Kids

METRO photo

Doherty Enterprises-owned Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar restaurants on Long Island announced the official launch of their 9th annual Above and “BEE”yond Teacher Essay Contest. The annual essay contest celebrates outstanding teachers, nominated by their students, by awarding each a $500 sponsorship check and hosting a special end-of-year class party.

The essay contest is open at participating Applebee’s restaurants on Long Island that are owned and operated by local franchisee, Doherty Enterprises (see complete list of participating restaurants below).

This spring, four exceptional educators – two from Nassau County and two from Suffolk County – will each receive a $500 sponsorship check to enhance their classrooms for the 2025-2026 school year. Additionally, the winning teachers will enjoy a celebratory end-of-year party with their current class!*

To participate in the contest, students are invited to submit an essay in person at their local Applebee’s, detailing why their teacher should be named Applebee’s “Teacher of the Year.” Elementary school students are asked to write a ½ page essay, while middle and high school students must submit a 500-word essay explaining why their teacher stands out.

As an added bonus, all students who submit an essay will be rewarded with a free ice cream certificate for future use.

Each student may submit only one essay, and entries will be accepted at participating Applebee’s locations through Sunday, March 16,  with a strict deadline of 10 pm ET. Winners will be announced on Friday, April 18, and the class parties will take place in June. If class parties are not feasible, they will be substituted with two Dinner for Four certificates for the student who wrote the winning essay.

“We’re excited to kick off the ninth annual Above and ‘BEE’yond Teacher Essay Contest at our Long Island Applebee’s locations,” said Brian McDonnell, director of operations for Doherty Enterprises’ Applebee’s Long Island. “It’s an honor to celebrate the incredible teachers who dedicate themselves to shaping young minds. This contest gives students the opportunity to highlight the lasting impact their teachers have made while shining a spotlight on the educators who go above and beyond every day.”

Applebee’s Above and “BEE”yond Teacher Essay Contest entries will be accepted at the following Applebee’s locations owned and operated by Doherty Enterprises on Long Island:

Nassau County: Baldwin, Bellmore, Bethpage, Elmont, New Hyde Park, Rosedale, Valley Stream, and Westbury.

Suffolk County: Bohemia, Brentwood, Commack, Deer Park, East Farmingdale, East Islip, Farmingville, Lake Grove, Lindenhurst, Miller Place, Patchogue, Riverhead, and Shirley.

Two winners will be selected from both Nassau and Suffolk counties. Prizes are subject to change. If end-of-year parties are not viable, class parties will be replaced with two Dinner for Four certificates.

FRIGID FUN: Join the Smithtown Performing Arts Center for 'Frozen Jr.,' playing every day at 1 p.m. from February 17 through February 21. A perfect way to enjoy a winter day with the whole family.

Winter break is a great time to create special memories. From learning about nature, the solar system and making fun crafts to watching live theater,  there are plenty of activities on the North Shore for families with young children to enjoy during this week-long vacation.

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 Feb. 14 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

Make a Valentine’s Day Card

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor from Feb. 14 to 16. Make a Valentine’s Day card for one of your favorite animals at the hatchery. Cards will be displayed on the animal’s tanks. Free with admission of $7 adults, $6 seniors and $5 children ages 3 to 12. 516-692-6768

Crafts with Recycled Materials

Children ages 3 to 12 with a parent/caregiver are invited to stop by Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket on Feb. 15 between 10 a.m. and noon to create a work of art with recycled materials. No registration required. Bring a friend! Questions? Email [email protected]

Falling In Love With Wildlife

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown presents its annual Falling in Love with Wildlife event on Feb. 16 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Join them for an afternoon of close encounters with wildlife. Meet some cute and loveable animals, play an animal matching game for Valentine’s Day, and create a craft to remember the day. There will be many photo opportunities including an “Animal Kissing Booth.” Best suited for ages 2 to 10.  $15 per child and $5 for adults. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org.

