Nassau Notebook: GOP Tables Redistricting Proposal, Nassau and Suffolk Red Cross to Merge

The following is a look back at some of the top stories in Nassau County over the past week:

GOP Tables Redistricting Proposal; Dems Walk Out

On Monday, Nassau Republican lawmakers introduced a series of amendments to its original legislative redistricting proposal before tabling a vote on them a short time later.

The decision comes as New York State Supreme Court Judge Steven Jaeger reviews the legality of the proposed changes. The judge issued a temporary restraining order against the GOP's plan earlier this month. The next court date is May 26.

"We are going to table the item until the legal ramifications are studied by the county attorney," said Peter Schmitt, the county Legislature's presiding officer, of Massapequa.

Democrats refused to take part in the vote on tabling the redistricting proposal, maintaining that no one in their caucus had seen the proposed amendments.

Nassau, Suffolk Red Cross Chapters to Merge in July

Effective July 1, the Nassau and Suffolk chapters of the American Red Cross will combine to form the American Red Cross on Long Island.

This decision comes in an effort to help both groups more efficient in providing disaster relief services for the Long Island community. The group's main office will be located on Willis Avenue in Mineola, which currently serves as the Nassau Red Cross' headquarters. But the group will still keep supplies and vehicles in Suffolk County to prepare for potential emergencies.

"This new structure allows us better efficiencies, particularly in times of disasters and will further improve our ability to help those in times of need," said John Miller, who will be the organization's new chief executive officer. "By eliminating redundancies and consolidating functions, Red Cross personnel will have more time for mission-related service delivery and financial development."

The American Red Cross on Long Island will be organizing blood drives across both counties. To date, neither chapter has done this on a large scale, though they have been instrumental in supplying blood — from donations of other groups — to L.I. and New York City hospitals.

The Nassau chapter was established in 1917. The Suffolk chapter, headquartered in Yaphank, began in 1922.

Register for the County Summer Rec Program

There's still time to register for the Nassau County Summer Recreation Program.

The six-week program — operating in each of Cantiague Park in Hicksville, Eisenhower Park in East Meadow, Nickerson Beach in Lido Beach, and Wantagh Park in Wantagh — is for children ages five to 12. There are two sessions: one between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.; the other between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Activities include arts and crafts, board games, sports, and special events.

For more information about this program, call (516) 572-0245 or email avisconti@nassaucountyny.gov.