“Arts In The Plaza” Brings Arts, Crafts, and Live Music to Long Beach Every Saturday Through October

(Long Island, NY) Since 2010, every Saturday from Memorial Day weekend through Halloween, tons on Long Islander’s have flocked to Long Beach’s Kennedy Plaza to showcase their artistic talents through music and the arts or to just be a part of the fun! Arts In The Plaza will once again be been inspiring those of all ages when it kicks off this Memorial Day Weekend on Saturday, May 23rd at Kennedy Plaza- 1 W Chester St, Long Beach, NY 11561 and includes “Sideman to the Legends”- Mark Newman on August 22nd—who’s played with an eclectic mix of noted musical talents from Sting to Elvis Costello and Travis Tritt along with an accomplished solo career – and many other incredible and diverse sounding acts.

AITP–which features live music, cultural performances, a free Kids Art Station, art demonstrations and workshops, and the Kennedy Plaza Farmers Market–happens every Saturday from 10:00AM until 4:00PMfrom Memorial Day Weekend through Halloween. Created in collaboration between the Long Beach community’s three art groups- the Long Beach Art League, Artists In Partnership, Inc., and West End Arts Visual Artists Guild their mission is simple:

“To provide a weekly outdoor venue to showcase locally handcrafted art, and to present musical performances and cultural arts for the enrichment and enjoyment of the community.”

Kicking off this year’s Live Music for AITP on May 23rd will be the Not Just Ragtime Band 10am-12pm followed by Guardavidas 1PM-4PM among a ton of other great musical acts through the Spring, Summer, and Fall seasons! Following its 2010 debut, Arts In The Plaza has been committed to providing a creative, fun, welcoming, and culturally inspiring venue for families to enjoy each Saturday and continue to be a part of their community. Sammi Metzger, Director of the weekly festival, says:

 “Arts In The Plaza is built on love.  Love of art, love of music, love of community, love of Long Beach.”

 

With so much to look forward to, this year’s Live Music Calendar includes:

May 23

• Not Just Ragtime Band 10am- 12pm
• Guardavidas 1pm-4pm

May 30

• Dave Kellan 1pm- 4pm

June 6

• Rebecca Kapica Children’s Musician 11am – 12pm
• Nando Griffiths and Pure Fyah 1pm – 4pm

June 13

• Barrier Beach Blues Festival

June 20

• Jesse Klirsfeld Collective 1pm – 4pm

June 27

• Gospel Explosion

July 4

• DJ Kojak

AND MANY MORE

With so much to offer to families, artists, entertainment seekers, or those looking for something fun and exciting to do on Saturdays–you won’t want to miss Arts In The Plaza when it kicks off Memorial Day Weekend on Saturday, May 23rd at Kennedy Plaza- 1 W Chester St, Long Beach, NY 11561.

For More information, visit: http://www.artsintheplaza.com/

OR

For Long Island Residents Who Want To Pre-Register and Show Their Art, E-Mail: aitplaza@gmail.com.

(Long Island, NY) On Monday, May 18^th Assemblyman Chad A. Lupinacci (R, C, I – South Huntington) welcomed Walt Whitman High School students to Albany as part of the League of Women Voters “Students Inside Albany” conference. Students Alexis Darrow and Julia Canigiani joined other students from New York State secondary schools on an intensive four-day training conference designed to immerse students in the legislative process.

Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci with Walt Whitman High School Students. Photo Credit: NYS.

During their time in Albany, Lupinacci educated the students on the operations of government and the forces that influence the policy overall. Lupinacci gave the following statement about the event:

“The League of Women Voters ‘Students Inside Albany’ conference is an innovative and hands on learning opportunity in which members of our local communities can experience the daily operations of the New York State government. These two incredible young women from Walt Whitman High School impressed me with their previous knowledge about the legislative process and their desire to learn more about my role as the Assemblyman for the 10^th Assembly District.

“I have been a longtime supporter of education through experience and this is a perfect example of how students can learn more about their state and local elected officials, while also developing interest in government for years to come. It is my hope that my colleagues and I inspired these students to be active in their local political sphere and seek in internship opportunities during higher education.

