Senator LaValle Establishes Priorities for 2016 Legislative Session: Increase school aid; hold line on taxes; no SUNY tuition increase; fight heroin crisis

(Long Island, NY) Responding to the Governor’s State of State Address, Senator Ken LaValle discussed his thoughts on the Governor’s Budget proposals and stated his legislative priorities for this Legislative Session.  The Senator’s emphases range from new job creation, tax stabilization, increasing state education aid and fighting the heroin epidemic.

Senator LaValle said, “I will continue my efforts to stabilize real property taxes and create greater job opportunities through economic development initiatives. Additionally, as a top priority, I will work to provide resources and solutions to combat the growing heroin epidemic in our communities.”

Senator LaValle outlined his priorities:

Tax relief/stabilization:

“We need to continue to make meaningful changes that will ease the burden on Long Island taxpayers.  We have to maintain the property tax cap in addition to other measures to provide continued tax stability.  As the author of the STAR program, I will work to maintain funding for this important rebate program, along with the property tax rebate check program.”

“New York State government should also be required to live within a cap.  In order to better constrain state expenditures and hold the line on state taxes, we approved a bill in the senate last week to limit state spending to a “2% cap” and make it permanent.  In the recent state budgets, we have self-imposed the “2% cap” in our fiscal plans, but its time to make it a requirement for all future State legislatures.  State government should be required to keep a rein on spending, just as we have obligated other levels of government to comply.  The Assembly and the Governor should follow suit and approve our measure immediately.”

“By maintaining the property tax cap, making the state government live within the “2% tax cap”, continuing to fund the STAR programs, we will be able to provide the tax stability that Long Islanders deserve.”

State aid to local schools; Ending the harmful GEA

“The Governor’s school aid funding proposal in his budget is a good starting point, but doesn’t provide the level of funding necessary for our schools.  I will fight for an increase in local school aid above the Governor’s proposals in order to maintain a quality education for our children and keep school taxes under control.”

“Two weeks ago in the Senate, we approved legislation that I co-sponsored to fully restore school aid cuts this year that were caused by the imposition of the Gap Elimination Adjustment (GEA).  Since 2010, the GEA has forced many schools to cut educational programs and reduce services.  I am pleased that in the State of the State, the Governor has expressed interest in eliminating the GEA; however his proposition is to eliminate it over the next two years.   That is unacceptable.  The GEA has hurt students and taxpayers; we need to end the GEA now. I will work to have it completely eliminated this year.”

Heroin Epidemic

“The heroin crisis is affecting many communities throughout our region.  Today, it touches individuals in every social and economic group and is widespread.  We need to act now to halt this epidemic.” Said Senator LaValle.

Heroin abuse has steadily increased over the years, with a Center for Disease Control (CDC) study reporting heroin “use increasing across the US among men and women, most age groups, and all income levels.”

Senator LaValle continued, “It’s critically important that we pull out all the stops to halt the spread of heroin.  I will be looking into providing additional resources and measures this legislative session in an effort to address this growing problem.  Towards that end, I have established a section on my senate web page for community input concerning how to help fight the heroin crisis. No idea is to big or too small. “

The link can be found on the Senator’s web page at: LaValle.nysenate.gov or by conducting a web search on “Senator LaValle Heroin Crisis”.

In an effort to increase public attention to the topic, Senator Ken LaValle appeared on a special half-hour “Meet the Leaders” program to discuss the heroin crisis on Long Island this past month.

Senator LaValle is a member of NYS Senate Heroin Task Force.  This past year, the Task Force approved a number of bills to aid in the treatment of those addicted, expanded public education information to stem addiction and increase awareness, increased penalties on pushers and drug dealers, plus improved accessibility to Naloxone anti-overdose kits to help save lives.

