CLOSE

Yearly Archives: 2024

by -
0 588
Houston

Looking for a distinguished gentleman? We’ve got the man for you. Meet Houston!

Last year, just a few days before Christmas, Houston, a thirteen-year-old Beagle mix, suddenly found himself back at Little Shelter Animal Rescue and Adoption Center, 33 Warner Road in Huntington. After being in a home for nearly his entire life, he was unceremoniously relinquished. He was no longer part of the family he loved. Everything he’d known was gone. He’d done absolutely nothing wrong. Yet here he was on our doorstep….

Despite arriving sad and malnourished, Houston quickly realized his luck had taken a positive turn. He now had a comfortable bed, three square meals a day, and an unlimited supply of love and well-deserved attention. It didn’t take long before he was thriving and happy, with a new outlook on life

Although a senior, he is young at heart, mind, and spirit, enjoying the most walks of anyone in kennels. With arguably the best nose to sniff out treats, he doesn’t hesitate to use those “puppy dog eyes” to his best advantage, garnering an extra biscuit when no one is looking! A great ambassador, he is often the first pick to go to events, being amiable and welcoming with other dogs and always a good judge of character.

Only taking medication for joint health, this “baby boomer” still possesses an age defying sense of adventure. Great in the car, he thoroughly enjoys the ride while anticipating the destination. A bit of a local celebrity, he always advocates for adoption, knowing that rescue dogs are good for the soul. Adopting a shelter dog is a great way to turn love into action. The love you receive in return is an extraordinary benefit.

Senior dogs teach us about resilience, patience, and the beauty of cherishing each moment. They have a deep capacity for love and gratitude and know the value of being given a second chance. Aptly described as “older, wiser, and still stealing hearts”, Houston is looking for his forever home. Never too old to dream, he’s ready for the love he deserves…the one that will last a lifetime.

For more information on Houston, call 631-368-8770, ext. 21.

 

by -
0 575
Dr. Arif Ahmad

St. Charles Hospital, 200 Belle Terre Road, Port Jefferson will host a free community lecture, “Permanent Solutions for Acid Reflux,” in the St. Raphael Conference Room, 2nd Floor on Tuesday, Sept. 17 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

If you have acid reflux/GERD and want to reduce your dependency on medications, are concerned about their side effects and/or you continue to regurgitate despite PPIs, please join them to learn about permanent solutions with minimally invasive surgical procedures that will improve your quality of life.

Topics will include:

  • Why PPI drugs are not always the answer as a treatment option
  • Permanent solutions with minimally invasive anti-reflux surgery procedures

Followed by a Q&A with speaker Arif Ahmad, MD, FRCS, FACS, Director, Acid Reflux and Hiatal HerniaCenter of Excellence at St. Charles Hospital. Light food and refreshments will be served. To register, please call 631-474-6797.

by -
0 503
1 of 2
Do you recognize this man? Photo from SCPD
Do you recognize this man? Photo from SCPD

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Fourth Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate two men who allegedly spray- painted a building at a Lake Ronkonkoma park.

Two men allegedly spray-painted offensive images and words on a building at Lt. Michael P. Murphy Memorial Park, located on Lake Shore Drive, on September 2 at approximately 8:40 p.m.

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information about these incidents can contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers to submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-800-220-TIPS, utilizing a mobile app which can be downloaded through the App Store or Google Play by searching P3 Tips, or online at www.P3Tips.com. All calls, text messages and emails will be kept confidential.

by -
0 660
1 of 3
Do you recognize this man? Photo from SCPD
Do you recognize this man? Photo from SCPD
Photo from SCPD

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Sixth Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the person who allegedly stole merchandise from a South Setauket store this month.

A man allegedly stole approximately $585 worth of toys and Barbie dolls from Target, located at 265 Pond Path, on September 11. The man fled in a 2017 black Chevrolet sedan, license plate LHH 4063.

