Kids

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

In anticipation of the forecasted heat dome covering much of Long Island and the northeast this week, the Town of Huntington will put the following services and schedules for Tuesday, July 16 and Wednesday, July 17:

Cooling centers

  • The Dix Hills Ice Rink will be open from noon to 8 p.m.
  • The Town of Huntington Senior Center (Flanagan Center) will be open until 4 p.m.

Beaches: Crab Meadow, West Neck, Hobart, and Centerport Beaches will be open with stationed lifeguards until 8 p.m.

Pools: The Dix Hills pool will be open to Town Residents with ID from 12:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday – Friday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission will be free for residents during heat wave.

Spray Parks: Elwood and Manor Field Spray Parks will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Spray Parks open at 10 a.m. for children with special needs)

 

By Julianne Mosher

A heart-filled tale of friendship and adventure headed back to Theatre Three this week with their latest children’s theater production of Raggedy Ann & Andy — also known as “Friends and Friends and Friends.”

Based off of characters created by Johnny Gruelle, this special and unique tale, written by Jeffrey Sanzel and Kevin Story, brings these two lovable rag dolls to life in a comical musical that the family is sure to enjoy.

Directed by Sanzel with musical direction by Doug Quattrock, the show starts off at the Tiwilliger sisters’ toy shop where they specialize in creating toys that come to life to bring joy to children in need. They hear of a little girl named Marcella who is ill and decide to make a brother for one of their favorite toys, Raggedy Ann (played by Isabella Scarpa), named Andy (Will Logan).

However, the toymakers, Martha (Gina Lardi) and Abby (Louisa Bikowski) have an evil brother, Mortimer (Steven Uihlein) who wants to use his family’s magic selfishly and to not use it to help local boys and girls. Casting a spell and with the help of his (reluctant) sidekick Rose Carpet (Emilia Guzzetta), the evil Mortimer steals Andy’s heart and the toys team up to get it back.

With the help of the tin soldier (Jason Furnari), the clown (Ryan Van Nostrand), the lion (Liam Marsigliano) and the queen doll (Julia Albino), the group heads to find Mortimor and retrieve Andy’s heart. Through a quest full of twists and turns, the audience waits to see if Andy will go back to his lovable self so he and Ann could help Marcella feel better.

Choreographed by Josie McSwane, the show is full of catchy tunes with themes of friendship, loyalty and love as the actors dance along. This musical will also show children the importance of friendship and how it’s nice to help when a friend is in need. 

And the best part is, while the show is geared for younger audiences, adults can reminisce about their own childhood toys thanks to Jason Allyn’s costume design — Raggedy Ann and Andy’s outfits are to a T, looking as if they just came off the shelves at the store.  Plus, the cast is available in the lobby after the show for photos. It’s a great afternoon out that is sure to bring a smile to everyone’s faces.

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents Raggedy Ann & Andy on Fridays and Saturdays at 11 a.m. through July 27. Children’s theater continues with Pinocchio from Aug. 2 to Aug. 10 and A Kooky Spooky Halloween from Oct. 5 to Oct. 19. All seats are $12. 

Theatre Three will also present a special program, The Silly Sorcery Showcase on July 21 at 2 p.m.  Tickets are $20. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

Catch a screening of 'Ratatouille' under the stars at Stony Brook University on July 16.

PROGRAMS

First Steps in Nature

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown continues its First Steps in Nature series for ages 2 to 4 on July 12 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

Meet the Farm Animals – This event has been postponed to Aug. 12 due to the weather.

Children in grades pre-K to 6 are invited to stop by Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket anytime on July 12 between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. and have fun with some hands-on interaction with farm animals. Presented by Cornell Cooperative Extension on the library’s front lawn. No registration required. 631-941-4080

Luminous Lighthouses

Join the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor for a drop-in program, Luminous Lighthouses on July 12, July 19 and July 26 between 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Explore the radiant world of lighthouses in this creative design workshop. Design and decorate a unique lighthouse of your own — complete with a battery-powered tea light! Admission + $10 participant. No registration required. 631-367-3418

The History of Balloons

Families with children up to Grade 6 are invited to The History of Balloons at Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket on July 12 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Enjoy a night full of laughs & balloon sculptures with Nick the Balloonatic. No registration required. 631-941-4080

Bicycle Rodeo

Town of Brookhaven hosts a Bicycle Rodeo at Safety Town, 249 Buckley Road, Holbrook on July 13 from 8 a.m. to noon. This event encourages children to learn how to safely ride their bikes on our roadways, while in a mock-roadway, kid-sized setting.  Participants are required to bring their own helmets and bicycles; both will be inspected for safety. This event is by appointment only. Call 631-451-5335 to schedule your time slot.

