Kids

By Heidi Sutton

Easter is right around the corner! Celebrate early at one of the following pancake breakfasts with a visit from the Easter Bunny. Don’t forget your camera!

Farmingville

Farmingville Fire Department, 780 Horseblock Road, Farmingville hosts a Breakfast with the Easter Bunny and Chinese Auction on March 24 from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. $15 per person, ages 5 and under free includes pancakes, bacon and sausage, coffee, orange juice, water and one photo with the Easter Bunny.

Mount Sinai

Mt. Sinai Fire Department Company 1, 746 Mt. Sinai Coram Road, Mt. Sinai hosts its 14th annual Pancakes with the Easter Bunny on March 24 from 8 a.m. to noon. Come out and eat some pancakes, see the Easter Bunny and buy some raffles to win awesome prizes. Admission is $10 adults, $8 seniors, $5 children, children under age 4 are free. No reservations needed. Pay at the door. For more information, call 631-530-3820.

Port Jefferson Station

The Polish American Independent Ladies Auxiliary presents a Pancake Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at the Polish American Independent Club, 35 Jayne Blvd., Port Jefferson Station on March 24 with seatings at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Enjoy pancakes, sausage and fruit served with orange juice, coffee and tea with free photo booth with the Easter Bunny! Tickets are $20 adults, $10 children, under age 5 and under are free at the door. Call 516-383-3456 for more information.

St. James

St. James Volunteer Fire Department Engine #3, 533 North Country Road, St. James presents Breakfast with the Easter Bunny on March 24 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tickets are $7 adults, $3 ages 12 and under at the door. Call 631-584-5760 for more information.

Selden

Selden Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary will be hosting their annual breakfast with the Easter Bunny, at Engine #1, 44 Woodmere Place, Selden on March 24 from 8 a.m. to noon. Come on down and have some pancakes with the bunny, fun for all!  $10 per person at the door, children 3 and under free!
There will also be raffle tickets available for purchase at the breakfast to win some Easter Basket goodies! For more information please email Samanthacotty6@gmailcom

 

Mills Pond Elementary student Luciana Brown qualifies for the 2024 UCI BMX World Championship. Photo courtesy Smithtown CSD

Mills Pond Elementary School student Luciana Brown will represent Team USA on the BMX world stage at the 2024 UCI BMX World Championships this coming May.

The 7-year-old beat out dozens of other racers to qualify for the world championships, which take place in South Carolina.

Luciana’s mother, Toniann Brown, said her daughter is feeling “proud and full of love.”

Luciana’s nickname on the track is “Beast Baby.”

Photo by Greg Catalano

By Heidi Sutton

Looking for Easter Egg Hunts on the North Shore? Here is a list of events for this week so grab your baskets and camera and hippity hop over to these fun springtime celebrations. There’s even one just for adults — how cool is that!  (Next week’s egg hunts will be in the issue of March 28).

Cold Spring Harbor

Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor will hold egg hunts on March 23, 24, 28, 29 and 30 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Children up to 6 years of age can hunt for eggs during 20 minute sessions scheduled throughout the day. $12 per child, $5 helper siblings ages 7 to 12, $7 adults, $6 seniors. Registration is required at www.cshfishhatchery.org. 516-692-6768

Commack

Wicks Park, 90 Wicks Road, Commack hosts three free egg hunt with over 5,000 eggs on March 24 at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon with games, prizes, special golden eggs and a free photo of your child with the Easter Bunny. Register at www.commackegghunt.com. Questions? Call 631-486-3811

East Northport – This event has been postponed to March 30.

Seasonal ‘Scapes LI, 638 Larkfield Road, East Northport is hosting an egg hunt, petting zoo and pony rides for ages 2 to 12 on March 23 from noon to 4 p.m. with a visit from the Easter Bunny. Bring your camera. $10 per child. 631-888-3655

Farmingdale 

Head to the Village Green, 361 Main St., Farmingdale for a free Easter egg hunt on March 24 for ages 11 and under at 2 p.m.  All are welcome to meet the Easter Bunny at the gazebo and have pictures taken. 516-987-5001t

Flanders

Friends of the Big Duck present an Easter egg hunt for “duck” eggs and a visit with Mother Goose at The Big Duck Ranch, 1012 Flanders Road, Flanders on March 23 at noon. Free. (Rain date is March 24) For ages 2 to 9. Free. 631-284-3737

