(Long Island, NY) The Friends and Foundation of the Rochester Public Library will host special guest Peter Read for its Tuesday Topics program on March 1. Read is a retired Air Force officer and government consultant who lost his 19-year-old daughter when she was shot and killed during the Virginia Tech massacre, the largest mass shooting in US history.

Since his daughter’s death, Read has become an outspoken advocate for strengthening gun laws at the federal and state levels. Read was appointed a charter member of the Virginia Tech Outreach Foundation by Virginia Governor Tim Kaine. Read will speak about his family’s loss and his advocacy work.

In an October 2015 New York Times interview after the Umpqua Community College shooting in Oregon Read was asked why he continues to work in the frustrating political system where progress to curb gun violence is so slow. “How do I not?” Read responded. “When the time comes for me to see my daughter again, what do I tell her that I did?”

Read has a local connection as he was born and raised in Rochester and graduated from Palmyra-Macedon Central High School in 1980.

C0-presenting with Read will be retired police commander Gary Pudup, the Upstate coordinator for New Yorkers Against Gun Violence.

The program is scheduled for 12 pm at the Kate Gleason Auditorium, Main Public Library, 115 South Avenue, and is free and open to the public. Read will be available for media interviews Tuesday and requests may be made by calling (585) 520 4606.

New Yorkers Against Gun Violence is a statewide advocacy group working to reduce gun violence through advocacy and education designed to encourage action, influence public opinion and lead to policy change. With a primary focus on New York State, the organization also advocates at the local and national levels for sensible gun laws, policies and practices that protect New York State residents from gun violence.

• Web:  www.nyagv.org    
• Twitter: @NYAGV1       
• Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/nyagv

(Long Island, NY) Major Case Bureau detectives from the Narcotics Vice Bureau report the arrests of two men on Thursday, February 18, 2016.

According to detectives, an undercover operation involving the Nassau County Narcotics Vice Bureau, DEA Group D-14 and the Suffolk County Police Department initiated in Massapequa.

In September 2015, Arsen Cankul, 36, of Shirley, along with his co-defendant, Edward Stanchio, 47, of Farmingdale, did possess and sell a quantity of heroin to undercover detectives during a narcotics transaction. During that sale, Arsen Cankul had his four year old child with him while the sale was conducted.

Mug shot of Arsen Cankul, 36, of Shirley. Photo Credit: NCPD.

Continuing September 2015 through February 2016, Cankul continued to sell heroin to undercover detectives that amounted to 987 glassine envelopes.

On February 18, 2016, Cankul again sold a large quantity of heroin to undercover detectives. He was then placed under arrest without further incident.

During the ongoing operation, Cankul sold and was found to have in his possession a total of 1,393 glassine envelopes containing heroin.

Mug shot of Edward Stanchio, 47, of Farmingdale. Photo Credit: NCPD.

Cankul is charged with two (2) counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance 2nd Degree, two (2) counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance 3rd Degree, two (2) counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 2nd Degree, two (2) counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd Degree, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 4th Degree (Warrant) and Unlawfully Dealing With a Child.

Stanchio is charged with Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance 3rd Degree and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd Degree.

Both defendants will be arraigned in First District Court, Hempstead on 02/19/2016.

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.

“Gersh 201.6 FM” Radio Themed Winter Show

(Long Island, NY) Nearly 120 children on the autism spectrum recently showcased their talents and abilities during the “Gersh 201.6 FM” radio themed live Winter Show held at Gersh Academy in West Hempstead, where students ages five through 21 sang and performed choreographed numbers alongside live tracks of popular radio tunes from personalized playlists they made in class.

“What Makes You Beautiful Song.” Photo Credit: Gersh Academy.

Culminating the students’ many hours of hard work and rehearsal time that began in January, the show featured a total of 12 acts that were proudly watched by over 200 parents as well as Gersh Academy students, staff and teachers. Performing to a medley of radio hits of yesterday and today, elementary students sang and danced along such songs as One Direction’s “What Makes You Beautiful” and Pharrell Williams’ “Happy”; middle school students performed to such tunes as Good Charlotte’s “Game On” and Billy Joel’s “Piano Man”; and high school students strutted their stuff to such perennial favorites as “We Will Rock You” by Queen, “I’m Every Woman” by Chaka Khan and “On The Radio” by Donna Summer. In between musical performances, students also showcased their acting and comedic chops through a staged radio newscast and comedy skit.

