This special passport event will be held at Hempstead Town Hall on Saturday, March 10, from 9 AM until 3 PM.

“We encourage you to take advantage of our popular one-stop passport processing services at Passport Day in the USA,” Murray said. “This special day at Town Hall is convenient for residents who may not be able to apply for a passport during the work week.”

”The Town of Hempstead is happy to provide this convenience service to all of its working families and seniors.  Our Town Clerk, Mark Bonilla, and his staff will process all paperwork and even take the required photos for residents.  Many past applicants have also been extremely happy at the speed they receive their passports or renewals when they apply through the Town Clerk’s office,” said Senior Councilman Anthony J. Santino.

Any American citizen who plans to travel internationally is required to have a valid passport when entering or re-entering the United States by air. American citizens entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda at land borders and sea ports of entry must present a passport book, passport card, or other travel documents approved by the U.S. government. 

A relatively new, convenient and cost effective alternative to the book style passport is the passport card. The card, which became available in 2008, can be used to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda at land and sea border crossings. The card CANNOT be used for international travel by air. The card, however, is less costly and more convenient to carry than a traditional passport.

“For those traveling this summer, the time to apply is now,” Bonilla said. “It normally takes four to six weeks for passports to process. Avoid unnecessary stress by applying at our Passport Day in the USA.”

Since establishing the One-Stop Passport Shop, town officials have continued to make the process of obtaining a passport easy and convenient for would-be travelers. Now the nation’s largest passport acceptance facility, the Passport Shop at Hempstead Town Hall is open weekdays, from 8 AM to 4:45 PM. Appointments are not required. The town can even take the passport photos. The Town Clerk’s “Speedy Pass” brings a mobile passport facility to organizations, teams and clubs who plan to travel abroad, making it easier for groups of travelers to obtain necessary travel documents.

For passport requirements and fees, please visit www.toh.li/passport-services or call the town’s One-Stop Passport Shop at (516) 812-3100 during regular business hours.

“Come to Town Hall to apply for your passport book or passport card,” Councilman Santino concluded. “It is an easy, convenient way to obtain your required travel documents.”

“We have such an extraordinary amount of talent in the Town of Hempstead and these students exemplify the best and brightest,” said Murray. “The high level of research they did is extraordinary.”

Senior Councilman Anthony J. Santino congratulated Hewlett High School student Patricia Donskoy and Oceanside High School students Anoj Llanges and David Sheynberg on their stellar academic achievement.  “There’s no question that these Intel Science semifinalists are an inspiration to their fellow students and represent a bright future for our community and Country,” said Santino.

The Intel Science Talent Search (STS) is often considered the “Junior Nobel Prize” and is America’s oldest (since 1942) and most prestigious pre-college science competition. The Intel competitors are considered the next generation of scientists and engineers. Intel STS finalists were selected based on their research ability, scientific originality, creative thinking and ability to apply science to the world around them. New York had more semifinalists in the Intel Science Talent Search than any other state, 105 among 300 young people from across the United States named semifinalists. Long Island captured 61 semifinalist slots and 11 of those students are from the Town of Hempstead.

In addition to honoring the students themselves – as well as Hewlett and Oceanside High Schools – Murray and Santino recognized the 5 other schools from which the champions hail. John F. Kennedy High School in Bellmore had three semifinalists; General Douglas MacArthur High School in Levittown had two semifinalists; and Wellington C. Mepham High School in Bellmore, Sanford H. Calhoun High School in Merrick, and Valley Stream South High School in Valley Stream each had one semifinalist.

The semifinalists each received $1,000 in recognition of their scientific achievements.  The schools where the semifinalists attend will also receive $1,000 per semifinalist.  Supervisor Murray and Senior Councilman Santino also commended the teachers and parents of the students for their contributions to the success of all 11 scholars.

“The Town of Hempstead is very proud of these elite students,” said Murray. “I would like to congratulate the students, their families and schools for this outstanding achievement. I wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors.”

