Generously sponsored by Kathleen de Riesthal and Alvaro Begue – Live preview and artist talk with George Hart: Aug 25th

(Long Island, NY) The Art of Math features works inspired by mathematics. From 3D printing, to sculpture, to painting and drawing: the artworks on display will showcase a variety of styles that explore new conceptual depths. The result is bold, bright, complex, angular and intricate works- inspired by a logical system that is both aesthetically and intellectually intriguing, pushing the viewer to contemplate their own understanding of what math is and can be.

Gabriele Meyer, Pink Trumpet, 2013, yarn and shaped line, 45″ x 21″ x 21″. Photo Credit: Courtesy the artist.

Practically speaking, mathematics has been essential to the creation of art.  Artists and mathematicians
use the same fundamental vocabulary when describing concepts such as pattern, symmetry, form and precision.  Through mathematics we can define objects, however they are devoid of subtlety and spontaneity until the artist brings imagination and a personal vision – transforming the mathematically perfect object into a truly inspired work of art.

Margaret Kepner, Tumbling Blocks – Doubling Cubes, 2014, inkjet print, 20” x 20”. Photo Credit: Courtesy the artist.

The Art of Math was possible thanks to the involvement of George Hart, Ph.D, interdisciplinary sculptor, mathematician, computer scientist and research professor at Stony Brook University.

Istvan Orosz, Wall VI, Etching, 2006, 18″ x 24″. Photo Credit: Courtesy the artist.

George Hart will lead an interactive sculpture-building workshop on August 25^th at Gallery North. More information can be found at gallerynorth.org.

Participating artists include: Erik & Martin Demaine, William Duffy, Elaine Ellison, George Hart, Margaret Kepner, Gabriele Meyer, IstvanOrosz & Phil Webster.

For press inquiries please email marketing.gallerynorth@gmail.com

Gallery North is open Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm and Sunday 12pm – 5pm / 631-751-2676 / www.gallerynorth.org.

(Long Island, NY) The Roselie Brenner Tai Chi Fund, managed by Hempstead-based social service agency EAC Network, awarded three mini-grants of up to $1,000 to Long Island-based community groups to develop sustainable projects and activities that promote active participation in Tai Chi Chuan programs.

The winning applications included Mt. Sinai Heritage Trust in Mt. Sinai to offer free educational workshops to the community, including those 55 and older, Long Island State Veterans Home in Stony Brook to provide Tai Chi class at no cost to LISVH residents, including older adults who are at-risk of falling, and the Boys & Girls Club of the Bellport Area in Bellport to offer eight weeks of Tai Chi for teen members to help alleviate stress and anger issues, concentrate, and learn a new exercise; a second class for parents and other adults will also be offered.

Roselie Brenner was a passionate practitioner and teacher of Tai Chi Chuan.  On a very personal level, she felt Tai Chi had a profound and positive influence on her life.  As a result, she wanted others to enjoy Tai Chi and experience its many benefits, and in her memory the Roselie Brenner Tai Chi Fund was founded.

“The fund’s committee, made up of dedicated volunteers who were touched by Roselie’s spirit, has been committed to continuing her work through the promotion of Tai Chi,” notes Angie Malone, Division Director of Health Services at EAC Network.  “We know that Tai Chi benefits the mind, body, and spirit.  Our three awardees have excellent programs planned, and we look forward to watching their progression and learning of their impact on their communities.”

For more information on the Roselie Brenner Tai Chi Fund at EAC Network, contact Angie Malone at 516-539-0150 x109 or angela.malone@eac-network.org.

About EAC Network
Founded in 1969, EAC Network is a not-for-profit human service agency serving 68,500 people annually through over 70 programs across Long Island and New York City.  EAC Network’s mission is to respond to human needs with programs and services that protect children, promote healthy families and communities, help seniors, and empower individuals to take control of their lives. Among those the organization assists are children who have been physically or sexually abused, senior citizens needing support, people struggling with substance abuse and/or mental illness, youth in the foster care system, persons on public assistance seeking financial independence, adults and youth who are under or unemployed, individuals needing help to mediate disputes, and families in crisis. For more information about EAC Network, please call 516-539-0150 or visit www.eac-network.org,facebook.com/eacnet, and @EACNet.

(Long Island, NY) Suffolk County Police have arrested five people after they sold alcohol to a minor at businesses in Bay Shore, Islip, East Islip and West Islip on Saturday, August 22.

