(Garden City, NY) November 20, 2018. The 10th annual Long Island Volunteer Fair will be held at Nassau Community College from 10 am to 4pm, Tuesday, November 20, 2018. Over 40 nonprofit agencies will be staffing exhibits in the College Center Building (CCB) Multi-purpose Room to recruit students, faculty, and community members for a wide array of volunteer positions. Opportunities include working with animals, youth or seniors, and helping at museums, soup kitchens, shelters, or health care facilities. Volunteers are also needed to join an emergency preparedness group, become an advocate for special needs, or protect the environment. Anyone, regardless of age, location, or resources, can accomplish amazing things when they take on the problems they see in their community.

The 10th annual Long Island Volunteer Fair will be held at Nassau Community College from 10 am to 4pm, Tuesday, November 20, 2018. Photo Credit: rawpixel.

Organized by Nassau Community College and the Association of Professional Volunteer Administrators, the fair provides a one-stop venue for attendees to connect to community needs, grow professional skill-sets, and pursue personal goals by giving back. NCC President, Dr. W. Hubert Keen, will kick off the event that will include a volunteer recognition. The NCC Mascot, Leo the Lion, will also be making an appearance to cheer on volunteerism. NCC nursing students will be on hand checking blood pressures, and abook drive to benefit The Book Fairies will be held and a food drive to benefit the NCC Food Pantryfor students, The Nest (Nassau Empowerment and Support for Tomorrow),is specifically calling for the following items: macaroni & cheese, pasta, rice, ramen cup of noodles, soups (other than tomato), canned meat, snacks, cereal, canned corn, canned fruit, peanut butter, jelly, bread, and diapers.

Now, more than ever, it is time for Long Island to reinvest in its future. According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, Volunteering in America 2017 report, New York ranked third to last in the nation for volunteer participation rates. The Governor’s Commission on National and Community Service has made volunteerism a high priority issue. The upcoming 10th annual Long Island Volunteer Fair is one of the regional strategies in response to the state call to action. A collaborative effort with Nassau Community College, the fair supports the SUNY applied learning initiative to increase community service and opportunities for service learningand internships.

Fair event timing, the Tuesday of Thanksgiving week, not only helps launch holiday giving but also meets the desire to pay it forward when people’s awareness of the needs of others is especially heightened. The fair will provide an opportunity for individuals and groups to find the right fit for meaningful volunteer engagement to help solve serious community issues.

APVA Board Co-President Janet Romeo (Community Education Coordinator, The Epilepsy Foundation of Long Island) said, “Volunteers are the backbone of nonprofits across Long Island. The volunteer fair will introduce students and community members to volunteer coordinators actively seeking help to expand their programs and services. It’s a win-win.” APVA Board Co-President Judy Pockriss (Coordinator of Volunteers, Nassau County Department of Parks, Recreation and Museums) said, “Engaging and targeting youth has such important life-long implications as future leaders get introduced to societal needs that can be addressed through the impact and power of volunteerism. We as a community need their passion and desire to contribute to the common good.”

There is no charge to attend the fair and parking permits will be waived on fair day.

For more information about the fair:

Contact NCC’s Dr. Evangeline Manjares, Dean, Academic and Student Services, Applied Learning/Civic Engagement and Military/Veterans Affairs, at(516) 572-9775 ext. 24940, emaillongislandvolunteerfair@gmail.com, or visit www.apvali.org.

Directions to NCC: https://www.ncc.edu/campusservices/parkingandsafety/mapanddirections.shtml.

Media Inquiries: APVA Board Co-President–Judy Pockriss at 516-572-8416.

About Association for Professional Volunteer Administrators
Established in 1996 to meet the needs of Volunteer Administrators, the APVA continues to promote professionalism and strengthen leadership in the field of volunteer administration.Our members include volunteer program administrators from a wide variety of settings on Long Island in both Nassau and Suffolk Counties.Our mission is to be a supportive organization, providing tools for the professional growth of volunteer managers and to be a resource for volunteerism and volunteer administrators. http://www.apvali.org, PO Box 1475 North Massapequa NY 11758, info@apvali.org.

NEW YORK, NY – U.S. Senate candidate Chele Farley (R, C, Reform), in their one and only debate hosted by ABC7 Eyewitness News, completely dominated longtime incumbent Kirsten Gillibrand on a range of important topics.

Throughout the debate, Farley pressed Gillibrand both on her lack of accomplishments during her twelve years in Washington and on her radically shifting positions on a range of issues including: her call to abolish Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE); her plan for a government takeover of healthcare; and a failure to return over $800,000 in campaign contributions from Harvey Weinstein law firm.

