(Long Island, NY) Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Third Squad detectives are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate a pair who stole a customer’s pocketbook at a Central Islip store last month.

Suffolk County Police are seeking the public’s help to identify a pair who stole a customer’s pocketbook at a Central Islip store last month. Photo Credit: SCPD.

A man and woman entered Family Dollar, located at 120 Wheeler Road, and stole a customer’s pocketbook that was in a shopping cart while the customer was not looking on May 2 at 1:35 p.m. The pocketbook contained credit cards.

A man and woman entered Family Dollar and stole a customer’s pocketbook. 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.

Infrastructure Improvements Part of County’s Reclaim Our Water Initiative to Address Region’s Nitrogen Pollution Crisis

(Long Island, NY) The project centers around the construction of a new low pressure sewer main to connect 55 residential properties fronting River Avenue south of Weeks Street, and the properties on Sunset Lane, Price Street, and Mapes Avenue. The sewer connection will consist of connecting the homes to twin, 3-inch diameter low pressure sewer system (LPSS) pipes previously installed down the entire length of River avenue to Crescent Street.

Funding for the project includes a competitive grant from the Suffolk County Assessment Stabilization Fund, Dormitory Authority Grant from NYS and Village of Patchogue.

The fifty five residential homes will be responsible for the costs associated with closing their current septic systems in compliance with all applicable standards and annual sewer district fees.

This wastewater infrastructure investment coincides with County Executive Bellone’s Reclaim Our Water initiative, the region’s single largest water quality based initiative in 40 years. Reclaim Our Water addresses the region’s nitrogen pollution crisis that has eliminated the region’s once-renowned shell fishing injury, effected water dependent economies and tourism, diminished coastal wetlands, and threatened the region’s surface, ground and drinking water. Suffolk County has identified four major projects in key watersheds that will help to sewer tens of thousands of homes to reduce nitrogen by 25%.

WHO:

• Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone
• Mayor Paul Pontieri
• Legislator Robert Calarco
• Patchogue Village Board
• Representative from H2M Engineering
• Mr. & Mrs. Ernest C. Swinson

WHERE:

• 13 Sunset LanePatchogue, NY

WHEN:

• Today-Tuesday, June 9, 2015, 12:00 noon

(Long Island, NY) The Major Case Bureau reports the arrest of an Oceanside woman for grand larceny that occurred from Monday, 01/06/14 through Thursday, 05/21/15.

According to detectives, Donna Romero-Flores, 54, while employed for a private electrical business located in East Rockaway, removed in excess of 100 business checks from the victim’s business check ledger, making them payable to herself. Due to the actions of the defendant, the victim sustained a loss in excess of $220,000.

Nassau County Police reports the arrest of an Oceanside woman for grand larceny that occurred from 01/06/14 through 05/21/15. Photo Credit: Chris Boyle.

Major Case Bureau detectives arrested the defendant on Monday, 06/08/15 at her residence. She is being charged with Grand Larceny 2nd Degree and will be arraigned on Tuesday, 06/09/15 in First District Court, 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) A teenager arrested last month for the stabbing death of another teen during a fight at a Mastic intersection will be arraigned on an indictment today (Tuesday 6-9), Suffolk District Attorney Thomas Spota said.

Michael Dennis, 19, was charged with manslaughter in the death of 17-year-old Trevor Bender.

On May 29, Bender was in a car stuck in traffic when he and the driver started to argue with a group gathered at the corner of Mastic Road and Moriches Avenue. When Bender and the driver left the car to confront the group, a man stabbed Bender in the chest and ran away. The victim was pronounced dead at Brookhaven Memorial Hospital Medical Center. Dennis was arrested the next day.

State Supreme Court Justice Mark Cohen (fourth floor of the courthouse) will unseal the indictment. The court calendar begins at 9:30.

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.

Panepinto: “Today’s vote marks a long overdue victory for commonsense reform.”

(Long Island, NY) Senator Marc Panepinto (D-Buffalo) praised the passage of legislative package (S.5837) to amend and repeal portions of the SAFE Act. Following a vote Monday afternoon, Senator Panepinto, who previously co-sponsored several SAFE Act reforms made the following remarks:

“Today’s vote marks a long-overdue victory for commonsense reform. The impulsive overnight passage of the SAFE Act was an infringement upon the rights of honest gun owners across New York State. For too long, the call for necessary reforms have gone unanswered by the republican majority with the power to vote them into law. I am proud to co-sponsor legislation that addresses vital reform. Last month, I called on my republican colleagues in the Senate to join me in the restoration of those rights. Today that call, in part, was answered. I will continue to fight for crucial SAFE Act reform. Moving forward, it is my hope that my republican colleagues join me in that quest and take SAFE Act reform seriously.”

