Our Times Coffeehouse:
Friday, September 17
LI Pioneer
Women Aviators:
Sunday, September 19
Poetry Event:
Sunday, September 19
Friday, September 17
Our Times Coffeehouse
At 8 p.m. at the Ethical Humanist Society, 38 Old Country Rd. Suggested donations; adults $15; seniors and students (with school ID) $12; children under 12 $6; very young children free. Call 541-1006. Program: Formidable vocalist Vance Gilbert. His voice has the beauty of a choral singer, the strength and control of Broadway’s finest, the power of lead rock singers and enough play to match any comedic imitator.
Sunday, September 19
LI Pioneer Women Aviators
Presented by the NC Historical Society. Pioneer women aviators will be the subject of a talk “Daring and Intrepid Airwomen” by Natalie Naylor at 4 p.m. in the Red Planet Café of the Cradle of Aviation Museum. Those daring young women in their flying machines who flew on Long Island in the early years of aviation included Harriet Quimby, Matilde Moisant and Elinor Smith. Guests are welcome to attend. Refreshments will be served.
Poetry Event
Gayl Teller, Nassau County Poet Laureate, is author of six poetry collections, most recently Inside the Embrace. She is founder, director and host of the long-running Poetry Reading Series at the Mid-Island Y/JCC, and, as Poet Laureate, originated Stray Feet, a roving poetry show that visits diverse venues in Nassau County. Among her many awards are the Edgar Allan Poe Prize, a National Federation of State Poetry Societies Prize, a National League of PEN Women Prize and The Connecticut Writer Prize. Ms. Teller teaches at Hofstra University. 3 p.m. at the Molloy College Campus, Multipurpose Room, Wilbur Arts Center, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre.
Italian Experience Festival
Featuring food, children’s activities and live entertainment including Michael Amante, the “People’s Tenor.” Outdoors, rain or shine, at Hofstra University, South Campus; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission $5 per person; $3 seniors (over 65 with ID); children under 12 free. Free admission for Hofstra students, staff and faculty with a current HofstraCard. Call 463-6582. For vendor information call Jessie Garcia at 463-6504. Sponsored by Bethpage Federal Credit Union.
AOH Feis and Festival
Lovers of Irish dance, music, piping, drumming, language, soda bread and athletics will enjoy the NC Board of the Ancient Order of Hibernians 38th annual AOH Feis and Festival. Experience this delightful event on the campus of Molloy College, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. Both the AOH and the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians of NC sponsor the feis. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $10. This year’s feis is dedicated to the memory of AOH National life member, co-founder and first Feis Chairman John P. Bownes and LAOH member Kathy Hayes. Paddy McCarthy, publisher of the Irish Examiner is the honoree. Entertainment includes this year’s special guest, the U2 tribute band 2U. They’ll perform at 4 p.m. $10; $5 students with ID; children under 16 free.
Tuesday, September 21
Stewart Manor Homemaker Evening Chapter
Including Garden City, Franklin Square, Floral Park and West Hempstead communities will hold its business meeting in the Village Hall at 7:30 p.m. Hors d’oeuvres Night. Join the chapter. New members are welcome. For more information call Gina Mignone 437-9679.
Saturday, September 25
Café Ablaze Christian Coffeehouse
Hosts Mitch McVicker. Gospel Music Dove award-winning singer/songwriter/ guitarist and friend and protégé of the late, great Rich Mullins. Enjoy great coffee and desserts at candlelit tables in a friendly, casual atmosphere. Singles, couples, and groups of friends welcome. Doors open at 7 p.m.; performance from 7:30 to about 10 p.m. with a half hour intermission to include door prize drawings and a special dessert. Enter Resurrection Lutheran Church, 420 Stewart Ave. (near Clinton Rd.) on the Emmet Pl. side by the lighted Café Ablaze sign. Tickets $10; two for $15. Reservations suggested. Call Lori 739-1537.
