Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Bravest Honored for Outstanding Service by Town of Hempstead

Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray honored local volunteer firefighters at a special ceremony on October 21st. Thirty-two individuals were honored for their courage and dedication to protecting local communities.
"Firefighters make significant sacrifices and put their lives on the line every day to protect people and their property," said Murray. "What makes the activities of our talented honorees so compelling is the fact that they volunteer, giving of their personal time, to ensure that our residents are safe."
Many of this year's recipients were honored for heroic deeds performed during the normal course of their day. "This only highlights the humanity and public-spiritedness these special individuals embrace," observed Murray.
The following individuals were awarded the town's firematic medal for their distinguished service as members of the volunteer fire service community:
Baldwin Fire Department - Ex-Chief Dominick Famularo
Bethpage Fire Department - Secretary Linda Valenti
East Meadow Fire Department - Ex-Captain Robert Grigonis
East Rockaway Fire Department - Honorary Chief Daniel Gilloon, Jr. (posthumous)
Elmont Fire Department- Ex-Chief/Ex-Comm. Robert L. Conti
Floral Park Fire Department - EMS Liaison Hugh A. Berta, III
Franklin Square & Munson Fire Department - 2nd Assistant Chief Richard Gresser, Ex-Captain Leonard Jerik, Firefighter Gregory Errante
Freeport Fire Department- Ex-Chief Donald K. Rowan
Hempstead Fire Department - Firefighter Patrick Carney, Firefighter Connor E. Geraghty, Firefighter Douglas E. Scheeler
Lynbrook Fire Department - Firefighter/EMT Frances Lynn Curtis
Meadowmere Park Fire Department - Ex-Chief/Ex-Commissioner Andrew G. Schmitt, Sr.
Mineola Fire Department - Ex-Chief Scott P. Strauss
New Hyde Park Fire Department - Ex-Captain Edgar J. Teepe
Point Lookout-Lido Fire Department - Firefighter Deirdre Hannett, Ex-Chief & Capt. Warren Jaffe, Lt. Joshua Weiselberg, Ex-Captain Daniel Wiener
Rockville Centre Fire Department - Firefighter/AEMT Gail Atlas-Goodman, Firefighter/EMT Pierre Hourani, Firefighter/AEMT Joseph Howard, Firefighter/EMT Remy Jean-Francios, Lt. Joseph Martino, Capt. Kimberly Martino, Firefighter James Neitz, Sr., Firefighter/EMT Margaret Nelson, Second Asst. Chief John Thorp
Stewart Manor Fire Department - Firefighter Thomas H. Schutz
Woodmere Fire Department - Firefighter Rodney Herris

"Volunteer firefighters are indeed heroes in our communities and the Town of Hempstead is extremely grateful to each and every member of the local fire departments," said Murray. "It's a pleasure to have this opportunity to recognize Hempstead Town's bravest."

Bank Robbery

The Nassau County Robbery Squad reports the details of a bank robbery that occurred on October 26, 2010 at 12:30P.M. in Franklin Square.


According to detectives a male subject entered the Capitol One Bank located at 550 Franklin Avenue and displayed a demand note to the teller. The teller than handed over an unknown amount of U.S. currency. The subject exited the rear of the bank and fled in an unknown direction. Six employees and four customers were in the bank at the time. No injuries were reported. The subject is described as a male white, 20-30 years of age, six feet to six feet two inches tall wearing a Cleveland Indians baseball cap, red hooded sweatshirt and jeans.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is to contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS. All callers will remain anonymous.

Details by; D/Sgt. Giambrone/Robbery Squad 10/26/10/1545/7326

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Nassau County Cradle of Aviation Upcoming Events

Upcoming Events at the Cradle


Creepy Carousel – October 30th -- Nunley's Carousel will be decorated in it's spookiest (but not scariest) finest! Saturday Night, October 30, 2010, 6-9 pm. Free Halloween crafts, music and fun! Carousel rides are $2 per person.

