News briefs

LIRR cancels PM train

Commuters from Long Beach now have one less train they can catch on the way home. As of last Monday, Long Island Rail Road will no longer offer the 5:40 p.m. train from Atlantic Terminal in Brooklyn. Riders must use the 5:23 p.m. from Penn Station or the 5:49 p.m. train from Atlantic Terminal.

The MTA make cuts across the board to fill a $400 million budget gap. Cutting the afternoon train will save $470,000 and affect about 390 customers.

In September, a morning peak train will also be discontinued from Long Beach into Atlantic Terminal.

Buckle up in Long Beach

The Long Beach Police Department is participating in the Governor Traffic Safety Committee and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s seatbelt enforcement campaign to persuade motorists to buckle up during the Memorial Day weekend. There will be an extra emphasis on seat belt enforcement in Long Beach from May 24 to June 6.

Nickerson Beach offers rec program

The Nassau County Department of Parks, Recreation and Museums has initiated a new Summer Recreation Program designed for children ages five to 12 (separated into four appropriate age groups) and is operating in four parks, including Nickerson Beach Park, at 880 Lido Boulevard. The program runs from July 6 through Aug. 12 and the cost is $450 for the first child, $400 for a second child and $350 for a third child (maximum of $1,200 per family). You must be a Nassau County resident for your child to be eligible. Parents have until June 15 to register and can take advantage of a one-day registration at Nickerson Beach Park on June 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. For information call 516-572-0231 or visit www.nassaucountyny.gov/

parks and look for the “Summer Recreation Program” icon.

Cabaret festival

Artists in Partnership, a non-profit cultural arts organization, will host its 8th annual Cabaret Festival from May 20 to 23 at the Long Beach Library. The festival is a celebration of the cabaret genre honoring the American songbook featuring performances that include:

May 20 (7 p.m.): Sing the Truth, a workshop by Barbara Fasano and Eric Comstock

May 21 (7:30 p.m.): This Thing Called Love by Barbara Fasano and Eric Comstock

May 20 (2 p.m.): Cabaret Conversations with guests Anita Drian and others

May 22 (8 p.m.): All About Love featuring vocalist Baby Jane Dexter and pianist Ross Patterson.

May 23 (3 p.m.): I Love Being Here with You with Marieann Meringolo and Doyle Newmyer.

Artists wanted for fine arts show

The City of Long Beach is preparing for its 16th annual Fine Arts Show, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday June 12 and13 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Kennedy Plaza in front of City Hall.

The art committee invites artists to present and sell their works, including oils, acrylics, watercolor, pastel, mixed media, drawings, prints, sculpture and photography. Crafts and jewelry will not be accepted. A single space (10x15) costs $150 for the two-day event.

Awards will include Best in Show, First Place and Honorable Mention in all mediums. Applications are available by contacting the Public Relations Department at City Hall at 705-7216 or by downloading an application from the City’s website at www.longbeachny.org.

Soup kitchen needs volunteers

If you would like to volunteer at the Long Beach Soup Kitchen on weekdays from 9 to 1 p.m., call and leave a message at their new number: 897-2763.

Calling artists, photographers and musicians

Visual artists and photographers are wanted for “Art in the Plaza,” scheduled to be held in Kennedy Plaza outside City Hall each Sunday until Nov. 14. This new initiative partners all of the local Long Beach arts organizations and will provide their members with the opportunity to exhibit and sell their art. Musicians will have an opportunity to perform in a public venue and sell their CD's and merchandise. For further information and exhibit updates, contact Scott Evers at www.artintheplaza.weebly.com. Musicians interested in performing in the Plaza can contact Johanna Mathieson at aip4arts@gmail.com.