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At Nichole Flores’ Hempstead home, she and her kids, Valentina, 5, Adam, 9, and Maricela, 11, are watching a movie, alternating between cuddling up and getting up to dance and sing. They know every move and every word. "This is us like almost every night," says Maricela, in between scenes on the big screen TV. 
And the movie almost every night? "Encanto," a life-affirming, family-affirming, Latinx-affirming movie from Walt Disney Animation Studios. 
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Since the movie opened in theaters and on Disney+ in November, it has become a big hit, especially with Latinx families like the Flores, not just for its earworm songs "We Don’t Talk About Bruno" and "Dos Oruguitas" by Lin-Manuel Miranda, but also for the groundbreaking ways it portrays Latinx families on screen. 
Mirabel Madrigal is an unlikely Disney princess: a brown girl with glasses instead of a tiara, unruly black curls instead of flowing long locks, no skinny waist and not waiting for a prince to rescue her. She is the central character and the only ordinary member of an extraordinary family with magical gifts living in an enchanted town in the Colombian mountains called Encanto. The enchantment is dying and Mirabel is trying to save it. She discovers that gifts can be weighty and that the key to healing both magic and family rifts is to tell the truth and trust one another. <a data-onecms-id="contentid/storywidget.1.50504160" data-onecms-type="storywidget" href="#/content/contentid/storywidget.1.50504160">Story Widget Link</a>
 
Mirabel’s extended family comes in a wide spectrum of skin colors, shapes, and sizes, much like Long Island Latino families. Nichole Flores, whose household includes Puerto Rican, African American, Dominican, and Salvadoran roots, was charmed from the start. 
"We watched Disney movies all the time, but the families never looked like ours," she says. "All of a sudden, my 5-year-old is saying, ‘They have my skin color and their hair looks like mine.’ After the show, all of my kids identified who they were in the movie. They saw their story and picked out a part for themselves. That was powerful." 
The Madrigals home is an animated casita of magical realism with traditional tiles and woodwork, where Mirabel’s mother churns out healing home-cooked perico (scrambled eggs with tomato and green onions), arepas (cornmeal cakes) and buñuelos (fried dough) that the whole family sits together to eat. While it is set in Colombia, the setting is instantly familiar to Latinos from across the Americas. 
For Nayeli Calle-Sosa, 37, of East Meadow, mother of a 3-year-old, the wholesome depiction of a Latinx family is uplifting. She notes that the matriarch in "Encanto" suffered displacement and loss during civil war, and still needs to process her trauma. Calle-Sosa, a social worker whose own parents are Colombia and Peruvian says, "This movie does give the trauma history, but violence is not the center of the story; healing is the center and the healing comes through relationships."
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"Encanto" also connects children with Latino culture. 
Inés Yazbek from Ecuador and her husband Rigo Acosta from Honduras, came to the United States 20 years ago. Today, the couple live in Westbury with their two children, Milton, 9, and Luisa, 5. "My son is completely bilingual," says Yazbek, 45, a wedding planner. "He has always liked Hispanic things. But my daughter was kind of indifferent. When we went to see the movie, she turned to me and said, in Spanish, ‘Look mami! The braids are just like mine!’" Since then, Luisa wears authentic Ecuadorian clothing, and plays nonstop with a toy casita and her namesake doll, Luisa, the strong sister from the movie. "I tried so hard to give her our culture, but it was the movie that transformed her," says Yazbek. 
Katherine Magalhaes, 33, of Old Westbury, says the transformation for her Colombian-Portuguese daughters, ages 4, 6, and 7, was in their relationships with non-Hispanic kids. "The girls were so excited to be able to see and share the movie and our culture with their friends," she says. 
<h3>LI TALKS ABOUT 'ENCANTO'</h3> 
The Madrigals may not talk about Bruno, but Long Island Latinos are talking about "Encanto." 
Dorothy Santana, founder and president of community group Latina Moms Connect, says LMC’s 1,000 followers blew up their Facebook page with postings about it. And not just about their kids. The movie is striking a chord with parents, too. They recognize their own family dynamics in the interplay of the characters: the forbidding matriarch, the eldest sister shouldering too many burdens, the strains of being the perfect daughter. 
"The grandmother, that matriarch, is very common in our communities, but also seeing her vulnerability and being apologetic because of how she carried things out; I was really touched by that and how Mirabel forgave her because of all the trials the grandmother had been through," says Santana, whose mom is Colombian. 
To extend the conversation, LMC is hosting an online discussion about "Encanto" on March 3. Leading the conversation will be Dr. Karen Caraballo, a Long Island-based bilingual, bicultural clinical psychologist. Dr. Caraballo, born in Puerto Rico, will address some of the major undercurrents of the movie, such as multigenerational trauma, the importance of representation, migration, acculturation and mental health. "Latina girls and nonbinary Latina girls have the highest rates of suicidal ideation among minority groups," she says. "It is so important that they know that they belong. This kind of movie makes them feel seen, heard and understood. It also gives them a topic to connect with others and to initiate conversation." 
For girls like Maricela, though the movie is entertainment, it also provides a vision of themselves that their mothers did not have growing up. "My favorite song is when Isabela (the perfect sister) sings ‘What Else Can I Do?’" Maricela says. "She embraced her true self and when I am with my friends singing I feel like I can too."

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We don't talk about Bruno, but Long Island Latinos can't stop talking about 'Encanto'

We don't talk about Bruno, but LI Latinos can't stop talking about 'Encanto'

Disney's latest film, "Encanto," is connecting with Long Island Colombian families like the Magalhaes family in Old Westbury. Their three daughters are obsessed with the movie and toys associated with the film.


LI families captivated by Disney's 'Encanto'

Newsday

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Beth Whitehouse

Dinosaurs are set to invade Nassau Coliseum from Feb. 19 to 21. 
Jurassic Quest, which pivoted to an outdoor attraction during its pandemic visit to Long Island in 2020, is bringing its more than 70 animatronic dinosaurs indoors once again. 
Visitors will see a T-Rex, triceratops, stegosaurus, apatosaurus, spinosaurus and even a sharklike megalodon. A velociraptor is covered with feathers and the size of a turkey. The creatures roar, move, open their mouths, and blink their yellow eyes. Dino trainers may wander the arena, and visitors may meet babies hatched at Jurassic Quest: Cammie the Camarasaurus, Tyson the T-Rex and Trixie the Triceratops. 
Participants can also take "The Quest," an educational and entertaining journey through the exhibit that’s included with admission. It has visitors taking a dino photo, searching for fossils and more. The 10 clues bring players to the "Quest Spot" to collect a prize. 
Tickets are $26 for kids 2 to 12 and adults, $19 for seniors ages 65 and older, and free for children younger than 2. Tickets are for a timed arrival window to control capacity, and advance ticket purchase is encouraged. Guests can walk through the experience at their own pace, and strollers are permitted. 
Some rides and activities require tickets available on site, or guests can upgrade to the Kids Unlimited Rides ticket for $41, which includes admission. Souvenir photography and animal art tattoos are available at a separate cost. Attractions are subject to change based on local government COVID protocols.

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Jurassic Quest dino event comes to Nassau Coliseum

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February break from school is a few short days away — making it the perfect time for a staycation splurge. Here are five ways to while away the week. 
<h3>Host a private movie screening — or video game showdown</h3> 
Several Long Island movie theaters offer the option of renting out a theater for a watch party. Regal Ronkonkoma and Regal Deer Park each offer a private screening for up to 20 friends and family members for $199 (<a href="https://www.regmovies.com/static/en/us/private-watch-party">regmovies.com/static/en/us/private-watch-party</a>). The Malverne Cinema and Art Center and the Bellmore Movies and The Showplace each rent a theater for $250 for up to 20 people, with popcorn and soda included. Malverne and Bellmore also offer the option of hooking up an Xbox to the big screen and projecting it for players to compete in video games for $175 for two hours (516-783-3199 and ask for Angela). 
<h3>Play simulated golf — or baseball or football</h3> 
Rent a private suite that accommodates 10 family members or friends at Simplay in Hauppauge. A 20-foot screen lets players compete in 14 different ways. "You can kick a soccer ball into a net on goalie, you could hit a baseball, you can kick a field goal," says partner Chris Drago. "You can actually play 87 PGA-rated golf courses, including Pebble Beach and Bethpage Black."
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Simplay provides all equipment except golf clubs with the suite fee of $125 per hour with a two-hour minimum; bring your own clubs or rent a set for $10. In addition to the virtual play screen, suites have a variety of amenities such as a TV, couch, fireplace and/or dartboard. Order food and drink a la carte from the venue’s menu; 180 Commerce Drive, Hauppauge; 631-617-6363, <a href="https://simplayny.com/">simplayny.com</a>. 
<h3>Get into the swim of things</h3> 
Pack up the overnight bags and check into a hotel with an indoor pool. The Hilton Long Island/Huntington, for instance, has a dedicated pool area with foliage, lounge chairs and floor-to-ceiling windows. There’s also a hot tub. The Nisi restaurant off the hotel’s lobby offers Mediterranean fare and the hotel’s lobby restaurant offers a breakfast buffet. There’s even Starbucks grab-and-go for Mom and Dad. Rooms start at $129 per night. 598 Broadhollow Rd., Melville; 631-845-1000, <a href="https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/isphhhf-hilton-long-island-huntington/?SEO_id=GMB-HI-ISPHHHF">hiltonlongisland.com</a>. 
<h3>Talk to the animals</h3> 
The Long Island Game Farm in Manorville offers private VIP tours of the park on weekends, led by a game farm educator. "We usually start off with meeting our zebras. They can pet them, they can take pictures with them. You get to touch the zebras," says director Melinda Novak. The tour continues with the emus and the lemurs. "Along the way we’re visiting sheep and donkeys," Novak says. Then visitors feed grain to the deer, bottle-feed the goats and feed and pet the wallabies. The tour is $250 for four people and $50 for each additional person, capped at six people unless the tourgoers are all family members, Novak says. It takes 60 to 90 minutes. "If it’s really cold, we go into the office and have some hot chocolate," Novak says. 489 Chapman Blvd., Manorville; 631-878-6644; <a href="https://www.longislandgamefarm.com/">longislandgamefarm.com</a>. 
<h3>Venture into the deep</h3> 
Go underwater at the Long Island Aquarium with its Shark Dive experience. Don a full face mask and a scuba suit, enter the steel cage, and be lowered into the 120,000-gallon shark tank with four circling sand tiger sharks, four nurse sharks and one woebegone shark.
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Two people can go down at a time with a dive master. The experience begins at 11 a.m. in a group for safety briefing, and then each person is assigned a time to return to spend 20 minutes underwater. While awaiting their turns, participants can enjoy the aquarium exhibits. Cost is $195 per person, plus aquarium admission of $39.99 per adult 13 to 61, $27.99 children 3 to 12 and $29.99 for ages 62 and older. Each participant gets a souvenir beach towel, a shark’s tooth, and a photo in the scuba suit. They can also borrow a GoPro to take video of their experience. Participants need a negative Covid test within 72 hours or proof of vaccination; dives are offered Fridays through Sundays. 431 E. Main St., Riverhead; 631-208-9200, <a href="https://www.longislandaquarium.com/">longislandaquarium.com</a>.

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Ways to splurge without leaving Long Island this February break

Ways to splurge without leaving LI this February break

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When plans for her daughter’s 7th birthday blowout in January had to be switched because of the pandemic, Syosset mom Sloane Grober shifted to a family-only backup plan. Her revised strategy: Dome is where the heart is. 
"I rented an igloo," says Grober, 32, who consults for Blue Jean Baby, a kids clothing store in Woodbury. "We set it up in our backyard and used it for a family movie night. It was very cool." It was actually toasty warm for birthday girl Hunter and her sisters, Harlow, 4, and Hayden, 1. The furnished shiver-proof shelter leased from Long Island Igloos featured a TV, a popcorn machine – and a heater.
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"When life hands you lemons, make frozen lemonade," says Grober, whose save-the-day solution is directly right on trend. Out-of-the-box party experiences are more popular than ever. "We’re trying to make things memorable, so our kids don’t just remember the masks," she says. 
Long Island party pros and parents share hot themes and trends in 2022 – looking at you Spider-Man and TikTok – that are out there ready to make kids’ celebrations unforgettable, even if its Plan B. 
<h3>SWEET DREAMS </h3> 
Roni Gaon, 36, a party planner with three daughters who worked with Grober on an Oktoberfest-themed gathering for Hayden last fall, predicts slumber parties will be in vogue. "Everyone wants to party at home," she says. 
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For her daughter Maddyn’s 6th birthday, she created a basement spa at her home in Woodbury. Girls snoozed (and giggled) in teepees, pampered themselves with mini-makeovers, crafted dreamcatchers, and, of course, sampled irresistible desserts. The special delights, she says, "are about amazing decor, attention to detail and fun activities for the kids." 
<h3>JUST BEACHY</h3> 
Look for some kids’ celebrations to be held in summer, whether their birthdays fall then or not. Outdoors is still where people want to party, says Andrea Correale, owner of Elegant Affairs in Glen Cove. 
Transforming a backyard into a beach is a growing trend. Fill inflatable kiddie pools with sand and you’ve got the makings of a spot to build sandcastles. Colorful beach balls offer thematic hues for decorations. "You can press little sandwiches out of seashell cookie cutters," Correale says. "Customized beach towels are great giveaways for kids to take home." 
<h3>ROYAL TREATMENT</h3> 
Every kid wants to feel like royalty on their birthday. Princesses will continue to reign as a trend this year. Islip mom Kerry Sluker, 40, who’s in advertising sales, gave 4-year-old daughter Juliette the royal treatment at her birthday bash. The backyard tent party would’ve roused Sleeping Beauty from her nap.
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The decor was pretty in pink. The cake was an edible castle. Two entertainers in regal garb set the mood. Cake pops were capped with a candy crown. "The princess theme really popped," says Shira Bush, 39, a Westchester-based planner who handled the party and often works on Long Island. "There should be no question of what the theme is." 
<h3>ANIMAL MAGNETISM</h3> 
"Parents are super into celebrating as we move ahead in 2022," says Bush. "So many have said, ‘My kids missed out last year.’ " Animals loom large trend-wise – from woodland critters to barnyard cuties to mythical beasts. "Unicorns are always big," says Bush. 
<h3>FLICK PICKS</h3> 
If your Spidey senses suggest that a certain web-slinger is trendier than ever, they’re right. Following the $1 billion-plus success of "Spider-Man: No Way Home" the party popularity of Peter Parker’s alter ego is set to soar. 
Sara Caiola, owner of Lavender Cupcakery &amp; Dessert Shoppe in Hauppauge, has whipped the character into celebration-ready cakes and cookies. "Spider-Man has always been popular," she says, adding that the new hit flick has amped that up. Super Mario, Sonic the Hedgehog and mermaids "are always in." 
LMNO Party Planning in Babylon expect that Spider-Man will have company when it comes to party requests. "It’s not just one superhero but the whole team," says co-owner Nicole Rosales. That includes the Hulk, Captain America, Superman, Batman and others.
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"Encanto" is another hit movie party planners expect to translate into party trends. That owes not just to the charm of the animated film, but "We Don’t Talk About Bruno," a breakout song. "I just got a request for large letter balloons spelling out Bruno," says Laurie Ferrara, who runs Balloons by Laurie. 
<h3>CANDY IS DANDY</h3> 
By all accounts, moms and dads are planning far in advance for 2022 parties – and the year is going to be sweet. Ask Elli Krempa, 39, co-owner of Koukla Children's Boutique in Bellmore, whose daughter, Nikoletta, turns 4 this summer. In January, she booked a party at a steakhouse with an outdoor patio. 
The theme is Candy Land. "She loves cotton candy, Swedish fish, ring pops, she loves it all." For a day, she’ll indulge in the sugar rush. 
<h3>FEELING GROOVY</h3> 
Tie-dye everything and hippie-happy Coachella will again be among top trends this year, party experts concur. TikTok will also lead the way. That was the original theme for Hunter Grober’s 7th birthday. And she’ll get to enjoy what had been planned – on her "half birthday" in July. 
The summer party is set to include "someone who specializes in TikTok dances to teach the girls some choreography," says Grober, adding that partygoers will also be spray painting sweatshirts. "It’s going to be fun. I love planning parties. These days you have to be on your toes."

