Kristina Lomakina from the amazing Bingo Troupe balances on a tightrope with a chair during a recent performance. Photo courtesy of Circus Vazquez
Circus Vazquez, America’s largest family-owned big top circus, is bringing its thrilling new 2024 production to the Walt Whitman Shops, 160 Walt Whitman Road,Huntington Station from November 1 to 11.
Blending the modern with the traditional, and featuring a brand new cast of extraordinary circus superstars, Circus Vazquez presents unforgettable entertainment that is fun for all ages. It’s distinctive climate-controlled blue and white tent is the largest of its kind currently touring the U.S.
For 55 years, Circus Vazquez has entertained several generations of families with an awe-inspiring, death-defying, hilarious, authentic, and affordable circus experience. This year’s show carries on that legacy and is one not to be missed.
For the 2024 Tour, the Vazquez family searched around the world to assemble a stellar cast of international talent.
Boris Nikishkin, from Russia, has been entertaining and amusing audiences since he was four years old, and now this award-winning clown, comedian and acrobat will make his American debut, a long-held dream of his.
Hailing from Guinea, Africa, the Bone Breakers quartet present unbelievable body-bending flexibility unlike anything you’ve ever seen while Columbia’s Duo Vanegas, Ricardo and Alejandro, are daredevils who defy gravity on the Wheel of Wonder, a rotating device reaching over 30 feet in height in one of the most thrilling of all circus acts.
Featuring Olympian Natalia Kapitonova, the Liazeed Angels are a unique troupe of athletes that bring high-quality gymnastics to the circus ring in their Circus Vazquez debut.
Duo Marruffo from Brazil present an athletic display of handbalancing and strength and from Kiev, Ukraine, the Bingo Troupe present a distinct high-energy mix of dance and acrobatic performances.
Fourth generation Vazquez family members also step into the spotlight. Jose Alberto Vazquez is a true juggling virtuoso with over two decades of experience showcasing his jaw-dropping skills. Siblings Jan and Carolina Vazquez deliver a thrilling performance of juggling and balance on the rolla bolla, a traditional circus apparatus that takes years to master. The magnificent Circus Vazquez Band provides a scintillating soundtrack to each act. After the show, the audiences is invited to meet some of the circus stars.
Weekday performances are set for 7 p.m. while Saturday and Sunday performances are scheduled for 1 p.m, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Discounted tickets and additional information are available at www.CircusVazquez.com. Senior/military/handicap rates available online.Tickets will also be available in person at the box office beginning opening day.
On October 19, Town Councilman Neil A. Manzella (left), Town Clerk Kevin J. LaValle (second from right), NYS Senator Dean Murray (second from left), and Suffolk County Legislator Nick Caracappa (right) were joined by over 550 Middle Country Youth Civic Association members for some early Halloween fun at Brookhaven Town’s Centereach Pool.
This year, the Councilman transformed his automobile trunk into the classic “Fix-it-Felix” Arcade and the Town Clerk portrayed the “Karate Kid” character, “Daniel LaRusso,” with his car trunk themed from the hit movie. Both trunks were filled with goodies for the enthusiastic “Trick or Treaters.”
Dozens of car trunks at the weekend event were changed into Halloween attractions with Town officials and
their staff handing out candy and toys to the youngsters all dressed in their pre-Halloween costumes.
Councilman Manzella and the Civic Association said the event “never disappoints!”
Scene from the 2024 Huntington Apple Festival. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
Scene from the 2024 Huntington Apple Festival. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
Scene from the 2024 Huntington Apple Festival. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
Scene from the 2024 Huntington Apple Festival. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
Jess Seilheimer, Owner of Dahlia and Dreams sells her home-grown flower bouquets. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
By Jennifer Donatelli
The aroma of fresh-baked pies, hot apple cider and hand-cut flowers filled the autumn air last weekend as families flocked to the Huntington Historical Society’s Apple Festival at the Daniel W. Kissam House Museum.
This free event has grown from a small community gathering 20 years ago into a vibrant celebration of fall that attracts over 1,000 visitors from all over Long Island. The festival featured a variety of activities and hands-on demonstrations designed to educate the community about life during Colonial America.
Heather and Rob of Kings Park brought their children to the festival to celebrate their daughter’s birthday.
“We wanted to do something fun outside for her and this is the perfect place,” Heather said.
The smell of fresh-cut flowers was abundant throughout the day. Jess Seilheimer, owner of Dahlias and Dreams, grows the flowers in her Centerport backyard, and transforms them into beautiful bouquets.
“I love bringing flowers into people’s homes because it makes them joyful and relaxed,” Seilheimer said. “This makes me happy and makes other people happy and that’s exactly what I want to do.”
