In the gallery.  The photographic works of Steve Zimic will be exhibited in the Walter and Joan Hobbs Gallery during the month of February.

Tween/teen advisory group volunteers. will take place on Wednesdays, March 9, April 27, and May 11 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tell us what programs, books, music, video games, and movies you want at the library!  Refreshments will be served.  Volunteer/Community credit will be given.  Grades 5 & up.  Registration required. 

Adopt-a-Shelf Volunteer Program. will run throughout the year. Organized and detail-oriented teens are welcome to apply at the Children’s Desk to be an “adopt-a-shelf” volunteer.  Volunteers will be responsible for keeping a section of the Children’s Room book collection in alphabetical or numerical order on a weekly basis.  Hours are flexible and volunteers will earn volunteer/community credit. grades 6 to 12 may apply at the childrens desk. 

berried treasure: Jelly’s Last Jam. will take place on Tuesday April 5 at 4:00 p.m. Instructor Jo-Ann Tiranno of Passionate Palate will show you how to make a “quick jam” with seasonal fruit, a classic jelly roll cake, and a “viscosity” wand! Open to grades 1-5. Registration begins Monday, March 21.

Be Green Backpacks. will take place Wednesday, April 6 at 4:00 p.m. Decorate and design your own green backpack for Earth Day! Open to grades 5 and up. Registration begins Monday, March 21.

cancer screening program. will take place on Thursday, April 7 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Dr. Paul Bell will perform a free Head and Neck Cancer Screening on individuals who wish to participate in this program. Advance registration required.

Feature Film: get low.  will take place on Thursday April 7 at 6:30 p.m. oin us for a movie showing of the film, “Get Low,” (PG-13, 103 min.) starring Sissy Spacek, Gerald Mcraney, Robert Duvall, Bill Murray, Bill Cobbs, Lucas Black.

Spring Storytime. will take place Wednesday, April 6 at 11:00 a.m. Join us for exciting stories, favorite songs, and fun crafts! Open to ages 2 1/2 years – K with a caregiver. Registration begins Monday, March 21.

Spring playtime: infant group. will take place on Monday, April 4 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. We will supply the toys while you meet your neighbors at this informal play group! Open to ages 4 months – 1 year 5 months with caregiver. Registration begins Monday, March 21.

Spring Playtime: toddler Group. will take place Monday, April 4 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. We will supply the toys while you meet your neighbors at this informal play group! Open to ages 1 1/2 years – 3 1/2 years with caregiver. Registration begins Monday, March 21.

Spring pajama storytime. will take place Monday, April 4 at 7:00 p.m. Join us for exciting stories, favorite songs, and fun crafts! Come dressed in your pajamas and bring a stuffed animal or a favorite doll! Open to ages 2 1/2 years – K with a caregiver. Registration begins Monday, March 21.

Baby Sign Language I. will be held Tuesdays, March, 8 through 29 at 11 a.m.. Registration begins Monday, Feb. 14. Come discover the many benefits of signing with your hearing baby!  Newcomers welcome – no prior experience necessary. 

Decorate Your Own Spring Apron or Toolbelt. will take place Tuesday, April 12 at 4:00 p.m. Decorate your own waist apron to use for cooking, gardening, or as a toolbelt! Open to grades 1-4. Registration begins Monday, March 28.

Junior Chefs: Chocolate Fondue . will start on Thursday, April 14 at 2:00 p.m. Dip pieces of fruit, cake, and marshmallows into delicious melted chocolate! Open to grades 5 and up. Registration begins Monday, March 28.

Irish Dance Classes. The Mineola Public Library and Long Island Traditions are pleased to announce a special dance class series happening this spring, featuring master Irish dance teachers Kevin and Joan Westley. Kevin is a certified Céilí dance teacher from An Coimisiun le Rinci Gaelacha There will be five classes taking place on April 16, 19, 21, 30 and May 7. Each 1½ hour class will begin at 11am and is suitable for adults and children ages 7 – 70. Space will be limited to the first 25 who reserve their spaces. You can come to any or all of the classes. Types of dances will include the waltz, céilí, and country dances. Advance registration required.

baby sign language 2. will take place on Tuesday, April 5 at 11:00 a.m.  Come discover the many benefits of signing with your hearing baby! Newcomers welcome – no prior experience necessary. Signs taught will be different from Session 1. Registration begins Monday, March 21st. Space is limited to 12 families. Please present library card.

Job Fair. The Park District has many seasonal/part-time jobs to offer. Attend the Job Fair on Monday, April 11 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Great Neck House. Park District personnel will be present to answer all of your questions. Pick-up an application, schedule an interview or have one on-the-spot. Positions are available at Parkwood Pool, Indoor/Outdoor Tennis, Camps/Pre-school, Recreation, Marina/Sailing Director, Summer Performing Arts, Parks, Security and Office/Clerical. Everyone over the age of 16, including seniors, retirees, fathers, mothers, teachers, high school and college students, with a wide range of schedules are welcome to apply. The Great Neck Park District is an equal opportunity employer. College internships are also available. For further details call 487-7665.

Sled Hill. Take advantage of Kings Point Park just after a snowfall, where you can cross-country ski or bring the kids to enjoy Sled Hill. It is open from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on regular school days. The hours run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. when school is closed and on weekends. It is always closed while it is snowing because of road conditions and snow plows. A park card is required to participate. Call (516) 482-0355 with questions.

Weekend Movie. The subtitled film, The Concert (2009), will be playing at Great Neck House on Friday, April 1 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, April 2 at 5 & 8 p.m. and Sunday, April 3 at 7:30 p.m. This is the story of Andrei Simoniovich Filipov, the renowned conductor of the Bolshoi orchestra, who was fired for hiring Jewish musicians. t is rated PG-13 and runs 119 minutes. Admission requires a park card.

Sunday @ 3 series. On Sunday, April 3 at 3 p.m. join us at Great Neck House for a performance by the versatile musician Riko Higuma. She has performed with some of the world’s leading artists in the U.S., Europe, Russia and Japan. Admission to Great Neck House requires a park card.

winter swim program. Winter Swim lessons for boys and girls between the ages of 7 and 16 years old continue at the Great Neck North Middle School every Saturday afternoon between 12 and 4 p.m. It is never too late to register. Non-resident rates apply. Call (516) 487-2975, ext. 118 for more information.

Lifeguards Wanted for Summer 2011. The Park District is looking for lifeguards to work at the state-of-the-art pool facility at the Parkwood Sports Complex during the 2011 summer season. Certified lifeguards, CPR/AED, First Aid Nassau County preferred. Call 487-7665 to inquire. The Park District offers classes in CPR/AED and First Aid, if you are interested. winter activities registration. Have you followed through with your New Year Resolutions? This is a great time to become active at the Parkwood Sports Complex and at Great Neck House. We offer skating lessons, tennis lessons and Great Neck House adult/children’s classes at reasonable rates. Call Parkwood at 487-2975 for skating info, 829-9050 for tennis and Great Neck House at 482-0355 for class information. 

