(Riverhead, NY) –– East End Arts is pleased to announce the artisans and crafts people to be featured at the 17th Annual Community Mosaic Street Painting Festival which will be held on Sunday, May 26, 2013, from 12 PM to 5 PM in downtown Riverhead, NY. This beloved annual fun-for-the-whole-family festival is where families and friends, artists, musicians, and lovers of the arts, young and old, unite to enjoy the creative spirit together. Between Roanoke and East Main Street, alongside street painters, live music, dancing, and other activities, artists, artisans, and crafts people will be selling original handmade products, all while street painting artists brighten Main Street with “I Madonnari”, a timeless street chalk art dating back to the 16th century.

Below is a list of artists, artisans, and crafts people featured this year:

• Michael Chait – original artwork and graphic prints – www.esty.com/shop/michaelchait
• FB Gifts – sand art
• Fenwood Designs – hand felted items – www.fenwood-designs.com
• Hampton Art Space – watercolor, prints & ceramics – www.hamptonartsapce.com
• Christine Heidenrich – acrylic paintings
• Ivy Cottage Gifts – hand painted glassware – www.ivycottagefits.com
• J Alex M – collage décor, polymer clay, jewelry
• Yan Yan Liang – jewelry
• Mayaindia Body Bakery – handmade soaps & body scrubs – www.mayaindiaspaa.com
• Misknit et al – knitted, crocheted, & hand painted gifts
• Annette Steedle – watercolors
• Diane Woodcheck Photography – www.dwoodcheke.com

For more information about the event, visit:
http://www.eastendarts.org/programs/events/community-mosaic.html

This event draws over 5,000 local residents and tourists to downtown Riverhead for a Memorial Day Weekend tradition where families and friends, artists, musicians, and lovers of the arts, young and old, enjoy the creative spirit together. All activities take place in downtown Riverhead on East Main Street, between Roanoke Ave and East Street, and on the grounds of East End Arts (133 and 141 East Main Street.) In the case of rain, the event will be held on Monday, May 27, from 2 PM to 5 PM.

The 17th Annual Community Mosaic Street Painting Festival is made possible by the generous support of sponsors. We extend our thanks to Lead Sponsor, Bridgehampton National Bank as well as Cablevision, Yelp, Suffolk County National Bank, Riverhead Free Library, Ivy Acres, Woolworth Revitalization LLC, Town of Riverhead, Astoria Federal Savings Bank, Martha Clara Vineyards, Pine Barren Printing, Riverhead Chamber of Commerce, Splish Splash Water Park, and Talmage Farm Agway & Garden Center. Special thanks to the event committee: artist Andrea Cote, Long Island Science Center, Peconic Ballet Theater, Peconic Institute, Riverhead Free Library, River and Roots Community Garden, Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation, and Suffolk Theater.

For more information contact Kristina Gosline, Event Coordinator at 631-727-0900 or events@eastendarts.org, or stop by the East End Arts Gallery located at 133 East Main Street in Riverhead.

East End Arts, established in 1972, is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit arts organization, and operates a School of the Arts, an Art Gallery, and presents a variety of events and programs to promote the arts year-round. Proceeds from all events, sales, classes, donations, and memberships benefit the mission and commitment to building and enriching our community through the arts by way of education, support, advocacy, and inspiration.

(East Hills, N.Y.) – On Sunday, April 28, 2013, a crowd of almost 800 celebrated Long Island’s third annual All Kids Fair at the Melville Marriott Long Island.

The All Kids Fair, a day celebrating childhood, was part activities and education expo and part health and wellness fair. There were 24 fun and interesting classes at the All Kids Fair, including Travel with Kids, College Funding, Potty Training, Sports, Martial Arts, Music, and Archery.

85 exhibitors offered information about topics as diverse as nutrition, after school activities, camps, tutoring, fun places to play, dental care, and special needs topics. A clown from the Big Apple Circus juggled and entertained. Many products were sold as well, including kids’ furniture and books. One attendee wrote in the online survey that “I liked the fact that the fair engaged the children as well as myself.”

A food drive, organized by The INN (Interfaith Nutrition Network) raised $150 and over 100 pounds of food to feed Long Island’s hungry. Those who donated received raffle tickets to win great prizes, including a birthday party at Pump It Up and Long Island Ducks tickets.

Penelope’s Odyssey offered simple cheek swabs for the lifesaving National Bone Marrow Registry, and 26 altruistic people were swabbed. Lori Schneider of Penelope’s Odyssey shared that she “enjoyed the day and all the people we met. I am amazed at how many wonderful businesses and organizations you had represented.” Many other non-profits participated, including the Mid Island Y-JCCs, YMCA of Long Island, the American Airpower Museum, Strong Island Kids and Family Service League – Project Hope, who assisted those affected by Hurricane Sandy.

