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A MAGICAL RETURN: First four Harry Potter films head to the big screen

by Heidi Sutton - February 9, 2025

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Great news for all Harry Potter fans! Fathom Events and Warner Bros. Discovery are partnering to bring back the first four films of the quintessential fan favorite Harry Potter film series to select theatres nationwide this February.

Harry with his pet owl Hedwig in a scene from ‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.’ Photo courtesy of Fathom Events

The Harry Potter film series will be the first series highlighted in Fathom Fan Favorites, a new theatrical series that will feature films from iconic franchises.

For more than 20 years, the world has been captivated by the magic of the Harry Potter stories from J.K. Rowling and starting February 13, moviegoers will be able to relive, or experience for the first time, the first four films in the wizarding saga on the big screen.

Additionally, starting February 27, fans will be able to experience the films from the series in 4DX motion seats to get the feeling they are in attendance at Hogwarts alongside the Golden Trio.

Also for the first time in the United States, the UK version of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, named Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, will be presented in 3D and will give fans the chance to see some never-before-seen moments.

Each screening will also include an exclusive introduction by cinema legend Leonard Maltin, sharing unique insights for each film. The complete schedule for the “Fathom Fan Favorites: Harry Potter” series is as follows:

— Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone on Feb. 13 , Feb. 20 and Feb. 27

— Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (UK version) on Feb. 13, Feb. 20 and Feb. 27 in 3D

— Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets on Feb. 14, Feb. 21 and Feb. 28

— Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban on Feb. 15, Feb. 22 and March 1

— Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire 20th Anniversary on Feb.16, Feb. 23 and March 2.

Locally, the films will be screened at AMC Loews Stony Brook 17, Island 16 Cinema de lux in Holtsville, AMC Huntington Square 12 in East Northport, Showcase Cinema de lux in Farmingdale, and Regal Cinemas in Deer Park. Tickets are available at www.fathomevents.com or at participating theatre box offices.

Ice-capades on the North Shore

by Bill Landon - February 8, 2025

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By Bill Landon

As temperatures fell and with a respite from the unrelenting wind, skaters of all ages, including tomorrow’s hockey stars, flocked to Miller Place Duck Pond and Millers Pond in Smithtown. In Smithtown, hockey players weren’t the only ones enjoying the perks of the cold weather; a furry friend wandered onto the ice, prompting skaters to take a short intermission.

— Photos by Bill Landon and Sabrina Artusa

All Aboard! TMB Model Train Club to hold an open house this weekend

by Heidi Sutton - February 7, 2025

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TMB Model Train Club at the Upper Room Church, 722 Deer Park Ave., Dix Hills hosts a Model Train Show Open House on Saturday, Feb. 8 from 11 am. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 9 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Enjoy multiple trains from prewar to the most modern O gauge trains running at all times. Fun for the whole family. Free admission. For more information, visit www.tmbmodeltrainclub.com.

Read more about the club in this week’s issue of TBR News Media. https://tbrnewsmedia.com/full-steam-ahead-model-train-club-celebrates-new-home-with-open-houses-and-multiple-layouts/

FULL STEAM AHEAD: Model train club celebrates new home with open houses and multiple layouts

by Melissa Arnold - February 6, 2025

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By Melissa Arnold

There’s something about a train set that captures the imaginations of kids and adults alike. Maybe the clatter of the tiny wheels on their metal tracks calls to mind our favorite Christmas movies, a busy day at Penn Station, or the promise of a future adventure.

For me, the memories are of my mother’s Uncle “G” (for Guido), who maintained an elaborate miniature world in his basement for the family’s youngest visitors to enjoy. His sprawling setup included trains, buildings, snow-flecked trees, people and even animals. I was enthralled by the scene. And at Christmastime, my Dad and I would set up a more humble collection of Lionel train cars under the tree. Our big highlights were the functional log car and cardboard mountain tunnel.

In Dix Hills, nearly 80 members of the TMB (Train Masters of Babylon) Model Train Club meet regularly to bring their own imaginary scenes to life. The group includes men and women of all ages who are united in their love of O-gauge trains.

