UPDATE: Ariel Guzman has been located, unharmed.

Below is the original Silver Alert.

(Long Island, NY) The Suffolk County Police Department has issued a Silver Alert for a missing Lake Ronkonkoma teenager who is bipolar and maybe off her medication and has mentioned suicide in the past.

Ariel Guzman, 15, of 16 Warren Avenue, Lake Ronkonkoma, was last seen at her residence on Thursday October 15. She was recently released from South Oaks Hospital in Amityville.

The Suffolk County Police Department has issued a Silver Alert for Ariel Guzman, 15, a missing Lake Ronkonkoma teenager. Photo Credit: SCPD.

Guzman is 5 feet 1 inch tall and weighs 115 pounds. She has brown eyes and long brown hair.

Anyone with information on Ariel is asked to contact the Sixth Squad Detectives at 631-854-8652 or call 911.

As a reminder, Silver Alert is a program implemented in Suffolk County that allows local law enforcement to share information with media outlets about individuals with special needs who have been reported missing.

Renews call for Gov. Cuomo to veto

(Long Island, NY) U.S. Representative Kathleen Rice submitted a public comment today to the United States Maritime Administrator Paul Jaenichen expressing her opposition to the proposed Port Ambrose liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal, which would be constructed 17 nautical miles off the coast of Jones Beach. This week the United States Coast Guard and Maritime Administration completed an in-depth environmental study on the Port Ambrose terminal and found that it could have adverse effects on the environment and local maritime life.

“Earlier this year, I stood on the Long Beach boardwalk with dozens of local residents and local officials and together we voiced our opposition to this project,” said Representative Kathleen Rice. “As a community, we are still struggling to recover from Superstorm Sandy and we cannot afford the added environmental risks that this project will bring. Not only will the Port Ambrose terminal increase our dependence on harmful fossil fuels, but it will jeopardize the health, safety and economic security of the coastal communities in our district. I strongly urge Governor Cuomo to veto this proposal.

“Rather than building a natural gas terminal, our community and state should be focused on leading the transition to clean renewable energy, protecting our local economy, and investing in more resilient infrastructure so we are better prepared when the next storm comes.”

The release of the environmental impact study initiated a 45-day public comment period. Governors Cuomo and Christie will have to decide whether to approve, veto or modify the proposal no later than December 21, 2015.

A copy of Rep. Rice’s comment can be found here.

In January, 2015 Rep. Rice also sent a letter to Governor Cuomo urging him to veto the project.

(Long Island, NY) Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci (R,C,I-South Huntington) recently joined Leadership Huntington, an organization of professionals from the Township of Huntington, to discuss the New York State Assembly and legislation which will affect the 10th Assembly District. During this forum, Lupinacci answered questions regarding the 2015-2016 budget and the upcoming legislative session.

Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci recently joined Leadership Huntington to discuss the New York State Assembly and legislation. Photo Credit: NYS.

“Huntington, which is primarily located within the 10th Assembly District, is fortunate to have organizations such as Leadership Huntington. Their profound contributions to the professional and business communities certainly make our area more unified in a collective effort to improve the quality of life for each resident of Huntington,” Lupinacci began. “This group was not only very informed about local politics and policy, but also in tune with upcoming legislation which may affect our area following the commencement of the 2016 Legislative Session. I applaud Leadership Huntington and their efforts to engage all of Huntington’s residents, especially with information regarding New York State government. I find Leadership Huntington a very useful asset to gather insight from the business and professional communities of Huntington, and I look forward to further cooperation with this organization in the future,” Lupinacci concluded.

(Long Island, NY) If you live in and are the owner of a home, condominium or cooperative apartment (co-op), you may qualify for hundreds of dollars in property tax savings each year.

“I’m partnering with Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano to bring the Department of Assessment office operations to the Old Bethpage Village Restoration (1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage) on Thursday, October  28^th,  from1:00 to 3:00 pm,” said Senator Kemp Hannon.