Art in the Barn

The circus heads to the Art Barn at Walt Whitman Birthplace, 246 Old Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station on July 13 at 11 a.m.  Create your own circus with Lena Massari Sawyer, former Museum Educator at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Children will paint as they learn about 19thand 20th century artists Seurat, Toulouse Lautrec, Marc Chagall and Picasso, who were all fascinated by the circus. Class will end on the Great Lawn with turn of the century children’s toys.  Pre-registration is required for this event. $40 for child & parent/caregiver, $20 for second child. Walk-ins welcome if space permits $50 / $25. To register, click here. 631-427-5240

Get Wild About Wildlife

It’s Wild About Wildlife Month! Head over to the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor on July 13 and 14 to learn about New York’s freshwater animals. Scheduled events include Animal Encounters at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.; Freshwater Invertebrates at noon; Make Your Own Bird Feeder from 3 to 5 p.m.; and a Scavenger Hunt all day. No reservations required. Admission is $7 adults, $6 seniors, $65children ages 3 to 12. 516-862-6768

Second Saturdays at the LIM

Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook continues its Second Saturdays in the Studio and Gallery on July 13 from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Stop by the Visitors Center to make music with Music Therapist Samantha Monteleone surrounded by the beautiful instruments on view for Musical Masterworks until 1:30 pm, and then drop by the Studio to create your very own instrument with Art Across Ages. All supplies are provided. Children under 16 must have an adult with them. The event is free with admission. 631-751-0066

Pop-Up Saturday

The Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO) kicks off its Pop-Up Saturdays seriesat the Stony Brook Village Center on July 13 with a visit from Sweetbriar Nature Center from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Enjoy interacting with a variety of animals. Free. 631-751-2244

Tails & Tales at Caumsett

Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, 25 Lloyd Harbor Road, Huntington presents Tails & Tales on July 13 at 3 p.m. Dive into Native American lore and legend about our animal friends that have tails as told by a Native American storyteller with  traditional songs and drumming followed by a Q&A. For ages 5 and up. Fee is $10. To register, visit www.caumsettfoundation.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 July 15 at 10:30 a.m. No registration required. Appropriate for ages 0-4. 631-482-5008

Turtle Dance Music with Mr. Matt

Families with children up to Grade 6 are invited to join Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket for music, dance, and a comedy show with Mr. Matt on the library’s front lawn on July 15 from 2 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. Please bring a blanket for seating. No registration required. 631-941-4080.

Kids Crafts at the Park

Summer programs continue at Frank Melville Memorial Park, 1 Old Field Road, Setauket with Kids Crafts with Julia Zabinsky on July 16 at 11 a.m. Children of all ages are invited to complete a craft project that they can take home. Meet at Hap’s Red Barn. Free. 631-689-6146

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 July 18, July 25, 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

Submarine Adventure

Join the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor for a Submarine Adventure on July 18 at 1 p.m. and again at 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 fee + $10 participant. No registration required. 631-367-3418

Circus Variety Show

The Village of Port Jefferson presents a Circus Variety Show with Greg Milstein at the Jill Nees-Russell Performance Stage at Harborfront Park, 101-A East Broadway, Port Jefferson on July 18 at 6:30 p.m. Free. Bring seating. 631-473-4724

THEATER

‘Raggedy Ann & Andy’

“Be a buddy, be a pal, be a friend …”  Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents Raggedy Ann & Andy from July 5 to July 27. The world’s favorite and most famous rag dolls come to life in a heart-warming adventure about friendship and loyalty as the toys save the Tiwilliger Toy Workshop for Extra-Special Friends. A captivating tale of the power of love and cooperation. All seats are $12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. See review above.

‘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

‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’

Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Cinema for Kids! series with a screening of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse on July 14 at noon. The film introduces Brooklyn teen Miles Morales, and the limitless possibilities of the Spider-Verse, where more than one can wear the mask. Tickets are $13 adults, $5 children 12 and under. www.cinemaartscentre.org.

