Meet Our 2026 Honorees
Celebrating Leadership • Generosity • Service • Community
At An American Overture — The Gala, Celebrate St. James is proud to recognize individuals and families whose leadership, generosity, creativity and service have made a meaningful impact on our organization and the St. James community.
At An American Overture — The Gala, Celebrate St. James is proud to recognize individuals and families whose leadership, generosity, creativity and service have made a meaningful impact on our organization and the St. James community.
Honoring Nancy Buzzetta
Managing Partner
Competition Auto Group
Managing Partner
Competition Auto Group
Nancy Buzzetta has been a professional in automotive retail since 1994. She is in a strategic oversight role at the Competition Automotive Group (CAG), where she is a managing partner. Nancy holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Vermont in Business Administration, with a concentration in Accounting. A staunch believer in the value of continuous learning, Nancy recently completed the Wharton School of Business’ C-Suite Global Leadership Program, a one-year course of weekly learning designed for senior leaders and experienced executives working in top-tier roles around the globe. In addition, she has several business mentors and coaches with whom she regularly convenes in order to keep her leadership and life skills progressing.
Prior to joining the family’s automotive business, Nancy worked in the banking and accounting industries and earned her CPA certification from the Vermont State Board of Accountancy. Concurrent with her professional career, she has worked in pursuit of her other passions: spending time with her husband and family (including six dogs and six horses), fitness, gardening, cooking, and philanthropy. Nancy is also a nationally competitive equestrian, competing in top shows around the U.S.
Nancy enjoys an active role in the oversight of CAG, which currently has five franchised dealerships featuring the brands of Mercedes-Benz, Sprinter Vans, BMW, Subaru, and Genesis. The company employs more than 500 people on Long Island. In addition, she is continually focused on the future direction and expansion of the group. Her areas of expertise and involvement in the company include accounting, legal and tax matters, marketing, facility development, client and team relations, and more.
Nancy and the CAG team are proud to support many important organizations in our community but have a truly special place in their hearts for Celebrate St. James, in recognition of the incredible betterment of our town that has been fostered through its efforts.
Prior to joining the family’s automotive business, Nancy worked in the banking and accounting industries and earned her CPA certification from the Vermont State Board of Accountancy. Concurrent with her professional career, she has worked in pursuit of her other passions: spending time with her husband and family (including six dogs and six horses), fitness, gardening, cooking, and philanthropy. Nancy is also a nationally competitive equestrian, competing in top shows around the U.S.
Nancy enjoys an active role in the oversight of CAG, which currently has five franchised dealerships featuring the brands of Mercedes-Benz, Sprinter Vans, BMW, Subaru, and Genesis. The company employs more than 500 people on Long Island. In addition, she is continually focused on the future direction and expansion of the group. Her areas of expertise and involvement in the company include accounting, legal and tax matters, marketing, facility development, client and team relations, and more.
Nancy and the CAG team are proud to support many important organizations in our community but have a truly special place in their hearts for Celebrate St. James, in recognition of the incredible betterment of our town that has been fostered through its efforts.
PAST • PRESENT • FUTURE
A Perspective on Celebrate St. James
A Perspective on Celebrate St. James
PAST: What is it about St. James and this organization that prompted you to become involved?
I grew up in Nissequogue and have so many wonderful memories of this area. When I was a young girl, my neighborhood friends and I would ride our bikes from our neighborhood to the Lake Ave business district, and shop around the 5 & 10 cent store that was next to King Kullen before King Kullen took over the whole space. We would spend hours at the General Store, DeLeyer’s Hollandia Farm (now Silver Oak), and so many other places. We are truly blessed to be part of such a special community. I can’t think of a better place to have grown up, or to be doing business in now. People in this community tend to care about it, and stay here for the long run. That makes for a place worth supporting!
PRESENT: How would you describe your personal feelings about your involvement in the early stages of bringing this vision to life?
