(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 burglarized a Brookhaven Town building last month.

Suffolk County Police are seeking the public’s help to identify the man who burglarized a Brookhaven Town building last month. Photo Credit: SCPD.

On September 27, a man broke multiple windows and made entry into a building at the Brookhaven Town Parks Department, located at 1130 Old Town Road in Coram. The man fled the building with no proceeds after noticing a security camera inside the location.

On September 27, a man broke multiple windows and made entry into a building at the Brookhaven Town Parks Department. Photo Credit: SCPD.

The man, who is white and in his 20s, fled on foot northbound toward Old Town Road.

The man fled the building after noticing a security camera. 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.

(Long Island, NY) Second Squad detectives report the arrest of a Levittown man for numerous burglaries that occurred in Hicksville beginning 01/23/13 through 04/23/13.

According to detectives, Indalecio Zuniga, 43, committed six commercial burglaries in the town of Hicksville between the above listed dates. The defendant took food items from Choopan Grill located at 15 W. Marie St. on two separate dates and from Dunkin Donuts located at 100 N. Broadway, on four separate dates.

Nassau County Police report the arrest of Indalecio Zuniga, 43, of Levittown for numerous burglaries that occurred in Hicksville. Photo Credit: NCPD.

On Tuesday, 10/13/15, Bureau of Special Operations police officers, while on routine patrol, observed the defendant on W. Marie St., and placed him under arrest.

Zuniga is being charged with six counts of Burglary 3rd Degree and will be arraigned on Wednesday, 10/14/15 in First District Court, Hempstead.

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.

(Long Island, NY) Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Second Squad detectives are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the man who damaged a police car in Huntington Station earlier this month.

Suffolk County Police are seeking the public’s help to identify the man who damaged a police car in Huntington Station earlier this month. Photo Credit: SCPD.

A man threw a rock over the fence of A-1 Award Transmissions, located at 150 West Jericho Turnpike, breaking the rear windshield of a marked Suffolk County Police car, which was at the location for repairs, on October 4 at approximately 9:55 p.m.

A man threw a rock over a fence and broke the rear windshield of a marked Suffolk County Police car. 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.

Students debate mock bill to ban drones over school property

(Long Island, NY) Suffolk County Legislature Presiding Officer DuWayne Gregory and the League of Women Voters of Suffolk County on Oct. 8 hosted 27 high school students from Hauppauge High School, Commack High School, Smithtown High School East, Huntington High School and North Babylon High School for a Student Day at the William H. Rogers Legislature Building in Hauppauge.

“I was immensely impressed by the intellect and enthusiasm of these young people,” said Presiding Officer Gregory. “Student Day was structured to reinforce that government is not merely an abstract idea, but a tangible entity that is powered by the people it serves. I commend the League of Women Voters for its commitment to executing this event and to educating the public about the importance of civic engagement.”

Suffolk County Legislature Presiding Officer DuWayne Gregory and the League of Women Voters hosted a Student Day at the William H. Rogers Legislature Building in Hauppauge Oct. 8. Seated, from left: Amanda LoScalzo of Huntington High School, Matthew Guidi of Smithtown High School East and Alonzo Tabada of North Babylon High School debate a mock bill that would ban drones over school property. Clerk of the Legislature Jason Richberg, standing, looks on. Photo Credit: Suffolk County.

“This innovative and valuable program created by the Suffolk County Legislature and the League of Women Voters exceeded all our expectations,” said Lisa Scott, president of the League of Women Voters of Suffolk County. “We are proud of the enthusiasm, intelligence and skills of our local high school participants and look forward to working with the Legislature and the schools on future Student Days and other good government forums and initiatives. The League is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization that encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government, and this program served to expose our students to the workings of their county legislature, and actually experience, via role-playing, how a bill becomes a law in Suffolk County.”

Following presentations from officials representing various county agencies, students broke into caucuses to discuss mock legislation that would ban the use of drones over school property. In a simulated General Meeting, students portrayed legislators and concerned citizens who argued for or against the bill. After lively debate, the bill failed to obtain the majority needed to pass, as the vote tied at 9-9.

“Student Day at the Suffolk County Legislature was a valuable experience that helped me better my communication skills and increase my knowledge of our local government,” said Ally McFadyen, a senior at Smithtown High School East. “I loved posing as the Presiding Officer because it gave me the power to conduct a General Meeting and understand how the Legislature functions. I plan on incorporating the skills I acquired during this exercise into my daily life by addressing issues clearly and working in a group to find the best solution to a problem. I would like to thank the Suffolk County Legislature and the League of Women Voters for organizing this event, which has inspired me to get more involved in my community.”

