Organ Recital:
Friday, May 20
Mozart’s Don Giovanni:
Friday, May 20
Defensive Driving Courses:
Upcoming Events
Friday, May 20
Organ Recital
Alistair Nelson is the associate organist and choirmaster at the Cathedral of the Incarnation, where he directs the Cathedral Girls’ Choir and Schola Cantorum. Alistair grew up in Sydney, Australia, and in 2005 won the Open Section of the Sydney Organ Competition. In 2007, Alistair graduated with a master of music degree from Yale University, studying with Thomas Murray and Martin Jean. He has made a Young Artists recording with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation which, along with his Yale degree recital, has been broadcast on ABC Classic FM. He will be performing music of Maurice Durufle, Sigfrid Karg-Elert and Camille Saint-Saens. The recital will be at 8 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Incarnation. Suggested donation $10 general seating; $5 seniors, students; children under 13 admitted free. Call 746-2955.
Don Giovanni
The Bronx Opera Company presents Mozart’s Don Giovanni on May 20 at 8 p.m. and May 21 at 2 p.m. Hofstra University’s John Cranford Adams Playhouse. The opera will be fully-staged, performed in English, accompanied by a 30-piece orchestra. Directed by Nicole Lee Aiossa; artistic director Michael Spierman. Tickets are $30; $25 senior citizens (over 65 with ID); $10 for students (with ID); children under 12 free with one full-price paid adult ticket. Hofstra faculty and staff may pay $20 each for up to two tickets and Hofstra students may pay $10 for up to two tickets upon presentation of a current HofstraCard. Box office 463-6644.
Saturday, May 21
Irish American Society
The Flower of May Dance at the Irish American Center, 297 Willis Ave., Mineola. 8:30 p.m. Coffee, tea and Irish soda bread will be served. Bar open for your pleasure. Music provided by Tommy Goodwin and Sharon. Waltz Competition. Donation $20. Call 746-9392 or 742-8080 for reservations.
Sunday, May 22
Lag B’Omer Celebration
Congregation Beth Israel, 141 Hilton Ave., Hempstead, will celebrate Lag B’Omer oat noon with BBQ and…Songs from the Siddur: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow. Rabbi Michael’s presentation must have a RSVP either to: rabbi.michael@me.com or 547-3581.
South Shore Symphony Orchestra
Under the musical direction of Scott Jackson Wiley, will be performing at its annual concert at the St. Agnes Cathedral, 29 Quealy Pl., Rockville Centre, at 7:30 p.m. The 50-member orchestra will be performing with the Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys, the Cathedral Chorale and the Cathedral Schola Cantorum and soloists under the direction of Michael L. Bower, director of the choirs and festival event. The performance will include Concerto on the German Chorale Nun Danket Alle Gott arr. by Franz Liszt, I Was Glad When They Said Unto Me Coronation Anthem by C. Hubert H. Parry, Resurrexit (Christus), Notturno III (liebestraum) performed by guest piano soloist William Buckley, Prelude and Fugue on B.A.C.H performed by organ soloist Michael L. Bower and the Faust-Symphonie by Franz List performed by Albert Neal, tenor soloist. The performance is free to the public but a donation is requested of $10 or $15. Call 764-9578, ext. 203.
Tuesday, May 24
Blood Drive
Nassau Community College, in conjunction with Nassau University Medical Center, invites members of the community to make a blood donation during its annual Celebrate Summer Blood Drive from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the College Center Building. Donors must be at least 17 years old and in good health, bring photo ID. Although small snacks will be provided, donors should eat before donating. Call Dr. Friedman 572-7883.
Upcoming Events
Defensive Driving Courses
Conducted by the AAA 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. The following dates are offered:
•May 21 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
•May 26 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
•June 4 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
•June 6 and 8 from 6:15 to 9:15 p.m.
•June 12 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
•June 16 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
•June 25 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
•June 30 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Stroke Support Groups
Stroke Life Society is a community organization of survivors and co-survivors in the pursuit of living and helping others. A stroke can be very isolating. By sharing experiences and encouraging one another, together we can face and overcome common challenges. All welcome. RSVP is requested but not required. For information and other locations and times, call Ben Thomas 398-4994:
•May 20 (and every third Friday) at 2 p.m. at St. Bernard’s Parish Center, 3100 Hempstead Tpke., Levittown.
•June 13 (and every second Monday of the month) at 6 p.m. at the Church of St. Jude, 3606 Lufberry Ave., Wantagh.
•July 6 (and every first Wednesday of the month) at 11 a.m. in Room 12, St. Frances de Chantal, 1309 Wantagh Ave., Wantagh.
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. 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.
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.
•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.
•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. Call Diana 481-9280. No meeting at the church during July and August.
•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.
•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.
•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.
•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.
Ongoing Programs
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Jennifer Colbert, CSW, ext. 400.
Quilt Exhibit
The Mallette Gallery at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Central Nassau, 223 Stewart Ave. (at Nassau Blvd.), Garden City, will feature an exhibit of quilts by Janet through May 31. There will be a reception on May 15 from 2 to 4 p.m. Admission is free. Call 248-8855 to arrange for other times to view the exhibit.
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.