Home Kids

BNL celebrates students at 2024 Elementary School Science Fair

by Press Release - June 27, 2024

0 1043

1 of 8

More than 250 students from 65 Suffolk County schools entered science projects in the 2024 Elementary School Science Fair hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory on June 8.

Students used the scientific method to explore all kinds of questions about their favorite things and the world around them. The annual fair organized by Brookhaven Lab’s Office of Educational Programs celebrated and showcased all projects submitted, ranging from finding the best detangler for Barbie dolls’ hair to using a hand-crafted wind tunnel to test wing shapes for the best lift.

“Our judges enjoyed reading through the projects and were impressed with questions, ideas, and designs,” Amanda Horn, a Brookhaven Lab administrator who coordinated the science fair, said before announcing the winning projects. “We certainly have some future scientists and engineers here today.”

Local teachers and Lab staff volunteered as judges to pick the top spots and honorable mentions for each grade level, from kindergarten to sixth grade. The competition also included a Judges’ Choice award for creative questions.

Students who earned first place in their grade level received medals and ribbons, along with banners to hang at their school to recognize the achievement. All participants received a ribbon in recognition of having won their grade level competition at their school.

Science Fair awards

The following students earned first place in their grade level:

◆ Kindergartener Eden Campbell, Ocean Avenue Elementary School in Northport for “Tasting Color.” Eden’s project explored whether the color of food affects its taste. What was her favorite part of the experiment? “Eating the jellybeans,” she said.

◆ First grader Milan Patel, Ocean Avenue Elementary School in Northport for “How Does the Direction of a House Affect the Amount of Heat Absorbed from the Sun?”

◆ Second grader Advika Arun, Bretton Woods Elementary School in Hauppauge, for “Slower and Steadier the Safer it Will Be.” For her experiment, Advika crafted small parachutes to test which materials fostered a slow and safe landing. She found that nylon worked the best. “I liked the part where we dropped them and we saw the speed they went,” she said. She added of her first-place win, “I’m really excited!”

◆ Third grader Isla Cone, Love of Learning Montessori School in Centerport, for “The Impact of pH on Boba.” Isla tested food-friendly liquids with different pH levels to find out which could form boba, the round and chewy pearls found in bubble tea. She confirmed that boba spheres occurred in liquids with a pH between 4 and 10. “I wanted to do a project that was related to food,” she said. “My favorite part was getting to eat all the stuff!”

◆ Fourth grader Jude Roseto, Cutchogue East Elementary School in Cutchogue, for “Rise of the Machines: AI vs. Human Creativity Writing.”

◆ Fifth grader Luke Dinsman, Northport Middle School in Northport, for “Maximizing Moisture — Nature Knows Best.” In his project, Dinsman found that homemade, natural moisturizers worked better than store-bought lotions at treating the dry skin he experiences as a swimmer. A shea body butter with beeswax turned out to be the best option. Making the lotions and testing them was the best part of the process, Luke said. He added, “It’s just a really cool project.”

◆ Sixth grader Owen Stone, East Quogue Elementary in East Quogue for “Can Common Foods Help Grow Potatoes?”

Judges’ choice

Kindergarten: John Jantzen, Sunrise Drive Elementary School in Sayville

First Grade: Julianna Zick, West Middle Island Elementary School in Middle Island

Second Grade: Timothy Donoghue, Riley Avenue Elementary School in Calverton

Third Grade: Charlotte Sheahan, Pulaski Road School in East Northport

Fourth Grade: Dominick Padolecchia, Sunrise Drive Elementary School in Sayville

Fifth Grade: Isabella Maharlouei, Raynor Country Day School in Speonk

Sixth Grade: Zoe Wood, Northport Middle School in Northport

Honorable mentions

Kindergarten: Michael McCarthy, Pines Elementary School in Smithtown; Scarlett Luna, Hampton Bays Elementary School in Hampton Bays; Autumn Vlacci, Riley Avenue Elementary School in Calverton

First Grade: Tyler Paino, Bretton Woods Elementary School in Hauppauge; Logan Pierre, Brookhaven Elementary School in Brookhaven; Nora Boecherer, Edna Louise Spear Elementary School in Port Jefferson