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Don't miss out on another birthday: 6 ideas to make it work

Finding fun ways to celebrate winter birthdays can be tough enough without the added concern of keeping the family healthy and safe. These days, as smaller gatherings still dominate, party buses are becoming popular event settings for cautious friends and families. 
Locally owned buses bring salon and spa experiences, gaming trucks and much more to your front door. 
"We’ve had a crazy surge. People are interested in intimate gatherings with their family and friends who are around each other all the time," says Ritzy Glitzy Girls Party Bus owner Venetta Carraway. 
CEO of Game Over party bus, Alethia Daney, agrees. "It doesn’t have to be a birthday party. We had a party recently that a kid got as a Christmas gift. Parents have called and said they just want something for their kids to do. They go in on the price and have the game bus stop in front of their homes for a few hours so the kids can get together and have fun." 
The small party bus atmosphere also appeals to some parents "because they can control the environment and cleanliness," notes GameTruck national sales team manager Stacey Knight. GameTruck parties, which can accommodate up to 20 guests, have been recently downsized to no more than 10, Knight says. 
Find an at-home party bus that fits your party style: 
Call for COVID precautions currently in place, including vaccination, mask and occupancy policies. 
<h3>ADD A LITTLE BIT OF SPARKLE</h3> 
The Ritzy Glitzy Girls Party Bus brings to the birthday star's home a glamorous salon on wheels with mini pink seats, colored lights and more for a 90-minute gathering. Kids, ages 3 through 12, will get pampered with sparkled, neon-colored manicures and pedicures, cotton candy facials, makeup with heart-shaped rhinestones, rainbow hair extensions and glitter tattoos. 
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"Next, we roll out a pink carpet and do a fashion show," Carraway says. "The girls twirl, pose and take photos, and we end with a big dance party. We’ve had parties with four to six girls. Most parties have nine, and we have a maximum of 15. But no matter what the size, we bring the glam to you." 
DETAILS: 1990 Jericho Tpke., New Hyde Park; 646-696-4596; <a href="https://ritzyglitzygirlzclub.com/">ritzyglitzygirlzclub.com</a>; basic party package begins at $595 for 90 minutes. Staffers are required to wear masks; it is up to the parents discretion whether the children participating choose to do so. 
<h3>TRAVELING ARCADE</h3> 
On the gaming bus, eight, large game screens line the walls along with consoles and sofa seating. The kids get on, choose games, and play for nearly two hours. Music and laser lights set the scene, and dancing is encouraged. Kids can play all the latest games alone or with three or four players at a time. Game coaches help out on the bus. A large Connect 4 game and Jenga puzzle are set up outside for parents. Daney says parties these days typically max out at 10 kids, but the bus can be reserved for one or two players too. 
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DETAILS: Game Over; <a href="https://gameovergamebuses.com/">gameovergamebuses.com</a>; 646-499-0656; Basic party package begins at $495 for 1 hour 45 minutes.Staffers are required to wear masks; it is up to the parents discretion whether the children participating choose to do so. 
<h3>GLAM LIFE LUXURY PARTY </h3> 
This party bus is set up as a salon for kids. Girls get a makeover with glittery makeup and hair neon manicures. It goes on. There’s a costume box filled with princess gowns, tiaras, wands, plastic shoes, slippers and jewelry. Kids choose neon wigs to complement their costumes. 
Next, the girls put their phones on light ring stands and make TikTok-style videos. There’s also a mini video game section. Music plays throughout the event. Owner/manager Daniel Mercado describes the finale, "We turn the regular lights off, put the LED lights on and turn on karaoke." Brother Bus Extreme Game Zone can be booked along with the Glam Life bus. 
DETAILS: 11 Locust St., Valley Stream; 516-812-9094; <a href="https://nyglamlife.com/">nyglamlife.com</a>; basic party package: $549 for 90 minutes. Age range: 5-13. 
<h3>GAMING GALORE PLUS MORE</h3> 
Inside this climate-controlled gaming party bus called GameTruck, there’s comfy couch seating and five large screens. All games can be multiplayer. Sports games can have up to four players, Mario Cart and Super Smash Brothers can have up to eight. It’s a flexible environment. Kids can play all the latest games or spend the whole session playing Minecraft. Though birthday parties are popular, Knight says, "Your event doesn’t have to be a birthday celebration. We can have a gathering and call it an out-of-the-house day." 
Generally, the youngest party participants are about 6 years old, but GameTruck gatherings are also offered to teens, college students, for bachelorette parties, even retirement parties. "Sometimes, a parent will give a child a party as a reward for a good report card," Knight says. "During the Super Bowl, if the kids need something to do, we’ll come out and they can play during the game. Even if it’s a snow day, if we can get our crew to your location, we’ll be there." 
DETAILS: 866-253-3191; <a href="https://www.gametruckparty.com/long-island">gametruckparty.com/long-island</a>; call for price packages.

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4 buses that come to your house for smaller kid parties on Long Island

4 buses that come to your house for smaller kid parties on LI

The Ritzy Glitzy Girls Club party bus, seen here on Jan. 16, is set up like a little kid's spa -- very pink, with a throne for the birthday girl. It brings the party to you.


Ritzy Glitzy Girlz Club brings a pink spa party bus to your home

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Into every winter a little rain and snow must fall, but wet weather doesn’t have to throw cold water on a wintertime outing. Here are rainy day refuges where you can go ice-skating, seal-watching, star gazing or walkin’ through a winter wonderland even when the sun won't come out. 
<h3>Flowers bloom indoors at the Camellia House</h3> 
Winter is the only season the camellias bloom inside Planting Fields' heated greenhouse, which was built especially for the exotic subtropical plants by the original owners of the former estate. The peak bloom is mid-February, according to arboretum officials. 
With several hundred camellia trees and shrubs currently ablaze with pink, red, white and multihued flowers, the "blooms look as good as ever this season," says Michael Ahern, arboretum acting assistant director. Some of the camellia plants date to the original collection the Coe family imported in 1917 from the English island of Guernsey, according to Planting Fields. 
The camellias continue to bloom through March, according to arboretum officials. 
Need more botanical beauty? Planting Fields’ Main Greenhouse is also open for visitors to explore the arboretum’s collection of tropical plants. 
Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park, Oyster Bay, open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday to Sunday, 516-922-8600, <a href="https://parks.ny.gov/historic-sites/plantingfields">parks.ny.gov/historic-sites/plantingfields</a>; cars $8. 
<h3>Marine mammals at the Long Island Aquarium</h3> 
If rain cancels your seal hike, you can still flip over the frisky marine mammals that haul out daily in the 800-gallon pool outside the main entrance to the Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead. Rain or shine the two gray seals — 20-year-old Gray Beauty and Buddy Holly, a blind recently rescued one-year-old — swim and play alongside three harbor seals. 
The aquarium is also home to California sea lions, Java, Bunker, Lucy and Nila, who don’t spend their days just lion around. You can go nose to snout with them as they swim up to the underwater windows of their Sea Lion Coliseum habitat. They also gobble up attention — and fish — in training and feeding sessions held at their habitat throughout the day. 
431 E. Main St., Riverhead, 631-208-9200, <a href="https://www.longislandaquarium.com/">longislandaquarium.com</a>. Open year-round, weekdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekends 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Kids 2 and under free, ages 2-13, $27.99 per person, over 13, $39.99 per person. 
<h3>Gray skies clear at The Vanderbilt Museum Reichert Planetarium</h3> 
You can see beyond the clouds at Vanderbilt Planetarium shows. Current programs include the new "Exoplanets: Discovering New Worlds," which transports the audience to planets orbiting faraway stars and speculates on alien life; and "Night Sky, Live!," in which an astronomy educator leads a tour of the constellations, stars and celestial events seen in Long Island’s night sky. 
180 Little Neck Rd., Centerport, 631-854-5532, <a href="https://www.vanderbiltmuseum.org/vanderbilt-planetarium/show-schedule/">vanderbiltmuseum.org/vanderbilt-planetarium/show-schedule</a>. Free for members and kids under 2, $15 for seniors, $13 for kids 12 and under, $16 adults. 
Also Try: The Custer Institute and Observatory, 1115 Main Bayview Rd., Southold, 631-765-2626, <a href="https://custerobservatory.org/">custerobservatory.org</a>. On rainy days the year-round dusk-to-midnight Saturday Night Observing party moves indoors for guided tours of the observatory’s museum, which includes rare telescopes and a gift shop. Suggested donation is $5 for adults and $3 for children. 
<h3>Bring the ice indoors at Cantiague Park Ice Rink</h3> 
While America’s Olympians compete in the Beijing Game’s Ice Ribbon, Long Island’s Olympic hopefuls and other winter sports enthusiasts can perfect their figure eights and slap shots inside the county park’s own championship rink. 
Cantiague’s National Hockey League-regulation size, 200-foot-by-85-foot rink is a piece of Long Island history on ice. It was the practice arena for the New York Islanders from 1979 to 1992, years that included the then-Uniondale-based team’s run of four consecutive Stanley Cup wins from 1980 to 1983. Cantiague also hosted appearances by sports celebrities such as the NHL’s Eric Nystrom and American Olympic silver and bronze medalist figure skater Nancy Kerrigan. It’s currently the home rink of a figure skating club, Long Island high school and adult hockey leagues, according to county officials. 
480 W. John St., Hicksville, 516-571-7056, <a href="https://nassaucountyny.gov/2791/Cantiague-Park">nassaucountyny.gov/2791/Cantiague-Park</a>. Skate rentals available. Public skate sessions are $10 per resident; $15 per non resident. 
Also Try: Dix Hills Park Skating Rink, 575 Vanderbilt Pkwy., Dix Hills, 631-462-5883, sessions are limited to 150 skaters. Reserve and see rates at <a href="https://www.tohparks.net/wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/SPLASH.html">tohparks.net</a>. Designed like a ski lodge, the Town of Huntington rink features a pro shop, a skate-sharpening service, locker rooms and a food concession.

Recreation

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These rainy day escapes bring nature indoors on Long Island

These rainy, cold day escapes bring nature indoors on LI

The Planting Fields Arboretum in Oyster Bay, located on a former Gold Coast estate, offers two greenhouses, one of which features camellia flowers in bloom on trees and shrubs.


Planting Fields Arboretum offers an escape from the cold

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No parent would like to see their child’s head in the jaws of a dinosaur — unless, of course, it’s to take a fun photo with a T-Rex at the new dinosaur exhibit at the Long Island Children’s Museum in Garden City. 
"Age of the Dinosaurs" has brought lifelike animatronic dinosaurs roaming into the museum that move their heads, open their mouths and roar. Kids will see a Tyrannosaurus rex, a Protoceratops, an Apatosaurus, a Stegosaurus, a Chasmosaurus.
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"He loved, loved, loved it," says Kristy Imperiale, 39, a stay-at-home mother from Port Washington, of her son, Connor, 4. "He was touching the tongue; he was touching the teeth. My husband lifted him up to touch the scales." 
The museum expects the exhibit to be especially appealing to children ages 4 to 6, an age when dinosaurs are "wildly popular," says Maureen Mangan, director of communications. "There’s a period of time when kids are just fascinated by dinosaurs. They will correct you if you identify the wrong dinosaur or if you say the name wrong. It lets them really become the expert in the family." 
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Dinosaurs allow kids to start to understand the concepts of "long ago," and gets them thinking about shapes and sizes, says Aimee Terzulli, director of education. "It’s the first step when kids start to develop interests and hobbies, and it’s an early STEM pipeline activity," she says. 
Here are six ways families can learn more about the prehistoric animals — the exhibit will be at the museum until May 29 and is included with museum admission: 
See a flying creature: A Pteranodon with a 24-foot wingspan and orange beak meets visitors in the exhibit area as it hangs from the ceiling. "It’s one of the soaring reptiles," Mangan says. 
Visit creatures in their natural habitats: Some displays feature parents with baby dinosaurs and dinosaur eggs, and many have scenic backgrounds. For instance, an herbivore will be set with ground covering it would eat. "It’s an immersive experience," Mangan says. 
Learn how animatronics work. Visitors will see the interior of an enormous animatronic dinosaur and use a remote control to see how it moves a T-Rex head and neck. Julie An, 37, an administrative assistant from Little Neck, says that realism was something her daughter, Suah Bae, 5, loved. "She only learned about dinosaurs through a book. It was so exciting," An says. Her son, Eugene Bae, 3, was less enthusiastic, she says. "My son was a little scared. It looks real, they move even."
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Discover fossils, make rubbings and build a dinosaur. Hands-on activities let kids dig in the sand to uncover bones and visit a rubbing table to make a crayon rubbing to take home. They can also attach a head and tails to a dinosaur torso to create a creature. The hands-on activities were a highlight for Nora Bollus, 2, and her brother, Joseph, 5, who are from Massachusetts and were on Long Island to visit their maternal grandparents, says their mom, Kristin, 35. "They had really cool projects," Bollus says. 
Listen to dinosaur sounds. Kids can hear how scientists think dinosaurs roared or made other sounds based on their necks and heads. 
Engage in a workshop. Check the museum website for dates and times to create a dinosaur with a movable jaw (Dining Dinos), make a light-up jar with a prehistoric landscape and dinosaurs (Jurassic Jars), mold a clay fossil impression (Fascinating Fossil) or design a dinosaur hand puppet (Over the Top Triceratops Puppet). 
And of course, families can take fun photos; they are encouraged, Mangan says. In addition to the ability to pose in the jaw of a T-Rex, children can take a photo riding atop a triceratops. "She loved the dinosaur she could sit on," says Greg Michels, 41, a retired police officer from East Meadow, of his daughter, Gianna, 7. 
The exhibit is included with museum admission of $15 per adult or child older than 1, $14 for senior citizens. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends. The museum is at 11 Davis Ave., Garden City. 516-224-5800, <a href="https://www.licm.org/">licm.org</a>. All visitors must wear masks.

