(Hempstead, NY) Crime Stoppers and the Nassau County Police Department are seeking the public’s help with identifying the pictured subject. The subject is wanted in connection with an Identity Theft that occurred in West Hempstead, New York.

After an investigation, it was determined that the pictured subject was observed making fraudulent purchases with fraudulently obtained credit cards at Target and Wal-Mart stores. 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.

On Monday, December 30, 2013, a victim became aware of multiple fraudulent store credit cards opened in her name with purchases made in excess of $11,000. After further investigation, it was determined that the pictured subject was observed making fraudulent purchases with some of the credit cards at Target and Wal-Mart stores. The subject fled the scenes in unknown directions.

Crime Stoppers is asking anyone who can identify the subject, or with any information about these crimes 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.

(Albany, NY) Sixty (60) community members joined Congressman Tonko for ‘Coffee with Congress’, hosted by Environment New York, to discuss how to move forward to protect New York’s environment at a time when the U.S. House of Representatives continues to undermine environmental protections.

The community members, Environment New York, and others including representatives from the Town of Colonie Conservation Advisory Council, PAUSE (People of Albany United for Safe Energy), Citizen Action of New York, and MoveOn thanked Congressman Tonko for his leadership on environmental issues, including his stance on fracking, in Congress.

“It is critical that we have strong champions like Congressman Tonko speaking up for us in Washington D.C.,” said Heather Leibowitz, Director at Environment New York. “It is because of leaders like him that we’ve been able to defeat the worst of the attacks on our environment, and it is only with those leaders that we can move forward to protect the environment and public health.”

Environmental measures currently face significant opposition in the U.S. House. Last year, the U.S. House voted 109 times to block critical environmental protections, including important efforts to cut carbon pollution from power plants, protect waterways and improve air quality, according to a report authored last December by members of the U.S. House’s Energy and Commerce Committee.

Though 2013 was a troubling year for the environment in the U.S. House, Tonko was not hesitant about laying out his vision for how to move forward to protect New York’s environment

“We, as a nation, should be moving away from a fossil fuel economy,” Tonko said. “Energy policy is still too heavily weighted in fossil fuels. We need to expand the use of renewable energy and reconfigure energy use and consumption.”

Community members at the event agreed with Tonko that it is time to move forward towards what the Congressman referred to as a “water-based economy”, where we utilize energy in a way that protects human health as well as finite resources like water to pass on to future generations.

“Congress must start thinking about what’s best for this country instead of what’s best for big polluters,” said Leibowitz. “Congress is making decisions today about our future and our children’s future. We are going to have to deal with the polluted environment they leave us, and it’s time they start listening to us instead of Exxon Mobil.”

But moving forward with strong environmental solutions in Congress is unlikely. This year, House leaders are continuing their assault on the environment. The House is moving legislation that would allow power plants to continue to dump unlimited amounts of carbon pollution into the air.

“When it comes to the environment, the U.S. House is taking us down a dead end road to pollute our air, threaten our climate, endanger our treasured places, and grant oil corporations’ every wish,” Leibowitz stated. “New York and America need a cleaner, healthier environmental future. We need more champions like Congressman Tonko defending the environment and public health.”

Environment New York Research & Policy Center is a statewide, citizen-based environmental advocacy organization. Our professional staff combines independent research, practical ideas, and tough-minded advocacy to overcome the opposition of powerful special interests and win real results for New York’s environment. As part of Environment America, we fight to protect our air, water, and open spaces here in New York, in state capitals across the country, and in Washington D.C.

New York’s Sportsman Education Program is a Key Factor

(NEW YORK) The 2013 New York hunting season had the lowest number of hunting related shooting incidents on record, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Joe Martens announced today. The tradition of hunting in New York continues to be safely enjoyed by our sportsmen and women who venture afield.

