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Gilgo 10th Anniversary

12 key moments in the 10‑year Gilgo investigation

“Somebody out there knows something.” From the moment Shannan Gilbert went missing to when genetic genealogy helped identify Valerie Mack, here are key developments in the investigation.

Shannan Gilbert, a young woman who worked as an escort, disappeared after being called to a client’s home in Oak Beach.

While searching for Gilbert, a Suffolk police officer and his dog found remains near Ocean Parkway in Gilgo Beach, later identified as Melissa Barthelemy.

Police found three other bodies, identified as Maureen Brainard Barnes, Megan Waterman and Amber Lynn Costello.

Authorities knew almost immediately they were pursuing a serial killer.

The dismembered body of another woman who worked as an escort was found. Her name was Jessica Taylor.

The remains of three more people were found: a toddler, an Asian man and a woman authorities called “Jane Doe No. 6.”

A woman’s skull was discovered near Tobay Beach. A set of human bones in a plastic bag near Zach’s Bay was also found.

Investigators developed competing theories on who could be responsible.

Then-Suffolk DA Thomas Spota said the crimes might be the work of at least three killers.

Six months later, then-Police Commissioner Richard Dormer said he believed there was only one killer.

Some theories that police considered: A man, maybe former law enforcement. Likely a Long Islander. Someone who solicits sex workers.

Shannan Gilbert’s remains were found in a marshy, mossy area in Oak Beach.

The families of the women wanted justice. And the larger community wondered if there was a killer in their midst.

Geraldine Hart became the fourth Suffolk police commissioner to oversee the investigation, after a 20‑year career with the FBI.

An image of a black leather belt, which Hart called “a significant piece of evidence,” was made public. The belt is stamped with the letters “WH” or “HM.” A website for the public to submit tips was also released.

“Jane Doe No. 6” was publicly identified as Valerie Mack through genetic genealogy, a procedure in which DNA is compared to profiles uploaded by users of public genealogy websites.

Read Full Story

Writers and producers: Gabriella Vukelic and Heather Doyle

Editor: Monica Quintanilla

Reporting: Anthony M. DeStefano, Nicole Fuller and Michael O’Keeffe

Digital development: James Stewart and Matthew Cassella

Project manager: Heather Doyle

Social: Gabriella Vukelic

Long Island’s Top Work Places 2020

To find out, Newsday had the consulting and research firm Energage anonymously poll more than 11,000 employees at 82 LI employers, on everything from pay and benefits to leadership and company alignment.

After analyzing all the results of the 82 companies that participated in the survey, Newsday and Energage have selected 66 as top Long Island workplaces and we are proud to spotlight the winners in each category, along with a look at what their employees had to say, islandwide trends and much more.

Large Employers
500+ Long Island workers

TOP LARGE EMPLOYER NEW YORK LIFE – LONG ISLAND

LARGE EMPLOYER RUNNER-UP BNB Bank

LARGE EMPLOYER 2ND RUNNER-UP PIPING ROCK HEALTH PRODUCTS

Employees at other Top Workplaces talk about their companies

Adults and Children with Learning & Developmental Disabilities, Inc. (human and social services) “I know my job affects the people that I support, and I feel really good after getting something accomplished.”

BNB Bank “Senior leadership is always available to me. If I need to talk to someone through a phone call or email, it is always taken. This is not usually the case at other banks.”

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (research) “I feel that I’m contributing in a very small way to the betterment of our world through the scientific research done at the lab.”

Family Service League Inc. (human and social services) “When you can help someone, who has lost a loved one to suicide, and then be supported by colleagues after the emotional intervention – even if it’s in the evening or on a weekend – you know you are part of a great team and you’re working in the right place.”

New York Cancer & Blood Specialists (health care) “Knowing that I’m making a difference in someone’s life during the tough time they are going through is so very rewarding to me. This job has made me decide to go back to school this fall and I am hoping to move in this company and become a nurse one day!”

New York Life – Long Island “I have real pride for the work I do helping clients with their finances and putting safety measures in place for the unexpected. My family and friends were underinsured before I started this career.”

