Village

123 So. Central Avenue
Board of Trustees will hold a work session on Monday, March 5 at 7:30 p.m., Village Hall, 123 South Central Avenue, Valley Stream, N.Y. 11580. A regular meeting will be held on Monday, March 19 at 7:30 p.m.
Board of Zoning Appeals will be meeting on Tuesday, March 6 at 7:30 p.m. in Village Hall.
Luck of the Irish The Valley Stream Cultural Affairs Committee will be holding a St. Patrick¹s Day celebration at Ace in the Hole (Brownstone) on Mar. 12. The celebration will star Irish singer Ian Gallagher and his band, ³The Professor of Irish Fun² Tommy Moore and Fran Raftery and his bagpipe. The trip will cost $67 which includes a luncheon, transportation, taxes and gratuities. There will be a one-hour open bar with unlimited beer and soda on the table and there will be a family style luncheon. The bus will leave the Hendrickson Park Pool parking lot at 9 a.m. and return at about 5:30 p.m. The deadline to send in your money for the trip is Feb. 17. There will be no refunds after this date. Make your checks payable to Valley Stream Cultural Affairs and bring, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday to Friday, or mail your check and stub to Fran Russo, Village Hall, 123 South Central Ave., Valley Stream, N.Y. 11580. For more information call Maureen at 825-0611.
Village elections will be held on March 20. If you are not registered with the Nassau County Board of Elections you can register at Village Hall on Thursday March 8, from noon to 9 p.m. and Saturday, March 10, from noon to 5 p.m.
Part-Time Bus Driver Needed The Valley Stream Recreation Dept. is looking for a part-time bus driver for the senior citizen program. A commercial driver¹s license (CDL) with passenger endorsement is required. If you require any further information, contact Barbara Diglio at (516) 825-8570.
Volunteers Needed AARP needs Volunteer Safety Instructors; person must have a clean license and has taken a current Driver Safety Course. If a course has not been taken, the person can be placed in one for $10. Instructor training is free. Contact: Sr. Betty Ann McKiernan at (516) 823-3810.
Library
Henry Waldinger Memorial Library
60 Verona Place, Valley Stream,
(516) 825-6422
hwmlcontact@hotmail.com
Reminder: Library opens at 10 a.m.
Young Adult Programs On Friday, March 1, 2007, the library will have a Young Adult St. Patrick¹s Day Crafts Night, at 6:30 p.m. Students in Grades 6-12 will be make St. Paddy¹s Day decorations, etc.
The library will hold an Easter/Spring Crafts Night on Friday, March 30, 2007, at 6:30-8:00 p.m. Students in Grades 6-12 will be making an Easter decoration and Spring craft. Registration is required with preference will be given to Valley Stream library cardholders. Call Ms. Eng at 825-6422 or e-mail her at hwmlcontact@hotmail.com for further information or to register. Valley Stream Book Club will meet in the Children¹s Room on Tuesday, March 27, 2007, from 7:00-8:15 p.m., and the book for discussion will be The Alchemist, by Paulo Coehlo. Registration is required to attend the meeting so the library can try to reserve a copy of the book for each participant. Stop by the Adult Reference Desk as soon as possible to register for the meeting. Old Valley Stream Book Club members and new participants are welcome. For further information, contact Librarian Joyce Rogawski or Assistant Director Mamie Eng at (516) 825-6422.
On Saturday, March 31, 2007, the Henry Waldinger Memorial Library is offering two computer classes. A Microsoft Word Basics class is scheduled from 10:00-11:30 a.m. Topics to be covered include Formatting Pictures, Columns, Tabs, etc. A second class on Internet Basics and Library Databases will be held from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Some of the topics that will be URLs, favorites, history, e-mail, printing, and useful health and medical websites. Registration is required for the program. Contact Assistant Director Ms. Eng for further information at (516) 825-6422 or at hwmlcontact@hotmail.com.
Teen Tech Week will be held from March 4-11, 2007.Teens in Grades 6-12 are invited to complete a teen tech survey and register for the raffle The Young Adult Library Services Association of the American Library Association is holding Teen Tech Week to recognize the importance of technology in the lives of teens. The library is also looking for volunteers to help update its TeenPage website. If any teen is interested, please contact Assistant Director Ms. Eng at 516-825-6422 or hwmlcontact@hotmail.com. No webpage design experience is needed.
The annual Teen Poetry Contest will be held during March 2007 as part of the library¹s celebration of National Poetry Month in April. The theme for this year¹s poetry contest is ³Get a Clue @ The Library.² Contestants must be in Grades 6-12, and entries should be original works by the contestants. All entries should be submitted to the library by Monday, April 2, 2007, 6:00 p.m. For questions or contest rules, please contact Assistant Director Ms. Eng at 516-825-6422 or hwmlcontact@hotmail.com.
