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Month: October 2017

How the cops and the DEA caught ‘Dre’

Posted on by Erin Geismar

Law enforcement officials are fighting Long Island’s opioid epidemic by going after the alleged dealers linked to the deaths of customers.

To find and prosecute them, they’ve turned to overdose victims’ cell phones and social media accounts for a trail and evidence.

Here, according to court documents, is how police used a victim’s phone to find Eveen Cullum, an alleged drug dealer known as “Dre.”

This description of events come from an affidavit submitted by a police officer filed in U.S. Eastern District Court.

May 30, 2017, around 7:30 p.m.

Glen Cove police responded to a house where an apparent fatal overdose had occurred after the victim ingested opioids. They found a plastic bag with residue that tested positive for containing fentanyl, a drug more powerful than morphine.

Officers searched the victim’s phone and saw a text message conversation from earlier in the day. The contact was saved as “Dre.” In messages exchanged with “Dre” that day, the victim ordered $40 worth of heroin. “Dre” agreed to bring it to him at home.

Less than an hour after officers arrived on the scene, they used the victim’s phone to write back to “Dre.” Writing as the deceased, they asked for more of the same drugs. Instead of coming to the house, they told “Dre” to meet at a restaurant.

”Dre” wrote back, agreeing to deliver two more $40 quantities of heroin at the restaurant.

Around 9:40 p.m.

Officers set up surveillance in the restaurant’s parking lot. Just before 10, “Dre” texted that he was nearby.

10:04 p.m.

Cullum reportedly pulled up in a white SUV. Officers blocked the vehicle from leaving the parking lot and officers approached him. Cullum attempted to flee but was ultimately detained by the officers and placed under arrest.

Officers searched him and his car. They said they found two foil packets containing fentanyl, a plastic bag containing cocaine, and two plastic bags containing what appeared to be marijuana. They also found a cell phone.

Officers used the victim’s cell phone to call the number for “Dre” they had been texting. The cell phone taken from the SUV rang, authorities said.

Cullum was read his Miranda rights and agreed to waive them. He spoke to officers and admitted, among other things, to selling the victim the “dope” for $40 that day at his house, and that he planned to sell him more, authorities said.

Cullum was indicted by a federal grand jury in September that charged him with distribution of fentanyl and attempted distribution of fentanyl. Cullum pleaded not guilty on Sept. 19. A judge agreed to continue an order of detention requested after his arrest. He is scheduled to return to court on Nov. 15. Click here for the full story

Where six Long Island communities stand now, five years after Sandy

Posted on by achoi

The Long Beach boardwalk. Bellport’s municipal dock. Freeport’s Nautical Mile. Montauk’s dunes. Homes, roads and beaches.

All were destroyed or severely damaged by superstorm Sandy in 2012 and required millions of dollars in local, state and federal funds to repair or rebuild.

Five years later, there’s still much to do in the South Shore communities that suffered the worst of the storm, officials say.

Here’s a look at how six communities have fared in the storm’s wake.

Long Beach'All of it was a struggle'

Damage sustained:

Sandy caused more than $150 million in damage to the Long Beach infrastructure and flooded the entire city under several feet of water from both the ocean on the south and bay channel to the north. As much as a foot of sand covered the barrier island. The iconic beachfront boardwalk was destroyed as were the city’s water and sewer treatment plants and several roads. Lower levels of condo and apartment high-rises, and hundreds of low-lying homes, were inundated.

“It was pure devastation. It looked like a blizzard of sand hit the city,” Long Beach City Manager Jack Schnirman said. “I think it was a level of damage few had contemplated or expected. We had no choice but to instantly get to work on cleaning up.”

What changed:

Long Beach has received more than $100 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency funds to rebuild infrastructure, including the $42 million 2.2-mile boardwalk. The city also spent $4 million to rebuild the city’s water system, $5.5 million to repair and upgrade the sewer system and $1.4 million to improve the drainage infrastructure. City officials installed 33 valves on the north shore to reverse street flooding into the bay.

What remains to be done:

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers continues working on its $230 million oceanfront dune and jetty project to protect the city from an ocean storm surge. About half of the jetties have been completed and the project is expected to be completed next spring.

The city is starting a $12.5 million bulkheading project on the north bay-facing shore. Residents are responsible for adding their own bulkheads, using a city financing program.

The City Council is still reviewing a comprehensive plan that could relocate critical infrastructure away from the bay waterfront, and is using $18 million in state and Nassau County grants to convert the city’s sewer plant into a pump station, rather than spend $128 million to repair the aging and damaged plant.

“None of it came easy. All of it was a struggle,” Schnirman said. “I think we’re much better prepared than we were five years ago, but until these projects are completed, we won’t be as protected as we’d like to be.”

— John Asbury

Freeport'Six to seven feet of saltwater'

Damage sustained:

Freeport suffered about $100 million in damage to residential, commercial and municipal infrastructure, according to Mayor Robert Kennedy. Nearly 3,500 homes had saltwater flooding and 15,000 tons of garbage and oil washed away in the storm. Electrical substations flooded, as did the village’s Department of Public Works garage on Albany Avenue, which housed equipment for the Office of Emergency Management.