Equipped with specially configured computers linked to the County’s database, the Department of Assessment will be able to process property tax exemption applications for the following:

• Veterans Property Tax Exemption
• Senior Citizens Property Tax Exemption
• Cold War Veterans Property Tax Exemption
• Volunteer Firefighters & Ambulance Workers Property Tax Exemption
• Limited Income Disability Property Tax Exemption
• Home Improvement Tax Exemption

In addition, Nassau County home, condominium and cooperative owners are eligible for two types of STAR (School Tax Relief) exemptions – Basic STAR (for residents who own and live in their home, condo or co-op with an annual household income of $500,000 or less) and Enhanced STAR (for senior citizens aged 65 years and older with annual adjusted gross incomes of $84,550 or less).

If you’re eligible, you must bring copies of all the necessary documentation to the workshop and you can file for your tax exemption on the spot! Applications and specific documentation requirements are available on the Department of Assessment website at www.mynassauproperty.com.

If you have any specific questions about any of these programs, please call Senator Hannon’s Community Office at 516-739-1700 or the Nassau County Department of Assessment at 516-571-1500.

“This is a great move by the president, and great news for the fragile Arctic and the fight against global warming.” — Heather Leibowitz, Environment New York

(Long Island, NY) The U.S. Department of the Interior said today it will cancel the two potential Arctic lease sales scheduled under the current offshore oil and gas leasing program for 2012 to 2017. The cancellation follows Shell’s announcement last month that it was abandoning immediate plans to drill in the Arctic.

Environment New York praised the decision and called on the administration to withdraw plans to lease areas of the Arctic and the Atlantic Ocean for drilling from 2017 to 2022. Heather Leibowitz, Director of Environment New York issued this statement:

“This is a great move by the president, and great news for the fragile Arctic and the fight against global warming. Now the president should cancel his future plans to allow drilling in the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans — protecting Atlantic sea turtles as well as polar bears, and continuing to move us toward a 100 percent clean energy future.”

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) New York State Senator Thomas Croci announced he has secured $15,000 in state funding for the Connetquot school district.

“I’m proud to have been able to secure this funding for the Connetquot school district on behalf of their students, parents and staff.  Overall, Senator Boyle and I were able to bring over $48 million in state aid to Connetquot in 2015. Connetquot is one of the many wonderful school districts I have the privilege to represent and ensuring our schools have the funding and resources they need has been and will remain a top priority for me as a Senator. As an alumni and proud T-bird, it was great to spend today with Superintendent Adams and her staff and I look forward to working with them on all education matters on behalf of Connetquot families,” said Senator Croci.

(L to R): Assistant Superintendent Sharon Donnelly, Senator Croci, Superintendent Lynda Adams, Assistant Superintendent Dean Mittleman. Photo Credit: NYS.

Superintendent Adams has indicated the funding will be used for awareness campaigns, such as anti-bullying and safe texting for their “Awareness Weekend” event for incoming ninth graders, as well as curriculum for participants.

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 Freeman Romero at (631) 513-5657 or via email at jfreeman@nysenate.gov.

Grant awards are for revenue or gross income losses as a result of Superstorm Sandy in one of the eligible fishery sectors

(Long Island, NY) Senator Ken LaValle announces that the NY State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC),Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources is now accepting applications for the “Superstorm Sandy Fishery Disaster Grant”. Up to $3.6 million will be available to assist New York businesses.

Senator LaValle said, “Our fishing community is still suffering the devastating effects of Superstorm Sandy from three years ago.  It’s my hope that the grants can assist the businesses in their economic recovery efforts.”

The companies must be located in Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk or Westchester Counties and must provide documentary evidence that shows more than $5,000 in revenue or gross income losses as a result of Superstorm Sandy and have at least $15,000 in annual earnings in one of the eligible fishery sectors.

