New Alternative Transportation Advocacy Group

(Long Island, NY) Car-less Long Island, a new pedestrian, bicyclist, and alternative transportation advocacy group founded in Long Island this summer, will hold its monthly meetings on the second Wednesday of every month at 7:30. The next two meetings are on September 16th and October 14th. Meetings will be held at the Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island, 38 Old Country Road, Garden City.

Sylvia Silberger, founder of Car-less Long Island, commutes to work, yoga classes and the Ethical Society of Long Island often and occasionally enjoys much longer biking treks. Photo Credit: Car-less Long Island.

Founder Sylvia Silberger said she started the group in response to a 2014 report by the Tri-State Transportation Campaign indicating that half of the top 21 most deadly roadways for pedestrians are in Long Island and to trends she has observed that cut service and raise fares for the public bus system. “The under-representative members of our society who are completely reliant on alternative forms of transportation are finding themselves facing increasingly insurmountable obstacles,” says Dr. Silberger, a math professor at Hofstra University who lives in Hempstead. Car-less Long Island is also concerned with the effects of greenhouse gas emissions that are bringing about catastrophic climate change. “We need to wean ourselves from individual automobiles as our sole means of transportation,” she says.

The group plans to advocate for safer streets for both pedestrians and bicyclists, to advocate for reliable and affordable public transportation options and to encourage Long Islanders to try alternative forms of transportation. Silberger says the group will design campaigns to raise public awareness and sympathies and lobby local politicians and public officials on these issues.

For more information, email Dr. Silberger at Sylvia.Silberger@gmail.com, or call her at (914)466-3997.

Performing Music From Each Incarnation of the Famed Rock Group’s Music From the 1970’s Through 1990’s as part of an all star band of accomplished musicians including Mark Newman

(Long Island, NY) With a familiar classic sound bellowing with originality yet reminiscent of so many soul, blues, and rock greats of our time, singer/songwriter/guitarist Mark Newman brings tones of familiarity yet originality in his music throughout the many stages he’s had the presence of gracing throughout his career. Having played with greats like John Oates (Hall and Oates), Jim McCarty (The Yardbirds) and many more, he’ll be stepping “in the shoes” of another legendary rock outfit with Sailin’ Shoes- A Tribute to Little Feat in the new All Music Inc. Lounge @ The Space at Westbury Thursday, September 3rd at 8PM 250 Post Ave. Westbury, NY 11590. www.TheSpaceatWesbury.com.

“Sailin’ Shoes – A Tribute To Little Feat” comes to All Music Lounge in The Space at Westbury Thursday, September 3rd. Photo Credit: Rick Eberle Public Relations.

A New York native, Newman’s musical prowess has taken him around the world several times over, playing with an eclectic mix of noted musical talents from Sting to Elvis Costello, and Travis Tritt as well as his own solo work. A multi stringsman, Mark has mastered electric/acoustic/lap steel guitar as well as the mandolin and dobro, and with a voice reminiscent of many rock and bluesmen before him- it has the familiarity of an old friend yet the power and soul of many of today’s rock, soul, folk and R&B icons. For over five years, Newman and fellow songwriter Naomi Margolin (also a member of “Sailin’ Shoes”) have run the “Music From the Hive”  Singer/Songwriter Series, and for the past two years- “The Original Music Series” for bands, in an attempt to keep original music alive on Long Island. Newman also records and produces local artists in the Long Island/NYC area.

Having released “Walls of Jericho” in 2010, the album is filled with intricate guitar work and mixed with a plethora of sounds from hard rock to a lighter more Dylanesque folk tinge, but this style comes even more to the forefront on “Brussels”. The new live acoustic-driven EP packs a bluesy punch reminiscent of Clapton’s “Unplugged” album through both the guitar work and raw vocal power. On the first track “Mean Season (Lucille, Lucille)”, Newman bellows “I waited til’ dawn, see if the sun will shine when you’re gone // You turn away, I just can’t stay where I don’t belong” and like many early bluesmen before him, you can hear the soulful longing and strife in his voice. With the brilliant slide-guitar work in “Dead Man’s Shoes” we’re easily transported in our minds to the West in the era of outlaws and cowboy boots, and in “Must Be A Pony” reminded about the power of a child’s enthusiasm and the efforts not to lose it as time goes by.

