City’s DHS Announces December 12 Public Hearing in Manhattan on Proposed Shelter

(Queens, NY) NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach), released the following statement responding to the upcoming public hearing announced last Friday by New York City’s Department of Homeless Services:

While I am not pleased at the recent determination to move forward the progress on the proposed homeless shelter on Cooper Avenue in Glendale, I know the process and final determination is far from over. I intend to listen to my constituents, work with my colleagues in government and related agencies, and continue to advance my opinion that this site is not appropriate for a homeless shelter.

I continue to have environmental and safety concerns regarding that proposed site, and I look forward to opportunities and venues to express my views in stopping this proposal.

New State-by-State Analysis Shows Momentum After Newtown Tragedy

(New York, NY) New York continues to lead among states seeking strong gun safety laws, but there is more work to be done according to a new state analysis by the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence and the Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence. New York received a B+ and ranked fifth in this year’s “2013 State Scorecard: Why Gun Laws Matter,” produced by both organizations.

“New York passed The New York SAFE Act in the aftermath of the Newtown tragedy because the research confirms that strong laws help keep people safer from gun violence,” said Leah Gunn Barrett, NYAGV’s Executive Director. New York State has the fourth lowest gun death rate in the nation, a testament to its strong gun safety laws.

“We know state gun laws fill critical gaps in our federal law, but there is still work to be done when anyone can go to a neighboring state and evade New York’s strong gun laws such as universal background checks on gun and ammunition sales,” added Barrett. “We know that 90% of recovered crime guns in NYC and 68% statewide flow from states with weak gun laws. That is why we need Congress to finish the job and extend background checks to all guns sales.” Currently, guns purchased at gun shows and online, roughly 40% of all gun sales, do not have to go through a federal background check. This makes it easier for anyone with intent to do harm to cross state lines and obtain a gun with no questions asked.

The deadly shooting in Newtown prompted eight states, including New York, to pass major gun reforms in 2013.

New York and four other states passed new laws requiring background checks on all gun sales. In addition, four states approved provisions requiring owners to report lost or stolen firearms to police, while three states enacted laws aimed at strengthening record-keeping and background check requirements for ammunition sales.

“When states act to pass strong gun laws, those gun laws benefit all our citizens and send a message to Congress that is it time to act. States like New York are leading the way on gun reform and creating a safer nation,” added Barrett.

The state scorecard ranks all 50 states by letter grades on laws that have been equated with reducing firearm injury and death.

States received points for having effective laws in each policy area, with stronger laws receiving more points. States lost points for irresponsible measures that increase the likelihood of gun violence, such as laws that allow individuals to carry loaded, concealed weapons in public without a permit. Ultimately, every state was awarded a letter grade indicating the overall strength or weakness of its gun laws.

This collaborative report empowers advocates by putting the Law Center’s in-depth research on America’s gun laws into the hands of the extensive networks of the Brady Campaign and States United to Prevent Gun Violence, a coalition of 27 state groups including New Yorkers Against Gun Violence, so they can continue to fight for effective gun policies in communities across the country.

For more information about New York’s scores and the scores of other states please visit the websites of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence http://bit.ly/ILLjf3 and the Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence http://bit.ly/GunLawsScorecard.

New Yorkers Against Gun Violence
New Yorkers Against Gun Violence (NYAGV) is a statewide advocacy group working to reduce gun violence through advocacy and education designed to encourage action, influence public opinion and lead to policy change. With a primary focus on New York State, the organization also advocates at the local and national levels for sensible gun laws, policies and practices that protect New York state residents from gun violence. www.nyagv.org

Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence
The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence works to pass, enforce and protect sensible laws and public policy that address gun violence at the federal and state level. We do this by engaging and activating the American public, electing officials who support common sense gun laws, and increasing public awareness of gun violence. www.bradycampaign.org

Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence
The Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence is the only national law center focused on providing comprehensive legal expertise in support of gun violence prevention. Founded by lawyers after an assault weapon massacre at a San Francisco law firm in 1993, we remain dedicated to preventing the loss of lives caused by gun violence by providing trusted, in-depth research and information on America’s gun laws. www.smartgunlaws.org

(Manorville, NY) Assemblyman Edward Hennessey was honored to attend the renaming and rededication of the Suffolk County Pine Barrens Trail Center, located in Manorville, as the Raymond P. Corwin Pine Barrens Trail Center.

