LIVMA Photo Album
2026 Member Awards & Scholarship Dinner
Fox Hollow, Woodbury, NY
*Still under construction
The following photos are from the cocktail hour from 7:00pm - 8:00pm during the sparkling wine, and craft beer tasting that began the evening.
Click each image for a full view.
Click each image for a full view.
Long Island Legislators Samantha Goetz, Kayla Knight, and Rose Marie Walker presented the 2026 Service Award and Scholarship Winners with Citations.
Additional Citations and Proclamations were sent from Long Island Legislators Scott Davis,
Chad Lennon, and Olina Nicks, and
New York State Senators Anthony Palumbo and Steve Rhoads
Chad Lennon, and Olina Nicks, and
New York State Senators Anthony Palumbo and Steve Rhoads
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Guests went home with Door Prizes provided by our event sponsors
LIVMA Member Awards Presentations
The 2026 LIVMA Board
Front Row: Dr. Lauren Donovan, Dr. Megan Rosen, Dr. Lauyrn Benson, Dr. Nicole Paccione-Gerbe, left),anf Dr. Dee Hensen,
Back Row: Dr. Jason Heller (back left) Dr. Richard Selkowitz, Dr. Dexter Archer, and Dr. Neal Saslow.
Front Row: Dr. Lauren Donovan, Dr. Megan Rosen, Dr. Lauyrn Benson, Dr. Nicole Paccione-Gerbe, left),anf Dr. Dee Hensen,
Back Row: Dr. Jason Heller (back left) Dr. Richard Selkowitz, Dr. Dexter Archer, and Dr. Neal Saslow.
Dr. Jason Heller - LIVMA President 2024 -2025
The following are excerpts from LIVMA President, Dr. Lauren Donovan's, presentations to the members
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Welcome everyone and thank you for coming to LIVMA’s 2026 Member Celebration and Scholarship Dinner. We hope you enjoyed the cocktail hour with the regional wines and beers thanks to sponsor Don Cantalino of VetMedics. Don couldn’t be here tonight, but he sends everyone his best.
Thanks to tonight’s sponsors for the great door prize giveaways we just had. As part of tonight’s scholarship fundraiser we have very special raffle gifts also made possible by tonight’s sponsors – so be sure to get your tickets before the gift you want is won.
While we’ll be thanking them again as the evening goes on, if all of tonight’s sponsors could stand to get a round of applause ….
It has been two years since LIVMA hosted this event, so we have much to celebrate.
Tonight, we are delighted to be thanking our many member’s contributions to LIVMA, as well as recognizing individuals and organizations who have made these last two years successful in many ways for veterinary medicine on Long Island.
We’ll also be recognizing the LIVMA Scholarship winners from both the Veterinary Career Exploration Program as well as the LIVMA Veterinary and Veterinary Technician programs. And this year there is a new scholarship, the Michael W. Seda Scholarship which you will hear about.
The funds were presented to the scholarship students here tonight earlier in the year, but we have special certificates for them as part of tonight’s celebration.
To begin, I’d like to introduce you to this year’s New York State Veterinary Medical Society President, Dr. Jeanne Best, who came from Buffalo to be with us tonight as well as NYSVMS President-Elect Roxanne Suarez and Executive Director Tim Atkinson.
Also joining us tonight is the Dean of the Lewyt College of Veterinary Medicine at Long Island University - Dr. Carmin Fuentealba. Dr. Oscar Illanes, Head of the College’s Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences and Director of Pathology Services is also here tonight. Thank you both.
In 2026 LIVMA participated with the veterinary students from LIU’s College of Veterinary Medicine by inviting two student representatives to the LIVMA Board, welcome Grace Cutrone and Chelsea McCleary, and supporting this year’s SAVMA High School Outreach Program and White Coat Ceremony.
And special thanks to our Executive Director, Sue Zizza, and her team for making tonight possible. More on that later.
Now, enjoy your first course. We’ll begin the awards presentations shortly.
Thanks to tonight’s sponsors for the great door prize giveaways we just had. As part of tonight’s scholarship fundraiser we have very special raffle gifts also made possible by tonight’s sponsors – so be sure to get your tickets before the gift you want is won.
While we’ll be thanking them again as the evening goes on, if all of tonight’s sponsors could stand to get a round of applause ….
It has been two years since LIVMA hosted this event, so we have much to celebrate.
Tonight, we are delighted to be thanking our many member’s contributions to LIVMA, as well as recognizing individuals and organizations who have made these last two years successful in many ways for veterinary medicine on Long Island.
We’ll also be recognizing the LIVMA Scholarship winners from both the Veterinary Career Exploration Program as well as the LIVMA Veterinary and Veterinary Technician programs. And this year there is a new scholarship, the Michael W. Seda Scholarship which you will hear about.
The funds were presented to the scholarship students here tonight earlier in the year, but we have special certificates for them as part of tonight’s celebration.
To begin, I’d like to introduce you to this year’s New York State Veterinary Medical Society President, Dr. Jeanne Best, who came from Buffalo to be with us tonight as well as NYSVMS President-Elect Roxanne Suarez and Executive Director Tim Atkinson.
Also joining us tonight is the Dean of the Lewyt College of Veterinary Medicine at Long Island University - Dr. Carmin Fuentealba. Dr. Oscar Illanes, Head of the College’s Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences and Director of Pathology Services is also here tonight. Thank you both.
