Meeting Place

The Inwood Civic Association meets the first Thursday of each month at 8 p.m. at Sons of Italy Hall, 202 Wanser Avenue in Inwood. For additional information, call (516) 746-1300, ext. 227.

The Board of Sanitary District One meets the first and third Wednesdays of the month at 8 p.m. at One Bay Boulevard in North Lawrence.

The Kiwanis Club of the Five Towns meets Thursdays at 7 p.m. at Goldie's Restaurant in Valley Stream. One may call (516) 825-7063 for more information.

The Hewlett Business Association meets the second Tuesday of each month, at the Hewlett Fire House, at 7:30 p.m.

The Woodmere Merchants Association meets the first Monday of each month at the Woodmere-Lawrence United Methodist Church in Woodmere at 6:30 p.m.

P.F.C. John J. Oliveri Post. The P.F.C. John J. Oliveri Post 1582 meets the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 8:30 p.m. at the V.F.W. on 259 Doughty Boulevard in Inwood. For additional information contact post commander Sal Scotto at 239-8281.

The Long Beach Sewer District meets every Tuesday at 6 p.m. in the BoardRoom of the Board of Commissioners, 2150 Bay Blvd. in Atlantic Beach.

Health Assessment.There will be a health assessment with June Friedel, R.N. every first Tuesday of the month at 10 a.m. in the Five Towns Senior Center. This complete one-on-one health assessment includes blood pressure, drug compatibility and discussion about your health concerns in total privacy. It's sponsored by the Nassau County Department of Senior Citizen Affairs.

Special Event

Coats For Kids. Do you have a winter coat you don't use? Are you cleaning out your closets? Don't throw them out. Keep a child warm this winter by donating unwanted children's coats at: Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg's office, 20 West Park Ave., Long Beach. Call 431-0500. Office hours 9 a.m.-5 p.m. All coats collected will be dry cleaned free of charge by: Delta Cleaners, 83 East Park Ave., Long Beach, and forwarded to "Coats for Kids" for distribution to needy families.

Library News

International Folk & Line Dancing. Join Miriam Sharin for an afternoon of fun and exercise. Learn Israeli and international folk dancing! This will take place at the H-W Library. For more info call 374-1967, ext. 37.

E-Books available on-line. NetLibrary, a comprehensive collection of on-line books, is now available through the Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library. An e-book is an electronic version of a printed book that can be viewed on-line from any computer connected to the internet. Hewlett-Woodmere School District residents may stop at the library's information desk to create a NetLibrary account. Discover a whole new way to look at books. Read thousands of full-text books on-line, and access the entire collection 24 hours a day. For more info call 374-1967.

African American Writing. Professor Marcia L. McNair will appear at the Peninsula Public Library on Thursday, Jan. 4, at 1p.m. to present an overview of African-American writing with emphasis on the early slave narratives, the cultural rebirth of the Harlem Renaissance and contemporary trends. Professor McNair is a former assistant editor at Essence Magazine and currently teaches English and Journalism at Nassau Community College.

Winter Film Festival. The Peninsula Public Library's Winter Film Festival begins on Tuesday, Jan. 9, at 10 a.m. and again at 1p.m. with the feature film, "Train of Life" (103 min.) (French with English subtitles. The year is 1941 and a tiny Jewish community in France is faced with some shocking news: The Nazis are coming. Before the Germans can dispatch them to a concentration camp, the townspeople will "deport" themselves--to freedom. The Winter Movies will be shown for 11 consecutive Tuesdays at 10 a.m. and 1p.m. at PPL. For complete information, pick up the film brochure at the library.

Traditional Chinese Medicine. Nick Nanos, licensed acupuncturist and Diplomate of Acupuncture, will present an "Introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine" on Wednesday, Jan. 10, at 1 p.m., at Peninsula Public Library. In this program, he will give a brief history and philosophy of Traditional Chinese Medicine and discuss the different modalities. He will discuss Oriental massage, acupressure and herbal liniments. He will teach physical therapies such as Tai Qi Chuan, Qi Gong, and Yoga/ Acu-Yoga. He will also give a comparison between western and Oriental medicine.