Attendees enjoyed free food samples from Mulberry Street of Babylon Village, Blondees Bistro, Black Forest Brew Haus, Love and Quiches, and Lucky Lou’s Rice Pudding. Free face painting, balloon animals, cookie decorating, child ID kits, breastfeeding support, health screenings, and mini-massages for the adults were available from a variety of exhibitors. A new addition this year was a babysitting room, which was free with admission.

The fair, organized as a celebration of kids – all kids – was designed to bring together businesses, vendors, and non-profit organizations with children from birth through high school age, along with the people who love them. This was reflected by the All Kids Fair slogan, “From Mommy & Me to the SAT!”

This event was sponsored by Long Island Parent, Your Local Kids Source, Natural Awakenings LI, All About Kids, YOLO Yogurt, Hulafrog Town of Hempstead, and LongIsland.com

All Kids Fair Director Barbara Kaplan and her staff are busy planning their next events, the 4th Annual “Over 50 Fair” on September 29, 2013, geared towards adults age 50+, and the next All Kids Fair, which will take place in spring 2014. Details can be found at AllKidsFair.com and Over50Fair.com.

(Mineola, NY) – The Nassau County Bar Association, the largest suburban bar association in the country has presented its Peter T. Affatato Court Employee of the Year Award for 2013 to Philip Costa of Garden City, a long-time employee of the Unified Court System, for his dedication and superior service. Named in honor of NCBA Past President Peter T. Affatato, this award is given annually to a non-judicial employee of any court located in Nassau County who exhibits professional dedication to the court system and to its efficient operation, and who is exceptionally helpful and courteous to other court personnel, members of the Bar, and the many diverse people whom the court serves.

Phil Costa (left) of Garden City receives the Nassau County Bar Association’s Peter T. Affatato Court Employee of the Year from Ira Warshawsky, chair of NCBA’s Law Day Committee. (Photo by Hector Herrera)

For the past 10 years, Phil Costa has served as Court Clerk Specialist in Nassau County Supreme Court. He currently supervises the main Clerk’s Office in Supreme Court, which encompasses Case Management and Trial Operations, Civil Case Intake, Motions and Judgments Department, Calendar Control Part, Alternative Dispute Resolution Part, Foreclosure Settlement Part, preparation of statistical reporting, and assisting with court initiative planning. He periodically meets with various NCBA committees to consider input from attorneys on new court procedures. He is always available to assist counsel with any unforeseen and complex situations.

Costa began his career with the Unified Court System 30 years ago as a New York State Court Officer in the Queens Family and Supreme Courts. He was promoted to Senior Court Clerk in 1991 and transferred to Nassau Supreme Court in 1993. He was then promoted to Management Analyst in 1999 and assigned to then Administrative Judge Edward G. McCabe. After being selected as the point person for the development of Nassau’s Case Management System, Costa attended extensive training workshops including the Justice Management Institute in Denver, Colorado and the New York State Judicial Institute at Pace University.

About the Nassau County Bar Association
ounded in 1899, the Nassau County Bar Association, with a membership of nearly 6,000 private and public attorneys, judges, legal educators and law students, is the largest suburban bar association in the country. NCBA demonstrates its commitment to the community by offering a variety of services for the public, including lawyer referral services, pro bono clinics on mortgage foreclosure, Sandy recovery and for senior citizens; judicial screening, public education programs, and support for the Volunteer Lawyers Project, which provides much-needed free legal services for the indigent of Nassau County. The WE CARE Fund, the NCBA’s charitable arm, assists children, the elderly and others in need, through countless projects and donations.

For more information, call (516) 747-4070 (language translation available), email info@nassaubar.org, or visit www.nassaubar.org.

(Woodbury, NY) – More than 150 Nassau and Suffolk school administrators and executives from K-12 schools, school districts and institutions of higher education, members of the law enforcement community and government representatives gathered at The Long Island School Safety Forum – Protecting Our Schools with Security Best Practices to focus on school security issues.

Pictured at the recent School Safety Forum held in Woodbury are (left to right): panel moderator Michel Richez, former Director of Technology and Information Services for the Long Beach School District and panelists Jeanne K. Weber, Director RIC, Eastern Suffolk BOCES; Susan A. Schnebel, Superintendent Islip Schools; Mike Anderson, Director of Technology, Rockville Centre Schools; Donald Flynn, NYPD Retired and  of President Covert Investigations, Inc.; and David Antar, President of A+ Technology and Solutions, a school technology and security integrator who works with over 200 schools and school districts. 

