(Long Island, NY) First Squad detectives report the arrests of two individuals for an incident involving narcotics that occurred on Wednesday, March 30, 2016 at 9:15 pm in Freeport.

According to detectives, members of the CIRRT task force, while on patrol in the vicinity of the Freeport train station, observed a narcotics transaction by a female who exited her vehicle and obtained a quantity of drugs from a male who was seated on the driver’s side of his car.

After driving away from the scene, Nicole Genua, 29, of Levittown was pulled over and observed throwing several folded pieces of paper from the car window. A subsequent investigation found Genua to be in possession of a small quantity of heroin and 2 pills believed to be clonazepam. During her arrest, Genua was found to have her 7 year old son with her who was in the rear passenger seat. He was later released to his father at the First Precinct.

Anthony Helbock, 45, of Bellmore, the driver of the other vehicle, was also pulled over and found to be in possession of 2 bags of heroin. He too was placed under arrest without incident.

Genua is charged with Tampering with Physical Evidence, two (2) counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th Degree and Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

Helbock is charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd Degree, Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance 3rd Degree and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th Degree.

Both defendants will be arraigned in First District Court, Hempstead on 03/31/2016.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial with the burden on the prosecution to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Long Island Council On Alcoholism And Drug Dependence (LICADD) Mans Suffolk County 24 Hour Phone: (631)-979-1700

(Long Island, NY) In yet another partnership with County Executive Steve Bellone and Suffolk County Government, on April 1^st 2016, LICADD launched a 24-hour assistance line where a live LICADD clinician can be reached to assist Long Islanders who are in need of services for substance use disorders (SUD). As the public health crisis continues to adversely impact a multitude of Long Island families and communities, LICADD is proud to offer 24 hour assistance to those individuals and families in need of support, counseling and referrals to quality healthcare facilities for a host of treatment options for substance use disorders.

LICADD’s full-service substance abuse hotline will serve as what officials called a lifeline to residents battling drug addiction, which lawmakers have been struggling to address across Long Island for years. To get there, the county teamed up with community partners in the substance abuse field to allow residents to call to get screenings, referrals and follow-ups.

The Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence will operate the 24-hour hotline and direct callers to those resources. Providing a single phone number to call for a myriad of resources and services is key to assisting those who are battling addiction and their families, officials said.“Like many places in this country, Suffolk County is facing an opioid epidemic of historic proportions,” County Executive Steve Bellone said in a statement. “We need to tackle this epidemic on all fronts — including prevention, treatment and law enforcement.”Bellone said his administration has made it a top priority to “explore and launch new, evidence-based tools” to help address the region’s fight against heroin and opioid use.“The creation of a local 24/7 hotline is now another tool in our arsenal to assist those who are battling opioid and heroin addiction and their families,” he said.

The hotline will become live by April 1^ST, Bellone said, and the Suffolk County health department will provide oversight and analyze data to monitor its effectiveness and identify trends and emergingissues in the community.

LICADD recognizes that individuals and families in crisis with SUD require immediate and quality support, assessment and referrals 24 hours a day. LICADD clinicians are hypervigilant in our professional understanding that the time to seek treatment is “now”! Often times “now” happens after 9pm and before 8am, including weekends and holidays. The window of opportunity where an individual and/or family is willing to seek support and treatment if of a finite duration, and without immediate consultation, that window of opportunity closes under the pathology of denial, obsession and fear which often defines substance use disorders.

LICADD has been on the front lines of substance use counseling, screening, brief intervention and referrals to treatment on Long Island since 1956 and we are pleased to offer this new dimension of service to better meet the needs of Long Islanders struggling with substance use disorders, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year.

LICADD is Long Island’s premier non-profit agency providing alcohol and drug prevention and intervention services to at-risk children, individuals, and families across the region for 60 years. With offices in Mineola, Holbrook and Riverhead, LICADD conducts screenings, brief interventions, referrals to treatment and relapse prevention services to individuals and families impacted by substance abuse. The agency also conducts evidence-based prevention programs, community outreach initiatives, and a mentoring program for children of incarcerated parents and public policy advocacy. More information about LICADD’s services is available by calling (631) 979-1700 or online at www.licadd.org. Like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

(Long Island, NY) The First Squad reports the details of a Robbery which occurred on Wednesday, March 30, 2016 at 6:07 p.m. in Bellmore.

According to detectives, a male white wearing a black hooded shirt, black jeans, a white mask and gloves entered Quick Stop Smoke Shop located at 2741 Jerusalem Avenue armed with a black handgun. He went behind the counter and demanded cash from the manager who complied, giving him an undisclosed amount of cash.

Nassau County Police reports the details of a Robbery which occurred on Wednesday, March 30 in Bellmore. Photo Credit: Chris Boyle.