When Natalie (Weinstein) shared her vision with me, the first thing that occurred to me was how perfect a location this is, being so close to St. James Elementary School. I immediately thought that this location would be ideal for hosting children’s theatre programs, camps, and hosting parties and events for children and possibly senior citizens that need interesting and enriching activities close to home. I did not realize how much broader of an appeal the Theatre would have and how diverse and extensive (and impressive!), the productions would be.
FUTURE: How do you envision the future of this endeavor?
I think the sky is the limit. I am so impressed and gratified by the level of talent that the theatre has attracted so far. I’m delighted as well to see such broad community interest in what is being offered. I can only hope and pray that things keep progressing in the direction that they have been going. I’m so grateful for everyone that has contributed, volunteered, and gathered resources to apply to this project. Much like a piece of open land that gets developed, if this facility was lost to the community and turned into just another apartment building or storefront, the opportunity to enrich the community would be forever lost.
I grew up in Nissequogue and have so many wonderful memories of this area. When I was a young girl, my neighborhood friends and I would ride our bikes from our neighborhood to the Lake Ave business district, and shop around the 5 & 10 cent store that was next to King Kullen before King Kullen took over the whole space. We would spend hours at the General Store, DeLeyer’s Hollandia Farm (now Silver Oak), and so many other places. We are truly blessed to be part of such a special community. I can’t think of a better place to have grown up, or to be doing business in now. People in this community tend to care about it, and stay here for the long run. That makes for a place worth supporting!
PRESENT: How would you describe your personal feelings about your involvement in the early stages of bringing this vision to life?
When Natalie (Weinstein) shared her vision with me, the first thing that occurred to me was how perfect a location this is, being so close to St. James Elementary School. I immediately thought that this location would be ideal for hosting children’s theatre programs, camps, and hosting parties and events for children and possibly senior citizens that need interesting and enriching activities close to home. I did not realize how much broader of an appeal the Theatre would have and how diverse and extensive (and impressive!), the productions would be.
FUTURE: How do you envision the future of this endeavor?
I think the sky is the limit. I am so impressed and gratified by the level of talent that the theatre has attracted so far. I’m delighted as well to see such broad community interest in what is being offered. I can only hope and pray that things keep progressing in the direction that they have been going. I’m so grateful for everyone that has contributed, volunteered, and gathered resources to apply to this project. Much like a piece of open land that gets developed, if this facility was lost to the community and turned into just another apartment building or storefront, the opportunity to enrich the community would be forever lost.
Honoring Tony Chiofalo
President and Executive Artistic Director
Lighthouse Theatre Company
President and Executive Artistic Director
Lighthouse Theatre Company
Tony Chiofalo is the President, Co-Founder, and Executive Artistic Director of Lighthouse Repertory Theatre Company, the resident theatre company of the Celebrate St. James Center for the Arts.
Tony founded Lighthouse with his wife, Kami Crary, based on the belief that the performing arts can do more than entertain—they can bring people together and make a meaningful difference in the community. Since its founding, Lighthouse has entertained and inspired audiences, provided arts education opportunities for young people, and helped raise awareness and funds for nonprofit organizations throughout Long Island, including Celebrate St. James.
Born and raised on Long Island, Tony attended Centereach High School and later studied acting at the Middle Country Performing Arts High School. Over the years, he has appeared on stages large and small, including the John W. Engeman Theater and The Gateway Playhouse. Today, Tony performs, directs, and produces theatre in St. James and throughout Long Island.
Tony is also a proud U.S. Army veteran, having served nine years in the U.S. Army Signal Corps. In 1996, he deployed to Bosnia-Herzegovina as part of Operation Joint Endeavor, the NATO-led peacekeeping mission—an experience he considers one of the most rewarding of his life.
Following his military service, Tony spent 25 years with IBM as an IT architect and consultant, helping major companies navigate some of the most significant technology transformations of the past several decades, from Y2K and cloud computing to the emergence of artificial intelligence.