In addition to the relaxing, music-filled ambiance of the event, attendees dove into American history with tours of the 18th-century Kissam House. The house, built in 1795 by Timothy Jarvis and first occupied by Dr. Daniel Whitehead Kissam and his family, is one of four national register historic properties, maintained by the Huntington Historical Society.
Attendees experienced firsthand what it was like to live in colonial America. Demonstrations throughout the day included traditional folk artisans woodworking, weaving and quilting.
Additionally, activities for the children included a magic show, face painting and pumpkin decorating, among a host of other activities.
One of the most popular demonstrations of the day was rug hooking — an art form where rugs are made by pulling loops of wool through stiff, woven fabric, such as burlap.
Mary, a member of the Rug Hooking Club of Long Island, explained that in colonial times, rug hooking was a craft of necessity. Poor women used scraps from their bags to create homemade floor coverings while girls from wealthy families were sent to school to learn embroidery or quilting. Today, rug hooking is regarded as a fine art.
Donna Waldenburg, a member of the Huntington Historical Society board, said the Apple Festival is a great way to engage younger families and showcase the society’s programs and events.
“We want to educate the community about colonial life… in a way that [engages] everyone,” Waldenburg explained.
Stephanie Gotard, executive director of the Huntington Historical Society, reiterated the uniqueness of this annual event.
Long Island-grown apples were sold by the bag along with other fall favorites like candy apples, apple donuts, apple cider and an assortment of homemade pies and breads from the Jericho Cider Mill and local bakeries.
The Kissam House is open for tours during the week. Visitors can also stop by the Museum Store to shop for collectibles and antiques.
For more information on tours, workshops, programs and events, visit www.huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org.
A scene from Huntington's Fall Muster Day 2024. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
A scene from Huntington's Fall Muster Day 2024. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
A scene from Huntington's Fall Muster Day 2024. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
A scene from Huntington's Fall Muster Day 2024. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
A scene from Huntington's Fall Muster Day 2024. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
A scene from Huntington's Fall Muster Day 2024. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
A scene from Huntington's Fall Muster Day 2024. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
A scene from Huntington's Fall Muster Day 2024. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
A scene from Huntington's Fall Muster Day 2024. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
A scene from Huntington's Fall Muster Day 2024. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
A scene from Huntington's Fall Muster Day 2024. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
A scene from Huntington's Fall Muster Day 2024. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
By Jennifer Donatelli
The year is 1775 and there’s been turmoil in all of the colonies. At least, that’s what it felt like for visitors at the Huntington Militia Group’s annual Fall Muster Day last Sunday, Oct. 20, at The Arsenal, part of the Sammis House, at The Village Green in Huntington.
The Militia Group recreated life in the 18th century with live, hands-on demonstrations through the day of civilian and military life in the 1700s.
Attendees witnessed live musket and cannon drills throughout the day, as well as witnessing them being fired from The Arsenal. This was all part of living history that the Militia Group uses to educate the community of what life was like in Colonial America in Huntington. All volunteers were dressed in period clothing they sewed themselves.
Patrick Mantle, commander of the Huntington Militia, said the event promotes family participation with the live demonstrations and provides a wide range of educational activities. He explained, “It’s like American history textbooks coming alive.”
In addition to a variety of colonial crafts, visitors learned about silversmithing, paper making, sewing, cooking, embroidery, weaving and even how to load and shoot a musket.
One of the highlights of the day for kids was the Children’s Musket Drill where kids — and adults — were taught to march, drill and fire “practice muskets.” Noah, age 8, from Huntington thought it was “so cool.” His older sister Elyse agreed, saying, “It made me really want to learn more about the history of the colonists.”
Papermaking, silver jewelry, embroidery and muskets
Patricia Roos, one of the volunteers and a former teacher, talked about the importance of papermaking while she demonstrated the process. She explained that paper was too expensive to buy because it was being imported from England and was heavily taxed by the British. Paper was an important commodity because it was used for writing letters, as cartridges for guns and writing books.
The colonists wound up teaching themselves how to make paper from natural materials like linen or cotton from their clothes. Roos said, “The colonists would wear out their clothing until it became rags and then sell it to a ragman.” She added, “The ragman would turn around and sell the clothing rags to a factory where they would chop up the fabric into little tiny pieces, put it in a barrel with water to make a pulp.” Using a screen and pressing out the water, the soon-to-be paper would hang to dry for 24 hours.
