McCain’s VP Pick Acknowledged Marijuana Use Reformers Urge McCain to Respect States’ Rights
August 29, 2008
(Washington, D.C.) Noting that his just-announced vice presidential pick, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, has acknowledged having smoked marijuana, reform advocates today urged Sen. John McCain to respect states’ rights to set their own marijuana policies if he is elected president.
On Aug. 6, 2006, the Anchorage Daily News reported, “Palin said she has smoked marijuana — remember, it was legal under state law, she said, even if illegal under U.S. law — but says she didn’t like it and doesn’t smoke it now.
“‘I can’t claim a Bill Clinton and say that I never inhaled.’” The paper quoted Palin as saying she opposed legalization of marijuana because of the “message” that would be sent to her children.
”Governor Palin is one of many millions of Americans who have used marijuana and gone on to live productive, wildly successful lives,” said Rob Kampia, executive director of the Marijuana Policy Project in Washington, D.C. “That she used marijuana is no big deal, but what is a big deal is that she thinks that the 100 million Americans who have used marijuana, including herself, belong in jail. That wouldn’t be good for her kids.
“Perhaps most importantly, Alaska is one of 12 states that allow the medical use of marijuana, and one in five Americans currently live in those states. The heavy hand of the federal government has trampled state authority and tried to interfere with the implementation of these state-level medical marijuana laws. The GOP ticket should embrace the time-honored Republican principle of local control by promising to end the federal government’s war on sensible medical marijuana laws in both red and blue states.”
Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington have medical marijuana laws. New Mexico’s is the latest, passed by the Legislature last year. Montana’s medical marijuana law appeared on the November 2004 ballot, receiving 62 percent of the vote, exceeding George W. Bush’s total of 59 percent.
With more than 25,000 members and 100,000 e-mail subscribers nationwide, the Marijuana Policy Project is the largest marijuana policy reform organization in the United States. MPP believes that the best way to minimize the harm associated with marijuana is to regulate marijuana in a manner similar to alcohol. For more information, please visit http://MarijuanaPolicy.org.
Local Not-for-Profit Mercy Haven Inc. Celebrates Completion of Homeless Outreach Program in third Community
August 20, 2008
(Bay Shore, NY) Mercy Unto Thousands, a community-based outreach and educational program provided by Mercy Haven, Inc., successfully completed the third series of its Breakthrough sessions in Bay Shore, NY. The program focuses on providing tools of empowerment for the homeless, one community at a time.
On the evening of August 7th, 2008, Mercy Haven, Inc. celebrated the graduation of 13 dedicated participants from its Mercy Unto Thousands Breakthrough Program for individuals of the Bay Shore area who are currently, or have experienced homelessness. The group, consisting of both men and women from the community, was honored at Saint Patrick’s RC Church on Main Street in Bay Shore for their successful completion of the 12-week program. Patricia C., a mother and volunteer mentor for the Bay Shore sessions, shared her experience with the Breakthrough program. She explained to the audience that while she had helped her participant take the first steps in overcoming life’s obstacles, she herself had learned so much. Patricia C. told of her life struggles, and how the program brought a whole new perspective on how we can take the cards we are dealt in life and make the best of what is given us.
It was a touching scene as the graduates were called up one by one to receive a personalized framed certificate. The graduates offered words of gratitude to the volunteers and program mentors for the hard work, dedication and support. After the graduation ceremony, the nearly 70 persons in attendance enjoyed a delicious meal cooked by volunteers from the community and surrounding areas. The 13 participants were clearly empowered by the program as they openly shared their future goals which include obtaining employment, housing, and, for some, even enrolling in school. An important theme of the evening was that hope is what will see us through; hope is a good place to start.
Currently in the works is the securing of time, space and volunteers for the next sessions of Mercy Unto Thousands, location TBD. If you are interested in organizing meals, mentoring, donating bicycles or your time in some way, please call the Mercy Haven main office at (631) 277-8300.