Throughout his life, Tony has volunteered his time and talents to local nonprofit organizations. In addition to Lighthouse, he has served on the boards of Celebrate St. James and the Sachem Youth Soccer League, where, as Tournament Director, he organized charity tournaments benefiting local nonprofits. That experience helped shape his belief that the things we love doing can also be used to help others.
Tony lives in Lake Grove with his wife, Kami, and their dog, StanLee. He is the proud father of three grown children: Christina, Emilie, and Vincent.
Whether on a stage, a soccer field, in the military, or serving his community, Tony has always believed that with the right attitude and the right team around you, people can accomplish great things—and make their community a little better in the process.
Tony founded Lighthouse with his wife, Kami Crary, based on the belief that the performing arts can do more than entertain—they can bring people together and make a meaningful difference in the community. Since its founding, Lighthouse has entertained and inspired audiences, provided arts education opportunities for young people, and helped raise awareness and funds for nonprofit organizations throughout Long Island, including Celebrate St. James.
Born and raised on Long Island, Tony attended Centereach High School and later studied acting at the Middle Country Performing Arts High School. Over the years, he has appeared on stages large and small, including the John W. Engeman Theater and The Gateway Playhouse. Today, Tony performs, directs, and produces theatre in St. James and throughout Long Island.
Tony is also a proud U.S. Army veteran, having served nine years in the U.S. Army Signal Corps. In 1996, he deployed to Bosnia-Herzegovina as part of Operation Joint Endeavor, the NATO-led peacekeeping mission—an experience he considers one of the most rewarding of his life.
Following his military service, Tony spent 25 years with IBM as an IT architect and consultant, helping major companies navigate some of the most significant technology transformations of the past several decades, from Y2K and cloud computing to the emergence of artificial intelligence.
Throughout his life, Tony has volunteered his time and talents to local nonprofit organizations. In addition to Lighthouse, he has served on the boards of Celebrate St. James and the Sachem Youth Soccer League, where, as Tournament Director, he organized charity tournaments benefiting local nonprofits. That experience helped shape his belief that the things we love doing can also be used to help others.
Tony lives in Lake Grove with his wife, Kami, and their dog, StanLee. He is the proud father of three grown children: Christina, Emilie, and Vincent.
Whether on a stage, a soccer field, in the military, or serving his community, Tony has always believed that with the right attitude and the right team around you, people can accomplish great things—and make their community a little better in the process.
PAST • PRESENT • FUTURE
A Perspective on Celebrate St. James
A Perspective on Celebrate St. James
PAST: What is it about St. James and this organization that prompted you to become involved?
I remember my wife and I taking a drive down Lake Avenue and admiring the town of St. James. She leaned over and said to me, “All it needs is a Theatre”. Fast forward about a year later and my daughter Emilie told me about this organization she was interning with called “Celebrate St. James”. She said they were “building a theatre or something”. I was sure she was mistaken, but I went to A CSJ open house the next day. That’s when I met Celebrate St. James for the first time and heard about their mission. My immediate response was “How Can I help”. I was introduced to Natalie Weinstein the next day and the rest is history.
PRESENT: How would you describe your personal feelings about your involvement in the early stages of bringing this vision to life?
It was mainly my passion for the arts drove me to want to help Celebrate St. James accomplish their goals. But it was also the people. People like Natalie Weinstein, Jack Ader, and Patricia Clarke. I could tell these were special individuals who had the vision and commitment to make things happen. I immediately found myself drawn to Natalie and we formed a special connection. Early on I could tell there was magic in the air, and this vision had a sense of destiny. Like it was meant to be. And then Natalie taught me the Yiddish word for that…bashert. I believe “bashert” plays out on daily basis at Celebrate St. James, and I’m happy to be a part of it.
FUTURE: How do you envision the future of this endeavor?
The future is bright! I see dozens of young actors and artists buzzing around a completely renovated and sparkling state-of-art 1920’s Art-Deco theatre building. I see sold out houses night after night. Big names, and new faces entertaining, inspiring, and educating the community. I see a further revitalized Lake Avenue, bustling with new businesses driven by the additional foot traffic and tourism that a completed Celebrate St. James Center for the Arts will provide.