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"Age of the Dinosaurs" is a traveling exhibit that opened at the Long Island Children's Museum in Garden City on Saturday, Jan. 22.


Long Island Children's Museum traveling dino exhibit opens

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Dinosaur exhibit with lifelike T-Rex opens at the Long Island Children's Museum

Dinosaur exhibit with lifelike T-Rex opens at LI children's museum

The Long Island Children's Museum exhibition, "Age of the Dinosaurs," offers kids of all ages an introduction to science and animatronics. Newsday's Steve Langford reports.


Long Island

Long Island Children’s Museum presents dinosaur exhibit

Protoceratops and apatosaurus and stegosaurus, oh my!

You won’t find Elton John at Blue Jean Baby in Woodbury, but you will find lots of denim and a large array of clothes for tots and kids. 
"People come to me for something different," says owner Sydnie Goodman, who opened the shop in September. "They’re looking for that excitement, that boutique-y feel. I’m not doing basics; I’m not doing a full layette. People are coming to me for the fill-ins of the layette." 
The shop specializes in monogramming clothes, towels, blankets — anything for infants and toddlers except stuffed animals or other three-dimensional items. 
"That’s what keeps us a little separate from other stores," says Goodman of her monogramming, where the choices seem to be endless. "We have every color. We have script. We have lowercase script. We have bold letters. We could do whatever the customer wants." 
For clothes, you’ll find mostly European and Los Angeles brands, including fashions for infants and toddlers by Molo from Denmark, Petite Indi from Spain and Cozii and T2Love from Los Angeles. 
"You can leave my store with the most beautiful baby gift: with a monogrammed outfit and a hat and a blanket," says Goodman. "We can do themed gifts: rainbows, footballs." 
In addition to clothes, there are stuffed animals from Mon Ami, plush blankets from Barefoot Dreams and burp cloths, bibs, towels and blankets from 3 Marthas, Baby Jar and Winx + Blinx. 
Prices start at $25 for rattles, teethers and pacifier holders, and go up to $150 for a two-piece cashmere outfit. 
Blue Jean Baby is located at 8039 Jericho Turnpike in Woodbury. The store is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Noon to 4 p.m.; 516-584-6666; <a href="http://bluejeanbabyny.com">bluejeanbabyny.com</a>.

Fashion and Shopping

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Blue Jean Baby in Woodbury offers monogrammed clothing, more for kids 

Blue Jean Baby offers monogrammed clothing, more for kids 

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It’s the dead of winter, and the days can feel so routine. To the rescue is Wordle — a daily quest to decipher one five-letter word that is sweeping the nation. 
The internet word game craze (five letter word!) has caught Long Islanders in its grip, with many players interviewed saying they pick up their smartphones first thing in the morning eager (five letter word!) to conquer the day’s challenge. 
"It’s actually getting me out of bed because I’m so excited to play every day," says Laura Bratchie, 51, an office manager from East Northport. "I think we were all looking for something new and exciting in our lives. It’s become a competition between my husband and I. I have my son playing at college." 
Says Mary Ellen Barrett, 55, a magazine editor from Lindenhurst: "I do it in the morning before my day really gets started. I read the paper, drink my coffee, say my prayers and do my word game." 
The free game — the name rhymes with hurdle — has become so ubiquitous that a recent "Saturday Night Live" cold open featured a fictional former President Donald Trump playing, and talk show host Jimmy Fallon attempted Wordle live on his talk show. Loren Costello, 61, a retiree from Commack, saw Fallon’s effort. "I was like, ‘Dear God, everybody’s into this," she says. She says she understands why: "It’s short, it’s sweet, but it really gets you thinking."<a data-onecms-id="contentid/storywidget.1.50489789" data-onecms-type="storywidget" href="#/content/contentid/storywidget.1.50489789">Story Widget Link</a>
 
<h3>HOW IT WORKS</h3> 
Players have six guesses to hit on the day’s five-letter word. Every player that day is working toward the same word — one recent example: SUGAR. Each time a player inputs a guess to his or her grid, the game gives the player feedback that either indicates that letter is not in the word at all (by registering gray), is in the word but in a different position (by lighting up gold), or in the right spot (by turning green). 
Players then can post their day’s score on social media. Did it take them three guesses? Did they squeak by with six? Families, friends — they’re all competing for bragging rights as to who got the word with the fewest guesses. "A couple of teachers and I all have lunch together. The first thing we talk about is how many tries did it take you to get today’s word," says Gina Yakow, 46, of Northport. 
The beauty of the game, which seems reminiscent of hangman, is that there’s only one official word per day, so it isn’t a major time commitment, many players say. "If I sat there and did 10 in a row, I wouldn’t be interested the next day," says Bratchie’s husband, Brian, 50, who owns an IT business. (Although, don’t shoot the messenger, if you Google "Wordle archive," you’ll find a way to play as many past games as you want). Players also say they’re happy the free game is not an app that they need to download — it’s online at <a href="https://powerlanguage.co.uk/wordle/">powerlanguage.co.uk/wordle/.</a> 
<h3>SOCIAL MEDIA EXPLOSION</h3> 
When players share their score on Facebook or other sites, it shows up with their grid with the colored boxes — not the letters — filled in to show how may ties it took them. Social media is what fueled the fire, players say. 
"I got started because I was confused by all these boxes showing up on my Facebook and Twitter feed," says Eric Dobrin, 55, a personal financial advisor from Westbury. Echoes Jeanine Malon, 51, a school greeter from East Northport who often competes with her daughter, Sophia, 14: "I was like, ‘What the heck is this?" 
Malon says the game is expanding her family’s vocabulary. A recent word — KNOLL — was a tough one, Malon says. "That one just blew my mind." Sophia had to look it up to see that it means a small hill: "I’ll never use knoll in my lifetime," she predicts. Maybe it will come up on an SAT, her mom says. 
Knockoffs have also sprung up. David Balsamo, 47, a school administrator from East Northport, says he’s played Queerdle, an LBGTQ version of the game. "It’s kind of naughty and fun," he says. 
<h3>‘LIKE HITTING JACKPOT’</h3> 
Lisa Gibbs, 52, a business analyst from Northport, says getting the word right feels like playing a Las Vegas slot machine. "It’s an ‘Oh! I won the jackpot!’ type of feeling," she says. The first time she played, she got the word in two tries. "I couldn’t believe I actually got it in two. That was the last time I got it in two, by the way." 
How long does she think she’ll keep playing? She’s not sure. "I’m still playing Candy Crush, and I’ve been playing Candy Crush since 2012," she says. Wordle has proved a great escape, she says. "It’s something that kind of bonds everybody together in a nonpolitical way. I’m looking for more things like that in my life these days, to be honest with you."

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Tips for beating Wordle, the game your family can't stop playing 

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We're all spending more time at home these days, and while you may have tried and dropped several new hobbies as of late, there still may be one left you haven't tapped into in quite some time. A soon-to-be-completed model of a sports car, military tank, or even a robot, awaits you at Long Island's hobby shops. 
"Since the pandemic, the number of people who have gotten back into models is just unbelievable," says Steve Ford, the original owner of Willis Hobby Shop, which first opened on Long Island in 1949. "Adults come in saying they haven’t done this in 30 years but want to get back into it. It’s been a real boom."
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Recent sales at Willis Hobby, located in Mineola, and Bay Shore Hobby Shop cite that model building — involving kits with 20 to 500-plus pieces that when put together make a 3D creation — is making a comeback in the area. 
Bay Shore Hobby Shop co-owner Gabrielle Goldberg says customers have been coming in requesting help finding an activity to get them off their tablets and phones. "Grandpas come in with their children and say to them, 'When I was a little kid, I used to come here. Now, I'm bringing you.' " 
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Most model kits fall into the $20 to $45 range. More advanced models can cost as much as $400 and include motors and animatronic parts. Some more advanced models can take several days or weeks to complete. 
Some kids are building models to relieve stress. Johnny Zambrano, 11, of Brentwood, just put together a robot. "It was fun because I like how relaxing it is. I like to do it by myself," he says. 
Shane Brocking, 11, of Sound Beach creates models because it’s rewarding. He explains, "When you’re building a model, you might mess up and be annoyed. But when you’re done and look at what you’ve built, you can see it looks great. And you did it yourself."
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Models have marched on. Favorites from the past have joined new, best-selling animé warriors and sci-fi creatures. So, whether you’re a model-building-newbie, very advanced, or somewhere in-between, here’s the latest mad mixture of DIY models out there, and where to find them.
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<h3>BAY SHORE HOBBIES</h3> 
Five thousand DIY build-a-model kits fill the shelves from floor to ceiling in this shop. Goldberg explains the method behind the madness: "Digging and searching for a treasure in the store is something regular model builders love to do." 
If you’re looking for helicopters, planes, tanks, animé creatures, high-tech battle warriors, spaceships, rockets that can be assembled with engines, monsters ranging King Kong to Frankenstein, Star Wars and Star Trek models, this is your place. 
It goes on. There are traditional, plastic and wooden build-a-model sports cars, slot cars and funny cars. There are trains to build. Once they’re ready to roll, pick up paint and decals to decorate them. Goldberg says, "Some people like to personalize their trains and make dioramas that look like the town where they grew up." For that, the store has a plethora of bridges, mountains, tunnels, old-style stores, and more, to create landscapes and villages. 
For beginners, there are models that snap together. For those who are advanced, there are models to glue together. A line of Legos range from trucks that sync up with apps and move, to Disney princesses. "We have something for everyone," Goldberg says. Even for those who don’t love model building, there are paint by numbers kits and jigsaw puzzles with as many as 5,000 pieces. 
INFO: 2054 Sunrise Highway South Service Rd., Bay Shore; 631-968-8547 
<h3>WILLIS HOBBIES</h3> 
There are build-your-own model planes, cars, motorcycles, military vehicles, sci-fi creatures, trains, Legos and much more in this store. Ford explains, "Some shelves are stocked with models for kids or beginners, others are filled with more advanced models for teens and adults. Someone on staff can always help find a model to match your skill level. For example, we have two Godzilla models. One that snaps together for 8- or 9-year-olds, and another you can glue together for those who are more advanced." 
Need help finding a specific kit? Ford explains, "We have quite a staff here. Everyone is into hobbies and has experience with different models. One salesperson specializes in RC (remote control) cars, another knows a lot about military models, a third is a model train expert, and so on. Some guys come into the store and want to build the first car they ever drove, or a military plane they flew." 
INFO: 300 Willis Ave., Mineola; 516-746-9344; <a href="https://willishobbies.com/">willishobbies.com</a> 
<h3>NASSAU HOBBY CENTER</h3> 
Owner Christopher Hirschberg says, "For the past few years, Gundam (Japanese animé characters) have been the best-selling models in the store. Most of the time when we get a shipment in, they’ll sell out with an hour. Model cars are a close second." 
The shop also has build-a-model ships, planes military models, sci-fi creatures and dinosaurs. Pick up a build-your-own brain skull or human lung kit (assemble the body parts and paint them), or build a metal butterfly with pliers. "We don’t specialize in one area," says Hirschberg. "We spread it around to please everyone who comes through the door." 
INFO: 13 W Merrick Rd., Freeport, 516-378-9594; <a href="https://nassauhobby.com/">nassauhobby.com</a> 
 
<h3>FUNKY MONKEY TOYS &amp; BOOKS</h3> 
This creative toy shop has unique build-a-model kits. For kids age 7 and up, build a tumbling hedgehog. Clap your hands and it rolls over. Kids can also build a robotic, motorized hand and arm that can pick things up. Put together a Q-Ba-Maze and run a marble through a tunnel of colored cups. One version lights up in the dark. 
There are lots and lots of Legos, including Batman — just in time for the upcoming movie. Harry Potter Legos have also become very popular with the younger generation. 
Store manager/buyer Debbie Imperator sees a definite connection between soaring model kit sales and the pandemic. She’s noticed it, "has brought more family time. So many parents are working from home, so they have a little more time to spend with their children. The world has changed." 
INFO: 360 Wheatley Plaza, Greenvale; 516-484-0966; <a href="https://www.funkymonkey.toys/">funkymonkey.toys</a> 
<h3>MEN AT ARMS HOBBIES, INC</h3> 
Surrounded by nearly 400 build-your-own-model kits in his shop, longtime owner Jim Katonah marvels at the popularity of Games Workshop war and fantasy characters. Assemble and paint them. After that, Katonah says, "Kids are into gaming with the models and doing battles with their friends. Many models are plastic, so builders can create large, artistic pieces that just blow your mind."
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Since Katonah opened his shop 43 years ago, the build-a-models have evolved with the decades. "There's a lot of regurgitation of old stuff that people are bringing back and enjoying," he says. "In the end, it doesn’t matter what your model looks like. It’s what feels good to you and what you’re contented with. Looking for a model? I’ll guide you through the store and see what touches your heart." 
INFO: 134 Middle Country Rd., Middle Island; 631-924-0583

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For over 30 years, Bay Shore Hobbies has sold projects for all skill levels and provided service to families for generations. 


Bay Shore Hobbies provides model projects for all skill levels

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Model kits pick up steam as families look for at-home fun, hobby shop owners say

Model kits pick up steam as families look for at-home fun

David J. Criblez

Winter can get dry and dull, but there are ways out of the lull. Here are five places on Long Island that can get the job done by injecting some afternoon family fun. 
NASSAU COUNTY MUSEUM OF ART 
Check out the "Songs Without Words: The Art of Music" exhibit at the Nassau County Museum of Art in Roslyn Harbor, which features over 200 pieces displayed in 11 different galleries.
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"Some people come for the rock &amp; roll and others come for the high art. There’s something for everybody in this show," says director Charles Riley. "We have everything from a video portrait of Lady Gaga to Niccolò Paganini’s violin to Keith Richards' and Neil Young’s guitars." 
On Sundays, live concerts and artist discussions are held at 3 p.m. All guests are required to wear a mask. 
WHEN | WHERE Tuesday-Sunday: 11 a.m.-4:45 p.m.; One Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor 
INFO 516-484-9338, <a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__nassaumuseum.org&amp;d=DwMFaQ&amp;c=UmvbC-R_RPGoXtaA4j_wSQ&amp;r=KSIDGaHbC-QBPLQdFWzq4Py9ALIEd3_pv8btsEcCMiE&amp;m=uanQ2aacOkaceXtJoInONZyWbk3F2KQCAWPEeVdfEPu2PM1BOddtOUuPiK1CuBwS&amp;s=HFtIzRMmk5vpsTZQqKuHexKidAiZcjM7Td5UJDOM-ys&amp;e=">nassaumuseum.org</a> 
COST $15 ($10 for members), $10 for seniors, $5 for students 
<h3>Q-ZAR</h3> 
Suit up and get physical with some laser tag or axe-throwing at the newly renovated Q-ZAR in Carle Place. 