Mercy Unto Thousands encourages learning and self-discovery for approximately 12 individuals from one community at a time. Each session begins with a healthy, hot meal prepared and coordinated by volunteers. An exciting element of Mercy Unto Thousand’s 24 session program is Breakthrough, a profound journey of self-empowerment. The Breakthrough sessions are unique because the participants are individually teamed up with a mentor for 7 of the sessions. These sessions will provide a great deal of basic skill building and help to create obtainable goals for the participants. Each mentor is trained by Mercy Unto Thousand’s organizer S. Kathy Nolan, co-founder of Mercy Haven, Inc.
During the summer of 2007, The Mercy Unto Thousands program was introduced with much success in Sayville, NY, with the first group consisting of 11 men and women. The program was also completed in Patchogue in April 2008 with a total of eight participants. The Sayville and Patchogue groups still meet on a monthly basis to discuss their goals and accomplishments, as will the newly graduated participants of Mercy Unto Thousands in Bay Shore.
Established in 1985, Mercy Haven, Inc. is a non-sectarian, not-for-profit 501(c) (3) corporation committed through its mission to engage and support Long Island’s most at risk. Through advocacy, supportive services, education and outreach Mercy Haven offers a place to experience and practice compassion. http://www.mercyhaven.org/
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Mercy Haven Raises Significant Funds During Annual Ride for Change Motorcycle Run
August 20, 2008
RIDE FOR A CAUSE. RIDE FOR A REASON. RIDE FOR CHANGE!
(Islip Terrace, NY) On Sunday, August 10th, 2008, Mercy Haven Inc. of Islip Terrace hosted their 2nd Annual Ride for Change Motorcycle Poker Run. The purpose of the event was to raise funds to support and maintain the quality of Mercy Haven’s programs, which aid and assist our nation’s veterans, those living with traumatic brain injury, the elderly, as well as individuals/families whose lives have been affected by homelessness, poverty and mental illness.
Nearly 80 motorcyclists participated in Mercy Haven’s 2nd Annual Ride for Change on Sunday, August 10th, 2008. The event raised significant funds to support the agency’s programs and services that aid and support our nation’s veterans, those living with traumatic brain injury, the elderly, as well as individuals/families whose lives have been affected by homelessness, poverty and mental illness . The Ride began with registration at Mercy Haven’s main office in Islip Terrace, was followed by a beautiful ride along the South Shore of Long Island, and ended with an after party at the Holiday Inn of Ronkonkoma.
New for this year’s Ride for Change was the Change Race. The piggy banks, assembled with recyclable materials and named by Mercy Haven participants, were used in a way to have local businesses involved in the fundraising efforts if they could not take on a sponsorship. The piggy banks in total raised over $1000! The winner of the Change Race – All-In-One Pools of Shirley – will receive a FREE party at the Holiday Inn of Ronkonkoma for their great achievement of raising almost $400 alone!
During the celebration after the Ride, a speech written by a Mercy Haven participant was read. She shared her experience with mental illness, as well as her time with the United States Marine Corp. and motorcycle riding. “My road has been a long one with many obstacles,” Lorraine H. shared, “and I need to let you know for those of you struggling, wondering if you will survive, there is a clearing ahead of you.” Her insight and sharing definitely illustrated to all in attendance what exactly they were riding for.
The after party was filled with delicious food prepared by the Holiday Inn, music played by Long Island’s own 102.3 WBAB and BILLY JOEL-SIGNED CDs generously donated by the Long Island legend, as well as numerous other raffle prizes. Through the generosity of the sponsors, motorcyclists and event volunteers, Mercy Haven’s 2nd Annual Ride for Change Motorcycle Poker Run was undoubtedly dubbed a success by all those that attended. The date for next year’s Run is Sunday, August 9th. Mark your calendars; this is an event that should not be missed!
Established in 1985, Mercy Haven, Inc. is a non-sectarian, not-for-profit 501(c) (3) corporation committed through its mission to engage and support Long Island’s most at risk. Through advocacy, supportive services, education and outreach Mercy Haven offers a place to experience and practice compassion. http://www.mercyhaven.org/
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Senator Parker Pleads for Public Housing Dollars
August 15, 2008
(Brooklyn, NY)—As the people of New York City continue to bear financial hardships, Senator Kevin Parker (D-Brooklyn) addressed the New York City Housing Authority at a Wednesday, August 13, public hearing to help residents remain in their homes.
