It is a priority of my administration to see that we provide the best possible services for all segments of our constituency. With that in mind, I am happy to announce the continuation of a very popular beach program for senior citizens. This program, under the direction of the town's Department of Senior Enrichment, provides hours of leisure-time activities during the hot summer months for our town's senior residents.

Town government is constantly seeking more ways to serve our senior population, and we have succeeded in creating a wide spectrum of events, activities and services. These include entertainment, transportation, health screenings, mammography, senior care, home aides, support groups, referral services and many special functions.

The Town of Hempstead is hosting its 34th annual summer beach program for seniors at Lido Beach Town Park. The 2001 program, whose theme is "Lido Celebrates 50 States," will run for 10 weeks from Monday, June 25 through Friday, Aug. 31. This popular program takes place each weekday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This year, special four-week craft classes will be offered in addition to sing-alongs "under the mushrooms" twice daily. Other popular activities include: memory enhancement, nature study, live entertainment, painting, photography, dancing, physical fitness, swimming, shuffleboard, bocci, horseshoes, and movies. Blood pressure screening will be provided each day.

The annual summer beach program for seniors is open to all residents of the Town of Hempstead who are age 60 and over. Seniors who drive their own cars may attend any and every weekday, and they may park free at Lido Beach from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Others who prefer town-provided free bus transportation may obtain a pass from the Department of Senior Enrichment to be used at designated pickup stations on appointed days of the week.

It is suggested that seniors bring their lunch from home, but an expanded snack bar will be available for the purchase of food and beverages. The swimming pool at the adjacent Sands Town Park will be open to the seniors all day. The Atlantic Ocean and the beach at Lido are there to enjoy as well.

I urge all seniors to take advantage of this summer beach program. For more information, a schedule of events, or to arrange for parking or bus transportation, call the Department of Senior Enrichment at 485-8100. You may also want to call to find out about the many activities available to you as a resident of the Town of Hempstead.