Arts & Entertainment

From left, Harlan Fischer, Kristen Domiano, Stephanie Gress, and Michael Brescia. Photo courtesy of Branch Financial Services, Inc.

Branch Financial Services, Inc. of Setauket is celebrating 50 years of serving clients this month. 

President Harlan J. Fischer founded Branch Financial Services, Inc., a registered investment advisor, on Oct. 1, 1974. According to a press release from the financial business, Fischer “is as committed to its success today as he was in those early days of business.”

“As its founder and principal, the mission he set forth for Branch Financial Services, Inc. 50 years ago was simple—to help clients achieve their personal and financial goals,” read the release. “Beyond this mission, Harlan and his staff are committed to providing a level of service that is rare to find today. They are so serious about this that they trademarked ‘You Can’t Hug an 800 Number’ ™ as their motto.”

Fischer said he takes tremendous pride in Branch Financial Services, Inc., its fiduciary status and independence, which he said carries through to every aspect of the business. The office, located at 21 Bennetts Road, is known for looking more like an art gallery full of contemporary sculptures and paintings.

Before moving the office to Setauket in 2020, Branch Financial Services, Inc. was located in Hauppauge for 21 years and Smithtown for 25 years. The financial business has been a member of the Smithtown Chamber of Commerce since 1995 and the Three Village Chamber of Commerce since 2020.

Several clients have been with Fischer for most of his 50-year career, and their children and extended families have become clients in many cases as well.

Mia and Jerry Vogt, of Massapequa, have traveled to Suffolk County for more than 15 years to consult with Fischer.

“Harlan’s approach to financial planning seamlessly blends traditional values with the demands of a fast-paced modern world,” Mia Vogt said. “His commitment to time-honored principles—such as integrity, long-term vision and personal responsibility—provides a solid foundation for navigating today’s complex financial landscape.”

According to the press release, the “team understands the importance of a personal touch in investment. In an era dominated by impersonal, automated services, the firm’s dedication to understanding each client’s unique needs offers a deeply personalized experience. For Harlan and his colleagues, it’s not just about guiding clients through financial decisions, but also about fostering a trusting relationship.”

Fischer’s colleagues currently include Michael Brescia, Kristen Domiano and Stephanie Gress, who have worked beside him and have known him for many years. According to the press release, “He makes it clear to them that he values and appreciates them every day.”

Brescia provides financial and legal services to his Branch Financial Services, Inc. clients, while Gress is a service associate, and Domiano supervises the office administration, compliance and back office for the firm.

While 50 years may sound like a long time to some, Fischer said, “I feel like I’m just getting warmed up.”

Over the years Fischer has served on many boards for professional and arts organizations. He and his wife Olivia have funded several historic restoration projects in the Three Village area, and they sponsor events and public programming. Currently, Fischer serves as Chairman of the Village of Head of the Harbor Planning Board. 

In 2024 alone, he was named a Best in State Wealth Advisor by Forbes and received the Corporate Citzenship Award by the Long Island Business News.

As he reflects on his years in business, the financial advisor is deeply grateful to Bill Weidner, his mentor from early in his career, and the clients of Branch Financial Services, Inc.

“My career journey has been enriched by the wonderful people I have worked with and for through the decades,” Fischer said. “I eagerly look forward to working with everyone for years to come.”

METRO photo
Emphasis put on screening, diet and exercise

By David Dunaief, M.D.

Dr. David Dunaief

Currently, approximately 30 percent of new cancer diagnoses in women are breast cancer (1). While age is a risk factor for breast cancer, 16 percent of 2024 diagnoses will be in women under age 50.

This October, for Breast Cancer Awareness month, let’s review the latest research on screening, treatments, and prevention strategies.

What are current screening recommendations?

In April 2024, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force expanded their screening recommendations for women of average breast cancer risk. They lowered the recommended start point for mammograms to age 40, continuing every other year through age 74 (2).

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists is reviewing their recommendations in light of this USPSTF shift. They currently encourage a process of shared decision-making between patient and physician to determine age and frequency of exams, including whether to begin exams before age 50 or to continue after age 75 (3). Generally, it recommends beginning annual or biennial mammograms starting no later than 50 and continuing until age 75. 

