Dr. Rachel Ndembera, right, presented a Certificate of Pride to New Lane Memorial Elementary School First-Grade Teacher Alyssa Hughes, left, and Dawnwood Middle School Science Teacher Shawn Pleickhardt. Photo courtesy of Middle Country Central School District
Several staff members and one student in the Middle Country Central School District were honored at the most recent Board of Education meeting for their exemplary achievements in their school and community.
Board of Education President Dawn Sharrock presented a Certificate of Pride acknowledging New Lane Memorial Elementary School fifth-grade student Reagan Attianese. Photo courtesy of MCCSD
Board of Education Trustees Deborah Mann-Rodriguez and Doreen Feldmann presented Certificates of Appreciation to District teachers Michele Bradley, Traci Bernardino, Peggy Derasmo, Lauren Filomena, Karen Stratton and Liz Scott Pothier for guiding Career and Technical Educations students as they successfully completed their Career Exploration Challenge. All teachers championed the program with pride as they helped promote it through the Middle Country Business Advisory Board.
District Director of Science and Research PK-12 Dr. Rachel Ndembera presented a Certificate of Pride to New Lane Memorial Elementary School First-Grade Teacher Alyssa Hughes, who recently received the Elementary Level Science Teacher of the Year Award from the Science Teachers Association of New York State (STANYS). She was honored for her exemplary performance as a science teacher, her outstanding leadership and her dedication to professional learning.
Dr. Ndembera also presented a Certificate of Pride to Dawnwood Middle School Science Teacher Shawn Pleickhardt, who recently received the 2025 STEM Star Teacher Award from the Long Island Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics Education Leadership Association (LISTEMELA).
District Director of ELA and Grant Funded Opportunities PK-12 Dr. Kyrie Siegel presented a Certificate of Pride to Raymond Sabini, a dedicated Jericho Elementary School fourth-grade teacher and established author known as Raymond Bean. When he isn’t teaching or writing children’s literature, Mr. Sabini dedicates his time to inspiring others and sharing his writing expertise. He has presented numerous times at the District’s Literacy and Humanities Expos and has facilitated after-school professional development sessions regarding the integration of Artificial Intelligence into the writing and publishing process. Last month, Mr. Sabini served as the keynote speaker of the Long Island Language Arts Council’s May Literacy Event.
Board of Education President Dawn Sharrock presented a Certificate of Pride to New Lane Memorial Elementary School fifth-grade student Reagan Attianese, who has qualified for the National Olympic Junior Luge team. In order to make the team, Reagan competed against 1,000 other children and completed numerous trials demonstrating her skills and dedication.
For more information regarding the Middle Country Central School District and its students’ many achievements, please visit the District’s website: https://www.mccsd.net/.
Smith Haven Mall Carnival is back from July 10 to July 20.
Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove hosts a Dreamland Amusements Carnival from July 10 to July 20. Enjoy summer fun for the whole family with exciting midway rides and games for all ages and carnival eats.
Unlimited ride wristbands (for riders 36″ & taller) are $42 on site ($40 cash price) or online before 5 pm Thurs., July 10 for $29 each, 2/$55 or 4/$99.
Ride tickets are also available on the midway. Online pre-sale special: $45/50 tickets + 1 free ride. (Rides take 2 or more tickets each.)
Visit the website for coupons for $5 off regular-price ride wristbands, $5 off a 50-ticket Super Saver Family Pack, and $2 off a $10 food purchase.
Hours are 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday; 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday; noon to 11 p.m. on Saturday; and noon to 10 p.m. on Sunday. Parking is free. .
Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult age 21+. Please check the website for event updates before attending the carnival.
For more information, call 866-666-3247, visit www.dreamlandamusements.com or click here.
