(LONG ISLAND, NY) Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square) today voted against a measure that would institute minor reforms and instead offered the APPLE Plan he helped author as an amendment. Based on the recommendations of the true stakeholders in our children’s education, parents and educators, heard during the course of 11 statewide hearings Ra conducted, the APPLE Plan would provide the substantive reforms necessary to end the high-stakes testing and climate of fear surrounding our education system. While his amendment failed in a 43-80 vote, Ra promises to continue pushing the APPLE Plan until our children receive the changes to Common Core they need.

“The measure brought to the Assembly floor fails to meet the needs of our children and educators,” said Ra. “It fails to put an end to the high-stakes testing that has caused student and teacher anxiety, and it again leaves our special needs children behind, causing them to lose any forward progress in their education. It is unacceptable.

“I’ve heard firsthand, during the 11 statewide hearings I held, the needs of our parents, students and teachers. The bill put forth today does not address their concerns well enough. Simply put, the APPLE Plan does, and I’m proud to have presented it before the full Assembly today. Even though it failed as an amendment today, I promise to keep pushing for the education reform our children and educators have asked for and deserve.”

(Huntington, NY) Councilwoman Susan A. Berland and the Huntington Youth Council hosted the Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition and Karen Miller it’s President to hear a presentation from the Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition Student and Scientist Research Scholarship Program. Caitlin Knowles, a junior at Huntington High School, presented research gathered during her time in the Students and Scientists program. Caitlin’s presentation focused on the environmental toxins that exist in personal care products and their negative effects. The goal of the presentation is to help young adults make smart choices as consumers.

The Students and Scientists Environmental Research Scholarship Program focuses on the importance of Breast Cancer and environmental research, providing a wealth of scientific knowledge related to the causation of all cancers and chronic diseases.

“Caitlin’s presentation was eye opening,” commented Councilwoman Berland. “Armed with this information, we can all be smarter consumers. I would like to thank Karen Miller and the Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition for bringing Caitlin’s presentation to Town Hall. I would also like to thank the students in the Huntington Youth Council for their interest in the presentation. Their dedication to highlighting the achievements of their peers and empowering them in their various endeavors is commendable.”

Rescheduled due to severe weather conditions from THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13TH 5:30-8:30PM TO: SATURDAY, MARCH 22nd from 5:00-8:00PM; Season of Love: An Exhibition of Original Abstract Expressionist Paintings & Digital Photographs Celebrating Love, by Susan Levin

(SAG HARBOR, NY) Rockville, Maryland artist Susan Levin’s Abstract Expressionist Paintings and Digital Photographs will be featured in a solo art exhibition entitled, Season of Love: An Exhibition of Original Abstract Expressionist Paintings and Digital Photographs Celebrating Love. The Art Exhibition will be held at Sotheby’s International Realty in Sag Harbor, New York, and can be viewed from now through Sunday, May 11th, 2014, during office hours. There will be an Opening Reception on SATURDAY, MARCH 22ND from 5-8pm at Sotheby’s International Realty, 7 Spring Street, Sag Harbor, New York. Susan is represented by The Art Marketer of Sag Harbor.

Susan Levin’s Abstract Expressionist paintings and digital photographs dance before your eyes in vibrant color and playful movement, complementing each other and everything around them. Inspired by her natural love for life, Levin’s paintings resonate with humor, authenticity and fun, not to mention the love and passion each image portrays for the subject, image or experience she so freely and readily expresses through her work.

The title of this Art Exhibition is Season of Love, as the pieces all reflect Susan Levin’s own Philosophy in Life and as it is expressed through her work. Following is a Statement by the Artist reflecting that philosophy:

Some people can only love other people. For me, I can love a lot of different things. I can love a person, an action, a painting, a gorgeous day or just be in love. This Valentine’s Day is no different than any other day, but it is a day about love and passion and intrigue. As with fine wine or a delicious meal, I want my work to evoke emotion; to take you on a sentimental, intoxicating journey, as I was on creating each piece. Please fall in like, or fall in love. The drama of love can be contagious…as is a piece of work that creates a voracious appetite for more. My life is filled with more valentine’s than I could have ever imagined. My body and soul goes into each piece and each of my paintings is done with love and passion, and at times, a glass of wine in hand. There is synergy in life… as in all things. I suggest taking the time to reflect and celebrate the holiday and each and every day with love and passion so that life doesn’t become stale and insignificant, but rather powerful and with a sense of calm that can bring beauty into your home.

