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TIME TO CREATE! Build your own model boat at the Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum on Aug. 16. Photo courtesy of Whaling Museum
PROGRAMS

Submarine Adventure

The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor invites you to a Submarine Adventure on Aug. 15 at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Go on the greatest adventure of all — to the bottom of the sea! Discover the other worldly organisms that dwell in the depths of the ocean and learn about these crazy creatures in an exciting black light activity. Create a glow-in-the-dark anglerfish to take home. ​​Admission + $10 participant; $5 Members. No registration required. 631-367-3418

Summer Thursday at the LIM

The Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook continues its after hours Summer Thursdays series on Aug. 15 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. with a family-friendly performance from the School of Rock Band outside the Carriage Museum, playing family friendly tunes while Art Across Ages offers music-themed crafts. The Carriage Museum will be open for self-guided tours. Free. 631-751-0066

First Steps in Nature

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown continues its First Steps in Nature series for ages 2 to 4 on Aug. 16 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

Bluey Family Fun

Families with children up to Grade 2 are invited to drop by Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket for some Bluey Family Fun on Aug. 16 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Have some fun with Bluey-themed crafts, games, and activities. No registration required. Open to all. 631-941-4080

Build-A-Boat

Join the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor on Aug. 16 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for an open-ended workshop where adults and kids alike can let their creativity soar, crafting unique vessels using a range of wooden materials and plenty of imagination. Take your masterpiece home with you! ​Admission + $10 participant. No registration required. 631-367-3418

Superheroes of the Sky

Join Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown for a family program, Superheroes of the Sky, on Aug. 17 from 11 a.m. to noon. Take a walking tour with Jim while he feeds the Center’s birds of prey and tells you about their incredible adaptations that help them survive in the wild. You’ll be seeing and learning about bald eagles, turkey vultures, owls, hawks and many more. Fee is $10 per adult / $5 per child (Under 12y). To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org.

Pop-Up Saturday

The Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO) continues its Pop-Up Saturdays series at the Stony Brook Village Center’s Inner Court by Crazy Beans, 97 Main St., Stony Brook on Aug. 17 with Uncle Tony’s Reptile Shack, an interactive, fun, and educational presentation featuring snakes, lizards, tortoises, and more, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Free. 631-751-2244

Story & Craft with Nana Carol

The Next Chapter bookstore, 204 New York Ave., Huntington hosts a Story and Craft event with Nana Carol on Aug. 19 at 10:30 a.m. Free. No registration required. Appropriate for ages 0-4. 631-482-5008

Family Scavenger Hunt

Frank Melville Memorial Park, 1 Old Field Road, Setauket continues its free summer programs with a Family Scavenger Hunt with Kerri Glynn on Aug. 20 at 11 a.m. How well do you know the park? Follow the riddles and win prizes in this 16th year of family fun. Meet at Hap’s Red Barn. Bring seating. Free. No registration required. 631-689-6146

Tiny Tots in a Tiny World

Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park presents a program for ages 3 to 5, Tiny Tots in a Tiny World, on Aug. 22 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Enjoy short walks, story time, animal visitors, and crafts. $4 per child. Reservations taken on eventbrite.com.

THEATER

‘Finding Nemo Jr.’

Extended! Summer fun continues at the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport with Finding Nemo Jr. from July 20 to Sept. 1. In this musical adaptation of the beloved 2003 Pixar movie, Nemo is captured and taken to Sydney, Marlin faces his fears and sets off on an epic adventure across the ocean. With the help of lovable characters such as Dory, Crush, and the Tank Gang, Marlin, and Nemo both overcome challenges on their journey to find each other and themselves. All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

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The 9U Tigers celebrate after the final out of the District 34 championship game. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Starting pitcher Jordan Ellis fires one in vs. Babylon. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Larkfield-Northport 9U catcher Michael Carp slides into third base. Photo by Steven Zaitz
The 9U Tigers celebrate after the final out of the District 34 championship game. Photo by Steven Zaitz

By Steven Zaitz

It took over 48 hours to play and endured a torrential downpour, but the Larkfield-Northport 9 and Under Little League baseball team finally got a chance to celebrate this past Monday — for a game that had started two days earlier.

