I hope that our members had an enjoyable summer. I would like to announce our first meeting of the new season will be Sept. 19 at 7:30 p.m. in the Elmont Public Library. Our meetings take place every third Thursday of the month.

As everyone knows we continue to preserve the quality of life of our wonderful community of Elmont. On August 27 we have gotten good news. In the hearing of the Town of Hempstead, the board approved with our request the installment of "No Truck" signs with the exception of local delivery in the Locustwood/Gotham area. These signs will facilitate the police in enforcing this regulation. This is a positive direction for our community in maintaining its quality. Thanks to all who helped make this happen.

This summer the island on Locustwood Boulevard looked different than in past years. The Town of Hempstead took responsibility to maintain the grass cut and well kept. Just proves that when there is a will there is a way. Elmont continues to strive to be better and will succeed.

For our next meeting we are delighted to have our Assemblyman, Thomas W. Alfano. By kindly accepting our invitation he allows us to ask questions and to discuss problems and look for possible solutions. One such example is Hempstead Turnpike with its heavy traffic at a fairly high velocity. In the Elmont Herald of Aug. 30, we read the article of Jonathon Wincant which compared Hempstead Turnpike with Queens Boulevard. Personally I'm in agreement. There already are 51 accidents on record. Having Assemblyman Alfano present we may find resolution to our problem.

In Elmont we have other big news and that has to do with ATS. ATS is the Junior High School that's been closed for more than 15 years on Hempstead Turnpike. It had cost the taxpayers a quarter million dollars a year for maintenance in a building that's deteriorating more day by day. Finally, the board of the Sewanhaka Central High School District took action in deciding to demolish the building, saving the money that's spent. The money and lot now will be used for a better purpose.

Since we don't have the opportunity of inviting our members house by house, I ask that each one of you invite your neighbors and friends to attend our meeting. It's important that all attend!

Sept. 19, 2002 - 7:30 p.m.

Special Guest: Assembly Thomas W. Alfano

As always there will also be coffee, cake and our 50/50.