Higher Education/Making College affordable

“As Chairman of the Senate Higher Education Committee, I will once again work to make college affordability a priority for the committee this session. We must continue to focus on the growing student loan debt crisis.  I have worked very hard to enact measures ranging from loan forgiveness to increased tuition assistance recognizing that student loan debt is one of the most serious financial issues facing our young people today.   This session we need to make the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) more viable for middle income-level students, so we can help those who are carrying the biggest debt.“

“I look forward to working with my colleagues in an effort to further ease the burden on New York Students,” said Senator LaValle.

Concerning the Governor’s Budget Plan to increase SUNY tuition:

Senator Ken LaValle said, “Students have made their investment in SUNY over the past five years by paying annual tuition increases over each of those years.  Now is the time for the state to make its own five-year investment without increasing student costs.  We should not be taking crucial dollars from the students while they are working to graduate college, keep their debt as low as possible, and as they look forward to beginning new careers.  I look forward to working with SUNY to develop a plan that is both affordable for students and provides a quality education.”

Preserving our environment

“I am pleased that the Governor’s budget proposal includes an increase in the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF).  The proposal would increase the 2016 Environmental Protection Fund budget to $300 million.  This is a substantial difference from the last year’s budget of $177 million.  The EPF has been a key source of state aid assisting local communities in undertaking a range of projects from drinking water quality to wetlands protection, from community parks enhancement to recycling programs, and from farmland preservation to controlling invasive species.”

“We must provide adequate funding to ensure preservation of our lands and the quality of the surface and drinking water in our region.  Be assured, as the budget process begins in earnest over the next few months, I will work to develop strategies to set realistic paths to achieve all of our environmental goals.”

Lyme and Tick Borne Diseases

“We must continue to be relentless in the awareness and fight to eradicate Lyme and tick-borne diseases across Long Island. As a member of the NY Senate Task Force On Lyme And Tick-Borne Diseases, I have focused on improving prevention, diagnosis and treatment protocols, and obtained funding to conduct pilot programs.  This year, I will continue to work to resolve the issues with these diseases.   Be assured that I will work diligently to bring as many resources as I can towards resolving Lyme disease and tick-borne illnesses.

Contest Highlights Local Athletic Achievement as Well as the Changing Field of Physical Education

(Long Island, NY) Adelphi University and local educators have been at the forefront of promoting lifetime physical activity in physical education. In January, Adelphi launched and hosted a Most Physically Educated Competition. Students and teachers from 15 Nassau County high schools competed in various events while also learning how to sustain a physically active lifestyle post-graduation.

Kevin Mercier, assistant professor of exercise science, health studies, physical education and sport management, and one of the main organizers of the event, noted the changing attitudes towards physical education during both the student competition and the teacher’s workshop. “The shift in physical education, within the schools in Nassau County, is a shift from a team sports, competitive environment, to a focus on lifetime activity by all to combat the health risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle,” said Mercier. Through collaborating with the schools and providing professional development to physical education teachers and district athletic directors, the event aimed to add a greater focus on continuing to live a physically active life beyond structured physical education classes.

Adjunct Tom Howard (Left) and Assistant Professor Kevin Mercier (far right) with the first place winners Steven Chambers and Sarah Morgan. Photo Credit: Adelphi University.

Over the course of the all-day event, the students competed in various physical activities such as a push-up challenge and a basketball and badminton competition, as well as submitting their written essays regarding the importance of physical education in their lives. Sarah Morgan, a senior from Floral Park Memorial High School, the highest scoring female competitor and one of two winners of the essay contest, stressed the impact that her physical education program had on her. “I am very appreciative of the physical education teachers I’ve had in the past that really influenced me and so I’m really glad that I got to represent them.” Finishing alongside her as highest scoring male was Steven Chambers, a junior from New Hyde Park Memorial High School.

While the students were showcasing their athleticism and ability to work well with others, their teachers had activities to complete as well, organized by Adelphi faculty and current Adelphi University physical education majors. Teachers participated in a variety of subject bridging tasks that incorporated literacy skills such as memory, communication, and language in well-known physical education exercises.