“Each teacher and parent – our children’s mentors – shares in the pride that these Intel semifinalists possess,” noted Santino, before adding “Parents and educators alike should be justifiably proud of these notable achievements; it’s because of them that our students reached their full potential.”

“The VITA Program has a long and successful history of helping seniors who require assistance filing their tax returns,” said Supervisor Kate Murray. “The Town of Hempstead is proud to continue offering this important program for mature taxpayers.”

All VITA tax preparers are resident volunteers who have been trained by the Department of Senior Enrichment in conjunction with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Seniors who attend one of the tax preparation sessions MUST bring their 2010 tax return, W2 form, 1099 form (for interest, dividends, capital gains, pensions, IRAS and annuities), 2011 general and school tax receipts, STAR exemption records, social security cards and photo identification. Required documents also include itemized expenses (if applicable), such as medical and prescription bills, mortgage interest, contributions and/or insurance premiums. Residents may be asked to complete additional paperwork at their session.

“This free VITA program is a valuable resource for our town’s senior citizens,” said Senior Councilman Santino. “Our dedicated group of VITA volunteers helps make preparing a tax return much easier for our seniors,” Santino added.

“I would like to thank our group of VITA volunteers for their help in making this program possible,” concluded Murray. “I urge all of our senior residents to take advantage of this free tax program.”

To view a VITA Program schedule, seniors should call the Town of Hempstead Department of Senior Enrichment at (516) 485-8100 or visit the VITA webpage.

Supervisor Murray, Councilman Santino and their Town Board colleagues announced a schedule of dates and times for Hempstead Town’s Senior Citizens’ Crime Prevention Seminars. All seminars are free of charge, and open to all senior residents living in the Town of Hempstead.

“I urge all senior citizens to take advantage of this free educational safety seminar,” Murray said. “Simple prevention measures that will be discussed during the seminars can protect our residents and keep them out of harm’s way.”

“We are delighted to have the Town offer this informative and free seminars to give valuable safety information to our communities’ seniors,” added Senior Councilman Santino.  “The best way to fight crime is to prevent it in the first place; these seminars give you the tools to do just that,” concluded Santino.

“Distraction burglaries” typically involve multiple criminals targeting seniors at their homes.  Usually, one person diverts the senior citizen’s attention at the front door with a bogus service or sales pitch, while another breaks into the home and steals money and/or valuable items. These valuable seminars educate seniors about what to watch for, what to avoid and how to protect themselves from these criminals.

A free senior citizen crime prevention brochure is also available for residents. It can be obtained by calling the Hempstead Town Department of Public Safety at (516) 538-1900. The brochure will also be distributed at the seminars.

In the case of inclement weather, check with individual senior centers on event dates by calling the phone numbers listed.

The seminar schedule is as follows:

Senior Citizen Crime Prevention Schedule (by community)

Baldwin Senior Center, 1810 Grand Avenue, Baldwin, (516) 546-7110 – Monday, February 6: 11 a.m.

Bellmore Senior Center, 2000 Bellmore Avenue, Bellmore, (516) 221-9696 – Tuesday, February 28: 11 a.m.

Cedarhurst Senior Center, Village Hall, 200 Cedarhurst Avenue, Cedarhurst, (516) 295-1177 -  Monday, February 6: 2 p.m.          

Elmont Senior Center, 138 Elmont Road, Elmont, (516) 354-4777 – Monday, February 13: 11 a.m.

Franklin Square Senior Center, 1182 Martha Place, Franklin Square , (516) 328-3010 -  Monday, February 13: 1 p.m.

Green Acres Senior Center, 400 Flower Road, Valley Stream, (516) 872-8810 – Tuesday, February 21: 11 a.m.

Hempstead Senior Center, 260 Clinton Street, Hempstead, (516) 489-8500 – Friday, February 10: 1 p.m.

Levittown Senior Center, 555 North Newbridge Road, Levittown, (516) 433-5454 – Tuesday, February 7: 1 p.m.

