27th Annual Rock Hall Country Fair
Saturday, October 20
Padre Pio Event
Friday, October 26
Hospice Care Network’s Crystal Ball Gala
Saturday, October 27
Saturday, October 20
27th Annual Rock Hall Country Fair
Rock Hall brings history to you. Civil War encampment with 30th Virginia Infantry, Company B. Country music with Darlene Prince and the Bragg Hollow Band. Colonial historians and woodworker, harvest market, farm animals, pony rides, antique cars, and food. There will be a children’s craft area, pumpkin patch, and make your own scarecrow. Outdoor event from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free admission. All proceeds to benefit the Friends of Rock Hall. Also on Sunday, Oct. 21.
Fall Festival
The Washington Street School PTA is holding their annual fall festival from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 760 Washington St., Franklin Square. There will be games, prizes, fun activities, hair braiding, face painting, pumpkins and more. Food, drinks, and snacks will be available. There will also be a Spook Walk as well as merchandise and craft vendors. For more information, call 565-1470 or e-mail: all4schnoor@optonline.net. Rain or shine.
Craft Fair and Flea Market
St. Elisabeth’s Episcopal Church, 6 Harvard St., Floral Park will be having a craft fair and flea market from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hand-made items, crafts, white elephants, books, jewelry, household items, new items, etc. Vendors from Mary Kay and Avon will also be present. Refreshments will be served. CVS Pharmacy will be offering flu shots.
Friday, October 26
Padre Pio Event
The Capuchin Franciscans of the New York and New England Province will be hosting an evening of prayer, praise and grace in honor of their brother, Padre Pio of Pietrelcina. The Pilgrim statue and relics will be brought to St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Elmont. The liturgy of St. Pio will begin at 7:30 p.m. and will be followed by the veneration of the Relics. Hospitality will follow in the school cafeteria. For more information, call 516-352-2127.
Halloween Haunted House
Step into a haunted house for thrills and chills at the Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park from 4 to 7 p.m. There will be hayrides, mulled cider, pumpkins, apples, and Halloween treats. Admission is $4 per person. Hayrides are $2 per person. The haunted house is recommended for ages 4 to 12. For more information, call 718-347-3276 x 304. Also on Oct. 27 and 28.
Saturday, October 27
Hospice Care Network’s Crystal Ball Gala
“Halloween Casino Night” cocktail reception, sit-down dinner, games of chance, silent auction, entertainment and dancing to benefit Hospice Care Network’s programs and services. Honorees include Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice and Justice Ute Wolff Lally. At the Glen Head Country Club, 240 Glen Cove Rd., Glen Head from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. Tickets are $350 each and sponsorships begin at $100. Call 516-224-6467 or visit www.hospicecarenetwork.org.
Friday, December 7
Doo-Wop Fundraiser
An Evening With the Stars: Doo-Wop Fundraiser to help support the games for the physically challenged will be held on Friday, Dec. 7 at 8 p.m. at Bethpage High School. Featuring Winnie Winfield, Lenny Dell and the Dimensions, Continentals, Cathy Jean, The Fireflies, The Jarmels, and Classic Sounds. Tickets are $25 each, reserved seating only. Free parking. Go to www.larentr.com or call 631-873-8817 for more information.
Ongoing Events
Elmont American Legion Post 1033
It’s time to highlight Elmont American Legion Post 1033 located in the impressive building on Hill Ave. Besides providing great Memorial Day parades, the post is involved in many programs that benefit the community. Veterans are welcome to join this organization and become part of a group devoted to the betterment of the community. Call 354-9884.
Dance Classes
Learn the art of social and ballroom dancing with professional dance instructors. Singles and couples welcome. Beginners and advanced. At Kismet, 18 W. Nicholai St., Hicksville. Fridays from noon to 3:30 p.m. Lesson is $10. Social dancing takes place at 12:30 p.m. Chicken, salads, bagels, cream cheese, and pastries. DJ, singles and couples areas, singles introduced, dance hosts, large dance floor. A donation of $14 includes group lesson. Dates: Oct. 19 and 26. For more information call 718-332-7825 or e-mail Dancezee@aol.com.
Thrift Shop
The thrift shop at the Floral Park United Methodist Church located at 35 Verbena Ave., is now open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m on Wednesdays and Saturdays. There is a wide selection of household items, jewelry, antiques, clothing, as well as a Christmas room and Halloween decorations.
