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Catch a screening of 'The Last Unicorn' at the Cinema Arts Centre on May 19.

PROGRAMS

Museum Day at the MCPL

Middle Country Public Library, 101 Eastwood Blvd., Centereach hosts its annual Museum Day at the Museum Corner on May 16 from 4 to 7 p.m. with 30 local organizations participating. Geared for children and their families, the event will feature science experiments, arts and crafts, live animal visits, and interaction with museum displays and artifacts. The event is free and no registration is required. 

Teen Driver Safety Program

The Brookhaven Highway Department will offer a Teen Driver Safety Program at Safety Town, 249 Buckley Road, Holtsville on May 16 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Teenagers 15 and older and their parents are invited to participate in an interactive experience exhibiting the dangers of texting or drinking and driving. Teens will then use electric cars to complete obstacle courses designed to simulate driving while texting and impaired. Free but by appointment only; call 631-451-5335 to reserve your spot.

First Steps Into Nature 

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown presents First Steps Into Nature: Superheroes for children ages 2 to 4 on May 17 at 9:30 a.m. Sweetbriar’s experienced educators help open up the wonders of the natural world for children through hands-on activities, live animals, crafts, and much more. $20 per child. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org. 631-979-6344

Astronomy Day at the Vanderbilt

Join the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Reichert Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport in celebrating  Astronomy Day 2024 on May 18, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This Vanderbilt STEM education event will include exciting science, take-home materials, and engaging discussion about science and society. Participants will create nebula spin art, investigate constellations, explore craters, and much more! Members of the Astronomical Society of Long Island will display telescopes and give short presentations on how to use them. Activities are free to all visitors who pay general admission. www.vanderbiltmuseum.org

Art in the Barn

Walt Whitman Birthplace Association, 246 Old Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station presents Art in the Barn, storytime and hands-on art projects for pre-schoolers on May 18, 25 and June 1 at 11 a.m. $15 per child, $13 members. To register, visit waltwhitman.org/events.

THEATER

‘The Mystery of the Missing Ever After’

“Where in the world is our happy ending?” Stories collide and mysteries abound as three great princesses come together to solve The Mystery of the Missing Ever After at Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson from May 25 to June 15. A slipper, a spinning wheel, and a red, red rose are all clues in this hilarious new musical! All seats are $12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

‘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. Horton must protect the Whos from a world of doubters while guarding an abandoned egg, left to his care. 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.

FILM

‘The Last Unicorn’

Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Cinema for Kids! series with a screening of The Last Unicorn on May  19 at noon. In this animated musical, the villainous King Haggard plots to destroy all the world’s unicorns. When a young unicorn learns that she’s in danger and that she may soon be the last of her kind, she enlists the help of Schmendrick the sorcerer. Tickets are $13 adults, $5 children 12 and under. www.cinemaartscentre.org

Send your calendar events to [email protected]

 

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Photo courtesy of TOB

On May 8, Councilwoman Jane Bonner (center) was at Heritage Park (“The Wedge”) in Mt. Sinai to meet with Jennifer Roth (left), Membership Secretary for the Mt. Sinai Civic Association and Robert Woods (right), Director of North Shore Youth Council.

They were there to unveil the new, recently installed playground equipment. The Heritage Park amenities include ball fields, multi-purpose field, playground, restrooms and walking trails. There are also electric vehicle charging stations in the parking lot and a picnic area. 

Located at 633 Mount Sinai-Coram Road, Heritage Park is one of the premier recreation facilities in Brookhaven Town. It is open 7 days a week from sunrise to sunset. Parking is free. For more information about Heritage Park and all the parks and recreation facilities in the Town of Brookhaven, go to www.BrookhavenNY.gov.

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Astronomy Day. Photo courtesy of Vanderbilt Museum

The Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum’s Reichert Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road Centerport will celebrate Astronomy Day 2024 on Saturday, May 18, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Astronomy Day at the Vanderbilt is part of an international celebration of educational programs designed to engage audiences in the awe-inspiring fields of Earth and space science. Sponsored by PSEG Long Island, activities are free to all visitors who pay general admission.