The American Cancer Society’s physician guidelines are to offer a mammogram beginning at age 40 and recommend annual exams from 45 to 54. At age 55 until life expectancy is less than 10 years, they recommend biennial exams (4).

You should consult with your physician to identify your risk profile and plan your regular screening schedule.

Does diet matter?

A small, eight-week randomized control trial of 32 women who had metastatic breast cancer and who were on stable treatment found that the 21 study subjects who ate a whole food, plant-based diet free from added oils and fats lost more weight and reported feeling healthier than the 11 who maintained their current, traditional American diet as part of the control group (5). In addition to losing weight and reporting better emotional well-being and quality of life, they reported less diarrhea and fatigue and experiencing less shortness of breath during activities.

Medical measures of improved health, in addition to weight loss, included reduced insulin resistance and better cholesterol measures. While cancer progression markers did not move significantly in eight weeks, they did show improvement.

The study authors recommend larger and longer follow-up studies to assess the longer-term impact of diet.

What’s the role of exercise?

We know exercise is important in diseases and breast cancer is no exception. An observational trial found that exercise reduced breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women significantly (6). These women exercised moderately; they walked four hours a week over a four-year period. If they exercised previously, five to nine years ago, but not recently, no benefit was seen. The researchers stressed that it is never too late to begin exercise.

Only about one-third of women get the recommended level of exercise every week: 30 minutes for five days a week. Once diagnosed with breast cancer, women tend to exercise less, not more. 

A recently published French study assessed cancer recurrence of over 10,000 women with an average age of 56 who were diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer between 2012 and 2018 (7). The researchers found that pre-menopausal women who completed 90 minutes to five hours of moderate exercise per week before starting treatment for hormone receptor-negative breast cancer had a lower risk of metastatic recurrence than women who didn’t exercise.

We need to expend as much energy and resources emphasizing exercise for prevention as we do screenings.

What about soy?

Soy may actually be beneficial in reducing breast cancer risk. In a meta-analysis, those who consumed more soy saw a significant reduction in breast cancer compared to those who consumed less (8). There was a dose-response curve among three groups: high intake of >20 mg per day, moderate intake of 10 mg and low intake of <5 mg.

Those in the highest group had a 29 percent reduced risk, and those in the moderate group had a 12 percent reduced risk when compared to those who consumed the least. In addition, higher soy intake has been associated with reduced recurrence and increased survival for those previously diagnosed with breast cancer (9). The benefit from soy is thought to come from isoflavones, plant-rich nutrients.

A more recent meta-analysis of six observational studies expanded on these outcomes (10). It concluded that post-menopausal women and women diagnosed with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer lowered their breast cancer recurrence risk the most by eating 60 mg of soy isoflavones per day, or two-to-three servings. A serving consists of either one cup of soy milk, three ounces of tofu, or one-half cup of cooked soybeans.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a good time to reflect on the importance of mammography and breast self-exams. However, we need to give significantly more attention to prevention of breast cancer and its recurrence. Through potentially more soy intake, as well as a plant-based diet and modest exercise, we may be able to accelerate the trend toward a lower breast cancer incidence or recurrence.

References:

(1)breastcancer.org (2) uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org. (3) acog.org. (4) cancer.org. (5) Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2024 Jun;205(2):257-266. (6) Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2014 Sep;23(9):1893-902. (7) J Clinical Oncology. 2024;42(25). (8) Br J Cancer. 2008; 98:9-14. (9) JAMA. 2009 Dec 9; 302(22): 2437–2443. (10) JNCI Cancer Spectrum, Volume 8, Issue 1, February 2024, pkad104.

Dr. David Dunaief is a speaker, author and local lifestyle medicine physician focusing on the integration of medicine, nutrition, fitness and stress management. For further information, visit www.medicalcompassmd.com or consult your personal physician.

