Jon Cooper Joins Business Roundtable Discussion

Jon Cooper, former Suffolk County Legislature majority leader and a resident of Lloyd Harbor, recently joined with several other business leaders from across the country at a closed-door meeting of the Senate Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee.

Cooper said, "The business roundtable provided an opportunity to discuss strategies to empower the American middle class. All of the business leaders agreed that their successes were largely attributed to policies that provide good benefits and above-minimum wage pay for their employees."

 About 20 senators participated in the roundtable discussion, including Harry Reid, Chuck Schumer, Mark Begich, Maria Cantwell, Richard Durbin, Chris Coons, Kay Hagan, Richard Blumenthal and Jeanne Shaheen.

Street Closings for Sunday's St. Patrick's Parade

Suffolk Police have issued the following advisory for Sunday in Huntington: The 80th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and 5K run in Huntington will be held Sunday and the Suffolk County Second Precinct is advising motorists of road closures in Huntington between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. The Townwide Fund of Huntington St. Patrick’s Day 5K run will start at 12:45 p.m. at Main Street and Prospect Street in Huntington Village. Participants will travel east on Main Street and turn south on New York Avenue to Lowndes Avenue and then back to New York Avenue. The parade will kick off at 2p.m. The parade will travel north on New York Avenue from Church Street to Main Street and will then head west on Main Street to St. Patrick’s Church, located at 400 W. Main Street. No parking will be allowed on New York Avenue or Main Street to allow for a clear and safe route. Motorists are advised to use alternate routes.

Olympian to Join St. Patrick's Parade

Huntington Station's Matt Mortensen, who recently competed in the Winter Olympics, will join the St. Patrick's Day parade in Huntington on Sunday.

There's no word on whether he'll be required to perform the same heroics as he did during the Olympics, stopping an out of control sled carrying NBC's Al Roker and Matt Lauer as it slid, backyards, down a luge run.

Arts Council Named Finalist

The Huntington Arts Council has been named a finalist in the Pilot Benefits Innovation Award category in The Second Annual Long Island Imagine Awards. Launching in spring 2013, the Huntington Arts Council's SPARKBOOM™ initiative was designed as a collective initiative to create vibrant events and opportunities to foster Long Island's emerging creative talent. Winners will be named at a gala at Crest Hollow Country Club on May 6. More than 120 entries were submitted for consideration in 5 categories, including Innovation, Leadership Excellence, Social Entrepreneurism, Rising Star, and Social Impact. The Huntington Arts Council is one of four finalists in the Innovation category for its SPARKBOOM™ initiative. "Long Island is rich with both creative talent and creative opportunities. The SPARKBOOM™ mission is to connect young emerging artists with the establishments and professionals in creative careers. When that happens, there's a wonderful, mutually beneficial exchange that happens as both sides bring unique perspectives and talents to the table. We're thrilled to be an Imagine Awards Finalist as a result of our efforts." said Diana Cherryholmes, Executive Director of the Huntington Arts Council. Finalists were chosen by Long Island business professionals during preliminary judging. Members of the Awards' Distinguished Judging Panel selected the Imagine Awards winners from among the Finalists during final judging. “Being named a Finalist in The Long Island Imagine Awards is an important achievement,” said Ken Cerini, Founder of the Long Island Imagine Awards. “It means that independent business executives have agreed that the nominee is worthy of recognition for their innovation, leadership, entrepreneurism, and sustainability. Congratulations to all of the Finalists on their achievement.” Details about Long Island Imagine Awards and the list of finalists in all categories are available at http://www.ceriniandassociates.com/imagine-awards.

Rajdeep Paulus to Speak at Book Revue

Author Rajdeep Paulus to speak and sign her new novel, Seeing Through Stones at the Book Revue.

Her appearance is scheduled March 12 at 7 p.m. 

The sequel to Swiming Through Clouds, the novel is "a powerful reminder that life is a battle you don’t fight alone. Praise for Seeing Through Stones: “Tough and touching, resilient and raw—Rajdeep Paulus has crafted a story of love and abuse with the deft touch of a master," according to the publishing house.

Huntington Raising Village Parking Fees

Huntington Town Board voted Tuesday to tackle the village parking problems by significantly raising fees.

Among the changes approved unanimously was an increase to  $1-per-hour multimeter fee for parking slots on New York Avenue and Main Street, 50-cent per hour meter fees on side streets  and increases on coin meters at the East Northport train station lot.