Piping Rock Health Products, LLC (vitamins and nutritional supplements) “The production of vitamins is very interesting, and the company is growing a lot because it is making the best decisions.”

Stony Brook Southampton Hospital “I grew up in this town, so I know quite a few of the patients and enjoy caring for them. I feel like management really cares about all the employees and our safety.”

WellLife Network Inc. (social services and addiction recovery) “I am caring for children that need mental health support. This is very important to me as a social worker and is why I went into this profession.”

Zebra Technologies Corp. (barcode scanners, printers and mobile computers) “Open and transparent communications from upper management allow me to be proactive in planning my work and family life accordingly, especially during this pandemic.”

RankEmployerFoundedOwnershipSectorHeadquarters CityHQ stateLI LocationsLI Employees
1New York Life – Long Island1845Cooperative/MutualFinancial planningMelvilleNY5779
2BNB Bank1910PublicCommunity bankBridgehamptonNY34505
3Piping Rock Health Products, LLC2011PrivateManufacturingBohemiaNY8572
4Family Service League. Inc.1926PrivateHuman and social servicesHuntingtonNY25815
5Zebra Technologies Corp.1969PublicTechnologyLincolnshireIL1946
6Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory1890Non-profitResearchCold Spring HarborNY1943
7Stony Brook Southampton Hospital1909Non-profitHospitalsSouthamptonNY11,330
8New York Cancer & Blood Specialists1985PartnershipHealth carePort Jefferson StationNY15875
9WellLife Network Inc1980PrivateChildren, family, human servicesSmithtownNY12550
10Adults and Children with Learning & Developmental Disabilities, Inc.1957Non-profitHuman and social ServicesBethpageNY100938

Midsize Employers
150-499 Long Island workers

TOP MIDSIZE EMPLOYER HEALTH CARE PARTNERS, MSO

MIDSIZE EMPLOYER RUNNER-UP EXIT REALTY ACHIEVE

MIDSIZE EMPLOYER 2ND RUNNER-UP POWER HOME REMODELING

Employees at other Top Workplaces talk about their companies

Association for Mental Health and Wellness (human and social services) “My job enables me to provide necessary support to clients to enhance their motivation and confidence, and to educate them on how to find resources to help them succeed that they would otherwise not receive.”

CN Guidance & Counseling Services (human and social services) “We get to help those people in the community that need help, and we do it with a great team.”

Darby Dental Supply, LLC “I look around and see all the employees that have been here for 10, 20 and 30-plus years. I think that alone speaks volumes about how this is a very fair and rewarding company.”

EXIT Realty Achieve (real estate) “Helping a family make one of the most important decisions in their lives, being able to guide them correctly, and seeing how it makes them happy is amazing.”

Family & Children’s Association (social services) “We are a family who strives to be our very best for those who need us.”

Grassi Advisors & Accountants “I love my job because I get to utilize my accounting skills and work with professionals and clients that I can learn from.”

H2M Architects + Engineers “My ideas are respected, and I am given space to explore them further.”

HealthCare Partners, Management Service Organization “Our president, Dr. Robert LoNigro, hosts weekly webinars to let us know how the organization is doing. He encourages us to ask questions and provides honest answers to those questions.”

Kimco Realty Corp. (commercial real estate) “I love my job because of the good that I am able to do in getting tenants into a space which provides a livelihood for them.”

Marcum LLP (accounting) “Senior managers allow us to ask questions and don’t just expect us to do things a certain way because ‘that’s how it’s always been done.’ ”

Options for Community Living Inc. (housing and other services for vulnerable populations) “I feel like I’m making a difference in our clients’ lives and an impact on the surrounding community.”

Posillico (construction) “The coronavirus put a serious stress on all and senior managers tried to ensure all could work as safe as possible as we are deemed essential workers.”

Power Home Remodeling “My managers allow me to fail and get back up stronger. They have trust in me and I have trust in them. The work environment is never negative.”

Precipart (components manufacturing) “I love my job because I am able to produce quality parts which help the world.”