Defensive Driving Classes. Great Neck House offers monthly Empire Safety Council Defensive Driving Classes. The classes run from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The next class is on Saturday, April 2. To sign up for a class or for more information, please call Great Neck House at 482-0355

Nature Program Spring Season Stroll. On Saturday, April 9, 1 p.m. meet in the first lot at Kings Point Park, Redbrook Road entrance, for a spring seasonal stroll. As we observe seasonal changes and savor nature’s rebirth in spring, baby birds will be the focus. No advanced registration required. 

Learn About trees. On Wednesday, March 30 at 9:30 a.m., Great Neck Park District residents and Village/Park District employees are invited to attend a seminar at Great Neck House presented by landscape architect/certified arborist Richard Gibney. The seminar will include information on proper tree planting and tree care. You will have an opportunity to have your tree care questions answered after the approximately 40-minute presentation. The seminar will be repeated on Sunday, April 3 at 12:30 p.m. for Great Neck Park District residents only. For more information, call Great Neck House at (516) 482-0355.

Junior tennis Camp. This program, including conditioning, instruction, drilling and match play, is designed for the intensive tennis player. Registration is first-come, first-served. All campers receive T-shirt and water bottle. Register for 1 or more weeks. Non-resident rates apply. Call (516) 829 9050 for more information.

Great neck house winter class registration. You can’t beat the prices for the winter classes offered at Great Neck House. Classes begin on Monday, Feb. 7. All classes run 15 weeks unless otherwise noted. For more information, call (516) 482-0355.

Two for One Admission at the Ice Rink. Skate at the Andrew Stergiopoulos Ice Rink with a friend on Saturday night during the evening public session and pay only one admission fee for the two of you. The session runs from 8:30 p.m.  to 10:30 p.m. Call (516) 487-2976 for more information.

park Watch. The Parkwatch program is composed of observant residents willing to report vandalism and suspicious behavior occurring in the parks after dark. Please help to keep your parks and facilities in top shape by calling and reporting such activity to park security at 504-GNPD (504-4673). (For emergencies and to report a crime in progress, residents should still call 911.)

Friday Teen Nights at the Ice Rink. All teen skaters join us at the Andrew Stergiopoulos Ice Rink on Friday nights for some good music, good friends and great skating! Colorful DJ lights accompany the music.  Snack grill open for your convenience. Party at the ice rink! Non-resident fees apply. Call (516) 487-2976 for more information.. 

Camp Parkwood. offers a summer full of adventure, exploration and creativity for all ages. The children enjoy a non-competitive environment filled with excitement and fun. Discounted Early Bird enrollment fees are offered through April 30, 2011 ONLY. There is a multi-sibling discount available for each additional family member.                                                                                                                               All camps run from Monday, June 27 through Friday, August 19, 2010. Sign up on a weekly basis or for the entire summer. Save money by registering before the Early Bird deadline. For more information call (516)482-0355. 

Focus Fund-Raiser. luncheon honoring first president and current Park Comissioner of Great Neck will take place Monday, April 4, at 12:00 p.m. at Cafe Rustica, 200 Middle Neck Road. Cover is $30. Anyone wishing to donate or requiring further information call Sheila Penn at (516) 487 0276.

SENIOR COMPUTER HELP. The Parkview Branch.provides weekly computer help sessions for those wishing to sharpen their computer skills, or who need basic instruction. Parkville librarians will be on hand from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., Wednesday mornings before the branch opens to offer one-on-one instruction. Beginners are welcome. Call 466-8055, ext. 273 to reserve a space.

film at station branch. To Kill A Mockingbird (1962, 129 minutes) will be shown on Tuesday, April 5 at 7:00 p.m. Station Branch’s new location is 26 Great Neck Road, on the second level above Waldbaums in the Gardens at Great Neck Shopping Center.

COMPUTER HELP AT THE MAIN LIBRARY. presented by the reference department of the main library.  The reference department offers 1 hours help classes for beginners. Classes may be scheduled for 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., Mondays through Fridays. Call the reference department at 466-8055, ext. 241 to make an appointment.

film at main: get low. Feature films are screened on selected Tuesday afternoons at 2:00 p.m. in the Community Room of the Main Library, located at 159 Bayview Avenue. Get Low (103 minutes, 2010, PG13) will be shown on April 5. Felix Bush, a Tennessee hermit, is either feared or hated by most of the people that live in the town. One day, he gets the idea to throw one big bash before he kicks the bucket. While he is still alive and kickin’ he plans his very own rollicking funeral party. 

AARP tax help. Selected tax forms and publications are available at all Great Neck Library locations to take or to photocopy. Also, the Library’s Web Page will have a link to tax forms available from the IRS and New York State. Go to  HYPERLINK “https://www.greatnecklibrary.org/” AARP  Tax help at the Parkville Branch will be held on Wednesdays, Feb. 2 through April 13, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Children’s program registration. Space Travel (for grades 3 – 6) will be held on Monday, April 4 at 7:00 p.m. at the Main Library.  

Health: Quest and questions. Join Ron Gross at Socrates Salon when the topic for discussion will be Health: Quest — and Questions on Friday, April 1 at 3:00 p.m. in the Community Room of the Main Library, located at 159 Bayview Avenue.

Learn what it takes to be a true globetrotter. Race a balloon rocket and design your own car engine as you learn about thrust. Limited registration begins Monday, March 28 at 9:30 a.m. online, 10:01 a.m. in person or by phone at 466-8055. (60 minutes)

Golden Age of Baseball. Recall the great days of the Brooklyn Dodgers with Marty Adler, founder of the Brooklyn Dodgers Baseball Hall of Fame on Wednesday, April 6 at 1:30 p.m. in the Community Room of the Main Library, 159 Bayview Avenue.

Jr Space Travel.  (for grades K – 2 with parent/caregiver) will be held on Wednesday, April 6 at 4:30 p.m. at the Main Library. Parent and child will learn what it takes to be a true globetrotter. Both will race a balloon rocket and design their shared car engine as they learn about thrust. Limited registration begins Monday, March 28 at 9:30 a.m. online, 10:01 a.m. in person or by phone at 466-8055. (60 minutes) 

Poetry Read: Jerry Mirskin. Celebrate National Poetry Month with Jerry Mirskin when he reads from his works of poetry on Monday, April 4 at 2:00 p.m. in the Community Room of the Main Library, located at 159 Bayview Avenue.

Music Recital: The Hudson Trio. Enjoy a musical afternoon at the Library with a performance by the Hudson Trio on Sunday, April 3 at 2:30 p.m. in the Community Room of the Main Library, located at 159 Bayview Avenue.

Robert T Bloom Photography Exhibit. Long Island landscapes photographed by Robert T. Bloom will be on view from April 2 to 29 in the Lower Level Lobby of the Main Library, 159 Bayview Avenue. 

poets circle ring. Members of the Poets Circle will read their poems at this annual event to celebrate Poetry Month on Saturday, April 2 at 1:00 p.m. in the Community Room of the Main Library, 159 Bayview Avenue.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Tickets are now available for Levels Spring 2011 Musical, the Tony-Award-winning hit The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Performances will be held Thursday, Friday and Saturday, April 14, 15 and 16 at 8:00 p.m. in Levels, located at 159 Bayview Avenue.