Free parking for hybrid vehicles has been eliminated.

Man Accused of Fleeing Scene of Crash

Suffolk County Police have arrested a Dix Hills man on charges of leaving the scene of a motor vehicle crash that occurred on Grand Boulevard on Feb. 24.

First Squad detectives charged William Koster, 31, of 4 Dix Circle, with leaving the scene of an accident on March 2. Koster, whose passenger was seriously injured in the crash, was arraigned Tuesday at First District Court in Central Islip.

Daniel Garcia and Jani Martinez were passengers in a 2002 Hyundai Sonata that was traveling east on Grand Boulevard when the vehicle struck a Volvo 18-wheel tractor trailer, driven by Christopher Bertovich at 11:43 p.m.

Garcia, 20, and Martinez, 33, were transported to Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center in West Islip. Garcia, of North Babylon, is listed in serious condition and Martinez, of Bay Shore, was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Bertovich, 49, of Pennsylvania, was not injured in the crash.   

Police say Koster was the driver of the 2002 Hyundai fled the scene on foot prior to the arrival of police.

Huntington's Coraor Headed for the Top

A week from Tuesday, Aron Coraor of Huntington High School will learn whether he's won the Intel science talent search.

The poised young scientist picked moon rocks as a topic, entitling the project: "Pressure Dependent Azeotropic Melting Relations in the Mg₂SiO₄-Fe₂SiO₄-NaAlSi₃O₈-CaAl₂Si₂O₈ System: a Critical Role in Lunar Highlands Formation?"

Coraor will be in Washington next week, along with 39 other finalists from around the country, where winners will be announced. Finalists compete for $630,000 in awards, including a top prize of $100,000.

He described the project this way: "“My Intel project aimed to help explain the formation of the Moon. The current accepted model for how the Moon formed was largely developed in the 1970s when the bulk of the Apollo samples from the Moon’s surface were analyzed. However, while this traditional model has been improved slightly over time, an increasing number of inconsistencies between this model and data on samples from the Moon are being found. My project aimed to solve some of these inconsistencies by proposing alternate mechanisms by which the crust of the Moon may have formed. I justified the conclusions of my project by creating in a lab a magma [that is] similar to what likely would have been found billions of years ago as the Moon was solidifying and by measuring the composition of the crystals that formed from this synthetic magma.”


He is not only the second Huntington High School student to reach the finals since 1950, he's also only the second in his family. His sister Juliana reached the finals in 2012.

"I am thrilled for Aron on his incredible and very exciting accomplishment,” Huntington Superintendent James W. Polansky said. “When listening to him to speak of his project, it is easy to determine not only how much pride he has taken in his work, but also how much he has enjoyed the research and the competition process. There is no question that this has factored into his reaching this level. There is really nothing out of reach for this young man!”

Poetry Workshop Saturday at Whitman Birthplace

A workshop at the Walt Whitman Birthplace on Saturday will tackle the art of poetry writing by encouraging participants to facilitate emotional healing through creative expression. Participants will be asked to create poetry that reflects evocative and powerful experiences (i.e., challenges, love, death, personal transformation) faced in their lives. Attendees are asked to bring in some memento that encapsulates such an experience (i.e., letter, souvenir, photograph, journal entry, song lyrics) and asked to create a poem or several poems that capture their emotional landscape. Workshop will include mindfulness and breathing exercises, and members will be encouraged to share their work, or reflect on the process of writing.  Hala Alyan is an Arab-American poet who has lived in different regions of the world, spanning from Oklahoma to Beirut. Hala Alyan is pursuing her doctoral degree in the field of clinical psychology and currently resides in Brooklyn. She has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize and her poems have appeared in journals such as Third Coast, Copper Nickel, andThe Journal. Hala's first full-length collection of poetry, entitledAtrium and published by Three Rooms Press in New York City, was recently awarded the 2013 Arab America Book Award in Poetry. The workshop is scheduled for 2-4 p.m. Saturday. ART IMITATES LIFE Poetry Writing Workshop with Hala Alyan     $20 workshop fee       workshop fee includes admission to evening reading

Spencer Takes Up Smoking Age

Suffolk County Legis. William "Doc" Spencer will hold a hearing Tuesday on raising the smoking age to 21.