In 2026 LIVMA participated with the veterinary students from LIU’s College of Veterinary Medicine by inviting two student representatives to the LIVMA Board, welcome Grace Cutrone and Chelsea McCleary, and supporting this year’s SAVMA High School Outreach Program and White Coat Ceremony.
And special thanks to our Executive Director, Sue Zizza, and her team for making tonight possible. More on that later.
Now, enjoy your first course. We’ll begin the awards presentations shortly.
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Dr. Lauren Donovan, LIVMA President with Dr. Alan Baum, 2026 LIVMA Veterinary Service Award
Our first award of the evening goes to a member who been part of LIVMA for over six decades, Dr. Alan Baum. Many of us know Crawford Animal Hospital in Lynbrook. It has been a Baum family owned and operated practice since Alan purchased it in May 1968 from the original owner Dr. John Crawford. Alan’s brother Gary joined him in the practice in 1969 and his nephew Joshua in 2003. Since then, except when recovering from bladder cancer surgery, Alan has continued to see patients at the Crawford Animal Hospital, currently at around 25 hours a week. While not yet the oldest veterinarian to ever practice, we think this might make Alan the oldest veterinarian currently practicing, or to ever have practiced, on Long Island. (Anyone have any other stats?)
Alan’s career as a veterinarian includes being 3-time President of the Nassau Animal Emergency Clinic. Before the current Emergency Clinics on Long Island, LIVMA ran a service providing coordinated emergency coverage for member practices on holidays and weekends, which became the Nassau Animal Emergency Clinic.
Most importantly, as a veterinarian, to his patients Alan is known as offering Compassionate Care. Reviews include, “Dr. Alan is the kindest and most caring vet I could ever hope for.”
Tonight, LIVMA presents Dr. Alan Baum with LIVMA’s Veterinary Service Award. This award includes a special keepsake box for those many memories and mementos from over 60 years in practice.
Alan’s career as a veterinarian includes being 3-time President of the Nassau Animal Emergency Clinic. Before the current Emergency Clinics on Long Island, LIVMA ran a service providing coordinated emergency coverage for member practices on holidays and weekends, which became the Nassau Animal Emergency Clinic.
Most importantly, as a veterinarian, to his patients Alan is known as offering Compassionate Care. Reviews include, “Dr. Alan is the kindest and most caring vet I could ever hope for.”
Tonight, LIVMA presents Dr. Alan Baum with LIVMA’s Veterinary Service Award. This award includes a special keepsake box for those many memories and mementos from over 60 years in practice.
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In the early 1990s, LIVMA began the Veterinary Medicine Career Exploration Program, co-hosted with Cornell Cooperative Extension. Each year Long Island Veterinarians and their staff are asked to speak at weekly lectures, or allow students to shadow at their practices.
Tonight we have Dr. Dee Hensen (far right), along with LIVMA Members Drs. Kevin Cronin (far left), Dexter Archer, Dr. David Hensen, and Mitch Kornet for their VMCEP Shadow participation.
Again, there are many more Shadow Veterinarians who could not join us, but we appreciate their service.
We also thank Ms. Katherine Perez from the Cornell Cooperative Extension Suffolk County Farm who could not be here tonight.
Together Dr. Dee Hensen and Ms. Katherine Perez also help to also manage the Equine Community Outreach program, which offers education to Long Island Horse Owners.
Tonight we have Dr. Dee Hensen (far right), along with LIVMA Members Drs. Kevin Cronin (far left), Dexter Archer, Dr. David Hensen, and Mitch Kornet for their VMCEP Shadow participation.
Again, there are many more Shadow Veterinarians who could not join us, but we appreciate their service.
We also thank Ms. Katherine Perez from the Cornell Cooperative Extension Suffolk County Farm who could not be here tonight.
Together Dr. Dee Hensen and Ms. Katherine Perez also help to also manage the Equine Community Outreach program, which offers education to Long Island Horse Owners.
LIVMA Veterinary Student Scholarships
Dr. Paccione-Gerbe presented the 2026 LIVMA and the Michael W. Seda Scholarships.
Dr. Dee Hensen presented the 2026 VMCE Scholarship.
Dr. Paccione-Gerbe presented the 2026 LIVMA and the Michael W. Seda Scholarships.
Dr. Dee Hensen presented the 2026 VMCE Scholarship.
Tonight we welcome the two 2026 LIVMA Scholarship winners.
Noelle Tubbs, LIVMA’s 2026 Veterinary Scholarship winner, is currently at Tufts University. Noelle shared that her parents, Colette and Gordon Tubbs, who are here tonight, were married many years ago here at the Fox Hollow.
Veterinary Technician Scholarship recipient Jess Probst from Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry is also here tonight.
Earlier this year both Noelle and Jess each received $1,750.00 from LIVMA.
This year LIVMA will have given a total of $6,500.00 to students through our different scholarship awards programs.
Dr. Nicole Paccione-Gerbe, is LIVMA’s current NYSVMS Delegate and a LIVMA Past President. She’ll share a few things about the LIVMA Scholarship and the growth of the program over the last few years.
NICOLE: Thank you LAUREN. I also want to recognize the other members of this committee Drs. Lauren Donovan, Dee Hensen, and Megan Rosen.
Noelle Tubbs, LIVMA’s 2026 Veterinary Scholarship winner, is currently at Tufts University. Noelle shared that her parents, Colette and Gordon Tubbs, who are here tonight, were married many years ago here at the Fox Hollow.
