Senator Zeldin Marches in East Islip St Patrick’s Day Parade; Poses for Photo with Garbarino, Cilmi, King, and Boyle

(Long Island, NY) On March 3, 2013, Senator Lee Zeldin marched in the East Islip St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Joining Senator Zeldin were Assemblyman Andrew Garbarino, Suffolk County Legislator Tom Cilmi, Congressman Peter King, and Senator Phil Boyle.

Senator Lee Zeldin (2nd from Left) joins Senator Zeldin (from L to R), Assemblyman Andrew Garbarino, Suffolk County Legislator Tom Cilmi, Congressman Peter King, and Senator Phil Boyle

Long Island Winterfest 2013 Celebrates Six Consecutive Years of Exceptional Jazz Performances Over Six Weekends; Extended One Weekend

(Riverhead, NY) –– East End Arts, an organizing partner of Winterfest, announces that the 6th Annual Winterfest Jazz on the Vine Concert Series has been extended one weekend to accommodate for weather-related cancellations during the first weekend (February 8-10) of the music festival. Winterfest 2013 will now run through Sunday, March 24, 2013.

For the complete, updated schedule, visit http://www.liwinterfest.com/liwinterfest/calendar.html.

Long Island Winterfest 2013 celebrates six consecutive years of exceptional jazz performances over six weekends. From February 9 to now March 24, 2013 the East End of Long Island will be alive and in full swing with over 70 live jazz performances, featuring many Grammy-nominated artists. Dozens of cultural attractions and special offers on hotel and B&B getaway packages, restaurants and winery tours are available. Winterfest is a project of East End Arts, the Long Island Wine Council, Long Island Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Suffolk County Department of Economic Development. A full schedule of Winterfest performances will soon be announced. For more information about Winterfest 2013, visit http://www.liwinterfest.com.

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.

William Naughton, Huntington’s longtime superintendent of highways, has announced his plans to seek re-election this fall.

“It has been a privilege to serve as superintendent of highways for the past 25 years,” said Naughton. “I appreciate the confidence that voters throughout the Town of Huntington have continued to place in me and would welcome the opportunity to continue to serve our residents and taxpayers in an honest and responsible manner.”

As superintendent of highways for the Town of Huntington, Naughton heads an office that is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of 784 miles of roadways and right-of-ways within the town. First elected to the position as a Democrat in 1987, he was last re-elected in 2009 with the support of the Democratic, Republican, Independence, Conservative and Working Families parties.

“I’ve worked hard to ensure that roadways throughout our town are properly maintained, paved, resurfaced and reconstructed,” says Naughton. He acknowledges that doing so is not always easy, citing the challenges posed by the epic storms and severe weather conditions of recent months.

“Thanks to the efforts of conscientious and dedicated town employees, we were able to cope well with both Superstorm Sandy and February’s blizzard, which wreaked havoc across Long Island.” said Naughton. He also expressed gratitude to town residents “for their patience and understanding as the town grappled with these storms of unprecedented magnitude.”

Respected Musician, Businessman Being Recognized for Years of Advocacy and Charity Work for the Arts

(Plainview, NY) All Music Inc, Long Islands Premier Guitar and Music Store with Guitars, Basses, Amps, Instrument Repairs, Lessons and more for the past 28 years, is very proud to announce that the Long Island Arts Council of Freeport has selected Owner Guy Brogna to receive one of its 2013 Outstanding Advocates for the Arts Awards at their March 13th awards reception at the Adelphi Center for Performing Arts, located at 1 South Ave in Garden City, NY 11530 call (516) 877-4000 or visit http://aupac.adelphi.edu for more info.

Owner of Plainview’s All Music Inc., Guy Brogna

Mr Brogna will be honored along with many other deserving colleagues who have demonstrated a commitment to the advancement of arts here on Long Island.

“This has been my passion and my life’s work, both as a vocation and an avocation, so this event is very important to me” Guy said “I hope to have you join me that night, or if you can’t make it please offer up a donation to help me reach my personal fundraising goal of $1000 to the cause.”

To attend the event or make a donation, please visit Honoring Guy Brogna at Eventbrite: http://honoringguybrogna.eventbrite.com

Proceeds of this important event will benefit the Long Island Arts Council at Freeport, a not-for-profit organization which offers a variety of programs and services, learn more at http://www.liacfreeport.org

ABOUT ALL MUSIC INC:
The original All Music INC in Plainview has long been Long Island’s favorite destination for all things GUITAR and BASS related with a fine selection of custom, exotic, vintage and collectable rarities and an always changing selection of used and modestly priced instruments for folks on a budget since 1984. Since its inception in 2011, All Music’s Rock N Roll University has quickly become a go to source for musicians looking for a top Full Line Musical Retail, Rental & Repair Store offering Private, Jams & Performance Lessons.