The hearing is set for Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. at the Evans K. Griffing Building, 300 Center Drive, Riverhead.

 The Centerport Democrat, who is a physician, has led a number of initiatives to tackle health issues.

S. Huntington Offers Brochure on District

The South Huntington school district has published a brochure loaded with information about schools and aimed at would-be homebuyers in the district.

Programs such as Caught Being Good, Faces in the Crowd, dual language are highlighted by school, as  is such information as Whitman graduation rates, SAT/ACT scores and more.

The brochure is here.

From Saturday Night's Fire on New York Avenue

Photos by Steve Silverman.  See more photos here.

The fire broke out in the building housing the Village Artist, Red restaurant, a law firm and other businesses. It was brought under control within three hours, with crews remaining on the scene dousing hot spots through the night until about noon on Sunday. 

Multiple fire departments--Huntington, Huntington Manor, Halesite, Cold Spring Harbor, Centerport, Greenlawn, East Northport, Syosset, Huntington Community First Aid Squad with Melville, Commack and Oyster Bay on standby --responded Saturday night. About 70 patrons of Red were evacuated, leaving meals on the tables that were still there on Sunday afternoon as fire officials nailed condemnation signs on several storefronts. 

Suffolk County Legis. William "Doc" Spencer was on the scene, as were Town Councilwoman Tracey Edwards and  Suffolk County Water Authority Chairman Jim Gaughran to assist the firefighters with water issues.

Huntington Fire Chief Robert Berry was in command, with Operations Chiefs Jesse Cukro, Robert Conroy and Brian Keane.  Approximately 150 firefighters on the scene with 20 trucks.  The Suffolk Police Arson Squad and Huntington Fire Marshal are investigating. Suffolk Fire-Rescue Coordinators were also on the scene providing assistance. 

Help at the Hydrants

As more snow heads for Huntington, here's a reminder from the Huntington Manor Fire Department about keeping hydrants clear.

A drive around a few business parking lots Saturday made clear that plenty of snow remains stacked at corners, making navigation and sightlines difficult.

So, too, the edges of many properties remain covered by snow.

Let's give the guys a hand.

Aviva Drescher Coming to the Book Revue

Book Revue will host Real Housewives of New York star Aviva Drescher Tuesday.


She'll be speaking about and signing her new memoir, Leggy Blonde.  Aviva tells the story of how she lost her foot in a barn accident at the age of six and the numerous—sometimes bizarre— attempts to reattach it. 

After a trip to India to be “cured” by a famous mystic, young Aviva learned to use fashion and style to draw attention away from her prosthesis. She fled to Paris in her early twenties, where she transformed herself into a wild club chick and danced on tables with the crème de la crème of the big-hair supermodel era.

The event is set for 7 p.m.

Blaze Destroys Businesses on New York Avenue

Photo by Steve Silverman

A big fire broke out Saturday night at a building housing an art store and other businesses on New York Avenue.

Andre Sorrentino, owner of PAS Auto Body and Sorrentino Trucking, said the fire broke out first in the art store next door to Red Restaurant. 

Sorrentino, who helped the Tilden Brakes owners stay in business after their fire in July, shared photos posted by Rookies. 

No injuries have been reported. Sirens could be heard around town as departments responded to the blaze.

About three hours before the fire was reported, the restaurant posted  "Whether it's dinner and dancing you're after or just a few cocktails with friends, Red has everything you need this Saturday night!!"

Snow? Yes, More on the Way

Are we ready for this? More snow is on the way. We advise using weather.gov, not the storm-naming folks at The Weather Channel, to keep on top of things.

Also, Newsday's weather reporting is pretty good, too.

UPDATE 4:24 p.m. Saturday:

• Snow likely, mainly after 3pm. Cloudy, with a high near 34. West wind 5 to 8 mph becoming north in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
• Sunday NightSnow. Low around 21. North wind 7 to 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.
• MondaySnow, mainly before 3pm. High near 23. North wind 13 to 16 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

St. Pat's Parade Set for March 9

The 80th annual Huntington St. Patrick's Day Parade will kick off at 2 p.m. Sunday March 9. 

Marchers will head go from just north of the LIRR station to Main Street, turn west and end at St. Patrick's Church.

Grand marshall is Dominick Feeney, the fourth member of his family to lead the huge Ancient Order of Hibernians parade. 

