Saturday, September 7th & Sunday, September 8th

(Riverhead, NY) Martha Clara Vineyards is making preparations to host its 12th Annual Oktoberfest on Saturday, September 7th and Sunday, September 8th from 1pm to 5pm each day. The event draws on a European tradition of bringing family, friends and community together to celebrate the season with authentic German food, music, beer and wine.

Legend has it that Oktoberfest in Munich began its life as a wedding for the Bavarian crown prince Ludwig to Princess Therese from Saxony-Hildburghausen in October of 1810 and attended by the local community. The tradition has grown in Germany and expanded throughout the world with communities creating their own version of the celebration appropriate to their regions ever since.

This will be Martha Clara Vineyards twelfth year hosting the event, building on its own tradition for the celebration in Riverhead. Juan Micieli-Martinez, Winemaker and General Manager of Martha Clara Vineyards, says that Martha Clara Vineyards has created their Oktoberfest following many of the same European traditions – fashioning the winery in the style of a German Beer Garden where the entire community is invited to enjoy a weekend festival of eating, drinking, live music and polka dancing. The event has traditionally drawn several generations of families enjoying the gardens, farm, harvest and entertainment that has become the Martha Clara Vineyard experience. For the adults, it is also an opportunity to sample the regions’ best beers and wine, with the Vineyard showcasing its award-winning Reislings and more.

Oktoberfest hails to Martha Clara Vineyards’ owner Robert Entenmann’s own personal heritage. Entenmann, whose grandfather, William Entenmann emigrated from Germany to New York in 1898, is from the Bakery Family bearing the same name. He named the Vineyard after his mother, Martha Clara, and has operated the business under many of the same principles that he learned from his parents, honoring heritage, family and community.

Tickets for the event are $15.00 (+tax) each day, subject to availability. To purchase tickets and learn more about this and other upcoming events at the Vineyard, visit www.marthaclaravineyards.com.

Martha Clara Vineyards is located at 6025 Sound Avenue in the historic Northville section of Riverhead. Phone: 631.298.0075.

(Mineola, NY) The New York State Court of Appeals yesterday denied the Town of North Hempstead’s third attempt to prevent the Nassau County Comptroller’s Office from conducting an audit of the Clinton G. Martin Park District. New York State’s highest court has now affirmed that the Nassau County Comptroller, and potentially all County Comptrollers throughout the State, have the authority to audit not only town special districts but the towns themselves.

“This is a landmark ruling that will have long range ramifications in opening local governments to more oversight and accountability,” said Comptroller George Maragos. “We appreciate Supervisor Jon Kaiman’s cooperation in the last few months in allowing the Comptroller to proceed with the audit of the Clinton G. Martin Park District.”

For over two years and three court appeals, the Town of North Hempstead challenged the County Comptroller’s Charter authority to audit the town’s special districts costing taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars and hindering transparency.

Connect with Nassau County Comptroller Maragos Online:
http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/Comptroller/index.html

(Long Island, NY) Today, the following Statement was released by NYS Senate Co-Leader Dean G Skelos:

If Governor Cuomo truly intends to cut taxes next year, as has been reported by at least two media outlets, he will have a partner in the Senate Republican conference.

Senate Republicans have consistently given voice to the need for additional tax relief so hardworking New Yorkers can keep more of their own money. We created the STAR school property tax relief program, reduced state income tax rates to their lowest levels in six decades, and just this year won passage of measures to speed up elimination of the 18-a energy tax and provide a $350 tax break for middle-class families with children.

Despite these accomplishments, nine times out of ten our efforts to cut taxes have been met with stiff resistance in the State Assembly. Next year must be different.

Working together, we can provide meaningful tax relief, foster new opportunities for economic growth and create a more prosperous future for New York families. We strongly encourage the Governor to give weight to these priorities when he puts together his upcoming Executive Budget.

(NEW YORK) Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today issued the following statement on the 50th anniversary of the historic March on Washington:

“Fifty years ago today, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial to condemn inequality and oppression by the powerful, and to proclaim dignity and respect for every human being. Dr. King had a quintessentially American mission, and his words delivered at the March on Washington were a quintessentially American message. Our country was born in the spirit of transformation and revolution, challenging every generation since our founding fathers to hold true to the idea that ‘all men are created equal.’ Thanks to pioneers like Dr. King, the arc of our nation’s history has been to march closer and closer to making that vision a reality.