The suspect fled on foot northbound on Harrison Avenue. There was a customer in the store with the manager at the time of the incident. No injuries were reported.

Detectives ask anyone with information about this crime to contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS. All callers will remain anonymous.

(Long Island, NY) The Nassau County Police report the arrest of a Roosevelt woman for Driving While Intoxicated which occurred on Wednesday, March 30, 2016 at 5:50 p.m. in Lakeview.

According to police, Fifth Precinct officers responded to Eagle Avenue for an auto accident. Upon arrival they observed Kimesha McPherson, 30, outside of her vehicle which was located facing westbound in the eastbound lane of Eagle Avenue at Thrush Avenue.

Nassau County Police report the arrest of Kimesha McPherson, 30, of Roosevelt woman for Driving While Intoxicated which occurred on Wednesday, March 30 in Lakeview. Photo Credit: NCPD.

An investigation revealed McPherson was under the influence of alcohol and had struck two cars that were parked on Eagle Avenue. The defendant’s 2 year old child was a passenger in the vehicle, seated in the rear seat without a child restraint.

The child was transported to an area hospital for evaluation due to the fact she was not restrained in the vehicle. The defendant was placed under arrest at the scene after testing .22% on a breathalyzer, more than twice the legal limit. No further injuries were reported.

McPherson is charged with Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated (child under 15) under Leandra’s Law, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Driving While Intoxicated, Driving While Intoxicated (BAC +.08), Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated (BAC .18 or above), and vehicle and traffic law violations.

During the arrest process it was discovered McPherson had open warrants, Assault 2nd degree, Possession of a Weapon 4th degree and Endangering the Welfare of a Child for an incident that occurred in June of 2014. She will be arraigned on Thursday, March 31, 2016 at First District Court in Hempstead.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial with the burden on the prosecution to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

(Long Island, NY) The East End Arts School is happy to announce that they are now accepting registration for their complete list of workshop and class offerings for the Spring and Summer 2016 semesters. Community members of all ages interested in visual arts with skills at any level should not miss this exciting line-up of workshops and courses. Subjects include: painting, drawing, jewelry, watercolor, mixed media, printmaking, photography, wreath-making, Earth paints, and more! Instruction ranges from one-day workshops to semester-long classes. Registration is ongoing. All classes are held at the East End Arts School, located at 141 East Main Street, Riverhead, NY 11901. For a complete listing of programs, visit: http://www.eastendarts.org/school/classes.html.

Now offering online registration! To register, visit http://www.eastendarts.org/school/classes.html or call 631-269-2171 or email education@eastendarts.org.

Featured classes include:

• Introduction to Watercolor – Wednesdays starting April 6 (6 classes):

https://eastendartsorg.presencehost.net/school/classes.html/event/2016/04/06/adult-class-introduction-to-watercolor/117455

• Asian Brush Painting (Sumi-e) – Thursdays starting April 7 (5 classes):

https://eastendartsorg.presencehost.net/school/classes.html/event/2016/04/07/adult-class-asian-brush-painting-sumi-e-/117441

• Printmaking: Solarplate Etching – Fridays starting April 8 (6 classes):

https://eastendartsorg.presencehost.net/school/classes.html/event/2016/04/08/adult-printmaking-class-solarplate-etching/119488

• Painting with Earth Paints – Saturday, April 16:

https://eastendartsorg.presencehost.net/school/classes.html/event/2016/04/16/adult-workshop-painting-with-earth-paints/121825

• Techniques with Pen & Ink – Fridays starting April 22 (3 classes):

https://eastendartsorg.presencehost.net/school/classes.html/event/2016/04/22/adult-class-techniques-with-pen-ink/121777

• Spring Hydrangea Wreath-Making – Saturday, April 23:

https://eastendartsorg.presencehost.net/school/classes.html/event/2016/04/23/adult-workshop-spring-hydrangea-wreath-making/119464

• Botanical Drawing in Graphite – Mondays starting May 2:

https://eastendartsorg.presencehost.net/school/classes.html/event/2016/05/02/adult-class-botanical-drawing-in-graphite/117754

• Felted Handbag – Mondays, May 2 & 9 (2 classes):

https://eastendartsorg.presencehost.net/school/classes.html/event/2016/05/02/adult-workshop-felted-handbag/119459

• Water Lilies in Oil – Tuesdays, May 3 (4 classes):

https://eastendartsorg.presencehost.net/school/classes.html/event/2016/05/03/adult-class-water-lilies-in-oil/117703

• Photography: Finding Your Subject – Thursdays starting May 5 (6 classes):

https://eastendartsorg.presencehost.net/school/classes.html/event/2016/05/05/adult-photography-class-finding-your-subject/119475

