(Long Island, NY) Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci (R,C, I-South Huntington) recently met with audiologists from the Long Island Alliance for Hearing Preservation to discuss the growing trend of hearing loss across all demographic groups, especially in young New Yorkers.

According to experts, the culprit is increased use of in-ear headphones connected to handheld audio devices. One of the largest populations affected by this, Lupinacci learned, is middle-school-aged youth in grades six to eight.

Dr. Lennard M. Gettz, Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci, Dr. Lori Trentacoste and Mr. Soulier. Photo Credit: NYS.

“The meeting with Long Island Alliance for Hearing Preservation exposed me to a new pandemic: hearing loss among younger age groups,” Lupinacci said. “New York State must do more to address and combat this growing trend.”

Signs of hearing loss include ringing of the ears, difficulty communicating in social settings, and trouble hearing without high volume. The Assemblyman said educating young people about these warning signs is a critical need.

“I encourage the residents of New York State to consider the damage that may be done to their hearing next time they use their devices and use discretion when considering headphone volume levels,” Lupinacci said. “I look forward to continued work with my colleagues and audiology experts to pass meaningful legislation to bring awareness to this growing trend in our society.”

Deputy Commissioner Mention-Lewis shares Suffolk’s progressive anti-crime initiatives as part of Law Enforcement Leaders to Reduce Crime & Incarceration

(Long Island, NY) Suffolk County Deputy Police Commissioner Risco Mention-Lewis took part in a group discussion at the White House with President Obama and Law Enforcement Leaders (LEL) to reduce crime and incarceration on October 21 and October 22.  LEL is an organization of more than 130 police chiefs, prosecutors, sheriffs and attorney generals from all 50 states dedicated to urging the country to reduce incarceration while reducing crime. Deputy Commissioner Lewis has been asked to be a founding member of the Law Enforcement Leaders organization.  Other Founding members include William J. Bratton of New York, Charlie Beck of Los Angeles, Garry F. McCarthy of Chicago, Eric Schneiderman, Attorney General of New York, as well as Cyrus R. Vance Jr., the Manhattan District Attorney.

“Incarceration levels in this country have reached a crisis point,” said Mention-Lewis. “The United States has five percent of the world’s population and 25 percent of its prisoners. It is important to utilize our jails and prisons for violent offenders; however, utilizing scarce resources to incarcerate non-violent offenders, when studies show that imprisonment has little crime control benefit for non-violent offenders, is simply not wise. There are better alternatives and we need to use them. We are committed to building a smarter, stronger and fairer criminal justice system.”

LEL urges utilizing alternatives to arrest and incarceration, especially targeting mental health and drug treatment options so that non-violent offenders can get back on their feet and become law-abiding citizens.

According to LEL, the over reliance on imprisonment for low level crimes  takes time and vital resources away from preventing serious and violent crime and drains tax payer dollars to the tune of $80 billion a year. LEL believes that this money would be better spent on implementing what they know reduces crime, such as smart policing, re-entry programs, vocational training and employment.

In Suffolk County, for example, under the leadership of County Executive Steve Bellone, Police Commissioner Edward Webber and the Suffolk County Police Department, Mention-Lewis heads a progressive anti-crime initiative in several communities which serve as homes to gang violence and high crime. The community-based intervention program transforms the attitudes and lives of both the criminals and the communities. The Chicago Crime Lab called it “a promising and important program.” It is rooted in the belief that criminals can be re-programmed and given a new “moral voice” that results in less recidivism, more hope and better community members.

“It is truly an honor to have been asked to be a part of this national group and to have met with the President as we all work to decrease crime and incarceration in our communities,” said Mention-Lewis. “We in law enforcement all know that suppression alone will not work and has not solved the problem of crime and violence. We know that we need to think differently to get different results. I believe that Suffolk County’s Community-Based Intervention program can serve as a useful model nation-wide.”

Mention-Lewis was appointed Deputy Commissioner in July 2012. She has served as a Nassau County Assistant District Attorney for 19 years and has received numerous awards and accolades for her work first as a prosecutor and most recently for her innovative programs to reduce crime by breaking the cycle of recidivism. Mention-Lewis is the first woman and first African American to hold the Deputy Commissioner position in the history of the Suffolk County Police Department.