Veterinary Technician Scholarship recipient Jess Probst from Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry is also here tonight.
Earlier this year both Noelle and Jess each received $1,750.00 from LIVMA.
This year LIVMA will have given a total of $6,500.00 to students through our different scholarship awards programs.
Dr. Nicole Paccione-Gerbe, is LIVMA’s current NYSVMS Delegate and a LIVMA Past President. She’ll share a few things about the LIVMA Scholarship and the growth of the program over the last few years.
NICOLE: Thank you LAUREN. I also want to recognize the other members of this committee Drs. Lauren Donovan, Dee Hensen, and Megan Rosen.
LIVMA thanked Cornell Cooperative Extension at the Suffolk Farm
for their donation to the LIVMA Scholarship programs.
for their donation to the LIVMA Scholarship programs.
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LIVMA Newsletter Contributors
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Drs. John Sapienza, Neal Saslow, and Noelle LaCroix
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Mike Kaplan and Mary Mongioi with Dr. Lauren Donovan
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Ten times a year LIVMA publishes a newsletter for the members which features regular articles written by the members and reviewed by the LIVMA Newsletter Committee. Drs. Noelle LaCroix and John Sapienza are two of LIVMA’s regular contributors to the newsletter, sharing an Ophthalmology column.
Special thanks too to Dr. Neal Saslow for reviewing submissions monthly.
The LIVMA News also features articles on legal topics every other month from either Mary Mongioi, Michael Berger, or Jeremy M. Musella, of Forchelli Deegan Terrana. Mike Kaplan of Equinox Financial Partners offers investment information in his financial columns as well.
Special thanks too to Dr. Neal Saslow for reviewing submissions monthly.
The LIVMA News also features articles on legal topics every other month from either Mary Mongioi, Michael Berger, or Jeremy M. Musella, of Forchelli Deegan Terrana. Mike Kaplan of Equinox Financial Partners offers investment information in his financial columns as well.
LIVMA CE Presenters
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LIVMA CE presenters Dr. Dexter Archer
and Dr. Scott Campbell |
The LIVMA CE committee works annually to ensure our members get world-class programs monthly at our local CE programs. An LIVMA member could, if they choose, never leave Long Island for their CE as we offer over 22 hours annually and most of us only need about 15 a year to make the 45 for a 3-year license renewal cycle.
One-way LIVMA is able to offer so many hours of quality CE is by working with our own Board Certified regional specialists to create lectures and programs for our Sunday CE programs. LIVMA’s “Celebrating Our Own” allows our members to be educated in all areas of medicine including Behavior, Ophthalmology, Internal Medicine, Oncology and so much more as I think every specialty is currently being practiced by one or more highly qualified LI members.
Dr. Dexter Archer thank you for your upcoming CE this July to the members.
This past July, though not a veterinarian, Dr. Scott Campbell, Chief of the Arthropod-Borne Disease Laboratory for the Suffolk County Department of Health Services, and a medical entomologist, volunteered to present a CE webinar updating the members on new ticks and the diseases they bring to Long Island. Dr. Campbell please come up.
The July CE webinar also included a lecture from veterinary oncologist Dr. Renee Alsarraf who we met through LIVMA past honoree, the Animal Cancer Foundation. Dr. Alsarraf shared from her book Sit, Stay, Heal: What Dogs Can Teach Us About Living Well in a presentation on wellness in veterinary medicine. Ms. Barbara Cohen & Aman Verma are here tonight from the Animal Cancer Foundation.
Additional LIVMA member CE presenters who could not join us tonight include Dr. Sean Hillock, from VMCLI, who presented a CE webinar in July 2025, and LIU faculty member Dr. Laura Patterson, who presented equine webinars for both horse owners and LIVMA’s members in May 2025.
One-way LIVMA is able to offer so many hours of quality CE is by working with our own Board Certified regional specialists to create lectures and programs for our Sunday CE programs. LIVMA’s “Celebrating Our Own” allows our members to be educated in all areas of medicine including Behavior, Ophthalmology, Internal Medicine, Oncology and so much more as I think every specialty is currently being practiced by one or more highly qualified LI members.
Dr. Dexter Archer thank you for your upcoming CE this July to the members.
This past July, though not a veterinarian, Dr. Scott Campbell, Chief of the Arthropod-Borne Disease Laboratory for the Suffolk County Department of Health Services, and a medical entomologist, volunteered to present a CE webinar updating the members on new ticks and the diseases they bring to Long Island. Dr. Campbell please come up.
The July CE webinar also included a lecture from veterinary oncologist Dr. Renee Alsarraf who we met through LIVMA past honoree, the Animal Cancer Foundation. Dr. Alsarraf shared from her book Sit, Stay, Heal: What Dogs Can Teach Us About Living Well in a presentation on wellness in veterinary medicine. Ms. Barbara Cohen & Aman Verma are here tonight from the Animal Cancer Foundation.
Additional LIVMA member CE presenters who could not join us tonight include Dr. Sean Hillock, from VMCLI, who presented a CE webinar in July 2025, and LIU faculty member Dr. Laura Patterson, who presented equine webinars for both horse owners and LIVMA’s members in May 2025.
LIVMA 2026 Outstanding Service Award
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LIVMA’s Outstanding Community Service Award goes to Linda Stuurman of Last Hope Animal Rescue. Linda has made a difference to many on Long Island; from the countless numbers of cats and dogs she has helped to shelter and rehome through Last Hope Animal Rescue to the people who she has enlisted to help her, the many veterinarians, technicians, and volunteers who keep Last Hope Animal Rescue running.
