(Woodbury, N.Y.) Crime Stoppers and the Nassau County Police Department are seeking the public’s help with identifying the unknown female subject pictured below in survalience imagery. The subject is wanted in connection with a Grand Larceny that occurred in Woodbury, New York.

An unknown subject bumped into a victims shopping cart and took her pocketbook. Less than ten minutes later, the subject pictured above attempted to use one of the victim’s credit cards at the Chase Bank located at 220 West Jericho Turnpike in Syosset.

On Sunday December 22nd, 2013 at approximately 8:30 PM the victim was shopping in the Stop and Shop located at 8101 Jericho Turnpike in Woodbury, NY. At that time an unknown subject bumped into her cart, and took her pocketbook when she turned her back. Less than ten minutes later, the subject pictured above attempted to use one of the victim’s credit cards at the Chase Bank located at 220 West Jericho Turnpike in Syosset.

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.

(East Islip, NY) The Suffolk County Police Department and Crime Stoppers are offering a cash reward of up to $5,000 of which $2,500 is donated by RxPATROL® for information leading to the arrest of the suspect(s) believed to be responsible for a pharmacy robbery that occurred at Country Village Pharmacy located at 242 East Main St., in East Islip.

The cash reward is donated by RxPATROL®, a collaborative effort between industry, pharmacists and law enforcement to collect, collate, analyze and disseminate information on pharmacy theft. Further information is available to authorized personnel at www.RxPATROL.org.

“It’s important for people to know that all information that we get is kept completely confidential. Callers never have to give their names or appear in court. The Crime Stoppers tip line does not use any tape recording or caller ID devices,” said Crime Stoppers Executive Vice President/Rewards Chairman Loring Miller.

Anyone with information about this robbery or the suspect described below is asked to call the Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-220-TIPS.

Robbery Details:

Suffolk County Police Department and Crime Stoppers are investigating an armed robbery that occurred on February 18, 2014 at approximately 3:55 p.m. at Country Village Pharmacy located at 242 East Main St., in East Islip. Crime Stoppers and law enforcement officials are asking for the public’s assistance by offering a reward of up to $5,000 for any information that will help solve this crime. The reward is donated by RxPATROL.

• Date/Time: Tuesday, February 18, 2014 at approximately 3:55 p.m.
• Location: Country Village Pharmacy, 242 East Main St., East Islip
• Description of Events: A man armed with a gun entered Country Village Pharmacy, located at 242 East Main St., and announced a robbery and demanded prescription medication at approximately 3:55 p.m. The employees complied and the man fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of medication. The employees were not injured.
• Suspect Description: The suspect was described as white, approximately 25 to 30 years old, approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall, with a thin mustache. He was wearing sunglasses, a dark-hooded sweatshirt and a red bandana around the lower part of his face.

(Ronkonkoma, NY) Retlif Testing Laboratories, a strategic compliance organization among the USA’s leading independent testing laboratories, is celebrating its 35th year of operations amid ongoing expansion of its EMC/EMI and environmental testing services. In conjunction with its anniversary, Retlif Testing Laboratories President Walter Poggi recently announced and renewed the company’s pledge to uphold the highly personal service that has been the hallmark of the organization since its inception.

Pictured are Retlif Testing Laboratories Senior Managers (standing from left to right) Peter Novara, Mike Bozza, Anthony Arpino, Richard Reitz, Owen Watford and Scott Wentworth and (seated from left to right) Co-Founders Marilyn Poggi and Walter Poggi, Vice President Bill Hayes, and Environmental Laboratory Supervisor Scott Poggi.

Founded in 1978 by Walter and Marilyn Poggi, Retlif provides EMC/EMI and environmental simulation testing services, approvals and certifications to clients within diverse industries including aerospace and aviation, military, homeland security, rail, maritime, automotive, medical and consumer electronics.

