Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano and Nassau County Police Commissioner Thomas Dale announced today that the Nassau County Police Department (NCPD) will allocate additional police officers to conduct an extensive DWI enforcement initiative this Memorial Day weekend. In addition, the Nassau County Police Department in cooperation with the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services – Office of Counter Terrorism will be conducting a multi-agency initiative that will crack down on law violators in our waterways.

This effective “STOP DWI” initiative, funded by DWI fines collected in Nassau County, allows the County to implement a saturation enforcement strategy that has proven very successful in years past. The NCPD’s Highway Patrol Bureau coordinates and plans this initiative to target certain areas throughout the county. During the Memorial Day Holiday Weekend in 2012, there were 85 DWI arrests made countywide.

“It has been no secret that Nassau County is tough on drunk drivers,” said County Executive Mangano. “No one is safe when there are drunk drivers on our roads or on our waterways. Our Police Officers in Patrol and in our Marine Bureaus will continue to crack down on those who get behind the wheel under the influence. Last year there were 30 fatalities on our roadways as a result of DWI. That’s 30 families destroyed needlessly. Had the drunk drivers involved in these fatalities been responsible in their decision making process, these 30 individuals would be here today with their families.”

“Our message is clear: if you drink and drive period here in Nassau County you will be arrested and prosecuted. To date there have been more than 741 DWI arrests this year and a total of 2,860 DWI arrests last year. I urge everyone to be responsible and to plan accordingly not just this holiday weekend but always so that you and others return home safely to their loved ones,” said Police Commissioner Dale.

“Now that the warm weather is finally here, many families and friends will gather for a variety of celebrations,” said County Executive Mangano. “We want everyone to make smart and responsible decisions not to drink and drive. Our “Choose your Ride” vehicle demonstrates that you have two choices a cab home or a ride in one of our patrol vehicles where you will be booked, processed and prosecuted.”

The event will take place on Thursday May 23rd from 9am until 8pm at the Knight’s Hall, 2333 Bellmore Ave in Bellmore. A free Sandy Legal Relief Clinic will be held from 4pm-6pm; state insurance officials will also be on hand all day to help with any insurance company issues; county and state workers will be available to help residents apply for state financial assistance and much, much more. Other services offered include volunteer groups that provide no cost “rip-outs,” and minor re-building. Island Harvest will provide free food packages and local eateries will provide free refreshments. All are welcome. For more information, please call (516) 785-9407.

County Executive Mangano stated, “I commend the Bellmore Chapter of the Knights of Columbus, for their dedication and commitment to our residents and for answering the call for help. The information gleaned from the officials at these resource fairs are vital to the post-Sandy rebuilding process for many residents. I also thank the Knights for volunteering, around-the-clock, in the days just after Sandy hit to keep the hall open for residents to get warm, charge phones or eat.”

All residents impacted by Superstorm Sandy are encouraged to visit www.NYSANDYHELP.NY.gov to begin the application process for financial assistance.

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 18 from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. at the Shelter Rock Public Library, 165 Searingtown Road, Albertson. Subsequent meetings will be held on the 3rd Tuesday of each month thereafter. The meetings are open to residents of Nassau County.

This support group will provide an opportunity for participants to share experiences and help one another.

PERSONS INTERESTED IN ATTENDING FOR THE FIRST TIME, OR IN NEED OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SHOULD CALL (516) 227-8945.

FRANKLIN SQUARE SENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICE CENTER
Wesley United Methodist Church
619 Fenworth Boulevard, Franklin Square (516) 481-3322

Date: Tuesday, June 4, 11, 18 and 25
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Program: Zumba Gold
Presenter: Barbara Fabrizio

Date: Wednesday, June 5, 12, 19 and 26
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Program: Tai Chi
Presenter: Lois Rhynie

Date: Wednesday, June 5, 12, 19 and 26
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Program: Stretch n ‘Flex Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program
Presenter: Barrie Miller

All programs funded by the Nassau County Office for the Aging

FREEPORT SENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICE CENTER
Salvation Army
66 Church Street, Freeport (516) 623-2008

Date: Tuesday, June 4
Time: 11:45 a.m.
Program: Father’s Day Party (Registration is necessary)
Presenter: Bay City Ramblers

Date: Thursdays, June 6, 13, 20 and 27
Time: 9:45 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Program: Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program
Presenter: Barrie Miller
Funded by the Nassau County Office for the Aging

