Glen Cove, New York...Sharon Harris, Ph.D., president of IAC welcomed the membership and guests to the opening meeting of the season. Mayor Mary Ann Holzkamp was introduced and provided an additional welcome to the membership. She elaborated on the support provided by the membership's agencies to the community. In addition, she applauded the choice of speakers for the meeting, Inspector Robert Turk, named Nassau County "Gang Czar," and recently appointed Dr. Laurence Aronstein, Superintendent of Glen Cove Schools.

Inspector Turk spoke of Nassau County's strategies to deal with gang activities in Nassau County and to urge the close cooperation of local police departments and community organizations involved in youth. He provided several handouts for the membership and pledged the County's support to the Glen Cove community. Inspector Turk has spoken on several occasion in the past in the Glen Cove community and praised the efforts of IAC for its commitment to address "Gang Intervention and Anti-Violence" initiatives.

Dr. Aronstein expressed his desire to meet on an individual bases with many of the members as he becomes more acquainted with the community. He provided an overview of his recent impressions and "without sugar coating" he discussed a number of areas in the School District requiring attention. He touched on his background in education and the geographic communities he has served. He took pride in detailing the newly established "Alternative School" to be known as the "Young Entrepreneurial Academy," wherein suspended students will attend school at the Glen Cove Boys & Girls Club. Dr. Aronstein provided a financial comparison between the existing tutorial program for suspended students and the cost saving to the School District of the Alternative school.

Dr. Harris, president of IAC and executive director of Substance Abuse Free Environment S.A.F.E. discussed the collaboration of her agency with the School District in re-administering the "Pride Survey" to parents and students in the 6th through 12th grades at the end of the month. Additionally, she asked IAC member agencies to assist in disseminating the parent survey as the original "Pride Survey" did not provide an adequate baseline parent sample.

IAC's next meeting will take place at the new Greek Orthodox Church on Northern Blvd and Route 107 on Wednesday, October 12, 2005 at 9 a.m.

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