Now, as Newman prepares to take to the stage with “Sailin’ Shoes”- he’ll bring listeners back to the rock, blues, R&B, soul, funk and jazz fusion so many Little Feat fans know and love, at the perfect venue that brings so many new and old acts together.

The Lounge has its own bar, can accommodate up to 125 patrons and can be used for receptions prior to special events, as well as the presentation of musicians, comedians and other performers. The Lounge’s warm and inviting atmosphere is an ode to The Space’s former life as a movie theater, featuring a granite bar, lighting fixtures created from vintage movie reels and decorated with showcases which display antique film projectors.

With so much to offer by way of an accomplished singer/songwriter and guitarist playing the music of Little Feat at one of Long Island’s best venues for live music, comedy, and performance- you won’t want to miss Mark Newman with “Sailin’ Shoes- A Tribute To Little Feat” onThursday, September 3rd at 8PM in the All Music Lounge of The Space at Westbury!

$10 Cover at the Door, 21+

The Space management is actively scouting for talented comedians and musicians to appear at The Lounge. Please send audition tapes, videos and resumes to Jaime@thespaceatwestbury.com or email rickeberle@gmail.com

For more information on The Lounge and its upcoming attractions, please go to www.thespaceatwestbury.com or call 516-283-5566.

About The Space
Located at 250 Post Ave in Westbury, NY, The Space is the latest, and perhaps most spectacular example of visionary real estate developers who reinvent abandoned buildings; this time the almost century old Westbury Theater, and give them a new lease on life.

Over their first year of existence, the venue has been blessed with amazing partners like concert promoters The Bowery Presents – who work hard at bringing the freshest and most inventive talent into the room – and with strong support and love from the local community.

Some highlights from their first year of shows at The Space include performances by Billy Idol, Gavin Degraw, Shawn Colvin & Steve Earle, Moe, Comedian Chris D’ella, 3 Doors Down, Better Than Ezra, Snoop Dogg aka Snoop Lion, and many more! Each of these artists brought their own life and vibe to the facility. There have also been incredible Gala events with the Gold Coast Intl Film Festival and some of the most exquisite and extravagant private parties that the area has ever seen.

Many people have asked us if The Space is a Concert Hall, Lounge, Movie Theater or a spot to hold a special event. And the answer is: all of the above! The Space is the place where you can be different and unique. With some creativity and vision, you can turn The Space into the venue of your dreams and create a truly memorable event to last a lifetime. With flexible seating plans and state of the art light and sound systems, The Space provides an exciting palette for the creative producer, event, party and meeting. Additionally, The Lounge at The Space is like a second venue inside the same walls, with its own bar that can accommodate up to 125 patrons and can be used for receptions prior to special events, as well as the presentation of musicians, comedians and other performers. The Lounge’s warm and inviting atmosphere is an ode to The Space’s former life as a movie theater, featuring a granite bar, lighting fixtures created from vintage movie reels and decorated with showcases which display antique film projectors. Plus, all of the shows on the main stage at The Space are also live streamed to be viewed at The Lounge at no cost to enter!

The Space was born with a different name on November 10, 1927 as The Westbury Movie Theater. The Westbury Movie Theater opened its doors to and audience that awed at the beauty of its Tudor style inspired auditorium. The feature for opening night was “Hula” starring Ciara Bow.

The Westbury Theatre was one of six theaters built by Salvatore Calderone in Nassau County, Long Island. The theater succeeded as a single screen house until it was matched in the late 1970’s. As patronage decreased, the theater closed its doors.

Over ten years ago Cyrus Hakakian and his partners saved the Westbury Theater from demolition. After viewing the stunning space, he was determined to preserve the magnificence of the original theater while repurposing the facility to accommodate all aspects of contemporary entertainment. With the installation of the state of the art lighting and sound systems, combined with the flexible seating plans, the Westbury Theater now enters a new chapter of its illustrious history as The Space at Westbury.

You can feel the magic the moment the audience sees the spectacular LED marquee enhancing the outstanding new façade. A graceful tower provides downtown Westbury with an architectural landmark as histrionic glamour returns to Post Avenue.