AOH Treasurer, Rich McGrath adds, "many residents mistakenly think the Town sponsors the parade each year, but in truth it's actually the Hibernians who organize, promote, run and raise the money needed to pay for all the expenses associated with putting on this spectacular parade. Each year, the Hibernians go door to door soliciting donations from local businesses for advertisements which appear in this special St. Patrick's Day Parade edition of the Long Islander and Record. It is these generous ad sponsors that enable us to run the parade, so we hope folks support their businesses."

Civil War Roundtable to Meet

Dr. Timothy Sedore will discuss his book, An Illustrated Guide to Virginia's Confederate Monuments, which enumerates the more than 350 memorials marking the bloody battles in Virginia, at the March 6 meeting of the North Shore Civil War Roundtable.

The group meets at 7 p.m. at the South Huntington Library and is open to all with an interest in the Civil War.

Oheka Castle Owner Shot

Guests pose in gardens of Oheka Castle.

Gary Melius is reported in stable condition after he was shot in the parking lot of Oheka Castle about midday Monday.

Earlier this month, Behind Every Great Fortune, a historical novel about Otto Hermann Kahn who built the castle, was published. 

The novel is described as "crackl(ing) with intrigue, ritual murder, sexual depravity, and betrayal, as the action races from the first terrorist attack on New York City to the assassination of the Archduke Ferdinand, the murder of Rasputin, the Russian Revolution, and the bloody devastation of WWI."

The castle has been a popular site for charity events and celebrity weddings since Melius first purchased the site in 1984. Its name is drawn from Kahn's name (Otto Hermann Kahn). 

The estate is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Suffolk Hosting Black History Month Celebration

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone invites residents to join the Black History Month celebration next week at the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge.

The Progress & Resources Yesterday & Today event Thursday opens with a vendor showcase at 5:45 p.m., followed by the celebration at 6:30 p.m.

The celebration  will feature the film series The African Americans: 

“Many Rivers to Cross”

Caution Urged in Clearing Snow from Roofs

Huntington Supervisor Frank P. Petrone advises homeowners with flat roofs to be careful about clearing snow and advises them to consider hiring a roofing professional for the task for their own safety and the safety of the roof.

Experts note that while homeowners’ first concern might be a roof collapse, more common is damage caused by leaks through cracks the result of water seepage and expansion. In both cases, however, residents need to be careful about removing snow from the roof to avoid putting additional weight – their own – on flat roofs already supporting the weight of the accumulated snow, ice and water.

Roofing professionals should have the proper safety equipment. Homeowners who attempt to remove the snow themselves should practice safety and common sense, including staying away from the roof’s edge.

Experts note that while homeowners’ first concern might be a roof collapse, more common is damage caused by leaks through cracks the result of water seepage and expansion. In both cases, however, residents need to be careful about removing snow from the roof to avoid putting additional weight – their own – on flat roofs already supporting the weight of the accumulated snow, ice and water. Roofing professionals should have the proper safety equipment. Homeowners who attempt to remove the snow themselves should practice safety and common sense, including staying away from the roof’s edge.


“Flat roofs pose a particular challenge, and that challenge only increases when rain beats down on a flat roof covered with snow,” Petrone said. “This is especially true in situations when a daytime thaw is followed by a freeze overnight.”

Carbon Monoxide Kills Legal Seafood Manager; 27 Sickened

Photo by Steve Silverman

The manager of the Legal Seafood restaurant at Walt Whitman Shops died Saturday night from carbon monoxide poisoning. Another 27 people were sickened by the fumes.

The Huntington Manor Fire Department and Suffolk police responded to a report that a woman had fallen and struck her head. Emergency workers felt ill after arrival and recognized that carbon monoxide poisoning.

After evacuating the restaurant, police found the manager, Steven Nelson, 55, in the basement. He was taken to Huntington Hospital and pronounced dead.

Police said the 27 victims, which included four ambulance crew members and three police officers, were treated at local hospitals for non life threenting symptoms. Most of those who became ill were restaurant employees.

The nearby Panera Bread and The Cheesecake Factory were evacuated as a precaution.

Among the responding departments were the Greenlawn and Melville Fire Departments.

Huntington Hospital Wins Magnet Designation Again

 Huntington Hospital, a member of the North Shore-LIJ Health System,  has become the first hospital on Long Island to be designated a magnet hospital for the third consecutive time by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Magnet Recognition Program® for excellence in nursing services, the hospital announced Tuesday.