Melville

Take part in an Easter Egg Hunt at White Post Farms, 250 Old Country Road, Melville  on March 23, 24, 28 to 31 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit with the Easter Bunny (take your own pictures) visit the bunny holding station, see a magic show and much more. Admission is $29.95. www.whitepostfarms.com, 631-351-9373

Miller Place 

The Miller Place–Mount Sinai Historical Society will host two egg hunts with games and bunny photos on March 24 with the first hunt from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. for ages 0 to 5 and the second from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. for ages 6 to 10. Fee is $7 for egg hunt and  $5 for bunny photo. Advance registration is required  at www.mpmshistoricalsociety.org.

Rocky Point

Joseph A. Edgar Intermediate School, 525 Route 25A, Rocky Point will host its annual free Easter Egg Hunt for children ages 6 and under on March 23 at 10:30 a.m. with free Easter candy for all participants. Event will be moved inside in case of rain. Sponsored by the Rocky Point Lions Club. 631-744-1600

St. James 

St. James Chamber of Commerce presents a free Spring Egg Hunt at Deepwells Farm County Park, Route 25A and Moriches Road, St. James on Saturday, March 23 at 1 p.m. for children 1 to 10 years of age with prizes and fun galore plus pictures with the Easter Bunny. 631-584-8510

Smithtown 

Join Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown for their first adult Easter egg hunt on March 24 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.  Hunt for hidden treasures like a bottle of wine, exclusive Sweetbriar swag, chocolate or even an owl encounter. Eggs will be hidden around the field behind the house. This event is for ages 18 and up, with 16 and 17-year-olds welcome with a parent. Tickets for hunters aged 16 and up are $25 each, while spectators are $5 each (need to attend with egg hunter) at www.sweetbriarnc.org. 631-878-6344

Catch a screening of 'Turning Red' at the Cinema Arts Centre on March 24.

PROGRAMS

First Steps Into Nature 

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown presents First Steps Into Nature: Clever Creatures on March 22 at 9:30 a.m. Children ages 2 to 4 years of age will learn about the wonders of the natural world through hands-on activities, live animals, crafts, and much more. $20 per child. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.

Teddy Bear Clinic

The Long Island Explorium, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson will host a Teddy Bear Clinic with special guests from the Stony Brook University Nursing Department on March 24 from 1 to 3 p.m. Bring in your favorite teddy bear for a check-up and learn about health and wellness in a fun and interactive way. Nurses will help you check your teddy’s vital signs, give them a vaccine shot, learn to bandage boo-boos, check mental health, and promote body positivity and good nutrition. Admission is $8 adults, $6 children. 631-331-3277

Ssssensational Ssssnakes

Slither on over to Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown to see a selection of several ssssensational serpents on March 24 from 1 to 3 p.m. Participants will meet several snakes and learn about their unique adaptations through games and other participatory activities. Create a cool snake craft to take home. For families with children over the age of 5. Fee is $15 per child, $5 for adults. Register at www.sweetbriarnc.org.

Story & Craft with Nana Carol

The Next Chapter bookstore, 204 New York Ave., Huntington hosts a Story and Craft event with Nana Carol on March 25 at 10:30 a.m. No registration required. Appropriate for ages 0-4 (sometimes older siblings join as well). 631-482-5008

Mister Golden Sun 

Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park presents a Tiny Tots program, Mister Golden Sun, on March 28 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Children ages 3 to 5 with a parent or caregiver will enjoy short walks, story time, animal visitors, and crafts with age appropriate info on the dynamics of the sun and the moon and eclipses. $4 per child. Call 631-269-4333 to register.

THEATER

Disney’s ‘Descendants’

Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown presents Disney’s Descendants The Musical  from March 16 to 30. Imprisoned on the Isle of the Lost, the teenaged children of Maleficent, the Evil Queen, Jafar, and Cruella De Vil have never ventured off the island… until now. When the four are sent to attend prep school alongside the children of beloved Disney heroes, they have a difficult choice to make: should they follow in their parents’ wicked footsteps or learn to be good? Tickets are $18 per person. To order, visit www.smithtownpac.org.

‘Alice in Wonderland’

Up next for the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport is Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland from March 23 to April 28. Alice takes a tumble down an enchanted rabbit hole to an off-kilter world of mock turtles, dancing flora, punctual rabbits, and mad tea parties. Will Alice be able to find her footing in this bizarre place? ill she ever figure out how to get home? All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com. 

