A Conversation With... Ellen Druda

Pull up a chair as we sit down with librarian and proud member of The John and Alice Coltrane Home, Ellen Druda. From her impressive career to her remarkable ability to think beyond what seems possible, Ellen shares the stories that have shaped her journey. We dive into the inspiring effort that helped save The John and Alice Coltrane Home from demolition and explore how the organization is nurturing the next generation of young musicians. And trust us, this conversation is anything but a nothing burger…let’s head In the Stacks!

Today we bring together a powerful group of local organizations dedicated to one mission: serving those who served us. In Suffolk County, home to the largest population of veterans in New York State, these community partners provide 5-star services and shine a light on the resources available to veterans, reaching them one by one to ensure no hero is forgotten and no neighbor faces life's challenges alone. Explore what happens when a community comes together to support those who have served, one conversation, one connection and one life at a time. Because helping our neighbors means standing beside those who once stood for all of us… In the Stacks! Steve Stern - New York State Assemblyman and Chairman of Veterans AffairsCraig Bruno - Legal Assistance; United Veterans Beacon House (UVBH)Carletta Sobers - Legal Assistance; United Veterans Beacon House (UVBH)Richard Dellasso - Outreach Coordinator for Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF); Suffolk County Economic Opportunity Council (EOC)Mike Kilano - Director of Veteran Advocacy and Crisis Coordinator; Paws of WarNancy Tappin - Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Project; Program CoordinatorJames Carney - Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Project; Veteran Peer MentorFred Sganga - Long Island State Veterans Home; Executive Director

It's time to put your guard down and let go with Jen Rozenbaum, New York boudoir and portrait photographer, author, breast cancer survivor and inspiring storyteller. We dive into Jen’s remarkable path through the challenges of COVID-19, writing a book, surviving breast cancer, navigating divorce and ultimately finding empowerment as a mom with a camera. Through resilience and reinvention, Jen shares why it's time for Gen X to lead the way for future generations... In the Stacks!

Oh, it's you! This week, we’re joined by Teresa Evans, President of The Links Incorporated, New York Eastern Shore Chapter, for a conversation about seeing the humanity behind nonprofit work, the values passed down through a family legacy of nursing and the power of showing up for others. Teresa shares why meaningful service starts with connection and how The Links may be small in number, but mighty in impact. It’s friendship first... In the Stacks!

Kick off your Monday on a Friday with Christine Geed, Director of Communications for the Town of Huntington. From why you should always say hello to your sanitation workers to the importance of government continuity, getting your message heard, the weather and learning how to be the salad, not just the carrot. Grab a hand and lead them forward as we head... In the Stacks!

Calling all true crime junkies! Triple-check those door locks and settle in as we chat with YA and adult fiction powerhouse author Kara Thomas. Kara shares the three books she'd bring to a desert island, her favorite ice cream flavor, and tackles the tongue-twisting challenge of saying "Literary Bicyclists." Grab your notebook and get ready to doodle, because we're headed... In the Stacks!

It's time to explore the "why" behind the stories as we sit down with graphic novelist Mike Cavallaro. In this fascinating conversation, Mike shares insights into Eowulf, reflects on his family roots in Calabria, Italy, discusses his musical background and much more. It’s a rewarding journey of discovery as we uncover how great comics create spaces for engagement and a little magic along the way... In the Stacks!

A kind heart is a universal language! Join us as we sit down with mentor, social worker, and CEO of SEPA Mujer, Inc., Martha Maffei. In this inspiring conversation, Martha reflects on her leadership journey, shares the accomplishments that have shaped her career and discusses her commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive community. Learn how she continues to expand SEPA Mujer’s mission through outreach and meaningful engagement. Get inspired, empowered and ready to create positive change... In the Stacks!

Listeners, get ready for a conversation that will stay with you long after the final page. This week, we welcome wife, mother, native Texan and bestselling author Sarah Damoff! We dive into the forces that shape us, the ingredients of good and evil and the lasting impact of love, loss and family. Plus, Sarah shares insights into her acclaimed novels, The Bright Years and The Burning Side. So settle in, unlock the gateway to memory and join us as we go... In the Stacks!

From Huntington’s official town flag to its 20 historic cemeteries, Huntington is full of surprises. In this episode, Huntington Town Historian Robert Hughes shares fascinating insights on liberty, Bloomberg Connects, and preserving our community’s rich past. Celebrate Huntington’s Independence Day and see how local history and libraries go hand in hand…In The Stacks!