The Nautical Mile strip of restaurants and bars along the Woodcleft Canal was “destroyed” by electrical fires and flooding, Kennedy said.

“Everything south of Atlantic Avenue was flooded,” Kennedy said. “The entire Nautical Mile was under six to seven feet of saltwater.”

What’s changed:

Officials have spent more than $8 million to repair bulkheads along Freeport’s south shore and built a $1 million OEM facility to house equipment such as food, vehicles, generators and lighting on Long Beach Avenue, outside the 100-year flood zone, Kennedy said.

Freeport Electric disconnected its substations and has run higher voltage on overhead lines, the mayor said.

Low-lying flood-prone streets were elevated. The village has also installed “check valves” that work with the drainage system to prevent “nuisance flooding.”

What remains to be done:

Kennedy has been vocal in calling for tidal gates to be constructed on the west end at the entrance to East Rockaway Inlet at Atlantic Beach and 9 miles east of that, at Jones Inlet at Point Lookout. The mayor said he believes the gates would prevent Reynolds Channel from flooding and keep South Shore communities safe from storms like Sandy. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is studying the project and Kennedy is trying to get local, state and federal officials to support it.

“Anything we do is not going to prevent the flooding other than the storm surge barrier gates,” he said.

— Stefanie Dazio

LindenhurstSeeking more flood protection

Damage sustained:

Lindenhurst sustained millions of dollars in damage from Sandy and applied for $5.2 million in assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, New York State and insurance. The village has so far received $4.4 million.

Costs for the storm response and cleanup in the weeks after totaled more than $2 million, including more than $1.5 million for debris removal and nearly $464,000 for overtime, according to Village Administrator Doug Madlon.

Among the hardest hit village assets were its bulkheading, which Madlon said cost almost $917,000 to repair. Its two other badly damaged properties were Shore Road Park and the Charles J. Cowan Marina.

What’s changed:

At the marina, the village captured and reset 48 mooring poles that were lifted or pulled out of the water by Sandy floodwaters.

The electrical system in the marina building has been repaired and elevated in a small electrical room that was created. The electrical system at the park was restored and panels placed two feet above the base flood elevation.

The baseball and soccer fields at the park also were restored.

What remains to be done:

The village has applied for $6.4 million in federal Community Development Block Grant money for a variety of flood protection projects including: $522,500 for a generator for the Rainbow Senior Center; natural resiliency improvements at Shore Road Park for $2.3 million; drainage improvements including $1.2 million for road raising; $801,197 for bulkhead repair and the installation of check valves; and $1.6 million for culvert and outfall reconstruction and leaching structures.

The village also is negotiating with the Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery on a promise the village made to take title to 43 empty lots as part of NY Rising’s Enhanced Buyout program, which was designed to return flood-prone properties to a natural state for parks, buffer zones or other uses, with no development allowed.

— Denise M. Bonilla

BellportWaiting for FEMA

Damage sustained:

Bellport officials said the village had more than $4.3 million in damages from Sandy.

The docking area at Ho-Hum Beach was damaged and the beach pavilion destroyed. The boardwalk leading to the pavilion also was damaged. The docking area at Osborn Park was damaged along with all the electrical wiring at the park.

A shed at the village golf course needed to be repaired and the shoreline reconstructed, officials said.

What’s changed:

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has reimbursed Bellport for more than $970,000 in repairs, including projects for electrical work, replacing a shed, and making shoreline and road repairs, village officials said.

Bellport Village Mayor Ray Fell said the storm caused a lot of damage but with the rebuilding effort, life in the village is returning to normal.

What remains to be done:

The village has asked FEMA for $2.5 million for bulkheading work at the main pier, which would include new asphalt and storm water drainage.

“We have to prove to FEMA that the damage came from superstorm Sandy and that’s the process we’re going through now,” Fell said, adding the project wouldn’t be done without the agency’s help.

The village is also awaiting FEMA reimbursement for $605,000 of repairs at Ho-Hum Beach and $206,811 for the new gazebo. Repairing damage to the underwater parts of the main pier remains to be undertaken, officials said.

— Deon J. Hampton

Fire Island'Things are so much better'

Damage sustained:

Sandy left Fire Island with extensive destruction of its dunes, flooding throughout communities, a new breach to the ocean and damage to Fire Island National Seashore facilities.

The storm also damaged private homes, and boardwalks and other facilities belonging to Brookhaven and Islip towns and villages on the island. Efforts to repair the damage have been undertaken by the towns and villages, local community and homeowners associations, Suffolk County, the state Department of Environmental Conservation, the National Park Service and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

What’s changed:

Fire Island National Seashore officials have said a $207 million dune-replenishment project has been largely completed from Democrat Point, west of the Robert Moses Causeway bridge, to Seaview, near Ocean Beach.

The National Park Service also has spent nearly $1 million to remove debris and repair boardwalks, buildings, maintenance facilities, fuel tanks and signs damaged by Sandy.

