(LONG ISLAND, NY) Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Second Squad detectives are seeking the public’s help to identify a man who assaulted another man in Huntington Station last month.

A man was walking on West 11th approached by a man who struck the victim in the face causing the victim to strike his head on the ground on February 19 at approximately 12:35 p.m. The victim was transported to Huntington Hospital for surgery for a brain bleed.

The suspect was described as black, in his 20s, approximately 5 feet, 9 inches tall, with a medium build. He was wearing black pants and blue sneakers.

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) The Nassau County Police Department has reported two arrests for Possession of a Forged Instrument on Thursday, March 6, 2014 at 6:30 P.M. in Valley Stream.

According to Crimes Against Property Squad detectives, Quadri Oki, 23, of 2457 Dakota Trail SW, Lilburn, Georgia, and Peter Heurtelou, 28, of 1056 Wood Park Drive, Baldwin were observed making purchases in Target located at 500 W. Sunrise Highway.

An investigation revealed Oki was identified as making a purchase with a re encoded credit card and Heurtelou was found to be in possession of four American Express gift cards and a MasterCard which had been re encoded. They were arrested at the scene without incident.

Oki is charged with one count of Possession of a Forged Instrument 2nd degree and Heurtelou is charged with five counts of Possession of a Forged Instrument 2nd degree. They will be arraigned on Friday, March 07, 2014 at First District Court in Hempstead.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial with the burden on the prosecution to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

(Port Jefferson, NY)  The Long Island Music Hall of Fame (LIMHoF) is proud to present the recipient of the 2013 Music Educator of Note award, Dr. Steven E. Schopp, and announce the search for candidates of the 2014 Music Educator’s Award.

In its eighth year, the annual Music Educator Award recognizes outstanding achievement in Long Island music education.  The Long Island Music Hall of Fame supports the idea that education is the key to the development of musicians and distinguishes the work of those who allow young people to explore their musical talents.

The 2013 honoree, Dr. Steven E. Schopp, is one of the most influential people in the field of music education across Long Island, regionally and nationally.  It is his belief that a fully-rounded education can only be complete with the inclusion of Music.  This philosophy, along with his passion for music education, has impacted the lives of countless students and colleagues for decades.  Schopp’s contributions to music education on Long Island began with his position as an elementary band director in the Syosset Schools in the late 1960’s and later as the district’s Chairperson for Music, a position he held from the early 1980’s until his retirement in 2004.  “To be counted along with the previous recipients is humbling and a very special honor.  I’ve been privileged to have the opportunity to work with the fine students and teachers in Long Island’s outstanding school music programs,” said Dr. Schopp.

Throughout his career, Steve has volunteered an enormous and immeasurable number of hours of service to his profession.  He was President of the Nassau Music Educators Association in 1978-79 and during that time made significant contributions to the NMEA All County Festivals.  He held many positions with the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA), including President from 1988-89 and later for many years as an Advisor to the association.  He was elected to serve as the Eastern Division President of the Music Educators National Conference from 1994-95.  In this capacity he served as a member of the association’s National Executive Board and during that time he established himself as one of the leading voices for music education in our country through his contributions to the development of National Standards for Arts Education.

After his retirement from the Syosset Schools, Schopp completed a Doctorate in Music Education at Teachers College, Columbia University and he took a faculty position at his Alma Mater, Ithaca College, where he now supervises [took out “all the”] student teachers on Long Island.  In 2006, Dr. Schopp was appointed to the position of Executive Director of NYSSMA where he continues to serve today.  Additional, he serves the National Association for Music Education as the Chairperson of the National Council of State Executives and as a member of the associations National Assembly.

Dr. Schopp is passionate about supporting school music programs throughout the state and nationally and he continues to be an outstanding leader in the field of music education.

“During his long career in Syosset, Steve Schopp inspired thousands of students and served as a great mentor to his staff.  His contributions to the music program in Syosset and to Music Education on Long Island and throughout the country are enormous and unprecedented” – Michael Salzman, Coordinator of Fine and Performing Arts, Syosset Central School District.

LIMHOF Education Chairman, Tom Needham, stated, “The Long Island Music Hall of Fame recognizes the fact that there are few individuals, locally or nationally, that have contributed more to the field music education than Dr. Steven E. Schopp.  He is a true legend whose work has positively impacted thousands Long Island students.”