ZUmba Class Teen Registration. his is a three-session program that will be held on Mondays, May 2, 9, and 16 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Main Library and is for teens in grades 7-12. Classes will be taught by an experienced, certified Zumba instructor. Please wear comfortable clothing and sneakers, and bring water.  Registration begins on Monday, April 4 at 9:00 a.m. in person, by phone at 466-8055, ext. 202, and online on the Library’s website, www.greatnecklibrary.org (have your Great Neck Library card available.) Registration continues until full and is for all three classes.

children’s program registration. Jr. LEGO Club (for grades 1 – 3 with parent or caregiver) will be held on Thursday, April 14 at 4:30 p.m. at the Main Library.  Show off your LEGO skills. Use LEGO bricks and your imagination to create and build models with a baseball theme. All works of art will be displayed. (60 minutes) Limited registration begins Thursday, April 7 at 9:30 a.m. online, 10:01 a.m. in person or by phone at 466-8055.

LIBRARY WEATHER CANCELLATIONS .. Library patrons can visit www.cancellations.com for library weather related closings and program cancellations. In addition, at no charge, residents can request automatic e-mails from the site when the library has posted any information.

Not Accepting Donations. The library will not be accepting donations at this time, as storage space is very limited. Also, please do not leave boxes of books outside the library door.

Nook/E-reader help. Do you need help setting up your Nook or other E-reader?  Please refer to the “My Help” tab on the Overdrive link of the Library’s home page. 

downloadable e-books.. Did you receive a Nook for the holidays?  The library offers downloadable e-books through our website: willistonparklibrary.org.  Simply click on the “Nassau Digital Doorway” link to get started.  All you need to get started is a library card.

Shaken.                         by J.A. Konrath

Deadly Choices:  How the Anti-Vaccine Movement Threatens Us All.                                     by Paul Offit, MD 

Death of a Chimney Sweep.                          by M.C Beaton

minding frankie.           by Maeve Binchy

House Arrest.             by Ellen Meeropol Dench              

Night Season.              by Chelsea Cain

Sing you home.            by Jodi Picoult

vita tax assistance. will take place on Saturdays,  April 9 from 12 p.m.  to 4 p.m. in the Assembly Room of Village Hall. Volunteers will be available from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the assembly room of the village hall on March 12, and April 9. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program offers FREE tax help to those with low-to-moderate incomes.  Students from CW Post will be offering their services to the community. Those interested will be seen on a first-come first-serve basis. There is no advance registration. Please bring last year’s tax return and all other pertinent information.      

Victorian Floral tea cup. will take place Tuesday, April 12, starting at 6:30 p.m. $12 material fee due at registration. Sign up at the circulation desk. 

book discussion. on Wednesday April 13 at 7:00 p.m. in the Assembly Room of Village Hall.  The group will be discussing “Hotel on the Corner of Bitter & Sweet.”  Copies are available at the Circulation Desk.

Computer help for Adults. on Thursday, April 14,  at 6:30 pm in the Library.  Librarian James Pagano will offer a free instructional session that will cover the basics of the library’s website, accessing the catalog and different resources, e-books, audio books and MP3 players. Sign up at the Circulation Desk.

Spring Story Time. will take place on Wednesdays—April 6, 20, & 27; May 4, 2011—1-1:45pm in the Library.  Children ages 3 ½-5 are welcome to attend.  Sign up at the Circulation Desk.

After School story time. will take place on  Thursdays, March 10, 17, 24 & 31; April 7, 21, & 28, 2011—4-4:45pm in the library.  Children in grades K-2 are invited to an afternoon of stories and games.  Limited to 20 participants.  Sign up at the Circulation Desk.

Spring story time. will take place Tuesdays, April 5, 19 & 26; May 3, 2011—11-11:45am in the Library.  Children ages 3 ½-5 are welcome to attend.  Sign up at the Circulation Desk.

The Herricks School Board approved a $99 million budget for the 2011-2012 school year Thursday March 24, which calls for a 2.55 percent increase over the current $96.5 million budget.

The budget includes a revised contract for three district employee units, but not district teachers and teacher assistants.

“We have no discussions going on. I still have hope, but there are no meetings scheduled,” said Herricks Superintendent of Schools John Bierwirth. Bierwirth said the school board is at a “stalemate” with the teachers.

Craig Lagnese, president of the Herricks Teachers’ Association, said he was pleased that the HTA, which represents all five employee bargaining units, reached an agreement with three units – aides and monitors, secretaries and custodians – and didn’t rule out the possibility of the board and teachers and teaching assistants reaching an agreement.

“We feel that if the board came back with something to consider we would look at it,” Lagnese said.

Both sides made proposals on March 17, and the proposals were “far apart and the board found the teachers’ proposal – unacceptable just as the board found the proposal to save $1 million – but at a cost of $4 milllion unacceptable,” Bierwirth said.

At its meeting, the school board extended the contracts of teachers aides and school monitors; secretaries, nurses and clerical staff, and custodians for three years at 2.06 percent per year through 2015.

Helen Costigan, the district’s assistant superintendent of business, said concessions from the groups, including a six-month delay of a 1.6 percent salary increase in each of the three years, would enable the district to realize $234,000 in savings.

Retirement incentives adding $500 for each year of service for members of the secretaries and custodial units, and $250 for members of the aides and monitors units, are also part of the revised package negotiated with the Herricks Teachers Association.

School officials estimated that the tax levy would be 3.95 percent. Bierwirth said the district lowered its estimate to 3.78 percent following the restoration of $141,000 in state aid to the district following the approval of the state budget earlier this week. The new state budget will see a reduction of $1.2 million in state aid to the district.

The budget also calls for the elimination of 62 positions districtwide among all the employee groups with teachers making up 35 of the positions.

“This is a very sad day, especially for the board of education,” said Herricks School Board president Christine Turner in introducing the proposed budget. “So no matter what we decide at the end of this evening, we’re looking at cuts.”

The school board based its budget on a 2 percent base increase it had instructed Bierwirth to draft. It restored approximately $1 million in cuts to that 2 percent formula, including a music teaching position and a Gemini teaching position among 5.4 teaching positions, four computer tech positions, $175,000 for athletics (originally reduced by $250,000) and $90,000 for clubs.

Debbie Imperatore, president of the Denton Avenue PTA, said she personally objected to the idea of a three-year extension to the other three bargaining units as a short-sighted solution to an issue needing a longer view.

“We don’t have a crystal ball. It seems to me that this is not a good year. This is a band aid,” Imperatore said. “You as a board have to get – excuse me for saying this – ‘cojones’.”

“I don’t understand why these days, things being what they are, that we would strike a three-year deal,” said Jim Gounaris, a prospective candidate for the school board. “We all wanted zeros. We get that. But where are you going with this?”