The Federal Highway Administration provided $16.4 million for repairs and improvements, including: dock, boardwalk and road repairs at Fire Island Lighthouse; dredging to restore navigational channels, and marina repairs at Sailors Haven and Watch Hill.

Diane Romano, president of the Cherry Grove Community Association, said the summer community’s residents rebuilt dunes as well as their own homes, and the boardwalk was repaired by Brookhaven Town.

“A lot of great work has been done in Cherry Grove itself by the people who live there, and the Town of Brookhaven on the walks,” Romano said. “Things are so much better. … Our residents really did a great job repairing homes that needed to be repaired.”

What remains to be done:

An oft-delayed plan to replenish dunes on the eastern part of Fire Island is scheduled to begin next year.

To make room for additional dunes, wrecking crews in January 2018 are expected to begin tearing down about three dozen homes, including about two dozen dwellings in Ocean Bay Park and about 13 in Davis Park. About a dozen pools and decks in Fire Island Pines will be relocated. Dune reconstruction is to take place in those communities next year, and in Point O’ Woods, Cherry Grove and Water Island.

— Carl MacGowan

Montauk'There was no beach at all'

Damage sustained:

The storm cost East Hampton Town $633,478 in damages overall, budget officer Len Bernard said.

Montauk’s downtown was hit the hardest, leaving beachfront motels and businesses with exposed foundations, officials said.

Montauk resident Edith Wright, 52, was killed while walking her dog in the storm.

Dunes and bluffs near Culloden Point, Ditch Plains Beach and Montauk Point eroded. Streets and buildings flooded. Sand was wiped away, leaving at least one house precariously hanging over the beach near Soundview Drive.

“There was no beach at all,” said Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman, who owns the Montauk motel The Breakers.

What’s changed:

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers buried thousands of geotextile sandbags at the downtown Montauk beach, built dunes and replanted dune grass in a controversial project costing more than $8 million.

Downtown business owners restored sand in front of their properties and rebuilt their buildings. Several of them did so without payments from insurers or government assistance.

The Montauk Fire Department drafted an emergency plan for any future storm isolating Montauk from the rest of the island, East Hampton Town Supervisor Larry Cantwell said. The plan would “make Montauk as self-sufficient as possible for a time,” he said.

What remains to be done:

Officials are still waiting for a number of projects, the largest of which is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Fire Island to Montauk Point Reformulation, an estimated $1.2 billion effort to fortify 83 miles of Long Island’s south shore. The specific measures for Montauk have not yet been determined, but are likely to include filling beaches with dredged sand and raising roads, Army Corps spokesman Jim D’Ambrosio said. The project will not break ground for a couple of years, he said.

“That’s really a key project that needs to be done as soon as possible,” Cantwell said.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has been approved to fortify a bulkhead area on the north side of Montauk near Culloden Point, Cantwell said. The project is expected to be completed in six to nine months.

— Rachelle Blidner

P.C. Richard & Son Celebrates 108 Years – Newsday

Posted on by Anthony Carrozzo

P.C. Richard & Son Celebrates 108 Years

P.C. Richard & Son has been family-owned and operated for five generations. The tradition of Honesty, Integrity, and Reliability was started 108 years ago by Pieter Christian Richard (1st generation), upheld by A.J. Richard (2nd generation), Gary Richard (3rd generation), Gregg Richard (4th generation), and Scott Richard (5th generation).

Meet the Family Who Started It All

P.C. Richard & Son’s Peter Richard III, Bonni Richard-Rondinello, Gary Richard, Scott Richard & Gregg Richard – President & CEO.

The P.C. Richard & Son team is humbled and excited to be celebrating their 108th anniversary. Gregg Richard, President & CEO, fondly describes, “Throughout the years, our 2,700 team members have added their personal touch to our company. Everyone plays a role in what makes us great! Everything we do is for the people—our employees and communities—and to continue the legacy of P.C. Richard & Son. We love helping our customers find products that fit their needs and work best for them and their families. Between deliveries, installations, and appliance services, we are knocking on 5,000 customers’ doors each day. We thank our customers, employees, and partners from the bottom of our hearts for making our 108th birthday possible.”

From Hardware to High-Tech – P.C. Richard & Son Through the Years

In 1909, Pieter Christian Richard (“P.C.”) laid the foundation of his family’s hardware store in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, that his son, A.J., the official founder, would later transform into a regional retailer. By the 1920’s, the family hardware store relocated to Ozone Park, Queens. A.J. expanded the inventory to include appliances with clothes irons as the entry product; a turning point for a remarkable business opportunity.

P.C. Richard & Son – In Homes and Hearts for 108 Years and Counting!

In 1924, the family hardware store relocated to Ozone Park, Queens, NY, and A.J. expanded the inventory.

As the nation shifted from gas lighting to electrification in the 1920s, an array of home appliances began to surface. A.J. started to sell them, transforming P.C.’s hardware store into an appliance retailer. Clothes irons were the entry product, and the business later grew to include toasters, mixers, fans, waffle irons, meat grinders, and large appliances like washers and refrigerators. As A.J. once recalled, “The electric iron was the acorn that gave me my start and eventually opened the door to my growth into the electric appliance business.”

