DA Spota Orders Smithtown Hgwy. Superintendent To Appear In Court

Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas Spota has directed the Smithtown Highway Superintendent to appear in First District court in Central Islip tomorrow morning.

Glenn Jorgensen, 63, the elected Superintendent of Highways since 2010, will appear in courtroom D-11 sometime after 11:00 am.

Jorgensen, a resident of St. James, is in charge of approximately 142 employees in a department with a $30 million annual operating budget to pay for snow removal and the paving, drainage and other maintenance of over 450 miles of roads and curbs in the township.

Jorgensen worked for the Smithtown Highway department for 37 years in various titles including foreman before retiring. He returned to the Highway Department in 2010 after winning election and becoming Highway Superintendent. Jorgensen was re-elected in 2013 his term of office expires December 31, 2017.

No other information is available at this time.

Theater Review - "A Chorus Line"

THEATER REVIEW

“A Chorus Line”

Produced by: The John W. Engeman Theater – Northport

Reviewed by: Jeb Ladouceur 

“A Chorus Line” opened at New York’s Shubert Theatre in the summer of 1975 and, after logging more than six thousand performances, it became for a time the longest-running musical in Broadway history. The show, directed and choreographed by Michael Bennett, finally closed in the spring of 1990. It had garnered a dozen Tony nominations … winning nine! As if that were not achievement enough, “A Chorus Line” also nabbed the 1976 Pulitzer for Drama, and the Marvin Hamlisch triumph is still The Great White Way’s sixth most durable show ever. 

The story (whose all-important book was written by James Kirkwood Jr. and Nicholas Dante) delves into the aspirations, fears, and confessions, of seventeen dancers auditioning for some ‘forthcoming New York musical.’ Since all the action takes place on a bare stage in a Broadway theater, the easiest job for anyone on the production team is that assigned to Set Designer, Jon Collins, an artist who has proven time and again that he can handle anything requested of him. 

The Choreographer’s task (undertaken and achieved masterfully by Dena Digiacinto) is much more demanding, however. Indeed, the dancing synchronization required in this play is a challenge, as they say, ‘for the ages!’

As for Costume Design: “A Chorus Line” is an inherently flamboyant affair that shows us exactly how an assortment of young people might plausibly be dressed as they present themselves for evaluation by a big-time musical producer. Accordingly, stylist Tristan Raines uses the show’s colorfully clad dancers to create an ever-shifting, constantly pleasing, pastel mosaic. What results is sheer magic … especially since the dazzling troupe is so expertly illuminated by Cory Pattak’s ingenious lighting. Veteran director Drew Humphrey could not have asked for a more adept team to assist him. 

“A Chorus Line” attendees shouldn’t conclude early on that what they’re in for in this Engeman production is merely a group of eager young hoofers doing their thing in vibrant terpsichorean rehearsal togs. Actually, that would have been enough to make for a superb theatrical experience. But as we watch, the musical builds beyond our wildest expectations … until ultimately it becomes an unforgettable production that is lavish in every sense of the word. Credit costumer Raines, who dresses the dancers perfectly, first in appropriate tryout gear, and ultimately in the lush, matching outfits that mark the musical’s vivid climax. The resulting contrast is breathtaking.

It’s a radiant New York show through and through, this ‘Chorus Line’ phenomenon that’s currently mounted at Northport’s comfortable Engeman Theater. What, after all could be more representative of ‘The Big Apple’ a few miles west of us, than a diverse group of stage-struck performers seeking nothing more than an opportunity to strut their stuff before the world’s most sophisticated theater audience?

I cannot assign superlatives to any of the performers who’ll dance their way into your hearts between now and May 10th. To attempt such a thing would be unfair, even if it were possible. Nor can this critic point to a weak link in The Engeman’s “Chorus Line” … there simply isn’t one. Let it be said only that if anyone from the original cast of this groundbreaking musical were mystically to find themselves viewing the show presently being resurrected in Northport, they would likely turn to the person in the next seat and proudly say, “I was part of that award-winning ensemble in the 70’s … and these young men and women have it down cold.”

