Annual Meeting and Election 2026

Annual Meeting AGENDA 2026

5:00 Welcome   

Thank and Introduce our hosts: Dan Gilrein & Mina Vescera

5:10 First Speaker (.75 CNLP credits - ISA Credits pending)

What’s Bugging Us in Landscapes?

Dan Gilrein, Extension Entomologist, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County

This presentation will cover some of the hot pest and pest management issues experienced in our region over the past year (Spotted Lanternfly, Crapemyrtle Bark Scale, Redbay Ambrosia Beetle, etc.). It will also include a discussion of  the Birds and Bees Act with thoughts about the coming year.  The presentation will have time for questions and discussion at the end.

6:00 Dinner Buffet & Year in Review Slideshow

Reporting on Last Year’s Events, 2025 Grants and Scholarship recipients.

6:15 Calendar of Events and Programs for 2026

Highlighting future events and programs that bring more value to LINLA members.

6:30 Second Speaker (.75 CNLP credits - ISA Credits pending)

Award Winning Trees for Long Island 

Mina Vescera, Nursery/Landscape Specialist, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk 

Mina will review Gold Medal winning trees and shrubs that thrive in Long Island landscapes. Pest management and cultural needs will be addressed for each plant. 

7:10 Treasurer’s Report       

7:15 LINLA Election of Officers and Directors:  

2026 SLATE of OFFICERS and DIRECTORS (to be voted on)

OFFICERS:

President   Michael Madarash - Blondies Treehouse, Inc

First Vice President   Gary Vogel, CNLP - East Coast Nurseries, Inc

Second Vice President Jay Ratto, CNLP - J. Ratto Landscaping, Ltd

Treasurer/Secretary    John Cannarelli - Bay Gardens/Nassau Suffolk Landscaping

Past President    Stephen Mazelis - Mazelis Landscape Contracting

DIRECTORS:  

Jay Jansen, Monrovia Growers

Anthony Pignataro, Progressive Grower 

Evan Goldstein, CNLP Evan Goldstein, LLC

Micheal Rosano, Michael Rosano Design

Richard Waltel, Griffin Greenhouse Supply

* John Gaylardo, CNLP, Lifetime Board member 

New Directors:

Rocco Iadevaia, Joseph Iadevaia Landscaping Contracting

Michael LaColla, Goldberg & Rodler

7:30 Congratulate the LINLA Board & New Members