Founded in 1994, the group has gathered in various locations around the Island to build and eventually run train displays. New venues were required as both the membership and its displays continued to grow. They’ve recently moved from a 4,000-square foot space in Farmingdale to their new 6,500-square foot location rented from a Dix Hills private school, and are looking forward to sharing their new build with a series of open house events.

“We are not just a bunch of people who forgot to put the trains away after Christmas. For us it’s a full-time, year-round hobby,” explained club president Steve Scagnelli. “A home-based layout can be set up in as quick as a few weeks. When you tackle a layout as large as our club’s, it takes several years.”

Scagnelli, a retired accountant from Plainview, got his first Lionel train set for Christmas in 1961. He shelved the hobby when he went to college and started working, but the interest rekindled years later when his young son got hooked on – you guessed it – Thomas the Tank Engine.

“I wanted to do something that I could share with my son,” Scagnelli said. “[Building scenes] encompasses all the elements of the STEAM acronym: science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics.”

The work of planning and executing a build can be intense, especially with so many people involved. It’s a democratic process, and Ideas and suggestions from group members are funneled through committees that determine the best ways to include them and when. It’s also dependent on what materials are available

The club meets four days a week, though members have 24/7 access to the space. Everyone has their own interests and areas of expertise, and all are encouraged to help out regardless of their skill level. First the track is planned, then the table is built and the tracks are laid. Wiring and electronics go down next, with lots of detailed scenery to add depth to the display.

“The old adage is that you’re never really done. A model train layout is never truly complete because there’s always a new idea, or something you can add or repurpose,” Scagnelli said.

The previous Farmingdale setup had four train lines and a separate subway station. The new Dix Hills location features steam and diesel trains, a NYC subway replica, and the layout from the Blue Comet episode of HBO’s iconic crime drama, “The Sopranos.” The club’s version is slightly altered from the one seen on the show, and it includes interactive buttons so that visitors can be a part of the action. The current layout has been in progress for more than a year and will continue to expand.

Each showing will feature a different set of trains, providing a fresh experience and a fun way to show off the club’s collection. Many of the members buy trains, scenery kits and other supplies from local hobby shops, including Trainland in Lynbrook and Nassau Hobby Center in Freeport, online markets like eBay and even amongst themselves.

It can be a pricey hobby for collectors, Scagnelli admits — box cars can cost around $75, while detailed engine and passenger cars with sounds sell for hundreds of dollars. But no one in the club is required to buy their own trains, and those that do tend to save up as others might for a concert or vacation.

Over the years, more than 50,000 people from across the country have visited the club, sometimes with several generations of family in tow. Many have trains of their own.

The group also travels occasionally to train meets held around the northeast, where they can connect and learn from other enthusiasts. Some members also enjoy traveling to see “real” trains as well.

“I enjoy all the aspects of the hobby, whether that’s operating my trains, collecting trains or building the layout. We strive to grow our membership and a world-class model train layout,” Scagnelli said. “But what keeps me involved is the friendships of the members, interacting with other clubs and the hundreds of connections made online. We want to be active in the community and share our love for the hobby with our neighbors.”

The next open house for the TMB Model Train Club will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Feb. 8 and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Feb. 9 in the Upper Room Christian School basement, 722 Deer Park Ave., Dix Hills. Admission is free, donations are welcome. For more information, visit www.tmbmodeltrainclub.com.

Kids Korner: Feb. 6 to 13, 2025

by Heidi Sutton - February 6, 2025

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PROGRAMS

Newspaper Village

Children ages 3 to 12 with a parent/caregiver are invited to stop by Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket for a Newspaper Village event on Feb. 6 between 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. Use recycled newspaper to make a wintry scene. No registration required. Open to all. Questions? Email [email protected]

Create this cute Mitten & Heart-Shaped Snowball painting on Feb. 8.

