An Illustrated Lecture by Franklin Hill Perrell – Sunday, April 10, 3:30 pm

(Long Island, NY) On Sunday, April 10, at 3:30, the Oyster Bay Historical Society welcomes Franklin Hill Perrell for a special lecture on Cove Neck neighbors Theodore Roosevelt and Louis Comfort Tiffany. Renowned Long Island residents,Roosevelt and Tiffany each called Oyster Bay home in the early twentieth century. Both led legendary lives, although their status as Cove Neck neighbors has been little discussed. In his lecture, Mr. Perrell will take another look at these two American icons and their equally impressive homes, Sagamore Hill and Laurelton Hall.

Cove Neck in 1906. Photo Credit: Oyster Bay Historical Society.

The program takes place in the Oyster Bay Historical Society’s Angela Koenig Center at 20 Summit Street in Oyster Bay. Admission is $20 per person in advance ($25 at the door). Please make checks payable to the Oyster Bay Historical Society (PO Box 297, Oyster Bay NY 11771), or pay online at oysterbayhistorical.org.  Light refreshments will be served. Call 516-922-5032 for more information.

Franklin Hill Perrell is the co-founder of Artful Circle, a company specializing in lectures on art and architecture, as well as visits to art galleries, museums, artist studios, and other cultural sites. He is both the former Chief Curator of the Nassau County Museum of Art and the Executive Director of the Roslyn Landmark Society, dedicated to Roslyn’s historic district and responsible for the restoration of the Mackay Horse statue rescued from the historic Harbor Hill estate.

Dozens of Long Island volunteer firefighters & first responders expected to attend

(Long Island, NY) On Saturday morning, dozens of Long Island volunteer firefighters will assemble at Albertson Fire Department, along with local elected officials and representatives from the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) and the Southern New York Volunteer Firemen’s Association (SNYVFA) to discuss the 2016 legislative agenda.

New York State’s 100,000 volunteer firefighters are finding 2016 to be a busy year legislatively, led by a strong push for presumptive cancer coverage for the volunteer first responders. Currently the volunteers are not covered if diagnosed with many cancers; yet firefighters are diagnosed with cancer at a much higher rate than the general population, owing largely to the toxins and carcinogens they are exposed to in the line of duty. Firefighters who are cancer survivors will share their experiences.

Other issues addressed will be prohibiting illegal modifications to dwellings that put first responders in danger; and the hazards of chemical flame retardants in residential upholstered furniture.

FASNY has released an economic impact study titled “Tax Savings and Economic Value of Volunteer Firefighters in New York.” The study, the most in-depth of its kind, concludes that the 100,000 volunteer firefighters across New York save the state’s taxpayers more than $3 billion annually. These savings are realized because volunteer firefighters are not paid wages and because fundraising by volunteer organizations reduces the need to levy taxes to finance fire equipment and operations.

Study at this link: http://www.fasny.com/EconomicStudy/

Coffee is available at 8:00 a.m. and the presentations begin at 9:00. To view legislation prioritized by FASNY, please visit http://wdt.me/fasny-legislation.

WHO:

• FASNY President Robert McConville
• FASNY 2^nd Vice President & SNYVFA Nassau County Director Steven Klein
• SNYVFA President Thomas McDonough; FASNY officials
• Elected officials
• Dozens of local volunteer first responders, including cancer survivors.              

WHAT: SNYVFA Legislative Outreach Session – firefighters gather to discuss the 2016 legislative agenda.

WHEN: Saturday, March 19, 2016

• Coffee at 8:00 a.m.
• Presentations 9:00 a.m.  – 12:00 noon

WHERE: Albertson Fire Department, 100 I.U. Willets Road, Albertson, NY 11507

(Long Island, NY) The Village of Rockville Centre has appointed Kathleen MacDonald Murray as Village Administrator.  Mrs. Murray, no relation to the Mayor, previously served as Deputy Village Administrator for Planning and Strategic Initiatives.

“Kathleen’s vast experience, knowledge of our Village, and ability to work with personnel from all departments to complete projects that have improved the Village for both employees and residents makes her the obvious person for the job,” commented Mayor Francis X. Murray.  “ I look forward to continuing to work alongside Kathleen to improve upon this great Village.”

