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The Ward Melville Heritage Organization hosts 34th Annual Halloween Festival in Stony Brook Village

by Press Release - November 4, 2024

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The Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO) celebrated Halloween with its 34th Annual Halloween Festival, held on October 31st from 2 to 5 p.m. in the Stony Brook Village Center. This year’s festival brought families and visitors together to experience Halloween festivities in a fun and welcoming atmosphere. Guests of all ages enjoyed live music provided by WALK 97.5, trick-or-treating throughout the Village Center, and dancing with Monster Merlin.

This event was sponsored by Suffolk Center for Speech and Myofunctional Therapy, Optimum, News 12 Long Island, Green Towers Group, Amazon Fresh, Apple Bank, Goldfish Swim School, Dr. Rocco Morelli, and Dr. Robert Quilty.

During the event, WMHO announced the winners of their highly anticipated 34th Annual Scarecrow Competition, which showcased impressive scarecrow designs across three categories: Professional, Adult & Family, and Children. The winners are as follows:

Category A – Professional
- 1st Place: #300 – The Headless Horseman
- 2nd Place: #101 – The Village Medium
Category B – Adult & Family
- 1st Place: #108 – Beetlejuice
- 2nd Place: #304 – Sistaaahs!
- 3rd Place: #112 – Believe in Magic
Category C – Children
- 1st Place: #202 – Duck Pond Scarecrow
- 2nd Place: #105 – Lego Master
- 3rd Place: #207 – The Rainbow Fish

For more information about upcoming events and programs, visit WMHO’s website at www.wmho.org.

Heckscher Museum mixes art with Halloween Fun

by Jennifer Donatelli - November 3, 2024

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By Jennifer Donatelli

The Heckscher Museum of Art, located inside Heckscher Park in Huntington, celebrated Halloween with a free, family-friendly event on Sunday, Oct. 27, from noon to 5 p.m.

Held in conjunction with the museum’s new exhibit, “The Body Politic,” the event showcased how artists use different mediums to interact with and shape the world.

Young attendees received an activity worksheet and worked with their families to choose a favorite artwork on display at the museum. Adding to the fun, children and their families participated in a scavenger hunt throughout the museum, looking for portraits, landscapes, abstract art, and sculptures.

The young artists learned how looking closely at art helps us learn to observe artwork and the world around us more carefully.

Attendees created their own haunted Digital Action paintings, learned about collage-making, and designed spooky ghost crafts—all while learning how to interpret and appreciate various art forms.

“The purpose of this event,” said Joy Weiner, Director of Education and Public Programs for the Heckscher Museum, “is because many parents aren’t comfortable explaining art to their children or don’t know how to make it age-appropriate. The activity guide provides a series of questions to help children learn about art while having fun.”

Mary Porter, a museum docent, mentioned that the event has taken place biannually since 2010 and draws hundreds from the local community and across Long Island to experience art in a fun, hands-on environment.

Jane and Annie Mahoney, sisters from Queens, came with their parents and grandparents, planning to play on the playground but stayed for an hour to explore exhibits and make crafts.

Porter explained that the event is a great way to bring families to the museum, allowing adults to enjoy the artwork while children engage in activities.

Sawa, age 2; Koto, age 7; and Seisuke, age 4—siblings originally from Japan and now living in Syosset—enjoyed making Halloween crafts and learning about different cultures through artwork.

Gary Rubin, 6, from East Williston, came with his dad, both museum members who enjoy attending events. Wearing his Dracula costume with fake blood, Gary said he loved making crafts and had fun getting messy.

Upcoming events at the Heckscher Museum of Art include Artists in the Galleries, every Sunday in November and December from noon to 2 p.m. Visitors can meet the artists and learn about their work.

For more information on programs and exhibits, or to sign up for an event, visit www.heckscher.org.

A fun-filled Trunk or Treat returns to Joseph A. Edgar School in Rocky Point

by Bill Landon - November 2, 2024

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By Bill Landon

Under brilliant blue skies and mild temperatures, it was another edition of the annual Trunk-Or-Treat event presented by the North Shore Youth Council along with the Rocky Point PTA in the parking lot of Joseph A. Edgar Intermediate School on Route 25A in Rocky Point Sunday afternoon, Oct. 27.

The North Shore Youth Council prides itself with providing local communities with comprehensive family programs and services in child care, enrichment, education counseling and recreation.

