(Long Island, NY) Suffolk County Police and Smithtown Public Safety Bay Constables today rescued two men that fell into Smithtown Bay after their canoe overturned.

Two Good Samaritans who were on the upper ramp of the Kings Park Bluff, located at Old Dock Road, observed a canoe overturning and two men falling into the water at approximately 3:30 p.m. One of the Samaritans ran down to the lower parking area and alerted Smithtown Public Safety Park Rangers Sergeant Joseph Cornetta.

Suffolk County Police and Smithtown Public Safety Bay Constables today rescued two men that fell into Smithtown Bay after their canoe overturned. Photo Credit: Chris Tozzi.

Smithtown Public Safety Senior Bay Constable, Sergeant Nicholas Balducci and Officer David Rosenberg, located one victim who was in the water north of the pavilion at Sunken Meadows State Park located at Sunken Meadows Parkway, Kings Park. The victim, a 22-year-old male from Nesconset, had been in the water, which was approximately 48 degrees, for approximately 20 minutes.

Aviation Section Officers responded and located a backpack in the water approximately one mile northwest from where there first victim was found. Marine Bureau officers in Marine Bureau Delta then found the second victim, a 25-year-old male from Hauppauge, near the backpack and the canoe. He had been in the water approximately 45 minutes.

Both men were transported by King Park Fire Department Rescue to St. Catherine of Sienna Medical Center in Smithtown where they were listed in critical but stable condition and were treated for hypothermia, cuts, and abrasions.

(Long Island, NY) Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Sixth Squad detectives are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate a driver who left the scene of a motor vehicle crash in Holtsville earlier this month.

A woman was driving a Ford Freestyle westbound in the left lane of the Long Island Expressway between exits 63 and 62 on April 2 at approximately 10:10 p.m. when her vehicle was involved in a crash with a tractor trailer. The driver of the tractor trailer did not remain at the scene. One of the passengers in the Freestyle had a finger amputated due to the crash.

Suffolk County Police Sixth Squad detectives are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate a driver who left the scene of a motor vehicle crash in Holtsville earlier this month. Photo Credit: Chris Tozzi.

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.

(Long Island, NY) Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Sixth Squad detectives are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate a man who robbed a Selden pharmacy last month.

A man walked into Walgreens, located at 655 Middle Country Road, approached an employee at the register and handed the employee a note demanding cash. The man fled the store with an undisclosed amount of cash on March 14, 2014 at approximately 1 a.m.

Suffolk County Police Sixth Squad detectives are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate a man who robbed a Selden pharmacy last month. Photo Credit: SCPD.

The suspect was described as possibly white, 25 to 30 years old, approximately 6 feet 2 inches tall and 170 pounds.

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.

(Medford, NY) Senator Lee Zeldin (R, C, I—Shirley) toured the DaVita Medford Kidney Center this past Wednesday, April 9 2014. DaVita is the leading provider of kidney care in the United States and has been recognized for its developmental initiatives by Fortune, Modern Healthcare, Newsweek and World Blu.

Senator Zeldin is pictured above (from left to right) with Noreen Gangwish RN (Clinical Coordinator), Sherry Russo RN (Assistant Facility Administrator), Darlene Rydberg RN (Facility Administrator), Dr. Carmichael Angeles (Medical Director), and Luann Regensburg (Regional Operations Director). Photo Credit: NYS Senate.

(Long Island, NY) Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci (R,C,WF,I-Huntington Station) recently toured Helen Keller Services for the Blind in Huntington. During his visit, Lupinacci spoke with students who are learning and working to get back into the workforce with the help of Helen Keller Services. 

“Helen Keller Services for the Blind does an outstanding job helping those with visual impairments integrate into society,” said Lupinacci. “The students were tremendously engaging, discussing how they have become active and vital parts of the workforce. The staff at Helen Keller Services is committed to helping the students meet their full potential. I want to thank the staff and students for allowing me to spend some time with them and learn about the work they do.”

Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci meets with students at Helen Keller Services for the Blind in Huntington. Photo Credit: NYS Assembly.