In her previous role with the Village, Mrs. Murray worked to improve the efficiency of Village projects, processes, and staff. She provided support to a broad variety of construction projects including the renovation of Maple Avenue. Mrs. Murray also planned and prepared grant proposals and managed projects that are grant-funded.

“I am extremely pleased and humbled to serve the Village that I grew up in and in which I’ve raised my family,” commented Kathleen MacDonald Murray.  “The five years I’ve spent with the Village have allowed me to learn the operations from the ground up and have prepared me for my new role with the Village.  I look forward to further developing relationships with my neighbors and co-workers.”

Prior to working for the Village, Mrs. Murray worked writing and managing grants as a private consultant and for Family Service League and South Nassau Communities Hospital’s World Trade Center Family Center. Earlier in her career, Kathleen performed strategic planning consultations and served as Chief Operating Officer for an organizational development consulting firm in New Haven and evaluated business plans for the quasi-public venture capital firm Connecticut Innovations, Inc. Mrs. Murray holds an undergraduate degree in management from Boston College and a Masters in Business Administration from Yale University.

Mayor Francis X. Murray stepped in as the interim Village Administrator at no cost to the Village while the Board of Trustees conducted a comprehensive search to fill the position.  The vacancy was created in October 2015 after Keith Spadaro vacated the position to go into the private sector. In her new role, Mrs. Murray will supervise nearly 20 departments and be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Village.

Mrs. Murray has spent countless hours volunteering for the RVC Conservancy, the Wilson School PTA, and the Rockville Centre Council of PTAs. A long time resident of Rockville Centre, Mrs. Murray grew up in Rockville Centre and returned 15 years ago with her husband Bill to raise their three children.

(Long Island, NY) Senator Thomas Croci (R, C, I – Sayville) announces that the New York State Senate has passed legislation to further protect victims of domestic violence. The bill (S3087), sponsored by Senator Cathy Young (R-C-I, Olean), would provide stronger protections for vulnerable domestic violence victims by allowing them to testify via closed-circuit television in criminal proceedings.

“Providing an opportunity for a domestic violence victim to safely testify against their abuser via closed circuit television, rather than in person, not only provides a less stressful environment for the victim, but creates a safer setting that can allow the victim the motivation to come forward and continue with their testimony against the abuser. More victims coming forward to testify will lead to more convictions and less opportunity for the abuser to further abuse the victim,” stated Senator Croci.

Current law only allows children who are considered vulnerable by a judge to testify via closed-circuit television. This legislation would also give domestic violence victims the option of testifying outside of the physical presence of their abusers to help facilitate cooperation with prosecutions.

This bill builds upon other measures the Senate has passed to protect domestic violence victims, including a new law (S6)also sponsored by Senator Young that was passed last year as part of the Senate’s Women’s Equality Agenda. The law creates a pilot program to allow domestic violence victims to obtain orders of protection through electronic means rather than having to appear in person. It also requires the Office of Court Administration to review and update its policies and services for all crime victims in the courts in order to ensure that their needs are being met and that all victims are truly protected.

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) Former 2015 Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) President Thomas P. Hand of Massapequa Water District was recently honored by NSWCA during a recent NSWCA meeting held at Palmer’s American Grille in Farmingdale, NY, where he was awarded a special citation from the Nassau County Office of the Executive for his significant contributions for the enhancement of our region and the betterment of its residents.

Pictured a recent Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) meeting from left to right is 2016 NSWCA President Raymond J. Averna of Massapequa Water District presenting 2015 NSWCA President Thomas P. Hand, also of Massapequa Water District, with a special citation from the Nassau County Office of the Executive in honor of Mr. Hand’s significant contributions for the enhancement of the Long Island region and the betterment of its residents. Photo Credit: NSWCA.

2016 NSWCA President Raymond J. Averna of Massapequa Water District presented Mr. Hand the award, commenting, “Thomas truly deserves our appreciation for his leadership and guidance during his tenure. His commitment to NSWCA and the communities we serve merit recognition.”

A commissioner with Massapequa Water District Commissioner over past four years, Mr. Hand will continue to remain active with NSWCA.