For more information on All Music INC, please visit http://www.allmusicinc.com

For All Music’s Rock-n-Roll University, please visit
http://www.rnruniversity.com

ABOUT THE LONG ISLAND ARTS COUNCIL AT FREEPORT
The Arts Council administers High 5 Long Island (a program providing teenagers with $5 tickets to cultural events and special youth programming), presents concerts and exhibits, is active in community development, sponsors a juried photography show, recommends artists for employment and exhibit opportunities, coordinates art classes, donates musical instruments to schools in underserved communities, manages an international musical composition contest, organizes craft fairs, hosts arts networking opportunities, coordinates management seminars, implements an online Culture Calendar, listing of opportunities for artists, and Artist Directory, and more.

Shares joy of reading with students at Huntington Head Start

(Long Island, NY) On Friday, Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci (R,C,WF, I-Huntington Station) took part in Read Across America Day by reading “Oh, The Places You’ll Go!” by Dr. Seuss to the children of Huntington Head Start & Early Head Start.

Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci reading “Oh, The Places You’ll Go!” to children at Huntington Head Start

“Dr. Seuss’ works are fundamental in motivating children to take an interest in reading,” said Lupinacci. “On what would have been his 109th birthday, I could think of no better story than ‘Oh, The Places You’ll Go!’ to teach the children not only where reading can take you but how important it is to dream big. I had a wonderful time sharing the story with the students and taking part in all the day’s events, even the green eggs and ham.”

Read Across America Day is a celebration of the life of Dr. Seuss, Theodor Seuss Geisel, and the important role reading plays in a child’s education.

$2M In Grants Fund Key Initiatives In Shirley-Mastic-Mastic Beach

(Long Island, NY) State Senator Lee M. Zeldin (R-C-I, Shirley) hosted a meeting today of the Tri-Hamlet Renaissance Project. The gathering at William Floyd High School discussed progress on the Project’s proposals, including $2 million in grants to fund key initiatives in Shirley, Mastic and Mastic Beach.

The Tri-Hamlet Renaissance Project released its initial report on April 29, 2012, following several months of community meetings and proposal development. Since then, elected officials and community leaders have been working together to implement the Project’s proposals.

The $2 million announced today will be used for the following Tri-Hamlet Renaissance projects:

• $1.3 million for a new sewer treatment plant at the Calabro Airport in Shirley;
• $50,000 for “attraction” signs and two dozen “trailblazing” signs for local attractions in the Tri-Hamlet community;
• $50,000 for capital improvements at Bayview Park in Mastic Beach;
• $50,000 for capital improvements at Legion Fields in Mastic Beach,
• $50,000 for capital improvements at Airport Field in Shirley;
• $500,000 for the planning and development of a Nitrex Nitrogen Removal System for Neighborhood Road in the Village of Mastic Beach.

At today’s meeting, Senator Zeldin also presented Project participants with legislative resolutions, which were passed by the New York State Legislature.

The Tri-Hamlet Renaissance Project has been focused on the mission to enhance the Tri-Hamlet area. Six workgroups continue to focus on the areas ofInfrastructure, Economic Development, Real Estate, Quality of Life, Public Safety and Marketing.

“The Tri-Hamlet community can and will improve with the dedicated work of the members of the Tri-Hamlet Renaissance Project and the residents of Shirley, Mastic and Mastic Beach,” said Senator Zeldin. “This funding will go a long way toward making necessary improvements and developing these local projects. I would like to thank Supervisor Ed Romaine and Deputy Supervisor/Councilman Dan Panico for their coordinated help to secure this funding from New York State. I commend all of the Renaissance Project members, volunteers and elected officials who continue to give their time, talent and energy to this effort.”

Brookhaven Town Supervisor, Ed Romaine, said, “We are extremely lucky to have a State Senator such as Lee Zeldin who was able to reprogram this critical funding for the Town of Brookhaven. This grant will accomplish many of our immediate priorities and improve the quality of life for our residents in the Tri-Hamlet area. The new sewer treatment plant at the Calabro Airport in Shirley is an especially important project. The development of a Nitrex Nitrogen Removal System for Neighborhood Road in the Village of Mastic Beach is also essential, as are the capital improvements in Shirley and Mastic Beach and the signage throughout the Tri-Hamlet. I am extremely supportive of Senator Zeldin’s efforts and want to thank him for all his hard work on the Town’s behalf.”

“Senator Lee Zeldin and I grew up in the same community and share a personal connection to the area and the residents,” commented Brookhaven Town Deputy Supervisor/Councilman Dan Panico. “This grant, and the individual projects which it will fund, will go a long way toward improving the quality of life and environment for everyone in the area. I thank Senator Zeldin on behalf of our mutual constituents and am proud to call him my friend.”