Spellman High Voltage Electronics Corp. (manufacturing) “I get to work with great people on interesting projects.”

SUNation Solar Systems (solar panel installation) “CEO Scott Maskin comes in singing most days. It’s a fun place to work and we do a lot of good for the local community by donating solar energy systems and rescuing dogs.”

RankEmployerFoundedOwnershipSectorHeadquarters CityHQ stateLI LocationsLI Employees
1HealthCare Partners, MSO1996PrivateHealth careGarden CityNY1240
2EXIT Realty Achieve2010PrivateReal estate agents/brokersSmithtownNY1173
3Power Home Remodeling1992PrivateHome remodelingChesterPA1217
4Posillico1946PrivateConstructionFarmingdaleNY1264
5Kimco Realty Corp.1958PublicCommercial real estate investment trustJerichoNY1226
6Association for Mental Health and Wellness1990Non-profitMental health and wellnessRonkonkomaNY8198
7Marcum LLP1951PartnershipAccounting and consulting advisorsNew YorkNY1187
8Spellman High Voltage Electronics Corp.1947PrivateManufacturingHauppaugeNY1315
9Grassi Advisors & Accountants1980PrivateAccountingJerichoNY2211
10SUNation Solar Systems2003PrivateRenewable energyRonkonkomaNY1174
11Family & Children’s Association1884Non-profitHuman servicesMineolaNY11218
12Darby Dental Supply, LLC1947PrivateDental supply sales and servicesJerichoNY1174
13H2M architects + engineers1933PrivateArchitectural and engineer design servicesMelvilleNY2348
14Options for Community Living, Inc.1982PrivateHuman servicesRonkonkomaNY3218
15CN Guidance & Counseling Services1972Non-profitMental healthHicksvilleNY3277
16Precipart1950PrivateEngineering and manufacturingFarmingdaleNY1285

Small Employers
50 – 149 Long Island workers

TOP SMALL EMPLOYER NATIONAL BUSINESS CAPITAL & SERVICES

SMALL EMPLOYER RUNNER-UP NETWORK SOLUTIONS AND TECHNOLOGY

SMALL EMPLOYER 2ND RUNNER-UP TOTAL TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS

Employees at other Top Workplaces talk about their companies

A+ Technology and Security Solutions Inc. (security systems) “We keep kids safe and help give a little comfort in a sometimes-uncomfortable world.”

Above All Store Fronts, Inc. (construction) “The company encourages new ideas and allows me to challenge myself in additional areas to do what I can to help my department grow and become more efficient.”

American Portfolios Financial Services Inc. (broker/dealer) “We are encouraged to do good things in our own town. It’s unlike any other company that I’ve been a part of.”

Appliance World (retailing) “Everyday, I feel proud to work here and be a part of something that is growing at a rapid pace. I’m believed in by my leaders and am well compensated.”

Aurora Contractors, Inc. (construction) “Employees are constantly looking for new exciting and active ways to come together and have fun, such as company picnics, badminton tournaments, rock climbing, bowling and game nights.”

Austin Williams (advertising) “There is occasionally some healthy critique of the work that I produce. Sometimes I’m asked, ‘Why not this way or why not that way?’ Usually I have an answer but sometimes I don’t. I find this healthy criticism extremely helpful because although I believe I’m very good at what I do. I’m far from perfect.”

BBS Architects, Landscape Architects & Engineers, P.C. “I love my job because I get to design spaces that support the education of our youth.”

Blue Ocean Wealth Solutions, a Mass Mutual Firm (insurance) “My job allows me to impact the lives of my clients in a very positive and meaningful way because I’m giving them lifelong financial advice.”

College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling Junk and Moving “It feels good to help others during a stressful move and provide professionalism and promote positivity during the move.”

DUKAL Corp. (medical devices) “I have never been treated better by any employer and I’ve been in health care sales for nearly 25 years.”

Engel Burman (real estate development) “I love my job because I participate in building great things that help people, and I enjoy the process.”

