(Oceanside, NY) The Arson/Bomb Squad reports a minor explosion resulting in damage to a vehicle, occurring on Saturday, February 8 at approximately 9:30 pm on Moore Ave, Oceanside.

Also, a second minor explosion resulting in damage to a vehicle occurred on February 12, 2014 at approximately 1140 pm on Jefferson Ave, Island Park.

The Arson/Bomb Squad reports a minor explosion resulting in damage to a vehicle, occurring on Saturday, February 8 at approximately 9:30 pm on Moore Ave, Oceanside. A second minor explosion occurred on February 12, 2014 at approximately 1140 pm within roughly two miles on Jefferson Ave, Island Park. Image red dots indicate approximate areas of explosions. Anyone with information on either of these incidents is asked to call Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS.

Both vehicles sustained moderate damage consistent with an explosion. There were no injuries reported to either civilians or responding emergency workers.

Arson/Bomb Squad is investigating and exploring possible links between the two incidents.

Anyone with information on either of these incidents is asked to call Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS. All callers remain anonymous.

(Mineola, NY) Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos announced the final sales tax figures for 2013 today and reported sales tax revenues increased by 6.3% to $1.138 billion (1.9% higher than budgeted). This was on top of another healthy increase of 4.2% in 2012. Although these were robust year over year increases some worrisome signs have appeared towards the end of 2013. The sales tax revenue during the holiday shopping season declined by 12.4% when compared to the same period in 2012. This tapering off at year-end is worrisome especially as nationwide retail sales were up 0.2% and GDP grew by 3.2%.

“When looking at these sales tax figures at face value it would seem Nassau County is recovering well from the recession and Superstorm Sandy,” Comptroller Maragos said. “Yet a closer look at the economic trends, especially the 4th quarter of 2013, show that we may have to temper our 2014 sales tax revenue projections.” (The Administration projected 2% growth over 2013)

The significant drop in sales tax receipts towards year-end may have signaled a significant shift in consumer shopping habits from store shopping to online as well as reflecting the impact of disappearing consumer income growth which was up only 0.25% in November and zero growth in December. The US Census Bureau projects online sales to increase 12.5% for 2013 through the 3rd quarter. Since 2004, the same statistics show that internet sales have tripled in terms of total retail sales, now comprising almost 6%.

The combination of flat income growth and the shifts from brick and mortar stores to online are especially troubling to Nassau County as well as other municipalities which rely heavily on sales tax revenues. Online sales, some of which may originate overseas may be more difficult to track or collect sales or use tax. The recent federal court decisions requiring online vendors such as Amazon to collect and submit sales tax may slow the sales tax decline but will not have the same enforcement as with local brick and mortar stores.

“The Comptroller’s office will continue to monitor sales tax figures for the County and may advise the administration to lower its projections for 2014 as the reality for this year and beyond may be smaller gains in sales tax revenues due to nonexistent consumer income growth and shifts in buying habits.”

Connect with Nassau County Comptroller Maragos Online: http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/Comptroller/

(Long Island, NY) Today, the following statement was released by Billy Easton, Exectutive Director, Alliance for Quality Education:

“The Mayor of Middletown today came out against New York City’s pre-K and afterschool plan, and mayors in Yonkers and Niagara Falls raised questions about it. These mayors seem to be under the misapprehension that somehow more pre-K and afterschool funding will hurt kids in their cities. This is not an either/or situation. In fact, the NYC plan is good for four year olds statewide because it takes 75,000 kids out of the competition for scarce state pre-K dollars. That leaves more state funding for kids in Middletown, Yonkers, Niagara Falls and every region of the state. Mayors across the state should say we want a statewide plan for pre-K, and we also want New York City to be allowed to pay its own way on pre-K so that more kids in every region of the state can be served,” said Billy Easton, executive director of the Alliance for Quality Education.

“As a statewide organization that has been among the most outspoken advocates of pre-K for all children, we want a plan that serves the maximum number of four-year-olds. The State Education Commissioner estimates it will take $1.6 billion annually to implement pre-K statewide. Governor Cuomo’s plan only invests $75 million this year, and if fully implemented after five years would serve less than one-third of four-year-olds. There are 225,000 four-year-olds in New York State, Mayor de Blasio’s plan would serve 74,000 of them. Why would Middletown, Niagara Falls, Yonkers or any community want to compete with New York City for statewide pre-K funding? If New York City pays its own way and we also have a statewide plan, many more children in every region of the state will benefit.”

BACKGROUND
Currently, New York City makes up 55 percent of the half-day pre-K population and 60 percent of the full-day slots statewide: http://www.p12.nysed.gov/irs/statistics/public/2012/TABLE3.pdf

About AQE
The Alliance for Quality Education is a coalition mobilizing communities across the state to keep New York true to its promise of ensuring a high quality public education to all students regardless of zip code, income or race. Combining its legislative and policy expertise with grassroots organizing, AQE advances proven-to-work strategies that lead to student success and echo a powerful public demand for a high quality education. www.aqeny.org

Stories Behind His Iconic Images to be Featured Saturday, February 15, 2pm

(New York, NY) On Saturday February 15, famed photographer Robert Farber will give a gallery talk at 3West57 Project presented by Cavalier Gallery at 3 West 57^th Street, 4^th Floor next door to Bergdorf Goodman. Farber will speak about the stories behind his iconic images from 2pm to 4pm.

