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Community Calendar Listings

By The Times-Ledger

Black History Month

Martin Luther King: A Chautaugua, Veteran actor Marvin Kazembe Jefferson portrays Dr. King and tells stories about his life, focusing on the years 1965 to 1967 on Thurs., Feb. 22 at the East Elmhurst Branch Public Library, 95-06 Astoria Blvd., Elmhurst. 718-424-2619.

The Queens Symphony Orchestra Youth Gospel Choir will perform a special program in celebration of African American History Month on Sat., Feb. 24 at 2 p.m. at the The Queens Museum 718-592-9700.

Eyes On The Prize. The history of the Civil Rights Movement. An African American Heritage Film Documentary Series. “The Keys to the Kingdom” will be held on Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. at the Langston Hughes Public Library, 100-01 Northern Boulevard. 718-651-1100.

Bridge

ACBL Duplicate Bridge plus brunch is held every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Reform Temple of Forest Hills, 71-11 112th St. Forest Hills. Singles welcome. 718-261-2900.

Classes

Kids who want to produce their own cartoons and animation sketches can learn how at the Forest Hills Community House Beacon Program at JHS 190, 68-17 Austin St., yellowstone Blvd and Austin St., Forest Hills. Free classes will be held on Wednesdays from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Space is limited. The event will be held until May 3.

St. Clare's Church, 137-35 Brookville Blvd., Rosedale will sponsor Safety Defensive Driving Class on March 3 from 8:45 from 3 p.m. Fee: $31. 718-341-0452.

The Jewish Center of Kew Garden Hills, 71-25 Main Street presents Rabbi Joshua Karlip's Adult Education Class, when bad things happen to good people a view from tradition on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. through March 29. 718-261-6500.

A class on Jewish history from the time of the rabbi known as the Ba'al Shem Tov, the founder of an hasidic movement in the 18th century, to the dawn of the State of Isreal will be presented by Dr. Burtob Schall at the Reform Temple of Forest Hills, 71-11 112 St., Forest Hills on three Wednesday evenings on Feb. 28 at 7:45 p.m. 718-261-2900.

The Cross Island YMCA, 238-10 Hillside Ave, Bellerose offers Safety Training classes at its Bellerose facility. The schedule is as follows: CPR for Professional Rescuer (ReCertification Only) on March 6, and April 3 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Community CPR and Safety ReCertification on March 13, April 10 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m Community CPR and Safety Full Course April 17 and 19 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Must attend both classes. American Red Cross Lifeguard Training March 4, 11, 18, 25 and April 1 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Must attend all classes. American Red Cross Lifeguard Training ReCertification April 8 from from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Instructor Candidate Training and Water Safety Instructor April 9 through 13. Time to be announced. 718 479- 0505 ext 108.

The Saturdays at Hillcrest courses start every Saturday morning at 9 a.m. where students can take enrichment or skill building classes such as Sequential Math I and II, tutoring in needed subjects, Basic Writing Skills, English Regents Preparation, Review for Earth Science, Physics, and Biology, Global History RCT Prep., U.S. History RCT Prep and Health Careers Prep. At 10:15 some of the above courses are repeated and additional courses such as Physical Fitness and Playwriting are offered. At 9 a.m. courses for parents and staff members are provided in Art Workshop, Dancercise, Communicating with your Child, and Introduction to Computers. Mr. Stephen M. Duch is Principal of Hillcrest H.S.

The Jewish Center of Kew Gardens Hills, 71-25 Main St., presents Ongoing Classes on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. with Rabbi Joshua Karlip. The the topic Delving into Davening, The Meanings and Origins of Prayer.” 718-263-6500.

The Howard Beach Senior Center, 156-56 84th St. offers a class in Origami for seniors, taught by Sam Batt on Wednesdays from 1:15 p.m. to 3 p.m. 718-738-8100.

