In brief

State drops vision test for license renewal ALBANY — New York is dropping its requirement for vision tests to make it easier for drivers to renew licenses online or by mail. Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Barbara Fiala said in a statement Monday that the change is one of several stemming from Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s call for streamlining by state agencies. Another change is a new Internet application, “MyDMV,” which allows customers to set up personal online accounts to do business with DMV. Starting Wednesday, drivers will “self-certify” that they meet the vision requirement when they renew. New licenses and commercial licenses will still require eye tests at a DMV office or by a doctor. Fiala said vision testing wasn’t required in New York from 1993-2000, and six other states don’t require eye tests for renewals. Online: www.dmv.ny.gov The Monroe 6 Cinema is closed MONROE — A message on the answering machine at the Monroe Cinema 6 says theater will be closed from Sept. 9 to 15 for minor renovations. That was two weeks ago. And there are no movies scheduled on its box office telephone line. Whether the Monroe 6 Cinema is closed permanently or not in uncertain. Mayor James Purcell, for instance, said no one has returned his calls seeking information. Movie goers had a clue something was up earlier in the month. A week after Tropical Storm Irene, two Monroe sisters, Julia and Ally Barlow, went to see the film, “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark.” They were told at the box office that the theater was only showing three out of the six movies that had been advertised. “The one we wanted to see was not playing. When we asked why, we were told the elevator was broken,” said Julia Barlow. “A week later, we noticed the theater was closed.” The 1,100-seat multiplex theater was completed in 2008 after six years of litigation between its owner, Norman Adie and his former partners. - Claudia Wysocki Soho Salon hosts fund raiser, 'Fall Fashions For Compassion,’ this Sunday Monroe — The Soho Salon, located at 400 Route 17M in Monroe, will host a fund raiser - “Fall Fashions For Compassion” - to benefit the Hudson Valley chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, this Sunday afternoon, Oct. 2, from 1 to 3 p.m. The salon has joined with the Harriman Clothing Co. to create an afternoon featuring the fall’s latest trends in hair, makeup and fashion. Fashions will be provided by Harriman Clothing Co. (Harriman Army Navy Inc.). The following businesses also have donated goods and services: Lady Fingers, Betty Ross Decorations, Fran’s Hallmark, Salad’s and Such, Monroe Rentals, Little Italy and Orange County Rentals. Tickets are $25. If you are unable to attend but would like to make a donation, contact the salon at 781 4343. Captain’s Table/ North Main fund raiser is Oct. 10 MONROE — The North Main PTA is holding an all-day fund raiser at the Captain’s Table on Monday, Oct. 10. The Captain’s Table will donate 10 percent of all food proceeds from the day to the North Main PTA. The funds will be used for special student programs and assemblies at the school. Schools will be closed Oct. 10 to observe Columbus Day. “Since Monday is a day with no school, it’s a great day to go out for meal with your friends and kids and support North Main,” said Christine Tucker of Monroe, the event’s organizer. To learn more, visit the North Main PTA’s Facebook page. Disaster survivors can get free legal assistance ALBANY — New York state residents facing legal issues arising out of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee can get free legal help through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Disaster Legal Services program. Disaster Legal Services is a federal program operated by the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division providing free legal services to persons affected by presidentially declared major disasters. Disaster Legal Services can help survivors with bankruptcy, civil rights, employment law, landlord-tenant law, FEMA benefits claims, wills, trusts and probate matters, among other issues potentially arising from disaster. Any person affected by Irene or Lee who does not have the means to hire a lawyer is eligible. Call the Disaster Legal Services Hotline at 1-800-342-3661. The service is available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Callers will be connected with attorneys who can provide over-the-phone assistance. When needed, callers will be referred to attorneys who can provide legal representation free of charge. All calls are completely confidential. Visit the ABA’s site at www.abanet.org/disaster, the National Disaster Legal Aid site at www.disasterlegalaid.org or www.fema.gov/assistance/process/additional.shtm#2 to find out more.