What’s Happening This Month In April

(Long Island, N.Y.) From a Wizard of Oz exhibit to a week of spa deals to Earth Day celebrations, Long Island has a wide-variety of happenings in April. Enjoy the month!

Vanderbilt Museum, Spa Adriana in Huntington and the Huntington Chamber of Commerce are holding a First Annual Earth Month Coloring Contest and Family Day. “Getting children actively involved in protecting the world we live in is so critically important,” said Carol Ghiorsi Hart, Executive Director, Vanderbilt Museum.

Coloring pages can be downloaded from www.vanderbiltmuseum.org, www.spaadriana.com, and www.huntingtonchamber.com. Winners will be announced at the “Family Day Celebration at the Vanderbilt Museum” on April 24. Prizes include a one-year Family Membership to the Vanderbilt. Hands-on touch tables of natural history specimens, planetarium shows and special arts and crafts workshops will be available throughout the day.

Vanderbilt Museum
180 Little Neck Road
Centerport, NY
(631) 854-5555
www.vanderbiltmuseum.org

Spa Adriana
266 Main Street
(631) 351-1555
www.spaadriana.com

Long Island Children’s Museum continues their Wonderful Wizard of Oz Traveling Exhibit through May 9. At the LICM Theatre, an adaptation of the classic story is live on stage April 17th and 18th and May 1st and 2nd. Throughout the month, experience science, art, and history through the pages of a larger-than-life Wizard of Oz story book. Visitors will experience cranking up their own tornado, be able to step into Dorothy’s shoes by role playing in her house, learn heart facts with the Tin Man, and, of course, meet “the wizard of oz” himself!

Long Island Childrens Museum
11 Davis Avenue
Garden City, NY
(516) 224-5800
www.licm.org

April 11: Charity event to benefit the Haiti earthquake victims- “Help For Haiti: Island to Island Heart to Heart” will feature various musical performances, an evening dance, a special teen showcase with local talent, and a family show with kid-friendly acts. Also planned: a silent auction, refreshments, and an artist merchandise sale. A recent press release says “Organizers believe this will be Long Island’s largest fundraiser for Haiti by its sheer scope: there are 21 acts and over 100 volunteers from all over the country”. Proceeds to fund the medical work in Haiti of Doctors Without Borders.

Cinema Arts Centre
423 Park Avenue
Huntington, NY

For information and advance purchase of tickets (recommended) visit www.cinemaartscentre.org or call 1-800-838-3006

April 12th through 18th: Spa Week Select spa treatments such as facials and massages will cost a flat fee of $50. Participating LI salons include: Gurney’s Sea Water Spa in Montauk, Hollywood Salon & Day Spa in Miller Place, Clarins Skin Spa in Bloomingdales at Roosevelt Field Mall, nuBest Salon & Spa in Manhasset, and Spa at East Wind in Wading River.

Check out www.spaweek.com for more Spa Week participants.

Week of April 19th : National Turn-Off Week Kick the ol’ television and electronic habit for a week and visit your local Barnes & Noble. Carle Place location will be having a “Fancy Nancy” program (April 20 at 6 pm) and Earth Day Stories (April 20 at 10 am).The Lake Grove store will be holding their twice-weekly story time mornings at 10 am and also a book signing by author Carmindy- Crazy, Busy, Beautiful. The Bay Shore store kicks off the turn-off week with “Guesstimation Game Night”. Recommended for ages 8 and up, the trivia contest will begin at 7 pm.

Barnes and Noble Booksellers
Various Long Island locations
www.barnesandnoble.com

April 24: Earth Day Celebrations/ Activities: Indian Island County Park in Riverhead will be holding its Fourth Annual Earth Day Celebration. Live entertainment, nature walks and marine life exhibits will be featured, along with special children’s activities such as face painting.

Indian Island County Park
Cross River Drive
Riverhead, NY
(631) 852-3232

April 24-25: The Green Living Expo This two day event is designed to help business owners as well as Long Island residents live a greener, more environmentally conscious life. There will be arts and crafts, inflatable bouncers for the kids, giveaways from Disney Films and a fire safety exhibit from the Brentwood Fire Department. Entrance to expo is free; see website for more information.

