Yearly Archives: 2025

Pixabay photo

By Leah S. Dunaief

Leah Dunaief,
Publisher

It wasn’t easy getting to The Big Easy last Thursday. On our way to my youngest grandson’s graduation from college, we were leaving from JFK in the afternoon, and there were delays all along the way. Even after we finally got to the departure gate and onto the plane, we were held on the tarmac for almost two hours, taxiing from runway to runway, until the pilot was given the signal to take off. 

A consolation was the relatively smooth three-hour flight. The ride to the hotel, in the dark, took about half an hour and was made pleasant by an interesting driver. Originally from the Ukraine, he filled us in on his immigration tribulations and his family’s situation back home. Although hungry when we arrived, we were more exhausted and fell right into bed.

We were well rewarded the next morning. One by one, with lots of hugging, the family connected with us at the Bearcat Cafe, one of the best breakfast restaurants I have ever had the pleasure of eating in. 

Now, New Orleans does have a fine reputation for eateries, so perhaps I shouldn’t have been surprised. The clever pairings of offerings, the way the dishes were prepared and the joyful manner of the wait staff in serving us were unparalleled. So if you find yourself in NOLA, you know where to go to start your day in fine style.

We returned to the hotel and changed for the first of the two graduation ceremonies. Did I mention the heat? Yes, we knew it would be hot in Louisiana, and it didn’t disappoint. It was both oppressively hot and humid for me. I should explain that I am generally more comfortable in the cold, so I hastened from one air conditioned location to the next, where it was often too cold for some. But those were the extremes of the city.

The ceremonies were in Caesars Superdome, which was both huge and cool. We took our seats high above and far from the stage, and watched the graduates file in like ants below, wearing their black robes and caps, as jazz music played. Each student’s name was called, and he or she in turn walked across the stage to shake the hand of the patient college official. We waited with interest to hear how our name would inevitably be mangled, a common consequence at all family graduations. Surprisingly, it was not. All the visitors did their best to utter loud, congratulatory cheers for their graduating loved ones, and we made sufficient noise to be heard by our grandson as he accepted his diploma.

The second ceremony, for the entire university, was not until the following night, and so we had time to explore the city. Several of us had been there before, so we passed up Bourbon Street, although I made sure to enjoy a beignet at the branch of Cafe du Monde on the Riverwalk. Instead, we went to The Fly along the bank of the Mississippi River, sat in a small gazebo, and watched the muddy waters rush by. 

The River was almost two miles across at that point, and several tankers and tug boats traveled stately past in either direction. It occurred to me that I had never seen the Mississippi before, and since I had just recently finished reading “James,” a highly decorated novel that is a take off on “Huckleberry Finn,” the scene was populated by Mark Twain’s characters in my imagination. Additionally, several residents were cooking crawfish nearby in a big kettle, and the smells were delightful. They offered us a taste, in that polite Southern fashion; the crustacean was too spicy for me.

Also spicing up the trip was the news of 10 escaped prisoners, five of whom have now been recaptured. One was found in a fancy hotel, clearly a man of good taste.

We did drive through the Garden District, impressed by the historic homes, and we  viewed the house in which our grandson lived near the campus. We left the city and its bananas foster reluctantly, for there was much more to see.

Cucumber Yogurt Salad

By Heidi Sutton

Grills are in full use and easy sides are a must at any Memorial Day gathering. Try this refreshing Mediterranean-inspired Cucumber Yogurt Salad or this delicious potato salad, guaranteed hits to serve with burgers, steak, sausages, grilled salmon, shrimp or chicken skewers and more at this weekend’s barbecues.

Cucumber Yogurt Salad

Recipe by Elle Penner

Cucumber Yogurt Salad

YIELD: Serves 6

INGREDIENTS:  

2 to 3 large English cucumbers

3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided

2/3 cup full-fat, plain Greek yogurt

1/2 large lemon, zested and juiced, plus more zest for garnish

2 teaspoons red wine vinegar

1 clove garlic, minced or pressed

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1/2 small red onion, sliced thin

1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped

1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped

DIRECTIONS:

Prepare the cucumbers. Slice the cucumbers into ¼-inch slices. Place them in a large colander and lightly sprinkle with about ½ teaspoon salt. Toss to coat and place the colander on a dry dish towel in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to remove the excess water.

