Music Choice to Feature Festival People en Espanol 2013 Video Playlists

by

(New York, NY) Starting today, Music Choice, the multi-platform music video network, will feature Festival People en Espanol playlists that highlight the performers who will appear at the two day celebration of Hispanic entertainment, culture and community.

KatDahlia

The playlists entitled the Kings and Queens of Festival will feature some of the hottest artists who will appear on stage in San Antonio at the festival Labor Day weekend including Demi Lavato, Gloria Estefan, Frankie J, 3BallMTY and many more! Video playlists will be available for free nationally on Video On Demand through the end of the month and include:

Kings of Festival

  • 3BallMTY “Intentalo”
  • Alejandro Fernandez “Hoy Tengo Ganas De Ti”
  • Frankie J “Tienes Que Creer En Mi”
  • Jencarlos Canela “I Love It”

Queens of Festival

  • Jenni Rivera “A Cambio De Que”
  • Demi Lovato ”Heart Attack”
  • Kat Dahlia “Gangsta”
  • Gloria Estefan “Hotel Nacional”

For more information on Music Choice log on to www.musicchoice.com or join the conversation on Twitter:@MusicChoice   Facebook: www.Facebook.com/MusicChoice

Labor Department Announces Long Island Man Sentenced for Stealing More Than $192K in Unemployment Insurance Benefits

by

(New York, NY) State Department of Labor Commissioner Peter M. Rivera announced today that Paul Pappas was sentenced to 13 months in prison for stealing more than $192,000 in Unemployment Insurance benefits by the US District Court for the Southern District of New York. He was also ordered to pay back the full amount, plus fines, as restitution by August 14, 2014.

In April 2013, Pappas, of Setauket, New York, pleaded guilty to Wire Fraud following an investigation by the Department of Labor’s Major Case Unit and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General.

Pappas was also given three years of federal supervision and must enter into a probation-approved mental health program.

Pappas created fictitious businesses in New York, Vermont and Florida. He then submitted false Unemployment Insurance claims in all three states using the identities of his friends and family members.

“Let this be a message to anyone who has collected Unemployment Insurance benefits to which they are not entitled: you will be caught and prosecuted,” said Commissioner Rivera. “New York State uses highly advanced technology to monitor for fraud. These systems are designed to flag suspicious activity and help ensure criminals are caught.”

New York State operates one of the largest Unemployment Insurance systems in the country. In 2012, New York State paid out nearly $7.1 billion in total benefits to 1.13 million individuals. In addition to administering the entire system, the Department of Labor is responsible for preventing and stopping fraud and ensuring the integrity of the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund.

The Trust Fund is funded by employers across New York. When the fund is forced to pay out because of a fraudulent claim, employers have to pay more — and that means consumers will pay more as well. It is in everyone’s best interests to stop Unemployment Insurance fraud.

New York State, a nationally recognized leader in the fight against Unemployment Insurance fraud, has identified 14,689 claimants who received more than $42 million in benefits they were not entitled to in 2013.

Anyone with information about Unemployment Insurance fraud should call the Department of Labor’s toll-free fraud hotline at (888) 598-2077.

Zeldin Urges Federal Government to Make Mastic Beach Priority

by

(MASTIC BEACH) In a letter to federal elected officials representing Mastic Beach, Senator Lee M. Zeldin (R,C,I- Shirley) joined other local elected officials today to ask for a project to be expedited to replenish sand dunes on Fire Island just south of the Village of Mastic Beach which were wiped away by Super Storm Sandy.

A copy of the letter, signed by Senator Zeldin, Assemblyman Edward Hennessey, Brookhaven Town Supervisor Edward Romaine, Brookhaven Town Councilman Dan Panico, Suffolk County Legislator Kate Browning, and Mastic Beach Mayor Bill Biondi is attached.