Third Precinct Crime Section officers conducted an investigation into the sale of alcohol to minors during which 22 businesses were checked for compliance.

Suffolk County Police have arrested five people after they sold alcohol to a minor on Saturday, August 22. Photo Credit: Chris Boyle.

The following clerks were arrested and charged with Unlawfully Dealing with a Minor 1st Degree after they sold alcohol to a minor:

• Sebahitti Akkaya, 52, of Delta Mini Mart, West Islip
• Junaid Sian, 29, of Exxon Gas Mart, Bay Shore
• Nelson Peralta, 47, of Nino’s Deli, Bay Shore
• Tahir Erdogan, 34, of Carleton Quick Service, East Islip
• James Guardino, 22, of Parmar Liquors, Islip

The five clerks were each issued a field appearance ticket and are scheduled to appear in First District Court in Central Islip on October 26, 2015.

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.

OAG Joint Investigation With U.S. Attorney For The Eastern District Revealed That Yonkers, Kingston And Hudson Hospitals Billed Medicaid For Unlicensed And Unnecessary Detox Services

(Long Island, NY) Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today announced that his office has secured settlement agreements with five defendants in a False Claims Act case that will return more than $8 million to the Medicaid and Medicare programs. The agreements resolve claims that SpecialCare Hospital Management Corporation defrauded Medicaid and Medicare by illegally referring patients to unlicensed drug and alcohol treatment programs at Columbia Memorial Hospital in Hudson, and St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Yonkers, in exchange for kickbacks. The Attorney General’s complaint alleges that SpecialCare Hospital Management Corporation, a for-profit out-of-state vendor, received the illegal kickbacks under the guise of providing purported administrative services to the hospitals. It further alleges that SpecialCare’s illegal referrals caused the hospitals to provide those patients with unlicensed and medically unnecessary inpatient drug and alcohol treatment services, and submit false claims to Medicaid for those services, from approximately 2002 to 2006. The settlements also resolve claims that St. Joseph’s Medical Center, Columbia Memorial Hospital, and Benedictine Hospital in Kingston submitted false claims to Medicaid for unlicensed and medically unnecessary inpatient detoxification services. Benedictine Hospital changed its name to HealthAlliance Hospital Mary’s Avenue Campus on February 5, 2013. Under the terms of the four settlements, more than $7,367,000 will be returned to the Medicaid program, and $597,000 to the federal Medicare program.

“Drug and alcohol treatment programs are designed to help vulnerable people struggling with addiction. By exploiting their needs and the Medicaid program in order to maximize revenue, SpecialCare Hospital Management Corporation, St. Joseph’s Medical Center, Benedictine Hospital and Columbia Memorial Hospital wasted Medicaid resources and illegally billed taxpayers for unlicensed and medically unnecessary treatment services,” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “This settlement holds those institutions accountable for their scheme, and will make providers think twice before defrauding the Medicaid system. Together with our federal partners, my office will leave no stone unturned in the fight to recover misappropriated money on behalf of New York’s taxpayers.”

The Attorney General alleged that St. Joseph’s Medical Center and Columbia Memorial Hospital entered into an illegal patient referral scheme with an out-of-state vendor, SpecialCare Hospital Management Corp., disguised as an “administrative services agreement.” Under the scheme, each hospital agreed to pay the vendor a monthly fee in exchange for the referral of Medicaid patients to its unlicensed inpatient detoxification unit. Referral of Medicaid patients for a fee violates federal and state anti-kickback laws and Medicaid regulations. Furthermore, the Attorney General alleged that Benedictine Hospital, St. Joseph’s Medical Center and Columbia Memorial Hospital illegally operated and marketed discrete units providing chemical dependency treatment or services, through the “New Vision” program, even though they lacked required State licensure to do so. State law requires a hospital to obtain an operating certificate from the New York State Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services before it operates a discrete unit providing chemical dependency treatment or services, or holds itself out to the public in a manner that indicates the availability of chemical dependency programs, treatment or services. The Attorney General’s complaint also charged that the inpatient detoxification services provided by the three hospitals were not medically necessary, and/or failed to meet professionally recognized standards of care.

