(East Hampton, NY) Suffolk County Legislator Jay Schneiderman (I-Montauk) announces the kick-off of Sunday and holiday bus service on two major East End lines. The Sunday service will run from May 26th, Memorial Day weekend to October 13th, Columbus Day weekend.

The Sunday Bus Service program is the product of legislation sponsored by Suffolk County Legislator Schneiderman and approved by the County Legislature in 2011. After the success in 2011 and 2012 the level of use demonstrated the clear need for public transportation on Sunday’s. “Sunday is a busy day for retail and service-oriented businesses. Employees need to get to work and employers need a workforce they can depend on,” Legislator Schneiderman. It will impact the S92 and 10C lines. The S92 bus line runs from Orient Point to East Hampton, making stops in Sag Harbor, Water Mill, Southampton Village, Hampton Bays, Flanders and Riverhead. The 10C line connects East Hampton riders to the S92 route making stops in Montauk, Amagansett and East Hampton.

The bus schedule is available on the Suffolk County Transit Bus website at www.sct-bus.org or please see the following links http://sct-bus.org/schedules/s92.pdf and http://sct-bus.org/schedules/10c.pdf

Representing the South Fork, Jay Schneiderman is the Suffolk County Legislator for the Second Legislative District. He is also chairman of the County Legislature’s Public Works and Transportation Committee. For more information, or to arrange an interview, please call at (631) 852-8400.

(Queens, NY) — In an effort to “make state services for some of our most vulnerable New Yorkers whole again,” NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. (D-Queens) is co-sponsoring legislation (S.4777/A.6692) that seeks to restore harmful cuts made to programs for developmentally disabled adults and children in the recently adopted 2013-2014 State Budget.

“While the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) was originally slated for a $120 million cut in the new budget, I find it reprehensible that we were only able to restore $30 million for these services – basically chopping $90 million in state support from some of our most important programs serving some of our most fragile residents,” Addabbo said. “Even worse, when federal matching funds for these services are factored in, these programs for disabled children and adults are actually taking a $180 million hit. In a State Budget that totals $135 billion, I find it pretty hard to believe that we couldn’t come up with another $90 million to avoid decimating human services programs for those most in need.”

Under the legislation, up to $90 million would be provided for the OPWDD, fully restoring the lost support. A special Commissioner’s Advisory Panel, as mandated by language included in the state budget, has been working with advocates for the developmentally disabled to propose and implement an action plan to achieve savings in the programs without sacrificing quality of care. But since there is no guarantee that this goal will be satisfactorily achieved, Addabbo and a number of his Senate and Assembly colleagues on both sides of the aisle believe specific legislation is needed to ensure adequate support for OPWDD.

“Without adequate funding, children and adults in need of services will suffer, along with their families,” said Addabbo, who voted against the budget bill containing the OPWDD cuts in protest of the reductions. “Programs could close, putting people out of work and depriving developmentally disabled people of support and vital resources. When times are hard, we shouldn’t make it even harder for those who struggling every day and who need our help to live up to their highest personal potential.”

Addabbo noted that advocates for the developmentally disabled, who visited Albany many times to advocate against the budget cuts, are working hard to address changes in programs brought about by the growth of managed health care plans and to find efficiencies that will not sacrifice the quality of services. In addition, resources must be found to repay the federal government for sizable Medicaid overpayments received by the OPWDD in past years.

“In light of these challenges, and the challenges that our service providers face every day in ensuring needed care for those with developmental disabilities, we should be working with our providers – not against them,” said Addabbo. “I’m sure there is room for improvement – there always is – but that doesn’t mean we should blindly slash and burn our way to an unwise, unworkable solution. There are better ways, and this legislation will help lead the way.”

New York State To Receive $44 Million From Settlement Of Whistleblower Case With India-Based Ranbaxy; A.G. Schneiderman: We Will Continue To Hold Big Pharma Accountable And Recoup Dollars Stolen From New York’s Medicaid Program

(NEW YORK) – Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman announced today that New York helped lead the negotiation of a national, $500 million settlement with a giant generic pharmaceutical manufacturer based in India. The settlement with Ranbaxy resolved civil and criminal allegations that introduced generic drugs that lacked necessary active ingredients due to poor quality control standards into interstate commerce. As part of the settlement, Ranbaxy will return $44 million to New York’s Medicaid programs.