In addition to Presiding Officer Gregory, the day’s speakers included: 12th District Legislator Leslie Kennedy, 13th District Legislator Robert Trotta, Suffolk County Comptroller John Kennedy and Suffolk County Medical Examiner Dr. Michael Caplan. Representatives from the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, the Suffolk County Police Department, and the Suffolk County Department of Labor, Licensing and Consumer Protection also addressed the students. Additionally, community volunteer Leah Richberg of West Babylon offered a presentation on cultural competency, and representatives from Long Island Cares and Habitat for Humanity spoke about the public service performed by nonprofit organizations and how they interact with the county to further their missions.

“I’ve worked with the League of Women Voters for many years, and I hold that organization in very high regard,” said Comptroller Kennedy, who previously served as a county legislator. “It comes as no surprise that the League would offer this opportunity for students to learn about public service. I encourage these young people to pursue further opportunities in county government by interning with one of our elected officials or agencies.”

“I am thrilled that several school districts from the area I represent attended this event,” said Legislator Kennedy. “We will one day have to pass the responsibility of policy-making to the next generation, and they will be making the decisions that affect us as senior citizens.  It is important that we instill in these youth now the importance of both compassion and fiscal responsibility.”

“I think this event provided a great opportunity for students to learn how county government works and to meet some of the legislators,” said Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta.

A pizza lunch was donated by the office of County Executive Steve Bellone.

The Legislature will host another Student Day on Oct. 15, this time drawing students from the East End.

(Long Island, NY) The Major Case Squad reports the details of a bank robbery that occurred on Tuesday, October 13, 2015 at 9:42 a.m. in Roslyn Heights.

According to Robbery Squad detectives, a male black subject entered the First National Bank of Long Island located at 130 Mineola Avenue approached a teller and demanded money. The subject made a threat of having a gun, but none was seen.

Nassau County Police reports the details of a bank robbery that occurred on Tuesday, October 13, in Roslyn Heights. Photo Credit: NCPD.

He is described as being in his thirties, 5’11” tall, wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt. He fled on foot eastbound on Villa Place with an undetermined amount of cash.

A male black subject entered the First National Bank of Long Island and demanded money. The subject made a threat of having a gun. Photo Credit: NCPD.

There were 5 employees and 1 customer in the bank at the time of the robbery. No injuries reported.

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.

(Long Island, NY) The Holbrook Beautification Committee in conjunction with the Holbrook Chamber of Commerce and Legislator Bill Lindsay sponsored their Fall Clean Up this past Saturday to promote the beautification of Holbrook’s main roads, medians, and sidewalks.

Over 75 local residents, boy scouts, girl scouts, business owners, sports teams, and students launched from Seneca Middle School to make their neighborhood a cleaner and safer place for all. Volunteers were able to collect more than 50 bags of litter and debris throughout Holbrook and Holtsville.

“The Holbrook Beautification Committee’s Community Cleanup has become a model for successful beatification events throughout my legislative district,” said Legislator Bill Lindsay. “I am extremely proud of all of our volunteers for their efforts in beautifying our home.” 

In addition to the Clean-Up Legislator Bill Lindsay, Chamber Member Chris Pulitano and many dedicated volunteers have been actively cleaning, weeding, and mulching the medians along Patchogue-Holbrook Road in order to beautify our community.

“Liter is like graffiti, you have to remove it quickly otherwise it builds up and becomes a common nuisance on our community,” said Lindsay. “I want our children to be able to grow up here and have a better environment than I did as a kid – that starts with cleaning and maintaining what we currently have and building upon our community even further to create long term sustainability.”

(Long Island, NY) The Seventh Squad reports an arrest for Grand Larceny on Monday, October 11, 2015 at 5:15 P.M. in Seaford.

According to detectives, between June 2015 and October 2015, George Katsihtis, 33, of Seaford, while employed as a bartender at Smuggler Jack’s Bar, 157 Forest Avenue, Massapequa, stole in excess of $15,000 cash.

Nassau County Police reports the arrest of George Katsihitis, 33, of Seaford for Grand Larceny on Monday, October 11. Photo Credit: NCPD.