This Vanderbilt STEM education event will include exciting science, take-home materials, and engaging discussion about science and society. Participants will create nebula spin art, investigate constellations, explore craters, and much moreThese fun activities introduce guests to the ongoing research happening at NASA in the fields of Earth science, planetary science and astrophysics. Astronomy educators will perform free earth science and astronomy demonstrations for adults and children.

Toolkits for these demonstrations were developed by the National Informal Science Education Network (NISE NET).

Members of the Astronomical Society of Long Island, an astronomy club based at the Reichert Planetarium, will have telescopes on display and will be giving short presentations on how to use them.

Weather permitting, there will be solar telescopes available so that guests may safely look at details on the surface of the Sun.

Purchase General Admission Ticket for May 18

 

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Scenes from Museum Day 2023 at the Middle Country Public Library. Photos courtesy of MCPL
Scene from Museum Day 2023 at the Middle Country Public Library. Photo courtesy of MCPL
Scenes from Museum Day 2023 at the Middle Country Public Library. Photos courtesy of MCPL
Scenes from Museum Day 2023 at the Middle Country Public Library. Photos courtesy of MCPL
Scenes from Museum Day 2023 at the Middle Country Public Library. Photos courtesy of MCPL
Scenes from Museum Day 2023 at the Middle Country Public Library. Photos courtesy of MCPL
Scenes from Museum Day 2023 at the Middle Country Public Library. Photos courtesy of MCPL

By Tara Mae

Like separate entries in an anthology, different community organizations offer rich options for diverse cultural endeavors that form a cohesive collection of experiences to encourage understanding and appreciation.

In this spirit, Middle Country Public Library’s Centereach branch at 101 Eastwood Blvd. will host Museum Day on Thursday, May 16, from 4 to 7 p.m. The event is free and no registration is required. 

This year 30 local institutions are participating, including the Long Island Museum of American History, Art and Carriages (LIM) in Stony Brook, Three Village Historical Society (TVHS) in Setauket, Whaling Museum and Education Center of Cold Spring Harbor, Railroad Museum of Long Island in Riverhead, and Sweetbriar Nature Center in Smithtown.  

“The purpose [of Museum Day] is to provide a forum for community members to interact with representatives from local museums, historical societies, science and nature centers that participate to share information regarding their collections, programs, and exhibits in a festival type setting,” said Deborah Hempe, Middle Country Public Library’s Coordinator for Outreach Services and Museum Corner.

Held at the Museum Corner section of the library, which is part of the Youth Services Department, Museum Day is geared towards children and their families. Interactive elements across multiple mediums include science experiments, arts and crafts, live animal visits, and interaction with museum displays and artifacts. 

“For many children, looking and listening isn’t enough to activate the desire to learn. At events like this, children are presented with opportunities to also create, explore objects for themselves, and feel a connection that is personal,” said Lisa Unander, Director of Education at the Long Island Museum. “That feeling can be a catalyst to spark wonder and a lifelong love of art and history.”

The LIM will have a collage project inspired by the art of Reynold Ruffins, whose work is featuring in one of its current exhibits, Painting Partnership: Reynold and Joan Ruffins. The activity will concentrate on how using color and geometric shapes can create art. 

TVHS will set up a mini-exhibit and teach hands-on crafts, like making colonial whirligigs. Sweetbriar Nature Center will attend with two of its ambassador animals; traditionally, a resident owl and snake come as its guests. The Railroad Museum of Long Island will set up a train display. 

“I enjoy seeing the families who attend Museum Day and [engaging] with the children on hands-on learning activities we offer during the event,” said Education Coordinator of TVHS Lindsey Steward-Goldberg.

These offerings are made to energize minds and excite imaginations. 

“Museums can be places that introduce new ideas, unique perspectives and often challenge people’s ways of looking and thinking. Giving children a chance expand their way of thinking and encouragement to be creative in unexpected ways is often a goal of museum educators,” Unander said. 

