Symposium to Examine Past, Present & Future of Native Plants

(Long Island, NY) Planting, designing with, and preserving Long Island’s native plant population are among the topics to be discussed at the 3^rd Annual Native Plant Symposium to be held at Farmingdale State College on Saturday, October 24.

Echinacea. Photo Credit: Farmingdale State College.

The event is hosted by Farmingdale’s Department of Urban Horticulture and Design and sponsored by the Long Island Native Plant Initiative, Inc.  The symposium, to be held in Roosevelt Hall, is open to the public.  Admission is $75 per person; student tickets are priced at $30.  Lunch is included.  The meeting will run from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Environmental educator, author of Pollinators of Native Plants, and landscape designer Heather Holm is the keynote speaker.  Other speakers include Greg Houseal, program manager for natural selections seed at the Tallgrass Prairie Center at the University of Northern Iowa, and Jordan Raphael, park biologist at the Fire Island National Seashore, who will discuss threats to the Maritime Forest.

Black Gum fruit. Photo Credit: Farmingdale State College.

Also scheduled are breakout sessions on designing with, and growing, native plants.  The breakouts will be followed by a round-table discussion.

To register visit http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07ebhfhixrdba26b30&llr=8xr65vnab

For more information email info@linpi.org.

Department of Urban Horticulture and Design
Farmingdale State College’s Department of Urban Horticulture and Design offers bachelor and associate degrees as well as a certificate in horticulture.

The Gardens at Farmingdale State College
The Teaching Gardens at Farmingdale State College are a hidden gem that serve as an outdoor classroom for students in the department. The grounds are also open in season for enjoyment by the greater Long Island community.

Farmingdale State College continues to prepare students with the education, skills, and critical thinking needed to meet the challenges of tomorrow. As the largest of SUNY’s colleges of technology (with over 8,700 students), Farmingdale equips students with the resources and knowledge sought by today’s emerging industries. Offering bachelor and associate programs, Farmingdale will soon offer its first graduate degree.  At Farmingdale, students also have abundant opportunities in experiential learning—internships, clinical training, and guided research—that provide practical instruction and personal growth. Small, personalized classes, a residence hall with suite-style living, a lush 380-acre campus undergoing major renovation, and a highly successful NCAA Division III athletics program with modern facilities make Farmingdale State College one of the fastest-growing colleges in the region. In addition, in the 2015 U.S. News & World Report’s section titled Best Regional Colleges in the North, Farmingdale is ranked #11.  Also in that category, FSC is #3 in the LEAST Student Debt Load at Graduation. For more information, contact Kathryn Coley at 631-420-2400 or kathryn.coley@farmingdale.edu.  Look on our website www.farmingdale.edu. Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/farmingdale.

As Part Of Previous Settlement With Attorney General, Internet Order LLC Will Reform Its ‘Negative Option’ Marketing Practices

(Long Island, NY) Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman is reminding consumers to file complaints with his office to potentially receive restitution if they believe they were harmed by the online marketing company, Internet Order LLC, which operated the website PimsleurApproach.com and sold language audio courses over the Internet.

“Many New Yorkers were duped by Internet Order’s deceptive and fraudulent business practices. I am pleased that my office can begin to provide restitution to those who were affected,” Attorney General Schneiderman said. “We won’t tolerate companies who seek to exploit New Yorkers for profit.”

In August the Attorney General announced he had reached a $1 million settlement with Internet Order as the result of an investigation made in conjunction with the Attorney Generals of Washington and Pennsylvania, who also received complaints about the company.

Internet Order was accused of using “negative option” marketing in the sale of Pimsleur-branded language audio courses, meaning consumers’ failure to cancel the transaction after the “free trial” of their initial purchase left them at risk for potentially being charged hundreds of dollars. Some courses that were advertised at $9.95 ultimately cost consumers more than $1,000.

The settlement agreement provides for a claims process for consumers who believe they were harmed by Internet Order. On October 26, 2015 Dahl Administration will be sending email messages to consumers who purchased the CDs from Internet Order between January 1, 2009 and April 1, 2013, and who unsuccessfully attempted to cancel within 45 days of the expiration of the “free trial” period. The email will include a link to a claim form with more directions on how to obtain a possible refund.  All other consumers who believe they were harmed by this company’s negative option marketing scheme are encouraged to file a written complaint with the office here to be considered for a possible refund as well.  Complaints must be received by October 31, 2015 to be considered for a refund.

For more information regarding the settlement and how to obtain a refund, please visitwww.InternetOrderAGSettlement.com or call 1-877-841-9362.