Make the dressing. In a large serving bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, lemon zest and juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, the remaining salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir to combine and store the dressing in the fridge until your cucumbers are ready.

Assemble the salad. Transfer the salted cucumbers to a paper towel and pat dry. Remove the yogurt mixture from the fridge. Combine the cucumbers, onions, dill, and mint in the dressing bowl and toss to coat well. Sprinkle with additional dill, mint, lemon zest, and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately.

Potato Salad – SEE VIDEO HERE

Recipe courtesy of Cookin’ Savvy

Potato-Salad

YIELD: Makes 4 servings

INGREDIENTS:  

3 pounds potatoes

4 boiled eggs coarsely chopped

2 dill pickles

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon onion powder

1 package real bacon pieces 2 1/2 ounces

2 cups mayonnaise

2 tablespoons mustard

salt to taste

pepper to taste

smoked paprika for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

Coarsely chop potatoes. In Dutch oven, boil until fork tender. Drain then add coarsely chopped eggs and pickles. Add garlic powder, onion powder, bacon pieces, mayonnaise and mustard. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Mix well. Transfer to large bowl and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours. Garnish with smoked paprika before serving.

Photo by Pete Linforth/Pixabay

By Nancy Marr

Since the mid-20th century, when mass production of plastics began, they have infiltrated our lives. Their production and incineration release significant greenhouse gases, which contributes to climate change. The fact that plastics resist natural decay makes it difficult  to recycle them. Nearly all the plastic ever produced still exists in one form or another, and it is estimated that its production is expected to triple by 2060. 

Because they are inexpensive to produce and can be lightweight, the single-use plastics are useful as trash bags, utensils, and household items, and are used by the food and healthcare industries for hygiene, durability and cost effectiveness.

Plastics also pose risks to human health. Recent studies have found microplastics in almost every part of the human body, including breast milk, the placenta, testicles, hearts,  livers and kidneys. Although the full effects are still under research, the presence of plastic in our bodies raises serious concerns. Plastics also contain chemicals like bisphenol-A (BPA) and phthalates, which can leach into food and beverages. These disrupt hormones and are linked to health issues such as infertility, obesity, and cancer. Microplastics, formed when larger plastics degrade, are now found in seafood and even drinking water.  

A key issue is not how much plastic waste is produced, but how much of it is mismanaged — improperly disposed of, often ending up in nature. Many developing nations lack the infrastructure to properly collect, sort, or recycle plastic, resulting in widespread dumping into the environment. Nigeria (87.5%), India (68.6%), and Indonesia (43.8%) have some of the highest rates of mismanaged waste, while wealthier countries such as the U.S.(5.1%) and the U.K. (6%) perform better, though not ideally. 

The United States produces more than any other nation, over 42 million metric tons of plastic waste, largely impacting communities of color and low income communities. New York State produces 6.8 million tons of packaging waste each year. Most of this packaging is sent to landfills, burned in incinerators, or littered in our streets, parks and beaches. Far too much finds its way into our rivers, lakes, and the Atlantic Ocean.   

There were hopes that a United Nations global plastics treaty would be finalized by the end of 2024. However, due to resistance, especially from oil-producing companies, it did not happen. Talks are set to continue, but progress will depend on local action.

Since 2020, at least 5 states (California, Montana, Oregon, Minnesota and Maine) have enacted Extended Producer Responsibility legislation to make plastics producers responsible for curbing plastic pollution and paying municipalities for their share of managing the waste. In response, plastics producers have worked to improve their recycling efforts. 

As reported in Resource Recycling, Nicole Portley, program leader for the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, pointed out “It’s important for producers to remember that the EPR came about as a compromise between industry and anti-plastic advocates, who wanted regulations like product bans.”

In New York State, Assemblymember Deborah J. Glick and Senator Peter Harckham (S1462) have introduced The Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act. The bill requires big companies to cut their plastic packaging by 30% over the next twelve years, bans 14 highly toxic chemicals including PFAS, formaldehyde, mercury, lead, vinyl chloride, and bisphenols that are used in packaging, and requires the companies responsible for dealing with the packaging waste to pay the municipalities dealing with it. 