Alyssa Faro is presented with the Eagle Scout Award. Photo courtesy the Smithtown Central School District
Alyssa Faro. Photo courtesy the Smithtown Central School District
Alyssa Faro with Troop 539G. Photo courtesy the Smithtown Central School District
Alyssa Faro. Photo courtesy the Smithtown Central School District
By Serena Carpino
Alyssa Faro, a junior at Smithtown High School West, recently received the Eagle Scout Award, the highest honor bestowed by Scouting America. Faro is a founding member of Troop 539G in Kings Park and the first female from the Smithtown school district to be presented with this award.
Although Faro was originally a girl scout, she became interested in joining Scouting America after observing her brother and his troop go camping, hiking and learning more about nature. She, too, wanted to take part in these activities and became an official member of the Scouts in 2019.
At this time, Faro was also still a part of Girl Scouts and even earned the bronze award while in the program. However, the rest of her troop dropped out after the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, she also left the organization and, from that one point on, was solely a member of Scouting America.
According to Faro, she preferred this and explained that “in [her] experience, Girl Scouts weren’t fundamentally organized or scout led.” Furthermore, they focused on arts and crafts rather than life skills, much to Faro’s displeasure. In contrast, with Scouting America, she was able to camp, hike, shoot and take historical trips to several cities, including Washington, D.C. and Boston.
For Faro, Scouting America provided the opportunity to learn valuable skills, which was a significant reason why she continued with the program. Her passion for the Scouts motivated her to earn numerous merit badges, with her favorite being the lifesaving badge. She noted, “I loved [this] badge because it challenged me to learn lifeguarding techniques and CPR skills that I had never done before.”
Her commitment and passion for the Scouts is ultimately why Faro was given the Eagle Scout Award. To receive this honor, scouts must demonstrate their dedication to leadership and community service, including earning over 21 merit badges and completing a service project. For her project, Faro held a soccer clinic at the Smithtown schools. She hosted a bake sale and, with the help of some of her soccer teammates, raised enough money to purchase equipment for the clinic, which she then donated to the school.
Faro has certainly accomplished a lot during her time as a Scout. However, her journey has not been without challenges. In particular, some believe that girls do not belong in Scouting America, despite the organization having been co-ed for decades.
“The main challenge I’ve faced has been ignoring the comments about girls not belonging to Scouting,” she said. “The leadership, communication and collaboration skills I have gained from Scouting are priceless and I believe that both boys and girls should have the opportunity to learn these skills. My gender doesn’t make me any less qualified to pursue desired achievements, many of them being through Scouting.”
Her mother, Vanessa Faro, also addressed these challenges. She noted that some within the Scouts still believe that it is a “father/son bonding experience.” However, she clarified that, luckily, it is only a small minority who still believe this. She emphasized that the Suffolk County Scouting America Council is committed to ending any persisting discrimination. Faro’s mother hopes that, within the next few years, girls interested in joining the Scouts will not face the same challenges that her daughter did.
As a rising high school senior, Faro has one year left in the Scouts before she ages out. Once this happens, she can opt to continue volunteering for the organization as an assistant Scout leader. She has yet to decide whether she will occupy this position due to the potential time constraints of college.
Regardless, the Scouts have no doubt been an important part of Faro’s high school career. She has left an important legacy in the Smithtown school district and is an inspiration for other girls to follow in her footsteps.
She offered the following advice to other young girls interested in joining the Scouts: “There’s always going to be people that don’t want to see you succeed, but don’t let their insecurities block your potential to accomplish amazing things. As my AP Chemistry teacher would say, life takes effort. Don’t hold back because things get hard, they are meant to challenge you.”
LIMEHOF 2025 scholarship award winners and LIMEHOF representatives at award ceremony. Photo from LIMEHOF
Students from Wading River, Port Jefferson Station, Greenlawn, Farmingville, Rocky Point, Plainview, Freeport, Huntington, Center Moriches, Great Neck and Bay Shore honored
The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) in Stony Brook recently awarded ten $1,000 scholarships to ten graduating students from across Long Island planning to major in music, music education and the performing arts. Also, for the third year in a row a Pat DeRosa Memorial Scholarship was awarded in memory of LIMEHOF inductee Pat DeRosa.
