Both legislators are proud Hofstra alumni

(Long Island, NY) Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci’s (R,C,WF,I-Huntington Station) American Politics class at Hofstra University was recently visited by a guest speaker, Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages (D-Elmont) for a discussion about the impact government plays on residents lives each day. Lupinacci and Solages are both proud Hofstra alumni who joined the Assembly in 2013.

Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci and the students of his American Politics class are joined by Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages.

“Bringing together members from both sides of the aisle provided the students with first hand knowledge on how government, politics and bipartisanship can have a positive impact on their lives,” said Lupinacci. “Showing the students this real-world view truly opens their eyes to what makes our democracy so great. I want to thank Assemblywoman Solages for sharing her insight and perspective with the students. Long Island is blessed to be home to so many individuals who work every day to make our community a better place to live.”

The students are all part of the New Opportunities at Hofstra program (NOAH). The program is designed to identify and assist nontraditional students whose educational experience and economic status did not provide them with the opportunity to both develop their scholastic abilities to the level necessary for undergraduate admission and study at Hofstra. The program was initiated in 1964.

(New York, NY) Vince Morgan, candidate for NYC Council District 9, on Monday, August 5′ 2013, unveiled a 5-point plan for creating and safeguarding affordable housing in Harlem outside the New York Civil County courthouse. Inside the courtroom, predatory landlord Inez Dickens was due to appear and continue the eviction of one of her tenants in her 187 Lenox Avenue building.

Dickens is attempting to evict her tenant by challenging the tenant’s “succession rights.” Under New York State law, family members have the right to take over a rent-regulated apartment when the leaseholder dies or leaves – in this case Dickens is suing the son after his mother passed away. If successful with this common predatory landlord tactic, she will be legally eligible to raise the rent for the apartment by as much as 26%. The tenant is also challenging Dickens over an infestation of mold that violates the building’s “warranty of habitability.”

“This is a clear example of how vulnerable tenants are victimized,” said Morgan Campaign Spokeswoman Donnette Dunbar. “And the reason why Vince Morgan is fighting for the extinction of predatory landlords in Harlem.”

Morgan laid out solutions for solving the affordable housing shortage in Harlem, including an unprecedented comprehensive inventory of affordable housing units, stronger pro-tenant safeguards, adjustments to the 421-a and other development subsidies to assist working families instead of billionaires, reforming 80/20 housing eligibility requirements, and finding alternative revenue opportunities for NYCHA developments without selling off community space.

“Access to clean, safe affordable housing is a top concern for Harlem families,” said Morgan. “I am excited to unveil a positive vision for protecting and creating affordable housing in our neighborhood and to begin a conversation on how we can assist vulnerable members of our community.”

Dickens’ properties have been revealed to contain nearly 200 active health and safety violations for “missing smoke detectors, broken wooden flooring, faulty electrical outlets, peeling paint and mold.” A CBS news crew visiting 187 Lenox last week encountered tenants with holes in their walls, mold infestations linked to childhood asthma, complaints of no heat during the winter and even a staircase railing that was held together with duck tape. NYC Public Advocate Bill de Blasio has listed 187 Lenox Ave on the NYC’s “Worst Landlord Watchlist.”

Dickens was also revealed to owe New York City at least “$265,000 in unpaid code violations, property taxes and water bills.” But while she has repeatedly neglected to pay for building maintenance and only made property tax payments after NYC threatened to sell her debt to a collection agency, Dickens is not shy about aggressively suing low-income tenants – in a debate with Morgan Friday, Dickens bragged that she had only been in Housing Court “six times in the last 20 years” in response to questions regarding her building’s violations and infractions. However, Dickens has sued at least two other tenants in 2013 alone, and the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development has also sued Dickens in Housing Court for dangerous conditions in her buildings.