Students from 15 Nassau County High Schools participated in activities like the Pacer Test. Photo Credit: Adelphi University.

The outcome of the event served both teachers and students and provided a newfound appreciation of living a healthy lifestyle. Jacqueline Rizzuti ’05, a New Hyde Park physical education and health teacher summed up the program by saying, “It is a great way to see what the physical education programs have to offer, and it helps all of the students to see what’s out there in the world because some of them don’t realize the benefit physical education has on them.”

Due to the success of the program, organizers hope that this annual competition continues to grow with more Long Island school district participation.

Winners:

• Highest Scoring Male: Steven Chambers; New Hyde Park
• Highest Scoring Female: Sarah Morgan; Floral Park
• Best Essay: Sarah Morgan; Floral Park; Hannah Arkin; New Hyde Park
• Highest Pacer Score: Male: Claude Parulo; Valley Stream Central; Female: Ashley Sheerin; North Shore
• Highest Push-Up Score: Male: Guillermo Ordonez; Floral Park; Female: Sarah Morgan; Floral Park
• Highest Scoring School: New Hyde Park Memorial High School

About Adelphi: A modern university with deep roots
Adelphi University is a nationally ranked, doctoral research university offering exceptional liberal arts and sciences programs and professional training with particular strength in its Core Four—AU Arts and Humanities, AU STEM and Social Sciences, AU Professions, and AU Health and Wellness.

Founded in Brooklyn in 1896, Adelphi was one of the first coeducational institutions of higher education in New York State and is Long Island’s oldest private coeducational university. Today Adelphi serves nearly 7,500 students from 38 states and 46 countries at its beautiful main campus in Garden City, New York—just 23 miles from New York City’s cultural and internship opportunities—and at dynamic learning hubs around the state (New York City, the Hudson Valley and across Long Island) and online.

More than 100,000 Adelphi graduates have gained the skills, knowledge and exposure to thrive as professionals and active citizens in an interconnected and fast-paced global society, making their mark on the University and the world beyond.

Our history, location and commitment to student success and academic excellence define the Adelphi Advantage.

A statement from Assemblyman Dean Murray (R,C,I – East Patchogue)

(Long Island, NY) “I’m pleased that the governor for the first time has included Mixed Martial Arts in his executive budget proposal. Allowing Mixed Martial Arts will generate jobs state-wide and bring in millions of dollars in ancillary revenue wherever an event is held.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to get this done this year so that New York natives like Jon “Bones” Jones and Chris Weidman have a chance to compete and take back their championship belts in front of their home fans.

“While the Governor’s proposal shows a commitment to moving forward with this agenda, it is certainly not a done deal. In the weeks to come I will continue to push and advocate for the long awaited legalization of Mixed Martial Arts in New York.”

(Long Island, NY) The Fifth Squad reports the details of a Robbery which occurred on Tuesday, January 19, 2016 at 11:00 P.M. in Lynbrook.

According to detectives, a male victim, 28, walking in the vicinity of Atlantic Avenue was approached by three suspects, one armed with a knife, who demanded the victim give them his property.

Nassau County Police reports the details of a Robbery which occurred on Tuesday, January 19 in Lynbrook. Photo Credit: Chris Boyle.

One of the suspects took the victim’s cell phone. All three suspects fled on foot northbound on Atlantic Avenue. No injuries were reported. The suspects are described as:

1. Male Hispanic, 18-22 years of age, 5’ 8” tall with a medium build and medium complexion and a mole on his face wearing dark clothing, armed with a knife.
2. Male Hispanic, 18-22 years of age, 5’ 8” tall with a medium build wearing dark clothing.
3. Male Black, 18-22 years of age, 5’ 8” tall with a medium build wearing a red hooded sweatshirt and red sweat pants.

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 Fifth Squad reports the details of a Robbery which occurred on Tuesday, January 19, 2016 at 9:48 P.M. in Malverne.