Hundreds of costumed trick-or-treaters visited the spooky decorated cars and coffins that lined the parking lot where free candy, treats, popcorn and face-painting crafts with photo props were in abundance.

For more information about the North Shore Youth Council visit www.nsyc.com.

Smithtown Historical Society hosts a spooky Halloween experience

by Jennifer Donatelli - November 2, 2024

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By Jennifer Donatelli

Goblins and ghosts. Witches and warlocks. They’re all part of a new family-friendly Spooky Woods and Trick O’ Treat event hosted by the Smithtown Historical Society that took place from Oct. 25 through Halloween each night from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

For those who dared, hundreds of attendees took a spooktacular walk along the haunted trail while little ones gazed upon Halloween displays and live animals. Along the walk, there were playful skeletons and friendly witches, and kids were able to trick-or-treat safely, all while having fun surprises at each turn.

Priya Kapoor, executive director of the Smithtown Historical Society, said this is the Historical Society’s first year hosting the event. The society cleared out a lot of wooded areas, and recently put in a trail behind their buildings. Kapoor thought it would be the perfect location for the event.

She explained, “The setting was screaming for us to do a Halloween event, so we decided to give it a try to keep the Halloween spookiness alive and bring the community together for a night of family fun.”

Local vendors were plentiful, selling warm drinks and treats, handmade jewelry, candles and food. Children enjoyed two bounce houses, Halloween crafts, face painting, pumpkin picking and live music, all while having a ghoulishly good time.

Ever since she was a little girl, Haley Van Cott, a college student from Stony Brook, has made her own jewelry. She decided to turn her hobby into a business to help offset college costs and now sells her creations at vendor events throughout Long Island.

One new vendor, Kim Mortensen from Nesconset, started selling candles when she became disabled and could no longer work full-time. Believing in repurposing items, she took unused candles in her home, melted them down, bought soy wax and began making her own unique scented candles and fire starters. Mortensen puts her phone number under the cover of each candle and tells customers that when the candle wax is finished burning, they can return the candle to her house and take a new one free of charge.

Visitors also had a chance to get up close and personal with sheep, goats, bunnies and even horses along the trail walk. Diana Schneider, farm manager for the historical society, said she has more than 20 volunteers who help her take care of the many animals on the farm each day. She and her staff also provide educational programs on the farm during the school year.

John and Samantha Capono of Northport came with their children, Matteo, Gianni and Stella, all dressed as Ninja Turtles, and wanted to stay for more candy and fun. He said, “The atmosphere was mysterious but welcoming and was perfect for families to enjoy together.”

Robin Ward said she was babysitting her three grandchildren from Nassau County and decided to bring them to the event to show the kids that Suffolk County is fun.

The Smithtown Historical Society, often called “Smithtown’s hidden gem,” has been serving the community since 1955. The society is committed to the preservation, restoration and interpretation of Long Island’s heritage for the education and enjoyment of the public. For more information, visit smithtownhistorical.org.

Pediatricians say sharing books with children is the best holiday gift of all

by TBR Staff - November 1, 2024

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A book can inspire joy and stir the imagination, and even better this holiday season is the gift of sharing that book with your child.

“Turning the pages of a high-quality, print book filled with colorful pictures and rich, expressive language is best,” said Dr. Dipesh Navsaria, a pediatrician. “While touchscreens and other electronic devices may be popular, they are typically passive or solitary experiences for children and do not offer the same benefits of interpersonal connection and relationship building.”

Starting from infancy, reading aloud helps build the foundation for healthy social-emotional, cognitive, language and literacy development. Sharing books helps with language development and vocabulary, and gets them ready to listen and learn in school. And over the past decade, research has found that reading together helps foster positive interactions, strengthening the safe, stable and nurturing relationships young children must have to thrive.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends reading with your child every day, even if only for a few minutes, and making it part of the bedtime routine. Each evening, set aside 20 to 30 minutes with screens off for sharing books.

Remember that the experience should be fun. You don’t have to finish a story if your child loses interest. Let your child choose the book, even if it means reading the same book over and over. You can invite your child to “read” to you from a familiar book that they have memorized. Dr. Navsaria suggests asking about the illustrations or what your child thinks will happen next. You can say: “Can you find all the blue things?” or “Show me all the things that can fly.” Point out colors, shapes, numbers and letters and respond with enthusiasm to your child’s questions and comments.