Future Tech Enterprise (information technology) “At the beginning of the stay-at-home, CEO Bob Venero called me to see how I was doing. It meant the world to me that he took time out of his busy schedule to see how I was doing.”

Greenman-Pedersen, Inc. (engineering) “I love my job because I have the opportunity to work on amazing structures and follow my passions in bridge building.”

Janover LLC (accountants) “I am able to assist clients in making the right decisions for their businesses based on accurate financial information.”

KidsFirst Evaluation and Advocacy Center (special education) “Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined working with a company that allows me to work within and through some of my own limitations.”

Lewis Johs Avallone Aviles LLP (attorneys) “The firm allows me to practice law in a professional nonrestrictive environment.”

Long Island Select Healthcare, Inc. (medical clinics) “I get to help care for people who need help, those who live in the community that I live in. For this I am proud.”

Louis K McLean Associates Engineers & Surveyors, PC (civil engineering) “I love my job because I’m able to grow in knowledge of the things that I care about and gain experiences in many areas of engineering.”

McIntyre, Donohue, Accardi, Salmonson, and Riordan, LLP (attorneys) “My job allows me to do a great public service helping injured workers.”

Meadowbrook Financial Mortgage Bankers Corp. “I make people happy when I can help them obtain a home.”

Mercy Haven, Inc. (human and social services) “I love my job because I get to help people in need and give back to the community.”

National Business Capital & Services (small business lending) “I feel like I am at my second home with a family that all has a similar goal: to create a smooth and efficient business financing platform for business owners and partners to take advantage of.”

National Consumer Panel (researchers) “I work without feeling pressured and at the end of the day, I don’t worry about not wanting to go back to work the next day. I always look forward to it.”

Network Solutions & Technology (information technology) “I like solving problems and providing positive business outcomes. I need to listen to my clients’ obstacles and find some way to help them overcome their issues.”

New Vitality (vitamins and nutritional supplements) “There is a level of trust to make my own decisions, but managers are always available to help find the right route. We are helping people live better and stay healthy.”

NY State Solar (solar panel installation) “Work feels like a second family, especially after a company trip to Greece at the end of 2019. It was the best time of my life.”

Plesser’s Appliances (retailing) “I get along with all of my coworkers and work in one of the busiest appliance stores in the country.”

P.W. Grosser Consulting (engineering) “I am so proud to work for a company that works towards a greener, more sustainable future.”

Prepaid Ventures, Ltd. (financial technology) “I am trusted and valued for the work that I do, and they show their appreciation. Everyone works as a team, which helps us grow as a business.”

Reverse Mortgage Funding LLC “I love helping seniors make a better life for themselves. Reverse Mortgage Funding is a nice working environment with nice people, lots of laughs and some tears – just like a second family.”

SAIL, Inc. (human and social services) “We are helping individuals change the course of their lives in a positive way.”

Stasi Brothers Asphalt & Masonry “I am respected for my abilities and given the opportunity to change things that need to be improved. They treat us all like family and go above and beyond what most bosses would do.”

SupplyHouse.com (plumbing, heating and ventilation supplies) “It doesn’t feel like my company would ever step on us or try to take anything away from us just to make a profit, and I feel like every decision they make is good for our customers and for us.”

Total Technology Solutions (information technology) “As an IT company that operates 24/7 in the pandemic, it is imperative that we continue to support local governments as well as our other clients consisting of law firms, accounting firms and many more.”

Transervice Logistics Inc. (transportation) “My job is never dull. There is continued growth, trust and appreciation from management and the employees.”

Tweezerman International (personal care products) “I feel like I’m valued and my opinion matters.”

United Northern Mortgage Bankers Limited “I am encouraged to become better at my job. The company pays for my training and gives me the time off to take it.”

United States Luggage Company (wholesale distributor) “People are treated like human beings here and not like some replaceable automaton. Ideas are welcome and encouraged. Positive energy is something commonplace here.”

VHB Engineering, Surveying, Landscape Architecture and Geology, P.C. “I feel like I play a vital and appreciated role in significant projects, and I feel like I have the proper room and encouragement to continue growing my career.”

