Meet Matthew

Every Success Begins With A Dream…Every Success Begins With A Dream…

We are bursting with pride to share a beautiful success story from our Butler Center for Children & Adults with Special Needs! Meet Matthew Tolson, a shining star who has been illuminating our Butler Theater Company for the past two years. From playing Carlos in “Disney’s Descendants The Musical” to embodying Peter Pan and stirring hearts as the Scarecrow in “The Wizard of Oz,” Matthew’s talent and passion for the stage are nothing short of inspiring!

Matthew’s dream has always been to perform on Broadway, and we’re thrilled to announce that he took a giant leap towards that dream this summer! After auditioning with Epic Players, an Inclusion Theater Company in New York City, he was cast in an Off-Broadway show—a dazzling 90’s Cabaret Costume Party! Matthew spectacularly sang “Creep” in a duet that had the audience cheering. His journey reminds us that with hard work, determination, and a supportive community, dreams truly can come true.

In Matthew’s own words, “Dreams really do come true. I worked so hard to get here! I always dreamed of performing on Broadway. I’m so grateful for everyone cheering me on.”

At the SYJCC we celebrate every dreamer’s chance to shine on stage and beyond.

Meet Maria and Chris Tartamella

Maria is a full-time teacher living in Suffolk County with her family, including her son Chris. Chris is 23 years old and has special needs. After Chris graduated High School, Maria was looking for structured programming and a sense of community for Chris with people his own age. They joined the Suffolk Y JCC in February 2022 following an intake with the Butler Center for Special Needs. With no expectation and a little apprehension, Maria instantly felt a feel of inclusiveness, welcoming and a sense of home. During the intake, Maria and Chris took a tour of the facility and sampled a Butler Adult Community Class, Spin. Chris was welcomed with open arms and was invited to participate. Chris took to the class immediately while Maria observed with tears of hope and joy. She couldn’t believe how happy Chris looked and how all the staff and participants immediately embraced him and thus a new community for Chris formed. Both Maria and her husband work full time.

The SYJCC has given their family the opportunity to have a place for Chris to go where he is safe, accepted, and loved. Not only did they find a community for Chris, but the SYJCC became a community for their entire family.

Meet Jodie

Jodie is a full-time working mom who lives in Commack with her husband Alex and adorable 2-year-old daughter Harley. They joined the Suffolk Y JCC in March of 2021 looking for a sense of community and connection to other families seeking the same thing. They immediately enrolled Harley in the Early Learning Center for school, where she is happy, learning, making friends, thriving, and most importantly, her parents know she’s safe and loved! Since joining, Jodie and her family have participated in many programs that have given them the connection they were looking for, from family swim at our outdoor pool to “parent and me” yoga classes.

Jodie boasts about her time in our young mom’s Mah Jongg class where she met a group of moms she instantly connected with. Finding other moms who just “get it” helps her get through day-to-day mommy experiences with shoulders to lean on and friends to listen. Both Jodie and Alex enjoy use of the indoor pool and gym in the Fitness Center. They both have taken group fitness classes, where she has found the instructors to be incredibly welcoming and patient, making her feel comfortable each time she tries a new class. Jodie shared that she feels important and valued at the SYJCC, as she has participated in focus groups where she has had the opportunity to give feedback. She felt heard and is pleased that so many new programs geared toward young families have been created to help foster the sense of community, she and her family were initially seeking from the SYJCC.

Jodie and her family see themselves being part of the Suffolk Y JCC for many years to come and we love having them here as part of our SYJCC FAMILY!

Meet Harriet and Bob Gold

Harriet and Bob have been members of SYJCC since the early 1980’s. They became members when their son was employed in the Fitness Center, with Bob becoming active first, enjoying the pool and gym. Bob convinced Harriet to try out some exercise classes, and thus began Harriet’s love of Zumba. Now, the Golds, who are both retired, are here at least four days per week. They take advantage of the entire facility, participating in discussion groups, special programs, luncheons and of course Fitness activities. In addition, Bob is a veteran and an active member of the Jewish War Veterans – Post 488, which meets at the SYJCC regularly.

Since our volunteer department’s inception, the Golds have become extremely involved helping at book fairs, outdoor festivals, special Jewish holiday programs and annual Golf Outing. This year, they took on the added role of bagel deliverers, bringing in donated bagels and bagging them for distribution to those dealing with food insecurity living on Long Island, via the SYJCC Community Pantry.

The SYJCC keeps the Golds busy and active, and they consider the SYJCC a home-away-from-home. The Golds feel that volunteering here is a way to give back to the SYJCC. They volunteer to ensure that SYJCC will continue to flourish.

Meet Stan Braunstein

I have been a member of SYJCC for 17 years and my wife has been a member twice as long. When I retired, I quickly realized I needed something to do. I started accompanying my wife to programs. She was a member of the Women’s Club, and I, shortly after, joined the Men’s Club. We were also active participants in the Couples, and Retirement Clubs, enjoying many activities and trips. A few years ago, I got involved running Current Events and other programs. I became the Men’s Club president two years ago. We attend many programs and special events and have made many friends at the Suffolk Y JCC.

Overall, the Suffolk Y JCC added a wonderful dimension to my life after retirement and continues to play a large role in our social life and enjoyment of our retirement years.

For Stan, he found the Sense of Community and the Connection he was looking for, right here at the SYJCC.

Meet Don Schneider

Don’s journey with SYJCC began after the loss of his beloved wife, when he found solace and support through our bereavement support groups. It was here that Don not only found comfort but also built lasting friendships—many of which continue to thrive today. Don is the one who spearheads group texts to organize dinners at the diner, staying connected with his fellow group members and spreading warmth and camaraderie.

Over the years, Don’s involvement with the SYJCC has only grown. He is a regular attendee of the Current Events lectures, an active participant in VERVE 55+ activities, and has even joined in the fun of line dancing with the Social Singles Club. But perhaps Don’s greatest contribution has been his work as a lead volunteer at The Community Pantry at SYJCC. There, he’s a constant presence—mentoring fellow volunteers, unloading deliveries, stocking shelves, and forming meaningful connections with pantry shoppers.

Don’s story is a reminder of the power of community—how we come together to support one another in times of need and how, through dedication and service, we can create meaningful connections that last a lifetime. It is this sense of belonging and purpose that Don has found right here at SYJCC, and it is this same sense of community that we strive to offer to everyone who walks through our doors.