UPDATE: Alejandro Chamale Cubule, 27, of Rocky Point, has been identified as the pedestrian killed in a motor vehicle crash in Rocky Point on October 7.

The investigation is continuing.

Below is the original release.

(Long Island, NY) Suffolk County Police Seventh Squad detectives are investigating a motor vehicle crash that killed a pedestrian in Rocky Point on Thursday, October 7.

The pedestrian was attempting to cross Route 25A, just east of Rocky Point Road, when he was struck by a 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe that was driven by Nicholas Azzato, 27, who was traveling eastbound on Route 25A at approximately 11:35 p.m.

Suffolk County Police are investigating a motor vehicle crash that killed a pedestrian in Rocky Point on Thursday, October 7. Photo Credit: Chris Boyle.

Azzato, of Rocky Point, remained at the scene. The identity of the pedestrian is pending notification of family.

The vehicle was impounded for a safety check and the investigation is continuing. Detectives are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash to call the Seventh Squad at 631-852-8752.

(Long Island, NY) The Homicide Squad reports the details of a fatal motor vehicle accident, involving a motorcycle, that occurred in Old Brookville on Wednesday, 10/07/15 at 3:56 P.M.

According to detectives, a 2007 Suzuki motorcycle traveling southbound on Glen Cove Rd. at Jaeger Dr. was in collision with a 2015 GMC Yukon making a left turn onto Glen Cove Rd. from Jaeger Dr.

Nassau County Police reports the details of a fatal motor vehicle accident, involving a motorcycle, that occurred in Old Brookville on Wednesday, 10/07. Photo Credit: Chris Boyle.

Glenwood Fire Department Ambulance transported the operator of the motorcycle, Joseph Pandolfi, 27, of Greenvale, to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced at 5:20 P.M. The female operator of the Yukon, and her four children were also transported to a local hospital for observation, with no reported injuries.

Detectives report no apparent criminality at this time. The motorcycle and the Yukon were impounded for brake and safety inspections.

(Long Island, NY) Suffolk County Police have arrested a Middle Island man for committing several robberies that occurred in September and October.

Following an investigation by Sixth Squad detectives, Robert Warner was arrested for the following robberies:

• W&H 112 Laundry, located at 3669B Route 112, Coram, on September 29. Warner displayed a knife and stole cash.
• USA Gas Station, located at 234 Medford Ave., North Patchogue, on September 30. Warner indicated he had a weapon and handed the clerk a note demanding cash and fled with cash.
• Little Mexico Restaurant, located at 2 Middle Country Road, Coram, on October 1. Warner indicated he had a weapon and stole cash.
• Mobil Gas Station, located at 1889 Route 112, Coram, on October 4. Warner passed a note and fled with cash.

Suffolk County Police have arrested Robert Warner, 23, of Middle Island man for committing several robberies that occurred in September and October. Photo Credit: SCPD.

Warner, 23, was charged with two counts of Robbery 2nd Degree, two counts of Robbery 1st Degree, Petit Larceny and three warrants. Warner was scheduled for arraignment at First District Court in Central Islip on October 7.

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 Police have arrested the husband of Tricia Odierna, 42, who was found dead inside her Lake Grove residence on October 1.

Fourth Precinct Patrol officers originally responded to a 911 call on Thursday, October 1 at approximately 1:50 p.m. Officers found a woman dead inside, later identified as Tricia Odierna. The cause of the death was believed to be criminal at the time.

Suffolk County Police have arrested Leitgeb, 49, of Lake Grove, for the alleged murder of his wife Tricia Odierna, 42, on October 1. Photo Credit: Chris Boyle.

Detectives developed information that Paul Leitgeb was in a hiking trail in Pawling, New York, and notified New York State Police. The State Police, with assistance from the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Department and Metro North Police, conducted an extensive search of the area.

A New York State Police Canine team located Leitgeb in the Appalachian Trail on October 6 and he injured himself in the wrist and throat. Leitgeb threatened to further harm himself and threatened the officers before New York State Troopers took him into custody. Leitgeb was transported to Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital in Poughkeepsie for treatment of his injuries.

Suffolk County Police Homicide Squad detectives charged Leitgeb, 49, of Lake Grove, with Murder 2nd Degree. He will be scheduled for arraignment upon his release from the hospital.

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.

Program to provide soon to be released inmates with treatment drug, Vivitrol, to address opiate addiction and reduce recidivism

(Long Island, NY) Today, County Executive Bellone was joined by Suffolk County Sheriff Vincent DeMarco, Assistant Deputy County Executive Tim Sini and treatment providers to announce a new pilot program as part of the County’s multi-pronged approach to addressing heroin and opiate use and abuse.  In 2014, there were more than 250 opioid related deaths in Suffolk County and 493 Narcan saves.