A.J. developed the basis of the company motto, “We Service What We Sell,” during the Golden Age of Radio.

In 1929, A.J. began selling Zenith radios in the family’s hardware store. Zenith produced several models of five-tube radios, and A.J. stocked them all! These early radios were quite temperamental, and not many owners knew how to fix them when they had glitches. Factory service on radios and other home electronics was not good at the time, so A.J. made sure to learn the ins and outs of radio technology. He taught himself how to troubleshoot and repair the products he sold, which allowed him to create a distinct reputation for customer service. P.C. Richard & Son quickly became known for standing behind their products, a unique aspect of the company. If a customer’s radio ever suddenly stopped working, they found reassurance in knowing they could call P.C. Richard & Son for help.

P.C. Richard & Son was a pioneer in television, displaying a TV in their Ozone Park showroom throughout World War II.

TVs were introduced at the New York World’s Fair in 1939 and had been manufactured before the start of World War II, but most production was halted until the war was over. Demand was high and TVs were costly. In fact, GE produced a direct-view TV model that cost $600—almost $7,000 in today’s money. Recognizing they were a rare and hot commodity, A.J. decided to mount a 10” GE TV in the window of the Ozone Park showroom for the neighborhood to watch Fight Night boxing matches broadcasted from Madison Square Garden. Huge crowds gathered on the sidewalk, drawing attention to the business.

P.C. Richard & Son has 66 showrooms located in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania.

The company currently includes three distribution centers, two service centers, and four A.J. Richard Learning Centers. Their online and showroom inventory has grown to be bigger and better than ever. Their growing selection includes categories such as appliances and housewares, TV and video, mattresses and foundations, home furnishings like recliners, home and portable audio, computers and tablets, video games, smart home, car audio, home office, and more. P.C. Richard & Son’s website (www.pcrichard.com) showcases their growing selection of products. Their virtual A.J. Richard Learning Center, filled with informative videos and blogs, was created to share product knowledge and guide customers through their purchase decisions. P.C. Richard & Son showrooms have now incorporated Mattress Galleries with top brands such as Stearns & Foster, Sealy, and Tempur-Pedic at the guaranteed lowest prices, Mobile Installation Centers, Designer Appliance Centers, Mac Computer Centers, and premium television displays. With their high-tech TV walls that are now being installed in all stores, customers can experience TV technologies with easy-to-use demonstrations that highlight features and benefits. Customers can put each model to the test with a tablet interface and quickly switch to a live broadcast with the touch of a button, seeing the differences between televisions in real time. There is no stopping P.C. Richard & Son, and their team celebrates the past 108 years while excitedly looking forward to all the future holds.

Honesty, Integrity, and Reliability – The Core Values of P.C. Richard & Son

The company’s founder, Alfred J. Richard (A.J.), developed a strong reputation for excellent customer service throughout the years and lead the charge in developing P.C. Richard & Son into what it is today. As A.J. often put it, “Richard IS Reliable;” words in which the company still lives by. His values of Honesty, Integrity, and Reliability are forever engraved in the company’s culture, and his legacy lives on.

P.C. Richard & Son’s success is based upon their employees. At the corporate headquarters, team members’ unique backgrounds and talents merge. Working together, developing ideas, and learning from each other is an important part of the business. In their 66 showrooms, knowledgeable and helpful salespeople and managers continuously strive to uphold the key values. They are trained in the company’s A.J. Richard Learning Centers to explain the benefits and features of any appliances or technology their customers are interested in. It is P.C. Richard & Son’s mission to make every customer’s experience a great one.  

P.C. Richard & Son Employee Pricing Happening Now

Visit any P.C. Richard & Son showroom for exceptional savings throughout the store. 

To find a P.C. Richard & Son location near you, visit pcrichard.com

The news and editorial staff of Newsday had no role in the creation of this content

Polar – The Online Degree Entrepreneur – amny

Posted on by Anthony Carrozzo

The Online Degree Entrepreneur

Promoted by CUNY

Promoted by CUNY

For working adults, the decision to return to school may be a personal one—some students decide to continue their education in order to advance their careers; others pursue a field of study in order to change their careers entirely. And some are following a passion in order to realize their potential.

Whatever the reason, there are now higher education institutions that offer the flexibility, convenience, and affordability that working adults require. And, one of the best ways for professionals to pursue a college level (or post-college level) education is online. You can find practically any type of academic program offered in a fully online format. With online education, no matter where you live, you have many options.

The CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) provides online and on-campus programs that meet the needs of adults who are looking for a seamless way to finish or transition into a bachelor’s degree, earn a master’s degree or certificate in a specialized field, advance in the workplace, or change careers.

CUNY SPS recently asked their students to share the stories of their educational journey. For anyone working to create a better life for themselves and their families, Glaudy Triunfel is a great example of strengthening entrepreneurial spirit with business savvy. Here, she shares her experience of continuing her education to further her dream of owning her own business.

