With the school year coming to a close, you may be wondering how to fill your child's summer days with safe, challenging entertainment. Why not incorporate the town's highly regarded basketball clinics into your plans? The Town of Hempstead, in conjunction with Hofstra University, is sponsoring a series of free basketball clinics for boys and girls between the ages of 8 and 13. These clinics are being held at beautiful Hempstead Town park facilities in several different areas of the town so that as many youngsters as possible may participate.

The clinics will feature both the men's and women's basketball teams, appearing at separate times, led by Hofstra's head basketball coaches, Tom Pecora and Leslie Danowski, along with assistant coaches from each staff, and several of the players from the Hofstra Pride men's and women's teams. The youngsters who participate will be coached individually and in groups on the fundamentals of basketball. They will be provided with written material on how to improve their game, and at the end of each session will be treated to autographs and free prizes. They will also learn the importance of teamwork and the necessity to stay in school and receive the very best education possible. Please note, due to NCAA regulations, youngsters over the age of 13 may not participate, but are invited to observe and obtain autographs.

The clinics will be held according to the following schedule. All clinics are on Tuesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

June 26 - Women's team at Elmont Road Park, Elmont

July 10 - Women's team at Merrick Road Park, Merrick

July 17 - Men's team at Baldwin Park, Baldwin Harbor

July 24 - Men's team at Harold Walker Memorial Park, Lakeview

July 31 - Women's team at Newbridge Road Park, Bellmore

Aug. 7 - Men's team at Seaman's Neck Park, Seaford

Aug. 14 - Men's team at Smith Street Park, Uniondale

Aug. 28 - Women's team at Veteran's Memorial Park, East Meadow

We are proud of our association with Hofstra University and thank their athletic department staff in providing these free clinics for our youngsters. I urge all parents to bring their children to this exceptional program. Children can attend one, two or all of the clinics. If your child is interested in basketball, these free clinics, at our conveniently located town parks, are great opportunities for them.