I remember my wife and I taking a drive down Lake Avenue and admiring the town of St. James. She leaned over and said to me, “All it needs is a Theatre”. Fast forward about a year later and my daughter Emilie told me about this organization she was interning with called “Celebrate St. James”. She said they were “building a theatre or something”. I was sure she was mistaken, but I went to A CSJ open house the next day. That’s when I met Celebrate St. James for the first time and heard about their mission. My immediate response was “How Can I help”. I was introduced to Natalie Weinstein the next day and the rest is history.
PRESENT: How would you describe your personal feelings about your involvement in the early stages of bringing this vision to life?
It was mainly my passion for the arts drove me to want to help Celebrate St. James accomplish their goals. But it was also the people. People like Natalie Weinstein, Jack Ader, and Patricia Clarke. I could tell these were special individuals who had the vision and commitment to make things happen. I immediately found myself drawn to Natalie and we formed a special connection. Early on I could tell there was magic in the air, and this vision had a sense of destiny. Like it was meant to be. And then Natalie taught me the Yiddish word for that…bashert. I believe “bashert” plays out on daily basis at Celebrate St. James, and I’m happy to be a part of it.
FUTURE: How do you envision the future of this endeavor?
The future is bright! I see dozens of young actors and artists buzzing around a completely renovated and sparkling state-of-art 1920’s Art-Deco theatre building. I see sold out houses night after night. Big names, and new faces entertaining, inspiring, and educating the community. I see a further revitalized Lake Avenue, bustling with new businesses driven by the additional foot traffic and tourism that a completed Celebrate St. James Center for the Arts will provide.
Honoring Michael J. Fitzpatrick
NY State Assemblyman
Assembly District 8
NY State Assemblyman
Assembly District 8
Michael J. Fitzpatrick was elected to the New York State Assembly, representing the 8th Assembly District, on November 5, 2002. Prior to serving in the New York State Assembly, Mr. Fitzpatrick represented the people of Smithtown as an elected member of the Town Board for 15 years, from 1988 through 2002.
Assemblyman Fitzpatrick serves as the Ranking Minority Member of the Housing Committee and is also a member of the Ways and Means, Higher Education, Banks, and Agriculture Committees. Mr. Fitzpatrick is an active member of the New York State Chapter of the Irish Legislators Society and currently serves as the organization’s Vice President.
Active in the community, Assemblyman Fitzpatrick is a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Ancient Order of Hibernians and is a past president of the Board of Trustees of the Cleary School for the Deaf in Nesconset, New York, where he remains an honorary trustee. He was a member of the Suffolk County Charter Revision Commission and the Human Services Committee of the Diocese of Rockville Centre. In addition to his public service, Mr. Fitzpatrick spent more than 20 years in the financial services industry.
Assemblyman Fitzpatrick is a 1975 graduate of Hauppauge High School and a 1979 graduate of St. Michael’s College in Vermont, where he received his B.A. in Business Administration.
Mr. Fitzpatrick was born in Jamaica, Queens, on April 15, 1957, and raised in Hauppauge, Long Island. He is married to the former Lorena Herrera of Chihuahua, Mexico. They have two children: Corina, who is married to Jose, and Michael, who is married to Morgan. The couple resides in the hamlet of St. James in Smithtown and are the proud grandparents of Declan, Maeve, Ridge, and Reese.
Assemblyman Fitzpatrick serves as the Ranking Minority Member of the Housing Committee and is also a member of the Ways and Means, Higher Education, Banks, and Agriculture Committees. Mr. Fitzpatrick is an active member of the New York State Chapter of the Irish Legislators Society and currently serves as the organization’s Vice President.
Active in the community, Assemblyman Fitzpatrick is a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Ancient Order of Hibernians and is a past president of the Board of Trustees of the Cleary School for the Deaf in Nesconset, New York, where he remains an honorary trustee. He was a member of the Suffolk County Charter Revision Commission and the Human Services Committee of the Diocese of Rockville Centre. In addition to his public service, Mr. Fitzpatrick spent more than 20 years in the financial services industry.