According to detectives, a male victim, 36, working for China Dragon Kitchen, drove to a Webster Street address to make a delivery. He was approached by a heavy set male black, 5’ 10” tall when he got out of the car. The suspect hit him in the head with a wooden object before taking his wallet with an undisclosed amount of cash.

Nassau County Police reports the details of a Robbery which occurred on Tuesday, January 19 in Malverne. Photo Credit: Chris Boyle.

The victim suffered a head laceration and was transported to an area hospital for treatment to his injuries. An investigation revealed a second suspect, described as male black, 5’ 10” tall with a thin build wearing glasses was also at the scene. Both suspects fled the scene on foot southbound on Cornwell Avenue.

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

Emergency Management program inducts three students into Honor Society

(Long Island, NY) Adelphi University’s Emergency Management Graduate Certificate and Master’s program recently inducted three students into the Emergency Management/Homeland Security Honors Society, The Order of the Sword and Shield.

The Order of the Sword and Shield (OSS) is the first national academic and professional honor society dedicated exclusively to homeland security, intelligence, and all protective security disciplines. The purpose of this organization is to promote critical thinking, high scholarship and professional development, and to further enhance the ethical standards of the protective security professions.

(L to R): Dean O’Reilly, Kathleen Murray, Robert Delsignore, Robert Bristol, Meghan McPherson. Photo Credit: Adelphi University.

Adelphi’s OSS Chapter Advisor Meghan McPherson, CEM, assistant director of the Center for Health Innovation and adjunct faculty for the Emergency Management Graduate Programs, performed the ritual initiating the new class of high caliber students on December 10, 2015. McPherson was also recently appointed to the Inaugural National Advisory Board for OSS. The ceremony was witnessed by the inductee’s friends and family, as well as University College Dean Shawn O’Riley.

Adelphi University congratulates the three members inducted this fall: Robert Bristol, Robert Designore, and Kathleen Murray. The inductees come from both the M.S. in Emergency Management Program as well as the Graduate Certificate Program. The Emergency Management Program is extremely proud of their achievement and their commitment to ensuring the safety of their community.

For more details about Adelphi University’s Emergency Management Program, visit university-college.adelphi.edu/. To learn how the University is educating communities on disaster preparedness, visit chi.adelphi.edu.

About Adelphi University Center for Health Innovation
Adelphi University’s Center for Health Innovation (CHI) is the primary resource in our region for innovative, multidisciplinary, evidence-based responses to improving health, healthcare systems, and public health. CHI creates and fosters community-focused, interdisciplinary academic programming, applied research, community partnerships, and leadership—all with the goal of meeting current and emergent health needs of Long Island and our region.

About Adelphi: A modern university with deep roots
Adelphi University is a nationally ranked, doctoral research university offering exceptional liberal arts and sciences programs and professional training with particular strength in its Core Four—AU Arts and Humanities, AU STEM and Social Sciences, AU Professions, and AU Health and Wellness.

Founded in Brooklyn in 1896, Adelphi was one of the first coeducational institutions of higher education in New York State and is Long Island’s oldest private coeducational university. Today Adelphi serves nearly 7,500 students from 38 states and 46 countries at its beautiful main campus in Garden City, New York—just 23 miles from New York City’s cultural and internship opportunities—and at dynamic learning hubs around the state (New York City, the Hudson Valley and across Long Island) and online.

More than 100,000 Adelphi graduates have gained the skills, knowledge and exposure to thrive as professionals and active citizens in an interconnected and fast-paced global society, making their mark on the University and the world beyond.

Our history, location and commitment to student success and academic excellence define the Adelphi Advantage.