Valentine’s Day Workshop

Join the Atelier at Flowerfield, 2 Flowerfield, St. James for a Valentine’s Day Workshop on Feb. 8 from 10 a.m. to noon. Learn how to paint a Mitten & Heart-Shaped Snowball painting step-by-step with Miss Linda. $55 per child includes 11×14 canvas and supplies. To register, visit www.theatelieratflowerfield.org. 631-250-9009

Scouting Anniversary

In honor of the Scouting Anniversary, Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor will give all Scouts BSA and Cub Scouts wearing their uniform with an accompanying adult a free guided tour of the hatchery on Feb. 8 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. with paid admission of $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 children ages 3 to 12. 516-692-6768

Birding by the Beach

Town of Brookhaven continues its Winter Nature Program series with Birding by the Beach on Feb. 8 at West Meadow Beach Pavilion in Stony Brook at 10 a.m. and Cedar Beach Nature Center at 2 p.m. Join staff in searching for overwintering birds and winter waterfowl. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Free but registration is required by emailing [email protected].

Super Bowl ‘Saturday’

Get excited for the big game! Children in Grades K through 6 (with parent/caregiver) are welcome to stop by Emma Clark Library, 120 main St., Setauket on Feb. 8 between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to enjoy football-themed festivities. Includes a raffle to win a special prize. Participants are encouraged to wear their favorite team’s jersey or football-themed attire. No registration required. Bring a friend! Open to all. Questions? Email [email protected]

Story & Craft with Nana Carol

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

Animal Tracks

As part of its Pollywog Adventures series, Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor presents Animal Tracks on Feb. 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

THEATER

‘Frozen Jr’

Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 East Main St., Smithtown presents Frozen Jr. from Jan. 18 to Feb. 23. A story of true love and acceptance between sisters, Frozen Jr. expands upon the emotional relationship and journey between Princesses Anna and Elsa. When faced with danger, the two discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. Tickets are $25 per person. To order, call 1-800-595-4849 or visit www.smithtownpac.org.

‘Hansel and Gretel’

Theatre Three, 423 Main St., Port Jefferson kicks off the new year with Hansel and Gretel from Jan. 25 to Feb. 8. Go into the woods for an outrageous adventure with the world’s most famous brother-and-sister team, Hansel and Gretel. A feeble father, a wicked stepmother, and a well-meaning if misguided witch add up to hilarious hijinx. All seats are $12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

‘Frozen Jr’

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport kicks off the new year with a production of Frozen Jr. from Jan. 25 to March 2. When faced with danger, princesses Anna and Elsa discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. This enchanting musical features all of the memorable songs from the hit Disney film and will thaw even the coldest heart! All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

Girl Scouts of Suffolk County launches 2025 cookie season

by Press Release - January 31, 2025

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unnamed — Photo courtesy Girl Scouts of Suffolk County

The Girl Scouts of Suffolk County will kick off in-person “booth sales” for Girl Scout Cookies this weekend, starting on Friday, January 31.

In addition to in-person sales, customers can easily locate their nearest cookie booth by visiting the “Cookie Locator” on the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County’s website and searching by ZIP Code. For those who prefer online shopping, Girl Scouts are using the Digital Cookie platform to go beyond the booth and share their personalized cookie sites with QR codes and emails.

This year’s cookie lineup includes beloved classics including Thin Mints, Samoas, and Tagalongs. The 2025 season also marks the final opportunity for customers to purchase the S’mores cookie, which will be discontinued after this year. This year, all Girl Scout Cookies are priced at $7 a box, with a portion of the sales going directly to the troop from which customers make a purchase.

“The Girl Scout Cookie Program is the world’s largest girl-led entrepreneurial endeavor, teaching participants valuable skills such as goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics,” said Tammy Severino, CEO of Girl Scouts of Suffolk County. “Proceeds from cookie sales directly support local Girl Scout troops, funding activities like camping trips, community service projects, and educational programs.”

The 2025 cookie season runs through April 22, with availability and dates varying by location. Customers are encouraged to support their local Girl Scouts by purchasing cookies at booth sales or through the Digital Cookie platform.

For more information, please visit the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County’s website at www.gssc.us.