School administrators attending this event were provided with the latest information and strategies for planning effective school security. The topics covered security best practices, maximizing security investments, emerging school security technology, funding options and challenges facing administrators. Examples of three different security and safety scenarios were presented including how to manage an intruder entering a school, strategies for handling a suspicious package delivered or left at a school, and managing a student health emergency. Also discussed were security measures for large indoor and outdoor special events.

The panel of experts shared their knowledge and answered questions. Distinguished panelists included Jeanne K. Weber, Director RIC, Eastern Suffolk BOCES; Susan A. Schnebel, Superintendent, Islip Schools; Mike Anderson, Director of Technology, Rockville Centre Schools; Donald Flynn, NYPD Retired and President Covert Investigations, Inc., and David Antar, President of A+ Technology & Security Solutions, a school technology and security integrator who works with over 200 schools and school districts. Moderating the Long Island School Security Forum was Michel Richez, former Director of Technology and Information Services for the Long Beach School District.

“After Sandy Hook, Long Island school administrators and parents have been focused on school security and how students and staff members can be better protected. Planning and training, along with the implementation of up-to-date technology, are essential elements of short and long term safety planning. Schools must invest in scalable technology that can be expected to remain viable for years. Maintaining a safe school is both a priority and a challenge for administrators. The Long Island School Safety Forum provided administrators an opportunity to hear the experts and learn more about effective security planning and budgeting,” said David Antar, President of A+ Technology & Security Solutions.

For more information about best practices in school security, email Mike Richez at mrichez@theaplusgroup.com or call (631) 969-2600 ext. 2288.

(Long Island, NY) — The U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) hosted the deputy chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, April 25.

U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Michael Mittelman, Deputy Chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Navy Deputy Surgeon General, native to Long Beach, Long Island, NY.

Rear Adm. Michael Mittelman conducted an office call with the ship’s commanding officer, met with medical leadership to discuss challenges faced at sea and toured medical spaces.

“(George Washington) has a 5,500 personnel population and we have to fill these little medical footprints that take care of them,” said Mittelman. “The challenges are to keep the Sailors healthy, ensure that they maintain healthy habits, keep them safe in various industrial environments, and then be able to effectively respond to either small or large scale medical emergencies.”

George Washington’s senior medical, dental and industrial hygiene officers discussed with Mittelman their challenges and successes to keep in line with the U.S. Navy’s mission of safety and good health for all Sailors.

“It feels great that the deputy surgeon general visited George Washington,” said Lt. Wayne Simonds, George Washington’s medical administration officer. “He’s one of five medical service corps officers, and it’s great to see our corps coming out and talking to not only the hospitals but also to the fleet to see what issues we’re having.”

In addition to touring the ship’s medical spaces, Mittelman met with the enlisted medical team in each space to express his gratitude for their service and hard work.

“I was most impressed with the people,” said Mittelman. “You’ve got the most motivated medical staff that I’ve ever seen. It doesn’t matter what spaces they’re working in; it’s what the people bring to the game and your medical staff here is top notch.”

121120-N-XF988-307 TOKYO BAY (Nov. 20, 2012) USS George Washington (CVN 73) transits Tokyo Bay to its forward operating location of Yokosuka, Japan, after completing its 2012 patrol. George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interest of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Michelle N. Rasmusson / RELEASED)

George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its partners and allies in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

For more information please visit http://www.navy.mil/

Story Number: NNS 130429-06 Original Release Date: 4/29/2013 10:47:00 AM  
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Erin Devenberg

(Rockville Centre, NY) Rockville Centre Mayor Francis Murray and the Village Board of Trustees accepted a gift of 6 AED devices for the Rockville Centre Little League from Cardiac Science.  The defibrillators will be placed in each baseball field the Little League uses.

Photo: (Back Row L-R) Rockville Centre Trustee Ed Oppenheimer; Rockville Centre Trustee Michael Sepe; Rockville Centre Deputy Mayor Nancy Howard ; Senior Vice President Global Sales, Cardiac Science Al Ford; Rockville Centre Mayor Francis Murray; Rockville Centre Little League Softball Umpire Coordinator Barry Hochhauser; Rockville Centre Little League President, Tom Bucaria; Rockville Centre Trustee Kevin Glynn

Attorney General Announces Lawsuits Against Four Service Stations, Settlements With 25 More For Gouging Customers In Westchester, NYC And On Long Island After Storm; Schneiderman: We Will Continue To Protect New Yorkers From Gougers

NEW YORK – As part of an ongoing probe of high gasoline prices in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today announced that he is filing lawsuits against four service stations for violations of the New York State Price Gouging statute and has reached monetary settlements with 25 other service stations totaling $167,850. Investigations are pending against dozens of other gas stations.

