What a beautiful start to our new monthly series, Tuesdays with Carolyn Benson!
Yesterday’s kickoff was a true success, as community members from near and far gathered for an afternoon filled with Irish tunes and heartfelt ballads. People came, listened, enjoyed delicious treats, danced—and even got up on stage to join in the fun! It was such a joyful, lively afternoon.
A huge thank you to Carolyn Benson ( carolynbensonofficial ) for generously donating her time and talent to make this a free event for all. We are so grateful for your artistry and spirit, and a special shoutout to paul_mahos who jumped in as a surprise guest and treated us to a few tunes of his own—such a fun and memorable addition!
We’d also like to thank Saint James Bagels for donating delicious bagels and The Rolling Pin Bake Shop for the wonderful cookies and treats—your generosity made the gathering even more warm, welcoming, and sweet.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, mingled, danced, and made the day so special. This is what community is all about.
Next up: Tuesday, April 14 – Songs from Legendary Women
Don’t miss it!
A huge thank you to Carolyn Benson ( carolynbensonofficial ) for generously donating her time and talent to make this a free event for all. We are so grateful for your artistry and spirit, and a special shoutout to paul_mahos who jumped in as a surprise guest and treated us to a few tunes of his own—such a fun and memorable addition!
We’d also like to thank Saint James Bagels for donating delicious bagels and The Rolling Pin Bake Shop for the wonderful cookies and treats—your generosity made the gathering even more warm, welcoming, and sweet.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, mingled, danced, and made the day so special. This is what community is all about.
Next up: Tuesday, April 14 – Songs from Legendary Women
Don’t miss it!
A Celebration of Creativity, Culture, and Community
5/18/2025
On Sunday, May 18, the St. James Community Cultural Arts Center was alive with color, music, and joyful energy as we proudly hosted a vibrant Children’s Art Show, presented in collaboration with the New York Fine Arts Society and We Art Education.
The galleries were filled with stunning artwork created by talented young students from across Nassau County and our own St. James community. The event was beautifully orchestrated by Rex Rivolo, NYFAS President, Yuka Rivolo, producer, and Jack Ader, who together welcomed families to a heartwarming celebration of children's artistic achievement.
🌟 With proud parents looking on, students received well-deserved awards for their creativity, while fellow young artists shared their musical gifts, filling the space with live performances that added an unforgettable harmony to the afternoon.
This event was more than just an art show—it was a celebration of how art and music transcend boundaries, connecting culturally diverse communities through shared expression and beauty.
We are honored to have hosted this meaningful day and remain committed to fostering the next generation of artists and musicians right here in St. James. Bravo to all the young participants—you inspired us all!
On Sunday, May 18, the St. James Community Cultural Arts Center was alive with color, music, and joyful energy as we proudly hosted a vibrant Children’s Art Show, presented in collaboration with the New York Fine Arts Society and We Art Education.
The galleries were filled with stunning artwork created by talented young students from across Nassau County and our own St. James community. The event was beautifully orchestrated by Rex Rivolo, NYFAS President, Yuka Rivolo, producer, and Jack Ader, who together welcomed families to a heartwarming celebration of children's artistic achievement.
🌟 With proud parents looking on, students received well-deserved awards for their creativity, while fellow young artists shared their musical gifts, filling the space with live performances that added an unforgettable harmony to the afternoon.
This event was more than just an art show—it was a celebration of how art and music transcend boundaries, connecting culturally diverse communities through shared expression and beauty.
We are honored to have hosted this meaningful day and remain committed to fostering the next generation of artists and musicians right here in St. James. Bravo to all the young participants—you inspired us all!
A Sweet Evening with Ruth Harrigan
5/13/2025
Thank you to everyone who joined us on Tuesday night for our latest Community Meet & Greet! We were thrilled to welcome Ruth Harrigan--NYC beekeeper, entrepreneur, and founder of HoneyGramz and Mee Beauty--as our special guest speaker.
Ruth’s journey from a career in finance to full-time beekeeper and pollinator advocate was both inspiring and entertaining. From receiving chickens as a birthday gift to creating heartfelt honey-grams and bee-friendly skincare, Ruth reminded us how life’s unexpected turns can lead to beautiful, meaningful passions.
Her honey samples were a definite hit--delicious, creative, and straight from the hive! We’re so grateful to Ruth for sharing her time, her story, and of course, her honey with us.
A big thank-you as well to everyone who came out and made it such a fun and engaging evening. Your presence and energy made all the difference!
Be on the lookout for our next Meet & Greet--we’ve got more inspiring guests and great community moments to come.
Until then, enjoy a few photos from the event below!
🐝💛
--The Celebrate St. James Team
Ruth’s journey from a career in finance to full-time beekeeper and pollinator advocate was both inspiring and entertaining. From receiving chickens as a birthday gift to creating heartfelt honey-grams and bee-friendly skincare, Ruth reminded us how life’s unexpected turns can lead to beautiful, meaningful passions.
Her honey samples were a definite hit--delicious, creative, and straight from the hive! We’re so grateful to Ruth for sharing her time, her story, and of course, her honey with us.
A big thank-you as well to everyone who came out and made it such a fun and engaging evening. Your presence and energy made all the difference!
Be on the lookout for our next Meet & Greet--we’ve got more inspiring guests and great community moments to come.
Until then, enjoy a few photos from the event below!
🐝💛
--The Celebrate St. James Team
Celebrating Community at the Ronald McDonald Foundation Run
5/10/2025
On May 10th, Celebrate St. James proudly participated in supporting a local nonprofit at the Ronald McDonald Foundation Run, benefiting their new home in Stony Brook. It was a beautiful morning filled with community spirit, and we were thrilled to stand alongside other local businesses in support of such a meaningful cause.
Our team also hosted a coloring contest, inviting local children to imagine and design the future St. James Theatre. The entries were anonymous, and the winner was selected through a public voting survey. We’re excited to announce that the winning artist is Michelle Vitebski! Her vibrant and imaginative rendition of the theatre building will be proudly displayed in the St. James Theatre lobby.
Come check it out and celebrate the incredible creativity of our young community members!
A heartfelt thank you to Cynthia Lippe and her team for organizing this fantastic event—and to everyone who came out to support us.
It’s moments like these, and people like you, that help our community shine brighter every day.
Our team also hosted a coloring contest, inviting local children to imagine and design the future St. James Theatre. The entries were anonymous, and the winner was selected through a public voting survey. We’re excited to announce that the winning artist is Michelle Vitebski! Her vibrant and imaginative rendition of the theatre building will be proudly displayed in the St. James Theatre lobby.
Come check it out and celebrate the incredible creativity of our young community members!
A heartfelt thank you to Cynthia Lippe and her team for organizing this fantastic event—and to everyone who came out to support us.
It’s moments like these, and people like you, that help our community shine brighter every day.
