Christmas Day. St. Barnabas the Apsotle Roman Catholic Church will celebrate Mass on Thursday, Dec. 25, at 7, 9 and 10:30a.m. and noon. There will no Mass at 10:15a.m. or 5p.m. on Christmas Day.
Youth Christmas program. On Sunday, Dec. 21, at 10 a.m., the Merrick United Methodist Church will hold a youth Christmas program, followed by caroling and a party at 6 p.m.
Christmas Eve cantata. On Sunday, Dec. 21, at 10 a.m., the Merrick United Methodist Church will hold a Cantata Candlelight Service on Wednesday, Dec. 24, at 10:45 p.m.
Community
Events
North Merrick budget committee. The North Merrick Board of Education is forming a Citizen's Budget Advisory Committee. The committee reviews the draft district budget and suggests additions, deletions and modifications to assist the Board of Education in developing the final budget. Interested residents should contact David Feller, superintendent of schools, at (516) 292-3694 as soon as possible.
Chanukah concert. Children of all ages will sing and dance at the Merrick Jewish Centre's annual Chanukah Family Concert on Dec. 23 at 7 p.m., featuring bilingual singer, songwriter, early childhood educator and family entertainer Louie Miranda.
Chanukah ride. On Dec. 21, experience Chanukah by entering a "time machine" to the years 167-165 B.C.E. This Spectacular Chanukah Ride will feature a 10-seat wagon pulled by two horses through the streets of Merrick. Music, treats and surprises at every corner. Rides will take place at a Chanukah Wonderland, followed by a Menorah Car Parade ending at Cammans Pond Park with the lighting of an eight-foot Menorah, sponsored by the Chabad Center for Jewish Life of Merrick.
Transition from high school. On Jan. 9, the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District Special Education PTA and the Community Parent Center will present a panel discussion for parents at Grand Avenue Middle School from 7- 9:30 p.m. Topics will include: "Learning and Employment Opportunities After High School," "Benefits and Entitlements for Students with Disabilities," "The Role of a Case Worker/Service Coordinator," "Applying for Medicaid and SSI," and "An Explanation of Adult Services." Representatives from Life's WORC, YAI (the National Institute for People with Disabilities), the Long Island Head Injury Association and Life House will be there. For more Information, call Cheryl Gitlitz at (516) 992-1349.
Merrick Library
Art exhibit. Artists from the North Merrick Senior Citizens Center, together with instructor Melanie Wolf, will exhibit their paintings in the multi-purpose room of the Merrick Library from Jan. 3 to 27. A reception will be held on Jan. 4 from 2-4 p.m.
Handpainting workshop. On Tuesday, Jan. 6, at 6:30 p.m., Irene Marchese will be teach how to handpaint a wooden serving tray. You will leave with a functional piece of art to keep or give as a gift. Materials fee: $15; checks only payable to "Merrick Library." Registration began Dec. 2 for Merrick residents and Dec. 16 for non-residents.
Sweet treats. This teen program is just in time for the holidays. On Thursday, Dec. 18, at 6:30 p.m. comes this creative candy workshop with chef Kristine Rissanen. You will make delicious S'Mores bars, chocolate peppermint bark and other tasty holiday treats.
North Merrick Library
Scrapbooking. Organize and decorate a photo album. For children in grades three to six with an adult on Tuesday, Dec. 30, from 7-8:30 p.m. Registration began Dec. 16 at 6:30 p.m. Limit: 15 children. There will be a $10 materials fee per child payable at registration to cover the cost of an album, glue stick,tools and scrapbooking essentials. Children should bring 30 to 40 pictures to the workshop. Parents and children can unleash their creative potential through scrapbooking. Kristine Dugan and Larissa Simonovski will show participants how to create scrapbooks and design layouts using paper, fabric, stickers and other materials.At the end of this hour and a half class, participants will take home a personalized scrapbook.
Chocolate house teen program. On Sunday, Dec. 21, from 2-3:30p.m., make a delicious treat, a gorgeous table decoration or a fabulous holiday gift. Teens in grades seven to 12 will assemble and take home a one-pound chocolate house, decorated with candies, then wrapped in cellophane and tied with festive ribbons. There is a 15-person limit. Registration is ongoing.
Make a calendar. Design a calendar for the new year. For children in pre-K to second grade with an adult on Monday, Dec. 29, from 11 a.m. to noon. Registration began Dec. 15 at 10 a.m. There is a 20-child limit.Children may bring favorite photos or pictures. Have fun decorating the 12 months of 2009 as you create a personal calendar.