Assemblyman Fitzpatrick is a 1975 graduate of Hauppauge High School and a 1979 graduate of St. Michael’s College in Vermont, where he received his B.A. in Business Administration.
Mr. Fitzpatrick was born in Jamaica, Queens, on April 15, 1957, and raised in Hauppauge, Long Island. He is married to the former Lorena Herrera of Chihuahua, Mexico. They have two children: Corina, who is married to Jose, and Michael, who is married to Morgan. The couple resides in the hamlet of St. James in Smithtown and are the proud grandparents of Declan, Maeve, Ridge, and Reese.
PAST • PRESENT • FUTURE
A Perspective on Celebrate St. James
A Perspective on Celebrate St. James
PAST: What is your personal connection with Celebrate St. James?
My connection to CSJ began with Natalie Weinstein and a conversation we had a long time ago regarding the development of this organization and its goals. CSJ is a true 'labor of love' for Natalie and the team she has assembled. The effort to build support for this project has enjoyed steady progress and her, and her team's, persistence is starting to pay real dividends for the St. James community
PRESENT: What does Celebrate St. James mean to you today?
As a longtime resident of St. James, I appreciate the work of this organization to build a stronger community and offer programs to help our neighbors appreciate the history of this beautiful hamlet and understand the many contributions made by its settlers and residents since its founding. To be able to call St. James home is a very special gift and CSJ will endeavor to help all the people of St. James, and beyond, understand how unique that gift is.
FUTURE: How do you envision the future of this endeavor?
The future of CSJ is in the hands of the people who support its efforts to build a strong community. There is a unique opportunity to build the St. James 'brand' through artistic and theatrical programming, lectures, and musical performances. As time marches on, CSJ can be a bridge to the past as well as a conduit to a brighter future for this very special place we are so proud to call home.
My connection to CSJ began with Natalie Weinstein and a conversation we had a long time ago regarding the development of this organization and its goals. CSJ is a true 'labor of love' for Natalie and the team she has assembled. The effort to build support for this project has enjoyed steady progress and her, and her team's, persistence is starting to pay real dividends for the St. James community
PRESENT: What does Celebrate St. James mean to you today?
As a longtime resident of St. James, I appreciate the work of this organization to build a stronger community and offer programs to help our neighbors appreciate the history of this beautiful hamlet and understand the many contributions made by its settlers and residents since its founding. To be able to call St. James home is a very special gift and CSJ will endeavor to help all the people of St. James, and beyond, understand how unique that gift is.
FUTURE: How do you envision the future of this endeavor?
The future of CSJ is in the hands of the people who support its efforts to build a strong community. There is a unique opportunity to build the St. James 'brand' through artistic and theatrical programming, lectures, and musical performances. As time marches on, CSJ can be a bridge to the past as well as a conduit to a brighter future for this very special place we are so proud to call home.
Honoring Sal Formica
Suffolk County Legislator
13th Legislative District
Suffolk County Legislator
13th Legislative District
Sal Formica was born in Brooklyn, New York and is a proud first-generation Italian American. He has been married to his wife, Susan, for nearly 40 years, and together they have three children: Nicholas, Thomas, and Irene.
Sal began his professional career with Chase Manhattan Bank from 1983 to 1993, where, as an Assistant Manager he developed extensive experience in financial management, budgeting, and strategic planning. Sal joined the New York City Police Department in 1990 and rose to the rank of Second-Grade Detective in the elite Emergency Services Unit. During his career, he was a member of the NYPD Sniper Team and the Dignitary Protection Detail, entrusted with safeguarding Presidents of the United States and foreign leaders.
Sal has spent more than three decades serving his community through the Commack Fire Department, where he has served for 34 years and is an Ex-Chief of the Department. He is also a Past President and 25-year member of the Smithtown Chief’s Council. Where he worked closely with first responders and local leaders to support emergency services and public safety initiatives.
