(Long Island, NY) Suffolk County Legislator Bill Lindsay III, a Sachem Alumni, honored over 50 Youth Football Players in the 12 year old division, 28 Cheerleaders in the 13-14 year old division, and several Coaches of the Sachem Sports Club this past Sunday January 26, 2014 at Villa Lombardi’s in Holbrook.

Pictured: (Legislator Bill Lindsay III and the Sachem Sports Club’s Cheerleading Team)

Lindsay III praised the parents and coaches for putting together a yearly program that helps to build the foundation of success for the future of these young athletes. The Sachem Sports Club, with over 35 years of experience, is one of the largest football, cheerleading, and lacrosse programs on Long Island.

Pictured Left to Right: (Legislator Bill Lindsay III and Ron Chamberlain, Co-Chairman of the Sachem Sports Club

For more information about the Sachem Sports Club, please visit: http://www.sachemsportsclub.com

Ticket sold in the Bronx is one of five unclaimed tickets sold in the NYC Metro Region in danger of expiring

(BRONX, N.Y.) The New York State Lottery’s Yolanda Vega and Gretchen Dizer today continued a massive search for “Missing Millionaires” in the New York City Metro Region, including one who purchased a winning Lottery ticket in the Bronx.

The New York Lottery’s Yolanda Vega and Gretchen Dizer visited C & C Discount at 221 East 167^th Street in the Bronx today seeking the owner of an unclaimed $1 million Powerball winning ticket that expires on February 2, 2014. The winning ticket matched five of the six numbers from the February 2, 2013 Powerball drawing: 11 – 16 – 33 – 40 – 41, missing only the Powerball number of 34.

There are currently four other New York Lottery draw game players holding unclaimed jackpot tickets of $1 million or more that will expire in 2014. Over the next few months, Yolanda and Gretchen will visit the retail locations in and around New York City where other unclaimed winning tickets were sold in an attempt to find these “Missing Millionaires.”

“Somewhere in the Bronx is a ‘Missing Millionaire’ and we’re getting the word out that there are only a couple of days left before the prize expires,” said Yolanda Vega. “Maybe someone forgot they purchased a ticket or they simply discounted it because it wasn’t a jackpot winner. Either way, one million dollars is life-changing money, and we want to help find these winners before it’s too late.”

The Lottery encourages everyone who bought a New York Lottery draw game ticket, to check their old tickets again, as they could be holding a jackpot winner. Unclaimed tickets expire one year after the game’s drawing.

Here are the details for the unclaimed New York Lottery draw game tickets worth $1 million or more:

• February 2, 2013 Powerball drawing, $1 million prize, sold at C & C Discount, 221 East 167^th Street, Bronx
• May 11, 2013 Powerball drawing, $1 million prize, sold at Shop Smart, 238 Prospect Park West, Brooklyn
• May 15, 2013 Powerball drawing, $1 million prize, sold at Thriftway Church Ave. Drug, 1621 Church Ave., Brooklyn
• July 13, 2013 Powerball drawing, $1 million prize, Carry-All Wine & Liquor, 5507 Nesconset Highway, Mount Sinai, Suffolk County
• December 11, 2013 Powerball drawing, $1 million prize, sold at Quick Mart, 38 N Middletown Road, Nanuet, Rockland County

If a “Missing Millionaire” is located, they are urged to sign the back of their ticket and immediately contact the New York Lottery at 518-388-0563. The winner may claim the ticket at any one of the Lottery’s Customer Service Centers statewide, including the Manhattan office at 15 Beaver Street, New York, NY 10004 and the Long Island office at 45 South Service Road, Plainview, NY 11803. To learn more about how to redeem a prize, click here.

As is always the case, in the event the prize is not claimed by the deadline, the prize money will be returned to the prize pool for future winners. It is used to subsidize prizes for jackpots, promotions and/or special one-time games.

C & C Discount is located at 221 East 167^th Street in the Bronx. The deadline to claim that ticket is February 2, 2014.

About the New York Lottery

The New York Lottery continues to be North America’s largest and most profitable Lottery, contributing $3.04 billion in fiscal year 2012-2013 to help support education in New York State.  The Lottery’s contribution represents 15 percent of total state education aid to local school districts.