Yardi Systems, Inc. (real estate software) “The company encourages you to find your niche so if you are not feeling challenged in your current environment. Their approach is ‘where do you see yourself?’ and then they help you to achieve that goal.”

RankEmployerFoundedOwnershipSectorHeadquarters CityHQ stateLI LocationsLI Employees
1National Business Capital & Services2007PrivateBusiness financingBohemiaNY187
2Network Solutions and Technology (NST)2001PrivateInformation technologyEast NorthportNY154
3Total Technology Solutions1988PrivateInformation technology, cybersecurityMelvilleNY150
4Aurora Contractors, Inc.1983PrivateConstruction managementRonkonkomaNY153
5Blue Ocean Wealth Solutions, a Mass Mutual Firm1851Cooperative/MutualGeneral insuranceEast HillsNY1140
6SupplyHouse.com2004PrivateE-commerceMelvilleNY1135
7American Portfolios Financial Services Inc.2001PrivateBroker/dealerHolbrookNY1117
8McIntyre, Donohue, Accardi, Salmonson, and Riordan, LLP1955PrivateWorkers’ compensationBay ShoreNY254
9United Northern Mortgage Bankers Limited1979PrivateMortgage lendingLevittownNY1108
10DUKAL Corp.1991PrivateMedical Devices & ProductsRonkonkomaNY165
11Yardi Systems, Inc.1984PrivateCustom Software Development & ConsultingSanta BarbaraCA1149
12P.W. Grosser Consulting1990PrivateEnvironmental engineeringBohemiaNY150
13Future Tech Enterprise1996PrivateInformation technologyHolbrookNY1110
14United States Luggage Company1911PrivateWholesale distributorHauppaugeNY165
15Janover LLC1938PrivateCertified public accountantsGarden CityNY199
16Stasi Brothers Asphalt & Masonry1962PrivateConstructionWestburyNY170
17Lewis Johs Avallone Aviles, LLP1993PrivateLawIslandiaNY1145
18NY State Solar2015PrivateSolarHicksvilleNY386
19Transervice Logistics Inc.1969PrivateTransportationLake SuccessNY161
20Louis K McLean Associates Engineers & Surveyors, PC1950PrivateCivil engineeringBrookhavenNY285
21A+ Technology and Security Solutions Inc.1989PrivateValue Added Reseller – Information TechnologyBay ShoreNY183
22Appliance World1992PrivateAppliancesHuntingtonNY262
23National Consumer Panel2010PrivateData analysis & researchSyossetNY175
24Reverse Mortgage Funding LLC2012PrivateReverse mortgagesBloomfieldNJ168
25College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling Junk and Moving2011PrivateMoving and junk removalTampaFL199
26Meadowbrook Financial Mortgage Bankers Corp.2010PrivateMortgage lendingWestburyNY2125
27New Vitality1998PublicMultivitamin supplementsEdgewoodNY159
28MSH Inc. dba Plesser’s Appliances1919PrivateElectronics & appliancesBabylonNY350
29SAIL, Inc.1982PrivateHuman and social servicesBaldwinNY7132
30KidsFirst Evaluation and Advocacy Center1997PrivateSpecial education support servicesDeer ParkNY290
31Austin Williams1982PrivateAdvertisingHauppaugeNY150
32Prepaid Ventures, Ltd.2007PrivateFinancial servicesNew Hyde ParkNY150
33BBS Architects, Landscape Architects, & Engineers, P.C.1985PrivateArchitecture & engineeringPatchogueNY163
34VHB Engineering, Surveying, Landscape Architecture and Geology, P.C.1979PrivateEngineering and designing servicesWatertownMA162
35Mercy Haven, Inc.1985Non-profitHuman and social servicesIslip TerraceNY577
36Above All Store Fronts, Inc.1993PrivateConstructionHauppaugeNY180
37Greenman-Pedersen, Inc.1966PrivateConstructionBabylonNY2130
38Engel Burman1997PrivateReal estate developmentGarden CityNY271
39Long Island Select Healthcare, Inc.2016PrivateHealth servicesCentral IslipNY6113
40Tweezerman International1980PrivateBeauty productsPort WashingtonNY1115

