Quarterly NEST Minutes

May 2018

IN THIS ISSUE
Food Pantry Role
Model
Local Business
Support
Laughter Welcome!
Donating to the NEST A nother academic year has come and gone. We’ve taught our classes, participated in the many
activities of our college and worked with students in and beyond our classrooms to encourage
their persistence, success and satisfaction. Hopefully, we will all get to enjoy at least some downtime
BOCES Assistance over the summer as we “recharge” for the Fall.

Community Service With the support of so many folks on and off our campus, The NEST has experienced great growth
Projects in both the number of guests we have served and the amount of food, household products, personal
items and other support we have been able to give to the NCC community. We’re proud to report
Day of Service that The NEST hosted 2100 guest visits between September and May of this year and provided
1500 lbs. of food and other items to our guests each week. This remarkable support is made possible
through the efforts of many people and events including the “Shear” Love Event, the Annual FYE
NEST Guest Day of Service and The NEST Comedy Event which are featured in this our final Newsletter of
the year. We’re also sharing stories and photos of our Awards Ceremony for our Nassau BOCES
Volunteer Social student volunteers, The NEST Staff Social and introductions to members of our staff and gracious
guests.
Spotlight
Please know that while The NEST will not hold regular hours over the summer, if someone needs
assistance, he or she can call the phone number which will be posted on the door of The NEST and
we will try our best to open S 118 on a contingency basis.
Written by
Gina Esposito-Sales (SPS) Thank you for reading our Newsletter. Have a great summer; we look forward to seeing you in
and Chris Berg (RDG/BEP) September.
with the help of
The NEST PR Committee. Photographed: Student volunteers helping stock The NEST’s shelves.

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 The NEST Continues to be a Role Model
for Future Campus Food Pantries
H elen Rice (RDG/BEP) and Sharon Masrour (RDG/BEP) spent the day in
Albany, NY as part of the Governor’s Food Insecurity Task Force. The
NEST was invited by Governor Cuomo’s office to participate and assist
in his recent mandate to have an active food pantry on every SUNY and
CUNY campus.

After having met with our representative from The NEST and becoming
familiar with our operation, the Governor’s office has recognized The
NEST at NCC as a model for other pantries. The NEST is thrilled to be
given this honor as we now continue to work with many other campuses
as they use our pantry as the template for best practices.

Photograph: Helen Rice (RDG/BEP) in Albany, NY

A Loving Local Business

Owner Supports
The NEST
O n February 13, 2018, Vilma Sosa, the owner
and chief operator of La Dolce Vita, hosted a
fundraiser for The NEST. Vilma titled the fundraiser
“Shear” Love and opened her salon, which is located
at 172 North Long Beach Road in Rockville Centre,
on a Tuesday just for the event.

Vilma offered a free haircut to anyone who made

a donation to The NEST on that day. Flyers were
distributed at The NEST and throughout the
neighboring communities and the response was
wonderful. Ms. Sosa raised $125.00 and collected
three large cartons and several bags of food for our
pantry.

Vilma said that she would like to repeat this event in the future and looks forward to an even bigger response. We thank Vilma and
her associates for their generosity.

Thank you again to Vilma Sosa at La Dolce Vita at 172 North Long Beach Rd, Rockville Centre.

Photograph: Vilma Sosa with participating clients at La Dolce Vita.

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 Women’s
HERstory Month
Helps to Support
The NEST
T hank you to student
clubs, the PRIDE Club
and NYPIRG, for their
support in fundraising
personal hygiene items to
donate to The NEST. During
the month of March, in
honor of Women’s History
Month, the clubs collected
personal care items,
cosmetics, stockings, hair

Laughter is Always Welcomed! ties and sanitary products

at various drop-off boxes

W ith the support of the NCC Foundation, NCCFT and NCCAFA, The NEST around campus. Many
committee was welcomed back to Governors Comedy Club in Levittown, for an guests benefited from this
evening of fun, fun, fundraising! NEST guests, NCC staff and employees all gathered fundraiser. Thank you to all
on April 12th for an evening full of laughter and prizes to support The NEST. Comedian of those who donated.
Tim Krompier, son of AFA President Stef Krompier, gave us a hilarious performance.
Headliner and renowned comedian, Adam Ferrara, flew in from LA to try out some new
material on the NCC crowd.