“As we all know, we are experiencing an opioid epidemic in Suffolk County,” said County Executive Steve Bellone.  “Obviously the real tragedy is in the many families and friends who have lost love ones to this epidemic.    We need to tackle it on all fronts—prevention, treatment and law enforcement and Suffolk County is engaged in some promising initiatives on all of one of these fronts. Earlier this year, Tim Sini, Assistant Deputy County Executive for Public Safety, identified a new treatment model that has great promise to be successful in Suffolk County.”

Suffolk County Executive Bellone announced a new pilot program as part of the County’s approach to addressing heroin and opiate use and abuse. Photo Credit: Suffolk County.

“This administration has made it a priority to explore and launch new, evidence-based tools in combatting the heroin and opiate epidemic,” said Timothy Sini, Assistant Deputy County Executive for Public Safety.  “I am excited about the possibilities of addressing opioid addiction within the inmate population through this new pilot program.  I thank Sheriff DeMarco and our community treatment providers for their willingness  to work with me to establish the program and create protocols and procedures to analyze its effectiveness.”

The County, with the support from various private and public stakeholders, has established a pilot program where soon to be released inmates have been identified as candidates to undergo treatment with the FDA-approved drug, Vivitrol prior to their release.  Vivitrol, extended-release naltrexone, has proven to be effective as an opioid antagonist. Vivitrol assists patients in overcoming opioid addiction by blocking the drugs’ euphoric effects.  In 2010, the FDA approved the use of extended release naltrexone for the treatment of opioid addiction for individuals 18 years and older.  At the time it was approved, the FDA stated: “This drug approval represents a significant advancement in addiction treatment.”

“There is a very high percentage of people in our county jails addicted to heroin,” stated Sheriff Vincent DeMarco. “We want to do all we can to prevent them from victimizing more people when they are released.”

The County has established a pilot program where soon to be released inmates have been identified as candidates to undergo treatment with the FDA-approved drug, Vivitrol, an opioid antagonist. Photo Credit: Suffolk County.

In addition to the administration of the drug while in jail, inmates must agree, as part of the conditions of their release, to continue to undergo treatment and drug therapy with Suffolk County’s community treatment partners.

Suffolk County has trained jail medical staff to screen candidates for the pilot program and to administer the drug.  As a requirement of participating in the pilot program, each inmate must view an informational video that will provide information about the new treatment model.  Once selected, an inmate will undergo drug therapy and be administered Vivitrol.  While the administration of the this drug can be cost prohibitive, the pharmaceutical company that manufactures the drug has agreed to provide the drug to Suffolk County at no cost during the pilot phase of the program.

“This is a monumental step forward in Suffolk County – a step that builds on current science and saves lives, while at the same time, saving the taxpayer dollars associated with re-incarceration,” stated Jeffrey Reynolds, President and CEO of Family and Children’s Association. “This heroin epidemic demands bold, innovative and imaginative responses; kudos to County Executive Steve Bellone and Sheriff Vincent DeMarco for leading the way.”

To date, forty three inmates have viewed the informational video. Twenty one inmates have expressed an interest in participating in the pilot program.  Twenty inmates have been screened by mental health professionals and thirteen are in the process of being medically cleared for participation in the program.   When an inmate is finally released, Suffolk County will arrange for them to undergo treatment and continued drug therapy with Suffolk County’s community treatment providers.  As part of the pilot program, Suffolk County developed  protocols and procedures to ensure that we are keeping track of the outcomes for all the participants of the program.

Studies have shown that people who undergo medicinally assisted treatments, like Vivitrol, have higher rates of success than those who don’t, and this model, in particular, has proven effective, leading to more days of abstinence, longer stays in treatment, reduced cravings for opioids, and higher rates of recovery.

(Long Island, NY) Walt Whitman Shops today announced that it will be participating in a national engagement with Susan G. Komen® to support the fight against breast cancer, engaging employees, retailers and shoppers in ‘Mission Pink®’ events throughout the month of October.

“As an active member in this community, Walt Whitman Shops provides an ideal backdrop for raising awareness and encouraging support in finding a cure for breast cancer, a disease we know affects many of our employees, retailers and shoppers every year,” said Kathleen Herrmann, director of mall marketing and business development for Walt Whitman Shops.