8th Annual Air & Space Gala – November 11th -- This year the Cradle will be honoring the Space Shuttle Program and the Satellite Industry. Please visit our website for more details and online ticketing.

Northwinds Symphonic Band Concert – November 14th -- Please join us for a musical tribute to America's Greatest Heroes. Sunday November 14, 2:30 pm. Free Admission.

Annual Pumpkin Drop & Toss – November 21st -– Bring your leftover pumpkins and come and drop them from our balcony to the atrium floor or participate in our pumpkin toss in the parking lot with a medieval catapult. This is a great activity for children and a good way to get rid of your by-now rotting pumpkins! Free with museum admission.

Festival of Trees – November 26 – 28th -- United Cerebral Palsy's Festival of Trees is coming to the Cradle. There will be beautifully decorated trees, children's activities, holiday items for sale and entertainment. Special price for the Festival and Museum galleries is $10/pp.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Crime Stoppers

Fifth Squad detectives are investigating two unusual incidents that occurred in Elmont on October 13th at 7:00 P.M. and 19th at 6:30 P.M.


Detectives report that on 10/13/10 at 7:00P.M. a male subject operating an older model, box like, dark colored, small SUV with lightly tinted windows, while in his vehicle on Doherty Ave./Surprise St., slowed down and requested a male victim, 14, to get into to his car. The victim fled and the subject made a left turn onto Surprise St.

Additionally, on 10/19/10 at 6:30 P.M., a male subject operating a similarly described vehicle, while driving on Benson Ave./Johnson Ave. requested a different male victim, 14, to get into his car. The victim fled the scene and the subject drove down Johnson Ave.

No injuries were reported.

The subject is described as a male black in his late 20’s to early 30’s, medium complexion, short dark hair, thin build, unshaven, and spoke in an effeminate voice.

Detectives ask anyone with information regarding this crime to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS. All callers will remain anonymous.

Friday, October 15, 2010

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Domestic Violence includes verbal, emotional, financial, physical, and sexual abuse and transcends all economic, educational, racial and religious lines.  Statistics show that 1 in 3 women will be abused during their lifetimes and an estimated 3 women are murdered each day by their partners. Many children in households where abuse occurs are abused or neglected.  Violence is a pattern of behavior that is learned.
You can help to make a difference and end the abuse.

What can we do to eliminate violence against women:
  • Examine our own attitudes about abuse
  • challenge language that degrades women
  • be a positive role model for the next generation of men and women
  • wear a purple ribbon and make a personal pledge never to commit, condone, nor remain silent about violence against women. Silence perpetuates violence.
Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano today announced that he has sent a letter to all religious leaders throughout Nassau County requesting they spread the message to their congregations that "Violence is not the answer." The request comes as Mangano declares October 11-15, 2010 as “Purple Ribbon Week” in Nassau County in order to raise awareness of the need to understand, confront, and eliminate domestic violence.
In his letter the County Executive asks, "every faith-based organization in Nassau County to devote a sermon addressing family and domestic violence during October, which has been declared National Domestic Violence Awareness Month." The letter to the clergy is in keeping with the County Executive's pledge to implement all the recommendations of his Task Force on Family Violence, which led him to declare a Public Health Emergency in Family Violence in Nassau County.
"Family violence is a growing public health issue and my administration is committed to ensuring that we take all steps possible to reduce the incidence of family and domestic violence in Nassau County," said County Executive Mangano. "I am very appreciative to the faith-based community leaders who are supporting our message and assisting us in educating our residents. As so many individuals and families turn to their faith-based communities for guidance and answers, I am asking that you kindly consider this recommendation to help spread our message to your congregations that “Violence is Not the Answer.”