‘The Adventures of Peter Rabbit’

Join Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson for a perennial favorite, The Adventures of Peter Rabbit, from April 13  to 27. “Over the hill and through the garden …” That mischievous rabbit Peter just can’t stay out of the McGregors’ garden! With help of his sisters—Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cotton-Tail—and his cousin, Benjamin Bunny, Peter learns the power of sharing and caring. Tickets are $12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

FILM

‘Hop’ Aboard the Bunny Express

Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Chamber of Commerce invites the community to a screening of Hop in the Chamber Train Car, southeast corner of Route 112 and Nesconset Highway, Port Jefferson Station on March 22, 27 and 29 from 6 to 8 p.m. $20 per person includes movie, water, popcorn, and cookie with a visit from the Easter Bunny at the end. To reserve your seat, visit www.pjstchamber.com or call 631-821-1313. 

‘Turning Red’

Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Cinema for Kids! series with a screening of Turning Red on March 24 at noon. The film introduces Mei Lee, a confident, dorky 13-year-old torn who whenever she gets too excited (which is practically ALWAYS), she “poofs” into a giant red panda! Tickets are $13 adults, $5 children 12 and under. www.cinemaartscentre.org.

Partnership with Catholic Health; New Rides: ‘Moon Chaser,’ ‘Jr. Pirate Ship,’ and ‘Wave Twister’ Announced 

Adventureland in Farmingdale has announced the details of its multi-year, five-phase $10 million redevelopment plan of Long Island’s most popular amusement park, as well as a new partnership with Catholic Health. This marks one of the biggest investment projects in the park’s 62-year history since the installation of the ride called ‘Turbulence’ in 2015, which cost $5 million. The announcement was made at a press conference on March 19. 

“We saw an opportunity to improve and enhance the guest experience,” said Caitlin DiSclafani, Park Manager of Adventureland. “These investments add value to the park and to the guests’ experience. We’re excited to leave a lasting legacy in the park for generations to come.”

The most visible and immediate change is the addition of two new rides for the upcoming 2024 season, which include the ‘Jr. Pirate Ship Ride’ and ‘Moon Chaser.’ The second phase involves the addition of a first-of-its-kind custom-made ride called ‘Wave Twister,’ which is expected to open in time for the spring 2025 season. There are at least two more planned rides that are to be added over the next three phases. These will be the first new rides since the addition of the ‘FireBall’ in 2022, which was a $2 million investment.

“Our family is very excited to bring the dream of redeveloping Pirate’s Cove into reality with the groundbreaking of Legacy Corner,” said Steve Gentile, President of Adventureland. “We are thrilled to kick off this 5-year project with Moon Chaser, which I’m sure will be an amazing addition to Adventureland and fan favorite for the people of Long Island. To be able to have the best that our amusement industry has to offer right here in Farmingdale – the heart of Long Island- is something very special. It is a privilege that we do not take for granted!”

Adventureland estimates that by the end of the fifth phase, there will be a 10% growth in employment to support the new ‘Legacy Corner’ section, which is expected to be completed in 2028. 

 Catholic Health Partnership

Catholic Health is sponsoring the main entrance and the City Hall Building, which has now been renamed the Catholic Health Wellness Center. This area is home to ‘Guest Relations,’ ‘First Aid,’ and the ‘Lost and Found.’ Another addition is a blue line throughout Adventureland that will direct guests from anywhere in the park to the Catholic Health Wellness Center. 

 “Catholic Health is pleased to serve as lead sponsor for Adventureland, Long Island’s favorite amusement park,” said Dr. Patrick O’Shaughnessy, president and CEO of Catholic Health. “With deep roots in Long Island and an ongoing history of partnering with the communities it serves, we’re thrilled to do our part to ensure that the communities of Long Island will always have opportunities to make lasting memories in a family-friendly environment. Adventureland is all about bringing families and friends together, and so is Catholic Health.”

Catholic Health will also have a presence in the park during family-friendly events like the ‘Egg Scramble’ and ‘Pumpkin Park’. Catholic Health will also feature a variety of health-focused educational programs for park guests throughout the season. 

