(Long Island, NY) The Second Squad is investigating a Leaving the Scene of an Auto Accident that occurred on Thursday, September 10, 2015 at 11:15 p.m. in Hicksville.

According to detectives, a late model, dark colored, pickup truck entered the parking lot of 370 Old Country Road and struck a male, 60 years of age, walking through the lot causing him to suffer a head injury. The vehicle also struck a parked vehicle before exiting and heading eastbound on Old Country Road.

Nassau County Police investigating a Leaving the Scene of an Auto Accident that occurred on Thursday, September 10 in Hicksville. Photo Credit: Chris Boyle.

The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries. The truck has possible damage to the rear quarter panel and rear end.

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

(Long Island, NY) The Major Case Squad reports the arrest of four individuals for multiple Robberies in Nassau County.

According to detectives, a joint investigation was conducted by Third Squad, First Squad, and Robbery Squad detectives, along with the assistance of Hempstead Police, which led to the arrest of the following individuals:

• Juan C. Vallecillo, 33 of Roosevelt.

Mug shot of Juan C. Vallecillo, 33 of Roosevelt. Photo Credit: NCPD.

• Cecilia Vallecillo, 36 of Roosevelt.

Mug shot of Cecilia Vallecillo, 36 of Roosevelt. Photo Credit: NCPD.

• Jaime R. Machado, 28 of Hempstead.

Mug shot of Jaime R. Machado, 28 of Hempstead. Photo Credit: NCPD.

• Henry Armando Hernandez, 18 of Hempstead.

Mug shot of Henry Armando Hernandez, 18 of Hempstead. Photo Credit: NCPD.

The four defendants while working together were involved in the following Robberies:

• On August 2, 2015 at 3:10 p.m. the defendants entered the Multi-Service Express, 390 Fulton Avenue, Hempstead armed with handgun and a knife demanded the money from the employees. They fled with an undetermined amount of U.S. currency.
• On September 2, 2015 at 10:30 p.m. they entered Eli’s Deli; 10 James L.L. Burrell Avenue Hempstead armed with a hand gun and demanded money from the victim. They fled with an undetermined amount of money.
• On September 4, 2015 at 11:10 p.m. the defendant’s entered the Sunny Express, 59 S. Franklin Street; Hempstead armed with a gun and a machete and demanded the money from the owner. They fled with an undetermined amount of cash.
• On September 6, 2015 at 12:00 p.m. Cecilia Vallecillo along with Machado and Hernandez entered the One Stop Deli, 1947 Grand Avenue, Baldwin and demanded money from the employee and fled with an undetermined amount of cash.
• On September 8, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. the defendant’s approached a male victim in the rear parking lot of 18 S. Park Avenue, Rockville Centre and forced him at gunpoint into the cab of a delivery truck. They fled with an unknown amount of cash from the victim.
• On September 9, 2015 at 8:36 p.m. they entered the Beilevas Latina Salon, 512 Fulton Avenue; Hempstead armed with a handgun and demanded the money.
• On September 9, 2015 at 10:45 p.m. they entered the Mambo Deli, 911 Nassau Road; Uniondale armed with a gun and demanded the money. They fled with an unknown amount of cash. There were no injuries reported during any of the robberies.

Detectives located Juan C. Vallecillo, and Jaime R. Machados with the assistance of Hempstead Police and placed under arrest on Thursday, September 10, 2015 at 8:10 p.m. on Yale Street in Hempstead.

Detectives located Cecilia Vallecillo and Henry Armando Hernandez and placed under arrest on Friday, September 11, 2015 at 3:10 a.m. on Yale Street, Hempstead with the assistance of Hempstead Police.

Jaime R. Machado, Cecilia Vallecillo, and Henry Armando Hernandez are all charged with (7) seven counts of Robbery 1st degree and (7) seven counts of Robbery 2nd degree.

Juan C. Vallecillo is charged with (6) six counts of Robbery 1st degree and (6) six counts of Robbery 2nd degree.

They will be arraigned on Saturday, September 12, 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.

(Long Island, NY) Suffolk County Police Third Squad detectives are investigating a crash that seriously injured a pedestrian in West Islip on Friday, September 11.

James Pannell was walking into the parking lot of the CVS store, located at 499 Montauk Highway when he was struck by a 2002 GMC pickup truck that was traveling westbound and making a left turn into the lot.

Suffolk County Police are investigating a crash that seriously injured a pedestrian in West Islip on Friday, September 11. Photo Credit: Chris Boyle.

The operator of the vehicle, Robert Waage, 51, of Dix Hills, was not injured and stayed at the scene.