Suffolk Community College-Brentwood Campus
Sports/ Exhibition Complex
101 Crooked Hill Road
Brentwood, NY
www.greenlivingexpoli.com

Long Islander and “Chelsea Lately” Comedian to Perform at Westbury

If you have ever watched the “Chelsea Lately” show on the the E! channel, you have probably seen comedian Chris Franjola. A Ronkonkoma native, Chris is one of Chelesea’s comedy writers, a frequent “round table” guest on the show, and performs in many of the skits as well. His impersonation of Bruce Jenner during a spoof of the Kardashians is hysterical.

I was lucky enough to talk with Chris about the show as well as his upcoming performance at the Theatre at Westbury.

LI Exchange: I write about things to do on Long Island.

Chris Franjola: Oh, really. That must be tough. You’re able to find things to do on Long Island? Congratulations.

LI Exchange: So I guess this is why you left Long Island.

Chris Franjola: I really do enjoy going back to the island; when I was back there at Christmas I wound up at a Cheesecake Factory in the Smith Haven Mall. Maybe I should have read your column.

LI Exchange: How did you get started in comedy?

Chris Franjola: I was working as an apprentice electrician in New York City and just started doing stand-up at night. Then I came out to LA to pursue it further, made some friends, stayed in it, and now things are going well.

LI Exchange: You write for “Chelsea Lately” and appear on it as well. All of the comedians on the show seem to be very friendly with each other.

Chris Franjola: Yes, I am one of the writers, am on the show, and go on the tour with Chelsea and the “Comedians of Chelsea Lately”. We all get along really well which is rare on a television show; we actually do like each other, hang out after the shows and go on vacations together, too.

LI Exchange: When I watch you on the show, I can almost see your mind working before you comment on the story you are all discussing. Do you get the topics ahead of time?

Chris Franjola: A lot of the others will prep before hand but I don’t like to do that; I like to make it up as I go along. We get the topics in the morning; we go through websites, etc. and try to find celebrity-based stories to talk about.

LI Exchange: Do you enjoy doing celebrity-impersonations?

Chris Franjola: Fortunately, I don’t do as many as say, Heather (comedian Heather McDonald) does; she is great at it. I just get anybody who is tall, not so much an impression, I just have the right height. Actually we just filmed something that will be on in a couple of weeks, where the real Bruce Jenner shows up. He and I compete, I am in my Bruce Jenner-1976 outfit and he puts his on and it’s pretty funny. The Kardashians are pretty good sports-we make fun of them, but they are always nice, they come over and help us out with it.

LI Exchange: The roundtable discussions can get pretty rough on celebrities-I wonder if you alienate anyone.

Chris Franjola: We alienate quite a few. But if we hear someone is interested in coming on the show we try not to talk about them. We have since layed off Jennifer Aniston a little bit since she is a fan of the show. She came on as a guest and was nice to us.

LI Exchange: Tell me about the upcoming Westbury performance.

Chris Franjola: We’ll be there on the 27th; I will be with Whitney Cummings and Jo Koy. Those guys are really funny. It should be a good show. Chuy (Chuy Bravo, Chelsea’s “assistant”) comes out in the beginning and introduces everybody. On this tour we actually give him a t-shirt cannon so he can shoot t-shirts into the audience. It gives him something to do.

LI Exchange: Any chance of running into you and Chuy on Long Island?

Chris Franjola: Maybe at the Cheesecake Factory at Smith Haven Mall. I’ll take Chuy over there.
“Comedians of Chelsea Lately” March 27th 8 pm

Theatre at Westbury
Brush Hollow Road
Westbury, NY

Tickets available through www.livenation.com

“Chelsea Lately” can be seen on E! Television, weeknights at 11 pm

Some Local Events To Ease Your Withdrawals

OK… who’s going through HGTV and Food Network withdrawal? If you find yourself missing your favorite two networks, here are a few local, upcoming events that should tide you over until your shows (hopefully!) return:

“New Clutter Control Seminar”
When: January 17
Where: Windows on the Lake, 235 Lake Shore Road, Lake Ronkonkoma, NY
How Much: Free

What it’s all About: Renowned Long Island interior designer Natalie Weinstein leads the workshop to de-clutter your space. In conjunction with Cynthia Braun of “Organize Your Life”, Eileen Koff of “Organize to the Next Level” and Augie Carbone of Closet and Garage Storage Solutions, Natalie will suggest new ways to organize your home. A rep from the Natalie Weinstein Home Decorating Club told me that WALK-Radio will provide refreshments and walk-in attendees will be allowed only as space permits, so registering ahead of time is recommended.