The consecutive designations put Huntington among an elite class of hospitals in the United States. Only 86 of the nation's 5,724 hospitals have attained Magnet status three times or more, and only 6.8 percent -- or 391 – are Magnet accredited.

"To earn Magnet status once is a tremendous accomplishment and a great source of pride for our nurses and the entire hospital," said Kevin F. Lawlor, Huntington's President and CEO. "To retain Magnet status for a third consecutive time is the result of the hard work of many people.  It's truly a team effort by a dedicated staff whose ultimate goal is in meeting the healthcare needs of our community."

Huntington Hospital was the first community hospital on Long Island to achieve Magnet status eight years ago.

According to the ANCC, the leading nursing credentialing organization in the United States, Magnet designation is widely accepted as the gold standard of patient care. The Magnet Recognition Program recognizes excellence and professionalism in nursing, which results in enhanced quality of care and patient safety.  Applicants undergo an extensive evaluation and members granted Magnet status must continue to meet rigorous standards.  To reapply for and receive Magnet status is confirmation of the hospital's resolve to deliver the highest level of nursing care. Research shows that Magnet hospitals are more effective at attracting and keeping quality nurses.

"Our initial Magnet designation eight years ago raised the bar on patient care and inspired all of us – nurses, physicians, professional and support staff – to strive to be even better," said Susan Knoepffler, Huntington's Vice President of Nursing and Chief Nursing Officer. "I'm incredibly proud of the commitment our nursing department made to once again – for a third time – to embark on this Magnet journey, and of the support we have received from staff and departments throughout the hospital. It is truly an honor to be associated with this exemplary team of professionals."

To view video about how this award affects staff and patients at Huntington Hospital, visithttp://www.northshorelij.com/hospitals/video-library.  

Established in 1916, Huntington Hospital is a full-service, 408-bed nonprofit hospital serving Huntington Township and surrounding communities.  Visitwww.hunthosp.org.

SOURCE North Shore-LIJ Health System

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2014/02/18/6167486/huntington-hospital-is-first-on.html#storylink=cpy

Chiefs Ask Your Help in Clearing Hydrants

The Town of Huntington Fire Chiefs' Council asks you to clear snow from fire hydrants near your home, which can help you and your neighbors in the event of a fire. 

With the numerous snowstorms that have hit the area, many fire hydrants have become buried in local neighborhoods which will be a problem for the fire department's water supply should a fire occur. 

In a fire, every minute counts and the sooner that firefighters can reach a hydrant, the quicker they can extinguish the fire.                                        

Storysubmitted by Steve Silverman 

Housing Coalition Launches Petition for Ruland Road

The Huntington Township Housing Coalition has started a petition in support of a plan for affordable rental apartments on Ruland Road in Melville.

Harborfields Library Hosting Blood Drive Feb. 19

Harborfields Public Library is hosting a blood drive on Wednesday, Feb. 19 from 1-7 pm. Walk-ins welcome! Harborfields Public Library 31 Broadway Greenlawn, NY 11740 631-757-4200 www.harborfieldslibrary.org

In the midst of an unprecedented string of winter storms, New York Blood Center  is urgently asking donors to roll up their sleeves to replenish the community blood and platelet supply.

Dozens of blood drives have been canceled because of bad weather. Blood drives that are continuing have experienced greatly reduced attendance, while operations at NYBC’s many walk-in donor centers are similarly affected. 

“I urge residents to donate to this vital cause,” Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said. “So many people depend on donations to survive serious illnesses or accidents. Giving blood is an easy way to help others in need.”

To donate blood or platelets or for information on how to organize a blood drive please call toll free: 1-800-933-2566 or visit: www.nybloodcenter.org

Of the six major blood types, five are below target levels. The supply of O-Negative blood – “universal donor” blood that can be transfused into anyone in a trauma situation – is now below the minimum emergency “safety level.”  Also, platelets- needed for clotting- have only a 5-day shelf life and meeting the needs of cancer patients and others who require this lifesaving blood component has been a challenge.

“While we’re confident in our ability to supply our partner hospitals, we’re still struggling with the effects of the snow and ice for the past two weeks, and worried about an even bigger hit this week,” said NYBC Vice President Rob Purvis.  “It is critical that we all pitch in by donating blood to ensure that supplies aren’t further diminished in the days ahead.”