LIMHoF is currently looking for music educators in that demonstrate a commitment to music education who are exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable, skilled, and respected by students and  colleagues.  These individuals would play an active role in the community and have a significant impact on the lives of music students of all backgrounds and abilities.  The Long Island Music Hall of Fame wants to hear about them.  For more information and forms, go to http://www.limusichalloffame.org/education/educator-of-note/

Applications must be postmarked by September 1, 2014.

Past Music Educator of Note recipients includes, William Katz (2012), Robert W. Kreuger (2011), Laurence Ballereau (2010), Joseph R. Sugar (2009), John McNeur (2008), and Herbert Deutsch (2007).

Long Island Music Hall of Fame (LIMHoF) is a 501(c)(3) museum organization dedicated to the idea that Long Island’s musical heritage is an important resource to be celebrated and preserved for future generations. The organization defines Long Island geographically as Kings, Queens, Nassau and Suffolk counties. For more information about the Long Island Music Hall of Fame, please call 516-586-3433, or visit limusichalloffame.org.

The 80th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and 5K run in Huntington will be held on Sunday, March 9 and the Suffolk County Second Precinct is advising motorists of road closures in Huntington between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m.

The Townwide Fund of Huntington St. Patrick’s Day 5K run will start at 12:45 p.m. at Main Street and Prospect Street in Huntington Village. Participants will travel east on Main Street and turn south on New York Avenue to Lowndes Avenue and then back to New York Avenue.

The parade will kick off at 2p.m. The parade will travel north on New York Avenue from Church Street to Main Street and will then head west on Main Street to St. Patrick’s Church, located at 400 W. Main Street.

No parking will be allowed on New York Avenue or Main Street to allow for a clear and safe route. Motorists are advised to use alternate routes.

With the Addition of a Montauk Camp, Expanded Camp Sessions & An Instructional League for 14-16 year old

(Water Mill, NY) Hamptons Baseball Camp (HBC) celebrates its’ 11th year in business in 2014 with the addition of a new location in Montauk, NY, expanded camp sessions and an instructional league for 14-16 year olds.

Founded in 2004, by Eddie McCarthy, a career educator with over 27 years of experience as a youth coach, Hamptons Baseball Camp has always taken a unique approach to creating and developing a baseball camp based on several guiding principles:

“Learn, Practice, Play is the guiding mantra I run my camps by”, says Eddie McCarthy, Founder and Director of Hamptons Baseball Camp. ”Another doctrine I live by and coach by is: “Safety, Player Development, Cooperation, Competition.”  McCarthy further expands on this thought by emphasizing that he likes to ‘establish cooperation before competition’ on the youth level.

McCarthy believes baseball is a ‘metaphor for life’ and is enjoyable to coach because of the infinite complexities surrounding team, individual and game strategies, not unlike those that are carried out in business and in life. He uses the game to provide countless teaching points to his staff and campers about baseball as well as life.

Besides coming from a background and experience as an educator and a coach, McCarthy comes from a teaching family in Washington DC where he and his brother started a successful baseball camp there over 20 years ago. Home Run Baseball Camp (HRBC) is still running in Washington DC, with additional camps in Brooklyn and the Dominican Republic. When McCarthy moved to NY, starting Hamptons Baseball Camp was a natural extension of everything he was doing before.

For over ten years, Hamptons Baseball Camp has attracted a diversified mix of locals, seasonal homeowners and short-term visitors (comprising an international clientele that the area attracts) to their camp at the Water Mill Community Club field on Nowedonah Avenue in Water Mill, New York. Campers of all levels are welcome. Focus is less on ability than a camper’s interest in playing. Through daily sessions, campers learn how to: run, stretch and throw, while building skills they will use both on the field and off, as well as creating bonds with other campers and staff that often last beyond the summer sessions. Many campers return in weeks and years that follow, with some coming back as staff. It is not unusual for HBC alumni to receive baseball scholarships to college from their training and experience at Hamptons Baseball Camp. Besides becoming scholarship ballplayers, many HBC and HRBC (Home Run Baseball Camp) alumni have gone on to become pro ball players and/or they have achieved other successes through their pursuits in business and the arts

Originally designed for children ages 4 through 13 years of age, who want to play baseball in a safe, positive, fun and learning environment, Hamptons Baseball Camp still caters to this core group. However, this year, the Camp has created an instructional league for 14-16 year olds who want to take their skills and practice to the next level. Emphasis throughout both age groups is placed on effort over talent, team concepts and core fundamentals. Also included are tips on diet, fitness, and intangibles like: hustle, sportsmanship and citizenship.