Linda served as the president of Last Hope Animal Rescue in Wantagh from 1991 to March of this year, 2026. That’s 35 years of dedication to Last Hope Animal Rescue.
Established in 1981as a foster-based organization to rescue death-due pound animals,
Linda became the organization’s president in 1991 with 5-6 volunteers and an operating budget of less than $5,000.00.
Since 1991, Last Hope has grown to over 350 volunteers from all walks of life and placing over 900 cats and dogs annually into carefully screened homes. Its current operating budget is approximately $1 million. It also operates mini cat adoption centers at various PETCOS and PETSMARTS on Long Island.
Over the years Linda expanded the mission of Last Hope by initiating programs to assist pet owners in meeting certain financial criteria with the spaying and neutering of their pets and veterinary care, including vaccines.
A relentless advocate for Long Island’s feral cats she has sought funds and grants to be able to assist the public with spay-neuters for feral cats, commonly referred to as TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return). Additional programs Linda initiated for Last Hope include an educational and outreach program to provide humane education and animal care guidance to students from elementary to high school and pet food drives for local pet food banks for distribution to the public.
An avid beagle lover, in 2009, Linda began relationships with many southern animal shelters, to rescue dogs (75% beagles) that have been discarded in the south. She currently fosters a recently rescued beagle.
Linda LIVMA presents you with the 2026 Outstanding Community Service Award.
Linda served as the president of Last Hope Animal Rescue in Wantagh from 1991 to March of this year, 2026. That’s 35 years of dedication to Last Hope Animal Rescue.
Established in 1981as a foster-based organization to rescue death-due pound animals,
Linda became the organization’s president in 1991 with 5-6 volunteers and an operating budget of less than $5,000.00.
Since 1991, Last Hope has grown to over 350 volunteers from all walks of life and placing over 900 cats and dogs annually into carefully screened homes. Its current operating budget is approximately $1 million. It also operates mini cat adoption centers at various PETCOS and PETSMARTS on Long Island.
Over the years Linda expanded the mission of Last Hope by initiating programs to assist pet owners in meeting certain financial criteria with the spaying and neutering of their pets and veterinary care, including vaccines.
A relentless advocate for Long Island’s feral cats she has sought funds and grants to be able to assist the public with spay-neuters for feral cats, commonly referred to as TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return). Additional programs Linda initiated for Last Hope include an educational and outreach program to provide humane education and animal care guidance to students from elementary to high school and pet food drives for local pet food banks for distribution to the public.
An avid beagle lover, in 2009, Linda began relationships with many southern animal shelters, to rescue dogs (75% beagles) that have been discarded in the south. She currently fosters a recently rescued beagle.
Linda LIVMA presents you with the 2026 Outstanding Community Service Award.
LIVMA 2026 Community Service Awards
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LIVMA Members and Happy Cat Board Members who worked together to rescue over 400 cats after a fire destroyed the sanctuary.
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Our first 2026 LIVMA Community Service Award goes to Happy Cat Sanctuary, Marilyn Gales, and members of the board are here to accept the award on behalf of their organization.
Happy Cat Sanctuary was founded by Chris Arsenault whose dream was to provide safety, care and unconditional love to vulnerable felines.
After the fire, according to the current board release, “that is being kept alive through the incredible support from local veterinarians, like Drs. Jason Heller and Victoria Carillo, devoted volunteers, and Board Members, Marilyn Gales, Sharon Levy, Donna Gacalone, and Leigh Harris.”
In May of 2025 LIVMA gave thank you certificates to many who had volunteered to assist with the care of the close to 400 rescued cats after the fire. That included Drs. Robert Corona, Dominick DiMartino, Jason Heller, David Hensen, Richard Hanusch, Will Kuhs, Lisa McCann, Neal Saslow, and myself. But Dr. Leanne Perkins, Jodi Derry, Melanie Mayer and Tim McCann weren’t able to get their certificates that night, so tonight we thank them.
From Happy Cat Sanctuary
Our Story: From Tragedy to Hope
Welcome everyone, and thank you for being here. With the unimaginable tragedy at the Happy Cat Sanctuary, we lost a true guardian angel for animals, Chris Absenault. He made the ultimate sacrifice doing what he loved most: protecting his rescues. His dream was never about a physical place; it was about a promise to provide safety, care, and unconditional love to vulnerable felines.
Today, that promise is kept alive through the incredible support from local veterinarians, our extraordinary group of hardworking and devoted volunteers, and our Board Members, Marilyn Gales, Sharon Levy, Donna Gracalone, and Leigh Harris. We are grateful to Dr. Jason Heller and his team for being there for our cats on the first leg of our journey, and to Dr. Victoria Carrillo, who is currently meeting our veterinary needs. We have had to combat destructive, negative influences and expensive ongoing litigation and legal battles since day one, which we hope will be resolved by the end of the year. In spite of this, moving forward, our mission is to ensure that every single surviving cat receives the medical care, rehabilitation, and love they deserve. We are rebuilding not just in brick and mortar, but in the spirit of compassion that Chris embodied. We will honor his legacy by continuing to do exactly what he did: protecting the voiceless and giving them a second chance. We will make sure the love that built Happy Cat Sanctuary continues to shine brightly!