There is no substitute for human blood, with about one in seven hospital admissions requiring a blood transfusion.  Blood is especially important for people with leukemia, other forms of cancer, and of course for trauma victims. With a limited shelf life, supplies must be continually replenished.

Three factors are combining together to prompt NYBC’s emergency declaration:

1.     Many blood drives have been cancelled because of accumulated or predicted snowfall.

2.     Many donors haven’t been able to make scheduled donation appointments due to the weather.

3.     Hospital demand for blood types – notably O-negative, the universal blood type because of its usefulness in trauma situations – remains high.

If you cannot donate but still wish to participate in bringing crucial blood products to patients in need, please ask someone to donate for you, or consider volunteering at a local blood drive.  NYBC also offers special community service scholarships for students who organize community blood drives during summer months.

Any company, community organization, place of worship, or individual may host a blood drive. NYBC also offers special community service scholarships for students who organize community blood drives during summer and winter months. Blood donors receive free mini-medical exams on site including information about their temperature, blood pressure and hematocrit level. Eligible donors include those people at least age 16 (with parental permission or consent), who weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, are in good health and meet all Food & Drug Administration and NY or NJ State Department of Health donor criteria. People over 75 may donate with a doctor's note.

Man Wanted in Wallet Robbery at Whitman Mall

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Second Squad detectives are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the man who robbed someone in a store at the Walt Whitman Mall in Huntington Station last month.

A man was in the Apple Store, located at 160 Walt Whitman Road, when he felt an unknown man put his hand into the victim’s jacket pocket in an attempt to steal the victim’s wallet on Jan. 13 at 4 p.m. The two struggled and the thief gained control of the wallet that contained cash. The man fled the mall in a 2008 white Toyota Camry.

The man was described as black, in his 30s to 40s, 5 feet 10 inches tall to 6 feet tall and 170 pounds. He also had a goatee. 

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward of up to $5,000.00 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.

DDI Expanding, Hiring at Suffolk Employment Center

The Developmental Disabilities Institute (DDI) will be recruiting a large number of people at the Suffolk County One Stop Employment Center next week.

"This recruitment drive is an opportunity for people looking for a range of duties and work schedules, full time or part time, to work with children in need of care We are happy to assist by connecting workers and employers," said Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone.

DDI is looking to hire approximately 150 teaching assistants and direct-care counselors to staff the expansion of its Huntington campus to include a children’s residential program and added classrooms. 

The Smithtown-based organization is the largest provider of services for individuals with autism on Long Island. DDI offers educational, residential, vocational, and medical services to children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. DDI also operates preschool programs for both children with disabilities as well as typically developing students. 

DDI is partnering with the Suffolk County One Stop Employment Center in an effort to allow its recruiters access to an expanded database of job seekers and provide space to meet with applicants. Most of the jobs are entry level; about half are full-time positions.

The recruitment event is set for Feb. 19, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Suffolk County One Stop Employment Center, 725 Veterans Memorial Highway, Hauppauge

Chris Algieri Boxing Friday at the Paramount

Chris Algieri (“The Pride of Huntington”) returns to action on Friday, FEBRUARY 14 challenging world ranked Baltimore native Emanuel “The Tranzformer” Taylor in the ten round junior welterweight main event live on ESPN Friday Night Fights at The Paramount in Huntington.

Joe DeGuardia, President and Founder of Star Boxing, said

“This is an excellent nationally televised matchup of young, hungry junior welterweights with a lot to gain” said DeGuardia. “Chris has made The Paramount his home with his electrifying hometown performances. This will be his eighth fight in the venue, all wins and all sellouts. I strongly encourage fans to purchase tickets in advance to ensure entry on fight night.”

“Emanuel had two terrific knockout wins earlier this year; over Raymond Serrano at The Paramount and also over top contender Victor Cayo both of which were nationally telecast.”

” These are two of the very best junior welterweights in boxing with almost identical records and we’re thrilled that ESPN will broadcast the fight,” continued DeGuardia. “It’s a perfect compliment to our acclaimed “Rockin Fights” series which has sold out each of its previous eleven events.”

“This is just the kind of fight I’ve wanted, against another top prospect with national exposure,” said Algieri. “I was at Taylor’s win over Raymond Serrano last January and I’m very aware of how tough he is.”