Eligible applicants include businesses in the following sectors:

• Bait and tackle
• For-hire fishing boat operators
• Marinas
• Commercial harvesters
• Commercial seafood dealers/shippers/processors
• Aquaculture facilities

More information about the program or for assistance with filling out the application is available on DEC’s website at:http://www.dec.ny.gov/pubs/102594.html.  Applicants can also contact DEC at (518) 402-8044 orFisheryGrant@dec.ny.gov, or the Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery (GOSR) at 1-855-NYS-SANDY (1-855-697-7263) or info@stormrecovery.ny.gov.

The money will be distributed to successful applicants following the close of the 90-day open application period. Applications must be submitted by December 15, 2015.

The next scheduled informational public meeting to explain the grant program is:

• Thursday, Oct. 22, 7-9 PM
  Suffolk County: Montauk Club House
  at the Montauk Downs State Park Golf Course
  50 South Fairview Ave.
  Montauk, NY 11954

(Long Island, NY) Bay Street Theater and Sag Harbor Center for the Arts is pleased to announceHALLOWEEN COSTUME BALL with the HOODOO LOUNGERS, a cash bar, carnival games, costume contest and local radio celebrity judges on Saturday, October 31 at 8 pm. Doors open at 7: 30 pm. Tickets are available by calling the Box Office at 631-725-9500 or online at baystreet.org. The party is for ages 21 and up.

The evening will feature a LIVE BAND, the HOODOO LOUNGERS, carnival games with adult prizes including a FREE drink at the bar. The evening will conclude with a costume contest at 10 pm, judged by local celebrities and awarding $850 in cash prizes.

The HOODOO LOUNGERS are a nine piece band inspired by the music, traditions and celebrations of the city of New Orleans. Photo Credit: Bay Street Theater.

The HOODOO LOUNGERS are a nine piece band inspired by the music, traditions and celebrations of the city of New Orleans. Their sound, a mixture of original tunes and traditional New Orleans classics, encompasses the R&B of Fats Domino, the Jazz of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and the funk of the Neville Brothers and Dr. John. Band leader Joe Lauro says “the idea is to have maximum fun! Or as Jelly Roll Morton used to say ‘Everything in the line of hilarity!’”

On Halloween the HooDoo’s will be pulling out all the stops with guest appearances by “Wolfman Tommy,” “Cool Cat Sarah” and other well-known East End performers in sinister disguise. VooDoo will certainly be in the air and with an audience Costume Contest hosted by WPPB’s Bonnie Grice and Ed German, WLNG’s Gary Sapiane and WBAZ’s Walker Vreeland.

Costume Contest Judges:

• Ed German (WPPB Radio) is the Host and Producer of the Urban Jazz Experience, centering around mid-20th century progressive jazz and entertainment. Ed is also Host and Producer of Friday Night Soul — dance and romance music from the 50’s to the 80’s, including Soul, Disco, Latin ad Old-School hip hop.
• Bonnie Grice (WPPB Radio) is an award winning broadcaster, producer, interviewer and DJ. A two-time Gracie Allen Award winner, you can hear BONNIE IN THE MORNING weekday morning’s 9–Noon on 883WPPB– Long Island’s only NPR station. Bonnie serves up a daily dose of music, special guests and food for thought. Unique. Informative. Fun. A new spin on Public Radio. Plus she produces and hosts THE SONG IS YOU featuring a wide range of guests exploring their top 10 favorite tunes every week. Tune in! 883wppb.org And follow her on: Facebook Twitter and Instagram. Bonnie also loves acting… she’s been featured in a variety of East End theatre productions. And she’s been host/interviewer of the Hamptons Take 2 Documentary Film Festival since its inception in 2008.
• Gary Sapiane (WLNG Radio) is from Westhampton Beach, Long Island, New York. Gary started in radio when he was a junior at the Westhampton Beach High School. Gary’s first radio gig was with WAPC Radio in Riverhead, Long Island, New York. Gary went on to be one of the owners of WKVO Radio in Havelock, North Carolina. Gary actually read his first commercial on the air at WLNG when Gary stopped by to visit the late Paul Sidney in 1964. Gary worked weekends at WLNG in 1970, and in 1975, Gary started full time. In 2008, after Paul Sidney had passed away Gary became the station manager, and in 2012, Gary became President of Main Street Broadcasting, Inc. Gary’s hobbies include Storm Chasing (especially tornados), aviation and riding the Cross Sound Ferry between Orient Point Long Island, New York and New London Ct during Winter Nor’easters.
• Walker Vreeland (WBAZ Radio) is an award-winning radio personality who hosts The Afternoon Show on 102.5 WBAZ-FM in The Hamptons. Walker began his radio career on Long Island in 2005, and since then he’s enjoyed getting to know his listeners, airing his personal business, gossiping about celebrity news, and interviewing guests from all facets of the entertainment industry. Deeply passionate about conversing with artists, Walker has interviewed such stars as Cyndi Lauper, David Brenner, Sally Struthers, James Frey, Paula Poundstone, Cheech Marin, Sandra Bernhard and Jane Krakowski. In addition to hosting the Afternoon Show, Walker also serves as a Producer, Copywriter and Voice Over Artist with Long Island Radio Broadcasting, LLC. As a radio personality, he has been heard on 92.9 & 96.9 WEHM on Long Island, 103.9 WFAS in Westchester, NY, 96.7 ‘The Coast’ in Norwalk, CT and WEBE 108 in Bridgeport, CT. As an actor and singer, Walker’s worked extensively in theater, film and television. New York theater credits include: Little Women (with Deborah Gibson & Elaine Stritch), Erostratus, Just So Stories (Theaterworks USA), and the award-winning musical revue, Our Life & Times (Winner of 1999 MAC and Bistro Awards). He originated the role of Arthur in Arthur’s Christmas at The Vineyard Playhouse and has done several national tours. He’s been seen on MTV, VH1, CBS Daytime (Guiding Light) and his films include: Sex Farce,Thinking Out Loud, A Beautiful Mind and most recently, the short film Boys of Summer. In the spring of 2013, he performed the latest incarnation of his autobiographical monologue From Ship to Shape at Guild Hall in East Hampton and at Bay Street Theater last month. A member of Actors’ Equity Association, he is a graduate of Walnut Hill School for the Arts, New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts and Connecticut School of Broadcasting. Walker was voted Best Media Personality in the Hamptons of 2013 and 2014 (Platinum Award) by Dan’s Papers.

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.

For People Entering 55 & Over And Industry Professionals Serving 55 & Over Demographic; The “Queen of Retail” Faith Hope Consolo providing keynote address, “Pillars of Life: Balancing Personal and Professional Lives”

(Long Island, NY) Well Beyond 55, a professional organization providing helpful resources and education for people entering the 55 and over stage and/or their family/care takers as well as events catering to professionals who service the 55 and over demographic, will host the inaugural Personal Planning Symposium on Sunday, October 25, 2015 starting 8:00 a.m. at the Islandia Marriot in Islandia, NY. Designed to educate individuals entering the 55 about making the right decisions for themselves and loved ones as they age and before times of crisis and over stage as well as educating industry professionals catering to this demographic, the event will address the issues, challenges and opportunities for those within the 55 and over stage of life as well as those who serve them while also empowering people entering the 55 and over phase with valuable lessons and strategies for achieving work-life balance.

Respected speaker and philanthropist Faith Hope Consolo. Photo Credit: Well Beyond 55.

Respected speaker and philanthropist Faith Hope Consolo, Chairman, Retail Leasing & Sales Division – Douglas Elliman Real Estate, will deliver the keynote address titled “Pillars of Life: Balancing Success and Challenge in Our Professional and Personal Lives.” She will offer an inspiring motivational story of success. Ms. Consolo, known as the “Queen of Retail,” has a storied career that spans three decades, working with an all-star client base that includes Christian Louboutin, Buccellati, Cartier, Fendi, Ferragamo, Armani and Jimmy Choo.