Eighth Annual Long Island Cruizin’ For a Cure Car Show Supporting Prostate Cancer Awareness & Early Detection Returning September 8th

by

(Long Island, NY) Long Island Cruizin’ For A Cure  is the only annual car show on the East Coast to provide free onsite PSA screening tests for the early detection of prostate cancer.  This unique car show promotes prostate cancer awareness and raises funds for research for a cure of this form of cancer.

In 2012 a total of $20,000 was donated to Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory for scientific research.  The show will be held on Sunday, September 8th from 9 am to 3 pm at the Sears Auto Center parking lot, in Hicksville. Over 3,500 people are expected and more than 600 cars and vehicles will be exhibited at the all-volunteer, nonprofit group’s eighth annual event.  Tesla Motors will have its Model S all-electric luxury sedan on display.

Rallye Motors is a lead sponsor.  Other sponsors include Alure; Parts Authority; Huntington/Garden City Mazda; Exotic Classics and Fiore Motors.

As in the past, there will be a special tent where the PSA prostate cancer screening tests will be conducted free by Winthrop University Hospital.  Men with elevated PSA readings will be referred to their physicians for follow-up.  Volunteers wearing blue L.I. Cruizin’ tees will be available to encourage men to take advantage of the onsite free blood-screening tests.

“Last year we achieved our objective which was to provide hundreds of free prostate screening PSA tests. We’re ready for another fantastic day with our exhibitors, visitors, entertainment, vendors and sponsors. This will be our third year at the Sears Automotive Center parking lot, the perfect location for this event.  Our volunteers, many of whom are prostate cancer survivors like me, put forth a tremendous effort to plan the event. Its popularity has grown because it has so much to offer car enthusiasts, families and kids,” said Sandy Kane, Chair and Founder of LI Cruizin’ For A Cure Car Show.

IMG_5014

IMG_5021

IMG_5111

The September show is a fun-filled family friendly day.  For car collectors and enthusiasts it’s all about rods, customs, muscle and classic, specialty vehicles, antique fire apparatus and motorcycles. Entertainment includes dee-jays Fonzie and ChaChi and popular doo wop groups, a Kids Fun Zone with a model race track, plus a food court, a 50/50 raffle and much more. Admission is $5; kids under 12 are free.

For Long Island Cruizin’ For A Cure info, visit licruizinforacure.com  or 1-888-LICRUIZ (542-7849). To see great show photos, go to http://www.facebook.com/LICruizinForACure  or Flickr page http://flic.kr/s/aHsjC9APKj

Maks & Val Chmerkovskiy Reunited Backstage at Ballroom with a Twist

by

At the Patchogue Theatre, through Aug. 18

(Bellport, N.Y.) Dancing with the Stars pro Maksim Chmerkovskiy, also the star of the hit Broadway show, “Forever Tango,” was in attendance on Thursday, Aug. 15 to watch little brother Valentin in the critically acclaimed, international dance production “Ballroom With A Twist,” at The Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts, through Aug. 18.

Backstage, with Valentin Chmerkovskiy (left) with brother Maksim Chmerkovskiy at the 2pm matinee of Ballroom with a Twist, in Patchogue, N.Y.

Maks, also the star of the hit Broadway show “Forever Tango,” mingled with the Ballroom with a Twist company, which includes fellow “Dancing with the Stars” celebrity pros Peta Murgatroyd, Anna Trebunskaya and Tristan MacManus – along with Maks’ little brother, Val.

grouprsz

Valentin Chmerkovskiy and brother Maksim Chmerkovskiy, with the company of Ballroom with a Twist, presented by The Gateway at The Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts. The high-energy show features Tristan MacManus, Anna Trebunskaya, Peta Murgatroyd & celebrities from “So You Think You Can Dance” & “American Idol.”

The nearly sold-out show has taken Long Island audiences by storm. Seats are still available for all performances, and guests can meet the stars backstage at an exclusive, VIP meet and greet reception after Friday evening, Saturday matinee & evening and Sunday matinee performances. Tickets to the show and reception can be purchased on www.gatewayplayhouse.org.

