(West Islip, NY) Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center’s annual tradition of raffling themed baskets to help employees facing challenges during the holidays raised nearly $3,000. All items collected by the hospital’s Mission and Ministry and Visions Committees were donated by staff. Funds went toward the purchase of more than 100 gift cards given to staff members and their families.

Pictured (L-R): Pastoral Care’s Elizabeth Cook and Administration’s Camille Delgaldo-Mercurio.

Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center is a 537-bed (including 100 nursing home beds), voluntary, not-for-profit hospital located in West Islip. The medical center, which has more than 3,775 employees and 900 physicians on staff, had nearly 28,000 patient admissions and nearly 100,000 emergency department visits in 2012. Good Samaritan is a member of Catholic Health Services of Long Island. Visit the website at www.good-samaritan-hospital.org.

The medical center supplies residents with the tools necessary to maintain good health. This includes community lectures, screenings, health fairs and other community programs and services.

(Huntington, NY) Over 75 local high school students attended the Huntington Youth Council’s sixth annual “Youth Forum” Monday evening, sponsored by Councilwoman Susan A. Berland. Students from all nine public high schools in the Town of Huntington were invited to participate in a Town Hall meeting held exclusively for high school students and run by high school students.

The Huntington Youth Council was founded in 2003 by Councilwoman Berland and is comprised of students from every public high school in the Town of Huntington. They meet twice a month to discuss issues that affect the youth in our community and plan events that engage their peers in local issues.

The Huntington Youth Council selected topics for the “Youth Forum” due to their potential impact on the youth of our community as well as their national relevance. The topics were: Security cameras in public places, adult supervision at teenage parties and advertisements in schools. Members of the Huntington Youth Council worked within committees to research and write summaries on each topic for the agenda.

After the Councilwoman welcomed the students, the participants broke into small group discussions led by the Executive Board of the Huntington Youth Council to familiarize themselves with the issues prior to the public hearings.

Huntington Youth Council Co-Supervisors Grant Berland and Jesse Feldman-Stein and Deputy Supervisor Dylan Wadler led discussions on each of the three topics as well as the open portion in which students were invited to share their opinions on issues not included in the agenda.

Deputy Supervisor of Events Cara Jacobson, Deputy Supervisor of Membership Sean Delle, Deputy Supervisor of Publications Bailey Kaston, Deputy Supervisor of Communications Liam Macci, and Deputy Town Clerk Sarah Haiken assisted from the dais. Over 30 students testified in these discussions.

“I am very pleased that so many students chose to attend the ‘Youth Forum’ to discuss issues important to them,” commented Councilwoman Berland. “The “Youth Forum” gives young people the opportunity to communicate with their peers on issues vital to their well-being and future.

“I applaud the students in the Youth Council. Their dedication to empowering their peers is commendable. I also thank the schools who encouraged their students to attend the forum.”

For more information on the Huntington Youth Council, please call Councilwoman Berland’s legislative aide, TJ Hatter, at 351-3018.

EAC Network Participates in 65th Annual U.S. Marine Corps Toy for Tots Drive in Baldwin

(Baldwin, NY) The U.S. Marine Corps continued its long standing tradition of bringing holiday cheer to hundreds of children across Long Island and making sure that children in need have something under their Christmas trees this year.

The 65th Annual Toys for Tots was held at the Coral House in Baldwin, and EAC Network was in attendance to show its support and to help ensure that no child goes without a toy this holiday season. The annual holiday kick-off included lots of food, fun, and festivities.

Pictured (l-r); Edward P. Mangano, Nassau County Executive; Lance Elder, President & CEO, EAC Network

Lance Elder, President & CEO of EAC Network and 2012 Toy for Tots Honorary Vice-Chairman, was present to receive an award for his contribution and dedication to the annual toy drive. “I look forward to Toys for Tots every year,” says Lance. “The U.S. Marine Corps and the families who provide toys for those less fortunate are the true recipients of this award. Their commitment to ensuring the happiness of children in need during the holiday season is remarkable.”

