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Town of Huntington gets new all-inclusive playground, first of its kind on Long Island

by Jennifer Donatelli - September 21, 2024

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unnamed — The Sheryl Steinberg Collins Playground at Heckscher Park. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli

By Jennifer Donatelli

Town of Huntington Supervisor Ed Smyth (R) had the official ribbon-cutting ceremony Sept. 9 for the Sheryl Steinberg Collins Playground at Heckscher Park. The new playground is a completely redesigned, state-of-the-art, all-inclusive playground. It is the most utilized in over 150 of the town’s park system, welcoming 1,000 visitors a week.

Over the past three years, the town committed tens of millions of dollars in upgrading its parks, including over $2 million for the Heckscher Park playground improvements. It is said to be the first of its kind on Long Island and features an inclusive, continuous play environment for children of all ages and abilities.

“It is with great joy that we open this updated playground for all children to participate together regardless of their challenges in life. With the assistance of our Supervisor Ed Smyth, Deputy Supervisor John McCarron, Parks Director Todd Jamison and all other department heads, we continue to achieve a world more filling for everyone, including the disabled,” said president of the Citizens Advisory Committee for Persons with Disabilities, Marianne Iannaccone.

The playground was designed and manufactured by Landscape Structures, a Minnesota-based manufacturer of commercial playground equipment. The company creates innovative playground equipment for schools, parks, childcare centers, religious institutions and more to help develop healthier kids, families and communities. Their mission is to enhance children’s lives by fostering and creating inspiring play experiences while honoring the environment. Landscape Structures shared the town’s vision and commitment to providing inclusive playgrounds that welcome children and families of all abilities.

The inclusive play environment’s continuous play mission brings more play value to a smaller space, more social interactions and further children’s skill development.

According to Jeff Charles, spokesperson for Landscape Structures, “For decades, our company has paid attention not only to how children play together, but who can play together. The playground is a place where kids of all abilities should be able to interact and play side by side.”

Another critical area of the playground was the installation of a quality safety play surface. Unity Surfacing in Hicksville created rectangle play tiles replacing the ailing pour-in-place that once surfaced the playground. The play tiles sit flush with Heckscher’s expanded stamped concrete walkways that now wind through the playground and the surrounding area. This flush reveal allows all the playground areas to be entirely Americans with Disabilities Act compliant, thus allowing wheelchair access anywhere along the playground’s perimeters.

“Over the past two years, my team has been chipping away at restoring many of the over 50 active and 90 passive parks throughout the town. This year, we have several parks that we are breathing new life into — many of which are long overdue, including Al Walker Memorial Park, Crab Meadow Beach Playground, Whitman Park and Otsego Park, with more to come,” said Smyth.

“But, the key project was to overhaul the town’s crown jewel — Heckscher Park. We unveiled an amazing, all-inclusive, continuous play playground, safety surface, walkways, arches and signage,” he added.

Smyth called it “a wonderful outcome for the entire town to enjoy. If you take a minute to check it out, you’ll agree, we succeeded.”

Port Jefferson village trustees voice concern over state review of school funding formula

by Peter Sloniewsky - September 20, 2024

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Port Jefferson Village Hall. Photo by Heidi Sutton 2023

By Peter Sloniewsky

Village of Port Jefferson trustee Kyle Hill authored an open comment letter Sept. 6 to the Rockefeller Institute of Government in Albany expressing “our concern regarding any proposed amendments to the New York State Foundation Aid formula that may lead to reductions in funding for the Port Jefferson School District.”

The letter was co-signed by all of the village trustees with the exception of Mayor Lauren Sheprow.

The Foundation Aid formula, enacted in 2007, is used by New York State to allocate a large portion of its education resources to school districts. Its calculations are based on a variety of different factors such as local contributions, student demographics and enrollment, and was used in the 2024-25 fiscal year to allocate more than $24.9 billion of the state’s $35.9 billion education funding package.

As the current formula incorporates old data and statistics, researchers at the Rockefeller Institute are in the early stages of a study to rewrite the formula. This study was sanctioned in April’s state budget by Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) and legislative leaders in coordination with the state Education Department.