(Left to right): NYS Senator Kenneth LaValle, town of Brookhaven Supervisor Edward Romaine, Mindy Block, NYS Assemblyman Steve Englebright, Suffolk County Legislator Al Krupski, and NYS Assemblyman Edward Hennessey.

Elected officials from the town of Brookhaven, Suffolk County, and New York State as well as officials from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, the Suffolk County Board of Parks Trustees and the Suffolk County Water Authority joined together to rededicate the trail center and remember Ray Corwin, who was instrumental in the protection of the Pine Barrens.

In 1993 the NYS Legislature established a five-member commission to oversee the 100,000-acre Pine Barrens, which, in turn, unanimously appointed Mr. Corwin as the first executive director of the Central Pine Barrens Joint Planning and Policy Commission. Mr. Corwin, who died unexpectedly in 2010, was highly respected for his in-depth knowledge of the Pine Barrens and revered for his passion for the environment

Senate Health & Insurance Chairs introduce legislation to fix Early Intervention billing chaos

(New York, NY) New York Senate Health Committee Chairman Kemp Hannon and Senate Insurance Committee Chairman James L. Seward today introduced legislation to preserve New York State’s Early Intervention Program and make certain children with special needs receive the care they required.

The legislation (S.6002) requires the state to make prompt payment to early intervention providers and ensures that retroactive payments will be made to providers who have been waiting for reimbursement since a new state system went into effect on April 1.

“Many providers have received no or very little reimbursement for their services since the implementation of a new state fiscal agent system.,” said Senator Kemp Hannon (R- Nassau). “The current procedure is unacceptable and unsustainable. Providers, many of whom operate independently or are small businesses, are being run out of business. Eligible children and their families will not be able to find a provider and their conditions
will worsen and become more costly to treat as they get older.”

Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I-Oneonta) said, “Young children suffering from developmental disabilities are now being placed on waiting lists because providers are being forced to leave the program. This compounds what is already a demanding and sensitive situation for families with a special needs child and puts the future well-being of our most vulnerable at risk.”

The New York State Early Intervention Program is part of the national Early Intervention Program for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families and is administered by the New York State Department of Health. A variety of therapeutic and support services are offered to children under 3 years of age with a confirmed disability or established developmental delay.

As part of the 2012-13 state budget, the governor proposed major modifications to the Early Intervention Program, raising grave concerns. The only change approved by the legislature was the creation of a central statewide administrator with an eye toward mandate relief for counties which were then responsible for managing billing of the program. The rollout of the program, however, has proven to be problematic and many
providers have not been reimbursed for their services.

Senator Seward said, “My senate colleagues and I expressed concern that the program would not be ready by the ambitious implementation date of April 1, 2013 and encouraged a delayed start. Based on the dire straits many providers are now dealing with, postponing the change would have been a prudent step. Rather than continue in this destructive manner, significant changes must be implemented.”

In addition, the bill clarifies the duties of the state fiscal agent and requires that the agent will assume all administrative and claims processing activities, including seeking payments on behalf of providers, tracking claims, and filing and conducting appeals of payment denials. This will ensure that providers are able to spend their time providing
necessary services to children rather than doing paperwork and administrative tasks.

“The new system requires providers to individually work and negotiate with commercial insurers to pay claims for services, that, in most cases, are not medical services covered by insurance,” said Senator Hannon. “Therapists are forced to become bill collectors, pursuing insurance claims which have gone unpaid for months on end. This was not the intent. Counties had been reimbursing providers for the last twenty years and then
pursuing insurance with little success. Creating a fiscal agent was designed to help, not leave providers holding the proverbial bag.”

Senator Seward added, “The goal of this change was to cut red tape for counties and create a more efficient system – so far those objectives have not been met. This legislation will remedy the situation.”