“Pharmaceutical companies that manufacture and distribute worthless pills harm patients and abuse our Medicaid programs,” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “Under this national settlement, Ranbaxy’s flagrant violation of America’s drug standards will stop, they will pay civil and criminal penalties, and their US subsidiary has pled guilty to numerous felony charges in federal court.”

The investigation stemmed from a whistleblower lawsuit filed in federal court in Maryland under the federal False Claims Act and various state false claims statutes. The whistleblower’s complaint alleged that Ranbaxy knowingly manufactured, distributed and sold generic pharmaceutical products in the United States and that the strength, purity and quality of those drugs fell below standards required by the FDA. The products at issue consisted of 26 generic pharmaceutical drugs manufactured at Ranbaxy’s facilities in India at various times between April 1, 2003 and September 16, 2010. The drugs included Amoxicillin, a common antibiotic, and Fenofibrate, used to reduce high cholesterol.

The whistleblower suit was filed 2007 in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland.

Ranbaxy has agreed to pay the states and the federal government $350 million dollars in civil damages and penalties to resolve civil allegations of poor manufacturing practices in two Indian manufacturing plants, in Paonta Sahib and Dewas. Of this amount, $266,729,715.10 will be returned to the state Medicaid programs, which are funded jointly by the states and the federal government. The remaining $83,270,284.86 is designated for other federal health care programs affected by Ranbaxy’s conduct. The total portion of the settlement amount recovered by New York is $43,882,807.70.

Additionally, Ranbaxy USA, a subsidiary, has pled guilty to seven felony counts alleging violations of the U.S. Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and has agreed to pay $150 million dollars in criminal fines and forfeitures in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland. Ranbaxy entered into a consent decree in January 2012 with the federal government to address outstanding current good manufacturing practice (cGMP) and data integrity issues in the two Indian manufacturing plants at issue. These provisions include a wide range of actions to correct its violations and to ensure that the violations do not occur again.

A team from the National Association of Medicaid Fraud Control Units (NAMFCU) conducted the settlement negotiations with Ranbaxy on behalf of the states and included representatives from the Offices of the Attorneys General for the states of New York, California, South Carolina, Maryland and Oregon.

The New York team consisted of Jay Speers, Counsel to MFCU and Meghan Collins, Associate Special Auditor Investigator. It was supervised by Deputy Attorney General Monica Hickey-Martin, Director of the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, and Executive Deputy Attorney General for Criminal Justice Kelly Donovan.

Print campaign wins Communicator Award of Excellence

(Cold Spring Harbor, NY) – Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty (DGSIR), one of the nation’s leading realtors, was recently recognized with one of the most prestigious and competitive awards for marketing professionals, the Communicator Award of Excellence. Of the seven awards won, Daniel Gale Sotheby’s Marketing and Technology Department received the highest award for its Olympic Marketing print and digital campaign, which capitalized on the buzz, excitement and good will generated by the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London.

Daniel Gale Sotheby’s Marketing and Technology team, led by SVP James P. Retz, working with Tara Poli and Katherine Cirelli, created a multi-faceted print, direct mail and web campaign. Dynamic images of Olympic competitions paired with inspirational quotes were tied into themes of achievement, raising the bar and teamwork. The Daniel Gale Sotheby’s entry was among 6,000 entries overall from ad agencies, interactive agencies, production firms, in-house creative professionals, graphic designers, design firms, and public relations firms from across the U.S. and around the world.

“I am so pleased that the Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty Marketing and Technology department is being recognized in this meaningful way,” said Patricia Petersen, President and CEO. “Jim and his team do amazing things every day to help our staff and agents get out the message the Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty is simply the best!”

The Communicator Awards annually honors the best in advertising, corporate communications, public relations and identity work for print, video, interactive and audio. The Communicator Awards are judged and overseen by the International Academy of the Visual Arts (IAVA), an invitation-only member-based organization of leading professionals from various disciplines of the visual arts. For more information about the Communicator Awards, please visit www.communicatorawards.com.

