Summer's over, Access Manhasset, the chamber directory is in full swing-still time to secure your free double listing- and Manhasset Chamber of Commerce President Nancy Morris informed the members this year's initiative is the website. The committee, composed of TJ Costello, Ed Wassmer, Nancy Morris, and Steve Trachtman, has whittled down providers to two finalists, and in several months it should be up and running. There have been many false starts and the launching of the website has taken far longer than anticipated. In the end it will be more like a commercial site with a community calendar and current, real time news. The chamber is excited with a key aspect of its construction-the ability to maintain the content themselves with a minimum of technical support. It will provide more than standard information, be a go-to site and, anticipating heavy use, a valuable tool for residents and vendors.

Katie Miller, Coalition for a Safer Manhasset (CSM), explained how the coalition works with the 6th Precinct Police and the Town of North Hempstead to provide the community with an educational program for both pedestrians and drivers. Their photos appear in the Manhasset Press and all are encouraged to send photos to them at csm556@yahoo.com. The group began in 2005 and their fourth Safety Day is approaching on Sept. 27. CSM always plans the event to coincide with MHS Homecoming parade and football game and this year it will also coincide with the grand opening of Wachovia Bank.

Miller noted in the past they had gone door-to-door soliciting local businesses for support but this year have decided on an insert in the Manhasset Press. Recognizing talent, Harvey Passes, local dentist and TV personality, offered Miller an interview spot on his show.

Yearly, the chamber sponsors two highly popular business card exchange/networking events. Marion Staincamp, Town and Country Flowers, reminded members and guests the second is scheduled for Oct. 15 at HSBC Bank, 2030 Northern Boulevard, and will replace the October meeting. Glen Corbett, chamber recording secretary, will oversee arrangements at HSBC Bank. This Business Card Exchange begins at 5:30 p.m. and is open to members, guests, and any individual interested in learning more about the Manhasset Chamber of Commerce.

President Morris mentioned that Sevan Ogulluk, founder, Keep Manhasset Beautiful (KMB), approached town hall regarding the proliferation of illegal signs placed around town and commented fines can be issued for the offense. Councilwoman Maria-Christina Poons said only in unincorporated areas can signs be confiscated. In an incorporated village it becomes the village's problem.

Robbie Donno had exciting news and explained how, in 1975, with members of the Rotary Club of Manhasset, he started the Gift of Life program. Over the past 33 years it has grown to be an international organization which saves the lives of 1,000 children per year.

This Oct. 2, Grace Agwaru (the first Gift of Life recipient) will escort the 10,000th recipient to the United States for life-saving open heart surgery. Agwaru will travel the same path she took 33 years ago from her native land of Uganda, but this time she will be bringing with her a child that is in need of the same operation she underwent those many years ago.

The Gift of Life program that began in Manhasset three decades ago is now in over 60 countries. They would like everyone to join with them in celebrating this community milestone. It is their hope that every Manhasset business will show their support and pride in this special moment by taking part in the "Raindrop Campaign." The raindrops will be sold for $1 a piece at the establishment and will be displayed in their window when they are sold. These raindrops signify the drop of kindness that was shown by one community those 33 years ago and the fact that their act of kindness has created a ripple throughout the world which is evident in the fact that 10,000 lives have now been saved. This "Raindrop Campaign" will take place throughout the month of October so that they may commemorate the presence of the 10,000th child in the community. As people walk down Plandome Road they will be reminded of how one community can make a difference in the lives of so many. In addition, the child and mother will be staying with a Manhasset family while they are here.

On Aug. 5 several chamber members had a meeting with the town to discuss carting and parking, and, as a result of that meeting Councilwoman Poons was invited to the chamber meeting for follow-up. Mentioned had been the possibility of 90- minute metered parking instead of the existing 60 minutes. Comments were as expected: nail salons and restaurants "for": deli's "against." Shopkeepers should soon receive a questionnaire for their input.

Poons revealed that parking officials can't physically return within the 60- minute cycle to ticket a car parked over the time limit. A member commented it is not the length of time but the number of parking spaces exacerbating the problem.

CSM's Miller sought comments from Poons regarding a study compiled by Susan Auriemma, CSM, regarding low cost solutions to the parking of commercial vehicles during business hours on Plandome Road. To a stunned audience Poons commented the town has little time for those issues in Manhasset; it has more important business like accessory housing.

The parking discussion continued, acknowledging some businesses lease shops with very few parking spaces causing employees to use existing spaces (90-minute parking just makes it easier on them). It was suggested a deal be worked out with stores and the underground parking near Staples "It's always empty"-or even with employees parking behind town hall who enjoy choice parking in the center of town, parking that spills over to the parking lot across the street behind two restaurants and other stores. It was also noted nuBest employees park at Macy's, perhaps other "all day parkers" could too. If property becomes available near Plandome Road is there any plan in place to purchase it for parking? Poons was asked to check with town Supervisor Jon Kaiman what, if any, plan is in place.

Access Manhasset, the Manhasset Chamber of Commerce Directory, is being assembled as a tool for the entire community, with every business entitled to two free entries-alphabetical and by category. Those entries will be free because the chamber wants the directory to be definitive. It is not necessary to take an ad for the listing of name, address and phone number, however, a non-member placing an ad in the directory is entitled to free membership for the remainder of the year. It is hoped that this publication will be available by the end of October. Anyone interested in having his/her business included can contact Nancy Morris, at nancy@nancymorrisagency.com. About 5,000 directories will be distributed to the community via the Manhasset Press with another 2,000 available throughout the 2 years before the next directory is published.

Note: A public meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 16, at 7 p.m. will be held at Clinton G. Martin Park in New Hyde Park to discuss the issue of accessory housing. For more information residents can log on to www.northhempstead.com or call 311.