• Beyond Watercolor – Wednesdays starting May 11:

https://eastendartsorg.presencehost.net/school/classes.html/event/2016/05/11/adult-class-beyond-watercolor/117454

• Jewelry 101 – Mondays starting May 16 (6 classes):

https://eastendartsorg.presencehost.net/school/classes.html/event/2016/05/16/adult-workshop-jewelry-101/119456

• Beginning in Portraits – Wednesdays starting May 25 (6 classes):

https://eastendartsorg.presencehost.net/school/classes.html/event/2016/05/25/adult-class-beginning-in-portraits/117759

In addition to visual arts class and workshops for adults, the East End Arts School offers visual art classes for children and music instruction in group and private settings for voice, piano, drums, violin, guitar, and band and orchestral instruments, with 200 students studying privately each semester. Scholarship opportunities are available. For more information about private music instruction, visit http://www.eastendarts.org/school/private.html.

For more information, visit http://www.eastendarts.org/school/ or contact the East End Arts School at 631-369-2171 or education@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.

(Long Island, NY) The Open Meetings or “Sunshine” laws of New York State and Suffolk County give the public the right to attend meetings of public bodies, listen to the debates and watch the decision-making process in action. The laws also require that notice of the time and place of all meetings be given prior to every meeting.
Following is a list of upcoming meetingsthat fall under the auspices of the Suffolk County Department of Health Services. Note: Space may be limited at each of these meetings. Guests are asked to call in advance if they plan to attend.

• Thursday, April 7, 2016, 2:00 p.m.
  Alcohol and Substance Abuse Subcommittee of the Mental Hygiene Services Advisory Board
  725 Veterans Memorial Highway (North County Complex), Building C-928
  Hauppauge, NY 11788

The Alcohol and Substance Abuse Subcommittee of the Community Mental Hygiene Advisory Board includes consumers, parents, advocates, professionals and agency providers who consider alcohol and substance abuse issues and advise the Director of Community Mental Hygiene Services as necessary through the advisory board. Members of the public who plan to attend are asked to call in advance: 854-0095.

• Wednesday April 20, 2016, 2:00 –4:00 p.m.
  The Patient Protection Oversight Committee
  Suffolk County Department of Health Services’ Administrative Building, 3500 Sunrise     Highway Building 200, Great River, NY 11739-9006

The Patient Protection Oversight Committee was created in 2013 by the Suffolk County Legislature to assist vulnerable residents with accessing needed health care services.

There will be a presentation by Ms. Joan Motley, Care Consultant and Outreach Coordinator, from the Alzheimer’s Disease Resource Center, Inc., in Bay Shore. Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disease that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, eventually preventing the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. Ms. Motley will speak about the center’s resources and services that are available to county residents. Her valuable insights and skills will assist us as we advocate too help those in need of guidance, information, direction, and coordination.

Members of the public who plan to attend are asked to call in advance: 854-0337. Constituents who would like to attend but are unable may call 853-0337 for more information about participating in this meeting by conference call.

• Wednesday, April 20, 2016, 9:30 a.m.
  The Board of Health Meeting
  Suffolk County Department of Health Services’ Administration Building, 3500 Sunrise Highway, Building 200, Great River, NY 11739-9006

The Board of Health, at the request of the commissioner of health services, considers matters relating to the preservation and improvement of public health. In the event that a quorum cannot be achieved, the meeting will be cancelled. Members of the public who plan to attend are advised to call 631-854-0100, the day of the meeting, to find out if the meeting will take place.

• Thursday, April 21, 2016, 9:30 a.m.
  Environmental Quality Board of Review
  360 Yaphank Ave., Suite 2C, Yaphank, NY 11980

The Board of Review hears requests for variances and waivers to the county’s requirements for water and sewage disposal for new construction, and for storage of toxic or hazardous materials, as stated in the Suffolk County Sanitary Code. A listing of each month’s scheduled hearings may be obtained in the days prior to the hearing by contacting the Department of Health Services’ Division of Environmental Quality at 852-5800.

• suffolkcountyny.gov
• Facebook.com/SuffolkCountyHealthServices
• Twitter.com/SuffolkCoHealth

(Long Island, NY) Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1), member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, announced today that he successfully obtained a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit modification to allow the Clearwater Beach Property Owners Association to dredge the inlet between Gardiners Bay and Hog Creek in East Hampton, NY.

In late 2015, Congressman Zeldin’s office was contacted by East Hampton Town Supervisor Larry Cantwell and the Clearwater Beach Property Owners Association, which represents over 800 homeowners, asking for assistance in their efforts to obtain a permit modification that would allow for the dredging of the inlet between Gardiners Bay and Hog Creek. The dredging has been performed by the Association for over 10 years, but they are only allowed to dredge from September 30 to January 15 of each calendar year, a timeframe intended to protect the spawning of winter flounder. Due to unfavorable weather during the late winter and early spring of 2015, the channel was filled in with coarse sand and gravel, which has made it difficult to navigate the channel. The Association needed to obtain a permit to dredge this area in order to maintain the channel properly.