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WHEN | WHERE Monday-Thursday: 3-10 p.m., Friday: 3 p.m.-midnight, Saturday: 11 a.m.-midnight, Sunday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; 151 Voice Road in Carle Place 
INFO 516-877-7200, <a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__qzarny.com&amp;d=DwMFaQ&amp;c=UmvbC-R_RPGoXtaA4j_wSQ&amp;r=KSIDGaHbC-QBPLQdFWzq4Py9ALIEd3_pv8btsEcCMiE&amp;m=uanQ2aacOkaceXtJoInONZyWbk3F2KQCAWPEeVdfEPu2PM1BOddtOUuPiK1CuBwS&amp;s=BFNNYUuEDbrTvPlh3hKE6PsjE2nSevns3gUKGKcvXFw&amp;e=">qzarny.com</a> 
COST Laser tag: $19.95 per person, axe-throwing: $39.95 per person 
UNITED SKATES OF AMERICA 
Throw on a pair of skates and start rolling at United Skates of America where a live DJ spins Top 40 tunes as the rink lights up. 
"Skating is great exercise and it’s a bonding activity that young and old can enjoy," says sales and events manager Jennifer Simonetti. "The adults join in, they don’t just sit back watching their kids. It’s a family event."
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Fuel up on snacks at the cafée or enjoy a mix of new and old video games at the arcade to complete the experience. 
WHEN | WHERE Thursday: 4-6 p.m., Friday: 7-9 p.m. (glow-in-the-dark session), Saturday: 12:30-2:30 p.m., 3-5 p.m., 5:30-7:30 p.m. and 8-10 p.m. (hip-hop session), Sunday: noon-2 p.m. (glow-in-the-dark session), 2:30-4:30 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. (hip-hop session); 1276 Hicksville Road in Seaford 
INFO 516-795-5474, <a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__unitedskates.com_public_seaford_index.cfm&amp;d=DwMFaQ&amp;c=UmvbC-R_RPGoXtaA4j_wSQ&amp;r=KSIDGaHbC-QBPLQdFWzq4Py9ALIEd3_pv8btsEcCMiE&amp;m=uanQ2aacOkaceXtJoInONZyWbk3F2KQCAWPEeVdfEPu2PM1BOddtOUuPiK1CuBwS&amp;s=poi1n0YLp_15KPZpWDZTasRT4-67xJxDKrN4-7fWUUE&amp;e=">unitedskates.com/public/seaford/index.cfm</a> 
COST $14 per session ($5 session on Thursday), $6 skate rental 
THE RINX 
Go ice skating with a waterview at The Rinx at Harborfront Park in Port Jefferson. 
"Ice skating gives people a chance to put the technology down and be outside," says director Tom Palamara. "It’s a nice vibe."
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Walk-ins are welcome and no reservations are necessary. Most sessions are 90-minutes except on Friday and Saturday nights, which are reserved for middle/high school age kids, when they are two hours. Masks must be worn while indoors but they can be removed on the outdoor ice rink. 
WHEN | WHERE Monday-Thursday: noon-8 p.m., Friday: noon-10 p.m., Saturday: 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; 101 E. Broadway in Port Jefferson 
INFO 631-403-4357, <a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__therinx.com_pjrinx_&amp;d=DwMFaQ&amp;c=UmvbC-R_RPGoXtaA4j_wSQ&amp;r=KSIDGaHbC-QBPLQdFWzq4Py9ALIEd3_pv8btsEcCMiE&amp;m=uanQ2aacOkaceXtJoInONZyWbk3F2KQCAWPEeVdfEPu2PM1BOddtOUuPiK1CuBwS&amp;s=JoJXUwSb0mVbGqg7tyFgoArR4whvA6T8Scc44EStrUU&amp;e=">therinx.com/pjrinx/</a> 
COST Weekdays: $11 adults, $8.50 kids (11 and under), weekends: $12 adults, $9.50 kids (11 and under), Friday-Saturday night sessions: $13 per person, skate rentals: $6 
MONSTER MINI-GOLF
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Play 18-holes at the Monster Mini-Golf in Deer Park, which is in complete black light and glows-in-the-dark. 
"When you come in, it’s like Halloween year-round," says general manager John Arlo. "Each hole has a different animated monster. It’s kind of like living art." 
Side attractions include an arcade with 30 brand new games, including a virtual reality experience plus a laser maze. Masks are required. 
WHEN | WHERE Monday-Friday: 2-10 p.m., Saturday-Sunday: Noon-10 p.m.; 410-C Commack Road in Deer Park 
INFO 631-940-8900, <a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__monsterminigolf.com_deerpark_&amp;d=DwMFaQ&amp;c=UmvbC-R_RPGoXtaA4j_wSQ&amp;r=KSIDGaHbC-QBPLQdFWzq4Py9ALIEd3_pv8btsEcCMiE&amp;m=uanQ2aacOkaceXtJoInONZyWbk3F2KQCAWPEeVdfEPu2PM1BOddtOUuPiK1CuBwS&amp;s=ObRuspHgheG48JijUiaRTnJWH-n6kDfyYi91Lv47ieQ&amp;e=">monsterminigolf.com/deerpark/</a> 
COST $13 adults, $12 kids (under 5 feet)

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Family fun ideas to cure the winter blues, from roller skating to mini golf

5 activities to try this season to cure the winter blues 

Getting out during the week or on the weekend looks more affordable on Long Island thanks to spots offering deals or everyday prices below $50 and $25. Here are some options to try when you want to get out to play. 
<h2>UNDER $50</h2> 
TopGolf
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A 70,000-square-foot, three-story golf entertainment center with dozens of climate-controlled bays and an outdoor driving range, this is fine for both pros and newbies alike. Golf balls are chipped, so guests can receive scores while playing a variety of golf games. 
THE DEAL Swing by Tuesdays for half-priced play. From 5 p.m. to midnight, play for just $30. If you happen to have a Tuesday off from work or school, earlier play costs even less: 10 a.m. to noon ($20), noon to 5 p.m. ($25). Prices are per hour, per bay holding up to six people. 
INFO 5231 Express Dr. North, Holtsville; 631-977-7645, <a href="" https: topgolf.com us holtsville "">topgolf.com</a> 
RPM Raceway 
Drivers can achieve speeds as fast as 45 mph on tracks that combine wicked turns and straightaways at this indoor electric go-kart facility. Races are open to customers based on age (as young as six) and height; there's also bowling, billiards, an arcade and a racing simulator. THE DEAL A single race is only $30, or $20 for members; members can also get three races for $50. 
INFO 40 Daniel St., Farmingdale, 631-752-7223, <a href="" https: www.rpmraceway.com long-island-ny "">rpmraceway.com</a> 
Theatre Three
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A nonprofit theatre company that uses a historic hall to put on shows, patrons can look forward to seasonal performances plus play for families and adults. 
THE DEAL Tickets for adults are $35, children ages 5 to 12 $20. 
INFO 412 Main St., Port Jefferson; 631-928-9100, <a href="" https: www.theatrethree.com index.html"">theatrethree.com</a> 
Long Island Aquarium 
See a 120-thousand-gallon shark tank, plus other sorts of animals, touch tanks and sea lions shows held year-round, among other exhibits and attractions. 
THE DEAL While some programs do cost added fees, a basic visit to view the facility and its living residents costs $39.99 (ages 13-61) while seniors pay $29.99 and children (ages 3-12) are $27.99 (ages two and younger are free). 
INFO 431 East Main St., Riverhead; 631-208-9200, <a href="" https: www.longislandaquarium.com purchase-tickets pricing "">longislandaquarium.com</a> 
Sky Zone 
Billed as an indoor trampoline park, attendees can take advantage of the all-trampoline surfaces to bounce and catch some air while exploring a range of games and doings that take advantage of the springy surroundings. 
THE DEAL There are two on Long Island, and each has its own specials: the Mount Sinai spot has an all-day pass for $35, while the Deer Park location does an "Open Jump" option: 60 minutes is $33, 90 minutes $36 and 120 minutes is $38. 
INFO Deer Park: 111 Rodeo Dr.; 631-392-2600, <a href="" ">skyzone.com</a> Mount Sinai: 269 Route 25A; 631-619-9771, <a href="" https: www.skyzone.com mtsinai"">skyzone.com</a> 
<h2>UNDER $25</h2> 
Bellmore Movies And Showplace 
More than just a theater to catch a flick, this venue has more than 100 years of history and also hosts live performances and stage shows. 
THE DEAL General admission for movies is usually a reasonable $10, $8 for kids under age 12 — but arrive before 6 p.m. on weekdays and pay only $6 — and Thursdays it’s $6 all day long. 
INFO 222 Pettit Ave., Bellmore; 516-783-7200, <a href="" https: bellmoremovie.com "">bellmoremovie.com</a> 
Long Island Game Farm
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Billed as "the largest combined wildlife park and children's zoo on Long Island," come the winter it will remain open weekends 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and feature amenities like the "Deer Park," where you can mingle with deer and feed them by hand, visit the Nursery petting zoo and bring the kids to the Wild Play Park natural playground, as well as check out the resident wild animals who are available come cold weather. 
THE DEAL Winter discount is $18.75 for adults, $14.25 ages 3-12, ages two and younger are in free. 
INFO 489 Chapman Blvd., Manorville; 631-878-6644, <a href="" https: www.longislandgamefarm.com zoo-plan-visit-long-island-animal-shows-event-calendar "">longislandgamefarm.com</a> 
Custer Institute and Observatory 
Armed with powerful telescopes (including a Zerochromat Apochromatic Telescope, said to be the largest telescope of its kind in the United States), staffers will provide a guided tour of the night sky and point the telescopes at various cosmic objects (weather permitting). The facility is open to the public Saturday evenings 7 p.m. to midnight all year except between Memorial Day through Labor Day, when skywatching starts at 8 p.m. 
THE DEAL Visitors are asked for a suggested donation of $5, or $3 for kids under age 12. 
INFO 1115 Main Bayview Rd., Southold; 631-765-2626, <a href="" http: custerobservatory.org index.html"">custerobservatory.org</a> 
Bowlero Melville 
There are dozens of lanes plus an arcade and a sports bar, so this place to bowl can be fun for families and adults alike. 
THE DEAL For a break on some evening weekend fun, the alley offers unlimited bowling per person for $19.89 on Fridays starting at 8 p.m. (shoe rentals not included). 
INFO 895 Walt Whitman Rd., Melville; 631-271-1180, <a href="" https: www.bowlero.com location bowlero-melville specials"">bowlmor.com</a>

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Family-friendly activities under $50 on Long Island