‘Elemental’

The Smithtown Recreation Department hosts a viewing of Disney/Pixar’s Elemental at Hoyt Farm, 200 New Highway, Commack on July 14 at 8 p.m. Parking lot for Town of Smithtown residents only. Bring seating. 631-360-7644

‘Sonic the Hedgehog 2’

The 7th annual Farmingville Flicks outdoor movie series kicks off at Local Church, 1070 Portion Road, Farmingville with Sonic the Hedgehog 2 on July 15 at dusk, courtesy of the Farmingville Hills Chamber of Commerce and Sachem Public Library. Bring seating. 631-317-1738

‘E.T., The Extra Terrestrial’

Village of Port Jefferson continues its Movies on the Harbor series at Harborfront Park, 101-A East Broadway, Port Jefferson with E.T, The Extra Terrestrial on July 16. Bring seating. Rain date is the next evening. 631-473-4724

‘Ratatouille’

Seawolves Summer Movie Night returns to Stony Brook University’s Lavalle Stadium, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook for the 14th year with a screening of Ratatouille on July 16 at 7 p.m. courtesy of Stony Brook Athletics. Bring seating. Admission is free but tickets are required. Visit www.stonybrookathletics.com or call 631-632-WOLF to register.

Send your calendar events to [email protected]

 

Sweetbriar Nature Center heads to Stony Brook Village for a Pop-Up Saturday event on July 13. File photo by Serena Carpino

The Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO) has announced the return of PopUp Saturdays in Stony Brook Village! This six-part series of family-friendly events will take place every Saturday from July 13 to August 17, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Filled with animals, music, art, and magic, these events promise fun for all ages and will be held rain or shine. PopUp Saturdays are free to the public and will be located in Stony Brook Village’s Inner Court, near Crazy Beans and the Waterfall Garden.

2024 PopUp Saturdays Lineup:

•     July 13: Sweet Briar Nature Center – Enjoy interacting with a variety of animals.

•     July 20: Johnny Cuomo “Tales & Tunes” & the Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons (ARF)– Johnny Cuomo is a musician and storyteller. ARF will be hosting an adoption event from 11am – 2pm.

•     July 27: Pixie Dust Storytellers – Delight in entertainment from fairytale characters.

•     August 3: Magic of Amore – Be amazed by a captivating magician show.

•     August 12: Caricatures by Marty – Receive a free caricature drawing from a professional artist.

•     August 17: Uncle Tony’s Reptile Shack – An interactive, fun, and educational presentation featuring snakes, lizards, tortoises, and more.

Sponsors: The 2024 PopUp Saturdays are generously sponsored by Apple Bank, Armor Pest Control, and NY Life Insurance.

Join WMHO for a summer filled with interactive and engaging activities for the whole family. For more information, visit wmho.org or contact 631-751-2244.

Fr. Thomas Judge Knights of Columbus celebrated its 31st annual St. Anthony’s Family Feast and Festival at Trinity Regional School, 1025 Fifth Ave., East Northport from June 26 to 29. The fun event featured carnival rides, games, food, craft beer, live music by Totally Taylor and a circus show by Cirque Cyber with a firework show on June 28.

 

Catch an outdoor screening of 'Wonka' at Deepwells in St. James on July 10.
PROGRAMS

First Steps in Nature

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown continues its First Steps in Nature series for ages 2 to 4 on July 5 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

Giant Game & Big Voice Day

Families with children up to Grade 6 are invited to drop by Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket on July 9 between 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. to try their hand at Giant Connect 4, sing karaoke, & spin the prize wheel. No registration required. Questions? Email [email protected] Open to all. No registration required. Questions? Email [email protected]

Luminous Lighthouses

Join the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor for a drop-in program, Luminous Lighthouses on July 5, July 12, July 19 and July 26 between 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Explore the radiant world of lighthouses in this creative design workshop. Discover fun facts about these bright beacons, including how they used to be lit with whale oil! Design and decorate a unique lighthouse of your own – complete with a battery-powered tea light! Admission + $10 participant. No registration required. 631-367-3418

Story & Craft with Nana Carol

The Next Chapter bookstore, 204 New York Ave., Huntington hosts a Story and Craft event with Nana Carol on July 8 at 10:30 a.m. No registration required. Appropriate for ages 0-4. 631-482-5008

Biggest Jaws in the Sea

Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park presents a Tiny Tots program, Biggest Jaws in the Sea, on July 11 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Children ages 3 to 5 will enjoy short walks, story time, animal visitors, and crafts with a parent or caregiver. $4 per child. Reservations taken on eventbrite.com.

Power of Poseidon

Join the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor for Power of Poseidon on July 11 at 1 p.m. and again at 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

THEATER

‘Seussical the Musical’

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport continues its children’s theater with Seussical the Musical from June 1 to June 30. “Oh the Thinks You Can Think!” Dive into the colorful world of Dr. Seuss as The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who sets off to save a speck of dust containing The Whos from destruction. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, imagination, loyalty, and community are challenged and emerge victorious. Tickets are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com. 