On Monday, October 11, Katsihtis was located on Merrick Road in Seaford and was placed under arrest without incident.

Katsihtis is charged with Grand Larceny 3rd degree. He was arraigned on Tuesday, October 13, 2015 at First District Court in Hempstead.

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.

One-on-One Live Music Program for Comfort Care Program Commences Friday, October 30, 2015

(Long Island, NY) East End Arts and Peconic Landing are pleased to announce the start of the “East End Arts Music by the Bedside” program. Hosted at Peconic Landing, the award-winning LifeCare retirement community in Greenport, this experiential music program brings one-on-one live music performances to the bedside of seniors receiving comfort care (palliative care). These special one-on-one sessions will be provided by local volunteer musicians including East End Arts music students and faculty, as well as musicians interested in participating in the program.

The “East End Arts Music by the Bedside” program is a collaboration between East End Arts musicians and The Shores at Peconic Landing, a skilled nursing center. Comfort care has many facets, and these musicians will help to foster feelings of peace and ease through the enjoyment of music. Whether a peaceful song, a quiet flute solo, or the sound of a violin – it can help seniors to connect with the soul, awaken memories, and enhance their quality of life.

While not medical caregivers, these East End Arts volunteers are specially trained to provide supportive end of life comfort treatment. When Peconic Landing’s caregivers deems it beneficial, the visiting musician will meet seniors by the bedside and offer a song, a musical piece from their own repertoire, or even take a special request. These musicians will help provide seniors with comfort, emotional support, presence, and a connection that only music can provide.

Volunteer musicians will visit The Shores at Peconic Landing on the last Friday of every month, touring for approximately one hour.The program will begin Friday, October 30, featuring East End Arts School alumnus Sheree Elder, a unique composer, songwriter and vocalist.

Benefits of this program for patients include comfort, presence, emotional support, communication, engagement, joy, and support of physical well-being.

East End Arts Education Director Diane Giardi comments: “We are looking forward to a one-on-one sharing of music and time with Peconic Landing’s comfort care residents. This is an enrichment experience both for the receiver and the musicians themselves.”

Peconic Landing’s Executive Vice President and Administrator of Health Services Gregory J. Garrett said: “We see the therapeutic benefits of music first hand, and the connection our seniors have with it. Now, these members will have the opportunity to connect with the musicians as well. This is the start of a very meaningful program.

Peconic Landing President and CEO Robert J. Syron adds: “We are looking forward to providing our seniors with this unique and valuable program. We want to thank East End Arts and its volunteers for their time and efforts.”

There are numerous programs across the country that go by various names and provide music by the bedside for therapeutic purposes (i.e. Threshold Choir). These programs are an important part of a patient’s overall care and quality of life.

Quote by French writer Victor Hugo (1802-1885): “Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent.”

East End Arts is looking for musician volunteers, which will prove to be a very rewarding experience for those who participate. If interested, contact Diane Giardi, East End Arts Education Director, at dgiardi@eastendarts.org or 631-369-2171.

For more information about this program, visit http://www.eastendarts.org/programs/music-by-the-bedside.html.

In addition, Peconic Landing is hosting a screening and discussion of the documentary film Alive Inside, a Sundance Film Festival winner, to be held on Wednesday, October 28 at 7:00 PM at the Peconic Landing Community Center, located at 1500 Brecknock Road in Greenport, NY. At this free community event, attendees will hear speaker Robin Lombardo, Regional Program Director for Music and Memory, discuss the impact of music on memory to boost cognitive skills and improve mood. For more information, visit http://peconiclanding.com/upcoming-events/.

About East End Arts
East End Arts is a multi-award winning 501(c)3 not-for-profit arts organization serving the five East End towns of Long Island, NY since 1972, and operates a School of the Arts, an Art Gallery, and presents a variety of events and programs to promote the arts year-round. East End Arts is committed to building and enriching community through the arts by way of education, support, advocacy and inspiration. Each year, East End Arts: exhibits 22 gallery shows in at least three locations, showcasing our community’s talent, which provides presenting opportunities for roughly 800 artists in all disciplines; offers over 150 educational art, music, and theater programs as well as private music instruction to our region year-round, serving over 800 children and adults annually; presents over 15 events to celebrate the regions’ rich artistic background; provides professional development and resources for both emerging and established artists through workshops, cultural arts forums and access to resources through social media and the web serving over 7,000 individuals; promotes local artists and musicians through education, presentation and community initiatives; and, presents programs for very low or no fee. To learn more about East End Arts, visithttp://www.eastendarts.org/.