Pictured (l-r); Charles J. Kilbride, Major USMC; Lance Elder, President & CEO, EAC Network

Toys for Tots collection bins are in place throughout Long Island until the week of Christmas. The U.S. Marine Corps will then collect all of the new and unwrapped toys for distribution across Long Island and the New York metro area.

About EAC Network
EAC Network provides a broad array of educational, vocational, counseling, and criminal justice services. The organization’s 70 programs protect children, create opportunities for seniors, promote healthy families and communities, empower people through employment and education, and provide alternatives for people with substance abuse and mental health needs. For more information about EAC Network, please call 516.539.0150 or visit
www.eac-network.org.

Discuss the role of human rights in the world today

(Long Island, NY) Last week, Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci (R,C,WF,I-Huntington Station) and students from his Politics of Human Rights seminar at St. Joseph’s College visited the United Nations. The class is currently studying human rights in the contemporary world. The students also study restrictions and abuses of human rights and the role of civil society in enhancing or limiting human rights.

Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci and students from St. Joseph’s College are pictured in the U.N. Security Council Room.

“Human rights are one of the most intriguing and evolving subject matters in the field of political science,” said Lupinacci. “As a professor, the topic is engaging from both a real-world case study and a thought-provoking study of political theory. As a legislator, I frequently reflect upon the discussions my students and I have as I work to improve lives in Huntington and across New York. While human rights can mean preventing and protecting against atrocities in foreign lands, it also means ensuring our communities have their basic needs met. As a state, we must do all we can to meet the needs of our residents and protect the ideals we hold dear.”

In addition to his role as an assemblyman, Lupinacci serves as a professor at St. Joseph’s College, SUNY Farmingdale, Nassau Community College and Hofstra University. He teaches political science and business; his main interests lie in the area of American Politics, especially the American Presidency, state and local politics.

(Long Island, NY) Today, the Board of Regents released their 2014 school aid proposal, calling for an increase of $1.3 billion in education funding. Governor Cuomo has committed to a four percent increase in education aid, which comes to $833 million. In response, the Alliance for Quality released the following statement:

“Our children deserve a lot more, and parents, students and teachers are gearing up to make themselves heard in Albany.

“The reality is that schools are suffering from years of draining classroom cuts to programs, resources and staff. In order to not only prevent more classroom cuts from happening this year but also begin to restore what has been lost, the state needs to invest $1.9 billion in schools.

“The Regents acknowledge that Governor Cuomo’s proposal is too small– as it guarantees yet another year of classroom cuts– but we can do better for our kids. Investing only $1.3 billion will not be enough to reverse the devastating classroom cuts that students have absorbed in recent years much less provide what is needed to close the gap in opportunity between rich and poor school districts,” said Billy Easton, Executive Director of the Alliance for Quality Education.

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. Click here to view AQE’s 2014 Legislative Priorities

(Long Island, NY) The Suffolk County Police and New York State Troopers have partnered again for the 6th Annual Cops Who Care food drive.

Hams and turkeys will be distributed free of charge to needy families.

One item per family, limited supply.

• When: Friday, December 20, 2013 at 1 p.m.
• Where: East side parking lot of Suffolk County Police Academy, on the grounds of Suffolk Community College, 502 Wicks Rd, Brentwood.

SCPD Community Response Bureau 631-852-6109

Surprise, surprise. Many upcoming events — including an art show, various concerts, a wreath workshop and a special screening — have Christmas themes. Other options include an FBI demonstration, comedy and an adventure with a pirate. Here’s the rundown.

Dec. 19, O Sole Trio, 7 pm. David Shenton, Erin Shields and Giuseppe Spoletini perform a wide range of music. Shenton is a very talented piano and violin player. Shields has tremendous vocal versatility and has performed leading roles for many reputable music festivals and opera companies. Spoletini is a baritone who performs opera and other genres. Free with donations accepted. Sunnyside Reformed Church, 48-03 Skillman Ave., Sunnyside, www.facebook.com/SunnysideReformedChurch.

Dec. 19, New Sounds of East and West, 7 pm. Project Hansori presents original music centered on Asian-infused jazz. Donations accepted. All Saints Church, 43-12 46th St., Sunnyside, www.nysunnysaints.org.