The lawsuits, filed in Kings, Nassau and Suffolk County Supreme Courts accuse the stations of charging consumers unconscionably excessive prices in the days immediately following Hurricane Sandy last November. In the days after the storm, areas of New York saw some of the largest jumps in gas prices in state history. The settlements require that those gas stations pay penalties to the state.

“Six months ago this week, as New Yorkers were sitting in lines waiting for hours to buy critical supplies of gasoline, some shady business owners were trying to make a fast buck at their expense,” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “Today, we are sending a powerful message that ripping off New Yorkers during a time of crisis is against the law and we will do everything in our power to hold them accountable.”

Gasoline price jumps in the wake of the hurricane resulted in hundreds of complaints received by Attorney General Schneiderman’s office and showed that prices were changing at the pump, not only overnight but several times a day.

New York State’s Price Gouging Law (General Business Law § 396-r) prohibits merchants from taking unfair advantage of consumers by selling goods or services for an “unconscionably excessive price” during natural disasters. The price gouging law covers New York State vendors, retailers and suppliers. The law specifically says that a price may be considered excessive if there is a “gross disparity” between the prices charged immediately before and after the emergency and the disparity is not attributable to higher costs imposed upon the seller.

New York State Senator Brad Hoylman said, “It’s appalling that gasoline stations in the areas decimated by Superstorm Sandy were price-gouging their customers, many of whom were without heat or electricity. We cannot tolerate this outrageous business practice and I applaud Attorney General Schneiderman for taking the lead in holding the gas station owners accountable.”

New York State Assemblyman Brian Kavanagh said, “Swift justice in this case means that those who broke the law in our time of need will be held accountable. The people of New York deserve better than to be socked by price gougers in their time of greatest need.”

City Councilman Dan Garodnick said, “We New Yorkers applaud Attorney General Schneiderman for taking swift and decisive actions to go after gas station owners who ripped off New Yorkers in a time of great need. People in my district were swamped by Sandy and were desperate for aid. Help came from many corners, but was blatantly ignored by dozens of service station owners.”

David Yassky, the chairman of the Taxi and Limousine Commission, said, “The transportation provided by taxi and for-hire vehicle drivers  in the days before the MTA was back up and running was vital to our city’s recovery from Sandy, and to see some of these hardworking men and women fall victim to fuel gougers was unjust and frankly offensive.  I am grateful to the Attorney General and his staff for making sure that violators will be held accountable for their actions.”

Livery Base Owners Spokesperson Cira Angeles said, “Livery drivers provided essential services before and in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. In addition to the problems created by the gas shortage, our drivers suffered the abuse of some unscrupulous individuals that took advantage of this crisis to make an extra buck, making it more difficult for New Yorkers to get alternative transportation. We commend Attorney General Schneiderman for holding price gougers accountable and sending a strong message that natural disasters are no excuse to rip-off our fellow New Yorkers.”

(All prices are for regular gasoline. The spread is the difference between the wholesale price paid by the operator and the price charged at the pump.)

The four gas stations named in lawsuits today are:

Greenpoint Truck Stop, Inc/Sonomax, 278 Greenpoint Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11222

• Difference between wholesale price and retail price prior to storm: $0.98
• Difference between wholesale price and retail price immediately following storm: $1.85
• Increase in wholesale/retail spread before-and-after the storm: 88%
• Retail price immediately following the storm: $4.59

AGIP Gas, LLC/USA Petroleum, 11 East Main Street, East Islip, NY 11730

• Difference between wholesale price and retail price prior to storm: $1.07
• Difference between wholesale price and retail price immediately following storm: $1.45
• Increase in wholesale/retail spread before-and-after the storm: 35%
• Retail price immediately following the storm: $4.59

Mena Inter Inc./USA Petroleum, 630 Main Street, Farmingdale, NY 11735

• Difference between wholesale price and retail price prior to storm: $1.04
• Difference between wholesale price and retail price immediately following storm: $1.80
• Increase in wholesale/retail spread before-and-after the storm: 73%
• Retail price immediately following the storm: $4.59

The 900 N. Broadway, LLC/BP, 900 N. Broadway, Massapequa, NY 11758

• Difference between wholesale price and retail price prior to storm: $0.78
• Difference between wholesale price and retail price immediately following storm: $1.18
• Increase in wholesale/retail spread before-and-after the storm: 51%
• Retail price immediately following the storm: $4.29

