Association of Piano Teachers of LI:
Wednesday, February 17
Bridal Art Showcase:
Sunday, February 21
Defensive Driving Courses:
Upcoming Event
Tuesday, February 16
Soroptimist International of NC
Monthly dinner meeting and program. Healthcare Advocacy: Taking Care of Ourselves and the Ones We
Wednesday, February 17
Association of Piano Teachers of LI
Meeting at 10 a.m. at the Garden City Community Church, Stewart Ave. and Whitehall Blvd. Call 718-374-0183. Guest speaker: Tamara Slobodkin will discuss “A Technical Regimen for Piano Students.”
Thursday, February 18
Face Pain/Trigeminal Neuralgia Support Group
Hosted by Leslie Munzer Neurological Institute. Free community service for patients and caregivers. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at 100 Merrick Rd., Suite 128W, Rockville Centre. Refreshments and dessert. Registration required. Call 442-3527 or jlittle@lmni.org.
Sunday, February 21
Bridal Art Showcase
Presented by Karen Michaels Events and Bridal Reflections. Luxurious Wedding Gala Experience in the Grand Ballroom of the Garden City Hotel, 45 Seventh St. Menu by Belgian Master Chef Steven De Bruyn. Designer Fashion Show by Bridal Reflections. Event décor by Karyn Michael Events. Sound and lighting, photography and wedding cake experts add to the scene. Noon to 5 p.m. Invitation-only event via www.bridal-art.com.
Wednesday, February 24
Molloy College Film Festival
Sponsored by the Molloy College English Department at the Lucille S. Hays Theatre at the Wilbur Arts Center, Rockville Center, at 5 p.m. All films are free and open to the public. A discussion will follow each screening. For further information call 678-5000, ext. 6272 or send an e-mail to poneill@molloy.edu. Feb. 24: The Hurt Locker. March 10: The Siege.
Upcoming Events
At Nassau Community College
The NCC Black History Month Committee presents a month of programs and events in tribute to African-American achievements in America. All programs will take place in the College Center Building and are free, open to the public and accessible to the disabled. Call Charmian Smith 572-7376:
•Through Feb. 26 in the College Center Building Lobby – Art exhibit featuring African masks.
Defensive Driving Courses
The AAA Driver Improvement Program in Garden City is offering a six-hour Defensive Driving Course, which will help you save money, reduce violations points and sharpen skills. The classes are open to all drivers, members and nonmembers. The cost is $39 members; $32 plus members; $32 senior discount for members age 60 and over; $32 young driver discount for members 16 to 24 and $49 nonmembers. Special group rates are available. Dates and rates are subject to change. Preregistration is required. For more information and registration, call 873-2381. An online class is also available. Visit AAA.com/DefensiveDriving for more information. Classes are located at AAA New York on 229 Seventh St. and are offered on the following dates:
• Feb. 20: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Feb. 22 and Wednesday, Feb. 24: 6:15 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.
• Feb. 28: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Ongoing Event
H1N1 Flu Vaccines Available Throughout February
The NuHealth System will provide HINI vaccinations at the Nassau University Medical Center as follows: Thursdays, Feb. 11, 18 and 25 from 6 to 10 p.m. Vaccines will be administered in the NUMC auditorium (Carman Ave. entrance). Residents who would like additional information on vaccination locations may call the Nassau County Department of Health H1N1 Call Center, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 1-888-68444271 or visit: www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/Health/index.html.
Ongoing Programs
Incorporated Village of Garden City Meetings:
Cultural and Recreational Affairs Board of Commissioners meets on the first Tuesday of each month (except July and August) at 7:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s Senior Center.
Architectural Design Review Board meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 8 p.m. at Village Hall.
Zoning Board of Appeals meets at 7:30 p.m. at Village Hall on the fourth Tuesday of each month.
Planning Commission meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at Village Hall.
Environmental Advisory Board meets at 8 p.m. at Village Hall on the last Wednesday (except July and August) of each month.
Traffic Commission meets on the third Thursday (except July and August) of each month at 8 p.m. at Village Hall.
Weekly Events
•Waldorf Choral Society. Do you love to sing? Rehearsals are every Monday from 8 to 10 p.m. at the Waldorf School, Cambridge Ave. For audition information call 747-4457.