In the settlement agreement with SpecialCare and Robert McNutt, its former Chief Executive Officer, those parties agreed to pay $6 million to resolve claims that they caused and conspired with the hospitals to submit false claims to Medicaid. SpecialCare and McNutt also agreed to a five-year injunction on doing business with any Medicaid or Medicare providers in New York State for which said providers may submit claims to Medicaid or Medicare, or to Medicaid or Medicare managed care organizations in New York State.  SpecialCare and McNutt also agreed to notify the State if, after that period, they decide to attempt to do any such business in New York. SpecialCare and McNutt also entered into a Corporate Integrity Agreement with the United States Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services.  In the separate settlement agreements announced today, Benedictine Hospital agreed to pay $880,000 to resolve allegations that it submitted false claims for inpatient detoxification services from 2002 to 2005; St. Joseph’s Medical Center agreed to pay $600,000 to resolve allegations that it submitted false claims for inpatient detoxification services from 2002 to 2006; and Columbia Memorial Hospital agreed to pay $650,000 to resolve allegations that it submitted false claims for inpatient detoxification services from 2003 to 2005.

These settlements were the result of a joint investigation into New York of False Claims Act violations by the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York. The investigation began after allegations were made by whistleblowers Mathew I. Gelfand, M.D. and Enrico Montaperto. Following their joint investigation, the Attorney General’s Office and the United States Attorney’s Office filed Complaints-In-Intervention against seven New York hospitals, SpecialCare Hospital Management Corp. and SpecialCare Chief Executive Officer Robert McNutt for making false claims to Medicaid and Medicare. Prior settlements in this case were reached with New York Downtown Hospital for $13.4 million, and Our Lady of Mercy Medical Center for $4.5 million.  The total amount recovered under the six settlements in this False Claims Act case exceeds $25,000,000.

The whistleblowers originally filed complaints that alleged claims under New York’s False Claims Act, which authorizes persons who have uncovered fraud against the State to file claims on its behalf.

The Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and the United States Attorney’s Office worked in partnership to investigate the allegations and to litigate the cases, and also worked with the New York State Department of Health and the New York State Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services on the investigation. Attorney General Schneiderman thanked Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York Kelly T. Currie, Assistant United States Attorney Richard K. Hayes and Affirmative Civil Enforcement Auditor Emily J. Rosenthal for their invaluable assistance and cooperation in these cases. Attorney General Schneiderman also thanked the New York State Office of Alcohol Substance Abuse Services, the New York State Department of Health, and the New York State Office of the Medicaid Inspector General for their assistance and cooperation in the investigation.

Special Assistant Attorneys General Amy Held, James P. Clarke and Lara Merchan, Supervising Investigator James F. Spellman, Assistant Chief Auditor Investigator Margaret McArdle, and Senior Investigator Gerard P. Worysz (Ret.) investigated and litigated the matter for the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, with the assistance of Regional Chief Investigator Greg Muroff. The Medicaid Fraud Control Unit is led by Acting Director Amy Held and Assistant Deputy Attorney General Paul J. Mahoney. The Division of Criminal Justice is led by Executive Deputy Attorney General Kelly Donovan.

(Long Island, NY) The Holbrook Chamber of Commerce recently hosted their annual carnival weekend, for which hundreds of friends and families gathered for the festivities.

This year’s successful Hawaiian weekend started out with a bang, a late-night fireworks show and plenty of fun for the whole family. Legislator Bill Lindsay III was the sponsor of this year’s entertainment, which showcased a wide variety of performers and musicians. The Hawaiian themed carnival also provided an array of quality craft vendors and plenty of exciting rides for adults and children.

Pictured L to R: Holbrook Chamber President, Rick Ammirati, Suffolk County Legislator Bill Lindsay III, and Holbrook Chamber Vice President, Kevin Guilfoyle at the Holbrook Chamber’s annual Carnival. Photo Credit: Holbrook Chamber of Commerce.

“Each year we look forward to the Holbrook Chamber of Commerce’s exciting carnival weekend that brings the whole community together” said Legis. Lindsay III. “Thank you and congratulations to all the members of the Holbrook Chamber, the Holbrook Fire Department, the Suffolk County Police Department, and all local businesses for making this a positive event for all residents to enjoy.”

At Riverhead Town Hall Gallery – Exhibition starting September 4, 2015

(Long Island, NY) East End Arts is pleased to announce a new art exhibit at the Riverhead Town Hall Gallery featuring fine art photographer Diane Woodcheke of Calverton. The exhibition will open on Friday, September 4 and will run through November 30, 2015, and can be visited  during Town Hall open office hours: Mondays through Fridays, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Riverhead Town Hall is located at 200 Howell Avenue, Riverhead, NY (corner of Howell and East Main Street; 631-727-3200). The public is welcome; admission is free. All exhibited work is for sale. To purchase, contact East End Arts at 631-727-0900.

