K of C dinner-dance. The Bellmore Council of the Knights of Columbus will host a St. Patrick's dinner-dance from 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., at its headquarters at 2333 Bellmore Ave. in Bellmore. For more information or to make a reservation, call Pat Neville at (516) 221-2826.


Purim carnival. Temple Beth-El of Bellmore is preparing to hold its annual Purim carnival on Sunday, March 13, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The temple's youth group will help host a number of fun-filled activities, such as raffles, games, arts and crafts, and prize giveaways. All attendees are encouraged to dress in costume. For more information, call Joshua Blum at (516) 456-8239.


School budget 101. The North Bellmore School Board is holding several meetings on the budget development process and school financing to help local residents understand the school budget. The next presentation is scheduled for Tuesday, March 8, at the North Bellmore Public Library at 10 a.m. In cooperation with the North Bellmore Civic Association, a School Budget 101 presentation will also be given on Monday, March 14, at 7:30 p.m. at the North Bellmore Library. The board intends to keep the public informed so that residents can make an educated decision once the school budget comes to a vote on Tuesday, May 17. For more information, call (516) 992-3000.


Kindergarten registration. The North Bellmore Elementary School District is now holding registration for the September 2005 kindergarten class. Parents whose children will reach the age of 5 by Dec. 1, 2005, should make sure they are registered. For more information, call the North Bellmore School District at (516) 992-3000, ext. 4011.


Arts and crafts. The Town of Hempstead is holding registration for its winter Arts and Crafts program. The program will be held at the Newbridge Road Park from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Saturdays through March 26. Interested parents could begin registering their 5- to 12-year-olds on Jan. 31, at 9 a.m., by calling (516) 783-2503. The program is free for all town residents.


Seeking donations. The Newbridge Road School Parent Teacher Association is sponsoring its 12th annual auction, to be held at Verdi's of Westbury on Tuesday evening, April 5. The PTA is now looking for monetary and other donations from individuals and local businesses, such as gift certificates, store discounts, gift baskets, memorabilia or other merchandise that can be auctioned off that night. In addition, the PTA is looking for a dozen or so big-ticket items, such as major appliances or event tickets to be used as grand prizes. For more information, call Diane Clerici at (516) 781-6078 or Tracy Woolfson at 826-1059.


Live performance. Plaza Theatrical Productions Inc. presents Live Children's Theater at the Bellmore Movies, 222 Pettit Ave., in Bellmore Village. The performance will include "Sleeping Beauty," on Saturday, April 16. All performances start at 11 a.m. For more information, call (516) 783-3199.


Career day. The Newbridge Road School in Bellmore is now gearing up for its Career Day special, which will be held on Thursday, May 26. The school is now looking for adults to share their careers and give advice to children from kindergarten to sixth grade. All adults interested in participating should contact Ms. Rapkin of the school's Shared Decision Making Team at (516) 992-3000.


Crisis counseling. The Long Island Crisis Center offers 24-hour/seven-day-a-week crisis intervention counseling. Anyone who is depressed, needs help in controlling teenagers or wants to beat an addiction is encouraged to call (516) 679-1111. Calls are free and anonymous.


Collection drive. Danielle Koebel, of Bellmore, is putting together a collection drive called Project: Thank the Troops! According to Koebel, Marines and soldiers in Iraq need: gum, barbecue sauce, pillows, canned foods, socks, foot powder, lip balm, sun screen, baby wipes, disposable cameras, CDs and DVDs, stamps, envelopes and boxes to ship items in. The items can be dropped at 114 Ralph Ave. in Bellmore. Money donations for shipping are also appreciated. For more information, call (516) 679-8992.


Story and craft time. The Sunrise Mothers' Center is hosting its Parent and Child Story and Craft Time on the first Thursday of each month from 1 to 2:15 p.m. The events will take place at the center's headquarters at the United Methodist Church on Clarendon Avenue in Bellmore. The entrance is on Royle Street. There is a supply fee of $5 per session, and pre-registration is required to ensure adequate supplies. For more information, call (516) 781-8946.

Bellmore Library

Bill Gallo watercolors. This winter's art exhibit will display the watercolor paintings of local artist Bill Gallo.


History of Bellmore. Clarence Anspake, president of the Bellmore Historical Society, will speak informally about the changes in Bellmore over the past 40 years. The discussion will take place on Monday, March 14, after the regular meeting of the Bellmore Library Seniors, which starts at 1 p.m.


Free computer classes. On March 10, at 10 a.m., the library is offering a free computer classes on how to shop on the Internet. And at 1 p.m., there will be a "computer third grade for adults".


Book discussion. On Tuesday, March 15, at 12:30 p.m., Isabel Katzin will discuss two classic short novels by Henry James, "Daisy Miller" and "Turn of the Screw." Attendees can bring a sandwich, and the library will provide coffee at noon.

N. Bellmore Library

SAT review. Students interested in preparing for the May SAT exam can brush up on their math, verbal and essay skills by taking the SAT prep course on Thursdays, March 10, 17, 31, April 7, 17, and 21, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Anyone interested can register at the reference desk. The course fee is $75, and checks should be made out to "R. Gale."


Book discussion. On Monday, March 21, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., Sara Jane Berman will hold a book discussion on "Our Town" by Thornton Wilder. The book discussions will take place in the library's community room. Books must also be reserved in advance. Anyone wishing to reserve a book should notify Barbara Shapiro.

Bellmore Schools

March 8. Bellmore Board of Education budget work session at Winthrop Avenue at 7:30 p.m.


March 9. Bellmore Elementary Parent Teacher Association will meet at Shore Road at 8 p.m.


March 15. Bellmore Board of Education budget work session and meeting at Winthrop Avenue at 7:30 p.m.

N.Bellmore Schools

March 8. Parent Teacher Association meetings: Newbridge Road at 8:45 a.m.; Martin Avenue at 7:30 p.m.; and Jacob Gunther at 7:30 p.m.


March 9. Special Education Parent Teacher Association meeting at Park Avenue at 7:15 p.m.


March 10. Board of Education meeting at Martin Avenue School at 8 p.m.

Central High School

March 4 and 5. Calhoun Battle of the Classes at 7:30 p.m.


March 7. Parent Teacher Association Founders Day Dinner.


March 8. Mepham and Calhoun Sports Boosters at 7:30 p.m.