Politics & Government

Sandy Funding Available, West Nile Detected and Phone Scam Warning

A weekly look in at the news from around Nassau County.

As Nassau County continues to recover from the devastation of Hurricane Sandy, County Executive Ed Mangano has announced the availability of more than $200 million in federal funds to rebuild damaged child care facilities.

According to the Director of the New York State Office of Children and Family Services for the Division of Child Care Services, the funding can be used for the repair, renovation and rebuilding of child care facilities in both family-based and center-based programs that were affected by Hurricane Sandy.

Mental hygiene and health care facilities that were impacted may also qualify. Child care providers affected by Hurricane Sandy can apply for funding to obtain reimbursement for work already completed and/or for work that is still necessary.

Find out what's happening in Bellmorewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“I urge Nassau County agencies who qualify for these funds to begin the application process now, since the filing deadline of Aug. 30 is rapidly approaching,” Mangano said. “These critical funds can be used to restore, rebuild and repair the facilities.”

Residents with questions about the funding opportunity can call the Child Care Council of Nassau County at 516-358-9250 or their local NYS Office of Children and Family Services Regional Office at 631-342-7041.

Find out what's happening in Bellmorewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Click here for grant application information.

Former Nassau Housing Director Sentenced to Prison

Louis Abate, the former director of the Nassau County Office Office of Housing and Community Development, was sentenced to 18 months in prison Monday after stealing more than $122,000 meant for families in financial need.

According to Newsday [paid link]:

      The judge sentenced Abate to 18 months in federal prison and ordered him to make restitution of the $122,250 he admitted stealing from Department of Housing and Urban Development Section 8 funds intended to subsidize rent for the poor in Island Park. [Judge Sandra] Feuerstein also ordered Abate, after he was released from prison, to serve three years of supervised release during which he had to perform 20 hours of community service a week.

West Nile Virus Detected in Kings Point

Nassau County Department of Health announced Monday the isolation of West Nile virus from mosquitoes at two trap locations in Nassau County.  

The virus was identified in mosquitoes collected on July 12 in Kings Point and Plandome Manor.

Click here to read more on the county’s findings.

NCPD Warns of Phone Scam

The following is from the Nassau County Police Department (NCPD):

The NCPD has received several reports of a telephone scam threatening family members and asking for money. In all instances a male caller states that a family member was involved in an auto accident and insists the victim needs to send money (usually through Western Union) to save or help the family member. A threat of serious physical injury against the person being held was made if the money was not sent.

This information is being provided to residents to make them aware of this ongoing telephone scam and urging them to report any similar incidents to the NCPD.

If you believe you may have been a victim of this scam, please call 911 immediately. Do not send money if a caller requires that you send money “right now!” Never wire money to someone you don’t know well; once your money has been paid at the other end, you will not get it back.

Anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the individual(s) responsible is asked to call Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS(8477).  All callers remain anonymous.

American Red Cross Launches New App to Recruit Volunteers

The American Red Cross has launched the Team Red Cross App, which allows people to sign up to help, get an overview on basic tasks and receive notifications about Red Cross disaster volunteer opportunities in their community.

Once users download the app, they create an account. Then they learn about different jobs, such as working in a warehouse, handing out supplies or assisting with feeding. When the Red Cross has a need for volunteers, the Team Red Cross App will notify users based on their location. Potential volunteers can instantly accept or decline the volunteer opportunity.

The app is free and designed for iPhone and Android smart phones and tablets. Additional features include:

  • A quick orientation right on the mobile device.

  • Ability for people to share notifications for volunteers with their social network.

  • Earn digital “badges” by completing a job test, accepting a job, sharing the app, recruiting volunteers, etc. The “badges” can then be shared with their social network.

  • Allows people to donate money to the Red Cross and sign up to donate blood.

  • Offers emergency response information that people can share with their friends at the touch of a button.

  • The Team Red Cross App can be found in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store by searching for American Red Cross or by going to redcross.org/mobileapps.

    Nassau Hurricane Recovery Fund

    Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano invites residents to join him for dinner at Hurricane Grill & Wings on Stewart Avenue in Garden City on Monday, July 29, from 6 p.m. to close of business.  

    One-hundred percent of proceeds from a special food and drink menu at all Nassau County Hurricane Grill & Wings locations - Syosset, Levittown and Garden City - will be donated to the Nassau Hurricane Recovery Fund (NHRF).  

    A silent auction, consisting of rare comic books, comic book art, and autographed sports memorabilia, will also take place at the Garden city location in an effort to benefit the NHRF.

    Children's Day at Eisenhower Park

    Nassau County will host Children’s Day this Sunday from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Eisenhower Park, sponsored by Bethpage Federal Credit Union. 

    From 3 to 6 p.m. children of all ages will be able to enjoy a variety of activities including carnival rides (ages 2 to 8), bouncy houses (ages 3 to 15), face painting and arts and crafts. Beginning at 6 p.m., Plaza Theatrical Productions will be performing Disney Camp Rock at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre.

    Admission is free.


    Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

    We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here