Local libraries offer a wide variety of children’s literature, including fairy tales, poetry and nursery rhymes, as well as non-fiction books on subjects children love, such as the ocean or dogs. Follow your child’s interests in choosing books. Children’s librarians can help you with high-quality book selections on a wide range of topics. And during the holidays, consider building your home library and reinforcing the value of great books by giving them as gifts.

By age 4, a child can typically tell you which books they want to share with you; pretend to read a favorite book aloud to you; and tell you how a story is like things they have seen or done. They may ask you questions about books you are enjoying together or “correct” you if you skip a word or page in a favorite book. As children grow older, reading can help develop character and values that are important to your family. In fact, a really great book has the power to counterbalance negative outside influences and teach children important lessons as they grow.

“It might be a book on kindness after your child experienced or witnessed cruelty,” Dr. Navsaria said. “It might be a book on expressing emotions after your child saw or heard scary news coverage, or maybe a book on understanding differences after your child saw someone who looked different than they expected.”

The AAP and Reach Out and Read have compiled a list of books—organized by age and topic—to help you raise children who are curious, brave, kind, thoughtful and aware of the world around them. You can find the list at healthychildren.org.

“Books are great conversation starters,” Dr. Navsaria said. “They’re also just a lot of fun and can help create wonderful memories, particularly during the holidays when you’re spending extra time together. A shared reading experience, as a tender, magical and loving time spent with your child, is truly a gift. It speaks to the heart of what parenting is.” (StatePoint)

Stony Brook Medicine makes Halloween spook-tacular for young patients

by Press Release - October 31, 2024

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With the goal of bringing smiles to patients and families who are facing Halloween in the hospital, Stony Brook Medicine hosted Halloween events to make the holiday extra special. The March of Dimes made costumes for NICU patients at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital. The Stony Brook Cancer Center held its first-ever Trick or Treat and Halloween extraBOOganza with a parade.

Kids Korner: Oct. 31 to Nov. 7, 2024

by Heidi Sutton - October 31, 2024

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Theatre-Three-BARNABY-SAVES-CHRISTMAS-Ryan-Worrell-Samantha-Fierro-1-scaled — A HOLIDAY FAVORITE 'Barnaby Saves Christmas' returns Nov. 23. Photo courtesy of Theatre Three

PROGRAMS

Secret Sirens Scavenger Hunt

From now through December, take part in a Secret Sirens Scavenger Hunt at the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St.. Cold Spring Harbor during gallery hours of Thursday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Join a hunt of mythic proportions as you search for hidden merfolk tails in the gallery. Discover them all and score a prize! Free with admission. No registration required. 631-367-3418

First Steps in Nature

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown continues its First Steps in Nature series for ages 2 to 4 on Nov. 1 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

Art in the Barn

Walt Whitman Birthplace, Huntington Station continues its Art in Barn series on Nov. 2 at 11:30 a.m. Jump into Fall with Pieter Bruegel’s painting The Harvesters and then pick autumn leaves to create a special collage. For children in Pre K through 3rd grade with parent/guardian. $25 child and guardian, $20 second child. Register at www.waltwhitman.org.

Día de los Muertos Family Celebration

In collaboration with Town of Huntington Hispanic Advisory Task Force and Latina Moms Connect, Inc., the Heckscher Museum of Art, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington will present a Día de los Muertos Family Celebration on Nov. 2 from noon to 5 p.m. Enjoy learning about this special holiday and how it is celebrated around the world. Meet artists Sueey Gutierrez, Brianna L. Hernández, and Manuel Alejandro Macarrulla and create colorful works of art inspired by the celebration. Free. 631-380-3230

Story & Craft with Nana Carol

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

All About Fish Scavenger Hunt

Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor presents an All About Fish Fact vs. Fiction Scavenger Hunt on Nov. 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free with admission to the hatchery of $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 children ages 3 to 12. 516-692-6768

FILM

‘Teenage Ninja Mutant Turtles’

Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave, Huntington continues its Cinema For Kids series with a screening of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on Nov. 3 at noon. In New York, mysterious radioactive ooze has mutated four sewer turtles into talking, upright-walking, crime-fighting ninjas. The intrepid heroes — Michelangelo (Robbie Rist), Donatello (Corey Feldman), Raphael (Josh Pais) and Leonardo (Brian Tochi) – are trained in the Ninjutsu arts by their rat sensei, Splinter. When a villainous rogue ninja, who is a former pupil of Splinter, arrives and spreads lawlessness throughout the city, it’s up to the plucky turtles to stop him. Tickets are $13 adults, $5 children ages 12 and under. www.cinemaartscentre.org

THEATER

‘Barnaby Saves Christmas’

Celebrate the holidays with Barnaby Saves Christmas at Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson from Nov. 23 to Dec. 28 with a sensory friendly performance on Nov. 24. Come join Santa, Barnaby, Franklynne and all of their friends for a wonderful holiday treat. As our littlest elf and his reindeer friend set off on their journey to save Christmas, they meet some new friends along the way and learn the true meaning of Christmas, Hanukkah, and the holiday season. All seats are $12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

‘Frosty’

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport celebrates the return of Frosty from Nov. 23 to Dec. 29. Join Jenny and Frosty on their chilly adventures as they try to save the town of Chillsville from mean old Ethel Pierpot and her evil machine that will melt all the snow. Jenny calls on her Mom, the mayor, and all of you to help her save her home, get Frosty to the North Pole, and make this holiday season a Winter Wonderland for one and all! Tickets are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

Spooky fun weekend in Smithtown features Ghosts & Goblins Day and Trunk or Treat event

by Press Release - October 30, 2024

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The Town of Smithtown celebrated a weekend of Halloween excitement with two community events that delighted families and spread some early festive cheer. The festivities began on Saturday, October 19th, with the annual Ghosts and Goblins Day, hosted by the Town of Smithtown Recreation Department at Browns Road Park in Nesconset. More than 250 children and their families gathered for a fun-filled afternoon, featuring pony rides, music, games, prizes, and a balloon artist. Many attendees donned their Halloween costumes, adding a spooky flair to the event.

Ghosts and Goblins Day was a free event for Smithtown residents, offering entertainment for the entire family. In addition to the activities, attendees generously contributed non-perishable food items, which were later delivered to the Smithtown Food Pantry. Donors received raffle tickets for a chance to win prizes in a raffle held during the event.

On Sunday, October 20th, the Halloween celebrations continued with the Town of Smithtown’s Trunk or Treat event in the parking lot at Town Hall. The event, organized by the Town of Smithtown Youth Bureau in partnership with the Supervisor’s Office, Public Safety, and the Parks Department, attracted over 300 families, who enjoyed treats from more than 25 creatively decorated trunks. Participants also enjoyed games, music, and plenty of Halloween fun.

“We are very happy that we were able to serve over 100 families with these fun family events. We are so thankful to the community members and town employees who participated. Everyone’s collaboration together added to its success,” said Executive Director of the Youth Bureau, Janine Marc-Anthony.

The event saw contributions and participation from local community organizations, town departments, and businesses, including the Animal Shelter, the Youth Advisory Board, Mathnastium, The Smithtown Library, Podcat Farms, The Smithtown Performing Arts Center, and their students, Dawn Viola’s Team at Caldwell Banker American Homes, NorthShore Psychological Services.

In the days leading up to the weekend, the Smithtown Youth Bureau partnered with Girl Scouts of Suffolk County Troop 552 to distribute over 130 Halloween costumes to families in need. The troop, along with their leaders and families, collected costumes and set up a “shopping” area in the community room, where families could find the perfect costumes for their children.

Both events and the costume drive were huge successes, highlighting the spirit of community and giving back during the Halloween season. From the fun-filled games and activities to the charitable efforts of costume donations and food drives, the weekend provided something for everyone to enjoy.

Safe trick-or-treating tips for Halloween

by TBR Staff - October 29, 2024

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Halloween is enjoyed by people of all ages, but few get a bigger kick out of the holiday than children. There are costumes to be worn, time spent with friends and the opportunity to collect free candy and other treats. Although Halloween can be a fun time, the Children’s Safety Network warns that it’s also a time when accidents can happen. According to the CSN, the most dangerous day for child pedestrians is Halloween, with two times as many child pedestrians dying on Halloween compared to other days. It is essential to prioritize safety on Halloween, and following these guidelines can help.

• Make sure costumes are short. Costumes that drag on the floor are tripping hazards, which can lead to injury. Be sure that costumes do not cover the feet or drag on the ground.

