Senator Zeldin and local officials march in Patchogue St Patty’s Day Parade

(Long Island, NY) On March 17, 2013, Senator Lee Zeldin marched in the Patchogue St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Joining Senator Zeldin are, Assemblyman Al Graf, Brookhaven Councilman Timothy Mazzei, Assemblyman Edward Hennessey, Patchogue Village Trustee Jack Kreiger, Patchogue Village Justice, the Honorable Christopher P. McGuire  and Assemblyman Andrew Garbarino.

(from L to R), Assemblyman Al Graf, Brookhaven Councilman Timothy Mazzei, Assemblyman Edward Hennessey, Patchogue Village Trustee Jack Kreiger, Patchogue Village Justice, the Honorable Christopher P. McGuire, Senator Lee Zeldin and Assemblyman Andrew Garbarino

A.G. Issues Tips To Help Consumers Avoid Deceptive And Fraudulent Practices This Tax Season; Schneiderman: Taking Advantage Of Innocent People In This Tough Economy Is Shameful

(NEW YORK) ? With the deadline for filing personal income tax returns less than one month away, Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today issued tips to protect New Yorkers from tax preparation scams. The Attorney General also asked taxpayers to notify his office of any suspected fraudulent schemes designed to steal personal and financial information from consumers.

“Taking advantage of innocent people in this tough economy is shameful, and will not be tolerated by my office,” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “New Yorkers who are trying to obey the law by filing their taxes on time should not have to worry about being ripped off by tax scammers covertly charging them excessive fees, or peddling other cons. Tax season is stressful enough. That’s why my office is helping provide New Yorkers the information they need to make sure they don’t get ripped off by scam artists.”

Each year, Attorney General Schneiderman’s offices throughout the state receive complaints from consumers about tax preparation schemes. Some scammers prey on seniors or college students by impersonating tax authorities, soliciting follow up information on a tax form, and collecting identification numbers and social security information, which is then used to steal people’s money or identities. Others have even gone to the extreme of using “spoofing technology” to make their caller ID numbers come up to look like they are from the IRS.

Taxpayers should be alert to tax preparation businesses that advertise low fees to get the customer in the door, but then increase the final fee by hundreds of dollars claiming the tax return was more complicated than anticipated, or to a tax preparer who electronically withdraws more than the agreed upon fee without notice to the consumer.

As taxpayers look for help in filing their taxes, Attorney General Schneiderman issued the following tips for consumers:

• Use recognizable and established companies;
• Check the tax preparer’s qualifications;
• Check the tax preparer’s history through the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org);
• Ask for a written estimate of all fees;
• Avoid those who base their fees on a percentage of your refund;
• Make sure the tax preparer is accessible, even after the April due date;
• Never sign a blank return;
• Review entire return before signing;
• Make sure the preparer signs the tax form and includes a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN);
• Avoid “too good to be true” promises;
• Consult New York’s “Consumer Bill of Rights Regarding Tax Preparers.”

Consumers should also beware of refund anticipation loans (RALs) and refund anticipation checks (RACs). RALs are often marketed as “instant” or “24-hour” refunds but are actually high cost loans that come with fees and interest that reduce the amount of any refund. New York State’s General Business Law section 372 (known as the Consumer Bill of Rights regarding Tax Preparers), requires RALs to be marketed as loans – not refunds. RACs are temporary bank accounts established on behalf of a taxpayer into which a direct deposit refund can be received but these also come with fees that will reduce the consumer’s refund.

The tax preparer must give the consumer a written disclosure that explains:

• You are not required to take out a refund anticipation loan or refund anticipation check in order to receive your tax refund
• The amount of fees and interest you will have to pay if you take out a refund anticipation loan or refund anticipation check
• The amount you will receive after the fees and interest are deducted
• The annual percentage rate of interest that you will be charged
• The amount your refund will be if you don’t take out a refund anticipation loan

Consumers can avoid the costs of refund anticipation loans and checks by filing their return electronically and having refunds either mailed or directly deposited into their own bank account.

The Attorney General is also reminding New Yorkers that there are Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites where consumers can get their tax returns prepared free of charge. For more information about how to qualify and identify a VITA location site go to: www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=107626,00.html.

Consumers whose income is $57,000 or less may qualify for FreeFile and can use free tax preparation and free e-filing software. Information on free e-filing is available at: www.tax.ny.gov/pit/efile/freefile.htm.

Some additional websites with helpful information include:

Internal Revenue Service
www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc254.html
www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=120129,00.html

NYS Consumer Bill of Rights Regarding Tax Preparers
www.tax.ny.gov/pdf/memos/income/m08_7i.pdf

NYC Department of Consumer Affairs
www.nyc.gov/html/dca/html/home/home.shtml

Attorney General Schneiderman is urging New Yorkers to be vigilant consumers and to report instances of fraud to his Office. Consumers who feel they’ve been victims of any tax preparation scams are urged to file complaints by visiting the Office’s website or calling 1-800-771-7755.

