Into the Woods:
Saturday, January 9
Blood Drive:
Tuesday, January 19
Fundraiser Square Dance:
Saturday, January 23
Saturday, January 9
Into the Woods
Hicksville United Methodist Church Off-Broadway will present Into the Woods at 8 p.m. All tickets are reserved seating at a cost of $15 adults; $12 senior citizens and children under 12 and can be purchased in advance or at the door. Into the Woods is being produced and directed by Dan Kani with Anthony Brindisi as musical director. The show will take place at Hicksville UMC, 130 W Old Country Rd. To purchase tickets, contact Ellen Giuffrida at 315-3472. Also on Jan. 10 at 2 p.m.
Monday, January 11
Midshore Mothers’ Center Winter Open House
The Midshore Mothers’ Center will be having its Winter Open House at 7:30 p.m. The center’s new address is 610 Carmans Rd, Farmingdale. The Mothers’ Center is a non-profit, non-sectarian organization run by moms for moms. A safe, non-judgmental place for mothers to share ideas, exchange information and make new friends. Come share some refreshments, try your luck in our raffle drawing and sample a discussion group. For more information call 694-MOMS (6667) or e-mail midshoremoms@verizon.net.
Tuesday January 19
Blood Drive
If you are between 17 and 75, in good health and weigh at least 110 pounds you can be a donor. Blood donors are very much needed. 3:30 to 8 p.m. at the St. James Parish Center, Seaford. Sponsored by Monsignor Delaney Knights of Columbus and St. James Church. Call 694-2016 for more information.
Upcoming Events
Family Event
Come for a Melaveh Malkah event-an evening of music, food, singing, dancing and crafts for the children on Feb. 6 at 7:30 p.m. at the East Meadow Jewish Center, 1400 Prospect Ave., East Meadow. Musical entertainment by the Kurtz Brothers Klezmer Band. Admission $12 with reservation; $15 without reservation. Children 12 years old or younger free. $36 cap per family. Refreshments will be served. RSVP by Jan. 22. Call 483-4205 Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or go to www.eastmeadowjc.org.
Fundraiser Square Dance
The fun starts with a chuck wagon dinner at 7:15 p.m. at Temple B’nai Torah, 2900 Jerusalem Ave., Wantagh, with hot vittles, on Jan. 23. Lee Kopman, the well-known professional square dance caller will be directing the square dancing fun. Country Line dances and partner dances will be taught by Lilith during the breaks. Dessert and coffee will be served at 11:30 p.m. The cost for all this fun is $31 non-temple members; $28 members. Call 221-2370.
Richard Forenza Memorial Fundraiser
Benefiting the Nassau County Firefighters Burn Unit will be held on Jan. 30 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Mulcahys Pub and Concert Hall, 3232 Railroad Ave., Wantagh. Featuring an open bar, hot buffet, DJ, dancing and more. Donation $50 per person (at the door). Advance donation $40 per person before Jan. 20. For more info contact www.richforenzamemorialfund.com; richardforenzamemorialfund@gmail.com. Make checks payable to Richard Forezna Memorial Fund, PO Box 28, Massapequa Park, NY 11762.
Mommy and ME
Registration is now underway for the Winter/Spring session of the Midshore Mothers’ Center’s Mommy and Me program, an interactive play program, with classes available for children from 6 months through preschool age and their parent or caregiver to share. The program includes story time, play time, music, movement, arts and crafts and snack. A modified separation class is offered for children over three years old. Music and Me classes and Painting and Me classes are also offered. Classes begin the week of Feb. 8. Sibling childcare is available during class time. The Midshore Mothers’ Center, located at 610 Carmans Rd, Farmingdale, is a non-profit, non-sectarian organization of “mothers helping mothers” from local communities, which offers groups, workshops and activities year-round.
