Children will learn about the environment, animals and plants through crafts and stories during the Pee Wee Gardening classes offered at the Holtsville Ecology Site & Animal Preserve.
In anticipation of Spring, Brookhaven Highway Superintendent Dan Losquadro has announced upcoming dates for both pee-wee and adult gardening classes at the Holtsville Ecology Site & Animal Preserve, 249 Buckley Road, Holtsville beginning in April.
“In addition to being a great value, these classes are a fun and educational way to welcome Spring,” said Losquadro. “Children will learn about the environment, animals and plants through crafts and stories, while adult participants will learn how to start plants through propagation and create backyard flower arrangements.”
The adult horticulture classes will be held from 10 a.m. until noon on Thursday, April 3, 10, 24, and May 1 and 8.
Participants in the pee-wee gardening classes, which are for children ages three to five, can choose from two five-week sessions: Tuesday, April 1, 8, 22, 29, and May 6, or Wednesday, April 2, 9, 23, 30, and May 7. Both classes are offered from either 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. or 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. and cost $50 for a five-week session.
Suffolk County Police Officers from the 6th and 7th Precincts joined about 100 local kids for an afternoon of bowling at Coram Country Lanes. Photo courtesy of Maple Family Centers
Suffolk County Police Officers from the 6th and 7th Precincts joined about 100 local kids for an afternoon of bowling at Coram Country Lanes. Photo courtesy of Maple Family Centers
Suffolk County Police Officers from the 6th and 7th Precincts joined about 100 local kids for an afternoon of bowling at Coram Country Lanes. Photo courtesy of Maple Family Centers
Suffolk County Police Officers from the 6th and 7th Precincts joined about 100 local kids for an afternoon of bowling at Coram Country Lanes. Photo courtesy of Maple Family Centers
About 100 Suffolk County kids spent an afternoon bowling with officers from the Suffolk County Police Department’s 6th and 7th Precincts at Coram Country Lanes in Coram. The second annual event, entitled “Bowling with a Cop,” was free for the kids and took place on Saturday, March 8.
Hosted by the 6th and 7th precincts, the event was sponsored by the 7th Precinct Community Unity, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing joy and connection to children and families in need. “Bowling with a Cop” is designed to give kids the opportunity to have fun while getting to know their local police officers in a casual setting.
“We are trying to build relationships between the police department and the children who grow up around us,” said Officer Stacie Pollio, a School Resource Officer with the 7th Precinct who founded the 7th Precinct Community Unity with three other police officers. “We raise money and then put 100% of the funds back into the community to pay for events like Bowling with a Cop, charter boat fishing trips, pumpkin picking, and others, which are all free for children and their families.”
During Bowling with a Cop, several officers, including Pollio, went around from lane to lane to spend time with the kids. In addition to two games of bowling, the kids were treated to pizza and soft drinks.
“We were thrilled to once again work with the men and women in blue on this wonderful community event,” said Joe LaSpina, Vice President of Maple Family Lanes, which owns Coram Country Lanes. “Bowling is a fun activity that brings people of many different ages and backgrounds together, and we enjoyed seeing the smiles on the faces of the kids and officers as they bonded over bowling and pizza.”
Parker Hutchinson. Photo courtesy the Hutchinson family
By Joshua Kim
If you want to catch a glimpse of Parker Hutchinson’s fresh, cleanly faded, cut-in-Massapequa hair, you’ll have to act fast. OnSt. Patrick’s Day, March 17, with about 12 others, 11-year-old Parker is going to shave off his hair in the auditorium of Port Jefferson High School.
Parker Hutchinson with his parents
The shaving is part of a fundraising event for St. Baldrick’s Foundation, which was brought to Port Jefferson School District by childhood cancer survivor and Port Jefferson High School senior Kyle Martin. Melissa Martin, Kyle’s mother as well as Parker’s kindergarten teacher, described the foundation as “an organization that raises money to help fund children’s cancer research. They try to help children in the area where the money is raised.”