New York Lottery revenue is distributed to local school districts by the same statutory formula used to distribute other state aid to education.  It takes into account both a school district’s size and its income level; larger, lower-income school districts receive proportionately larger shares of Lottery school funding.

About the New York State Gaming Commission

The New York State Gaming Commission regulates all aspects of gaming and gambling activity in the state, including horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering, class III Indian gaming, video lottery terminal facilities at race tracks, the state lottery and charitable gaming.

Appearance at “Hot Cocoa & Marshmallows” Children’s Series February 26

(Stony Brook, NY) When Marie Marsh’s son Bob, a naval officer, was deployed to Iraq in 2005, she got through it by putting all of her energy into writing her first children’s book which was dedicated to him and all military families. Marie is a long time resident of St. James and is involved in many programs to help our troops. Lieutenant Commander Bob Marsh of the U.S. Navy Special Operations unit is back home safely and stationed in Ft. Bragg, North Carolina.

“Courage,” is a heartwarming, upbeat children’s book about the life of a puppy who finds a military family that he was destined to be part of. It was his persistence in drawing their attention that made them take notice at a time when they all needed each other the most. Written for ages 3 to 5, the book celebrates patriotism and conveys a positive, happy story of a family with a loved one going overseas.

Mrs. Marsh will do a reading and book signing of “Courage” on Wednesday, February 26 at 10:30 am at The Ward Melville Heritage Organization’s Educational & Cultural Center in the Stony Brook Village Center, part of their “Hot Cocoa & Marshmallows” children’s authors’ series. Cost is $3 pp. Mrs. Marsh donates her proceeds to the USO and Wounded Warriors which help the families of servicemen and women.

For remaining authors’ schedule in the series and all WMHO events, call 631-689-5888 or visit www.stonybrookvillage.com

EmblemHealth Required To Offer Reinstatement Coverage To More Than 8,000 Young Adults And To Pay Approximately $90,000 In Denied Claims; Schneiderman: My Office Is Committed To Protecting The Health Care Rights Of Young Adults

(NEW YORK) After an investigation uncovered widespread violations of New York law requiring health insurers to offer young adults continuation health coverage on their parents’ policies, Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman announced today that his office has reached a settlement with EmblemHealth, Inc. (“Emblem”), a health insurance company that provides coverage to 3.4 million New Yorkers, through its Group Health Incorporated (“GHI”) and Health Insurance Plan of Greater New York (“HIP”) units. The settlement requires EmblemHealth to offer reinstatement of health coverage to more than 8,000 young adults whose coverage was wrongly terminated, and to pay approximately $90,000 in denied claims.

“The people of New York recognize that young adults need affordable, quality health coverage—and that includes having the option to stay on their parents’ insurance through their 20s,” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “This settlement sends a message to insurance companies that want to do business in New York: Providing health coverage to New Yorkers also means playing by the rules and following the laws of our State, which are often stronger than federal regulations.”

Following a complaint from a HIP member that her adult daughter’s health benefits were denied because her coverage had been terminated when she turned 26, Attorney General Schneiderman’s Health Care Bureau conducted an investigation into Emblem’s compliance with New York’s Age 29 Law, which requires health insurers to offer continuation health coverage to children of plan members until they turn 30 years old. The federal Affordable Care Act provides that families can keep their children on their family health policy until the child turns 26. New York’s law ensures that families can continue to cover their children until they turn 30.

The bureau’s investigation revealed that neither the HIP member nor her daughter received a termination notice from Emblem, and they did receive any notification of their rights, under New York’s Age 29 Law, to continue the daughter’s health coverage. Shortly after she turned 26, the daughter received inpatient treatment, but weeks later, Emblem denied coverage, stating that she did not have insurance at the time of her hospitalization. As a result, the complainant was forced to pay $1,000 out of pocket for her adult daughter’s treatment and faced additional bills totaling $4,000.

The investigation showed that Emblem failed to send statutorily required letters to more than 8,000 Emblem members between 2010 and 2012. Of these members, almost 1,000 were not even notified that their coverage had been terminated.

The investigation further revealed that Emblem denied approximately 175 claims from 105 members who did not receive proper Age 29 notification, totaling approximately $90,000 in unreimbursed medical treatment.