LIRID and Mill Neck Interpreter Service Workshop
The Long Island Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (LIRID) and Mill Neck Interpreter Service of Hicksville present a workshop entitled How Do I Interpret This and That? Presented by Jimmy Beldon in American Sign Language, the workshop will be held on Jan. 30 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Nassau Community College in the CCB building, room 252. Beldon will provide an in-depth and practical understanding of skills for interpreters in both ASL and English. Participants will learn tips, receive feedback and have opportunities to take part in effective activities. Open to working interpreters, the workshop will earn participants 0.6 Continuing Education Units. Accommodations are available upon request. Registration deadline is Jan. 16. Fee is $50 per LIRID member; $75 per nonmember. Breakfast and lunch will be included compliments of LIRID. Voice interpreter services will not be available. To register for the workshop, or for more information, contact Judy Sweeney 631-965-7125 or Kristin Connolly 631-379-1376. Send checks payable to: LIRID, PO Box 3039, Garden City, NY 11531-3039, Attn: PD Committee.
Weekly Events
•Homemakers Club Levittown Day Chapter meeting from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays at the VFW Hall Post #9592, Hickory Lane, Levittown. Call 579-4420.
•Family Support Group, an ongoing support group for those who have family members or other loved ones with mental illness. Meets on Mondays from 7 to 8 p.m. at Central Nassau Guidance & Counseling Services, 950 South Oyster Bay Rd. The fee is $5 per family. In addition to verbal support, the group presents guest lecturers, workshops, education programs and holds social events. For information call 822-6111.
•Adult Education led by Rabbi Alan Lavin at the Farmingdale Wantagh Jewish Center, 3710 Woodbine Ave., Wantagh. Course #1 Torah Reading Skills. Learn and sharpen your basic skills to read Torah. Mondays at 7 p.m. Course #2 Basic Talmud. Learn the legends, laws and background of the Wisdom of the Rabbis. 8:10 p.m. Call 785-2445.
•Do You Speak Yinglish? The Yiddish Club, an entertaining, enjoyable, social experience, allows individuals of varying language abilities to speak “Yinglish,” a combination of Yiddish and English. Members and nonmembers alike are given an opportunity to read, speak and tell stories related to their Yiddish experiences. The Yiddish Club meets every Monday from approximately 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Farmingdale Wantagh Jewish Center, 3710 Woodbine Ave., Wantagh. For additional information, call 785-2445.
•Overeaters Anonymous meeting every Tuesday at 8 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 474 Wantagh Ave., Levittown. Do you have a problem with food? We are a 12-step group for those who eat compulsively. Call 794-1333.
•Overeaters Anonymous. Are you a compulsive overeater? Under eater? Overeaters Anonymous can help. There is a meeting on Tuesdays on the corner of Salisbury Park Dr. and Carmans Rd., East Meadow, across from the firehouse from 7:45 to 9:15 p.m. Call for directions 997-4534. For information about the meeting call Nancy 798-2547 (between 7 and 9 p.m.) or Ed 845-5423.
•Business Networking International. Join the “All In” chapter of BNI at its breakfast meeting every Tuesday at 7 a.m. at the East Bay Diner, Merrick Rd., Seaford. Referrals are exchanged between local business people to help their businesses grow. Call Denise Langweber for more information at 765-2800, or meet the group there.
•Duplicate Bridge, ACBL-sanctioned. Run by Certified Bridge Director Mayer Wiesen. Tuesdays from 1 to 4:30 p.m. at Temple B’nai Torah. Bring a partner, a friend or come alone. $7 donation. Refreshments served. For players interested in a friendly laid-back game, send name, phone and email address to Temple B’nai Torah, 2900 Jerusalem Ave., Wantagh, NY 11793, or drop in the Brotherhood box in the temple office. For additional information, call 221-2370.
•Bingo For Kids/Families. On Tuesday evenings you can fun with your family at a special bingo designed just for kids. At Temple Beth-El of Bellmore, 1373 Bellmore Rd., N. Bellmore, you can play bingo for prizes (not cash). Doors open at 6 p.m. and games begin at 6:30 p.m. Admission is $5 per player. An adult must accompany the children. Adult play is optional. Bring a marker or purchase one at the event. The snack bar will be open at 6 p.m. and will serve a variety of reasonably priced items. No food can be brought with you into the temple because strict kosher food laws are observed.
•Alzheimer’s Support Group for Caregivers will be held at The Bristal Assisted Living, 40 Merrick Ave., East Meadow, every Wednesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Caregivers are welcome to bring their loved ones who will participate in a Reflections Program while the support group is meeting. Call Kate Schneider 542-0800, ext. 1025 to register or for more information.