When asked by ABC’s Bill Ritter about the migrant caravan headed to the US border with Mexico, Farley said, “People are calling it a caravan, I call it an invasion.”

Farley also challenged Gillibrand to explain to New Yorkers how she plans to pay the $32 trillion tab to take over the health care system, “Medicare for All.”

Finally, Farley, also called on Gillibrand to come clean with New Yorkers about her 2020 intentions. Gillibrand, who has spent only three days in New York this month and spent the vast majority of her campaign funds out of state – pledged to serve a full six year term.

In her closing, Farley called out Gillibrand for living in Washington D.C. and for a failure to deliver for New Yorkers. During that time over 1 million people have moved out of New York.

The debate, which was live streamed today, will be aired in its entirety on WABC “Up Close with Bill Ritter” and on some ABC affiliates and radio around the state this Sunday, October 28 at 11AM.

Chele Farley is an outsider with over 25 years of experience in the private sector. She is the Republican, Conservative and Reform Party candidate for U.S. Senate. Farley lives in New York City with her husband Richard and their three sons. For more information about U.S. Senate candidate Chele Farley, please visit www.CheleFarleyforSenate.com.

(Woodbury, NY) Nassau County Legislator Debra Mulé (D – Freeport) celebrated 25 years of the LGBT Network’s groundbreaking advocacy during their anniversary gala at the Crest Hollow Country Club on Tuesday, Oct. 23.

Legislator Mulé (left) at the LGBT Network’s 25th Anniversary event. Photo Credit: Office of Nassau County Legislator Debra Mulé.

Legislator Mulé joined LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community allies, including New York State Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, Nassau County Executive Laura Curran and Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone in saluting LGBT Network founder David Kilmnick for his 25 years of leadership. The evening’s honorees were former Congressman Steve Israel and philanthropist George Tsunis.

For more information, please contact Danny Schrafel at 516-571-4214 or dschrafel@nassaucountyny.gov.

“David and his team at the LGBT Network provide incredibly important services for some of Nassau County and Long Island’s most vulnerable residents. In this current climate, ensuring their continued success is especially important,” Legislator Mulé said. “I am delighted to stand with LGBT community activists in the ongoing struggle for equality and fairness for all.”

FARMINGDALE, NY – This week, the PGA of America held its “Taste of the 101st PGA Championship” event, an exclusive, mini re-creation of the corporate hospitality set-up for the 2019 PGA Championship.

Attendees were among the first to see what the grounds and hospitality at Bethpage will look like during the Championship this coming May—including the merchandise tent, food and beverages, hospitality chalets as well as a full-size replica of the Wanamaker Trophy. Attendees included David Charles (Senior Director, Championships at PGA of America), Scott Reid (PGA 2019 Championship Director), Peter King (U.S. Representative for New York’s 2nd Congressional District) and John Flanagan (Majority Leader, of the New York State Senate).

With ticket purchases from 49 states and across 22 different countries, the 2019 PGA Championship is poised to be one of the most prestigious sporting events in golf history,” said Scott Reid, 2019 PGA Championship Director. “The iconic Bethpage Black course has a rich tradition of hosting major championships, and its stature will only grow as it prepares to host the 2019 PGA Championship in May, and the Ryder Cup in 2024.”

Pictured (left to right): David Charles (Senior Director, Championships at PGA of America), Bernadette Castro (Former Parks Commissioner and Member of PGA of America Executive Committee), Peter King (U.S. Representative for New York’s 2nd Congressional District), Joe Saladino (Town Supervisor for Oyster Bay), and Scott Reid (Championship Director, 2019 PGA Championship)

Pictured (left to right): Peter King (U.S. Representative for New York’s 2nd Congressional District), Scott Reid (Championship Director, 2019 PGA Championship), and John Flanagan (Majority Leader, of the New York State Senate)

This 101st PGA Championship will continue the PGA of America’s commitment to offering free Championship access to young fans ages 17 and under, as well as for America’s active and retired service men and women. Each ticketed adult can bring up to four juniors under the age of 17 onto the Championship Grounds for free each day, regardless of a sellout. Also, all US active duty, military retirees, active reserve, National Guard and their accompanying guest will be eligible to receive free Daily Grounds tickets by presenting their Military ID, regardless of a sellout.

