The InterAgency Council of Glen Cove, Ltd. (IAC) held its March 3, 2004 meeting at the Glen Cove Public Library. Juan Castro, president of IAC, opened the meeting by thanking Maija Sperauskas, director of the Glen Cove Library for hosting the IAC. Maija expressed her pleasure in hosting the group, a record number of 41 attendees. The first guest speaker, Brandon A. Palanker, CEO of Networked Now, presented his company’s plans to bring WiFi to the City of Glen Cove. WiFi is short for wireless fidelity that allows those with a wireless enabled computing device within range of an access point to log on and surf the internet, free. The Glen Cove Chamber of Commerce collaborated with Networkeded Now, a local computer technology company, to form the Glen Cove Wireless Initiative.

The morning’s second speaker was Dr. George Dunn of NSUH at Glen Cove who provided information and current statistics on the reasons behind the decision to close the OB/GYN services at NSUH at Glen Cove. Significant reductions in birth delivery, 3,000 annually in the past compared with 300 hundred last year. Maternity patients will be transported to Plainview or Manhasset for high-risk patients. There are plans to expand the Women’s Care Program and a bi-lingual answering service will start on April 1. Dr. Dunn reported that the orthopedic division has made major strides. The sixty-bed Glen Cove Rehabilitation Center is now a destination hospital. With 3,000 cases a year, the orthopedic department of the hospital brings in significant revenue. He concluded with information on the second phase of the Emergency Room renovation that continues and when finished, will be the most advanced in the area.

IAC members promoted their events. Dr. Sharon Harris, IAC vice president announced a Community Forum is planned for April 22, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Laura Granelli, Esq. will speak on “Social Host Liability.” All are welcome. Michael Davidson, executive director of the GC Chamber of Commerce reminded the membership of the Annual Culinary Event planned for April 16 with raffle proceeds benefiting IAC. And, Victoria Crosby announced the Annual Talent Contest organized by Morgan Park Music Festival is planned for Saturday, April 24 (all day) at St. John’s of Lattingtown. Cash prizes are awarded and winners have an opportunity to perform at the summer festival. $15 entry fee can be waived for hardship.

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