Volunteer and silversmith, Michael Goudket, makes silver jewelry from coins — a trade he said the colonists carried out during the early 1700s. He added that Native Americans would trade beaver pellets for silver jewelry. The Native Americans would use the silver crosses as decorative and shiny pieces on their clothing.
Goudket explained, “Silversmiths were an intricate part of the community because in colonial times, when you brought your money to the bank they charged you to have a man stand with a gun and guard it.” He added, “People would bring their coins to the silversmith who would turn them into plates and tankards writing the owner’s initials on them so they couldn’t be stolen.”
Goudket said he learned silversmithing while a student at Syracuse University. “It was part of my fine arts curriculum,” he said. “I have been silversmithing ever since.” He explained that a silversmith would take silver coins and hammer them out to make sheets of silver that would be used to trade for beaver pellets, which were needed to make fur hats.”
Robert and Merrell, a husband-and-wife team who did not wish to disclose their last name, have been volunteering for years with the Huntington Militia Group. Merrell explained the importance of embroidery, while showing visitors how to use the embroidery needles to make dining room chair covers from the 1700s. She said, “Ladies did all the embroidery because it was a luxury that required leisure time and a lot of money.
Robert demonstrated how cord would be used in colonial times in lacing a corset or for a woman to use cord to tie her apron. He said, “It may have been done by the ladies, children or older people in the house to give them something to do.”
Robert said he learned the art of lucet when he went to visit the Jamestown settlement in Virginia. He observed a woman making cord and said, “When I got home I went to the library and found a book on an 18th-century lucet and began from there.” He has written a reference pamphlet on the subject so the tradition can carry on.
Attendees got to see first-hand how Revolutionary War soldiers were able to load and shoot a .75 caliber rifle. Artillery volunteer, Vinny DeNardo, explained that a regular rifle only had the capability to shoot 65 to 75 yards but a gun-powdered musket can load in 20 seconds and could shoot across three football fields, instantly killing a British officer with only one shot.
Huntington Militia
The Ancient and Honorable Huntington Militia is one of the oldest organizations in the United States. It was formed in 1653 by the Town of Huntington to provide an effective defense against the hostile Dutch settlements of New Netherlands and to keep the local Native Americans in awe by holding regular, public training exercises on the Town Common. Huntington was made part of the Colony of New York in 1664 and the Huntington Militia became part of the New York Provincial forces in 1666.
The Huntington Militia was reactivated by The Town of Huntington in 1974, to serve in a ceremonial capacity as its official Colonial Guard and to continue as a permanent, living link with the town’s proud heritage. The militia became a Revolutionary War reenactment unit in 1976 and continues to this day to preserve its heritage and recreate life as it was on Long Island in Colonial America.
For more information on upcoming events, or to volunteer, visit the website www.huntingtonmilitia.com.
Children can trick or treat at the Stony Brook Village Center during the Ward Melville Heritage Organization's annual Halloween Festival on Oct. 31. Photo from WMHO
By Heidi Sutton
Halloween is such a fun time of year. Whether you like to go on a haunted hayride, a spooky walk, join a parade or go trick or treating, here are 31 Halloween events on the North Shore to enjoy. Happy Halloween!
Calverton
Haunted Hollow Fundraiser
Baiting Hollow Scout Camp, 1774 Sound Ave., Calverton will host a Haunted Trail and Haunted House on Oct. 25 and 26 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Prepare yourself for a night filled with spine-tingling frights and eerie sights! Admission is $20 per person at www.sccbsa.org/hollowhaunted.
Centerport
Halloween Boo at the Museum
The Vanderbilt Museum Education Department, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport presents Halloween Boo at the Museum on Oct. 31 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Young children in Preschool with an adult are invited to hear a museum educator read a Halloween book and then make a craft project inspired by the story. Cost is $20 per child. Register at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org. 631-854-5552.
