• With the latest storm just beginning to impact PSEG Long Island’s service territory, PSEG Long Island is reporting that, as of 3:15 a.m. ET, two of its approximately 1.1 million customers are currently without service.
• There is a single outage in North Amityville and a single outage in Island Park. Crews have been dispatched and restoration is expected at both locations soon.
• At PSEG Long Island, employee and customer safety is first and foremost. As the storm intensifies and more outages are reported, PSEG Long Island crews will begin restoring outages as safely and as quickly as possible.
• PSEG Long Island has all available line crews, tree trimmers and support personnel on hand to address any outages. Our crews will perform damage assessment and restoration efforts throughout the day.
• We continue to encourage customers to report downed wires or power outages to PSEG Long Island’s Outage Hotline at 1-800-490-0075. PSEG Long Island uses an automated system to handle customer calls as efficiently as possible. Customers who get an automated response when calling PSEG Long Island are encouraged to use it, as it is designed to route their calls to the right destination. If customers have specific information regarding damage to wires, transformers or poles, we ask that they stay on the line to speak with a representative to provide that information.
• Customers with a handheld device can also report power outages by texting “OUT” to PSEGLI (773454). Customers will receive confirmation that their outage has been submitted and will begin receiving ongoing updates as the status of their outage changes. This requires a one-time registration, to register, text REG to PSEGLI (773454) or visit My Account. General outage activity throughout our service territory is also available online at www.psegliny.com and updates are posted on www.psegliny.com/stormcenter during severe weather.
• The PSEG Long Island Twitter page, accessible at http://twitter.com/PSEGLI, will keep the public informed about our restoration progress. Customers are encouraged to sign up for updates and additional information.

(Long Island, NY) Suffolk County Police today arrested a man that robbed two banks and attempted to rob four additional banks within a seven month span in Suffolk County.

Police Officers Greg Marino and Matthew Lundin of the Sixth Precinct Crime Section were on patrol when they observed a 1997 Plymouth driving recklessly south on Mill Road in Medford. The officers pulled the driver over on Mill Road and Granny Road and conducted a computer check which revealed that the vehicle was stolen. After arresting the driver, James Johnson, 44, the officers noticed that Johnson fit the description of a suspect who was wanted for a number of attempted robberies in Suffolk County.

Suffolk County Police today arrested a man that robbed two banks and attempted to rob four additional banks within a seven month span in Suffolk County. File photo by Christoper Boyle.

Further investigations by Pattern Crime Unit detectives revealed that Johnson, of 18 Fife Drive, Coram, was responsible for the following:

• Robbing a Capitol One Bank in Center Moriches on August 9, 2013
• Robbing a Chase Bank in Bohemia on January 25, 2014
• Attempting to rob a Bank of America in Medford on February 5, 2014
• Attempting to rob a Chase bank in Medford on February 5, 2014
• Attempting to rob a Chase bank in Farmingville on February 11, 2014
• Attempting to rob a Capitol One bank in Brentwood today

During the first two robberies, Johnson passed a note to a teller demanding money and fled once the teller complied. In the last four instances, Johnson passed a note demanding money but left the bank without proceeds when the teller did not immediately comply with his demands.

Johnson was charged with Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle 2nd Degree, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation 2nd Degree, Reckless Driving, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th Degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd Degree, two counts of Robbery 3rd Degree, and four counts of attempted Robbery 3rd Degree.

Johnson is scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on February 13.

Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to call anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS. All calls will remain confidential.

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.

GEA has cost LI schools $1.5 billion in state aid over 4 years; placed burden on local taxpayers

(Long Island, NY) Assemblyman Edward Hennessey (D-Medford) has introduced legislation that would eliminate the Gap Elimination Adjustment (GEA) rate for 2014-15 and thereafter and provide school districts with the full amount of aid generated by all existing budget funding formulas (A.8720).

from left to right: Assemblymen Steven Englebright (D-Setauket) with Assemblyman Edward Hennessey (D-Medford)

“I want to thank Assemblyman Englebright, who is prime co-sponsor of this bill, for joining me in this effort. The school districts here in Brookhaven are diverse in their needs,” Assemblyman Hennessey said. “This year alone, the districts I represent are losing out on $51.7 million in school aid because of the Gap Elimination Adjustment. This is entirely unacceptable. In addition to giving the schools their fair share, this legislation would also help undo the burden of high property taxes.

