theFarmingdaleObserver.com Calendar

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theFarmingdaleObserver.com Calendar

Friday, 20 July 2012 00:00

Vacation Bible School
Friday, July 20

Shed The Meds
Saturday, July 21

Concert
Sunday, July 22

Friday, July 20

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.

Saturday, July 21

Shed The Meds

The “Shed the Meds” program will be held between 9 a.m. and noon at the Bellmore Train Station Parking Lot, Northwest Corner of Sunrise Highway and Centre Avenue, and Amityville Village Hall, 21 Ireland Place. Bring expired or unusued medications for proper disposal. Drive through option available. For information about the program call (516) 882-0630.

Sunday, July 22

Concert

Long Island Harmonizers concert at 2 p.m. at Wantagh Preservation Museum, 1700 Wantagh Ave. Complimentary refreshments will be served at the museum following the concert. Bring a lawn chair. Rain date is July 29. Call Wantagh Library at 516-221-1200 for more information.

Flea Market

Temple B’nai Torah of Wantagh located at 2900 Jerusalem Avenue (corner of Oakfield), is holding its annual summer rain or shine flea market fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Quality new merchandise, antiques, crafts, and collectables at discounted prices. In case of inclement weather, shop indoors in our social hall. For information call 516-221-2370 or visit www.temple-bnai-torah.org.

Thursday, August 2

L.I. NAIM Catholic Widows And Widowers Club

The L.I. NAIM Catholic Widows and Widowers Club will meet at the VFW Post #7227 at 191 Veterans Boulevard in Massapequa at 8 p.m. Proof of widowhood is required. DJ Ray will be playing. For information call Maureen at 516-781-4763.

Saturday, August 11

Veterans Appreciation Breakfast

Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. will be sponsoring a free breakfast for veterans to thank them for their service to our country and communities. The breakfast will be held from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Seaford Knights of Columbus, 2183 Jackson Ave., Seaford. All veterans who live in Senator Fuschillo’s Senate District are invited to attend. The breakfast is free for veterans. Veterans who would like to attend must RSVP by calling Senator Fuschillo’s office at 516-882-0630 prior to the event.

Friday, August 17

Long Island MAIN W&W Dance

Long Island MAIN W&W Dance from 8 p.m. to midnight at the Massapequa Elks, Veterans Boulevard in Massapequa. All are welcome. Cost is $14. DJ Ray will be playing. Call Maureen at 516-781-4763 for information.

Upcoming Events

Village of Farmingdale Board Of Trustees

Meetings held at the village hall:

•July 23: 7 p.m. work session.

•July 30: 7 p.m. work session.

•Aug. 6: 7 p.m. work session. 8 p .m. BOT meeting with counsel.

•Aug. 13: 7 p.m. work session.

•Aug. 20: 7 p.m. work session with counsel.

•Aug. 27: 7 p.m. work session.

•Sept. 4: 7 p.m. work session. 8 p.m. BOT meeting with counsel.

•Sept. 10: 7 p.m. work session.

•Sept. 17: 7 p.m. work session with counsel.

•Sept. 24: 7 p.m. work session.

St. Thomas’ Fellowship Café

An outreach program that is open to everyone no matter what age who would like to have a good meal and get together with other people in the community. There is no charge for this and it is open the last Saturday of each month from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church, 298 Conklin St., Farmingdale. At the end of every café take home meals are offered. Sponsored by Episcopal Charities of Long Island and St. Thomas’ Church. Call 516-752-9254. Schedule: July 28, Aug. 25, Sept. 29, Oct. 27, Nov. 24, Dec. 29.

Holiday Craft Fair Vendors Wanted

The Friends of the Farmingdale Library are seeking crafters and flea market vendors for their Holiday Craft Fair to be held on Saturday, Nov. 3 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Table space is $40 and may be reserved by calling either 516-454-6813 or 516-244-0829. Space is limited.

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:

•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.

Ongoing Event

Christmas In July Food Drive

The Eve Foundation announces its 9th Annual Christmas in July Food Drive. During these difficult economic times, many households have found that the purchase of food as well as many items of necessity have become a significant problem. Hunger exists in our area throughout the year. Your assistance is requested in donating food to the collection following collection sites. Additionally, gift cards to local supermarkets and stores such as Wal-Mart and Target may be donated directly to the Foundation. Thank you for helping your neighbors in need:

•Farmingdale Library, 116 Merritts Rd. 516-249-9090.

•Dr. Shari Eskin, 47-3 Boundary Ave., S. Farmingdale. 516-694-1590

•Village Pops Concerts, Main St., Farmingdale - Wednesday evenings in July.

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 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

•Do You Speak Yinglish? The Yiddish Club allows individuals of varying language abilities to speak “Yinglish,” a combination of Yiddish and English. Read, speak and tell stories related to Yiddish experiences. Meets every Monday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Farmingdale Wantagh Jewish Center, 3710 Woodbine Ave., Wantagh. Call 785-2445.

•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.

•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 on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon and Sundays from 6 to 8 p.m. in Melville. Call 631-692-0986. $10.