Beyond his time in public safety, Sal has been deeply involved in youth and community organizations. He has served for 15 years on the Commack South Little League Board and is a Past President, where he helped guide youth development programs and strengthen opportunities for young athletes.
In addition to his public service, Sal is a successful small business owner. In 2011, he owned and operated Sal’s Ristorante in Smithtown and a few years later opened Bantry Bay Publick House in Commack.
In 2025, he was elected to the Suffolk County Legislature in the 13th District. His district encompasses all of Head of the Harbor, Kings Park, Nissequogue, St. James, as well as portions of Northport, East Northport, Forts Salonga, Smithtown, and Commack.
Sal began his professional career with Chase Manhattan Bank from 1983 to 1993, where, as an Assistant Manager he developed extensive experience in financial management, budgeting, and strategic planning. Sal joined the New York City Police Department in 1990 and rose to the rank of Second-Grade Detective in the elite Emergency Services Unit. During his career, he was a member of the NYPD Sniper Team and the Dignitary Protection Detail, entrusted with safeguarding Presidents of the United States and foreign leaders.
Sal has spent more than three decades serving his community through the Commack Fire Department, where he has served for 34 years and is an Ex-Chief of the Department. He is also a Past President and 25-year member of the Smithtown Chief’s Council. Where he worked closely with first responders and local leaders to support emergency services and public safety initiatives.
Beyond his time in public safety, Sal has been deeply involved in youth and community organizations. He has served for 15 years on the Commack South Little League Board and is a Past President, where he helped guide youth development programs and strengthen opportunities for young athletes.
In addition to his public service, Sal is a successful small business owner. In 2011, he owned and operated Sal’s Ristorante in Smithtown and a few years later opened Bantry Bay Publick House in Commack.
In 2025, he was elected to the Suffolk County Legislature in the 13th District. His district encompasses all of Head of the Harbor, Kings Park, Nissequogue, St. James, as well as portions of Northport, East Northport, Forts Salonga, Smithtown, and Commack.
PAST • PRESENT • FUTURE
A Perspective on Celebrate St. James
A Perspective on Celebrate St. James
PAST: What is your personal connection with Celebrate St. James?
My personal connection with Celebrate St. James is through my role as the Legislator of the 13th Legislative District, where the theater is located. I’m proud to support the theater and its role in our community, including providing omnibus funding to help support its continued success and programming.
PRESENT: What does Celebrate St. James mean to you today?
Celebrate St. James represents a cherished part of our community’s history and a tradition of theater that brings people together. It’s a place where residents and visitors from around the island can come together to enjoy the arts and experience all that our community has to offer.
FUTURE: How do you envision the future of this endeavor?
I envision Celebrate St. James continuing to grow as a destination for the arts, bringing a variety of performances, exhibits, and cultural experiences to the community. Most importantly, I hope it remains a place where people of all ages and generations can come together, enjoy the arts, and create lasting memories.
My personal connection with Celebrate St. James is through my role as the Legislator of the 13th Legislative District, where the theater is located. I’m proud to support the theater and its role in our community, including providing omnibus funding to help support its continued success and programming.
PRESENT: What does Celebrate St. James mean to you today?
Celebrate St. James represents a cherished part of our community’s history and a tradition of theater that brings people together. It’s a place where residents and visitors from around the island can come together to enjoy the arts and experience all that our community has to offer.
FUTURE: How do you envision the future of this endeavor?
I envision Celebrate St. James continuing to grow as a destination for the arts, bringing a variety of performances, exhibits, and cultural experiences to the community. Most importantly, I hope it remains a place where people of all ages and generations can come together, enjoy the arts, and create lasting memories.
Honoring Kerry J. Maher-Weisse
CEO
St. James Funeral Home
Lake Avenue Florals
Bloom
CEO
St. James Funeral Home
Lake Avenue Florals
Bloom
PAST • PRESENT • FUTURE
A Perspective on Celebrate St. James
A Perspective on Celebrate St. James
PAST: What is your personal connection with Celebrate St. James?
