Town Notebook: 'Dustoff' for Special PAL Program

The Suffolk County Police Athletic League’s Special Pal program, along with the Half Hollow Hills “Challenger” and Garden City “Challenger” Lacrosse teams will hold a “Dust-Off” Game and dinner Sunday evening for players and their families to help raise awareness of these vital programs and encourage participation by students ages 5-18.

The Special Pal program provides recreational and social opportunities for children on the Autism Spectrum and to provide support for their families. Half Hollow Hills Coach James Wallace started the “Challenger” Program to provide an opportunity for his son, who is on the Spectrum to play lacrosse, but the program is open to all children with disabilities including Down syndrome and physical disabilities.

Participation by students ages 5-18 is encouraged.

Legislator Steve Stern, D-Huntington, Suffolk Det. Robert Donohue, commanding officer of the community outreach bureau, Police Officer Rich Gorgone, director of Suffolk County Special PAL, Wallace, and Brian Collins, coach, Garden City Challenger Lacrosse, are behind the day’s event, which will be held at Half Hollow Hills High School East, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.              

Community Leader Recognized                            
Lisa Perez Flanagan was honored Thursday night for her work as the full time coordinator and director of the “Students For 60,000” club at Northport High School. She leads the district’s largest student organization,  with 200 students under her direction.
‘Students for 60,000’ was founded in 1987.  It was given its name for the estimated 60,000 homeless people living in New York City at the time. As the number of student members increased, so has the club’s impact. Last year, with the support of nearby communities, they raised close to $100,000 and this year they are on track to raise even more.  This money has been used to fund important projects in our local community, New York City, nationally, and internationally.  Councilman Mark Mayoka attended the Taste of Long Island event at Coindre Hall Thursday night, saying, "Lisa has exhibited exemplary contributions to the community and her passion and humanitarian efforts are most deserving of this honor and recognition."  The event was hosted by  the East Northport Chamber of Commerce, The Rotary Club of East Northport and the Visiting Nurse Service and Hospice of Suffolk.