“Adventureland and Catholic Health both support the health, wellness, and safety of Long Island families, so we are very excited to announce a partnership between these two Long Island institutions,” said DiSclafani.

Legacy Corner 

A large part of the investment will be the creation of the ‘Legacy Corner,’ which will be on the front southeast side of the park about a little over an acre in size. In addition to at least four new rides, brand-new concession stands, restrooms, and other amenities will be constructed. Annually, Adventureland hires over 650 part-time employees. It’s estimated that the increase in employment to service these new areas will lead to a 10% increase in park employment by the end of the fifth phase. The full five-phase project is expected to be completed by 2028. 

Retired Rides

In the weeks leading up to its 2024 season opening, Adventureland announced the retirement of the ‘Log Flume,’ ‘Pirate Ship’ ride and ‘Spinning Cars’ to make way for new rides. 

The ‘Pirate Ship’ ride was installed in 1987, which makes it over 35 years old. Adventureland officials say it was about time to replace the aging rides. 

“With older rides—they need more maintenance and become difficult to repair over time. And, also—finding replacement parts becomes increasingly difficult as the parts are no longer being made,” said DiSclafani.

The ‘Log Flume’ was replaced for a few reasons, one of which was that it took up a significant amount of space—about 10%—of the entire park. It also had limited seasonal use from May through September. In contrast, the new rides will be utilized all season long, from March through early November. 

The ‘Spinning Cars’ were retired to make way for the ‘Jr. Pirate Ship’ ride. The ‘Antique Cars’ are expected to be retired during the third phase of the plan. 

New Rides

The ‘Jr. Pirate Ship’ ride is geared towards—but not limited to—children who are from 5-to-8 years old. (They must be about 36″ tall to ride with an adult and 47″ tall to ride alone.) This ride is located by ‘Kiddieland’ near the arcade. It is similar to the larger scale ‘Pirate Ship’ ride which was recently removed to make room for the ‘Moon Chaser.’ 

The ‘Moon Chaser’ is a 45′ tall galaxy-themed thrill ride which spins, twists, dips, and inverts riders. This ride is unique because it is currently the only one in the park that goes upside down. It is similar to the size and footprint of the ‘Pirate Ship’ ride it is replacing. This ride is geared towards children who are 11 years old or older. (Anyone who wishes to ride this must be at least 55″ tall.) This ride seats 28 people at a time. 

The Moon Chaser is considered a flat ride—which means it depends on power—and riders will experience immediate thrills as soon as the ride starts. 

The second phase will introduce the new ride— ‘Wave Twister.’ This is a first-of-its-kind ride that was custom built for Adventureland. This newly-created ride that will make its debut in the United States. The track is custom built in a boomerang shape to fit into the corner of the ‘Legacy Corner,’ which will maximize the available space in that section. It’s estimated that one or two more rides can fit in that section, which was formerly referred to as ‘Adventure Falls.’ The plan is to expand more rides within the existing footprint of the park. 

The ‘Wave Twister’ is a family ride. It was made in Switzerland by RES Rides—the same company that built the ‘FireBall’ ride. Similar to ‘Wave Twister,’ this ride has a boomerang shape to simulate the motion and feel of riding on ocean waves. It will spin and travel over a track and reach heights of up to 60 feet at its peak. Although it is a dry ride, it will feature water elements in the forms of fountains and mists. It features two gondolas in a figure-eight shape and can fit 20 riders per cycle. Riders must be 36″ tall (height of the average 4-year-old) to ride with adults, and 48″ tall (height of the average 8-year-old) to ride alone. 

The opening weekend of the 2024 season is March 23rd and 24th. The park will be open during weekends and holidays throughout the spring. For more details, visit https://adventureland.us/.

About Adventureland

Adventureland was founded in 1962 as a local place to have fun and relax as a family. Over 62 years later, the park is now a destination amusement park, home to classic rides including our iconic Ferris Wheel and Carousel and new thrills like the internationally-celebrated FireBall Coaster, and the custom designed spinning roller coaster, Turbulence. With rides, games, and attractions for children and adults of all ages, Adventureland is a favorite for the young and young at heart. 

