(Long Island, NY) Suffolk County Police Third Squad Detectives are investigating a motor vehicle crash that killed a bicyclist in Brentwood on Wednesday, June 24.

Amilcar Mejia Alvarado was riding his bicycle southbound on Washington Avenue when he rode in front of and was struck by a 2002 Ford Escape that was traveling eastbound on Express Drive South at 7:45 a.m.

Suffolk County Police are investigating a motor vehicle crash that killed a bicyclist in Brentwood on Wednesday, June 24. Photo Credit: Chris Boyle.

Alvarado, 22, of Brentwood, was airlifted to Stony Brook University Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The driver of the Escape, Ginger D’Amato, 36, of Kings Park, was not injured.

The vehicle was impounded for a safety check and the investigation is continuing. Detectives are asking anyone with information on this crash to call the Third Squad at 631-854-8352.

Panepinto: “Our students deserve to be looked at by this legislative body as more than just an afterthought.”

(Long Island, NY) With no discussion on the Governor’s $100 million proposal for upstate struggling schools – and following a proposed end-of-session agreement that sets aside 250 million for non-public schools – Senator Panepinto released the following statement.

“It is imperative that we put our students first. Last week, Governor Cuomo called on the Senate and Assembly to approve $100 million in financial aid to 87 failing schools across New York State. In Buffalo alone, 27 Buffalo Public Schools and over 16,000 students stand to benefit from this much needed infusion of state aid. In these final hours of session, however, there has been little discussion surrounding this necessary initiative. The current end-of-session agreement already includes $250 million in funding for private schools. Students in struggling upstate schools deserve to be looked at by this legislative body as more than just an afterthought. As this session comes to a close, I am calling on Governor Cuomo, and my colleagues in the Senate and Assembly to not let this critical funding opportunity slip by our upstate schools. Our students and parents deserve better, and this increase will accomplish just that.

**As of today, there has been no update from either the Senate or Assembly on the status of this issue.

Funding Breakdown:

• Funding Amount: $100 million
• Number of struggling Upstate schools impacted: 87 schools/60,000 students
• Number of Buffalo Public Schools impacted: 27 schools/16,000 students

 

Senator Panepinto represents the 60th Senate District, which includes parts of the City of Buffalo as well as communities in both the Northtowns and the Southtowns of Western New York.

(Long Island, NY) The Homicide Squad is investigating an incident that occurred on Tuesday, June 23, 2015 at 6:20 pm in New Hyde Park.

According to detectives, a 69 year old male homeowner returned to his Knolls Drive residence and discovered his 67 year old wife lying on the kitchen floor deceased.

Nassau County Police are investigating an incident that occurred on Tuesday, June 23, in New Hyde Park. Photo Credit: Chris Boyle.

Police were called and dispatched to the location. Third Precinct Officers arrived and also discovered the complainant’s son Vaughn H. Bloom, 44, on the couch unconscious and in need of medical assistance.

Vaughn H. Bloom was transported in a Nassau County Police Ambulance to a local hospital for treatment. He was listed as being in guarded condition. The wife is identified as Sandra Bloom.

A subsequent Homicide investigation is underway.

(Long Island, NY) Hundreds of children from Merrick Academy, a charter school in Queens, will learn about overcoming the challenges of being handicapped and the difficulties of getting a proper education from the first African American Governor of New York, David A. Paterson, who will deliver the school’s 2015 commencement address on Thursday, June 25, 2015 at 10:00 am.

Governor Paterson had many obstacles in his pursuit of an education and a political career.  A childhood infection caused him to lose his sight, but despite being blind, he was a top scholar and became an attorney in the Queens DA’s office before launching his political career.  As senate minority leader, he was the first African-American legislative leader in New York’s history and is also the first visually impaired person to address the Democratic National Convention.  Mr. Paterson is a member of the Democratic National Committee and an outspoken advocate for the American Foundation for the Blind. Despite his handicap, Paterson is an avid runner and has completed the New York City Marathon.

WHEN:

• Thursday, June 25, 2015 at 10 AM

WHERE:

• Merrick Academy
  136-25 218th Street
  Springfield Gardens, Queens, NYC

(Long Island, NY) Financial attorney Leslie Tayne of Melville-based Tayne Law Group, P.C. has been elected Vice Chair of Nassau/Suffolk Law Services (NSLS) Committee’s Advisory Council. A member of NSLS’ Advisory Council over the last year, Tayne assumed her Vice Chair position June 17, 2015, the same date as her election.

