In my previous columns I announced that the Village of Farmingdale had approved the Senior Tax Exemption for qualified seniors and that my administration was able to save the Senior Citizen Taxi discount program for seniors living in the village. In addition to these Village programs, our seniors can also receive assistance from the Nassau County Department of Senior Citizen Affairs. They have many programs for many different areas. Their outreach programs include caregiver programs, counseling services, and nutrition programs to name a few. They can be reached at 571-5814 or on the web at www.co.nassau.ny.us/srcit (you can also use the link on the village website: www.farmingdalevillage.org.)

A particular program that could be very useful this time of year is their Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). This program can assist income-eligible apartment renters or homeowners in paying for their heat or utilities. To be eligible you must be: a Nassau County resident and 60 years or older; or under 60 and receiving SSI or Social Security Disability. For more information and an application you can call 227-7386.

The Town of Oyster Bay also provides a wide variety of social/recreational programs and has a Senior Identification Discount card program. The town also provides teaching specialists to the many independently sponsored senior citizens clubs. The Senior Citizens Services Division can be reached at 797-7900 or at www.oysterbaytown.com (we also provide a link on the village website).

My administration and I are always looking for additional ways to assist our Village seniors. Please feel free to call us or come to one of our trustee meetings to share your ideas.