AARP Senior Tax Aide is being offered at the Henry Waldinger Memorial Library on Tuesdays, through Tuesday, April 10, 2007. Tax help will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis beginning at 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.Please be sure to bring your W-2 form, all relevant bank and financial statements, 2006 tax forms, and a copy of your 2005 tax return. The library opens at 10 a.m.  No early admittance would be permitted.
Schools
High School District Board of Education will hold a committee meeting on Tuesday, March 6 at 8 p.m. at Memorial Junior High School. On Tuesday, March 13 there will be a regular business meeting at 8 p.m.
District 13 Board of Education will hold a committee meeting on Tuesday, March 20 at 8 p.m. at the James A. Dever School.
District 13 requests for transportation for the 2007-08 school year for students at private or parochial schools outside of the district must be postmarked or recieved by April 1. Families moving into the District after April 1 are given 30 days after moving into the district to submit a request. Transportation is not provided for: children who have completed sixth grade; children who will not be 5 by December 1, 2007; schools more than 15 miles from the child¹s home. If a child is on a wait list or you are uncertain about enrollment for the upcoming school year, submit a transportation application in order to secure transportation for that year. Parents whose children will continue to attend school at Blessed Sacrament, Holy Name of Mary, Our Lady of Lourdes and St. Catherine of Sienna also need to submit a new written request every year for transportation.All requests for transportation should be addressed to: Meredith Brosnan, Assistant Superintendent for Business, Valley Stream UFSD Thirteen, James A. Dever School, 585 North Corona Ave., Valley Stream, N.Y. 11580.
Distirct 24 Board of Education will hold their next work session on Thursday, March 8 at 8 p.m. at William L. Buck School.
The district will be providing transportation to children in grades K-6 who are attending private and parochial schools. In order to get transportation, the following requirements of state education law must be met: the distance from the student¹s home to school is not less than 2 miles and not more than 15 miles; the parent must submit a written request form for transportation each year and include the child¹s name, date of birth, grade and school; the request must be submitted to the Transportation Department of Valley Stream School District 24 at 75 Horton Avenue, Valley Stream, N.Y. 11581 prior to April 1 for the school year beginning September 2007; all appilcations must be accompanied by two proofs of residency consisting of an original utility bill and an original lease, deed or tax receipt; if your child is of kindergarten age, a copy of their birth certificate must also accompany the application request. If your child qualifies for transportation please be sure that your request is submitted on time. Applications received after April 1 will not be considered except for new residents who are required by law to apply within 30 days after establishing residence in the district.
District 30 Board of Education will hold their nextcommittee meeting on Monday, March 19 at 8 p.m. at the district offices, 175 Central Ave., Valley Stream.
District 30 will be providing transportation for children residing in the district who will be attending private and parochial schools in September. Parents must make a written request for transportation to and from a specific school no later than April 1. To be eligible for transportation a child must live at least two miles from the private or parochial school but no more than 15 miles. The child must be 5 before Dec. 1. Requests are to be sent to 175 North Central Avenue, Suite 100, Valley Stream, N.Y. 11580.
Upcoming
Events
PTA legislative breakfast is being held on Saturday, March 3 at Memorial Junior High School from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Local officials will be on hand to discuss matters important to the schools and community. A continental breakfast will be prepared by student¹s from the high school district¹s culinary program.
Religious
Valley Stream Religious Council is a group of clergy who represent the many faiths and denominations in town. It meets regularly to discuss the common concerns of the community. The council invites letters, questions and general comments from the community, and hopes to always maintain an open dailogue. Write to the council at P.O. Box 1153, Valley Stream, N.Y. 11582.
Catholic Faith Want to become a Catholic? Group meets regularly at Blessed Sacrament Church to discuss and learn about the Catholic faith, study scripture and pray. If this interests you, come and see. Call (516) 568-1027 for more info.
Lutheran Church of Our Savior is looking for vendors for their Spring Fair, Saturday, April 21, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lutheran Church of Our Savior at the corner of Rockaway and Dubois avenues in Valley Stream. Anyone interested call Lotti at 825-1481 or Audrey at 825-2030.
Volunteers Needed for visually impaired sponsored by Temple Gates of Zion. Mondays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (516) 561-2308.
Groups
AARP Chapter 2686 will hold a meeting on March 13 from noon until 3 p.m. at 51 Roosevelt Avenue. All new members are welcome. Contact (516) 285-6274 for more information.