(Long Island, NY) The Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (LICADD) is pleased to honor New York Senator, Temporary President, and Majority Coalition Leader, Dean G. Skelos, at its upcoming 33rd Annual R. Brinkley Smithers Golf Invitational. This renowned golf tournament and agency fundraiser will take place on Monday, September 23, 2013 at The Creek & Piping Rock Clubs in Locust Valley, NY.

Born and raised in Rockville Centre, Senator Skelos has strong ties to the Long Island community and shares LICADD’s concern for local families’ health and well-being. Senator Skelos has a long history of support for proactive measures designed to combat substance abuse and address addiction. The agency is recognizing Senator Skelos for his outstanding support and leadership in addressing New York’s prescription pill crisis and opiate epidemic.

In 2011, Senator Skelos championed passage of the NYS 911 Good Samaritan Act, which is designed to reduce overdose fatalities by encouraging witnesses and victims to call for help in the midst of a medical emergency. Senator Skelos also played a prominent role in the 2012 passage of I-STOP legislation in NYS. This bill, the first of its kind in the country, enacted enhanced monitoring systems and safeguards for the distribution of prescription drugs, provides for expanded education and awareness of pain management alternatives, and established a safe disposal program for unused pills. It is a critical step forward in the fight against prescription drug abuse.

“Senator Skelos has repeatedly met with local families and young people impacted by addiction. His support empowered them to push for change, and their stories inspired him to advocate for responsible public policy. He has been a powerful force behind LICADD’s legislative successes and has been instrumental in securing necessary funding for comprehensive services for those touched by addiction,” said Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds, LICADD’s Executive Director.

“I am extremely grateful for being selected as this year’s honoree and would like to thank Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds and all the great people at LICADD for this notable distinction,” said Senator Skelos. “LICADD continues to be a leader in advocacy and treatment for alcohol and drug dependency issues and I thank them for the incredible work that they do on behalf of the entire Long Island community.”

LICADD celebrates Senator Skelos’ active support of its mission and invites you to join the agency in commending him for his inspired work on September 23rd, 2013. The R. Brinkley Smithers Golf Invitational is an opportunity for community members to thank Senator Skelos for his leadership and support LICADD’s life-saving work. Proceeds from the tournament will fund the agency to the year’s end and will ensure LICADD’s continued success in its provision of drug and alcohol education, prevention, support, and treatment referral services.

Foursomes and individual tickets are on sale now and sell out well before the event. Playing opportunities cost $750 per golfer and sponsorships start at $150. For more information, or to reserve your spot today, please call 516.747.2606 or visit LICADD.ORG.

Opening Brunch & Cocktail Party to Benefit Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

(Long Island, NY) The inaugural Hamptons Design & Trade Show House will debut on Sunday August 11 with a celebratory Brunch to benefit The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation . The show house which will feature the work of over 20 designers, artists and local businesses is the product of a unique and talented group of designers and artist from New York City to Montauk presented by ISC Design Concepts led by designer Scott Benjamin Tucker, The Hamptons Design & Trade Host Committee and Storm Motors. The Hamptons Design & Trade Show House is located at 470 Old Montauk Highway (West of Hill Station Road), Southampton, New York 11968.

Tickets for the VIP brunch from 1:00 Pm to 3:00 PM are $200. Later that evening there will be a VIP Poolside Cocktail reception from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM tickets for the cocktail party are $100. A Special All-Day Guest Pass is $250.

For tickets and information visit www.hamptonsdtsh.com

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) is the world’s leader in the search for a cure for cystic fibrosis. The Foundation funds more CF research than any other organization, and nearly every CF drug available today was made possible because of Foundation support. Based in Bethesda, MD., the Foundation also supports and accredits a national care center network that has been recognized by the National Institutes of Health as a model of care for a chronic disease. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is a donor-supported nonprofit organization. For more information, please go to www.cff.org

