S S S S & V

I just wanted to mention a few things for your consideration:

1. SI Ferry. A new book on the history of the SI Ferry entitled - The Staten Island Ferry: A History - will soon be available. On Wednesday, December 10 at 6pm at the St.George Branch of the Library there will be a discussion of the book and book signing. The talk and discussion are free. Call 718-727-1135 x123 to register and the book will be available for $22. Need a nice gift to give for the holidays?

2. Smoking Study. The NYC Department of Health is doing a study on families with both smokers and non-smokers living in the same household. For their time and effort, family members who are eligible and participate will receive $50. To learn more about the study and find out about your eligibility, contact Kari Lundwall by phone at 212-676-2369 or by email at klundwal@health.nyc.gov.

3. Snow Shoveling. Where-to-Turn's snow shoveling program is still looking for volunteers who will help shovel snow for seniors during the upcoming winter. To learn more about the program go to http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewforum.php?=42. If you are a senior or know a senior who would like to apply for help with shoveling, call 718-966-6531.

4. Stigma. The Family Diversity Project has created six award winning traveling photo-text exhibits that tour communities. The Nothing to Hide: Mental Illness in the Family exhibit is currently on display at the South Richmond Mental Health Clinic located at the South Beach Psychiatric Center and will be available for the community to view on December 6, 2008. It features photographs and interviews with families whose lives have been affected by mental illness. It is a moving and worthwhile exhibit.

5. Vision for Staten Island. This not-for-profit group is holding public brainstorming sessions to glean residents' wisdom, impressions and aspirations for an Island at the crossroads. Afterward, ideas from those in attendance will be posted online at http://www.sivision.org/. The session in New Dorp will be Monday, December 8 from 7 to 9pm in New Dorp high School.

Those are just a few things for your consideration.

And remember, if you have an issues in the New Dorp community, make sure you bring them to our attention at newdorpcentralcivic@yahoo.com.

> Joe Markowski