Settlements have been reached with the following service stations:

In New York City:

Alliance Energy/Lukoil, 600 Pelham Parkway, Bronx, NY 10462

• Difference between wholesale price and retail price prior to storm: $0.82
• Difference between wholesale price and retail price immediately following storm: $1.93
• Increase in wholesale/retail spread before-and-after the storm: 135%
• Retail price immediately following the storm: $5.39

E-Z Station, Inc./Mobil, 40-40 Crescent Street, Long Island City, NY 11101

• Difference between wholesale price and retail price prior to storm: $1.03
• Difference between wholesale price and retail price immediately following storm: $2.08
• Increase in wholesale/retail spread before-and-after the storm: 102%
• Retail price immediately following the storm: $4.89

On Long Island:

SJM Petroleum/BP, 1009 State Rt. 109, Farmingdale, NY 11735

• Difference between wholesale price and retail price prior to storm: $0.93
• Difference between wholesale price and retail price immediately following storm: $1.65
• Increase in wholesale/retail spread before-and-after the storm: 77%
• Retail price immediately following the storm: $4.59

BP/Lightning Petroleum, 1007 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown, NY 11787

• Difference between wholesale price and retail price prior to storm: $0.92
• Difference between wholesale price and retail price immediately following storm: $1.54
• Increase in wholesale/retail spread before-and-after the storm: 67%
• Retail price immediately following the storm: $4.48

BP/King of Sunrise, Inc., 700 W Sunrise Highway, Valley Stream, NY 11580

• Difference between wholesale price and retail price prior to storm: $0.95
• Difference between wholesale price and retail price immediately following storm: $1.59
• Increase in wholesale/retail spread before-and-after the storm: 67%
• Retail price immediately following the storm: $4.59

Broadway Auto Care, 351 Scranton Avenue, Lynbrook, NY 11563

• Difference between wholesale price and retail price prior to storm: $1.10
• Difference between wholesale price and retail price immediately following storm: $1.54
• Increase in wholesale/retail spread before-and-after the storm: 40%
• Retail price immediately following the storm: $4.34

Citgo, 1090 Portion Road, Farmingville, NY 11738

• Difference between wholesale price and retail price prior to storm: $0.93
• Difference between wholesale price and retail price immediately following storm: $1.44
• Increase in wholesale/retail spread before-and-after the storm: 55%
• Retail price immediately following the storm: $4.29

United Technical Group Inc./ Sunoco, 900 Atlantic Avenue, Baldwin, NY 11510

• Difference between wholesale price and retail price prior to storm: $0.77
• Difference between wholesale price and retail price immediately following storm: $1.13
• Increase in wholesale/retail spread before-and-after the storm: 46%
• Retail price immediately following the storm: $4.19

Greenvale Oil Inc./BP, 724 Elmont Road, Elmont, NY 11003

• Difference between wholesale price and retail price prior to storm: $0.82
• Difference between wholesale price and retail price immediately following storm: $1.23
• Increase in wholesale/retail spread before-and-after the storm: 50%
• Retail price immediately following the storm: $4.20

Citgo, 1050 Udall Road, Bay Shore, NY 11706

• Difference between wholesale price and retail price prior to storm: $1.05
• Difference between wholesale price and retail price immediately following storm: $1.63
• Increase in wholesale/retail spread before-and-after the storm: 55%
• Retail price immediately following the storm: $4.49

East End Marketing, 2670 North Jerusalem Avenue, North Bellmore, NY 11710

• Difference between wholesale price and retail price prior to storm: $1.07
• Difference between wholesale price and retail price immediately following storm: $1.52
• Increase in wholesale/retail spread before-and-after the storm: 42%
• Retail price immediately following the storm: $4.31

East End Marketing Corp, 235 Merritts Road, Farmingdale, NY 11735

• Difference between wholesale price and retail price prior to storm: $1.08
• Difference between wholesale price and retail price immediately following storm: $1.53
• Increase in wholesale/retail spread before-and-after the storm: 41%
• Retail price immediately following the storm: $4.32

Road Ready, 2786 North Jerusalem Road, North Bellmore, NY 11710

• Difference between wholesale price and retail price prior to storm: $1.03
• Difference between wholesale price and retail price immediately following storm: $1.39
• Increase in wholesale/retail spread before-and-after the storm: 34%
• Retail price immediately following the storm: $4.20