Cold Spring Harbor
Haunted Hatchery
Calling all ghosts and goblins, spiders and bones … Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor will host a Haunted Hatchery on Oct. 26 from 2 to 5 p.m. Families are welcome to join them for a not-so-scary Haunted Hatchery. Trick-or-Treat your way through their outdoor grounds. Admission fee is $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 children ages 3 to 12. 516-692-6768, www.cshfishhatchery.org
Commack
Trunk-N-Treat
Commack United Methodist Church, 486 Townline Road, Commack presents its 6th annualTrunk-N-Treat event on Oct. 26 from 2 to 4 p.m. Children can trick or treat for candy at festively decorated car trunks and enjoy games, crafts and activities. Free. 631-499-7310
East Setauket
Trunk or Treats
◆ Messiah Lutheran Church, 465 Pond Path, East Setauket hosts a Trunk or Treat on the front lawn on Oct. 26 from 2 to 4 p.m. Free. 631-751-1775
◆ Three Village Church, 322 Main St., East Setauket presents a Trunk or Treat Fall Festival on Oct. 26 from 2 to 4 p.m. Enjoy decorated car trunks to “trick or treat” through, bounce house, face painting, games and more. Free. 631-941-3670
Spooky Walk
Setauket Fire Department, 394 Nicolls Road, East Setauket hosts its third annual Spooky Walk on Oct. 26 from 6 to 10 p.m. Come down for some family fun and trick or treating! Free, Rain date is Oct. 27. 631-941-4900
Haunted Hayrides
They’re baaaaack! Benner’s Farm, 56 Gnarled Hollow Road, East Setauket will offer Haunted Hayrides on Oct. 26 from 6 to 9 p.m. Get ready for a thrilling tractor ride through the haunted woods where friendly frights and magical moments await! This adventure is designed to be just spooky enough to send shivers down your spine! *The first hour of each night will be kid friendly. Tickets are $12 per person. To register, visit www.bennersfarm.com. 631-689-8172
Farmingdale
The Haunted Hangar Halloween Party returns to the American Airpower Museum on Oct. 26.
Haunted Hangar Halloween Party
American Airpower Museum, 1230 New Highway, Hangar 3, Farmingdale presents a Haunted Hangar Halloween Party, Fright Takes Flight, on Oct 26 from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. complete with a haunted house with spooky warbirds, and ghosts, witches, and goblins! Enjoy a tour of a haunted bomber, take part in a costume contest, and dare to enter the maze of terror at this family friendly event. Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and veterans, $10 for children ages 5 to 12. 631-293-6398
Farmingville
Trick or Treat Trail
Join the Farmingville Historical Society on Oct. 26 for a Trick or Treat Trail at Farmingville Hills County Park, 503 Horseblock Road, Farmingville from noon to 2 p.m. Come in costume and trick or treat along a trail while learning about the history of candy. Fill your bag with real, full-size candy treats. The entry fee is $15 per trick or treater. Parents are welcome to escort their children without paying. All Trick or Treaters must pre-register at www.farmingvillehistoricalsociety.org
Haunted Firehouse
Farmingville Fire Department, 1080 Portion Road, Farmingville presents a Haunted Firehouse on Oct. 25, 26, 27 and 31 from 7 to 10 p.m. Visitors will step into a world of horror where the firehouse transforms into a haunted haven of the macabre. Tickets are $15 per person at www.longislandhauntedfirehouse.org. A Not So Scary event will be held on Oct. 26 from 1 to 3 p.m. Admission for that event is $20 per family (up to 6 people), cash only.
Hauppauge
Trick or Treat at the Library
Hauppauge Public Library, 1373 Veterans Memorial Highway, Hauppauge invites the community to trick or treat in their parking lot on Oct. 25 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Community members will be decorating their trunks in fun and spooky themes and will pass out candy to trick or treaters. The library will also have snacks, games, crafts, and other activities. Free and open to all. 631-979-1600.
Huntington
Trunk or Treat
Town of Huntington presents its 2nd annual Trunk or Treat at the Cinema Arts Centre parking lot, 423 Park Ave., Huntington on Oct. 26 from 6 to 9 p.m. This free event will feature candy, music, a trunk design contest, and more.
Halloween at the Heckscher
Families are invited to celebrate Halloween at the Heckscher Museum of Art, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington on Oct. 27 and Oct. 31 from noon to 5 p.m. Create a spooktacular art activity, make a haunted Digital Action painting, and take home a festive treat! Free admission. Costumes encouraged. Free. 631-380-3230, www.heckscher.org
Halloween Costume Parade
The annual Downtown “Hauntington” Village Halloween Costume Parade returns to the Town of Huntington on Oct. 31 at 4 p.m. Sponsored by Town of Huntington, Councilwoman Joan Cergol, Dr. Dave Bennardo, and the Huntington Village BID. Line-up at the Huntington Post Office, 55 Gerard St., Huntington for a parade. Trick or treat at designated village merchants before and after the parade. Free. 631-351-3173
Lake Grove
Halloween at Smith Haven Mall
Join the Smith Haven Mall, Moriches Road, Lake Grove for a spooktacular, fun trick-or-treating for all the little ghouls and goblins on Oct. 31 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (while supplies last*) If you want to know what retailers and restaurants may have tricks or treats for the little ones on Halloween, keep and eye out for the pumpkin in their windows. Free. 631-724-1433
Miller Place
Spooky Lantern Walking Tour
The Miller Place Mount Sinai Historical Society, 75 North Country Road, Miller Place presents its annual Spooky Lantern Tour, a not-too-scary walking tour of the haunted history of Miller Place, on Oct. 25 and 26 at 5:30 p.m., 6:15 p.m. and 7 p.m. A guide from the MPMS Historical Society who will regale you with all the spooky stories surrounding this pre-Revolutionary War town. Bring a lantern or flashlight and wear comfortable shoes. For ages 10 and up. $20 per person. Advance registration required at www.mpmshistoricalsociety.org.