Date: Tuesday, June 25
Time: 11:15 a.m.
Program: Summertime Fling (Registration is necessary)
Presenter: Tony Grant

GLEN COVE SENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICE CENTER
130 Glen Street, Glen Cove (516) 759-9610

Date: Friday, June 14
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Program: Father’s Day Musical Celebration
Presenter: Barbara Fairfax, a member of Senior Ms. America Pageant

Date: Wednesday, June 19
Time: 1:30 p.m.
Program: Life Long Learning – The Orchids Among Us
Presenter: David Taft, Supervisor for the National Park Service

Date: Wednesday, June 26
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Program: Weddings – Yours & Mine
Presenter: Rev. Francine Decicco, author of The Cure for B.M.S. (Bridal Madness Syndrome)
Bring a picture of your wedding day

HEMPSTEAD SENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICE CENTER
United Methodist Church
40 Washington Street, Hempstead (516) 565-1568

Date: Mondays, June 3, 10, 17 and 24
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Program: Tai Chi
Presenter: Rosalie Brenner

Date: Wednesdays, June 5, 12, 19 and 26
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Program: Zumba Gold
Presenter: Andrea Wool

Date: Thursdays, June 6, 13, 20 and 27
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Program: Arthritis Foundation Exercises
Presenter: Victoria Smith

Date: Wednesday, June 12
Time: 12:00 noon – 2:00 p.m.
Program: Father’s Day Luncheon (Registration required)
Presenter: Senior Center

All programs funded by the Nassau County Office for the Aging

HERRICKS SENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICE CENTER
Herricks Community Center
999 Herricks Road, New Hyde Park (516) 305-8976

Date: Mondays, June 3, 10, 17, and 24
Time: 12:45 p.m.
Program: Stretch and Flex
Presenter: Barrie Miller

Date: Tuesdays, June 4, 11, 18 and 25
Time: 12:30 p.m.
Program: Ceramics
Presenter: Valerie Moreno
Date: Fridays, June 7, 14, 21 and 28
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Program: Tai Chi
Presenter: Joseph Panico

All programs funded by Nassau County Office for the Aging

INWOOD SENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICE CENTER
Five Towns Community Center
270 Lawrence Avenue, Lawrence (516) 239-6244

Date: Tuesdays, June 4, 11, 18 and 25
Time: 1:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Program: Chair Yoga
Presenter: Sandy Pinz
Funded by Nassau County Office for the Aging

Date: Thursday, June 6
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
Program: Diabetes Presentation for Hispanic Seniors
Presenter: IPRO & Center for Medicare, Medicaid

Date: Thursdays, June 6, 13, 20 and 27
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
Program: Tai Chi
Presenter: Joseph Panico
Funded by Nassau County Office for the Aging

JASA LONG BEACH SENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICE CENTER
Temple Beth-El
570 West Walnut Street, Long Beach (516) 432-5555

Date: Wednesday, June 5
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon
Program: Lecture – “Gatsby’s Long Island”
Presenter: Monica Randall

Date: Friday, June 7
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Program: St. Francis Hospital Outreach Mobile Van
Presenter: St. Francis Hospital Outreach Department

Date: Thursday, June 20
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Program: Klezmer Performance and Dinner
Presenter: Margot Leverett and the Klezmer Mountain Boys
Fee: $12 for the performance

JEWEL QUINN SENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICE CENTER AT NORTH MERRICK
Brookside School
1260 Meadowbrook Road, North Merrick (516) 571-8675

Date: Tuesday, June 4
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Program: Gardening & Horticulture
Presenter: Cornell Cooperative Extension of Nassau County – Sponsored by David Denenberg
Date: Thursday, June 6
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Program: Choose Low-Fat Dairy
Presenter: Mae Bennett, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Nassau County
Funded by the Nassau County Office for the Aging

Date: Fridays, June 7, 14, 21 and 28
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Program: Quilting
Presenter: Joyce Verity
Funded by the Nassau County Office for the Aging

LIFE ENRICHMENT CENTER AT OYSTER BAY SENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICE CENTER
45 East Main Street, Oyster Bay (516) 922-1770

Date: Tuesdays, June 4, 11, 18 and 25
Time: 10:15 a.m.
Program: Strength Training
Presenter: Judi Pullman
Funded by the Nassau County Office for the Aging