Senator Panepinto has cosponsored the following pieces of SAFE Act reform legislation:

• S.612 BOYLE – “Defend Our Homes Act”
• S.3373 GALLIVAN – Authorizes the transfer of legally possessed and validly registered weapons to stay in families through estate planning.
• S.3377 GALLIVAN – Expands “immediate family” language in SAFE Act to include siblings, grandparents, and grandchildren.
• S3378 GALLIVAN – Makes all personal information regarding pistol licensees confidential except to law enforcement and requests concerning a named individual.

Senator Panepinto also previously voted against S.2050 which would have unconstitutionally stripped away a resident’s rights to own a long rifle. The bill was defeated 9-7 in the Codes Committee.

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 Seventh Squad is investigating a Grand Larceny that occurred on Monday, May 25, 2015 at 3:53 am in Seaford.

According to detectives, a 31 year old female victim discovered that an unknown subject entered her 2012 Toyota SUV that was parked on Hicksville Road and removed her pocketbook containing her credit cards and an undetermined amount of US currency.

Nassau County Police are investigating a Grand Larceny that occurred on Monday, May 25, in Seaford. Photo Credit: Chris Boyle.

The victim was later advised that an unauthorized purchase was made with her credit card at a 7-11 on Sunrise Highway in Seaford.

Detectives request anyone with information regarding this crime to call Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS. All callers will remain anonymous.

(Long Island, NY) Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci (R, C, I – South Huntington) recently attended the “Think, Feel, Choose” Peace Rally 2015: An Influential Event. This event, held at the Manor Field Park in Huntington Station, encouraged members of the community to volunteer talents, information, time and positive energy to community service and participation. During the event, Lupinacci spoke to the participants about state government, voting, and civic engagement.

Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci speaks at the “Think, Feel ,Choose” Peace Rally. Photo Credit: NYS.

“The ‘Think, Feel, Chose’ Peace Rally 2015 was a special event. I was proud to see these active members of our community influencing one another to make healthy decisions and inspiring each other to become part of the solution,” said Lupinacci. “As a lifelong resident of Huntington, I am so glad to see so many individuals working together to make Huntington a better place. I commend each of the participants because the rally is truly an influential event for the neighborhood.”

Woodbury Fashion Show Features Models from Leading Not-For-Profit Supporting Those with Special Needs

(Long Island, NY) Models from Adults and Children with Learning and Developmental Disabilities, Inc. (ACLD), a leading Long Island based not-for-profit agency devoted to supporting the pursuit of an enviable life for children and adults with autism, learning and other developmental disabilities, recently walked the runway in the latest styles as part of ACLD’s 2015 Spring Soiree at The Woodlands in Woodbury.

Of the 12 women and six men who strolled the Soiree runway, 14 have developmental disabilities and receive support from ACLD.

Pictured during Adults and Children with Learning and Developmental Disabilities’ (ACLD) 2015 Spring Soiree recently held at The Woodlands in Woodbury is Sharon Oumano from ACLD, escorted by John Genova, Treasurer of ACLD’s Board of Trustees. Photo Credit: ACLD.

“Our individuals and their needs are as unique as the fashions they wear today,” said John J. Genova, Treasurer of ACLD’s Board of Trustees, and one of those who escorted models on the runway.  “ACLD’s job is to ensure we meet those needs and be prepared to support their dreams and aspirations for tomorrow.”

Nearly 250 people were on-hand to enjoy lunch as the models showed off the latest fashions from Carlisle Collection, Flair Designer Boutique and Men’s Wearhouse.  Hair design for the models was provided by Cactus Salon.

With ticket and auction sales, plus the support of several vendors who gave guests the opportunity to shop for a wide range of gift items, proceeds from the Spring Soiree will help ACLD carry out its mission of providing opportunities for individuals with disabilities to pursue enviable lives, increase their independence and improve the quality of their lives within the community.

“Our leadership does not know the words ‘no,’ ‘can’t,’ or ‘that’s just the way it is,’” said Megan Gardner, Secretary of ACLD’s Board of Trustees, who was among the models during the show.  “When it comes to those we work with, we can do more and we can do better.”

For more information, contact Howard Simon, Assistant Director of Development and Community Relations, via phone, (516) 822-0028, ext. 161 or via email, simonh@acld.org.

For information about ACLD, visit www.acld.org.

About ACLD
Adults and Children with Learning and Developmental Disabilities, Inc. (ACLD) was founded in 1957. The 501(c)(3), not-for-profit agency serves the needs of more than 3,000 children, teens and adults with learning disabilities, autism and other developmental disabilities, and provides support for their families. ACLD’s mission is to provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities to pursue enviable lives, increase their independence and improve the quality of their lives within the community. ACLD employs more than 1,100 people and operates 77 different program sites including group homes and apartment programs across Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Service programs include early childhood services, day habilitation, residential alternatives, vocational training and job placement, recreation programs, respite, family support services, Medicaid service coordination, and medical and behavioral health services.

(Long Island, NY) The Nassau County Police Activity League (NCPAL) Special Needs Unit recently hosted approximately 150 athletes with special needs as part of the 2015 Special Olympics New York Basketball Tournament at the Town of Oyster Bay Hicksville Athletic Center. The day-long tournament saw a total of 16 basketball teams participate, up from 13 in 2014. Due to the increased number of teams, games were spread out over two sessions – morning and afternoon. The tournament concluded with players receiving medals and award ribbons.