Kyle, who plans to attend SUNY Geneseo in the fall, hopes to leave Port Jeff’s St. Baldrick’s as his legacy — a way to make a difference while teaching others along the way to stay positive and keep fighting.
People can participate at St. Baldrick’s events in two ways —as shavees and as fundraisers. At the time of writing, in addition to planning to shave his head, Parker has also raised over $2,300 for the foundation, meeting his original goal of $250 more than nine times over.
He said he’d gotten donations from over 50 people, including seven people who donated over a hundred dollars, through posting on social media and directly asking the people around him, like coaches, friends and family, to help the cause. Paige Hutchinson, Parker’s mom, said that “everyone sees it’s for a good cause, so people have been so generous and willing to donate.”
For the past two years, Port Jefferson Middle School had shown its students a video about St. Baldrick’s encouraging them to join in. This year, Parker, who had fundraised for his sports teams and school before, was convinced; in particular, he remembered the video telling him that every two minutes, a child is diagnosed with cancer. He registered for the event as soon as he could.
The original $250 goal was met in less than a day. Two weeks in, he hit $1,000, texting his mom, “We’re over!” Then, just a few days later, he hit $2,000. The family is hoping to “punch out another thousand” before March 17. Parker only said he was “happy because everyone’s been so supportive” when he saw how the money was coming in. His mom put it a bit more strongly: “He was psyched!”
But while the support he’s received is exciting, he still says that the event is really about “helping kids who are going through bad stuff to have hope.”
“If there are kids who don’t even have cancer who shave their heads, [it] can show them they’re not alone and that it’s not embarrassing,” he said.
When the day comes, he’ll walk over with his classmates during their lunch period to the Port Jefferson High School auditorium before noon, where he expects there to be around 500 people: middle and high school students, teachers, parents and community members. Then, he and the 12 other participants will go on stage to have the deed done by local barbers. As for what he’ll do after, Parker said that he’ll “maybe go downtown once the day’s over.” Then, of course, he’ll spend the next few months around school with a hairless head.
“We didn’t tell him to do anything. We didn’t ask him to do anything —it was all his idea. So that’s amazing. And then on the flip-side, it’s been nice to see the support he’s gotten from the folks who are willing to donate,” said his mother.
“The support from the local community has been overwhelming,” added her husband, Pete.
Scene from 2024 St. James St. Patrick's Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
By Heidi Sutton
St. James will turn shamrock green at the 41st annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 15 at 1 p.m. The festive celebration will feature scouts, dance troupes, pipe bands, school bands, floats, fire trucks, antique cars and more.
Presented by the St. James Chamber of Commerce, the parade will step off along Lake Avenue from Woodlawn Avenue to the viewing stand in front of the gazebo ending just before St James Elementary School, rain or shine.
This year’s Grand Marshal Robert J. Murphy, who has made great contributions to the St. James community, will lead the festivities.
Rain date will be March 22. For more information, call 631-584-8510.
Irish pride continues on the North Shore with a St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday, March 16 in Rocky Point/Miller Place and Farmingdale; and on Sunday, March 23 in Ronkonkoma.
Make a work of art out of recycled materials at Emma Clark Library's Crafternoon on March 15.
PROGRAMS
First Steps Into Nature
Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown presents First Steps Into Nature for children ages 2 to 4 on March 14, 21 and 28 at 9:30 a.m. Little ones will learn about nature through hands on interaction, music, crafts, stories, play and more. $20 per child. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org. 631-979-6344
Growing Up Wild
Town of Brookhaven continues its Spring nature programs with Growing Up Wild at Cedar Beach Nature Center, 244 Harbor Beach Road, Mt. Sinai on March 15 at 10 a.m. and again at 2 p.m. Children ages 3 to 6 along with a parent/caregiver will explore nature through stories and activities. Free but registration required by emailing [email protected].