Halloween Scavenger Hunt
The Miller Place Mount Sinai Historical Society, 75 North Country Road, Miller Place will hold a Halloween Candy Scavenger Hunt on Oct. 31 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., a historic way to celebrate the spooky season with friends and family. Visit the historic William Miller Hours, post office, barn and the schoolhouse to grab some treats! This is a free event while supplies last. 631-476-5742
Northport
Howl-Ween Pet Pawrade
Suffolk County Legislator Stephanie Bontempi, Village of Northport Mayor Donna Koch, and the Northport Farmers’ Market will be hosting the Howl-Ween Pet Pawrade in Northport Village Park on Oct. 26 at 9 a.m. Bring your furry friends dressed in their best Halloween costumes to join the fun and have a chance to win a prize!
The parade lineup will meet in the Village Park behind the basketball court. The parade route will proceed around the playground and will end by the Farmers’ Market, where vendors and volunteers will judge the pet costumes. Winners will receive prizes donated by local pet stores and will have their pets highlighted on social media. Free. Rain date is Nov. 2. 631-854-4500
Port Jefferson Station
Boo-wl Tastic Halloween Party
Port Jeff Bowl, 31 Chereb Lane, Port Jefferson Station will hold a Boo-wl Tastic Halloween Party on Oct. 26 from 2 to 4 p.m. $30 per person includes two hours of bowling with shoes, cosmic bowling with Halloween theme and music, goodie bag for each child, kids costume parade and contest. Reserve online at www.portjeffbowl.com.
Rocky Point
Trunk or Treat
The North Shore Youth Council and the Rocky Point PTA present its annual Trunk Or Treat! event at the Joseph A. Edgar School, 525 Route 25A, Rocky Point on Oct. 27 from 2 to 5 p.m. with decorated cars and trunks, candy and non-edible treats, face painting, crafts and photo prop. Costumes encouraged. Free.
St. James
Halloween painting workshop
Discover your inner artist! The Atelier at Flowerfield, 2 Flowerfield, Suite 6 and 9, St. Jameshosts a kids painting workshop on Saturday Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to noon. No tricks, just treats with Miss Linda as she teaches you how to paint this yummy Halloween ice cream painting step by step. $55 per child includes an 11×14 canvas and art supplies. To register, visit www.theatelieratflowerfield.org. For more info, call 631-250-9009.
Deepwells Haunted Mansion
Deepwells Farm Historical Society, 2 Taylor Lane, St. James transforms the Deepwells mansion into the spine-chilling splendor of a Deepwells Freak Show for Halloween on Oct. 25, 26, Nov. 1 and 2 from 7 to 10 p.m. This year, history and horror intertwine at the haunted historic estate, now transformed into a peculiar spectacle where all your nightmares come to life. Not suitable for young children. Advance tickets are $30 at www.deepwellshauntedmansion.com, $40 at the door. 631-862-2808
Halloween Parade
The Community Association of Greater St. James presents its annual Halloween Parade on Oct. 27 from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. Meet at the Gazebo on Lake Avenue dressed in your Halloween best to parade around the park. Free. 631-360-7620
Smithtown
Spooky Woods & Trick O’ Treat
Smithtown Historical Society, 239 East Main St., Smithtown presents a family-friendly Spooky Woods and Trick O’ Treat event on October 25, 26, 27, 30, and 31 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Take a spooktacular walk through a haunted trail, where little ones will have a great time seeing Halloween displays on one side and farm animals on the other. Enjoy trick o’ treating and say hi to craft and food vendors (and maybe some jolly ghosts) at this unique Halloween experience for the entire family. Don’t miss the hayride (additional charge) through the spooky woods! $10 per person, kids under 3 free. 631-265-6768
Stony Brook
Halloween Family Fun Day
Family Fun Day is back at the Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook just in time for Halloween! Join them on Oct. 27 from 1 to 4 p.m. forpumpkin painting, trick-or-treating, crafts and more. Wear your Halloween costume if you wish. Free admission. 631-751-0066, www.longislandmuseum.org
Halloween Festival
The Ward Melville Heritage Organization hosts its 34th annual Halloween Festival at the Stony Brook Village Center, 111 Main St., Stony Brook on Oct. 31 from 2 to 5 p.m. with trick or treating in the shops and restaurants, Halloween parade, games and Monster Mash dancing — wear your best costume! Scarecrow competition winners announced at 3:30 p.m. Free. 631-751-2244, www.wmho.org
Wading River
Safe Trick or Treat at The Shoppes
The Shoppes at East Wind, 5720 Route 25A, Wading River invites all goblins & ghouls & children dressed in costume to enjoy a safe outdoor Trick or Treating on Oct. 31 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free. 631-929-3500
Darkside Haunted House
It’s fear at its finest! Named the 15th “Scariest Haunted House” in the country by TravelandLeisure.com, the Darkside Haunted House, 5184 Route 25A, Wading River is guaranteed to provide spine-tingling thrills that will make your blood run cold. Remaining dates are Oct. 24 to 27, Oct 30 and 31 and Nov. 1 and 2. General admission is $35 per person. Visit www.darksideproductions.com for hours and tickets.