The baby Tigers scored a 13-6 victory over the Babylon nine-year-olds at Ostego Park in Commack in a game that started Saturday night, Aug 3. After Northport took a 3-0 lead in the first inning, the heavens opened and the game resumed on Monday, Aug. 5.

Starting pitcher Jordan Ellis went three innings and gave up four runs on three hits and he struck out six Babylon batters. Kellyn Repetti, who started the game as the Tiger third baseman, pitched an inning and two-thirds, allowing two earned runs, and Jack Sheedy closed out the game, working the final inning and a third.

Northport pitchers issued 13 total walks, which  was the cause of much of the Babylon traffic on the basepaths and extended the lenght of the game to almost three hours. But they got big out when needed and allowed no more than two runs in any inning.

On offense, Northport jumped out to a 9-2 lead after two and a half innings, scoring at least a run in every inning but the fourth and exploding for five runs in the third. Sheedy and Repetti both had RBI triples in the  third inning off of Babylon starter Thaddeus Skarulis. The number two through six in the Larkfield-Northport batting order were an astounding  nine for nine, with eight runs scored, and seven runs batted in.

Ellis, Sheedy and first baseman Jackson Spoto were all 2 for 2 and Repetti was 3 for 3. Right fielder Dominic Elliot smacked a two-RBI single in the fifth inning, as the 9U Tigers just kept adding on. They led 11-4 after four and half innings, as the afternoon began to darken to dusk.

Wayne Kaifler, Reilly Cheffo and James Domanick also registered hits for Larkfield-Northport in the final game.

To make it here, the Tigers won an 8-7 nail-biter against West Islip in the semifinal game, which took eight innings to decide. Spoto, who led the pitching staff all season, threw 75 pitches in that game and was ineligible to pitch in the championship game, so Larkfield head coach John Sheedy turned to his three-headed monster of pitchers to  piece together the victory.

“Each of our pitchers did really well in this game and I am extremely proud of them and every member of this team,” said Sheedy, whose son Jack finished the game with a strikeout. “This championship is so well deserved for these kids. Every one of them put in a lot of hours of practice and they, as well as their families, were so dedicated during this season. To see everything to come to fruition is just a wonderful thing.”

Repetti, who for every game wears a shiny, multicolored necklace that his mom made for him, was ecstatic on his his team winning the championship jewels.

“It feels great to win,” Repetti said. “We are a good team, but I think the necklace brought us the good luck we needed.”

And with that, the entire team and their families were off to Coach Sheedy’s house for a  little pizza celebration.

Said the coach — “It was the best tasting pizza we’ve ever had.”

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'Pinocchio' at Theatre Three. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
'Pinocchio' at Theatre Three. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
'Pinocchio' at Theatre Three. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
'Pinocchio' at Theatre Three. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
'Pinocchio' at Theatre Three. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
'Pinocchio' at Theatre Three. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.

Theatre Three’s Children’s Theatre closes its summer season with Pinocchio, a musical for the entire family.

Based on Carolo Collodi’s late nineteenth century Italian novel, The Adventures of Pinocchio, the story has been seen on stage and screen, both in animated and live action versions. As with all Theatre Three children’s theatre, the company creates its own musical based on the original material. Pinocchio has a book by Jeffrey Sanzel, with new songs by Jeffrey Hoffman and Douglas J. Quattrock.

Anabelle (Emilia Guzzetta), underling apprentice fairy—third class, is assigned by Ondine, Queen of the Fairies (Ginger Dalton), to help an angry and withdrawn woodcarver, Geppetto (Steven Uihlein). 