The existing formula contains a caveat that the state cannot provide less Foundation Aid than it did the year prior, regardless of changing factors. In practice, this means that school districts like Port Jefferson — with low or declining enrollment — would benefit.

In the last state budget negotiations, Hochul recommended that this rule, entitled the “hold harmless” provision, be cut. As a result of this hypothetical cut, which was rejected by the Legislature, Port Jefferson schools would have suffered a massive 28% cut to their Foundation Aid.

The Rockefeller Institute study will be presented to the governor and Legislature once completed.

As Hill wrote in the trustees letter, “When Long Island schools like Port Jefferson School District, do not receive adequate funding from Albany, it further agitates the preexisting pressure on municipalities like ours to hold the line on taxes as the cost of living has become unmanageable for far too many of our constituents.”

Hill also noted that the Long Island region receives less in state funding than in other areas, such as transportation and infrastructure.

According to Port Jeff Board of Education President Ellen Boehm, “The numbers are skewed due to a few high-wealth residents in a small geographic area. … Our participation rate [in reduced lunch benefit programs] has grown. … This proves that we have residents that are facing economic hardships.”

In Port Jefferson schools specifically, Foundation Aid makes up approximately 6 percent of the total budget — a modest but important percentage, especially considering the area’s high taxation rate, large special-education program and increasing volume of English as a New Language students.

Boehm and Hill alike do not deny that the state’s Foundation Aid formula has flaws.

The BOE president told TBR, “The formula the state currently uses simply needs to be reconsidered — not just the ‘hold harmless’ clause. … The overall cost of operating [on Long Island] is just far higher than in other areas of the state and should also be taken into consideration.”

In a press release, Hill said, “Albany continues to look at Long Island like its piggy bank.” He also reminded policymakers that “Long Island sends more revenue to Albany than it gets back, and local villages and towns have to pick up the slack.”

Hill added in the trustees letter that the discussion of equitable school funding “should be in the broader context of how resources are allocated across New York state.”

Local doctors recommend flu and covid shots within the next few weeks

by Daniel Dunaief - September 20, 2024

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baby getting a shot — Photo courtesy Metro Creative Graphics

By Daniel Dunaief

While the fall provides a break from the summer heat and a respite for exhausted parents who coordinate and carpool for recreational activities, it also can trigger a return to more concentrated time indoors.

Dr. Sharon Nachman, Chief of the Division of Pediiatric Infectious Diseases at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital.
File photo

That can trigger the beginning of the flu season, as students and their families share much more than the lessons of the day and stories about teachers and classmates.

Timing shots can be a delicate balance, as the antibody coverage from these shots is typically about three months.

With the peak flu season often occurring during December and January and even into February, Dr. Sharon Nachman, Chief of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, suggested that residents receive their vaccines in a few weeks.

“Getting a vaccine in October is probably the right time,” Nachman said.

Dr. Gregson Pigott, Commissioner of the Suffolk County Department of Health Services, added that the timing for Covid vaccinations is somewhat trickier.

“Because the evolution of new variants remains unpredictable, SARS-CoV2 [the virus that causes the disease] is not a typical ‘winter’ respiratory virus,” Pigott explained in an email.

The county health department recommends that residents stay up to date with their vaccinations.

“Individuals should speak with their healthcare providers for advice that is specific to them,” Pigott added.

Simultaneous shots

Doctors generally recommend receiving both shots at the same time, if people are eligible and the timing for each vaccine is right. Residents who are unsure about their eligibility should speak with their healthcare providers, Pigott explained.

Dr. Gregson Pigott, Suffolk County Health Services commissioner. File photo

The flu and Covid are viruses that change over time, creating a battle between the pharmaceutical companies that manufacture vaccinations and the viruses that attempt to evade them.

Each year, the vaccines attempt to provide the best match against the dominant or most likely strains.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention “determines if the vaccine will protect against a circulating virus by conducting laboratory studies on circulating flu viruses,” Pigott explained in an email. “Updated 2024-2025 flu vaccines will be trivalent” and will protect against H1N1, H3N2 and a B/ Victoria lineage virus.