As a major area tourist attraction, Adventureland has a positive impact on the local and state economy, through employment and patronage to other local companies. Annually, our park hires over 650 part-time employees, mostly high school students and college students. For many of our employees—this is their first job. We train them in a variety of areas (cash handling, Safety, Guest Relations) preparing them with the basic skills they will carry into their own careers. For more information visit https://adventureland.us/                  

About Catholic Health 

Catholic Health is an integrated system encompassing some of the region’s finest health and human services agencies. The health system has approximately 17,000 employees, six acute care hospitals, three nursing homes, a home health service, hospice and a network of physician practices. Under the sponsorship of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, Catholic Health serves hundreds of thousands of Long Islanders each year, providing care that extends from the beginning of life to helping people live their final years in comfort, grace and dignity.

By Anthony Dattero

As a school guidance counselor at Paul J. Gelinas Junior High School — for three decades now — and a parent whose children have thrived within our outstanding district, I feel compelled to share my concerns regarding the proposed reconfiguration orchestrated by our superintendent and voted upon by our board of education. 

There are many reasons to doubt the motivation and the lack of details starting with why this move is necessary and why this monumental move is in our students’ best interests. The challenge to the district should be to prove “the why” in comparison to our current proven educational model. Our current model has served our students well, offering significant academic and social-emotional advantages that have stood the test of time.

The notion of transitioning to a common middle school model is, frankly, mind-boggling and irresponsible. Three Village school district has distinguished itself by providing top-notch opportunities for our students across diverse areas, while also fostering nurturing environments during pivotal transitional years — sixth grade at the elementary level and ninth grade at the junior high school level.

Having actively participated in the superintendent’s public forums and committee sessions, I remain unable to find any compelling reason or explicit need to dismantle a system that has proven its effectiveness over the years. 

Why fix what isn’t broken? 

Our district has maintained its uniqueness for over 40 years, resisting the trend toward common middle school models adopted by other districts.

Despite the district’s efforts to gauge community sentiment through surveys, many — including myself — find these surveys incomplete and misleading. 

The supposed cost-saving benefits of reconfiguration have also been debunked, with recent revelations indicating potential excessive costs for retrofitting the high school to accommodate an entire grade level. 

More is not better if space is valued. Think about what happens if we were to add more people to a dance floor — creativity would likely decline and apologetic exchanges of “I’m sorry” or “Excuse me” or unpleasant looks would likely increase.

In an era where student vulnerability is heightened by social media and external influences, cramming more students into the high school environment seems counterintuitive to their well-being. It is imperative that we prioritize the best interests of our students above all else.

The district has failed to provide all stakeholders with clearly defined and transparent comparisons representing the pros, cons, trade-offs and other options that could enhance our current configuration. 

Let us stand united in advocating for the preservation of what works, ensuring that our students continue to receive the exceptional education and support they deserve. Our students deserve our best so they can realize the best version of themselves.

Photos by Dana Richter of Huntington Matters

Lemurs at the Long Island Game Farm.

Volunteer Program, Flea Market, 55th Anniversary for Long Island Game Farm and More

The Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability, Inc. [wildlifesustainability.org] is hitting the ground running in 2024 with new programs and events at Long Island Game Farm planned throughout the year.

The Good Friends Volunteer Corps launches in March, followed by spring programs including the Senior Social Club for the 62+ community and Wild Treasures Market featuring a variety of artisans, and summer programs like the popular Camp Zoo, a family fun day, and fundraising event, which will support the Game Farm as it heads into its 55th year in 2025. All events will take place at Long Island Game Farm, located at 489 Chapman Boulevard, Manorville. Additional details below and at wildlifesustainability.org.

“The Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability is geared up for a successful 2024 to support the work of Long Island Game Farm,” shares foundation executive director Tricia Snyder. “With so many new projects, we are in need of many volunteers! There are meaningful and fun tasks for all looking to get involved. Together, we will bring exciting programs to the community and all lovers of Long Island Game Farm.”

Good Friends Volunteer Corps Orientation – Saturday, March 23

Individuals with a love of nature and animals and a desire to expand their community can get involved, enjoy the outdoors, and meet new like-minded friends. The first volunteer orientation will take place at the Game Farm on Saturday, March 23 at 11 a.m.

Volunteer opportunities include maintenance, gardening, guest services, animal education, story time, and helping at special events. Volunteers must be 16 years of age or older. Advance registration is requested by calling the Game Farm at 631.878.6670 or emailing foundation executive director Tricia Snyder at [email protected].