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. 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. Follow Girl Scouts of Suffolk County on Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

Follow the breadcrumbs to Theatre Three for a magical production of ‘Hansel and Gretel’

by Julianne Mosher - January 30, 2025

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By Julianne Mosher

You don’t need to head deep into the forest to witness the timeless story of Hansel and Gretel, or A Question of Crumbs. In fact, just head down to Port Jefferson to witness Theatre Three’s latest magical production.

Written by Jeffrey Sanzel and Douglas Quattrock, the show starts off inside a bookstore (featuring the same set from the theater’s mainstage show, Crossing Delancey.) A sister and brother are flipping through the story of Hansel and Gretel, but cannot afford to purchase it. They ask the clerks if they can borrow it to read at home. Out of the goodness of their hearts, the kids skip away, excited to read the story amongst themselves.

We’re then brought into the home of the mischievous Gretel (Julia Albino) and the aloof Hansel (Will Logan). Their father (Jason Furnari), a woodcutter, works a lot and is completely under the control of his new wife, the kids’ stepmother (Cassidy Rose O’Brien). They play pranks on her and she is very, very unhappy. She hates the children and tells her husband that he must dump them in the woods so they can live a happy, childfree life. Although he really doesn’t want to, he agrees and coerces the kids to the woods and tries to leave them there.

Luckily, young Gretel is smart, and she knows better. She and her brother can outsmart their dad, instead causing him to get lost in the woods. When the stepmother tries to get them lost the next day, the siblings leave breadcrumbs to help them find their way back home. However, thanks to Hansel not paying too much attention to what he was doing, the plan backfires and the kids end up not being able to find their way back.

In the woods, they’re met by Scrimshaw (Steven Uihlein) and Harvis (Liam Marsigliano), contract kidnappers hired by an evil, child-eating witch. They spot Hansel sitting on a log and convinced him to follow them to the witches’ candy-coated home, where he is put on the menu. Gretel finds her brother and helps him escape, but before that happens, several surprises ensue.

Directed and choreographed by Colleen Britt, the show is filled with catchy musical numbers, fun dancing and colorful costumes designed by Jason Allyn. Hansel and Gretel is a joy to the stage that kids of all ages will love and will have their parents laughing along.

With a small cast, all five actors bring something great to the table. Albino and Logan do a great job as their versions of the fable’s characters, bringing wit and joy to the stage, while Uihlein and Marsigliano are fun supporting antagonists. Furnari’s spacey father figure is a great addition to the show while O’Brien’s stepmother (and, spoiler alert, the witch) is star quality.

So, grab your favorite candy and head down to Theatre Three for this sweet show.

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents Hansel and Gretel through Feb. 8. Children’s theater continues with Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz from Feb. 19 to March 29 and The Adventures of Peter Rabbit from April 16 to May 10. All seats are $12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

Kids Korner: Jan. 30 to Feb 6, 2025

by Heidi Sutton - January 30, 2025

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groundhog — SHADOW FUN Celebrate Groundhog Day at Sweetbriar Nature Center on Feb. 2.

PROGRAMS

Perler Palooza

Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket invites children in Grades K to 6 (with parent/caregiver) to stop by on Jan. 31 between 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. for Perler Palooza! Kids can grab a template or let their imaginations run wild to create a fuse bead project of their choice. No registration required. Open to all. Questions? Email [email protected].

Groundhog Day Craft

Celebrate Groundhog Day at Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor on Feb. 1 and Feb. 2 between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Free Groundhog Day craft for kids with admission while supplies last. Admission is $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 children ages 3 to 12. 516-692-6768, www.cshfishhatchery.org

Suffolk County Camp Fair

Stony Brook University, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook hosts the Suffolk County Camp Fair in the Student Activity Center Ballroom on Feb. 1 from noon to 3 p.m. Meet representatives from over 70 summer day camps, overnight camps, specialty camps, adventure camps, academic camps and more. Experience sample games and activities from the camps for a taste of what summer camp is all about along with games, prizes, and activities for the kids, food and fun. Free. To pre-register (not required), visit www.eventbrite.com.