Organized and chartered in 1981, Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) is comprised of water commissioners from 21 Nassau County and Suffolk County water districts. NSWCA is dedicated to promoting environmental excellence and best practices as well as maintaining the highest standards of water quality and supply. It regularly sponsors educational meetings on topics that include the environment, security, economics, rules and regulations, among other related issues.

For further information, please contact Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association President
Mr. Raymond J. Averna via phone, 516-650-5880, or email, raverna@massapequawater.com.

(Long Island, NY) Suffolk County Police First Squad detectives are investigating a two-vehicle crash that killed a woman in Lindenhurst on Thursday, March 17.

A 17-year-old Lindenhurst female was driving a 2005 Jeep Liberty eastbound on 49th Street, attempting to cross Straight Path, when her vehicle collided with a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee traveling northbound on Straight Path at 7:12 a.m.

Suffolk County Police are investigating a two-vehicle crash that killed a woman in Lindenhurst on Thursday, March 17. Photo Credit: Chris Boyle.

The driver of the Grand Cherokee, AlyssaMarie Gerbasio, 23, of West Babylon, was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene by a physician assistant from the Office of the Suffolk County Medical Examiner. The driver of the Liberty was transported to Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center in West Islip for evaluation and released.

The investigation is continuing. Anyone with information on the crash is asked to call First Squad detectives at 631-854-8152.

(Long Island, NY) The Seventh Squad is investigating a Robbery that occurred in Massapequa on Thursday, March 17, 2016 at 8:00 am.

According to detectives, an unknown male subject entered into the County Line Farms convenient store located 5840 Merrick Road and demanded that the 33 year old female clerk hand over all cash from her register.

Nassau County Police investigating a Robbery that occurred in Massapequa on Thursday, March 17. Photo Credit: Chris Boyle.

After the victim complied the subject then fled on foot in an unknown direction with an undisclosed amount of US currency. There was no weapon displayed. There were no injuries reported.

The subject is described as being male, black, dark skinned, 5’10” tall, 27 years of age, black hooded sweat shirt, red/black plaid shirt, and black jeans.

Detectives request that anyone with information regarding this crime to contact the Nassau County Police Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS. All callers will remain anonymous.

Local pharmacy owner honored for not selling tobacco products

(Long Island, NY) In celebration of Kick Butts Day, Reality Check LI teens honored Robert Grisnik, a pharmacist and owner of Southrifty Drug in Southampton for his leadership and commitment to not sell tobacco products. Local teens presented a certificate of recognition and expressed their appreciation.

“We want to thank Mr. Grisnick for looking out for kids in our community and being a leader in deciding not to sell tobacco products“, said Sam Moustafa, Reality Check teen. “Kids shouldn’t grow up thinking cigarettes are okay because you buy them at the same place as medicine and other health products”; said Megan Williams, Reality Check teen.

In celebration of Kick Butts Day, Reality Check LI teens honored Robert Grisnik, owner of Southrifty Drug in Southampton for not selling tobacco products. Photo Credit: Reality Check LI.

Reality Check Teens set up a table to educate the community about the importance of banning the sale of tobacco at all pharmacies and asked for residents and local organizations to sign on their support.

“The Surgeon General of the United States calls tobacco use a pediatric epidemic, with 3.6 million youth currently smoking cigarettes. I came to support Kick Butts Day because of a proven medical correlation: the more you smoke, the more you stroke. Stroke can often result in permanent disability and even death,” said Dr. Olga McAbee, Director of Neurology and Stroke at Southampton Hospital.

“The absence of tobacco products also reduces youth exposure to tobacco imagery and marketing which are known to increase youth smoking rates. Each year, 10,600 kids under 18 become new daily smokers in New York. The efforts by pharmacies such as Southrifty take steps towards reducing that number and protecting our youth”, said Michael Hoffner, Reality Check LI Coordinator.

Local teens presented Grisnik with a certificate of recognition and expressed their appreciation. Photo Credit: Reality Check LI.

“Pharmacies that refuse to stop selling tobacco products make the process of quitting smoking more difficult,” said Susan Kennedy, Director of the Tobacco Action Coalition of Long Island. “Having to face your biggest challenge every time you go to purchase nicotine replacement products or other non-smoking medications is a catch-22”.