Choreographed by ABC-Television’s “Dancing with the Stars’” Emmy nominated Louis van Amstel, the Patchogue engagement of Ballroom with a Twist, presented by The Gateway, also features “So You Think You Can Dance” finalists Jonathan “Legacy” Perez, Jonathan Platero, Randi Lynn Strong and Jaymz Tuaileva; and “American Idol” finalists Gina Glocksen and Von Smith.

Produced by Scott Stander & Associates, “Ballroom with a Twist” is an evening of entertainment for the entire family, highlighted by stunning costumes, magnificent music and breathtaking performances that pushes the boundaries of ballroom dance, infusing it with the energy and intensity of the latest contemporary and “hip-hop” styles.

The Performing Arts Center of Suffolk County is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. It seeks to provide theatre of the highest caliber to the Long Island region and beyond, continuing the tradition established by the Gateway Playhouse. It remains Long Island’s oldest professional theatre.

For tickets, performance times or other inquiries call (631) 286-1133 or 1-888-4TIXNOW, or visit www.pacsc.org.

Suffolk County Executive Bellone Joins with IDA to Announce Groundbreaking STEMM Jobs Initiative

by

New Website Fuels Jobs in the Region’s Innovation Economy

(Hauppauge, N.Y.) Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone joins with Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency Executive Director Anthony Manetta in announcing an innovative new jobs website that bridges the gap between job seekers with prospective employers in Suffolk County.The site, www.jobs.suffolkida.org,  has an initial listing of over 115 jobs and over 20 companies participating.

“This is a groundbreaking initiative that the IDA is launching. This helps fuel Suffolk’s innovation and manufacturing economy,” states County Executive Steven Bellone. Graduating college students are especially urged to visit the site for full-time employment opportunities. “Providing this tool for our younger workers is critical to having them continue to call Suffolk County home and reverse the trends of years past.”

The website, www.jobs.suffolkida.org, is a sleek, simple to use, free interface where companies post job openings and residents can apply for jobs. This site is specifically tailored to the STEMM fields of science, technology, engineering and math. The initiative adds an “M” on the traditional STEM acronym to work with local manufactures on their hiring needs.

The program will be sustainable long term due to a change in the IDA’s policy. Companies who receive agency benefits are now required to post jobs online. Currently, companies are to list the jobs they create with the NYS Department of Labor; however now County residents will have more efficient and direct access to jobs created by companies who receive IDA incentives.

“This initiative provides a unique opportunity in a highly focused industry specific environment to mutually benefit our companies and workforce,” says Anthony Manetta, CEO/ Executive Director of the Suffolk County IDA. “Now with this new posting requirement, IDA companies will be more engaged in recruiting locally to fill jobs they create for receiving tax incentives.”

Yusong Yin, CEO of Photonics Industries says regarding the new initiative, “The IDA is providing a dedicated site geared toward applicants that I want to reach. This is a great program, I’m proud to be part of it.”

Potential employers like Mr. Yin have always looked locally for talent. The IDA’s new website is creating a medium by which those employers can easily find talented local applicants. At the site’s launch the company has 10 jobs posted including positions such as “Laser Engineer,” “Senior Electronics Engineer” and “Machinist.”

Kevin Law, President & CEO of the Long Island Association, says, “The Suffolk IDA continues to lead the way with innovative programs. Our employers now have an effective tool to recruit a highly qualified local workforce.”

Dr. Shaun McKay, President of Suffolk County Community College, says, “The Suffolk County Community College has career development programs that provide students with the skill set for a variety of jobs, including manufacturing. This initiative by the IDA will help create additional opportunities for our students.”

Stony Brook University Vice President for Economic Development Yacov Shamash endorsed the initiative, saying, “This innovative approach to public-private collaboration will benefit both the companies that need STEMM-skilled talent, and the recent and not-so-recent graduates from Stony Brook and other campuses in the region who have these skills. And that will be a win for the County.”

The Suffolk County IDA has developed a close working relationship with the Suffolk County’s Department of Labor to promote this new program among the County’s network of unemployed or underemployed residents.