Facing an estimated operating budget deficit of $195 million this year, NYCHA has implemented a number of cost saving measures, including rent increases, to close the gap. Not only can rent increases be avoided, but also steps can be taken by federal, state and local leaders to recoup lost dollars and reinvest in the 15,000 housing authority units built by the state, said Senator Parker.
“We’ve been called back to Albany by Governor Paterson for a special session August 19 to find ways to shore up state finances and cut more than $600 million from the budget. In the context of this fiscal crisis, I ask my colleagues in elected office to be sensitive to NYCHA’s needs and to do all they can to increase state operating subsidies for these communities,” Senator Parker said.
In response to federal cuts in spending for public housing NYCHA has cut spending by half a billion dollars and cut 2,500 positions. To close the gap the housing authority has devised a sliding scale rent increase based upon the percentage of a tenant income spent on housing.
With additional state cuts in the pipeline and additional pressure to privatize public housing sure to come, Senator Parker is calling on city officials to suspend payments in lieu of taxes that these public facilities make to the city for basic local government services such as police protection, sanitation services and senior citizen centers.
“The city should be helping these facilities stay in the black. Instead the city is bleeding public housing to the point of bankruptcy at the expense of impoverished residents,” said Senator Parker. “By no means are these facilities, or were they ever intended to be, cash cows. The city needs to call off the dogs and provide public housing some breathing room.”
Senator Parker concluded: “At this financial juncture, New York City cannot afford to turn its back on public housing. New York’s housing authority is a model to other cities with its recent energy efficient retrofit programs and new education and recreation programs in place.”
Soccer Moms Get Back Into Shape As Kids Go Back to School
August 14, 2008
Summer Vacation Ends Giving Women Time to get their Bodies Back
(Long Island, N.Y.) 5:30am Adventure Boot Camp in Oceanside is a wake up call after a long lazy summer. Busy women’s weight loss routines are getting a JUMP START with this 4 week outdoor fitness program.
Laura Miranda, Owner/local fitness expert/Physical Therapist says that “Many women don’t know how to get started on a weight loss program or know which exercises will yield the desired results. Women are choosing this motivating team environment month after month because they are loosing an average of 5-12 lbs and 1-3 inches off of their midsections. You can’t argue with those numbers!”
The encouraging thing here is that the instructors are coaches, not military style drill sergeants so the fear of yelling and unnecessary put-downs is out the window. This program is run for women, by women. It is a fun “team” training program designed to give women that extra boost of energy and confidence they need. Women can come as they are in the morning, burn about 800 calories and not have to worry about the intimidation of a gym setting with sweaty grunting men.
Each woman works to her own ability and all shapes, sizes and experience levels are welcome. The activities of camp include fun exercises, obstacle courses, yoga and team relays that are specifically designed to get the blood pumping and quickly tone women’s problem areas.
The 5:30-6:30am camp runs outdoors under the warm sun for 4 weeks where women can choose an intensive 5 day-a-week program Monday - Friday ($369), or a three-day-a-week option ($269).
For schedules, registration and more information please visit the website at www.AdventureBootCampNY.com or call 646.454.0777.
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Governor Signs Measure Spearheaded by Senator Smith Strengthening Child Sex Abuse Crimes
August 8, 2008
New law imposes prison time for use of alcohol or drugs during child sex acts
(ALBANY, N.Y.) – A bill (S. 1862/A. 3530), sponsored by state Senate Democratic Leader Malcolm A. Smith (D-St. Albans) and Assemblywoman Vivian Cook (D-Queens), has been signed into law by Governor David Paterson.
The measure creates a new section of law against using children in a sexual performance involving alcohol or drugs, making it a class B felony, punishable by up to 25 years in state prison.
“I want to thank Governor Paterson for signing this bill into law, which seeks to punish those who utilize controlled substances or alcohol in facilitating sexual performances by a child, the most valuable and vulnerable among us,” said Senator Smith. “Controlled substances and alcohol can be used in a way that reduces or eliminates the victim’s capacity for resistance.”
“The victimization of children who are completely unaware and unable to realize that they are the object of such sexual conduct combined in many instances with receipt of economic profits, is a most heinous crime. The safety and protection of our children is a paramount concern among all New Yorkers. We must protect those who cannot protect themselves and this law is geared towards that result,” Senator Smith said.
