The Bristal Assisted Living, 40 Merrick Ave., hosts an Alzheimer's disease support group for caregivers every second Thursday from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Call Pat Kiley at


(516) 918-4009 to register.


Substance help. Alcoholics Anonymous meetings held Thursdays and Alanon meetings held Sundays in the school cafeteria of St. Barnabas Church in Bellmore. All meetings start at 7:30 p.m.


Infertility support. The East Meadow-based National Infertility Network Exchange (NINE) is now forming peer-led support groups. Topics include coping with infertility, medical procedures, male infertility, in-vitro fertilization, miscarriage, secondary infertility, adoption, and a child-free lifestyle.


NINE is a national, non-profit organization for people and couples with impaired fertility and the professionals who serve them. In addition to support groups, NINE offers monthly educational meetings, professional referrals, newsletters, advocacy and talk lines.


For more information, call (516) 794-5772.


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.

Community Events

An evening of song. The East Meadow Simcha Chapter of Hadassah will be at the East Meadow Library on Monday, Sept. 18, at 7:45 p.m. Music and song will be provided by Jill Kaplan. Everyone is invited to attend. For more information, call (516) 486-8873.


Military bridge. Christ the King Episcopal Church is hosting a Military Bridge game on Friday Sept. 29, at 7:30 p.m. There will be refreshments and prizes for everyone. The church is located at 2408 Fifth St. in East Meadow. For more information or to make a reservation, call (516) 731-3902.


Open house. East Meadow Jewish Center will have an open house on Sept. 13, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Guests will have the opportunity to learn about the center's religious services, Hebrew school, adult education and social services. The center has served as an active conservative synagogue for the last 50 years. For more information, call (516) 483-4205 or visit www.eastmeadowjc.org.


Fall festival. St. Brigid/Our Lady of Hope is having its Fall Craft Festival on Sept. 30, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be music, over 130 craft vendors, food, bake sale, face painting, pumpkin patch, games, ride and much more. The church is located at 101 Maple Ave. in Westbury. For vendor information, call (516) 984-7617


Looking for new members. The Community Reform Temple in Westbury is currently accepting applications for both temple membership and enrollment in the Marilyn H. Tahl Religious and Hebrew School. The Community Reform Temple, which has been serving central and eastern Nassau County for the last 45 years, is a dynamic liberal full-service congregation which welcomes both Jewish and interfaith families. The temple is especially proud of its school which includes classes starting with Mommy and Me and continuing through grade 12 in high school. Area residents are welcomed to visit the temple on any weekday during regular business hours or may attend 8 p.m. Shabbat services, no appointment is necessary. For more information, call (516) 333-1839 or visit www.shalomcrt.org. The Community Reform Temple is located at 712 The Plain Road, Westbury, just east of Eisenhower Park.


FD membership drive. The East Meadow Fire Department is now accepting applications for membership. The department is currently looking to fill positions as firefighter and medical technician. No training is required and successful candidates will be provided with instruction. For more information, call (516) 542-4565 or visit them on-line at www.eastmeadowfd.com.


Volunteers needed. The American Heart Association is looking for volunteers to help run its annual Long Island Heart Walk. The event, which is sponsored nationally by Subway, has a variety of volunteer positions available, including walk site setup/take down of sings, tables and chairs; check-in/ registration; performers and entertainers; community health fair participants; photography; distribution of food, beverages and other items to walkers at water stations, as well as many other opportunities. For more information, call (516) 777-8447.


Looking for host families. The STS Foundation, a not-for-profit student exchange program, is looking for host families in East Meadow to provide foreign exchange students with a place to stay. Families interested in hosting a foreign exchange student should call 1-800-522-4678.


Help for smokers. The Nassau County Department of Health, in collaboration with the New York State Smokers' Quitline, is sponsoring a program which offers four weeks of nicotine replacement therapy for smokers who want to quit. The therapy also known as "the patch" is available to medically-eligible county residents at no cost. To determine eligibility, residents should call the New York Smokers' Quitline at 1-866-697-8487, weekdays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and weekends from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information about the Health Department's Tobacco Cessation Program, call (516) 571-2022 weedays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.


Town square project. The East Meadow Chamber of Commerce has started its "Town Square Project" at the Veterans Memorial Park located on the corner of Prospect and East Meadow avenues. Interested residents or businesses can purchase one of the many bricks, found on the square, and engrave it with their names for future generations. For more information, call Jim Skinner at (516) 796-1414 or visit www.eastmeadowchamber.com.


Sons of italy. The Edward J. Speno Lodge No. 2568, Order of Sons of Italy, is currently hosting a membership drive. Anyone interested is encouraged to contact Connie Conte (516) 794-1089 or Carmine Biscarbi, president of Son of Italy, 785-8135. The organization meets monthly on the second Monday of every month at Workman's Circle [Jewish School and Culture] 574 East Meadow Avenue, East Meadow, at 7:30 p.m.


Kiwanis meetings. The East Meadow Kiwanis, a chapter of the international charity organization, is always looking for new members. Those interested in joining are invited to come down to its meetings. The group meets every Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Empress Diner, 2490 Hempstead Turnpike. For more information, call Dr. Alan Alterman at (516) 794-7371.


Knights of pythias. The Knights of Pythias Alliance-East Meadow Lodge 774 is seeking new members to join its ranks. The Knights of Pythias is one of the most active fraternal organizations, chartered by the United States Congress. This non-sectarian organization serves the community through a number of altruistic endeavors, including food baskets for the needy, donations to charitable organizations, anti-drug programs, and a host of other activities.


For more information, call Ed Winters at (516) 489-3797.


Calling all vets. East Meadow VFW Post 2736 is always looking for new members. Those interested in joining should call Sal Pellegrino at (516) 794-5036 or mail to 290 Belmont Ave., East Meadow, NY 11554. Meetings are twice a month on the first and third Monday, and held at Christ the King Church.

Library Events

Downloadable books now available. The library is now offering digital audiobooks for MP3 players. The books are being offered in conjunction with NetLibrary.com. Through the library's website, library patrons can download as many as 10 of the 1200 unabridged books offered by NetLibrary. Over 750 of these are recorded book titles. For more information, visit www.eastmeadow.info, click on the NetLibrary eAudiobooks link found in the databases section of the site, and follow the instructions to download a book.


Book discussions. The library runs an evening book discussion group, which meets monthly at 7:30 p.m.


Chess. Every Thursday from 1 to 4 p.m., the Adult Chess Club meets at the library. All players are welcome to attend and play. Bring a board and chess set to the small conference room.