Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Hempstead Town Shelter and Rescue Inc.

As part of the "Home for the Holidays" Pet Adoption Program, Hempstead Town is waiving all adoption fees as well as rabies vaccination fees for all pets adopted from the town's animal shelter through January 15, 2011. What's more, all cats and dogs adopted will be spayed or neutered and microchipped free of charge. In the holiday spirit, each adopted pet will receive a special gift generously donated by Animal Appetites Limited of Wantagh.


Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray joined with the men of Rescue Ink, an animal rescue group well known for their National Geographic television series, to host a Holiday Pet Adoption Fair at the town's Animal Shelter on Saturday, December 18th.

"Especially during the holiday season, few things can equal the joy of giving a loving cat or dog a home," Supervisor Murray said. "We invite everyone to celebrate in the holiday spirit and adopt a loving pet at the town's Animal Shelter."

The Holiday Party and Pet Adoption Fair featured a Rescue Ink motorcycle motorcade, a visit from Santa "Claws," live music, holiday drinks and refreshments provided by Stop & Shop and many furry friends. PETCO, Eukanuba, Animal Appetites and Dog Grooming by Rachel also joined the festivities.

"Along with some of the most ardent animal rescuers in the metropolitan area, we'll be ringing in the holiday spirit while working to give shelter dogs and cats a loving home for the holidays," Councilwoman Angie Cullin stated.

Joe Panz of Rescue Ink said, "This holiday season, give the gift of a forever home to an animal ... It is the gift you will give yourself: the love of an animal. The gift that will keep on giving. ... Remember, this holiday season don't shop: Adopt!"


"Through the 'Home for the Holidays' program, we hope to continue helping residents experience the joys of pet ownership while giving wonderful dogs and cats good homes with loving owners," Councilman Gary Hudes said.

Because the 'Home for the Holidays' program has been such a success, town officials decided to make it even easier for residents to adopt furry friends all throughout the year.

"I'm thrilled to announce that the town will be waiving adoption fees for all seniors, veterans, physically challenged residents, volunteer firefighters and auxiliary police officers who bring new pets into their homes throughout any season," Supervisor Murray said.

Additionally, the Hempstead Town Animal Shelter has launched a Facebook page to help more adoptable pets find loving homes. Residents and friends can visit Facebook and search for Hempstead Town AnimalShelter to see photos and videos of the wonderful dogs and cats at the shelter and to keep up with all of the animal shelter employees, events and news. Families are invited to post photos of the furry friends they've adopted from our shelter so everyone can see how happy the pets are with their new families.

Anyone who is not signed up for Facebook but is interested in pet adoption can experience holiday joy on the web by viewing pets on the town's website (www.toh.li) and using the Petfinder link on the animal shelter web page. You can also visit the shelter, located at 3320 Beltagh Avenue in Wantagh, Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

"Make pet adoption a big part of your holiday season by giving a wonderful dog or cat the gift of a loving family," Murray concluded.

Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray joined with the men of Rescue Ink, an animal rescue group well known for their National Geographic television series, to host a Holiday Pet Adoption Fair at the town's Animal Shelter on Saturday, December 18th.

"Especially during the holiday season, few things can equal the joy of giving a loving cat or dog a home," Supervisor Murray said. "We invite everyone to celebrate in the holiday spirit and adopt a loving pet at the town's Animal Shelter."

The Holiday Party and Pet Adoption Fair featured a Rescue Ink motorcycle motorcade, a visit from Santa "Claws," live music, holiday drinks and refreshments provided by Stop & Shop and many furry friends. PETCO, Eukanuba, Animal Appetites and Dog Grooming by Rachel also joined the festivities.

"Along with some of the most ardent animal rescuers in the metropolitan area, we'll be ringing in the holiday spirit while working to give shelter dogs and cats a loving home for the holidays," Councilwoman Angie Cullin stated.

Joe Panz of Rescue Ink said, "This holiday season, give the gift of a forever home to an animal ... It is the gift you will give yourself: the love of an animal. The gift that will keep on giving. ... Remember, this holiday season don't shop: Adopt!"

As part of the "Home for the Holidays" Pet Adoption Program, Hempstead Town is waiving all adoption fees as well as rabies vaccination fees for all pets adopted from the town's animal shelter through January 15, 2011. What's more, all cats and dogs adopted will be spayed or neutered and microchipped free of charge. In the holiday spirit, each adopted pet will receive a special gift generously donated by Animal Appetites Limited of Wantagh.

"Through the 'Home for the Holidays' program, we hope to continue helping residents experience the joys of pet ownership while giving wonderful dogs and cats good homes with loving owners," Councilman Gary Hudes said.

Because the 'Home for the Holidays' program has been such a success, town officials decided to make it even easier for residents to adopt furry friends all throughout the year.

"I'm thrilled to announce that the town will be waiving adoption fees for all seniors, veterans, physically challenged residents, volunteer firefighters and auxiliary police officers who bring new pets into their homes throughout any season," Supervisor Murray said.

Additionally, the Hempstead Town Animal Shelter has launched a Facebook page to help more adoptable pets find loving homes. Residents and friends can visit Facebook and search for Hempstead Town AnimalShelter to see photos and videos of the wonderful dogs and cats at the shelter and to keep up with all of the animal shelter employees, events and news. Families are invited to post photos of the furry friends they've adopted from our shelter so everyone can see how happy the pets are with their new families.