For more information and to register for seminar: Call (631) 862-6198
www.nataliesclub.com

“New Year, New Look” Decorating Seminar
When: January 24
Where: Pottery Barn, Walt Whitman Mall
How Much: Free

What It’s All About: With an emphasis on new Pottery Barn products, this workshop will discuss “simple and casual ways to update your home” according to a salesperson at the store.

For more information and to reserve a spot, call (631) 549-5630
www.potterybarn.com

“Getting Organized” Seminar
When: January 16
Where: Pottery Barn Kids, Roosevelt Field Mall
How Much: Free

What it’s all About: Pottery Barn designers will give suggestions and advice for storing toys, games and clothes.

For more information and to register, contact store directly at (516) 739-2688
www.potterybarnkids.com

Cooking Technique Classes
When: January 10 and every Sunday
Where: Williams Sonoma, Locations at Smith Haven and Walt Whitman Malls
How Much: Free

What it’s all About: Store seminars concentrate on a specific technique; the January 10 topic will be braising. Future topics will be sautéing, pan-frying, searing and simmering. Yes, these are all DIFFERENT ways to cook on a stovetop! Learn about these cooking methods, enjoy product demonstrations and keep your eyes open for book signings by popular cookbook authors.

For more information and to register for a class, contact store directly.
Smith Haven Mall: 631-863-2161, Walt Whitman Mall: 631-549-4699
www.williams-sonoma.com

Wine Making Class
When: January 23
Where: Waters Crest Winery, 22355 Route 48, Cutchogue, NY
How Much: $400 per person; includes lunch and a winemaking kit to take home

What It’s All About: An all day class to learn about wine, food, and the art of winemaking.

For more information and reservations, call (631) 734-5065
www.waterscrest.com

25th Annual Antiques Marketplace
When: January 31; 10 am-4:30 pm
Where: Huntington Hilton Hotel Grand Ballroom, 598 Broadhollow Road, Melville, NY
How Much: Nominal fee for adults; free admission for children under 12

What It’s All About: Over eighty exhibitors with displays of paintings, porcelain, frames, furniture from different eras.

For more information and for a discount admission coupon, visit
www.pekaleshows.com

Last Minute Shopping

Hanukkah has already begun and Christmas is right around the corner….ready yet?

If you are like many Long Islanders, pressed for time, money and ideas, and tired of the holiday shopping frenzy, here are some ideas for last-minute-gifts. Happy Shopping and Happy Holidays!

Hit Some Local Shops:

Lola’s Gifts
451 Route 25a
Miller Place, NY 11764
(631) 509-1554

Lola’s has a wide variety of merchandise including trendy clothing and jewelry, children’s gift items, cards, candy, and home décor.

Pocketbooks are on sale for 15 % off.

Record Stop
279 Portion Road
Lake Ronkonkoma, NY 11779
(631) 585-3294

A great independent music store, Record Stop sells CD’s for under $10. This is not just a sale-this is their regular price- all the time. Bruce Berg has owned Record Stop for 35 years and when I asked him why shop his store rather than a large retailer he said, “Service, price and selection of music is our niche. We have what you can’t find elsewhere and if we don’t have it, we can special order it -with one day service”.

If you can’t decide exactly what to buy among the store’s 15,000 plus CD’s, gift certificates are always available.

Shop Online…With a Local Business:

Ornament Express
17 Demont Street
Smithtown, NY
www.ornamentexpress.com

Owned by the former proprietors of popular gift shop “Bath Beautiful” in Smithtown, Ornament Express is definitely more than just holiday decorations. In addition to the extensive variety of personalized ornaments available, other made to order items such as rocking horses, banks, room signs and bath robes are popular gifts. Ornaments are reasonably priced- starting at $8.95 each. Shipping is free when you order five or more and delivery is guaranteed by Christmas for any orders received by December 20.

Athena Diamond, Inc.
7 Flowerfield
St. James, NY
(631) 862-1322
www.athenadiamond.com

Looking for authentic Greek seasonings, dip mixes, or desserts? An olive oil that is used by fine restaurants throughout Long Island? Gourmet gift baskets, aprons, wine glasses and charms? Athena Diamond is the online place to shop. “We specialize in our olive oil but also offer wedding favors, gift baskets and corporate gifts,” says Athena. Her apparel line is currently available in select boutiques; online purchases will soon be available.