Globally recognized as an independent laboratory leader, Retlif has expanded from humble beginnings at Flowerfield in St. James, NY, to currently six locations, including its state-of-the-art headquarters facility in Ronkonkoma, NY, and recently opened second NY office at the Morrelly Homeland Security Center in Bethpage, NY. Retlif has 60 employees within the New York area and employs 88 company-wide.

Retlif’s strategic growth plan bucked the trend, undergoing expansion through key geographic acquisition rather than abandoning its Long Island origins. To date, that decision has resulted in additional laboratories in New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, as well as a regulatory office in Washington DC., while growing its Ronkonkoma location.

The organization’s continuing growth has been fueled by Retlif’s additional diverse environmental testing services and other testing, such as lightening testing, in support of airframe and aerospace manufacturers. More recently, Retlif developed and implemented a testing program for soft body armor used by law enforcement officials nationwide and supplied environmental testing to treat ballast water on board ships to remedy growing concerns about non-native aquatic species in American coastal waters, lakes and rivers.

Retlif’s expansion and success stems from its cross-industry focus, continual investment in leading edge equipment and technologies, along with its ongoing education and training of talented engineers and technicians.

“The Retlif mission has different goals from most other EMC and environmental laboratories,” said Walter Poggi. “We are as much focused on the results of our testing, such as product approvals and expanding our clients’ marketplaces, as we are on the testing itself.”

For further information about Retlif Testing Laboratories, please contact Mr. Jamie Stanco with Progressive Marketing Group via phone, 631-756-7160, or email, jpstanco@pmgstrategic.com.

Saturday, March 1. The 8:30 p.m. concert, sponsored by the Folk Music Society of Huntington

(Centerport, N.Y.) Folk-rock trio Modern Man will entertain folks with humorous original songs and witty banter at the Congregational Church of Huntington, 30 Washington Drive, off Route 25A, in Centerport on Saturday, March 1. The 8:30 p.m. concert, sponsored by the Folk Music Society of Huntington, is preceded by an open mic at 7:30 p.m. Tickets, priced at $25, $20 for FMSH members, may be purchased online at fmsh.org using a credit card or at the door (cash and checks only). For more information, visit the website or call (631) 425-2925.

Modern Man: A cross between Crosby, Stills & Nash and the Marx Brothers, Modern Man is a trio of singer-songwriters who have carved a unique niche for themselves with their inimitable brand of musical humor.

A cross between Crosby, Stills & Nash and the Marx Brothers, Modern Man (David Buskin, Rob Carlson and George Wurzbach) is a trio of singer-songwriters who have carved a unique niche for themselves with their inimitable brand of musical humor. No sacred cow is spared as they sing about topics ranging from God to Godzilla, the FBI to ESPN, and manliness to cluelessness —  all in a style that has been called “a non-stop express train of uproarious entertainment,” (Oscar E. Moore, TalkEntertainment.com), and with a vocal blend not heard since Ella and F. Scott Fitzgerald went their separate ways.

From 1998 until 2010, Modern Man performed in clubs, coffeehouses, concerts and festivals across the United States and Canada. These included the Philadelphia, Kerrville and Falcon Ridge Folk Festivals, and such acclaimed venues as Town Hall, Wolf Trap, The Bottom Line and Lincoln Center, where Roots of American Music Festival producer Spike Barkin called Modern Man “the cleverest, funniest, most versatile group that I have heard in years.” The trio also won the 2008 New York Nightlife Award for best comedy group in New York. Modern Man has recorded three CDs: The Wide Album, Modern Immaturity and Assisted Living.

After a hiatus of several years spent pursuing other musical interests, Buskin, Carlson and Wurzbach are back touring as Modern Man — “despite popular demand”– with topical material guaranteed to keep audiences laughing.

Now in its 45th year, the Folk Music Society of Huntington presents two monthly concert series, a monthly folk jam and sing-along, and an annual folk festival in conjunction with the Huntington Arts Council.

