Glen Cove, NY…InterAgency Council of Glen Cove held its monthly meeting on Wednesday, March 9 at the Glen Cove Public Library. The primary mission of IAC is to enhance the delivery of human services through collaboration and communication, and to provide mutual support among community agencies through sharing and networking.

Dr. Sharon Harris thanked Maija Sperauska, director of the Glen Cove Public Library for hosting the breakfast. Robert Savitt, associate director of NSUH Community House, was the first guest speaker, who spoke highly of the long 33-year relationship between the hospital and IAC. He provided a comprehensive update and overview of the services provided to the community. Ms. Sperauska also gave an overview of programs and services at the library and a quick scan of the March/April 2005 Newsletter attests to the plethora of events, classes, concerts, etc. available. On April 12, at the library, a celebration of National Library Week will offer a book discussion on John Steinbeck’s Travels with Charley, in recognition of John Steinbeck’s Long Island roots. Adult education courses including ESL and computer classes were discussed.

Dr. Daniel Vogrin, executive director of Melillo Center for Mental Health was the third speaker and took the membership for a brief trip down memory lane with his talk. Dr. Vogrin is credited with bringing in the new era of professionalism within the IAC organization and served as the new era’s first president. He spoke of the early IAC meetings held in the library’s basement, prior to the major renovations of the meeting room as it is today. Covering a span of 20-years, Dr. Vogrin provided a comprehensive overview of the extensive programs provided by Melillo. IAC will honor Dr. Vogrin at its First Annual Conference & Honoree Breakfast planned for Wednesday June 15, 2005 at The Metropolitan. The membership is encouraged to Save the Date!

Following Dr. Vogrin, Linda Sullivan, project coordinator for Glen Cove Community PRIDE Project, an arm of Substance Abuse Free Environment S.A.F.E., explained to the membership the background of the PRIDE Project. The PRIDE’s survey results garnered from 2000 - staff, parents and students, grades 5 -12, initiated S.A.F.E. to write a grant with the focus of galvanizing the community to keep Glen Cove’s youth, substance abuse free. A five-year grant was awarded in October of 2004 from the Office of National Drug Control Policy, to support the PRIDE Project. Materials on how the community can become involved in this effort are available from Ms. Sullivan who can be reached at the S.A.F.E. office 676-2008

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