East End Arts is pleased to announce a new art exhibit at the Riverhead Town Hall Gallery featuring fine art photographer Diane Woodcheke of Calverton. Photo Credit: East End Arts.

Diane Woodcheke has had her eye to the viewfinder since she was very young, using her mother’s camera every chance she could. She studied photography in high school and in 1986 got her first SLR camera. As the world of photography turned digital, in 2006 her digital era began. Diane was born and raised in Queens, NY. In her early teens her family moved out to Long Island. As an adult, over the years, she has moved further and further east on Long Island. Currently living on the North Fork, she has a never-ending supply of interesting subjects and beauty that can only be found in this region. This is her inspiration for the ongoing “Visions of the East End” series. As a fine art photographer she enjoys capturing fleeting moments in nature or just the right light in a landscape scene. She has won numerous awards in juried exhibitions including Best in Show. She regularly displays her work in galleries and museums throughout Long Island. She has had her work published in local magazines, newspapers and websites. As an event photographer she has the pleasure of catching once in a lifetime moments for people to cherish forever. She shoots weddings, corporate, private and non-profit organization’s events. Her photography is not only used as keepsakes, but is used in print, advertising and websites. For more information visit her website http://www.dwoodcheke.com/.

The Riverhead Town Hall art exhibits are a collaborative effort on the part of East End Arts and the Township of Riverhead to support local artists and introduce their works to the community.

For more information contact Jane Kirkwood, East End Arts Gallery Director: 631-727-0900 or gallery@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 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) The First Squad reports an arrest for Reckless Endangerment on Saturday, August 22, 2015 at 9:00 A.M. in Freeport.

According to detectives, Freeport patrol officers responded to West Merrick Road for a disturbance. Marcell Torres, 31, was stopped by responding officers in the rear of that location. An investigation revealed he had been in an argument with his brother, Eric J. Torres, 29, who shot several rounds from a handgun out of a window at the defendant, striking the victims windshield and a passing Nassau County Ambulance.

Nassau County Police reports the arrest of Eric J. Torres, 29, of Freeport for Reckless Endangerment on Saturday, August 22. Photo Credit: NCPD.

Nassau County Police Bureau of Special Operations along with Emergency Service Units, First Precinct officers and detectives responded to the scene to assist. Eric J. Torres refused to exit his apartment for one and a half hours before surrendering at the scene. No injuries were reported. During the investigation it was discovered Marcell Torres had an open Nassau County Warrant.

Eric J. Torres is charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd degree, Reckless Endangerment 1st degree, Criminal Mischief 3rd degree, Reckless Endangerment 2nd degree. He is also charged with Criminal Mischief 3rd degree from an unrelated incident on Wednesday, August 5, 2015 and two open Nassau County Warrants. Marcell Torres was arrested at scene for the open warrant.

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.

Film Program Adds Haunting Tale of Life on the Streets, Starring Richard Gere

(Long Island, NY) The Gold Coast International Film Festival recently announced yet another addition to their stellar year-round film program. On Wednesday, September 16th, 7:30PM “Time Out of Mind”–Starring Richard Gere and Broadway Legend Ben Vereen–will be featured at Soundview Cinemas, Soundview Marketplace, 7 Soundview Market Pl, Port Washington, NY 11050.

“Time Out of Mind” starring Richard Gere. Photo Credit: Gold Coast Film Festival.

Directed by the Academy Award nominated Oren Moverman (The Messenger, Rampart), “Time Out of Mind” (121 Min, PG-13) is a haunting look at life on the streets immersing viewers in one man’s daily quest to survive. Gere delivers a soul-baring performance as George, a man whose struggle to find food and a place to sleep in New York City is beautifully captured with remarkable realism and heartrending compassion. Shuffled into the unforgiving bureaucracy of a men’s shelter, George seems destined to wind up as just another lost soul swallowed up by the system—until he meets a gregarious, down-and-out ex-jazzman (Vereen) who inspires George to reconnect with his estranged daughter (Jena Malone- Donnie Darko, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire). Cinematically stunning and shot in an eloquently observational style, Time Out of Mind is an unforgettable plunge into a world that is all too easily overlooked.