Founded in 1922, Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty consistently leads the nation in achieving one of the highest average sales prices in the country. DGSIR is a $1.8 billion dollar plus organization with close to 600 sales associates in 21 sales offices spanning Long Island. Services include a Relocation Division, an award-winning Marketing & Technology Department, a newly-formed Development Marketing Group, Commercial and Rental Divisions; Ambassador Abstract title company, and a Wells Fargo Home Mortgage affiliation. The Sotheby’s International Realty® affiliate for Long Island’s North Shore since 1976, DGSIR has gained national and international recognition, including top honors worldwide.

In addition to its place on the Regents Board of “Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate,” Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty is active in Real Trends and The Realty Alliance (comprising some of the real estate industry’s most influential companies with participation “by invitation only”).

For more information visit www.danielgale.com.

(Huntington, NY) SIGNARAMA of Huntington, a proven leader in the sign and service industry, presented Habitat for Humanity with a check for $3,000 as a part of an ongoing partnership between The United Franchise Group (UFG) and Habitat for Humanity International. The United Franchise Group’s commitment to Habitat for Humanity International consists of rallying the support of their global brands and specifically local SIGNARAMA franchise owners.

Mike Ziccardi and Dawn Tiritter-Bent, owners of SIGNARAMA of Huntington, presented the check to Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk County’s staff member, Stephanie K. Busla. “SIGNARAMA of Huntington recognizes the importance of ending poverty housing. We have been supportive of Habitat for Humanity for many years and as a family-owned business in Suffolk County, we have always had a passion for the work that this organization continues to do internationally and also in our community,” said Co-Owner Dawn Tiritter-Bent.

SIGNARAMA of Huntington’s continued commitment to Habitat for Humanity will include volunteering in regional team builds throughout the course of the year and participation in marketing efforts to raise funds for Habitat’s work. In addition, SIGNARAMA of Huntington will also donate materials and signs in support of various Habitat for Humanity initiatives to increase consumer awareness.

Habitat for Humanity helps build and rehabilitate affordable homes across the United States and around the world. Through financial support, in-kind donations and hands-on building projects, SIGNARAMA of Huntington will help advance Habitat for Humanity’s mission to build homes, communities and hope.

About Sign-A-Rama of Huntington:
Sign-A-Rama of Huntington has been the sign design, fabrication and installation company of choice for thousands of satisfied clients, since 1988. Our unique blend of creativity and fabrication capability has afforded our clients award winning sign solutions including: Custom Metal Fabrication, CNC Routing, Hand Gilded Carved Signs, Multidimensional Projects, Reverse and Forward Lit LED Channel Lettering, Illuminated Cabinets, Neon, Vehicle Wraps and Graphics, Trade Show Displays and Banner Stands, Full Color Digital Posters, Murals and Signs, Electronic Displays, Architectural Signage & Monuments, ADA Signs, Retail Projects, Wayfinding Systems, Dimensional Letters & Logos. Our expertise doesn’t end at fabrication, with our array of cranes, service vehicles, scaffolding and rigging equipment allow us to safely install your project.

For more information visit www.ssar.com or call (631) 424-2077.

About the United Franchise Group (UFG): United Franchise Group (http://www.unitedfranchisegroup.com), the Global Leader for Entrepreneurs, is a $500-million franchising expert with 30 years of experience and 1,400 franchise locations in over 50 countries. Brands include SIGNARAMA, EmbroidMe, Billboard Connection, IZON Global Media, Plan Ahead Events, SuperGreen Solutions and Transworld Business Advisors. Information on franchising opportunities is available at 800-286-8671 (U.S.) or 001-561-640-5570 (international).

About Habitat for Humanity International:
Habitat for Humanity International is a global nonprofit Christian housing organization that seeks to put God’s love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope. Since 1976, Habitat has served more than 500,000 families by welcoming people of all races, religions and nationalities to construct, rehabilitate or preserve homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions.

