1. BAY SHORE: Part of Bay Shore's new covenant is: "We offer services of worship, religious education and COMMUNITY OUTREACH.." The REV. WILLLAM FEINBERG is committed to support the "Welcoming Congregation" and encourage the congregation to support a Community House for gays, lesbians and bisexuals in Bay Shore. 

2. BELLPORT: EVE SOKOL reports that money, food and much clothing donated by members was brought to Honduras by a family living in Central Islip to be shared by family and friends in San Decro Sula and Tegulcigalpa. 

3. EAST NORWICH (MUTTONTOWN): THE REV. RON SALA's sermon "Rules for Radicals” included a quote from SAUL ALINSKI’s book of the same name, "The radical is that unique person who actually believes what he says." That was written in 1971 and is as relevant today as it was then. (Congratulations, Ron, on your engagement and upcoming ordination in the spring! ed) 

4. FLUSHING: AN ETHNIC APPRECIATION COMMITTEE requests short stories or anecdotes in written form to celebrate members' ethnicity, diversity and cultural flavor....An often overlooked group has a felt need that is being addressed: The "physically challenged". Users of canes, wheelchairs, etc. find obstacles those not challenged in the same way seldom think about. Members are going to make this church accessible to all (Look at your facilities: doors, thresholds, bathrooms, etc.  ed) 

5. FREEPORT: THE REV. RICHARD ERHARDT spent time in jail for protesting the murder of AMADOU DLALLO by N.Y.C Police. His cellmate was a former police chief (It is often difficult to live one's values but we are proud and honored to call Richard our minister. ed) .... Social Concerns committee asks members and friends to sign a petition asking Walmart to divulge in which factories overseas the items they sell are made, DON OBERS reports. The largest retailer in the world may be buying from factories using sweatshop conditions. Petition signing at SNUUC continues every Sunday .... Did you know that SNUUC's Thrift Shop on Freeport's busy Merrick Road started because of leftover clothing at the church's rummage sale 36 years ago? Were you aware that since that time over $400,000 was donated to the church (and other worthwhile groups) bv the Thrift Shop's all- volunteer staff. 

6. GARDEN CITY: Donations of more than $600. were raised to help the victims of Hurricane Mitch ... The congregation supports the Freeport Thrift Shop through their clothing and household goods contributions. This in turn helps the poor in the south Nassau area and Freeport. Working together in a cooperative effort for the benefit of many is the key to success! 

7. HOLLIS: THE REV. DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING was quoted in the newsletter and is worthy of sharing his noble thought: "Make a career of humanity. Commit yourself to the noble struggle for equal rights. You will make a greater person of yourself, a greater nation of your country, and a finer world to live in." 

8. HUNTINGTON: LIZA BURBY, S.J. Chair and her committee of twenty are continuing to learn more about housing discrimination in Huntington to determine how to help people obtain affordable housing. Members attend town meetings and hope to present their findings to the congregation for a vote on in action plan ... Look for a flyer on a workshop in the spring when they show videotapes of police brutality and have a host speaker. This will follow their visit to a Mumia event in Philadelphia .... Easter baskets for local children of incarcerated parents was organized.  Food collections for shelter and pantries continue ... I Am Fed Naturally, a program encouraging the elimination of pesticides and provides a list of merchants who carry organic products. The program is sponsored by the Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition. 

9. N. FORK (GREENPORT): A public information meeting of the Community Farm at Moonbeam Organic Garden in Cutcbogue was offered by this certified organic farm group. The east end of Long Island is an agricultural area-growing from wine grapes to squash to strawberries to tomatoes. 

10. SHELTER ROCK. ELAINE PETERS reported on the Environmental Justice Letter Writing Campaign protesting a development which will destroy a prime habitat and watershed in Jericho .... BERT NAPEAR reported that Leg. DARLENE D. HARRIS, chair of the Minority Affairs Committee of Nassau County, sponsored a Black History Month Lecture Series ... BERT asked for gently used CDs and tapes for the INN Media Exchange (Money raised from the sale of CDs and tapes is donated to the INN). A group the INN sponsors, Rotacare needed even more than food and music-pregnancy test kits, cough syrup, children’s vitamins, over the counter medical aids are also needed. 

11. S. FORK (WATER MILL): A Social Action Poll covered many aspects of life and asked for support and participation on occasional or monthly basis. The list included "Adopt a Highway" to various UUSC activities to a Social Action table before service. Input of suggestions for congregational projects was elicited.   LEONARD DAVENPORT collected the responses ... A telephone tree of the members has been established and members who are not on it are invited to 'branch out". (This young group is dynamic and very active in a variety of social action and outreach projects. ed)

12. SOUTHOLD. Collection of non-perishable food for community people who need this help is an ongoing activity and so are home visits to those who cannot get out "GINNY" is the coordinator of the helpers ... Members will be doing some sustained and deep thinking about the initiative of the UUA-GA in its second year, "Fulfilling the Promise”  ..ELAINE BREESE, JOE GOLD, CAROL MORRIS AND LAURIE RODAER were trying to get donations from 35 local businesses to help with the costs of care and stabling three horses. The horses help 30 disabled children and adults in a variety of therapeutic ways including self confidence and athletic skills.  This program has a proven track record of success but is costly.

13. STONY BROOK. JOHN MORRIS, UUFSB Social Action co-chair and co-chair of the LIUUSJC writes that they continue the Campaign to End Sweatshops and Child labor. The  Social Action committee signed a People of Faith Network letter objecting to serious problems in the apparel industry .....  Suffolk County Health Commissioner will speak at their May 16 service on "Changing Face of Health Care"…. A local soup kitchen and two local food pantries are continuing to receive support.   RE kids are also involved making posters reminding everyone of the 'First Sunday food drive.'