Dec. 20, The David Leonhardt Trio: A Winter Holiday Jazz Concert, 8 pm. This internationally acclaimed jazz group will have fingers snapping and toes tapping as they present a winter holiday concert of cool jazz and hot rhythms. $15. Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing, www.flushingtownhall.org.

Dec. 20, Christmas Art Show, 2 pm to 9 pm (show runs until Dec. 26). Archana Santra’s art depicts movement from place to place and relationship to relationship, searching for depth and meaning, sometimes struck by the intensity of change, sometimes awed by the experience of learning. Free. Gear Art Gallery, 61-08 Myrtle Ave., Glendale, 718-386-2812.

Dec. 20, Children of Men, 7 pm. Museum of the Moving Image’s ongoing series See It Big! presents films on a huge screen. Emmanuel Lubezki lends some of his virtuoso camerawork to Alfonso Cuarón’s tale of future dystopia in Children of Men. Clive Owen is a bureaucrat tasked with escorting the world’s last pregnant woman to safety amid a devastating civil war. MMI, 36-01 35^th Ave., Astoria, www.movingimage.us.

Dec. 21, The 5th Annual Jackson Heights Winter Holiday Sing-A-Long, 7 pm. Sing winter and holiday songs from all faiths, languages and cultures as a group, while walking through Jackson Heights. Small, acoustic, portable instruments are welcome. Meet on the corner of 31st Avenue and 75th Street, in front of Cassidy’s Ale House. Free, www.facebook.com/holiday.carol.9?fref=ts.

Dec. 21, History Roundtable: The FBI, 1 pm. Watch rare footage of the FBI in action, explore the agency’s history, and hear from agents who share personal experiences. Then participate in a roundtable discussion on the latest controversies surrounding the FBI’s domestic surveillance. Greater Astoria Historical Society, Quinn Building, 35-20 Broadway, 4th Floor, Astoria, www.astorialic.org.

Dec. 21, Christmas Workshop: Season of Giving, 1 pm. Create beautiful Christmas wreaths with up-cycled fabrics, beads and ribbons. The wreaths will be donated to local senior centers. Free. Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing, www.flushingtownhall.org.

Dec. 21, Pirate Pete’s Parrot, 11 am. In the tradition of the English pantomime shows from the 1700s, this play promises music, mischief and for children and adults starring Pirate Pete, a lovable rogue on a mission to find his beloved runaway parrot, Polly, who prefers pancakes to birdseed. $10-$40. The Secret Theatre, 44-02 23rd St., LIC, www.secrettheatre.com.

Dec. 21, Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas: Part of Jim Henson’s World, 1 pm. The screening of a beloved TV special about Ma Otter and her son, Emmet, who both secretly enter a talent contest to win money to buy each other’s Christmas presents. The screening includes Kermit the Frog’s segments, rare outtakes and behind-the-scenes footage. Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35 Ave., LIC, www.movingimage.us.

Dec. 21, Kwanzaa Workshop: African Adornment, 3 pm. Honor the values of African cultures and celebrate Kwanzaa in style. Experts talk about the importance of dress and personal style as per the Kwanzaa principle of Kujichagulia or Self-Determination. Free. Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing, www.flushingtownhall.org.

Dec. 22, Oratorio Society of Queens Holiday Concert, 4 pm. The society, which has a 125-plus member chorus under the direction of Maestro David Close, performs portions of Handel’s “Messiah,” as well as traditional Christmas and Hanukkah favorites. $30/$25 seniors and students with ID. Queensborough Performing Arts Center, 222-05 56th Ave., Bayside, www.queensoratorio.org.

Dec. 22, Laughing Devil Presents, 8 pm. This show features a rotating cast of comedians with a healthy mix of celebrities and the next-big-thing. There is always something new, and you never know who is going to show up. $10. The Laughing Devil, 47-38 Vernon Blvd., LIC, www.laughingdevil.com.

The “It’s In Queens” column is produced by the Queens Tourism Council with the hope that readers will enjoy the borough’s wonderful attractions. More info at www.itsinqueens.com.

