(Long Island, NY) Personal branding and LinkedIn expert Bill Corbett Jr. will host “Grow Your Personal Brand and Business with LinkedIn, Video and PR” workshop at 111 South Tyson Avenue, Floral Park, on Friday, February 21, 2014 from 8:15 a.m. until 10 a.m.

Learn strategies and best practices for creating a personal brand for your career and business. Discover how to leverage the power of LinkedIn to attract attention and demonstrate how to use online video and PR to enhance your brand and create more business opportunities.

The workshop is $60 to attend.

To register visit www.linkedinwinner.com. Seating is very limited.

For additional information call (516) 775-0435 or email wjcorbett@corbettpr.com

Free Legal Consultation Clinics for Senior Citizens at the Nassau County Bar Association Tuesday, March 11, 2014

(Mineola, NY) The Nassau County Bar Association (NCBA) provides free monthly legal consultation clinics for Nassau County residents 65 or older. Seniors have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with an attorney who volunteers to provide a half-hour private consultation on any topic of concern. The next Senior Citizen Free Legal Consultation Clinic will be held Tuesday, March 11, 2014, 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. at NCBA, 15th and West Streets, Mineola. This popular free program regularly fills up quickly. Registration is required by calling 516-747-4070.

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.

(Mineola, NY) Bankruptcy attorney Stuart P. Gelberg of Huntington regularly counsels residents who come to the Nassau County Bar Association’s free Mortgage Foreclosure and Sandy Recovery legal clinics, and volunteers for NCBA’s annual Pro Bono Fair held in October. In addition, he takes on bankruptcy cases pro bono for the neediest residents as well as volunteering to provide pro bono court representation to prevent homelessness through the Volunteer Law Project’s Attorney of the Day program. For his outstanding dedication and service, Nassau County Bar Association President Peter J. Mancuso has named him Pro Bono Attorney of the Month for February, 2014.

Gelberg earned his law degree from Buffalo School of Law, and currently practices in Garden City focusing on foreclosure and bankruptcy matters. He is a Board Certified Specialist in both business and consumer bankruptcy law and an AV rated attorney for about 25 years. He served as a trustee for the United States Bankruptcy Court, both the Eastern District and Southern District of New York for more than 20 years.

An active member of the Nassau County Bar Association, Gelberg serves on the Access to Justice, Bankruptcy Law, General/Solo/Small Firm and Real Property Law committees. He is also a member of the Suffolk County Bar Association, New York State Bar Association, Capital Region Bankruptcy Bar Association, National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys and the National Association of Chapter 13 Trustees, and lectures throughout the metro region. He was previously honored for his pro bono service, receiving the Thomas Maligno Attorney of the Year award, and most recently, was named as an NCBA Access to Justice Champion.

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.

(Huntington, NY) Councilwoman Susan A. Berland was on hand to present an official proclamation from the Town of Huntington to Dan Brown, an internationally acclaimed artist, World War II veteran, Wayne Smith Medal award winner and world traveler.

Dan Brown and his wife, Marilyn, founded the Long Island chapter of Friendship Force International and Mr. Brown served for several years as chapter president. Mr. and Mrs. Brown opened their home to countless foreign visitors and helped forge friendships with individuals from across the globe.

Mr. Brown was recently awarded the Wayne Smith Medal, sponsored by the Friendship Force International. The Medal pays tribute to the memory of Friendship Force founder, Wayne Smith. Friendship Force clubs around the world honor their local members whose beliefs and efforts mirror Smith’s vision of promoting understanding across the barriers that separate people.

“It was a pleasure to present Dan Brown with this proclamation,” commented Councilwoman Berland. “Dan has greatly enhanced the Town of Huntington not only through his leadership of Friendship Force but through his amazingly beautiful artwork. In addition, his service to his country during the Second World War and to his community after his time in the Pacific theater is an inspiration.”

(Long Island, NY) As the Ranking Minority member on the Assembly Higher Education Committee, Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci (R,C,WF,I-Huntington Station) recently attended the higher education budget hearing and addressed some of his concerns about the future of SUNY.

Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci questions SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher during the higher education budget hearing.