About the PGA of America
The PGA of America is one of the world’s largest sports organizations, with 29,000 professionals who work daily to grow interest and participation in the game of golf. The PGA also conducts some of golf’s premier championships, including the PGA Championship, Ryder Cup, KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, and partners with the LPGA and KPMG, a leading tax, audit and tax advisory firm, to conduct the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. For more information about the PGA of America, visit PGA.org, follow @PGAofAmerica on Twitter and find us on Facebook.

About the Ryder Cup
For more information about the Ryder Cup, visit RyderCup.com.

About Bethpage Black
Located in Farmingdale, N.Y., Bethpage State Park is home to five 18-hole public golf courses, including the world-renowned Black Course. Opened for play in 1936, Bethpage Black was designed by legendary architect A.W. Tillinghast with more recent work lead by Rees Jones. The Black has been a regular member on Golf Digest’s roster of America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses; GOLF Magazine named it one of the top 100 courses in the world. No stranger to big events, Bethpage Black previously hosted the 2002 and 2009 U.S. Opens. In May of 2019 it will play host to the PGA Championship for the very first time, before taking main stage again in 2024 for the Ryder Cup.

(North Babylon, NY) Kevin Wayne Austin Neumann of North Babylon’s Troop 399 became the Troop’s 59th Eagle Scout. Kevin earned more than 21 merit badges required to receive the Eagle Scout award. For his Eagle project, he held a food drive to benefit the North Babylon Food Pantry at St. Paul’s Church. At the conclusion of the food drive, he had donations nearing 2 tons of food. Thanks to Kevin, his project took bare shelves to overflowing.

Eagle Scout is the highest rank any Boy Scout can hope to attain. Photo Credit: Sasint via Pixabay.

An Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony honoring Kevin took place on Friday, June 14th in the auditorium of the North Babylon High School. Family, friends, and local dignitaries were on hand to witness and celebrate his distinguished achievement.

One of the highlights of the ceremony was Kevin’s speech during which he made special thanks to his grandfather, Robert Austin, who he described as someone who “has taught me a lot of valuable lessons and gives me great advice.” Another special guest was his 95-year old nana, Eileen Conlon, who also received a special thank you pin and acknowledgement during the ceremony.

Boy Scout Troop 399 meetings are held each Thursday evening that schools are open at 7:30PM in the Marion G. Vedder Elementary School cafeteria. For more information, you may visit Troop 399’s website at www.northbabylon399.mytroop.us. Troop 399 is a Boy Scout Troop based in North Babylon, NY. Troop 399 is a member of the Sagtikos District of BSA’s Suffolk County Council. It is sponsored by the North Babylon Lions Club. Originally chartered in 1975, Troop 399 has been serving the community, turning boys into leaders and giving families the opportunity to participate in scouting for over 40 years.

(San Diego, CA) A 2016 Islip High School graduate and Islip, New York, native is serving in the U.S. Navy with Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 73 at Naval Station North Island in Coronado, California.

Seaman Apprentice Maria Dominguez of Islip, New York. Photo Credit: Chief Mass Communication Specialist Alex Diaz.

Seaman Apprentice Maria Dominguez is a Navy logistics specialist serving with HSM 73, a versatile squadron that’s capable of completing a number of important missions for the Navy with the MH-60R “Seahawk” helicopter.

A Navy logistics specialist is responsible for ordering parts for the helicopters, verifying the priority status of orders and providing inventory support.

“I like interacting with people on a daily basis and I’m happy to help with the mission,” Dominguez said.

Dominguez credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Islip.

“Growing up, my mom educated me about the Navy and helped set me up for success,” Dominguez said.

HSM 73’s primary mission is to conduct sea control operations in open-ocean and coastal environments as part of a Carrier Air Wing. This includes hunting for submarines, searching for surface targets over the horizon and conducting search and rescue operations, if required.

The MH-60R is the Navy’s new primary maritime dominance helicopter, replacing the SH-60B and SH-60F aircraft. Greatly enhanced over its predecessors, the MH-60R helicopter features a glass cockpit and significant mission system improvements, which give it unmatched capability as an airborne multi-mission naval platform, according to Navy officials.

“I enjoy the people I work with because we work well together as a team,” Dominguez said.

Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Dominguez is most proud of completing command qualifications and is looking forward to attending college in the future.

As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Dominguez and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes, one that will provide a critical component of the Navy the nation needs.

“Serving to me means fighting for my country and the freedoms of others,” Dominguez said.

