A New Season of Optimism and Opportunities
By Arnold W. Drucker
The old refrain “summer went too fast” in fact never does get old – and that is because so many of us are repeating it again now!
Even as summer’s conclusion evokes tinges of sadness, it also imparts a new and palpable momentum into our lives - toward a new school year for our children, the transition of our recent high school graduates to higher education in colleges and universities around the country, and people entering the job market or changing careers. Our small and local businesses geared up for back-to-school sales, and families are preparing for fall events and religious holidays, most notably the Jewish New Year and the High Holidays.
As I have done since 2016, my office will be hosting a number of events coinciding with this change in seasons to help my constituents and their families prepare for the months ahead.
On Tuesday, September 24, from 5 to 7:30 p.m., we are hosting our twice-annual Shed The Meds event at Syosset Library in partnership with the Second Precinct of the Nassau County Police Department (NCPD). This event is crucially important because it provides a safe and effective way for our friends and neighbors to dispose of unused, unfinished, or expired medications, thereby safeguarding against having those medications end up in the wrong hands or damaging our environment through improper disposal.
Thereafter, on Thursday, October 10, we will be bringing the Homeowner Exemption Liaison Program (H. E. L. P.) property tax exemption workshop series to The Barn at Old Bethpage Village Restoration in partnership with the Department of Assessment. Homeowners and seniors will receive individualized assistance with applying for and receiving all of the tax exemptions they are entitled to receive. We will be repeating that workshop less than two weeks later on Tuesday, October 22 at the Jericho Public Library. Both workshops are from 1 – 3 p.m., and anyone seeking assistance should arrive no later than 2:30 p.m.
Last but certainly not least, on Thursday, November 7, we are teaming up with Nassau University Medical Center to bring the “mammovan” back to our community. This potentially life-saving opportunity gives all women an opportunity to screen for breast cancer in a very expeditious manner – and for those without insurance, they may be able to do so at no cost. Please stay tuned and contact my office closer to the event date for more details!
As we approach the cooler months and contend with the inevitable flu season and an increase in COVID cases, I encourage everyone to protect themselves and their families and take full advantage of the vaccines that are available to keep us safe and healthy. Moreover, with school now back in session and our children, their parents and families joyfully sharing and embracing this new season, I must remind all drivers to exercise an abundance of caution as they traverse the streets of our beautiful community.
My office is always available to anyone and everyone for any questions or needs. It continues to be my utmost honor and privilege to serve as the Legislator for the 16th Legislative District – and I hope you will take a break from the fun, festivities and vendors to stop by say hello to my staff and me on Sunday, September 29 as we support the Syosset Chamber of Commerce’s 20th anniversary Street Fair on Jackson Avenue in Syosset!
Arnold W. Drucker, of Plainview, is the Deputy Minority Leader of the Nassau County Legislature. He has represented the 16th Legislative District since 2016.