“These students have not only shown talent and passion, but they’ve made the significant decision to continue their journey by majoring in music or theater in college,” said Tom Needham, LIMEHOF Vice Chairman. “One of the things I like to tell the students is that many of the artists we’ve inducted started their musical careers when they were their age, and that’s very true, so a lot of these kids we’re giving scholarships to, could in fact one day become future hall of fame inductees themselves.”
In addition to awarding the scholarships, three of the students performed on the LIMEHOF stage. William MacIntosh and DeAndre Simmons each performed on their violins and Alyssa Wong sang “Dying ain’t so bad” from Bonnie and Clyde.
“It really impresses us to hear and learn about the commitment of these students here on Long Island,” said Paul Graf, member of LIMEHOF Education Advisory Committee. “Thousands of students are graduating this month and here we found eleven that are above and beyond. It was exciting to meet them, talk with them and learn about their lives and their commitment to music and music education.”
LIMEHOF has awarded tens of thousands of scholarships to Long Island high school students since its inception. The students submit applications that are judged by LIMHOF’s education committee, chaired by board member Tom Needham. Students from schools in Queens and Brooklyn are eligible to apply in addition to those from Nassau and Suffolk Counties.
Eden Yiya Hu (Wading River, Shoreham Wading River High School, Violin)
Elliot Jaklitsch (Port Jefferson Station, Comsewogue High School, Cello/Horn)
Justin Lowenhar (Greenlawn, Harborfields High School, Musical Theater- Tenor)
William MacIntosh (Farmingville, St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School in West Islip, Violin)
Maya McCarthy (Rocky Point, Rocky Point High School, Mezzo Voice, Violin, Piano)
Romy Park (Plainview, Plainview-Old Bethpage High School, Viola)
Ashley Retzlaff (Freeport, Freeport High School, Mezzo Soprano, Musical Theater)
DeAndre Simmons (Huntington, Huntington High School, Violin)
Mackenzie Sweeney (Center Moriches, Center Moriches High School, French Horn)
Alyssa Wong (Great Neck, Great Neck South High School, Musical Theater)
2025 Pat DeRosa Scholarship Winner:
Athanasia Kacharaba
Athanasia Kacharaba (Bay Shore, Bay Shore High School, Saxophone/voice)
About the Pat DeRosa Memorial Scholarship
Mr. Pat A. DeRosa performed for many years from Manhattan to Montauk and beyond. He taught music in Huntington and South Huntington and in 2018 the Guinness Book of World Records named him the “World’s Oldest Professional Saxophone Player”. (101 years old and still playing in 2022). Additionally, he was inducted into the Long Island Hall of Fame and the South Huntington Hall of Fame.
Born in Brooklyn and raised in South Huntington, Pat picked up a saxophone in the Bowery with his mom at the age of 12. After High School, he worked at Grumman before he was drafted into WWII where he played with the Glenn Miller Army/Air Force Band.
After the war, he played at The Latin Quarter and the Copacabana as well as other NYC clubs while attending the Manhattan School of Music where he received a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in English Horn and Oboe. He played with Tommy Tucker, Tex Benecke, Lionel Hampton amongst others while on the road stopping to make a movie in Hollywood where he was invited to have lunch with Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. When he returned home, he was introduced to John Coltrane and they played duets together for three years.
Most recently he could be seen playing with his daughter, Patricia DeRosa Padden of Montauk, on piano and his granddaughter Nicole DeRosa Padden, also of Montauk, on vocals and flute as well as sitting in with numerous bands on the East End and Western Suffolk.
Pat retired from teaching in 1978 but his students continued to contact him often. This Memorial Scholarship has been set up for a High School Senior to continue their studies in Music on the saxophone or woodwind instrument. The criteria includes a 95 or above in Music and a 90 overall average. An essay should also be provided by the student to show why they would like to continue to pursue music.