Date: Thursdays, June 6 and 27
Time: 11:20 a.m.
Program: Zumba Gold
Presenter: Carol Rodriguez

Date: Wednesday, June 19
Time: 11:15 a.m.
Program: Nutrition
Presenter: Cornell Cooperative
Funded by the Nassau County Office for the Aging

MASSAPEQUA PARK SENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICE CENTER
Our Lady of Lourdes School
379 Linden Street, Massapequa Park (516) 797-5357

Date: Tuesdays, June 4, 11, 18 and 25
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Program: Tai Chi
Presenter: Denise Snyder

Date: Thursdays, June 6 and 20
Time: 12:30 p.m.
Program: Art
Presenter: Melanie Wolf

Date: Thursdays, June 6, 13 and 27
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Program: Sculpture
Presenter: Veronica Smith

All programs funded by the Nassau County Office for the Aging

OCEANSIDE SENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICE CENTER
St. Anthony’s School
80 Anchor Avenue, Oceanside (516) 764-9792

Date: Mondays, June 3, 10, 17 and 24
Time: 10:45 a.m.
Program: Arthritis Foundation Exercise
Presenter: Barrie Miller

Date: Mondays, June 3, 10, 17 and 24
Time: 12:45 p.m.
Program: Tai Chi
Presenter: John Brisco

Date: Tuesdays, June 4, 11, 18 and 25
Time: 10:45 a.m.
Program: Dancercise
Presenter: Isabelle Desio

Date: Wednesdays, June 5, 12, 19 and 26
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Program: Yoga
Presenter: Mary Mazzone

Date: Thursdays, June 6, 13, 20 and 27
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Program: Zumba
Presenter: Barbara Fabrizio

All programs funded by the Nassau County Office for the Aging

The programs, being offered by the Nassau County Office for the Aging, will be held at the Elmont Public Library at 700 Hempstead Turnpike.

On Tuesday, June 11, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.the Caregiver Support Group will be held for all caregivers. The group, which is led by Sari Flesch, A.A., B.A., from the county’s Office for the Aging, provides an opportunity for participants to share their experiences and help one another. Coffee and cookies will be served.

On Friday, June 28, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., The Voice of Grandparents is scheduled. This ongoing support group is also led by Sari Flesch, A.A., B.A., from the county’s Office for the Aging and provides an opportunity for grandparents to share with others who may be experiencing the same issues. Coffee and cookies will be served and all are welcome.

PERSONS INTERESTED IN ATTENDING FOR THE FIRST TIME, OR IN NEED OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SHOULD CALL (516) 227-8945.

“Working with Governor Cuomo and his staff, we are pleased to offer registration assistance to residents who are applying for vital recovery programs,” said County Executive Mangano. “I encourage all of the residents and business owners eligible for Sandy recovery programs to visit the website and to stop by one of the Disaster Recovery Centers this Saturday to complete the application process if they have not done so already.”

All residents are encouraged to visit www.NYSANDYHELP.NY.gov to begin the application process. New York State and Nassau County will be manning Disaster Recovery Centers to assist applicants from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 18th at the following locations:

Long Beach Recreation Center and Ice arena, 700 Magnolia Blvd, Long Beach
Island Park Village Hall, 127 Long Beach Road, Island Park
Cedar Creek Park, Merrick Road, Seaford

Pictured are: Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano; Nassau County Legislative Presiding Officer Norma Gonsalves; Nassau County Legislators Dennis Dunne, Rose Walker and Michael Venditto; Acting President of Nassau Community College Dr. Kenneth Saunders; Nassau County Fire Marshal Scott Tusa; North Merrick Fire Chief Sean Kelleher; Paul Wilders, Commissioner of the North Merrick Fire District; Craig Craft, Commissioner of the Office of Emergency Management; Deputy County Executive of Public Safety Vic Politi; and members of the North Merrick Fire Department.

Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano was joined by Legislative Presiding Officer Norma Gonsalves; Nassau County Legislators Dennis Dunne, Rose Walker and Michael Venditto; Acting President of Nassau Community College (NCC) Dr. Kenneth Saunders; and Nassau County Fire Marshal Scott Tusa as they announced funding to save the Volunteer Firefighter Recruitment and Retention Scholarship Program that provides volunteers with free community college tuition. The scholarship was placed in jeopardy as Federal Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant funds are no longer available for the program. Working together they have come to a resolution through which current and future students who have been eligible to have their tuition to Nassau Community College (NCC) reimbursed through the SAFER Grant will continue to have their tuition reimbursed for the 2013-2014 academic year through a NCC Scholarship.