“Governor Cuomo recognizes all the benefits the sporting community brings to New York’s economy and commends sportsmen and women for setting a record in hunting safety,” said Commissioner Martens.  “Sportsman education is an essential background to have in the field and teaches future sportsmen and sportswomen how to be safe, responsible and ethical hunters and trappers. Under New York’s Open for Fishing and Hunting, our Fish and Wildlife Programs are being enhanced and our hunting and fishing licenses are streamlined to ensure increased opportunities for recreational in this state.”

New York’s hunting incident rate (incidents per 100,000 hunters) has fallen by more than 70 percent since the 1960s. The past five-year average is down to 4.3 incidents per 100,000 hunters, compared to 19 per 100,000 in the 1960s.

Down from 24 in 2012, a total of 19 hunting accidents occurred in 2013, including unfortunately two fatalities.  Fourteen of this year’s accidents where self inflicted. Investigations of all accidents are completed by trained Environmental Conservation Officers. The findings of these investigations are used to improve New York’s Hunter Education Course to ensure that the most common causes of accidents are addressed and emphasized during instruction.

These declining statistics prove that New York has a safety-conscious generation of hunters, in great thanks to the committed efforts of more than 2,500 volunteer Sportsman Education Instructors. These trained instructors, who are certified by DEC, teach safe, responsible and ethical outdoor practices and the important role of hunters and trappers in conservation. All courses are offered free of charge.

While hunting is safer than ever, accidents happen and it is important to remember that every hunting related shooting incident is preventable. Many, if not all of these incidents could have been prevented, if only the shooter or victim had followed the primary rules of hunter safety to:

• treat every firearm as if it were loaded;
• keep your muzzle pointed in a safe direction;
• identify your target and what lies beyond;
• keep finger off the trigger until ready to fire; and
• wear hunter orange.

Governor Cuomo’s NY Open for Fishing and Hunting Initiative is an effort to improve recreational activities for in-state and out-of-state sportsmen and sportswomen and to boost tourism opportunities throughout the state. This initiative includes the streamlining of Fishing and Hunting licensing and reducing license fees, improved access for fishing at various sites across the state, and increasing hunting opportunities in various regions.

In support of this initiative, Governor Cuomo this year has proposed the creation of 50 new land access projects, which will connect hunters, anglers, bird watchers and others who enjoy the outdoors to more than 380,000 acres of existing state and easement lands that have gone untapped until now. These 50 new access projects include building new boat launches, installing new hunting blinds and building new trails and parking areas. In addition, the Governor’s budget includes $4 million to repair the state’s fish hatcheries.

For more information, including the 2013 Hunting Safety Statistics, visit the Sportsman Education Program DEC web page at http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7860.html.

(Albertson, NY) Emergency energy and storm preparedness were topics of discussion during a recent Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) meeting that was held in conjunction with NSWCA’s ongoing Educational Series and sponsored by the Plainview Water District. Discussing the merits of propane gas for water districts and other municipality use, particularly during emergencies, was guest speaker Charles Buonincontri, Long Island sales manager with Paraco Gas in Bay Shore, NY, the region’s largest independent propane retailer.

Pictured during Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association’s (NSWCA) meeting regarding propane benefits relative to water safety and emergencies are: (Back row left to right) NSWCA member Gary Brosnan of South Farmingdale Water District, NSWCA President Howard Abbondondelo of Albertson Water District and NSWCA First Vice President Thomas P. Hand of Massapequa Water District with (Seated left to right) NSWCA Guest speakers Charles Buonincontri and Bob Pearse of Bay Shore-based Paraco Gas, and NSWCA member Nicholas Bartilucci of Jericho Water District.

“Propane is an ideal fuel for emergency generators that are used all over Long Island. It stores easily and requires far less maintenance. Unlike oil, it can sit for long periods without evaporation or decomposition to sludge, so it is safe and ready for unexpected situations like Superstorm Sandy and Hurricane Irene,” said Mr. Buonincontri, who also pointed out that propane is less expensive to use than diesel or kerosene, which supports NSWCA’s ongoing efforts to control costs.