Meet Glaudy Triunfel

Working and Working on a Dream

As an assistant manager at Radio Shack, I know a lot about how a business runs. But working for someone else is different than working for yourself. One day, I would like to have my own business—an online woman’s clothing site. But, in order to be my own boss, I knew I needed to hone my skills and get a degree in business administration.

Making Them Proud

I decided to return to school for a Bachelor of Science in Business, although I didn’t have a lot of time or money. In addition to my own drive, another motivation for returning to school was my children. I wanted to set a good example for them and continue my education, so they can see that they can do it when it’s their turn.

A College That Respects Work/Life Balance

I chose to continue my education at CUNY SPS because of the affordability and flexibility of its programs. The classes are easy to follow and I am able to focus on the readings and assignments. While it’s hard to choose, my favorite courses are business, math, and English. 

As a student at CUNY SPS, I feel that I have acquired the knowledge I need to make it in the business industry. I now feel prepared to run my own business and be successful at it.

Make Time for Your Future

For students who are considering applying for admission—and especially those juggling work and family, I would recommend that they take my story into consideration. I was able to hold a job, attend an excellent school, and take care of my family because of the way the online programs are structured at CUNY SPS. Another piece of advice I would give to someone considering admission to my degree program, is to learn how to manage your time. Give yourself enough time to apply yourself fully to the courses. Don’t leave your assignments to the last minute; you don’t want to find yourself falling behind or over-loaded with work. 

I’ve received a lot of great advice while at CUNY SPS, but none so much as that you are never too old to achieve a degree. Giving up on your dreams should never be an option. I took that advice to heart and now I’m on my way to earning a Bachelor of Science in Business!

For more information on enrolling at CUNY SPS and read other inspiring stories from CUNY SPS students, click here.

The news and editorial staff of amNewYork had no role in the creation of this content

Polar – Earn a Degree Anywhere, Anytime – amny

Posted on by Anthony Carrozzo

Earn a Degree Anywhere, Anytime

Promoted by CUNY

Promoted by CUNY

Online learning has proven to be a great option for today’s multi-tasking students, especially those that need a more accessible, flexible, and affordable way to earn their degrees. Online education is also widely endorsed by faculty. In fact, nearly half the educators surveyed for a 21st Century Campus Report shared that quality distance and virtual learning courses are essential in today’s higher education arena.

The CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS), one of the top providers of online degree and certificate programs in the nation, offers programs that meet the needs of adults who are looking for a seamless way to finish or transition into a bachelor’s degree, earn a master’s degree or certificate in a specialized field, advance in the workplace, or change careers.

CUNY SPS recently asked their students to share the stories of their educational experiences. For anyone working to leverage a current career, Youqing Xiang is a great example of someone who knows how to parlay existing business knowledge into more marketable skills for career advancement. Here, she shares her experience about pursuing a master’s degree.

Meet Youqing Xiang

From the Markets to a Master’s

I have been actively involved in the stock market and managing my own investment accounts for ten years. I read all kinds of numbers, but I mainly rely on my intuition to make crucial decisions. I’ve learned that emotions can conflict with intuition, which may cause problems, especially in the middle of a volatile market. That’s why my goal is to bring more math and computer science strategies and techniques into stock analysis, and the initial reason why I chose the MS in Data Analytics online degree program at CUNY SPS.

Before I joined the Data Analytics program, I spent one semester taking two online undergraduate courses at CUNY SPS and had a very positive experience. In addition, I am a stay-at-home mom and need to take care of my son. So, when I decided to apply for a master’s degree program in data analytics, I only considered quality online schools with low tuition. CUNY SPS was the only school I found that covered these two crucial requirements and I luckily got into the program.

Online Learning Fits into My Busy Life

Online learning was a totally new and exciting experience for me. First, the course schedules are very flexible and convenient because you never have to be in a specific place at a specific time for class. All study materials are on Blackboard, including videos, links, files, etc. Even live meetings are available on Blackboard shortly after they’re recorded. I never have to worry about missing classes and I am able to study based on my own schedule.

Second, I have a lot of opportunities to interact intellectually with my classmates, which was the biggest surprise for me. If I ask questions on Blackboard, there is always a good chance that one of my fellow classmates will answer, even before the professors jump in. We work on projects and collaborate as a group, which is very similar to the traditional classroom experience and the online courses are still as challenging as an on-campus course.

Classes That Fit My Schedule and Furthered My Knowledge

I have enjoyed all the classes I’ve taken so far. Every class is unique and I learn different skills from each one. However, if I had to choose, I would say that DATA 605 (Fundamentals of Computational Mathematics) and DATA 606 (Statistics and Probability for Data Analytics) are my favorite courses because they taught me math and statistics from a programming perspective, which made the topics more interesting and easier to learn.

We work on all kinds of projects in class and, for most of the classes, we have the opportunity to do a final project based on our own interests and ideas. Last semester, I did Twitter (TWTR) stock analysis as my final project. After that project, I realized how much I learned from the program and how the knowledge/skills I gained changed the way I look at the stock market. In fact, I would tell any entering data analytics student that programming skills are very important. And the free workshops in the Bridge Program really helped me prepare for the degree.