(Long Island, NY) At the Suffolk County Legislature’s General Meeting on December 3, 2013, at the Riverhead County Center, Legislator Jay Schneiderman honored the Sag Harbor High School Girls Varsity Field Hockey team.

The Lady Whalers claimed the title of the New York State Class C Championship at Cicero North Syracuse High School on November 17th 2013. “These young women are shining examples of what can be achieved through dedication and teamwork. Suffolk County is very proud of their accomplishments,” states Legislator Jay Schneiderman.

Pictured from left to right (back row): Legislator Jay Schneiderman, Superintendent Dr. Carl Bonuso, Athletic Director Todd Gulluscio, Coach Shannon Judge, Bridgehampton Athletic Director Mary Anne Jules, India Hemby, Rachael Miller, Kasey Gilbride, Samantha Duchemin, Emma Romeo, Emmeline Luck, Katherine Matthers, Erica Selyukova, Assistant Coach Melissa Edwards, Bookeeper Elizabeth Marchiesella Pictured from left to right (front row): Cassandra Spencer, Phiona Vall, Hollie Schleicher, Kerrie Vila, Calista Cafiero

Schneiderman Guarantees Funding for Emergency Dispatchers

(Long Island, NY) On Tuesday, December 3, 2013, the Suffolk County Legislature passed Introductory Resolution No. 1698-13, a local law which strengthens Suffolk County’s Enhanced 911 services. This resolution, which will ensure funding for E-911 services and Public Safety Access Points (PSAP), was sponsored by Legislator Jay Schneiderman and co-sponsored by Legislators John M. Kennedy, Wayne Horsley, Al Krupski and DuWayne Gregory.

This legislation safeguards public safety and will guarantee funding for the call centers which answer emergency calls for police, fire departments and ambulance services. These call centers are staffed by trained telephone operators who are responsible for dispatching these emergency services to protect the safety of residents of Suffolk County.

Enhanced 911 services are provided through PSAPs including the Suffolk County Police Department, the Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services and ten non-County PSAPs. There are four non-County PSAP’s in Legislator Schneiderman’s district which includes Southampton Town, Southampton Village, East Hampton Town and East Hampton Village. The other non-County PSAPs are located in Southold, Riverhead, Amityville, Smithtown, Babylon and Northport Village.

“I would like to thank the PSAPs for working with me on developing a permanent system of funding for operational costs. The PSAPS provide a critical role providing public safety throughout Suffolk County,” said Legislator Schneiderman.

The Suffolk County Department of Audit and Control recently conducted an audit of E-911 surcharge revenue and issued findings and recommendations regarding this program. These findings and recommendations were incorporated in Resolution No. 1131-13 to ensure that the E-911 system continues to operate efficiently for the benefit of all Suffolk County residents.

The service supplier is authorized, empowered and directed, in accordance with state law, to impose a surcharge of $0.35 per access line per month on each service supplier’s subscriber in Suffolk County. This revenue can be used to pay for the costs associated with implementing, installing, operating and maintaining the telecommunication equipment and telephone services needed to provide an enhanced 911 emergency telephone system.

This law empowers the E-911 Commission to select its Chairman, establishes record keeping requirements for non-County PSAP’s and requires service suppliers to maintain adequate records to allow the County to review the surcharge amounts billed and collected.

This law also authorizes the non-County PSAP representatives on the E-911 Commission to determine how funding will be allocated amongst them. The time for quarterly payments to be made to non-County PSAP’s will be extended from 45 to 60 days after the end of each quarter and authorizes civil penalties against service suppliers who fail to comply with the law’s provisions.

No less than 20% of the surcharge monies remitted by the service providers to the County for landline, cell phone and Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) services in any fiscal year will be allocated to the non-County PSAPs. The surcharge monies remitted by the service providers to the County and allocated to the non-County PSAPs in the annual budget will be distributed to the non-County PSAPs in proportion to the actual cash collections and will be made quarterly, within 60 days of the end of each quarter. Funding can be used towards the costs associated with obtaining and maintaining the telecommunication equipment, all operations and maintenance costs and the telephone services costs necessary to establish and provide the enhanced 911 system.