Merrick Senior Center, 2550 Clubhouse Road, Merrick, (516) 868-4777 – Tuesday, February 14: 1 p.m.

Oceanside Senior Center, 2900 Rockaway Avenue, Oceanside, (516) 766-8888 – Monday, January 23: 11 a.m.

Rosa Parks Senior Center, 2 Babylon Turnpike, Roosevelt, (516) 867-1612 – Friday, February 3, 11 a.m.

Salisbury Senior Center, 460 Salisbury Park Drive, Westbury, (516) 333-5440 – Tuesday, February 7: 11 a.m.

Uniondale-Hempstead Senior Center, 840 Uniondale Avenue, Uniondale, (516) 292-1313 – Friday, February 3: 1 p.m

Uniondale-Merrick Senior Center, 750 Jerusalem Avenue, Uniondale, (516) 538-5050 – Friday, February 10: 11 a.m. 

Wantagh Senior Center, 1150 Seamans Neck Road, Wantagh, (516) 785-8505 -  Friday, February 17: 11 a.m.

“VITA is an invaluable service offered to senior citizens who require assistance in filing for annual income tax returns,” said Senior Councilman Anthony J. Santino.

Hempstead Town’s VITA Program helps senior citizens prepare their federal and state income tax returns and secure every penny of the refunds to which they are entitled.

Supervisor Kate Murray unveiled this year’s program before the New Year, saying “[t]he Town of Hempstead is proud to partner with the Internal Revenue Service to assist our golden-aged residents.”

For many seniors, it can be difficult to gather all the important financial information required in filing for an income tax return. However, the VITA program offered the Department of Senior Enrichment will pair seniors with an IRS-trained volunteer to help them file and get the highest possible tax return. Volunteers will be on hand at Hempstead Town senior centers and local libraries in the months leading up to the filing deadline (April 17, 2012).

No experience is required for prospective volunteers, as they will undergo a brief training program. Weekday training will be held between January 9 and January 27, 2012 at 200 North Franklin Street in Hempstead; Saturday training will be held on January 7, 14, 21 and 28 at the Lakeview Public Library (1120 Woodfield Road in Rockville Centre).

Volunteers will work a minimum of three daytime hours per week during February, March and April.

For more information on this great service offered to senior citizens, call the Department of Senior Enrichment at (516) 485-8100.

“Volunteering your time in the VITA program can make a real difference in the lives of our senior citizens here in Hempstead Town,” said Senior Concilman Santino. 

Supervisor Kate Murray concluded by saying “I would like to thank the Department of Senior Enrichment and the Internal Revenue Service for coordinating this great program.”

In an effort to get as many children as possible the proper winter apparel, the Town of Hempstead has partnered with Kids Helping Kids by Kids Way, Inc., a local non-profit organization with various local social service groups that assist the needy.

“I’m delighted that the Town of Hempstead was able to facilitate an association between this wonderful organization and local groups that can distribute a vast quantity of warm apparel to those who truly need it”, stated Town Supervisor Kate Murray.

Senior Councilman Anthony J. Santino also added that “with the chronically depressed economy taking its toll on working families, the importance of getting warm coats to parents for their young ones is more important now than ever.  Just in time for the Holiday Season, thousands of young people will now be able to enjoy the ‘warmth of the season’ for Christmas, Chanukah, and Kwaanza.”

The Salvation Army in Hempstead, Nassau County Social Services and the Education and Assistance Corporation were among the recipients of thousands of brand new winter coats and warm outerwear provided by Kids Helping Kids, through its Making a Warmth of Difference Program.

Now in its eighth year, Kids Helping Kids by Kids Way, Inc. has distributed thousands of winter coats and warm outerwear to area children, with a value of over $1 million.  This year alone, the organization has received close to $200,000 worth of new outerwear, fleece, infant and toddler apparel and more.

“When we talk about ‘Making a Warmth of Difference’ the beneficiaries are not only the kids, but their families as well, economically speaking, as they don’t have to go out and spend limited and valued income on winter related apparel,” stated Bob Eslick, Executive Director of Kids Helping Kids.