• Trick-or-treat in groups. Children are safer in numbers due to the increased visibility of a crowd and because, if something happens, others can call for help. Parents can use their discretion on what age they feel is mature enough to let children go out alone. Until then, children should be accompanied by adults.

• Improve visibility. It’s important to be seen while trick-or-treating, and that can be achieved by making sure costumes and trick-or-treat bags feature reflective tape. Trick-or-treaters also can carry flashlights or glow sticks to improve visibility, and stick to areas with streetlights if going out after dark.

• Stay on sidewalks. Whenever possible, trick-or-treaters should stick to the sidewalks and avoid walking on the roads. This may not always be possible in neighborhoods without sidewalks, where parents and youngsters must be especially careful.

• Eat before trick-or-treating. A meal or snack before trick-or-treating can reduce the tendency to fill up on candy while out and about. All candy and other treats should be inspected by an adult before it is eaten.

• Keep pets locked away. Animals can become skittish when there are many people loitering outside of homes or ringing doorbells. Keep pets in a quiet room away from the action to prevent them from getting loose, injured or scared enough to bite or scratch someone.

• Avoid masks that obstruct vision. It can be hard to see peripherally with a mask on, so avoid costumes with masks that compromise vision.

• Test out makeup beforehand. All makeup used for costumes should be tested for allergic reactions prior to use. Heed the warnings on packaging and avoid putting makeup too close to the eyes or lips.

These are some safety strategies designed to keep Halloween fun and incident-free this year.

Town of Huntington unveils new Otsego Park amenities

by Press Release - October 29, 2024

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Six New Pickleball Courts and ADA Compliant Playground for Town’s Southern-most Park in Dix Hills

Huntington Supervisor Ed Smyth and the Town of Huntington have officially opened the completely redesigned, all-inclusive playground and six new pickleball courts at the Town’s southern- most Park in Dix Hills, Otsego Park.

“The Town of Huntington has committed tens of millions of dollars upgrading its parks over the past 3 years”, said Town Supervisor Ed Smyth. “This includes over $740,000 for the Otsego Park improvements incorporating ADA compliant play structures and 6 new pickleball courts. These enhancements are a continuation of Huntington’s commitment to maintaining, upgrading, and preserving our public spaces for our residents.”

The new playground & pickleball courts took over a year to complete. The unveiling features a brightly colored, brand-new playground structure, new playground safety surface, walkways, landscaping, and benches. Room has also been designated for a shaded picnic plaza adjacent to the pickleball and tennis courts to be added in the future. The new pickleball courts replace the decades old dek hockey court that had fallen into disrepair. The new courts and playground are located on the south end of the park, closest to the Commack Road entrance.

Otsego Park is one of the town’s most widely used parks with fourteen playing fields for little league, softball, and baseball. The park also includes basketball courts, lighted tennis courts and a convenient comfort station. Plans are underway to upgrade the popular baseball field 9 with a new turf infield playing surface.

Over the past 3 years, Supervisor Ed Smyth and his Parks, Engineering and General Service teams have been chipping away at restoring many of the over 50 active and 90 passive parks throughout the Town. This year, the Town has breathed new life into several parks – many of which were long overdue. Upgraded parks include: Al Walker Park, Crab Meadow Beach Playground, Whitman Park, and the recent unveiling of the state-of-the-art playground at the Town’s crown jewel, Heckscher Park.

Smyth concluded, “We are so proud of the upgrades at Otsego. The popularity of this Park will assuredly climb with these new additions and enhancements. But, projects like this do not happen by themselves. The Town had many partners that help us financially and collaboratively to make many of these projects happen. Once again, we owe a great deal of thanks to EOSPA, the town’s Environmental Open Space Park Fund, for their insight, support, and financial contributions. They are invaluable to this and so many other initiatives throughout the Town. Another Advisory Task Force that we rely on greatly is the Citizens Advisory Committee for Persons with Disabilities (CAC). As we move to bring our parks and public spaces into the 21st century, we have been reliant on the CAC’s expertise and advocacy on building an inclusive environment. We owe a great deal of gratitude to both EOSPA and the CAC.”

Supervisor Smyth stated that his 2025 budget has plans to upgrade additional parks in the town including: Columbia Street Park, Koster Park, William Burn Park, and phase two of the Crab Meadow Beach Playground.

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