'Car Free Day' Long Island

Leave the car in the driveway – even just for one day.

That’s the idea behind the region’s first Car Free Day Long Island, which is slated for Friday, Sept. 20.

Recognized internationally, the event aims to encourage people to get around without cars, and instead ride a train, bus, bicycle, carpool, subway or walk. Organizers hope that the event will inspire others to consider the negative impact of single-occupancy vehicles, and work towards reducing traffic, conserving energy, reducing harmful emissions, diminish parking problems and save money.

North Hempstead is one of many Long Island sponsors supporting the event this year.

“I hope that this program lays the groundwork for residents to carpool or use alternative means of transportation when possible,” Town Supervisor Jon Kaiman said, in a statement.

Participants can either go car-free or "car-lite" and are asked to sign a pledge form on www.carfreedayli.com, making them eligible for prizes. Already car-free? You will also get the same opportunity to win prizes by filling out the pledge form.

For more information, call 311.

AARP Defensive Driving Courses

Town of North Hempstead employees and residents ages 50 and older are eligible to enroll in an AARP defensive driving course at Clinton G. Martin Park.

“This is a great opportunity for employees and residents to reduce insurance costs, cut penalty points and to increase personal driving safety,” Kaiman said, in a statement

This AARP Driving Course is $17 for members and $19 for non-members. Currently, the town is signing up applicants for the Nov. 16 class.

Checks should be made out to AARP. Seats will be reserved when the check is received and a confirmation letter will be mailed to the applicant. All checks must include the name, address, phone number and date of the class. There will be no refunds.

Mail checks to the Department of Community Services, 1601 Marcus Ave, New Hyde Park, NY 11040. For more information call 311.