Kids in grades 3, 4, 5 and 6 can get homework assistance, do arts and crafts, play sports, or work on their computer skills at the free after-school program at the Forest Hills Community House Beacon Program, 68-17 Austin St. Sessions are on Mondays through Thursdays from 3:15 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Demetrios Creek Orthodox Cathedral of Astoria offers classes for public school students, grades 1-7, on weekday afternoons and Saturdays. Seventh grade students prepare for the Greek Regents exam. Free bus transportation from neighborhood public schools is available. Registration is being held at the St. Demetrios church office. Classes are held at St. Demetrios School for all grades Mondays and Wednesdays, and at St. Catherine's Church, 22-30 33rd St., Astoria, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday classes are held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 718-728-1754.

Karate classes for men, women and children are offered on Wednesdays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at The Afrikan Poetry Theatre, 176-03 Jamaica Ave., Jamaica. Donation: $5.. 718-523-3312.

Computer class by a professional teacher is offered at Selfhelp Maspeth Senior Center 66-35 58th Ave., Maspeth. 718-429-3636.

Italian classes are offered at The Kew Gardens Community Center 80-02 Queens Blvd. 718-268-5960.

The Kew Gardens Community Center, 80-02 Kew Gardens Road presents craft instructor Mildred Hasin on Mondays from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. 719-268-2690.

The Kew Gardens Community Center, 80-02 Kew Gardens Road, offers chess instructions with chess pro Mia Immerman every Friday from l p.m. to 4 p.m. for all levels. 719-268-2690.

Clinics

Christine Roland, director of housing/community organizing at the Forest Hills Community House holds housing clinics for tenants living in rent regulated apartments on the first Wednesday of every month. First Wednesdays for Tenants at the Rego Park Senior Center, 93-29 Queens Blvd. from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. 718-592-5757.

Clubs

A Photography Group meets at the Forest Hills Community House Beacon Program at JHS 190, 68-17 Austin St., Yellowstone Blvd and Austin St., Forest Hills. 718-268-5960.

FEGS Beacon 231 Advantage Afterschool Program, Magnetech 231, 145-00 Springfield Blvd., Springfield Gardens, offers homework/tutor assistance, participate in competitive sports, traditional/ non-traditional, attend workshops and service learning-community outreach projects free at the FEGS Beacon 231 Advantage Program, Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. 718-528-1743.

The Queens Women's Center, 120-55 Queens Blvd., Room 158, Kew Gardens, offers the Job Club every other Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Development/update of resumes interview skills and job search techniques. Free. 718-793-0672.

The Friendship Club meets every first and third Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Senior Adult Department of the Central Queens YM & YWHA, 67-09 108th St., in Forest Hills. Admission: $2. 718-268-5011.

The Humanist Center of Cultures of Jackson Heights is organizing a free weekly Multicultural Conversation Club on Sundays from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Queens Public Library, 35-51 81st St. at 37th Ave., in Jackson Heights. 718-937-8185.

Dances

The Cross Island YMCA, 238-10 Hillside Ave., Bellerose will host its first annual Be A Neighborhood Dinner Dance on Thurs., Feb. 22, at the Swan Club in Roslyn, New York. Three honorees will be recognized for their long-term commitment to the betterment of our communities – Rev. Joseph L. Cunningham, Kevin Forrestal and Senator Frank Padavan. Dinner tickets are available for purchase as well as space ads in the Dinner Journal and sponsorship opportunities. 516-354-0098.

Events

LaGuardia Community College, 31-10 Thomson Avenue, Long Island City. will hold an open house on March 7 at 6 p.m. for its digital photography program. The program is for professional photographers, as well as students who have completed a photography program at an accredited college. The program is available for both credit and non-credit 718-482-5125.

Jewish Heritage Day will be celebrated at St. John's University on Tues., March 6, from10:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. This free event will feature music by Moshe Shur's Band and The Morning Stars Ensemble, Glatt Kosher refreshments at Council Hall, and an all-day Judaica exhibition. A special activity hour presentation from noon to 1:30 p.m. and will be held in Marillac Auditorium. 718-9901941.       