Residents concerned by the possibility that teachers would be offered a deal similar teachers aides, school monitors, secretaries, nurses, clerical staff and custodians.

Board members said they did not plan to offer the teachers the same consideration, but were still hopeful of making a deal with teachers.

“The door remains open,” said Board member Peter Grisafi.

The school board previously rejected a proposal from the Herricks Teachers Association at its March 10 meeting would have saved the school district approximately $1 million by both sides’ calculations.

The proposed deal included $750,000 in HTA givebacks and an estimated $350,000 in savings from retirement incentives. The primary source of savings the HTA proposed was a reduction in the 2.75 percent salary increase during then 2011-12 school year to 1.5 percent.

Turner said the proposal was contingent on the board guaranteeing all HTA jobs and extending the existing teachers’ contract by one year beyond 2013-14 with a 2.25 percent increase in addition to “step” increases mandated by state law.

She said the $1 million in savings would be offset by $4 million in additional contract costs. The board unanimously rejected the offer.

“The proposal we received this week is not just a case of ‘too little, too late’. It is late – far too late,” Turner said at the time.

Lagnese subsequently criticized the board for negotiating in public by revealing the HTA proposal.

“We’re going to have to cut back on the programs,” Bierwirth said at the most recent budget hearing.

The open secondary math chair will be left unfilled, according to Bierwirth, who said he was aware of one other possible retirement. If 10 teachers accepted the retirement incentive, Bierwirth said there would be a “rough ballpark” net savings of $315,000.

“It’s not a huge savings, but it’s significant,” he said.

The school district is projected to save $53,000 next year from a voluntary modification of the Herricks Association of Administrative Supervisors contract, with that figure to be slightly higher in the succeeding two years, Bierwirth has said.

In response to one residents’ question about a prospective fee of $40 or $50 for each student going out for an athletics team, Bierwirth said the school board would likely have fees collected through the Herricks Athletic Boosters.

“We’re working on the legality of it,” he said.

egg hunt at belmont lake state park. will take place on Sat. Apr. 16, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.. Hunts will begin every 15 minutes beginning at 12:15 p.m. In addition to the hunt there will be a petting zoo, temporary tattoos, pony rides, environmental crafts and a visit by the Spring Bunny and more. For more info call (631) 321 3510.

Appraisal Roadshow. will take place at Temple Isaiah on Sunday, April 3 at 2:00 p.m. Bring in your trearures for an estimate or appraisal. Admission is $15 per person, which includes 2 free appraisals. Additional appraisals are $5.00 each. Call (516) 487-5373 to RSVP.

Long Island Trio. the Transplant Recipients International Organization will host a meeting with guest speaker Michael Shapiro, MD, F.A.C.S. on the topic of information about transplantation and Immunosuppressive agents on Wed. April 13, at 7:30 p.m. Located at North Shore Health Systems 145 Community Drive Great Neck, New York.

Torah Study. will take place at Temple Isaiah on Saturday, April 2 at 9:30 a.m. with a Cantillation Class  at 11:15 a.m. 

Aching Back Lecture. Winthrop-University Hospital will host a free lecture “Oh, My Aching Back!” on Tuesday, Apr. 5 at 7:00 p.m. at Winthrop’s Community Outreach Center, 101 Mineola Boulevard at the corner of Second Street in Mineola, and will highlight techniques that can be used to provide relief.

Women’s seder. is being held at Temple Tikvah on Sunday, April 3 at 12:30 p.m. Grandmothers, granddaughters, mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends, we are gathering as a community of women to share the story of a timeless journey. Join us as we gather to sing, dance, celebrate and strengthen our ties to our people, our heritage, and one another! Women 18 and over $18; girls 17 and under, free. Call (516) 248-4124.

Free Comedey Shows. NO admission fees, NO drink minimums- just FREE comedyfeaturing acts from top clubs of NYC & Long Island! Simply Fondue of Great Neck 24 Great Neck Road, 2nd Floor (above Waldbaum’s in The Gardens shopping Center) 8:00 p.m. show, doors open 7:30 p.m. Happy Hour drink specials all night long! Food will not be served in the private comedy lounge during he show. To enjoy a uniquely delicious dining experience, we recommend arriving 1-2 hours prior to show time.

springtime at atria cutter mill. will be hosting two free concerts with “Blue Heron” duo performing Saturday April 2 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m with an ice cream social at 2:15. On Sunday, April 3 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m “Sweet Lorraine”duo will perform followed by a happy hour at 3:00 p.m. Reservations are recommended, call (516) 773-8730.

Long Island Singles Association. wil lhost a Rock ‘N’ Roll Bowling event on Saturday, April 9, at 9:30 p.m. located at AMF East Meadow Bowl, on 1840 Front Street, East Meadow. Admission is $2 for members, $4 for non, plus $13 to bowl. RSVP by April 7. For more info call (516) 825-0633.

Manhasset spring festival. will take place on Sat/Sun April 2/3 at 10:00 a.m. on Manhasset Aven, Manhasset in the Main Municipal Lot behind Mary Jane Davies Green.

Shelter rock jewish center. will be hosting a class on  Great Jewish Books, taught by Rabbi Martin S. Cohen. Classes will be Monday mornings at 10:30 a.m. Rabbi Cohen also teaches a Torah study every Thursday at 6:30 p.m.

Clark botanic garden. will be hosting a children’s garden workshop presented by The Fanny Dwight Clark entitled “Getting Ready to plant a Garden.” Through hands on activities, discussion and participation each child will be able to plant their own garden to take home. Workshop is on April 2 and runs from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

5th annual epicurean everean event. will be held on Thursday April 14 at 7:00 p.m at the Glen Oaks Country Club. 

Connetquot River State Park Preserve. will be offering tours of the South Side Sportsmen’s Club Main House. Tours are held every first and third Sunday afternoon between 1:00 p.m. and 3:300 p.m. with the last tour starting at 3:15 p.m. Tours run April 3rd to June 109th. Each tour will have a theme. Current theme is “U.S. History – Starting in Oakdale. Reservations required for all programs. Call (631) 581 1072.

Clark Botanic Garden. On Saturday, April 9 a workshop entitled “What do you know about Birds?” will be  

Rockville spring festival. On Sat & SUnday, Apr. 9/10, The Rockville Centre Lions Club is proud to present its annual spring festival. Show hours are 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The event will take place outdoors at the Municipal Lot on Sunrise Highway and North Long Beach Road and will feature Arts & Crafts Exhibitors, Gift Venors, Food and Much more!.

Massapequa spring festival. will held on Saturday and Sunday April 16 & 17 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Massapequa Railroad Station, Sunrise Highway (Rte 27). The event wil take place outdoors and will feature art, photography, hand crafted jewelry, ceramics, wood, leather, glass, hand-painted clothing, and many gift items. 