EmblemHealth has agreed to send letters to affected members offering to reinstate coverage, and to reprocess and pay all unpaid claims of members who did not receive proper Age 29 notification. Based on information provided by Emblem, it is anticipated that Emblem will offer reinstatement to approximately 8,300 members and will pay approximately 175 claims from 105 members, totaling approximately $90,000 in unreimbursed medical treatment.

Due to the nature of their employment and the unsteady economy, young adults often do not receive their own health benefits, and they comprise about one-quarter of New York State’s uninsured population. Many young adults have been able to obtain health coverage on their parents’ health plans as a result of the federal Affordable Care Act and New York’s Age 29 Law. But without notice of their rights under the Age 29 Law, young adults in New York have faced limited options for health coverage. The health plans now available on NY State of Health, the State’s Official Health Plan Marketplace, provide young adults with additional options.

New York’s Age 29 Law, enacted in 2009, extends the availability of health insurance coverage to young adults through the age of 29 under their parents’ policies. Under the Young Adult option, insurers must provide: (i) written notification to group members in each certificate of coverage regarding the right to purchase continuation coverage for their adult children within sixty (60) days after termination of the adult child’s coverage, within sixty (60) sixty days after qualifying as an adult child, or during an annual thirty (30) day open enrollment period; and (ii) written notice of an upcoming termination date at least sixty (60) days prior to the date the young adult covered under the parent’s policy would have coverage terminate due to reaching the maximum age for coverage. N.Y. Ins. Law. §§ 3221(r)(2)(G); 4305(l)(2)(G).

Under the settlement, EmblemHealth will also submit to monitoring and an independent audit, and will pay $100,000 to the OAG as a civil penalty.

The investigation of this matter was conducted by Assistant Attorney General Michael D. Reisman, under the supervision of Health Care Bureau Chief Lisa Landau and Executive Deputy Attorney General for Social Justice Alvin Bragg.

(Long Island, NY) State Labor Commissioner Peter M. Rivera today announced the reconstitution of the State Workforce Investment Board (SWIB) in order to complement the work of the Regional Economic Development Councils (REDCs) and further increase job growth in New York State.

The SWIB is a key component of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s strategy for attracting businesses and growing jobs in New York State. The 49-member board is composed of state and local elected officials, agency leaders and appointed representatives from businesses, labor and youth organizations, community colleges and community-based organizations. The group represents a wide range of workforce interests including veterans, youth and the unemployed.

The inaugural meeting for the newly reconstituted board will take place on January 29, 2014 at 1 p.m. in the Blue Room of the New York State Capitol Building.

“This is a different board than in the past, one with a broader view, a new strategy, and the capacity to do more and in a smarter way,” said Commissioner Rivera. “This board will build upon the success of the Regional Economic Development Council initiative and implement the bottom-up approach to job growth that has worked so well across the state. I look forward to working with the new board members to set the stage for further improving workforce development.”

Since Governor Cuomo took office, the unemployment rate has dropped in all ten regions of the state, the state economy has added more than 390,000 new private sector jobs and the private sector job count is at a record high of more than 7.5 million.

The board includes local stakeholders who help target resources to growing critical industries on a region-by-region basis. Workforce planning by the SWIB aligns broader economic goals through workforce development strategies that are regionally specific.

“The State Workforce Investment Board (SWIB) represents a powerhouse of business development and economic revitalization with input from every corner of the state,” said Kenneth Adams, President and CEO of the Empire State Development Corporation. “Working in concert with the Regional Economic Development Councils, the SWIB will further strengthen New York’s economy from the ground up.”

The revitalization of the board also aligns with the recommendation from the governor’s Spending and Government Efficiency (SAGE) Commission in its 2013 report, which called on the SWIB to re-activate, align with REDCs and better coordinate the state’s workforce development efforts.

New York State has 96 Career Centers that help connect job seekers and employers. In 2013, 969,000 people were hired nationwide using states’ workforce career centers. New York State accounted for 257,000 of those job placements, which is 26.5 percent of the nation.

More information about the SWIB, including a complete list of board members, is available at: www.labor.ny.gov/workforce/swib/SWIBAbout.shtm.

Feb. 2nd, 2014 with the Brown Byrd Prostate Cancer Foundation a Day of Remembrance Globally

(New York, N.Y.) On February 2, 2014 the 6th Annual International Prostate Cancer Awareness Observance Day with the Brown Byrd Prostate Cancer Foundation a Day of Remembrance Globally. There are many health issues that a man may face; among those health issues Prostate Cancer is one of them.  Prostate Cancer has been the number one killer for men overall. Prostate Cancer affects men as well as the ones that they love. It is said that every twenty seconds a man is diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. It is time for us as a world community to take a stand and fight this tragic disease.