• Longwood -$7.9 million
• Middle Country -$9.6 million
• Patchogue Medford -$7.1 million
• Sachem -$16.4 million
• South Country -$5 million
• William Floyd -$5.7 million

“At the height of the economic collapse in 2009, our state faced a devastating $10 billion dollar deficit and the Gap Elimination Adjustment (GEA) helped to repair our budgetary stability,” said co-sponsor Assemblyman Englebright. “Over the last 3 years, the GEA has reduced state aid to Long Island School Districts by almost $1 billion. Schools have done their part to return our state to economic health. By eliminating the GEA, this important measure will now help our schools regain budgetary stability.”

The GEA was introduced in New York State in 2009-10 under the name of the Deficit Reduction Assessment to partially reduce the state’s $10 billion budget deficit. Over the past three years however the GEA has been used to reduce state aid to school districts. In doing so, the GEA has unfairly burdened school districts and taxpayers throughout the state, increasing the dependence on local property taxes and taxpayers to fund our schools, Hennessey concluded.

(Long Island, NY) The Nassau County Police Department has arrested a Hempstead man for Attempted Robbery in Hempstead on Tuesday, February 11, 2014 at 10:42 pm.

According to Third Squad detectives, Hempstead Plain Clothes Police Officers were on patrol in the vicinity of 244 East Columbia Street when they observed the defendant Henry Eason, 18, of 239 east Columbia Street approach a 30 year old male victim that was walking towards him. After they passed each other the defendant now wearing a black mask covering his face turned around, and pointed a large kitchen knife at the victim.

According to detectives, Plain Clothes Officers observed Henry Eason, 18, approach a 30 year old male victim that was walking towards him and turned around to point a large kitchen knife at the victim. File photo by Christoper Boyle.

The plain clothes officers exited their unmarked vehicle, identified themselves as police officers and ordered the defendant Henry Eason to drop the knife. Eason complied and was then placed into police custody without incident. There were no injuries reported.

Henry Eason is charged with Attempted Robbery 1st Degree. He was scheduled to be arraigned in First District Court in Hempstead today, Wednesday, February 12, 2014.

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.

(Melville, N.Y.) Advantage Group President and Chief Executive Joseph M. Willen announced that John Bransfield III has been promoted to senior vice president at Advantage Title, the flagship company of the Advantage Group.

Bransfield, who has been with Advantage since 2007, previously was vice president-sales.

“John has played an instrumental role in business development and client management in our title business, particularly with his focus on commercial transactions on Long Island and in New York City,” Willen said.

A Long Island native, Bransfield graduated in 1991 from Mount St. Mary’s College with a degree in business and finance. He is also a 2013 graduate of the Energeia Partnership at Molloy College, a Long Island-based stewardship program focused on addressing the region’s most complex issues.

Bransfield has been active in numerous local professional organizations, including the Long Island Real Estate Group (LIREG) and the Commercial Industrial Brokers Society of Long Island (CIBS) and is involved with many charitable organizations, including Nassau Community College, Genesis School, and the North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center.

The Townwide Fund of Huntington recently honored Bransfield for his accomplishments at its annual Red Tie Dinner.
Bransfield resides in Larchmont, N.Y. with his wife, Jennifer, and their two children.

About Advantage Group
Since 1987, Advantage Group has built a reputation as a leader in the industry by delivering unmatched efficiency, accuracy, and service to our clients. Headquartered in Melville and with offices in Manhattan, Huntington, Riverhead and Albany, the five affiliated companies of the Advantage Group include Advantage Title, Advantage Foreclosure, Advantage Legal, Advantage Settlement and the Mortgage Advantage. All offer integrated real estate and related services including title insurance, foreclosure services, incorporations, and residential & commercial mortgages. Advantage Title, the largest of the affiliated companies, was recently recognized as the Best Title Insurance Agency in the New York Law Journal Reader Rankings.