Second Grade: Charlotte Tholl, Forest Brook Elementary School; Gabi Opisso, Cutchogue East Elementary School in Cutchogue; Matthew Ingram, Ocean Avenue Elementary School in Northport; Erios Pikramenos, Frank J. Carasiti Elementary School in Rocky Point; Maya Salman, Edna Louise Spear Elementary School in Port Jefferson

Third Grade: Emma Puccio Edelman, Hiawatha Elementary School in Lake Ronkonkoma; Vincent Calvanese, Pines Elementary School in Smithtown; Kaylee Krawchuck, Ridge Elementary School in Ridge; Isabella Guldi, Joseph A. Edgar Intermediate School in Rocky Point

Fourth Grade: Juliam Gianmugnai, Ridge Elementary School in Ridge; Joseph Frederick, Lincoln Avenue Elementary School in Sayville; Gabriel Affatato, Pulaski Road School East Northport; Levi Beaver, Raynor Country Day School in Speonk

Fifth Grade: Evangeline Jamros, Edna Louise Spear Elementary in Port Jefferson; Colette Breig, RJO Intermediate School in Kings Park; Riona Mittal, Bretton Woods Elementary School in Hauppauge

Sixth Grade: Eamon Ryan, Lindenhurst Middle School in Lindenhurst; Michael Mineo, Silas Wood 6th Grade Center in Huntington Station; Alex Uihlein, Montauk Public School in Montauk.

Science Fair Expo

While their projects were on display, students and their families browsed a Science Fair Expo that featured up-close, hands-on demonstrations guided by Brookhaven Lab staff, interns, and volunteers.

The activities connected to science concepts and tools found across the Lab, from magnets and particle accelerators to electron microscopy and conductors. Students peered through microscopes, learned how fuel cells and solar panels work, became junior beamline operators, and more.

Kids Korner: June 27 to July 4, 2024

by Heidi Sutton - June 27, 2024

0 681

shrek.0 — Catch a screening of 'Shrek' at Heritage Park in Mount Sinai on June 28.

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 June 28 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

Adventure of the Lost Treasure

Children in Grades K–6 are invited to join Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket on June 28 at 11 a.m. for a treasure-hunting adventure full of stories & science experiments with Talewise on the library’s front lawn. Please bring a blanket for seating. Open to all. No registration required. Questions? Email [email protected].

Mud Day on the Farm

Start the summer off with a day of messy fun! Suffolk County Farm, 350 Yaphank Ave., Yaphank hosts its annual Mud Day on June 29 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. $10 per person ages 1 and up includes unlimited wagon rides, a visit to the butterfly house, and all the mud you can wear! For tickets, visit www.eventcreate.com/e/mudday24. 631-852-4600

Aquarium Celebration

In honor of National Zoo and Aquarium Month, the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor will hold an Aquarium Celebration on June 29 and June 30 with Reptile Encounters at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.; Amphibian Encounters at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.; Longnose Gar Feeding Demo at noon; Trout Feeding Demo at 3 p.m. and a scavenger hunt all day. Activities are free with admission. No reservations required. 516-692-6768

Growing Up Wild

Town of Brookhaven hosts a free nature program for ages 3 to 6, Growing Up Wild, at the Cedar Beach Nature Center, 244 Harbor Beach Blvd., Mount Sinai on June 29 at 10 a.m. and again at 2 p.m. Parents and grandparents are invited to explore nature with their little ones. Each class will focus on a different nature topic and may include a story time, live animals and an activity. Registration is required by emailing [email protected].

Crafternoon at the Library

Children ages 3 to 12 yrs. with a parent or caregiver are invite to stop by Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket on June 29 anytime between 2 to 4 p.m. to get creative with recycled materials. Open to all. No registration required. Questions? Email [email protected]

BNL Open House Tour

Brookhaven National Laboratory, 2 Center St., Upton kicks off its Summer Sunday Open House tours on June 30 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Titled Family Fun, the day will include Science of Magic show, a physics activity zone, a Science Learning Center with interactive exhibits and a firehouse tour. Free. No reservations needed. 631-344-8000

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 1 at 10:30 a.m. No registration required. Appropriate for ages 0-4. 631-482-5008

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

‘Shrek’