Addabbo’s Statement at the Queens Council for Development Disabilities Breakfast

(Queens, NY) – NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., made the following remarks at today’s Queens Council for Developmental Disabilities’ breakfast held at Flushing Town Hall:

Good morning and thank you for asking me to join you today. Let me first express my deepest thanks to all of you for the incredible work you do every day in providing vital services to children and young adults with developmental disabilities in Queens.

The work you do is highly rewarding, but it’s also tough. You all strive to do your very best for developmentally disabled young people, providing unique assistance to them as well as support for their families. Your work is essential to helping disabled New Yorkers reach their highest personal potential and enjoy the best possible quality of life.

But this year, you are all facing special fiscal challenges in New York State. As you know, the Governor’s 30-day budget amendments – if left standing – will amount to a $240 million cut in funding for not-for-profit providers of developmental disability services in New York. This six percent across-the-board reduction in funds would be disastrous to the young people and families in need of your services. There must be a better way to address the issue of past Medicaid overpayments identified by the federal government – one that will reasonably address the overpayment issue without decimating dedicated providers and harming their clients.

With significant cuts a few years back, and no increase in funding last year, this $240 million reduction would amount to a loss of $400 million over the last three years to providers. This is not acceptable. Those of you who work with the developmentally disabled fought hard in the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 budget years to win needed funding increases for staff salaries and to cover higher health benefit costs. You deserved that aid.

Even in the toughest of times – and we’re certainly facing them now in the wake of Hurricane Sandy and its devastating impact on our people and our economy – we have an obligation to protect our most vulnerable citizens. The young people and families you serve every day are among them. We’ve worked together to restore proposed cuts to the Office of People With Developmental Disabilities in the past, and I am hopeful that we will do so again in 2012-2013.

Thank you, and know that I am in your corner today and always.

Associated Payroll Consultants of Hauppauge Merges with Advantage Payroll Services of Freeport

(Freeport, NY) – Freeport-based Advantage Payroll Services Long Island, the New York region’s largest independently owned and operated payroll and tax processing provider, announced today a merger with Associated Payroll Consultants of Hauppauge, Long Island. Since its founding in 2004, Associated Payroll Consultants has built a reputation for offering attentive, consistent and accurate payroll services. The merger allows Associated Payroll Consultants to better meet the evolving needs of their clients while providing Advantage Payroll Services with a larger service area and presence in the highly competitive Long Island and New York regional market.

Associated Payroll Consultants Building, 700 Veterans Memorial Hwy. Suite 302 Hauppauge NY 11788

Advantage Payroll Services has a 40 year history of proving clients with payroll, human resources, time and attendance services. The company is one of the most highly regarded payroll service firms in the industry and the nation. This merger is ideal for both organizations who share a proactive client focused philosophy. Together the new and larger organization will assist clients in finding solutions, assist client employees with needed benefits and support client growth initiatives.

The transition for Associated Payroll Consultants’ clients will be seamless. Clients from both companies receive greater value, stronger tax filing capabilities, more robust management and access to a greater number of experienced and attentive client services staff members to work with. The Associated Payroll Consultants office located at 700 Veterans Memorial Hwy. Suite 302 in Hauppauge, Long Island will remain open.

“We recognize that customers have a choice when they select a new payroll service provider or decide to stay with the one that they are working with today. We have built trusted relationships with our clients over the years and we are certain that they will continue to be well served in the years to come. Clients will quickly see the value in the combined strengths of both companies,” said Bernard Soto, previous partner at Associated Payroll Consultants who will now serve as the Senior Vice President of Sales for Advantage Payroll Services. Warren Simon, Ethan Grodofsky and Bernard Soto all served as principals of Associated Payroll Consultants.

“This merger allows Advantage Payroll Services Long Island to expand our reach and to more efficiently service and market to central and eastern Long Island. This merger makes the company stronger and better positioned for continued growth and to provide proven and effective solutions to a growing number of clients,” said Rob Basso, Founder and President of Advantage Payroll Services Long Island.

For more information about the services offered by Advantage Payroll Services Long Island visit www.liadvantage.com or call at (516) 931-8400.

Winthrop-University Hospital Joins Long Island Cruizin’ For A Cure Car Show to Support Prostate Cancer Awareness

(Long Island, NY) – Long Island Cruizin’ For A Cure announced that Winthrop- University Hospital will participate in the not-for-profit’s September car show. The partnership is rooted in each organization’s goal to increase public awareness and education about prostate cancer. Over the past seven years the car show has provided more than 1,600 free on-site PSA tests for the early detection of prostate cancer. On Sunday, September 8, Winthrop-University Hospital will be providing free screening tests to men attending the Eighth Annual Cruizin’ For A Cure Car Show. The show will be held in Hicksville, at the Sears Auto Center parking lot and is expected to have over 600 cars and 3,500 attendees. Over 2,400 people attended the 2012 show to see more than 500 cars and other vehicles exhibited.