ABOUT THE ARTIST
Susan Levin is a painter and digital photographer who works hard to create pieces that evoke emotion and conversation. While her paintings and photographs are an expression of her moods, they are also an abstract interpretation of real life experiences. Levin interprets her dreams and often paints what she dreams. She embellishes her photos with the use of the computer.

Creating new work is a form of playing and designing what is often clearly before her eyes and sometimes what is simply perceived through the lens. It is that combination of being acutely aware and having the ability to clarify what is right before her that makes Levin passionate about art and love what she does.

Levin’s passion is contagious. Her works touch all those fortunate enough to view, and even more fortunate enough to acquire. Levin’s work is well-suited to corporate and residential interiors in contemporary, traditional and eclectic decors and is available for sale, loan or staging purposes at reasonable cost.

Her Abstract Expressionist style is equally well-suited to an Exhibition in The Hamptons, the birthplace of the Abstract Expressionist Movement, and yet another source of inspiration for the artist as it has been for generations of artists before her…

*There is no charge for this event, but space is limited and refreshments will be served.

For more information, please contact: lisa@theartmarketer.com; 914.907.9842

Or visit: http://www.artbysusanlevin.com/
https://www.facebook.com/ArtBySusanLevin

(NEW YORK) The New York State Senate today passed legislation that would prosecute those who intentionally or recklessly damage the environment while committing another crime. The bill (S1016), sponsored by Senator Joseph Robach (R-C-I, Rochester), would hold criminals accountable for the financial and environmental damage caused by their actions when they contaminate or destroy the quality of water, soil, or air.

During one incident in the Town of Greece, Monroe County, criminals broke into a spare electrical transformer owned by Rochester Gas and Electric, and stole copper to resell for profit. During the process of accessing the copper, 4,800 gallons of oil was drained from the transformer, causing land and water contamination of the surrounding environment at an estimated remediation cost of over $1 million. There are no current Criminal Mischief statutes that adequately address environmental devastation.

“So often, when a crime is committed, we are so focused on seeking justice that we tend to forget about the long-term effects the crime could have on our environment,” said Senator Robach. “With appropriate penalties,
I hope this bill will hold criminals accountable for damaging the environment or contaminating our water, soil or air.”

This bill would make crimes that result in large-scale environmental damage – either intentionally or recklessly – a class C felony.

The bill has been sent to the Assembly.

(NEW YORK, NY) The New York State Senate today passed legislation to increase penalties for drug dealers who sell to children. The bill (S988A), sponsored by Senator Jack Martins (R-C-I, Mineola), strengthens the felony charges for the sale of drugs by an adult to a child under the age of 14.

“Drugs destroy lives, and the victims of drug abuse are getting younger and younger,” said Senator Martins. “Drug use among children, especially heroin, is a growing epidemic on Long Island. Criminals who target young children and poison them with heroin and other controlled substances deserve tougher penalties. This legislation will give law enforcement another tool to keep these drug dealers off the streets and behind bars where they belong.

Recent data has shown an increase in drug use, especially opiate-based substances, by young adults and teenagers. There has also been a rise in overdose cases and overdose deaths. Many of these youngsters start experimenting in their teenage years with addicting prescription drugs and opiate-based prescription drugs.

A January 25, 2014, Newsday article referenced the rise in heroin use in the region, especially among youth. One Suffolk County drug treatment official referenced a recent incident where a 13-year-old girl was treated for a heroin addiction, which began after the 8th-grader had used MDMA and cocaine.

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 will be sent to the Assembly.

(LONG ISLAND, NY) The following statement was released today by Senator Bill Perkins whom represents the 30th Senatorial District, part of New York County encompassing Harlem, the Upper West Side and Washington Heights:

I applaud Mayor de Blasio’s decision to terminate New York City’s lawsuit challenging the law enacted by the New York City Council which grants residents of New York City the right to file suit for an injunction against the NYPD in the event that they were racially profiled. The unhindered implementation of the law is an imperative necessity because it provides a legal form of redress to the unconstitutional police policy of stop and frisk which disparately and unjustly targets African Americans and Latinos.

Furthermore, the law serves to rebuild respect for and cooperation with the NYPD in these targeted communities. Mayor de Blasio’s decision shows great courage and determination on a long road of righting the many wrongs of the previous administration and I strongly urge him to continue down that path.

Senator Bill Perkins represents the 30th Senatorial District, part of New York County encompassing Harlem, the Upper West Side and Washington Heights. http://www.nysenate.gov/senator/bill-perkins/

(LONG ISLAND, NY) Auditions for roles in “Scenes From the Zone (3rd Annual Scene Festival)” will be held on Monday April 28th at 7:30 PM. Women needed ages 20-50 and Men 20’s-70. British accent required for some parts. Rehearsals will either be on Sunday afternoons, Monday or Tuesday nights. Performed by The Minstrel Players of Northport.