Interim Agreements Are Latest Development In Industrywide Investigation Into Early Release Of Analyst Sentiment, Following Agreement With BlackRock To Terminate World’s Largest Analyst Survey; Schneiderman: Firms Have Shown Leadership In Combatting “Insider Trading 2.0”  

(NEW YORK) Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today announced interim agreements with a number of prominent firms to stop their practice of cooperating with analyst surveys administered by certain elite, technologically sophisticated clients at the expense of others—a practice that can put the market at large at an unfair disadvantage. Attorney General Schneiderman requested that the firms end their participation in these surveys while he conducts an industrywide investigation into early access to analyst sentiment.

Last month, the Attorney General announced his Office’s groundbreaking agreement with BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, to end its practice of systematically surveying Wall Street analysts for their opinions on firms they cover.  At that time, the Attorney General announced that his investigation would continue into those firms that answered surveys.

Today, Attorney General Schneiderman announced the first major results of that effort, as his office has secured interim agreements with all 18 financial firms contacted – Merrill Lynch, UBS Securities LLC, Barclays Capital Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, Goldman, Sachs & Co., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Jefferies LLC, Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Inc., Sanford C. Bernstein & Co., LLC, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc. (a division of Stifel), Thomas Weisel Partners (a division of Stifel), Macquarie Group, Vertical Research Partners, FBR Capital Markets & Co. and Wolfe Research – to discontinue or to continue refraining from the practice of cooperating with such surveys and to continue their cooperation with the Attorney General’s investigation into the early release of analyst sentiment.  The firms have agreed to suspend participation in any survey worldwide that relates to companies listed on U.S. exchanges.

“At my request, these firms have agreed to stop a practice that can offer an advantage to powerful clients at the expense of others,” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “Our markets will only be fair and healthy if everyone plays by the same rules, which is why we will continue to take action against those who provide unfair advantages to elite traders at the expense of the rest of us. I applaud these firms for their leadership and cooperation.”

In a speech delivered at the Bloomberg Market 50 Summit in September 2013, the Attorney General outlined his concern about the early release of market-moving data to preferred investors in a practice he dubbed “Insider Trading 2.0.”  In the speech, he expressed concern regarding brokerage firm analysts who provide answers to surveys that give traders a sneak peek into forthcoming analyst reports.  In January, the Attorney General’s investigation into BlackRock’s survey revealed that a number of questions were worded to capture analysts’ views regarding management, competitive position, earnings, and other aspects of covered companies. The Attorney General’s Office determined that the design, timing, and structure of the surveys allowed BlackRock to obtain information from analysts that could be used to front-run future analyst revisions.

The Attorney General Office’s investigation into the early release of Wall Street analyst sentiment is led by Chad Johnson, Chief of the Investor Protection Bureau; Nicholas Suplina, Senior Advisor and Special Counsel; Assistant Attorneys General Kenneth Haim, John Castiglione, Anjna Kapoor, and Jordan Salberg; and Karla G. Sanchez, Executive Deputy Attorney General for Economic Justice.

Rabbi Marc Gellman and members of Temple Beth Torah confirmation class and alumni, with puppies, at the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind’s Smithtown campus

(Melville, NY) On Sunday, February 2, 2014, students in Temple Beth Torah’s 2014 confirmation class, along with family members and TBT alumni were led by Rabbi Marc Gellman through the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, in Smithtown.  Rabbi Gellman’s and Temple Beth Torah have been major supporters of the Guide Dog Foundation. Rabbi Gellman and his family have volunteered raising puppies in their home for the Foundation.  He was delighted to share his passion with our teens.

Rabbi Marc Gellman and members of Temple Beth Torah confirmation class and alumni, with puppies, at the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind’s Smithtown campus.

M.I.A. – Mitzvah In Action is a regular part of our teen programming at Temple Beth Torah.  Our students learn about local charities and then perform community service with that institution.  We have held food drives for Island Harvest , visited the North Shore Animal League and interacted with residents at Gurwin Geriatric Center.

On this trip we learned about the work of the Guide Dog Foundation and met the puppies who are being trained.

In 1946, when the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind was founded, its mission was simple: to provide guide dogs and training- free of charge- to people who were blind or visually impaired.

