It gives me great pleasure to report that the Town of North Hempstead Senior Citizen Commission has been newly revitalized and has hit the ground running. At the request of Supervisor Newburger, I have the privilege of serving as the town board liaison to this group. This dynamic commission is taking a proactive approach to determine our senior citizens' needs and how best to serve them. The commission has identified three areas on which to concentrate our efforts:

( Getting Around: This is a broad issue that the commission is tackling on several fronts. Firstly, it has been looking at the question of senior driving. When is it time for an individual to "hang up the keys?" It is understandable that the inability to rely on oneself for transportation can be frightening. How do we encourage those who should no longer be driving to give it up? What transportation alternatives exist? Are these alternatives sufficient and what others can be implemented? These are the questions with which the Commission has been grappling in this area.

( Getting Wired: The Internet is a powerful tool for senior citizens; it gives them the ability to converse with friends and relatives across great distances, share photographs, order services, and retrieve information. Unfortunately, many seniors lack the knowledge to use the Internet, and do not have access to it. The Senior Citizen Commission is exploring programs to teach seniors how to use the internet. It is gathering information on those programs that already exist, while at the same time discussing new programs that might be implemented.

( Getting the Word: All of the information that the commission is gathering about programs and services for our seniors would be useless unless there is a way to share that information. There are many methods available and the commission is looking at them all. Senior clubs and organizations provide the opportunity to reach those who belong to them but the vast majority of seniors do not. The commission is investigating such concepts as a newsletters, pamphlets, and a website.

The town, through our Community Services Department, currently offers a bus program to enable seniors to go food shopping once a week, and to the Roosevelt Field Mall once a month. Please call 869-7715 for inquiries.

As always, I can be contacted regarding senior issues or any other matter by calling my office at 869-7698, or you can e-mail me at pollackf@northhempstead.com.