Existing Fossil-Fuel Power Plants Are The Single Largest Source Of Climate-Change Pollution; Opponents Of Action Grasping At Legal Straws To Forestall Common-Sense Pollution Controls; Schneiderman: EPA Needs To Take Prompt Action Required By Law To Limit Pollution From Power Plants And Must Afford States Flexibility In Implementation

(NEW YORK) In comments submitted today to the federal Environmental Protection Agency, Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman and a coalition of attorneys general from 11 other states and the District of Columbia argue that, in order to substantially reduce dangerous climate-change pollution from existing fossil-fuel power plants, the agency must both set strong emission limits and give states flexibility on how they choose to meet those limits.

The comments lay out the legal requirements for the EPA to take action against climate-change pollution under the federal Clean Air Act. They are a rebuttal to claims by those who oppose cutting climate-change pollution from existing power plants, and who wrongly argue that the Clean Air Act bars the EPA from moving forward with planned regulations.

“Climate change represents the greatest environmental threat of our time, posing the risk of catastrophic harm to the health and safety of all New Yorkers and to our economy,” Attorney General Schneiderman said. “Despite the real and present danger of unabated climate-change pollution, opponents continue to grasp at legal straws to forestall common-sense controls on its single largest source — existing fossil-fuel power plants.  As our coalition makes plain, opponents of EPA action are wrong on the law.  The Clean Air Act is clear in requiring that EPA set strong limits on climate-change pollution emissions from existing power plants and in giving states the flexibility they need to best meet them.”

In 2007, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Massachusetts v. EPA that greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change are covered by the Act’s definition of air pollutants. The court further ruled that EPA must determine whether these gases cause or contribute to air pollution that may endanger public health or welfare. Subsequently, EPA determined that greenhouse gases endanger the health and welfare of Americans. In October of this year, the Supreme Court refused to reconsider a lower court decision that affirmed this “endangerment” determination.

The coalition’s comments detail EPA’s legal obligation under the Act to regulate climate-change pollution from power plants, thereby directly countering the erroneous legal arguments of opponents of EPA action — particularly those who claim that EPA lacks the authority to set substantive limits on existing power plant emissions of climate-change pollution.

The Act mandates that the agency regulate emission sources that cause or significantly contribute to air pollution that endangers public health or welfare. As fossil-fuel power plants are the single largest source of climate-change pollution in the United State – emitting roughly 40 percent of the nation’s total emissions – EPA is obligated to regulate the climate-change pollution emissions of these plants.

Accordingly, in September 2013, EPA proposed limits on climate-change pollution from new power plants. Under the Act, because EPA is regulating these emissions – and because the pollutants that contribute to climate change are not being regulated as “criteria” or “hazardous” air pollutants under other sections of the Act – the agency is obligated to prescribe regulations limiting emissions from existing power plants as well.

Through this regulatory framework, EPA establishes emission guidelines based on the best system for reducing climate-change pollution from existing power plants, while giving states flexibility to determine how best to achieve these or greater reductions. The coalition’s comments stress the importance of EPA maintaining this flexibility. Many states have already responded to the threat of climate change by moving forward independently to implement programs to reduce climate-change pollution from their electricity sectors. New York and other states have used a variety of approaches to achieve important reductions, including market-based cap-and-trade systems, such as the “Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative” in which New York participates, planned retirements of coal-fired power plants, renewable portfolio standards, demand management and energy-efficiency programs.

It is critically important for EPA to use its expertise to set strong and achievable emission targets. There is compelling scientific evidence that significant reductions in climate-change pollution must occur to prevent increases in the frequency, magnitude and scale of adverse health, safety and economic impacts. These impacts include:

• More heat-related deaths and illnesses;
• Extreme weather, including storms, floods, and droughts;
• Higher smog levels, increasing the rate of asthma, pneumonia, and bronchitis;
• Coastal land loss due to inundation, erosion, submergence and habitat loss from rising sea levels;
• Threats to ecosystems, including the Adirondacks in New York;
• Disappearance of plant and animal species and a rise in insect-borne illnesses, destructive fungi and pests;
• Threats to our food production, agriculture and forest productivity; and
• Threats to our energy, transportation and water resource infrastructure.

Joining Attorney General Schneiderman today in submitting the comments to EPA are the Attorneys General of California, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and the District of the Columbia.

