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Catch a screening of 'The Neverending Story' at the Cinema Arts Centre on April 27.
PROGRAMS

Books in the Barn

Children ages 3 to 5 with a parent/giver are invited to Books in the Barn, a free storytime event about farms, barns and animals at the Smithtown Historical Society’s Franklin O. Arthur Farm, 245 East Main St., Smithtown on April 25 from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. To register, call the Smithtown Library at 631-360-2480, ext. 213. 

Spring Festival at the Hatchery – This event has been postponed to May 3.

Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor presents a Spring Festival fundraiser on April 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with kid’s fishing, food, music, games, environmental exhibitors and live animal encounters. Rain date is May 3. Admission is $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 children ages 3 to 12. 516-692-6768

Model Train Show

Drop by the Smithtown Historical Society’s Frank Brush Barn, 211 East Main St., Smithtown on April 26 for a Model Train Show from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. featuring an HO Scale operating layout from Long Island HOTracks. Proceeds go to the Smithtown Historical Society’s maintenance of farm buildings and animal care. Tickets are $5 adults. $3 kids ages 3 to 12 at the door.  631-265-6768

Fink’s Touch-A-Tractor event

Join Fink’s Country Farm, 6242 Middle Country Road, Wading River for a Touch-A-Truck event on April 26 and April 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Come see and learn about the equipment that grows your food. Enjoy a jump pillow, chicken show, play area, barnyard and more. $11 per person ages 3 and up. 631-886-2272

Cuddle and Care

Benner’s Farm, 56 Gnarled Hollow Road, Setauket presents a kids workshop, Cuddle and Care, on April 26 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Children will be introduced to the farm’s newest baby animals and learn what they eat, how they grow, and how to take care of them. There will also be a farm tour, crafts, and a tractor ride! For ages 3 to 10. $40 per child. To register, call 631-689-8172 or visit www.bennersfarm.com.

Storytime Under the Stars

Suffolk County Vanderbilt Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport continues its Storytime Under the Stars series on April 27 at 6 p.m. Your favorite bedtime storybooks come to life in the planetarium theater! Children ages 2 and older are invited to wear their most comfy pajamas and bring their favorite stuffed animal. Tickets are $8 for guests, $6 for members at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Rocket Thru the Solar System

Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park presents a Tiny Tots program, Rocket Thru the Solar System, on May 1 at 10:30 p.m. Children ages 3 to 5 with a parent/caregiver will enjoy short walks, stories, dances, animal visitors, and crafts. $4 per child. Register at ww.eventbrite.com.

FILM

‘The Neverending Story’

Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Cinema for Kids series with a screening of The Neverending Story on April 27 at noon. When Bastian reads a book called “The Neverending Story” about Fantasia, a fantasy land threatened by “The Nothing,” a darkness that destroys everything it touches, he begins to wonder if Fantasia is real and needs him to survive. Tickets are $13 adults, $5 kids. www.cinemaartscentre.org.

THEATER

‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid The Musical’

John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents Diary of  a 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 Royal Princess Party

Tickets are now on sale for A Royal Princess Party: A Villainous Tale of Magic! at the Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 East Main St., Smithtown from April 12 to May 4. Just in time for Spring Break, the princesses return to the Royal Kingdom of Smithtown. Special surprises and magical touches make this show a royal treat! Tickets are $17.50 per person. To order, visit www.smithtownpac.org.

‘The Adventures of Peter Rabbit’

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson celebrates Spring Break with the return of The Adventures of Peter Rabbit from April 16 to May 10 with a sensory friendly performance on April 27 at 11 a.m. With the help of his sisters—Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cotton-Tail—and his cousin, Benjamin Bunny, Peter Rabbit learns the power of sharing and caring in this adorable musical. All seats are $12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

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An aerial view of the Village of Port Jefferson. Photo courtesy of Port Jefferson School District

By Daniel Dunaief

Benjamin Batter, a 10th grader at Earl L. Vandermeulen High School, noticed a Nintendo Switch Joy-Con near the side of the road.

Rather than keep going, he took it apart, cleaned it, fixed the battery and got it to work.

Earl L. Vandermeulen High School

His decision reflects the kinds of actions the Port Jefferson school district is taking as it embraces evolving technology in a host of contexts, providing new classes such as Esports as well as clubs, STEAM and drone camps.