(Long Island, NY) Assemblyman Chad A. Lupinacci (R,C,I-South Huntington) recently toured the Huntington Artificial Kidney Center, a dialysis center located in the heart of Huntington Station. The facility, which has been located in Huntington Station for over 30 years, provides dialysis and chemotherapy treatments, as well as in-home treatments preparation for patients who require around-the-clock medical attention.

“It was a pleasure speaking with the dedicated doctors and staff at the Huntington Artificial Kidney Center, and it was heartwarming to see the excellent care that was provided by these healthcare professionals, coupled with the deep bond between each staff member and patient,” Lupinacci said. “As the Assemblyman for the 10^th District and lifelong resident of Huntington, this medical center is certainly worthy of my deepest gratitude.”

Assemblyman Lupinacci (center) meets with staff at the Huntington Artificial Kidney Center during a recent visit. Photo Credit: NYS.

During the visit, Assemblyman Lupinacci learned that more than a dozen clients of the Huntington Artificial Kidney Center are on the waiting list for kidney donations.

“This is just another reason why we, as New Yorkers, must do better and encourage organ and tissue donor enrollment,” he said. “New York State remains dead last in donors enrolled, which is simply unacceptable. I encourage the residents of the 10^th Assembly District and New York State to enroll as organ donors. Enrolling is truly giving a gift of life.”

(Long Island, NY) In a widely anticipated decision, today President Obama rejected construction of the Keystone XL pipeline, designed to transport tar sands from Canada across the United States. Climate activists had fought for years against the project, which State Department officials estimated would produce 26 million metric tons of carbon pollution each year – the equivalent of 5.7 million cars.

Heather Leibowitz, Director of Environment New York, issued the following statement:

“The Keystone XL pipeline would slam the accelerator on global warming, so we’re thrilled that today President Obama is applying the brakes. By rejecting this dangerous pipeline once and for all, President Obama is backing up his bold vision on climate with bold action against the polluters. This announcement is great news for all the activists who’ve been fighting for years for their water, their communities and their kids’ future, and it’s a crucial step toward the 100 percent clean energy future the climate crisis demands.”

Environment New York Research & Policy Center is a statewide advocacy organization bringing people together for a cleaner, greener, healthier future. www.EnvironmentNewYork.org

(Long Island, NY) The Homicide Squad is investigating a shooting that occurred on Friday, November 6, 2015 at 6:53 a.m. in Valley Stream.

According to detectives, Fifth Precinct Officers responded to a call for a male shot at a residence on East Hawthorne Avenue. Upon their arrival they discovered a male victim, 34 years of age suffering from multiple gunshots.

Nassau County Police are seeking Deon Ewers, 50, of Los Angeles regarding a shooting that occurred on Friday, November 6 in Valley Stream. Photo Credit: NCPD.

The subject wanted in connection with the above Homicide is identified as Deon Ewers, 50, of Los Angeles, California described as a male black, 6’ 1”, approximately 190 pounds. Ewers fled scene in an unknown direction.

The victim was transported to South Nassau Community Hospital where he was pronounced deceased at 8:04 a.m. by medical personnel.

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

Realty Pajama Collection Running From November 1, 2015 – December 20, 2015

(Long Island, NY) To help lift the spirits of children suffering chronic illness in hospitals this holiday season, Realtor Mara Navaretta of Woodbury has aligned with nonprofit The Ashley Wade Foundation to participate in its Jake’s Jammies pajama drive. As of November 1, 2015 through December 20, 2015, Navaretta’s Syosset-based Homes By Mara Realty is collecting store bought pajamas for children ages 1 through 21. Donations for Jake’s Jammies can be dropped off daily between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. at Homes By Mara’s collection box, located at its office, at 567 Jericho Turnpike ,Suite 205,  in Syosset. All new pajamas collected will be dropped off and distributed to children braving chronic illness at area hospitals before Christmas Day.

Getting a jumpstart on its Jake’s Jammies Drive, Navaretta and several of her agents have already donated newly bought pajamas for the drive and are hoping that others will join in their effort. “As a community business, I believe it is important that we all pitch in to support others in need,” explains Navaretta, whose agency regularly makes donations to such charities as Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation and has sponsored toy and coat drives over the last few years.