Ahh, winter wonderland. For families, it can feel more like winter, wonder what to do? Just because the weather may sometimes be frightful doesn't mean Long Island winter days can't be delightful. 
Here are 25 ideas for winter outings for the family, from riding an indoor coaster to creating a fluorescent painting under black light to even spending some time frolicking on the beach: 
1. Ride an indoor coaster: The Urban Air Sky Rider Indoor Coaster at Urban Air in Lake Grove follows a winding track flying along 30 feet in the air. The indoor adventure park also offers trampolines, high ropes course, bumper cars, virtual reality and more. Admission starts at $13.99 for ages 5 and younger and ranges to $37.99 for all-day, all-access play. There’s no charge for spectating, and if a parent wants to play along with a paying child, they pay $18.99. The park is at 3147 Middle Country Rd., and reservations can be made up to two weeks in advance at <a href="https://www.urbanairtrampolinepark.com/">urbanairtrampolinepark.com</a> to guarantee a spot. Masks required. 
2. Lace-up some roller skates: United Skates of America in Seaford (1276 Hicksville Rd.) offers two-hour family roller skating or in-line skating sessions Thursdays through Sundays. Skating is $14 per person, with a $6 fee to rent skates. Masks required. Check <a href="https://www.unitedskates.com/public/seaford/index.cfm">unitedskates.com/seaford</a> for session times.
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3. Design your own pottery bowls: Schedule a private "Parttery" — that’s a play on pottery and party — at Island Pottery &amp; Studio in Mineola (315A Willis Ave.). Make your own bowls from coils of clay — a video on the studio’s website shows the process. A two-hour experience with personal instructor is $50 per person. <a href="http://www.islandpotterystudio.com/">Islandpotterystudio.com</a> 
4. Play a new board game: There’s more to family competition than just Monopoly. Try some of the more than 300 games in the collection at Main Street Board Game Café in Huntington — staff members can teach your family how to play. Love the game? You can buy it and take it home. A three-hour admission ticket is $15 per adult and $10 per children younger than 12. Coffee, desserts and soft drinks for sale at 307 Main St. Check <a href="https://www.mainstboardgamecafe.com/">mainstboardgamecafe.com</a> for hours. Proof of vaccination required.
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5. Take to the ice: Glide along with the family at an outdoor ice-skating rink. Try skating on the harbor at The Rinx at Harborfront in Port Jefferson Village (101-A East Bdwy.), where prices are $8.50 to $13 and skates rent for $6. Or skate at The Rinx at Wyandanch Plaza (40 Station Dr.), with prices from $5 to $8, including skate rental. Information and times for both available at <a href="https://www.therinx.com/pjrinx/">therinx.com</a>. 
6. Take a dip: Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you can’t go swimming. The Nassau County Aquatic Center at Eisenhower Park has one hour and 45-minute sessions on weekends at the indoor facility. For adults with a Nassau County Leisure Pass, the cost is $8 per adult and $6 per child. For others, the cost is $22 per adult and $14 per child. Check the website for session times, <a href="https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/1769/Aquatic-Center">nassaucountyny.gov</a>.
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7. Climb 182 steps: The Fire Island Lighthouse museum is open during the winter from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the tower open until 3:30 p.m. Climb the 182 steps and then explore the interactive museum and learn about the lighthouse’s history. Climbing costs $10 per adult and $5 per child, with a 42-inch height requirement. The lighthouse is about a 15-minute, ¾ mile walk along a boardwalk from Field 5 of Robert Moses State Park,<a href="https://www.fireislandlighthouse.com/"> fireislandlighthouse.com</a>. Masks required.
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8. Take a family cooking class: Polly Talbot, owner of A La Carte Culinary Services, gives private cooking classes in her home in Lynbrook. Choose whatever menu your family would like to make. "Homemade pasta seems to be really popular," Talbot says. Cost for a two-hour lesson for a family of four is $555; each additional family member is $85. There’s also a fee for the cost of the food. See what’s cooking at <a href="https://www.pollytalbott.com/">pollytalbott.com</a>. 
9. Play mini-golf: The nine-hole, outdoor course is open year-round at the Children’s Museum of the East End in Bridgehampton (376 Bridgehampton Tpke.) and is included in museum admission. Indoors, there’s an interactive fire truck, farm stand and ice cream parlor for imaginative family play. Admission is $19 per person, younger than 1 is free. <a href="https://www.cmee.org/">Cmee.org</a>. 
10. Go sledding at a local park: What kid doesn’t want to grab a sled as soon as the first flakes start to fall? Popular parks for sledding include Bethpage State Park, Cedar Creek Park and Hempstead Lake State Park. 
11. Try snowshoeing: Snowshoeing lets kids strap on contraptions and walk on top of the snow. Kids’ snowshoes run from about $50 a pair and adults about $100. Try Bethpage State Park in Farmingdale, Sunken Meadow State Park in Kings Park or Blydenburgh County Park in Smithtown.
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12. Experience another type of skiing: So what if Long Island is flat? To try cross-country skiing, there’s no need for hills. At Bethpage State Park in Farmingdale, for example, cross-country skiing is permitted on the blue and yellow golf courses. In Suffolk, it’s permitted at Blydenburgh County Park in Smithtown. It’s B.Y.O.E. — bring your own equipment. 
13. Hit the beach: Every so often, there’s a mild winter day. Seize the opportunity to go to the beach. Sunken Meadow State Park allows for a stroll on the boardwalk and a chance for the kids to frolic on the sand. 
14. Hand-feed the deer: For the first time in its more than 50-year history, the Long Island Game Farm in Manorville is staying open on weekends through the winter as weather permits. It is offering a scaled-down experience that still lets children enter the deer park and feed the more than two dozen deer, and also get close to the goats. While the giraffe and the camels spend the winter in Florida, the alpacas, sheep, zebras, emu, ring-tailed lemurs, wallabies, bison, peacocks and more are still on hand. The game farm is open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, 489 Chapman Blvd.; check the farm's Facebook page or Instagram account to make sure weather hasn't closed the park. Cost is $18.75 per adult, $14.25 per child 3 through 12, and $16.45 ages 62 and older. 
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15. See a Pteranodon: A traveling exhibit called "Age of the Dinosaur" opens at the Long Island Children’s Museum at the end of January. Animatronic and model dinosaurs include a T-Rex, a Stegosaurus and a Pteranodon with a 24-foot wingspan hanging from the ceiling. The exhibit is included with museum admission of $14 per adult and child older than 1, and $13 for seniors. 11 Davis Ave., Garden City,<a href="https://www.licm.org/"> licm.org</a>. 
16. Root for the Islanders: Don some home-team regalia and check out a hockey faceoff at the new UBS Arena in Elmont. The 700,000 square-foot arena, which seats 17,250 for hockey games, opened in November. 
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17. Look up: Take in a planetarium show at the Vanderbilt Museum in Centerport (180 Little Neck Rd.). The planetarium offers a variety of shows for all ages, including a "Sesame Street"-themed show and a show that mimics the night-sky on Long Island led by an astronomy educator. Check the website for times and costs at <a href="https://www.vanderbiltmuseum.org/vanderbilt-planetarium/">vanderbiltmuseum.org</a>. Masks required. 
18. See the sharks get fed: At 3:30 p.m. on Saturdays, it’s mealtime for the sharks that live at the Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead, and an educator tells visitors about their lives. Some of the other fish that usually hide in that habitat may also make an appearance, lured by the food. The shark feeding is included with aquarium admission of $39.99 per adult, $27.99 children ages 3 to 12 or $29.99 for ages 62 and older. Younger than 3 is free. Shark feedings also occur at 3:30 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays.<a href="https://www.longislandaquarium.com/"> Longislandaquarium.com</a>. 
19. Enjoy live theater: The children's series at Theatre Three in Port Jefferson (412 Main St.), for instance, is staging two family shows this winter, "Puss-In-Boots" and "Dorothy's Adventures in Oz." Tickets are $10 per seat at <a href="https://www.theatrethree.com/">theatrethree.com</a>. 
20. Go on a hike: Join the Hike It Baby Long Island Facebook page for plenty of suggestions of where to take walks in nature with your family on Long Island — maybe you'll even meet up with some other families to embrace the outdoors together. 
21. Glow for it: At Pinot's Palette in East Meadow (2557 Hempstead Tpke.), two-hour instructor-led paint sessions happen under black light using fluorescent paint. Sessions are typically $42 per person; for more information or to sign up visit<a href="https://pinotspalette.com/"> pinotspalette.com</a>. 
22. Fly a drone: Families can fly a drone through an obstacle course inside a 10-foot-by-10-foot cage at the Long Island Science Center in Riverhead. The center also offers virtual reality headsets, a robot programming area and more STEM activities at its newly opened location at Tanger One, Suite 401, where it will be operating 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through the end of 2022. Admission is $15 per person, <a href="https://www.sciencecenterli.org/">sciencecenterli.org</a>. Masks required.
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23. Visit a selfie venue: Here are two options that opened this year: Selfie Clubhouse in the Broadway Mall in Hicksville (460 Broadway Mall) has 30 stations where people can take selfies including the White House press secretary’s room, a private jet and a bank vault. Entry is $25 for adults and $15 for children ages 15 and younger, with 3 and younger free. Sign up for a time slot at <a href="https://www.selfieclubhouse.com/">selfieclubhouse.com</a>. PopUp Speakeasy Selfie Studio is in a warehouse in Ronkonkoma (1860 Pond Rd.) and offers 15 scenes, including a pink claw foot bathtub and a vintage VW bus. Entry is $25 (ages 13 and up) for one-hour sessions; kids 5 through 12 are $15; kids 4 and under are free. Reservations at <a href="https://popupspeakeasy.com/">popupspeakeasy.com</a>. 
24. Search for seals: The Coastal Research and Education Society of Long Island boasts more than 28,500 seal encounters at Cupsogue Beach since 2006 (975 Dune Rd., Westhampton Beach). Try one of the society’s seal walk excursions and your budding marine biologists may get lucky as well. Bring your cameras and binoculars for this 1.2 mile, 60- to 90-minute adventure. Hats, gloves and warm waterproof shoes are recommended as it can be windy by the water. Advance registration is required at <a href="https://cresli.org/common/12000/default.cfm?clientID=12000&amp;ThisPage=home">cresli.org</a> and there is a suggested, but not required, donation of $5 per adult and $3 per child younger than 18. 
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25. Learn about the Hubble Space Telescope: A new, interactive exhibit called "New Views of the Universe" has opened at the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City (Charles Lindbergh Blvd.). It explores how the Hubble Space Telescope works. It includes images from the telescope including other planets and galaxies. It also introduces visitors to the new James Webb Space Telescope. The traveling exhibit is at the museum through April. Free with admission of $16 for adults, $14 for children and seniors. Children 2 and younger are free. <a href="https://www.cradleofaviation.org/">Cradleofaviation.org.</a>

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25 things to do this winter on Long Island for families 

25 ideas for winter fun on Long Island for families 

Some people can’t wait for the latest, greatest toys to hit the market. For others, a look back at the playthings of yesteryear can be just as much fun. 
"It’s kind of neat seeing the variety of different types of toys that kids played with back in the day," says Terry Maccarrone, who was at the recent opening reception of "Inventing Childhood: Victorian Era Toys, Games, and Dolls, and the Invention of the Modern Child" at Suffolk County Historical Society Museum. 
The exhibit features Victorian dolls, tin and cast iron toys, wood toys, puzzles, board games and period clothing. Some of the more unique items are a high chair that converts into a rocking chair, Thomas Edison’s Phonograph Talking Doll from 1890 — the first talking doll — which plays a small phonographic record in the doll’s body, David Walker Self-Rocking Cradle from 1862, which, after cranking, rocked automatically, a 1902 Steiff Teddy bear and a dollhouse and miniatures, which were formerly replicas of wealthy English homes known as "babyhouses."
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<h3>TOYS OF THE PAST</h3> 
In addition to an old football board game with a spinning wheel and spelling games, Maccarone was impressed by a toy with metal pieces that was a precursor to the Erector sets from his youth. 
"It was actually like little sections of bridges and foundations that you would build up and put together to make a railroad bridge," says Maccarrone, 53, of Sayville, who owns the Sayville Farmers Market. "That was one of the neatest things that I saw." 
Also in attendance was Linda Weingarten, a 45-year-old artist from Bohemia, with her daughter in tow. 
"I liked the rocking horses. They reminded me of my childhood," says Weingarten. 
The vintage porcelain dolls and paper dolls were a hit with Magnolia Weingarten, 8.
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"She thought it was so cool because you can change out their clothing without snapping them on, because she can’t do the snap-ons off the current dolls she has at home," says Weingarten. 
Wandering around the exhibit was a fun experience for both mom and daughter. 
"You can go backwards in time when people took time to do things," says Weingarten, adding that she’s happy to share her love for nostalgia and vintage things with her daughter who seems to appreciate them, too. 
<h3>INVENTING CHILDHOOD</h3> 
When we consider the notion of a carefree childhood, we’re really looking at a rather modern concept: Prior to the Victorian era, childhood as we know it was practically nonexistent. 
"As soon as children outgrew the infancy and toddler ages, they were kind of viewed as imperfect adults who needed to be taught skills for the rest of their lives," explains Victoria Berger, executive director of Suffolk County Historical Society Museum. 
At very early ages, children of nobility were groomed for the arts and culture and children of commoners were brought into their parents’ trades, notes Berger.
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With the Victorian era (1837-1901) came a shift in mindset that children should be allowed to be children for a longer, extended period of time. These philosophical leanings eventually resulted in child labor laws and led to more creative playtime and the development of toys, many of which are on display at the exhibit. "It’s a showcase of some of our finest Victorian-era toys that are in our own permanent collection," says Berger.

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New exhibit brings old toys, paper dolls and more to Long Island

New exhibit brings old toys, paper dolls and more to LI

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Playgrounds on Long Island to visit and things to do 

Playgrounds worth the drive on LI

Shopping for children’s clothes isn’t a one-store-fits-all deal. Some kids, along with their parents, like the latest trends, while others are into tradition. Some go for monograms, while others look for sustainable brands. Across Long Island, children’s boutiques specialize in those areas and more. 
"I’m very into fashion, and love being able to share that when I give gifts," says Garden City mom Angela DiLemme, 47, who has a 16-year-old daughter and shops locally for her young nieces and nephews. "I always try to find clothing stores with special items." 
Offerings with one-of-a-kind flair make the children’s boutiques on our shopping guide tick. Use it as you make your shopping list — and check it twice. 
<h3>Koukla Children’s Boutique in Bellmore</h3>

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Its specialty: Trendy clothing and accessories from Europe for infants and kids up to age 10. 
Store’s story: In Greek, the 2-year-old shop’s name means "beautiful doll." It’s a labor of love — and a passion for fashion — of sisters Nicole Petris, 32, and Elli Krempa, 39. 
Hot for holidays: Sweat tops and bottoms, faux-fur jackets and toasty hats and mittens all in kid-friendly "supersoft fabrics," says Petris. Bright slickers decked in multicolored dinosaurs are perfect to have for a rainy day. 
Price range: $20 to $100 
Customer’s take: "I love shopping there because I find things nobody else has," says Christy Schmitt, who works in sales and has three kids — DJ, 11, Drake, 5, and Dakota, 4. "When I’m out with Dakota, somebody always compliments her outfit. She has a faux-fur coat she totally loves. I wish it came in my size." 
Details: 2691 Merrick Rd., <a href="https://www.kouklany.com/">kouklany.com</a>, 516-490-4002. Open Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
<h3>Pashley Children’s Boutique in Cold Spring Harbor</h3>

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Its specialty: Traditional and classic clothes for babies, kids and teens. 
Store’s story: Since 1990, the store has carried sportswear and activewear, gifts and toys. "We are especially known for our beautiful dresses and holiday outfits," says owner Pat Ramsay, who runs the store with her daughter Debbie Schipper. "We’re starting to see lots of people that were kids and were dressed here are now having their own children and coming here." Debbie’s 27-year-old daughter is expanding the store’s Instagram presence. 
Hot for holidays: Cozy sweaters, festive dresses and cotton pajamas that come with a matching book to make a bedtime story ("The Night Before Christmas" and "The Little Engine That Could," among them) warmer and fuzzier. 
Price range: $40 to $200 
Customer’s take: "I’m a traditionalist," says attorney Lisa E. Cleary, who has a home in Huntington and "three decades of loyalty" shopping at Pashley for outfits for her son, nieces and nephews and colleagues’ kids. "You can only imagine the thank you notes I’ve gotten over the years." 
Details: 169 Main St., <a href="https://pashleychildrensboutique.com/">pashleychildrensboutique.com</a>, 631-367-8737. Open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. 
<h3>Blue Jean Baby in Woodbury</h3>

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Its specialty: Chic clothing for infants and toddlers made one-of-a-kind with monogramming. 
Store’s story: The nearly 3-month-old boutique is the brainchild of Sydnie Goodman, 53, who lives in Melville and has decades of clothing and retail experience in New York City and on Long Island. Her husband suggested the name, a nod to an Elton John song lyric. 
Hot for holidays: Warm-and-cozy onesies, getaway bathing suits decked out animal and cool prints and snowsuits. "We do a tremendous amount of monogramming on clothes and gifts across the whole store," says Goodman, adding that customizing is done outside her store and typically takes about a week. 
Price range: $36 to $150 
Customer’s take: "Personalizing is one of the shop’s biggest selling points," says Taylor Schacter, a teacher whose daughters, Nora, 3, and Harli, 6 months, have customized sweatsuits from the store. "Monogramming makes them more special." 
Details: 8039 Jericho Turnpike, <a href="https://bluejeanbabyny.com/">bluejeanbabyny.com</a>, 516-584-6666. Open Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday noon to 4 p.m. 
<h3>The Little Red Planet in Sag Harbor</h3>