Heritage Park, 633 Mount Sinai-Coram Road, Mount Sinai kicks off its Movies in the Moonlight series with a screening of Shrek on June 28 at dusk. Bring seating. Free. Presented by the North Shore Youth Council and Suffolk County Legislator Chad Lennon. 631-403-4846

‘Big’

Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Cinema for Kids! series with a screening of Big on June 30 at noon. In this heartfelt comedy, a young boy discovers adulthood isn’t all it’s cracked up to be when his wish to be a grown-up magically comes true. Rated PG. Tickets are $13 adults, $5 children 12 and under. www.cinemaartscentre.org

Send your calendar events to [email protected]

Holtsville Ecology Site & Animal Preserve offers children’s summer programs and tours

by Press Release - June 23, 2024

0 557

Registration is now open for several children’s programs hosted by the Holtsville Ecology Site and Animal Preserve this summer.

Children entering second through sixth grade, can register for the following three programs: Where the Wild Things Are, during which they will learn why wild animals do not make good family pets but rather belong in the wild; Fun on the Farm, where they will learn what’s involved in caring for farm animals, such as cows, pigs, chickens and goats; and Ice Ice Baby, during which students can learn about cold-blooded animals including snakes, lizards and turtles. All three programs cost $10 per child and will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Where the Wild Things Are will meet on Thursday, July 18; Fun on the Farm will meet on Thursday, Aug. 8; and Ice Ice Baby meets Tuesday, July 23.

Children entering fourth grade through sixth grade may register to learn what’s involved in the care and feed for our animals during A Day with an Animal Caretaker. This program costs $50 per child and is offered Tuesday, July 16, Thursday, July 25, Tuesday, Aug. 6, or Thursday, Aug. 22, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

During the summer months, pre-registered groups can also participate in Behind-the-Scene Tours and Guided Tours through the Animal Preserve. These tours are by appointment only; call 631.451.5330 to register.

To register for any of these programs, call 631.451.5330 or visit www.BrookhavenNY.gov.

Sea Glass Festival returns to Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum July 21

by Press Release - June 23, 2024

0 894

1 of 3

The Whaling Museum and Education Center in Cold Spring Harbor has announced the return of its Sea Glass Festival, which features an array of new activities and enriched experiences for the 2024 season.

Set to take place on Sunday, July 21, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., this popular family-friendly event will celebrate the history, artistry, and allure of sea glass, now with an expanded presence on historic Main Street in Cold Spring Harbor. The event is the only one of its kind in the region and is the museum’s largest community event which welcomes 1,000 attendees. It is supported in part with funds awarded through a grant from Suffolk County Economic Development and Planning.

“We are thrilled to bring Long Island’s exclusive Sea Glass Festival to our community for the third year in a row,” said Nomi Dayan, Executive Director at The Whaling Museum & Education Center. “Sea glass, along with the historic glass bottles in our collection, are unique portals into Long Island’s stories. This year, we are excited to offer a number of expanded opportunities for both adults and children to appreciate and learn about the glass gems created by the ocean that surrounds us.”

Event Highlights:

Expert Presentations: Learn about sea glass and historic glass bottles.

Live Music: Enjoy tunes by Rorie Kelly.

Shopping: Browse booths with sea glass-themed artworks and crafts.

Contests & Crafts: Enter the sea glass contest and participate in fun crafts.

The festival will present an extended schedule featuring talks and lectures delivered by sea glass experts, historians, authors, and artists. These engaging sessions will be held in the museum’s gallery and offsite at a neighboring event partner, Preservation Long Island, situated a 5-minute walk from The Whaling Museum.

“Our staff curated an exciting lineup of both returning and new presenters who will provide valuable insights and inspiration to our attendees. Our presenters’ expertise and passion for sea glass and beachcombing will help educate the public on topics such as identifying sea glass, the history of local glass, and the creative applications of sea glass,” said Dayan.

Speaker presentations at Preservation Long Island will take place at 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., with two presenters alternating: George Wm Fisher, author of multiple books on Long Island’s bottles and medicine companies, will present at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on “The Origins of Sea Glass.”

Mary McCarthy, Beachcombing Educator and former Executive Director of The Beachcombing Center, will present next at noon and 2 p.m. on the “Difference between Fake and Genuine Sea Glass.” Mary will also host her celebrated “Beachcombing Table” and offer sea glass identification for the public when she is not presenting.