‘Raggedy Ann & Andy’

“Be a buddy, be a pal, be a friend …”  Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents Raggedy Ann & Andy from July 5 to July 27. The world’s favorite and most famous rag dolls come to life in a heart-warming adventure about friendship and loyalty as the toys save the Tiwilliger Toy Workshop for Extra-Special Friends. A captivating tale of the power of love and cooperation. 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

‘Wonka’

St. James Chamber of Commerce invites the community to Deepwells Farm County Park, 497 Route 25A, St. James for a free outdoor screening of Wonka on July 10 at dusk. Rain date is July 17. Bring seating. 631-584-8510

Send your calendar events to [email protected]

Photo courtesy of LIMEHOF

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) in Stony Brook awarded $1000 scholarships to ten graduating students from across Long Island at an awards ceremony on June 30. Also, for the second year in a row a Pat DeRosa Memorial Scholarship was awarded in memory of LIMEHOF inductee Pat DeRosa. 

The following students received scholarships: Cooper Arbisi, Massapequa High School, Massapequa; Stephen Buff, Center Moriches High School, Center Moriches; Cody Chelune, Island Trees High School, Levittown; Jocelyn Chiu, Herricks High School, Albertson; Giuliana Gallone, Kings Park High School, Kings Park; Dara Gordon Commack High School, Dix Hills; Emily Helbock, Sayville High School, Sayville; Ryan Loughlin, Farmingdale High School, Farmingdale; Aidan Passaro, Mt. Sinai High School, Mt. Sinai; Julian Zuzzolo, North Shore High School, Sea Cliff; and Peter Hoss (Pat DeRosa scholarship winner)Harborfields High School, Greenlawn. 

“We are thrilled to award these scholarships to such talented and dedicated young musicians,” said Tom Needham, LIMEHOF’s Educational Programs Director. “Supporting the next generation of music students as they embark on their college journeys is at the heart of our mission. These scholarships not only recognize their hard work and passion but also reinforce our commitment to nurturing musical talent and education within our community. We can’t wait to see what these young people will accomplish in their musical careers.”

King Kullen Grocery Co., Inc. of Hauppauge has donated $10,000 to benefit summer camp programs for disadvantaged children in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, a tradition started by King Kullen in 1992. The donation will be divided evenly between Family & Children’s Association (Nassau County) and Family Service League (Suffolk County).

“Camp provides a stimulating and fun environment where children can learn new activities and meet other children their age,” observed King Kullen President and Chief Operating Officer Joseph W. Brown. “King Kullen’s gift will help fund scholarships for children whose families lack the resources for summer camp. Additionally, customers who want to make a difference can participate in our annual ‘Send A Kid to Camp’ campaign this summer by scanning $5, $2, or $1 coupons at the register at all King Kullen and Wild by Nature stores.”

Family and Children’s Association President and CEO Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds stated, “The gifts we receive from individuals and corporations like King Kullen make it possible for us to provide these wonderful experiences for Long Island’s young people. We’re incredibly thankful to King Kullen for all their support through the years.”

“We are very grateful to again receive this generous donation from King Kullen. These camps are often the highlight of the year for the children we help bringing them the Power of Play and allowing them to be joyful,” added Family Service League Chief Development Officer Jonathan Chenkin. 

Photo courtesy of Vanderbilt Planetarium

Exciting New Planetarium Show Explores a Sustainable Future in Space

The Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum’s Reichert Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport has premiered a new show, FORWARD! To the Moon, which runs Tuesday through Sunday, at 3 pm.

Take a journey beyond the Earth toward a sustainable future in space. NASA’s Artemis program will land the first woman and person of color on the surface of the Moon.

Narrator Kari Byron from Crash Test World and MythBusters launches us on a journey beyond the Earth toward a sustainable future in space. Within a single lifetime, we’ve progressed from the first space rocket launch to using space technologies in our everyday lives. Now, we are ready to start a new chapter in the history of human endeavor – to take our first steps toward a permanent, off-world presence.
Recommended for ages 8+
Purchase tickets here.

 

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson will hold an open cast call for strong singers/actors/dancers ages 8 to 13 (must be under 5 feet tall) for roles in Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical on Sunday, July 7 at 6 p.m., and Monday, July 15 at 7 p.m. Rehearsals begin on Sept. 2 and performances will be held from Sept. 14 to Oct. 20. For full details, please visit https://theatrethree.com/auditions-page.