Hempstead Town Seeks Volunteers to Mark Storm Drains

Story by Matthew Hogan

With 17,000 acres of wetlands and 180 miles of coastal waterways, maintaining Hempstead Town’s waters is no simple task. That is why Supervisor Kate Murray is calling on school groups, scout troops, civic associations, veterans organizations and other clubs to assist in placing important “No Dumping” medallions on storm drains throughout the Town of Hempstead.

Working in tandem with Operation SPLASH (Stop Pollution Littering and Save Harbors), the town is seeking to prevent the dumping of motor oil, pet waste, fertilizer, pesticide and other hazardous waste in storm drains.

This dumping is not only illegal, but the pollutants can be carried into town bays and waterways, damaging the town’s ecosystem.

Volunteers can log on to the "videos" page at www.TOH.li to view an instructional video on how to attach the medallions to storm drains and all supplies – Town of Hempstead medallions, adhesive material, brushes and gloves – will be provided to volunteers.

Volunteers can work on their own schedules, making it easier for large groups to coordinate.For more information about volunteering for this program, call the town Department of Conservation and Waterways at (516) 431-9200.

Town Hosting Trap/Neuter/Return Day at Animal Shelter

The animal shelter will host a free Trap/Neuter/Return Day on Monday, Feb. 18.
On a first-come, first-serve basis, the shelter will perform 30 free spay/neuter surgeries on feral cats trapped by town residents.

To schedule an appointment, please contact the Animal Shelter’s TNR coordinator, Steve Reichert, at sreichert@tohmail.org or (516) 785-5220, ext. 4630.

Town Holding Flood Recovery Meeting

Senior Councilman Anthony Santino is hosting a joint community meeting with State Assemblyman Brian Curran on Feb. 28 at Oceanside High School that will focus on post-hurricane specific issues.Representatives from FEMA, the National Flood Insurance Program, the New York State Department of Financial Services and representatives from the Town of Hempstead Building Department will be in attendance.

The meeting will start at 7 p.m. Oceanside High School is located at 3160 Skillman Ave.