“Though we have accomplished much in the past 50 years, our aspiration for equality has not subsided, and the pursuit of equal justice under law must continue. We must continue to rally against economic inequality to ensure that every child has a fair shot at success and everyone plays by the same set of rules. We must stand up for the rights of laborers who are bullied by employers who cheat workers out of their own money by refusing to respect our minimum wage and prevailing wage laws. We must continue to protect our inalienable right to vote, fighting for laws that makes it easier for people to exercise that right.

“Today, let us not only celebrate the culmination of the great movement-building of Dr. King’s era, but also let us recommit to taking our part in his mission of greater justice and greater equality with each generation.”

For more of Attorney General Schneiderman’s reflections on the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington, read his remarks to the community forum hosted by the Office of the Attorney General in Harlem last week here.

(West Islip, NY) On Saturday, August 24, Good Samaritan Hospital showcased its pediatric services with a Children’s Health Fair at Westfield South Shore in Bay Shore.

Families enjoyed a day of fun, games, giveaways and activities. While children had their faces painted and danced to music parents received information from health experts on topics such as pediatric sleep disorders, vaccinations, helping children make transitions and dealing with picky eaters.

(Pictured above): Staff from the Center for Pediatric Specialty Care at Good Samaritan, including pediatricians, dieticians, child life specialists, physical therapists and nurses enjoyed the day along with local children and special costumed guests.

Good Samaritan staff was also on-hand at Macy’s offering blood pressure screenings and information on self breast exams.

Good Samaritan’s commitment to children’s health begins at birth and continues throughout childhood. By offering a seamless network of pediatric subspecialties, Good Samaritan provides families with the advanced medical care they require.

For more information on Good Samaritan’s pediatric services, please call (631) 376-4444 or visit www.good-samaritan-hospital.org

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.

(New York, N.Y.) Assembly Member Micah Kellner failed to show up to the Roosevelt Island candidate forum last night, making this the second forum he has missed. The forums were the only two opportunities for the Council Candidates in Manhattan’s CD5 (Upper East Side and Roosevelt Island) to engage in-person with voters.

The other candidates for the seat, Ben Kallos and Ed Hartzog, both attended the Roosevelt Island forum, along with citywide candidates Jessica Lappin for Manhattan Borough President, John Liu for Mayor and Reshma Saujani for Public Advocate. Kellner also missed the Lenox Hill Neighborhood House Forum on August 21, attended by Kallos, Hartzog and Republican David Garland.

“I was disappointed that Micah Kellner didn’t show up to either event to discuss the issues that are important to our community. Whether it was because of the seriousness of the investigations into the harassment of his staff or he didn’t feel it was important, it’s not what the Upper East Side and Roosevelt Island deserves,” said Kallos.

At the forums, candidates spoke about solutions to increase the amount of affordable housing, promote better transportation solutions, hold developers accountable to communities and more. Though Kellner missed both community forums, candidates for Manhattan’s District 5 will debate on NY1 on September 3, airing at 7PM and 10PM.

(Long Island, NY) The latest trend in health and fitness has come to the YMCA of Long Island.

Research has shown that using technology to track exercise will help individuals reach their goals, and improve overall health and fitness.  With an emphasis on healthy living, one way the YMCA of Long Island, Inc. embraced the need for increased technology was introducing “smart” cardio into their fitness centers. These unique interactive tools give individuals the opportunity to remain motivated and focused throughout their journey. Personalized workout routines can be tailored to receive the desired results, and it allows for engagement with social networks for encouragement and accountability. “Connecting well-being with the latest technology trend has really changed the health and fitness scene,” Says Jean Anne Valance, Health Enhancement Director at the YMCA at Glen Cove, “People are no longer writing routines down; it can simply be programmed in, shared with friends and personal trainers. It will truly improve their workout experience.”

The new equipment will be delivered to the YMCA at Glen Cove, Huntington YMCA, Patchogue Family YMCA and the YMCA East Hampton ReCenter and will be ready for use the first week in September. These locations will be offering live demonstrations on how to optimize workouts using the latest technology, and will be offering free trials to non-members. As always, the Y remains committed to improving the health and well-being in the communities we serve.

The new equipment will be delivered to the YMCA at Glen Cove, Huntington YMCA, Patchogue Family YMCA and the YMCA East Hampton ReCenter and will be ready for use the first week in September.

About the YMCA of Long Island
The YMCA of Long Island is a cause-driven, community-based nonprofit organization that works to foster Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility. The YMCA of Long Island operates facilities in Glen Cove, Bay Shore, Patchogue, Huntington, Brookhaven, and East Hampton. It also has a number of Family Services counseling sites and operates 27 child care sites across Long Island.  In total, the Y offers hundreds of programs and activities to improve the quality of life for more than 60,000 children, families and individuals year-round. 

Learn more at www.ymcali.org.