After failing to change the recluse through song, the nervous fairy teams with the energetic and outgoing Cassandra, the Enchanted Cricket (Michelle LaBozzetta). Together, they enchant a stick of wood. Hearing the wood speak, Geppetto fashions it into a wooden companion, Pinocchio (Kiernan Urso). When they realize that the puppet is alive but lacks a sense of right and wrong, they cast a spell on his nose to grow when he does not tell the truth.

Meanwhile, two wily crooks—Carpacious Cat (Gina Lardi) and Ferdinand Fox (Ryan Van Nostrand)—set up their scam “Festival El Grande” to fleece the villagers. When they discover the magic wooden boy, the pair embark on yet another scheme. 

Along with the professional acting company, Pinocchio features two dozen students from Theatre Three’s Summer Dramatic Academy.

The score features the original songs “Lovely Thoughts,” “Bad Harmony,” “You Can Count on Me,” “Taran-Tella Da Truth,” “Put Tomorrow in Your Hands,” “Keep Your Chin Up and Smile,” and the calypso “Festival El Grande.”

The production is directed by Sanzel while  Quattrock and Hoffman, who musically directed, form the two-keyboard combo. Choreography is by Kiernan Urso, costume design is by Jason Allyn and Melissa Troxler is the production stage manager.

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents Pinocchio through Aug. 10. Running time is one hour with a 15 minute intermission. Photos with the cast are available in the lobby after the show. Final performances are Friday, August 9, at 11 a.m., and Saturday, August 10, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. 

Children’s theater continues with Theatre Three’s annual productions of A Kooky Spooky Halloween from Oct. 5 to 19, and and Barnaby Saves Christmas from Nov. 23 to Dec. 28. 

All seats are $12. Call the box office at 631-928-9100 or visit theatrethree.com for tickets and information. 

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MOVIE UNDER THE STARS Catch a screening of 'Wish' at Harborfront Park in Port Jefferson on Aug. 13.

PROGRAMS

Harry Potter Scavenger Hunt

The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor hosts a Harry Potter Scavenger Hunt and Craft now through Aug. 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. In honor of Harry’s birthday, muggles & wizards alike can enjoy a magical scavenger hunt throughout the museum’s galleries. Then design and decorate your very own wand craft to take home. ​​Free with admission. No registration required. 631-367-3418

​Power of Poseidon

Join the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor for a Power of Poseidon workshop on Aug. 8 at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Can’t get enough of Greek myths and legends? Neither could mariners! Discover how sailors would dress up as Poseidon during a special festival when they crossed the Equator. Explore some famous maritime myths then decorate your own terracotta “amphora” pot with mythical designs. ​Admission + $10 participant. No registration required. 631-367-3418

Adventures in Painting

Time to paint outside the box! Families with children up to Grade 6 are invited to drop by Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket for an Adventures in Painting class on Aug. 8 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.  to But you won’t find any paintbrushes here — you’ll be painting using various tools you may have never thought of. Leave with as many masterpieces as you can make! No registration required. Open to all. 631-941-4080

First Steps in Nature

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown continues its First Steps in Nature series for ages 2 to 4 on  Aug. 9 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

Build-A-Boat

Join the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor on Aug. 9 and 16 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for an open-ended workshop where adults and kids alike can let their creativity soar, crafting unique vessels using a range of wooden materials and plenty of imagination. Take your masterpiece home with you! ​Admission + $10 participant. No registration required. 631-367-3418

National Book Lovers Day

In honor of National Book Lovers Day, the Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook will give a themed exploration of carriage galleries inspired by the book Wheels of Change on Aug. 9 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Author Darlene Beck Jacobson will join the group live via Zoom to discuss her book, craft, and research process. For children in 3rd to 6th grade (must be accompanied by an adult).Free but registration is required by visiting www.longislandmuseum.org.