Vaccine manufacturers create immunizations based on the flu strain circulating in the southern hemisphere during the recent season.

“We expect that those are what’s going to hit us in our winter,” Nachman said. “The science is there. We know generally what types will be rolling around. We could hit or miss it by a subtype.”

Nachman added that the flu vaccines represent educated guesses about the type of microbe that might cause illnesses.

“The educated guesses are still better than no vaccine, which will, for sure, not cover you at all,” Nachman said

As for the Covid immunization, doctors added that it is also likely to change as the virus that caused the pandemic mutates.

Nachman said people should plan to get the Covid shot around once a year.

“I don’t think we’re going to go to more often” than that, Nachman said.

During the summer, when an infectious strain of Covid surged across the county, state and country, Nachman said the data is not available to determine how much protection a vaccine provided.

“Only on TV do computer models work instantly,” Nachman said.

She suspects that the Covid shot offered some protection for residents, who may not have been as sick for as long as some of those who dealt with a range of symptoms.

Concussion awareness

With the start of a new school year and the beginning of contact sports like football, school districts are continuing to ensure that coaches and athletes follow concussion protocols.

“Schools have done a nice job thinking and talking about it,” said Nachman. “Coaches know you can’t throw [student athletes] out and say, ‘You’ll do fine,’” after a head injury.

Nachman suggested that area athletes may engage in activities that are not connected to the schools and that may involve head injuries that people ignore.

“We know what’s happening with school-regulated” sport, but not with those that are outside the academic umbrella, she added.

As for the emotional or psychological impacts of a divided and bitter electorate during an election year, Nachman said people are under considerable emotional stress.

“The social media echo chamber is making it worse,” she said. The abundance of misinformation on both sides is causing mental anguish.

“Election times are very stressful and I think, in particular, this election may be even more stressful,” Nachman said.

Nachman urges people to minimize their time on social media and to create down time from electronics during meals.

As students move up a grade and into new places, they also can endure stressors, peer pressure and bullying. She suggests that parents understand what their children are seeing online.

Newborn RSV protection

Children born in March or later are eligible to receive an approved shot called Beyfortus, which, in 80 percent of cases during clinical trials, prevents the development of respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV.

The Beyfortus monoclonal antibody will make a “huge difference” for newborns and their parents, Nachman said. Last year, Stony Brook had numerous hospitalizations in children under one year of age.

“We’re not going to have those children coming into the hospital,” Nachman said. “That’s amazing and is a huge step forward.”

When newborns get RSV, doctors don’t have an effective treatment for the virus and typically treat the symptoms.

The mortality rate from RSV is low, but the morbidity is high. Newborns who contract RSV can end up developing chronic asthma.

As with any shot, Beyfortus can have side effects, with the most common including rash and pain, swelling, or hardness at the site of the injection, according to AstraZeneca and Sanofi, which manufacture the antibody.

Beyfortus is covered by insurance and is under the vaccine for children program and numerous private health insurance plans. Parents can opt out of the shot. Nachman suggested they should understand what they are opting out of when they make that decision.

Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office to hold Open House Sept. 22

by Press Release - September 19, 2024

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In celebration of NYS Sheriff’s Week, the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office will host an Open House and Family Day on Sunday, Sept. 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Yaphank Correctional Facility located at 200 Glover Drive in Yaphank. The free event features jail tours throughout the day for residents ages 12 and up, exciting demonstrations by the Sheriff’s Office departments including the Emergency Response Team and K9 unit, Sheriff’s Office vehicle displays, food trucks, music, and free activities all day long.

In addition to jail tours, there will be exhibits, law enforcement demonstrations, a “Troop Carrier” truck ride, Child and Pet ID Cards, face painting, live DJ music, a buggy obstacle course, bounce house, giveaways, games and interactive sports like Tug-of-War and much more. Suffolk County Girl Scouts will be able to earn a special Patch at the event. For more information, please visit www.suffolksheriff.com

Three Village seeks community input on school start time change

by Mallie Jane Kim - September 19, 2024

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WardMelvilleHS-9-11Flags-17-9-11-17w-1 — Ward Melville High School. File photo by Greg Catalano

Additional transportation costs would come from within the budget

By Mallie Jane Kim

Will Three Village secondary students get 35 minutes more sleep?

