TONH Notebook: Green Team, Funday and Survey Results

See litter in the neighborhood? Tell it to North Hempstead’s Green Team.

The unit was formed by the Town in 2005 to keep North Hempstead’s downtowns clean, complementing the efforts of shopkeepers and residents alike. You can alert the team by dialing 311.

In 2005 alone, the Green Team picked up a reported 5,980 pounds of litter off of North Hempstead streets. And from January through March of 2011, the team collected nearly 400 pounds. 

The 311 Call Center will direct residents to the appropriate contact if they are calling about litter on County, State or Village roads.

Annual Winter Celebration

March 24 marked the Town’s Annual Senior Winter Funday Celebration – a 17-year-old tradition.

This year the event took place at the Westbury Manor in Westbury, where hundreds enjoyed lunch, prizes and dancing to live music by the Vic Vincent Group.

The event is part of Town Supervisor Jon Kaiman’s commitment to help seniors enjoy life and “stay active socially to maintain their overall good health,” according to a Town press release.

New Hyde park residents Hilda and John Escobar gave the afternoon high marks. “We’re having a great time,” Hilda Escobar said.  

The Survey Says…

It’s been a year since the Town launched its non-emergency medical transportation program for senior citizens. And those using the service deem it as providing “immeasurable” help, according to a survey conducted by Hofstra University. 

The program is provided through the Town’s Department of Services for the Aging, which has coordinated service with four private taxi companies in North Hempstead.

While there is always room for improvement, nearly 42 percent of those surveyed said the ease of making appointments was “excellent.” Also rated “excellent” was promptness (nearly 35 percent), friendliness (almost 33 percent), accommodation to riders’ needs (approximately 33 percent), and overall quality of service (an estimated 44 percent).

The majority of those in the program are females, with the average age nearly 83 years old. Most also use a cane, walker or wheelchair, according to the survey.

The survey was given to 177 members of Project Independence, the Town’s program to help seniors age in place. For more information about the program call 311, or if outside of North Hempstead, dial (516) TOWN-311.