Deputy Presiding Officer Roger Corbin (D- Westbury) and fellow members of the Majority Legislature recently announced that they are accepting applications from eligible seniors who wish to take part in the Foster Grandparent Program or the Senior Community Service Employment Program.

"Seniors who wish to re-enter the workforce or have the desire to work with children can now do so through these wonderful programs," said Legislator Corbin. "These programs invite seniors to share their ideas, energy and spirit in the workforce or with a special child."

"The Department of Senior Citizen Affairs takes great pride in both of these unique programs," said Commissioner of the Department of Senior Citizen Affairs Sharon Mullen. "Foster grandparents provide eligible seniors with the joy and satisfaction of working with children, and it provides the children with the special attention only a grandparent can give."

Foster Grandparents must be income-eligible seniors and they receive a non-taxable stipend, transportation reimbursement, free lunch, training and supplementary insurance in exchange for 20 hours of service per week. Foster grandparent stipends are not considered wages and do not reduce eligibility for public assistance, food stamps, SSI, subsidized housing or service for any governmental programs.

The Community Service Employment Program places income-eligible Nassau County residents, age 55 and older, in public or private nonprofit agencies for 20 hours per week at the minimum wage to assist and promote their transition to employment.

"Senior Community Service offers beneficial services to seniors who wish to achieve their employment goals," continued Corbin. Qualified members of the staff provide skills training and assistance in identifying and overcoming other barriers to employment.

If you or someone you know is interested in either the Foster Grandparents or Senior Community Service Employment Program, please contact the Nassau County Department of Senior Citizens Affairs at 571-4330.

The Nassau County Legislature's Democratic Majority announced it will propose several "Bright Idea" initiatives prior to the 2004 budget vote. The first will be a proposal for the creation of a "Nassau County Campus Store," modeled after stores in New York City and Broward County, FL.

"Stores of this type can earn up to $1 million a year," said Deputy Presiding Officer Roger Corbin (D-Westbury). "It would make sense then that Nassau County, which is among the 'greatest counties in the country,' should be part of this merchandising phenomenon."

The county has many resources including numerous tourist attractions, 19 full-service parks, seven golf courses, 10 museums, an aquatic center and a workforce of 10,000 people, said Corbin. All of these resources can be promoted through the County Store and its merchandise.

The County Store would offer such items as T-shirts, sweatshirts, caps, coffee mugs, water bottles, umbrellas, mouse pads, tote bags and other gear that would carry the "Nassau County" logo. Other merchandise would include "Blue Books" of names of County officials and contacts, tax maps, GIS information, plans and specifications for construction projects, technical specifications, property record cards and Leisure Passes.

"Nassau County is home to 1.3 million people. That translates into a lot of T-shirts ... and a lot of cash," said Corbin. "Merchandising your product is the American way, and with the Internet and online shopping, we can take this county global."

The Majority Democrats are calling for an advisory board of business people, tourism experts and county officials who will determine where the store should be located, identify the start-up costs, launch a web site and catalog, select profit-making merchandise and create the Nassau County Blue Book.

The proposed Nassau County Store is just the first of several "Bright Idea" initiatives that the Majority's Office of Finance has suggested. Other ideas will be announced over the next five weeks as the legislature conducts budget hearings leading up to the Oct. 30 budget approval deadline.

Deputy Presiding Officer Roger Corbin (D- Westbury) is pleased to announce that women living on low income can now protect their health at little or no cost. Women can call the Adelphi New York Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline and Support Program to learn about where they can get a free or low cost mammogram.

"This toll free hotline will provide our residents with information on resources in their community and will have representatives ready to answer any questions or concerns a woman may have about breast cancer screening," said Corbin. "It is important for women to know that help is just a phone call away."

Hillary Rutter, director of the hotline, said, "Many women living in low income often put their own health last as they struggle to provide for their families and are not aware that they are eligible for a free or low cost mammogram."

Corbin urges women to call the hotline, toll free at 800-877-8077, to find out information on locations where they can receive a free mammogram screening. "It is imperative that women protect their health and take advantage of this wonderful initiative," he said.