The Men's Club of Hillcrest Jewish Center, Fresh Meadows, will hold a Purim Ball on Sat., March 3, at 8 pm. There will be a late Dairy Dinner, a DJ Music, Dancing. Costume optional. Bring your friends. Men's Club Members $8 per person. Single Women $8 per person. Non-Men's Club Members $10 per person. Reservations due by Feb. 26. 718-969-7032.

St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 89-19 114 St., Richmond Hill will host its annual Pancake Supper on Tues ., Feb. 27 at 6 p.m. The FlapJack Flippers will be at the grill cooking up hot cakes and sausages. 718-849-0009

The Queens Chamber of Commerce will hold its next Business Card Exchange on Tues., Feb. 27 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Lang Lobby at The New York Hospital Medical Center of Queens in Flushing. Cost: $30 $20. 718-898-8500.

The Jewish Family Place of the Central Queens YM & YWHA, 67-09 108 St., Forest Hills, is happy to announce that our annual funtastic Purim Carnival will take place on Sun., March 4 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Come in costume and be a part of the Costume Parade! Enjoy games and prizes! Food and raffles! Live entertainment with Denise Lifeson of the Parent's Choice award-winning Club Baby! Music for all ages! Fun for the whole family! Free for Y members. Admission: $5, $2. 718-258-5011.

The Hevesi Jewish Heritage Library at the Central Queens YM & YWHA, 67-09 108th Street in Forest Hills, presents a enchanting storyhour will convene each Sunday and Monday. Note the new time on Sunday: 10:10 to 10:45 a.m. Monday's session continues from noon to 12:45 p.m. Fee: $10. 718-268-5011.

Kew Gardens Community Center, 80-02 Kew Gardens Rd., Kew Gardens, Suite 202 presents Humor and Politics on Tuesdays and Thursdays. 718-268-5960.

Exercise

The Cross Island YMCA, 238-10 Hillside Ave., Bellerose offers Instructional and Recreational Swimming for Adults with Disabilities. The program is offered three times per week on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Participants will learn exercise and swimming skills individualized to suite personal needs. Instruction is provided as well as free time to practice. 516-354-0098.

Queens Independent Living Center will run a monthly housing workgroup to assist individuals with disabilities to apply for New York City Housing Authority. It will start on the first Wednesday of each month at 11 a.m. on 140-40 Queens Blvd. Jamaica. We invite all individuals with disabilities to participate in the housing workgroup. 718-658-2524.

The Cross Island YMCA, 238-10 Hillside Ave., Bellerose, offers Strength Training for Women on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. Fee: $50, $40. 718 479-0505.

The Cross Island YMCA, 238-10 Hillside Ave. in Bellerose, offers a Saturday Afternoon Special for adults and teens interested in kick boxing, Tai Chi and self-defense. The clinic, with Mel Oliver, a Black Belt and certified martial arts instructor is on Saturdays from 2:30 to 3:30 pm. Space is limited. 718-479-0505.

Kew Gardens Community Center, 80-02 Kew Gardens Rd., Kew Gardens, Suite 202 offers Stay-Well Exercise on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. 718-268-5960.

Fairs

St. Albans Congregational Church, UCC, 172- 17 Linden Blvd., St. Alban's presents A College Fair on Sat. March 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Robert Ross Johnson Family Center at the church. 718-657-8282.

Forums

A Writers Forum will be held on the fourth Saturday of the month at 1 p.m. at Palladium, Astoria. Writers are invited to bring one work of writinf to share (5 mins or less). 718-274-9585.