Vanderbilt Winter Workshops

Suffolk County Vanderbit Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport presents two winter workshops for children in grades K through 4 during February recess: Portraits & Mixed Media Selfies (Children will visit the mansion, search for interesting elements in the collection of portraits, and create self-portraits.) on Feb. 17; and Animals in Winter & Woodland Lantern (Children will explore the wildlife dioramas, learn about adaptations that help animals in winter, and make a woodland-inspired lantern) on Feb. 19. Classes will be held from 10 a.m. to noon and are $20 per child, $18 members. To register, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.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 Feb. 17 at 10:30 a.m. Free. No registration required. Appropriate for ages 0-4. 631-482-5008

Trash to Treasure

Join the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor for a Trash to Treasure drop in event on Feb. 17 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. ​Check out the museum’s new 26-sculpture of a giant squid created from plastic trash found on beaches. Then, roll up your sleeves with artist Bri Sander from UpSculpt to transform plastic debris collected from our shores into miniature whimsical upcycled sea creature sculptures. No registration necessary. Admission fee + $10 participant; $5 member. 631-367-3418

February Break at the Hatchery

Enjoy February Break at the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor with a Winter Wonderland Mosaic on Feb. 17, Paint with Ice on Feb. 18, Slimy Science on Feb. 19, Homemade Playdough on Feb. 20 and a Hatchery Tour with live animal encounters on Feb. 21. No reservations necessary. All activities will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and are  free with admission of $7 adults, $6 seniors and $5 children ages 3 to 12. www.cshfishhatchery.org. 516-692-6768

Pocket Solar System

What would our Solar System look like if we shrunk it down to fit in your pocket? Find out at a Pocket Solar System workshop at the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport on Feb. 18 from 11 a.m. to noon where each participant will create and take home a scale model of the Solar System! For ages 6 to 8. $10 per child, $8 member. To register, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

World Whale Week Crafts

Celebrate World Whale Week at the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor by dropping in to make crafts on Feb. 19 and Feb. 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. See and touch real whale bones from the museum’s exhibit and learn how you can help keep the oceans safe for these incredible creatures. Make an interactive ocean sensory jar featuring a clay whale of your own creation. Admission fee + $10 participant; $5 member. 631-367-3418

Stellar Suncatchers and Solar Observing

Children ages 9 to 12  can learn all about the Sun, create stellar suncatchers and safely look directly at the Sun through a solar telescope (weather permitting) at the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport on Feb. 20 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. $10 per child, $8 members. To register, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Gesture drawing

Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport offers a Gesture Drawing Workshop with artist Wendy Klemperer on Feb. 20 from noon to 2 p.m. Participants will view drawings and sculptures in her exhibition Wrought Taxonomies, practice gestural drawing, and learn about the artistic process of creating sculpture that captures movement and form. For kids in grades 5 to 8 only. Tickets are $45, $40 members at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

THEATER

‘Frozen Jr’

Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 East Main St., Smithtown presents Frozen Jr. from Jan. 18 to Feb. 23. A story of true love and acceptance between sisters, Frozen Jr. expands upon the emotional relationship and journey between Princesses Anna and Elsa. When faced with danger, the two discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. Tickets are $26.50 per person. To order, call 1-800-595-4849 or visit www.smithtownpac.org.

‘Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz’

Theatre Three, 423 Main St., Port Jefferson presents Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz from Feb. 19 to March 29 with a sensory friendly performance on March 2 at 11 a.m. Join them for an unforgettable trip down the Yellow Brick Road as Dorothy Gale is whisked away by a tornado to that magical land that lies just Over the Rainbow. Follow Dorothy and her friends the Scarecrow, the Tinman, and the Lion ­as they encounter challenges and celebrate friendship. All seats are $12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. 