Junior Angler Fly Fishing. clinic at Caleb State Park Preserve will take place on Saturday April 16 from 9:00 a.m to 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Reservations are necessary and will start being taken on Saturday, April 2 at 8:00 a.m. For info and reservations call (631) 265-1054

bereavement support group. COPE, a grief and healing organization dedicated to supporting parents and families living with the loss of a child, holds monthly support groups meetings for parents one Monday per month for parents on the North Shore. The next meeting will be held from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Monday, April 4th at the Elias Hicks Historical Home, 1740 Old Jericho Turnpike in Jericho.

Food Fun and Fellowship. hosted by The First Presbyterian Church of New Hyde Park will take place on Sunday, April 3 at 4:30 p.m. For more information or tickets call  (516) 354-5013. Register by March 26.

history of caumsett. will take place Sunday, April 3 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Hosted by the Caumsett State Historic Park. Will consist of a moderately long walk studying the park’s social, economic, architectual, and political history.

Great Neck Vigilant Ambualnce. community meeting will take place on Tuesday, April 5 at 7:30 p.m at Great Neck North Middle School to discuss future of service.

Antiques & Collectibles Auction. will take place at the 1st Presbyterian Church on 16 South 9th St. New Hyde Park on Saturday, April 2, with viewing starting at 5:00 p.m. and the auction at 6:00 p.m. Lots include art work, linens, crystal, pressed & milk glass, jewelry, dolls, toys, books, and more. Call (516) 437-7580 for more info.

Long Island singles association. will host a Dinner and Social on Sunday, April 3 at 4:00 p.m. at Domenico’s Pizzaria Ristorante at 3270A Hempstead Turnpike, levittown. Admission $2 for members and $4 for non. Social gathering hours at 4:00 p.m. at the bar. RSVP by April 1. For more info call (516) 825-0633.

mineola board of education. will hold a workshop meeting on Thursday, Apr. 7 at 7:00 p.m. on the 2nd floor staff lounge at willis ave.

pain management support group. offered at Winthrop Univeristy Hospital. Individuals dealing with chronic and intermittent pain are invited to join Winthrop-University Hospital’s free support group beginning Thursday, March 10, 2011, at 10:00 a.m.  Sessions will be held for eight consecutive Thursdays from March 10th through May 5th (no meeting April 7th)  at the Winthrop Wellness Pavilion, 1300 Franklin Avenue, Suite ML-5 in Garden City.

NEW YORK STATE PARKS AND RECREATION hunting season schedule. Montauk Point – Small Game (Dec. 1 to Feb. 28), Waterfowl (Dec. 1 to Feb. 28), Shotgun (Jan. 3 to Jan. 31); Hither Hills/Hither Woods State Park – Small Game (Dec. 1 to Feb. 28), Waterfowl (Dec. to Feb. 28), Shotgun (Jan. 3 to Jan. 31); Napeague – Small game (Sept. 1 to March 31, Waterfowl (Sept. 1 to March 31), Shotgun (No firearms deer hunting). Special restrictions apply. Get permit and further hunting information by calling (631) 444-0273.

JEWISH BOOK CLASS .  Rabbi Martin S. Cohen at Shelter Rock Jewish Center, 272 Shelter Rock Road in Roslyn. Monday mornings at 7:30 a.m. For more information call 741-4305, Ext. 10. 

TORAH TEACHINGS.   Rabbi Martin S. Cohen at Shelter Rock Jewish Center, 272 Shelter Rock Road in Roslyn. Thursday evenings at 6:30 p.m. For details call 741-4305, Ext. 10.

current events. The National Council of Jewish Women will sponser a current events discussion at the home of Marian Baskin at 1:30 p.m. Call to register at (718) 479-0686.

Pianists and vocalists Concert. The Great Neck Music Conservatory will present a concert with pianists and vocalist, works by Chopin, Beethoven, Schubert and others on Sunday, Apr. 10 at 5:00 p.m. at Gloria Dei Church at 600 New Hyde Park Rd. For more info call (516)467-4744.

“Kids Care Caravan.” The Hillside Grade School will be holding its annual food drive to benefit Long Island Cares. For every pound of food collected $1 will be donated to the Long Island Cares from the feinstein foundation. On Sat. Apr. 9,  Between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. a truck  from Long Island Cares will be located aon the blacktop behind Hillside Grade School.

Gallery Exhibit Garden City. “Over the Last Century” will be on view in the Garden City Public Library from April 2 to 29. Enjoy a fascinating look at Garden City’s rich history during the 20th Century. This photographic journey will illuminate the Village’s heritage. Engage yourself with intriguing photos and facts about where you live! Civil War soldier Kady Brownell will be honored in a showcase display as well from Apr 1 to 30. The library is located at 60 Seventh St., Garden City. For hours and direction

Corpus Christi church. The Catholic Daughters of Corpus Christi Church will be hosting a Dinner and Show-Mystery Man, on Thursday, April 14 at 6:30 p.m. in Fitzgerald Hall, 155 Garfield Avenue, Mineola. Steve Sussman will be performing mysterious tricks of the mind. for more info call Elaine at (516) 326-0890.

what is jewish music?. Hosted by Cantor Ben Matis Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. Shelter Rock Jewish center. For more information call 741-4305, ext. 10. 

great neck arts center. with the Wild Life Conservation Society and the Bronx Zoo is offering select classes this winter and spring focusing on animals and saving wildlife and wild places. Details about registration for these classes can be found at www.greatneckarts.org or call (516) 829-2570. Registration is now open.

Friday Night Bingo. Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #5253 will host bingo on Tuesday nights from 7 to 11 p.m. The top prize is $1,500 with additional cash prizes totaling $1,700. Admission is $4 at the post,  which is located at 155 Searingtown Road in Albertson.

INTO ABSTRACTION: THE TRANSITION FROM DIRECT NARRATIVE TO AMBIGUITY.  tracingthe divergence of high art from direct narrative to the in-between space of poetic ambiguity. Takes place at the Great Neck Art Center Thursday, Apr. 7, from 8:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

the arthritis foundation. and the Village of Williston Park are pleased to announce that a free exercise program will be held at the Williston Park Village Hall, on Thursday mornings from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on March 24, 25, April 7, 14, 21, 28, and May 5 and 12. Instructor Margo Bores. To register call (631) 427 8272.

Spring Concerts at Atria Cutte rDUPLICATE BRIDGE. will be held every Wednesday at 7 p.m. under the direction of Ann Schwartz in the Nursery School Atrium at Shelter Rock Jewish Center, 272 Shelter Rock Rd., Roslyn. For details call 747-5461.

VILLAGE OF WILLISTON  PARK HISTORICAL COMMITTEE. requests donations for monthly Village Hall exhibits. Interesting collections, artifacts or memorabilia needed for display in the hall cabinet on the main floor. Call 741-4146 for more information send a note to the Williston Park Village Hall if interested. 

Thrift Shop at St aidans. with the resurection church are selling nearly new and new merchandise. Hours are Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. The church is located at the corner of Campbell ave and Center St. Williston Park. For more information call (516) 746 5527.

Shelter rock jewish center. will be hosting a class on  Great Jewish Books, taught by Rabbi Martin S. Cohen. Classes will be Monday mornings at 10:30 a.m. Rabbi Cohen also teaches a Torah study every Thursday at 6:30 p.m.