If you or someone you know is dealing with Dating/Domestic Violence or Sexual Abuse, please call the 24-hour Domestic Violence hot line at (516) 542-0404 or visit the website http://www.cadvnc.org/

Franklin Square Munson Fire Department Family Fun Day

Franklin Square Munson Fire Department is sponsoring a Family Fun Day on Sunday, October 17
 from 1 pm to 3 pm at the Franklin Square Munson Firehouse on Hempstead Turnpike in Franklin Square.  There will be free food and free rides. Bring the family and enjoy the afternoon.

Fundraiser in Memory of Local Hero

A fundraiser in memory of Michael Kiefer of Franklin Square who gave his all on September 11th, will be held on Sunday, October 17 from 4-9 pm at the Plattdeutsche Park Restaurant, 1132 Hempstead Turnpike Elmont.  " Back in the Day" an Annual Doo Wop Event will feature THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE with special guest DON K. REED, Sal LoCascio singing the songs of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Bobby Darin and dancing to the sounds of the 50's and 60's with DJ Mouse.  A Buffet Dinner, beer, wine, and soda, coffee and dessert are included in the $100 admission. Five lucky people will win a pair of tickets to see the psychic John Edwards.  
Proceeds will benefit the FDNY Fire Family Transport Foundation and the NYC Firefighter Brotherhood Foundation, Inc.  For tickets call Bud Kiefer at 516 485-5021.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

8th Gun Buy Back Program

Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano, Police Commissioner Lawrence W. Mulvey and District Attorney Kathleen Rice announced today that they will be hosting the County’s eighth Gun Buy Back Program on Saturday, October 16th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Iglesia Pentecostal De Jesucristo Refugio Eterno Church, located at 184 Nassau Road in Roosevelt.


The Gun Buy Back Program is strictly anonymous and individuals will be paid $200 cash per turned in operable handgun. Not accepted are: licensed guns, BB Guns, air pistols, long guns and replicas. Guns transported by car must be transported in the trunk of the car and must be unloaded and put in a plastic/paper bag or in a shoe box.

“192 illegal and operable handguns, including a TEC-9, were turned in at the last gun buyback held in August. This program has proven to be effective in getting guns off our streets before they fall into the wrong hands,” said County Executive Mangano. “Community support is critical to the success of this program, and we appreciate the assistance of the members of the clergy who are participating in this effort. By working together, we can ensure that Nassau County remains a safe place to live and raise a family.”

“The previous Gun Buy Back Programs have been extremely successful resulting in the purchasing of over 1,500 illegal operable guns,” said Commissioner Mulvey. “The Gun Buy Back program, our ShotSpotter Program and our GunStoppers Program have been very effective in decreasing gun related crime here in Nassau County.”

Forfeiture funds from the Nassau County Police Department and the District Attorney’s Office are utilized to fund the Gun Buy Back Program.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Something to Keep in Our First Aid Kits

My daughter received a text message from her good friend who said he was in the Emergency Room of a local hospital because he burned the bottom half of his leg. The ER bandaged him up and sent him home with burn cream. They informed him he had 1st and 2nd degree burns, but didn’t need to go to a burn unit because his wounds were superficial. Knowing she better take a closer look she showed up at his house to see how he was feeling. He had a fever and chills. It looked bad. She stayed with him to change bandages and monitor his fever…

I’ve taken First Aid Training thru the Red Cross and have kept it updated, I have to say it has come in handy, so many times. It kept me calm and cool in many an instance. Hot/cold weather illnesses, bug bites, cuts, sprains, car accidents, helping a pedestrian struck by a car, to knowing the abc’s … airway, breathing, circulation… But in the First Aid Training, when it gets to the part about burns and compound fractures and stabilizing the area, the instructor touches on the topic gingerly as to not gross us out and turn us off. We get through it though and hope we never witness such an injury.

If you work with electric, chemicals or deal with fires on a regular basis you know the first aid procedures, they are just ingrained in your mind. It’s your job to know these procedures. But for us ordinary joes whose life gets slammed with a loved one or even ourselves being burned, where do we turn? What did they teach us in that first aid class??? Is this a first, second or third degree burn? Apply cool water, no ice, no butter… should I call 911, where will they take me, the closest hospital? But what if its second or third degree burn? Will they transfer me to the best burn center in Nassau County?

