TOYOTA DRIVING PROGRAM BATTLES TEEN CRASH FATALITIES

Teenage drivers are involved in fatal traffic accidents at more than twice the rate of the rest of the U.S. population, and motor vehicle crashes still remain the leading cause of death among teens. Committed to battling these statistics, Toyota is continuing its hands-on, national teen and parent advanced driving skills program, “Toyota Driving Expectations,” on May 2 through 4 at Belmont Park Race Track in Elmont.

The free program goes beyond what is taught in typical driver training classes by putting teens behind the wheel to face challenging, real-world scenarios under the supervision of professional drivers. It’s also one of the only programs of its kind that hosts teens and their parents so they can learn how to drive more safely together. Each four-hour Toyota Driving Expectations program begins with an opening session for all participants where they are introduced to the privilege and risk associated with driving as well as the program’s curriculum, which includes driving courses and classroom-style sessions with tailored content on a broad range of driving-related topics.

The driving courses help teens practice how to best keep their eyes on the road, learn about how anti-lock braking systems work on both wet and dry roads and demonstrate how everyday distractions, to which new drivers are especially prone, can have unexpected, hazardous effects. Parents also drive a distraction course so they can experience how reducing focus on the road poses serious dangers. At the end of the program, to reinforce what they learned, teens and parents develop a safe driving contract together to be put into practice when they return home.

MOMS EXPO AND NIGHT OUT

The first New Moms Expo and Night Out Gala is coming to Carlyle on the Green at Bethpage State Park on Tuesday, May, 6 from 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm. This event is for new mothers, expectant mothers and mothers of children of all ages and will serve as a Pre- Mothers Day Treat. The expo will feature over 100 booths consisting of fitness, medical, and health information; spa treatments; fashion trends; and state-of-the-art products available for babies, children and moms of today.  A Moms Night Out Gala is for expectant and new mothers who deserve to be recognized this time of year, as oftentimes, pregnancies and child-rearing duties have restricted their social and leisure time. The women will be treated to a fun-filled evening of pampering, and meeting and mingling with other mothers.

The organizer of the event, Mingling Moms, has specialized in matchmaking thousands of Long Island moms during the past decade. They meet regularly, once a week, throughout the region. According to Erica Logiudice, President and founder of Mingling Moms, “Over 1,000 moms, new, seasoned, and expecting, are anticipated to attend the event to mingle and make new friends in a social gala environment, as well as acquire information on motherhood from some of the nation's top experts. The mothers will be pampered with Spa treatments and will be able to experience the latest trends in raising a baby.''

With its continued dedication to motherhood, Mingling Moms has teamed up with the FACT Foundation (Find A Cure Today) and will donate a portions of the proceeds to benefit Breast Cancer Research on Long Island. Admission for women is $65. For further information visit  HYPERLINK "http://www.minglingmomsgirlsnightout.com/" www.minglingmomsgirlsnightout.com or call 917-733- 7705.

14th ANNUAL SPORTS FESTIVAL HOSTED BY THE RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE OF LONG ISLAND

Bring your appetite and your love of sports to the Fourteenth Annual Sports Festival, an exciting, challenging day of sports activities for people of all ages. Cheer for your favorite softball or volleyball team or be a spectator and take in all the fun. The event, hosted by the Ronald McDonald House of Long Island, is free of charge to all spectators. It will be held at Cantiague Park in Hicksville on Saturday, May 31, 9 am to 4:30 pm. For a donation to the House, all attendees will enjoy a delicious picnic of barbecued foods.

While sports enthusiasts are participating in softball and volleyball tournaments during the day, families with youngsters can stroll through the park and be part of a number of enjoyable activities for children, including inflatable bouncies; face painting; and the hilarious antics of Ronald McDonald! Raffles and silent auction items will be available throughout the day.

You can help support the Children’s Sport Connection by bringing your gently used sports equipment to the park. Their mission is to help children of financially challenged families enjoy sports activities and athletic programs. Look for the booth with the “Children’s Sport Connection” sign and help a child who loves sports.