Art in the Barn

Walt Whitman Birthplace, 246 Old Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station continues its Art in the Barn series on Aug. 10 at 11 a.m. Participants will paint their own birdhouse. Birdhouse and seed will be provided. $40 per child and parent. To register, call 631-427-5240 or visit www.waltwhitman.org/product/artinthebarn/.

Pop-Up Saturday

The Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO) continues its Pop-Up Saturdays series at the Stony Brook Village Center’s Inner Court by Crazy Beans, 97 Main St., Stony Brook on Aug. 10 with caricature artist Marty Macaluso from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Drop by for a free caricature drawing! 631-751-2244

Crafternoon at the Library

Children ages 3 to 12 with a parent or caregiver are invited to stop by Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket on Aug. 10 anytime between 2 and 4 p.m. to get creative with recycled materials. No registration required. Open to all. Questions? Email [email protected]

Story & Craft with Nana Carol

The Next Chapter bookstore, 204 New York Ave., Huntington hosts a Story and Craft event with Nana Carol on Aug. 12 at 10:30 a.m. No registration required. Appropriate for ages 0-4. 631-482-5008

Meet the Farm Animals

(Rescheduled from July 12) Children in grades pre-K to 6 are invited to stop by Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket  on Aug. 12 between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to have fun with some hands-on interaction with animals. Presented by Cornell Cooperative Extension on the library’s front lawn. Open to all. No registration required. Questions? Email [email protected].

Backyard Wildlife

Frank Melville Memorial Park, 1 Old Field Road, Setauket continues its free summer programs with a Backyard Wildlife encounter on Aug. 13 at 11 a.m. Sweetbriar Nature Center will give a hands on experience with the many animals they rescue. Meet at Hap’s Red Barn. Bring seating. Free. No registration required. 631-689-6146

​Submarine Adventure

The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor invites you to a Submarine Adventure on Aug. 15 at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Go on the greatest adventure of all — to the bottom of the sea! Discover the other worldly organisms that dwell in the depths of the ocean and learn about these crazy creatures in an exciting black light activity. Create a glow-in-the-dark anglerfish to take home. ​​Admission + $10 participant; $5 Members. No registration required. 631-367-3418

Summer Thursday at the LIM

The Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook continues its after hours Summer Thursdays series on Aug. 15 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. with a family-friendly Performance from the School of Rock Band outside the Carriage Museum, playing family friendly tunes while Art Across Ages offers music-themed crafts. The Carriage Museum will be open for self-guided tours. Free. 631-751-0066

THEATER

‘Pinocchio’

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents Pinocchio, an original musical of the puppet who dreams of becoming a real boy, from Aug. 2 to 10. In a joyous and hilarious retelling of the famous tale, Pinocchio discovers the challenges and rewards of being truly human. Along the way, he befriends a sassy cricket and a bumbling fairy and is challenged by a sly fox, a wily cat, and a sneaky rat who tempt him off the path! Come follow Pinocchio as he journeys down the road of misadventure and learns the importance of telling the truth! All seats are $12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. 

‘Finding Nemo Jr.’

Extended! Summer fun continues at the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport with Finding Nemo Jr. from July 20 to Sept. 1. In this musical adaptation of the beloved 2003 Pixar movie, Nemo is captured and taken to Sydney, Marlin faces his fears and sets off on an epic adventure across the ocean. With the help of lovable characters such as Dory, Crush, and the Tank Gang, Marlin, and Nemo both overcome challenges on their journey to find each other and themselves. All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

FILM

‘Cars’

Heritage Park, 633 Mount Sinai-Coram Road, Mount Sinai continues its Movies in the Moonlight series with a screening of Cars on Aug. 9 at dusk (8:30 p.m.) Bring seating. Presented by the North Shore Youth Council and Suffolk County Legislator Chad Lennon. 631-403-4846

‘Wish’

Village of Port Jefferson continues its Movies on the Harbor series at Harborfront Park, 101-A East Broadway, Port Jefferson with a screening of Disney’s Wish on Aug. 13 at dusk. Rain date is the next evening. Bring seating. 631-473-4724

