Authors Posts by Press Release

Press Release

5882 POSTS 0 COMMENTS

by -
0 365
Police car. Stock photo

Suffolk County Police arrested a man on July 4 for allegedly driving while intoxicated following a motor vehicle
crash that killed a man in West Hills.

Leo Flores Gracias was driving a 2017 Honda Accord northbound on Sweet Hollow Road, south of Chichester Road, when the vehicle crossed into the southbound lanes and struck a 2010 Toyota Prius head on at approximately 8:05 p.m. A passenger in the back seat of the Honda, Marlon Nunez, 23, of Huntington Station, was transported to Plainview Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Flores Gracias was airlifted via Suffolk County Police helicopter to Stony Brook University Hospital for treatment of serious injuries. Two other passengers in the Honda were transported to area hospitals for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the Toyota, Giorgi Patarkalashvili, 25, of Brooklyn, was transported to Huntington Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

Flores Gracias, 26, of 118 West 10th Street, Huntington Station, was charged with allegedly Driving While Intoxicated. He will be arraigned at a later date. Detectives are asking anyone with information on the crash to call the Major Case Unit at 631-852-6555.

Theatre Three, 412 Man St., Port Jefferson will hold auditions for strong singers/actors/dancers ages 16 and older for the musical The Prom on Sunday, July 9 at 7 p.m., and Monday, July 17, at 7 p.m. Prepare 32 bars from the song of your choice and bring sheet music in the proper key. Accompanist provided. You may sing from the score. Be prepared to dance. Bring a headshot/resume if available. Rehearsals begin in late July. Performances will  be held from Sept. 16 to Oct. 21. For full details visit www.theatrethree.com/auditions.html. 631-928-9100

Sol y Sombra Spanish Dance Co. head to the Chapin Rainbow Stage on July 13. Photo by Darin Reed

Summer is finally here and that means the return of the Huntington Summer Arts Festival at the Chapin Rainbow Stage at Heckscher Park, 2 Prime Ave., in Huntington. Now in its 58th year, the festival will offer four weeks of free, live performances Wednesdays to Sundays from July 1 to 30. Sunday performances start at 7 p.m., all others performances start at 8 p.m. unless noted. 

Produced by the Town of Huntington and presented by the Huntington Arts Council (HAC), the festival clearly has something for everyone whether it be music, dance or theater. This year features festival mainstays such as the Huntington Community Band and The Huntington’s Men’s Chorus while highlighting new acts such as Tito Rodriguez Jr./Huntington Latin Night, Dr. K’s Motown Revue and Swing Sessions with Dudley Music and Guests.

Opening weekend sets the stage for this breakthrough season featuring Brooklyn based Sunny Jain’s Red Baraat on July 1 and the popular Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra on July 2. The Festival will go dark on Mondays and Tuesdays but ramp up again with the Huntington Community Band each Wednesday for the duration of the month.

The Englishtown Project is an exciting addition this year on July 7th. Followed by six-time Grammy winner Arturo O’Farrill & the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra, classic Motown sounds with Dr. K’s Motown Revue, The Hot Sardines’ take on classic jazz tunes, and the return of Huntington-born Chieli Minucci & Special EFX All Stars rounding out the weekend.

The 17th Huntington Folk Festival, a collaborative effort of the Folk Music Society of Huntington and HAC, returns on July 22. The open mic session at 12:30 p.m. will be followed by L.I. based singer/songwriters swapping songs on the hill from 1:30 to 3:45 p.m., and on-stage from 4 to 6 p.m. The day culminates with co-headliners Lucy Kaplansky and Cliff Eberhardt, pre-concert at 8 p.m.

Additional regulars include the North Shore Pops Concert Band, and Plaza Theatrical Productions with a presentation of the Broadway Rock Musical RENT. Fabulous dance performances are highlighted once again by Sol Y Sombra Spanish Dance Company, and the L.I. Dance Consortium.

Closing out the Festival will be The Jazz Loft Big Band and Tom Manuel with Grammy nominated guest vocalist Nicole Zuraitis on July 29 and Orchestra L.I., conducted by Musical Director David Stewart Wiley, serves up a delightful “In Concert With Nature” with works by Handel (Water Music), George Walker, the Mendelsohnn siblings Fanny & Felix, and for this year’s Festival Finale, Pastorale—Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 in F Major, Opus 68 on July 30.

“Huntington Arts Council takes pride in being able to present an exciting, free summer series of live performances. This year in particular, I am happy that our selection of acts is more representative of the diversity in our community. Our goal is to make the festival relevant, entertaining and accessible to everyone. All are welcome to attend!” said Kieran Johnson, Executive Director, Huntington Arts Council.

Below is the complete schedule for the season.

For a copy of the printed calendar click this link.