About LIMEHOF
Founded in 2004, the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the idea that Long Island’s musical and entertainment heritage is an important resource to be celebrated and preserved for future generations. The organization, which encompasses New York State’s Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, and Kings (Brooklyn) Counties, was created as a place of community that inspires and explores Long Island music and entertainment in all its forms. In 2022, LIMEHOF opened its first Hall of Fame building location in Stony Brook, New York. To date, the organization has inducted more than 130 musicians and music industry executives, and offers education programs, scholarships, and awards to Long Island students and educators.
Sweetbriar Nature Center heads to Stony Brook Village for a Pop-Up Saturday event on Aug. 16. File photo by Serena Carpino
The Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO) has announced the return of Pop-Up Saturdays in Stony Brook Village this summer. This six-part series of family-friendly events will take place every Saturday from July 12 to August 16. Filled with animals, music, art, and magic, these events promise fun for all ages and will be held rain or shine. Pop-Up Saturdays are free to the public and will be located in Stony Brook Village’s Inner Court, near Crazy Beans and the Waterfall Garden. Events are weather permitting.
2025 Pop-Up Saturdays Lineup:
JULY 12 — Magic of Amore from 1:30 p.m. to 2:15pm. Come be dazzled by a magic show from one of New York’s top- rated magicians!; Marty Macaluso Caricature Artist from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Get your caricature drawn by this talented artist.
JULY 19 — Uncle Tony’s Reptile Shack from 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. and 2:30 p.m to 3:15 p.m. Come meet snakes, lizards, tortoises, and more at this interactive show; ARF Animal Rescue from 11a.m. to 2 p.m. The ARF Animal rescue will be here with their mobile adoption van along with some furry friends!
JULY 26 — Pixie Dust Storytellers from 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. Pixie Dust Storytellers brings magical, family-friendly character experiences to events across Long Island.
AUGUST 2 — School of Rock Port Jefferson from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. At School of Rock students learn to rock out on guitar, bass, keyboard, drums, and vocals. They will be here to perform an exciting set; Hope for Cleo Animal Rescue from noon to 3:30 p.m. Hope for Cleo is a nonprofit animal rescue organization hosting a puppy adoption event. Stop by to pet some cute puppies!
AUGUST 9 — Johnny Cuomofrom 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.to 3:15 p.m. Johnny Cuomo is a musician, storyteller, naturalist, teacher and author who has been sharing folk tales with people of all ages for many years.
AUGUST 16 — Sweetbriar Nature Center from 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. Sweetbriar Nature Center provides natural science education services for Long Island residents of all ages and engaging in native wildlife rehabilitation services.
The 2025 Pop-Up Saturdays are generously sponsored by Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright and the office of Economic Development and Planning and Apple Bank. For more information, visit wmho.org.
Mather Hospital's Great Robotic Challenge 2025. Photo from Mather Hospital
Mather Hospital's Great Robotic Challenge 2025. Photo from Mather Hospital
Mather Hospital's Great Robotic Challenge 2025. Photo from Mather Hospital
Mather Hospital's Great Robotic Challenge 2025. Photo from Mather Hospital
Mather Hospital's Great Robotic Challenge 2025. Photo from Mather Hospital
Mather Hospital's Great Robotic Challenge 2025. Photo from Mather Hospital
Mather Hospital's Great Robotic Challenge 2025. Photo from Mather Hospital
Students from four local robotics teams recently got a surgeon’s view as they tested their skill at operating a next generation da Vinci®surgical robot in Mather Hospital’s Great Robotic Challenge. The event was part of the hospital’s marking its milestone 10,000th robotic surgery.