Examples of Shadow Box Sea Glass Crafts. $10 per participant; All ages welcome.

New for 2024:

Expanded Presentations: Lectures on sea glass history at the historic Old Methodist Church, home of Preservation Long Island.

Mobile Beachcombing Museum: Explore “Tumbled By The Sea.”

Sea Glass Hunt: Find hidden sea glass on Main Street to enter a prize raffle.

Shadow Box Craft: Create a unique sea glass craft for $10.

Special Drinks: Enjoy sea glass-themed drinks at Sweetie Pies on Main.

Additional new activities that extend into historic Main Street in Cold Spring Harbor include: a scavenger hunt down Main Street; an exclusive visit to the Cold Spring Harbor Firehouse Museum; and the option to purchase a new sea glass-themed beverage from Sweetie Pies on Main.

In The Whaling Museum’s gallery, festival attendees can attend new talks held every hour from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Speaker highlights include Amy Dries of “Tumbled by the Sea,” a mobile museum that will be stationed in front of the festival tent, and author and historian Roxie Zwicker who will be discussing her new book, “New England Sea Glass: A Vibrant History.” A full schedule of talks and presentations is available at cshwhalingmuseum.org/seaglass.

Outdoors at the festival, attendees will have the chance to explore the mobile exhibit “Tumbled by the Sea” and take a self-guided tour of this travelling museum, shop with over a dozen artists and exhibitors under the tents including new artists and returning exhibitors, and view glass art torchwork demonstrations with Ro’s Glass World.

Kids can partake in a sea glass scavenger hunt in the museum’s gallery and enjoy complimentary crafts included with admission.

Live music by artist Rorie Kelly will add to the festive atmosphere, who performs fun, family-friendly crowd-pleaser music from the 1950s to today.

Returning again will be the Sea Glass of the Year contest, now featuring a new kids category.

Moreover, this year’s festival introduces a new Sea Glass Writing Contest for Long Island youth in partnership with TBR News Media. Festival attendees can hear the entries of contest winners at the event.

Attendees wanting to explore their creative side can create a new shadow box craft in the museum workshop facilitated by museum educators. Tickets for this add-on craft can be purchased only at the event inside the museum’s gallery.

When hunger strikes, festival attendees can enjoy offerings from the All-American Wontons food truck which will be on-site or visit any of the restaurants and cafes in Cold Spring Harbor, including Grasso’s Restaurant, Sandbar, Harbor Mist, The Gourmet Whaler and the Cold Spring Harbor Deli.

The Whaling Museum and Education Center is located at 301 Main Street in Cold Spring Harbor. Online tickets for the Sea Glass Festival are priced at a discount for advance purchase at $15 for attendees and $10 for museum members. Door tickets will be available at $20 for attendees and $15 for members. For more information, visit www.cshwhalingmuseum.org

Get Your Tickets Now:

Tickets

This article originally appeared in TBR News Media’s Summer Times supplement on June 20.

Pixar’s ‘Inside Out 2’ is, quite simply, perfect

by Jeffrey Sanzel - June 21, 2024

0 616

'Inside Out' 2 — Joy and Anxiety (voiced by Amy Poehler and Maya Hawke) meet in Riley's head in Inside Out 2. Image courtesy of Disney/Pixar

Reviewed by Jeffrey Sanzel

Pixar has produced over two dozen animated features. Among the best are Up, Coco, Soul, Finding Nemo, and the Toy Story franchise, which managed to maintain its integrity through three sequels.

The unique and wonderful Inside Out (2015) explored and explained the complicated inner feelings of young Riley and how she reacts to her family’s relocation. The film personified her basic emotions—Joy, Sadness, Fear, Disgust, and Anger—in colorful (and color-coded) beings.

Director Pete Docter (Monsters, Inc., Up, and Soul) co-wrote the screenplay with Meg LeFauve and Joshy Cooley. Docter gathered an all-star cast of voices, including Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Lewis Black, Mindy Kaling, Bill Hader, and others. It became one of the year’s most successful films, grossing over eight hundred and fifty million dollars and receiving nearly unanimous critical acclaim.