Wildlife Wonders
Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown presents Wildlife Wonders: Clever Creatures for ages 2 to 4 on March 15 from 10 a.m. to 11 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
St. Patrick’s Day Scavenger Hunt
Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor presents a St. Patrick’s Day Scavenger Hunt on March 15, 16 and 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Complete a scavenger hunt by exploring the Hatchery and solving the riddles. Admission is $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 ages 3 to 12. 516-692-6768
Little Artists Workshop
Walt Whitman Birthplace, 246 Old Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station presents a Little Artists Workshop on March 15 at 11:30 a.m. Artist Robert Stenzel will guide young creators in exporing the magic of geometry in art. Using treats and toothpicks, children will build their own Buckminster Fuller-inspired structures from decahedrons to domes! For children in Pre-K through 4th grade. Cost is $20, $15 for members. To register, visit www.waltwhitman.org
Luck O’ The Dolphins Workshop
Join the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor for a Luck O’ The Dolphins Workshop on March 15 at noon and again at 2 p.m. Discover the heartwarming story of Fungie, a wild dolphin who became the lucky mascot of a small village in Ireland. Design a lucky dolphin shrink-art keychain charm. No registration required. Admission fee plus $10 per participant.
Crafternoon at the LIbrary
Children ages 3 to 12 are invited to drop by Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket for a Crafternoon on March 15 between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Create a work of art using recycled materials. Open to all. No registration required. Questions? Email [email protected].
Sunday Funday: Ssssensational Ssssnakes
Slither on over to Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown to see a selection of several ssssensational serpents on March 16 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Participants will meet several snakes and learn about their unique adaptations through games and other participatory activities. Create a cool snake craft to take home. Best for families with children ages 3 to 10. Fee is $15 per child, $5 for adults. Register at www.sweetbriarnc.org.
Storytime Under the Stars
Suffolk County Vanderbilt Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport continues itsStorytime Under the Stars series on March 16 at 6 p.m. A live narrator at the front of the theater will bring selected picture books to life, with pages projected onto the Planetarium dome so families can enjoy the illustrations and follow along. All children are invited to wear their comfiest pajamas and bring their favorite stuffed animal. Admission is $8 per person, $6 members. Register at www.vanderbiltmuseum.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 March 17 at 10:30 a.m. Free. No registration required. Appropriate for ages 0-4. 631-482-5008
Spring Rock Painting
Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket presents a Spring Rock Painting workshop on March 18 for children ages 3 to 12 with a grown-up. Stop in anytime between 4:30 and 6 p.m. to decorate rocks to jazz up your garden this spring. No registration required. Bring a friend! Questions? Email [email protected].
Stormy Weather
As part of its Pollywog Adventures series, Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor presents Stormy Weather on March 19 at 11 a.m. Children ages 2 to 5 will enjoy an activity, craft, story and feeding the hungry trout. $20 fee includes admission for the day for one child and one adult. Pre-registration required at www.cshfishhatchery.org. 516-692-6768
Celebrate Spring!
Celebrate the Spring Equinox with the Huntington-Oyster Bay Audubon Society at Cold Spring Harbor Library, 95 Harbor Road, Cold Spring Harbor on March 19 from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Come learn about what our local birds and other native animals do in springtime. Make a fun craft and go for a walk in the woods, weather permitting. For ages 5 to 10 with a caregiver. Free but registration is a must by calling Tess at 631-896-2872.
Growing Green
Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park presents a Tiny Tots program, Growing Green, on March 20 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/caregiver. $4 per child. Reservations taken on www.eventbrite.com.