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information about these incidents can contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers to submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-800-220-TIPS, utilizing a mobile app which can be downloaded through the App Store or Google Play by searching P3 Tips, or online at www.P3Tips.com. All calls, text messages and emails will be kept confidential.

by -
0 412

Walt Whitman Birthplace Association, 246 Old Walt Whitman Road Huntington Station invites the community to a free Birds of Prey program on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 1 p.m. Presented by Sweetbriar Nature Center, experience meeting owls, falcons and hawks and learn about the adaptations that help these awesome birds survive. Learn how humans are part of the picture, and how we can help. Appropriate for ages 7 and up. *Registration is not required

For more information, call 631-427-5240 or visit www.waltwhitman.org.

by -
0 421
The Town of Smithtown Horizons Counseling & Education Center and Town of Smithtown Public Safety are recognizing Recovery Month with a free NARCAN training event and a Medication Take Back event for the community. Training and medication collection will take place on Friday, September 20, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Horizons Counseling & Education Center, in the Community Room located at 161 East Main Street, Smithtown. NARCAN kits and resources will be provided. For Medication Take Back; kindly remove the prescription from the container and place in a Ziplock bag.
“Offering events such as NARCAN training and Medication Take Back to our residents is a proactive approach to assist in combating the nationwide opioid crisis. NARCAN training is an invaluable life-saving skill for everyone and anyone to learn. Don’t think to yourself, I’ll never need this skill… you simply just never know! Accidental overdoses on prescription drugs can easily happen to an elderly person living alone or to a family member suffering from dementia,” said Smithtown Town Supervisor Ed Wehrheim.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Recovery Month is a national observance held every September to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the emergence of a strong and proud recovery community, and the dedication of service providers and community members across the nation who make recovery in all its forms possible.
“Recovery is characterized by continual growth and improvement in one’s health and wellness and managing setbacks. Because setbacks are a natural part of life, resilience becomes a key component of recovery. At Horizons we believe treating the whole person is a key point in recovery. We try to empower our clients through education about their disease and help them to grow in their lives and recovery. Giving our clients the tools needed to recover offers them the freedom to make their own choices, we have the strength to break free from the chains of our past and pave our own path towards a better future,” said Madi Makboulian, Director of Town of Smithtown Drug and Alcohol Counseling Services.
Space is limited and on a first come first serve basis. Residents can reserve space by contacting Horizons Counseling & Education Center at (631) 360-7578, via email at [email protected]

by -
0 745
Noah Green

Noah Green Will Be Sentenced to Twelve Years in Prison Followed by Five Years of Post-Release Supervision

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Sept. 12 that Noah Green, 20, of Shirley, pleaded guilty to Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, Conspiracy in the Second Degree, and other related charges, for shooting at three people, striking two of them in the chest, in front of former United States Congressman Lee Zeldin’s home on October 9, 2022. Green was one of 18 defendants indicted in December 2022 following a long- term investigation into violence committed by a criminal street organization, “No Fake Love.”

“On my first day in office, we established a gang bureau to conduct comprehensive long-term investigations to keep the people of Suffolk County safe from gang violence,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Working with Suffolk County Police detectives and investigators from my office, our prosecutors prioritize cases like this one. As a result, this case was swiftly solved, and the shooter was held accountable, along with the other gang members involved in a variety of dangerous crimes. This guilty plea with a promised twelve-year sentence should send the message that we will not tolerate gang violence in Suffolk County.”

According to court documents and the defendant’s admissions during his guilty plea allocution, on October 9, 2022, Green left his home with another individual and got into a stolen 2022 Honda CRV. While Green was driving the vehicle, they encountered three rival gang members walking down the street in front of the residence of then-United States Congressman Lee Zeldin. Green shot out of the vehicle multiple times, striking two of the individuals in the chest. Both men survived.

During the shooting, former Congressman Zeldin’s daughters were inside the residence doing homework. Afterwards, Green boasted on social media and through other electronic communications about committing the shooting to alleged fellow gang members. During the course of the conspiracy, Green would frequently post his gang affiliation on social media accounts, post photos and videos of himself and other gang members with weapons and stolen vehicles, and would utilize social media as a way to taunt and challenge rivals.