After CUNY SPS I Am Ready for My Future

I learned that there are four key success factors for a data analyst: computer programming and mathematical skills, domain knowledge, communication, and teamwork. CUNY SPS has prepared me in all of these areas. I am very interested in stock analysis and I am hoping to become a stock analyst in the near future.

For more information on enrolling at CUNY SPS and read other inspiring stories from CUNY SPS students, click here

The news and editorial staff of amNewYork had no role in the creation of this content

Polar – Changing Careers Through Online Education – AMNY

Posted on by Anthony Carrozzo

Changing Careers Through Online Education

Promoted by CUNY

Promoted by CUNY

Act Two

For some students, knowing ‘what they want to do as an adult’ is not immediately apparent, even after attending college and/or joining the workforce. Higher learning at any age has become a growing trend in education, as students look to better themselves, improve their job prospects, or follow their passion.

CUNY is the nation’s largest urban university system with 24 campuses throughout the five boroughs of New York, serving over half a million degree/credit students. The CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) provides online and on campus programs that meet the needs of adults who are looking for a seamless way to finish or transition into a Bachelor’s degree, earn a master’s degree or certificate in a specialized field, advance in the workplace, or change careers.

CUNY SPS recently asked their students to share the stories of their educational experiences. For anyone contemplating a career shift or pursuing a professional area of interest, Victor Ty is a great example that it is never too late to change your career. Here, he shares his experience in moving from a 20-year career in fashion, to becoming a nurse after his son was diagnosed with autism.

Meet Victor Ty

From Necklines to Nursing

I was a dBase III+ programmer by trade, and spent more than two decades in the fashion industry. Initially, I developed software to manage an inventory of silk yarns and moved on to designing textiles and apparel. Finally, I managed manufacturing and marketing for the whole vertical operation. But in 2011, I returned to school at age 40 to learn a new language and a new set of skills.

I had been around nurses for most of my life. I am married to a radiation oncology nurse and our circle of friends consists of nurses from different areas of medicine. My motivation to become a nurse stemmed from the diagnosis my son, Nicholas, received at 18 months: Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) refers to a group of complex neurodevelopment disorders characterized by repetitive and characteristic patterns of behavior and difficulties with social communication and interaction. The symptoms are present from early childhood and affect daily functioning. ASD affects over 3 million people in the US. The latest analysis from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 1 in 68 children has ASD.

An Avocation Becomes an Occupation

When Nicholas was five years old, my wife and I got a call: Nicholas’s school bus had been involved in a fender bender. No one was hurt, but all of the kids were brought to Elmhurst Hospital for evaluation. When we got to the ER, we observed that the attending doctors were perplexed as to how to assess the special needs children. Given the unfamiliarity of the ER, they made noises or offered a gamut of different non-verbal cues to signal their distress and anxiety. The medical professionals seemed to have little exposure to individuals with developmental delay. I knew then that I could help, not only Nicholas, but countless other children. My goal was to bridge the gap between patients, physicians, radiation therapists, nutritionists, psychologists, and social workers—especially for those individuals with special needs. As a parent of an autistic child, I understood that as the diagnoses of developmental disabilities continue to rise, more patients with special needs would be in the health care system and need help.

I was already immersed in the special needs community, collaborating with academes from Queens College, in what they called the NY State Task Force for Autism. But after Nicholas’s ER incident, I heard of plans to create an online nursing program within the CUNY system and immediately wanted to sign up. I met two of the professors during a presentation at Maimonides Medical Center and asked, “When can I start?” I had a Monday to Friday work schedule, which disqualified me from a “traditional” RN-BSN program in the city, including those with night schedules, because a clinical schedule would cut into my work schedule. CUNY SPS allowed me to study online at night, and still gave me ample time to sleep and be ready for the workday ahead.

So far, my favorite courses are Community and Global Health. The professors give me even more fuel to continue my endeavor in promoting sensitivity to the needs of individual patients. They immerse students in the culture of caring, taking into consideration all the aspects of our community—locally and globally. They give me the ambition to develop ideas to help improve the delivery of health care to everyone.

I now know that in order to continue your education, you need a commitment to learning and time, and an understanding that learning is an experience. I encourage aspiring nursing students to learn the language of medicine and map the human body. I advise them that it is possible to get a nursing degree without going into debt. I encourage them to network early on in their schooling and engage in volunteer experiences.

A Family Affair

Today, my wife and I are both radiation oncology nurses in two different institutions, so we get to brainstorm about best practices and share our great success stories. My plate is full from 7 am to 2 am with work, school, and play, and I enjoy every minute of it because I feel that I accomplish so many things every day. I even find time to be involved in my community by volunteering at my son’s school, where I established a simulated outdoor playground experience in an indoor gym that is a safe and accepting venue for kids with Autism. I design and create models of imaging machines such as MRIs, PET/CTs, and radiation delivery machines to be used as teaching tools for pediatric oncology patients and some adults, too. My other son, Benjamin, and I are also developing a Braille system for prescription labels to make it safer and more efficient for the visually impaired to manage their medication.