On February 2nd 2014 The BrownByrd Prostate Cancer for the six consecutive years will be honoring those who have lost their lives, have been diagnosed, or survived from this disease and are now cancer free. We announce to the world that February 2nd 2014 is Internationally claimed “BrownByrd Prostate Cancer Awareness Day”

Internationally Acclaimed Award Winning Independent/Off Broadway Film star Utica native actor Kevin Byrd Founder/ President of the Brown Byrd Prostate Cancer Foundation and notable famed writer/motivational speaker Co-Founder Vice President Blossom Brown; jointly are the U.S youngest African American Prostate Cancer Health Advocates in America, both being 33 and 32 years old. The Brown Byrd Cancer Foundation a 501 c, 3 Christian non for profit organization was established in 2003.  The mission is to inform the masses about the awareness and importance of prostate cancer concerns and issues. The Brown Byrd Prostate Cancer Foundation has conducted their own National Prostate Cancer Awareness Tours, Health Fairs, Youth Awareness events, Seminars and even aided in providing Free Prostate Cancer Screening nationally.

“February 2nd, 2014 is a day that Our Heavenly Father Jesus Christ has made possible through my vision to touch the World with the awareness of Prostate Cancer. My beloved grandfather C.J Thomas died of Prostate Cancer, and ever since his death I have vowed to spread the knowledge about Prostate Cancer Advocacy/Prevention. It means so much that for the past six consecutive years Prostate Cancer Awareness Observance Day has been proclaimed on behalf of Millions of citizens in America, remembering all the millions and thousands of men who have lost the fight for Prostate Cancer. I pray that every person who reads this message will join us on February 2nd, 2014 and wear a Blue ribbon, Light a Candle, and have a moment of Prayer symbolizing all the men who lost the fight and battle against this disease”.   Kevin Byrd/President/Founder of the Brown Byrd Prostate Cancer Foundation Health& Wellness Chairman of The 100 Black Men of Long Island

“We at the Brown Byrd Prostate Cancer Foundation selected February 2nd as International National Prostate Cancer Awareness day to acknowledge the Men that have suffered with or have lost their  life from this dying disease. We believe that those that have been affected should be properly recognized and acknowledged for the life that they live or have lived. In addition we acknowledge those that have lost family members to Prostate Cancer as well. I myself lost my grandfather Solomon P. Brown to this disease and fight. I vowed that I would never let my grandfather life be lost in vain, but that it would be a testimony and one of the motivations needed to fight for a cure. In declaring the day as National Prostate Cancer Observance Day we let it be known that a life was not lost in vain to this disease, but will always be remembered, while doctors continue to find a cure for this disease, we stand united at Niagara Falls this year in the fight with them” Blossom Brown/Vice-President/Co-Founder of The Brown Byrd Prostate Cancer Foundation.

This year on February 2nd,2014  The BrownByrd Prostate Cancer Foundation ask the greater International Community worldwide to partake with us this day in remembrance of those that have given their lives, been diagnosis, in remission and have survived this disease by wearing a Blue Ribbon, Lightening a Blue Candle, Wearing the Color Blue and just taking 20 seconds of  silent reflection in honor of all those that have been affected by Prostate Cancer, including those that have lost, or know someone  that has gone through this journey.

The Brown Byrd Prostate Cancer Foundation is an organization that believes it is very important that there are programs, events, and informational forms of communication present in communities; informing men about health issues that can arise. It is their mission to basically as they say at the foundation” spread the word” about prostate cancer and have men and their families become aware of prevention measures, as well as screening and treatments for Prostate Cancer.

For more Information about The Brown Byrd Prostate Cancer Foundation email:brownbyrdprostatefoundation@yahoo.com, or to make a donation send to: 110 Wall Street 11th Floor, New York. N.Y 10005, or via telephone at  212 709-8335

(NEW YORK) Colin Crowley, President of the College Democrats of New York, issued the following statement in response to President Barack Obama’s 2014 State of the Union Address:

“The President has once again shown that he is on the side of students and young Americans. Whether you are in high school and examining your choices for the future, a college student planning for a career, a recent graduate paying down your debt, or a returning veteran seeking a new path, the President has laid out a plan of action that provides opportunity for you.

