Around the Town - March 12, 2010

Hazardous Waste Collection Schedule

With spring quickly approaching, the Town of Hempstead is preparing for another year of S.T.O.P (Stop Throwing Out Pollutants) Programs, which will be brought to communities throughout the township. Last year, we introduced a new mercury collection initiative in partnership with Covanta Energy. The mercury program diverts a dangerous toxin from our regional waste stream while adding an environmental safeguard to our water quality and air supply.

Phil-osophically Speaking - March 12, 2010

Reevaluating America’s Commercial Culture in the World

Marching triumphantly into Nate Bennett Pavilion Hall, they swept into Hempstead Town like a crisp breeze of fresh air. Young, bright-eyed, bristling with intellectual curiosity, the world seemed to belong to them or, at least, its future. They were among America’s best and brightest — the spiritual descendents of Edison, Einstein, Salk, Crick and Watson and a host of other scientific luminaries.

Around the Town - March 5, 2010

Town of Hempstead to Hold ‘E-Cycling Day’

Keeping our planet healthy takes a joint effort. That’s why I am proud to announce that the Town of Hempstead will hold an “E-Cycling” Day on Saturday, March 13 in Levittown from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine. This is your chance to get rid of your unwanted computers, televisions, DVD players and VCRs and help the environment at the same time. The event will take place in the Town of Hempstead municipal parking lot area, located just off Division Avenue behind the Tri-County Market (Hempstead Turnpike) in Levittown.

Phil-osophically Speaking - March 5, 2010

“Standing on the Shoulder of Giants”

As I raced breathlessly up the stairs, I could hear the 1:25 poised to leave Floral Park for Penn Station. I was running late, as usual, and barely leapt into the train car just before the doors shut tight. Unfortunately, in my haste, I neglected to bring something to read. So I busied myself reading those monotonous billboards that vie with each other in grabbing your attention.

Around the Town - February 26, 2010

Women’s History Month

March is designated as Women’s History Month and every year during this time, the Town of Hempstead takes the time to reflect upon the many accomplishments that women have achieved. As the first woman to be elected supervisor of the Town of Hempstead, National Women’s History Month is very important to me. Women’s History Month is dedicated to recognizing the advancement and outstanding accomplishments of women. Through the years, women have successfully achieved well-deserved positions of leadership within our community, reaching to their fullest potential as they continue to progress professionally. The role of women in our community and the numerous contributions they have made deserve our highest praise.

Phil-osophically Speaking - February 26, 2010

English Grammar: A Forbidding and Formidable Subject

Do you know what the greatest conversation stopper in the world is? Pay attention, this could come in handy when encountering a bore at a cocktail party. When the bore asks what you do for a living, arch your eyebrows and inform them in your most professorial tone of voice that you teach English grammar. Watch carefully as a wave of self-consciousness stymies the nuisance into a tongue-tied wreck. Soon, the bore will grasp at any poor excuse to beg leave from the present company, enabling you to enjoy the rest of your evening in peace and serenity.

From the Desk of Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy

Congresswoman McCarthy Joins with First Lady Obama Expressing Concern About Childhood Obesity

“I applaud First Lady Michelle Obama for her efforts in raising national public awareness and tackling the epidemic of childhood obesity. I thank President Obama for establishing a Task Force on Childhood Obesity.

As a longtime nurse and the chairwoman of the Healthy Families and Communities Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over the child nutrition programs, I believe it is important that we examine practices which can help increase access to child nutrition programs and to more healthy foods for our children in schools. Given the current harsh financial realities for many families in my district and throughout the nation, many schools have an increasingly important role to play since they provide students with more than half of their food and nutrient intake on school days.

From the Desk of Senator Craig Johnson: February 19, 2010

Legislation Passes Senate

The New York State Senate last week passed important legislation that would allow municipalities to offer health services and insurance to volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers, Senator Craig M. Johnson, (D-Nassau), announced.

“Our volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers deal with dangerous situations day in and day out in order to help their neighbors and keep their neighborhoods safe,” Johnson said. “I am proud to have voted to allow these brave men and women this option to access to affordable health care.”

North Hempstead Town to Sponsor Two-Day Spay & Neuter Clinic

With the observation of February as National Spay/Neuter Month, Supervisor Jon Kaiman and the North Hempstead Town Board took the opportunity to announce a two-day low-cost spay and neuter clinic at the town’s animal shelter Feb. 27-28. Helping Promote Animal Welfare Inc., (PAW) a not-for profit animal welfare organization dedicated to ending animal overpopulation, will perform the spay/neuter procedures.

Village Board Notes: February 12, 2010

The following are trustee reports from the Feb. 2 Floral Park village board meeting.

On motion by Trustee Rhatigan, seconded by Trustee Longobardi and carried unanimously, the board approved the request of the Floral Park Fire Department to use the Pool and Recreation Center for its annual department picnic on Saturday, Aug. 7 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.