TOBAY Notebook: Waste Disposal Date Set

The seventh of eight 2011 Household Hazardous Waste Disposal (S.T.O.P.-Stop Throwing Out Pollutants) and Electronic Waste Collection days for town residents is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 1, according to Town Councilwoman Beth Faughnan.

The collection day, open only to residents, will be held at Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., said Councilwoman Beth Faughnan.

Residents who would like further information can call 677-5943.

The S.T.O.P. program allows residents to safely dispose of household hazardous waste.The final S.T.O.P./Electronic Waste Collection date for 2011 is Sunday, Nov. 6, at the Town of Oyster Bay Department of Public Works Garage, 150 Miller Place, Syosset.

The Town offers a free brochure about the S.T.O.P., Electronic Waste and its drug collection programs, including a list of what can be disposed of through the programs. it's available through Town Hall or on the web at, www.oysterbaytown.com.

Alesia: "Pooper Scooper" law is important to environment

Oyster Bay Town Councilwoman Rebecca M. Alesia said there are four good reasons they should clean up after their dog:

It is polluting our groundwater and bays, it is hazardous to human health, it is a nuisance for you and your neighbors, and, most important, it is illegal. 

The town law dates to May 1977, requires residents to clean up after their dogs if they curb them or use any land other than their own without the express permission of the landowner.

“The ordinance wasn’t adopted simply because it is annoying to step in dog waste, which we all know it is, but because of the pollution and health hazards involved,” said Alesia, of Plainview, who is also a dog owner.

Beyond the smell and unsightly nature, and the possibility of contaminating the town's groundwater, waste carried through bays, creeks and canals can result in high coliform counts that close beaches and damage beds, she said. 

Violations of the ordinance can be reported to the Town’s Animal Shelter at 677-5784 or the local police precinct, Alesia said.

Town to host annual fall and Halloween festival 

Oyster Bay residents and their families are invited to the town's third-annual Family Fall & Halloween Festival on the next two weekens.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 24, from 1 to 4 p.m. at , Jericho Turnpike in Woodbury. The following Saturday, Oct. 1, it will be held at , Unqua and Merrick Roads in Massapequa, from 1 to 4 p.m.

“This free event will feature fun activities for youngsters and adults, including Halloween crafts, bouncies and games, apple cider and popcorn,” said Supervisor John Venditto.

Kids can pick their own pumpkins and decorate them and take a hayride. Costumes are welcome.

Both events are to be held rain or shine. For more information call the town at 797-7925 or visit the Town’s Web site, www.oysterbaytown.com.