Weekly Events
•Gam-Anon, an anonymous organization for spouses, adult children over 18, family and friends whose lives have been affected by a gambling problem. Meets Mondays at the Jewish Community Center of W. Hempstead, 711 Dogwood Ave., W. Hempstead. For information call 321-2883.
•Triple Bingo every Monday at 7:30 p.m. at the Bellerose Jewish Center, 254-04 Union Tpke., Floral Park. You can win up to $3,000.
•Separation/Divorce Support Group formed by The Caroline K. Simon Counseling Center for individuals coping with separation and divorce. Groups will be run in the Hempstead Center, 50 Clinton St., Hempstead on Mondays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. A NYS certified and specially-trained clinician will provide compassionate counseling and support to help group members regain hope and take charge of their lives and relationships. Sponsored by F.E.G.S. Call Judie Rokofsky, 485-5710, ext. 122.
•Vedic Heritage Community Center Open House held every Tuesday and Saturday for Satsang at 8 p.m., 111 Jerusalem Ave., Hempstead. Call 483-9500 or 212-759-4568.
•Nassau Mid-Island Chapter Of The Barber Shop Harmony Society invites any man who is interested in singing barbershop harmony to join them any Tuesday at 7:45 p.m. in the Church of the Advent Winthrop Hall, 555 Advent St. (one block east of Post Ave.; two blocks south of Jericho Tpke.), Westbury. Call George Seelinger 333-0803.
•Bingo. Robert Van Cott American Legion Post #1139, 734 Woodfield Rd., West Hempstead, hosts a weekly Bingo game Wednesdays at 7:15 p.m. Early bird and game specials.
•Boy Scout Troop 158. Queens Village for boys ages 10 to 18 meets at the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 92-10 217th St., Queens Village, every Friday from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Call Mr. LeVine 1-781-465-5522 or email to Pear1H21@nyc.rr.com.
Monthly Events
•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.
•The Elmont East End Civic Club will hold its monthly meeting at 7:30 p.m. at the Elmont Library, Hempstead Tpke. Meets on the first Tuesday of every month except July and August.
•The Franklin Square Jewish Center Retirees Group meets at 10:30 a.m. in the Social Hall, 47 Pacific Ave., Franklin Square, every other Tuesday except August. Call Henry, 561-8734.
•Munch And Learn – Adult Education with Rabbi Harvey Weil will take place on the third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at Congregation Beth Israel, 141 Hilton Ave., Hempstead. Bring your dairy food. Dessert will be served. Call 489-1818.
•Garden City Ski Club meets on the first and third Wednesdays 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.
•Your Widows/Widowers Social Group, a nonsectarian, nonprofit organization of widows and widowers ages 50 to 70 years of age. Fee for members is $3, nonmembers $5. Meets from 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 Denise, 488-4597. No meeting at the church during July and August.
•No Cost Mammography Services will be in the St. Boniface Church parking lot, Elmont Rd., Elmont, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the third Wednesday of every other month. General admission requirements: proof of Nassau County residency, women age 40 and older, all health insurance accepted, no charge to patient other than insurance coverage, women who are not pregnant or nursing. By appointment only. Call Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 354-0744. Bring doctor’s name and address.
•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. 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 third 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.
•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.
•Independent Order Of The Odd Fellow Mineola-Hempstead Lodge #125 meets on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month at 7 p.m. at 236 Willis Ave., Mineola.
•Heavenly Brew Coffee House will be held at Wesley United Methodist Church, 619 Fenworth Blvd., Franklin Square, every second and fourth Friday of the month from 8 to 11 p.m. Casual coffee house atmosphere, assorted coffees, desserts and ice cream available for purchase. Music, board games, no cover charge. All ages welcome. Call 481-1797.
•Torah Study Seminar. The Elmont Jewish Center, 500 Elmont Rd., Elmont offers a monthly seminar held on Saturdays (September through June) at 1:30 p.m. Rabbinic and Talmudic reference and interesting interpretations. Open and free discussion encouraged. No previous study or experience required. All levels of knowledge welcome. Just attend and enjoy the class. Light refreshments served. The Torah Study will be held in the Kiddish room. Call 488-1616.
•Free Small Business Counseling will be offered by Counselor Iris Kirkland from SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives Association) at the Job Information Center at the Hempstead Library, 115 Nichols Ct., Hempstead. She will answer questions about starting and running a small business. Meetings are confidential and open to anyone. This free service is available by appointment only on the first and third Saturdays of the month. Call 481-6990.