I am so happy that I suggested the Celebrate founders (Natalie, Jack and Arline) form a separate organization. In 2017, they joined the Community Association of Greater St. James and offered to form a cultural arts committee for the town. I knew they could accomplish more if they formed their own non-profit. Look what has been achieved in the nine short years they have been an organization - amazing beyond words!
PRESENT: What does Celebrate St. James mean to you today?
Celebrate St. James has become a home for the arts for our community - the community I love and have lived in all my life. Now my own children are growing up here. They, like so many other children and families, have a place to go and grow - have fun, make new friends and learn so much about our town's history. They are becoming involved in meaningful activities and developing interests they can take with them for the rest of their lives.
FUTURE: How do you envision the future of this endeavor?
What Celebrate St. James has already given our community - the park, the theatre, the classes for adults and children, the art shows - is so much. Our town has such a wonderful history, a good deal yet unknown to our residents. Now there is a place to celebrate it not only for our families, but for the entire region - and not just for now, but for future generations. Celebrate St. James is creating a living legacy, one of which we can all be proud.
I am so happy that I suggested the Celebrate founders (Natalie, Jack and Arline) form a separate organization. In 2017, they joined the Community Association of Greater St. James and offered to form a cultural arts committee for the town. I knew they could accomplish more if they formed their own non-profit. Look what has been achieved in the nine short years they have been an organization - amazing beyond words!
PRESENT: What does Celebrate St. James mean to you today?
Celebrate St. James has become a home for the arts for our community - the community I love and have lived in all my life. Now my own children are growing up here. They, like so many other children and families, have a place to go and grow - have fun, make new friends and learn so much about our town's history. They are becoming involved in meaningful activities and developing interests they can take with them for the rest of their lives.
FUTURE: How do you envision the future of this endeavor?
What Celebrate St. James has already given our community - the park, the theatre, the classes for adults and children, the art shows - is so much. Our town has such a wonderful history, a good deal yet unknown to our residents. Now there is a place to celebrate it not only for our families, but for the entire region - and not just for now, but for future generations. Celebrate St. James is creating a living legacy, one of which we can all be proud.
Honoring Brooke Shatles
Co-Founder & CEO
Answering Legal
Ring Savvy
Co-Founder & CEO
Answering Legal
Ring Savvy
Brooke Shatles’ connection to St. James is deeply personal. It is the community where she raised her three sons, built lifelong friendships, and created countless family memories. For Brooke, supporting St. James has always been about giving back to a place that has given so much to her and her family.
From the earliest days of Celebrate St. James, Brooke believed in its mission and in the vision of restoring the historic Calderone Theatre and transforming it into the St. James Community Cultural Arts Center. She was proud to support Natalie Weinstein and the organization as that ambitious vision began to take shape, and she has remained a dedicated volunteer, supporter, and donor throughout its journey.
Brooke’s involvement comes from a genuine love for the community and the people who make it special. She believes strongly in preserving the history and character of St. James while creating something meaningful for future generations—a place where people can gather, experience the arts, celebrate local talent, and continue building a strong sense of community.
Beyond her work with Celebrate St. James, Brooke is a business owner and entrepreneur who, together with her husband, Rob, has built and grown successful businesses while raising their family. Despite the demands of business and family life, community involvement and philanthropy have remained important priorities.
Brooke is especially proud to see how far Celebrate St. James has come and is excited about what lies ahead. She views the Cultural Arts Center as more than the restoration of a historic building; she sees it as an investment in the future of St. James and a legacy that will serve the community for generations.
Being honored by Celebrate St. James is particularly meaningful to Brooke because it comes from a community that has been such an important part of her life. She is grateful to Natalie, the board, the volunteers, the donors, and everyone whose dedication continues to turn a once-imagined dream into reality.
