Legislator Richard Nicolello voted to improve programs for senior citizens in Nassau County. The legislature approved a state grant for the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). It will be aimed at increasing the scope of the program. The federal program, which has existed in the county for over 30 years, has placed retirees and seniors in various volunteer positions throughout Nassau. With the program's 30th anniversary, RSVP is searching for new volunteers from the 79 million Baby Boomers who are beginning to retire.

"This program is a wonderful example of how seniors continue to give back to their communities after they have retired from the work force. Their knowledge and experiences are important tools to help teach our future generations and through this program they are getting the opportunity to influence young people," Nicolello said.

President Bush, in his State of the Union Address, noted the importance of volunteering and called upon all people to give their time to aid others. The people of Nassau County have responded to that request and yet more volunteers are needed.

The RSVP program has placed volunteers in a variety of different working environments. Nonprofit agencies such as museums, hospitals, animal shelters and government organizations have benefited from the work they do. Anyone over the age of 55 can volunteer. Currently the program has people ranging in age from 55 to volunteers well into their 90s.

"The wide range of people who take part in the program goes to show that it is never too late to make a difference. This program is for people who may ordinarily think that they can no longer contribute to their community. It gives them the opportunity to once again use their talents and abilities to change peoples' lives," Nicolello added.

Those who'd like more information about the RSVP program or other senior citizen activities can call the Nassau County Department of Senior Citizen Affairs at 572-0800.

Legislator Richard Nicolello voted to execute two grants for the Ombudservice Program for the elderly in Nassau. Each of these grants, one federal and one state, will expand the current program in nursing homes to help resolve problems that arise between seniors and caregivers to improve the overall quality of life for the seniors living in nursing homes.

The Family and Children's Association of Nassau County oversees the ombudsman program. They oversee volunteer training and the hiring of employees to serve as coordinators of the ombudsman program. The grants will allow current ombudsman program workers to actively recruit new volunteers to aid seniors in resolving disputes that may arise between them and their caregivers in the nursing home.

"The ombudsman service is designed to protect seniors living in nursing homes, to act as their voices when a situation arises," Nicolello said. "Their unheralded work is an example of the residents of Nassau County giving back to those who came before us."

Those interested in volunteering for the ombudsman program should call 466-9718 for details.