For 35 years, Middle Country Public Library has organized the gathering in conjunction with International Museum Day, which falls on or around May 18. In 2023, more than 37,000 museums in about 158 countries and territories took part in the celebration.

Coordinated by the International Council of Museums, International Museum Day has a distinctive theme every year; 2024’s focus is Museums for Education and Research.

Although the motif changes, primary objectives of the official occasion and the library’s exhibition remain consistent: to alert people to the role museums play in the advancement of society and fortify the cooperation between neighboring operations.

“The public is able to learn about what these local organizations have to offer in a fun and interactive setting…Additionally, it provides a nice way for the organizations to do a bit of networking with each other,” Hempe said.  

A welcome chance to fortify interdisciplinary dynamics for the attending entities while engaging with a new audience and enchanting existing patrons, Museum Day is both a synopsis and preview of the organizations’ services. Many vendors return annually to maximize and solidify their exposure.

“Each year we meet many patrons who know our museum, and also many who have not ever visited the LIM. It is a wonderful way to showcase what the LIM has to offer and to extend a personal invitation to these families to visit for the first time or to come back and see what is new since their last visit,” Unander said. 

Through nurturing partnerships of longevity and consistency, Museum Day invigorates  lifelong interest in learning as well as sustained support for assemblages dedicated to historical preservation and intellectual enrichment. 

“I look forward to further cultivating those relationships, interacting with the staff and volunteers of participating organizations, and seeing the event attendees interacting with them as well…all are welcome,” Hempe said.

Participating organizations include:

American Airpower Museum

Bayard Cutting Arboretum

Bethel Hobbs Community Farm

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County Community Education

Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society

Fire Island National Seashore

Greater Port Jefferson Arts Council

Hallockville Museum Farm

Hofstra University Museum of Art

Long Island Explorium

Long Island Maritime Museum

Long Island Museum

Long Island Telephone Museum

LT Michael P. Murphy Navy SEAL Museum

Montauk Historical Society/Lighthouse

NY Marine Rescue Center

Old Westbury Gardens

Patchogue Arts Council

Railroad Museum of Long Island

Sagtikos Manor

Smithtown Historical Society

Southampton History Museum

South Fork Natural History Museum

Sweetbriar Nature Center

Three Village Historical Society

Town of Brookhaven Historian

Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium

Whaling Museum & Education Center of Cold Spring Harbor

Water Mill Museum

To learn more about Museum Day, call 631-585-9393 or visit www.mcplibrary.org.

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Photo courtesy of Ronald McDonald House Charities NY Metro
Photo courtesy of Ronald McDonald House Charities NY Metro
Photo courtesy of Ronald McDonald House Charities NY Metro
Photo courtesy of Ronald McDonald House Charities NY Metro
Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright, SBU President Maurie McInnis, State Senator Mario Mattera and State Senator Monica Martinez at the Ronald McDonald House groundbreaking ceremony on April 30. Photo from Legislator Steve Englebright’s office
Photo courtesy of Legislator Steve Englebright’s office
Photo courtesy of Legislator Steve Englebright’s office
A rendering of the building.

Ronald McDonald House Charities NY Metro held a ceremonial groundbreaking event for its new house, to be built on the Stony Brook Medicine campus, to provide a safe, secure and comfortable environment for families of children who are receiving medical care at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital. Construction is set to begin later this year with completion scheduled for 2026. Of the $30 million needed to complete the project, $24 million has already been raised.

This will be the first Ronald McDonald House located in Suffolk County, and only the second on Long Island. The other Ronald McDonald House is in New Hyde Park in Nassau County, located adjacent to Cohen Children’s Medical Center.

The three-story, 60,000 square-foot building will include 30 private bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms for families, a media center, outdoor playground, interactive playrooms, a community kitchen providing free meals made by volunteers and fully stocked pantries, a fitness center, meditation room and laundry facilities.

“We’ve been planning this for 10 years and now we’re finally able to provide for families in Suffolk County the way they need,” said Matt Campo, CEO, Ronald McDonald House Charities NY Metro. “All of our programs provide a place for families to rest and recharge so they can focus on the health and well-being of their child.”

