Rockville Centre events and activities Nov. 24, 2011

On the board

Board of Trustees Briefing

Dec. 8, 7 p.m., Village Hall

Board of Trustees Meeting

Dec. 12, 8 p.m., Village Hall

Planning Board Meeting

Dec. 13, 7 p.m., Village Hall

Zoning Board Meeting

Dec. 14, 8 p.m., Village Hall

Community Events

Free Thanksgiving Day Dinner

The Vineyard Church, 251 Merrick Road, welcomes all members of the community from 1-5 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day for a free homemade turkey dinner with all the trimmings. No reservation required. For information call (516) 678-7888 or email vineyard@optonline.net.

Forum on economic justice

Join members of the Rockville Centre Interfaith Clergy on Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m. at The Church of the Ascension, 71 North Village Ave., as they discuss the teachings of their religious traditions regarding current issues of economic justice.

Holiday House Tour

The Rockville Centre Mercy League presents the Holiday House Tour on Dec. 2 from 6 -9 p.m. Tickets, $35, will be available after Nov. 21 at The Garden Gate Revisited, 69 North Park Ave. (516) 763-6775. For more

information call (917) 287-2474.

Nutcracker ballet

Performances of the Rockville Centre Guild for the Arts' annual production of "The Nutcracker Suite Ballet," in conjunction with Leggz Ltd. and the South Shore Symphony, are Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 3 at 5 p.m. and Dec. 4 at 4 p.m. at South Side High School. Call (516) 766-7171 for reservations.

Craft Fair and Flea Market

The Rockville Centre Recreation Center, 111 North Oceanside Road, will be the site of the village's Parks & Recreation Department's annual Holiday Crafts Fair and Flea Market on Dec. 4. Shop for holiday gifts and decorations. Vendors feature jewelry, floral arrangements, ornaments, crafts and edible. The fair is open to the public from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with plenty of free parking and free admission. For further information, call (516) 678-9338 and ask for Joe Nemeth.

Holiday Bazaar

Congregation B'nai Sholom-Beth David, 100 Hempstead Avenue, Rockville Centre, will hold its annual bazaar on Dec. 4 through Dec. 6, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The bazaar features a variety of merchandise such as clothing, toys, housewares, shoes and electronics.

Advent Evensong

On Dec. 4 at 4 p.m., Evensong In Celebration of The Advent Season will be held at The Church of the Ascension, 71 N. Village Ave. Rockville Centre. The public is welcome and invited to attend this exceptionally beautiful and contemplative service of music and prayer.

Village Tree Lighting

Dec. 8, 7:30 p.m. Village Green, Maple and Lee avenues. An evening of song and fellowship officially opens the holiday season in our community. Santa and his helpers will be on hand.

Christmas at the Captain's

An annual event after the lighting of the Christmas tree in the Village Green and the early arrival of Santa Claus on a fire truck is "Christmas At The Captains" which will also be held on Dec. 8. The Captain's House (otherwise known as The Museum of Rockville Centre at the Phillips House) is located at 28 Hempstead Ave. Visitors to the event may park in the lot adjacent to the medical center. This year's open house will be held from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. The open house, including entertainment, finger sandwiches, cookies and a wassel bowl is being sponsored by the Astoria Federal Bank branch in Rockville Centre. Because of their generous support, there is no charge for the event. The public is invited to come, view the house adorned in Victorian Christmas splendor, sing Christmas carols and enjoy the refreshments.

Breakfast with Santa's Helpers

Sunday, Dec. 11. The annual breakfast at the Recreation Center continues to be on of the most popular parts of the holiday tradition. All faiths are invited to join Santa's elves who serve pancakes, cereal, juice, milk, rolls and bagels. Kids can tell their last minute wishes when they sit with Santa. Don't forget your camera, Rudolph & Frosty will be there, too. Pre-registration is required. Reserve your place while seats are still available. Seatings are at 9:15, 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. Tickets are available at the Rec Center office. The fee is $6 per person. Deadline for tickets is Dec. 9 for one of three seatings.

A Celebration of Holiday Music

at Molloy College

Dec. 11 at 3 p.m. in Kellenberg Hall's Anselma Room. People of all faiths and ages are invited to hear a festive presentation of music of faiths not only from around the world, but from Baha’i, Muslim, Hindu, Native American, Christian and Jewish customs. The talented Tice family (Malverne School of Music) is unique in that they each play different instruments. Join in seeing how similar we are in our beliefs and as we celebrate our winter solstice holidays in a like manner. For more information, contact Marion Lowenthal, (516) 678.5000 x6880 or mlowenthal@molloy.edu.