“We applaud Bob Grisnik for leading by example and choosing to not sell tobacco products in his pharmacy,” said Michael Seilback, Vice President of Public Policy & Communications at the American Lung Association of the Northeast.  “We hope to eventually see all pharmacies tobacco-free because we know that when kids see tobacco behind the checkout counter, they do take notice.  Pharmacies and stores like Mr. Grisnik’s that make the decision to not sell tobacco are truly helping to save lives because they’re preventing another generation from picking up a habit that is both addictive and deadly.”

Kick Butts Day is a national day of activism sponsored by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids that empowers youth to speak out and stand up to the tobacco industry in an effort to end tobacco use once and for all.

Reality Check is a New York State youth-led, adult supported group against the deceptive marketing practices of the tobacco industry and the way they market their products towards youth. Reality Check youth work to expose the truth about the way the tobacco industry advertises and tries to eliminate those marketing opportunities in their community. 

Reality Check LI is part of the Tobacco Action Coalition of Long Island which is funded by the NY Tobacco Control Program through a grant administered by the American Lung Association of the Northeast.  To learn more visit RealityCheckLI.org.

(Long Island, NY) Yesterday, Assemblyman Chad A. Lupinacci (R,C,I-South Huntington) joined his Assembly Minority colleagues to warn of unintended consequences that could be caused by raising the state’s minimum wage to $15 per hour.

“We all want to be able to provide for our families and ensure they have the necessary resources to succeed,” Lupinacci said. “My colleagues and I are concerned that the governor’s plan will impact the ability of youth in our state to gain meaningful work experience. With a raise to $15 per hour, employers are less likely to give young adults their first summer or part-time jobs. Our choices shouldn’t be between helping people in need or setting up our children for future success. We need a plan that accomplishes both – a plan that is fiscally responsible and beneficial in the long run.”

Assemblyman Lupinacci speaks at the press conference on the potential impacts of raising the state’s minimum wage to $15 per hour. Photo Credit: NYS.

As an alternative, the Assembly Minority supports increasing the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which would target individuals who file head of household and are in need of assistance.

“This plan would provide concentrated assistance for those who are most in need while protecting both small business and preserving youth employment opportunities,” Lupinacci said.

Lupinacci also discussed how his ‘Learn for Work’ program, a proposal included in his higher-education affordability plan, would assist high school juniors and seniors by giving them opportunities to work with local businesses and develop real-world skills.

“If we can bring together local businesses and our young adult workforce, both would benefit greatly,” Lupinacci said. “Small businesses would gain tax credits for participating in this program and students would learn technical skills and gain valuable experience from working in their chosen field. It is a win-win for everybody involved.”

(Long Island, NY) Assemblyman Dean Murray (R,C,I-East Patchogue) recently joined Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,C-Canandaigua), their Republican colleagues, and small-business leaders from around the state at a joint press conference, discussing the economic dangers of raising the state minimum wage to $15 per hour and alternative pathways for New Yorkers to seek higher compensation.

“I think we can all agree with the intent of raising wages when appropriate, but we cannot ignore simple economics. Our small-business owners are already dealing with the least business-friendly environment in the nation,” said Murray. “Forcing them to raise their operating costs further will only result in businesses closing, owners cutting employees and more commerce leaving the state. The Empire Center estimates that an increase to $15 per hour would cause the loss of at least 200,000 jobs in New York.”

Instead of raising the minimum wage, Murray proposes investing in education to encourage residents to enter higher paying jobs. He sponsors A.8691 to create a community college merit and mobility scholarship and A.8695 to institute a ‘Learn for Work’ program in high schools for students to gain knowledgeable experience while also offering a tax credit for participating businesses. In addition, Murray supports the earned income tax credit, to help out those who are looking to raise a family and make ends meet on a minimum wage salary.

“To build a better economic environment in New York, we need to lift the heavy restrictions and mandates already on our small-business owners and help out those who are truly looking to improve their wages and standard of living,” Murray said. “I’m proud to sponsor legislation that will generate opportunities for those looking to help themselves. Imposing a raise in operating costs and forcing young professionals and businesses out of the state is not the answer. Creating a ‘Learn for Work’ program, lifting the heavy mandates already on our businesses, and helping make higher education more affordable and accessible, are all real solutions that will give New Yorkers a chance to improve their lives without further damaging our economy.”