“I commend the Students Inside Albany participants and the League of Women Voters of New York State for providing students this opportunity and encouraging them to become active participants in society. Thank you.” 

Monday, June 8

(Long Island, NY) Bay Street Theater & Sag Harbor Center for the Arts is pleased to announce Altman’s Art, a screening of Gosford Park and a discussion of the work of one of Americas greatest filmmakers on Monday, June 8 at 7 pm. The evening will also include a talkback hosted by Bob Balaban, with Guilia D’Agnolo Vallan, and Kathryn Altman-the widow of Robert Altman. Tickets are $20 and are available online at baystreet.org or by calling the Bay Street Theater Box Office at 631-725-9500, open 11 am to Showtime daily.

Gosford Park, the film by Robert Altman is a British murder mystery satire that’s drawn comparisons to Jean Renoir’s classic Rules of the Game and Ten Little Indians, based on the novel by Agatha Christie. The scene is 1930s England, where an aristocratic family and their friends enjoy a hunting party weekend. But are there killers among them? The film features multiple storylines, showing the fairly boring lives of the rich and famous upstairs, and the more intriguing ones of the servants downstairs.

Following the talkback, there will be a book signing of the biography Altman by co-authors Kathryn R. Altman and Giulia D’Agnolo Vallan.

For decades, Robert Altman fascinated audiences with pioneering films such asM*A*S*H, Nashville, The Player, and Gosford Park—that combined technical innovation with subversive, satirical humor and impassioned political engage­ment. His ability to explore and engage so many different worlds with a single, coherent vision changed the landscape of cinema forever. This signature “Altmanesque” style is, in the words of Martin Scorsese: “as recognizable and familiar as Renoir’s brushstrokes or Debussy’s orchestrations.” Now, the Altman estate opens its archive to celebrate his extraordinary life and career in the first authorized visual biography on the iconoclastic director. “Altman,” by Altman’s widow Kathryn Reed Altman and film critic Giulia D’Agnolo Vallan, brims with photographs and ephemera, many culled from private family albums, and personal recollections of the director. Alongside the intimate illustrated story is a complete visual, historical, and critical narrative of Altman’s films and his process. To honor the Altman trademark of using a wide cast of characters, Altman also features contributions from his collaborators and contemporaries including Frank Barhydt, E. L. Doctorow, Roger Ebert, Jules Feiffer, Julian Fellowes, James Franco, Tess Gallagher, Pauline Kael, Garrison Keillor, Michael Murphy, Martin Scorsese, Lily Tomlin, Alan Rudolph, Michael Tolkin, and Kurt Vonnegut Jr.

Bob Balaban. Photo Credit: Bay Street Theater.

Tickets are $20 and are available online at www.baystreet.org or by calling the Bay Street Theater Box Office at 631-725-9500, open 11 am to Showtime daily.

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) If you’re looking for live musical theatre right in your own back yard Stony Brook Village is the place to be.  “The Elizabeth Taylor Story,” now playing at WMHO’s Educational & Cultural Center, is not only hilarious and entertaining but also compelling as it touches on the very dramatic life of this iconic Hollywood star.

Lisa Monde as Elizabeth Taylor. Photo Credit: WMHO.

Lisa Monde’s portrayal of Liz is striking, not only for her physical resemblance but for her talents as an actress and singer as well. Included are skits about her early years as a child actress, her marriage to Richard Burton, her blockbuster movies including National Velvet, Giant and her epic motion picture, Cleopatra and, of course, her much discussed multiple husbands and divorces.  Additional characters include Eydie Gorme, played by Rosie Flore and Rosie, played by Kim Dufrenoy. Guest reviews include, “Best Show Yet,” “Incredible Singing,” “Very Informative…I learned so much more about Elizabeth Taylor.”

A St. George Production, performances take place Wed., Thurs. Fri. & Sat.,11:30 am, Sun., 12:30 pm. Show dates are May 28, 29, 30, 31, June 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17.  They include a high-tea luncheon catered by Crazy Beans Restaurant.  Advance reservations are required. Gen. Admission, $48; seniors 60 & over, $45; groups of 20 or more, $43 pp.  For further information call 631-751-2244 or visit stonybrookvillage.com.

