Blood Drive
Thursday, June 28
Garage Sale
Saturday, June 30
July 4th Annual BBQ
Wednesday, July 4
Thursday, June 28
Blood Drive
The Melville Chamber of Commerce Networking Lunch Break Blood Drive will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Catapano Hall. 585 Broadhollow Rd., Melville. Free lunch to all blood donors and networkers supporting the blood drive and who bring a donor. The chamber has a goal to reach and feel that the networking world can help us meet this goal. Take a tour of the Jet Mobile and meet the Jets cheerleaders. Shwaggy will be on site to greet and meet. Take a breath of fresh air at the oxygen bar (a small fee), with all proceeds to benefit The Long Island Blood Services. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Helen Zagaro 631-580-6036 or hzagaro@starpromoz.com, Michele Michael 631-245-2674 or MichelMGMRealty@optonline.net, Joseph Kraker 631-777-6260 or info@melvillechamber.org.
Saturday, June 30
Garage Sale
YES Community Counseling Center, 75 Grand Ave., Massapequa, will be conducting its Annual Garage Sale (rain date July 1) at the back of the offices (New York Ave. between Central Ave. and Hicksville Rd.) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. YES will be collecting items, old and new (but saleable). To donate items (all contributions are tax deductible), contact 516-799-3203. The proceeds from this event will be used to support programs and services to youth and families.
Wednesday, July 4
July 4th Annual BBQ
At The Wantagh Memorial Congregational Church, 1845 Wantagh Ave., Wantagh, at noon, on the lawn behind the church following the parade. Tickets $15 for the very hungry; $12 for everyone else. For tickets or more info call 785-1829 and leave a message.
Saturday, July 7
Defensive Driving Course
Sponsored by the Nassau County Auxiliary Police and administered by the Empire Safety Council of New York. Successful completion of the course can reduce four points on NYS license. Benefits also include a 10 percent reduction in insurance liability and collision premiums. Class will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the American Legion Hall, Old Jerusalem Rd., Levittown. For further information and registration contact Tom Field at mybb12004@yahoo.com.
Wednesday, July 11
Family Festival
St. William the Abbot Church, 2000 Jackson Ave., Seaford, is holding its 36th Annual Family Festival from July 11 through July 15. Rides, games, food, entertainment, 50/50, Las Vegas in the air conditioned lower church. P.O.P all nights. Hours: Wednesday-Friday 7 to 11 p.m.; Saturday 6 to 11 p.m.; Sunday 5 to 10 p.m.
Upcoming Events
Vacation Bible School
The Farmingdale United Methodist Church, 407 Main Street (corner of Grant Ave.), Farmingdale, will hold its Vacation Bible School for children 4 years old through fifth grade on Friday, July 20 from 5 to 6:30 p.m., Saturday, July 21 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., closing on Sunday, July 22 at 9:30 a.m. Registration information is available at the church office 516-694-3424 or www.farmingdaleumc.org.
Village Green Events
Events take place at the Farmingdale Village Green. Guests should bring a blanket or lawn chair and a picnic dinner. All movies are preceded by a short cartoon and start at dusk. Free popcorn, ice cream and juice are provided at movie nights. It is also advisable to arrive early:
•June 27: Pops season opener. 7:30 p.m.
•July 3: Pops: Patriotic tunes at 7:30 p.m. at the Farmingdale Village Green.
•July 12: Movie: Mirror, Mirror.
•July 15: Pops: mixed music. 5 p.m.
•July 18: Pops: mixed music. 7:30 p.m.
•July 19: Live performance play, The Andrew Brothers, presented by Studio Theatre of Lindenhurst. 8 p.m.
•July 25: Pops: mixed music. 7:30 p.m.
•July 26: Movie: We Bought A Zoo.
•Aug. 1: Pops: children’s concert. 7:30 p.m.
•Aug. 2: Movie: Gnomeo and Juliet.
•Aug. 8: Pops: music of WWII. 7:30 p.m.
•Aug. 9: Movie: The Lorax.
•Aug. 23: Movie: The Mighty Macs.