Inside Out 2, the much-anticipated sequel, picks up a year later with thirteen-year-old Riley. Director Kelsey Mann makes an extraordinary feature debut, working from a beautifully fashioned screenplay by LeFauve and Dave Holstein. (Docter served as executive producer.) It is easy to be hyperbolic. (For example, “This is the worst film ever made.”) However, Inside Out 2 is, quite simply, perfect.

On the verge of entering high school, Riley learns that her best friends and fellow hockey teammates, Bree and Grace, will attend a different school. Seemingly overnight, Riley goes from child to teenager, with mood swings and doubts becoming the norm. That summer, the trio attend a three-day hockey intensive, with Riley hoping success will lead to a place on the varsity Fire Hawks. At the camp, Riley meets her idol, high school hockey star Valentina Ortiz, and decides to court favor with the older girl and her entourage in exchange for her allegiance to Bree and Grace.

Inside Out 2 meets the original material directly and then logically—and brilliantly—elevates it as Riley enters the struggle that is puberty. Joining and fighting to replace Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger, and Disgust are Envy, Ennui, Embarrassment, and, most importantly and most present, Anxiety.

Ultimately, the story is the battle between Joy and Anxiety for control over Riley’s life. This significant metaphor embodies the steps from childhood to adolescence. At the heart is the idea that experiences become memories that generate belief, leading to a Sense of Self. Grappling with the need to manifest a Sense of Self fires the conflict. The ultimate resolution is heartfelt, honest, and cathartic.

Once again, Poehler heads up a terrific company; she mines every bit of humor in Joy but never sacrifices the emotional integrity. Black and Smith return as Anger and Sadness, respectively. Like Poehler, they never lose the heart for the laughs. Lisa Lapira replaces Mindy Kaling as Disgust, and Tony Hale takes over from Bill Hader as Fear. (The sour note surrounds the film as Kaling and Hader ended up in a pay dispute with Disney, being offered only one hundred thousand dollars to Poehler’s five million.) Lapira and Hale both acquit themselves well.

Maya Hawke brings dimension to Anxiety, allowing the emotion’s potential value to weigh against its damage. Ayo Edebiri’s Envy matches Disgust, and Paul Walter Hauser’s almost mute Embarrassment works well. However, the funniest addition is Ennui, with Adèle Exarchopoulos playing the boredom as a beatnik Parisian existentialist. Diane Lane and Kyle MacLachlan are back as Riley’s parents, and while they have limited screen time, they manage to imbue the parents with the right mix of love and frustration. Kensington Tallman’s Riley (replacing Kaitlyn Dias) truly holds center in a nuanced and wholly believable performance.

The designers and animators (and hundreds of artists and craftspeople) seamlessly shaped two parallel worlds: Riley’s almost hyper-realistic outside (down to the braces and single unmentioned pimple) and the softer, slightly two-dimensional inside (giving the world of emotions a hint of old Disney). The spherical memories, the islands, and the control consuls return, only to be taken to the next step.

The script is smart, and the dialogue is clever, but neither ever becomes self-conscious, finding unique voices for every character. The film does not trade on its predecessor but builds, expands, and matures it. (It also contains one of the greatest puns in any film—but no spoilers here.)

Inside Out 2 offers great truths with remarkable awareness: growing up is messy, change is complex, and everyone is a roiling sea of turmoil. It also shows that every emotion and experience—every color, every shade—lead us to who we are and who we can be. If art’s purpose is to reflect the human condition, then Inside Out 2 is art and much, much more.

Rated PG, the film is now playing in local theaters.

Junior anglers enjoy a day at Caleb Smith Park that was off-the-hook

by Press Release - June 19, 2024

0 504

1 of 9

Submitted by the Friends of Caleb Smith Preserve

It was a beautiful day for fishing on June 8, and that’s exactly what children with rods and bait in hand did during the Friends of Caleb Smith Preserve’s Annual Junior Angler Tournament.

The Friends group held two catch-and-release fishing competitions at the preserve: one for 5- to 8-year-olds in the morning of June 8 and another for 9- to 12-year-olds in the afternoon. Throughout the day, more than 40 junior anglers caught a total of 151 fish, according to Tom and Carol Tokosh, event co-chairs. The variety of fish included trout, bass and sunfish.

