Members of the Manhasset/Great Neck Economic Opportunity Commission (EOC) met at the community center on High Street to celebrate Stand for Children Day on Monday, June 1. Although a planned rally was cancelled due to work beginning on the rehabilitation of the Pond View Housing Project on Community Drive, members of the board of the Manhasset/Great Neck EOC gathered to "Stand for Children" and to thank those public officials and members of the community who have rallied to their side to make sure that the community center remains in the hands of the local group.

At the present time the local EOC is in court charging the EOC of Nassau County with illegally transferring title of the community center to itself. On May 6, 1998, Nassau County Supreme Court Justice Bruce D. Alpert enjoined the Nassau EOC from changing the locks to the community center and from "conveying, encumbering or changing the use of the property, except to the extent that any physical changes are necessary to prevent deterioration of the property or protect the public using the property." The injunction will stand until the lawsuit is decided. In his granting of the injunction, Judge Alpert concluded, "Plaintiff is likely to prevail on its claim."

At the gathering on June 1, Jerome Blocker, president of the board of directors of the Manhasset/Great Neck EOC, said: "We have won round one of a case that I always compare to David and Goliath." Mr. Blocker said that he wanted especially to thank those public officials and local community groups who have helped his group in its efforts to retain the community center. He especially wanted to remind people that attorney John Brickman of the Great Neck law firm of Ackerman, Levine and Cullen is handling the Manhasset/Great Neck EOC case on a pro bono basis.

Mr. Blocker thanked Town of North Hempstead Supervisor May Newburger and Deputy Supervisor Councilman Tony D'Urso, who were present, as well as the Manhasset Community Fund and the Great Neck United Community Fund for supporting his group's efforts. Robin Wheat, director of the center, said that she has been writing grant proposals and looking for donations in order to support this summer's recreational and educational programs. Money will be needed to pay for bus transportation and to pay counselors' salaries.

Mr. Blocker said that Nassau County has promised to contribute between $40,000 and $50,000 for the programs but that is still in the future.

There will be a fund raiser this Sunday, June 7, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. given by the Great Neck/Manhasset Black/Jewish Dialogue in support of the local EOC at the home of Evelyn Weinstein, 10 Romola Drive, Kings Point.Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres $20 per person. Call 482-1551 or 466-2846 for further information.