Food Collection Drive
Saturday, September 17
Fall Garden Celebration
Sunday, September 18
Free Veteran Breakfast
Sunday, September 18
Saturday, September 17
Food Collection Drive
Run by the Farmingdale Rotary Club from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the new Stop & Shop Supermarket, Motor Ave. With the cooperation of Stop & Shop, volunteer Rotarians will be on hand to receive all food contributions. The entire project is chaired by Rotarian Yasuo Usui and all the proceeds will go to benefit St. Kilian’s Church Outreach Program. The Farmingdale Rotary Club is once again going that extra mile for the benefit of the community. Also on Sept. 18.
Pedals for Progress
Pedals for Progress collects used bicycles to give to people in developing nations, helping them get to and from work and become more self-sufficient. The collection will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Massapequa High School Main Campus’s East parking lot. Rain or shine. Anyone with an adult or child’s bicycle in repairable condition is urged to donate his or her bike to this worthy cause. Organizers will not accept bikes for parts or disassembled bikes. It costs $40 to collect, process, ship, rebuild and distribute each bicycle. A donation toward shipping costs is necessary (suggested minimum $10 per bike). All cash and material donations are fully tax deductible and a receipt will be available at the collection site. Pedals for Progress will also accept working portable sewing machines. Sponsored by Tyler Novet for his upcoming Eagle Scout Service Project. For more information call 799-2496 or email TylersBikeDrive@yahoo.com.
Long Island TRIO
(Transplant Recipients International Organization). The public is invited to a very special re-dedication ceremony of TRIO’s “Donor Rose Garden.” The annual ceremony honoring donors and donor families is one of Long Island TRIO’s most cherished events. The ceremony honors those who have given others new life. Noon at Eisenhower Park, East Meadow, adjacent to the Women’s Sport Pavilion- Parking Field 6/6A.
Sunday, September 18
Fall Garden Celebration
At Farmingdale State College in the Ornamental Horticulture Teaching Gardens from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This is your opportunity to buy beautiful fall plants and flowers while supporting the horticulture department. Bring garden and design questions to “Ask the Experts.” Garden tours, pH testing and free lectures are part of the celebration. For more information, call 631-420-2075. Admission is free.
See the Birds in Massapequa Preserve
Join the South Shore Audubon Society for a bird walk at the Massapequa Preserve from 9:30 a.m. to noon. The walk leaders and other birders and nature enthusiasts will be happy to share their knowledge and experience with you. The bird walk is free. Bring binoculars. Rain will cancel. The group will meet at the northeast parking lot at the Massapequa LIRR Station. For more information, log onto www.ssaudubon.org or telephone Steve Schellenger 987-8103.
Free Veteran Breakfast
Serving our country with the utmost courage and honor, the selfless contributions of the veterans of this great nation are an enduring testament to the values of liberty, justice and freedom that all Americans hold dear. As a small thank you to the veterans who reside in his district, Senator Kemp Hannon invites vets and one guest to a free Veterans Pancake Breakfast from 10 a.m. to noon at VFW Post 7277, 191 Veterans Blvd., Massapequa. Reservations are necessary and can be made by calling Senator Hannon’s Community Office at 739-1700 or you can reserve a seat online at kemphannon.com. Senator Hannon is honored to host this event to thank the veterans for their valuable contribution to both our state and our nation.
Wednesday, September 21
Bethpage History
Harrison Hunt will speak about Bethpage history at the Historical Society’s meeting at 7:30 p.m. at the Bethpage Public Library, 47 Powell Ave., Bethpage.
Thursday, September 22
Concerned Citizens Association of Farmingdale
Residents invited to a “town hall” civic meeting by the Concerned Citizens Association of Farmingdale at 7:30 p.m. at Allen Park meeting room. Time for an open dialogue, a lively debate and hopefully some consensus to be formed on issues critical to your everyday life, is planned. Call Chuck 346-7411 and/or email charles.gosline@ngc.com.