“There’s already a great buzz about this fight and The Paramount as always will be packed and full of great boxing fans.”

Emanuel Taylor was also excited about the fight. “I’m ready to continue my path to a world title,” said the confident Taylor. “Chris Algieri is a very good fighter but I plan on showing the ESPN audience why I’m the best junior welterweight in the boxing.”

Both Algieri and Taylor are coming off their best year yet. Sporting an unblemished record of 18-0 with eight knockouts, Algieri is coming off a three-win 2013 campaign highlighted by a thrilling ten round decision over heralded New Jersey prospect Jose Peralta on FEBRUARY 23 and telecast on NBC Sports Network as well as a win over veteran world title contender Mike Arnaoutis in the fall.

Although starting his training camp on Long Island, the pre-med student will head to Las Vegas for world class sparring in preparation for the fight. He has previously trained at the Robert Garcia Boxing Academy in Oxnard, California, and expects to continue sparring with numerous top fighters as he has done recently, including newly crowned welterweight world champion Marcos Maidana.

Baltimore’s Taylor made his name in the rough and tumble Maryland gyms while establishing himself as one of the premier regional amateur boxers in recent times with a record of 186-26 while winning numerous national and regional tournaments.

Compiling a record of 17-1-0 with 12 knockouts over his four years as a professional, Taylor will return to The Paramount, site of his dominant SHOWTIME televised performance over Raymond Serrano on JANUARY 25, which ended in a devastating sixth round stoppage victory by Taylor. Taylor followed that win with another upset TKO win (8th round) over top rated Victor Cayo in the main event on ESPN in Atlantic City.

Taylor is currently world ranked #4 by the International Boxing Federation.

The Paramount is located at 370 New York Avenue in Huntington, New York, 11743. Doors on the night of the event will open at 7:00 p.m. with the first bell at 7:30 p.m.

Sales to the general public begin Friday at 10:00 am and are priced at $200, $150, $100, $60 and $50 for “ESPN Friday Night Fights/Rockin Fights 12″. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster, (www.Ticketmaster.com, 800-745-3000). Tickets are also available by calling Star Boxing at (718) 823-2000 or on their website www.starboxing.com and through The Paramount Box Office, (631) 673-7300.

Read more at http://www.eastsideboxing.com/2014/chris-algieri-vs-emanuel-taylor-headlines-espn-friday-night-fightsrockin-fights-12/#se13z2bvsLt37TAd.99

Registration Tonight for Adult Ed in Huntington

You can register online or by mail but if you want to sign up for adult education classes in person, go to Huntington High School between 6 and 9 p.m. Wednesday night.

Classes range from dance to intermediate Chinese to southern Italian cooking.

Kohl's Top Chef Cook-Off

The Kohl’s Cares® Keeping Kids Healthy Program and Cohen Children’s Medical Center want to challenge boys and girls to create tasty, healthy, exciting new recipes.

The contest is open to children age 5 - 17. Maximum of two children per entry. A Parent or Guardian MUST be involved.
Visit www.kohlshealthykidsny.com

Here’s how it works:

Recipes are submitted online along with a photo of the prepared dish. Online submission will be accepted until April 5.

 Recipe submissions must fall into one of three categories:appetizers/side dishes, entrees, desserts/snacks.

Five semifinalists from each category will be chosen and notified on April 18, 2014. These semifinalists will attend a cook-off at Cohen Children’s Medical Center on May 10, 2014, at 9 AM. Top Chef Danny Gagnon will be present to assist with judging at the cook-off event. At the event one winner will be selected from each category. These three finalists will be judged; the winner will receive the grand prize; the two runners-up will also receive a prize

Bellone, Suffolk County Food Policy Council Announce the Release of Annual Report

The Suffolk County Food Policy Council (SCFPC) released its annual report to the Suffolk County Legislature and to Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone. This report summarizes the actions and steps taken by the Council over the course of 2013. It also identifies future steps and actions to be investigated in 2014.

The SCFPC is made up of members of the Department of Health Services, the Department of Economic Development & Planning, the Department of Social Services, food equity advocates, community-based groups, food growers, retailers, and distributors, and Legislator Kara Hahn, the Chair of the Suffolk County Legislature’s Environment, Planning, and Agriculture Committee.

