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

Reading challenge. New York State Assemblyman David McDonough, a Republican of Merrick, is sponsoring the 2006 Summer Reading Challenge at elementary schools in his district. The challenge is designed to encourage students to continue learning through reading over the summer. McDonough has distributed more than 8,000 Summer Reading Challenge calendars to elementary schools throughout the 19th Assembly District. The calendar includes a list of recommended books that students and their parents can read over the summer. For additional information or to request a Summer Reading Challenge calendar, contact McDonough's office at (516) 731-8830 or e-mail at mcdonod@assembly.state.ny.us.

Assemblyman hosts mobile hours. New York state Assemblyman Tom McKevitt, a Republican of East Meadow, will be available for visits at his mobile office throughout the month of July. McKevitt will be available at the East Meadow Public Library on Monday, July 20, from 1 to 3 p.m. For more information, call (516) 739-5119.

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.

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.

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 Otto Jensen at (516) 785-3648 or mail to 543 Marion Dr., East Meadow, NY 11554.Meetings are twice a month on the first and third Monday, and held at Christ the King Church.

Library Events

Chili contest. The East Meadow Public Library is hosting a Chili Contest on June 20 at 7:30 p.m. The first 25 entries will be accepted at the public relations office between June 1st and the 19th. Entry forms are available at the library, which includes an entry fee of $5. The contest's Judges are John Franzen, gourmet cook and director of the library, and Grace Parisi of Food and Wine Magazine's test kitchen. Guests and those eager for taste tests are welcomed to attend. Music will be provided by the Banjo Rascals. Entries open to East Meadow residents only. For more information, call Jude Schanzer at (516) 794-2570 ext. 218.

Book discussions. The library runs an evening book discussion group, which meets monthly at 7:30 p.m. For more information about the group, call Marcia Blackman at (516) 794-2570 ext. 236.

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.

Elementary Schools

June 22. Last Day of school for kindergarten students and 1/2 day for all elementary schools.

June 23. Last Day of School for students. Elementary schools early dismissal (grades 1 to 5).

High School

June 22. East Meadow and W.T. Clarke High Schools senior prom. East Meadow Board of Education meeting at Salisbury, at 8 p.m.

June 22. East Meadow High School graduation at 11:30 a.m. W.T. Clarke High School graduation at 1:30 p.m.