From the Desk of Senator Craig Johnson: June 26, 2009

Johnson to Hold Mobile Office Hours

Senator Craig M. Johnson will be sponsoring upcoming mobile office hours at the Shelter Rock and Williston Park Libraries.

The mobile office hours program, which was started soon after the senator’s election to the State Senate, is designed to make it easier for residents to bring their concerns, suggestions and ideas to Senator Johnson’s office.

Around the Town: June 26, 2009

Hempstead Town’s July 4 Celebration

The Town of Hempstead proudly takes part in the celebration of our nation’s independence with our Annual Independence Day Celebration and Veterans Salute. The salute will occur Saturday, June 27 at 7:30 p.m.

From the Desk of Senator Craig Johnson: June 19, 2009

Legislation to Protect NY State Residents From Phone ‘Spoofing’ Passes Senate

The State Senate unanimously passed legislation sponsored by Senator Craig Johnson that would protect residents from deception, harassment and possible fraud over the phone lines.

Letter: Hold Your Applause

West Hempsteaders gave a warm welcome to Town Supervisor Kate Murray at the recent annual meeting of the civic association.

Granted, we are a cordial bunch, but I must confess, this generous reception was much more than a polite courtesy.

TH Offers a Night to Remember With Free U.S. Marine Band Concert

Music lovers, families, veterans, patriots and everyone in between are all invited to enjoy a fun-filled night of music and entertainment in a special performance by the renowned United States Marine Forces Reserve Band. The free concert will be held Saturday, June 13, at 7:30 p.m. at Newbridge Road Park, located at 2600 Newbridge Road in Bellmore. The band will play patriotic favorites along with a variety of contemporary and traditional arrangements, a repertoire sure to satisfy a diverse range of musical tastes.

From the Desk of Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy: June 12, 2009

Protecting, Supporting and Increasing America’s Nurses

On Thursday, June 4, Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy introduced three pieces of legislation focused on the state of nursing in the nation. The bills, the Student-to-School Nurse Ratio Improvement Act of 2009, Nurse Training and Retention Act of 2009 and a resolution recognizing the need for safe patient handling and movement, are a series of initiatives addressing such issues as increasing the number of school nurses, fixing the nation’s critical nursing shortage and improving workplace safety for nurses.

McCarthy, a nurse for over 30 years, has been at the forefront of issues regarding nursing throughout her tenure in the House of Representatives and was successful in including several nursing education provisions in the historic reauthorization of the Higher Education Opportunity Act last year. 

Around the Town: June 5, 2009

Displaying Our Flag

On June 14 many Americans demonstrate their patriotism by displaying the “Stars and Stripes” for Flag Day.

Americans are proud of our flag, the symbol of this great nation, our constitution and the liberty we enjoy. Many men and women have made enormous sacrifices so that we might live in peace and freedom.

From the Desk of Assemblyman Thomas Alfano: June 5, 2009

Bill Extending Unemployment Benefits for New Yorkers Law

Struggling unemployed Long Islanders whose unemployment benefits are about to run out will be able to tap into a $645 million federal grant for unemployment compensation under legislation overwhelmingly passed by the assembly, Assemblyman Tom Alfano announced.

Alfano, who is ranking member of the powerful Assembly Labor Committee, voted to move the bill to the floor of the assembly that will allow unemployment compensation recipients to receive a 13-week extension on their benefits.

Parenting Plus: May 29, 2009

From Romper Room to the Rubber Room

Among my earliest memories is watching black and white television shows like Ding Dong School and Romper Room. My father told me that Miss Frances, the teacher from Ding Dong School, used to come into the bar and grill that he managed in Newark, New Jersey. The bar was called the P.O.N., which is short for the Pride of Newark.

At the time I didn’t understand why people went to a bar. Even though I couldn’t figure it out, I had an even harder time understanding why Miss Frances would go there since in those days the bar was occupied for the most part by men sitting on stools. And, it smelled of beer. Oh yeah, and there were spittoons under each stool. I didn’t understand that either. I could not figure out what she was doing at the P.O.N. After all, at the time she was the most famous nursery school teacher in the world.

County Executive’s Column: May 29, 2009

141st Running of the Belmont Stakes

On Saturday, June 6, the world’s eyes will once again be on Nassau County, as the 141st running of the Belmont Stakes is held at Belmont Park. Each year, Nassau County benefits as racing fans gather to watch what is known as the “jewel in the Triple Crown,” and at 1 1/2 miles, the Belmont Stakes is also the final and most demanding leg of the Triple Crown.

The Belmont Stakes only adds to our reputation as a renowned equestrian center. In fact, Nassau County has been hosting horse racing events since 1665, when the first formal measure racetrack in North America was built near what is now Garden City.