NSWCA President Howard Abbondondelo of Albertson Water District remarked, “As elected commissioners of local districts, NSWCA member commissioners continually research and evaluate new safety and power solutions to ensure that a safe, uninterrupted supply of water is delivered to consumers. It is part and parcel of the NSWCA Educational Series.”

NSWCA 1st Vice President Thomas P. Hand of Massapequa Water District added, “The use of emergency generators during Superstorm Sandy ensured that no commissioner-run district experienced water interruptions, despite significant power outages. Educating our commissioners and the public about alternate power sources, as they relate to future emergency energy and storm preparedness, is at the core of the NSWCA Educational Series.”

About The NSWCA:
Organized and chartered in 1981, the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) is comprised of water commissioners from 21 Nassau County and Suffolk County water districts. NSWCA is dedicated to promoting environmental excellence and best practices as well as maintaining the highest standards of water quality and supply. NSWCA sponsors regular educational meetings on topics that include the environment, security, economics, rules and regulations and other issues germane to water utilities.

For further information, contact the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association President Howard Abbondondelo via phone at (516) 621-3610 or email, awd11577@optonline.net.

Agency Contact, or for information regarding your district’s water commissioners: Mr. Jamie Stanco, Progressive Marketing Group, Inc., Tel: 631-756-7160, email: jpstanco@pmgstrategic.com.

Food & Drink Specials to Honor the Patron Saint of Ireland from Friday, March 14 through Monday, March 17

(NEW YORK) Every March, the Irish, and Irish-at-heart, celebrate the traditions of the St. Patrick’s holiday.  Beginning Friday, March 14 through Monday, March 17, Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar® restaurants on Long Island will bring the Emerald Isle to every location with food and drink specials all weekend long – aimed to save our guests a whole lot of green.

“The St. Patrick’s Day holiday is a great time of year as everyone gets into the Irish spirit,” said Kurt Pahlitzsch, director of operations, Applebee’s Long Island. “Applebee’s prides itself on providing its guests with outstanding hospitality – a virtue that is synonymous with the Irish.  We look forward to helping our guests celebrate St. Patrick’s Day all weekend long with great food, drinks and atmosphere.”

Applebee’s St. Patrick’s Day Weekend specials include:

Drinks

• Miller Lite – draft pints, for $3.00.
• Irish Coffee – a delicious blend of Irish Whiskey, coffee, cream and sugar, for $4.00.
• Mucho Sangrias – available in Berry, White Peach and Red Apple, for $5.00.

Appetizers

• Green Bean Crispers – A shareable stack of green beans, battered, seasoned and lightly fried. Served with two sauces – cool and creamy BBQ bacon ranch and a zesty horseradish.
• Brew Pub Pretzels & Beer Cheese Dip – White cheddar mixed with craft beer and roasted garlic creates a savory dip served alongside warm pretzel sticks seasoned with sesame seeds, coarse salt and crushed red pepper. Comes with Honey Dijon mustard sauce.

Entrées

• Corned Beef Rueben – A deli classic with thin-sliced corned beef brisket piled high and topped with sauerkraut and Russian dressing between slices of melted Swiss cheese on rye with pickles, for $9.99. (available for a limited time only.)

Corned Beef & Cabbage – A delicious traditional corned beef and cabbage and potato platter, for $11.99. (available for a limited time only.)

The Applebee’s Brand
Applebee’s is the world’s largest casual dining chain, with approximately 2,000 locations in 49 states, 16 countries and one U.S. territory. Based in Kansas City, Missouri, Applebee’s takes pride in providing a welcoming, neighborhood environment where everyone can enjoy the dining experience. Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar® restaurants are franchised or operated by DineEquity’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Applebee’s International, Inc. and its affiliates.

