One of the aspects of local government of which I am most proud is our cooperation and involvement with entities outside of the public sector. One such cooperative effort is being realized this summer which will benefit the youngsters of our community. The Town of Hempstead, in conjunction with Hofstra University, is sponsoring a series of free basketball clinics for boys and girls between the ages of 8 and 13. These clinics are being held at beautiful Hempstead Town parks facilities in several different areas of the town so that as many youngsters as possible may participate.

This year the clinics will feature both the men's and women's basketball teams, appearing at separate times, led by Hofstra's head basketball coaches, Jay Wright and Leslie Schlegel-Danowski, along with assistant coaches from each staff, and several of the players from the Flying Dutchmen and Dutchwomen squads. The youngsters who participate will be coached individually and in groups on the fundamentals of basketball. They will be provided with written material on how to improve their game, and at the end of each session will be treated to autographs and free prizes. They will also learn the importance of teamwork, and the necessity to stay in school and receive the very best education possible. Unfortunately, due to NCAA regulations, youngsters over the age of 13 may not participate, but are invited to observe and obtain autographs.

The clinics will be held according to the following schedule. All clinics are on Tuesdays from 5 to 6 p.m.

June 29 - Men's Team at Harold Walker Memorial Park, Lakeview.

July 13 - Men's Team at Baldwin Park, Baldwin Harbor.

July 13 - Women's Team at Smith Street Park, Uniondale.

July 20 - Women's Team at Merrick Road Park, Merrick.

August 3 - Women's Team at Seaman's Neck Park, Seaford.

August 10 - Women's Team at Veterans Memorial Park, East Meadow.

August 17 - Men's Team at Newbridge Road Park, Bellmore.

We, in the Town of Hempstead are proud of our association with Hofstra University and their athletic department staff in providing these free clinics for our youngsters, and we thank them for their generosity. I would also like to thank Island Garden Basketball in West Hempstead for providing prizes and give-aways. On behalf of all the members of the Hempstead Town Board, I urge all parents to bring their children to this exceptional program, either one time, or to all of them. If your child is interested in basketball, these free clinics in our conveniently located town parks are a great opportunity for them.