Not Your Run-of-the-Mill Gift Certificates:

Energy Fitness
556 Route 25a
St. James, NY 11780
(631) 862-1737
www.energy-difference.com

Energy has everything a fitness buff could want-state of the art workout equipment, a wide variety of classes, personal training, and child care. Gift cards can be purchased for any amount, for example new members can get one month and four personal training sessions for $99, or a five-pack of personal training sessions for $199.

Guitar Asylum
451 Route 25a
Miller Place, NY
(631) 474-7457
www.guitarasylum.com

Want to buy a memorable gift for a musician-in-training? Guitar lessons at the Asylum are $20 per half hour; gift certificates can be purchased directly online for lessons or merchandise.

Book Revue
313 New York Avenue
Huntington, NY 11743
(631) 271-1442
www.bookrevue.com

Help one of your reader-friends make a purchase at one of the largest independent bookstores in the country with a gift certificate to this fabulous store. Located in the heart of Huntington Village, in addition to an extensive selection of reading materials, Book Revue frequently holds book-signings with well known authors.

Fun and Free Things to Do In August

(Long Island, N.Y.) With one more month of Summer 2009, many of us are scrambling to do all those summertime activities we will miss come September. Here are some great (mostly) free things to do in August:

Go to an Outdoor Concert:

Smithtown Library Family Summer Concert Series: From Motown to Beatles to Four Seasons cover bands, you are bound to find a style of music the whole family will enjoy…Concerts are on Thursday nights in August on the library lawn. Bring your own blankets and chairs!

Smithtown Library
1 North Country Road
Smithtown
www.smithlib.org

Town of Hempstead Neighborhood Concert Series: Tribute and country bands play at 8 pm at varying locations. Visit www.toh.li or call (516) 292-9000 x382 for more info.

Entertain the Kids:

McNulty’s Ice Cream Shop Monday Kids Character Nights: DJ music and character appearances start at 7:00 every Monday. August 3rd will feature Dorothy the Dinosaur, August 10th is Buzz Lightyear, August 17th will be Care Bears, and August 24th is SpongeBob SquarePants. Ice cream parlor open 11 am till 11 pm daily.

McNulty’s Ice Cream
153 North Country Road
Miller Place
(631) 474-3543

Brookhaven Wildlife and Ecology Center: Free zoo located in Holtsville. Visit mountain lions, goats, ducks and other wildlife. Open 9 am till 4 pm seven days a week.

Buckley Road, Holtsville, (631) 758-9664, www.brookhaven.org

Free Movie Mornings: Free G and PG movies at 10 am each Tuesday and Wednesday through mid-August at participating Regal Theatres. www.regmovies.com
•Deer Park Stadium 16, 455 Commack Road, (631) 243-4584
•Ronkonkoma Stadium 9, 565 Portion Road, (631) 580-9707
•Westbury Stadium12, 7000 Brush Hollow Road, (516) 333-0055

Act Like a Tourist:

Visit Port Jefferson Harbor: This historic seaport village is located approximately 56 miles east of New York City on Suffolk County’s north shore. In addition to the fine shopping and dining Port Jeff offers, visitors can enjoy walking along the docks and catching movies and concerts on the Harborfront Park Lawn. The Village Center offers many fun and educational programs such as yoga, dancing and meditation without any residency restrictions. www.portjeff.com

Hit the Beaches: Crab Meadow Beach in Northport is a great one for families; there is a playground, a picnic area, and nearby La Casa Café for a snack. 261-7574 for more info.

Cupsogue Beach in Westhampton is another favorite. Fun, family-oriented beach on Moriches Inlet. (631) 852-8111 for more info.

Robert Moses on Fire Island has everything from surfing, boogie boarding and fishing areas to miniature golf and playgrounds. Visit www.nysparks.com or call (631) 669-0470 for more info.