Learning Never Ends

This is my sixth year of practice, all in radiation oncology; however, my passion is to teach. I know that the experience at CUNY SPS has given me more motivation in achieving my goal to teach nursing students one day. I am now 46 years old and slated to complete my Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN) in 2017. I plan to proceed with a Master’s in Public Health and teach on the college level. I look forward to training new nurses on the true calling of the nursing profession, and return community involvement in schools, hospitals, and churches in order to change the paradigm of preventative care.

For more information on enrolling at CUNY SPS and to read other inspiring stories from CUNY SPS students, click here.

The news and editorial staff of amNewYork had no role in the creation of this content

Polar – Making Things Work for Your Business – Newsday

Posted on by Anthony Carrozzo

Making Things Work for Your Business

PSEG Long Island

PSEG Long Island

From the start of your work day to the moment you power down, it’s our job to make sure you don’t have to think about the power that made running your business possible.

At PSEG Long Island, we think about it 24/7, because our round-the-clock world demands it. 

Across our roughly 100-mile long service area, we keep an eye on more than 15,000 miles of electric wire and 300,000 poles that keep life on Long Island and the Rockaways powered up.  There’s a good chance you’ve seen our crews out in the field working to strengthen the energy grid to better withstand severe weather like heat waves and storms.

“It’s a big task,” says PSEG Long Island’s John O’Connell, Vice President – Transmission & Distribution. “The majority of the Delivery & System Charges on your bill are invested back into the system to ensure there’s reliable power every time you switch on your lights or HVAC system.”

Over the past two and a half years, PSEG Long Island has invested $500 million system-wide on upgrades and new equipment, including stronger poles and wires, to make sure reliable energy is there whenever you need it.

We’re also managing a multi-year storm hardening program, funded by FEMA, that’s focused on those areas most damaged during Superstorm Sandy. 

There’s a lot that goes into maintaining PSEG Long Island’s industry-leading electric reliability.  We’re energized by seeing what our customers get out of it – even if they don’t think about it.

For more information about how we can help your business, please visit www.psegliny.com/business or call our Business Solutions Center at 1-800-966-4818.

The news and editorial staff of Newsday had no role in the creation of this content

Polar – Shining a Light on Small Business – Newsday

Posted on by Anthony Carrozzo

Shining a Light on Small Business

PSEG Long Island

PSEG Long Island

Small businesses are the lifeblood of Long Island, making up close to 90 percent of all businesses in Nassau and Suffolk counties according to the Long Island Advancement of Small Business, a local advocacy and support organization. In fact, Long Island leads New York State in businesses with fewer than 20 employees, according to the New York State Comptroller’s March 2016 report, “The Economic Impact of Small Business in New York State.”

Small businesses face many challenges as they strive for success and they benefit from support from organizations like PSEG Long Island, which offers a wide array of energy efficiency programs to small business customers across Long Island and in the Rockaways.

“We are proud to do business with Long Island companies and help them find ways to stay and expand here on Long Island,” said Dan Eichhorn, Vice President of Customer Service, PSEG Long Island. “Since day one, we have worked hard to connect personally with business owners through our Main Street Outreach program that keeps them informed about how to save money and how we can work together to support the local economy.”

Through PSEG Long Island’s energy efficiency programs, small businesses can receive a free energy consultation that will identify energy and money saving opportunities. This free consultation consists of a facility walkthrough and detailed cost-saving recommendations based on existing equipment and any potential energy efficiency upgrades.

“We also offer generous rebates for installing energy efficient technologies,” Eichhorn said. “We’ve helped thousands of Long Island businesses reduce their energy costs; projects ranging in size from your favorite local storefront bakery to Canon’s U.S. headquarters. Our economic development electricity rates have kept more than 5,600 jobs on Long Island while adding more than 3,000 new jobs as existing businesses expand.” 

To keep the lights on for 1.1 million customers, PSEG Long Island also relies on more than 900 Long Island companies for goods and services – large and small.  In all, PSEG Long Island invests more than $120 million right here in the local economy.

Supporting the local economy is just one part of PSEG Long Island’s larger mission to provide homes and businesses with outstanding electric reliability and customer service. To find out more about what PSEG Long Island can do for you, please visit www.psegliny.com/business or call their Business Solutions Center at 1-800-966-4818.

The news and editorial staff of Newsday had no role in the creation of this content

Polar – The Five Questions You Should Ask Before Selecting Health Insurance – Newsday

Posted on by Anthony Carrozzo

The Five Questions You Should Ask Before Selecting Health Insurance

CareConnect Insurance Company, Inc.

CareConnect Insurance Company, Inc.