•Family Promise Of NC. Are you concerned about helping homeless families in our local communities? You are invited to meetings for Family Promise of Nassau County, Inc., the third Monday of every month, at 7:30 p.m. at the New Hyde Park Baptist Church, 635 New Hyde Park Rd., NHP (352-9672 ). All congregations invited: Churches, synagogues, mosques and NC residents. The need is great. Call Family Promise at 684-9833.
•Stewart Manor Auxiliary Police Unit 105 is currently having an ongoing Recruitment Drive. Meetings are held on the last Monday of each month at the Village Hall, 120 Covert Ave. (side entrance on Chester Ave.). Those interested should call Sgt. Jerry Ortell 775-5126 to find out more.
•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.
•Citizen’s Party Of FP meets on the third Wednesday of each month at the American Legion Hall. To become a member, residents are invited to visit www.fpcitizensparty.com or call 775-2940.
AARP Chapter #5224 Floral Park meets on the third Monday of the month at the Floral Park Recreation Center. For further information call Marge Vance, president, 354-4296.
•FP Arthritis Support Group meetings will be held on the first Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at the Floral Park Library, Tulip Ave. and Carolina Pl., Floral Park. Call the Arthritis Foundation 427-8272.
•Zonta Club Of LI, a 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 a word taken from the Sioux and stands for honesty, trust, inspiration and the ability to work together for service and understanding. At meetings members discuss and learn about issues facing women, develop and conduct fun fundraising that benefits community programs and network with Zonta International programs. The club meets at a monthly dinner meeting in New Hyde Park on the third Thursday of each month. Call Kathy Rau 488-2796.
•Art League Of NC monthly meeting and demonstration by a guest artist. Meets on the fourth Friday of each month at the New Hyde Park Recreation Center, Clinton G. Martin Park, Marcus Ave. and NHP Rd., NHP (near Union Tpke.) at 7:30 p.m. The public is invited. Refreshments served. Call 437-0919. Nonmembers $2. No meetings in June, July, August, December.
•The 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
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.
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.
Crime Prevention Information
The NC Auxiliary Police Unit has available, through the cooperation of the NYS Office of Crime Prevention, very informative pamphlets on how you, the homeowner, can better protect you and your family from being a victim of crime. Any resident requesting a copy of these pamphlets can write to NC Auxiliary Police Unit 116, PO Box 288, West Hempstead, NY 11552; call 538-5800; or e-mail: NCAP116@AOL.COM. The following pamphlets are available:
•Common Sense for the Elderly
•The Babysitter Guide
•Crime Check (Home Survey)
•Don’t Be a Victim of Burglary
•Rape Prevention
Help For Domestic Violence Victims
The NC 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. In order to serve as many Long Islanders as possible, the LIEOC has set up satellite units in many areas. Persons wishing to take advantage of this unique opportunity to better their future can call the unit located at 269 Fulton Ave., Hempstead 631-420-2280.
Epilepsy Foundation
Located at 506 Stewart Ave., Garden City, 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 third and fourth 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 a group for you. Call Jennifer Colbert, CSW, ext. 400.
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 co-insurance, 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.
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 résumé 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.
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.
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.
FISH Of Floral Park
Provides free transportation to and from medical appointments for senior citizens who are residents of the Floral Park/Bellerose area and cannot afford cab fare or who have no other means of transportation. Should you or a loved one need transportation to a medical appointment, contact FISH at 835-9522 or telephone coordinator Fran Hornberger at 775-0740.
At The Bellerose Jewish Center
Located at 254-04 Union Tpke., Floral Park. Call 718-343-9001:
•Free Jewish education for kindergarten and Sunday School children. A thorough religious curriculum with experienced teachers for third grade to their Bar/Bat Mitzvah is also provided.
•The Renaissance Group. A nonsectarian group of men and women who have lost a dear one. Dialogue and an exchange of ideas can be helpful. Call for date of the next meeting.
Thrift Shop
Franklin Hospital Medical Center’s Thrift Shop, 138 Rockaway Ave., Valley Stream, is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
FP United Methodist Thrift Shop
The Floral Park United Methodist Church Thrift Shop, 35 Verbena Ave., open every Wednesday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Featuring jewelry, clothing, housewares, bric-a-brac, dishes, linens, collectibles, some furniture, small appliances and antiques. Donations gratefully accepted. Call 354-4969.