The mission of the Food Policy Council is to:

•  Promote the production, distribution, and awareness of locally grown food.
• Strengthen and prioritize policies that will improve food access, health, and nutrition
•      Enhance the regional food system by utilizing local agriculture and farming.

“Access to fresh, healthy foods is absolutely essential to the continued success and growth of our local communities, said County Executive Bellone. “Suffolk County has a rich, vibrant agricultural industry and we must continue to do better to ensure that all citizens, regardless of income status, are able to purchase healthy, affordable food. I applaud the Suffolk County Food Policy Council in their efforts to encourage local food production and to improve local fresh food accessibility.”

Some of the Council’s 2013 successes include:

·       The creation of a position on the Suffolk County Food Policy Council for a “local public school district administrator, to be selected by the Legislature” who can assist and offer expertise on “farm-to-school” initiatives.

·       The production of a “How to Guide” describing the process of beginning a community garden.

·       The update of a 2010 map created by the Long Island Victory Garden Task Force identifying parcels of County-owned land that could potentially be used for community gardens.

·       The Council helped advocate for the successful passage of legislative changes to Chapter 8 of the Suffolk County Administrative code, the code that governs Suffolk County’s Purchase of Development Rights program. These changes will help expand direct marketing and processing activities on preserved Suffolk County farmland and will help bring fallow, uncultivated preserved farmland back into agriculture production.

The Council expects to see exciting completion of recent initiatives in the near future including:

·       The identification of a corner store owner in a “food desert” in Gordon Heights who will host an event featuring educational materials and displays, food sampling and cooking demonstrations, and opportunities to eligible attendees to enroll in the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance (SNAP) Program. The event is planned to be held in March. It is hoped the event can serve as a pilot project for future efforts.

·       The Council is working on developing a community gardens website. The website, though still under construction, will serve as a comprehensive resource for people and organizations that want to begin or participate in community gardens on Long Island, including information on how to organize, how to grow or start a garden, possible funding opportunities, and a calendar of events coordinated or hosted by local gardens.

·       The creation of an online presence for the Suffolk County Food Policy Council. The SCFPC should serve as a resource for Long Islanders seeking information about healthy foods, news about proposed policies, and notification of relevant workshops and events. The first step is to create a Facebook and Twitter feed to serve those needs.

“The Suffolk County Food Policy Council is committed to developing practical and actionable policies and programs that will help support our local farmers and fishermen and ensure local food security as we work to alleviate food access inequities in our communities” said Suffolk County Food Policy Council Chair, August Ruckdeschel, Farmlands Administrator in the Suffolk County Department of Economic Development & Planning.

“I commend the Suffolk County Food Policy Council for its work thus far in identifying ways to promote access to healthy, locally grown, food for all of our 1.5 million residents,” said Legislator Kara Hahn, Chairwoman of the Legislature’s Environment, Planning and Agriculture committee.  “As I continue to look toward ways of curbing the national epidemic of obesity and heart disease here in Suffolk County, I welcome their informed judgment of nutritional disparities that are commonplace throughout our culture.”

“Now is the time to strengthen Long Island’s local food sector,” said Amy Engel, Executive Director of Sustainable Long Island. “Sustainable Long Island is proud to serve on the Suffolk County Food Policy Council and looks forward to the continued collaboration that will advance our food system in a more equitable, environmentally just way.”

“Island Harvest is proud to be joining with our colleagues in different fields as a member of the Suffolk Food Policy Council, all working together to move important issues like food safety, food equity/access to healthy foods, and buying local from simply ideas and concepts to real action and direct benefits to the people of Suffolk County,” said Randi Shubin Dresner, President & CEO of Island Harvest.

“Cornell University Cooperative Extension is committed to boosting food security by promoting healthy lifestyles, improving access to fresh, local, nutritious foods and striving for food sustainability. Together with the Food Policy Council we strive to decrease the burden of obesity in Suffolk.” Vito Minei, Executive Director, Cornell Cooperative Extension.

“In the spirit of the mission of the Food Policy Council, community gardens offer food access with the aim of improving health, all while emphasizing local eating.  This locavore philosophy results in utmost nutrient consumption, and a gentler carbon footprint,” said Iman Marghoob, the Community Gardens Coordinator at Stony Brook University Medical Center and the Chairwoman of the SCFPC Subcommittee on Community Gardens