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: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

•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 Knights of Columbus meets on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 8 p.m. at 1 Morton St. (off 109). New members always welcome. Call 1-631-755-2204.

•Farmingdale Veterans of Foreign Wars. The Veterans of Foreign Corp. George Benkert Jr. Post of Farmingdale is actively recruiting veterans of Afghanis-tan, 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 for those 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., at 8:15 p.m. Call Commander Thomas Taylor 752-9613.

•Italian Culture Society at Farmingdale meets the last Tuesday of every month at 7:30 p.m. at Ellsworth W. Allen Park, Motor Ave. For lessons in Italian come early at 6:30 p.m. Refreshments are served. 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 Library. Call Ann Derasmo 631-694-2371.

•The Knights of Columbus Rt. Rev. Msgr. William A. Delaney Council #5983 meets on the first and third Thursdays of each month at the council located at 110 Merritts Rd., Farmingdale, at 8 p.m. Members only. For hall rentals, call 390-1281. For membership information, call 804-8998.

•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., 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. Call 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. 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

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.

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.

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.

News

Rebuilding Together Long Island

Thursday, 16 May 2013 00:00

After Massapequa resident Sol Goldstein and several friends helped finish building a house for a family 20 years ago for Habitat for Humanity, they had a question: “What do we do now?” They were all retired, had enjoyed working together and accomplishing something for a family in need, and wanted to do more.

“I was looking for something [to do] hands-on,” said Joe Botkin, of Williston Park, a retired principal, who had worked with Goldstein in building the home.

Soon, Goldstein, a retired technician and technical manager for ABC television, learned of a national volunteer organization based in Washington, D.C., that offered free home repairs for low-income seniors, persons with physical handicaps, veterans, and families with small children.

After sending $12 for a handbook, Goldstein and his friends began “Rebuilding Together Long Island,” now one of the 189 affiliates of “Rebuilding Together” around the country.

“It exploded,” Botkin said, attracting both people who needed home repairs and volunteers eager to do the work — everything from fixing a faucet to installing wheelchair access ramps to undertaking major repairs on homes damaged by Hurricane Sandy.

The group, based in Massapequa, is working on opening an office in Farmingdale. They will celebrate their 21st anniversary at their annual dinner, May 22, at Stuart Thomas Manor, Farmingdale. For information, call 516-541-7322.

“There has been a greater demand for our services since Superstorm Sandy,” noted Bob Ellis, director of Rebuilding Together Long Island, their only paid staff member. The organization has made major repairs on seven houses devastated by the hurricane, including three in Massapequa.

“We average about 100 homes a year,” Goldstein, president of Rebuilding Together Long Island, said. “We have about 300 volunteers” working on houses around Long Island, especially in Western Suffolk and Nassau.

“The experience of helping people is fantastic,” said Botkin. “We’ve all had good lives and we’re happy to give back. Besides, it beats sitting inside the house and watching the boob tube.”

“Our volunteers are mostly retired and they get a lot of joy in the good they do and in working with each other,” Ellis said.

Rebuilding Together relies on financial donations as well as donations of materials, supplies, equipment, and time from contractors and craftsmen, and others.

“We wish we could do more,” Botkin said.

Organizations like The Long Island Board of Realtors and the Nassau County Bar Association work with Rebuilding Together, offering donations as well as recruiting volunteers to work alongside them.

Rebuilding Together receives referrals from social services agencies, churches and other houses of worship, and veterans’ organizations.

Their projects vary. The organization does light carpentry, plumbing and some electrical work, but for any new electrical work, they hire an electrician. “We also do sheet rock and spackling. We paint only what we repair.”

Their biggest projects have been hurricane repairs. “That might take us two weeks,” Goldstein said. “On one of those homes, we had to put in 50 sheets of sheet rock.”

Others have noted the organization’s accomplishments.

“We are engaged in a joint endeavor with them to help people who can’t afford home repairs,” said Elaine Leventhal, director of We Care, the charitable arm of the Nassau County Bar Association. “Our members, especially our Young Lawyers Committee, receive a lot of satisfaction working with them.”

Rebuilding Together also receives appreciation from those they have helped.

Cindy Johnson noted that Rebuilding Together built a ramp for her 93-year-old mother’s Massapequa Park home.

“It is a fantastic organization,” said Johnson.

Having the ramp has helped immensely for them to get their mother in and out of the house for medical treatment and even socially and recreationally.

“We took her outside for Mother’s Day and she said: ‘How wonderful it is to be in the sun,’” Johnson said.

“We also receive a lot of letters,” Goldstein said. “Many of them are heartwarming.”

“I’m very grateful for those wonderful people coming into my home and giving me the help that I needed very badly,” one Levittown woman wrote.

“Without your help, sometimes I think I would go under,” an Old Bethpage resident noted.

An 89-year-old Massapequa resident and her 92-year-old husband appreciated the work on their home, including a wheelchair ramp, which has helped her get safely in and out of their home for a doctor’s appointment, and also the installation of pull bars, which have helped him take showers without assistance.

“They did a magnificent job,” she wrote. “I cannot say enough to express my gratitude.”