On Saturday, August 9, come to the dance at the Irish American Center, 297 Willis Ave., Mineola. 8:30 p.m. Music provided by The Tara Gold Band. Coffee, tea and Irish soda bread will be served. Bar open for your pleasure. $15. Call 746-9392 or 742-8080... Defensive driving courses are being conducted by the Automobile Club of NY in the Garden City office located at 229 Seventh St. The six-hour course allows participants to get the latest driving information from AAA-certified instructors, a 10 percent discount on collision and liability insurance and a reduction of up to four points from driver's license. One hour lunch break on all-day sessions. The cost is $35 for AAA members; $45 nonmembers ($25 senior discount days members 55+*; $25 young driver discount days members 16 to 24**). Class size limited. Reservations required. Call 873-2381. The following dates are offered: -Aug. 2 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. -Aug. 4 and 6** from 6:15 to 9:15 p.m. -Aug. 8* from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. -Aug. 10 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. -Aug. 14* from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. -Aug. 17 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m...If you are thinking of adopting a dog, try the Town of North Hempstead Animal Shelter first by calling 944-8220... If you are caring for a chronically ill/disabled partner come join a support group, which meets on the second Wednesday of each month at the St. Charles Rehab Center, 201 I. U. Willets Road, Albertson. Call Rose at 516 829-8740...Time is running out to find that "summer love," but Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray is making it easy (and cheap) to find some. During the final days of the "Summer of Love" Pet Adoption program, the Town of Hempstead is waiving adoption fees for dogs and cats adopted at the town's Animal Shelter. The program runs through August 15. In addition to the elimination of adoption fees, the town is also waiving fees for rabies shots and will provide free spay and neuter services for pets adopted during the program. Pet adopters will also receive a free gift generously donated by Mutts & Butts of Merrick. Those interested in viewing pets available for adoption can visit Hempstead Town's website at www.TOH.LI and use the Petfinder link. Additionally, the town happily invites pet lovers to visit the Animal Shelter at 3320 Beltagh Avenue in Wantagh. Office hours are from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Monday through Saturday. For more information, prospective pet owners can call the shelter at 516-785-5220. Vendors wanted for the St. Mary' Crafts Fair in Carle Place, Saturday,

September 6, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. For more information call (516) 334-5855...

Police Report: Mischief and Mayhem

On August 4, 9:25 am, detectives Rothermel and Madden arrested a 19-year-old GC male for the criminal possession and a 16-year-old GC male for the unlawful possession of marijuana...On the same day, a 48-year-old East Meadow woman allegedly stole a $118 pair of Sanctuary pants, a $37 pair of CK shorts, and a Kate Hill skirt at Lord and Taylor...A $40,000 2008 Harley Davidison was allegedly stolen from the front of a Milton Rd. house on July 30... On July 31, a $300 CD player was taken from a car parked at the Stewart Manor RR station...PO Sommer and PO Wehr cited two 16-year-old males for trespass at 10:30 pm the GC Country Club on July 30... On August 3, 9:50 pm, police responded to the call for youths at the GC High School and upon arrival the officers issued tickets to 6 GC youths who were in possession of alcohol in violation of the ABC law, in addition, 2 tickets were given to juveniles (under the age of 16)...

Fire Responses:

The FD disconnected the battery of a car on fire in the driveway at a Pell Terrace residence on July 30...Firemen rescued a child stuck in a large pottery jar at a Russell Road house on August 1. Dish soap was used on the child's legs successfully and the child was removed without injury...A 19-year-old Elmont man crashed his golf cart into a guard rail at the LIRR overpass at Edgemere Rd, and suffered a leg injury as consequence on August 1. The man was eventually taken by a helicopter to the hospital for treatment after the FD provided patient care...

That's all this week. G. T.