Most parents who showed up to comment publicly at school district-sponsored forums Sept. 10 and 17 believe they should.

“This is basic biology,” said one parent, who identified herself as a neurologist and pointed to scientific studies on adolescent sleep needs. She said allowing teens to sleep later impacts more than academics and test scores. “Mental health improves, physical health improves, there are less motor vehicle accidents from those seniors,” she said. “It really seems like a very small price to pay for all of those advantages.”

The school board is considering a proposal to shift Ward Melville High School’s start time to 7:40 a.m., from 7:05, and push the junior high schools back from 7:40 a.m. to 8:15. Under the plan, Minnesauke Elementary School would join the three schools that start at 9:25 a.m., and Nassakeag would stay at 8:40.

The district is gathering feedback from all residents and employees through an online form to inform the school board’s decision. Each household in the district was sent a flier with a QR link to the form.

The proposed schedule requires nine additional buses and will add an estimated $1.4 million to the transportation budget, based on the district’s 2024-25 contract with the bus company, which is subject to change. Those funds, however, will have to come from within the existing overall budget, which for this school year is $236 million. Superintendent of Schools Kevin Scanlon has made it clear there is no will within the district to go above the state-mandated limits on increasing taxes year over year.

“We don’t have an unlimited pot of money,” Scanlon said. “We do not want to exceed the tax cap for any of these issues.”

The superintendent noted that the district has already been working to tighten its belt anywhere possible, including a $770,000 savings from restructuring the administration and about $3 million from retirements last year.

At the forums, some parents pointed out that in the context of a $236 million budget, $1.4 million amounts to about half a percent.

“I can’t think of anything we could do that is this easy for a million dollars that could benefit the kids this much,” commented one parent on Sept. 17.

District officials have publicly acknowledged they believe early school start times are a major problem for adolescents but have pointed to issues of transportation logistics and related costs in delaying a change.

Scanlon, who mentioned about 10% of high school students chronically miss first period, presented a detailed background of efforts to make secondary school start times later, as well as the rationale for trying to do so.

“The issue for us is the way the schools are structured,” Scanlon explained, referring to the staggered school start times that allow the district to use far fewer buses than if all the schools started around the same time. “This is saving us money — if we change back to a different configuration, it’s going to cost us money.”

The current setup started in 2011, after the district adjusted start times to use fewer buses. For that effort, Three Village received a management efficiency grant from New York State paid out over three years and totaling $747,789, according to the district.

But some commenters said these early start times highlighted an equity issue within the district: Certain parents have the ability to drive their students to school in the morning, which isn’t possible for those who have to be at work early or do not have anyone to stay home with younger sleeping children.

“What we’re saying is the kids who have advantages — whether that be financial or their parents’ time — can sleep an extra half hour or 45 minutes and do better in school,” one woman argued. “And their mental health is more important than those kids who don’t have those advantages. That’s really troubling.”

Not all public commenters were against the early start times.

“I thought it was disciplined,” said a woman who identified herself as Karen and said she had two Three Village graduates and current student. She added that her son couldn’t compete as a track athlete because he was up too late at night, studying.

“If we had moved that start time up later, he would have stayed up even later,” she said. “I know in my household, it would not work.”

Others on social media and at the forums raised concerns about future transportation costs soaring due to the New York State mandate to electrify bus fleets in coming years, something Scanlon emphasized was out of the district’s control and an “unfunded mandate.”

Scanlon indicated that, as of the Sept. 17 meeting, about 200 people had participated in the online survey, and so far the opinions were varied. He encouraged every stakeholder to participate and let the school board hear their feedback.

“They read everything,” Scanlon assured audience members. “They will read every comment made by every community member, good, bad and indifferent.”

The online feedback form will be open until Sept. 30, and the board of education plans to discuss the issue in October.

‘Matilda the Musical’ shines bright at Theatre Three

by Julianne Mosher - September 19, 2024

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By Julianne Mosher

One of the last musical numbers during Theatre Three’s latest production of Matilda the Musical is called “Revolting Children,” but the cast of this show is far from it.