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Its specialty: Sustainable, ethical and adorable fashions for newborns to kids age 14. 
Store’s story: Open in its current location since June 2020, the store named for the owner’s daughter, Mars, began as online-only before going brick-and-mortar. "It’s an ethically curated boutique," says Mindi Smith, whose 20-plus years of kids' fashion styling informs every item in her store. 
Hot for holidays: Snowsuits, knit caps, sweaters and pants. A trio of trends this holiday season includes quilted pieces, seasonal florals and shearling. 
Price range: $50 to $300 
Customer’s take: "I’m very big into sustainable clothing and supporting local businesses," says early childhood educator Hannah Ruppel, 37, who lives on Shelter Island. Her sons, ages 6 ½ and 20 months, are big fans of the fun hoodies, cozy sweatpants and accessories for fall and winter. 
Details: 34 Long Island Ave., <a href="https://thelittleredplanet.com/">thelittleredplanet.com</a>, 917-279-7622. Open daily except Wednesday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Find trendy children's clothing for winter at these Long Island shops

Find trendy children's clothing for winter at these LI boutiques 

If you want to take a walk or jog with your little one, but don't know where to go, here's a list of parks, preserves and beachfront favorites that welcome stroller wheels. 
<h3>NASSAU</h3> 
BAILEY ARBORETUM There's one paved path from the parking lot to the Bailey estate house, and one along the sensory garden. Take your pick or do them both; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday; 194 Bailey Rd., Locust Valley, <a href="https://www.baileyarboretum.org/">baileyarboretum.com</a>, 516-801-1458. 
CENTENNIAL PARK Paths are found along a variety of recreational activities including a playground equipped with eight swings. Open dawn to dusk daily; Southern State Parkway to exit 21 south, proceed down Nassau Road to Centennial Avenue, Roosevelt, <a href="https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/2793/Centennial-Park">nassaucountyny.gov</a>, 516-571-8695. 
CHRISTOPHER MORLEY PARK Here you'll find a park with a playground and picnic area and a wide-paved walking trail. Open dawn to dusk daily, <a href="https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/2794/Christopher-Morley-Park">nassaucountyny.gov</a>, Searingtown Road, north of Long Island Expressway, Roslyn, 516-571-8113. 
EISENHOWER PARK There's a paved 2-plus mile winding trail around the park. Park near the playground at Field 2 and start at the beginning. Along the way, you'll find a mini-golf station, a track and a small lake. Open dawn to dusk daily, <a href="https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/2797/Eisenhower-Park">nassaucountyny.gov</a>, Merrick and Stewart avenues, East Meadow, 516-572-0347.
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INWOOD PARK Paved walking paths and a park are surrounded by water at this trail located in the southwest part of Nassau County; 600 Bayview Ave., Inwood, <a href="https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/2800/Inwood-Park">nassaucountyny.gov</a>, 516-571-7894. 
JONES BEACH STATE PARK Home of 6.5 miles of white-sand beach on the Atlantic Ocean, the boardwalk is a 3.9-mile out and back trail parallel to the ocean. Open dawn to dusk daily; no parking fees until April 2021; <a href="https://parks.ny.gov/parks/jonesbeach/">parks.ny.gov</a>, 2400 Ocean Parkway, Wantagh, 516-785-1600. 
LONG BEACH BOARDWALK Open to strollers, 2.2 miles one way, double it up for a workout; open dusk to dawn daily; Neptune Boulevard to New York Avenue, Long Beach, <a href="https://www.longbeachny.gov/beach">longbeachny.gov</a>, 516-431-1000. 
JOHN J. BURNS PARK Walk around the park to catch a game or two that you'll see on the playing fields and ballparks, adjacent to a South Shore canal; open dawn to dusk daily; 4990 Merrick Road, Massapequa Park, <a href="https://oysterbaytown.com/departments/parks/parks/">oysterbaytown.com</a>, 516-797-7980.
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MARY JANE DAVIES GREEN Paved pathways throughout the park; open 7:30 a.m. to dusk daily, Plandome Road, Manhasset, <a href="https://northhempsteadny.gov/content/16253/16261/18952/18956/21030/default.aspx">northhempsteadny.gov</a>, 516-869-6311. 
MICHAEL J. TULLY PARK Take in nature on paved walking paths between 7:30 a.m. and dusk daily; 1801 Evergreen Ave., New Hyde Park, <a href="https://northhempsteadny.gov/content/16253/16261/18952/18956/21036/default.aspx">northhempsteadny.gov</a>, 516-869-6311. 
NORMAN J. LEVY PARK AND PRESERVE Make note that this park and preserve has an uphill, winding path. Once at the top, get ready for views of the New York City skyline. There's also a windmill and pond; open 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., <a href="https://hempsteadny.gov/preserves-and-nature-areas/norman-j-levy-park">hempsteadny.gov</a>. From Meadowbrook Parkway use Merrick Road M9 east exit; 516-804-2000. 
REV. ARTHUR MACKEY SR. PARK Located by the Roosevelt Preserve, paved paths and a large playground area provide a range of activities for youngsters. Benches line the walkway; open dawn to dusk daily, 49 Lakeside Dr., Roosevelt, <a href="https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/2804/Rev-Arthur-Mackey-Sr-Park">nassaucountyny.gov</a>, 516-571-8693. 
SANDS POINT PRESERVE Enjoy a paved hilly walk to the freshwater pond. Paved paths go between Hempstead House and Castle Gould. Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, 127 Middle Neck Rd., Sands Point, $15 carload, $4 per walk-in, <a href="http://sandspointpreserveconservancy.org/">sandspointconcervancy.org</a>, 516-571-7901. 
VALLEY STREAM STATE PARK The walking paved trail is lined with trees and shrubs. There's also a picnic area and playground; open dawn to dusk daily, <a href="https://parks.ny.gov/parks/valleystream/maps.aspx">parks.ny.gov</a>, exit 15A off the Southern State Parkway, Valley Stream, 516-825-4128. 
WANTAGH PARK A paved path passes the playground and dog run before reaching the waterfront; open dawn to dusk daily, <a href="https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/2805/Wantagh-Park">nassaucountyny.gov</a>, south of Merrick Road on King Road, Wantagh, 516-571-7460. 
<h3>SUFFOLK</h3> 
BAYARD CUTTING ARBORETUM The main trail is stroller friendly and makes its way around the state park that includes an arboretum designed by Frederick Law Olmsted for William Bayard Cutting in 1886, as well as a mansion designed by Charles C. Haight. Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday; $8 vehicle fee, <a href="https://bayardcuttingarboretum.com/">bayardcuttingarboretum.com</a>, 440 Montauk Hwy., Great River, 631-581-1002. 
BELMONT LAKE STATE PARK A paved path meanders around the lake; open dawn to dusk daily, <a href="https://parks.ny.gov/parks/belmontlake/details.aspx">parks.ny.gov</a>, exit 38N on the Southern State Park, Babylon, 631-669-1000.
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FIRE ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE Follow the path to the gravel road to the National Seashore boardwalk that leads to the lighthouse. Open dawn to dusk daily; Robert Moses State Park, parking field 5, Fire Island, <a href="https://www.nps.gov/fiis/index.htm">nps.gov</a>, 631-687-4780. Lighthouse is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends, free admission to the museum; tower climb, $10, $5 ages 12 and younger, <a href="https://www.fireislandlighthouse.com/">fireislandlighthouse.com</a>, 631-661-4876. 
CAUMSETT STATE HISTORIC PARK PRESERVE Paved paths for approximately 3 miles; open dawn and dusk daily; Caumsett State Park Preserve, 25 Lloyd Harbor Road, Huntington, <a href="https://parks.ny.gov/parks/23/details.aspx">parks.ny.gov</a>, 631-423-1770. 
LAKELAND COUNTY PARK You'll find a nature trail boardwalk over the headwaters of the Connetquot River where you can catch views of waterfowl and wildlife; open dawn to dusk daily; Johnson Avenue, Islandia, <a href="https://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/Parks/Our-Parks/Lakeland-County-Park">suffolkcountyny.gov</a>, 631-854-4949. 
SUNKEN MEADOW STATE PARK Strollers are allowed on the boardwalk and along the paved paths around the park. Open dawn to dusk daily; Route 25A and Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park, <a href="https://parks.ny.gov/parks/sunkenmeadow/details.aspx">parks.ny.gov</a>, 631-269-4333.

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Walking paths on Long Island that are stroller friendly

Walking paths on LI that are stroller friendly

Considering the popularity of biking as a pastime, sport and exercise modality, it’s little surprise mishaps and unforeseen accidents occur from time to time. Fortunately, Long Island biking experts point out, observing basic cycling safety rules and making yourself more aware of potential pitfalls can significantly decrease your odds of injury or accident, both on local roads and in off-road or mountain biking situations. 
"No doubt biking has gained in popularity here on Long Island in recent years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic," points out Nick A. Koridis, 33, a mechanic at Rocky Point Cycle bike shop. "But more people riding bikes can mean a greater chance of accidents occurring, especially with so many new and inexperienced riders involved these days."
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Even if you are just starting out, cycling is a safe form of exercise and entertainment if you wear appropriate safety gear and follow basic rules of the road, Koridis adds. 
<h3>TIPS FOR SAFER RIDES</h3> 
For starters, Koridis recommends all cyclists wear a safety helmet, install safety lighting on their bikes, wear eye protection at all times, and talk to staff at their local bike shop if they have questions concerning the technical aspects of biking, choosing suitable routes or selecting additional safety gear. 
"If you’re just starting out, or accompanying a beginner," he advises, "choose an age-appropriate bike trail or route, preferably one with little or no traffic." 
Abdul Siddiquee, of Bethpage, also stresses the importance of wearing a helmet at all times and talking safety with bike shop staff. "I average between 20 and 50 miles of riding a week, but sometimes top 100 miles," revealed Siddiquee, "and I’m real big on safety." Aside from the helmet and lights, Siddiquee, 35 and a CPA, likes to wear "loud-colored" reflective clothing. "Especially if riding in the evening or after dark. The more people can see you, the less the chance of having an accident." 
Siddiquee also suggests cyclists ride in the same direction as traffic to the extent possible, and try to reduce how much time they spend on public roads if they have access to bike trails, paths or park areas. "It’s also important to learn the signs that indicate to cars which direction you plan to turn," he adds. "Proper hand signals are a great way for bike riders to clearly communicate their intentions." 
<h3>LOCAL STATS</h3> 
While biking may be considered a relatively "safe" activity, don’t blow off the town safety guidelines, advises Daniel Flanzig, 53, of Seacliff, a board member of the New York Bicycling Coalition, which advocates for safer cycling throughout New York State, and an attorney whose practice specializes in representing injured cyclists and pedestrians. 
According to a <a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/transportation/accidents-cyclists-pedestrians-1.50246836">Newsday analysis</a> of preliminary data from the Albany-based Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research, at least 135 pedestrians and cyclists died after they were hit by vehicles in Nassau and Suffolk counties in 2019 and 2020. 
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"Nassau and Suffolk counties are among the most dangerous in New York State for biker riders and pedestrians," states Flanzig. "We really need more buffered and safer, separated bike lanes -- plus better driver education for those operating motorized vehicles. My experience has been that motor vehicle operators are very unpredictable, so always keep your safety in mind. Don’t expect drivers to come to a full stop at red lights or in a right-on-red situation. Keep your guard up at all times." 
Flanzig offers one final word of advice for cyclists: "Wear a Go-Pro or similar camera while biking" as an added precaution.

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Bike safety: Staying safe while enjoying the ride on Long Island

Bike safety: Staying safe while enjoying the ride on LI

Bike riders like Abdul Siddiquee, of Bethpage, know how important it is to be safe while biking on Long Island. At Trek Bicycle of Plainview, riders can ensure they have the proper safety gear.


Tips on bike safety on Long Island

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The day Christina Bramante of Commack hoped to get pregnant, she wasn’t taking chances. 
She wore socks with pineapples on them and a shirt that read, "Make It Happen." After her in vitro fertilization procedure, she ate McDonald’s French fries, which, according to women's anecdotal experiences, increases the odds of a pregnancy taking. 
Bramante embraced the myths some women swear by when going through IVF to give the embryo implanted in her every possible advantage, as the resulting baby would belong to a New York City couple whose hopes for a child are pinned on her. 
The procedure was successful: Bramante, now in her second trimester, is among the first gestational surrogates in New York to be financially compensated for carrying a baby that isn’t genetically related to her under the Child Parent Security Act that took effect on Feb. 15. She is due in May.
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"A gestational surrogate is somebody, a woman, who is going to carry an embryo, which is a man’s sperm and a woman’s egg," says Bramante, 37. "Biologically, this baby isn’t the woman’s who is carrying; it’s somebody else’s full biological child." 
Intended parents who may have fertility issues, same-sex couples, or those who have health problems that make it hard for them to carry a pregnancy to term previously had to go to other states to pay someone to help to grow their families. This year, New York became the 48th state to legalize paid surrogacy. 
Altruistic surrogacy, in which typically a family member or friend volunteers to carry a child and isn’t compensated, has been legal in New York and remains so. Entering into an agreement for traditional surrogacy, in which the surrogate’s own eggs are used, giving her a biological connection to the child, won't be upheld by New York courts and paying a surrogate to do so remains illegal. 
<h3>AMONG THE FIRST SURROGATES</h3> 
Bramante was paired with intended parents from New York City by a city-based surrogacy matching agency. "We literally got things moving as soon as we could," says Bramante, who has four children between ages 3 and 10 and has worked as a labor and delivery nurse and a doula. Her husband, Robert Bramante, an emergency room physician. 
"This is something I’ve always wanted to do," says Bramante, currently a stay-at-home mother. The intended parents she is carrying for did not want to be interviewed, but Bramante says she speaks with them at least once a week. 
Here on Long Island, Bramante has found a friend in Megan Smith, another gestational carrier in the process of getting pregnant. Bramante and Smith met for brunch in Port Jefferson recently and are supporting each other’s journeys. The two women initially met through a Facebook group for New York surrogates that currently has only 18 members. 
Smith, 34, of Middle Island, is an emergency room nurse’s assistant with three children. She says her family, including her husband, Chris Alfano, a 35-year-old propane technician, is on board with her baby effort. 
Smith matched with her intended parents when she reached out to Gina and Mike Cuozzo of New Jersey in a Facebook group for intended parents and surrogates where the Cuozzos had posted a request for help. While the Cuozzos are from New Jersey, Smith is also following the new New York state law guidelines because the baby will be born here. 
"I knew from a young age I wasn’t going to be able to carry," says Gina Cuozzo, 41, an ultrasound technician. She and Mike, 43, an account manager for a payroll company, formed and froze embryos after they married six years ago, and four years ago began the search for a surrogate. They were ready to give up when they heard from Smith. 
Smith is preparing for the embryo transfer that is planned for Nov. 4. "I can’t tell who is more nervous for the first transfer, them or me," Smith says. 
<h3>SHORTAGE OF GESTATIONAL CARRIERS</h3> 
Angela Richardson-Mook, executive director of Alcea Surrogacy, which has offices in New York City, says carriers can expect to earn between $45,000 and $60,000 depending on whether they are a first or a repeat carrier. 
The surrogate is not being compensated for the baby, but for the wear and tear on her body and the time she spends devoted to the pregnancy, Richardson-Mook says. She estimates there are at least 20 would-be parents for every one surrogate. 
Intended parents should expect to spend between $125,000 and $175,000 to cover all costs of the pregnancy. Agency fees can reach between $25,000 and $35,000, and there also are legal contract fees, out-of-pocket expenses for the gestational carrier, insurance premiums and more, Richardson-Mook says. 
New York's law sets out a Surrogates’ Bill of Rights that ensures the surrogate is represented by her own attorney, has health insurance paid for by the intended parents and retains the ability to make decisions for the pregnancy, says Amelia Demma, an East Hampton-based assisted reproductive technology attorney. The law also streamlines the process for couples who want to be parents, allowing them to get a court order recognizing them as the parents at the time of birth. 
It's a moment to come Smith relishes: "I have seen so many pictures of surrogates looking at the parents while they’re being handed the baby. That’s kind of my driving force. I got the family that I wanted," she says. "Now I can help somebody else have their children."