Helen Keller Services for the Blind works with able individuals who are blind, visually-impaired, deaf-blind and/or have combined hearing-vision loss to live, work and thrive in their community of choice. More information about Helen Keller Services for the Blind is available at http://www.helenkeller.org/ or by calling (631) 424-0022.

(Long Island, NY) “Democrat Steve Israel (NY-3) has maliciously attacked Republicans, falsely claiming Republicans are “animated by racism,” in his Sunday morning news appearances. It is not “racist” Steve, to call out Obama’s Attorney General Eric Holder for flouting the rule of law, and weaponizing the Federal Government against anyone who does not share this President’s radical political agenda,” stated Grant Lally, the Republican and Conservative Party candidate for US Congress in NY-3.

“Democrat politician Steve Israel has been Barack Obama’s top cheerleader ever since he was appointed to Chair the Democrat’s political campaign group, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (“DCCC”). “ added Grant Lally.

“Democrat Steve Israel has maliciously attacked Republicans,” alleges GOP Candidate Grant Lally. Photo Credit: Lally for Congress.

“So when Obama’s Attorney General Eric Holder recently filed false charges of “racism” against the Town of Oyster Bay, and several senior centers in Plainview, claiming that the Town now needs to discriminate against its White, Asian ,and Hispanic residents , Steve Israel stood with Obama and Eric Holder, and against our community. ” added Grant Lally.

“This fits a pattern of Steve Israel turning his back on our district, to further his own political ambitions in Washington. He plays the race card on national television to protect Obama, while supporting racist attacks against the Town of Oyster Bay and senior residents in our district.” concluded Grant Lally.

(Long Island, NY) Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci (R,C,WF,I-Huntington Station) today announced he will be accepting nominations of exceptional local women for his 2014 Women of Distinction Ceremony.

“Our community is blessed with tremendous women who have enhanced the lives of countless residents from Long Island and beyond,” said Lupinacci. “This is our chance to show those women just how vital they are and how much we appreciate the impact they have. Last year’s honorees came from all walks of life; they were mothers, grandmothers, doctors and teachers, and I expect our community will again nominate some remarkable women. I encourage anyone who does not receive a form at their home to contact my office and nominate a special woman who stands out for her efforts and service to our community.”

The nomination forms will soon be arriving at homes in the district, and are also available online or from Lupinacci’s district office and MUST be returned by Friday, May 9. Lupinacci will host the Women of Distinction Ceremony on Saturday, June 7 at 11:00 a.m. at the South Huntington Library, 145 Pidgeon Hill Road in Huntington Station.

A copy of the nomination form for Lupinacci’s Women of Distinction event can be found at http://bit.ly/LupinacciWomenOfDistinction2014. Forms should be sent to Office of Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci, 1783 New York Avenue, Huntington Station, NY 11746. Again, all nomination forms must be returned to the district office by May 9.

(Bronx, NY) Today, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., Bronx County Democratic Chairman, Assemblymember Carl E. Heastie (AD -83), Assemblymembers José Rivera (AD-73), Jeffrey Dinowitz (AD-81), and Victor Pichardo (AD-86), and New York City Councilmembers Andrew Cohen (CD-11) and Richie Torres (CD-15) announced their support for Adriano Espaillat in the NY-13 Congressional Primary. Today’s endorsements come just days after Senator Espaillat participated in the first debate of the campaign in Harlem where Congressman Rangel stated he was apprehensive about representing The Bronx.

“I am proud to announce my support today for Adriano Espaillat in his bid to represent the 13th District in Congress,” Ruben Diaz Jr., Bronx Borough President said. “In the State legislature we worked together to fight for environmental justice in our community, to bring expanded healthcare options to our boroughs, and lead the charge for truly affordable housing in the City. Adriano is a proven fighter in our community and I know he will give our residents a strong voice in Washington. I look forward to working with him on his campaign and in Congress on these and so many other issues our residents face.”

“For residents of The Bronx there is no stronger advocate than Adriano Espaillat,” Carl E. Heastie, 83rd District Assemblymember said. “Adriano has walked Fordham Road, he knows the struggles our local businesses face and I know he will listen and act when our community speaks. Adriano is a proven fighter and he will carry that tradition on in Congress.”