Agreement Ensures That Applicants With Criminal Histories Receive A Fair Chance In The Hiring Process

(Long Island, NY) Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today announced settlements with two major national retailers, Big Lots Stores and Marshalls, to “Ban the Box” on initial employment applications at their Buffalo stores.  The settlement will ensure that both companies comply with the local Buffalo law that prohibits employers from inquiring into criminal history on initial employment applications.  In addition to satisfying the requirements of the local ordinance, both companies have taken the additional step of removing such inquiries from applications to any store in New York State.

“Obtaining meaningful employment is often the most crucial step towards reducing the chances of recidivism among formerly incarcerated persons,” said Attorney General Schneiderman.  “That is why my office is committed to breaking down barriers that impede rehabilitation, especially those that prevent fair access to employment.”

Several municipalities across New York State, including the three largest cities in the state: New York City, Buffalo, and Rochester, have enacted “Ban the Box” legislation.  These laws prohibit employers from inquiring into the criminal history of applicants on initial employment applications.  The laws were passed to eliminate the possibility of job candidates being automatically disqualified from further consideration based on a prior criminal history.  Instead, the law encourages employers to consider the applicant’s qualifications first and subsequently make individualized inquiries into any criminal conviction to determine whether it is relevant to the job sought or to public safety. The Buffalo law allows employers to make inquiries later on in the hiring process, when they interview a prospective applicant.

The Attorney General’s investigation found that both Big Lots and Marshalls had distributed applications for employment that made inquiries into the criminal history of prospective applicants at their Buffalo stores.  Both companies have agreed to take steps to ensure that such applications will not be made available to those seeking employment at those stores.  Those steps include new policies, training, and reporting to the Attorney General’s Office.  In addition, Big Lots agreed to pay a monetary penalty of $100,000, and Marshalls will pay a penalty of $95,000, while simultaneously making affirmative efforts to recruit applicants with criminal histories through an organization with expertise in training formerly incarcerated individuals.

Big Lots has 64 stores across New York State, with 1,585 associates employed at those store locations. Marshalls has 75 stores across New York State.

The companies’ commitment to “Ban the Box” on initial employment applications across New York State builds off of the longstanding initiative in the Attorney General’s Civil Rights Bureau to enforce local, state and federal laws ensuring that formerly incarcerated individuals receive fair treatment in the employment process.  The Civil Rights Bureau previously entered into agreements with Party City and Bed Bath & Beyond to ensure that the criminal records of prospective applicants were individually considered for relevance to the job sought.  And, as with Marshalls and Big Lots, Party City and Bed Bath & Beyond also took the additional step of “Banning the Box” statewide, above and beyond what the law requires.

“A past conviction should never prevent someone from being able to put food on the table or pay their rent,” said Council Member Jumaane D. Williams, Deputy Leader and Chair of the Housing and Buildings Committee. “All New Yorkers benefit when people  with criminal records are able to find jobs, and contribute to our communities. Corporations don’t get to choose which laws they follow and I commend Attorney General Schneiderman for fighting  to ensure companies “ban the box.”

“Good jobs can transform people’s lives and this agreement will give more New Yorkers a fair chance at transforming their own,” said 32BJ President Hector Figueroa. “We welcome Attorney General Schneiderman’s work to ensure that men and women with a conviction history have the opportunity to get a good job and a bright future. This is a key part of reforming our criminal justice system.”

“Attorney General Eric Schneiderman has once again taken a stand for what is reasonable and just by making sure that everyone has fair access to employment opportunities,” said Todd Hobler, Buffalo-based Vice President of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East. “Countless numbers of qualified workers have been automatically excluded from being considered for employment by criminal history screens on initial employment applications.  Compliance with Ban the Box laws will not only improve opportunities for ex-offenders, but will also reduce recidivism. If an employer sits down and has a conversation with someone first, before rushing to judgment, doors will open for everyone.”

