Model Train Show at MCPL 2/15/25. Photo courtesy of MCPL
Model Train Show at MCPL 2/15/25. Photo courtesy of MCPL
Model Train Show at MCPL 2/15/25. Photo courtesy of MCPL
Model Train Show at MCPL 2/15/25. Photo courtesy of MCPL
Train enthusiasts had a “choo choo” of a fun time when they visited the Railroad Museum of Long Island’s toy train display at Middle Country Public Library in Centereach on Feb. 15 and Feb. 16. With 1,400 in attendance, patrons enjoyed watching a variety of trains running in addition to interacting with museum staff and volunteers who shared their expertise. One of the highlights was the toy train clinic that was offered.
For more information about programs and classes held at Middle Country Public Library, please visit https://www.mcplibrary.org or call at 631-585-9393.
Zoe Abelson's serenading scene singing 'Take A Chance on Me'. Photo courtesy of CSHSD
Straight from the island of Kalokairi, this year’s Cold Spring Harbor High School musical delivered four unforgettable evenings of fast-paced performances and brilliant storytelling. From Feb. 7 to Feb. 9, audiences of all ages were treated to a fun-filled production of Mamma Mia! While bright costumes, talented vocals, and exciting dance scenes set the stage, it was the cast’s incredible chemistry that made this a spectacular performance. Based on songs recorded by Swedish group ABBA, the musical was clearly a cast favorite, featuring stand-out performances by seniors Zoe Abelson, Samantha Fiore, and Amelia Saladino.
From left, Zoe Abelson, Amelia Saladino and Samantha Fiore singing the encore of ‘Dancing Queen’. Photo courtesy of CSHSD
“I’ve been obsessed with Mamma Mia! and ABBA songs for years, so I was thrilled to find out it was my final musical at Cold Spring Harbor. The cast, stage and music came together better than I could have imagined,” said Zoe Abelson. “This year we had such a talented cast, including junior Sarah Thatcher who starred as Ellie, sophomore Charlotte Wells who played Tanya, and freshmen Max Yulico, Nick Apergis, and Andrew Bobelian who delivered amazing performances playing Sophie’s dads. I didn’t expect the last show to be so bittersweet. There was a lot of laughter but also a lot of tears. To my friends Samantha and Amelia, my cast and directors, I have loved every moment I spent with you. They were defining and something I will always treasure.”
Memorable performances include senior Zoe Abelson’s uplifting Chiquitita and hilarious rendition of Take a Chance on Me, senior Samantha Fiore’s charismatic Lay All Your Love on Me and energetic dance numbers like Gimme-Gimme-Gimme, and senior Amelia Saladino’s melancholy Slipping Through My Fingers and The Winner Takes It All.
Poster Perfect: Sophomore Charlotte Wells and seniors Zoe Abelson and Amelia Saladino. Photo courtesy of CSHSD
“I am exceptionally proud of our Cold Spring Harbor students in their performance of Mamma Mia! As the vocal director, I worked with the cast to learn an exceptionally high number of songs for one musical. Most songs had ensemble chorus as well, and the students took it in stride,” said Mr. Daniel Santangelo, chorus and theatre director. “They were able to achieve a great musical performance in addition to their acting and dancing. During the show, I wore a different hat as bassist in the pit and I was so glad to be able to contribute to the show and see it from that perspective. Bravi to the entire cast and crew!”
The encore of Dancing Queen inspired audiences to dance and sing along, and the performance of Super Trouper stole the show.
“I had a great experience conducting the pit this year. We brought back many previous musicians who have played for us, making it something of an all-star band,” said Mr. Andrew Hochler, band and wind ensemble teacher at Cold Spring Harbor High School. “It doesn’t hurt that I personally love the music of ABBA. The musical is one of my favorite things to do all year, and Mamma Mia! was no different!”
Smartphones are an attractive nuisance not just during family time, when parents might otherwise struggle to see anything other than the top of the heads of their children, but also during school.
Lauren Hale. Photo courtesy of Stony Brook Medicine
In a recent research letter published in JAMA Pediatrics, scientists led by Lauren Hale, Professor in the Department of Family, Population and Preventive Medicine at Stony Brook University, found in a study of 117 students from the ages of 13 to 18 that smartphone use during school hours typically consumed an average of about 1.5 hours. That’s about 23 percent of a typical school day.
“School time should be a time for being present,” said Hale. It should involve interacting with peers and learning from teachers. “When a quarter of your day is spent with your finger on the phone” students are missing opportunities for academic and social growth.
The study, which was funded by the Della Pietra Family Foundation, comes as Governor Kathy Hochul (D) has unveiled a plan to restrict cell phone use during the day for students from kindergarten through 12th grade.
The governor’s plan allocates $13.5 million for pouches, cubbies and other storage devices and comes as other states and countries seek to limit the kinds of distractions that diminish learning and that prevent face-to-face social interactions.
The JAMA study “really does underscore the need to help children reduce their screen time, both at school and at home,” said Kris Perry, Executive Director of Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development.
At this moment, “we are seeing a crisis in childhood that is highly correlated with the introduction of the smartphone and social media platforms,” Perry added.
In the JAMA Pediatrics study, the researchers found that a quarter of the participants spent more than two hours on their phone during school.
The top five most used apps or categories, other than internet browsing, were messaging, Instagram, video streaming, audio and email.
The study may underestimate the amount of time typical students spend on their phones, in part because the participants in the research knew that their phone use was being tracked.