No matter who you are and what you do for a living, chances are you are already asked to make too many decisions. Today, everything from the privacy settings of your social media accounts to the menu in your neighborhood coffee shop, is stacked thick with choices that are often confusing and anxiety inducing. This is especially true in a field like health insurance where we all want the best care for our families and ourselves, with the security of knowing that we are covered in the case of an emergency. Unfortunately, choosing the right health insurance plan may seem easier said than done.  Given the glossary of terms that are sometimes difficult to understand, your eyes may glaze over and discomfort may sink in as you consider the choices. There’s no reason for any of that: to make an informed decision and choose the best plan for you and your loved ones, simply ask yourself the following questions.

1. Am I eligible for a subsidy?

Under the Affordable Care Act, low- and middle-income people buying insurance are eligible for government subsidies that can reduce the amount you have to pay to the insurance company each month. These subsidies are available to those using the state health care exchanges, if their income is between 100 percent and 400 percent of the federal poverty level. You can determine your eligibility for subsidies by using this tool or by checking directly with health insurance carriers like CareConnect.

2. How frequently does my family need to see a doctor?

We get it, you want the coverage your family needs at an affordable price. To figure out the right balance between coverage and cost, it’s helpful to know about how often your family tends to visit the doctor. That information is important because all health insurance plans involve a trade-off: the lower the premium, the more you pay at the time of the doctor visit for things like out-of-pocket copayments, coinsurance and deductibles. Before you pick a plan, consider the needs of your family: if you are a relatively young and healthy bunch, for example, you may opt for a plan that charges lower premiums and higher deductibles. If you or your family members have chronic conditions and other needs, a higher premium and lower deductible may make more sense.

3. What kind of network do I need?

When you’re considering a plan, check the network of doctors and hospitals that it offers. You may think you want to go with the biggest network you can find – but biggest isn’t necessarily best if you end up paying extra for doctors you won’t use. After all, when it comes to our physicians and caregivers, we tend to think very locally and select people who are part of our community. Just like in real estate, what matters is often “location, location, location.” Because of this, a plan with a narrow network may offer an advantage by giving you access to a limited and carefully curated community of physicians and caregivers at a more modest price tag. Check it out; you may find that the right narrow network has a wide array of physician choices in your area – including your current doctors – at an affordable price.

4. Will I receive good customer service?

Chances are that sooner or later, for one reason or another, you will need to communicate with your insurance provider. You’ll want to ensure that quality customer service is available and hassle-free. This means having rapid access to attentive and knowledgeable representatives who can answer your questions, assist you in finding the right doctor, and help you with whatever billing issue you might have. In a nutshell, you’ll want your insurance provider working as closely as possible with the doctors and hospitals you need. Some carriers will even go as far as helping to make your doctor appointments. Here’s a simple test to judge what kind of customer service you can expect to receive when you call: If the person on the other end answers quickly and is courteous and helpful, you know you’ve got a match.

5.  Have I done my homework?

Let’s face it: finding the right insurance plans requires research and due diligence.

As in most things in life, knowledge is power, and being familiar with various insurance providers and what they offer can be a real benefit to making the best decision. Take a few minutes and check the websites of the various companies that serve your area. On CareConnect’s website, for example, you can check out prices and features, see which one works for your family, and even compare their costs to your current plan using their cost calculator.

The news and editorial staff of Newsday had no role in the creation of this content

Polar – Looking to Save Money on Health Insurance? Think Narrow – Newsday

Posted on by Anthony Carrozzo

Looking to Save Money on Health Insurance? Think Narrow

CareConnect Insurance Company, Inc.

CareConnect Insurance Company, Inc.

Health insurance, as everyone knows, can get very costly, very quickly. That’s why consumers, researchers and policy makers alike are constantly trying to find new ways to get quality care without breaking the bank.

Recently, a team of researchers, including an economist, a political scientist and a professor of medicine, took a look at different models of health insurance and their overall performance in the state of California. Their goal? To find out whether plans with narrow networks—those being health care networks designed to offer access to a limited, carefully curated and more modestly priced community of physicians and facilities—could really provide affordable access to top-quality care. They concluded that narrow plans saved their members money on premiums and also offered access to care that was just as high quality—or higher!—than plans with more extensive networks. This led the researchers to suggest that one advantage of narrow networks is the ability for insurers to cut out all but the best-performing hospitals from the plans they offer patients.

These findings are more than just an academic curiosity: they promise real savings to real people. For example, the most popular family plan offered by one narrow network provider in the New York area would cost you $800 less per month* in premiums than a comparable plan from one of the big insurance companies offering a traditional network. That amounts to savings of almost $10,000 a year.

Is a narrow network right for you? If you see a number of doctors at a wide variety of institutions and can’t imagine switching, then the answer may be “no”. But if you’re flexible and interested in saving money, then a narrow network may be just the right fit.

Here’s how to get started.  First, check just who the narrow network covers: one centered in your community may already include your local hospital, physician and other health care professionals you already know, see and trust. Then, request a quote online; one company that offers narrow network plans in the New York area is CareConnect. At CareConnect.com, you can compare plans, prices and features, as well as find out which doctors and hospitals are in the plans, to decide which one works best for you and your family.

*Estimate is based on a comparison between publicly available rates.

The news and editorial staff of Newsday had no role in the creation of this content