Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Nassau County Fire Marshals Office Alert

***** HUNDREDS OF FIRE HYDRANTS SNOW COVERED *****

DUE TO THE RECENT WINTER STORM, HUNDREDS OF FIRE HYDRANTS COUNTYWIDE HAVE BECOME SNOW COVERED.

BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW, AS WELL AS PLOWING OPERATIONS TO OPEN OUR ROADS HAVE CAUSED MANY HYDRANTS TO BECOME TOTALLY BURIED, POSING A GRAVE DANGER SHOULD THEY BE NEEDED IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE.

HOMEOWNERS AND BUSINESS OWNERS COUNTYWIDE ARE BEING ASKED TO TAKE A MOMENT TO LOCATE AND CLEAR A FIRE HYDRANT WHICH MAY BE IN FRONT OF OR NEAR THEIR PROPERTY, MAKING IT EASILY VISABLE TO FIREFIGHTERS AND FIRST RESPONDERS.

DOING SO MAY SAVE A LIFE.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Working Together to Give Kids the Warmth of the Season

New Coats Collected For Kids To Be Distributed

With temperatures already dipping into the low twenties, the demand for warm coats for the needy is greater than ever. In an effort to get as many children as possible the proper winter apparel, the Town of Hempstead has partnered with Kids Helping Kids, by Kids Way, Inc., a local non-profit organization with various local social service groups that assist the needy.

"I'm delighted that the Town of Hempstead was able to facilitate an association between this wonderful organization and local groups that can distribute a vast quantity of warm apparel to those who truly need it", stated Town Supervisor Kate Murray. "Just in time for Christmas, thousands of young people will now be able to enjoy the "warmth of the season."

Circulo de la Hispanidad, the Salvation Army and The Interfaith Nutrition Network were the recipients of thousands of brand new winter coats and warm outerwear provided by Kids Helping Kids. A media event, announcing the availability of new coats was attended by Murray, Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby, Town Clerk Mark Bonilla, Receiver of Taxes Don Clavin, Kids Helping Kids President Bob Eslick and representatives for three organizations who are receiving the new apparel.

Now in its seventh year, Kids Helping Kids by Kids Way, Inc. has distributed thousands of "new only" winter coats and warm outerwear to area children. This year the organization has received over $175,000 worth of new coats, sweatshirts, sweatpants, infant and toddler apparel, and more on the way. "Our goal this holiday season is to provide the gift of warmth to children in need who may not otherwise receive new things" stated Bob Eslick, Executive Director of Kids Helping Kids.

Due to the generosity of clothing importers such as Albert Pardo of Mecca 5/Star and Issac Levy of High Life Apparel, Kids Helping Kids has received to date 3,463 units of apparel to be distributed to needy families and their children throughout Long Island and surrounding areas. Other importers include Adjmi Apparel Group. Long Street, Haddad Brands, Silver Goose and G&W Industries. In addition, because of the financial support from Claudio Zarate of Empire Bakery Equipment and Angelo Giannuzzi of Tesoro Restaurant and the generosity of Joe DiFiore of Monreale Bakery, who has donated the use of his trucks to make all the deliveries, area kids in need will have a truly warm holiday season.

"Thanks to Bob Eslick of Kids Helping Kids, thousands of young people will have a warm feeling all over this holiday season," concluded Murray.

To learn more about Kids Helping Kids go to HappyKidsClub@aol.com.

Monday, December 20, 2010

2011 Girl Scout Cookie Program

While much of the world is in holiday mode for Chanukah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and the New Year, Girl Scouts of Nassau County is getting ready to kick-off the 2011 Girl Scout Cookie Program as soon as we return from our end-of-the-year break.


While some folks are tracking Santa and his progress in Toyland, the elves that we care most about are those at Little Brownie Bakers (corporate cousins of the other baker elves who live in a Hollow Tree). Our elves are busy baking Thin Mints, Samoas, Trefoils, Do-si-dos, Tagalongs and Lemon Chalet Cremes …

Across the country and here in our community people look forward to the Girl Scout Cookie Program. The cookies are delicious, and seeing the girls out in the community helps to remind the public of our outstanding organization. This year, order taking will begin the first week in January, and Girl Scout Cookies® will be available through booths sales until mid April. Cookie rallies will be held at Roosevelt Field on Saturday, Jan. 8, at Green Acres Mall on Saturday, January 15 and at Broadway Mall on Saturday, Jan. 22.
As good as the cookies are, the Girl Scout Cookie Program is about so much more
than the actual cookies. The Cookies are just one of many tools and activities that
make the Girl Scout Leadership Experience one of the most valuable resources
available to girls … The Girl Scout Cookie Program affords girls the opportunity to learn and earn.

As the largest and best financial and entrepreneurial program for girls in the country, the Girl Scout Cookie Program focuses on Five Skills that girls can take and build on throughout their lives... Goal Setting, Decision Making, Money Management, People Skills and Business Enthics.