‘Elemental’

St. James Chamber of Commerce invites the community to Deepwells Farm County Park, 497 Route 25A, St. James for a screening of Disney/Pixar’s Elemental on Aug. 14 (rain date Aug. 21) at dusk. Bring seating. 631-584-851

‘The Wizard of Oz’

Rescheduled from Aug. 7. Middle Country Public Library, 101 Eastwood Blvd., Centereach invites the community to a screening of the classic The Wizard of Oz in the library’s parking lot on Aug. 14 at 8:30 p.m. After a tornado whisks her away to the magical land of Oz, Dorothy Gale teams up with a Scarecrow, a Tin Woodsman, and a Cowardly Lion to find the mighty Wizard of Oz, who can send her home. Rain date is Aug.14. Bring seating. 631-585-9393

Send your calendar events to [email protected]

 

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Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon takes part in a previous National Night Out event in Ridge. Photo courtesy of Suffolk County Sheriff's office
Update: These events have been canceled due to the weather.

The Town of Brookhaven, Town of Smithtown and Town of Huntington are among the many communities across the United States that will soon be celebrating National Night Out — a national initiative seeks to improve bonds between police and the public during an evening of family fun. And best of all, it’s free. No registration necessary.

Centereach – This event has been rescheduled to Aug. 20. 

The Centereach Pool Complex at 286 Hawkins Road, Centereach will host a National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 6 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sponsored by Brookhaven Town Councilman Neil Manzella, Brookhaven Town Clerk Kevin LaValle, SCPD’s 6th Precinct and the Middle Country Public Library, the event will feature music, swimming, touch-a-truck, food trucks, vendors and more. 631-451-6647

Holtsville

Holtsville Ecology Center, 249 Buckley Road, Holtsville will host a National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 6 from 5 to 8 p.m. Sponsored by the SCPD’s Fifth Precinct, Brookhaven Town Councilman Neil Foley, Town of Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico and Brookhaven Town Highway Superintendent Dan Losquadro, the event will include food, music, and face painting. The pool complex, zoo and Safety Town will also be open. 631-451-6645

Huntington

Manor Field Park, 110 East 5th Street in Huntington Station, will host a National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 6 from 5 to 8 p.m. Sponsored by Huntington Town Councilman Dr. Dave Bennardo, SCPD Second Precinct and the Huntington Town Board, the event will feature basketball and soccer tournaments, food, music, bounce house, obstacle course, spray park, food, giveaways, raffles, vendors and more. 631-351-3000

Lake Grove

The Smith Haven Mall’s Lifestyle Village in Lake Grove will host National Night Out with the SCPD 4th Precinct on Tuesday, Aug. 6 from 5 to 8 p.m. Enjoy a night of fun and safety education. Rain date is Aug. 8. 631-724-1433, 631-852-6000

Ridge – This event has been cancelled due to the weather.

Fireman’s Memorial Park, 725 Middle Country Road, Ridge will host a National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 6 from 5 to 8 p.m. Sponsored by Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon, Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner and Councilman Michael Loguercio, the event will feature games, a petting zoo, Sheriff’s Office vehicle displays, ice cream truck, softball and hockey games and giveaways along with a table for medical ID cards and Safe Child cards. 631-852-2200, 631-451-6964

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Star Wars Day at Emma Clark Library
Star Wars Day at Emma Clark Library
Star Wars Day at Emma Clark Library
Star Wars Day at Emma Clark Library
Star Wars Day at Emma Clark Library

The force was strong in Setauket on July 27 as Emma Clark Library hosted its annual Star Wars Day. Over 250 young Jedi and their families joined the coolest event in the galaxy with Star Wars-themed carnival games including Pin the Saber on the Vader, crafts, costumes and a raffle contest in the children’s library. The day was made extra special with a visit from Darth Vader and several stormtroopers.