(Long Island, NY) The Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (LICADD) is pleased to announce that noted civic leader and attorney Joel Sikowitz, Esq. has been elected to its Board of Directors. Mr. Sikowitz has served as the Babylon Village Attorney for the past 22 years and currently maintains a private law practice in the village. He previously served as the Town of Babylon’s special counsel and has also served on the Suffolk County Bar Association Grievance Committee, including tenure as co-chair.

Joel Sikowitz, Esq.

“Mr. Sikowitz’ impressive legal career, his longstanding commitment to helping our community, and his consistent support of LICADD’s programs make him a natural choice to serve on our Board of Directors,” said LICADD Board Chair Jeffery Capazzi. “We are thrilled that he’s joined our team.”

Mr. Sikowitz is a graduate of Hofstra University and received his law degree from Brooklyn Law School. In the 1960s, he served as President of the Young Republicans of Suffolk County and worked on the Presidential election campaign of then-Governor Nelson Rockefeller. Mr. Sikowitz has also served as an assistant to the Honorable Arthur Cromarty, Supervisor of the Town of Babylon and now a retired New York State Supreme Court Justice.

In addition to serving as President of Congregation Beth Shalom in Babylon, Mr. Sikowitz has also served as President of the Babylon Booster Club, supporting varsity athletics, and has been the acting organizer and master of ceremonies for the E. Donald Conroy Scholarship dinner for ten years.

Mr. Sikowitz has also enjoyed a full music career parallel to his legal and civic pursuits. Throughout his college and law school years, Mr. Sikowitz played in society orchestras across Long Island and he provides music and entertainment for several non-profit fundraisers, including LICADD’s Angel Ball, as well as numerous private parties. He has performed with 15-piece bands for the Long Island Philharmonic and the Good Samaritan Hospital Balls.

“I’ve long admired LICADD’s work and I look forward to getting even more involved as the agency expands strategically to meet the growing demand for addiction services and prevention programs,” said Mr. Sikowitz.

(Huntington Station, NY) Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci (R,C,WF,I-Huntington Station) recently visited the Victims Information Bureau of Suffolk (VIBS). VIBS has been a pioneer in the domestic violence and rape crisis movements.

Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci meets with VIBS Executive Director Pamela Johnston.

“For over 35 years, VIBS has remained dedicated to assisting the survivors of domestic violence and raising community awareness of the need for justice and compassion for victims,” said Lupinacci. “The staff members at VIBS have distinguished themselves in their public advocacy, counseling and community education efforts. Anyone suffering from domestic violence or an abusive relationship should know about this important resource available for survivors’ safety and well-being.”

VIBS provides telephone counseling, information, referrals, and access to Emergency Room Companions and SANE Centers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (631) 360-3606.

‘FiOS1 News Now’ to Air Live on New Boardwalk as Part of the FiOS1 ‘Make Safety #1’ Campaign

(LONG BEACH, N.Y.) FiOS1, the local and community news station available to FiOS TV customers on Long Island, will air its “FiOS1 News Now” news program live on Thursday (Aug. 29) from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the newly reopened, rebuilt boardwalk at Riverside Boulevard in Long Beach.

The live broadcast will culminate a day of activities that are part of FiOS1’s Make Safety #1 campaign, a unique initiative in which the station has partnered with local community organizations to provide information and raise awareness about safety, such as weather and emergency preparedness, and family and cyber safety.

“This is one of the innovative ways FiOS1 is engaging viewers and reaching out to the communities we serve,” said Michelle Webb, general manager of FiOS1. “Watching a newscast live will be a great experience for visitors on the boardwalk.”

The campaign’s activities kick off at 2 p.m. and include appearances by FiOS1 anchors, safety presentations and giveaways from campaign partners the Nassau County Safe Kids Coalition, the North Shore Long Island Jewish Medical Center, and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary of Long Island. From 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., visitors will be able to tape a message for FiOS1’s award-winning show “Push Pause,” and will be able to have photographs taken with members of the FiOS1 news team from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. In addition, FiOS1 will be distributing free emergency kits and water.

FiOS1 Long Island is Verizon’s 24-hour hyper-local news channel that has everything FiOS TV viewers need to know about the Island. The station’s programming includes local weather forecasts, up-to-the-minute traffic, as well as news, regional sports, original locally focused original programs and feature stories.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to consumer, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America’s most reliable wireless network, with more than 100 million retail connections nationwide. Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America’s most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers integrated business solutions to customers in more than 150 countries. A Dow 30 company with nearly $116 billion in 2012 revenues, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of 180,900.

For more information, visit about.verizon.com.

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