Performances will be on Saturday, July 26 at 8 PM and Sunday, July 27 at 3 PM, at Houghton Hall Theatre at Trinity Episcopal Church located at 130 Main Street in Northport Village. Please bring a resume and a headshot.

For more information, please call 631-732-2926 or visit us online at www.minstrelplayers.org.

(LONG ISLAND, NY) Assemblymen Chad Lupinacci (R,C,WF,I-Huntington Station) and Andrew Raia (R,I,C-East Northport) recently welcomed Veronica Fox and Joshua Karmel, students from Half Hollow HIlls High School East, who were in Albany to stress the importance of music education in schools. The students were there with the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) as part of the group’s effort to “advance music education across New York State.”

Assemblymen Chad Lupinacci (right) and Andrew Raia (left) welcome Veronica Fox and Joshua Karmel to the Assembly Chamber.

“It was truly a pleasure to welcome Veronica and Joshua to the Assembly, they are both tremendous musicians and true advocates for their craft,” said Lupinacci. “Music is an integral part of any education, and countless studies have shown that it enhances a child’s learning. Veronica and Joshua represent the outstanding musical talent we have in our community. All the musicians who visited were a pleasure to speak with, and I want to thank them for getting involved in the legislative process.”

“Seeing such enthusiasm, such radiance and passion for music is refreshing to see around here,” said Raia. “Veronica and Joshua’s visit was a welcome treat and their advocacy work on behalf of young musicians across the state is something that is desperately needed in Albany these days.”

Amicus Brief Presents Findings Of States Where Same-Sex Marriage Is Legal In Appeal Of Decisions From Utah And Oklahoma; Schneiderman: My Office Is Committed To Defending The Fundamental Guarantee Of Equal Protection

(NEW YORK) Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman has joined 14 other state attorneys general in filing an amicus brief in an appeal of the successful challenges to laws prohibiting same-sex marriage in Utah and Oklahoma. The multi-state brief, led by Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley, counters arguments made by those states in defense of their restrictive marriage laws, and presents the experiences of states where same-sex marriage is legal or will soon be legal.

The brief presents arguments in support of the right of same-sex couples to marry and observes that the institution of marriage remains strong and thriving in states where marriage equality is the law.  The brief was filed in connection with two cases: Kitchen v. Herbert and Bishop v. Smith.  The filing is consistent with Attorney General Schneiderman’s long commitment to ensuring marriage equality. The filing also follows an amicus brief filed with the Supreme Court last year in United States v. Windsor, in which Attorney General Schneiderman successfully argued that the Defense of Marriage Act violated the U.S. Constitution.

A copy of the brief can be found here.

The New York State Attorney General’s Office remains committed to combating discrimination based on sexual orientation. To file a complaint, contact the Office’s Civil Rights Bureau at 212-416-8250 or Civil.Rights@ag.ny.gov

(LONG ISLAND, NY) The NAACP released the following statement in response to New York City Mayor de Balsio’s decision to drop the lawsuit against the Community Safety Act filed under the Bloomberg administration.

From Hazel N. Dukes, President of the NAACP New York State Conference:

“This is a victory for the people of New York City and confirmation of Mayor de Blasio’s commitment to ending racial profiling by the NYPD,” stated New York NAACP President Hazel N. Dukes. “The lawsuit was an unnecessary obstacle seeking to preserve a broken system and we commend the Mayor for removing it from the city’s path to reform.”

From Dr. Niaz Kasravi, NAACP National Criminal Justice Director:

“The NAACP commends Mayor de Blasio for dropping the lawsuit against the racial bill of the Community Safety Act and fulfilling his campaign promise to help end racial profiling and stop and frisk abuses in New York,” stated NAACP Criminal Justice Director Dr. Niaz Kasravi. “New York has the opportunity to be a national leader in working to end racial profiling and we look forward to working with the Mayor and his team to implement real changes that will ultimately lead to protecting the basic rights of all New Yorkers and at the same time greater public safety.”

On Father’s Day 2012, the NAACP joined with 1199 SEIU and National Action Network to lead a “Silent March to End Stop-and-Frisk” down Fifth Avenue in New York City. The march drew tens of thousands of people from diverse races, ethnicities and religions.

Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities. You can read more about the NAACP’s work and our five “Game Changer” issue areas here.