Based on the beloved book by Roald Dahl and the 1996 movie starring Mara Wilson and Danny DeVito, the musical is a fun and enchanting twist that will make all ages in the audience smile.

Written by Dennis Kelly, music and lyrics by Tim Minchin and directed by Jeffrey Sanzel, Matilda follows the story of a spectacularly smart child who lives in an unhappy home with dimwitted parents. Matilda (played by the extraordinarily talented Sadie Mathers — who is readily on the path to stardom), finds solace in the library where she reads books upon books while also sharing tales she makes up in her head to the local librarian, Mrs. Phelps (Michelle LaBozzetta).

Her family, the Wormwoods, don’t read. In fact, they’re lazy and dumb. Matilda’s father, played by Steven Uihlein, is a crooked car salesman who refuses to acknowledge the young girl as his daughter, and her mother, played by Rachel Geiser, is an amateur ballroom dancer who only cares about her looks — not her family. Matilda has a brother, Michael, played by Jax Segal, who does not speak and stares at the TV throughout the entire show, remote in hand.

To teach her some discipline, Mr. Wormwood ships Matilda off to a private academy headed by Miss. Trunchbull (Liam Marsigliano), a former Olympian who hates children and wishes for a world without them. Luckily, Matilda and her classmates find comfort knowing their teacher, Miss Honey (Veronica Fox), loves them and tries to make their school days better despite their dreary and frightening walls.

Throughout the play, Matilda shares a tale of an escapologist (Eric J. Hughes) and his wife, the acrobat (Josie McSwane) that she makes up in her head. The characters, however, seem to match with certain people the young girl meets and encounters in her daily life.

Compared to the movie, the musical version of Matilda is set in England so the ensemble needed to not only learn the lyrics to difficult songs, but do it with a cockney accent — the child actors included. The talent of the entire cast is remarkable with its leadership from musical director Jeffrey Hoffman and choreography from Sari Feldman with dance moves and vocal ranges fit for Broadway.

And if you’re a fan of film, you’ll be surprised with a similar plot but with different twists and turns.

From the campy costumes full of color — minus the school uniforms, of course — (designed by Jason Allyn) to the set design that integrates video using TV monitors framing the stage (Randall Parsons), the attention to detail is nothing short from extraordinary.

So, you better go see this show or else you’ll be thrown in the chokey and give this group of actors the standing ovation they continuously deserve.

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents Matilda the Musical through Oct. 20. Tickets are $40 adults, $32 seniors and students, $25 children ages 5 to 12, $25 Wednesday matinees. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

All photos by Steve Kyle/Showbizshots

Kids Korner: Sept. 19 to 25, 2024

by Heidi Sutton - September 18, 2024

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E.T_Amblin-Approved — UNDER THE MOONLIGHT: Catch a free outdoor screening of E.T. The Extraterrestrial at Heritage Park in Mt. Sinai on Sept. 20.

PROGRAMS

The Great Noisy Outdoors

Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park presents a Tiny Tots program, The Great Noisy Outdoors, on Sept. 19 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 www.eventbrite.com.

First Steps in Nature

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown continues its First Steps in Nature series for ages 2 to 4 on Sept. 20 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

Reclaim the Lost Master Bolt

Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket invites families with children up to Grade 6 to Reclaim the Lost Master Bolt on Sept. 21 from 2 to 4 p.m. Get ready for the launch of Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Wrath of the Triple Goddess! Spend some time at Camp Half-Blood and relive some of the memorable moments Percy and the gang have faces in earlier books. No registration required. Questions? Email [email protected]

Exploring Native Plants

As part of its Learn & Create events, the Long Island Explorium, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson presents Exploring Native Plants on Sept. 22 and 29 from 1:30 to 2:15 p.m. Using leaves from the on-site native plant garden, you’ll create unique leaf rubbings and learn all about the crucial role native plants play in sustaining ecosystems, conserving water, and supporting wildlife. $5 per person plus admission fee of $6 children, $8 adults. 631-331-3277

Story & Craft with Nana Carol

The Next Chapter bookstore, 204 New York Ave., Huntington hosts a Story and Craft event with Nana Carol on Sept. 23 at 10:30 a.m. Free. No registration required. Appropriate for ages 0-4. 631-482-5008

Apple Workshop

Save the date! Benner’s Farm, 56 Gnarled Hollow Road, East Setauket presents an Apple Workshop for ages 4 to 8 on Oct. 5 from 10 a.m. to noon. Children will learn about Johnny Appleseed, will create a variety of apple goodies to take home and more. $40 per child. To register, call 631-689-8172.