Saturday, July 1 – Sunny Jain’s Red Baraat

Sunday, July 2 – Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra, 7:00PM start time

Wednesday, July 5 – Huntington Community Band, “All Around The World”

Thursday, July 6 – Huntington Men’s Chorus, “Seriously Sinatra”

–      Northport Community Band 8:30PM, start time NPT Park

Friday, July 7 – The Englishtown Project

Saturday, July 8 – Arturo O’Farrill & the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra

Sunday, July 9 – RENT Jonathan Larson’s Broadway Rock Musical by Plaza Theatrical Productions, 7:00PM start time

Wednesday, July 12 – Huntington Community Band, “Viva Long Island”

Thursday, July 13 – Sol y Sombra Spanish Dance Co.

–      Northport Community Band 8:30PM, start time NPT Park

Friday, July 14 – Dr. K’s Motown Revue

Saturday, July 15 – The Hot Sardines

Sunday, July 16 – Chieli Minucci & Special EFX All-Stars, 7:00PM start time

Wednesday, July 19 – Huntington Community Band, “Una Celebracion de la Musica Latina”, 7:00PM Jazz Band start time; 8:00 PM Concert Band start time

Thursday, July 20 – North Shore Pops Concert Band

–      Northport Community Band 8:30PM, start time NPT Park

Friday, July 21 – Huntington Latin Night: Tito Rodriguez Jr. Orchestra; Opening Act – ZapOte Band; DJ Acito; Salsa Demo – Star Ballroom Dance Studiio 7:00 PM start time.

Saturday, July 22 – 16th Huntington Folk Festival, Cliff Eberhardt & Lucy Kaplansky, pre-concert interview at 7:15, concert at 8:00PM. Daytime open mic session hosted by Toby Tobias at 12:30, is followed by L.I. based singer/songwriters swapping songs on the hill from 1:30 to 3:45 PM, and on-stage from 4:00 to 6:00 PM.

Sunday, July 23 – L.I. Dance Consortium, “Long Island Dances!, 7:00PM start time

Wednesday, July 26 – Huntington Community Band,”…and Home Again!”

Thursday, July 27 – Swing Sessions with Dudley Music & Guests, local emerging Artists. Performers include Gabi Rose; saxophonist/vocalist, alt-rock trio MJT; and bassist Andraleia, leader of Empathology. 7:30PM start time.

–      Northport Community Band 8:30PM, start time NPT Park

Saturday, July 29 – Jazz Loft Big Band, Tom Manuel Conductor, Nicole Zuraitis, Guest Vocalist

Sunday, July 30 – Orchestra L.I., David Stewart Wiley, Conductor “In Concert With Nature”, 7:00PM start time, 6:15 PM pre-concert talk by Maestro David Stewart Wiley.

For more information, visit www.huntingtonarts.org.

by -
0 969
Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. Photo from Tierney's office

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on July 3 that Philip Walker, 56, of Mastic, was arrested and charged with Murder in the Second Degree for allegedly stabbing and killing his housemate, Jimmy Vaughn, 63.

“This defendant allegedly killed Jimmy Vaughn in cold blood,” said District Attorney Tierney. “I thank the prosecutors and the Suffolk County Homicide Squad for their swift investigation and apprehension of this defendant, who will now be brought to justice.”

According to the police investigation, on June 30 at approximately 5:00 p.m., a witness called 911 to report that Walker had allegedly stabbed Vaughn inside a room at the Shirley Motel on Montauk Highway in Mastic. Walker and Vaughn were both living in a group home at the Shirley Motel at the time of the incident.

When paramedics arrived, Vaughn was found outside of the room, bleeding from the left side of his chest and abdomen. Vaughn was taken to Long Island Community Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

page1image29910576Video surveillance recovered from the scene allegedly showed Walker entering and leaving from the motel room where Vaughn was stabbed.

Walker allegedly fled from the motel after the incident, but was arrested on July 2 at a family member’s home in North Amityville.

On July 3, Walker was arraigned for Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A violent felony, and remanded without bail during the pendency of the case. He is due back in court on July 7.

by -
0 1007
File photo

Suffolk County Police Fourth Squad detectives are investigating a multi-vehicle crash that killed a man
in Hauppauge on July 3.

A 2023 Mack garbage truck, being driven by Jaswinder Singh, was traveling eastbound on Express
Drive South when it rear ended a 2019 Honda Accord that was stopped at a red light at the intersection
of Motor Parkway at approximately 8:50 a.m. The truck then sideswiped a 2018 Thomas Built School
Bus, and then rear-ended a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The Jeep became lodged in the front of the garbage truck, and the Jeep struck a 2009 Toyota Matrix, causing the Toyota to spin into a utility pole. The driver of the Honda Accord, Joseph Kelly, 24, of West Islip, was pronounced dead at the scene. The drivers of the Jeep and Toyota were taken to area hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the bus, and three toddlers on the bus were not injured. The driver of the garbage truck, Singh, 51 of Bellerose, Queens was not injured. Singh was issued multiple summonses.
The truck and three vehicles were impounded for a safety check.