“Time Out of Mind” starring Richard Gere. Photo Credit: Gold Coast Film Festival.

Dedicated to previewing the best new independent films and studio releases, along with Q&A’s from filmmakers and a wide array of industry professionals, Gold Coast’s year-round events offer the most intriguing and engaging films around!

On Wednesday, September 16th, 7:30PM you won’t want to miss another great installment as“Time Out of Mind” makes its way to Soundview Cinemas!

For Advance Tickets- $15 ($10 students) Call 516-829-2570 or Visit: goldcoastfilmfestival.org ($20 at the door).

For Press Inquiries, Contact: rick@rickeberle.com

More About the Gold Coast Film Festival:
Located on the “Gold Coast” in the Town of North Hempstead, the Gold Coast International Film Festival was founded with the purpose of establishing a home on Long Island to showcase the work of exceptional filmmakers and provide the public with an insider’s view of the film industry. Festival events include screenings, workshops, conversations with prominent members of the film community, parties and a gala.

During the seven-day festival, area residents, visitors, members of the business and film communities, public officials, students and academics come together to celebrate the art and influence of cinema in the charming and historic towns and villages of Long Island’s Gold Coast.

The Gold Coast is just a short ride from New York City, and is easily accessible by car, train and the area’s three major airports: John F. Kennedy International, LaGuardia, and MacArthur.

The Gold Coast International Film Festival is produced by the Gold Coast Arts Center, a 501(c)(3) organization incorporated in 1993 and dedicated to promoting and supporting the arts through education, exhibition, performance and outreach.

(Long Island, NY) The Youth Empowerment Institute Inc. along with Economic Opportunity Commission of Nassau County Inc. will be holding its Third Annual Long Island African American Heritage Parade and 33^rd TAHAD Festival on Saturday, August 29, 2015. The parade route will start on 322 Nassau Road, Roosevelt New York (Western Beef) parking lot and will end on Nicholas Court, Hempstead NY where the festival will be held at.

The Third Annual Long Island African American parade and the 33^rd TAHAD Festival is set to be the driving force in strengthening families, bringing unity in the community, and embracing culture. We are thrilled to have Meli’sa Morgan who is a 2014 Soul Train Music Award Nominee R&B Songstress and was also featured on TV One Unsung. Morgan is known for her 80’s hit “Do Me Baby” and will be our main performer at the festival. The parade and festival is set to host a variety of performances that will have you dancing and singing throughout the day. There will be a variety of fine cuisines that will be serviced by our vendors.

A Health Pavilion will be available for you to sign up for health insurance and free health screenings will be available to the community.  African Americans are at the highest risk for Diabetes and high blood pressure so it’s very imperative that you get a health screening that will be provided at the festival. The Kiddy Corner will be available for children to enjoy activities in a family friendly environment.

The African American Heritage Parade and Festival objectives are to showcase the richness of the African American community on Long Island, educate our youth and allow them to experience African American pride by embracing its legacy. Our Seven Grand Marshalls will be introducing the Seven Principals of Kwanzaa with the purpose of contributing in building and reinforcing family, community and culture among African American people as well as Africans throughout the world African community.

These values are called the Nguzo Saba which in Swahili means the Seven Principles. Developed by Dr. Karenga, the Nguzo Sabastands at the heart of the origin and meaning of Kwanzaa, for it is these values which are not only the building blocks for community but also serve to reinforce and enhance them.

Vending opportunities are available and performing artist are encouraged to contact us today.  For information on participating in the African American Parade and Festival feel free to contact us via email at tahadfestival@gmail.com or call 516-243-9765.

For media inquiries regarding the First Annual Long Island African American Heritage Parade and Festival please contact Lithera Forbes at 516-532-2181 or via email lithera@litheraforbes.com or contact Phil Andrews at 347-475-7158 or email phillandrews2001@gmail.com.

(Long Island, NY) Suffolk County Police Seventh Squad detectives are investigating a crash that killed a man in Ridge on Saturday, August 22.

Ryan McCready, 30, of Shirley was operating a 4-door sedan southbound on William Floyd Parkway, just north of Longwood Road, when his vehicle veered off the roadway and into the woods.

Suffolk County Police are investigating a crash that killed a man in Ridge on Saturday, August 22. Photo Credit: Chris Boyle.

The time of the crash is unclear and under investigation. At 6:23 a.m., a passing motorist noticed the vehicle in the woods and notified police.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.