The Show House is a mid century, contemporary 3 level open plan Atterbury home steps from Shinnecock Bay in Southampton built on 2.5 acres of the original Grosvenor Atterbury Estate. Show House opens to the public for tours from 12PM to 4PM Monday August 12th through August 18th. Participants include designer Scott Benjamin Tucker; designer Jeff Muhs; Ernie J. Hulsey, the Mill at Southampton, Katie Huddleston, Pottery Barn Design; Artist Kevin Berlin, Wyatt Gallery; Orlando Dominguez, lighting designer; ONE 9; Catherine Litson, sculptor; Adrienne Whaeed, photographer; Paul Deo, artist;

Neighborhood Partners include Beth McNeill, McNeill Art Group, Showhouse Artist Consultant; Storm Motors Southampton; Raunjiba , Furniture for life; Pottery Barn; Pottery Barn Kids; Contemporary Prospective; The Mill at Southampton; Sisal Rugs; Riverhead Building Supply; Bedoya Brothers Landscaping; Touch of Modern; FREEFORM + DEFORM Architecture, Brooklyn; Hampton Security ; Flying Point Surf & Sport; Valspar Consumer Division, Quemar Candles Southampton and Wonk Furniture. There will be daily event, seminars and product demonstrations where you can meet the experts and gain valuable knowledge to enhance the quality of life for you, your family and your community.

For tickets and information visit www.hamptonsdtsh.com

Staff braces again as Globe on block; Kamen’s February 21, 2013 Projection Within 7 Million on Boston Globe Sale of 70M

(LONG ISLAND, NY) The worst kept secret in town – that The Boston Globe is up for sale – ?became official yesterday when the paper’s New York owners publicly put it back on the block in a move that set off wild speculation about who will buy the beleaguered broadsheet and what’s in store for its staff.

The proposed sale – announced in a press release by its owner, The New York Times Co., that caught the Globe’s staff off guard — marks the second time the paper has been on the market since 2009. It also comes as key managers have jumped ship in recent months, among them editor Marty Baron and boston.com general manager Lisa DeSisto.

Industry experts predict it could be a tough sell for the Times, unless it takes on the tens of millions in Globe pension obligations.

“That presents a real stumbling block. They won’t find a buyer if the debts remain,” said Kevin Kamen, a newspaper broker from New York.

Kamen, who estimated the Globe’s worth at $63 million, said the Times “won’t be able to move this” in a timely manner or “get a decent amount of cash in return” unless they absorb the pension costs.

Old suitors, as well as some new ones, are likely to come forward and test the waters, according to one observer.

“I’m sure all the previous parties will at least take a look,” said Lou Ureneck, a Boston University professor who has studied newspaper economics. “It’s an organ­ization that is not on life ?support, and as a consequence, there will be an ?interested buyer.”

With banks no longer underwriting newspaper purchases, Rick Edmonds, a media business analyst for the Poynter Institute, said the most likely buyer this time would be “either a rich person or a group of rich people who … will put up the money to do this.”

Rick Daniels, the former Gatehouse Media New England president and Globe exec, and the private equity firm Boston Post Partners are reportedly in the mix, while James R. Houghton, the ?retired chairman of the board of Corning Inc., also has been floated as a potential buyer.

Stephen Taylor, whose family sold the Globe to the Times for $1.1 billion in 1993, could re-emerge as a player. Taylor was last linked to a group led by Aaron Kushner, a Wellesley businessman, who was looking to purchase the Globe two years ago and may still be interested as well.

Then there’s former Hub ad exec Jack Connors, who has been part of several groups that have sought to purchase the Globe over the past few years. Billionaire Warren Buffett, who bought more than 60 newspapers last year, could also emerge as a dark horse bidder.

Boston Mailers Union President Mary White said yesterday’s press release caught many staffers by surprise. “Every one of my members called, expressing surprise and concern,” White said. “Everyone is nervous, but why? Right now, there’s no need to be nervous. There’s so many different ways it can go. All we can do is sit and wait.”

Terrence Lomax, whose company, Think Forward Media, collaborates with the paper and works out of the Globe office, said he “saw it coming.”