Founded in 1939, The Ward Melville Heritage Organization (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 visitwww.wmho.org.

(Long Island, NY) The Suffolk County Legislature on May 12 voted and supported resolutions sponsored by Deputy Presiding Officer Jay Schneiderman (I-Montauk). Legislator Schneiderman was able to secure additional East End mental health funding, appointed Stephen H. Long to the Citizens Advisory Board for the Arts and directed Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services (FRES) to develop a county-wide extreme weather plan.

Legislator Schneiderman successfully secured an additional $17,500 to the East Hampton Family Service League for mental health services. This is the second consecutive year Legislator Schneiderman was able to secure funding for mental health programs on the East End. Last November, Legislator Schneiderman secured $35,000 for a South Fork teen suicide prevention program in Suffolk County’s 2015 adopted operating budget. This program has many elements, including improved psychiatric evaluations and counseling services. The additional money brings the total of $52,500 for South Fork teen suicide prevention.

The Suffolk County Legislature on May 12 voted and unanimously supported a resolution which directs the department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services (FRES) to develop an extreme weather plan in the county. Under this plan, FRES will study and determine the services available to residents during extreme heat and cold weather events. They will determine how many cooling and heating centers are operated by town and village governments, community groups, churches and other organizations, their hours of operation and their proximity to public transportation. This was sparked by two recent deaths on the East End due to severe winter conditions.

Legislator Schneiderman co-sponsored key initiatives including domestic violence programs, strengthened lobbyist registration and reporting requirements, secured funding for a water quality program in Shelter Island and transferred a key waterfront parcel in East Quogue to the Town of Southampton for preservation.

Legislator Schneiderman co-sponsored legislation introduced by Legislator Kara Hahn directing the Suffolk County Police Department to conduct a Domestic Violence Monitoring Pilot Program in which 30 electronic monitoring devices will be used solely to monitor domestic violence offenders. The Department of Probation will now be able to provide a recommendation to Family Court to electronically monitor respondents who are subject to a stay away order of protection for a convicted family offense upon sentencing as a condition of supervision or release.

Legislator Schneiderman secured and transferred $89,000 from Suffolk County’s Water Quality Fund 477 for a pilot alternative wastewater treatment system at the Sylvester Manor Educational Farm in Shelter Island. Sylvester Manor will provide matching funds and will relocate staff to a temporary housing and restroom complex during the restoration of the 1737 Georgian Manor house on the farm’s property.

Legislator Schneiderman co-sponsored legislation which sold 2 parcels of county-owned real estate under the 72-H program to the Town of Southampton for open space purposes. Preserving these parcels will help protect Tiana Bay and the larger South Shore Estuary Reserve. The Town of Southampton will pay the County $73,101.75, which makes the county whole on unpaid taxes.

One of the parcels, which are approximately 1.6 acres, was completely flooded during Hurricane Sandy. The second parcel, approximately 1.2 acres, includes both tidal and freshwater wetlands mapped by NYSDEC. The sale and development of this parcel would cause major adverse impacts to the natural systems, contributing additional nitrogen pollution to ground and surface waters, making an existing water quality problem in our South Shore bays even worse, and place people and the property in harm’s way during future storms.

Representing the South Fork, Deputy Presiding Officer Jay Schneiderman is the Suffolk County Legislator for the Second Legislative District. For more information, or to arrange an interview, please call (631) 852-8400.

(Long Island, NY) First Squad detectives are investigating an Assault that occurred on Thursday, May 21, 2015 at 8:30 pm in Baldwin.

According to detectives, while inside the Oasis Bar, 779 Brooklyn Avenue, the victim, a 48 year old male, became involved in a verbal argument with an unknown male subject.

Nassau County Police are investigating an Assault that occurred on Thursday, May 21, in Baldwin. Photo Credit: Chris Boyle.

The argument escalated and the subject, who was described being an Asian male in his late 40’s and about 5’5” tall, withdrew a steak knife and stabbed the victim in the neck causing a large laceration and heavy bleeding. The subject then fled the bar in an unknown direction.

The victim was transported to an area hospital in a private auto where he received stitches to treat his wound.