On October 31, 2022, at approximately 1:00 p.m., law enforcement was conducting surveillance when they observed Green leave his residence in Shirley and enter the driver’s seat of the stolen 2022 Honda CRV. Members of law enforcement then approached Green, who immediately exited the stolen vehicle and began running away in an attempt to evade apprehension. Green jumped onto the hood and roof of a law enforcement vehicle causing damage to both. During the course of their pursuit, Green continuously refused to comply with the officers’ commands and began reaching for his pants pocket, where law enforcement later recovered a loaded Taurus 9mm pistol with a high-capacity magazine. A microscopic examination of the firearm revealed that this was the same pistol Green used to commit the October 9th shooting outside of former Congressman Zeldin’s home. Additionally, a search of the 2022 Honda CRV revealed that shell casings from the October 9th shooting were still lodged between the windshield and the hood of the vehicle.

On September 12, 2024, Green pleaded guilty to the following charges before Acting Supreme Court Justice Anthony S. Senft, Jr.:

  •   Three counts of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, Class B violent felonies;
  •   Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, Class C violent

    felonies; and

  •   One count of Conspiracy in the Second Degree, a Class B felony.

Green is due back in court on October 15, 2024, and he is expected to be sentenced to 12 years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision. He being represented by Chad LaVeglia, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Martha Duffy and Donald Barclay of the Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau. The overall investigation into the No Fake Love gang was conducted by District Attorney Investigator Jean Graf of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Gang Task Force, and the investigation into the October 2022 shooting was conducted Detective Michael Yonelunas of the Suffolk County Police Department.

 

by -
0 759
Pictured outside of the Legislature from left to right are Deputy Commissioner Anne Marie Sexton, Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta, Employee of the Month Andrea Esposito, Commissioner John Imhof and Assistant Facilities Manager Wylie Loukou. Photo from Leg. Trotta's office

The Suffolk County Department of Social Services (DSS) has implemented a new program where it recognizes the job performance of its employees by designating an “Employee of the Month.”

Andrea Esposito, who lives in Kings Park, which is part of Legislator Trotta’s legislative district, received the award for the Employee of the Month for April. Andrea is an Office Assistant in Facilities Management, a position she has had for over two years. During that time, she has demonstrated that she is a consummate employee who does her job while also assisting another Division. In addition, Andrea is noted for being conscientious and courteous to her coworkers and clients.

“I am proud to congratulate and thank Andrea for her tremendous work ethic and commend the new Commissioner of DSS, John Imhof, for implementing this recognition program,” said Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta.

 

by -
0 1758
Timothy Kjaer

Timothy Kjaer Faces 4 to 12 Years in Prison if He Does Not Pay $3 Million in Restitution by September 2028

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Sept. 12 that Timothy Kjaer, 49, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, formerly of Shoreham and former owner of several auto shop businesses, pleaded guilty to Grand Larceny in the First Degree for failing to report $16 million in taxable sales in order to steal more than $1.3 million in sales tax money from New York State.

“For over a decade, this defendant brazenly stole money from New York State by pocketing the sales tax he collected from customers instead of remitting it to the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. In total, this defendant stole over $1.3 million by failing to report more than $16 million in taxable sales,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Today’s plea serves as a clear reminder that failing to pay taxes is a serious crime against the public that will not be tolerated. I thank our partners at the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance for continuing to work with my Office to investigate and prosecute tax fraud and to protect taxpayers.”

According to court documents and the defendant’s admissions during his guilty plea allocution, from June 1, 2011 to November 30, 2021, Kjaer failed to submit dozens of Sales Tax returns and falsified others that substantially underreported the taxable sales of several businesses he owned in Suffolk County.

Kjaer owned the following businesses that failed to report sales tax revenue to New York State:

  • Automotive Marine & Styling Center, Inc., and Real Deal Auto Inc. – 1165 E. Main Street in Riverhead;
  • Not Just Tint, Inc., S&T Autoworks 1, Inc., and S&T Auto Centers, Inc. – 3165 Route 112 in Medford;
  • EZ Credit Auto Sales, Inc. – 2910 Route 112 in Medford;
  • Universal Auto, Inc. – 1831B Route 112 in Medford; and
  • Universal Auto Sales & Service, Inc. – 8B Middle Country Road in Coram.