“Our state university system provides students with a world-renowned education,” said Lupinacci. “During her ‘State of the University’ address, Chancellor Zimpher focused on the future of online degrees in the SUNY system, and I was particularly pleased to be able to address this with her further. I was also glad to discuss how the Common Core Standards will affect the pre-college education process and how we can better prepare our younger students for college. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in the Assembly and Senate, along with the governor to address the concerns and resources for our education system in this year’s budget.”

Opens at the Art League of Long Island February 23

(Long Island, NY) The Jeanie Tengelsen Gallery at the Art League of Long Island is pleased to present an exhibition of 40 prints by 20 contemporary artists from Universal Limited Art Editions (ULAE), the esteemed fine art print publisher located in Bay Shore, Long Island. Titled “Hot Off the Press”, the exhibition, featuring work executed since the year 2000, opens on February 23 with a reception from 3:00 to 5:00 pm and remains on view through March 30.

Art © James Rosenquist and ULAE /Licensed by VAGA, New York, NY. “Lightcatcher”, James Rosenquist, 2005. Published by Universal Limited Art Editions

Among the exciting works on view are recent prints by Helen Frankenthaler, Jane Hammond, Bill Jensen, Jasper Johns, Elizabeth Murray, James Rosenquist, Kiki Smith, and Terry Winters, along with one of the last prints Robert Rauschenberg made before his death in 2008. Included in the exhibit are intaglio etchings––some hand painted, mezzotints, traditional lithographs and pigmented inkjet prints, as well as three dimensional intaglio constructions and three dimensional lithographs and silkscreens.

ULAE, established in 1957 by Tatyana Grosman, began producing lithographs in collaboration with artists such as Robert Motherwell, Larry Rivers, Sam Francis, Jasper Johns and Robert Rauschenberg. Their prints, collected by museums around the world, sparked a revival of the fine art of printmaking in America. Today, ULAE continues to work with artists to implement their intentions in publishing small editions and artists’ books.

The Jeanie Tengelsen Gallery is open to the public free of charge Monday through Thursday 9am – 9pm, Friday 9am – 4pm and on weekends from 11am to 4pm. For more information visit www.artleagueli.org or call (631) 462-5400.

(Long Island, NY) Curator Beth McNeill of the McNeill Art Group based in Southampton has long had her finger on the pulse of the East End art scene and has brought numerous Hamptons artists to the forefront of the contemporary scene internationally. Thanks to the prodigious creative output of her brilliantly talented husband, painter, sculptor and designer Jeff Muhs, McNeill’s life is literally filled with art.

With a new installation organized for acclaimed Chelsea gallery Lyons Wier curator McNeill explores the work of eight East End (Long Island) based artists, Jack Ceglic, Tom Dash, Tapp Francke, Julia Greffenius, Nika Nesgoda, Darius Yektai, Gavin Zeigler and, of course, Jeff Muhs that share an intense investigation of personal identities. Whether entering this arena via perceived or projected indefinites, each artist draws upon popular culture as a reference point to communicate their interpretations of how they view themselves when juxtaposed to the subject matter. Whether it is literally looking into a mirror, or mirroring the community, each artist seeks to engage the audience by creating a personal dialogue that is both self-reflective and self-critical. And as with any self-examination, it directly affects those around you

“Seeking Engagement NSA” runs February 6 – February 22, 2014.

Lyons Wier Gallery is the premier Representational gallery in New York City. They champion contemporary representational artists who bring an independent spirit to their genre creating a dialogue steeped in Conceptualism but communicated via Realism. Defined by the gallery as “Conceptual Realism,” this movement far exceeds the traditional pictorial aspects of representational painting. Their artists’ masterful deftness of hand is buttressed by their integral use of color, content and iconography bringing about a broader conceptual aspect to their naturalistic compositions.

Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 11am – 6pm (or) by appointment, 542 West 24th Street, (between 10th & 11th Ave.) NY, NY 10011 212.242.6220

American Spirit acrylic and collage on canvas 2013 , Tom Dash

Cecilia 2013, acrylic and duct tape on canvas by Julia Greffenius

Artist Jeff Muhs with his sculpture Ol’ Dirty Bastard

Curator Beth McNeill & artist Jeff Muhs.

Curator Beth McNeill & artist Jack Ceglic in fornt of his painting Sabra

Artist Julia Greffenius, Countess LuAnn de Lesseps, artist Darius Yektai

Beth McNeill and artist Nika Nesgoda

Lisa Iddings and Nika Nesgoda

artist Darius Yektai in front of his painting, Three Graces

Kenneth Darpoh, Beth McNeill, gallery owner Michael Lyons Wier.