Greenvale Service Station, 120 Northen Boulevard, Greenvale, NY 11548

• Difference between wholesale price and retail price prior to storm: $1.20
• Difference between wholesale price and retail price immediately following storm: $1.62
• Increase in wholesale/retail spread before-and-after the storm: 35%
• Retail price immediately following the storm: $4.40

Setauket Food Mart/BP, 728 Rte 25A, East Setauket, NY 11733

• Difference between wholesale price and retail price prior to storm: $0.95
• Difference between wholesale price and retail price immediately following storm: $1.45
• Increase in wholesale/retail spread before-and-after the storm: 52%
• Retail price immediately following the storm: $4.39

BP, 1577 Merrick Road, Merrick, NY 11566

• Difference between wholesale price and retail price prior to storm: $0.92
• Difference between wholesale price and retail price immediately following storm: $1.20
• Increase in wholesale/retail spread before-and-after the storm: 30%
• Retail price immediately following the storm: $4.12

Virgin International/Coastal, 1575 Route 112, Port Jefferson, NY 11776

• Difference between wholesale price and retail price prior to storm: $1.37
• Difference between wholesale price and retail price immediately following storm: $1.77
• Increase in wholesale/retail spread before-and-after the storm: 29%
• Retail price immediately following the storm: $4.59

S&Z Best Inc/Citgo, 1338 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont, NY 11003

• Difference between wholesale price and retail price prior to storm: $1.09
• Difference between wholesale price and retail price immediately following storm: $1.38
• Increase in wholesale/retail spread before-and-after the storm: 27%
• Retail price immediately following the storm: $4.12

3300 HT Corp, 3300 Hempstead Turnpike, Levittown, NY 11756

• Difference between wholesale price and retail price prior to storm: $1.10
• Difference between wholesale price and retail price immediately following storm: $1.41
• Increase in wholesale/retail spread before-and-after the storm: 28%
• Retail price immediately following the storm: $4.52

Al’s One Stop Auto/Shell, 516 Merrick Road, Rockville Center, New York 11570

• Difference between wholesale price and retail price prior to storm: $0.83
• Difference between wholesale price and retail price immediately following storm: $1.08
• Increase in wholesale/retail spread before-and-after the storm: 30%
• Retail price immediately following the storm: $4.05

Hill Enterprise, Inc/Citgo, 3818 Sunrise Highway, Seaford, New York 11783

• Difference between wholesale price and retail price prior to storm: $1.20
• Difference between wholesale price and retail price immediately following storm: $1.78
• Increase in wholesale/retail spread before-and-after the storm: 48%
• Retail price immediately following the storm: $4.59

267 East Main Street Realty Corp./Coastal, 267 East Main Street, Patchogue, New York 11772

• Difference between wholesale price and retail price prior to storm: $.041
• Difference between wholesale price and retail price immediately following storm: $0.62
• Increase in wholesale/retail spread before-and-after the storm: 51%
• Retail price immediately following the storm: $4.09

In Rockland County:

Citgo/ Enterprises, Inc., 162 E. Rte 59, Spring Valley, NY 10977

• Difference between wholesale price and retail price prior to storm: $0.79
• Difference between wholesale price and retail price immediately following storm: $1.57
• Increase in wholesale/retail spread before-and-after the storm: 98%
• Retail price immediately following the storm: $4.59

In Westchester County:

Shell/JB Auto Center Limited, 1069 Yonkers Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10704

• Difference between wholesale price and retail price prior to storm: $1.11
• Difference between wholesale price and retail price immediately following storm: $1.55
• Increase in wholesale/retail spread before-and-after the storm: 40%
• Retail price immediately following the storm: $4.48

Shell/City Limits, 143 Bronx River Road, Yonkers, NY 10704

• Difference between wholesale price and retail price prior to storm: $1.07
• Difference between wholesale price and retail price immediately following storm: $1.53
• Increase in wholesale/retail spread before-and-after the storm: 43%
• Retail price immediately following the storm: $4.47

This matter is being handled by Assistant Attorney General in Charge of the Nassau Regional Office Valerie Singleton, Assistant Attorney General Sandra Giorno-Tocco of the Westchester Regional Office, Assistant Attorney General in Charge of the Westchester Regional Office Gary Brown, Assistant Attorney General Judith Malkin of the Syracuse Regional Office, Assistant Attorney General James Morrissey of the Buffalo Regional Office, Assistant Attorney General Matthew Eubank of the Brooklyn Regional Office, Assistant Attorney General in Charge of the Brooklyn Regional Office Lois Booker-Williams, Assistant Attorney General Michael Danaher of the Binghamton Regional Office, under the overall supervision of Executive Deputy Attorney General for Regional Affairs Martin J. Mack. These cases were also handled by Assistant Attorneys General Mary Alestra and Melissa O’Neill of the Bureau of Consumer Frauds & Protection, under the supervision of Deputy Bureau Chief Laura J. Levine, Bureau Chief Jane M. Azia, and Executive Deputy Attorney General for Economic Justice Karla G. Sanchez.