“This facility will stand as a beacon of hope, compassion and support for families facing their toughest challenges,” said Dr. William Wertheim, interim executive vice president for Stony Brook Medicine. “Our partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities highlights the strength of collaboration, and I am delighted to be joining our resources and expertise to meet the diverse needs of our community.”

During the ceremony, Stony Brook University President Maurie McInnis thanked Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright for his help in ensuring that a bill authorizing the State University of New York to enter into a lease with the Ronald McDonald House of Long Island, Inc. was passed in the New York State
Assembly in 2018 during his tenure as a state Assemblyman.

“To know that parents will be near their children as they go through the toughest of times is
heartwarming,” Englebright said. “I applaud the Ronald McDonald House for all their
philanthropic work.”

“The soon-to-be-built Ronald McDonald House will be able to serve as a respite for patients and families whose infant or child is ill by offering a place to stay, food to eat and a place to rest and recharge that is in close proximity to the hospital,” said Carol Gomes, CEO, Stony Brook University Hospital. “There is nothing more cherished than the ability to be able to focus on the care of your child without having to worry about daily life logistics.”

“It’s been a labor of love recruiting the financial support to make this house a reality,” said Cynthia Lippe, chair, RMHC NYM Stony Brook House Fundraising Committee. “Our entire committee is proud of our work and know we have the momentum to raise the final funds to open the house to the public.”

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TALE AS OLD AS TIME Catch a screening of 'Beauty and the Beast' at the Cinema Arts Centre on May 12.

PROGRAMS

Books in the Barn

In partnership with the Smithtown Library, the Smithtown Historical Society will hold a  special Storytime event for children ages 3 to 5 years old with a parent/caregiver at the Franklin Arthur Barn, 245 E. Main St., Smithtown on May 10 and May 24 from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Come listen to stories about farms animals and then visit the chickens, bunnies, sheep, ponies, and barn cats. Free. Registration required by calling 631-360-2480, ext. 196.

Safety Town in Holtsville will host a Bicycle Rodeo on May 11.

Bicycle Rodeo

On May 11 the Brookhaven Highway Department will host a Bicycle Rodeo at Safety Town, 249 Buckley Road, Holtsville from 8 a.m. to noon. Children will learn how to safely ride their bikes in a mock-roadway, kid-sized setting. Participants are required to bring their own helmets and bicycles; both will be inspected for safety. Free but by appointment only; call 631-451-5335 to reserve your spot. 

Mother’s Day Craft

Pizza and crafting — the perfect combo to celebrate Mom! Join Celebrate St. James Kids Community at the St. James Community Cultural Arts Center, 176 Second St., St. James on May 11 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. to indulge in tasty pizza and get crafty with special Mother’s Day craft to take home. $15 per person, $10 each additional child. Register at www.celebratestjames.org.

Crafternoon at the Library

Join Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket for a Crafternoon on May 11 from 2 to 4 p.m. Create a work of art out of recycled materials. For families with children ages 3 to 12 years old. Supervision may be needed for younger children. Open to all. Questions? Call 631-941-4080 or email [email protected]

Baby Animal Day

Join the Suffolk County Farm, 350 Yaphank Ave., Yaphank for Baby Animal Day on May 11 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring your family and friends to enjoy a day on the farm with baby animals, wagon rides, food trucks, games, touch-a-truck, and more! $15 per person ages 3 and up in advance, $20 per person at the gate. Held rain or shine. For tickets, visit www.eventcreate.com/e/bad24. For more information, call 631-852-4600 or visit www.ccesuffolk.org

Grow and Taste Garden

Benner’s Farm, 56 Gnarled Hollow Road, E. Setauket hosts a children’s workshop for ages 3 to 9, Grow and Taste Garden, on May 11 from 10 a.m. to noon. It’s spring! Time to get your hands dirty and plant some seeds. Children will plant an edible vegetable and flower garden to take home. Pick from the farm’s spring garden and taste what your seeds will grow to be. Followed by a craft and tour of the farm. $40 per child. To register, call 631-689-8172 or visit www.bennersfarm.com.