Happy Cat Sanctuary was founded by Chris Arsenault whose dream was to provide safety, care and unconditional love to vulnerable felines.
After the fire, according to the current board release, “that is being kept alive through the incredible support from local veterinarians, like Drs. Jason Heller and Victoria Carillo, devoted volunteers, and Board Members, Marilyn Gales, Sharon Levy, Donna Gacalone, and Leigh Harris.”
In May of 2025 LIVMA gave thank you certificates to many who had volunteered to assist with the care of the close to 400 rescued cats after the fire. That included Drs. Robert Corona, Dominick DiMartino, Jason Heller, David Hensen, Richard Hanusch, Will Kuhs, Lisa McCann, Neal Saslow, and myself. But Dr. Leanne Perkins, Jodi Derry, Melanie Mayer and Tim McCann weren’t able to get their certificates that night, so tonight we thank them.
From Happy Cat Sanctuary
Our Story: From Tragedy to Hope
Welcome everyone, and thank you for being here. With the unimaginable tragedy at the Happy Cat Sanctuary, we lost a true guardian angel for animals, Chris Absenault. He made the ultimate sacrifice doing what he loved most: protecting his rescues. His dream was never about a physical place; it was about a promise to provide safety, care, and unconditional love to vulnerable felines.
Today, that promise is kept alive through the incredible support from local veterinarians, our extraordinary group of hardworking and devoted volunteers, and our Board Members, Marilyn Gales, Sharon Levy, Donna Gracalone, and Leigh Harris. We are grateful to Dr. Jason Heller and his team for being there for our cats on the first leg of our journey, and to Dr. Victoria Carrillo, who is currently meeting our veterinary needs. We have had to combat destructive, negative influences and expensive ongoing litigation and legal battles since day one, which we hope will be resolved by the end of the year. In spite of this, moving forward, our mission is to ensure that every single surviving cat receives the medical care, rehabilitation, and love they deserve. We are rebuilding not just in brick and mortar, but in the spirit of compassion that Chris embodied. We will honor his legacy by continuing to do exactly what he did: protecting the voiceless and giving them a second chance. We will make sure the love that built Happy Cat Sanctuary continues to shine brightly!
Dr. Lauren Jordon and Lisa DeVita
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Our next 2026 LIVMA Community Service Award tonight goes to Dr. Lauren Jordon and Lisa DeVita of Animal Medial Hospital in Hempstead.
In the Fall of 2025, Lisa recognizing that it might be a cold winter and that parts of the Hempstead community face economic hardships, so she organized a gently used coat, new PJ, and blankets drive at the practice.
Emails were sent to clients encouraging donations in exchange for a discount off an upcoming pet exam. The donations filled a room at the hospital. The warm items were all donated to INN in Hempstead in time for the winter holidays.
This inspired the LIVMA board to kick off “Coats Across Long Island” this Fall. We hope to encourage many of our member practices to follow Lisa and Dr. Jordon’s template.
We’ll be sharing more information on how to participate with the upcoming LIVMA News and emails.
Thank you both for your caring and kindness to others as LIVMA presents you LIVMA’s Community Service Award.
In the Fall of 2025, Lisa recognizing that it might be a cold winter and that parts of the Hempstead community face economic hardships, so she organized a gently used coat, new PJ, and blankets drive at the practice.
Emails were sent to clients encouraging donations in exchange for a discount off an upcoming pet exam. The donations filled a room at the hospital. The warm items were all donated to INN in Hempstead in time for the winter holidays.
This inspired the LIVMA board to kick off “Coats Across Long Island” this Fall. We hope to encourage many of our member practices to follow Lisa and Dr. Jordon’s template.
We’ll be sharing more information on how to participate with the upcoming LIVMA News and emails.
Thank you both for your caring and kindness to others as LIVMA presents you LIVMA’s Community Service Award.
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Drs. Lauren Donovan and Noelle LaCroix
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In 2024 NYSVMS began a state-wide “Animal Care Fund,” with each regional association, like LIVMA, encouraged to try and raise funds to assist owners who needed a little extra financial help paying a veterinary bill.
That year a call from Dr. Noelle LaCroix of Noelle’s Ark, asking if there might be a way for the two groups to work together, as Noelle’s Ark had funds available and gave LIVMA a $5,000.00 donation to start our fund.
This year, Noelle’s Ark continued their support with an additional $2,500.00 donation to the LIVMA / NYSVMS Animal Care Fund.
That year a call from Dr. Noelle LaCroix of Noelle’s Ark, asking if there might be a way for the two groups to work together, as Noelle’s Ark had funds available and gave LIVMA a $5,000.00 donation to start our fund.
This year, Noelle’s Ark continued their support with an additional $2,500.00 donation to the LIVMA / NYSVMS Animal Care Fund.
A year or so ago I read a short article about a dog named Trisko, II. He was donated from Canine Companions, another group LIVMA has honored, for their Explosives Unit at MacArthur Airport here on Long Island.
Trisko had to work tonight, it’s the US Open in the Hamptons, but I was able to go to the airport to present Trisko and Suffolk County Officer Eric DiPrima with a 2026 LIVMA Canine Service Award.
Trisko had to work tonight, it’s the US Open in the Hamptons, but I was able to go to the airport to present Trisko and Suffolk County Officer Eric DiPrima with a 2026 LIVMA Canine Service Award.
Officer Jack Castronova and Canine E.J.