THEATER
‘Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz’
Catch a performance of ‘Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz’ at Theatre Three this weekend. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc
Theatre Three, 423 Main St., Port Jefferson presents Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz from Feb. 19 to March 29. Join them for an unforgettable trip down the Yellow Brick Road as Dorothy Gale is whisked away by a tornado to that magical land that lies just Over the Rainbow. Follow Dorothy and her friends the Scarecrow, the Tinman, and the Lion as they encounter challenges and celebrate friendship. All seats are $12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid The Musical’
Up next at the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport is Diary ofa Wimpy Kid The Musical from March 22 to April 27. Read the books? Watched the movies? Now experience the musical! Middle school, ugh. It’s the worst. But Greg is determined not to be at the bottom of the popularity chart. He’ll leave that to his weird neighbor, Fregley. Or maybe Greg’s best friend, Rowley Jefferson. But it’s not going to be Greg…no way. All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com
‘A Heckscher Morning' by Charleen Turner of Huntington
The Town of Huntington Councilwoman Theresa Mari, in partnership with the Children with Special Needs Committee, has announced the first annual All Abilities Expo, a community-driven event designed to celebrate inclusivity and provide essential resources for individuals of all ages and abilities, at Heckscher Park, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington on Saturday, May 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Businesses, service providers, and organizations dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities and special needs to participate as vendors in this meaningful event.
The All Abilities Expo will showcase a diverse range of local businesses and organizations offering adaptive equipment, therapeutic activities, medical and legal resources, social and educational support, and much more. Our goal is to create an engaging, welcoming environment where families, caregivers, educators, and individuals can connect with valuable resources tailored to their unique needs.
Why Participate?
Directly engage with the special needs community
Showcase your products, services, and expertise
Network with professionals, caregivers, and educators
Support inclusivity and help foster a more accessible community
Vendors who are committed to making a difference are encouraged to join them in this initiative. Vendor admission is FREE, but space is limited, so interested participants are urged to secure their spot as soon as possible.
For more information or to reserve a booth, please contact: Michelle Wright at [email protected]
631- 351-3173
Other vendor opportunities on the North Shore:
◆ Benner’s Farm, 56 Gnarled Hollow Road, East Setauket seeks vendors for its popularEaster Egg Hunts on April 19 and April 20. Fee is $55 for one day, $90 for two days for a 10’ by 10’ spot. For more information, call 631-689-8172 or email [email protected].
◆ Three Village Historical Society, 93 North Country Road, Setauket seeks full-season, seasonal, pop-up and food truck vendors for its 11th annual Three Village Farmers & Artisans Market on Fridays from May 2 to Oct. 24. Hours are 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. from May to September, and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. in October. For an application and more information, visit www.tvhs.org or call 631-751-3730.
◆ Port Jefferson Historical Society seeks Antique Dealers for the Antiques and Garden Weekend at the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101A East Broadway, Port Jefferson on May 3 and May 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit portjeffhistorical.org or email [email protected].
◆ Polish American Independent Ladies of Port Jefferson Auxiliary will hold their annual Spring Vendor & Craft Fair at the Polish Hall, 35 Jayne Blvd., Port Jefferson Station on May 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Vendor fee is $50 for inside tables, $35 for outside tables. To reserve your space, visit https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/2025-spring-craft-and-vendor-fair or call Jennifer at 516-383-3456.
Emma Clark Library in Setauket recently announced the winners of the 11th annual Helen Stein Shack Picture Book Contest:
First Prize (Grades seven – nine category):
“Benny and the Lost Balloon” by Yen Lo
(eight grader at Murphy Junior High School)
First Prize (Grades 10 – 12 category):
“What’s a Friend?” by Joyce Lee
(10th grader at Ward Melville High School)
Second Prize (Grades seven – nine category):
“Dinky” by Athie Kim
(eighth grader at Murphy Junior High School)
Second Prize (Grades 10 – 12 category):
“Kittie and Fish” by Elizabeth Wright
(10th grader at Ward Melville High School)
Each of the winning entries has their own unique artwork and storylines geared towards young children. “Benny and the Lost Balloon” by Yen Lo includes sweet illustrations with expressive facial features to tell this story. When Benny loses his favorite toy, he realizes that friendship and connection with others is more important – and more fun – than material objects. In “What’s a Friend?” by Joyce Lee, a kitten is trying to figure out what a friend truly is and realizes that they do know in the end! The questions are emphasized with charming illustrations. With colorful, bold cartoons and simple but effective text for a child, “Dinky” by Athie Kim allows the young reader to follow Dinky the Duck through her day.”Kitty and Fish” by Elizabeth Wright uses whimsical drawings with a lot of motion to tell the story of a new friendship between a cat and fish, the fun they have together, and how they resolve a problem involving ice cream!