Friday, September 23
Farmingdale AARP Chapter #3967
First fall meeting at the Newly Renovated, Farmingdale Library, 116 Merritts Rd. at 1 p.m. All welcome. There will be a 911 Memorial Tribute at the meeting. Coffee and cake will be provided. For more information call Kay 333-2196.
Social Ballroom Dancing
Takes place in Hicksville at the VFW Post, 320 South Broadway, every Friday from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Tuna salad, coffee, tea, bagels, bialys, pastries. Professional ballroom DJ. Wood dance floor, free dance lesson, couples and singles tables. Dance hosts for single ladies. Donation $15pp. Also on Oct. 14, 21, 28.
Saturday, September 24
Art in the Park
Mark your calendar “Art in the Park” from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. “On the Green,” Main St., Farmingdale. Rain date Sept. 25. Bring your paintings, photography, sculptures, watercolors, pastels, drawings to display. Ribbons to be awarded. For applications and information go to www.farmingdalevillage.com and click community events. Sponsored by the Women’s Club of Farmingdale and the Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce. Call 752-7493. 694-3269 or 420-9352.
Hit the Pavement for the Poor
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul will host its Third Annual Friends of the Poor Walk at Bethpage State Park to help Long Islanders in need. Every year the society hosts a walk to help support its direct aid programs, of which there are 52 facilitated within 49 LI communities. St. Vincent de Paul serves a vulnerable population including the homeless, elderly, working poor and anyone that demonstrates a genuine need. The Rockville Centre Council of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul encourages all Long Islanders to participate in the walk as walkers, sponsors, volunteers. If you are unable to attend, be sure to support your local Conference (St. Vincent de Paul volunteer group) through a walker or team pledge. Contributions of any size are welcome and appreciated. All walkers receive a T-shirt. To register as a walker, to pledge support for a walker/team, or for more information, go to www.svdpfriendsofthepoorwalk.org. To volunteer, call (516) 822-3132 or email info@svdprvc.org.
JC Café
The JC Café at Farmingdale United Methodist Church, 407 Main St. (corner of Grant Ave.), Farmingdale, will host Servants of the Shepherd, a well-known contemporary Christian music group that has been entertaining audiences for over 20 years. Founding members George Cooper and Alex Accardo credit their success to their spiritual beliefs and faith and say they sing what they believe and believe what they sing. They have shared their talents in composing, arranging, producing, singing and mentoring in many different venues including coffee houses, worship settings, fund-raising events and concert sites. Doors open at 7 p.m. with complimentary coffee and desserts and the program begins at 7:30 p.m. Suggested donation is $5. The public is invited to share what promises to be a unique and inspiring evening. Call 694-3424 or visit farmingdaleumc.org.
Step Forward To Cure TSC Walkathon
The Second Annual “Step Forward To Cure TSC” Walkathon to benefit Ally Spear, 9, of East Meadow, will be held at Wantagh Park at 11 a.m. Walkathon participants can register on the day of the event or online at www.stepforwardtocuretsc.org. For more information on the family’s fundraising efforts, call Robert Spear 516-250-0803 or send an email to rspear96@gmail.com.
Sunday, September 25
INN Soup Kitchen Open House
The INN of Hempstead, Long Island’s largest soup kitchen will hold an Open House from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Mary Brennan INN, 100 Madison Ave., Hempstead. Tours will be given every half hour. Refreshments will be served. Learn how to make a difference, how to get involved. Call Emily Wilensky for more information 486-8506, ext. 138.
Monday, September 26
Village of Farmingdale Board of Trustees
Work session meeting at 7 p.m. at Village Hall.
Upcoming Events
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. Go to www.strokelife.org.
•Every first Wednesday of the month at 11 a.m. in Room 12, St. Frances de Chantal, 1309 Wantagh Ave., Wantagh.
•Every second Monday of the month at 6 p.m. at the Church of St. Jude, 3606 Lufberry Ave., Wantagh.