American Legion Andrew Fatscher Post 854 meets the third Thursday of every month, at 8 p.m. at 51 Roosevelt Ave. Call (516) 791-9719.
Chamber of Commerce will hold their nexct general membership meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 28 at noon at Cafe Bella, Franklin Avenue in Valley Stream. The scheduled gueast speaker is Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice.
Garden Club of Valley Stream presents horticultural and artistic arrangements, professional speakers and judges. New members welcome. Call (516) 285-8957.
VS Civilian Patrol meets the last Thursday of every month, at Village Hall, 123 South Central Ave. Call (516) 825-0501.
Health
Cancer support group meets monthly at Franklin Hospital to offer support to all cancer survivors and their family members. The next meeting will be held on Monday, March 15 at 2 p.m. in the hospital¹s Greenberg Conference Room. The group meets regularly the first Monday of every month from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Discussions include new medicines and treatments, advice on how to cope and also provides emotional support. For additional information call director of patient car services, Meg Wehrum at (516) 256-6509.
Drug and Alcohol Abuse Program to help individuals and families recover from the ravages of substance abuse is available at the Chemical Dependence Treatment Services of Peninsula Counseling Center. Group and individual therapy sessions, adult and adolescent treatment are available at Peninsula¹s Valley Stream location, 73 South Central Ave. Contact Tricia Baylis, LMSW coordinator at (516) 872-9698.
Eating Disorders
Program of Peninsula Counseling Center is forming new groups for bulimia and compulsive over-eating. Individual, group and family therapy are also available for treatment of anorexia, bulimia, binge-eating disorder and compulsive over-eating. Julie Livingston, LCSW, conducts the program at 381 Sunrise Highway, Lynbrook. Call (516) 599-1181 for information.
Urgent call for blood donors Franklin Hospitaland Long Island Blood Services will be holding its first blood drive of the year on Tuesday, march 27 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the hospital¹s Shankman Auditorium. Due to new guidelines on blood donor criteria and eligibility, which hospital officials estimate may shrink the community¹s blood supply by 25 percent, hospital administrators strongly encourage donations. Individuals 16 (parental consent required) to 76, weighing at least 110 pounds and who are in good general health, are eligible to donate. Photo ID is required and donors will also receive a free mini-medical exam which includes checking temperature, blood pressure and iron count. To make an appointment, call 256-6397. Free valet parking is available.
Teen Girls¹ Socialization Groups that help build self-confidence, enhance social skills and improve academic performance are offered by Peninsula Counseling Center, 124 Franklin Place, Woodmere. Girls, ages 14-15 are led by Kathy Schmitt, LMSW. Girls, ages 16-18 are led by Kelly Farrell, LMSW. More information at (516) 569-6600.
Recovery, Inc. A group focusing on mental health meets in Valley Stream at Holy Name of Mary School, 90 S. Grove St. every Saturday at 1:30 p.m. (516) 221-7862.
Special Volunteers wanted for residents of Franklin Hospital Medical Center¹s extended care facility. Call (516) 256-6144.
Long Island Crisis Center offers crisis intervention counseling 24 hours/7 days a week. Its free, confidential and anonymous. Call 679-1111 for help.
Gam-Anon for spouses, adult children, family, friends affected by gambling problems. Meetings every night. Call (516) 321-2883.
Good Shepherd Hospice seeks volunteers to help patients and families at home with emotional support and practical assistance. Call Lucille at (516) 485-3060.
On-Going
Events
Historic tours of the Pagan-Fletcher Restoration, 143 Hendrickson Ave. Learn about Valley Stream history in an interesting setting from knowledgeable guides. Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. or by group appointment. Free. Donations accepted. (516) 872-4159.
Bingo Monday evening early bird starts at 7:15 p.m. and Wednesday morning early bird begins at 10:15 a.m. Congregation Tree of Life, 502 North Central Ave. (516) 825-2090.
Bridge games at Temple Gates of Zion. Duplicate bridge played Monday and Tuesday starting at 12:15 p.m. Refreshments will be served. Call (516) 561-2308.
Thrift Shops
Thrift Shop At Blessed Sacrament is open Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The church is located at 201 North Central Ave. Enter through the church parking lot on McKeon Avenue. For more information, call (516) 561-8969.
Thrift Shop At Grace United Methodist Church is open every Monday and Thursday, and the second Saturday of the month, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The thrift shop is located at 21 South Franklin Ave. Call (516) 825-1182 for more info.
Bargains Galore! at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church¹s Thrift Shop, Brooklyn and Seventh St., open every Tues. and Thurs., 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.