“Great American Bake Sale” Sunday July 12 at 11:00 AM

I recently caught up with Jacqueline Malenda who, along with her sister Lauren Malenda and cousin Debbie Rosengard, is hosting a “Great American Bake Sale”. For those of you not familiar with these events, touted on the Food Network, these bake sales are sponsored by the organization “Share Our Strength”. 100% of the proceeds from “Share Our Strength” events are used to distribute meals to children all over the United States. All funds raised by this event will be used for children right here on Long Island. Ms. Malenda was kind enough to give me the scoop on this event:

What made you want to host a “Great American Bake Sale”?
From Left to Right: Jacqueline Malenda, along with her cousin Debbie Rosengard, and sister Lauren Malenda.
My cousin saw it advertised during a Food Network program and asked me and my sister if we would be interested. We all thought it was a great idea and began planning the sale in April. We all realize that childhood hunger is a persistent issue, but that during a recession the problem worsens. We want to do whatever we can to make a difference in the lives of hungry children.

I am sure many people would be surprised to learn that there are children going hungry in an area like Long Island.

We were shocked to find out how many children on Long Island alone go hungry. Most people would hardly guess that there are so many, knowing that Long Island is generally a prosperous place. Upon further investigation with “Share Our Strength”, we learned that just $35 feeds a child three meals a day for over a month.

What kind of donations or help are you looking for?

We are accepting both monetary donations which can be made in the form of cash at the bake sale, a check made out to “Share Our Strength”, or via PayPal on our website www.cousinsbakesale.webs.com We are also accepting donated baked goods, especially pies and cakes, and items to be raffled off, such as baskets and gift certificates to local businesses. For anyone who would like to make a donation under the name of their business, their business name will be prominently displayed at the sale!

Can people just bring donated baked goods right to the sale or should you be contacted first?

We would prefer to be contacted ahead of time via email, but if someone brings something at the last second we will not turn it away!

What else can we expect to see at the sale?

There will be baked goods as well as healthier choices such as fruits, cold beverages and coffee, raffles, a cookie decorating table for the children, face painting, and more. It will be an overall family fun day for a great cause and a great chance to meet members of our community!

OK… Where and When?

Our “Great American Bake Sale” will be held on Sunday July 12 at 11:00 am, at the corner of Route 25A and August Street, behind Capital One Bank, in East Setauket. Admission is free.

For more information: www.cousinsbakesale.webs.com
For donations or to contact hosts: cousinsbakesale@gmail.com
“Share Our Strength”: www.strength.org
“Great American Bake Sales”: www.greatamericanbakesale.org

Local Resident Needs Our Help

While researching upcoming events “to do” on Long Island, I came across one I felt compelled to write about. I learned that local wife and mother of four Debra McCabe is fighting against a life threatening bone marrow stem cell disorder-and she needs as much help as she can get.

“My dad, brothers, sister and I are asking for your help to save our mother, Debra. She is our mother, a wife, and a woman who has so much more to live for. We, the McCabe family, would like to ask for your help in giving us the opportunity to grow old with her. Register as a bone marrow donor and possibly save her life and the lives of thousands of others who need to find their match. Reach into your hearts and understand that she is not just a woman who needs help. She is more,” said Billy, Debra’s oldest son.

On June 20 at Prince of Peace Regional School in Sayville, a bone marrow donor drive is being held in Debra’s honor. DKMS Americas, an organization that matches donors and patients and educates the public about leukemia and other blood cancers, is organizing the event. Here they hope to find a match for Debra as well as for thousands of others.

DKMS is the largest bone marrow donor center in the world with nearly 2 million registered donors. Since its founding in 1991, DKMS has facilitated more than 17,000 transplants.

Debra was diagnosed with a rare blood disease-Myelopdysplastic Syndrome-which can potentially develop into leukemia. Her only chance for survival is a bone marrow transplant.

That’s where we Long Islanders come in. At the school on Saturday June 20, DKMS representatives would do a simple cheek swab, ask about your general health, and if you are found to be a match, additional testing on an outpatient basis would be arranged. So, if you are between 18 and 55 and are in good general health, please stop by to register as a donor.

You just may be able to save Debra.

Where: Bone Marrow Donor Drive
Prince of Peace Regional School
200 Main Street
Sayville, NY 11782

Five Things to Do During Memorial Day Weekend

Ah, Memorial Day. The old summer kick-off. Weather permitting -you never know how it’s going to be lately here on Long Island-there are a bunch of things you can do to get in the summer spirit as well as honor those who sacrificed themselves for our country.