•Sept. 16 (and every third Friday at 2 p.m. at St. Bernard’s Parish Center, 3100 Hempstead Tpke., Levittown.
Train Show Trip
The Farmingdale-Bethpage Historical Society will host a trip to the annual Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Gardens on Nov. 30. Register before Sept. 30. Contact Bill Johnston 249-3099 for more information.
Ongoing Events
Amityville Farmers Market
Every Friday from 2 to 7 p.m. through Sept 30 at the 9/11 Memorial Park, Route 110, Amityville. Farm fresh produce, dairy products, eggs, gluten free organic artisan baker and much more. Contact Jaime for more info 297-7997.
Certified Organic Farm Stand
Every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Sept. 24, the cooperative organic farm at the Old Bethpage Restoration Village holds a farm stand that is open to the public. For more information on Dan and Caroline’s cooperative farm in Old Bethpage, visit http://www.restorationfarm.com/index.html.
Senior Pops Orchestra
The Senior Pops Orchestra is seeking string players, especially string bass. The orchestra meets every Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to noon in Melville. Join a fun group. Visit www.seniorpops.org, to find out more about the orchestra.
Weekly Events
•Bingo every Monday to support Deborah Hospital. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the game starts at 7:15 p.m. at 110 Bingo Hall, 585 Broadhollow Rd., Melville. Call Pam 631-730-8021.
•Free Support Group for divorced or separated meets every Monday except holidays from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at St Kilian’s RC Church Parish Center (basement), 485 Conklin St. (Route 24). Widowed welcome as well. All singles needing support. Call 516-753-0923 or Lyn.StKilian@Yahoo.com.
•Therapeutic Movement Group. Bodies in Motion is a therapeutic movement group for children ages 5 to 1 who need that extra special attention to promote coordination, strength, balance, fine and gross motor skills, social skills, attention and focusing. This group meets Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m. at Hot Shots Xtremes Gymnastics Center, second floor, 127 B. Carmans Rd., Farmingdale. Call 631-249-3127 or 631-249-3126. Email: kidsjumpstart@yahoo.com. Facilitators are licensed therapists specializing in pediatrics.
•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.
•Caregiver Support Group offered by the LI Alzheimer’s Foundation at Brandywine Senior Living at Huntington Terrace, 70 Pinelawn Rd., Melville. This professionally facilitated group meets on Mondays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. and allows participants opportunities to share feelings and strategies related to caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. Call 767-6856 and speak with group facilitator, Alana Rosenstein, LMSW, before attending for the first time. Those who are financially able are asked to contribute $10 to the LI Alzheimer’s Foundation for each session they attend.
•Senior Pops Orchestra. If you love good music and play the violin, cello, viola or bass, come join the Senior Pops Orchestra. Rehearsals on Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. at Sweet Hollow Hall, West Hills County Park, Melville (near Northern State Route 110). The “Pops” is a not-for-profit organization whose members enjoy getting together to make beautiful music. Call 414-1831 for travel directions. Further information call 795-1706.
•The Scrabble Club meets on Thursdays from 12:15 to 3:15 p.m. at the Plainedge Library, 1060 Hicksville Rd., Massapequa. All ages. Scrabble players wanted. Call Judy 827-9506.
•Storytime every Thursday at 11 a.m. at Borders, 231 Airport Plaza, Farmingdale. Call 631-752-0194.
•The Relationship Journey, a group for widow, widowers, divorced and singles 45+. Meets every Thursday at 8 p.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 449 Stewart Ave., Bethpage. Fee $7. Facilitated by TV talk show host of The Relationship Journey. Refreshments. Call 395-8303 for room location.
•Mastering Life – Conversations. Do you experience frustration in relationships, career, health, confidence? Conversations produces a permanent, positive shift in all areas of life. Led by Stefan Deutsch, human development expert. Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon and Sundays from 6 to 8 p.m. in Melville. Call 631-692-0986. $10.