“We are delighted to be working with the dedicated people at Simon,” said Dr. Judy Salerno, Komen President and CEO. “With one case of breast cancer diagnosed every two minutes in the U.S., programs like Simon’s ‘Mission Pink’ play a key role in bringing our mission to people in communities across the country. The support of Simon and their customers will help us fund research, provide support to women, men and families suffering from breast cancer, and move toward a world with no breast cancer.”

Visitors to Walt Whitman Shops will notice that the Guest Services staff will be honoring National Breast Cancer Awareness Month by donning pink ties and scarves. During the month of October, the interior and exterior of the center will be illuminated in pink in all areas with feature lighting. In addition, shoppers who purchase a Simon Giftcard will receive a pink ribbon magnet (while supplies last.)  Other planned activities include:

• Hangers of Hope program: Guests who donate to Susan G. Komen during visits at Walt Whitman Shops can share what gives them strength through the Hangers of Hope program. Simply donate and receive a pink hanger to write a special message of hope, or include a picture in memory of a loved one touched by breast cancer. All hangers will be featured in Walt Whitman Shops’ Center Court during the month of October.
• Local Programming:  Walt Whitman Shops will host Mission Pink Women’s Health & Wellness, on Saturday, October 17 from 1 to 4 p.m. in Center Court. The event will feature local organizations sharing health-related insight and information tailored exclusively to women. Representatives from Susan G. Komen will be on-hand touting its programs and services and guests can enjoy entertainment, fashion presentations, raffles and more. Participating retailers include Lord & Taylor, Macy’s, Aire Blow Dry Bar, Banana Republic, Microsoft and Sophie Reese. Among the exhibitors that will be present at Walt Whitman Shops are Juice Plus+ (whole food based nutrition), Isagenix (nutritional cleansing systems), North Shore-LIJ CareConnect (health insurance), New York Life and Shine Dental Associates / Dental Sleep Therapy. All proceeds to be donated to Susan G. Komen.
• Surprise and Delight: Generate awareness of Susan G. Komen’s National Breast Cancer Awareness Month by surprising randomly selected shoppers with ‘Mission Pink’ treats as they shop.  

During October 2015, Simon is proud to support Susan G. Komen through various fundraising initiatives, and along with the help of generous customers, will guarantee a contribution of at least $250,000.

About Walt Whitman Shops
An expansive retail destination for fashion, discovery and community, Walt Whitman Shops, formerly Walt Whitman Mall, is located on Route 110 in Huntington Station and managed by Simon, headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana.  A major transformation was unveiled on November 21, 2013 when the property introduced a number of new stores and dining destinations to its stellar line-up of more than  80 specialty stores and anchors Lord & Taylor, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s. Shoppers will experience unsurpassed customer service with amenities including complimentary wheelchairs; Ticketmaster retail outlet at Simon Guest Services and American Express® Simon Giftcards®, which can be used everywhere American Express® cards are welcomed, and VISA® Simon Giftcards®, good everywhere VISA® debit cards are accepted. Gift cards are available in denominations from $20 to $500.  For more information, please go to www.simon.com. For the latest mall events and updates, visit www.simon.com/mall/walt-whitman-shops, check out www.facebook.com/WaltWhitmanShops and follow the center on Twitter: @WaltWhitmanShop.

About Simon
Simon is a global leader in retail real estate ownership, management and development and a S&P100 company (Simon Property Group, NYSE:SPG). Our industry-leading retail properties and investments across North America, Europe and Asia provide shopping experiences for millions of consumers every day and generate billions in annual retail sales. For more information, visit simon.com.

(Long Island, NY) Public education advocates and progressive leaders today demanded to know how much the hedge fund-backed Families for Excellent Schools spent on the rally today to attack Mayor de Blasio rather than fight for better schools for all children. They also called on Families for Excellent Schools to engage in a serious and substantive debate on education, and stop waging a campaign that harms kids.

“This rally is part of an intricate scheme to politically attack Mayor deBlasio and his commitment to fairly fund the neediest public schools. We’ve witnessed this in their distasteful attack ad, race-baiting parents to denounce de Blasio and his initiatives for more equitable schools. Both the ad and this rally were financed by a handful of hedge fund billionaires who want a new mayor, and may want Eva Moskowitz as their candidate. Instead of attacking our public schools, the hedge funders should pay their fair share in taxes so that our students have the resources they need.” said Zakiyah Ansari, Advocacy Director, Alliance for Quality Education. We have a simple request for Families for Excellent Schools: immediately disclose how much hedge fund money was spent today on the rally to attack Mayor de Blasio and denigrate our public school system

“The hypocrisy of this rally is appalling. If Families for Excellent Schools cares all about equality, they should prove it by advocating for all children. Instead, they continue to run a political campaign focused solely on bashing Mayor de Blasio and giving his opponents a platform. Parents and children have a right to know how much dirty hedge fund money is being spent to trash public education and harm communities of color,” said Jonathan Westin, Executive Director of New York Communities for Change.