“This is a wonderful program that helps so many in our local communities who need it,” added Senior Councilman Santino, before concluding “I am so pleased to help spread the word to residents and families that these coats are available.”

As Town of Hempstead officials broke open the lock to the entrance on Nov. 30, dozens of workers stood at the ready to begin the massive undertaking of cleaning up the vacant lot at 425 Atlantic Avenue.

According to Chief Deputy Town Attorney Charles Kovit, the 2½-acre, privately owned lot has been drawing complaints from neighboring residents for at least 25 years. State town law, according to Kovit, gives the town the ability to take the matter of cleaning up the lot into its own hands if the owner has been given proper notification and ample time to comply.

“We do have all legal authority,” said Kovit. “Otherwise people would be free to turn their properties into dumping grounds.

Kovit said that Irvin Grossman, who also owns Grossman’s Nursery, at 400 Atlantic Avenue, owns the lot.  Grossman denies the claim, instead saying that he simply manages the lot, though he declined to say who did own it.

A tax lien will be imposed on the owner for the cost of the cleanup, which includes picking up litter, debris and mulch.

“That piece of property has been allowed to fall into a complete state of disrepair,” said Town Councilman Anthony Santino. “After repeated efforts to get the landowner to begin a cleanup voluntarily, the town moved forward to effectuate the cleanup, and of course the cost of the cleanup will be taken on by the property owner.”

Grossman said he had not received any complaints about the land or any letters of notification about cleaning up the property. He also implied that his property is being singled out among a number of surrounding properties that are not operating legally.

“Who greases whose palm, that’s how it works,” he said.

Kovit reiterated that Grossman had been sent three letters of notification over a period of a year and a half, stating that if he did not clean up the property, the town would take action.

Grossman also disputed the legality of the forced cleanup, claiming it was harassment. “You can’t break in and destroy the property,” he said. “The whole thing that they’re doing is completely illegal.”

On Dec. 1, the second day of the cleanup, Grossman contacted the Herald to say that the workers were going back on their promises to him and that his property was being destroyed.

When contacted about Grossman’s concerns, Susie Pokalsky, the town’s press secretary, said that the cleanup was going as scheduled.

“What Mr. Grossman was upset about was that they were bringing in a backhoe to scoop up the litter and debris,” Pokalsky said. “They were not destroying his property.”

In the past five years, Grossman said, a contract had been signed, stipulating that Richard Geier, a developer, would build condominiums on the lot, though the plan never came to fruition.

According to Geier, the condominiums were never built because Grossman did not allow it. “It was approved for 56 units but he wasn’t cooperative,” Geier said. “He just wanted me to pay the taxes. He’s a shrewd businessman. He doesn’t want that thing developed.”

According to Grossman, Geier has been tying up the property, keeping Grossman from moving forward on a plan with Wilbert Breslin, of Breslin Realty, to build a shopping center on the lot. Breslin did not return calls seeking comment.

The town and Grossman have been in and out of courts for years, Kovit said. According to Kovit, Grossman has continually hired and fired new lawyers in order to delay court proceedings.

An American Legion post occupied the building on the lot more than 10 years ago, Santino said. Now the building goes unused.

One neighbor, who did not give his name, applauded the town’s efforts. “That’d be good that [the town] clean it up,” he said. “They haven’t done their job as far as maintaining it.”

Santino, Murray, Kopel, Clavin Open Oceanside Chabad

Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray, Senior Councilman Anthony J. Santino, Nassau County Legislator Howard J. Kopel, and Receiver of Taxes Don Clavin cut the ribbon to welcome the community to the Chabad Center of Oceanside earlier this week.

Rabbi Levi Gurkov, Director of the Chabad Center, put together a wonderful celebration for the Center’s purchasing and official opening of their new property at 3700 Oceanside Road.