“As the demands and needs for 911 centers continue to grow, so do the financial needs. This law will assist greatly with training, staffing and ever changing technology. I would like to thank the Suffolk County Legislators and especially Legislator Jay Schneiderman for his tireless work,” states J.P. Foster, head of East Hampton Village Emergency Communications.

“I was happy to co-sponsor Legislator Schneiderman’ s bill, formalizing many of the recommendations that were generated by Comptroller Sawicki’s audit of the prior PSAP funding mechanisms. These vital local public safety dispatchers need the flexibility and certainty that this measure will implement. Citizens will now be safer in their homes and their communities because of this action by the Legislature,” stated Legislator John M. Kennedy.

Suffolk County Executive Bellone has included funding for the E-911 services in the 2014 adopted budget. It is anticipated the County Executive, who has indicated his support of this resolution, will sign Introductory Resolution 1698-13 into law.

Representing the South Fork, Jay Schneiderman is the Suffolk County Legislator for the Second Legislative District. For more information, or to arrange an interview, please call (631) 852-8400.

(Melville, NY) North American Partners in Anesthesia (NAPA), the largest single specialty anesthesia and perioperative management company in the United States, today announced its partnership with Memorial Hospital located in York, PA. In its new role, NAPA will serve as the exclusive provider of anesthesiology and perioperative services and will align with the hospital to provide clinical and management capabilities to the anesthesia department, which is expected to drive OR performance and improve clinical outcomes.  The onsite anesthesia team will be led by their Anesthesia Chairman, Van Adams, MD.

Memorial Hospital is a 100-bed community teaching hospital serving the York community for more than 65 years. As a premier medical center, Memorial offers a full array of quality patient services including emergency, maternity, cardiovascular, critical care, surgical (including robotics), imaging, orthopedics, rehabilitation, home health and more.  Currently, Memorial is building a state-of-the-art replacement facility, which will be located 10 minutes from its current location. The new facility will open in 2016.

This partnership further highlights NAPA’s flourishing relationships in Pennsylvania. NAPA currently partners with 48 hospitals nationwide, nine of which are located in Pennsylvania. NAPA also serves numerous Ambulatory Surgery Centers in Pennsylvania.

“NAPA has a strong presence and connection to the Pennsylvania health care community,” said John Di Capua, M.D., CEO of North American Partners in Anesthesia. “We look forward to partnering with Memorial Hospital and assisting their facility as well as clinicians in their efforts to better serve their community in enhancing the patient experience.”

As NAPA and Memorial Hospital align their shared culture and values, the organizations will focus on collaboratively improving the quality of care in the York community.

About North American Partners in Anesthesia
Founded in 1986, North American Partners in Anesthesia (NAPA) is the leading single specialty anesthesia management company in the United States. NAPA is comprised of the most respected clinical staff, providing thousands of patients with superior and attentive care. The company is known for partnering with hospitals and other health care facilities across the nation to provide anesthesia services and perioperative leadership that maximize operating room performance, enhance revenue, and demonstrate consistent patient and surgeon satisfaction ratings. For more information, please visit www.NAPAanesthesia.com

(Long Island, NY) The Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (LICADD) will host a full-day Anger Management Workshop on Saturday, December 21^st, 2013 from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM at the agency’s Mineola office.  The workshop provides participants with practical steps to address their triggers and learn how to manage their frustration in stressful situations.  This full-day workshop is in addition to the weekly sessions offered from 7:30 to 9:00 PM on Mondays at the Ronkonkoma office and Tuesdays from 7:30 to 9:00 PM in the Mineola office.

Classroom exercises and instructional materials are used to help guide participants in learning a variety of skills including stress management, communication training, anger management, empathy, and conflict resolution, as well as skills in developing better judgment and impulse control.  Participants will receive an official certificate after completing the course.  LICADD’s anger management services are approved by all courts, probation departments, and Child Protective Services.