Huntington Marching Band

As part of the New York State Field Band Conference, the Huntington Blue Devil Marching Band (HBDMB) and Huntington Union Free School District will present it’s Bi-Annual Home Show Competition at the Blue Devil Stadium at Huntington High School, Sunday, October 20 with show start time of 1 p.m.

Competing and performing will be a total of eight Marching Bands from (listed in order of performance) COPIAGUE, WALT WHITMAN, DIVISION AVE, SACHEM, HUNTINGTON, ROSLYN, MALVERNE, BRENTWOOD.

Members of the Long Island community, as well as friends of the HBDMB are invited, and tickets can be purchased at the door for $12. Students can purchase tickets for $5 with a valid student ID, and children under 10 enter for free. All proceeds from the event will go to Band Parents Association of Huntington, a not-for-profit organization and will benefit the Huntington Band program. The bi-annual HBDMB home show is a competition level show for New York State Field Band Conference and scores will count against the band’s standings in the Conference. Awards will be presented after the final performance.

The renowned Huntington Blue Devil Marching Band from Huntington High School is recognized in the state for holding several championship titles including their most recent award of the 4th place Large School 2 division finish at the New York State Field Band Conference Championships at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse in October 2023. The HBDMB is an integral part of the Huntington community and participates in various local parades throughout the year.

Huntington Union Free School District has been in existence since 1657. The District serves approximately 4,600 students attending the district’s eight schools. Huntington’s music program is well represented in the county and state music festivals each year. The high school takes great pride in having one of largest symphonic orchestras in the state and being represented nationally by the renowned HBDMB.

“It has been a truly amazing season for the 2024 HBDMB so far! The amount and dedication and passion these students have given to this program and this year’s production is incredibly inspiring. I would like to give a special thank you to our wonderful BPAH for all their support and love to the program and for assisting in operating a wonderful home show, as well as our District, Administration, Staff and Community members for all their support. Please join us for our Home Show on October 20th, 2024!” said Marching Band Coordinator Andre Rizzuto.

Co-President of the Band Parents Association of Huntington Ivy Soric said, “The home show has long been a crucial part of maintaining the Huntington Marching Band over the years. All proceeds from this year’s competition will go directly towards helping our kids, giving them the tools and support they need to continue participating in the activity they all love. My own children have been a part of this program for 10 years now, and each of them have been infinitely impacted by the Huntington Blue Devils Marching Band. We want to make every effort to continue to inspire all students for years to come.”

“The Huntington Blue Devil Marching Band is proud to present our show entitled Dia de los Muertos. This show symbolizes themes of remembrance, reunion, celebration and honoring our loved ones of the past. The students, staff and volunteers have dedicated countless hours to this event which will be sure to impress our audience,” adde Co-President of the Band Parents Association of Huntington Jen Simon. “Please join us at this fundraiser in which all proceeds support the Blue Devil Marching Band program. ”

For more information about the Huntington Blue Devil Marching Band from Huntington UFSD see: https://www.hufsd.edu/arts/marching.html

 

By Daniel Kerr

The sun shined brightly on the 200+ folks (not including the marching dogs) that gathered in front of Stanford White-designed All Souls Church in Stony Brook for the 16th Annual SOLES for All Souls 5K Race/2K Walk on Sunday, Oct. 6.

The large crowd included runners dressed as the Mario Brothers, Mr. & Mrs. Potato Head, “One and ½” bulldogs, butterflies, silver ballerinas, and three generations of skeletons.  Retired Suffolk County Police Sargeant Mark McNulty played the bagpipes to inspire the runners as they began their trek up Hollow Road, and the North Shore Rockers played throughout Registration at the Reboli Center.  Former Suffolk County Poet Laureate Richard Bronson led the annual march of the Live Poets Society, as Barbara Branca read the poems of Barbara Southard.

Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright and Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich joined All Souls’ own Brave Trio to sing the National Anthem, and our elected representatives thanked the runners and walkers for participating in this very special annual event to celebrate the role of All Souls in the community and to raise funds to make the church and accessible to all.  The large amount of food collected as part of the All Souls “Lend a Hand, bring a Can” food outreach, was transported to St Gerard Majella’s food pantry in Terryville.