“I proudly endorse my friend and colleague, Adriano Espaillat, to be our next Congressman from the 13th district,” Jeffrey Dinowitz, 81st District Assemblymember said. “We have worked together for over 15 years, so I know firsthand that he is hard working and effective. He will fight for the people of The Bronx and for every neighborhood throughout the district. He will bring together and unite the diverse communities in every corner of the 13th CD. His strong, energetic leadership will serve us well.”

“Too many families in the Bronx are struggling to find a decent job and pay the rent,” City Council Member Ritchie Torres said. “Adriano Espaillat will bring new economic opportunities to our borough and fight to help Bronx residents living below the poverty line. That’s why I am endorsing him for Congress and will work hard to make sure his campaign is successful.”

“I am truly humbled to have the support of the Bronx County Democrats,” Adriano Espaillat said. “The 13th District spans a diverse community in Upper Manhattan and The Bronx and with their support I know I can unite the District in the fight for affordable healthcare and housing, thoughtful economic development and environmental justice. In Congress, one of my first actions will be to open an office in The Bronx – for far too long residents have had nowhere to turn to be heard by their Congressmember – that changes week one. Together, we will give a voice to thousands of Bronx residents who have been forgotten in Washington, I thank the Bronx County Democrats for their support and I am ready to continue to fight together for our community in Congress.”

Espaillat is far outpacing his rivals with key endorsements from the Transport Workers Union Local 100, New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, Senators Brad Hoylman (SD-27) and Gustavo Rivera (SD-33), Assemblymembers Karim Camara (AD-43) and Gabriela Rosa (AD-72), Council Members Mark Levine (CD-7) and Ydanis Rodriguez (CD-10), the Barack Obama Democratic Club of Upper Manhattan, and the Democratic Club of El Barrio & East Harlem.

In Congress, Adriano Espaillat Will:

• Champion Affordable and Low-income Housing: Affordable and low-income housing is disappearing in our community, and longtime residents are being driven from their homes. Adriano Espaillat led the fight to renew and strengthen New York State’s tenant protection laws, and he will bring the same determined focus to Washington.
• Empower our District Through Immigration Reform: Immigration reform is a defining civil rights issue of our time. Espaillat believes the time is now to fix our broken immigration laws and bring over 11 million Americans out of the shadows. The current system has split families apart, and left Latino, Caribbean, and African immigrant communities in the 13th congressional District vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.
• Make Economic Development about the Community: Espaillat believes that economic development isn’t successful if current residents are left behind. Espaillat will fight to shift public subsidies from the big box chain stores paying minimum wage salaries to existing small and minority owned businesses looking to grow, and local entrepreneurs who need capital to get started.
• Fight for Healthcare & An End to Health Disparities in Communities of Color: From diabetes, to obesity, to childhood asthma, Upper Manhattan and The Bronx residents have urgent needs that are not being met in Washington. Espaillat will push to prioritize federal research, education and grant funding towards targeting low-income communities of color to close the minority health disparity gap for children and seniors alike.

More About 13th District Congressional Candidate Adriano Espaillat:

• Adriano Espaillat got his start as a community activist in Northern Manhattan, and currently serves in the New York State Senate. In the legislature, he quickly distinguished himself as a reformer and progressive fighter who has stood up for working families.
• In 2011, Espaillat led the fight to renew New York State’s tenant protection laws, which were set to expire that year. Espaillat’s advocacy safeguarded over 1 million units of affordable housing, and earned new protections for over 2.5 million people, including the creation of the Tenant Protection Unit to stop harassment and abuse.
• As Chair of the Senate Latino Conference, Espaillat has championed state-based immigration reforms, including: legislation allowing undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses, the DREAM Act, and the Farmworkers Bill of Rights.
• Espaillat has been a vocal advocate for tenants, consumers, veterans, immigrants and local businesses. He has championed marriage equality and civil rights issues, and efforts to protect our environment from hydrofracking and other dangers.
• He has passed laws preserving affordable housing, giving low-income day care workers the right to organize and obtain health care, and sponsored measures to improve hospital translation services. He established a higher education scholarship fund for relatives of the victims of American Airlines Flight 587, which crashed on November 12, 2001.

For more information about Espaillat for Congress please visit our website www.EspaillatForCongress.com.