Games

Fun and Games are offered at Kew Gardens Community Center, 80-02 Kew Gardens Road, Kew Gardens. Join the moviegoers on Tuesdays at 11:15 a.m. A new movie every week, some old ones, some new ones. opera aficionados meet every Tuesday at 1:15 p.m. Open Games meet every Monday and Wednesday at 1 p.m. 718-268-5960.

Health

Adult day health care services are now offered at the new Hillside Manor Comprehensive Care Center at 188-11 Hillside Ave., Jamaica. 718-264-6700.

The Cross Island YMCA offers an Integrated Weight Management course on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. 718-479-0505.

Lectures

Sisterhood of Temple Israel of Jamaica presents Coffee and Conversation with speakers Doris Asmundsson on March 13 at 12:30 p.m. Coffee and cake: $3. 718-766-4400.

The Cross Island YMCA , 23810 Hillside Ave., Bellerose and Oxford Advantage present a free lecture on Nutrition for Older Adults on Wed., March 7 at 11:45 a.m. The presentation and demonstration will be given by a certified Nutrition Educator. Materials and information will be distributed. Registration is required at the Member Registration Desk. There will be free raffles and prizes. Light refreshments will be served. 718 479-0505.

St. John's University's Committee on Latin American and Caribbean, Studies (CLACS) will host a lecture on Thurs., March 22, at 12:10 p.m. in Bent Hall, room 277A, on the Queens campus.

Castle Senior Living at Forest Hills, 108-25 Horace Harding Expressway, Forest Hills, will host a lecture of a three Synagogue Lecture Series will continue on Sunday, February I1 at 11 a.m. at the Conserative Synagogue of Jamaica Estates, 162-69 Wexford Terrace, with Rabbi Sideney Schwartz speaking on, “The Transformation ofthe Synagogue in the 21st Century.” This lectue series is sponsored by Hillcrest Jewish Center, the Conservative Sysnagogue of Jamaics Estates and the Hollis Hills Jewish Center. The public is welcome.

Estate Planning for Families of the Disabled is the focus of the discussion on Wed. , March 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Hillside public library. Attorney Joan Lensky Robert will explain issues such as trust and Medicaid that pertain to people with physical and mental disablilities. 516-488-3315.

Lessons

The Jamaica YMCA will offer free lessons in swimming, basketball, soccer and karate during the spring 2001 recess for youth. Spaces are limited, so register early! 718-739-6600.

The Administrative Committee of the Board of Trustees of the Queens Borough Public Library will meet in open session at 5:30 p.m. on Thurs., March 1, in the Formal Conference Room at the Central Library, 89-11 Merrick Boulevard, Jamaica. 718-990-0700.

AARP Chapter 1762 is looking for new members. Chapter members meet on the second Thursday of the month. The next meeting is March 8, at the Church of the Resurrection, 85 09 118 Street, Kew Gardens, at 1 p.m. Guest Entertainer; Mr. Erwin Pfeffer, the well known comedian. AARP Chapter 1762 is going to the Hunterdon Hills Playhouse in New Jersey to see ” Able's Irish Rose ' (the play) on April 4. Bus departure from the Church of the Resurrection is at 9.30 a.m. on Wed., April 4. Advance registration is required, at $55. . Newcomers are welcome. 718-969-8813.

The Millennium Mom Club meets every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. at Starbucks Coffee House, 157-41 Cross Bay Blvd, Howard Beach. All mothers invited to this Mommy and baby social hour. Come meet other mothers of babies and small children. Share your worries, fears and above all the joys of being a mother. All welcomed. Free admission. 718-641-5718.

Meetings

Bell Atlantic Telephone Pioneers of America, Whitman Life Member Club will meet on Tuesday Mar 6 at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 89-60 St., Jamaica. 718-386-1775.

The Board of Trustees of the Queens Borough Public Library will meet on Thurs., March 15, 2001. Central Library, 89-11 Merrick Boulevard, Jamaica. General session will begin at 5:45 p.m. in the Formal Conference Room. Proceedings are open to the public. 718-990-0705.