Pannell, 73, of West Islip, was transported by ambulance to Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center in West Islip, in serious condition with a head injury.

A safety check was conducted on the vehicle. The investigation is continuing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Third Squad detectives at 631-854-8352.

During 2015 Long Beach International Film Festival at Madison Theater at Molloy College

(Long Island, NY) One of this years can’t-miss exclusive film and music events will take place Saturday, September 26th as world-renowned hip-hop artist and political activist Talib Kweli will be on hand for the world premiere screening and Q&A for his film “Talib Kweli: Prisoner of Conscious, Live from Brooklyn” in The Madison Theatre at Molloy College at 10pmduring the 2015 Long Beach Intl Film Festival. In May 2013 Talib Kweli released his fifth solo album. The following summer in June 2014, Talib performed the album in its entirety for a crowd at Williamsburg’s Brookyn Bowl. This film documents that performance.

Talib Kweli. Photo Credit: Rick Eberle Public Relations.

“Talib Kweli: Prisoner of Conscious, Live from Brooklyn” will screen as part of “The Joan Jett Music in Film Series”, a new category added this year in honor of longtime supporter Joan Jett’s involvement in the Festival and as an homage to her induction into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame earlier in 2015.

Other films in the Joan Jett Music Film Series include “All in Time”, “Landfill Harmonic” and  “Lee’s 88 Keys” – a feature documentary that shares the story of 2015 Jazz Hero Award Winner, composer and pianist Lee Shaw. Shaw lived a diverse, accomplished, and charmed life but struggled with being a woman in a male dominated field throughout her career.

Joan Jett. Photo Credit: Rick Eberle Public Relations.

This year, the Long Beach International Film Festival (LBIFF) will be celebrating its 4th Anniversary as they bring a fresh line up of exciting films from around the world to Long Island. Taking placeSeptember 24–27th primarily in the City of Long Beach, NY the event will once again branch off into Rockville Centre as well. There are also three new screening venues to expand its film programming – along with filmmaker’s lounges and after parties at local restaurants and hotels.

The winner of Best Feature Film will receive one complementary studio day at Grumman Studios in Bethpage, NY along with the services of a colorist from Technicolor to assist in any future projects.

Daniel Baldwin. Photo Credit: Rick Eberle Public Relations.

Kravit Jewelers is also a proud supporter of the LBIFF and believes creativity expresses individuality. Each year in collaboration with Idayne, a customized piece of jewelry is presented to an award winner to celebrate this achievement. Idayne is a Hollywood Jewelry designer and has designed for Cameron Diaz, Joan Jett and Miley Cyrus just to name a few. Last year she created a beautiful piece for Daniel Baldwin, who’s film won Best Picture in 2014 at LBIFF. Idayne continues to support the festival with creating a piece each and every year for an award winning filmmaker. www.idayne.com

Additionally, we are also proud to once again have Jet Blue as a premier sponsor of the festival, providing travel accommodations to our celebrity guests. www.jetblue.com

Full Schedule of Events at: www.longbeachfilm.com/film

Screening Venues:

• Madison Theatre Molloy College: 1000 Hempstead Ave RVC NY
• Long Beach Hotel: 405 East Broadway Long Beach NY
• Long Beach Cinema 4: 179 East Park Ave, Long Beach NY

Plan Your Stay at The Allegria Hotel, The Garden City Hotel or the Long Beach Hotel! Discount rates available for film festival-goers: http://www.longbeachfilm.com/hotels/

Become A Housing Host:

• Open Your House or Apartment to Guests From Around the World and Enjoy the Festival for FREE! http://www.longbeachfilm.com/housing-host/

Become A Volunteer:

• Seeking Volunteers Who Share A Commitment to the Art of Filmmaking and Film! http://www.longbeachfilm.com/volunteer/

More About the Long Beach International Film Festival
The Long Beach International Film Festival celebrates the art of storytelling through cinema. Presenting shorts, fiction and documentary formats, the festival is committed to exhibiting films that convey a fresh voice and differing perspectives. With past celebrity attendance including such big names as actors Burt Young, Scott Franklin, Daniel Baldwin, and Richard Pryor Jr.; Musicians Joan Jett and Dee Snider; comedian Joey Kola, and UFC fighter Chris Weidman! The goal of these programs is to captivate, engage and enlighten audiences, provide invaluable exposure for filmmakers and present inspired entertainment.   www.longbeachfilm.com

• Twitter: @LBIFFNY
• Instagram: @LBIFFNY
• Facebook: www.Facebook.com/LongBeachInternationalFilmFestival 
• YouTube: LongBeachInternationalFilmFestival

Levittown Library, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

(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 Mangano and Legislators Gonsalves and Dunne to bring the Department of Assessment office operations to the Levittown Library (1 Bluegrass Lane, Levittown) on Thursday, September 24^th,  from 1:00 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 at516-739-1700 or the Nassau County Department of Assessment at 516-571-1500.