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

(Long Island, NY) Fourth Precinct officers report the arrest of a Lynbrook man for an incident that occurred on Thursday, May 21, 2015 at 12:15 pm in Lynbrook.

According to officers, 911 received a call for a large party on Lloyd Avenue. Upon arrival, officers observed approximately 70 youths, between the ages of 18 to 20 years old, some of whom who were in possession of alcoholic beverages.

Nassau County Police report the arrest of Jake Sandler, 19, a Lynbrook man, for an incident that occurred on Thursday, May 21, in Lynbrook. Photo Credit: Chris Boyle.

The party that was hosted by Jake Sandler, 19, of the same address was issued an appearance ticket at the scene for violating the “Social Host Law.” He will respond to First District Court, Hempstead to answer to the charge on a later date.

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.

Tens of Thousand’s to Visit Long Island Beaches and Fire Island to Kick Off Summer Season

(Long Island, NY) Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter and New York State Senator Phil Boyle, Chair of Economic Development Committee will be joined by representatives from the Long Island Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Suffolk County Marine Bureau, and Fire Island Officials to announce an expected restaurant and hotel boom as tens of thousands of tourists will be visiting Fire Island and the local region this weekend. A news conference will be held on Friday May 22, 2015 at 12:30 pm at the Fire Island Ferry Terminal in Bay Shore, L.I., NY.

Islip Town and Fire Island Officials will discuss damages and repairs made from the recent winter storms including travel advisories for boating and local residents. The Town of Islip is on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean and the Great South Bay. Visitors from across the Tri-State area will be visiting the local beaches and merchants this weekend for Memorial Day weekend. The start of the summer season.

WHERE:

• Maple Avenue  (END)
  (Across from Fire Island Ferry)
  Bay Shore, NY

WHEN:

• Friday, May 22, 2015 at 12:30 pm

(Long Island, NY) Closing arguments are scheduled for Tuesday May 26 in the aggravated vehicular homicide trial of a Flanders man, Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas Spota said.

On January 5, 2014, Joseph Perez, 31, drove into the Hampton Bays business district and went onto the shoulder of the highway road near the Ponquogue Avenue intersection.  Perez then sideswiped a parked car and struck a second automobile and its driver, 56 year old Donna Sartori of Middle Island.  She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Closing arguments are scheduled for Tuesday May 26 in the aggravated vehicular homicide trial of Joseph Perez, 31, of Flanders. Photo Credit: SCPD.

The defendant after the crash had a blood alcohol level of .20.

Joseph Perez is charged with aggravated vehicular homicide, manslaughter, vehicular manslaughter, aggravated driving while intoxicated, reckless driving and leaving the scene.

State Supreme Court Justice Fernando Camacho (third floor of the First District courthouse) will call the court calendar at 9:30 am.

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) The Scleroderma Foundation / Tri-State, Inc. Chapter will hold the 12th annual Stepping Out to Cure Scleroderma Long Island walk in Wantagh Park on Sunday, June 7, 2015. Registration and check-in start at 9 a.m. and the walk on the one mile course begins at 10:30 a.m.

Join Long Island walk leaders Barbara Geller, Melissa Coppola, Dawn Selg, along with patients, families, and friends for a lively and fun event that raises money for support services and research. The walk helps bring awareness of scleroderma, an autoimmune disease that affects the body’s connective tissue impacting an estimated 30,000 men, women, and children in the Tri-State area – for which there is no known cause and no cure. Food, raffles, and entertainment round out a great day at the park!

Participants can register to walk or sponsor a walker online at http://walks.SclerodermaTriState.org before the event.  The pre-walk registration fee is $20 for participants 16 years and older, $5 for children ages 5 to 15, and children under five are free.   Registration forms and donations can also be mailed to the Tri-State office.  Day of event registration is $25 for participants 16 years and older.  All registered participants receive a T-shirt, and awards are given to the individual and team that raise the most money.

The Scleroderma Foundation Tri-State Chapter works to support patients and families, and has advocated for resources to help find a cure for this disease for more than 30 years. Events like the Long Island walk along with the Nassau/Queens and Long Island support groups are means of helping connect and support people living with this mysterious and frequently disabling disease.

