 - 14years old. The main emphasis of our programs is to teach children to swim correctly and develop essential water skills in a relaxed environment. Our goal driven and technique oriented approach is the key to your child's success. Through skill based quality teaching our students develop a joy for learning and a passion for swimming. At Long Island Swim School, we teach children to swim the same way the best in the world do. By using age-appropriate, proven techniques children build real skills in kick, pull, body position, and breath control. Our logical, consistent progression turns every fundamental—whether blowing bubbles or learning butterfly timing—into a building block for efficient, confident swimming. Our professional staff are swimmers and coaches with the knowledge to give your child the skills to achieve more than just water safety. We provide the best foundation possible for success. Not every child will dream of Olympic glory, but every child should have the foundation to take them there. Whether the end goal is a competitive journey or a recreational one, whether your child competes in 2044 or they are happy playing in their home pool, the skills they learn at Long Island Swim School will take them as far as their dreams allow. Visit our 2 locations: Garden City: 750 F. Stewart Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530 ​(516) 378-8467 GCSwimLessons@longislandswimming.com Syosset: 170 Michael Drive, Syosset, NY 11791 ​(516) 378-8467 SYSwimLessons@longislandswimming.com

Garden City

Long Island Swim School is the teaching arm of the nationally ranked Long Island Aquatic Club. Our Learn to Swim programs create strong, safe, and...

Vision at Cedar Creek is an optometrist owned and optician m

Vision at Cedar Creek

Vision at Cedar Creek is an optometrist owned and optician managed practice ensuring that you will only deal with qualified professionals in the field. We will treat you like family in the process of providing a superior eye care experience. Our staff members, with over 60 years of combined experience, are trained on the latest technological advances in eyewear. At Vision at Cedar Creek, Dr. Eric Tennenbaum provides you with quality eye care for your eyeglass and contact lens needs. Using only premium lenses and contacts to maximize your vision potential. Our Optician Jeff Roth will help you choose from frame brands you know as well as many limited edition styles that you’ll find only here for that unique look.

Vision at Cedar Creek is an optometrist owned and optician managed practice ensuring that you will only deal with qualified professionals in the...

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Events and Things to Do in Wantagh-Seaford, NY

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Please confirm event details with the organizers before attending

Wednesday, November 18

Saturday, November 21

Saturday, December 5

Sunday, December 13