“We heard much of this agenda when the President toured Upstate New York last summer where he spoke directly to the young people of this state and renewed his commitment to the next generation. We in the College Democrats of New York are proud to have the President fighting for our values and priorities.”

Equipment will be utilized to serve for upcoming Homework Assistance, Youth Employment and Leadership Academy Initiatives.

(UNIONDALE, NY) The Dollicia F. Holloway Memorial Foundation, Inc. was awarded a technology grant of Hewlett Packard laptop computers from Comp4Kids, a local charitable organization that provides refurbished computers to Long Island youth.

“Our belief is every child should have the capability and the access of using computers, so they will have the opportunity of linking to 21st Century technology, having access of using the world wide web as they discover the many opportunities which will enable, enrich, equip and empower their lives through the power of education,” said Keith H. Burgess, Founder/CEO,

Burgess stated the Foundation, through their educational initiatives, will use the laptops as part of its developing youth employment, leadership and homework assistance initiatives to be implemented this summer.

Comp4Kids, a Long Island-based IRS recognized 501(c) (3) charity, collects and refurbishes used computer equipment. The organization distributes computers for free to low income families across Long Island, NYC, and lower Westchester. Comp4Kids works with numerous school districts, public libraries, pre-schools, after school programs, special education schools and other charitable organizations which service at-risk children, families, and young adults. Comp4Kids also provides the training necessary to implement technology into their daily lives.

The Dollicia F. Holloway Memorial Foundation, Inc. is a registered 501(c) (3) Not-For-Profit Educational Organization. The primary focus of The Dollicia F. Holloway Memorial Foundation, Inc. is to encourage and enable the youth of our community to Dream, Achieve, Rise and Explore (DARE) to their fullest potential towards becoming responsible and successful leaders within the community. Our goal is to foster a commitment which will promote the development of formulating healthy lifestyle choices, which will assist in the enhancement of their academic skills and by increasing their educational opportunities. The programs that directly address this focus are: Financial Literacy, Youth/Peer Mentoring, Scholarships, Professional Development, Leadership Training, and Domestic Violence Advocacy.

For more information on Comp4Kids visit http://www.comp4kids.org/ or call (516) 244-1809.

For more information on The Dollicia F. Holloway Memorial Foundation, Inc., please contact our public relations department at info@dolliciaholloway.org. You can also visit our website at www.dolliciafholloway.org

(Washington, DC) The NAACP has released the following statements regarding tonight’s State of the Union Address.

From Roslyn M. Brock, Chairman of the NAACP Board of Directors:

“Tonight we heard President Obama issue a call for action that creates economic opportunity in his State of the Union Address,” stated Roslyn M. Brock, Chairman of the Board for the National NAACP. “President Obama challenged Congress to follow his lead and increase the minimum wage to give America a raise. He also urged lawmakers to create opportunities for citizenship through comprehensive immigration reform. The President called on all Americans to work hard, take responsibility and get everyone health insurance to secure a more prosperous future.”

From NAACP Interim President Lorraine C. Miller:

“President Obama put himself in the shoes of the American public and addressed the bread and butter issues that we all face,” stated NAACP Interim President and CEO Lorraine C. Miller.  “From raising the minimum wage to job training, the President brought the issue of economic inequality front and center and offered practical solutions to close the gap.  President Obama has embraced the social justice movement that is moving across this nation and has boldly called on all Americans to do the same.  The NAACP will heed his call and continue to be leaders in the effort end the inequalities that have plagued our nation for centuries.”

Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities.  You can read more about the NAACP’s work and our five “Game Changer” issue areas here.

(NEW YORK) Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today issued the following statement regarding President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address.

“I commend President Obama for placing inequality front and center this evening and outlining steps to address the most urgent crisis of our time. In the absence of action by Congress, the President did the right thing by unilaterally raising the minimum wage for federal workers, and New York looks forward to more progress in the months ahead. Whether it’s providing affordable and secure health care to more Americans, easing the path to citizenship for immigrants who make our nation great, or providing a real living wage to low-income workers still reeling from the financial crisis, we must work together to ensure the President’s agenda is a success both here and across the nation.”