Rockville Centre Community Update- Nov. 26, 2009

On the board

Board of Trustees Briefing

Nov. 30, 7 p.m., Village Hall

Board of Trustees Meeting

Nov. 30, 8:15 p.m., Village Hall

Zoning Board Meeting

Dec. 9m 8 p.m., Village Hall

Board of Trustees Briefing

Dec. 10, 7 p.m., Village Hall

Board of Trustees Meeting

Dec. 15, 8:15 p.m., Village Hall

Board of Trustees Briefing

Dec. 29, 7 p.m., Village Hall

Community events

RVC Youth Council Bowling night

On Nov. 27 from 10:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. the Rockville Centre Youth Council will host a bowling night at Rockville Centre Lanes on Maple Avenue that is open to students from 14 through 19. $6 includes two games, shoes, pizza, soda and dessert. Tickets are available through participating Youth Council members or by contacting Nick Aldana, the bowling night event chairman at n.aldana1991@gmail.com.Tickets will also be available at the door, but advanced purchase is recommended. For more information, visit the group’s Facebook site at RVC Youth Council.

RVC Mercy League House Tour

The annual Holiday House Tour will take place on Dec. 4 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Tickets, for $35 , are on sale at the Garden Gate (323 Sunrise Highway) after Nov. 23. For more information, call (516) 608-0143. After the tour there will be a gathering at Chadwicks with complimentary hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar.

Nutcracker Suite Ballet

The Rockville Centre Guild for the Arts and Leggz Ltd. Dance will present a full-length production of Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker Suite” with live music by the South Shore Symphony on Dec. 4 at 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 5 at 5 p.m. and Dec. 6 at 4 p.m. at South Side High School, 140 Shepherd Street. Tickets are $23 for adults, $20 for seniors and students. Call (516) 766-7171 for more information and tickets.

Christmas Fair   

The United Church, 430 Morris Ave., will hold its annual Christmas fair on Dec. 5 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. This year, in addition to home baked goods, homemade soups, new gift items, knitted items, poinsettias and the cafe, there will be items for sale from two estates. China and collectibles from Lenox, Royal Dalton, Ansley, Bing and Grundal, Wedgewood and Shelly as well as Nippon pieces will be for sale along with Victorian glassware, pressed glass, cut glass and Depression glass.  

RVC Choral Society Winter Concert

The RVC Choral Society’s Winter Concert will take place on Dec. 5 at 8 p.m. in St. James Methodist Church (St. James Place & Forest Avenue, in Lynbrook). Tickets are $8 at the door (children under 12 free).The chorus encourages anyone who has an interest in singing to join its community-based group. New members can join in January to sing in the Spring Concert in May. Contact the Choral Society at (516) 561-1315, or visit www.rvcchoralsociety.net.

Friends of Mercy Ball

Dec. 5 at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury. The evening will include awards for long-time members of the medical center’s staff and Friends of Mercy, the Mercy Honor Guard, Marine Corps Color guard escorting and presenting dignitaries to the bishop, a sumptuous dinner and dancing into the night. For tickets, sponsorship opportunities and complete event information, visit www.MercyBall.com or call the Development Department at (516) 705-2620.

Crafts Fair and Flea Market

The Recreation Center, 111 N. Oceanside Road, will be the site of the Rockville Centre Parks and Recreation Department’s annual Holiday Crafts Fair and Flea Market on Dec. 6. There will be a large assortment of merchandise for everyone’s shopping pleasure. The fair is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. with free admission and plenty of free parking. For more information, call (516) 678-9338 and ask for Joe Nemeth.

Fortnightly Christmas Celebration

On Dec. 8, the Fortnightly Club will celebrate the Christmas Season with a performance by a South Side Middle School music ensemble. Lunch will also be served. The meeting starts at noon at St. Mark's Methodist Church, 200 Hempstead Ave.

“Substance Abuse Among Teens”

The Rockville Centre Youth Council invites parents and teens to a presentation and discussion presented by Phoenix House staff and teen clients, Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. at the Rockville Centre Public Library, 221 N. Village Ave. The presentation will include: Current trends of alcohol/drug use among teens; Classification of illegal drugs and Rx/OTC drugs; Health risks, including HIV infection; Peer pressure and resistance skills; Alternatives to alcohol/drug use; Impact of alcohol/drug use on family and friends; Consequences (academic, legal, health, etc.); Goal-setting; Seeking help/treatment for alcohol or drug use. The event is co-sponsored by Confide Drug and Alcohol Counseling and South Side High School’s SADD and Youth Decide clubs. For more information, visit the group’s Facebook site at RVC Youth Council.