Special Awards
Companies that employees scored highest in each category

Leadership (large) Karen Boorshtein
Family Service League

Leadership (midsize) Dr. Robert LoNigro
HealthCare Partners, MSO

Leadership (small) Vincent Tedesco
Total Technology Solutions

Direction Piping Rock Health Products

Managers Power Home Remodeling

New ideas National Business Capital & Services

Doers College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling Junk and Moving

Meaningfulness Aurora Contractors, Inc.

Values Network Solutions and Technology

Clued in senior management BNB Bank

Communication Zebra Technologies Corporation

Appreciation Posillico

Work/life flexibility McIntyre, Donohue, Accardi, Salmonson, and Riordan, LLP

Training Association for Mental Health and Wellness

Benefits Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory

Find a top workplace
There’s a Top Workplace near you no matter where you are on LI

The Methodology

Facing adversity

Home office

Creative work-from-home setups during COVID

Working from home isn’t easy, but these Long Islanders are making it work.

Ruff day at the “home” office?

Never, Suzy Silverstein might say. Silverstein, a project manager at VHB Engineering, set up her workspace on her pool deck in the company of her favorite four-legged colleagues, Bubbles, a dachshund, and Blanket, a two-year-old Juliana mini pig, who also goes by Blanky, Blankarooni or Blankisaurus.

Suzy Silverstein, project manager at VHB Engineering, sits with her pets, Blanket, who was adopted from a farm in Tennessee, and Bubbles, a dachshund.

Those not fortunate enough to work poolside created variations of their “home office” space, some making do with makeshift desks and chairs, others claiming their “corner office” in quiet, kid-free, no-traffic zones in their den, kitchen, bedroom, basement, or other spaces.

Pattie Dougherty of Huntington Station, an employee of H2M Architects + Engineers, found a secluded and quiet workspace — in the back of her SUV.

A Huntington Station woman, Pattie Dougherty, of H2M Architects + Engineers, designed her own mobile space — in the back of her SUV.

Now, can you take breaks when working from home? One employee found a quick minute to stretch her legs, while others sought company with their kids, sometimes giving crying babies a lift.

Josef Kapsa’s commute was a breeze on “Bring Your Child to Work” day. Kapsa, of BBS, is seen with his children Joseph and Teresa, at home.

Working from the “home” office sure has its perks. You can go Friday casual or wear a tie. Suit yourself. And when you can finally take that much-delayed staycation to spend time with your two-legged companions (socially distanced, of course) you can even set your email to say: I will be out of the (home) office until next week.

Ruth Franklin, a supervisor in the assurance services department at Marcum LLP, has been working from her Massapequa home since COVID-19 began.

Oh, another perk of working from home: You don’t have to deal with those petty office pet peeves. (But if you’re seriously wondering whether Bubbles and Blanky get along, you may just have to get back to the office.)

— LEEMA THOMAS

Heroes

Long Islanders rise to the occasion during COVID

Some employees went the extra mile, according to the employers who nominated their staff as workplace heroes.

The state went on pause but the pandemic kept many employees on their toes, with some going the extra mile, according to the employers who nominated their staff as workplace heroes.

In her role as an office leader for the Emerging Professionals Group at VHB, Elyse Belarge led a Wellness Series for colleagues, her employer said. The series provided content for employees on topics including exercising, meditation, stretching, eating healthy, stress relief, local outdoor activities, and TED Talks related to mental health.

One employee initiated a wellness series for colleagues.

Marian Barr, senior specialist at New York Life Insurance Co. in Melville, not only continued to work in the office despite her compromised immune system as a cancer survivor, but also started a food drive, and then drove around distributing food and supplies to hospital workers and cancer patients.

Another not only continued to work in the office despite her compromised immune system as a cancer survivor but she also started a food drive, and then drove around distributing food and supplies to hospital workers and cancer patients, her employer said.

