On Board

City Council Next meeting Jan. 18 at 8 p.m. at City Hall. Public works session from 6-7:30 p.m. before each meeting.

School Board Next meeting, Jan. 25 at 8 p.m. in the Long Beach Middle School cafeteria.

Zoning Board Next meeting Jan. 27 at 8 p.m. at City Hall.

This Weekend

A Vision of Africa To honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., percussionist Edwina Lee Tyler will perform a kinetic blend of African chant and drums on Jan. 16 at 2 p.m. Tylre will be accompanied by drummer Tracey Hamilton during a show that will feature conga, steel drums and conch shells.

Lisa Itts in concert With guitar and vocals, Itts will present an acoustic performance of original, melodic, real and inspiring groove-rock music on Jan. 15 at 2 p.m.

Special Events

Temple Emanu-El will be holding various programs through January. An introduction to Reform Judaism will be held Jan. 19, and 26 at 7:30 p.m. Tot Shabbat, a special Shabbat service for the "little ones" will be held Jan. 21 at 6:15 p.m. A discussion will be held on Interfaith families on Feb. 10 at 7:30 p.m. Talk about how to incorporate Jewish traditions and faith into the lives of interfaith families.

The Nassau-Suffolk Performing Arts Concert Band and Wind Symphony will perform at the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts on Jan. 29 at 3 p.m.

Temple Beth-El of Long Beach will open its Thrift Shot on March 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The MLK Center is making facility space available for rentals and is taking reservations for 2005. For more information on rates and times, call the Center at 889-6300.

Tax Help for seniors If you are over the age of 60, a volunteer from AARP Tax-Aide program will assist in completing your 2004 tax returns. At the library on Mondays beginning Feb. 2 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

AARP 55 Alive Mature Driving Course. Registration is Jan. 27 at 10 a.m. The course is Feb. 17 and 24 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

At the Library

(111 W. Park Ave., 432-7200)

Tai Chi/Qi Gong are gentle exercises, suitable for all conditions, ages and fitness levels. The fluidity of Tai Chi creates a body-mind connection that helps relieve stress and promotes optimal health and spiritual vitality. Qi gong is an ancient Chinese system of meditation techniques and gentle exercise that increases the supply of healing energy. Learn with instructor Beth Anderson on Jan. 13, 20 and 27 at 2 p.m.

The Four Agreements Belief is a powerful motivational force. Find out how the power of belief affects your life with psychotherapist and life coach Michele Laub on Jan. 19 at 2 p.m.

Canada Lee was a prize fighter, jockey, band leader, actor and early civil rights activist, as well as Broadway's first African-American star. Listen to aurthor Howard Blue's lecture of Lee's life that dealt with show business fame and being on an FBI blacklist on Feb. 9 at 2 p.m.

Health

Safe Sitter Program, offered by LBMC, takes place on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It is a one-day seminar for youths age 11 to 13, designed to teach the basics of childcare and safety. Fee is $25 per student. For information, call LBMCHealthStyles Program at 897-1090. Class size is limited.

LBMC's Women's Empowerment Group can help victims take back control of their lives. Facilitated by a certified social worker, the group discussions include a variety of topics such as parenting skills, relationship issues and domestic violence. The group is bilingual. For more information, call 897-4301.

Nightwatch The Nightwatch Hotline in Long Beach offers crisis counseling and referral to callers from all over the area, free of charge. Hotline hours are Sunday-Thursday from 6-11 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Call 889-2332.

Diabetes Club meets the third Monday each month at 7:30 p.m. in the Goldstein Auditorium at LBMC. Topics include nutritional management, medications, eye and foot care, exercise and more.

Nar-Anon is for those who've felt desperation concerning the drug addiction of someone near to them. Meetings areThursdays at 7:45 p.m. at the I.P. United Methodist Church, 364 Long Beach Rd., Island Park.

Anxiety and Depression screenings are offered for free at LBMC's Counseling Center. Wednesdays from 2 to 3 p.m. Includes an interview with a mental health professional. Pre-registration not required. Call 897-1270.

Bereavement Support On Thursdays from 2:30 to 3:30 P.M. in Conference Room C at Long Beach Medical Center. The Medical Center's Counseling Center will offer a weekly bereavement support group for individuals dealing with the death of a family member or loved one. This free support group is led by a mental health professional. For information, call 897-1270.

Senior Spotlight

Beginners meditation is held on Wednesdays, 2-3 p.m. at the Long Beach Senior/Community Center with Lisa Wisel. Wisel also conducts Dance/Movement Therapy on Wednesdays and Fridays 1-2 p.m. Call 431-3510 for more info.

P.A.C.E. Members of the Barry and Florence Friedberg JCC, 310 National Blvd. enjoy the benefits of music and dance through the P.A.C.E program. People with Arthritis Can Dance helps those with arthritis enjoy movement and helps alleviate stiffness. Lisa Wisel, MS, ADTR, CLM, a registered Dance/Movement therapist, leads the class.Every Tuesday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Fitness for older adults is every Friday at 9:05 a.m. at the Long Beach Public Library. Magda Rosenberg, exercise physiologist, conducts a series of physical fitness routines. Please check with your doctor before participating in this or any exercise program.

Volunteer!

Food & Friendship Inn Soup Kitchen. Volunteers and donations are needed. Call Julie O'Neill at 889-7064.

The Long Beach Animal Shelter, at 770 Park Pl., welcomes volunteers for socializing with abandoned pets. Dog-walkers are welcome. Additionally there are dozens of cats and dogs who are eager to brighten your home and your life. The shelter is open for extended adoption hours from 5 to 7:30 p.m., in addition to regular 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. hours.JASA's Friendly Visitors program is seeking volunteers. If you are interested in sharing time with a senior citizen in his or her home, call Jolene Boden at 432-0570.

9/11 Help Project Liberty, a free, confidential program providing support, education and referral to anyone having difficulty coping with the events of Sept. 11 is available at the Long BeachMedical Center. For individual or group appointments, call 897-2295.

Volunteer for C.U.R.B. Volunteers are needed by Citizens United to Remove Barriers to help construct ramps for the disabled. Call 889-6579 for info.

Fitness for Older Adults takes place every Friday at the 9:05 a.m. at the library. Magda Rosenberg, exercise physiologist, conducts a series of physical fitness routines for muscle strength, flexibility, balance, coordination and aerobic capacity.

We want you! If you served in the Armed Forces of the U.S., we want you to join the AMVETS Post 100, in Long Beach.Call Commander David Goodman at 431-9822, or Membership Chairman Omar Karom at 889-7516.

The Long Beach Humane Society welcomes volunteers for foster homes for kittens, fund-raisers, events and more. Join us at our monthly meeting at the Long Beach Public Library on the second Thursday of each month at 7:30p.m. For more information: call 516-889-PETS or send an e-mail to adoptionslbhs@att.net.