A mom of a 11-year-old-daughter, Navaretta adds, “Being a mother, I cannot help but feel for the many children braving chronic illness who are spending the holidays in the hospital and their courageous families who remain so strong and supportive of them. It is with great pride that we at Homes By Mara participate this year in Jake’s Jammies and that we encourage others to join us in donating for this heartfelt cause. Through our pajama collection, we can bring some comfort and added holiday cheer to these children and let them know that we are thinking of and support them this holiday season.”

About Jake’s Jammies
Established in 2015, Jake’s Jammies was founded by Ashley Wade of The Ashley Wade Foundation in loving memory two-year-old Jake Matthew Staniszewski , who lost his battle with cancer in 2014. Each month, the Ashley Wade Foundation brings collected pajamas to local hospitals and gives them out to children in their pediatric unit.. For more information about Jake’s Jammies, visit http://www.ashleywadefoundation.org/jakesjammies.html.

About Ashley Wade Foundation
Founded in 2012 by Ashley Wade after being diagnosed in 2010 with Crohn’s Disease at the age of 17, the Ashley Wade Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization dedicated to enriching the lives of children suffering from chronic illnesses. The Foundation fulfills its mission to bring happiness, hope, and support to children and families affected by chronic illnesses through various initiatives and programs that include its Superstar Program, Care Packages, Hospital Parties, Family Fun Days, Jake’s Jammies, and ER Packages. For more information about Ashley Wade Foundation, visit http://www.ashleywadefoundation.org/.

About Homes By Mara
Homes By Mara is a boutique real estate agency spearheaded by licensed broker and real estate veteran Mara Navaretta. Featuring a team of highly-skilled and trained agents, Homes By Mara specializes in servicing North Shore’s residential market on both the selling and buying sectors. Located at 567 Jericho Turnpike in Syosset, NY, the agency offers convenience and a turn-key solution in accommodating all real estate needs by sharing its office space with the law firm, Navaretta & Howard LLP. Navaretta and Howard, LLP has a special focus in real estate law and provides counsel and representation for all Homes by Mara agents to assure the homeowner receives quick and accurate answers to legal questions that may arise in the course of today’s real estate transaction. Also available is a concierge service that consists of recommendations for every trade associated with the real estate industry including movers and contractors. For more information about Homes By Mara, please call 516-364-2500 or visit www.homesbymara.com.

(Long Island, NY) Assemblyman Chad A. Lupinacci (R,C,I-South Huntington) helped the Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce welcome digho image marketing to its new Huntington village offices during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on November 4.

“Since my election in 2012, I have had the pleasure of joining the Huntington Chamber of Commerce for many grand opening celebrations throughout the 10^th Assembly District. There are few things more enjoyable and encouraging than seeing businesses relocate and open their doors in our area,” Lupinacci said.

Chamber Vice Chair Brian Yudewitz, Chamber Veterans Committee Chair Joe Maddalone, Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci, digho owners Diane Palma and Maria Misko, digho staffer Samantha Viskoc, Leadership Huntington Foundation Chair Sara Bluestone, and Chamber Executive Director Ellen O’Brien. Photo Credit: NYS.

The assemblyman presented citations to digho owners Diane Palma and Maria Misko during the ceremony.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and I am proud to, once again, join the Huntington community in welcoming this new business to our area,” Lupinacci said.

(Long Island, NY) Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Sixth Squad detectives are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the man who stole money from a wallet at a Centereach store earlier this year.

A woman left her wallet in the seat of a shopping cart at Walmart, located at 161 Centereach Mall, and it was stolen by a man while the woman was shopping on July 7 at approximately 10 p.m.

Suffolk County Police are seeking the public’s help to identify the man who stole money from a wallet at a Centereach store earlier this year. Photo Credit: SCPD.

The wallet was later located by store employees and $2,000 was missing from the wallet.

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

(Long Island, NY) The Long Island Music Hall of Fame (LIMHoF) is proud to announce their 1st Annual Holiday Ball of Fame concert on Saturday, December 5, 2015 at 5pm featuring a live performance by Foghat. The concert will take place at Mulcahy’s Pub and Concert Hall, 3232 Railroad Avenue in Wantagh, with all proceeds to benefit LIMHoF’s education programs, scholarship fund and support the building of their first home and museum.