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Nassau County’s Canine Division in December of 2025 with the work of Canine E.J. and Officer Jack Castronova rescued a woman from freezing to death. She had dementia and had wandered into a horse barn in Brookville.
K-9 E.J. is a male German Shepherd born in 2022 the Czech Republic. Donated by the Codignotto family he joined the Nassau County Police Department in September 2023 and quickly presented the qualities it takes to be a police dog.
E. J. is paired with Officer Jack Castronova, who also started in the K-9 unit in September 2023.
E.J.'s sharp skills, strong sense of smell, and enthusiasm make him a valued asset to the K-9 unit.
E.J. excels in tracking people and locating evidence, with a specialized focus in explosive detection. His high energy makes him a perfect fit for Police work.
K-9 E.J. is a male German Shepherd born in 2022 the Czech Republic. Donated by the Codignotto family he joined the Nassau County Police Department in September 2023 and quickly presented the qualities it takes to be a police dog.
E. J. is paired with Officer Jack Castronova, who also started in the K-9 unit in September 2023.
E.J.'s sharp skills, strong sense of smell, and enthusiasm make him a valued asset to the K-9 unit.
E.J. excels in tracking people and locating evidence, with a specialized focus in explosive detection. His high energy makes him a perfect fit for Police work.
LIVMA 2026 Corporate Service Awards
Steve Gerber from
Midwest Veterinary Supply |
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Steve Gerber has been an active member and Corporate Supporter of the Long Island Veterinary Community in many different roles for over two decades. He began in human medicine and found his way to veterinary medicine.
While he will tell you he is shy, Steve is actually a wonderfully well-spoken representative for the companies he has worked for, including now for Midwest Veterinary Supply.
Steve makes friends everywhere he goes, as you can see by his table of fellow sales reps from the many sponsors for tonight’s event. And the table next to them from Midwest Veterinary Supply.
As you can also see from the photos, Steve enjoys making people laugh.
Those are the other qualities that make Steve really special – his kindness and his willingness to help. He often volunteers without asking.
Steve we are happy to give you a 2026 LIVMA Outstanding Corporate Service Award.
While he will tell you he is shy, Steve is actually a wonderfully well-spoken representative for the companies he has worked for, including now for Midwest Veterinary Supply.
Steve makes friends everywhere he goes, as you can see by his table of fellow sales reps from the many sponsors for tonight’s event. And the table next to them from Midwest Veterinary Supply.
As you can also see from the photos, Steve enjoys making people laugh.
Those are the other qualities that make Steve really special – his kindness and his willingness to help. He often volunteers without asking.
Steve we are happy to give you a 2026 LIVMA Outstanding Corporate Service Award.
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Steve surprised by his collegues from
Midwest Veterinary Supply. |
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Mike Kaplan of Equinox Financial
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Mike Kaplan has been helping members of the Long Island veterinary community for over 30 years to protect their income and assist them as they accumulate, preserve, and transfer their wealth.
Mike has helped LIVMA grow our funds from a few thousand dollars in a checking account at the end of each year, to having the required capital a 501 (c) 6 needs to be properly run under the New York State non-profit requirements.
Mike often volunteers to help sponsor different LIVMA programs. Have you seen tonight’s gift bags? And as mentioned earlier, Mike has submitted numerous financial articles to the LIVMA News over the years. Thank you for those Mike.
Mike Kaplan began his career in the financial services industry in 1993. Recognized for his leadership, outstanding sales performance and service to clients, he has earned numerous awards throughout his career including the industry’s National Quality Award and National Sales Achievement Award.
Committed to professional education, Mike is a fellow of the Life Underwriters Training Council (LUTCF). Additionally, he is a life and qualifying member of the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), an international association of leading financial professionals, recognized for excellence in the life insurance-based financial services industry. Mike is also a member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, Nassau County Chapter and a LIVMA Corporate Supporter.
Mike we are happy to give you a 2026 LIVMA Outstanding Corporate Service Award.
Mike has helped LIVMA grow our funds from a few thousand dollars in a checking account at the end of each year, to having the required capital a 501 (c) 6 needs to be properly run under the New York State non-profit requirements.
Mike often volunteers to help sponsor different LIVMA programs. Have you seen tonight’s gift bags? And as mentioned earlier, Mike has submitted numerous financial articles to the LIVMA News over the years. Thank you for those Mike.
Mike Kaplan began his career in the financial services industry in 1993. Recognized for his leadership, outstanding sales performance and service to clients, he has earned numerous awards throughout his career including the industry’s National Quality Award and National Sales Achievement Award.
Committed to professional education, Mike is a fellow of the Life Underwriters Training Council (LUTCF). Additionally, he is a life and qualifying member of the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), an international association of leading financial professionals, recognized for excellence in the life insurance-based financial services industry. Mike is also a member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, Nassau County Chapter and a LIVMA Corporate Supporter.
Mike we are happy to give you a 2026 LIVMA Outstanding Corporate Service Award.
Remembering 9/11, 25th Anniversary
This September marks the 25th Anniversary of the attacks on the Twin Towers on 9/11 in New York City.
I was 18 years old and a freshman in college.
Here on Long Island many veterinary members and technicians volunteered to work with the rescue and cadaver dogs that combed Ground Zero.
Tonight we have asked two of members to speak for all the volunteers.
First, Dr. Mitch Kornet, who managed the volunteer schedules.
I was 18 years old and a freshman in college.