•Duplicate Bridge Game every Wednesday at 12:15 p.m. at the Farmingdale Wantagh Jewish Center, 3710 Woodbine Ave., Wantagh. Sessions are $8 and are run by Ellen Davidoff, an accredited director and teacher. Open to the public. Enjoy yourself while earning master points. Call 785-2445.
•The Mid Nassau Jewish Retirement Club meets every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Temple Emanuel, 123 Merrick Ave., East Meadow. Refreshments and entertainment at all meetings. Come and make new friends. Call Dorothy 481-9508.
•Women’s HIV/AIDS Counseling Services offering free: support service, individual counseling, couples/family counseling, services for children. If you are a woman with HIV or AIDS and you need a place to talk or just to listen, we’re here to help. The Support group meets every Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the “B” Building, Room 347 (inside the Child Development Center), Nassau University Medical Center, 2201 Hempstead Tpke., East Meadow. Individual counseling is also available by appointment. Call Dr. Suzanne Lachmann or Dr. Laura Cini at NCMC 572-5932.
•Gam-Anon meeting, an anonymous program for spouses, adult children over 18, family and friends who may be affected by a gambling problem. 24-hour hotline 321-2883. Fridays at 8:30 p.m. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Hempstead Tpke., Levittown.
•The Massapequa Ballroom Dance Society hosts a full-course hot buffet Dance Luncheon, open to the public, on Fridays from noon to 3:30 p.m. at Manor East Catering Hall, 201 Jerusalem Ave., Massapequa. Dance to all your favorite music with a professional DJ. Singles area and couples. $15 donation. Call 718-332-7825 or email Dancezee@aol.com.
•Adult Yiddish Classes beginners and advanced beginners/intermediates. Sundays at the Nassau Cultural Center, 574 East Meadow Ave., East Meadow. To register call 794-0506.
•New Attitudes Singles meets every Sunday at 6 p.m. at PieSanos Pizzeria, 2330 Hempstead Tpke., East Meadow. Call 851-6114. Singles meet and greet. Introductions and discussion. Fee $10 plus expenses.
Monthly Events
•East Meadow-Levittown JWV Post #709 meets every month except July and August. 8:15 p.m. on the second Monday at the East Meadow Jewish Center, Prospect Ave. and 10 a.m. on the fourth Sunday at Levittown Hall, Levittown Pky. New members always welcome. For questions call 794-8226.
•Korean War Veterans of NC Chapter #1 regular monthly meeting at 8 p.m. (1:30 p.m. during the winter months) at American Legion Post #1711, 3123 N. Jerusalem Rd., Levittown. The chapter meets on the third Monday of every month (except July and August). Call 334-1025.
•Levittown Historical Society. If you are interested in helping collect memorabilia, photographs, appliances and furnishings from the early days of Levittown, come down for an interesting evening. All welcome. No admission charge. Free refreshments. Brief business meeting. 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Levittown Library. Meetings are held on the third Monday of the month (except July, Aug., Jan., Feb.). For more information call 735-9060 or go to www.levittownhistoricalsociety.org.
•Central Nassau Chapter #1592 AARP meets at 1 p.m. on the first Tuesday (except July and August) of the month at Levittown Town Hall, 201 Levittown Pky., Hicksville. Anyone over the age of 50 and a national AARP member is invited to attend. No fee. For information call 794-9158.
•East Meadow Lions meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the East Meadow Library. Call John Persich 334-3730.
•Performance Poets Association meets on the third Tuesday of the month at 8 p.m. at The Cup Café, Railroad Ave., Wantagh. Hosted by Cliff Bleidner and Irene Wright. $2 plus one purchase. Call 794-9826.
•NC Mothers of Twins Club, a caring support, education and resource for parents of multiples. Meetings are at 7:30 p.m. at the Parkway Community Church, 95 Stewart Ave., on the third Tuesday of each month with the exception of July and December. Call 616-3366 or visit www.NCMOC.org.
•Knights of Columbus Holy Innocents Council #3581 meets on the first and third Wednesday of each month at the council headquarters, 3581 Jeffries Rd., at 8 p.m. The newly renovated meeting hall is also available for party rentals. Call 735-1724 for rentals.