(Long Island, NY) Senator Ken LaValle, Assemblyman Fred Thiele and Assemblyman Anthony Palumbo announce the formation of a new East End Task Force to identify causes and solutions to fight the growing heroin epidemic. The legislator’s Heroin Addiction Legislative Task Force (H.A.L.T.) is currently scheduling its first of several meetings to begin in May.

Senator LaValle said, “ The increase in heroin use has reached alarming levels and we need to take action to address this critical situation. A broad-based East End approach will help us to identify areas where we can be productive in combating the scourge of heroin and other opiates. The initial meeting will be the first in a series that will assist us in determining the types of resources that are needed on the East End.”

East End Towns and Villages are protected by local police and issues are adjudicated by their local court systems. The uniqueness of these municipalities necessitates the focused approach that will be provided by the H.A.L.T. task force.

Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. noted, “The widespread use of, and addiction to heroin and other narcotics and opioids on the East End is extremely alarming. Individuals, families and entire communities have been turned upside-down. We must stand up and start to do more to address this crisis. I look forward to working with Senator LaValle, Assemblyman Palumbo and the entire East End community to address the need for additional treatment and prevention options.”

“The time has come for a targeted approach and bold initiatives in New York’s fight against the opiate epidemic”, stated Assemblyman Anthony H. Palumbo. “I look forward to joining with Senator LaValle, Assemblyman Thiele and other members of this task force to formulate a hard-hitting action plan to deal with the heroin epidemic.” “As a former narcotics prosecutor in the Suffolk County DA’s office, I have seen first hand the devastation that drug abuse reaps upon the lives of those affected. Drug addiction is often a catalyst for the commission of violent crimes, up to and including murder. This is an issue that ripples into the greater community, and it is critical for us to meaningfully address it in the form of real solutions that will be proffered by this Task Force.”

The intent of H.A.L.T. is to involve every level of stakeholder from the East End and formulate a comprehensive plan to help combat the heroin issue. Town Supervisors, Village Mayors, Town & Village Justices and Enforcement representatives will be invited to attend the initial round table discussion. Subsequent meetings will include counselors, treatment groups and other providers to obtain different viewpoints for inclusion into the solution. The desired result is the formulation of a thorough plan that will attack the abuse and provide necessary treatment services with a wide combination of approaches.

(Long Island, NY) During the week of April 12th, Jews and Christians will mark Passover and Holy Week. To commemorate this sacred season, a Catholic church, two synagogues and a Jewish community center are hosting a most unusual interfaith and multicultural Seder that will feature a Haggadah (the Passover prayer service) led by Fr. Bill Brisotti, Pastor of Our Lady of the Miraculous Meal Church and Rabbi Susie Moskowitz Rabbi of Temple Beth Torah in Melville. The Haggadah will focus on social justice, the needs of the poor and liberation of the oppressed.

The Seder supper will be multicultural, reflecting the diversity of the congregation at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church, with Kosher-style selections prepared by the Hispanic, African American, Haitian and European congregants and Kosher for Passover food prepared by members of Temple Beth Torah. All the proceeds from this Seder will support the Gerald Ryan Outreach Center at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. Gerald Ryan – the largest parish outreach center on Long Island – serves 1,000 people a month, with 50 new cases coming in each month due to cuts in Food Stamps, unemployment insurance and other programs that support struggling Long Islanders.

While some people were relieved that the federal budget adopted a few weeks ago cut Food Stamps by $8 billion rather than the $40 billion proposed in the House of Representatives, the Gerald Ryan Outreach Center saw no victory. Gerald Ryan has been overwhelmed making up for these kinds of program reductions by providing food, clothing and emergency assistance to struggling Long Islanders, many of whom work but don’t earn enough to make ends meet. The Seder will help Gerald Ryan fulfill this mission.

When? Wednesday, April 16th, 6:30 PM during the Passover Season and Holy Week

Where? The Parish Hall of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church, 1434 Straight Path, Wyandanch, NY

Who? Our Lady of the Miraculous Meal Church, Wyandanch, Temple Beth Torah, Melville, the Dix Hills Jewish Center and the Suffolk Y Jewish Community Center, Commack.