Senior Social Club – Returns Friday, April 12

Senior citizens ages 62 and older are invited to Long Island Game Farm to visit the animals, explore the grounds, and attend presentations on rescued animals, wonders of wool, birding, nature photography, and more in the newly renovated Woodland Hall. This program will take place on the second and fourth Friday of the month from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. beginning April 12. Seniors enjoy a discounted admission of $10 on Senior Social Club days.

Wild Treasures Market – Begins Sunday, June 9

Beginning June 9, a unique monthly flea market is coming to Long Island Game Farm. The Wild Treasures Market will feature vendors selling their vintage and not-so-vintage antiques, crafts, art, home and garden items, and more. The market will take place on the second Sunday of each month through October. Early bird buyers can visit from 8 to 9 a.m. The general public is invited to visit from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. No admission after 3 p.m.

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Camp Zoo – July and August

Children ages 4 to 13 are introduced and immersed in nature through outdoor exploration, games, crafts, and other educational hands-on activities. Camp sessions including Animal Tales Through Picture Books, Zoolympics, Be a Zookeeper, and Young Explorers. Camp runs in multi-day sessions in July and August.

Family Fun Day – Thursday, August 22 (rain date August 23)

Enjoy a day of fun for the family as you wind down your summer vacation. The Game Farm will have a full array of special activities, shows, and surprises. The event will take place on Thursday, August 22 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Rain date is Friday, August 23. Ticket sales opening on the website soon.

Annual Fundraiser – September

The second annual fundraiser will enable the Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability to support the work of the Game Farm as part of its own missing, deepening the connection and understanding between humans and nature. Date and details to come at wildlifesustainability.org.

55 YEARS in 2025! The Long Island Game Farm will be celebrating 55 years of offering families a natural environment where they can learn about wildlife and animals through education and entertainment in 2025. Many people have visited the Game Farm throughout the course of its long history, and everyone has a story. The Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability is collecting these stories and photos on behalf of the Game Farm, with some selections to be included in a commemorative book. Stories can be submitted online at wildlifesustainability.org.

For more information on the foundation and these events, please visit wildlifesustainability.org.

ABOUT THE FOUNDATION FOR WILDLIFE SUSTAINABILITY

The mission of the Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability, Inc. is to connect people with wildlife and the natural environment through awareness activities and engaging experiences, and to support the work of the Long Island Game Farm. For more information, visit wildlifesustainability.org, or contact executive director Tricia Snyder at [email protected].

Photos by Greg Catalano

 

The Whaling Museum & Education Center of Cold Spring Harbor, in partnership with TBR News Media of Setauket, has announced the launch of a Sea Glass Fiction Contest. This exciting competition invites students in grades 3 to 12 from Nassau and Suffolk counties to unleash their creativity by crafting stories inspired by a piece of sea glass.

Students are asked to craft a story inspired by the above sea glass fragment.

The contest, which kicked off this month, challenges participants to imagine a unique journey for the selected sea glass fragment chosen by The Whaling Museum and to weave a captivating tale around it. The winning stories will have the chance to be read at the museum’s annual Sea Glass Festival, a prestigious event celebrating sea glass and its significance in maritime history. 

“Sea glass has a way of capturing the imagination, and we can’t wait to read the imaginative stories that come out of this unique contest,” said Nomi Dayan, Executive Director at The Whaling Museum.

Entries must be submitted electronically through the submission form on The Whaling Museum website by April 30, 2024. The contest is free to enter, and all works must be original and written solely by the author. Only residents of Nassau and Suffolk counties are eligible to participate.

“We look forward to the opportunity to celebrate and highlight the creative tales of students in the area,” said Daniel Dunaief, a journalist with TBR News Media. “Entrants can envision ways a piece of glass, shaped by water and time, provides a clue in a compelling narrative.”

Winners will be notified on or about June 1-7, 2024, and select winning entries will be eligible for publication in TBR News Media and on The Whaling Museum’s website. TBR will also highlight the winners in a weekly podcast. In addition, contest winners will receive complimentary tickets to The Whaling Museum’s Sea Glass Festival, held on July 21, 2024, where they will be recognized with a certificate.

“We are grateful to TBR News Media for partnering with us on this contest and helping to bring these young writers’ stories to a wider audience,” added Dayan.

For more information on the Sea Glass Fiction Contest, including guidelines and submission details, please visit cshwhalingmuseum.org/seaglasscontest.