Long Beach news briefs

Film festival explores differences
The Artists in Partnership presents the 2nd annual Social Cinema Festival, at the Long Beach Library from Oct. 30 to Nov. 1. The theme of this year’s festival is “Reel Fears: What’s So Scary About Differences?”

The schedule is as follows:

Oct. 30 from 7 to 9 p.m.: Opening discussion “Reel Fears: What’s So Scary About Differences?,” and the showing of selected independent films by local filmmakers.

Oct. 31 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Family workshop in film animation and special effects. This workshop is limited to 18 children in the third grade and up and will be led by Ralph Ciardulli, co-chairman of Long Island Motion Picture Arts Center and Museum. Please sign up in the children’s library in advance.

Oct. 31 from 1 to 3 p.m.: Showing of selected film shorts and a panel discussion with the film makers.

Oct. 31 from 3 to 5 p.m.: Showing of the film “Forgetful Not Forgotten”,” a documentary by Chris Winn about living with an Alzheimer’s parent.

Nov. 1 from 1 to 3 p.m.: Film showing of Jacob Ospa’s animated tales, “One Of A Kind You” with music by Grammy Award winner Dr. John and “To The Moon.” Also a discussion panel of filmmaker, lyricist June Rachaelson-Ospa, and composer Daniel Neiden talking about perceiving and dealing with differences, kids trying to belong, and issues such as living with tourrette’s syndrome.
n Nov. 1 from 3 to 5 p.m.: A teen workshop explores ideas of fear, differences and belonging, led by Johanna Mathieson of Big Brothers, Big Sisters, and showing of selected films made by teens and others with a concluding panel.

Volunteer at soup kitchen
The Long Beach Soup Kitchen seeks highly-skilled, fast paced, energetic volunteers that are pleasant, caring, and courteous to do food prep, cook, serve and clean up crews. Volunteers are also needed for the following positions: coordinator, fundraising coordinator and food coordinator. For information contact Jeanette Lukas at 486-8506 ext. 139 or jlukas@the-inn.org.

Donate cell phones
The Lions Club of Long Beach is sponsoring an ongoing cell phone drive to collect phones to provide service men and women with free calling cards to stay in touch with their loved ones. Drop off your used cell phones at the following locations:Citibank on E. Park Avenue; Laurel Cleaners on W. Park Ave. & Laurelton Blvd.; The Whales Tale and Joe Sinona Realty, both on West Beech Street in the West End. For information, call Joe Sinona at 897-2700.