By Linda Delmonico-Prussen
As a result, the center has had to endure the loss of two of three office positions. Azzata said, "Without an infusion of some major cash, I don't know what will do."
For more than 15 years, the center has been a mainstay for parents in the Merrick and-Bellmore area, offering parenting workshops on subjects such as discipline, sibling rivalry, self-esteem, peer pressure, communication, stress reduction, conflict resolution, getting ready for middle school and understanding attention deficit disorder. There are also programs for pre-schoolers and school-age children, as well as a variety of speakers on parenting subjects
throughout the year. Local parents lead the small-group workshops.
Azzata has begun a letter-writing campaign to state and town elected leaders, seeking funding to keep the center alive. "We served over a few thousand families," she said. Surely, Azzata said, loss of the center would be felt locally.
For upcoming courses, the coordinator said, "I've had to raise fees for certain programs." For classes that were previously free, she said, "Now I have to charge a registration fee." The nominal fees, however, aren't enough to keep the center going, according to Azzata, and she is reluctant to increase fees any higher, knowing that parents could get priced out of certain courses.
Azzata said that, while the center's future remains uncertain, "We're still trying to do what we normally do because parents have come to expect it."
To find out how individuals or groups might help the center, call (516) 771-9346. Tax-deductible donations can be made to: The Community Parent Center, Brookside School, room 31, 1260 Meadowbrook Road, North Merrick, NY 11566.
Upcoming Parent Center programs
The Bellmore-Merrick Community Parent Center is offering the following upcoming programs:
Sense-Around
This program is for pre-schoolers ages 3 to 5 and is intended to give the youngsters hands-on experience using their five senses.
Presented by trained outdoor educators from BOCES, Sense Around is to be offered on Monday, Oct. 28 and/or Monday, Nov. 18 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. or 12:30 to 2 p.m. Classes are to be held at the Brookside School in North Merrick, and the non-refundable registration fee is $20 per child, per session.
How to Talk So Kids Will Listen
This program is to be offered Tuesdays, Oct. 22, 29 and Nov. 12, at the Brookside School, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. The fee for residents is $35 and $50 for non-residents.
Positive Self-Esteem for You and Your Children
This program is to be given Wednesdays, Nov. 20, 27, Dec. 4 and 11, at the Brookside School, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. The fee for residents is $35 and $50 for non-residents.