A question has been raised about the cost to consumers from the introduction of EPR requirements. Satyajit Bose, Columbia School of Professional Studies, estimates that there would be no more than a maximum increase of $4 per household in monthly grocery costs, while plastic manufacturers claim $40 to $60 more per month. The bills are currently in committee; they will amend the Environmental Conservation Law, passed by the New York State Legislature in 2014, which included Article 27, Plastic Bag Reduction, Reuse and Recycling.

This bill is urgently needed. Long Island is responsible for 1.6 million tons per year of which 205,000 tons go to landfills off Long Island, and 1.4 million tons are sent to waste-to-energy facilities, resulting in 400,000 tons of ash that must be landfilled. The one wise choice everyone agrees with is to reduce our waste stream. This bill does just that. 

We need to press the Assembly and Senate and Governor Hochul to sign this bill this year in June to reduce the impact of plastic waste on our communities. 

Nancy Marr is Vice-President of the League of Women Voters of Suffolk County, a nonprofit nonpartisan organization that encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government and influences public policy through education and advocacy. For more information, call 631-862-6860.

Pictured from left, Three Village Historical Society Executive Director Mari Irizarry, NYS Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay and The Long Island Museum of American Art, History & Carriages Co-Executive Director Joshua Ruff

New York State Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay, her staff members, Long Island Museum staff and board members, and fellow government representatives gathered with members of the community at The Long Island Museum in Stony Brook on Thursday, May 15, for a special “Meet Your Elected Officialsevent.

This event was coordinated by Assemblywoman Kassay’s office and the Long Island Museum, and was held in conjunction with the museum’s exhibition, Building the Ballot Box: Long Island’s Democratic History, which is part of the Agora New York Voices and Votes project. The exhibit, which explores the history of American democracy, was on display at the museum through May 18

Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright and NYS Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay.

The event provided attendees with an opportunity to engage directly with local elected officials, including Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay and Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright, while reflecting on the significant role Long Island played in the development of American democracy. Assemblywoman Kassay formally invited local legislative representatives— from the town, county, state, and federal government positions to participate or send staff to table at this event

“My staff and I are grateful for the Long Island Museum’s collaboration in coordinating such a meaningful event. It was a perfect opportunity to connect with our community and celebrate our shared history,said Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay. This exhibition not only highlights the rich democratic heritage of Long Island but also encourages active civic participation. It was truly a pleasure to engage with the community, offer them resources, and discuss how we can continue to work together for a better future.” 

It was wonderful to be able to join Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay to greet members of the public at the Long Island Museum against the backdrop of their extraordinary exhibition Building the Ballot Box: Long Island’s Democratic History,said Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright. “It was a privilege to welcome our contemporary voters in the presence of paintings by William Sidney Mount that depict citizens practicing democracy in our community more than 150 years ago.” 

“The Museum has been proud to host the Voices and Votes and Building the Ballot Box exhibitions and we so appreciate Assemblywoman Kassay and her office for planning this great forum for conversation with the community, which offered people a relaxed chance to enjoy the project in its final days,” shared Joshua Ruff, The Long Island Museum of American Art, History & Carriages Co-Executive Director 

The Building the Ballot Box exhibition is a traveling project that explores the history of voting rights and the democratic process, with stops at 12 museums throughout New York State through 2026. The exhibit highlights the critical role of voting and civic engagement in shaping American society

For more information, please call Assemblywoman Kassay’s office at 631-751-3094

 

Jimmy Rosica

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) will host a special Q&A event featuring inductee Jimmy Rosica, an original member and current bassist of The Brooklyn Bridge, on Saturday, May 24 at 1 p.m. at LIMEHOF’s museum location at 97 Main Street, Stony Brook. The event is free for LIMEHOF members and general admission ticket price for non-members.

“This is a must-see for fans of The Brooklyn Bridge and classic pop music,” said LIMEHOF Vice Chairman Tom Needham who will host the event. “Attendees of this special event will have the rare opportunity to hear firsthand insights from Jimmy Rosica about the making of this legendary album, its standout tracks, and the band’s lasting legacy.”

This exclusive discussion will take a deep dive into the stories behind every track on the band’s classic 1968 debut album, entitled “The Brooklyn Bridge”, which featured hits like “Blessed Is the Rain,” “Welcome Me Love,” and their gold-certified smash “The Worst That Could Happen.”