‘Frozen Jr’

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport kicks off the new year with a production of Frozen Jr. from Jan. 25 to March 2. When faced with danger, princesses Anna and Elsa discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. This enchanting musical features all of the memorable songs from the hit Disney film and will thaw even the coldest heart! All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com

Send your calendar events to [email protected]

 

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Long Island’s most popular amusement park adds more value through the new ‘Wave Twister’ ride, new games, and additional amenities—at last year’s prices 

Adventureland, 2245 Broadhollow Road, Farmingdale has announced it will be freezing its prices— without freezing the fun! Long Island’s most popular amusement park, offering family fun for everyone since 1962, is offering more value this year, and for the same ticket prices as last year. The park is freezing its admission rates, group rates, season pass rates, and birthday party rates at the same prices from the 2024 season. 

“At a time when everything around us is going up, we are proud and excited to be able to provide our guests this price freeze on admission,” said Jeanine Gentile, Adventureland Park Manager. “We are still making additions to the park, so you will definitely see some great changes for this upcoming season. But one thing that will not be changing is the admission prices for the 2025 season!”

The price freeze is not the only exciting news from Adventureland. For the first time, the amusement park is offering payment plans through FlexPay for online orders of $100 or more. This brand-new option will allow visitors to book tickets and purchase season passes online—now—and conveniently pay over time. Daily tickets and season passes are currently available for purchase online. For full details please visit https://adventureland.us/?keyword=Tickets

Last year, Adventureland announced plans for a multi-year, five-phase $15 million redevelopment. Now currently in phase 2, the amusement park promises a ‘Bigger and Better’ 2025 season, which includes two new outdoor games: ‘Wave Blaster’ and ‘Jungle Run.’  Additionally, plans are in place to install three new concession stands and a third restroom facility. Especially exciting is the highly-anticipated new family ride, ‘Wave Twister,’ scheduled to open this spring.

The opening weekend of the 2025 season will be March 22 and March 23. For further information, call 631-694-6868 or visit Adventureland.us. 

 

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Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced her intention to ban cell phones during the school day. The state-wide initiative became more palpable when Hochul announced the 2025 budget plan, and she set aside $13.5 million in state funding to make it a reality. 

Hochul’s announcement occurs during an international trend of banning cell phones in schools. Countries like Brazil and Italy have passed legislation restricting phone use in schools to varying degrees; now, it is New York’s turn. The ban would prevent phone use throughout the entire school day rather than just in the classroom. 

One of the main arguments against the ban is parents’ fear that their children won’t be able to contact them in an emergency. Hochul’s report, published on her website, does not close off the possibility of allowing students access in extenuating situations. The scope of the ban is undefined, and seems to allow room for school modification. For instance, Hochul’s report does not wholly eliminate the use of devices for educational purposes, stating exceptions for, as an example, English-language learners who need the device to help translate. 

In many schools across the Island, including the Three Village School District where cell phones are banned except for during lunch periods in the middle and high schools, cell phone use is already restricted. 

The COVID-19 pandemic seemed to increase technology’s hold on the attention of students, serving as both their social lifeline and surrogate classroom, and now, back in the classroom, educators are observing the effects through decreased attention. Over 70% of teachers say that cellphones are distracting and problematic, according to Pew Research Center. 

Even the mere knowledge that their device is close by, either in their bag or on their desk, can distract students from absorbing information, diminishing retention and memory. In addition, phones can serve as a social crutch, keeping students from truly connecting with their classmates. 

The advantages of having a cellphone in school are numerous, including seamless communication in emergencies and access to educational services such as Flip grid and Kahoot, but given the many adverse effects on concentration, mental-health, memory and sociability, a ban seems favorable. The ban would begin at the start of the 2025-2026 school year. It brings to light issues that we should take into consideration, adults and students alike. 

Some adults complain of issues retaining information. Could cellphone-use be the culprit, sitting in our peripheral vision  and serving as a distraction as we try to read a book or get some work done? Research has shown it has.

Great news for all Harry Potter fans! Fathom Events and Warner Bros. Discovery are partnering to bring back the first four films of the quintessential fan favorite Harry Potter film series to select theatres nationwide this February.

Harry with his pet owl Hedwig in a scene from ‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.’ Photo courtesy of Fathom Events

The Harry Potter film series will be the first series highlighted in Fathom Fan Favorites, a new theatrical series that will feature films from iconic franchises.