Pictured at the ribbon cutting ceremony are (L to R): Senior Councilman Anthony J. Santino, Meir Herschkowitz, Rabbi Levi Gurkov, Ken Katz, Supervisor Kate Murray, Legislator Howard J. Kopel, Sashie Gurkov and her children, Carol Katz, and Receiver of Taxes Don Clavin.

Steve Anchin’s campaign op-ed piece in The Standard a couple of weeks ago was wrought with such mistruths, ad homonym attacks, and factual errors, it left many scratching their heads. The Democrat candidate for Town Clerk and former Five Towns Democrat Leader’s partisan disconnect with reality should disqualify him from holding public office.

Yes, the Town of Hempstead – America’s largest township with over 800,000 residents – has earned the highest Wall Street credit ratings available and is crafting a 2012 budget that freezes all Town taxes. This is not “fluff and nonsense” as Mr. Anchin suggests. Quite the contrary. It shows Town officials’ strong fiscal leadership, especially in the midst of such a turbulent economy.

But please, don’t just take my word for it. Earlier this year, the Town earned an Aaa rating from Moody’s Investor’s Service as well as a AAA from Standard & Poor’s. Additionally, the Town of Hempstead again received the national Independent Government Finance Officers Association “Excellence in Financial Reporting” award.

Mr. Anchin’s assertions that “nothing new has happened” or that this is all “fluff and nonsense” is nothing short of a campaign season lie. And the hard working families and seniors of the Town of Hempstead deserve better than that, especially from a candidate for public office.

Another large part of Mr. Anchin’s campaign diatribe incorrectly references taxes. Stating “[w]e all know our local taxes have continued to go up and up during the past decade,” Mr. Anchin wrongly attempts to link the Town of Hempstead with both your school and other tax bills.

As I’m sure many of you already know, school taxes comprise of over 65 percent of the average property tax bill while Nassau County, Village, Library, and Special Sanitary District tax levies make up the lion’s share of the difference. On the average tax bill, the Town represents a paltry nine percent of total taxes. If you reside in an incorporated Village, the average Town taxes are a mere .05 percent of your total tax bill. That’s right – a half-a-penny of every tax dollar.

In the few sentences dealing with the public office he is actually seeking, Mr. Anchin leaves much to be desired. His vague pledges to “streamline” the Town Clerk’s Office gives no details. He seeks to create an “Energy Information Hub” in the Town Clerk’s office to share information on reducing home energy costs, but fails to realize that this information is already provided by the Town and also provided for in the town’s groundbreaking “Energy Star Homes” legislation. Additionally, he vows to “cut wasteful spending” in the clerk’s office without offering even one specific or detailed proposal.

It seems as if Mr. Anchin has memorized all the buzz-words and generic political babble that are taught during candidate school and is spewing them out without any regard to the facts.

But Mr. Anchin does not touch on any of the other programs or recognize the success of Town Clerk Mark Bonilla and his office, as he is purposefully attempting to gloss over all of the Town’s successes.

For example, the Town Clerk’s office has become the largest non-federal United States Passport processing facility in the entire nation. Additionally, the office provides a Child Safety Identification Program at no cost to residents; families are provided with vital identification information of their younger loved ones for safekeeping. These services are also brought to residents via the Town Hall Mobile Unit throughout the year to provide more convenience to homeowners.

Our Town Clerk, Mark Bonilla, and his office have been doing an extraordinary job. While I understand the nature of Mr. Anchin’s commentary, after all, he is the opponent to Town Clerk Bonilla, our community should, at a minimum, expect candidates for office to speak to facts – not their misguided perceptions, poor comprehension or disingenuous version of the facts.

Senior Councilman Anthony J. Santino is currently serving his fifth term on the Hempstead Town Board representing the 4th Council District. The District includes the Hewletts, East Rockaway, Lynbrook, Oceanside, Island Park, South Hempstead, and Baldwin. Earlier this year, Councilman Santino was honored as “Man of the Year” by Yeshiva Toras Chaim of the South Shore.