Touch-a-Truck

Middle Country Public Library, 101 Eastwood Blvd., Centereach hosts a Touch-A-Truck event for families on May 11 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Children can explore various vehicles, sit in the driver’s seat and discover the world of trucks. This unique event will feature large trucks and heavy equipment from law enforcement, fire department, commercial companies, industrial companies and more. Open to all. 631-585-9393

Welcome Back Osprey

Sunken Meadow State Park (Lot 3), Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park presents a family program, Welcome Back Osprey, on May 12 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. The Ospreys are back at the park! Go out and find these — and other amazing birds of prey — as they return for the warm summer months. $4 per person. To register, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Story & Craft with Nana Carol

The Next Chapter bookstore, 204 New York Ave., Huntington hosts a Story and Craft event with Nana Carol on May 13 at 10:30 a.m. No registration required. Appropriate for ages 0-4. 631-482-5008

Safety Town in Holtsville will hold a Teen Driver Safety Program on May 16.

Teen Driver Safety Program

The Brookhaven Highway Department will offer a Teen Driver Safety Program at Safety Town, 249 Buckley Road, Holtsville on May 16 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Teenagers 15 and older and their parents are invited to participate in an interactive experience exhibiting the dangers of texting or drinking and driving. Certified instructors with many years of defensive driving and accident investigation experience will talk with participants about the importance of developing safe habits when traveling the roadways. Teens will then use electric cars to complete obstacle courses designed to simulate driving while texting and impaired. Free but by appointment only; call 631-451-5335 to reserve your spot.

Art in the Barn

Walt Whitman Birthplace Association, 246 Old Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station presents Art in the Barn, storytime and hands-on art projects for pre-schoolers on May 18, 25 and June 1 at 11 a.m. $15 per child, $13 members. To register, visit waltwhitman.org/events.

THEATER

‘Alice in Wonderland’

John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport present’s Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland from March 23 to May 12. Alice takes a tumble down an enchanted rabbit hole to an off-kilter world of mock turtles, dancing flora, punctual rabbits, and mad tea parties. Will Alice be able to find her footing in this bizarre place? More importantly, will she ever figure out how to get home?All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

‘Willy Wonka’

Community Playhouse of Northport presents Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka at The Brosnan Theater, 158 Laurel Ave., Northport on May 10 at 7:30 p.m. and May 12 at 3 p.m. Character meet and greets will be from 2:15 to 2:45 p.m. at Sunday performance. Tickets are $20 adults, $15 students and seniors. To order, visit www.communityplayhousenorthport.org. 631-683-8444

‘Seussical the Musical’

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport continues its children’s theater with Seussical the Musical from May 18 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. Horton must protect the Whos from a world of doubters while guarding an abandoned egg, left to his care. 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.

‘The Mystery of the Missing Ever After’

“Where in the world is our happy ending?” Stories collide and mysteries abound as three great princesses come together to solve The Mystery of the Missing Ever After at Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson from May 25 to June 15. A slipper, a spinning wheel, and a red, red rose are all clues in this hilarious new musical! All seats are $12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

FILM

‘Beauty and the Beast’

Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Cinema for Kids! series with a screening of Beauty and the Beast on May 12 at noon. Disney’s beloved modern classic follows spirited, headstrong village girl Belle, who enters the castle of a prince who has fallen under the spell of a wicked enchantress — who has turned him into the hideous Beast until he learns to love and be loved in return. With the help of his enchanted servants, including the matronly Mrs. Potts, Belle begins to draw the cold-hearted Beast out of his isolation. Tickets are $13 adults, $5 children 12 and under. www.cinemaartscentre.org.

Send your calendar events to [email protected]

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A scene from 'You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown'. Photo courtesy of Simple Gifts Productions
A scene from 'You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown'. Photo courtesy of Simple Gifts Productions
A scene from 'You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown'. Photo courtesy of Simple Gifts Productions

Simple Gifts Productions, a professional performing arts company for kids and teens, will present “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” on Friday, May 3 and Saturday, May 4 at First United Methodist Church of Port Jefferson, 603 Main Street, Port Jefferson. Both shows start at 7:30 p.m.