Did you know we have the only burn center in Nassau County which is located right here in East Meadow at Nassau County University Medical Center. We don’t realize how lucky we are to have a burn center of this magnitude so close to home. Seeing patients from 10 days old to 101 years, they estimate to have seen over 1,000 outpatients and 200 inpatients yearly.

Named the Nassau County Firefighters Burn Center, it is located on the sixth floor of the hospital. Although they have been treating burn victims for over 60 years it has been recently made over with an infusion of 7 million dollars thanks to NUMC. They have enriched the center with state of the art beds, tools and equipment. It is recognized nationally as one of the leading burn centers for burn victims.

In 1990, a coalition of fundraising firefighters and rescue workers co founded The Nassau County Firefighters Burn Center Foundation. The Nassau County Firefighters Burn Center Foundation has donated money and resources to the Nassau University Medical Center Burn Center through various fundraising efforts hosted by Nassau County’s 71 fire departments to make sure it delivers the best burn care available. In addition, it helps fund and staff relevant rehabilitation and recreation programs to address burn treatment needs as well as paid staff training, equipment, furniture and televisions.”

Funds raised by the Nassau County Firefighters Burn Center Foundation have provided a complete physical therapy room at Nassau University Medical Center with all the necessary equipment so staff can treat both inpatients and outpatients at one central location. The NCFBCF also provided for a separate children’s room featuring a television, and children’s books and games to help alleviate the stress young burn victims can experience while in therapy. Each year the NCFBCF sends professional staff members from the NUMC Burn Center to continuing education seminars and training certification programs and seminars. This access to the most recent treatment techniques lets referring physicians and their patients have confidence in every Burn Center staff member.

Fast forward to today, at this moment my daughters friend is at the NUMC Burn Center recovering from surgery he needed to repair his leg from his third degree burns…

We are hoping the delay in receiving treatment will not impede the healing process.

Maybe we should print out this information and place it in our First Aid Kits the Red Cross suggested we put together, just in case we ever have to help someone else go through a bad burn injury. We’ll know exactly where to turn.

For Serious Injuries or Burns CALL 911
They will help stabilize the victim and transport to the best location.
NUMC Burn Center 516 572-3219
2201 Hempstead Turnpike
East Meadow, New York
NUMC 516 572-0123
If your interested in taking First Aid Training/CPR,
call Nassau County Red Cross Chapter located at:
American Red CrossNassau County Chapter
195 Willis AvenueMineola, NY 11501-2623
Phone: 516-747-3500
Web site: http://www.nassauredcross.org
or call your local firehouse

Friday, October 8, 2010

County Enacts New Legislation Protecting Youth From Sex Offenders

Nassau Deputy Presiding Officer John Ciotti and the Majority members of the Nassau County Legislature passed a new law to help families protect their children from registered sex offenders. The new legislation, the first of its kind in New York, requires youth agencies to certify that all employees have been checked against New York State’s list of registered sex offenders under the Sex Offender Registration Act.
“This legislation allows parents to help ensure that the environment their children are in is a safe one.” said Legislator Ciotti.“The safety of our children is important, and knowing who is with them is vital.”
The new legislation allows any parent or guardian to inquire whether there is a registered sex offender employed by a youth agency, whether full-time, part-time or as a volunteer. All youth organizations, including daycares, sports organizations, clubs, and any individual who serves youth under age 18 in any capacity must provide a disclosure statement to parents/guardians (upon request) stating that all principals, employees, volunteers, and independent contractors associated with the youth agency are not registered sex offenders pursuant to verification with the NY Sex Offender Registry.
It has been shown that there is a high rate of recidivism for convicted sex offenders and therefore such offenders may pose a risk to youth entrusted in their care. This legislation helps to ensure parents that their children are not exposed to registered sex offenders.
“We hope this legislation will have a ‘chilling effect’ on sex offenders and discourage them from attempting to work with youth in Nassau County,” said Ciotti.