Mercy Medical Center’s Christmas Tree Lighting

The Council of Leagues of Mercy Medical Center invites the community to join in its annual Tree of Lights holiday celebration on Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. Lights can be purchased for the tree in memory of a loved one, to celebrate an event, in honor of someone special and remembrances are recorded in a book displayed in the hospital’s lobby through the holidays. Proceeds will be used to establish a full service beauty salon for patients. A special Mass on Jan. 12 at noon will be held for all those remembered. For information, call (516) 705-1833.

RVC Mercy League’s

Christmas Luncheon

The group’s annual event will take place at Frank’s Steaks on Lincoln Avenue on Dec. 9 at 11:15 -2:15. Cost is $40 per person. For reservations, call (516) 678-0687.

Nassau Woman’s Club Meeting

The community is invited to join the next Nassau Woman’s Club meeting on Dec. 9 at noon at the United Church of Rockville Centre, 430 Morris Ave. They will have a “Christmas fingertip luncheon” and a social afternoon. For more information, call (516) 764-6221.

Annual B’nai Sholom Bazaar

The annual bazaar at the temple, 100 Hempstead Ave., will be held on Dec. 12 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.; on Dec. 14 from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. and on Dec. 15 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. It features a variety of merchandise including clothing, toys, housewares, shoes and electronics. For more information, call (516) 764-4100.

Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe

Dec. 12 at the Church of the Ascension, 71 N. Village Ave., from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Back by popular demand, the Christmas Shoppe returns for one day only. The Old Rectory, located on the grounds of the church, will be transformed into a Christmas wonderland for this special event. The community is invited to stop in; browse and shop for Christmas gifts, decorations, gift baskets, Christmas cookies and baked goods and join in a day full of good, old fashioned Christmas Spirit. Santa, Mrs. Claus and a very special elf are expected to visit.

Chanuplex

The entire community is invited to the fourth annual Chanukah celebration on Dec. 13 at Central Synagogue, 430 DeMott Ave. from 2:30-5:15. Activities include a puppet show and singalong, arts and crafts, games, movies and popcorn for the pre-school set. For older kids and teens, there will be games and DDR and Guitar Hero in the youth lounge. Adults can enjoy an Oscar-nominated film, “The Collector of Bedford Street.” Everyone can enjoy live music and refreshments in the coffee house, Israeli dancing, the Chanukah House shop, challah-making instruction, and knitting and crocheting for charity. Everyone is welcome — you do not have to be a member of the synagogue or live in Rockville Centre. Admission is canned goods, monetary donations or gift cards to help local food pantries and shelters. RSVP to the temple office at (516) 766-4300 by Dec. 7. A menorah lighting will take place at 5:30 p.m.

Village Christmas Tree Lighting

Rockville Centre’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony will take place at 7:30 p.m. on the Village Green, Maple and Lee avenues, on Dec. 10. It will be followed by Christmas at the Captain’s at the Phillips House Museum, 28 Hempstead Ave.

Breakfast with Santa’s Helpers

The annual event, sponsored by Rockville Centre’s Parks and Recreation Dept. with plenty of support from local volunteers and businesses, is set for Dec. 13 with seatings at 9:15, 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. Pre-register by Dec. 10. The fee is $5 per person.

Chanukah Party

The annual Chanukah Party at the Recreation Center, 111 N. Oceanside Road, will take place on Dec. 14 from 4-5:15 p.m. Children of all faiths are invited. The event is co-sponsored by the National Council of Jewish Women.

At the

Library

221 N. Village Ave.

(516) 766-6257

The Library’s Career Center

is now open on Saturdays. Five computers available for your job search needs. All computers are equipped with Win-Way Resume Preparation software, MS Word and Office programs. Internet access and bookmarked job search Web sites. Printing available for resumes and cover letters. Hours of Operation: Mondays 9 a.m.-noon, Tuesdays 1-5 p.m., Wednesdays 6-9 p.m. Also available: one-to-one career counseling Wednesdays from 6-9 p.m. by appointment. Contact the Adult Reference Desk for details.

This week at the library:

Nov. 26

Happy Thanksgiving! Library is closed.

Nov. 30

Simply Stronger Exercise Program

11:30 a.m. Join instructor Marilyn Bunger for this popular class of low impact strengthening exercises. Participants must be registered to attend. There is a $10 nonrefundable fee for a six class session. Details and registration at the Adult Reference Desk.

Great Books

7:30 p.m.. Discussion group leader Bernie Mann leads this exploration of the classics. Consult Library flyers for details.

Dec. 1

Meet the Author: Children’s author Yvonne Capitelli

10:30 a.m. Join in welcoming Yvonne Capitelli, author of “Darla Rose and the Day She Chose.” Capitelli will speak about her book and authorship. Books will be available for purchase and signing. Signed books make great gifts!