North Fork Weddings Showcase Features Premiere Vendors and a $7,000 Wedding Giveaway

(Long Island, NY) North Fork Weddings & South Fork Weddings, Long Island’s longest established resource for wedding and event planning, will host a Wedding Showcase featuring 30 vendors covering all aspects of wedding planning. The Wedding Treasure Chest Grand Prize Giveaway is $7,000 of wedding services, and all registered attendees are eligible to win. The cost to attend is $10.00 in advance and $12.00 at the door, which includes a glass of Castello di Borghese wine.

Where: Castello di Borghese Vineyard, 17150 Route 48, Cutchogue NY

When: Saturday, April 6, 2013 from 12:00pm to 4pm

“The Wedding Showcase is a perfect opportunity for couples to meet the vendors who can make their wedding day perfect. If you’re currently planning or thinking of having a vineyard wedding, or a wedding anywhere on Long Island’s East End, this is an event you can’t miss. We’ve definitely covered all the bases in terms of wedding services” says North Fork Weddings Owner Judy McCleery.

About North Fork Weddings & South Fork Weddings
North Fork Weddings is the premier party planning resource for eastern Long Island-the North Fork and the Hamptons. Established in 2003 as the first directory of hospitality services available on the North Fork, it continues a decade later as the best resource for reputable party planning services available on the East End.

Assembly bill 4359 provides civil service employees classified as veterans with disabilities additional credits toward further appointments and promotions

(Long Island, NY) A state constitutional amendment co-sponsored by Assemblyman Michael Montesano (R,I,C-Glen Head) to assist veterans with disabilities passed the Assembly for the second time today. Assembly bill 4359 provides civil service employees classified as veterans with disabilities additional credits toward further appointments and promotions. This law will allow veterans who were not originally classified with a disability to be eligible for these credits. According to Montesano, this legislation is another way to thank the brave servicemen and women who put their lives on the line for our country.

“Our veterans have given so much to this country and this amendment is just one small way to thank them,” said Montesano. “By passing this, we can give those who received a disability while defending our freedoms the opportunity to receive a good job and credit toward further advancement. I’m hopeful that my colleagues in the Senate will take action and pass this measure, allowing it to go up for a public referendum in November.”

Assemblyman Montesano Colleauges Unite Against State’s 18-A Energy Tax

(Long Island, NY) Assemblyman Michael Montesano (R,I,C-Glen Head) joined several of his Assembly colleagues and statewide business leaders at a press conference today to call for the elimination of the state’s 18-A energy tax from the 2013-14 budget.

Assemblyman Michael Montesano (far right) at a press conference calling for the elimination of the 18-A energy tax.

“The 18-A energy tax is another way of nickel-and-diming our residents and job creators,” said Montesano. “Eliminating this would save our taxpayers $200 million this year alone, money that could be used for families to put food on the table and for small businesses to put forth the innovation and creativity necessary for job growth. I urge the governor and Legislature to take action, save our taxpayers millions and eliminate the 18-A energy tax from this year’s final state budget.”

Sixth Senatorial District to nominate a Veteran for State Veteran’s Hall of Fame

(Long Island, NY) “I am calling upon residents of the Sixth Senatorial District to nominate a Veteran from their community whose service on behalf of the United States designates him or her for induction into the New York State Senate Veteran’s Hall of Fame,” said Senator Kemp Hannon (R-Nassau).

The on-line Hall of Fame is designed to pay tribute to New Yorkers whose gallantry in the US Armed Forces is complemented by their service to the community.

“The Senate honors the brave men and women who protect our freedom and serve our nation,” said Hannon. “The Senate Veteran’s Hall of Fame pays tribute to all who serve, but also singles out for special recognition those whose service and sacrifices have made our nation and community a better place to live.”

The New York State Senate Veteran’s Hall of Fame was created to honor and recognize outstanding veterans from New York who have distinguished themselves both in military and civilian life.

“Their meritorious service to our nation deserves the special recognition that only a Hall of Fame can provide, and serves as a fitting expression of our gratitude and admiration,” said Hannon.

The Senate will honor a distinguished veteran chosen from the various Senatorial Districts throughout the State at a special Induction Ceremony taking place on May 21, 2013. Hannon is seeking nominations from the residents of his district for inclusion. Each honoree’s photograph and biography will become part of a special on-line exhibit proclaiming the contributions of these exemplary New York Veterans.

Nomination forms are available through Senator Hannon’s Community Office and via email. For instructions, nomination forms and if you have any questions, please call 516-739-1700 or e-mail Senator Hannon at hannon@nysenate.gov.  The nomination form can also be downloaded from Senator Hannon’s website: www.kemphannon.com. Deadline for submissions is April 25.