•Irish American Society Social Club meets every Monday at the Irish American Center, 297 Willis Ave., Mineola, from noon to 3 p.m. Play cards, Bingo, Scrabble, Checkers, Chess or just sit and socialize. Bring lunch. Coffee and tea will be served. All welcome. Ladies and gents. Free to IAS members; $3 all others. Call 746-9392 or 742-8080.
•Long Term Care Workshop, a free informative workshop conducted by Jim McTighe of McTighe & Capaccio, LLC, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays at 1001 Franklin Ave., Suite 207. Workshops are limited to no more than 10 people. Bagels and coffee served. Reservations only; call Terry 739-1240, ext. 312.
•Free Prenatal Consultations offered by Village Pediatrics, 975 Franklin Ave., on Tuesdays at 5 p.m. Parents are invited to meet the physicians prior to the child’s birth. Call 248-8334 for an appointment.
•Storytime every Tuesday and Wednesday at 10 a.m. at Barnes and Noble, Country Glen Center, 91 Old Country Rd., Carle Place. Call 741-9850 for information.
•Storytime every Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Borders, 1260 Old Country Rd., Westbury. Call 683-8700. Stop by the Children’s Room for a cornucopia of stories and fun.
•Free Bereavement Group, a support group for individuals grieving the loss of a loved one meets at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Ethical Humanist Society, 38 Old Country Rd. Call 741-7304.
•Children’s Storytime at 11 a.m. Fridays at Borders, 1260 Old Country Rd., Westbury. Call 683-8700.
•The Viking Cooking School at the Loaves & Fishes Cookshop, 835 Franklin Ave., presents free cooking demonstrations every Saturday from noon to 2 p.m. Topics vary from week to week. Samples served. Reservations required. Call 877-1010; website: www.vikinghomechef.com).
Monthly Events
•Write On! Writing Workshop hosted by Marvin Illman on the first and third Mondays of each month. Sharpen your skills on paper whether you want to write creatively, professionally or personally. 7:30 p.m. at Barnes and Noble, Country Glen Center, 91 Old Country Rd., Carle Place. Call 741-9850 for information.
•Look Good…Feel Better. Sponsored by LIJ Medical Center in association with the National Cosmetology Association, the Toiletry Fragrance Association and the American Cancer Society. The program reaches out to women with cancer and teaches them how to best apply makeup and wear their hair while undergoing cancer treatment. Meets on the second Monday of every month at LIJ Medical Center, 27005 76th Ave., New Hyde Park. Reservations suggested, but not required. Call Harriet Pine or Selma Robinton 718-470-7094. All women who attend receive a makeup kit filled with brand-name cosmetics valued at over $200.
•Shakespeare Appreciation Group. Led by actor Rodney Hakim at 7:30 p.m. at Barnes and Noble, Country Glen Center, 91 Old Country Rd., Carle Place. Call 741-9850. Enjoy reading and learning in an informal setting. Interest in Shakespeare rather than scholarly knowledge is the only prerequisite to joining this group. Meets on the last Monday of each month.
•Sci-Fi Discussion Group meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 8 p.m. at Borders, 1260 Old Country Rd., Westbury. Call 683-8700.
•Calling All War Time Veterans (WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Iran, Iraq). VFW Garden City Park Post #120 invites you to become a member. Meet new service buddies, share experiences and become involved in your community. Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at 2162 Jericho Tpke., Garden City Park. Call Cmdr. G. Popowitz 746-0662.
•Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) was founded in 1978, is congressionally chartered and exclusively dedicated to Vietnam-era veterans and their families. VVA Chapter #82 is your Nassau County Chapter and meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 8 p.m. at Hicksville’s VFW Hall. Call 677-5384 for further information or contact us by e-mail at info@vvachapter82.org. Come and join your fellow Vietnam veteran in support of each other.
•Irish American Society meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 8 p.m. at 297 Willis Ave., Mineola. For more information, call 746-9392.
•Garden City Ski Club meets on the first and third Wednesdays, September through April (except holidays) at 7:30 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus, 1000 Marcus Ave., New Hyde Park. Social events, trips to our lodge in Vermont, and skiing in a variety of areas throughout the West and New England. Ages 21 and over, please. For additional info and schedules visit www.gardencityskiclub.com or call 872-1448.
•Round Robin Poetry Group. Indulge in an evening of poetry readings hosted by Carol Zimet and her loyal group of poets. Anyone who would like to read his/her original work is invited to sit in and join the group. The warm and accepting atmosphere makes it easy to open up and join in. Meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at Barnes and Noble, Country Glen Center, 91 Old Country Rd., Carle Place. Call 741-9850 to confirm the event.