    In total, Kjaer failed to report taxable sales of approximately $16,142,986 in order to steal $1,385,605 in sales tax collected on behalf of New York State. Kjaer admitted that the sales tax money was collected from customers on behalf of New York State and that he intentionally failed to remit those funds as required.

    On September 12, 2024, Kjaer pleaded guilty to Grand Larceny in the First Degree, a Class B felony, before Acting Supreme Court Justice Stephen Braslow. As part of his plea, Kjaer will be required to pay $3,000,000 to New York State or face imprisonment. Kjaer is due back in court on September 12, 2025, and he is being represented by Matthew Tuohy, Esq.

    This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Sacks of the Financial Crimes Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Assistant Chief Investigator Danielle Paolucci of New York State Department of Taxation and Finance with additional forensic audit assistance from the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.

by -
0 405
Stock photo

By Michael Christodoulou

Michael Christodoulou
Michael Christodoulou

If you work for a midsize or large company, you may soon be able to review your employee benefits package, as we are entering the open enrollment season. So, consider your options carefully, with an eye toward making changes appropriate for your needs. Here are some of the key areas to look at:

RETIREMENT PLAN

Depending on your employer, you could change your 401(k) or similar retirement plan at any time of the year, but you might want to use the open enrollment season to review your contribution amounts. If your salary has gone up over the past year, you might want to boost your pre-tax contributions (including catch-up contributions beginning at age 50). At a minimum, try to put in at least enough to earn your employer’s match, if one is offered. At the same time, look over how your contributions are allocated among the various investment options in your plan. You’ll want your investment mix to reflect your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon. 

LIFE INSURANCE

If your employer offers group life insurance at no cost as an employee benefit, you may want to take it — but be aware that it might not be enough to fully protect your family should anything happen to you. You may have heard that you need about seven to 10 times your annual income as a life insurance death benefit, but there’s really no one right answer for everyone. Instead, you should evaluate various factors — including your mortgage, your income, your spouse’s income (if applicable), your liabilities, the number of years until your retirement, number of children and their future educational needs — to determine how much insurance you need. If your employer’s group policy seems insufficient, you may want to consider adding some outside overage.

DISABILITY INSURANCE

Your employer may offer no-cost group disability insurance, but as is the case with life insurance, it might not be sufficient to adequately protect your income in case you become temporarily or permanently disabled. In fact, many employer-sponsored disability plans only cover a short period, such as five years, so to gain longer coverage up to age 65, you may want to look for a separate personal policy. Disability policies vary widely in premium costs and benefits, so you’ll want to do some comparison shopping with several insurance companies.

FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT

A flexible spending account (FSA) lets you contribute up to $3,200 pre-tax dollars to pay for some out-of-pocket medical costs, such as prescriptions and insurance copayments and deductibles. You decide how much you want to put into your FSA, up to the 2025 limit. You generally must use up the funds in your FSA by the end of the calendar year, but your employer may grant you an extension of 2½ months or allow you to carry over up to $640. 

HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT

Like an FSA, a health savings account (HSA) lets you use pre-tax dollars to pay out-of-pocket medical costs. Unlike an FSA, though, your unused HSA contributions will carry over to the next year. Also, an HSA allows you take withdrawals, though they may be assessed a 10% penalty. To contribute to an HSA, you need to participate in a high-deductible health insurance plan.  

Make the most of your benefits package — it can be a big part of your overall financial picture. 

Michael Christodoulou, ChFC®, AAMS®, CRPC®, CRPS® is a Financial Advisor for Edward Jones in Stony Brook, Member SIPC

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

 

Prev1...120121122...360Next Page 121 of 360
TBR News Media is your local news and entertainment website.
We provide you with the latest breaking news and information for your community.
Contact us: [email protected]

Most Viewed

©