Here on Long Island many veterinary members and technicians volunteered to work with the rescue and cadaver dogs that combed Ground Zero.
Tonight we have asked two of members to speak for all the volunteers.
First, Dr. Mitch Kornet, who managed the volunteer schedules.
September 11, 2001, Tuesday:
It was a perfect, late-summer day. The morning was crisp and clear at 65 degrees with a deep, cloudless blue sky. That vision is etched in my memory.
On Tuesdays I worked from noon till 8, so at 9 I was off to play tennis in a doubles game that I really loved.
As I was getting ready and about to the leave, there was news bulletin. At 8:46 an unknown plane hit the North Tower of the WTC. I was glued to the TV watching with my wife Renee. It wasn’t clear if it was an accident or something else, so I left at little past 9 to go to my game, but as I was leaving Renee said to me, “do you think you’ll be called in for this?” My answer was no. because the plane crashed in NYC, and NYC must have a disaster preparedness team.
So how did we get involved? LIVMA had a disaster preparedness committee for years, headed by our esteemed member Barry Lissman. In 1997 Barry wanted to step down, and he asked me if I wanted to join the committee. At that time, I agreed to be a part of team that would help organize and go into action in the event of an emergency. I figured that this would be the easiest job in the world. What could happen on Long Island? We had a few ice storms and there weren’t many hurricanes, and the ones we had were only disruptive for a few days. Who ever heard of Sandy. It would be a piece of cake, I thought.
I was a part of an amazing team with 3 other LIVMA members, Dennis Dougherty, Marc Franz and Howard Flinn along with Sue Zizza, our executive director for the last 32 years.
Sue was the magnet, the glue, that unified our team. We thank her for that.
We had our first meeting and we all took on different roles. I said that what I would like to do is compile a list of Long Island animal hospitals that would be willing to treat and take in animals of pet owners who were displaced by a disaster. I wanted that list to be comprehensive and cover all parts of Long Island. My vision of how to get people to volunteer was to actively recruit our members. I thought that an announcement in our newsletter would be impersonal and wouldn’t get much of a response.
So, what I did was call every single LIVMA animal hospital on Long Island and ask every hospital director to help. It took me several months to make all of the calls, but at the end I felt so good and proud to be a vet because over 99% of our member hospitals
enthusiastically signed on to volunteer.
It turned out that NYC did not have an organized plan like we did, and on September 15 we got a call to ask us to supply teams of veterinarians to go to ground zero with their technicians and treat the search and rescue dogs. Our team was ready, and went to work
fast, and we mobilized the most remarkable team of vets to be on site 24 hours a day.
Dennis, Marc and Howard went downtown while I worked the phones to get three LIVMA vets to work 12 hour shifts going from 8 AM to 8 PM then 8 PM to 8 AM.
Was it hard to get vets to volunteer?
September 11 brought a sense of unity to our country that brought everyone together. People of all walks of life wanted to help and only a small percentage of people actually were able to help, and as vets, we had that opportunity.
The response of our members was overwhelming. I didn’t have call anyone. People were calling me and begging me to go down to ground zero to help, and I had no trouble finding vets and their techs to fill the shifts.
One of the biggest problems we had early on was getting to the triage area at ground zero. Security was so tight and there was no clear way for the police at the perimeter to know who was sanctioned to come in. I can’t tell you how many 1 AM calls I received from vets telling me they can’t get to the treatment area. Somehow, we figured it out, and everyone who went, got in.
And word got out around the country about what we were doing and I started getting calls from vets from as far away as Kansas to come down and help. The vet community looked up to what we did at LIVMA. So many of you came down and selflessly gave your time and skills to help the dogs that played such a key role in the search efforts. I know that every one of you feels so good about what you did, and we continue to be so grateful.
On November 3, 2001 I received a call. It was over. They were suspending the search efforts with the dogs, and veterinary services were not needed. Even though the work was exhausting, I felt a tremendous letdown. Our work was done.
But sometime in October of 2001 a reporter from the JAVMA contacted me and wanted to know what it was like for our members to be on the frontline. The reporter asked for a quote about what I thought about the willingness of our veterinarians to get involved
and step up. I got emotional and said, “Let me tell you, this is veterinary medicine’s finest hour.”
When I read what I said in JAVMA, at first, I cringed because I thought maybe what I said was a little too overstated and was too much of a cliché. But looking back now at that time, the way we all worked together, came together and made a difference in the search and rescue efforts, it was our finest hour.
I was so proud then, and I am so proud today to say that I’m a vet and a part of the Long Island Veterinary Medical Association. Thank you all for what you did. You will always be remembered for being there.
~Dr. Mitch Kornet
It was a perfect, late-summer day. The morning was crisp and clear at 65 degrees with a deep, cloudless blue sky. That vision is etched in my memory.
On Tuesdays I worked from noon till 8, so at 9 I was off to play tennis in a doubles game that I really loved.
As I was getting ready and about to the leave, there was news bulletin. At 8:46 an unknown plane hit the North Tower of the WTC. I was glued to the TV watching with my wife Renee. It wasn’t clear if it was an accident or something else, so I left at little past 9 to go to my game, but as I was leaving Renee said to me, “do you think you’ll be called in for this?” My answer was no. because the plane crashed in NYC, and NYC must have a disaster preparedness team.