The Foundation provides many opportunities for volunteers, For more information and volunteer application forms go to the Foundation’s website, www.guidedog.org

Senator Calls Senate Passage of the “Public Assistance Integrity Act” Crucial For Progress

(Long Island, NY) Senator Ken LaValle reported that NY State made regulatory changes on deadline to preserve $120 Million in federal funds that were in jeopardy. New York State formulated and implemented policy changes required by federal law to stop the misuse of Electronic Benefits Transfer cards (EBT cards) to prohibit the use of welfare funds for the purchase of alcohol, tobacco, or lottery tickets. Senator LaValle said, “Taxpayer funds should never have been used for these types of activities. The Senate passage of legislation last month highlighted the issue for the state, and surely had impact towards amending policy. I am pleased the State is on the right path.”

The action followed the Senate passage last month of the “Public Assistance Integrity Act”, which would stop disreputable people from utilizing the Electronic Benefits Transfer cards (EBT cards) to pay for items that were never intended to be covered by the welfare system. The penalties under the measure would result in the individuals being removed from the welfare programs after a 3-strikes-you’re-out penalty phase.

Free Legal Clinics March 10 and 24, 2014

(Mineola, NY) One in every 1,100 Nassau homeowners is in foreclosure, and many others continue to be concerned about foreclosure matters. In addition, hundreds of residents are still not back to normal more than a year and a half after Superstorm Sandy hit. These residents can receive free legal guidance and referrals at NCBA’s Mortgage Foreclosure and Sandy Recovery Free Legal Consultation Clinics to be held on Monday, March 10 and Monday, March 24, both from 3-6 p.m., at the NCBA headquarters, 15^th and West Streets, Mineola, located two blocks south of the bus and train station.

NCBA’s clinics allow homeowners concerned about foreclosure matters or who are already in the foreclosure process involving property in Nassau County, to meet one-on-one with a volunteer attorney for free legal guidance, to receive loan modification assistance and bankruptcy information – all in one room. Homeowners may meet with HUD-certified housing counselors from the Community Development Corporation of Long Island, Hispanic Brotherhood of Rockville Centre, American Debt Resources and LaFuerza Unieda. Attorneys will also be able to help Sandy victims with insurance and FEMA claims, debt deferral, consumer protection issues and landlord-tenant issues. In addition, Catholic Charities will be on hand to assist those who need help applying for funding from FEMA and insurance companies.

Reservations are required by calling the Bar Association at 516-747-4070. Attendees are asked to bring their mortgage documents to the clinic. Bi-lingual attorneys fluent in Spanish will be on site and attorneys bi-lingual in other languages, including Russian, Haitian Creole, Korean, Chinese, Hindi, American Sign Language, may be requested when making reservations.

This program is funded through the NYS Attorney General Homeownership Protection Program.

About the Nassau County Bar Association
Founded in 1899, the Nassau County Bar Association consists of private and public attorneys, judges, legal educators and law students who demonstrate their commitment to the community by offering a variety of services for the public, including lawyer referral services, mortgage foreclosure, Sandy Recovery and senior citizen legal clinics, judicial screening, public education programs, and support for the Volunteer Lawyers Project, which provides much-needed free legal services for the indigent of Nassau County. The WE CARE Fund, a part of the NCBA’s charitable arm, assists children, the elderly and others in need, through countless projects and donations.  For more information, call (516) 747-4070 (language translation available), email info@nassaubar.org, or visit nassaubar.org.

(Hauppauge, NY) The Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee for the Electrical Industry of Nassau and Suffolk Counties will conduct a recruitment from March 5, 2014 through February 18, 2015 for 40 electrician apprentices, five electrician (house or residential) apprentices, and five electrical maintenance technician apprentices, State Labor Commissioner Peter M. Rivera announced today.

Applications can be obtained, in person only, at 370 Motor Parkway, Hauppauge, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., the first and third Wednesday of each month, excluding legal holidays, during the recruitment period.  All applications must be received no later than 12:00p.m. on February 18, 2015.