About Doherty Enterprises, Inc.
Established in 1985, Doherty Enterprises, Inc. is recognized as the 68th largest privately-held business in the New York Metro area by Crain’s Business and the 12th  largest franchisee in the United States as ranked in the Restaurant Finance Monitor, operating seven restaurant concepts including: Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar, Panera Bread, Chevys Fresh Mex, Quaker Steak & Lube, Noodles & Company, and two of their own concepts, The Shannon Rose Irish Pub and Spuntino Wine Bar and Italian Tapas. To date, Doherty Enterprises owns and operates over 140 restaurants in northern, southern and central New Jersey, Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn and Staten Island – and now in Florida and Georgia. The Doherty vision is to be the “Best Food Service Company in the Communities We Serve” and its mission is to “Wow Every Guest Every Time, Wow Our People, Wow Our Communities and Wow Our Suppliers.” (www.DohertyInc.com)

About Applebee’s Services, Inc
Applebee’s (www.applebees.com) is the world’s largest casual dining chain, with more than 2,000 locations in 49 states, 15 countries and one U.S. territory. Based in Lenexa, Kan., Applebee’s takes pride in providing a welcoming, neighborhood environment where everyone can enjoy the dining experience. Applebee’s Services, Inc., and its affiliates franchise and operate restaurants under Applebee’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill and are a DineEquity, Inc. (NYSE: DIN) brand.

On Long Island, Applebee’s is located in Nassau County:  Baldwin, Bellmore, Bethpage, Elmont, New Hyde Park, Rosedale, Valley Stream and Westbury and in Suffolk County:  Bohemia, Brentwood, Commack, East Farmingdale, East Islip, Farmingville, Huntington, Lake Grove, Lindenhurst, Miller Place, North Babylon, Patchogue, Riverhead and Shirley.

Mercy College Partners With the Head Start Sponsoring Board Council of the City of New York, Inc. (HSSBC) on behalf of the United States Department of Health and Human Services’ Head Start Program.

(Dobbs Ferry, N.Y.) Continuing Mercy College’s commitment to the Bronx, the College has partnered with the Head Start Sponsoring Board Council of the City of New York, Inc. (HSSBC) to provide health screenings and education through the College’s Mobile Health Vehicle.

Through this partnership, twice a month Mercy College students, faculty and staff will take the College’s Mobile Health Vehicle to the Bathgate section of the Bronx to provide health screenings and education to members of the Sharon Baptist Head Start Program and surrounding Bronx community.

Kick Off of the Mobile Health Van- Head Start
Tuesday February 25, 2014
10 a.m. – 3p.m.
Ribbon Cutting 10:30 a.m.
Sharon Baptist Head Start/ Partners with Parents
1925 Bathgate Ave., (Bronx, N.Y.)

Mercy College’s Physician Assistant Program Director Lorraine Cashin said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for Mercy College students to interact with community members by providing essential health services that help facilitate a healthier Bronx. This also provides students with a first-hand understanding and appreciation of the community’s needs.”

HSSBC  Director Gwendolyn McEvilley said: “I am ecstatic about the possibilities of what this partnership brings to members of the Head Start community. This is an opportunity for our children, families and staff members to get screenings and referrals, which in turn, contributes to our mission of creating a healthier alternative for all.”

Head Start Programs service low-income children and their families, providing school readiness with a clear and comprehensive focus on cognitive development, social and emotional development as well as health and nutrition.  The Mobile Health Vehicle is operated and staffed by Physician Assistant (PA) faculty and PA graduate students.  The vehicle is funded by a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration Grant.