For more than 20 years, the world has been captivated by the magic of the Harry Potter stories from J.K. Rowling and starting February 13, moviegoers will be able to relive, or experience for the first time, the first four films in the wizarding saga on the big screen.

Additionally, starting February 27, fans will be able to experience the films from the series in 4DX motion seats to get the feeling they are in attendance at Hogwarts alongside the Golden Trio.

Also for the first time in the United States, the UK version of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, named Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, will be presented in 3D and will give fans the chance to see some never-before-seen moments.

Each screening will also include an exclusive introduction by cinema legend Leonard Maltin, sharing unique insights for each film. The complete schedule for the “Fathom Fan Favorites: Harry Potter” series is as follows:

— Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone on Feb. 13 , Feb. 20 and Feb. 27

— Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (UK version) on Feb. 13, Feb. 20 and Feb. 27 in 3D

— Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets on Feb. 14, Feb. 21 and Feb. 28

— Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban on Feb. 15, Feb. 22 and March 1

— Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire 20th Anniversary on Feb.16, Feb. 23 and March 2.

Locally, the films will be screened at AMC Loews Stony Brook 17, Island 16 Cinema de lux in Holtsville, AMC Huntington Square 12 in East Northport, Showcase Cinema de lux in Farmingdale, and Regal Cinemas in Deer Park. Tickets are available at www.fathomevents.com or at participating theatre box offices. 

By Bill Landon

As temperatures fell and with a respite from the unrelenting wind, skaters of all ages, including tomorrow’s hockey stars, flocked to Miller Place Duck Pond and Millers Pond in Smithtown. In Smithtown, hockey players weren’t the only ones enjoying the perks of the cold weather; a furry friend wandered onto the ice, prompting skaters to take a short intermission. 

— Photos by Bill Landon and Sabrina Artusa

TMB Model Train Club at the Upper Room Church, 722 Deer Park Ave., Dix Hills hosts a Model Train Show Open House on Saturday, Feb. 8 from 11 am. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 9 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Enjoy  multiple trains from prewar to the most modern O gauge trains running at all times. Fun for the whole family. Free admission. For more information, visit www.tmbmodeltrainclub.com.

Read more about the club in this week’s issue of TBR News Media. https://tbrnewsmedia.com/full-steam-ahead-model-train-club-celebrates-new-home-with-open-houses-and-multiple-layouts/

 

By Melissa Arnold

There’s something about a train set that captures the imaginations of kids and adults alike. Maybe the clatter of the tiny wheels on their metal tracks calls to mind our favorite Christmas movies, a busy day at Penn Station, or the promise of a future adventure.

For me, the memories are of my mother’s Uncle “G” (for Guido), who maintained an elaborate miniature world in his basement for the family’s youngest visitors to enjoy. His sprawling setup included trains, buildings, snow-flecked trees, people and even animals. I was enthralled by the scene. And at Christmastime, my Dad and I would set up a more humble collection of Lionel train cars under the tree. Our big highlights were the functional log car and cardboard mountain tunnel. 

In Dix Hills, nearly 80 members of the TMB (Train Masters of Babylon) Model Train Club meet regularly to bring their own imaginary scenes to life. The group includes men and women of all ages who are united in their love of O-gauge trains.

Founded in 1994, the group has gathered in various locations around the Island to build and eventually run train displays. New venues were required as both the membership and its displays continued to grow. They’ve recently moved from a 4,000-square foot space in Farmingdale to their new 6,500-square foot location rented from a Dix Hills private school, and are looking forward to sharing their new build with a series of open house events.

“We are not just a bunch of people who forgot to put the trains away after Christmas. For us it’s a full-time, year-round hobby,” explained club president Steve Scagnelli. “A home-based layout can be set up in as quick as a few weeks. When you tackle a layout as large as our club’s, it takes several years.”

Scagnelli, a retired accountant from Plainview, got his first Lionel train set for Christmas in 1961. He shelved the hobby when he went to college and started working, but the interest rekindled years later when his young son got hooked on – you guessed it – Thomas the Tank Engine.