“It’s not necessarily a bad move,” Lomax said. “Under new ownership they may be able to do more innovative things they’ve been wanting to do.”

The Times Co. said it retained investment firm Evercore Partners to handle the sale. Evercore managed the sale of the Philadelphia ?Inquirer and Philadelphia Daily News last year. An Evercore spokesman declined comment. Times Co. CEO Mark Thompson said the sale of the Globe and the Worcester Telegram & Gazette — its other major piece in its New England Media Group — is “in the best long-term interests of these properties and the employees who work for them as well as in the best interests of our shareholders.”

Jessica Heslam contributed to this report.

Executive Director, Staff, Volunteers and Constituents Expected to Inform Legislators that Not Funding Extension is Likely to Lead to Closure as Centennial Year Approaches

(JERICHO, NY) Cornell Cooperative Extension of Nassau County (CCE-NC) invites the public and media to attend the Nassau County Legislative meeting on Monday, August 5, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at the Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building, located at 1550 Franklin Avenue in Mineola. Nassau County Extension personnel and concerned citizens are expected to express opposition to the continued absence of Nassau County annual budget line item funding.

Extension Executive Director Laura Hunsberger said, “county funding support has been cut by almost 97% since 1999. Full-time staff has been slashed by over 50% in the last three years, programs have been eliminated, furloughs and a host of other cost-cutting measures have been implemented. As the organization approaches its 100th year, it is almost certainly its last without appropriate budget funding by the county.” Hunsberger added, “If Nassau County Extension does close, the county’s residents would lose all of the matching funds from state and federal governments, along with a host of other benefits the community currently enjoys.” Economic impact information for 2012 is available at http://issuu.com/ccenassau/docs/cce-nc_2012_economicimpactstatement.

Nassau County Extension employs roughly 125 people at its seasonal peak, but without restored county funding, more employee layoffs are planned almost immediately. Facilities closures are also among the next steps, the first of which will be the East Meadow Farm. Hunsberger noted, “When Teddy Roosevelt envisioned a national extension system, it included a shared funding mechanism between counties, states and the federal government. I can only hope decision-makers will perform a cost/benefit analysis before determining Nassau County Extension’s fate. For example, our Master Gardener volunteers provided the equivalent of more than $140K in public services last year alone, and that figure does not even begin to account for the many other economic and quality of life benefits that result from having an extension office. It is also worth noting there has never been an extension office closure under circumstances like this in the entire one-hundred year history of extension in New York. Regrettably, it would be statewide news if Nassau County Extension is forced to close its doors.” Without a county funding commitment before October 2013, Extension will begin winding down areas of its operations and undertaking the process of facility closings later that month.

ABOUT
CCE-NC is an educational subordinate governmental agency association that provides research-based information and educational programs designed to build strong and vibrant communities. CCE-NC is also a §501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to building healthy lifestyles and healthy communities by conducting educational programs that connect Cornell University resources to community needs for all Nassau County residents. CCE-NC has been educating and disseminating information since 1914, through funding and resources provided by Nassau County, New York State (through Cornell University), USDA, a variety of grant partnerships, and direct financial support from generous donors who support our nonprofit public service mission.

Since 1924, the Dorothy P. Flint 4-H Camp (DPF) has provided youths and adults with a supportive STEM-based learning environment for a fun, hands-on educational experience that promotes independence, leadership development, respect, generosity, tolerance and positive self-esteem all under the guidelines of the 4-H and Cornell Cooperative Extension principles and missions. DPF is operated by CCE-NC and accredited by the American Camp Association.

(New York, N.Y.) DC 1707 AFSCME declared its enthusiastic endorsement of Ben Kallos, City Council Candidate in Manhattan’s District 5, today. DC 1707 gestured to Kallos’ steadfast commitment to equal opportunity by ensuring all kids have access to public center-based child care including Pre-K. The 25,000-member union is an affiliate of AFSCME and the AFL-CIO and represents nonprofit social service employees including subsidized public center-based daycare and home care workers.