“For some of the children, it was their first time fishing. For others, it was the first fish they ever caught,” Carol Tokosh said. “The children would get very excited with each fish that they caught.”

Morning winners included Logan Wagner, 8, who won Most Fish Caught, which was 6. Salvatore Rizzo, 5, won Biggest Panfish for catching one that was 9 inches. Easton Hodge, 8, caught a 21-inch trout, which garnered him the Biggest Other Fish award. In the afternoon, Arabella Siegel, 12, won Most Fish Caught for reeling in an 11-inch fish. Patrick O’Donnell caught a 9-inch panfish which earned him The Biggest Panfish award. The Biggest Other Fish award went to Connor Biddle, 11, whose catch measured 17 inches.

Raffles were held at both sessions. Oliver Rogeinski won a rod, reel and tackle box. The prize was in memory of Michael D’Agostino, who was one of the founders of FCSP. In the afternoon tournament, Addilynn Blaine won a reel and rod donated in memory of Peter Paquette, the Friends group treasurer, who passed away in May. Both D’Agostino and Paquette volunteered every year at the tournament.

All participants received goodie bags containing information about fishing and the preserve as well as word search puzzles, a park activity book and other fishing items.

The event co-chairs thanked the volunteers for their help during the event as well as sponsors Campsite Store Shop and The Fisherman magazine for sponsoring the junior angler tournament.

“A special thank you goes out to the staff at Caleb Smith State Park Preserve for getting the park ready so the children could have a wonderful time fishing,” Carol Tokosh said. “Hopefully, the children will be hooked on fishing and will come back to the park to fish.”

Tom Tokosh encouraged junior anglers to visit the park to participate in catch-and-release fishing regularly. “It’s refreshing to see children out fishing and enjoying an activity in the fresh air,” he said. “Fishing at Caleb Smith State Park Preserve always makes for a memorable day.”

For more information on fishing at Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, call 631-265-1054.

Kids Korner: June 20 to 27, 2024

by Heidi Sutton - June 19, 2024

0 794

'Seussical' — OH THE THINKS YOU CAN THINK! Catch a performance of 'Seussical the Musical' in Northport this weekend. Photo from John W. Engeman Theater

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 June 21 at 9:30 a.m. An experienced educator will lead your youngster through 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.

Me & You with Keri Wirth

Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, 25 Lloyd Harbor Road, Lloyd Harbor presents Me & You with Keri Wirth on June 23 at 10:30 a.m. Rock out to singer/songwriter Keri Wirth’s original music that is funny and educational and dance your way into the sunny day. Pick up an instrument and create a harmonious musical environment with other families in the peaceful Walled Garden. For ages infant to 5 years old and families. Fee is $20. To register, visit www.caumsettfoundation.org/programs. 631-423-1770

Sunday Funday Mud Day

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown presents its annual Sunday Funday Mud Day on June 23 from 1 to 3 p.m. Join them for slime making, sand playing and volcano building. Meet some animals that love to dig around just like you! $15 per child and no charge for adults. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org. 631-979-6344

Story & Craft with Nana Carol

The Next Chapter bookstore, 204 New York Ave., Huntington hosts a Story and Craft event with Nana Carol on June 24 at 10:30 a.m. No registration required. Appropriate for ages 0-4. 631-482-5008

Dress Up at Sea

Love costumes? The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St. Cold Spring Harbor presents Dress Up at Sea on June 27 at 2:30 p.m. and again at 430 p.m. Dive into sailors’ sea traditions and discover line-crossing ceremonies where crew members dressed as underwater queens and mermaids. Join drag artist Bella Noche for Drag Story Hour to explore maritime mermaid tales. Get your face painted and create cool costume crafts! $20 child; $10 adult. Advance registration required by visiting www.cshwhalingmuseum.org. 631-367-3418

THEATER

‘Seussical the Musical’

‘Raggedy Ann & Andy’

“Be a buddy, be a pal, be a friend …” Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents Raggedy Ann and 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.

FILM

‘Labyrinth’

Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Cinema for Kids! series with a screening of Labyrinth on June 23 at noon. Teenager Sarah, stuck babysitting her baby brother, angrily wishes that goblins from her favorite book The Labyrinth will come take him away. When her wish comes true, Sarah must head into the Labyrinth herself to save him. Rated PG. Tickets are $13 adults, $5 children 12 and under. www.cinemaartscentre.org.