“I wanted to do something that I could share with my son,” Scagnelli said. “[Building scenes] encompasses all the elements of the STEAM acronym: science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics.”

The work of planning and executing a build can be intense, especially with so many people involved. It’s a democratic process, and Ideas and suggestions from group members are funneled through committees that determine the best ways to include them and when. It’s also dependent on what materials are available 

The club meets four days a week, though members have 24/7 access to the space. Everyone has their own interests and areas of expertise, and all are encouraged to help out regardless of their skill level. First the track is planned, then the table is built and the tracks are laid. Wiring and electronics go down next, with lots of detailed scenery to add depth to the display. 

“The old adage is that you’re never really done. A model train layout is never truly complete because there’s always a new idea, or something you can add or repurpose,” Scagnelli said. 

The previous Farmingdale setup had four train lines and a separate subway station. The new Dix Hills location features steam and diesel trains, a NYC subway replica, and the layout from the Blue Comet episode of HBO’s iconic crime drama, “The Sopranos.” The club’s version is slightly altered from the one seen on the show, and it includes interactive buttons so that visitors can be a part of the action. The current layout has been in progress for more than a year and will continue to expand.

Each showing will feature a different set of trains, providing a fresh experience and a fun way to show off the club’s collection. Many of the members buy trains, scenery kits and other supplies from local hobby shops, including Trainland in Lynbrook and Nassau Hobby Center in Freeport, online markets like eBay and even amongst themselves.

It can be a pricey hobby for collectors, Scagnelli admits — box cars can cost around $75, while detailed engine and passenger cars with sounds sell for hundreds of dollars. But no one in the club is required to buy their own trains, and those that do tend to save up as others might for a concert or vacation.

Over the years, more than 50,000 people from across the country have visited the club, sometimes with several generations of family in tow. Many have trains of their own.

The group also travels occasionally to train meets held around the northeast, where they can connect and learn from other enthusiasts. Some members also enjoy traveling to see “real” trains as well.

“I enjoy all the aspects of the hobby, whether that’s operating my trains, collecting trains or building the layout. We strive to grow our membership and a world-class model train layout,” Scagnelli said. “But what keeps me involved is the friendships of the members, interacting with other clubs and the hundreds of connections made online. We want to be active in the community and share our love for the hobby with our neighbors.”

The next open house for the TMB Model Train Club will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Feb. 8 and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Feb. 9 in the Upper Room Christian School basement, 722 Deer Park Ave., Dix Hills. Admission is free, donations are welcome. For more information, visit www.tmbmodeltrainclub.com.  

Take part in a Newspaper Village event at Emma Clark Library on Feb. 6.
PROGRAMS

Newspaper Village

Children ages 3 to 12 with a parent/caregiver are invited to stop by Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket for a Newspaper Village event on Feb. 6 between 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. Use recycled newspaper to make a wintry scene. No registration required. Open to all. Questions? Email [email protected]

Create this cute Mitten & Heart-Shaped Snowball painting on Feb. 8.

Valentine’s Day Workshop

Join the Atelier at Flowerfield, 2 Flowerfield, St. James for a Valentine’s Day Workshop on Feb. 8 from 10 a.m. to noon. Learn how to paint a Mitten & Heart-Shaped Snowball painting  step-by-step with Miss Linda. $55 per child includes 11×14 canvas and supplies. To register, visit www.theatelieratflowerfield.org. 631-250-9009

Scouting Anniversary

In honor of the Scouting Anniversary, Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor will give all Scouts BSA and Cub Scouts wearing their uniform with an accompanying adult a free guided tour of the hatchery on Feb. 8 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. with paid admission of $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 children ages 3 to 12. 516-692-6768

Birding by the Beach

Town of Brookhaven continues its Winter Nature Program series with Birding by the Beach on Feb. 8 at West Meadow Beach Pavilion in Stony Brook at 10 a.m. and Cedar Beach Nature Center at 2 p.m. Join staff in searching for overwintering birds and winter waterfowl. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Free but registration is required by emailing [email protected].