US Senate Candidate Latest Right-of-Center Voice Muzzled By Big Tech

NEW YORK, NY – U.S. Senate candidate Chele Farley (R, C, Reform) today revealed that micro-blogging site Twitter is censoring her tweets. This week the tech company started blocking “potentially sensitive content” in Farley’s timeline. Twitter’s arbitrary designation of “potentially sensitive content” included a tweet supporting term limits and another promoting her recent appearance on a Utica-area radio station. It’s unclear why Twitter would choose to censor Farley’s content.

“Although a private company, Twitter effectively controls the public square for its 336 million worldwide users. Therefore, any actions it takes to limit free speech should be scrutinized closely. Many of its recent victims include right-leaning voices like mine,” said Farley.

This is not the first time prominent social networks and search platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and Google have been accused of limiting the free speech of Republicans and conservatives. Twitter’s practice of “shadow banning,” or reducing the visibility of Republicans in its search feature, came under scrutiny earlier this year when Vice News reported that RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel was removed from the social media’s drop-down search box.

“If Twitter has chosen to suppress certain political points of view it finds incompatible with its liberal philosophy, then its customers should be aware of it. I’m speaking out today because I will not be muzzled. It’s time for Republicans and conservatives to fight back against Big Tech’s bias,” said Farley.

Chele Farley is an outsider with over 25 years of experience in the private sector. She is the Republican, Conservative and Reform Party candidate for U.S. Senate. Farley lives in New York City with her husband Richard and their three sons. For more information about U.S. Senate candidate Chele Farley, please visit www.CheleFarleyforSenate.com.

SMITHTOWN – Yesterday, Reclaim New York Initiative hosted a press conference with Suffolk County residents, and Legislator Rob Trotta. The press conference addressed Suffolk Bill 1850: A Charter Law to Ensure the Legality of Suffolk County Fees.

Under state law, fees cannot be more than the cost of specific services. Any surplus money passed to a government’s general fund is an illegal tax. Suffolk County lawmakers know this. Their legal counsel advised them that the law was likely illegal.

If passed, Trotta’s bill would put the cost of fees front and center. The county would be required to disclose the true cost of services before finalizing a budget. In addition, the bill would prevent future illegal fees by prohibiting the county from transferring fee revenue to the general fund.

“Reclaim New York Initiative applauds Legislator Trotta for taking a stand against Suffolk County’s predatory fees,” said Executive Director Brandon Muir. “Suffolk County residents have suffered for far too long. They’re already struggling under New York’s high taxes and burdensome regulations. They don’t need lawmakers robbing them blind. This legislation would finally provide Suffolk County residents with the transparency they deserve.”

“Excessive illegal recording fees from Suffolk County discriminate against real estate investors and directly impact the local businesses and communities they work hard to improve,” said Melissa Murphy. “LIREIA supports Reclaim New York in working to reduce these fees so that it doesn’t hurt Long Island Families.”

“Instead of finding ways to help keep Long Island’s youth from leaving, the Suffolk County Legislature is actually going out of their way to make the cost of buying a home here even worse” said Joseph Latini, a local Mortgage Banker in Hauppauge on Tuesday. “These fee increases raise the cost of an average closing by approximately $1400 per transaction. What is worse, is the people who get hit hardest by these fees are the people who are purchasing lower cost housing, which are predominantly first time home buyers and Long Island’s elderly.”

“This administration’s use of exorbitant fees as a mechanism to plug budget holes is simply a back door tax,” said Legislator Trotta. “This bill would prevent these irresponsible practices from continuing and ensure greater transparency.”

“Suffolk County residents are tired of getting nickeled and dimed by these hidden taxes. It amazes me that my colleagues would continue to push through these fees when their very legality is still in question,” said Legislator Flotteron.

A vote on the bill is to be scheduled for October 16th.

Reclaim New York Initiative is a non-partisan, non-profit registered 501(c)4 organization. We work to empower all New Yorkers with information and tools to make sure government officials understand – loud and clear – that they work for us. Visit ReclaimNYNow.org

(Hempstead, NY) Nassau County Executive Laura Curran today filed with the Nassau County Legislature proposed amendments to the existing lease agreement with the support of BSE Global (BSE), who manages and operates NYCB Live, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. The amendments set forth an inclusive and collaborative process for moving forward with proposed plans for BSE and their chosen partner, RXR Realty (RXR), to develop a transformative plan for the Nassau Hub.

Nassau County Executive Laura Curran. Photo Credit: Nassau County.

“The Legislature’s approval of these amendments is critical to moving forward with this top-notch development team and to getting shovels in the ground at the Hub as soon as possible,” said Curran. “Development at the Hub is essential to creating jobs and growing the County’s tax base.”