As new Vice Chair, Tayne is continuing to support the organization’s commitment to provide free civil legal services for people in need and free legal support to churches, agencies and grassroots organizations that work directly with those financially less fortunate. “As Vice Chair of Nassau/Suffolk Law Services’ Committee’s Advisory Council, I am delighted to have the opportunity to play an even larger role in assisting with the organization’s mission to make accessible free legal advocacy, support and representation for those in financial need, along with the organizations that support them,” says Tayne.

Leslie Tayne. Photo Credit: Tayne Law Group, P.C.

Beyond serving as Vice Chair with NSLS’ Advisory Council, Tayne, who released her first book, Life & Debt, in February 2015, is currently Chair of Nassau County Bar Association’s Attorneys and Accountants Committee as well as Treasurer of Jewish Lawyers Association of Nassau County. A recently designated 2015 Super Lawyer, she is also a regular volunteer with Nassau County Bar Association’s Mortgage Foreclosure Clinic and a routine volunteer puppy raiser for the Guide Dog Foundation of Smithtown, which trains puppies that eventually become service dogs for people in need.

About Nassau/Suffolk Law Services Committee:
Established in 1966, NSLS was among New York State’s first Legal Services Corporation programs and is currently one of the state’s largest providers of free civil legal assistance.  NSLS is dedicated to providing equal access to basic human rights and services through provision of high quality legal representation, public information and community advocacy training to ensure that low income, disabled and disadvantaged individuals have equal access to the civil justice system on Long Island. Its staff is comprised of attorneys, paralegals, social workers and support personnel. For more information about NSLS, visit www.nslawservices.org.

About Tayne Law Group, P.C.:
Led by Financial Attorney and Life & Debt Author Leslie H. Tayne, Esq., Tayne Law Group, P.C., headquartered in Melville, NY, is one of the few New York State practices offering a sole concentration in debt resolution and bankruptcy alternatives. Since its establishment in 2001 under its original name, “Law Offices of Leslie H. Tayne P.C.,” the firm has expanded with offices now in Manhattan, NY as well as Westchester County’s White Plains and Mount Kisco. Tayne Law Group, P.C. is dedicated to regularly assisting thousands of individuals and businesses with the management and resolution of their unsecured debts.  For more information, please call 631-470-8204 or visit www.TayneLaw.com.

(Long Island, NY) Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Sixth Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the man and woman who stole merchandise from a Setauket store in May.

Suffolk County Police are seeking the public’s help to identify the man and woman who stole merchandise from a Setauket store in May. Photo Credit: SCPD.

A man and woman stole external hard drives and clothing, valued at more than $800 on May 21, at approximately 6:35 p.m. from Walmart, located at 3990 Nesconset Highway.

A man and woman stole external hard drives and clothing valued at more than $800 from Walmart. Photo Credit: SCPD.

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.

(Long Island, NY) Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Fourth Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating two women who stole from a Lake Grove store earlier this month.

On June 6 at approximately 3 p.m., two women entered Old Navy, located at 2087 Smith Haven Plaza, and placed numerous clothing items into in-store shopping bags. The women then placed the bags at the checkout counter and stated they would return shortly with money to pay for the clothing.

Suffolk County Police are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying two women who stole from a Lake Grove store earlier this month. Photo Credit: SCPD.

The pair left the store but returned a few minutes later, grabbed the bags, and ran out without paying for the merchandise. The thieves fled in a black 2012 four-door Nissan with license plate number GVT6989 that was operated by a black male.

On June 6 two women entered Old Navy, placed numerous clothing items into in-store shopping bags, and ran out without paying for the merchandise. Photo Credit: SCPD.

One of the women is described as black with dark shoulder-length hair. She was wearing a white long-sleeve top and dark-colored leggings. The second woman is described as black and was wearing a black shirt, shorts and a red bandana.

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.

(Long Island, NY) Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci (R, C, I – South Huntington) recently honored Monsignor Joe P. Granata, Pastor of St. Hugh of Lincoln Roman Catholic Church, on his 40^th Anniversary in the priesthood and his upcoming retirement. Lupinacci has been a parishioner of St. Hugh of Lincoln since his birth.

(L to R) Rob Conte of Sen. Marcellino’s office, Father Joe P. Granata and Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci. Photo Credit: NYS.

“Father Joe is a beacon of faith in the Huntington Station community, and I am so glad to honor him for his many accomplishments. Over the years, Father Joe has brought together people of all ages and ethnicities, uniting them in prayer and welcoming them to our church community,” said Lupinacci. “Although Father Joe is irreplaceable, I am certain his legacy will live on through the lessons he has taught us. His example is one which we all should strive to emulate.”