Learn more about their services and unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction at www.advantagegroupny.com

New Marotta Facial Plastic Surgery Site at Jericho Turnpike Now Open

(Smithtown, NY) Marotta Facial Plastic Surgery is thrilled to announce the grand opening of their new location. The new, larger facility is located at 895 West Jericho Turnpike, remaining in the North Shore town of Smithtown, New York. The building is the home of Marotta Facial Plastic Surgery, Medical Aesthetics of Long Island and Long Island Hair Restoration.

The new, larger facility is located at 895 West Jericho Turnpike, remaining in the North Shore town of Smithtown, New York. The building is the home of Marotta Facial Plastic Surgery, Medical Aesthetics of Long Island and Long Island Hair Restoration.

Marotta Facial Plastic Surgery is Long Island’s premiere center for cosmetic surgery, specializing in non-surgical facial rejuvenation, medical grade skin care, medical spa treatments, hair restoration and hair transplantation. Their well-trained staff, led by Dr. James C. Marotta MD FACS offers the most advanced surgical and non-surgical techniques available in facial plastics today.

The class-style 5,500 square foot single-story facility sits on 1.5 private, wooded, flat acres. The state-of-the-art center will feature two surgery suites, four recovery bays, as well as an outdoor patio to host numerous local and regional charitable events. In addition, there will be three separate practices dedicated to cosmetic surgery, hair restoration and medical spa and skincare.

“I am dedicated to helping my patients look – and feel – their best,” says Dr. James C. Marotta, founder of Marotta Facial Plastic Surgery. “More easily accessible and aesthetically-pleasing, my expanded facility boasts more amenities and will provide patients with a truly unique experience.”

For more information, visit www.marottamd.com and make sure to follow the building progress on Facebook at www.facebook.com/marottafacialplasticsurgery.

About Marotta Facial Plastic Surgery:
Marotta Facial Plastic Surgery is Long Island’s premiere cosmetic and reconstructive surgery center located in the heart of the historic north shore town of Smithtown, New York. Their well-trained staff, led by Dr. James C. Marotta MD FACS, offers the most advanced surgical and non-surgical techniques available in facial plastics today. We also provide aesthetic skin care and laser treatments with a level of medical supervision and scientific scrutiny that ensures safety with proven results. To view a complete list of treatments offered, before & after photos and special offers, please visit www.marottamd.com.

(Long Island, NY) The Scleroderma Foundation / Tri-State Chapter will host a Men’s Scleroderma Support Group, an Initial Meeting for “A New Support Group for Men with Scleroderma – You are not alone” on Wednesday, February 26, 2014 at 6pm. The meeting will take place at the Hospital For Special Surgery, 8th Floor, Rm 821W.

• Who: Scleroderma Foundation / Tri-State Chapter – Men’s Scleroderma Support Group
• What: New Support Group for Men with Scleroderma – You are not alone.
• When: Initial Meeting – Wednesday, February 26, 2014 at 6pm
• Where: Hospital For Special Surgery, 8th Floor, Rm 821W

About Men & Scleroderma
Because scleroderma manifests itself in a very unique way in men, their issues and concerns are unique as well. This is likely why we see so few men come to support group meetings on a regular basis. There are also other issues unique to the male gender such as upbringing, expectations and need to control emotions like sadness, grief, and signs of weakness that are likely barriers to their participation. These issues however cause more stress, adding to the fatigue and pain that most people with scleroderma experience.

This new support group will be just for men with scleroderma and will be held with the support of the Scleroderma, Vasculitis and Myositis Treatment Center at the Hospital for Special Surgery.

What is Scleroderma?
Literally, scleroderma means “hard skin”; however the disease is better defined as being characterized by a hardening of the body’s connective tissue. Approximately 300,000 individuals in the US are affected by the disease. An estimated 29,000 of them live in the Tri-State Chapter’s New York, New Jersey and Connecticut service area.

About the Scleroderma Foundation / Tri-State Chapter
The Scleroderma Foundation/Tri-State Inc., Chapter is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization serving New York, northern New Jersey and Connecticut. The chapter has a three-fold mission which is to promote the welfare of individuals and families affected by scleroderma, increase public awareness and support scleroderma research.