•Order Sons of Italy meetings are held on the third Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at the VFW Hall, Lincoln Rd., Franklin Square. There are also entertaining programs and refreshments and food are served free at every meeting. Call Sal Palmeri 328-0333 for an application.
•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, 5th St. and Franklin Ave., Garden City, on the third Wednesday of each month. For additional information call Sandy 996-6574.
•Epilepsy Support Group. Do you have an adult family member with seizures? Are you having difficulty caring for or helping your loved one? Caregiving can be tiresome and stressful. In caring for your family member, you may forget about caring for yourself. A Family Support Group meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. If you are interested in attending, call Jennifer at the Epilepsy Foundation of LI in Garden City 739-7733, ext. 400.
•Performance Poets. Monthly live poetry readings. Rotating featured poets and an open mic/5 minutes each. 7:30 p.m. at Borders, 1260 Old Country Rd. Call 683-8700. Meets on the last Wednesday of each month.
•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.
•Family Game Night. Come for an evening of fun with your family on the second and fourth Thursdays at 7 p.m. at Borders, 1260 Old Country Rd., Westbury. Call 683-8700.
•Physically Disabled Adults Support Group conducted on the second Thursday of the month by St. Charles Hospital and Rehabilitation Center at EFLI, 506 Stewart Ave., Garden City, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. The group is for men and women who are physically disabled and provides information and support to enable people to get on with their lives. Call Susan Hay 631-474-6365.
•Teen Book Group held on the fourth Friday of each month at 8 p.m. at Borders, 1260 Old Country Rd., Westbury. Call 683-8700.
•Eating Disorders Association-LI (NEDA-LI) (formerly EDCLI) will be holding a support group for eating disorder sufferers and their families and friends. 10 to 11:30 a.m. at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset (ask at the main reception desk for location within the hospital). This free group takes place on the third Saturday of every month and is facilitated by a trained professional. No reservation necessary. Call NEDA-LI 229-2393.
•Zonta Club of LI, member of Zonta International, a worldwide service organization with a local club. Members help advance the status of women and are involved in many community service activities. The name Zonta is word taken from the Sioux and stands for honesty, trust, inspiration and the ability to work together for service and understanding. At meetings members discuss and learn about issues facing women, develop and conduct fun fundraising that benefits community programs and network with Zonta International programs. The club meets at a monthly dinner meeting in New Hyde Park on the third Thursday of each month. Call Kathy Rau 488-2796.
•Art League of NC monthly meeting and demonstration by a guest artist. Meets on the fourth Friday of each month at the New Hyde Park Recreation Center, Clinton G. Martin Park, Marcus Ave. and NHP Rd., NHP (near Union Tpke.) at 7:30 p.m. The public is invited. Refreshments served. Call 437-0919. Nonmembers $2. No meetings in June, July, August, December.
•Ethical Issues in the News will be presented by the Ethical Humanist Society of LI on the first Sunday of each month at 10 a.m. at the society, 38 Old Country Rd. Call 741-7304.
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 oralcohol 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.
Alzheimer’s Day Program
Herricks Alzheimer’s Day Program “Our Space.” This social day program serves seniors with early to moderate dementia and offers them a chance to engage in social and recreational activities including music, art and exercise in a safe, supervised environment. At the same time, the caregiver can enjoy a respite. The program meets on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Herricks Community Center, 999 Herricks Rd., New Hyde Park. Co-sponsored by the NC Dept. of Senior Citizen Affairs. Call Ann Tountas 742-0851.
Safe Boating Courses
Safe Boating Courses, free vessel safety checks and more from America’s Boating Club, the United States Power Squadrons. With 18 squadrons around Long Island, there’s one near you. Visit WeBoatSafe.org or call 1-800-341-8777 for more information.
Bereavement Groups
Contact Catherine Bottari, LCSW, at 500 Old Country Rd., Suite 300 or call 732-6964 for information on the following:
•Group 1: A woman’s bereavement group is available to help women share and learn about their grief. Groups are held on a weekly basis and are facilitated by a licensed clinical social worker.
•Group 2: The death of a love one is hard for all of us but especially for children. A 12-week bereavement support group is available for children ages 7 to 9. Groups will be held on Saturdays and are facilitated by a licensed social worker.