US News and World Reports ranked Earl L. Vandermeulen High School as one of the best STEM schools in the nation, encouraging administrators and the Board of Education to continue to invest “energy and financial resources to build in this area,” said Robert Neidig, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction in the Port Jefferson school district.

Indeed, Port Jefferson built a computer science center in the high school that opened before the start of the academic year and wanted to capitalize on additional opportunities.

This summer, the middle school and high school are partnering up with Inspirit AI in a two-week artificial intelligence boot camp taught by graduate students from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford and others that offers personalized teaching.

“We’re providing the venue while the professors come and teach and work with our students in terms of projects they can create and build under their leadership,” said Neidig. “It’s something I’m very excited about [as the school gets] some of the best and brightest minds to wet their palate.”

Summer projects with Inspirit AI for a middle school and high school class, which will start out with 10 to 12 students each, will deploy coding and AI skills to accomplish different tasks, such as efforts to improve the environment or enhance medical services.

Drone and STEAM camps

All year round, the school district offers STEAM and drone camps.

While rooted in the world of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math, Port Jefferson schools envision using these technology-driven skills sets in other arenas.

Robert Farenga, center, with two of his students.

“In coding for social studies or science” students apply the same computer science skills in various contexts, Neidig said.

Drones, meanwhile, have provided an outlet for students interested in photography, videography and other applications.

Sixth-grader Jonathan Kogan appreciates the opportunity to work with others in the drone camp. He feels as if the drones expand his horizons.

“I like flying the drones and taking pictures and videos,” said Kogan. When he’s operating something in the air it “feels like you’re flying as well.”

When the school was considering the purchase of new tables in the cafeteria, Batter took overhead photos with a drone. The Board of Education considered those photos when choosing what kinds of new tables to buy.

Drones can help in other contexts. In Rwanda and Madagascar, officials fly medicines by drones to populations that might otherwise be difficult to reach with other transportation.

As for the safety of the drones, Port Jefferson has educated the middle and high school students on altitude limits.

“Education is paramount in all these endeavors,” said Neidig. “Before drones go up, [students] are looking at the rules for flights” which vary depending on the area. “We have the ability to understand what the flight rules are in Port Jefferson.”

Robert Farenga, a high school and middle school teacher who runs the STEAM and drone camps and teaches esports, is planning on collecting student images from the drones in areas of the town and the school and putting up pictures around the school and in his classroom.

Farenga has discussed the use of drones in real estate, entertainment, the party business, and advertising.

“A person who is trained in using drones and knowing how to edit that film or photography can create a lucrative business,” he said.

Esports

Drone photo taken by students attending the Port Jefferson School District’s drone camp. Photo courtesy the Port Jefferson School District

In the two sixth-grade Esports classes that started this year, students have had the opportunity to play games and learn about the business.

Farenga, who also runs the STEAM and drone camps, suggested the business is “one of the fastest growing sports industries around.”

Farenga teaches a mixture of high school students grades about programming, announcing of games, management, marketing and other aspects of the business.

In a class they take for academic credit, students learn about job opportunities while they also discuss social and emotional learning through gaming.

Students don’t take formal quizzes or tests, earning grades based on their participation and projects.

Eventually, Farenga would like to add virtual reality goggles, which allow drone fliers to see through the lens as the drone is flying.

He would also like bring in guest lecturers who can share their experiences and background.

Artificial Intelligence

Port Jefferson schools are encouraging teachers to embrace educational opportunities through artificial intelligence.

Screenshot

Eva Grasso, the middle school/ high school library media specialist, is dispersing information to the staff and works with the middle school computer science students and engages them in critical thinking and problem solving activities.

AI is “insanely cool and super provocative in its potential for education in lots of fields,” said Grasso. At the same time, it could “have detrimental effects on society.”

Grasso sends out weekly tips to the middle and high schools that are meant to provide ways to learn more.

She has also worked with sixth graders in a range of subjects from algebra to language.

Even with AI, students are “finding their way back to those core skills that students 100 years ago and 100 years from now will need: can you collaborate, can you work well with others and can you recognize that frustration at not knowing something, which is not just a part of the process, but is an essential part of the process,” Grasso said

As educators, Grasso urges schools to teach students how to use AI responsibly.

In addition to Inspirit AI, Port Jefferson is also planning to offer a high school cybersecurity class this fall.