The SAFER grant, which is Federally funded, is designed to encourage individuals to become participants in Nassau County’s volunteer fire departments and as fire department EMS providers by offering a tuition reimbursement while they attend NCC. In exchange for the tuition reimbursement, student/volunteers must maintain volunteer activity and training levels and certain academic objectives during their course of study and must commit to a post-education service obligation of one year for each year of scholarship that they receive. However, the grant for Nassau County’s Department of Office of Emergency Management has expired. The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is very hopeful that the grant will be renewed for the 2014-2015 academic year. The agreement between the County and the College would, in effect, provide a bridge for the 2013-2014 academic year to benefit these students and the County’s volunteer fire departments and fire department EMS providers.

In consideration of the College’s efforts, Nassau County’s OEM will work with the College to provide for security related improvements at the College of a value equal to the tuition reimbursement. These improvements would be paid for by OEM through resources provided to it by the US Department of Homeland Security. The College will utilize a portion of its fund balance to fund the scholarship for the 2013-2014 academic year.

“In arriving at this solution through working together – the County with Nassau Community College, Executive and Legislative branches, Republicans and Democrats – we are showing the same teamwork, timeliness, resourcefulness and caring that are at the very heart of the volunteer fire services in Nassau County,” said County Executive Mangano of the agreement that will allow the tuition reimbursement program at NCC to continue for the 2013-2014 academic year.

Mangano added, “Encouraging increased participation by firefighters and EMS providers in the volunteer fire services in Nassau County through assisting students in paying for their education is a plan that’s a property protector, a life saver and a dream maker.”

According to Dr. Kenneth Saunders, Acting President of Nassau Community College, “The approach embodied in this agreement is a ‘win-win-win’ for everybody. The recruitment efforts of the volunteer fire services will be boosted, students will receive a tuition reimbursement, and NCC will have its security infrastructure enhanced.”

“This program gives Nassau County the opportunity to give back to those willing to put their lives on the line for the safety of Nassau residents,” said Presiding Officer Norma Gonsalves. “I am pleased to be able to provide these dedicated individuals with an added incentive to allow them to continue their volunteer work while also improving their lives.”

“It is imperative that we continue to offer incentives such as the Nassau County Community College Tuition Reimbursement Program for our volunteer firefighters,” said Walter H. Weltner Jr., Commissioner of the Nassau County Fire Commission. “As we saw during Superstorm Sandy and many other tragedies we are dependent upon our local firefighters and emergency services personnel in times of crisis and unfortunately the ranks in many of our local departments are dwindling. I applaud the efforts of County Executive Mangano and our Nassau Legislators for coming together to fill the void left by the expiration of the SAFER grant.”

The Job Preparation Workshops are being offered Thursday, May 16th and May 23rd from 2:00 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Mitchel Field Athletic Complex located at 1 Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Uniondale, across from the Cradle of Aviation Museum. Professionals from reputable personnel staffing agencies will be conducting these workshops. Pre-registration is required by calling 516-227-7692 or 516-227-8656.

With more than 220 companies already registered to participate at the Private Sector Job Fair and more than 5,000 job seekers expected to attend, the competition could be great. “We encourage everyone, including veterans, to register for one of the free job preparation workshops as this is a great opportunity to enhance your ability of becoming gainfully employed,” stated County Executive Ed Mangano. “The better prepared the job seekers are, the more confident they come across which can lead to greater employment opportunities and success.”

County Executive Mangano stated, “I commend the Urban League of Long Island for their dedication and commitment to our residents. This Superstorm Sandy Recovery Expo will provide residents with access to vital information and services from industry experts and community organizations.”

The Superstorm Sandy Recovery Expo will include industry professionals from relevant fields such as insurance, law, construction, mental health, finance, banking, and community groups. County Executive Mangano will also have a Mobile Command Vehicle onsite to help Hurricane Sandy victims sign up for state assistance. Residents are also encouraged to visit www.NYSANDYHELP.NY.gov to begin the application process.

The Urban League is encouraging organizations wishing to maintain a table to provide advice/services to forum participants to call (516) 570-6645 or email info@sandynow.org.