About Head Start Sponsoring Board Council of the City of New York, Inc. (HSSBC)
Established in 1981, HSSBC is a non-profit membership organization representing 60 agencies operating over 200 Head Start direct service centers throughout the five boroughs.  HSSBC is an important resource committed to improving, inspiring and supporting our members through advocacy and leadership development. www.headstartsbc.org

About Mercy College
Founded in 1950, Mercy College is a private, not-for-profit higher education institution that offers more than 90 undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs within five prestigious schools: Business, Education, Health and Natural Sciences, Liberal Arts and Social and Behavioral Sciences. Mercy College offers an engaging and personalized learning experience that includes the College’s revolutionary Personalized Achievement Contract (PACT) program. The Mercy College PACT is the first program of its kind and now serves as a nationally recognized model for mentoring.  www.mercy.edu/ 877-MERCY-GO.

Endo Pharmaceuticals Will Return $25M To New York Medicaid Program; A.G. Schneiderman: My Office Will Protect Precious Medicaid Dollars; Work To Ensure Pharmaceutical Companies Play By The Rules

(NEW YORK, NY) Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman announced today that New York has joined with other states and the federal government in a $173 million global settlement with Endo Pharmaceuticals, a wholly owned subsidiary of Endo Health Solutions, a manufacturer of pharmaceutical products, to resolve civil allegations of unlawful marketing practices aimed at promoting the drug Lidoderm for conditions not approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

New York led the national team representing the states in the investigation and subsequent settlement. According to the qui tam, or whistleblower lawsuit, Endo unlawfully marketed Lidoderm for use in connection with lower back pain or chronic pain. The FDA approved Lidoderm only for the treatment of pain associated with post-herpetic neuralgia, more commonly known as shingles.

“Illegally marketing drugs off-label puts patient lives at risk and rips off New York taxpayers and the state by defrauding Medicaid and other programs,” Attorney General Schneiderman said. “Pharmaceutical companies, no matter how large, are not above the law, and my office will continue to ensure that prescriptions are written based on sound medical judgment – and that drug manufacturers are held responsible for pushing their products for uses not approved by the FDA.”

Under the terms of the civil settlement, Endo will pay $172,916,967 to the states and federal government and pay a criminal penalties and forfeitures of almost $21 million .  Endo will also enter into a Deferred Prosecution Agreement with the Northern District of New York and enter into a Corporate Integrity Agreement with the Department of Health and Human Service’s Office of the Inspector General.  The lawsuit was filed in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania under the provisions of the federal False Claims Act and analogous state False Claims statutes.  The New York Medicaid program will receive more than $25 million in the settlement.

As outlined in the settlement agreement, between March 1999 and December 2007, Endo knowingly promoted the sale and use of Lidoderm for use in connection with lower back and chronic pain that were not medically accepted indications and were not covered by the state Medicaid program. Endo’s alleged unlawful conduct caused false or fraudulent claims to be submitted to the state Medicaid program. A copy of the New York settlement with Endo can be found here.

A team from the National Association of Medicaid Fraud Control Units worked with the federal government on the investigation and conducted settlement negotiations with Endo on behalf of the states. Representatives from the states of New York, Florida, Texas and Oregon comprised the team. Leading the team was Jay Speers, Counsel to the New York Medicaid Fraud Control Unit; Stacey Millis, Supervising Special Auditor Investigator; Michael LaCasse, Chief Auditor, and Matthew Tandle, Senior Special Auditor Investigator.  New York’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, led by Acting Director Amy Held, is part of the Criminal Justice Division,  led by Executive Deputy Attorney General Kelly Donovan.

(Long Island, NY) Senator Zeldin hopes you will share the following information and attached flyer with your readers:

In honor of Children’s Dental Health Month, Senator Zeldin has partnered with Briarcliffe College to provide free child dental screenings this Saturday.

From 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at Briarcliffe College’s Dental Hygiene Clinic, professionals will be on hand to provide the following services:

• Oral Cancer Screenings
• Blood Pressure Screenings
• Dental Cleaning and Treatments
• Patient Education (tooth brushing, flossing, dental care)

The event is free and open to the public.