•Young Widows/Widowers Social Group, a nonsectarian, nonprofit organization of widows and widowers ages 40 to 69 years of age. Fee for members is $3, nonmembers $5. Meets at 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Church, 55h St. and Franklin Ave., Garden City, on the third Wednesday of each month. For additional information call Sandy 996-6574.
•Free Informational Lectures. Chiropractors Dr. Laraine Valenti and Dr. Michael Bernstein will hold free informational lectures in their office, 3000 Hempstead Tpke., Suite 304. They have found that many people appreciate the opportunity to get their health related questions answered by caring doctors. The lectures are held the first Thursday of each month from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Due to limited seating, registration is required by calling Lois 731-0712 or 579-4949. All attendees will receive a free reusable hot/cold pack and a certificate for a complimentary spinal examination and consultation.
•The LI Junior Chamber of Commerce regularly has the Meet and Greet on the first Thursday and the monthly meeting on the third Tuesday of each month, along with a variety of other events throughout the month, For more information on the LI Junior Chamber, visit WWW.LIJC.com. Contact: Martin Dekom, Chairman, 850-2717 – Mdekom@gmail.com; Julie Dekom, Membership Director -Julz_5@yahoo.com; Steven Eiselen, Community Development VP -SEiselen@msn.com.
•St. Bernard’s W/W Interfaith Organization general meeting at 8 to 11 p.m. at the Elks Club, 2612 Veterans Blvd., Massapequa. All are invited. Meetings are held on the second Thursday of the month. For further information contact Chris 631-842-6734.
•The Levittown South-North Wantagh Republican Club meets on the third Thursday of each month at 8 p.m. at the American Legion Hall, 3123 N. Jerusalem Rd., Levittown. Food is always served. There is no charge to attend and new members are always welcome. Every meeting has an informative speaker or presentation. Call 731-7600 or 1esr@optonline.net.
•Levittown American Legion Post #1711 meets on the first and third Friday of each month at the Post Headquarters located at 3123 North Jerusalem Rd., Levittown. Meetings start at 8 p.m. Any veterans residing in the area are encouraged to come down to Post Headquarters and join the ranks to share the comradeship we all had when serving as members of the Armed Forces.
•Bethpage Masonic Lodge No. 975 Free and Accepted Masons will meet at 8 p.m. at the Hicksville Masonic Temple, 18 W. Nicholai St., Hicksville. Meetings are every second and fourth Friday. Call 731-2488.
•Bernard’s W/W Interfaith Organization Dance every fourth Friday at the Elks Club, Veterans Blvd., Massapequa, at 8 p.m. to midnight. $12. For further information contact call Chris 631-842-6734.
•Pet Loss Support Group. People who feel very sad about the loss or serious illness of their cat or dog can now come to a bi-weekly support group led by an experienced counselor in the conference room at Bide-A-Wee, 3300 Beltagh Ave., Wantagh. These sessions are open to the public; they are not restricted to Bide-A-Wee clients or adopters. The group facilitator is Medea Berkman, a pet loss group leader with many years of experience. She gently guides the healing process to help people come to terms with their feelings of sadness and loss. No fee, but all donations are gratefully accepted to help Bide-A-Wee provide for the animals in our care until we place them in loving homes. To register call Joan Stoppa in the Bide-A-Wee Wantagh Outreach Office 785-4199, ext. #1. The group sessions meet the first and third Saturdays of every month, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
•First Stroke Survivors meeting will be held at St. Frances de Chantel Church. Meetings will continue to be held on the first Saturday of every month in room 10 of the schoolhouse. St. Frances is located at 1309 Wantagh Ave., Wantagh. Stroke survivors, caregivers and anyone else interested in learning about strokes are invited to attend. These meetings are being conducted by the Hope 4 Stroke Foundation. 2 p.m. For more information call Pete at 804-8495.
Free Hotline for Those Dealing with Addiction
Anyone who has experienced a loved one suffering from addiction knows all too well that it affects more people than just the addicted; everyone close to a person addicted to drugs or alcohol feels the effects. Residents of Nassau County who are dealing with or affected by drug or alcohol addiction are urged to urged to call the NC Dept. of Drug and Alcohol Addiction’s free, anonymous 24/7 hotline, run by Long Island Crisis Center, at 481-4000.