“A Whole New World Song.” Photo Credit: Gersh Academy.

Celeste Gagliardi, Principal of Gersh Academy, said that Gersh Academy’s Winter Show is held every year for a very specific purpose. “As delightful and enjoyable as it is to watch our students perform in our Winter Show each year, our Winter Show is far more than just a show – it is an experience with great takeaways for our students,” explains Gagliardi. “This show gives our students a forum for channeling their artistry, creativity, self-expression and camaraderie while overcoming the many challenges that so many children with developmental disabilities often face, including speaking, social anxiety and sensory integration deficits that can make it difficult to be exposed to loud sounds, music or noise.”

“Baby Song.” Photo Credit: Gersh Academy.

Beyond choosing their own music, learning the lyrics and mastering choreographed numbers for performing in the show, the students also designed their own stage sets, which included hand-made vinyl records. They also created themed baskets that were raffled off in an auction held during the show, benefiting Gersh Academy’s special events and projects.

“Ain’t No Body Bring Me No Bad News Song.” Photo Credit: Gersh Academy.

About Gersh Academy
Gersh Academy, located in West Hempstead on Long Island, New York is led by veteran Principal Celeste Gagliardi and a team of dedicated professionals. The school provides K-12 educational services for students on the autism spectrum from across the New York Metropolitan area and Long Island. It is the mission of Kevin Gersh, the founder of the school and related programs, as well as the teachers and staff of the school, to provide exceptional services and programs for special education students and, whenever possible, for students to be given the opportunity to return to their home school districts with all the tools and skills they need to be successful and achieve their full potential. For more information about Gersh Academy, visit http://gershacademy.org.

Queens Borough President, Long Island and City of New York Officials to Join Major League Baseball, NY Mets Officials and LGBTNetwork To Announce First LGBT Gay Pride Night in New York Sports Team History

(Long Island, NY) Queens Borough President Melinda Katz, US Congressman Steve Israel, NYC Councilman Danny Dromm, Long Island and NYC Officials and LGBT Network CEO David Kilmnick, will join Major League Baseball and New York Mets Team Officials in announcing the first-ever official Pride Night hosted by one of New York’s four Major League sports teams.

The announcement will take place on Tuesday, February 23^rd at 11 AM at Queens Borough Hall. It is the first time in New York’s history that a team from the four major professional sports leagues will host an official LGBT Pride event.

More than 5,000 lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) baseball fans will fill Citi Field at this historic event. Thousands of fans will wear commemorative Pride Night shirts with a portion of each ticket sale going to support the LGBT Network’s anti-bullying programs in Long Island and New York City schools. The New York tri-state area is home to an estimated 2 million LGBT residents and families who have long felt left out and not safe in major league ballparks and arenas.

David Kilmnick, LGBT Network CEO, said “Bullying is still a major league problem for LGBT youth. Over 82 percent report being verbally and physically harassed in the past year. It’s not only the school hallways where our young people report feeling unsafe, but also on the ball field. We are grateful and thankful to Major League Baseball for taking the lead in professional sports including the LGBT community in its diversity priorities and initiatives. As a life-long Mets fan, I am proud that the New York Mets are not only the defending National League Champions, but the champion of the New York sports world in making sure that everyone is welcomed and celebrated at Citi Field.”

In a statement, Mets Executive Vice President/Chief Revenue Officer Lou DePaoli said, “New York is the most diverse and inclusive city in the world, and the Mets  welcome all fans throughout the season. We are particularly proud to welcome the LGBT community on Pride Night at Citi Field.”

Billy Bean VP, Social Responsibility & Inclusion, MLB’s Office of the Commissioner, said, “Congratulations to the New York Mets and the LGBT Network of Long Island/Queens for working together to create this special event at Citi Field. Mets fans encompass every demographic that make up the great city of New York. It makes me very proud to see their organization display such a powerful example of inclusion, and a message of acceptance for anyone who loves the game of baseball.”

And, U.S. Congressman Steve Israel, who represents the Third Congressional District, said, “I have been a huge Mets fan for my entire life, but today I am especially proud to be a Mets fan with the news that Citi Field will host the first Major League Pride Night in New York. New Yorkers always lead the way for equality and our entire state should be proud of that. I want to commend the Mets for their leadership and The LGBT Network for their years of brave advocacy on behalf of the Long Island and Queens LGBT community.”