Suzanne Wenz, a senior program manager at Zebra Technologies Corp. in Holtsville, helped organize weekly volunteering efforts at the Island Harvest food bank over the past few months.

Across companies on Long Island, these workers rose to the occasion and were recognized for their passion and dedication, for their philanthropy and volunteerism, for helping their businesses survive and thrive.

Austin Williams’ creative director Bryan Hynes wears a company-branded gaiter face covering he helped design for employees to return to the office.

One even used his creative skills to help design a face covering for employees to return to the office.

— Leema Thomas

Determination

LIers show up to work, in PPE gear

Although COVID-19 put a brake on many business operations, a number of Long Islanders across various sectors, showed up to work — in their offices or in the field — in PPE gear.

Call it the pandemic couture.

Although COVID-19 put a brake on many business operations, a number of Long Islanders across various sectors, showed up to work — in their offices or in the field. While business was surely not as usual, these employees stepped up to the (fashion) plate, dressing for style, health and success.

Abu Jinnah, in PPE gear, works as a blending operator at Piping Rock Health Products’ Farmingdale facility.

Employees — from doctors, nurses, accountants, architects, engineers, mental health and social service workers, volunteers and even summer interns — kept the business engine running, suited up in various personal protective gear including facial coverings, masks, gloves, N95 respirators and other accessories, mindful of following health-mandated protocols.

Carlos Vargas, landscape architecture team leader at VHB Engineering, works in the field.

Some like Carlos Vargas, landscape architecture team leader at VHB Engineering, worked alone in the field.

From left, CN Guidance & Counseling employees Ayodeji Grace Oloke, Alexandria Attivissimo, Taylor Alicanti, Ama Serwah and Christina Metz.

Others like Ayodeji Grace Oloke, Alexandria Attivissimo, Taylor Alicanti, Ama Serwah and Christina Metz, all employees at CN Guidance & Counseling Services, worked in the office.

Alison Longstreet, left, and Greg Genovese, right, both employees at New York Life Insurance Company’s Jericho office, delivered dinner to the OR night crew at Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip.

Yet others like Greg Genovese and Alison Longstreet, both employees at New York Life Insurance Co., outfitted in their PPE, delivered meals to the “overnight crew” at a hospital. We “decided we needed to do something to show our appreciation,” Longstreet said.

From H2M Architects + Engineers employees at a job site in protective helmets and masks to fashion forward real estate agent Rudy Rodriguez donning disposable boot covers and carrying hand sanitizers, businesses and employees put safety first.

Howie Richards, managing director at Spellman High Voltage, is suited up in his PPE gear.

So, yes, while the pandemic may have crimped many personal styles, Long Islanders looked haute, or cool, as they put their best face forward and performed their jobs.

— Leema Thomas

Camaraderie

What employees have missed most while working from home

From shared workspaces to chitchats, Long Island employees missed aspects of being in the office that ranged from the mundane to the esoteric.

Birthdays, baby showers, office parties.

A thriving workplace is also one that’s convivial.

Chit-chats around the office water-cooler or copy machine sharing morsels of gossip can help build camaraderie and foster career growth. But the pandemic put a kibosh on in-person, face-to-face office bashes and gatherings this year.

Those working remotely perhaps sorely missed their “work spouses” and suffered a bout of anxiety after their sudden separation from their work partners and shared workspaces during the lockdown, and what they missed most about the office ranged from the mundane to the esoteric.

— Leema Thomas

Pamela Moody, principal core manager at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, said she looks forward to getting research at CSHL back to full capacity, so that she can work with more scientists to share powerful technology that can be a tool for their research.

Jeffrey Friedman, chief executive at CN Guidance Counseling Services, says, “I miss seeing our staff and the people we serve at the office. The culture of our organization all centers around relationships. Seeing and talking with people virtual creates a void and a disconnect. There is nothing like interacting with someone face to face, in person. It makes us human. I miss that.”