For the second consecutive year, Felipe Garcia from Brooklyn was the overall race winner with a time of 17:14 and Margaret Kennedy from Port Jefferson Station was the overall female winner with a time of 21:07. Race co-founder Mary Ellen Doris awarded gold, silver, and bronze medals at the Olympic-style ceremony to various age groups from 13 and under to 80 years and older. Six-year-old Hope Orcel from Stony Brook won the bronze for the female 13 and under group and eighty-five-year-old Rolf Sternglanz from Davie, Florida won the silver for the over 80 group of runners. 

All of the volunteers and sponsors thank the community of runners, walkers, residents and students for their outpouring of love and support.

Time to vote! Above are just a few of the 43 unique and creative scarecrows of all shapes, sizes and characters that line the walkways througout the Stony Brook Village Center for the Ward Melville Heritage Organization’s 34th Annual Scarecrow Competition. 

You have until Friday, October 25 to vote for your favorite in three categories: Professional, Adults/Family, and Children. Winning scarecrows will win cash prizes based on the number of votes they receive from the public. Ballots can be found in all the shops and restaurants. Once completed, ballots can be returned to any shop to be counted in for voting. Winners will be announced at the Ward Melville Heritage Organization’s 34th Annual Halloween Festival on Oct. 31.

This year’s event is generously sponsored by Suffolk Center for Speech and Myofunctional Therapy, Green Towers Group, Apple Bank, Dr. Rocco Morelli, and Dr. Robert Quilty.

 For more information, call 631-751-2244.

Stock photo

By Michael Christodoulou

Michael Christodoulou

You can find several ways to make charitable gifts — but if you’re looking for a method that can provide multiple tax benefits, along with an efficient platform for giving year after year, you might want to consider a donor-advised fund.

Once you open a donor-advised fund (DAF), you can contribute many types of assets, including cash, publicly traded stocks, bonds, CDs or non-cash items such as closely held business interests, art or collectibles. You can then decide how to invest the money, possibly following a strategy suggested by the DAF sponsor organization you’ve selected. The next step involves choosing which charities to support, how often to provide support (such as once a year) and how much to give each time. You’re essentially free to direct the money to any charities you like, provided they’re IRS-approved charitable organizations.

Now, let’s look at the possible tax advantages offered by a DAF:

IMMEDIATE TAX DEDUCTION

A few years ago, changes in tax laws resulted in a vastly increased standard deduction, which, in turn, led to far fewer people itemizing on their tax returns and having less incentive, at least from a tax standpoint, to contribute to charities. But if you don’t typically give enough each year to itemize deductions, you could combine several years’ worth of giving into one contribution to a DAF and take a larger deduction in that tax year. And you can claim that deduction, even though the DAF may distribute funds to charities over several years.

TAX-FREE GROWTH OF EARNINGS

Once you contribute an asset to a DAF, any earnings growth is not taxable to you, the DAF or the charitable groups that receive grants from the DAF. 

AVOIDANCE OF CAPITAL GAINS TAXES

When you donate appreciated stocks or other investments — or for that matter, virtually any appreciated asset — to a DAF, you can avoid paying the capital gains taxes that would otherwise be due if you were to simply sell the asset and then donate the proceeds to charitable organizations. Plus, by receiving the appreciated asset, rather than the proceeds from a sale, the charitable groups can gain more from your contribution. And you can also take a tax deduction for your donation. 

While these potential tax benefits can certainly make a DAF an attractive method of charitable giving, you should be aware of some potential tradeoffs. Once you contribute assets to a DAF, that gift is irrevocable, and you can’t access the money for any reason other than charitable giving. Also, your investment options are limited to what’s available in the DAF program you’ve chosen. And DAFs can incur administrative costs in addition to the fees charged on the underlying investments.  

You may want to consult with your financial professional about other potential benefits and tradeoffs of DAFs and whether a DAF can help you with your charitable giving goals. Also, different DAF sponsors offer different features, so you will want to do some comparisons. And because DAFs can have such significant implications for your tax situation, you should consult with your tax professional before taking action.