Volunteer Fire Fighters. Nassau County Volunteer Fire Departments are actively recruiting new members. Students who join their local volunteer Fire Department and then attend Nassua Community College as matriculated students will be eligible for reimbursement of all their tuition fees through a Federal Grant. The  staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grant is now available to applicants at the OEM website.  . 

sisterhood book club. with Charlotte Schiffman and Norma Vogelman, facilitators. Second Tuesday of each month at 11 a..m. Bagels served in the Breakfast Room. Shelter Rock Jewish center, 272 Shelter Rock Road in Roslyn. For more information call 741-4305, ext. 10. 

current events.       with Irving Roth and David Stollwerk takes place on the second Wednesday of each month at 10:30 a.m. at Shelter Rock Jewish Center. Refreshments are served at the event. For more information, call 741-4305, ext. 10. 

Williston Area Chapter AARP #1868. will hold a meeting on Friday, Apr. 1, with speaker Paula discussing the Project Independence at 1:15 p.m at the Community Church of East Williston. Fore more info call (516) 801-1619. Bake sale will follow at 1:30 p.m. following the meeting. 

elmont Lake Spring Family Freshwater fishing Festival. announce that the Long Island Region in cooperation with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and New York Sea Grant, will be conducting the annual Spring Family Freshwater Fishing Festival at Belmont Lake State Park on Saturday, April 9, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Brentwood State Park.  is now accepting applications for use of the artificial turf fields at Brentwood State Park. Anyone interested in securing field usage for the spring season must complete a park use application and either mail, or hand deliver, the application to: Long Island State Park Headquarters, 625 Belmont Avenue, Babylon, NY 11702.   Park Use applications can be downloaded at  HYPERLINK “https://www.nysparks.com” www.nysparks.com 

WELL SPOUSES OF THE Chronically ILL AND DISABLED. meets the second Wednesday of each month at St. Charles Rehab Center, located at 201 I.U. Willets Road (corner of Searingtown Road) in Albertson at 7 p.m. Free admission. Call Rose at (516) 829-8740 or e-mail at rosebirdlady@aol.com for more information.

Mineola school board. will hold a meeting on Thursday, April 7, at 7:00 p.m. at the willis ave school.

village of new hyde park. village board budget hearing will take place Tuesday, April 5 at 8:00 p.m. in the village hall.

village of russel gardens. will hold a meeting on Thursday, April 7 at 8:00 p.m.

village of saddle rock. will hold a board meeting on Thursday, April 7 at 8:30 p.m. in the village hall.

Village of lake success. will hold a park comission meeting on Monday,, April 4 at 7:30 p.m.

Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County.  “Using the Lessons of the Holocaust to Teach Tolerance,” the new permanent exhibit of the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County is now open and invites visitors. Docent-led tours are available at no additional charge. The Center is open Monday thru Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Suggested donation: $8.00 for adults, $4.00 for students to age 18 with ID and seniors (65+). The Center is located at 100 Crescent Beach Road, Glen Cove. For information and directions call 516 571-8040 ext. 100 or see our website www.holocaust-nassau.org. 

MILTON AVERY & THE END OF MODERNISM. will open at the Nassau County Museum of Art, located at 1 Museum Drive in Roslyn on Saturday, Jan. 22 and will run through May 8. The exhibition features Avery’s intense saturated color fields, the simplification of form, and figures that emphasize the flatness of canvas surface. This exhibition examines the contributions of Milton Avery as a significant figurative painter from the late 1920s through the early 1960s and places Avery’s work within a long history of modernist practice that recognizes the artist’s sketch as a finished work.

DONALD BAECHLER. This contemporary gallery will open on Saturday, Jan. 22 at the Nassau County Museum of Art, located at 1 Museum Drive in Roslyn, and will run through May 8. The exhibition features a large-scale installation by artist Donald Baechler accompanied by several of his collaged paintings. 

The Billboard Players.  will present at its 2001 spring Production an original musical “Fame Game” with book by Louis V. Fucilo and music lyrics by Frank Sanchez production “The Fame Game,” at the Community Church of East Williston Avenue between High Street and Roslyn Road on Friday and Saturday, April 1,2,8,9,15, and 16 at 8:00 p.m., Sunday April 3 at 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, 10 at 3:00 p.m. Tickets are $15 and $10 for seniors. More info call (516) 746-7653

Mamma Mia The Movie Singalong. showing at Queensborough Performing Arts Center, on Saturday, Apr. 9, at 7:30 p.m.  the  Mamma Mia is a musical/romantic comedy film based on the songs of successful pop group ABBA – one of the most internationally popular groups of all time.  It became the highest-grossing film musical of all time breaking the 30-year-old record of Grease. In 2008, Mamma Mia!: The Sing-Along Edition, with lyrics to the songs highlighted on the screen, was released. Songs in the movie include: Knowing Me, Knowing You, Take A Chance On Me, Thank You for the Music, Money, Money, Money, The Winner Takes It All, Voulez Vous and SOS. Rated PG-13

video games live: bonus round. Audiences love this immersive event with live orchestra, chorus, big-screen video and audience participation. Video Games Live features the best music and video clips from the most popular games from the beginning of video gaming to the present. Thrilling live music and video, from classics like Zelda, Frogger, MarioTM and Halo, to segments from Street Fighter II, Megaman, Chrono Cross & Chrono Trigger, Shadow of the Colossus and many more, including an interactive Guitar Hero segment and TRON! Single ticket prices range from $42 to $67. For more information, visit www.tillescenter.org.

Icons of loss: the art of samuel bak. hosted by The Queensborough Coummunity College Art Center. The exhibit will feature some 50 selected works from two of Samuel Bak’s notable oil painting series, Remembering Angels and Icon of Loss. Bak is renowned for his surrealistic paintings which are metaphorically symbolic and express his and others’ experiences throughout the Holocaust. The exhibit will open Thursday, March 10th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.mi and will run through April 30.

John pizzarelli and the Swing Seven in Concert. presented by the Queensborough Performing Arts Center on Saturday, April 2, at 8:00 p.m. Accompanied by the Swing Seven Orchestra, Pizzarelli sings the songs of composer Richard Rodgers and other popular American standards. $40 dollars all seats. For more info call (718) 631 6311.

Into Abstraction: The transition from direct narrative to ambiguity. presented by the Great Neck Arts Center on Thursday, April 7 at 8:30 p.m. traces the divergence of high art from direct narrative to the in-between space of poetic ambiguity.

FAMILY SUNDAY AT THE MUSEUM. Each Sunday starting Apr. 3, 10, 17, and 24. the museum offers a 1 p.m. docent-led family walk-through of the exhibition and, beginning at 1:30 p.m., supervised art activities for the whole family. Special family guides of the main exhibition are available in the galleries. Family Sunday at the Museum is free with museum admission. Weekend parking fee is $2 (members free). Family Sunday is held in the museum’s main building, the Arnold & Joan Saltzman Fine Art Building. 