“Ben Kallos knows that every child needs early education to lay the groundwork for a life of equal opportunity. He places great importance on education and has advocated with me for public center-based child care and Universal Pre-K,” said Executive Director Raglan George, Jr.

The daycare union represents the third major endorsement for Kallos this week, a growing contingent that includes Tenants PAC and legendary New York City Congresswoman, Comptroller and D.A. Elizabeth Holtzman.

“Expanding education programs and opportunities is a top priority for me,” said Kallos. “In my district, there are not enough seats at the free Pre-K programs for the families that need them – and I will work tirelessly to change that. The confidence of this city’s daycare workers in our fight to expand education is invaluable to my campaign.”

Kallos’ proposals to expand education include pop-up schools in vacant office spaces to accommodate population bulges and expanding out-of-school time programs.

“Ben Kallos is among the progressive candidates who support baselining public child care in the budget and restoring child care opportunities,” said George. “We are confident that voters in the City Council District 5 have an excellent candidate to represent them in the City Council.”

Kallos has been the Executive Director of a leading good government group, attorney, Policy Director for Mark Green and the former Chief of Staff for Assembly Member Jonathan Bing. Learn more about his run for City Council District 5 at http://KallosForCouncil.com.

(Long Island, NY) As a result of numerous media inquiries, received today by the Suffolk County Police Department regarding an internet blog posting, the following statement has been made available:

Suffolk County Criminal Intelligence Detectives received a tip from a Bay Shore based computer company regarding suspicious computer searches conducted by a recently released employee. The former employee’s computer searches took place on this employee’s workplace computer. On that computer, the employee searched the terms “pressure cooker bombs” and “backpacks.”

After interviewing the company representatives, Suffolk County Police Detectives visited the subject’s home to ask about the suspicious internet searches. The incident was investigated by Suffolk County Police Department’s Criminal Intelligence Detectives and was determined to be non-criminal in nature.

Any further inquiries regarding this matter should be directed to the Suffolk County Police Department.

(Brentwood, N.Y.) The public is invited to an open house at LIU Brentwood’s new location, on the Michael J. Grant Campus of Suffolk County Community College on Wednesday, Aug. 7 from 3 to 7 p.m.

The open house in the SCCC Health, Sports and Education Center will include sessions on academics, career opportunities, the admissions process, scholarships, financial aid, affordability and more. Prospective students should bring recent transcripts.

LIU Brentwood, a unit of Long Island University, one of the largest and most comprehensive private universities in the nation, offers fully accredited degree programs in childhood education, special education and literacy, school counseling, mental health counseling, criminal justice, nursing and library and information science.

This fall, LIU Brentwood will open at its new location on the Grant Campus of SCCC, with classes in the Sally Anne Slacke Corporate Training Center and the Health, Sports and Education Center. Through a unique public/private partnership, SCCC and LIU will open a new, 24,000-square-foot building on the Grant Campus in early 2014. The new building will be the home of all LIU Brentwood classes and offices.

Reservations for the open house are welcomed but not required. To RSVP or for more information, call the LIU Brentwood Admissions Office at (631)273-5112, write brentwood-info@liu.edu or visit www.liu.edu/brentwood.

Solar industry continues to grow while cost of installation decreases;  LIPA still among state leaders in energy efficiency and renewable energy

(Uniondale, NY) Continuing its commitment to advancing energy efficiency and renewable energy on Long Island, LIPA has announced a restructuring in its solar programs in order to continue to support solar growth on Long Island as well as sustain the solar industry.   Since 2000 LIPA has provided financial incentives for the installation of over 6,500 solar roofs on Long Island through its customer-sided residential and commercial solar system programs. Late last year, LIPA expanded its programs to establish the State’s first feed-in tariff for mid-to-large solar installations and to also allow for residential solar leasing. Together these programs have helped raise customer awareness, increase the number of solar arrays, and bring down the cost of solar. In addition, LIPA’s renewable energy programs have helped to create a robust solar industry on Long Island which has developed the largest concentration of solar installations in the state, and has also contributed to improving the environment while adding hundreds of clean energy jobs to the region.