An Evening of Music to Welcome the Fall
Presented by the Waldorf Chamber Players at 8 p.m., Bonner Hall at The Waldorf School of Garden City, Cambridge Ave. The program includes works by Boismortier, Beethoven, Bruch, Bizet and Hurlstone, and has been carefully selected to hold the interest of young audiences with the hope that through enjoying live performances of high caliber, grandparents, parents and children together will find their interest in music stimulated and their own music studies enlivened. Tickets are $20; $15 senior citizens and students and are available at the school’s main office 742-3434 or at the door on the evening of performance.
Sunday, September 26
Garden City Street Fair
Featuring arts and crafts, gifts, food, children’s entertainment, unique gift items and more. The festival will be held on Nassau Blvd. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine. Free admission. Free parking. Call Showtiques 631-724-5966.
Ompahfest/Schuetzenfest
Featuring lots of German music throughout the day. Experience German food, beer and entertainment at its finest. Games, raffles, shooting at the rifle range, prizes. Plattduetsche Park, 1132 Hempstead Tpke., Franklin Square. The park opens at 11 a.m. Donation $7.50. Advance ticket sales $6. Call 354-3131.
Friday, October 1
Autism Conference
Life’s WORC will holds its 2010 Autism Conference at The Marriott, 101 James Doolittle Blvd., Uniondale. The all day conference, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., will have as its theme, “Building Bridges through Life’s Connections.” The keynote speaker will be Ray Cepeda, BCaBA. His address will answer an important and timely question: “Are we doing all that we can to include learners with autism and related developmental disabilities with their peers in regular ed?” In addition to the keynote address, the program will encompass several educational sessions geared toward educators and other professionals serving individuals with developmental disabilities, as well as parents/family members, and students. Fees are: professionals $100; groups of 3 or more $85 per person; parents/family members $75; students $75. (To obtain the student discount, a school ID must be faxed or a copy mailed in with registration.) Registration and payment must be received by Sept. 24. Complete conference information and the program agenda can be found at: www./lifesworc.org/conference or call 741-9000, ext. 336.
Upcoming Events
Defensive Driving Courses
Conducted by the Automobile Club of NY in the Garden City office located at 229 Seventh St. Save money; reduce violation points; sharpen skills. The cost is $39 for AAA members; $32 Plus members; $32 members 60 and older; $32 members 16-24 years old; $49 nonmembers; special group rates available. Dates and rates subject to change. Online class available. Visit AAA.com/DefensiveDriving. Reservations required. Call 873-2381. Online class available. Visit AAA.com/DefensiveDriving. The following dates are offered:
•Sept. 21 and 23 from 6:15 to 9:15 p.m.
•Sept. 25 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
•Sept. 27 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
•Oct 2 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
•Oct 5 and 6 from 6:15 to 9:15 p.m.
•Oct 9 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
•Oct 13 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
•Oct 17 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
•Oct 20 and 27 from 6:15 to 9:15 p.m.
•Oct 22 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
•Oct 24 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
•Oct 26 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
•Oct 30 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Irish American Society
The Irish American Center, 297 Willis Ave., Mineola, will hold the following events. Coffee, tea and Irish soda bread will be served. Bar open for your pleasure. Call 746-9392 or 742-8080:
•Sept. 18: Monthly Ceili with Pete Kelly’s Ceili Band. 8 p.m. Donation $20.
•Sept. 19: Sunday Night Dance featuring Andy Cooney. 5 to 9 p.m. Donation $20.
Garden City High School 10 Year Reunion
Will be held on Nov. 26 from 8 p.m. to midnight at the Nassau County Bar Association, 15th and West Sts., Mineola. $85 per person; $100 after Nov. 1 or at the door. Send checks made out to cash to: Gina Paulson, 252-35 60 Ave., Little Neck, New York 11362. Include your contact telephone number on check. Email gpaulson19@gmail.com for questions.