For more information, to donate or to volunteer, please visit www.habitat.org, or follow us at www.facebook.com/habitat or at www.twitter.com/habitat_org or join Habitat’s blog community at www.habitat.org/blog.

(Rockville Centre, NY) The Village of Rockville Centre was awarded First Place in the category of Public Works for the Local Government Achievement Award for its innovative Public/Private Partnership with Molloy College for the renovation of The Bob Klein Softball Field at the Dean G. Skelos sports complex.

The extensive renovation was accomplished as a public/private partnership whereby the Village supplied the land and Molloy College the capital to build the new complex. Both residents and college athletes will benefit from the partnership.

City of Ogdensburg Mayor and NYCOM President William Nelson (left) and NYCOM Executive Director Peter Baynes (right) present Village of Rockville Centre Mayor Francis X. Murray with the Local Government Achievement Award.

Molloy College has entered into a twenty-year agreement with the Village of Rockville Centre to further improve the athletic facilities at the Skelos Sports Complex. The Bob Klein Softball Field gives the college an NCAA-regulation softball field and provides the Village as well as the Rockville Centre School District with the cost-free use of the upgraded field.

“I am ecstatic to bring one of the top softball facilities in the region to Rockville Centre,” commented Mayor Francis X. Murray. “It gives our children a wonderful opportunity to play on a modern NCAA field. Our local sports organizations are gaining first-class synthetic surface fields. It is far beyond what we could do with our taxpayer dollars. I am glad that NYCOM saw the merits of this type of partnership, and am honored to accept this award on behalf of all of the people of Rockville Centre.

The Conference of Mayors is the statewide association representing New York’s 60 cities and over 500 villages. Since 1910, NYCOM has united local government officials in an active network of legislative advocacy, technical assistance and municipal training.

(Rockville Centre, NY) Rockville Centre Mayor Francis X. Murray was named to the New York State Conference of Mayors and Municipal Officials (NYCOM) Executive Committee at NYCOM’s Annual Business Meeting on May 6th, 2013 in Saratoga Springs.

The Executive Committee is responsible for governing the NYS Conference of Mayors and establishing its overall policies. Mayor William Nelson of the City of Ogdensburg, NYCOM President, made the selection.

In announcing the appointment, Mayor Nelson stated, “Mayor Murray is a proven municipal leader who has been an active participant in NYCOM programs. His outstanding commitment to quality public service in New York State makes him well-qualified for the appointment, and he will be a major asset to our organization. I look forward to working with Mayor Murray to implement our statewide agenda.”

“I’m honored to have been selected to the Executive Committee. I promise to bring the same level of commitment and enthusiasm to the Executive Committee that I bring to being Mayor of our fine Village on a daily basis”, said Mayor Murray upon learning of his appointment.

The Conference of Mayors is the statewide association representing New York’s 60 cities and over 500 villages. Since 1910, NYCOM has united local government officials in an active network of legislative advocacy, technical assistance and municipal training.

(Port Jefferson, NY) – John T. Mather Memorial Hospital’s 28th Annual Golf Classic will take place at the Port Jefferson Country Club at Harbor Hills on Monday, June 3 with proceeds benefitting Nursing Education programs at the hospital.

Longtime Board Member and Golf Classic Founder Gene Gerrard of Mount Sinai

New this year is the presentation of the first annual John T. Mather Founder’s Award, which will go to a distinguished individual or organization with an exemplary record of leadership, dedication and excellence to the provision of health care in the community.

The first recipient of the award will be Gene Gerrard of Mount Sinai, who founded the Golf Classic 28 years ago. The event has raised more than $1 million dollars for the Hospital. Gerrard also served for 32 years as a member of Mather’s Board of Directors.

Registration for the Golf Classic begins at 9 am followed by an 11 am shotgun start. Foursomes will be treated to a barbecue lunch out on the course followed by a cocktail reception and dinner from 5:30-8 pm. Dessert and a raffle drawing takes place at 7 pm.

The golf entry fee is $500 per person or $2,000 per foursome. Tickets for the cocktail/dinner reception only are $125 per person. Sponsorship opportunities also are available. To register, or for more information, contact Terri Quinn in Public Affairs at 631-476-2723 or online at www.matherhospital.org/golf.