Jennifer McLauchlen and Catherine Grant.

Jennifer McLauchlen, designer Lutfi Yilmaz, Catherine Grant

John Wegorzewski and artist Jeff Muhs

Art dealer Tripoli Patterson and Susan Frame

Beth McNeill and Edward Callaghan

David Schieldrop and Catherine Grant.

Hello , 2013, Neon on mirror by Tapp Francke

Installation of Seeking Engagement NSA curated by Beth McNeill.

Maria Lactans, Metallic Chromogenic print 2013 Nika Nesgoda

Ol’ Dirty Bastard (O.D.B.) 2013, Clay, rubber, gold leaf, and cubic zirconia by Jeff Muhs

Sabra, oilstick and pastel on paper, 2013, Jack Ceglic

Three Graces, 2013, Oil, watercolor, charcoal and encaustic on paper, linen & canvas Darius Yektai

(WEST ISLIP, NY) The St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School Community is proud to announce alumnus and faculty member Ralph Carusillo ‘98, of Lake Grove, has been named as the Head Coach of the Varsity Football Team.

Athletic Director Ralph Dalton ’82 couldn’t be happier on the decision. He stated that “Ralph has been a big part of the growth of the program and he is ready to bring the football program to the next level at SJB.” Ralph Carusillo has been coaching at St. John’s for the past 11 years in both the football and baseball programs.

Pictured from left to right: Ralph Carusillo ‘98 and Ralph Dalton ‘82, Boys Athletic Director

Upon graduating Nyack College in 2003, Coach Carusillo returned to his Alma matter as a Social Studies teacher. He served as a Position Coach for the Varsity team for two years before being named Head Coach of the JV Program, a position he held for seven years. For the previous two years he has worked as the Offensive Coordinator for the Varsity squad. Coach Carusillo has also coached the Long Island Senior Bowl Team and, in 2012, was inducted into the CHSFL Board of Governors. Nyack College recognized him in 2010 by inducting him into their Athletic Hall of Fame.

Ralph and his wife Jenn have two children, Nicholas and Luke and are expecting their third this summer. The entire family is excited and Coach Carusillo is eager to begin his tenure as the leader of the St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School Football Program.

About St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School
About St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School: 1,700 students attend St. John the Baptist DHS, a college preparatory Catholic High School located on the south shore in West Islip. As part of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, St. John’s offers a value-centered education that recognizes the unique talents and abilities of each child, while fostering a school environment that challenges students to reach their true potential. Open since 1966, St. John’s offers a rigorous curriculum and extensive activity and athletic programs. Students have the opportunity to take numerous Advanced Placement classes and 99% of St. John’s graduates continue on to higher education.

For Mission Statement and additional information: http://www.stjohnsdhs.org

Multi-Platform Campaign to Recognize Extraordinary Individuals Working to Combat Hate and Discrimination in their Communities

(Bethpage, NY) USA Network, in partnership with Cablevision today announced the launch of the fourth Characters Unite Awards, part of USA’s ongoing public affairs campaign to address social injustices and bridge cultural divides. Kicking off during Characters Unite Month in February, a time when the Network leverages all its platforms to shine a special spotlight on the importance of promoting greater tolerance, respect and acceptance, the program recognizes extraordinary individuals who have made significant and lasting efforts to champion civil and human rights in their communities. In addition to the awards, the month will also include new PSAs, original programming, the documentary “NFL Characters Unite,” digital content, events across the country, and more.

“Cablevision is pleased to partner again with USA Network on the Characters Unite Awards,” said Cablevision Vice President of Public Affairs Jennifer Ostrager. “By giving recognition to these extraordinary individuals from all walks of life, hopefully others will realize that they too can be a role model and be inspired to help combat hate, intolerance and discrimination in their own communities.”

The nomination period for the 2014 Characters Unite Awards begins February 3rd and runs through March 31st. Entries, including a maximum 500-word essay on how the nominee meets the criteria of character, impact and influence, can be submitted online at charactersunite.com. Complete rules and regulations are also posted on the website.

Winners, announced in the spring, will receive $5,000 grants to support their project or related nonprofit organization and will be featured by USA on-air and online. They will also be honored this year at a ceremony presented by Cablevision and USA.