The Art Club
Has year round classes all taught by a professional. Classes for the littlest artist to the more serious, adult classes too. Call for more information at 742-7662 or go onto the web at www.theartclub.info.
row or Sharon Bohen at 822-6111, ext. 229.
Levittown Chess Club
(Distinguished). If you are a male or female 40 years of age or older, from beginner to grand master, or if you would like to learn how to play chess, please contact John Cannone at 1-800-239-3220 for further information.
Comedy College
Learn to be a comic at Governor’s Comedy Cabaret. A comprehensive course that will teach you the basics of standup comedy, culminating in your appearance on Governor’s stage. Governor’s is located at 90 Division Ave., Levittown. Call 731-3358 or visit www.govs.com for more information.
Cosmetology Program
Levittown Career and Technical Center at Abbey Ln. is offering the public salon services performed by students on Thursdays and Fridays. The program is available in the afternoon session, starting at 11:45 a.m., to 2 p.m. Those interested are asked to arrive at 11:45 a.m. Pricing for a haircut, shampoo and style, and manicure is $3. Permanent waves, highlights and hair coloring services are also available by appointment only; permanent wave and highlights costing $20 and coloring $10. Call Kurt Witkofski or Nancy Stine at 520-8330 ext. 670 for more information.
Help Your Daughter Reach the Stars
And we’ll keep her feet on the ground. A Big Sister can really make a difference. A Big Sister provides the additional support and friendship to help you make sure your daughter grows up to become the best person that she can possibly be. A Big Sister gives your daughter another person to talk to about “sister” things. Plus, she can help reinforce the positive values and goals you would like her to achieve. To enroll your daughter in the program call 731-7880.
HUMC Food Pantry Open
Hunger is a real issue facing our local area. In response to this need, the Hicksville United Methodist Church, 130 Old Country Rd., opened a food pantry. The pantry is open on Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Non-perishable foods, paper goods and hygiene items are given to our neighbors in need. Contact us if you can help in any way. The pantry operates on private donations. If you would like to help fill our shelves, we accept donations. Call 516-931-2626.
Help for Seniors
Are you a senior who would like help paying for your Medicare benefits and prescription drugs? Free assistance is only a phone call away if you qualify for extra help because of limited income. There may be a way to alleviate some of the cost of Medicare – deductibles and coinsurance, Part B premiums, prescription drug plans (Part D). Reducing monthly premiums, annual deductibles and co-payments, aiding with coverage gaps (the doughnut hole). To learn more call a LIS/HHS (Low Income Subsidy from US Dept. of HHS) counselor from Family & Children’s, a community of caring. 485-3425, ext. 222.
Hope for Youth
Hope for Youth is a not-for-profit agency located in Amityville and serving LI families and youth since 1969. Caring families are being sought to be part of the agency’s Therapeutic Foster Care Program or the Emergency Foster Boarding home program. Extensive training is offered and support to foster parents. If you are interested in finding out more about the programs, call 666-9333.
Infertility Supports Groups
Are being formed by the National Infertility Network Exchange (NINE). Topics include coping with infertility, medical procedures, male infertility, In-Vitro Fertilization, miscarriage, secondary infertility, inexplained and adoption. NINE is a national not-for-profit organization. Call 794-5772.
At the Farmingdale Wantagh Jewish Center
Located at 3710 Woodbine Ave., Wantagh. Call 785-2445 for information on the following:
•Learning the Torah and Haftorah Trops on Mondays at 7 p.m. Instructor Rabbi Alan Lavin. This is a practical course for those who can read Hebrew to learn how to participate more easily at services and lead prayers. The course is open to all men and women.
•Beginners Hebrew course, sponsored by Hadassah, will be held at on Mondays at 7 p.m. Instructor Murray Zwerling. For those who would like to learn or improve their basic Hebrew reading.
•Introduction to Jewish Prayer on Mondays at 8:15 p.m. Text: To Pray as a Jew by Rabbi Haim Donnin. Instructor Rabbi Alan Lavin. The course is designed for those who would like to learn the history, meaning and structure of the siddur.
•Sisterhood Book Club – If you have an interest in reading, the Sisterhood Book Club is for you. Join other women to discuss interesting books. Call the synagogue office for more information about the Book Club and Sisterhood events.