Long Island Stamp Club will mee on Feb. 25 from 5:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. at the Forest Hills Branch Public Library, 108-19 71 Ave., Forest Hills. Take up a new hobby and make new friends. 718-268-7934.

Friends of Kew Gardens Hills Branch will hold a general meeting on Feb. 26 at 1:30 p.m. at the Kew Gardens Hills Branch Public Library, 72-33 Vleigh Place. Featured guest will be Attorney Lawrence V. Cullen, who will speak on Elder Law: Wills, Health, Investments. 718-261-6654.

The Sisterhood and Hadassah of the Jewish Center of Kew Gardens Hills annual joint meeting on Wed., March 7 at 1 p.m. at the Jewish Center of Kew Gardens Hills, 71-25 Main St., Kew Gardens. Presentation: The Jewish Woman has left her mark on American History. 718-263-6500.

Living Well…Tobacco Free will meet on Wed., Feb. 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The American Cancer Society, 97-77 Queens Blvd., Suie 1110, Rego Park. 718-263-2224.

Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays meets the third Sunday of every month at The Reform Temple of Forest Hills 71-11 112th St. This group is for anyone who is the parent, family member or friend of lesbians, bisexuals, gays or transgender people. 718-271-6663.

AARP Chapter #1762, 45-09 118 St., Kew Gardens, meets on the third Thursday of the month at 1 p.m. at the Church of the Resurrection, 85-09 110 St., Kew Gardens. 718-969-8813.

AARP Chapter #1762 is looking for new members. The chapter meets on the second Thursday of each month at the Church of the Resurrection, 85-09 118 St., Kew Gardens at 1 p.m. 718-969-8813.

Queens Gays and Lesbians United Inc. holds its monthly meetings at the Community United Methodist Church, Room 2, 81-10 35th Ave., in Jackson Heights and are open to all. 718-205-6605.

Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays meets the third Sunday of every month at The Reform Temple of Forest Hills 71-11 112th Street Forest Hills. 718-271-6663.

Open Houses

LaGuardia Community College, 31-10 Thomson Avenue, Long Island City. is sponsoring an open house on March 7 at 6 p.m. for its digital photography program. The program is for professional photographers, as well as students who have completed a photography program at an accredited college 718-482-5125.

Programs

The Queens Sickle Cell Advocacy Network, Inc. is holding their Black History Month program on Sun., Feb. 25, 2001, at the St. Joseph's Episcopal Church Hall, 217-55 100 Ave. (off Hempstead Ave.) in Queens Village, New York, at 3:30 p.m. 718-712-0873.

The March sessions of “Food for Thought”, a study and discussion program, offered by The Reform Temple of Forest Hills 71-11 112 St., will take place on Sat., March 3, 17 and 31 at 10:30 Rabbi Mayer Perelmuter will continue his discussion of the life and times of King David. 718-261-2900.

The Greater Astoria Historical Society will begin a new program Saturday Afternoon At The Movies. The feature presentation will be the documentary 'NewYork' by Ric Burns. This 10 hour series will show on Feb. 17. The presentation will start at 1 p.m. and end at 3 p.m. Popcorn will be served. Join us at Quinn's Gallery, 35-20 Broadway, Long Island City. 718-278-0700.

The Cross Island YMCA, 238-10 Hillside Ave., Bellerose offers Sports Bugs, a program for three to five year olds. The program focuses on familiarizing the children with a variety of sports and fitness activities like soccer, tee-ball, basketball and floor hockey. Children will develop motor skills, hand-to-eye coordination and sports skills and knowledge. Spelts Bugs is held on Saturdays at 3:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Fee: 50, $40. 718 479-0505.

The Cross Island YMCA, 238-10 Hillside Ave., Bellerose offers a new program for Older Active Adults. The 10-week program , now in progress, allows adults 55 and over to enjoy full use of the Y's facility between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday through Friday. 718-479-0505.