“We all agree that high-quality education should be available to all students regardless of where they live. But these attacks against Mayor de Blasio do nothing to improve education or help kids. They are counter-productive and, frankly, a waste of time. Our entire city deserves a serious and substantive debate about the future of public education. We’ve challenged Families for Excellent Schools to have that debate with us. But they have yet to respond,” said Bill Lipton, New York Director, Working Families Party.

(Long Island, NY) Smith Haven Mall today announced that it will be participating in a national engagement with Susan G. Komen® to support the fight against breast cancer, engaging employees, retailers and shoppers in ‘Mission Pink®’ events throughout the month of October.

“As an active member in this community, Smith Haven Mall provides an ideal backdrop for raising awareness and encouraging support in finding a cure for breast cancer, a disease we know affects many of our employees, retailers and shoppers every year,” said Ann M. Schultz, director of mall marketing and business development for Smith  Haven Mall.

“We are delighted to be working with the dedicated people at Simon,” said Dr. Judy Salerno, Komen President and CEO. “With one case of breast cancer diagnosed every two minutes in the U.S., programs like Simon’s ‘Mission Pink’ play a key role in bringing our mission to people in communities across the country. The support of Simon and their customers will help us fund research, provide support to women, men and families suffering from breast cancer, and move toward a world with no breast cancer.”

Visitors to Smith Haven Mall will notice that the Guest Services booth will be outfitted in pink and staff will be honoring National Breast Cancer Awareness Month by donning pink ties and scarves accessories. Other planned activities include:

• Message of Strength: For a $1 donation, survivors, families and / or friends can write their message of strength on a white board and are encouraged to take a picture and share via social media – located at Guest Services Booth, Center Court.
• Local Programming:  Smith Haven Mall will host a Mission Pink Health and Wellness Expo on Saturday, October 10 from 12 to 6 p.m. Attendees can obtain healthy living tips and insight directly from on-site representatives. Among the exhibitors that will be at Smith Haven Mall include New York Life (Life Insurance, Long Term Care Insurance and AARP), North Shore Eye Care (Lasik), Silverleaf Resorts (Time Share Resort), Achieve Beyond (Pediatric Therapy and Autism Services), SDC Nutrition / Take Shape for Life, Medical Arts Radiology, The Bristal Assisted Living, AXA Advisors (Disability and Long Term Care Insurance), Isagenix, Suffolk Center for Speech, Bare Minerals, Susan G. Komen, North Shore Hematology Oncology Associates, Love Centered Parenting, Little Chefs Homespun Delectables, Spa Belle Mead (medical related services), truMedic – TENS Unit, It Works! (wraps, supplements and skin care) and more. Guests can also meet Chef AJ, a season three participant from Fox TV’s program Master Chef Junior.
• Surprise and Delight: Generate awareness of Susan G. Komen’s National Breast Cancer Awareness Month by surprising randomly selected shoppers with ‘Mission Pink’ treats as they shop.  

During October 2015, Simon is proud to support Susan G. Komen through various fundraising initiatives, and along with the help of generous customers, will guarantee a contribution of at least $250,000.

About Smith Haven Mall
An expansive retail destination for fashion, discovery and community, Smith Haven Mall is located at Routes 347 and 25 in Lake Grove, and managed by Simon, headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana.  Renovated in 2007, the mall is anchored by Sears, JCPenney and Macy’s and has over 130 specialty stores.  Its Lifestyle Village, an outdoor plaza-style shopping environment, features an attractive courtyard of specialty retailers and premium eateries including Cheesecake Factory, California Pizza Kitchen, Barnes & Noble and Dick’s Sporting Goods. Smith Haven Mall recently launched a new incentive program, Simon Rewards, which gives shoppers the chance to win daily prizes, earn points and receive perks for visiting the mall, including access to new Reserved Parking spaces. For more information, please go to simon.com. Visit simon.com/mall/smith-haven-mall for the latest mall events and retailer updates. Smith Haven Mall is on Facebook – check out facebook.com/SmithHavenMall.  Follow the mall on Twitter too: @SmithHavenMall     

About Simon
Simon is a global leader in retail real estate ownership, management and development and a S&P100 company (Simon Property Group, NYSE:SPG). Our industry-leading retail properties and investments across North America, Europe and Asia provide shopping experiences for millions of consumers every day and generate billions in annual retail sales. For more information, visit simon.com.