— Photos courtesy of Emma Clark Library

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Stony Brook Heights Rooftop Farm Nutrition and Cooking Workshop for Kids. Photo courtesy of Stony Brook Medicine/Kali Chan
Stony Brook Heights Rooftop Farm Nutrition and Cooking Workshop for Kids. Photo courtesy of Stony Brook Medicine/Kali Chan
Stony Brook Heights Rooftop Farm Nutrition and Cooking Workshop for Kids. Photo courtesy of Stony Brook Medicine/Kali Chan
Stony Brook Heights Rooftop Farm Nutrition and Cooking Workshop for Kids. Photo courtesy of Stony Brook Medicine/Kali Chan
Stony Brook Heights Rooftop Farm Nutrition and Cooking Workshop for Kids. Photo courtesy of Stony Brook Medicine/Kali Chan
Stony Brook Heights Rooftop Farm Nutrition and Cooking Workshop for Kids. Photo courtesy of Stony Brook Medicine/Kali Chan
Stony Brook Heights Rooftop Farm Nutrition and Cooking Workshop for Kids. Photo courtesy of Stony Brook Medicine/Kali Chan

Stony Brook Medicine recently hosted its annual Stony Brook Heights Rooftop Farm Nutrition and Cooking Workshop for Kids, a three-day farm-to-table nutrition education program based out of Stony Brook University Hospital’s organic rooftop farm. 

Twelve children ages 7 to 10 took part in the workshop from July 23 to 25. Participants picked fresh vegetables from the 2,242-square-foot garden and then prepared their own meals which included hummus and veggie wraps, tabbouleh and fruit smoothies. 

By day 3, they had learned about how food and ingredients are grown; harvesting and choosing ingredients to prepare healthier food options; trying a variety of fruit and vegetables with the health benefits behind them; and proper use of kitchen equipment. They also learned about composting and water conservation. Each young chef went home with easy recipes they can duplicate for their families. 

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Students are asked to craft a story inspired by the above sea glass fragment.

By Daniel Dunaief

Daniel Dunaief

Once a piece of glass falls in the ocean, the magic begins.

Given an opportunity to enter the Whaling Museum & Educational Center of Cold Spring Harbor’s sea glass fiction writing contest, students from around Long Island accepted the challenge, offering a dynamic, exciting and inspiring range of stories.

Students from third grade through high school looked at the same piece of glass and developed stories filled with literary devices like onomatopoeia (where a word, like “whack” comes from a sound), personification and more.

The narratives ran the gamut from tales of mermaids to creations of new mythology to a search for meaning and identity. 

Along the way, the writers seized on the opportunity to share the journey sea glass takes as it transitions from a sharp piece of glass into a smoother, colorful object.

Some of the stories offered vivid descriptions of the world beneath the waves, taking readers into a magnificent aquatic seascape.

Amid narratives about pirates and mermaids, some writers chose to address dramatic and challenging themes, weaving emotionally resonant stories that tackled broken families, alcoholism and infidelity.

As a judge for the contest, I was not only surprised by the directions these stories took, but was also appreciative of the combination of realism and fantasy that suffused the writing, the willingness to take chances, and the pieces of the writers I could hear through their imaginations.

The writers imagined the glass either as the centerpiece of an important story or as a passenger, observing the dynamics that define the way people interact.

Judging writing and fiction is a subjective process, with each judge bringing his or her own ideas to the process.

I’m glad I wasn’t the only judge and enjoyed the opportunity to consider why the readers at the Whaling Museum & Education Center of Cold Spring Harbor chose to rank the submissions in a particular order.

I invite TBR readers to immerse themselves in these entries and to enjoy the worlds these writers have created or, in some cases, reflected. You can see some of the entries in the Arts & Lifestyles section of this week’s papers.

As for the writers, I want to thank them for finding time in their lives to share their ideas and to create their own stories.

