As part of continuing efforts to make the Town of Oyster Bay's website, www.oysterbaytown.com, as informative and convenient as possible, civic organizations and chambers of commerce are being given an opportunity to be listed on the site, according to Town Supervisor John Venditto.

"Civic organizations play an important role in their communities, providing a means for the exchange of ideas, nurturing a strong community spirit, developing and promoting civic pride, and working to improve the general welfare of the people of the community," Venditto stated. "Chambers of commerce serve the needs of local businesses and professional people and get involved in issues which impact the business community. Both civics and chambers foster individual involvement and responsibility for the good of the community. I have worked with many civic organizations and chambers during my tenure as a town councilman and as town supervisor, and witnessed, first-hand, the dedication of the members.

"By listing civic organizations and chambers of commerce on the town's website, residents, both old and new, in our communities will have a handy resource for contacting the organizations that represent them," the supervisor continued. "It will also give the organizations more exposure and an opportunity to expand their membership."

The supervisor went on to say that civic associations and chambers of commerce that are interested in being listed on the town's website should write a letter, on official stationery, listing the name of the civic or chamber; the president; a mailing address; a contact person, if different from the president, and phone number; and if the organization has a website, the web address. The letter should be addressed to: Supervisor John Venditto, Town Hall East, 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, NY 11771.

"The town's goal is to have its website serve as a valuable resource to our residents by providing an on-line information hub that offers a wide range of information and news about our town, as well as issues and events," Venditto said. "We know from the volume of e-mail, phone calls and comments we receive that many people make a point of visiting our website on a regular basis. By adding civic associations and chambers of commerce, the town will be providing two important links for residents to their communities."

The supervisor invited residents who have not visited the town's website to do so. "There is a wealth of information on our website," Venditto stated. "Along with permit and license applications, a history of the town, and biographical information on town officials, the site contains a description of the various departments, programs and services, a list of meeting dates for the Town Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, the Planning Advisory Board and the Landmarks Preservation Commission, as well as the town code. Agendas for town board meetings and Zoning Board of Appeals meetings are posted regularly. There are also copies of the town's latest press releases, so residents can stay informed about what is going on in the town, and handy links to other useful websites. It's a great way to stay informed about your town government."