Health and wellness expo connects businesses and community in Glenwood Landing

Gold Coast Business Association members, Long Island business owners and community members came together for a Health and Wellness Expo organized by the Gold Coast Business Association. The expo featured vendors, live music, food, raffles and a dunk tank.
Justin Jefferson, owner of JayFit Studio, joined the business association board in January and brought the idea to the board.
“We really don’t have a local community health fair directly in this neighborhood,” Jefferson said, “and it was something that I was inspired to do.”
The more than 40 vendors in attendance at Saturday’s event at Glenwood Landing American Legion Post 336 included health and wellness related businesses from the north shore and beyond. Also among vendors were the Nassau County District Attorney’s office, the Nassau County Department of Health, Celest Gullo with Allstate Insurance Company and local advocates against the Propel NY Energy project.
All members of the business association were invited, and the event was advertised on Facebook, encouraging businesses from elsewhere to sign up. Related businesses from as far as Long Beach attended.

“I think we wanted to bring awareness to all the businesses, of course,” said Jeannie Riccardo, Gold Coast Business Association president and owner of water filtration company Better Water. “That’s first and foremost, and we bring new people into our community. We’re doing a couple of big events a year now.” The association will hold its annual car show in October.
Judith Rivera, Gold Coast Business Association board member, attended the expo representing CareFirst Home Solutions in Glen Cove. The company provides home care, companion care and nursing care for seniors at home.
“Our sole goal,” Rivera said, “is to keep our clients at home safely as long as possible.” She added that her booth received a “nice flow” of people throughout the event.
Mark Medical Care opened in Glen Cove in June and offers services related to veins as well as fibroid and hemorrhoid treatment. Representatives Yolanda Vanegas and Elsy Herrera attended the expo to bring awareness of the office’s services to the people who may be interested. Vanegas said that the goal was to be accepted as part of the community.
“We really appreciate the community,” she said, “and we are happy to be part of this.”
Riccardo and Jefferson said that the business association plans to hold the expo annually.