And where in the past, camp sessions were all located at the Water Mill Community Club field on Nowedonah Avenue in Water Mill, New York, this year, campers have the option of choosing a second location for the camp on Lions Field (Henry “Hank” Zebrowski Memorial Park) on Edgemere Street in Montauk, New York. The second location more easily accommodates residents of the East End in Montauk, Amagansett and East Hampton, eliminating their need for travelling to Water Mill.

Weekly summer sessions will run at each location from June through September from 9am-1pm each day of the week. Gates open at 8:30am each day (a half-hour early) for batting practice and there will be Extended Day Academy sessions until 2:30pm every day as well.

Tuesday and Thursday Instructional League for 14-16 year olds will be scheduled from 5-7pm through July and August on the Water Mill field only.

Additionally, Saturday sessions will run from 9:30am-12 Noon from late April through October (with the gates opening at 9am for batting practice).

Hamptons Baseball Camp also offers private parties for birthdays and other special occasions; individual or group lessons and more. Additionally, McCarthy is available to address groups about the game and the camp.

ABOUT THE DIRECTOR:
Edward McCarthy is a career educator, who has over 27 years of experience as a youth coach. McCarthy has taught at public and private schools, from the elementary school on up through the University Level. He frequently lectures at The Center for Teaching Peace in Washington, D.C. McCarthy is a 1990 Gatorade Player of the Year in Washington, D.C. He received a full baseball/academic scholarship to The George Washington University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science. He is also involved with Beisbol y Libros and the Impacta Organization in Consuelo, D.R. McCarthy has also played Centerfielder in the Annual Artists and Writers Game in East Hampton, NY over the last 10 years.

McCarthy has been coming to the East End of Long Island to visit with his grandmother, since childhood. McCarthy’s father, Colman McCarthy, a native of Long Island, is a former PGA golfer and standout amateur golfer.

Besides baseball, McCarthy enjoys such pastimes as: making music, surfing and reading. He is a devoted husband and the father of a two-year-son, Thomas, who is already looking pretty good on the field!

For more information, schedules and pricing and to register for upcoming sessions, visit the website at: www.hamptonsbaseballcamp.com: email: playball@hamptonsbaseballcamp.com or call 631-907-2566.

You may also visit the Hamptons Baseball Camp Facebook page at:  https://www.facebook.com/hamptonsbaseballcamp

Well-Known Economic Expert To Assist A.G. In Enforcing Antitrust, Investor Protection And Other Key Laws

(NEW YORK) Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today announced the appointment of Dr. Guy Ben-Ishai to serve as the new Chief Economist at the Office of the Attorney General. Dr. Ben-Ishai has served as an expert and economic consultant on numerous high-profile, complex legal matters in recent years and will bring his wealth of economic knowledge and experience to bear on key matters handled by the Attorney General’s Office. Dr. Ben-Ishai is expected to play a major role in shaping and reinforcing the office’s aggressive and innovative law enforcement efforts, especially in the antitrust and securities areas.

“Sound economics is at the very core of effective law enforcement, and I am delighted to welcome Guy to my team,” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “I look forward to working with Guy to continue our efforts to protect New Yorkers and our economy by ensuring that companies operating in our state compete fairly and honestly.”

As Chief Economist at the Office of the Attorney General, Dr. Ben-Ishai will be charged with leading economic analysis in support of investigations, litigation, and policy development on behalf of New York and its citizens. He will oversee complex economic projects throughout the Office of the Attorney General, especially in the Antitrust, Investor Protection, and other bureaus in the Office.

Dr. Guy Ben-Ishai said, “I am thrilled to join one of the most creative and dynamic government agencies in the country. Attorney General Schneiderman has gained a reputation for actively and responsibly enforcing antitrust, securities, and other laws to the benefit of all New Yorkers. I am grateful for the opportunity to join the Attorney General’s dedicated and effective team.”