The measure takes effect November 1, 2008.
Two other bills sponsored by Senator Smith were signed into law this year.
A measure (S. 8407/A 564-A), also sponsored by Assemblyman Keith Wright (D-Harlem), relates to enhancing police officer recruitment and increasing diversity awareness. The measure requires the Municipal Police Training Council to develop procedures to enhance police officer recruitment efforts and to increase police awareness of racial, ethnic, religious and gender issues.
“There is always a need to strive for better relations between police officers and the members of the communities they serve,” said Senator Smith. “Recent events in New York City and in other metropolitan areas make clear that such efforts should be given priority attention to prevent events which may have tragic consequences and precipitate crises within our communities.”
The third measure signed into law, (S. 8289-A/ A. 11222-A), also sponsored by Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer (D-Far Rockaway) resolves a decades-long ambiguity in the law as to homeownership on the Beach 84th Street Pier. The measure allows the City of New York to sell the Beach 84th Street Pier to the 17 homeowners living on the pier and requires City officials to make repairs to the pier.
2008 Heckscher-Usdan Student Art Institue Exhibit Reception
August 6, 2008
(Long Island, N.Y.) A reception for the exhibit of the newest work of the 2008 Heckscher-Usdan Student Art Exhibit students will be Thursday August 7 at 1:30 PM in the on-site Art Gallery of the Art Department at Usdan Center for the Creative and Performing Arts, 185 Colonial Springs Road, Wheatley Heights, New York. The exhibit runs August 4 to 8, and this year’s work, in painting, drawing and sculpture, will feature many pieces based on found objects.
The unique Heckscher-Usdan Student Art Institute, now in its fourth year, is jointly presented by Usdan Center for the Creative and Performing Arts –called by Time Magazine “One of the most unique in America” – and The Heckscher Museum of Art — named by the New York Times as “One of the country’s small museums with an international reputation.” Taught by Craig Mateyunas, an accomplished artist and photographer, and art teacher at Northport High School, it begins at the Summer 2008 season at Usdan Center, June 30 to August 15, in special Institute studio and seminar classes, and then meets twice each month during the winter at the Heckscher Museum. The program provides studio art instruction, master classes, visits to the studios of celebrated artists, college portfolio preparation, and an introduction to the Museum’s curatorial processes. A goal of the Institute is to create a sense of community to encourage student-to-student artistic inspiration, support and camaraderie.
The work of Heckscher-Usdan students has been exhibited at the Heckscher’s “Long Island’s Best: Young Artists At the Heckscher,” in a dedicated Heckscher-Usdan show called “New Year: New Talents” at the Huntington Public Library, in exhibit at the Usdan Center’s on-campus art gallery, and in other public venues around Long Island. There are a variety of art programs at Usdan Center, including the new, eclectic “Art Adventures.” The Center is located at 185 Colonial Springs Road in Wheatley Heights (Huntington), New York, on a magnificent 200-acre woodland setting. For more information on all programs at the Center, call (212) 772-6060, or (631) 643-7900, visit www.usdan.com, or stop by the Center between 9 AM and 5 PM Monday to Friday.
Usdan Center for the Creative and Performing Arts, which has just celebrated its 40th anniversary, is America’s largest summer arts day camp and was formed to introduce young people, ages 6 to 18, to the arts through performance and study with a professional faculty of artist-teachers. The Center’s mission is to provide children with the arts as a companion for life through great teaching, and the camaraderie of fellow students who share a love the arts. Usdan offers more than 40 programs in music, dance, theatre, visual arts, chess, video art and computer graphics, creative writing, and nature and ecology. No audition is required for most Usdan programs, and one-third of the Center’s 1,600 students attend on scholarship. Children commute to Usdan five days a week on air-conditioned buses that leave from most New York metropolitan area neighborhoods. A special feature of the students’ daily program is the Center’s series of Festival Concerts, daily educational performances by distinguished artists, such as the Tokyo String Quartet, the Limon Dance Company, violinist Rachel Lee, and cast members of current Broadway shows. Although the Center’s goal is to encourage arts participation, Usdan’s unique program has also inspired many former students to go on to professional careers. Alumni include actors Natalie Portman, Lisa Gay Hamilton (featured in Broadway’s Gem of the Ocean) and Jordan Leeds (I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change), singers Mariah Carey and Jane Monheit, and members of the New York Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony, and numerous ballet companies including Pacific Northwest, Ballet San Jose, American Ballet Theatre and the New York City Ballet.