“LIPA is encouraged that it has continued to attract high numbers of customers interested in solar energy. The growing interest and availability in the marketplace for solar installations, together with the availability of other local, state and federal tax incentives, make it reasonable for LIPA to adjust its incentive structure,” said LIPA Chief Operating Officer John McMahon. “We are hopeful we will see continued growth in solar energy while keeping costs to LIPA’s 1.1 million electric customers at the lowest reasonable levels.”

While LIPA’s solar programs continue to flourish, the declining cost of installation, the continued growth of solar contractors on Long Island, the ever-increasing demand for solar systems and continued federal, state and local tax incentives has made it necessary for LIPA to once again adjust its rebate structure to keep it in line with the growing solar market. As the industry moves closer to market transformation, leaving solar at its lowest cost since the programs began in 2000, LIPA has made the necessary adjustments in the Solar Pioneer rebate program. These adjustments are necessary in order for LIPA to work within its budget while continuing to allow for the deployment of solar throughout Long Island and continuing to provide support for the solar industry. The success of these programs remains a key factor in driving down the price of solar.

Beginning July 31st at 5:00pm, LIPA has lowered its rebates to $0.99/AC watt (equivalent to $0.75 per DC watt for a typical system) for the installation of a residential customer-owned or leased solar system.  In addition LIPA has lifted its contractor cap for the amount of solar systems allowed per company. This cap was originally put in place to help stabilize the program to address the rapid demand for solar and allow for more LIPA customers to participate in the program. These solar rebates have acted as a catalyst to create an increasingly competitive market which has resulted in more sold systems installed this year even as rapid growth in leasing occurs.

“Long Island is one of the most important solar markets in New York. This is an important step as LIPA has acted quickly to deploy an incentive that is the lowest in the state and will continue to support job creation and solar development. This will drive the market closer to realizing the goal of deploying clean energy incentive free, to the benefit of all rate payers,” said Shaun Chapman, President of the New York Solar Energy Industries Association (NYSEIA), the statewide trade association to advance the solar energy industry.

“LIPA’s solar programs are a strong indicator of New York State’s solar success, and have made Long Island a leading solar market. LIPA’s continued commitment to its residential program is helping to make solar an affordable option for Long Islanders and a real and growing part of New York’s energy landscape,” said Peter Olmsted, East Coast Policy Advocate for the Vote Solar Initiative

“LIPA’s 10 plus year commitment to renewable energy has allowed solar to flourish on Long Island, the benefits of which we’re only starting to realize, but will become dramatic over time.  It has specifically helped EmPower build a team of 60 solar professionals headquartered on Long Island, and empower 650 residential, commercial and non-profit clients.  Given the dynamic state of the regional, national and global solar industry, we applaud LIPA for staying flexible and maintaining their resolve to make solar a major component of the energy mix,” said David G. Schieren Chief Executive Officer, EmPower Solar.

The new rebate incentives will continue to provide funding for the installation of solar systems but will also enable many more consumers to participate in investing in renewable energy. The restructured rebate will remain in effect until market conditions dictate the need for LIPA to modify the rebate again. For more information regarding LIPA’s solar programs log on to http://www.lipower.org/residential/efficiency/renewables/

LIPA, a non-profit municipal electric provider, owns the retail electric Transmission and Distribution System on Long Island and provides electric service to more than 1.1 million customers in Nassau and Suffolk counties and the Rockaway Peninsula in Queens. LIPA is the 2nd largest municipal electric utility in the nation in terms of electric revenues, 3rd largest in terms of customers served and the 7th largest in terms of electricity delivered. In 2011, LIPA outperformed all other overhead electric utilities in New York State for frequency and duration of service interruptions. LIPA does not provide natural gas service or own any on-island generating assets. More information about LIPA can be found online at http://www.lipower.org.