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After her IVF procedure, Christina Bramante, of Commack, had McDonald's French fries; it's a superstition meant to give good luck. (Credit: Christina Bramante)

New York first legal surrogates

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Two LI women among first gestational surrogates in NY since new law

2 LIers among first gestational surrogates under NY law

Megan Smith and Christina Bramante, who is 12 weeks pregnant, are among the first in New York to become gestational surrogates and carry babies for other families who will be the parents under the new Child Parent Security Act. They sat down with Newsday to discuss their journey. 


Two LI women among the first legal gestational surrogates in New York

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When museum doors close for the night, some people imagine the exhibits come to life and start to talk. At the Raynham Hall Education Center and Museum in Oyster Bay, that actually happens during the day. 
The chatty portraits are one of a few interactive exhibits shown at museums on Long Island this fall. At other museums, visitors can drive rovers across Mars, stand inside giant bubbles, build robots out of recyclable goods, or go on a scavenger hunt in a sculpture garden. 
Here's how seven Long Island hands-on museums are making a cutting edge, COVID-safe comeback. 
<h3>TALKING PORTRAITS</h3> 
When you enter the Raynham Hall Education Center and Museum, you’ll notice portraits of two merchants, a colonel and a slave who lived during the American Revolution. Hold your phone up to each portrait and pop in your ear- buds. The person in the portrait will appear on your phone, move, and tell you what he or she was doing in that very spot hundreds of years ago. 
Next, hover your phone over a diorama of Oyster Bay. On your screen, a hologram-like George Washington will appear and tell you about life in 1776. It’s all part of a digital tapestry program created by a company known as 360XR. As Chief Technologist Jack Stephenson describes it, "We stand on the shoulders of giants, but we’ve created software and worked with historians and storytellers to bring portraits alive. The idea is if you point your phone toward an object, it will recognize it." 
Since the museum is based on life in Oyster Bay around 1776, there’s also a 70-inch screen filled with games based on spy decoding techniques used during the American Revolution, quizzes, and more. Kids can tap the screen with a stylus to send an imaginary message to George Washington. Also in the museum, families can sniff and identify scents during those times, steer the wheel on an old ship, and move a wall with a flipping narrative. 
THE DETAILS: 30 W. Main St.; 516-922-6808; Tuesday through Sunday 1 to 5 p.m.; <a href="https://raynhamhallmuseum.org/">raynhamhallmuseum.org</a>. Adults: $12, seniors and students: $8, children under 5, members, military: free. 
<h3>MARS ROVERS</h3> 
The hands-on theme at the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City is "the future is now." In the museum, there’s a new 12-by-12 simulated surface of Mars, which coordinates with augmented reality. Museum visitors can move space rovers across the Mars surface, dig up space dust and fly helicopters. 
Here’s how it works: At home, begin by downloading a specific Mars app on your phone (the link is on the museum’s website). On your phone screen, you’ll choose a rover that will allow you to launch it on a full mission to Mars. Museum Creative Manager Rod Leonhard explains, "Since the rover is on your phone screen, you can place it anywhere on our Mars surface in the museum. You can drive it and fly the Mars helicopter." 
While having this experience in the museum, you’ll learn a lot about the planet. Bonus tip: working with augmented reality isn’t limited to the museum. "Augmented reality is the future of technology. Scientists are actually using it when they work on high engineering projects," Leonhard says. 
THE DETAILS: Charles Lindbergh Blvd.; 516-572-4111; Tuesday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., <a href="https://www.cradleofaviation.org/">cradleofaviation.org</a>. See website for various program admission. 
 
<h3>BUBBLES AND BEAST FEAST</h3> 
In the Long Island Children’s Museum in Garden City, there are 14 interactive exhibits for kids ranging from birth through age 10. Here are a few: 
The Bubble: Stand in the center of a giant ring, and a tire brings a bubble around you. You’re inside a six-foot bubble. 
Feast for the Beast: To examine what, how and why animals eat, there’s an animal diner. Animal sculptures sit at a diner table while kids serve them pretend foods and predict if the animals will eat them. The answers "yes" and "no" will appear on mustard and ketchup containers. 
"At the museum, we’ve noticed how much parents and children want to have these hands-on experiences again," says Maureen Mangan, director of communications at the museum. She feels it’s the way kids learn best. "Take a concept and put that into practice. Experiment. It provides a more lasting memory." With that in mind, the museum staff takes COVID regulations seriously. "The staff members are armed with cleaning fluids throughout the day," Mangan explains. "It’s almost like a concierge situation. If a child touches something, someone on staff says, "Let’s clean that up." 
DETAILS: 11 Davis Ave.; 516-224-5800; Wednesday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (see website for appointment times); <a href="https://www.licm.org/">licm.org</a>; General admission is $14, members and children under 1: free, group rate: $10, Seniors 65 and up: $13 
<h3>FROM SCIENCE TO COOKING</h3> 
At the Long Island Science Museum in Manhasset, the "Science and Cooking" workshop is an after-school highlight. Director of Education Huse Kivrak says, "kids discover cooking is science with foods." And a new program called "Tiny Science" makes its debut this fall. Working with live insects, field microscopes and microscope slide collections, kids discover the tiniest of tiny. 
DETAILS: 1526 N. Plandome Road; 516-627-9400; <a href="https://www.smli.org/">smli.org</a>; program rates vary. 
<h3>SCULPTURE GARDEN SCAVENGER HUNT</h3> 
Pick up a self-guided scavenger hunt clue sheet at the Nassau County Museum of Art in Roslyn. There is one indoor scavenger hunt based on the current exhibit in the museum, and a second outdoor hunt around the garden sculptures. The hints inspire families to go on an imaginative, creative journey as they read clues in the sculpture garden such as: "Her body goes one way, but her head’s turned around. Is she running away? Did she hear a strange sound? She’s traveling on something which has two round wheels. When you look at her face can you tell how she feels?" 
DETAILS: One Museum Drive; 516-484-9338; Tuesday through Sunday 11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.; <a href="https://nassaumuseum.org/">nassaumuseum.org</a>; See website for varied admission prices. 
<h3>STEM AND GARDENS</h3> 
In the Long Island Explorium in Port Jefferson, everything that’s physically in the museum is interactive. As Lisa Rodriguez, director of media/marketing programs, describes it: "If it’s out there on the floor, it’s there for kids to explore." Since the museum is located on the Port Jefferson shoreline, there’s an outdoor STEM club and rain garden activities. Indoors, kids can build with everything from rods to little pipes to tires to shapes. Hands-on activities rotate all the time, so kids have created projects ranging from LED circuits to magic tricks with paper. 
DETAILS: 101 E. Broadway; 631-331-3277; Wednesday through Sunday 1 to 5 p.m.; <a href="https://longislandexplorium.org/">longislandexplorium.org</a>; $5 per person, members and children under 1: free 
<h3>BINOCULARS AND MAGNIFYING GLASSES</h3> 
Weekends are hopping at the Garvies Point Museum and Preserve in Glen Cove. On Saturdays in the fall, families can participate in guided nature walks and field sightings in the preserve. Using magnifying glasses and binoculars, they look for everything from birds to mushrooms to fossils. Each walk focuses on a different, hands-on theme and is followed by a craft related to the topic. Inside the museum, there’s an interactive Native American Village. Kids can climb into a canoe, crawl into wigwams, and pretend to garden, fish and cook on a pretend smoking fire. If you’re planning to join a walk on a Saturday, it’s recommended that you call in advance. 
DETAILS: 50 Barry Drive, Glen Cove; 516-571-8010; Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; <a href="https://www.garviespointmuseum.com/">garviespointmuseum.com</a>; adults $5, children 5-12 years $3, free for members.

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Interactive museum exhibits for kids on Long Island

 Hands-on museum exhibits for kids to explore this fall

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Some people have one pen pal they exchange letters with on a regular basis. 
Megan Warantz, a 60-year-old television and movie producer from Oceanside, has 18. 
Melissa Bedell, a 44-year-old director of a nursery school from Seaford, has 46. 
And Gosia Olszewski, 33, who works for a liquor company and lives in Port Jefferson, has 10. 
The old-fashioned art of writing a letter has become a hobby for some Long Islanders, modernized by the fact that they found each other on Facebook or Instagram. The vast majority are women; Warantz launched a snail-mail pen pal Facebook group for women older than 50 that now has more than 800 members. 
Some letter writers, such as Olszewski, say they discovered or developed their passion during the pandemic. "We couldn’t see family or friends. But the post office was still open, and I had stamps and stuff. Now I have a whole little office dedicated to my snail mail," she says. 
Echoes Maxine Karmily-Etessami, 35, of Great Neck: "It helped so much. It gave me something to do, it gave me something to focus on and look forward to just by checking the mail." 
<h3>HOW IT WORKS</h3> 
People find a group devoted to snail mail letter writing online and introduce themselves in a post, talking a little bit about their interests and their families. Then others will comment that they would like to match up. They move to corresponding through a private message and will then exchange snail mail addresses and decide who will write first. 
Some people aim for a pen pal in every state. Others go the international route, although gratification can take longer because it takes more time for those letters to go back and forth, writers say. "I just got a new pen pal from Singapore," Bedell says. 
One Sunday a month, Warantz spends six hours writing to people she calls her pen friends, personalizing the missives with hand-drawn pictures and decorating colorful envelopes with mandala designs. Her letters are typically eight to 10 pages, she says, but letters don’t have to be so long. 
<h3>MUSIC AND A CUP OF TEA</h3> 
Several writers interviewed say the hobby is like journaling, like therapy. 
"It’s calming. I sit with music and a cup of tea. I’m sure it has some mental health benefits for sure," Olszewski says. 
Warantz agrees. "You have someone to confide in that is separated from your life," she says. "You write about what’s been going on in your life and your feelings. It has enriched my life. It has made me close to people I never would have met." 
Letter writing brought together Karmily-Etessami and Robin Tauber, 44, of San Francisco, who works part time at a synagogue. Tauber says writing to Karmily-Etessami and other of her pen pals allows the women to connect on their own time frame. "If I call, they have to pick it up in the moment. If I send a letter, they can pick it up whenever they have time to pick it up. We connect on a lot of day-to-day stuff, as if we were just pals meeting up for coffee. It would be the same type of conversation." 
<h3>A CREATIVE OUTLET</h3> 
The hobby is also an outlet for creativity and even for social justice, letter writers say. 
Small businesses have sprung up on Etsy where people will sell decorative stamps and homemade stationery. Wax seals have become popular, Olszewski says. Olszewski and her girlfriend, who is a graphic designer, developed a rainbow-colored stamp for LGBT Pride month that they sold online to raise awareness. 
Olszewski has met one of her pen pals who lives in Manhattan; together they’ve shopped for stamping tools, and Olszewski plans to attend the friend’s upcoming wedding. Other women says they’ve met up with multiple pen pals at the same time; some of them are pen pals with each other as well. "When the time comes and I travel to Europe, I have a list of snail mail friends I will be visiting," Olszewski says. 
Bedell says she was supposed to meet one of her pen friends from England this past May when the family was planning to visit the country for Bedell’s daughter’s Sweet 16, but the pandemic canceled those plans. "We became almost best friends," Bedell says of her British pen pal. "I wish she lived next door." 
For now, the post will have to suffice. 
"It’s heartwarming when you go to get your mail," says Marnie Feffer, 35, of Hewlett, a technology auditor at a global bank. "Everything is black and white business letters; then there will be a yellow envelope decorated with stickers."

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With as many as 46 pen pals, these Long Islanders keep letter writing alive

With as many as 46 pen pals, these LIers keep letter writing alive

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When COVID-19 took the life of 36-year-old Krystal Colman in April, Christina Colman, 60, of Coram, inherited a precious gift: her grandson Kacen, 2. 
Colman was hospitalized with the coronavirus at the same time as her daughter, both in Stony Brook Hospital just after Easter. Krystal previously had pleurisy, an inflammation of the membranes that surround the lungs. When the elder Colman heard a "Code Blue" — which signifies a hospital emergency in a certain location — she said to her nurse, "That's my daughter's room." Says Colman: "I wasn't there when she took her last breath. I was beyond shocked." 
Colman, who works as an office assistant at Stony Brook Hospital, immediately went to court to get custody of her grandson; she plans to raise him with the help of another of her daughters, Jasmine, 31, an elementary school nurse. 
"I’m not going to tell anyone that every day is peachy and sunny when you’re trying to raise a 2½-year-old," Colman says. It’s especially challenging when mourning the loss of a daughter at the same time the child is mourning the loss of his single-parent mother. "It’s overwhelming."
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But through word-of-mouth, Colman heard of a grandparent caregivers' support group run by the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Riverhead. The group offers PASTA classes — it stands for Parenting the Second Time Around. The eight-week curriculum offers support to those being thrust into the new role and discusses child development, discipline and family law legal issues. 
"It's been a while since a lot of the grandparents have had 2-year-olds, 8-year-olds, teenagers in their home," says Dinah Torres Castro, a bilingual family well-being educator for Cornell Cooperative Extension. They need to feel they can do this, she says. 
<h3>HELP THROUGH PANDEMIC</h3> 
Cornell also collaborates with the Amityville-based not-for-profit Hope For Youth to offer family engagement activities through a kinship caregiver grant. In August, the group resumed in-person events such as movies and field trips; a family picnic was held Aug. 30 at the Suffolk County Farm, just before Grandparents’ Day on Sept. 12. "Those things are very important when you’re going through these kinds of situations," Colman says. 
The North Shore Child and Family Guidance Center also runs a free program called C-GRASP, Caregiver-Grandparent Respite and SupportProgram, for grandparents who are caregivers due to abandonment, substance abuse issues, incarceration or mental illness, says Nellie Taylor-Walthrust, director of the North Shore Child and Family Guidance Center's Leed Place in Westbury. C-GRASP is run in conjunction with the Town of North Hempstead for caregiver residents 60 or older, she says. 
It’s important for grandparents to see they’re not alone in what they’re doing for their families, and to be alerted to resources available to them. Grandparent caregivers often feel isolated, Taylor-Walthrust says. 
"They have given up their retirement to take care of children. They don’t have a lot of social opportunities themselves." The pandemic made their isolation and challenges worse, says Taylor-Walthrust. 
"Many of them are not technologically savvy," she says, needing guidance, for instance, with helping children to log on to their Chromebooks during at home schooling. They also initially had challenges getting food, and C-GRASP volunteers helped get supplies delivered to their doorsteps. 
<h3>A CHANCE TO TALK</h3> 
The hardest part for grandparent caregivers can often be financial, Torres Castro says. Extra mouths to feed, school supplies, doctors’ appointments — "it can be very costly," Torres Castro says. 
Melinda Stephenson, 45, an insurance verifier, and her husband, Dexter, 50, a care coordinator, of Hempstead are currently caring for five of their grandchildren, ages 8, 7, 5, 3, and 1 — after already raising seven children of their own. "Financially, it’s sometimes a struggle to take care of them, but we do it," she says. She’s been able to talk to Torres Castro about such issues, she says. 
The opportunity to talk to others is also valuable for Colman. "That’s not my greatest strength, talking about my daughter. When I start talking about my daughter, I turn into mush," Colman says. Her daughter and grandson had already lived with her, so she feels Krystal’s absence even more strongly. Her grandson will often want to spend time in his mother's former bedroom, Colman says. 
Colman has done some virtual events and looked forward to meeting the other families in person with Kacen at the Aug. 30 family picnic, which she expects to help them move forward with healing. 
"People need people. We’ll be able to hug each other, and if we can’t, we can at least hold hands. We’ll be able to laugh together, cry together, share together."