 

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Respond to Governor’s Request and Unveil New Relief Program that Lowers Mortgage Payments for Sandy Victims

(Long Island, NY) Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac – in response to a request from the Cuomo Administration – are unveiling a new mortgage relief program to protect victims of Superstorm Sandy from large spikes in their mortgage payments.

Sandy victims who received forbearance will be eligible for a special mortgage relief program that allows those homeowners to lower their monthly payments and avoid sudden payment spikes. Fannie and Freddie’s previous guidelines could have resulted in a typical family being forced to make an immediate balloon mortgage payment of more than $6,000 or see a monthly payment spike of more than $500 or 50 percent. By contrast, the typical family participating in this new program would not only avoid a payment spike, but could also see a more than $200 reduction in their monthly mortgage payment from pre-storm levels.
“I applaud Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Housing Finance Agency for acting swiftly and unveiling this new program to protect Sandy victims from sudden mortgage payment spikes,” said Governor Cuomo. “Delivering this additional relief is vital to helping ensure Sandy victims can continue to rebuild and recover in the wake of this terribly damaging storm.”

Benjamin M. Lawsky, Superintendent of Financial Services, said, “Fannie and Freddie have done the right thing by responding to Governor Cuomo’s request and unveiling this new program to protect Sandy victims. It is critical that Fannie and Freddie now follow through on their commitment by issuing clear instructions to banks and mortgage servicers to quickly implement this new program so that no Sandy victim gets tripped up by red tape and hit with an unexpected payment spike.”

Last month, Superintendent of Financial Services Benjamin M. Lawsky sent letters to the chief executive officers of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac – as well as their regulator, FHFA – urging them to address restrictive guidelines that could have hit Sandy victims with large mortgage payment spikes.

In response, FHFA, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac have communicated to DFS that a special mortgage relief program will be available to Sandy victims with Fannie or Freddie mortgages who were current on their mortgage payments before the storm. Among other provisions, the program will lower the homeowners’ interest rate to as low as 4 percent, extend the term of the mortgage, and also provide additional forbearance to homeowners who are severely underwater on their mortgages (owe more on their loan than the market value of their home). Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac back more than 65 percent of mortgages in New York.

While this new program provides critical relief to Sandy victims, the Cuomo Administration continues to believe that impacted homeowners should also have the additional option of repaying their forbearance relief at the end of the term of their loan. This additional option would help those borrowers who cannot afford a spike in payments, but also do not want to start a new loan term. The Cuomo Administration will continue to work with FHFA, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac on this issue so that Sandy victims have that additional support and flexibility as they rebuild and recover from this catastrophic storm.
The Cuomo Administration has worked hard to cut red tape for homeowners impacted by Superstorm Sandy. Last week, at Governor Cuomo’s direction, Superintendent Lawsky sent letters to FICO, TransUnion, Experian, Equifax, and the Consumer Data Industry Association (CDIA) requesting that they promptly move to protect Sandy victims from unfair black marks on their credit scores if they missed payments due to the storm.

A DFS investigation also found that many Superstorm Sandy victims receiving insurance claim checks face a hurdle that they often hadn’t anticipated: the check is issued jointly to the homeowner and that homeowner’s bank or mortgage servicer, thus requiring the bank’s endorsement of the check before the homeowner may access the funds. In December 2012, the Department of Financial Services and major banks reached an agreement that improved the situation by speeding advance checks to homeowners. The Department also sent a letter to banks and mortgage servicers in February 2013 proposing a set of best practices to help get relief to homeowners more quickly.

While most banks and servicers responded to these changes and picked up the pace, DFS conducted a further investigation in March 2013 and identified the ten banks with the worst statistics relating to the payout of insurance claims to Superstorm Sandy victims and urged them to speed the disbursement of those funds to affected homeowners. At that time, Superintendent Lawsky also again urged banks and servicers to implement the best practices DFS put forward in its February 2012 letter.