Pride Night at Citi Field will offer seating in all areas of the ballpark, including suites, with tickets beginning at only $35. Proceeds from each ticket purchased at mets.com/pride will benefit the LGBT Network, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and its Safe Schools Initiative working to stop bullying in Long Island and Queens.

(Long Island, NY) Second Squad detectives report the arrest of a couple from Seaford for incidents involving Burglary and Possession of Stolen Property.

According to detectives, Nicholas Anastasio, 35, a self-employed contractor under the business name “Platinum Touch Contracting”, while performing residential home improvements was found to have removed property from the following homes:

• Bristol Drive, North Bellmore – Computer on 07/29/2015
• Ann Lane, Levittown – Shotgun on 02/12/2016
• Surrey Lane, Levittown – Assorted jewelry on 02/16/2016

During the course of the investigation it was discovered that Jacqueline Anastasio, 34, of the same address was found to have sold some of the proceeds of the burglaries as well as being in possession of two assault rifles.

Nicholas Anastasio mug shot. Photo Credit: NCPD.

Nicholas is charged with three (3) counts of Burglary 2nd Degree.

Jacqueline is charged with two (2) counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd Degree and Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 4th Degree.

Jacqueline Anastasio mug shot. Photo Credit: NCPD.

Both defendants will be arraigned in First District Court, Hempstead on 02/19/2016.

Detectives are looking to identify anyone who believes that they may have been a victim of thefts involving Anastasio and “Platinum Touch Contracting”. Contact the Second Squad at (516) 573- 6253.

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.

“Solarize” campaigns are encouraging homes and businesses throughout the state to install solar

(Long Island, NY) Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that 900 solar projects are underway through 26 community “Solarize” campaigns across New York State. A component of the NY-Sun program and the Governor’s comprehensive Reforming the Energy Vision strategy, the “Solarize” campaigns are geared towards locally-organized community outreach efforts aimed at getting more homes and businesses to install solar. The Governor also announced another 31 Solarize campaigns are set to begin this spring.

“New York is blazing the trail when it comes to transitioning to sustainable energy practices and building a clean energy economy,” said Governor Cuomo. “By helping communities across the state install solar technologies, we are opening the door to new opportunities that will lower household energy costs while protecting the environment years into the future.”

Launched by the Governor in December 2014, New York’s Solarize initiative is a collaboration between the State and local communities. Communities engaged in Solarize campaigns are able to simplify purchasing and obtain discounts for participants on solar projects. The “Solarize” initiative partners with interested residential and business communities to conduct joint purchasing agreements that help lower solar acquisition and consumer costs.

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority provided a total of $365,000 in technical and marketing support for the 2015 Solarize campaigns. These campaigns saved participants a total of approximately $1.4 million on upfront purchase costs for solar, for an average of approximately $1,590 per residential or business project. Campaigns are managed by community partnerships that include local municipalities, planning organizations, sustainability groups, state legislators and business groups.

The Solarize program is part of NY-Sun, Governor Cuomo’s $1 billion initiative to advance the scale-up of solar energy and move the state closer to having a sustainable, self-sufficient solar industry. In his 2016 State of the State address, the Governor called for additional solar projects to be installed at 150,000 homes and businesses by 2020.

Chairman of Energy and Finance for New York State Richard Kauffman said,”Solar energy is a key component of Governor Cuomo’s Reforming the Energy Vision strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase the use of renewable resources and create jobs. These Solarize campaigns are an important tool to enable communities to transition to clean and sustainable energy and serve as the gateway for others across the New York to do the same.”

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO John B. Rhodes said, “Governor Cuomo’s NY-Sun program has led to unprecedented solar growth across the State, providing locally produced, affordable energy to residents and business. Solarize campaigns create opportunities for community members to work together to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and better protect our environment.”

