Donations of backpacks, spiral notebooks, pencils, pens and other classroom items, as well as new clothing, may be dropped off through Tuesday, Aug. 26, at McDonough’s district office, 404 Bedford Ave., between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. For more information, call (516) 409-2070, or go to www.jtcf.org.
Driving Course. Shaarei Shalom, The East Bay Reform Temple at 2569 Merrick Road in Bellmore, will offer The National Safety Council’s six-Hour defensive-driving course on Monday and Tuesday, Sept. 8 and 9, from 7 to 10 p.m. The fee is $45. Course completion offers the opportunity to sharpen your driving skills, lower auto insurance rates and reduce violation points. Call the temple office at (516) 781-5599 to register in advance.
BioBlitz. The Nassau County Unprotected Woodlands Taskforce is seeking volunteers to assist with the county’s first-ever BioBlitz in the woodlands along the Meadowbrook Parkway. A BioBlitz is a 24-hour treasure hunt aimed at cataloging the flora and fauna found within a designated swath of nature. You do not need a science background to take part in the effort. Scouts and students welcome. For more information, check out www.meadowbrookbioblitz.org. To volunteer or make a donation, call Dr. Ray Ann Havasy, of the Center for Science Teaching and Learning at Tanglewood Preserve, at (516) 764-0045 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.
Art class. Melanie Wolf, an experienced watercolorist and art educator, leads an art class every Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Jewel Quinn Senior Center on Meadowbrook Road in North Merrick. For more information, call (516) 571-8675.
Post-prom party. After its first-ever, and highly successful, post-prom party in June, the Community Wellness Council of the Bellmores and Merricks is already planning next year’s celebration for graduates of Calhoun, Kennedy and Mepham high schools. A post-prom party is held after the prom to give seniors a safe, substance-free venue at which to revel and have a good time. The post-prom committee will begin monthly meetings again in September. Any parents – especially of juniors and seniors – who wish to join the post-prom committee should call Fran Licausi, the Wellness Council executive director, at (516) 992-1073.
Theater production. “The Fantasticks” will play at The Stage, 2222 Hewlett Ave. in Merrick, from Aug. 16 though Sept. 14. Friday and Saturday performances will start at 8:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Tickets are $20. Senior citizens and students are $16 for Friday and Sunday shows. For tickets, call the box office at (516) 868-6400, or check out The Stage online at www.thestageinmerrick.com.
Fall Festival. Arts and crafts vendors are needed for the Merrick Fall Festival, sponsored by the Merrick Chamber of Commerce on Sept. 6 and 7. Vendors’ booths will be at the Merrick Long Island Rail Road station. For more information or an application, call (516) 623-6118.
Post collections. Merrick American Legion Post No. 1282 is collecting unserviceable American flags, used cell phones and postage stamps, playing cards, pull tabs from cans and manufacturer store coupons to be given to military families overseas. Place items in receptacles at the Merrick and North Merrick libraries, Merrick and North Merrick senior centers, and Roslyn Savings Bank on Merrick Avenue
Merrick Library
Teen Yoga. The Feeling Good Teen Yoga Club will meet Tuesdays, Sept. 9, 16, 16 and 23, and Oct. 7, 14, 21 and 28. Seven sessions cost $10. Classes will run from 4 to 5 p.m. Registration is under way.
SAT prep. An SAT preparation workshop will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 17 and 24, and Oct. 15, 22 and 29. The cost is $80 per student. Sessions will run from 6:45 to 8:45 p.m. Registration for Merrick residents began Aug. 20; registration will begin for non-residents on Sept. 3.
Tots Night Out.
The September Tots Night OUt will take place Thursday, Sept. 18, at 7 p.m. for families with children 18 months to 5 years old. Registration will begin Sept. 4.
North
Merrick Library
The library is planning a trip to the Platzl Brauhau in the Ramapo Mountains on Aug. 24. Enjoy an outdoor barbecue or cool off in the Olympic-size pol. There’ll also be dancing, bingo and miniature golf. Fee: $70.