Tickets for will go on sale this Friday, November 6 at 10am EST.

This concert marks an exciting anniversary for headliner Foghat, who will be celebrating 40 years since the release of Slow Ride and their album Fool for the City. The band is eager to end the year with a celebratory performance on Long Island, their adopted home since moving here from England in 1973, and also help the non-profit Long Island Music Hall of Fame build their new home.

In addition to Foghat, the Holiday Ball of Fame concert will feature live performances by Vince Martell (LIMHoF Inductee and founding member of Vanilla Fudge) and his Band of Brothers, LIMHoF Long Island Sound Award recipient Kerry Kearney Band, rising Long Island artist Gabrielle Ross, and teenage rock and roll sensations Youth Be Told. The evening will be capped off by a midnight jam featuring many of the artists above as well as Zebra’s Randy Jackson, founding members of Blue Oyster Cult – The Bouchard Brothers, plus surprise special guests and other LIMHoF inductees.

LIMHoF Executive Director, Joe Jankowski said, “This is an exciting time in our celebrated history. We are thrilled to end 2015 surrounded by so many amazing artists that call Long Island home. You’re not going to want to miss this!”

Ticket prices are $39.50 in advance, $50 at the door. To purchase tickets online visit www.limusichalloffame.org/events/balloffame or go to the Mulcahy’s box office. This event is sponsored by New York Community Bank, EGC Group, Albanese Organization, Cox Media Group, Newsday, Cablevision, Long Island Cares, Baram & Kaiser Attorneys at Law, Sam Ash Music, J Faith Presents, Jeffrey James Arts Consulting and Dream Recording Studios. For sponsorship opportunities please contact Joe Jankowski at info@limusichalloffame.org or 516-938-1626.

This event will also highlight the Long Island Music Hall of Fame’s 1st annual instrument drive. The LIMHoF is seeking the donation of new or gently used instruments to benefit the Wyandanch Union Free School District and their newly created music program. Please bring your donations to Mulcahy’s or contact Joe Jankowski at info@limusichalloffame.org or 516-938-1626 to arrange advance pick-up.

For more information on LIMHoF / limusichalloffame.org

Long Island Music Hall of Fame (LIMHOF) is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the idea that Long Island’s musical heritage is an important resource to be celebrated and preserved for future generations. The LIMHOF was created as a place to inspire in each person the desire to explore and celebrate music in all its forms and to be a place where the music community will find the support, resources and leadership necessary to aim them in that exploration. Long Island Music Hall of Fame inductees include Billy Joel, Tony Bennett, John Coltrane, Mariah Carey, Neil Diamond, George Gershwin, LL Cool J, Carole King, Simon and Garfunkel, Run DMC, and many others. For more information about the Long Island Music Hall of Fame, visit www.limusichalloffame.org. 

A free forum for breast cancer survivors

(Long Island, NY) “Life change and breast cancer—where does spirituality fit in?” is a free workshop for breast cancer patients and those who care about them on Thursday, December 10, from 6 to 8 pm at Adelphi University’s Alumni House, 154 Cambridge Avenue, Garden City, NY. A panel of religious leaders will discuss how spirituality impacts a diagnosis of breast cancer or serious illness. Panelists are: Dr. Isma Chaudhry, president, Islamic Center of Long Island; Fr. Ryan Creamer, Catholic chaplain, Adelphi University; Rabbi Dr. Janet Liss, North Country Reform Temple; and Rev. Betsy Simpson, pastor, The First Presbyterian Church of Glen Cove. The moderator is Dr. Arthur Dobrin, leader emeritus, Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island, and author of The Lost Art of Happiness.

The program is sponsored by the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Program and is supported by a grant from the Manhasset Women’s Coalition Against Breast Cancer. Seating is limited and pre-registration is required.

Those who are unable to be present for the forum can watch livestream on YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/AUBreastCancer.

To register call 516-877-4325 or e-mail breastcancerhotline@adelphi.edu
 or register online at http://breast-cancer.adelphi.edu/we can help/forums.