Results by region from the first 26 Solarize campaigns as of January 2016 follow:

Community Campaigns by Region	Total Projects/Kilowatts (kW)
Capital Region: (3) Solarize Albany, Solarize Saratoga Springs, Solarize Troy	92 projects/708 kW
Central NY: (5) Solarize CNY: Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Onondaga, Oswego	192 projects/2,653 kW
Finger Lakes: (3) Solarize the Flower City, Solar Seneca, Solarize Williamson	50 projects/332 kW
Long Island: (2) Solarize Brookhaven, Solarize Southampton	86 projects/825 kW
Mid-Hudson: (8) Solarize Beacon Plus, Solarize Goshen-Warwick, Solarize Kingston, Solarize Bedford – Mt. Kisco, Solarize Cortland – Croton, Solarize Mamaroneck – Larchmont, Solarize Ossining – Briarcliff, Solarize Woodstock – Rosendale	305 projects/2,338 kW
North Country: (3) Solarize Akwesasne, Solarize Canton, Solarize Tri-Lakes	78 projects/550 kW
Southern Tier: (2) Solar Schuyler, Southern Tier Solar Works	97 projects/941 kW

See details by campaign here.

The next round of Solarize projects, beginning this spring, will be led by 12 municipalities, 18 not-for-profit organizations and a private entity working in association with a community group. Some of these new campaigns will participate in New York’s Affordable Solar program, announced by the Governor this past fall, which doubles NY-Sun incentives for households earning less than 80 percent of the area or state median income. In addition, 13 applications are for Shared Renewable campaigns, which help provide solar and other clean energy opportunities for renters and other consumers unable to have solar on their roofs.

See a list of communities here that are participating in the second round of Solarize campaigns.

From 2012 -2015, New York has seen an increase of 575 percent in the amount of solar power installed and in development, which has also generated a significant increase in the number of solar-related jobs across the State. According to a national report announced in February, New York’s solar industry is now the fourth largest in the nation and currently employs more than 8,250 workers, an increase of more than 3,000 jobs since 2013. In 2016, double-digit job growth is expected to continue with another 1,000 additional jobs created as a result of the state’s robust solar project pipeline.

About NY-Sun
NY-Sun is Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s $1 billion initiative to advance the scale-up of solar and move New York State closer to having a sustainable, self-sufficient solar industry. The growth of solar in the State has increased more than 300 percent from 2011 to 2014, twice the rate of U.S. solar growth overall. NY-Sun web site.

About Reforming the Energy Vision
Reforming the Energy Vision is New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s strategy to build a clean, resilient and affordable energy system for all New Yorkers. REV is transforming New York’s energy policy with new state-wide initiatives and regulatory reforms. REV will grow the state’s clean energy economy, support innovation, ensure grid resilience, mobilize private capital, create new jobs, and increase choice and affordability for energy consumers. REV places clean, locally produced power at the very core of New York’s energy system. This protects the environment and supports the State’s goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% while generating 50% of its electricity from renewable energy sources by 2030. Successful initiatives already launched as part of REV include NY-Sun, NY Green Bank, NY Prize, K-Solar, and a commitment to improve energy affordability for low-income communities. To learn more about REV, visit www.ny.gov/REV4NY and follow us @REV4NY.

(Long Island, NY) The First Squad reports the details of a Robbery that occurred on Thursday, February 18, 2016 at 11:25 PM in Roosevelt.

According to detectives, a male victim, 54, was returning to his vehicle after making a delivering for New King Wok to a Horace Avenue residence when he was approached by two male blacks wearing masks, one armed with a black handgun that demanded money.

Nassau County Police reports the details of a Robbery that occurred on Thursday, February 18 in Roosevelt. Photo Credit: Chris Boyle.

The victim complied and the subjects fled on foot eastbound towards Park Avenue with an undisclosed amount of US currency.

Subject 1 is described as a light skinned male black, 5’9” tall with a medium build. Subject 2 is described as dark skinned male black, 5’ 7” tall with a slim build.

Detectives request anyone with information to call Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS. All callers will remain anonymous.

Newly created Firearms Suppression Team seized weapons, drugs and cash

(Long Island, NY) Suffolk County Police Commissioner Timothy D. Sini will discuss results of recent search warrants executed at North Amityville homes this week that resulted in the arrest of 13 people while guns, drugs and cash were seized.

Officers and detectives from Firearms Suppression Team (FAST), Narcotics Section, Emergency Service Section and the Federal Bureau Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) executed a search warrant at 90 East Smith St., a known gang hangout, and confiscated guns, ammunition, drugs, drug paraphernalia and cash from the location on February 17. Eight people were arrested during the raid. A search warrant was also executed this morning at 58 Miller Ave., and the location of a recent reckless endangerment investigation. Five people were arrested and a loaded gun, drugs and cash were seized.

F.A.S.T, Firearm Suppression Team, which was recently created and consists of police officers and detectives, targets individuals who pose the most significant threat to the safety of Suffolk residents. The team’s purpose is to remove illegal firearms from the county’s streets and will focus its attention on communities that are most affected by firearm-related crimes.