This “revised” version is a fresh approach to the all-time 1967 classic, based on the beloved comic strip by Charles Schulz. Featuring all your favorite Peanuts characters, this charming revue of vignettes and songs is fun for the whole family (ages 4 and older). Running time is 1 hour.

Tickets are $15. For Reserved Seating, tickets can be purchased online. Visit www.simplegiftsproductions.com for more information. Tickets for General Seating will also be sold at the door before each performance.

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Amanda Liang with the winning bridge design. Photo by Kevin Coughlin/BNL

Amanda Liang, a ninth grader from Paul J. Gelinas Junior High School in Setauket, won first place at the 45th annual Bridge Building Competition hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory on April 3. 

The competition shows students in grades nine through 12 what it’s like to be an engineer as they attempt to design a strong bridge out of only basswood and glue with a set of challenging specifications in mind. Their structures were put to the test under a crushing machine that slowly added more and more weight from above until the bridges broke or bent more than one inch.

The event is organized by Brookhaven Lab’s Office of Educational Programs (OEP) to advance its mission to cultivate the next generation of STEM professionals.

Julia Pincott won second place for her bridge design. Photo courtesy of John Glenn High School

“I want you to imagine your future selves as professional engineers and you’re contributing something important to society,” Bernadette Uzzi, OEP’s manager for K-12 programs told students at the start of the competition. “Perhaps you’re designing a bridge, and you have to continually refine the structure to adapt to our ever-changing world, or maybe you’re here at Brookhaven involved in constructing our new Electron-Ion Collider, which is a ground-breaking machine that will unravel the mysteries of nature’s strongest force. Regardless of your future career plans, today you are engineering students and you’re part of Brookhaven’s journey.”

Uzzi also reflected on the recent bridge collapse in Baltimore: “I’m reminded why it’s so important to give students real-world, relevant experiential learning experiences like this event.”

This year, students from 14 schools around Long Island submitted 240 bridges — 193 of which met all qualifications for testing such as using a symmetrical design and weighing under 25 grams.

Bridges are ranked based on efficiency scores that are calculated from the load the bridge supports divided by the mass of the bridge — all in grams.

Liang’s design earned the top spot with an efficiency of 3,441.43.

“I looked at a bunch of old national bridges and I took a lot of inspiration from them,” Liang said, adding later, “I was really excited especially because it was my first year. I wasn’t sure how it was going to go. I didn’t expect this.”

Alexander Song and Daniel Liang, both juniors from Ward Melville High School in East Setauket, took second place and third place with efficiencies of 2,536.142 and 2,112.446, respectively.

The top two winners in Brookhaven’s regional competition qualified to compete in the International Bridge Contest on April 27 in New Philadelphia, Ohio.

Competition judges also issued an award for aesthetic bridge design to Julia Pincott, a senior at John Glenn High School in Elwood.

Some of the bridges entered into the competition. Photo from BNL

Throughout the bridge testing day, students had the chance to meet engineers from across the Lab, including longtime contest volunteers and Jordanna Kendrot, a safety engineer at the DOE-Brookhaven Site Office. Kendrot shared how in her own path to becoming a researcher, she found it was important to expand her studies beyond only engineering courses.

“It’s really about broadening your horizons and questioning the norms in engineering that will help us keep moving forward,” Kendrot said.

Amid all the bridge crushing, competition organizers tossed Brookhaven Lab and science trivia questions to students, who had a chance to win Lab merchandise for their correct answers.

Competitors tested their engineering skills in an additional STEM challenge to construct a miniature floating table. Students were also treated to a tour of the National Synchrotron Light Source II, a DOE Office of Science user facility that creates light beams 10 billion times brighter than the sun.