Tri-State Chapter Executive Director, Jay Peak, states that, “The Long Island walk provides a central meeting place for many on Long Island who are impacted by scleroderma. While the disease has no cure, caring health care professionals along specialized research and treatment centers like the North Shore-LIJ Health System; Division of Rheumatology are vital to helping patients endure the ups and downs of scleroderma and associated conditions.”

This Stepping Out to Cure Scleroderma walk is one of fourteen throughout the Tri-State area and is central to our June Scleroderma Awareness Monthactivities. We will also support an international social media campaign, “Hard Word. Harder Disease.” sponsored by three leading scleroderma organizations and aimed at increasing awareness of scleroderma. Through Facebook posts (facebook/SFTriState), Tweets (@sclerodermaTS) and a series of blogger network posts, we are encouraging people to learn more and take a pledge to tell others. The pledge and some great information about scleroderma can be found at www.hardword.org. Our awareness efforts culminate when the Scleroderma Foundation joins organizations around the world in recognizing June 29 as World Scleroderma Awareness Day.

Stepping Out to Cure Scleroderma is sponsored in part by Diamond Sponsors, Bethpage Federal Credit Union and Marion Brucker Legacy Fund; National Gold Sponsors, Actelion Pharmaceuticals and Bayer; platinum sponsor, Val Fenti; gold sponsor AriZona Beverage Co; silver sponsors Advantage Group, Justine M. Metz Fund, Land Baron Abstract Company, Inc., Telephonics Corp,and Turan Family Foundation; and bronze sponsors Raiser & Kenniff, P.C., IGG America, Hellma USA, Fusco, and Brandenstein & Rada, P.C.

For more information on scleroderma and the Scleroderma Foundation / Tri-State, Inc. Chapter, call (800) 867- 0885 or visit www.SclerodermaTriState.org. You can also find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

About Scleroderma
Scleroderma [skler-o-derma] is a chronic, often progressive, autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks one’s body.

Scleroderma means “hard skin.” It can cause a thickening and tightening of the skin. In some cases, it causes serious damage to internal organs including the lungs, heart, kidneys, esophagus and gastrointestinal tract. As scarring, or sclerosis, of these organs and organ systems progress, they work less effectively, and can lead to organ failure and death.

Some medications and treatments can help with certain symptoms, but there is no cure for scleroderma. The disease affects about 300,000 people across the U.S. There are an estimated 30,000 cases of scleroderma in the Tri-State Chapter’s New York, New Jersey and Connecticut service area.

About the Scleroderma Foundation / Tri-State Inc., Chapter
The Scleroderma Foundation/Tri-State Inc., Chapter is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization serving people living with scleroderma in New York, northern New Jersey and Connecticut. The chapter has a three-fold mission which is to promote the welfare of individuals and families affected by scleroderma, increase public awareness and support scleroderma research.

The organization helps scleroderma patients and their families cope with the disease through support groups, educational forums, physician referrals and educational information such as articles, books and DVDs, available through our lending library and a growing number of videos online atwww.sclerodermavideo.com.

More about the work and mission of the Tri-State Chapter can be found atwww.SclerodermaTriState.org.  Keep up-to-date on events and other happenings on Facebook (www.facebook.com/SFTriState) on Twitter (@sclerodermaTS) and on Instagram (sclerodermatristate).

About the Scleroderma Foundation
The Scleroderma Foundation is the national organization for people with scleroderma, their families and friends. It was formed Jan. 1, 1998, by a merger between the United Scleroderma Foundation and the Scleroderma Federation.

The Scleroderma Foundation is headquartered in the metro Boston area in Danvers, Mass. It is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to serving the interests of people living with scleroderma. The Foundation has a network of 22 chapters and 150 support groups committed to carrying out the three-fold mission of support, education and research. The Scleroderma Foundation is the largest nonprofit funder of peer-reviewed medical research, making available at least $1 million per year in new research grants to find the cause, better treatments, and a cure for scleroderma.

For more information about the Scleroderma Foundation, visit www.scleroderma.orgor call (800) 722-HOPE (4673). You also can find the Foundation on Facebook (www.facebook.com/sclerodermaUS) and Twitter (@scleroderma).