•Clutterers Anonymous, a 12-step self-help group, offers help and support to those who have clutter problems in their homes or workplace. Meets weekly on Thursdays from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the United Methodist Church, 265 Asbury Ave., and also the 1st and 3rd Friday from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the School of the Community Reformed Church, 90 Plandome Rd., Manhasset. There are no dues or fees. For more information, email CLAWestbury@yahoo.com, call (866) 800-3881 or visit www.ClutterersAnonymous.net.
•Massapequa Singles and Massapequa Couples holds dances every Friday from noon to 4 p.m. Couples and singles tables. Professional Dance Lesson at 11:15 a.m. Dance starts at noon and a full-course hot buffet luncheon is served at 1 p.m. $15 donation. Singles are introduced and partners are encourage at Manor East Catering Hall, 201 Jerusalem Ave., Massapequa. Email Dancezee@aol.com or call 332-7825.
•Massapequa Singles and Massapequa Couples hosts a workshop to Learn To Dance. All Social Dances, American and Latin. Partners are encouraged but not necessary at 11:15 a.m. every Friday at Manor East Catering Hall, 201 Jerusalem Ave., Massapequa. $10. Email Dancezee@aol.com or call 332-7825.
•Overeaters Anonymous. Are you a compulsive overeater? Under eater? Overeaters Anonymous can help. There is a meeting on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon at St. Rose of Lima Church, 2 Bayview Ave., Massapequa. For information about the meeting call Nancy 798-2547 (between 7 and 9 p.m.) or Ed 845-5423.
Monthly Events
•Island Photo Group, a group of photographers working together to advance each other’s photographic skills and to be an exciting force in photographic education on LI. Meets the 1st, 2nd, 4th Mondays of every month at 7:30 p.m. (except legal holidays) in the Community Center in Allen Park, 101 Motor Ave. Check our calendar of events at www.islandphotogroup.com or call 516-450-LENS.
•Farmingdale Columbiettes #2204 welcomes new members. Meetings are held on the first Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at Farmingdale Knights of Columbus Hall #2204, 1 Morton St. (off Route 109 behind 7-11). This wonderful Catholic women’s organization is based on charity and would love for you to join. If interested in hearing more contact Ginny 631-619-6963 or email Lyn at lyn.stkilian@yahoo.com.
•Performance Poets Association. This talented troupe performs original poetry recitals on the third Monday of each month at 8 p.m. at Borders Books, 231 Airport Plaza, Route 110, Farmingdale. Call Judith D’Ambrosio 579-2474.
•Farmingdale Knights of Columbus meeting at 8 p.m. at 1 Morton St. (off 109). New members always welcome. Call 1-631-755-2204. Meetings are held on the first and third Tuesdays of each month.
•Speak Easy: A Toastmasters Club. Can help you conquer your fear of public speaking. In Bethpage, Northrop Grumman Toastmasters meets on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 5:45 p.m. in Northrop Grumman Building 5, South Oyster Bay Rd., Bethpage. Call Brian 346-7516.
•Farmingdale Veterans of Foreign Wars. The Veterans of Foreign Corp. George Benkert Jr. Post of Farmingdale is actively recruiting veterans of Afghanistan, Iraq, Desert Storm, Vietnam, Korea and WWII. Membership requirements include active participation in a foreign conflict. For membership qualifications contact membership chairman Bob Fullam at 516-694-5530. The VFW building is at 635 Main St., Farmingdale, and members meet there on the second Tuesday of each month at 8:30 p.m.
•Farmingdale American Legion, Hugh C. Newman Post #449 is looking for new members who have served in the Armed Forces during various wars and conflicts such as WWII, Korea, Viet Nam and the Gulf War. Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of every month at VFW Post #516, 635 Main St. (just south of the railroad crossing), at 8:15 p.m. Call Commander Thomas Taylor 752-9613.
•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.
•South Shore Hand Smockers meet on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, Main St., Babylon. Beginners are welcome. Call Marie 631-277-1096.