Board 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 Gatherings every Monday at the Irish American Center, 297 Willis Ave., Minoela, from noon to 3 p.m. Summer Bingo. In the tradition and mission of the Irish American Society we are here to make all welcome and be part of the local community. Bring lunch. Coffee and tea will be served. Play cards, board games or just sit and socialize. A film once a month. Ladies and gents welcome. Free to all. Call Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 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.
•Anxiety and Depression Group, a free self-help group for anxiety, panic disorder, depression, OCD and other nervous fears now meets every Thursdays at 8 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church, corner of Chester Ave. and New Hyde Park Rd. Through the Recovery International process, members learn to manage stress, panic, anxiety, depression, anger, irrational fears, phobias, compulsions, obsessions and other emotional or behavioral problems. Members also learn how to face and manage psychosomatic symptoms such as heart palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, sweats, fatigue, headaches, numbness, chest pressure and sleep problems. All group leaders are trained lay volunteers who have experienced some type of difficulty with an emotional problem and practice the Recovery International method of self-help. Call Steve 652-8560 or visit www.recovery-inc.org.
•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.
•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.
•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.
•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.
•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.
•LI Tourette Syndrome Association Support groups for those who have family members or other loved ones with Tourette Syndrome meet from 7:30 to 9 p.m. on the first Friday of each month at the DeMatteis Center, north side of Northern Blvd., Old Brookville (directly opposite the NY Institute of Technology campus). There are three separate support groups running simultaneously: one group for children, one for teens and one for parents/adults. Siblings of TS children are also invited. Free for LI-TSA members. For further information, call 876-6947 or email LongIslandTSA@aol.com.
•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.
•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.
•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.
•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.
Ongoing Programs
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.
Anger Management
Contact Lani McElgun, M.A., LMFT, at 520 Franklin Ave., Suite 213, or call 428-1167 for information on the following: Group: Turn angry behaviors into more productive ones; learn healthier ways to communicate with spouse, children, co-workers. Individual: Combine individual therapy and anger management techniques. Both are held on a weekly basis and facilitated by a licensed marriage and family therapist, also certified in anger management. Court mandates welcome.
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.
Career Development Workshop
Circulo’s Career Services workshop prepares you for the challenges of finding and holding a job – while emphasizing goal centered career development. You are prepared for short and long term success by focusing on development essential job search skills in the context of employer’s decision making – or hiring process. This workshop will cover everything needed to get started and/or to improve on an already established work history. Professional career counseling, job search and internship placement are available upon workshop completion. All services are free. Workshops begin every second Tuesday of the month and meet Tuesdays and Wednesdays. English 2 to 5 p.m. or 6 to 9 p.m. Spanish 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 91 N. Franklin St., Hempstead. Call 292-2433.
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
•The Nassau Community College Firehouse Plaza Art Gallery (Room 140 of the College Center Building) presents Doing Good Works, an exhibit of the work of the NCC Art Department Faculty. The show will be on exhibit through Oct. 12. The works featured reflect the charities and issues in which the exhibitors are involved. Among the media used in the show are painting, photography, ceramic and digital video. The exhibit is the kick-off exhibit to Nassau’s 2010 college-wide theme of Social Justice Now. During the academic year, the gallery will present other exhibits that focus on global, social, economic and political inequities, as well as the reality of art as a transformative power. Call 572-0619.
•The following exhibit will be at the African American Museum of Education and Applied Arts, 110 Franklin St., Hempstead. The LI Center of Photography presents the works of Long Island-based photographer Darrell Emile. Acknowledging the influences of the accidental and spontaneous gestures favored by abstract expressionist painters of the ‘50s, Darrell searches for objects and motifs that reveal something about life. The images included in Passed Lifes were seen and taken on Long Island, New York City, Chicago, New Orleans and Washington, DC. On view through Sept. 30. Opening reception Sept. 19 from 2 to 4 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.
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.
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. Closed for the summer. Reopens Sept. 8.