Cradle of Aviation Museum
In the world of aviation, signals and coded messages are an important part of how airplanes and air traffic control speak everyday. The Cradle of Aviation Museum has a variety of free family activities. Walk through the eight museum galleries and you’ll walk through over 100 years of aerospace history with 75 planes and space craft and a variety of examples of how pilots navigated and communicated from the early days of flight through the space program. Museum activities are free with admission and are available each day from noon to 4 p.m. The museum also is home to the IMAX Dome Theatre and is located on Charles Lindbergh Blvd., Museum Row. Call 572-4111.
Creativity Classes For Women
City Folk, Inc., 45 New Hyde Park Rd. (one block south of St. Anne’s Church), offers Creativity Classes for women. It’s a great opportunity to have fun, while experiencing your creative side. Learn many different craft techniques in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. Create a one of a kind craft project that is uniquely your own. No experience needed, just a desire to have fun. Each class includes a demonstration, lesson and supplies needed to complete the project. “Creativity Night” is also offered. Bring your group or club together for an exciting evening out. Select one project from samples, then choose the evening that works best for them. The program is held weeknights at 7 p.m. Reservations required. Call 326-4544 or stop by for more details and class fees.
NC Coalition Against Domestic Violence
The Coalition is a member agency of the Garden City Community Fund, United Community Fund of Great Neck, Community Chest of Port Washington and United Way of LI. Call 222-2293 for information about the following
•Support groups with individual counseling for incest survivors and survivors of rape and sexual assault. Services are confidential and free of charge. These services are also extended to family members and partners of survivors. The Coalition also works to ensure societal accountability, improve institutional responsiveness to victims and increase public awareness in order to prevent domestic violence, rape and sexual assault.
•The coalition operates a safe home for battered women and their children. For women who are victims of violent relationships, safety is a major concern. The Coalition’s Safe Home for Abused Families provides shelter, advocacy and legal assistance, in a safe, warm, supportive, attractive environment. If you or someone you know needs help, call the 24-hour hotline 542-0404. The hotline and all services are free and confidential and a counselor can help you find safety.
•Volunteers needed in the coalition’s “Hands Are Not for Hitting,” an exciting domestic violence prevention program for elementary school children in kindergarten through 2nd grade. Volunteers will be fully trained and need to be available several weekdays a month during the school year. Volunteers must provide their own transportation. If you are interested in volunteering, or would like more information, call 572-0700.
Epilepsy Foundation
Located at 506 Stewart Ave., Garden City (739-7733) the following is offered:
•Free Puppet Show on Seizure Disorder. A free children’s program on epilepsy using the internationally acclaimed “Kids on the Block” troupe of puppets to public and private elementary schools. These shows are appropriate for the 3rd and 4th grades levels but can be tailored to your needs. Programs are also available for junior and senior high classes. Help us foster a climate of acceptance, understanding and compassion in our schools for all. Call Janet Romeo, ext. 145.
•Support Groups. Do you have seizures? Are you having difficulty with jobs, relationships, etc.? Are you isolating from your family and friends? If you answered yes to any or all of the above questions, we have group for you. Call Irene Rodgers, CSW, ext. 415.
Exhibits
•Adelphi University presents its 5th Outdoor Sculpture Biennial installed throughout the landscaped arboretum gardens and pathways of the Garden City Campus, 1 South Ave., through April 1. The exhibition features the diverse works of 14 sculptors and is free and open to the public. Call 877-4462.
•Coming By Force/Overcoming By Choice. The artwork included in this exhibit ranges from photography to three-dimensional work with historical references from a contemporary point of view. The artists in this exhibit are members of the National Alliance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, founded on the campus of Morris Brown College in Atlanta. Additional artwork was featured at the Nassau County African American Museum of Education and Applied Art. On view through March 10 at The Firehouse Plaza Art Gallery, plaza level of the Nassau Community College Center Building. Call 572-0619.
•LI Center of Photography presents the works of LI-based photographer, Phyllis Goodfriend, at the African American Museum of Education and Applied Arts, 110 N. Franklin St., Hempstead, through April 30. Phyllis traveled to Namaqualand, a province of South Africa, and then to Namibia. Her photographs are a document of that journey taken in 2008.
•Adelphi University is hosting an exhibition featuring three-dimensional paintings by renowned Long Island artist Robert Carter, as part of the university’s Black History Month celebrations, and will join colleges and universities nationwide to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Black Studies Programs in the U.S. Mr. Carter is an accomplished draughtsman, painter, illustrator, designer, and art educator from Dix Hills. This exhibit, “Carter Light,” will be on display through Feb. 23 in the Ruth S. Harley University Center Gallery, 1 South Ave. A free reception will be held on Feb. 7 from 1 to 6 p.m.