Here are five fun ideas:

* Brookhaven Fair
•When: May 22 through June 7
•Where: Bald Hill in Farmingville
•What: Rides, attractions, games, circus, fireworks and more

For More Info: www.brookhavenfair.com or call 631-732-4011

* Memorial Day Weekend Festival
• When: May 21 through May 25
•Where: behind the Tri-County Flea Market in Levittown
•What: carnival rides and games. Insider tip: half-price wristbands can be purchased in advance at Astoria Federal Bank branches, at Levittown Lanes Bowling Alleys and at Fatty Malone’s Bar in Levittown

For More Info: call 516-520-8000

* Bethpage Federal Credit Union Air Show
•When: May 23 and May 24
•Where: Jones Beach
•What: Civilian and military air performances. Headlining this year will be the United States Air Force Thunderbirds and new to the show will be the Canadian Air Force Snowbirds. A representative from the Long Island State Parks Department added there would be food and merchandise vendors and displays, and that the best fields to park at are Fields 4 and 5.

For More Info: www.jonesbeachairshow.com or call 631-321-3510

* Memorial Day Parades
•When: May 25
•Where: Hicksville, East Meadow, Centereach, Holbrook and Smithtown to name a few towns holding their annual parades.
•What: Traditional marching parades

For More Info: Contact your local Chamber of Commerce

* Long Island Museum’s “Growing Up on Long Island” Exhibit
•When: Now through October 25
•Where: Long Island Museum, Main Street in Stony Brook
•What: Photographs, artifacts and interviews of Long Islanders from all walks of life; from celebrities to everyday folks about their childhoods on Long Island.

For More Info: www.longislandmuseum.org or call 631-751-0066

Green Stuff to Do – Celebrate Earth Day

I recently received an email from Gail Roca, owner of The Kids Kloset in West Islip, describing her company. “Our goals are to help people earn money in these tough economic times, recycle goods they would otherwise fill the landfills with, and promote the cause to resell, reuse, and recycle”, she says.

With the current state of our economy and in the spirit of Earth Day (Wednesday April 22), her three “R’s” are right on the money. The Kids Kloset holds consignment sales where gently used children’s clothing, shoes, toys, accessories, furniture and more are sold for a fraction of the retail cost.

To sell items, consigners sign up online at the Kids Kloset website (www.thekidskloset.com), print out bar coded price tags for each item, attach the tags on their stuff and drop it all off to be sold. The Kids Kloset folks (and their many volunteers!) sell the merchandise and give the consigners a check. “Earn some extra cash while helping recycle at the same time!”

Check it out the Kids Kloset Spring/Summer Sale, and other Earth Day events, happening all around Long Island:

April 19

Mount Sinai Heritage Trust’s “Earth Day Celebration”
The Heritage Trust and Sierra Club will be giving presentations and tours of the (green) heritage building, discussing alternative ways to use energy. The kids will love playing at the adjoining North Shore Heritage Park a/k/a “The Wedge”-two huge playgrounds with a surrounding walking/cycling path.
(631) 509-0882
www.msheritagetrust.org

Riverhead’s “Earth Day Festival”
This event will be held from 10 am till 4 pm at Indian Island County Park, Route 105 in Riverhead. According to Emily Laurie, Community Relations Director of Suffolk County Parks, the 3rd annual festival has free admission and free parking, and there will be “fly-fishing and kayaking demonstrations, build-your-own pine cone bird feeders, great hands-on exhibits and face painting.”
(631) 854-4949
www.suffolkparksfoundation.org

Long Island Game Farm’s “Grand Opening and Earth Day Celebration”
Learn about the environment, enjoy earth-friendly activities, and visit your favorite animals as the Game Farm’s 39th season begins.
(631) 878-6644
www.longislandgamefarm.com

April 25

Tanger Outlets at The Arches in Deer Park “Tanger Style for a Greener World”
From 10 am till 2 pm learn tips to save energy and water; first 500 shoppers to visit the Piazza will receive a free tree to plant at home; beginning April 20 shoppers who spend at least $175 will receive a free tote-bag (while supplies last).
(631) 242-0239
www.tangeroutlet.com/deerpark

April 25 – 26

The Kids Kloset Spring/Summer Sale
Event will be held at Deer Park Community Center, 41 Homer Avenue, Deer Park
Admission is free.
For more information call (631) 838-7914
www.thekidskloset.com