If a DAF is appropriate for your situation, though, consider it carefully — it might be a good way to support your charitable giving efforts for years to come. 

Michael Christodoulou, ChFC®, AAMS®, CRPC®, CRPS® is a Financial Advisor for Edward Jones in Stony Brook, Member SIPC.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

Ellen Mason, a volunteer at the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum in Centerport, has reported that Max,  the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum cat who greeted visitors at the gatehouse for years, has passed away. Below is a poem she wrote in his honor. 

Our Max, the Vanderbilt Cat

A sad day has fallen,

Enshrouded in gray.

Cherished and honored,

Our Max passed away.

Max was our mascot,

Our Vanderbilt cat.

He lived on the grounds,

But was much more than that.

He greeted our patrons

From his perch near the gate,

By the Vanderbilt gatehouse,

Entrance to this estate.

His special companion,

A guard here named Ed,

Brushed Max and loved him,

Making sure he was fed.

He bought Max a house

For those cold wintry days,

Where he snuggled inside,

Staring with his cat gaze.

Max lived life to the max,

Living up to his name.

For the guards at the gatehouse,

It just won’t be the same.

— By Ellen Mason, Stony Brook

Pumpkin Macaroni and Cheese

By Heidi Sutton

As the weather gets cooler, it’s a great opportunity to add pumpkin to your favorite comfort dishes. Not only is pumpkin delicious, it is also rich in beta-carotene, fiber and potassium. 

Hearty and made with comfort in mind, this mac and cheese contains whole wheat pasta shells, cheddar and reduced-fat cream cheese for a wholesome take on a dinnertime classic. Great for snacking or sharing at your fall festivities, pair this pumpkin spice Greek yogurt dip with apples, graham crackers or whatever you wish to dip. 

Pumpkin Macaroni and Cheese

Recipe by Rachel Gurk of Rachel Cooks

Pumpkin Macaroni and Cheese

YIELD: Makes 4 to 6 servings

INGREDIENTS: 

2 cups milk, whole

1 (15-ounce) can plain pumpkin puree

12 ounces beer, IPA recommended

1 cup chicken stock or chicken broth

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/8 teaspoon cayenne powder

1 pound whole wheat pasta shells

8 ounces cheese, grated sharp Cheddar

4 ounces cream cheese, reduced-fat

DIRECTIONS:

In a large pot over medium-high heat, bring milk, pumpkin, beer, chicken stock, pepper, nutmeg, and cayenne to a good simmer (do not boil).

Reduce heat to medium and add pasta. Cook, stirring frequently, for 12 to 14 minutes or until al dente. Make sure to stir frequently so pasta cooks evenly and does not burn.

Reduce heat to low and add Cheddar cheese and cream cheese. Serve immediately.

Pumpkin Spice Greek Yogurt Dip

Recipe by Liz Della Croce of The Lemon Bowl

Pumpkin Spice Greek Yogurt Dip

YIELD: Makes 4 servings

INGREDIENTS: 

2 cups yogurt, nonfat or whole vanilla Greek

1 cup pure pumpkin

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Apple slices and graham crackers, optional for dipping

DIRECTIONS:

Place all ingredients in a food processor or blender and pulse until smooth. Pour into a bowl and serve with sliced fruit, graham crackers or anything else you desire, to dip.

By Julianne Mosher

Not all fairy tales have a happy ending despite what “the mouse” wants you to think.

Don Zolidis’ The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon is Suffolk County Community College’s latest production at Theatre 119 located on the Ammerman Campus in Selden. The show recreates all 209 fairy tales written by the Brothers Grimm including Rapunzel, Rumpelstiltskin, Hansel and Gretel, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella and more. But don’t expect the fairy Godmother to make an appearance or for the characters to break into song — this isn’t a Disney show.

When the red curtain opens, we’re introduced to two narrators, River Monastero and Krystian Karwowski. Dressed in the most whimsical costumes (from designer Andrew Wittkamper), the two attempt to tell the fables and tales combined into one giant story in a fast-paced and super clever extravaganza. Both have a way of sharing the tales with a great presence on stage.