My Grown-Up and Me

Temple Beth El, 660 Park Ave., Huntington & PJ Library present My Grown Up & Me, a program for ages 18 months to 4 years, on Feb. 2 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

Sunday Funday: Shadows & Surprises

Join Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown for a fun groundhog adventure, Shadows & Surprises, on Feb. 2 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Meet some of the Center’s animal friends and do some fun activities while learning all about groundhogs and their friends. $15 per child, $5 adults. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.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 Feb. 3 at 10:30 a.m. Free. No registration required. Appropriate for ages 0-4. 631-482-5008

Lunar New Year Story, Stroll & Craft

Pre-school children (accompanied by an adult) can have Lunar New Year fun at the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport on Feb. 5 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. In this program that celebrates the Year of the Snake, participants will stroll the collections, hear a story, and make a traditional, good luck decoration. $20 per child/$18 members.

Super Snakes

As part of its Pollywog Adventures series, Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor presents Super Snakes on Feb. 5 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

Greet the Groundhog

Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park presents a Tiny Tots program, Greet the Groundhogs, on Feb. 6 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Enjoy a short walk, story time, animal visitors, and crafts. For children ages 3 to 5 with a parent/caregiver. $4 per child. Reservations taken on www.eventbrite.com.

Newspaper Village

THEATER

‘Frozen Jr’

‘Hansel and Gretel’

‘Frozen Jr’

‘Beetlejuice Jr.’

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents Beetlejuice Jr. on Feb. 3 and 4 at 7 p.m. The talented Winter Class students bring the ghost-with-the-most to life. A wickedly fun musical adventure that promises laughter and mayhem. Tickets are $25. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

FILM

‘Space Jam’

Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Cinema for Kids series with a screening of Space Jam on Feb. 2 at noon. Captured by Bugs Bunny to foil a ghastly gang of space creatures, NBA superstar Michael Jordan must play the basketball game of his life to save the beloved cartoon heroes from a group of evil aliens who plan to kidnap the Loony Tunes for their intergalactic amusement park. Will Jordan beat the odds and get his Looney new pals out of a real jam? Rated PG. Tickets are $13 adults, $5 children. www.cinemaartscentre.or

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Port Jefferson Ice Festival is still cool six years later

by Julianne Mosher - January 30, 2025

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By Julianne Mosher

For its sixth consecutive year, the Port Jefferson Ice Festival brought in thousands of guests to the village after stormy weather caused a rain date activation.

Originally scheduled for Jan. 18 and 19, the festival was postponed to Saturday, Jan. 25 and Sunday, Jan. 26 where weather was sunny, but chilly — a perfect combination for the more than two dozen ice sculptures to thrive.

For more than half a decade, the annual Port Jefferson Ince Festival, hosted by the Port Jefferson Business Improvement District, has brought in Rich Daly, owner of Ice Memories Inc. in Mastic Beach.

Daly, who is an award-winning ice sculptor with over 200 competition titles, including a Guinness World Record for carrying 60 sculptures in under three hours, took to the tennis courts to show several live carvings including Olaf the snowman from “Frozen” where people of all ages watched the master carver in awe.

Throughout the village, pre-made ice sculptures from Daly’s shop decorated the sidewalks outside of local businesses. In addition to the sculptures, visitors enjoyed live ice carving demonstrations, ice corn hole, marshmallow roasting, hot chocolate stands, ice mini golf, skating demos, tractor rides, karaoke, interactive games and live dance and music performances.

Heckscher Museum hosts Lunar New Year family celebration

by Jennifer Donatelli - January 29, 2025

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By Jennifer Donatelli

Lunar New Year, one of the most significant and widely celebrated holidays in many East and Southeast Asian cultures, marks the beginning of the lunar calendar and the arrival of spring. With vibrant festivals, family gatherings and time-honored traditions, it is a joyous occasion that spans several days of celebration. The holiday is celebrated on the day of the first new moon of the year, which fell on Jan. 29.

