Gift idea for vets. The Nassau County Veterans Monument Fund Inc., a non-profit organization, is offering veterans throughout the United States a place on the "Walls of Honor". The walls are located at the Veterans Memorial Plaza, Eisenhower Park, East Meadow. For more information, call (516) 681-8214.


Winter clothing drive. Inter City Kids Foundation U.S.A. International, Inc., and the Stop & Shop stores (in North Bellmore, East Meadow, Levittown, Merrick and Massapequa Park) are hosting a clothing drive for children in need until Dec. 15. The clothing collected will be distributed to other non-profit agencies that deal with children in need, such as Catholic Charities, Head Start for Children, Big Brothers and Sisters and church outreach programs.


Hadassah meeting. The East Meadow Hadassah's next general meeting is on Monday, Dec. 16 at 8 p.m. at the East Meadow Public Library, 1886 Front St. Bud Livingston, an expert on the Civil War, will speak about Jews in the Civil War. Everyone is invited to attend. For more information, call (516) 483-4544.


New year's bash. The Brotherhood of the Suburban Temple of Wantagh is hosting its New Year's Eve party on Saturday, Dec. 31, from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. There will be an open bar, hot hors d'oeuvres, a hot buffet (catered by Smithville Cafe), dancing to music by Main Event, noisemakers, handouts and hats. The cost is $67.50 per person. Temple members pay $60 per person. Attendees are encouraged to bring their friends, but must make their reservations as early as possible. The Suburban Temple is at 2900 Jerusalem Ave., Wantagh. For more information, call (516) 221-2370. The Suburban Temple serves families in the Bellmores, Merricks, Wantagh, Seaford, Massapequa, East Meadow and Levittown.


Lupus fund-raiser. The Lupus Alliance of America, Long Island-Queens Affiliate is once again selling the Entertainment 2006 coupon book to raise funds for patient services. The books are available now through Jan. 5, 2006. For more information, call the alliance's office at (516) 783-3370, e-mail info@lupusliqueens.org, or visit www.lupusliqueens.org.


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.


Kiwanis meetings. The East Meadow Kiwanis, a chapter of the international charity organization, is always looking for new members. Those interested in joining are invited to come down to its meetings. The group meets every Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Empress Diner, 2490 Hempstead Turnpike. The East Meadow Kiwanis is the largest Kiwanis chapter in the state.


Knights of Pythias. The Knights of Pythias Alliance-East Meadow Lodge 774 is seeking new members to join its ranks. The Knights of Pythias is one of the most active fraternal organizations, chartered by the United States Congress. This non-sectarian organization serves the community through a number of altruistic endeavors, including food baskets for the needy, donations to charitable organizations, anti-drug programs, and a host of other activities. For more information, call Ed Winters at (516) 489-3797.


Calling all vets. East Meadow VFW Post 2736 is looking for new members. Those interested in joining should call Otto Jensen at (516) 785-3648 or Sal Pellegrino at 794-5036. Meetings are twice a month on the first and third Monday. They are held at Christ the King Church.


Support for moms. The Sunrise Mothers' Center, a member-run, non-sectarian, non-profit organization in Bellmore, is dedicated to supporting the needs and experiences of mothers. The center provides discussion groups wth child care on premises, active committee work, book groups, social activities for parents and children, and speakers on various topics. For more information, call (516) 781-8946, or visit the group's Web site at sunrisemothers.com.


Infertility support. The East Meadow-based National Infertility Network Exchange (NINE) is now forming peer-led support groups. Topics include coping with infertility, medical procedures, male infertility, in-vitro fertilization, miscarriage, secondary infertility, adoption, and a child-free lifestyle. NINE is a national, non-profit organization for people and couples with impaired fertility and the professionals who serve them. In addition to support groups, NINE offers monthly educational meetings, professional referrals, newsletters, advocacy and talk lines. For more information, call (516) 794-5772.

Library Events

Origami. Alene Bushy will be at the library on Dec. 13 at 12:30 p.m. to teach origami gift-wrapping. Class size limited. $7 materials fee must be paid in advance. Call the public relations office at (516) 794-2570 ext. 560 beginning Tuesday, Nov. 22 to reserve a spot.


Author visits. Julie Otsuka, author of the best selling novel "When the Emperor was Divine," will be at the library on Thursday, Dec. 15 at 12:30 p.m. to discuss her book.


Call for Shoppers. December is holiday time and the month the library holds its annual miniature art show and sale. This popular event will be in the browsing room showcases for the entire month. Here shoppers can find the one of a kind presents they've been seeking with a gift of an original painting, handmade jewelry or a sculpture at affordable prices.


Book discussions. The library runs an evening book discussion group, which meets monthly at 7:30 p.m. For more information about the group, call Marcia Blackman at (516) 794-2570 ext. 236.


Chess. Every Thursday from 1 to 4 p.m., the Adult Chess Club meets at the library. All players are welcome to attend and play. Bring a board and chess set to the small conference room.

Support groups

Alzheimer's support. The Bristal Assisted Living, 40 Merrick Ave., hosts an Alzheimer's disease support group for caregivers every second Thursday from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Call Pat Kiley at


(516) 918-4009 to register.


Substance help. Alcoholics Anonymous meetings held Thursdays and Alanon meetings held Sundays in the school cafeteria of St. Barnabas Church in Bellmore. All meetings start at 7:30 p.m.

Elementary Schools

Dec. 15. Bowling Green School Winter Concert at 7:45 p.m.


Dec. 16. Parkway School Pride Sweatshirt Day.


Dec 19. W.T. Clarke Middle School Parents/Boosters meeting in faculty room at 7:30 p.m.


Dec 20. Meadowbrook School Parent Teacher Association meeting in faculty room. SEPTA Holiday Party general meeting at Meadowbrook School at 7:30 p.m.

High School

Dec. 15. W. T. Clark High School Theater Improve in the Little Theater at 7 p.m.


Dec. 20. Transportation meeting at Salisbury at 9:30 a.m. Safety meeting, at 10:15 a.m. East Meadow High School LOTE Honor Society Induction at 7 p.m.


Dec. 21. W. T. Clark High School Winter Concert Part II at 7:30 p.m.