The excitement extends to the theaters south side on Winthrop Street with a new double story valet grand entrance, as the audience enters the threshold with its soaring ceiling while immersed in the glow of magical lighting; it is apparent that every detail has been consider to make a visit to The Space at Westbury a most memorable experience.

(Long Island, NY) Suffolk County Police Third Squad detectives arrested a Brentwood woman for intentionally striking a pedestrian with her vehicle on Friday, August 28.

Shaquita Passmore, 27, was attempting to cross Wheeler Road when she was struck by a 2012 Nissan Sentra, driven by Kendra Sterling, 24, at approximately 5:35 p.m. Sterling then fled the scene traveling eastbound on Suffolk Avenue where she was involved in a multi-vehicle crash at the intersection of Suffolk and Lowell Avenues.

Suffolk County Police arrested Kendra Sterling, 24, of Brentwood for intentionally striking a pedestrian with her vehicle on Friday, August 28. Photo Credit: SCPD.

Passmore, of Central Islip, was transported to Southside Hospital in Bay Shore were she is being treated for non-life-threatening head and facial injuries. There were no apparent injuries to the people in the other vehicles.

Sterling was arrested and charged with Assault 2nd Degree. She will be held overnight at the Fourth Precinct and is scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on August 29.

Detectives are asking anyone who may have information about this incident to call the Third Squad at 631-854-8352 or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.

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 Second Squad detectives are investigating a motor vehicle crash that killed a woman in Cold Spring Harbor on Friday, August 28.

Eugenia Kouwenhoven, 80, was driving a 2014 Buick Regal westbound on Woodbury Road when she lost control of her vehicle and crashed into the woods at approximately 6:25 p.m.

Suffolk County Police are investigating a motor vehicle crash that killed a woman in Cold Spring Harbor on Friday, August 28. Photo Credit: Chris Boyle.

Kouwenhoven, of Huntington, was transported via Suffolk County Police helicopter to Stony Brook University Hospital where she was pronounced dead.

The vehicle was impounded for a safety check and the investigation is continuing.

Detectives are asking anyone with information about this crash to contact the Second Squad at 631-854-8252 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.

(Long Island, NY) The Fourth Squad is investigating an attempted Robbery that occurred on Friday, August 28, 2015 at 6:00 a.m. in Inwood.

According to detectives, a male victim, age 26 was walking southbound on Madison Avenue when he was approached by three male black subjects. The first subject is described as 5’5” tall, 17 years of age, slim build, wearing a black sweater, blue jeans and demanded the victim’s property. The second subject is described as 5’6” tall, approximately 19 years of age, wearing a black sweater and blue jeans and the third subject is described as 5’8” tall, slim build, approximately 23 years of age.

Nassau County Police investigating an attempted Robbery that occurred on Friday, August 28 in Inwood. Photo Credit: Chris Boyle.

The victim ran back north on Madison Avenue dropping his white Beats headphones along the way, which the subjects picked up. The subjects then were last seen fleeing in a black 4 door sedan. There were 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.

The Village of Mastic Beach maintains 88 miles of active roadway through the Village’s Department of Public Works (DPW)—and the team is dreaming big

(Long Island, NY) The Village of Mastic Beach has the daunting task of caring for more than 88 miles of roads throughout the Village. The DPW employees have been tackling the logistics of this work one step at a time.

The first thing Mayor Spery did to get the DPW in order was to appoint Deputy Mayor Bruce Summa as the DPW Board Liaison. He undertook a full inventory of the needs of the staff and came to the conclusion that a DPW Supervisor was an absolute necessity. The Board hired Mr. Peter Costelloe, who brings thirty (30) years of highway experience from the Town of Brookhaven.

The Village of Mastic Beach maintains 88 miles of active roadway through the Village’s Department of Public Works. Photo Credit: Mastic Beach Village.

“Peter knows these roads inside-out because he built them!” Said Mayor Maura Spery, “Pete has been a real asset to the Village. He has lowered our costs and has motivated the crew to work smarter to improve the efficiency of the Department of Public Works.”