Anyone who is not signed up for Facebook but is interested in pet adoption can experience holiday joy on the web by viewing pets on the town's website (www.toh.li) and using the Petfinder link on the animal shelter web page. You can also visit the shelter, located at 3320 Beltagh Avenue in Wantagh, Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

"Make pet adoption a big part of your holiday season by giving a wonderful dog or cat the gift of a loving family," Murray concluded.

Monday, December 20, 2010

2011 GirlScout 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

FREE RIDES TO SAVE LIVES

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

Tips for Scam Free Holiday Online Shopping

Shopping online is becoming increasingly popular. It is an easy way to shop for sales and avoid crowds at the mall. It is also an easy way to get ripped off.

With the holidays fast approaching, County Executive Edward P. Mangano, Police Commissioner Lawrence W. Mulvey and the Nassau County Police Department would like to remind citizens to take care when ordering items over the internet.

Trust your instincts. If you don’t feel comfortable buying or bidding on an item over the web, or if you feel pressured to place your order immediately, maybe you shouldn’t.

Be knowledgeable about web-based auctions. Take special care to familiarize yourself not only with the rules and policies of the auction site itself but with the legal terms (warranties, refund policy, etc.) of the seller’s items that you wish to bid on.

Double check pricing. Whether the product is being sold as new or used, be suspicious of prices that are too good to be true. Also consider carefully whether you may be paying too much for an item, particularly if you’re bidding through an auction site. You may want to comparison shop, online or offline, before you buy.

Find and read the privacy policy. Read the privacy policy carefully to find out what information the seller is gathering from you, how the information will be used, and how you can stop the process. If a site does not have a privacy policy posted, you may not want to do business with that site. If it does have a privacy policy, there will probably be a link to it from the seller’s home page, or it could be included with the Legal Terms.

Review the return, refund, and shipping and handling policies as well as the other legal terms. If you can’t find them, ask the seller through an e-mail or telephone call to indicate where they are on the site or to provide them to you in writing. Often, return shipping charges may be more expensive than the item itself. Some retailers may only return for store credit or charge restocking fees. It is important to know these details prior to placing an order.

Check that the Internet connections are secure. Before you give your payment information, there are various icons and software programs that indicate that security software is in place.

Use the safest way to pay on the Internet. Pay for your order using a credit card. There are new payment options for users wary of putting their credit-card information on the Web. Some credit card companies offer temporary account numbers for their cardholders. These services will generate a random number that you can paste into a merchant's payment form. This limits exposing useful financial information to thieves and hackers. The merchant can't tell that you're using a temporary number, and the charge appears on your credit-card statement like a normal purchase. You can request a new number every time you shop or use the temporary number for multiple purchases, though each number can be used with only one merchant.

Print the terms. You should print out and date a copy of terms, conditions, warranties, item description, company information, even confirming e-mails, and save them with your records of your purchase.

Insure the safe delivery of your item. If you’re concerned about the safety of your package if there’s no one home to receive it, ask whether you can specify that the shipper must receive a signature before leaving the package. Or, it may be safer to have the package delivered to your office.

Inspect your purchase. Look at your purchase carefully as soon as you receive it. Contact the seller as soon as possible if you discover a problem with it. Tell the seller in writing about any problem that you are concerned with, ask for a repair or refund, and keep a copy of your correspondence.

PETCO Foundation Grant

PETCO Foundation Grant Supports Town's Trap/Neuter/Return Program For Feral Cats

Thanks to the generosity of the PETCO Foundation, Hempstead Town is furthering its efforts to control the area's feral cat population. Supervisor Kate Murray announced today that a $5,000 grant from the PETCO Foundation will be utilized in support of the town's Trap/Neuter/Release (TNR) program for feral cats.

"Hempstead Town is grateful to the PETCO Foundation for its financial support of our efforts to mitigate the overpopulation of feral cats in our township," said Supervisor Kate Murray. "These additional funds will help us to establish a weekly TNR program for feral cats at the town's animal shelter in Wantagh."

Feral cats (non-pet felines, living in outdoor environment) have reached epidemic numbers on Long Island. Feral cats that are not spayed or neutered may wander from place to place throughout our region, resulting in pockets of feral cat overpopulation.

"The Town of Hempstead is being proactive in combating this serious problem with a Trap/Neuter/Return program. Residents who are feeding feral cats are encouraged to schedule an appointment to have the felines spayed or neutered free of charge," stated Murray.

Spay/neuter surgeries will be scheduled on Thursdays, by appointment only. Town residents may bring in up to three feral cats for free spay/neuter, and are asked to arrive at the animal shelter no later than 7:30 a.m. on their appointment day. For the safety of all participants, each feral cat must be brought to the shelter in its own trap. Cats may be picked up in the afternoon, the same day as the surgery. Spayed/neutered feral cats should be transported back to the release site after the appropriate recovery time.

Space is limited and appointments will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. Proof of residency must be provided. To register for an appointment or to get more information about the town's TNR program, please call the animal shelter at (516) 785-5220, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. The Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter is located at 3320 Beltagh Avenue in Wantagh.

"With the support of the PETCO Foundation, we can make a difference in dealing with the growing number of feral cats here in the Town of Hempstead," concluded Supervisor Murray. "I urge every resident who cares about feral cats to take advantage of this great opportunity."

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.