Let’s Go Surfing

10:30 a.m. This popular Internet use class continues. Participants should register at the Adult Reference Desk.

Yoga with Joe

1 p.m. Lyengar yoga instructor Joe Cilmi leads this popular class. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a mat or soft towel. There is a nonrefundable $10 per six week session registration fee for this program! Register in advance at the Adult Reference Desk.

Dec. 2

Knit 1, Purl 2

1 p.m. Join our circle of knitters! All levels and abilities welcome. Beginning knitters should bring #9 needles and chunky wool. Staring this month Knit 1, Purl 2 will meet weekly.

Dec. 3

Picasso, Braque, Matisse and Arp: Creative Collage

Presented by Emilia Rabito Baer, from 1-2:30 p.m. Participants must register at the Adult Reference Desk for this interactive lecture and workshop on the art of collage. Consult flyers for materials list.

Tween Parent/Son Book Club

7 p.m. Don’t miss the chance to discuss the popular title “The Lightning Thief” by Rick Riordan, the first in the series of Percy Jackson and the Olympians. Participants should be in grades 5 & 6. Sign up at the Adult Reference Desk.

The following art will be featured throughout the month of December: Upper Concourse Gallery: Japan Up Close: Photography by Jen Marino; Lower Concourse Gallery: Watercolors by Jean Harper; Display Cases: Accessories by Jill McManus; The Helen Kraus Community Room Gallery: Panoramic Photography by Jack McCoy.

At the

Rec Center

111 N. Oceanside Road

(516) 678-9338 or 9339

Operation Christmas Child

The Rec Center is collecting school supplies and toiletries for needy children. Donations, which must be in their original packaging, may be made Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the center. Call the center for more information.

Winter programs

The Recreation Center will start taking reservations for winter programs beginning Nov. 9. Detailed flyers are available at the center.

Nursery School

There are some limited openings remaining in the morning pre-kindergarten classes which meet five day a week from 9-11:30 a.m., the afternoon pre-kindergarten classes which meet Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 12:15-2:45 p.m. and in the pre-pre-kindergarten classes which meet Tuesday and Thursday from 12:15-2:45. Call Peggy at (516) 678-9338 for registration information.

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. A staff member will be happy to discuss membership with you.

Special Events:

Food Collection

During the months of November and December members of the community are encouraged to bring donations of non-perishable foods to the Sandel Senior Center. Donations will be distributed to needy families in our community.

Ongoing:

Lions Recycle

The Sandel Center is now an official drop-off point for used or broken prescription eyeglasses, non-prescription sunglasses, old hearing aids and old cell phones. Donations can be brought in on Monday - Friday from 9 to 5.

Tuesday Topics

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. A variety of trips & programs are scheduled for July and August.

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 516-536-1162 for an appointment.

Religious Events

Thanksgiving Morning Service

The community is welcome to attend a beautiful Thanksgiving Morning service at 10:30 a.m. at the First Church of Christ,Scientist, 285Morris Ave. between Cedar and Raymond streets. For more information, call (516) 766-5374.

Advent Lessons and Carols

The 120-voice Diocesan Choir of Rockville Centre will present Advent Lessons and Carols on Dec. 6 at 3:30 p.m .at the Cathedral of St. Agnes. Bishop William Murphy will preside. The 45-minute service consists of scripture readings, choral anthems and hymns taken from the Advent season, which proclaim hope to a world waiting in darkness. This year the choir will premier a new work by Rev. Michael Joncas which is a setting of the ancient Latin text “Rorate Coeli.” Another highlight of the service will be a reading of the Annunciation story. For more information, contact the Diocesan Worship Office at (516) 678-5800, ext. 504. A free will offering will be taken. All are welcome.

Three Kings from the Orient

to visit United Church

For over 75 years, the Three Kings have made an appearance at the United Church of Rockville Centre's White Gift Pageant. You can see them (the shepherds, angels, Joseph and Mary, too) this year at the church, 430 Morris Ave., on Dec. 13 at 5 p.m. The pageant, a community event, consists of carol singing, the Christmas Story dramatized by youngsters and adults dressed in full costume and the offering of gifts wrapped in white tissue which will be distributed to The INN, a nonsectarian organization that supports local families. The whole community is invited to the program which emphasizes the real meaning of the Christmas season. 

Special Needs Mass

The Parish of St. Agnes Cathedral welcomes all to its monthly Mass for special needs children of all ages and their families. The next scheduled Masses are on Dec. 19 and Jan. 23. All of these Masses are held on Saturdays at 5 p.m. in the Lower Hall of the Msgr. Melton Auditorium which is handicapped accessible through the Parish Center.