“Our DPW is a well-honed drill team under the supervision of Peter Costelloe,” said Deputy Mayor Bruce Summa. “The team is doing an excellent job improving the quality-of-life for our residents by maintaining the Village’s infrastructure on a day-to-day basis. They are a great group, and I am proud to be their liaison.”

The DPW Department not only takes care of 88 miles of roadway but also maintains buildings, sweeps the streets, mows overgrowth, clears brush, fills potholes, plows and cares for the plantings in public spaces.

DPW Supervisor Peter Costelloe said, “My team does an outstanding job. They work hard and want this Village to look its best.”

This fall there are major infrastructure projects going on in the Village. DPW will be beautifying Village Hall by adding long-lasting cement board to the exterior. There will be a clock installed and appropriate signage added. The Village leadership is beginning to transform Neighborhood Road from a bunch of individual buildings into a cohesive downtown village with a coastal theme.

Additionally, here will be a new paving project in the community. The principal thoroughfare of Mastic Road will be paved from Market Street to Neighborhood Road in the next few weeks.

Mayor Spery added, “These projects will help beautify the community and provide a safe area for residents to walk and patronize local businesses.”

As Mr. Costelloe ponders his plans for the future of the Village’s infrastructure, he stated, “My personal dreams would be to start a significant community-improvement project, perhaps something that would increase pedestrian safety and help beautify our neighborhoods. Another idea is to add sidewalks and bike lanes lining the main roadways (Neighborhood Road, Commack Drive, Mastic Road, Cranberry Drive, Whittier Drive, Mastic Beach Road, Riverside Drive and Wavecrest Drive). I’d like to see crosswalks with signs at all the main intersections. Working with the Town of Brookhaven we can consider installing light-pollution reducing,  ‘night-skies’ streetlights throughout the Village. I’d like to see the trees damaged by Sandy replaced on Neighborhood and Mastic Roads. Also, I’d like to plant more perennials under the trees, so they bloom from spring until fall.”

With so many exciting infrastructure projects coming up in the Village of Mastic Beach, it is no wonder that Peter Costelloe and the entire DPW team are dreaming big.

(Queens, NY) Whether they root for Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams, or Novak Djokovic, U.S. Open tennis fans will learn a lot about Queens from August 31 through September 13. For the fourth year in a row, the USTA has donated a kiosk to serve as an information and referral center during the entire championships at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. The Queens Chamber of Commerce and the Queens Tourism Council will staff the booth with volunteers to promote the borough’s restaurants, hotels, and cultural/recreational options.

Seen at the kiosk last Wednesday are (from left) City Council Member Julissa Ferreras’ Chief of Staff Jorge D. Fanjul; USTA Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel Andrea Hirsch; Queens Chamber Manager of Communications and Inter-Governmental Relations Gregory Rose; USTA Executive Director and COO Gordon Smith; Assemblywoman Margaret Markey; USTA Chairman of the Board, CEO and President Katrina M. Adams; Borough President Melinda Katz; Queens Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Seth Bornstein; USTA National Tennis Center COO Daniel Zausner; and Queens Tourism Director Rob MacKay. Photo Credit: Dominick Totino Photography.

Entertainment and insight into best resources for back-to-school season

(Long Island, NY) For the second year, Smith Haven Mall will host Back to School Blast, a daylong event featuring Long Island’s best family-friendly resources and essentials.  On Saturday, August 29 from 12 to 6 p.m. in Center Court, the expo will offer families an abundance of information focusing on children services, products and more.

“During this back-to-school season, we are pleased to host an event that helps parents seek out resources to benefit their children and families,” commented Ann M. Schultz, director of mall marketing and business development for Smith Haven Mall.  “From educational services to health and wellness, expert advice and guidance will be dispensed during the expo.”

The event, sponsored by Your Local Kids Source, will offer numerous activities for children to participate in.  This includes an appearance from the Long Island Duck’s mascot, QuackerJack who will be visiting from 1 to 3 p.m.; free face painting by Tara from 1:30 to 6 p.m.; acoustic performances by Musicology Performance Center’s “AllStars” at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., and a dance performance at 3 p.m. by Inspirations Performing Arts Centre. Character friends Anna, Elsa and Olaf can also be found at Inspirations Performing Arts Centre’s booth. There will be complimentary child identification kits provided by New York Life and a bone marrow drive presented by Warrior’s Odyssey. The Lanyard Ladies will assist children in making a friendship bracelet and Stony Brook Social Competence & Treatment Lab will allow attendees to make their own Rorschach inkblot.