“The Department of Labor and the IDA have forged an unprecedented relationship. This jobs effort at the IDA will give the residents of Suffolk County and the businesses a new job development tool,” explains Commissioner of Labor Samuel Chu.

Suffolk County Deputy Executive and Commissioner of Economic Development & Planning Joanne Minieri states, “Creating a pro-business and pro-workforce website focused on STEMM jobs brings a unfounded level of government support.”

The IDA has also partnered with WorkMarket, an IDA Boost Company, to link to the company’s freelance work opportunities job feed.

Long Island based companies who are not Suffolk County IDA clients are encouraged to join the site. There are two requirements for a company’s participation: they have to be based in Suffolk County, and their company must be in a STEMM industry or the perspective job is STEMM related.

Resource partners of the initiative include Stony Brook University, Suffolk County Community College, Long Island Association, Suffolk County Department of Labor, Long Island Forum for Technology (LIFT) and LISTnet. A sampling of companies participating are Canon USA, LNK International, Contract Pharmacal, Marchon, D’Addario, A&Z Pharmaceuticals, Spellman High Voltage, Sartorius and KLD Labs.

Performing Arts Center: 3rd Annual Gala at Bellport’s Gateway Playhouse

by

Proceeds to benefit Long Island’s oldest professional theatre

(Bellport, N.Y.) The Performing Arts Center of Suffolk County will hold its third annual gala benefit, “Let the Good Times Rock ‘n Roll” on the evening of Sat., Aug. 24 at Bellport’s Gateway Playhouse.

This year’s theme pays homage to the 1950s, spotlighting favorite moments from the early days of the Gateway and the first decades of rock ‘n roll.

The evening’s entertainment features special performances by the stars of Gateway’s 2013 season, including Holly Ann Butler, Marissa Rosen and Nathan Klau. Butler and Rosen starred as Rizzo and Jan in “Grease,” which opened Gateway’s 2013 season. Butler’s credits include the Broadway revivals of “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” and “Grease.” She received a 2010 Joseph Jefferson Award nomination for Actress in a Principle Role for “Thoroughly Modern Millie.” Rosen’s credits include the off-Broadway productions of “Tony and Tina’s Wedding,” and the USA series “Monk.”

Klau delighted audiences as Dr. Frankenstein’s assistant, Igor, in “The New Mel Brooks Musical: Young Frankenstein.” He has appeared in the first national tour of “Jersey Boys,” and he has worked regionally at Goodspeed Musicals and the Pittsburgh CLO.

Other season highlights include selections from Gateway’s children’s theatre production of “Seussical,” as well as a sneak preview of “Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story,” which opens Aug. 28 at the Bellport theatre.

Live music is provided by the John Schmitt Band, who will perform rock ‘n roll favorites throughout the evening. Best known for their performances at Manhattan music venues Prohibition and The Living Room, the rock quartet has also opened for Ingrid Michaelson, Allison Kraus and Dave Matthews Band.

“Let the Good Times Rock ‘n Roll” begins with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at 6pm, followed by dinner, dancing and silent auctions. Guests can enjoy ‘A Taste of Bellport,’ with courses provided by Avino’s Italian Table, Basil, The Bellport Restaurant, Bellport Village Bistro, The Brickhouse Brewery & Restaurant, Peppercorn Café, Porters on the Lane, Swan Bakery and The West Lake Inn Caterers.

Auction items include a vacation trip to Walt Disney World; tickets, autographed memorabilia, and backstage passes to Broadway shows; an overnight stay with the Manhattan Club; luxury spa packages; and an African safari vacation.

Proceeds from “Let the Good Times Rock ‘n Roll” will support onstage and outreach programming at the Performing Arts Center of Suffolk County.

The PACSC is committed to producing and presenting the highest caliber theater and performing arts events, as well as engaging and training the next generation of artists. Theatre is the essential human art form through which PACSC enriches the cultural lives of Long Island communities, providing a vital, local alternative to Broadway.