The Kew Gardens Community Center, 80-02 Kew Gardens Road, offers diversified programs. The center is open Mondays to Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 718-269-0285.

The Cross Island YMCA, 238-10 Hillside Ave., Bellerose offers Early Childhood programs for children to begin their educational and recreational experience. The Y's Early Childhood Center for ages 2 through 4operates on a school year session, September through June. 718 479-0505.

Raffles

Quality Services for the Autism Community, Astoria will hold their 2000 raffle to benefit children with autism throughout New York City. Tickets: $5 each or 11 for $50. 718-7-AUTISM.

Registration

Registration for an upcoming AARP “55 Alive” Defensive Driving Classes will be held at the Howard Beach Senior Center, 156-56 84th St. 718-738-8100.

Reunions

The Mary Louis Academy, Jamaica Estates, Queens, holds a reunion for class years ending in 1's and 6's. It will be held on Sat., April 7, 2001 at The Mary Louis Academy. 718- 297-2120.

Screenings

Hillside Manor Comprehensive Care Center, 188-15 Hillside Ave and Italian/American Cancer Society are the joint sponsors to Prostate Awareness Day being held at the Hillside Manor facility on Feb. 26. Hillside Manor will be offering free Prostate screenings l2 p.m. 4 p.m. Lectures will be held by Jeffery Sandhaus, leader in Urology and listed by New York magazine as “Best Doctors in New York”. Topics of discussion will be on prostate health and well being, cancer prevention and treatment. Free Screening will also be available after business hours from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. 718-264-6700.

Seminars

Elderplan, the social HMO for senior citizens will present a free seminar in Queens on heart disease on Tues. Feb. 27, “Understanding Heart Health” will feature Lawrence Weinstein, MD, board certified on both cardiology and internal medicine. The seminar will be held at the Flagship Diner, 138-30 Queens Blvd., Briarwood and will begin at 4 p.m. 718-921-7898.

Neighborhood Housing Services of Richmond Hill, 115-02 Jamaica Avenue, Richmond Hill office will hold a Free “Tips Every First Time Home Buyer Should Know” seminar. The seminar will walk you through every aspect of the home buying process from pre-qualification to what happens after closing. The free seminar will be held on Wed., Feb. 7 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the NHS Richmond Hill. 718-441-3063.

The Queens Chamber of Commerce, the Long Island City Business Development Corporation and the Queens County Overall Economic Development Corporation will host an Export Seminar at the Crowne Plaza LaGuardia Hotel, 104-04 Ditmars Blvd. in East Elmhurst from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Cost: $7.50. 718-898-8500.

The Cross Island YMCA is seeking individuals to participate in its new Health & Wellness Internship Program. Opportunities are available working with children ages 8-17 years, older adults and people new to the exercise programs. 718-479-0505.

Having money problems? Need help planning a budget? Get sensible advice about ways to handle your money. A trained financial planner at the Queens Women's Center, 120-55 Queens Blvd., Kew Gardens, can help you. By appointment only: 718-793-0672.

Support Groups

The Queens Women's Center offers help for women coping with issues of separation and divorce. This support group meets by appointment only at Queensborough Hall, 120-55 Queens Blvd., Room 158, Kew Gardens on the first and third Monday of every month from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. 718-793-0672.

A Breast Cancer Support Group will meet on Wed., Feb. 23 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at The American Cancer Society, 97-77 Queens Blvd., Suie 1110, Rego Park. 718-263-2224.

A support group for caregivers of people with Alzheimer's is held Thursdays from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Peter J. Dellamonica Center for Seniors, 23-56 Broadway, Astoria. 718-626-1500.

Queens Rape Counseling Center 71-49 Loubet St., Forest Hills, offers two weekly support groups; the first meets on Monday from 5:20 p.m. to 7 p.m. for victims of both sexual abuse and domestic violence. The second meets on Wednesday evenings from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. for victims of sexual abuse. 718-263-2013.