“This year’s bridge contest was a new experience for everyone,” STEM educator and event co-coordinator Theresa Grimaldi said. “It was the first time OEP organized this contest to be during school hours and it was such a pleasure to have the students here for the whole day, getting to know the engineers and touring the site.”

Brookhaven National Laboratory is supported by the Office of Science of the U.S. Department of Energy. The Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, visit science.energy.gov.

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A WORLD OF PURE IMAGINATION Catch a performance of 'Willy Wonka' at the Brosnan Theater in Northport. The show opens May 3. Photo courtesy of Community Playhouse of Northport
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 May 3 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. 

Art in the Barn

Walt Whitman Birthplace Association, 246 Old Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station presents Art in the Barn, storytime and hands-on art projects for pre-schoolers on May 4, 18, 25 and June 1 at 11 a.m. $15 per child, $13 members. To register, visit waltwhitman.org/events.

Me & You with Keri Wirth

Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, 25 Lloyd Harbor Road, Huntington hosts a morning concert, Me & You with Keri Wirth, at the Walled Garden on May 5 at 10:30 a.m. Rock out to original music that is funny and educational and dance your way into the sunny day. Pick up an instrument and join this wonderful Sunday morning music program. For infants to age 5. For prices and to register, visit www.caumsettfoundation.org/programs.

Glacial Erratic Hike

Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park hosts a Glacial Erratic Hike for ages 8 and up on May 5 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. If a huge boulder looks out of place, it might be a glacial erratic, a large piece of stone left by glaciers long ago. Venture through the park’s trails and see the glacial remnants brought to Long Island from the last Ice Age. $4 per person. To register, please visit Eventbrite.com. 631-269-4333

Story & Craft with Nana Carol

The Next Chapter bookstore, 204 New York Ave., Huntington hosts a Story and Craft event with Nana Carol on May 6 at 10:30 a.m. No registration required. Appropriate for ages 0-4. 631-482-5008

Crafternoon at the Library

Save the date! Join Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket for a Crafternoon on May 11 from 2 to 4 p.m. Create a work of art out of recycled materials. For families with children ages 3 to 12 years old. Supervision may be needed for younger children. Open to all. Questions? Email [email protected]

Bicycle Rodeo

Register now! On May 11 the Brookhaven Highway Department will host a Bicycle Rodeo at Safety Town, 249 Buckley Road, Holtsville from 8 a.m. to noon. Children will learn how to safely ride their bikes in a mock-roadway, kid-sized setting. Participants are required to bring their own helmets and bicycles; both will be inspected for safety. Free but by appointment only; call 631-451-5335 to reserve your spot.

THEATER

‘Alice in Wonderland’

John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport present’s Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland from March 23 to May 12. Alice takes a tumble down an enchanted rabbit hole to an off-kilter world of mock turtles, dancing flora, punctual rabbits, and mad tea parties. Will Alice be able to find her footing in this bizarre place? More importantly, will she ever figure out how to get home?All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

‘Willy Wonka’

Community Playhouse of Northport presents Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka at The Brosnan Theater, 158 Laurel Ave., Northport on May 3, 4 and 10 at 7:30 p.m. and May 5 and 12 at 3 p.m. Character meet and greets will be from 2:15 to 2:45 p.m. at Sunday performances. Tickets are $20 adults, $15 students and seniors. To order, visit www.communityplayhousenorthport.org. 631-683-8444

‘You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown’

Simple Gifts Productions presents You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown at 7:30 p.m. on May 3 and 4 at First United Methodist Church, 603 Main Street, Port Jefferson. This revised version is a fresh approach to the all-time 1967 classic, based on the beloved comic strip by Charles Schulz. Featuring all your favorite Peanuts characters, this charming revue of vignettes and songs is fun for the whole family (ages 4 and older). Tickets are $15 at the door or at www.simplegiftsproductions.com.