The Performing Arts Center of Suffolk County is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. It seeks to provide theatre of the highest caliber to the Long Island region and beyond, continuing the tradition established by the Gateway Playhouse. It remains Long Island’s oldest professional theatre.

For tickets, performance times or other inquiries call (631) 286-1133 or 1-888-4TIXNOW, or visit www.pacsc.org.

OPRHP, DOH Remind State Park Visitors: Practice Beach & Pool Safety

by

(New York, NY) With the final weeks of summer approaching, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) and the State Department of Health (DOH) encourage all visitors to practice swim safety while enjoying New York State Parks’ beaches and pools.

“From the iconic Jones Beach to the strikingly beautiful lakes in Central New York and beyond, the swimming areas in New York’s state parks are undeniably popular destinations during the summer months,” said State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey. “While enjoying the various swimming areas, we urge all visitors to please keep safety in mind for yourself and your loved ones.”

With 100+ developed beaches, swimming pools and spraygrounds, State Parks offer diverse swimming experiences. First, it is important to be aware that swimming in a lake or ocean is significantly different than swimming in a pool. Even experienced swimmers should consciously conserve energy while in an ocean or lake to ensure they have the strength to swim back to the shore.

“Swimming and other water-related activities are ideal ways to escape the summer heat and at the same time contribute to better health thanks to the physical activity involved,” said State Health Commissioner, Nirav R. Shah. M.D., M.P.H. “However, safety must always be top priority. It is important that individuals swim in lifeguard-protected areas – when guards are on duty – and always ensure children in and around the water have proper supervision.”

In addition, visitors are asked to utilize the following tips for an enjoyable, safe summer in the sun:  

  • Swim only in designated areas when the lifeguards are on duty.
    • Our parks host many types of recreational marine use, including boating, fishing, surfing, etc. For the safest swimming conditions, remain in areas specially designated for swimmers.
    • Take advantage of the expanded swimming hours and lifeguard coverage on Long Island, implemented this year at several of their swim facilities to increase safe swimming opportunities.
  • Be aware of the area’s conditions.
    • Lifeguards know the water they are guarding well. Use them as a resource to learn the safest swimming areas, and whether there have been any warnings or potential hazards that day.
    • Leave the water at the first indication of bad weather.
  • Keep a close watch on children in and around the water.
    • Currents can change quickly, which can cause a loss of secure footing, even while in shallow water.
    • Constant and active supervision is the best way to protect young swimmers.
  • Don’t rely on floatation devices.
    • Floats can unexpectedly lose air, leaving the user, especially young or inexperienced swimmers, in a precarious situation.
    • U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets, types I, II and III, are the only floatation devices permitted in state park waters.

Finally, it is recommended to never swim alone; instead, enjoy the water with a friend or two who can alert others if assistance is needed.

New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation maintains and operates 179 state parks and 35 historic sites.

For more information on swim safety, visitors are encouraged to follow State Parks on Facebook and Twitter for regular water and swim safety tips and information, as well as on the web at www.nysparks.com and http://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/outdoors/swimming/.

Ten SCWA Water Main Extension Projects Underway on South Fork

by

From Southampton to Montauk, Projects Range From 243 Feet to 3,216 Feet

(Long Island, NY) The Suffolk County Water Authority over the past two weeks has completed, or is close to completing, ten water main extensions in communities from Southampton to Montauk. The projects range from a 243-foot extension on Washington Drive in Montauk to a 3,216-foot project on Millstone Brook Road and nearby streets in Southampton.

Sagaponack4

In total, SCWA will add more than 8,000 feet of water main to its existing service territory.