Last year, ten Characters Unite Awards recipients were selected from hundreds of nominees for their successful efforts to combat prejudice and discrimination in their communities. Benedictine Academy teacher Linda Michalski was honored by Cablevision and USA Network for her extraordinary efforts in motivating her students to help abolish human trafficking. Linda inspired her student leadership team, the Benedictine Cor Defenders, to become a voice for the marginalized of society. As a Staff Mentor, she teaches students about the issue of human trafficking, a form of modern-day slavery that especially impacts young women around the world.

To learn more about previous Characters Unite Award recipients or to find more information on Characters Unite, visit charactersunite.com.

About Cablevision
Cablevision Systems Corporation (NYSE: CVC) is a leading media and telecommunications company, serving millions of households and businesses throughout the greater New York area. Providing quality products that keep customers connected, Cablevision offers Optimum-branded digital cable television, high-speed Internet and phone services as well as Optimum WiFi, the nation’s most robust wireless Internet network. Cablevision’s Lightpath subsidiary is a premier provider of integrated business communications solutions for larger companies. Through its local media and programming properties – News 12 Networks, Newsday Media Group and MSG Varsity – Cablevision also delivers news and information created specifically for the communities it serves. Additional information about Cablevision is available at www.cablevision.com.

About Characters Unite
Characters Unite, USA Network’s award-winning public service program, was created to address the social injustices and cultural divides still prevalent in our society. Inspired by USA Network’s iconic “Characters Welcome” brand and with the support of leading national nonprofit organizations, the ongoing campaign is dedicated to supporting activities and messaging that combat prejudice and intolerance while promoting understanding and acceptance — on-air, online, and in communities across the country. www.charactersunite.com

About USA Network
The #1 network in all of basic cable for an unprecedented eight straight years, USA Network is seen in over 102 million U.S. homes. USA is a leader in scripted programming with a powerful stable of originals, spectacular live television and is home to the best in blockbuster theatrical films, a broad portfolio of acquired series and entertainment events. A trailblazer in digital innovation and storytelling, USA is defining, driving and setting the industry standard for Social TV. USA is a program service of NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment, a division of NBCUniversal. The award-winning website is located at http://www.usanetwork.com.

(WEST ISLIP, NY) On Saturday, January 18th, Performing Arts students from St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School performed at Carnegie Hall, one of the world’s most famous performance venues. The “World Voices in Motion” was a dual choral and dance performance sponsored by the Performing Arts Educators, an organization that produces student performances in world class venues.

Pictured: Jared Berry, Bel Canto Chorale Director, SJB student performers and Renee Sussman, Dance Company Director

Both SJB’s Bel Canto Chorale and Dance Company performed at this stellar event. The show opened with the seniors from Bel Canto Chorale singing the Star Spangled Banner later followed by a performance by the entire Bel Canto Chorale and finally the SJB Dance Company. The Chorale performed three pieces including “Word Was God” by Rosephanye Powell; “Bring Me Little Water, Silvy” arranged by Moira Smiley and “Ave Maria” by Franz Biebl. The final selection featured soloists Kim Blair of Deer Park and Allison Lane of Greenlawn, both of whom have been received the honor of being selected to the NYSSMA All State Choir.

As the singers exited, the dancers took their place and performed, “Dare you to Move” by the Vitamin String Quartet. This was a contemporary piece choreographed by students Natalie and Samantha Affenita, both of Bayport. The group’s directors, Mr. Jared Berry (Bel Canto Chorale) and Mrs. Renee Sussman (Dance Company) are very proud of their students and look forward to collaborating again for future events.

“Opportunities such as this one continue my mission to give the students unique and professional performing experiences. Not many high school students can say they have performed at Carnegie Hall. I am so proud to be their director and look forward to our future performances.” stated Dance Company Director, Renee Susmann.

About St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School
About St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School: 1,700 students attend St. John the Baptist DHS, a college preparatory Catholic High School located on the south shore in West Islip. As part of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, St. John’s offers a value-centered education that recognizes the unique talents and abilities of each child, while fostering a school environment that challenges students to reach their true potential. Open since 1966, St. John’s offers a rigorous curriculum and extensive activity and athletic programs. Students have the opportunity to take numerous Advanced Placement classes and 99% of St. John’s graduates continue on to higher education.

For Mission Statement and additional information: http://www.stjohnsdhs.org