(Long Island, NY) Spearheading this year’s Walk for Beauty, in a Beautiful Place, cancer survivors, town officials, sponsors and more will participate in “Wings of Hope,” a series of ceremonies which will include the release of birds with messages symbolizing the hope in the fight against breast cancer.  Supervisor Edward P. Romaine and Councilwoman Valerie M. Cartright will kick-off the first event at Brookhaven Town Hall.

The Ward Melville Heritage Organization with Committee Co-chairs Gloria Rocchio, President, WMHO; Honorable Kara Hahn, Suffolk County Legislator and Carol Simco, Stony Brook Fire Department, will once again host the Walk for Beauty on October 25, 8:30 am registration, in picturesque Stony Brook Village.

Spearheading this year’s Walk for Beauty, cancer survivors, town officials, sponsors and more will participate in “Wings of Hope,” a series of ceremonies symbolizing hope in the fight against breast cancer. Photo Credit: WMHO.

For the second year in a row participants can choose from three events in one with a 4K Color Splash, 4K/6K Walk and a 10K “Hercules on the Harbor” timed run sanctioned by USA Track & Field.  Proceeds will go directly to a Targeted Research Fund at Stony Brook Medicine for breast cancer research and the WMHO Unique Boutique for prosthesis and wigs.

The route takes participants through historic Stony Brook, Avalon Park and Preserve and a scenic route past historic landmarks and homes which will be adorned with pink bows.  Bows can be purchased at WMHO’s Educational & Cultural Center for a $5 contribution.  Bands and various music will be performed along the route as well.

To become a Wings of Hope Sponsor call 631-751-2244 or visit wmho.org/wfb for full details or to register.

Founded in 1939, WMHO is a not-for-profit corporation that develops and fosters community enrichment through cultural and educational experiences.  WMHO accomplishes this by enhancing and interpreting its historic and environmentally sensitive properties and by utilizing state-of-the-art technology. For more information, please visit www.wmho.org.

(Long Island, NY) Suffolk County Police Homicide Squad detectives are investigating a shooting that killed a Wyandanch man on Friday, September 11.

First Precinct police officers responded to a home on 29th Street at approximately 3:30 a.m. after a 911 caller reported a shooting at the residence.

Suffolk County Police are investigating a shooting that killed a Wyandanch man on Friday, September 11. Photo Credit: Chris Boyle.

The victim, Tehron Sims, 27, a resident of the home, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The investigation is continuing. Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to contact Homicide Squad detectives at 631-852-6392 or call anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.

Thursday, September 24, 2015, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

(Long Island, NY) The East End Arts School is thrilled to announce a Printmaking Demonstration Workshop, free for public attendance, to be held on Thursday, September 24, 2015, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the East End Arts Carriage House located behind the EEA School, 141 E. Main Street in Riverhead, NY. Instructors Dawn Daisley and Andrea Cote will offer demonstrations with student participation in various methods of printmaking including monoprints, relief printing, etching and more. Advance registration is preferred by contacting 631-369-2171 or education@eastendarts.org.

For more information, visit https://eastendartsorg.presencehost.net/calendar/events.html/event/2015/09/24/free-printmaking-demonstration-workshop.

Dawn Daisley – collagraph press print. Photo Credit: East End Arts.

Instructor Andrea Cote is an East End Arts faculty member focusing on two-dimensional media. Andrea is a multi-disciplinary artist living in Flanders, New York. She has exhibited her work both nationally and internationally at venues including The Philadelphia Museum of Art, Islip Art Museum, Delaware Art Museum, Rotunda Gallery, Abrons Arts Center, The Print Center, The Moore Gallery, and PanAmerican Art Projects. Her performances have been presented at The Neuberger Museum, The Philadelphia Fringe Festival, The Peekskill Project, Chashama, Scope Art Fairs, The Dumbo Arts Festival, Photo Buenos Aires and the Jackson Pollock Centennial Celebration. Her work has been reviewed in The New York Times, The Miami Herald, The New Times, Newsday, Artinfo.com, and Wynwood Art Magazine. She is the recipient of grants from the Robert Blackburn Printmaking Workshop and the Barbara Deming Memorial Fund, as well as two SOS Grants from the New York Foundation for the Arts and a 2014 NYSCA Creative Individuals Grant. In the spring of 2012 she had a 13-year survey of her work, “Body of Evidence,” at Dowling College. In the summer of 2013 she presented “Eyes on Main Street,” a large-scale multimedia community public project for downtown Riverhead. This September 2014 she will have a 2-person show at art sites gallery in Riverhead, “Out of Time”. For more information, visit http://www.eastendarts.org/school/faculty/andrea-cote.html.