THEATER

‘Rapunzel’

Up next at the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport is 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.

‘Kooky Spooky Halloween’

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson continues its children’s theatre season with A Kooky Spooky Halloween from Oct. 5 to 19 with a sensory sensitive performance on Oct. 6 at 11 a.m. Recently graduated spirit Abner Perkins is assigned to the Aberdeen Boarding House — known for its spectral sightings and terrific toast. Here, Abner finds himself cast into a company of its wacky residents. When his secret is revealed, he is forced to leave his haunted home and set-off on a quest with his newly found friends. Hilarious hijinks and a message of cooperation highlight this delightful musical for the entire family. All seats are $12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

FILM

‘E.T. The Extra Terrestrial’

Heritage Park, 633 Mount Sinai-Coram Road, Mount Sinai continues its Movies in the Moonlight series with a screening of E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial on Sept. 20; and Hocus Pocus on Oct. 18. Movies begin at dusk 8:30 p.m. Bring seating. Presented by the North Shore Youth Council and Suffolk County Legislator Chad Lennon. 631-403-4846

The Shoppes at East Wind announces 7th annual Scarecrow Contest

by Press Release - September 17, 2024

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0-9 — Photo courtesy of The Shoppes at East Wind

Calling All Creative Minds!

Get ready for a spooktacular fall with The Shoppes at East Wind’s 7th Annual Scarecrow Contest! Unleash your creativity and craft a one-of-a-kind scarecrow to join the festive display this October. This free contest is open to everyone – individuals, families, groups, and even professionals! Local businesses can also get involved through sponsorship opportunities. Compete for the coveted first, second, and third-place prizes for the most impressive scarecrow creation. The deadline to register your scarecrow is Friday, September 20th.

Photo courtesy of The Shoppes at East Wind

From Saturday, September 28th through October 26th, shoppers at The Shoppes at East Wind will have the chance to vote for their favorite scarecrow. Ballots will be available at the shops and must be returned by October 26th to be counted. Winners will be announced on the same day.

All participating scarecrows will be on display throughout October, culminating in a grand showcase at The Shoppes at East Wind’s Safe Trick or Treat Halloween event on October 31st.

Registration is required to participate. Pick up a registration form at any shop at The Shoppes at East Wind, download one online, or enter directly on their website. Completed forms can be dropped off at The Shoppes at East Wind (5720 Route 25A, Wading River, NY 11792 addressed to ATTN: THE SHOPPES.

Don’t miss out on this exciting fall tradition!

For more information on the Scarecrow Contest or The Shoppes at East Wind, please call 631.846.2370 or email [email protected].

https://eastwindlongisland.com/shoppes/scarecrow-contest/

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze celebrates 5th anniversary on Long Island

by Press Release - September 16, 2024

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Marking five years as one of Long Island’s biggest and brightest family-friendly Halloween event, The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze is making a return to Old Bethpage Village Restoration, Long Island’s historic 19th-century village, to treat guests of all ages to the most magical Halloween experience yet.

Presented by Catholic Health, Blaze: Long Island will wow visitors with new sites along the pumpkin trail including a Day of the Dead jack o’lantern tribute, a working Ferris wheel that takes Pumpkin Pals for a twirl, and an elaborate Celebration Arch, which is not only a tribute to Blaze: Long Island’s anniversary, but is the perfect backdrop for celebrating special visitor occasions.