Dates announced for 28th annual Port Jefferson Charles Dickens Festival

by Heidi Sutton - June 14, 2024

0 2607

Hear ye, hear ye! A beloved tradition is back as the annual Port Jefferson Charles Dickens Festival returns for its 28th year on Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8.

Port Jefferson village will magically transform into the Dickensian era with streets filled with roaming characters such as Father Christmas, Dickens Mayor, Scrooge, the Town Crier and the beloved chimney sweeps, courtesy of the Greater Port Jefferson Northern Brookhaven Arts Council and the Village of Port Jefferson.

The two-day event will also feature concerts, train display, magic shows, theater, Festival of Trees, ice skating and much more with an opening and closing parade. Most attractions are free of charge, so everyone – from the very young to the young at heart – can join in the fun.

Visit portjeff.com/dickens in late November for a full schedule of events.

Little League closing ceremonies at Gaynor Park honors two of its own

by Steven Zaitz - June 14, 2024

0 707

1 of 13

By Steven Zaitz

Two Smithtown baseball icons were honored Saturday at Gaynor Park in St. James. One was recognized for his achievements on the diamond decades ago, and the other for his behind-the-scenes work over the past decade to elevate the league.

Rich Tomitz, outgoing president of the St. James-Smithtown Little League after a seven-year term, presided over the league’s Closing Day ceremonies. In doing so, he welcomed former major leaguer Frank Catalanotto, a star player in the league who ended his career with the New York Mets in 2010. Catalanotto’s Little League jersey number 27 was retired, and he was presented with a framed replica of it as his wife, parents, and children watched from the ring of honor around the pitcher’s mound.

Tomitz, dressed in a dark blue tuxedo, welcomed Smithtown High School East alum Catalanotto and his family, including his father, who coached him from 1979-86 while he was a player in the Little League.

“It’s such a great honor to have my number retired by the St. James-Smithtown Little League,” said Catalanotto. “This is where I dreamed about being a major league baseball player and pretended I was Dave Winfield, Don Mattingly and Willie Randolph.”

Catalanotto is currently the head baseball coach at Hofstra University and still lives in Smithtown.

“I pass by this field almost every single day, and the memories come rushing back each and every time,” he said. “I think about the awesome wins, the tough losses, the joy, the tears, and going for ice cream after every game. But I also think about what I learned on this field – teamwork, perseverance, and discipline – and today, I still use these principles as a coach.”

On a warm and sunny day with only a few cottony clouds floating by, Tomitz told a tale about Catalanotto, who hit .330 in 2001 for the Texas Rangers and had a 14-year Major League career. The league had to raise the right field fence along St. James Avenue because Catalanotto’s home run balls would dent cars and break windows of neighboring homes. The new barrier was dubbed Frankie’s Fence.

Years later, Tomitz, in his time at the SJSLL helm, has brought many more renovations to the league than just a protective fence. He has worked with Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim (R) and Parks Department brass to bring the New York State softball championship to Smithtown. In doing so, the ballfields at both Gaynor and Veterans Memorial Park were upgraded to artificial turf, and the park facilities at both locations were improved for the entire community to enjoy.

Tomitz also turned Little League baseball and softball in Smithtown into can’t-miss events twice a year in the spring. Both Opening and Closing Day have become town-wide events that include a parade down Woodlawn Avenue in April, free hot dogs and cotton candy for all, bouncy houses, face-painters, all-star games – all wrapped in a fun carnival atmosphere buzzing with kids, ballgames, and music; a twice-yearly extravaganza that most towns on Long Island can only envy.

In addition to his administrative role with the league, Tomitz has coached his son Derek in baseball and his daughter Nadia in softball for many years and in the Williamsport national tournaments. Tomitz was on the coaching staff of Nadia’s New York State-winning championship team in 2022.

Tomitz also spearheaded a baseball league for 13 to 15-year-olds who age out of traditional Little League and want to continue playing. He forged relationships with numerous sponsors and created philanthropic partnerships with the likes of former NFL star and New York Jet Marty Lyons, who built a foundation that grants wishes to terminally ill children.