Teams from Longwood, Smithtown, Miller Place and a combined Port Jefferson-Mount Sinai team took turns sitting at the robot’s control panel as a surgeon would, viewing a high definition, 3D image of a “surgical” area. The task was to maneuver the robot’s arms to pick up rubber rings and place them on a series of cones. Longwood had the best overall score in the challenge.
Prior to the competition, Arif Ahmad, MD, Director of Mather Hospital’s Robotic Surgery Center of Excellence, gave a presentation on robotic surgery and its current and future uses, including telepresence. Telepresence with Intuitive Hub allows live sharing of a procedure, using two-way audio and video, enabling surgeons who are in another geographic location to observe and mentor colleagues during robotic-assisted surgeries in real time.
Mather Hospital is in the top 10% of hospitals on Long Island performing robotic surgery, using five da Vinci® surgical robots. The hospital, which was the first Robotic Surgery Center of Excellence in New York State and an Epicenter in Robotic Bariatric Surgery, has performed over 10,000 robotic surgeries since 2011, consistently investing in advanced technology and highly skilled surgeons.
The most common robotic surgeries at Mather are bariatric and general surgery, followed by gynecology, thoracic, and urology. Approximately 99% of our bariatric cases are performed robotically. The average length of stay for patients undergoing robotic surgery is two days.
A scene from last year’s vendor tent at the Sea Glass Festival. Photo from Whaling Museum
The Whaling Museum and Education Center in Cold Spring Harbor has announced the return of its Sea Glass Festival, which features an array of new activities and enriched experiences for the 2025 season. Set to take place on Sunday, July 20, 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., this popular family-friendly event will celebrate the history, artistry, and allure of sea glass, now with an expanded presence on historic Main Street in Cold Spring Harbor.
The event is the only one of its kind in the region and is the museum’s largest community event which welcomes 1,000 attendees. It is supported in part with funds awarded through a grant from Suffolk County Economic Development and Planning.
The day will feature all new presentations from Mary McCarthy, former Education Chair and Vice President of the North American Sea Glass Association and George WM Fisher, author of multiple books on Long Island’s bottles and medicines companies.
Winners of last year’s Sea Glass Fiction Contest. Photo from Whaling Museum
The Museum’s second annual Sea Glass Fiction Contest winners will be announced and winners will be presented with their awards by Nomi Dayan, Executive Director at The Whaling Museum and reporter Daniel Dunaief of TBR News Media. All three presentations will take place at Preservation Long Island, a 5-minute walk from themuseum.
The Sea Glass Festival will also offer an exciting array of over 20 sea glass vendors, sea glass crafts provided by OneRiver Woodbury and a fascinating look at glass blowing by Ro’s Glass Works.
The Cold Spring Harbor Firehouse Museum will offer free entry to Sea Glass participants and Sweetie Pies on Main created a special Sea Glass drink for purchase. There will also be a town wide Sea Glass Scavenger Hunt along Cold Spring Harbor’s business district. Tumbled by the Sea will have their very own “Buoy the Bus” in front of the museum. The bus remains stationary while participants enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience through self-guided tours and interactive activities.
Other great activities include live music by Rory Kelly, author talk by Roxie Zwicker, food trucks and more. Also, visitors are encouraged to bring their antique bottles to be appraised by Long Island Antique Bottle Association (LIABA).
General admission is $20 for adults and children ages 3 and up. For more information, call 631-369-3418 or visit cshwhalingmuseum.org/seaglass.
This article originally appeared in TBR News Media’s Summer Times supplement on June 19, 2025.
Catch a screening of 'Dog Man' at Heckscher Park on July 7.