So how did we get involved? LIVMA had a disaster preparedness committee for years, headed by our esteemed member Barry Lissman. In 1997 Barry wanted to step down, and he asked me if I wanted to join the committee. At that time, I agreed to be a part of team that would help organize and go into action in the event of an emergency. I figured that this would be the easiest job in the world. What could happen on Long Island? We had a few ice storms and there weren’t many hurricanes, and the ones we had were only disruptive for a few days. Who ever heard of Sandy. It would be a piece of cake, I thought.
I was a part of an amazing team with 3 other LIVMA members, Dennis Dougherty, Marc Franz and Howard Flinn along with Sue Zizza, our executive director for the last 32 years.
Sue was the magnet, the glue, that unified our team. We thank her for that.
We had our first meeting and we all took on different roles. I said that what I would like to do is compile a list of Long Island animal hospitals that would be willing to treat and take in animals of pet owners who were displaced by a disaster. I wanted that list to be comprehensive and cover all parts of Long Island. My vision of how to get people to volunteer was to actively recruit our members. I thought that an announcement in our newsletter would be impersonal and wouldn’t get much of a response.
So, what I did was call every single LIVMA animal hospital on Long Island and ask every hospital director to help. It took me several months to make all of the calls, but at the end I felt so good and proud to be a vet because over 99% of our member hospitals
enthusiastically signed on to volunteer.
It turned out that NYC did not have an organized plan like we did, and on September 15 we got a call to ask us to supply teams of veterinarians to go to ground zero with their technicians and treat the search and rescue dogs. Our team was ready, and went to work
fast, and we mobilized the most remarkable team of vets to be on site 24 hours a day.
Dennis, Marc and Howard went downtown while I worked the phones to get three LIVMA vets to work 12 hour shifts going from 8 AM to 8 PM then 8 PM to 8 AM.
Was it hard to get vets to volunteer?
September 11 brought a sense of unity to our country that brought everyone together. People of all walks of life wanted to help and only a small percentage of people actually were able to help, and as vets, we had that opportunity.
The response of our members was overwhelming. I didn’t have call anyone. People were calling me and begging me to go down to ground zero to help, and I had no trouble finding vets and their techs to fill the shifts.
One of the biggest problems we had early on was getting to the triage area at ground zero. Security was so tight and there was no clear way for the police at the perimeter to know who was sanctioned to come in. I can’t tell you how many 1 AM calls I received from vets telling me they can’t get to the treatment area. Somehow, we figured it out, and everyone who went, got in.
And word got out around the country about what we were doing and I started getting calls from vets from as far away as Kansas to come down and help. The vet community looked up to what we did at LIVMA. So many of you came down and selflessly gave your time and skills to help the dogs that played such a key role in the search efforts. I know that every one of you feels so good about what you did, and we continue to be so grateful.
On November 3, 2001 I received a call. It was over. They were suspending the search efforts with the dogs, and veterinary services were not needed. Even though the work was exhausting, I felt a tremendous letdown. Our work was done.
But sometime in October of 2001 a reporter from the JAVMA contacted me and wanted to know what it was like for our members to be on the frontline. The reporter asked for a quote about what I thought about the willingness of our veterinarians to get involved
and step up. I got emotional and said, “Let me tell you, this is veterinary medicine’s finest hour.”
When I read what I said in JAVMA, at first, I cringed because I thought maybe what I said was a little too overstated and was too much of a cliché. But looking back now at that time, the way we all worked together, came together and made a difference in the search and rescue efforts, it was our finest hour.
I was so proud then, and I am so proud today to say that I’m a vet and a part of the Long Island Veterinary Medical Association. Thank you all for what you did. You will always be remembered for being there.
~Dr. Mitch Kornet
The veterinarians working with the police and military dogs that worked Ground Zero faced unique challenges. Dr. Dominic Marino shares some of those experiences.
On September 11th 2001, when the call came to support needed for canine search and rescue teams, the response came from many in our profession. It was vast, sustained, professional, and well organized thanks to the hard work of many, especially those leading the LIVMA Disaster Response Team. The enormity of the events that unfolded cannot be understated and having been present at the earliest moments of the Trade center collapse, neither can the dedication, tenacity and compassion of the veterinary community especially the members of the Long Island Veterinary Medical Association. It was and remains a day of great sorrow for families and friends and a moment of tremendous pride in our profession.
On September 11th 2001, when the call came to support needed for canine search and rescue teams, the response came from many in our profession. It was vast, sustained, professional, and well organized thanks to the hard work of many, especially those leading the LIVMA Disaster Response Team. The enormity of the events that unfolded cannot be understated and having been present at the earliest moments of the Trade center collapse, neither can the dedication, tenacity and compassion of the veterinary community especially the members of the Long Island Veterinary Medical Association. It was and remains a day of great sorrow for families and friends and a moment of tremendous pride in our profession.
There are a number of veterinary volunteers from 9/11 here tonight: Drs. Christine Asaro, Alan Carb, Kevin Cronin, George Dubato, Jason Heller, David Hesen, William Kuhs, Brian Marder, and Harry Penson, along with our Executive Director, Sue Zizza. Thank you all for your service.
Donated Baskets Help Support
LIVMA's Scholarship Program
Click each image for a full view.
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Thanks to our Executive Director Sue Zizza, and her office, for their help in organizing this event. We are delighted to be showcasing some of the best of Long Island’s wines. In December 2024 Sue was awarded the New York State Veterinary Medicine
Outstanding Service to Veterinary Medicine. |