All Girl Scout programs are designed to meet the age-appropriate developmental skills of girls and safety is always a priority. Girl Scout Daisies (kindergarten and first grade) begin with more support from parents. Online order-taking allows elementary girls to expand their sales to family and friends.

By the time a girl is in middle school and high school she can take opportunities to market her own Girl Scout Cookie Program through social media and by making presentations to businesses. The bigger the goals, the more creative, focused and time girls will need to reach their customers.

Goal Setting: Everyone needs a goal, and a plan to reach the goal. Goals without a
plan are just wishes! Learning to set goals through the Girl Scout Cookie Program carry over to daily life, and goal setting allows girls to dream big and achieve! Girl Scouts may want to take a trip, engage in a special activity or set aside funds to support a project in their community – or elsewhere – that will make the world a better place.

Decision Making: Every aspect of life is impacted by the decisions that we make …
In the Girl Scout Cookie Program girls can decide as a group on the activities and
community projects that they wish to support. Girl Scouts learn how to make decisions based on the shared values of the Girl Scout Promise and Law, and they learn tactics for making decisions that weigh the pros and cons, and allow each girl to have a voice.

Money Management: Girls reinforce basic arithmetic skills and make change. More importantly, they learn the value of money as it applies to reaching a goal. They learn the relationship between how much things cost and the work involved to earn the money to pay for things, activities and projects.

Too many children today have a significant disconnect in their lives between earning money and buying things, and the Girl Scout Cookie Program provides real experience in earning, saving and spending.

People Skills: Through the Girl Scout Cookie Program girls interact with one another through the Goal Setting and Decision Making processes. They interact with customers and learn how to describe the product and answer the customers' questions. They learn to make a presentation, and explain how buying a box of Cookies supports their Girl Scout Troop to meet their goals. Girls also learn to offer the customer the opportunity to help others by supporting our military personnel through Operation Cookie.

Business Ethics: Because a Girl Scout is honest and responsible at all stages of the Cookie Program, she puts her values into action. People see a Girl Scout as trustworthy, and, in turn, she lives up that expectation.

Long after a Girl Scout has completed the Girl Scout Cookie Program, she will have learned the importance of earning money to support herself and to reach her goals. She will bring the values of honesty and responsibility to her own career. She will have the skills to manage a business, persuade an investor to back her, and to run a household. She will be able to influence others in her work and in the community. She will know how to use her talents and her resources to make the world a better place – today and for the rest of her life!

For more information on the Girl Scout Cookie Program, please visit our website at
http://www.gsnc.org/ . You may also contact me at Girl Scouts of Nassau County, 516-741-
2550, ext. 200 or email ceravolo@gsnc. Starting in February our website will be able to direct you to the Cookie Booths nearest to you!

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Take the Free Ride

Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano and Nassau County Police Commissioner Lawrence W. Mulvey support the taxi companies Holiday Free Ride Initiative.


On December 14th local taxi companies are giving free rides to those who need a ride home in an effort to deter Driving While Intoxicated and prevent holiday celebrations from ending in tragedy or arrest. They will continue to offer free rides through January 1, 2011.

“The local taxi companies providing free rides this holiday season truly embody the spirit and generosity we hope to endear,” said County Executive Mangano. “Don’t drink and drive…instead, take the free ride.”

Commissioner Mulvey supports these efforts and believes the public should be aware of this generous offer of public service.

DON’T DRINK and DRIVE!

If any of our residents and customers need a free ride home, after drinking at a local tavern, bar, restaurant or catering hall, from December 14th, 2010 – January 1, 2011 call (516) 326-9090.

Your local taxi companies throughout Nassau and Eastern Queens, are offering free rides, in an effort to prevent drunk driving, which could be deadly.

* Ollie’s Taxi & Airport Service
* All Island Transportation
* Taxi Latino
* Luxury Transportation
* Glen Belle Car Service
* Deluxe Transportation

“I am pleased to support and promote this generous offer of public service by the local taxi companies listed above, said Nassau County Police Commissioner Lawrence W. Mulvey. There is no acceptable excuse for DWI with this offer of a free ride. If you do so in Nassau County, you will be arrested”.

Too many people, despite having too much to drink, are reluctant to give up his or her keys, or have no way to get back to their cars the next day. These taxi companies, will also give you a free ride back to the driver’s car the next day.

"We want all or our residents and customers to be safe over the holiday season. During this joyous time of year, our goal is to prevent or stop any horrible tragedies. If we can avoid one accident or someone from being injured it is well worth it. Don’t drink and drive, let your Transportation Companies be your designated driver and keep you safe,” said Marianne Blessinger, President of Ollie’s Taxi and Airport Service.

We thank the Media for doing their job in informing the public of this important service of ”Don’t drink and drive, call for a free ride home and return ride the next day to pick up your car.”

Contact: Marianne Blessinger (516) 326-9090 Ext. 303

Friday, December 10, 2010

Silver Alert


The Silver Alert Program has been established in order to disseminate immediate information to local media, hospitals and other organizations when a senior citizen or other individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or other cognitive disorders goes missing.