The main extension projects, from west to east:

  • 3,216 feet on Millstone Brook Road, Barkers Island Road and Whites Lane in Southampton
  • 328 feet on Tuckahoe Lane in Southampton
  • 477 feet on Cedarberry Lane in North Sea
  • 300 feet on Wood Edge Court in Southampton
  • 654 feet on Schwenks Road in Water Mill
  • 1,011 feet on Ruggs Path in Noyac
  • 442 feet on Ericas Lane in Sagaponack
  • 832 feet on South Pond Road in East Hampton
  • 557 feet on Birch Drive in Montauk
  • 243 feet on Washington Drive in Montauk

“We’re pleased to be able to bring safe and constantly tested water to our new customers on the South Fork,” said SCWA Chief Executive Officer Jeff Szabo.

In addition to being subject to rigorous tests from the New York State Department of Health and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, public water from SCWA comes with many advantages. With increased water pressure and the availability of nearby hydrants, public water brings improved fire protection and may lower homeowner’s insurance. With public water, customers are far more likely to maintain service during a weather emergency—while many Suffolk residents who use private wells were without water service for days when electricity service was out following SuperStorm Sandy, virtually all SCWA customers, with the exception of those on Fire Island, still had use of their water supply.

With public water, there is no need to maintain a well pump, which can cost thousands of dollars to replace or repair. Nor is there a need to purchase and maintain a water softener or filter, since SCWA water is tested around the clock, 365 days a year, and trace amounts of lime are added to the water supply to neutralize pH and prevent corrosion of pipes. Trace amounts of chlorine are also added to the SCWA supply to prevent the growth of bacteria such as e. coli in the water supply.

Anyone interested in inquiring about hooking up to public water should contact SCWA’s New Service department at (631) 218-1148.

The Suffolk County Water Authority is an independent public-benefit corporation operating under the authority of the Public Authorities Law of the State of New York. Serving approximately 1.2 million Suffolk County residents, the Authority operates without taxing power on a not-for-profit basis.

Manes-American Peace Prize Gala in Westhampton Beach

by

(Long Island, NY) Activists, celebrities, and organizations dedicated to fostering peace came together recently at the Manes-American Peace Prize Gala at the home of Peace Prize Founder Dr. Harvey Manes in Westhampton Beach.

A renowned orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Manes created the multi-million dollar foundation as a U.S. alternative to the Nobel Prize and has awarded Peace Prizes to numerous groups and individuals that promote peace and good will. The Gala recognized two of the latest Peace Prize recipients: Curtis Sliwa of the Guardian Angels and Crime Stoppers of Suffolk for their efforts to create peaceful solutions to community issues.

Also celebrated were the Peace Prize’s newest “Ambassadors for Peace,” including Lloyd Harbor businessman George Schwertl and Kim DePaola of the hit Bravo show The Real Housewives of New Jersey.

KimDePaola
Ambassador Award” Recipient Kim DePaola, star of the Bravo hit series, “The Housewives of New Jersey” poses for a photo-op holding up her award at First Annual Peace Prize Gala in Westhampton Beach

The Peace Prize Gala had no shortage of sponsors and attendees joining the peace effort and celebrating those dedicated to helping others. From Long Island wineries to jewelry designers to doctors, lawyers, and architects, to bakeries and even a car wash and florist generously donated Gala prizes and services.

Many Hamptons and New York glitterati made the scene including jewelry designer to the stars Kelly Gerber, celebs Jane Pontarelli and Leesa Rowland, and Realtor Larry Wohl with other Manhattan philanthropists.

georgeschwerl

Harvey Manes Peace Prize Ambassador George Schwertl  and guest   pose for a photo-op at First Annual Peace Prize Gala in Westhampton Beach

CC Carr, Peace Prize COO and a celebrity in her own right, served as a gracious co-host of the event, which raised money through a silent auction and raffle of signed Peter Max prints and other items from the private collection of Dr. Manes.

“I’m amazed at the response from those who did not hesitate when asked to help promote and foster peace in America,” Dr. Manes said. “This was our first annual Gala and we hope next year will be a bigger event to take our message of good will to an even wider audience.”

Peace Prize applicants are welcome at www.ManesAmericanPeacePrize.com

To advertise your business on Long Island Exchange ® please call 631-592-4425