Are you still clinging to an unavailable man who can't commit? Still obsessing about your man who got away? Attend a women's support group led by psychotherapist Rhoda Findling, author of “Don't Call that Man! A survival Guide To Letting Go.” The group will help you let go of relationships that have ended or are dysfunctional. The support group meets by appointment only at Queensborough Hall, 120-55 Queens Blvd., Room 158, Kew Gardens on Thursdays from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. 718-793-0672.

A Lyme disease patient support group has been formed in Queens to assist borough residents in coping with the tick-borne illness. A support group can be very helpful to a patient in understanding the multiple symptoms of Lyme disease. 718- 263-8490.

R.A.R.E. (Recent Active Retirees Experience) is for you if you're retired! Retirement brings changes and challenges! With the guidance of a facilitator, a self-motivated group of recent retirees will plan interesting and exciting activities and trips for their own group. The group will meet at The Central Queens YM & YWHA, 67-09 108 St., Contribution: $5. 718-268-5011, ext. 226.

SNAP of Eastern Queens, 80-45 Winchester Blvd., Queens Village, offers a Bereavement Group for Seniors who have experienced the recent loss of a spouse or child. The groups meet on Fridays at 1 p.m. 718-454-2100.

QSAC, Quality Services for the Autism Community, offers a twice-monthly support group meeting for parents and family members of individuals with autism. The meetings are free to the public and are held the second and third Thursday of every month from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the QSAC office located at 30-10 38 St., 3rd Floor, Astoria.

A free mutual support group is forming for grandparents involved in the full-time caregiving for their grandchildren. The meeting is held on the first Monday of each month from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church, 311-10 Guy Brewer Blvd., Jamaica. 718-297-2301.

The Senior Adult Department of the Central Queens YM & YWHA, 67-09 108th St., in Forest Hills, offers “Connections” (Post-Bereavement Program) on Tuesdays at 2:30 p.m. Admission: $2. 718-268-5011.

SNAP Senior Center of Eastern Queens, 80-45 Winchester Blvd., Queens Village offers a Bereavement Group for seniors who have experienced the recent loss of a loved one who will meet on Wednesdays at 1 p.m. 718-454-2100.

Support groups are available free of charge every first and third Wednesday of the month from 1:30 p.m. to 2.30 p.m. at the Hillside Hospital Geriatric Psychiatry, 267th Street and 76th Avenue, Glen Oaks. 718-470-8097.

The Renaissance Group is a nonsectarian group of men and women who have lost a dear one. Dialogue and an exchange of ideas can be helpful at Bellerose Jewish Center at 254th Street and Union Turnpike. 718-343-9001.

The Renaissance Group, a nonsectarian group of men and women who have lost a dear one. Dialogue and an exchange of ideas can be helpful, at Bellerose Jewish Center at 254 St. and Union Turnpike. 718-343-9001.

The Senior Adult Department of the Central Queens YM & YWHA, 67-09 108th St., in Forest Hills, offers R.A.R.E. (Recent Active Retirees Experience): Retirement brings changes and challenges. 718-268-5011.

Teens

Cocoa House nights are offered on the first Thursday of the month from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Forest Hills Community House Beacon Center/JHS, 68-17 Austin St., Forest Hills. 718-830-5233.

Volunteers

A shelter for victims of abuse to which Hillcrest Jewish Center has been delivering clothing and household items is currently short of space and requests only winter clothing for the time being. To donate such clothing, call 718- 657-2504.

Join the diverse and dedicated group of men and women who help enrich our Queens community – become a Queens Museum of Art volunteer. No experience is necessary. All it takes is a cheerful personality, team spirit, and one morning or afternoon a week. The museum staff provides all training and supports. If you have an interest in education, art and children, consider becoming a museum docent. 718-592-9700, ext. 131.