Congressman Lee Zeldin said, “Through discussions with the Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, East Hampton Town and Clearwater Beach Property Owners Association, my office was able to secure the approval of a project to dredge the inlet between Gardiners Bay and Hog Creek. The dredging, which began on March 30 and will end today, on March 31, will ensure the channel is maintained properly, safeguarding our environment and abundance of natural resources, while ensuring the safety of those who live near and travel the channel.”

East Hampton Town Supervisor Larry Cantwell said, “The shoaling at Hog Creek Inlet would have threatened the water quality of this Trustee-owned bottomland and boat access to the two marinas without this modest dredging project. Congressman Lee Zeldin’s efforts to help secure this one-time Army Corps of Engineers exemption made their approval consistent with the New York State DEC and Town dredging permits.”

Gerry Giliberti, President of the Clearwater Beach Property Owners Association, said, “On behalf of over 800 families in the Clearwater Beach community, I would like to thank the offices of Congressman Lee Zeldin and East Hampton Supervisor Larry Cantwell for assisting our community in obtaining the federal, state and town permits for our Hog Creek to Gardiners Bay channel dredging. In addition, thanks goes to Principal Planner, Jim Walker, of Inter-Science who has helped coordinate and apprise these officials of the extremely complex approval processes that are needed for this maintenance dredging project. The members of our community strive to preserve and improve our seaside environment and are grateful for the efforts made by our governmental representatives to help us when we need it.”

James L. Walker, Principal Planner of the Clearwater Beach Property Owner’s Association, said, “Thank you to Congressman Lee Zeldin and his staff, and to Supervisor Larry Cantwell. As a result of their collective assistance, the channel from Hog Creek to Gardiners Bay is being dredged with permits issued by federal, state and town officials; despite serious regulatory agency hurdles and time constraints that complicated the approval process.  As a result, the maintenance dredging of this municipal water body will proceed and the tidal exchange between the creek and bay will continue in a manner which will benefit the environment and allow safe navigation.”

Measure Will Ensure Absentee Ballots Of Service Members Killed In Combat Before Election Count

(Long Island, NY) Senator Thomas Croci (R, C, I – Sayville), Chair of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security, Veterans, and Military Affairs, announces the New York State Senate has passed a bill to preserve the absentee ballots of military service members.

Senator Croci’s bill, S2939, provides that in the event a service member who has cast an absentee ballot dies in combat before the date of the scheduled election, their ballot shall still be counted towards the election for which it was cast. In a Presidential election year with primaries still underway, this measure will ensure that the almost 10,000 American troops currently serving in Afghanistan will have their absentee ballots protected.

“Many early voting jurisdictions nationwide already count ballots of deceased voters.  This bill seeks to make certain that the integrity of the votes of those who have given up their lives for our right to vote is upheld,” said Senator Croci.

The bill will be sent to the Assembly.

All media inquiries should be directed to Senator Croci’s Communications Specialist, Christine Geed at (631) 398-8044 (call or text) or via email at geed@nysenate.gov.  Inquiries for additional information should be directed to Senator Croci’s Press Secretary, Jennifer Romero at (631) 513-5657 or via email at jromero@nysenate.gov.

(Long Island, NY) Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Second Squad detectives are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating two men who used counterfeit money at an East Northport store.

Suffolk County Police are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying two men who used counterfeit money at an East Northport store. Photo Credit: SCPD.

On December 1, 2015, two men used counterfeit $20 bills to pay for gift cards at Walgreens, 820 Fort Salonga Road in East Northport.

On December 1, 2015, two men used counterfeit $20 bills to pay for gift cards at Walgreens. Photo Credit: SCPD.

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.

(Long Island, NY) The Major Case Bureau reports the details of a Robbery which occurred on Wednesday, March 30, 2016 at 9:30 p.m. in Oceanside.

According to Robbery Squad detectives, a male black with a medium build wearing a white hat, jeans, sunglasses and a scarf, armed with a knife, entered Dunkin Donuts located at 3151 Lawson Boulevard. The suspect jumped the counter and demanded money from the store clerk.

Nassau County Police report the details of a Robbery which occurred on Wednesday, March 30 in Oceanside. Photo Credit: Chris Boyle.

The clerk complied giving the suspect an undisclosed amount of cash. The suspect fled on foot southbound on Lawson Boulevard. There were two employees in the store at the time of the robbery. No injuries were reported.

Detectives ask anyone with information about this crime to contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS. All callers will remain anonymous.