For more information please contact Eric Goldstein, Support Group Leader, at 646-275-4178, visit http://www.sclerodermatristate.org or email: ScleroMen@scleroderma.org.

Update Will Provide Clarity, Establish Uniformity and Limit Need for Monitors; 60-Day Comment Period Runs Through April 14, 2014

(New York, NY) The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) released a proposed Environmental Monitoring Services Policy that will update DEC’s existing On-Site Environmental Monitor Policy, Commissioner Joe Martens announced today. The new policy could ensure clarity, establish uniformity, provide notice to the regulated community and limit the need for monitors. A public comment period on the draft policy begins today and extends through April 14, 2014.

“This policy will clarify instances when environmental monitors should be employed to monitor activities at regulated facilities, sites or activities providing businesses, local governments and other regulated entities a clear framework under which environmental monitoring services will be required,” said Commissioner Martens. “While these environmental monitoring services are an important management tool to ensure the protection of public health and the environment, environmental monitors do not replace DEC staff. They are used where circumstances warrant an added level of oversight.”

The draft policy updates the current On-Site Environmental Policy that has not been updated since 1992. Many environmental and administrative changes have occurred over the past two decades.

The draft policy outlines four specific criteria for DEC to use in determining whether environmental monitors will be used: where environmental monitoring is required by law, where the material at the site is a concern due to its characteristics or quantity, where there are concerns with the compliance history or past practices of the regulated entity and where DEC determines the regulated facility, site or regulated activity needs additional oversight.

The draft policy also outlines four methods in which environmental monitoring services will be provided: by qualified DEC employees who operate under DEC supervision; by qualified individuals who are employed by another governmental agency approved by DEC, operating under DEC supervision; by qualified entities whose services are directly contracted by DEC, operating under DEC supervision and by qualified entities whose services are directly contracted by the regulated entity, subject to DEC’s initial and continued right of approval, operating under DEC supervision.

Comments on the proposed policy can be submitted through April 14, 2014 by email to monitorpolicy@gw.dec.state.ny.us or mailing them to the address below.

Michael McTague
NYS DEC – Division of Materials Management
625 Broadway
Albany, New York 12233

(Long Island, NY) Suffolk County Police arrested a Holbrook man for failing to report a change of residence, as required by virtue of his status as a registered sex offender.

Following a tip received from Suffolk County Parents for Megan’s Law, an investigation was initiated by detectives of the Suffolk County Police Special Victims Section. The investigation was conducted in conjunction with the Suffolk County Police Computer Crime Section and Suffolk County Probation Department. A search warrant was executed at 336 Hauser Ave., Holbrook, resulting in the arrest of Robert Cesarski.

Following a tip received from Suffolk County Parents for Megan’s Law and subsequent investigation, a search warrant was executed at 336 Hauser Ave., Holbrook, resulting in the arrest of Robert Cesarski. File photo by Christoper Tozzi.

Cesarski, 43, a level 3 sex offender, was charged with Failure to Report Change of Residence, an E felony. Under New York Corrections Law, a level 3 sex offender is required to report a change of address within ten days.

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.

(Long Island, NY) Senator Ken LaValle today announced that New York State will now offer free specialty license plates for those who purchase lifetime fishing, hunting or parks passes.

Senator LaValle said, “The new plates enable individuals to illustrate their love and involvement in various activities. The designs range from a beach scene to various fish or natural hunting scenes. I am sure that many in our area will enjoy the new designs.”

Introducing the NY State Adventure License Series: Choose from one of nine plates featuring fishing, hunting and parks. Apply here to request your I LOVE NY Adventure License Plate. Image credit: http://licensecenter.ny.gov

The recently introduced NY State Adventure Licenses are lifetime passes for hunting, fishing or visiting NY State Parks. By purchasing any of those passes, individuals can receive the free, custom “I Love NY” license plate showing their enthusiasm for the outdoors.

To view the designs and for more information call the NY License Center Help Desk Team at (518) 453-8130 between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm Monday-Friday, with the exception of holidays or visit: http://licensecenter.ny.gov/nys-adventure-license