Mercy Tree Lighting

The Council of Leagues of Mercy Medical Center invites the community to join in the annual Tree of Lights holiday celebration on Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. The ceremony provides the opportunity to recall the need to grow stronger together in peace, with the Tree of Lights representing a beacon of hope and unity. A blessing and lighting of the tree will take place in front of the hospital, followed by refreshments served in the Main Lobby. Proceeds from this fundraiser will support the acquisition of new, state-of-the-art, ancillary equipment for the radiology department. Lights can purchased for the tree in memory of a loved one, in celebration of a special event, or in honor of a special person, with remembrances recorded in a Tree of Lights book on display at the hospital during the holiday season. A special Mass will be held at noon in the hospital chapel on Jan. 12 for those remembered in the Tree of Lights. To purchase a light or for information, call (516) 705-1833.

Chanukah Party

Dec. 19. The National Council of Jewish Women and the Recreation

Department will co-sponsor the annual Chanukah party at the Rec. Center, from 5-6:30 p.m. Pre-K children through second graders of all faiths are invited to enjoy music and crafts. There will be crafts, face painting, gifts, snacks and Chanukah music. Children are encouraged to donate a small, unwrapped gift.

At the

Library

221 N. Village Ave.

(516) 766-6257

NEED HOMEWORK HELP?

Homework Helpers, a partnership program between the Sandel Senior Center Service Corps and the Rockville Centre Public Library offers help with homework to students in grades 1-6 every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday between the hours of 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. in the Children’s Room of the Library. For further details, contact the Children’s Room.

The Library’s Career Center is now open Saturdays! Hours of Operation: Mondays 9 am-noon, Tuesdays 1-5 pm, Saturdays 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Also available, one-to-one Career Counseling Wednesdays from 6-9 pm by appointment. Contact the Adult Reference Desk for details.

This week at the library:

NOV. 24

LIBRARY CLOSED

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

NOV. 25

1,2,3 Play With Me

9:30 a.m. A morning of developmental play and social interaction for children ages 1- 3 along with their significant adult. Register in advance in the Children’s Room.

Mother Goose

11 a.m. A morning of developmental play and social interaction for 15-35 month olds along with their significant adult. Register in advance in the Children’s Room.

Clases del Internet en Espanol

2 p.m. La biblioteca ofrece clases del Internet y correo electrónico en español. Para más información o para hacer una cita para una clase individual, contacte a Alene Scoblete al escritorio de referencia. ¡Es gratis!

NOV. 26

Tee Shirt Shredding Workshop

1 p.m. Bring in an old tee shirt and make it stylish by shredding it. Register in the Children’s Room.

NOV. 28

Simply Stronger

11:30 am

Join certified fitness instructor Marilyn Bunger for this popular low impact, strength and flexibility enhancing exercise class. Register at Adult Reference. There is a $25 non-refundable fee for six classes.

NOV. 29

Yoga

1 p.m. Lyengar Yoga instructor Joe Cilmi leads this popular class. Dress in comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat or soft towel. Participants must register at the Adult Reference Desk. There is a $25 non-refundable fee for a six-week session.

Email Workshop

10:30 a.m. Register at the Adult Reference desk for this look at the ins and outs of email!

NOV. 30

Mothers’ Center Circle Transitions

10 a.m. Register in the Children’s Room and attend this Transitions to Motherhood program.

Chi Gong

10:30 a.m. Join instructor Marianna Farina in this ancient Chinese healing art based on meditative movement and breathing techniques. There is a $25 non-refundable fee for a six- class session. Register at the Adult Reference Desk.

Knit 1, Purl 2

1 p.m. Join the circle of knitters and receive advice on how to proceed with projects in progress or learn how to knit if you don’t already know! Beginners should bring a chunky wool and #9 needles.

Evening Yoga with MaryClare

7 p.m. Traditional yoga instruction. Bring mats and wear appropriate attire. Register at the Adult Reference Desk. There is a $25 non-refundable fee for six classes.

DEC. 1

Clases del Internet en Espanol

2 p.m. La biblioteca ofrece clases del Internet y correo electrónico en español. Para más información o para hacer una cita para una clase individual, contacte a Alene Scoblete al escritorio de referencia. ¡Es gratis!