“The holidays are a difficult time for many people,” said LICADD Anger Management Program Coordinator Marcie Siciliano. “This workshop provides useful skills and resources to effectively manage the environmental stressors and anger triggers that surface during this season.”  Participants are encouraged to continue their learning experience by enrolling in LICADD’s weekly Anger Management Series.

LICADD is the premier provider of anger management classes on Long Island, offering low-cost workshops, classes, and coaching in both Nassau and Suffolk Counties.  The fee for the full-day Anger Management Workshop is $199.  Payment for LICADD’s anger management services may be made via check, cash, or major credit card.  Those on Medicaid or Public Assistance, and EAP clients, are eligible for a reduction in fees.

LICADD’s Mineola office is conveniently located at 114 Old Country Road, Suite 114. The full-day Anger Management Workshop is known to fill to capacity well in advance.  To secure your placement or for further information on the agency’s anger management services, please call 516-747-2606 or e-mail msiciliano@licadd.org.

Talented LI Musicians, Singer-Songwriters Slated to Perform in the Sky Room

(Long Island, NY) Long Island-based guitarist and singer-songwriter Bob Westcott will host a holiday revue in the Sky Room at the Cinema Arts Centre on Thursday, Dec. 19, from 7:30-10:30 p.m. The special show – featuring Long Island-based artists Ray Lambiase, Bill Lauter and the Hank Stone Band – – is part of the monthly Hard Luck Café series presented by the Folk Music Society of Huntington and is a benefit for both that organization and the Cinema Arts Centre. Tickets, priced at $12 ($8 for FMSH and Cinema Arts Centre members) will be available at the door. There will not be an open mic preceding this show.  For more information, visit www.fmsh.org or call 631-425-2925.

Shown are (top) Bob Westcott (bottom, l-r) Bill Lauter, Hank Stone and Ray Lambiase.

Westcott began his career as a teenager in the basket houses of Greenwich Village and has been perfecting his elegant finger-style guitar work for decades. He was one of the first members of the Wes Houston Band, has been called “the real deal” by noted folk-scene author Robbie Wolliver, and has performed throughout the New York metropolitan area and across the country, as well as in Canada and the UK.

Ray Lambiase of Cold Spring Harbor is a singer-songwriter whose contemporary style borrows from both country and folk traditions. He was part of the Fast Folk musical collective in New York City, has performed extensively throughout New York, and has had songwriting contracts with both Nashville’s Combine Music and Bob Dylan’s Special Rider Music. His latest CD, Time Leaves Things Behind, features 11 of his original songs.

Bill Lauter is a Huntington-based singer and guitarist whose striking vocal interpretations of both traditional and popular material have made him a long-time favorite at acoustic music venues and libraries on LI. His warm, rich baritone voice has an impressive range and a strikingly pure sound, which is enhanced by his highly-refined guitar work. Lauter’s repertoire ranges from spirituals, blues and gospel songs to Celtic and contemporary material and standards — some of which are featured on his CD, Brand New Day.

Patchogue-based singer-songwriter Hank Stone was born and raised in New York City, where he began playing guitar and writing songs as a teenager. After moving to LI during the 1980s and raising a family, he returned to performing as a classic “late bloomer,” first hitting the local stages in 2001 with original songs reflecting his wide-ranging musical tastes and offering a smorgasbord of narratives, character studies, and mood pieces. He has performed across LI, both as a solo artist and in several bands. He released a solo CD entitled Until I Saw that Train last year. Joining him will be Todd Evans on guitar and vocals, Gary Settoducato on drums, and Bob Westcott on bass.

About the Presenters
Established in 1973, the Cinema Arts Centre in Huntington (www.cinemaartscentre.org) seeks to bring the best of cinematic artistry to Long Island and use the power of film to expand the awareness and consciousness of our community. Long Island’s only not-for-profit, viewer-supported, independent cinema presents a wide array of films that are often accompanied by discussions and guest speakers.

Now in its 45th year, the Folk Music Society of Huntington (www.fmsh.org) presents two monthly concert series, a monthly folk jam and sing-along, and an annual folk festival in conjunction with the Huntington Arts Council.