Sixth Biennial Sojourn To Ghana West Africa
Ten-day adventure to Ghana (The Gold Coast) Aug. 4-14, 2012. $2250 double occupancy (land package only). Airfare from U.S. not included. Trip price includes: beautifully appointed hotel accommodations (double occupancy), two meals daily, transfers and ground transportation via deluxe air-conditioned motor coaches, friendly experienced English-speaking tour guides. Tour fees and admissions. Tours to W.E.B. Dubois Center for Pan African Culture, Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, Slave Castles – Door of No Return, River of the Last Bath, Boat Cruise on the Volta Lake – largest man-made lake in the world, visit to Torgome Village for Naming Ceremony, tour of Kumasi (Seat of the Ashanti Empire/ Manhyia Palace), craft villages and shopping opportunities galore. For additional information contact Pat Jenkins Patjenkinslewis@verizon.net or 516-997-6585.
Ongoing Events
Library Exhibit
Oil paintings by Carla Peipert will be on display during the month of June at the Farmingdale Library.
‘To Grow Is To Know. To Know Is To Grow’ Exhibit
Paul Gatto was commissioned by the Farmingdale Library to paint a piece that was presented there on May 5. He was asked to come up with subject matter that would be significant for the library and that would display the computer age. Paul Gatto came up with a tree of knowledge as the main feature. The tree rises from a large volume with bits and bytes streaming as text. The painting on board is 55 inches by 61 inches and will hang permanently over the south side entrance.
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? Undereater? 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 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.
•Mid Nassau Jewish Retirement Club meets every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Temple Emanuel 123 Merrick Ave., East Meadow. New members are welcome. Call Marty Fein 485-3171.
•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.
•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 encouraged 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.
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 meets the first Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Farmingdale Knights of Columbus Hall #2204, 1 Morton St., Farmingdale (off Route 109 behind 7-11). This wonderful faith-filled Catholic women’s organization is based on charity with emphasis on helping our local community. We would love it if you would think about joining us. If interested in learning more call Diane at 631-293-4290 or Lyn at 516-753-0923 or even better, email: lyn.stkilian@yahoo.com
•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 516-694-5539. 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.
•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.
Central Nassau Guidance & Counseling Services
Located at 950 South Oyster Bay Rd., Hicksville. The following programs are offered:
•A support group for those who have family members with mental illness meets Mondays from 7 to 8 p.m. A nominal fee is charged. 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. This group specializes in parenting issues for substance abusers. 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. Preregistration required. Call 822-4060.
•Young Adult Drug Addiction Group for those who are recovering from drug addiction. The goals are to enhance skills, increase self-awareness and work toward a drug and alcohol free life. 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, Sharon Bohen or Kathleen Kovach at 822-6111, ext. 295.
•An Anger Management program led by a social worker from the agency’s Community Program is open to adults 17 and older. The course is geared to individuals who have unhealthy expressions of anger and need to learn how to manage anger; stop violence or the threat of violence; and develop self-control over thoughts and actions. Course attendees will receive positive support and feedback from others. Additionally, help will be provided to identify triggers, recognize cues to anger and develop individual anger management strategies. The fee for this course is $200. Central Nassau accepts Medicaid as well as several credit cards. Advanced registration is required and reservations can be made by calling 822-4060.
Help for Domestic Violence Victims
The Nassau County Coalition Against Domestic Violence offers help and support to victims of domestic violence. The coalition operates the only Safe Home in the county. The Safe Home is a place where victims can enjoy security and a haven from violence. In the Safe Home setting, families can begin to plan their futures, and gain insight into the violence, upheaval and loss that they have suffered. The services offered to residents afford them the opportunity for personal growth, mutual support, and an end to the isolation they have experienced. Children receive special assistance at the Safe Home. The coalition’s Children’s Services Project makes it possible by providing them with an opportunity to break the cycle of violence they have witnessed observing their parents. If you are a victim of domestic violence, know that the abuse is not your fault and you are not alone. The NC Coalition Against Domestic Violence can help you. The 24-hour hotline is staffed by counselors who can give you the information and support you need. Call the hotline any time at 542-0404. For more information about the coalition, call the main office 465-4700 or visit www.cadvnc.org.
Free Educational Services
Free courses and academic advice is available to economically and educationally disadvantaged 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.
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.
•Every second Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. at Long Island Jewish Medical Center, Epilepsy Conference Room, Research Building Level C, 270-05 76th Ave., New Hyde Park.
•Every third Friday at 2 p.m. at St. Bernard’s Parish Center, 3100 Hempstead Tpke., Levittown.
•Every fourth Wednesday at 6 p.m. in Room 106, St. James Parish Center, 80 Hicksville Rd., Seaford.
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.