In a contest in which third through fifth graders could write up to 500 words, sixth through eighth graders, 750 words, and high schoolers, 1,000 words, they developed stories, backdrops and themes that offered complete narratives and that carried readers off the page.

I particularly appreciate how these writers found the time to prepare and submit an entry. Student lives are filled with activities and assignments. Homework, required reading, chores, and sports and theater practices, to name a few, fill busy schedules that rarely leave them time to add an extra assignment or challenge to their calendars.

And, of course, social media and virtual communication often require regular check-ins and updates. The modern-day student, after all, can’t take too long to answer an urgent text from a friend at the risk of becoming less of a confidant or of sliding down the social hierarchy.

And yet, somehow, even with the importance of staying plugged in, none of the sea glass stories included references to social media and none was told through the prism of a social media world.

I hope the students enjoyed the opportunity to write something outside the context of a graded assignment and that they reveled in the freedom to go in any direction, imagine any characters, and create excitement or drama that appealed to them.

As for what’s next, the museum plans to run the competition next year, giving new entrants the opportunity to unleash their imaginations.

Many of the stories shared similarities with the sea glass itself: they shined in the distance, becoming increasingly interesting on closer inspection.

See pages B13 to B16 for the winning entries.

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Catch an outdoor screening of 'The Wizard of Oz' at the Middle Country Public Library on Aug. 7.
PROGRAMS

Drop-In Art Workshops

Children ages five through ten are invited to the Heckscher Museum, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington to create fun works of art in a variety of materials inspired by artwork in the Museum’s exhibitions on Aug. 1 and Aug. 8 from 10 to 11 a.m. Each week’s project will be exciting and different! Programs will be held both in the Museum and in Heckscher Park, weather-permitting. $10 per child includes all art supplies and admission to the museum. No advance registration required. www.heckscher.org

First Steps in Nature

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

Hatchery Olympics

Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor will host their very own Hatchery Olympics on Aug. 3 and 4! Open ceremonies will begin at 10 a.m. and again at 3 p.m. with frog hops, insect catches, animal track stars, bird balance beam and a snake shedding race. Athletes will compete against others in their age group. Free with admission fee. Register by emailing [email protected].

THE ART OF ILLUSION
Enjoy a free magic show with Magic of Amore at the Stony Brook Village Center on Aug. 3.

Pop-Up Saturday

The Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO) continues its Pop-Up Saturdays series at the Stony Brook Village Center’s Inner Court by Crazy Beans, 97 Main St., Stony Brook on Aug. 3 with a captivating magic show with Magic of Amore from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. 631-751-2244

BNL Open House

Join Brookhaven National Laboratory, 2 Center St., Upton for an Open House on Aug. 4 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit the Center for Functional Nanomaterials, where researchers probe tiny structures for big discoveries! See electron microscopes and a clean room, where research teams work with advanced materials at the nanoscale. Enjoy a Magic of Energy show, science talks and tour Center for Functional Nanomaterials the National Weather Service. Free. No reservations required. www.bnl.org.

Kids for Kids Concert

Frank Melville Memorial Park, 1 Old Field Road, Setauket continues its free summer programs with a Kids for Kids Interactive Concert on Aug. 6 at 11 a.m. Ward Melville High School students will share their knowledge about the many intruments they play. Children will be offered a hands-on experience too. Meet at Hap’s Red Barn. Bring seating. Free. No registration required. 631-689-6146

Giant Game & Big Voice Day

Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket invites families with children up to Grade 6 to its Giant Game & Big Voice Day on Aug. 6 from 6:30 to 8 p.m Try your hand at Giant Connect 4, sing karaoke, and spin the prize wheel. No registration required. Open to all. Questions? Email [email protected].

Busy Bees

Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park presents a Tiny Tots program, Busy Bees, on Aug. 8 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.  Enjoy short walks, story time, animal visitors, and crafts. For children ages 3 to 5. $4 per child. Reservations taken on eventbrite.com.