Ron Eagar Named as Event’s Honoree

(Long Island, NY) On Monday, July 14, Alzheimer’s Disease Resource Center, Inc. (ADRC) will host its fourth annual Kenneth F. Lawlor Memorial Golf Classic and Dinner at the Huntington Country Club, located at 483 West Main Street in Huntington.

Registration begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by a brunch at 10 a.m. At noon, there will be a barbeque lunch and shotgun start. The cocktail reception will start at 5 p.m., followed by a dinner, program, trophies and raffles. Golfers will also have the chance to win a car in the Hole-In-One Challenge sponsored by Mercedes-Benz of Smithtown.

This year’s honoree will be Ron J. Eagar, CPA, CCIFP, Partner of Grassi and Co. Mr. Eagar has become a renowned advisor in many industries, including real estate, construction, wholesale distribution, transportation, and not-for-profits. He uses his wide range of knowledge to assist not-for-profits through the strenuous process of Sarbanes-Oxley compliance. In addition to being involved in accounting and trade industry associations, Mr. Eagar plays an active role in his community by supporting philanthropic organizations.

All proceeds from the event will go to support ADRC, home of the Mickey & Felice Neuwirth Care Center. The event is named after Col. Kenneth F. Lawlor, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in the last years of his life. His grandson, Keith Lawlor, who chairs ADRC’s Golf Classic Committee, is also Vice President of ADRC’s Board of Directors.

Sponsorship opportunities and foursomes are available. For more information, or to make your reservation, please contact Mary Ann Malack-Ragona. ED/CEO at (631) 820-8068 or visit www.adrcinc.org and click on the link for the Golf Classic.

Grassi & Co. is a premier professional service organization specializing in accounting, auditing, tax, technology, and business consulting services. Grassi & Co. has offices in Manhattan & Long Island, NY as well as Milan, Italy. Grassi & Co. has been ranked among the Top 100 largest firms in the U.S. by both INSIDE Public Accounting and Accounting Today, the Top 20 largest firms in the New York Metropolitan area by Crain’s New York Business and the Top 10 largest firms on Long Island by Long Island Business News. Grassi & Co. specializes in professional services for the Construction, Architecture & Engineering, Financial Services, Manufacturing & Distribution, Retail, Technology, Media & Telecommunication, Transportation, Not-for-Profit and, Healthcare industries, among others.

Alzheimer’s Disease Resource Center, Inc. — which is headquartered in Bay Shore and has a satellite office in Southampton — is the only local Alzheimer’s Disease advocacy and educational facility whose mission is to provide hands-on support and services to families on Long Island and the New York metropolitan area. ADRC works with family members, health care professionals and researchers to ensure quality health care and support to those impacted by Alzheimer’s Disease through care and consultation, information and referral, training, support groups, and caregiver safety products.

(Long Island, NY) The Nassau County Police Department has reported the arrest of a Valley Stream man on February 20, 2014 at 10:40 pm.

According to Special Victims Squad detectives, a 13 year old female victim began taking guitar lessons at Bracco Music Center, 236 Rockaway Avenue, in 2009. The victim was being instructed by Yoel Gonzalez, 27, of 950 Lynn Drive, Valley Stream. The lessons were usually held inside Bracco’s, but eventually the defendant and the victim began to socialize outside of the Music Center.

Gonzalez, who ended his employment with the Music Center, continued to tutor the victim privately in her home. After two years of providing the victim guitar lessons, the defendant, who was 24 years old at the time, initiated a sexual relationship with the victim who was 15 years old at the time. The relationship continued for approximately two years.

Information regarding their relationship surfaced and Gonzalez was located and placed under arrest without incident.

The defendant is charged with Criminal Sexual Act 3rd Degree and Rape 3rd Degree. He will be arraigned in First District Court, Hempstead today, February 21, 2014.

Detectives are attempting to identify other possible juvenile victims regarding the defendant and are asked to call the Special Victims Squad at (516) 573-4022.

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.