“The law is clear in Buffalo – qualified job seekers cannot be unfairly discriminated against because of their criminal record histories. Local municipalities across New York State, including New York City and Rochester, have made the decision to give people with criminal records a fair chance to find work so they can rebuild their lives after incarceration. Thank you to Attorney General Eric Schneiderman for holding employers accountable and ensuring that all New Yorkers have an opportunity to contribute to our economy,” said Alyssa Aguilera, Political Director, VOCAL-NY.

“Employment discrimination against someone for being formerly incarcerated or involved in the criminal justice system is counterproductive to the well-being and safety of our communities,” said Joo-Hyun Kang, Director of Communities United for Police Reform. “Attorney General Schneiderman’s efforts to hold employers accountable are critical to advancing equal opportunity in employment for New Yorkers and the best interests of all communities. It remains equally important that racial and other forms of discrimination against job seekers be exposed and eliminated so that no discriminatory proxy prevents any New Yorker from obtaining employment.”

“Many employers in New York State value the social and economic impact that hiring individuals with barriers have on our community; and we look forward to continuing our work with the private sector to ensure that opportunities exist for anyone who wants to work,” said Jeff Conrad, State Director, Center for Employment Opportunities.

“Qualified job applicants with prior convictions often find it difficult to get their foot in the door with prospective employers, denied even the opportunity to interview,” said Emily NaPier, Director of Justice Strategies at the Center for Community Alternatives. “We are excited that the Attorney General’s Office has worked to make the hiring process at Marshalls and Big Lots operate more fairly by breaking down unnecessary initial hurdles for applicants with criminal history records.”

This matter was handled by Assistant Attorney General Sandra Pullman and Ajay Saini in the Civil Rights Bureau. The Civil Rights Bureau is part of the Division of Social Justice led by Executive Deputy Attorney General for Social Justice Alvin Bragg.

The Civil Rights Bureau of the Attorney General’s Office is committed to promoting access to equal employment opportunities and combating discrimination for all New Yorkers. To file a civil rights complaint, contact the Attorney General’s Office at (212) 416-8250, civil.rights@ag.ny.gov or visit www.ag.ny.gov.

(Long Island, NY) Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Hate Crime Unit detectives are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate two people who distracted an elderly man and stole money from him in Smithtown in October.

Suffolk County Police are seeking the public’s help to identify two people who distracted an elderly man and stole money from him in Smithtown in October. Photo Credit: SCPD.

A man followed an elderly man into Chase Bank, located at 705 Route 347, and observed him withdraw money from his account on October 31. The suspect and another man followed the victim to New York Community Bank, located at 719 Route 347, at approximately 11:40 a.m.

A man followed an elderly man into Chase Bank and observed him withdraw money from his account on October 31. Photo Credit: SCPD.

When the victim wasn’t looking, one of the men distracted the victim while the other man entered the victim’s vehicle and stole money.

The suspect and another man followed the victim to New York Community Bank at approximately 11:40 a.m. Photo Credit: SCPD.

The photos are of the suspect who followed the victim into Chase Bank on Route 347.

When the victim wasn’t looking, one of the men distracted the victim while the other man entered the victim’s vehicle and stole money. 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.

Friday & Saturday, February 4 & 5

(Long Island, NY) Bay Street Theater & Sag Harbor Center for the Arts is pleased to announce All the Hits, The Beatles & The Rolling Stones Tribute Concerts, a concert on Friday and Saturday, February 4 and 5 at 8 pm. Tickets are $25 and available online at www.baystreet.org or by calling the Bay Street Theater Box Office at 631-725-9500, open Tuesday through Saturday 11 am to 5 pm.

Two Nights.
Two Bands.
One Stage.

Back by popular demand, this explosive tribute to the kings of Classic Rock will leave you in awe with the greatest hits of The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. We are back at it and ready to take things up a notch. This two night event can’t be contained!Join Bay Street Friday evening for the early years (1960-1966) of their career and Saturday evening for the later years (1967 and beyond).