Adventures in Painting

Time to paint outside the box! Families with children up to Grade 6 are invited to drop by Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket for an Adventures in Painting class on Aug. 8 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.  to But you won’t find any paintbrushes here — you’ll be painting using various tools you may have never thought of. Leave with as many masterpieces as you can make! No registration required. Open to all. Questions? Email [email protected]

THEATER

‘Pinocchio’

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents Pinocchio, an original musical of the puppet who dreams of becoming a real boy, from Aug. 2 to 10. In a joyous and hilarious retelling of the famous tale, Pinocchio discovers the challenges and rewards of being truly human. Along the way, he befriends a sassy cricket and a bumbling fairy and is challenged by a sly fox, a wily cat, and a sneaky rat who tempt him off the path! Come follow Pinocchio as he journeys down the road of misadventure and learns the importance of telling the truth! All seats are $12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. 

‘Finding Nemo Jr.’

Summer fun continues at the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport with Finding Nemo Jr. from July 20 to Aug. 25. In this musical adaptation of the beloved 2003 Pixar movie, Nemo is captured and taken to Sydney, Marlin faces his fears and sets off on an epic adventure across the ocean. With the help of lovable characters such as Dory, Crush, and the Tank Gang, Marlin, and Nemo both overcome challenges on their journey to find each other and themselves. All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

FILM

‘Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs’

Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Cinema for Kids! series with a screening of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs on Aug. 4 at noon. Hailed as a hero at first, inventer Flint Lockwood must scramble to avert disaster with the weather girl Sam Sparks and Steve, Flint’s talking monkey assistant, as food of gargantuan proportions rains down. Tickets are $13 adults, $5 children 12 and under. www.cinemaartscentre.org.

‘The Wizard of Oz’

Middle Country Public Library, 101 Eastwood Blvd., Centereach invites the community to a screening of the classic The Wizard of Oz in the library’s parking lot on Aug. 7 at 8:30 p.m. After a tornado whisks her away to the magical land of Oz, Dorothy Gale teams up with a Scarecrow, a Tin Woodsman, and a Cowardly Lion to find the mighty Wizard of Oz, who can send her home. Rain date is Aug.14. Bring seating. 631-585-9393

Send your calendar events to [email protected]

 

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Children enjoy the grand opening of Sgt. Paul Tuozzolo Memorial Spray Park in Elwood. Photo by Kyle Barr

Cooling Centers Opening, Beach/Pool/Spray Park Hours Extended During Heat Wave

As a community service and in light of the warmer than average summer, the Town of Huntington will now be allowing Huntington residents to use the Manor Field Park and Elwood Spray Parks free of charge throughout the remainder of the summer.  Proof of residency is required.  Elwood and Manor Field Spray Parks will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the heat wave.  (Spray Parks are open at 10 a.m. for children with special needs).

“For some of our residents, staying cool during these frequent summer heat waves can be a challenge,” said Huntington Supervisor Ed Smyth.  “Offering the spray parks to our residents with children is the best kind of community service – convenient, safe, fun and now, free.”

Spray Park hours will return to 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, August 5.

In anticipation of the forecasted heat wave, the Town of Huntington will also put the following services and schedules in place:

Cooling centers:      –      The Dix Hills Ice Rink will be open from noon to 8 p.m.

  • The Town of Huntington Flanagan Senior Center will be open until 4 p.m. – Thursday and Friday Only!

Beaches: Crab Meadow, West Neck, Hobart, and Centerport Beaches will be open with stationed lifeguards until 8 PM.  Beach Permits required.  Residents can visit www.tohbeachpermit.com to obtain a virtual beach permit.

Dix Hills Pool: The Dix Hills Pool will also be free to residents during the heat wave –

(Thursday, August 1 – Sunday, August 4).

The following community hours will apply:

Thursday (8/1):  2 to 8 p.m.

Friday (8/2):  12:30 to 8 p.m.

Saturday (8/3) and Sunday (8/4):  11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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