“I’m really excited to share stories about our first album with The Brooklyn Bridge at the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame,” Rosica said. “It’s a special part of our history that means so much to me.”

Formed in 1968 by Johnny Maestro, The Brooklyn Bridge combined the talents of The Del-Satins and Rhythm Method to create a signature sound blending doo-wop, pop, and powerful horn arrangements. With over 10 million records sold, the group left an indelible mark on American music history. The group was inducted into LIMEHOF in 2006 as Johnny Maestro and the Brooklyn Bridge. They performed at the first LIMEOF induction ceremony with LIMEHOF inductee Jimmy Webb.

Jimmy Rosica grew up in Hicksville. In addition to his career in music, he is also the founder of Very Cool Music School, an educational program using pitch pipes and continues to share his love of music with students and fans alike of all ages.

For more information, visit https://www.limusichalloffame.org

Two Grey Arches

Garden lovers in Long Island are in for a treat this Saturday, May 24, with three unique opportunities to explore three diverse private gardens through the Garden Conservancy’s Open Days program. The featured gardens are:

Tranquility

Tranquility (Mount Sinai). Hundreds of perennials, shrubs, trees, and annuals are combined with water features, lawn art, and recently relocated garden trails that allow the visitor to enter the owner’s vision of an Impressionistic garden painting. Footpaths wind through the extensive garden, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of nature and escape the general stress of modern lifestyles.

Two Grey Achers

Two Grey Achers (Setauket/East Setauket). This garden was designed by its owners to provide beauty and interest in all seasons. Adjacent to Conscience Bay on Long Island’s North Shore, the mild maritime microclimate is reflected in the broad range of taxa thriving on this intensively planted site. A remarkable collection of choice conifers and Japanese maples, amassed over three decades, creates a year-round tapestry of color, texture, and form. Come, enjoy, and find specific ideas for stunning, hardworking woody plants to add to your own garden.

Woodland Garden

Woodland Garden – Bill & Veronica Schiavo (Wading River). The property features a heavily wooded landscape with one large pond, three small ponds, and two streams. Twelve- to fifteen-foot rhododendrons and flowering shrubs encircle the house. The lawn-less, deer-resistant terrain showcases diverse plants, including a new shade and fern garden with a stone patio. A nature trail winds through the front woods alongside a 75-foot stream and waterfall. Behind the house, two ponds, one with a Japanese red maple and waterfall, are surrounded by trees and grasses. The woodland garden is a Certified Wildlife Habitat.

Open Days offers a unique opportunity for visitors to peek behind the garden gates of otherwise private gardens for one day only, and to explore a variety of garden styles and horticultural traditions.

The gardens will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for registered guests. Tickets for garden visits are $10 per person, or $5 for members of the Garden Conservancy. Children 12 and under are admitted for free when accompanied by a parent or guardian. All registrations must be processed online through the Garden Conservancy’s website. Visit gardenconservancy.org/opendays.

Fueling America’s passion for gardens, the Garden Conservancy’s Open Days™ program is the only nationwide garden visiting program. In 2025, Open Days marks its 30th year. Over three decades, Open Days has welcomed more than 1.4 million visitors into thousands of inspired private landscapes—from urban rooftops to organic farms, historic estates to suburban sanctuaries—in 41 states.

On Sunday, May 18, Legislator Rebecca Sanin hosted an Earth Day Celebration at West Hills County Park, bringing together residents, local organizations, and community partners for a day of environmental education, family fun, and sustainability-focused engagement. The event featured a wide range of community sponsors, partners, and vendors, including: Silver Edge Construction, Confident Minds Psychotherapy and Coaching, County Line Hardware, Harbor Paint, Walt Whitman Birthplace State Historic Site, West Hills Neighbors, DDR Farm, Say Cheese Pizza Café, and PSEG.

In addition, the event welcomed a series of organizations that provided educational materials and interactive experiences, including: Long Island Clean Energy Hub, Toxic/Nature Studios, Art League of Long Island, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Decor by Don, PuroClean of Huntington, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County – Marine Department, and the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society (AMSEAS). Additional appreciation is extended to the Commack Library and Elwood Library for providing lawn games, and for contributing to a fun and engaging atmosphere for families throughout the day.