In honor of Lunar New Year, the Heckscher Museum of Art in Huntington invited families to ring in the Year of the Snake with a lively and educational celebration that explored the rich cultural traditions of Asia. The free event, which took place Jan. 18, was held in collaboration with the United Asian American Alliance and Town of Huntington Asian-American Task Force and offered attendees the opportunity to engage in a variety of fun, hands-on activities while learning about the customs and art associated with Lunar New Year.

“We’re excited to provide a platform for families to experience the Lunar New Year through the lens of art and culture,” said Joy Weiner, director of education and public programs for the museum.

The museum was transformed into a hub of cultural exploration, featuring crafts, storytelling, music and interactive performances that highlighted the diversity of Asian traditions. Partnering with local cultural groups, the museum presented live shows, including traditional Chinese lion dances, Korean drumming, Japanese folk music and martial arts. The performances brought the energy and excitement of Lunar New Year celebrations to life and offered a unique opportunity for visitors to learn more about the various customs and traditions observed during this time.

Patricia Shih, who performed the lion dance, explained, “These performances not only entertain the visitors, but also teach the younger generation about the rich history and significance of these art forms, sparking a sense of connection to their heritage.”

Young visitors were given a passport book and “traveled” to each country, including China, Korea, Vietnam and the Philippines, to participate in a variety of activities that taught them about each country’s culture and art. Visitors created a string spinner and pinwheel inspired by Korean mandalas, made their own Chinese lantern and learned jewelry making using a Feng Shui coin. Hansen Lee from the Town of Huntington Asian-American Task Force held demonstrations on how to fold your own origami.

Huntington Councilwoman Brooke Lupinacci showed her support for the Asian American community by participating in the event. Lupinacci works with the Asian-American Task Force in the Town of Huntington to formulate and implement plans that strengthen Asian American participation in town affairs, addressing issues regarding the Asian American community and promoting greater cultural understanding. She said, “I’ve been in the public sector my entire career and I always love coming to events like this because it brings the entire Long Island community together to learn and appreciate different cultures and ways of life.”

Shih, who owns a mobile Chinese museum that travels to classrooms on Long Island, brought her own collection of authentic artifacts that showcased the history, art and culture of Chinese traditions. She said, “This event is not only a celebration but also an educational opportunity for the community to learn about the traditions that shape various Asian cultures and how art is integral to those celebrations.”

Guest artist Joan Kim Suzuki used her artwork to express her respect for Asian cultures. Her paintings, she says, are inspired by her upbringing in Seoul, the stories her grandmother told her and the pride of being Asian American instilled in her by her parents. Suzuki says she wants people to look at her artwork and be happy.

Jane Kang, a member of the Asian-American Task Force, gave lessons in Chinese paper cutting, which originated in the sixth century when paper was invented. She explained that people would use paper to decorate their homes to celebrate Chinese New Year or for special occasions. The red paper would welcome good fortune and health. Kang says paper cutting “is an art form that doesn’t get enough exposure and it’s a beautiful method of expression.”

In addition to the activities, families also had the chance to explore the museum’s current exhibits, many of which reflect Asian influences in art. Visitors were able to view works from renowned artists that connect to the theme of Lunar New Year, offering a deeper appreciation for the artistic traditions of the continent.

Weiner explained, “Events bring together the local community and showcase the diversity of culture that we have in our community.” She added, “Art is a way to communicate, even when you don’t understand the language.”

For more information about upcoming programs and exhibits at Heckscher Museum of Art, visit www.heckscher.org.

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Page 8 of 185

A MAGICAL RETURN: First four Harry Potter films head to the big screen

Ice-capades on the North Shore

All Aboard! TMB Model Train Club to hold an open house this weekend

FULL STEAM AHEAD: Model train club celebrates new home with open houses and multiple layouts

Kids Korner: Feb. 6 to 13, 2025

PROGRAMS

THEATER

Girl Scouts of Suffolk County launches 2025 cookie season

Follow the breadcrumbs to Theatre Three for a magical production of ‘Hansel and Gretel’

Kids Korner: Jan. 30 to Feb 6, 2025

PROGRAMS

THEATER

Port Jefferson Ice Festival is still cool six years later

Heckscher Museum hosts Lunar New Year family celebration

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