Last week, over 400 international collectors and prominent figures in art, fashion, beauty and finance flocked to have the first look at the extraordinary survey of four decades of work by Farber. The exhibition is a fascinating overview of the vast body of work created by the iconic photographer who has influenced scores of the world’s leading photographers with his painterly, impressionistic style that allows the viewer to see the subject from a different perspective by creating unique compositions. The show runs through February 26, 2014

Robert Farber successfully melded art & commerce to create award winning ad campaigns for the likes of Bill Blass, Geoffrey Beene, DeBeers Diamonds, Saks, Bloomingdale’s, Avon, Marshall Field’s, Macy’s, Mennen, Gillette, Cutex and Revlon Early in his career he drew the attention of then editor Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Impressed by his fashion, nude and landscape works, Onassis brought him into the Doubleday family and published his best-selling book By the Sea, which won the Art Director’s Award for color photography. Interestingly, her estate included copies of his other bestseller Farber Nudes. Farber now counts 10 best-selling books in his oeuvre with an 11th in final editing now. A documentary highlighting the artist is currently in development for PBS and will air September 2014. Please see trailer here: http://vimeo.com/user17083632/review/84764564/02fef3e252

While best known for his work with the nude, the exhibition features newly released prints of his classic fashion images, selections from his Americana series, as well as, a group of his vintage SX70 Polaroids. Also Included are images of his beloved New York City and a selection of images from a number of his books, including a preview of images from his next book.

Photos by Paul Bruinooge, Patrick McMullan Company; RSVP alchmyst@msn.com  212-729-0834

ALCHIMIA
Edward Callaghan-John Wegorzewski & Associates
Public Relations & Marketing
New York (212) 689-4831 Southampton (631) 283- 9130

National Campaign Lifts the Spirits of Older Adults During a Peak Time of Isolation and Depression

(Hempstead, NY) EAC Network’s Meals on Wheels program, in partnership with DoSomething.org, Mentor Up, and the Meals On Wheels Association of America, announced today the results of Love Letters, a campaign that encouraged teens to make handmade Valentine’s Day cards to lift the spirits of older adults across the country during a peak time of isolation and depression.

“We were thrilled to have received more than 1,000 cards in the mail for our clients,” said Carol O’Neill, Regional Director of Senior & Nutritional Services at EAC Network. “As many connected to EAC Network’s Meals on Wheels program know, we deliver so much more than meals. These adorable cards have warmed the hearts of hundreds of homebound seniors in Westbury, New Cassel, Carle Place, and Valley Stream, New York, and we extend our gratitude to DoSomething.org’s thoughtful volunteers.”

In total, more than 68,000 teen volunteers nationwide made Valentine’s Day cards for nearly 100,000 of the 2.5 million vulnerable seniors receiving Meals on Wheels across the county. Love Letters provided an opportunity for young people across the country to help lift the spirits of older adults and combat social isolation. Young people found local, participating Meals on Wheels programs – from a list of 356 across all 50 states – where they sent the card(s). The Valentine’s Day cards were then included in meal deliveries made by Meals on Wheels volunteers.

For Sally, who is 90 years old with failing eyesight, each day is a struggle to survive. The homemade card from a child truly touched her heart. “What a surprise to get a Valentine’s Day card with my meal delivery! It’s been a long time since anyone sent me a card, and it made me remember my younger days when my husband and children always made me feel like a queen on Valentine’s Day. It brought tears to my eyes.”

To help EAC Network deliver more than just meals, visit www.eac-network.org or contact Carol O’Neill at 516.539.0150 ext 220.

About EAC Network’s Meals and Wheels Program
Last year, EAC Network’s Meals on Wheels program delivered thousands of nutritious meals to those whose age and health have left them very much alone. It delivers more than just food to frail homebound seniors in Nassau County, NY. Many of the seniors no longer have family or friends who visit, and EAC Network drivers and volunteers fill in that void. “The majority of our seniors live alone and sometimes the Meals on Wheels driver is the only visitor they have. It’s not just about food; it’s about contact and caring, and that is what makes our program so important to seniors,”says Carol O’Neill, Regional Director of Senior & Nutritional Services at EAC Network.

About Meals on Wheels Association of America
The Meals On Wheels Association of America is the only national organization and network dedicated solely to ending senior hunger in America. The Association is the oldest and largest organization composed of and representing local, community-based Senior Nutrition Programs in all 50 states as well as the U.S. territories. More than 5,000 local Meals on Wheels Programs leverage a dedicated army of two million volunteers who day-in and day-out create an efficient and caring way to help America’s seniors stay independent, healthy and able to live in their own homes. For more information, visit mowaa.org.