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Award-winning writer, Jeb Ladouceur is the author of nine novels, and his theater and book reviews appear in several major L.I. publications. In his newest thriller, HARVEST, an American military doctor is seized by a sinister gang of organ traffickers in The Balkans, and ordered to perform illegal surgeries. Ladouceur’s upcoming spellbinder, THE QUANTUM SYNDROME, is based on the Atlanta child murders of the 80’s, and is due this spring.

Smithtown Author Returning To Book Revue

LONG ISLAND AUTHOR RETURNING TO BOOK REVUE

Jeb Ladouceur Will Introduce His New Novel at the Famed Bookstore Apr. 28

Author Jeb Ladouceur

For the tenth time in as many years, Smithtown’s favorite novelist has been invited to appear at Book Revue in Huntington. The renowned bookstore at New York Avenue and Main Street (Rte. 25-A) will be the site of Jeb Ladouceur’s book signing for THE QUANTUM SYNDROME on April 28.

Mr. Ladouceur leads all authors in trips to the Book Revue podium, and he is in good company. Other noted writers who have spoken about and signed their books at the huge store include Tom Clancy, Hillary Clinton, Bill O’Reilly, and J.K. Rowling. In addition, Long Islanders, Nelson DeMille, Susan Isaacs, Alan King, and Jodi Picoult have shared the Book Revue microphone one or more times during their highly successful careers. 

According to the author’s long-time publicist, Debbie Lange Fifer, THE QUANTUM SYNDROME is patterned on the Atlanta Child Murders of the early 80s, but is set in present day Suffolk County. Most readers over the age of fifty, Ms. Fifer notes, will recall that in a two-year period between the summer of 1979 and spring of 1981, twenty-two children ranging in age from 8 to 16, were murdered in the Atlanta area…most were victims of asphyxiation. Finally, some 21 months after the first child had been strangled, a 23-year-old man, Wayne Williams, was arrested, tried, and convicted in the deaths of two adult Atlanta-area males. Like fifteen of the murdered children, both young men had been choked to death.

Williams was also considered responsible for 17 of the 22 child killings in Atlanta.

Though steadfastly professing his innocence, Wayne Williams received two life sentences for murder, and the matter of the notorious Atlanta Child Killings was said to have been settled.

But some of Mr. Ladouceur’s local acquaintances in law enforcement…and specifically, members of the Suffolk County Homicide Squad (to whom THE QUANTUM SYNDROME is dedicated)…had serious misgivings. A few of them saw a ‘rush to judgment’ in Atlanta, and consequently, as early as the mid-80’s, Jeb Ladouceur’s book began to take shape, if only in his nimble imagination.

“It is not my intention to re-visit the Atlanta Child Murders case in this fictional story,” says Mr. Ladouceur. “That sort of thing is not the novelist’s job, in my view.” He also points out that neither does his new book question the guilt of Wayne Williams. “I cite this background,” Ladouceur claims, “…only to answer my readers, whose first question at hundreds of book signings invariably is, ‘How in the world do you come up with these strange ideas for your novels?’”

The Smithtown novelist is shown introducing his Well-received ninth novel “Harvest” in 2014

The much-anticipated Book Revue event is free, and will begin at 7:30 PM. The author will speak for 20 minutes, after which he will answer questions from the audience. As is his practice, Ladouceur will introduce all writers in attendance, and will be pleased to personalize copies of his latest work for anyone who requests it. … Photos by Debbie Lange Fifer

Editorial - Special (Boring) Election On Tuesday, March 31

On Tuesday, March 31, 2015 a small group of voters in the 12th Legislative District will go to the polls. They will decide who will fill John Kennedy’s vacant seat.  Those who go to the polls or send in an absentee ballot will have a choice between two women, Leslie Kennedy and Deborah Monaco.  Neither one of them has ever held an elected position. Both women are political beings, Deborah a long time employee of the Suffolk County Board of Elections and Leslie, legislative aide to and wife of the district’s former Legislator, John Kennedy. John Kennedy gave up his legislative seat after being  elected to the position of Suffolk County Comptroller in November. 