•Italian Culture Society at Farmingdale meets the last Tuesday of every month at 7:30 p.m. at Ellsworth W. Allen Park, Motor Ave. Italian lessons are given by a native Italian teacher. For lessons in Italian come early at 6:30 p.m. Refreshments are served – ample parking. For private lessons call Francesca at 249-4543.
•Central Oyster Bay Democratic Club (COBDC) meets the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in the community room at Ellsworth Allen Park, Motor Ave., Farmingdale. All are welcome to attend. The club serves the communities of Plainview, Bethpage, Old Bethpage, Farmingdale, North Massapequa, Massapequa Park and Massapequa. For more information email centoysterbaydems@gmail.com or attend a meeting.
•Farmingdale AARP Chapter 3967 welcomes new members, offers senior information, entertainment and Bingo at meetings which are held on the third Wednesday of the month at 1 p.m. at the Farmingdale Public Library. New members sought. Call President Ann Derasmo 631-694-2371.
•Free Diabetes Support Group for adults living with diabetes meets the third Wednesday of each month from 1 to 2 p.m. Facilitators are certified Diabetes educators. The group provides a forum for support and diabetes education. The meetings are held in the Diabetes Education Classroom at New Island Hospital, 4295 Hempstead Tpke., Bethpage. Call 520-2213 to reserve a spot.
•Green Living Seminars, a series hosted by Starflower Experiences at 7 p.m. at the Melville Branch of the Half Hollow Hills Library, 510 Sweet Hollow Rd., directly across from the Sunquam Elementary School (between Route 110 and Old Country Rd.). The seminars will be held on the second Thursday of each month except July and August. Call 938-6152.
•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.
•Italian Genealogical Group meetings are held on the second Saturday of every month from September to June at 10:30 a.m. at the Bethpage Library, 50 Powell Ave., Bethpage. Free. Visit http://www.italian.org. Telephone 631-931-3907 Free.
•Earthwalk conducted by the staff of Starflower Experiences on the first Sunday of every other month at 2 p.m. A light touch of nature on an unusual and enjoyable walk. Discover the wonders of the natural world through your senses. For adults and children 9 and up. Meet at Sweet Hollow Hall in West Hills County Park, Melville. Fee of $2.50 per person. Call 938-6152 to sign up and for directions.
Ongoing Programs
Farmingdale Adult Day Care Center
A social day care program offering socialization and stimulation to persons 60 and over. The caring staff provides innovative activities for those who can no longer attend regular senior centers because of physical and/or mental impairment. It also affords respite to caregivers allowing them valued time to devote to matters of home or personal needs. This interfaith service meets on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the United Methodist Church, 407 Main St. Support groups are also held once a month on Wednesdays. Call 293-8928.
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 thegardenartstudio.com.
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.
Central Nassau Guidance & Counseling Services
Located at 950 South Oyster Bay Rd., Hicksville. The following programs are offered:
•The Community Program has a group for senior citizens. The Golden Years? The group is open to all people over 60 who are dealing with issues related to drugs or alcohol. This is an opportunity to talk confidentially with your peers as well as having the support and guidance of a skilled professional. Medicare and most other insurances are accepted. For information about this or any other services call 822-4060.
•A support group for those who have family members with mental illness meets Mondays from 7 to 8 p.m. The fee is $5 per family. Therapeutic and supportive services to people hampered in their functioning by mental illness, psychological difficulties and/or substance abuse and addiction problems is provided. Among its services, the agency provides outpatient mental health services for children and adults living in Nassau County. The staff is comprised of psychiatrists, registered nurses and certified social workers. Call 822-6111.
•An outpatient substance abuse agency offering a Parenting Group on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. This group specializes in parenting issues for substance abusers as well as parents whose children use drugs. While drug use among teens has declined in other parts of the country, it continues to rise here in Nassau County. For information on this group as well as other services, call 822-4060. All inquiries are confidential.