“It is truly an inspiration to watch our community gather in support of our home planet,” said Legislator Sanin. “Our earth is the most precious that gift we have, and it is up to all of us to advocate for, respect, and celebrate that gift.”

Now in its second year, Legislator Sanin’s Earth Day Celebration continues to bring the community together in support of local environmental efforts. The event highlighted the role of youth in shaping a sustainable future through the Earth Day Poetry Contest, where student participants expressed their environmental values through powerful creative writing. Legislator Sanin extends her congratulations to winners Abigail Kaloo and Kenji Flores of Walt Whitman High School, and Aleuris Lantigua of Brentwood High School for the creativity and care demonstrated in their poetry submissions.

The event showed a shared commitment to environmental change and the importance of making everyday Earth Day through continued advocacy, education, and sustainable choices.

 

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In response to numerous community complaints, Second Precinct Crime Section officers, in conjunction with the Town of Huntington Fire Marshal and Code Enforcement Inspectors, conducted an investigation into Day Sunshine Spa, located at 704 Walt Whitman Road, and arrested two employees on May 21.

Qiulan Fang, 43, of Flushing, was charged with alleged Unauthorized Practice of a Profession, a Class E felony, Prostitution, a misdemeanor, and Criminal Nuisance 2nd Degree, a misdemeanor.

Pan Pan Yang, 37, of Flushing, was charged with alleged Unauthorized Practice of a Profession, a Class E felony, and Prostitution, a misdemeanor.

The Town of Huntington issued multiple violations to the business. Fang and Yang were both issued Desk Appearance Tickets and are scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on a later date.

USCG vessels. File Photo
The Announcement Kicks Off 2025 National Safe Boating Week in Time for the Memorial Day Weekend

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney in partnership with Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr., the East End Marine Law Enforcement Task Force (EEMLETF), and U.S. Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound, announced the launch of Aqua Alert, an innovative pilot program designed to strengthen maritime law enforcement and emergency response across eastern Suffolk County waterways, on May 21.

“This program represents a significant advancement in our ability to enforce maritime laws and protect Suffolk County residents,” said District Attorney Tierney. “By establishing this real-time alert system, another vital tool has been created for law enforcement to respond swiftly to emergencies and potentially criminal activities on our waterways.”

“Our waterways can be even more dangerous than our roads, with unpredictable conditions, sudden weather changes, and inexperienced operators. Don’t make those risks worse by mixing in alcohol or not following the rules of the waterways,” said Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. “This holiday weekend and all summer, our Marine Patrol will be working closely with law enforcement partners to help ensure everyone can enjoy the water safely.”

“The ‘lone ranger’ days are over,” said Ed Michels, Chairman of the East End Marine Law Enforcement Task Force. “Our partnerships with all the East End law enforcement agencies, the Sheriff’s Office and the District Attorney’s Office ensures that we must work together to achieve end results which bring better results to the people in Eastern Suffolk County.”

The Aqua Alert program, modeled after Amber Alerts for missing children and Silver Alerts for seniors, will provide real-time notifications about urgent maritime emergencies. These alerts will be broadcast directly to mobile devices through participating in Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) systems, delivering critical information to the public, such as descriptions of missing persons or vessels and their last known locations.

The program represents the latest collaborative effort of the East End Marine Law Enforcement Task Force, established in 2007 to coordinate marine law enforcement operations across Suffolk County’s five eastern towns. The District Attorney’s Office plays a crucial role in the EEMLETF, working alongside 16 other agencies to enforce maritime laws and prosecute violations.Public awareness and cooperation are key to the effectiveness of the Aqua Alert program and maritime enforcement efforts. The effectiveness of Aqua Alert depends on public awareness and cooperation. The program will help the Task Force to:

  •   Gather critical witness information for potential maritime crime investigations.
  •   Quickly identify and apprehend individuals operating vessels while intoxicated.
  •   Coordinate multi-agency responses to illegal activities on the water.
  •   Enhance prosecution efforts through improved evidence collection.
Increased Enforcement for Boating Safety

  • The District Attorney’s Office also announced increased enforcement of boating laws during the upcoming summer season, with special emphasis on:
  •   Operating vessels under the influence (BWI), the leading factor in fatal boating accidents.
  •   Proper safety equipment requirements, including life jackets for all passengers.
  •   Navigation rules and speed limits in crowded waterways.
  •   Illegal discharge of waste into protected waters.

