PRESS RELEASE

Coalition for Glen Cove Presents at IAC Meeting

Dr. Daniel Vogrin, president of IAC and executive director of Melillo Center, opened the February meeting of InterAgency Council (IAC) by thanking Dr. Ellenmorris Tigerman, executive director and Toya Davis, parent advocate for the School for Language & Communication Development for hosting the meeting. Following a light breakfast and introductions, Toya Davis was invited to give the members an update on the activities at the School, which serves children ages 6 weeks to 9 years and their families. She also advised of a weekend program established to provide social recreation opportunities.

Don Scarl, executive director for the Coalition for Glen Cove, was the next speaker. He provided an in depth introduction to the work of the Coalition especially as it relates to promoting the Glen Cove School District. The Coalition seeks to improve the school Districts image by inviting the community to visit the school, and to become more acquainted with the positive progress that is taking place. He spoke of the new Superintendent’s influence and of other progressive steps that have been introduced including more media coverage. The representative from the Glen Cove Senior Center spoke of their participation in the elementary schools, reporting the pleasure derived by both the seniors and the youngsters. Mr. Scarl provided the members with a comprehensive list of all of Glen Cove’s organizations and concluded his talk by encouraging members to take an active role in the school district by first taking a tour of the schools to witness the exceptional work being done.

Lucille Cuttler, of Project Literacy Outreach, spoke briefly of the involvement of Project Literacy volunteers at the Glen Cove Shape-Up Center, where English as a second language (ESL) is taught Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. to day workers. The workers who participate are those not hired for work. Future plans call for evening sessions so that additional day workers will be able to participate. She expressed her appreciation to all the volunteers, particularly to those from Tweezerman.

Dr. Vogrin invited members involved in the city’s commercial business to say a few words. Francine A Ferrante, executive director of Downtown Glen Cove BID, informed the members of future events planned that will include a music festival this summer. Marie Coyle of the Glen Cove Chamber of Commerce invited members to attend the monthly breakfasts given by the Chamber to become more informed of Chamber actions. She also advised members to book early for the annual gourmet night, a fundraiser wherein the city’s restaurants create a lavish gourmet buffet. Check the local papers for the date.

Regarding local collaborations, Jack O’Keefe of the Sheltering Program expressed thanks to AHRC's for preparing individual packages of toiletries and socks for the clients of the homeless shelter at the First Presbyterian Church. The IAC website continues to grow and the public is encouraged to utilize this important community resource. All 40 agencies are listed alphabetically with telephone numbers, addresses, a synopsis of the agency’s services, event listings, press releases and photos. Log on to www.iacglencove.org.

The IAC, with more than 40 member agencies, was established in 1971. The primary mission is to enhance the delivery of human services through collaboration and communication, and to provide mutual support among community agencies through sharing and networking. Please visit our website at www.iacglencove.org for more information about services, events, and our member agencies. Member agencies are encouraged to have a representative attend the monthly meetings. The next meeting will take place on March 13, 2002, at 9 a.m. hosted by St. Paul’s Church.

Photo (l to r) are: Adrienne Rothar, N.C. Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Toya Davis, School for Language & Communication Development; Linda Sullivan, chair of Volunteers, Nassau County Girl Scouts; Francine A. Ferrante, executive director, Downtown Glen Cove BID; Marie Coyle, Glen Cove Chamber of Commerce and Ellen Franck, North Shore INN.