The following art will be featured at the Library throughout the month of November:

Upper Concourse Gallery

Archival Photographs: The Bank of Rockville Centre

Be sure to take a look at a collection of photographs from library archives highlighting commerce in old RVC.

Display Cases

Rockville Centre Homemakers

Craft items created by members of the Homemakers Council of Nassau County Rockville Centre Chapter will be featured in the display cases of the Rockville Centre Public Library throughout the month of November.

Homemakers is a non profit community service organization. Members learn and teach crafts, sewing, knitting, crocheting, cooking and nutrition. Meetings are held at the Rec Center on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. For more information call co-presidents Mary Ann Grandazza at (516) 766-1620 or Lauren Seaman at (516) 705-6091.

Lower Concourse Gallery

Photography by Lillian Reznicek

A display of landscape paintings entitled “Topophilia” by Long Beach artist Lil Reznicek will be featured through November. The exhibit is inspired by the vibrant light reflected in landscapes on Long Island, and visions from travels through Europe.

Helen Kraus Gallery

Photography: Vehicles

Daniel Tommasino is a 17-year-old senior at Oceanside High School. His fascination with photography began four years ago when he received a simple digital camera for his middle school graduation. He began taking his camera with him everywhere and taking pictures of everything. Since then, Daniel has graduated to a far more complex camera. This exhibit focuses on cars and vehicles, one of Daniel’s favorite subjects. The photos capture interesting features, from the beauty of sparkling chrome to rusting metal and peeling paint. The public is invited to sign the photographer’s guest book and make comments.

At the

Rec Center

50 South Park Ave.

111 N. Oceanside Road

(516) 678-9338 or 9339

Informational flyers on all activities are available on the village website at www.RVCNY.us.

North Pole Calling

Children in K- 2nd grade can speak directly to Santa again this year. To receive a call on Dec. 6 or Dec. 7, fill out an information sheet.

See additional holiday-specific Rec. Center activities in the "Community Events" section of this calendar.

Operation Christmas Child

The Recreation Department is collecting school supplies and toiletries for needy children. Donations, which must be in their original packaging , may be dropped off at the Rec Center Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. For information call (516) 678-9339.

Annual Mitten and Hat Tree

The Rockville Centre Parks and Recreation Department is again requesting residents to share their warm holiday feelings with those less fortunate by donating new hats and mittens of all sizes and colors beginning Dec. 2. The donations will be hung on the Mitten and Hat Tree in the Rec Center lounge.

Food Donations Needed

The Rec Center is accepting donations of canned and dry goods as well as frozen turkeys for distribution to the needy in our community. Bring your donations Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. by Dec. 15.

Winter Program Recreation

The winter program season begins the week of Jan. 3,. Flyers are available at the Rec Center.

Birthday Parties and Rentals

The Rec Center offers age-appropriate birthday parties to Village residents for pre-school and elementary age children, seven days a week. All parties include an organized activity followed by refreshments and celebration time in the party room. Call (516) 678-9338 or 9339 for available dates and fee schedules.

Rooms at the John A. Anderson Recreation Center and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center are available for rental to groups and organizations. Equipment rentals are also available. For reservations, visit the Rec Center office or call (516) 678-9338 or 9339.

Open Gym Program

The main gymnasium of the Rec. Center will be open for free-play basketball for grades 4 and up on Saturday afternoons from 2-4:30 p.m. The evening open gym for grades 6 and up is open from 7:30 to 10:15 p.m. Valid Recreation Cards for 2011-2012 are required.

Gift Certificates

RVC Recreation Department gift certificates are available for gift giving.

At the Sandel Center

50 South Park Ave.

­(516) 678-9350

Any RVC senior 60 years or older is encouraged to find out about the programs and services offered. The Senior Center has joined Facebook. By becoming a friend of “Rockville Sandel” you can access the latest center information and see photos.

ONGOING

Sandel Senior Men’s Club

The club meets the first and third Tuesday of every month at 10 a.m. for breakfast and business. At 11 a.m., when available, guest speakers discuss topics of interest to men.

Social Work Services

Social Work Supervisor, Wendy Weinstock, MSW, is available for private consultation on a range of Social Work services such as housing and transportation, as well as individual and group counseling. Call Wendy at (516) 537-1162.