Date and Time: 12/09/10 10:00 A.M.

Missing Person’s Name: Giuseppe Stincone

Missing Person’s Age: 84

Physical Description: Male White, 5’, 125 lbs., Balding with gray hair and a scar on the top of the head

Last Seen Wearing: Red plaid jacket, grey pants and black shoes

Missing Person was last seen at: 155 Hathaway Ave., Elmont

Motor Vehicle and direction of travel: 1994 Ford Temp Green, NY Reg. ARH-3540, possibly headed to Malverne

Monday, December 6, 2010

Holiday Safety Tips Shopping With Children

1. Teach your children to stay with you at all times while shopping. They should always check with you or the person in charge before they go anywhere. Always supervise your children in a public facility and accompany young children to the restroom.

2. Make a plan in case you become separated. Have older kids meet you in a pre-designated spot (e.g. the sales counter or mall information booth). Teach younger children to look for people who can help within the store or mall — a uniformed security officer, a salesperson with a nametag, a mother with children, etc. They should never leave the store/mall or go to the parking lot to look for you or your car.

3. Turn shopping trips into opportunities for your children to practice these “safe shopping” skills.

4. Leave clothing that displays your children’s names at home, as it can prompt unwelcome attention from people who may be looking for an opportunity to start a conversation with your children.

5. Never leave children in toy stores or public facilities (e.g. video arcades, movie theaters, playgrounds) and expect store personnel to supervise your children.

6. Have older children take a friend, if you allow them to go shopping or to public functions without you. It’s more fun and much safer. Older children should check in with you on a regular basis while they are out. Agree on a clear plan for picking them up including: where, what time, and what to do in case of a change in plans.

Friday, December 3, 2010

Zion Youth and Family Community Center of Elmont Toy Drive

Zion Youth & Family Community Center of Elmont was founded in August 20, 2010. By Co-Founders Danilo Sr. & Melissa Archbold. We have three children together and we have been living in Elmont since 1997.

This mission was birthed in 2001 when we were Co-PTA President of Gotham Avenue School. We implemented in that school year the first PTA little league in our school for grades K-6. We were able to bring parents, school staff and the community together. We donated over 20 NBA tickets to Gotham Ave school students and parents to watch a NJ NETS game and provided the students with uniforms for our cheerleading squad, basketball and soccer team.
We also implemented “Teachers of the Year” in order to recognize teachers for their tireless and endless effort in educating our children throughout the school year. We also donated to the school the Bill Board in order to inform people in our community about school events and students achievements. We saw a need in our community, especially among our youth and children and we fulfilled them to the best of our ability. Then we decided to serve our community on a larger scale including families and seniors from different cultures, languages and nationalities whom live in our community.
We also have partnered up with local business in our community, and professionals who are experts in the area of education, medicine, law, finance, family and marriage counseling, social services, hospice care services, athletics & recreation services and spiritual support. These professionals and community leaders are partaking in this organization in various roles. We want to thanks all of our sponsors and volunteer staff for making a difference in our community.

The Youth and Family Community Center is currently asking for donations of new toys and gift certificates
from December 1st thru 11th.  Gifts will benefit the children in our community and children from various hospitals.

Donations can be sent to:
Zion Youth and Family Community Center of Elmont
PO Box 20752
Floral Park New York  11002
or call 516 270-2926

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Driveway Robbery

Robbery Squad detectives are investigating an attempted Robbery that occurred on Tuesday, November 30, 2010 at 7:00 PM in Baldwin.


At that time, according to detectives, the 56 year old female victim, while exiting her vehicle was approached and grabbed from behind in her driveway by a male black subject who attempted to take her handbag off her shoulder. During a struggle, the victim was able to fend off the subject and retain her handbag. The subject then fled the scene on foot. During the altercation, the victim sustained pain and tenderness to her left wrist and refused medical aid at the scene.

The subject is described as a male black in his early 20’s, 5’7” to 5’8” tall, thin build, medium complexion and was clean shaven. The subject was wearing a blue or black sweatshirt with white lettering on the front, dark blue jeans and a dark colored baseball hat.

Investigating detectives state this incident matches a pattern of Robberies in the area by a male black subject(s).

Anyone with information regarding this attempted Robbery is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS. All callers will remain anonymous.

Details by: Det. Lavelle/Robbery Squad 11/30/10/2330/6672
 

Car Seat Safety

If you carry Precious Cargo, make sure your childs' car seat is installed properly. Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday between 12:00 and 2:30, Nassau County is offering a Car Seat Safety Check. Please call 571-9664 for an appointment. Nassau County Traffic Safety is located at 170 Cantiague Rock Road Hicksville, New York

Elmont Chamber of Commerce Annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony

Elmont Chamber of Commerce is hosting the Annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony. Veterans Square, intersection of Hempstead Turnpike and Covert Avenue, Elmont.