Contest winners will be celebrated at a private awards ceremony on Monday, April 7 at 7 p.m.Each first prize award recipient will receive a $400 scholarship, and each second prize award recipient will receive a $100 scholarship. The newly bound books – made into hardcover by the Library – will have the honor of being added to the Library’s Local Focus Collection, and winners will also receive copies of their books to cherish in their own home libraries. Desserts will be served at the reception, generously donated by The Bite Size Bake Shop. Past ceremonies have had Library Board members, teachers and top school district administrators from Three Village, as well as elected officials from New York State, Suffolk County, and the Town of Brookhaven, all in attendance to honor the winners.
The Helen Stein Shack Book Contest called for teens in grades 7 through 12 who live in the Three Village Central School District to create a children’s picture book.Each entry could be the work of a single author/illustrator or a collaborative effort of an author and an illustrator.The contest was divided into two grade categories, grades 7 through 9 and grades 10 through 12, with one first prize winner and one second prize winner selected from each group.
This award is given in memory of Helen Stein Shack by her family.As a teacher, Mrs. Shack was committed to the education of children, and she especially loved literature written for them.She was a frequent visitor to Emma Clark Library where, even in retirement, she kept current with the latest children’s books.The Library is grateful to the children of the late Mrs. Shack who have established a substantial endowment with the Library to cover the cost of the prizes.
Emma S. Clark Memorial Library, located at 120 Main Street in Setauket and online at www.emmaclark.org, provides public library service to all residents of the Three Village Central School District.
A scene from last year's Miller Place-Rocky Point St. Patrick's Day Parade.
Photo by Greg Catalano/TBR News Media
By Heidi Sutton
Whether or not your ancestors hail from the Emerald Isle, everyone is guaranteed to enjoy a family-friendly (and dog-friendly) St. Patrick’s Day parade. While Kings Park held its parade last week, there are still plenty of celebrations to attend on the North Shore. And don’t forget to wear shamrock green!
Center Moriches
Center Moriches’ 21st annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place in Center Moriches on Sunday, March 16 at 2 p.m. The parade begins on Lake Avenue and ends at Railroad Avenue. This year’s Grand Marshal is Mark Danowski. For more information, visit www.moricheschamber.org.
Farmingdale
Farmingdale presents its 11th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday, March 16 at 2 p.m. The parade steps off at Northside Elementary School and proceeds down Main Street to the Village Green. This year’s Grand Marshal is Cheryl Parisi. Call 516-286-7800 for more information.
Huntington
The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) invites the community to its 91st annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Huntington on Sunday, March 9 at 2 p.m. Grand Marshal New York State Assemblyman Keith P. Brown will lead the procession down New York Avenue to Main Street before ending at The Church of St. Patrick. Long Island’s oldest and largest, the parade will feature dozens of pipe bands. For more information, visit www.huntingtonhibernian.com.
Miller Place-Rocky Point
The Friends of St. Patrick will host the73rd annualMiller Place-Rocky Point St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday, March 16 at 1 p.m. sharp. The 2.8-mile parade starts at Harrison Avenue and Route 25A in Miller Place and then finishes at Broadway in Rocky Point. This year’s Co-Grand Marshals will be John and Raymond O’Sullivan. For further information, visit www.thefriendsofstpatrick.com or call 631-473-5100.