Yaphank
Halloween on the Farm
The Suffolk County Farm, 350 Yaphank Ave., Yaphank presents Halloween on the Farm on Oct. 26 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Come Trick or Treat at the farm and see what the animals have for you! Treats will be provided at a dozen stations, unlimited wagons rides, kids crafts, corn maze and family games included. Pumpkins can be purchased for an additional cost. Fee is $20 for ages 1 to 18, $10 per adult at the door. Call 631-852-4600 or visit www.ccesuffolk.org for further information
Yaphank
Suffolk County Farm, 350 Yaphank Ave., Yaphank hosts a Truck or Treat event on Oct. 29from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Enjoy truck or treating, trick or treating around the farm, crafts, wagon rides, games, farm animal visits, corn maze and more. Costumes encouraged. $15 children ages 1 to 17, $5 adults. Register at www.eventbrite.com. 631-852-4600.
WHAT A HOOT!
Meet some owls at Sweetbriar Nature Center's Creatures of the Night event on Oct. 25.
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 Oct. 25 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
Creatures of the Night
Join Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown for a Creatures of the Night event on Oct. 25 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Meet nighttime animals, play a game with prizes, and take a nighttime hike in the woods to see where creatures of the night make their homes. Please bring a picnic blanket to watch the animal presentations. For ages 7 and up. $20 per person. Register at www.sweetbriarnc.org.
Kids’ Night Out
Port Jefferson Village Center, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson presents Kids’ Night Out on Oct. 25 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Parents can go out on a date while your kids have a fun-filled evening playing active games, crafts and more. Pizza will be served. Fee is $25 residents, $35 non-residents. To register, call 631-802-2160.
Fall Fishing
Join the staff at Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, 581 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown for some fishing fun on Willow Pond on Oct. 26 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Learn the basics of freshwater fishing at the Preserve. For children under the age of 15. $4 per child. Reservations taken on eventbrite.com.
Art in the Barn
Walt Whitman Birthplace, Huntington Station continues its Art in Barn series on Oct 26 at 11:30 a.m. with a Halloween party! Come in costume and create a poster using multi media materials. For children in Pre K through 3rd grade with parent/guardian. $25 child and guardian, $20 second child. Register at www.waltwhitman.org.
Story & Craft with Nana Carol
The Next Chapter bookstore, 204 New York Ave., Huntington hosts a Story and Craft event with Nana Carol on Oct. 28 at 10:30 a.m. Free. No registration required. Appropriate for ages 0-4. 631-482-5008
FILM
‘The Sandlot’
Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave, Huntington continues its Cinema For Kids series with a screening of The Sandlot on Oct. 27 at noon. It’s the early 1960s and fifth-grader Scotty Smalls has just moved into town with his folks. It’s the beginning of a magical summer of baseball, wild adventures, first kisses, and fearsome confrontations with the dreaded Beast and its owner who live behind the left field fence in this hilarious and warmhearted comedy. Tickets are $13 adults, $5 children ages 12 and under. www.cinemaartscentre.org
THEATER
‘Rapunzel’
The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents Rapunzel: A Tangled Fairytale from Sept. 28 to Oct. 27. Rapunzel’s sixteenth birthday has come, meaning that she’ll be able to see the outside world for the first time, just as her “mother” promised. Scared to let her go, though, the witch reneges. Lucky for Rapunzel a young Prince happens across her tower. Before the Prince and Rapunzel have their inevitable “happily ever after,” though, they’re going to have to face the wrath of the witch and a few other hilarious obstacles. All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit engemantheater.com.