This matter is being handled by Assistant Attorneys General Jung W. Kim, Morgan A. Costello and Michael J. Myers, and Chief Scientist Alan Belensz of the Attorney General’s Environmental Protection Bureau, under the supervision of Bureau Chief Lemuel M. Srolovic, Executive Deputy Attorney General for Social Justice Alvin Bragg and First Deputy for Affirmative Litigation Janet Sabel.

A copy of today’s letter can be read here.

(NEW YORK, NY) Today, The Unthinkable, a harrowing new book by Lois Schaffer, officially began print publication by Brown Publishing Group. The non-fiction book recounts the true story of the senseless shooting and murder of Susie Schaffer, the author’s daughter, exactly five years ago, by two teenage would-be burglars. The author artfully describes the life and tragic death of her daughter, reignites the debate over gun control in the U.S. and recapitulates the need to end the needless bloodshed caused by illegally possessed firearms. The book is not only homage to the author’s slain daughter, but also a plea for legislative and cultural reform.

“Tragically today we honor the life of Susie Schaffer, a loving daughter, mother and partner,” Lois Schaffer, Author of The Unthinkable said. “Five years ago my daughter Susie was killed in cold blood by two reckless, illegal gun toting teens at her home in the middle of the afternoon. It is unthinkable that this could happen in our country, and yet, sadly it happens everyday. Today’s release of my new book The Unthinkable celebrates my daughter’s life but also takes a look at the impact it has had not only on our family but her community in St. Louis Missouri, our community here in Long Island, in the health and fitness industry she worked in and the lives of the two teens who tragically took her life. Susie’s death is just one of thousands that happen every year in our country, The Unthinkable reignite the discussion on how we can prevent tragedies like this and heal as a community from our harsh awakening to gun violence.”

Excerpts from The Unthinkable:

“Our family’s life was irrevocably changed on December 16, 2008. On that day, my wonderful daughter, Susie Schaffer, had her life savagely extinguished by a young punk with a gun. She was a vibrant human being with a personality that mixed strength and softness, a blend of focused grit and sensitivity, some­times mischievous and often outspoken.” (p. 15)

“Three modes of thought and action governed Susie’s personality. One was her respect for her Jewish heritage and determination to instill the same in her children. The other two were unconditional love and unswerving dedication to doing the right thing. This was how she lived.” (p. 27)

“The loss of a child is unfathomable to begin with, particularly under senseless, violent circumstances. It takes all the strength in a parent’s gut to maintain any equilibrium after the initial shock. Devastating as the tragedy is, I believe that one must ultimately focus on the living, which to me means concentrating on the physical and emotional welfare of my husband David, my son Eric, his family, Susie’s children, and Alvin, in addition to my own well-being.” (p. 108)

“Our personal story is a quintessential example of why there is an immediate need to stop the easy accessibility of illegal handguns that are ultimately appropriated by the wrong individuals.” (p. 171)

Copies of The Unthinkable can be purchased from major retailors across the country and online. Speaking engagements and readings in the New York area will be announced in the coming weeks. The electronic version of the book will be released in the coming months available in all e-reader formats.

Walt Whitman Birthplace State Historic Site and Interpretive Center honored

(Long Island, NY) Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci (R,C,WF,I-Huntington Station) recently presented an Assembly Proclamation to the Walt Whitman Birthplace State Historic Site and Interpretive Center. The proclamation honored the center’s efforts to preserve and promote the works of Walt Whitman.

Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci presents an Assembly proclamation to Walt Whitman Birthplace State Historic Site and Interpretive Center President William Walter, Ph.D., Executive Director Cynthia Shor and Vice President Thomas Wysmuller.

“Walt Whitman is one of the most significant American poets, who profoundly impacted and shaped our nation’s literature and culture, and influenced many poets of the 20th Century,” said Lupinacci. “Thanks to the efforts of those at the Walt Whitman Birthplace Association, this impact continues to be felt today by an untold number of poets, authors, professors and businesspeople. I want to thank the members of the organization for their hard work and dedication, and wish them luck as they continue to preserve and promote the legacy of this great Long Islander.”