For healthcare providers, particularly for hospitals, nurses remain the backbone of patient care. The Nursing Education Department offers ongoing updates and training in clinical practice areas that increase our nurses’ skill levels and provide our patients with the best care possible. This investment results in increased job satisfaction and retention of our nurses.

John T. Mather Memorial Hospital is an accredited 248-bed, non-profit community hospital dedicated to providing a wide spectrum of high quality healthcare services to
Suffolk County residents, showing compassion and respect and treating each patient in the manner we would wish for our loved ones.

For further information about Mather Hospital, visit www.matherhospital.org or “Like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/matherhospital.

Letters To Four Largest Companies Seek Information On Expanding Black Market For Stolen Products And Efforts To Ensure Customer Safety; Schneiderman: “Industry Should Help Crack Down On Cell Phone Theft”

(NEW YORK) — Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today sent letters to the Chief Executive Officers of Apple, Google/Motorola, Microsoft, and Samsung seeking information about their efforts to protect customers from the rise in violent street crimes known as “Apple Picking.” Recent reports have demonstrated a spike in the theft of mobile phones and other electronic devices. The thieves wipe the devices’ memories clean and resell them for hundreds of dollars on the secondary market. Too often, those crimes turn violent, and even deadly.

In his letter, Attorney General Schneiderman noted his responsibility to enforce New York’s Executive Law §63(12) and General Business Law §349, which address deceptive trade practices. He asked these four companies – which together account for at least 90 percent of U.S. smart phones sales – to provide information related to efforts and representations they make to consumers regarding safety. Attorney General Schneiderman also asked the companies to collaborate with his office to help identify solutions that could minimize the economic incentives for theft. Attorney General Schneiderman has enlisted Lookout, Inc., an industry expert in mobile security, to advise his office on a pro bono basis on these issues.

“Cracking down on violent and dangerous cell phone thefts is important for New Yorkers,” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “The companies that dominate this industry have a responsibility to their customers to fulfill their promises to ensure safety and security. This is a multi-billion dollar industry that produces some of the most popular and technologically advanced consumer electronic products in the world.  Surely we can work together to find solutions that lead to a reduction in violent street crime targeting consumers.”

In New York City, theft of Apple products has driven much of the increase in the theft of electronics. Between January 1 and September 23, 2012, a total of 11,447 cases of stolen “iDevices” (iPhones and other iOS devices) were reported to the New York City Police Department (NYPD), a rise of 3,280 over 2011. The problem, however, is not limited to Apple. A 2011 NYPD analysis found that companies other than Apple manufactured roughly 30% of all electronic devices stolen on subways and buses.

In too many cases, these incidents turn violent. Consider some recent examples:

• On April 19, 2012, a 26-year-old chef at the Museum of Modern Art was killed for his iPhone on his way home to the Bronx.
• In April 2012, twenty-year-old Alex Herald was stabbed during an iPhone theft.
• In September 2012, in three separate incidents, women were violently attacked for Apple and Samsung devices.
• In February 2013, three people were stabbed on a subway platform in Queens in a fight over an iPhone.
• Earlier this month, a woman was mugged at gunpoint in Crown Heights for her Android device.

In his letter, Attorney General Schneiderman asked the companies to designate representatives to work with his office to collaborate in developing a comprehensive approach to discourage theft and protect consumers.

The letter also seeks information about whether companies have seen any financial benefit as a result of customers purchasing replacements for stolen devices. A recent study found that lost and stolen cell phones cost consumers over $30 billion last year.

For copies of the letters sent to the CEOs of Apple, Microsoft, Google/Motorola, and Samsung, click on the links below:

• Apple Letter
• Microsoft Letter
• Google/Motorola Letter
• Samsung Letter

 

(Central Islip, NY) On Saturday, May 11th, Senator Lee M. Zeldin attended the Central Islip Fire Department Installation Dinner.

Senator Zeldin is pictured here with (from left to right) The Village of Islandia Mayor Allen Dorman and Central Islip Fire Chief Ed Freudenberg.