Directed by Bryan Kimmelman, the show has no intermission, which means the audience gets a full hour-and-a-half of a hysterically fun (and sometimes improved) show that is different than anything else you’ve ever seen before.

Set in various fairy tale locations, the story begins with a dirt-poor girl who makes three deals with the devil, a witch, and Rumpelstiltskin. The girl meets a prince, falls in love, finds riches and has a baby (who ends up being an angsty teenage Rapunzel dressed in her leather jacket and cell phone in hand). We learn that Rapunzel’s grandmother was actually Gretel (of Hansel and Gretel) and from there on several fables and fairy tales intertwine into one large hodgepodge of silly, chaos, magic and randomness. 

The show features modern and exaggerated humor, and the actors add modern interpretations to the stories — for example a sassy fashion show where the stage turns into a catwalk to prove who really is the fairest of them all. 

The talented students of SCCC play multiple parts — a feat that proves difficult considering the show is so quickly paced. Karwowski shines playing the narrator (along with the devil and as dwarf number 2), while other actors including Nicholas Maggipinto  (the actor, Hansel, Johannes), John Woolard (dirt merchant prince, prince number 2), Isabella Romero (Snow White, the enchantress), Kite Harrison (witch number 2, Rumpelstiltskin), Christina Keller (Plinkie Plie, Rapunzel), Aiden Gomez (the king, dwarf number 1, heckling audience member), Mia Lombardi (the girl, Gretel, Cinderella) and Mollie Sebor (the witch, the talking raven and the queen) show off their talent by switching characters not only by act, but within the same scene. 

You might want to brush up on your Grimm’s fairy tales, though, because they also delve into some of the more obscure stories like Lean Lisa and The Devil’s Grandmother. The narrators often break the fourth wall, so be prepared to get involved as you are expected to help prevent Hansel and Gretel from going into the witch’s house by yelling, “don’t go in there!” anytime they make a poor decision (as one does in any good horror movie).

You’ll laugh your gold slippers off (no, not glass slippers … again, this isn’t Disney), so be sure to check this show out. 

The Theatres at Suffolk County Community College present The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon in Theatre 119, Islip Arts Building, SCCC Ammerman, 533 College Road, Selden on Oct. 10 at 7:30 p.m. and on Oct. 13 at 2 p.m. General admission is $15, veterans and students 16 years of age or younger $10. SCCC students with current ID are offered one free ticket. To order, please call the box office at 631-451-4163.

A TANGLED FAIRYTALE Catch a performance of 'Rapunzel' at the Engeman Theater in Northport this weekend. Photo from The John W. Engeman Theater
PROGRAMS

First Steps in Nature

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown continues its First Steps in Nature series for ages 2 to 4 on Oct. 11 at 9:30 a.m. with hands-on exciting activities, crafts, stories and much more. Children will gain a greater appreciation of nature and wildlife while having fun. $20 per child. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org. 631-979-6344

Fairy Garden Workshop

Benner’s Farm, 56 Gnarled Hollow Road, East Setauket presents a Fairy Garden Workshop for ages 4 to 10 on Oct. 12 from 10 a.m. to noon. Children will build their own fairy garden using natural materials found on the farm. $40 per child. To register, call 631-689-8172.

Art in the Barn

Walt Whitman Birthplace, Huntington Station continues its Art in Barn series on Oct 12 at 11:30 a.m. Learn about Picasso’s Rooster and make a cubist collage of your favorite animal. For children in Pre K through 3rd grade with parent/guardian. $25 child and guardian, $20 second child. Register at www.waltwhitman.org.

Second Saturdays in the Studio

Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook continues its Second Saturdays in the Studio and Gallery on Oct. 12 from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Families are invited to join educators in the studio and participate in a hands-on activity or art project inspired by exhibitions on view. No registration is required. All supplies provided. Children under 16 must have an adult with them. The event is free with admission. 631-751-0066

Teddy Bear Clinic

Long Island Explorium, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson hosts a Teddy Bear Clinic on Oct. 13 from noon to 4 p.m. Bring in your favorite teddy bear for a check-up and learn about health and wellness in a fun and interactive way. Stony Brook University Nursing Department will be on hand to 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. This event is free with admission to the museum. 631-331-3277

Fall Kids Art Activity

Celebrate fall at the Heckscher Museum of Art, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington during the Long Island Fall Festival on Oct. 13 from noon to  5 p.m. Kids of all ages are invited to join the staff on the terrace to create a fun fall-themed art activity. Free. 631-380-3230

Science, Fun, and Spooky STEM!