The enhanced enforcement comes as US Coast Guard statistics show that in 2024, 75% of boating fatalities resulted from drownings and a significant portion of those drown victims, approximately 85%, were not wearing life jackets.As of January 1, 2025, Brianna’s Law requires all motorboat operators in New York State regardless of age, to complete a boater safety course. Brianna’s Law, named after 11-year-old Brianna Lieneck who was killed in a 2005 boating accident in Great South Bay, has been gradually phased in since 2020, with the final phase taking effect in January requiring certification for all operators.

The EEMLETF includes: The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, United States Coast Guard, NYS Police, NYS DEC Police, Plum Island Security, East Hampton Town Police, East Hampton Village Police, Quogue Village Police, Riverhead Town Police, Sag Harbor Police, Shelter Island Town Police, Southampton Town Police, Southampton Village Police, Southold Town Police, and Westhampton Beach Police.

For Maritime emergencies or to report suspicious activity, mariners should use VHF Channel 16 or call the Sector Long Island Sound Command Center at (866) 299-8031.

Celebrate turtles at the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery on May 23 and 24.
PROGRAMS

World Turtle Day Celebration

Join the Cold Spring Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor in celebrating World Turtle Day on May 23 and May 24 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a scavenger hunt and crafts. On May 24, enjoy turtle encounters at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. along with a feeding demo at noon. Admission is $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 children ages 5 to 12. 516-692-6768

Open Farm Days

Benner’s Farm, 56 Gnarled Hollow Road, East Setauket will be open to the public this weekend, May 24 and May 25, in celebration of Memorial Day from noon to 4 p.m. Tour the farm, visit with the animals, see the new babies and enjoy the Big Swing with an open mic event on a Model T truck on Saturday and sheep sheering demonstrations on Sunday. Admission is $12 adults, $10 seniors and children. 631-689-8172

Open Play at the Explorium

The Long Island Explorium, 101 East Broadway, Port Jefferson will be open on May 24 and May 25 for Open Play from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Join them in celebrating STEM, Space, Math, and Makers with hands-on activities, crafts, and more. Admission is $8 adults, $6 children. 631-331-3277

Flag Craft for Memorial Day

Drop by the Cold Spring Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor for a Make Your Own Flag craft on May 24 or May 25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 children ages 5 to 12. 516-692-6768

Story & Craft with Nana Carol

The Next Chapter bookstore, 204 New York Ave., Huntington hosts a Story and Craft event with Nana Carol on May 26 at 10:30 a.m. Free. No registration required. Appropriate for ages 0-4. 631-482-5008

THEATER

‘The SpongeBob Musical’

John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents The SpongeBob Musical Youth Edition by the Engeman Players on May 27 and June 2 at 7 p.m.  Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? Why, it’s SpongeBob SquarePants! When the citizens of Bikini Bottom discover that a volcano will soon erupt and destroy their humble home, SpongeBob and his friends must come together to save the fate of their undersea world. Tickets are $25. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

‘Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs’

Join Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson for a hysterical musical retelling of the wonderful story Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs from May 31 to June 21 with a sensory friendly performance on June 1 at 11 a.m. Come on down for this daffy tale with a Queen, a Witch, a Princess with skin as white as snow, and seven crazy dwarfs that are guaranteed to keep you laughing from start to finish. Tickets are $12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

FILM

‘The Muppets Take Manhattan’

As part of its Cinema for Kids series, the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington presents The Muppets Take Manhattan on May 25 at noon. When Kermit the Frog and friends start a stage act, they decide to take the show from their college town to Broadway. However, once the Muppets wind up in New York City, they have difficulty finding financial support for the production, instead running into cheats like Murray Plotsky. Unable to stage the show, the group splits up, and they all take different jobs around the country. Just as Kermit thinks he has finally found a backer, an accident gives him amnesia. Tickets are $13 adults, $5 kids. www.cinemaartscentre.org.

OPEN CAST CALL

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport will hold open auditions for ages 12 to 18 on May 29 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. to join the Engeman Select Players for two performances of Grease School Edition. Call backs will be on June 19 and 20 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and classes begin on July 1. Performances will be held on Aug. 4 and Aug. 5 at 8 p.m. Call 631-261-2900 to register.

Send your calendar events to [email protected]