Super Bowl ‘Saturday’

Get excited for the big game! Children in Grades K through 6 (with parent/caregiver) are welcome to stop by Emma Clark Library, 120 main St., Setauket on Feb. 8 between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to enjoy football-themed festivities. Includes a raffle to win a special prize. Participants are encouraged to wear their favorite team’s jersey or football-themed attire. No registration required. Bring a friend! Open to all. Questions? Email [email protected]

Story & Craft with Nana Carol

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

Animal Tracks

As part of its Pollywog Adventures series, Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor presents Animal Tracks on Feb. 12 at 11 a.m. Children ages 2 to 5 will enjoy an activity, craft, story and feeding the hungry trout. $20 fee includes admission for the day for one child and one adult. Pre-registration required at www.cshfishhatchery.org. 516-692-6768

THEATER

‘Frozen Jr’

Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 East Main St., Smithtown presents Frozen Jr. from Jan. 18 to Feb. 23. A story of true love and acceptance between sisters, Frozen Jr. expands upon the emotional relationship and journey between Princesses Anna and Elsa. When faced with danger, the two discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. Tickets are $25 per person. To order, call 1-800-595-4849 or visit www.smithtownpac.org.

INTO THE WOODS
Catch a performance of ‘Hansel and Gretel’ at Theatre Three before it’s gone! The show closes on Feb. 8. Photo courtesy of Theatre Three

‘Hansel and Gretel’

Theatre Three, 423 Main St., Port Jefferson kicks off the new year with Hansel and Gretel from Jan. 25 to Feb. 8. Go into the woods for an outrageous adventure with the world’s most famous brother-and-sister team, Hansel and Gretel. A feeble father, a wicked stepmother, and a well-meaning if misguided witch add up to hilarious hijinx. All seats are $12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. 

‘Frozen Jr’

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport kicks off the new year with a production of Frozen Jr. from Jan. 25 to March 2. When faced with danger, princesses Anna and Elsa discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. This enchanting musical features all of the memorable songs from the hit Disney film and will thaw even the coldest heart! All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

Photo courtesy Girl Scouts of Suffolk County

The Girl Scouts of Suffolk County will kick off in-person “booth sales” for Girl Scout Cookies this weekend, starting on Friday, January 31.

In addition to in-person sales, customers can easily locate their nearest cookie booth by visiting the “Cookie Locator” on the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County’s website and searching by ZIP Code. For those who prefer online shopping, Girl Scouts are using the Digital Cookie platform to go beyond the booth and share their personalized cookie sites with QR codes and emails.

This year’s cookie lineup includes beloved classics including Thin Mints, Samoas, and Tagalongs. The 2025 season also marks the final opportunity for customers to purchase the S’mores cookie, which will be discontinued after this year. This year, all Girl Scout Cookies are priced at $7 a box, with a portion of the sales going directly to the troop from which customers make a purchase.

“The Girl Scout Cookie Program is the world’s largest girl-led entrepreneurial endeavor, teaching participants valuable skills such as goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics,” said Tammy Severino, CEO of Girl Scouts of Suffolk County. “Proceeds from cookie sales directly support local Girl Scout troops, funding activities like camping trips, community service projects, and educational programs.”

The 2025 cookie season runs through April 22, with availability and dates varying by location. Customers are encouraged to support their local Girl Scouts by purchasing cookies at booth sales or through the Digital Cookie platform.

For more information, please visit the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County’s website at www.gssc.us.

About Girl Scouts of Suffolk County 

Since 1968, Girl Scouts of Suffolk County has been committed to building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. Girl Scouts helps girls develop their full individual potential; relate to others with increasing understanding, skill, and respect; develop values to guide their actions and provide the foundation for sound decision-making; and contribute to the improvement of society through their abilities, leadership skills, and cooperation with others. Follow Girl Scouts of Suffolk County on FacebookXInstagramYouTube and LinkedIn.