The Committee requires that applicants:

• Must be at least 18 years old – proof is required at the time of application.
• Must be a high school graduate or hold a New-York-State-approved high school equivalency diploma – proof is required at the time of application.
• Must be physically able to perform the work required, as determined by a physical exam paid for by the sponsor – before final acceptance.
• Must have taken and passed Elementary Algebra, New York State Math I, or freshman High School Regents Math – proof is required at the time of application.
• Must be a resident of Nassau or Suffolk County for at least 12 months prior to the date of application – proof is required at the time of application.
• Must receive a qualifying score on the NJATC/AIR Aptitude Test administered by the JATC.
• Must be interviewed by the JATC.
• Must submit to and pass a substance abuse test paid for by the JATC – before final acceptance.
• Must have reliable transportation to get to and from work at job sites anywhere within the geographical area (Nassau & Suffolk counties).
• Must attest to the following criteria, as indicated on the application:
  • Able to climb and work from ladders, scaffolds, poles and towers of various heights.
  • Able to crawl and work in confined spaces, such as attics, manholes and crawlspaces.
  • Able to read, hear and understand instructions and warnings.

For further information, applicants should contact the nearest New York State Department of Labor office or the JATC for the Electrical Industry of Nassau and Suffolk Counties at (631) 434-3939.

Apprentice programs registered with the Department of Labor must meet standards established by the Commissioner.  Under state law, sponsors of programs cannot discriminate against applicants because of race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, disability or marital status.  Women and minorities are encouraged to submit applications for apprenticeship programs.  Sponsors of programs are required to adopt affirmative action plans for the recruitment of women and minorities.

Zaneis to Maintain Lead Role in Public Policy, While Joining IAB Senior Management Team in Overseeing Trade Organization’s Strategy, Execution & Service Delivery

(NEW YORK, NY) The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) today announced the promotion of Mike Zaneis to Executive Vice President and General Counsel from Senior Vice President and General Counsel. Zaneis opened the IAB Public Policy Office in Washington D.C. seven years ago and will continue to head the organization’s efforts in the nation’s capital, assuring that IAB members’ voices are heard on critical issues, including consumer privacy, data security, free trade, and national security, among others. Working directly with IAB President and CEO Randall Rothenberg, Zaneis will join the IAB’s other two Executive Vice Presidents, Patrick Dolan and David Doty, in serving as the top-level management team of the IAB.

“Mike is highly respected by his peers in Washington, as well as by congressional and regulatory leaders and staffs, for his sophistication, sensitivity, and stability,” said Rothenberg. “In this new role, he will help us coordinate our growing suite of initiatives, assuring that—as technology, public policy, and business activity grow more interconnected—we help lawmakers, consumers, and executives find the simplicity on the other side of complexity.”

Prior to joining IAB in 2007, Mike Zaneis served as Executive Director of Technology and E-Commerce at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the world’s largest trade association. As the chief technology and telecommunications lobbyist, he oversaw issues affecting the business community pertaining to online and consumer privacy, data security, telecommunications, intellectual property, counterfeiting, piracy, and e-commerce.

Zaneis has worked in the political arena for the past 20 years and has engaged in government affairs at the local, state, federal, and international levels. He received his bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and both his Juris Doctor and Master’s in Public Policy from Georgetown University. Zaneis currently serves as an adjunct professor for Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy.

About the IAB
The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) is comprised of more than 600 leading media and technology companies that are responsible for selling 86% of online advertising in the United States. On behalf of its members, the IAB is dedicated to the growth of the interactive advertising marketplace, of interactive’s share of total marketing spend, and of its members’ share of total marketing spend. The IAB educates marketers, agencies, media companies and the wider business community about the value of interactive advertising. Working with its member companies, the IAB evaluates and recommends standards and practices and fields critical research on interactive advertising. Founded in 1996, the IAB is headquartered in New York City with a Public Policy office in Washington, D.C. For more information, please visit iab.net.