Dr. Ben-Ishai’s main areas of expertise include industrial organization and applied microeconomics. Dr. Ben-Ishai has conducted economic analysis on matters involving tying, bundled discounts, resale price maintenance, exclusive dealing, predatory pricing, monopolization, mergers, price fixing, and patent misuse. His experience spans a broad range of industries, including payment cards, financial services, telecommunications, semiconductors, internet technology, and pharmaceuticals.

Dr. Ben-Ishai received a Ph.D. in economics from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and a BA in economics from UCLA. Prior to joining the Attorney General’s Office, he was a Visiting Researcher at the University of Toulouse and held positions at NERA, Compass Lexecon, and the Israel Antitrust Authority.

(LONG ISLAND, NY) Suffolk County Police have arrested a Sayville man for robbing a pharmacy in Sayville last month.

Brian Bernard entered Rite Aid Pharmacy, located at 101 Main St., on February 27 at 9:09 p.m., armed with a shotgun and demanded money from an employee. The employee gave Bernard cash from cash registers and Bernard fled the store on a bicycle.

Brian Bernard entered Rite Aid Pharmacy, located in Sayville, on February 27 at 9:09 p.m., armed with a shotgun and demanded money from an employee. The employee gave Bernard cash from cash registers and Bernard fled the store on a bicycle.

Following an investigation, Fifth Squad detectives arrested Bernard, 52, of 6 Bohack Ct. on March 6. He was charged with Robbery 1st Degree. Bernard was scheduled to be arraigned today at First District Court in Central Islip.

(LONG ISLAND, NY) Crime Stoppers and the Nassau County Police Department are seeking the public’s help with identifying the unknown subject pictured above. She is wanted in connection with a Petit Larceny that occurred in Westbury, New York.

On Saturday January 25, 2014, at approximately 4:40 PM, the subject was observed inside Nordstroms located at 1040 Old Country Rd in Westbury. At that time, the subject took three pieces of jewelry. The subject exited the store passing all points of purchase without paying for the items. The subject then entered a white SUV unknown make, model, or registration, and fled in an unknown direction.

On Saturday January 25, 2014, at approximately 4:40 PM, the subject pictured was observed inside Nordstroms in Westbury where she took three pieces of jewelry and exited the store without paying for the items. She entered a white SUV and fled in an unknown direction.

Crime Stoppers is asking anyone who can identify the subject, or anyone with any information about this case to call our toll free hotline: 1-800-244-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers offers up to a $5,000 cash reward for information leading to an arrest. You do not have to reveal your identity to help solve this crime. All calls will remain anonymous.

(LONG ISLAND, NY) According to Senator LaValle, the State Senate passed legislation to increase penalties for drug dealers who sell to children. The bill (S988A) strengthens the felony charges for the sale of drugs by an adult to a child under the age of 14.

“There have been reports of the rise in the use of heroin and other opiate-related drugs by teens and young adults. We need to strengthen penalties to put offenders behind bars, and prevent them from further harming our children. This measure is one of many steps we will take to keep the dealers off the street.” said Senator LaValle. He continued, “I will continue to support legislation that protects our children.”

Under current law, anyone over the age of 21 who sells a controlled substance to a minor under the age of 17 can be charged with a class B felony. However, the law does not contain an enhanced penalty for selling a controlled substance to younger children. The bill passed today creates the new crime of criminal sale of a controlled substance to a child in the first degree. Adults over the age 18 who sell a controlled substance to a minor under the age of 14 would be charged with a class A-II felony.

The bill was transferred to the NYS Assembly for consideration.

Session to Offer Information on Becoming a Business Owner

(HAUPPAUGE) Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone invites residents looking to start their own business to a workshop on March 19, 2014.

“We want to help residents who want to achieve their dream of becoming a business owner,” Bellone said. “A motivated individual can use this training to start on the path to success.”

A representative from the New York State Small Business Development Center will lead the workshop, which runs from 9:30-11:00 a.m. at the Suffolk County One-Stop Center at 725 Veterans Memorial Highway, Hauppauge.

Those interested in the workshop must register in advance by calling (631) 853-6600.