Saturday, July 11 – Full cast announced for The Prince of Egypt

(Long Island, NY) Bay Street Theater & Sag Harbor Center for the Arts is pleased to announce the full cast for the premiere concert reading of the first act of DreamWorks Theatricals new stage adaptation of The Prince of Egypt.  This reading is part of Bay Street Theater’s 24^th Annual Summer Gala which will take place in Sag Harbor at the Long Wharf on July 11, 2015 to benefit Bay Street’s educational and theatrical programs. The Prince of Egypt features book by Philip LaZebnik (writer of Mulan, Pocahontas) and music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (composer of Wicked, Pippin, Godspell); both authors will be attending the Gala.  Bay Street’s Artistic Director Scott Schwartz will direct the reading, Dominic Amendum is Musical Director, and casting is by Stewart/Whitley.

Bay Street Theater’s 24th Annual Summer Gala will take place in Sag Harbor at the Long Wharf on July 11, 2015. Photo Credit: Bay Street Theater.

The special concert reading will feature Broadway and film stars, as well as local talent, including Matthew James Thomas (Pippin, Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark) as Moses, Aaron Lazar (The Wolf of Wall Street, This Is Where I Leave You, J. Edgar) as Ramses, Tony Award winner Patina Miller (Pippin, Sister Act, Madam Secretary) as Tzipporah, Norm Lewis (Scandal, Porgy and Bess, Phantom of the Opera) as Jethro, Stephen Bogardus (West Side Story, Les Miserables, Man of La Mancha) as Seti, Julia Murney (Wicked, 30 Rock, The Wild Party) as Queen Tuya, Kyle Barisich (Phantom of the Opera, The Following) as Aaron, John Treacy Egan (Jekyll & Hyde, The Producers, Nice Work If You Can Get It) as Hoy, Ryan Knowles (We Will Rock You!, NEWSical: the Musical, Radio City Christmas Spectacular) as Hotep, Joanna Howard (Peter and The Starcatcher, National tour of Les Miserables) as Nefertari, Julia Motyka (Travesties,Richard III) as Miriam, and Anna Schiavoni as Young Miriam.

Joanna Howard. Photo Credit: Bay Street Theater.

Along with the thrilling principal cast there will be a large chorus of local performers led by Choir Master Greg Wilson.  The chorus includes: Gary Ducoihy, Marquez Catherine Stewart, Nataliz Fulqieri, Vivian Grizzle-Jaber, Pattiz Hulmes, Courtney Kossick, Matt Luca, Austin Myers, Elizabeth Oldak, Ariana Pazz, Katzlyn Piotrowicz, Zack Reily, Sarah Soltysik, Marquez Catherine Stewart, Matt Tursi, Amanda Tuscorella, Carlton Welsh, Christian Wern, Michelle Wern, and Greg Wilson.

Aaron Lazar. Photo Credit: Bay Street Theater.

Honorees

The gala will honor The Honorable Timothy Bishop and Joe Pintauro.

The Honorable Timothy Bishop As a representative for New York’s 1st congressional district, Bishop served most of central and eastern Suffolk County and secured more than $150 million for projects within his district. He was widely viewed as one of the Congress’ strongest advocates for access and affordability for students pursuing Higher Education. Prior to serving in the United States Congress from 2003-2015, Bishop was an administrator at Southampton College of LIU for 29 years, the last 16 of which he spent as Provost. Recently named distinguished professor of Civic Engagement and Public Service at St. Joseph’s College, he resides in Southampton with his wife Kathy. The couple has two daughters, Molly and Meghan, and a grandson, Nathan.

Kyle Barisich. Photo Credit: Bay Street Theater.

Joe Pintauro is a noted playwright, poet, and novelist. His play Men’s Lives was the inaugural production of Bay Street Theater. His novels are Cold Hands and State of Grace. Joe is a recipient of the John Steinbeck Writers Award and the Guild Hall Lifetime Achievement Award for the Literary Arts. He is currently working on a third novel and just completed a new play.

The evening begins with the premiere concert reading of the first act of The Prince of Egypt, and then continues in the tent on the Long Wharf with dinner prepared by Sterling Affair, and party with live and silent auctions, with celebrity auctioneer Richard Kind. VIP tables begin at $10,000, with VIP tickets at $1,200.  A limited number of general admission tickets are available for $600; $425 for Young Professionals 40 and under.

Julia Motyka. Photo Credit: Bay Street Theater.

Items in this year’s live and silent auctions will be managed by 501 Auctions which includes mobile bidding. Items include: a week at the beach on St. Bart’s at a luxury WIMCO villa with unparalleled concierge service and complimentary provisioning; play 18 holes of golf for two with Richard Kind at The Bridge; a cocktail party at your home catered by Sterling Affair; dinner and two tickets to the hottest new musical on Broadway, Hamilton and so much more!

Matthew James Thomas. Photo Credit: Bay Street Theater.

