Janene Mascarella
Parenting & Family Life

Hi there! I'm Janene and I write the parenting and family life column here at the Long Island Exchange. I'm the mother of two amazing/energtic/challenging/ loving children. I'm not an expert, nor do I pretend to be one on a website. But I do have access to many topnotch experts and when I have questions, I'm not afraid to fire away! I always wanted to be a secret agent or a detective, yet being a mom and a writer is just as exciting. I'm in the trenches with parents-- just trying to figure it all out. If I meet a mom who's infant sleeps through the night, my first reaction is: I'm so jealous! My second reaction is: How? I'm always on the hunt for tips to make family life... a blast. And I'm honored to be able to share what I've learned.

Some random facts about me: I have published dozens of articles in national women's and teen magazines. Not too long ago, I hosted a weekly international television show covering the fashion world. I have done work for MTV and have appeared in various commercials and music videos. I have many writing credits in television. My experience includes writing educational and light entertainment documentaries and worked as an associate producer for an independent film company. Oh, and I was once in the running for a contract role on a popular soap opera. Lost the role, but got something far better: all my children. Two and counting....

OK--enough with the boring stuff. If you have any questions, feel free to drop me a note and I'd be delighted to let loose my inner detective and track down the information for you.

Janene Mascarella

Joe Pietaro
Long Island Sports

Hi. I'm Joe, your Long Island Exchange sports columnist. I'm always looking for feedback on my articles - positive or negative. Please feel free to contact me and let me know your thoughts.

In addition to writing my column here, I am the Managing Editor of New York Sportscene magazine, a monthly publication 'for the serious NY sports fanatic.' I am also the Director of Media Relations for the Strong Island Sound of the ABA. In my freelance work, I contribute to numerous websites and cover leagues and teams all around the country, such as the IBL, North East Pennsylvania Breakers (USBL), New York Predators (NAFL), Albany Ambush (WPFL) and the University of Washington Huskies (NCAA).

I also contribute to the Canarsie Courier (a local newspaper in Brooklyn, NY) as a sports columnist, and I am a weekly guest as a sports commentator on Sirius Satellite Radio.

Joe Pietaro

I’m J. Wallace, the resident culture and society writer here at Long Island Exchange. I am a freelance writer, photographer, and documentary filmmaker. In my spare time, I’m also a store detective for a major retail chain. Yes, really. I’ve been writing since 1987, and consider myself a lifelong student of the craft. Nobody ever really masters writing; they just learn how to do it better over the long haul.

I have too many interests to make a comprehensive list, but a few of them are; modern art, French decadent literature, cheap Italian horror movies, good wine, bad sci-fi, and any book written by the Beats.

My writing includes music journalism, culture criticism, tech writing and other diverse topics. I’ve interviewed a wide range of celebs, musicians, and political types including Rev. Jesse Jackson, Dick Gephardt, Joan Lunden, Paige Davis, Bob Hope, and many others. On the music front, I’ve covered everyone from Orbital to Hootie and the Blowfish.

Thank you very much for reading the column, the website in general, and this bio. Please drop me a line if you want to comment or respond to any of my work here at Long Island Exchange!

Thanks again for reading,

Joe Wallace