Lupus Alliance of America LIQ Affiliate
Located at 2255 Centre Ave., Bellmore. Call 783-3370 or 1-800-850-9000. Go to info@lupusliqueens.org or www.lupusliqueens.org. Support Groups are held at various locations throughout the island, in Smithtown, East Meadow and Queens. Call for dates and times.
Exhibit of Early Levittown Memorabilia
In celebration of 50 years of Levittown, the Levittown Historical Society presents the exhibit “Levittown, the American Dream 1947-1957.” Filled with early Levittown memorabilia, it is a “walk down Memory Lane.” Includes: WWII Levitt House, appliances, photographs, furniture, wedding gifts, toys and memories. Admission is free. Held at the Levittown Memorial Education Center, Abbey Ln. As well as Wednesdays from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., it will be open Fridays from 7 to 9 p.m. For information call 735-9060.
Midshore Mother’s Center
Is a non-profit organization run by moms for moms. A safe, non- judgmental place for mothers to share ideas, exchange information and make new friends. Discussion groups, mommy and me classes, separation classes, craft classes, family activities and mom’s night out are offered. Midshore Mother’s Center is located at the Church of St Jude, 3606 Lufberry Ave., Wantagh. For more information call 679-4641. New members are being accepted.
Senior Center
Catholic Charities Seaford Community Service Center, located in St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 2197 Jackson Ave., Seaford, welcomes persons age 60 and over to its multi-purpose senior center. Delicious hot meals are served daily and transportation is provided in the towns of Wantagh Seaford, Massapequa and Massapequa Park. Trips, drama and art classes, card playing, bingo, parties and access to social services are offered. Call 679-8373.
Senior Citizen Club
Sponsored by the Town of Hempstead, Dept. of Senior Enrichment. Since the club meets at Memorial High School, Abbey Ln., it runs on a school schedule from September to June on Mondays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The members enjoy coming in to socialize, play cards, games, Bingo and get instruction on different arts and crafts projects. If anyone has questions about joining the club, call Noreen Hunt on Mondays and Thursdays only from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 520-8300, ext. 677.
Senior Puppet Theater
The Levittown Senior Puppet Theater will happily perform its show free of charge for children of all abilities. The group works out of the Levittown Senior Community Center and is sponsored by the Town of Hempstead. If interested and can provide transportation, call Sam Moucatel 781-7970.
Pretty New Thrift Shop
Donations are needed for the Pretty New Thrift Shop, 238 Main St., Farmingdale. The shop supports the work of Central Nassau Guidance and Counseling Services, Inc., a multi-service mental health and substance abuse agency located in Hicksville. The shop is open Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and accepts gently used clothing, housewares, furniture and collectibles. Call 420-1394.
Local National Walking Club
If you are interested in making healthy changes in your life and community, join this local national walking club. Call 796-7751 or Shelldel7@aol.com or visit http://www.walkablock.com.
Walls of Honor
Need a gift for your favorite veteran? The NC Veterans Memorial Fund Inc., a nonprofit organization (not affiliated with Nassau County or any government agency) offers all veterans throughout the US a place on the “Walls of Honor.” These walls are located at Veterans Plaza, Eisenhower Park, East Meadow. It is for those living and deceased who served our county during war and peacetime. Space is available for those interested in including their name or that of a loved one. Proof of military service and a contribution of $100 per name is required. A 50 word or less military biography on each person on the wall will be housed in the veterans tower if requested. Contact the Nassau County Veterans Monument Fund, Inc., PO Box 7911, Hicksville, NY 11802 or call 997-5484.
Free Writer’s Workshops
Got a hidden talent? Why not share it and develop it at a free writer’s workshop? The LI Writer’s Guild is a friendly, Nassau County-based organization of amateur/professional, published/unpublished poets, essayists, novelists and short story writers who meet at informal workshops at the Levittown and Bethpage Libraries. Everything from plot development to characterization to basic literary theory for the fiction and nonfiction writer alike is discussed and practiced. There are reading and critiquing sessions and recommendations and contacts for the more serious writers seeking to publish their work is provided. For a schedule of workshops and social events, log onto www.liwritersguild.org.