Only one woman, Leslie, has been campaigning for the position. Deborah did not actively seek the nomination nor the legislative position.  Deborah Monaco is a long shot, political people will tell you she has little or no chance to win. Leslie Kennedy is the huge favorite to win the election and to fill the seat on the legislature that her husband vacated. 

It is not unusual for a person to seek a seat vacated by their spouse. It happens more often than you think, although usually when a spouse is deceased. In the U.S. Congress seats filled by spouses have been called  “widow’s seats”.  

Through gerrymandering the 12th LD is predominantly a Republican District. It would be very hard for a Democrat to win in the 12th LD and so it is no surprise that Deborah has not been actively campaigning for the almost $100,000 + benefits position. There is also no surprise that Leslie would want the position that comes with a great salary and benefits, a constituency that she is already familiar with having served as her husband’s legislative aide, she has name recognition and there is a large Republican voter registration. Seems like a slam dunk for Leslie.

What is troubling, is that without discussion, without debates, without campaign literature, without knowing what the candidates priorities are voters will go to the polls and pull a lever.  I would have liked to have heard a discussion about the economic challenges the County is experiencing. There should have been a discussion about the candidates position on the the police contracts, pension costs that we have encumbered our children and grandchildren with. I would like to have heard a discussion about mental health programs that could have a positive effect in reducing our incarceration rates.  What about violence against women, children, parents. We didn’t hear any of this and it is to the detriment of the voters that we did not have discussion.

Kudos to the woman who is elected to fill John Kennedy’s remaining term. November will bring about another election for a full two-year term and you will be able to run as the incumbent. I sincerely hope you will be prepared to tell the voters how you are going to address the many challenges facing Suffolk County. 

Residents deserve better than this boring non-issue election. Expect more of the same in November unless voters speak up and demand issue based elections.

Vote on Tuesday, March 31. The polls will open at 6am and remain open until 9pm. 

Pat

Probation Officer Trainees Save The Life Of Man Suffering Opiate Overdose

The Suffolk County Police Benevolent Association commends the bravery and initiative of Probation Officers, Ferretti and Grasman. While these trainee officers have only been in the field for three weeks, they were able to navigate a high-risk, life and death situation. Their training and immediate response were key in saving the life of a man on the brink of death, due to what appeared to be an opiate overdose. 

Around noon on Thursday, March 26^th, Probation Officer Trainees (POTs), Ferretti and Grasman stopped for lunch at a bagel store in a shopping center on the southeast corner of Route 112 and Horseblock Road. Prior to lunch, the two had been conducting home visits. As they were leaving the store, they noticed three individuals convening next to the building; one of the individuals was leaning against the building for support and looked unwell. POTs Ferretti and Grasman immediately took action, entered their vehicle, and drove to the location to investigate the wellbeing of the individual. As they approached, the individual was being lowered to the ground by his companions. Ferretti approached the group to assess the situation, while Grasman radioed the Police Department for rescue and assistance. The person at risk was foaming at the mouth, had a weak pulse, and was cyanotic. Grasman immediately retrieved her Narcan Kit from her field bag and gave it to Ferretti, who quickly and successfully administered the Narcan. The person responded to the treatment and was placed in recovery position until Suffolk County Police Rescue arrived. Thankfully the person, at risk of dying from an overdose, was responsive as he was placed into the ambulance. 

In the case of a drug overdose, it is vital that care is administered promptly. Despite the short amount of time that Officers Perretti and Grasman have been on the force, POTS they responded to a potentially fatal situation with confidence, taking the action necessary to save a man’s life. The Police Benevolent Association is proud to have Probation Officers of such caliber on the Force.