“We’re thrilled to propose a dynamic plan under the rights of our lease and move forward with a concept that focuses on developing a live, work, play environment,” said Brett Yormark, CEO of BSE Global. “By combining the vision of the County Executive and RXR, we are primed to build a project that can serve generations of Long Islanders to come through a combination of uses, including transformational commercial office space and destination and experiential retail. We’re looking forward to getting started.”

“We look forward to the opportunity to work with the County Executive, the Legislature, our partners at BSE Global and especially the residents of the surrounding communities to formulate plans to advance this important project,” said Scott Rechler, Chairman and CEO of Uniondale-based RXR Realty. “A successful activation of the Hub site will benefit all of Nassau County and the region beyond.”

The $1.5 billion plan calls for housing, experiential retail, and office and biotech research space.

If approved by the Nassau County Legislature, development will move forward with $85 million in state funding for on-site structured parking–a critical component to any development of the Hub.

Curran is also seeking additional state funds for pedestrian bridges, which would connect the Hub with Hofstra, Nassau Community College and nearby offices, as well as state incentives to attract a bio-medical of life sciences employer. Mt. Sinai Health Network has expressed interest in establishing a 100,000-square-foot medical research facility at the site.

Highlights of the initial BSE/RXR plan include:

• 500 housing units
• 600,000 square feet of office and biotech research space
• 200,000 square feet of “experiential retail”
• Parking to meet the program demand, including approximately 3,400 spaces in parking structures to be funded by the State’s $85 million
• Bus rapid transit to nearby LIRR stations
• Pathways and pedestrian bridges connecting to neighboring educational, cultural, recreational, and commercial centers.

“This is it. We are going to bring transformative development to the Nassau Hub,” said Curran. “Never before have the stars been aligned. There is funding, political support and zoning approval in place. All the stakeholders are engaged and focused. The county is committed to working with our partners in government and the community. This project epitomizes my vision for a real live-work-play district at the Hub and will transform the landscape of Nassau County.”

Gillibrand denies Kavanaugh the benefit of the doubt she has received for NXIVM

NEW YORK, NY – U.S. Senate candidate Chele Farley (R, C, Reform) called on Kirsten Gillibrand to stop applying a phony double standard to Judge Kavanaugh.

“Kirsten Gillibrand is a complete and utter hypocrite. She has been extended the benefit of the doubt and due process in sloughing off questions about her ties to a notorious sex cult, yet has presumed Judge Kavanaugh guilty without providing the same,” said Farley.

Farley continued, “Throughout this campaign I have called on Kirsten Gillibrand to explain how she failed so badly to protect women in her own backyard, despite mountains of evidence to the contrary – Kirsten Gillibrand has simply claimed ignorance. Judge Kavanaugh has denied actions that occurred 35 years ago with even less evidence and deserves due process.”

As the Washington Times reported earlier this week, “Kavanaugh’s not been so lucky. Neither the media nor Gillibrand have exactly given him a fair shake, preferring instead to convict first, get evidence later.”

In fact when Gillibrand was confronted with questions regarding NXIVM, she unbelievably denied any knowledge and the liberal media including Salon and the Washington Post, jumped to her defense.

In March, Gillibrand’s spokesman claimed the Senator had no knowledge of the group, telling the New York Post, “Sen. Gillibrand had never heard of this group [NXIVM] until she recently read about them in the newspaper.”

By Gillibrand’s own standard her spokesman’s claim strains credulity. Kirsten Gillibrand is from the Capital Region, represented the Capital Region in Congress and still has a home in the area today. NXIVM has been featured in scores of front page stories by the Albany Times Union and reports on multiple television news outlets. Finally, and most importantly, Gillibrand’s father was employed by NXIVM and was involved in a high-profile lawsuit against them when Gillibrand was running for Congress.

“Since Kirsten Gillibrand believes Judge Kavanaugh should answer accusations stemming from incidents that are 35 years old, by the same standard, she should answer questions about her own past that are just a few years old,” said Farley.

Concluded Farley, “Due process matters. The Senate should hold their hearings, Dr. Ford and other accusers should be heard and a vote should be taken. Based on his qualifications, background and the information available today, he should be confirmed,” Chele Farley.

Chele Farley is an outsider with over 25 years of experience in the private sector. She is the Republican, Conservative and Reform Party candidate for U.S. Senate. Farley lives in New York City with her husband Richard and their three sons. For more information about U.S. Senate candidate Chele Farley, please visit www.CheleFarleyforSenate.com.