Instructor Dawn Daisley is an East End Arts faculty member focusing on printmaking. Dawn studied at Parsons School of Design where she believed graphics to be the visual language of her generation. She lived in the East Village in the 1970’s and viewed the pop art of that period as an ethnographer, trying to find parallels to her own experiences as a graphic designer. Dawn feels combining art, science and technology will be the future of artistic expression… art that speaks of a culture and its people. Dawn returned to school as a student at Pratt Institute for a BFA in Art & Design Education and found purpose, confidence and self-awareness in her abilities as a learner, teacher, and artist. She continued to complete an MA in Studio Arts at Adelphi University. Her work combines her years of professional experience in graphics and communication with fine art esthetics, creating a unique perspective. For more information, visit http://www.eastendarts.org/school/faculty/dawn-daisley.html.

For information on additional music and arts classes and workshops at the East End Arts School, visit http://www.eastendarts.org/school/classes.html.

East End Arts, established in 1972, is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit arts organization, and operates a School of the Arts, an Art Gallery, and presents a variety of events and programs to promote the arts year-round. Proceeds from all events, sales, classes, donations, and memberships benefit the mission and commitment to building and enriching our community through the arts by way of education, support, advocacy, and inspiration.

(Long Island, NY) Guest speaker Nassau County Water Resources Board Chairman Arnold Palleschi addressed Long Island water commissioners regarding aquifer-related topics of concern to Long Island residents during a recent Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) meeting hosted by Massapequa Water District Commissioners Thomas P. Hand, Joseph T. Tricarico, and Raymond J. Averna.

Introduced by NSWCA member and Jericho Water District Commissioner Nicholas J. Bartilucci, Mr. Palleschi stressed the need for conservation and sustainability and addressed issues facing Long Island’s sole source aquifer. He stated, “The Nassau Water Resources Board was created to monitor issues of sustainability, both in quantity and quality of water supply.”

Pictured from left to right at a recent Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) meeting addressing aquifer-related topics of concern to Long Island residents are: NSWCA 1st VP and Massapequa Water District Commissioner Raymond J. Averna, NSWCA 2nd VP and Plainview Water District Commissioner Andrew N. Bader), NSWCA President and Massapequa Water District Commissioner Thomas P. Hand, Nassau County Water Resources Board Chairman Arnold Palleschi, NSWCA Secretary and Westbury Water District Commissioner Vincent Abbatiello and NSWCA Treasurer and Hicksville Water District Commissioner Karl M. Schweitzer. Photo Credit: NSWCA.

He added, “Our objectives include review of potential imminent, short term and long term threats to the quality and quantity of Nassau County’s groundwater resources. As such, the Nassau Water Resources Board monitors actions of neighboring groundwater suppliers and acts as liaison between Nassau County and NYS DEC to ensure that supplier actions do not adversely the County’s water supply.”

Mr. Hand, NSWCA President, commented, “The NSWCA’s Continuing Education Series brings expert professionals in contact with our Commissioners who are closest to Long Island’s water supply. We greatly appreciate Mr. Palleschi’s informative presentation, and we endorse the protection of the county’s precious supply and concern for the wellbeing of residents.”

Currently a Senior Engineer at Dvirka & Bartilucci Architects & Engineers in Woodbury, NY, Mr. Palleschi, who is a Hewlett resident, has served as Commissioner of the Town of Hempstead Department of Water and was with the Town for over 35 years.

About Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association
Organized and chartered in 1981, Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) is comprised of water commissioners from 21 Nassau and Suffolk County water districts.  The NSWCA is dedicated to promoting environmental excellence and best practices as well as maintaining the highest standards of water quality and supply. NSWCA sponsors regular educational meetings on topics that include the environment, security, economics, rules and regulations, among other related issues.

(Long Island, NY) Statement From Senate Democratic Conference Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins:

“Though it has been fourteen years since our state and nation was brutally attacked on September 11, 2001, we continue to remember and mourn those whose lives were tragically cut short that day. We also honor the brave and selfless actions of our heroic first responders and others during the attacks and in its aftermath. We owe these heroes a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid and we must maintain our support for these courageous men and women and their families by reauthorizing the Zadroga bill and making its benefits permanent. While we grieve we should take solace and pride in how united our nation stood in the face of tragedy, and recommit ourselves to building a stronger, safer and fairer society for all Americans.”