“We’re moving into this technology and offering these” options as a way to prepare students for the next steps in their lives, Farenga said.

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A scene from Lloyd Harbor School’s production of “The Addams Family Musical.” Photo courtesy of CSH School District
A scene from Lloyd Harbor School’s production of “The Addams Family Musical.” Photo courtesy of CSH School District
A scene from Lloyd Harbor School’s production of “The Addams Family Musical.” Photo courtesy of CSH School District

Lloyd Harbor Elementary School’s recent production of “The Addams Family Musical” in the Cold Spring Harbor School District proved to be a resounding success, captivating audiences with its charm, wit and theatrical flair. Featuring a cast and crew of fifth and sixth grade students, the show brought the iconic Addams family to life in a spirited performance that showcased the incredible talent, creativity and dedication of the young performers.

With a perfect blend of spooky charm and heartwarming humor, the fifth and sixth grade cast and crew welcomed brave souls and curious mortals to a world where the creepy is endearing, the kooky is captivating and being different is something to celebrate. From the opening number to the final bow, the talented young performers delivered an incredible show filled with impressive singing, polished choreography and impeccable comedic timing.

The fan-favorite number, “Full Disclosure,” captured the spirit of the musical’s message – that even the strangest families can bond over dinner. And while the characters may have emerged from the cobwebs of Broadway, it was hard to believe these stars-in-the-making were only in elementary school.

Under the inspired direction of Jennifer Cové, the production shined with professional- level quality. The costumes, makeup and set design were extraordinary, while the backstage crew executed seamless scene changes with quiet precision and tireless dedication.

Bravo to the entire cast, crew and production team for embracing the eccentric, celebrating the macabre and reminding us all that there’s magic in the mysterious.

 

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Scene from the 14th annual Kids Fair on April 6. Photo from Barbara Kaplan
Scene from the 14th annual Kids Fair on April 6. Photo from Barbara Kaplan
Scene from the 14th annual Kids Fair on April 6. Photo from Barbara Kaplan
Scene from the 14th annual Kids Fair on April 6. Photo from Barbara Kaplan
Scene from the 14th annual Kids Fair on April 6. Photo from Barbara Kaplan
Scene from the 14th annual Kids Fair on April 6. Photo from Barbara Kaplan
Scene from the 14th annual Kids Fair on April 6. Photo from Barbara Kaplan

Once again, the All Kids Fair was an enjoyable day for families across Long Island and beyond. It occurred on Sunday, April 6 at the Hilton Long Island/Huntington.   

The All Kids Fair, produced by Specialty Connections, provided a fun, educational day for families to share together as it does every April. In addition to many kid-centered activities, there were opportunities to learn about Long Island-based companies that offer services and products relevant to them.

Over 2000 attendees spent the day learning about schools, camps, after-school activities, saving for college, health/wellness services, birthday party options, and non-profits. They also had the opportunity to purchase kids’ products such as bows and toys.

There were many kids’ classes, including fencing, karate, chess, brain training, fashion design and sewing, dance, and tennis.

In addition to the classes, and all included with admission, the children enjoyed bounce houses, music, face painting, balloon animals, characters, cotton candy, a photo booth, child ID kits, arts and crafts, a Lego table with sensory play, and pediatric dental screenings. There was also a petting zoo with sheep, goats, chickens, and rabbits, sponsored by Optum Medical Care. Fortunately, the weather held out, and the petting zoo was able to take place on a dry day under cloudy skies.

Miss Long Island 2024 Katherine Wang attended and took photos with the kids.

This fun-filled event offers exciting educational and leisure activities to interest kids and their families each year. The Fair has opportunities for all ages, including kids with special needs.

One of this year’s newest additions was the opportunity to play with and cuddle puppies, which was a huge hit.

The 501st Legion, Empire City Garrison, taught two Star Wars costuming classes. This all-volunteer organization was formed to bring together costume enthusiasts and was in authentic “Bad Guy” costumes from the beloved franchise. 

Attendee Katie Chaput of Smithtown shared “I think this year the vendors were fantastic. Everybody was very helpful and made the fair very enjoyable. I look forward to coming back next year with my kids.”

Barbara Kaplan, the owner/director the expo, said, “The All Kids Fair is always such a fun day. It is wonderful to see the families enjoying themselves, and the exhibitors had a great day meeting with the public to showcase their products and services.” 