“I’m extremely proud of what we have accomplished over the better part of the decade,” said Tomitz. “I’ve forged so many relationships over the years of doing this and I thank everyone – there are too many to name – but I want to mention my two favorite players: my baby girl Nadia and my best buddy Derek. I love you both and I love St. James-Smithtown. Bulls Nation forever.”

Girl Scouts of Suffolk County honors more than 40 members at annual Gold Awards

by Press Release - June 13, 2024

0 483

The Girl Scouts of Suffolk County honored 42 Girl Scouts at its annual Gold Award Dinner & Ceremony on May 30. The event was held at Villa Lombardi’s in Holbrook.

The Gold Award is the highest achievement in Girl Scouting and the preeminent leadership award for high school girls. Gold Award Girl Scouts address issues they’re passionate about by planning and implementing a project that produces lasting change in their communities and beyond.

Among the awardees:

Meredith Albertelli, Sayville High School

Kirsten Anderson, Longwood Senior High School

Morgan Bissell, Sayville High School

Zabelle Bobelian, Cold Spring Harbor Jr/Sr High School

Ashley Burke, Babylon Senior High School

Emma Cervone, Southampton High School

Brooke Cheskes, Harborfields High School

Mackenzie Clarke, Kings Park High School

Jessica Curran, Westhampton Beach High School

Julia Davi, St. John the Baptist

Alexandra Ebanks, Harborfields High School

Emily Franciscovich, Deer Park High School

Maeve Graham, Babylon Senior High School

Alyssa Griesman, Smithtown High School West

Lauren Hedges, Kings Park High School

Sofia Kabacinski, Our Lady of Mercy Academy

Libby Kelly, Harborfields High School

Riya A. Kumar, Elwood-John Glenn High School

Avery Lazarus, Sayville High School

Alana Lewis, St. John The Baptist Diocesan High

Madison LoFrese, Smithtown High School East

Tianna Marotta, Connetquot High School

Akiko Matrisciano, Our Lady of Mercy Academy

Chloe Montgomery, Ward Melville High School

Emily Newman, Walter G O’Connell School

Michaela O’Connell, Huntington High School

Annamaria Pepe, Walter G O’Connell Copiague High School

Angelica Rafaelides, Smithtown High School West

Megan Reilly, St. Anthony’s High School

Rebecca Sandak, Mt Sinai High School

Ayesha Shaukat, St. Anthony’s High School

Theresa Soraire, Walter G O’Connell Copiague High School

Joelle Spainer, West Babylon Senior High School

Abbey Strent, Commack High School

Reagan Treharne, Southold High School

Brianna Vargas, Babylon Senior High School

Abigail Vermillion, Hauppauge High School

Haley Waszkelewicz, Westhampton Beach High School

Maegan Whalen, Commack High School

Evelyn Whitwell, St. Anthony’s High School

Layla Wilkes, Commack High School

Cassandra Yanke, Smithtown High School West

“Our Gold Award Girl Scouts are leaders in their community who are making measurable and sustainable change while still in high school said Tammy Severino, President and CEO of Girl Scouts of Suffolk County. “As they take action to transform their world, they gain tangible, real-world skills and a civic-minded awareness that sets them apart from their peers. 96% of Gold Award Girl Scouts say their experience inspired their ongoing commitment to service or volunteering. Our Gold Award Girl Scouts are discovering they have the power to create the future they want for themselves and others, and we are proud and honored by their achievements.”

To earn a Gold Award, each recipient must complete two Senior or Ambassador Journeys or their Girl Scout Silver Award before beginning their Gold Award project. To meet the Girl Scout Gold Award requirements, each candidate must complete at least 80 hours toward their project.

About Girl Scouts of Suffolk County

Since 1968, Girl Scouts of Suffolk County has been committed to building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. With over 15,000 members, they are one of the largest youth-serving agencies in Suffolk County. Girl Scouts helps girls develop their full individual potential; relate to others with increasing understanding, skill, and respect; develop values to guide their actions and provide the foundation for sound decision making; and contribute to the improvement of society through their abilities, leadership skills, and cooperation with others. For more information about the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County, please call (631) 543-6622 or visit www.gssc.us.

Prev 1...242526...185 Next

Page 25 of 185