Many thanks go to our NEST volunteers helping to sell tickets, raffles and run the
event. Many thanks to our supporters extraordinaire who contributed baskets and
donated tickets. Thank you Jean Miller (RDG/BEP), Staci Ganson (RDG/BEP),
Kelly Gilpin (RDG/BEP), Carl Vinas (RDG/BEP), President of the AFA Stefan
Krompier, Jen Kohut (RDG/BEP), Vice President of the NCCFT Dawn Smith (SPS),
Joy DeDonato (NCC Foundation), Rudy Breedy (NCC Foundation), Colleen O’Hara
(NCC Foundation), Jorge Gardyn (Nassau Community College Board of Trustees),
Carol Chyriwski (Student Financial Affairs), Ana O’Gorman (CSEA), Aurora Workman
(Alumni Association), Helen Rice (RDG/BEP), Valerie Fasanello (RDG/BEP),
Demetrius Watkins (SPS), Dean Karras (HED), and Bob Costello (CRJ).

The NEST thanks the NCCFT, AFA and the Foundation for their generous support.
The NEST is so grateful to all those who came out to Governor’s Comedy Club and
helped raise money through the tickets sales and raffles. It truly was a great time for all!
Please consider attending our future comedy events!

Photograph: Celebrating after the show, Mustapha Masrour, Tim Krompier, comedians from
the evening, Sharon Masrour (RDG/BEP), Amanda Vesey-Askey, comedian Adam Ferrara,
Hannah Duffin (NCC Graduate and Founding Student Member of The NEST)
Second photo: Tim Krompier (comedian), Stef Krompier (President of the AFA), Dawn Smith
(Vice President of the NCCFT) and Jean Miller (RDG/BEP) calling off raffle prize winners.)

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Nassau BOCES Students Are
Always Ready to Assist!
C ommittee Chairs Sue Newlin-Wagner (RDG/BEP) and
Nicole Forchelli (RDG/BEP) arranged a lovely reception to
thank our fabulous BOCES volunteers for their year of continued
service. The Nassau BOCES students take a class at NCC every
Tuesday, through which they devote themselves to working at The
NEST at that time. The students sort the inventory, straighten the
shelves and place items on display. The class activities are arranged
by Linda Lopez from the Nassau BOCES Transition Initiatives.
Students are supervised by BOCES teacher Carol Miller and
classroom aide Teri Marcinte.

The group enjoyed bagels, juice and snacks together. Committee

Chairs, Sue and Nicole, presented the students with certificates of
appreciation for their help and support throughout the year.

Photograph: Sue Newlin-Wagner (RDG/BEP) presenting the

certificates.
Second photo: Nassau BOCES students and teachers gather at The
NEST, with Sharon Masrour (RDG/BEP), Sue Wagner-Newlin (REG/
BEP), Valerie Fasanello (RDG/BEP) and Nicole Forchelli (RDG/BEP)
cheering them on!
Third photo: Sue Newlin-Wagner (RDG/BEP) and Nicole Forchelli
(RDG/BEP) look on as student received certificates.

Please Be Our Guest, Meet Our Guest!

Guest’s Name: Justin
Are you a student or staff member? A freshman student, started in Spring
2018. Studying Health Studies
What do you enjoy about visiting The NEST? The people are very nice and
warm to me. I look forward to visiting The NEST in the morning before my
classes.
Has any volunteer helped to make the experience particularly positive for
you? Yes, one time a student volunteer shared with me how much he enjoys
the opportunity to be a part of The NEST.

Photograph: Student Justin, NEST Guest

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 Community Service Project Supports
The NEST at NCC
J ohn Southard, son of Adjunct RDG/BEP Professor Jen Southard, ran a school
supply drive for his Confirmation Community Service project this winter.
John, 13 years old and in the 7th grade, will be making his Confirmation at St.
Peter of Alcantara Church next year. He spent a few months collecting school
supplies and then helped to deliver the donation to The NEST with his mom.
John said he was very happy to help The NEST and it made him feel great to
help other students.

Photograph: John Southard at The NEST with his donation.

Volunteers Shining Bright at

the Annual Day of Service
O n Thursday April 19th the NCC college community
shared in endless fun and volunteer opportunities at the
Annual Day of Service organized by the First Year Experience
Committee. Events were held all over campus to encourage
students and staff to get involved in volunteer work. Sharon
Masrour (RDG/BEP), Helen Rice (RDG/BEP) and many
student volunteers staffed a table to collect food donations.
Other students made their way around the CCB and the
campus collecting cash donations. The food that was collected
will stock the shelves through the next few months for our
summer guests.