PROGRAMS
Summer at the Hatchery
On July 3, Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor will host Animal Encounters at 11 a.m. and a Longnose Gar Feeding Demo at 1 p.m. Included with admission of $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 children ages 3 to 12. 516-692-6768
First Steps Into Nature
Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown presents First Steps Into Nature for children ages 2 to 4 on July 4, July 11, July 18 and July 25 at 9:30 a.m. Little ones will learn about nature through hands on interaction, music, crafts, stories, play and more. $20 per child per class. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org. 631-979-6344
Story & Craft with Nana Carol
The Next Chapter bookstore, 204 New York Ave., Huntington hosts a Story and Craft event with Nana Carol on July 7 at 10:30 a.m. Free. No registration required. Appropriate for ages 0-4. 631-482-5008
Artifacts in Our Backyard
Frank Melville Memorial Park, 1 Old Field Road, Setauket kicks off its summer program series with Artifacts in Our Own Backyard with Michael Rosengard on July 8 at 11 a.m. Meet at Hap’s Barn. Bring a blanket or chair. Free. No registration required. 631-771-1010
CUTE AND CUDDLY Children can meet farm animals at Emma Clark Library on July 9. Photo courtesy of Emma Clark Library
Meet the Farm Animals
Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket invites children in Pre-K to Grade 5 for a special program, Meet the Farm Animals, on July 9 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Join representatives from Suffolk County Farm on the Library lawn for hands-on interaction with animals found on a farm. No registration required. Open to all. Questions? Email [email protected]
Drop-In Art Workshop
Children ages five through ten are invited to the Heckscher Museum of Art, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington on July 10 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. to create fun works of art in a variety of materials inspired by artwork in the Museum. Programs will be held both in the Museum and in Heckscher Park, weather-permitting. Fee is $10 per child, adults free. No advance registration required. 631-380-3230
Happy Birthday Bubbles!
Sunken Meadow State Park, 1 Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park presents a Tiny Tots program, Happy Birthday Bubbles!, on July 10 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Children ages 3 to 5 with a parent/caregiver will enjoy short walks, story time, animal visitors, and crafts. $4 per child. Register at www.eventbrite.com.
Fantastical Beasts & Where To Find Them
Fire-breathing beasts! Galloping unicorns! Did you know that many mythic creatures featured in the Harry Potter world started their stories in the sea? Discover the myths and legends surrounding these fantastical creatures at a drop-in program, Fantastical Beasts & Where to Find Them, at the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor on July 10 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Create your own dragon egg with gilded sea shells to take home. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Admission fee + $12 participants. No registration required. 631-367-3418
FILM
‘The Bad Guys’
As part of its Cinema for Kids series, the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington will screen The Bad Guys on July 6 at noon. Never have there been five friends as infamous as The Bad Guys—Mr. Wolf, Mr. Snake, Mr. Piranha, Mr. Shark and Ms. Tarantula. After years of countless heists and being the world’s most-wanted villains, the gang is finally caught. Mr. Wolf brokers a deal to keep them out of prison and the Bad Guys set out to fool the world into believing they’ve gone good. Rated PG. Tickets are $13 adults, $5 kids. www.cinemaartscentre.org.
‘Moana 2’
The 8th annual Farmingville Flicks outdoor movie series kicks off at Local Church, 1070 Portion Road, Farmingville with a screening of Moana 2 on July 7 at 8:30 p.m., courtesy of the Farmingville Hills Chamber of Commerce and Sachem Public Library. Free. 631-317-1738
‘Dog Man’
New venue! Town of Huntington presents four drive-in movies this summer at Heckscher Park, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington on Mondays at dusk starting with Dog Man on July 7, Despicable Me 4 on July 21, Wicked on August 14,and A Minecraft Movie on August 18. Free. 631-351-3000
THEATER
‘The Fantasmix’
Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson continues its children’s theater with The Fantasmix: A Superhero Journey Begins! from July 11 to July 26 with a sensory friendly performance on July 13 at 11 a.m. Come help the world’s newest superheroes Lightning and Bolt as they embark on an epic journey to save our planet and all its water! The electrifying brother-and-sister duo discover that together, they have what it takes to save the world. We all know water and electricity don’t mix … but they sure make a terrific show! Tickets are $15. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
‘The Little Mermaid Jr’
Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 East Main St., Smithtown presents Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr. from July 12 to Aug. 17. In a magical underwater kingdom, the beautiful young mermaid, Ariel, longs to leave her ocean home behind and live in the world above. But first, she’ll have to defy her father, King Triton, make a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, and convince the handsome Prince Eric that she’s the girl whose enchanting voice he’s been seeking. Tickets are $26.50. To order, visit www.smithtownpac.org.