Ronkonkoma
The 35th annual Ronkonkoma St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be held on Sunday, March 23 at 2 p.m. Grand Marshal Dan Moloney will lead the parade from Amvets Post 48, 660 Hawkins Ave. at School Street, south down Hawkins Ave. ending at Thorne Street. Call 631-304-6303 or visit www.ronkonkomaparade.org.
St. James
St. James Chamber of Commerce presents the 41st annual St. James St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 15 at 1 p.m. The parade will step off along Lake Avenue from Woodlawn Avenue to the viewing stand in front of the gazebo ending just before St James Elementary School, rain or shine. Featuring scouts, dance troupes, pipe bands, school bands, floats, fire trucks and more. The grand marshal will be Robert J. Murphy. Rain date is March 22. 631-584-8510
A scene from the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Photo by Rita J. Egan
By Rita J. Egan
Spring-like weather provided a “great day for the Irish” in Kings Park on Saturday, March 1.
A few thousand people lined up along the hamlet’s main thoroughfares to cheer on participants in the 15th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Grand Marshal Susan Benjes led the procession and was joined by Scouts, fire department members, elected officials, Irish step dancers and more. Parade participants marched up Lou Avenue and Pulaski Road and continued on Main Street before turning north on Church Street and stopping at William T. Rogers Middle School.
Many spectators, who in the past would visit Main Street Pub for a drink during the parade, stopped by nearby tents to donate to the establishment this year. A few days before the parade, the fire left the bar and Euro Barber Shop with extensive fire, heat and smoke damage. Main Street Pub owner Scott McKinnon and his employees were on hand Saturday to thank those who donated by handing out refreshments.
The Suffolk County Farm will host a St. Patrick's Day Scavenger Hunt on March 8. METRO photo
PROGRAMS
Thankful Thursdays
Suffolk County Vanderbilt Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport continues its Thankful Thursdays series with a free family-friendly planetarium show on March 6 at 7 p.m. After the show, they will open the observatory to the public and an astronomy educator will invite you to look through a telescope at the night sky (weather permitting). Recommended for ages 8 and up. For complimentary tickets, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.
First Steps Into Nature
Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown presents First Steps Into Nature: Fun with Feathers for children ages 2 to 4 on March 7 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 more. $20 per child. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org. 631-979-6344
Skate into STEM
Ready for a thrilling night on the ice? Enjoy a STEM takeover at the Rinx, Port Jefferson Village Center, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson with the Long Island Explorium’s Skate into STEM: Celebrating 20 Years of Innovation event on March 7 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. featuring a night of ice skating, pizza, drinks and interactive experiments in celebration of science, technology, engineering and math. $35 per person. To register, please visit www.longislandexplorium.org.
St. Patrick’s Day Scavenger Hunt
Suffolk County Farm, 350 Yaphank Road Yaphank will hold its annual St. Patrick’s Day Scavenger Hunt on March 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Leprechaun’s are back and they’ve hidden their gold all across the farm! $15 for ages 3 and up (ages 2 and under are free) includes a scavenger hunt, wagon rides, photo ops and farm animals! Registration is required for both children and adults. Rain Date is March 15. For more information, call 631-852-4600. Tickets can be purchased using the link: https://www.eventcreate.com/e/stpats25
Guided Beach Walk
Town of Brookhaven kicks off its Spring Nature Programs for 2025 with a See by the Sound guided beach walk at West Meadow Beach in Stony Brook on March 8 at 10 a.m. and at the Cedar Beach Nature Center in Mount Sinai at 2 p.m. Come explore shells, gulls and other treasures on the shore. Free but registration required by emailing [email protected].
‘Leprechaun Dancing Feet’
Kids Painting Workshop
The Atelier at Flowerfield, 2 Flowerfield, Suite 6 & 9, St. James presents an in-studio, one day kids workshop on Saturday, March 8 from 10 a.m. to noon. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day early and learn how to paint this “Dancing Leprechaun Feet” painting step by step with Miss Linda. $55 per child includes an 11″ by 14″ canvas and all art supplies. To register, visit theatelieratflowerfield.org. For more information, please call 631-250-9009.