How to pay for college. Discover how you can literally save yourself thousands of dollars when sending your child off to college! This 90-minute workshop teaches parents the best-kept secrets on financing a college education. This event will be held at the Hewlett-Woodmere Library on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 7p.m. It will be hosted by Jan and Tony Esposito.

Nurturing the Best in kids. Join Barry Wilansky, executive director of Temp Group, Inc. on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2 p.m. for a lecture on "Parenting: Nurturing the best in children." Friends of the Library are pleased to offer a lecture on parenting. Many parents feel they are losing the battle against the onslaught of popular culture while trying to raise their children with values they want them to have. Wilansky helps parents with effective tools to combat the negative effects of popular culture. The role of grandparents in this process will also be discussed.

Positive Passion. Join Howard Shurdut on Friday, Jan. 12 at 10 a.m. for a lecture on "The importance of positive passion." We all have felt passionately about something in our lives. In this motivational and interactive program, Shurdut will lead you to uncover past positive passions and/or develop new ones to enhance your quality of life.

Religious News

The Young Israel of Woodmere offers a Torah study and beginner's prayer service class on Sunday mornings at 10:30. The synagogue is also holding a series of Hebrew reading classes for beginners on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. For further information and to register, one may call 295-0150.

Chumash Class. The Young Israel of Hewlett, located at 1 Piermont Ave., is having Chumash Classes for men on Thursday from 9:30a.m. to 10:30a.m. during the winter and spring months

Contemporary Halacha. At 8:15, Monday evenings at The Young Israel of Hewlett, at 1 Piermont Ave., will be a contemporary Halacha. The topic will be "Milk and Meat; The Kosher Kitchen.

Nassau Region of Hadassah's Ivrit L'Hadassah classes, which teach Hebrew literacy and conversation, are continuing in the Five Towns. Dr. Annette Labovitz, Ph.D, is presenting an advanced course on Monday mornings at Temple Beth El in Cedarhurst and Ferne Skiba is teaching an intermediate course at the Hewlett-East Rockaway Jewish Center. Participants must be Hadassah members or associates. There is a charge for the books being used, but not for the course. Anyone wishing more information may call 766-2725.

Hebrew Classes. The Young Israel of Hewlett is offering Reading Hebrew Level 2, "Learn to read from a Sidur," Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. and "Bible Basics" Thursday mornings 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Young Israel is located at 1 Piermont Ave. in Hewlett.

Congregation Sons of Israel offers a "Mommy and Me" group on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. For more information and to register, one may call 374-0805.

Torah Seminars for Women. OU Torah Seminars for women are offered Sunday mornings at the West Side Institutional Synagogue on West 76th Street in Manhattan; Monday evenings at Congregation Adereth El on East 29th Street, also in Manhattan; and Tuesday evenings at the Young Israel of Woodmere, 859 Peninsula Boulevard. Tuition is $100 per course; $75 for three or more courses. To view the complete schedule of classes, obtain more information or to register, visit the OU's website www.ou.org and select women learn!or call (212) 613-8188

Ongoing Events

L.I.C.C. Training. Long Island Crisis Center is looking for volunteers. L..I.C.C. offers a 24/7 hotline, internet counseling seven days a week, 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. Call to set up an interview at 826-0244.

Separated and Divorced. A new, 12-session group for those in the process of separation and divorce began on Tuesday, Oct. 17, at the Peninsula Counseling Center's Lynbrook office at 381 Sunrise Highway, 2nd floor. Meetings begin promptly at 7:15 p.m. Call Laurie Forman, CSW, at 599-1181 to pre-register. All inquiries are strictly confidential. Fees are based on a sliding scale and most insurance plans are accepted.

Joy of Painting. Woodmere artist, Iris Gorenberg will "share the joy of painting" at the Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library. Individualized instruction in oils, acrylics, watercolors, pastels, charcoal, and pen and ink, as well as clay modeling will be included. For further information concerning registration dates and schedules, please call Ms. Gorenberg at 374-2789.

Chesed Organization. Kesher is a local youth-based chesed organization developed to promote acts of kindness in the community. They are currently collecting items in new or like new condition to distribute to those in need. Tax receipts are available upon request for all donations made. They accept toys, baby equipment and all clothing. For more information call Basha Mindell at 371-0996.