The symposium includes a breakfast and networking session followed by the keynote. Lectures and educational sessions will be offered on Preventative Cardiac Care, Financial Planning, Current Stem Cell Treatments and Research, Oncology and Internal Medicine. Attendees can explore with professionals versed in Health, Nutrition & Fitness, Elder Law and Financial Wellness and more to better understand service areas that help maintain the best quality of life for as long as possible:

• Dr. Dilip Madnani: Current Techniques in Facial Rejuvenation
• Dr. John Dervan, Co-Founder Heart Associates of Long Island Cardiology:    Where We are and Where We’re Headed
• Laura Giunta, Senior Helpers Home Care, A Dementia Experience: Learn Firsthand What Your Loved Ones are Experiencing
• Dr. David Borenstein, Manhattan Integrated Medical Center Regenerative Medicine: How Stem Cell Treatments Can Help You
• Bob Falkowitz, Licensed Insurance Broker, Compass Benefit Planning, LLC

For more information about the Symposium visit: www.WellBeyond55.com or call: (800) 504-3091. Register today at Event@WellBeyond55.com. The general session from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. is free. The keynote breakfast and networking session from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. is $55.00; seating is limited.

(Long Island, NY) Adelphi University is proud to announce that Darla M. Castelli, Ph.D. will deliver The Robert and Augusta P. Finkelstein Memorial Lecture entitled “Fit, Healthy and Ready to Teach.” The event will take place in the Thomas Dixon Lovely Ballroom of the Ruth S. Harley University Center on Wednesday, November 4, 2015, at 5:00 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Dr. Darla M. Castelli is an associate professor of physical education pedagogy in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Education at the University of Texas at Austin. She has been working with school-age youth in physical activity settings for more than 20 years, leading several physical activity interventions. Dr. Castelli has been named Maine Physical Education Teacher of the Year and is a recipient of the University of Illinois Teaching Excellence Award.

Her research has been funded by the National Institutes of Health, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the American Dietetic Foundation and the U.S. Department of Education. She has presented her work at U.S. Senate and congressional briefings in support of the FIT Kids Act. Dr. Castelli is currently a member of two Institute of Medicine committees, on Fitness Measures and Health Outcomes in Youth and Physical Activity and Physical Education in the School Environment. She received a B.S. from Plymouth State University, an M.S. from Northern Illinois University and a Ph.D. from the University of South Carolina.

The Robert and Augusta P. Finkelstein Memorial Lecture was established in 1981 by Augusta P. Finkelstein in honor of her husband, the late Robert Finkelstein, a noted industrialist and staunch believer in state and federal support of elementary and secondary education. Following Mrs. Finkelstein’s death, the lecture was renamed for her as well, and continues to be generously supported by the Finkelstein family. Mrs. Finkelstein’s goal was “to provide a series of lectures by well-known persons recognized for their commitment to the elementary and secondary public school system.”

For more information about this and other events on campus, please visit adelphi.edu, or call the Cultural Events Hotline at (516) 877-4555. The Ruth S. Ammon School of Education is committed to providing the highest quality of academic and clinical education that promotes career advancement characterized by integrity and respect for diverse individuals. Find out more about the School at education.adelphi.edu.

About Adelphi University
New York’s Adelphi University is a nationally ranked, doctoral research university where students succeed by gaining the skills, knowledge and exposure to thrive as professionals and active citizens in an interconnected and fast-paced global society. Today, nearly 8,000 students from 38 states and 46 countries pursue degrees in person and online through Adelphi’s eight distinguished schools and programs—the College of Arts and Sciences, the Gordon F. Derner Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies, the Honors College, the Robert B. Willumstad School of Business, the Ruth S. Ammon School of Education, University College, the College of Nursing and Public Health and the School of Social Work. Chartered in 1896, Adelphi is known for offering a personalized education—one is which students are mentored by talented and committed faculty members and readily find opportunities to initiate, innovate, explore and understand. With dynamic learning hubs on Long Island, in Manhattan and in the Hudson Valley, Adelphi serves communities, both regionally and globally, through the research and practice of its faculty, the collaborative initiatives undertaken by its centers and programs, the staging of distinguished cultural events and, most essentially, the education of future leaders and informed citizens.