LET’S HAVE A BITE! Ronald Forbes’ book, with drawing by Ronald Searle, will return to delight young visitors to the Art Space for Children at the Nasau County Museum of Art, located at 1 Museum Drive in Roslyn from Saturday, Jan. 22 to May 8 on Tuesday’s through Saturday’s from 12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Let’s Have a Bite! features whimsical animal characters, among them the baboon, Baker Betty; the somewhat nasty-tempered koala, Lala; and the rattler, Rory. 

The holocaust, Guatemala, and Rwanda-Bringing perpetrators of Genocides to Justice. presented on Tuesday, April 5, at 6:30 p.m. by The Director for Special Prosecutions of the United States  at the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County. Suggested donation is $20. Includes a wine and cheese reception. The Center’s new multi-media exhibit which includes local survivor testimony is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 PM and Sunday from 12 Noon to 4:00 PM. To R.S.V.P. and for information and directions call 516 571-8040 ext. 107 or see our website www.holocaust-nassau.org. 

family sunday at the Nassau County museum. Each Sunday the museum offers a 1:00 p.m. docent-led family walk-through of the exhibition and, beginning at 1:30 p.m., supervised art activities for the whole family. Special family guides of the main exhibition are available in the galleries. Family Sunday at the Museum is free with museum admission. Weekend parking fee is $2 (members free). Family Sunday is held in the museum’s main building, the Arnold & Joan Saltzman Fine Art Building.

Community Gallery. at the Long Island Children’s Museum. Stop by and view original mixed media artwork created by students from the Lawrence Public School District. All ages. Free with museum admission

Buffalo Bill, wyoming and the coe family. The exhibition opens on Friday, April 1, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. explores the history of Buffalo Bill with several loans from the Buffalo Bill Historical Center including examples of Buffalo Bill’s costumes that he wore in his Wild West show, his fancy gauntlets, and his rifle. On display are artifacts that belonged to Annie Oakley, the sharpshooting star of the show, along with paintings and sculpture of the period. The exhibit runs through September 30.

Bread Hunt. at the Long Island Children’s Museum on Sunday, April 17 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Join us for a Pre-Passover hunt and learn about the tradition of cleaning out your home of all bread.  Make your own mini loaf model to hide at home for your own bread search.  Continue the fun as you use your hunting skills for LICM’s bread hunt in the It’s Alive gallery at 3 p.m. All ages. Free with museum admission.

Book Discussion and Signing: Sheila isenberg. will be presented by Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County on Sunday, April 10, at 1:30 p.m.

Spring Dance Concert. at Nassau Community College Main Stage Theatre will take place on April 7 through the 10 at 8:00 p.m. except for Sundays at 3:00 p.m. Tickets, adults $9, seniors 55+/NCC Employees/Children Under 18: $7. For more info call (516) 572-7676.

“The Fame Game” Musical. presented by the Billboard Players with book by Louis V. Fucilo and music and lyrics by Frank Sanchez production “The Fame Game,” at the Community Church of East Williston, located at East Williston Ave between High Street and Roslyn Road on Friday and Saturday, April 1,2,8,9,15, and 16 at 8:00 p.m., Sunday, April 3 at 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, April 10 at 3:00 p.m. Tickets are $15 and $10 for seniors. On Saturday, April 9 at 6:30 p.m., there will be an optional package of dinner and show for $25, and $22 for seniors. For reservations/information call (516) 746-7653.

EARLY CHILdhood programs .  at the Children’s Museum: stART (Story + Art): Tuesday to Friday from 12:30 to 1 p.m.; Music and Movement: Wednesday and Friday from 11:30 a.m. until noon; Messy Afternoons: Saturday and Sunday, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave. in Garden City. $3 with museum admission ($2 LICM members). Call (516) 224-5800 or go online to www.licm.org for more information.

In a rematch of last week’s LiveSpot (Waldbaum’s Cup) game (won by NHP 3-2), the NHP Lady Pumas squared off against the always tough Northshore United squad.

Northshore built a 1-0 lead at halftime before the game really came alive in the second half when five goals would be scored.

Northshore build a 3-1 with 12 minutes left in the game before NHP rose from the ashes and came storming back to tie the game 3-3 and had several chances to win the game in the final minutes.

The offense was led by Izzy Glennon who converted on a breakaway to make it 1-1 at the time, and then buried a loose ball in front of goal to cut the NS lead to 3-2.

Cara Becker had a strong finish and tallied a fantastic game tying goal when she one-touched a karate kick goal off a feed from Katie Krems (I believe).

Krems had a assist and just missed the game winning goal when she took a hard-low shot from the top of the 18 that just skipped wide of the far post.

Theodora Papadoniou also had a strong offensive game and took several shots on goal and fought hard for the ball.

At midfield, Kira Crehan, Clare Iriarte, and Sophia Leeds each fought hard and had some nice passes which fed the attack.

On defense, Mackenzie Griffen contributed with a super assist on Glennon’s first goal and did a nice job in general breaking up attacks.

Stephanie Karczewski, Isabel Ugolini, Eleni Spiratos, and Casey Sanders (super offensive pressure late in the game) all did a fine job breaking up attacks and clearing the ball out of danger.

In goal was Ellie Eisenberg who did a real nice job blocking shots and covering up.

Casey Conners and Edna Dudek – we missed you

Championship Tuesday at Hofstra did not disappoint for the New Hyde Park Cat Pack.

Game one had the Cat Pack facing Locust Valley. With Sofia Quijada and Mary Langan as striker’s and Lily Becker and Maria Poulos as midfielder’s, the Cat Pack controlled most of the early action.

A tough Locust Valley defense and great goal keeping kept the Cat Pack from scoring. It wasn’t until 15 minutes into the game that the Cat Pack finally broke through.

Caitriona Smith beat a defender to a loose ball and raced past her and crushed a shot to the right of the goalie for a 1-0 lead.

Great goal keeping by Nicolette Caneda and great defensive pressure kept Locust Valley off the board until late in the game. Locust Valley punched in a loose ball in front the Cat Pack’s goal to tie the score at 1-1.

A late game tying goal could deflate most teams, but not the Cat Pack. They were determined to win this game.

With less than two minutes left in the game, Maria Poulos made a perfect cross to Mary Langan, who took the pass and fired the game winner into the back of the net for a 2-1 victory.

Game one was fantastic, but nothing compared to the Championship Game against a tough evenly matched Manhasset team.

With Amanda Garcia in goal and a lock down defensive game by Jacqueline Jara, Caitlin Sheehan, Bridgette Slaski and Sara Aranov, the Cat Pack kept Manhasset off the board.

Manhasset’s play matched the Cat Pack throughout the game and they also kept the Cat Pack from scoring. At the end of regulation the score was tied 0-0.

Penalty kicks would decide this nail biter.

Manhasset kicked first. A great save by Quijada on a blast over her head kept Manhasset from scoring the first penalty kick.

Lily Becker took the first penalty kick for the Cat Pack and calmly nailed a shot into the right corner for a goal.

Manhasset came right back and scored on their next penalty kick.