Also, the American Association of Retired Persons and the Retired Senior and Volunteer Program offer free tax counseling sessions on Thursdays and Fridays from the first week of February through April 13 at the Central Library, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., Jamaica. 718-990-0778.

AARP Chapter #1762, 45-09 118 St., Kew Gardens is looking for new members. 718-969-8813.

The Machson segment of the Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty will pick up furniture to distribute to needy Jewish families. You can call 212-453-9525 Monday to Thursday between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. There is sometimes a three week wait so plan ahead.

The Association for the Advancement of the Blind and Retarded is seeking salable clothing, household items, books, and furniture for its new thrift shop whose main purpose is to provide its group home members with meaningful work training and opportunities to interact with the community. The thrift shop called the Treasure Box, is located at 164-09 Hillside Ave., 718-558-0390.

The Queens Library Adult Learning Centers are looking for volunteers to tutor adults in literacy and English for speakers of other languages. No previous teaching experience is necessary. Training is starting soon. 718-657-2485.

The Auxiliary Police Programs at the Auxiliary Police Section, 120-55 Queens Blvd., Kew Gardens, Special Task Unit is currently seeking new members. Community volunteers in the Auxiliary Police Program perform such duties as Uniform patrol with a partner in residential and commercial areas; special events, detail parades, block parties, street fairs.

Opportunities for high school students to volunteer assisting and caring for elementary school age children in after-school programs are offered at the Bayside YMCA, 214-13 35 Ave., 718 229-5972.

The Forest Hills Community House, 108-25 62 Drive, Forest Hills is looking for men and women who want to work as volunteers with frail seniors in a non-institutional setting. 718-592-5757.

“Connections” is a workshop for people who find themselves alone and often lonely in their “golden years”, will meet on Tuesdays at 2:30 p.m. at The Central Queens YM & YWHA, 67-09 108 St. Discuss various strategies which may assist participants in taking control and actively working on changing their lives. Contribution is $2. 718-268-5011, ext. 226.

Workshops

The Center For Culture, The Afrikan Poetry Theatre, Inc. 176-03 Jamaica Ave., Jamaica presents “The Healthy Livtng Workshop” with Beverly Leon. A sharing of health experiences to promote a healthy lifestyle, to live stress-free lives and promote inner peace on Tues., Feb. 27 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. 718-523-3312.

On Sat., Feb. 24, Mar. 3 and 10, at 2 p.m., participate in a writing workshop conducted by Susannah Mintz from the English Department of St. John's University at the Elmhurst Branch Public Library, 86-01 Broadway, 718-271-1020.

During the upcoming personal income tax filing season, Queens Borough Public Library will present income tax counseling for low-income and older adults, sponsored by the American Association of Retired Persons and the Retired Senior and Volunteer Program. Beginning in the first week of February 2001 through April 13 on Thursdays and Fridays, the tax counseling sessions will take place at the Central Library, 89-11 Merrick Boulevard, Jamaica, in Area A on the lower level. There is no session on Thursday, March 15. Admission is free and on a first-come, first-served basis. Counselors trained by the Internal Revenue Service ( will provide assistance in completing personal income tax returns for the year 2000. Participants are requested to bring a copy of their 1999 tax return, W-2 and 1099 forms, any blank tax forms received from the IRS, all receipts for expenses and any other information concerning all sources of income. 718-990-0853.

Women's Network, 161-10 Jamaica Ave., Suite 207, Jamaica offers Employment Preparation Workshops. 718-657-6200.

Kids' Painting and Clay Workshops will be held on Mondays and Tuesdays for ages 5 and up at the Alliance of Queens Artists, 99-10 Metropolitan Ave., Forest Hills. 718-520-9842.

Queens Women's Center, 120-55 Queens Blvd., Room 158. offers a Parenting Skills Workshop to be held every second Friday of the month. Pre-registration and $5 donation requested. 718-793-0672.