April 25 – 26

“Heckscher State Park Spring Festival”
This festival is “a celebration of Earth Day with pony rides, environmental crafts, inflatable slides, free seed-planting and displays from various environmental organizations” says a representative from the LI State Parks Department.
11 am till 4 pm
Heckscher State Park
East Islip
(631) 321-3510
www.nysparks.state.ny.us

May 2

Town of Islip’s “Annual Earth Day Celebration”
Festival features live music, educational demonstrations, clowns and animal exhibits.
11 am till 4 pm at Gillette Park, 115 Gillette Avenue, Islip
(631) 224-5485

Eggs and Bunnies and Festivals Oh My

Easter is right around the corner and spring is (sort of) in the air…have you taken your kids on any egg hunts yet? Visited the Easter Bunny?

There’s a lot to do around Long Island to celebrate the season, so, as the ol’ rabbit would say, hop to it!

•What: Patchogue’s 10th Annual Bunny Run and Egg Hunt
• Where: Father Tortora Park, Central Avenue & Third Street in Patchogue
•When: Saturday April 11 at 2 pm
• Who: Kids ages 4-10
• How Much: Free
• Why: To hunt for eggs, of course. Kids can also win prizes and first 100 get goody bags.
• More Info: Patchogue Parks & Recreation Department (631) 475-4302
www.patchoguevillage.org

• What: Bagels With the Bunny
• Where: Patchogue Fire Department
• When: Saturday April 11 from 9 to 11 am
• Who: All ages welcome
• How Much: $5 each
• Why: To share bagels, donuts and juice with the Easter Bunny (BYOC—Bring your own camera), win mystery prizes inside eggs ($1 per egg), and support fundraising efforts for new handicapped-accessible playground at Shorefront Park. Lu-Ann Ladigano of Patchogue Parks & Recreation Department reminds us to make reservations ahead of time, as space for this popular breakfast is limited!
• More Info: Patchogue Parks & Recreation Department (631) 475-4302
www.patchoguevillage.org

•What: Bideawee Eggstravaganza and Photos with the Easter Bunny
• Where: 118 Old Country Road, Westhampton
• When: Saturday April 11 from 11 am to 3 pm
• Who: Families and PETS of all ages welcome
• How Much: Free (donations welcome!)
• Why: To egg hunt and take pictures with the bunny! Egg hunt begins at 11; person with the most eggs collected wins a Bideawee Easter Basket. Photo session begins at 12; pets must be on leash or in a carrier.
• More Info: (631) 325-0200 x118 www.bideawee.org

•What: Easter Egg Hunt and Spring Festival
• Where: Tanger Outlets at the Arches, Deer Park
• When: Saturday April 11 from 9 am to 2 pm
• Who: All ages welcome
• How Much: Free
• Why: Egg hunt begins promptly at 9 at the center piazza fountain. Then enjoy face painting, arts and crafts, and “golden eggs” with prizes inside.
• More Info: (631) 667-0600 www.tangeroutlet.com

•What: Photos with the Easter Bunny
• Where: Simon Malls-Smith Haven, Roosevelt Field, The Source and Walt Whitman Malls
• When: Now through April 11
• Who: All ages welcome
• How Much: Visits are free; picture prices vary depending on package chosen
• Why: Get a remembrance photo of your child’s Easter Bunny visit!
• More Info: www.simon.com

•What: Bunny Breakfast
• Where: Vanderbilt Planetarium, Centerport
• When: Saturday April 11 at 9 am; special planetarium show at 10:15
• Who: All ages
• How Much: Adults: $30; Children: $18
• Why: Enjoy an egg hunt, decorating contests and pictures with Bunny and Lil’ Chick. Seating limited; advance reservations required by phone or email.
• More Info: (631) 854-5579 www.vanderbiltmuseum.org

•What: Easter Egg Spectacular
• Where: White Post Farms, 250 Old Country Rd, Melville
• When: Sunday April 5 and Saturday April 11 from 11 am to 4:30 pm (egg hunts every 45 minutes) and Sunday April 12 till 3 pm
• Who: All ages
• How Much: $8 admission fee ($2 coupons on website) Craft prices additional (see website)
• Why: Visit with the bunny, cookie and (super sized!) egg crafts, plus all of the other cool stuff to do at White Post-pony and train rides and animals galore.
• More Info: (631) 351-9373 www.whitepostfarms.com