Safety brochures available. According to the National Weather Service, June is the beginning of the Atlantic hurricane season. Although the chances of Long Island being hit with a major hurricane are unlikely, state Sen. Charles Fuschillo Jr., a Republican of Merrick, is offering residents a free brochure with information about disaster preparedness to help them be ready in an emergency. To obtain one of Fuschillo's disaster-preparedness brochures, call his office at (516) 546-4100, or visit www.senatorfuschillo.com and click on the "Order Brochures from Senator Fuschillo" link on the left side of the page.


School supplies needed. To make back-to-school time less difficult for children whose families cannot afford new clothes or school supplies, Assemblyman David McDonough of North Merrick and the John Theissen Children's Foundation are working together to provide items for underprivileged children from low-income families. Supplies needed include: backpacks, spiral notebooks, pencils, pens, crayons, markers and other classroom necessities. Monetary donations are also welcome, as the foundation provides new clothing for children to wear. These items may be dropped off daily at McDonough's district office, 300 Hempstead Turnpike, suite 110, Levittown, through Aug. 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call (516) 731-8830, or e-mail the assemblyman at mcdonod@assembly.state.ny.us. To contact the the the John Theissen Children's Foundation, call (516) 679-5098, or visit www.jtcf.org.


Toddler programs. The Suburban Temple Nursery School is holding registration for its Just Us Two and Toddler-Two programs. Just Us Two classes are for children ages 18 to 24 months, and the Toddler-Two program is for 2-year-old children. The programs allow children to learn how to adjust to group settings, share, take turns and follow directions. The classes are instructed by warm, nurturing teachers. For more information and to request a brochure, call Marcia at the nursery school office at (516) 781-KIDS.


Support for moms. For mothers living in Bellmore, there is a place that supports and honors them throughout the year. It is the Sunrise Mothers' Center, located in the United Methodist Church on Royle Avenue in Bellmore. The center offers a range of programs that include discussion groups, Mommy and Me classes, family-friendly social events, lectures, book groups and more. For more information, call (516) 781-8946, or check out the center on the Web at sunrisemothers@excite.com.


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 holding 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.


Business meetings. The Bellmore Chapter of Business Network International meets every Tuesday at the East Bay Diner from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Visitors are welcome. For more information, call Bruce Katz at (516) 826-5310.


AARP meeting. A special program of interest to all older adults will be presented by Bellmore Merrick chapter of AARP, which holds its meetings on the second Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. in Mepham High School east Cafeteria on Camp Avenue. For more information, call (516) 785-3337.

Bellmore Library

Children's programs. The library will hold morning crafts for children, ages 4 and up, on the following dates: Aug. 6, at 11 a.m., registration by Aug. 1; and Aug. 2, at 11 a.m., registration by Aug. 15. For more information, call (516) 785-2990.


Teen pizza workshop. Chef Tommy Valenti, of Piccolo Ristorante, brings his world-class pizza workshop to the library on Wednesday, Aug. 3 at 6 p.m. Young adults, grades 6 and up, are invited to assemble an individual pizza to bake at home. Fee is $3. Sign up now at the library's reference desk.


Scrapbook workshop. Teens and adults are welcome to sing up for the library's scrapbook workshop, led by Marion Hickey, on Wednesday, Aug. 10, at 7:30 p.m. Fee is $4. Sign up at the reference desk.


Defensive driving. Sign up now for the library's defensive-driving classes with instructor Steve Schwartz on Thursdays, Aug. 11 and 18. The classes will be held at the library from 7 to 10 p.m., and the fee is $35.


Star War fans. Movie buff Clive Young presents science-fiction fans with an evening of fan films and trivia about the "Star Wars" saga on Monday, Aug. 22, at 7 p.m. This event is suitable for teens and the young at heart.

N. Bellmore Library

Summer reading. The Children's Services Department will again offer a summer reading club. This year's state-wide theme is "Tune in at Your Library." Registration began June 27. In order to participate, children must read or have read to them 10 books and list them on their reading chart. For more information, stop by the Children's Services Department.


Summer tales and more. Boys and girls, ages 5 to 8, may register to attend Summer Tales and More through Aug. 23, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. There will be stories, games, show-and-tell, jokes and much more. In-person registration began on June 30.


Japanese anime. Young adults grades 6 to 12 are invited to learn the popular art of Japanese anime on Tuesday, Aug. 2, from 7 to 8 p.m. Anyone interested in attending should register at the reference desk. Registration begins July 1. There is no fee for the course.


Family games time. The Children's Services Department is offering families a chance to spend some quality time together at the library's Family Game Times. The event will be held on Monday, Aug. 15, from 10 to 11:30 p.m. Some of the games featured at the event include Chutes and Ladders, Clue Jr. and Pictionary. Families with children ages 3 and up and encouraged to attend. No registration is required.


Pajama storytime. Children, ages 3 to 5, are invited to attend the library's Pajama Storytime on Monday, Aug. 22, at 7 p.m. Children's librarian Jane Sullivan will host the event. Children may attend in pajamas and bring a favorite stuffed toy. In-person registration will begin on Monday, Aug. 15, at 7 p.m. Parents and guardians are required to remain in the library during the program.


Young adult reading. Students entering sixth grade and up can register at the reference desk and pick up a few goodies at the same time. All participants who complete five books for the Young Adult Summer Reading Program will be invited to a pizza party at the North Bellmore Library on Tuesday, Aug. 30, from 3:30 to 5 p.m.


Annual blood drive. The library's annual blood drive will be held in the community room on Tuesday, Sept. 28, from 2 to 7:30 p.m.


AARP 55-Alive. Registration for the AARP 55 - Alive driving courses is ongoing. Register at the library's reference desk and bring a check for $10 made payable to "AARP."