There was also a charity drive to benefit Agape Meals for Kids, a local 501(c)(3) organization that provides weekend meals to children living with food insecurity on Long Island. Attendees were encouraged to bring non-perishable, easy-to-prepare, easy-to-heat, single-serve, and healthy food. Those who donated food or money received raffle tickets to win great prizes and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that they helped Long Island kids in need.

Additional 2025 All Kids Fair sponsors were Saf-T-Swim Swim School, WildPlay Jones Beach, Small Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, TGA Tennis – Golf – Athletics, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and School, Epic Escape Rooms LI, Achievement Behavior Services, 106.1 BLI, Clowns.com, Your Local Kids Source, Schneps Long Island, Herald Community Newspapers, Litmor Publications / Garden City News, and 516Ads.com / 631Ads.com.

Information about the expo is available at www.AllKidsFair.com 

The next event produced by Specialty Connections will be the 16th annual Over 50 Fair on Sunday, September 14 at the Hilton Long Island/Huntington. Sales for exhibitors and speakers will begin in two weeks. This event is geared towards adults age 50+ and is not a “typical senior fair” but rather a fun and educational day that includes fun activities and information about living life to its fullest. The Over 50 Fair website is www.Over50Fair.com 

About the All Kids Fair

The All Kids Fair is an annual event organized by Specialty Connections. It showcases services such as schools, after-school activities, places for kids to play, camps, childcare centers, kid-friendly products such as toys and books, and health/wellness products and services. For information about all the events that Specialty Connections produces, visit www.SpecialtyConnections.com. For more information about the All Kids Fair, visit www.AllKidsFair.com. To learn about the Over 50 Fair, another event that Specialty Connection produces and is geared towards adults age 50+, visit www.Over50Fair.com.  Contact Barbara Kaplan at 516-621-1446.

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'Sweet Dreams, Northport!'

By Melissa Arnold

We’re fortunate on Long Island to have so many beautiful places to explore. Each village has its own personality and unique perks, from popular mainstays to hidden gems.

Author and entrepreneur Tsvetta Kaleynska has traveled all over the world and takes great joy in uncovering the beauty in each new destination she visits. Originally from Bulgaria, the New York City resident wants to instill a love of travel and exploration not just in her own daughters, but in young readers everywhere.

‘Sweet Dreams, Northport!’

Kaleynska has written an independently-published series of Sweet Dreams children’s books and coloring books celebrating some of the world’s greatest cities, including Tokyo, London, and Madrid to name a few. And now, our very own Northport is among them.

“I ended up establishing my roots in [New York City]. After becoming a mom, my family and I began exploring what’s around NYC, and building an appreciation and love for new places and what our area has to offer,” Kaleynska said. “Several years ago, we stumbled upon Northport and instantly fell in love with it. We’ve had the privilege of meeting some of the local community as well, and I was inspired by the people of Northport who truly make this village feel so special.”

The illustrated, rhyming story for early readers says goodnight, one page at a time, to all of Northport’s recognizable landmarks. Main Street, the library and even the John W. Engeman Theater get their own shout-out, along with Eaton’s Neck Lighthouse, Ashroken Beach and Northport Village Park.

Kaleynska also makes a point to honor first responders and teachers, saying goodnight to them as well.

“I wanted to have a dedicated section for these special people and heroes, from our firefighters, policemen, and doctors to all the regular people whose kindness and warmth make Northport a remarkable place,” Kaleynska said.

Computer technology was used to turn photographs of Northport into vibrant and detailed illustrations. It’s easy to feel transported into the scenes and imagine yourself walking down by the harbor or looking into the windows of a shop on Main Street. 

Kaleynska said that each image was carefully crafted to bring Northport to life in a way that feels both familiar and inviting to young readers. And if these places are new to your family, the book offers a great excuse to jump in the car and go exploring.

“As for my favorite memory of Northport, there are so many! But one that stands out is sitting on a bench near the Northport dock with my husband and girls, sharing ice cream and watching the boats go by as the sun sets,” Kaleynska recalled. “Beautiful moments with loved ones like that is what inspires me daily.”

Perfect for toddlers ages 1 to 4, Sweet Dreams, Northport! is available at Barnes & Noble and Amazon. Keep in touch with the latest from Tsvetta Kaleynska on Instagram @tsvetta.