WHAT: Commissioner Sini To Discuss Results of Search Warrants

WHERE: Suffolk County Police Headquarters, 30 Yaphank Ave., Yaphank

WHEN: Friday, February 19, 2016 at 11 a.m.

(Long Island, NY) Senator Tom Croci hosts his second annual Black History Ceremony. The event is to mark Black History Month and will honor several outstanding individuals in the 3rd Senate district, including: Ms. Joann Neal; Ms. Florence Joyner; Ms. Jacqueline Martin; Ms. Juanita Samuels; Mr. Matthew Moore; Reverend Lawrence Mosley, Jr. and the keynote speaker will be Dr. Jennie Williams from Stony Brook School of Medicine. There will also be performances by the Bellport Boys and Girls Club Steel Drum Band and the 3-D Dance Studio.

WHEN: Friday, February 26, 2016
TIME: 6:00 p.m.
WHERE: Brentwood Public Library, 34 Second Avenue, Brentwood

All interested members of the media and public are invited to attend.

Brief descriptions of honorees are included below:

• Ms. Joann Neal – Active community advocate for the Bellport area and former foster care caseworker for SCO Family Services, where she encouraged foster children to pursue and complete their educations. Joann is also the founder of the Boys and Girls Club Steel Drum Band and has received honors from Newsday, Administration for Children’s Services and SCO Foster Parents Association.
• Ms. Florence Joyner – Since 1994, Florence has worked as Executive Director of Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC), a not-for-profit organization in Amityville, NY. She coordinates and organizes computer training, life skills programs, customer service classes and work ethic sessions for the disadvantaged, the unemployed, and the under-employed.
• Ms. Jacqueline Martin – For the past 17 years, Jacqueline has been working for the Bellport Hagerman East Patchogue Alliance as a housing counselor, a “Weed and Seed” program coordinator, as well as an anger management coach. Jacqueline has developed programs such as the Read and Play program, the Refuse to Fail program, the Thinking Outside The Box program, and the National Night Out program.
• Juanita Samuels – Juanita spent seven years as a service member in the United States Army Reserve and has had a 21-year career working for Suffolk Transportation. Through her work at Suffolk Transportation, Juanita has become involved with the Islip Food for Hope program, helping to raise money every year for Thanksgiving baskets for those in the local community who are less fortunate.
• Matthew Moore – Matthew is a first generation college student, who recently graduated with a Masters from Stony Brook University. Matthew has devoted his volunteer and professional efforts to his goal to close the achievement gap by empowering college-bound minority students to overcome barriers to a path to higher education.
• Reverend Lawrence Mosely, Jr. – Currently serving as Pastor of Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Central Islip, Pastor Mosley is the architect of new ministries that are designed to engage church goers and meet the needs of the congregation. Living by the motto both he and his late father are known for, “Determined to Live for Christ,” Pastor Mosley has dedicated his life’s work to fighting for the underprivileged.
• Dr. Jennie Williams, PhD – Dr. Williams is Associate Professor of Medicine at Stony Brook University’s Department of Preventive Medicine. Currently, Dr. Williams is focused on determining what role molecular genetics plays in the initiation of colon cancer in African Americans and cancer health disparities. By studying single nucleotide polymorphisms, which affect gene function, she hopes to locate genes that are associated with cancer in African Americans. Additionally, Dr. Williams is investigating variations in treatment responses among diverse populations. Her research is part of the latest trend to begin personalized cancer treatment to ethnic minorities in a new discipline that researchers call “precision medicine,” in which a person’s genes, proteins, and environment are used to aide in the development of therapies for treating certain types of cancer.

(Long Island, NY) Suffolk County Police on Thursday, February 18 arrested a man for robbing a bank in Sayville.

A man entered the TD Bank, located at 188 Main St., approached a teller and produced a note demanding cash. The teller complied and the man fled the scene. A short time later the man was located a short distance from the bank and arrested.

Suffolk County Police on Thursday, February 18 arrested Daniel Suker, 43, of Sayville for robbing a bank in Sayville. Photo Credit: SCPD.

Pattern Crime Unit detectives charged Daniel Suker, 43, of Sayville, with Robbery 3rd Degree. He will be held overnight at the Fifth Precinct and is scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on February 19.

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.