•Women’s Domestic Issues group provides support and education to women experiencing domestic conflict, child abuse, substance abuse and related issues. The focus will be on education, support as well as empowerment and proactive behavior. Issues related to the family and the legal system will be addressed. The group will be held on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Preregistration required. Call 822-4060.
•Young Adult Drug Addiction Group for people 18 to 21 who are recovering from drug addiction. The goals are to enhance skills, increase self-awareness and work toward a drug and alcohol free life. The group meets Thursdays at 8 p.m. Call 822-4060. All inquiries are confidential.
•Volunteers are needed by Central Nassau Guidance & Counseling Services to help staff the Pretty New Thrift Shop, 238 Main St., Farmingdale. The volunteers help raise much needed funds for the agency so that mental health and substance abuse programs can continue to be provided to the residents of Hicksville and the surrounding communities. If you have four hours per week and are looking to make friends while helping to raise needed revenue, call Diane Bythrow or Sharon Bohen at 822-6111, ext. 229.
Free Educational Services
Free courses and academic advice is available to economically and educationally disadvantages adults. The LI Educational Opportunity Center offers programs leading to employment in a variety of fields as well as entrance to college. The LIEOC has satellite units in many areas. Call the unit located at Hooper Hall, Farmingdale State College, at 631-434-3740 for further information.
Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery
The Hatchery is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located on the south side of Route 25A on the Nassau-Suffolk border. For information call 692-6768. Weekend trout feeding at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Admission $3 for adults; children 5 to 12 and people over 65 $1.50; under 5 – free. Call for group tour information. Group programs will be held on selected Saturdays at 10 or 11 a.m. A reservation must be made in advance. Fish feeding demonstrations are held every Saturday and Sunday. The public is invited to observe a staff member feeding thousands of trout at 1 and 3 p.m.
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.
Free Training for Displaced Homemakers
F.E.G.S. LI Division Suffolk Vocational Center/Displaced Homemaker Center, Amityville, offers free training to displaced homemakers who qualify. If you are divorced, widowed, separated, abandoned or a single parent receiving AFDC/TANF you might be eligible for our New Directions Workshops, Skills Training Program and Placement Center. Early enrollment is a must. Call 598-0108.
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 631-666-9333.
Farmingdale State College Offers Free Instruction
In college preparation including: English, reading, math, biology and chemistry, preGED/College Prep. reading and math; business education including: word processing and computer literacy; health care programs, nurse assistant training, clinical training given in area nursing homes, phlebotomy, high school equivalency, English for international students, adult basic education and more. Come in today! Farmingdale State College, Hooper Hall. Call 420-2280. Financial eligibility required. Course offerings may vary according to unit EEO/AA.
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.
Farmingdale United Methodist Nursery School
Offers classes for children from 18 months old through 5 years old where they can grow, play and learn together. The school offers a well-rounded program designed to stimulate the child creatively, socially, intellectually, physically and emotionally. Children are exposed to a variety of art-media, paint, finger paint, chalk, dough, pasting, cutting, coloring, writing, block play, music, group work, books, circle and story time, cooking experiences, puppet show, all types of parties, movement classes, computers, outdoor and indoor large motor activities and stimulating walking distance field trips. For more information or class schedules, call the school 293-9078.
Adults and Children With Learning Disabilities
ACLD, a private not-for-profit agency, is offering individual and family counseling for the primary caregivers of individuals with developmental disabilities. Support groups are available for parents and siblings and new groups for senior parents, parents of transitioning high school students as well as a group for parents who have a developmental disability. Groups are held during day and evening hours and will be facilitated by a social worker at 807 South Oyster Bay Rd., Bethpage. Call Florence Horne 822-0028, ext. 167.
Bring a Smile to a Poor Person’s Face
That is the invitation being sent across LI by Hope for the Future Ministries, a Farmingdale-based not-for-profit organization which helps the poor and homeless. Items needed include warm hats and scarves, thermal gloves and socks, thermal underwear, sweatshirts and sweatpants, toiletries and toys, new gifts, unwrapped with price tags removed. Bring to Hope for the Future Ministries, 131 Verdi St. Call 752-5771.
