Dangerous Liaisons Panel Discussion
On Oct. 23, the Garden City Community Church (GCCC) will be hosting a panel entitled, “Dangerous Liaisons: The Truth About Campus Predators, Toxic Relationships and Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Teens.” This panel discussion will provide information about the warning signs of toxic personal relationships and potential recruitment into unhealthy commercial or spiritual organizations. Among the topics explored will be: What parents need to know in raising teenagers, speaking teen-to-teen and how to stay safe. The panel will begin at 1 p.m., with a Q&A to follow and conclude at 3:30 p.m.
The presenters will be the following: Elizabeth Blackwell, who was born into a Bible-based doomsday cult and exited. She is currently an honors student in the psychology department at Columbia University. Maureen Griffo, MA, MEd, an ex-member of a fringe church who currently has a master’s in sociology with a focus on cultic practices. Andrea Laisure, a Garden City High School senior, provides information to teenagers about staying safe from toxic relationships. Dr. Stephanie Spanos, a child psychiatrist, who has worked with children and troubled teens in the clinical setting, in foster care, residential treatment and in the New York City Public School System. The moderator will be Robin Boyle Laisure, JD, a member of the law faculty at St. John’s Law School in Queens and who has published several articles on cults and law.
This program is open to the community free of charge. For those who RSVP, a complimentary lunch will be provided at noon. The event will take place in the lower level of the church, in Gardner Hall. In order to attend the lunch, please RSVP at www.gardencitycommunitychurch.org. Click on “Calendar” and go to the event date—Oct. 23. This event is co-sponsored by the International Cultic Studies Association (“ICSA”). For more information about ICSA, visit www.icsahome.com.
The Garden City Community Church is located at the corner of Stewart Avenue and Whitehall Boulevard. They are an open and affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ (Protestant), so no matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, all are welcome.
n Sundays the GCCC has an 8:30 a.m. communion service in their chapel and a 10:30 a.m. worship service in their sanctuary. They hold a forum on Sundays at 9:15 a.m. and Church Sunday School is held during the 10:30 a.m. service. The Garden City Community Church is handicap accessible with ramps on the Whitehall Boulevard side of the church. Call 516-746-1700, email churchoffice@thegccc.org or visit www.thegccc.org for more information.
—Submitted by the Garden City Community Church
Garden City Bird Sanctuary Halloweenfest
The Garden City Bird Sanctuary (GCBS) is proud to re-introduce Halloweenfest. It will be held on Saturday, Oct. 29, from 1 to 3 p.m. It will be a fun-filled afternoon for the kids. Have children come in costume to enjoy games, crafts and prizes.
Admission at the gate is $5 per child; 3 or more children costs $15. The GCBS is a 501 (c) 3 organization and located opposite 181 Tanners Pond Rd. In case of rain, the event will (unfortunately) be canceled, there is no rain date.
—Submitted by the Garden City Bird Sanctuary
Next Meeting Topic At Ethical Humanist Society
Oct. 23
Don’t Believe Everything You Think
Presented by Jone Johnson Lewis
Jone Johnson Lewis is the leader of the Riverdale-Yonkers Society for Ethical Culture and the Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture. She also serves as the Leader working with National Ethical Service, an affiliate of the American Ethical Union. Within the movement, she is especially interested in social justice and membership/movement growth. Johnson Lewis is a third generation humanist and had a career in management and information technology before becoming an Ethical Leader. She is the author of WisdomQuotes.com and writes about women’s history for About.com, and in her spare time studies nonviolent communication.
“Don’t Believe Everything You Think” will explore how to maintain an open mind and how we know what is true and what is not true.
The Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island is located at 38 Old Country Rd. in Garden City, at the western end of Old Country Road, next to the blue water tower. The meetings are free and open to the public. This next topic at the Sunday morning meeting begins at 11 a.m.
—Submitted by the Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island