Anyone with information on this crash is asked to contact Fourth Squad detectives at 631-854-8452.

 

by -
0 1256
File photo

Suffolk County Police Sixth Squad detectives are investigating a three-vehicle crash that seriously injured a Bay Shore man on July 3.

John Sinkweich was driving a 2003 Honda Accord northbound on Nicolls Road in South Setauket when the vehicle crossed into the intersection of Nesconset Highway at 10:53 a.m. The Honda collided with a 2002 Infiniti being driven by Melissa Aglialora eastbound on Nesconset Highway, and then with a 2022 Honda CRV that was stopped and facing westbound in the left turning lane of Nesconset Highway.

Sinkweich, 23, of Bay Shore, was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital for treatment of serious physical injuries. Aglialora, 37, of Lake Ronkonkoma, was also taken to Stony Brook University Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. The driver of the Honda CRV was not injured.

Anyone with information on this crash is asked to contact Sixth Squad detectives at 631-854-8652.

by -
0 965
Stock photo

Suffolk County Police arrested two Flushing women for alleged unlawful practice of a profession during a massage parlor raid in Coram on July 3.

In response to numerous community complaints, Suffolk County Police Sixth Precinct Crime Section officers, along with the Town of Brookhaven Building Inspector, Town Fire Marshal, and Town Investigator, conducted a massage parlor investigation at BBP Enterprises, located at 356 Middle Country Road, Suite 301, at 3:30 p.m.

Yanfang Gao, 41, and Geng Hua Zhu, 42, were arrested and charged with alleged Unauthorized Practice of a Profession. The Town of Brookhaven documented numerous violations at the business. Both women were released on a Field Appearance Ticket and are scheduled to appear at First District Court in Central Islip on a later date.

A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Drew Biondo. Photo courtesy the Village of Port Jefferson

In her first official act as Port Jefferson Village mayor, Lauren Sheprow has appointed Drew Biondo to fill her unexpired term as trustee, which ends in June 2024.

Biondo, a village resident since 1998, is director of communications at Suffolk County Community College with nearly 40 years of experience as a communications executive and administrator in both the public and private sectors.

Biondo was appointed to the Long Island Power Authority Board of Trustees in January 2018 and served for five years as a member of the Governance, Planning and Personnel Committee. His responsibilities included setting appropriate priorities and implementing best practices, among other tasks.

Before joining SCCC’s staff, Biondo served as director of communications and press secretary for former New York State Sen. Ken LaValle (R-Port Jefferson), working as the senator’s chief spokesperson and as a policy advisor.

“I’ve known and worked with Drew in a variety of capacities for more than 20 years,” Sheprow said. “I know him to be very strategic and purposeful in his approach. His time spent on the LIPA board, in higher education, as well as in Senator LaValle’s [office] has prepared him well to be able to serve the residents of Port Jefferson as a trustee.”

Biondo attended Marist College and is a graduate of LIU Post with a bachelor’s degree in communications.

Pop Up Saturdays in Stony Brook. Photo from WMHO

The Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO) has announced the return of Pop-Up Saturdays in Stony Brook Village. This seven-part series family-friendly event will take place on Saturdays July 8 to August 19 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and is filled with animals, music, art and even magic!

Pop-Up Saturdays are free to the public and will take place in Stony Brook Village’s Inner Court (by Crazy Beans and/or the Waterfall Garden). 2023 Pop-Up Saturdays Lineup includes Uncle Tony’s Reptile Shack: an interactive, fun and educational presentation where the public will meet snakes, lizards, tortoises, and more on July 8;  live R&B, Roots, Blues and Contemporary Acoustic music from Brenda & Burke, as well as Caricatures by Marty on July 15; Magic of Amore and Last Chance Animal Rescue on July 22; July 29 attraction TBA;  Radical Reptile Entertainment: a fun and educational interaction with reptiles on Aug. 5; the Silly Magician and Caricatures by Marty on Aug. 12; and Brenda & Burke will close the series on Aug. 19.

The 2023 Pop-Up Saturday are generously sponsored by Armor Pest Control and Dr. Rocco Morelli, DDS. For. more information, call 631-751-2244 or visit www.wmho.org.

by -
0 781
Photo from SCPD

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Second Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate two people who allegedly damaged property in East Northport in June.

Two males allegedly damaged a Pulaski Road PVC fence by running through it at approximately 2 a.m. on June 1.

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.