Kiwanas K- Kids

K-Kids is a student-led service organization for elementary school students dedicated to community service. Any student, ages 6-12, interested in service, and of good character, is eligible to join.
Kiwanis International, a worldwide service organization whose clubs serve children and develop youth leadership, sponsor the K-Kids club. Its purpose is to develop leadership through service.
Come join the fun. K-Kids will meet twice a month at the Franklin Square Public Library.
If you would like to serve your community, learn leadership skills, build friendships, and have fun, please contact K-Kids advisor Jina Papadoniou at (516) 567-1907.
Visit Kiwanis' K-Kids website (www.k-kids.org) and learn more about the organization.

Franklin Square Chamber of Commerce

Our Next General Membership Meeting will be Oct. 21st - Carmela's Restaurant


Our speaker for meeting is Dan Giacopelli, Founder & CEO of Skoop! Inc. He will be discussing Cutting Edge Mobile Technology and how you can use it to market your business

Please join us for an evening of networking and fine dining!
Meeting will start promptly at 6:00PM.
Please RSVP by calling 516-775-0001
Be sure to bring information to promote your business.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Town Announce Registration for Senior Flu Immunization Program

Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray has announced that registration for the annual Senior Citizen Seasonal Flu Immunization Program is now under way. The town, in cooperation with Nassau University Medical Center and South Nassau Communities Hospital, will be offering seasonal flu vaccinations for senior residents age 60 or older at several town locations.

"I encourage senior residents to take advantage of this important program, as according to the Centers for Disease Control, senior citizens are at greater risk of experiencing serious complications from influenza, " stated Supervisor Kate Murray. "The flu vaccination could decrease the risk of catching the seasonal flu or may lessen its severity."

The registration process has begun and interested seniors are requested to register in person at their local senior center at least ten days in advance. Flu vaccines are provided with no out-of-pocket cost to the seniors. The administrating hospital will bill insurance companies; however, there will be no co-payments for those receiving flu shots.

Immunizations will be conducted from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. as follows:

Wednesday, November 3- Merrick Senior Center, 2550 Clubhouse Road, Merrick, 868-4777

Monday, November 8-Wantagh Senior Center, 1150 Seamans Neck Road, Wantagh, 785-8505

Tuesday, November 9-, Green Acres Senior Center, 400 Flower Road, Valley Stream, 872-8810

Wednesday, November 10-, Franklin Square Senior Center, 1182 Martha Place, Franklin Square, 328-3010

Friday, November 12- Uniondale-Merrick Senior Center, 750 Jerusalem Avenue, Uniondale, 538-5050

Monday, November 15- Levittown Senior Center, 555 N. Newbridge Rd., Levittown, 433-5454

Wednesday, December 1- Bellmore Senior Center, 2000 Bellmore Ave, Bellmore, 221-9696

"Hempstead Town is able to bring this valuable immunization program to area seniors through our partnerships with Nassau University Medical Center and South Nassau Communities Hospital," concluded Murray. "As the health and well-being of our seniors is a top concern to us here in the Town of Hempstead, I encourage senior residents to make this vaccine part of their healthy lifestyle."

For further information please call the Department of Senior Enrichment at (516) 485-8100.

100 Years Ago....

                    A new exhibit honoring the 100th Anniversary of the Belmont Air Meet of 1910.

             At the Cradle of Aviation Museum September 10th-20th and Belmont Park Oct. 8th-17th.