Those best practices include:

1. Publishing clear, easily accessible information on their websites describing the procedures required to release funds, providing copies of required forms, and listing direct contact information for consumer representatives.
2. Designating a single point of contact for homeowners.
3. Immediately releasing all funds designated by the insurance company as “emergency” or “advance” funds.
4. Permitting submission of required documentation via fax and email. Storm Sandy-related faxes and emails should have a separate, designated fax number and email address to expedite processing.
5. Minimizing the amount of documentation required during each phase of repair.
6. Holding all insurance proceeds in an interest bearing escrow account for the homeowner’s benefit.
7. Processing all mail on the day of receipt.
8. Upon receipt of complete documentation, releasing proceeds the day of receipt.
9. In the event that they receive incomplete documentation, notifying the homeowner immediately with detailed instructions on additional requirements.
10. For those with branches, accepting paperwork and endorse checks at all branch locations.
11. Where proceeds cannot be released in person at a branch location, dispersing funds via electronic transfer or overnight delivery.
12. Requiring inspection only if specifically required by investor guidelines.
13. Where inspection is required, deploying inspectors within two days of becoming aware of the homeowner’s request for such inspection.
14. Conducting all inspections at the servicer’s own expense.
15. Upon receipt of proof that homeowner is seeking only reimbursement for money already expended on home repairs, issuing check or electronic transfer directly and exclusively to the homeowner.
16. Maintaining sufficient staff to comply with all of the above practices.

(Long Island, NY) The following is a statement from Nassau County Bar Association President Marian Rice regarding the new rule implemented today that requires New York lawyers to disclose on their biennial registration forms how many pro bono hours they provide and their financial donations to pro bono programs during the previous two years.

The new reporting requirements of Part 118 and Rule 6.1 of the Rules of Professional Conduct were approved by Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman and the presiding justices of the Appellate Division’s four departments.

“It is regrettable that the Chief Judge has again imposed a rule affecting the profession without seeking the input and collective ideas of the many attorneys admitted to practice law in New York who work tirelessly to make access to justice a reality rather than an idea. The charitable efforts of these attorneys should not be subject to mandatory disclosure. It is wrong to legislate charity; and charity that takes place under compulsion of public disclosure is hardly charity at all.

“The same Task Force on Access to Justice has also been asked by the Chief Judge to investigate the possibility of bringing to New York the Limited License Legal Technician Rule imposed on attorneys in Washington state over the objection of the state bar association. The Limited License Legal Technician is a non-lawyer authorized to perform legal tasks in specified areas of practice without the supervision of an attorney. Like the rule imposed today, this proposal would affect the core elements of our profession and should not be imposed without thoughtful discussion and comment among the constituents affected, in particular our many under and unemployed attorneys. It is hoped that the Chief Judge and his Task Force will take into consideration the comments and opinions of the lawyers in this state before further unilateral regulations are imposed.

“Access to Justice is dependent upon the availability of qualified lawyers. But it does not rest on the shoulders of lawyers alone. If this is a fundamental right of our citizens, efforts should be expended to find a permanent source of funding for legal services programs addressing the needs of our residents and not on further legislating the obligations and conduct of attorneys.”

-Marian Rice, President, Nassau County Bar Association

(Riverhead, NY) –– The East End Arts Gallery is pleased to announce the People’s Choice Award winners for their annual non-juried, all media Members’ Show, Origins, which was a tie-win. The two pieces with the most votes were: Theresa Idelowitz of Malverne, NY for her work in oil titled Ballerina in Dressing Room; and Barbara Bilotta of Mt. Sinai, NY for Sound Beach, created in Acrylic with Resin.

The Annual Members’ Show provides the opportunity for all member artists to show their work to the public; members were invited to submit one work of art for guaranteed inclusion in this show. The show ran from the opening on March 15 through April 19, 2013.

For more information about the show and award winners, and to view their work, visit http://www.eastendarts.org/gallery/2013-members-origins.html.

The Origins Show is one of seven art shows of 2013 at the East End Arts Gallery, under the umbrella theme “Celebrating Our Diversity”. The current show is an all media, juried show titled Art & Science, juried by Artist and Science Teacher Kryn Olson. For more information and the complete 2013 Gallery Schedule, visit http://www.eastendarts.org/gallery/.

Programs at the East End Arts Gallery are made possible by public funds from the New York State Council of the Arts, Suffolk County under the auspices of the Office of Cultural Affairs, County Executive Steve Bellone, and the Town of Riverhead.

For more information, contact Gallery Director Jane Kirkwood at 631-727-0900 or gallery@eastendarts.org.

East End Arts, established in 1972, is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit arts organization, and operates a School of the Arts, an Art Gallery, and presents a variety of events and programs to promote the arts year-round. Proceeds from all events, sales, classes, donations, and memberships benefit the mission and commitment to building and enriching our community through the arts by way of education, support, advocacy, and inspiration.