Prepare for a hair-raising adventure with a Spooky STEM Discovery Day at the Long Island Explorium, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson on Oct. 14 from 9 a.m. to noon. This Halloween-themed event adds a thrilling twist to chemistry experiments. Costumes encouraged. For children in Grades 2 to 5. $40 per child. Register at www.longislandexplorium.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 Oct. 14 at 10:30 a.m. Free. No registration required. Appropriate for ages 0-4. 631-482-5008

Treasure Hunt

Go on a treasure hunt at the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor on Oct. 14 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Explore the grounds of the hatchery with your wits and your map to figure out the riddles and find the treasure. Free with admission fee of $7 adults, $5 children ages 3 to 12.  516-692-6768

Fall Fun Day at the Library

Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket hosts a Fall Fun Day on Oct. 14. Drop by anytime between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m for fall crafts, games and activities. For families with children up to Grade 6. No registration required. Questions? Email [email protected]

Creatures of the Night

Join Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown for a “not so dark” kid friendly Creatures of the Night event on Oct. 14 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Meet nighttime animals, hear a story about some nocturnal animals, and take a short walk in the woods through a lighted pumpkin trail to see where creatures of the night make their homes. Bring a picnic blanket. Event will be moved inside if it rains. Cost is $20 per child, $10 per adult. Register at www.sweetbriarnc.org.

THEATER

‘Rapunzel’

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents Rapunzel: A Tangled Fairytale from Sept. 28 to Oct. 27. Rapunzel’s sixteenth birthday has come, meaning that she’ll be able to see the outside world for the first time, just as her “mother” promised. Scared to let her go, though, the witch reneges. Lucky for Rapunzel a young Prince happens across her tower. Before the Prince and Rapunzel have their inevitable “happily ever after,” though, they’re going to have to face the wrath of the witch and a few other hilarious obstacles. All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit engemantheater.com.

Halloween Princess Party

You’re invited to a special Halloween Princess Party at the Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 East Main St., Smithtown on Oct. 19 and 26 at 2 p.m. and Oct. 20 and 27 at 11 a.m. Learn about Halloween traditions from different kingdoms and meet new friends. Costumes encouraged at this royal trick-or-treat! Tickets are $16. To order, visit www.smithtownpac.org or call 1-800-595-4849.

‘A Kooky Spooky Halloween’

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson continues its children’s theatre season with A Kooky Spooky Halloween from Oct. 5 to 19 with a sensory sensitive performance on Oct. 6 at 11 a.m. Recently graduated spirit Abner Perkins is assigned to the Aberdeen Boarding House — known for its spectral sightings and terrific toast. Here, Abner finds himself cast into a company of its wacky residents. When his secret is revealed, he is forced to leave his haunted home and set-off on a quest with his newly found friends.  Hilarious hijinks and a message of cooperation highlight this delightful musical for the entire family. All seats are $12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

FILM

‘Hocus Pocus’

The Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Cinema for Kids series with a screening of Hocus Pocus on Oct. 13 at noon. Teenager Max Dennison accidentally frees a coven of evil witches. Now, with the help of a magical cat, sister Dani and new friend Allison, he must steal the witches’ book of spells to stop them from becoming immortal.Tickets are $5 children, $13 adults. www.cinemaartscentre.org

Disney ‘Encanto’ Sing-Along

Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook presents Encanto: The Sing-Along Film Concert on the Main Stage on Oct. 14 at 4 p.m. Experience the film while singing along with its chart-topping hits, performed by the live band, “Banda de la Casita.” Tickets range from $16 to $41. To order, call 631-632-2787 or visit www.stallercenter.com.