Winthrop-University Hospital has joined with the show’s producers to provide valuable support and to conduct the PSA testing at the next show. In addition, representatives from the hospital will be on site to provide educational programs about prostate cancer and other topics. At last year’s show, 306 men took advantage of the PSA screening tests. 22 men tested had elevated readings and were referred to their physicians for follow-up.

Long Island Cruizin’ For A Cure, September 9, 2012 – By Corbett PR

“The Department of Urology is pleased to take part in this important program. PSA testing has saved many lives, and we at Winthrop are dedicated to giving men and their families the best in health care,” states Dr. Aaron E. Katz, Chairman of Urology at Winthrop -University Hospital and author of The Definitive Guide to Prostate Cancer. Dr. Katz is also the host Katz’s Corner radio show aired every Sunday morning at 7:00 a.m. on 77 WABC – AM 770.

The proceeds from the car show support PSA screening test programs and prostate cancer research. In 2012 alone $20,000 was donated to the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory for scientific research.

“Our show and our efforts are focused on educating men about prostate cancer and PSA screening tests, funding research and offering support for men diagnosed with the disease. Our event is more than a car show, it includes many activities for families and is the ideal venue to get our message out and provide hundreds of free PSA tests. Winthrop-University Hospital will be a valuable partner in our efforts and we are looking forward to the hospital’s participation and support,” said Sandy Kane, prostate cancer survivor and Chair/Founder of Long Island Cruizin’ For A Cure.

The Long Island Cruzin’ For A Cure Car Show is one of the region’s largest car shows. In addition to over 500 cars and trucks the show includes music, food and a variety of other vendors and sponsor booths. The popular Kids Fun Zone and Doo Wop entertainment will return, and other family friendly activities will be added making the 2013 even larger and better.

For more information about Long Island Cruizin’ For A Cure, visit www.licruizinforacure.com or call 1-888-LICRUIZ. To see great photos of cars from past shows, visit the Long Island Cruizin’ For A Cure Facebook Page http://www.facebook.com/LICruizinForACure or Flickr page http://flic.kr/s/aHsjC9APKj

Annmarie Voulgaris of Syosset Joins Homes By Mara

(Syosset, NY) Homes By Mara Realty of Syosset, NY is pleased to welcome Annmarie Voulgaris of Syosset, NY as its newest licensed salesperson. Voulgaris joins Homes By Mara after a long-term CPA career and working for BISYS in Manhattan, NY as director of its Hedge Fund Group before taking a sabbatical to raise her three children.

Annmarie Voulgaris of Syosset

“I am very excited to be working within a new profession where I am able to help people find their dream homes and assist them throughout this exciting, emotional, life-changing event,” says Voulgaris. “When it came time for me to return to work, it was important that I work within a field that allows me to make a difference while also presenting opportunity for a healthy work-family balance, which is what I have been able to achieve through my new role with Homes By Mara.”

Homes By Mara President and Founder Mara Navaretta is delighted to now have Voulgaris among her 27 agents. “Annmarie is energetic, professional and full of integrity,” says Navaretta. “Her professionalism, enthusiasm and dedication to client service make her a fine compliment to our team, operation and clientele.”

Voulgaris, who has a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from New York University and began her CPA career at PriceWaterhouse in Manhattan, NY, says she chose to work with Homes By Mara because of its strong work ethic and modern, turnkey environment. “Mara and her agency bring a fresh, personal yet professional approach to serving today’s local real estate market,” she explains. “Not only does the agency offer hands-on attention, with its entire team working to support one another as well as each other’s clients, but it also provides the convenience and accessibility of a real estate law firm within its office, streamlining the real estate process and making it even easier to meet the needs of our clients on multiple levels.”

About Homes By Mara
Homes By Mara is a boutique real estate agency spearheaded by licensed broker and real estate veteran Mara Navaretta. Featuring a team of highly-skilled and trained agents, Homes By Mara specializes in servicing North Shore’s residential market on both the selling and buying sectors. Located at 567 Jericho Turnpike in Syosset, NY, the agency offers convenience and a turn-key solution in accommodating all real estate needs by sharing its office space with the law firm, Navaretta & Howard LLP. Navaretta and Howard, LLP has a special focus in real estate law and provides council and representation for all Homes by Mara agents to assure the homeowner receives quick and accurate answers to legal questions that may arise in the course of today’s real estate transaction. Also available is a concierge service that consists of recommendations for every trade associated with the real estate industry including movers and contractors.

For more information about Homes By Mara, please call 516-364-2500 or visit www.homesbymara.com.