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A scene from the 15th annual Mt. Sinai Fire Department’s Breakfast with the Easter Bunny. Photo by Bill Landon
A scene from the 15th annual Mt. Sinai Fire Department’s Breakfast with the Easter Bunny. Photo by Bill Landon
COPYRIGHT BILL LANDON
A scene from the 15th annual Mt. Sinai Fire Department’s Breakfast with the Easter Bunny. Photo by Bill Landon
A scene from the 15th annual Mt. Sinai Fire Department’s Breakfast with the Easter Bunny. Photo by Bill Landon
A scene from the 15th annual Mt. Sinai Fire Department’s Breakfast with the Easter Bunny. Photo by Bill Landon
A scene from the 15th annual Mt. Sinai Fire Department’s Breakfast with the Easter Bunny. Photo by Bill Landon
A scene from the 15th annual Mt. Sinai Fire Department’s Breakfast with the Easter Bunny. Photo by Bill Landon
A scene from the 15th annual Mt. Sinai Fire Department’s Breakfast with the Easter Bunny. Photo by Bill Landon
A scene from the 15th annual Mt. Sinai Fire Department’s Breakfast with the Easter Bunny. Photo by Bill Landon

By Bill Landon

The Mt. Sinai Fire Department held its 15th annual Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at Company 1 on Mt. Sinai Coram Road on April 13.  It was a robust turnout with raffles silent auctions and plenty of food where the kids had their picture taken with the Easter Bunny. No one left hungry.

— Photos by Bill Landon

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Benner's Farm hosts their Easter Egg Hunt Weekend on April 18, 19 and 20 this year. File photo by Rita J. Egan/ TBR News Media
PROGRAMS

First Steps Into Nature 

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown presents First Steps Into Nature for children ages 2 to 4 on April 18 and April 25 at 9:30 a.m. Little ones will learn about nature through hands on interaction, music, crafts, stories, play and more. $20 per child per class. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org. 631-979-6344

Dragon Egg Workshop

Join the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor for at a Dragon Egg Workshop on April 18 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. From fire-breathing dragons to galloping unicorns, did you know the stories of many mythical animals were originally inspired by sea creatures? Explore the legends surrounding ​these fantastical beasts then create your own dragon egg with gilded sea shells! No registration required. Admission fee plus $10 per participant, $5 members. 631-367-3418

Family Game Night

Families with children through 6th grade are invited to stop by Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket on April 18 from  6:30 to 7:30 p.m. for Chicken vs. Hot Dog, The Keepy Uppy Game, Twist, & more! No registration required. Open to all. Questions? Email [email protected]

Little Artists Workshop

Walt Whitman Birthplace, 246 Old Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station presents a Little Artists Workshop on April 19 at 11:30 a.m. Artist Robert Stenzel will guide students in transforming recycled materials into unique owl designs. For children in Pre-K through 4th grade. Cost is $20 per child. To register, visit www.waltwhitman.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 April 21 at 10:30 a.m. Free. No registration required. Appropriate for ages 0-4. 631-482-5008

Spring Break at the Hatchery

Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor celebrates Spring Break on April 21 with a hatchery tour at 11 a.m., fish feeding demonstrations at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. and live animal encounters at 2 p.m. Admission is $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 children ages 3 to 12. 516-692-6768

Flower Power

Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park presents a Tiny Tots program, Flower Power, on April 24 at 10:30 p.m. Children ages 3 to 5 with a parent/caregiver will enjoy short walks, stories, dances, animal visitors, and crafts. $4 per child. Register at ww.eventbrite.com.

EGG HUNTS

Cold Spring Harbor

Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor will hold an Egg Hunt for children ages 0 to 6 on April 17, 18 and 19 with 20 minute sessions scheduled throughout the day. Fee is $12 per participating child, $5 helper siblings ages 7 to 12, $7 adults, $6 seniors. Children must be accompanied by a parent. By reservation only at www.cshfishhatchery.org. 516-692-6768

East Northport

Island Christian Church, 400 Elwood Road, East Northport will host a free Easter Egg Hunt on April 19  from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Activities will include face painting, crafts, games, bounce houses, photo-ops, and of course, hunting for eggs! You may even see the Easter Bunny! Held rain or shine. Free. Visit islandchristian.com/easter to register. 631-822-3000