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Chronicling New York City’s Infamous Crooks and Convicts
August 6, 2008
‘Bad Seeds in the Big Apple’ profiles the criminals that put a dark mark on “the good old days”
“I didn’t have anything better to do. That’s why I went around bumping off cops”
- Francis “Two-Gun” Crowley
(Long Island, N.Y.) New York City has always attracted the best and the brightest, but not everyone’s skills have been on the right side of the law. Author Patrick Downey identifies both the infamous and lesser known criminals that reigned terror on New York City in Bas Seeds in the Big Apple: Bandits, Killers and Chaos in New York City, 1920-1940 ($24.95, ISBN-13:978-1-58182-646-3, Cumberland House Publishing). Chronicling the Prohibition and Depression eras, Bad Seeds profiles many outlaws that have never been covered in book form.
Although Chicago has gained the most notoriety for its gang and mafia-related activities, New York City is no stranger to the crime that plagued U.S. cities during one of America’s darkest eras. Each chapter in Bad Seeds provides a detailed story of New York’s most colorful characters. Readers will learn about such burglars as Richard Resse Whittemore, who led a gang of jewel thieves, and Sing Sing escapee James Nannery. How did Gerald Chapman become known as the “Gentleman Bandit” and what took him from thievery to murder? Not to be outdone, the ladies of New York City wreaked havoc that rivaled men. From extortion queen Vivian Gordon to the robbers of Cecilia Cooney, the women often proved just as deadly and slippery as their male counterparts.
“Outside of this bandit business, I’m a good girl…”
- Cecilia Cooney
A 16 page insert provides the mug shots, portraits, line ups and crime scenes that make the criminals and their activities all too real. Their stories may be different, but whether for a single day or an entire year, the men and women covered in Bad Seeds were the talk of the town.
PATRICK DOWNEY has been studying New York City’s early twentieth-century crime scene for more than fifteen years. He has written articles on the Big Apple’s gangster past for newspapers, spoken on the subject at the Museum of the City of New York, and has developed and led a walking tour that highlights criminal landmarks in conjunction with the museum.
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Cumberland House Publishing
http://www.cumberlandhouse.com/books/Bad-Seeds-in-the-Big-Apple-Bandits-Killers-and-Chaos-in-New-York-City-1920-1940.html
Stay Alert: Serial Rapists on the Prowl in Queens
August 1, 2008
Community Leaders and Elected Officials Warn Neighbors Operation SAFE enacted in Southeast Queens
(Queens, N.Y.) – Senate Democratic Leader Malcolm A. Smith (D – St. Albans), neighborhood watch groups, civic leaders and elected officials are putting the word out for women and children in southeast Queens to be aware of sexual predators on the loose.
Community leaders are encouraging residents to report any suspicious activity to police. During the past nine months, there have been 12 attacks – four rapes and eight sodomies. Authorities have DNA from the suspects but the police don’t have a match yet. Almost all of the attacks occur at night. There is a $12,000 reward posted for anyone that has information leading to the capture of the suspects.
“While local law enforcement officials have increased patrols and are protecting the neighborhoods in southeast Queens, residents need to be aware that there are violent sexual predators who have committed several attacks in our community,” Senator Smith warned his neighbors. “Most of these attacks have occurred at bus stops. For everyone’s protection bus drivers and passengers need to stay alert and be aware of their surroundings at all times.”
Senator Smith is calling for a three-prong approach to apprehend these predators: “Local clergy need to make announcements during Sunday services in an effort to heighten community awareness among parishioners, Police Commissioner Ray Kelly needs to beef up patrols to capture these predators within the next week and I am encouraging residents to take pictures with a camera phone of any suspicious activity as well as send text messages to a reliable person.”