Tobacco Cessation Class Begins March 25 at Mather Hospital

(Port Jefferson, NY) – Stop smoking with the help of a free six-week Monday evening class being offered at John T. Mather Memorial Hospital beginning March 25.

The Suffolk County Department of Health will sponsor the Learn to be Tobacco Free class from March 25 to April 29. The classes will be held from 6 to 7 pm in the O.R. Conference Room. Registration is required.

To register, call 631-476-2723. For other Smoking Cessation classes, call 631-853-4017 or visit www.suffolkcounty.gov/health.

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.

Good Samaritan Hospital Appoints New Executive Chef Niels R. Polund

(West Islip, NY) – Niels R. Polund was recently appointed executive chef of Food and Nutrition Services. He will be leading the culinary team in implementation of a new room service program.

Polund has more than 30 years of experience in culinary art for restaurants and hotels. He is specialty trained in French cuisine, baking and pastry and is credited with developing customized menus.  His extensive experience in culinary operations included maintaining food costs and scheduling and training of kitchen staff including interns from NYIT Culinary Program.

Polund graduated from Aalborg Tekniskskole with honors. Following his apprenticeship at Hotel Randers, he trained at Rebild Park Hotel in Denmark. He was a silver medal winner in the 1981 Food Olympics, Munich, Germany and is a member of Chaine des Rotisseurs.

He and his family reside in Lake Ronkonkoma.

Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center is a 537-bed (including 100 nursing home beds), voluntary, not-for-profit hospital located in West Islip. The medical center, which has more than 3,775 employees and 900 physicians on staff, had nearly 28,000 patient admissions and nearly 100,000 emergency department visits in 2012. Good Samaritan is a member of Catholic Health Services of Long Island.

Visit the website at www.good-samaritan-hospital.org.

Good Samaritan provided more than $43 million in community service and charity care in 2011. The medical center supplies residents with the tools necessary to maintain good health. This includes community lectures, screenings, health fairs and other community programs and services.

Legislator Jay Schneiderman Honors Southampton High School Wrestlers

(Long Island, NY) At the Suffolk County Legislature general meeting on March 5, 2013, at the Riverhead County Center, Legislator Jay Schneiderman (I-Montauk) honored two Southampton High School Wrestlers; Rafael Rokosz and Peter Strassfield for being crowned Suffolk County Division II Champions.  Rafael Rokosoz and Peter Strassfield both won their respective weight classes for the first time in their careers.

From left to right:  Legislator Schneiderman, Rafael Rokosz and Peter Strassfield

Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center Needs Help Naming its Newest Residents

(RIVERHEAD, NY) – Four North American river otters, one female and three males, were born the weekend of February 16 at Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center to proud parents, PB&J (or Peanut Butter & Jelly). Now, the Aquarium’s newest residents need names – and we are looking for your help.

Cayenne, Nutella, Butter, Jam, Fluff, Sage, Paprika, Rye, Basil, and Tank are the 10 choices of names. People can vote on their favorite name by visiting the Aquarium’s Facebook page through Sunday, April 14, with the winning four names announced on Monday, April 15.

One of Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center’s adorable four North American river otter pups in need of a name! (Courtesy: Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center)

The Blue Duck Bakery Café will be creating a commemorative “Otterly Yummy” peanut butter and jelly cupcake, appropriately enough, that will be available through April 15 at its Riverhead location. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Riverhead Foundation, to help preserve and protect our marine environment through education, rescue, rehabilitation, and research.

About the North American River Otter
The playful North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) is equally at home in the water as it is on land. Once abundant in the United States and Canadian rivers, lakes, and coastal areas, the North American river otter can today be found in parts of Canada, the Northwest, upper Great Lakes area, New England, and Atlantic and Gulf Coast states. Members of the weasel family, river otters enjoy sliding down muddy and snowy hills, bouncing objects on their paws, playing tag, and wrestling.

Unfortunately, our otter pups will not be visible to the public until they start moving around on their own (they will nurse for up to four months, and they won’t start moving around much on their own for at least another month).

About Long Island Aquarium and Exhibition Center (LIA & EC)
Two great family attractions in one fin-tastic destination, this full-scale Aquarium and Exhibition Center features one of the largest all-living coral reef displays in this hemisphere, a 120,000-gallon shark tank, year-round sea lion shows, numerous touch tanks, and more than 100 exhibits and interactive experiences, including Shark Dive, Pirate Snorkel Adventure, Atlantis Explorer Tour Boat and Sea Lion Kiss. Long Island Exhibition Center’s first exhibit is Butterflies & Birds! Flying for a limited engagement, only, don’t miss them.

Located adjacent to the Hyatt Place East End & Resort Marina, LIA & EC is also the home of the Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation, New York’s only authorized marine mammal and sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation center, and the 120-slip transient marina, Treasure Cove Resort Marina. The Aquarium was ranked by Parents Magazine as one of the “Top Aquariums for Kids.” Visit Web site for more details: LongIslandAquarium.com.