Massapequa Park Senior Center
Welcome! Come join the Massapequa Park Senior Community Service Center, 379 Linden St., Massapequa Park (Our Lady of Lourdes School). Meet new people, lunch with friends. Experience new things: painting, sculpture, arts and crafts, Tai Chi, dancing, trips and much more. Transportation is available. Call today for a reservation 797-5357. Program sponsored by Catholic Charities Diocese of Rockville Centre. Funded by the NC Dept. of Senior Citizen Affairs, the NYS Office of the Aging and the US Administration on Aging.
Support Groups
The following support groups will be held at the Plainedge Baptist Church, 96 Stewart Ave., Bethpage. For free enrollment or information call 731-6736.
•Alcohol/Substance Dependency Support Group. Celebrate Recovery is a nationally acclaimed program that invites people of any faith or no faith at all to experience God’s healing power in the lives of all who suffer from alcohol or drug dependency. Mondays from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
•Divorce/Separation Support Group. DivorceCare helps people recover from the pain of separation and divorce. Become a part of a small support group of people who are experiencing the same. This is a non-denominational video seminar with nationally recognized experts on divorce and recovery. Thursdays from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
•Grief Recovery Support Group. GriefShare is a non-denominational, 13-week video seminar featuring interviews with leading authors, counselors, speakers and pastors with years of expertise in grief recovery. Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m.
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.
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.
YES Community Counseling Center
Located at 75 Grand Ave., YES is a non-profit community-based agency licensed and funded by the NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services. Call 799-3203 or visit yesccc.org for information on the following:
•Adult Alcohol and Substance Abuse Psycho-Educational Series. This 10-week group is for adults whose lives have been affected by their alcohol or substance use. The program addresses the dynamics of addiction in a supportive environment at the beginning stage of recovery. Ongoing and open.
•Active Parenting Program. This six-week program is for parents seeking support and assistance in enhancing parenting skills. The group is offered several times throughout the year, based upon request and need in the community.
•Adolescent Alcohol and Substance Abuse Psycho-Educational and Support Group for males and females between the ages of 13 and 17 who are either at risk for or are currently using alcohol or substances. This program addresses the dynamics of addiction in the context of adolescent development. Ongoing and open.
•Anger Management Group. This 10-week group is for males and females ages 14 to 17 who can benefit from developing healthier coping skills and more effective strategies in response to their angler. The group is offered several times throughout the year, based upon request and need in the community.
•Cooperative Parenting through Divorce. This eight-week program is for parents seeking support related to separation and divorce issues. This group is offered several times throughout the year, based on request and need in the community.
•Female Self-Esteem Group for females between the ages of 14 and 18 who present with self-esteem issues and related at risk behaviors including alcohol/substance use, sexual promiscuity, poor choices in relationships, violence, poor academic achievement. Ongoing and open.
•Training for Mandated CPS Reporters. YES is approved by the NYS Dept. of Education to provide the state’s two-hour certification training for individuals training for mandated reporters of child abuse and neglect. Call for more information or to register for the next training dated.
•Support Groups: Specialized groups are available for adolescents, young adults, men and women who are seeking support and addressing various issues including socialization, transitioning to adulthood, relationships and recovery.
•Quitting smoking is the single most important action you can take to improve your health and overall quality of life. If you are interested in taking the first step to smoke-free living call YES Community Counseling Center and register for the Smoking Cessation Group which meets for five one-hour sessions. The cost of the entire five-week group is $75. Call Marissa at YES and register to attend. A start day/time will be determined based upon interest.
•Young Adult Support and Recovery Group for young adults between the ages of 18 and 23 at any stage in the recovery process. The group’s focus is to support goal development and achievement necessary to transition to a healthy adulthood. Issues addressed include education, employment, social and family relationships and the challenges of maintaining abstinence. Ongoing and open.