Halloween Princess Party
You’re invited to a special Halloween Princess Party at the Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 East Main St., Smithtown on Oct. 26 at 2 p.m. and Oct. 27 at 11 a.m. Learn about Halloween traditions from different kingdoms and meet new friends. Costumes encouraged at this royal trick-or-treat! Tickets are $16. To order, visit www.smithtownpac.org or call 1-800-595-4849.
SCHOOL
Frank J. Carasiti Elementary School first graders with a Sound Beach firefighter. Courtesy Rocky Point School District
Students at Frank J. Carasiti Elementary School in the Rocky Point School District got an exciting hands-on lesson in fire safety on Oct. 8, thanks to a visit from the Rocky Point and Sound Beach fire departments during National Fire Prevention Week (Oct. 6-12).
The volunteer firefighters led an engaging assembly, sharing essential fire safety tips with eager kindergartners. Afterward, students explored fire trucks and ambulances up close, getting a first-hand look at the life-saving equipment firefighters use in emergencies.
On October 18, Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner (back row, fifth from right) and Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (kneeling at right) visited the Sunshine Alternative Education Center (SAEC) in Port Jefferson Station to speak with the students about their roles on the Brookhaven Town Council. Also pictured is Dr. Carol Carter (second from right) Administrator/Prevention Professional.
The mission of the SAEC is to provide a safe, nurturing environment for all children and families that is designed to build self-esteem and positive social skills, empower youth to make healthy choices and decisions, prevent or reduce substance abuse and violence, and strengthen connections between families, schools and communities. Sunshine Prevention Center provides a variety of prevention-focused programs and services to the youth and families in Suffolk County.
For more information, go to www.sunshinepreventionctr.org.
More than 250 Long Islanders gathered at Stony Brook University on Sunday to participate in Anthony’s Red Shoe FUNd Run in support of the widespread fundraising effort for the $30 million Ronald McDonald House, which is set to be built next to Stony Brook University Hospital.
Lisa Muratori, a professor at the Stony Brook University School of Health Professions, led the event, which was held in honor of her nephew Anthony Petrocelli, who passed away in 2019, at 16 years old, after fighting ewing sarcoma for two years. Dr. Muratori’s family relied upon the Ronald McDonald House room in the children’s hospital during his time spent in the hospital, and they got involved with the charity after his passing with hopes that the hospital would expand from its current two rooms to a larger entity.
The Ronald McDonald House Charities New York Metro chapter plans to open the 60,000-square-foot building, containing 30 suites, by the end of 2026, with the house’s official groundbreaking event occurring this past May. The first of its kind in Suffolk County, the house will host the families of those being cared for in the children’s hospital free of charge, with amenities like daily meals, laundry facilities, full pantries, and a gym provided during their stays.
“The Ronald McDonald House isn’t just a place to stay, it’s a place where families can find comfort, hope, and a sense of normalcy during incredibly difficult hard times,” Stacy Gropack, Dean of the School of Health Professions said before the race.
Lisa Muratori and Family. Photo by Matt Tisdell
“Whether you’re running, walking, cheering or volunteering, we appreciate it from the bottom of our hearts. Every step you take brings us closer to making sure that we can achieve the goals of the Ronald McDonald House and getting one on campus.”
Participants either ran in the 5k race or walked in a one-mile lap around the campus, with entry to the race costing $40 for the 5k, $30 for the one-mile and $20 for Stony Brook students. All in attendance were eligible for post-run raffles, with prizes ranging from T-shirts to gift cards, and were able to grab breakfast and lunch from food trucks surrounding the Student Activity Center for free.
Felipe Garcia, a 42-year-old long-distance runner from Port Jefferson Station, won first place in the 5k race with a time of 19 minutes and 30 seconds. He and his housemate, Lennie Nemerovsky, a 69-year-old retired pharmacist, previously attended the Head of the Harbor race held in April by the Ronald McDonald House Charities in St. James.
Stacy Gropack speaks at the event. Photo by Matt Tisdell
“We try to support the good intentions of the school to build a place for the parents of sick children to have a place to stay,” Nemerovsky said.
Muratori was pleased with the turnout and looks forward to the upcoming construction of the Ronald McDonald House. “We had a huge number of people, we raised a lot of money and everyone had a great time, we couldn’t be happier,” Muratori said after the race. “
We’re going to break ground and should be open by the end of 2026, so Suffolk County, take a look, we’re going to have a great big Ronald McDonald House right here on the Stony Brook campus.”
Matt Tisdell is a reporter with The SBU Media Group, part of Stony Brook University’s School of Communication and Journalism Working Newsroom program for students and local media.