Most of all, Brooke is honored to have played a small part in helping build something that will continue bringing people together and enriching the community she will always consider home.
From the earliest days of Celebrate St. James, Brooke believed in its mission and in the vision of restoring the historic Calderone Theatre and transforming it into the St. James Community Cultural Arts Center. She was proud to support Natalie Weinstein and the organization as that ambitious vision began to take shape, and she has remained a dedicated volunteer, supporter, and donor throughout its journey.
Brooke’s involvement comes from a genuine love for the community and the people who make it special. She believes strongly in preserving the history and character of St. James while creating something meaningful for future generations—a place where people can gather, experience the arts, celebrate local talent, and continue building a strong sense of community.
Beyond her work with Celebrate St. James, Brooke is a business owner and entrepreneur who, together with her husband, Rob, has built and grown successful businesses while raising their family. Despite the demands of business and family life, community involvement and philanthropy have remained important priorities.
Brooke is especially proud to see how far Celebrate St. James has come and is excited about what lies ahead. She views the Cultural Arts Center as more than the restoration of a historic building; she sees it as an investment in the future of St. James and a legacy that will serve the community for generations.
Being honored by Celebrate St. James is particularly meaningful to Brooke because it comes from a community that has been such an important part of her life. She is grateful to Natalie, the board, the volunteers, the donors, and everyone whose dedication continues to turn a once-imagined dream into reality.
Most of all, Brooke is honored to have played a small part in helping build something that will continue bringing people together and enriching the community she will always consider home.
PAST • PRESENT • FUTURE
A Perspective on Celebrate St. James
A Perspective on Celebrate St. James
PAST: What is your personal connection with Celebrate St. James?
St. James has always held a special place in my heart because it's where I raised my three boys, and it will always feel like home to our family. Since the very beginning, it has been a privilege to support this organization through both volunteering and giving. I believe deeply in its mission, am continually inspired by the incredible people involved, and find it truly rewarding to be part of something that gives back to the community in such a meaningful way.
PRESENT: What does Celebrate St. James mean to you today?
It has been incredibly rewarding to be part of the journey from the very beginning. Watching Nat's vision of transforming the historic Calderone Theatre into the St. James Community Arts Center evolved from an idea into a reality has been both inspiring and humbling. Being able to help during the early planning and construction stages, and to see the community come together around a shared dream, has been a privilege. Knowing that this space will enrich the lives of generations to come makes every effort along the way feel worthwhile.
FUTURE: How do you envision the future of this endeavor?
I envision the St. James Community Arts Center becoming a lasting cornerstone of our community—a place where people of all ages can come together to learn, create, perform, and connect. I hope it inspires creativity, builds lifelong friendships, and provides opportunities that enrich lives for generations to come. Most of all, I believe it will leave a meaningful and enduring legacy in St. James, strengthening the sense of community that makes this town so special.
St. James has always held a special place in my heart because it's where I raised my three boys, and it will always feel like home to our family. Since the very beginning, it has been a privilege to support this organization through both volunteering and giving. I believe deeply in its mission, am continually inspired by the incredible people involved, and find it truly rewarding to be part of something that gives back to the community in such a meaningful way.
PRESENT: What does Celebrate St. James mean to you today?
It has been incredibly rewarding to be part of the journey from the very beginning. Watching Nat's vision of transforming the historic Calderone Theatre into the St. James Community Arts Center evolved from an idea into a reality has been both inspiring and humbling. Being able to help during the early planning and construction stages, and to see the community come together around a shared dream, has been a privilege. Knowing that this space will enrich the lives of generations to come makes every effort along the way feel worthwhile.
FUTURE: How do you envision the future of this endeavor?
I envision the St. James Community Arts Center becoming a lasting cornerstone of our community—a place where people of all ages can come together to learn, create, perform, and connect. I hope it inspires creativity, builds lifelong friendships, and provides opportunities that enrich lives for generations to come. Most of all, I believe it will leave a meaningful and enduring legacy in St. James, strengthening the sense of community that makes this town so special.