Up next for the Cat Pack was Jenna Neu. Neu hit a screamer into the back of the net, 2-1 Cat Pack!

Manhasset wasn’t done and scored their last penalty kick to tie it up.

One last kick to decide this classic game and Poulos was up to the challenge. Poulos hit a low liner off the goalie’s outstretched hand and into the net for the game winner. A loud roar came from the sidelines as all the Cat Pack families and friends ran onto the field to celebrate with their Champs!

We could not be more proud of what our girls accomplished tonight.

Thank you for letting us, Coach Tommy Slaski, Javier Caneda and Anthony Garcia come along on this incredible championship ride. Congratulations champs!

It’s not easy to imagine oneself in a rowboat in the North Atlantic, watching the Titanic sink into the icy depths.

But that’s what many of the student cast in “Sail On,” Sewanhaka High School’s treatment of “Titanic: The Musical” must conjure in their imaginations to play that scene in the musical that recounts the events of that tragic night. But the musical also provides insight to the lives of those who survived and those who lost their lives.

The curtain goes up the student production in the auditorium of Sewanhaka High School on Friday, Apr. 1 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5.

“I’m in third class, but I end up surviving anyway,” said Shana Brouder, who plays Kate McGowan, a 16-year-old Irish immigrant who actually did survive.

All the cast members were required to research their characters, who are all based on people who were on the Titanic’s fateful inaugural cross-Atlantic voyage in 1912. They then wrote profiles of the character they were portraying.

The actors said it gave them a greater insight to what these people were really like, and built an emotional bridge that carries into their performance. Everyone said that, without anticipating it, they were all near tears when they first played the scene when the Titanic goes under in costume.

“We all felt like we were going to start crying,” said Antonio Escuro, who plays Jim Farrell, whose character falls in love with Brouder’s character during the voyage, and also survives.

“When the ship sinks, it’s very emotional,” Brouder said.

“People started to cry in rehearsal,” said Ashley Pina, who plays Kate Mullins, who has a sister on the ship.

Escuro said the actors have a daunting role in conveying the story of their characters.

“We have to push ourselves to be very different people,” Escuro said. “And in the end, half of our dreams don’t make it.”

Brouder said she thinks “Sail On” is the best show Sewanhaka has put on in her time there, and said it’s also the most demanding.

“This show pushes you to the emotional limits,” she said.

Director Chakira Ilana Doherty said the students have been up to taking on the roles they’re playing from the start.

“The kids jumped into this with two feet. They all get together on weekends and have ‘Titanic’ parties, watching the movie together,” Doherty said.

She said there seems to a strong sense of camaraderie in rehearsals.

“They really like each other. They’re fab,” she said.

Chris Doherty, the Sewanhaka band director who conducts the student orchestra in the show, said the music puts both the performers and the audience in the cultural context of 1912.

“Some of it’s actual music of the period, so a lot of it’s authentic,” Doherty said, noting that a hymn in the score, “God Lift Me Up,” was actually sung together by people on the ship the day before the Titanic sank.

What isn’t historically authentic is intended to provide emotionally authenticity. The characters in the play sing about their hopes and dreams on the way to a new world. The story and book are by Peter Stone. The music and lyrics are by Maury Yeston.

Some students from the Notre Dame School in New Hyde Park became circus performers this week – without running away from home.

The National Circus Project brought its Greatest Show in Schools to the private Catholic school last week as the Parents Activity as Volunteers for Education paid for the first return appearance of the group since they first came to Notre Dame several years ago.

The National Circus Project, formed as the non-profit Educational Specialists Inc in 1984, does outreach programs for schools, where it has put on 10,000 performances and 50,000 workshops since its inception.

The group’s week-long work with students at Notre Dame began with an assembly for grades Pre-K through eight, with two Circus Project’s artists-in-residence demonstrating basic circus skills, aimed at improving motor skills and self-esteem for all the students, according to Notre Dame principal Caryn Durkin.

Basic skills workshops were held for the entire student body, coordinated by Notre Dame physical education teacher Kristina LoCastro. Selected groups of students in grades 4,6 and 8 were given more in-depth, intensive instruction in daily 40-minute sessions throughout the week, with a performance for parents on Friday night as the climactic event.

“They produced a show,” Durkin said. “Students are seeing first-hand that practice and motivation make even a difficult skill easy to learn.”

The young students learned a full set of circus performance skills, including plate-spinning, juggling, stilt-walking, tumbling, doing tricks with a diablo yo-yo and using devil sticks, balancing and manipulating one stick with two others.

When they weren’t physically engaged in mastering circus stunts, the students explored circus themes in their daily class work, through stories, mathematics problems, science questions and vocabulary all related to circus life.

For the Friday night performance, the Notre Dame gym was decorated with paintings and posters the students produced in art classes during the week.

A circus-themed supper of pizza, popcorn and cotton candy was served in the cafeteria preceding the children’s show in the gym on Friday.

Approximately 120 students participated in the Friday night performance with was a “big hit” with their parents, according to Durkin, who said she hopes to have the National Circus Project return to the school for another week of workshops in a couple of years.

“The best part was seeing the sense of fun that the children had and the self-confidence they built up by learning those things in so short a time,” Durkin said.

As part of ongoing efforts to keep costs down, the Great Neck school district is conducting a one-year pilot program that will result in residency verification for every incoming high school freshman.

“I have a responsibility to make sure every child we are educating is from Great Neck,” said Great Neck Superintendent of Schools Tom Dolan. “We work very, very hard at making sure all of our children live here. Here is a chance to pause and reregister everybody after 8th grade.”

The idea was proposed by Dolan before the school board last year and will be evaluated at a later date.

Dolan hopes to have every student’s residency verified by the start of the 2011-12 school year.

“This process must be completed before your child will be admitted to high school,” said Dolan in a letter to parents dated March 21.

Documents required are three pieces of mail and for a homeowner are a deed or current tax bill, for co-op ownership are a proprietary lease, and for rental is a lease or residency affidavit.

Citizenship status and illegal rentals are “none of our business,” he said.

“The prevailing question is, where does the parent live,” Dolan said. “The child’s residence is presumed to be where the parent lives.”

Exceptions include students who live is a guardian and emancipated minors.

Every year several students who live outside the district are discovered at Great Neck Schools through returned mail, complaints from residents or children letting the information slip, Dolan said.

In the letter he said, “The District has increasingly focused on the topic of residency as an important component in confronting the District’s financial challenges. It is imperative that we be able to assure the community at large that every child who we are educating is entitled to the opportunity to attend our schools.”

He continued, “We hope to make this process as simple as we can, and for many of you your response to this letter will be the only action needed of you. The first step we are asking you to take is to submit the documents that are identified on the attached checklist. These items will usually confirm to our satisfaction that your residency is re-verified and you will receive an acknowledgement of that later this spring.

“In some instances, you may be asked to supply additional information, or to meet with a member of our registration staff. If necessary, we will contact you, provide you with details on what other documentation we may need, and arrange for an appointment as needed.”