Community Events

Programs at parent center. The CommunityParent Center will present a series of four follow-up workshops to David Wilmes's upcoming presentation on "Parenting for Prevention: How to Raise a Child to Say No to Alcohol/Drugs." The sessions will take place Thursday, Feb. 3, 10,17 and March 3 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Brookside School. Pre-registration is required by by Jan. 27. Also, preschoolers, ages 3 to 5, can take part in the parent center's Sense Around program on Monday, Feb. 7, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.,and 12:30 to 2 p.m. at the Brookside School. The fee is $15 per child. The deadline for registration is Jan. 31. To register, call (516) 771-9346.

Kids perform at Tilles. Student musicians from Nassau and Suffolk counties, including Merrick and Bellmore residents, will perform in the Nassau-Suffolk Performing Arts Concert Band and Wind Symphony at the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, Jan. 29, at 3 p.m. The jazz band, and vocal jazz ensemble, with guest soloist Conrad Herwig will perform at 8 pm. at the Lecture Hall at Hillwood Commons, C. W. Post College Campus. Tickets are $20 general admission, and $10 for students and seniors. To order tickets, call the Tilles Box Office at (516) 299-3100, or order online at www.tillescenter.org.

Babies and bagels. The Bellmore Jewish Center is hosting an informal playgroup for Toddlers and Babies on Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to noon on Jan. 5 and 19, and Feb. 2 and 16. The program is open to all community residents. This is a great way for parents and their children to get together with friends. Bagels and fixings are provided by Bagel Plaza of Merrick. The Bellmore Jewish Center is at 2550 Center Ave. For more information, call (516) 781-3072.

K registration. The Bellmore School District will be registering students for kindergarten at Winthrop Avenue School during the weeks of January 10 to 14 and 18 to 21, from 9 to 11 a.m. In order to register a child, parents must first prove that they reside in the area. In addition, parents whose children turn 5 years old on or before Dec. 1, 2005, should present:a child's birth or baptismal certificate; property tax receipt; a document indicating ownership or rental of property (i.e. mortgage statement, homeowner's insurance policy, or lease); and two documents verifying residency (i.e. recent utility bills).

Live performance. Plaza Theatrical Productions Inc. presents Live Children's Theater at the Bellmore Movies, 222 Pettit Ave., in Bellmore Village. The performances include: "Jack Frost," Saturday, Jan. 8; "Land that I Love," Saturday, Feb. 12; and "Sleeping Beauty," Saturday, April 16. All performances start at 11 a.m. For more information, call (516) 783-3199.

Free throw basketball. The Bellmore Knights of Columbus's Free Throw Basketball Championship Program for 10- to 14 year-olds will be held on Saturday, Jan. 8, at 4 p.m., at the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton gymnasium. For more information, call Robert Felice (516) 221-7875.

Annual dinner dance. The Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores will hold its annual Installation Dinner Dance on Saturday, Jan. 29. The event, which will commemorate the chamber's 50th anniversary, will be held at the Woodbury Country Club on Jericho Turnpike in Woodbury. For more information, call (516) 679-1875.

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.

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.

Bellmore Library

Computer workshops. The library is hosting a computer workshop for adults on Wednesday, Jan. 19, at 10 a.m. A second computer workshop will be held at 1 p.m. on the same day. All upcoming computer classes are listed on the library's Web site at www.nassaulibrary.org/bellmore.

Children's events. The Bellmore Library is holding the following children's programs in January. Tuesday crafts will be held at 4:30 p.m. on the following days Jan. 11, 18 and 25. Registration for all three days begins on Tuesday, Jan. 4. On Saturday, Jan. 8, at 3 p.m., children from the ages of 8 and up can learn how to make "Let it Snow Door Hanger". Registration for the event begins on Monday, Jan. 10, after 6 p.m.

Computer workshops. Sing up now for free computer classes. A computer class for first time users will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 19, at 10 a.m. Computer First Grade for adults will also be held on Wednesday, Jan. 19, but at 1 p.m.

N. Bellmore Library

Sign language. Stacey Freedman will be teaching a sign-language class on the following Thursday evenings: Jan. 6, 13, 20 and Feb. 3 and 10, from 7 to 8 p.m. The class is for interested students of all ages. Registration began Wednesday, Dec. 1, at the reference desk.

Computer workshops. Registration is now being offered at the library's reference desk for free computer classes. A beginner's workshop for adults will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 19, at 10 a.m. Amore advanced course will be held on the same day at 1 p.m. All upcoming computer classes are listed on the library's Web site, www.nassaulibrary.org/bellmore.

Babysitting. Young adults wishing to make themselves desirable baby sitters should attend a program conducted by Joan Tanck on Monday, Jan. 24, at 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Registration began on Monday, Dec. 27 and is limited. There is a $2 registration fee and each participant must bring a cabbage patch or similar doll to the class.

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.

Bellmore Schools

Jan 12. Bellmore Elementary Parent Teacher Association meeting at C.A. Reinhard School at 8 p.m.

Jan 13. Shore Road winter concert from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Jan 17. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Schools closed.

Jan 18. The Bellmore Board of Education will hold a public meeting at Winthrop Avenue School at 8 p.m.

N.Bellmore Schools

Jan 11. Parent Teacher Association meetings:Saw Mill Road at 7:30 p.m.; Newbridge at 7 p.m.; and Park Avenue at 7:30 p.m.

Jan 12. The Special Education Parent Teacher Association will meet at 7:15 p.m. at the Park Avenue School.

Jan 13. The North Bellmore Board of Education will have its meeting at Martin Avenue School at 8 p.m.

Central High School

Jan 6. Middle School PTA meetings at 7:30 p.m.

Jan 10 to 14. Grade 8 ELAexams.

Jan 11. Calhoun and Mepham Sports Boosters at 7:30 p.m.

Jan 15. Calhoun On-Tour Production at 7:30 p.m.

High School Sports

Central High School District varsity athletic teams will play the following home games this week.

Kennedy Cougars: Jan. 7, boys' basketball vs. Syosset at 7 p.m. Jan. Jan. 18, boys' basketball vs. Oceanside at 7 p.m.

Calhoun Colts: Jan. 7, girls' basketball vs. Carey at 4:30 p.m. Jan. 11, boys' basketball vs. Hempstead at 6:30 p.m.

Mepham Pirates: Jan. 11, boys' basketball vs. Farmingdale at 4:30 p.m. Jan. 13, girls' basketball vs. MacArthur at 4:45 p.m.