This is not the first time such a series of crimes have occurred. Four years ago, a 30-year-old serial rapist, already serving a long sentence for a series of sexual assaults in the Bronx, pleaded guilty to four additional Queens attacks. A Bronx jury convicted the man in August of raping nine women, including three schoolgirls, over a 10-year period. The man was connected to the Queens attacks through DNA evidence, officials said.
The Rev. Floyd Flake, pastor of the Greater Allen Cathedral said: “In this time of community distress, I am encouraged that so many community leaders, elected officials and law enforcement officials have banded together to catch this predator preying on innocent women and children in the neighborhoods of southeast Queens.
State Senator Smith said that by “working together we will extinguish this blight on society.”
“We will catch this criminal and put him behind bars where he belongs,” Smith said. “We’ve conquered this challenge before and we will conquer it again.”
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4o4SzrFmgk0
LIPA, CL&P Activate Replacement Cables in Long Island Sound Helps meet reliability needs in Connecticut and New York
July 30, 2008
(Berlin, C.t.) - The Connecticut Light and Power Company (CL&P), part of the Northeast Utilities System (NYSE: NU), and the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) today announced that the Long Island replacement cables between Connecticut and New York have been energized ahead of the original fall schedule, improving regional reliability for electric customers this summer.
The companies replaced seven fluid-filled transmission cables between Norwalk, Connecticut, and Northport, New York, with three new solid-core 138-kilovolt cables - improving reliability of electric service to both states and reducing environmental impacts resulting from damage of the existing cables. The $129 million replacement cables carry up to 300 megawatts of electricity, which is enough to meet the electricity demands of about 300,000 average-sized homes.
Recently, LIPA officials received temporary approval from the State of New York Public Service Commission to energize the Northport-Norwalk cables. Final burial in New York waters is scheduled to be completed in
September.
The original underwater cables had been in service since 1969 and had been damaged over the years from fishing vessels, working barges and ship anchors. In 2002, co-owners CL&P and LIPA formally proposed replacing the cables with new, advanced technology. The new cables have a solid, inert core and will be completely buried under the seabed. The upgraded cables and the innovative method of installation, using an underwater jet plow system, make them more secure from damage by ship traffic and anchors.
“Long Island Sound enters a new era with the replacement cables,” said Kevin S. Law, LIPA President and Chief Executive Officer. “The replacement cables provide LIPA with the opportunity to continue to meet customer needs while reducing environmental impacts. This project has far-reaching long-term benefits not only for customers, but to the environment of both New York and Connecticut.”
“I am extremely pleased that the Long Island replacement cables are now energized, improving reliability for electric customers in Connecticut and New York,” said Charles W. Shivery, NU Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “The Long Island Replacement Cable project is an example of how new technology can help enhance reliability for the region in an environmentally friendly way.”
In energizing the project ahead of schedule for the summer peak load period, CL&P and LIPA officials acknowledged the extraordinary teamwork, collaboration and cooperation from both companies, principal contractor Nexans and its chief subcontractor Durocher Marine, as well as from various federal, Connecticut and New York State agencies such as the Connecticut Siting Council, Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control, Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, New York Public Service Commission, New York Department of Environmental Conservation, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and from the City of Norwalk, Connecticut, and the Town of Huntington, New York.
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The Connecticut Light and Power Company (CL&P) has been part of everyday life in Connecticut for more than 100 years, providing safe and reliable electric service to homes, neighborhoods and businesses. With 1.2 million customers in 149 cities and towns, CL&P is an active member in the communities it serves, offering programs in energy conservation, economic development and environmental education. CL&P is part of the
Northeast Utilities System (NYSE: NU).
LIPA, a non-profit municipal electric provider, owns the retail electric Transmission and Distribution System on Long Island and provides electric service to more than 1.1 million customers in Nassau and Suffolk counties and the Rockaway Peninsula in Queens. LIPA is the 2nd largest municipal electric utility in the nation in terms of electric revenues, 3rd largest in terms of customers served and the 7th largest
in terms of electricity delivered.
LIPA Contact Information:
Media Relations: (516) 719-9294
Media Pager: (516) 525-LIPA
media.relations@lipower.org
CL&P Contact Information:
Frank Poirot, CL&P
Office: (860) 665-3409
