Nassau Notebook: FEMA Deadline Extended, Veterans Ceremony

FEMA Extends Disaster Assistance Deadline

Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano announced Tuesday that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has extended the registration deadline for anyone who suffered damage from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee this summer. Those affected by either storm now have until Dec. 15 to register for federal disaster assistance.

To register, please call the FEMA Helpline at (800) 621-3362. Phone lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. EST, seven days a week until further notice. People with hearing disabilities can use the TTY number, (800) 462-7585. Applicants can also register online or with any web-enabled mobile device or smartphone and follow the link to “apply online for federal assistance.”

Disaster assistance to individuals could include grants to help pay for temporary housing needs, essential home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance or other sources. Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are also available for homeowners, renters and business owners to repair or replace real or personal property.

Veterans Ceremony Announced

Mangano will host Nassau County’s annual Veterans Day Service in cooperation with the United Veterans Organization (UVO) of Nassau County, Inc. and the Nassau County Veterans Service Agency, on Sunday, Nov. 6, at 10:30 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial in Eisenhower Park.

The program will begin with Advancement of Color Guards, which includes members of every branch of service and is led by the United States Marine Corps Color Guard from the 1st Marine District in Garden City. The Nassau County Police Department Pipes and Drums Band will also be in attendance. Additionally, William A. Kraus, Acting Director of the New York State Division of Veterans Affairs, will be the guest speaker at the ceremony.

Mangano will recognize veterans that served during the Vietnam War era with special certificates in appreciation of their service to the United States. Vietnam War era veterans who are unable to attend the Veterans Day Service are welcome to collect their certificates at the county executive’s office located at the Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building, 1550 Franklin Avenue in Mineola. Deceased member certificates will be mailed to next of kin. For those who would still like to request a certificate please click here and then click on “Vietnam Veteran Certificate Application Form” to fill out an application. Additional applications will also be available at the ceremony.

Veterans Part Ceremony Announced

All veterans are invited to join the official dedication ceremony of the Nassau County Courts Veterans Part on Thursday, Nov. 10 at 11 a.m. The program is a cooperative effort led by Nassau County Administrative Judge Anthony Marano designed to provide specialized services and resources to assist veterans involved in the Nassau County criminal justice system. The Veterans Part is tailored to address unique challenges facing our servicemen and women who are charged with nonviolent offenses. By facilitating alternative sentencing programs, which include treatment services, counseling and mentor relationships, veterans are given the opportunity to address the struggles they face in assimilating when they return home. The ceremony will be held in the Central Jury Room of New York State Supreme Court -- 100 Supreme Court Drive in Mineola.

Outdoor Skating Rinks Scheduled to Open

The outdoor skating rinks at Christopher Morley Park in Roslyn-North Hills and Grant Park in Hewlett are scheduled to open on Saturday, Nov. 26, weather permitting. The rinks, part of the Nassau County Department of Parks, Recreation and Museums, will remain open through approximately mid-March, weather permitting.

The Christopher Morley rink offers two-hour public skating sessions six days a week as follows:

• Monday - Tuesday at 10:30 a.m.
• Wednesday at 10:30 a.m., 1:15 p.m. and 4 p.m.
• Friday at 4 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
• Saturday - Sunday at 10:30 a.m., 1:15 p.m. and 4 p.m.

The Grant Park rink offers two-hour day public skating sessions five days a week as follows:

• Wednesday - Thursday at 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Friday at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
• Saturday at 10:30 a.m., 1:15 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
• Sunday at 10:30 a.m., 1:15 p.m. and 4 p.m.

At both parks, group and private skating lessons are available, as well as ice charters for groups, hockey games and private rentals. Patrons may also rent skates. Skating lesson registration at Christopher Morley Park is Nov. 15 from 6 to 8 p.m.; skating lesson registration at Grant Park is Nov. 17 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Skating fees range from $4 to $14, depending upon the age of the patron and whether or not one is a Leisure Pass holder.

For more information about the Nassau County Department of Parks, Recreation and Museums visit their website or call 516-572-0200.