Temple Hillel Sisterhood will collect non-perishable, kosher food for distribution to hungry children and families. Everything from peanut butter and pasta to tuna and toaster pastry is needed and will be picked up weekly by United Jewish Appeal for distribution to needy families. The program began on Monday, Sept. 18 and will continue every Monday and Tuesday during Hebrew School hours, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The community is urged to take part in this community outreach program. Anyone wishing more information may call 791-6634.

YM & YWHA Programs. The Greater Five Towns YM & YWHA is happy to announce some wonderful programs for retired, enthusiastic adults. Shalom Club meets every Monday at 1 p.m. at the "Y," 207 Grove Ave., Cedarhurst. The group begins with a Stretch and Flex Class followed by a wide variety of wonderful and informative programs. Golden Circle meets every Tuesday at 12 p.m. at Temple Beth El, Broadway and Locust, in Cedarhurst. Starting with refreshments and light exercise, this group always has interesting lectures or entertainment for all to enjoy.

Senior Spotlight

The Five Towns Senior Center. Every Wednesday at 10 a.m. there will be a Drama Discussion led by Harold Engel. Every Thursday at 10 a.m. there will be a singing group led by Ruth Shuster. Basic Bridge Instruction will be Wednesdays at 12:45 p.m., led by Diane Goldstein.

Adult Day Care. The Greater Five Towns YM & YWHA holds an adult social day care program for frail and or physically challenged older adults. The program includes social activities, recreational crafts, exercise, yoga, nutrition education, kosher lunches, counseling and nursing support services. The group provides an intimate caring environment in which seniors flourish. "Come Alive" offers stimulating programs and enriching new friendships in a family atmosphere. The program meets on Mondays and Thursdays and kosher lunches are served. Limited transportation is provided. For further information or to set up an intake appointment, call Cathy Byrne, MS, RN at 569-6733. They are located at 124 Franklin Place in Woodmere.

For Your Health

Bereavement Group. The Greater Five Towns YM and YWHA will be offering a Bereavement Group starting Tuesday, Nov. 14, at 2 p.m. The objective of this six-week group is to provide support for the recently bereaved in a caring and warm atmosphere. There will be the opportunity to work through grief, examine feelings and discover inner strengths. This group will be held at the Greater Five Towns YM and YWHA, located at 207 Grove Ave., Cedarhurst. A $40 pre-registration fee is required. For more info call 569-6733.

Survivors of Suicide. The Survivors of Suicide group, a satellite chapter of The Compassionate Friends, meets the first Friday of every month at Zion Episcopal Church, 243-01 Northern Blvd. at 8 p.m. For more info call Ed and Marsha Simon at 295-6345.

Bereavement Group. The Peninsula Counseling Center is starting a new bereavement support group for recent widows and widowers, Thurs., beginning Nov. 16, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., 124 Franklin Place. Adjusting to life without a loved one is painful, but a supportive and caring group environment can help the healing process. It is helpful to be with others going through the same experience, people who understand and share your feelings. Call Ruth Stern for more details 569-6600.

Self-Help Group. A mental health community organization, helping people deal with fear, depression and anxiety, meets on Monday evenings at 8:15 p.m. at St. Joseph's Parish, 1346 Broadway, Hewlett. For more info, 433-1742.

Parkinson's Support Group Foundation of Long Island,in cooperation with the Greater Five Towns YM & YWHA, has formed "Tuesday Activity Center," a group for individuals suffering from Parkinson's disease and their spouses and families, at the " Y," 207 Grove Ave. in Cedarhurst, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The purpose is to allow a better understanding of Parkinson's, and proper exercise. Call 569-6733.

Religious Services

Synagogues

Services for Jan. 5 and Jan. 6:

Congregation Bais Menachem at The Chabad Center of the Five Towns in Cedarhurst--4:45 P.M. Friday, 9:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. Saturday.

Congregation Beth Sholom in Lawrence--7:00 P.M. Friday, 9 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sat.

Congregation Ohr Torah in North Woodmere--4:50 P.M.Friday, 4:45 p.m. Saturday.

Congregation Sons of Israel in Woodmere--6 P.M. Friday, 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday.

Congregation Shaaray Tefila in Lawrence--7:20 p.m. and 8:15p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. Saturday.

Congregation Aish Kodesh- Friday- 4:33P.M, Saturday 8:45 a.m. and 4:15P.M.

