Friday, 21 December 2012 00:00
In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, Assemblyman David G. McDonough is reminding Long Island residents and businesses to be on guard against repair scams and those who may try to exploit unsuspecting homeowners who suffered property damage. Despite the outpouring of support from volunteers and charitable organizations, there are still those who may try to take advantage of affected parties.
“It is important that we protect ourselves against those trying to exploit this disaster for personal gains,” said McDonough. “There are many reputable organizations that are able to assist those affected by the storm.
However, if you feel that you have fallen victim to a scam, it is important to report such an instance immediately.”
If you have a problem with a contractor and are unable to resolve it yourself, you can file a complaint with the New York State Department of State at www.dos. ny.gov or by calling 1-800-697-1220.
You can also report these instances to the Nassau Office of Consumer Affairs at 200 County Seat Drive, Mineola, NY, by phone at (516) 571-2600 or by visiting http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/OCA/index.html.
Consumer Protection Tips:
-Beware of anyone who comes to your home or calls you on the phone and offers to make repairs
-Beware of anyone who talks quickly to confuse you and pressures you to sign a contract immediately
-Beware of anyone who has come to the area from somewhere else to “help”
-Avoid unlicensed contractors
-Avoid contractors who do not supply proof of insurance; and
-Avoid contractors who demand payment in cash or want full payment up front, before work has begun.
A more detailed list of how to protect against scams can be found at http://www. governor.ny.gov/press/12022012-avoidscams.
Thursday, 16 May 2013 00:00
Island Trees Union Free School District faces a few hurdles in its upcoming 2013-14 budget. The loss of the BOCES Geneva N. Gallow building lease and the increasing mandated retirement system (TRS/ERS) adds up to $2 million in lost revenue. The TRS/ERS contributions increased by almost $1.4 million, and the Gallow lease loss totals approximately $500,000, including the utility costs.
Wednesday, 15 May 2013 00:00
What motivates a collector to dedicate a portion of his or her life to searching for the most rare and beautiful forms of a certain item? Is it their love of stamps from all over the world or is it their desire to find the most complex and unique model of a car? From jewelry and dolls to sports memorabilia and computers, a collector’s interests can range from the most bizarre items to the most common. Michael Katz, longtime collector of vintage radios from the 1920s to ’50s, said that the two kinds of things collectors go for are “stuff that’s really unusual and really decorative or the rare and expensive sets.”
Friday, 17 May 2013 00:00
Don’t miss out on the chance to partake in an 8-week spring flying trapeze workshop! There is one space left in the Tuesday class for adults from 6:15 p.m. to 7:45 p.m., and four spaces left in the Thursday class from 6:15 p.m. to 7:45 p.m., which is open to all ages.
The workshops will take place at the Aquatic Center at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow, New York.
Sign up online at iflytrapeze.com or call 516.640.6995 for more information.
Friday, 17 May 2013 00:00
The Lady Generals lacrosse team at MacArthur High School earned the #1 spot and the title of 2013 conference champions, an accomplishment that last occurred in 2006. The team finished with a conference record of 9-1, succumbing in their only game to Oyster Bay by a one-goal deficit.
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