About Peconic Landing
Peconic Landing is an innovative, not-for-profit CCAC-CARF-accredited continuing care retirement community (CCRC) located on the waterfront in Greenport, NY, on the North Fork of Long Island. Among its long list of achievements, Peconic Landing is the only equity-based LifeCare community in the state of New York. It is a member of LeadingAge and LeadingAge New York and embraces a healthy, active lifestyle infused with a sense of exploration, creativity and generosity of spirit. Peconic Landing boasts a 144-acre campus that is currently home to 141 apartments and 109 cottages for Independent Living, 26-one bedroom Enriched Living apartments and accommodations for 44 members in its Skilled Nursing Care Center. In operation since 2002, the organization in September 2014 broke ground on a $44 million expansion to add 46 new apartments for Independent Living, a 16-suite Memory Care Center, a 16-suite Short-Term Rehabilitation Center, as well as renovations to refresh its existing Community Center amenities. Completion of the expansion effort is on track for a Spring 2016 opening. To learn more about Peconic Landing or LifeCare visit www.PeconicLanding.org.

For more information about “East End Arts Music by the Bedside”, contact Diane Giardi, East End Arts Education Director at 631-369-2171 or dgiardi@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 benefits the mission and commitment to building and enriching our community through the arts by way of education, support, advocacy, and inspiration.

Cohen Children’s Medical Center Pediatric Rheumatology Nurses and Actress Ginamarie Russo to be Honored

(Long Island, NY) The Arthritis Foundation will host its Commitment to a Cure Awards Reception to benefit arthritis research on Thursday, October 29 at 6 p.m. at Coindre Hall in Huntington. The evening will salute pediatric rheumatology nurses Eileen Pagano, RN, MS, CPNP; Patricia Lee, RN, BSN, CPN; and Marilynn Orlando, RN, MS, BC, of Cohen Children’s Medical Center; as well as actress Ginamarie Russo from Lynbrook, who was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis when she was 12.

More than 100 guests from business, health care and philanthropy will be in attendance to help raise funding for supportive programs and research to find a cure for arthritis — the nation’s leading cause of disability.

Arthritis is a painful, degenerative disease that destroys joints, bones and connective tissues for 50 million Americans (one in five) including 300,000 children. Two-thirds of people who live with the disease are under age 65.

“It is a privilege to be celebrating the work of our esteemed honorees who have been champions for our mission,” said Jacqueline Duodu-Burbridge, Regional Director of the Arthritis Foundation, Long Island Chapter.

“We are so grateful to our honorees for making this evening possible,” said Dr. Mara Bollettieri, Assistant Superintendent for Personnel and Administration, Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District, who is the Commitment to a Cure Committee Chair. “Their commitment to raising awareness and ensuring that people living with arthritis receive the treatment and support they need will help us chart a new course for all those who struggle with the disease.”

“The Arthritis Foundation is thankful for the support and generosity of our Commitment to a Cure sponsors including Certilman Balin Adler & Hyman , LLP; Cohen Children’s Medical Center, Division of Rheumatology; and Leviton,” said Duodu-Burbridge.

For additional information about the Commitment to a Cure Awards Reception, visit Commitment-LI.org or call (631) 427-8272.

The Arthritis Foundation (arthritis.org) leads the fight for people living with arthritis and helps conquer everyday battles through life-changing information and resources, access to optimal care, advancements in science and community connections.

(Long Island, NY) Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci recently joined The Greens at Half Hollow Hills’ Men’s Group, for an open discussion forum. On Wednesday, Lupinacci spoke with these concerned citizens about legislation, the 2015-2016 budget and issues which face them for this upcoming legislative term.

Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci recently joined The Greens at Half Hollow Hills’ Men’s Group. Photo Credit: NYS.

“The residents of the Greens have been active and outspoken members of the 10^th District community,” said Lupinacci. “I was pleased to discuss the issues which face the 10^th Assembly District on the state level, as well as share my thoughts about important issues for this upcoming legislative session,” Lupinacci continued.

“These residents were impressively knowledgeable about state and federal government. Their insight is a welcome and timely addition to the discussion as we approach the beginning of session in January,” Lupinacci added. “This was a productive forum and I greatly appreciate their active feedback throughout today’s conversation,” concluded Lupinacci.