Free/Low Cost Health Insurance
The residents of communities served by Mercy Medical Center will have the opportunity to apply for free or low cost health insurance for children, families and adults up to age 64 on the first Thursday of every month from 5 to 7 p.m. in Mercy’s Main Lobby. Staff from Catholic Charities of LI will assist you and our children applying for Child Health Plus, Family Health Plus and Medicaid Health Insurance Programs. The bi-lingual enrollers will screen adults for income eligibility for the state’s health insurance program Family Health Plus. Children are eligible for Child Health Plus. These programs cover medical check-ups, hospitalization, emergency care, prescriptions, vision and dental care.
Elder Abuse
If you are 60 or older and are being hurt by someone who should be caring, you are not alone. If you are suffering from abuse, mistreatment or neglect at the hands of family members or someone who is living with you, help is available. The NC Coalition Against Domestic Violence offers counseling, legal advocacy and support services to seniors in need of help. All services are free and confidential. Call 542-0404. The Coalition is a member agency of the Community Chest of Port Washington, Garden City, Community Fund, United Community Fund of Great Neck and United Way of LI.
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.
Midlife Crisis…or…Midlife Opportunity?
Join a group for women given by women and discuss issues facing women during midlife. Sample topics include: menopause (myths and reality), career/educational opportunities, family issues, i.e., empty nest syndrome, multitasking, caring for elderly parents, relationships, personal health & well-being, i.e., makeovers and many others. Guest speakers included. The 90-minute educational/therapeutic group sessions will be held one evening per week for $10 per session at the Marriage and Family Therapy Clinic located in the Saltzman Community Services Center of Hofstra University in Hempstead. Groups forming. Call 463-5234 for further details.
You Have Options!
In 1982 Options for Community Living, Inc., was established to help respond to the need for supportive housing for people living with mental illness. As the Mental Health Residential Program continued to expand, Options began serving homeless families as an emergency shelter provider in 1990. A few years later, Options opened a comprehensive case management and housing program for Long Islanders with HIV/AIDS. A small not-for-profit organization with humble beginnings has since grown to serve over 800 individuals and families with special needs across Long Island. With offices in Hempstead, Smithtown and Riverhead, help is easily accessible. For more information or to offer support call 631-361-9020. Visit www.optionscl.org.
School Closings and Delayed Openings
Will be posted on the Garden City Public Schools website at: www.gardencity.k12.ny.us and will also be available on the following stations: WCBS 880 AM; WOR 710 AM; WGBB 1240 AM; WALK 1370 AM; WINS 1010 AM; WHLI 1100 AM; WKJY 98.3 FM; television News 12 LI. Please do not contact the Police or Fire Departments for confirmation about school closings.
Senior Programs
The following programs regularly serve all residents of Nassau County (call the NC Dept. of Senior Citizen Affairs 571-4330):
•Employment Referrals for Seniors. The NC Dept. of Senior Citizen Affairs is a resource to employers seeking qualified workers and to mature job seekers, 55+, who want assistance with employment and resume preparation. Services are free of charge.
•The Foster Grandparents Program is recruiting senior volunteers to share their time and love with children in Nassau County. Volunteers receive a non-reportable stipend, transportation reimbursement, paid holidays, sick days and vacation days.
•If you are 55+, make your spare time count. Join the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, a national organization, and share your talents and skills at one of the many diversified placements.
Sons of Italy
Order Sons of Italy in America is seeking new members to join the America Lodge #2245, Franklin Square, Elmont, West Hempstead, Floral Park, Garden City, Stewart Manor and Malverne. A membership drive is currently in progress. The America Lodge #2245 is a co-ed lodge with many projects that enhance the preservation of the members’ Italian heritage. The lodge raises funds for contributions to worthy charities. Meetings are held on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at the VFW Hall, Lincoln Rd., Franklin Square. There are entertaining programs, refreshments and food served free at every meeting. Call Sal Palmeri 328-0333.
FP United Methodist Thrift Shop
The Floral Park United Methodist Church Thrift Shop, 35 Verbena Ave., open Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the first and third Saturday of the month from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (weather permitting). Featuring jewelry, clothing, housewares, bric-a-brac, dishes, linens, collectibles, some furniture, small appliances and antiques. Donations gratefully accepted. Call 354-4969.