Scrap the Winter Blues Away
Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, 581 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown presents a family program, Scrap the Winter Blues Away, on March 8 from 10:30 a.m. to noon.Make a nature inspired scrapbook keepsake! Supplies will be provided. Bring pictures and any other special items to add to your pages. $4 per person. Registration required at www.eventbrite.com.
Superheroes of the Sky
Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown presents Superheroes of the Sky on March 8 from 11 a.m. to noon. Take a walking tour with Jim while he feeds the Center’s birds of prey and learn about their incredible adaptations that help them survive in the wild. You’ll be seeing a bald eagle, turkey Vultures, owls, hawks and many more. Fee is $10 adults, $5 children. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org.
12
My Grown-Up and Me
Temple Beth El, 660 Park Ave., Huntingtonpresents My Grown Up & Me, a program for ages 18 months to 4 years, on March 9 from 9:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Children and a parent or caregiver will enjoy a craft, snacks and storytime. $20 per child. For more info or to RSVP, email: [email protected]. 631-425-5835
Women in Science!
In honor of Womens History Month, Nissequogue River State Park, 799 St. Johnland Road, Kings Park presents a family program, Women in Science!, on March 9 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Learn about the women who made our scientific advancements possible. Fee is $4 per person. Reservations taken at www.eventbrite.com.
Happy Birthday Girl Scouts!
In honor of the Girl Scouts anniversary, all Girl Scouts wearing their uniform with an accompanying adult will receive a free Hatchery Tour at the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor on March 9 at 11 a.m. or 2 p.m. with paid admission. 516-692-6768
Story & Craft with Nana Carol
The Next Chapter bookstore, 204 New York Ave., Huntington hosts a Story and Craft event with Nana Carol on March 10 at 10:30 a.m. Free. No registration required. Appropriate for ages 0-4. 631-482-5008
Life Cycles
As part of its Pollywog Adventures series, Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor presents Life Cycles on March 12 at 11 a.m. Children ages 2 to 5 will enjoy an activity, craft, story and feeding the hungry trout. $20 fee includes admission for the day for one child and one adult. Pre-registration required at www.cshfishhatchery.org. 516-692-6768
Homeschool Hangout
Join Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket for a Homeschool Hangout, a get-together designed for homeschooled children ages 5 to 12 on March 12 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy casual hangout time before diving into creative group crafts, experiments and activities including bracelet making and building leprechaun traps Questions? Email [email protected].
THEATER
‘Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz’
Theatre Three, 423 Main St., Port Jefferson presents Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz from Feb. 19 to March 29. Join them for an unforgettable trip down the Yellow Brick Road as Dorothy Gale is whisked away by a tornado to that magical land that lies just Over the Rainbow. Follow Dorothy and her friends the Scarecrow, the Tinman, and the Lion as they encounter challenges and celebrate friendship. All seats are $12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid The Musical’
Up next at the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport is Diary ofa Wimpy Kid The Musical from March 22 to April 27. Read the books? Watched the movies? Now experience the musical! Middle school, ugh. It’s the worst. But Greg is determined not to be at the bottom of the popularity chart. He’ll leave that to his weird neighbor, Fregley. Or maybe Greg’s best friend, Rowley Jefferson. But it’s not going to be Greg…no way. All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
FILM
Catch a screening of ‘Harry and the Hendersons’ at the Cinema Arts Centre on March 9.
‘Harry and the Hendersons’
As part of its Cinema for Kids series, the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington presents Harry and the Hendersons on March 9 at noon. Everything changes with a crash for the Hendersons when they meet a real-life Bigfoot named Harry after a car accident. When the authorities set out to capture him, the household comes together in a race against the clock to return the loving Sasquatch to his natural habitat. Tickets are $13 adults, $5 kids. www.cinemaartscentre.org
Prev