Tony Sebastian, consulting supervisor at Grassi, said, “I miss the day-to-day atmosphere of the office. There is an unavoidable ebb and flow of the office that promotes a great working environment; the natural ‘work breaks’ of colleagues passing by and conversing to the sounds of rhythmic typing. That atmosphere is unmistakable and impossible to recreate when working outside of the office.”

Christiana Kastalek, environmental planner at VHB Engineering, said, “I miss the ability to have conversations with coworkers in person. Face-to-face conversations are so valuable not only in regard to socializing but for an emerging professional in the field, those conversations serve as a tool in learning and advancing my career.”

Connecting

Long Islanders work — and play — on Zoom

For countless remote workers, virtual video conferencing has become the primary link to staying in touch with colleagues and managers.

OK, Zoomers! (Now, that’s a compliment!)

For countless remote workers, virtual video conferencing has become the primary link to staying in touch with colleagues and managers.

Chances are if you are a non-millennial, you needed a lesson or two on how to get the lights, camera and audio going. Perhaps seeing a sea of faces on your desktop or laptop monitors made you jittery, and you made a mental note to comb your hair and put on a clean T-shirt the next time. Or, perhaps, you’ve committed a few Zoom faux pas (wait, was that your toddler who walked in front of the camera crying “mommy” as you were about to clinch that deal?) or someone Zoom-bombed your meeting.

Love it or hate it, you have come to live with it and get on with the business.

EXIT Achieve Realty’s team convenes on Zoom in late March.

Employees at Grassi Advisors & Accountants, EXIT Realty Achieve and Aurora Contractors were among businesses that connected with their staff via Zoom meetings.

Grassi employees from the Jericho, Ronkonkoma, White Plains, New York City and New Jersey offices heard from CEO and managing partner Louis C. Grassi in weekly Zoom meetings when employees worked remotely.

Grassi employees from the Jericho, Ronkonkoma, White Plains, New York City and New Jersey offices stayed connected through weekly Zoom check-ins. Even the company’s CEO and managing partner, Louis C. Grassi, checked in.

But all work and no play make Jack and Jill quite dull people.

CN Guidance & Counseling Service employees on Zoom, from left, Adriana Kijko, Linda Masotto, Catherine Clarke, Thomas Jablonski,  Victoria Elwell, Alysia Sobhraj, Martine Ritter and Ariel Coffman.

Employees of CN Guidance and Counseling Services gathered on Zoom for a game of scavenger hunt. And National Consumer Panel’s employee engagement committee held several virtual events, from virtual trivia to “Watercooler Chats” and bingo, to “boost morale and keep employees connected.”

Now, if you haven’t zoned out on Zoom sessions at least once, kudos. If you haven’t had your fill yet, “see” you later.

— Leema Thomas

A letter from
Newsday’s Publisher,
Debby Krenek

Debby Krenek, Newsday Publisher

Flexible. Dedicated. Resilient. Words we’ve heard a lot over the past few months as organizations describe the challenging times they’ve faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. And it’s not just their businesses they’re describing, it’s also their workforce.

Be it with kids in their arms or pets at their feet, at make-shift home offices or on-the-go in their mobile offices, despite the many hurdles they tackle each day, employees at the Top Long Island Workplaces are learning to adapt to these unprecedented times.

Top Long Island Workplaces honor organizations where employees feel engaged, appreciated and empowered. Nominated by their own employees, these places of work are leading the way for others in the business community. All of us at Newsday feel privileged to be able to recognize organizations right here on Long Island, who are truly doing it right.

History has taught us that during times where we are tested the most, it is also a time of great opportunity. And though the pandemic has impacted business in many ways, where we go from here has yet to be written. Top honors today can help shape Long Island’s next chapter.

Congratulations to all of the 2020 Top Workplaces.

How Long Island Voted 2020

Here are the certified results for all the races in each Long Island election district, made available by the Nassau and Suffolk election boards. Pick an election district to see how much of the vote each candidate received. Search your address to see the elections you were eligible to vote in. This data was posted on December 11, 2020.

Select:
Local resultsAll results

Margin of victory
0 pts. 20 +40

* “Other” includes candidates who did not win more districts than the top four candidates.