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Parenting, the second time around

After a full two-days of pampering, hair, makeup and style advice, Sandra Quinteros, 37, a guidance counselor at Riverhead Middle School, is heading back to school this year with new found moxie and confidence. 
She is Newsday’s 2021 Teacher Makeover winner and says the process helped her feel "more adventurous, more fierce and … more standout. People are going to ask, ‘Who is this new counselor?’ "
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Nominated by her best friend, Daniele Perez, Quinteros is one of many of educators looking to emerge from what has been a more than challenging year-and-a-half on a fresh foot with a new and improved look as they return to in-person classrooms across Long Island. Scores of them entered our makeover contest this year. And while we salute them for their heroic efforts during difficult times, alas, we could only choose one. 
<h3> MEET OUR WINNER</h3> 
It took Quinteros 16 years of study and rising through the ranks to attain her position at the very school she enrolled in at the age of 13 when she came here from El Salvador speaking, she says, "about 10 words of English."
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She started her job only six months before the pandemic hit, worked a hybrid schedule, and, got COVID-19, which she says caused her to lose "chunks of hair," some of it ultimately growing back. 
Perez, 36, who says Quinteros was among her first friends when she came to Riverhead Middle School from Guatemala as a teen nominated her because, "She goes above and beyond as a guidance counselor and it’s been such a hard year. I want her to feel good." Perez works as a liaison/translator between the Spanish-speaking community and the school district. "And she can use the fashion help," she adds. 
For Quinteros, an ENL (English as a New Language) and general guidance counselor, career-wise, "This is what I’m meant to be doing." It wasn’t always easy for the single mother. "But I kept on hearing that little voice from my own ENL teacher when I first came here telling me that I could do a lot more with my education than just finishing high school. Now, I’ve come full circle and I’m back to where I began."
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She’s still in touch with that teacher, Cheryl Zampiva, who retired in 2008. Says Zampiva, "Sandra was always really thirsty for knowledge. I couldn’t be more proud of her … There was something special about her and she always wanted to help with the Spanish-speaking students." Zampiva’s influence is a constant for Quinteros. "I am in the position I am now because of her. And I want to do for my students what she did for me. I want to make them feel like they can achieve anything regardless of where they came from." 
<h3>LET THE PAMPERING BEGIN</h3>
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Quinteros’ makeover journey began at nuBest Salon and Spa in Manhasset a few weeks ago. Creative Director Jamie Mazzei says her one-length curly hair "looked kind of boxy. I didn’t want to make it short, so instead I took off about an inch-and-a-half, cut a nice soft angle in the front and worked some longer layers through her hair," helping address any thinning. "It has a nicer shape and we blew it with softer, loose beach waves that have some movement." 
When it came to color, well, Quinteros embraced the makeover as an opportunity to do something very different. "I always put these caramel highlights in my hair and I found some pictures of people with red instead and I thought they looked good." So Christian Fleres, nuBest’s color director went for it, hand-painting red highlights and adding in a ruby red toner. "It’s that haircut I always dreamed of but never could get," says Quinteros. "After this crazy year, it felt great to relax and be pampered. I felt like a queen. And I am definitely making a statement with my new hair. ’" 
The next day, Quinteros whisked into the Newsday studio where a glam squad that included a makeup artist, hair stylist and fashion stylist eagerly awaited her. Her fashion goals? To dress for her job: "In my head I’m still in my 20s and I’m trying to balance that with dressing for my age and profession. I don’t want to look too young and I want to be professional but also cool. And I want to look taller."<a data-onecms-id="contentid/storywidget.1.50345634" data-onecms-type="storywidget" href="#/content/contentid/storywidget.1.50345634">FATEACHER210906_looks</a>
 
Stylist Samantha Brown brought in a slew of clothes from Macy’s that reflected the trends and would suit the guidance counselor’s petite barely five-foot-frame — vegan leather, animal print, colorful knits — but also add style and verve to her wardrobe. "I wanted to teach her how she could wear the trends, elongate her look and emphasize her waist," says Brown. For her first ever professional make up session, makeup artist Ryann Figueroa taught her how to properly apply eyeliner, gave her individual lashes, saying, "I wanted her to look polished but not too different." 
After all the prep, the hair, the makeup, the clothes it was onto a full-on studio shoot — lights, camera, action. "I was thinking, 'oh, this is what the models do,' I was having a model experience," says Quinteros. "I felt like a celebrity with a whole entourage following me." 
<h3>GUIDANCE FOR THE GUIDANCE COUNSELOR </h3> 
Quinteros says she leaves the experience with the courage to "be more of a risk taker" when it comes to style. 
"I would never have picked the clothes for myself but I loved them once I put them on, so from now on if I like something on a hanger I’m going to try it on," she says. "I have always struggled to have a more sophisticated look and I learned how to do it. I definitely got a handle on how to up my look." 
Her bestie Perez says, "It was totally out of her comfort zone … It really boosted her self-esteem and energy." 
Adds Quinteros, "I’m going back to school more empowered with more confidence."

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Sandra Quinteros, 37, a guidance counselor at Riverhead Middle School,&nbsp;was nominated by her best friend Daniela Perez. (Credit:&nbsp;Bruce Gilbert)

Teacher Makeover 2021 winner

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New hair, new makeup, new style: This year's Teacher Makeover winner is Sandra Quinteros, 37, a guidance counselor at Riverhead Middle School. 


Meet Newsday's 2021 Teacher Makeover winner

Meet Newsday's Teacher Makeover winner

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See this Long Island guidance counselor's vibrant back-to-school transformation

See this guidance counselor's vibrant back-to-school transformation

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In addition to gathering around the campfire making s’mores, playing basketball and creating art projects, children at Long Island’s new Camp Good Mourning will be able to talk about the grief of losing a family member. 
The weekend overnight camp, scheduled for Nov. 5 to 7 at Camp Pa Qua Tuck in Center Moriches, is free for children 7 to 17 who are mourning a parent, a sibling, or, in some cases, an extended family member who lived with them, says executive director Paul Rubin. 
Mental health professionals will lead four age-appropriate, small group sessions. On Friday afternoon, campers will have "the opportunity to share their grief stories from beginning to end if they want to," Rubin says. A Saturday morning session will lead them to explore feelings and an afternoon session will help identify positive as well as unhealthy coping skills. Sunday’s session will explore how to stay connected to departed loved ones as well as friends made at camp. "Those are the ones who understand what they’re going through," Rubin says. "It’s really important that they know they aren’t the only ones." 
<h3>FIRST IN-PERSON CAMP</h3> 
Camp Good Mourning launched in 2018, with a target of camp beginning in 2020. The grassroots, not-for-profit effort is funded by donations, sponsors and grants, Rubin says. The pandemic forced activities to begin virtually; November’s event is the first in-person offering. Some of the children served so far have lost parents due to COVID-19, Rubin says. 
Kennedy Young, 10, of North Bellmore, lost her grandfather, Gilberto Atkinson, 83, to the coronavirus in November 2020; he had lived with the family in a multigenerational household. Kennedy attended virtual camps and is signed up for the November weekend, says her mother, Gillian Atkinson, 50, director of intercultural engagement and inclusion at Hofstra University. 
"She wasn’t coping well. None of her friends really could conceptualize having lost someone she lived with at 9 years old," Atkinson says. After attending the virtual Camp Good Mourning, "There was a shift in her mindset. I think what she got out of it was a sense of community. To have Camp Good Mourning kind of swoop in and show her that’s she’s not alone, that it’s okay to cry, it’s okay to feel the loss, it’s OK not to be okay, gave her a sense of empowerment she didn’t have before." 
The experience taught Kennedy ways to grieve, such as drawing pictures or writing a card to her grandfather or even pounding on an exercise ball when she felt angry. "They gave her tools to cope with the death of her grandfather that I didn’t know how to give her," Atkinson says. 
Says Kennedy of sharing her feelings with other campers about losing her Papi: "We mostly talked about memories about him. It helped me feel a little bit better because everyone is going to lose someone they always loved." She says she’s looking forward to the November weekend. 
<h3>HOPES TO EXPAND</h3> 
Camp Good Mourning plans to continue to offer two weekend camps per year, one in the fall and one in the spring. The organizers purposely are avoiding summer so as not to duplicate other grief services, such as day camps, already offered to families. "Kids don’t just grieve in July and August," Rubin says. 
Andrew Ward of Long Beach, then 11, for instance, lost his father in February 2020. The weekend after the funeral for Daniel Ward, 58, a police officer who died unexpectedly, Heather Ward, 46, a professional bread baker, began looking for a bereavement group for her son and found Camp Good Mourning.
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Andrew initially was reluctant to participate in a virtual camp. "I thought it would be a little bit boring. I wanted to go outside and play with my friends," he says. But it worked out well. "It was good. It helped me recognize how I was feeling. it just made the whole thing much better." 
After Andrew participated, Heather sent the camp this message: "You’re helping heal my boy's broken heart. Thank you." She adds: "I couldn’t be more proud of him." 
Camp Good Mourning hopes to expand to also offer a parent camp simultaneously, Rubin says. 
The deadline to sign up for the November camp is Sept. 5 at <a href="https://www.campgoodmourning.org/">Campgoodmourning.org</a>; 631-772-9115.

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Grieving Long Island kids, adults find support at local camps

Grieving LI kids, adults find support at local camps

It’s not unusual for a mother to buy dolls for her child — but when Cindy Bachan of Valley Stream purchased four Ish Dolls, they weren’t for her 8-year-old or even her 15-year-old. 
She gave them to her 23-year-old daughter Abigail. 
Abigail, raised Christian, recently married a Hindu man, and the Ish Dolls are plush characters representing Hindu deities. "They were perfect to give her a crash course," says Cindy, 49, a financial controller, who was raised in the Hindu religion herself but hadn’t previously exposed Abigail to it in depth.
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The dolls are the creation of Dix Hills mom Amanda Ealla, 34, who left her corporate finance job during the pandemic to focus on her two young sons. While home, she wanted to create dolls that her sons could relate to that would bring the culture alive for them. 
"I guess you could say Ish Dolls was my pandemic pivot," Ealla says. "While the world as I knew it was changing so rapidly for my family and I, the pandemic pushed me into launching my own successful venture that was near and dear to my heart." 
<h3>'IMMEDIATELY SOLD OUT'</h3> 
Ealla is from the island of Trinidad and Tobago, which she says has a large Hindu population. "A lot of people came over as indentured servants. We brought over our culture from India to Trinidad." Ealla says she would have loved to have dolls she could identify with when she was growing up in Brooklyn. 
So, during 2020, she first sewed prototypes herself, and then found a manufacturer in India to produce them for her. "I knew nothing about the toy world," she says; her research was mostly online and trial and error. Her sons, Jake, 8, and Jax, 2, were her first product testers. "It was a big hit with them. I knew it could do well with other families wanting to get their kids interested in the religion and culture." 

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At first, she ordered just 50 Baby Krishna dolls and sold each 10-inch doll for $30 at <a href="https://ishdolls.com/">ishdolls.com</a>. "It did so well. We immediately sold out," Ealla says. "Even people who weren’t of the Hindu background, a lot of my friends thought it would be a great way to introduce diversity into their playrooms." 
Katiuscia Gray, a therapist of Caribbean descent in private practice in Lynbrook, applauds Ealla's undertaking. "I think representation matters. The industry of dolls has been saturated with non-people of color." 
<h3>STORYTELLING AND MEANING</h3> 
Ealla has since expanded to eight different dolls, most of which sell for $32. Baby Krishna has been joined by Baby Shiva, Baby Lakshmi, Rama and Sita (sold together in a $75 collector’s box), Durga and Saraswati. "I try to choose figures that can teach kids lessons," Ealla says. For instance, being calm is Shiva’s superpower and Saraswati embodies knowledge and music, she says. 
Ish Dolls — Ish is derived from the Sanskrit word "ishta-devata," which means cherished deity — has sold 7,000 dolls so far, and Ealla is planning to add at least six more Hindu dolls and even expand to dolls from other cultures, she says.
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Jennifer Choudhury, 34, an insurance marketing manager from Levittown, is friends with Ealla and says she watched her progressions. "I’ve seen her product really evolve from idea to being sold," Choudhury says. "When she initially told me about this idea, I thought it was really smart." 
Choudhury purchased three of the dolls as a gift for her 4-year-old niece. "Children are very attracted to it because it’s a plush doll. But there’s storytelling and meaning behind it." 
Roshni Seelall, 35, an account manager from Richmond Hill, Queens, bought the dolls for daughters, Roma, 8, and Zara, 7. "It's a really awesome concept," she says, adding that she hasn't been able to find other cultural toys for her daughter. "We actually bought the entire collection."

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Dix Hills mom creates new line of Hindu dolls for kids 

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