What's going on in Oceanside and Island Park

Oceanside Library
30 Davison Ave.
766-2360             

Book Discussion: “Bridge of Sighs” by Richard Russo

Author Appearance: Brian Shields’ “WWE Encyclopedia”
Join Brian Shield’s, co-author of “The New York Times” bestseller “The WWE Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to World Wrestling Entertainment,” and relive all your favorite moments from the entertaining world of professional wrestling. A lifelong wrestling fan, our host will offer a multimedia presentation and raffle off some wrestling memorabilia, courtesy of the WWE, on Jan. 10 at 2 p.m. Tickets, which are limited to four per family, will be available at the library’s information desk.

Understanding and Improving Your Credit Score
Improve your credit score, avoid identity theft, and get details on the new Credit Card Act effective February 2010 on Jan. 12 at 7 p.m. Registration is required.

Open Mic Poetry Night
Peter V. Dugan of the North Sea Poetry Scene hosts this literary event with headlining guest poet Patty Carragon on Jan. 15 at 7 p.m.

Current Issues
Political commentator Barbara Krupit leads an informative discussion of headline news stories on Jan. 20 from 1:30 - 3 p.m.
Creative Writing Workshop: Discovering the Writer Within
Instructor Barbara Novack invites writers of all levels to stretch their creativity on Jan. 20 at 7 p.m.

Workshop: Social Networking for Work and Business
Audrey Rogers of The Women’s Financial Group will demonstrate how to create dynamic profiles using Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn on Jan. 25 at 7 p.m. Registration is required.

Showtime: A Treasure Chest of Jewish Songwriters
Through stories and song, vocalist Merilee Kaufman highlights the musical contributions made by Jewish-American composers and lyricists on Jan. 27 at 2 p.m. Tickets are required.

“Rome Around Italy”
Photographer and Oceanside resident Dr. Jeffrey Herzlich debuts his panoramic photography exhibit at the Oceanside Library now through February 2010. In this exhibit, Herzlich details the flow of life through Rome, Italy, using oversized panoramas highlighting the extensive structure, form, and beauty of ancient Italian piazzas, with modern-day people, ranging from citizens to tourists, all passing casually through them.

Island Park Library
176 Long Beach Rd.
432-0122

How to Reduce Your Taxes
Barry Lisak, an IRS enrolled agent, will present a seminar on how to reduce an individual’s Federal and New York State taxes. Topics will include education, retirement, home ownership and various deductions. The new 2009 tax laws will be highlighted. A free booklet, “IRS Secrets Revealed: 21 Audit ‘Red Flags’ the IRS does not Want you to Know About” will be distributed to all attendees from 2-3:30 p.m. on Jan. 11. Register at the circulation desk.

Island Park Book Club
The Book Club will discuss Richard Russo’s “Empire Falls.” Pick the book up at the registration desk, read it, then join us for coffee, cake and discussion from 7-8 p.m. on Jan. 11

PlayHooray Toddler & Me
Molly Mouse will lead preschoolers ages 19 months to five years in a lively and imaginative program featuring music, stories and movement from 10:15-11 a.m. on Jan. 12.

PlayHooray Baby & Me
Join Molly Mouse and the PlayHooray Gang for music, rhymes, stories and more from 11:15 a.m. - noon on Jan. 12. Register for babies up to 18 months in the children’s room.

Pajama Storytime with Ms. Leslie
Join early childhood educator Leslie Vanegas for an evening storytime program that will include playtime, rhymes, games and stories for children ages five to ten from 7-8:30 p.m. on Jan. 13. Register in the children’s room.

Book Adventures with Ms. Meghan
Ms. Meghan will lead this hour-long program featuring an assortment of stories, media, crafts, and more from 4-5 p.m. on Jan. 14. Register in the children’s room.
Special Events

The Long Island New York City Area Young Widow & Widowers
The Long Island New York City Area Young Widow and Widowers are holding a group meeting from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. at Ayhan’s Shish Kebab, 550 Sunrise Highway, on Jan. 12. The guest speaker will be Joseph Satriano, author of the book “In Sickness and In Health: A Memoir of Love.” Satriano will share how he and his late wife made the most of their life together despite their 13-year battle with her breast cancer. The evening includes a Mediterranean dinner, which costs $30, and time for socializing. For reservations, call 536-1410 or email nassauhu@gmail.com.

Fourth Annual Game Night
The Island Park Jewish Center, 191 Long Beach Road, is hosting its Fourth Annual Game Night, playing the game Facts in Five, on Jan. 23 at 7:30 p.m. Game night includes raffles, a silent auction, and food. Tickets are $25 if purchased by Jan. 15 and $35 after that or at the door. Proceeds go to the Hole in the Wall Gang and the Jewish Center. The Hole in the Wall Gang, founded by Paul Newman in 1988, is a camp for children with life-threatening illnesses. For tickets, or if you would like to make a donation for the raffle or auction, call Joan Cohen at 458-6755, or the Jewish Center at 431-3590.

Oceanside Concert Series
The First Presbyterian Church of Oceanside, 2710 Oceanside Road, is presenting a concert on Jan. 10 at 7 p.m. The concert, presented by Donny Jones, will feature performances by Michelle Pruiett, from Broadway’s “The Little Mermaid,” Gina Milo from Broadway’s “Les Miserables,” and many more. Tickets are $10 at the door. For more information, call 766-5916.

JCC
Barry and Florence Friedberg JCC
15 Neil Ct., Oceanside
766-4341

Egg Roll and a Show
Come warm up and spend the afternoon listening to great music by tenor Renaldo Toglia. We will travel from the great opera houses of Europe to our own Great White Way. From opera to Broadway — what a way to spend the day! Egg Roll and a Show begins at noon on Jan. 20. Fee: $21

Health and Fitness Open House
Save the best gift for last. Give yourself the gift of wellness — the gift that lasts a lifetime! Join the JCC at the Fitness Open House for a tour, swim, workout, preview of the fitness and aqua classes, and food, raffles and giveaways. Activities and food are free at the Open House on Jan. 24 from 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.