This remarkable artistic production, masterminded by Historic Hudson Valley and its renowned creative director Michael Natiello—featured on HGTV, The Today Show, and other national broadcasts—celebrates Long Island’s rich heritage through an impressive display of illuminated jack o’lanterns and intricate pumpkin sculptures.

With over 7,000 jack o’lanterns carved by local artisans, the larger-than-life themed exhibits span a half-mile loop, enhanced with synchronized lighting and an original soundtrack, offering an immersive experience for all visitors.

This year visitors can look forward to:

Long Island Hall of Fame — Celebrate local Long Island icons with intricate pumpkin sculptures of Billy Joel, Joan Jett, Sue Bird, Dr. J, and making their debut this fall, Jerry Seinfeld and Natalie Portman.

Pumpkin Lighthouse — a replica of the Montauk Point Lighthouse featuring a blazing beacon of illuminated pumpkins.

Tribute to First Responders — An awe-inspiring display featuring carved jack o’lanterns depicting a firefighter heroically putting out a flame, honoring the bravery and dedication of our local heroes.

Lady Liberty — A glowing rendition of the Statue of Liberty that features 114 individually carved pumpkins, complete with torch ablaze—an iconic symbol of freedom, inspiration, and hope.

The Pumpkin Circus — A jack o’lantern carnival will come to life with acrobats, clowns, and a sideshow featuring a contortionist, strong man, Montauk mermaid, sword swallower, and a snake charmer.

Custom Pumpkin Orders — New for 2024 guests can surprise a special someone with a custom-carved pumpkin displayed at the new Celebration Arch. Reservations are limited and must be made seven days in advance.

This year also includes live, nightly pumpkin carving by Blaze’s expert team of pumpkin carving artisans, the Blaze Boo-tique featuring seasonal gifts and fun merchandise, and Café Blaze, an on-site café featuring fall treats like cider donuts and pumpkin beer.

Historic Hudson Valley, which develops and produces the event in partnership with Nassau County, is a not-for-profit education organization that owns and operates National Historic Landmarks in New York’s Sleepy Hollow region. Proceeds from ticket purchases support the preservation of Old Bethpage Village Restoration and the educational programming of Historic Hudson Valley.

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze runs from Friday, October 4 through Sunday, November 3, with adult tickets starting at $32. In honor of its fifth anniversary, Blaze: Long Island is offering a flat rate admission of $10 for children ages 3-17, while the littlest guests, ages 2 and under, are free. With limited capacity, entry is available only through advance online purchase of timed tickets or FLEX anytime tickets; no tickets are sold at the venue. The event takes place rain or shine. For tickets and event dates, visit www.pumpkinblaze.org.

Brookhaven history to be celebrated at the annual Brookhaven Country Fair

by Press Release - September 15, 2024

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0-4 — The Brookhaven Country Fair returns Sept. 21 and 22. Photo from TOB

New for 2024… Medieval Gathering, Demonstrations, Re-enactments and more!

Mark your calendars! The Town of Brookhaven’s Country Fair returns to the historic Longwood Estate located on Longwood Road and Smith Road in Ridge on Sept. 21 and 22 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Enjoy traditional crafts, vendors, colonial cooking, Revolutionary War and Civil War re-enactments, music by the Ed Travers Band, a medieval gathering, vintage apron show, house museum tours, and children’s activities.

Admission is $5 per person. Children under 12 are free and will receive a “Passport to the Past.” Parking is free with a complimentary shuttle from the Longwood Junior High School. Leashed and well-behaved pets are welcomed. Longwood Estate is located at the corner of Longwood Road and Smith Road in Ridge. Held rain or shine. For more information, call 631-924-1820.

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The Longwood Estate was passed down through the generations dating back prior to 1817. In 1973, developer Wilbur Breslin and Herbert Carmel purchased the property for commercial and industrial development. Brookhaven Town officials and area residents strongly opposed the plan and in 1974, Breslin and Carmel donated the manor house and 35 acres of land to the Town of Brookhaven. During its two-hundred-year history, the house knew fallow periods and a notable 60-year Golden Age of love, family, and bustling activity. The estate now is the host to various activities for the residents to enjoy. For more information about the Longwood Estate, visit www.brookhavenny.gov.

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