Study design
The students in the study, who were divided almost equally between boys and girls and who came from a representative sampling of different backgrounds, completed a 15-minute smartphone-based survey and installed RealityMeter to measure their smartphone use.
The researchers examined data from these students, whose phones sent signals throughout the day about the time they are using the phone.
The average number of hours these students were on their phones during the day was 5.59, which excludes other electronic devices such as video games, desktop computers or laptops.
To be sure, the survey didn’t analyze the times during the day that these students were on their phones. Some of these participants, for example, could have used their smartphones during their lunch or free periods rather than during calculus classes or lectures about American History, French or any other subject.
“We didn’t have the granularity of each student’s schedule to know” when the phone usage was the highest, Hale said.
Still, using the phone instead of interacting directly with students in the room, at a lunch table, or in a hallway is a “missed opportunity for eye-to-eye contact in real life,” said Hale.
In the study, about 22 percent of the participants indicated that their parents restricted their phone use when they are at home.
The data for this group during school tracks, however, closely with the students who said they didn’t have any such similar phone restrictions at home. The study also compared phone usage for students whose parents attended college with those who didn’t attend or finish college.
The children of college graduates used the phone about 30 minutes less per school day.
Combination of factors
Several factors may have contributed to any potential increase in the use of smartphones in school.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the lockdown and remote learning, students relied on technology to log in to their classrooms. Adolescents who couldn’t interact with each other in person also spent considerable time texting and interacting with each other on social media.
Additionally, various apps have enhanced their platforms to encourage users to stay on them for longer periods of time.
“The algorithms know that I like Shih Tzus, so I keep getting reels for tiny white dogs doing tricks,” said Hale. “If they put up cats, I wouldn’t watch.”
The same is true for adolescents, who see sports clips or other content regularly that compels them to stay online and that may interfere with their ability to learn in class or to socialize with people around them.
These apps and the devices adolescents use could provide information about usage patterns.
“I would love to see social media platforms share more information,” said Hale.
Perry added that parents act as important role models for their children when it comes to screen time. “What you’re modeling is going to be replicated,” she said. “Things that adults do without thinking, their children are copying.”
Next steps
Hale indicated that the research team has just finished collecting a second wave of data on the same participants. The scientists will be following up to see screen use patterns as well as any observed changes in mental health and physical well being.
The recent work published in JAMA Pediatrics is a “descriptive baseline” of smartphone usage in school, said Hale. She suggested that researchers need to conduct further research to understand the impact of phone usage patterns on education. “We need replication in science” to uncover more details over a larger population for smartphone use.
Like Gov. Hochul and others who have focused on this issue, Hale believes these personal electronics may hinder the learning process.
“I’m concerned about kids losing precious school hours to distracting devices,” Hale said. When students go to school, they should “be ready for learning and social time. That’s what’s going to make a difference in their education.”
Cayuga Elementary School in Lake Grove was the recipient of a TangerKids grant. Photo courtesy of Tanger Riverhead
As part of a continued commitment to support education and invest in the local community, Tanger Outlets in Riverhead recently announced its 2024 TangerKids Grants recipients. Local winners include Cayuga Elementary School in Lake Grove, to create a sensory room; Hampton Bays Middle School in Hampton Bays, benefitting their Life Skills Academy; and Mattituck-Cutchogue Elementary School in Cutchogue, benefitting their school decodable book library.
Tanger donated over $190K across the country to fund classroom investments through the TangerKids 2024 Grants program. Title 1 schools represent more than 60% of the recipients selected by Tanger centers.
“Tanger Riverhead is proud to support families in our community by investing in student success,” said Tanger Riverhead Marketing Director Lesley Anthony. “Each year, we listen closely to the specific needs of our local educators and provide funding for projects that make a real difference. Over the years, we’ve seen firsthand how these grants help create more inclusive and productive learning environments, equipping students with the tools they need to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.”
Throughout the program’s history spanning nearly 30 years, Tanger has contributed more than $3.7 million to school-focused initiatives in the communities it serves. The annual program is eligible for public and private schools from pre-K to grade 12. Applications were open from Aug. 12 – Oct. 18, 2024, and winners were chosen from numerous applicants within the Long Island area. Cayuga Elementary School received an extra $1,000 in funding as the winner of TangerClub’s member’s choice voting.
Tanger Riverhead celebrated TangerKids Day on Jan. 31 with check presentations at each school.
To learn more about TangerKids Grants, please visit grants.tanger.com.
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 arefree 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 12can 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
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.
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 visionand 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 onFeb. 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.
Ice skaters enjoy the Miller Place Duck Pond. Photo by Bill Landon
Miller Place Duck Pond
Ice skaters enjoy the Miller Place Duck Pond. Photo by Bill Landon
Ice skaters enjoy the Miller Place Duck Pond. Photo by Bill Landon
Ice skaters enjoy the Miller Place Duck Pond. Photo by Bill Landon
Ice skaters enjoy the Miller Place Duck Pond. Photo by Bill Landon
Ice skaters enjoy the Miller Place Duck Pond. Photo by Bill Landon
Ice skaters enjoy the Miller Place Duck Pond. Photo by Bill Landon
Ice skaters enjoy the Miller Place Duck Pond. Photo by Bill Landon
Ice skaters enjoy the Miller Place Duck Pond. Photo by Bill Landon
Millers Pond County Park
Ice skating on Millers Pond in Smithtown. Photo by Sabrina Artusa
Ice skating on Millers Pond in Smithtown. Photo by Sabrina Artusa
Enjoying Miller Pond in Smithtown. Photo by Sabrina Artusa
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.
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.
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