‘The Mystery of the Missing Ever After’

“Where in the world is our happy ending?” Stories collide and mysteries abound as three great princesses come together to solve The Mystery of the Missing Ever After at Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson from May 25 to June 15. A slipper, a spinning wheel, and a red, red rose are all clues in this hilarious new musical! All seats are $12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

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"THE WHEEL": The largest Ferris wheel on Long Island at an impressive 110 feet tall, The Wheel offers a breathtaking bird's-eye view of the midway and surrounding area. The ride features 24 spacious gondola cars, each with a 6-person capacity to accommodate the whole family.
Local family business focuses on family fun at carnivals as well as three major events featuring several fireworks shows and a stunning new Ferris wheel

Leading carnival midway and family entertainment provider Dreamland Amusements is bringing first-rate family fun back to Long Island this summer with exciting rides and games for all ages, favorite fair food, and a variety of special attractions including live entertainment, a series of spectacular fireworks shows, and “The Wheel,” the largest Ferris wheel on Long Island at a towering 110 feet tall.

This summer, Dreamland will also introduce a third signature event: the Bald Hill Fair at Catholic Health Amphitheater, which will kick off the 2024 Long Island Summer Tour May 9-19 in Farmingville.

The busy Long Island schedule includes the Long Island FunFest, June 13-23 at Suffolk County Community College’s Grant Campus, and the Empire State Fair, June 28 – July 16 at Nassau Live Center, the final stop before Dreamland continues on its northern route.

Among the signature event entertainment will be circus shows, live music, pirate thrill shows, petting zoos and much more. Be sure to visit the individual event websites for each one’s schedule of offerings.

In addition, a total of eight dazzling fireworks displays will illuminate the Long Island night sky this summer at Dreamland’s three major events. These crowd-pleasing shows will be produced by the renowned Fireworks by Grucci, a Long Island-based family business founded in 1850.

While Dreamland Amusements, another well-established family business, services the length of the East Coast from Florida to Maine, Long Island is particularly special to owners Kathy and Bob DeStefano, who make their home there when they’re not on the road with the two carnival units they operate with two of their daughters, two sons-in-law and a nephew.

Bob DeStefano said his family looks forward every year to seeing many familiar faces enjoying Dreamland’s Long Island events.

“These folks aren’t just patrons, they’re our neighbors and friends,” DeStefano said. “I can’t express how much it’s meant to have the support of the Long Island community all these years, and we’re very pleased to give them the best experience we can.”

The 2024 Long Island Summer Tour includes:

  • May 9-19: Bald Hill Fair at Catholic Health Amphitheater, 1 Ski Run Lane, LIE Exit 63 (North Ocean Avenue) in Farmingville (www.BaldHillFair.com)
  • May 9-19: Hicksville Carnival at Broadway Commons
  • May 23-27: Levittown Carnival sponsored by the Levittown Chamber of Commerce
  • May 23-27: Merrick Train Station Carnival at Merrick LIRR Station
  • May 30 – June 2: Herricks Community Fund Carnival at Herricks Community Center in New Hyde Park
  • May 30 – June 9: South Shore Mall Carnival in Bay Shore
  • June 12-16: Westbury Carnival at Samanea New York Mall
  • June 13-23: Long Island FunFest at Exit 53S off the LIE (www.LongIslandFunFest.com)
  • June 26-30: Hicksville Summer Carnival at Broadway Commons
  • June 28 – July 14: Empire State Fair at Nassau Live Center, Uniondale (www.EmpireStatefair.com)
  • July 4-7: Lynbrook Titans Carnival at Greis Park

“We’re really excited to be back on Long Island and provide a topnotch family-fun experience at all of our upcoming events,” DeStefano said. “And we believe our guests will be excited by the roster of rides at each event and the entertainment offerings at the Bald Hill Fair, FunFest and Empire State Fair.”

All Dreamland events feature mechanical rides for the whole family, from whimsical kiddie rides to state-of-the-art thrill rides, entertaining midway games, and deep-fried treats, sweets and other tantalizing carnival eats.

For more information, call 866-666-FAIR (3247) or visit www.DreamlandAmusements.com.

For details on the Long Island events, including online savings, visit www.DreamlandAmusements.com/upcoming-events-amusement-carnival/long-island-carnivals/.

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