The morning’s opening ceremony began with NCPAL Special Needs Unit athletes carrying banners as part of the parade of teams and Michael Korins, a vocalist diagnosed with autism at age 3, singing the Star Spangled Banner and the Canadian National Anthem. Also participating in the opening ceremony was the Nassau County Police Explorer Color Guard.

Pictured are NCPAL Special Needs Unit Basketball team players with NCPAL police officers and NCPAL Commanding Officer Sgt. Doug Kenah (center) during the recent Nassau County Police Activity League Special Olympics New York Basketball Tournament. Photo Credit: NCPAL.

The games opened after the athletes recited the Special Olympics Creed: “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”  This was the seventh time Nassau County PAL participated in the Long Island Region of Special Olympics New York basketball program and the fifth time it has hosted the tournament.

The teams participating in the tournament included the Special Needs Unit Knights; New Hyde Park Knights; SCO Owls; Commack Sharks; Long Island Lions; ACDS Thunderbolts; AHRC Starz; and Oakville Skywalkers, a Canadian team that also took part in the 2014 tournament and returned this year in tribute of their late Coach, Stu Thomas A team from Albany, the Springbrook Thunderbolts, made their way to the tournament for the first time. Athletes ranged from age 12 to mid-to-late-40s.

The ACDS Thunderbolts basketball team play against the PAL basketball team during the recent Nassau County Police Activity League Special Olympics New York Basketball Tournament. Photo Credit: NCPAL.

NCPAL Special Needs Unit Board Members Harvey Pollack, Frank Simeone, Eileen Hoberg, Joan Crader were joined by Sgt. Doug Kenah Commanding Officer of NCPAL, Police Officer/Director Jethro Cardona, Police Officer/Director Matt Perlungher and Holy Trinity Lutheran Athletic Director Kelly Dempsey, as well as numerous high school volunteers and Hicksville Fire Department EMS members to support and encourage the participants in front of an estimated 750 spectators.

“We look forward to this event each year and are excited over its continued growth and participation. The Special Olympics New York Basketball Tournament presents a fun-filled forum that fosters important fundamentals of socialization, sportsmanship and teamwork for children with special needs,” said Harvey Pollack, NCPAL Trustee Special Needs Unit.

SCO Owls play against the Dream League during the recent Nassau County Police Activity League Special Olympics New York Basketball Tournament. Photo Credit: NCPAL.

Special Olympics New York Regional Director Diane Colonna commented, “This tournament gives participants a place where they can be treated equal among their peers while focusing on their abilities, not their disability.”

Tim Flynn, director of programs at Special Olympics New York, said, “When you see the athletes on the court during the tournament, it is no longer about what these children with special needs cannot do, but rather what they can do.”

The Special Needs Unit of Nassau County Police Activity League serves children ages 5 and up with varying disabilities. Sport, recreation and socialization activities are beneficial for children with special needs who have difficulty fitting into typical sports programs. Its primary goal is to develop physical, mental and social skills to help children with special needs gain confidence and self-esteem for reaching their maximum potential.

For volunteer opportunities or to learn more about NCPAL programs for boys and girls, visit www.nassaucountypal.org; www.specialneedspal.org and www.facebook.com/NassauCountyPalHeadquartersActivities.

To see photos from the NCPAL Special Olympics Basketball Tournament, please visit http://bit.ly/2015NCPALSpecialOlympics.

About Nassau County Police Activity League
Nassau County Police Activity League (NCPAL), founded in 1940, is a tax-exempt, not-for-profit organization that operates twenty-nine (29) local units, which cover over forty (40) different communities in Nassau County.  An executive board, a board of trustees and hundreds of volunteers carry out the organization’s mission each day. The NCPAL mission is to prevent juvenile delinquency and steer children clear of gang activity, and to aid in the positive interaction of Police Officers and youth. The Nassau County Police Department provides officers to oversee these units and to interact with the youths of these communities. Activities that are offered include sports, crafts, educational, and other programs. These activities vary from unit to unit and are based on the local community needs and interests.  For more information about NCPAL www.facebook.com/NassauCountyPalHeadquartersActivities or visit www.nassaucountypal.org.

(Long Island, NY) Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Sixth Squad detectives are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the man who robbed a store in Medford in April.

A man entered Petland Discounts, located at 2799 Route 112, on April 21 at approximately 4:15 p.m., approached an employee, pushed him, displayed a gun and demanded cash. The employee gave the suspect cash from the register. The suspect pulled down a rack of shelves and fled the store.

Suffolk County Police Sixth Squad detectives are seeking the public’s help to identify the man who robbed a store in Medford in April. Photo Credit: SCPD.

The robber was described as white, approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall with a thin build. He was wearing a black baseball cap with a black A in front with white trim. The man was unshaven and had a skull tattoo behind his left ear.

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.