Senior Spotlight
Sabini Offers Satellite Office Program Again

Picking up where he left off, state Senator John Sabini will again operate his satellite office program this summer and will expand it to several new locations.

Under the program, multi-lingual caseworkers from Sabini's office will set up shop at a senior center to answer questions or provide services that might be requested.

Sabini (D- Jackson Heights) said, "Sometimes people don't realize that their elected officials can help them with various problems, or they don't find it easy to visit an office. By bringing my staff directly to their neighborhoods, I'm better able to serve my constituents."

This year's satellite office dates started last Wednesday. Two staff members will man a table at a senior center, local library or other community gathering place in Sabini's 13th state senate district.

Assistance will be available on location in English, Spanish and Russian, with translations in other languages also available. While residents will be able to pick up a wide range of literature about government services from the roving office, the main purpose of the program is to bring Sabini's casework operation directly to constituents.

"People often call my office looking for help to resolve a problem in their community, apply for a government benefit or deal with a government agency," Sabini explained.

"By having my casework staff all over my district, I'll be able to help even more children, parents and seniors with issues that make a difference in their lives."

Sabini's satellite office program was such a success in the previous three years, receiving a positive response from constituents who participated, that the program was expanded this year to the Queens Community House, the Florence E. Smith Senior Center and the Lefrak City Jewish Center.

The remaining schedule for the summer is as follows:

+Thursday, July 5 (tomorrow) 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., IPR/HE Elmhurst/Jackson Heights Senior Citizen Center, 75-01 Broadway, Jackson Heights, 3rd floor.

+Wednesday, July 11, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Elmhurst Library, 86-01 Broadway, Elmhurst.

+Tuesday, July 17, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Elmcor East Elmhurst Senior Center, 98-19 Astoria Blvd., East Elmhurst.

+Tuesday, July 24, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. East Elmhurst Library, 95-06 Astoria Blvd., East Elmhurst.

+Tuesday, July 31, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Langston Hughes Community Library, 100- 01 Northern Blvd., Corona.

+Friday, August 3, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Florence E. Smith Senior Center, 102-19 34th Ave., Corona.

+Wednesday, August 8, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. IPR/HE Corona Senior Citizens Center, 108- 74 Roosevelt Ave., Corona.

+Tuesday, August 14, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Corona Library, 38-23 104th St., Corona.

+Tuesday, August 21, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., RAICES Corona Senior Center, 102-47 43rd Ave., Corona.

+Tuesday, August 26, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Lefrak City Library, 98-38 57th Ave., Rego Park.

+Monday, September 3, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Lefrak City Jewish Center, 98-15 Horace Harding Expy, Rego Park.

+Tuesday, September 11, noon to 3 p.m. St. Leo's Golden Age Club, 58-24 Penrod St., Corona.

+Wednesday, September 12, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Elmcor Lefrak City Senior Center (call 718-639-8469 for location).

SEEK EXPANDED VETS' BENEFIT: City Councilmember Tony Avella (D- Bayside) is trying to get a higher benefit from the Veteran's Property Tax Exemption by eliminating the "school tax add back" provision that is currently part of the program.

"Currently, veterans must pay back the school tax portion of their property tax rebate, which can be as much as $400 for the single family homeowner," Avella explained.

"Given the incredible sacrifice which is made by our military personnel serving during a time of war, and which was made during prior military conflicts, it seems an appropriate gesture of gratitude that we extend this veteran's exemption to apply to school taxes as well as general fund taxes."

Avella's proposal has already had a hearing by the city council.