Photograph: Students, Flor Centeno, Isaiah Hall and Oscar Ramirez

with Sharon Masrour (RDG/BEP) at the Day of Service.
Second photo: Student, Leneisha McNair, welcoming Day of
Service participants to donate to The NEST.

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The NEST Volunteer Social
T he NEST volunteers were invited to attend a gathering of thanks and appreciation in the Career Counseling Office on
May 1st. The event was hosted by The NEST Staffing and Volunteer Coordinating Committee Chairs Laura Smith, Connie
Egelman and Faiza Shah. Many student, faculty and staff volunteers gathered to relax, share some food and reflect on their vital
role in operating The NEST each and every day. Volunteers were presented with a Certificate of Appreciation for their service for
this academic year.

Photograph: Staff members, Cathy Lewis (SPS), Connie Egelman (SPS) and Laura Smith (SPS)
Photograph: Student Volunteers
Photograph: Student Volunteers
Photograph: Student Ryan Ramsaroop, Staff Volunteer Carol Chyriwski (Student Financial Affairs) and Lauren Quigley
(Student Financial Affairs)

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Volunteer Spotlight

Name: Lauren Quigley

NCC Department: Student Financial Affairs
How many hours a week do you volunteer
at The NEST? I volunteer on my lunch hour
one day a week, usually on Mondays.
What is the most rewarding part of
volunteering at The NEST? It is a great
feeling to know that we are helping people
with the basic need of food. It is terrible
that people have to go hungry. The Nest
provides food, health supplies and various
donations including toys and school
supplies.
What is one of the greatest strengths of The NEST? One of the greatest strengths of The NEST is that not only
does it provide basic necessities for people – it is done in a welcoming, warm environment. I don’t think people are
nervous or intimidated to come in.

Name: Elizabeth Abele

NCC Department: English
How many hours a week do you volunteer: From one to four hours
What do you do as a volunteer for The NEST? Staff / Co-department rep / thank-yous
What is the most rewarding part of volunteering with the NEST? It is great hearing students’ commitment to
their education, despite their personal hurdles - with The NEST making a difference. It is also a pleasure to work
with student volunteers who take the time to help other students in need as they work toward their own goals. I am
touched by the generous donations that individuals and departments bring to stock The NEST. Kim Ballerini, my
co-department rep, asked her son to decorate a collection box for our department. Her son and husband built and
painted a wooden box, that our colleagues keep filled to help at-risk students.
What do you feel is the greatest strength of the NEST at NCC? The NEST is a collaborative accomplishment,
bringing together students, administration and faculty to support our most vulnerable students.

Name: Barbara Cestaro

NCC Department: Office of Academic Affairs
How many hours a week do you volunteer? One or two hours each week as needed
What do you do as a volunteer for The NEST? Help guests who come in and supervise the students
volunteering.
What is the most rewarding part of volunteering with The NEST? Being a part of an organization that provides
assistance to those in need.
What do you feel is the greatest strength of The NEST at NCC? That guests can feel comfortable knowing that
assistance is available right on campus.

Name: Laura Smith

NCC Department: Student Personnel Services, Career Counseling
How many hours a week do you volunteer? It varies.
What do you do as a volunteer for The NEST? I am Co-Chair of the Volunteer Training Committee. I plan and
conduct orientations for new volunteers.
What is the most rewarding part of volunteering with The NEST? Training new volunteers and helping raise
awareness of hunger and food insecurity on our campus is incredibly rewarding.
What do you feel is the greatest strength of The NEST at NCC? Our volunteers are our greatest strength. The
NEST has grown in size over the last few years and volunteers give so much time and energy to make it work.

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 One Education Drive Non-Profit Org.
US Postage
Garden City, NY 11530-6793
PAID
Garden City, NY
Permit No. 71

at NCC
A food pantry
Nassau: Empowerment and Support for Tomorrow

Please think about volunteering! Located: South Hall Room 118

If you are in need, bring your NCC ID and Mon 11:00 am–1:00 pm

we will provide groceries for your family! Tues 11:30 am–1:00 pm

& 4:00 pm–6:00 pm
Wed 2:00 pm–4:00 pm
Visit us on our website for more information at
Thurs 11:00 am–1:30 pm
nestncc.weebly.com
Fri 11:00 am–1:00 pm

Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/TheNESTatNCC Follow us on Twitter: @foodinthenest