Hewlett-East Rockaway Jewish Centre/Congregation Etz Chaim in East Rockaway--7 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. Saturday.

Reconstructionist Congregation Beth Emeth in Hewlett--8 p.m. Friday, 9:30 a.m. Saturday.

Temple Beth El in Cedarhurst--6:15 p.m.Fri.; 9:30 a.m., 6:15 p.m. Sat.; 9:30 a.m., 6:15 p.m. Sun.

Temple Hillel in North Woodmere--4:15 P.M. Friday, 8:45 a.m., Saturday.

Temple Israel in Lawrence--8 P.M. Friday, 10:30 a.m. Saturday.

Agudath Israel of the Five Towns--4:21Fri, 8:55A.M Sat, 4:10P.M.

Temple Sinai in Lawrence--8:00 P.M.Friday, 9 a.m. Saturday.

The Sephardic Congregation of the Five Towns-7:05 P.M. Friday, 8:45 a.m. and 7:45 P.M. Saturday.

The Sephardic Temple in Cedarhurst-- 8 a.m., 7:30 P.M. Friday, 8:45 a.m. Saturday.

Young Israel of Hewlett, Congregation Ahavat Yisrael-- 7:00 P.M. Friday, 9 a.m. Saturday.

Young Israel of Lawrence-Cedarhurst--7:15 & 8:00 P.M. Friday,; 8:15 & 9:00 a.m., 6:00 & 7:40 P.M. Saturday.

Young Israel of North Woodmere--5 P.M. Friday, 9 a.m. and 5 P.M. Saturday.

Young Israel of Woodmere--5:55 P.M., 7:15 P.M. Friday; 7:15, 8:45 & 9:00 a.m., 5:30, 7:45 & 7:55 P.M. Saturday.

Young Israel of Hewlett--4:22P.M., Friday; 9a.m., 4:13, Saturday

Churches

Services for Sunday, Jan. 7:

Bethel a.m.E. Church (Far Rock.)--11 a.m.

Community Bible Church in Inwood--10 a.m.

First Presbyterian Church (Far Rock.)--11 a.m.

Lutheran Church of the Incarnation in Cedarhurst--11 a.m.

Our Lady of Good Counsel R.C. Church in Inwood--7:15, 8:15 (Spanish) and 10:30 a.m.; 5:30 P.M., Saturday.

St. Joachim R.C. Church in Cedarhurst-- Sunday Masses: 8 a.m., 10 a.m. and 12 Noon.

St. Joseph R.C. Church in Hewlett--8:30; 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 P.M.

St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Inwood--9:30a.m.

Trinity-St. John's Episcopal Church in Hewlett--8 and 10:30 a.m.

Woodmere-Lawrence United Methodist Church--11 a.m.

Literacy for the deaf. Peninsula Counseling Center offers a new literacy program for Deaf adults. Basic and advanced classes in reading and writing are available. There is no fee for this service. Classes meet Monday and Wednesday evenings at PCC's Lynbrook office, 381 Sunrise Highway, 2nd Floor, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. beginning January 15th. For more information contact Julia Ball or Marius Titus at 599-3482 (TTY) or 599-1181(Voice).

Peninsula Counseling Center is offering a new program for adults with severe physical disabilities. "Out and About" brings physically disabled adults together on Thursdays for three hours of socializing, sharing ideas and discussion of a variety of topics. The group, which meets weekly at Temple Emanu-El in Lynbrook, is looking for new members as well as guest speakers.

Prenatal, obstetrical and newborn services at Women's Health Center, Franklin Hospital Medical Center, Valley Stream, provides services to women in need. The center is open from Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. For more information, please call the Center at (516) 256-6225.

Congregation Sons of Israel, 111 Irving Place in Woodmere, sponsors a beginners/advanced Israeli folk-dancing group, led by Benny Lev, on Wednesdays, at 8:15 p.m. For more information, contact Harriet Gefen at 374-0655.

55 Alive Driving Course. Registration is now open for the "55 Alive" driving course given through AARP at the Young Israel Senior League, located at 2716 Healy Ave., Far Rockaway.

The Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library offers 55 Alive/mature driving courses on an on-going basis to residents of School District 14. For courses and registration dates, call the library at 374-1967.