About DoSomething.org
We love teens. They are creative, active, wired…and frustrated that our world is so messed up. DoSomething.org harnesses that awesome energy and unleashes it on causes teens care about. Almost every week, we launch a new national campaign. The call to action is always something that has a real impact and doesn’t require money, an adult, or a car. With a goal of 5 million active members by 2015, DoSomething.org is one of the largest organizations in the US for teens and social change. Join us at www.DoSomething.org.

(Central Islip, NY) Suffolk County Police have arrested the parents of four children who left them home alone for six days in Central Islip.

Third Precinct officers were notified by officials from the Central Islip Public School District after school officials became aware that the parents had left the children without food or heat at the home, located at 28 Dow Street. An investigation by Third Precinct Crime Section officers determined the parents, Tulio and Maria Ayala, went to stay at a nearby hotel while the children, ages 15,13,8, and 4, were left unsupervised from February 7 to February 12.

An investigation by Third Precinct Crime Section officers determined the parents, Tulio Ayala, 34, and Maria Ayala, 31, went to stay at a nearby hotel while the children, ages 15,13,8, and 4, were left unsupervised from February 7 to February 12.

Tulio Ayala, 34, and Maria Ayala, 31, were arrested and charged with four counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Minor. Both are scheduled to be arraigned today February 13 at First District Court in Central Islip.

The children, who were not injured and were released to a family member.

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.

(Plainview, NY) Crime Stoppers and the Nassau County Police Department are seeking the public’s help in identifying the pictured subject in connection with a Petit Larceny which occurred in Plainview, New York.

On Saturday, January 18, 2014, at approximately 2:07 P.M., the subject was observed inside CVS located at 1026 Old Country Road, Plainview. While present in the store the subject stole assorted merchandise valued at $759.96, and exited the store passing all points of purchase without making payment for the items. The subject fled the scene in an unknown direction.

According to police, on January 18, 2014 the subject shown was observed inside CVS when he stole merchandise valued at $759.96, and exited the store without making payment. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.

Crime Stoppers is asking anyone who can identify the subject, or with any information about this crime 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) The following statement was released today by Senator Ken LaValle Statement Concerning Long Island College Hospital:

“As Chairman of the Senate Higher Education Committee, I am extremely troubled by what has transpired at Long Island College Hospital over the past twelve months. Time and time again, it appeared that a settlement was within our reach, but to date nothing has happened.”

“I understand that a solution may, once again, be within our reach. It is time to stop playing politics with SUNY students and their tuition dollars as well as the community in Brooklyn.”

“SUNY provides an affordable pathway to degree and career for hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers, and we cannot allow these senseless and enormous financial losses to continue. We must keep LICH from becoming a statewide higher education crisis that impacts students and programs at all SUNY campuses. It is imperative that action is taken to resolve this issue without further delay.”

Board of Regents currently has four positions up for election

(Long Island, NY) Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci (R,C,WF,I- Huntington Station), the Ranking Minority Member of the Assembly Higher Education Committee, recently participated in the second round of candidate interviews for the state Board of Regents. Lupinacci was joined by a group of his colleagues who were selected to conduct the second round interviews, which primarily consisted of incumbent candidates. As a former South Huntington School Board member, Lupinacci continued to stress to the candidates his concerns with the current education system, as well as concerns with the direction it could be headed in.

Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci questions incumbent candidates for the Board of Regents during the second round of interviews this week in Albany.

“I am pleased to have had the opportunity to meet with the prospective and incumbent candidates for the New York State Board of Regents. If chosen for a position on the board, these individuals would play a crucial role in the direction our state’s education policy,” Lupinacci said. “Common Core, teacher evaluations, high-stakes standardized testing and student data usage by third parties are just a few of the major issues our education system is currently being faced with. I couldn’t stress enough to the candidates how important it is that we address the shortcomings on the Common Core curriculum. After hosting several education forums, my colleagues in the Assembly Minority Conference and I know first-hand that the implementation of the Common Core standards must be reviewed and reformed in order to provide our students with the tools and learning environment they need to be successful.”

(Long Island, NY) “People should stay safe by avoiding unnecessary travel,” Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said. “Until the storm passes, I am asking residents to be smart and travel cautiously.”

• The Department of Social Services is closing at 1 p.m.
• The Traffic and Parking Violations Agency will close at 3 p.m., and night court is canceled.
• Department of Labor, Licensing & Consumer Affairs will remain open, but appointments can be rescheduled by calling 853-6600.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo declared a state of emergency Thursday for the Mid-Hudson, New York City, and Long Island regions as a Nor’Easter storm continues to impact parts of the State. Under a state of emergency, critical resources that are normally restricted to state use are mobilized to assist local governments and laws and regulations that would otherwise impede their rapid response are suspended.

“With this winter storm continuing to deliver snow, ice, and freezing rain across parts of the State, I am declaring a state of emergency in these regions so that we can continue to effectively respond to the storm and aid communities in need,” Cuomo said. “These regions are expected to continue to receive heavy snow that may accumulate at rates of around two to three inches per hour, which will make it difficult for plows to keep some roads clear. New Yorkers should stay off of the roads and remain in their homes until the worst of the storm has passed.”

Suffolk County crews have been on the job since early Thursday morning, clearing County roads with over 200 county trucks and other equipment supplied by vendors.