Bay Street Theater & Sag Harbor Center for the Arts is pleased to announce All the Hits, The Beatles & The Rolling Stones Tribute Concerts, a concert on Friday and Saturday, February 4 and 5 at 8 pm. Photo Credit: Bay Street Theater.

The musicians that will showcase The Beatles work include Dave Giacone (Drums), Randall Hudson III (Lead Guitar), Michael Schiano (Rhythm Guitar / Vocals), Mick Hargreaves (Acoustic Guitar / Vocals), Joe Lauro (Bass Guitar/Vocals), Dawnette Darden (Vocals), “Dr. Dan” Koontz (Keyboard/Vocals).

The musicians that will showcase The Rolling Stones include John Sparrow (Lead Vocals), Randy Hudson (Lead Guitar), James Bernard (Drums), David Portocarrero (Guitar), Jim Nanos (Bass), Joe Delia (Keyboards), Special Guest on Saturday – Tiffany Harding & Lynn Blue.

Tickets are $25 and available online at www.baystreet.org, or by calling the Bay Street Theater Box Office at 631-725-9500. The Box Office is open Tuesday through Saturday 11 am to 5 pm. The Beatles and The Rolling Stones Tribute Concerts are sponsored by Dan’s Papers and WEHM.

Bay Street Theater & Sag Harbor Center for the Arts is a year-round, not-for-profit professional theater and community cultural center which endeavors to innovate, educate, and entertain a diverse community through the practice of the performing arts. We serve as a social and cultural gathering place, an educational resource, and a home for a community of artists.

Open Call for Artists: Artisan & Crafts Vendors

(Long Island, NY) East End Arts is pleased to announce an open call for artist, artisan and crafts vendors for the fine arts and crafts fair at the 20^th Anniversary Community Mosaic Street Painting Festival to be held Sunday, May 29, 2016, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM in Downtown Riverhead, NY. This popular annual fun-for-the-whole-family festival includes street painting on East Main Street, a fine arts and crafts fair of local artists and artisans, live music and entertainment, drumming, dance, gourmet food trucks, and more. This call is open to all artists, artisans and crafters to exhibit and sell their work.

East End Arts invites professional artists and craftspeople to submit a registration form and photos of their work for consideration for the fine art and craft sale held outdoors. Quality arts and crafts that are priced for a family event are recommended. Artisans of homemade goods such as soaps, potpourri, jams, etc. are encouraged to display and sell their wares. East End Arts members may reserve a 10’ x 10’ space for a $50 or $150 for non-members. Display setup, which begins at 9:00 AM the day of the event, and removal of artwork (no earlier than5:00 PM), will be the responsibility of the artists. Pop-up tents, tables and chairs will not be provided. All sales transactions are between the artist and purchaser and the artists are responsible for sales-tax permits. There are no commissions taken by East End Arts on sales of artwork and crafts.

There is a special offer for vendors who sign-up on or before March 15, 2016: artist name/business and website link will be listed on East End Arts Community Mosaic webpage, as well as on the event promotional brochuredistributed to over 3,000 businesses and individuals. Deadline to participate beyond this special offer is May 10, 2016. For the vendor application and all information, visit

http://www.eastendarts.org/gallery/artists.html/event/2016/05/10/deadline-for-artists-artisans-craft-vendors-to-apply-community-mosaic-street-painting-festival/114776.

East End Arts Annual Community Mosaic Street Painting Festival draws over 5,000 local residents and tourists to downtown Riverhead for this Memorial Day Weekend tradition where families and friends, artists, musicians, and lovers of the arts, young and old, enjoy the creative spirit together. All activities take place in downtown Riverhead on East Main Street, between Roanoke Ave and East Street, and on the grounds of East End Arts (133 and 141 East Main Street.) The rain date for the event is Monday, May 30, 2016. The 20^th Anniversary Community Mosaic Street Painting Festival is sponsored by Bridgehampton National Bank.

For more information contact Sheree Elder, East End Arts Events Coordinator, at 631-727-0900 or events@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.