East Setauket

— Benner’s Farm, 56 Gnarled Hollow Road, East Setauket will host its annual Easter Egg Hunt celebration on April 18, 19 and 20 with craft vendors, barnyard animals to see and hold, an egg hunt in the fields (at your purchased time slot), pictures with the Spring Bunny and more! This is a ticketed event only. Tickets are sold online only for $13.50 per person. To register, visit www.bennersfarm.com. 631-689-8172

— Three Village Church, 322 Main St., East Setauket invites children up to 5th grade to an Easter Egg Hunt on April 19 from 10 a.m. to noon. with games, story time, crafts, face painting and more. No tickets needed. Free. 631-941-3670

Farmingville

Farmingville Historical Society will hold its annual Easter Egg Hunt at Arboretum Park, 10 Maple Lane, Farmingville on April 19 at various times from noon to 3 p.m. Embark on an Easter Egg Adventure into the historic firehouse for fun activities, meet a real life bunny and take a photo with the Easter Bunny. $15 per child. Register at FHSLI.org.

Flanders

Children ages 2 to 9 are invited to join an  Easter egg hunt for “duck” eggs at The Big Duck Ranch, 1012 Flanders Road, Flanders on April 19 at noon. Prizes will be given out for the winners in each age group. Bring your camera for photo ops with the Easter Bunny. Free. Rain date is April 26. 631-284-3737.

Huntington

Children ages 1 to 8 can enjoy a spring celebration and egg hunt at Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, 25 Lloyd Harbor Road, Huntington on April 19 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Activities including a petting zoo, arts and crafts, a meet and greet with Mr. Bunny and a special concert by FunikiJam. $20 per child. Register at www.caumsettfoundation.org/programs.

Port Jefferson

Children ages 2 to 8 are invited to join the Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce for an Easter Egg Hunt following the annual Easter Parade in the Village of Port Jefferson along Main Street on April 19 at 12:45 p.m. Line up in front of the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson at 1 p.m. after the parade. Photo ops with the Easter Bunny will be from 1:15 p.m. to 2 p.m. Free. 631-473-1414

St. James

Rescheduled from April 12. St. James Chamber of Commerce will host a Spring Egg Hunt for children ages 1 to 10 at Deepwells Farm, 2 Tayor Lane, St. James on April 19 at 1 p.m. with a surprise visit from the Easter Bunny. Free. 631-584-5810

Setauket

Caroline Episcopal Church, 18 Caroline Ave., Setauket hosts a community Easter Egg Hunt on April 19 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Enjoy games, prizes, snacks, a live magic show, face painting, an Easter hat contest, hat parade and a special long-eared guest. Free. Register online at carolinechurch.net/egghunt2025. 631-941-4245

Wading River

Rescheduled from April 12. Bakewicz Farms, 291 Route 25A, Wading River will hold an Easter egg hunt on April 19 at 1:30 p.m. Every child will leave with eggs filled with candy, stickers, and toys. Enjoy face painting and take pictures with the Easter bunny. $15 per child. For tickets, visit www.bakewiczfarmsny.com.

FILM

‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’

Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Cinema for Kids series with a screening of Sonic the Hedgehog on April 20 at noon. Powered with incredible speed, Sonic The Hedgehog embraces his new home on Earth. That is, until he accidentally knocks out the power grid and sparks the attention of super-uncool evil genius Dr. Robotnik. Now it’s super-villain vs. super-sonic in an all-out race across the globe to stop Robotnik from using Sonic’s unique power for world domination. Tickets are $13 adults, $5 kids. www.cinemaartscentre.org.

THEATER

‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid The Musical’

John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents Diary of  a 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 Royal Princess Party

Tickets are now on sale for A Royal Princess Party: A Villainous Tale of Magic! at the Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 East Main St., Smithtown from April 12 to May 4. Just in time for Spring Break, the princesses return to the Royal Kingdom of Smithtown to get together and explore some magical artifacts. Special surprises and magical touches make this show a royal treat! Tickets are $17.50 per person. To order, visit www.smithtownpac.org.