Garden City, New York – One hundred years ago, airplanes and not thoroughbreds raced at the famed Belmont Park Racetrack during the 1910 Belmont Park Aviation Meet, the first international aviation meet held in the United States. For ten days in the fall of 1910, the world’s leading aviators and the most advanced aircraft gathered at Belmont Park.
  To commemorate this unique anniversary the Cradle of Aviation Museum has put together a special exhibit that will be at the Museum for a limited time from September 10th through the 20th and then will move to Belmont Park Racetrack from October 8th through the 17th. This new exhibit will feature examples of the type of aircraft that flew at the Belmont Meet, including a French “Antoinette” and “Demoiselle” that are on loan from other museums.
 The Belmont Park Aviation Meet offered a total of $75,000 in prize money in various categories, a huge sum for 1910. At the Meet several new world records were set including altitude (9714 feet) and speed (61mph). The Meet also allowed Long Islanders and New Yorkers to see airplanes in flight for the first time. Visitors to the exhibit at the Cradle and Belmont Park will be able to get up close to airplanes that haven’t been on Long Island for 100 years plus see rare photographs, artifacts and film from the Meet itself.
  Admission to the exhibit is free with museum admission at the Cradle and general admission at Belmont Park. The exhibit has been created with the support of the New York racing Association and Belmont Park.
 The Cradle of Aviation Museum has over 75 air and spacecraft that take you through over 100 years of aviation history from kites and balloons to man’s first steps on the moon.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

St. Catherines Knights of Columbus

The Annual Knights of Columbus
12 Apostles Council #5001

Italian Festival

Enjoy and evening of great food and music!
Featuring a Variety if Italian Dishes

When:  Saturday November 6, 2010
Where: St Catherine of Sienna School Auditorium
Time 7-11 PM

$25 per Person  $10 Children 12 and under

50/50 Drawing! DJ! Door Prizes! Raffles!

To Purchase Tickets
Joe A:  538-3902
Joe C:  352-2902
Angelo: 361-7371

Friday, October 1, 2010

R.E.A.C.H.

Nassau County Executive Mangano
& Police Commisioner Mulvey Announce:

NCPD to Hold R.E.A.C.H. Registration Event at
LI’s “Walk Now for Autism Speaks” this Sunday

Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano and Police Commissioner Lawrence Mulvey announced today that the NCPD would be conducting a R.E.A.C.H. Program Registration Event at Long Island’s “Walk Now for Autism Speaks” fundraising event that is being held this Sunday, October 3rd at Jones Beach Field 5. The event was coordinated by Autism Speaks, which is the nation's largest autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families.

The R.E.A.C.H. (Return Every Adult and Child Home) Program is a Nassau County Police Department program that keeps the photographs, contact information, medical background and other pertinent details of registrants diagnosed with a cognitive disorder (e.g. Alzheimer’s disease, Dementia, Autism, etc.). This information is stored on a secure website, created and overseen only by the NCPD.

If a R.E.A.C.H. registrant where to go missing, the NCPD could instantly send out all information to every precinct, squad, patrol car and villages. A separate notification would also be sent to the media through Silver Alert.

There are times when you might not realize that someone has wandered away. While on 24/7 patrol, officers can review the database of registrants’ photographs and information. If officers spot a registrant far from home, heading towards public transportation or looking confused or lost, they can return them safely.

“The Silver Alert Program has been very successful here in Nassau County,” said County Executive Mangano. “The R.E.A.C.H. Program takes it a step further by having key information and a visual image on hand to disseminate when needed. That is why I am urging family and guardians of individuals that have been diagnosed with a cognitive disorder to come down to the NCPD’s booth this Sunday with their loved one and register with the R.E.A.C.H. Program.”

“The NCPD relies heavily on intelligence led policing,” said Commissioner Mulvey. “Having this information at our fingertips is an essential tool that will enable us to cut down on notification time and minimize search areas which will lead to reuniting loved ones in a more expeditious fashion.”

Interested parties who can not attend Sunday’s event are urged to call the NCPD’s Asset Forfeiture Unit at (516) 573-5775, Monday through Friday 9:00.am. to 4:00p.m. to set up an appointment. Registration is free and takes just 10 minutes.