‘Madagascar: A Musical Adventure’
The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents Madagascar: A Musical Adventure from July 19 to Aug. 24. Join Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the hip hip Hippo and, of course, those hilarious, plotting penguins as they bound onto your stage in the musical adventure of a lifetime.Follow all of your favorite crack-a-lackin’ friends as they escape from their home in New York’s Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien’s Madagascar. Tickets are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com
The Suffolk County Volunteer Firefighters Burn Center at Stony Brook University Hospital, the only designated burn care facility in Suffolk County, has 10 safety tips ahead of the July 4th holiday as families celebrate.
Many will spend the holiday in their backyards for barbecues, cookouts or building fire pits where there’s a greater risk of sustaining a burn injury. Steven Sandoval, MD, Associate Professor of Surgery and Medical Director of the Suffolk County Volunteer Firefighters Burn Center at Stony Brook University Hospital, says “I expect an uptick in patients around this time every year. Firework injuries range from facial burns to loss of digits or hands. Children should not be handling sparklers as they can get as hot as 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit. Sparkler burns are a common holiday injury. They can cause second-or third-degree burns. The best way to prevent burns in the first place is with safety tips and precautions to eliminate potential dangers.”
Dr. Sandoval adds, “Fireworks are not safe when used incorrectly and can be a recipe for disaster. Fireworks should be utilized only by professionals. Together, we can avoid serious burn injuries.”
Fireworks are safe for viewing only when being used by professionals.
Sparklers are one of the most common ways children become burned this holiday, even with a parent’s supervision.
Do not have children around any fireworks, firepits, barbecues or hot coals. Teach them not to grab objects or play with items that can be hot. Go through a lesson where they learn to ask permission.
Limit the use of flammable liquids to start your fire pits and barbecues. Use only approved lighter fluids that are meant for cooking purposes. No gasoline or kerosene.
Don’t leave hot coals from fire pits and barbecues lying on the ground for people to step in.
When cleaning grills, the use of wire bristle brushes can result in ingestion of sharp bristle pieces requiring surgery.
If you are overly tired, and consumed alcohol, do not use the stovetop, fire pit or a fireplace.
Stay protected from the sun. Use hats and sunblock, and realize that sunblock needs to be reapplied after swimming or after sweating.
Use the back burners of the stove to prevent children from reaching up and touching hot pots and pans.
Always use oven mitts or potholders to remove hot items from the stove or microwave. Assume pots, pans and dishware are hot.
“I want people to enjoy a safe 4th of July and reduce the risk of burn injuries. Be responsible. I don’t want a fun time to turn into tragedy. And, if burned do not go anywhere but a facility specializing in burn treatment,” says Dr. Sandoval.
As the only designated burn care facility for more than 1.6 million residents of Suffolk County, the Burn Center at Stony Brook University Hospital coordinates burn services throughout the county, and conducts training and research in burn care. The Burn Center also serves as a resource to neighboring community-based hospitals. Patients of all ages – from infants through geriatrics – are treated at the Burn Center.
To reach the Suffolk County Volunteer Firefighters Burn Center at Stony Brook University Hospital, call 631-444-4545.
Sol Y Sombra heads to the Chapin Rainbow Stage on July 17.
Fill your summer evenings with rock, country, jazz, classical, and gospel music, dance performances, cover band greats, and theatrical productions, all at the 60th annual Huntington Summer Arts Festival at Heckscher Park in Huntington.