Jan. 16 Event Will Honor Allegiance Retail Services President & COO Michael Stolarz

(Queens, NY) The Foundation Fighting Blindness, a national nonprofit that drives sight-saving research, will host its 3^rd Annual ‘Una Visión Para El Futuro’ (A Vision for the Future) on Thursday, Jan. 16, at Terrace on the Park in Flushing Meadows Park. The event will honor the accomplishments and community involvement of Allegiance Retail Services  President and Chief Operating Officer Michael Stolarz, as supermarket industry leaders come together to raise critical awareness and research funds for vision-robbing retinal degenerative diseases like macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa (RP).

Chairing the event for the third year is Jason Ferreira, of New Hyde Park, NY, a Foundation Fighting Blindness board member and Foodtown vice president and general manager who knows the impact of vision loss. His 3-year-old son JJ has a rare genetic disease called Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA), which is characterized by severe loss of vision at birth. Determined to help advance research toward treatments and a cure, Jason, a first generation Dominican American, and his wife Jennifer have been passionate Foundation advocates since JJ’s diagnosis in 2010, raising hundreds of thousands for innovative work that could save their son’s sight.

“We’re thrilled to recognize the support and leadership of Michael Stolarz,” says Ferreira. “Progress in gene therapy and stem cell-based clinical trials gives us hope for a brighter future for JJ and the millions of other families in America affected by blinding retinal diseases. Leaders coming together for this important cause is a true testament to the giving spirit of our industry.”

Visionary Award Honoree Michael Stolarz, of New Jersey, has served as President and COO of Allegiance Retail Services since 2011. With more than 40 years of experience in the supermarket industry, Stolarz has held senior executive positions at Twin County Grocers, the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company and most recently, Grocery Haulers, Inc. In addition to supporting A Vision for the Future for the last two years, Mr. Stolarz’s community involvement includes supporting organizations such as the Deborah Heart and Lung Center, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and St. Joseph’s Food Academy Foundation. He has also been honored with the Cystic Fibrosis Breath of Life Award and was named Industry Leader Man of the Year by the New Jersey Food Council.

Over the last two years, A Vision for the Future has raised nearly $700,000 toward the Foundation’s sight-saving research, and leaders hope to close in on the $1 million mark this year.  The evening’s Visionary Sponsors include Acosta Grocery; Advantage; Bozzuto’s Inc.; C&S Produce; CBA Industries, Inc.; Earthbound Farms; Jennifer & Jason Ferreira; Florida’s Natural; JOH; Joshen Paper & Packaging; Kraft Foods; Pepsico; Porky Products; and Procacci Brothers.

What:   A Vision for the Future, Benefitting the Foundation Fighting Blindness

Where: Terrace on the Park,  52-11 111^th St., Flushing Meadows Park, NY 11368                                                              

When: Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014,  6:30 p.m. Cocktails,  7:30 p.m. Dinner & Program

Individual tickets are available for $500 and sponsorship packages begin at $1,000. For ticket and sponsorship information, contact Events Manager Ro-Ann Rabanillo at RRabanillo@FightBlindness.org or (646) 632-7514. To RSVP as a member of the media or to coordinate an interview with an event spokesperson, contact Jessica Blasco at 410-423-0619 or JBlasco@FightBlindness.org.     

About Foundation Fighting Blindness
The Foundation Fighting Blindness is a national non-profit organization driving the research that will lead to preventions, treatments and cures for retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration, Usher syndrome and the entire spectrum of retinal degenerative diseases that affect more than 10 million Americans. Since 1971, the Foundation has raised nearly $550 million as the leading non-governmental funder of inherited retinal research. Breakthrough Foundation-funded studies using gene therapy have restored significant vision in children and young adults who were previously blind, paving the way for additional clinical trials to treat a variety of retinal degenerative diseases. With a coveted four-star rating from Charity Navigator, the Foundation also has nearly 50 chapters that provide support, information and resources to affected individuals and their families in communities across the country.