From left, magicians Jim Vines and Mike Maione will be at Theatre Three on Halloween night.
By Melissa Arnold
Journalism is exciting for many reasons, but for me, getting to have new experiences tops the list. Last week, I had my mind read over Zoom. That’s a first!
Magicians Jim Vines and Michael Maione were eager to share some of their gifts with me at the end of my interview about their upcoming shows.
Vines is an absolute believer in the supernatural, and he said that a spirit could carry information over the many miles between his home and mine.
To demonstrate, Vines scribbled a three-digit number on a mini chalkboard without showing me. He set down his chalk and smiled. “Well, I’m committed now. Open your heart, and ask the spirit to tell you what I’ve written here.”
I played along, but I was nervous about ruining the trick — there are 900 possible three-digit numbers, after all. The odds of guessing correctly were miniscule. I shrugged and said, “I don’t know about this, Jim, but my number is 781.”
He grinned and showed me what he’d written — 781. Stunned, I screamed.
Maione shook his head. “That was creepy, Jim. I don’t want any spirits around here. Let’s send them away.”
He made a table appear out of thin air, lit a candle with a snap of his fingers, and then wrote the words “Spirit, go home!” on a piece of paper. He held the paper up to the flame, and the words vanished as the candle flickered out.
Spooky? Yes. Fun? Absolutely.
On Halloween night, Vines and Maione will invite the daring into a 70-minute experience of magic, mystery and history with Haunted Encounters: A Halloween Experience at Theatre Three.
The show is the first of its kind at the Port Jefferson theater. Following the success of their kid-friendly “Silly Sorcery Showcase” over the summer, Director of Development Douglas Quattrock said they hoped to produce a magic show geared more toward adults.
Add in the intimate, close-up setting of their downstairs second stage, the building’s lengthy history and ongoing rumors of hauntings at the theater, and you have the recipe for the perfect Halloween outing.
“A lot of people that work with us here are really of the belief that there are a couple of ghosts that hang around at the theater, including Fred Griswold, who used to run the machine shop,” Quattrock explained.
As he began to search for magicians to bring in, Mike Maione reached out in hopes of beginning a long-term partnership with Theatre Three.
Maione is both a skilled illusionist and producer of the Parlor of Mystery magic shows that were previously based in Lindenhurst. With Quattrock looking for magicians and Maione seeking a new venue for the Parlor, it was a win-win situation for everyone. They’re now planning to host magic shows several times a year.
Vines and Maione have very different magical backgrounds, but they share the same earnestness and curiosity about their craft. There’s always something new to learn, they said, and they’re constantly experimenting with new ways to push boundaries and impress a crowd. They became friends about 10 years ago, with Vines making frequent appearances in Parlor of Mystery shows.
Vines became “completely enamored” with the art of illusion at 12 years old when a classmate made an object disappear. Young Jim was gobsmacked, and immediately dove into reading everything the school library offered on magic and the supernatural. He went on to win national competitions, performing on television, off-Broadway and around the world.
For Maione, magic came along in his 40s. His wife had a friend who always brought a little pocket trick with him whenever he would come over for dinner and would show Maione how it worked. After several dinners, Maione had a whole collection of magic tricks, and his wife suggested he do a show for his daughter and her friends when they were young. Maione now focuses on comedic magic and has performed throughout the northeastern U.S. and as a member of the prestigious Magic Circle in London. He’s also a well-known magic lecturer and Youtuber.
Both men set performing aside for a time to focus on their families and careers, with Vines working in marketing and Maione as a hospital administrator.
“My wife thought the magic thing was just a phase,” Maione joked. “But once you get bit by the bug, it really stays with you.”
Haunted Encounters represents a departure from their usual material.
“We’re trying to bring together some of the spirits floating around Long Island. We’re going to have a good amount of audience participation, and some wonderful stories to tell. The theater is 150 years old and a lot of interesting, sometimes spooky things are said to have happened there,” Maione said.
Vines is hoping for a truly supernatural experience, and urges people to come to the show with an open mind. Anything can happen on Halloween, he said.
“The elements that we’re bringing into this experience are things we don’t do every day,” he added. “We’ll be experimenting with pendulum magic, a little bit of Tarot and all sorts of other fun surprises. Maybe some spirits will come to join us, too.”
Haunted Encounters: A Halloween Magic Experience will be held at Theatre Three, 412 Main Street, Port Jefferson on Thursday, Oct. 31 at 6 p.m. and again 8 p.m. Please note, this show may be frightening for children and is not recommended for those under the age of 13. Parental guidance is encouraged. Tickets are $40. To order, visit www.theatrethree.com or call the Box Office at 631-928-9100.
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