Around the Town: September 11, 2009

STOP Program – Special Pick Up

With the end of the summer quickly approaching, many residents start to prepare for a fall cleanup. Often neighbors are unclear about how to dispose of certain items such as household hazardous waste and large appliances and furniture.

By calling the Town of Hempstead Sanitation Department, residents can arrange for a special pick-up of bulky items, such as appliances and furniture, without cost. To arrange for a special pickup, call 378-8484. For items that are hazardous and not qualified for special pickup, the town offers the S.T.O.P Program.

A Message From Elmont Superintendent of Schools Al Harper

It is with great pleasure that I welcome our students, faculty and staff back to school. During the summer, our board of education, central office administrators and building principals were very busy gearing up for the new school year, ensuring that all programs are in place to reach our number one goal — increasing student achievement.

As your superintendent and as a parent, I know that getting children excited about the opportunities and possibilities of the new school year is vital to their success. Please join me in setting high expectations for the year. The first day of school is extremely important, especially for our children. It sets the stage for all they need to accomplish this school year.

Around the Town: September 4, 2009

Anniversary of September 11, 2001

For many people living in our seaside community, the beach has long been an important part of the celebration of life’s joys and the commemoration of its tribulations. The soothing sound of waves crashing against the shore, the rays of sun sparkling on the open sea, the warm white sand blanketing the shoreline and the endless horizon of ocean have always held a special significance for those seeking reflection and comfort.

Parenting Plus: August 28, 2009

Project Rebirth

In the immediate aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack on America, several artists joined together to produce a soft cover book entitled 9/11: Artists Respond. The book of graphic art showcases the artists’ responses to the terror that befell the world. One nine-frame piece by Jeph Loeb and Scott Campbell entitled “Please Stand By…” features a girl of about eight years of age watching cartoons on television. By the third and fourth frames, the image on the screen changes to a live feed of the Twin Towers ablaze. As the little girl stands transfixed, stuffed animal in hand and her face less than 12 inches from the screen, the commentator announces, “We interrupt this program to take you live…” the little girl turns away and calls, “Mommy…” The next three frames show her mother dropping a basket of laundry. Then, with her face contorted in anguish, the mother embraces her daughter to shield her from the unrelenting images. The final frame is a close-up of the little girl asking, “Mommy, when are the cartoons gonna come back on?”

From the Desk of Senator Craig Johnson: August 28, 2009

Johnson Hosts Back to School Supply Drive

This month, through the beginning of September, I will be joining with Gateway Youth Outreach for a Back to School supply drive. Gateway is a wonderful organization that offers after-school homework assistance for at-risk youth. I am proud to be partnering with them in this effort to make sure that everyone is able to start the school year with the supplies that they need for success.

From the Desk of Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy: August 21, 2009

Announces Recovery Funds for New Energy Efficient Traffic Signals

Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy announced the release of $4.3 million of federal funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to upgrade approximately 900 traffic signals on Long Island by replacing existing incandescent lights with more energy efficient Light Emitting Diode (LED) bulbs to reduce energy use and improve the environment. The project includes installing approximately 250 pedestrian countdown crossing signals at key intersections to improve pedestrian safety.

From the Desk of Assemblyman Thomas Alfano: August 21, 2009

Alfano Applauds Recommendations of Hate Crimes Task Force

Assemblyman Tom Alfano applauded the recommendations of Governor David A. Paterson’s Hate Crimes Task Force to help New Yorkers better respond to and prevent bias crimes. The task force, which the Governor established in January of 2009 following a series of bias-motivated attacks across the state, outlined a multifaceted approach to addressing the issue. The proposals include the development of curricula for students and school staff; enhanced training for law enforcement on hate crimes; and the implementation of a consistent approach that agencies and community-based organizations should adopt when responding to victims.

On Blenders and Tax Assessments

The Nassau County Department of Assessment could learn a lot from Macy’s if they handled tax grievances the way the retailer deals with broken blenders. After all, in both instances we’re dealing with unhappy customers (taxpayers) who are frustrated with a defective product and want satisfaction. Unfortunately, the assessment department has never really considered those who have overpaid taxes as a result of assessment errors as aggrieved customers. Indeed, a recent report by the county assessor claimed that the hemorrhaging assessment system was not broken even while a recent Newsday article [“Millions in Refunds in Nassau”] observed that Nassau has paid out half a billion dollars in refunds between 2003 and ’08.

Around the Town: August 14, 2009

Make a Difference Awards

I’m sure everyone knows at least one very special person who is always doing for others and never asking for anything in return. He or she may be a neighbor, a friend or a relative. When thinking about this person, you may ask yourself, where does he or she get the energy or time to volunteer for so many activities?

County Executive’s Column: August 7, 2009

Nassau’s ‘Next Generation’

On July 22, I held a forum with Nassau’s “Next Generation” of current and former residents between the ages of 20-35 to discuss the county’s future. Some of these young adults currently reside in Nassau, and some have moved away, to places nearby like New York City, and even as far as Switzerland. It was a great opportunity for all of us to discuss Nassau County’s future and how to attract young professionals like themselves to Nassau.