Additional exhibitors include North Shore Eye Care, Silverleaf Resorts, Pure Essential Health (essential oils), Achieve Beyond Inc., Juice Plus+/Tower Garden, Montessori Learning Center, Engineering for Kids, Sky Zone, Take Shape for Life, Suffolk Speech, Huntington Learning Center, Evolution Youth, Primarily 2’s and 3’s Preschool, Dr. Brian Yonks/Foundation for Wellness Professionals and Long Island Science Center.

Guests also have the opportunity to sign up for the Simon Kidgits Club, a fun and informative program that focuses on health, wellness, education, safety and entertainment for children 3-8.  The annual membership fee is $5 and includes VIP monthly treatment at Kidgits events, free goodies at all events, a special birthday gift and exclusive offers.  Sign up during Back to School Blast and receive a pencil box with goodies, t-shirt, retailer discounts and a spin on the prize wheel.  For more information about the Simon Kidgits Club visit simon.com/kidgits/.

For more information about the Smith Haven Mall Back to School Blast, visit the mall’s Facebook page facebook.com/SmithHavenMall or call Barbara Kaplan, the event organizer, at (516) 621-1446.

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.

Island Trees Library, September 10th , 11 am – 2 pm

(Long Island, NY) Senator Kemp Hannon (R-Nassau) announces a FREE Senior I.D. Program on Thursday, September 10^th,from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Island Trees Public Library (38 Farmedge Road, Levittown).  This program is being held in conjunction with Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray and Town Clerk Nasrin G. Ahmad.  There is no fee and no appointments are required.

The program allows seniors to obtain a free wallet-sized ID card which includes a photo, the holder’s personal contact information (name, address, phone number, date of birth), and an emergency contact name and phone number which could be useful to emergency responders. Seniors can carry the card in their wallet so that emergency responders will know who to contact if the senior is in an emergency situation and cannot communicate.

The Senior ID card:

• Includes your personal contact information
• Includes your photo
• Lists an emergency contact name and phone number
• Is helpful to police, fire or ambulance responders in an emergency situation

For information and directions, contact Senator Hannon’s Community Office at 516-739-1700 or E-mail him at hannon@nysenate.gov.

(Long Island, NY) Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the state has committed $2.5 million to build or improve 13 playgrounds at eight State Parks across New York. The park improvements are part of Governor Cuomo’s NY Parks 2020 state park revitalization plan, which includes a commitment to add or improve 100 playgrounds by 2020.

“New York’s state parks are second to none and these these playground improvements are yet one more reason for families to pay them a visit,” Governor Cuomo said. “With this funding, we are building on our success in improving state parks and are encouraging a new generation of New Yorkers to appreciate the great outdoors.”

Under the initiative, State Parks will replace outdated playgrounds at the parks with modern, code- compliant equipment and distinct areas for young and older age groups. Playground improvements will be coupled with site improvements, including shade trees or canopies, seating, water fountains and trail/walkway connections to the rest of the park.

“Playgrounds offer much more than a place to have fun; they help children build physical strength, coordination and balance – while developing social skills,” said State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey. “I’m grateful to Governor Cuomo for providing the safe, modern recreational facilities New York’s children build mind and muscle.”

The State Parks include:

• Captree State Park (Suffolk County) – install a new playground with equipment designed specifically for 5-12 year-olds and 2-5 year-olds as well as a water mister and shade structure.
• Delta Lake State Park (Oneida County) – install a new playground that will use existing terrain to incorporate new play features and provide accessible play for all age groups.
• Green Lakes State Park (Onondaga County) – replace outdated equipment with modern play features to provide accessible play for all ages as part of the complete renovation of the Pine Woods campground.
• Hempstead Lake State Park (Nassau County) – expand the existing playground designed for 5-12 year-olds and install a new play area for 2-5 year-olds