We attended the annual kickoff of the Community Foundation of Oyster Bay. As always it was very interesting and we always learn something new at the event hosted by Mrs. George (Abby) O'Neill.

While the brochure this year announced they are aiming at a 2007 goal of $220,000 she said recent cutbacks in drug and alcohol funding as well as mental health funding caused a change in the needs of the group. She said Monday evening at a board meeting they would ask the board to agree to a goal of $225,000.

She said last year they met their goal, (although the year before, they didn't).

It is good to hear Mrs. O'Neill talk about what is happening in the larger world that affects the people here who are trying to help the community. As she said, it is a small community and through Youth & Family Counseling Agency of Oyster Bay and East Norwich, they know the people who really need help and can find the people to help those in need.

The Community Foundation of Oyster Bay is well worth your attention. Letters will be going out to seek funding for 2007. Do answer their call for funds. Your money will help their work of making this a great community for everyone to live in and to enjoy a very special quality of life.

-DFK