This year’s sponsors (list in progress) include: The Bridge Golf Course, Bridgehampton Florist, Channing Daughters Winery, David Scott Interiors, East End Limousine, The Golden Pear, Grand Hyatt Resort, David Lawenda/Facebook, Hamptons H2O Water, Merrill DataSite, Peconic Landing, Pierre’s Restaurant, Searles Graphics, Southampton Publick House, Suffolk County National Bank, Sterling Affair, Wimco Villas, Worth. Media Sponsors are Dan’s Papers and Hamptons Magazine.

VIP Tables and tickets are available by calling Kim Fink at 631-725-0818, Kim@baystreet.org.  General admissions tickets are available 631-725-0818, at www.baystreet.org.

Bay Street Theater & Sag Harbor Center for the Arts is a year-round, not-for-profit professional theater and community cultural center which endeavors to innovate, educate, and entertain a diverse community through the practice of the performing arts. We serve as a social and cultural gathering place, an educational resource, and a home for a community of artists.

LONG ISLAND, NY – On Saturday, May 30th and Sunday, May 31st, Animal Rescue Foundation hosted a very successful event for Memorial Day weekend. With over 200 guests in attendance, locals shopped for luxury home items sponsored by Hamptons Cottages and Homes. Money was raised to support provide quality care for cats and dogs and offers sanctuary until loving homes can be found. Niche Media covered the event to help raise this awareness within the community.

Located on 22 wooded acres in Wainscott, ARF’s “no kill” adoption center helps to place over 1,000 cats and dogs into loving homes every year. Most of the animals come from “high kill” animal control centers from around the United States and are saved by ARF. ARF continues to care for an animal regardless of how long it takes to find a home, except in extraordinary circumstances.

 Celebrity Chef Marco Barrila (right) helped celebrate ARF’s 5th Annual Designer Showhouse Fundraiser on Saturday, May 30th and Sunday, May 31st. Photo by Sheila Minkel Barrila

While guests gave generously to this cause, they enjoyed local wine sponsored by Channing Daughter’s vineyards and handcrafted canapé hors d’ouerves by Insatiable EATS Catering of the Hamptons. One food critic in attendance touted this as the “best food of any cocktail party” food he has ever had.

A mobile unit for ARF, Animal Rescue Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the welfare and humane treatment of animals, through rescue, fostering and placement. Photo by Sheila Minkel Barrila

Barrila has been the recipient of numerous awards including the NY Chef’s Award, San Francisco’s Tasting Institute Award, Prestigious Tasting Institute of America Award, 5 Stars by the AOL City Guide, 5 Stars by NY Times Dining Out, 4.5 Stars in NYC Menu Pages, 9.8 NYC Editorial Rating, Cater of Choice Award by Dan’s Paper and Platinum Caterer Award by Well Wed Book. Photo by Sheila Minkel Barrila

“Now everyone can enjoy a taste of the summer.” reveals Sheila Minkel Barrila. “Insatiable EATS offers handcrafted canapes packages to go to make planning your party so much easier. They are must-haves for hosting a cocktail party on short notice or an impromptu picnic on a summery day. They can be also used for either a party in its own right or as a prelude to a sit down affair. Chef Marco says that “myriad of criteria are involved in making the perfect canapé. Easy to eat and a perfect size with no chance of drip, dribble or splatter”. Amuse bouche, bonne bouche, market nibbles, mini mouthfuls; the Insatiable canapé hors d’ouerves are a taste sensation and appealing to the eye. There are over 50 types to choose from and are sold by the dozens. They are so delicious that they disappear in minutes.”

Guests gave generously to this cause while enjoying handcrafted canapé hors d’ouerves by Insatiable EATS Catering of the Hamptons. Photo by Sheila Minkel Barrila

Guests gave generously to this cause while enjoying handcrafted canapé hors d’ouerves by Insatiable EATS Catering of the Hamptons. Photo by Sheila Minkel Barrila

Sheila goes onto say “To give you a taste, try the roasted vegetable and goat cheese tartlets, potato & gorgonzola fritters, zucchini crisps with aioli dipping sauce or the vegetable spring rolls. Each are made with ingredients sourced from local and organic farms such as Garden of Eve, Golden Earthworm and Satur of the North Fork. Other specialties include Asian BBQ lotus cups, Crescent duck spring rolls, mini meat pies of braised short ribs and seafood empanadas.”

Insatiable EATS also features miniature pastries that are classic versions of favorites such as cannolies, cheesecake, chocolate eclairs, cherry walnut crumb squares, cream puffs, lemon squares and mousse cups and much more. To impress a guest or send a thank you or thoughtful reminder of love check out more selections online at www.insatiableeats.com