‘The Adventures of Peter Rabbit’

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson celebrates Spring Break with the return of The Adventures of Peter Rabbit from April 16 to May 10 with a sensory friendly performance on April 27 at 11 a.m. With the help of his sisters—Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cotton-Tail—and his cousin, Benjamin Bunny, Peter Rabbit learns the power of sharing and caring in this adorable musical. All seats are $10. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com

Send your calendar events to [email protected]

 

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Photo courtesy of Councilwoman Bonner's office
Photo courtesy of Councilwoman Bonner's office

On April 5, Councilwoman Jane Bonner attended the North Shore Little League (NSLL) Opening Day ceremonies. The NSLL, which was established in 1963, offers boys and girls, ages six through sixteen, the opportunity to play organized baseball and softball with their peers at fields on Route 25A in Rocky Point.

Also at the Opening Day ceremony was 2nd District State Assemblywoman Jodie Giglio and Quentin Palifka  representing Suffolk County Legislator Chad Lennon.

Councilwoman Bonner said “The North Shore Little League is great for kids to have fun and enjoy spending hours playing America’s pastime. I always know that summer is just around the corner when I hear the words ‘play ball!’ on opening day.”

For more information about the North Shore Little League, to volunteer or join their e-mail list, go to www.nsllrp.org or call 631-744-3355.

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Dogwood Elementary School students have been learning about autism and seeking ways to make school even more inclusive. Photo courtesy of Smithtown CSD
Dogwood Elementary School students have been learning about autism and seeking ways to make school even more inclusive. Photo courtesy of Smithtown CSD
Dogwood Elementary School students have been learning about autism and seeking ways to make school even more inclusive. Photo courtesy of Smithtown CSD
Dogwood Elementary School students have been learning about autism and seeking ways to make school even more inclusive. Photo courtesy of Smithtown CSD

Starting on April 1, Dogwood Elementary School in Smithtown celebrated Autism Acceptance Week. Children have been learning about autism and seeking ways to make school even more inclusive. Mrs. Nielsen’s students wrote and shared about the different things that make them special.

Mrs. Braun and Mrs. Diemer’s class learned about autism acceptance. After listening to a story, students brainstormed ways they can be kind and include others and worked on this project together.

On April 2, students were encouraged to wear red, gold, rainbow or blue to show support and acceptance of individuals with autism.

One characteristic of autism is to show incredibly focused passion for topics of interest. On April 3, students shared their passions and interests.

On April 4, students dressed in cozy pajamas in recognition of the fact that individuals with autism often have a variety of sensory sensitivities.

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Photo courtesy of StatePoint

Ongoing measles outbreaks across the country have many families, pediatricians and public health experts concerned. Most of the people who have gotten sick, including a child who died in Texas, were not vaccinated against measles.

The best way to protect your family is by choosing to have your child immunized against measles. The MMR vaccine—which protects against measles, mumps and rubella—is the only way to prevent measles. Vitamin A, cod liver oil and other alternatives have been discussed as ways to lessen the severity of measles. However, none of these alternatives will prevent measles. Too much vitamin A can also cause severe illness. Always talk with your pediatrician first.

“The reason many parents in the United States have not had to worry about measles in decades is because of widespread immunization with this safe and effective vaccine,” said AAP president and pediatrician, Susan Kressly. “However, when immunization rates drop in a community, the disease can spread, putting everyone—especially young children—at risk.”

Before the measles vaccine was available in the United States, an average of 450 people died from measles every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most of them were previously healthy children. Children who contract measles are at higher risk for developing more serious conditions such as pneumonia or a brain infection called encephalitis.

These complications can become deadly. Additionally, a rare but universally fatal form of brain swelling called subacute sclerosing panencephalitis can occur in healthy children years after they have recovered from measles infection.

Measles is highly contagious. The virus can live for up to two hours in the air where infected people have coughed or sneezed. Nine out of 10 people exposed to the virus who don’t have immunity from the vaccine will also become infected, according to the CDC. To prevent the virus from spreading and potentially causing an outbreak, creating community immunity by reaching a high level of vaccination rate is crucial to protect those who cannot be vaccinated.

The vast majority of parents get their children vaccinated. But because measles is so infectious, if a community’s rate of vaccination dips below 95% of the population, the disease can easily spread, impacting individuals and groups of people. Check with your pediatrician today if you’re unsure about your child’s protection. Learn more at HealthyChildren.org.

“No parent should have to experience the loss of a child to a preventable disease. Vaccines save lives,” said Dr. Kressly. “Pediatricians are here to talk with families about their children’s health, including how they can access vaccines. We must support immunization programs so that children in every community get the opportunity to grow up healthy and strong.” (StatePoint)

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