Opening on July 2, the 8-week festival runs through August 24. With over 40 FREE live performances, some never before seen on the Chapin Rainbow Stage, there is something for the whole family with Broadway stars, national and local talent, inspiring young performers and more.
Produced by the Town of Huntington, and presented by Huntington Arts Council, the events are held Wednesdays through Sundays. So grab your lawn chair or blanket and head down for an unrivaled good time!
◆ July ◆
July 2 @ 8 p.m. — The Huntington Community Band
July 3 @ 8 p.m. — The Gilbert & Sullivan Light Opera Company of Long Island present HMS Pinafore
July 4 @ 8 p.m. — North Shore Pops Concert Band
July 5 @ 8 p.m. —Eastline Theatre presents Shakespeare’s King Lear
July 6 @ 8 p.m. —Symphonic Pops of Long Island
July 9 @ 8 p.m. — The Huntington Community Band
July 10 @ 6:30 p.m. —D’Addario’s Summer Jam in support of Long Island Cares
July 11 @ 8 p.m. — Drop the Four and
Miss J Experience
July 12 at 6:30 p.m. — Beauty and the Beats (Kids Show)
July 13 @ 8 p.m. — Eastline Theatre presents Emma in honor of Jane Austen’s 250th birthday
July 16 @ 7:30 p.m. — Huntington Community Band with Big Bandpre-concert
July 17 @ 8 p.m. — Sol Y Sombra Spanish Dance Company
July 18 at 8 p.m. — Captain Kirk Douglas’ Hundred Watt Heart w/Dudley Victor
July 19 @ 8 p.m. — Gnarly Karma and ApeTheory
July 20 @ 8 p.m. — The Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra
July 23 @ 8 p.m. — The Huntington Community Band
July 24 @ 8 p.m. — Sinatra Night: The New Blue Eyes, Dom Carbone
July 25 @ 8 p.m. — EMO Pop Punk Night: Blink 180Who?! + Cover City Soundtrack
July 26 @ 7:30 p.m. — SKA Night: Pilfers w/Scofflaws & Be Decent
July 27 @ 8 p.m. — Just Wild About Harry Festival: Harry Chapin Tribute in supportof Long Island Cares
July 30 @ 8 p.m. — The Huntington Community Band
July 31 @ 8 p.m. — Calliope Wren + LoganWhaley Band
◆ August ◆
August 1 @ 8 p.m. — Country Night:Brooke Moriber
August 2 @ 8 p.m. —Wheatus
August 3 @ 8 p.m. — Plaza Theatrical Productions presents Standing Ovation: Celebrating Musical Theatre
August 6 @ 8 p.m. — Long Island Dance Consortium
August 7 at 8 p.m. — StevieMac(Fleetwood Mac Tribute)
August 8 @ 8 p.m. — Latin Night: Conjunto Imagen
August 9 @ 8 p.m. — The BOSS Project (Bruce Springsteen Tribute)
August 10 at 8 p.m. — Men of Soul (70s, 80s, 90s Soul Music)
August 13 @ 8 p.m. — That Motown Band
August 14 @ 6:30 p.m. — Beauty and the Beats (Kids Show)
August 15 @ 8 p.m. — Little Wilson Band
August 16 @ 8 p.m. — Disco Unlimited and France Joli
August 17 @ 8 p.m. — Make Me Smile(Chicago Tribute)
August 20 @ 8 p.m. — The Chiclets andTime Machine (Tribute to female artiststhrough the decades)
August 21 @ 8 p.m. — Jam Band Night: Tauk + MJT Band
August 22 @ 8 p.m. — Foreign Journey(Foreigner and Journey Tribute)
August 23 @ 8 p.m. — Rob Eberle and Chris Ruben Band
August 24 @ 8 p.m. — Americana Blues Night: Mark Newman Band and Kelli Baker Band
Heckscher Park is located at 2 Prime Ave.,Huntington. For more information, call 631-271-8423 or visit www.huntingtonarts.org.
